Star Wars The Broken Empire

Game Master Shanosuke

Karval walks proudly into the village, not triumphant, just a man assured of his own abilities. He's intrigued with their way of life, reasoning that they must have some regenerative capabilities else they would not leave their midriffs exposed. Of course some of the ladies take his eye, as he watches them appreciatively. 'Not as beautiful as Mirianna, but still.'

Standing to attention with a soft ease and tension before the leader; "We have come to help you, we have heard your plight and betrayal." he states simply. "We have come from the Jedi temple."

Whoops probably should have planned this out more.

Janitor also walks confidently through the village, his helmet in the crook of his arm once he feels more confident that the group won't be ambushed. He also tightens the strap on his carbine and moves it to his back, but his pistols are still within easy access.

At the tent, Janitor is surprised by the robes and lightsaber, but tries not to give anything away. Although, knowing the damn Jedi, he'll probably sense it anyway. The trooper shakes this thought from his head quickly as the leader speaks, inwardly cringing as he references the Empire. And here's where we hope they don't recognize the armor, the former dark trooper thinks, preparing himself for any necessary reactions.

Janitor, your armor is of the clone wars variety right? Is anyone else wearing imperial armor? This will have an effect on how things play out.

Arana had quailed inside when the group had been surrounded so easily, the Malakai were so big and their use of the Force...

The leader's praise for taming the animal grew her confidence a little, then seeing the confidence with which Karval and "Janitor" carried themselves helped her re-gain her confidence.

At the Jedi's questions though, she was at a loss for words. She was about to say something a couple of times but wasn't sure what to say. After Karval spoke though, she grew anxious waiting for the Jedi's response.

Zaelos follows behind the warriors, his force sight nearly overwhelmed by the concentration of Force users. It would be nice if they would mask their auras like before! He thinks wryly to himself.

As he sees the Malaki leader, he feels the weight of the stolen light saber on his belt, a tool he did not earn. Putting these thoughts out of his mind for now, he adds quietly. "Although we are not Jedi, our purpose here lies with them." He glances at Nichos before adding, "We have much to discuss with you."

Although Zaelos is wearing an Imperial issue vest, he did take care to remove any Imperial insignia.

Karval has on a silken shirt and nothing that identifies his affiliations.

For once Karval moves forward rather than his usual position at Zaleos' rear guard. He guesses the men respect strength and if so he can provide it.

Nichos is wearing sturdy travel clothes over his armor, so nothing particularly notable about his appearance.

Nichos speaks with his usual quiet firmness. "We seek to stop those would continue to fracture the politics of the universe, and keep it in upheaval, for their own profit. A thorough search of the ruins of the nearby temple led us here."

Taggard crosses his arm. "I have seen the likes of your armored friend. I hear they betrayed and slew the jedi years ago. However, it is only armor and none of you bare any semblance at all. You must be from a faction similar to Zedora's. You won't give your faction a name therefore you must have reason to hide it. You know we won't trust you if you tell us who you represent. But I won't trust you as long as you keep your secrets. I want to know who you are and who you represent. I am not as primitive as my cohorts and won't be played as an ignorant fool. I want explicit names, titles, and alignment. Let's hear it." He stands awaiting you to spill it all.

Nichos chuckles quietly, as he speaks quietly and tests the waters of the limits of their host, "I can only hope that you are more enlightened than some of your cohorts, for what we have discovered on our mission is that not all things are as they appear to be in the politics of the universe. The old emperor left behind many followers and successors, some widely known, some not so much, and each with their own agenda. We serve one such heir to the Empire, one whose simply interested in reestablishing some semblance of order to the shattered universe. We are here looking for information on some of the other would be heirs who would put their own profits and concerns before the needs of those whom they seek to be master of. This planet has the dubious honor of being a place where parts of their agendas have been tested out and expressed in action. I understand that you cannot trust us without some information, but the same is true of us. We are in hostile territory, beset by enemies on all sides, most of whom would prefer to tear us apart than to hear out our position; with not only our lives, but the cause of our mistress on the line, we cannot be expected to share everything without assurance that it will not come back to harm us or our employer."

Taggard listens to Nichos but looks a bit purplexed. "Old Emperor? Successors? You speak in riddles. We know the empire has destroyed the Jedi and enslaved our people. We have been fighting for our freedom for a while and now you say there are different Empires? You try and confuse me by speaking in circles but as things are we only know of one Empire, we know of Zedora and his trandoshan army, we know of the rebellion and this new faction of Chiss fighting the Empire. So far we know they are also the rebellion but they care not what becomes of us and shoot us before aiding us. You serve an heir to the empire, which empire? Is it the empire that killed the jedi and enslaved us or a different one? You are not making any sense man. We don't care of politics or the universe, we only care of our homeworld and nothing more." He seems a tad upset.

"You ask very good questions, but they come, I am afraid, with no easy answers. The Emperor, it would seem, was rather two faced. His public face, inherited by his daughter, and our mistress, was a mostly benign, if somewhat heavy handed, entity. His private face was much darker, and is the side that you have seen. Led by servants such Darth Vader, and fueled by secret research that has recently led to the super soldiers that destroyed your temple; this dark side is the one responsible for the death of the jedi, and has been inherited by others, whom we are currently seeking accurate information on so that our lady may take the proper steps against them. Your cooperation would be helpful as we have discovered that a servant of one or more these darker heirs has infiltrated your tribal structure here on this planet; those he serves are also those responsible for the slaver's presence here as well, we believe." Nichos is quiet as he talks, clearly measuring every word to ensure maximum clarity and impact without telling so much that he is putting his own life, and the life of his friends, at risk.

Taggard crosses his arms. "So if I understand you, you serve the the daughter of the empire. Something happened to the old empire I presume? Also, I am aware of the dark side and that the emperor was a dark lord of the sith. You are tribesman of the dark lords offspring and come to us looking for aid. What makes your so called galactic empress more desirable than her evil father. Further more, what do you want from us and what can we be expecting in return? We are fighting for our freedom as we speak and really can't offer you much. Plus, there is one of our kinsman who has also used the dark powers of the sith as well. If we cannot trust our own, what makes you more trustworthy? I will not blindly aid someone who cannot prove they care about our people and our customs and ways."

Listening to Nichos and Taggard debate, Arana began to feel she understood the tribal Jedi. His situation was much like that of her own people; a proud warrior culture humbled and beaten down my an outside force, looking within for the strength to prevail.

Such homesickness rose in her that the other force uses in the vicinity could not help but notice her flare of emotion; sadness and loss.

She made to speak, but found that she could not, the feelings were too overwhelming.

"I was simply answering your question of who we were, and who we served, and why we were here. As for Lady Mirianna, she does not know much of what I just told you, as our mission is to find such information, and we have only found much of this out while on this planet, so we have not yet had a chance to report it back to her. When she finds out about the darker legacy her father left behind, I have no doubt she will take what steps she can to deal with it; while few would consider her a paragon of good, and the surviving jedi elsewhere view her with great suspicion, she is fair and just, and seeks not personal profit or vengeance. Of the options available to settle the universe down and bring it back from the brink of destruction, she is the only one that does not let her passions and old grudges rule her as she carries out her goals. What we seek is quite simple, really; we know the planet that our quarry is operating out of, Batseren, but not it's precise location. We only know it is somewhere in this vicinity. Once we have it's location, we can go there, get the information we seek, and probably weaken the sith threat on this planet in the process. In the meantime, any information you can give us regarding the Trandoshan and their activities will better allow us to deal with that them and the Hutt that stand behind them. In short, what we seek to do takes pressure off of not only our mistress, but yourselves as well, but we must have information so that we can make sure that our actions have maximum impact."

Zaelos feels the emotions echoing from Arana and cannot help but feel the pang of loss echoing in his own soul. It had been many centuries before but the loss of his race's home planet had forever scarred his people. He lays a comforting hand on Arana, allowing a sense of compassion long buried to flow into her.

His voice is thick with emotion as he adds, "Taggard, we have no quarrel with you or your people. We also have felt your loss...your pain fighting those who follow the Sith ways. While we are not worthy of your trust now, and maybe never, if we do not join the fight, then we will be swallowed one by one."

Taggard takes it all in. He grunts. "You talk too much and too fancy. Is best to be blunt and not so evasive. Here is what I hear. This Mirianna is the old emperor's daughter and is fighting....other empires, I guess, not on our world. So your here for something the Trandoshans have that you need and you want our help to get it. This will be no easy feat. The trandoshans are allied with whatever empire serves the Sith Lord, or rather Served the Sith Lord to which your Mirianna has inherited. Or are they their own empire now apart from yours? Arg! Since when did the matters beyond our world get so complicated. It doesn't matter. I can, to a degree, take you at your word that you are here for nothing but.....information. I can't tell you much. The Trandoshans are strong and supported by imperial legions and technology. We have employed many tactics to harass them and with the guidance of the force we were successful. It helps that they are having a dark sky battle with another empire....or is it a rebellion. Either way, we are against both right now as both groups have fire on us. You on the other hand have shown honor by bringing us trophies of your battle as well as a cub. I do not know what help you expect but as long as you aim to leave our world alone, then we can see about assisting you. However, we would prefer something in return. First of all, you have more knowledge than anyone under my command, myself included. What does the second empire, the chiss one, want with our world? Should we be attacking them too? Also, what is the best way to defeat the hut and the first empire. We have very little knowledge in this field. We are unsure as to where to strike to gain a decisive victory. We have only hit convoys and slaving housings but nothing that will lead to an ultimate victory. If you can help us with this, then we can help you."

Nichos hides a wince as he looks to Zaleos and Arana, "Perhaps you can explain it better. I fear that my train of thought right now is a bit too wide of focus to be able to explain in a narrow enough fashion to get our immediate needs across."

Karval steps forward, he had let the clever Chiss talk and the explanation was amazing however the leader seemed more specific. "General Makabe S. Ugu, was trained in his dark ways by Darth Night, an evil Sith Lord. His actions to your people are unconscionable, especially after he was able to take over the planet." there is vitriol against the treachery.

"Now currently he is fighting against the Chiss. We ideally would like them both to stop, with his death and an alliance with the Chiss nobility. This would result in your peoples freedom. However, as you know the Trandoshians are brutal under their Hutt overlords." he pauses trying not to think about the people's suffering too deeply.

"If we can make this endeavour unprofitable for the Hutts, they will withdraw - leaving the Trandoshians alone and the General unsupported. He will fall to the Chiss and you will have your planet back." Karval says solemnly but hopefully.

"Have you heard of a man named Cortel? He created soldiers that destroyed your temple." Karval queries sadly. "We are unsure if he has joined the Sith as the force runs strongly through his veins and he despises the Jedi. For all we know he might be Taintus or Night themselves."

Then Karval waves a hand; "Sorry this is all far-sighted planning. Talking is cheap, even if information is powerful, actions show our determination."

"We have strength we wish to help you." his words hold some of the sorrow his has for their plight.

Janitor grimaces as Taggard references the armor and the Empire, though he holds his tongue throughout all the talk. Palpatine, Vader... Now Mirianna... They all just want peace. Is that so much to ask?

Finally, it seems the niceties are devolving, or at least ending, and the sides seem rather squared off--neither quite trusting the other, neither willing to completely reveal themselves and offer full alliance, but both wanting the same goals and seemingly willing to work together. Janitor clears his throat and takes a step forward.

"I did indeed used to be a soldier, and I won't say that I didn't have conflict with the Jedi on some occasions. But that is a time long past--now I merely work for peace and order in the galaxy, as I did then."

He shifts his weight and glances around. "As for your tactics against your enemies, we wish to help you fight them, and I may have some knowledge of how from my time in the Grand Army. I'm also focused on special operations, and as such may be well-suited to this line of work. I'm happy to help plan strategy to bring down your foes."

After a moment more's hesitation, the trooper locks eyes with the leader of the Malakai. "And in the way of alliance, I heard mention of some test to become a fellow tribesman. I, for one, would be willing to put myself forward and take this test, to seal our alliance in these matters."

By the way, in answer to Shanosuke's question, Janitor's armor is one of the variations that cropped up during the transition into the Empire. It's a dark trooper variant, something along these lines. All black.

With a grateful look to Zaleos, Arena composes herself and steps up beside "Janitor". Meeting Taggard's gaze she says " Let our actions sway your thoughts, I too will take the Test. If need be, I will die in the endeavour; though I would rather live to see the day I would be counted as a trusted friend among the Malakai."

Taggard takes in a deep breath. "To commit to the trials is to become Malaki. Should you fail, by tradition we will have you marked and banished to the wilds. Should you succeed we will count you among our kinsmen and treat you as one of us regardless of what past you may have. The test is not only one of strength and cunning but also one of commitment. To follow through with the test is a sign of loyalty that no Malaki would dare question. In the thousand years of this tradition, only one who has completed this test proved disloyal to not only his tribe but to our entire world. Still this is our test and strength and character. Those of you who participate and succeed will be trusted fully. The test is simple, you will be sent out into the wilds on a hunt to slay a beast and return with a trophy. You have two weeks to do this. Our Shamans will examine your trophy and determine its value. Your place in our society will depend upon the value of your kill." Taggard gestures to the trophy first and then to the cub. "These trophies are already worth a good deal and would recieve great rewards. I imagine the kill was a group effort but whom among you tamed the infant? That member has already past the test and can be considered one of us. The rest may take the test and or have one member clain the head to auto pass at minimum as well. Thus two among you may already be considered Malaki while the rest can still take the test. So who among you do we accept and who do we test?

The head and the Cub already get two of you a pass on the test. The cub bearer will be of a higher status because of the difficulty in taming over a group effort of slaying the cubs parent. But this is two of you that'll be trusted and won't have to wander the wilderness by yourselves looking for a dangerous beast to slay. The weakest member combatwise should claim the head and if you are clever, you could convince Taggard that your second weakest tamed the cub. Up to you guys how you wish to proceed but this is the most guaranteed way to gain unquestioned trust for your group.

Was about to post Janitor's words when I really saw the OOC above--could've been bad. The trooper is an honest guy, and he was going to say that Arana tamed the cub, and was going to give the head to another member of the team--it could reasonably go to Zaleos, since he attracted the fight in the first place! But Shanosuke is craftier than this simple soldier of the Empire. Are you?

I'd go with Zaelos and Nichos as the trophy bearers,but the issue may be that it would be difficult to convine them that someone other than Arana tamed the beast as its her is follows around

I have no problem with Zaelos as the head trophy bearer, however I believe Arana should be the other bearer as the infant will definitely follow her around. I also think being honest here would be a wise policy to follow here.

Agreed, that seems like a good option. If we go out into the wild, do the people who have passed the trial also go with us? Or will they stay in the village talking to the natives?

We also need to learn more about any more creatures, ones for us to hunt. So we do not stumble upon another ambush. As well as enabling us to get the most prestigious creature possible. Then there are also other trophies, commendations, like do any animal have particular properties; like 'healing organs' for medicine, are any holy & not to be hunted. Any venomous and the venom required?

I'm Waiting on you guys still.

Karval grits his teeth into a proud smile. "Lord Zaleos here, he killed the beast. Through his cunning he discovered it; through his intellect he survived it's initial attack; through his bravery he faught it off; through his strength of action he killed it!" the man says proudly, slapping him gently upon the back.

"That is why he is Leader, I protect him." his statement holds pride and warmth.

He turns to Arana and the cub. "This is Arana she has the heart and soul to tame the creature. Although her strength of arms is impressive, she wields the subtler arts too. I am proud to call them clan-mates."

Crouching down before the creature, Karval nods in introduction. "These are magnificent animals, before we take the trials I have a query. Are also other trophies, commendations required? Like do any animal have particular properties; like 'healing organs' for medicine, are any holy & not to be hunted."

Justifying his questions; "A wise hunter knows his pray. And would our comrades be able to join us to guide spiritually? Or is it a lone quest?"

Taggard acknowledges Zaleos and Arana. "You two will be welcome as one of us. Zaleos you will join the Malukari, they are the hunters providers of our society. They lead hunting parties to catch the softer wild prey. Arana will join the Huruki, they are the beast tamers and caretakers of our society. The position of Huruki is very prestigious and you get authority over all beast riders. You also get your pick of up to five mates and up to five acolytes to serve you and you get to live in the beast masters longhouse. Zaleos, while the Malukari are one of the backbones of our society, they carry authority over hunters and foragers but not soldiers, though you are a leader among your people, without the strength and ability to slay the beast on your own, the role of Malukari is the best we can offer. The position gives you authority over a single hunting/foraging party and the right to own a home and take two mates and at least one acolyte."

Taggard turns to Karval and the rest of you. "There are no specific limits on the hunt. The goal is to bring back a trophy to earn you place. the nature of the trophy determines your place and standing among us. The factors we use to judge are challenge. Challenge of the kill is paramount of any military standing. Boukons are small four legged predators. They are the smallest creature you can kill to earn a military position in the tribe. They are tough and tenacious. they can take a beating an won't let up for a moment. If you kill a Gannarok or bigge, you gain the rank of Chieftain of your own clan. If you kill a Bahameuth, you become the Grand Cheiftain of the Malaki. Only one has slain a Bahameuth in the past 600 years though. The Bahameuth is the largest most dangerous creature on the planet. Otherwise, you can bring home resources and or animal infants. You can bring back non-hostile game for meager roles in our society. In resources, we measure amount and quality. Then their is taming beast. The better potential for the infant, the better your standing in the beastmen section of our society, the better the resource haul, the better your standing in our provision society. Your status determines the size of the home you may have, the level of authority you have, the number of mates you may take, and the number of acolytes that serve you. Not to mention the value of your word to the years of the clan leaders, especially it's Chief. The rules are, you have two weeks to bring something home, you MUST hunt alone, we allowed Zaleos a rare exception given the circumstances surrounding the feat but we must hold the rest of you to code. You cannot return anytime before you have a prize to bare. These are our rules, we must abide by them. Any questions?"

Please refer to Discussion for the rules.

Arana's heart swells with pride at Karval's words, and she almost speaks out about how the mother animal almost killed her, but realizes that this was probably the only way to gain the Malakai's allegiance.

Turning to Taggard "You do me a high honour, Taggard. I will do my utmost to serve the Malakai as a member of the Huruki."

Zaelos smiles humbly at Karval's glowing rendition of the encounter with the beast. Was that how it happened? I seem to recall a different tale...perhaps Karval was thinking of a different brave Leader...

He bows in respect to Taggard. "You have also done me a great honor Master Taggard. I will dedicate all of my efforts to bring our clan all of the provisions for us to prosper!"

Taggard lets out a chuckle. "You have these respective honors now but I wonder, how long do you plan on staying to reap the benefits? Will you stay and help us fight this war? Your knowledge on the worlds beyond will be an asset. I would also hope you would aid us in strategy as we know little of our foe. We win battles but these battles don't seem to have any impact. Even if it is only support we would love it if you would fight with us for the freedom of Malakai. It would mean the world to us. We may even be able to get the information your looking for from the Trandoshans.

"Well, perhaps I can help on that front," Janitor says. "I do know a thing or two about war, after all."

Knowledge (tactics): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Profession (soldier): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Those are to remember whatever Janitor can about the tactics of the enemy, as well as general strategical knowledge that could help--using the lay of the land, hit-and-run guerrilla warfare, things like that. He'll probably go much more in depth with this after returning from the hunt.

The trooper bows his head slightly toward Taggard. "How should we conduct the hunt? Just go out and find a beast, or is there more ceremony to it? Also, does the manner of the kill matter--should I just use my carbine and pistols, or should I find something more challenging to use?"

As "Janitor" discusses military tactics, Arana chimes in with her own experiences waging a one-woman guerilla war against the occupiers of Dathomir.

knowledge (Tactics) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Karval nods; "Yes, I am sure we can help free your people. By weakening the Trandoshians, stopping them making money - there Hutt overlords may force them to leave."

Inclining his head and adding confidently; "Of course that is after we become members of the tribe and you can trust us implicitly." Thoughts of the hunt whirl in his head, despite his dislike for senseless murder he has a certain gladiators ego.

"When will we be expected to depart?" Nichos outer countenance undergoes no changes, but inwardly he can't help but groan at the instinct of turning something so simple as an information exchange into a complicated lifetime obligation.

How much information about the planet itself were we able to salvage from the temple?

"There is a seeing off ceremony where we don you in tribal paints and send you off. You will be permitted your weapons and gear, just no allies. The test is of your individual worth. When you are ready, we will begin the ceremony and your hunt shall begin. You have two weeks to complete the hunt. You can go anywhere you just have to return within a week. The Shamans will judge what you bring back. They have the ability to see the manner in which you have completed your hunt. The final determination for your hunt is honor, if you brought back a trophy from an already slain carcass or had some form of assistance, they will know and it will degrade the value of your find. Let me know when your ready."

A couple of specific questions. How far is is to the temple from here walking? Did we recover any information on the geography, flora, or fauna of the planet? Did we pass any rivers, lakes, or other natural gathering spots for animals on the way here from the temple? I may have others, but those are the first ones I need to consider.

"I see no need to delay. I am as ready as I will ever be, and the sooner we resolve this, the sooner we can move on to the bigger mission."

Before Nichos departs, Arena pulls him aside to go over some basic wilderness survival techniques: building shelter, collecting water, orienteering, etc...

Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

yay...+1 on your survival checks Nichos

Janitor and Karval, are you two good to go?

Yep, just wondering how/what to post for my going.

Yep, I'm ready.

Karval strips down for the ceremony, he knows that the ritual is almost as important as the trial itself. Pulling his long hair back into a tail and ensuring that it's slicked back, the paints adorning his torso in tribal whirls and sigils. By his side he has the heavy backpack for the hunt.

The Mandolorean warrior remembers back to earlier and asking about the various creatures and totems of the tribe. 'Any herding creatures that rely upon a bull or strong leader, which if you defeat it the herd becomes more docile?' And he has wandered where he was allowed to see what resources have been used and are needed. Taking careful note of the various Totems and creatures in the magnificent camp.

Confidence and panache is what he tries to present to the remaining tribe members, especially since his survival skills are lacking as is his resource gathering.

Janitor keeps his armor on for the ceremony, but he is happy to allow the Malakai to adorn the black with tribal paint and symbols. He nods to Karval as he stands near the other Mandalorean. "Good hunting," he says, clasping the warrior's wrist and grinning.

"You too, friend." he returns the clasp, with a friendly nod. "Fellow Mandolorean." he acknowledges him.
A quick thumbs up to Nichos to wish him well, he knows the clever technician and diplomat is not well-versed at fighting but is cunning and brilliant.

Karval turns to the pair remaining; "Sorry Zaleos I cannot guard you. If I don't return it has been a honour serving with you." He turns to Arana in a low bow, "And you Milady, I haven't know you for long - long enough to know you good heart and shrewd wit. However, to know you all my life - would not be enough." Drawing himself up from the crouch, lean muscles ripping under the paint. Then he turns to set out on the journey.

Taggard nods and leads all of you to the ceremony site. There a ceremony is carried out for the hunters but also for Zaleos and Arana to recognize their achievement and status withing the tribe.

The departure ceremony has the Malaki paint up Karval, Nichos, and Janitor and the paint is meant to go on the bare skin. They do however, let you put your armor back on when they are finished as your gear does not play a role in deciding honor. You are to complete the task with the tools you are best familiar with.

You are also given a brief lesson on the armor the Malaki themselves wear. They point out that the neck armor and limb armor is used to defend against most man sized predators. These creatures prefer to attack those particular areas of the human body. The helmet is a must as your head houses all cognitive functions and at any point during a fight, you could hit your head and impair your ability to fight. The chest armor is enough to protect the heart and chest bones. They have experience internal damage when getting hit by larger creatures, the chest armor prevents a good amount of this internal damage. Ultimately the helmet, neck, and limb armors are the most important to the Malaki. Typically the try and keep everything above the thighs and below the neck unimpaired simply because, the best defense against the larger beasts is not any armor they can make, it is simply not getting hit. They express the importance of mobility against larger foes and how you can avoid getting hit much better if you are skilled in acrobatics (Abiet a circumstance bonus to Defense/AC when making acrobatics checks.) The bonus can be as high as a +20 to your defense if you roll high enough, there are other ways to gain AC boosts too.

You are given a rough idea as to what to look for and you are each departed in a different direction chosen by the Shamans

Nichos Goes North
Karval West
Janitor South

There is a bit of jungle and plains in the valley but you can easily travel beyond the mountains to seek out more. You will just need appropriate climb checks.

The tribe sends you three off and your hunt begins. ITS SPOILER TIME!!!

Nichos manages to maintain a mostly stoic demeanor throughout the painting ceremony, though the others in the party can guess that he is less than impressed with the whole thing. Once it is done, he takes his gear, and leaves camp without comment.