- "A Human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
- ―Robert A. Heinlein
A Battleteam attached to House Galeres of Arcona, the Soulfire Strike Team are a special forces unit that are able to fit into almost any role withing Arcona’s Military. Formerly, the team was considered to be heavily orientated towards the Obelisk order, with the use of the Force very much a secondary concern. However, with the continuing shifting within Arcona, Soulfire have abandoned this outlook in favour of becoming a team of tight-knit but differing individuals. The ‘new’ Soulfire is still a formidable unit, and is still among the first called into action when the Shadow Clan finds itself in a dangerous situation.
The Basis of Soulfire
Soulfire can handle any mission of any description. With a vast experience of wealth at the touch of their member’s fingers, they are the masters of subterfuge. They work together to make anything possible, and success is the only option for the Battleteam.
Position in Arcona
Soulfire Strike Team have a flourish history being known as the elite core of Arcona. With the reformation under Nadrin, they have taken on a new attitude to befit the new rankings. They are not as exclusive as previously held, though they have not lowered their standards. The shadow of the past does not stand over the team at present with the reworkings of the Battleteam.
Roster
Soulfire’s roster is divided into 2 separate units: The Squad proper and a crew for Soulfire's support vessel the AGV Valour's Fall.
‘’’Soulfire Strike Team’’’
History
Soulfire’s past is highly classified, as such, there is little history until Svolten. Previously, the missions they had were never listed as ‘approved’ by the Military or Clan Summit to allow for maximum deniability. Though this past lingers in the mind of the Battleteam, they have moved on, to tasks that benefit the Team, House, or Clan. The reform came under Nadrin’s leadership, to move the Battleteam forward and allow them to take on more missions without such a rigid structure as found in the previous leadership.
Svolten
Usually Soulfire’s missions are highly classified, but Arcona’s summit has decreed that Soulfire’s involvement at Svolten was declassified since they were used in a larger scale invasion that included other battle teams from Arcona. The clan’s Rollmaster Andrelious J. Inahj oversaw the operation. Soulfire was in charge of attacking the facility from the bottom, while Void Squadron airdropped Dark Forge and attacked from the air, and Shadow Gate infiltrated the mining facility.
Shadow Gate had infiltrated the platform posing as One Sith maintenance workers three weeks before the main attack. They sabotaged and cleared the way for the other three teams. About thirty minutes before the attack, they cut the power and communication to the platform. Soulfire was dropped three clicks from the platform, and they used boats to close the distance undetected. They decided to divide into three groups in order to maneuver the workers to the top faster. Nath, Azasell and Juda comprised of one team, while Riverche and Vynn teamed up. Celahir and Maaks made up the last team. Dark Forge was greeted with blaster fire as they were dropped onto the top of the platform. Void provided the air support.
At the end of the battle, the commanders rounded up the remaining One Sith and had them executed.
Lore
Honour Code
Soulfire, the eye of the storm
Around us destruction reigns, but within our team, there is nought but calm
A calm that permeates out, and works with our skills to bring an end to our enemies
The question is not 'will Soulfire win?'
It is 'How long before they win?'
But to be a member of Soulfire is so much more than it seems from the outside
Skill is not the only requirement.
Loyalty, honour, fidelity, All hold an important part of the Soulfirian Code.
Some call us arrogant, others call us blind
But jealousy is a dish best served cold, and it is what calls the criticism down on our Team.
We look after our own and keep to ourselves, but we aren't averse to helping others
We do this because of previous actions which taught us to help, but never to trust.
Trust must be earned, just like honour, and both are important
For without trust, there cannot be a team spirit
And without a team spirit, Soulfire would cease to be.
To condemn us is to bring the wrath of the very heavens down upon yourself
To join us is to ally yourself with a stoic society who will protect their own
To ignore us is an action that should be avoided, lest we strike you down from the shadows
To help us is to mean that someday, we will help you in return
To beat us, is a task that will never be achieved
Victory is assured
For we are Soulfire
Our strength rises from our unity
It comes from within, is released out
And brings victory to all those who fight beside us
We are Soulfire
Proudly we stand here, victorious
Then
Now
And forever more
Created by Zandro Savric Erinos
Motto
The motto is derived from an ancient text and a reminder that Soulfire aren't specialists, they aren't especially suited to one task; they can meet any request that's made for them by the clan without question and pride themselves on their adaptability and fierce nature. Whatever is asked, they're always at the heart of the clan.
Vision
The vision of the Soulfire Strike Team is "All dedicated to the glory of Arcona". Various missions given by the superiors must be completed perfectly by the members. Once the member is accepted into Soulfire Strike Team, the crest is tattooed onto the member's right shoulder. This process is performed in the Soulfire Credential Ceremony – a private affair, only the members of the squad itself may attend (a testament to the squads’ extremely elitist attitude).
Status Codes
To minimise the chance of an intercepted message being of use to the enemy, Soulfire have an exhaustive number of different status codes. These are in the format of a number, followed by two or more letters spoken in full. Many of the codes are extremely unlikely to be used, whilst others are comedic or ridiculous in nature. Some of the known codes are:
- 565-Qek-Aurek: Team is returning a late library book
- 1-Esk-Forn: Fire
- 2-Esk-Wesk: Flood
- 578-Nern-Mern: Reinforcements needed at present location
- 723-Grek-Trill-Forn-Osk: Enemy spy located
- 3-Besh-Trill: Squad mate down
- 9-Aurek-Besh: Andrelious is having ANOTHER child
- 549-Zerek-Senth-Esk: Captain in enemy hands
Awards
Members of Soulfire have time and time again gone above and beyond what is required of a Trooper of the Arcona Defence Force and because of this have earned various awards. Notably, the Kama (a protective garment worn around the waist to protect the wearer’s legs from shrapnel), the Pauldron of rank (designating command over a portion of Arcona’s Defense Force) and the Soulfire specific award given out for extreme bravery and dedication, the Jaig eyes (painted red ceremonial eyes onto the wearer’s helmet).
The recipients of these awards are as follows:
Pauldron
Kama
Jaig Eyes
Equipment
Soulfire Strike Team has one of the most historic pasts out of the Arconan Battleteams. They have a strict training regime, though their roles are more specific to accommodate the various tasks and assignments that they are sent on. They have thorough training with the equipment before going on any mission, and are expected to be fully responsible for their own items. Any faults with items are to be reported and fixed or replaced straight after returning to a mission, and they are expected to be able to ad-hoc repair the basics whilst out on missions.
Armour
<work in progress>
Standard Equipment
In addition to the various equipment sets assigned in accordance with their roles, each member is given a standard set of field equipment, kept both in their pack and their belts. Both sets are listed below.
Pack
The top item in the pack is always a field medical kit, even if the member isn’t the Medical Specialist. Its contents are the usual: a laser scalpel, pain killers, bacta patches, bandages, disinfectant, bacta salve, suture kits, and splints. Beneath the medical kit, there are hydration sachets, ration packs, a trench tool and sleeping roll.
Belt & armour Pouches
In times of combat, a soldier needs easy access to vital pieces of equipment with the minimum of fuss (typically associated with unslinging their pack and then scrabbling through during the heat of battle). As such, the more compact and frequently used are usually kept in specific pouches about the commando’s person, such as the belt or pack harnesses. At the center of the main belt is a grappling hook attached to 100m of hypertension microline wire (rated to hold two fully armed and armoured Humanoid commandos). Immediately to the left of this are a pair of attachable glow rods (either to the helmet or the barrel of the KX-80 Blaster Rifle) and a spare comlink, should the helmet units fail. Spare power packs for both the KX-80 and the SSK-7 are kept on the belt, and finally at the back there is a lightsaber repair kit for any members of Soulfire above the rank of DJK.
Broad Frequency Comlink Bead (BFCB)
When working incognito, Soulfire substitutes their helmets and armour for 'civvie' attire, which surrenders them the luxury of their comlinks. To combat this, Soulfire acquired a set of bead comlinks so that they might keep in constant contact without being observed. The bead comlinks are inaudible to anyone other than the user and can pick up the barest trace of the user's voice. It can be toggled on and off by clicking ones' back teeth.
Squad Roles
With a historical past, Soulfire Strike Team works tightly together to overcome any problems and possibilities possible. Everyone carries weapons or items imperative to their role in the team as well as keeping their tools in top condition. Whilst these roles are a member's primary task during a mission, however, they are not expected to be all that member can do: even the non-combat orientated roles are expected to keep to a certain standard of combat readiness.
Medic
Description
As a standard role, the Medic is the one to patch up the rest of the team and to make sure no one gets injured more in the process. They handle any emergency that crops up, including emotional trauma to damaged organs or missing limbs. They know the medical kit they use inside out, and can also utilise it as a weapon if crept up on by the enemy.
Kit List
- ECM-598 Medical Backpack
- Hand-Held diagnostic scanner
- Assorted anaesthetics, analgesics, opiates, blood pressure, respiration and pulse regulators, assorted vaccines and other medicines related to the assignment.
- Emergency procedure database
- Closure packs - pressure sealant bandages and absorptive material for high trauma.
- Filtration masks - supplies oxygen rich flow.
- Laser scalpels
- Assorted syringes, suppositories and other delivery devices for medicines
- Portable stretcher - supports up to 150kg
- Pressure cuffs and tourniquets
- Sterile cloths and bandages
- 2 units of universal plasma.
- Several mountable glow rods
Demolitions
Description
With a slightly different viewpoint, the demolitions expert is not just responsible for planting charges, but also for analysing and disabling any foreign attacks. They are required to understand the system and workings of practically any explosive, and the ability to think calmly under duress. They are also adequate problem solvers, especially when faced with the unknown and the homemade, along with the ability to filter out any unnecessary chatter in the background.
Kit List
- Wire tool (cutter, stripper, etc)
- Hand held grenades
Impersonation
Description
Impersonation has many skills to help the Battleteam blend in with any situation. They are talented at acting, disguising their voice, improvisation, and a large supply of makeup and prosthetics at their disposal. They also need to pass on these skills to those around them, and have the ability to screen the smallest changes in environment as well as how others are acting and reacting, and how to react to them appropriately. They could eventually train their skill to pick up where people are from, simply by the way they’re walking or standing. Observational skills are a high priority for this role, along with the ability to stay calm and undetected no matter how deep they are in a situation in a role.
Kit List
- Portable makeup kit
- Personalised reference book - photos of subjects according to mission
Sniper
Description
The traditional sniper role is an essential point of any Battleteam, and Soulfire Strike Team is no different. They are highly trained individuals, with the staying power to remain hidden for weeks if needed. They are able to use any sniper rifle, though preferences are usually given, and the higher the target, the better the weapon. They also provide cover for infiltrations, making sure that no one is targeted and potentially endanger the mission. They need to melt into their surroundings, and to detect any threats before the team has been trapped. They notice the smallest things in the environment, and the ability to focus on both through the scope and their own immediate situation. They would also be the one to eliminate any of the team during a mission if they became a danger to the rest.
Kit List
- Sniper rifle
- Rations for length of duration
- Minor repair kit
- Waterproof cover
Slicer/Mechanic
Description
The expert in computer coding and hacking into computerised systems, the Slicer has an interesting position. They also develop programmes, divert transmissions and intercept just about any signal possible. They need to keep a large amount of information in their minds when coming into contact with any system on a mission, and be able to apply that to their situation. They can make any item communicate with any system they wish once they have achieved the height of their skill. They’re proficient at over-riding any encryption, and the ability to override any security without triggering any alarms. With Saskia as the prominent member in the Slicer spot, she also covers all of the mechanical work required for the team. The ability to fix any ship, droid and system as well as enabling it to malfunction for Soulfire’s behalf. The ability to destroy the target’s items with the snip of a wire, as well as wiring items up incorrectly is often a vital part of the escape route.
Kit List
- Gloves (to prevent fingerprint lifting)
- Coding reference book
- datapad/custom made computer
- minute explosives disguised as transistors, resistors, etc
- Pseudonym profile
- Mechanical kit
- Wrench
- Wire Cutters
- Spare wires
- Spare parts
Infiltration
Description
The personification of stealth, the Infiltrator can appear from nowhere. They couldn’t be spotted in an empty city and pride themselves on staying that way. They work closely with the Impersonator, and between them, they can be hidden out in the open. They disable the physical aspect compared to the Slicer dealing with the electronic, they disarm the guards, undo the locked doors and make their way into the centre of the environment. They leave no trace as to their presence, and are experts on moving unseen regardless of their surroundings.
Kit List
Vehicle Pilot
Description
The primary purpose of the Vehicle Pilot is the ability to operate just about any vehicle needed. They need to know how to start any of them, with the Slicer’s help if needed, and be able to dodge through the narrowest of places in complete safety. They could be required to acquire any vehicles for the escape route of the mission, or even to just get them into the place they need to. They can identify any vehicle from a glance, and pilot just about any ship.
Kit List
- Basic hot wiring kit
- Datapad with vehicle schematics
Biologist
Description
Despite the unconventional nature of the role, a biologist has leant its strengths to the Battleteam. Mainly with the work cut out in a lab, they analyse any new specimens they team pick up, as well as developing antidotes for poisons and the likes. They work with the Medic to develop new medicines, and they are quick to identify potentially dangerous items in a new place. They do a lot of research and establish living organisms and their relation to the environment around them.
Kit List
- Textbooks
- Sample tubes, slides, containers
- Tweezers, scissors
- Gloves
Tactician
Description
Although this role was performed at a basic level by all members, there is one who specialises in this role. They can strategise their way out of any situation, and are able to get into the minds of most of their enemies when it comes to plotting an attack or defence strategy. They can deal with any situation with any number of forces at their hands. They could find the weakness or flaw in any plan, and work it to their advantage.
Kit List
- Map of the area
- Notebook
- GPS
Unarmed Combat
Description
Being able to disarm any opponent without the use of weapons, they are very well versed in Hand to Hand combat. They are experts in the forms they specialise in, and continue training to utilise any other techniques they may need in battles. They are also able to help train the rest of the team in Hand to Hand, either for general purposes, or mission specific ones. They work hard on making sure there are any moves they can create which may be useful.
Kit List
Communications Specialist
Description
The Comms Specialist can intercept just about any signal possible. They were able to record any message, get into any message system and retrieve anything from the memory database. They pick up anything and relay all messages that are relevant onto the team. No challenge is too much for this individual, and they are an essential part of the team who can detect any potential surprises or hiccups to the mission.
Kit List
Standard Operating Procedures
Soulfire are Arcona’s elite task force, deployed behind enemy lines to accomplish missions that other units would fall far short of completing. Cohesion is vitally important in their ability to work well, thus a set of documented procedures has been written for training purposes and as a guide for the unit’s members.
The Battle Meld
The use of the Battle Meld is a well documented practice within Jedi lore. It provides the unit with several tactical advantages over the enemy. Communication through the meld (usually taking the form of emotions and images transferred within the force) allows the team to draw tactical information from the unit, in this sense they feel and see the battlefield as a ‘hive-mind’, thus responses to changing tactical situations are accomplished quicker. It also allows the unit to direct fire in the most efficient manner as a member can feel who his/her fellow team mates are targeting, and thus more targets can be engaged effectively. There are well documented benefits in the force when using a Force Meld. The unit’s members can draw strength from each other and share burdens equally amongst the unit thus reducing the drop in efficiency the unit may incur through certain situations (i.e. a team member is injured). Extensive participation in a Battle Meld can lead to forms of telepathy and can on occasion result in units members finishing each others’ sentences and sharing thoughts. While in one light it is an advantage, in another it destroys the individual roles within a unit and blurs the protocol each class of soldier must observe.
It has been known that through the meld feelings of anxiety and fear are amplified which can destroy a units morale and their ability to fight. Therefore, a criteria for a unit’s choice to utilise a meld must surely be that it members are hardened veterans and able to deal with both the emotional and physical strains of a heated battle.
Traditionally, Sashar Arconae establishes the force meld, given that it is his specialisation in the force.
Honourary Members
Those outside of Soulfire who have proven themselves worthy of praise from the Strike Team or through exemplary service have been dubbed lifetime members