Star Wars - Servants of the Force (Inactive)

Game Master The Lord of Lore

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

EPISODE 0.5
VISIONS OF DARKNESS

Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute. While war threatens to break out in the Naboo system, an emergency meeting has been called by Chancellor Valorum on Coruscant.

Representing the Jedi Order are Masters Yoda, Mace Windu, Adi Gallia, Jorus C'boath, and your master, Syfo-Dyas.

You only recently became Syfo-Dyas' padawan learner, after the death of your old master. You were intimidated at first by tales of the Jedi Master's stern demeanor and extreme leanings in matters both political and concerning the Force, and there was much scandal around the Temple when he was recently dismissed from his position on the Jedi Council. However, you have learned much from the precognitive Jedi, and have grown to appreciate his brusque, straight-forward approach to training, and to life as a Jedi.

As the Jedi and the politicos met behind closed doors, you waited outside with the aides, bodyguards, and hangers-on. Several times, voices raised in passionate debate rang through the walls, and you easily recognized your masters' ... more than once.

After a seeming eternity, the doors burst open and various functionaries stream forth, chittering to each other and frantically tapping at data pads, carrying out the whims of the powerful beings they serve.

After a wave of tired-looking Senate leaders exit, the lobbyists and industrialists scurry out, their expensive-looking suits out of place in the workman-like Senatorial conference area.

Finally, the Jedi emerge, a tight cluster deep in conversation around a very animated-looking Syfo-Dyas. You see Masters C'boath and Gallia both make pleading gestures to him, as Grand Master Yoda and Mace Windu look on impassively. With an exaggerated flourish, Syfo-Dyas turns on his heels and storms off ... right towards you!

Stopping with a huff in front of you, the stern Jedi Master's frustration continues to boil over. "Feckless ideologues!" He grumbles, "They refuse to act! I warn them, again and again, of the coming darkness I've foreseen, and still they do nothing. Even as the galaxy crumbles around us!"

Taking a deep, calming breath, Syfo-Dyas starts to settle down. He takes in the room, then glances back at you, "What do you think, kid? Is Dooku right? Is the senate too corrupt to accomplish anything, and are the Jedi too married to the senate to make a difference, either?"

Eiro 'sees' the seething currents flowing off of his Master. Understanding the source of his frustrations, and that of Master Dooku, the Miraluka has no problem speaking his feelings.

"I believe Master Dooku makes a valid point. The Senate attempts to serve the just cause, but is corrupted to it's very core. Too many Senators serve themselves, and not the greater good of the Galaxy. This makes it almost impossible for the good senators to accomplish anything of substance."

Eiro pauses a moment to correctly form his deepest feelings into words.

"As for the Jedi, we serve the Force, not the Senate. I believe we are too mired in their intricacies and politics. Do we follow the push and pull of the Force, or the confused and whimsical desires of the Senate?"

Eiro feels that the Force is with him.

Master Syfo-Dyas nods, pleased at his padawan's thoughtful response.

Before he can reply, a human male breaks from the crowd and approaches. He is a slight man, with sallow skin and dark, deep shadows beneath his eyes. His clothes are mostly utilitarian, and only the large ruby pendant on his lapel, as well as the armed security guards trailing him, belie his importance.

"Pardon the interruption, Master Jedi," he purrs, "I do not expect you to remember me, but we have met once before. Twenty years ago, at Master Dooku's summit on Serreno. My name is Hego Damask, and I am here representing Damask Industries."

Master Syfo-Dyas nods, a rare, queer smile on his face. "Yes, I do remember you, good sir. You were quite vocal in your concerns, and rightly so. Unfortunately, here we find ourselves again."

Syfo-Dyas sighs deeply, clasps his hands together, his frustration clearly evident.

"It would seem that no one else shares our concerns, my friend," Damask mutters. He leans in, and almost in a whisper, says, "Have you heard of a planet called Kamino?"

4 HOURS LATER

You have returned to the Jedi Temple, following the Chancellor's Summit and your master's encounter with Hego Damask.

After his mention of the planet Kamino, the Jedi and the industrialist walked off together, huddled deep in conversation to which you were not privy. On the ride back to the temple, Syfo-Dyas was quiet, and clearly not open to discussing anything with you.

Now, your master has retired to meditate upon the day's events, and you are left to your own devices. As a senior padawan, you have nearly unfettered access to the grounds.

What would you like to do, padawan?

Eiro heads to the Jedi library and accesses all information on the Planet Kamino.

Computer Use: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Eiro, you skillfully navigate an unusually heavy layer of security to access a surprisingly scant number of files on the world of Kamino. Seeing a large number of highly classified files dating back millennia, you call up a Factsheet on the world:

— Located in the Wild Space region beyond the Outer Rim. Kamino is the fifth in a system of 13 planets orbiting an aging star south of the Rishi Maze, a dwarf satellite galaxy in a decaying orbit in a loose sector of an unnamed grouping of stars between the Rishi Maze and the main galaxy.

Throughout its history, the location and very existence of Kamino was known to only a handful of beings, becoming known to members of the Galactic Republic as late as 4500 years ago. About 3996 years ago, following the devastation of Ossus, a number of artifacts saved from Ossus were hidden in the ruins of Derem City on Kamino by Jedi Master Qalsneek the Bull. After the Jedi Civil War, Kaminoan kyber darts were being used in the galaxy, but most beings were ignorant of their source.

Kamino was able to survive through the worst ages in the galaxy, and its stormy climate, by the cloning technology developed by the Kaminoans. —

Your screen freezes for a moment, then resets to the query screen. The only text now visible reads:

“No results found."

Suspecting what has transpired, Eiro types up another search in the Jedi archives.

Computer Use: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

The screen scrolls black with a new search task.
Search: Serreno Summit , Hego Damask, Damask Industries.

Your query brings up a photo of Magister Hego Damask, a Munn male. Damask is the majority owner of Damask Holdings, the largest industrial concern on Mygeeto, the Munn home world. He is also heir to the Damask fortune, and is a very influential member of the Republic political scene.

Cross-referencing with Serenno Summit, you discover mention of the elite Sojourn Gatherings. Social events first organized by Damask's father, a former Munn Prime Minister, they bring together the rich and powerful from throughout the Republic.

One such gathering was held 20 years ago on the world of Serenno, hosted by Jedi Master Dooku.

Using your computer skills, you are able to access the reports filed by the various Jedi attending the Summit: Jocasta Nu, Sifo-Dyas, Qui-Gon Jinn and Dooku.

After hours of talk, a brief recess was called for. Damask took the opportunity to speak with the Jedi, engaging in a heated debate with Jinn. To Sifo-Dyas and Dooku, he spoke of impending conflict for the Republic in the future. Your master's notes mention his own Force visions of a future filled with war.

Master Dooku's report includes an exchange with the Magister:

I didn't mean to suggest that the Republic is purposely depriving the outlying systems of the right to self-determination. I'm merely speculating, because I see a growing threat."

"You are not alone in seeing it, Magister.

- Magister Damask and Jedi Master Dooku discuss the possibility of a coming war.

Eiro leans back into his chair relaxing into the Force. He summons one of the Jedi Librarians.

"Excuse me. Can you tell me who has the authorization to edit or delete files within the Jedi Library computers?"