Sic transit gloria mundi
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Flesh out the family I've been roleplaying and developing in collaboration with other writers since joining the board.
Image Credit: Here. 'Al'ar' by liuhao726. Found on Deviantart.com.
Canon: N/A
Links: Tygara, Kaeshana, Kaeshana Exodus, Casus Belli, Denouement, First Contact, Avast and Belay, Firemane Industries, Into Darkness, Dominion of Light, Tephrike.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Organization Name: House Kerrigan-Alcori
Classification: Noble Family/Clan, Company.
Affiliation: Siobhan Kerrigan, Tegaea Alcori, Firemane, Order of Fire.
Organization Symbol: A rising phoenix wreathed in flames.
Description: House Kerrigan-Alcori is the self-made, matriarchal noble family that controls the megacorporation Firemane Industries. It is an extremely young house, founded by Siobhan Kerrigan and Tegaea Alcori. One was a former Jedi Knight, the other a former Republic soldier. Both occupied leading positions in Omega Pyre and were founding members of the Omega Protectorate, which they ruled for a while, before they left its services and founded Firemane. Moreover, both were born into abject poverty and had to work hard and fight to get where they are now. Today the family possesses enormous wealth and considerable resources, but its founders have never forgotten their roots. Presently the clan itself is rather small, but the family name will be carried by the brood of children the ruling couple has adopted. Their numbers have waxed and waned over the years. Siobhan is the uncontested leader of the privately owned company Firemane. In terms of alignment, the family is best described as Lawful Neutral. It is opposed to Sith and imperialist groups, but also deeply sceptical of Jedi orders.
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Headquarters: Arx Aeternae.
Domain: Firemane is influential on Tygara. The corporation helped most of the Eldorai population escape their doomed homeworld Kaeshana and settle on the lost elf planet. Firemane itself put down roots on Tygara, entering into agreements with local rulers. It helped them them uplift their nations and protect themselves against external threats. Its relationship with the Eldorai and their subraces could be described as a patron-client relationship, though it was not free of strife. Recently, Firemane helped uplift the elves and enabled them to move into space and colonise other worlds.
Obviously many elves pursue an independent future, but Firemane is very influential among the Eldorai, Qadiri, Vashyada and Xioquo. This is a reciprocal relationship that imposes obligations both parties. Firemane is also highly influential on Arkas. Firemane troops liberated the planet from the grip of slavers and helped the freed slaves build a town that serves as a haven for their kind. However, the corporation does not rule the planet directly, but utilises a system of indirect rule by working through local councils. When it comes to establishing 'domain', Firemane strives to enter a cooperative relationship of mutual benefit with local leaders, as it is not seen as cost-effective for a corporation to assert direct control. It offers people the tools to improve their lives, provides protection, recruits heavily among the local population and encourages its employees to become well-versed in the local cultures. It also has a strong presence on Dahomey. Firemane has recruited Tygaran and Dahomian soldiers in large numbers. Liavondra, Queen of the Xioquo, is a Firemane vassal, though a determined, independent-minded one. It has the loyalty of the Daughters of the Destroyer, a Xioquo cult that came into being after Mystra was defeated by Siobhan Kerrigan and her allies.
When extering power and influence over indigenous populations, House Kerrigan-Alcori prefers to utilise pre-existing native power structures instead of imposing a system of direct rule. Day-to-day government and administration of areas is left in the hands of traditional rulers, who gain stability, technology and protection, at the cost of losing control over their external affairs, having to play by Firemane's rules and often provide soldiers or resources. Firemane normally assigns advisors and residents to its vassals. They are expected to become fully fluent in the customs of the locals. Indirect rule is cheaper, less wounding to native self-esteem and requires fewer administrators. However, it is not without problems. It can empower traditional leaders, but if no suitable leaders can be found, Firemane has to local rulers that suit, who may not be supported by the local population. Moreover, the principal-agent problem can arise, as local rulers and residents are still autonomous actors with interests of their own. The corporation may be pulled into conflicts between local rulers, as its preferred candidates try to use it to expand their influence. The fact that Firemane has no external oversight means they also have to be careful about corruption springing up. Firemane was recently drawn into Tephrike's civil war and has established a base of operations on the planet. It is supporting the Republican Guard against the Dominion of Light. However, both parties are very wary of each other.
Notable Assets: House Kerrigan-Alcori owns Firemane Industries & Technology, an arms manufacturer, tech concern, shipwright and paramilitary corporation. Thus assets include factories, mines, space stations and warships. Ownership has made the family very wealthy, enabling it to pay its employees very well. Particular assets of note would be the:
- Firemane
- Arx Aeternae
- Great Scarlet Flame
- Sanctuary Class Habitats
- Scarlet Destiny
- Firedawn
- Firehome
- Asur Class Worldships
SOCIAL INFORMATION
Hierarchy: The two matriarchs Siobhan and Tegaea are at the top. They make the big decisions and lead the house. Siobhan is also simultaneously CEO of Firemane Industries, which she rules like an autocrat. Tegaea continues to be an honorary member of Firemane's ruling group, the Board of Control, and heads a subdivision devoted to exploration. If one were to apply the Mandalorian model, one would consider both matriarchs to be Alors. Tempest and Elpsis come after them in the house. Tempest is a Major in Firemane's military forces, while Elpsis is an Officer Cadet. Both are also Force Masters in Firemane's Force-using branch, the Order of Fire. Elpsis is known as the little Fire Princess, but this is not a formal title and she is she treated like any junior officer would be in Firemane. Adril and Livia are still little children and thus cannot order people around. The hierarchy is very top-down. Siobhan is an autocratic leader and expects those beneath her to obey her orders.
Membership: The easiest and most common way to become a member of the family is through adoption. Similar to most Mandalorian clans, House Kerrigan-Alcori is not averse to introducing new blood into their ranks via adoption. Actually all of the matriarchs' children are adopted, since getting children the 'traditional' way was neither practical nor desirable for a variety of reasons, not the least because both are women. However, a number of poor experiences with some of their past adopted daughters has made the family a good deal more cautious and picky when it comes to prospective candidates. Marrying into the family is also an option, though the pool of members one could marry is rather limited at present! Either way, any potential adoptees or in-laws are vetted thoroughly. The family does not shy away from banishing members whose actions contradict its principles. This is what happened to the former Natoline Kerrigan, now known as Glade, though her falling out with pained Siobhan deeply.
Employees such as staff, servants, pilots, bodyguards and so on tend to be recruited via Firemane. The House has praetorian guards in form of the Granite Guard, a crack unit of Kar'zun infantry who have sworn oaths of fealty, and the Cataphracts of the Ascending Phoenix, a Qadiri warrior cult whose members regard Siobhan as a demigoddess and daughter of the Goddess Kashara.
Climate: Close knit family. Friendly till you antagonise them. Familial loyalty is regarded as crucial. The members of the house may not always get along. Indeed, the relationship between Siobhan and Elpsis has been complicated, to say the least. But they are there for one another when the chips are down. Members are expected to contribute towards the family's success rather than live off the matriarchs' wealth. However, there is also a strict hierarchy. The matriarchs are in charge. Siobhan in particular has become obsessed with the continuation of her legacy and pushes her adoptive children to excel so that she can one day pass the torch to one of them. This can produce a possibly stiffling climate. Her wife is less pushy, but nonetheless expects the young ones to make something out of themselves. The family pays its employees well and gives them a generous benefits, but expects obedience in return.
Reputation: The Galaxy is a huge place with many divergent opinions, though some broad trends can be identified. Presumably the house has a very negative reputation among Sith or followers of the First Order since it opposed them on the battlefield or otherwise supported their enemies on many occasions. That aside, the family has cultivated a reputation for honesty and reliability in its business dealings and for its humanitarian work, such as saving the Eldorai race from extinction. Its abolitionist efforts have given it a good reputation among former slaves and it is popular among many elves, especially Tygaran natives. Its support among the elves is far from not universal though. Critics among them view the family as a foreign overlord. The family is also known for its ruthless defence of its interests and willingness to use force to get what it wants, acting like a law unto itself. Orthodox Lightsiders probably view the family with distrust because one of the matriarchs, Siobhan Kerrigan, is a known Dark Jedi.
Curios: Members receive gold rings with the family words 'Triumph Over Adversity' engraved upon them. Force-Sensitive members of the house receive lightsabres, provided they are old enough to be trusted with them.
Rules: Family first. Obey the matriarchs, do not consort with enemies of the family, defend and contribute to the success of the family and Firemane. Loyalty to the family is paramount. By extension, the same applies to loyalty to Firemane. Obedience to lawful authority, respect for the matriarchs, personal discipline, resolve and responsiblity are core tenents. The house has a very maternalistic view of its staff and employees, feeling that it is its duty to care for them, but expecting devotion in return. House Kerrigan-Alcori prides itself on always paying its debts - in good and bad. It is a matter of principle - and common sense - to uphold oaths and contracts. This also means that betrayals must be punished harshly.
Consorting with forces the family considers itself opposed to, such as Sith, slavers and imperialist groups, is considered betrayal, as such groups are regarded as heinous and destructive. While the house is not hostile to Jedi per se, it is deeply sceptical of them and their beliefs. On the political front, there is a preference for a Republican Dictatorship, elective monarchy or limited democracy, whereas mass democracy is seen as impractical and chaotic. It is similarly sceptical of government dictated by the accident of birth. However, the family has worked with its share of hereditary monarchies and democracies. It prefers stability over sudden, revolutionary upheavals. From the perspective of the house, when it comes to governance low level autonomy and initiative must be paired with a strong central authority that is not tied to the inconsistent whims of a fickle electorate. Likewise the house believes in a meritocracy of capitalism, preferring a free market over a command economy. House Kerrigan-Alcori is extremely opposed to slavery and has dedicated plenty of resources to both freeing slaves and ensuring that they possess the tools to begin a new life. To this end, it has created an organisation called Firedawn, which provides education, provisions and homes to freed slaves and helps them find employment.
The matriarchs were born into abject poverty and rose on merit, so they expect any other members of the house to work their way up instead of living lives of indolence. Normally this is done by seeking a position in Firemane and proving oneself there. This makes self-reliance an important cornerstone of the family dogma. The same applies to the ability to defend oneself, making a certain degree of martial prowess desirable. The Galaxy is a bleak, scary place and so those who want to protect their freedom - and that of their loved ones - must arm themselves. The house has backed various factions ever since it came into being, such as the Omega Protectorate, Galactic Alliance, the Silver Sanctum and the Mandalorian Clans, but does not consider itself beholden to any galactic power or state. It will support factions that it finds agreeable, but does not shackle itself to them. Governments rise and fall and the galactic map has been redrawn multiple times in a terribly short time span. But the family endures.
The family does not have any codified religious dogma. Members are free to believe in whichever deity they want - or none at all. Atheism predominates, though Elpsis is very spiritual. It does not subscribe to the belief of Light or Dark determining your morality. These are sources of strength, that’s it. It seeks a middle way between Jedi and Sith, emphasising a balanced approach. The Force is seen as a tool for both individual empowerment and service. Force-Sensitive members are encouraged to embrace their emotions instead of being afraid of them, but also at the same time taught discipline and self-control. Force-Sensitives who commit crimes must be judged like any other individual, for being 'corrupted by the dark side' is not regarded as a valid excuse.
Goals:
- Increase the power and prestige of the family
- Continue the family line
- Fight against the forces of chaos and destruction
- Bring civilisation to remote corners of the Galaxy through discovery and emancipation.
- Siobhan Kerrigan
- Tegaea Alcori
- Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori
- Tempest
- Livia Kerrigan-Alcori
- Adril Kerrigan-Alcori
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
House Kerrigan-Alcori is a very young house. It does not have an illustrious lineage or famous ancestors. The parents of Siobhan Kerrigan and Tegaea Alcori were, to put it plainly, nobodies. Just ordinary people born into poverty and trying to survive harsh circumstances. This probably fuelled Siobhan's and Tegaea's drive to succeed and escape their impoverished conditions. The two met when Siobhan was still an increasingly radical Jedi Knight and Tegaea was a soldier in the service of the Republic. Tegaea rescued Siobhan from a coven of energy vampires and helped the Jedi exact revenge on the fiends and save her master, an Eldorai called Adril Tythorin. The two remained in contact after this event. Later Tegaea left the Republic and founded her own mercenary company, the Dark Stars.
Both their lives underwent a profound change when Tegaea was recruited by Cira, the enigmatic leader of Omega Pyre, a fledgling paramilitary corporation that soon evolved into a corporate state that brought order to many worlds on the western rim. The two mercenary companies pooled their resource and Tegaea became the Pyre's Vice President and eventually CEO, working under Prex Cira. Siobhan and Tegaea crossed paths during a Jedi anti-slaver operation gone awry. By then Siobhan had lost her master Adril, who'd given her life to save Ahto City from an eldritch abomination, and had become disillusioned with the order. So it did not take much persuasion for her to join the Pyre.
While Siobhan proved herself as a warrior and field commander, helping expand the Pyre's influence by fighting its enemies, Tegaea climbed the bureaucratic ladder. One of the worlds they left their mark on was Dahomey, which they liberated from local warlords and slavers. When the territory under the Pyre's control was reorganised into the Omega Protectorate, Tegaea was promoted to the rank of Exarch, essentially a super-governor, second only to Lady Protector Cira. While Tegaea changed from being a soldier and officer to a political leader, Siobhan's place remained on the frontlines and she became the Pyre's chief field commander, reaching the rank of Colonel. She fought in the Clockwork Rebellion, the First Battle of Roche and led several fierce campaigns against the Bando Gora.
The two of them, off and on lovers for many years, became dedicated to each other and eventually married. Eventually the couple reached the height of their power in the Protectorate. The Lady Protector Cira disappeared under unknown circumstances. It was wrongly assumed that she might have been killed during a Sith terrorist attack on Rhommamool and Osarian. As her second-in-command, Tegaea became acting Lady Protector. Surprisingly, the Protectorate Council chose Siobhan as her successor, making her Exarch of Eriadu and the surrounding territories. Siobhan led the campaign to conquer the Bando Gora homeworld Gehenna and destroy the cult, though splinter groups continue to persist till this day.
However, after the rise comes the fall. A Sith Assassin called Kaelin Isandros, who had long been a thorn in the couple's side, managed to infiltrate their staff, capture Tegaea and torture her to the brink of death. Siobhan pursued the Sith and took brutal vengenace, killing her. But her injuries made Tegaea unable to continue in her post. So she stepped down in favour of Exarch Ayden Cater. With Siobhan soon following, the couple withdrew to the planet of Kaeshana, the Eldorai homeworld, and Tegaea recovered under the protection of Queen Silaqui III. Siobhan had prior history with Silaqui, who also owed her throne to her. Moreover, the Queen's sister and heir apparent, Crown Princess Anya Venari, was a long-time ally and aide of the couple.
For a while the couple vanished from the limelight. Through almost entirely legitimate means, the pair had managed to acquire a substantial fortunes during their time with the Pyre and the Protectorate. This made it easier to set down roots on Kaeshana and look to the future. After realising that a life of measured retirement was not just for them yet, Tegaea and Siobhan founded the aptly named Firemane Industries & Technology. Its beginnings were rather humble. The core staff was recruited from Omega stalwarts who had served the couple in the old days. The two set up a research and military technology division in Santaissa, the Eldorai's capital. They received support from the Eldorai Matriarchy, which sought access to advanced tech to catch up with the rest of the Galaxy. The Eldorai were notoriously xenophobic and their relationship with foreigners was troubled, since they had often been attacked by slavers and pirates. Tegaea and Siobhan were considered the most reliable due to their history. It helped that Siobhan had a genuine affinity for Eldorai culture and had been trained by one. Firemane expanded its operations to Dahomey and Vandelhelm, offered mercenary services and became a mining and shipping concern.
Tegaea became CEO, Siobhan Vice President, while Crown Princess Anya Venari served as executive PA and head of operations until her sister was assassinated by treacherous bodyguards. Thereupon Anya ascended the throne, taking the regnal name Tirathana VII. This deepened the relationship between both parties. The pair contributed to the modernisation of Kaeshana, building fortresses to defend it against external attacks. As a reward for their work - and probably a way to flatter their egoes - the Queen ennobled them, making the pair Countesses. However, their close relationship with the Crown also made them targets for Eldorai rebel groups, the so-called 'Dark Eldorai'.
The newly-born House Kerrigan-Alcori expanded its influence beyond Protectorate space. It backed the Republic during the One Sith War, providing military equipment and mercenaries. Siobhan fought the One Sith and their allies in several battles. After the Republic became increasingly unstable, the family switched its support to the Galactic Alliance, though they remained somewhat wary of it due to its radical crusader beliefs. On a personal note, the family's ranks expanded as the couple adopted several young waifs and strays, creating a small brood of adopted daughters. However, their luck with their charges was not always the best. This caused a number of heartbreaks and personal tragedies that left their mark on the family.
When the Eldorai learned that their planet would be devastated by a huge asteroid, House Kerrigan-Alcori made a vital contribution to their survival. Devoting considerable resources, the corporation built a massive exodus fleet to save as many Eldorai as possible. At the insistence of the house, the Kar'zun, long the Eldorai's foil and rival for control over Kaeshana, were saved as well. Firemane warships were also able to mitigate the damage done to the planet by destroying a good portion of the asteroid prior to the impact. However, some Eldorai had to be left behind. They called themselves the Forsaken and - understandably - cursed those who had gotten away. During this time the house also discovered Arkas and rid it of pirates who'd oppressed the enslaved populace.
The Eldorai exodites were settled on Tygara, a lost elf colony. There the family became a major power broker. The native elves of Tygara had never achieves spaceflight and were far behind the galactic tech level. Fearful of the outside world, many looked to Firemane and by extension House Kerrigan-Alcori for protection. The arrangement between Firemane, the Eldorai and the natives became the Tygaran Alliance. Siobhan even acquired a cult following after liberating the Xioquo from their despotic rulers and slaying their 'demigoddess' Mystra, a vile tyrant. The title of Karishzar, which means 'Destroyer' in the Xioquo language, was conferred upon Siobhan. However, power inevitably attracts jealousy. The Eldorai had become de facto vassals, but many among their leaders resented the influence of foreigners.
Nonetheless, when the Eldorai Crown launched a humanitarian mission to help the Forsaken of Kaeshana, Firemane gave it its full backing. What was supposed to be a relief effort turned into a war, for the First Order had taken an interest in the planet. The forces of the Tygaran Alliance, the Galactic Alliance and some of the Forsaken did battle against the First Order and their allies. Siobhan, Tempest and Elpsis fought on the frontlines in person. However, the battle ultimately went ill for the allied forces. This soured relations between House Kerrigan-Alcori and the Eldorai Matriarchy, for the outcome inevitably led to recriminations. Scapegoated, the family came under fire. Things came to head when an Eldorai Duchess called Tarissa Cadalthor, who had once been an ally of the family, tried to launch a coup and execute an anti-foreigner pogrom. After her treasonous activities were uncovered, Siobhan personally executed her in front of the Eldorai council of nobles. Relations were strained for a while. Seeking reliable allies, House Kerrigan-Alcori entered into pacts with several Kar'zun clans, gaining a loyal force of tough soldiers, the Granite Guard.
The family continued to support the Galactic Alliance's war efforts against the First Order until the conflict was ended by treaty following the Battle of Hoth. Siobhan took Tegaea's place as CEO of Firemane after the Battle of Kaeshana. Leaving the day-to-day management to her wife, Tegaea switched her focus to her passion for exploration. This was in line with the family's desire to discover, open up and if need be uplift worlds that are unknown or were cut off during the Dark Age. Tegaea had to temporarily take over the reins again when Siobhan was incapacitated by a stroke shortly before the Incursion Event. Fortunately, the matriarch's mental capabilities were not impaired and she recovered. The health crisis might have made her a better leader since she was forced to acknowledge her mortality and focus more on admin work.
The couple is dedicated to perpetuating the family line and ensuring they have worthy heirs who can carry on their work. Presently these efforts focus on Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori, the biological daughter of Jedi Master Coryth Elaris, and their two wards Livia and Adril, the daughters of the exiled Natoline Kerrigan. Firemane is a purely privately owned company, so it is likely that one of the couple's children will take the matriarchs' place one day. Over time, the house reconciled with the Eldorai. Concerned about recent galactic developments, the elves of Tygara petitioned Firemane to help them advance technologically, explore and colonise other worlds. After some deliberations, Siobhan agreed. At a summit it was decided to use a mix of Sanctuary Habitats and worldships to enable the elves to go off and settle on other worlds. Obviously Firemane expected to receive its due and the corporation maintained a controlling interest in the stations.
More recently, the House was pulled into Tephrike's perennial civil war. This came to pass when the Scarlet Destiny, commanded by Tegaea Alcori, came across the planet during its maiden voyage. However, what was supposed to be a peaceful exploration mission to initiate first contact with worlds cut off by the Gulag Virus turned into something significantly more bloody when they came across the world of Tephrike. A Firemane delegation was ambushed by extremists in the Jedi-led Dominion of Light, a totalitarian theocracy. Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori covered the delegation's retreat and was captured by the Jedi Inquisition and interned in a reeducation camp. In response, Firemane declared war, allying with the Republican Guard, a native insurgency that opposed Force-Users. Firemane bombed communication centres, Jedi academies, military installations and levelled the Jedi Temple. Unbeknownst to Firemane, there was an internal power struggle in the Dominion's hierarchy, as forces opposed to the war course rallied around the Battlemaster. But by now the war had acquired a dynamic of its own.
The Dominion retaliated by deploying powerful strategic missiles against Firemane's fleet. These represented their strategic reserve, only to be used in the direst of circumstances. The Battlemaster's agents were able to secure two of the missiles, but the others were launched. One destroyed a Firemane corvette, the other was stopped by tractor beams before it could do the same to their command ship. Firemane made an uneasy alliance with the Republican Guard and landed ground troops to take Fortress Purity. At the same time a task force was dispatched to locate and rescue - or avenge - the lost Elpsis. The captured Fire Princess was subjected to mental and physical torture until she succumbed to her brainwashing and was reborn as 'Jedi Roxane'. She was eventually able to overcome her indoctrination. After slaying the Dominion's Grand Inquisitor, who had orchestrated her abduction and sabotaged the Battlemaster's peace policy, she teamed up with rebellious prisoners and a repentant Jedi Inquisitor to burn the concentration camp down. Firemane troops arrived at the camp after a long search. The lost daughter was in an understandably traumatised state.
Meanwhile, a brutal battle was fought at Fortress Purity. There the fanatical General Kennobi led the defence. By order of Lady Kerrigan, the rules of engagement were suspended throughout the theatre and the area was declared a free fire zone. The Dominion troops compensated their technological inferiority through bloody-minded determination, kamikaze pilots, mass use of Force-Users and by deploying a weather control machine. They hoped that their enemy would be bled white and withdraw. The storm made it very hazardous for Firemane to deploy bombers and gunships.
The Republican Guard had the manpower, but was initially reluctant to deploy in full force, as it had failed here before and did not trust its new allies. Dominion militia and Jedi were well-entrenched and many units fought to the last man. Firemane troops made use of heavy firepower, white phosphorus, elementalists and targeted orbital strikes. House Kerrigan-Alcori's Tygaran Sepoys were deployed in large numbers, proving themselves in the heated engagement. Indeed, Qadiri pilots were among the few who had the skills to navigate through the storm, making them invaluable. Eventually the fortress fell to the allied forces, though the price in blood was considerable. In the last stages of the battle, the Dominion commanders deployed a brigade of Younglings to cover their retreat. They went on a suicidal death charge. Firemane now faced the decision whether to press on or to contend itself with having punished the Dominion for its betrayal.
