Star Wars: The RPG ~ Episode VIII: Rise of the Empire IC Thread

[BnKRPG]

Spoiler

STAR WARS
Episode VIII
Rise of the Empire
While the New Republic manages to maintain its foothold on the galaxy, it finds itself under constant siege by the Imperial Remnant. Led by the cunning Admiral Thrawn and the erratic Moff Zsinj, the Empire is viciously determined to once again bring the galaxy under its iron fist.

While the warlords ready themselves for their next conquest, Imperial forces have detained Leia Organa and her allies on the planet Dantooine. Across the galaxy, Joren Kel and company return to Coruscant after the murder of beloved friend, Nyna Shar.

Meanwhile, on the planet Jomark, Luke Skywalker and his student prepare for their training under the mysterious Joruus C’baoth. Little do they know, the Jedi Master is not all he appears to be….​

Gamemaster: Wiegeabo
Assistant Gamemaster: Nitemare Shape
Assistant Gamemaster: Carnage27

For a list of the rules and the game's roster, visit the Star Wars: The RPG OOC Thread

 

[NiteMare Shape]

[YT]MB3scUjcQBM[/YT]​

Tatooine.


Joren Kel stands at the very edge of the property owned by his friend Brya, which ends just before the boarder of the Dune Sea. He stands as a lone figure against the brilliant sunset casting a long shadow on the ground behind him.

He looks up at the vibrant oranges, reds, and purples that mark the sky as the planet's twin suns blink out of sight. Normally, this view would inspire awe in most beings across the galaxy, for it is a truely magnificant sight to behold. However, for Joren, it just makes him feel alone.

It is a familiar sight, one that he has seen every evening for the past 3 nights. Ever since they returned from Nar Shaddaa with Nyna's body, and buried her on this very spot.

As the suns disappear on the horizon and darkness begins to settle over the desert, Joren's mind begins to drift to that fateful night only days ago. He will never forget the sight of Dono kneeling on the ground beside Nyna's body, his helmet on the ground...and the shattered look on his face.

Or the look of shock and terror in Kelsa's eyes as she saw her friends returning to the Lady Luck, with Joren carrying Nyna's lifeless body in his arms. Or the look of utter devestation as she realizes that her best friend is gone.

After 3 days of trying to be the pillar for his friends to lean on, the emotions of recent events finally takes its toll. His knees weak, Joren sits down in the sand next to Nyna's unmarked grave. Looking at the disturbed mound of sand, he fights back tears of sorrow and rage. Despite himself, he feels a deep anger over the loss of his friend, and his inability to do anything about it.

He also can't help but feel that he and his friends had been used by Mon Mothma and the New Republic. It was his duty as a Jedi to track down and "rescue" Pax Mitel. Not Nyna's, not anyone else's. But it was because of the bond that he shares with his friends that they went on the mission with him. And the New Republic had been more than happy to abuse that bond for its own ends.

The more his mind races, the more the anger within him rises. However, he finally forces it deep down within him. He knows that it wasn't anybody's fault but Pax Mitel's. And his. If he had just been more aware, or a fraction of a second faster, perhaps he could have saved her. And with that thought, a single tear runs down his face, dropping onto the sand beneath him.

He finally stands, and looks again at the gravesite of his dear friend.

"I'm sorry Nyna. I failed you." He says as he turns away and begins the short trek back to the house.

 

[wiegeabo]

C'Baoth leans back in his chair. "The purpose of the Jedi is to guide the lesser beings who do not have our connection to the Force."

"How do you mean?"

Master C'baoth sets a steely gaze on me. "Sometimes it only requires a soft touch. Other times..."

He indicates the two men standing before us with a gesture.

"Judge them."

I can't believe what I'm hearing, and I actually just stare at C'baoth dumbfoundedly. I'm actually grateful I retain enough control to keep my mouth closed. Boolon looks at me for guidance and I snap out of it.

"The Jedi don't...judge people. Not...like that," I say with a little more confidence than I feel.

I get a mix of emotions from C'baoth, but his eyes flash anger, before quickly switching to bemusement. "Nonsense! Whoever you're masters were, they obviously did not complete your training. Or were just as naive about the duties of the Jedi."

Anger flares inside me, that he could say that about Ben and Yoda. But I banish the irrational thought way. And bite down on my tongue...hard.

C'baoth indicates the pair of men standing before us. "Judge them."

I take a calming breath and shoot a look over to Boolon. I step forward. "Please, describe the situation."

We listen as the two men, often trying to talk over each other, lay out their problem. It involves the first man, Gint, paying the second man, Arik, to build a fence around his property in trade for a specified amount of crops. The fence was built, and the crops delivered. But the fence is now falling down in sections, and Gint wants Arik to repair his work, or pay back the crops which have long been eaten by Arik and his family. Arik said the work was done as asked, and what happened to the fence afterwards wasn't his problem.

After listening to all they have to say, I close my eyes for a few moments and consider the solution.

"The works was done, and the payment made. Technically that should be it. But I doubt Arik would want this as part of his reputation as a builder. Arik should help Gint repair the fence, teaching him how to do it as well. Gint will provide meals for Arik while he works and teaches. That should be fair to-"

"Enough!"

C'baoth's word is like a snap across our minds.

"Arik's work was obviously below quality. He will repair the fence immediately, and do a proper job of it this time. And, he will repay Gint his crops because of this."

"Master C'baoth," I start to say.

"I can't do that!" Gint shouts. "I can't afford to repay the crops, or take the time to do all that work-"

"I have made my decision."

I feel the tremor in the Force an instant before Arik reaches into his jacket to pull out a weapon. My hand is on my lightsaber as he takes aim with the gun-

But the lightening from C'baoth's fingers moves faster than I can...

 

[wiegeabo]

Mandalore. A society and culture of war and honor, the bodies and minds of it's people available to the highest bidder. But never their souls. The people are as similar to any other in the galaxy as they are different. And even when a Star Destroyer drops out of hyperspace at the edge of the system, it's still just another day for the Mandalorian people.

The presence of the Star Destroyer puts those in charge of defending their world on a higher alert. But this would be their reaction to a Republic ship. Or the ship from any other world. A potential opportunity, and a potential threat.

Following standard protocol, the Star Destroyers opens communication with the orbital authority, identifying itself as the Chimera and declaring it's intentions to meet with the government. And once they realize the Grand Admiral himself is making a visit, they are more than ready to hear what he has to say.

The Chimera flies through the system on a direct course for Mandalore along the flight path Orbital Control has cleared for it. Once the Chimera reaches the designated position and assumes a standard orbit, the Grand Admiral himself sends his thanks and eagerness to meet.

***

"Now."

With a sharp nod, Pellaeon gives the command.

***

The Chimera's deflector shields snap online at full strength, its weapon systems charging to full power. Even though they are caught completely by surprise, the Mandos react and ready themselves for battle.

A battle they are severely outgunned in once five more Star Destroyers drop out of hyperspace in orbit of the world.

It should have been impossible. No computer or pilot in the galaxy could so accurately fly a ship that close to a planet in hyperspace. It would be suicide. And yet...

The sight of the ships buy the Imperial fleet all the time it needs to launch the attack. And the Mando's reply in kind. Phase one was underway...

 

[NiteMare Shape]

From his place on the bridge, Zsinj assesses the beginning stages of the operation. Thus far, it had gone perfectly. The Mandalorians were caught off guard by Thrawn's initial attack, and now it is his turn.

Zsing orders the Iron Fist to break formation from the rest of the Star Destroyers, sending his flagship to the planet itself. The Mandalorians defense forces respond on kind, focusing an attack on Zsinj's ship, however it is too little too late.

The Iron Fist comes to a stop high above its target, the famed beskar mines, from which the Mandalorians produce their famed iron, said to be among the hardest metals in the galaxy.

"Captain, give the order." Zsinj says.

Within moments, the Iron Fist's docking bays open, and TIE Raptors pour from the ship like a swarm of Saurian Hornets and descend upon the mines.

Watching as his forces press their advantage against the Mandalorian defenders, Zsinj smiles.

"It is only a matter of time; Captain Tylon, before the mines are ours...and once we have them, victory in this war will be ours."

 

[wiegeabo]

The Mando forces are upon our small fleet in an instant. My respect for them climbs with their resolve and swift action. Although, anything less than such preparedness from a warrior race such as theirs would be inexcusable.

"Status." Pellaeon was obviously waiting for the order.

"Judicator and Interdictor are taking damage to their ventral shields from the planet. They are maneuvering to protect those areas. Chimera is exchanging position with the Death's Head to relieve them of the ship to ship attacks."

"And Zsinj?"

"His forces are diverting the bulk of the fleet engagement since he is attacking an area without planetary shielding."

"Surprising lack of foresight on the part of the Mandalorians. They'll protect their battlements with all available resources, but not where those resources come from." I shake my head at the thought.

"Launch Commander Bastion's squadrons to their respective targets. I want to be out of this system quickly before the bulk of the outer system vessels arrive."

"They are underway now."

"Good. Launch all TIE squadrons to run interference. We can't let the most important part of the mission fail after all, eh Captain."

Pellaeon nods with a small grin and gives the orders. Dozens upon dozens of fighters launch from all five Star Destroyers. Typically, this would be a bad decision when making a quick strike, but it is necessary.

Because three shuttle craft quickly make their way down to the planet's atmosphere completely unmolested as the TIE fighters keep the Mando fighters busy. Soon, Commander Bastion's team will have slipped under the defense shields and acquired the objective. All without the Mandos knowing just what happened until we are long gone.

Assuming Zsinj does his part of the job as he's supposed to..

 

[NiteMare Shape]

[YT]MB3scUjcQBM[/YT]​

Tatooine.


Joren Kel stands at the very edge of the property owned by his friend Brya, which ends just before the boarder of the Dune Sea. He stands as a lone figure against the brilliant sunset casting a long shadow on the ground behind him.

He looks up at the vibrant oranges, reds, and purples that mark the sky as the planet's twin suns blink out of sight. Normally, this view would inspire awe in most beings across the galaxy, for it is a truely magnificant sight to behold. However, for Joren, it just makes him feel alone.

It is a familiar sight, one that he has seen every evening for the past 3 nights. Ever since they returned from Nar Shaddaa with Nyna's body, and buried her on this very spot.

As the suns disappear on the horizon and darkness begins to settle over the desert, Joren's mind begins to drift to that fateful night only days ago. He will never forget the sight of Dono kneeling on the ground beside Nyna's body, his helmet on the ground...and the shattered look on his face.

Or the look of shock and terror in Kelsa's eyes as she saw her friends returning to the Lady Luck, with Joren carrying Nyna's lifeless body in his arms. Or the look of utter devestation as she realizes that her best friend is gone.

After 3 days of trying to be the pillar for his friends to lean on, the emotions of recent events finally takes its toll. His knees weak, Joren sits down in the sand next to Nyna's unmarked grave. Looking at the disturbed mound of sand, he fights back tears of sorrow and rage. Despite himself, he feels a deep anger over the loss of his friend, and his inability to do anything about it.

He also can't help but feel that he and his friends had been used by Mon Mothma and the New Republic. It was his duty as a Jedi to track down and "rescue" Pax Mitel. Not Nyna's, not anyone else's. But it was because of the bond that he shares with his friends that they went on the mission with him. And the New Republic had been more than happy to abuse that bond for its own ends.

The more his mind races, the more the anger within him rises. However, he finally forces it deep down within him. He knows that it wasn't anybody's fault but Pax Mitel's. And his. If he had just been more aware, or a fraction of a second faster, perhaps he could have saved her. And with that thought, a single tear runs down his face, dropping onto the sand beneath him.

He finally stands, and looks again at the gravesite of his dear friend.

"I'm sorry Nyna. I failed you." He says as he turns away and begins the short trek back to the house.

Inside the house, Joren finds things much the same as when he had left. Kelsa is sitting in the parlour talking with Brya and Brixi, as they try to console her over the loss of Nyna. Dono is nowhere to be seen, having sequestered himself in the chambers that Brya had provided for him.

Though he rarely shows emotion, a trait he picked up from his upbringing on Mandalore, Nyna's death has deeply effected him. For as long as Joren has known him, Dono has secretly carried a torch for Nyna, and now that she is gone, that torch is burning him.

Joren is concerned for his friend. Dono would rather keep his feelings bottled up and suffer alone than mourn with his friends. They all feel the pain of Nyna's death, and Joren knows that the only way they will get through this loss is together.

It is at this realization that Joren comes to a decision.

"Get ready." He says to Kelsa, "It's time to leave."