Alfhedil

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.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

Hi there, was perusing threads and found this gem! Might hop in if I am allowed. ^_^

@KaiserElectric

Of course, of course. Still plenty of room for more people. Feel free to pop into the discord and pitch your idea.

Star Wars: Knightfall, an interest check

We've got an excellent cast of characters so far, with a few more in the works, but as the IC has launched just want to make it clear that this thing is still open and accepting of new characters and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. So for anyone peeking in out of curiosity, those looking for a decent Star Wars RP, or just those who had some passing interest before and were waiting to see if it would launch, we are ready and waiting to answer any questions here or on the discord. Here's to the first chapter of hopefully many.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@Sep - Rorororor and Koren are good to go, slap them in the Characters tab when you get the chance.
@Paingodsson - Cel is also good to go.

And what else is good to go IS THE RP. LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Anyone who has a character in the characters tab is free to post now.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

Keldabe, Administrative/Port District - Early Morning

Secretary to the Mand'alor. It was an amusing title, one that held a duality to it that tended to disarm those who knew little of her culture but pretended otherwise. On the one hand, it lended a strange idea that this Mand'alor was not the violent savage that his predecessors were, that he had a mind towards governance and that was his focus. An idea proven false by the blackened gauntlets now clenching the throne upon which the man himself sat, flexing as his tolerance for the ongoing discussion was becoming more and more limited. Then there was the second assumption, and one which she benefitted from greatly. For any other office, a mere secretary is thought to be someone easily pushed past or harangued into supporting some foreign or domestic dignitary. Not on Mandalore. Jaessih herself stood a head and shoulder above the Corellian currently plying her, though the two of them shared a loose working relationship that garnered some respect despite the tension between their nations. She was Mandalorian through and through, hard work and violence having been a part of her life just as much as sleep was for many in the galaxy, but here she preferred words and treaties to blasters and swords.

Zailled Mertha for his part appreciated that, once more on Mandalore to further his cause and taking advantage of the festivities to garner more support. A former CorSec marine and now Green Jedi, he was no nonsense and had the drive to see things done regardless of how his contemporaries viewed him. One of which seemed to have found their way to the side of the pale Arkanian feigning interest on the opposite side of the room. Their eyes met for a moment, and Jaessih made it clear that with but a nod she could have the Corellian escorted out of the building, but she saw the slight gesture with the ruby ring and knew it was fully in control.

"But yes Jaessih, I was hoping to have a moment of the Mand'alor's time in regards to some nominal aid towards the rebuilding of Humbarine."

Her attention was pulled back to the Lord Mertha, narrowing her stormy grey eyes as she considered what he was asking. This was a bit of a back and forth between them, and he knew that any such agreement would be akin to spitting in the Hegemon's face… Which was part of why he continued to seek it. Despite being a lord of one of the major houses in the Greens, Zailled had been relegated to a broken ecumenopolis and the incredibly poor surrounding system. That was the realm of Green house politics, and when it came to that she was more preferring the company of Solace as she had a rather intimate knowledge of how the houses worked with and against each other.

"Zailled." She began, taking a glance to the Mand'alor seated at the back edge of the room currently engaged with a tense discussion with the Empress Renkar. "Understand that while it is as ever, not my call to determine the amount of aid submitted by our humanitarian relief efforts to the core, or where such aid may be directed-"

"Do not mistake my patience for ignorance, nor my hospitality for submission Empress Elara Renkar."

Immediately all conversation stopped within the room and the Imperials in particular stiffened at the harsh tone from the Mandalorian. It was silent enough that the creaking of his beskar'gam could be heard as a single thud announced the boot stepping down onto the plinth, followed by another, and soon the man standing opposite the Empress. For her credit, she refused to back down and only offered the same impassive expression as before, meeting the visor of the Mand'alor's helmet with her own crimson eyes. All around them there was a tension growing as for the first time the Mand'alor had raised his voice, and in the same tone that often preceded one of the most dangerous questions to be asked in the republic.

"What you ask for is shared classified information, information which both our nations keep from our own people in order to preserve their safety and security. Information which, as I will remind you and your people, that on your part we already know. Three of our people are considered Heroes of the Empire, and their accounts have been heard by myself and my closest confidants. So your offers of more knowledge on the Great Enemy… Mandalore knows their true face, and will continue to maintain our Bes'hakajir. The Iron Truce stands."

There was a finality communicated with that statement, and the whispers around the room added to it. Bes'hakajir, or the Iron Truce had been policy for the Mandalorian Republic for the last twenty-five years. It stated clearly and with no room for misinterpretation that the republic itself was to remain neutral in all conflicts of the galaxy unless directly attacked. The Banners could continue to do as they pleased, and if they were attacked outside Mandalorian space that was often considered a hazard of the job. Yet not one step could be taken past the cordon without a declaration of intent, and that was what had held the CIS and Corellia both at bay. The Empire knew of this, and it was why they had been regular patrons of the assorted banners, but with the war hitting a more intense phase as the Emperor sought to push the CIS completely from the northern Outer Rim… It seemed that there was room for negotiation.

"But of course, Mand'alor." Elara replied, bowing her head ever so slightly in a show of respect but not so far for her eyes to leave that visor. "Allow me to perhaps clarify, we are not seeking the secrets of Mandalore or your people, but instead we wish to ensure that should the Great Enemy return, that we would once more have the backing of your banners in the war to come. Or at the very least, the same policy you keep in regards to the Confederacy. It is not our desire to come to blows with your people, as we have a great respect for this new Mandalorian Republic, as you know. The three you refer to are well respected among our people, and are great heroes for their deeds at Ilum. Yet surely you understand, that if the Great Enemy was to ever return, even the bonds we share together would not be enough to stay our hand…"

And there it was. Jaessih knew the Empire had been growing bolder of late, ever since the Battle of Ilum and their blitz across the galactic north. But this… This was aggressive even for them. To outright state that it was either them or… The Enemy, well it was sure to complicate relations across the republic. Zailled to her side made an excuse of taking his wife and daughter to see Han and the Solos playing at one of the amphitheaters in Keldabe, and a few of the other dignitaries chose that point as well to make their exit. Slowly the room was reduced to the Empress and a few of her companions, as well as Jaessih and the Mand'alor. Normally one to attend such things, even Solace chose that point to make her exit and join in the festivities down in the city proper.

The Paladin slowly appraised each of the attendants one by one. Vaem san Skaer lingered at the back of the room, the Kaleesh seemingly indifferent but with a hand at his lightsaber on his belt. A quiet sign that he was ready and willing to defend his empress. Then there were the Haneddis. Braisto had taken a step forward and his dark features showed with a scowl how displeased he was with this turn of events. His sister played it off with a casual step to the side and flanking the Empress, Maraki starting to dismiss the tension but silenced by the motion of a blue hand raising to stop her.

"As ever, the choice of the clans to participate or not in conflicts across the galaxy is theirs alone until the republic itself is threatened." Jaessih had stepped in with but a glance to the Mand'alor, who inclined his head as permission to speak for him. "And as you know, their actions are not necessarily reflective of the official stance of Mandalore. That said, Bes'hakajir exists to keep our people safe in these uncertain times, and it will hold regardless of the Great Enemy returning or not." A moment of silence passed as it seemed that her words were not well received by the Empress, or her entourage.

"However… It has been twelve years since the Battle of Ilum, your crushing defeat of the Great Enemy and there has been no sign of them since. True, some escaped the orbital battle and there were some who were captured, but according to our intelligence none of those were either of a high enough rank to divulge adequate information, or devoted enough to prevent such information from being seized from them."

And there was the truth of the matter, Jaessih boldly confirming the suspicions long held by the Empire of the Mandalorians, and perhaps half the reason for the Empress' visit. Between those three heroes and their own espionage efforts, there was little regarding the Great Enemy that the Empire had to share that was not already known. Yet for her part, the Empress was gracious in defeat in this matter, simply bowing her head for a moment and gesturing to her entourage.

"As ever, the Mandalorian people are nothing if not efficient. Let us continue this discussion another time then, as for now I believe the festivities are coming into full swing and I wish to partake in at least some personally alongside our New Imperials. May the grace and glory of the Empire be with you both."

---

Keldabe, The Kelita River District - Noon

All across the city the festivities were in full swing, with market stalls crowding every street selling everything from souvenirs to street food and more. Almost every clan had people in attendance and people from across the galaxy had come to celebrate the Mandalorian Republic's 25th anniversary of their founding. The Keldabe Port Authority was working overtime in trying to ensure an expedient process in pulling ships from orbit, arranging a landing pad and getting them back in orbit to keep the process in motion. Surprisingly it was efficient enough that even the Corellians couldn't complain as thousands had made the journey all the way from the Core Worlds to partake in the celebration. Traditional Mandalorian games were held across the city and on the outskirts, many of them between the clans and citizens of the city, but a good few open for visitors. And in between the blue and white of Baar'ure made sure that any injuries sustained were not immediately fatal, as with any Mandalorian festival there were bound to be a fair number of injuries in general.

Yet it was not just the Mandalorian culture on show today, for dozens of prominent acts came from all corners and were playing in the assorted amphitheaters in support of the republic. The Corellian mixed genre group Han and The Solos had drawn quite the crowd at the Czerka Megaplex, playing a number of their hit songs on request and alongside a few other Corellian acts. And across the city the Empire had their own contribution to the celebration in the form of their New Imperials. Meant to be the representation of everything the Empire stood for and worked towards, a hundred uniformed teens had scattered to almost every corner of Keldabe taking in the sights and causing their own brand of chaos as a few Mandalorians remarked that it was as if it was the first time they were allowed to be kids. Young as they were, they were still the best of the Empire and each one force-sensitive to some degree or another. A good number remained at the side of the Empress though, who along with her retainers was indulging in the celebration like many of the other diplomats. She did look up at the sound of fighters screaming overhead like many, watching a heavily modified R-22 Spearhead chasing at the heels of an aging V-wing starfighter in one of the city's races held to celebrate the pilots of the galaxy. The R-22 was one of hers, another of the New Imperials known as an accomplished fighter ace, but the other was a Mandalorian with the experience to keep her raw talent from winning just yet.

Also above the crowds were the Deathwatch. Once little better than terrorists, their submission to their Mand'alor had come with the death of Pre Viszla and now they served as the personal strike force of their commander. It was at the Paladin's order that they watch from above, keeping a visor on the festivities and working with precision and efficiency to remove any threat to any of their visitors or citizens. They were the hidden security, a strong arm to ensure that this 25th founding was enjoyed by all, but they were also not alone. In orbit the Assertor Dreadnought A'den of Clan Keldau's banner coordinated naval assets to direct and secure the space lanes, and the clone legions of the GRM Army escorted shuttles back and forth in their LAATs to designated landing zones. And on the surface thousands of clones were on hand to help supplement Keldabe security forces, not to mention the Banners working planetside with Clan Ordo and Clan Fett awarded security contracts for Narudar and Stormcaller Banners respectively.

All in all as the Mand'alor observed from the Avenue of Fallen Kings flanked by statues of those revered most in Mandalorian culture, there was a sense of pride and optimism going forward. A few decades ago it would have been the realm of impossibility to bring so many together on Mandalore of all places, and especially with the guarantee of Mandalorian protection for a Mandalorian celebration. Yet now… Even the Corellians were enjoying themselves, and a few Confederates had been counted among the crowds, as low a profile as they were keeping. This was a testament to the dream of a new Mandalorian people, a dream held at one time by a precious few inheriting the dreams of others, but now one held by millions.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

@ASDAValueMilk - Alanna and Sable are approved and ready to be moved over to the characters tab.

@Thayr - Alright, I'm going to tentatively approve the Tusken, though I will be looking towards the CS of the son with some interest, considering I am still concerned with the viability of the Tusken in interacting with the rest of the cast reliably. But for now, you can shift him over to the characters tab.

Star Wars Chapter 0: KNIGHTFALL

Alright, it's been about a week now and with a fair few character sheets in various states of completion, I'm going to get to doing a final review on those that are done. This as my own CS is in progress and the opening IC post is also in the works.

Firstly, those characters that are considered accepted without need for edits:

@Sep - Vrokro Olkzar
@Quest Abandoner - Rask Coburn
@Queen Arya - Talik Skirata/Kada Skirata
@Athol - Elam El-Rud
@Theyra - Talnel Beldwai
@pandapolio - Lorn Alcyorr
@Kuro - Pann Merneeks
@webboysurf - MCT-07-2728 "Crossfire" Fett

Characters that are accepted with some minor edits needed.

@sly13 - Karthus Ephren
Small mention that it would be the "Shadow Council" rather than the "Order of Shadows" as referenced in your CS
@webboysurf - Ro Nuul
Just a minor note that you have "New Horizons" mentioned at several points, but "Free Horizons" in the actual background section. I assume they are the same organization?

If your name isn't on the list here or you don't see your character, don't worry about it. Your character isn't denied or anything like that, I'm waiting for a rewrite in the case of a couple and mostly just waiting for the finished CS for the rest. Any questions or comments can be sent my way either on the discord server, in DMs on discord or here on the guild.

As for the IC, at the moment I working on just a general introduction to the Founding Day celebrations with a few prominent envoys from around the galaxy here and there, and of course Deathwatch working security from above to supplement clones and Mandalorians from the various clans on the ground.