Zeradias Mant
Democracy Dies in Darkness
"A peaceful land, a quiet people"
BASIC INFORMATION
NAME: Zeradias Mant (Zeh-rah-dee-us Man-t)
NICKNAMES:
- Zera the Mant
- Overlord Actual
- Lord Mant
- Lord of Galatine
POSITIONS:
- Coruscant First, Founder / Party Leader
Politburo Standing Committee, First Ranking Member
[*]Galactic City Authority, Mayor of Galactic City
- People's State Council, Chairman
- Committee for the Preservation of Coruscant, Chairman
[*]Interstellar Cooperation Organization, Secretary-General
FORMER POSITIONS:
- Galactic City Authority, Executive of the Central District
- Iron Empire, Vice Regent
Iron Imperial Navy, Grand Admiral / Chief of Naval Operations
ISV Resolute, Commanding Officer - ISV Retribution, Commanding Officer
[*]Iron Wardens, Warden of Csilla
[*]One Sith Empire, Naval Commodore
- One Sith Navy, Commodore
Shadow Hand Command, Inspector General
[*]Mrlsst Trade and Science Academy, Adjunct Professor of Law
[*]Coruscant Security Force, Comptroller
- Diplomatic Protection Unit, Commander
- Vice Section, Chief Inspector
- Traffic Division, Sergeant
[*]Mandalorian Protectors, Rally Master
SPECIES: Human (Coruscanti)
LANGUAGES: Galactic Basic Standard, High Galactic, Mando'a
AGE: 52
SEX: Male
RELATIONSHIP: Single
HEIGHT: 1.75m
WEIGHT: 75kg
EYES: Ice blue
HAIR: Grey
SKIN: Light (Type II)
FORCE SENSITIVE: No
PERSONALITY
Though mild-mannered, Zeradias is a shrewd man often described as cold, calculating, and capable of great cruelty. He possesses a cold cunning, a skill for strategy, and plans far for the future. He rarely shows emotion, giving a cold impression to others. His manner of speaking tends to be blunt and insulting, his comments are frequently coarse and he is not above provoking or belittling those who oppose or irritate him. All of this makes him unsettling to a great many people. Despite all this, he places great trust in his subordinates and peers. Zeradias' obedience is strictly limited to individuals he respects, and while he will fall in line when required, he has no problem showing open disdain for authority from anyone outside of his circle.
Zera the Mant is cautious, intelligent, ruthless, and easily capable of unspeakable cruelty. He has a very calm and calculating personality, never publicly expressing anger, happiness, or sadness. Politically astute, he frequently offered the most pragmatic advice to his superiors, albeit the most ruthless. However, despite his ruthlessness, Zeradias appears to follow a code of honor to a certain degree, abhorring needless violence and cruelty.
Zeradias speaks softly, rarely raising his voice, forcing those who listen to do so intently. When Zeradias speaks, silence often follows. His unique stare and ice blue eyes have been said to make people uncomfortable, which he tries to use to his advantage.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS:
- [+] Military Genius: Zeradias is a seasoned military commander and an expert on tactics and maneuvers. He prides himself on being several steps ahead of his opponents.
- [+] Well-Spoken: Zeradias is an eloquent speaker, able to sway a great many people.
- [+] Unwavering: Zeradias is confident in his decisions and shows little doubt when making them.
- [+] Educated: Zeradias is a very well-educated man, having studied at several universities across the galaxy
- [+] Pragmatic: Zeradias is a cold realist, accepting of that which he cannot change. If something can be made to change though, he will.
- [-] War Pains: Zeradias suffers from minor arthritis. Though infrequent, it has a tendency of striking at the most inconvenient of times.
- [-] Overtasking: A strict sense of loyalty and duty keep a job-oriented Zeradias from his family and friends. With nowhere else to go, he tries to find what entertainment he can in conflict and in battle.
- [-] Bridges Aflame: In his rise to prominence, Zeradias made some decisions that burned some bridges. None have come back to haunt him...yet...
Zeradias is of average height and has ice blue eyes with a piercing gaze. He is an aging man, with thinning hair and lined features. Some consider him handsome, at least for his age. Despite his advancing age, he looks strong and capable and is every bit the skilled soldier he was in his youth.
EDUCATION
Mandalorian Royal Academy of Government (Keldabe, Mandalore)
812-816 ABY
Political Science and Government
Corulag University of Economics (Curamelle, Corulag)
818-822 ABY
Planetary Trade & Economics, Galactic Macroeconomics
University of Coruscant (Fobosi District, Coruscant)
822-825 ABY
History and Ethics
Arca Jeth University (Adascopolis, Arkania)
834-836 ABY
Xenolingusitics
Coruscant College of Law (Senate District, Coruscant)
837-839 ABY
Constitutional Law, Intergalactic Law
BIOGRAPHY
FOREWORD: MANDALORE, CORUSCANT, AND THE ONE SITH
Zeradias Mant was born to an influential Coruscanti family and was raised throughout the galaxy, though rarely with his family. At a young age, Zeradias was sent to Mandalore to study at the Royal Academy of Government. At the young age of 24, Zeradias found himself to be at a significant advantage compared to others his general age throughout the galaxy. Though he felt little connection to his homeworld, he was still drawn to it. No yearning though, could convince him to enlist and serve under the Sith, who've largely governed themselves through repressive tactics and deceit. He returned to Mandalore, from whence he studied, and joined the Mandalorian Protectors. His professors at the Royal Academy strongly discouraged the decision, citing he was too smart to put himself on the frontlines, and instead suggested he would much better serve from behind the scenes. This was after the fact though, and Zeradias was already committed.
The first months of his service he was a grunt, doing what he could to survive. It was a demanding environment that Zeradias was not prepared for, but he stayed afloat. He wasn't exceptional at infantry work, but he did his job to standard. He learned the native language, Mando'a, and embraced some of the more refined traits of Mandalorian culture. Some of his comrades even went as far to name him vod. After several months, he was transferred to a communications section where he excelled. He was shortly promoted to Rally Master thereafter and headed the Keldabe Radar Station. After two years of cumulative service, Zeradias' term of enlistment ended. He attended the Corulag University of Economics for the following four years.
Still, his homeworld called. Unable to ignore Coruscant's cries any longer, he returned home and joined the Coruscant Security Forces. Because of his experience and demonstrated leadership potential, he was granted the rank of Sergeant upon entry. He served as a traffic supervisor for several years, enforcing the planet's traffic law as well as handling many aspects of routine anti-crime operations. While he was in a lower activity assignment, he took classes at the University of Coruscant, graduating shortly before being promoted to Chief Inspector and assigned to the CSF's vice section, charged with combating the planet's vast anti-trafficking networks. It seemed like an impossible task, and largely it was, but it provided Zeradias with endless work. With no purpose or distinguishable meaning behind his drive, Zeradias fumbled. He requested a demotion to return to his previous job where he could attain some fulfillment from his work. This request however, was denied. Instead, he found himself promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, where he served as the vice commander of the One Sith's diplomatic escort team in the CSF's Diplomatic Protection Unit. It seemed counter intuitive that the Sith, people renowned for their cruelty in conquest and twisted morals, even had a diplomatic team. It was at this assignment though, that Zeradias' perception of the Sith changed. Though some of the rumors were validated, he found that not all practitioners of the Sith teachings were evil. It wasn't as black and white as he and many others imagined. Some of them were capable of empathy, or so it seemed at least.
Zeradias was able to apply some of his skillset from his Mandalorian Protector days to his present detail. The Sith visited the worlds within their dominion frequently, if not to maintain relations, to ensure fealty. One out of every five visits, at least, posed some sort of security threat. Zeradias himself had to take lives in defense of the Sith. It didn't please him, but he understood why it had to be done. After a seemingly routine visit to Dulvoylinn, the detail commander was killed in an ambush, along with two other members of the security detail and the Sith knight they were guarding. The mission a failure, Zeradias assumed interim command of the escort team and returned to Coruscant, where he was summoned to appear at CSF headquarters. Expecting to be reprimanded or worse, he was praised for salvaging what was left of the escort team and for quietly returning with their fallen Sith compatriot. On the spot, he was promoted to the Commander of the diplomatic escort team, where he served for three years before being placed on the command track within the Coruscant Security Forces. He was assigned to serve as the law enforcement organization's comptroller. It was just the dull assignment he needed, following the excitement and peril of his previous one. He stayed in that position for five years, before taking an indefinite leave of absence.
He once more committed himself to academia, furthering his studies at institutions of higher learning. From Arkania to Naboo, Zeradias expanded his mind as his pocketbooks shrunk. Had it not been for his parents' sizeable estate, there is no doubt Zeradias would not have had the many opportunities he's had. Nonetheless, he continued in his academic pursuits. In 843 ABY, he became an Adjunct Professor of Law for the Mrlsst Trade and Science Academy. His time on Mrlsst was short-lived though, as he grew to detest the methods of the Tapan government which held dominion over the system. He returned once more to Coruscant, where he commissioned as an officer in the One Sith Navy. Commensurate with his education and experience, he entered the service as a Captain, serving as the Deputy Inspector General of Shadow Hand Command.
In time, he rose to the rank of Commodore and held the position of Inspector General of Shadow Hand Command. Following the Galactic Alliance invasion and victory at Coruscant, Shadow Hand Command fell. Despite his best efforts to consolidate power and maintain a functioning command, the naval force was lost. One Sith agents throughout the planet were captured or killed. In the months that followed the fall of the Sith capital, the One Sith's empire fell as well. Rumors from credible sources told that the Military Executor Isamu Baelor was leading a mass exodus to the Unknown Regions. Much to his surprise, this flotilla was not a fringe organization of the One Sith, but rather one opposed to its ideology. His homeworld in shambles, there was nothing Zeradias could do further to help given the new ruling power and his present affiliation. His commission all but resigned, he requisitioned a grounded star destroyer before escaping Galactic Alliance space and rendezvousing with Baelor's flotilla.
CHAPTER 1: THE IRON EMPIRE
Instrumental in quashing the pirate factions n the Crossbones Conflict, Zeradias found himself face-to-face with the Executor-turned-Emperor. His actions having garnered Baelor's favor, his relevant past permitted him to join the newfound 'Iron Empire' as a Warden and Commodore, to assist in both management of naval assets as well as governance of the realm-to-be. After establishing themselves on the Chiss homeworld of Csilla, the Iron Imperial military defended itself and it's dominion against multiple fringe One Sith assaults. For a time after their riddance, there was relative peace. Despite the Iron Empire liberating Csilla from the tyrannical clutches of the defunct One Sith, there were many among its populace discontent with their presence. An insurrection began, and continued for the first year of the Iron Empire's existence and its expansion into the surrounding systems. Resigning his post as Warden of Csilla for a commission as a flag officer, then-Rear Admiral Mant led many comprehensive reforms to naval organization, resulting in signification increases in efficiency and power. He also saw himself spearheading several diplomatic initiatives, establishing relations with the Silver Jedi Order and creating a personnel exchange program to better foreign relations.
As the Iron Empire continued to solidify its hold on the Unknown Regions and its place in the galaxy, Zeradias ascended to the position of Chief of Naval Operations and was promoted to Grand Admiral, in line with the required rank of its respective office. As one of the more progressive members of Emperor Baelor's court, Zeradias continued to improve naval efficacy and diplomatic relations, establishing communications with the Outer Rim Coalition, Dawnguard, and securing an defensive alliance with the Galactic Empire. Recognized as a longstanding loyal denizen of the Iron Empire and effective leader, Zeradias was appointed Vice Regent, to serve as the right hand of the Full Metal Emperor. As the Vice Regent and principle commander of the Unknown Regions' largest navy, Zeradias Mant was widely recognized as one of the most powerful people in the Galactic Northwest.
He worked diligently to foster relations at home and abroad, strengthening the Iron Empire's place in the galaxy in preparation of inserting itself in the Great Galactic War - a conflict brewing between the Light and the Dark. In doing so, he discovered what he believed would be insurmountable, long festering issues. To his surprise, apathy had taken root at alarming levels. Even so, Zeradias dutifully did what he could to contain and remedy the damage. Upon an unofficial investigation, he had discovered that government's finances were in complete disarray, and Zeradias was powerless to do anything. Finding himself working to keep a sinking ship afloat, he instead took it upon himself to caution those he thought would be receptive to the warning. Satisfied that their vassal states would act to their own interest, he returned to the Emperor where he would resign his post as Vice Regent and his commission in the Iron Imperial Navy. He would have nothing more to do with this empire or that apathy which he'd been surrounded.
CHAPTER 2: CORUSCANT FIRST
While factions continued to rise and fall, one planet in particular retained its relevance regardless of who may have held it: his homeworld, Coruscant. Using his own capital, he launched a bid to reinsert himself into Coruscanti politics at the behest of old comrades from his time with the CSF. He founded a new political party, Coruscant First, with the primary goal of reasserting Coruscant's importance to the galaxy, and to distance itself from states occupying it from abroad. His campaign war chest was well-funded from private donors, with Zeradias making sizable contributions himself. Between his Coruscanti origin, military experience, and background with the Coruscant Security Force, he was an instant hit with the working class. Despite smear attempts by his rivals, citing the Iron Empire's collapse and his family's wealth, he was seen as a nose-to-the-grindstone person, a Coruscanti success story. He won the election with over a 2/3 majority and was sworn in as the Executive of the Central District the following day. His message resonated with not just the working class, be all the way from the poor of the Old District to the upper middle class of the Jrade District. Despite the growing calls for Coruscanti independence, the Galactic Alliance maintained its stranglehold on the ecumenopolis world. Assembling some of his most trusted advisors, he launched a campaign to distance Coruscant First from the central government under the Galactic Alliance, headquartered in his representative district. He would maintain a position of prominence in the Galactic City Authority, to hold sway where and as needed, all the while building and militarizing his support base.
Despite increasing popularity at home, both the image of himself and his government were less than desirable abroad. With the Galactic Alliance's recent announcement to relocate their capital from Sullust to Coruscant, allies of the Alliance took the side of the larger government and viewed Coruscant First as an ultranationalist movement, despite Mant personally participating in diplomatic relations with these same factions on behalf of the Iron Empire. Mant understood though that the only way Coruscant First would see success is through nonviolent protest and legal means to achieve their goals. While their methods have sometimes been gray, the claims of foreign actors seeking to undermine the party have greatly exaggerated their claims. Since it's inception, the Mant Administration has attempted to establish diplomatic relations with offworld parties in a bid to both strengthen Coruscant's security and further legitimize Coruscant First's intergalactic standing. Many smaller governments were receptive of this initiative, however larger factions were less so, condemning Mant's actions which he believed to strengthen domestic security and quality of life.
After his inaugural chairing of the Galactic City Common Council, Zeradias was arrested by the Galactic Alliance for allegedly violating Coruscanti law. Throughout his captivity, both Mant and his legal counsel, Civil Affairs Secretary Gerault Rush, insisted that not only was Mant acting within Coruscanti law, but the Alliance had no authority or jurisdiction to enforce it. After some time, Mant was released. Foreseeing conflict coming to Coruscant at the Alliance's invitation, Mant enacted a 200 parsec perimeter surrounding the planet. Almost immediately, government officials from the Outer Rim Coalition sought to instigate conflict with the party and the man that led it. Seeing the challenge for what it was, Zeradias withheld action and instead initiated economic sanctions against the Outer Rim Coalition, commensurate with the illegality of their brazen actions. The conflict Zeradias foresaw did come, though. In a coordinated attack on Alliance systems, the Sith Empire sacked the Alliance capital of Coruscant, despite the movement against them and the significant population supporting them. Obliterating the New Jedi Order's temple and effectively crippling the Alliance's infrastructure beyond repair, Coruscant seemed to be free at last. It was the opinion of the Mant Administration that the price of freedom came far too high. Tens of millions of lives lost, and significant collateral damage was sustained. The following day, the Mant Administration published a scathing condemnation of the Sith Empire, announcing seizure of Sith-Imperial assets and branding all Sith-Imperial citizens persona non grata. This condemnation extended to other factions as well, namely the "light side" factions which Zeradias had previously worked with on a firsthand basis.
