As with the other Houses now in existence, House Tarentum began as one of many Houses that dotted the socio-political landscape of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. The last of the "original" Houses to form, Tarentum was formed by the members of the legendary Tau Squadron. When Tarentum became a Clan proper, it originally sired the vassal Houses of Tridens, Gladius and years later spawned a third House, Cestus. However, all three of these Houses were closed during the reign of Maxamillian von Oberst-Tarentae and two new Houses were created after two heroes of Tarentum: Kaerner and Reinthaler. After Grand Master Muz Ashen called for the reformation of the Brotherhood, Clan Tarentum once again became House Tarentum.
Brief 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.
Eventually, the Clan would grow to serve the interests of the man who ordered them into existence - Grand Master Khyron. The House now serves the Sith King unfailingly and unflinchingly.
Government and Politics
Yridian Organization
When Tarentum originally came to inhabit the Yridia system, the locals had already been established under theocratic rule. The Founders of Tarentum were initially quite content to allow the Yridians distance and control over their own destinies. As time passed, and interest in Tarentum of controlling the system grew, the Yridian people and government began to be manipulated and brought under sway of the Clan on an increasing level. Eventually, the system was run as a limited parliament on behalf of the Sith King and Prince (Quaestor of Tarentum).
The government was then molded into the so-called "Yridian Kratocracy" by Ronovi Tavisaen, one of the Tarentae, during her tenure as Consul, and then Quaestor of Tarentum. The Kratocracy was established to press the ideal of the Sith King lording over all. It placed a public figurehead into government, ostensibly to look out for Tarentum's interests, while allowing the Prince to focus on other personal goals and objectives, or those more relevant to Tarentum as a House of Force-sensitives.
With the recent devastation across Yridia due to a Rakghoul plague, the surviving Yridians have turned back to their roots, and their government has done the same. They have turned back to theocratic rule, which has sprung up several Theocracies, the most prominent of which is headed by the Ethnarc of the former Kratocracy. The majority of the system now falls under the auspices of a Theocracy, while other elements exist under criminal organization rule of the Syndicates upon Yridia IX.
Offices
Sith King
The entirety of the Yridia system, from the Prince to the lowest citizen, is sworn to the Sith King, Justinian Khyron. Upon formation, House Tarentum swore themselves to the Sith King, who has complete jurisdiction over the lives of the citizens, the wealth of the coffers, and the word of the law within Tarentum's home system.
Prince of Yridia
The Quaestor of the Tarentum also holds position as the Prince of Yridia, subject of the Sith King who retains nearly complete control of his fief. Princes usually style themselves “Princeps Yridia Gratia Rex” or “PYRG” (Prince of Yridia by the Grace of the King). The current Prince of Yridia is Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae.
Ethnarc
The Ethnarc is the highest ranking non-Jedi member of Yridian government. He or she serves as the central figure for the Yridian people, and was formerly answerable directly to the King and Prince of Yridia, as well as the Aedile. Although the position was established as a puppet governor, the Ethnarc's office has been gaining power, and possesses free reign when running the civilian government, allowing them to sway the Yridian populace in all facets of life. A recent and odd addition to the Ethnarc's power is directing the spiritual affairs of the Yridians, as well, since the Ethnarc, and the Yridian government as a whole, broke away from Tarentum's direct control. The current Ethnarc is TBD.
Grand Chamberlain
Sith Bloodfyre was appointed Grand Chamberlain for life. The Grand Chamberlain is the steward of the House and oversees the day-to-day judicial affairs which include, but are not limited to, having the final decision on questionable legislation coming through the Houses and managing the docket of supplicants wishing an audience with the Prince. While serving as head of Tarentum, the duties of Grand Chamberlain are passed from Sith Bloodfyre to a person of his choice for the duration of his service in leadership.
Marshal
The military of Tarentum is led by one holding the position of Marshal of the Armies of Tarentum, a traditional title that is sometimes shortened to "Marshal," or sometimes "Field Marshal." Presently, the only bearer of the title of Marshal is Maxamillian von Oberst, one of the Tarentae. Those who are named as Marshals hold the title 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 commanding officers serve under the active Marshal, and serve at his discretion, as well. Titles of Army and Navy commanding officers are typically "General" and "Admiral," though variations in rank exist according to the Marshal and Prince's discretion.
Governors
For every colonized and settled planet, a Governor is assigned to serve directly under the Ethnarc. Currently there are three Governors: one governs Yridia II, one governs Yridia IV, and one governs Yridia IX. Just as an Ethnarc may freely govern the Yridians as long as he does not defy the Prince, Governors may freely control their planets as long as they do not defy the Ethnarc. Governors can be Force-sensitive or non-Force sensitive, depending on what is deemed necessary for absolute control.
Titles
Barons
The Tarentae are Barons. Their holdings are fiefs owing allegiance to the Prince, the direct agent of the Sith King. Each Tarentae is responsible for the upkeep of their fief, through industry and taxation or through their own revenue streams. And a yearly tithe is given to the Prince. This tithe is on top of any other taxes levied upon industries already operating within the system. The Barons make up the Assembly of Barons, the upper judicial body of the Yridian Government. Former Consuls (or Quaestors of House Tarentum) are also afforded the title of Baron.
Marquis
Former Consuls (as well as Quaestors of House Tarentum) who also bear the title of Tarentae are usually granted larger tracts of land than their Baron peers. Similar to the above statements, the Marquis is responsible for the upkeep of their fief. Unlike Baronies, a March (the area of a Marquis’ holdings) is usually home to notable industries or even major cities that help defuse the costs of such larger holdings.
Legislature
The government of the Yridian system is broken up into two houses representing both the Dark Jedi overlords and the non-force sensitive commoners. While the two house system is unquestionably manipulated by the Prince and his or her subordinates, it is also a vessel in which the civilian populace can believe it holds sway over the government.
The Assembly of Barons
The Assembly of Barons is the upper parliamentary house. Made up exclusively of Tarentae, its role is to act as the highest court in Yridian space, as well as to remove an ineffective Head of Government by 2/3 majority vote.
The Common House
The Common House serves as the pseudo-voice of the population in political affairs. Although its actual power is questionable, it is respected in governmental affairs and made to appear as if the people's wishes are being upheld in order to prevent uprisings and rebellions. The Common House is chaired by the Ethnarc and seats 21 members - one representative from each major city and large town.
When both legislative branches meet, the entire process is overseen by the Grand Chamberlain. At such a time, the Common House is afforded a total of two votes - one for the Ethnarc and one for the group as a whole. Each seated Tarentae is allowed a single vote, giving a great degree of power within the government to the seated and active Tarentae. There is also another single vote allocated to the Grand Chamberlain. To date, both branches have never been convened to hear and vote upon legislation, mainly due to the structure of the system government. The Tarentae are content to leave the day-to-day running of the government to the Ethnarc and system governors.
Judiciary
The Assembly of Barons serves as the highest bench for the region and is generally reserved only to hear affairs within the House. Cases which are not directly related to House Tarentum are remanded over to a series of lower and more local courts based in most cities. Once a year an appellate court convenes to re-hear and reconsider past verdicts. This special court is made up of three members of Tarentum, chosen by the Quaestor and is a mix of House Summit and Tarentae.
The Prince of Yridia and The Sith King reserve the right to overturn any verdict or hear any case that they wish.
Prefects
Prefects are redundant authorities who shadow civilian regional governors. Each Prefect is prepared to take direct control of the local government upon Quaestorial order in case of an emergency or crackdown. Particularly high or heinous crimes within a district are also typically referred to the Prefects (as local authorities know better than to meddle in House business). High crimes include treason, regicide, sedition, or an attempt on the life of a Tarentae. Sentences are carried out immediately after a verdict is issued and each Prefect acts as judge, jury, and executioner while hearing cases of aforementioned crimes. Currently the entirety of Yridia has been divided up into eight Prefectures.
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 III 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
House Tarentum is a part of Yridia. No more. No less. Ruling the system, the House 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 perform a key role in government, making up the Assembly of Barons. Many Tarentae also hold seats as Prefects and military commissions as well. With all of their titles, ranks, and positions combined, the Tarentae make for an almost overwhelming aspect of Yridian society. Tarentae are typically admitted into the group based on their excellent (oftentimes remarkable) past performance in their duties to the House.
Tarenti
The Tarenti are the members of House Tarentum. They fill a number of positions as officers and administrators and, on occasion, are some of the most respected members in the Brotherhood (see Sirrus). 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 2 years of residency in the system and the swearing of an oath of allegiance.
House Tarentum has a strict rule regarding interaction with the native population; the Force is seldom permitted to be used in official government matters. Tarentum intends to retain its control of the system without having to resort to raw displays of power, either arcane or military. This serves the purpose of keeping House Tarentum in the shadows of the plethora of Dark Jedi groups springing up throughout the galaxy. In recent years, the rule has occasionally been overlooked or all-out ignored, as military forces have been deployed to planets in order to prevent revolts. However, it is much more likely for Force power to be blatantly used in the privacy of personal chambers, when the target can be easily eliminated, or objective achieved, than it is out in public; Tarentum would still rather not upset the Yridians too much for fear of excessive violence and damages.
Chivalry and House Tarentum
At the end of the First House Wars, with the banners of the other great Houses at their feet, the original members of the original House Tarentum swore 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 to 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. The only known members of this Order still in residence within the Clan today are Master D.B. Zero, Adepts Sirrus and Reinthaler, and Field Marshal Oberst.
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 House 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 House 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 House'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
House 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 House currently has an immense no-fly zone. Ships are not allowed past Yridia IX without clearance and military escort. To date, the only exceptions to this rule are Grand Master Justinian Khyron and Masters Mejas Doto and Trevarus Caerick. Violation will result in ships being fired upon.
Allies and Enemies
Allies
Allied Houses earn privileged trade status and benefit from mutual defense pacts.
- House Arcona - On opposing sides in the previous conflicts, neither House has spilt the other's blood willfully in some time. Instead, the two Houses 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 Houses.
Neutral
Houses listed here are neither actively hostile against nor favorable towards. Although not watched as closely as enemy Houses, neutral Houses are much more likely to be searched than allied Houses.
- House Naga Sadow - Allies leading up to the Sixth Great Jedi War, relations between the two Houses have mellowed considerably, though HNS still benefits from preferred trading privileges.
- House 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 Houses individually have more modern fighters and bombers at their beck and call than most other Houses.
- House Revan - While some of those who originally populated House Revan had ties with, or had been a part of, Tarentum, the two Houses have little-to-no true relationship status. Revan exhibited a level of skill in its infancy stage that earned it some level of respect, however, and it is very possible the two Houses may eventually sit at the treaty table in the future.
- House Taldryan - The winner of most vendetta conflicts. While the situation between members might be openly hostile towards Taldryan, the House affirms a strictly neutral outlook and has since attempted to better relations between the two units. Taldryan's raw output has vexed the Clan's military leadership, and the immense firepower available to Taldryan's fleet is enough to dwarf the comparatively diminutive Yridian fleet.
Enemies
These Houses 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 Houses is often excessive, in order to discourage their presence on Yridia IX.
- House 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 House are allowed no freedom or liberty within the Yridia system, and are watched even more closely than many of Tarentum's other enemies.
- House Scholae Palatinae - While relations prior to the Sixth Great Jedi War were tersely cordial, the situation between the two Houses has soured entirely. Third party diplomats from the Dark Council have been unable to bring representatives together for more than a few days before talks break down completely.
Typical House Actions/Reactions
When compared with the rest of the Houses, Tarentum is, economically, quite solid. While not as deep pocketed as House 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 House 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.
The two Task Forces on loan from the Brotherhood for defense of both The Shroud and Yridian markets give Tarentum greater leeway in dealing with military matters. Although not active enforcers of the House's No Fly Zone, the Task Force commanders generally accept that keeping the peace is necessary and will send support to the House's own pickets and patrols.
Easily the most insular House, intrusions upon the House's space is met with naked hostility.
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 Marshall and one of the original founders of House Tarentum. Oberst has played a major role in the style and function of Yridian society and government. He is one of Tarentum's most renowned members.
- 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.