Spear Form I

Siss-shong, “The Way of the Shenbit”, Kerash Stance

Developed by one of the first Barabel Jedi to have existed, Master Kerash, Siss-shong was seen as a lightspear interpretation of the Shii-Cho form of lightsaber combat. Much like the shenbit, from which the form was based on, it emphasized the use of basic strikes in spear combat. Adapted from the tactics of big game hunters and survivalists, and named for their favored prey, the “Shenbit Form” sought to use the spear’s speed and reach to deliver quick, powerful thrusts to defeat or disable the defender with only a few attacks so as to preserve the wielder’s energy for any other opponents that may lie ahead. Additionally, this form emphasized the principles of weapon range and adaptability, and as such, was seen as the basis for all other spear forms.

Siss-shong was the first form taught to prospective lightspear fighters, and few masters kept it as their preferred fighting style. Those who did, were masters of timing their attacks, unleashing a flurry of feints or giving the illusion of being on the back foot before delivering a single devastating blow. 

Students were instructed to keep opponents on the defensive by striking at a variety of alternating targets; thrusting toward the shoulder, then the leg, then belly, then head, forcing the opponent to focus on predicting the next strike rather than close the distance and remove the spear’s advantage. If the opponent was able to slip  past the outer range, the Siss-shong practitioner must change tactics. The defensive side of the technique largely relied on using the shaft of the spear to redirect or block the opponent’s arms rather than their weapon and using bodily attacks such as kicks or tail strikes to reestablish the preferred attack range. In the event that the spearman was unable to create the desired space, they could simply adjust their grip closer to the weapon’s blade and treat the spear more like a lightsaber. This position was less maneuverable, but in the hands of a master, was every bit as deadly; while somewhat awkward, this was also the recommended position for deflecting blaster fire.

By the time of the New Jedi Order, those who studied this form of lightspear combat called it the Karito Form, or “The Hunter’s Way”.

Lightspear Form I (Force Feat)

You are skilled in Form I lightspear combat.

            Prerequisites: Force-Sensitive, Sense, Combat Reflexes, Jedi level 7th.

Benefit: When an opponent is open to an attack of opportunity, you may make one additional attack against the opponent.