Scholae Palatinae Praetorian Knights

The Scholae Palatinae Imperial Knights are an Order of Force-Users whom have sworn their fealty to the Emperor of the Cocytus System and, thus, to Clan Scholae Palatinae. Trained in the ways of the Force, and proficient in the Art of War, they have sworn to safeguard the Emperor, or Consul, and uphold the values of the Clan. However, their dedication comes at a cost... they have forgone the Will of the Force to ensure the prosperity of the Clan they serve.

History

Everything Has A Beginning

In the era between the Sixth and Seventh Great Jedi War, during the reign of Braecen Kaeth & Phoenix Olkyssagh Palpatine, the Order of Imperial Knights was established. Consul Emeritus, and Tyrant, Dakari the Merciless came before the convened Clan Summit seeking for a new avenue of service unto the Royal Clan. While the Force had drawn him away from the duties as Emperor, and Consul, he still found a longing to be in the service of the Clan he had directed for so long.

"Noble Leaders," the Sith's voice thundered, "give me the chance to collect the brightest, and most able, of warriors to ensure the safety of our Clan. Allow me to create a division of soldiers that are not only tasked with safeguarding the leaders, but can act as an extension of your will." He bowed deeply and, in hushed tones, whispered the last part for their ears alone. "Give me the authority to empower those whom are sworn to the Tradition, Heritage and Prosperity of this Clan."

And, on the third month of the twenty sixth year after the Battle of Yavin, the Scholae Palatinae's Order of Imperial Knights was born under Commander of the Guard, Praefectus Dakari.

An Order Expanded

In the months preceding the Seventh Great Jedi War, Braecen Kaeth opened the halls of the Imperial Knights to accept new recruits whom would, eventually, shape the progression of the Order. Under the careful, scrutinizing eyes of the Commander of the Guard, Dakari, the First of the Order was selected. Appointed as the General of the Praetorian Regiment and Lord of the Emperor's Children - a Legion of Scholae Palatinae - was the Obelisk Xan Kaeth. Selected not only for his proficiency with the lightsaber, but his tenacity and loyalty to the Clan... he was the first of a forthcoming age of a warrior-leader prototypes whom would define Scholae Palatinae in the Seventh Great Jedi War.

The Emperor then addressed the Clan. "To those whom wish to place themselves in the service of our Noble Clan, I challenge you..." His voiced trailed off before picking up momentum, "Not only will you swear absolute fealty to the Clan, but you will act under the direct supervision of the Commander of the Guard, Grand Marshall and Emperor. Should you wish to join... use the forthcoming conflict to prove your mettle!"

Overview

Much of the Order's depth and content is shrouded in secrecy, hidden by the members and known associates of the Imperial Knights. Yet, some aspects of their culture is known to the general populace and available via the Clan archives.

Loyalty to the Emperor

As the Emperor, the acting Consul, is tasked with the prosperity and development of the Clan, the Imperial Knights swear their fealty to the liege. Through their service to him they ensure the Clan will continue to grow and prosper as no external threat may befall upon the Lord of the Cocytus System. When a Consul resigns and a new one elected, the Imperial Knights will be asked - once more - to renew their fealty to the current, residing liege.

Should one retire, or remove himself, from the Order, a punishment will be issued by the acting Grand Marshall. Most generally, the punishment is lashings - a crude form of capital punishment.

Acceptance and Training

Formal invitations to the Imperial Knights are not given. Instead, it is assumed that a member whom is wholly devoted to Clan Scholae Palatinae will request to join the Order. It is, at this time, that their physical and mental characteristics are tested: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma.

For an entire year they will be subject to the training of the Order. In this time they will foster their innate loyalty to the Clan through their duty and service to the Emperor. For each member to be effective they must be trained in armed and unarmed combat of varying styles from across the galaxy. With this extensive training, they can readily identify an opposing foe's strengths and weaknesses, as well as their own.

At the conclusion of their training, Imperial Knight Inductees are sent to test their courage in battle. Generally, the Emperor assigns them to the field - as an Officer in the Legions - to demonstrate their skill and proficiency. Should one serve admirably, they will be elevated within the Order and, possibly, be given a new assignment.

Forms of Service

The Order of Imperial Knights is used at the discretion of the Emperor. Their talents ranged from assassination, security, secret attacks, and other machinations of the Emperor, Grand Marshall or Commander of the Guard. Additionally, they were assigned within the Legions of Scholae Palatinae to keep unit morale high, executing special orders and missions... or the warriors were assigned to safeguarding key locations within the Clan's Domain.

Only the Emperor knows every mission assigned within the Order. And he was never seen without a duo of guards at his side - in hearing range - to execute his will or die to protect him.

Personal Guards

Those whom are in the highest service of the Imperial Order will be entrusted with safeguarding the Leaders of Scholae Palatinae. Assigned to the mission of ensuring the personal safety of the Emperor, and those whom he wishes guarded, these warriors are always in the presence of their charge.

Palace Guards

The elite of tactics and defense, these soldiers would be tasked with safeguarding the Emperor during his travels. Often, they are sent before the Leader to secure the area and establish a multi-layered network of security and defense of the palace and other areas of import to the Emperor.

Legion Officers

For those whom are not tasked with the direct supervision of safety or security, the Emperor will assign the soldier to a position of command within the Legions of Scholae Palatinae. The rank assigned is dependent on length, or tenure, of service in the Order, the specific task the Emperor has in mind or at the request of an Advisor of the Emperor.

Equipment

While a vast contingent of materials are provided to those whom serve the Emperor, two items stand apart from the rest: armor and lightsaber. These two prestigious signifies of Imperial Knighthood reflect one's skill, service and loyalty to Clan Scholae Palatinae.

The Armor

Crafted in the same model as those of the original Senate Guard, then those of the Emperor's Royal Guard - of Darth Sidious - during the Galactic Empire, these were neither purple or red, but black. The Clan symbol - a dragon wrapped about a sword, centered over a sun - is located on the left shoulder pad and right gauntlet - each cast in gold. The gauntlet, composed of pure cortosis (Not approved for DB use), rendered any lightsaber blade that touched it useless for several moments. The black, flexible material that made up the additional armor was reminiscent of the ribbed, multi-ply material that Darth Vader once wore under his armor. Additionally, these warriors are afforded a cloak of black silk bordered with a red trim.

The Lightsaber

Upon induction into the Scholae Palatinae Order of Imperial Knights, the member is given a custom lightsaber hilt composed of some of the most valuable materials in the galaxy: Phrikk Alloy, Novae, high-grade Lens & Emitters. The standardized hilts - crafted under the direct supervision of the Emperor - also cast a silver, or white, hued blade.