In December 2011, the iconic game Star Wars: The Old Republic was released. In the following months, players across the globe created characters of their own, many of whom formed and joined guilds—including several dedicated to RolePlaying.

 

In the summer of 2012, a player known as Soo Laa began exploring the game on the server then known as The Progenitor (now known as Darth Malgus).

Soon after, Soo Laa joined The New Jedi Order a light-RolePlaying guild. However, the level of RolePlay wasn't quite sufficient for Soo and some members he had recruited. Consequently, a handful of councilors, including Esmine Takan, Sha'tine Delacroix, Nyahnha Darashan, and Soo Laa, decided to create a new guild. After much debate, they settled on the name The Jaded Enclave. 

 

Unfortunately, in a surprising coup attempt, Esmine Takan seized guild leadership and removed Soo Laa from the guild. In the ensuing days, chaos and confusion led to the guild's decline, rendering The Jaded Enclave inactive within a week.

Subsequently, Nyahnha Darashan, Sha'tine Delacroix, and Benrace Schutu reached out to Soo Laa with hopes of forming a new guild. After days of deliberation, the newly formed council, consisting of these four members, agreed upon the name The Jedi Academy.

 

During the early years of the game, guild strongholds were not available, and The Jedi Academy had to secure NPC-free classrooms on Tython. Over time, strong bonds were formed with other guilds, such as Alen Stanic's Lost Praxeum and Jann's Jedi Path. This collaboration initiated a long-standing tradition within The Jedi Academy, where crossover RolePlay with other guilds was not only encouraged but actively pursued.

 

The Jedi Academy reached its peak between 2014 and 2015, boasting over 500 active players and hosting daily classes attended by numerous visitors. Students could engage in courses like "Beasts Class," "Force Theory & Mastery," "Saber Arts," "History and Diplomacy," and more. As is often the case in massively multiplayer online games, these numbers eventually declined.

 

By the end of 2017, Soo Laa's activity also decreased as real-life commitments took precedence. Bearing the burdens of leadership, Soo Laa entrusted the guild to the capable hands of Kumara Ileioka, Sha’tine Delacroix, Zae Soylon, and Jerris Writte. 

 

However, the vibrant activity within the Jedi Academy began to wane, and by late 2020, the last RolePlayers in the guild had departed.

 

In early 2024, the guild's creator, Soo Laa (also known as Kinaya Jikiiti), returned to the game, initially to reminisce. Eventually, Soo Laa created a new character, Ryy Laa. Several players recognized the name as Ryy Laa traversed various planets. With considerable conviction, they encouraged Ryy Laa to re-establish The Jedi Academy.

 

Over a decade after its founding, The Jedi Academy still stands. It remains relevant, continuing to offer a unique RolePlaying experience—one that leaves a lasting impact on the Old Republic timeline and the player base of Star Wars: The Old Republic.