Ronovi Tavisaen

"I endure only the worst to achieve only the best."

―Ronovi Tavisaen

Ronovi Tavisaen is an Obelisk Knight residing in Clan Tarentum and the current Aedile of House Cestus. She is an Epicanthix who hails from Yridia IX from a tightly knit family of mechanics. While Ronovi may appear to be a blunt, brutal, and slightly reckless character, she is very much devoted to her clan and exhibits impressive strength due to her heritage and her skill.

Character History

Origins

"To settle is perhaps my final destination in life. What our children may do...well, that's for our blood to decide. "

―Zane Tavisaen

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Zane Tavisaen as a young spacer.

Ronovi's father, Zane Tavisaen, was a prominent spacer in the Outer Rims and had a strong affiliation with the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. However, he had never made an effort to join the Brotherhood himself, as he believed that he had no chance as a Dark Jedi despite his warrior blood. After many years of working, he returned to his home planet, Panatha, where he met and fell in love with his future wife. The two married in Tree City before traveling to Yridia IX, where they temporarily resided in its metropolis, Eden City.

When his wife became pregnant, Zane decided that the best thing to do was move outside of the city despite the planet's barren landscape. They moved into a small house on the outskirts of Eden City in 7 ABY, where Ronovi's mother gave birth to the couple's first child, a son. Three years later, she gave birth to Ronovi.

The Warrior Within

"Is that all you've got? Pathetic! "

―Ronovi Tavisaen, to her brother

Ronovi was raised on strong family values and taught to cherish being with her parents and her siblings as much as possible. Unlike the other Epicanthix, who were notorious for conquering other planets in the Outer Rims, Zane wished for a quieter life. He seemed happy enough to raise his children to work on ships like he did, as he was now a mechanic busily repairing the ships of citizens from Eden City.

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A blindfolded Ronovi is trained in instinct by her father.

While her brother began to follow in Zane's footsteps and her younger sister immersed herself in books and philosophical studies, Ronovi did not try to restrain the desire for conquest and challenge boiling in her blood. She believed that if she was an Epicanthix, she was a warrior, and therefore she must act like a warrior. To prove this, Ronovi used much of her free time to practice punches and kicks while doing other aerobic exercises. When her brother was not working with their father, she would challenge him to a fistfight or a duel with sticks that she had whittled in her spare time. Most of the time, she would win.

When Zane finally noticed his daughter's desire to be a fighter, he taught himself to embrace this fact and aided her in learning various fighting techniques and arts, as he himself had done training as a warrior when he was a young boy. While becoming well practiced in martial arts and sparring with her bare hands, Ronovi also favored using a short staff or a dagger. She preferred close combat because, as she claimed, it got her heart pounding and her adrenaline rushing, and because of this, she felt alive. Ronovi's mother disapproved of her father's support in her interests, saying that she would go out looking for trouble, but Ronovi wasn't looking back. She was certainly the black sheep of the family.

By the time Ronovi was thirteen, Zane made the decision to move back to Eden City so that his business as a mechanic would become more successful. While her brother and sister needed time to adapt to the big city, Ronovi was quick to acquaint herself with various others wishing to work as pilots or brawlers. It was in Eden City that she learned about the Dark Jedi, first from her father, then from various colleagues. As her family expressed anti-sentiment toward the New Republic, Ronovi believed that the path of darkness held the true source of power.

Life in the City

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A portrait of Ronovi at age sixteen.

Ronovi's notoriety as a strong fighter would quickly spread in the certain borough of the city where she lived, and soon she went to search for work. At the age of sixteen, she landed a job in a small tavern, which, despite not having even half the popularity as the Flailed Wookiee, was known for its strong drinks and its customers' rambunctious behavior. Though she was first hired as a waitress because of the fact that she was a girl, Ronovi began to impose her strength on various obnoxious and troublemaking patrons. After separating two large, squabbling Bothans with a swift move of her arm, Ronovi demonstrated her inherited capability as a warrior. The owner of the tavern, impressed, swiftly selected her to be one of the bouncers.

Customers first walking into the tavern were often confused at the sight of a young, female Epicanthix standing by the door, dressed in a bouncer's uniform with her arms folded. However, the fact that she was an Epicanthix, which were rarely found in Eden City, added to her intimidating persona, as she shared the species' impressive height, dark hair, and piercing eyes. Whenever a frequenter of the place screeched for a fight along with another drink, Ronovi would simply walk over, casually seize the perpetrator by the crook of his arm, and calmly hoist him up and out of the tavern. This, of course, would occasionally stun the entire bar into momentary silence before everyone returned to his or her beverage.

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Ronovi, when fighting drunkards, never left without some sort of battle scar.

While her mother constantly expressed concern over her daughter's aggressive career choice, Ronovi could hardly blame her. Several times on her way home, the young bouncer would be confronted in a vacant street by those she had kicked out, attacking her with slurred speech and sloppy punches. Often these challengers would claim to be practitioners of Bacch'nal, but the Epicanthix was not impressed. Though at times the fight would prove to be more contesting than others, Ronovi would normally leave each angry drunk babbling incoherently from a well-aimed strike or throw before she sauntered away, whistling as she turned the corner.

When not working, Ronovi continued to train in close combat fighting with her father. With the bruises and gashes increasing in number, she began to receive disapproval from her siblings as well as her mother. She was lectured constantly by her brother, who believed she should try to be like him and become a spacer; and criticized sharply by her sister, who found Ronovi's job to be tasteless and barbaric. In order to escape the verbal attacks and warnings, Ronovi began to spend more and more time outside or in a separate room, practicing by herself or with her father as much as possible.

As she grew more and more desperate to learn more fighting techniques and arts, Ronovi was saddened one day when her father claimed that he had taught her everything he knew. Zane told her that he had only learned so much under his training as a young boy, but he also reminded his daughter that opportunities would come for her to test and subsequently improve her skills. Despite his encouragement, Ronovi was unhappy as her training went to a complete standstill and she was forced to possess power that she firmly believed was mediocre.

Noticed in the Night

"The Dark Brotherhood has made a note of your talent. And I believe you should take it and run."

― Zane Tavisaen, to Ronovi

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A mysterious member of the Brotherhood noticed Ronovi's potential and ultimately brought her to Clan Tarentum.

By the time she was about to turn eighteen, Ronovi continued to pass her days working in the tavern and practicing what she knew of martial arts privately. With her father refocusing on ships since he no longer had to train her, the young woman attempted to increase her strength by constant exercise and, of course, her impromptu alley confrontations with tossed out drunks. However, Ronovi was beginning to notice something different in her technique, almost as if she became more powerful the more aggressively she fought. She found herself capable of jumping a little higher, hitting a little faster, and dodging blows with much more accuracy than ever before. She even felt weightless at times while she fought, as though she were driven by an energy that bore itself into the air around her and guided her.

It was one winter night in Eden City that the opportunity to become stronger came, whether or not it had been arranged by fate. While Ronovi was spending her break at the corner table, helping herself to a free drink, she grew angry at the sight of a rude, temperamental drunk who had decided to banter with a younger, unoffending man. With more customers getting involved in the conflict, a bar fight was inevitable as the tavern's slightly stable atmosphere was broken by a flurry of fists, thrown empty bottles, and overturned tables. As Ronovi went to stop the brute who had started the whole thing, she was shocked to see the man draw a long dagger from his sleeve. He meant to cause bloodshed, and Ronovi was not willing to let him do that.

In the next moment, the Epicanthix had leapt into the fray with the agility of a warrior. Forcing her way through the mob of customers, she grabbed the attacker's arm that held the dagger, wrenched it back, and delivered a punch so precisely and so abruptly that it sent the offender flying all the way across the room. He may have gone farther had it not been for his collision with the adjacent wall. As a lingering silence set in and everyone turned to look at the now unconscious aggressor, Ronovi swiftly turned on her heel and walked out of the tavern, but not before noticing a hooded man staring at her from the corner.

The next afternoon, Ronovi was called to her father's room to talk. While she first thought she was in trouble, the news she received was far different and much more impressive. Zane informed her that a member of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood had spoken to him after witnessing Ronovi's feats in the tavern the night before. Apparently the member of the Brotherhood insisted that she was extremely Force-sensitive and a perfect candidate for the Obelisk Order. As Ronovi's dream was not only to fight, but also to fight for something, she quickly agreed.

Ronovi quit her bouncer job and packed her belongings, much against the majority of her family's will. A few days later, Zane handed his daughter over to the member of the Dark Brotherhood, reminding his upset wife that this was what their child had always wanted. Without saying a word or revealing his name, the Brotherhood member brought Ronovi to a small ship on one of Yridia IX's landing bays; she was then sent to the Shadow Academy, where she was initiated into House Gladius of Clan Tarentum and transported to the Sword's Sheath in the Itaana belt.

DJB History

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Ronovi as a new member of Gladius.

New Blood in the Brotherhood

"Well, this is all rather overwhelming."

―Ronovi Tavisaen

Upon arriving at her House, Ronovi was warmly welcomed by her Quaestor, Telona Murrage. She was inspired by Telona's incredible devotion to the welfare of Gladius as well as her interest in supervising the new member's exercises and activities. It was through this interaction that Ronovi also met Telona's apprentice, a strange young man by the name of Dralin Fortea who soon became one of her allies and friends. As she began to communicate with other House members, Ronovi was advised to enroll in courses offered at the Shadow Academy, which served as a stepping stool for her when adapting to the ways of the Brotherhood.

Ronovi was at first disoriented after her transfer to Gladius. Being in a completely different environment, though exciting, also frightened her, as this was the first time that she had been so far away from home. However, she quickly began her academic studies as requested so she could be distracted and therefore avoid the dreadful feeling of loneliness. This, of course, also began her complete dedication to becoming a Dark Jedi.

While partaking in Krath studies such as history and lore, Ronovi also began learning tactics as an Obelisk, including marksmanship and combat skills. Later on, despite her initial resistance to the idea, she took an interest in flying and piloting. Of course, simply studying wasn't going to be enough to satisfy Ronovi's hunger for battle and adventure; her first mission, however, was far bigger in scope than she imagined, and certainly more rewarding.

The Meeting on Karideph

Full Story: Settling Home

Ronovi had been initiated into Clan Tarentum at a time of conflict within the Yridia system. With the recent war against the Yuuzhan Vong over, thousands of refugees were scattered on every civilized planet, forcing the clan to take action in order to sustain stability and peace. The worst of their troubles, however, lay with Deutta the Hutt, a crime lord who held dealings with the remaining Yuuzhan Vong. Deutta had been aiding Eliad in stealing lommite from Yridia IX and attempting to overthrow the Tarentum government and take over the Yridia system. Therefore, the Tarenti who witnessed this knew that to bring peace, they would have to take down Deutta and warn the rest of the clan of the threat that the Vong presented.

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Ronovi on Karideph.

Along with several other lower-ranked clan members, Ronovi was first instructed to return to her home planet and monitor refugees. However, a few hours after her arrival, she received a transmission requesting her to leave Yridia IX and be part of a fifteen-member strike team led by the clan's Consul, Anshar Kahn Tarentae. Also on the team were clan members Dralin, Apollo, Dranik Tarentae, Huldrych, Szordryn Telnos, and Raiju Kang. Their objective was to raid the planet Karideph and eliminate Deutta the Hutt so that further chaos could be stifled.

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Uthyest, a Yuuzhan Vong warrior.

While the strike at first went according to plan, a surprise visitor arrived in Deutta's throne room while the team was about to finish the job. The Yuuzhan Vong had come with a prisoner, a prominent member of Tarentum and House Tridens by the name of Doni Tzu Tarentae. As the Yuuzhan Vong hurled unsupported theories of Deutta's betrayal by his sending Doni Tzu as a bio weapon, Ronovi suddenly felt a strong connection between her and the weakened Elder. Then, when one Vong by the name of Uthyest mercilessly struck Doni Tzu another physical blow out of spite, the Novice furiously, if not audaciously, attacked the offender. Obviously, she was severely injured in the process as Anshar delivered the killing blow to Deutta and the team was forced to retreat in the heat of the battle.

Doni Tzu and Ronovi were both sent to Castle Tarentum on Yridia II, where they were placed in bacta tanks so their wounds could heal. A few weeks after Ronovi returned to the Sword's Sheath, Doni Tzu arrived to speak with her. After various intervals of Force communication between the two while in the medical facility, he had become interested in taking the Gladian as an apprentice. Ronovi consented without hesitation, as not only was she eager to have a master with intense knowledge of the Force and the Dark Side, but she also felt strongly connected to him as if the Force had pre-ordained their meeting.

The Master and the Mayhem

"I can only teach you. It is up to you to reach your full potential."

―Doni Tzu Tarentae, to Ronovi Tavisaen

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A Yevethan very similar in appearance to Doni Tzu Tarentae.

Being Doni Tzu's apprentice was almost an intense ritual as Ronovi trained; under his teachings, she was expected not only to be physically powerful but also quick in instinct and sharp in wit. Instead of merely fighting, Ronovi also learned to meditate, practiced the basics of the Force, and gained new understanding of the Dark Side that she could reiterate to her master after every meeting and every lesson. There was never a break or a moment of rest for her, and in truth, she was very happy with her situation.

Doni Tzu was ruthless in battle, but he was even more ruthless when confronting his peers. He was notorious for speaking his mind and arguing against the ideas of even the most prestigious members of the Dark Council, which gave him a reputation for angering those among him. But in reality, Ronovi was more interested in becoming diplomatic than rebellious under his training. While the young Obelisk maintained the skill to compromise and negotiate, Doni Tzu did not refrain from teaching her to be firm in her own opinions and ideas, even if perhaps her perception of the Brotherhood would never be as extreme as his.

Shortly after she began her apprenticeship, Ronovi was initiated into Arcano Signum, Gladius's only existing battle team at the time, and volunteered for several missions that required small groups. She was keen on travel as she explored various planets in search of anything that held particular interest for the house. Most of the time, she and her team were successful in their findings and would return to Gladius unscathed. For a while it seemed as if things had finally calmed down a bit.

Of course, tranquility could not last. While Ronovi was searching for Dark Side dragons with a small search group led by Telona, Gladius was attacked by Droch, a parasite that would take hold of the host and manipulate his or her actions. Upon the group's return, Ronovi and several others were ordered to free those controlled by the parasite as Telona took it upon herself to hold off various Equites. While the Gladians eventually defeated the Droch, their noble Quaestor was mistakenly assumed dead by many of the Tarenti after the chaos had subsided. A shift in the House Summit immediately took place, with Apollo taking over Telona's now open position and selecting Dralin to be Aedile.

Over the next few days, due to a combination of exhaustion and stress from the conflict, Ronovi succumbed to sickness and lethargy as her body refused to function. Despite her master's contrasting demands, she took to bed and was rendered too weak to move for almost an entire month.

Rising Again

"I was above the flesh. Now I am in my chrysalis."

―Unknown

By the time she reached the Journeyman class, Ronovi was in a sorry state. Her sudden illness had left her incapable of partaking in several missions, and even as she recovered, she would succumb to frailty and weariness. With her strength gradually returning, the Epicanthix slowed down in her studies and found herself meditating most of the time in hopes of maintaining an inner balance. While it sometimes worked, Ronovi found herself to be clumsy and disoriented when battling or exploring. It seemed as if something drastic had to happen to bring Ronovi back to proper bearings and better composure in order to progress as a Dark Jedi, but for now, she was a simple Protector who didn't seem to go anywhere for a few months.

All of that changed, however, when Ronovi received a message from her fellow House members that Doni Tzu had unexpectedly departed from Castle Tarentum and was heading toward the Sword's Sheath. It was not often that the two met together for an improvised conference or rendezvous, so it confused Ronovi to see her master arrive on Gladius's landing bay looking serious and upset. As Ronovi approached him, she could imagine nothing but the worst.

Doni Tzu informed his apprentice that he was leaving not only House Tridens, but also Clan Tarentum, and he most likely would not be returning. He reminded Ronovi that since he had been tortured by the Yuuzhan Vong, he had been disengaged in his activities and assignments and felt as if he no longer had a place in the clan. Doni Tzu would be embarking on an exodus in order to undergo many changes within the body and the mind; what he would become, he said, was another story altogether.

Though Ronovi did not grow furious at his departure, she was certainly broken and disappointed. She was also calmed by the fact that although she would be separated from her master physically, her apprenticeship could still continue by means of Force interaction. However, it was the departure of her master from Clan Tarentum that drove Ronovi out of her mental and physical ennui. While Doni Tzu's mind and body were going through an intense metamorphosis, Ronovi would have to mature in order to become a more independent Dark Jedi. If she wished to become a powerful warrior, just as she always dreamed of, she could not stop here.

With her master's help, Ronovi was encouraged to return to her academic studies and take on new objectives with a better attitude and state of mind. She was also aided by several allies, including Apollo and Dralin, so she could become a fully dedicated member once again.

Finding a Pedestal

"I know this goes without saying, Tavisaen, but try not to screw up."

―Dralin Fortea, to Ronovi Tavisaen

Ronovi Tavisaen became the first Obelisk Sergeant to lead Arcano Signum, following a legacy of Krath Tetrarchs.

In time, Ronovi occasionally found herself in a leadership position while on missions. This especially was noticed during an entire Clan strike on Prakith, which was done in hopes of finding new technology that could aid Tarentum. Her work and participation so impressed her House Summit that they decided to appoint her the new Obelisk Sergeant of Arcano Signum after Dralin had stepped down from the position of Tetrarch. With her new position, she worked to make the team a suitable organization for newer House members so they could train and receive instructions from their superiors. In this way, the concept of the Praxeum, as started by Windos and continued by Kazarelth Talismarr, was reintroduced.

The badge of the 2. Brigade "Children of Heq."

While being a battle team leader pleased her, Ronovi's desire to partake in larger, grander battles was growing stronger, and she began studying military strategy and combat as part of her academics. At the same time, Maxamillian von Oberst-Tarentae, Marshal of the Armies of Tarentum, was re-formatting the structure of the Clan Tarentum Military. As he needed new officers for the Tarentum Army, he requested that Ronovi, along with several other clan members, try out for open positions. Oberst was impressed with Ronovi's strategic knowledge and appointed her Lieutenant Colonel of the Clan Tarentum I Corps, which gave her command over the 2. Brigade "Children of Heq" within the Second Division.

With new responsibilities being placed upon her, Ronovi embraced the fact that she would have to work diligently and diplomatically as a commander and a leader. In turn, she also furthered her communication with her higher-ups, being in close contact with Apollo and her new Aedile, Scion Altera, when concerning the welfare and progression of Gladius. Both of them constantly reminded their newest battle team leader that if she continued her hard work and devotion to her house and clan, she would certainly be up for an even greater leadership position.

Ronovi believed that she had to prove herself further to live up to her House Summit's expectations. It was only a matter of time, however, before she would truly be put to the test in the face of conflict and struggle.

Aboard the Ghost Ship

"We as Dark Jedi seek the secrets of true power! It's what you're here for, isn't it? Isn't it the answer to everything?! Power and knowledge, no matter what the cost?!"
"I'll bring your head back to its proper place!"

― Xadon (speaking through Kazarelth Talismarr) and Ronovi Tavisaen

Full Story: Of the Past

While aboard the Doomsday, Clan Tarentum came across something rather unusual. The clan was returning from its successful strike on Prakith when the ship suddenly dropped out of hyperspace. Sensors had detected a rogue MC80 cruiser that just suddenly appeared in front of the Doomsday. After confirming that the cruiser was indeed the Renegade, Anshar along with other clan leaders agreed that the best thing to do was search the ship, as it was supposed to have been destroyed years before and now harbored a faint sign of life.

Kazarelth's possession would bring about a turn of events for Ronovi's future.

Ronovi was one of the many clan members who volunteered to explore the Renegade. Working alongside Dralin and Kazarelth, Ronovi and the others discovered something that the Obelisk had only read about in stories; the entire Renegade was controlled by the ghosts of its former crew. Their vendetta appeared to be against who they called "the murderer," who was later identified as Oberst, the ship's former commander. Although the ship's ghosts seemed to be the clan's only opponent for some time, another force was working to rile them up. That force turned out to be the spirits of seven Dark Jedi, once sealed in the Crystal of Tears by Trevarus Caerick but now free to exact revenge on Anshar and Clan Tarentum. These spirits first worked to force the Consul out of his body; then they moved on to possess several Tarenti in order to tear the clan apart.

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Ronovi in a losing duel with Kazarelth.

While Ronovi did not witness many of the phenomenal events that occurred within the ship, she along with several Tarenti fell victim to the Dark Jedi spirits' attacks. The one possession that would directly affect her would be the possession of Kazarelth by Xadon, a Falleen spirit. However, Kazarelth's reaction differed from that of the other possessed because he completely succumbed to the will of the vengeant spirit in order to gain more power and knowledge of the Dark Side. Ronovi believed that by giving in, Kazarelth had betrayed the clan, and she took it upon herself to bring him back around. Activating her lightsaber, she furiously rushed at him, but as soon as Ronovi saw her weapon meet with her allie's, she knew that she had made a terrible error of judgment. The possessed Kazarelth easily defeated her, gouging out her left eye with his lightsaber.

For the next several hours, the Tarenti would combat five of the seven Crystal spirits as they turned their allies against them. There were ways to force the spirits out of their hosts, but they were hard to enforce without endangering the clan members themselves; Ronovi even went so far to stab Kazarelth in the side so that he would not be useful to Xadon. For a long time, it seemed as if the Tarenti and the ghosts were at a fierce stalemate, but in another part of the ship, Anshar and Oberst were carrying out their own plans with the help of a young girl named Talitha, who later turned out to be one of the Keepers. In the end, nearly all of the Crystal spirits were driven out or destroyed, and the ship was cleansed of all remaining ghosts while Anshar successfully retrieved his body.

The confrontation on the Renegade would have a lasting effect on Clan Tarentum and its members, both physically and mentally; and the one Crystal spirit who remained would surely return. For now, the clan would move away from the past and focus on present threats. However, Ronovi's injury would prove traumatic, even though she was acclaimed for her strength and her valor when she returned to Gladius.

Recovery and Recognition

"You can never mend, really, from a lot of things. Sure, you can patch them. You can cover them with cloth or steel or implants, but the hole's still there, it's just hidden. That's why I think I'll never be whole ever again. And I have to live with it."

―Ronovi Tavisaen

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Ronovi seen for the first time with her cybernetic eyepatch.

Ronovi's goal had been to become a powerful warrior, and a flawless one at that. According to her, any part of her body that attributed to her power and skill had to be tended to meticulously and respectfully. It was a temple to maintain and perfect as she grew older, and for Ronovi, seeing part of it destroyed, even in battle, furthered her belief that she had failed in that objective. This as a result made her a more cynical and intense person to be around, and for a while, she took comfort in drinking and meditating to see if she could find what went wrong.

Her physical loss was easily replaceable by means of a cybernetic; in Ronovi's case, an electric patch over what used to be her left eye brought back most of her vision. While wearing the replacement was obviously necessary to maintain complete accuracy and dexterity, the Obelisk was embarrassed to present it in large public places; therefore, when not fighting or working with her allies, she would occasionally pull her hood over her eyes so as not to feel, as she claimed, handicapped.

Eventually Ronovi reconciled with Kazarelth; in the end, it was Xadon, not he, who had done the deed, despite Kazarelth's lack of remorse for giving in so easily to Xadon's power. After all, she had to admit that her wound only proved her philosophy that her injury would make her stronger as an individual and as a Dark Jedi. She also knew that part of this process would be to forgive herself for her irrationality, one of her biggest flaws. Also, Ronovi was happy enough to constantly remind Kazarelth that he owed her should he prove to be a nuisance to her demeanor.

As Ronovi grew accustomed to her eye replacement, her contributions to the battle on the Renegade received clan-wide recognition. She earned a multitude of awards from her higher-ups, and her work persuaded her House and Clan Summits to begin her instruction in Tarentum's clan power, necromancy. Through all of this, Ronovi maintained higher expectations for herself as she continued to strive for even greater leadership positions. She would succeed in that goal when she was chosen to become House Cestus's new Aedile.

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Ronovi's first warbanner.

Young Leaders at Work

The change to House Cestus was smoother than Ronovi expected. While she first hesitated at leaving Gladius, as it had been her home for almost two years, she was excited to become a House's second-in-command for the first time. She was also eager to work in closer range with Kazarelth, as he was Quaestor and now one of the Obelisk's closest friends. A few days before her transfer, Ronovi stepped down from her Sergeant position and agreed that Balia Donos should lead Arcano Signum as its new Sith Commander. She was then transported to Koros and settled into the VSD Corsair, which served as the Cestians' complex.

While Cestus was smaller in number than Gladius was, it was composed of several prominent and prestigious members of Tarentum. These included several members who had earned the title of Tarentae, including Karel Tarentae, Welshman Corsair Erinos Tarentae, and Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae. While Ronovi had not spoken to many of the well-known Tarenti, Bloodfyre was already familiar with her accomplishments, and, being one of Doni Tzu's allies, he had occasionally watched over the Epicanthix in her assignments and her studies. With so many higher-ups in her presence, Ronovi almost felt out of place giving orders to them, but a job was a job and she planned to do it well.

Kazarelth and Ronovi, as Quaestor and Aedile, were both significantly younger and less experienced than many others by the time they became the House Summit of Cestus. However, with their youth came fresh ideas and proposals to increase recruitment rates and strengthen the House as a whole. As she worked and drew up strategies for present and future objectives, Ronovi reminded herself that Gladius would not forget her contributions, even though her former colleagues were now her rivals and perhaps bitter about her rather impromptu departure from their House.

Fragments of Power

"I bet Cestus has put such frivolous confidence in your head, boosting you up as if you were one of the Equites or Elders."
"And all I see in you is bitterness for my departure from Gladius! Did it stunt your ego too much to see me go, or can you not bear the idea of one of your own taking an opportunity and running with it?"

―Apollo and Ronovi Tavisaen

Full Story: Shattered Tears

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A shard of the Crystal of Tears found on Samur.

Ronovi's first few months as Aedile were relatively successful as she worked hard alongside Kazarelth to keep Cestus active and thriving. The House was now more easily managed by its recently appointed Rollmaster, Vai Azexel, while newly recruited faces were beginning to appear more often on the VSD Corsair. Cestus also took on bigger missions, including an assignment from the Clan Summit to head to Samur and find any remaining shards of the broken Crystal of Tears. According to Anshar, these shards harbored immense power and would be beneficial if bequeathed to the most worthy of the volunteers. Not only did seeking this prize prove to be a daunting expedition for Cestus as they traveled barren terrain fending off vulture droids, but it also provided a challenge against Gladius, who had been purposely assigned the same task. With tensions high, it was proposed that the two Houses compete with one another for the shards.

Ronovi was a primary target during the infighting that took place as a result of the "competition." While carrying a fragment of the crystal that Cestus had found, she was captured by Gladius and mocked for becoming a Cestian; at the same time she chastised her ex-Housemates for being so irrational in their anger over her transfer. After escaping when the shard's influence began to negatively affect her captors, Ronovi was intercepted by Scion Altera and subjected to a two-out-of-three duel, the winner keeping the powerful artifact. Scion won the fight after he used the Obelisk's own tricks against her, and, impressed, she gave him the shard and her respect as his ally and friend.

After the two Houses decided to end the conflict and split up to continue searching, Cestus was attacked by eight Vong soldiers and could not keep up a steady defense, while Gladius, with the last shard, saw the battle unfold. The Gladians leapt into the fray, reminding themselves that despite some bad blood between them, the two Houses were a part of the same clan and therefore of the same family. With fissures at least temporarily mended among the Tarenti, the focus was shifted to the Vong. However, the resulting casualties were high; even though a few of the Vong were slaughtered, many more Gladians and Cestians were killed or wounded.

With the battle growing bloodier, Windos Helkin Tarentae, a renowned member of Gladius, was critically injured and left for dead by the Vong. Calling down an escort shuttle, Ronovi helped the injured, as well as Kazarelth with Windos's mangled body, get on board so they could be taken back to the Cocytus for aid and bring reinforcements to Samur. The latter was successful, as two shuttles came down to pick up those remaining and bring them back to Yridia. What was meant to be an in-and-out retrieval had quickly become a matter of life and death, as many lives were lost in the bloody skirmish. However, Ronovi reveled in the mission's spoils, earning one of three shards of the Crystal of Tears as a reward for her strength and determination.

Reenter Tzu

"I know an apprentice normally doesn’t run after the master. But we’re a Brotherhood, aren’t we? So I’ll go after my brother."

―Ronovi Tavisaen, to Anshar Kahn Tarentae

File:Golden eyes.jpg

A figurative picture of Ronovi seeing through her master's eyes.

With the joint mission on Samur finished and the trophies collected, it seemed that both the Quaestor and Aedile of Cestus could finally relax before true war began. However, Ronovi was suddenly distracted in her duties and assignments for several weeks. Many members of the House noticed her new symptoms of fatigue, watching as she fumbled with her words at Summit meetings and became clumsy in her penmanship. The truth behind Ronovi's new behavior lay in her dreams, as she had seen strange images that seemed to coincide with one another with each passing night. She told Kazarelth that perhaps these dreams were telling her something about her master Doni Tzu and where he could be after all this time. Though the Cestian Quaestor suggested finding a new master, Ronovi would not budge from her loyalty to the departed Tarentae.

That night, Ronovi had another dream that could only be defined as one of many precognitions about her master's whereabouts. In it, she appeared to be looking through the eyes of someone else, viewing hazy city walls and civilians and approaching a cluster of silhouetted buildings. She could only guess that she was seeing things from Doni Tzu's perspective, although she could not tell whether the things that her master was observing or doing had already passed or was about to occur.

After requesting transport from Koros, Ronovi traveled to Castle Tarentum at the break of dawn and asked permission from the Clan Summit to travel to Corulag, the name of a planet that she had heard in the newest dream she had had. With the Consul's warning that all precognitions were merely possibilities, the Jedi Hunter was transported to Yridia IX, where she reunited with her father briefly before taking his YV-929 on a week-long journey to Corulag.

Following the Shadows

"My ship’s in Curamelle’s landing bay, waiting to be taken back to Yridia IX. Will you come with me and be Doni Tzu Tarentae again? Or will you leave here and go on your mission alone when you could achieve your goal rather than simply reach for it, with me beside you?"

―Ronovi Tavisaen, to Doni Tzu Tarentae

File:250px-Corulag.jpg

The planet Corulag.

Ronovi did not know what to expect from her impromptu trip, but she was now focused on finding Doni Tzu or any clues he may have left behind in his probable visit. Her chosen place to look was Corulag's capital, Curamelle, and it was there that she attempted to find anything remotely similar to what she had seen in her dreams. While she first wondered what interest her master could possibly have had in Curamelle, she soon came across the Sienar Advanced Research Division, where TIE prototypes were usually tested during Imperialist rule. It was there that she saw Doni Tzu Tarentae for the first time in over six months.

Doni Tzu Tarentae in his ephemeral form.

At first, Ronovi could not recognize the shadowy figure who had infiltrated the research division's testing area and invited the unwanted attention of the guards. Doni Tzu was no longer the menacing Yevethan who had trained her during his visits to the Sword's Sheath; instead, he had almost become a ghost, with only enough mass to fill out the dark robes that covered him from head to toe. As Ronovi looked at his glowing yellow eyes, she could then identify the Adept who had been her master from afar, and with this information, she quickly assisted him in attacking the guards and escaping from the premises.

On the plains of Corulag, Ronovi intercepted her master, who now had the power to translocate, and demanded information from him. Doni Tzu explained that during his exodus, he had been enlightened and was now on an impressive quest to save the universe. He had been interested in the Sienar Advanced Research Division for its experiments with energy, as all life would soon be unsupported by a weakening cosmos. He believed that it was his duty as a Dark Jedi to reverse the process and preserve life so that power could be maintained over it.

While Doni Tzu claimed that this was a task he had to do alone, Ronovi would hear none of it. She told her master that her intention was to return to Tarentum with him so that they could both aid the clan and work together to save the cosmos. She reminded him that unlike the Sith who had failed in their quests for power, a master and apprentice could work together in the Brotherhood rather than betray each other only to reach similar demises. Her plea for Doni Tzu to come with her was surprisingly well received, and the transformed Elder agreed to travel back to the Yridia system and become a full-fledged member of Tarentum again.

Ronovi returned to the clan triumphantly with her master and quickly went back to her tasks as Aedile with more vigor than ever before. Her retrieval of Doni Tzu, who subsequently became a member of Cestus, as well as her work and devotion to her House would be the contributing factors to her newest honor bestowed by the Clan Summit.

File:Ronovi djk.jpg

Ronovi earning her promotion to Dark Jedi Knight.

In Shining Armor

Toward the end of her first year in the Brotherhood, Ronovi was awarded the rank of Dark Jedi Knight by Consul Anshar and Proconsul Dranik in response to her latest accomplishments. With an honorable ceremony and several congratulations, it was an impressive day for the Epicanthix who had once believed she would never get this far and certainly a triumph for Tarentum. As a result, Ronovi became one of the few females in the clan's history to earn such a promotion as well as one of the first Tarenti to be appointed Knight since the Incursion.

Of course, Ronovi did not gloat for long; war was approaching, and Cestus had to be prepared for it. While she resumed her House duties, she also aided newer and older members alike in battle exercises as well as helped to train new troops in the Tarentum I Corps as a newly promoted Colonel. She also continued lessons with her master even though he now worked beside her rather than taught her. Doni Tzu, of course, reminded his student that now that she was a Dark Jedi Knight, he would treat her as an equal and nothing less. With that in mind, Ronovi happily took on her own apprentice, Jaron Kai, whose strength had impressed the Obelisk while they were on Samur.

It was during this time that Ronovi was also beginning to be recognized outside of the clan, given awards of loyalty and merit by members of the Dark Council. With such accomplishments and praise, Ronovi could not help but feel both scared and eager to prove herself in the Brotherhood's effort to reclaim Antei, which they had lost to the Vong in the previous war.

Characteristics

"It is never the way of the Dark Jedi to do what is easy."

―Ronovi Tavisaen

A sketch of Ronovi.

Physical Appearance

Ronovi holds the typical Epicanthix appearance, being tall, muscular, and dark-haired. She is slightly over an impressive two meters in height, which is actually the average height among Epicanthix, and enjoys it due to the fact that she appears intimidating. She is not a person of fashion, mainly wearing her Obelisk uniform or dark robes over civilian clothing when she's out and about. One of her favorite articles of clothing is her hooded cloak, which she wears practically everywhere she goes.

Her most distinctive feature is her cybernetic left eye, an electric patch that works as a vision replacement. Ronovi also bears several scars from the many battles that she has fought as well as from her former career as a bouncer. More recently she has been seen consistently with a flask at her side, which she usually keeps filled with Corellian whiskey.

Combat

File:SSK-7.jpg

A diagram of an SSK-7, Ronovi's preferred blaster.

Ronovi is a frequent wielder of heavy blaster pistols, normally carrying two within her robes during strikes or battles. While she prefers using blasters in the style of an SSK-7, she will sometimes resort to using hold-out blasters as back-up. Although she is not a sniper, Ronovi has occasionally been equipped with a blaster rifle, and at least once she has specifically used a disruptor rifle in combat.

Ronovi's preferred weapon, of course, is her lightsaber, with which she commonly uses moves similar to Shii-Cho. Also, she is quick to use aggressive martial arts forms such as Stava or grappling during hand to hand combat rather than the assassin-like movements of Close Quarters Battle, though she is trained in all three and more.

The Force

As she is more physically skilled than mentally, Ronovi can be considered a minimalist of the Force. For a while, this was partially due to her Force powers being much more feeble than those of other clan members, and she did not feel confident using them. Now, though she is keen on using basic Force powers from time to time, she has gotten used to counting on her senses and instincts rather than on her Force control. Ronovi does have a sharp use of Force senses, as she is able to easily detect and observe various occurrences within a large square area. While occasionally she is overwhelmed by the information that she subsequently receives, she is able to channel such readings into proper use more and more easily as she progresses in rank.

Necromancy

Ronovi is one of Tarentum's Death Dealers, learning the combative powers of life and death. As a member of the Mace division, she has only recently begun her practice in these dark arts, holding a solid position in the necromancers' minor tier.

File:Whiskey.jpg

A glass of Corellian whiskey, Ronovi's favorite alcoholic beverage.

Personality

Generally, Ronovi is an aggressive, impatient character. When fighting, she resorts to hand to hand combat multiple times when she feels the urge boiling in her blood. While practicing these arts proves her strength, Ronovi has a true brawler's personality and therefore can occasionally become reckless yet ruthless in battle. This can result in potential harm to herself or her comrades if she is not careful. However, Ronovi's ability to cooperate grants her respect from other members.

Ronovi is also frequently blunt, sharp-tongued, and cynical. When other clan members say or do something that she disapproves of, she will first make note of it courteously, then downright bombast them if they do it again. Ronovi can also be the target of teasing from her fellow Tarenti, which she handles with her usual wit and sarcasm. On several occasions, she is quite rambunctious, as she has taken up drinking as a hobby since the loss of her eye.

Although she is a fighter at heart, Ronovi prefers that conflict stay on the battlefield rather than within the clan. While she is not soft-spoken, she knows when to become the mediator or back down from an argument. She is someone who believes in unity at all costs, no matter what the disagreements are, and due to her constant aid to older and newer clan members, she is seen as a well-rounded mentor and leader.

DJB Facts

Positions

None	Apprentice to Doni Tzu Tarentae 28 ABY - Present	Incumbent
Dralin Fortea	Obelisk Sergeant of Arcano Signum 29 ABY	Balia Donos
Reformation of Clan Tarentum Military	Lieutenant Colonel of the Clan Tarentum I Corps 29 ABY - 30 ABY	Promotion to Colonel
Huldrych	Aedile of House Cestus 29 ABY - Present	Incumbent
None	Master to Jaron Kai 29 ABY - Present	Incumbent
Promotion from Lieutenant Colonel	Colonel of the Clan Tarentum I Corps 30 ABY - Present	Incumbent

Outstanding Achievements

• Ronovi was the lowest-ranked member of the fifteen-member strike team that raided Karideph, participating at the rank of Novice.
• Ronovi worked alongside her House Summit to remake Arcano Signum into a training team in order to teach and empower their newer House members.
• Ronovi received two merit medals, an Anteian Cross and a Steel Cross, in a time span of three weeks for her work and dedication to Clan Tarentum.

Trivia

• Despite the fact that she is not incredibly academic, Ronovi is very well read in biology, and her information on Droch aided Gladius against the parasites.
• Ronovi's unofficial title, according to Frey Gallandro, is the "Sister of Doom," pertaining to his belief that she and Kazarelth will lead Tarentum "to damnation and total doom."
• Ronovi has a large variety of nicknames, including but not limited to: "Ron," "Ronnie," "Rovi," "Ro Ro," "Ravioli," "Ron-Ron," "Runofi," and "Ronobi"; all coined by Odin Vaaj, Maxamillian von Oberst, Bieten Macht Elols, Kazarelth Talismarr, Huldrych, and Dralin Fortea, respectively.