The Vatali Central Military, originally known as the Royal Guard was comprised of the few exceptionally talented soldiers who make up the Vatali Empire's primary military forces. Consisting of the Vatali Royal Army and Vatali Royal Navy, the group originally consisted of a limited ground infantry, but could be called on to serve as high-ranking officials in the navy. A number of them served as guardsmen to Voraskel Palace while the bulk were stationed on the Vatali's other worlds as peacekeepers. All guardsmen are trained pilots, but excelled in ground-based warfare as combatants and leaders. At times, these few elite could be tasked with delicate matters as special operatives making them the most versatile combatants in the Vatali Empire.
The group was reorganized and reworked twice following the arrival of Clan Odan-Urr, thanks primarily to the conflicts with the Vauzem Dominion and Quorahi uprising. The Royal Army was fully upgraded on 40 ABY, bringing it up to the same standard as the Odanite Expeditionary Force, and merging it with the Odan-Urr United Space Command. It was only during this that it was fully identified as the Vatali Central Military.
History
Founding
- "Rejoice, for our dream is realized, and these are its protectors!"
- ―Vatal Anasaye, circa 354 BBY
Sharing a bloody beginning with the formation of the Vatali Empire, the original Vatali Royal Guard were selected from among those who participated in the coup against the Sephi overlords. Bestowed honorifics and titles, these soldiers were often hailed as liberators of the people, but other records have since revealed a great number of them to have been mercenaries or soldiers-for-hire. Several of these guardsmen were given noble privileges as some of the first lineages created to honour the new Vatali Empire, while others sought employment elsewhere and thus relinquished their positions and holdings.
Bred into Conviction
- "Regardless of their ancestors, these soldiers are loyal to a fault. The same cannot be said of other empires, surely."
- ―Recordings, circa 75 BBY
Despite a chequered and controversial past, later generations of the Vatali Royal Guard raised within their ancestral noble houses developed a sense of loyalty to their monarch, carrying out their duties with a conviction that many of the original guardsmen lacked. By the reign of Taselm Anasaye’s ascension to the throne in 75 BBY, several of the noble houses retired from the role or dissolved and new ties were formed between more prominent families.
As trust began to form between Vatal’s lineage and the Royal Guard, Taselm saw the need for expansion if the Vatali were to maintain a military for defense. Thus, the Royal Guard became not limited to noble houses, but to those who felt it was among their duties to defend the Vatali Empire from threats, both internal and external. Training regimen would become a way of life for those who served, building on the knowledge of warfare passed down from their forebears. Citizens would be able to serve alongside the nobility as comrades and law enforcement; however, neither of them would share their positions as equals until the reign of Kaltani Anasaye in 5 BBY.
- "Henceforth, all who pledge service to Empress Kaltani Anasaye as made equal; none may hold titles, wealth or lands for as long as their service endures."
- ―Recordings, circa 5 BBY
Once Kaltani rose to inherit the crown, the issues became clear - the Vatali Royal Guard was fractured between those with noble blood and without. In one of the first laws brought about during her rule, each of the Vatali Royal Guard were branded as equals; neither of them could hold lands or titles for as long as their service was given to the Vatali Empire. Several of the Royal Guard took offense, leaving their positions while others remained true to their duties. Over time, more enlisted from royal lineages to honour their bloodlines, while those of regular upbringings joined under the hopes of being granted later status for their houses after giving their service.
This act mended the divide between those who served, affording guardsmen of low birth the same opportunities to rise through the ranks that were previously given to noble representatives. Unified, the Royal Guard’s regimen continued to improve using this mindset, refining their tactics and exercises carefully, as to not inadvertently favour one individual over another in battle.
Blood of the Vatali
Kaltani's reign was blessed with relative peace and surprising stability throughout the first two decades of her rule. Even with the growing turmoil of the galaxy around it, the Empire was able to escape the growing chaos thanks largely to its surrounding nebula and remote location. Yet even as it avoided one war, the government was quickly drawn into another as the members of Clan Odan-Urr sought refuge from the Dark Jedi Brotherhood's onslaught. In 35 ABY, representatives of the Odanites arrived on the world and, after swaying the Empress' opinion in their favour, they were granted worlds to settle on. Areas on the planets of Solyiat, Daleem and the moon of Kaerls were given over to House Hoth, House Satele Shan and the Okami respectively. While the decision proved to be a controversial one among the more hardline nobles, it the Empress nevertheless stood by her decision.
The Odanites would prove to be an asset in the coming months, and a major ifnluence in reforming and reorganizing the Royal Guard. An attempted coup followed by an outright war with the Vauzem Dominion saw that the Guard, well well organized and trained for its previous conflicts, required heavy restructuring in facing an enemy like the Dominion. The war had, for a number of reasons, ground to a stalemate and one of these had been thanks to the Royal Guard being ill suited to a grinding war of attrition against a similarly well trained and organised force. Because of this, the Empire soon began investing into a Royal Army while leaving the Guard as a small elite group.
The Enemy Within the Walls
The Empire learned much from the war and time was taken to seriously consolidate its forces, refusing to forget what had been learned from the many battles. This led to them working to heavily restructure and rework various battle tactics without abandoning what had made them successful in the first place. This would prove to be essential in the coming months, as the Quorahi initiated a mass revolution against the Vatali, later found to be backed by a Dominion remnant and a Force user of a mysterious origin. Although military build-up was limited, those who fought the full assault on the Voraskel Palace aquitted themselves well, both in operation under Odanite command and in fighting while vastly outnumbered and outgunned.
In the months that followed this war, the Empire would put a wealth of its finances into outfitting and equipping its military with new weaponry and vehicles. The navy saw a similar expansion of its assets, notably gaining several space-based warships to further bolster its capabilities in addition to the more common airships, leaving the latter largely to in-system policing work. By 40 ABY, the miltiary had been substnaitally expanded upon and upgraded, leading to a merger with the Odanite Expeditionary Force, to create the Odan-Urr United Space Command group.
Royal Guard
Gear and Loadout
Donning blue and teal flight suits beneath golden armour, the royal guard are dressed in accordance with their flexible roles. While it is not uncommon for some to adjust their outfit, most of them share this utilitarian design and favour the use of electrostaves and personal energy shields in close-quarters combat. When engaging opponents in long-range warfare, these soldiers are also trained in the use of blaster rifles and blaster pistols; however, due to the cumbersome nature of both rifles and electrostaves, many guardsmen forego one in favour of the other. A select few might choose to train in other forms of combat, but the core training of guardsmen has proven to be more than sufficient for their needs.
Following the mass reorganisation, the equipment of the Guardsmen has extended to CK-6 Swoop Bikes and Freerunners to help with long range operations and escort duties.
Command Structure
Although it once favoured those of noble heritage, the command structure of the Vatali Royal Guard has since been abolished as of Kaltani’s reign. Ranks do not exist; instead, guardsmen are assigned according to the rulings of the monarch’s council, which convenes to discuss matters of military importance and security. All Guardsmen are given the same training to act within whichever station they might be assigned, allowing them to act as a commanding officer whenever the situation arises.
Most often, the monarch’s military council will select a guardsman to act the commanding officer of a specific mission. These individuals are selected according to past achievements, valour and seniority. In the absence of one, should the assigned guardsmen fall on the battlefield, a second is nominated to take on their duties in the fallen warrior's honour.
Training
Flexible in their roles, all guardsmen have the same training that allow them to perform just as well at the helm of a starfighter as on land. Without a rank-based command structure, guardsmen are not trained to favour the lives of a commanding officer, but to maintain the integrity of their comrades' positions during battle. Placing emphasis on complicated phalanx battle formations, Vatali Royal Guardsmen are not suited towards guerilla warfare outside of the Kiast System, but their abilities to maintain these formations in the absence of a commanding officer is unparalleled.
Drawing inspiration from outdated tactics and several of the galaxy's most notable elite guardsmen forces, the Vatali have maintained the use of personal energy shields that while cumbersome, have enabled the use of tactics rarely seen in galactic conflicts. Since their contact with the Odanite Expeditionary Force, these tactics have been updated to include electro-weapons capable of defending against lightsaber-based attacks and a greater concentration of firearms that can be fired from behind a Vatali phalanx. While all guardsmen have been trained to use electrostaves, which work well against both droids and organic adversaries and Force-users, some forego the weapons altogether in favour of ranged armaments, and focus their efforts on targeting an opponent's vulnerabilities either from behind the formation, or along their opponent's flank. While this uniformity might be a disadvantage against larger, organized militaries, it does allow guardsmen to merge formations without much effort. When working in open battle or offworld, the Guardsmen more typically favour ranged equipment for this exact reason, and to better integrate with wider military forces.
At the helm, guardsmen are exceptional pilots in dense asteroid fields. However, their lack of experience outside of Kiast’s borders lend to a disadvantage without the cover of an asteroid field or nebula. Accustomed to utilizing obstacles as much as chasing down targets in dogfights, their tactics in screen formations can be seen as lacking. Counter to their ground tactics, guardsmen will use guerilla tactics to make an effective ambush against opponents, hiding on the backs of asteroids and using natural phenomena against their enemies for a clear advantage.
A Vatali Airship, Galley Classification.
Vatali Royal Guard Airships
Ranging in form and function, the airships of Kiast boast tremendous use in navigating above the planet’s clouds. Due to the toxic gases pulled close to the planet’s surface, the airship is an essential form of transportation between plateaus, mountainous ridges and the platforms lingering above the toxic band below the clouds. The Vatali Royal Navy's military power on the surface of Kiast consists primarily of airships. First commissioned under order from Emperor Vatal Anasaye, the airships of Kiast were originally brought to the planet from the greater Sephi monarchy. Outfitted with basic designs, these served their purpose until the need for a flotilla arose. The designs were then modified into a vast set of classifications that made use of Kiast’s lighter atmospheric gases and repulsorlift technologies.
The designs were later replicated by Kiast’s other inhabitants, unaffiliated with the Vatali Empire. These unregulated vessels have since either adhered to the classifications, or broken them altogether. Due to their nature and the reclassiciation of the Empire's armed forces, these ships are present but are not recognised as a direct military asset.
Design
Although the airship is a common phenomenon in Kiast’s livable band of atmosphere, exact specifications and models differ with each airship, making identification difficult. Several of the Vatali Empire’s own airships boast a universal design and core functions, while others are known to be creations of raw materials or salvage. Often referred to as “junkers,” these unregulated designs follow no rules or principles in their construction, making them the easiest targets or the most underestimated vessels.
Classification
From the humble sloop to the man of war, Kiast’s inhabitants have created a form of classification relevant to most vessels through measurement of the hull and counting the armament where applicable.
Most regulation airships following the Vatali’s classifications will also utilize airbags made of materials resistant to blasterfire as a means to defend the weakest point from being targeted. As the size of the vessel increases, the thickness of the airbag will result in a greater resistance to being punctured. Where a sloop might be brought low with the pull of a trigger, the man of war will be able to sustain multiple unshielded hits from a laser cannon before losing altitude.
In addition, the Vatali and other manufacturers of the vessels have been known to either replace the airbag entirely with repulsorlift technologies or use the added forward propulsion in unison with the efficient lifting capabilities of the lightweight gasses in the airbags.
Sloop
Average hull length: 25-30 meters.
The smallest and least formidable of the airships, the sloop is rather uncommon despite the lack of time and resources it takes to build one of these airships. Humble and underwhelming, it is rare to see one of these vessels outfitted with even a single laser cannon unless the airbag can support the added weight. It most common where travel between two adjacent mountainous peaks or plateaus is frequent, given that it lacks the speed of added propulsion or room to stock supplies.
Galley
Average hull length: 75-85 meters
The most common design of the Vatali’s flotilla, the galley is outfitted for long-distance travel and significant scouting operations. Associated with being a mid-range warship, it is normally outfitted with a full compliment of five laser cannons on each side. Coupled with its firepower, some galleys are known to house a Z-9 deflector shield projector shield generator below the airbags, soaking up damage that would otherwise render the entire craft inoperable.
Frigate
Average hull length: 90-120 meters.
Bigger than its near-identical galley counterpart, the frigate shares much of the same standard specifications, with the exception of an additional cannon on either side. Besides this difference, the frigate is capable of holding several weeks more worth of goods for nearly the same crew compliment and can therefore take longer journeys than most airships. It is most often used for trading goods along the longest and most dangerous routes across the skies.
Galleon
Average hull length: 150-200 meters.
Bigger than a frigate, but smaller than the man of war, the galleon is the Vatali’s trademark warship design and is used to keep the peace through the Vatali Empire. Although the galleon rarely sees action in battle, its compliment of twenty-five laser cannons on each side and the onboard Zr-41 shield generator ensure that pirates keep to themselves from the Vatali’s borders.
Man Of War
Average hull length: 300-400 meters.
The least common ship in the Vatali’s flotilla due to its overbearing need for resources and constant maintenance, the man of war is feared as the most capable ship in the Vatali flotilla and can blast through a smaller fleet on its own. Boasting a formidable ten turbolaser cannons, and thirty laser cannons on each side, its strength can overwhelm the shields of a galley with relative ease. Its biggest advantage lies in the shield generator at its core—the model that might be seen at the heart of a CR-90 corvette. Located at the center of the enormous vessel lies the 484-J4E screen control and shield projector that makes the man of war an invulnerable fortress in the skies.
So far, only two man of war airships have ever been known to exist: Vatal’s Fist and the Dyssrak.
Royal Army
Training
The basic training of the Royal Army is extremely at odds with those in the Royal Guard, and is effectively match-for-match with elements used in the Odanite Expeditionary Force. Much of this is due to both the Expeditionary Force's long-time support of the Guard in various activities, but also thanks to their former members making up a sizable number of its initial recruits. Several companies were drafted in to both bolster the Amry's initial numbers and train the next wave of Sephi introduced to replace them over time. Many still even retain the basic names of the O.E.F. units, as much for simplicity as respect until the Army can fully establish its own identity and traditions.
Equipment
The equipment of the Royal Army heavily varies due to its much more specialised and individual nature when compared with the Royal Guard. Typically outfitted with standard Blaster Rifles and equipment, the army is well equipped for close-range infantry engagements. Nevertheless, it is extremely heavily mechanized, and built with the intent of keeping the enemy at arm's length. Armour companies make up the vast bulk of its numbers, with a mix of rapid repulsorlift strike craft, hover tanks, and heavy artillery pieces present across the regiment. Direct air support is provided by a number of T-47 airspeeders, while a pair of line companies and assault companies grant it additional manpower to directly engage and hold territories once they have been softened up by the bigger guns.
Royal Navy
Training
Breaking heavily from the doctrines of the Royal Guard founders, the Royal Navy is trained and formed in a manner much closer to those of typical fleets. The most obvious among these is a clear fixed hierarchy, that nevertheless can be altered to quickly account for casualties due to multiple command tiers and general guidelines. Although crewmen are taught to value innovation and think for themselves, this is also tempered by the need to follow orders and respect those above them, if creatively at times. Equally, leadership is taught to offer general commands over exact specifics, giving the opportunity for talented crewmen to prove themselves and to help recognise those that have the natural skills of a leader.
Crewmen are rotated between ships as required, along with shore leave. Although familiarity with larger vessels is valued, ensuring that all members have a general understanding of each warship's design and avoiding creative sterility is seen as essential. Because of this, it's not uncommon for crewmen to be rotated or drafted between capital ships once every several months, and encouraged to detail and recognise common elements as much as quirks. The choice of Mon Calamari ships and Incom inspired designs was intended to help with this, due to both their reused common elements and heavy inspirations elsewhere.
Fleet Assets
The primary fleet assets of the Royal Navy consist largely of tried and true designs best suited to their favoured tactics. The ships of the Mon Calamari are the primary choices in this matter, and initially consisted of a MC75 Star Cruiser operating as its primary flagship alongside two MC30c frigates, the first capable of withstanding sustained fire and blunting heavy ordinance and starfighter opposition, the latter capable of crippling enemy ships several times their tonnage. Much like the ships, the starfighter compliment consists primarily of tried and true designs, with Z-95 Headhunter squadrons serving as the bulk of the fleet alongside a smaller number of Mandalorian made Fang fighters.
Several months following the launch, long-standing flaws within the MC75's hull were uncovered due to the vessel's age. Although these were initially thought to be repaired and of limited risk, growing concerns during manoeuvres close to gravity wells led to its ultimate retirement. In order to best supplement the two remaining ships, the MC40a Light Cruiser Remembrance of Seher was transferred to the navy from its long-standing role among Odan-Urr's fleet.