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House Galeres
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General information
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Founder(s):
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Nighthawk
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Leader(s):
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Headquarters:
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- Mountain of Faspere
- Eldar
- Dajorra System
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Historical information
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Formed from:
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N/A
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Other information
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Affilliation:
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Era(s):
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Dark Jedi Brotherhood Era
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[ Source ]
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- "Drive out the Light, so that Darkness may be Impervious"
- ―Motto of House Galeres
House Galeres is one of two multi-order Houses serving Clan Arcona. House Galeres is a breed apart from the rest of Arcona and indeed the rest of the Brotherhood. Instead of focusing their energies into matters of the force and the mastery of lightsaber combat, members of Galeres usually face two other tasks. Galeres is heavily involved with the underworld of the galaxy. This includes black marketeering, smuggling, bounty hunting and occasionally slaving. Galeres is always heavily involved in the seedier side of the galactic machine and is well-versed in underhanded dealings and criminal activities. It even goes so far as to rent out its services to various criminal syndicates…as long as the price is right.
Orders in Galeres
Sith
The Sith of Galeres are a bit of a paradox. While their piloting prowess and skill in sabre-combat is formidable to say the least, they seem more content to concentrate on focusing their learning on political machinations, learning how to manipulate people and twist them to their own ends and to quote Darth Traya - 'It is a far greater to make your enemy see your way rather than to crush them absolutely'. Their role within the house is simple: They provide air support, flying the various fighters during any large-scale conflict and spend the rest of the time learning the subtle art of suggestion and occasionally applying it in the many power-struggles that permeate the Brotherhood.
Obelisk
The Obelisk of Galeres are almost always contained within Soulfire Brigade and as such are second only to the Grand Master's Royal Guard in tactical prowess and skill with a blade. They spend the majority of their time either training as a small commando-unit or lending their services either to the clan or to the highest bidder. Formerly an elite Obelisk unit within the order, Galeres Troopers have kept up the intensive training regimen that rivals even the Guardsmen's and their skill is reflected in this with the use of not just melee weapons but there's also evidence of everyday use of more conventional weapons such as Blasters of various sizes and explosives, and even the incorporation of these with other tactics that are the norm in the Brotherhood. Galeres Obelisk are the sword of Arcona and they know it.
Krath
The Krath are not your traditional librarians that seem to make up the majority of the order in other clans. Galeres' Krath are fully committed to gathering knowledge through superior firepower and are the prime resource hired out to independent parties by the House for assistance with skills that include advance warning for ambushes, negotiations of black market dealings and even in some cases assassinations (though this is usually only given to Krath of the rank of Knight or above). The older Krath of Galeres have also been rumored to have been practicing the elusive art of Battle Meditation and forming "Battle-Melds" for use in times of conflict, however this is unconfirmed.
Base of Operations
Upon his appointment to Quaestor of Galeres, Sanguinius Tsucyra commissioned a new military base for House Galeres. For years, Galeres had been moving from base to base within the Dajorra system under the myriad of successive Quaestors.
Coming from House Qel Droma, Sanguinius felt that Galeres needed change. It needed to return to its roots, to return to Eldar. Seeking permission from Sashar Erinos Arconae, the newly frocked Templar moved the House to a temporary Forward Operating Base situated within a large forest which the local inhabitants avoided due to superstition. The Anaxsi had discovered this fact only a few days beforehand and instantly decided to take advantage of it.
After consulting with his Consul and Aedile, Sanguinius baptised the base “Kurs'kranak”, in honour of Soulfire and the Mandalorian influence on Galeres. In Mando’a, “Kurs'kranak” literally meant “Forest Fort”. The idea of a bunch of gun toting Obelisks hiding in a forest with itchy trigger fingers amused Sanguinius immensely.
Coming across opposition from several members, the Anaxsi tried to reason with them. He reminded them of the past glories of the House and the need to create new triumphs for the Clan. With the loss on Salas V, Sang felt that the members needed a distraction and what better than a relocation and a new base to build.
With the members relenting, Sanguinius finalised the move and commissioned the building of new permanent structures and fortifications for “Kurs'kranak”. Using the money gained from the Garconian spices mined from the old Galeres base on Eldar, Sang financed the operation.
Coming to an agreement with Sashar Arconae, the Consul would release several of the Soulfire Strike Team members to train both House members and the DDF in commando tactics. By doing this, both Sanguinius and Juda hoped to replenish Soulfire’s ranks and boost the fallen morale of the defeated House.
The old Mining Facility
Brilliantly disguised as a Mining Facility, the Base of Galeres rests inside the Mountain of Faspere. The only part of the base visible from the outside is the Mining Facility, which not only helps to hide the base but it brings in useful resources for the Clan.
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* View details of Galeres' Base
History
Galeres was originally the Obelisk House of Arcona, and has always served as the Warrior House of the Clan. Consuls would foolishly close the House in times of low activity, and morale would plummet. Galeres has long been the sustaining heart of Arcona, and has produced many a great warrior.
In the days before the Exodus, Galeres was housed on Coronada with the rest of the Clan, and were almost strictly Obelisk in nature. After the Exodus and the discovery of the Dajorra system, a base was quickly established on Sukhur, the harshest of the worlds. A planet of sifting glass seas and blistering heat, the base was the training facility for Galeres. In an effort to see which House was stronger, Galeres or Oriens, Consul Halcyon Rokir declared a House Feud over the planet Eldar.
After fierce fighting, Galeres proved stronger, taking the planet as their new home base. The Galeres base, disguised as a mining operation, quickly hit paydirt with the discovery of Garconian spice, found by Voranyen and Gavin d'Tana. After some experimenting on Gavin's behalf, it was found that the spice was extremely potent on Humans and near Human species. Further testing showed it had effects of euphoria and bliss on the Hutt species. With the Dajorra's system location near Hutt space, it became a simple effort of learning to mine and refine the abundant spice.
As of now, the creation of the raw spice is unknown, and it is not yet been determined if it is natural or a product of some form of animal like the glitterstim mines on Kessel.
Economy
House Galeres has been the main source of income for the Clan ever since moving to the Dajorra system. Upon the discovery of Garconian spice, and the tests and refining, Gavin d'Tana himself was responsible for one of the strangest deals made by any Arconan. After negotiations, several gifts and bribes, a trade agreement was made between Galeres and several Hutt cartel's for the trade of Garconian spice.
The flagship of Galeres, the Mejas Doto, was used many times as a cargo transport for the potent spice, with the occasional fighter escort. Most pirates within the trade route used by the Galeres pilots became fearful of the Doto, as its passing meant death to any who attacked. With this the House Galeres grew wealthy, and Arcona prospered.
Slaving and mercenary work, when the Clan isn't in conflict with another power, have also shown considerable profits. Many laborers in the spice mines of Eldar are slaves, while some actually volunteered. Often it was suggested that the locals be subjagated into working the mines, but the business minded d'Tana family has always blocked this move, knowing that despite the abilities of the Dark Jedi of Galeres, they would be outnumbered ten to one.
Notable Positions
Rollmasters of Galeres
Galeres Troika
House Galeres is first known for its Fighters, the skill of its Obelisk warriors. It has always been known as a Warrior House; however that is not to say that it is lacking in the other aspects of the brotherhood – merely that it specialises in the area of personal, single combat. These three individuals that display…singular skills are chosen by the Quaestor and the Aedile from the ranks of House Galeres and the recipient keeps the title for as long as the Quaestor and Aedile feel he is deserving. There have even been mutterings of a title being given to the participants indefinitely; however, this could just be conjecture.
Titles
The First Blade of Galeres
There is always one that stands out in the ranks of Galeres as the first combatant, the vanguard, the harbinger, the First Blade of Galeres. He is a blademaster with his sabre; he has a grasp of single combat that is unparalleled, even by the members of Soulfire Strike Team and is in every way a formidable adversary. Usually, the member has received Royal Guardsman training; however that isn’t a requisite for the holder of the title.
The Prodigy of Galeres
These are rare, but instantly noticeable, even in the excellence of Galeres. There is always one person that shines through the rank and file with unparalleled drive, ambition and tenacity in pursing the best interests of the House and Clan. It is clear from the outset that this member will do great things for Galeres, and for their own nefarious ends.
The Adjunct of Galeres
This, the third in the Troika of Galeres is probably the most subtle. He is not known for his superior skill with a blade or his level of aggression when pursuing outward goals of the House. Instead, this member is known for his quiet, consistent work behind the scenes, assisting the summit with their administration of the House. He is usually one of the longer-serving members and his experience will far outweigh that of other members.
Symbols of Honor
The Shard of Garrida
Taken from the Garrida Stone during the split, this shard of purest teal carbon (thought to be similar to a diamond in it’s consistency) is laced with veins of rich green running through the interior of the transparent crystal. The original stone was destroyed during the chaos of the split, and the Shard of Garrida is now all that remains of this one prestigious artefact. The Shard is given to the First Blade of Galeres, and is to be used as a Lightsaber focusing crystal. It gives the blade a rich turquoise/teal color and makes the sabre blade more resistant to other lightsabres.
The Mantle of Prodigy
A piece of stylised armor, the design originally taken from an ancient Sith Warlord’s battle armor, the Mantle of prodigy is essentially a set of shoulder protectors with the Galeres symbol carved into the front & back, complete with a lustrous narrow cape coming down the back to the wearer’s ankles. This mantle protects the wearer from melee attacks such as vibroblades, but is unable to stave off lightsaber blows, and also grants the prodigy access to any of the fighters, shuttles, bombers or gunships in the Arcona fleet.
Galeres Signet Ring
A small silver ring devoid of any adornment save for two indented lines running parallel around the circumference of the ring, it seems to be made of a lightweight medal such as Titanium. While not overtly showy, this piece of hand-wear grants the wearer access to almost everywhere in the Galeres properties and also contains a specifically patterned piece of bio-circuitry that allows the user to access confidential files in the Galerian computers, granting them carte blanche in everywhere but the areas reserved for the Quaestor. With this ring, the Adjunct can better aid his House Summit and the level off access available to the Adjunct is a sign of the level of trust he has been bestowed.
Galeres Merit Awards
House Galeres has always prided itself on its individuality, its unwillingness to follow but its nature to lead. It was the first Obelisk House of the Brotherhood, and as such was something of a trend-setter in the times before the Exodus. As such, the House leadership brought in their own merit award system for their members when they felt a more personal touch was necessary.
Archivist Droid
For some of the Journeymen of Galeres, the ‘theory’ work they are forced to go through is a rigmarole that leaves them little time for their preferred areas of study. An Archivist droid is the answer to this. Given as a low level award to some Journeymen that have excelled in a Feud, Vendetta or DB-wide event, the Archivist droid assists them in their training, helping them research obscure texts, translate ancient Sith tomes and is even useful as a protocol/general servant droid, being able to manage housework and culinary duties.
Kama
A protective garment worn around the back of the waist to protect the wearer’s legs from shrapnel – it is more ceremonial in nature than anything else, and was historically worn by the Thyrsus Sun Guard. This dark grey garment is worn in addition to the standard Galeres armor to protect the wearer’s upper legs and knees and is awarded for exemplary effort in a vendetta or other competitive event.
Pauldron
A Mark of Rank in Galeres, the Pauldron is worn on the shoulders of the Galeres armor to identify the Galerians that have been given command of a section of the Arcona Military Forces. Dark Blue in color, it immediately differentiates the Commanders from the rank and file.
Soulfire Award
Soulfire Strike Team only has one award – one that reflects the Mandalorian origins of a lot of its members. The award is given out for life, and is quite similar to the Corellian Bloodstripes in its ideal.
Jaig Eyes
Originally a Mandalorian award for bravery, the Jaig Eyes are a stylised Jai’galaar eyes painted onto the helmet of Mandalorian warriors’ armor. Soulfire mirrored this and gave the Jaig Eyes out to its members who had displayed particular acts of bravery.
Black Hammer Brigade Award
Currently, the fairly new battleteam has only one award given out to the high achieving members in the team and is a hefty example of Black Hammers mindset.
Canderous Hammer
Essentially a bludgeoning weapon fitted with a small gravity generator, the Canderous Hammer was awarded to members of the Black Hammer Brigade who have excelled in combat and proven their worth as an indispensable asset of the Battle Team.
House Facts
Logo Symbology
- It's a "G" for Galeres
- The curves and points, which bring violence to mind. Smooth arcs give a more peaceful feeling that doesn't really work for such an aggressive force. The curves used evoke blades, fire, danger in a glance.
- Space: At the time, Galeres was heavy in Sith, and the impression of space combat was needed somewhat...this is where the 'black hole' feel comes in on the right side.
- Identity marking. A house logo has to be able to fit within the medallions of a warbanner, as well as look good on a webpage, and at any resolution....therefore, going with a more simple and elegant design is favorable to going overly complex, where the subtleties would be lost, and the logo not immediately identifiable...which would negate the purpose.
Logo created by Muz Ashen Keibatsu
Trivia
External Links