The Kel'dor Masters: Analysis of Gnost Dural, Tol Braga, and Plo Koon
By darthbane77 9 Comments
For a while now I've been interested in the Kel'dor species, more precisely the Jedi Masters that spawned from this race. So in this thread I will endeavor to make an in depth comparison of these three Jedi Masters as duelists and combative Force wielders.
Gnost Dural
Lightsaber Dueling:
Dural is a skilled, possibly even masterful, practitioner of Soresu.
The Jedi Master met and repelled each and every attack, holding his ground behind a near-impenetrable wall of defense. Even with the apprentice joining the fray he didn't waver―the Soresu style, when performed perfectly, could keep numerous attackers with a variety of styles at bay indefinitely...or at least until exhaustion and fatigue forced Gnost-Dural to make a mistake.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 324)
Dural is prone to incorporating Force based attacks into his lightsaber sequences, a trait of Niman practitioners.
He used a quick shove with the Force to send her off balance and brought his lightsaber in high to strike at her shoulder. When she raised her own blade to block the blow, he dropped low and took her feet out from under her with a sweep of his leg.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation(Page 238-239)
Dural is a master of Juyo, the most difficult lightsaber form to master; and one that requires mastery of "multiple other forms" to use properly.
She threw up her lightsaber in a defensive stance to hold him off, but one-on-one she was no match for the Kel Dor. He came at her with a flurry of intense strikes drawn from Juyo, the highly aggressive seventh form of lightsaber combat designed specifically to overwhelm a lone opponent in a one-on-one duel. The chaotic patterns and haphazard sequences picked apart the Sith's defenses in a matter of seconds, the battle ended with Master Gnost-Dural plunging his lightsaber through her chest and out the other side, impaling her as she had originally tried to do so to him.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 309)
Dural is a skilled user of Djem-So.
Realizing he would eventually wear down if he allowed the duel to become a duel of attraction, the Kel Dor countered with Djemn So, the fifth of the seven recognized lightsaber forms. Concentrating his counterattacks exclusively on the physically smaller female sith, he unleashed a series of savage blows, driving her into a stumbling retreat.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 237)
Dural displays skill in the use of Ataru, the most acrobatic of lightsaber forms.
Gnost-Dural rushed his three opponents, hoping to put a quick end to the battle. His blade flickered and danced as his body went into a series of spirals and leaps. Darth Karrid's apprentice―the one he'd fought before―retreated, but the two new comers met his assault head on, driving him back with their aggressive counter attacks.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 316)
Dural is skilled in the use of Makashi, based on Dural's instant noticing of his opponent's use of the form.
The sizzle and hum of clashing blades echoed off the walls of the cavernous chamber as Karrid's apprentices engaged Gnost-Dural. There attacks were basic variations on the Makashi style, a precise and economical lightsaber form designed for maximum result with minimal movement by stressing jabs and thrusts.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 236)
Conclusion: Gnost Dural is an EXTREMELY skilled lightsaber duelist. His skill is such that he has killed countless Sith since the start of the Great Galactic War, and has even fought powerful Sith like Darth Karrid; who, by her own admission, could not defeat Dural alone.
Combative Force Use:
Master Dural is skilled in the use of lightsaber throw.
Before they even hit the ground he had sprung to his feet, charging towards them as he threw his lightsaber sidearm. The spinning blade struck the nearest of the foes, slicing through the chest plate of his battle armor and into his vulnerable flesh beneath.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 230)
He threw his lightsaber in Darth Karrids direction, sending it end-over-end on a direct line with his target. The Falleen parried the attack with her own blade, though she was force to take a step back to absorb the impact.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 238)
At the same time, Gnost-Dural hurled his lightsaber down the hall, striking down a guard who'd dared to peek around the corner.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 312)
Dural is highly skilled in the use of telekinesis, he uses it several times to lift and throw groups of people; and he does this with what appears to be casual ease. Even being able to rip through the Force barriers of Darth Karrid's apprentices.
At the same time he used the Force to pick up the two others [soldiers] and send them crashing into the ceiling before letting them drop back down to the floor.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 231)
The Jedi responded by lashing out with the Force, hurling the four heavily armored soldiers several meters back down the corridor.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 230)
The Jedi stepped in front of Theron and batted away the blaster bolts before using the Force to hurl the guards back around the corner. From the grunts and groans it was clear they had slammed into the other members of the team hard enough to inflict real damage.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 311)
Knowing he was running out of time, Gnost-Dural switched tactics again. He thrust out with a powerful Force Wave sweeping them both [Darth Karrid's apprentices] off their feet.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 236)
Dural is shown to be both willing and capable of using Force Choke, an ability widely considered to be against the Jedi's way of operating.
The guard hesitated but held her ground, and he realized that she needed more convincing. The Kel Dor extended his hand while simultaneously reaching out with the Force to applied a faint pressure on her windpipe.
She threw her hands up to her throat and her eyes went wide with terror as her oxygen supply was cut off. After a few moments he released his hold, causing her to fall to her knees as she took in deep, desperate gulps of oxygen.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 229)
Dural's Force ability allows him to move incredibly fast, this is not uncommon of Jedi and Sith.
Gnost-Dural was little more than a blur of motion and movement as he raced through the corridors of Reaver Station. The imperial soldiers he flew past reacted with a mix of surprise, curiosity, and alarm, but he came and went so fast that none of them fully realized what had happened. Left in his wake, they exchanged a few puzzled glances with their friends, then laughed off the odd but seemingly harmless encounter as their minds convinced them that the person who'd just ran past couldn't possible have been moving that fast.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Pages 227-228)
The Jedi responded by lashing out with the Force, hurling the four heavily armored soldiers several meters back down the corridor. Before they even hit the ground he had sprung to his feet, charging towards them as he threw his lightsaber sidearm.
―Star Wars: Old Republic Annihilation (Page 230)
Conclusion: Gnost Dural is a proficient combative Force user, capable of powerful TK and impressive Force based augmentation.
Tol Braga
Lightsaber Dueling:
Tol Braga, as the Sith Lord Darth Braga, is skilled enough to contend with a near-prime Hero of Tython.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUUDnc8s-HI
Tol Braga is the performer of what I consider to be one of, if not the, greatest feat of endurance and stamina in the Star Wars mythos.
"He also demonstrated a staggering amount of endurance, being able to hold his own in a three day long duel against the Sith LordDarth Sajar, a member of the Empire's Dark Council."
- Wookiepedia page, Tol Braga
"Sajar is no ordinary Padawan. He was once a Sith Lord. A member of the Empire's Dark Council. We dueled on Dantooine. Fought for three days. I won when I convinced him to abandon the dark side and train as a Jedi."―Tol Braga
-Star Wars: The Old Republic
Conclusion: Braga is an incredibly skilled lightsaber duelist, whether this is due to his endurance or technical skill is unknown; but the fact remains that he is incredibly skilled as a swordsman.
Combative Force Use:
Braga is powerful enough to repel a near-prime Hero of Tython with a simple Force push. This is impressive considering the HoT's position as the most powerful Jedi Knight alive at the time. Braga also displays powerful TK in the form of gripping a large viewscreen, tearing it off the wall, and hurling at the Hero of Tython; with no signs of any difficulty performing the feat. Another testament to Braga's ability and power is that he was among the select few chosen to be in the strike team that assaulted Emperor Vitiate, the most powerful Force user to have ever lived up until that point; and arguably the most powerful Sith Lord in galactic history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIoi7BDqzPY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOaSnzcVZwM
Conclusion: Braga is a powerful combative Force user with a preference for telekinesis.
Plo Koon
Lightsaber Duelist:
Plo Koon has contended with the likes of Asajj Ventress, contending with and even being her obvious superior while fighting with a broken arm.
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Plo Koon contends and even gains an advantage over Savage Opress. Savage is forced to tear Plo's mask off in order to gain the upper hand.
Darth Maul, one of the most skilled lightsaber duelists of the era during the Rise of the Empire, regarded Plo Koon as one of the few Jedi that could potentially challenge him.
He longed to battle one of the truly great Jedi warriors: Plo Koon, perhaps, or Mace Windu. That would be a true test of his skill.
—Star Wars: Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter
Conclusion: Plo Koon is a very skilled swordsman, capable of facing off against tanks like Savage Oppress as well as famed Jedi Killers such as Asajj Ventress.
Combative Force Use:
Plo Koon is adept at using the Force to augment his speed. Running across wires to destroy enemy ships. He is fast enough to easily bat aside blaster bolts. He's also fast enough to clear a section of the battlefield before a clone can even speak a full sentence.
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Master Koon is a powerful telekinetic, capable of collapsing a cave with the Force both alone and with help.
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Perhaps Plo Koon's greatest potentially combative power is his skill in alter environment.
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Plo Koon's most combat applicable ability by far however, is his special Electric Judgement ability. A weakened form of Force Lightning used for interrogation, while still very painful; this version is not as deadly as the traditional lightning used by the Sith.
"At the request of the Jedi Council, I submit this report of my actions on the mission to Metellos, specifically my use of Force lightning.
I'd been tracking Dreed Pommel for five days across space before I found him on Metellos. Pommel had taken refuge in an executive suite within the floating city of Ektra. Despite my efforts at stealth, Pommel was somehow alerted to my approach, for when I entered the suite he was already clutching a female child and holding a blaster to her head.
The suite was spacious, and I was separated from Pommel by a distance of fifteen meters. Keeping his eyes on me, Pommel began pulling the crying girl—I estimated her to be five years old—out through a wide doorway, beyond which I could see a small ship that rested on the suite's private landing pad. Obviously, his intent was to escape, and he considered the child his insurance. I had no reason to doubt that he would ultimately kill her, even if I allowed them to board the escape vessel, for I could see what he'd done to the girl's parents and two siblings, whose bodies lay upon the floor of the inner suite.
In hindsight, there were many possible tactics I might have employed to apprehend Pommel and rescue the child, but I did not consider any options or calculate angles of attack as I watched him drag her toward the ship. I believe I acted entirely instinctively when I extended by right arm and released a barrage of lightning.
I know that the Jedi Council was hesitant to send me on any assignment so soon after the death of Master Tyvokka, but I did not let loose with Force lightning the way undisciplined beings might release stress. Like other Jedi, I learned of Force lightning at the Jedi Temple, and I am well aware that it is regarded as a dark side power. I never had any special interest in Force lightning, or felt compelled to experiment with it, but I knew it was—at least in me—an innate ability. I did not feel anger as I directed the lightning at Pommel's head, nor did I fear for the girl's safety. I was calm and in control of my faculties. I merely acted to end the situation before any more innocents died.
Upon being struck by the first bolt, Pommel reacted as anticipated as the shock seized his system. His arms flew out and away from his body, releasing both the blaster and the child, who fell to the landing pad. A second bolt ensured that Pommel would remain unconscious until the local authorities arrived. I was never tempted to deal a killing blow.
Upon my return from Metellos, my use of Force lightning was included in my report to the Council. I maintained that I did not embrace the dark side when I used this ability, and that I acted by the will of the Force.
I appreciate the Council's concern with my report. I have not forgotten that it was Master Tyvokka's last wish that I join the Council. I also acknowledge the Council's observation that the Force is strong in my family. My uncle was a Jedi Knight, as is my niece Sha Koon. While Kel Dors like ourselves have a reputation for seeing moral issues in black and white, I urge the Council to disregard my family in this situation, for I alone am responsible for my actions.
The Council asked me to contemplate whether I would use Force lightning again, and whether I was wrong to use it on Metellos. After much meditation, I believe it would be wrong of me to ignore this power that I might develop into a useful technique for combat. As for whether I was wrong to use it, I believe the only person who can rightfully answer that question is a five-year-old girl. Her name is Claria Labreezle, and she has been placed with relatives at Stratablock 7 on Metellos.
May the Force be with us all."
--Taken from Jedi vs Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force
Conclusion: Plo Koon is skilled in the use of traditional Jedi abilities, but his strength in the Force allow for him to achieve feats greater than those of an average Jedi Knight. Koon also has variety in his Electric Judgement, this power allows him to be more unpredictable (who's going to think a Jedi is going to use Lightning?); providing Plo with a potential edge in many situations. Koon is an impressive Force user, and is among the best of his day for a reason.
Now we have the comparison, now this is obviously opinion based; so none of what I say from here on is absolute fact, aside from any possible quotes/examples I may use.
Who is the best duelist? My personal opinion on this is Plo Koon. He has contended with and defeated more swordsman with superior skills than Dural has, and Braga has no real feats of swordsmanship to begin with. Plo being considered a challenge for TPM Maul, in joint with contending with Ventress while his arm was broken, solidify Plo Koon as the superior swordsman of the trio.
Who is the best Force user? Based on available knowledge I'll have to say that Plo Koon is the best Force user of the three. His speed seems to be above that of the other two, and he has cleared small sections of an entire battlefield extremely quickly using only Force speed. Plo's TK is also superior to anything that Dural or Braga have done in regards to TK feats. The final advantage he has is Electric Judgement, this power would come as powerful shock factor (pun intended) and would give cause for most opponents to be wary.
Misc factors: The only thing not covered in the final analysis has been physicality. Master Braga has both Dural and Plo beaten in terms of endurance by MILES. However, it's impossible to say how well this would help him if he were to ever face Plo or Dural; as Dural and Plo both have superior and comparable combative feats respectively. So while Braga has the most impressive singular feat between the three, his lack of other feats and accolades prevents him from surpassing his fellow Kel'dor here.
So who's the best combatant? Personally, I feel that Plo Koon is the overall best combatant of the three. His lightsaber feats and his displays of Force power are all superior to those of his fellow Kel'dor here. While I feel Gnost Dural would be able to give Plo Koon an excellent fight, and both Dural and Braga are powerful in their own rights, Koon simply has the superior showings.
Apologies if this felt disjointed in any way, especially the Plo Koon section; I had difficulty in finding scans for Plo's feats. Thanks to the authors of the Gnost Dural and Plo Koon respect threads, I couldn't have found the quotes or scans without their threads.
Please, tell me what you think and let me know what I can potentially improve on next time.