Control Breathing

Force Power: Control Breathing

Control Difficulty: Moderate

Alter Difficulty: Very Difficult

Required Powers: Concentration, Hibernation Trance, Telekinesis

This power may be kept “up”.

Effect: This power allows a Jedi to control the amount of oxygen flowing into his or her body. The Jedi takes control of the surrounding atmosphere, pulling oxygen molecules through the skin into the lungs. With this power the Jedi can effectively breathe underwater, and conversely, a water breather could survive on land. In game terms, this power negates the need for a breath mask, mechgill, or any rebreather gear. In the cold of space or a hard vacuum, however, this power would be of little use. Even if the Jedi could somehow survive the drastic changes in pressure or the extreme temperatures, there is not enough oxygen in these environments for the Jedi to “grab.” The power will remain up until the character either takes incapacitating damage or willfully drops it.

Background: Using the Force power breath control, a Force Sensitive could suppress the body’s instinct to shut itself down after long periods without oxygen, allowing the user to be able to go without breathing for longer periods than they would ordinarily be able to, by using the Force to reserve the amounts of air in their lungs. It was believed that some practitioners of the ability could hold their breath for hours or even days by using the technique. This ability used independently, however, would not prevent anything entering or leaving the respiratory system of the user. In some cases, the user would require some kind of Force barrier in, or around the nose/throat region to keep poisonous gases or water out. The necessity of such a barrier would depend on the air/water pressure in the direct vicinity, and the user’s ability to naturally seal their airways. This ability proved to be very effective in situations where the air was very thin, underwater, or in any environment with toxic fumes.