Battle of Jedha

### Combatants

The Convocation / Path of the Open Hand (covert) / E'ronoh Government / Eiram Government / Guardians of the Whills /

### Location

Holy City, Jedha

The **Battle of Jedha** was a large scale conflict that erupted on Jedha during the High Republic era. The battle was brought about by manipulations of a cult known as The Path of the Open Hand that wished to see the downfall of the Jedi and other "force abusers", as well as locate the Rod of Daybreak within the Holy City. The Path hired numerous secret allies such as Tilson Graf, and smaller pirate gangs like the Dank Graks to aid them in spreading chaos throughout the city. Their efforts also jeopardized the signing of a peace treaty between two warring planets Eiram and E'ronoh, causing their violent war to reignite within the city and turn the Holy City of Jedha into a warzone. The Jedi were instrumental in bringing an end to the conflict, able to bring a ceasefire between the warring factions of Eiram and E'ronoh, and arrest specific members of the Path of the Open Hand. Jedha never fully recovered from the immense scale of the battle.

## Prelude

##### Coming Peace Summit

Following the successful call for a cease fire between the warring worlds of Eiram and E'ronoh, the Jedi and Republic organized a signing of an official peace treaty to occur on the neutral territory of Jedha. Jedi Creighton Sun and Aide Forte went to oversee the signing of the treaty while the heirs of the respective planets, Princess Xiri A'lbaran and Prince Phan-tu Zenn, remained on their planets to oversee damage repairs in the aftermath of the ceasefire. Chancellor Orlen Mollo also remained on the two worlds, and appointed Morton San Tekka to mediate the signing, wanting to appoint an neutral party in the role. Ambassador Lian Cerok represented Eiram, while Ambassador Tintak represented E'ronoh.

##### The Path of the Open Hand

After leaving Dalna, the Path of the Open Hand had traveled aboard the *Gaze Electric* to Jedha where they hoped to insight a battle on Jedha. To do so they planned to stall the peace between Eiram and E'ronoh, as well as unleash their new power provided by the Great Leveler upon the Force users of the Holy City. They planned to use the chaos as a cover to allow them to scour the Holy City for the Rod of Daybreak, the second half of the Rod of Power. In the lead up to their plans they plotted to use terror bombings across several locations in the city that they could manipulate the aftermath to increase positive popular opinion of the Path, and create distrust and anger towards the Jedi and the Convocation of the Force.

The Path of the Open Hand had enlisted the aid of Tilson Graf to help manipulate events on Jedha into bringing about their Battle of Jedha. Graf knew that he needed to become the mediator of the coming peace summit between Eiram and E'ronoh, putting him in a position to destabilize the peace between worlds. Morton San Tekka had previously been appointed the role by Chancellor Orlon Mollo, wanting to appoint an neutral party in the role. Tilson Graf had in turn hired members of the Brotherhood of the Ninth Door to use their special dark side powers to help him achieve his goals. Mytion, a member of the Brotherhood, agreed to use a droid to enter the Second Spire where the coming peace talk was to occur, and bomb the peace summit with the intended effect of killing Morton San Tekka, thus allowing Tilson Graf to replace him. Tilson planned to speak with Ambassador Cerox, asking for her to speak of him to the Republic Delegate on Jedha to name him as a suitable replacement for Morton after his coming death. In return he would gift Cerox a legion of enforcer droids with which to defend her people in the coming conflict.

The Path had also hired the help of the Dank Graks, a small pirate group of allied unsuccessful outlaws lead by Arkik Von. The Dank Graks had been involved in a small turf war for possession over Takodana against Maz Kanata and her small crew of pirates. The Jedi Padawan Sav Malagán had joined Maz's pirate crew, alongside Dexter Jettster, Abadoo, Alak, Coromont Vizzle and Thermoculus Krisintvolt Scissorpunch. In order to learn more about their enemy in the pirate turf war, Sav infiltrated the ranks of the Dank Graks. Once acting as an undercover member of the team, Sav learnt that the group had been approached by the Path of the Open Hand and hired to insight as much chaos as possible in the Holy City on Jedha. Sav informed her pirate allies, who traveled aboard the *Grim Devourer* to Jedha in hopes of stopping the Dank Graks from encouraging and spreading violence.

##### Bombings

One location planned to be bombed by The Path of the Open Hand was within the Temple of the Kyber. This attack would allow the Path to manipulate the aftermath to turn the masses against the Convocation of the Force, and create a riot with which they could test the power of the Leveler and create a distraction while the Children of the Open Hand attempted to steal the Rod of Daybreak. Jedi Vildar Mac was able to save lives from this bombing, except for Archivist Zumeg who was killed in the blast.

The bomb at the peace conference was successful in delaying the conference and raising the tension between the delegates. Morton San Tekka, the mediator of the process, was killed. He was soon after replaced by Tilson Graf. The Path continued to try and kill the ambassadors of Eiram and E'ronoh in separate bomb assassination attempts individually. Both failed.

Jedi Silandra Sho had been on Jedha as part of a pilgrimage. Jedi Creighton Sun and Aida Forte, who had been overseeing the procession of the peace summit between Eiram and E'ronoh called on the aid of Silandra Sho to help them investigate the bombings. Creighton Sun and Aida Forte reached out to Gella Nattai to ask for any possible leads. She told them that Axel Greylark had had connections to a group known as The Path of the Open Hand, and that the group claimed to be "free of the Jedi". She thought they may be worth a closer look. Creighton passed this information to Silandra Sho. Sho then visited the Path almshouse the next day to speak with "The Mother" about her potential involvement with the bombings. While speaking with "The Mother", Silandra Sho became unknowingly affected by the presence of the Great Leveler, causing her to feel uneasy and wrong. She could not understand the feeling, but connected it to "The Mother". She left the almshouse after "The Mother" grew agitated with the Jedi for throwing accusations regarding the bombings onto the Path. After leaving the almshouse, Silandra Sho was soon after attacked by a mysterious attacker in the streets of Jedha. She chased the attacker, only for him to successfully disappear into the crowds. She searched the crowds, leading her to the main square outside the Convocation building.

##### In-sighting Distrust

In the attempt by the Path of the Open Hand to insight conflict through the streets of Jedha and disrupt further the peaceful conditions of the peace summit on Jedha, The Herald went to the Convocation of the Force, demanding that they must disband or prohibit the use of the Force. He was denied. The Herald went outside the Convocation Chamber where he spoke out to the passers by of Jedha's streets. He announced that he had been turned away for holding opposing views to that of the Convocation and that he had overheard a plot to deceive the individuals of the truth about the explosion at the Temple of the Kyber, making use that the Path's explosive had been kept a secret by the Convocation. He revealed that in truth the explosion had been caused by a thermal detonator. The Herald proposed the question that why would the Convocation lie to the people of Jedha as the Guardians of the Whills were called to take him away. He fought long enough to continue to preach that he was being silenced for revealing the truth. This started a small riot that threatened the Guardians of the Whills and members of the Convocation. In secret, Yana Ro had been using the Rod of Seasons to lure in the Great Leveler through the streets of Jedha, bringing it to the square in which the riot started to form. It watched from the shadows. Jedi Vildar Mac and Sorcerer of Tund Tarna Miak leapt into the crowds to try and control the rioting, however this brought them closer to the Great Leveler. Tarna Miak was deeply effected by the presence of the Leveler, too far away to be petrified, but close enough that it caused him to hallucinate, seeing the crowds people as monsters. He lashed out with her force powers, creating lashing fire that caused widespread danger. This attack by Tarna Miak spurred on to begin the Battle of Jedha. Silandra Sho was also within the crowds as people began fighting on another. Those closely attuned to the Force and affected by the Leveler were petrified within the crowd, terrifying those around them. Silandra Sho held the remains of one individual only moments after they had been turned to dust. She heard tell of a terrifying creature that was responsible for the carnage. She began following a trail of terrified people to find the creature.

## Recount

##### Riots

In front of the Convocation Chambers, it wasn't long before riots broke out in the streets and the different religious factions broke out into fighting between themselves. Widespread pain was caused in the fighting. The presence of the Great Leveler caused the anger and fear within the many Force users in the crowd to become exaggerated. The fighting accelerated at an alarming speed with no clear cause other than The Herald's speech. The Herald slipped away with Yana Ro during the fighting. The Great Leveler also affected Vildar Mac, causing him to hallucinate and see Tarna Miak as the Sorcerer of Tund who had attacked his village on Kiffex as a boy. All the while, Tarna Miak lashed out at those who came near him, attacking them in a fear induced panic. It was Matthea Cathley who first noted that something was wrong with the Force. Vildar was able to compose himself despite his fearful hallucinations. He ran to Tarna and tried to calm his mind, telling him that Matthea was right, and something was happening to those who could feel the Force. Before Tarna could fully respond, Susalee erupted into the fight, using her connection to the Force to wrap the fighters in weeds that entrapped their arms and legs, stopping them from fighting. Restraining them. Master Leebon tried to call out to Susalee that this was not the way to end the fighting. A few were able to break free of the weeds, taking it as evidence that the Convocation was now attacking the innocent. Vildar and Tarna broke free, agreeing that the breakout of the fight felt deliberate and orchestrated by someone. As the Great Leveler began to move away from the square the Jedi and members of the Convocation were able to come to their senses, feeling the fear and anger passing. Desperate for answers, Jedi Knight Oliviah Zeveron ran further into the streets of Jedha hoping to find a culprit. Several Jedi chased after her while others like Master Leebon remained in the square. Silandra Sho had been chasing the mysterious Great Leveler, finding husks of its previous victims as she went. She began feeling it's affects and noted that it was a similar to a feeling she had when speaking to "The Mother". Eventually, Keth Cerepath found her and pulled her away from the back alleys of Jedha, away from the creature. She immediately began to feel better. He took her to Enlightenment to recover from the effects of the Leveler.

While chasing Oliviah through the streets, Matthea noted that all she could feel was sickness. Devastation had been caused by the riots, buildings on fire and charred. Within the chaotic crowds, Oliviah spied a glimpse of "The Mother", Elecia Zeveron, her sister. Having seen her sister for the first time since being a child and leaving her to join the Jedi, Oliviah was momentarily frozen. When she snapped back to reality, Vildar and Matthea had spotted a group belonging to the Path of the Open Hand under intense attack from rioters. Hoping to help the group (yet unaware of their orchestration of the battle), the Jedi went into the almshouse of the group to help evacuate as it collapsed. Oliviah was unable to help them as she was summoned away by Master Leebon. Leebon called Oliviah to join her out in the Dunes of Contemplation, at the statue of the Final Protector. Matthea was exasperated that when in need Leebon had not called upon her. When she was about to rush into the almshouse of the Path of the Open Hand after Vildar it exploded. Vildar survived but was buried under rubble.

Silandra Sho entered Enlightenment with Keth Cerepath, where she began to take a moment from the chaos outside. While inside, they began thinking about the culprit of the bombings on the peace summit. Silandra discovered a holo-recording in the databank of P3-7A, revealing the individual who had spoken to the droid that carried the explosives into the chamber. She learnt that the person responsible was a member of the Brotherhood of the Ninth Door, an sect whose dark side attunement allowed them to alter memories to disguise themselves.

Above the planet, the pirate crew of Maz Kanata had arrived at the Holy City in the hopes of stopping their enemies in a small turf war, The Dank Graks, from spreading violence and chaos. They were shocked to see that by the time of their arrival, the battle had already begun. Maz' pirate crew ran through the Holy City, crossing paths with the Path of the Open Hand and Silandra Sho. Sav was being led around the city by Saya Keem, a member of the Dank Graks. Saya distracted Sav, having figured out that the young scoundrel was not who she claimed to be. Eventually, Saya revealed to Sav that she had simply been distracting her to give enough time for Arkik Von and the rest of the Dank Graks to reach Takodana and take control over Maz' Castle with Maz as their prisoner. Sav left Saya an reunited with the rest of Maz's pirate crew. Together they all left Jedha after receiving a message from Arkik that he had claimed Takodana for himself.

##### Disruption of the Peace Summit

At the Second Spire, a second attempt at the peace summit had just come underway. Tilson Graf was making introductions to the much smaller audience partaking in the proceedings. He was interrupted however by the sounds of the rioting outside. The people of Jedha attacked the Second Spire in the fear induced rioting, breaking in and facing down the Guardians of the Whills that had been standing guard. Rocks flew through the windows. Suddenly, Mytion, dressed as a soldier from Eiram, leapt through a window on a speeder and into the chamber. He allowed himself to be spotted by the E'ronoh delegation before shooting and murdering Ambassador Tintak of E'ronoh. The E'roni delegation took this as an act of war from Eiram and denounced the peace treaty. They opened fire on the Eirami delegation, who then retaliated with their own fire. All thought of peace was quickly forgotten as the Path of the Open Hand member fled the room. Jedi Creighton Sun and Aida Forte used their lightsabers to defend Ambassador Cerox escape the chamber as blaster fire exploded between the two sides. Eventually, both sides killed all members of their opposition, leaving the room full only of dead bodies. Cerox was able to reach her shuttle after numerous detours as rioters entered the Spire. The Jedi successfully guided her to her shuttle, where she gave the order to her guard to send forces to the City to counter the fighting from the E'roni forces in the city. Creighton Sun pleaded with Cerox to change her course and take the final chance for peace. Cerox refused. Sides from both E'ronoh and Eiram began descending into the city, firing into the air to clear the streets before entering intense gun battles with each other. The Holy City was turned into a warzone.

##### Jedi Efforts

Creighton Sun and Aida Forte spread out into the city to join the fighting and try to save lives. Creighton had called for help from the Jedi Council on Coruscant, who immediately agreed to send out reinforcements to end the fighting. The worked with the Guardians of the Whills to stop the fighting. Silandra Sho and Keth fought against the E'ronoh and Eiram forces, defending the civilians and directing them to the Dome of Deliverance for shelter from the fighting. Silandra eventually also made her way to the Dome to take a moment from the fighting. While there she was found by Mytion, a member of the Brotherhood of the Ninth Door. Silandra accused him of beginning the fighting, an accusation that he admitted to immediately. He ignited an electrostaff and entered into a fight against the Jedi. He pushed Silandra into the deeper levels of the Dome of Deliverance. He was able to overpower the Jedi and catch her in a kill position. He prepares to kill Silandra just as Keth Cerepath finds them both. Keth took Silandra's fallen lightsaber, igniting and impaling Mytion. Mytion used the last of his strength to plunge his electrostaff through Keth's stomach. Both Mytion and Keth Cerepath died in the lower chamber. Having lost her friend Keth, Silandra found new resolve, taking her saber and shield and swearing that no one else would die during the battle.

##### Skirmish in the Temple of the Kyber

During the riots, The Herald donned powerful armor as did a group of associates who followed him. They traveled to the Temple of the Kyber, entering through the main door after using a smuggler called Briff to bait the Guardians of the Whills into opening their doors to allow in a citizen in need during a time of crisis. Once the doors where opened, the Children of the Path of the Open Hand forced their way into the Temple in search of the Rod of Daybreak. The Children were quickly descended upon by the Guardians of the Whills defending their sacred grounds. A fight broke out within the Temple. Tey Sirrek, a prisoner of the Guardians of the Whills, was able to use the distraction provided by the fighting within the Temple to break free. His personal droid "Skoot" came to his rescue, unlocking the door and granting him freedom. After breaking free Tey Sirrek immediately saved Archivist Oranalli from a member of the Children of the Open Hand. He was eventually beaten by his opponent and held at gunpoint. Tey was however saved as Oklane Viss fired a shot at the Child of the Open Hand, saving Tey. The Child of the Open Hand called for a retreat after deciding that the Rod of Daybreak was not inside the temple. Almost immediately Tey found himself being arrested by the Guardians of the Whills. He heard from Skoot a recording of a call for help from Matthea, stating that Vildar Mac was buried underneath the rubble of a fallen almshouse. He called on Oklane Viss to help.

##### Felling of the Final Jedi Statue

Oliviah and Leebon had found speeders and raced out to the Dunes of Contemplation where the Final Protector statue was being torn down by rioters who wanted Jedha to be free of the Jedi. They arrived at the statue where a riot crowd tried to stop them from reaching the statue. The Jedi were barely able to speak before charges were detonated at the bottom of the statue. The statue fell down, crashing into the ground. Jedi Zeveron and Leebon could do nothing but watch as those responsible for bringing down the century long statue to the ground fled the scene on their speeder bikes, declaring that Jedha was now free of the Jedi. They listened as a call for help came over the Jedi communications from Matthea Cathley who told them that the Path of the Open Hand almshouse had collapsed and that Jedi Knight Vildar Mac had been buried under the rubble. Matthea was still affected by the presence of the Great Leveler and was unable to move the rubble on her own. She called for assistance while trying and failing to shift the heavy remains of the building. Jedi Zeveron and Leebon where unable to leave the Dunes of Contemplation quick enough to send aid however, their speeder bikes having been crushed by the falling statue. Zeveron prepared to walk all the way back. Leebon however had sensed that the Children of the Open Hand had slowly been approaching, continuing their search for the Rod of Daybreak. They reached the statue and faced off against the Jedi. They attacked both the Jedi with great success, disarming them and taking their lightsabers. The Great Leveler came with them, weakening the Jedi's connection to the Force. Zeveron was able to run away and hide, while Leebon was kidnapped by the Children of the Open Hand. Zeveron took an opportunity after she had slipped away to call for help from Vildar Mac. The impact caused by the falling statue was so powerful it could be felt from the Holy City. Creighton Sun and Mesook watched the statue fall, distracted for a moment from the fighting. The distraction bought enough time for enforcer droids to shoot and kill Mesook. Creighton cut down the droids responsible, mourning Mesook briefly before having to move on.

##### Sanctuary at Enlightenment

Vildar remained under the rubble, having to use the Force to keep himself from being crushed alongside members of the Path of the Open Hand. Inside the rubble he could hear cries for help from all around him. Above the rubble, Matthea was under fire from civilians, being blamed for bringing down the building. Even while trying to save them from death, a member of the Path called Jaydyn threw accusations and blame upon Vildar for causing their situation. Other members of the Path were not as accusatory, instead turning to the Jedi to save them. Just as Vildar thought he was unable to hold on anymore, the rubble began to become lighter and shift. He looked up to see Tey Sirrek and the Guardians of the Whills who had arrived to provide aid. Oklane Viss had been swayed by Tey Sirrek and had left the Temple of the Kyber. The Guardians shifted rubble and helped trapped members of the Path of the Open Hand to escape. The Guardians of the Whills then turned their efforts into defending the survivors of the collapsed building as they escaped, lead by Vildar Mac to reach the tavern known as "Enlightenment". Kradon the bar owner agreed to harbor the people in need on the condition that the Jedi protect the tavern from the chaos outside. The Jedi agreed. After the fighting outside the bar seemed to die down, they rushed inside to join the survivors.

Vildar came up with a plan to remain inside the tavern and barricade themselves in. He had made it his priority to protect the scared and injured inside despite protests from Tey and Matthea. During their conversation about their next steps Representative Tarna broke through into the back entrance, crashing into a back cupboard where Matthea and Tey found him pursued by enforcer droids. They destroyed the droids and resealed the breach in the wall of the tavern. Once the tension had calmed once more, Vildar received a distress call from Oliviah Zeveron, who informed him that her and Leebon had been attacked by the statue of the Final Protector by raiders who had stolen their lightsabers. Tey overheard and concluded that it must be the same group who had raided the Temple of the Kyber for the Rod of Daybreak. He deciphered the entire Battle of Jedha to be a cover to allow the mysterious raiders to steal the Rod of Daybreak. Vildar overheard on the comms as Oliviah Zeveron was stabbed by her own lightsaber by The Herald. She dropped her comms and was left for dead in the dunes.

##### Journey through the Tunnels

After hearing the call cut out, Tey had immediately slipped away through a secret tunnel into the sewer systems of the holy city, letting the tunnel lead him out and into the dunes where he could help Zeveron. Once inside the tunnels he encountered creatures known as Dune Scratchers. He was rescued from becoming overwhelmed by the creatures by Vildar Mac who had followed after Tey. He had also brought with him all those who had taken sanctuary inside "Enlightenment". Kradon had chosen to stay behind with his tavern with a very large gun. It was not long before the group was separated by a cave in caused by the explosions above the tunnels. Vildar and Tey were separated from the rest of the entire group. Matthea and the rest of the group retreat back to "Enlightenment" while Vildar and Tey pushed on to reach the statue and help Zeveron.

##### Final Standoff

The Jedi Creighton and Aida reunited with one another in the remains of the burning city, sure that the Holy City would never heal from such a devastating battle. Creighton noted that the 5 remaining Guardians of the Whills were less than half of the original numbers. The remaining Guardians stood firm in their alliance with the Jedi. They stood in-between approaching forces from both E'ronoh and Eiram. Eventually they stood in-between both forces. From both sides, the Jedi called for peace, while the warring factions demanded that the Jedi stand aside or be destroyed in the crossfire. Just as both factions prepared to fire, Republic reinforcements arrived. Jedi poured from the cargo ships, landing beside Creighton and Aida. The warring factions gave no notice to the new Jedi arrivals however, opening fire on their opposition. The Jedi combined their strength in the Force to catch the blaster-fire in the air, freezing it in a circle around them on both sides. Creighton spoke out to the amassed warriors on the failure that the Battle of Jedha represented, and reminded them of the broken hope of peace. Creighton's speech mustered a ceasefire, with all warriors on both sides lowering their weapons. The battle was over, however an official retreat had not been called. Fighting in other parts of the city continued.

Elsewhere, "The Mother" attempted to board one of her ships that would as per her earlier plan, take her up to the *Gaze Electric.* Behind her, Tilson Graf revealed himself, having followed "The Mother" to her escape craft. He begged her for safety, calling for her to respect their partnership and help him off the planet. "The Mother" called Tilson nothing more than a means to an end. In the end, "The Mother" pretended momentary resign to Tilson's pleading, letting him lower his guard. As he approached she then shot and killed him in the street. Eventually as Silandra Sho was ushering civilians to ships, she passed by Tilson's body. She found him laying in the dirt. She was irritated that he dodged justice, albeit with an unceremonious anonymous death in a ruined Jedha street. Creighton called Silandra Sho, informing her that the warring factions were speaking with Republic representatives to discuss a withdrawal. Silandra informed Creighton of Tilson Graf's actions and his death. Their conversation was interrupted as Silandra spotted a dog fighting ship prepare to fire on a civilian shuttle. As the shuttle explodes, Silandra used her shield to protect the individual about to board; "The Mother". "The Mother" admitted that she owed Silandra her life. Silandra offered to help "The Mother" with her next steps. To find Marda Ro. While they walked, "The Mother" explained the Path's distaste for the Jedi. Silandra Sho became suspicious of the Path's involvement in the events that lead to the Battle of Jedha.

##### Inside the Final Protector

Vildar and Tey reached the fallen statue and found Zeveron injured within the rubble. Tey was able to use his natural pheromones to slow Zeveron's heart rate and put her to sleep, keeping her alive and yet sustaining her health. Vildar gave her his cloak to keep her warm from the cold desert wind and began entering the base of the statue. He sensed a great presence of the dark side. They searched for Master Leebon. Suddenly, Vildar was struck by the presence of the Great Leveler, causing him to reel with pain and fear. Both he and Tey felt it's presence. They then heard the voice of The Herald. They turned a corner to see The Herald with Yana Ro, finding the Rod of Daybreak. Yana gave him the Rod of Seasons. He combined both rods together to construct the Rod of Power. In order to test the control the Rod of Power had over the Great Leveler, The Herald demanded that he be brought Jedi Leebon to be used as a test subject for the Leveler. Leebon was dropped at the feet of the creature ,slowly beginning to bed for her life as she was petrified. The Herald and Yana watched as Leebon was turned to stone and killed by the Leveler. From the shadows, Tey Sirrek also watched, trying to break through the terrified trance that had captured Vildar. Unable to get Vildar to move, Tey attempt to prep his gun for attack. He gave himself away, luring members of the Open Path to attack him. They beat and kicked him around the room, dropping him in rubble. Eventually, Tey dropped into rubble beside another force artifact that had been kept hidden away in the vault under the statue. A sith artifact. The Hand of Siberus. Tey donned the glove and lashed out using it's power. It gave him the upper hand almost immediately and also brought Vildar out of his trance. Vildar immediately recognized the object. He realized that the vault under the statue was a Bogan Collection, a collection of dark side artifacts. He called out for Tey to remove the gauntlet before it destroyed him. The Herald unleashed The Great Leveler on Vildar, bringing the terrified Jedi face to face with the creature. All the while Vildar tried and failed to reconnect with the Force. The Herald played with Vildar, pausing the Leveler's advance as it was inches from his face. A display of the power provided by the Rod of Power. Yana asked for mercy for Vildar. The Herald denied the mercy, determined to leave no witnesses. As the Leveler leapt at Vildar, Tey lashed out with the Hand of Siberus, shooting the Leveler away, injuring it momentarily. Yana Ro leapt forward, shooting Tey with her blaster. He survived the shot, however was unconscious. Vildar believed him dead.

The Herald handed Yana the Rod of Power, while he went to pick up Vildar's lightsaber from where it had been dropped earlier. Now with the lightsaber of both Zeveron and Vildar, The Herald ignited a pair of green lightsabers with which to slay Vildar Mac. Vildar continued to try to connect with the Force, but was continually unsuccessful. Feeling that the Force had abandoned him, he denounced the Force, taking the Hand of Siberus from Tey and donning it himself. Vildar turned on The Herald, lashing out with the power of the gauntlet. The Herald deflected the blast using the combined deflection of the twin lightsabers. Tey awoke from his injury, spotting Vildar facing off against The Herald using the gauntlet. He was immediately attacked by members of the Open Hand, including Yana Ro. Tey fought back, able to break the Rod of Power back into it's two halves. It wasn't long however before Tey was felled again by the Great Leveler, lured to attacking him by Yana. Yana then received a call from her sister Marda Ro, calling for help from her and the Leveler. She told Yana she was about to be killed alongside "the Mother". Yana abandoned The Herald, who had just been knocked down by Vildar. She fled from the tunnels, followed by the Great Leveler to help her sister, taking with her the Rod of Seasons. Vildar prepared to finish The Herald, but Tey called out to him, revealing that he was still alive. This gave Vildar a moment of clarity pushing him to remove the gauntlet and throw it away. Free from his dark side grip, Vildar arrested The Herald and took command of the Rod of Daybreak.

##### The Truth Prevails

Creighton Sun was informed by Master Vohlan that the Republic was overseeing the official call for a military withdrawal. Both warring worlds would retreat from Jedha. The Jedi reflected on the terrible tragedy of the battle. They feared that it was the spark of another beginning of the Forever War between Eiram and E'ronoh. Once the factions had retreated from the planet, the Jedi and Republic would oversee aids in repair. "The Mother" and Silandra Sho found Marda Ro. Marda took "The Mother" from Silandra, thanking her for her help. The Jedi and the leaders of the Path of the Open Hand went their separate ways in good manner.

Jedha was on fire and all buildings had been greatly damaged or destroyed. Matthea Cathley and Representative Tarna however had been able to fight together through the streets enough to turn the tide of the fighting. In a moment of calm, as Matthea looked out on a burning holy city, Vildar appeared with Tey. They had with them The Herald as prisoner and the Rod of Daybreak. Tey had carried Oliviah Zeveron with them all the way back from the Dunes of Contemplation. Vildar Mac announced to the people in the streets that The Herald and the Path of the Open Hand were responsible for turning the people of Jedha against one another, hoping to steal the Rod of Daybreak. Tey also spoke that he guessed they were responsible for all the robberies that had plagued the holy city for months. The Herald was taken prisoner by the Guardians of the Whills, where he would await a trial. The Rod of Daybreak was given to Archivist Oranalli who would study it for potential answers to the mystery of it's power.

## Aftermath

##### Festival of Balance

As suggested by Vildar Mac, the Festival of Balance went ahead despite the chaos caused by the Battle of Jedha. All pilgrims and believers on Jedha worked together to clear the streets of rubble and make repairs to the Holy City, aided by the Republic and the Jedi. Vildar Mac was made the Jedi representative on The Convocation. With Master Leebon deceased, Vildar also took Matthea Cathley as his Padawan. Tey was also given a position on the Convocation. The Herald was taken into custody for looting, held by the Guardians of the Whills.

Creighton Sun and Aida Forte returned to Coruscant, where days later they gave a full summary of the events of the Battle of Jedha. Jedi Char-Ryl-Roy and his Padawan Enya Keen were sent to Eiram and E'ronoh to try and maintain a fragile peace and navigate the aftermath of the Battle of Jedha. They would also ensure the safety of Chancellor Mollo. Aida Forte was given a mission to travel to Dalna to investigate the Path of the Open Hand. Silandra Sho made her way to Batuu to reunite with her Padawan Rooper.

##### Maz' Turf War

Maz' pirate crew returned to Takodana to rescue Maz from her capture within her own castle. The crew was shot out of the sky upon their approach, landing in the forest. There, they found and took shelter alongside other patrons of Maz' Castle lead by Bumblehead Bim. Arkik Von dispatched security droids throughout the surrounding forests of the castle. Thinking this may leave the castle defenseless, Sav went alone into the castle to face off against Arkik. She failed and was taken prisoner almost immediately by a hidden contingent of droids. Inside however, Sav was then met by another prisoner; Raf Thatchburn. During the Battle of Jedha, Sav had hidden her lightsaber in Raf's possession. Raf gave her her lightsaber back and together they used it to escape. Sav then entered in a duel with Arkik Von, while the pirates who frequented the castle fought the security droids outside. The Jedi at the Takodana temple were alerted to the conflict by a transmission sent by Sav, and came rushing to the rescue. Just as Sav defeated Arkik, the Jedi arrived and cemented Maz' victory. Arkik and the Dank Graks were defeated and Maz Kanata retook control of her castle.

## Timeline of Event

* The Herald sparks a riot in the streets of Jedha.
* The Great Leveler is unleashed into the Holy City.
* The Path of the Open Hand almshouse is destroyed.
* Maz Kanata's pirate crew momentarily join the fighting.
* A member of the Brotherhood of the Ninth Door disrupts the peace summit in the Second Spire. Peace is destroyed between Eiram and E'ronoh. The Forever War is restarted.
* Ambassador Tintak is shot and killed by Mytion.
* Creighton Sun calls for help from the Jedi Council.
* Mytion is killed by Keth Cerepath.
* Keth Cerepath is killed by Mytion.
* The Children of the Open Hand scourge the Temple of the Kyber in search of the Rod of Daybreak.
* The Final Protector statue is felled by rioters.
* Mesook is killed.
* Vildar Mac and Matthea Cathley hide the injured in Enlightenment.
* Creighton Sun successfully talks down the warring factions of Eiram and E'ronoh.
* Jedi Council reinforcements arrive in the city. Negotiations for a withdrawal begins immediately.
* Tilson Graf is killed, shot by Elecia Zeveron.
* Silandra Sho saves Elecia Zeveron from death. After spending time with "The Mother", she becomes suspicious of the Path of the Open Hand.
* The Herald locates the Rod of Daybreak.
* The Herald creates the Rod of Power.
* Master Leebon is killed, turned into a husk by the Great Leveler.
* Vildar Mac fights The Herald using the Hand of Siberus.
* The Herald is defeated and arrested.
* The Path of the Open Hand leave Jedha.
* The Battle of Jedha ends.

## Appearances

1. Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) 5
2. Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) 6
3. Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) 7
4. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (2022) 4
5. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (2022) 5
6. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (2022) 6
7. Star Wars: The High Republic - The Battle of Jedha
8. Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) 8
9. Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) 9
10. Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) 10