Form V

"I prefer more straightforward tactics."
"Master of understatement."
―Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi

Form V, also known by its two primary disciplines of Shien and Djem So, as well as The Way of the Krayt Dragon or The Perseverance Form, was the fifth of seven forms recognized as canon by the last Jedi Council for lightsaber combat. It was developed by practitioners of Form III who felt that the defensively-minded form unnecessarily extended time spent in combat by forcing its users to wait for an opportunity to strike rather than create their openings. Form V combat was characterized by power attacks and defense immediately followed by a counterstrike.
Shien, considered the classical variant of Form V, was more adept at blocking blaster bolts than for blade-to-blade combat, whereas Djem So was developed later and was specifically intended for use in lightsaber combat. Both Shien and Djem So were designed to use an opponent's attack against them, as evidenced by Shien's focus on returning blaster bolts to their origin and Djem So's emphasis on immediate counterattacks. Although some Jedi felt that Form V encouraged aggression and domination, that sentiment did not stop many Jedi from practicing the form.

Form V was developed sometime before the Great Sith War, which began in 3960 BrS, and it continued to be used for millennia, during the Jedi Civil War, New Sith Wars, Clone Wars, and beyond. Like the other lightsaber forms, it saw use among both the Sith and Jedi. Knowledge of the form survived the Great Jedi Purge initiated in 17 ArS and into the era of the New Jedi Order. Practitioners of Form V included Jedi Masters Adi Gallia, Plo Koon and Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker, Aayla Secura, and Ulic Qel-Droma, and Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Bane.

Description

"One must question any discipline that has lethal potential. However, if it serves to suppress violent opposition and preserve peace, I believe it is a discipline worth knowing." ―Cin Drallig

Form V, also known as the Way of the Krayt Dragon, was created by Form III masters who desired a more offensive style since the defensive nature of Form III often led to prolonged combat, which was potentially dangerous for its practitioners. Form V evolved into an accepted style by combining the defensive maneuvers of Form III with the more aggressive philosophy and tactics of Form II. Form V required a higher level of physical strength than the other lightsaber forms, due to its focus on the complete domination of its practitioners' opponents. It was considered the most physically demanding of all the forms.
The form was developed alongside Ataru at a time when the Jedi were increasingly called upon to actively keep the peace. Some Jedi, noting its dedication to domination and strength, felt that Form V encouraged an inappropriate focus on controlling one's assailants. Other Jedi, including the Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig, were somewhat ambivalent regarding the form. Nevertheless, the Form's proponents maintained that Form V was an effective and powerful tool for the Jedi Order. Form V had two distinct variations: Shien and Djem So, and most users had a preference for one or the other.

Shien

"You will find it easier to deflect blaster fire with this form—and it shall also guard you against critical strikes by your opponents." ―Zez-Kai Ell

The Jedi of the Old Republic who developed and employed the classical Form V variant Shien dubbed it the Perseverance Form. Shien was described as being well-adapted to guard against blaster fire and enemy strikes without compromising one's ability to launch powerful counterattacks. The style worked best when countering attacks from multiple opponents, and was typically less effective against a single adversary. Shien existed at least as early as the Jedi Civil War, which began in 3923 BrS. With its focus on repelling blaster fire, Shien kept in mind that Jedi were often outnumbered by their opponents and needed to defend themselves while retaining offensive capability. Additionally, there was a Sith variant of the form called Sith Shien, though it is not specified how this form might have differed from its Jedi counterpart.

Shien Training by JMAS

The Shien opening stance was a high guard position, with the lightsaber hilt held in a two-handed grip above the user's head and the blade angled upward and behind the user. The dominant leg was held back, enabling powerful step-through strikes to be utilized. Shien users were also proficient in a maneuver referred to as the "Barrier of Blades," which defended the user from blaster fire and redirected some of the incoming blasts. "Shien Deflection" was another technique familiar to users of that Form V variant, allowing practitioners to simultaneously deflect weapons fire and leap toward an opponent. However, Shien was not without its shortcomings—it was particularly weak against a single opponent.
Some users used the reverse Shien grip, an unorthodox variation of Shien where the wielder would hold the lightsaber hilt in a backward position, exposing the front. This grip allowed the user to perform long, sweeping strikes to take down several enemies at a time, whipping the blade forward with the movement of throwing a punch. This variation was rarely seen and, indeed, almost a matter of controversy among lightsaber masters.

Djem So

"Form V's Djem So variation is devoted specifically to lightsaber dueling." ―Cin Drallig

Djem So was the creation of a group of Form III masters who felt that Soresu was too passive a form. It addressed the shortcomings of Form III, in which a Jedi Master could maintain a prolonged defense but was likewise unable to overcome a skilled opponent. Utilizing a combination of blocks and parries, a Djem So user maintained a proper foundation of defense against both ranged and melee attacks. While a Soresu user stayed on the defensive and only counterattacked when necessary or when an opening appeared in the opponent's defense, a Djem So practitioner was not as passive. Immediately after defending against an opponent's strike, a Djem So stylist followed with an attack of their own, bringing the force of the opponent's blow against them and seeking to dominate the duel. Djem So placed a heavy focus on brute strength and pure power, with wide, powerful strikes and parries followed immediately by a counterattack.

Djem So Attack Stance by JMAS

Unlike Soresu or Ataru, Djem So required the user not only to counterattack but also to press the assault, combining Force-enhanced strength with powerful blade combinations to overpower and overwhelm an opponent's defenses. Djem So's sheer power, when combined with physical and Force-imbued strength, was capable of defeating a user of Makashi, a lightsaber form focused on dueling, finesse, and elegance when employed by a skilled practitioner.
The Djem So attack stance consisted of holding the lightsaber above the head, angled back and down at an approximately forty-five-degree angle. The characteristic Djem So the attack was dubbed the "Falling Avalanche," an overhand power blow that crashed down upon an opponent with exceptional force. Djem So users also employed a tactic known as the "Fluid Riposte," which involved a smooth transition from parrying an attack to a counterstrike. Whereas a failing of Shien was its weakness against a single opponent, Djem So was known for having a lack of mobility.

Applications

"You will doubtless encounter many situations with multiple assailants. To better protect yourself from blaster fire without compromising your offensive capabilities, use the Shien form." ―Kavar

Jedi of large stature often chose to use Form V, because it required less agility than other forms of lightsaber combat and made use of their natural strength and reach advantages. It was for this reason that the Sith Blademaster Kas'im advised the Sith apprentice Bane to learn Djem So. Bane's imposing size and strength served to complement the form; his power attacks were able to knock his opponents back just through sheer kinetic force, throwing them off balance and leaving them vulnerable to further brute-force strikes and powerful blows that sought not just to penetrate his opponents' defense, but also to push them back and leave them unable to counter blows. However, Anakin Skywalker later commented that all Jedi could enhance their strength with the Force and thus make use of Form V.
Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker initially employed Shien in his duel against the Sith Lord Dooku on the planet Geonosis, although he later employed Form IV while wielding two blades. Once Dooku managed to destroy one of the weapons, Skywalker was forced to revert to his Form V practices. While his skill enabled him to hold his own against Dooku, he was unable to overcome the Count's elegant Form II bladework and was defeated. The many engagements of the Clone Wars, against both mechanical opponents as well as lightsaber-wielding Dark Jedi, honed Skywalker's skills. During his final match against Dooku aboard the Separatist flagship Invisible Hand, Skywalker deceived the Sith with a Shien opening stance and Ataru acrobatics, but during the duel, he returned to his own preferred Djem So strokes. The Sith Lord was barely able to deflect the Jedi Knight's blows and was eventually scorched when his blade was forced back onto his shoulder. Using Form V, Skywalker pushed Dooku back with powerful blows, bolstered by the use of rage in the fight, until he eventually disarmed and killed the Sith.

A form divided into two separate disciplines and stances, Form V can be used for both pure defense against blasters, or against lightsaber-wielding opponents.
Knowledge Required to learn Shien Stance: DC 15 Prerequisites: 

1. Dexterity 11 or higher, 
2. Exotic Weapon Proficiency(lightsaber), 
3. Jedi level 4

Knowledge Required to learn Djem So Stance: DC 20 Prerequisites: 

1. Dexterity 11 or higher, 
2. Strength 11 or higher, 
3. Exotic Weapon Proficiency(lightsaber), 
4. Jedi level 7 or Weapon Focus(lightsaber)

Game Effects:  Shien Stance When engaged in melee combat with an opponent using a blaster weapon you may use the Shien stance. While using this Form, add +2 to attack rolls and +1 to damage rolls with a lightsaber when deflecting blaster bolts. When using the Shien Form the Jedi gains a +1 bonus to Deflect (defense). Additionally, the character may use Deflect (attack) on attack rolls that miss by 10 or less. You receive -2 to defense while using this form against foes with a lightsaber. You must use a full-round action in order to use the Shien Stance.
Djem So Stance When engaged in combat while in the Djem So stance, add a +2 to attack rolls and +1 to damage rolls when fighting another lightsaber opponent. Otherwise, add +1 to attack rolls. In addition to offense, using the Djem So stance gives a +1 bonus to defense against lightsaber-wielding opponents.