Star Wars: Dark Empire II #6

Important links:

>The story so far (Get up to speed, quick!)
https://pastebin.com/54Vfvsff

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Dark+Empire

>Pastebin for info dumps
https://pastebin.com/u/Timekiller21

>Twitter feed I use to announce planned game times.
https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest

>This is the map system I use for planning
http://www.swgalaxymap.com/

>And this is a gold mine resource for Star wars info, take with a grain of salt since this universe follows its own continuity.
http://starwars.wikia.com/

>Official political map
http://imgur.com/a/BVqbQ

I allow between ten and twenty minutes for voting depending on the importance of the issue and how divided the vote is. If the vote is tied up, I usually allow an extra five minutes for a tie breaker, and if no one votes, I roll for the tie breaker (The will of the dark side).

I always try to incorporate (and encourage!) write ins if they don't violate the spirit of voted decisions, though I may edit or tweak them to fit better.

I also am always open for questions. I'll just ask that they stay relevant to current events in the quest, or at least the near future.

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The pursuit of the Rebel fleet and the Jedi they brought along with them proceeded normally to Mintooine, Cythera ensuring her ships kept the Rebels well within sensor range, not wanting a repeat of the debacle at Galldraan when they had successfully slipped away.

No, she wouldn't lose them again. The Rebels, to their credit, had no way of detecting Cythera's ships, plated as they were in Alchemically modified, Sith-designed stealth armor. It didn't prevent visual identification, or even being sensed through the force, but it stopped long range Com-scan.

Yes, detection through the force was a high risk, though Cythera was confident, she felt nothing from any of the Jedi. Sure if they had sensed her presence she would know.

Fortunately, the course from Mintooine was obvious, they were headed back into the Tion cluster. Dellalt was their only possible destination along this hypserspace route.

As soon as Korriban and the others fall from hyperspace, the problem is obvious.

"Where are the Rebels?" Cythera asks, her voice ice while bridge crew look, first to one another, and then ultimately to the captain of the ship. He opens and closes his mouth silently a few times, fish-like before whirling on the sensor operator. "Find them!" he barks.

The silence as sensors keys up his com-can interface is painful.

"There! Found them, captain!" sensors cries, "They're changing heading, coming about, but-"

The Jedi are gone, only the escort ships remain, and those were indeed reversing course to come back at Cythera's ships.

"The transport ships are missing," Sensors says, his voice falling in despair, Cythera feels a spike of fear from him, not from what the Rebels aim to do, but what she may do instead.

"Impossible, this is the only charted destination on this course!" the captain says.

"Then they stopped somewhere uncharted," Cythera says, cutting the squabbling short. A secret destination for the Jedi, another mystery, but she no longer worried about it, Cythera had what She wanted. "Skywalker."

(1/2)

She could feel him, and you now knew, he was fully aware of her presence. A few measly rebel escorts were no threat to the firepower her Kooriban-class wielded, especially-

"My Lord . . . I . . . " sensors can only gape at his screen.

Frustrated with the interruption, Cythera started to turn on the man when ahead, just behind the rebel fleet there was the telltale blue flash of a ship exiting hyperspace.

"New contact! Capital-grade." another officer said, "Imperial-Class."

The Tionese perhaps, come to enforce their borders, or maybe unannounced reinforcements from the Emperor? Then Cythera saw the red piping on the otherwise immaculate white hull, and the giant, circular starbirds painted just forward of the ion cannons.

"Ship is identifying as Liberator, it's Rebel!"

"Liberator is launching fighters, X-Wing and E-wings."

Now, that the previously pitiful rebel force was backed by serious firepower, the balance of power had turned.

"Not possible," the captain says, shaking his head. "They can't know we're here, we're outside their detection range!"

The answer was obvious to Darth Cythera, "Anything is possible with the power of the Force," she replies.

"Shall we engage?"

The odds were steep, very steep, nearly impossible. But, as she had said, with the Force, anything was possible.

>No, all forces retreat, we can't risk this fight
>Yes, launch the Avengers, we're attacking
>Skywalker is with them, no matter the cost, no matter what it takes, destroy him!

(2/2)

I know I said no more direct control over Cythera, consider this an interactive Vignette, it's important I reckon so bear with me.

>>1755153
>>1755155
Can't wait to see how Seriss will screw this up.

>>1755163
>No, all forces retreat, we can't risk this fight

i want to piss off Sedriss so Mara can kill him.

>>1755163
>No, all forces retreat, we can't risk this fight

>Tfw we're still doing her even though it wasn't PC controlled now.

>>1755167
>>1755175
Sedriss is the competent one though. Also he actually has arms.

>>1755163
>No, all forces retreat, we can't risk this fight

>>1755176
>He wants to lose the Korriban-class ships to Rebels.

>>1755194
>Sedriss
>competent

He's more lucky then anything else.

>>1755196
Better at what he does than Mara...

>No, all forces retreat, we can't risk this fight

>Writing

>>1755176
I know I know, but I hated for an important decision like this to be left up to random chance, didn't feel fair. True to word, she's phased out. Promise!

>>1755199
Which isn't much.

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"Again," Sedriss says, the panic and stress of the sudden retreat at Dellalt far behind. Cythera stands on one end of Korriban's bridge, her artificial arms crossed in front of her chest, staring at the assembled Darksiders, gathered behind Sedriss, nearly a dozen in all, each one bearing a near-identical scowl. "Again you fail us. Again we leave the battlefield like a dog with its tail between its legs. What would our Master say?"

The naval crew of Korriban give each other uneasy glances, stuck between the two sides.

"That's no concern of yours," Cythera retorts.

"Oh, but it is," Sedriss says, stepping forward, "It's my business to make sure the Emperor's leash is tight around your neck. Our mission was to kill Skywalker. All you've managed to do was get two of us cut up and let him humiliate us."

"This is my mission!" Cythera calls to the Blackguard behind Sedriss, trying to reassert her authority. "I'm the Sith here-"

"But for how long?" Sedriss asks. "Because your inept command ends. We're going back to Imperial Center and back to our Master and you can tell him how you've failed him!"

Cythera says nothing and kept her face blank, but she internally swallowed down fear. She knew opposing Sedriss now meant she would have a fight on her hands, and probably with more than one of his Blackguard. Instead, she shrugged.

"Fine, have it your way. We'll go back."

A twisted grin creeps across Sedriss's face. So much for the Apprentice's power.

(1/3)

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Bin Luar. You scowl just thinking the name. That scum-sucking, no-good, glorified merchant. You hoped Gundarks ate his guts for the way he talked to you. Whoever had the misfortune of being his wife you had only the deepest sympathy for. But, a deal was a deal, you had promised to talk to your father on Luar's behalf, and that time had come.

Now, the sun had set ending in a strange purple-green rainbow of color and two of Byss's moons were high overhead casting strange double shadows. You caught glimpses of it through the narrow windows that lined the hall that lead to your father's office. You hadn't made this trip since you were a girl, but it felt so recent, you could almost imagine you were going to tell him the rustling palm trees outside of your window had frightened you. The memory makes you smile though his response did not.

Alana, you're too old to be afraid of every little thing. There's much worse things to worry about than some shadows and wind.

He had been right of course. Back then you imagine your father was thinking about the Separatists and Jedi, now you knew that was likely on the very cusp of Rebellion.

Reaching his office, you lay a hand on the door controls and it hisses open. Inside, almost entirely in the dark, your father hunched over a data terminal, typing away at a constant, measured pace. Beside him, a small holopad is playing the Imperial News Network broadcast.

"-makes up the latest portion of the fighting between rival splinter factions. What experts are calling the 'Quelii Campaign' between forces led by Thrawn and Zsinj. While Intelligence has not released any exact figures of the battle, by all accounts it was exceptionally bloody with neither side able to score a decisive victory."

(2/3)

A miniaturized map of the area around the Quelii sector appears above the holopad in place of the Imperial logo and illustrates the movements in midair. "Fighting at Vinsoth was heavily reported on before news of further clashes at Drackmar, Gw'enee, and Bandomeer was released."

As an intelligent Imperial citizen, you had learned to frequently "read between the lines" of the often times vague INN reports. Firstly, while the news had called the battles bloody and indecisive, you had a hard time believing that were true given what you'd heard of Thrawn's abilities. At least it wasn't for his forces. Secondly, and reinforcing your first opinion, the four worlds mentioned were successively deeper into what territory Zsinj had claimed for himself, leading you to believe this was in fact an overwhelming victory for Thrawn.

In fact, going off of your rough astrographic knowledge, Thrawn was now in a good position to wrest control of vast swaths of the Hydian Way from Zsinj which gave him access to places like Taris and the Corporate Sector, not to mention the trade revenue and strategic options the Hydian Way presented.

"Fighting has halted while the refugees of these battles struggle to find basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Grand Vizier Mas Amedda said of the conflict: 'It's a tragic reminder of the consequences of loss of legitimate government. Too many rebels and opportunists sought to claim what power they could for themselves in the wake of our Emperor's absence without a thought for how it would affect the average citizen. As the Empire continues to rebuild itself, we will see such devastating tragedies prevented more and more.'."

Fighting didn't typically halt unless one side or the other needed to recuperate or if some sort of negotiations were under way, you weren't sure which was more likely.

Your father glances over his shoulder to see you. "Alana. What is it?"

>I just heard the news about Thrawn's campaign, sounds like he's winning.
>I just spoke with a friend of mine and I wanted to ask you a favor
>I was asked to pass along a request from an acquaintance of mine
>Write in

(3/3)

>>1755223
>I was asked to pass along a request from an acquaintance of mine

>>1755223
>Write in
Tell him that one of our acquaintances, an arms manufacturer for the Empire (from Kuat?) has need of some Yevetha laborers to increase productivity.

>I was asked to pass along a request from an acquaintance of mine

>>1755236
To my mind that's basically
>I was asked to pass along a request from an acquaintance of mine

>writing

"I was asked my an acquaintance of mine, Bin Luar, a Kuat Drive Yards executive, to request that some Yevetha laborers be transferred to Kuat."

"What?" your father asks.

"Mr. Luar explained to me that the presence of the Yevetha would seriously increase productivity of the shipyards," you say.

Your father looks stunned. "Transfer laborers? No. I'm sorry, that won't be possible."

>Very well, thank you father
>Yevetha laborers on Kuat could seriously help war production
>Please, as a favor for me?

>>1755275
>Would it be possible to transfer skilled non-Yevetha?

>>1755287
Supporting

>>1755275
>Write-in
Father i remember you saying something about the Yvetha rebelling wouldn't be better to transfer these nuisance to others? You could easily use this numbers to show why you are the xebo labor enforcer and wull show your methods are way more efficient and so forcing people to hire YOU to handle the Yvetah

>>1755313
>>1755287

Combining these

>Writing

"Father, I remember you saying something about the Yevetha rebelling. Every act of resistance is lost productivity. Wouldn't it be better to transfer this nuisance to others? You could easily use this numbers to show why you are the xeno labor minister and will show your methods are way more efficient and would then force Kuat Drive Yards to turn to you for your expertise."

Your father shakes his head, "You sound like your mother. Alana, I have no interest in marketing my skills. What I do, I do in service of the emperor. Money and prestige does not interest me."

"Well, would it be possible to transfer skilled non-Yevetha?"

The request baffles your father. "Potentially, obviously the human yard workers are out of my domain, but xenos could be transferred. Provided the right channels were followed."

Somehow, you doubted that Luar had any intention of following 'proper channels' or he would have already done so. "Father, if you serve the Empire, why not transfer what workers you can to Kuat? More warship production benefits everyone."

"I don't serve the Empire," your father says carefully, "I serve the Emperor and he has given me no such orders. Until I receive instruction from the Emperor, I will obey his whims. The Yevetha are to stay in the Byss shipyards." He turns away from you and returns to work, signaling an end to the conversation, or at least his willingness to listen to you.

>What about as a favor to your daughter?
>I understand, thank you
>Could you speak to the Emperor about it?
>write in

>>1755339
>I understand

>>1755339
>I understand, thank you

>>1755339
>What about as a favor to your daughter?
with
I have risen through the ranks of the Imperial Navy. Have I not brought this family some merit of success and glory? Our name was mentioned to the Emperor himself! Surely, father, I have earned that small favor.

>>1755339
>I understand, thank you
But
>Could you speak to the Emperor about it?
As i have seen Thraw is about to take control of a great part of Zzinj territory maybe the emperor would apreciate a increase in the overall of his forces. Sorry if u upsaeted you

>>I understand, thank you


>Writing

Also

>You sound like your mother

Alana is not pleased with that sentence.

"I understand," you say. "Thank you."

Your father doesn't react.

Within minutes, you return to the parlor and return Luar's call.

His eyes light up as his images flickers on before you.

"Alana, welcome back. Good news I take it."

"I'm sorry," you say, "My father would not agree to transfer any Yevetha. He is, however, willing to transfer other non-human workers provided you make a request through official channels."

Luar stares at you, his smile fading into a frown. "I don't want 'non-human workers'. If I wanted to work a few thousand Wookiees to death, I'd be barking up a different tree. I want those Yevetha."

"Well, I'm afraid I can't give them to you," you reply, your tone icy.

"So what? Leave me footing the bill for all those fighters I gave you?" Luar asks angrily. "Look, Alana, darling. I'm willing to concede that maybe you can't get me those Yevetha right now but what are you going to do for me?"

"I'm a contact for you within the active navy, one that has move up through the ranks quite a bit since last we spoke. I also still give you access to my father you didn't have before."

"For what?" Luar asks, spreading his hands. "I'm sorry but, what good are those things if he won't agree to anything I need? Maybe we should revisit my earlier mention of an alliance between houses. I think your father might take requests from his son-in-law a little more seriously then."

You knew from previous encounters that in Kuati society, a marriage was frequently tantamount to a business arrangement, one that Luar had sought from you in the past.

>Very well, I'm willing to consider it
>Surely there's some way to repay you for those fighters that's a bit less extreme?
>I'm sorry. I did what I could.
>I am not marrying you, you lech. I think we're done here.
>Write in

>>1755409
>If you want those fighters back, You may take them. However I kept my end of the deal and spoke to my father.

>>1755409
>I am not marrying you, you lech. I think we're done here.

>Write in
Besides those figthers were a investment of your part. You are a business man you should know that not always you can get your initial investment imediatly. What i can offer you for now is non-human workers who will increase your productive they will reduce the expendiature you have and if you get rid of the bad workes once more you will increase in it. Come on don't be a idiots you can decrease what you are loosing and increase the skill of all your work force.

>>1755422
>>1755433

Combining these

>Writing

>>1755461
TK you are the best.

"I am not marrying you," you say with finality. "If you want those fighters back, you may take them. However, I kept my end of the deal and spoke to my father. Besides those fighters were an investment of your part. You're a business man you should know that not always you can get your initial investment immediately." you sigh, "The best I can do is promise to move along a transfer of other non-human workers if you proceed with it. I think this is a deal you stand to benefit from."

"If I wanted business advice I wouldn't go to a navy grunt," Luar snarls, "besides which, I couldn't take those fighters back if I wanted to. The Empire frowns on recollections. You have it your way, I'll get my payment for those fighters one way or another. Maybe someday you'll be all paid off." He kills the transmission.

As the hologram of Luar dissolved, you allow yourself to relax a bit, un-clenching your teeth and fists. Luar was a sleazebag, and he had a bone to pick with you. Fine. There was no avoiding that now. You would just have to fight your battles as they came.

Instead, you resolve to put it out of mind, as as you power down the holopad, you find your thoughts traveling back to Duchess Ederlathh and her luggage she had been so keen not protect from being searched. It was one more small piece of the ongoing mystery that surrounded her and her visit to Byss. First the Shocktroopers assigned to guard her turn out to be with Imperial Intelligence, and apparently under Director Isard's direct control, then after you get your father to have her luggage searched, she stepped in and prevented her personal bag from being gone through.

On one hand, you had been a teenager once, and the idea of a bunch of thick-headed stormtroopers rifling through your things still sends a chill down your spine. It was totally understandable that Ederlathh would want to maintain some shred of privacy.

On the other hand . . . With so much else unexplained, you long to be able to answer one simple question. 'What's in the bag?'

(1/2)

Quietly moving down the hall, you peer into the darkened den where you see Ederlathh and your mother watching a holodrama. You recognized it as Imperial One, a fairly new war movie. You catch a snippet of the film as a dash and attractive Imperial Security Bureau officer falls to his knees on the sandy beaches of Scarif, looking up at a sneering man holding a blaster pistol in one hand, and stolen data tapes in the other. Distantly, an alarm warbles, desperately trying to call any available forces to respond to this devastating data theft.

"Why?" the young ISB officer asks, "Why would you betray us Ven? Can't you see the Rebels are evil!?"

The traitor, Ven, scoffs. "The money is just too good!"

You know how it ends. Ven manages to escape Scarif by leaving the rest of his rebel allies to fight and die, ordering them to commence an orbital bombardment on the base to kill any witnesses of his theft. The vid ends on a bright note of hope as Darth Vader shows up in time to give hot pursuit.

Although you know ultimately that story doesn't have a happy ending.

Your mother was totally engrossed in the holovid, you imagine she'll start tearing up by the end, while Ederlathh you can see is barely paying attention, idly kicking her feet and studying the décor of the room.

>Go search Ederlathh's bag while she's preoccupied
>Leave it alone, just go to bed, it's late
>finish the vid with Ederlathh and your mother

>>1755474
>finish the vid with Ederlathh and your mother

>>1755474
>Leave it alone, just go to bed, it's late
The Duchess isn't a rebel spy, so we don't have to worry about sabotage. We shouldn't fuck over our career by being curious

>>1755474
>Other

Rescue Ederlathh from your mother. Sneak out and go have a girls night. You and her need some fun.

>>1755480
>not wanting to corrupt palpy's grandniece.

Lets at least show her some fun here in Byss so we can continue being friends.

>>1755484
I mean if there is the space equivalent of a horse, then we could ride around our property

>>1755485
I'm going for an "Attack of the Clones" romance arc

>>1755486
So we will use some slutty clothing and try seduce her?

>>1755489
We could show a little cleavage, but the real seduction comes from the dominance we'll have to show.

This is a classic Arnold Schwarzenegger situation

>>1755493
Then let's both vote to take Ederlathh out for a walk.

>>1755502
Even for the players who don't want to romance her, entertaining her is our utmost job.

Three votes, one each. Gonna give it a bit of time for tie breaking.

on that note
Tuesdays are always super slow, or is that just me? I really appreciate yall popping in, but it makes me wonder if I should try to adjust my play schedule.

>>1755510
Last Thursday seemed to be fine, so I'd just chalk it up to one of those days

>>1755502
Alright, I vote to take her for a walk too

>>1755524
Well okay then, I was just getting ready to roll for it

>Take a walk

>Writing

You led Ederlathh out into the cool night air, the garden around your house was tinted a strange purple, courtesy of Byss's unusual sun.

"Thank you, Alana," Ederlathh says, breathing out, "I don't know how much more I would have been able to take."

"Of the movie?" you ask, "or my mother?"

Ederlathh shakes her head, "Lady Tyrna was very kind to me. Unfortunately, it's to her detriment that she's also cripplingly dull."

You chuckle, "She's just starstruck, you're probably a low-key idol for her."

"You don't like her," Ederlathh says.

Your smile fades, "No."

"I never knew my mother. Not my real one," Ederlathh says. "She abandoned me when I was a baby."

You aren't sure what to say, you've heard about Ederlathh's convoluted history though, claims about the illegitimacy of her grandfather, the disappearance of her mother. It reeked of intrigue gone wrong, or from another perspective, gone very right.

"I'm sorry," you say. "That must have been hard."

She shrugs, "I didn't know the woman. In fact, in a way it made me who I am." Ederlathh smiles like she's remembering a joke, "The official investigation into her disappearance is what led to my relation to the Emperor being discovered. If not for that I'd probably just be a nobody on Naboo. I only asked about your mother because I wonder if I would have hated my mother, I mean like you do."

"Unfortunately, you may never know," you say, your voice soothing.

"That's okay. I don't need a mother. I did fine without her," there's a hard edge to her voice. "So, what did you do to stay sane when you lived here, Alana?"

>The beach
>Causing trouble with my friends
>Books and learning
>Write in

>>1755550
>>Causing trouble with my friends
>Books and learning


We got into more trouble than we care to admit, but when it came time to actually be mature, we did our job.

>>1755550
>Books and learning

>>1755582
>>1755575

>Books and Learning

but also

>A bit of write in

>>1755587
>writing

in case that was unclear

>>1755550
>Causing trouble with my friends
It's why we never got along with Mum

You chuckle, "Well I obviously didn't have the navy when I was your age, or even the academy. The holonet was my gateway off this planet. Reading, studying, learning. Games when I had the time."

Ederlathh makes a face, "Sounds really boring."

"It could be," you say "Which was why I had my friends. When I was younger it wasn't such a big deal that I was the daughter of Lord Tyrna. My family basically owned everyone around here, and I think that made me act out twice as hard to fit in. You know, sneaking out at night, breaking data slots, tipping droids. Kid stuff."

Ederlathh gawks, "You? Tipping droids?"

"We got into more trouble than I care to admit. One of the reasons I never got on with my mother. But when the time came to be mature, we did our job."

"Where are your friends now?" she asks.

You pause a moment before answering, "For some, I'm not sure. Some stayed here, others went into government or the military . . . "

Ederlathh listens for more but when it doesn't come- "What about the others?"

"They died at Endor," you say.

"Wow, the Rebels killed them?" Ederlathh asks, "tell me what happened."

You wince at her impropriety. "A lot of them were crew on the ships that ambushed the Rebels. A few were on Vader's command ship. Honestly, Ederlathh, it's a bit painful to talk about."

The duchess looks disappointed and shrugs.

You start to walk again, the two of you continuing your wide circle of the estate, passing a few Stormtroopers on patrol who give you a polite berth and don't spare second glances. You knew from your wilder days that if you caught them in the right mood, Stormtroopers could occasionally be accommodating of unusual goings on, provided there was no cause of alarm.

You found yourselves at the front of the estate, looking down the gently sloping hill over Venrys, its streets lit a harsh yellow against the otherwise pastel night.

Ederlathh breaks her silence. "Alana, do you trust me?"

"Yes, I do."

"Do you think I could ever rule the Empire? If I had to?"

The question is a dangerous one, one that very well could wind her up with Isard in her infamous and mysterious Lusankya prison. Ederlathh's tone is earnest, and she is either very trusting or very foolish to ask you such a thing, but you only get a genuine curiosity out of her.


>Yes, I'm sure you'd do a good job if it came to it
>Ederlathh, why is it you are so worried about the Empire's leadership?
>I don't think that will ever be a problem
>write in

>>1755619
No. Only the Emperor could and will rule the Empire. Also that's treason again lady.

>>1755619
>Ederlathh, why is it you are so worried about the Empire's leadership?
>Politically? I believe you could but Militarily? you wouldn't face a warm welcome. Remember what happened the last time the Emperor vanished..

>>1755619
Ah shit

>I'm saying this because I am genuinely your friend, but if you were to become Empress, you would have to do a lot of work on yourself. I don't think you think you're absolutely perfect, but people have a way of bloating their positive traits. Hopefully we should never worry about that, because the Emperor is back in a younger and better body, and he doesn't seem to want to leave his empire any time soon.

>>1755626
Seconding this.

Answer her question with a question.

>>1755626
>Ederlathh, why is it you are so worried about the Empire's leadership?
>Politically? I believe you could but Militarily? you wouldn't face a warm welcome. Remember what happened the last time the Emperor vanished..

>writing

You allow yourself a moment to think before answering such a delicate question.

"Ederlathh, why is it you are so worried about the Empire's leadership?"

Ederlathh immediately recoils from your question, you see her physically struggle to maintain composure, something akin to embarrassment flashes on her face.

"I just want to know!" she blurts before taking a deep breath. "When the Emperor was dead," she says "People . . . Came up to me and told me that I was next in line. That I was the legitimate heir to the throne and it was my job to rule, or it would be someday."

"Who told you that?" you ask.

Ederlathh only shakes her head. "I was scared. I saw everything falling apart, I had lost my home to the Rebels and I didn't think I could do it. When the Emperor died everything fell apart because we had no one to lead."

The Dark times. It seemed so long ago you were just a captain on patrol at Hemei. One more sentry on the feeble wall against the darkness closing on the galaxy. Now . . . Now things were different. There was hope again.

You choose your words carefully and deliberately, "As a political leader, I think you'd do fine. But militarily . . . You wouldn't face a warm welcome."

"What do you mean?" Ederlathh asks, clearly frustrated.

"Well, remember what happened the last time the Emperor was gone. With no military power, you would have no way to enforce your rule."

"You could do it," Ederlathh says.

You take a subconscious glance backward to ensure there are no Intelligence agents nearby.

"Ederlathh-"

"You could keep the Empire together, Alana. You would protect me, wouldn't you? Everyone says you're a great leader, you should be an Admiral except some of the admirals hate you already. You wouldn't abandon me."

>No, if it came down to it I wouldn't abandon you
>I don't like talking about this Ederlathh
>I'm afraid it's not that simple . . .

>>1755654
Stop. This is treason, I can not entertain you on this anymore.
Then go back home and sleep, enough for today.

>>1755654
>>I'm afraid it's not that simple . . .
I'm your friend, Ederlathh, and I would go at great lengths to protect and help you, but what you're suggesting is not black and white and would require months of debate and conversation

>>1755654
>I will be honest Ederlathh, I couldn't in the way as the other Great Admiral's or General's can. I don't have the experience, Support or knowledge as them.
>I would provide support when and won't abandon you and as Such I must say this now. This line of thought is dangeroust to your well being and so is speaking about it.

>>1755670
Supporting this.

We're her friend and should the unthinkable happen, then we'd support her in an effort to keep the Empire together.

But with the Emperor restored to us, this is a very very remote possibility.

>I will be honest Ederlathh, I couldn't in the way as the other Great Admiral's or General's can. I don't have the experience, Support or knowledge as them.
>I would provide support when and won't abandon you and as Such I must say this now. This line of thought is dangeroust to your well being and so is speaking about it.

>Writing

Dam today we are havimg some pretty good write-ins. Guess anons like their space politics.

"I will be honest, Ederlathh," you say, "I couldn't in the way as the other great admirals or generals could. I don't have the experience, support or knowledge as them."

Ederlathh frowns, but nods, she seems to understand.

"I would provide support and wouldn't abandon you and, as such, I must say this now: this line of thought is dangerous to your well-being and so is speaking about it."

"Right," Ederlathh says, "Thank you, Alana. That's why I'm so impressed with you. You always put the Empire first, even before yourself. I think if more people felt that way, we wouldn't be in this mess and maybe I'd still be home."

"I act in accordance with my beliefs," you say, "And the Empire comes first."

Ederlathh steps closer to you and takes your hand, "Thank you again, Alana. For listening to me. Not many people do, or would. It puts you in a special place in my eyes." She almost says more but stops herself. "Your mother is probably wondering where I am," she says and turns back for the house before you can say anymore.

***

Stopping the session there. Thanks for bearing with me guys!

Next session (Thursday, 7 EST 11 UTC) will see a return to the classics: Our boy Sheevy P and galactic conquest.

Thanks for bearing with my "slice of life" experiment". I'll let you be the judge of how successful or terrible it was.

I've also adapted Pathfinder's mass combat rules for use in this setting, it's rough and needs testing, but it's in place. For those who want to nitpick my decisions and follow along in horror (http://webpages.charter.net/tedsarah/Pathfinder/srd/additionalRules/MassBattle/MassBattle.htm)

But I foolishly think that this one will work fine.

As always, you guys are great and I wish I had more time to keep playing. I've decided unofficially that Dark Empire will be run in "seasons" with 30 sessions apiece. Dark Empire I ran for 30 sessions and this was Session 14 of Dark Empire II, so about half way through. I'm planning on doing a marathon long session at least for the "season finale" so we'll see how that goes.

Some ending questions:

>Does anyone actually use the pastebin really? Do you need/want more?

>Would you prefer to roll dice for major engagements that happen "off camera" (i.e. without Alana or Palpatine present) or would you prefer that I decide the outcome without player involvement?

>>1755743
I use the paste bin when I need too, and not really.

>>1755741
yall just like making me work harder

>inb4 military coup to instate Ederlathh as Empress and Alana leading the navies.

Honestly I would love a quest like that on its own, set maybe twenty years from now when dissent and rebellion are starting to rise again (as they always seem to do).

>>1755743
Sometimes I check the pastebin but it's more important for new players.
Roll it yourself, some things are better happening behind the scenes

>>1755743
>Ederlathh steps closer to you and takes your hand
>takes your hand

To lewd!!!

>Does anyone actually use the pastebin really? Do you need/want more?

Yes and Yes.

>Would you prefer to roll dice for major engagements that happen "off camera" (i.e. without Alana or Palpatine present) or would you prefer that I decide the outcome without player involvement?

i would rather you decided.

>>1755750
>spoiler

Yes we do and the fact ypu just roll with it shows how good of a qm you are.

>>1755743
Agree with >>1755754

I made a session this time! Woo! I might even catch the next one too. Is that 7pm or 7am? Stupid question, but I'm in Australia this week and next.

How long do you see yourself committing to Dark Empire, TK? Are you going to run it to a set end goal or until it feels right?

>>1755765
Thanks! I try to be accomodating!

>>1755753
Sounds like treason to me.

>>1755773
>How long do you see yourself committing to Dark Empire, TK? Are you going to run it to a set end goal or until it feels right?

Well, I'm not sick of it yet, in fact I have a lot of fun with it. It's not realistic to think I'll run forever of course, but for the time being I plan to run the main story "to completion whatever that turns out to be. Right now that's "reunify the galaxy

I won't rule out spin off games and other such shit if this remains popular after it ends. Always in motion the future is.

For now know that I will run as long as people want to play. [Spoiler]provided the sudden tonal shift hasn't driven everyone off. I promise the galactic conquest you came for will return!

>>1755773
Whoops, meant to say: 7pm eastern standard time. Or 11 utc, whatever the fuck that is if you want to convert from that.

Finally caught up and it's already over. Still loving it TK.

That was still the best thing to happen to me today.

Not advertising or anything, but what would the most popular Era for a Star Wars Quest be? That isn't Clone Wars, Original Trilogy, New Republic (this), Great Galactic War (SWTOR), or Rise of the Empire.

>>1755812
Welcome aboard! Glad to see you finally caught up! Hope to see you on Thursday!

Uh . . . well excluding all those eras, maybe any other Old Republic setting (Exar Kun, Battle of Rusaan, etc) or even the Vong invasion if you like to live life on the edge.

At least one of my players is really into Star Wars Legacy (40+ years after Vong invasion if I recall)

thinking about running a quest?

>>1755835
>Uh . . . well excluding all those eras, maybe any other Old Republic setting (Exar Kun, Battle of Rusaan, etc) or even the Vong invasion if you like to live life on the edge.
Yeah, I was thinking around KOTOR 2 because people love dem eyeholes and Visas WAS best girl and also because it connects well to KOTOR, SWTOR, and Tales of the Jedi.

>Spoiler
Probably, sometime later this month or next, most likely.

>>1755835
This may be a controversial opinion, but I actually rather like the Vong invasion in EU.

I mean it's no Thrawn or Bacta crisis, but it was still pretty good. Very different, but good.

>>1755812
Mandalorian wars perhaps. The smart thing to do would mix the great sith wars, mandalorian wars and jedi civil war in a bit of an OC mix, take away revan and malak and let players fill the vacuum if they want.

Aftermath of kotor 2 perhaps, but instead of having the sith empire disintegrating in a year, make the galaxy divided into a shit ton of sith, republic and independent factions, bit like this era's quest.
It could be a bit more personal too as the war has been so devastating many factions have receded in borders, so there's room for fresh blood.
And ofcourse, the ultimate quest of al time would be ignoring TOR and making kotor 3 as envisioned originally. Are you bad enough of a new jedi/sith to follow into the unknown regions and dealt with Naga Sadows sith empire, with their massive slave armies and force powers that can reshape the stars?

>>1756192
I don't mean to imply Vong is bad. In fact, it's pretty good. I just find it to be too radically different from the Star Wars I like. I'd probably like it more if instead of the Vong it was Sith as originally planned. I just find bio-weapon using, force-less, sadists too different for my tastes.

>>1755871
Let me know when/if you run that! Sounds fun.

Otherwise: would it be autistic to keep asking if people like slice of life occasionaly?

Y/N

[Spoiler]cause I understand how easy it is to alienate your player base[/spoiler]

>>1756445
If it is in a 1 to 10 ratio at most, I can live with it. I'm to old and married to care about waifuing and getting laid on /qst/.

>>1756445
N

But only if you don't focus to much on it. The way you did in this thread is a good exemple of a good use of the slice of life.

>>1756445
N

>>1756445
I like slice of life because it shows more then just war of the empire.

>>1756579
Lol. That feel.

>>1756687
Thanks! I'll try to maintain a good balance


The good news for everyone is that Bumly (of Jedi Knight Quest) gave me an awful and terrible idea that just might work. I'll likely test it out come next time it matters.

Next thread though, Palpatine's waifu is confirmed to be power

>>1757762
What about the dark side?

>>1757890
Palpatine IS the Dark Side.

If this is a Dark empire quest, will we ever get a pov from the true villain, the tyrant of the galaxy, the witch of Chandrila, Mon Mothma herself?

>>1760022
That sounds like treason anon...

You are Sheev Palpatine, ruler of the Galactic Empire, although as of late, that title seems more pretentious than it had in the past. You command what had once been a military force without rival. You lead an assembly of Darkside force-users as your own personal army, each one a potential Sith, each one capable of wielding a small fraction of your power in some corner of the galaxy. You created an annihilated the Separatists, you cheated death and you hate formal banquets.

Of course, you can't let such feelings be known to the public, it is important to keep up appearance after all. This is one of the many types of functions that, in the past, you would have sent Sate Pestage or Tarkin to. But now, it fell to you to maintain such things in person.

It was nice, you reflect as you survey the enormous dining room full of men and a few women in Imperial uniform, to get off Imperial Center for some time. While Ralltiir is hardly far from the core, it is on the very edge of the space you control. It was also going to be the jumping off point for the attack on Raithal and Carida that was set to be launched imminently under the command of Admiral Oxtroe.

Because of that, this "Assembly of Moffs" was virtually overrun with military officers. Generals, captains, Commanders, even a handful of well-connected lieutenants littered the room. It was also noteworthy that in this one room two of your admirals were also contained. Your newest admiral: Lennox, looking sufficiently stiff-necked and stoic, only allowing himself the occasional polite smile to those around him, and Admiral Oxtroe, beset with a gaggle of Ralltiiri merchants likely each doing their best to impress the only serving female admiral in the navy.

The purpose for the occasion, supposedly, was to welcome the latest Moff to your ranks. One of the youngest yet and the son of a powerful military officer.

"Your Highness," the officer said, pausing to give you a low bow, his son behind him looking appropriately uncomfortable in the presence of the Emperor himself. "May I introduce my son, Arvendis Tierce."

The man he introduces wears the rank of a Moff and carries himself as an officer, though you can detect that perfect hint of aristocratic privilege that, your mind, makes for the most perfectly inept and controllable regional governors.

Arvendis had some months prior served as a task force commander of middling reputation, protecting the borders of the Empire Sedriss had carved out for your return, though poor marks from Moff Arvendis had upset that career. He'd gone on to serve as an ISD captain and ultimately a division commander where he was credited with liberating his family's homeworld of Corellia.

>My congratulations. I'm sure you'll do well to return the Farlax sector to something approaching civilization
>A shame your military career didn't work out
>You have a large void to fill if you hope to blot out the legacy of failure that overshadows the Yevetha Uprising

>>1760518
>>You have a large void to fill if you hope to blot out the legacy of failure that overshadows the Yevetha Uprising but I have faith you'll get the job done, for both of our sakes

>>1760518
Backing this >>1760523

deleted my old vote.

>>1760518
>You have a large void to fill if you hope to blot out the legacy of failure that overshadows the Yevetha Uprising

>You have a large void to fill if you hope to blot out the legacy of failure that overshadows the Yevetha Uprising but I have faith you'll get the job done, for both of our sakes

>Writing

You give the new Moff Tierce a measured look. "You have a large void to fill if you hope to blot out the legacy of failure stemming from the Yevetha Uprising."

Moff Tierce swallowed hard, "Yes, your Highness."

Beside him, his father looked equally nervous, for a moment you thought he may berate his son in front of you just for the fact that it might get him on your good side.

"But I have faith you'll get the job done," you finish after letting him sweat a few moments."

Moff Tierce visibly relaxes, "Thank you, Highness." he gives a sharp, awkward bow.

High Colonel Tierce's uncertain grin snaps to satisfaction in an instant. In that pair of subservient smiles, you see the family resemblance that previously eluded you. While Moff Tierce was thin almost to the point of frailty with a sharp face, his father, High Colonel Tierce was a rotund, red-faced man. You can't imagine he ever managed to squeeze himself into combat armor.

"When do you leave for N'Zoth, Governor Tierce?" you ask, not really caring.

He hesitates, casting a quick glance at his father, "The planet," he says, "It's going to be renamed. As our first-" he stops and swallows "as my first official act."

"Right!" The High Colonel says, "Who wants a mouthful of alien gibberish whenever they talk about the Negs shipyards?"

"Many of the worlds are being renamed by their colonists," Moff Tierce continues, "since the Yevetha took care of their former inhabitants already for us."

You approved of shaping the past to fit the present. "Very good, and what is to be the name of the former Yevetha home world?"

"Imperiana," the Moff says proudly and without an ounce of hesitation.

You nod, anything was better than 'N'Zoth'. "Keep it up Governor. It's ideas like that that keep this Empire functioning efficiently." You lean in conspiratorially close. "Grand Moff Tarkin once had similar ideas."

You take perverse pleasure in watching father and son's eyes light up, the endless possibilities before them.

"Gentlemen, enjoy the party," you pat Moff Tierce on the arm and turn away, not catching their replies. You had other business to attend to. The functions were useless for entertaining you, but they did allow you to get an fairly unfettered look at your most trusted bureaucrats.

>Visit with Grand Moff Dureya and Grand Moff Gann
>Visit with a handful of Moffs in conversation
>Visit with Admiral Oxtroe
>Visit with Admiral Lennox
>write in

>>1760594
>Visit with a handful of Moffs in conversation

>>1760594
>Visit with Grand Moff Dureya and Grand Moff Gann
Gotta know our top governors

>>1760594
>>Visit with a handful of Moffs in conversation
The common guys must know they're still "important"

>Visit with a handful of Moffs in conversation

>writing

The Grand Moffs and Admirals are obvious. Any tin-pot dictator could cozy up to their direct subordinates. No, the real key came from engaging the people just beneath them giving you a direct pipeline to the direct governors of your Empire. Granted, there weren't as many as there had been before Endor, but you looked at it as "trimming the fat". Only the most loyal, most vengeful toward the rebellion, and most ambitious Moffs remained.

You came upon a small collection of them in conversation with one another before they looked up and were suddenly started by your presence.

"Your Highness!" one blurted.

"Gentlemen," you say, "Please, don't let me interrupt you."

"No, please do," the oldest of them said with a coy grin, "Ilvekis is thinks he's a comedian and he's about as well suited to that as he is to governance."

The Moff who spoke, Moff Arvendis, was an old hand. A holdout from the days of the Republic who'd long ago traded his scruples for a life of ease, the odor of alcohol that came off of him told you he might not have been as happy with this choice as he otherwise let on. Arvendis controlled a handful of inconsequential worlds, the most important among them was Hemei, an important industrial site when the Dark Empire was still merely another faction under Sedriss.

The other Moff's chuckle uneasily at Arvendis's humor.

"I wouldn't have Ilvekis as a governor if I doubted his abilities to lead," you reply. Of course in truth Ilvekis was a buffoon who was pliable and loyal above all. Your rebuttal makes Arvendis sober, ever so slightly and Ilvekis stands a little taller.

"Your Highness, have you had a chance to speak with Moff Tierce?" a fresh voice says.

"I have, Governor Volen," you say. Volen is somewhat of a mystery to you, and for that reason you were clad to keep him close by on Imperial Center, managing much of the affairs of the world. "I think Tierce will make an able governor. You feel differently?" you reach out with the force as Volen answers, searching him for any duplicity or ill-will. Volen was one you inherited from Isard.

Volen has a vacant expression at all times, the hint of a grin and half-lidded eyes. "On the contrary," he says in a very precise accent that you suspect is Chandrillan, "Tierce and his father both seem loyal sons of the Empire. I'm glad to see he had the good sense to remove himself from a military career and go into politics."

"Although it was really Arvendis who removed Tierce from the military career," Ilvekis says with a laugh that jiggles his gut.

>I don't approve of gossip
>Any shortcomings Tierce had are in the past
>Some aren't cut out for the military
>Moff Arvendis? Do tell

>>1760705
>Some aren't cut out for the military

>>1760705
>>Some aren't cut out for the military
Every man has a job in the Empire, like a finely tuned machine she is, and a cog doesn't fit, it gets moved somewhere else.

>Some aren't cut out for the military

>Writing

"Some aren't cut out for the military," you reply. "Every man has a job in the Empire, like a finely tuned machine she is, and a cog doesn't fit, it gets moved somewhere else."

Ilvekis chokes off his laugh and looks embarrassed, a few other Moffs give him dirty looks.

"You're right of course, Highness," Volen says.

"That's right, Arvendis says, "I was helping the lad transfer to his true calling."

Ilvekis looks like he's about to speak when his eyes go wide, fixed on a point not far behind you, without further ado he gives a quick bob of his head, "Thank you your Highness but I have other matters."

Arvendis follows his gaze and his look sours. "I think I'll join him."

You spare a glance over your shoulder and there, cutting through the crowd is Isard, instantly recognizable in her crimson uniform. That shock of color stands out in a sea of grey, black and white.

Volen finishes his drink, his expression frozen, but not fearful. "Highness." he lays the glass on the tray of a passing servant droid and follows the others.

Isard makes a beeline straight for you and the crowd parts almost as if by magic. It was a fear response of course, and one you enjoyed watching in action. While Isard was a spider, she was one clever enough or wise enough to stay out of your web. You knew, deep down that she was dangerous, but she always played by your rules and so you tolerated her intrigue.

As she reaches you, you hold out a hand to accept her own extended hand, bending slightly to kiss it while she gives you a small bow. "Your highness."

"Director Isard. A pleasure." It was almost like you never left Imperial Center since your entourage followed you virtually anywhere you went.

"Pleasure isn't my aim," she replies, "I've just been briefed by my agents on the status of The so-called Eriadu Authority and the other Warlords along the Southern Rim of the galaxy."

You peak an eyebrow, "Go on."

(1/2)

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"Of primary interest is Sander Delvardus. Former admiral, now self-proclaimed 'Superior General'. Delvardus wields considerable military power and especially industrial power. Current estimates put him in command of at least sixteen Imperial-class star destroyers and a considerable number of smaller escort craft. It is also believed he fields enough older war material pulled from surplus to field a second combat fleet of an additional sixteen capital ships. These are suspected to be Dreadnaughts and Victory-Class, even some older Venators."

"A considerable force," you allow. Thought it paled beside the 64 Imperial Class you could field, his were concentrated over a relatively small area.

"Add to that equation the reports we've received of an Executor-Class ship, fresh from Fondor and sporting so very unorthodox modifications."

A sad day in the galaxy when a petty warlord could field what had once been so monumental an achievement.

"A Super Star Destroyer and a fleet," you say. "Delvardus seems to want to give off the impression of strength. What do we know about the interior functions of his territory?"

"Much of the day-to-day governance is handled by sector modes and planetary governors," Isard says, her tone indicated it was inconsequential. Higher up than that, it seems Delvardus relies on the Eriadu ruling families to keep his political power base strong."

"Also of note," Isard continues, "is the dual-nature of his Empire. Half centered on Fondor, and half on Eriadu. The Guild of Starshipwrights that controls Fondor may be persuaded to make a separate peace with us, though that would likely upset Delvardus."

"You worked with this man directly?" you ask.

"I did," Isard concedes, "Back when he had the good sense and self-restraint to remain 'admiral' Delvardus. He was a worm. Fairly typical of the pre-Endor upper officer corps. His reputation is that of getting the job with no questions than any particular skill or ability. He married a Tarkin, you know. That makes him high class on Eriadu, and within the Empire at large to some degree, though as he is not a 'true" Tarkin, it may be possible to exploit that and erode his support on Eriadu."

>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu
>Work to erode his power on Eriadu
>I should speak to Delvardus myself before we act
>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act
>Write in/Questions

(2/2)

>>1760713
>and if cog doesn't fit, it gets moved somewhere else.
Sometimes to the trash...but let's not say that right here. It'd spoil the festive mood.

>>1760792
>Work to erode his power on Eriadu

>>1760792
>>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act
It would be great if we could start some war between all of these warlords and then come in and pick up the pieces, but that is wishful thinking

>>1760792
>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>writing

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"Interesting," you say. "There is possibility there. Perhaps we can turn him on the other warlords."

"It's a possibility," Isard allows. She surveys the mingling of guests, periodically nodding to a passing officer or Moff.

"What of the others?" you ask.

"East of Delvard's Eriadu is something that can only charitably be called a warlord faction." Isard gives you a sidelong glance, "Do you recall Tharil Tavira?"

"Grand Moff Tavira?" you ask, stretching your memory, "Has he stooped to banditry like the rest?"

Isard smirks, "Tharil Tavira died shortly after Endor. We'll be dealing with his wife."

"Wife?"

"Well, his new wife. Leonia Tavira", Isarard's tone made it very clear how she felt about that marriage. "Leonia Tavira styles herself as a Moff after her late husband and lays claim to a stretch of fairly-lawless space with a number of pirate havens and smuggler's dens within. While she does command the Imperial remnant within her space, she is little more than a pirate playing at empire. Her main support base is a group called 'the Invids'. A pirate gang centered on the Star Destroyer Invidious. They engage in protection extortion in their own space. Taxing the spice trade in that area. They also engage in piracy of the surrounding systems. What little power she doesn't derive from piracy is centered on a few worlds, primarily the industrial base of Vohai and the mines on Alzoc III."

"Pirates," you scoff. It's come to this, negotiations with pirates.

"Military quite weak, their two largest assets are some degree of monetary wealth, and a sizable chunk of the galaxy under their nominal control. While crushing them with force is doable, it would lead to a power vacuum that would most likely need a heavy occupational presence to restore order and crush smuggling and piracy," Isard says.

>We'll open talks with "Moff" Tavira. She will be given the option of peacefully integrating with the Empire
>They are of no consequence. We'll crush these pirates and take back what's ours when given the chance
>Write in
>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>>1760862
>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>>1760862
>>Write in
What about a false flag attack? We hit Delvardus with a raid on a convoy or something, dress it up as an Invids raid, and see what happens from there. These leaders probably won't be the best political strategists or even the brightest leaders in the galaxy, so it would be unlikely that they uncover our meddling before it's too late

>>1760862
>We'll open talks with "Moff" Tavira. She will be given the option of peacefully integrating with the Empire

>>1760862
>We'll open talks with "Moff" Tavira. She will be given the option of peacefully integrating with the Empire

Worst comes to worst, we meet with one of her lieutenants and arrange a coup.

>>1760862
>They are of no consequence. We'll crush these pirates and take back what's ours when given the chance

>>1760883
i say we should use the dark siders on this one. Since they would be the perfect force with the Korriban ships to wipe away their forces.

>We'll open talks with "Moff" Tavira. She will be given the option of peacefully integrating with the Empire

>writing

Oh, so no one cares until Hot Pirate Queens get brought into the mix and then suddenly EVERYONE has an opinion, huh?

>>1760907
More like it will be fun to give the rebellion a taste of their on medicine. By using smugglers to raid their trade routes.

>>1760907
Well duh, as long as we have Bloody Baroness Alana "Rip'N" Tyrna leading the way to melt ladies hearts and alien scum in equal measure.

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>>1760943
>MFW

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"What about a false flag attack?" you ask. "It seems to me the 'Invids' activity might cause them to run afoul of the other warlords in the region, namely Delvardus."

Isard nods, "It is a possibility we've considered. Logistically, such a war would be difficult to keep fueled. They share no major hyperlanes."

"The more protracted the war, the better for us," you counter.

"It would require cooperating from the navy,' Isard says begrudgingly, "Intelligence doesn't have the assets are our disposal to spark such a conflict."

You nod thoughtfully, "I'll give it consideration. For now, I think this 'Moff" Tavira should be invited to talks. She sounds pliable to our will. And she could provide a good foil to both the Rebellion and Delvardus should he resist us."

Isard looks doubtful, "As you wish, Highness."

"At worse we can topple her little kingdom and bring in one of her lieutenants."

Isard again looks noncommittal but doesn't argue.

"What else is there?" you ask, "Surely something more promising than another pirate clan," you say, part of you marveling at how far the galaxy had fallen in your absence.

"In a way. The major faction to the west of Delvardus is a shaky collection of power under the leadership of Admiral Yzu. He is backed by a handful of Moffs. These separate factions banded together against the perceived threat of Delvardus. In their territory is little of note, the gas mines of Bespin and the Imperial Depot at Dolla are mentionable. Yzu is believed to have about a dozen star destroyers at his disposal and associated pickets."

"Your assessment?"

"Militarily and politically weak. Their naval forces are as unremarkable as their leader. Politically the distributed nature of their government means rivalries between Moffs that are prevented from spilling into bloodshed only by Yzu's firm grip on the military. If Yzu were removed from the picture . . . "

"Or if one of the Moffs were given an edge," you add.

"Then the whole rotten structure comes tumbling down," Isard finishes.


>We'll open negotiations with Yzu, same as the Tavira
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself
>Find a Moff there who will be pliant to our aims and give him military aid to topple the standing government
>Write in
>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>>1760943
You... i like you.

>>1760957
>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

just give it all at once please. We'll pick then.

>>1760957
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself

Then while they start to fight between each other.

>Find a Moff there who will be pliant to our aims and give him military aid to topple the standing government

>>1760957
>>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>>1760971
This.

>I'd like to hear what else you've learned about the other warlords before I act

>Writing

>>1760967
We're almost done. Last one. I didn't do all at once cause it would be a clusterfuck of a vote. Tried to whittle a few away.

>Writing

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"Who else?" you ask

"There is one last major warlord in the region. Moff Ramier of the Brak Sector. Politically uninteresting," Isard says, "He would be utterly unremarkable, subsumed by the rebellion were it not for his chief Lieutenant, Admiral Garrik Trier."

"Trier," the name is unfamiliar to you which wasn't surprising given the number of admirals you had in your employ at the height of your power.

"A sector fleet commander," Isard says, "Very backwater, not the most prestigious posting. But Trier has an analytical mind that many of his counterparts did not. Trier had experience fighting the Rebellion and it seems his successful attempts to resist invasion inspired his people to join his resistance to some degree. For him, it's just a matter of time before he falls to the Rebellion, outnumbered, surrounded."

"What remains of the sector fleet?"

"Two divisions of capital ships and the requisite patrol and sentry ships. Enough to be a nuisance to the Rebellion, not enough to stop them. The death of Brak Sector will be a fitting diversion for our efforts to solidify control over the rest of our wayward warlords."

>Excellent, now for the fate of the others . . .
>Unacceptable, the resources of that sector are needed even if we have to fight through the Rebels to get to them.

>>1761025
>Excellent, now for the fate of the others . . .

>>1761025
I really hate letting this guy get fed to the dogs. His experience with the rebels could also be very helpful for when we launch our grand retake. Maybe he could be convinced to join us

>>1761033
Is that a vote for

>Unacceptable, the resources of that sector are needed even if we have to fight through the Rebels to get to them.

?

>>1761033
Nah we already have Alana to fight rebel scum.

>>1761025
>Excellent, now for the fate of the others

>>1761038
AH yeah, if that's what you meant by that

>>1761042
I know we have Alana, but she doesn't have as much experience as Trier

>>1761054
Yes, sorry for being unclear. Means We gotta break in there and rescue those guys even if it means fighting a fuckload of pissed off Rebels

>>1761054
Point

>>1761058
by rescue you mean bring then to our territory or to have a hold in the region?

>>1761058
Love me a smash and grab operation

>>1761058
Because if it as anon said here>>1761086

i would change my vote. His ships at least will be usefull.

>>1761086
>>1761081
>>1761091

Unfortunately not possible, those ships have crew in them that may not opt to come along with you. This would be a vote to break through the rebel lines and (hopefully) have them rejoin the Empire proper.

No starship "smash and grab" possible.

>>1761115
Well then i keep my current vote. Hopefully he will manage to hold his ground while we slowly advance towards him.

>>1761115
Do it. There are three possibilities: we don't help them and they die, we help them and they don't join or we help them and they join.


If we do nothing, their deaths are certain. If we do something, then we are at least seen to be trying to help those who would fight against the rebellion.

>Excellent, now for the fate of the others
>>1761032
>>1761042

>Unacceptable, the resources of that sector are needed even if we have to fight through the Rebels to get to them.
>>1761054
>>1761134

>Writing

>>1761134
i would rather take care of pirate moff and the giy that controls Eriadu and Fondor first.

"Unfortunate they're so hard to reach," you muse. "I'll have Zahn analyze the possibility of liberating them. I can use more men with the will to fight."

Isard nods again, "As you say. I'll have a few intelligence freighters cruise the region and chart if in anticipation of a campaign."

You turn your thoughts to the other warlords.

Moff Tavira could be a powerful asset to use against the Rebellion in the same way their unorthodox tactics had stung you in the early days of the civil war. You had made up your mind to negotiate with her, if at all possible as for the others . . . .

***

Choose one of each./Write in any questions you have/ or pick one of the "Blanket answers"


Superior General Delvardus of Eriadu Authority

>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu
>Work to erode his power on Eriadu
>I should speak to Delvardus myself before we act
>write in


Admiral Yzu of the Southern Dominion

>We'll open negotiations with Yzu, same as the others
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself
>Find a Moff there who will be pliant to our aims and give him military aid to topple the standing government
>write in


Blanket answers:

>Open negotiations with both of them
>Pit them against one another
>We will destroy them

>>1761146
>I should speak to Delvardus myself before we act
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself

>>1761146
>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu
>Work to erode his power on Eriadu

>We'll open negotiations with Yzu, same as the others

>Open negotiations with both of them

>>1761146
>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu
>Find a Moff there who will be pliant to our aims and give him military aid to topple the standing government

>Open negotiations with both of them


Work to weaken them and see if we can't just skip past all that and have them rejoin.

>>1761146
>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu

>We'll open negotiations with Yzu, same as the others

>>1761146
>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself

Let's tally this shit. I'm a bit confused cause the "blanket" options were intended to be used instead of individual choices but . . . we'll work through this together.

Delvardus:
>Work to split his kingdom, Fondor from Eriadu

Clear winner here. Apparently no love for Delvardus.


Yzu:
>We'll open negotiations with Yzu, same as the others
And
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself

Are tied.

I'll give a few more minutes for tie breakers otherwise I'll try to incorporate them as best I can.

>>1761242
I'll change from
>Find a Moff there who will be pliant to our aims and give him military aid to topple the standing government
to
>I want Yzu dead. Kill the head and watch the body eat itself

>>1761250
DONE!

>Work to split his kingdom and

>Kill Yzu

>Writing

>>1761242
>We'll open negotiations with Yzu, same as the others

Sorry for the confusion, this is not a revote, I was just laying out the votes so far. The die is case and I am already writing.

>>1761281
no problem TK.

File: TarkinSSD.jpg (297KB, 1600x900px)

297KB, 1600x900px

"Delvardus can no longer have any use to us," you say, "He's revealed his true nature and will be brought back in line. See to it that he loses control over Fondor and his northern territories."

"Yes, your Highness."

"As for Yzu . . . Kill him. Let the gundarks fight among themselves, we'll be there to pick up the pieces."

"Yes, your Highness," Isard repeats.

"Make arrangements for me to meet with Moff Tavira, and let me know once your survey of the Brak Sector approaches is complete."

You turn away from Isard, silently signaling an end to this meeting. Your spymaster is no stranger to your non-verbal cues and makes her leave to carry out your will. Unfortunately, you still had more socializing to do before the night was over . . .

***

The midnight-black form of your flagship, Tarkin cruises through the night sky, pushing for the hyperlimit of Brentaal, a titanic warship escorted in turn by two equally impressive escort ships. In this one flight of ships was an amount of firepower nearly equivalent with a full combat fleet and it was used almost solely for escorting the Emperor across his empire.

Now, that ominous force was carrying out this task, deviated only slightly to rendezvous with a trio of black-clad cruisers, resembling Star Destroyers in shape but being utterly dwarfed in size.

On board Tarkin you were savoring the peaceful view of space when Sedriss and Darth Cythera were brought before you. You remain seated, keeping your back to them as they enter, the door whispering closed behind them.

Both Darksiders, you can feel, are brimming with fear, hate, and adrift in a sea of venom, mostly directed at one another. They each take a knee and bow their heads.

"Lord Cythera, Executor Sedriss," you say, your tone neutral. "What news do you bring of Skywalker?" Even as you asked the question, you knew the answer.

"My master-" Cythera begins.

"Skywalker lives," Sedriss says. "Lord Cythera has failed in her mission to kill him, Master."

You sensed another burst of anger in Cythera's mind, her thoughts clouded to you. As were Sedriss's oddly enough. You didn't dwell on it.

"Failed again?" You ask, turning your chair to look upon Cythera. She does not raise her head.

"Yes, Master."

"How did this happen?"

Cythera hesitates, finally looking up at you, "On Rhen Var, Skywalker was too strong. I wasn't able to defeat him. At Dellalt, we were outmatched, If I'd had my Star Destroyer things might have turned out differently . . . "

>It is regrettable, but no surprising. You were not ready to face him, but you will be next time (Train her)
>I told you my patience had limits. I think it's time you see the consequences of that . . . (Punish her)
>Your failure as a Sith is complete. I have no need of you any longer (kill her)
>Write in

>>1761300
>I told you my patience had limits. I think it's time you see the consequences of that . . . (Punish her)

Get the belt

>>1761300
I don't really see that as a failure to be honest. She was outgunned and outmatched, it was sensible not to suicide yourself in that situation.

>>1761300
I mean Skywalker is supposed to be one of the most powerful Jedi in history, so it's not super fair to expect someone like her to charge in.

>I told you my patience had limits. I think it's time you see the consequences of that . . . (Punish her)
>It is regrettable, but no surprising. You were not ready to face him, but you will be next time (Train her)

>>1761300
>>I told you my patience had limits. I think it's time you see the consequences of that . . . (Punish her)
Through pain she will learn anger and hatred which makes a sith stronger.

>>1761300
>Write in
So you were tactically outnumbered and instead of fighting a lost battle you retreated with your force intact as well as keeping my executor and the other blackguards alive.

You did what you had with you...however...this doesn't excuse your failure. You let your anger cloud your mind at first costing you your arm. But now i have a idea of Skywalkers power.

Tell me Cybthera is there anything you have uncovered or seem in your chase against Skywalker that could possible just make.me want to punish and not kill you?

>>1761300
>It is regrettable, but no surprising. You were not ready to face him, but you will be next time (Train her)

>>1761338
changing support to this.

>>1761320
Same but she/us failed at the ide of not being prepared for a force. As well as we weren't expecting the hunters to betray us. She did fail in the end because she didn't thought all the plan but this is a thing she will need to learn so we punish ger for her failure and then we train her so she cab have a THIRD chance to be of some use. She will be more dedicated to do her best and we as emperor can send her against other targets.

>>1761338
This.

>I told you my patience had limits. I think it's time you see the consequences of that . . . (Punish her)
>>1761318
>>1761324
>>1761337

>Stellar Write in
>>1761338
>>1761344
>>1761349

Wow, this is a heated one.

Gonna give a few more minutes, if it remains tied, I will try to combine the options.

>>1761300

>It is regrettable, but no surprising. You were not ready to face him, but you will be next time (Train her)

>>1761366
>Stellar

i wouldn't call it Stellar with all those errors from phone posting...

Okay, both it is.

>Writing

>>1761338
Give her a chance and if she fails to properly convince us:
>>1761324

>>1761387
Phone posting is beside god posting.

Wow this is a long post.

>>1761467
4u

You are silent for several heartbeats. "So, you were tactically outnumbered and instead of fighting a lost battle you retreated with your force intact as well as keeping my Executor and the other Blackguards alive."

Sedriss's expression clouds but you continue.

"You did what you could with what you had with you. However, this doesn't excuse your failure. You let your anger cloud your mind at first which cost you your arm."

Cythera let her head hang.

"But now I have an idea of Skywalkers power," you said. "Tell me Lord Cythera, is there anything you have uncovered or seen in your pursuit of Skywalker that could possible just make me want to punish and not kill you?"

Cythera swallowed, her face remaining blank, "His undoing is his concern for his students, Master. On Rhen Var he refused to leave until they were evacuated and it nearly cost him everything. That," she says, "And in some of his students I sense great anger."

You see a hopeful twinge of the corner of her mouth, "If properly motivated. Maybe they could be turned."

The prospect was a good one to you. Nothing, you felt would be more poetic than turning Luke's own students into weapons against him. It was a valid point, but Cythera needed an object lesson.

Rising from your seat, almost casually, you threw her back with a wave of your hand. She landed flat on her back, air whooshing out of her.

"Insightful, Lord Cythera," you say, walking toward her, "But I do not thing it makes up entirely for the death of one of my Blackguard and the wounding of another," you picked her up with the force, her feet kicking at the ground as she was lifted in the air.

Sedriss watches, not rising, as you walk past him, continuing to force Cythera backward until her back was against the far wall.

"Master-!" She gasped out against the pressure as he continued inexorably pushing her into the unyielding durasteel bulkhead.

"Consider this," you say, your voice betraying no sign of effort on your part, "As another piece of your training. Through pain, you will learn anger. Your anger will fuel your hatred. And with it-" you drop her to the deck. "You will grow stronger."

Cythera draws in a ragged breath that ends in a chest-wracking cough, as she grabs at her throat.

"Do not fail me again," you say, "take this lesson to heart. "

"Yes, master," she coughs.

You give Sedriss a look he does not return. You sense in him resentment toward your apprentice, but also satisfaction in her rough treatment. Something you may have to address later. For now, you were more focused on the upcoming attacks on Carida and Commenor, as well as your meeting with the Warlords.

"Executor, take my apprentice to the medical bay," you say. "See to it that she gets herself some proper prosthetics."

Sedriss bows his head again, "Yes, master."

You sit down in your throne again and turn to look out over the endless stars again. Stars that were soon to be yours once more.

(1/2)

And that's time for me. Thanks so much for playing everyone! You guys make this game what it is and you make it a joy to run. Remember this is an "off" weekend so the next session will be Tuesday 7 EST (11 UTC) and I hope to see all of you there.

Be sure to follow the Twitter for updates and shit
https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest


So for a bit of meta discussion, Bumly let me steal an idea I like quite a bit. He does little extra side stories or Vignettes in pastebins. Things that expand the universe but aren't critical reading.

Example: I could write a bit about Yzu being assassinated.

I'm considering doing a bit of "slice of life" type shit over there so people who are into the main game play don't have to sit through it, but people who like it still get their fix.

Example: Alana has dinner with Lobkin

I could even end a session like this, announce the topic of the next vignette and let people vote on a "stance"

>Investigative
>Professional
>Flirty

Whatever, that would set the tone for that bit. All of this would be NON required reading so no major story changing stuff would happen here. Thoughts?
Also:
Will you guys ever make Sedriss "Darth Sedriss"?

Also, any general questions or discussion you guys need to have? This is a good place to lay out ideas you have for the future so I can include them as options and decisions and things.

>>1761483
As long as they don't last for more than a couple of posts, Vignettes are great.

>>1761483
>Spoiler

Yes but only if Cynthera fails once more. Sedriss needs to learn that he can't just blindly charge hopefully this scene with Cythera will teach him so if she fails he can take her place.

>>1761483
>Spoiler
I've definitely been considering it. I've always felt he's got potential

>>1761489
Well I'm talking vignettes separate from the "game" that only exist on pastebins. Like, supplemental reading.

>>1761524
Either or, I like what you're doing now but that would be fine too.

>>1761483
Oh, I missed it...
>Spoiler
I hope so, he seemed to be Sidious' best after Vader. Anyone who says Jerec was more powerful is a fag.

>>1761483
>Will you guys ever make Sedriss "Darth Sedriss"?
Look, Mara is way out of her depth against Luke. She needs a shit ton of more training and as mentioned some threads ago, could be used to levelup against warlords. Who better to assasinate admiral Yzu than the former emperors hand after all?
And for all that she is out of her league, Sedriss is and will forever remain a fucking mook. You'd be better off making bloody Rosh Penin Darth Whinyius before making Sedriss a darth (well, maybe not quite, but you get the point). And ofcourse, Sedriss fulfills a crucial role as a blindly loyal darksider. We would lose that aspect of him were he to become a sith, which is a shame. And could probably lead to our terminal death, given he is in charge of protecting our clone bodies/byss were we to die again...

So no one may be able to answer this, I'm gonna ask anyway.

What's the biggest obstacle for prospective new players to join in and how can it be potentially overcome?

I always want to keep Dark Empire accessible if possible.

>>1765491
I think this is pretty approacheable. Usually new players won't join of the community is toxic or the plot/characters/goals so convoluted that they don't feel able to make good decisions without binging a lot.

So, I don't think anyone mentioned the fact that the coward Star destroyer captain whose reputation we ruined in episode one or so is now a moff. We have some payback inbound from there, no doubt Bin Luar will cooperate for revenge there. But seriously TK, was it intentional to be confusing by naming one guy Moff (previously of the navy) Arvendis Tierce and another Moff Arvendis?

>>1765491
It's an accessible quest currently, plot's still within star wars bound of plausibility and there's no too many character yet. (More characters are good but some people might have trouble catching up) Don't cater to the /u/ fags though, It'll drive most lurkers out.

>>1766563
Fuck. No. Should be Moff Denvis Tierce. My bad. Words are hard.

I'm glad someone noticed though that he's bounced back.

Glad everyone thinks it's accessible, I'm just concerned the archive backlog is intimidating, and only going to get worse.

>>1766613
>/u/fags
I try not to cater to anybody in particular , but my hands are tied by votes obviously. Ultimately, this ain't a dating simulator though and I intend to keep any other aspects of it as secondary. For one, there will never be any Palpatine Waifus.

>>1766673
>Fuck. No. Should be Moff Denvis Tierce. My bad. Words are hard.
Oooh. That makes more sense. He didn't just bounce back though, he took fricking corellia. Admittedly that place was defended by a single star destroyer or something like that, so it was an easy feat to get glory. We missed out on that one!
Anyway, I don't think you should worry too much. The character of Palpatine is easily accesible for anyone who has even the slightest of awareness of star wars. And the actions you can pick speak for themselves. Anyexclusion in accesibility will come from Alana's plot, I think..

>>1766673
>Papa P will never get his dick wet by his spy master

You hurt me QM

>>1766780
Are you Implying Moff Tierce is *not* a Hero of Corellia and the Empire?

>>1767368
Palpy' s waifu has been established as Unlimited Power[/i]. And he is nothing if not faithful.

>>1767471
Yeah I formatted that all wrong . . . But you get it

>>1767471
Alana is a bigger hero then that fucker

New thread is up:

>>1775693