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May The Invisible Hand Be With You - (Star Wars CK2-Style Quest)

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I think Blushing Beard--with the literal blushing beard--is the best of this recent batch.:lol:rofl:
 
... oh dear God. The Lazarus achievement. It should be called "Is she a Saiyan?" Or something like it.

Why? The description. 'Rise from near-death stronger than before.'
Just like a Saiyan!
 
I'm sorry for missing for long @Publicola ,August and September are not my good months of the year. I can't connect to the internet because some weird connectivity problems in my area, then I lost my phone in some remote countryside road. I thought this universe was mad at me when I found out that two days later my laptop is dead and I don't have enough money to replace both of them.

If it's still acceptable, @Dr. Snark
would you please give HK the stat boost for my bonus?
 
Soo... Rancor + AI symbiote brain merge + beskar alloy power armor + boba fett upsized equipment?

edit: then teach it kung fu
 
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tyaty1 said:
A Force using rancor sounds extremely scary.
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tri2 said:
Soo... Rancor + AI symbiote brain merge + beskar alloy power armor + boba fett upsized equipment?

edit: then teach it kung fu
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Somebody with some artistic skills (aka--not me) should totally try some fanart of rancor Jedi & Mandalorians. Complete with normal humanoid ones looking up in confusion/horror.

Thought: exactly how much from the EU are we considering as canon? Obviously most if not all the books, the KotOR games...I only ask because, back in the day, I was a prolific Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy player, and there were a few levels with rancors. They took forever to kill, even with super-OP cheating on Force Lightning and uber-big guns. Which leads me to think...Spicy Sheev, even with his lightning, probably couldn't kill or even grievously injure our new best friend before he got eaten.

Can we ask the rancor to eat the Chancellor?
 
Marlowe310811 said:
Somebody with some artistic skills (aka--not me) should totally try some fanart of rancor Jedi & Mandalorians. Complete with normal humanoid ones looking up in confusion/horror.

Thought: exactly how much from the EU are we considering as canon? Obviously most if not all the books, the KotOR games...I only ask because, back in the day, I was a prolific Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy player, and there were a few levels with rancors. They took forever to kill, even with super-OP cheating on Force Lightning and uber-big guns. Which leads me to think...Spicy Sheev, even with his lightning, probably couldn't kill or even grievously injure our new best friend before he got eaten.

Can we ask the rancor to eat the Chancellor?
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I am one with the Google and the Google is with me.

 
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Interlude - Black and White
  • Threadmarks
    • Sundari, Mandalore
    Local Time: 23:55

    As the light of Concordia shone down on the nearly empty Sundari streets, three robed figures were making their way to the Royal Palace. While occasional passers-by would notice the odd trio they would quickly lose interest in them, either simply blocking their passage from their mind or simply not wishing to interrupt whatever business they had.

    Once they reached the entrance to the Palace they were stopped by a pair of guards, who looked them over before silently nodding and opening the doors. Without a word the trio entered the building and made their way to one of the palace's secure meeting halls - normally used in case of active planetary emergency, but now playing host to a clandestine meeting.

    As they entered the room, its sole occupant Obi-Wan looked up at them - quickly recognizing a conspicuously visor-less Ciaran, then-

    "...Quinlan!?" Obi-Wan said, visibly shocked as the man in question tossed his cloak aside. "When Ciaran said that she was bringing company-"

    "I doubt you were expecting us, Master Kenobi," Tholme said as he shrugged off his own cloak. "Our apologies for not announcing ourselves, but recent events have required us to remain discreet."

    Obi-Wan's eyes darted between Quinlan and Tholme before settling on Ciaran. "If you're here with them...then I think this conversation is far more important that I was initially led to believe."

    "You're right," Ciaran replied flatly, worrying Obi-Wan as she sat down, everyone else quickly doing the same. "...Now then. I'm going to level with you: I wasn't looking forward to this talk before today, and quite frankly what you're about to hear is even worse than what I initially planned on telling you."

    Obi-Wan remained silent before Tholme began to speak up. "Master Kenobi. The reason we wanted to seek you out was because we learned of a terrible event - a Wound in the Force has formed at the Jedi Temple."

    Obi-Wan's face shifted between shock and disbelief for a moment before settling on horrified. "You...that can't..." He trailed off. "...No, I suppose it does make sense. All of those Jedi dying, killed by those they trusted and being killed by them in turn...all of that grief, that fear would be more than enough, wouldn't it?"

    "Afraid so," Quinlan said quietly. "We think it's already starting to affect everyone still present there. Including most of the Council." He slid a datapad across to Obi-Wan, who caught it but didn't pick it up.

    "I..." He looked Quinlan in the eyes. "I believe you, as much as I don't want to. It's just..." He closed his eyes, bracing himself. "How bad has it gotten?"

    "We're beginning to enter a worst-case scenario," Tholme said coldly. "From what I understand at this point the rest of the Council is compromised to some extent barring maybe Master Yoda - except he's been leaving Courscant more and more to try and find out the truth. If we could find him we might be able to figure out a way to heal the Wound, but even so the Council has already begun to exhibit signs of corruption - to say nothing of the rank-and-file Jedi present at the Temple."

    "...I hate to say this. Really," Ciaran interrupted. "But that's only half of the bad news we came here with today. Though if it makes you feel better, I'm the only one who knows about the other half right now."

    Obi-Wan stared at Ciaran, visibly searching for some kind of deceit. "...What are you talking about?"

    "Indeed," Tholme commented. "You-"

    Without a word, Ciaran brought out the same holoprojector she had shown Yularen, and pressed the play button. The three Jedi's faces morphed into shock as they saw the conversation between Dooku and Sidious play out.

    "Recognize his voice?" Ciaran asked mirthlessly as everyone turned to face her. "It's a bit affected, granted, but I'd hope you'd recognize the voice of the Supreme Chancellor."

    An oppressive silence descended upon the room.

    "...He was right there...he was right there that whole time!" Quinlan muttered to himself, his hands clenched into fists.

    "Impossible..." Tholme said, his voice shaking slightly. "How...how could we have been so blind..."

    Obi-Wan said nothing, simply staring intensely at the message that continued to play out before him.

    "...You did hear that part about how I'm a target, right?" Ciaran said. "Quite frankly...I need all the help I can get. But..."

    "I trust you didn't say anything before now because it would have forced the Council's hand," Tholme commented in monotone, stil trying to process what he had learned. "There would have been no other choice, and if he managed to reach the Chancellorship he has to have plans in case of his death..."

    The room went silent again, though it was Obi-Wan who broke the silence.

    "You cannot have found this by simply 'knowing some people,' nor can you claim innocence when a Sith Lord considers you to be a large enough threat to his plans that he would single you out," he said coldly. "I know you have your connections. That you have ties to unsavory elements of society. Before now I was content with ignorance. But given what's happening I think you owe us answers."

    Ciaran laughed mirthlessly. "Like what?"

    "For starters, perhaps you could explain why it is that you have Asajj Ventress working with you?" Tholme said coldly.

    Obi-Wan's expression hardened on hearing those words. "...I thought her death on Kamino was a bit too convenient for someone as stubborn as her, but I never had any reason to question it...until now."

    "I saved her life," Ciaran flatly replied. "Not just by getting her off of Kamino alive. I gave her a second chance."

    "How am I supposed to believe that?" Obi-Wan said, his eyes locked on Ciaran's.

    "Perhaps it would help if you heard it from me, then."

    Ciaran closed her eyes as she heard Asajj's voice echo through the room. "You're supposed to be recovering," she said, not facing Asajj.

    "I can at least walk," she replied, taking a seat next to Ciaran as Obi-Wan looked at her dumbfounded.

    "Ventress...you've grown out your hair, I see."

    "While your sense of humor hasn't gotten any better," Asajj shot back.

    "Funny. Usually by now you'd be trying to kill me."

    Asajj started to retort, but visibly held her tongue before she spoke again. "She was telling the truth. When she saved me from Kamino...when gave me a chance to start my life over again...I was saved. Otherwise I would have been no different from Maul, blindly and endlessly thirsting for revenge."

    Obi-Wan was thrown off guard, not just by Asajj's words, but by her presence. She felt more centered. Her body language was visibly relaxed. Even though he knew for a fact that this was the same woman he fought against time and time again she was nearly unrecognizable.

    "...I see." Nodding in satisfaction, Obi-Wan turned to face Ciaran. "That being said, I still have my doubts."

    "Would it make you feel better if I told you Yularen and Ahsoka also know about this?"

    Obi-Wan sighed resignedly as Tholme stared at Ciaran, visibly disbelieving what he had just heard. "...You're saying that you've subverted one of the most prominent naval officers in the Republic."

    "And the 501st. And Yularen's told me that he's just about done subverting the 212th, so Commander Cody will-"

    "Stop. Please." Obi-Wan's face was now in his hands. "...This. This right here is what I'm talking about. I know you're still hiding things from us." Quinlan and Tholme nodded in agreement, neither of them interrupting Obi-Wan. "Which is why I'm so worried that working with you sounds like a better idea the more I think about it."

    "Agreed." "No argument here."

    "Still...do you have a plan?" Obi-Wan said, grasping at straws. "Something besides 'kill the Supreme Chancellor and hope for the best?'"

    "I had frameworks for plans...but that was before I heard about the Wound," Ciaran said, leaning back slightly. "I'll be honest. Up until now my plans assumed that the Republic and Jedi Order were salvageable entities that might be able to survive what would happen in the future."

    "With the Wound destabilizing the Order, and Palpatine destabilizing the Republic, that seems to be far less likely," Asajj said.

    "I hate to agree with the Sith...but she's got a point," Quinlan said morosely. "If one was able to remain stable we'd have a chance, but..."

    "I believe we must all begin to consider a future where the Republic and Jedi Order as we know it are unable to survive the coming days to be a far more likely one," Tholme said, his voice cold. "From what I understand we have been operating under the assumption that both entities were salvageable, however it is now clear that alternate solutions must be considered."

    The room fell silent as everyone processed the harsh truth of Tholme's words, not really knowing what to say in response.

    "I want to trust the rest of the Council," Obi-Wan said to himself. "They're my comrades. But the corruption from the Wound..." he muttered before trailing off, thinking to himself.

    "...I...I was so close..." Quinlan said to himself, his voice starting to raise in volume. "I was such an idiot. He was right in front of me! I could have killed him! I could have stopped all of this!"

    "Quinlan, what are you talking about!?" Obi-Wan asked worriedly.

    "I was on an assassination mission for Dooku at one point. When I had his target and Palpatine in my sights he told me that one of the two people in front of me was the second Sith we'd been searching for. But I thought that there was no way-"

    "Of course you would have been blinded to the truth," Asajj interrupted. "Did you truly think that he wouldn't be able to deflect attention given his abilities?"

    "I don't think there's anyone in the galaxy better at manipulating minds than him," Ciaran said in agreement. "I'm not sure whether it was him using the Force to cloud your mind or just him being that good, but you would never have even considered that he was a Sith Lord."

    "Dammit all," Quinlan muttered, not particularly soothed by either of their words.

    "Still, that's an excellent reminder of what we're up against," Ciaran said, using the opportunity to get the conversation back on track. "I won't mince words. We are outnumbered, any of our initial plans are now effectively useless, the galaxy is a lot smaller when you know that most of it is against you, and thanks to the Wound telling the rest of the Council about this would be a recipe for disaster. The only way we're going to win is if we get as much support as we possibly can and use every dirty trick in the book to win. It's going to be bloody. People would hate each and every one of us in this room if they knew what we're trying to do. But the alternative means we all die and let Palpatine rule the galaxy unopposed."

    Everyone nodded grimly, fully agreeing with Ciaran's assessment of the situation.

    "We need to diversify. Yularen's work has already gotten the anti-Palpatine forces even more to work with in a few months, but we can do more."

    "I can reach out to some uncompromised Sentinels," Tholme said. "Besides them I still have some contacts I might be able to lean on if we are truly desperate."

    "There are plenty of Jedi outside the Order or those who are staying far afield," Quinlan noted. "We need to get in touch with as many of them as we can, if only to tell them to lie low if we fail."

    Obi-Wan had closed his eyes in visible contemplation, his silence all the more noticeable once Quinlan stopped talking.

    "...You're not a bad person if you want to protect Siri."

    His eyes snapped open and locked onto Ciaran's with incredible intensity. "I cannot allow my feelings to jeopardize what we are trying to do."

    "You say that like getting her onboard with us is a bad idea," Ciaran retorted. "She already trusts you implicitly, could help subvert the clones and ships under her command...there's really no reason not to approach her first."

    Obi-Wan's gaze had not wavered. "While that might be true, we both know that Anakin must know about this sooner or later."

    "I agree wholeheartedly. But he's not here right now."

    Obi-Wan stared at Ciaran for another minute before nodding grimly, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Point taken. I'll get in touch with her as soon as I can then. On a related note...are we going to tell Duchess Kyrze about this?"

    "Not until the last second. No offense, but telling her about this any sooner would guarantee that our cover is blown. Pacifist she may be, but she is still a Mandalorian at heart. She wouldn't take that lying down."

    Quinlan chuckled, earning him a half-hearted glare from Tholme.

    "I...can't say I disagree," Obi-Wan admitted. "In that case, after I contact Siri I think my best move would be to help Yularen with his efforts. At the same time Master Tholme and I can work together to find Master Yoda - if we can find him we'll have a fighting chance at healing the Wound on Courscant. Do we have anything else to discuss?"

    "I must speak with Lady Ciaran in private," Tholme said, nodding to Quinlan and receiving a nod in return. "The two of us have unfinished business."

    "Right," Ciaran said, standing up and turning to leave. "Oh, and just so we're clear - you two treat Asajj kindly while I'm gone."

    She was smiling lightly, but her eyes betrayed that she was far more serious about that comment than Obi-Wan expected. As the two of them left, Obi-Wan turned to face Asajj.

    "She uses your first name?"

    "They are quite close, I have to admit," Quinlan commented neutrally. Asajj's only response was to scoff and lean back slightly in her chair.

    "Well, judging by what I've seen so far, I think it's safe to say that the two of you are a perfect match for each other," Obi-Wan said casually.

    "...What are you implying?" Asajj said, her voice cold. "I know you. You are definitely implying something."

    "All I'm saying is that I hope that the two of you have a long and happy relationship," Obi-Wan replied, a small smirk coming across his face.

    Asajj blinked before processing what Obi-Wan was getting at, and her cheeks immediately turned scarlet. "S-shut up! Don't you dare say another word!"

    ------------

    "So I imagine this is about the whole 'asylum' thing you mentioned," Ciaran said to Tholme, her arms folded.

    "Correct."

    "Well, now that we're talking about it, I want to know why the hell you decided that I would be better off to ask than, say, Satine or Zinnerman. Grievous would have been a more logical option even. Why the Watchers? Why me?"

    Tholme was silent for a long moment. "...Because quite frankly from what I know of your organization, it is the only one in the galaxy that is fully capable of making people like Quinlan and I disappear."

    "Not inaccurate. But what exactly do you know?" Ciaran's eyes narrowed. "I'm fully aware that there will be a future after Palpatine, and I'm sure a man like you understands how stressful knowing a loose end is out and about in the galaxy."

    "I know you're the real force behind the Council of Neutral Systems. I know that you have connections within Hutt Space and to various mercenary groups. I know that you've aided the Order at times, and with considerable investments and risks on your part during said times. I know that your influence stretches much farther than anyone fully understands - myself included. I know you were able to find the truth of this war when everyone else was blinded to it. ...And I now know that you managed to turn one of the most dangerous assassins in the galaxy - a Sith - over to your side and ensure her loyalty without question."

    "In other words, enough to know that I'm the kind of woman who could hide a pair of rogue Jedi. I suppose that leads me to my second question: what do the two of you plan on doing next?"

    "What needs to be done."

    "How much blood do you think you'll have to spill to do that?"

    "More than I hoped for in the past."

    "...It sounds like we'll get along just fine then," Ciaran said coolly. "What about your pupil?"

    "Quinlan would probably be at his best if he worked with you directly. I can give you a complete dossier, but he is an expert agent and would serve the cause far better if he was more active than I would be."

    Ciaran nodded in understanding. "That being the case, do you have any other requests for me? I can't guarantee that they'll be possible depending on what I hear, but if it's something like having a constant stream of intel that should be doable."

    "That is appreciated and would be welcome, though..." Tholme trailed off, and Ciaran could tell that he was internally debating something before he spoke again. "There are...two people of interest that I would request you also grant asylum."

    "Uh huh. Names and a quick overview first."

    "First is Khaleen Hentz. Female human ex-Separatist agent, now effectively on the run."

    Ciaran scoffed. "Easy. She'll have a new identity by the end of the week. And the second?"

    Tholme went silent, and Ciaran raised an eyebrow in response. "...Ah. I think I'm beginning to understand what's really going on here. Are Khaleen and Quinlan married?"

    "Not yet. In time though..."

    "I understand. So who is so important to you then?"

    "...T'ra Saa. She is a Neti Jedi."

    "Hm...Neti? That's not a species I'm familiar with."

    "They are a species of sentient plants that are capable of shapeshifting to a significant degree."

    "Huh. Neat."

    Tholme blinked owlishly. "I assumed that would surprise you."

    "I'm not one to judge. One of my cousins is dating a Shard," Ciaran admitted with a shrug. "Anyway...more difficult for obvious reasons, but should be doable. Anything else?"

    "Nothing at this present time."

    "Right...well then, if that's all, then I think this is the start of a wonderful relationship." Ciaran offered a hand that Tholme shook without hesitation. "Honestly I'm glad things worked out so well between us all things considered."

    "At this point we must band together or die alone," Tholme replied, his face stern. "Whatever differences we have are irrelevant in the face of such a great evil."

    Rewards for arc:

    Quinlan: Tholme and Quinlan Vos are fully brought into the anti-Palpatine conspiracy. Information on Wound in the Force at the Jedi Temple and state of the Courscant Order gained. Tholme will roll with a +15 bonus (innate skill + Yularen/Obi-Wan assistance) for independently bringing in assets every turn, beginning with Jedi Sentinels. Khaleen & Tra automatically will be given asylum by the beginning of the next turn. Quinlan Vos gained as Hero Unit.
    Honoghr: Ciaran (barely) manages to survive Palaptine's/Talzin's assassination attempt. False-flag operation to frame the Silver Cross/Karada foiled. Renewal efforts commenced on Honoghr. Hrak'vokh now available as alternate martial arts (Stava) trainer.
    Talzin: Talzin is erased. Pet Rancor (name TBD) adopted. Abysswalker Saato recruited. Ciaran/Asajj's Force Bond trait improved. Ciaran gains "Echo of Katarr" trait.
    Obi-Wan: Obi-Wan Kenobi fully brought into the anti-Palpatine conspiracy. Siri Tachi will be automatically subverted next turn. Yularen gains a +10 to his subversion rolls thanks to the combination of Obi-Wan and Tholme's assistance.
    Yularen: 212th subverted without issues.

    AN: IT IS DONE.

    This was a doozy - keeping Obi-Wan in character for something like this was hard. But I think I made this work - though even in-universe this is a bad situation for him to be in with everything happening.

    Aside from that, here are all of the shinies! Look at them, they're so sparkly. Also I will never apologize for Tsundere Asajj. Ever.

    Give me some time to update the front page with everything Aside from that, enjoy~
     
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    • Oddly enough, our best bet at this point might be to sabotage the physical structure of the Coruscant Temple such that it's no longer safe to inhabit. The one nice thing about the corruption being due to the Wound is that it should stop being an immediate issue once there's no longer anyone in close proximity to it.

    Or to stab the Wound with our Dagger of Kill Anything.
     
    Imagine the shit show when those three realize Ciaran is collaborating with a flipped Dooku. I'm not sure any of them except Tholme (if that) realize Ciaran's essentially going to be the one to fulfill the power vacuum in the wake of the Republic's fall even if indirectly.
     
    The Sandman said:
    Oddly enough, our best bet at this point might be to sabotage the physical structure of the Coruscant Temple such that it's no longer safe to inhabit. The one nice thing about the corruption being due to the Wound is that it should stop being an immediate issue once there's no longer anyone in close proximity to it.

    Or to stab the Wound with our Dagger of Kill Anything.
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    Sadly the Wound is not 'Anything' it is Nothingness, a void.
     
    I do hope Obi tries that teasing line again with Ciaran present and she throws it back in his face with a comment teasing him back and implying or stating they are sisters.

    Force wound and corrupt council, though with Yoda likely uncorrupted we may still have a chance. But yeah getting them to move off world or even to a different area would help a lot.

    Can't wait for those front page updates will be interesting to see how we have grown. Also new hero unit and a force user at that!
    Plus force bond has grown wow we might need to make sure Asajj and Ciaran pair up on an action each turn
     
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    Karugus said:
    Imagine the shit show when those three realize Ciaran is collaborating with a flipped Dooku. I'm not sure any of them except Tholme (if that) realize Ciaran's essentially going to be the one to fulfill the power vacuum in the wake of the Republic's fall even if indirectly.
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    Obi wan at least will understand it quickly enough, but he will also realise that despite her tie she isn't one to go all "JOIN THE DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE AND TORTURE SMALL CHICKEN" on the galaxy
     
    Aww, we don't get to reveal that we are Sith yet, i wanted to see the reaction in front of Obi
     
    Also we still have 3 interludes and a mini arc to go.

    Interludes-
    Black and White-
    Howls in the Dark- Silas
    Planet of Death- Ciaran
    The Great Mother- Asajj, Ciaran
    Oust Shu Mai- Priam, Fry
    Prison and Prisoner- Cheriss
    [REDACTED]- Thrawn

    Mini-Arc-
    Fortune's End- Jango
     
    The Sandman said:
    Oddly enough, our best bet at this point might be to sabotage the physical structure of the Coruscant Temple such that it's no longer safe to inhabit.
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    How convenient that the Undercity is a thing and that we can affect it sufficiently to affect the Jedi Temple.

    "Yeah, sorry, the building foundations are unstable now, you're going to need to move. Might we recommend the Dawn Temple? Might be better if the Jedi were out on the Rim a while, help them focus on the needs of the people there instead of being Core-focused like so much of the Republic."
     
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