Faction A Sovereign Echo | The High Republic

[Pillar of Faith]

With the abrupt exit of House Organa from the shifting landscape of Alderaanian politics, the High Republic has been forced to seek out a new Great House to back in order to establish a secure foothold in the region. Their search has led them straight to House Panteer, specifically to the young Lady Jocelyn Panteer . Blessed with a respected bloodline and the formidable weight of her house behind her, she is quickly being propped up as the premier candidate for the vacant throne. The High Republic has high hopes for this reluctant noble, but before they can fully back her ascension, she must first face a crucial test of leadership.

While Jocelyn commands an influential house and possesses the rare credibility of two historic names, the ultimate question is whether she can truly rally her people. With Sith machinations actively twisting the noble sphere of Alderaan from the shadows, the stakes could not be higher.

To secure her homeworld's future, she must find a way to unite the populace, oust the fanatics who have infiltrated their society, and finish the work of liberation that House Organa was forced to leave behind.

Her first major obstacle lies high in the mountains of Alderaan, within the fortified halls of House Antilles. As a very old, deeply influential, and heavily militarized member of the Great Houses, they have stubbornly remained on the sidelines of recent conflicts. The High Republic recognizes that the immense military power of House Antilles is essential for the coming struggle. However, Gant Antilles, the leader of the house, has long maintained a policy of strict neutrality unless Alderaan faces an outright, direct attack.

Currently, Gant sees no immediate credible threat to his isolation. The burden falls squarely on Jocelyn and her Republic allies to shatter his complacency. They must somehow convince the hardened warlord to throw his military might behind her claim, helping to prop her up on the throne and prepare the world for an inevitable war. If they fail, House Antilles will simply remain entrenched in their mountain strongholds until it is too late for Alderaan.

 

[Era Vos]

Location: En Route
Tags: OPEN​

Gripping the worn steering assembly, Era brought the modified transport through the jagged peaks of the Alderaanian highlands, fighting the brutal mountain crosswinds that smacked the hull. Ice began to rim the cockpit canopy, reflecting the stark, unforgiving beauty of the Antilles territory below.

"High Alpine Command, this is Vanguard Alpha requesting clearance for the primary apex pad," Era said, her voice cutting through the comms static with calm authority. "We carry a diplomatic party for Lord Gant, and my stabilizers won't survive a secondary approach in this gale." A tense silence stretched across the frequency before a gruff voice cracked back, granting permission and transmitting the landing coordinates. Nudging the throttle forward, she guided the heavy vessel down toward the mountain stronghold.

​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Jocelyn Panteer | Theron Alde | Sibylla Abrantes

The mountain winds slammed ruthlessly against the transport hull, sending a sharp shudder through the floorboards. Aurelian braced himself against his seat, his gaze locked on the reluctant noble sitting across the aisle. Beside him sat his Voice of the Houses. As the elected leader of the Great Houses, arriving in person to vet a potential monarch was a necessity, even if the turbulence was a test of patience.

Naboo had taught him that young aristocrats thrust into chaos usually rose to the occasion, but the way Lady Panteer sat did not inspire immediate confidence. Her posture practically screamed hesitation. Amusement danced in his eyes, his trademark dangerous smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he openly studied her. He had zero intention of hiding his scrutiny.

"Tell me now, Lady Panteer," Aurelian shouted over the roaring engines, leaning forward to catch her eye. "Can you actually handle this? Are you even worth following?"

​

 

[Osiris Thul]

wait til the world is mine
Jocelyn Panteer Aurelian Veruna Era Vos

"You are a most gracious host, Duke Gant."

Osiris Thul accepted the glass of local brandy with one of his notorious hologenic smiles. He listened patiently while the patriarch of House Antilles explained the meaning of this brief interruption. One perfectly sculpted eyebrow arced at the mention of House Panteer. An impressive lineage although until today Duke Osiris had given no thought to Lady Jocelyn as a serious rival for the throne.

"By all means grant their audience," he said with an imperious wave of one hand, "This should be an entertaining diversion if nothing else."

Underneath a sweeping black cloak Duke Osiris wore a perfectly tailored ensemble intricately embroidered with fine gold thread that stitched together a vibrant color palette dominated by House Thul's traditional royal purple. Before his training on Coruscant this was what Osiris had been raised for, and there were some lessons not even Jedi indoctrination could erase.

An AM-719 speeder painted in Thul heraldry was already powered down on one of the remote mountain estate's landing pads. There his honor guards waited to convey Osiris safely back to the duke's own lavish ancestral manor once negotiations with House Antilles were concluded.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

En route | House Antilles
Interacting with: Aurelian Veruna Jocelyn Panteer
Items: x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x

Sibylla felt the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth.

Trust Aurelian to approach diplomacy as though he were testing the edge of a newly forged blade. Then again, this was how he always tried to glean the true foundations of whoever stood before him.

The Voice of Naboo turned her dark head towards the King of Naboo with a subtle chime of her ruby-jeweled headdress, her heart-shaped face tinged with the sort of patient look one reserves for particularly charming troublemakers.

A delicate brown brow arched only for her attention to shift back to Lady Panteer.

"I believe what His Majesty is attempting to ask," she continued smoothly, raising her voice over the engines and the slight turbulence, "is how you intend to navigate the realities presently facing Alderaan."

Sibylla was not unfamiliar with the paths that led to a throne, nor with the ways the Great Houses could influence the outcome. At times, that influence extended far beyond politics and into the realm of removing rivals altogether.

Aurelian's father after all had contracted a Noghri assassin to kill her during her own Sovereign of Naboo candidacy. The attempt had come perilously close to succeeding, and only Aurelian's quiet defiance of his father's wishes had prevented the worst from coming to pass. To think that a near-death experience years ago brought them to where they were now, making the present situation feel all the more surreal.

Yet perhaps it should not have. Thrones created ambition. Ambition created factions. And factions, sooner or later, created conflict. To find herself once again standing at the crossroads of a royal succession was as inevitable as it was strange.

Another strong gust sent another shudder through transport, and Sibylla did her best to settle herself upon her seat as she folded her hands over her lap.

"The loss of House Organa has left a rather significant absence among the Great Houses. Such events rarely occur without consequence. They create uncertainty, speculation, and no shortage of ambitious opinions regarding what course the realm should take next."

Her gaze lingered thoughtfully on the young noblewoman.

"House Panteer has, after all, occupied a distinguished place throughout Alderaanian history. More kings and queens have worn the crown under your banner than any other House. It is hardly surprising that there are those now wondering whether the throne ought to return to Panteer hands once more."

Sibylla paused, her expression softening through those kohl-lined eyes, the pale pink marring the three scars over the left side of her face making her following words all the more impactful.

"And when crowns become topics of conversation, so too do rivalries, expectations, and the pressures that drive them."

A knowing glance flickered briefly toward Aurelian. She knew all too well how dangerous such conversations could become.

"So perhaps the better question is this, Lady Panteer." A warm smile touched her lips. "What sort of ruler do you believe Alderaan needs in the days ahead?"

 

[Aurelia Pantilles]

“Grace in Peace. Resolve in Crisis”

Aurelia Pantilles had promised herself she would remain on New Alderaan. There was always another council meeting. Another petition. Another dispute between settlers, former resistance fighters, and nobles trying to build something lasting from the ashes of two lost homes. The responsibilities waiting for her on New Alderaan seemed to multiply with every passing week. And yet here she was.

Because some habits were impossible to abandon. Alderaan had always answered the call of worlds in need. The Pantilles name had been built upon it. Aurelia could no more ignore a wounded homeland than she could stop breathing.

The silver shuttle descended through the clouds, carrying the young noblewoman toward the gathering that would help decide Alderaan's future. When Aurelia emerged from the vessel, she did so without the trappings of military escort or excessive ceremony. A small household guard accompanied her, but the focus remained squarely on her.

She wore a formal Alderaanian gown fashioned in deep midnight blue silk that flowed to the floor in elegant folds. The color shifted subtly beneath the light, revealing hints of silver woven through the fabric like starlight across a calm lake. The high collar framed her neck with understated sophistication while fitted sleeves extended to her wrists, embroidered with delicate mountain-vine patterns inspired by the ancient landscapes of Alderaan.

A silver sash rested diagonally across her torso, secured at one shoulder by the crest of House Pantilles. The polished brooch caught the light with every movement, a reminder of a lineage older than most governments in the galaxy. A narrow belt of brushed silver defined her waist, while a matching cloak draped gracefully from her shoulders. The interior lining displayed faint blue-and-white embroidery depicting the mountains and valleys that generations of Alderaanians still carried in their hearts.

Her hair was gathered into an intricate braided arrangement at the back of her head, accented by small silver pins crafted in the shape of mountain lilies.

As she entered the meeting hall, Aurelia allowed herself a brief moment to take in the assembled faces. Noble houses. Political leaders. Men and women who would shape the destiny of a people who had already endured more than most civilizations could bear.

For a heartbeat, she thought of New Alderaan. Of the settlements still being built. Of the Dawnwardens. Of the fragile future waiting for her return. Then she thought of another future. One where Alderaan fell completely into the hands of Sith opportunists and extremists eager to claim its legacy for themselves.

That future was unacceptable. Aurelia moved toward the delegation aligned with Lady Jocelyn Panteer, her expression calm and composed. House Panteer represented continuity. Legitimacy. A path forward rooted in Alderaan's traditions rather than outside influence.

Whether that path would ultimately prevail remained to be seen. But Aurelia knew where she stood.

Aurelia Vaene Pantilles

• Location: House Antilles Estate, Alderaan
• Objective: Make sure Sith don’t gain control of her home.
• Outfit: Formal Gown
• Company: Jocelyn Panteer | Era Vos | Aurelian Veruna | Osiris Thul

 

[Elian Abrantes]

Tags: Open
Indirect: Aurelian Veruna Sibylla Abrantes Jocelyn Panteer
IE-Guard Duty
​

It was an instinct, second nature. Something you had to look over one time, and memorize it, You were born with it, there were so many variables that could be thrown into play. How some of these politicians could play the game as well as they did, Elian wouldn't ever understand it. And when you got his sister and Aurelian into the mix, and they were together. You couldn't have a better duo. People would know it was truth, when even Elian heard the words from Cassian's own mouth. And that's because Cassian hates Aurelian.

There was somethings that you admit, and they were truth.

Elian tried to catch on as much as he could, but today he wasn't aide to Verity Stuyveris today. He was a guard to the King of Naboo, and the safety of them was paramount.

Elian took a deep breath, giving a slight shift into position. Take a step to the side, as subtly as he was trained. Without disturbing those in the room.

Vigilance was key.

 

[Jocelyn Panteer]

Jocelyn regarded Aurelian Veruna with a look somewhere between concern and pity.

It was a rough ride, to be sure, and the King of Naboo looked slightly green around the gills for the turbulence. Jocelyn, who had been flying in these parts since she was a babe in arms, was no less disturbed by the gusts that seemed to buffet the transport this way and that, but she let it show decidedly less. Rather than bracing herself against every sway, she had crossed her legs in such a way that her foot and ankle pressed to the bottom left corner of her seat, and her knee was lodged into the right armrest.

Rather like riding side-saddle and with much the same effect: an iron grip on herself while managing to look comparatively serene.

She didn't even balk at the man's rudeness, though her pale cheeks did color just a touch. The same could not be said for her husband, Theron Alde , whose dander she could feel rising at her side. Jocelyn reached over and put a hand on his forearm, then slid it down to rest atop his hand, fingertips drumming lightly on the backs of his knuckles.

"I'm so sorry we couldn't arrange better weather for you, Your Majesty," Jocelyn said simply. "It does seem a shame to start the day off on the wrong foot."

And then Sibylla Abrantes gracefully swept in. She seemed practiced at this sort of thing, as if her role as Voice of the Houses was to follow the boorish boy-king around with a tiny rhetorical dustpan and broom and say, you see what King Aurelian meant to say is... An existence that might be fulfilling for some, but Jocelyn couldn't bring herself to envy the woman. Her beauty, yes; her fashion, of course; but that role? Jocelyn smiled across the small space between their seats and leaned forward. "I know what he is asking, Your Excellency," she told Sibylla. Her voice was kind, but her tone was frank. And I know what he is doing.

"Alderaan will need a leader capable of flexibility and strength. It will need a leader that embraces tradition and changing times. It will need a leader that can effortlessly step into the vacuum left by the Organas without being the Organas. It needs a leader who will cooperate with the High Republic without abandoning the Alderaanian identity to it. In short, it needs someone from a House that can command loyalty from the traditionalists while still not being so close to the center of power so recently that it is seen as hidebound and beholden to the Organas. In short, what Alderaan requires and deserves is perfection." She paused, a beat stretching between them before the corners of her lips twitched upward into a half-smile. "Unfortunately, whether me or someone else, she will have to settle for a mere mortal."

She shifted in her seat, a minor concession to a bout of wind that sent the cabin of the transport into a shuddering jolt. Her fingertips went white as they pressed against Theron's knuckles, grounding, until the ship righted itself. "I was not eager to place myself on Alderaan's throne," Jocelyn said. "It is not in my nature to crave authority and titles. But this is not about what I want, or what is best for me. This is about Alderaan, and anyone who would not do everything they can -- use every tool and lever and weapon at their disposal -- in a fight to keep her free is no son or daughter of Alderaan."

Mild-mannered though Jocelyn Panteer was, reluctant though she had been to put herself forward, now that she was convinced of its necessity she was not shying away from it. Her eyes lingered on Veruna's for a brief moment. "My claim is the best chance Alderaan has to stay out of the shadows of the Sith Covenant, Your Majesty. I trust in the wisdom of our noble cousins in the other great houses to recognize it -- or to see the truth of the matter when I present it to them."

Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes | Theron Alde
Elian Abrantes | Aurelia Pantilles | Era Vos | Osiris Thul​

 

[Theron Alde]

Tag: Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes | Jocelyn Panteer

Whereas Jocelyn was mild-mannered and gentle-spoken, her husband was anything but. He loved to talk, to joke, to listen and it had distributed their roles with ease. It was Theron who handled the diplomacy more often than not. It had worked, because even if they were diametrically different as people, their minds aligned more often than not.

All that was to say that in that moment diplomacy was far from his mind.

Jocelyn felt it before he could act and calmed him down with a touch. His eyes flicking to her hand and then to her face. Expression softened and he let her handle it.

It was for the best, because in that moment Theron primarily wanted to do either one of two things: 1) Challenge Aurelian to a duel, or preferably, 2) Punch him in the face.

Neither of which would be conductive towards convincing the High Republic that his wife was the right person for the job.

He need not fear however. As Theron listened to Joy, he couldn't help but fall in love with her all over again. His hand squeezed hers back and the noble smiled a little prideful smile.

"I know Gant." Theron finally said, inclining his head to Jocelyn in respect. "We have hunted together a number of times. He is a hard man, but his love for Alderaan is as staunch and true as ours is."

"It will take effort- he is not a man whose trajectory changes easily. But he will see the truth. Alderaan can never be safe and prosper under Sith rule."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Jocelyn Panteer | Theron Alde | Sibylla Abrantes | Osiris Thul | Aurelia Pantilles

A broad smile stretched across Aurelian's face as the tension in the cabin spiked. The sharp glares directed his way were entirely familiar, and he thrived on them. "Can you see why this particular sovereign needs a Voice of the Houses?" he asked the group, completely unbothered.

Turning his attention to Theron, Aurelian noted the protective, rigid posture. He had seen that exact look on a dozen different husbands and guards across the galaxy. "Relax, Lord Alde," Aurelian said, leaning back. "It is not my intent to insult. I just prefer to cut through the standard aristocratic platitudes. I need to know exactly who I am dealing with before throwing the weight of my crown behind a stranger. You will always know where you stand with me."

Another heavy bout of turbulence rattled the hull, forcing Aurelian to grip his armrest tightly. He masked the sudden jolt with a practiced nonchalance, smoothing his expression before looking back to Jocelyn. "But well said, Lady Panteer. I think you will find our views on our respective worlds are quite similar, despite any reservations you might have of me."

The pilot's voice crackled over the comms, warning the passengers to brace for a rocky landing. Moments later, the transport touched down against the mountain peak with a heavy, grinding thud. Standing up to smooth the wrinkles from his tunic, Aurelian extended a hand to assist Sibylla to her feet.

Stepping out onto the landing platform, the biting mountain air cut through the heat of the engines. The full regalia of House Antilles stood waiting, flanked by a few unexpected faces. Osiris Thul was an immediate standout, looking every bit the wildcard. Thul's presence meant the rumors of Republic interest had already leaked, and the man was undoubtedly positioning his own pieces on the board.

"Lord Gant, thank you for receiving us!" Aurelian called out, stepping forward.

An aide nearby immediately cleared his throat, softly correcting the king. "Duke Gant, Your Majesty."

"My apologies, Duke Gant," Aurelian corrected smoothly, without missing a beat. "May I introduce Lady Sibylla Abrantes, Voice of the Houses and Ambassador to the Mandalorian Empire. And I am sure you already know Lady Jocelyn and Duke Alde." He signaled for the Alderaanians to step forward as Duke Gant offered a stiff, formal bow.

"Your Republic hardly gave us a choice to decline this meeting," Gant replied, his voice gruff. "But nevertheless, it is a pleasure, Lady Abrantes."

While the formal introductions occupied the host, Aurelian quietly drifted around the perimeter of the greeting party. He stopped before the man in the purple and gold cloak. "Duke Thul, a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

Amusement flickering in his eyes, Aurelian turned his gaze to the poised young woman standing nearby in midnight blue silk. "And who might you be?"

​

 

[Era Vos]

Location: House Antilles
Tags: Elian Abrantes​

Throttling down the repulsorlifts, Era brought the heavy transport through the last brutal gust of wind, setting the vessel down onto the mountain apex pad with a resounding, metallic thud. She ran a quick sequence to shut down the main thrusters, listening intently to the cooling whine of the engines to ensure the stabilizers had held.

Satisfied with the ship's performance, she unbuckled from the pilot's chair, wiped a fresh smear of grease from her cheek, and grabbed her sidearm. Her duty in the cockpit was done, but her responsibility to the crew's safety was just beginning.

Stepping out onto the landing platform behind the diplomatic entourage, the biting mountain air instantly chilled the sweat on her neck. She fell into step beside Elian, her eyes scanning the imposing rows of the Antilles guard and the unexpected nobles draped in fine silks.

Leaning slightly toward her fellow guard, she kept her voice low beneath the howling wind. "Never seen luxury quite like this outside of Naboo," Era whispered, giving a subtle nod toward the extravagant purple and gold cloaks. "A bit much for my taste. Give me a reliable hyperdrive over a mountain palace any day."

 

[Elian Abrantes]

Aurelian Veruna Sibylla Abrantes Era Vos Jocelyn Panteer Theron Alde Osiris Thul Aurelia Pantilles
​

Elian watched the exchange between the group assembled, and it looked tense for moment. The young Abrantes knew that Aurelian needed to be sure, straightforward. Its one of the things Elian admired most about him. And of course, his sister Sibylla was introduced. He gave her a short nod, smirk and sublte wink. He then straightened up, regathering his posture.

Then he heard a voice, low, essentially a whispher. He honestly wasn't expecting anyone to speak to him, as he was, just a dutiful guard at this point.

"Never seen luxury quite like this outside of Naboo,"

Elian cleared his throat lightly and softly. "Oh Hello. I believe there are many places that can match luxury equal to Naboo, but not more than. I am biased towards Naboo though."

She mentioned a good Hyperdrives and Elian raised an eyebrow slightly, now curious. "You don't say?" The Abrantes whisphered with a small smile. "That sounds like a solid deal. I love ships, working on them, engineering is my specialty." His eyes locked with Sibylla for a moment and he got the hint. So he cleared his throat again. He lightly jerked his head to the side and showed an apologetic face, and then leaned closer to Era and whisphered.

"That's my sister, she cool. But she's also kinda, a jerk." Elian straightened up and looked forward again.

 

[Aurelia Pantilles]

“Grace in Peace. Resolve in Crisis”

Aurelia's attention shifted fully toward the newcomer as he addressed her. Recognition came immediately. Even before introductions, it would have been difficult not to know him. The King of Naboo carried himself with the ease of someone accustomed to diplomacy, though perhaps not always to the endless layers of noble protocol that accompanied it.

Aurelia offered a graceful curtsy, her silver-lined cloak settling around her as she inclined her head. "Your Majesty." The greeting was delivered with all the formality expected between noble houses. "Aurelia Pantilles, of House Pantilles."

A faint smile touched her lips. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance." Her gaze briefly drifted toward Lady Jocelyn Panteer and then Duke Antilles before returning to Aurelian. "Were the proper records of Alderaan still intact, I could likely claim some distant kinship to both Lady Panteer and Duke Antilles."

The statement lingered for only a moment before she shook her head softly. "Though House Pantilles has never pretended to play among the great houses. We are content to leave crowns and ancient rivalries to those better suited for them." There was no bitterness in the remark. If anything, it carried a quiet amusement. The 400 Year Darkness had made genealogies, titles, and ancient claims difficult things to prove. What remained mattered more than what had once existed.

"I have spent much of my time recently on New Alderaan," she continued. "The restoration of representative government there has occupied more of my attention than I ever anticipated."

Aurelia folded her hands neatly before her. "Yet when word reached me regarding House Organa and the uncertainty now facing Alderaan, I found I could not remain away."

Her expression grew more thoughtful. "Whatever comes of these discussions, I would see Alderaan entrusted to hands that will honor its people, its traditions, and the sacrifices that allowed it to survive at all."

The young noblewoman glanced briefly around the assembled gathering. "That seemed reason enough to return home."

Aurelia Vaene Pantilles

• Location: House Antilles Estate, Alderaan
• Objective: Make sure Sith don’t gain control of her home.
• Outfit: Formal Gown
• Company: Jocelyn Panteer | Era Vos | Aurelian Veruna | Osiris Thul | Elian Abrantes

 

[Jocelyn Panteer]

"Duke Gant," Jocelyn said, stepping forward to offer a respectful curtsy. Her greeting was warm but not overly familiar. The truth was, the Great Houses were -- more or less -- a tangle of cousins of some degree or removal, but like any very large family of diverse needs and ambitions, the bonds were not necessarily strong, and she didn't want to pretend to a closeness that wasn't true, especially given his response to Aurelian Veruna and Sibylla Abrantes . "It does my heart good to see you looking so well. I believe it was Lady Cortess' fundraiser in the spring when last we met."

She gestured to Theron Alde . "I believe you know my husband, Theron? I believe you sit on the same charitable trust for wounded veterans, no?"

Jocelyn's eyes cut between the other two Alderaanians -- one she recognized all too well, the other who was unfamiliar. Aurelia Pantilles had a name that she recognized. "Lady Aurelia, well met and welcome home. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Very well said -- I think you speak for us all when you say the kind of leader you would see for Alderaan. And how are things progressing on New Alderaan? My husband and I are always looking to learn more about it." She gestured for Theron again to include him in the conversation, and allowed the conversation to continue before turning her attention to Osiris Thul .

Tall, dark and dangerous, Thul was probably her single greatest competitor for the Alderaanian throne. But that didn't have to make things unpleasant. And to comment on it so openly, so early in the game, and in someone else's house would have been gauche in the extreme. "Duke," she said pleasantly, offering a curtsy to the man that was rather shallower than the one to their host. "You are looking as well as ever. Your time away has suited you well." If there was a playful suggestion that that time should extend in her remark, it wasn't obvious.

That would have been gauche, too.

"How have you been faring, really?"

What Jocelyn knew of his story would have harrowed the most stoic of men.

Elian Abrantes | Era Vos​