Vergence

The central mountain within the Jedi Temple held a nexus of the Force

A Force nexus, also referred to as a vergence, was a Force phenomenon that centered around a specific location, a particular object, or, on occasion, a specific person. Throughout the galaxy, a vergence represented a location where the Force exhibited the greatest freedom of flow, acting as a concentrated source of energy that individuals attuned to the Force could more readily utilize.

Overview

Vergences represent locations scattered across the galaxy characterized by a significant concentration of the Force (found in places, objects, or even individuals) and are readily influenced by those with Force abilities. The Jedi Order pondered the origins and underlying reasons for the creation of vergences, yet every proposed explanation contained noticeable shortcomings. These vergences could manifest anywhere in the galaxy, exhibiting variations in size that ranged from entire planets down to the confines of a single room. Many Force vergences materialized in locations distinguished by a rich history of Force activity—areas where Force users congregated or where profound tragedies unfolded. The boundaries of space and time held no constraint over a vergence, as they possessed the capacity to exist independently. Vergences might appear for a fleeting moment in history or endure for thousands of years. They possessed the potential to expand and evolve or to gradually fade away entirely. These vergences were not all uniform; certain ones fostered specific abilities, such as bestowing visions upon those who visited or amplifying psychokinetic capabilities.

Both the Jedi Order and the Sith actively pursued these vergences, harnessing them to serve their distinct objectives. Frequently, these groups erected temples either surrounding or directly atop a nexus, or they employed the vergence as a talisman if it was focused on a particular object. Legends and prophecies hinted at the formation of vergences around individuals, an infrequent occurrence that remained largely unexamined by either of the two orders.

Force nexuses

Throughout the extensive history of the galaxy, the Jedi Order documented numerous Force nexuses. The Jedi Temple situated on Coruscant was constructed upon and within the mountain referred to as the Sacred spire, a nexus characterized by substantial energy. Functioning as the Order's central headquarters, it suffered corruption long after Lord Nyax abandoned the Temple during the Yuuzhan Vong War. Other Jedi Temples, for example, the Ilum Temple and the Temple of Eedit located on Devaron, were constructed above these potent nexuses. The Order also held monuments such as the Valley of the Jedi in high regard; this was where the spirits of thousands of Jedi, both aligned with the light and the dark, were trapped following the Seventh Battle of Ruusan.

It appeared that various events could trigger some nexuses. Korriban in general, and more specifically the Valley of the Dark Lords, served as nexuses of the dark side of the Force due to the extended presence of the Sith Lords. Nam Chorios was a Force nexus because of the pervasive presence of the Tsils, a unique life form. Vjun became a dark side nexus as a result of the terrible events that marked its past. The Dark Side Cave found on Dagobah, along with a location in orbit above Endor, were both corrupted by the demise of dark side practitioners. Byss became a nexus of the dark side of the Force because it housed Palpatine's clones and his various experiments involving Sith alchemy, with Force energies draining the life force from species and individuals on the planet. In 14 ABY, the Disciples of Ragnos utilized the Scepter of Ragnos to deplete several Force nexuses of their inherent power.

Talismans

When objects remained in the vicinity of a Force nexus for a prolonged duration, they eventually became imbued with the Force, which granted them unique abilities. Examples include a blade edge that never lost its sharpness, the capacity to absorb specific Force powers like Force lightning and electric judgment, or even the ability to enhance the wielder's perception of time, which enabled them to process thoughts and react with greater speed than would otherwise be possible. This phenomenon allowed even individuals who lacked Force-sensitivity to effectively utilize the talisman. Furthermore, objects saturated with a particular facet of the Force—whether light or dark—could reach a saturation point where their very existence became unbearable for those aligned with the opposing side. Objects such as the Tear of the Elders, the Grimoire of Syclos the Lame, and the Bardottan Sphere were regarded as exceptionally potent vergences.

Vergences around a person

Meetra Surik embodied the center of a vergence. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn held the belief that a Force vergence was present within Anakin Skywalker. Another Force vergence existed within the Caves of Light and Shadow on the planet Spintir. The caves were created in the distant past due to a conflict between the light and dark sides of the Force, and by 0 ABY had corrupted a pack of icewolves that inhabited the caves. Following an investigation by a team of Force-sensitives, the cave sealed itself off.

Behind the scenes

The cave on Dagobah, featured in the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, was the first Force nexus to appear in Star Wars canon. The concept of a place imbued with Force energy was expanded upon in the 1997 video game Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II.