Born with the heritage of the Galactic Empire, Clan Scholae Palatinae ever stands proud, ready, and able, an amalgamation of Dark Jedi and Sith, Gray Jedi, and imperial loyalists, mercenaries, and bounty hunters. Led by their shrewd Emperors, House Caliburnus and House Acclivis Draco come together to form glaive and hammer, together mustering their martial might to secure and expand their territory in the Caperion System and status in the Dark Brotherhood. Clan Scholae Palatinae is often referred to by its members by the simplified moniker “The Empire” or “CSP”.
History
- Main article: Clan Scholae Palatinae history
Clan Scholae Palatinae proudly traces its roots back to Emperor Palpatine’s Galactic Empire. For nearly two decades, the clan maintained an iron grip on its former territory and began to build a formidable military from the conscription of the Cocytus natives. The clan fended off attacks from both within, including a terrorist organization known as 'The Cause' which attempted to restore power to the Cocytus natives, until in 34 ABY, the Dark Council’s Iron Fleet destroyed the Cocytus System, leaving the clan in disarray, forcing key personnel to escape.
The clan fled to the Caperion System, a system with diverse spacefaring civilizations and a complex political structure. The clan made its mark on the system by taking Caelestis City from The Meraxis Empire, claiming it as their new headquarters and establishing a new military: the Imperial Scholae Army and Imperial Scholae Navy. Time passed and tensions rose with the rest of the political bodies in the system.
After the Empire established a foothold on Seraph in 40 ABY, the Caperion system erupted into civil war. The battle, which culminated with the invasion of the Children of Mortis, resulted in the unification of the Caperion system under the Imperial Banner. At present, the Empire is taking expansive actions to build the infrastructure and economy of the Caperion System.
Clan Organization
The Emperor
The Consul of Clan Scholae Palatinae acts as the supreme De Facto and De Jure authority of the domain of the Empire. While the transfer of the title of Emperor is a relatively common occurrence, ultimate power over the citizens of the Empire remains solely with the throne. The Emperor may organize their administration in any fashion that best suits the needs of the ruler and the Empire.
Hand of the Emperor
The Proconsul of Clan Scholae Palatinae acts as the second in command of the domain of the Empire. As the Emperor's most trusted retainer, the Hand of the Emperor, or simply The Hand, fills the role of advisor and executor of the Emperor’s directive.
The Hand of the Emperor oversees all facets of the operation of the Empire. Still, it serves in a special capacity as the Commander of the Guard and Director of the Imperial Mission.
Imperial Ruling Council
The Emperor has established a loose organization of advisors and politicians that keep the Emperor informed on matters relating to the health and stability of the Empire. At the behest of the Emperor, these party members may assume control of certain aspects of the greater bureaucracy.
House Acclivis Draco
Built upon a long-standing history of the Krath, House Acclivis Draco serves the Empire as a covert organization of relic hunters. House Acclivis Draco uses a sigil of an ancient dragon to represent its power. The Quaestor of House Acclivis Draco serves on the Imperial Ruling Council.
House Acclivis Draco operates from the secret mountain installation known as Havoc Base
House Caliburnus
Traditionally based on the philosophies and history of the Sith, House Caliburnus serves the Empire as an extension of its military might. House Caliburnus adopts the symbol of the legendary lightsaber of the same name. The Quaestor of House Caliburnus serves on the Imperial Ruling Council.
House Caliburnus operates from the fortress base Steelstrike Garrison.
The Empire of Clan Scholae Palatinae
Dominion
The Caperion System
The Caperion System
- Main article: Caperion System
The Caperion System has a well-established history of sentient inhabitants and space-faring technology. Once a newcomer to the system, Clan Scholae Palatinae has gained full control of the system. Now focused on growth, security, and prosperity, the citizens of the Caperion system have come to welcome the Imperial way of life.
Headquarters
Architectural Model of Clan Scholae Palatinae’s Headquarters ‘’The Monolith’’’
After the unification of the Caperion System and the near destruction of Ragnath, Clan Scholae Palatinae relocated their seat of power to Seraph. The move was considered controversial at first, but the consolidation of power on the larger planetary body proved effective in solidifying the Empire’s grip on the system’s political entities. In 40ABY, The Imperial Ministry of Finance authorized funding the construction of a planned city that would meet the needs of establishing the administrative complex at the heart of the Empire. The construction contract was awarded to Trident Construction and Development, Inc. This company had previously worked with the Clan in the construction of Arx Ondorii on Caina, in the Cocytus System
The city was specifically planned for a location on the borders of the territories formerly ruled by The Democratic Republic of Elaya and the Nayama Dynasty. This decision had both strategic and symbolic power. Being placed on the border of the two primary belligerents in the Caperion Civil War enforced the ideal of Scholae Palatinae as a unifying power. Additionally, the proximity to the equator gives the location the symbolic power of being located at the center of Seraph.
At the center of the planned city, the Empire’s headquarters dominates the city’s skyline. The massive pyramid-shaped building serves as a symbol of the authority of the Empire but also serves as the city’s spaceport. The upper floors, above the spaceport, are reserved for members of Clan Scholae Palatinae and other Imperial officials. The remainder of the building is open to the public and houses many shops, markets, public services, and leisure spaces. The building is heavily fortified and offers protection for the local area.
The building was specifically placed to align with the ecliptic of Seraph’s moon Ragnath. Each day, when Ragnath rises in the sky, it aligns with the pinnacle of the building. This design element was included as a memorial to all of the Imperial Citizens who were killed during the brutal civil war and subsequent invasion of the Children of Mortis.
Government and Politics
The Empire, modeled on the workings of Palpatine's Galactic Empire, is the frontal governmental system operated by Clan Scholae Palatinae. The Empire is public knowledge to inhabitants of the Caperion System, while the Dark Jedi clan, the real force behind the government, operates in the shadows. This fact is unknown to all but the top military, economic, and political leaders, those who are familiar enough with the Empire to know that disclosing its secrets is unwise.
Headquartered in the planned city of New Ohmen City on Seraph, Clan Scholae Palatinae established the Imperial capital on the continent of Elaya. This location was chosen for its strategic value, centralized location, and abundant resources. The city was built as a planned metropolis, designed specifically to serve the administrative and defensive needs of the Empire. From this seat of power, the Imperial bureaucracy rules over the Caperion System.
At the head of the bureaucracy is the Emperor, who assumes total power over the Empire. Serving directly under the Imperial Throne are the Military, the Hand of The Emperor, and the Imperial ruling council. The Emperor acts as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Military. The Hand of The Emperor acts with autonomy over the rest of the Government, serving as an extension of the Emperor’s will. Likewise, the Imperial Ruling Council governs the greater bureaucracy as an extension of the Emperor.
The current Emperor of Scholae Palatinae is Rayne Palpatine, who goes by the title of Empress and Grand Moff.
The bureaucracy has a rigid hierarchy that comprises nine (9) Ministries. Each Ministry governs over a specific aspect of Imperial life. Under each Ministry, there are several Bureaus, each of which focuses their efforts on more specific tasks within the government. Each Bureau may or may not have subunits referred to as Administrations or Offices, which focus on one specific governmental task. All of these Ministries, Bureaus, and Administrations fall under the purview of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, which serves to facilitate communication between the compartmentalized bureaucratic arms.
Organization of the Imperial Government
The nine (9) ministries are as follows: Ministry of Commerce and Trade, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Safety, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Security and Justice, and the Ministry of Culture.
Some notable Bureaus are as follows: Bureau of Imperial Heritage, Bureau of Imperial Services, Bureau of Domestic Finance, Bureau of Imperial Sciences, Bureau of Land and Mineral Management, Bureau of Economic Affairs, and Bureau of Imperial Security.
Economy
Due in part to the isolated relationship that the Caperion System has with the galaxy at large, modern economic principles had not been employed. Subjected to an underdeveloped economic base, the Empire began its economic growth dealing in trading luxury goods. This field proved extremely limited in its capacity to support growth. High taxation and tariffs along with the questionable economic practice of securing indebtedness from Ragnath’s wealthiest citizens had the Empire teetering on the verge of economic collapse.
Under the reign of Emperor Kamjin "Maverick" Lap'lamiz, then special advisor to the Emperor Thran Occasus began cultivating and developing the manufacturing capacity of the Caperion System. Unifying existing governmental and corporate entities towards a unified economic vision proved fruitful, particularly in securing Imperial governance rights over the various territories of the Caperion system after the civil war. Under Lam’lamiz and Occasus, the Imperial Economic policy developed around securing loyalty to the Empire through prosperity and wealth generation. Former Political enemies and rivals of the Clan soon allied under demonstrations of how the Empire was capable of keeping their coffers full.
The economic plan developed under Occasus began with clearly delineating the sectors of the economy. In the Primary Sector, massive mining operations, farming operations, and extraction of other natural resources would build a solid foundation for the economy. Unified mining consortiums began extracting large quantities of Doonium, Quadranium, Corundum, Dolovite, Tibanna, Thorilide, Kesium Gas, and Solid Carbonite for use in construction projects that would develop the Secondary Sector. Now flush with raw materials, a focus was placed on refining, manufacturing, and construction. This sector of the economy flourished quickly and created the opportunity for the Empire to develop a healthy Tertiary Sector. This focused effort is still underway, overseen by the Vizier.
As a stress test of the infant economic machine,
Thran Occasus and
Kamjin "Maverick" Lap'lamiz oversaw the construction of a massive defensive space station and weapons platform known as the
SARLaC. The massively large military project proved to be an effective demonstration of a growing war machine.
The SARLaC
Imports/Exports: Under the oversight of the Bureau of Economic Affairs, the import-reliant economy of the Caperion system has been minimized. Goods from outside the Empire are taxed at an extraordinarily high rate. High tariffs, particularly on raw materials, have been established to develop a strong and independent Primary Economic Sector. Consumer goods are imported at reduced tax rates, due in part to the still-developing nature of the Secondary Economic Sector.
The Caperion system has begun to establish itself as a player in the local star sectors as a provider of Raw Materials, Repulsor Coils, Civilian Repulsor Craft, Electronic Stabilizers, Communication Devices, and Gravity Generators. Several prominent businesses, such as Sal-Mal Repulsor, MagTek Liquid Mineral Extraction, GreevTech, and AnoDryve Innovations, have profited heavily from their relationship with the Empire. This burgeoning market has extended into the Financial Sector as stocks are traded on the Caperion IntraGalactic Stock Exchange (CISE).
Internal: At one time the prevailing philosophy on revenue generation came from high taxation and a misguided system of “Cash for Favor” among the wealthy residents of Ragnath. However, when the Empire expanded to encompass the whole of the Caperion System a wave of tax-slashing reform took place. Due to the dramatic increase in taxable population and better management and oversight of Imperial revenue, the old policies became antiquated. An established flat tax has provided a sustainable revenue stream for the Empire.
The Imperial Mission
Established under Kamjin "Maverick" Lap'lamiz, the Imperial Mission serves the Empire in carrying the message and values of the Empire to all of the Citizens of the Caperion System and beyond. Members of the Imperial Mission dedicate themselves to service to the Empire, particularly those who are in great need. The Mission operates as a charitable foundation, assisting those who have been displaced by conflict, tragedy, and other catastrophic events. The Imperial Mission provides financial aid, housing, education, and resources to those who have been impacted by such events.
The Imperial Mission is funded primarily by donors from within the Empire, who receive tax breaks for contributions. The early days of the Imperial Mission were filled with scrutiny about its efficacy and concerns over using goodwill as a propaganda tool. After the events of the Caperion Civil War and the Invasion of Ragnath, the Imperial Mission quickly got to housing orphaned children and relocating refugees. Shortly thereafter, scrutiny regarding the Mission and its activity waned.
The Imperial Mission operates under the Bureau of Imperial Services.
Military
The ISN Palpatine flagship of the Imperial Scholae Navy over Seraph and Ragnath
The Military of the Empire is divided into three (3) primary elements and operates directly under the oversight of the Emperor and The Hand. The branches of the Imperial Military are The Imperial Navy, comprised of three (3) smaller fleets of Capital Ships and the TIE Corps of Starfighters, The Imperial Legion, comprised of the regiments of Stormtroopers and Armored Units that protect the Empire on terra firma, and Imperial Special Intelligence, the network of spies and data analysts that protect the Empire’s interests. The structure of each military branch falls in line with the post-Tarkin Imperial Doctrine, with modifications made to best suit the Empire’s needs.
Separate from the Imperial Military branches, under the office of the Hand, the Praetorian Regiment and Special Forces Command serve the Empire as the tip of the spear. The Praetorian regiment also operates as the Royal Guard for the Emperor. These Guards wear the standard Crimson Armor of the Sith Eternal. The Praetorian Regiment also operates a secret training facility, known only as SITE 921, on the dangerous planet of Venenum.
While not operating as active warfighters, several other administrations also fall under the umbrella of the Scholae Military. The Commission for the Proliferation of the New Order (COMPNOR), which operates the Imperial Propaganda Bureau and Imperial Secret Police (ISP) also falls under the Office of The Hand.
Members of Scholae Palatinae are often embedded in leadership roles within the military branches. Operating as an extension of the Emperor’s authority, members of Scholae Palatinae may assume command of any Military unit, especially during times of war. Journeymen members are limited in their command capacity to a single squad or squadron. Equite members may command smaller capital ships, flights of starfighters, or entire companies of soldiers. Elder members have unrestricted access to command any unit necessary. These guidelines may be altered by direct order of the Emperor.
Allies and Enemies
Due to the Imperial nature of the Clan, it is not surprising that it is largely focused on improving itself and expanding its borders, knowledge, and prowess. Thus, the borders of Scholae Palatinae have been less open than others due to the Clan’s natural isolation from outside influence. At present, the clan has just recently taken control of the Caperion System. Due to the complex political structure of Caperion and of the Dark Brotherhood, the clan has numerous domestic threats as the system transitions power to the Empire. Outside the Caperion System, the clan has numerous enemies and allies both inside and outside the Brotherhood.
Allies
- Clan Plagueis - At one point in the distant past, Scholae Palatinae was aligned with the Clans of Satal Keto and Exar Kun. However, when these two units fused into a vastly different Clan, Plagueis, a chasm was birthed between the two groups. Despite that rift, The Empire has had a long-standing relationship with Clan Plagueis and counts it among its allies.
- Clan Naga Sadow - A once strong alliance was shattered by Scholae Palatinae's betrayal of Naga Sadow and the theft of valuable artifacts from the Red Fury Pirates, most notably the aptly named Shattering. However, as recent as this feud was, the events of the Twelfth Great Jedi War put the clans back on the same side, and the future is uncertain. Complex diplomatic efforts have restored the alliance, but the strength of the alliance is tenuous at best.
Neutral
- Clan Arcona - In the past, Arcona was the sworn enemy of Scholae Palatinae. This stemmed from the time when Scholae Palatinae was forced to serve as a unit of Arcona. Even after years of separation, this tension continued. However thanks to the dulling power of time, and the focus of enemies like the Collective, these feelings have finally faded. While in a state of half-truce, it remains to be seen if this peace will last.
- Clan Vizsla - The newcomers to the Brotherhood have had no official interaction with Scholae Palatinae. As such relations are neither positive or negative between the clans.
Tense Relations
- Clan Taldryan - Taldryan was historically the dominant clan in the brotherhood, and Scholae Palatinae always had its eyes on taking them down, but out of respect and not hostility. Current tensions are the result of events wherein Taldryan Proconsul and Ewok, Teebu Nyrrire was mistakenly served a dish that contained Ewok meat. A full-scale war was just narrowly averted.
- Dark Council - While Clan Scholae Palatinae is extremely bitter about the destruction of the Cocytus System at the hands of Darth Pravus, not to mention the arrest of Emperor Thran Occasus. Clan Scholae Palatinae nonetheless belongs to the Dark Brotherhood and does not possess the resources for war with the Dark Council's Iron fleet.
Enemies
- The Collective - The Collective were Scholae Palatinae's enemy during the Twelfth Great Jedi War. Scholae Palatinae suffered heavy losses fighting this powerful organization that hates Force users of both sides and seeks their utter eradication, inspiring the entire Dark Brotherhood to unite its forces against them. They have lent their support to the Meraxis Empire in its fight against Scholae Palatinae and rumors of them supplying insurgents are beginning to rise.
- Clan Odan-Urr - The Imperial nature of the Royal Clan immediately soured relations with this Light Side oriented Clan. Both have made it clear through passive-aggressive means, that if given a chance they would gladly clash with each other, however, their only interaction was on the same side as they fought against The Collective in the Twelfth Great Jedi War.
Typical Clan Actions and Reactions
Scholae Palatinae and the Empire have long taken the approach of “The Empire comes first”. Typically taking a stance of isolationism, Scholae Palatinae values loyalty to the Empire above all else and puts very little worth on that which occurs outside their borders. The Empire is protective of tradition and seeks to uphold the Imperial Ideal. The Empire values the diversity of the citizens of the Caperion System and the uniqueness of the members of Scholae Palatinae, the unifying cry of “For the Empire!” is more than enough to rally individuals together. Scholae Palatinae is quick to defend its honor.
Under the leadership of Kamjin "Maverick" Lap'lamiz and Thran Occasus, the Empire expended considerable efforts to establish itself as an economical player in the local region of the Galaxy. Likewise, considerable diplomatic effort has been placed within the Dark Jedi Brotherhood to establish the Empire's seat at the table.
These are the former and current leaders or any influential members that are associated with the Clan. Individuals are delegated to one of these prestigious groups; however their reach, most likely, extends into one or more of these classes.
Legacy of Palpatine
- Main article: Legacy of Palpatine
Emperors
12. A World Reforged and a Moon Gone Rogue
Following the conclusion of the Civil War between the various local factions, Scholae Palatinae has emerged victorious and fully in control of the Caperion System. Emperor Kamjin "Maverick" Lap'lamiz has decrees that Scholae Palatinae will relocate to the primary planet, Seraph, and assume full control of the system.
Working in conjunction with Thran, the military and industrial complex of the Empire has been put into high gear. A simplified government structure has been put in place and the populace of the system is experiencing a boon in job creation. All while being protected by the new, massive, SARLaC defense platform.
Construction is now underway on a new city and fortress for the Clan while Ragnath, the moon of Seraph that previously hosted Scholae Palatinae, is left in chaos. While most of the planet's surface was scarred with fighting, the gravity generators that were installed to make it habitable are no longer fully functional.
13. There's A Hutt In My Boot!
The Empire has turned its focus inward following the Canto Bight Accords. While outwardly spreading the value of the accords, Scholae Palatinae has no intention of honoring them and continues their nefarious dealings with the other clans in secret. As they continue to build their new capital and fortress on Seraph criminal elements from the Hutt clans, specifically one Claudius the Hutt, has begun laying their own foundation of corruption within the Empire.
14. Inviting Trouble
Extending its diplomatic reach beyond the Caperion System, Clan Scholae Palatinae sent a crack team of operatives to the Crannix System. While on this mission, they uncovered information about a Hutt Cartel’s interference with the operations of the Sector’s local administration. Upon their return to Seraph, suspicious invitations were delivered to all members of Scholae Palatinae. The invitations offered a seemingly harmless night out at Club Antonia on Ulress. For those who took the offer, they were entertained by the acid fizz stylings of one Zax Keevo, a Trandoshan musician, who may or may not be wanted by Imperial authorities for “murdering music”.
Meanwhile, concerning reports have reached the Emperor’s desk, drawing the Emperor’s attention away from focused growth of the new trade hub metropolis of Azatra. All manner of crime seems to be the rise within the Caperion System. Spice usage has reached alarming levels, illegal speeder bike street races have made travel on Ulress impossible after midnight, and reports of missing Imperial Citizens have put the Empire’s finest on high alert...
15. Urgent Statement from the Office of the Vizier
“This is Murphy Umber reporting live from the Monolith. Following the chaos of this evening’s events that saw our Emperor, Kamjin Lap’lamiz, fall victim to a sniper’s attack. Eyewitnesses report that the Emperor was still alive and was whisked to the Monolith where he’s now receiving urgent medical attention. While no official statement has been made by the Empire he is believed to be in critical condition,” Murphy said, one hand grasping her microphone while the other held an earpiece in place. She tilted her head, pressing firmer on the ear piece, nodding along.
“I’ve just been informed that Vizier Thran is preparing now to make a statement,” Murphy said, taking a moment to straighten her appearance.
“Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, esteemed humanoids and non-humanoids,” Thran started, looking both dashing and somber in equal parts. “This evening a horrendous, and unprovoked, attack was carried out by members of the Tiure Hutt clan on our glorious Emperor. Lord Kamjin is alive and recovering here within the Monolith. I would like to give a special thank you to the medical teams which are so diligently tending to our Emperor,” Thran said, taking a moment to dab at his eye. Pausing just long enough to obscure if there ever was a tear. “Reluctantly, I must take the mantle of command of the Empire pursuant to,” Thran snapped his fingers at a smallest biped, known to many at K’vin, who squeaked and provided a datapad. “Pursuant to Imperial code 1.28.3c.98a, in the event the Emperor is incapacitated the safety and security of the Empire must be maintained and the Vizier will take control until such time as the Emperor is no longer incapacitated or his heir(s) are of age to take control of the Empire,” Thran recited callously, tossing the datapad back at the biped.
“Effective immediately I have ordered our forces to strike down any presence of clan Tiure within our space. Martial law has been enforced upon Ulress and all assets of clan Tiure have been seized. When our Emperor recovers it will be to a safe and secure Caperion system! For the Empire!”
16. Something Wicked this Way Comes
Having swiftly eliminated the remaining members of the Tiure Clan Hutt Cartel, Clan Scholae Palatinae has once again turned its eyes towards peace and prosperity. The only remaining member of the Hutt Clan, a Chiss by the name of Locita, has taken up residence as an advisor to the Emperor. Many are weary of his motives and the strange orders coming from the throne reinforce this belief. Meanwhile, the Empire’s soothsayers warn of dangers lurking in the Unknown Regions.
The Imperial Fleet has ventured beyond the Caperion System into neighboring systems in the Unknown Regions. Welcomed by many local governments as a security force, The Empire has quickly bolstered its political reputation in local sectors. However, this projection of Imperial power has captured the attention of an unknown alien civilization. They have brazenly attacked the fleet, seemingly without provocation. After a brief naval skirmish, which left the Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser Warspite severely damaged, a war-council is being convened to decide the Empire’s next move.
Finally, seeking to uncover a long forgotten history of the Caperion System, a massive archaeological dig has begun at the Bronze Helix Observatory on Seraph. Ancient secrets and a mysterious metallic ore are being unearthed at a staggering rate. While scholars and collectors clamor over artifacts, the mysterious Nyix-alloy found at the site has been hidden away for a Top Secret project...
17. Ever Vigilant
The Imperial War-council has chosen to exercise caution in response to the foundering of the Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser Warspite. Realizing that very little is known about their new found foe, Clan Scholae Palatinae has turned to its growing network of Spies and Intelligence Agents for assistance. A reconnaissance and infiltration group was sent from the Caperion system into the darkness of the Unknown Regions to retrieve valuable intel on the Imperial Clan’s new rivals. Lead by the Empire’s cutting edge spy ship, the ISN Vigilant, the recon group has revealed the enemy’s identity: A splinter faction of the Chiss Ascendancy known as the True Chiss Hegemonia. Imperial Agents continue to observe, sending important intelligence back to the Empire about these enigmatic Chiss and their home systems.
Meanwhile, Emperor Thran Occasus-Palpatine has appointed Commander Fitzroy Tosten, the hero Commander of the Warspite, as director of a top secret project. The Empire has completed the excavation of the Bronze Helix Observatory, and the vast amounts of Nyix-alloy found there have been mined, refined and shipped to an unknown location. All signs point to the Empire undertaking some massive construction project. Additionally, in the process of stripping all of the resources from the ancient ruins, the Empire has also uncovered two long hidden secrets; Secrets that can be used as leverage against the Chiss…
18. The Secret War
Tempers have cooled in the ongoing conflict between Clan Scholae Palatinae and the Chiss zealots known as The Hegemonia. A peace agreement has been reached between the two factions. Under the oversight of the simian Pendek race of the Crannix system, the Empire and the Hegemonia were able to meet on terms agreeable to both. In exchange for large quantities of rare Nyix-alloy and a secret location within Chiss space to continue a Top Secret construction project, the Empire has offered military protection to the ruling Jloc family and the Syndic Prime and have turned over an ancient Star-Map that had been discovered in the ruins of the Bronze Helix Observatory.
The Star-Map remains undeciphered by both parties, but the secrets held within will soon be revealed. Possession of the map by the Syndic Prime has further raised tensions within the Chiss governing body. The odor of dissension and uprising grow more pungent with each passing hour.
On the heels of this agreement, the Empire has immediately begun to execute on a top secret construction. A substantial fleet of transport vessels, factory ships, and support craft have headed deep into Chiss territory. Project: Firestorm is well underway. Newly appointed Director Fitzroy Tosten has been tirelessly working on flawlessly executing the Emperor’s vision. This secret weapon is to be the centerpoint of the Emperor’s secret war against the Council and anyone who would dare stand in their way...
19. Season of the Witch
Project:Firestorm has reached completion. However, before the Empire's secret weapon can be unleashed on their foes, Emperor Thran Occasus-Palpatine is thwarted by the Iron Fleet. And The Usurper has been arrested! Now in the hands of the Council, he has been sent before the Justicar to answer for alleged crimes associated with this top-secret project.
With the Emperor no longer able to serve the Empire, his Hand and Proconsul, Rayne, has assumed the role as Empress of Clan Scholae Palatinae. The transition of power was swift. She has dedicated herself to keeping the Imperial Clan thriving by any means necessary. Although none doubt her loyalty, her increased use of a mysterious and dark magick has raised some concern in the Imperial Court.
With this sudden change of power, the Clan’s dealings with the Chiss were put on a temporary hold as the Clans of the Brotherhood were called to assist in the efforts on Jedha. The remnant forces of the Children of Mortis were using it as a rally point and required the forces of the assembled Clans to counter them in several different areas at once. Clan Scholae Palatinae has answered the call. With an apparent victory, the Empire returns home.
Now back in Imperial Space, the Empress has set her eyes back on developing relationships with the Chiss Hegemonia and securing the greater Caperion Sector under Imperial rule...
20. A War of Prophecy and Science
A great rift has developed within the ranks of the Chiss Hegemonia. On one side, The Chosen of Shus’all’ketel, consisting of the Prime Snydic and the zealous House Jloc, seek to bring an ancient prophecy to fruition. Against them, The Symposia of House Surre and the other minor houses seek to bring secularism and science back to the Chiss people. What began as modest protests quickly evolved into violence and all out civil war.
As the Chiss battle over the valuable resources of the remnants of Project:Firestorm, mysterious signals play havoc on the Hegemonia’s logistics and threaten Chiss colonies. Ever superstitious, the Chiss have seen this as a Doomsday sign. With casualties mounting on both sides, Locita’s bold diplomatic moves prevail. Calling for Imperial mediation, the two factions have agreed to an uneasy and fragile peace for now. Torn between the two worlds, Locita, Ambassador to Clan Scholae Palatinae, must make a difficult choice for the future of his people.
Meanwhile, the Empire has been drawn into a Trade conflict between the Pendeks of Crannix and the Uuruts of the Garo System. Optium Bijak Sana, elected leader of the Pendeks, and Uutz’Golp Gu’lp, King of the Uuruts, have asked to meet with the Empress so that she may arbitrate their dispute. As Empress Rayne and the leaders of Clan Scholae Palatinae seek to reassert the strength of Imperial presence in the local Sector, the Empire has agreed to host the conference.
With the added diplomatic pressure from the Chiss, the Empire focuses again on maintaining security, peace, and control within the Caperion Sector. Where the Empress’ masterful diplomacy may fail, the Imperial Navy stands ready to bring others to heel. The Fleet prowls the local systems, stamping out opportunistic pirate bands and the ISN Vigilance tracks the mysterious signal radiating from deep within the Unknown Regions…
21. Under the Dome
Through expert diplomacy at the hands of the Empress, trade disputes and tensions in the Caperion Sector have cooled. This time of relative peace and cooperation has allowed the Empire to set their sights back on domestic issues.
Ragnath, moon of Seraph and the former Home of Clan Scholae Palatinae, has finally succumbed to the wounds inflicted by the previous attack by The Children of Mortis. Their sabotage of the powerful and ancient gravity generators has proven to be a complete and devastating success, albeit delayed by Imperial ingenuity. The backup generators have exhausted their last bit of power and were already struggling to maintain planet-wide gravity stabilization. A catastrophic power failure has led to a near total collapse of the system. All hope is not lost, the Empire’s finest scientists have found a method to localize the artificial gravity around the moon’s largest cities.
Using the scavenged bones of Project:Firestorm, Empress Rayne has overseen the emergency construction of four massive habitation domes to protect the atmospheres and biospheres of these localized areas. Procuring enough Nyix-alloy and Doonium from the Empire’s Chiss allies was a challenge. With task accomplished, these massive constructs now protect the last habitable areas on Ragnath. Refugees seek asylum within the cities and many have relocated to Seraph.
Meanwhile, the Empire has begun rigorous military training exercises. Wisdom has taught the Empire that in times of relative peace, new conflicts lay just over the horizon…
22. Bloody Pirates...
Brigands and bandits strike on the outskirts of Imperial-protected star systems, stealing valuable supply shipments, raiding small settlements, enslaving the inhabitants and causing all around disorder. The Empire has been called upon by its local allies and neighbors to resolve the growing threat. The Empress has willingly answered their call. She has dispatched the Imperial Fleet and redirected the focus of the Imperial Security Bureau on to this new hazard.
The ISB has found these pirates are no mere rabble. They are coordinated and organized. They have funding well beyond the means of a small raiding cadre. ISB investigations are ongoing. While many of the pirate groups remain just out of the reach of Imperial justice, Intelligence is pointing towards the Syn system as the heart of this operation.
Operating as the sole source of stability and preservation of peace in the greater Caperion sector has begun to stretch Imperial resources thin. Domestically, an insidious and terrible plague has taken many Imperial citizens. This plague is not viral or bacterial, but chemical in nature. Once upstanding Imperial citizens have succumbed to the thralls of this new drug craze.
Seeking to preserve the lives and wellbeing of the Empire’s people, Empress Rayne has instituted new legislation and social programs to halt the use and provide treatment to users of this novel drug; DAE-Tr1Pr. Additionally, the ISB has been tasked with finding the source and eliminating it.
23. Shadow War
The Pirates of the Syn system have been evicted by Imperial Forces. The flow of the insidious drug known as “Day Tripper” has been reduced to a trickle. In the smoldering ruins of the pirate base, ISB agents have uncovered concrete evidence that the pirate band was operating with assistance from the Collective. Fearing deeper infiltration of Imperial Space, The Empress has allocated resources to expand the effectiveness and reach of the ISB.
The Empress has christened a brand-new, state of the art headquarters for the ISB. This centralised location will allow for the satellite offices of the ISB to coordinate with other Imperial Agencies against enemies of the Empire.
Hell bent on restoring peace and security to the Empire, the Empress has launched a shadow war against the Collective. For too long, The Collective has threatened the stability of the Brotherhood and her clans. The Empire will not rest until the Collective is eliminated. Assassins and ISB agents have already been set on this task.
The Imperial Navy has also benefited from the Empress’ aggression. The Immobilizer-418 Cruiser Charybdis has joined the Imperial Fleet. The interdiction capabilities of this vessel will prove incredibly valuable to the Imperial Navy's commanders.
With new resources in hand, The Empire's hunt of the Collective has begun…
24. The Webs we Weave
Operating from their state of the art headquarters, the Imperial Security Bureau has been tracking the enemies of the Empire. Since the events in the Syn system, their primary target has been Gans Hruber and The Collective’s insidious subsidiary Capital Enterprises. This terrorist organization masquerading as a legitimate business has continued to interfere in Imperial affairs. Their latest venture has been a series of cyberattacks against Imperial facilities and trade markets. Power stations, the Bureau of Corrections, and public transportation have all been periodically disrupted. Trade in neighboring systems, such as the Crannix system, have also suffered.
Seeking to shore up Imperial cybersecurity, the Empress has called upon a tenuous ally; the Chiss Hegemonia. The complexities of the Chiss language and the Hegemonia’s exotic technology make for the perfect secure code framework, but the Hegemonia’s cooperation will come at a cost. The Chiss will assist in developing a new Imperial code in exchange for unrestricted access to the Bronze Helix Observatory. The new Prime Syndic Locita and the Empress have inked a mutually beneficial deal.
Having already been scoured by Imperial scientists, the ancient site has very little valuable resources and information left to be claimed. However, the publicity of the strengthening alliance has ignited a deep public interest in the ancient history of Seraph. A past once buried by the former enemies of the Empire is being unearthed by hobbyists and academics alike. New archeological sites and long lost wonders are being discovered regularly. Even the efficient Imperial archives are struggling to keep up with all the new discoveries.
Now armed with an impenetrable cyber defense, the ISB is going on the offensive. Streams of false information are being successfully fed into Hruber’s intel channels. The terrorists are beginning to slip. Imperial agents have learned of an impending attack on Crannix station. A trap is being laid and soon it will be sprung. Based on the ISB’s false reports, The Collective will be anticipating minimal Imperial involvement. Little do they know, the Imperial fleet will be awaiting them and the new ISN Charybdis is thirsty for first blood…
25. Whispers Of War
The trap at Crannix Station snapped shut with surgical precision. The ISN Charybdis activated its gravity well generators, dragging The Collective’s vanguard out of hyperspace directly into a pre-calculated kill zone. Deprived of their usual cyber-tactics by the impenetrable Chiss encryption, Gans Hruber’s forces find their navigation systems screaming in a language they cannot decipher. The skirmish is brief but brutal.
The Interdictor cruiser lives up to its name, trapping the enemy in an inescapable gravitational whirlpool. The rest of the fleet systematically dismantled the Capital Enterprises fleet. Imperial media broadcast the sounds of the terrorists' defeat across the sector. As the debris is scavenged, ISB recovery teams make a chilling discovery. The captured vessels are largely automated. Operated by skeleton crews and experimental droids, suggesting the ambush at Crannix was merely a distraction designed to test the Empire’s new defenses.
While the ISB consolidates the tactical data from its victory, the Chiss Hegemonia has already begun reaping the rewards of the alliance. Chiss researchers have broken ground at the Bronze Helix Observatory. Where Imperial scientists saw only empty husks and depleted power cells, the Chiss technicians have unearthed latent sub-layers of unseen technology. These ancient systems are being brought back online. The Hegemonia is extracting data on forgotten navigational routes among other valuable secrets.
The galaxy trembles as whispers of war become a deafening call to arms. From the hidden chambers of the Council comes a revelation long awaited: The Collective has been found. Their forces entrenched within the distant Cor’neria system. Across Imperial space, fleets stir from the void, their engines igniting in fury like stars reborn. Under the unyielding rule of the Sith Empress, the Empire intends to seek retribution for the havoc the Collective has wrought. Throughout the Caperion sector, soldiers are being mustered, pilots are running shakedown flights, and the rhythmic sound of drums fills parade grounds. The Empire is on the warpath.
26. Shadows of the Observatory
With the Siege of Cor'neria ending in a decisive Brotherhood victory, a massive mess has been left for the Clans to clean up. For the Imperial grunts and ISB agents stuck on reclamation duty, it’s mostly just hauling scrap and filing endless reports. Most of the valuable intel they discover is swooped up by agents of the Iron Throne before any notable analysis can be completed or valuables can be salvaged.
Meanwhile in the Caperion system, The Chiss Hegemonia has continued with their archaeological work at the Bronze Helix Observatory. Their tech-priests have been successful at resurrecting some of the ancient tech and mining it for long forgotten nav-routes. However, the shiny new alliance and the rich discoveries are just background noise compared to a startling new development: people are vanishing.
At first, it was just a couple of inexperienced cadets who didn't check in at the end of their shift. However, when a pair of elite Chiss researchers vanished right out of a sealed, high-security laboratory, Chiss ambassadors demanded Imperial intervention. ISB Investigators found the lab in disarray. Whoever took them didn't come to chat. They were in and out before a single distress signal could be triggered. The "desertion" theory flew right out the airlock.
There’s a rumor spreading through the Imperial Ranks that whatever the Chiss brought back online wasn't just an archive, but some kind of prison and they accidentally unlocked the front door. Paranoia is starting to set in, and nobody wants to go anywhere near the lower levels of the Bronze Helix. There is something down here, bred for war and remarkably good at hiding in the shadows.
To contain the situation, High Command finally made the only call they could. The main entrance to the lower levels has been entirely sealed off once more. The official order is that the excavation is on indefinite hold to keep the remaining researchers alive, at least until the sector-wide cleanup in the Cor'neia System is fully finished. The Sith Empress is already handpicking a highly specialized task force to eventually crack those doors back open and eliminate the problem for good…