Kaleth
Kaleth, also known as the Temple of Knowledge, stood as one of the nine temples belonging to the Je'daii Order. It was situated on Tython, a world known for both its abundant life and its perils. This temple, a substantial stone edifice distinguished by its four prominent, square towers, functioned as a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom across numerous generations. In the aftermath of the devastating Force Wars, the Je'daii departed Tython, leading to others inhabiting the remains of the ancient fortified city. By the time the Jedi Order made their way back to their ancestral home during the Cold War that pitted the Galactic Republic against the re-emergent Sith Empire, the temple at Kaleth had been reduced to mere ruins.
History
Pre-Republic era
Ages before the Tho Yor ships brought the first Force-sensitives to Tython, who would later establish the Je'daii Order, the Kwa civilization dwelled on this planet. They erected temples and other constructions across the forested landscape. Eventually, the planet's population dwindled, and the Kwa temples crumbled into disrepair. When hundreds of philosophers and scholars from across the galaxy first arrived on Tython in 36,453 BBY, they journeyed from the stars aboard enormous pyramidal structures known as the Tho Yor. These nine colossal vessels dispersed across the planet, each landing in a separate location, and released their passengers to colonize the world. The Tho Yor themselves would become the very foundations upon which these travelers would build their new homes and learning centers.
One such Tho Yor came to rest in the Tythos Ridge, and it would be known as Kaleth—a Je'daii term signifying "sanctum". The philosophers, who identified themselves as the Je'daii Order, erected a stone structure beneath the massive floating ship, incorporating within it the ancient ruins of one of the Kwa temples. Kaleth held paramount importance among all the temples on the world, serving as the gathering place for Je'daii leaders and a central meeting point for the entire Order. Critical matters were discussed at Kaleth, decisions were made, judgments were delivered on behalf of the entire Order, and the Je'daii's extensive library was housed there. Consequently, when the Despot War broke out in the Tython system, forces converged on Kaleth during the war's decisive conclusion.
A Je'daii Temple Master was always appointed as the steward of the facility, overseeing its operations. In 25,793 BBY, Master Kora Ryo, a Twi'lek, held the position of Temple overseer. During his explorations, the Zabrak Je'daii Master Ters Sendon discovered the ancient Kwa temple deep within the lower levels of Kaleth and came across an ancient holocron belonging to the Kwa philosopher A'nang. With the assistance of Je'daii Journeyer Tasha Ryo, the holocron was activated, and its gatekeeper offered to share its knowledge. After years marked by study and peace, the Force Wars erupted between members of the first Jedi High Council and the heretical Master Rajivari. Rajivari and his adherents took refuge in the Temple of Knowledge as their former Jedi brothers and sisters converged upon them. While Rajivari managed to escape, his followers all perished, leaving behind only data files documenting their final moments. At the end of the war, the Jedi Order abandoned Tython, leaving Kaleth and the other temples to decay.
Despite this abandonment, other Force-sensitive civilizations from nearby worlds within the system attempted to re-colonize Tython. Taking up residence in the old Temple of Knowledge, Kaleth evolved into a city of sorts, with each successive government trying, yet failing, to restore Kaleth to its former glory. Two such rulers included the Forceful Lord Maravada the Silent and, later, Avamarivash the Warrior-Poet. Despite their differing ruling styles and ideals, both of their reigns eventually ended, and the city remained in ruins, their legacies sealed away within the Chamber of Speech.
Return of the Jedi
Following the re-discovery of Tython by Jedi Master Satele Shan, the Jedi Order moved their headquarters to their ancestral homeworld in order to replace their Coruscant Temple that was destroyed at the conclusion of the Great Galactic War. Upon finding Kaleth, many Jedi believed it would be a perfect foundation for their new Temple. Despite this sentiment, the Jedi High Council determined that it would be wiser to study Kaleth from a distance. They opted to construct their new Temple in a nearby valley located just north of the site.
Establishing an archaeological camp at the site of the ruins, the Jedi were surprised to discover ancient wardroids that attacked anyone who entered the area. It begged the question: If Jedi designed the droids, why were they programmed to be killers? Unbeknownst to Tython's new inhabitants, the droids had been designed by an ancient Jedi known as the Weapon Master to safeguard the First Blade, which served as the original blueprint for the modern lightsaber. Master Till'in headed the team tasked with uncovering the reason behind the droids' attacks and hoped to unravel the mystery surrounding the ancient fortress.
Layout
Situated in the western Tythos Ridge, Kaleth was nestled into the curve of a gently sloping mountain range. Accessible via two roads, one of which was called the Elarian Trail, the massive fortress was constructed from painted stone, arranged in large geodesic circles on the faces of the four square towers.
After centuries of abandonment, the stone walls of Kaleth had crumbled, leaving only the lower stories intact. The entrance to the temple-city remained in the form of a massive stone archway that opened into a spacious courtyard where a towering statue stood guard over the entrance. Numerous small structures dotted the area, and stairs led up to the few remaining levels. Various chambers were still occupied by war droids programmed to attack any intruders. A short path from one of the upper levels led into the mountain behind the city and contained the lost Chamber of Speech, a repository of historical records pertaining to the city-temple's past.