Karrigan'Xalda
Daughter of the Karishzar
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Expand on the Xioquo.
Image Credit: Here.
Role: Paladins. Force Warriors.
Permissions: Access to Firemane gear since I'm the owner and Liavondra is a Firemane ally. ARGH gear available to Firemane per this thread. Permission for all ArmaTech gear and all other subs made by Laira Darkhold's writer here and here. Access to Eldorai gear since I'm a co-creator of the species and have received ooc permission from the submitter via like (
Anya Venari
is a subaccount of
Valiens Nantaris
).Links: Firemane, Order of Fire, Twilight of the Goddess, Seekers of the Sky.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Unit Name: Banishers of the Night.
Affiliation: Seekers of the Sky, Liavondra, Xioquo, Naxi’Xiarda, Naul'Zixasa. Their queen Liavondra is a vassal of Firemane.
Classification: Force Infantry.
Equipment:
Armour:
Rifles:
- Reaper Plasma Shotgun
- A280 Blaster Rifle
- BH-21 Particle Beam Rifle
- Mk1 Bolter.
- Concussion Rifle.
- Headbanger
- Magnetic Revolver
- Shatter Pistol
- Cylix Bolt Pistol
- SP-2
- Hard-Sound Gun
- Sonic Stunner
- DC-17
- Sonic Disruptor
- ACS-207 Aerosolblaster
- ACS-208 Wrist Ion Beamer
- ACS-207 Cryoban Gun. All variants.
- Wrist Bolter
- ACS-208 Wrist Charric
- Under-Barrel Sonic Blaster
- MGL-1 (often mounted on another rifle)
- T-21 Light Repeating Blaster
Misc:
Description:
"The path of the light is dangerous and harsh.
Like the bridge over a chasm there is danger to all sides.
Yet, to one with the will to proceed there lies ahead a greater treasure than any earthly wealth.
The path of the Light is not easy, but no task is worth performing without struggle.
In struggle, in strength, we find the path to the Light."
Of all the Xioquo militias and martial orders, the Banishers of the Night may be one of the most unusual. The Xioquo have a bloodstained history steeped in the Dark Side. Theirs was a culture built upon slavery, blood sacrifices and Dark Side worship, ruled by noble families of matriarchs who vied for power and used a mixture of terror and propaganda to keep the underclasses in line. Until a few years ago, the idea of Light Side Xioquo would have been unthinkable to anyone.
However, though this is often forgotten, species are not monoliths. No matter how deeply ingrained certain cultural norms are, there are always those who buck the trend. In the case of the Xioquo, it has helped that the ancien régime discredited itself by being decisively defeated by Firemane and its allies. In the aftermath, a plethora of cults rose to fill the spiritual vacuum. Some, such as the Daughters of the Destroyer, worshipped Siobhan Kerrigan, for she had defeated the dark goddess Myrou. A cult called the Seekers of the Sky sought to make a radical break with the past. Rejecting the Darkness, they embraced the Light. This group was founded by Lia, the Queen Firemane put on the throne as a vassal. The Queen was dedicated to weaning her people off the despotic, self-destructive ways that had defined Xioquo society for millennia.
The Banishers of the Night are the Seekers' martial arm. They see themselves as warriors of the Light; paladins who swear a sacred oath to defend the Xioquo people, protect the innocent and fight the wicked. Superficial similarities exist to Jedi Guardians, but the Banishers evolved independently of any order. They came into being as a Xioquo group and are tied to the Xioquo nation. They revere the Light, which they see as the embodiment of law, justice and harmony. This contrasts with Myrou's anarchy, injustice, greed and discord. Overall they can be characterised as Lawful Good. Like most Xioquo, the Seekers still revere the spirits. Indeed, they believe they are channelling their power when they use what others would call the Force.
The Banishers categorically reject the idea that the servants of the Light must remain passive in the face of aggression. They are also opposed to the belief that Lightsiders are forbidden from striking first. Members of the unit comport themselves as soldiers. A follower of the Light should exhaust other avenues before fighting, fight proportionally to the circumstances and for a just cause. War should not be waged for self-aggrandisement or vainglorious ambitions, but sometimes they are necessary. When they are deployed into battle, they should do their best to minimise loss of innocent life but fight to the finish.
The Banishers are composed exclusively of Force-Sensitive Xioquo. Use of the Dark Side is strictly prohibited. They are trained in Force abilities, physical combat and educated about the Light. Literacy is low among the Xioquo, so a lot of the ideological training is practical. they are secretly presented with circumstances where they are forced to show their ideals. For instance, they come across a person who's just been robbed. What do they do? They see someone in need but being harassed. Are they going to do what they say, or is it all words? It also incorporates survival courses and simulated interrogations. If put under pressure, will they stay true to their beliefs or succumb to the temptation of using the Dark Side? This is a little manipulative, but the Banishers want dedicated soldiers, not fairweather friends. Good does not mean nice or soft. Paladins who violate the code of the order are punished harshly. Depending on the severity of the crime, punishments can range from community service, demotion, incarceration, severance from the Force to judicial execution.
In addition to Force training, they are taught how to utilise conventional weapons. The Banishers do not treat blasters or slugthrowers as 'crude and uncivilised'. After all, there is a long tradition of Xioquo gunslingers. So their members are expected to become proficient in the use of firearms. This goes hand in hand with exploiting the natural agility, excellent senses and stealthiness of their race. In terms of Force powers, they focus on telekinesis, Force healing, Force Stasis, physical enhancement abilities, Force Valour as well as elemental ice and earth abilities.
Unlike old school Jedi, the Banishers do not preach chastity. To the Paladins, the concept that one has to be chaste to be in the Light is an alien concept. Why would it be a good or compassionate thing to abstain from a normal physical and mental stimulus? Phylis Alince once tried to explain the concept to one of their members, Naxi'Xiarda, but the Paladin remained mystified: "Is not attachment what one in the Light must seek? For without attachment, what can one protect?"
The group is commanded by Naul'Zixasa. Zixasa is a former slave who rebelled against the ancien régime. She participated in a slave revolt, but the rebellion was suppressed. She and her surviving comrades fled into the deepest depths of the Underealm. There they had to scavenge to survive in the monster-infested catacombs. The continuous struggle for survival turned her into a hard, tough woman. She soon became the leader of the group, launching raids to obtain supplies or free other slaves. However, punitive expeditions of the ancien régime whittled down their numbers. She rejoined civilisation when the old order collapsed and Firemane forces occupied the Xioquo capital.
It was then that her path crossed with Liavondra. Zixasa became a staunch ally of the dark queen of the light. In return for her support, Lia taught the warrior about the Light and completed her until then rather ad hoc Force training. Zixasa swore an oath of fealty and has served her faithfully ever since. She is a strict, but fair leader. She has a lot of empathy for victims of oppression. She still has to wrestle with her own anger, but strives to embodiment of the principles of her order, leading by example. Zixasa sees the Seekers as the authentic representation of Xioquo nationhood. In her view, they place the good of the people first instead of the desires of an uncaring dark goddess. She is distrustful of members of the old elites who now profess loyalty to the new order. While strict, she is popular among the common folk. The following quotation illustrates her beliefs well:
"The Jedi feel that with peace and kindness and negotiation all dangers can be solved. When these do not suffice they fall because they cannot understand how to change how they think. We must be different. We Xio are born in darkness and though we claw our way to the light we understand there are monsters which are implacable, which will not stop until they besmirch all life. These horrors must be fought, they must be defeated. In all things there is the right way, and the easy way. We must never allow ourselves to discard what is right for what is easy."
Zixasa is a very forthright woman. Having seen the destruction that can be caused by blind obedience, she believes that a servant of the Light has the duty to think rather than merely obey. In the old days, the military was misused as an instrument to oppress the common people and keep the matriarchs in power. Atrocities were committed to preserve the power of the few. More than a few Xioquo officers who were put on trial for crimes justified their actions by claiming they had been bound by an oath and had just been following orders. Thus she propagates a concept called 'citizen in armour'. To be a paladin, a Banisher has a duty to refuse unlawful or immoral orders - and to remove a superior officer who orders atrocities from command. Zixasa dislikes the Daughters of the Destroyer and their martial arm, the Heralds. She views them as a throwback to dark times her people must move on from.
One of the Banishers under her command is Naxi'Xiarda. Xiarda was born as the daughter of a Xioquo matriarch. Though initiated in the ways of the Dark Side, she was considered soft and her siblings intrigued against her. Xiarda was captured by Qadiri soldiers after a failed Xioquo attack on Krolis. A Qadiri priestess bought her and taught her about the Light, eventually freeing her. Xiarda has been a follower of Lia ever since swearing allegiance to her shortly before the conquest of the Underealm. She is a principled woman who strives to uphold a code of justice and honour, but also a warrior. Striving to be a good person doesn't extend to giving free passes to the truly vile and horrific among their enemies. Her rather brutal childhood has left its mark upon her. She is emotionally guarded and slow to trust. She often serves as a bodyguard to Queen Lia, though the sovereign is a formidable Force-User in her own right.
COMBAT INFORMATION:
Unit Size: Medium
Unit Availability: Unique
Unit Experience: Elite.
Combat Function: They are a highly skilled unit of elite Force soldiers. In broad terms, the Banishers can be compared to Paladins or Jedi Guardians. Rather than strike from the shadows, they are a direct action force. They focus on martial training and combat. In battle they are supposed to take the fight to the enemy. Their Force powers allow them to smite opponents, inspire their allies and provide healing. Elemental and telekinetic powers give them both defensive and offensive abilities. They can lead a charge, ambush enemies and seize enemy strongholds. The paladins are trained in small unit tactics and well-versed in close quarter combat. Their training emphasises discipline and team work. Gloryhounds, daredevils and individuals who indulge in lone wolf actions are looked upon poorly.
When working in tandem with other Xioquo forces loyal to the Crown, they are an inspiration to their allies. Their Force Valour abilties allow them to boost themselves and their comrades, while their healing powers enable them to treat injuries. The Banishers receive thorough training in melee combat. However, they lack heavy weapons, which can be a problem against heavily armoured vehicles and entrenched fortifications. As a result, they will require support in a larger battle. Should enemy troops have Force-Users in their ranks, the Banishers will focus on neutralising them.
The Xioquo paladins are very experienced in fighting Dark Force-Users, as these represent their primary foes. Banishers are chosen not just for combat aptitude, but their commitment to the Light. Xioquo society is a harsh one and most of the Banishers used to belong to those who were oppressed by the old order. This makes them very loyal and extremely difficult to scare or manipulate. The Banishers adhere to a code of conduct in battle. Thus they will not murder a helpless opponent. However, this does not translate into them being naive or unduly trusting. Should an enemy seemingly give up, they will make sure that the surrender is a sincere one instead of leaving themselves open. If need be, this will be assured through use of a stun bolt, stun cuffs and an energy cage.
Strengths:
- Force soldiers. The Banishers are composed of Force-Sensitive Xioquo, who specialise in elemental abilities, protective and healing abilities. They are also trained in military tactics and use of conventional weapons.
- Elite warriors. Bravery, skill and discipline are well-represented among the members of this unit. Their devotion to the Light and their people makes the paladin tenacious fighters.
- While they train extensively with conventional weapons and in hand-to-hand combat, losing the Force means losing their greatest advantage. This can put them at a disadvantage against enemies who use ysalamiri or Voidstone tech.
- Lack heavy weapons and thus suffer against heavy armoured vehicles and heavy fortifications. It also has implications in protracted combat. Being infantry, they are vulnerable to long range bombardment, such as air strikes. They are an infantry force and lack integrated heavy support.
The Banishers of the Night came into being around the same time as the Seekers of the Sky. A few years ago, the idea of a Light Side Xioquo, let alone a whole sect of them, would have been as absurd. Yet the Seekers of the Sky are a Xioquo religious organisation dedicated to the Light. No matter how monolithic a race may seem, there are always some who buck the trend. In the case of the Seekers, it all started with a disgraced noblewoman called Liavondra. It is doubtful that anyone expected this woman to rise to become the second Queen of the Xioquo people. She was born into an ambitious noble family.
Xioquo society was built upon bloodshed, the Dark Side and slavery. A small clique of noble families used terror and propaganda to keep the under classes in line. Many Xioquo were kept as slaves. Xioquo society had always been steeped in the Dark Side. For centuries, the drows were governed by a ruthless mageocracy where only those who pursued the path of Darkness ended up on the top. Thousands laboured as slaves to serve the whims of the mistresses who sat on the top of the pyramid. The disobedient were brutally punished and often sacrificed in ghastly rituals to power war machines or be turned into abominations.
Generations of Xioquo were raised to worship and fear Mystra or, as the Xio knew her, Myrou. She was (correctly) regarded as the mother of their race. Though the dark oddess had slumbered in a tomb for millennia, it was believed that she would one day awaken to lead them to conquer Tygara...and judge her children. Believing that Tygara was theirs by right, the Xioquo warred against their neighbours and rivals, the Qadiri and Vashyada. While the technologically most advanced of Tygara's natives, their low population, incessant power struggles and the constant need to be on their guard against slave revolts kept them from fulfilling their potential.
A Xioquo noblewoman called Liavondra rebelled against her upbringing. Rejecting the ways of her peers, she secretly embraced the Light. However, she ran afoul of court politics, she was imprisoned in the Black Citadel. She would have been killed or worse, if Firemane troops and their allies had not stormed the fortress. Lia was freed and brought before Siobhan Kerrigan, their leader. Though a Dark Side herself, Siobhan was rational and could see her value. Realising that this was her chance to make a difference, Lia agreed to cooperate with her. In return, Siobhan would make her queen once the war was one.
Despite the advanced technology of the outsiders, the final battle for the Underealm was a bloody affair. Myrou was awoken with bloody sacrifices, but slain by Siobhan Kerrigan and her allies. In the aftermath of the final campaign the Xio were shattered. Many were dead, maimed or lost. Many were unredeemed followers of the old order. Many resented the fact their people had been defeated by invaders. Into this volatile mix was inserted Lia, as she was crowned as queen – a title no Xioquo save Myrou had ever had. Some, maybe a majority, hated what they saw as a traitor who had been placed over them as their overmistress by the invaders. The queen initiated a bold reform programme to break up the old caste system and patronage networks.
However, the collapse of the old order left a spiritual vacuum. This caused a proliferation of cults. One of them was the Seekers. They were founded by Lia to spread her teachings and lead her people to the Light. Two of her converts were Naxi'Xiarda and Naul'Zixasa. Like Lia, Xiarda had been the daughter of a noble. Deemed too soft by her peers, she had been captured by the Qadiri during a failed attack on Krolis, the holy city of the Qadiri. Enslaved by her captors, she was bought by a Qadiri priestess. The priestess was cleric of Myrkash, the goddess of healing. She taught her slave about the Light and eventually set her free. Xiarda flocked to Lia's banner on the eve of the assault on the Underealm. By contrast, Zixasa was a former slave who had sought refuge in the catacombs and fought against the old order as an insurgent, returning to civilisation when Myrou was defeated.
The Xioquo needed peace, education and bread, but they also needed to see that the Light was strong enough to protect them. It had to offer tangible benefits to them. To be sure, the drows were now under the protection of Firemane, which shielded them from the revanchist ambitions of the Qadiri. However, though a vassal queen, Liavondra wanted her people to be able to walk into the future with their heads held high instead of being dependent on the generosity of the sky people. Thus the decision was made to create a group of righteous protectors. It would be their duty to inspire the people, protect the innocent and fight the wicked. They would be a shield against the enemies of the Xioquo. They were called the Banishers of the Night.
Getting the order up and running was not an easy task. Some who tried to join the group were opportunists who believed membership could raise their status. Others were infiltrators. Thus stringent trials were instituted to separate the committed from the unsuitable. After millennia of indoctrination, it was difficult for many to accept the Light. The Banishers turned to those who had been the victims of the ancien régime, the poor and the slaves. The order recruited several former slave-soldiers.
Finding good teachers was also a challenge. The paladins reached out to non-Tygaran Light Side groups to get their opinion on teaching methods and just war. However, their success was varied. In one instance, Zixasa and Xiarda happened upon Jedi who were fanatical, pacifist, lifeist hippies. After this episode, the Banishers became determined to follow their own course. They would accept advice, from other sources, but only adapt ideas that were suited for Xioquo problems and conditions. Some of Firemane's more Light leaning or neutral teachers provided assistance. One of them was Colonel Leonina Varkathras, a former Jedi Knight and veteran of the Republic-One Sith War. Kaylah Danton, Firemane's resident, was sympathetic. Although a Non-Force-User with little time for mystical hocuspocus, she appreciated the orderliness and sanity of the Banishers. So she helped them get some funding so that they could procure more advanced equipment and better compensate their members.
The Banishers saw action against die-hard Myrou fanatics and insurgents. Indeed, the ceremony where the first Banishers were sworn in was attacked by suicide bombers. They also protected their Queen against assassins. Intense battles were fought in the dark catacombs of the Underealm, where some unreformed servants of the ancien régime had retreated, using their sorcery to create monsters. The paladins proved their patriotism against terrorist groups that sought to overthrow the new order and reinstall the ancien régime. They cooperated with Firemane troops on these missions.
Zixasa led the Banishers when the Blood Wraiths, a sect of necromancers, released a deadly plague and raised the dead. The dark cultists sought to use all the deaths that had taken place to revive Myrou again and bring about the 'eternal night'. Much to her irritation, the mission forced her to cooperate with the Daughters. The paladins stood against the dark horde. Dark witches used mentalism and summoned illusions to confuse and torment them. Zixasa was pulled into an illusionary world, facing her former comrades and those she had failed again. Once more, she felt the whip of her oppressors. Illusionary horrors in the shape of demons manifested to assail the loyalists. But she was able to overcome her fear and break out.
She channelled her zeal into a withering blast of Force Light, banishing the illusions and ending the existence of many hellspawn. She worked with a Firemane soldier called Sergeant Hikari Saito, who specialised in suppressing the powers of other adepts, to break the spell, while the Daughters drew upon darkness to smite their enemies. At the of the end battle, the insurgents had been defeated, though at a cost. Zixasa had earned the title of Mistress.
In addition, the Banishers showed their mettle when the savage Kraal, a race of marauding lizardmen, assaulted the Underealm. The Kraal attack forced the Banishers and the Heralds to work together against the foreign invader. The paladins also broke up slaver rings and hunted alchemised monstrosities that had been created by dark Xioquo alchemists in the old days and in some cases had escaped into the catacombs, threatening innocents. To enhance cohesion and team-building, they often worked alongside the militia and regular army. This was supposed to build trust in the order. Moreover, it also served the purpose of ensuring that they were integrated into the community, instead of standing outside of society.
In time, the Banishers made their first tentative steps into space. The Xioquo wanted to escape the confines of the Underealm. Thus Firemane provided them with ships and advisors so that they could make their way into the stars. The Seekers sought to discover new worlds to settle on and establish contact with friendly Light Side groups. Thus they were given their own worldship, the Caverns of the Overealm. Some of the Banishers established a presence on it.
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