Ozymandias
To build on the various lore submissions I've been making recently, I decided it was time to revive an old idea I had in various forms. Sometimes, it was the Genoharadan, others it was just the Asha'kurat or the IGBC. Now, I want to combine the long history of Empyrean and bring it into a centralized 'faction' - a Sith secret society of ideologically similar people. It is a powerful network built through decades of Empyrean's own machinations, consolidations, and wars. It helped created the Galactic Alliance early in its formative years, helped spur the imperial Civil War that took down the 10th Sith Empire, and rebuilt the IGBC from the ashes of its previous incarnations. In more modern history, it funded the creation of the Sith Empire, built the Mors Mon, and altered Galactic Affairs in such a way that the Asha'kurat has become more powerful than ever before.
In this way, I want to expand that lore to the site as a whole, and build something that persists beyond Empyrean or the Sith Order - something for Sith characters who believe in the-end-justifies-the-means, and writers who always wanted to deal in a massive, influential, Secret Society. The foundation is already there, Empyrean (and myself) have created a great basis for RP spanning back years. Now, I want to open that up to more people.
The Asha'kurat — Overview
What is the Asha'kurat?
The Asha'kurat is an elite and secretive faction operating at the heart of the Sith Empire, yet unbound by its confines. Officially, it oversees Force-user academies, strategy, and doctrinal research for the Empire. Unofficially, it is a far-reaching Illuminati of Sith—a covert power broker whose members skillfully manipulate everything from corporate boardrooms to forbidden alchemy, all in the name of severing the galaxy from destiny's grasp.
The Asha'kurat is not merely a political group or a band of renegades; it is the hidden empire behind countless galactic upheavals, wielding advanced sorcery, economic control, espionage networks, and subtle infiltration of rival governments. Central to its ethos is the conviction that fate must be shattered, freeing all life to claim its own future—under the Asha'kurat's watchful, guiding hand.
Philosophy & Goals
- Liberation from Destiny
Asha'kurat members believe that prophecy, fate, and the Cosmic Force itself imprison the galaxy in a script. By unraveling destiny, they aim to place the future fully in the hands of those with the will to shape it. - Galactic Influence
From controlling the IGBC (InterGalactic Banking Clan) to maintaining private armies like the First Legion, the Asha'kurat silently molds civilizations, toppling governments or funding them as it sees fit. - The Metaphysical Edge
Members delve into potent Sith rites—especially rituals culminating in the Ava'kesh Brand—to conceal themselves from precognition, ensuring their plans remain hidden from both Jedi seers and rival Sith prophets. - Elevation of the Sith
While not all members see eye-to-eye, the Asha'kurat maintains a generally unified vision of Sith ascendancy—one unburdened by petty infighting, instead driven by intellectual discovery, cunning politics, and strategic might.
- Darth Empyrean & Darth Omnia (Srina Talon):
The ultimate architects and sovereigns of the Asha'kurat. Their vision forged this hidden empire, and their will binds it together. - The Asharim Council:
A small number of elite Sith who each control extensive personal spheres of influence. They guide the Order's direction, strategize overarching plans, and enforce loyalty among lesser members. - Prospective Asharim:
Talented Sith or key operatives identified for their ambition and skill. They undertake hazardous trials (covering everything from infiltration to grand ritual) to prove themselves worthy of the Ava'kesh Brand—and a seat at the table of power. - Influence Spheres & Outer Network:
Each Asharim employs a web of loyal underlings (Force-sensitives, spies, mercenaries, corporate bosses) who further their aims. Beyond them lie unwitting pawns: corrupt officials, blackmailed politicos, and front companies too vast to count.
- Vash'karath:
A pocket-dimension city shaped by Empyrean's will and hidden from the Cosmic Force. Asha'kurat rituals, high-level gatherings, and the forging of the Ava'kesh Brands all take place within its impossible architecture. - The Mors Mon:
A colossal fortress-flagship, publicly known as the Empire's mightiest war vessel. Secretly, it also harbors Asha'kurat command centers and heavily guarded gateways to Vash'karath. - IGBC & Financial Tendrils:
Through covert control of significant IGBC shares and other corporate entities, the Asha'kurat uses economic power to tilt markets, fund rebellions, starve rivals, or stabilize allied regimes.
Joining the Asha'kurat is no casual matter. Candidates must prove unwavering devotion, cunning, and ambition. When sufficiently trusted, a sorcerous ritual carves an Ava'kesh Brand into (or onto) the initiate—altering them physically and metaphysically. The Brand acts as both badge of loyalty and shield from destiny: with it, members can slip through the cracks of time, access the hidden city of Vash'karath, and remain invisible to most forms of precognitive power.
Those who bear the Brand form the inner circle of the Asha'kurat, privy to dark secrets and unimaginable potential. Betrayal is met with swift retribution—there is no leaving the Asha'kurat intact.
Narrative Hooks & Opportunities
- Shadowy Intrigue:
Plot labyrinthine stories of espionage, blackmail, and subterfuge, ideal for those who relish double-crosses and behind-the-scenes power plays. - Arcane & Philosophical Pursuits:
Dive into complex Sith rites, Force alchemy, or the cosmic question of fate vs. free will. Characters can quest to expand Vash'karath, experiment with forbidden knowledge, or challenge mystical threats to galactic freedom. - Political Dominance:
Manipulate star systems and entire factions through front companies, banking collapse, or sabotage. Perfect for cunning individuals who enjoy influencing large-scale conflicts or forging alliances. - Epic Scale Conflicts:
Whether you're orchestrating a grand betrayal in the heart of the Sith Empire, facing down Jedi interlopers who suspect the truth, or commanding the First Legion against an unsuspecting galaxy, the Asha'kurat allows you to wield power on a truly galactic stage.
- Sith Lords & Cultists:
Who want to dig deeper into arcane Sith lore and cosmic conspiracies, building more than just a fleeting rivalry—crafting entire fate-shattering sagas. - Spymasters & Politicians:
Looking for webs of intrigue, subtle manipulations, and behind-the-scenes empire-building. - Corporate Magnates & Black Market Barons:
Seeking to exploit galactic systems in partnership with (or in fear of) a monolithic secret society. - Curious Allies or Foes:
Not all must join—some may infiltrate or resist the Asha'kurat's creeping shadow. Jedi, Mandalorians, or independent agents could unravel conspiracies, fueling high-stakes tension.
- Contact Empyrean (or Other Asharim):
Reach out via DM or through an IC introduction. Propose your character, your story arc, or your angle. - Create Shared Threads:
Explore infiltration missions, corporate espionage, or harrowing trials in Vash'karath. - Develop Personal Arcs:
Bring your backstory, ambitions, and moral dilemmas. The Asha'kurat thrives on pivotal character moments—grueling transformation, betrayal, or ideological evolution.