Alfhedil

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Sir Lurksalot As mentioned the only things I noted as off were the occasional missing words here and there, so you're good to go man.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

I haven’t RP’d in 2 years but find myself with some upcoming extra free time and a craving for something Star Wars-ey.

Also my old old old old friend @Sep is in this.

So I might try to get in on this, tho the discord link is expired.

@Heat

Heyhey, still room for more by all means. Don't mind the ever so slight lull, we've got some good shit brewing and I'm sure once the holidays are cleared we're going to be back and in the swing of it. Also yeah, discord has been really weird about the invite link for a bit, but now I've updated the OP with a permanent invite link. At least until discord decides otherwise again.

The Discord

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Theyra After having another read through I don't see anything outright objectionable about Kzaye, so I'll be approving them.

Now, as per usual I'll take a moment for more generalized announcements regarding the RP as a whole. Firstly in that while we are still very much open to new characters both by first time applicants and current players, I would ask that anyone going further look to make either a Corellian, an Argent, or an Alsakani character. We've got a fair few Imperials, which is a good thing, and a fair number of independents, so I want to be sure that there's not just an even spread across the group in terms of alignments and motivations for a more diverse cast, but also have people with very different interests that would help make future plot-lines more interesting.

Also, I've decided to nominate @Quest Abandoner as our second Co-GM. From experience I consider them to be pretty fair regarding working with players and their concepts no matter how unhinged, and that's one of my primary criteria when it comes to selecting those to GM the RP alongside me.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

Imperial Security Bureau Dark Space Listening Post 4546-Osk // Imperial Dark Space

The dark of space quietly spun around the matte-black painted Golan-II, flecks of white across the hull to give the visual impression of an uninterrupted star field, and a single Imperator sat docked with the same stealth paint. Only the faint red lights in simple patterns even indicated the warship and station were there, and only for the approach of a Lambda class shuttle slowly drifting towards the open hangar. Dassan Sevo, Sector Chief for Eastern Six, watched the approach patiently as he went over the classified mission 4546-Osk was undertaking. There was an attitude among the lower ranks of the ISB that surveillance was a "lesser" task, busywork or punishment for something or another, but Dassan felt otherwise and impressed upon those under his command the importance of such tasks. It was a watchful and knowing Empire that was able to most effectively react to a hostile galaxy, and he believed fully in the importance of knowing who was doing what at all times. Even if some may be rather displeased with such observations.

That was what brought him to 4546-Osk, as well as checking in on the refitments for Galatea under the new stealth programs. With a subtle thud and hiss of landing gears, he was moving down the loading ramp with the white cape billowing behind him. All before him a series of officers stood flanking the ramp dressed the same as him, in the white uniform of the Imperial Security Bureau and awaiting orders. He simply gave a nod to the officers and they dispersed to return to their tasks at hand, leaving only one to escort him to the command center. "Sector Chief Sevo." The man said, his uniform denoting him as an Officer Darucal Piege. "We have Commander Iless Omsat in the command center with the report on her vessel's refitment status, and I've instructed our sensor technicians to collate their reports for more efficient review." Excellence in efficiency, Officer Piege had taken to heart his ethos on making sure that even the smallest task was done as if the Empire itself depended upon its success. Which, in his mind it did. The smallest most benign tasks, if left unattended could see the unraveling of order and peace within the Empire, and the galaxy to follow. He accepted the first binder and began to work his way through the first few pages, mostly just a review of the station's region of surveillance. "The Mandalorians have been busy it seems." He noted the shifting of the Banners to take over most security roles within GRM space, Keldau the majority with their rather impressive fleets, but a few smaller clans over more than just their holdings.

"This data on the Mandalorian patrol fleets accurate?" Piege took hold of the binder when offered, going over the information quickly and noting the stamps. "As of a day ago, sir." A full day had passed since those readings, which could in any other circumstance put a war fleet on the other side of the galaxy. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the rather distinct lapse, but did not fault the technicians or officer Piege for providing him the information. "Have the sensor tech observing sector forty-three recalibrate the hyperspace sensors and give me a new reading." An affirmative had the officer moving ahead to relay the orders, and within a few moments both were in the command center where a bustle of activity greeted him. "Sector Chief on station." The command came out and everyone took a moment to offer a brief salute to him, then knowing how he did business, immediately returned to their duties. Dassan was not the kind of man to have his people stand needlessly on ceremony, especially when there was work to be done.

Which on that point, he was presented with a Mossak Sek, the technician watching over much of Mandalorian space and with the most experience in their movements. "Report Officer Sek." The man took a moment to ensure all of the information they had was up on the holotable between them, motioning towards a series of fleets. "Here are Banners Koteyc Yaim'ol, Keldau. Akaa'nar, Rengh. Aden'laka, Nera. And finally Cetar'narir, Syrhangh." Keldau was the largest, almost rivaling independent nations with the size of their fleet and the quality of their marine forces. Most notable was the presence of their Assertor and twin Bellators in the orbit of Mandalore and multiple capitals separating the CIS representatives from the rest of the visiting fleets. There were a few other large formations around each of the major worlds in Mandalorian space, but he was most curious about their actual military forces.

"This is my concern, Sector Chief." Mossak drew up their readings of the Mandalorian Navy and their movements over the last twelve hours. For a moment he studied the information, as usual giving no indication on his thoughts, but finally he connected the points. "They have a dozen fleets that haven't moved." The technician nodded, drawing up a series of recorded fleet movements that 4546-Osk had observed before. "As you see here, this is the usual rotation we've observed. Fleets eight through seventeen tend to rotate through the outer cordon, while the first through seven the interior. In previous Founding celebrations the Banners did assist in security, but the majority of the Mandalorian Navy still patrolled the borders. From what we've observed, there has been no movement since early this morning when most of them came to simultaneous mooring."

Dassan considered the possibilities before him, neither too appealing. There was the idea that the Mandalorians had in actuality brought their fleets to a halt, to indulge in the Founding's celebrations. This led him to believe in the readiness of their military to be significantly more lax than assumed, and thus doubting the idea of their Republic being capable of enforcing their protections across the galaxy. And if the Empire was observing their movements, then it also meant others such as Corellia were doing the same and would make the same assumptions. But Dassan disliked assumptions and preferred fact and logic, something he impressed upon those under his command. "Is there a possibility that our instruments are either being jammed in some way, or that the Mandalorians have found a way to misdirect them?" It was a curious question that had Mossak turning from him for a moment to consult a few panels opposite and going over some data. "I can have the engineering department boost power to the sensors for a moment to get real time hyperspace readings, but we would briefly be illuminated for anyone watching."

A curious conundrum. More reliable and actionable information, but the recon station would be vulnerable to observation itself, a dangerous possibility for what was supposed to be a covert station. In the end, he gave the nod and within a moment there was a surge in power and the active display in the center of the command center flickered and adjusted. And there he saw the truth of the matter as each of the Mandalorian fleets disappeared from where they had been stationary until the only fleets active and observed were the Banner fleets. Something was happening, the Mandalorian military was on the move and in force not seen since their founding. He was quick to order the disconnect, and the techs around the room swiftly enacted countermeasures to keep the station from being discovered after executing the equivalent of shooting a flare off in a dark room.

"Officer Piege" His command was sharp and quick, the officer standing at attention with Iless Omsat behind him and offering a curt nod. "Send a short burst to the Ascendancy class warship Endurance, they are being reassigned. They are to immediately suspend all operations and proceed at flank speed to this station. Commander Omsat, put the Galatea on war footing and I need a private console to send a short burst to Ord Mantell and to the Empress on Mandalore." His sense of urgency was palpable, not once did he raise his voice but the importance of his commands were clear. Immediately the station went on alert and personnel hustled to get their tasks done. Dassan stared at the table before him, feeling a grim sense of foreboding settling over him…

---

Cin Vhetinla'braar // The Hall of Kings // Mandalore - Afternoon

The question lingered in her mind, wondering about how to answer it as well as how it was quite the easy deflection from the conversation prior. Of course the Empress would not want too much prying into the New Imperial program, as someone like her tended to make a living off discerning secrets and leveraging them against allies and enemies alike. Despite their friendly disposition at the moment, anything could shift that within the coming hours, days or years. So she took the opportunity and inclined her head ever so slightly in respect and considered the question. "Being Mandalorian is a complicated matter, Elara." She began, a chuckle up ahead from their Deathwatch escort. "Those formerly known as the New Mandalorians had some quite controversial opinions on that, and were very much opposed to more traditional elements. Yet opposite them are those like Cedthos, a man belonging to the Children of the Watch, and other more isolationist sects." Now the man turned to regard them, giving a slight bow of respect to the Empress as he took the opportunity to explain that one.

"My clan is one of very few who adhere to some of the more religious aspects of our Taung traditions, the Resol'nare is absolute in our minds above even the strict adherence to never removing our helmets except in the presence of family, and the respect of the Fallen Kings." That drew a curious look from the Empress between Solace and Cedthos, wondering for a moment on that and realizing that the Mandalorians were a lot less unified than first thought. "Ultimately," The Arkanian continued, gesturing to a mural of Mand'alor the Uniter. "There is only the Resol'nare that determines who is Mandalorian and who is not. Firstly is that we speak Mando'a and swear to teach our children to be Mandalorian. As it is the spoken and written language in our Republic, this is something that all of our people adhere to without effort. Those who join into our clans can have trouble with it though, but it becomes easier with each passing year as Mando'a becomes second to Basic in many systems."

"Then there is the wearing of the armor, but that one becomes quite open to interpretation with the inclusion of not only the New Mandalorians but also the Jedi." The Empress paused a moment as they lingered before an icon of Mand'alor the Vindicated, one of the former Mand'alors notable for representing that even the Mand'alor was to be held accountable. He had killed the prior holder of the title for failing to uphold his word, and then took over command to rally his people. She scowled as she read further, but kept her opinions to herself as her Arkanian guide continued. "The armor is a choice, but we all keep beskar on us. For me, that is a medallion I keep along with my family's traditional one." She tugged on the delicate threads running down her neckline, pulling up a pair of medallions one silver and made of songsteel, the other a bronzey steel depicting the mythosaur skull with the traditional Jedi stars and wings behind it. "Beskar, more than the armor itself, represents what it is to be Mandalorian above all else. Like our people it will take countless strikes, endure the most intense heat and still remain intact. It is the indomitable spirit of the Mandalorian people made manifest." Once more they started walking through the halls as Vaem San received a communication and had to lag behind. "And as I understand it, another of your tenets is defending oneself and your family? Which the Iron Truce complicates a fair bit I imagine, especially considering the number of incursions the CIS has made on clan holdings, and the attacks on Banners as they return to Mandalorian space. I would imagine any one of these would have merited some kind of reprisal, but from what I understand the most the Paladin has given to the CIS is a very stern warning, which you'll forgive me if I say that feels a bit trite when compared to Mandalorian lives lost in these attacks."

Silence followed the bold remarks, only broken up by their footsteps through the hall on approach to the doors just ahead. Solace considered them carefully, thinking through the incidents in particular and what she was and was not permitted to speak on, and finally coming to a decision as they reached the entrance to the great hall. The doors opened to give way to a large communal space already set with numerous long tables and staff bustling about to work through who was seated where and why. With so many affluent and influential people attending this particular feast, it was important not to slight anyone, but to also ensure those of importance were appropriately seated. There up on a slightly raised platform was another table where she knew the Empress would be and Jaessih as well when the time came, but that was still a few hours away and for now… "If you'll excuse me your grace, this is where we must part ways for now. There is still much to do and Secretary Jaessih has requested my presence to make a few finalizations. However, to answer your question… Understand that every enemy of Mandalore has fallen one way or another, and that we do not forgive, nor do we forget."

A slight bow, and she departed with her Deathwatch escort, disappearing into the bustle of attendants getting the space ready for the evening's festivities. Elara scowled as she turned, reading over the messages that Vaem san Skaer had received on her behalf. "Your grace, I feel as though we have stumbled into the Krayt's den…" The Empress nodded slowly, considering that something was happening behind the scenes, and there was a rather uncomfortable lack of information as to what. "And the beast is stirring."

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Quest Abandoner Ellia looks good as posted, go ahead and post her over to the characters tab.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Chev I don't see anything wrong with Vorax as posted, so you're good to post him over and get to posting.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

The Citadel // Upper Residential // Mandalore - Noon

It was just a short speeder ride out of Keldabe and away from the tension of that early morning conference, but it was one that the Arkanian found herself taking full advantage of to sort her thoughts and look towards the evening party. Well, it would have been a party under any other circumstances, in any other nation in this galaxy. She was quite certain the Corellians would see it as just that, for they had a habit of taking even the slightest excuse to hold a gala, but for her and the Mandalorians and other dignitaries attending… It was an equal part celebration of the founding, and business. The Empire was her biggest concern, what with that outburst between the Mand'alor and the Empress cutting things rather short and giving everyone an excuse to be somewhere else. Solace quietly ran a finger against the nail of her thumb back and forth, a subtle tic that she did when deep in thought and feeling a fair bit of concern. She was working out how best to defuse things between the two biggest military powers in the galaxy, to try and keep them on friendly terms without compromising the pride of either. Going over the docket for the party, that seemed to be a bit of a taller order than first thought. There were of course the three guardians who attended the Empress in the morning conference, but also an additional few guardians and a freshly promoted Vice Admiral. Supposedly that admiral had been appointed this duty as a punishment, but that was rumor from her few imperial contacts and nothing could be substantiated. Her eyes settled on one name in particular though, and it was hard to hide her disgust at such a person.

Sanri Alda, one of many Arkanians who had fled with the outbreak of the Second Arkanian Revolution, and just like many of the purebloods, a rather skilled geneticist. Director of the New Imperials project and affiliated with numerous organizations within the Empire, notably the Ministry of Imperial Truth. That had some interesting implications associated with it, and none of them palatable for a woman who distanced herself from her heritage as much as she did. Yet, she would withhold her judgment until actually meeting the woman, but it was still a concern of hers. There was a troubled history between herself, her sister and her family back home, one particularly tied to many of the issues of the revolutionaries and the Arkanian people. She could feel a tug of her attention at that thought, drawing her from her introspection just as the speeder landed in one of the upper ports in the Citadel. It was her sister sensing her discomfort and apprehension, giving a gentle nudge at her through their force bond. <I'm sorry Sena, I wasn't as composed as normal and let it affect you.> Through their bond they had an innate telepathic link that let her 'talk' to her sister even as she took the winding path through the reoriented hallways of the Mandator Dreadnought turned Jedi Temple.

In those early days it had been a lot more haphazard and difficult to maneuver, but after twenty years it was less and less starship and more proper building as it fused into the cliff-face that supported it. At the very least there were fewer long drops from the formerly extension main halls that had gone from bow to aft. The two of them chatted a little back and forth as she made her way to her own quarters, a rather modest suite in the upper floors that had a view of Keldabe in the distance and all the accommodations necessary for a diplomat of her standing. Her sister had been feeling a little lonely today since she was back in the tank for the next week or so, her condition flaring up once more and making it difficult to be active. That was an issue she had been working on in her free time, glancing over to a workstation with a series of ongoing simulations working through a dozen genetic corrections. Her sister had initially been rather active like herself, but in the last ten years her health had deteriorated severely, apparently this being one of many issues with the offshoots. She would go visit on her way out of the Citadel, it wasn't too far down the hallway as accommodations had been arranged for the sisters to be near each other.

For now she busied herself with the offhand talk of their days, her sister being far more interested in the 'mysteries of the force' and the related so she didn't really follow too closely as discussion of her studies came up. It was much the same as she talked of the political machinations of the assorted people attempting to sway the Mandalorian government one way or another. At least her sister knew how much she disliked the Corellians and shared the sentiment of not looking forward to yet another long talk with that boorish envoy of House Erelen. Not even the duke himself, but a member of a cadet branch. At a certain point she was entirely unsure if it was a slight towards the Mandalorians that the duke sent a minor noble of his house instead of attending personally, or if this was some kind of power play by the man. With how strong he had been attempting to ply her, there was merit to the latter and to making sure she had her ring on. Though the Corellians had been a little less forward after Sair Halcyon's youngest son made that mistake and realized the consequences of such actions.

As her thoughts spun towards the evening's festivities and that second conference she made sure to dress the part of a woman of her status. Long flowing blue dress with small flecks of Arkanian diamonds to give it enough of a sparkle, she went with a choice design that had a back to it in order to hide the small scar there. The Mandalorians saw it as a badge of honor, as did much of the Enclaves, but she felt it better to avoid it drawing attention and having to tell of that day instead of talking business. Then to keep it rather simple, just a pair of jeweled earrings that fit snugly over the points of her ears and hooked in, just enough ornamentation to look nice but not Corellian. Now that she was prepared and bracing herself for the onslaught, she had but one last thing to look towards.

Just a few moments later and she was in her sister's room, the bright colors and plentiful decorations seeming more like a child's room than one of the more prominent consulars of the Enclaves. A scattering of lightsabers lay across a table, the ones she tended to keep on her for that rare occasion when someone felt like sparring with her. Holocrons were in varied states of viewing, one of them still on as if left in the middle of activity, but as she looked towards the bacta tank in the corner of the room, that was most likely. Mirasena floated there in the solution, a visor across her face that was specially built for submerged use, her normal blindfold laying on the end table next to the tank. Her Miralukan genetics cursed her with a lack of eyes, so she adopted that tradition from them, but still as Solace entered the room she slowly followed her path as if able to see her anyways. A hand placed against the glass from one side, met with another on the other side. It always hurt to see her sister like this, trapped by her own unraveling genetics and unable to use her own abilities to free herself from that curse. But their connection was stronger than ever, and just being there with her allowed her to find her resolve once more and commit to what needed to be done.

---

Cin Vhetinla'braar // The Hall of Kings // Mandalore - Afternoon

The three women walked slowly along the hall, the one leading offering an explanation of the figures depicted in the murals to the one at her side with enough detail to give an understanding but not so much as to dominate the conversation. Though considering it was most of the reason for her visit… Elara Renkar did not mind an extended history lesson from her Arkanian guide. "And here is Cin Drallig, who in his defense of the Jedi Temple secured the evacuation of some four hundred younglings who went on to become members of the Alsakani Judicials, the Enclaves and even your Shadow Council. For his defiance in the face of overwhelming odds alone, the Mandalorian Elders decreed him worthy, but it was his leadership of the remaining Temple Guard and the footage of him deflecting turbolaser bolts that made the nomination of a Fallen King ironclad."

Behind them only one of the Empress' guard was with them, the Kaleesh Walks-Like-Thunder maintaining a respectable distance to allow them to converse more privately. And ahead was Cedthos, a particularly large but awkward Deathwatch operative. The only other one accompanying them in the hall was the third woman, a rather slight Arkanian that seemed to cower at every glance from her counterpart, and more fearful of her own shadow than any real threat. That was the one person that Solace found more distasteful than any Corellian, and it was almost palpable the tension restrained beneath the surface. But she was a skilled diplomat, and she kept it hidden, even allowed the conversation to drift towards a topic she would have rather avoided.

"So, Elara." The two of them were familiar enough over the last few hours and their previous correspondences that she didn't even attempt with referring to the Empress as her grace. "I understand that one of your New Imperials won the Keldabe River-Run, and by a fair bit as well." It had been a rather surprising upset, but to the keener eyes that Imperial pilot had been nipping at the heels of her Mandalorian opponent the entire race through sheer natural talent. Where the race turned in her favor ended up being a rather harsh turn that forced pilots to slow down to a near crawl or find themselves either splashed against the canyon walls or turned to soup in their cockpit. Somehow that kid had actually slammed into higher gear and hung a high-g maneuver that left the crowds stunned as she left a scorch mark across the hewn stone and screamed across the finish line with time to spare.

"Ah yes, that one." The Empress returned, a slight hint of amusement there as she recalled the moment of victory and surprise as a mere girl of 16 had managed to win against pilots sometimes three times her age. But there had been a moment of true camaraderie between her and the Mandalorian pilot as they shook hands and exchanged congratulations, at least until the Imperial was ushered off to be evaluated by Imperial medics. "Nova, I believe. One of our best pilots, though yours gave her a run of it up until the end. Sanri worked with her personally for her formative years, didn't you?" A slight tremor gripped the other Arkanian as both women looked towards her, feeling pinned to the spot by the presence of both her own Empress and the diplomat of one of the foremost military powers in the galaxy. "Y-y-y-yes, m-my Empress." Sanri stumbled through her reply, but halted when a blue hand settled on her shoulder and eased her forward and supported her. "W-well, Nova is one of mine, yes… Though I had a hand in training all of them to some degree."

"The New Imperials are all allowed to choose their own paths early on, this one's passion led her towards piloting and starship design." She hesitated for a moment, lingering on a thought before once more she was spurred onwards to explain. "In truth, they are the future of the Empire. More than just the next generation of those born in the safety and security of the Empire, and more than just the most skilled and gifted in combat, but in everything that will be needed going forward. The New Imperials will not just be the striking arm of the Empire, but the backbone in the way administrators building better ways to govern more effectively on our countless worlds with a mind for efficiency and the well-being of their citizens. Scientists will lead us to becoming the bleeding edge of advanced technology, and engineers will build us everything from better, safer starships to everyday conveniences for all other Imperials. One day the average citizen in the Empire will be able to pursue their dreams as the New Imperials pave the way to that new tomorrow…"

Sanri trailed off as Solace scowled at her, feeling shame at the woman's enthusiasm for such a thing, and reminded once more of why she saw herself as more Mandalorian than Arkanian. "They're children." She said simply, noting that all of the New Imperials were just 16, and many of them ignorant of what it even meant to be what they were. The very idea of some of them indulging in that first act of freedom and enjoying the festival was a sign of something distasteful to her, but the Empress was quick to intervene and shift the conversation, which she was thankful for.

"As I understand it, some have remarked of you being more Mandalorian than others here, which is curious to some like myself."

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Sep Use six fewer hiders and Rae is good to go.
@Bastian Il-Lyo is good to go.
@KaiserElectric Minah is good to go.

<Snipped quote by Sep>

Doing pretty good. Gonna be honest, I've been giving some thought to seeing if I could join.

@Chev

By all means, hop into the discord. While I have been a little busy to pop onto the guild for a proper post of late, I am frequently in the discord for questions and suggestions. I forget your character from the last run, but you're welcome to throw them in, rework them or try something completely new.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

Hey look, the GM finally finished their CS lmaoooooooooo. With that out of the way though, I'll be working on Solace's intro post over the weekend, but have also made an addition to the cast listing on the character's page to reflect the standing of the currently accepted characters.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Thayr Tusken Son is fine to post over.
@Bastian Tybren is solid, you're good to send him over to the characters tab.

So far we've got some good posts and we're moving towards getting people together which is always a good thing. As an update I've updated the OP to reflect changes to the timeline and the map. The Timeline in the Galactic Codex and in the first post are now in parity, and the new map reflects a few rebellions active.