OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Further flesh out the Space Elves. The Shadow Knights are an Eldorai organisation of rebels and dissidents. The Codex sub exists to provide an alternate outlet for RPs with this group and to provide both a protagonist and antagonist for stories going forward.
Image Credit: Here. 'Roman Eagle Standard', Dan Blackman, found on dribble.com.
Canon: N/A.
Permission: Can use Firemane stuff because I own the company.
Links: Kaida Taldir, Court of the Four Elements, Eldorai, Qadiri, Vashyada, Sciiac Guardians, To Hell and Back, Kar'zun, Eldorai Exodus, Twin Exiles, Xioquo, Siobhan, Firemane, The Angelii, Kaeshana, Blades of Reason, Emissaries of Illyria, Chapter of the Black Trade, Starstriders, Young Squires, Kar'zun, Court of Providence.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Organization Name: Shadow Knights.
Classification: Paramilitary Underground Organisation | Rebel Alliance | Military Republic.
Affiliation: Naesala Faethyra, Eldorai, Kaida Taldir, Asuran Star Combine, Themselves (faction), Court of the Shadows.
Organization Symbol: The sigil of the Shadow Knights is an Eldorai eagle upon a red field. Eagle imagery has tradition in the Eldorai army, and thus it shows their connection to their people's martial traditions. At the same time, the proud bird symbolises that they are exiles and renegades seeking a new way of life. Finally, the red stands for the blood that must be shed in the defence of freedom.
Description: The Shadow Knights are a revolutionary movement that has split off from the Eldorai Matriarchy. They strive to build what they consider to be a more just and egalitarian social order than can be found in the Monarchy. Their ideology is characterised by pan-Eldorai nationalism, militarism, social justice and opposition to imperialist factions. To protect their interests, the Shadow Knights maintain their own paramilitary forces. These are composed of irregulars, hardened partisans and professional soldiers who learned their trade in the regular Eldorai military. Thus their quality, numbers and capabilities vary. A lot of their activity is focused on protecting independent Eldorai settlements and colony ships, though they are also equipped to carry out raids, skirmishes and so on. The basis of their society is a nomad fleet.
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Headquarters: Defiance - an Asur Class Worldship.
Domain: The basis of their society is a nomad fleet. Recruiters and cells can be found in several Eldorai settlements and colony ships. They have semi-clandestine operations on Arkas and Tygara. Firemane alternates between suppressing and tolerating them, depending on whether they are believed to be causing mischief or not.
Notable Assets: They have access to several corvettes, frigates, carriers and cruisers. But they cannot field war fleets or huge battleships comparable to those of an interstellar government. Moreover, their ships tend to be fairly old when compared to what a government or many corporations would field. Space nomads cannot be choosers, after all, though they are masters of improvisation. They also have gas collectors, mining, cargo and salvage vessels and some manufacturing ships. The Shadow Knights control the Asuran Star Combine, which is run as a parastatal. Own the En Caerith Wain (Eldarai for the Shadowed Way), an Ashira Class Fast Cruiser.
SOCIAL INFORMATION
Hierarchy: The Shadow Knights might have rejected Eldorai orthodoxy, but despite their commitment to a more egalitarian order, they still operate under a strict hierarchy. Their government is more representative than an absolute monarchy, but closer to an oligarchic republic than a democracy. The citizens form a body of voters. Military service is required for a member to be considered a ctizen and thus possess voting rights. It is pertine to note that service encompasses more than frontline combat action. Only those who have 'served with distinction' are allowed to hold office. Since direct democracy is impractical (and not really desired), the citizens collectively elect a ruling council, which is elected for ten years with re-election possible after that time. In turn, the councillors choose one of their number to be the Archon, who is both the political leader and commander-in-chief. She is appointed for 20 years and cannot have her term extended before then. She can run for re-election after her term is up.
The Council holds the power to impeach the Archon, but this requires a two-thirds majority and is only practiced in the case of serious offences. The common folk can address petitions to the council. If these receive a certain amount of votes, the council is required to debate the motion, but not necessarily act on it. The Archon has a soft veto on the council's actions - they can send it back to the council for a revote but cannot kill the motion themselves. She is also the chief diplomat of the Shadows. She represents them in negotiations with foreign entities such as governments or corporations or appoints emissaries to do that. In the hierarchy, military people are on top, one level below there are people who perform vital tasks such as doctors, followed by armourers, craftswomen, mechanics, agri-farmers and so on. The present Archon is Naesala Faethyra, a former Eldorai officer and Forsaken leader.
In times of crisis, the Archon is empowered to take emergency measures without the prior consent of the Citizens' Council. This power is understood to include the promulgation of emergency decrees. If public security and order are seriously disturbed or endangered, the Archon may take measures necessary for their restoration, intervening if need be with the assistance of the armed forces. For this purpose she may suspend for a while, in whole or in part, the fundamental rights guaranteed by he constitution. However, the Archon must inform the Council without delay of all measures taken. These measures are to be revoked on the demand of the Council. Basically she can become a dictator for a short while, before power is handed back to the Council. An additional special power conferred on the Archon by the constitution is the authority to use armed force to oblige a ship in the nomad fleet to cooperate if it fails to meet its obligations under the constitution or under national law.
The Shadows have established specific spheres or courts dedicated to certain businesses or professions. These have a broad mandate to oversee day-to-day operations. One could call them a cross between a government department and a guild. For instance, the Court of Providence is responsible for manufacturers, agri-farmers etc., the Court of War for soldiers, pilots and naval personnel and the Court of the Four Elements for Force-users. All the members of a sphere elect a council who then choose the head of their specific court. This high official receives the title of Magister. This involves the citizens in governance, but also makes society quite regimented. Councillors who become Magisters must give up their seat on the Citizens' Council.
Each Court oversees a broad mandate, controlled by the Archon and the central leaders. The Archon and the Council have oversight over everything, and are responsible for determining policy, strategy and control the purse strings. The Archon can remove a Magister who abuses her authority, but can be overruled by a two-thirds majority of the Council. The Courts and their functions are further elaborated upon here. The Shadows also maintain a network of smugglers and spies called the Chapter of the Black Trade. They are not popular due to their often unsavoury pursuits, but vital for the group's survival. Meanwhile, the Starstriders act as an exploration corps.
Shadow Knight elections are reasonably fair to those who count as citizens. However, most of the elves have no democratic tradition and the Shadow Knight leaders are oligarchs rather than democrats. Thus they still have to deal with problems such as fraud, vote manipulation or people being pressured to vote the way their superiors want. Time will tell whether their institutions will be able to overcome these hurdles or not. It is pertinent to note that the Shadow Knights also include various elf groups that are associated with them and must follow their laws, but still retain a large degree of internal autonomy. Conflict between individual groups or say ship captains still occurs. There is also a risk that the Council might be stuck in a deadlock. The further an element of the nomad fleet is away from the Defiance, the less the central leadership is able to impose its will. However, the centre controls the purse strings and the best-equipped troops. It is the age-old tug of war between the centre and the periphery. Space is vast, after all.
Membership: In principle, all elves from the Eldorai family of races can join. However, they must recant their oath of allegiance to the Crown. They also cannot associate with groups the Shadow Knights consider inimical to Eldorai interests, especially Sith, the First Order etc. Furthermore, nobles must renounce their titles and join the people. In practical terms, they are all but barred. The same applies to 'reactionaries', 'traitors' and 'statists' in general. However, the Shadow Knights embrace Eldorai subraces as kin, welcoming Qadiri, Xioquo and Vashayada into their ranks as fellow Asurans.
Kar'zun are allowed to join, though very few do for obvious reasons. There are also some Togorians since the Shadows are working together with a group of exiles. They tend to be there on a contractual basis and in what amounts to an outreach programme. That said, Eldorai many of the top jobs are still occupied by Eldorai. Potential recruits are vetted carefully. They may have to undertake small missions to prove themselves. This especially applies to candidates whose loyalty may be in question, such as former royalists. Sciiac Guardians have a special place in the group. These are elf warriors who suffered fatal injuries and whose souls now inhabit spirit gems that have been placed in special war droid droid bodies. A few are also criminals who do penance, but most are veterans who are continuing the fight in unlife. The Guardians are considered citizens, not servitors, which means they have voting rights. Most serve as elite shock troops or guards for the Council, but some work in law enforcement. They are quite detached from organic life and thus seen as particularly reliable.
Climate: Patriotism is widespread and encouraged by the leadership. The movement does its best to foster a spirit of community to overcome the barriers that have divided the Eldorai for so long - and still do. Economic life is regulated by the government. To call their economic system Selectivist would be unfair though. It's a form of socialism created out of emergency measures, pragmatism, and necessity rather than revolutionary zeal. The guiding values of society at large are resilience, sustainability, duty, discipline and order. The unofficial motto is 'freedom is never free'. There is no room for idleness. A Shadow Knight must obey her superiors and do her duty. She must train regularly, keep herself in good physical and mental shape, know how to maintain her blaster and participate in regular drills.
Eldorai birth rates are comparatively low, so members are encouraged to have children because the elves must build up their population. Having lots of children is discouraged because the nomad fleet's resources are finite, but a healthy surplus is deemed necessary. In traditional Eldorai society, women are the main breadwinners, while men are expected to be subservient. Liberal detractors claim that the Shadow Knights' natalist policies reinforce 'archaic gender roles'. However, the government operates day care centres because it is in the nomad fleet's interests to have all hands on deck. Men have access to most jobs, but workplace discrimination is sadly still an issue. Women are often paid more for doing the same sort of work.
The Shadow Knights started as a coalition of rebels, and while great strides have been made in standardising methods and doctrine, older rebel groups still jealously guard their autonomy. Some are fairly egalitarian on gender matters, others very misandrist. Ironically, the Illyrians may be the most progressive. The Shadow Knights have a youth organisation called the Young Squires. It educates the youth, organises tournaments and teaches them their skills. A key rite of passage in the Squire's life is called the Journey. On that day, Squires who are close to maturity leave the nomad fleet for a short time to learn more about the outside Galaxy and expand their knowledge for the benefit of the community.
Despite all the patriotic rhetoric, the Shadow Knights cannot rewrite sentient nature, which means they must offer incentives. Those who do their jobs can expect to be cared for, receive bonuses and some level of comfort. Military service is glorified to a considerable degree. Those who are seen as not pulling their weight get short shrift. They are often conscripted into some form of national or penal service - or exiled. The Shadow Knights consider long-term imprisonment wasteful - and in a way cruel. They also have limited space. So they prefer to exile or execute felons. Individuals who have committed less serious crimes are fined or must perform reparation through labour. In the last case, they are subjected to penal servitude for a finite amount of time, though it is is governed by strict guidelines. Caning is mandantory for all crimes. The Shadows follow a 'three strikes' concept. If you get caught on a misdemenour, that's one strike. Three of them is a felony. Three felonies of any sort...capital punishment. Of course, some are capital from the start, such as murder and treason.
It is a culture that prizes frugality and views wastefulness and laziness as cardinal sins. If someone is disabled, the government will find them a desk job. Caring for veterans who suffered injuries or bereaved family members of dead soldiers is viewed as an important obligation on the part of the community. Extensive accumulation of private wealth is heavily frowned upon and regarded as a sign of decadence. In addition, there is a maximum wage. People do not live in deprivation, but lives of opulent luxury are unheard of even for the leaders of society. Indeed, a strong sense of tall poppy syndrome means that displays of extreme wealth are looked upon quite unfavourably. Of course, this does not mean there are no greedy or self-serving elements. They can be found among the Shadow Knights just like in every other organisation. But those who indulge are better off not flaunting it in public. Archon Faethyra is famous for wearing a humble Private's uniform with her rank stitched on to it.
Corruption, racism, prebendalism and favouritism remain issues though. It is difficult to achieve transparency in what is fundamentally a rather authoritarian society, which gets in the way of uncovering abuse of power, dirty dealings and so on. In that regard, Shadow Knight society is a bit contradictory. As Lady Varisanthra Lycaeni once remarked, “There is this naive idea that everyone has a duty and if they just perform their duty then everything will be wonderful. It’s the duty of the officers to lead and the duty of everyone else to just accept that and obey.” Power struggles also still take place behind the scenes. The diversity of the Shadow Knights is a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, it can make them more open to new ideas and means they can pool the strengths of different groups. But on the other it can be a cause of tension. Eldorai have no liberal tradition and a tendency towards ideological hair-splitting. The idea that every religion must be tolerated and that everyone must go to heaven in their own way is difficult for them to understand.
Despite the official commitment to equality, several Eldorai Shadow Knights are still wedded to the idea that Eldorai are more equal than their cousins. The rise of Tygaran power brokers such as Qual'Zyanya and Ashkala Jai Banaar has challenged this xenophobic viewpoint. The Starstriders and the Court Healing are run by a Qadiri and a Vashyada respectively. Time will tell whether the Shadow Knights will be able to bridge the gulf or schism. A growing number of Qadiri serve as pilots or navigators. On first sight, this is quite surprising since the Tygarans are new to spaceflight. However, the Qadiri have inherent navigational skills. Their technical prowess makes Xioquo useful in engineering roles, while Vashyada are skilled at agriculture and making stuff grow. The Tygaran recruits tend to be political and ideological dissidents. For instance, Vashyada who join the Shadows tend to be exiles among their people. Others are outlaws, criminals or simply very adventurous types who want to see the stars. A good number of Qadiri are renegades who opposed Shahbânu Semiramis, a Firemane ally.
The Shadow Knights view voting as a civic duty and practice compulsory voting. All citizens have the responsibility to choose their representatives and hold them accountable. This is a duty, not an inherent right. This ties in with the Shadows' belief that citizenship must be earned through service to the community. If people grow apathic and stay at home, a government will lose legitimacy and no longer be responsible to the electorate. This would allow a self-interested minority to dominate the government and separate it from the people. It is also meant to improve the quality of individuals who are elected to office. Citizens who fail to vote in an election are subjected to loss of citizenship unless they can provide a valid reason, such as illness, or pay a fine. Repeat offenders lose their citizenship. They can regain it, but it takes work. The Shadows also have a youth movement called the Young Squires.
One of the morally questionable aspects of the Shadow Knights is the use of spirit gems to preserve elves too valuable to lose. These tend to be soldiers and pilots, but also doctors, researchers and technicians. By having their spirit trapped inside a soul stone, they can continue to serve beyond death, pass on their skills and serve the community. Officially, only volunteers are subjected to the treatment. However, in some cases individuals with essential skills have been 'volunteered'. This was the case with most members of Banshee Squadron, an elite starfighter squadron. It should be noted that spirit gems are rare, so the procedure is only carried out on a limited number of people.
As a movement, the Shadow Knights have abandoned the idea of Eldorai racial superiority. After all, the past two decades of humiliation have done a good job disproving it. Naturally old habits die hard and so many Eldorai who belong to the group still have racist beliefs. But the leadership is interested in survival and progress, not dreams about manifest destiny. Their philosophy is Asurans first. The Galaxy is a bleak, dangerous place, and the Eldorai and their cousins must do everything in their power to survive. Their dedication to elves above all is not based on notions of racial supremacy. Rather the elves must struggle to attain the best possible position, otherwise they will be consigned to extinction, enslavement or vassalage.
Foreigners are treated warily. Slavers and other beings regarded as inimical to the elves are shot out of hand. However, the Shadow Knights are quite willing to work with foreigners they believe won't betray or manipulate them. For instance, they have established a cooperative relationships with a group of Togorian exiles, who left their homeworld after repeated genocides at the hands of the Sith. The felines are strong warriors and in a similar boat as the Shadows.
Because they need to make money, the Shadows hire out some of their warriors. They can also escort convoys. Moreover, their ships can provide transportation services by ferrying goods and people to their destination. This is probably less interesting for major governments and corporations, as they tend to have their own resources. But it is useful for the more primitive or underdeveloped worlds the Shadow Knights often encounter. Naturally it is also a way for renegades, smugglers and so on to circumvent laws and government jurisdictions. Unless it is something that affects them or other elves, the Shadow Knights have a tendency of looking the other way. However, they despite slavers and refuse to make deals with them. It is policy to kill slavers. Sometimes by spacing them.
Reputation: Varies. Reputation among Sith and followers of the First Order would be poor since the Shadow Knights opposed their control of Kaeshana. They are also opposed to Imperials or Sith in general. Monarchist or conservative Eldorai generally regard the Shadow Knights as 'Dark Eldorai' - apostates, traitors and anarchists who have forsaken the true Eldorai way. By contrast, several Forsaken and Eldorai exiles have a positive view of the rebel group, viewing it as more progressive than the ancien régime. However, this is view is far from universal, as the exodites are split into several factions with different viewpoints. Detractors criticise their oligarchic power structure and self-righteousness, regarding their claims of being a progressive force as hollow. Firemane is wary of them, as several Shadow Knights have a background as professional revolutionaries, who fought the corporation in the past. But all in all, the Shadow Knights are rather insular and try to keep a low profile. Their focus is on the preservation of their people, not domination of others. Thus they strive to avoid entanglements in foreign quarrels, unless they see a benefit for themselves.
Curios: Shadow Knight leaders wear a ring bearing the symbol of an eagle. Infiltrators and recruiters identify themelves by wearing a green ribbon. This references the ancient Green Ribbons, a radical movement during the Time of Troubles that sought to overthrow the Matriarchy. Full members receive a dagger with the words 'the truth sets us free' engraved upon it. Senior officers can be awarded a Sarix.
Rules:
- All Asurans - Eldorai, Qadiri, Vashyada and Qadiri - are one people. They share the same blood and are thus brethren. Thus racial discrimination is a crime against the people. Respect for Asurans on all levels.
- Do your part to support your motherland. Ask not what your motherland can do for you, but what you can do for it.
- Outsiders can be allies, but Asurans should be self-reliant and never let foreigners dominate them.
- Monarchy is antithetical to liberty and progress.
- Obedience to lawful authority.
- The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. To be a citizen, one must display a willingness to serve and defend the community. Service guarantees citizenship. Only citizens may vote or hold public office.
- Freedom of religion. An Asurans' conscience is their own, provided they do not spread discord and incite hatred against their people.
- No mercy to traitors, slavers and enemies of the Eldorai and their cousins.
In the society advocated by the Shadow Knights, freedom must be balanced with responsibility. Ergo those who have shown willingness to place the interests of the community above their own and perform the ultimate sacrifice are the ones most worthy of leadership. The right to vote is regarded as a responsibility a citizen must prove they are worthy of. This stance is also reflected in the Shadow Knights' justice system. When an officer or official commits a crime she receives a far severer punishment than a grunt would receive because as an officer she should have a better understanding of his crime. A crime that would result in a minion being flogged might result in a death sentence if an officer commits it. Though not solely a military organisation, the Shadow Knights are dominated by former soldiers and hardened revolutionaries, and thus the group is permeated by a military ethos.
Aristocracy is seen as a cancer upon the Asuran body politic, and thus all noble titles have been abolished. Nobles wield power and wealth they inherited from their ancestors without having to work for it, while lording over the common people. Likewise, the Shadow Knights are also opposed to clericalism due to the alliance between altar and throne in orthodox Eldorai society. However, the group is divided on the question religion since while radical forces seek to enforce a general policy of atheism, others are still attached to the old religion. These forces argue that the problem is not religion, but the temporal power the clergy wields. Thus freedom of conscience and freedom of religion currently represent the official policy. Kaida herself is a radical atheist, but much to her frustration, she's discovered that this belief is a bit difficult to enforce. Extensive accumulation of private wealth is heavily frowned upon and regarded as a sign of decadence. In addition, there's a maximum wage.
It is mandatory for Force-Sensitives to be taught how to control their gifts and utilise them to the benefit of the community. For every member must contribute and they are no exception. Force-users who display an aptitude for combat are conscripted by the military. A body called the Court of the Four Elements is responsible for vetting and training Force-Sensitives as well as making sure they get jobs and an education. It is the law that all Force-Sensitives must be identified and receive training to control their abilities. Force-Users who are judged to be unable to gain the necessary control are stripped of their powers so that they do not become a threat to themselves and the community. From the point of view of the Court, this is an act of mercy. Force power is a responsibility, not a right. Not everyone is ready for it.
The Shadow Knights are willing to work with non-elf groups, but emphasise self-reliance, believing that the Matriarchy became too dependent on outsiders. Their philosophy is Asurans first. The Galaxy is a bleak, dangerous place, and the Eldorai and their cousins must do everything in their power to survive. Their dedication to elves above all is not based on notions of racial supremacy. Rather the elves must struggle to attain the best possible position, otherwise they will be consigned to extinction, enslavement or vassalage. The group is hostile to Sith and followers of the First Order.
Goals: To ensure the survival of the Eldorai race and their cousins, unbound by the three pillars of crown-temple-nobility. They also seek to create a new haven for their people. Furthermore, they strive to free elves held in slavery or other forms of servitude. It should be noted that the Shadow Knights are not a monolith. While the general goals remain the same, different factions place different priorities.
MEMBERS
Naesala Faethyra is the Archon of the Shadow Knights and thus their elected leader. Her powers are considerable, but not unlimited, as she has to answer to the council. Thus her position requires political acumen as well as command skills. Though the exact opposite of a career politician, Naesala has been able to adapt to her position and establish a reputation as someone who looks past petty factional strife. Naesala used to be a career officer in the Eldorai Matriarchy's, before going into exile after running afoul of Eldorai court politics. The Archon is a Non-Force-User and belongs to the Followers of Arryn. This is an Ashiran sect that is considered heretical by the orthodox Church for esposuing the belief that Ashira was the embodiment of the divine force given Eldorai form, with a mortal body and a divine will. She is dedicated to the Shadow Knights' principles, believing that authority must be obtained through service. Her biggest skill is her ability to keep together the disparate forces and use them effectively. Eschewing fancy attire, she wears a Private's uniform with her rank bars stitched onto the shoulder.
Yseult Faerin is Naesala's right hand as Strategos. Ironically, Yseult is the bastard daughter of an Eldorai royal family that was deposed by the present Star Queen's mother. Having seen her family's obsession with regaining the throne cause it to destroy itself, Yseult swore off the game of thrones and became a soldier of fortune, accepting contracts from Omega Pyre, the Fringe and other factions. She fought for the Republic in the One Sith War and reached general officer rank, before retiring. She was pulled back into action by the cataclysmic events on Kaeshana. She is there for the pay, but also because she believes in the cause and wants to make a difference. Hot-tempered, direct and stern, she does not tolerate incompetence or nepotism, but encourages critical thinking among her subordinates. Yseult is not a 'genius', but solid, competent and quick to seize the initiative.
Ashkala Jai Banaar is a Machiavellian Qadiri sorceress, alchemist seer and astrogator. She heads the Hierophants of the Eternal Void, a Qadiri sect whose members specialise in astrogation and navigation through use of the Force. This makes them a crucial component of the nomad fleet and gives her a lot of influence in the councils of the Shadow Knights. Ashkala sees the group as useful, but is not wedded to it. Qual'Zyanya is a Xioquo oligarch who tried to prevent the awakening of her people's mad goddess by blowing up the council performing the rite, but inadvertently ended up hastening it. Persecuted as a traitor and unwilling to submit to Firemane after Siobhan slew Mystra, she became an exile. For a while, she was one of Sumiko Tanaka's apprentices, which she has kept secret so far. Time away from Tygara has forced her to expand her horizons and question some beliefs she has long held as truths.
Stylena is a Forsaken and an important player in Shadow Knight politics. She is a representative of the Rationalist faction, which rejects religious 'superstition' in favour of reason and scientific advanacement. She identifies the calamities the Eldorai have endured as the result of their backwardness, and believes that it must be overcome by any means necessary. Stylena has a background in the Dark Eldorai revolutionary underground as a ruthless insurgent, conspirator and bandit. She is a consummate bureaucrat and heads the Court of Production. Tynan Vanoth is the Commander of the Harbingers of Twilight, a sect of Force Dead Eldorai raiders and warriors who worship Illyria, Goddess of the Underworld. Skillful, secretive and cunning, he was one of the architects of their rebellion against their Vong captors and made himself a name as a raider. His group is affiliated with the Shadow Knights.
The Court of the Four Elements is chaired by Marlaen Nylath, a former Angelii and rebel. While she was a member of the corps herself, she sheltered a younger sister from the Angelii because she felt she would not make it and wanted to spare her the pain. However, without supervision, her sister succumbed to the dark side. Marlaen had to learn the lesson that even for those you love there must be boundaries and controls. She has dedicated herself to ensuring that other families do not have to experience what she did - and that those who abuse their gifts do not go unpunished. She is a professional soldier with a strong belief in duty. Her past has made her a somewhat aloof, guarded woman. Lacks the racist sentiments many Eldorai (including Shadow Knight ones) have towards the Tygaran natives and has even taken the time to educate herself about their customs. She is dedicated to Ardarvia and Valora.
The Caerith Tyari, the group's equivalent of the Angelii Corps. are commanded by Daymana Thael. Once she was an Angelii who served the Crown. Forced to commit unlawful acts during the reign of Tirathana VI, she rebelled and was arrested for sedition. The disgraced Angelii was due to be executed but escaped with her fellow prisoners due to having an insider in the guards. The renegades managed to go underground, steal a ship and escape with the help of a visiting merchant. Her experiences with the darker side of the ancien régime turned Daymana into an arch rebel completely opposed to the old order. As a result, she became an insurgent. She was one of the Forsaken when Kaeshana was turned into a wasteland. Five survivors of her old unit still remain with her to this day. Daymana is a charismatic, inspirational leader who a strong affinity for elemental fire abilities.
Yohara Taenasi is the chief scientist of the Defiance and head of the Court of the Mind, the official association of scholars, scientists and researchers. Yohara is the inventor of the modern soul gems, a radical iconoclast and a passionate technophile dedicated to what she terms the cause of progress and the advancement of prosperity. Her experiences in the Matriarchy have left her with a strong disdain for the ancien régime and conservative Eldorai forces. She is sensitive to the Force, but her affinity is too low to merit training. This frustrates her, but has also given her a superiority complex. Yohara is very good at her job and no coward, but pompous.
Jahira Jai Kazal, Chanadi Jai Himoul, Sabatay, Siona Vaerum, Morwen and Tryana are among the warriors and field operatives of the Shadow Knights. Ylaea Althena is a recruiter and a field agent who works for the Archon. Kytara Valon is an Eldorai pilot and commando, whose soul is trapped inside a soul gem. She uses an HRD body to interact with the world and commands Banshee Squadron. The former Angelii Kaida Taldir and her sister Lavina Taldir are two of the group's field officers, commanding one of their ships and grond units. They work alongside Eyrecae Alzari, the so-called Hidden Paragon.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Officially, all good Eldorai are united. They all believe in the Great Goddess Ashira - and in the other Eldorai deities, though they're less important. They all believe that the Star Queen is the Goddess' viceroy and that her decrees reflect divine will. Admittedly there are a few Eldorai who cannot partake in the Matriarchy's glory because their homeworld is occupied, but one day they will be liberated. Presumably. Maybe. However, the Eldorai are far less united than they would like. Indeed, their race has a history of divisions and strife. In many ways, they have often been their own worst enemy throughout their blood-soaked history. As the Rogue Knight Ylaea Althena is fond of saying, three Eldorai are a church, four a schism and five a civil war.
All those Eldorai considered renegades are labelled as Dashdae Eldorai. This is commonly translated as Dark Eldorai, though it is a bit of a misnomer since it has nothing to do with the Light or Dark Side of the Force. They want to overthrow the Matriarchy and implement a ‘pure’ government and defy the Goddess. At least that's one way of looking at it. Of course, it is more complex than that, and the Dark Eldorai include a myriad of different and competing groups under a broad general banner. Some want a mageocracy, some a military dictatorship, some want equal male rights, others a Republic (though generally one with a limited franchise). Some seek accommodation with outsiders and believe the Eldorai can learn from them, others think all non-Eldorai are foreign devils and that only fervent belief in the Goddess Ashira can lead the Eldorai to salvation. Others again worship Illyria, considered an evil goddess in Eldorai orthodoxy for rebelling against Ashira. In the eyes of these rebels, she's the patron deity of the downtrodden.
Yet they are all lumped together as Dark Eldorai, a name which automatically prejudices opinion. Centuries ago, during a period called the Time of Troubles on Kaeshana, there was a group of radicals called the Green Ribbons. These revolutionaries sought to overthrow the monarchy and pursued a radical egalitarian agenda. However, the insurrection was crushed, though it would be a long time before the Matriarchy was stabilised. Though the modern Dashdae differ from the Green Ribbons in many ways, they often regard them as forebears. The Shadow Knights are one of these groups.
The catalyst for their formation was the Exodus from Kaeshana. Even before this cataclysmic event, Eldorai society had been plagued by divisions. The liberal reforms of Queen Tirathana VII had caused controversy. For the reactionaries, they went too far, compromising old Eldorai values. They also opposed the Queen's alliances with foreigners, especially Firemane Industries. For the radicals, Tirathan did not go far enough, for enlightened despotism is still...despotism, and the tripartite alliance between throne, temple and nobility remained in place as the Queen understood that she would otherwise jeopardise the stability of the realm. Both reactionary Ashiran and revolutionary insurrectionists remained a perennial thorn in the government's side.
But it was the Exodus that caused a deep fracture in Eldorai society. Only a limited number of people could be evacuated before an asteroid devastated Kaeshana. Who could be saved, who had to be left behind? There was no easy answer to this question. Furthermore, the exodus fleet needed to be funded somehow. To build a new civilisation on their new homeworld, the Eldorai needed people with the right skills and know-how. Some Eldorai disagreed with the idea that the 'best and brightest' needed to be prioritised. Some considered it immoral that aristocrats who'd never contributed to society got to buy a guarateed ticket. Of course, in doing so they helped fund the fleet. And some Eldorai were renegades and malcontents who knew they'd definitely not get evacuated. Chaos broke out during the Exodus as a mass panic descended upon the people of Kaeshana. Some soldiers, unwilling to follow the orders of the government, defected. As a consequence, violence ensued. Religious fanatics claimed that the cataclysm was Ashira's punishment.
The Shadow Knights started as a sworn covenant of Eldorai who recanted their oath to the Queen. Their leader was Naesala Faethyra. In the old days of Tirathana VI, when Kaeshana had been isolated before being opened up by the Omega Protectorate, Naesala had been a career soldier who sought to take the initiative against the pirates and slavers that preyed on the Eldorai, by acquiring spaceships and foreign tech. However she'd been smacked down for breaking the willow pallisade of isolation. Eventually, she deserted, becoming a soldier of fortune and a leader among the exiles. Many years later, she returned after learning of the imminent cataclysm to help lead the rebels. Naesala is a follower of the Eldorai preacher Arryn, who was executed many centuries ago by the Eldorai state for the terrible heresy of proclaiming that the nature of the Goddess Ashira was not wholly divine, but also infused with the spirit of a mortal woman. Exposure to the outside world had broadened her horizons and taught her the value of pragmatism and compromise.
Many were soldiers who'd served offworld. Having been exposed to the outside world, they'd come to question the old order. Others were revolutionaries - or terrorists, depending on perspective - who'd spent their life in the underground. Their stated mission was to ensure the survival of the Eldorai race, outside of the confines of the Matriarchy. This included trying to help Eldorai escape outside of the official channels. But also trying to set up bunkers and such that would allow those doomed to stay behind to escape. It was not an easy alliance, for many of the Knights bore a grudge against the government and some considered it more important to fight it, pursuing their vendettas and throwing bombs even as Nemesis came. They ended up being purged.
In the aftermath of the cataclysm, the Knights maintained a presence on the planet. Due to the efforts of Firemane Industries, the asteroid had been significantly reduced in size by the time it impacted. Thus not all life was wiped out. But many still perished. For the remaining Eldorai, it was a daily struggle for survival. Many starved to death, perished in conflicts over resources between different warlord factions or ended up being abducted by slavers or the nefarious machine cult Archangel. The Knights worked with the surviving communities, offering protection. At the same time, they dedicated themselves to recovering lost technology. A cynic would say that they were just another warlord faction - but certainly a better organised one. Indeed, their regime was an elective dictatorship. Hoarding and looting was punished, those able to work were conscripted into labour battalions. Slavers - and those who collaborated with them - were publicly executed. Beyond Kaeshana, operatives of the group worked with Eldorai exodites who'd left the homeworld for this or that reason but refused to bend the knee to the Monarchy.
Necessity created unorthodox alliances, and so the Shadow Knights incorporate disparate Dark Eldorai groups. Some joined through negotiation, others were forcibly incorporated. Not all of these alliances survived the Long Night. The bad blood between many rebel groups made cooperation difficult. An example would be the hostility between the Aspirants and the Emissaries of Illyria, who both detested one another. Shadow Knight propaganda likes to claim that all progressive Eldorai banded together in the hour of need. But this is a fanciful notion. The Forsaken were split into different factions. Some the Shadows defeated, others they compromised with and others again remained completely independent. Resources were scarce, strife with warlords was endemic and Kaeshana was often attacked by slavers and raiding parties from the genocidal machine cult Archangel. To gain resources, the Shadows took to raiding offworld targets.
Then Firemane, the Galactic Alliance and the Tygaran Eldorai launched a humanitarian mission to help the Eldorai who'd been left behind. There was a great deal of suspicion and bitterness. Reluctantly, many of the Forsaken, as the Kaeshana-based Eldorai had come to call themselves, agreed to accept their aid. However, the First Order had also taken an interest in Kaeshana. The result was war. Taking up arms alongside their estranged brethren, the Knights fought as well. At the Citadel of Dusk, an agreement was reached between local Dashdae Eldorai leaders and Countess Selene Tarai, the Star Queen's representative. However, the Allliance was defeated. Nonetheless, many Eldorai refugees could be evacuated during the withdrawal, as Dusk had served as a safe zone for them. The Archon faced a vote of no-confidence, but was able to survive the Council vote and remain in office. One might consider this progress because the argument was fought with words instead of blasters and blades.
With the fall of Kaeshana, the Knights were at a crossroads. Their ranks had been thinned by the fighting over the last few years. However, there was little desire to submit to the Monarchy. Especially after the head of the ducal house of Cadalthor, Tarissa Cadalthor, attempted to launch a coup on Tygara and install herself as queen. Though the coup failed and Tarissa was executed, it confirmed many of their biases since the Duchess had been an arch-reactionary. Moreover, she'd been executed by a human - Siobhan Kerrigan. As a result, the group dedicated itself to building a future for those Eldorai unbound by the old order. They took advantage of the disgrace of House Cadalthor to pillage some of their resources. Henceforth, the Shadow Knights' efforts would be centred on a rag-tag flotilla. In short, it would be a nomadic life, enabling them to stay mobile, while leaving open the possibility of finding a new home for those who desired terra firma. In the aftermath of the retreat from Kaeshana, the Archon managed to take an important towards bringing the various militias under an overarching, centralised command by appointing Yseult Faerin as Strategos.
Their ranks were supplemented by Tygaran Eldorai who'd grown unhappy with the government for this or that reason. Their inclusion was not always smooth, since a number of them were freethinking intellectuals with a rather romantic, 'absurd' notions. Such as direct democracy. Of more use were desillusioned ex-soldiers, though there was an understandable degree of awkwardness and suspicion when former enforcers of the Crown and 'rebel scum' had to work together. However, there were also schisms. For instance, Sahome Tyral, prophetess of the Aspirants, and a good portion of her fellow believers split to form their own migrant fleet. Attempts on the part of the junta to centralise authority as well as disputes over resources produced civil strife. With characteristic bluntness, Yseult commented that they were 'trimming away the fat.' The Shadows established their own exploration corps, the Starseekers. They were given the task to survey and chart the myriad stars of the far rim and beyond, with the goal to find worlds the elves could colonise on, establish outposts on or exploit for resources.
More Eldorai joined the group after the Serenade Incident: A mixed race settlement on the tropical world of Arkas was taken over by a zombie hive-mind, which consumed the populace. A joint Firemane-Eldorai operation to find out what had happened to the island and rescue civilians went awry when the soldiers were attacked by well-coordinated zombie hordes, and ultimately the town had to be bombed to contain the outbreak. A significant number of the inhabitants had been Eldorai exodites, among them affiliates of the Shadow Knights.
Following the incident, High Captain Kaida Taldir, who had commanded the Eldorai portion of the operation, defected to the renegades. Prior to her defection, the taciturn woman had been a senior officer among the Angelii. As a gift to her new allies, she woke up the primeval Eldorai warrior Eyrecae Alzari, who'd been stuck in stasis in a Tygaran tomb for more than twenty thousand years. Her defection inspired a number of her former subordinates to join the Shadows. She also played a role in recruiting and training Tygaran natives, as she had prior experience with the Eldorai's cousins from her time as an Angelii.
She put them to good use by founding the Examplars, a crack unit of Force warriors. In the spirit of progress and gender equality, the unit was opened up for elf males to join - despite Kaida's objections. When the Tygaran elves began to move into the stars, the Shadow Knights carried out a recruitment drive on the lost elf planet. To this end, they established local cells and set up discrete mining and smuggling operations on Arkas. Their conflict with Archangel intensified, as the machine cult regarded the disparate Eldorai communities as suitable raiding targets. After being hit by a devastating Archangel attack, the Shadow Knights were compelled to ally with Enyo Typhos and her criminal organisation. The two uneasy allies were able to defeat Archangel's fleet, whereupon Enyo took control over the corporation. The Shadow Knights suffered high casualties, but were able to free captured elf prisoners, steal ships and acquire Archangel entechment tech. They used it to create upgraded soul gems.
When the Shadow Knights left Kaeshana, they had intended to one day return and overthrow its occupiers. This was obviously a long-term goal rather than something that could be realistically accomplished in the short-term. Little did they know that the planet would be hit by another calamity, for Kaeshana was pulled into the Nether and dragged to the other side of the Galaxy. When the Shadows learned that the planet had moved, they suspected some kind of trick, but sent an expedition to confirm. There they ran into royalists, who had come to Kaeshana with the same goal in mind. They soon realised that Kaeshana had indeed moved and was no longer occupied by the First Order. However, the Netherworld's horrifying shockwaves had turned it into an inhospitable, haunted tomb world. The sight was horrible enough to force the rebels and royalists to agree to a truce and evacuate the last few survivors. Then they left Kaeshana. It forced them to acknowledge that if they wanted a home, they would have to build it, for the old was lost forever. A solemn ceremony was held on the Defiance to mourn the dead. The Archon gave a speech that was broadcast to the entire nomad fleet.
To raise funds, the Shadows have started offering the services of their soldiers and elements of the nomad fleet to interested parties. The funds generated through these activities are supposed to be invested into expanding their manufacturing basis, upgrading their vessels and improving the lives of their people. They have dispatched exploration teams to discover worlds they can exploit or establish outposts on. Finding a new homeworld is a long-term goal. For the time being they function as a paramilitary migrant fleet on the galactic fringe.
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