RPGaDay 2026 - DAY 5 - BURDEN

BURDEN

Today marks the release of the Japanese Animated Star Wars series, 'Star Was Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi', the first such endeavor of its kind for the venerable franchise. I will be making a post dedicated to it once I have watched the show in its entirety.

I've long wondered what a 'Star Wars Visions' TRPG would be like and how it would differ from simply running Star Wars. I may have my answer with The Ninth Jedi. We shall see.

Inspired by this series, I thought I would introduce a Jedi-like character to my Space Opera Heroes campaign, one saddled with a heavy Burden. 

Sir Onus, Psy-Knight of Excellion, has protected the Galactic Federation since its inception over 300 years ago. In fact, he played a vital role in the final battle against the , whose attacks against the Earth Federation and its alien allies united them all under one banner that still stands today.

Now, in similar times of great need, Sir Onus appears once again to vanquish the forces of evil with the power of Excellion! 

While all true...it isn't the whole story.

Sir Onus, that is THIS Sir Onus, has not been alive for 300 years. He is in fact the 7th or 8th Sir to carry the mantle and be bestowed the power of the Excellion Crystal which enhances the wielder's Psychic Powers and bestows a few other benefits all its own. 

The thing is, the Crystal is kind of alive. It is unclear if it is a true life form, an artificial intelligence, or something unique that changes the definition of life as we understand it. Whatever it is, it extends the bearers life span (though not indefinitely), makes them aware of where and when they're needed (based on its own opinion it seems), and compels the wielder to go to that location. 

Attempting to ignore the 'Call to Action' from the Crystal can result in difficulty sleeping, muscle pain and headaches, or even finding yourself walking towards your starship without your control or consent! This is one bossy Crystal! 

Another issue should be obvious from the fact that an item that extends your life has had 8 hosts in 300 years. Being the Psy-Knight of Excellion is a dangerous occupation and most don't get to benefit all that much from the additional years granted to them. Usually, it is a dying Sir Onus who passes on the Excellion Crystal to the next Sir Onus.

Finally, though there is much honor, prestige, and appreciation for what you do, it isn't exactly a high paying job these days. The current Sir Onus' Starfighter is not in top condition and his 300 year old armor could definitely do with some repairs. He' on his third cloak for Star's Sake! 

Excellion-One!

An interesting thing to note about Sir Onus' Starfighter, a GP SF-11 'Dirk', is not capable of Jump travel. Ships of this size do not have Jumpdrives in this setting. An odd choice for the Psy-Knight's profession one might say. Except...it has excellent speed and maneuverability, impressive armaments, and shields. To get from system to system Sir Onus must reply on JumpGates or a lift from a larger vessel.  

Such is the Burden of the chosen Psy-Knight of Excellion...

AD

Barking Alien

*This character was inspired first and foremost by the Jedi Knights of Star Wars. In addition, there is a little Lensman thrown in, a major reference point for the Space Opera Heroes RPG and for the Jedi themselves. Finally, I added in a touch of Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride, 'cause I could.