Clan Tarentum began as one of many Houses that comprise the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. Originally formed by the legendary members of Tau Squadron under the command of Magnus Kaerner, Tarentum continued first as an independent House, and then a sovereign Clan of the Brotherhood. While Kaerner, Zero and the rest of Tau are long gone, Tarentum continues to maintain ties with and honor its history, while moving forward and growing under the activity and strength of its modern-day pillars. The members of Tarentum are both fanatics obsessed with life and death, as well as grizzled veterans and exuberant newcomers ready to conquer the enemies of the Clan of Life and Death.
While Tarentum has been known to stand united with the Dark Council, in addition to opposing the ruling body of the organization or its Grand Master when they believe necessary, there is no questioning Tarentum's dedication and ultimately loyalty to the Brotherhood itself. Several former Dark Councillors or Grand Masters have risen from the ranks of this Clan, and Tarentum is honored to continue producing powerful Force-users and warriors alike.
Brief History
- Main article: Clan Tarentum history
Of all the Clans and Houses, Tarentum is the only one to be formed under direct order. Beset on all sides by the other Houses wishing them to join them, not wanting to tie themselves to any of the other Houses (thereby sharing their glory as the best of the best), and under increasing pressure from Grand Master Khyron to join or form a House, the pilots of Tau Squadron formed their own House: House Tarentum.
In the modern era, Tarentum is known to be obsessed with studying and understanding life and death, and seeking after the lost or forgotten arts practiced by the Nightsisters, and other such Sith and Dark Side orders. The Clan of Life and Death is focused in the Yridia system, centered around the planets of Yridia II ("Yridia") and Yridia IX ("Eden").
Government and Politics
Yridian Organization
The Yridian system was originally utilized by smugglers and criminal syndicates as a way station or base of operations on the fringes of space. During the Clone Wars, the Quarren sent explorers and armed forces to secure an outpost on Yridia II, a watery world ripe for their own habitation. After the Imperial conquest, the Yridia system went unused and ignored until shortly before the Imperial collapse. A segment of the Empire began to send their scouts and forces to assist the colonization by Dark Side forces. Tau had come to Yridia to settle a new home for the forces of Tarentum. Initially, the Quarren isolated themselves to the depths of the oceans, even though Tarentum constructed a mighty castle beneath the waves. Tarentum seemed unwilling to probe the absolute depths of the oceans, so the Quarren simply withdrew and isolated themselves further. The Imperial and their Sith allies settled various spots on the planet that actually contained land masses, mostly a few island chains.
The criminal syndicates were left to themselves. Smugglers and criminal organizations generally stayed to themselves in Eden, the main port of Yridia IX. Tarentum had little-to-no contact with the syndicates, except when the two organizations had mutual goals, or when Tarentum considered the inhabitants of Eden to be their foes. However, in the modern era, Eden is self-governing, ruled by "local government" that is truly nothing more than a puppet government system controlled by the money of the criminal enterprises that call the planet and her domed cities home.
Tarentum does not exhibit full control over the entire system, but does hold sway in small portions of Yridia. Its main strongholds are Castle Tarentum on Yridia, the warehouse district of Eden, and other small outposts throughout the system. The Clan generally conducts diplomatic relationships with the other major entities within the Yridian system, specifically the Quarren dictatorship and the Eden syndicates.
Offices
Consul
Among the members of Clan Tarentum, the Consul is a figure of terrible power and rule. He is the master of all things within the Clan, and the ultimate authority for Tarentum.
In current practice, Sith Bloodfyre is viewed much like an Emperor or "heavenly sovereign." The man styles himself as "The Ghost Dragon," the physical embodiment of the force of Death in the universe. As such, mortal matters are generally beneath his attention. He is still the chief mentor of all Force-users within the Clan, and the ultimate judge of Tarentum. His vision guides all of her actions.
Proconsul
The Proconsul of Tarentum is usually seen as chief aide and advisor to the Consul, and one of her mightiest warriors.
Rax Von-Klug is seen as a sort of pseudo-shogun, and rules over the daily affairs of Tarentum, with the aid of the House Quaestors who act as his chief lieutenants. Rax maintains full authority and command over all military forces, with the commanding officers of all of Tarentum's armed forces answering directly to him. Rax is a veteran pilot and an experienced officer, and has the respect and dedication of the military especially, though all of the Clan's forces acknowledge his power and rule.
Grand Chamberlain
Sith Bloodfyre was appointed Grand Chamberlain for life. For the moment, the title is largely ceremonial, and the Grand Chamberlain still sits as the chairmen of the Tarentae. He calls the group to order, oversees the meetings, and conducts inductions of new members to the group (when clan status is obtained).
Marshal
During periods of arduous or prolonged military engagement, the Clan Summit may call upon the services of an experienced, central figure to lead Tarentum's military. The "Marshal of the Armies of Tarentum" is a traditional title that is often shortened to "Marshal," and is a title only held by those who have been called to serve at this post. Presently, the only bearer of this title and holder of the office is Maxamillian von Oberst, one of the Tarentae. Those who are named as Marshal hold the ttle for life, unless stripped of the honor, and are bestowed with a Marshal's baton that is created according to the desires and specifications of each title holder. Military commanders are placed under the active Marshal and his/her selected command staff, though this general staff is removed to inactive status at the command of the Consul or Proconsul, and is only called into service at the discretion of the Clan Summit.
Economy
The Yridia System is an economic hub situated close to the Rimma Trade Route and a significant portion of the Brotherhood's trade funnels through Yridia in some manner or other. To that end, the few, true business fronts of the Brotherhood are hidden beneath the plethora of countless businesses and merchants situated on Yridia IX.
In addition to being a financial and trade hub for the Brotherhood, Yridia is also a major exporter of solid minerals and foodstuffs. The seas of Yridia II and the arable land of Yridia IV contribute greatly to the larders of the Brotherhood as a whole as well as the local sector.
Banking and Finance
A series of financial houses have been setup with their headquarters on Yridia IX. These houses serve as a laundering operation for the Brotherhood. Dealing in large sums (hundreds of millions of credits), these institutions muddle the paper trail leading to and from some of the most powerful members of the Brotherhood. Branches have been founded on other mid-level planets, away from the major financial centers of the galaxy. The fees incurred for laundering offset the operational costs of these branches.
It is unknown who runs these institutions and by what will they were originally founded. The only information available is that the deeds list one Trevarus Caerick as the seller of the properties in question. It is assumed that various key members of the Clan are aware who runs the institutions, however they are especially tight-lipped, claiming only that Tarentum has no direct stake in the financial interests aside from revenues garnered from taxation.
Society and Culture
Clan Tarentum is a part of Yridia. No more. No less. While the Clan is not Yridia's rulers, the Clan has integrated itself as a part of the system. Cultural practices and traditions vary from world to world based on innumerable factors, but especially environment (such as the ocean planet of Yridia II).
The Three Estates
The so-called "Three Estates" represent the castes of Yridia.
Tarentae
The Tarentae are the upper crust of society and often have the option of holding high positions in the government and/or military, should they so choose. In recent times, though, many of the Tarentae have gone off on their own. Though they remain loyal to the Clan, they no longer serve in the government as a member of the group.
Tarenti
The Tarenti are the members of Clan Tarentum. They fill a number of positions as officers and administrators and, on occasion, are some of the most respected members in the Brotherhood. Controlled by their individual battle team leaders, the Tarenti are spread throughout the entire system. They can often be found in major cities or settlements aiding local government and providing additional support for non-Jedi administrators. Tarenti represent a wide swathe of races and peoples, though they are all considered Yridians and most are devoted to their new home.
Yridians
Native Yridians make up the bulk of the population in the system. They are bankers, poets, businessmen, artists, physicians, laborers, soldiers, officers and everyone else. The former colonists of Yridia II, and the fringe-outpost traders of Yridia IX have become the native population (the first to arrive on the various worlds), especially when they were discovered by the newly arrived Tarenti. Recently, in an effort to stimulate internal growth, the government has sponsored new settlements on Yridia III and Yridia IV with the intent to cultivate new agricultural regions and to stimulate the emergence of new industries. Citizenship within Yridia requires at least two years of residency in the system and the swearing of an oath of allegiance.
Clan Tarentum has long maintained that use of the Force should be used rarely in front of the native population, though there has been more use and incidents in recent times.
Chivalry and Clan Tarentum
At the end of the First House Wars, with the banners of the other great Houses at their feet, the historic members of the original House Tarentum swore their eternal fealty and loyalty to their House and the reigning Grand Master at the time - Justinian Khyron. In doing so, these early members created the first Chivalric order, and a tradition of service within the Clan that has been revived in recent times.
Orders
Defunct Orders
Knights of Tarentum
A former military order within the Clan, the Knights of Tarentum were sworn to defend the life of the Prince and the rest of the Summits of Tarentum. No heraldic markings had been bestowed unto the Order by the Prince or Sith King. The Knights of Tarentum were Sir Welshman; Sir Merlance; and Sir Dox.
Knights of Tau
A former Order within the Clan, the Knights of Tau were first formed concluding the First House Wars during the reign of Grand Master Khyron. Sworn to defense of the Clan above all others, the charge given unto them is the outline, in red, of a TIE Interceptor, an homage to the founders of House Tarentum - Tau Squadron.
Military
Broken up into two distinct branches (army and navy), Tarentum's military forces are commanded by the High General and Fleet Admiral, who both answer directly the Quaestor. Below them are the respective Battlegroup and Legion commanders.
Army
The Yridian Surface Command is a highly mobile, armored strike force designed by High General Sato Tarentae to supplement Xlan Tarentum's naval forces, as well as the Yridian ground militias. First put into service in 33 ABY, after most of Clan Tarentum I Corps was wiped out upon Salas V, the YSC seeks to redefine the way Clan Tarentum and Yridia wages war against its enemies. Breaking from the traditional format, each YSC Legion is comprised of armor, infantry and support units.
Tarenti not holding a rank act separately from the military forces they are near. They do not give orders to the army and the army does not give orders to them.
Navy
The navy comprises all spaceborne military forces. In declared times of war, merchant ships under the Clan's control or within the system may be pressed into military service. Battlegroups with three or more squadrons of fighters and bombers are assigned an air group commander (CAG), whose job it is to coordinate fighter deployment and engagement.
Tarenti aboard military ships that do not hold rank are separate from naval forces they are near. They do not give orders to the navy and the navy does not give them orders, with one exception: personal fighters and transports can be commandeered by the CAG or battlegroup commanders. Failure to comply with orders from CAG and above can and will be construed as treason.
Captains
Ship's captains are the ultimate authority aboard their vessel. Officers ranked below captain who command a ship are afforded the title of captain, but can also be referred to as "skipper." Visiting officers who rank as a captain are not addressed as such to avoid confusion on the ship; instead they can be referred to as "commodore," given the courtesy of higher status afforded to guests. Passengers who otherwise outrank the captain cannot override the ship's captain with the exception of the Fleet Admiral.
Ranks
Rank progression in Tarentum's military is as follows:
For descriptions of the ranks, see Tarentum Ranks.
For more information on Tarentum's military structure, deployment and disposition, see Tarentum Military.
See Tarentum Order of Battle for more info on the available military forces.
Astrography
Clan Tarentum is situated within the Yridia system. Further information on Yridia can be found by using the provided link.
It should be noted, that the Yridia system has an immense no-fly zone, that is agreed upon through treaty and enforced by the combined naval forces of Tarentum and the syndicates of Eden. Ships are not allowed past Yridia IX without clearance and military escort. Violation will result in ships being fired upon. Allied Clans and their vessels are generally cleared prior to entering the system. The only notable exceptions have been Dark Council forces that have been large enough to force their way through the blockade.
Allies and Enemies
Allies
Allied Clans earn privileged trade status and benefit from mutual defense pacts.
- Clan Arcona - On opposing sides in the previous conflicts, neither Clan has spilt the other's blood willfully in some time. Instead, the two Clans have become closer in their socio-political and economic dealings. Arcona comprised one-third of the Tripartite Alliance with Clans Naga Sadow and Tarentum in the events leading to and through the Fifth Great Jedi War. It should be noted that up until recently, only the personal transport of Master Mejas Doto was allowed to violate the No Fly Zone and enter Yridia unmolested. Currently, Arconan craft are allowed through the Itanna Belt without issue. Arcona and Tarentum, together, make up the Estle-Eden Axis, a military alliance between the two Clans.
- Clan Naga Sadow - Allies leading up to the Sixth Great Jedi War, relations between the two Clans have mellowed considerably, though CNS still benefits from preferred trading privileges.
- Clan Plagueis - Although a formal declaration of Alliance was made in the early days of the Sixth Great Jedi War, both sides have cooled their association somewhat. Still, prospective attackers should take into account that both Clans individually have more modern fighters and bombers at their beck and call than most other Clans. In more recent times, Tarentum and Plageuis have begun working together, and the Clans are on friendlier terms than they have been in some time.
Neutral
Clans listed here are neither actively hostile against nor favorable towards. Although not watched as closely as enemy Clans, neutral Clans are much more likely to be searched than allied Clans.
- Clan Scholae Palatinae - While relations prior to the Sixth Great Jedi War were tersely cordial, the situation between the two Clan soured entirely. Third party diplomats from the Dark Council were unable to bring representatives together for more than a few days before talks break down completely. The modern era sees more of an "unconcerned indifference" between the two Clans that is probably the best diplomatic relationships that has existed between these two Clans in their history.
- Clan Taldryan - The winner of many vendetta conflicts. While the situation between members might be openly hostile towards Taldryan, the Clan affirms a strictly neutral outlook and has since attempted to better relations between the two units.
Enemies
These Clans are watched carefully while conducting trade upon Yridia IX. Ships are constantly screened by fighter and bomber patrols and any slight deviation from flight plans will result in said ships being brought down for violation of the NFZ. The tariff rendered upon trade for these Clans is often excessive, in order to discourage their presence on Yridia IX.
- Clan Odan-Urr - It should be no surprise that the presence of Light Siders in the Brotherhood would not be well received by Tarentum. Whatever the motivation behind the Dark Council, and the Grand Master's decision to allow Odan-Urr a place in the Brotherhood, Tarentum has not always supported every decision made by the Council in the past. Members of this Clan are allowed no freedom or liberty within the Yridia system, and are watched even more closely than many of Tarentum's other enemies.
Typical Clan Actions/Reactions
When compared with the rest of the Clans, Tarentum is, economically, quite solid. While not as deep pocketed as Clan Naga Sadow, Tarentum controls a vast portion of the Brotherhood's markets. As such (and due to having a rather small fleet), retribution from the Clan is almost always fiscal in nature.
Historically, Tarentum has been the loudest and staunchest advocate for greater Clan and House autonomy, as well as a withdrawal of the Council from Clan/House policies and politics. The request by the Dark Council to house bases within each Clan's home system was met by the Tarenti with much disgust. Subsequently, the Yridian Government permitted the Dark Council base to be built in furthest reaches of Yridian Space, well past the Itaana belt.
Important Figures
- Magnus Kaerner - Commander of the reconstituted Tau Squadron. Founded House Tarentum with the other members of Tau Squadron. First Quaestor, eventually became the first Knight Commander of the Brotherhood.
- Master Zero - First Aedile under Kaerner, and second Quaestor of then-House Tarentum. One of the founding members of the House, and of the infamous Tau Squadron as well, Master Zero is one of the most-revered members of the House, and one of the foremost agents of the Sith King. Served as a Deputy Grand Master to Khyron.
- Maxamillian von Oberst-Tarentae - Field Marshal and one of the original founders of House Tarentum. Oberst played a major role in several eras of Tarentum's history, and is a link to its founding and formative days.
- Erich von Reinthaler - First Knight of House Tarentum. Architect and builder of Castle Tarentum. Eventually became Sith High Warrior.
- Sirrus - Only Krath of House Tarentum through first House War. Proved his singlehanded dominance of the Krath Order in competition. Krath counterpart to Zero's singlehanded dominance of the Sith Order in competition. Eventually became Krath High Priest under Khyron.