Ulysses Renoux
D U K E
For nearly one thousand years three great houses have known nothing but war. Each has their own version of how the conflict began, but in truth the cause of it is unknown. The only thing historians can agree upon is the war centered on power and control. Whoever controls the Braxant Run controls the sector's economy and stands to become exceedingly wealthy. Many lives have been lost, and much blood has been spilled in an attempt to gain control without any house truly securing it. Among the most recent stolen as a result of this war was Lord Elend Draco, Patriarch of House Draco.
A temporary ceasefire exists between the Great Houses of Braxant as peace talks have begun. In honor of the late Lord, the Covenant is set to be enacted by official action following his funeral. The season which follows will be the most important as many see the move as a weakness on the part of the Nobility while others see it as a way for one of the remaining Nobles to finally consolidate power into one ruling house.
Will the Covenant succeed?
Will peace triumph?
Or will this sector of the galaxy be plunged into darker times?
The Braxant Covenant pulls its inspiration from stories like Dune and Game of Thrones, the historical era of Feudal Japan, and expansionist empires like Great Britain, Babylon, the Persian Empire and Roman Empires, and seeks to put them into a Star Wars setting. With three noble houses holding onto a fragile peace which their egos will never survive, the stage is set for political intrigue, espionage, assassinations, and war.
Each Noble House employs the use of an elite soldier and peacekeeper known as a Justicar. Justicars act as judge, jury, and executioner, in accordance with the dictates of the head of their house. These warriors also make up the military of each house, serving during times of war to defend or advance their House. Above all things, obedience to their master is the most important thing. Aside from this they all share a common code of honor. This code, simply known as the tenets, shapes everything about who they are, and how they live.
These tenets are:
Justice
Courage
Integrity
Respect
Honesty
Honor
Loyalty
Justice
Courage
Integrity
Respect
Honesty
Honor
Loyalty
Before a Justicar can claim the title a period of time is spent in immense training as an initiate. These initiates are paired with a seasoned Justicar to learn their ways and culture. A series of tests determine the readiness of the initiate with successful completion granting them the full rank and privileges of Justicar. The Justicars are led by their Prime who is appointed by the Head of the Noble House.
At the center of every political decision stands a council of advisors. The Great Houses of Braxant are no different. Woven through all their plotting and maneuvering is the guidance of their closest and most trusted advisors. Whether it is their war council, economists, strategists, or ambassadors, a good noble knows who to have in their circle. Every Noble is different however, and a good advisor knows how to adjust to their Lord or Lady.
Advisors serve as an expert in a particular field of study, and are able to give advice based on their years of education. They can also be master manipulators, attempting to control the house for their own agenda. Where the Justicars serve to bring about the will of their Noble, advisors often seek to turn it and bend it for whatever purpose seems the most fitting.
Every advisor begins somewhere, and choosing the right scholar to apprentice with is important. For those most trusted by their Noble, the rights of Chief Advisor will be granted. Dedicated study, and knowing how to advise and direct based on current events, and the ability to navigate what may unfold, separate the wise from the fool.
Espionage is a must, especially when peace is at stake. The Great Houses of Braxant employ spies, not only for the well-being of their own interests, but to draw out any threats to the peace established by the many compromises made to create it. While some would say there is honor among thieves, there is none among spies. These are the ones who carry out what must be done in the cover of night, and in the shadow of the moon. Whatever must be done to secure the information, or sabotage any attempt, which threatens the Covenant must be done. A blind eye is often turned to the things the Nobles do not wish to discuss openly.
Loyalty to the House is of the utmost importance. Trust is a hard commodity to come by, and while spies do not often inspire such confidence, it is the one thing keeping their head off the executioner's block.
Recruits are often separated from the lives they knew, and the people they loved. To most they are ghosts, an apparition which only exists in the fables of young children. After extensive field training, and psychological testing, the newly graduated agent is given their first mission. Some may last a lifetime, a permanent assignment living among those perceived to be the enemy, while others are given something short term. The Spy Master stands with the Head of the House to weave this web of danger and intrigue.
