Jedi Watchman

"Watchman" redirects here. For the stormtrooper of Unit Aurek-Seven, see Watchman (stormtrooper).

"Or perhaps it is investigating the mysteries of the galaxy, seeking out injustice, and bringing it to light? Such are the ways of the Jedi Watchman in the time of Ulic Qel-Droma...and Exar Kun."

―Former Jedi Master Kreia^[3]

Jedi Watchman was a specialized role of the Jedi Sentinels who operated throughout the galaxy as guardians of specific planets or star systems.

Overview[]

These Jedi Knights opted to stay in one place, operating alongside a sector or system government and ensuring diplomacy was maintained in all matters. These Jedi would also oversee the testing and reporting of any Force-sensitive born in their sector, turning the child over to the Acquisition Division if a positive result was returned. The Watchmen's role in the Order was canonized in Jedi writing with the publication of The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force and the inclusion of text written by Jedi recruiter Morrit Ch'gally.^[1]

The Watchmen's presence in the galaxy ebbed and flowed with the passage of time. Arca Jeth, an Arkanian Jedi master with several Jedi apprentices under his guidance, was appointed Watchman to the Onderon system and duly brought peace to the war-torn system before his demise on the planet Deneba. During the rule of the Sith Triumvirate, the Watchmen had been extinct for decades, with Meetra Surik, under the alias of the Jedi Exile, being the first to show interest in the role since the start of the First Jedi Purge. Returning with the rebuilding of the Order, the Watchmen took up their familiar posts throughout the galaxy. Studying special Force techniques to better equip themselves for their missions, Watchmen were skilled at fading into the background, allowing them to subtly manipulate political events in a benevolent fashion to sustain peace and prosperity. Serving as an extension of the Council of Reconciliation and the Jedi High Council, the Watchmen were trusted to make their own decisions based on their familiarity with the local governments, without having to report back to the Councils before making every decision.^[1]

In the event that a Watchman should step down or join one of the Jedi Councils, another Knight was assigned as replacement, such as in the cases of Masters Ki-Adi-Mundi and Grand Master Yoda, who were replaced by Knights Tarr Seirr and Kai Justiss respectively. Master Yoda, however, kept a close friendship with the people of Kashyyyk, a relationship that would save his life during the Great Jedi Purge.

Prior to the Outbound Flight incident, Master Jorus C'baoth served as the Jedi Watchman of the Alderaan System. He mediated tensions between the Organa and Antilles Houses over which noble family would succeed to the position of Viceroy.^[4] Master C'baoth resolved the Alderaan Ascendancy Contention crisis by arranging a marriage between the two families.^[5]

Belsed-Qan Idan served as the Jedi Watchman of Aargau during the Separatist Crisis, but he was reassigned to the Atravis sector^[6] in 22 BBY^[7] to co-lead a Jedi taskforce sent to deal with the Pirates of Iridium.^[8] Idan had not returned to Aargau by the time of Senator Aks Moe's death, which angered some Malastare government officials, such as Ainlee Teem.^[6]

Later in 22 BBY, the Watchman of the planet Cadinth, Bodis-Ker Vitan, was killed in a pro-Separatist uprising. After the Jedi's death, Cadinth's government withdrew its previous statements of support for the Galactic Republic and declared it was "undecided" regarding its loyalty to the Republic.^[9]

Jedi recruiter[]

Main article: Jedi recruiter

Behind the scenes[]

In the computer game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Jedi Watchman is one of the six prestige character classes which the main character can select after reaching level 15. Like its dark side counterpart, Sith assassin, this class corresponds to the Jedi Sentinel non-prestige class.