Junction Last Hour | EE/AC/BotM/Empire Junction of Farboon/Thule/Altiria/Tammar (SGHW)

[STRATCOM]

Once again, Panatha finds itself as the focus of galactic attention. Five planets within the system have devolved into a state of open rebellion against the Eternal Empire, and rumours have arisen once again that the Sith have returned to their spiritual homeworld. It's not known exactly which Sith group it is, but given the state the planet finds itself in, that simple fact is not the most important to pursue. The emergency of this Sith sect, reports of mass human sacrifices, and even more deliberate and troubling events have given the Eternal Empire and its allies enough of a reason to return to the planet.

The last contract between the Eternal Empire and the Empire, which Rurik Fel and Ingrid L'lerim made, was that the Eternal Empire must prove by deeds that it is truly against the Sith in all of its forms. The developing situation on Panatha seemed like a great opportunity to do so, and precisely because of this; a joint operation conducted by both Empires and The Ashlan Imperium resulted in an outpost built on Panatha in the utmost of secrecy - with its purpose being to observe and prevent further Sith actions from there.

However, what no one expected was that the Shadow Empire would also show up as extra "help"; paving the way for the Maw to come to the planet and carry out their plan. This unholy alliance serves a double purpose, as Darth Maledictio is trying to perform an experimental ritual on Panatha after finding some interesting artefacts on the planet Karra; hoping that the other Sith presence will distract the united forces of the aforementioned superpowers from the Maw's plans and raid.

This opens up the perfect opportunity for the Maw to have their fleet arrive at the Eternal Empire core worlds through Bakura's hypergate to raid and plunder this area and obtain materials and human resources for their war machine. And for this, the Panatha system seemed to be the most vulnerable given it is no longer protected by the Eternal Empire due to its open state of rebellion.

At the same time, additional units arrive further north on the planet Evaar'la Yaim, which is also close to Panatha and where the Death's Hand has a secret base and Clan Harert has a Necropolis built into a mountain. Here, Dodhorn Harert and Khamul Kryze opened a portal to the planet, with the help of Y'sanne Stradd , through which additional ground units could arrive here, who will travel in secret to Panatha. Some of them may have already arrived at Panatha, as scouts, spies to mark targets on the planet or in the system.

Objectives​

Objective 1.: Embrace of Darkness

Relevant link: Ruins of Canthar (Old thread)
Recently, the Empire, Ashlan Crusade, and Eternal Empire came to the planet together, in secret. Among other things, to investigate Sith activity and for the Eternal Empire to prove what it agreed to in the contract. In addition, they have secretly established a common outpost on the planet from which they can monitor the activities on the planet. For this very reason, there are teams of mostly agents and smaller strike units on the planet to monitor and investigate it.

The Maw were here for similar reasons, they wanted to map the planet in advance so that when the fleet and main army arrived, they would have accurate intelligence reports on the planet. There are probably spies, smaller or larger reconnaissance teams already present here.

And the two groups will soon know of each other's presence, even though the ritual begins at that time to distract the Empires about the incoming Maw forces. (Diplomacy, logistic, reconnaissance/black ops mission, small scale warposting / PvP, around the outposts)


Objective 2.: Hell on Earth

Relevant link: Evaar'la Yaim
There is another planet where the Maw appeared. It's not necessarily where one'd expect them to be, but it's close to the Pacanth Reach, and not least the Death's Hand and Clan Harert have interests on the planet. The planet is Evaar'la Yaim. Dodhorn Harert and Khamul Kryze, opened a portal, with the help of a Heathen Priestess. Through the portal, larger ground units could arrive on the planet, where disguised merchant ships await to take them to the Pacanth Reach. However, there are cities on the planet that can be targets for looting, last but not least, this planet is in the hands of the Mandalorian clans, and allied troops may also be present on the planet. (mostly NFU duel, mando v mando, maybe warposting)


Objective 3.: Gates of Hell

Relevant Link: Bakura and the Hypergate.
The Maw definitely needs materials, reinforcements and supplies after the defeats they suffered in the Core Worlds. And they are trying to get these from the Eternal Empire. Due to the war and expansion, most of the Eternal Empire fleet - as well as the Ashlan and Empire units stationed here - are in the north at the border, and the Eternal Imperial fleet and army are in the south due to expansion, so the Maw arrives using the Bakura Hypergate and into the Core World of the Eternal Empire to loot and plunder. The most unprotected point is the Pacanth Reach, so they try to reach this and already on the way to that area they are already trying to raid (fleeting and PvE)


Objective 4.: Seal of Fate

Relevant Link: Ruins of the Iron Mountains
While events are taking place elsewhere, there are indeed Sith present on Panatha who are preparing for something. The Shadow Empire has been in alliance with the Maw for a long time. On Odessen, Maw helped Curse claim the throne of the Shadow Empire, and now he's returning the favour. Anyway, he wanted to experiment, so now with the ritual he is trying to distract the attention of those on Panatha from the other events, so that the Maw can start their raiding and plans completely undisturbed. The goal is to help the ritual, or even to try to stop it for the alliance members, since it is impossible to know what the consequences will be. (Can be warposting, but mostly Force user duel/PvP, ritual assistance (PvE), or trying to stop it.)


Objective 5: Bring Your Own Objective (BYOO)

There could be countless other tasks/narratives on the planet and in the hexes. Exploring and examination of the planet, exploring ancient ruins, possibly searching for older Sith facilities, contacting the locals and all that could be listed. The point is to make everyone have fun.

 

[Darth Maledictio]

Curse | Darth Maledictio
Shadow Emperor of the Shadow Empire, The Shadow Dragon, One of leaders of the Spear, Nite inner circle member, First Archon of the Primyn Group​

Objective: Perform the ritual
Location: Ritual Chamber, Iron Mountains
Equipment: Lightsaber | Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Writing With: Open
Allies: Maw | Open
Enemies: EE/AC/Empire | Open

[ Dominion of Destiny ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

As it turned out, the planet Karra was a jackpot; because Curse found some Ancient Mavors artefacts that even Dragon didn't know existed, and they were much more part of a dark side item than a Lightsider. For this very reason, he did not even share these discoveries with the other two members of the triumvirate, he kept them to himself. And he brought the pieces to Panatha, where he put the pieces together with the help of alchemy and sorcery. Now the result was a huge, but unknown machine.

Since it was a technology not known to many in the galaxy, the outcome was unpredictable. However, it was perfect for Curse to repay the Maw for Darth Solipsis' earlier help for him. Then the Maw helped the inner circle and people of the old Shadow Empire die; now Curse will help make this ritual sufficiently "loud" and draw the attention of each faction to Panatha and their own ritual.

Thanks to this, the Maw should easily be able to raid the core worlds of the Eternal Empire. The Shadow Emperor didn't really care about the Eternal Empire; if he must, he will use them, betray them, so that the whole territory falls into the hands of the Maw. But the time has not yet come. The visions were pretty confusing about it.

In any case, the current plans were not those. The man looked over the Sith cultists who were here, whom he had inherited within the Shadow Empire when he claimed the throne for himself. At least the people who survived the events on Odessen were useful for something. He walked downstairs to the hall where the ritual would take place. He gestured with his hand to the cultists, who immediately started to chant.

The man walked to the central place, reached out into the Force, began to focus his powers on the object, began to channel the Force into it, while he also began to chant.

["Dradzia, dradzia is ri miri sosûtudorju'ia, widzok diâ tadti' nutra an mus!"] he began chanting the spell.

The ritual began…

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Silhana Lolaes'ra
Lynne Tal’kira aka Lady Orchid; The Angel-faced killer
Ver'alor (Lieutenant), member of the Clan Cadera; Bounty Hunter, Headmistress of the House Orchid and The Hounty Hunters' Guild​

Objective: Protect her home
Location: Surface, Evaar'la Yaim
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Light armour | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Allies: EE/AC/Empire | Open
Enemies: Maw | Open
Writing With: Open

[ Mando music ]
"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

Patrol, let's say not much usually happens in this place. From time to time, a pirate or smuggler gets involved, who then goes very badly. But even such things were not typical in this place. They knew for a fact that the planet had been in the hands of the Mandalorians for quite some time. Moreover, not only one clan has a garrison here, or even a city, but for several. Gred, Cadera, Mortui and the Tal. Okay, maybe the Tal clan isn't that scary since most of them are doctors, but they're still Mandalorians.

And I haven't even mentioned that my bounty hunter clan is here. And because of that, the Bounty Hunters' Guild also has influence in this place. So, anyone was pretty stupid to try to do anything in this place. It was precisely for this reason that it was the most boring thing in the world when I was on guard duty and had to supervise the neighbourhood.

During the past years, the most serious incident that I know of was that due to a minor earthquake, one of the research bases almost sank into the lava and they had to be rescued. Also, they captured a smuggler and saw a pirate ship in the system. And let's face it, it's not that much.

So today has proved to be quite boring so far. As usual, I flew with the jetpack along the predetermined route. Desolate areas were everywhere, the snow was grey or black from the ash. In many places there was only lava and rocks. In the distance, cities or research stations and mining facilities could be seen. Everywhere was quiet, as usual. The atmosphere was not really suitable for breathing, so the "locals" shielded the facilities and cities.

The eruption of the super-volcano more than a decade ago really destroyed the planet, but due to the mining of lava rock and many other ores, there were great mining opportunities here. And of course, it was also perfect for us to move here. But back to today's mission, everything is boring for now…

<< This is Silhana, for the others, everything is calm and quiet in my area. It's just as dead and boring as on any other day of the year… >> I complained a little. << When we're done patrolling, someone could invite me for a drink. >>

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective: Meet with the other factions' representatives.
Location: Imperial Outpost, Panatha
Equipment: The Soulsabers (hidden) | Brynja coat and hat | Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Writing With: Scipio Kaarz | DECEASED Aron Gowrie | Bex Tarring | Nukth Kelga'an | Open
Allies: EE/AC/Empire | Open
Enemies: Maw | Open

[ Valley of Death ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Panatha; the centre of everything bad in recent years. At least for the things that happened in the Eternal Empire. First the attack of Eternal Truth, then the plan of the Ashlan Crusade, then there was also the Shadow Empire, then the betrayal of Carnifex. After that, the Mandalorian attacked, then the Sith and Pralva, the Hutt. Truth be told, the Hutt was the least unpleasant and uncomfortable of these; he was just an underworld figure who was more the concern of the Mandalorians and the Black Sun than actually the Empire's.

The world, the galaxy has changed a lot in recent years. There used to be great enmity between the two Empires, but now they have built a common base here. That's right, with the help of the Ashlan Crusade, who have been liaisons between the Eternals and the Galactic Empire (formerly NIO) since the beginning. Although, the Eternal Empire was still in the proving phase to show the Empire with actions that they were really fighting against the Sith. However, the common base was a big step forward.

The red-haired woman had spent the last few weeks here on Panatha, overseeing the construction of the base. She stayed here after the last mission; this place was quite close to Kalidan so it wasn't a problem. However, the multiplying signs are all the more so. That's probably why the high-ranking officers of the Ashlan Crusade and the Empire came in person. When they arrived, a group of Eternal Imperial officers were waiting to escort them to the empress.

Ingrid was in the control room of the outpost, from there she was looking at data and images on the holographic interface, which were projected above the table. From here it was also possible to follow what the teams outside were doing. Ironically, she was working in exactly the same situation the last time she met Scipio. And now too. The empress never rested, but always worked; now she controlled and coordinated the troops who were out there. The Empress also felt the dark side energies that surrounded the planet and the surrounding area.

Much more than before. And this was cause for concern. And the woman finally really wanted to cleanse the planet from the Sith, because it was intolerable that such conditions prevailed so close to the capital. The red-haired woman looked up when the "guests" arrived. She looked over the arriving dignitaries, high ranking officers and other persons.

"Gentlemen, welcome to Panatha, welcome to Hell!" she welcomed them.

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The Light of Ashla
Champion and Avatar of Ashla​

Objective: Try to stop the ritual.
Location: Iron Mountains, Panatha
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Writing With: Open
Allies: EE/AC/Empire | Open
Enemies: Maw | Open

[ Valkyrjan ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ["Essonian"] | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Eina had a bad feeling, she had been tormented by all this for days. She felt a very strong disturbance in the Force, but she didn't know why. The avatar was sure that none of this was Ession's fault, or this place would not be attacked. As usual, they were here, at Ession with Gei or in the Netherworld. This did not change anything, they still did not forget their duties, but now because of their daughter, they spent a little more time with their family. But now this confusion was similar to what happened before Tython. And this worried the former Valkyrja.

For this very reason, Eina spent the last few days meditating to find the source of this confusion. The galaxy is huge, and we hadn't even mentioned the Netherworld yet, so Eina knew she might not succeed at all. At the end of the second day's meditation, however, a familiar feeling came over her. It wasn't the first time she felt this place, but quite a few times. She was familiar because she had already been to that location several times. It couldn't be said that this place was one of Eina's favourite places.

Panatha.

There was so much darkness attached to the place, Carnifex and the Zambrano family, and then the massacre that the Mandalorians committed here. More darkness, so much death. That planet had already suffered so much, she hoped that nothing like this would happen now, or that she would be able to do something about it, stop it. With all the terrible things that happened to the planet, it was unbelievable that there were still people living on it and not everyone was gone. Although she understood. Sanctuary was similar, constantly under attack.

The Valkyrja species never thought of leaving.

He came to the planet the usual way, through the Netherworld, it was the fastest way and method of transportation for her. As soon as she arrived, her biochip immediately indicated that the Eternal Empire, the Empire, and the Ashlan Crusade were also on the planet. Oh; maybe you should do more research among mortals. She arrived in the air, then used the Force to find the place where most of the allies could be felt and flew to that part. There she landed on the ground.

Even now, the place was swirling with Dark side energies, and she felt it all in a concentrated manner from one place. It was coldness, death that she felt; not in natural form or in a natural way. This was what she had been feeling for days…

 

[Keilara Kala'myr]

Ziare Dyarron | Keilara Kala'myr | Mercy | Freedom | Anonymous
Mongrel's Shadow and his widow; Matriarch of the Scar Hounds Tribe; Guardian of Mongrel's armour and sword​

Objective: Help the Maw forces with intelligence information | Continue to rebuild the mental defences and the mind palace.
Location: Surface, Panatha
Equipment: FS-18-UP2 Assault Rifle | 2x Sunfury Pistol | Light Armour | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | 2x Vibrodagger | 2x Riftblades | Promise of Freedom || Cloaking Device | 5x ASBF Probe Droid || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Tu'teggacha (and as Kallan) | Thomas Barran | Closed
Allies: Maw | Open
Enemies: EE/AC/Empire | Open

[ Come back… ]
"Galactic Basic" | ~ Telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >>
​

~ Mercy ~
Night, dreams. It's been the best part of my days lately. I was around the last minute, the twins could be born at any time. By now I could barely move, thanks to my belly being so big, I was like a barrel. Asher made a joke about it in our alternate life. Although I had to do everything now, in the other life, in the shared life, Asher took care of me, here I had to do everything alone. This is exactly why I looked forward to the evenings, the night, when I could sleep. In recent months I have learned to control my dreams with my mental power.

Thanks to how much our minds were connected, that we became one, we shared each other's memories, feelings and thoughts, it was easy to create dreams where we were together again. Only to make the days without him even more painful. But without these dreams, I would not have been able to bear his absence. I wrapped myself in the feelings he had for me. I slept with them, dreamed with him, every night. I had to. I missed him so much.

During the day, I did my duty, in all respects. I had to do this too. I didn't do it because I found pleasure in it; it was the past since the minute Asher died. It was a joy to work for him, to work to him. Now I only did it so that those who caused my husband to die would die. And of course, because of the secret war with Tu'teggacha . Which will soon enter a new phase. If I manage to escape because of it, if not, because of it. Either he will fight even more after the children, or I will want to get them back.

There was no intermediate solution; just these two. Only the first phase of the war will end. Thomas Barran knew about it, we tried to arrange that I would try to leave after or under today's mission. To go home, to Serenno, until the twins are born. And when I'm better, then I'll come back. This will probably happen soon, because in the other reality the twins were born by caesarean section, not naturally. And with bacta treatment, the recovery time is a few days. They stay at home, I'll come back. I still had work here.

The last few days have been unpleasant, I had a constant headache, it was as if I heard a constant whispering in my head, both far and near. It was very unpleasant, it wasn't Keilara or Kallan who did all this, as if I heard other consciousnesses, but I couldn't rule them out. Only whispering, inaudible words, as if there was a noisy crowd or I was standing in the middle of it.

But back to the present and the situation, I was looking at the data, in a safe place. My men have been doing a great job over the past few days and weeks, so we've got the area pretty well covered. So I had fairly accurate and up-to-date data.

<< Sir, I have transmitted the existing data on the forces of the three factions present here on the planet. Based on team movements and numbers… they're not looking for us, possibly they are not expecting us either, they're looking for someone else. >> it was partly a gut feeling, but my instincts were usually right.

~ As for the other plan, I'm ready to escape from the Taskmaster's men in the midst of the greatest chaos. ~ I said this telepathically because it is much safer that way.

~ Keilara ~
Home; finally, once and for all, it could be said that our mind is completely safe again and truly our home. After Tython, it took me and Kallan many months to put everything back together, to make Mercy's mind safe. This included patching the cracks in the walls and strengthening the mental shields. So now we were completely capable of shutting out the outside world if we wanted to. And only then can we see and perceive what is out there, if we want to. The mind palace is back to being a mind palace and it is finally safe. Our home.

I was happy about that, because this way Kallan was no longer tormented by the fighting outside when Mercy was in any war or combat. Now we could be outside again at any time, walking, swimming in the lake, lying in the grass under the sun. In this respect, the environment was again as it was before Tython, and in terms of being together; but there was a change in everything else.

We also take the children's minds in the safe mind palace, if Tu'teggacha or one of his people tried to hurt them from a distance or change them in the womb, it wouldn't be easy. However, Mercy…

It was a complicated and delicate question. She hasn't spoken to us in months, she's completely closed herself. I went to see her at the other house in vain, she either threw me out or didn't say anything, I tried in vain. And now that the birth of the twins is very close, all this has become a cause of particular concern. I was almost as strong as I was before Tython, so I could protect our minds, and I hoped that Kallan felt capable of doing so, but we still weren't Mercy. She was still the strongest.

And in the last few days, I heard more and more whispers, indecipherable words, as if the crowd was talking. I tried to focus on it, but I couldn't. I'll try to figure out what it could be, but there are more important things. To talk to Kallan, now about more serious matters. I liked it better if we didn't have to talk about such things, but Mercy was also part of the family and we couldn't turn our backs on her...

~ I'm worried about Mercy. It has been almost nine months since Tython, and her condition has not improved at all. I feel her pain too, she is still deeply depressed… and I think she has given up and doesn't want to live. Not for the twins' sake either. I don't know what can be done to bring back at least a little of her zest for life. ~ I said sadly.

Sure, I get it, her soulmate is dead, the only person she was attached to or felt anything for in her life. And this filled me with deep sorrow. I thought of myself as a separate person, a separate consciousness, but I also cared about her and the twins. And last but not least, I was infinitely grateful to her for being able to save Kallan, my husband.

~ And I'm also worried that we will have to take care of the children. I'm afraid she's trying to kill herself. Not us, just herself. To tear me and her apart like she did with you and Asher and then… I feel like he's so desperate to do it. ~ I told him.

 

[Aschwin Vethres]

​

Aschwin Cassirer Vethres
Imperial Knight Templar
Heir of House Vethres
Shield of Bal Talmshaa

Location: World of Bakura
Tags: Maestus
Equipment:
Imperial Knight Armor
Aschwin Curved Lightsaber
Post Number: One

The lights of the Imperial Shuttle came into existence as it slowly made its way down onto the surface of Bakura. With the Main Imperial Units located near the border worlds to defend against the maw. Imperial High Command had issued a singular order to form small task forces to patrol the worlds deeper within the Eternal Empire's Home Corridor. The Imperial Templar Knight known as Aschwin Vethres had accompanied the Bakura Task Force to secure the world from outside aggressions upon orders from the Warden of the Empire.

The shuttle slowly made landfall along with several other troop transports down onto the surface of the planet. Touching down in an open clearing to establish the first supply zone. The Imperial Knight personally doubted that the Eternal Empire would supply them with equipment and they would have to resort to establishing their own supply zones moving forward. The shuttles were then deployed within a circle formation around the clearing to formulate a clear defensive line should hostiles emerge immediately.

Walking down the ramp of his personal shuttlecraft; his brown eyes gazed around as the Imperial Stormtrooper Corps was split up into two forces; one would act as a scout force and the other would stay here and defend the established supply zone dubbed "Beta 3". Approaching the Imperial Colonel in charge of the task force. "How are things; proceeding. Colonel O'ren." Aschwin said in a formal tone while putting his hands behind his back. "Everything is proceeding as planned; Knight Vethres. We've secured the landing zone and are sending out a small scout force to report back in to command." : Colonel Vulk O'ren said looking up from his datapad to see the Imperial Templar Knight make his way over to him. The Scout Force had already left on a couple of speeder bikes. Orders were that they report in every 10 minutes. Any units that failed to report it would narrow down suspected hostile activity.

The Brotherhood of the Maw was a dangerous entity even after their defeat in the Core Worlds; and with the Imperial Empire also sharing a border with them made him more concerned about these dealings with the Eternal Empire. They should have enough manpower to defend their own planets and not be wasting the resources which could be spent elsewhere to bolster the empire's own defenses. The flow of the force around him was muddled with different kinds of colors.

He doubted the maw would not seek to recover what they had lost by any means necessary. ​

​

 

[Anashja Tal]

Objective: Patrol Evaar'la Yaim
Location: Frozen lava fields
Tags: Silhana Cadera Khamul Kryze

Equipment: Beskar'gam, lightsabers, healing supplies, 3 thermal detonators, EF-M401e Rampage, Healing Blaster type A

Spoiler: Anashjas ship - in orbit

The Tal'din

Hangar complements of Læknar-class medical dropships

The last month had not gone as planned for the little Togrutan Mandalorian. A little over six months ago she and her husband had found they were expecting again, another little girl, which was amazing, but four weeks ago there had been a complication. Anashja's own body had failed her and due to concerns over the mother's health her child had been moved to an exo-womb in Tanaab, a risky procedure, but necessary for both of them. It had been touch and go for a little while. Thankfully the little one was now stable and well, ready to spend the next two months in her technological womb, but Anashja felt awful, she was built to be a mother and despite protests from literally everyone around her, she was sad at herself for failing this time.

That is the reason Anashja had come to Evaar'la Yaim, she could either sit watching little Vercopa grow, something she no longer had control over, or come and do something useful while her vod watch over her. With a gesture of her hand she yawed over to starboard and accelerated on her patrol route. The red and white armoured woman flashed a couple of hundred metres above the rocky ground.

<< This is Silhana, for the others, everything is calm and quiet in my area. It's just as dead and boring as on any other day of the year… >> I complained a little. << When we're done patrolling, someone could invite me for a drink. >>

<<My word Silhana, you have no idea how good that sounds, fancy that new place in Dral Calyiu'r?>> she responded, glad to hear another voice. <<Nothing out here either, quick stop to heal some ade that burned themselves climbing volcanos a few hours ago. You ever do something a dumb as that growing up?>> she laughed. She had a few hundred miles more of her patrol to cover then her and Sil could put their feet up and have a drink.

As the spoke Anashja rolled over again heading toward a strange rock feature that had been created by uplifts in magma thar had quickly frozen into rocky towers many stories tall. Her dreamsight showed her the route she took last time so she made adjustments to check out a different path, every tower perfect for hiding criminals or other people foolish enough to tangle with mandalorians.

 

[Hiran Avola]

HIGH EXECUTIONER
GALIDRAANI IMPERIAL STATE
THE EMPIRE
Tags: Tyrell Lockhart DECEASED Aron Gowrie Open to interaction

​

Unit 44, Taskforce Green Devil

Panatha's impenetrable jungle reminded one of the green hell that was Generis, though far more welcoming and civilised than that planet had been as Panatha stood as the ancestral homeland of the now deposed Zambrano dynasty. At least Panatha had a modicum of civility to it, and roads for that matter, even the crap dirt ones were preferable to the fetid wastes of Generis.

Galidraan forces had learnt a harsh lesson in jungle warfare, with much losses of both men and material on Generis as the traditional armoured waves favoured by the Galidraani high command met fierce Sith ambushes and clever usage of anti armoured capabilities. Thus it led to the creation of long-range recon units and taskforces that favoured light infantry and special forces, capable of infiltration and fighting without supply for weeks on end.

Taskforce Green Devil was one such force, cobbled together with detachments from various veteran divisions and smaller special forces units, prominent among them the Dunwall Division, fighting first division and the infamous unit 44; a special forces unit widely regarded as the most elite and insular force in the army and Tals scalpel for dealing with threats to his regime. Hiran Avola, general and member of the ruling Junta of the Galidraani state and infamously known as the lord high executioner, led Unit 44 and had done so for many years. Previously an officer in the Galidraani security forces, Avola defected during the early stages of the uprising that had led to the Galidraani civil war and joined to Tals side. Hiran made a name for himself as a capable and cunning commander who led many raids and engagements behind enemy lines, earning himself quite the reputation that led to his promotion to general. But it was the man's brutal legacy as the head of Tals reign of terror against pro-Sith Galidraani in the wake of the end of the third imperial civil war that earned him the nickname of lord high executioner.


Panathan jungle,
Entry point alpha,
0800 hours
877ABYY


The task force made their landing before dark, silently dropping off men and materials and hastily constructing a forward operating base from which the force could springboard deeper into the jungle. Advance parties from unit 44 and the Dunwall division troops secured the area, slitting the throats and breaking the necks of any unfortunate Mawite scouts watching the area as they slept. Avola and the command arrived shortly after, departing from troop transport ships and hastily making their way past the myriad of supplies being offloaded from ships and armoured speeders moving slowly past as troops and material entered the FOB.

"What's the SITREP scout," Hiran asked inquisitively, wiping the sweat from his heavily scarred brow and taking the pad from the scout who turned to stand to and salute the General stiffly. Galidraani tradition had a funny way of manifesting itself, even in the sweaty claustrophobic mess of the jungle.

Avola looked at the pad, examining the troop movements and info hastily typed down from the scout's last foray into the jungle. Aside from the dead Mawite scouts that his men had made short work of, the way seemed relatively quiet and open, but such prior experiences informed him that was not a guarantee. Brow furrowed, he handed the pad back and turned to his officers.

"Ready up a flying column of infantry, notify general Lockhart and tell him to meet up sharpish to the command centre."

 

[Saul Vandron]

F I S T _ O F _ T H E _ E M P I R E
501st STORMTROOPER LEGION \\ KRIEGAN'S PLATOON
LAST HOUR
EMBRACE OF DARKNESS
Kriegan Tavlar | Sahar (?)

Of all the things Saul wanted to teach the Imperial heir, diplomacy and governance perhaps were of most vital importance. Irveric had been an indisputable general, a marshal second to none and warrior without equal. No one else could've led a rebellion against the Sith and prevailed. And yet, the Sovereign Imperator was no statesman, no cunning politician set to rule a state, a government. His untimely fall was clear evidence of that.

Such invaluable lessons were the reason the young lieutenant had been deployed on duty in the far reaches of the Eternal Empire. The helmet may have concealed Kriegan's disappointment and silenced his protests, but there was hardly a better place to sharpen his skill in diplomacy and administration in the uniform and armor of a stormtrooper than here. The monotonous bureaucracy of managing a small, military mission on foreign soil and the daily dealings with the civilian bodies of governments were not only good lectures in administration and foreign affairs but a test of a soldier's readiness and concentration.

When the reports arrived of Mawite incursion in the star system, they were caught out on patrol in the thick jungles of Panatha, home to the dynasty of which he had once served as a soldier in the Sith Empire.

"It seems someone has answered your protests." the general remarked with a thin smirk at the news. The mundane work ended today. "How far are we from base?" ​

 

[DECEASED Aron Gowrie]

1st post

LAST HOUR
AN AGE OF STRIFE STORY
OBJECTIVE 1

WILDCAT_ONE
TRIBAL-CHIEFTAIN OF AN-TUATHA
MAJOR-GENERAL OF WILDCAT DIVISION

BELIGERENTS
(EE/EMPIRE/AC Vs. BOTM/DH/SH)

Ingrid L'lerim Victor Vel Aath Myri Dara
Kriegan Tavlar Bex Tarring Hiran Avola Saul Vandron Amadeus Blackwood Nukth Kelga'an
Heinrich Faust Elysium Dusk

Kyrel Ren Tegan Starfall
Keilara Kala'myr Erion Justeene Ronar
Khamul Kryze

TRIBULATIONS OF THE WILDCATS: A DISTANT FORTRESS - PART 1

Fort Cedar, Spirewatch Forest,
Canthar Province, Panatha (Early-Spring 877 ABY)

Something doesn't feel right about this one....

Its like I can feel it lurking in the shadows.​

Besides the already-fierce skirmishes with the locals, Gowrie knew there was someone else out there.

'Aron! Settle down with the thousan'-yard-daggers, you've got a briefing to attend.'

Beyond the mists and several mapped treelines beyond, as much as Lord Aron had been told it was unlikely, rested a well-secreted contingent that would prove altogether more concerning if their affiliations turned out to be of Mawite loyalties. The intel wasn't bringing any such results but heightened suspicions, only revealing the odd occasions when the local Epicanthix guerillas were spotted avoiding particular directions in their fighting-retreat escapes, and in the post-mortem reports on the peculiar deaths of other local opposition in the area, so the evidence (as strong as they would be in any case made on the matter) was still much too scant by then. It was no doubt enough to establish the presence of a third-party on Panatha's surface, and enough surely to heighten alertness at every watchtower, but it still wasn't definitive enough for the Wildcats to ascertain a confirmed Mawite presence; the Major-General needed more to go on, he needed something actionable, something irrefutable.

'I know they're out there, Alun.... All the attacks in the east, nearest the marshes an' such - much too barbaric to be anybody else but the Maw.'

Perhaps more would be learned in the Eternal Empress' briefing, but if not, the arrival of Wildcat Division would certainly facilitate the doubling of efforts in the pursuit of actionable intel, one of the costs of dealing with foes who were using common stealth and sporadic skirmishes as their weapons. Either way, Sir Alun was in no mood for arguments or holdups on this occasion, but was smart enough to silently coax his Major-General with an impatient (though light-hearted) shunt in the right direction as he grumbled,'Ah know, but we only just got here. Work t'be done elsewhere though, so get shiftin'. Time's a-wastin', Aron.', responding in his usual, undiluted Westcape brogue. Seeing nought but a momentary, aimless sneer in wordless growled reply, Reed would be relieved with the short time it had taken to get Gowrie to comply, leading the Kellas away from his window view just as an officer in Eternal-Imperial attire had arrived to escort them both to the base's briefing room.

Then after a little stroll deeper into the redoubt-complex, Lord Bex was found waiting patiently at the entrance as they arrived, exchanging handshakes and greetings alike before they all joined the main throng of relevant officers as they made their way inside, noting the presence of the red-haired woman as soon as their eyes adjusted to the low visibility of the briefing room's lamp-lighting. Dignitaries and delegations would split off to find their own tables accordingly, but in making eye-contact with Empress Ingrid in these moments, the Galidraani would prompt a timely commencement to the meeting before they had even ventured to find a table of their own.

"Gentlemen, welcome to Panatha, welcome to Hell!"

Standing to attention, the Free-State commandery all gave courteous bows with heads and shoulders before the Goidelic Major-General calmly and kindly responded,'We extend our thanks for the warm welcome, and hope to merit such in the next few days or so.', as his colleagues were making for the nearest unoccupied table. However, Lord Aron instead chose to approach the guarded table of the Empress with slow, though confident deliberation, speaking in clear code-switched elocution as he continued,'Just one quick matter before we throw on the map projections, your Majesty. I bring word from the Lord-Regent.', waiting for Ingrid's guards to stand aside as he neared her table. With hands held out in front of him, Gowrie would make a show of clasping his fingers at the nearest knuckles to the fingernails, expressing compliance to their demand for peaceful intent before they finally stepped aside.

'Good drill, fellas. You'll learn to relax around me though, but I understand that this trust is to be built between us.... At ease - an' rest assured we'll talk later.'

With the guardsmen finally stepping away, the Kellas could properly turn his attention to the operation's key coordinator, keeping to his curt, though kindly demeanour on approach until he concluded,'The old man apologises, he wishes he could be here for this but duty calls elsewhere. He is, in his own words,"Closing gaps and closing chapters in recent history.", and thus has seen fit to send the Free-State in his stead.', offering another kindly bow of his head as he silently awaited L'lerim's reply.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

​

Location: Pancath Reach
Objective: Patrol against probing mawite attacks
Tags: OPEN

Spoiler: Fleet Assets

1 x Letton Class heavy cruisers
Void Watcher

2 x Dominion Class Escort Frigate

2 x Principality Class corvette

1 x Warden Class anti-starfighter frigate

Even split complements of
Pegasus Interceptor Starfighters
Phoenix Multirole Starfighter

Infantry available
Ashlan Marines
Sisters of Ashla

The Commodore looked at his patrol fleet as the last of his ships checked in at the rendezvous bang on time, punctuality was key in an effective navy.

This was Lyon's first command at his new rank having recently been promoted by Grand Admiral Draellix. patrolling against Sith incursions that might take offence to the building of on Ashlan base on that wasteland of darkness of Panatha, they had detected a couple of suspected cells that were now under observation and their Eternal Empire contacts had authorised the destruction of a pirate rearming facility with links to known Sith. The commodore had complete his intial objectives and had ordered his captain to convene over this moon for inspection and assessment, his Warden in particular had performed admirably preventing the flight of more than a score of pirate bomber craft that could have been used later to harass members of the Eternal Crusade.

"Captains, thank you for mustering as ordered, I will be inspecting each of your ships personally" The Commodore spoke to his small fleet, just a few words and then he would head to the shuttle to do his duty.

 

[Rebirth]

​

Location: Hypergate Lao-mon -> Hypergate Bakura
Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana | Aschwin Vethres

In the sweltering jungles of Lao-mon, Forgemaster Bashnag and his Doom Smiths labored.

They stood at the base of Hypergate Lao-mon, the towering arcane structure which the droid god Omni had placed upon the distant planet as part of Its bid to reshape and dominate reality. That plan, of course, had failed, and Omni Itself had vanished... but Its works had remained, along with a few who knew how to operate them. The Brotherhood of the Maw had been lucky enough to capture one of these few - the digital angel known as The Manifold , one of the most powerful Omni-Drones. The Mawites had enslaved this relic of the Oblivion crisis, forcing it to open it to open its former master's network of gates so that they could launch invasions through them.

But in the wake of the disastrous Battle of Tython, The Manifold had escaped.

It was just one of the many blows that the Brotherhood had recently suffered - the death of the Dark Voice, the defeat at Teta, and the loss of the prime Omni-Drone had all been major setbacks, finally bleeding off the seemingly unstoppable momentum that the Maw had used to push deep into the Core Worlds. But while Solipsis was gone forever and the war in the Core had forced the Mawites onto the defensive, the loss of The Manifold had proven to be a problem that could be solved. Before the drone's escape, it had been extensively studied, and even placed in a new Impervium body created in the dark forges of Mar'zambul. And so an understanding of its powers had been gained.

And Bashnag, the lead Doom Smith in the forging of the drone's new body, understood it best of all.

It had taken months to make the necessary modifications to Hypergate Lao-mon. The gate had been fitted with mighty techno-sorcerous machinery pattered on the necro-digital machines of the Droid God, primitive approximations of that impossibly advanced technology... but sufficient to get the job done. By studying the Netherworld frequencies used by The Manifold, the Doom Smiths of the Scar Hounds - the most gifted machinists in all the Brotherhood - had managed to jury-rig a system which could tap into Omni's network. So long as they could power and protect the great hypergate in these sweltering jungles, they could use it to reach any of the Droid God's other gates.

Even without the aid of The Manifold.

This was their secret weapon, the means by which the Maw would recover from their defeat in the Core Worlds. If the Galactic Alliance could push them back, then the Brotherhood would use their hypergate to strike deep into the soft underbelly of the Eternal Empire. There they would raid and pillage, feasting on merchant traffic and sacking entire worlds, in order to fuel their war machine. With the slaves and resources they seized from within the Eternal heartland, they would be able to fuel their war machine once more. They would recover their momentum. They would crush the Galactic Alliance under a fresh wave of fanatical warriors and brutal weapons.

Bashnag stepped back, satisfied that his smiths had succeeded in preparing the gate.

"Open the way," the Doom Smith commanded.

The gate shimmered. Bakura beckoned.

The waiting raiders charged.

​

 

[Bex Tarring]

ALLIES
Ingrid L'lerim Victor Vel Aath Myri Dara Kriegan Tavlar Hiran Avola Saul Vandron Amadeus Blackwood Nukth Kelga'an Heinrich Faust Elysium Dusk

IMPAF
Bramber Division
Commanding Officer Major General Bex Tarring

​

He breathed as easily as he could in the climate of Panatha. The temperate climate of Galidraan made for gentle living, the calm and rolling hills of his native Bramber meant that he had spent a childhood in some form of easy serenity. This was near choking at times, heat and closeness of air quality made the simple act of walking a test of supreme endurance.

He arrived ahead of his counterpart DECEASED Aron Gowrie , making sure to represent the Imperial delegation as best he could. The two found their divisions deployed in tandem, more often note complementing each other's forces; Gowrie the decorated social climber, known for his brilliance in strategy and the deployment of armoured personnel. Tarring's forces were, more often than not, utilised as the backbone and specialised contingents of mass deployment. The 2nd Battalion was waiting for its orders somewhere in a nearby encampment, the soldiers' training for such hostile climates set to be put to the test once again.

The two had fought in numerous campaigns together, mostly under the watchful eye of DECEASED Erskine Barran , a very powerful friend and mentor indeed. But he wasn't here now. He had other things to do. Battles to fight. Wars to wage. Empires to run.

Bex shuffled his uniform, a distinct variation on his dress uniform. These modern camo, with the Major General insignia and subtle brocades on the shoulder, were enough to remind any Imperial, or other for that matter, that his rank did carry some meaning and weight in this particular theatre of war.

He shook the hands of various dignitaries and other military commanders from allied command, catching the eye of Lord Gowrie as he made his way deeper into the complex to where Bex waited with patience. Bex nodded, a supreme familiarity between the two comrades; Bex dared to even use the word friend.

"Took you long enough" he muttered sotto voce to DECEASED Aron Gowrie , a wry grin plastered across his clammy, sweat-laden face.

Bex joined in step after Gowrie, leading the cadre of officers that filed into the briefing room. He took in various well-known personnel, none more so than the Empress herself.

"Gentlemen, welcome to Panatha, welcome to Hell!" she spoke to them, a murmur of good-humoured chuckles answering. Bex bowed politely, sure to offer his most sincere deference to the sovereign leader of the Eternal Empire.

Bex noted with some glee as Gowrie headed a little way off towards her table; only Aron would have such a mission as to warrant approaching the infamous leader of the Eternal Empire.
Bex and the rest of the Galidraan delegation found their seats, Bex sure to reach for his datapad as soon as he could. He watched as various notices of Deployment made their merry way across his screen and he made sure to respond in the affirmative with a distinct tap on each line.

Bex sat and waited, his adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Horsham sat beside him, even more, flustered in the heat than himself. Bex laughed openly, not so much as to disrupt the gentle mutterings that pervaded the space, but enough to put his friend at ease. He tapped his knee in a friendly gesture.

"We'll get you home to Bramber soon enough."

Horsham huffed quietly.

"There had better strawberry ice available." he darted with a distinct air of frustration and almost child-like rage.

Bex stifled an even greater laugh.

 

[Rolin Doan]

Objective: 4. Try to stop the ritual
Location: Iron Mountains, Panatha.
Equipment: Blasters: 2 KC-77N Hybrid Pistols - Melee Weapon: Yellowbladed standard lightsaber - Clothing/Armor: Aegis Of The Watch
NPC Companion: Buddy
Tags: Darth Maledictio - Open

The planet of Panatha was as dreary and miserable as ever. Even more so on this day, somehow. He could almost feel it with all five of his senses. Six if one were to count the Force.

Rolin stood on a cliff, the robes of his armor fluttering in the wind alongside the bushes and branches of the trees. He could feel…apprehension, in the air. As if the planet itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. If Rolin were to be perfectly honest, he'd say he simply shouldn't be here. And it wasn't cowardice or disloyalty talking, he was more than willing to throw himself at danger and complete his mission in the name of the Eternal Empire and his Empress, of course. He was loyal, to the Eternal Empire, to the Wardens, and to the woman who leads them both. Didnt have much else, really. He simply believed himself to not be ready for such responsibilities. Sure, the negotiations on Karra went well, and he found that he had a talent and liking to playing diplomat. But for something such as this, where if his skills in the force and lightsaber were to fail him, would mean his death, and more importantly, the failure of the mission given to him. Entrusted to him. Fear of failure and leaving no legacy behind always plagued the young warden initiate, but it always hits the hardest when he takes the first step.

Suddenly, Rolin felt something nudging against his shoulder, followed by a low, drawn out beep.

<Bweeep?>

Rolin looked over his shoulder, only to look directly in the optics of his droid companion, Buddy.

He smiled, giving the droid a pat on the head, his chest feeling just a little lighter at the reminder he wasn't alone, at least.

"I'm alright Buddy. No need to fret. Just thinking about the mission, that's all."

Rolin then crouched down, grabbing the ledge, and sticking his foot on the rock surface of the mountain, shimmying across the edge to get another clearing of the mountain.

Rolin was prepared for trouble and was more than willing to deal out his own fair share of it. But for now, he simply had to locate where exactly the dark side energies were coming from, and if able, put a stop to it, by any means necessary. For now, he was stuck wandering the mountain, trying to sense the source of the wicked energy, or at the very least a clue. Or an ally that already knows the way that he could simply follow and aid. That would be nice.

 

[Kyrel Ren]

​

Location: Outposts, Canthar
Objective: 1
Enemies: Elysium Dusk
Allies: Maw


Despite the revelations shown on Mustafar the hunger didn’t cease to stop. If anything his little adventures testing the void within had compelled him. It backfired on him to seek out larger prey. Even with the ebb and flow provided by the Hunger to control some of it. Kyrel nonetheless felt consumed by hunger and bloodlust, and from it all he needed to lay claim to some world. Needed to gorge himself so that the wound would be sated if only momentarily. Kyrel of course was not willing to stay behind with the bulk of Maw forces. Instead, he elected himself to be one of the heads of the Vanguard unit.

As his heavy boots had walked the soil on Panatha, he felt something familiar. The familiarly had extended its reach to what he felt inside the Netherworld, the way the dark side came off in waves. All it did was fan the flames of the beast aching to kill everyone around him. If given the chance he would devour a whole world when the time came. His fingers clung tightly to the spear, the fiery spirit of the weapon knew no bounds, and made sure to test the resolve of Kyrel Ren. While he mastered the weapon it behaved as a wild beast. Even as he plunged the end of the spear against the ground he could hear its screeching inside his head. Was there no relief to this? The only one he could think of leading through the outposts was to devour anyone he could find. Anything to stave off the horrible feeling inside.

Behind him were the clamping of boots behind him. The vanguard consisted of himself, and a detachment of Crimson Hand soldiers. Some were so desperate for sustenance they picked what rotten flesh there was. “Ain’t nothing here but old buildings an corpses… Disgusting meat…” One claimed from behind while making a disgusted face through his horned helm. “Keep complaining and I might let the others have at you.” All of a sudden the chattering of said soldier had quieted down. The others eyes him with vicious intent. As if they were ready to turn on him. There was a quiet desperation mixed into the madness of bloodlust’s. Yet through the outposts Kyrel felt something stir in the Force. Fresh meat perhaps?

 

[Thomas Barran]

1ST POST

LAST HOUR
AN AGE OF STRIFE STORY
OBJECTIVE 1

THE_BLOODHOUND
TRIBAL-WARLORD OF THE SCAR HOUNDS
WARDEN OF RHIGAR & MAR'ZAMBUL
GRANDMASTER OF THE TRI-LUNAR CLIQUE

BELIGERENTS
(BOTM/DH/SH Vs. EE/EMPIRE/AC)

Kyrel Ren Tegan Starfall
Keilara Kala'myr Erion Justeene Ronar
Khamul Kryze

Ingrid L'lerim Victor Vel Aath Myri Dara
Kriegan Tavlar Bex Tarring Hiran Avola Saul Vandron Amadeus Blackwood Nukth Kelga'an
Heinrich Faust Elysium Dusk

SHRIVEN NO MORE: FEAR THE FOG, FEAR THE SHADOWS - PART 1

MARKWOOD MARSHES, SPIREWATCH FOREST,
CANTHAR PROVINCE, PANATHA (EARLY-SPRING 877 ABY)

This trust in sentience....
From the sentients themselves and from the gods to whom they pray....
They see this trust in sentience, and they see it as superfluous.
​

The Bloodhound was in a dark place in almost every conceivable sense, but the urge to keep fighting, to keep waging his Holy War on all the Galaxy's ground-forces, to push on against all odds kept his resolve as steely as ever. A dark place though it was, and as much as it compounded with the pains he still suffered from his fight on Empress Teta's Coral Coast, Thomas had found an adamant-obsession from within, one such that urged to drive his foes much deeper into their own dark places - and all for what the Galaxy had put him through by then.

Though Barran knew that the suffering would expected in abundance for himself, (harsh and agonising though this suffering was expected to be) the one-eyed Woad knew the real Age of Strife had only just begun, telling of more in the increasingly uncertain future.

This time, my trust is with the savages....
With the very idea, the very concept of MINDLESS ABANDON!!!!​

Seemingly forsaken by his allies.

Seemingly forsaken by the very Avatar who favoured the Scar Hounds.

Seemingly forsaken by the very Galaxy itself.

All that remained was savagery, all the Bloodhound had left was a radicalised commitment to the very meaning of Atrocity, taking on all the risks and potential reprisals like every other burden he carried, showing something of a Goidelic quality in this regard but being completely unaware of such things at the time. But as all things usually were in the Galaxy, time itself was never on the side of those fighting for control in the Galaxy's warlike history, ringing much truer for those who frequently walked within the heart of the crucible. In these darker days, the Bloodhound would walk alone on Rhigar and Mar'Zambul alike, walking without faith, purpose or direction until Dreamer enticed him into hunting Sith on Panatha, the homeworld of the very dynasty who struck him down on Ziost - the beating heart of the people who unleashed Hell from above and burned Thomas to a cinder.

A first life that ended with such abrupt, agonizing violence, but somehow being easy to avenge in stark contrast.

<"Sir, I have transmitted the existing data on the forces of the three factions present here on the planet. Based on team movements and numbers… they're not looking for us, possibly they are not expecting us either, they're looking for someone else.">​

Eternals, Imperials and Ashlans, all with the makings of deathly challenges in their own rights, though Barran was more focused on noting their preference for hunting the same prey on that occasion, competing over hunting-grounds in small-scale skirmishes by then. Split between east and west, the Bloodhound could see the makings of yet another large-scale engagement forming already, but in his weakened state, this would be the first he was in no mood or condition to command from the front. Fortunately for the Warlord, the stalwart presences of Ronar and Erion would keep him well-guarded throughout their deployment to Panatha, and just like the opponents he could neither see nor identify precisely, those same small blessings, those same small victories would be welcomed gratefully by the Bloodhound in turn.

~=As for the other plan, I'm ready to escape from the Taskmaster's men in the midst of the greatest chaos.=~​

Despite his pains, the growth in power was easy to detect on a mystical level, and in his latest improvements, the one-eyed Woad was beginning to show great promise in telepathic communication. Although it was the slowest-developing skill for Thomas, something he had no say in, an issue with no explanatory means of resolving until after Tython, somehow much and more was changing within the soul of the Bloodhound - with such changes almost-completely negating the drawbacks of masterless growth as a Force-wielding warrior.

<"Time will tell if they're aware of our presence or not.... But for now - we hunt for Epicanthix irregulars, with exception for any stragglers from among the real threats. My father doesn't idly choose deployment contingents, so we'll play it extra stealthy this time. Just like Mustafar.">​

With the opposition matter covered, Barran's mind would force him to think on the issue of the Taskmaster, and after putting it off for far too long already, the rage that welled up from within was no longer wise to ignore. Not for as long as the Bloodhound's wrath was an issue, not for as long as it made the Scar Hounds look like feeble, suggestible paper-tigers, and certainly not for as long as the other Mawsworn tribes shunned and slaughtered those accused of such weakness. It was enough to madden the one-eyed Woad to distraction from his main goal, requiring every last morsel of his inner-focus to remember the reason he was there to begin with, and to ensure the death and eradication of every potential escapee from Panatha's surface, the very thought of his second mentor's capture would need to be put aside for the sake of the tribe - a subconscious adherence to the doctrine of the first.

~=Good luck out there, Mercy.... An' if you do manage to escape, try your utmost to put the tribal life behind you. The children deserve better than this, an' we both know it.=~​

'RONAR!!!! SUPERIOUS!!!! ON ME!!!!', the Bloodhound roared out across the foggy clearing, opting to take his mind off the internal slight between tribes by keeping his thoughts tethered to the parts of the situation that still rested firmly within his control. One of the upsides to dropping onto Panatha, despite the fact Barran was aching all over, was the comfort of being at a clear strategic advantage over most of the opposing elements skirmishing outside Canthar western outskirts, and especially comfortable in the reassuring thoughts that further plans were just moments away from being formulated. But as the outlines of his protectors approached to visible extents, Thomas realised he would need to briefly cast the plans aside for a matter he'd forgotten about, exclaiming,'It is time we had a wee chat about ranks and titles! Status earned for your efforts thusfar!', reaching into his coat-pocket for two signet-rings.

Leaving a third for another marauder in particular.

'But first - please help me up to my feet.... I need to find the painkiller-stims again.'

 

[Tyrell Lockhart]

Galidraani Imperial State

1st Dunwall Irregulars (The Devils of Dunwall)

Allies: Hiran Avola , DECEASED Aron Gowrie , Saul Vandron , Kriegan Tavlar , Bex Tarring​

Jungles... not Tyrell's favorite terrain. Sure, the trees reminded him enough of the forests of Dunwall, but the weather was atrocious here in comparison to the Madman's home. That's not even including the fact that in such jungles, everything seems to be trying to kill you... in this case, even the locals. That didn't stop the Dunwall Irregulars from being effective in the field, however. When one fights for the Empire, the field upon which blood is spilt soon matters little outside of the tactical applications involved. To Tyrell, it was just another opportunity to get away from the tedium of his office; back to his true calling...

WAR...

The Dunwall Irregulars had spent their time well in the jungle, taking time to establish their own forward operating camp far enough away from prying eyes. The General took a look at the holoprojector within his tent, surveying what he could of the nearby landscape. He spoke out loud, despite the room being empty. He found himself doing that, as of late. Perhaps the time away from the lads was getting to him.

"Nothin' but more heat an' trees for miles. Why do Sithies always choose to call the hellholes of the galaxy home..."

An encoded transmission came through not long after the words were spoken, prompting the General to shift his attention toward the message.

"Right... looks like the Lord High Executioner 'as come knockin'. Best be movin' out then."

A reply was quickly sent back, signaling that the Dunwall Irregulars would be departing shortly. As he stepped out of his tent, he was met by Commander Gabriel Taggart, the man that had taken over direct control of the DI when Tyrell wasn't around. "The Priest", as he was called, had done a fine job managing the lads in Tyrell's absence, having kept them in fine fighting shape while continuing the great task of rooting out whatever may be left of the Sith within Galidraani Space. Quite the pair for quite the motley crew.

"Priest, move the lads out. We make for the command center. Best we don't keep High Executioner waitin'."

 

[Scipio Kaarz]

Scipio Kaarz: Magister Militum Dei of the Crusade

Tags: Ingrid L'lerim , DECEASED Aron Gowrie , Bex Tarring

Scipio hadn't set foot upon the war-torn killing fields of Tython as he had wished to. He was certain that he could have done some good there, though with everything that happened, it was a miracle that the very galaxy hadn't collapsed under the machinations of the now deceased Dark Voice of the Maw. Instead, he had spent much of his time preparing the Ashlan forces for their inevitable counteroffensive against the Maw, much of which kept him away from home. His time spent at the joint outpost had left him itching for a fight, and it seemed that his forces might get such a fight today. But for now... he had a meeting to attend.

He stepped into the room, a pair of Veilbearers closely behind. Deus Company awaited him nearby, but would assist in maintaining the perimeter around the facility. He didn't need a show of power in front of these individuals. He had worked closely with the Empress in recent months, and the pair had seemed to gain a mutual respect for each other's skills. As for the Imperials, though he hadn't spent time with them in many years, there was no doubt that his name may sound familiar to them. His time spent within the Imperial military had not been without decoration, and had the Crusade not liberated his home, perhaps he would still be wearing the imperial uniform.

Perhaps that was why the Cardinal had deemed it necessary for him to attend this meeting in his stead. The Magister understood the ways of imperials, perhaps in ways that even the good Cardinal did not.

As he approached the table, the Magister took care to acknowledge the others present, offering each a slight nod of the head as he passed them by.

"Empress, gentlemen, the Cardinal sends his regards."

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Anashja Tal

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

Rituals were never Khamul's strongest suit, nor were they his go to method of travel. Nevertheless, he found himself traversing through the portal at the head of his faithful, calmly stepping onto the planet of Evaar'la Yaim. The planet had been in his sights for some time, as it had harbored more Mandalorians for quite some time. More individuals that would either prove their worth to the Demon Mand'alor, or die by his hand. His recent conquest of Nothmir had proven fortuitous, adding several more members to the ranks of Death's Hand. Despite these efforts, there was still much work to do before his people would be truly united.

As he took his first steps onto the planet, Khamul took a moment to survey the area. More and more of Death's Hand slowly poured through the portal, joining their Mand'alor as they looked onward to the next world that would feel their wrath.

"Can you feel it, my vode? This planet calls to us. There will be many here to be tested, and I expect you all to show them what it truly means to be a Mandalorian."

Several units of Taung warriors came through the portal as well, taking their place alongside the Unchained. So many had joined his cause, emboldening the Unchained ever the more as he continued to cut a bloody swath through the galaxy. Eventually, all would come to see the truth...

The galaxy would come to fear their kind once again.

"I will take a small party to eliminate any flies that may be waiting for us. The rest of you, maintain a perimeter. Do not let this portal fail. Should you meet any resistance, you are to strike without mercy."

With that, his jetpack roared to life, and the Demon flew forth with a small contingent of his faithful in tow.