Something Borrowed
Ranulph Matthias Tarkin
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To codify the Chief of General Staff for the Commonwealth
- Image Credit: Based on these photos, manipulated in Midjourney.
- Role: General Chief of Staff, Interim Field Marshal of the Army
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Ranulph Tarkin
- Age: Mid 70s.
- Force Sensitivity:Non-Force user
- Species: Human (Galidraani)
- Appearance: General Ranulph Tarkin stands at approximately 1.85 meters (6'1"), with a broad-shouldered, commanding build that reflects a lifetime of military service. Though age has diminished some of his former strength, Ranulph remains fit for his age, maintaining a rigid posture that projects authority. His face is marked with deep lines, particularly around his eyes and mouth, telling the story of decades spent in conflict and command. His hair, once dark, has turned a distinguished steel gray, always neatly combed back in precise military fashion. A neatly trimmed mustache adorns his upper lip, further adding to his dignified yet formidable appearance.
- Name: Ranulph Matthias Tarkin (also known as "The Iron General," "Old Man Tarkin")
- Titles: Chief of the General Staff, Commonwealth Army; Formerly a Field Marshal of the Commonwealth Army
- Loyalties: The Imperial Commonwealth of Dosuun
- Commonwealth Army; His Tarkin Family;
- Wealth: While not excessively wealthy by aristocratic standards, Ranulph Tarkin enjoys considerable financial stability. His wealth comes from investments in defense-focused industries, inherited family assets, and Commonwealth military pensions. He holds minor stakes in key military equipment suppliers across Commonwealth space. Despite this, Ranulph maintains a modest lifestyle, often spending funds supporting military families and Commonwealth veteran initiatives.
- Notable Possessions:
- A customized, heavily modified Merr-Sonn power blaster pistol, presented to him upon his promotion to Grand Marshal.
- An antique Imperial Navy officer's sword passed down from his family, symbolizing the Tarkin family's long history of military service.
- A hand-carved Wadi Zahrat river stone given to him by a Pandakin elder as a mark of respect during peace talks with Dyspeth's tribal leaders.
- A collection of rare strategic warfare manuals, including several authored by Wilhuff Tarkin himself.
- Skills:
- Military Strategy & Tactics: Renowned for his calculated and decisive battlefield maneuvers, Ranulph is a master tactician with extensive experience in both conventional and asymmetric warfare.
- Command Leadership: Known for his ability to inspire loyalty and confidence in his troops, especially in dire situations.
- Crisis Negotiation: Developed strong diplomatic skills over the years, particularly in mediating conflicts between local planetary leaders and Commonwealth authorities.
- Marksmanship: A proficient blaster marksman, capable of holding his own in combat despite his advanced age.
- Wilderness Survival: His early years of service instilled a deep understanding of harsh environments, allowing him to thrive in remote and hostile regions.
- Mentorship: Dedicated to grooming the next generation of Commonwealth officers, Ranulph often trains younger soldiers personally.
- Languages:
- Galactic Basic Standard (fluent)
- High Galactic (fluent)
- Huttese (basic understanding)
- Mando'a (conversational proficiency, gained from interactions with Mandalorian mercenary groups)
- Dyspethian Dialects (proficient enough to maintain diplomatic relations with Pandakin tribes)
- Commonwealth Languages (Fluent)
- Personality:
- Ranulph Tarkin is a stern yet deeply pragmatic leader. Known for his gruff demeanor, he often appears intimidating to subordinates but commands immense respect due to his wisdom and battle-tested experience. He values discipline and clear communication but has mellowed somewhat with age, showing a more paternal side to junior officers and Commonwealth citizens alike. Despite his intense loyalty to the Commonwealth, Ranulph has a healthy skepticism of politicians and bureaucrats, often expressing frustration with their lack of urgency in times of crisis.
- In private moments, Ranulph shows a dry sense of humor, particularly when reminiscing with fellow veterans. His fondness for old war stories and a good glass of brandy is well-known among his inner circle. As a leader, Ranulph firmly believes in honoring the fallen, frequently attending memorial services and ensuring the sacrifices of soldiers are never forgotten.
- Ranulph's legendary nickname, "The Iron General," reflects his resilience and ability to command through seemingly impossible odds. Even in his later years, he remains a steadfast pillar of the Commonwealth Army, tirelessly advocating for the well-being of its soldiers and ensuring the military remains a powerful force across the galaxy.
- Weapon of Choice: Includes but are not limited:
- Customized Merr-Sonn power blaster pistol (primary sidearm)
- Commonwealth-issued blaster rifle for field use
- Imperial Navy officer's sword for ceremonial or last-resort melee encounters
- His sharp mind and strategic foresight often prove to be his most powerful weapons.
- Combat Function: While Ranulph Tarkin is well past his physical prime, he remains a capable field commander with a sharp mind for tactical decisions. On the battlefield, Ranulph relies heavily on his experience and leadership skills, effectively directing troops from a command post. He excels at coordinating artillery strikes, defensive positioning, and strategic maneuvering. If forced into direct combat, he is an accurate marksman with a blaster pistol and still retains decent skill with his ceremonial officer's sword. However, his reduced mobility and age make prolonged engagements highly dangerous for him. Ranulph thrives in defensive operations and excels at rallying troops under fire.
- Force Abilities (Force Users Only): N/A
- Veteran Strategist: Decades of battlefield experience have given him unmatched tactical insight.
- Inspiring Leader: Capable of maintaining morale and order even in desperate circumstances.
- Aging Body: Despite his sharp mind, Ranulph's age has taken its toll, reducing his physical endurance and limiting his mobility.
- Emotional Ties: His strong bonds with soldiers and officers make him prone to emotional decisions when their lives are at stake.
General Ranulph Tarkin: A Legacy of Service and Survival
Early Life and First Order Service (Pre-844 ABY - 856 ABY)
Ranulph Tarkin was born into the prestigious Tarkin family, a lineage known for its military prowess and political influence dating back to the Galactic Empire. Inspired by his family's legacy, Ranulph entered the First Order's officer academy at a young age, quickly distinguishing himself as a capable and tenacious strategist. By the time of the Great Galactic War (852 ABY - 856 ABY), Ranulph had earned the rank of Colonel and commanded armored divisions during key engagements, including the Battle of Castameer and the Battle of Mustafar. His reputation as a battlefield tactician grew, and he earned the nickname "The Iron Colonel" for his unwavering resolve in high-pressure situations.
During the Second Siege of Dosuun in 856 ABY, Ranulph Tarkin was stationed in Avalonia as part of the city's final defensive efforts. As the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium overwhelmed Dosuun's defenses, Ranulph took charge of evacuating civilians through the metro tunnels and underground systems. His calm leadership and strategic ingenuity helped save thousands of lives, earning him commendations for valor. Following the fall of Dosuun, Ranulph went underground with surviving military units, resisting both the Ssi-Ruuvi occupation and the Sith-backed Dosuun Hegemony.
Resistance and the Return of the First Order (858 ABY - 862 ABY)
During the Sith-backed rule of Dosuun, Ranulph Tarkin emerged as a key figure in the resistance movement. While Ariel Yvarro's efforts ultimately purged the Sith from power, Ranulph played a critical role in stabilizing what remained of Dosuun's military structure. He was instrumental in re-establishing order in Avalonia and spearheaded reconstruction efforts that strengthened Dosuun’s defensive capabilities.
By 862 ABY, Ranulph had been promoted to Brigadier General under the newly rechartered First Order. He worked closely with Ariel Yvarro to restore key military infrastructure and played a crucial role in developing the Pax Imperialis policy, which sought to elevate the living standards of post-war First Order territories. As the First Order attempted to reestablish itself, Ranulph's focus shifted toward humanitarian aid, reinforcing his reputation as a pragmatic and compassionate leader.
Formation of the Commonwealth and Rise to Prominence (868 ABY - 890 ABY)
When the First Order formally dissolved in 868 ABY, Ranulph Tarkin was one of the highest-ranking officers to transition into the newly forming Commonwealth Army. Recognizing his experience and ability to inspire soldiers, Aerys Fortan appointed him to oversee the reorganization of military units from former First Order garrisons. As discussions progressed about forming a unified body, Ranulph played a vital advisory role in shaping the Commonwealth’s early military doctrines.
In 882 ABY, with the signing of the Commonwealth Constitution, Ranulph was promoted to General and assigned to lead the Commonwealth Army’s Home Sector forces. His role expanded significantly following the creation of the Crown Council in 886 ABY, as Ranulph’s experience and wisdom proved invaluable in navigating political and military tensions.
Chief of the General Staff (902 ABY - Present)
In 902 ABY, with the Commonwealth's expansion across the Aetos and Kaldwin Sectors, Ranulph was appointed Chief of the General Staff. In this role, he modernized the Commonwealth Army, emphasizing defensive fortifications and mobile strike groups capable of repelling external threats. Ranulph’s military philosophy combined the precision of Imperial strategy with the adaptability required to manage the Commonwealth’s diverse territories.
Despite his age, Ranulph remains a steadfast presence in the Commonwealth’s military. He advocates fiercely for the welfare of soldiers and often visits military academies to personally mentor officers. Known as "The Iron General," his hardened demeanor is softened by a strong sense of duty to those who serve under him.
Today, Ranulph Tarkin's name is synonymous with resilience, leadership, and a lifetime dedicated to safeguarding the Commonwealth's citizens. His legacy continues to shape the Commonwealth Army's values and strategic direction, ensuring the lessons of past conflicts remain at the heart of future security.
