Rise of the Imperials [First Order Dominion of Yalara and Effekt]

[Valessia Brentioch]

Opening Scrawl: Rise of the Imperials

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A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY...​

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STAR WARS: CHAOS​

'RISE OF THE IMPERIALS'​

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The Noghri of Yalara have watched as, sector by sector, the First Order's banner rises all throughout Wild Space. Fearing the inevitable, they invite the First Order to participate in both ground and space war games. Knowing full well that they will not gain any traction through their prejudices, Aram Kalast, the Supreme Commander of the First Order's military leads the way with both General Ludolf Vaas and Moff Natasi Fortan at his side.

Meanwhile the First Order's Deputy Director of Intelligence, a Chiss called, Sentiri, leads a small team of agents into the depths of what had been the infamous Yalara Dam. There she and her agents discover what looks to be a shadowport, and underground routes that lead into abandoned manufacturing plants, all left over from the days of the Imperial Remnant.

As members of the military begin to arrive and prepare for what is certain to be a historic event, Darth Veles and the Knights of Ren arrive on Yalara, seeking the holocron of the Dark Jedi known as Tavion Axmis and heading for some the of most remote and perhaps most dangerous parts of the desert world...

Spoiler

• 1- Vianta's Last Expedition: Vianta Moxis was a historian of a particular sort, she sought the acquisition of artifacts of powerful darksided women, including Tavion Axmis. Vianta's last known location had been at the Temple of Ragnos on Yalara itself but where she died is unknown. First Imperial Historians inform the Knights of Ren that finding where the woman died, may aide them in their quest of acquiring her journals. As an incentive they inform the Knights that if they are able to locate Vianta's remains they may uncover the data regarding the location of Tavion Axmis's holocron.
• (Knights of Ren / Historical Artifacts)

• 2 - Noghri, No Yield: The immigrated species who now rule the desert planet, have been watching as the First Order's banner begins to spread across wild space. While small in size they are quite the formidable opponents. Like the Wookiees of Kashyyk, the Noghri have a sense of honor - and refuse to simply submit to the First Order or agree to any annexation terms without the Order having proven themselves worthy. To this end, war games are arranged both on the desert planet itself and in the surrounding space. Meanwhile - a scouting force from the First Imperial Navy looks to establish a new space station and listening post between Yalara and Dosuun. Back on the planet, as the war games proceed, the First Imperial Starfighter Corps take the opportunity to stretch their wings as they participate in the war games of Yalara.
• (Starfighter Formations / Naval Fleeting / Space Station Development)

• 3 - Imperial History 1304: Yalara was once under the command of the Imperial Remnant, and as such holds its own secrets. Members of the First Imperial Intelligence are dispatched to dig, explore and find any records left behind from the Remnant in the hopes of learning from them / exploiting old Imperial technology that may have been left behind. While exploring near the old Yalara Dam the Intelligence Agents make a large and potentially momentous discovery.
• (Shadowports / Manufactorums)

• 4 - Bring Your Own Objective: Do your own thing, make your own story on Yalara or in the surrounding areas.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsAH53qCO5U[/media]​

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Outside the Ruined Temple of Ragnos
Tracing the Past...
Party Members: [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Skjold Alexeyev"], [member="Decima Fortan"]; Knights of Ren
Guide: Helen Moxis, Grandaughter of Vianta Moxis
Objective: 1 - Vianta's Last Expedition

Helen Moxis had been contacted by Valessia Brentioch, who sponsored the expedition and in exchanged wished to have any artifacts recovered sent back to her. Strangely, the Scion was not interested in the holocron itself. Helen didn't question the woman and waited with her two Jawa companions for the Knights of Ren. Led by a Sith? Again, Helen didn't question things especially when it came to the First Order. All she wanted was to recover her grandmother's remains and head back to the Core. And in order to recover these remains, she would need help - help she was told that ... the Sith would provide. Once more, she has learned just to accept the help and move along with her day.

The ruined Temple of Ragnos laid deep through the mountains, a path that she had traveresed a few times with her grandmother, while Vianta was still cutting a path through to find the holocron of Tavion Axmis. Vianta's body laid strewn about the cavern floor just before you reach the temple's entrance. She paced about just outside of the first tunnel into the mountains, waiting for the Knights. She knew the trek to this part of Yalara would be harsh but she had no doubt in her mind that the they were more than capable of making the trip...

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Mal'ary'ush, Yalara
Gathering of the Clans...
Allies: [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"], [member="Aram Kalast"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="William Kerkov"], [member="Greta Kohler"],
Opponents: The Grand Clans of Mal'ary'ush; Ikunhr, Edvir, Abikhaim
Objective: 2 - Noghri, No Yield

Clan Chief Norvak of Ikunhr watched as the foreigners arrived via transports from Honoghr Spaceport. The sandy arena where contestants in non-force user melee prepared themselves while outside of the arena. Many great warriors who were eager to get these games underway. Norvak marched from the steps of the arena and headed for the droid operated taxi station with him were some of his finest men. They brandished their swords, their eyes were hungry for battle - waiting for these racists Imperials to make one wrong move and forfeit the games. Chief Norvak had seen the Imperial banners from Yalara knowing that they could either submit peacefully, or risk the death of thousands - many of his brethern were not happy with the idea of these war games.

Norvak was old, and they feared that perhaps he was too old. His son, Rovkan was among the disgruntled who watched from their towers as the false heirs of the Empire made their way to their planet. His father was now approaching the taxi station where he would wait for the arrival of the First Order's most distinguished warriors and greet them in person. Sand kicked up into the wind, billowing across the hot surface of the desert planet and Rovkan turned toward his brethren, "as my father marches to greet these Imperial boshtets, we should act now and move to be rid of them ourselves."

"And what honor has a son to his father when he disobeys him?" Khanvir inquired as he pushed his way through the tower's steps, Khanvir was the younger of the two sons. "You dare speak against our father, the great Clan Chief? The King of King's own son would spew blashempy against him?" He now stood beside his brother, "you are the oldest and would do well to remember this, and to honor our father's wishes."

Rovkan shook his head a hand splayed across his face, and then he turned his eyes toward his younger brother, "would you listen to him? Truly my father's words have poisoned your mind, for what honor is there in simply submitting to these boshtets? Should we lay down our arms now?"

"Are you saying that our warriors are not capable of winning these games, brother?" Khanvir challenged and looked to those gathered at the tower, "go to your homes, go to your stores, and go to the arena, fear not these treacherous words and do not let them go to your heads, for you would dishonor us all should you act upon them."

As the crowd dissipated, Rovkan sneered to his brother, "perhaps you would like to serve these Imperials their tea?" He spat at his brother's boots, "you are not worthy of being Noghri."

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[Asharad Graush]

Objective Two.
Post one.

Imperial uniform crisp, the High Colonel remained silent as the First Order went to meet the Noghri that were heading to greet them. And so the primitives come, the Sith Hybrid thought to himself as the Noghri congregation came to meet them at the taxi station. His teeth grinded upon each other. What was even the purpose of honouring these ridiculous war games? It didn't take a genius to know that the Noghri would be crushed underneath the boot of the Imperials, but he remained silent all the same.

If there were none who were his superiors in their own military party, then he would speak. But that had yet to come.

Back on the ships before they had deployed to the planet below, the High Colonel had volunteered to be one of those that fought in the war games. He made it no secret that he was willing to bleed on this day, or rather, spill blood on it.

Crossing his arms over his chest, he blinked lazily, golden orbs in his skull disappearing for a brief moment as he blinked...

"Welcome," said Clan Chief Norvak.

There were no looks of affection among the aliens.

 

[William Kerkov Sr]

Objective: 2
Post I

Kerkov stood among the military commanders heading to the surface. He wouldn't stay long as Kerkov intended to be apart of the games, but everyone participating had to be present with the First Order military emissaries. The Grand Admiral thought it fitting, war games to decide the worthy leader of the planet, and in such formal fashion. He would surely enjoy defeating these pesky natives. Dust was brushed off his right golden epaulet with his left, white gloved hand. As did [member="Asharad Graush"], the Naval Officer wore his summer whites, fit with his impressive rank badge, golden epaulets, snow colored cover. Kerkov would not insult the planetary leader, and his military staff with nothing less than his best.

The Admiral set foot only three meters from the Chief as he welcomed the First Order military officials. Kerkov grinned, this would be good fun for him and his officers.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Location: The Vindicator
Objective: Ensure the fleet remains in position
Post:I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbfJnfEPXNM

"All systems set and clear Captain." The Helmsman called from the rear of the bridge.

"Just the way we want things eh?" Carlyle smiled, he toyed with the various capsules in his hand, and licked his chaffed lips. This is what he hated most about the medication given to him, the taking of the pills. Rausgeber took a deep breath, and brought his hand up to mouth, and felt the concoction of pills slide in. He gagged a little, and coughed trying to swallow them. His face went red, and he felt a hand tap his back.

"I've told you Captain," Lieutenant Margs said, holding a canteen to his face "Always take water with you."

Carlyle snatched the canteen from the Lieutenant, and unscrewed the lid and took a long hardy sip. "Thank you lieutenant." Carlyle gruffly said, "I appreciate your efforts."

"I sometimes wonder what would happen to you without me." The other officer teased.

"Judging by your being here, the fleet is in position?" The Captain asked.

"Yes sir, the fleet is in holding pattern Delta-Four as the Grand Admiral ordered. We should look rather impressive to any reptillian savages with a telescope." Margs added with a veneer of superiority.

"What of the fighters?" Carlyle asked, "Are they away?"

"Awaiting further orders from starfighter command, but yes they are cleared." Margs said.

Carlyle smiled a little, and turned to the TIE operations officer, "Ensign, alert the foreman to prepare my shuttle. I may yet see the war games yet."

"Aye aye sir." The ensign replied.

"Are you going to leave me in charge sir?" Margs asked.

"Of course, I think it'd be good of you to learn to command a fleet." Carlyle said with a smirk.

"But there's more than a dozen ships here, you can't antici-" Margs' protests were cut off by Carlyle raising a finger to his mouth.

"You worry too much Lieutenant." Carlyle said with a smile pursing his lips.

 

[Darth Veles]

Objective: 1 - Vianta's Last Expedition
[member="Valessia Brentioch"] [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] @Any other Ren who wish to join the party!

For all the extensive knowledge concerning the Sith, Darth Veles knew little more about Tavion Axmis other than her allegiance to the Cult of Ragnos and its attempt to resurrect Marka Ragnos. As many Dark Jedi, Tavion’s entire life had been reduced to just another name lost in the annals of history, nothing left from her daring crusade against the galaxy. As such, learning about a holocron supposedly created by this woman came as a genuine surprise, immediately flooding the Imperial’s mind with questions. Never holding Dark Jedi in high esteem, the Darth did not expect the container of wisdom to hold any useful information to bless him with more power, yet, despite the burning scorn for all Dark Jedi, the Mon Cal Sith was not foolish enough to throw away knowledge offered by Force users, no matter their allegiance.

The desert planet’s sun promised to be a relentless enemy, but those who have survived the harsh trials of Korriban had nothing to fear. Draped in black, hood painting shadow over his face, Veles led the way towards the crumbling Sith temple. Even before the orange coloured orbs cast their gaze over the miserable ruin, the Force had whispered to its Sith master about the strong Dark Side presence in this abandoned place, old evil veiling the ancient walls within its eerie comfort. With the Knights of Ren in tow, all more than prepared to take on this task, the amphibious Imperial confidently marched to the meeting point, offering the woman who awaited them a sweet smile. His smooth voice spoke with the typical Imperial accent commanding respect, yet also showed uncharacteristic gentleness for one of his rank.

“Miss Moxis? We are here to provide our assistance. I am Darth Veles - but please,” a roguish smile curled the corners of his lips, “Call me Avreet.”

A courtly nod seamlessly followed immediately after the Mon Cal’s whiskers stopped moving. Posture straight and radiating confidence, fiery amber gaze searching through the guide's eye as if he could see right into her soul and claim the answers he desired.

“Tell us what you know about this place.”

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Location: Maersk of Lanteeb
Objective 2: Space station development
Post: 1/20

With the Maersk of Lanteeb still having the prisoners in tow from the failure of one [member="Ileris Sonn"] to take their delivery in a timely manner, Dunames was still on the ship for a few more days before it arrived on Dosuun in time for the Games. This time Dunames won't fail to deliver the prisoner labor to the space station. And with roughly 150,000 tons of components in tow: quadanium frames and plates, transparisteel viewports, Roto-Rooters and other components. The First Order paid well and she couldn't complain. But Star Tours was little more than a pawn in this galactic game of thrones. Few... let's put it this way, active actors would even dare do these undignified jobs. Shipyards are one thing, but keeping the shipyards supplied with many of the stuff these active actors create tend to use is a pain. There are magnificent devices from all corners of the galaxy, just that supply chain management is an ostracized field among so many who would rather just fight using said implements. But without a proper supply chain, the fleeters that be cannot do their things anymore.

"Yalara Station, this is the Maersk of Lanteeb, we have a shipment of prisoners and construction supplies"

"Transmit your authorization code"

"A-Y-21-3"

"Roger, dock near supply bay 1"

 

[Visser Chernykh]

Objective I- [member="Darth Veles"]

Mael Ren's boots crunched audibly in the grit. He followed behind Veles and was content to let the fish speak. The masked man was far less...courtly. He instead turned most of his attention to the ruins.

Whispers of the Dark Side hung about the place. It filled him with a sense of excited anticipation. The Force stirred in him and he felt stronger here. Certainly the Marka Ragnos cultists had felt it too.

Doomed fools.

He turned his masked gaze out onto the desert. They were as dead as the vast oceans of sand. More fools chasing the glory of the past. Instead of seeking the brighter future.

The past was dead and gone. Skywalker's New Jedi Order had done these fools in. That had hardly mattered because the cult was doomed. They'd have turned on each other soon enough had the Jedi not come for them.

That was why the First Order's vision appealed to him so much. The past was just that and the future could be shaped by now. It gave one power over their own lives. Mael Ren had such power unlike the weak Skjold.

He saw what he had been buried in that ocean of sand. Mael turned his attention back the the fish and the archaeologist. The disciple waited for their foppish pleasantries to end. They were here to do a job and he focused his attention in the present again.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Yalara Dam, Yalara
In Your Bones...
Team: [member="[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=14px][FONT=verdana]Sentiri[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=14px][FONT=verdana]"], [member="Corvo Santagar"]; First Order Security Bureau
Escorts: Ghosmal of Clan Edvir, and Zamassir of Clan Skikh
Objective: 3 - Imperial History 1304

Ghosmal had led the small team of agents toward the infamous dam, it sat in crumbling ruins. The Noghri engineers never bothered to really fix it. All they did was place a few quick fixes, but as the agents approached they could see that the infrastructure's integrity was in great need. The sound of water could be heard and seen only as it crests around the bend and then nothing as it slams into the dam itself. Ghosmal and Zamassir had been elected to help the Imperials, rather, Zamassir volunteered Ghosmal who was the stronger of the two physically.

The two were more than aware that the great Clan Chief Norvak had invited these boshtets to their homeworld. "Norvak said we just had to escort them, as soon as we get to the nest, we leave them there, if they die, they die." Ghosmal remarked, "let us hope Yalara will swallow them whole."

"Cousin," Zamassir rebukes, "they are our guests do we not hold honor if we are hospitable to our guests?"

Ghosmal paused and looked at her cousin, "if our guests were fellow Noghri perhaps, but these dogs are not Noghri and should rot in their own lands and not ours."

"Did not the Jedi aide the Yalarans?" The other woman remarks as she tugs at her robes, her staff digging into the mountain edges as they moved up toward the dam's walls.

This time Ghosmal grabbed her cousin, "and did not the Imperials subjugate this world? That it took more Jedi to rid our planet of them? Or are you so eager to bow to these dogs?"

"And are you so eager to remain cut off from our homeworld?" Zamassir while physically weaker of the two held a more intimidating persona about her, "there they are at the edges of the dam, come let us greet them with Noghri hospitality."

Ghosmal's upper lip curled as she sneered, she hated the idea of escorting any of these boshtets, but what could she do? They were under strict orders and any disregard of these orders would bring great shame to their clans.

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Outside the Ruined Temple of Ragnos
Tracing the Past...
Party Members: [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Skjold Alexeyev"], [member="Decima Fortan"]; Knights of Ren
Guide: Helen Moxis, Grandaughter of Vianta Moxis
Objective: 1 - Vianta's Last Expedition
Post: 2 // ??

"Y-yes, that's me," Helen acknowledged, "oh okay yes, of course Avreet." She adjusted the glasses on her face and looked around the amphibious Imperial. She straightened out her posture and tried to keep her cool, the tunnel entrance behind her howled with malicious intent and the dark side made itself known to those who could feel it. To those who felt its call, they could almost hear the whispers of the old Disciples of Ragnos, who in turn became the Disciples of Axmis - and perhaps their spirits wrestled with death even to this day. Helen shuddered, she could feel something and it was, cold. "The Temple of Ragnos as built by the Cult soon after Tavion's demise had been built as a way to keep the cult alive, and to bring in new members. Eventually as time passed the Cult's view of Tavion became skewed, and while we know she died in the tomb with Marka Ragnos, the Cult believes she is waiting for them to raise her from the grave."

"We are about to embark on Desann's death, this is the first path as you descend toward the temple. The second is Alora's ambition, and the final is Tavion's Triumpth, each path is well - riddled with traps. My grandmother got as far as Alora's ambition her body is now, along the cavern floor... in pieces." She struggled to say it, but she kept her composure, the non-force user looked behind her. Her arms wrapped themselves around her shoulders. "I can take you up to there, but you'll be on your own after that, which..." She swallowed hard, "I am sure you are all capable of traversing on your own.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Objective: 1 - Vianta's Last Expedition
Post:1
Allies: [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Skjold Alexeyev"], Knights of Ren

Isla found herself deep in the mountains, led by the familiar form of Darth Veles, and accompanied by her fellow Ren. The last time the disciple ventured out with the Mon Cal, she traveled through the jungle, fell in the mud, and attempted to discover the secrets of an old tomb. A grin found its way onto Isla’s pale face, her eyes on the flapping feet of Veles as he walked ahead of the group, she was sure that this day would also be full of adventure.

The brightness of the day was a bit offensive to Isla’s emerald eyes, and she drew the hood of her black cloak over her face. But from beneath the fabric, she began to see the temple ruins rising on the horizon. A feeling began to wash over her, very similar to those she had experienced on Dromund Vatsu. The presence of the Dark Side was evident, it was all around them. It wasn’t long before the figure of a woman became visible, waiting next to the entrance. Isla said nothing in greeting to their hostess, but did offer a very slight nod. She stood just to the side, listening quietly as the two conversed.

Isla’s gaze shifted down towards the path as the Miss Moxie began to speak, and she felt the corner of her mouth lifting upon hearing that each way would have traps ready and waiting for them. Well, this was certainly bound to be interesting...

 

[Darth Veles]

Objective: 1 - Vianta's Last Expedition
[member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Valessia Brentioch"] [member="Skjold Alexeyev"]

Not everyone dared to explore tombs and temples filled with traps. Although that was definitely not his case, Veles did not blame the woman for her obvious lack of confidence, ignoring the fear her presence radiated through the Force – having the instinct to avoid the dangers lurking within the dark maw of an entrance indicated the woman possessed a sound mind, unlike many others. Bones scattered across Korriban’s Valley of the Dark Lords served as silent mementos warning new explorers to keep their distance. Few listened to the dead – and so more whitened skeletons joined the old ones in their doomed mission.

Veles’ inquisitive orbs calmly observed the guide for the duration of her explanation, patient mask concealing the Sith Lord’s internal laughter at the prospect of Axmis’ resurrection. Not because the amphibious Sith wouldn’t believe in afterlife or coming back from the dead, for Veles had clawed his way out of the Void’s bottomless pits himself, after all. To Sith, like the Mon Calamari towering in front of Helen, Dark Jedi represented weakness and failure, beings too pathetic to grow into Sith or Jedi.

“Of course,” replied the amphibian confidently, finally taking his eyes off the guide and silently daring the monument to provide the small group with a good challenge, “We have experience with cultists and their creations.”

Dromund Vatsu came to mind.

With a turn of his head, Darth Veles' gaze darted over to the knights of Ren, showing them the treacherous smile of a poisoner and lively sparks dancing in his orbs.

“Correct, knights?”

 

[Sentiri]

Location: The Yalara Dam
Objective: 3 - History lesson/Excavation/Snoop
Allies: Members of the First Order Security Bureau (and others?)
Enemies: Boulders
Post: 01

The First Order shuttle landed neatly on a stone outcropping. A stone building loomed above overlooking the dam. Water calmly pooled around the outcropping that the shuttle had utilized as a landing pad. Four or five meters beyond there was a massive drop-off; the barrier that was the dam itself. The sheer drop beyond was a clear indication of just how much water the embankment held back. The amount of pressure exerted onto the surface area must have been enormous. Only a slight crack in the structure could cause innumerable tons of water to burst forth and completely annihilate the entire construct as well as any habitats lying at the foot of the dam and the surrounding area.

Despite its rickety appearance and obvious lack of treatment, Sentiri could only hope that the dam's surface was not in similar shape.

Upon the landing sequence, the dam almost appeared as if it had been carved out of the cliffside itself. The Chiss woman knew that such a feat of engineering was nearly impossible, though not completely. The distance between the shuttle and the rockface had been too great to adequately assess the composition of the adjacent cliffs and the dam. Of course, a manufactured structure would have less margin of error in its purpose than simply carving a chunk out of the cliffside. Either way, the composition only mattered so much as it ensured the integrity of the entire structure. The integrity of which was highly suspect.

As she stepped off of the shuttle, the faintest hint of a scowl crossed her brow and lips. She peered across the area, trying to decode her surroundings. The water seemed to flow from the cliff itself; its source shrouded by rock. The building obviously housed the electronic components of the dam but light fixtures lay scattered and broken. Stone and metal debris littered the walkways in plentiful amounts. Sentiri was beginning to question why they had come at all.

Walking towards the shuttle were a pair of Noghri and the Deputy Director was immediately reminded of why the First Order thought it prudent to send the Bureau. The Noghri had invited the First Order to Yalara. The planet was just another in the line of conquest that the Order sought to annex. But the Noghri reached out first. Sentiri assumed that the inhabitants were well aware that the Order would conquer them one way or another. To invite the First Order in instead meant that they could avoid unnecessary conflict. Though the Noghri were still a warrior race and prideful people. After Sentiri's recent visit to Vortusa, she pitied the Noghri for their misplaced vanity.

Yalara had little worth aside from the Noghri themselves. As a planet it was neither rich in resources nor was it strategically valuable. The only place of interest was the Yalara Dam. But Sentiri was not there to sightsee. The Chiss woman was only concerned with a rumor. The dam had once been the location of an Imperial Remnant base of operations centuries ago. The potential was there to find leftover equipment or even a piece of historical value. Sentiri could only hope that her mission didn't turn into wasted time.

"Greetings," she offered to the two approaching Noghri.

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]​

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Location: Maersk of Lanteeb
Objective 2: Space station development
Post: 2/20

"The station's gangway is being deployed..." the chief engineer told Dunames.

"Gangway active, captain" the chief security officer commented.

"Commence deboarding procedure for the prisoners"

"Roger, roger"

The battle droids posted onboard the Maersk of Lanteeb began escorting the prisoners away from their cabins. They were rather luxurious by cell block standards: no prisoner expected to be moved around penal worlds in such luxury. Yet, for Star Tours, the latest winner of the Most Improved Spaceline Award by Hyperspace Traveler, the level of luxury was par for the course. 2,000 sentient prisoners for a station that was still in its early stages of construction, and with sealed jumpsuits for working in the vacuum of space, were being deboarded and escorted by battle droids, while their cargo underneath the passenger areas was being unloaded through lateral hatches. But tug droids were designed for loads up to roughly 70 tons, that is, one Hedeek filled with liquids. This time around tug droids were to carry quadanium beams and plates away to where they were needed. Quadanium plates, transparisteel viewports, all the construction materials were unloaded off the Maersk of Lanteeb one by one. And the long line of prisoners began to enter the station under construction...

 

[Davin Jusik]

Objective Three
Post 1/20
Allies:[member="Sentiri"]

A rush of air greeted Amin and [member="Sentiri"] as they exited the steel confines of the shuttle and entered the vibrant planet of Yalara. Steel turned to stone underneath the Agent's feet as he strolled confidently down the ramp. They were there to explore some aging ruin or another, in the hope of gaining some knowledge about the IR who'd formerly inhabited the region. On Amin's side hung a submachine gun and on his back a survival bag of sorts, packed with light gear one would want if they found themselves trapped underground. The Noghri approached and Amin offered a polite nod in their direction. Aliens with a warrior culture were some of the few folk that the Agent enjoyed interacting with. Their stalwart conviction and often harsh demeanor demanded a respect from anyone who cared about honor.

It was something he unfortunately couldn't claim about all of his comrades in arms.

The Dam provided a nice backdrop for the slightly tense first meeting.

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]

 

[Visser Chernykh]

Obj. 1, Post 2
[member="Darth Veles"] [member="Isla Ashen"]

Mael paid careful attention as the archaeologist spoke. She was a weakling but she certainly was not stupid. Her grandmother had apparently been both of those things. He felt no sympathy for fools.

He knew Marka Ragnos as a Sith sorcerer from thousands of years ago. A being of great power who led the beings of Korriban. Yet he was still only a regional despot. Korriban had been a backwater world of no importance.

Desann had been a failed Jedi. He then became a failed Dark Side cultist. The others he was not familiar with. More pretenders to power from the sound of it.

When the fish spoke he turned to regard him coldly. The disciple was silent as he met the bulbous amber eyes. He looked over then is Isla Ashen. Her excitement was palpable as she took in the ruins.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Post 1 of 20
Objective 1: Keep an eye on the Darth
Frenemies: [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] | [member="Isla Ashen"]
Gear: Primeval Light Infantry Armor | Warden Cloak | SE-44C Blaster Pistol | Amphistaff (Azi)

“Correct, knights?”

An early lesson that the young Pantoran had learned: Just because they worked toward the same goal, didn't mean they were all on the same side.

Case in point, the boy had been raised by the Sith. That singular distinction bore with it any number of scars. Not the least of which was the child's preternatural connection with the Dark Side of the Force. He'd been kept as an amusement and taught to kill on command, valuable skills that he would later use to dispatch the same Sith Lord that had elevated him from out of the Coruscant ghettos.

No act of kindness goes unpunished, after all.

He'd broken ranks with the Primeval and sided with the Silver Jedi against the Sith, most recently at the Battle of Ruusan, but he wasn't Jedi. He was a monster.

And they said it takes one to know one.

Which is where we arrive at the architect of this mission. The self-described Darth Veles. A walking sashimi platter with a palpable presence in the Force, and a deep-seated power that was visible from behind those fishbowl eyes.

As he spoke about cultists, it was the youngest Ren who looked up. The Mon Cal's image would have been reflected in the mirrored transparisteel faceplate. Once upon a time, the armor that the youngling wore had been part of the Golden Banner, the army of the Host Lord of the Primeval. Craning his head to one side, the young Seeker of the Rift's voice was flattened slightly by the vocabulator inside the mask he wore. "It is as you say, my lord."

The fact that there was a large serpentine creature entangled around the boy's form might have been the first indicator that he wasn't the typical disciple of the beyond.

 

[Darth Ayra]

1/20

Outside the Ruined Temple of Ragnos
Tracing the Past...

Objective I

| [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] |

The pilgrimage to Yalara coincided with the First Order's operations there. And there was to be no coincidence in it happening, for the cause behind the journey from the agricultural world of Chandrila, all the way through to Wild Space, were the Knights of Ren, whom served the Supreme Leader. Darth Vupua emerged from the landing ramp of the Initium, a prototype Star Courier that her former Master had constructed during her time as her Sith Master. The rite of succession that had been played on the Hunter's Moon Sojourn was still fresh in Vupua's mind as she surveyed the ruined Sith Temple, which loomed on the horizon. Hanging from belt were two Lightsabers, one of her own creation and the other plucked from Ayra's body. It was useless to her now, but it may yet serve useful for her successor.

Indeed, the Knights of Ren had been something on Ayra's radar during her latter years as the Dark Lord of the Sith. There had been plans for the Order to reach out to the Dark Jedi who worked so unrelentingly for the First Order. Perhaps their appetite for the darkness could be salivated in the presence of a genuine Dark Lord of the Sith. Or, perhaps, they could be enticed by the different treasures that the Sith had recovered since the Rule of Two was rechristened. It was always going to be difficult for Darth Ayra to do this, however. There was, of course, the many leaks that had occurred during hers and Pandeima's time. It also did not bold well for Alicia Drey, Humanitarian, entrepreneur and Chandrila's greatest hope to be mixing it up with Dark Jedi and Imperials, given her public figure. Hiding in plain sight was a superior disguise to hiding in the shadow, Vupua agreed. But it had it's limits.

Darth Vupua had no such constraints. Her training beneath Darth Ayra had been the Dark Lord's best guarded secret. Nobody had met her during the the Gatherings on Sojourn; the many ventures into the Outer Rim Territories, where business had been conducted or Sith knowledge had been obtained; and far more importantly, Ayra's enemies had been unaware that there had been another working alongside the conceited Sith. There was a brand new tapestry for the new Dark Lord to paint upon, adding to the woven coat of Dark Lords that proceeded her. And her first act had been to venture to Yalara, and make contact with the Knights of Ren, so that she could join them.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Objective Two.
Post Two.
Opponents: The Grand Clans of Mal'ary'ush, Ikunhr, Edvir, Abikhaim

A'sharad cleared his throat as no one came forwards to introduce the Imperial delegation.

"High Colonel A'sharad Graush of the First Order, in the name of the First Order, I thank you for hosting these War Games." His 'deformed' right hand raised over his chest and was settled on the left side of his chest where his heart was, and he inclined ever so slightly. There was a smile on his lips. If it had been possible to kill all of the alien assassins in that moment with only his smile, they would all be dead, frozen in place. Denser bone structure made his smiles appear to be... Predatory and more akin to an animal rather than an actual person.

Not that he cared, it was likely not the best idea for diplomatic ventures however.

Too bad, it appeared he was leading it.

He gave time for [member="William Kerkov"] to introduce himself and then the Noghri to do the same before he continued again.

"Ungor of Clan Edvir."

"Lurgok of Abikhaim."

A'sharad the apparent leader, mirrored that same motion of greeting to each of them.

"Many of our warriors await in anticipation of these War Games."

He could almost sense the hate in the air pulsating in the air around him, and he looked about the area before he focused on the towers in the distance. At this time, its occupants had long since left during the introductions between the Noghri and Imperials. "I see the same could be said of your own." There were confirming growls from the savages, and A'sharad broke into a grin this time.

"Let us enter the arena. Bring your champions into the arena."

They entered the spacious area, hundreds of Noghri were already within and on the taxi pad, other First Order officials, contestants, and security were joining their ranks. Many of them were of the 482nd, his Regiment, A'sharad didn't want to be outnumbered. Not too severely anyway.

Dozens of Imperials went into the dozens, many went into the arena's clearing. The games would begin soon..

 

[William Kerkov Sr]

Objective: 2
Post II

After the Grand Admiral introduced himself he began to grow impatient, the time for his sailors to prove themselves worthy was now and he did not wish to waste time over silly and unrequired introductions. Kerkov gave no heed to the atmosphere of the meeting, he was more focused on how the battle would play, it may have been a walk in the park for the First Imperial Navy, but he did not want to make himself look like a fool.

As the the procession began to exit to the arena the Admiral excused himself, "I must be heading to my fleet in orbit, it has been a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Chieftain, but I must prepare for our games." His shiny black dress shoes swiveled 180 degrees and walked towards the transports he had come to this world on, accompanied by his two aids. As he took foot on the ramp of the second transport two Stormtroopers and a lieutenant saluted the Admiral, Kerkov returned the address and they boarded the vessel.

The ramp lifted itself behind Kerkov as the last aid boarded and the engines roared to life as the ship began it's ascent back to the fleet. The landscape out the window began to grow smaller and smaller as the ship flew higher and higher, eventually the horizon began to round as the transport exited the atmosphere. Once the edge of the world began to glow in contrast to the vacuum of space the First Order fleet came into view. A beauty of a Task Force, and it was his too command.

The transport began to turn and head to the direction of his flagship, flying towards it's hangar. The ship began to slow as the hangar bay came into clearer view and the transport vessel began it's landing. It lurched as it set down on the metal surface inside his flagship, but the Grand Admiral acted as if he hadn't noticed a thing. The ramp to the transport opened to a scene of two platoons of stormtroopers and crewman respectively, saluting the Grand Admiral's return to their ship. It was feeble, and almost insulting for a man of his rank, but now was not the time nor did the ship have enough excess manpower to do the complete ceremony of the flag officer's return.

Kerkov held his hand over his right eyebrow as he walked across the hanger bay to the nearest corridor, heading towards the bridge to take command of the battle. Over the intercomm system of the ship, one could hear, "Grand Admiral, of the First Imperial Navy. Arriving." After reaching the corridor it was a quick adventure through a maze of corridors and turbolifts to the bridge, a path he knew by heart. The entire bridge complement gave him another salute as he arrived, but the Admiral did not return this one, he was already focused on the battle ahead. He turned to the comms officer, "Alert all captains to report in immediately, ensure communications connections with each vessel is established, we will not be making fools of ourselves to a bunch of savages. Report to the Grand Colonel that the fleet is ready for action when the games commence." The officer snapped a yes sir and began making the proper calls, only discipline and professionalism on this scale would be present throughout the day.

[member="Asharad Graush"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Mal'ary'ush, Yalara
Gathering of the Clans...
Allies: [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"], [member="Aram Kalast"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="William Kerkov"], [member="Greta Kohler"],
Opponents: The Grand Clans of Mal'ary'ush; Ikunhr, Edvir, Abikhaim
Objective: 2 - Noghri, No Yield

The Great Clan Chief Norvak watched as the foreigners departed to the arena, "to those who will field their warriors, I direct you to the Plains of Blood, there Clan Abikhaim shall be both your opponents and guides." He then looked to those who were part of Clan Edvir, "and to those who wish to field their vessels in the stars, may the great Goddess Sorissi guide you and Clan Edvir they shall meet you on Honoghr Station." And a smile as he put a hand to his chest, "Clan Ikuhr shall greet your Order's finest in the Arena." He informed the High Colonel who had introduced himself as Graush, Lurgok of Abikhaim led those who would be fielding men to the Plains of Blood.

The Plains of Blood laid west of the Great Arena, across the heated desert sands of Yalara. There were no speeders, no, for a true warrior did not rely on speeders and could withstand Yalara's intensity. "When the red millet fields greet the sands of Yalara, we would have then reached the Plains of Blood, until then who shall represent the First Order on this great march?" Lurgok called prior to leaving the taxi station, "who shall be my rival, who here among you has honor enough to lead their men across Yalara's scorching sands?"

Meanwhile, Ungor of Clan Edvir took a taxi to Honoghr Station that hung in Yalara's orbit. The Noghri's fleet was smaller, quicker and more agile than the lumbering vessels of the First Order. While the Order hit hard, the vessels of the Noghri were fast and rapid and worked in tandem to deal damage over time. Edvir from the station opened communications to the First Order's fleet. "I am called Ungor of Edvir, tell me, which of you Imperials shall call yourself the Great One? Who am I to torment on this day?" He goaded with pride.

At the Arena, Norvak was escorted to his private box, while sons Khanvir and Rovkan led four men each into the arena. "Who in the First Order will fight first? I ask you, to pick your teams, there shall be ten men for each side for this battle. There shall be no use of the force, such deception shall result in a forfeit of the games and the First Order's dejection from Yalara!" Cried a large Noghri, who went by the name of Gilvon, "in this first test each time shall fight with their hands, no claws from the Noghri, for we know that Imperials are clawless! Such use will result in the forfeit of the games for the Noghri! Warriors hold your honor, for it was said upon the Noghri's arrival to Yalara that we had no tools, but our hands and as such the Noghri and the Imperials shall battle with their fists and minds. Your objective is down your opponents team, the first team to bring the other down wins."

---

Outside the Ruined Temple of Ragnos
Tracing the Past...
Party Members: [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Skjold Alexeyev"], [member="Isla Ashen"], [member="Boo Chiyo"], [member=Avedia Lacroix"]; Knights of Ren
Guide: Helen Moxis, Grandaughter of Vianta Moxis
Objective: 1 - Vianta's Last Expedition

Helen looked between the Knights and just reminded herself she was her to get her grandmother's remains and go, whatever happened after this would be left to the dark sided force users before her. There was even a child among them, although he didn't look like a normal child. Her lips pressed together forming a thin line, "right." She said to no one in particular, "this way."

The archaeologist motions for the Knights of Ren to follow her.

Upon entry, the Knights would be blasted with the memories of Desann, the deceased Dark Jedi Master. He was a Master for as far as the cultist had been concerned. Just as the feverish Revanites, the Axmisians were just as devoted to their idol. The path that was called Desann's death wreaked of death itself as if the Netherworld once bled here and left behind its foul stench. Or, perhaps, this was the work of a great Force User who stilled lingered along this ancient path. The path's floor was brittle, how the rocks still held was beyond anyone, far below the wind howled through echoing against the cavern walls and to the untrained mind - these were screeches of death. For the Knights of Ren, not only would they have to battle through with their mind to overcome Desann's memories, but they would find that their connection to the Force would be something of a struggle.

For those who were Masters, would feel as if they were Knights, and the Knights would feel like Acolytes and the Acolytes would feel only the whispers of the Force. The feeling was temporary and superficial, but to disbelieve it - would also be a test of the mind. For Helen, she felt nothing she had been silent. She was sure that these men and women had no interest in the historical value of these ruins. She paused a moment and held her hand up to stop - they'd only walked perhaps nine or ten meters into the cavern. Anyone who still lingered on the brittle rock edge at the mouth of the cavern may wish to find something to hold onto.

The brittle rock path began to crumble leaving only the space in front of Helen and going forward up...

---

Yalara Dam, Yalara
In Your Bones...
Team: [member="[/FONT][FONT=verdana]Sentiri[/FONT][FONT=verdana]"], [member="Rick Müller"]; First Order Security Bureau
Escorts: Ghosmal of Clan Edvir, and Zamassir of Clan Skikh
Objective: 3 - Imperial History 1304
Post: 3 // ??


A Chiss? Ghosmal felt insulted, she turned to her cousin Zamassir. "Well met, Imperial," greeted Ghosmal who did her best to keep her disdain but her tone did her no good. "We have been instructed to take you down into the dam, and that is as far as we'll go." She turned to her cousin once more, "Zamassir, anything you wish to add?"

Zamassir's eyes narrowed her reptilian eyes blinked as she determined her next set of words, "follow me." She says and with her staff begins the descent along the mountains and to what had been a tower that once controlled the dam itself and now barely controls its own light sources. The path beneath their feet was rocky, loose gravel and dirt that begged for rain loosened as you stepped onto it. She kept her lips shut, for she refused to speak of her feelings with regards to these Imperials in front of Ghosmal, but Zamassir had read in the Archives of Yalara of the Death Commandos who once served Darth Vadar himself. She longed to see her people elevated to such a great promise once again, and as they climbed down she halted their progress. "Do you smell that cousin?"

"Mhmm?" Ghosmal asked she had been in the rear guard of their group. "Vashadin!" The escort growled, "arm yourselves! Gnashers to your left!"

Zamassir went into action as she took a five-foot step, plunging her blade into one of the seven creatures.

Two of the creatures went straight for the Chiss, another two went for the human male, a sixth creature found Ghosmal. The last and final gnasher circled the group, and this one was bigger he was the Alpha of this pack. His coloring was different and as he howled up the others seemed to be rallying.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Objective 2
Post Three
[member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="William Kerkov"] [member="Greta Kohler"], [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], @Roderik von Binkerhoff

The Grand Admiral left.

His presence in the Force was pushing the High Colonel. Not because he was annoying, but rather because he was highly receptive to the emotions he emanated. There was no love lost between the Noghri Assassins and the Grand Admiral. Did they have history with each other? Likely not, but he knew not of the history the human had. Presuming he was indeed human. Weak humans. Ugh. He resisted the temptation to wipe his nose as the group split apart.

Some went into the arena to fight with their minds and bodies alone, others returned to the ships that had brought them there and headed back to the ships. That's what the Grand Admiral had said he was doing.

Twisting his head in the direction of Lurgok, he nodded his head as he stepped forward. Seeing as he was the last Imperial Officer that was actually going to speak, he said, "I shall represent my people, Great Lurgok," he said respectfully. The Noghri were warriors, so were the Sith Purebloods that his blood and features boasted of him. He looked like a human from a distance, but in close quarters it was clear that there was something... Else to him.

Denser bone structure. Higher cheekbones. An image of Pureblood nobility, but without the crimson skin.

"I shall rival you," he said, pulling his black overcoat off of his shoulders and handing it off to one of his 482nd attendants. Soon after, he was free of any other expendable equipment on his body. Naturally, he kept the silver and black hilt of his lightsabre on him. Underneath his black Imperial uniform however, he wore all white as if he were an angel decided from heaven, theonly blemish being that black hair on the top of his head.