Public Divide Et Impera [For Imperial Characters] - Imperial Forum on Zakuul

[Marlon Sularen]

D I V I D E_E T_I M P E R A

EMPIRE REBORN
ZAKUUL, WILD SPACE

After the initial pleasantries had been exchanged, Doctor Warsaw started the Forum by first asking those gathered to share what principles they were unwilling to compromise with. According to Warsaw, given the diverse range of Imperials present in today's Forum it would be best to establish clear boundaries in order to facilitate the process of reunifying the Empire. Once Warsaw finished speaking, General Kroeger spoke up being the first to speak about what he was unwilling to compromise with, that being the Sith itself. Kroeger spoke about how Sith and Imperial ideology were incompatible and how they had failed to yield positive results in the past, calling those who believed otherwise as both delusional and dangerous.

Once Kroeger had finished speaking however, he was met with a swift response by Onrai who argued that neither the Sith or the various Imperials here were in no position to make compromises and instead needed to submit to the general idea that unless they worked together they would fail like the various Imperial successor states before them. It was a somewhat inflammatory statement that dismissed the perspectives and beliefs of other Imperials. As much as Sularen appreciated having someone like Onrai on his side, this way of thinking was simply something he could not support and thus once Onrai had finished speaking Sularen himself spoke up.

"With all due respect Onrai. But dismissing the perspectives and experiences of the other members present will do nothing to help our cause." Sularen began. "More importantly in addition to establishing clear boundaries on what we are and aren't willing to compromise with, i believe that it is also equally important to understand why we each possess such perspectives" he added. "General Kroeger has a valid reason for being opposed to the Sith, having served in the New Imperial Order, born from the fires of defiance and rebellion against the Sith, while also having experienced betrayal from the Sith during his brief service with the Dark Empire where the mercenary contract he signed with the late Despot Korvan was violated by a Sith Lord leading to an altercation that resulted in the death of the Sith Lord and his imprisonment by the Empire." he explained.

"By simply telling General Kroeger that he must work with the Sith, you are discouraging him from further partaking in these talks and contributing from any sort of reunified Imperial state born as a result of these talks. For the sake of unity, there must be compromise, there must be a mutual understanding between all parties and there must clear boundaries established as to encourage any sort of cooperation between Sith and Imperial which already is already a hard task to undertake due to the vast Anti-Sith sentiment found amongst most of the Imperial Sphere"

Tags | Onrai | The Lord of Hunger | Aemhyr Fel | Kroeger | Torgath Warsaw | Karl Von Strauss | Darth Moskvin | Teckla Tane | Lord Rasnuhl | CT-2282 "Justice" | Saltare Dothon | Arthus Karn ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Zakuul | Palace of the Eternal Dragon | Great Hall
Imperial Forum

"Your understanding of Sith is clouded by petty thoughts of lost legacy, of childish defiance and of the guilt of defeat and loss."

His voice joined the discussion that was unleashed by Torgath Warsaw untimely idea of starting with negatives rather than positives. Even for a relatively unskilled socialite and diplomat such as Imperius, that was a foolish move, bringing everyone to bear down onto each others fears and elevating individual goals was a certain move to eradicate a feeling of unity before it could even take root.

"I have bled alongside Tavlar, Fel, Barran, L'lerim and many, many others who held high the banner of Imperial conviction and determination. Different facets, different ideologies, different Imperials. And yet they are all united in their strife for order, structure, strength and stability. Just as we are who attend this forum here and now."

"We are beset by enemies that embrace dogma and blindness, our Empires have crumbled - do you intend to join our enemy by questioning how we bring about a new age of Imperial Hegemony instead of doing it? We have chased off the petty Sith of Solipsis from the Dark Empire, the Maw is no more. The Jedi are busy playing politicians and falling to their own micro-schisms. The Sith of Jutrand are a pathetic image of what their last Empire was. It is not time to find what separates us."

"The Imperials will stand strong, shoulder to shoulder, to combat this collection of bickering realms. We have the chance to found an Empire that will bring down the corruption of the Alliance, the decadence of the Sith Order and any who stand against the Iron Sun. It is weakness to stand up here and rant about what does not work, but it will take true imperial strength to find what will work and follow that path."

"The tools to do what is necessary are in our hands, we have the opportunity to grow stronger in the defeat we have suffered. So instead of fighting over the crumbles of personal preferences and what drives us apart - let us first find what unites us. What brings us together - the compromises, the details will always find a way to be worked out. First we have to sit at a table together though."

Kroeger | Onrai | Karl Von Strauss | Marlon Sularen | Arthus Karn | Torgath Warsaw | The Lord of Hunger | Lord Rasnuhl | Teckla Tane | Saltare Dothon | CT-2282 "Justice" | Darth Moskvin​

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Objective: I - Imperial Forum
Outfit: Dress Uniform (X)
Equipment: Relby-k23E, NZ PEG, Basilisk (in orbit)
Retinue: Arthus Karn | Dieter Kovasch | C1RC3 |

It hadn't taken long for the new Exarch to be recognized as he entered the forum.

"Exarch Von Strauss,"

He turned at the summons, taking in the figure who had spoken. The crimson robes and gilded mask concealed every feature, raising more questions than answers. As the red-robed man advanced, flanked by skeletal droid guards, the tension among the Imperial Knights grew palpable. Karl lifted a hand behind him to signal to his own guards that he was calm, then inclined his head in a slight bow as he stepped forward.

"It is a lovely surprise to see one such as yourself, a man of vision and ingenuity here and..."

As the man spoke, he was still unable to place the voice to a name or a face. Yet, the red-robed man seemed eerily familiar. He smiled, genuine curiosity in his eyes. "Thank you for your kind words. I'm honored that my reputation precedes me. But I must confess, I do not know who you are. Have we met before?"

As the stranger spoke of the Lord Commander, his gold mask betrayed nothing, but Karl recognized the appraisal in his tone. Extending his hand, Karl introduced his companion: "This is Arthus Karn, Lord Commander of the Order of Imperial Knights." He paused, allowing Arthus a moment to offer his own greeting, then added, "He serves as both my protector and as a member of the Imperial Ruling Council of the Imperial Confederation."

While pleasantries were being exchanged, he couldn't help but notice Torgath Warsaw take up the podium and ask his questions to the Imperial delegation. He listened politely, though his focus remained on the robed figure at his side. And he watched as other delegates walked toward the podium to begin satisfying his queries.

The masked man then turned to the wider assembly and spoke once more,

"I believe there will be much to discuss among former foes, former allies and everything in between, wouldn't you both agree, sir knight, Exarch Von Strauss?"

Karl let out a soft chuckle. "Indeed, there is much to discuss. Though I see debate already stirring. Perhaps it would be best to observe until our moment arrives." He offered a courteous gesture toward the center of the conference, inviting the red-robed stranger to walk with him.

Tags: Teckla Tane | Marlon Sularen | Lord Rasnuhl | The Lord of Hunger | Saltare Dothon | Kroeger | CT-2282 "Justice" | Darth Moskvin | Torgath Warsaw | Onrai | Aemhyr Fel | Arthus Karn |

 

[Onrai]

Objective 1
Tags: Karl Von Strauss Arthus Karn Teckla Tane Marlon Sularen Lord Rasnuhl The Lord of Hunger Saltare Dothon Kroeger CT-2282 "Justice" Darth Moskvin Torgath Warsaw Aemhyr Fel Imperius Indomitus

Vanessa listened to the voice of her erstwhile ally as he attempted to rationalize General Kroeger's suspicions of Sith. Before she could respond, the former Darth Imperius spoke up, in part explaining the very things she herself had intended to put forward to Admiral Sularen. Originally, she had intended to wait for General Kroeger to finish saying his piece, but given the comments directed her way, a very subtle twitch had slowly built up on her face, a frustration that the forum's intent was already at risk of being derailed before it even began. When Imperius had concluded, she decided it was only fair to continue.

"I'm not telling the General he has to worth with the Sith, Sully. I'm telling the Sith that they have to work with the General." She opened to the Admiral. "Not that any of the Sith who Kroeger opposed as a part of the New Imperial Order are around - and I'd know. I was around at that point, and of my 'peers' in the second Sith Empire since the end of the Gulag Plague, none are in this room. For that matter, if we're talking about those we've bled alongside," she continued, eying Imperius himself, "I'm the sole survivor, the only one here who was a part of the first Empire since galactic order was restored, among many other successor states. I believe it's only fair to give my perspective as the Imperial 'veteran' among veterans."

She looked around at the various other Imperial representatives that had made themselves present, a slowly burgeoning sense of frustration having begun to bubble to the surface of her fleshy facade. "Every decade since Krag set the Empire alight, someone tries to bring it back, or revive it, or somehow summon the memories of the greatness we once had. The problem is that no one's willing to work together. Instead of cooperating and striking the decrepit form of the Alliance or its schismaticals, or rebuilding the foolishly butchered relationship Imperials once had with the Mandalorian clans, we fight alone. Sometimes we dash ourselves to pieces on the Alliance, or the Republic, or whatever 'heroic' and 'noble' galactic power the Jedi cleave to. Or worse, we're so hubristic, so insistent that our way's the right way for the Empire that we foolishly burn each other up with petty infighting that must make the Supreme Chancellor giggle in his boots."

A moment of silence was followed by two simple words, a snap in Vanessa's typically cool and collected facade.

"No more."

In rapid-fire succession, she locked eye contact once more with everyone else present at the forum. For the first time, the normally passive and somewhat laissez-faire warlord had become almost brutally assertive, a nature she hadn't possessed in decades. "Whatever any of you were before you stepped through those doors into this forum means nothing. Sith? Nothing. New Imperial? Nothing. Dark Imperial? Nothing. Your past allegiances, whatever Emperor or Empress or Overlord or ruler you swore allegiance to? Nothing! What you are now are Imperials above all else! A clean slate. A new beginning. Past conflicts, whether righteous or puerile, are dead to you - to all of you." Once more she gave another brief pause, letting the words sink in.

"The next step towards possessing the united Imperial front - the only step that will help return us to the greatness we once held - is simple. We present our visions. Our plans for how the Empire should unfold, how we can work together under one's guiding hand to bring Imperial ambition to rebirth. And once those plans have all been presented, we vote. We vote, and we do not leave this building under any circumstances until one plan has a majority opinion. That majority opinion is binding on all Imperials - you don't have to like it, but you will agree to abide by it if your peers pursue it over what you pursue."

Vanessa's tension had finally reached its end. "And if anyone here has an issue with Imperial unity - I urge you to depart from these halls, to strip yourself of every trace of the Empire you claim to descend from, and to never call yourself an Imperial again. You were given the greatest opportunity we have ever seen to reunite us, and instead of taking it, you spat in its face and maintained the same division that's turned us from rulers of the galaxy to a laughingstock. You have no claim to the Empire, and the Empire will let no one say otherwise."

Her focus once more turned onto the General, who still stood as the ostensible center of attention at the central podium as her frustrations finally finished discharging, her calmer and more resolute demeanor once more returning mostly composed and intact. "I apologize once more, General Kroeger - but since you still have the podium, what is your proposed plan for the Empire's rebirth?"

 

[The Lord of Hunger]

LOCATION:
OBJECTIVE:
IMPORTANT LINKS: Sword | Armor | Jewel | Ring | Necklace | DIII Gluttoneria | The guards | The Enforcer
TAG: Imperius Indomitus | Darth Moskvin | Onrai | Torgath Warsaw | Kroeger | Karl Von Strauss | Arthus Karn | Marlon Sularen

"Utter stupidity...vanity and stupidity is what reigns supreme in the minds of these so§called imperials nowadays," The Lord of Hunger muttered through his teeth as he watched the discussion unfold. At least he was glad that Karl Von Strauss at least had been kind enough to share his own views and explain the presence of Arthus Karn whose position within the whole of the imperial confederation they both served seemed to confuse the monstrous man a bit.

Onrai 's own thoughts were voiced by her manifestation after the scientist Torgath Warsaw and the former warhero Kroeger had shown their personal disgust and displeasure of working with anyone who was even remotely aligned in any past, present or future sense with the Sith. In Credius' eyes a foolish and somewhat selfdestructive mindset. The Sith embodied a part of the Imperials which the imperials could only emulate partially, no matter how great their resources: the enginuity and tenacity of a predator. However, what the Sith had was this overinflated idea of self importance, this reliance on the force and this restricted, dogmatic view they so frequently accused the Jedi of having...something which the imperials, despite all their laws and rules did not have.

"Calm down, Lady Vantai," Credius motioned somewhat aloof with one hand towards Vanessa, attempting to make her regain her cool a bit, as there was no need nor any use for those who could not remain objective in these discussions. Still, the Lord of Hunger knew where she got her fire from, where her thoughts were and what she ment to achieve with the words she had uttered. "You speak truth, but it would not service any of us well if you were to miss your target by angering those who would have disagreements with your rethoric."

Letting out a deep sigh, the man dressed in what probably was the most sith-like attire, the least imperial in outward appearance at the very least, walked to the fore. His eyes, inhuman in nature and filled with a twisted pride, looked upon those present at the forum. "Strength, intelligence, and innovation..these are the cornerstones upon which imperialism is built. Strength to carve out a path of our own, to feel pride in our accomplishments, strength of character, of body and of mind. Intelligence to look at things with logic, to understand things as they are presented to us and the intelligence to do research on things we do not understand yet. Innovation, the power to progress, to take one step after another in all important fields, to acknowledge mental acquity rather than to belittle it."

Remembering just how fractured, how out of touch or just plain idiotic some of the imperials have acted over time, not to their own merrit, the Lord of Hunger paused for a moment, tilting his head a bit to the side in order to reassess the situation a bit. "If we are to remove ourselves from the restrictions and the quite frankly antiquated codes the Jedi, Sith and other likeminded people follow, we have to first truly understand the meaning of being an imperial, to understand the definition and live by the values it holds. If everyone could and would agree on at the very least that part...we can continue this discussion on a more agreeable line with less of the pointless chaotic and erratic banter."

 

[Arthus Karn]

Divide Et Impera
Weapon: Link
Armor: Link
Ship: Karn's Resolve
Tags: Karl Von Strauss Teckla Tane Marlon Sularen Lord Rasnuhl The Lord of Hunger Saltare Dothon Kroeger CT-2282 "Justice" Darth Moskvin Torgath Warsaw Onrai Aemhyr Fel

Arthus simply nodded to the dark sider whose presence was causing him discomfort but said nothing. This entire so-called conference was causing him discomfort. It was going about as well as Confederation leadership predicted. Still, they figured they should make their presence here for the sake of offered unity.

As Karl walked off with his new acquitance, Arthus motioned for two Imperial Knights to keep an eye on the Exarch. Not that he expected anything but better safe than sorry with some of these lot.

He turned his attention back to the squabbling 'Imperials'. The man known as Sularen and the scientist named Warsaw had his respect for their words. At least they had some sense. Others, such as the two prominent dark siders, shown themselves to be exactly what he thought of them.

Arrogant. Prideful. Delusional.

The forceful words of this so-called Lady Vantai caused Arthus' brows to scrunch up in annoyance. Who the hell was she to force ultimatums on those present? Who was she to dictate how this conference went or how any of them should think?

The Imperial Lord-Commander stepped forward, addressing the conference with an authoritative voice.

"I would urge those present to check their pride and arrogance at the door. Everyone present is on equal footing in not having an Empire to claim allegiance to currently. Everyone present was apart of an Empire that fell and whose failure you and the rest of us share." Arthus locked eyes onto Onrai. "You have no say over the rest of us or by what margin we represent Imperialism. Your failures are the failures of the former iterations of the Empires you've served. Same as us. You're in the same position with those here now, new or old."

Arthus glanced around the room before continuing.

"Quit with the pathetic prideful stands and displays of projection. We're here to discuss how to move forward and if we want to move forward with any of our fellow Imperials here. Warsaw proposed questions and was verbally attacked for it. If this Conference continues in this way, we of the Confederation will happily take our leave offered by Lady Vantai and continue our iteration separatly."

The Imperial Knight finally drew his words to a close, establishing his points and where the Confederation stood on this farce. So far, few present showed they were actually willing to work together and discuss a future. Others were only defending their dislussional personal legacies.

​

 

[Kroeger]

D E M O N
IRON LEGION
'THOSE ONCE LOYAL'
Aemhyr Fel | Torgath Warsaw | Onrai | Darth Moskvin | CT-2282 "Justice" | Arthus Karn | The Lord of Hunger | Imperius Indomitus

HOW THE GODS KILL
​

He listened, pacing back and worth with slow, meticulous heavy footfalls along the metal podium, a cigarette between his lips as he darted narrowed, half lidded eyes between those who piped up in discourse. For all the officer-esque customs and courtesy he possessed whilst in command of his brigade within the 1st Armored Assault, he seemed to carry himself with a rather casual and confident manner here, squatting down to better close listen to the remarks of the various Sith as he continued to nurse his cigarette and once the discourse was directed toward him again, he stood up- another long draw followed by an exhale and then he spoke.

"There are those mistaken that the Sith and the Imperial are one in the same. That those adherent to the Dark Creed might take up such moniker. If that was the truth...then why must they declare their Empires Sith Empires in past generations? The Sith act in the interests of themselves and no one else. They use Empire not as a means of cultivating identity, discipline or order...but as their means of control." He said, his voice low, thrumming with cybernetic intervention.

"In Empire...power concentrates at the top...and when the Sith place themselves there, they orchestrate the Empire in a means by which power is a basis not of competence but of compliance to their rule. Men like Grand Moff Trachta and Irveric Tavlar saw this for what it is. The Sith used the Empire as a tool for their own schemes. Not as a means to established a greater Galactic Order, lest it be one of Sith domination." He iterated.

"If those who are adherent to the Dark Creed here are so adamant that they act in the interests of a greater Imperial identity...then all of you should shatter the icons, titles, beliefs and powers you hold in adherence to the parasitic and abhorrent Dark Creed of the Sith and redeem yourselves under Rurik Fel's creed of the Imperial Knights. Abandon your force bled kyber, abandon your dark ambitions and acknowledge that the Force is made manifest in the Empire and the Emperor. Failure to do so shows yourself to be Sith first and Imperial only in name. If you all hold the intent in your hearts that you claim, this should be no difficult task and one of welcome penance in the interest of the Imperial." Kroeger proposed, his voice taking a rather easy-going inflection as if he knew well none of them would follow through. He stood up once more, drawing once more from his cigarette.

 

[Saltare Dothon]

"I must agree with The Lord of Hunger and Arthus Karn " Saltare said as he spoke, not bothering to step up to some podium as if that meant his voice held more weight, a false sense of decorum in a directionless forum, "For the Alliance to win, for any enemy to triumph against us, it seems there is only one thing they need do: nothing. You all will bring an Empire to its knees on your terms with this squabbling. You've spent too long playing politician or leader and forgotten what it means to be an Imperial. What it means to be among those you supposedly rule, what it means to have the comradery and brotherhood of the Empire."

He looked around at the leaders present, "I've bled for the Empire for years, just to watch it crumble around me due to political bickering and power plays by the leaders at be. It matters little if the leader of the Empire is Sith or not, a force user or not; time and time again, the same thing has happened: internal strife causes it to fall. Directionless leaders cause it to fail."

"So what now? What's the plan forward? This forum has no direction. Everyone here is airing grievances that are leading us nowhere. You bicker amongst each other about the Sith or Empire's past. Well, guess what? Those old Empires are dead. My Empire is dead. The only way forward is to build something new, all of us. You're either in or out. It's simple. You have a plan? Air it. If you don't, why speak? Why come here? To show everyone you're too dogmatic in your view to help build something new?"

"We were invited here for our visions of the future; that's what we must put forward. To figure out how we can work together and build something that will withstand the test of time, withstand the test of ego and internal strife. That is the most pressing issue. We have an opportunity right now, here, all of us, to change our fate. Let us not waste it."

Kroeger Torgath Warsaw Aemhyr Fel Onrai Darth Moskvin CT-2282 "Justice" Imperius Indomitus Karl Von Strauss Teckla Tane Marlon Sularen Lord Rasnuhl

 

[Pel Grennin]

Pel listened to the back-and-forth, and wasn't surprised by much of it. Onrai was right, of course, but righteousness of one's anger was usually a good way to get everyone to pin you down and throw rocks. Worse, she insisted on people doing something, which was far worse.

"I, frankly, do not see contradictions or squabbling in what has been said in the least. It seems to me that we are largely on the same page on our feelings of the Sith. None of us boast titles of Darth. Few of us boast titles of 'Lord,' and those of us who do seem to come from old familial traditions. I bear the title of Inquisitor because it was my job to investigate malfeasance in the Force in the Empire of the Lost, and it's a convenient shorthand. I do not believe any of us identify as a Sith, barring some infiltrator who sits on their true affiliations."

Pel clasped his hands, "So, yes. We all agree that the Sith Order is a parasite, not only on our own histories, as individuals, or on the history of the Imperial dream, but on the Galaxy as a whole. On history, as a whole. It is a fault they have inherited from their Jedi predecessors: If it isn't theirs, it cannot be tolerated."

Pel gestured to everyone in the room, "Look around here. We have people from innumerable branches of the Empire. Each with their own assets and traditions. Each with something distinct. I think we are each afraid of not fitting a mold that, frankly, I do not believe to exist. Whose vision is the true Imperial vision? The truth is, we all see it. Perhaps we see only a piece of it. Or a certain color. But we all do. So, let us begin - in earnest - with what is it we want to contribute. Not with what we expect of others, but what we currently are. Let us take stock of the present."

He placed a holo projector on the table before him, and activated it, showing a series of videos of different experiments and surgeries he has performed, "I have spent my life trying to understand the living. Not in some esoteric what-does-it-mean-to-be-alive kind of philosophy, but in the real applications of medicine and science, and its relation to the Force. I have been a surgeon since I was a boy. A scientist since I could read. I have always been eager to share what I have learned, and see it grow."

Pel waved his hand, selecting a specific holo of a surgery he had performed long ago, "Yes, my initial education in the Force was under the Sith. It twisted me into something I was not. But I have used their wyrd alchemies and techniques, meant to consume from one to empower the self, as a means of saving lives. A bit taken from there, and woven into another, and what would have been fatal becomes merely debilitating. Lives saved from what otherwise would have been darkness. This, I offer to the Empire."

Pel turned to Onrai and smiled warmly, "What do you want the Empire to have that you possess?"

He looked to Kroeger with the same expression, "Or you?"

He looked to Karl Von Strauss and his smile became a bit mischievous, "Or you? I know we have all given plenty. But there is always more that needs to be done."

 

[Onrai]

Objective 1
Tags: Karl Von Strauss Arthus Karn Teckla Tane Marlon Sularen Lord Rasnuhl The Lord of Hunger Saltare Dothon Kroeger CT-2282 "Justice" Darth Moskvin Torgath Warsaw Aemhyr Fel Imperius Indomitus Pel Grennin

Vanessa's eyebrow raised as Credius told her to calm down - in truth, he was the last person she suspected to ever say as much given the man's prior imperious nature during their meeting at Ord Mantell. His oratory was sound - that people needed to agree on being Imperial first. Vanessa firmly believed in that basic pretext - it was the main reason she was trying to push for such a unifying axiom in the first place, though some people were more conflicting than others insofar as their motivations for an Imperialist push.

Then came the Imperial Knights' commander. Vanessa had expected the leader of the Imperial Confederation to say more previously, but her gaze immediately turned back to look at Arthus even as he pointed out she had no supremacy as it stood within the greater conclave. She had to restrain laughing, restrain pointing out that he himself had brought nothing to the conversation other than exacerbation of verbal conflict with the others, until General Kroeger spoke. Here was the first issue, the first proposal of a future the cumulative Empire should pursue.

Nothing.

Vanessa couldn't help but blink as Kroeger elaborated further on his issue with the Sith amongst the Imperial sphere, and his baffling suggestion that any who fell under such a Dark Side demesne should utterly annihilate their ideological extensa. This wasn't a roadmap for the future Empire. Saltare stood up and spoke, not an unpleasant surprise, but his calling out of the greater forum only further stirred her to present her plan.

Before she had the opportunity to, an individual from the Confederation spoke up as well. He seemed reasonably sensible as well, and directly asked her what it was that she wanted the Empire to have which she possessed. She could only return a smile - it was appropriate to someone who chose to keep the appropriate level of decorum.

"I offer wealth, military power, logistical services that can turn dead worlds alive, and my corporate manufacturing services, along with those Imperials who have yet joined me after the death of Empires past. But more than that, I offer this: a plan, a roadmap forward for us to pursue." It was with that, and Kroeger's presumed return to his plinth, that Vanessa took the central podium. It was time to lay out a proposal. If no one offered it opposition, then that would be the next steps to take. If they did, perhaps this plan would still prove something to build off of.

Vanessa reached within her robes and tossed to the center of the room a holographic projector that quickly activated, showcasing a map of the galaxy and the territory controlled by the various major powers. "Our present position here in the Unknown Regions is untenable. We don't have the planetary resources to expand or to support a gestalt Imperial military out here. I would recommend Ord Mantell as the basis of the new Empire, but it's far too close to the Alliance front line." She motioned with a small laser pointer. "However, down here, in Wild Space and the Mid Rim, are plenty of worlds for us to expand to. Plenty of room to build the Empire once again before a future thrust towards the Core."

The hologram shifted to a vision of the Bright Jewel system, the various planets within it, and the infrastructure which had been developed there by Onrai's followers. "Aggressive focus will be put towards maximizing the productive yield from every planet under Imperial control. The new Empire will be utterly autarkal, able to supply its own needs and immune to any attempt to isolate it from the pan-galactic market. Not by force, as the Sith Order has pursued, but by production. Additionally, this will also require standardization - the entirety of the various factions' forces will be inventoried and retrofitted as an ersatz solution, allowing them to, for the most part, share fuel, power cells, etcetera for logistical needs. Eventually, the former fleet units of the various warlord fleets will be phased out and replaced by unified Imperial warships, vehicles, and soldiery equipment. This will drastically reduce our logistical burdens. An Imperial Logistics Department will be created to be responsible for aiding the transition."

Motioning to the region she had showcased on the map, a theoretical span of territory opened up. "The Empire will rely primarily on a regional governance system as territory is gained. At first, perhaps one or two, but eventually, the entirety of the region will possess sector governance that will serve on the Empire's leadership council, running day-to-day operations of their portion of the Empire. They will provide critical input to the Emperor - or Empress - who will ultimately guide the Empire's path. As I have said before, all past allegiances and past grievances are to be forgotten under the unity of a new Empire." Who that Emperor or Empress would be was the biggest question, but it was something to be handled later. She continued onwards towards what would easily be the most critical portion of her proposal.

"I understand the conflict between various Force users who fall under the Imperial sphere. My proposal is simple - there are no arguments, no one's forced to amalgamate themselves or change their ways for another ideology. All Force orders that give their loyalty to the Empire will be tolerated under the dominion of the Imperial Force Department. No infighting, no doctrinal arguing, only working together to benefit the Empire through whatever powers, abilities, or techniques they've yet divined. The Force Department will, for mediative purposes, keep all Imperial-controlled Force relics and records, such as holocrons, and provide them or data from them to the various orders in question as needed. Sharing such information keeps the greater Empire strong and prevents the weakness of an individual component."

She cleared her throat as best she could - it had been many years since she had ever been forced to do so, and it at least seemed somewhat convincing. "I understand that some of you may, despite the assurances of equality for all who use the Force and yield to Imperial authority, question the viability of the Force Department. Perhaps there are lingering doubts that a particular malcontent could subvert the organization and seek to seize power, or worse, shatter the Empire once again after all the hard work put into reforging it. For that, the Force Department will have its equal and opposite - the Imperial Anti-Force Department. The organization will specifically be tasked with handling Force-users from a scientific and arcane perspective, and will serve as a buffer to prevent an unwarranted transition towards the Force-user dominance some among the Imperials here yet loathe."

The holographic projector turned itself off, and Vanessa swiftly focused, lifting the small device and returning it to her hand, from whence it once more disappeared into her robes. "There was a lot of information in that plan - I stand open to questions, or criticism, from the forum."

 

[Aemhyr Fel]

Onrai | Torgath Warsaw | Darth Moskvin | Kroeger | Saltare Dothon | The Lord of Hunger | Lord Rasnuhl | Marlon Sularen | Teckla Tane | Karl Von Strauss | Arthus Karn | Pel Grennin​

Imperial Forum

He stepped forward, having let the chaos reign for a few minutes, seeing if they were able to catch themselves from their own corrupting self-indulgent words and find a common ground. But alas, differences and hate were no breeding ground for unity among those being meant to be equal. Now a first individual had done what the forum was meant to do.​

​

Without little hesitation, Aemhyr ensured that Onrai removed herself from the podium after her speech.​

​

"Thank you for your vision. I ask the next of us to move here and present their vision. Speak from your heart and share what you see an Empire to be. How it comes to be."​

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"We will hear all visions instead of breaking them apart and hopefully see that our similarities outweigh our differences."​

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"Who is the next?"​

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[The Lord of Hunger]

LOCATION:
OBJECTIVE:
IMPORTANT LINKS: Sword | Armor | Jewel | Ring | Necklace | DIII Gluttoneria | The guards | The Enforcer
TAG: Imperius Indomitus | Darth Moskvin | Onrai | Torgath Warsaw | Kroeger | Karl Von Strauss | Arthus Karn | Marlon Sularen

This former general, this so-called warhero Kroeger and then there was the imperial Knight-Commander Arthus Karn who had come along with Exarch Karl Von Strauss . They each seemed to have completely ignored what the Lord of Hunger had said, nay, what he had more or less dictated to be the one and only way for everyone to actually start with actual proper discussions rather than the inconsequential bickering.

If there was one thing he had forgotten to mention about Imperialism, they seemed to show and embody the worst aspects which he had tried to avoid. The lack of imagination, the lack of foresight and the utter inflexibility were the bad parts Imperialism brought upon itself, with the first being the result of becoming too logical, the second resulting from the haste in which Imperials tend to want thing being done and the last was the result of doctrine. It was this last point, brought up by Kroeger which made the Lord of Hunger chuckle.

A deep, sinister sound rumbled from the man's mask, there would be no need for a podium, no need for standing up in order to be heard. His very presence would be enough to make it clear that silence was mandatory. he did not need any political power, he didn't need any of the attention or high honors the so-called imperials in the room seemed to think the Sith were addicted to. For he was no sith, he did not need some pathetic lightsaber toy or a bled kyber crystal to function, he did not need any doctrine or creed, code or commandment to follow. This was exactly what made him fit the màold which Kroeger mentioned, since all could enjoy the fruits of this monster's labors, even when they were meant in first for himself, a lot, if not most of his research was not limited to his own use or benefit. However, when those who seemed to extoll the virtues of their opinions and berated those of others, they too fell within a doctrine, they too were restricted by the very chains they put on themselves.

"I find it rather interesting, that rather than coming to a conclusion on what it means to be an imperial, to finally get a proper equilibrium in regards to the main line, the main ethos we should respect or at least seek to aspire to," Credius' eyes, shimmering with vibrant hues of gold and crimson envelopping a pair of inhuman, slit pupils, started to scan the room looking at each who had spoken, each who had opened their mouth and had either argued, quarrelled or lacked the manners to seek a compromise to appease everyone present. "The downfall of all empires is the egos of those within. This is not limited to Sith or Jedi, but everyone, from the lowest born trooper to the highest moffs. Ego has been the bane of all empires and if I hear any more out of some of you people, I am fairly certain that Ego will also prematurely doom The Imperial Confederacy. I understand your concerns in regards to the Sith and I believe many of these points are worth considering and looking into. But make no mistake Sir Kroeger , Sir Arthus Karn , you yourself have already shown ample issues within your own character to suggest perhaps some introspection might be mandatory."

Turning for a moment towards Imperius Indomitus , the Lord of Hunger rolled with his eyes, clearly showing that he was being fed up with how the players present in this forum tended to be blinded by their own experiences or beliefs that they could not see just how poisoned they themselves had been.

"Cutting you off from darkside user of the force and perhaps lightside users as well, is something I would strongly dissuade," Tilting his head for a moment, Credius' eyes looked straight at Onrai 's manifestation in the form of Vanessa Vantai, nodding ever so slightly to ensure that he had heard her previously voiced proposals. "What you need to stress on, is the removal of all doctrine, of all creeds and codes that restrict progress, which restrain the intelligent individuals and hamper the ones who are strong. A strong leader, a capable leader is something we all wish to have, strong members with the capacity to think ahead, compromise where necessary and knowing how to navigate the myriad of opinions and emotions we can all have is what will form the basis of any imperial ambition. Forge bonds rather than create chains..."

Letting out a sigh, before chuckling again, the monstrous abomination in the force leaned back ever so slightly, looking up towards the ceiling for a bit. "If you remove the restraints, allow those strong within the force and even those outside of it to comprehend and experience the force in all its aspects, through means like the Doctor described... through means of training and academics... you not only breed force users with the capacity to stand head and shoulders above any of those limited, dogmatic orders, but you would also raise an army, a populace more in tune and more knowledgeable on the strengths and weaknesses of the force itself. You want unity, you want cohesion and you want strength...in that case, remove all restraints and expunge all creeds, all doctrines in favor of unlimited knowledge and consequentially the potential for unlimited power."

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Zakuul | Palace of the Eternal Dragon | Great Hall
Imperial Forum

After Onrai had given her passionate proposal, Imperius walked up towards the forum, hearing how Credius decided to continue the arguing rather than listening. He shot a brief glance towards the red robed figure as he ascended the two steps with a single stride and moved his large figure behind the podium. Clad in mostly cloth, it was quite unusual for him to be in a room and not armored, especially a room with so many unknowns, the trust in his Knights that guarded the place was not in doubt, but that did not mean he was readily exposing himself.

"The last Empire was born out of a purpose, the will of defiance to stand against the Sith that embraced and still embrace decadence, self-destruction, aimless terror and tolerate anarchy in their own realm. The 'first' Empire was created by a Sith to assert control over the Galaxy, a slow progress to dismantle the Republic and make it appreciate order, strength and authority." The word 'first' he highlighted in a sense that he did not mean it. "Both have failed. Fel has failed and so did Solipsis cursed reign or Velran's erratic rule. The First Order is no more either."

"Our lesson should not be to copy sentiments from previous, failed iterations of our forebearers. In that case we can simply return to our ships and depart for it will bear no fruit for the future. Our lessons have to be clear and strong."

"We require a system that embraces order and rewards those that play within the system of a future Empire. While repression and military presence are our tools of control, we must offer that compliance achieves greatness and that, contrary to Alliance corruption and Jedi interference or Sith oppression and arbitrariness, it provides a better life for the citizens that live under the Iron Sun. This does not go with the blatant, mongrelised idea of freedom, but with privileges. Infrastructure, education and peace. Our expansion should be merciless and dedicated, but it should not ignore those that are willing to join our cause."

"The Empire that Tavlar and Rurik Fel forged did break on its own enemy and its lacking succession. It was strong while it had an enemy to fight but it lacked the ability and flexibility to sustain itself without war. A war economy and war society will only endure war-time, not time of peace and certainly not of stagnation and uncertainty. A new Empire must face extreme challenges, it will be tested by the current powers of the Galaxy and tried to be defeated. We will face war, for some it will probably take their entire life, and it will be the fire in which we are forged. But instead of focusing on an enemy ideologically, we have to focus on ourselves. If we build up an enemy as our existential threat, without it, we might be left blank. But if we set ourselves above any enemy, above any threat, anyone who is our enemy, will simply be another obstacle for our rule rather than a single fuel source for our willpower."

"While we wish to restore an Empire to rightfully rule this Galaxy and while we are divided in ideologies and experiences, the warlord states must only be temporary even in a reforged Empire. We Imperials do not profit from individual ambitions, separation and confederation in the long run, it will tear us apart instead of bind us together. And while a purpose is required to do so, so is a ruler. A figurehead that is capable of uniting the different remnants under one banner and bring them forward into a new era. An Empire requires an Emperor or Empress, just as an army requires a commander and a sword someone who wields it. But it does not stop there - it also requires a successor and a system that puts them in position and protects against pretenders."

His voice ebbed down, a pause followed that made his lidless eyes gaze around the room.

"I propose to form an Imperial Council, composed of those that lead their respective remnants, here on Zakuul, from which both an initial leader and a successor are nominated. I will allow Zakuul to be a base of operations for this formation and fledgling realm for as long as it takes. We use our sparse resources, manpower and forces to acquire what we need here in the Unknown Regions. There are plentiful harvests of minerals and food, populations and resources and assets out here that are waiting to be reclaimed. It is challenging and it will be difficult, but a base of operations here will give us the undisturbed supremacy over a region of space from which we can operate and eventually strike at our enemies. It will fortify both our potential to act as well as our own internal stability. We are weak right now, we cannot hope to simply challenge the Core Worlds or the amassed military of the Sith Order because we are defiant, and even united to appear on their doorstep is foolish rashness instead of calculated risk."

"We have to eventually overcome individual warlordism, parties and remnants to form this united front. And while there will always be ideological differences about details, the Imperial Will is the same in most of us. But a united Empire is what will bring about Imperial Hegemony over the Galaxy and see the Iron Sun triumph once more."

"The question of Force sensitives that some seem to be overly concerned with, is blown out of proportion by fearmongering against Sith. We simply reinstate the Imperial Knights as a military branch of the Empire, kept in check by discipline and order, rather than bloated bureaucracy. We cannot hope to fight Sith Lords and Jedi Masters without them, nor them being leashed by anything but military doctrine."

Kroeger | Onrai | Karl Von Strauss | Marlon Sularen | Arthus Karn | Torgath Warsaw | The Lord of Hunger | Lord Rasnuhl | Teckla Tane | Saltare Dothon | CT-2282 "Justice" | Darth Moskvin​

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Objective: I - Imperial Forum
Outfit: Dress Uniform (X)
Equipment: Relby-k23E, NZ PEG, Basilisk (in orbit)
Retinue: Arthus Karn | Dieter Kovasch | C1RC3 |

The chamber fell silent as Vanessa Vantai concluded her presentation, the last glow of her holographic projector fading from the polished floor. He admired her comprehensive roadmap, even as he compared it against the Confederation's existing logistics and governance frameworks. But before he could digest the full scope of her plan, a deep, resonant chuckle echoed through the hall. The man who had greeted him in the entryway rose from the shadows, his masked visage dominating the room's attention. He railed against ego and doctrine, warning that the greatest threat to any empire was the pride of its own architects. He argued for the wholesale removal of limiting creeds, extolling instead unfettered knowledge and raw power.

No sooner had the last syllable of the red-robed man's challenge faded than Imperius, clad in simpler robes, strode forward. He spoke of past failures, Fel, Solipsis, and the First Order and urged the conclave to focus not on external enemies but on forging internal strength: a society rewarded for compliance and service, yet fortified by education, infrastructure, and civic privilege. He proposed an Imperial Council drawn from warlord leaders on Zakuul, a meritocratic seedbed from which both an initial sovereign and a clear line of succession would emerge.

Karl reflected on the speech; tying privilege to service, rather than fear, was essential for any state to endure in times of peace. That was something he could agree with wholeheartedly, respect made a greater foundation than fear or love any day.

As Imperius exited from the podium, Karl stood up with a hearty, hmph, that drew more attention than he had originally wished for. He made his way to the podium, stopping to straighten his uniform before taking the final step into the light. He looked over the Imperials gathered and drew in a deep, but firm breath. And with a calm voice that carried the weight of hard-won conviction, he spoke.

"Lady Vanessa," he began, inclining his head in measured respect, "your vision for regional expansion, unified logistics, and a self-sustaining autarky reflects principles we already practice. The Imperial Confederation, for which I am a delegate, already boasts a centralized executive branch, a functioning legislative body, and a standing, disciplined military forged from the remnants of fallen empires. Our Parliament balances civilian authority with appointed oversight. Our Ruling Council functions efficiently, drawing from military, security, and political spheres. We are governed not by sentiment, but by merit and structure."

He next turned toward the man dressed in a gilded mask and red robes, "Your warning against ego is well taken. Meritocratic framework demands accountability; accountability holds no one out of view. This is something I believe is necessary for any empire to function properly, and something we've included in the groundwork of the Confederation. Yet," he drew in breath, "I believe that guiding principles, such as loyalty to the state and mutual duty, must anchor an Imperial society if we are to avert chaos."

Finally, his gaze shifted to Imperius. "Your emphasis on privileges over repression mirrors our own approach: rewarding service with tangible benefits, while maintaining the martial readiness necessary for survival. We share your caution that a purely war-driven society cannot endure in peace. And we share the sentiment that for an empire to function, it requires an Empress. This is something that the Imperial Confederation has already solved in the form of Her Aegis Eternal, Empress Liraeth Deschart."

Clearing his throat, Karl addressed the forum as a whole. "Where we diverge is in implementation. We caution against duplicate Force bureaus, which imply the very instability you seek to contain. Our own Order of Imperial Knights..." He motions towards Arthus, "...stands outside doctrine. They serve not the Force, but the state, and act only under lawful authority. We believe power must answer to structure, not ideology."

"And while Wild Space and Zakuul offer promise, our Mid Rim sectors already yield vast resources, such as the shipyards of the Mon Calamari sector or the cloning facilities on New Alderaan. We must coordinate a multi-vector advance, not a wholesale redeployment, at least at this juncture. I, along with some of the best minds in their respective fields, have pioneered an alternate way of travel between two planets. Using this technology, we can be distant while still being together. That is, until we build up enough strength to come together in a singular place. But I digress."

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink into the forum. "Unity demands compromise. We stand ready to integrate your ideas where they strengthen our shared purpose. But let us forge that purpose not on doctrinal absolutes or unchecked ambition, but on the solid bedrock of institutions we have already built, and can build, to ensure the next Empire endures rather than collapses under its own reach."

With that, Karl fell silent, his final words hanging in the air like an unbreakable vow, daring the conclave to rise above old divisions and truly build an Imperial future worthy of lasting legacy. He returned to his seat without presenting a rigid plan, but rather offering a synthesis of the proposals laid out so far, woven carefully into the fabric of the Confederation's identity, an identity he had shaped through countless hours and sleepless nights. He knew he had, in effect, delivered an advertisement for the Confederation, one that some would no doubt view with suspicion or disdain. Yet he also understood he had done something more, he had laid the first stones for a foundation broad enough to unite all their visions into a single future.

Tags: Teckla Tane | Marlon Sularen | Lord Rasnuhl | The Lord of Hunger | Saltare Dothon | Kroeger | CT-2282 "Justice" | Darth Moskvin | Torgath Warsaw | Onrai | Aemhyr Fel | Arthus Karn |