Annihilation Final Eclipse | GA Annihilation of Exegol

[Spirit of Faith]

FINAL ECLIPSE
The Galactic Alliance will annihilate Exegol.
// START: FEBUARY 1ST - END: MARCH 1ST //
IT ENDS HERE.
Valiens Nantaris
"How vast a resolve must these people have, time and time again, to face hardship and horror and tragedy and terror, and still take up the mantle of freedom?"
- Auteme Denko-Durren, Chancellor

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"Some darkness cannot be redeemed. And we should not try lest we corrupt ourselves. Destruction is the only option. To allow its victims a new start."
- Michael Sardun, Jedi Master

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Since the inception of Darth Solipsis's insidious plans which made a mockery of the Light and their democracy both, total war has embroiled the core and unknown regions. Csilla was only the beginning; what threats were barbarians to the giants of the galaxy? No one would have dared suspect the undermining of the senate and full attack on Coruscant's surface which followed. The Alliance was not the only target of the Maw's hate; The Empire, the Eternal Empire, the Ashlan Crusade - no soul would be spared in the rebirth of the galaxy.

Drunk on blood and chaos, the Maw pressed further, terrorizing planets which had flown under the Galactic Alliance's flag since its birth. Their citizens enslaved, territories taken, it was not enough. The Brotherhood of the Maw pushed further, to the birthplace of Light itself, perverting the forces that kept the fine balance between Ashla and Bogan. In our darkest hour, Tython was nearly unmade.

Though weary from the constant attack they found themselves under, the Starbird found resolve when Tython stood. Light would not be so easily undone; liberty would not fall to tyranny. So it was that the Galactic Alliance turned on the Brotherhood of the Maw, retaking the Core inch by inch.

Not without trial, the treacherous Empire turned against their uneasy allies, seeking to take advantage of weakness. It would not be found. The Alliance's eastern border held, whilst they crept north, a just spirit vowing deliverance upon the Maw. In a flurry of blows, the Alliance sought to turn the heathen's tactics against themselves, delivering a flurry of blows which left them stretched thin.

The Starbird's true goal of paving the way for an attack on the Maw's capital of Exegol was a great success. When it became clear the GADF had established a foothold in Maw space between Oyokal and Shihon, the heathens fell back, fortifying the defenses around the Sith Citadel. The Selvaris Incursion, whilst costly to the Alliance, rallied to meet their allies in the unknown region and prepare for the assault on the Sith's crown jewel.

All out war rages across the sky as Battlegroup Kenobi lands outside Exegol's atmosphere. Despite their losses, the Brotherhood of the Maw will not fall without a fight. The Dark Voice and Wrath of the Maw rally their soldiers around a call of WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH as the final eclipse falls over the galaxy.

OBJECTIVE I: STAR WARS​

With all enemy forces recalled from Selvaris and Oyokal, Battlegroup Kenobi falls from Hyperspace to find a Maw blockade awaiting them. It is a patchwork of a fleet - made up of the scavenged, stolen, and traitorous Imperials, but their numbers are legion. Alliance forces are promised the battle of a lifetime as the fleets clash over Exegol. The Great Galactic Barrier makes the situation even more tedious: with anomalies unknown, micro jumps are near impossible, and shields and weaponry are known to falter.

PHASE 1 - FLEETING: Before the Alliance can properly engage the atmospheric defenses of Exegol, they must punch a hole through the remnants of the Maw fleet. In response to the assault on Oyokal & Shihon the remaining forces pulled back towards the capital. They have abandoned many of their former holdings in favor of holding one last stand around it. Take out the flagship whilst Revenant Squadron attempts deployment to the atmosphere.

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OBJECTIVE II: SHADOW AND BONE​

Small strike teams have been deployed behind enemy lines to infiltrate strategic objectives, whilst the bulk of the forces land on the outskirts of the Forbidden District. Home to the bulk of the cultists, the District also features automated shipyards that threaten to launch reinforcements for the fleet. The city must be taken in full in order to negate an attack from behind when the assault on the Sith Citadel begins.

PHASE 1 - GROUND COMBAT: Within the ruins, the fearsome Brotherhood raiders have made their camps, preparing for their final days. They fear not death; it is only a step in their cycle. As such, they fight tooth and nail as Alliance and Imperial forces emerge from their drop pods and attempt to take the city. The Sith Citadel looms in the distance, taunting, but the Forbidden District must be captured first- the shipyards decimated and Holocommunications building taken down.

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RESOURCES

1. • Galactic Barrier​
   • Sith Citadel​
   • Forbidden District​

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GALACTIC ALLIANCE​	ATTACKERS​	BROTHERHOOD OF THE MAW​
IVI Annasari Auteme Arage Bao Valery Noble Damian Du Couteau Jasper Kai'el ​
ETERNAL EMPIRE​	ASHLAN CRUSADE​	THE EMPIRE​

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[Asmundr Varobalder]

THE WARDEN
LIGHTPOINT STATION || MEDITATION SPHERE
PHASE 1: ADVANCE ON EXEGOL || RED HONEYCOMB ZONE

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Thick as a forest, the barrier before Exegol skittered and wove around The Alliance ships that surrounded Lightpoint Station. Crimson lattices brambled and webbed in erratic, incomprehensible patterns that affected one ship to the next. It was foreboding, to see blood red broadening through the otherwise black space above Exegol.

In the end, it was all dark for Asmumdr. Even before they reached the atmosphere, the Bogan's influence reached out to him, acknowleded him as The Warden it had met on Korriban. It was like a physical sensation, an icy, irritating itch prickled along his bicep, under the cloak that folded over the tops of his arms. Subconsciously, he adjusted the way it draped, as if to close out the stretching reach of The Darkside.

As a result, the blood red lines ceased to exist, and in his mindscape, there were only networks and intersections of the golden threads of the Jedi descending on the crib of darkness, then a brilliant light, and then —

He drew in a deep, ragged breath and forced the inconclusive visions from his mind. The time for visions and prophecies would be upon him soon enough. For the last few moments of the present, he only wanted to see what was right in front of him. Though the promises and exchanges of the past interlocked with the present, as they so often did. Asmundr's ability to be truly present had been hindered considerably with the war. There were too many histories to reflect on that influenced the future.

Too many memories of a life devoted to sacrifices.

Forgive me.

He could still feel the residual sting of those sacrifices.

"Jedi are a promise."

Sacrifices and promises.

Slowly, his countenance warmed and he turned to the Master by his side.

"I am glad we have stood this long together against the darkness."

His hands motioned briefly, and the memory that floated through his mind collected enough volume to sound as though it were echoing in the room.

"We are luminous beings,"

"Today of all days, we must be luminous again." His eyes, his lips, his spirit all at once smiled at Zark. There was no hint of sadness. Not yet.

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ALLIES | THE NEW JEDI ORDER | THE GALACTIC ALLIANCE | Zark San Tekka | PROXIMITY // Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble | Arage Bao
FOES | THE DARKSIDE | BROTHERHOOD OF THE MAW

 

[Osarla Ridor]

GENERAL RIDOR
222ND NOVA CORPS || 512TH LEGION || 312 ATTACK BATALLION
PHASE 1: ADVANCE ON EXEGOL || RED HONEYCOMB ZONE

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The Red Nebula was unyielding with its unpredictability, but shielded by the mighty SSD, the Nova Corps and Company felt little more than the odd vibration here and there. Their focus was what happened once they broke through the atmosphere, and Osarla was intent on making sure each individual under her command understood the gravity of their mission.

Her reddish finger trailed from the shape of their SSD and followed the path of a smaller dot, like a gunship, that landed in the coloured-in area on the holographic map of the Citadel. This was not the first time they’d reviewed the plans, step by step, with all the dependencies, risks, failsafes and backups to converge on the perimeter of the Forbidden District. But it would be the last.

After this, that which they’d been discussing for weeks, would be Strike Team Rex’s reality. Osarla mentioned this at some point, along the lines of “The thoroughness of our planning will be tested to the limits. As will our resolve, courage, and every other damn virtue that makes us the soldiers that we are. The heroes that each and every one of you are.”

Strike team Tano appeared in the coloured area, and an amorphous shape occurred across the ridges. That was meant to be whatever distraction Tano was delivering — simultaneously, tiny little silhouettes, meant to be the marines, and walkers deployed from the flickering-blue display of a gunship. The great convergence of the Forbidden District, as told by digital, micron-high versions of themselves.

“...When we’re done, the Fortress will no longer stand." Her finger jabbed into the map, and it skittered and flickered around the impact area of her hand. "Nothing on Exegol will."

Then it flattened, and she pulled back. Osarla straightened. Her shoulders seemed broader today, her spine straighter. If it were possible, the nearly-seven-foot Amazon even seemed taller. Her expression dimmed to something solemn and unyielding.

“This is the first time The Galactic Alliance has given orders for its soldiers, for us, to be unyielding. The first time we are being sent to a world to destroy that which makes it the cradle of evil. There will be no saving, no salvaging today on Exegol.

Is that clear?

Today is the day we end The Brotherhood of The Maw. Today is the day we end The Second Great Hyperspace War.”

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ALLIES | GA | NJO | Teshi Ocano | Sara Roche | Janesha Porwool | Alexander Hayes
FOES | THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE MAW | nah dog nuh uh

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective: Survive (?)
Location: Unknown Location, Exegol
Equipment: N/A || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Writing With: Zachariel Steelblood | Closed

[ Incense and Iron ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

In the long and short term, it would have been and was the most rewarding while Ingrid was unconscious. When above Kalidan the woman began to awaken and eventually did, she was able to hold back her energies and channel them into her own healing. So it was really only a matter of time before she would break free and become completely useless to Kyrel Ren as well. The Wrath of the Maw ended up blackmailing Zachariel with the woman, which meant he'll let her go only if the man did what the Wrath expected of him. So the woman was still in the prison of the kyber crystals, but no longer on the man's ship, but in an unknown place on Exegol.

From that day on, she tried with all her strength to get well. She wasn't going to let Zach just die either. The Dark Three simply weren't worth that sacrifice. She was alone, still trapped by the crystals, but her power was growing steadily. For now, she was unable to escape easily, the crystals prevented her from doing so, but release was near. Since she woke up, her injuries have healed much faster and her strength has returned. However, the crystals prevented her from escaping. They still cut into her "flesh". Not literally, since the woman's physical body was only because of the shape-shifting.

In any case, it turned out to be a great trap, from which the woman will only be able to escape if the crystals are broken. And that had to be done by someone from the outside, or by her, using the Force, because she still couldn't move. But that still required strength. She didn't know if Zach or anyone else was coming, if they knew where she was at the moment. Thus she calculated with what she had spent her entire life; that she is alone and can only rely on herself. Especially since she couldn't even send a telepathic message in this situation. So she had to break free, and for that she needed more strength to be able to blast the crystals with a telekinetic attack.

Not to mention that she was deaf and blind. Figuratively speaking, since even MANIAC was blocked, so she didn't know where she was or what was going on out there. Thus, he had to keep her mind fresh with the programs, movies and music in the AI's memory.

She had spent the past few hours in a meditative state trying to gather her strength. She knew she probably wouldn't have much chance of being able to break free, so she had to give it her all now. She concentrated, gathered her strength, the Force thickened around her, she tried to transfer her strength to the nearby crystals and prevent them from draining or absorbing her strength. It wasn't easy, especially not in this condition.

When she managed to do it, over many hours, she channelled Force into the crystals and tried to push them outwards, as a kind of stretching force. Now the crush didn't work like it did on Kyrel's ship before. Now she had to stretch the crystals outwards so that they would crack. It was easier in this situation. As a result of her concentration, even black smoke began to leak from her nose, which was equivalent to her nose bleeding from exertion.

Finally, there were several crackling sounds as the crystals cracked…

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The Light of Ashla
Champion and Avatar of Ashla || Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire​

Objective: Wait till the Avatars show up and send them back to the Netherworld.
Location: Surface, Exegol
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Units: 267th "Ragnarök" Ultranaut Regiment | The Empress' Gloom | Hellhounds groups
Writing With: DECEASED Aron Gowrie | Closed
Enemies/Allies: Open

[ Valkyrjan ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ["Essonian"] | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

The latter period was rather crowded and often incomprehensible for Eina. The woman did her best to try and hold the Eternal Empire together in her mother's absence, but to no avail. Of course, Kalidan was still there and there were former barons and baronesses in many places, not the least of which was the planet of the Mandalorians and Terraris, who were still loyal to the empire. And the woman still hoped that her mother would return and everything would be like before.

But the truth was that Eina had never been particularly interested in what was going on in Realspace. She helped friends, family, and Geiseric when needed. But other than that, no. She never belonged here; the woman's world was the Netherworld. She was born there, lived there for more than three hundred years, thanks to the anomaly that time can pass there faster than in Realspace. Before, it was mainly Gei who kept her here in the world of the living, but the man already belonged to the Nether, as did their daughter. As a result, she spent less and less time here.

Today was different; War, Death, and Rebirth were always first among Eina's targets. The three Avatars were essentially her nemesis and she had already fought with them countless times in the Nether. And not just her, but her Valkyrja and Children of Ashla. That is why she watched them from a distance when she was at home and both peoples watched them. They were spying on them in silence. Over the years, they stole souls from the Dark Three, or the Avatars, countless times to save them from the fate that awaited them. This also required monitoring.

Today, however, something else happened. Avatars have not attempted to cross into Realspace before; at least not since Eina existed. Now, however, someone from Realspace wanted to facilitate this. If that happened, Eina knew it would be easier to send the avatars back from the world of the living and close the rift from there. So she tracked the disturbances in the Force to find the place where the ritual was being performed. Thus, following this trail, she arrived at Exegol.

One of the ancient homes of the Sith. Or the throne world of the Sith.

When she arrived fairly close to the action, the fight was already in full swing. MANIAC immediately informed the Avatar that basically everyone in the Galaxy was here, collapsing or collapsing empires, states, enemies and friends. She reached into the Force to see if she could sense others nearby; those she already knows. And soon she felt the presence of a familiar person in the Force near another person. She didn't know that other person. Nevertheless, she headed for their way.

She flew to that part, approaching from behind, because she didn't want to fly between or over the fighters. When she reached the duo, she landed near them and pulled her wings together.

"Lord Gowrie! My Lord!" she nodded to the two men. "The Avatars of the Maw may be the biggest problem for the Galaxy today." she said to the two men, not for a moment assuming that they might not understand what Ashla's avatar meant by her words.

 

[Michael Barran]

1ST POST

-AN AGE OF STRIFE STORY-

CAIRN_ONE
RINGLEADER OF THE PELLAEONIST CLIQUE
WARDEN OF THE IMPERIAL KNIGHTS
DRUID-GRANDMASTER OF THE HIGHLAND BROTHERHOOD

Tags (Friendlies): Siyndacha Aerin Aoki-Barran Mira

Tags (OPFOR): Khaostra Devoid Marlon Sularen

BORN OF BRIGHT STARS VII: DANCING WITH THE DAMNED - PART 1

Spoiler

WESTERN COURTYARD, INTERNMENT ZONE,
THE SITH CITADEL, EXEGOL (SUMMER 878 ABY)

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"Right action is better than knowledge; but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right." - Charlemagne

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<"My Lord, I can sense your location. I will meet with you as soon as I-">
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A rather sizeable swarm of Moon Children had just washed over the outer approaches surrounding the Internment zone, seeking and attacking anything they found outside the camps' electrified boundary-fencing, but in the process of climbing over the Durasteel twine (through high-voltage jolts and spasms alike) or over the ones who perished on the way up, the resistance offered by the Highland Brotherhood had consequently led to what had been assumed by some to be a wide berth in search of easier prey. But Barran's legion was in no position to allow such developments to undo their hard work so early in their deployment, giving the Wanderer no reason whatsoever to condemn McBain's order to give chase with caution, an order of which was given silent, handshake exchanging silence - though some would have concerns about leaving their leader unprotected in the process.

<"-Can.">
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However, with dutifully abrupt reminders that he had all the protection he needed in the Technomancer and the Shadow, and in a wordless tilt of the head in the direction of the Shaman collective standing behind him at the time, the Druid would allay everyone's concerns with ease all the same. Not that he had time to explain the finer points of his druidic intentions for the Sith Citadel, as the chase had to commence with the utmost urgency, and not only for the sake of the prisoners and slaves interned within, but also for the sake of maintaining aggressive momentum against defenders they fully expected to make stubborn efforts to keep the Highland Brotherhood at bay.

I wonder if Thomas is here.
Though something tells me his goals extend beyond those of Exegol by now.

Ashina should have finished him when she had the chance.​

Not an easy Phase1 for the prisoner-evacuation contingents dropping onto Exegol's surface that day, not by any means they had been handed from the moment their off-ramps opened up to the mayhem, and it only seemed fated to get worse from there, but time enough to breathe and to make their time had been found in the strategic parting of ways.

<"I am sorry this happened to you.">
Ah, Moon Children made it inside after all.

This can't be good for Mira's psyche, not even in the slightest.​

Taking a well-earned cigarra break with Lady Siyndacha, Lord Michael looked around for a moment, keeping his hand rested on the pommel of his pretty Mountainsong as he calmly drawled,'Something tells me it's going to get a little spicy this time, perhaps even Tython-spicy - good job we landed close to the action.... Makes it easier to bug out when if we complete our objective, though I dare say thats the only certainty we can rely on here.', smiling wryly at what his eyes were scanning across. To be resigned to seeing such a Hellscape, and just days after regaining the fullness of his 20/20 vision to make it worse, annoyed the Wanderer greatly; longing more than ever to see the green, grassy mountains of Serenno once more, longing to see life and bright wonder again, but duty called - and nothing would stand in the Lord-Regent's way for as long as the Empire was ready to strike out in old Barran's name.

The dead would be loaded into the cargo hold, emptied out on account of that fact along with the truth they wouldn't be needing much in the way of rations or supplies for this operation, and certainly not if it was expected to be a one-way trip for many deploying to Exegol, let alone for the Highland Brotherhood. All among the soldiering and shamanic classes were well aware they would likely be giving up their seats for the sake of the escaped POWs, of whom would be occupying whatever space was available above the cargo hold of body-bags, and with the consideration of the unrecoverable remains factored in, the grim relief of fitting more than enough had set in long before they departed Serenno.

Whatever we're expecting, I will leave my mark upon it.

My new technique....
A gift from my Sinnsear, the Force-Imprint.
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Another of Michael's double-edged swords, but he was soon to find out the difference to the skin-shredding effects of his Click-Wave, a technique discovered whilst incarcerated in Fort Imperator's military prison, serving for three counts of strategic misconduct in his actions in Operation: Prastaig. Using the enclosed spaces and the thin drafts to his advantage, and with time in abundance to practice it, the harm it would cause still bore scars on his thumb and fingertips in the early years of his tenure as Warden, but there was no telling what sort of injuries the new technique would cause - as there was no telling what damage would result of generating such scorching heat from Force emissions.

The mortal, corporeal anatomy was always an intricate, complicated subject, and the human hand was never once an exception to this fact.

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[Silhana Cadera]

Silhana Cadera
Lynne Tal’kira aka Lady Orchid
Alor'ad (Captain), member of the Clan Cadera; Bounty Hunter, Headmistress of the House Orchid and The Bounty Hunters' Guild​

Objective: Hunts down Kralmus orr
Location: Unknown Location, Exegol
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Beskad | Besar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Njósnari Probe Droid || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Kralmus Orr | Closed

[ Mando music ]
"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

After what happened recently in the Galaxy, I decided to withdraw from public life for a while. This had to be done because our relationship with Arturo Braga deepened and, well, yes, I had other things to do in the last year or so. It's still unbelievable. But it's not that important now. It's more that I didn't have to leave an unconditional romantic vacation, but the first family vacation. Our daughter, Lynne Braga-Cadera, was born not so long ago. Yes, it was an accident because I didn't think I would ever have a family, but we finally did.

So the three of us were on vacation when I got a holo-message from the informants that they had found Kralmus Orr . I had one last unfinished business before I actually retired. I mean, I would still do the headhunting job, but only as a director. No fieldwork or anything like that. It's my duty as a Mando, but I'd rather focus on rebuilding right now. The rest will be revealed. But before I could deal with those, he was there to finish the last unfinished business.

That's exactly why I paid informants who were looking for Kralmus. Actually, I kind of expected that he might not be alive anymore. So I was about to give up hope when I got a message. It was at the beginning of the attack on Exegol; the man was on the planet. I could have let him maybe be captured or killed by others, but no. This was a task I had to complete. I said goodbye to Arturo and our daughter, even though she was too young to understand. I wanted to promise that everything would be fine and that I would come home, but I couldn't.

I couldn't lie to him. Looking at our previous two fights with Kralmus, I wasn't very optimistic. He easily defeated me in the first, and we both barely survived the second. Now comes the third; I knew there wouldn't be a fourth. Either I die, or he, or maybe I capture him, or we both die. One way or another, there won't be a fourth fight.

However, Exegol was a place that was damn hard to find and get to. So I was pleased to see countless fleets heading for one last assault on the Maw. Among others, the Eternal Empire. So I used one of their ships to get close to the planet. Once we were inside near Exegol and around the planet, I continued with my own fighter to where the coordinates said. I was still a little scared, but less than the other times. But now I had the most to lose. Now I had a family who waited for me back at home, I wasn't alone anymore.

I landed my ship a few kilometres from where I was supposed to go. I left the system set so that, if necessary, MANIAC can direct it to me. If the fight is like the last time, I might not be able to get to my ship without help. As soon as I had everything, I set off using the jetpack for the coordinates. In the meantime, I also sent the tiny probe droids ahead so that I would know what would be waiting for me there. And soon I arrived at the coordinates as well.

I took one last shaky breath, I won't be afraid. I tried to tell myself, not today. But it was time to end this cat-and-mouse game, forever.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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F I N A L_E C L I P S E
Objective II : Shadow & Bone

FINAL DAWN
EXEGOL, UNKNOWN REGIONS

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SHADOW HAND COMMAND TASK FORCE LUMIYA​

Spoiler: Fleet Comp. FDS Prophet [100] FDS Overlord [100] FDS Bloodlust [100] FDS Hammer [100] FDS Phalanx [100] FDS Reaver [100] FDS Supernova [100] FDS Dispatcher [100] FDS Plunderer [100] FDS Dominator [100] FDS Havoc [100] FDS Pursuer [100] FDS Conqueror [100] FDS Immortal [100] FDS Traveler [100] FDS Councilor [100] FDS Corruptor [100] FDS Furious [100] FDS Intruder [100] FDS Protector [100] FDS Vanguard [100] FDS Warlord [100] FDS Enforcer [100] FDS Aggressor [100] FDS Condemnation [100] FDS Decimator [100] Spoiler: Starfighter Comp. TIE/fd Interceptors 16 Squadrons Deployed | 128/128 TIE/fdT Terminators 17 Squadrons Deployed | 136/136 TIE/fdA Annihilators 17 Squadrons Deployed | 136/136

At last, the day had come. After over a decade of constant heavy warfare, the Second Great Hyperspace War was coming to an end as the Galactic Alliance prepared to storm the Sith Fortress World of Exegol. Since Tython, Sularen knew that it would only be a matter of time before the Alliance came crashing down on the Brotherhood of the Maw. After seizing control over the Final Dawn as it’s High Regent, Sularen had begun an new endeavour known as Project Rejuvenation, securing new assets, expanding his vast fleets and establishing ties with various other factions such as the Onrai’s Cult and the Nomadic People’s Coalition, all in preparation for the inevitable collapse.

Thanks to Sularen’s efforts, despite the many defeats suffered by the Maw, the Final Dawn was stronger than ever, poised to emerge as a new galactic power in its own right. A power that might one day eclipse that of the Brotherhood of the Maw and the Empire and succeed where they failed, in destroying the Galactic Alliance and cleansing the galaxy from their ilk once and for all. However before Sularen could bring the Final Dawn to the Galactic Stage, he would first need to consolidate his position within the wider galaxy.

The Unknown Regions were no longer going to be a safe place for the Final Dawn, especially with the collapse of both the Empire and the Maw. Even though it stood as one of the strongest naval powers in the Unknown Regions, Sularen knew that the Final Dawn alone could not withstand the full might of the Alliance and as such he had made plans to relocate the Final Dawn to a more safer area, where he could rebuild his power base and finish what Solipsis had started at Csilla. Thus, the High Regent of the Final Dawn found himself at Exegol, overseeing the evacuation of the Final Dawn’s Shipyards on the planet, the first step of his next project : Project Redoubt which covered Sularen’s plans for the relocation of the Final Dawn and the reconsolidation of it’s powerbase.

With the aid of Onrai’s Cult and the Nomadic People’s Coalition, the Final Dawn was able to relocate most if not all warships that were being built at the Exegol Shipyards to a disclosed location and now, they were in the last stages of evacuating the remaining personnel which included slaves and prisoners of war from various different factions. Knowing that the Alliance might arrive before the completion of the evacuation, Sularen had brought a significant amount of military assets with him, not to mention he already had the support of both the Cult of Onrai and the Nomadic People’s Coalition. If the Alliance struck now, his forces would be sufficient to hold them off, long enough to allow for the remaining personnel to be safely evacuated from the planet.

Regardless, the inevitable Final Battle at Exegol would be Sularen’s greatest challenge to date as it would serve as the ultimate demonstration of the Final Dawn’s capabilities, determining whether it was worthy of ascending to the status of galactic superpower or not. The High Regent of the Final Dawn was ready to prove himself once and for all, and show the galaxy that the Fall of Exegol would NOT be the Fall of the Final Dawn…

The Doors leading into the bridge of the FDS Prophet opened as the High Regent made his way through the security foyer and the command walkway, making his way to a command chair positioned right in front of the main viewports. Already standing beside Sularen’s command chair were two of his most loyal and trustworthy subordinates : Colonel Rackham, his personal aide and an intelligence officer within the Politorate, and Baron Wilhelm Vonreg, a Veteran Ace Pilot and one of the “Aces of Aces'' of the entire Brotherhood of the Maw. As he sat down, Sularen proceeded to speak first.

“I just came from a call from the Sanctum.” Sularen began. “Our Monitor Frigates have detected a large Alliance force outside of the Red Honeycomb Zone. It’s only a matter of time before they arrive at Exegol proper.” the High Regent announced. “Soon, one of the greatest battles in modern galactic history is about to begin.” Sularen added. Both Rackham and Vonreg remained silent, taking the time to process this news. “Colonel. What’s the status of our evacuation of the shipyards?” Sularen inquired. “The Evacuation is 70% completed and we’ve already evacuated all essential personnel.” the Colonel said in response.

“Good.” Sularen said in response. “Alert all our forces of the incoming attack along with our friends within Onrai’s Cult and the Nomadic People’s Coalition.” the High Regent ordered. “Also, have the Bloodlust and the Overlord deploy their entire starfighter compliments to support our forces in orbit and deploy additional squads of Purification Troopers to the Shipyards for additional protection against any assault. I don’t want any of our forces to get caught off-guard by our foes.” the High Regent added. This was a battle of uttermost importance and it was important that the Final Dawn and its allies got everything right from the start.

Thus just like the High Regent had ordered, notifications were sent across all channels informing the rest of the Final Dawn’s Forces mobilized across Exegol, along with the forces of Onrai’s Cult and the Nomadic People’s Coalition of the impending threat. At the same time the first group of TIEs began emerging from the hangars of the FDS Bloodlust and Overlord headed towards the assembled fleets of the Final Dawn and its allies in orbit of Exegol in order to support them against the incoming Alliance onslaught. A Great Battle was about to begin, and it would soon send shockwaves across the galaxy, ushering forth a new galactic order, and the Final Dawn’s place in this new galactic order would be determined by this singular battle.

---

Tags [Final Dawn/Allies] | Onrai | Grand Shepherd Burtch | Brodan Dobson | Ira Sarrin | John Jewl | Naivia Ri | Gabriel Creed ​

---

 

[Keilara Kala'myr]

Ziare Dyarron | Keilara Kala'myr | Mercy | Freedom
Mongrel's Shadow and his widow; Matriarch of the Scar Hounds Tribe; Guardian of Mongrel's armour and sword​

Objective: Try to contact Manifold and ask his help.
Location: Ancient ruins, Selvaris
Equipment: FS-18-UP2 Assault Rifle | 2x Sunfury Pistol | Light Armour | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | 2x Vibrodagger | 2x Riftblades | Promise of Freedom | Ring of Wishes and Dreams || Cloaking Device | 5x ASBF Probe Droid || OPBC-01m
Writing With: The Manifold , Tu'teggacha , The Mongrel and Kallan | Closed

[ Come back… ]
"Galactic Basic" | ~ Telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >>
​

~ Mercy ~ (few days earlier)
Exegol again; ever since Tu'teggacha came back secretly with the twins, I knew I had to come to this place again if I wanted to or not. I arrived back before the first wave of the attack, only to sink back into the swamp of memories. I was in the building that used to be my home, where Asher and I lived. Me, secretly, of course, because we kept it all in secret. "Sanctuary of The Mongrel"; from where he controlled the Scar Hounds Tribe. Unlike Thomas, he was rather here, on Exegol. Now for the attack, no Scar Hounds members will be here except me. But I'm not here to help either.

I came early to have time to record a message to be sent to Thomas Barran on the final day. So I set about recording the message.

<< Once you get this message, you won't be able to stop it. I know, I promised that I'm trying to stay strong, I'm trying to fight, but I can't anymore. It doesn't work, not without him. It's time to say goodbye, Thomas, we won't see each other again. I don't know how today will end, whether I will survive or not. Whatever the outcome, I will not be going back to Mar Zambul again. Either way, I'll be with Asher, with my husband.

You can find the sword you made for him in my apartment, I didn't bring it with me, I won't take it to him. It's yours, you're the leader of the tribe. I'm currently here on Exegol, I found someone to help me free the twins and then take me to the Netherworld to find my husband. I contacted Manifold not so long ago, he will help me with this. I didn't initiate you because I didn't want to put you in danger. Thank you for everything you have given me since his death.

Don't worry, I won't kill your father, I won't go after him. I don't care anymore. Nothing in this world means anything anymore. I find no joy in anything, everything just reminds me of him and that Asher is no longer with me. The pain and the void caused by his absence is not getting better, it's just getting more painful and worse every day. I love him, Thomas, and I can't live without him. I tried it but it didn't work…

I… I let him down, him and the Tribe again. I'm sorry! And as a farewell, I owe you one more confession that you never wanted to hear. About him. On the day of his death, you asked me to preserve his memory for the Tribe, I asked if you want to hear the reality or the myth. You wanted the myth, but today I will also tell you the reality. I don't care if you turn off the recording at this point because what you are going to hear will be too painful.

He died for me, he died because he wanted me to be free and wanted me happy, and he thought that as long as he was alive it wouldn't happen. It was our dream, we yearned for it, to leave the Maw, to go away from war, death and everything and live somewhere in peace, maybe even start a family somehow. On one of the previous missions, years before, he suffered severe brain damage and lost his body. No one cared about him, and he, locked in the tank, lost all faith, since the Maw did not let him die, they always saved him. He just wanted to die, before we got to know each other better.

At first it was just an addiction, like a drug addict, he longed to be able to feel again, feel the world through my telepathic power, and I was attracted by his rank and success. However, we started getting to know each other, it turned out that we have more and more things in common. We began to enjoy each other's company outside the battlefield. We wanted to give more and more to each other, we became friends, confidants from simple and twisted lovers, then we fell in love with each other, and became soul mates.

He shared all his secrets with me because he knew I was the only one who didn't want to gain power through him, who didn't want to use him. I never asked him to promote me or give me power. That's why I've always been in the shadows. I watched over him and the Scar Hounds from the shadows. I took care of him, trained his mind, which slowly began to heal. His joie de vivre, his cheerfulness returned. And the man behind the Warlord's guise was a completely different person.

We were just like any other couple. We secretly had joint programs, we watched movies and series. Through MANIAC, we went to exhibitions and read about mechanical innovations. There were times when we would just walk and talk for hours, while everyone thought I was just reporting to him; as his best agent. We installed and fixed machines together. He has a very good sense of humour, is polite, kind, gentle but a strong leader. In our minds, where he was in his old form, we actually lived together. Everything was like in reality, the mind palace gave me a great opportunity for this, and the fact that I have such abilities. We had a normal life in secret.

As his mind healed, he began to dream of a future with me. We have often dreamed of what life would be like outside the Maw. With the healing, he was able to learn telepathic things and tricks and was able to take on a normal physical form in our common mind palace. Our minds melded and a relationship was formed like the Force dyad, only without the Force. As he strengthened and healed, the work of Taskmaster and the Heathen priests weakened. After they captured him, they tried to kill and erase his old personality, but this personality also began to recover. Kallan, that's what they used to call him, before the Maw… and Kallan also woke up. But Kallan was a simple speeder mechanic, he couldn't stand what Asher was doing…

I kept the two personalities separate for a long time so they wouldn't fight each other. During Kallan, he fell in love with Keilara, my original personality. There were four of us, two couples each. The acts of Taskmaster and Heathen Priests are reversible. We ended up getting married, me to Asher and Kallan to Keilara. But Asher couldn't stop, he would have found everything so pointless. I asked him to run away, to make everyone believe that he died on Tython, but he didn't…

He went to Tython to die and save me. At that point, he was no longer interested in the Maw, the Avatars, or the Scar Hounds. The Mongrel died before our fleet reached Tython, only Asher was there when we landed. And your father killed him… he killed him who no longer wanted war, only a peaceful life with me. He wouldn't let them draw the runes on me… he saved me as much as he could. And I saved him as much as I could as well. I broke the runes on his armour, in the Force, although I am not Force user or sensitive, and ripped him out of the ritual. He died a free man, who regretted not listening to me, who didn't want to die in the end, but to go and run away and live with me. He died a free man, no longer bound by the Maw or the Avatars.

And I failed again, I couldn't save him. I was able to save Kallan from his mind, he is still alive, here in my mind with Keilara. But I didn't have enough time to save Asher. In the last moments, we created an alternate life, a life that would have happened if he had listened to me. We spent sixty years together in that life, a long, happy life, with the twins, with a family, before he disappeared from my mind, leaving only emptiness and pain behind. "I am all yours!" These were the last thoughts and feelings he conveyed to me…

This is the truth about him, he is the meaning of my life, the other half of my soul. I hope this makes it easier to understand why I have been the way I am since his death. You wanted his legacy to live on. From now, not only do I know what kind of person he really was, but so do you. He was a good and decent man who was forced to do many atrocities by the chains and brainwashing of the Maw and he is the perfect example of how to break free from the captivity and chains of the Maw and the Avatars. They didn't get him… he was free. And I will seek him, to be with him.

Farewell Thomas, take care of yourself!

Mercy out! >>

During my words, the tears flowed down my face anyway, but after that I fell to the ground sobbing loudly from the pain...

~ Keilara ~ (few days earlier)
I know the darkness grew deeper and deeper in Kallan as we approached the ominous day. I tried to support and help him so that it wouldn't consume him. I was worried that he would be consumed by this and become like Asher on his own. I could understand if you might want to kill the Taskmaster, if you wanted to get revenge on him. But I didn't want this to change him. I know how much he had to sacrifice to keep me and Mercy alive. The last period, since Tython, was especially not easy for him.

But today can be about light and happiness. Because Mercy finally got the ring, the arrival of which she and I were really looking forward to. I hoped that this would make Kallan feel better about finally being back in his own body after nearly a decade and a half. Even if in a very complicated way. I tried to practise a lot so that I would be able to physically be there by the time this day comes, it went well and I succeeded for a longer or shorter time. And today the day has come.

We were already in Exegol, Asher's former sanctuary. Mercy, as always, went to bed early, so this was the time for Kallan to practise body control. It wasn't easy because Mercy was pregnant before and suffered from anorexia after giving birth. Our bodies were never too heavy, but now every bone was visible and it barely reached forty kilograms. I think he ate most when Kallan had something to eat. Mercy, if she could, she would have slept the whole time. I hoped it would get better soon. But back to the present. After Mercy escaped into her dreams and Kallan took control over the body, after a longer concentration I appeared in physical form not so far from him.

It was still so strange that I had to look at myself and not at him. I was very confident that the ring would work and finally, after so many long years, we could finally have our first real physical meeting. I smiled sweetly at him. I was so excited, if I had an actual body, my heart probably would have been pounding strongly with excitement. To finally see him in reality, to touch him, to embrace him, and not my own body, but his. This seemed unthinkable a few years ago. And now it might be a reality in a few minutes.

A small step towards our shared dream, to one day walk hand in hand on Serenno, at Azure Lake, which was our home in the mind palace. I still wanted to show him that it would be our home one day. Although that probably won't happen because it looks very much like the Netherworld will be the final destination. Although even from there we can come back at any time. Maybe there will be an easier solution than the one Mercy just came up with. It was still strange every time I could comment with words and not with thoughts. It was true only a few moments before, I hoped that now the ring would extend the time of sustainability of the astral projection for me as well.

"Put on the ring, I can't wait to finally see you in your own body, here in reality." I told him excitedly, with an almost girlish voice and excitement.

Like a young girl preparing for her first date with the first love of her life. In fact, he was my first and only love, and in reality this will be our first meeting. I smiled at him encouragingly, even though I didn't have a heart, I could still feel the intense beating. I couldn't wait to finally see him, really him, here in reality, which is ordinary for others, but for us...

... will be one of the greatest miracles.

~ Mercy ~ (present)
I woke up to MANIAC sending a message that the attack had begun. Hopefully this was the last day I had to wake up alone, the last day I could only be with him in my dreams. With his imprint, with what was left when our minds merged. I've been here the whole time for the last few days, I haven't been going anywhere. Apart from a few droids, there was nothing and no one in this place. The former dreaded warlord's home has become a crypt. I didn't mind, at least I could escape to my memories, our shared memories. What was once shiny was now covered in a thick layer of dust.

Chisels, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers. Some semi-disassembled or assembled devices. On some, only Asher worked alone, but some were things that we assembled and repaired together. Weapon, armour, speeder. Everything here has such deep memories. When I looked at some of the smaller tools, they were mine. I used some of them when I repaired his armour and his body after he suffered minor or major injuries. Or just a cloth with which I wiped the blood off him, other people's blood. Some old datapads that still had the reports I sent him.

The places from where we watched movies or just talked for long nights. Where he embraced me or we just belonged to each other, where we didn't need to deceive others and hide. When I looked at these places, at these objects, I saw in my mind's eye the past, as the things that happened here happened. I sobbed again, I couldn't take this emptiness and pain anymore. He was the first and only, the first person I loved. He was the first to treat me like a human being, tenderly, despite the fact that his mechanical body was designed to cause as much destruction as possible.

But he was more than that, much, much more, and no one but me knew it. That is, Keilara and Kallan know, but they weren't really in a position to tell anyone about it. And the twins know it too. And they will have to learn in history lessons that their father was a monster. Not true, it was the Maw, the brainwashing and chains of the Maw dragged him and forced him to do this. And they took my husband from me, their father from my children...

"Today I will be with you… one way or another, but I will be with you… my love." I whispered in the empty room.

I looked around once more, it was time to start what we were here for. It was time for Tu'teggacha to pay for his crimes and suffer at least as much as we suffered from him. I sat in the middle of the bed and got up a few minutes later and walked to the door. I remembered the first time he invited me here and the last time I left. My chest was tight, it still hurt and tears were streaming down my face. I couldn't take his absence any longer. Another thing I disappointed him in, let him down.

~ MANIAC, send Thomas Barran the message I recorded a few days ago. ~ I instructed him in my mind.

~ The message has been sent, the recipient has received the recording. ~ the answer came within a few moments.

That's great! One less thing. There was only one thing left. Message to Manifold. I went over to the lobby with all my gear. I will probably never come here again. I activated the transmitter in the hall. As I promised him, I only looked for him now, not before. The day our revenge takes place. After activation, I even sent him a message.

<< Come to this coordinate, Manifold, where I am now. I'm on Exegol, the place we're going to is also here. Taskmaster came back here thinking he was safe, he was wrong. I'm waiting for you here! >> I told him.

Then, now I have to wait again, not long now. We will soon be at Tu'teggacha's secret base. The shadow war will be over and we will be together with Asher… we will be a family. And he can finally see his children. That was the only thing floating in front of my eyes, I didn't care anymore if I couldn't take revenge on Barran or Taskmaster. I just wanted to be with him…

~ Keilara ~ (present)
~ It will soon be over and the era of peace will come. ~ I whispered to Kallan.

The children were still sleeping, but I told them the day before that we would come to get them soon. Unfortunately, I could not ask them to prepare yet, because they could only do so here in the mind palace. They were still too young to do anything worthwhile in reality. I squeezed Kallan's hand and embraced him again with my mental and astral power. Now only here, in the mind palace, not in reality. Now Mercy is in charge, she controls the body, not Kallan. And the most critical hour has approached, which will bring either our salvation or our destruction.

~ Hold on a little longer, my love. We don't have to defy the darkness for much longer. ~ I beseech him.

Soon we can have a life that is common and ordinary for others, but not for us. It's special to us. We will continue to be a very strange family, souls, personalities in another body, consciousness, one of the four of us is a ghost or Nether being and the twins, who are also special. In the worst case, all four of us will be ghosts or Nether beings and the twins will be there too. I didn't know what to expect, but I tried to stay optimistic and strong. At least now, for the last time. I had to; I had to keep Kallan away from the darkness. He had to remain himself, the Taskmaster couldn't win, not in this last hour.

~ What would be the first thing you want to do when this is over and we can finally start our normal lives?~ I asked him.

I tried to distract him from thinking about what was going to happen outside, what would be the final act of the shadow war. Rather, he should think about what will happen afterwards. When we are safe, when the twins are with us. Because of the ring, he will now be able to…

~ Are you waiting to hold the twins in your arms?~ I asked softly, smiling as I stroked his cheek gently. ~ Imagine how we will finally be able to play with them. We can stand hand in hand at their cradle, walk together, hand in hand. Or just… we can do anything that other people can do. ~ I pleaded with him to imagine these.

Strangely, I wasn't afraid before, but now I am. Not from the outcome of events, or from death. But from the fact that Kallan will not be himself, that the darkness and possible anger and hatred will consume him. That he will want revenge on Taskmaster at all costs for what that green monster did to him and Asher. I understood if he might want to do that, but I was afraid of losing him. And I knew I would feel the same way Mercy did. I would have helped Kallan to be himself again, selflessly, without a second thought. But I didn't want him to suffer, I didn't want to see him in pain and suffering.

I was afraid of losing him the way he'd lost me on Tython. As I thought of these, I felt myself trembling. I tried to clench my fists and not collapse in these moments. I wanted to be in our bed, in his shirt, as he pulls me back into bed, so we can laze around a bit like Tython. I would not have wanted to leave now. I just wanted that happy life again and this time forever. That minute, or something like it, never passes away. That he knows that I belong to him, that I love him and that he can always count on me.

~ Don't go, please! Stay with me and hold me close! ~ I whispered to Kallan in a hoarse voice due to the fear. ~ I don't want to lose you, I don't want the darkness to swallow and consume you. ~

In the end, I just told him what my big fear was and I was dreading what the day would bring…

 

[Thomas Barran]

1ST POST

-AN AGE OF STRIFE STORY-

THE_BLOODHOUND
TRIBAL-WARLORD OF THE SCAR HOUNDS
WARDEN OF RHIGAR & MAR'ZAMBUL
GRANDMASTER OF THE TRI-LUNAR CLIQUE

Tags (Comrades): The Mongrel Keilara Kala'myr Ardana Vorco Ronar Erion Justeene
The Runt Armand Narrdrenn Kyrel Ren

Tags (Enemies): EVERYONE!!!!

CLASHING SHADOWS II: FORTRESS OF DARK SAINTS - PART 1

SUMMIT'S CLAW, MT. CERBERUS,
NORTH ARRUA PROVINCE, MAR'ZAMBUL (SUMMER OF 878 ABY)

---

"Dogs keep a promise a person can't." - Hannibal Barca​

---

'Bloodhound, its actually happening. Everybody's watching it but you.... See you down at the front row.'

All my enemies slaughter each other on the marked planet, wonderful.
Perhaps the Dark Three would show us what we ought to see this time.
​

With door closing with a polite clunk, Barran would be left alone to finish his meditation in the shadow of his Trifold Shrine, rising moments later with exertion in the slow and steady accustoming process to the sickeningly-high gravity pressure; the blight that would strengthen bones, muscles and sinews all over in the process of forging the perfect warriors, such that would forge the warrior's sort Thomas always strived to become, the sort that would withstand the worst his enemies had to strike with. Yet much like those brothers and sisters who made it to the summit almost six months before that night, the resurrected Woad was able to walk to the door and beyond with his posture upright before long, (though still improving by the time the Galaxy finally invaded Exegol) making no issue of the walk down to the Hearthen Hall as he turned to bow to the shrine, offering one last silent chant before closing the door to the meditation room once and for all.

From the moment the Bloodhound first entered the Hearthen Hall, a wall of loud acclaim would meet him as soon as the door swung open, along with a wave of what smelled like alcohol, likely plundered bottles from all the planets the Tribe invaded over the years. Easy to allow this time, as the Woad's comrades had more than earned their reprieve by then, and thus were deemed as deserving of their brief respite from the endless toil of acclimatisation, mining, construction-work and sparring, honours of which very few on Mar'Zambul would be permitted to enjoy to such an excess.

​

'We crown you tonight, Lord Bloodhound! Mark my words, if Exegol falls - you become our Great Khan forevermore!'

'WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH!!!! OUR BLOOD COMPLETES THE CYCLE!!!!'
'WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH!!!! OUR BLOOD COMPLETES THE CYCLE!!!!'
'WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH!!!! OUR BLOOD COMPLETES THE CYCLE!!!!'
'WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH!!!! OUR BLOOD COMPLETES THE CYCLE!!!!'
'WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH!!!! OUR BLOOD COMPLETES THE CYCLE!!!!'
'WAR, DEATH, REBIRTH!!!! OUR BLOOD COMPLETES THE CYCLE!!!!'

'Aye, well.... My thanks an' aw that, but don't go speaking too soon - lest ye jinx it for us!', the Bloodhound jokingly shot back after bowing his thanks to the others, making sure to keep from spoiling the mood or the luck in their air before turning to joke with the Cirihut hero who spoke out first after the fanfare. The laughter that rang out across the hall would be all the morale-check that Thomas needed as he proceeded to walk towards his seat by the Great-Hearth, burning brightly at the other side as he continued,'But if its all the same to you, Brakarr - I'm glad you're hopeful of a favourable result. As I get the feeling that particular sort of belief is a good mindset to impart on the others, an' I'll always be grateful for it. Always.', calmly strolling past an entire array of Marauders of every perceivable sort.

All stood to salute or bow as he passed by, with some even shaking his hand or patting him kindly on his shoulders or upper back, sensing something of a life-changing nature like a scent in the air, sensing great change on the horizon. But still, even though men and women of all heights were crowding up around the Woad in the approach towards his seat of honour, the view to the holographic broadcast of the Battle of Exegol remained unobscured; and from the very moment Barran opened the door to the Hearthen Hall, continuing on all the way to the point where his backside hit the seat itself, the wide projection would be seen and heard in at it's destructive glory. Thomas, for all his assumptions, sat down with the assurances that the first wave of attacks had pushed the Exegolian hordes back behind the walls of the Sith Citadel's outer ramparts, but in seeing the reality of the situation, would find himself oddly invested after finding out the first wave had been repulsed and countered aggressively.

'Any sign of the Magnar an' the Darkhan yet? After all, we must not forget.... With Brother Caz an' Brother Erion alike went our hopes, our statement of intent - an' every last monster we had! We owe it to our brothers to cheer them on, to wish them safe passage back to Mar'Zambul!'

With eyes scanning across the base of the projection, looking to find the outspoken Cirihut by the Holographic plinth at the left side soon after, the scarred veteran of many campaigns calmly shook his head, behaving in a more-fittingly sincere manner in understanding of the urgent need to find both Erion Justeene and Cazne'Kairn alike. As not only did they carry the will of an entire tribe on their shoulders, but they were both expected to release the last remnants of the hideous Mawite experimentations also, with all in Fort Wrath hoping to see them instigating some of the most gruesome moments of the battle in it's early stages, as all the right groundwork had been laid in anticipation of the Last Unleashing - and the Marauder caste always loved to see good preparation paying off for their comrades.

As any success, no matter how microbially small, was a success the entire tribe could congratulate on the Marauders' return, and praise and prestige in abundance would await the Magnar and the Darkhan's safe arrival on home soil.

'We're still looking for now, Lord Bloodhound. But mark my words, we'll find them on here at some point.... We know that Brother Caz intends to unleash his lot from the old Mineheel Town, collecting a few things before he unlocks the cages, though as for Brother Erion - rumour has it he'll be quite close to the citadel instead.'

Rising from his seat of honour to punch the air in celebration, clearly approving of his subordinates' choices, Barran couldn't help but feel proud for his friends, caring little for what the others perceived in his sudden outburst joyous approval as he roared,'YAAAAAAAAAAALDYYYY!!!! THATS NEWS I LIKE TAE HEAR, THAT RIGHT THERE!!!!', before finally making an effort to calm himself in the attempt to elaborate on the nature of his erratic response. Then with a look across to his Tri-Lunars, the Bloodhound continued,'Though we'll have to wait an' see with Brother Caz, I know his plans well enough to understand we'll have to track that as it hits - good enough for me anyways.... But as for Brother Erion, however, I cannot deny I'm glad he chose the brazen approach. Acting as any Marauder ought to in his shoes, but we'll get to that in due course.', accepting a drink offered from one of the trusted few after seeing them drink from the same cup for safety.

'An' besides.... I want to know what's going on with the actual battle as it unfolds, plenty in the way of entertainment until we locate our brothers after all.'

 

[Darth Wallgof]

Location: Exegol
Objective: BYOO
Equipment: Beskar Armour, Lightsaber
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren | Briana Sal-Soren | Cybelle Elyance | Darth Temerant | Velda Nar-Donna

Exegol. It was the homeworld of the Brotherhood of the Maw, an order of Sith from what Wallgof could tell had one focus which was warring with the Jedi. It was a fruitless war since they didn't need to war with the Jedi, just simply demonstrate how flawed and corruptible the Jedi truly were. Peacekeepers that continually went to war at the expense of millions. How could they ever see themselves as good people was laughable. No, they were no different to Wallgof or any other Sith, the Jedi just gave themselves better branding to appear heroes while only causing more harm.

His last battle with the Jedi had left him in dire need of retraining. That cursed Sal-Soren confused him, sought to spread lies and manipulate him against Naga Sadow. It was crucial that Naga pulled him away for a long time and was able to ensure his possession of Wallgof was once again solidified. Once the connection was restored, it was focused on training. Clearly if some Jedi Padawan could best him in mental combat then he was not the Master he proclaimed to be. No, Wallgof trained, breaking the minds of many and forcing them to commit horrendous acts of violence that they would never normally commit. He tortured many till he created thralls, slaves for him to rule and control just as Naga taught him. There was no point in wasting time on building his army, he needed to demonstrate his power completely.

Breathing in deeply, for weeks now, Wallgof could sense the war. The climax was coming, it rippled through the Force, war always rippled through the Force. The visions of both Sal-Soren siblings coming here, it was what drove the Sith Lord from his training tomb to this world, supposed home of the Sith. It was no home that he or Naga accepted, their home was Korriban. No, this was some planet taken over years ago. However, now he was here, Wallgof was uncertain of his goals. Did he want to corrupt the siblings into his army or did he simply want to kill them? When he pictured Brandyn, he saw a thrall that could be turned into a juggernaut of a soldier with his tutelage, however, Briana was pleasingly dead in his mind. Tortured till there was no breath left, if only to shut down any doubt in him of his skills and demonstrate to her that her training was severely lacking.

For now, the scars he left her with would suffice to leave that message. He doubted that she would forget the pain he gave her swiftly. His fingers crackled with Lightning once more at the thought of causing even more scars, perhaps ruining the beauty of her face. See who remains when he transforms her into a monster instead of princess. A crazed smirk etched deep into his lips as he continued to think about it. The plan was perfect. Corrupt Brandyn into a thrall, torture Briana into a hideous outcast. Yes. That was what he wanted, what he truly desired. Naga Sadow appeared next to him, the gaze was stern.

DO NOT BECOME OBSESSED OVER REVENGE AND FOCUS ALL YOUR ENERGIES ON TWO INSIGNIFICANT JEDI. YOU ARE MEANT TO RULE THE SITH, NOT JUST BE A PEST TO MEANINGLESS JEDI! Naga roared in Wallgof's mind, who flinched in response then nodded his head. He could not deny that he was falling into obsession over revenge. His body craved it.

"The Force showed them here. Guided me to them. I will confront them here, ruin them here. Then I shall move onto your plans Master." Wallgof stated obediently, his head lowered in reverence as Naga snorted, displeased but accepting of such terms.

THEN YOU WILL NEED TO ENSURE YOU ACCESS YOUR FULL POTENTIAL FROM THE BEGINNING. THESE JEDI WILL HAVE GROWN IN THE TIME PAST AS HAVE YOU. DO NOT FORGET THE MIND TRAINING THAT WE HAVE DONE. Naga was firm, wanting Wallgof to stop holding back. It weakened his position as the Dark Lord if he could not handle Padawans. Insignificant Padawans.

"I will let them feel the full power of the Dark Side, my Master." Wallgof stated as he rose to his feet, sliding his helmet on. The war had arrived and all he needed to do now was find the siblings. Then he would demonstrate that the Dark Side would always win, no matter the result here.

Stepping outside, he soaked in the power of the Dark Side, letting it fill him and becoming the strongest he had felt in years. The hatred, the anger, the pain, it fueled his body and gave him power beyond imagination.

He was ready.

Now, where were his targets?

 

[DECEASED Aron Gowrie]

1st post

-AN AGE OF STRIFE STORY-

WILDCAT_ONE
TRIBAL-CHIEFTAIN OF AN-TUATHA
MAJOR-GENERAL OF WILDCAT DIVISION
SWORD OF THE WINTER

Tags (Friendlies): Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Nukth Kelga'an Aurelian Sigismund Aoki-Barran Mira Siyndacha Aerin

Tags (Hostiles): Darth Mori Kyrel Ren Erion Justeene Marlon Sularen Khaostra Devoid

TRIBULATIONS OF THE WILDCATS V: A DEATHLY POGROM - PART 1

Spoiler

SOLIPSIS BEACON-SQUARE, DISTRICT OF THE TITAN,
THE SITH CITADEL, EXEGOL (SUMMER 878 ABY)

---

"Through every generation of the human race there has been a constant war, a war with fear. Those who have the courage to conquer it are made free and those who are conquered by it are made to suffer until they have the courage to defeat it, or death takes them." - Alexander the Great

---

'Ahahahaha! *Te v'là!'
*"There you are!"

That was rough, surprised I can still move after that madness.

'Still alive, Sieur?'
​

'I think so, Marchal! Help me up an' we'll see, eh?', the Tuath responded to the young Anaxsi Sergeant, holding his hand out only for a moment before Marchal pulled him up from the rubble-covered ground. Ever fortunate for the help from the forward-operating Governate troops, Gowrie would find himself understanding that he would have been dead if it weren't for the sappers (and every other forward-operating contingent sent for Phase1) Kelga'an sent ahead of the main contingent just days before the arrival of the others, though it had been a tough fight before, during and after their arrival. Everyone else would arrive soon enough though, and with Nukth expected to make landings as the tip of the spear with the TodHussars, Yinchorr would lead the charge for the Legacy of Imperium this time, bringing the Ashlan and Eternal remnants with them.

'Aw'right, lets get up to the roof.... Assuming it's safe enough an' such.'

Patting the Kellas' coat down with one hand and reaching into his coat for a hipflask at the same time, the young Engineer-Sergeant enthusiastically replied,'Oui! But the Tuath General forgets we have Reptile Brigade out here somewhere.... Merde! I was sure we were prepared for the counteroffensive, and so was every other sapper we have - same rings true for our Lieutenant!', slapping the brandy-receptacle with inoffensively-mild force across the shoulder of the task-force commander. 'We drink, then we climb.... Draw your pistol, Sieur.', young Alexandre continued, shouldering his blaster-rifle and training the sight-optics over Lord Aron's shoulder in the process, keeping eyes fixed firmly on the western front with fresh beads of sweat cutting through the dust on his forehead, as it was clear the threat of another line-breaking attack was still every part as likely to happen as another lull in hostilities by then.

'No bad this, Mar-'

BOOOOOOOOM!!!!!​

'The feth was that, man?'

BOOOOOM!!!! BOOOOM!!!!! BOOOOOOM!!!!​

'Feth's sake! BARRAGE INCOMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!!'

Tackling the Anaxsi to the ground with the intent to keep him safe from rocks and shrapnel, the Tuath still had his new acquaintance's brandy in hand by the time the thudding impacts ripped apart the ground and buildings in and around the Beacon Square, bracing for the worst with the hipflask firmly in his grasp as the creeping barrage passed them by on an eastward tide of fiery death. However, both to the Empire's great fortune and misfortune alike, the barrage itself wasn't serving as a screen for another counteroffensive, or at least, not yet. Perhaps the next barrage would bring about an assault on the Titan district, but there was no way of knowing for sure if the enemy was reorganising as the Imperial forward-operators were at the time, and with communication-signals offline, it would take much and more in the way of miracles to rally enough firepower to regain the initiative.

'Aw'right.... That seems t'be our blood-tax for now at least, so lets enjoy a quick dram while there's still time for it.'

With an empathic nod of agreement, and all whilst the young Anaxsi was being pulled to his feet by the Tuath this time, Marchal was just about to reply when he noticed Gowrie reaching into his own coat-pocket, smiling with delight in noting that the Major-General was not only just bringing out a pack of cigarras for the occasion, but making a point of bringing his own beverage of choice to the exchange as well. In appreciation this, young Alexandre responded,'Merci, but I really should let you try a Governate brand. Flask for a flask, like for like.', as he reached for his own pack of cigarras in turn. Then after that, a peaceful, indulgent silence ensued, broken only by the sounds of alcoholic burping, sighed smoky exhalations, and monosyllabic commands to watch certain corners in subconscious maintenance of peak vigilance - the makings of the last moment of laddish peace they would enjoy together that day.

'This brandy is phenomenal, lad. It would be a shame t'wash out wounds an' cuts with it, so be sure t'keep this nectar hidden until we bug out - assuming we survive long enough to drink the rest in the end, but the standing order remains regardless.... But enough o' that caper, lets get up t'this roof aw'ready. Time's a-wastin' here, an' we need every advantage we can get at this stage. Every little helps an' such.'

Keep 'im alive, Aron.
No - errors - permitted - here.

None.
​

The tallest of the beacon towers was the one stretching up from the very centerpoint of Solipsis Square itself, and though the duo were expecting company on the way, no such challenge stepped forth to assail them; not even as they climbed the outdoor stepladder to reach the roof of the beacon tower all the quicker, and both the Major-General and the Sergeant alike were covering every angle as they covered each other, landing by landing as they ascended. However, not that they would get to see much in the way of threats on the way up either, as there was far too much in the way smoke, soot and dust in the air to tell friend from foe yet, and yet the caution remained as they climbed in turns - covering each other until the very last rung on the stepladder.

'See anything, Sieur?'

Gowrie had grown uncharacteristically quiet, not answering to the simple question on account of what he saw by the time he reached the roof, and as soon as Marchal climbed atop the beacon-tower's roof to see for himself, the Anaxsi would fall just as silent as his Tuath-born acquaintance. Behind the smoky, ruinous haze hid a Mawite static-line like no other, but they were much too far off in the western distance to be discerned between tribes (or of any consequence yet for that matter), and in hearing the roars emitting from the smoke, it was clear the warriors were merely acting as the steady-holding second offensive line. What would hit the Imperial first wave next instead, as the otherworldly roars and screams in the mist implied, would be the Maw's most horrifying staple-wildcard, monsters and misshapen experiments of almost every known and unknown sort alike.

'Its bad enough our lines were pushed back to the Titan District, but I'm starting to doubt we even have so much as a static-line to face their next wave with, let alone their next strategic onslaught, so I'm gonnae need ye t'make yersel a wee promise.'

Sounds of which both the Sergeant and the Major-General heard quite easily, understanding to bone-chilling extents that their true fight had only just commenced.

'Fight not like a man, nor a beast of mortal making, but rather - embrace the frenzy in acceptance of the fact you are already dead. The greatest warriors conquer all with this mindset, but worry not.... Nothing's gonnae get t'you for as long as I'm around to watch yer back - an' I'm no makin' any funeral plans the-day, laddie! LETS GO!!!!'

In a descent that was almost thrice as quick as their climb upward, the cover-and-manoeuvre process to the ground seemed almost pointless for the fact they would still be covered by the murky, smoky fog for some time yet, but both the Tuath-Born Goidel and the Yinchorri-native Anaxsi were cut from similarly-prudent cloths, and committed despite the fun aspect of the speedy run to the golden-tiles of the ground at the bottom. The unlikely duo (made so by the worst of fighting-retreat circumstances at that) would find brief distraction from the ravenous shrieks of the nearest threats in the most unexpected of succession of responding auditory horror, though that which gave morale to the Imperial first wave as the sounds of roaring braves, blaster-fire and the thudding of the tanks firing at full-capacity briefly startled the Yinchorri.

'THATS OOR SMOOTHBORES, I CAN TELL!!!! AN' I WANT T'PUSH OUT PAST THE SQUARE T'FIND THEM!!!! KEEP - MOVING!!!!'

Despite the clear desperation they would need to contend with, the Kellas couldn't help but chuckle as he drew his sword on his way leading the young Sergeant toward the northern perimeter, as in the realisation there was still a sizeable amount of tanks looking westward (and every part as vigilantly as he had been just moments before), the Major-General quickly realised that distance-shooting strategy could be utilised on the otherwise-complacent Mawite second line. But for as long as the assumption of disarray remained, and for as long as their comm-link connections were cut, it was clear to the Kellas that there was a much greater mountain yet to climb; difficulties in abundance to throw in, but in Lord Aron's commitment to leaving his mark on Exegol, none of it would dissuade him from pushing northward in search of other survivors.

'SAPPERS, LOAD UP ON AMMUNITION!!!! WE'RE MOVING NORTH-'

Just as Gowrie was turning to face northward again, and exactly when he turned to check his sector with pistol drawn when a bright, effervescent light appeared as if it materialised out of nowhere, glowing with an angelic power of which the Tuath knew he had never experienced before that day. Fortunately for Gowrie and his Anaxsi sappers, however, the bright light would bring with it the light of Ashlan salvation, and perhaps even the sort that would make it easier for the Kellas to turn the tide.

'Lord Gowrie! My Lord!'

A light Lord Aron expected to precede an explosion, but instead, all it preceded were wings of angelic, hawk-like design, and a kind face of one who meant the Imperials no harm in the slightest. But adding to the surrealism of the moment was the fact this living, tangible being of celestial nature knew the Kellas by name, and in all the years Gowrie had been forced to face the Crucible head-on, never had he known such majesty to appear at such dark hours. Much unlike any spiritual experience in any Imperials' lives by then, unlike any but the Lord-Regent's experience on Tython, just moments before the last-known transmission of Emperor Rurik Fel.

'The Avatars of the Maw may be the biggest problem for the Galaxy today.'

Bowing with a reverence usually reserved for priests or holy entities of other sorts, the Tuath couldn't help but feel like he was being rewarded with divine visitation, rendering Gowrie a spluttering sort of mute until he forced himself to reply,'I know not how my name has been made familiar to you, I know not which Heavenly kingdom has blessed us so vividly, but I know this much at least - whatever you ask of me will no doubt be the greatest undertaking of my life. My leap of faith!', taking on a solemn, sincere demeanour in clear understanding of what the divine beauty was asking of him. Then with a forward motion, Lord Aron knelt down on one knee and drew his Sting O' Frost in perfectly-timed,"Present Arms", drill-movement, offering sword and life to a true, effervescent power for the first time in his life.

'Others may see it as impossible, but others aren't gamblers like I am.... So, if ye want yer shot at the Avatars, bets you'll find 'em waiting behind the walls o' the Sith Citadel - jus' needin' some firepower t'breach their walls first. An' I know exactly where t'find the ordnance we need for the job.'

 

[Grand Shepherd Burtch]

Post 1

Objectives and Tags General Fleet Overview Detailed Composition Breakdown

• 
  
  Objectives:
  Primary: CUSTOM — Help provide orbital cover for the evacuation of Final Dawn Assets.
  Secondary: OBJECTIVE 1 — Provide additional support to the Maw blockade efforts
  
  Ally Tags:
  The Final Dawn & Nomadic Peoples Coalition | Marlon Sularen | Ira Sarrin
  
  Opposition Tags:
  Galactic Alliance | Cynthia Alucard | Jack Versio​
• 
  
  First Coalition Fleet: First Battlegroup ​
  
  

  Capital Ships​ 4 Medium Star Destroyers Ophanim Guard Star Destroyer 4 interdictor corvettes Obstruction Interceptor Corvettes

  Small Craft​ 312 Fighters (30 squadrons) DZA Fighters Aran Fighters 196 Transports (9 squadrons) Gospel Class Dropships Thunderbird Assault Carrier

• 
  
  Shields | Hull | Remaining​

  (SD) Lady Shii-Cho (FLAG) 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Ophanim Guard SD x6 squadrons of DZA Fighters (72) x2 squadrons of Gospel Dropships (48)

  Damage Effects​ None

  (SD) Lady Soresu 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Ophanim Guard SD x6 squadrons of DZA Fighters (72) x2 squadrons of Gospel Dropships (48)

  Damage Effects​ None

  (SD) Lady Makashi 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Ophanim Guard SD x6 squadrons of DZA Fighters (72) x2 squadrons of Gospel Dropships (48)

  Damage Effects​ None

  (SD) Lady Shien 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Ophanim Guard SD x6 squadrons of DZA Fighters (72) x2 squadrons of Gospel Dropships (48)

  Damage Effects​ None

  (Corvette) Lady Nechzak 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Obstruction Interceptor Corvette (interdictor corvette) x1 umbilically docked Thunderbird Assault Carrier x80 Holy Knight Infantrymen stationed x40 Garmr Battle Dogs stationed

  Damage Effects​ None

  (Corvette) Lady Munkar 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Obstruction Interceptor Corvette (interdictor corvette) x1 umbilically docked Thunderbird Assault Carrier x80 Holy Knight Infantrymen stationed x40 Garmr Battle Dogs stationed

  Damage Effects​ None

  (Corvette) Lady Sariel 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Obstruction Interceptor Corvette (interdictor corvette) x1 umbilically docked Thunderbird Assault Carrier x80 Holy Knight Infantrymen stationed x40 Garmr Battle Dogs stationed

  Damage Effects​ None

  (Corvette) Lady Uriel 100 | 100

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ Obstruction Interceptor Corvette (interdictor corvette) x1 umbilically docked Thunderbird Assault Carrier x80 Holy Knight Infantrymen stationed x40 Garmr Battle Dogs stationed

  Damage Effects​ None

  (Uncarried) Advanced Fightercraft (24/24)

  
  

  

  Technical Data​ x6 Aran Long Range Fighter Squadrons (24 ships, 4 per squad) Ion Torpedoes loaded

  Damage Effects​ None

  
  

​

"Yes, sir. The interdiction field is holding. Do you wish to expand it?" Replied the captain of the Lady Nechzak to Burtch's question.

Grand Shepherd Burtch shook his head at the holographic image before him, "No. there's no need for a strategic gravity well field. Keep it tactical. We don't want to disrupt the operations of other Mawite forces in the system."

The captain on the other side of the comm signal nodded understanding, "ok. We'll continue to combine the fields of all four corvettes to keep any attackers on the outer range of Shii-Cho's L91s. I won't be asking Ira Sarrin to add his corvettes' grav-wells to ours, then."

Burtch hadn't explained to anyone why he had ordered to put up the interdictor field. Anyone who knew the Nomadic Peoples Coalition Navy knew that the Ophanim Guard Star Destroyers had unprecedented long range capabilities. This wasn't the first time that the Interdictor Corvettes had been used to keep enemy attackers from hyper-jumping to within an arms reach of the fabled warships. Even though the environment around Exegol made micro-jumping extremely difficult, the extra precaution was still appropriate in Burtch's mind.

"Yes, Captain," Burtch responded patiently, "Just stay focused on your own task. Let me handle the bigger picture"

"Sorry, sir" the captain seemed to hide his embarrassment well. Lately, he had been making suggestions that were not his place to say, but he seemed to aim to impress Burtch. He was clearly one who wanted advancement beyond his current station. Which was a shame, because his Angel, Lady Nechzak, seemed to really like him. Burtch felt bad for the sentient corvette.

But officers will be officers…

Burtch casually shut off the comm and returned his attention to the evacuation efforts. His Gospel Dropships were constantly ferrying Final Dawn assets to and from orbiting passenger cruisers in a constant stream. Not that Burtch was terribly fond of the Brotherhood of the Maw. They had destroyed his homeworld after all. But when it came to the place of Burtch's upbringing, he tended to be more pragmatic than nostalgic. His upbringing had been sad and painful, having been lack lustre compared to all of his peers. He might even admit to a bitter resentment towards his own people under the right conditions, and only if he was in a horribly bad mood.

Besides that, he wasn't really here for the Maw anyways. He was here for the Final Dawn. Damascus Station, the home of the Nomadic Peoples Coalition, had struck a corporate deal with Marlon Sularen to provide ships and technology for the Final Dawn Military. Dorthea Dobson, now in the weighty position of brokering the final details of that arrangement, had pretty much ordered Burtch to assist in the evacuation of Final Dawn assets from Exegol. In essence, Burtch was here to protect their vital investments, and solidify their alliance. He would only offer help to the Mawite fleet if it would buy the Final Dawn more time to escape.

So Burtch had brought two battlegroups from the first (and only) Navis Sacra fleet. The first battlegroup consisted of 4 medium star destroyers, and 4 corvettes. This group was configured to provide long-range fire support and interdiction screening in the event of an attack. The second battlegroup, commanded by Ira Sarrin , the living ship himself, consisted strictly of short-range, brawler-type ships: 1 heavy destroyer, 8 heavy cruisers, and 12 corvettes for additional screening support. If anyone attacked, they'd have to get through Bellum Canis and his literal phalanx of heavy ships, and then hopefully Burtch's artillery line before they could even think about hitting the Final Dawn evac efforts. This, in addition to the Mawite and Final Dawn blockade forces that were already present in other hemispheres of the planet.

Burtch decided to check in on Ira Sarrin , "Bellum Canis, this is Burtch. Status Report?"

​

Spoiler: TL:DR

TLDR:

• Burtch's Battlegroup has been assisting with the final dawn evacuation effort, using his Gospel Class Dropships.
• Burtch has activated a gravity well interdiction field in an effort to keep ambushers from jumping in any closer than the extreme range of his L91 Turbolasers.
• Burtch asks for an update from his second Battlegroup commander Ira Sarrin .

 

[Kat Decoria]

Objective: Strike Team Tano
Equipment: Lightsaber Pike | 3x Elite Rescue Rangers | 10x Rescue Rangers
Tags: Primarion Hiperius | Erebus Ignosi

Looking around at the group of Rescue Rangers that Kat had organised to assist her in this mission. The objective was more aggressive and meant to be based around fighting the Sith with limited civilians that would be in need of rescuing. However, the squads were trained to work in support and combat, Kat was figuring that it would be crucial in bringing them in order to assist her on the frontlines as well as search and rescue once the war was over. The risk of debris and injured fighters potentially unable to reach help or a triage camp was high. It was that role that Kat deemed crucial to bring in both the standard soldiers and her more elite squad. Also facing the unknown was a daunting aspect for Kat, there would be so many Sith defending the world and a lot of them were very dangerous.

Breathing in deeply, she decided to forgo any ranged weapons; recent training had been entirely Lightsaber based as well as hand-to-hand combat. Kat knew that her blaster skills would not be up to par and she would be only compromising the unit if she attempted. It was better to focus on her own abilities and use them in fights. Kat was also aware that the soldiers joining her were more than capable in covering the ranged weapon aspects if there were foot soldiers or mercenaries working for the Maw. It was unfortunate that her armour was still not working, the last time she approached it the equipment was malfunctioning at a fundamental level, which was no good if she was going to be risking her life. Better to stick with her robes that gave her as much freedom of movement as she needed.

Looking at the soldiers, some adjusting their armour, others checking their weapons. The air was tense and Kat could feel the nerves vibrating through the Force. Breathing in deeply, it was her duty to ensure that these soldiers survived and that she got them home to their families. Focusing on the Force, allowing it to bind them all together and connect their minds. It was her use of Battle Meditation, an important skill to get started and something she would have to likely extend to others in the battle depending on how the war swung. The mood eased from tense nerves, to a feeling of confidence, their resolve strengthening as they all understood what Kat was doing for them.

“Today we are facing the enemy at their home. They won’t allow us to simply take this from them and they will be fighting tooth and nail. It is important that we respect the threat that they can pose to us. However, we are strong, we are here to defend the lives of so many. We set aside our nerves and think of those that we are here to protect. We will fight just as hard, if not harder, to ensure the Galactic Alliance is victorious today!” Kat smiled, hoping to inspire hope and confidence in her team as the dropship got closer to the ground.

“How much longer till landing?” Kat called out.

“T-minus 5, Master Jedi.” Kat didn’t correct the pilot, Jedi ranks were not always clear to non-Force Users, and right now she knew that no one needed a lecture. They needed to feel strong and united.

Looking at the soldiers, “let's give them hell then!” Kat smirked, this was the first time she was back on the frontline but she was swiftly ditching the rust.

 

[Primarion Hiperius]

"Even if we win today, there will be no peace tomorrow. No rest. This war is eternal and victory will become reality once our bones are swept away like dust in the wind. Does that make me fight less hard? Is it diminishing my determination? No. The opposite is the case. It reinforces my defiance, my will to stand up and prevail. I was made for it and I will forever strife to achieve it."


Imperator of the First Legion
<Aegis-1-Actual>
Armor | Weapon


Final Eclipse - Annihilation of Exegol
Imperial Ground Assault - Operation Anvil

Allies: DECEASED Aron Gowrie , Nukth Kelga'an
Opposition: Eschara Ren

Force Commander of Strike Force Grammaton
Vandemarian Shield Legions
Skytrooper Cohorts

Terror belli. Decus pacis.

He touched the shaft of his spear with his massive armored gauntlet, the sensation of the auraplast and songsteel alloy going through his neurally linked armor plates directly to his neurosystem. He had modified the spear, sharpened and reforged the blade, had adjusted the trigger of the integrated concussion carbine, as well as the conduits of the ultrasonic vibration generator, balanced the end of the shaft - he had modified and customised the whole weapon to perfectly suit his needs and style of fighting.

Primarion's helmet turned slightly upwards, his blue lenses staring ever-watchful ahead. The rumbling and shivering of the Terrax assault lander was both caused by the atmospheric entry as well as heavy enemy defensive fire hitting shields and armor. His plates shook and shivered in cohesion with the ship, just as his companions in the passenger compartment. Forty Legionaries of Vandemar. Half the company sat here, all in the battle preparations, some conversing, some silent. They were quite small compared to the Imperator, probably as a normal human compared to them.

They were strangers to him and he was a stranger to them. He was just another enhanced for them, another of their kind, made to be better, to command even. They were not aware of his childish age and that this was his first war-deployment. He was better than them. It was no question or matter to be proven, nor did it invoke any feelings of pride in him. Primarion Hyperius was better. He was made so. He was made to outclass them and to overcome them if the need should arise. The purpose had been revealed to him during his final trials, it revealed itself to him rather. The new Legions were meant to replace the old ones, not to reinforce them.

But it was a consideration for another time. A task for a different mission. And there was no space or room in the current deployment for other missions and distractions, that would be splitting concentration.

The shuttles came in hard, the enemy fire tearing through the sky like upward lightning, thousands every second. Tracer rounds and laser bolt lighting clouds and dust up and the massive orbital assault of the imperial forces right inside of it. They had a designated deployment zone for their attack on the citadel, even fall back positions and forward meeting points for those who's ships got shot down. They wanted their attack to be impeded by nothing and bring judgement to the Maw for the final time.

But it was not to be.

The attack had failed. Their assault on the citadel was repulsed, both by stiff resistance, the insufferable terrain and because the Maw depleted the ammo of the task force with their meat shield sorties. The space in front of the citadel and in the city was a slaughterhouse, corpses piled up, no step could be made without moving through blood, excrements or intestines. The last counterattack had pushed them into the city, the Vandemarians running critically low on ammo and were separated from the entire operation force of imperials and allies as well from their own units.

Primarion was fighting in what was now the rearguard of the Hegemony task force, previously the vanguard and trying with his depleted troops to hold back the tide of attacks. His voulge cut through several enemies at once while he coordinated the company to move from building to building, trying to remain cohesive. Most of the Legionaries had no ammo anymore and were down to blades and other melee weapons, holding back the enemy in brutal close combat.

The enemies tried to avoid him. Not only because of his god-like speed and efficiency with which he then cut down, but because he appalled them. HE appalled THEM. Such irony. Creatures under the influence of the Dark side, cultists, beasts and warriors who bathed in the shadows of the Dark side were suddenly robbed of their connection when trying to use it on him. His pariah genes nullifying the Force, creating an uneasy feeling for those who rely or relish in it's presence.

He had little ammo left himself and rather saved it for bigger challenges ahead than wasting it on these meagre fleshpuppets. While his blade sung again while cleaving through an abnormity of crude cybernetics and pure rage, it starting a bone shaking scream which suddenly ended when the halberd cut off the upper half of it's torso including the head which abruptly stopped it's agony, even though it would forever be carved into its face.

"We have to reach landing zone Dorn! The Fourth Cohort has supplies, we need to take ammo and regroup!"

He shouted the order, for the fourth time in the last twenty minutes. The coms were partly interfered by either artillery or jammers, so they relied on vocals and soldier-to-soldier communication. Primarion's first campaign was going not exactly as planned, but for as long as he stood, he would fight and triumph.

His unit consisted of forty-six legionaries of the First and Second Cohort, sixty Stormtroopers of various units and a squad of Ultranauts. One lonely Death Trooper and an Imperial Knight were the leaders of the imperials, aiding the Imperator as his lieutenants, accepting his authority without any quarrels and showing an admirable professionalism. The Stormtroopers were good soldiers, but their melee abilities were a bit lacking, strong in close combat, but running low on ammo as well and suffering serious casualties.

Primarion liked the Ultranauts. They were as cold as they were silent. Professional murderers. Their corps could have been a great addition for the quest the Hegemony was on, but the crumbling Eternals were on the backfoot.

<"Aegis-1-Actual for Wildcat-1, do you read me?">
That static cracking was not very promising.
<"Aegis-1-Actual for Wildcat-1, we are moving Southeast, landing zone Dorn! Do you copy?">

He knew the imperial main force was somewhere to their North or Northeast, probably not more than a kilometer away. They could have been in a different sector for what it mattered. He knew of several pockets of resistance who were holding in cellars, ruins and feth knows where against the swarming enemies. All had their orders. They needed to regroup and resupply to wage another offensive, to beat these beasts back. Primarion had not yet played all his cards. A third of the Skytroopers available to him still waited on the ships engaged in orbit, he could call on those reinforcements to tip the balance, but for now they would be wasted.

The assault on the citadel was just the beginning of the battle, the testing, the opening moves of two giant predators. It was the introduction to a battle which would last much longer and devour the lives of a great many more beings. And the next hours and days would decide on the outcome and if the Imperials would manage to vanquish the Mawite resistance, once and for all.

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Objective: Strike Team Tano
Equipment: Lightsaber
Tag: Adeline Noctua

This was it apparently. The big final push. Take Exegol and defeat the Maw at last. The concept seemed totally strange for Dreidi. She was surprised that it would come to the Galactic Alliance and the New Jedi Order instigating a dangerous and risky fight, not seeking out more peaceful or amenable alternatives. It was a method that she would have approved of if she was asked about it since she doubted that the Maw would have just rolled over and left the Jedi alone. From what she understood of the history, the Brotherhood of the Maw were a relentless group that seemed to feed off war and bloodshed. However, she had been trying to understand the peacekeeper role of Jedi more, not focusing on the warrior that defends peace at all costs aspect that she had viewed as correct. This confrontation didn’t seem to be a peacekeeping option and more a warrior’s stance. But the decision had been made and Dreidi was never going to refuse to defend the lives of those who could not defend themselves.

Looking around, she was wearing her Jedi outfit, a practical, dependable attire though she knew that it wouldn’t help her too much when facing down a Sith. That still required materials and armour that she didn’t have. She could feel her muscles tensing and the nerves of a big fight coming. This was the first time she was heading into battle alone, previously there had always been someone that she knew around, where she wanted them around or not. This time she was reliant on her own skills. It was a terrifying thought but it was also one that she knew was important. If she couldn’t handle this then she would never be ready for becoming a Jedi Knight. No, this was an important step in demonstrating her own skills.

Breathing out slowly, she was curious what everyone else in the dropship was thinking. Did they have the concerns that she held? Were they anxious or were they pumped for the war? Thinking back to the Ascendancy and the CIS, the soldiers and others were always more pumped or excited for the upcoming fights than she was. Dreidi was always more hesitant or wanting to ask questions on why negotiations or peace agreements were not possible options. It was always held that the enemy refused to talk or that there would never be peace as long as the bad guys were causing suffering to others. Dreidi was curious if the GA and the NJO people were thinking in a similar light and if perhaps her mentality was not a foreign as she had been lectured.

Feeling the dropship coming in for landing and dropping off the group. Dreidi rose from her seat and jumped from the ship onto the ground. Looking around, she was curious as to how Exegol looked. Wondering if they were successful how it could look in the future, perhaps home to temples dedicated to peace and Jedi ways. That would be something. Shaking off the ideas of the future, Dreidi shifted forward and moved towards the front line. The assignment had been to keep the Sith occupied and to ensure that they were not able to conduct their ritual. That was exactly what she would do if possible. Especially if she found out where they were conducting the ritual since her skills in Magick could prove crucial in countering it. Though it wasn’t a guarantee since she had seen many branches of Magick and sorcery that was not all the same.

Dreidi was just desperate to demonstrate she could do good and be of worth to her fellow Jedi.

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

Spoiler: Information

Personal Equipment: Armor [x], Melee Weapon [x], Gun [x]
Ship: Pax Imperialis-class Battle Barge [x]
Complement: 5x Starfighters

Allies: Asanté Tsilor
Engaging: Derix Tirall [x] - Ship [x]

Eternal Triumph, Exegol System
Preparing to Engage . . . .

The new Pax Imperialis-class offered a very familiar feeling, a feeling like home, being back in the old days on his valued ship, The Phalanx, venturing out to strike at the decadent, offering righteous retribution. It felt solemn, serene on the bridge. An effect only a convenient place could have. And one of near absolute silence. Aside from the vibrations of the reactors and occasional beeping and booping of computing machines or droids, there was no sound.

Aurelian stood alone on the relatively open bridge. A bridge only by title, as it was a secondary bridge which could be crewed by actual organics. But it wasn´t. The ship was entirely under the control of its GEMINI captain which in return was under the control of Sigismund himself. Every order would be executed without delay or error. The silence was a bit of a strange companion, as the Hegemon was usually surrounded by officials, staff and representatives of all kinds and shapes.

The birthing Hegemony had not much to send here and the Eternal Triumph was the designated flagship of the squadron deployed to finish off the marauders and savages of the Maw. Along with it came several of the GEMINI cruisers for ground support and two imperial warships which were carrying ground forces. Vandemarian Shield Legions under the command of Primarion Hiperius and more Skytroopers. They could spare those.

Unusual by all means, was the freight his ship carried. Determined to not go into the space and orbital battle with organics on board, Aurelian had approved a last minute plea of the Empire to take a Stormtrooper Legion aboard. They would not be in the way and for sure come in handy if the ship should survive the coming battle. To his surprise, the 313th was DECEASED Erskine Barran 's unit, without him though. The learning of this information gave Aurelian a little smile, the Lord Regents troops would be most welcome.

Having full access to the ships systems and sensors, the first Imperator of the Rim-Guard Order and Vandemar observed the gathering around and head. The battle would be truly massive and the fate of the Unknown Regions would be in question today, nothing less. Directly ahead of his ship and in close proximity to the orbit he observed an enemy ship, a battlecruiser, at least a third larger than his own ship. Would they engage? What abhorrent creature of chaos would sit on it and command it? Did it matter? They would fall today and if he had to crush the mighty warship into the crust of the planet to kill every last one of the enemy. Maw or Alliance alike.
​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The air was rank with decay, it cloyed at the senses. Discharges of electricity energized His dust-laden surroundings. It was dark, the light having been driven from this realm long ago. The last time He'd been here was to witness the procession of Solipsis as it wound into what would become his tomb, observing at a distance before disappearing into the world's underbelly. Now He'd return, but not to defend the Maw as the Alliance closed the noose around them.

But to try and save one from the cleansing flame, one that He cared for.

He'd come with a military escort, an honor guard, and landed within the Forbidden District. Few stood in His path, and fewer paid Him much mind. All their thoughts were bent towards the inevitable, the doom cults and suicidal disciples of a profane and apocalyptic creed, the wrath that would befall this forgotten world of dust and lightning. Before the Maw had laid claim to this world, He'd braved the Honeycomb with the aid of a wayfinder from Tantorus, and rediscovered the empty world when He went by a different name; that of the hound Vornskr.

All He discovered were braying spirits and empty tombs, a world so thoroughly abandoned He found little use for it. Those spirits that could yet communicate coherently sought Him and His uncle, who had also journeyed alongside Him, in order to pass along what wisdom they could. The spirits faded into nothingness after imparting what they could, and He and His uncle departed Exegol to return to the known galaxy.

He found Mori in the throne room, the same room He now resided in. He employed all of His oratory, all of His rhetoric, His pleading for her to return to her family's side, to forsake this path that she had placed herself on; in which there was only one destination. She did not listen to Him, her mind was decided. Though He could not feel, the pang of that last denial still clung to His black heart. He watched her go, the last time they would ever see one another, to look each other in the eye. He knew, as well as she, that beyond this room lay her death.

So He remained, staring blankly at Solipsis' throne, moored like a statue amidst the turbulence of the preparing Mawites. His eyes shifted from the throne to the ceiling above, a quake rippling through the very stone beneath His feet.

"They have come, and so heralds the end."

One of His guards, brandishing a tall standard from which His sigil was emblazoned, approached. The Dark Lord turned to this guard and spoke, "Activate the beacon, and prepare to salvage what we can. By twilight, this world will be nothing but cinder."

Ala Quin | Seela Leini | Darth Mori ​

 

[FN-999]

Objective: II
Unit: 908th Legion
Unit Strength: 11000/11000
Allies: Empire | Ashlan Crusade | Eternal Empire | DECEASED Erskine Barran | Ground Pounders
Enemies: Maw | The Sith Order | Galactic Alliance | Ground Pounders
Engaging: TBD | Open to engagement

TWO DAYS EARLIER - BARON’S ESTATE, BOROSK

Two burly men sat on a pair of hilariously inadequate wooden chairs.​

They had convened just a minute earlier, and now the Baron of Borosk turned to talk to his second-in-command.

“I’m hearing from the governor that there’s real unrest up in Bastion.” asserted FN-999. “Something about jostling for the throne and internal scheming. In that context, I’m starting to question our deployment to Exegol. Perhaps we’re needed closer to the Imperial core in case something internal happens. After all, what good is crippling the Maw if the first thing we do afterwards is plunge into civil war?”

“I agree.” replied Lieutenant Colonel Bigfoot. “Yet I can understand why they’re deploying us. There are plenty of MPs and riot troopers to keep the order back on Bastion, but we’re a literal shot above. By sending the best we have to Exegol, we can guarantee that the Maw goes down in, again literal, flames.”

“But is it worth it if it means we return home to find Borosk a city-state?”

“Don’t jinx us like that. I admit, I’m not too fond of this either, but orders are orders. Nothing either of us can do about that.”

“I suppose you’re right. And for all we know, this whole unrest thing could blow over tomorrow. We can’t predict the future, the closest we can get is shaping it with our actions in the present.”

“I suppose so.”

“Well, I guess it’s settled. There’s no turning back now.”

The two acceded warily to the plan, and over the next twelve hours they would mobilize every troop the 908th could spare. Little did they know how justified their concerns were.

PRESENT DAY - OUTER FORBIDDEN DISTRICT, EXEGOL

Hundreds after hundreds of dropships descended into the darkness.​

Exegol’s atmosphere was dark as midnight and devoid of stars, with the only light in the area coming from the headlights and wingtips of the dropships and the occasional lightning bolt. It was a deeply unsettling sight, not knowing what lay above or below until it was mere meters away.

Yet the 908th was the tip of the spear, and even now they would not falter.

Fortunately for the legion, the same smothering darkness that made navigation difficult also concealed them from the enemy, and the dropships were able to remain unmolested as they cautiously descended.

The Baron stood solemnly inside his dropship and began to review his plans.

The 908th were to land on the outskirts of the Forbidden District, where resistance was expected to be lightest. Once there, they would set up a base camp centered around the dropships and then fan outwards, linking up with other Imperial and allied divisions while securing and disabling the potent shipyards. From there, the Reborn would join the attackers in besieging the Sith citadel. Finally, they would pillage the heart of the Maw, burning Sith icons and carting off stolen wealth before racing back to the base camp and onto their dropships before the GADF could bring their guns to bear on Exegol.

Of course, this was assuming an allied victory. The Baron refused to consider defeat at the hands of the Maw, not when they were so close to wiped off the face of the galaxy.

The Empire would never again have a chance like this.

The rumbling of the ship’s engines grew louder as it decelerated, coming to a stop just above a desert of sandstone. One by one, the dropships landed and lowered their ramps onto the sand below, barely illuminated by their headlights.

And so the 908th Legion took its first steps on Exegol.

 

[Valery Noble]

Exegol
Lightsaber | Outfit
Battlegroup Kenobi

​

This was it.

Years ago now, Valery had decided to make her return to the Galaxy after being rescued out of stasis, and spending time alone to adjust. She had left behind a Galaxy torn apart by a war between the Old Republic and Sith Empire, only to find herself in an entirely new conflict that felt similar in so many ways. A struggle between Light and Dark that seemed to always persist. But unlike the war prior to her time in stasis, this one was going to end today. She could feel just how close they were to rid the Galaxy of their evil.

But they had to remain focused and each and every soldier, Jedi, pilot or crewman had to commit to their part in this attack for it to be successful. Valery was ready to play her part, and together with Kahlil Noble and many others, she stood on board Lightpoint Station to do just that. The newly developed station had followed after the fleets arrived and jumped into the system, where it maintained a safe distance away from the battle that was going to erupt.

Ships were escorting it, and its own defenses were all ready.

​

"There it is," Valery said as she looked out through the window from the room that held the augmentation chamber. "Exegol... for so long we've worked hard to even find this place, let alone reach it," Valery continued with furrowed brows — even all the way out here, she could feel the sickening darkness of that planet. It only strengthened her determination to cleanse this planet.

"It will take time before the station is ready, so until then we wait and defend it." Right now, they were still far away from the engaging fleets, but she wanted to be ready for anything. From bombers trying to reach it, to boarding parties hoping to bring chaos inside this station. No matter what the Maw would throw at them, they could not fail today.

But as she stood by the window with her husband, she sensed another presence she hadn't felt in a long time. A darker one, she could never forget after their clashes on Cato Neimoidia and Tython. Kyrel Ren was out there somewhere, and she knew that he'd be able to sense the Nobles as well.

"You can feel him as well, can't you?" she frowned and turned her gaze to Kahlil.

Kahlil Noble | Kyrel Ren ​