Cradle of Ashlan
One of the Seven Cradles constructed by The Architect.
The Cradle of Ashlan is equally as dangerous as the Cradle of Bogan. To understand why, one must first understand the force itself. The light and the Dark, they are both just two sides of a coin, different but equal and nothing without the other. The light side of the force has always been associated with the Jedi, with peace and serenity. If this was true however, the Jedi would have been defeated by the Sith a long time ago. In fact the Light side of the force is a spring of immense power just as the dark side, and can cause tremendous destruction. It is also tempting, causing a corruption in its own unique way. Unlike the Dark side it is not fueled by emotions, rather serenity and peace. This is why mastering it is so much harder than mastering the Dark side, it is a contradiction to most sentient species natural instincts.
It is because of this increased level of difficulty the light side is often mistaken as weaker, or less destructive than the dark side. The Cradle of Ashlan was founded on a place with a strong light side concentration. Those who went there to study and understand it are described as extremely peaceful and relaxed. All accounts suggest those who spent considerable time there slowly started showing symptoms of addiction, growing desperate to return at shorter intervals. Surrendering to Ashlan gives a euphoric sensation of bliss, and in this way can corrupt an individual by making the longing for more unbearable.
Defences
The Cradle of Ashlan holds a powerful weapon to pacify any organic enemy that would besiege it. Sending out a powerful shockwave that disrupts normal chemestry of most organic lifeforms to subdue and pacify them. It has never been used on a large scale but on test subjects it was extremely effective leaving the targets so passive they would eventually die of starvation if not tended to. It is unclear if there are any countermeasures or antidotes to the effect.
History
The Cradle was originally used for the study and understanding of the light and how to balance it. Severe restrictions on how long to stay at the Cradle and when allowed to enter it was in place, and it seems for the better part of the first Crusade when it was in use it was very beneficial to the Templars. In the third Crusade however, when it was rediscovered, no such restrictions were put in place. The purpose for it had also changed. With the looming darkness and turmoil in the galaxy the Templars of the third crusade focused on the destructive ways of the force. They used the Cradle seeking powers that would directly combat the Dark side, hoping for any advantage by using the powers of the light. It did not yield the desired results as those sent there to uncover the secrets of the force became too wrapped up in the delight of the light side, they became apathetic.
Just as so many of the Cradles had been abandoned so was the Cradle of Ashlan, though the third Crusaders had turned more back to the roots of the order, desperation still drove them, and balance through study was no longer a focus they felt they could afford. The teams sent to investigate the Cradle were abandoned, and no more was ever sent.
Alternative Name(s)
Luxar
Type
Outpost / Base
Population
14
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