I may have to disappoint you since I HAD something else in mind, as made evident by me mentioning XCOM 2. *stares at the concept of Rebell/Resistance Cells and also struggles with finding/coming up with a system*
Well, I do have a mostly complete system for an Illusive Man quest that you can probably use. I can post it when I get home if you want. Fair warning: the random event roll probably isn't very useful. Too much mad science.
 
Well, I do have a mostly complete system for an Illusive Man quest that you can probably use. I can post it when I get home if you want. Fair warning: the random event roll probably isn't very useful. Too much mad science.

Anything would be appreciated since I DEFINITELY am not going to use CK2 again.

In all sincerity that might have something to do with the fact that her primary opposition (Palpatine) is so unbelievably, completely, irredeemably EEEEEVIIILLLL that anyone would look like a saint in comparison, and any actions taken against him have the obvious justifications of "if nothing then Order 66 and galaxy-wide tyranny under a psychopathic Sith Lord."

You can definitely play the "But what is evil?" card with Ciaran, but not so much with him.

Well that tears it. Get outa the way Palps! You're ruining our bad guy vibe!

fasquardon

In other news. Yes, Ciaran is evil. The thing is simply that she is LESS evil than others and has a VERY UNIQUE approach on how to be evil. Also very skewed priorities.

Now, can we PLEASE end the moraility debate? We never get anywhere with it every time it comes up. Go back to the normaly sheduled megalomania.
 
Last edited:
I may have to disappoint you since I HAD something else in mind, as made evident by me mentioning XCOM 2. *stares at the concept of Rebel/Resistance Cells and also struggles with finding/coming up with a system*
being a rebel.......you disgust me teron, have you no love for the empire? (jk i love the rebels and would love to play)
 
Anything would be appreciated since I DEFINITELY am not going to use CK2 again.
It's less a design to completely replace CK2, and more a modification to it to deal with the biggest traditional problem: steadily increasing granularity and action and asset bloat as the game goes on. To solve this I came up with the following:

Your organization has 4 types of assets: Agents, Fronts, Central Cells, and Regional Cells.

An Agent is basically a hero unit. Unlike in most CK2, particularly elite groups of units may count as a single agent. A classic example of this would be Rogue Squadron might count as a single agent with traits like "...Never dies" and "Impossible is our stock in trade."

A Front is a company or other organization that doesn't know they work for you. As a result, you can't directly command or direct them. They are passive units that provide funds or equipment. A good example of a low level fund might be a small cantina that you invested in. Later, that front might become a regional bank with a tendency to invest in small businesses or a chain of cantinas. By the end of the quest it might have morphed into Starbucks in Space or a Major stakeholder in the IGBC. You certainly won't have a thousand minor businesses under your control.

Central Cells are those assets under your direct command. From you initial gang of toughs all the way to the Rebel Fleet, these are the people you can basically pick up a phone and call. Or close enough anyway. These are the people your fronts fund and the ones who carry out your various actions. Naturally, you can only have a certain number of central cells under your command before the risk of Imperial Intelligence working their way up the chain becomes too much.

Regional Cells are basically affiliates the will over time contain by far the bulk of your organization. Initially it might be an expansion into a nearby city, by the end it might be the entire Rebel presence in the Outer Rim. They are largely autonomous, recruiting, attacking Imperials and generally doing things without your direct input. Generally, roll a dice to determine how things go on an event table. If you have more than 6 of these, its definitely time to start merging things.

Other Mechanics:
Heat: this represents your exposure to counter intelligence operations. Heat is a number between 0 and 100 and gives you a minus to all rolls representing the determination of the Empire to track and destroy you and the number of leads they have. Heat decays at a steady rate, and certain actions may reduce heat.
 
Interlude - Brothers In Arms Once Again
Kyrimorut, Mandalore

Despite the fact that the members of Clan Skirata were a part of a conspiracy in the heart of the Grand Army of the Republic and being made up of the eclectic mixture of Mandalorians, clone commandos, a Jedi, and a mad scientist, their home of Kyrimorut itself looked relatively normal from all outside appearances. If no one knew better, then the sight of one Etain Tur-Mukan sitting cradling a sleeping baby in her arms and humming tunelessly would seem perfectly normal.

The tranquility of the scene was broken when Etain heard the distant sound of a speeder approaching. Without hesitation, she raced inside the central building, hit a concealed switch, then calmly walked back outside as though absolutely nothing was wrong. Within the compound itself lights came on indicating that someone was approaching and that there was no confirmation on who they were.

Etain calmly waited outside, doing her best to remain calm as the noise of the speeder came closer and closer...then wound down as it drifted into view allowing her to see its passengers: a blond woman that she didn't recognize and...Jango Fett, or Mand'alor the Resurgent as Kal called him more often than not. She may not have ever met the man in person but it would be hard not to recognize the armor and the face that looked so familiar yet somehow strange at the same time, even though it was almost identical to Darman's...

Without a word he turned off the speeder, then hopped out with the blonde woman quickly doing the same and almost immediately taking up a position close behind him. Jango calmly approached the compound, only stopping a few feet away from a slightly concerned Etain.

"Skirata here?"

Etain frowned, slightly moving her baby so he'd be more comfortable. "If he is he might be in a panic room. I certainly didn't know you were coming," she said neutrally, trying not to make eye contact with Jango.

Jango shrugged. "A fair point, I know this was a bit sudden. Though I'm surprised he'd let you stay around, Miss..."

"Etain Tur-Mukan. I'm...er...you're...I'd rather not-"

Suddenly the door to main house burst open as Kal strode out, a wide grin on his face. "Had I known that you'd be coming, Mand'alor, I would have-"

"Set up a whole parade or something along those lines. It's why I didn't call ahead," Jango replied flatly before clasping Kal's hand.

"I can vouch for that," Etain grumbled as she sat back down. "You would not believe how much he talks about you all the time."

Jango glanced between her and Kal with a raised eyebrow as Kal glared at Etain. "Show some respect girl, this is your-"

"Hush," she said in an overly sweet voice. "You're going to wake up Venku if you raise your voice like that."

Kal grumbled to himself and turned to face Jango, now registering the woman trying her best to place Jango between her and him. "And she would be...?"

"Arla. My sister."

Kal's eyebrows shot up as he focused more closely on the nervous blonde woman. "...Nice to meet you," she said quietly, slightly stepping out from behind Jango.

"...Likewise," Kal said awkwardly after a brief pause. "Why don't the two of you come inside, where we have some privacy?"

"You know I am a part of this clan as much as you don't like admitting it," Etain said flatly, not bothering to look at Kal or Jango. "Your conversation would be completely private."

Kal's response was to roll his eyes, then gesture for Jango and Arla to follow him inside. "So what's her story?" Jango asked as the three of them moved toward the house's meeting room.

"Would you believe me if I told you ex-Jetii?"

"...You're serious. I figure that the 'ex' part of that is because of the kid but who is she with?"

"Darman."

"Never heard of him."

"He's one of my boys...and one of your boys too."

"...Ah. You know, she did seem a bit awkward around me...though now that I think about it I can't believe she can get one up on you of all people."

"Bah," Kal grunted, waving an arm dismissively. "Much as I don't like her she is aliit, and Darman's happy to have her around." He settled back into a chair. "So what does the Mand'alor need of me?"

"I need your help to get the Cuy'val Dar back together."

The room was silent for a brief moment before a wide grin appeared on Kal's face.

"Y'know, I figured you'd say that sooner or later," he said as he leaned forward. "Well you've got me obviously, and I can get you in touch with Vau, Gilamar, Bralor, Tay'haai," he said, holding up a finger for each name spoken, "hell, all of the Mandos that signed up with you-" Skirata paused for a moment then chuckled darkly. "Most of them are still around; you probably ended up killing the ones that signed on with the Kyr'stad, may they burn with that aruetyc Viszla. Anyway, the Mandos I can get you easily."

"That's good to hear."

"Of course," Kal muttered as he leaned back in thought, "it'd take some more effort to find the other 25, if they're still alive. And given their line of work that's a damned big 'if.'"

"I'll have to rely on our mutual friend to find them, I know that," Jango replied. "But I figured that knowing you and what you're doing you'd be in touch with the Mandos."

"Of course," Kal said happily. "I'm sure they'd be honored to work with you again. Where do you want us all to meet?"

"...My old home on Concord Dawn."

Kal was slightly surprised, but nowhere near as much as Arla. "W-why?"

"Because this is a personal request, and I can't think of a better place to prove it than there. I'm not going to wave my title of Mand'alor around for this. If they're going to join, it's because they want to."

Kal was silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "Ni vore, Mand'alor."

---------

Concord Dawn
Former Fett Residence


"About ten years ago I gathered you all together because I knew you were the best in your fields - the best soldiers, tacticians, commandos, hunters. I picked you all personally so you could train the best soldiers in the galaxy, and to be honest after that I believed we would all go our separate ways.

That was before I learned about what was really going on in this galaxy. About how this war is nothing more than a means for a madman to gain power and reign supreme over a burning galaxy.

That's why I've called you all together again. I'm asking you not as a Republic representative, not as Mandalore the Resurgent, not even as a bounty hunter, but as Jango Fett...I'm asking you to rejoin me. To rebuild the Cuy'val Dar as a group capable of doing the impossible.

I won't mince words about how difficult this will be or your odds of survival because I know each and every one of you are more than capable of what needs to be done.

So all I need from each of you is an answer. Will you join me for one last run?"

"WE WILL!"

"Right then. Let's bring down a Chancellor."

Reward: Cuy'val Dar gained as asset, Jango Fett gains "Brothers In Arms - The Cuy'val Dar" trait.

AN: Short I know, but I wanted to have the space so Jango could interact with Kal a bit, and I had some fun having Etain and Kal snipe at each other. They may be adoptive family, but that doesn't mean they really like each other.
 
Last edited:
Brothers In Arms - The Cuy'val Dar: Jango once hired on some of the best mercenaries he could find to help train the GAR's clone commandos. While their numbers have slightly dwindled due to various factors, Jango has reunited them as an elite unit under his command, giving him considerable flexibility both on and off the battlefield. +4 Martial, +4 Intrigue
Jango's new Trait, bringing him up to 37 Martial and 27 Intrigue.
 
Brothers In Arms - The Cuy'val Dar: Jango once hired on some of the best mercenaries he could find to help train the GAR's clone commandos. While their numbers have slightly dwindled due to various factors, Jango has reunited them as an elite unit under his command, giving him considerable flexibility both on and off the battlefield. +4 Martial, +4 Intrigue
Here's our new trait.

EDIT: Solo'd by @Jakobstj.

Considering these are the 100 of the best soldiers in the galaxy it's kinda milquetoast, but I understand why Dr. Snark would find it difficult to give them a bigger role.

One other possible reward for @Dr. Snark: since Kal Skirata was Cuy'val Dar, and the full group is now aware of Palpatine's manipulations and the clone soldiers' troubles, could you tie the new group to Skirata's clan so they help out with clone commandos and soldiers deserting from the GAR? This might be behind-the-scenes (no mechanics needed), but it would also mean that Skirata is that much more likely to think fondly of us... :whistle:
 
One other possible reward for @Dr. Snark: since Kal Skirata was Cuy'val Dar, and the full group is now aware of Palpatine's manipulations and the clone soldiers' troubles, could you tie the new group to Skirata's clan so they help out with clone commandos and soldiers deserting from the GAR? This might be behind-the-scenes (no mechanics needed), but it would also mean that Skirata is that much more likely to think fondly of us... :whistle:

Yep, the Cuy'val Dar counting as an asset is also going to be a thing.

The bonus is more representing individual members helping Jango out wherever possible.

Edited that into the post to make that clearer.
 
Those speaking lessons Thrawn gave Jango really helped. He has a real flare for the dramatic.

Honestly I think it's just the nature of the Star Wars verse for characters to have an inborn ability to whip up one-liners at a moment's notice. It's something that goes beyond everything, even the Force.
 
I always find the interactions with the Mandalorians and especially Clan Skirata fascinating, it's a valuable and useful partnership going on and Kal knows he has a big piece of leverage to get one of the Galaxy's most powerful women to make things better for his people as a whole, but that same 'in' could potentially doom him and his clan if he handles things incorrectly.

I love watching the man who clearly knows he's out of his depth trying to walk the tightrope of working with someone with at least enough power and pull to have a private fleet find and invade a hidden base and then subsequently BDZ a planet with no one else knowing it happened.
He knew those codes were useful but never realised their value until he saw Ciaran's reaction to them and how much she wanted them.
How long can he work with her to help his family before things go badly wrong? Can they take down Palpatine before he sets the Galaxy aflame?

I also have to wonder what Jango sees as the fate of himself and the Mandalorians after Palpatine is gone? He must know by now that Ciaran would never be satisfied with loosening her hold on the Galaxy after Palpatine is done, will he be ok with the prospect of his people being effectively owned and controlled by a shadow conspiracy potentially forever? I'm sure can with a little foresight see that the Kalee are almost certainly going to be under Ciaran's effective control, What will he do if he isn't ok with that for the Mandalorians?
 
Honestly once this is over I could see Ciaran let go of the reigns a bit.

Chess is fun, but there's no point in clutching the pieces after the king lies slain. Let them go back into their box until it's time for the next game.
 
An Enemy of a Different Sphere​


"You know Padme? I think these sorts of balls are what I miss most." mused Ciaran, sipping on her drink.

"Well, peacemaking certainly is a lot of work. It's no wonder you don't have much time nowadays with how busy you are." replied Padme. "I'm honestly surprised you had enough time to attend this event. I never knew you had a passion for Icarii culture."

"I couldn't care less about the Icarii." scoffed Ciaran. "But my best friend does, and she invited me to a ball supporting that culture. You make time for things like these."

"I'm not surprised you're incapable of understanding the nuances of Icarii culture. A shame too. You could certainly use a bit of culture." Padme and Ciaran turned around to see the man who had butted into their conversation. He ran a hand through his blonde hair before taking a sip from his glass of wine.

"Oh, if it isn't Coruscant's #1 Most Eligible Bachelor. Fancy seeing you here, Arcangelo. Nice tuxedo." Ciaran's smile was far more forced than Arcangelo's cocky smirk.

"Isn't it? I decided to go with midnight blue. Black would have been the safe option, but fortune favors the bold." Arcangelo squinted his eyes as he examined Ciaran closely. "I see that you, on the other hand, have elected for a 'crippling poverty' aesthetic. It really suits you."

"Did you come over here just to be rude?" asked Padme, very much done with him.

"On the contrary, I came over here in order to catch up with my archnemesis. We so rarely see each other these days Ciaran. Did you finally realize you couldn't cut it on my level of society? I don't blame you. After all, society doesn't get any higher."

"Oh no, I've just been a little busy bringing about galactic peace, rebuilding planets, making connections, advancing medical science in leaps and bounds, researching bioweapons. That sort of thing."

"Figures you'd still be working for your money. Here's a tip from the pros Ciaran. You don't work for your money; you make your money work for you." Arcangelo paused, furrowing his brow in confusion. "And you don't even have a bioweapon yet? I knew you were nouveau riche, but I didn't think you were that nouveau."

"Well forgive us for trying to make the galaxy a better place." snarked Padme.

"Before you tackle the galaxy, maybe you should tackle your wardrobe. That shade of heliotrope just… does not work on you. If you want my advice, and trust me, you do, I'd suggest a nice burnt sienna next time you attend an event like this. You could probably make a nice chamoisee if you're going for a more understated look." said Arcangelo, slowly shifting from insult to sincere fashion advice.

"I'll keep it in mind." Padme was glaring fiercely now, though Arcangelo didn't seem to notice.

"As well you should. See Ciaran, Senator Amidala can take some constructive criticism. If I recall correctly, I mentioned that you should ditch the drab colors and expand your palette to include some brighter options." Arcangelo paused a moment, as if remembering that he had come over with the goal of insulting Ciaran.

"I own brighter clothes. I already owned brighter clothes then, Arcangelo, I just like to dress for the company I keep." Ciaran smirked to drive home the thinly veiled insult.

"I find the best company is one's self. It's a shame you think so lowly of yourself. If you ask me, you're at least worth a passable chartreuse." Arcangelo looked across the room at the sound of another group's faint applause. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go mingle with people who matter."

Padme and Ciaran watched him saunter away, waiting until he was out of earshot before resuming their own conversation.

"I really don't like him." said Padme.

"I've never really met anyone who did." Ciaran shook her head, deciding to focus on more important things. "So I was thinking. If we snuck some laxatives into Sheev's morning biscuits, there's no way he'd make it to the Senate Chambers. They'd have to postpone the vote. He'd lose too many supporters without being in the room to intimidate them."


AN: So I binged Neo Yokio, and goddamn is Arcangelo the best thing ever. He also made me realize Ciaran didn't really have any low level opposition. Everyone who doesn't like us has a bioweapon. Or is a Sith. Or a Sith with a bioweapon.
 
"And you don't even have a bioweapon yet? I knew you were nouveau riche, but I didn't think you were that nouveau."
"Nope, I just happen to have sufficient blackmail on everyone who does have a bioweapon, much less chance of it getting traced back to me. Plus this way I can foil it after it gets launched for extra publicity."
 
@Panory
Those clips seemed fake as hell, like an Ideal Abridged series, but then I find out this is the Anime Boondocks-ripoff?
You have just given me a new series to binge.
My rating +1 Sir/Madam/Other/Neutral/Squirrel!
My rating +1 Indeed.

Also ArcAngelo is a glorious antagonist, not threatening enough to be a villain, but annoying enough for one to oppose completely.
He's almost like a less evil dude Umbridge. (same league, but way lower on the totem pole etc...)

Edit: My expectation were inflated, but it is about as good as a upper-mid-level abridged series, make of that what you will.
 
Last edited:
See, the problem with this is that I'm pretty sure Ciaran just assassinates people like that.

Nah, Ciaran knows he's nothing next to her true self. He's nothing more than a blueblooded, petty, vain socialite with not enough common sense to know not to insult a Senator. Arcangelo is somebody to deal with in the method of 'mercy' (Dishonored Version), which translates to faking some evidence for him being a CIS sympathiser and letting Palpatine's police state take care of him.
 
Back
Top