As a player, what is your preferred writing level?
•Several paragraphs
•Long stories with heavy collaboration
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you?
Very much so. I don’t care what preferred spelling you use (American or British English), but try to be consistent. Admittedly, it is something I have to check myself too – whether I wrote ‘honor’ or ‘honour’. My own preference veers toward BE, simply because this is the style I was taught and currently teach.
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring?
I enjoy adult themes, meaning scenarios revolving around conflicting interests, alliances of necessity, cloak-and-dagger, politics, intrigue, negotiations, power mechanics, etc. What’s a character’s motivation? What does he/she aspire to? Why? While the occasional action scene or gunfight is interesting, I find myself more engaged when delving deeper. For example, I would much rather such an action sequence was part of a grander story or scene, like an ongoing battle or jailbreak.
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague?
Uncollaborative writing partners – i.e. those that refuse to play ball or communicate when cooperating on a story.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character?
Do not hijack, ‘bunny’ or godmod my chars without asking. Some of you who know me will also know that I am alright with them being used when I intrinsically trust you with them, or give you permission to control them ICly. The golden rule is to check first.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character?
Like other GM characters, this one’s goal goes beyond writing a good story. That’s not to say I’m not looking for fun whilst writing him. I would like to see him as a plot tool, a quest-giver, an IC referee, etc. He is not so much a player in the game as he is part of that game. He has got quite some weight to throw around. I also invite people in need of a connection or story hook to keep him in mind. Other players may contact me about referencing him, or using him in one of their character’s backstories. I am more than willing to brainstorm and see if we can work something out.
•Several paragraphs
•Long stories with heavy collaboration
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you?
Very much so. I don’t care what preferred spelling you use (American or British English), but try to be consistent. Admittedly, it is something I have to check myself too – whether I wrote ‘honor’ or ‘honour’. My own preference veers toward BE, simply because this is the style I was taught and currently teach.
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring?
I enjoy adult themes, meaning scenarios revolving around conflicting interests, alliances of necessity, cloak-and-dagger, politics, intrigue, negotiations, power mechanics, etc. What’s a character’s motivation? What does he/she aspire to? Why? While the occasional action scene or gunfight is interesting, I find myself more engaged when delving deeper. For example, I would much rather such an action sequence was part of a grander story or scene, like an ongoing battle or jailbreak.
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague?
Uncollaborative writing partners – i.e. those that refuse to play ball or communicate when cooperating on a story.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character?
Do not hijack, ‘bunny’ or godmod my chars without asking. Some of you who know me will also know that I am alright with them being used when I intrinsically trust you with them, or give you permission to control them ICly. The golden rule is to check first.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character?
Like other GM characters, this one’s goal goes beyond writing a good story. That’s not to say I’m not looking for fun whilst writing him. I would like to see him as a plot tool, a quest-giver, an IC referee, etc. He is not so much a player in the game as he is part of that game. He has got quite some weight to throw around. I also invite people in need of a connection or story hook to keep him in mind. Other players may contact me about referencing him, or using him in one of their character’s backstories. I am more than willing to brainstorm and see if we can work something out.
Name: Blayse Corvinian
Species: Human (negligible Sith pureblood percentage)
Age: 53
Gender: Male
Military Branch: Imperial Navy
Rank: Grand Moff, High Admiral
Unit/designation: Grand Moff of the Oversector Southern
Role/specialisation: Military governor and regional commander
Current place of Service:
Supervises the Imperial Sectors around Sullust, Eriadu and Sluis Van (along the Rimma Trade Route and Hydian Way). Headquartered at Eriadu and aboard his flagship.
Known Skills and Trained Techniques:
Military Tactics (small to large units), strategic deployment and manoeuvres, leadership and command, logistics, working knowledge of economics, law and assorted ‘civilian’ fields, starship engineering knowledge, basic combat training, outdated hand-to-hand combat.
Known associates:
To be added as required for stories past and present.
Favoured Equipment and clothes:
Austere, military style of dress. While Corvinian is concerned about appearances, his uniform must first and foremost be functional not fashionable. As one befitting his rank and position, he is aware that the manner in which he presents himself also represents the Empire by extent.
Personality type:
A natural-born leader and experienced battlefield commander, Blayse is gifted with charisma and confidence, and projects authority in a way that draws crowds together behind a common goal. While certainly not numb to others, he is characterized by an often-ruthless level of rationality, using his drive, determination and sharp mind to achieve whatever end he has set for himself. Though crisp and correct in his comportment, Corvinian remains a little ‘rough around the edges’.
Known flaws:
• Indulgent gourmand: Blayse enjoys good food and drink, and has developed an expensive and eclectic taste over the years.
• Gruff diplomat: He is a rough but decently effective diplomat. At times, his demeanour has nevertheless led to others feeling insulted.
• Hard-headed: Harbours strong convictions regarding what is right and wrong. It is… difficult to sway his mind.
• There can be only one: His private and professional persona have somewhat merged. While this serves him well in his official capacity, it has rendered him a stern and seemingly detached but demanding parent.
• Utterly ruthless… sorta: Corvinian has shown that he is willing to do almost whatever it takes to attain a goal. He lacks the cruelty that serves/served others in the Sith Empire so well. Where does he exactly draw the line?
Species: Human (negligible Sith pureblood percentage)
Age: 53
Gender: Male
Military Branch: Imperial Navy
Rank: Grand Moff, High Admiral
Unit/designation: Grand Moff of the Oversector Southern
Role/specialisation: Military governor and regional commander
Current place of Service:
Supervises the Imperial Sectors around Sullust, Eriadu and Sluis Van (along the Rimma Trade Route and Hydian Way). Headquartered at Eriadu and aboard his flagship.
Known Skills and Trained Techniques:
Military Tactics (small to large units), strategic deployment and manoeuvres, leadership and command, logistics, working knowledge of economics, law and assorted ‘civilian’ fields, starship engineering knowledge, basic combat training, outdated hand-to-hand combat.
Known associates:
To be added as required for stories past and present.
Favoured Equipment and clothes:
Austere, military style of dress. While Corvinian is concerned about appearances, his uniform must first and foremost be functional not fashionable. As one befitting his rank and position, he is aware that the manner in which he presents himself also represents the Empire by extent.
Personality type:
A natural-born leader and experienced battlefield commander, Blayse is gifted with charisma and confidence, and projects authority in a way that draws crowds together behind a common goal. While certainly not numb to others, he is characterized by an often-ruthless level of rationality, using his drive, determination and sharp mind to achieve whatever end he has set for himself. Though crisp and correct in his comportment, Corvinian remains a little ‘rough around the edges’.
Known flaws:
• Indulgent gourmand: Blayse enjoys good food and drink, and has developed an expensive and eclectic taste over the years.
• Gruff diplomat: He is a rough but decently effective diplomat. At times, his demeanour has nevertheless led to others feeling insulted.
• Hard-headed: Harbours strong convictions regarding what is right and wrong. It is… difficult to sway his mind.
• There can be only one: His private and professional persona have somewhat merged. While this serves him well in his official capacity, it has rendered him a stern and seemingly detached but demanding parent.
• Utterly ruthless… sorta: Corvinian has shown that he is willing to do almost whatever it takes to attain a goal. He lacks the cruelty that serves/served others in the Sith Empire so well. Where does he exactly draw the line?
Detailed appearance. Imagery insufficient.
A distinguished man who carries himself with authority and a cultivated form. Not the tallest of men, his crisp mien and air of dignity nevertheless allows him fill the room and figuratively tower of others. Though his rank allows him some liberty in appearance, Corvinian does not veer overly far from military regulations. Black of hair and of middle-age, he keeps his lined face clean-shaven, save for his thick moustache.
Report on skills and talents, including level of skill
• Eye for Talent: he is perceptive, spotting talent where others see only eccentricity or incompetence.
• Understands logistics: he is well aware of the importance of properly-structured supply chains.
• Top Brass Naval Officer: having climbed the hierarchy through competence, Corvinian has experience as an officer in almost every echelon. Therefore, he has intricate knowledge of how the navy functions on each level, and how best to order and harmonise those levels of command.
• More to be specified as needed.
Report on known combat experience, training and weapons training.
While the Grand Moff’s fighting days are (presumably) done, Corvinian has had extensive combat training as a cadet. Furthermore, he has racked up an impressive amount of battlefield experience during the war. As his position carried him further and further away from the fore, Blayse concentrated on those skills that helped him as a commander and admiral. While he still takes care of his physical condition, trips to the shooting range have become rare, whereas combat training and small unit manoeuvres are simply no longer in his mission packet.
Report on role, specialisation and responsibilities pertaining to the subject’s military deployment.
Grand Moffs are governors of Oversectors, which are grouped star systems and sectors that demonstrate signs of unrest. Grand Moffs have a large amount of liberty to subdue insurrectionist regions, and as such have the authority to deploy and command Imperial Military resources, and are allowed to override any Moff or planetary governor. As Grand Moff of Oversector Southern, Corvinian is charged with overall supervision of the region, and is responsible for its defence and stability.
Detailed notes on political influence and associates.
TBA through RP.
Detailed notes on known rivals and enemies, outside and within the Empire.
TBA through RP.
List and description of other known associates, including subordinates.
TBA through RP.
Working on a CS for his son.
List of known all ownerships, including vessels, non-standard equipment, slaves and locations.
• The Ascendant a Harrower-class Dreadnought, serves as his flagship and mobile headquarters.
Psychological evaluation of candidate.
“By gunpoint, we have taken centre stage in the Galaxy. Now, we must change. We need to reinvent ourselves, and revolutionise or it will be done for us. And then others will be holding the gun.”
Over the years, Corvinian developed a philosophy of his own, which the stricter adherents to the Empire’s tenets might consider as anathema. Particularly the war years prompted him to review what he had been taught and what he saw and experienced. Over the course of the conflict, loyalty stopped meaning blind obedience. For a time, Corvinian vacillated over what it meant to be an Imperial citizen.
While for him it held true that The Republic's democratic style of government created a bogged down system where everyone had a voice but nothing was accomplished, the Sith Empire itself was far from a perfect state. The Empire’s social hierarchy, for instance, while providing order, was no longer exempt from his scrutiny. Corvinian has come to believe that without some sort of transformation, and a continuing lack of representation of local elites, the Empire will suffer from a disastrous overstretch sooner rather than later.
Vitiate’s Empire has not been purely built on loyalty or good leadership, it has been built on the numerous feuds and rivalries among the political (and Sith) elite. This internal dissent is something Corvinian likens to chaos.
Speciesism and prejudice towards those not living in the ‘heartlands’ were some of the sore spots a maturing Corvinian encountered. This was not to say he became a dissident, certainly not as a member of the military (which would have meant summary execution). Rather, Corvinian added nuance to the old truths without lapsing into doubt and indecision. Unlike those Sith obsessing over the purity of their bloodlines, Corvinian started looking beyond matters of race and origin. Where Sith might speak of subjects, he would speak of citizens. He did not believe one could be born into superiority, nor that the term ‘Imperial’ only applied to a few.
This sense of fairness and equality made him sound weak to those who think stringent adherence to rules being the way to garner and keep strength. To claim Corvinian became a total egalitarian or advocate of social justice was to go too far. Instead, he advocated inclusion, also within the military, but not at the cost of lowering standards and expectations. The Empire demanded the very best of its citizens, and so did Corvinian of his subordinates. To Corvinian, the exclusion of entire civilisations, cultures and species seemed a waste, making the Empire miss out on something that could have been one of its core strengths.
Certainly, now it is no longer contained to Dromund Kaas and its immediate neighbours, the Empire could do with some enrichment or risk having to fold back onto itself. Open up the ranks, says Corvinian, and offer locals a chance to partake in Imperial affairs. The Empire’s hierarchy gives Imperials pride, place and purpose. Nevertheless, it has grown outdated for many have no place in Imperial society, and it is this lack of place Corvinian agonises over. Without place, no pride, no purpose.
On the topic of the force and Sith, Corvinian has been known to say he puts more stock in a bad soldier than a good force-wielder; military pragmatism according to some, rancid heresy to others. The capture of the Dread Masters in 3668 BBY, for instance, showed him the risk of relying upon the Force when it comes to military strategy. Corvinian’s doctrine instead adopted a “wither-on-the-vine” approach. It is not based on absorbing and dishing out heavy shocks like most Imperials espouse. Rather, as a commander Corvinian prefers bypassing enemy strong points and launching deep into their rear, cutting supply lines and logistics, destroying headquarters and support units, leaving enemies to choke. On a grand scale, this principle had been put into practice during the blockade of the Rimma Trade Route (3681 BBY).
His skills as a commander and administrator, and impressive track record during the Great Galactic War have largely protected him from being removed from office and stripped of rank. While his views have become known within the Empire, definitely among his immediate staff and relations, Corvinian has been smart and subtle about articulating them. The subjects are thorny ones as they touch upon the axiomatic fabric of the Empire. Thus Corvinian, sensitive about what circle he finds himself in, is careful to bring it up. Not only was this self-preservatory, it also means he is an acceptable voice of concern. For now... As yet, it has not interfered with his faithfulness to Empire and Emperor. After all, the Republic’s democratic model is a quagmire, and no valid alternative for the stability displayed by the Empire’s order.
List and description of known and suspected flaws. To be put into restricted database.
• High Target: When Moffs and Sith quibble and quarrel among themselves, they are not plotting against the throne, and keep each other in line: when one becomes too powerful, he is brought down by his peers.
• Political nonconformity: With his rise to Grand Moff and his vocal criticism on how the Empire functions, Corvinian is starting to draw lines in the sand. Being known as ‘pro-reform’ can be dangerous in the Empire.
• Dislikes the Force and Sith: In an Empire ruled by Dark Side force users, this is an unpopular stance.
All known interests of the candidate.
• Keeping those sectors geographically severed from the "Imperial heartland" safe. He wishes to take care of the men and women in his charge. In essence, he has equated standing guard over those regions and people entrusted to him as the best way to serve the Empire.
• Finding a way to strengthen the position of non-force users in the Empire. This would be a great cause of concern if he were to ever bring this into the public sphere.
Major achievements and failures on record.
See Biography.
Personal biography, as detailed by the subject for use in imperial archives. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.
Born on Dromund Kaas in 3693 BBY (40 BTC), Blayse Corvinian was only twelve at the time of the Sith Empire’s surprise attack. Even prior to his own enrolment within the fleet, Blayse travelled more than the average Imperial. His mother, Celessa, was a mid-tier acquisitions officer working within the sphere of expansion and diplomacy, while his father, Qardin, operated as an overseer of the Empire’s trade routes. Their marriage was one of convenience and opportunity as much as it was one of love and affection. During his early childhood, Blayse travelled the width and breadth of the Sith Worlds, moving about extensively along the Nache Bhelfia and Kamat Krote hyperlane routes. When the Emperor finally let slip the dogs of war, the Corvinian household only saw an increase in their workload.
Taken by surprise, the Republic suffered massive defeats in the early years of the war, and the first decade was characterised by Imperial victories. The destruction of the Sluis Van Shipyards was particularly impressive. Many worlds were taken through subterfuge and diplomatic winkling, others through force. Though what became known as the Sith Onslaught (3681 – 3671 BBY) was in full swing, the Empire would be quite literally shaken to its core. The Battle over Korriban (3678 BBY) shocked the Empire. A small fleet of Republic warships had managed to, through the exploitation of military strategic intelligence and lightning fast manoeuvres, strike directly at the Empire’s holiest and historically most important world. Twelve warships had managed to punch through and slip past the protective ion minefield. Vicious dogfighting ensued both within and without Korriban’s atmosphere. Though the Republic’s forces were eventually overwhelmed, three transports successfully made planetfall, putting Republic boots on Korriban’s rust-coloured ground.
As a non-force sensitive, Blayse’s education had progressed along the Imperial standard. Whilst Blayse’s own interests veered towards the political sphere (particularly the linguistic branch of the diplomatic corps), a naval career was deemed to be more respectable. To some extent it was the projection of a father’s dreams onto his son. Qardin having been in the running for enlistment in the Imperial Navy, but being drafted into the economical division instead. After the Battle over Korriban, Blayse’s ambitions shifted. As mid-tier officials, they were able to monitor their son’s registry at the Kaas City Naval Academy in 3683 BBY. By that time the Sith Empire would soon go to war with the Republic.
Due to the growing demands of ever-escalating conflict, the ever-expanding Imperial Armada and mounting casualties, cadets entered active service during their last year of training as midshipmen. Fresh on the heels of the reconquest of Korriban, this was 3681 BBY for Cadet Blayse Corvinian. His first assignment was aboard the Sable Dirge, a Gage-class transport deployed in the heavily-contested Minos Cluster. The Republic’s loss of Bomodon eventually led to the Empire's seizure of the Seswenna sector, and its third and most significant attempt at penetrating the Mid Rim in the First Battle of Bothawui, both in 3671 BBY. With Imperial confidence shaken for the first time since the start of the war (after a strike at Korriban itself in 3678 BBY), Blayse doubled his efforts to excel. During these last years of the Sith Onslaught he was confirmed as an ensign on the Dirge and later promoted to lieutenant, serving as executive officer or X.O., the second in command. It was in this last capacity that he participated in Moff Zellos’ calamitous assault on Bothawui.
He did not end up taking command of the Sable Dirge, but was instead given captaincy of the Firebrand, an S-class Cruiser. Captain Corvinian executed patrol and escort duties in the Minos Cluster until the disastrous Battle of Alderaan (3667 BBY). Already hard-pressed by the Balmorran quagmire and the protracted campaign in the Minos Cluster, Imperial strategy was re-evaluated. With the defeat at Alderaan and its advance toward the Core seemingly stalled, the Empire began working on a new doctrine to employ. This saw a series of redeployments and troop transfers as Sith Lords, Marshals and Admirals shifted armies and fleets around. Blayse saw himself posted and reposted during this time of restructuring. He was a member of an admiral’s staff for a time, posted to an academy for a few months because the cadets would benefit from his combat experience, served as an intelligence and analysis officer for a time only to be detached and placed in charge of a starfighter squadron aboard a Harrower-class Dreadnought. Blayse served in a wide array of capacities, until the rapid assembly of a strike force meant to deal with the Republic fleet of prototypes over Hoth. Finally, a ship was found.
Though new to the command of the Terminus-class Destroyer the Curtana , Corvinian and his crew performed admirably at the Battle of Hoth (3665 BBY) under Admiral Layek Davos. Sixteen years into the war, it was one of the costliest engagements yet. Whilst the space battle was an Imperial victory, it came at great price. The loss of hundreds of ships by either side have turned vast swathes of Hoth into a graveyard. Admiral Davos himself was also shot down but managed to survive. However, high-ranking Moffs were most distressed by the loss of the Ambria’s Fury, the contents of which were unknown to the rest of the Imperial Military. It has been suggested a sith holocron and valuable power cores were the objects that so troubled the Moffs. Though many officers went on to be promoted after curtailing the Republic fleet and secret weapon’s project, Admiral Davos was not among them. Instead, Layek Davos was put in charge of the reclamation effort to undo his failures.
The years between 3665 BBY and 3660 BBY saw Corvinian serve as Commodore of a rapid response squadron. That command was expanded into a small battlegroup prior to the Rim Campaign of 3661 BBY, when Corvinian’s promotion to Admiral was pending. Much of the fighting took place throughout the Seat of Empire, with vicious clashes over Korriban, Ziost and other Sith Worlds, as well as Serenno. After the successful close of the Rim Campaign, he was elevated to full admiralship and returned to the familiar haunts of the Minos Cluster at the helm of the Ascendant, a massive Harrower-class Dreadnought.
3653 BBY started badly for the Sith Empire, with the defeat at Rhen Var and the loss of two fleets (the Imperial Third and Seventh Fleet) at the hands of Zale Barrows. At Druckenwell, under Moff Bryosc, victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat. Bryosc had led an early incursion towards the Core back in 3680 BBY which had ended in failure above Talay, rendering the Imperial victory over Druckenwell all the more surprising.
Not present at the Sacking of Coruscant himself, Admiral Corvinian witnessed the rise of a certain Rycus Kilran to the title of Grand Moff. A title which was well within range of Corvinian’s own ambitions, and one (so he felt) he was entitled to. Whilst he admired Kilran’s abilities as a leader and strategist, Corvinian thought his methods to be too brutal. He thought Kilran’s moniker as ‘Butcher of Coruscant’ well-deserved… but undesirable.
After the end of the Great Galactic War, and the cease of open hostilities, Corvinian’s assignment turned from combat to peacekeeping. Placed in charge of a sector saw his elevation to the rank of High Admiral, with the addition of Moff shortly after. When in 3650 BBY other sectors were included under his auspices he was made a Grand Moff, answerable directly to the Minister of War.
• 3699 BBY: born
• 3683 – 3681 BBY: Cadet at the Kaas City Naval Academy, later aboard the Sable Dirge, a Gage-class transport active in the Minos Cluster Campaign. Met his wife.
• 3681 – 3679 BBY: Ensign and later Lieutenant aboard the Sable Dirge. Birth of his eldest son.
• 3678 – 3671 BBY: Deployed in the Minos Cluster and Seswenna Sector.
• 3671 – 3667 BBY: Saw action as executive officer at the Battles of Bothawui. Captain of the Firebrand, an S-class Cruiser, following the Second Battle of Bothawui. Tasked with patrol and escort duties in the Minos Cluster.
• 3667 BBY – 3665 BBY: Executed a variety of duties, ranging from being a member of staff, training and intelligence officer to a short-stint as starfighter squadron commander until someone else could be found.
• 3665 BBY: Captain of the Terminus-class Destroyer the Curtana. Fought under Admiral Layek Davos at the Battle of Hoth, a pyrrhic victory for the Empire.
• 3665 BBY – 3660 BBY: Served as a Commodore in command of a squadron and later a flotilla in the Minos Cluster and Rim Campaign. In 3661 BBY Corvinian served as Commodore in the function of a Rear Admiral.
• 3660 BBY: promoted to full Admiral following the successful close of the Rim Campaign on Ord Radama. Acquires his flagship, the Ascendant a Harrower-class Dreadnought.
• 3653 BBY – 3651 BBY: Peacekeeping as High Admiral and later Moff.
• 3650 BBY: Elevation to Grand Moff of Oversector Southern.
• 3650 – 3647 BBY: Grand Moff of Oversector Southern.
• 3683 – 3681 BBY: Cadet at the Kaas City Naval Academy, later aboard the Sable Dirge, a Gage-class transport active in the Minos Cluster Campaign. Met his wife.
• 3681 – 3679 BBY: Ensign and later Lieutenant aboard the Sable Dirge. Birth of his eldest son.
• 3678 – 3671 BBY: Deployed in the Minos Cluster and Seswenna Sector.
• 3671 – 3667 BBY: Saw action as executive officer at the Battles of Bothawui. Captain of the Firebrand, an S-class Cruiser, following the Second Battle of Bothawui. Tasked with patrol and escort duties in the Minos Cluster.
• 3667 BBY – 3665 BBY: Executed a variety of duties, ranging from being a member of staff, training and intelligence officer to a short-stint as starfighter squadron commander until someone else could be found.
• 3665 BBY: Captain of the Terminus-class Destroyer the Curtana. Fought under Admiral Layek Davos at the Battle of Hoth, a pyrrhic victory for the Empire.
• 3665 BBY – 3660 BBY: Served as a Commodore in command of a squadron and later a flotilla in the Minos Cluster and Rim Campaign. In 3661 BBY Corvinian served as Commodore in the function of a Rear Admiral.
• 3660 BBY: promoted to full Admiral following the successful close of the Rim Campaign on Ord Radama. Acquires his flagship, the Ascendant a Harrower-class Dreadnought.
• 3653 BBY – 3651 BBY: Peacekeeping as High Admiral and later Moff.
• 3650 BBY: Elevation to Grand Moff of Oversector Southern.
• 3650 – 3647 BBY: Grand Moff of Oversector Southern.