@Dr. Snark, I got a few write-ins that we can borrow from the alt-universe version of Turn 30 that appeared in Abyss Gazes Back. We also removed a number of minor actions that seemed less important/urgent/irrelevant to the goal of defeating Palpatine.
[] Operation Benevolent Humility: The Malevolence is a fleet-killer. The Pride of the Core is confident it can defeat the Malevolence on its own. Both ships are under Palpatine's control, both ships are chasing each other around CNS space, and it's only a matter of time before one or both ships devastates a Neutral system as 'collateral damage'. No time to lose, they must be stopped: damn the resonance cannons, full speed ahead. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: Malevolence and Pride of the Core stopped, one way or another.
[] Saw & Steela's Steel Squadron: The Gerrera siblings have graduated from naval academy, have proven their capabilities during the battle for Kalee and are ready to take command. Assign them to the Invisible Hand, and expand its support group into a proper grand fleet. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 200 Reward: gain '+1 Martial Action (Space)'
[] Select a New Diplomacy Advisor: Priam has been your Diplomacy advisor from your earliest days as a gang leader in the Coruscant Underworld. Now he's running a galaxy-spanning megacorporation, and he's a bit busy to also run your social calendar. He can help out on occasion, but you need to pick his successor. Reward: new Diplomacy Advisor, you don't lose one of your Diplomacy Actions (Free Action)
-[] Riphath Althean: specializes in contacting other Force sects. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] Satine Kryze: specializes in recruiting for the CNS. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] Padme Amidala: specializes in ending the Clone Wars. Chance of Success: 80%
-[] Lanius Qel-Bertuk: specializes in reforming the Jedi. Chance of Success: 70%
-[] Seti Ashgad: specializes in opposing Palpatine in the Senate. Chance of Success: 60%
-[] Bail Organa: specializes in restoring the Galactic Republic. Chance of Success: 60%
-[] Write In
[] IRIS Network: Now that you've established a galaxy-spanning media conglomerate with your friend and ally Baron Papanoida, how shall you use it? You don't plan to take on Palpatine directly, but that leaves plenty of other options on the table. Reward: friendly media directed to guide public opinion. (Free Action)
--[] Oppose the Galactic Senate (emphasize problems with the Republic)
--[] Oppose the Separatist Council (emphasize problems with the Confederacy)
--[] Oppose the Coruscant Jedi (emphasize problems with the Jedi Order)
--[] Oppose Megacorporations (emphasize problems with Trade Federation, Corporate Sector, other galactic megacorps that dominate the Rim)
--[] Oppose Slavery (emphasize the Hutts, Zygerrian Slave Empire, Senex-Juvex)
--[] Oppose Humanocentrism (emphasize problems of the Core, especially COMPNOR)
-[] Educate the Public About Politics
--[] Promote the Council of Neutral Systems
--[] Support the Galactic Senate (which faction?)
--[] Support the Separatist Parliament (which faction?)
--[] Support the Jedi (which sect?)
-[] Write In
[] The Conclave (Force): After their joint defense of Almas Academy, a number of Jedi splinter sects have expressed interest in meeting with each other and finding common ground. However, a number of groups share a history of conflict and misunderstanding. Volunteer to host a Jedi Conclave, and guide them to your preferred outcome. (Also Available as Lore Action) Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Jedi Conclave called, mini-arc begins
[] Interpol Into Space (CNS): A number of reports show that Palpatine has been using various underworld cut-outs to smuggle military gear from the CNS to both the Republic and the Separatist war machine. While it's too late to prevent (that particular nerf has left the stable) you can help the CNS establish an interplanetary law enforcement agency to keep Palpatine from exploiting the same vulnerability in the future. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 150 Upkeep: 50 Reward: CNS gains interplanetary law enforcement, increases CNS recruitment, ???
[] Call To Order (CNS): Taris has served as an unofficial capital for the CNS, and now it has an Assembly Hall to prove it. But the Council of Neutral Systems remains a fairly ad-hoc confederation heavily dependent on Lady Ciaran's efforts to sustain it. Call a general assembly of all CNS systems on Taris and encourage the member systems to establish a more stable platform for interplanetary cooperation. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: CNS becomes a more stable political organization, increases CNS recruitment
[] Sienar Custom Vessel: Now that you've partnered with Sienar you can request customized ships from them for a price. You can either send them a plan of your own, or give their engineers a base concept and let them work out the details. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] Personalized Courier Ships, Redux: You've recruited a number of additional helpers and heroes since Raith Siener built his custom courier ships for your team. Time to contact him for a second helping, to help your heroes work even more effectively. Cost: 150 Reward: Additional Personal Courier ships designed/produced
-[] Fury-Class Modernization: One of your teams on Ord Mantell has uncovered a Fury-Class interceptor/transport of the Resurgent Sith Empire. In function it could be compared to the Scimitar, except four times the size and potentially more heavily armed and armored. It has been suggested to request Raith to modernize the design and then provide those ships to elite teams that HAVE to be able to get somewhere no matter what. Cost: 200 Reward: Fury-Class Interceptor/Transport modernized/produced
[] Treasury Copypasta: The backdoor to the Republic Treasury also means that you can observe everything that is going on within it. Perhaps it might be an idea to feed a small program into it to copy all data of the treasury and regularly update those records... just in case a certain someone tries to wipe it all as a farewell gift on his way out. A functional economy is important, or so you have been led to believe. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Abyss Watchers (and the CNS) gain a complete backup of all Republic Treasury data
[] A Phantom Menace: The Malevolence is a fleet-killer, and its location is unknown. Admiral Zsinj says it's moving around the Mid Rim, but that could mean anything. Put our agents to the task of finding the Malevolence and finding its ultimate target. Only then can we be certain to trap and destroy it utterly. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Malevolence (and Pride of the Core) tracked, CIS & Palpatine's target determined, ???
[] Midichlorian Metadata: We control one of the galaxy's biggest medical corporations, and we have teams of agents who can slice into other medcenters' databases. Get our hands on records of the midichlorian count for the galactic population around the Rim, so we can make contact. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: improve Abyss Agent recruitment, improve recruitment for independent Force Sects and non-Coruscant Jedi, prevent Force Users from future recruitment by Palpatine's Sith acolytes
[] Hyper-Communications Hot Potato: After the Battle of Kalee, we credited a 'high-level Separatist leader' for leaking Admiral Trench's plan, allowing us to save Kalee and avoid Palpatine's trap of war with the CIS. Now lay the breadcrumbs for Palpatine to follow, so he blames Po Nudo of the Hyper-Communications Cartel for the leak. This would remove from play one of the few megacorps on the Separatist Council that we don't yet control, and potentially allow us to seize control of the CIS Shadowfeed. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: HCC blamed for leaking Trench's location, Separatist Council even more firmly in our control
[] Sacrifice Play: Before we can press the Big Red Button and take on Palpatine, our strike team has to prepare and practice fighting him. But before we can practice fighting against a simulation of Palpatine, we need to get our hands on a recording of Palpatine actually fighting. The only way… is to persuade one of our allies to sacrifice themselves for a chance at that information. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: combat recordings of Palpatine, probable death of friend, hero, or advisor.
-[] Asajj Ventress
-[] Count Dooku
-[] Darth Vectivus
-[] Write-In
[] Rise of the Black Claw: Thyferra is the only source in the galaxy for the kavam and alazhi bacterial cultures needed to produce bacta. However, the native Vratix have not been allowed to profit from their good fortune; instead, their planet and their people have been practically enslaved by two medical corporations, Zaltin and Xucphra. Use our friendly relations with the megacorps and our base on the planet to secretly sponsor the Ashern 'Black Claw' rebel movement and pave the way from Vratix independence. Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 200 Reward: Vratix independence movement gains strength, ???
[] Ghost of Dark Lords Past: Your archaeological expedition on Yavin 4 has awoken a living Massassi named Kalgrath who was locked inside a stasis pod for four millenia, making him the last of his kind and an eyewitness of the Great Sith War. Unfortunately, on awakening, Kalgrath could still sense the presence of his master Exar Kun. Vectivus is confident that if Exar Kun still lingers on the surface of Yavin 4 he would be a considerable threat. For now the planet has been locked down to outside traffic, and our archaeological teams have been provided additional ysalamiri to keep Sith spirits at bay. But this situation must be handled sooner or later, and ideally sooner. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: Exar Kun situation handled, one way or another
[] The Conclave (Force Study): After their joint defense of Almas Academy, a number of Jedi splinter sects have expressed interest in meeting with each other and finding common ground. However, a number of groups share a history of conflict and misunderstanding. Volunteer to host a Jedi Conclave, and guide them to your preferred outcome. (Also Available as Diplomacy Action) Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Jedi Conclave called, mini-arc begins
[] The Almas Fortress: A few survivors of the darkside cultists were spotted limping back to Darth Rivan's Fortress, a structure which according to scanners is made nearly entirely of Beskar and the Force just seems to stop there. While you are entirely sure that the cultists will not be a problem for anyone for a very long time the Fortress and what it holds might still be of interest. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Darth Rivan's Fortress investigated
[] Karada Medical Innovations: The Karada Corporation has grown to be one of the galaxy's largest and most successful medical corporations, primarily known for its strong presence within the CNS and strong ties to Lady Ciaran's charity, Silver Cross. Use our Abyss Watcher resources, our partnership with Adascorp, and our far-flung research labs, and build a research division that will turn Karada into a pioneer of advanced medical research for the galaxy. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 200 Upkeep: 50 Reward: gain +1 Learning Action (Medicine)
[] Svivreni-Shard Engineering Inc.: Our research labs have hired a number of Sivreni geologists and Shard engineers. Both species are preternaturally capable of material and physical science, and many have expressed great enthusiasm to be working for Lady Ciaran. Organize them into a separate research branch, and watch the sparks fly. Literally, in this case. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 200 Upkeep: 50 Reward: gain +1 Learning Action (Materials)
[] Karada Technologies: Pour massive amounts of funding to the researchers at Karada to radically improve Karada equipment and medicine. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 200 Reward: increased profits for all Karada Medcenters, increase troop survival rates, chance of unlocking long-lost medical technology from the Old Republic
[] Plan of Succession: Thrawn is right. If you were to die in the strike against Palpatine… or worse, if you were somehow corrupted by the Wound and turned into that thing you saw in a vision on Malachor… everything you had spent so many years building would fall apart. You don't plan on dying any time soon. But perhaps it'd be a good idea to put some thought into 'what happens next'. Chance of Success: 90% Reward: ???
[] Under The Knife: With the facilities of the Arkanian Legacy at their disposal, the Arkanians can easily genemod anyone you want to go through the process. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Selected Hero Unit genemodded
--[] Bith: A craniopod species with exceptional mathematical ability, Bith do not sleep but need a mere 4 hours of waking meditation each day (Learning, ???)
--[] Epicanthix: A species that is almost completely human save for inherent Force-sensitivity and innate resistance to Force techniques that affect the mind. (Lore, ???)
--[] Gand: An insectile species of humanoid, Gand are extraordinarily durable and have the ability to regenerate lost limbs. They are also able to see ultraviolet light, and can 'store' sleep in order to stay alert for weeks at a time. (Martial, Intrigue)
--[] Gurlanin: Natives of Qiilura, this species descended from ambush predators is not only capable of shapeshifting into the form of nearly any other humanoid race, and camouflaging themselves perfectly in nearly any environment, they are also naturally attuned to the Force. And did I mention their 700 year lifespan? (Intrigue, enhanced lifespan, ???)
--[] Jenet: Natives of Garban, this rodent-like race boasts a high degree of agility and dexterity, along with an exceptionally precise memory, verging on eidetic. (Martial, Learning, ???)
--[] Kel Dor: Natives of Dorin, the Kel Dor are innately sensitive to the Force, and specialize in telepathy and weather control (Lore, ???)
--[] Lyunesi: Natives of Ryoone, Lyunesi are a fragile species with unparalleled talent at linguistics and communications (Diplomacy)
--[] Ogemite: The feather-crested natives of Ogem are natural traders with a gift for logistics and occasionally smuggling (Stewardship)
--[] Svivreni: A short, stout furry species known for their hardiness, and their natural talent for geology. (Martial, Learning)
--[] Tarasin: Natives of Cularin, this species has a strong natural affinity for the Living Force (Lore, ???)
--[] Wookie: Natives of Kashyyyk, Wookies are unbelievably strong, and surprisingly good at engineering. (Martial, Learning)
[] Quinlan Vos - Psychometrist Police: One in a hundred Kiffar possess the talent of psychometry, the ability to pick up vision's of an object's past by merely touching them. Quinlan's psychometry is highly advanced thanks to his Force sensitivity, but even a minor talent is an exceptional force multiplier for an investigator. Ask Quinlan to return to his homeworld and recruit Kiffar for the Abyss Watchers and/or for CNS law enforcement. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Quinlan Vos must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Kiffar investigators recruited
[] Quinlan Vos - Temples of Infinity: Apparently, Quinlan Vos saved the galaxy a few years back. The Nightsisters of Dathomir had seized a 'Star Temple' containing a hidden 'Infinity Gate', originally built by the ancient Kwa to transport people and things instantly between planets without the need for hyperspace. The Nightsisters sabotaged the Prime Gate to unleash its unspeakable power to incinerate Coruscant; Quinlan Vos managed to counter-sabotage the Gate to unleash its power against itself. However, his brief time inside the Kwa ruin gave him flashes and visions of other locations of Kwa Infinity Gates, and how to use them. Cross-check against historical records in order to rediscover the Gates and use them for ourselves. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Quinlan Vos must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: access to the Infinity Gate network
[] Celeste Morne - Raider of the Covenant: Before her entombment in the Jebble Box, Celeste Morne served as a Shadow for the Jedi Covenant, a secretive group dedicated to fighting the Sith. Celeste therefore traveled throughout the former Sith Empire, investigating each group to arise and potential threat. She is perhaps the most knowledgeable person in the galaxy about the history of the ancient Sith. Send her to search the ruins and reveal the secrets of the Sith. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Celeste Morne must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 40% Reward: expedition to chosen planet, ???
-[] Korriban: The origin world of the Sith, this planet would contain plenty of artifacts for those that can withstand the wildlife and the immense influence of the Dark Side.
-[] Sith Worlds: An unwelcoming region in the Northern Rim, the worlds of Dromund Kaas, Ziost, and others are dotted with Sith ruins, artifacts, and who knows what else. Could be dangerous. Would definitely be profitable.
@Dr. Snark, I got a few write-ins that we can borrow from the alt-universe version of Turn 30 that appeared in Abyss Gazes Back. We also removed a number of minor actions that seemed less important/urgent/irrelevant to the goal of defeating Palpatine.
[] Operation Benevolent Humility: The Malevolence is a fleet-killer. The Pride of the Core is confident it can defeat the Malevolence on its own. Both ships are under Palpatine's control, both ships are chasing each other around CNS space, and it's only a matter of time before one or both ships devastates a Neutral system as 'collateral damage'. No time to lose, they must be stopped: damn the resonance cannons, full speed ahead. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: Malevolence and Pride of the Core stopped, one way or another.
[] Saw & Steela's Steel Squadron: The Gerrera siblings have graduated from naval academy, have proven their capabilities during the battle for Kalee and are ready to take command. Assign them to the Invisible Hand, and expand its support group into a proper grand fleet. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 200 Reward: gain '+1 Martial Action (Space)'
[] Select a New Diplomacy Advisor: Priam has been your Diplomacy advisor from your earliest days as a gang leader in the Coruscant Underworld. Now he's running a galaxy-spanning megacorporation, and he's a bit busy to also run your social calendar. He can help out on occasion, but you need to pick his successor. Reward: new Diplomacy Advisor, you don't lose one of your Diplomacy Actions (Free Action)
-[] Riphath Althean: specializes in contacting other Force sects. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] Satine Kryze: specializes in recruiting for the CNS. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] Padme Amidala: specializes in ending the Clone Wars. Chance of Success: 80%
-[] Lanius Qel-Bertuk: specializes in reforming the Jedi. Chance of Success: 70%
-[] Seti Ashgad: specializes in opposing Palpatine in the Senate. Chance of Success: 60%
-[] Bail Organa: specializes in restoring the Galactic Republic. Chance of Success: 60%
-[] Write In
[] IRIS Network: Now that you've established a galaxy-spanning media conglomerate with your friend and ally Baron Papanoida, how shall you use it? You don't plan to take on Palpatine directly, but that leaves plenty of other options on the table. Reward: friendly media directed to guide public opinion. (Free Action)
--[] Oppose the Galactic Senate (emphasize problems with the Republic)
--[] Oppose the Separatist Council (emphasize problems with the Confederacy)
--[] Oppose the Coruscant Jedi (emphasize problems with the Jedi Order)
--[] Oppose Megacorporations (emphasize problems with Trade Federation, Corporate Sector, other galactic megacorps that dominate the Rim)
--[] Oppose Slavery (emphasize the Hutts, Zygerrian Slave Empire, Senex-Juvex)
--[] Oppose Humanocentrism (emphasize problems of the Core, especially COMPNOR)
-[] Educate the Public About Politics
--[] Promote the Council of Neutral Systems
--[] Support the Galactic Senate (which faction?)
--[] Support the Separatist Parliament (which faction?)
--[] Support the Jedi (which sect?)
-[] Write In
[] The Conclave (Force): After their joint defense of Almas Academy, a number of Jedi splinter sects have expressed interest in meeting with each other and finding common ground. However, a number of groups share a history of conflict and misunderstanding. Volunteer to host a Jedi Conclave, and guide them to your preferred outcome. (Also Available as Lore Action) Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Jedi Conclave called, mini-arc begins
[] Interpol Into Space (CNS): A number of reports show that Palpatine has been using various underworld cut-outs to smuggle military gear from the CNS to both the Republic and the Separatist war machine. While it's too late to prevent (that particular nerf has left the stable) you can help the CNS establish an interplanetary law enforcement agency to keep Palpatine from exploiting the same vulnerability in the future. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 150 Upkeep: 50 Reward: CNS gains interplanetary law enforcement, increases CNS recruitment, ???
[] Call To Order (CNS): Taris has served as an unofficial capital for the CNS, and now it has an Assembly Hall to prove it. But the Council of Neutral Systems remains a fairly ad-hoc confederation heavily dependent on Lady Ciaran's efforts to sustain it. Call a general assembly of all CNS systems on Taris and encourage the member systems to establish a more stable platform for interplanetary cooperation. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: CNS becomes a more stable political organization, increases CNS recruitment
[] Sienar Custom Vessel: Now that you've partnered with Sienar you can request customized ships from them for a price. You can either send them a plan of your own, or give their engineers a base concept and let them work out the details. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] Personalized Courier Ships, Redux: You've recruited a number of additional helpers and heroes since Raith Siener built his custom courier ships for your team. Time to contact him for a second helping, to help your heroes work even more effectively. Cost: 150 Reward: Additional Personal Courier ships designed/produced
-[] Hyperlane Recon Drones: There are always more hyperlanes to be discovered, but the method for doing so is inherently quite risky. Instead have Raith put together drones that could do that job for you and potentially locate hyperlanes you can use to your advantage. Cost: 100 Reward: Hyperlane Recon Drones designed/produced
-[] Dedicated Starfighter Carriers: While ships like the Venators certainly have the ability to carry large amounts of fighters, it wouldn't hurt to have a design that was primarily dedicated for rapid fighter deployment and recovery for various situations. Cost: 200 Reward: Dedicated Starfighter Carriers designed/produced, base upgrades unlocked
-[] Fury-Class Modernization: One of your teams on Ord Mantell has uncovered a Fury-Class interceptor/transport of the Resurgent Sith Empire. In function it could be compared to the Scimitar, except four times the size and potentially more heavily armed and armored. It has been suggested to request Raith to modernize the design and then provide those ships to elite teams that HAVE to be able to get somewhere no matter what. Cost: 200 Reward: Fury-Class Interceptor/Transport modernized/produced
-[] Next Gen Troop Transports: The Republic LAAT is certainly no easy target but it does have a number of flaws that could be quite troublesome for you given the kind of scenarios you might need to drop troops into. You know that Raith loves showing other people up so see what he'll make when he's put up to the challenge. Cost: 150 Reward: Next Gen Troop Transports designed/produced
[] Treasury Copypasta: The backdoor to the Republic Treasury also means that you can observe everything that is going on within it. Perhaps it might be an idea to feed a small program into it to copy all data of the treasury and regularly update those records... just in case a certain someone tries to wipe it all as a farewell gift on his way out. A functional economy is important, or so you have been led to believe. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Abyss Watchers (and the CNS) gain a complete backup of all Republic Treasury data
[] Relocating The Foundry: The Foundry is currently in the middle of Hutt Space with a galactic war raging around it - even if it stayed hidden for several thousand years, all it would take is one ship to accidentally stumble into Nanthri and it would all be over. The best plan your people have come up with is to strap gigantic hyperspace engines to it to move it to the Kiln through some of the hyperlanes the Claatuvac Guild provided information on and avoid detection, but it's going to require a lot of credits, both to get the parts and to bribe people into not asking questions about where said parts are going. Chance of Success: 40% Cost: 400 Reward: Foundry discreetly moved to the Kiln
[] A Phantom Menace: The Malevolence is a fleet-killer, and its location is unknown. Admiral Zsinj says it's moving around the Mid Rim, but that could mean anything. Put our agents to the task of finding the Malevolence and finding its ultimate target. Only then can we be certain to trap and destroy it utterly. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Malevolence (and Pride of the Core) tracked, CIS & Palpatine's target determined, ???
[] Midichlorian Metadata: We control one of the galaxy's biggest medical corporations, and we have teams of agents who can slice into other medcenters' databases. Get our hands on records of the midichlorian count for the galactic population around the Rim, so we can make contact. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: improve Abyss Agent recruitment, improve recruitment for independent Force Sects and non-Coruscant Jedi, prevent Force Users from future recruitment by Palpatine's Sith acolytes
[] Hyper-Communications Hot Potato: After the Battle of Kalee, we credited a 'high-level Separatist leader' for leaking Admiral Trench's plan, allowing us to save Kalee and avoid Palpatine's trap of war with the CIS. Now lay the breadcrumbs for Palpatine to follow, so he blames Po Nudo of the Hyper-Communications Cartel for the leak. This would remove from play one of the few megacorps on the Separatist Council that we don't yet control, and potentially allow us to seize control of the CIS Shadowfeed. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: HCC blamed for leaking Trench's location, Separatist Council even more firmly in our control
[] Sacrifice Play: Before we can press the Big Red Button and take on Palpatine, our strike team has to prepare and practice fighting him. But before we can practice fighting against a simulation of Palpatine, we need to get our hands on a recording of Palpatine actually fighting. The only way… is to persuade one of our allies to sacrifice themselves for a chance at that information. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: combat recordings of Palpatine, probable death of friend, hero, or advisor.
-[] Asajj Ventress
-[] Count Dooku
-[] Darth Vectivus
-[] Write-In
[] Rise of the Black Claw: Thyferra is the only source in the galaxy for the kavam and alazhi bacterial cultures needed to produce bacta. However, the native Vratix have not been allowed to profit from their good fortune; instead, their planet and their people have been practically enslaved by two medical corporations, Zaltin and Xucphra. Use our friendly relations with the megacorps and our base on the planet to secretly sponsor the Ashern 'Black Claw' rebel movement and pave the way from Vratix independence. Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 200 Reward: Vratix independence movement gains strength, ???
[] Test The Waters: Given the manhunt for Galen, Dooku's plots in the past, and the instability Maul and Savage recently brought to the underworld, it can't hurt to send out some feelers to figure out who would be stupid or crazy enough to try and kill you...and then have them dealt with just to be sure. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 250 Reward: Potential threats in underworld located and terminated
[] The Secrets of the Corellian Jedi: The Corellian Jedi are hiding something about the final battle of the New Sith Wars and you don't like being told "no" for an answer. Find a friend, or sneak a peek at their records, or cross-check with the Celebratus Archives, and find what it is they're hiding and why this 'Ruusan' is so important. Chance of Success: 40% Reward: Corellian Jedi history investigated
[] Ghost of Dark Lords Past: Your archaeological expedition on Yavin 4 has awoken a living Massassi named Kalgrath who was locked inside a stasis pod for four millenia, making him the last of his kind and an eyewitness of the Great Sith War. Unfortunately, on awakening, Kalgrath could still sense the presence of his master Exar Kun. Vectivus is confident that if Exar Kun still lingers on the surface of Yavin 4 he would be a considerable threat. For now the planet has been locked down to outside traffic, and our archaeological teams have been provided additional ysalamiri to keep Sith spirits at bay. But this situation must be handled sooner or later, and ideally sooner. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: Exar Kun situation handled, one way or another
[] The Conclave (Force Study): After their joint defense of Almas Academy, a number of Jedi splinter sects have expressed interest in meeting with each other and finding common ground. However, a number of groups share a history of conflict and misunderstanding. Volunteer to host a Jedi Conclave, and guide them to your preferred outcome. (Also Available as Diplomacy Action) Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Jedi Conclave called, mini-arc begins
[] The Almas Fortress: A few survivors of the darkside cultists were spotted limping back to Darth Rivan's Fortress, a structure which according to scanners is made nearly entirely of Beskar and the Force just seems to stop there. While you are entirely sure that the cultists will not be a problem for anyone for a very long time the Fortress and what it holds might still be of interest. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Darth Rivan's Fortress investigated
[] Karada Medical Innovations: The Karada Corporation has grown to be one of the galaxy's largest and most successful medical corporations, primarily known for its strong presence within the CNS and strong ties to Lady Ciaran's charity, Silver Cross. Use our Abyss Watcher resources, our partnership with Adascorp, and our far-flung research labs, and build a research division that will turn Karada into a pioneer of advanced medical research for the galaxy. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 200 Upkeep: 50 Reward: gain +1 Learning Action (Medicine)
[] Svivreni-Shard Engineering Inc.: Our research labs have hired a number of Sivreni geologists and Shard engineers. Both species are preternaturally capable of material and physical science, and many have expressed great enthusiasm to be working for Lady Ciaran. Organize them into a separate research branch, and watch the sparks fly. Literally, in this case. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 200 Upkeep: 50 Reward: gain +1 Learning Action (Materials)
[] Karada Technologies: Pour massive amounts of funding to the researchers at Karada to radically improve Karada equipment and medicine. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 200 Reward: increased profits for all Karada Medcenters, increase troop survival rates, chance of unlocking long-lost medical technology from the Old Republic
[] Giving Causality A Migraine (Foundry): Instead of having the potential blueprints sent to Incom, Cheriss has suggested that she could hijack one of the Foundry's drone production zones to help prototype the enhanced X-Wing. The bad news is that you couldn't get the ship sent into mass production with Incom, but the good news is that you'd have quite the ace up your sleeve, and a one-man hyperspace-capable starfighter is an undeniable game-changer... Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 200 Reward: X-Wings designed 20 years early, the thrill of causing your very own temporal paradox
[] Plan of Succession: Thrawn is right. If you were to die in the strike against Palpatine… or worse, if you were somehow corrupted by the Wound and turned into that thing you saw in a vision on Malachor… everything you had spent so many years building would fall apart. You don't plan on dying any time soon. But perhaps it'd be a good idea to put some thought into 'what happens next'. Chance of Success: 90% Reward: ???
[] Under The Knife: With the facilities of the Arkanian Legacy at their disposal, the Arkanians can easily genemod anyone you want to go through the process. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Selected Hero Unit genemodded
--[] Bith: A craniopod species with exceptional mathematical ability, Bith do not sleep but need a mere 4 hours of waking meditation each day (Learning, ???)
--[] Epicanthix: A species that is almost completely human save for inherent Force-sensitivity and innate resistance to Force techniques that affect the mind. (Lore, ???)
--[] Gand: An insectile species of humanoid, Gand are extraordinarily durable and have the ability to regenerate lost limbs. They are also able to see ultraviolet light, and can 'store' sleep in order to stay alert for weeks at a time. (Martial, Intrigue)
--[] Gurlanin: Natives of Qiilura, this species descended from ambush predators is not only capable of shapeshifting into the form of nearly any other humanoid race, and camouflaging themselves perfectly in nearly any environment, they are also naturally attuned to the Force. And did I mention their 700 year lifespan? (Intrigue, enhanced lifespan, ???)
--[] Jenet: Natives of Garban, this rodent-like race boasts a high degree of agility and dexterity, along with an exceptionally precise memory, verging on eidetic. (Martial, Learning, ???)
--[] Kel Dor: Natives of Dorin, the Kel Dor are innately sensitive to the Force, and specialize in telepathy and weather control (Lore, ???)
--[] Lyunesi: Natives of Ryoone, Lyunesi are a fragile species with unparalleled talent at linguistics and communications (Diplomacy)
--[] Ogemite: The feather-crested natives of Ogem are natural traders with a gift for logistics and occasionally smuggling (Stewardship)
--[] Svivreni: A short, stout furry species known for their hardiness, and their natural talent for geology. (Martial, Learning)
--[] Tarasin: Natives of Cularin, this species has a strong natural affinity for the Living Force (Lore, ???)
--[] Voss: A species that has a natural disposition for foresight with the Force. (Lore, ???)
--[] Wookie: Natives of Kashyyyk, Wookies are unbelievably strong, and surprisingly good at engineering. (Martial, Learning)
[] Mungo Baobab - There And Back Again: If there's one thing Mungo loves, it's exploring strange new worlds and seeking out new opportunities among them. Give him some support and let him do his thing and the both of you will be better off for it. (Uses Learning Bonuses, Mungo Baobab must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% (80% on planets with a *) Cost: 50 Reward: Mungo-led expedition to chosen location launched, ???
-[] Outer Rim (Dxun, Telos (IV))*: A pair of worlds closely associated with the Jedi Civil War era, they are home to Sith and Jedi ruins respectively.
-[] Hutt Space (Manda, Tatooine)*: These worlds contain various libraries and such that would make for interesting material to stealexamine closely.
-[] Duro*: The Valley of Royalty is listed as another Wonder of the Galaxy, and contains an incredible (if varied) collection of data & historical artifacts. Sounds like a good place for "research."
-[] Kathol Outback: An isolated area of the Outer Rim, the region is rumored to be home to a powerful Force sect, but you don't have much more to go on besides that.
-[] Belsavis: The planet has a long history of serving as a Republic prison and has infrastructure rumored to predate even them. There's certainly more to be found here.
[] Quinlan Vos - Psychometrist Police: One in a hundred Kiffar possess the talent of psychometry, the ability to pick up vision's of an object's past by merely touching them. Quinlan's psychometry is highly advanced thanks to his Force sensitivity, but even a minor talent is an exceptional force multiplier for an investigator. Ask Quinlan to return to his homeworld and recruit Kiffar for the Abyss Watchers and/or for CNS law enforcement. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Quinlan Vos must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Kiffar investigators recruited
[] Quinlan Vos - Temples of Infinity: Apparently, Quinlan Vos saved the galaxy a few years back. The Nightsisters of Dathomir had seized a 'Star Temple' containing a hidden 'Infinity Gate', originally built by the ancient Kwa to transport people and things instantly between planets without the need for hyperspace. The Nightsisters sabotaged the Prime Gate to unleash its unspeakable power to incinerate Coruscant; Quinlan Vos managed to counter-sabotage the Gate to unleash its power against itself. However, his brief time inside the Kwa ruin gave him flashes and visions of other locations of Kwa Infinity Gates, and how to use them. Cross-check against historical records in order to rediscover the Gates and use them for ourselves. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Quinlan Vos must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: access to the Infinity Gate network
[] Celeste Morne - Raider of the Covenant: Before her entombment in the Jebble Box, Celeste Morne served as a Shadow for the Jedi Covenant, a secretive group dedicated to fighting the Sith. Celeste therefore traveled throughout the former Sith Empire, investigating each group to arise and potential threat. She is perhaps the most knowledgeable person in the galaxy about the history of the ancient Sith. Send her to search the ruins and reveal the secrets of the Sith. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Celeste Morne must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 40% Reward: expedition to chosen planet, ???
-[] Korriban: The origin world of the Sith, this planet would contain plenty of artifacts for those that can withstand the wildlife and the immense influence of the Dark Side.
-[] Sith Worlds: An unwelcoming region in the Northern Rim, the worlds of Dromund Kaas, Ziost, and others are dotted with Sith ruins, artifacts, and who knows what else. Could be dangerous. Would definitely be profitable.
Aren't some of those ( like Giving Causality A Migraine (Foundry) and Relocating The Foundry) already actions we can take? they're on the list in chapter 29.
My opinion doesn't matter much but I really like those ones that give us more actions (especially the learning ones). We have so much fun stuff to do after all and it seems some of it's going to slip by the wayside.
[] The Almas Fortress: A few survivors of the darkside cultists were spotted limping back to Darth Rivan's Fortress, a structure which according to scanners is made nearly entirely of Beskar and the Force just seems to stop there. While you are entirely sure that the cultists will not be a problem for anyone for a very long time the Fortress and what it holds might still be of interest. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Darth Rivan's Fortress investigated
I would like to point out that the Battle of Almas hasn't happened in this Quest, so if this gets accepted then the text for this will need to changed.
[] Ghost of Dark Lords Past: Your archaeological expedition on Yavin 4 has awoken a living Massassi named Kalgrath who was locked inside a stasis pod for four millenia, making him the last of his kind and an eyewitness of the Great Sith War. Unfortunately, on awakening, Kalgrath could still sense the presence of his master Exar Kun. Vectivus is confident that if Exar Kun still lingers on the surface of Yavin 4 he would be a considerable threat. For now the planet has been locked down to outside traffic, and our archaeological teams have been provided additional ysalamiri to keep Sith spirits at bay. But this situation must be handled sooner or later, and ideally sooner. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: Exar Kun situation handled, one way or another
I just remembered, didn't Anakin meet the ghost of a Sith Lord during the PS2 Clone Wars game? I'm pretty sure it was either Exar Kun or Ulic Qel-Droma (probably Qel-Droma).
Aren't some of those ( like Giving Causality A Migraine (Foundry) and Relocating The Foundry) already actions we can take? they're on the list in chapter 29.
Whoops, you're right. I was comparing Turn 30 in Abyss to Turn 28 in this thread. I went back and compared the list to Turn 29, and deleted all the redundant entries. Nice catch.
My opinion doesn't matter much but I really like those ones that give us more actions (especially the learning ones). We have so much fun stuff to do after all and it seems some of it's going to slip by the wayside.
Very much agree. That's the big reason we added those actions for the first turn of Abyss, to ensure that we'd be able to complete more of the 'fun stuff' before the finish line. The downside is that it also makes each turn bigger and more unwieldy, but fingers crossed.
EDIT: also, @Dr. Snark, one of the 'housekeeping' items we decided to do for Abyss (besides removing a bunch of lesser actions that we thought had no chance of ever getting picked) was to separate all base purchases and base upgrades to a second vote, that would take place mid-turn. That way, the entire focus of the initial Plan would be entirely about the headline-grabbing actions, while the Base discussion could take place during the 'down periods' between story posts when the thread is less busy.
Prelude to Reshuffle
Omake
In an alternate timeline...
Review of Operation Kill Blind: commencing
Primary Objective: The Assassination or Arrest of Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, a.k.a Sith Lord Darth Sidious Status: Failure; SC S. Palpatine/Darth Sidious was neither assassinated or arrested
Secondary Objective: Healing/Sealing/Stabilizing the Force Wound located at the Jedi Temple Status: Partial success; Force Wound confirmed to be stabilized and at little risk of continued unmitigated growth without outside interference
Tertiary Objective: End the Clone Wars Status: Success; The Clone Wars were brought to an end in part due to Operation Kill Blind.
Operation Summary: Operation Kill Blind began at 11:00 Coruscant Capitol District (CCD) Time on Coruscant (Planetary Coordinates 000) on the direct order of Lady Ciaran. At that time herself, Lady Asajj Ventress, The Silencer, General Qymaen jai Sheelal, Assassin Droid HK-47, Mand'alor Jango Fett, Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Sith Lord Darth Tyrannus/Dooku, Count of Serrano (Collectively to be referred to as The Assassination Team) began making their way to the Senate Executive Building, where SC S. Palpatine maintained his office, to begin their infiltration. At the same time, Quinlan Vos, Celeste Morne, Ahsoka Tano, and the Heads of the Four Corners Jedi Alliance (Collectively to be referred to as Temple Team) lead a compliment of Jedi and other allied Force-users to engage the mainline Jedi Order in negotiations discussing the Force Wound, the Ritual to heal the Force Wound, and afterward the future of the Jedi Order as a whole.
*Override Initiated* Insert quote: 'I really can't tell which team has got a worse deal.' Silas Cata.
Insert quote: 'Super Sith Lord or all the Jedi still in their Temple, bad odds all around. Least we know what Ol' Slimy Sheev is gonna do when we rock his boat, but from what we've heard from on high, the Jedi have finally lost it and there's no telling what they'll do when we come knocking. Best bet in my books, shut up, let the Jedi try to talk it out, and when the lightsabers come out, we stick together and play the objective. Last thing anyone sane wants is that Force Wound eating Coruscant.' Anonymous Abysswalker *End Override*
Other Abyss Walker and Allied assets were placed as followed. Oracle Fleet, as commanded by Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo (Admiral Thrawn), and assisted by OOM-9, was positioned in nearby dead space to serve as an emergency orbital reaction force if the need arose. Abyss Watcher mercenary troops and associated auxiliaries (including Wookie, Kaleesh, and nekghoul troops) and Droid units were split between hideouts on Coruscant to be deployed in case of emergency (Under the command of Martial advisor Xruk out of the Diamond Deception), Oracle Fleet, and selected holdouts in multiple systems in order to respond to threats to galactic stability. All Abysswalkers were split between the Temple Team, Oracle Fleet, and numerous Coruscant hideouts. The Severance Package, commanded by the Guerra siblings, and her accompanying fleet were previously deployed and occupied in a diversionary maneuver to distract Republic and CIS intelligence. Admiral Yularen, the 501st, the 212th, and other Republic Loyalist forces were unable to secure positions on or overtly near Coruscant and were forced to deploy elsewhere by superior officers and overriding orders. Priam, Mungo Baobab, Talesan Fry, Galen Erso, Cheriss Sair, and other non-combat units were not deployed during this operation.
The initial stages of the Assassination Team's infiltration proceeded smoothly with no undue alerts raised, a success that was quickly rendered null by the appearance of over a third of the CIS Navy jumping in over Coruscant at 1112 CCD. Analysis after the ensuing battle believes this may have been SC S. Palpatine's action as part of a plan to end the Clone Wars on his terms.
With a battle beginning in orbit and CIS troops being landed on-planet, the Assassination Team decided to begin brute forcing their way through to confront SC S. Palpatine.
The conflict also had negative effects on the Temple Team's negotiations with the Coruscant Council as many of the Coruscant Jedi refused to leave to assist in the battle. A large number (approximately 60 percent) of Four Corners Jedi and misc. Force-users disagreed with their decision and left the negotiations to help against the invasion, approximately 40 percent of Coruscant Jedi agreed with this course of action and left as well. Remaining Coruscant Jedi became angered by this and negotiations deteriorated. None of the Abysswalkers or allied force sects leaders left, survivors quote the knowledge of just how bad the Force Wound was and how important it was to seal or heal it as being the determining factor in their decision to stay.
At this stage, Lady Ciaran gave permission for Abyss Watcher military forces to begin fighting back against the invading CIS forces while also restricting the usage of Abyss Watcher droid forces, to prevent misidentification and friendly fire from Republic troops. Advisor Xruk ordered all Abyss Watcher ground forces to begin offensive operations against landed CIS forces. Admiral Thrawn decided against deploying Oracle Fleet at the same time, ordering them to maintain their positions and allowing Republic forces to deal with the orbital CIS invasion. Admiral Yularen and a number of other Republic forces, including other confirmed Republic Loyalist forces, learned of the invasion and received orders to reinforce Coruscant in the face of this surprise attack, which they made to with all haste. Admiral Thrawn also sent a message to the Severance Package and her attending fleet to cease her diversionary maneuvers and prepare for new orders, as well as messages to all high level leaders in the organization explaining the situation at that time.
With subtlety being abandoned due to the invasion, the Assassination Team began encountering security forces belonging to both the Republic in general, and more elite and specialized security forces than had been expected. Of note includes numerous Sun Guard warriors, a small handful of prospective sith apprentices, experimental anti-jedi droids which resisted beheadings, and a group that identified itself as the Inquisition.
Insert Quote: 'Inquisition? Really? There's been hundreds of Inquisitions throughout the Galaxy for millennia and they've never been a good thing. It's like everything he touches becomes sinister or insidi... oh I get it! Insidious, Darth Sidious, ha! I give it a six out of ten.' Lady Ciaran *End Override*
The Assassination Team continued their way through the building, but the number, skill, and variety of defenses and security were responsible for numerous minor and moderate wounds to all members. With the battle outside growing worse than had been predicted, it was decided that General jai Sheelal would be dispatched to lead the Abyss Watchers military forces to bolster the defenses of the planet (for more information check 'Battle of Coruscant: CWs official Abyss Watcher debrief), and The Silencer would be dispatched to secure an exit strategy in case things got worse and the Assassination Team needed emergency transport away from the SEB or off planet (for more information check Sub-Operation 'Coruscant Crush' an examination and official record of the Silencer's actions during the Battle of Coruscant and official debrief). Although this diminished the Assassination Team's chance to kill Darth Sidious, after action analysis believes their actions played key roles in mitigating the damage the battle would cause both to Coruscant as a whole and all forces allied with the Abyss Watchers, as well as preventing the deaths of several key individuals as the assassination fell through.
At 1138 CCD a transmission was sent from the Supreme Chancellor to all Clone Commanders and troops of all levels, declaring Order 66 was to be executed. This is likely to have been in response to the Assassination Team's progress, as well as the presence of both Obi-wan and Anakin as a part of it.
This transmission would reach hundreds of millions of clones, many of whom were in position to compromise or execute their Jedi Generals, their deaths creating an 'echoing wail' in the Force.
*Override Initiated* Insert Quote: 'It...it started with like...somebody screaming, right in my ear. And then another, and another, until it was like a chorus of the damned yelling. In pain. Betrayal. Terror. Echoing in my head, and clawing at my heart. I...couldn't tell you how many felt it. But my guess? Anyone connected to the Force.' Jedi Survivor
Insert Quote: 'Order 66 was supposed to be a crippling blow to the Jedi Order, the deaths of of their greatest warriors and leaders. Weaken them enough they would never have stood a chance against the killing strike. Brutal and effective. Combine their extinction and Palpatine's control of the media and the narrative, and the truth of the Jedi could be excised from general public knowledge in as little as two decades. It's a good thing it didn't go to plan.' Admiral Thrawn*End Override*
Despite Order 66 being broadcasted on the Supreme Chancellor's personal command frequency, a combination of damage to equipment in the Senate Executive Building, the chaos of the Battle of Coruscant, and prior work done by Republic Loyalists limited the spread of the Order. However, this was not enough to prevent an estimated 67 percent of Jedi commanders and generals from being executed by their own troops. From the Outer Rim to Coruscant, clones turned on the Jedi, shooting them in the back and gunning down their starfighters.
The Clones that were unaffected by Order 66 became distraught and confused, and clone turned against clone as those being manipulated by their control chip were fought back against by those not. This had a key role in furthering destabilizing all ongoing battles, including on Coruscant, but also Operation Kill Blind on two of it's three fronts.
*Override Initiated* Clones being manipulated by their control chips will hereby be referred to as 'Chipped or Chip Clones', and those not as 'Free Clones'. Further, Republic forces allied to/with Palpatine will be referred to as Imperialists, and the Republic forces allied to the Abyss Watchers and/or Admiral Yularen will be referred to as Republic Loyalists. *End Override*
With the Republic Navy and Army in disarray as Republic Loyalists turned against Imperialist, as Chipped Clones fought to kill the Jedi and Free Clones fought to protect them, Admiral Thrawn ordered Oracle Fleet to hyperspeed to intervene and begin assisting Loyalist forces. Upon arrival, quick work by Admirals Thrawn and Yularen rallied the Republic Loyalists and Oracle Fleet to present a unified front against both the CIS and the Imperialists, though tragically an unverifiable number of 'free actors', from pilots of starfighters to the crews of cruisers who were unable or unwilling to adhere to any factions communication attempts or otherwise caught in the fog-of-war, would be shot down, leading to needless casualties on all sides of the conflict. The inevitable result of a breakdown in communications in a war.
Oracle Fleet would also begin landing operations, deploying Abyss Walker ground troops and vehicles to reinforce the outnumbered forces already on planet.
On the ground, a similar situation played out, with Chipped Clones hunting down not just their own Jedi commanders but all Force Users (though it was noted that Force Users of outlier and non-Jedi sects seemed not to be targeted as priorities), Free Clones running interference and fighting back, all as they both tried to fight back against the CIS invasion. Abyss Watcher military assets, now under the command of General jai Sheelal, would find themselves contested by all three factions as confusion and emotions grew to ever greater highs. Through work with the Four Corners Alliance, Free Clones eventually ceased hostilities with the Abyss Watchers as they learned, through Xruk and with permission of General jai Sheelal, of the true nature of the Clone Wars and the manipulations of Darth Sidious.
With the death of Jedi across the Galaxy and the betrayal of the Clones the Coruscant Jedi finally snapped. They accused the Four Corners Alliance of rebellion against the Jedi Council, assisting the CIS in trying to take over the Republic, and being manipulated by the Sith (aside note: as well as numerous other claims) and attacked. As the fighting broke out, inevitably damage was caused to large sections of the Jedi Temple and casualties and fatalities began to accumulate as the Abysswalkers and the remaining Four Corners Alliance Jedi fought to secure the Temple and to enact the healing ritual.
With battles across the planet raging and growing in intensity, the Assassination Team made all haste to the Supreme Chancellor's office but found themselves under constant attrition by the SEB's most elite security assets, including the Senate Guard and Senate Commandos, and a number of open Dark Side Force-users. During one such confrontation with the latter, Mand'alor Fett would receive a moderate concussion from a Force thrown wroshyr wood desk to the head, necessitating the aid of Count Dooku, voluntarily, to continue with the assassination.
At 1203 CCD, Imperialist Chipped troops begin a coordinated assault upon the Diamond Deception, destroying it and killing all defending forces, including Advisor Xruk.
*Override Initiated* Insert Quote: 'Ciaran hired me to keep this dingy bar of hers safe, all those years ago, and I'll be damned if it doesn't go down without a fight!' last broadcasted message from Martial Advisor Xruk. *End Override*
The destruction of the Diamond Deception would herald a pivot point where the tide of the battle began to turn against non-Imperialist forces as their combined efforts began to overwhelm both the CIS and the Abyss Watcher/Four Corners Alliance/Independent Jedi/Republic Loyalist/Free Clone forces,
*Override Initiated* Hereby to be collectively referred to as the Allied Forces *End Override*
even as the CIS forces began tactically competent actions against Allied forces which strategically left them at the mercy of Imperialist forces. Most critical of these actions would be a massive boarding strike against the Oracle itself, a dedicated assault which threatened the vessel, wounding Admiral Thrawn, and the destruction of OOM-9's chassis, but also put nearly 20% of the CIS fleet in-between the Oracle's and the Loyalists' fleets, leading to their decimation. After action analysis implies that such maneuvers and tactics were likely directed at the will of Darth Sidious, throwing the CIS forces at Allied forces hoping to weaken and cripple both factions so that Imperialist forces would be able to become the overall victors of the battle.
*Override Initiated* Insert Quote: 'Truly the things that can be accomplished when you are controlling, even nominally, two opposing factions in a battle... Had we not intervened, Palpatine's success would have been inevitable, no matter who won. I think it speaks well of our efforts that in the end he was forced to choose which side he wanted to win.' Admiral Thrawn *End Override*
In response to the increased threat directed at Allied Forces General jai Sheelal ordered the full deployment of Abyss Walker droid forces on all fronts, though this presented the greatest effect on the planet-side theater.
At around the same time as the above, the battle at the Jedi Temple had reached a stalemate with the remaining Jedi Masters and the Knights of the council equally matching the efforts of the remaining Four Corners' Jedi Alliance's Masters and the Abysswalkers. With numerous casualties on both sides, Master Qel-Bertuk pleaded with the maddened Council warning them of the Force Wound and it's continued growth by both the invasion and their own actions, only to be attacked and wounded by Master Windu, his life saved only by the appearance of Master Yoda. The two opposing Jedi Masters would begin to duel as the fighting began again, but with time running short, Master Qel-Bertuk began organizing any free Jedi to begin the ritual to heal the Force Wound as the remainder acted to defend them.
At 1236 CCD the Assassination Team engaged the last of the SEB's security forces stationed outside of S. Chancellor Palpatine's Office, overcoming them and finally challenging Darth Sidious.
Master Kenobi demanded the Supreme Chancellor surrender himself on suspicion of being a Sith Lord, conspiring and instigating rebellion against the Republic, and involvement with numerous war crimes. The Supreme Chancellor rebutted with a 1080° horizontal flip while spewing Force Lightning from his fingers, igniting his lightsaber, and attempting to decapitate Master Kenobi.
The battle begun, the Assassination team found itself tightly pressed in the Chancellor's office, forcing Mand'alor Fett and HK-47 to remain at a distance while Lady Ciaran, Lady Ventress, Master Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Count Dooku dueled Darth Sidious who used a myriad of force powers, exceptional skill with his lightsaber, and thereby unknown security measures (four blaster turrets, two slugthrower turrets, and an arc-caster turret) to prevent the Assassination team from overwhelming him. The two slugthrower turrets led to a number of small wounds to both Lady Ventress and Anakin Skywalker before being destroyed.
Matters were further complicated by reinforcements comprised of advanced prototypes of the anti-Jedi droids previously seen and three squads of clone assassins which proved extremely capable in fighting Force-users in close range and resist certain Force powers, who were engaged by Mand'alor Fett, HK-47, and Count Dooku.
*Override Initiated* Insert Quote: These clones have been trained to fight and kill Jedi. Be on your guard, they are more dangerous than the rest of their kind. Count Dooku
Insert Quote: 'Outraged: You were designed to fight Jedi?! In melee? Where they are strongest!? Jedi should be targeted where they are weakest, at range, preferably with an Aratech sniper rifle to the knees, and through the usage of psychological warfare centered on their hypocrisies and their lack of strong parental upbringing. Statement: You are inferior to me in every way.' HK-47
Insert Quote: 'Designed to fight Jedi huh. Good thing I'm not a Jedi.' Mand'alor Fett.
*End Override*
While Palpatine's first wave of reinforcements were engaged, the remaining four members of the Assassination team found themselves hard-pressed by the Dark Lord, Master Kenobi would receive a scarring blow to the face that barely missed taking his left eye and Lady Ventress received a long strike up her back. The two of them took a moment from the fighting to recover, leaving Lady Ciaran and Skywalker dueling the Sith Lord, which he used as an opportunity to try and turn Skywalker, promising him strength and power, forgiveness for attacking him, and the safety of Padme Amidala. When refused on the basis that Skywalker wasn't interested in Dark Side power to save Padme's life Palpatine revealed that he had figured as much, and what he meant as 'Padme's safety' was calling off the assassin's he had set on her.
Enraged, Skywalker threw himself recklessly into the fight, temporarily driving Darth Sidious back before more Imperialist reinforcements arrived, though again, found themselves at a disadvantage against the efforts of Mand'alor Fett and HK-47 with their blasters and other mundane weapons. Their distraction, however, diverted Lady Ciaran's attention long enough that Skywalker was left alone in his fight against Palpatine, giving him enough leverage and space to overtake Skywalker and deliver a devastating combo that severed Skywalker's left leg at the mid-calf and his left arm at the forearm.
With these crippling wounds, Anakin Skywalker was rendered extremely limited in his ability to fight Darth Sidious, forcing the remaining Assassination team members to fight around him, even as more and more reinforcements began to approach the Chancellor's office. To adjust for the accumulated wounds and the crawling casualty, the Assassination team changed tactics. Count Dooku, Lady Ventress, and Anakin Skywalker began to focus on the arriving enemy forces, while Mand'alor Fett and HK-47 switched to harassing Darth Sidious as he dueled Lady Ciaran and Master Kenobi.
This setup proved to be exceptionally advantageous for the Assassination Team, with the Sith Master taking a number of glancing blaster bolts, burns to his left side from flamethrowers, shrapnel from a grenade, and a poison dart. During the fighting numerous other weapons were deployed by both Mand'alor Fett and HK-47, some of which proved useful, others merely temporarily advantageous, including an electric net, a gauntlet-mounted slugthrower scattergun, a set of hidden eye-mounted blasters, and an explosive rocket.
It was during this phase of the fighting that Darth Sidious began to waver, even his prodigious talent and strength flagging under the concentrated assault, giving Master Kenobi an opening that would enable a normally fatal wound, a horizontal strike across the lower torso, on Palpatine. Unfortunately, it was revealed that Darth Sidious had found, or made, a set of lightsaber resistant armor, protecting him from the blow and leaving Master Kenobi open to the Sith Lord's retaliatory strike, a sweeping strike which almost divided the Jedi's head in two, which he barely dodged, and a second blow, an impalement through his left pectoral.
With a second major casualty sustained, order broke down and Mand'alor Fett revealed and attacked with the Darksaber, fighting the weakened Sith Lord with assistance from HK-47 as Lady Ciaran treated the worst of Master Kenobi's wound. This combined effort between the two would be insufficient, as Darth Sidious quickly outmaneuvered Mand'alor Fett and destroyed the Darksaber, ruining Fett's hand in the process. Darth Sidious would use the Force to throw Mand'alor Fett into the glass window of his office, hard enough to crack it, worsening his concussion. HK-47 would use this opportunity to setup a lethal blow, only to be interrupted by a blast of Force Lightning and then thrown into the office's window hard enough to shatter it, sending the droid falling from the building.
*Override Initiated* Insert Quote: 'Dooku, get Anakin and Obi-wan out of here, they're all but dead weight right now and they're going to need them for whatever happens next. Plus, Padme and Siri would kill me if they don't make it back. Asajj...'
'If you think I'm finally going to listen to you, you've taken too many droid fists to the head.'
'Hmph, because one is too many. Fine then, if that's how you want to be. There's no one else willing to stick so close to my back, so I should have known.' Lady Ciaran and Lady Ventress. *End Override*
With only three active members of the Assassination team left able to fight, the mounting casualties and destruction of the battle outside, and the increasing likelihood of Darth Sidioius' victory, Lady Ciaran made an executive decision, ordering Count Dooku to retreat and assist the wounded in a retreat while she remained behind to duel Palpatine with Lady Ventress.
With all other members of the Assassination team on the retreat, Ladies Ciaran and Ventress fought Darth Sidious in the ruins of his office, through the smoke of his destroyed defenses and over the bodies of his dead bodyguards for several minutes. But for how tired even the Sith Lord had become fighting his assassins, Ladies Ciaran and Ventress were even more fatigued and wounded, turning what would have been an equal fight into a slow, but losing battle. It would be then that Darth Sidious would unveil his last trick.
After throwing Lady Ventress into a statue of Lord Hutchins, a famed former king and even more famous poet from Naboo known for his works on the nature of power, and disarming Lady Ciaran, Darth Sidious used Sith Sorcery to sever and blind Lady Ciaran's connection to the Force as a final humiliation, nearly killing her. Enraged and drawing upon the Dark-side of the Force, Lady Ventress would duel-wield Lady Ciaran's Lightsaber with her own in a final bid to kill Palpatine.
This penultimate duel would be a ferocious thing as Lady Ventress threw herself at Darth Sidious with wild abandon, scoring numerous blows against sith armor to the point it glowed from the heat of the constant strikes, bringing further ruin to the office around them. Again, and for the final time, a simple misstep would leave the Sith Lord's opponent open to a crippling strike of his own, as Lady Ventress stepped too much to her right and allowing the Darth Sidious to bring his lightsaber up and in a horizontal blow across the face which destroyed both of her eyes.
It was then, with Lady Ciaran cut-off from the Force, paralyzed by the pain, and Lady Ventress, blinded and at the mercy of Palpatine, that Count Dooku and a heavily wounded Silencer would appear in the Supreme Chancellor's personal shuttle, a Theta-class T-2c, holding level with the office's broken window. The two entered the office via the broken window, securing both Lady Ciaran and Lady Ventress while Mand'alor Fett, Anakin Skywalker, and Master Kenobi used stolen blasters to suppress Darth Sidious from the open shuttle bay.
With the two of them secured the Silencer retreated to the shuttle carrying them while...
*Override Initiated* *Classified* Insert Quote: 'Asaaj, I know you can hear me, even through your pain. I chose you, all those years ago, because you were angry. Skilled but uncontrolled, enough that you would grow to be a powerful weapon, to be used and then discarded. But you have surpassed every expectation. Grown in ways I never thought possible, of you...or any Sith. And all because of that woman... Ciaran. Thank you.' Dooku, Count of Serrano's last known recorded words. 'End Override*
...Count Dooku remained behind in a last ditch attempt to kill Darth Sidious. Due to the survival and continued appearances of Palpatine it can only be concluded that this failed, and Count Dooku was slain by his master.
By 14:01 CCD with the Assassination a failure, the most significant fronts of the operation were the ongoing Battle of Coruscant and the ritual at the Jedi Temple, both of which began to conclude within the final minutes of the assassination.
The combined effort of both the CIS and Imperialist forces continued to overwhelm Allied Forces, which combined with the failure of the assassination prompted Admiral Thrawn to order a retreat from the fighting. Ground based forces, from Abyss Watcher mercenaries and auxiliaries to free clones and Jedi, began mixed efforts to withdraw, with many attempting to break from conflict and hide at still-hidden warehouses and outposts or other locations in the deepest levels of the planet, while others, primarily those led by General jai Sheelal, made efforts to coopt Republic LAAT/i gunships, CIS C-9979 landers, and other available transports and make a break for the Allied Fleet still in orbit. During these boarding actions the General's transport was shot down by a missile, wounding him greatly, though he was saved by an allied Jedi and evacuated safely.
Meanwhile; as the sealing ritual at the Jedi Temple reached it's peak it came under overwhelming attack by Imperialist forces. Many of the remaining Jedi and Abysswalkers led a vain defense, in which Master Quinlan Vos, several Abysswalkers, and numerous Jedi were killed, but which bought Master Qel-Bertuk the time necessary to perform a last second modification to the Ritual. Sacrificing their own lives, the 53 Jedi participating in the ritual managed to not only seal the Force Wound, preventing it's unconstrained and rapid growth, but also managing to reduce it to an extent that it no longer immediately endangered Coruscant. They were unable to fully heal the wound however and after further analysis and theory crafting, it is believed that it would be possible to undo this seal by either a counter-ritual or some other kind of Sith Sorcery.
The remaining Abysswalkers, Jedi, and Four Corners Alliance would then be rescued by a force of Free Clones led by Clone Captain Fordo and a fleet of gunships, saving the surviving force users and evacuating them from the planet. At the same time, Ahsoka Tano led a contingent of Jedi pilots to the Temple's hangers, securing the remaining Delta 7 and Eta-2 starfighters as well as a small number of other starcraft put aside for Jedi use. Neither Master Yoda or Master Windu, whose duel had driven them away from the main conflict in the Temple, were recovered.
By 14:26 CCD, the waves of evacuating transports escaped into orbit and made for the Oracle and the Republic Loyalist fleets to fully retreat from Coruscant, interceptors from both the CIS and Imperialist forces began to engage them, shooting down a number of the fleeing vessels. Shortly after the engagement began, the Jedi Starfighter brigade, led by Ahsoka Tano, began interception of hostile ships. Shortly after they were joined by a mixed unit of starfighters from Oracle Fleet and the Loyalist fleet who worked together to protect most of the remaining transports.
Among the retreating ships was the Supreme Chancellor's commandeered transport, still carrying the remaining members of the Assassination Team and crewed by a cowed and terrified shuttle pilot, which came under concentrated attack by enemy interceptors. The pilot managed to avoid outright destruction but the shuttle received moderate damage to the hull and the destruction of one of it's wings. A barrage of homing missiles was fired at the Theta-class from a flight of Imperialist Alpha-3 Nimbus-class v-wing fighters which were subsequently shot down by Ahsoka Tano. The destruction of the transport was only averted by the appearance of Silas Cata in his ship, the Corellian YT-1300 Forefather's Charm, and by his physical interception of the missiles. The Forefather's Charm was confirmed destroyed and Silas Cata KIA.
"Ciaran, remember this. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes it might be that you draw a bad hand and no amount of bluffing will save you. Other times, it's just a bad roll of the dice and there's nothing you can do. But when you lose you can either cut and run, or..." a toothy grin shines in the poorly lit apartment seen only through the mind's eye, as the fresh scent of alcohol touches a young nose already used to it.
The successful defense of the ground force's evacuation fleet preserved approximately 76 percent of the retreating ground troops, and allowed them to dock with Allied ships. These included both the Assassination Team's Theta shuttle and the LAAT/i which held General jai Sheelal both of which docked with Admiral Yularen's Venetor for emergency medical treatment and due to the remaining boarding forces on the Oracle. It is also at this time that Lady Ciaran succumbed to shock, passing out and entering into a coma.
With the confirmation that all surviving transports had docked with Allied ships, at 14:41 CCD the combined Allied fleet made a break from the battle but were pursued by both CIS and Imperialist forces, though at the same time, theorized to be inspired by the Allied retreat, over half of the remaining CIS fleet made for their own retreat. This forced Imperialist forces to split three ways to engage the two retreating forces and the remaining engaging CIS elements, thinning their firepower directed at the retreating forces.
At 14:58 the combined Abyss Watcher/Republic Loyalist fleet jumped to hyperspace, successfully retreating from the Battle of Coruscant. The fleet would furthermore make three more random jumps before it was confirmed that all borders had been defeated and it was determined that the fleet was not being followed. The fleet made one last semi-random jump before setting course to a pre-arranged fortified location prepared in advance in case of an emergency. Once the combined fleet arrived they entered a tight-knit defensive formation as personnel and supplies were ferried from ship to ship, enacting emergency repairs and medical operations. At 15:09 CCD, the remaining officers of the Abyss Watchers formally ended Operation Kill Blind.
Final Results:
Hero Units
Lady Ciaran: Heavily Wounded; Force connection severed by Sith Sorcery; transferred to [Kiln] for medical treatment and long term care; ...
Lady Ventress: Moderately Wounded; blinded (refused prosthetics); [commandeered the Scimitar, currently traveling off-grid across the galaxy], makes intermittent contact
Silas Cata: Killed-in-Action protecting Theta shuttle carrying Assassination Team
Martial Advisor Xruk: Killed-in-Action defending Diamond Deception cantina
Martial Advisor OOM-9: Chassis destroyed during boarding action, [*Classified* (please update security clearance)]
General Qymaen jai Sheelal: Heavily Wounded; shattered legs, crushed forearm (right arm), heavy internal damage; heavy artificial replacement required; [currently running guerilla campaign to defend Kaleesh system while undergoing physically therapy]
Admiral Mitth'raw'nurodo: Moderately Wounded during boarding action; recalled to Chiss space for unknown reasons
The Silencer: Heavily Wounded; numerous lightsaber burns, lightsaber impalement through left bicep, lightning burns (2 3rd°, 5 2nd°, 1 1st°) five broken ribs, cracked tibia (left leg), cracked collarbone (left side), three broken fingers (right hand), minor concussion, cracked tail bone; currently undergoing experimental medical treatment at [*Classified Location* (please update security clearance)]
Mand'alor Jango Fett: Moderately Wounded; minor brain damage, destruction of right hand; last seen collecting Zam Wessel and Boba Fett, believed to be lying low
HK-47: Missing-in-Action; chassis was not recovered, presumed destroyed
Quinlan Vos: Killed-in-Action defending Jedi Temple and Healing Ritual
Celeste Morne: Lightly Wounded; filed for employment termination; currently serving as a Master of the Four Corners Jedi Alliance
Capitol Ships
Oracle: Heavily Damaged during orbital fighting and internal sabotage from boarders; Fighter squadrons sustained heavy causalities; Support fleet severely damaged, numerous ships destroyed; [*Classified* (please update security clearance)]; currently undergoing repairs and upgrades at [*Classified* (please update security clearance)]
Ground Forces
Regular Troops: Heavy casualties across all basic squads and battle groups, the actions of several soldiers were proved to be above and beyond the call of duty and Guardian squads 'Soap' and 'Roach' and Seeker squad 'Price' played key and pivotal roles in the fighting, per policy their accomplishments have been rewarded with medals, bonuses, and access to exotic and experimental gear.
10 experienced Guardian squads deployed, survivors equate to 2 experienced squads, 3 squads worth promoted to veteran Guardian squad
6 experienced Cyborg Guardian squads deployed, survivors equate to 2 experienced squads, 1 squads worth promoted to veteran Cyborg Guardian squad
51 veteran Guardian squads deployed, survivors equate to 27 veteran squads, 2 squads worth promoted to heroic Guardian squad (Tier 4)
5 Cyborg Seeker squads deployed, survivors equate to 1 squad, 2 squads worth promoted to experienced Cyborg Seeker squad
58 veteran Seeker squads deployed, survivors equate to 33 Veteran Squads, 1 squads worth promoted to heroic Seeker squads
Droid Units; Droid compliments were near totally destroyed in the fighting, per initial orders Droid units were withheld during the battle but were deployed to provide assistance and distractions during the final stages of the battle and the retreat.
20 B1 Battle Droid squads deployed, all 10 B1 squads stationed on Coruscant were destroyed, surviving units in Oracle fleet equate to 3 squads
25 OOM Battle Droid squads deployed, all 10 OOM squads deployed on Coruscant were destroyed, surviving unit in Oracle fleet equate to 5 squads
15 B2 Super Battle Droids squads deployed, all 10 B2 squads deployed on Coruscant were destroyed, surviving units in Oracle fleet equate to 2 squads
5 CB-3 Droid squads deployed, all 3 CB-3 Droids squads deployed on Coruscant were destroyed, 2 CB-3 units deployed in Oracle fleet were not deployed
10 Droideka groups deployed, all 6 Droideka groups deployed on Coruscant were destroyed, surviving units in Oracle fleet equate to one squad
10 BX Commando Droid squads deployed, surviving units equate to 4 squads
Dwarf Spider squad 'Hive' deployed, 2 chassis destroyed, all surviving chassis heavily damaged, droid brains of destroyed units retrieved, surviving units retrieved
7 Dwarf Spider Droid squads deployed, all 7 Dwarf Spider droid squads destroyed
Vehicles; Vehicles were almost unilaterally destroyed, those that were not destroyed in the fighting were disabled by crews to prevent capture, a small handful of Decimator Tanks were successfully loaded onto captured CIS landers and evacuated
10 STAP groups deployed, all STAP groups destroyed
16 Vulture Droid squadrons deployed, surviving units equate to 2 squadrons
11 Hyena Droid squadrons deployed, surviving units equate to 3 squadrons
2 AAT squadrons deployed, all 2 AAT squadrons destroyed
6 Decimator Tank squadrons deployed, 3 Decimator Tank Squadrons destroyed, 2 squadrons worth scuttled, 1 squadrons worth successfully retrieved
6 Landers were deployed, 4 Landers were destroyed, 2 Landers survived to assist in the retreat
Auxiliary Troops; Auxiliary forces suffered heavy casualties, furthermore all Kaleesh troops unable to retreat fought until captured or killed, the small number of Wookie soldiers unable to escape trended towards surrender and were subsequently imprisoned, all surviving Nekghoul troops were able to escape off planet
27 Kaleesh Warrior squads deployed, survivors equate to 7 squads
16 Wookie Warrior squads deployed, survivors equate to 9 squads
7 Nekghoul squads deployed, survivors equate to 5 squads
Force Users; Heavy casualties, all survivors suffered Minor to Heavy Wounds
14 Abyss Apprentices deployed, all 7 survivors promoted to Abyss Agent
31 Abyss Agents deployed, 8 successfully retreated, 10 promoted to Abysswalkers
18 Abysswalkers deployed, 9 successfully retreated
Allied Forces
Count Dooku of Seranno: Last seen fighting Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine/Darth Sidious, believed KIA
General/Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi: Heavily Wounded; lightly scarred, currently the leader of the Republic Remnant and a key member of the Alliance to Restore the Republic
Anakin Skywalker: Heavily Wounded; moderate prosthetics and light artificial replacement required, [currently hiding out on Naboo with his wife raising his kids]
Admiral Yularen: Lightly Wounded, currently a leader of the Republic Remnant and major ally to the Alliance to Restore the Republic
Ahsoka Tano: Moderately Wounded, current whereabouts unknown, believed to be an ally of the Republic Remnant and key member of the Alliance to Restore the Republic
Grandmaster Yoda: Status Unknown, officially Missing in Action dueling Master Mace Windu at the Jedi Temple, presumed KIA
Admiral Yularen's Republic Loyalist Fleet: Moderate ship losses and Moderate to Heavy Damage to surviving ships, numerous ships were scrapped to repair and upgrade remaining ships, currently serves as a major wing of the Republic Remnant fleet
Free Clone Army: Moderate Casualties, heavily demoralized, currently divided between many factions; key ones include Republic Remnant, the Alliance to Restore the Republic, Free Kamino, General jai Sheelal's Kalee Liberation Campaign, the Neo Confederacy of Independent Systems, the Council of Neutral Systems, and the Abyss Watchers
Four Corners Jedi Alliance: Heavy Casualties, multiple master-equivalent force-users killed, heavy losses of all other rank force-users
Master Qel-Bertuk: Killed in Action performing the Force Wound healing ritual in the Jedi Temple
Final Summary: Operation Blind Kill was overall a mixed success to an objectionable failure. Although the Primary Objective of arresting or assassinating SC S. Palpatine/Darth Sidious did fail, he was heavily wounded and, in part due to the amount of destruction the Assassination Team brought and how many saw him fight, Sidious was forced to reveal that he was a Sith Lord. While he was able to play a sympathetic card of being a 'religious minority targeted by the Jedi' and managing to remain the popular leader of the Republic, which he has subsequently rechristened the Galactic Empire, many races and planets have long memories of the atrocities of the old Sith. Instead of uniting the Galaxy under his fist, it has now splintered even further than before, with many even going into open rebellion against the new Emperor.
Furthermore, the Secondary Objective of healing the Force Wound at the Jedi Temple was accomplished, though with great sacrifice. It is uncertain, though likely, if it would be possible to reverse by use of Sith Sorcery but by observations made by covert teams, no concentrated effort has been made to do so.
Finally, the Battle of Coruscant would become the last true battle of the Clone Wars. With the Republic becoming the Empire and the CIS splintering into a handful of major powers and dozens more of minor factions, the war has come to an end.
Final Comments: The Clone Wars may have come to an end, but we are now in an era of Galactic Civil War - Admiral Thrawn
Operation Review: Concluded
The cup of medicinal tea is brought up to her lips in a hand so weak and shaky that it's only the medical brace that saves the bed sheets from being painted a lovely puke brown. It goes down hot and heavy, a bitter taste left on her tongue, the stinging taste forcing a grimace.
Ciaran opens her eyes to the ashes.
Greeting her is the stranger that is her body. Long ago, before the war, before Naboo, when she first started down on her chosen path to be a gang lord she hadn't been in the best of shape. She had been fragile, though not to an unhealthy degree. A mastermind to be protected. But years of training and fighting had turned her burgeoning socialite form into a honed and deadly weapon, capable of standing up against some of the greatest warriors in the Galaxy. But now her arm, the only part of her body not covered by her hospital gown or bed covers, is nothing like the whipcord strong limb she once had. It's thin and emaciated, what little fat and muscle she had hanging limply off her bones, the whole arm so weak it can barely lift itself, let alone a lightsaber.
The whole of her body is like that. Since she had awakened she had only seen her face once and the gaunt, pale, haunted visage had shaken her. Two years spent laying in a bed with everything from eating to defecating taken care of by tubes and machines with only the occasional muscle therapy to preserve some little strength had robbed her of almost everything else.
The coma might had saved her mind from the pain, from the numbing void that had swallowed her when Palpatine used his cursed magic to strip away her connection to the Force and the loss of so much she had trained and learned to gain and even her sight... She stopped herself. There were no words that could describe what Sidious had taken from her, the very violation of her being. The pain was still there, echoing to-and-from a void that should have been something more. But there was nothing she could about it. Yet.
The coma had saved her mind from the pain and the loss of whatever it was that Palpatine had done, kept her safe from the madness and the grief, but the payment had been steep. It would take months, even years of therapy, exercise, and training to regain her strength and skill.
It still beat the Emperor's new look. She hadn't been able to stop the sputter of painful laughter when she saw the man's face. It looked like he had aged fifty years and his wrinkles had wrinkles! And, well, she had to find something to laugh at so it might as well be whatever petty thing she could pick apart.
The droid in the corner shuffled, drawing her attention back to the curious thing. Despite the precision of it's machining and make, there was something ramshackle about it which poked at Ciaran's nosiness. Even the Abyss Watcher emblem painted as a chevron seemed to imply a homemade build. OA-t/s 3 was the name it had given. Oracle Analysis - tactics/strategy, model 3. A droid named after her favored capitol ship which just so happened to have some new classified details to it's list of features.
Idly the wounded information broker considered getting some answers from the droid. Could she trick it into revealing the truth or would leading it around in a merry roundabout conversation get her the answers. Perhaps she would merely ask, she was, by reasonable assumptions, still the leader of the Abyss Watchers and thus the droid's ultimate authority.
But ultimately she decided against it. With each tone-deaf word and unemotional recounting of the death and destruction of the measly six hours it took set a new course in history more and more weight pressed down on her, and although the report's end brought some temporary relief, she felt it was time to rest.
"OAts 3, thank you for the report but I believe I'd like some to think in private. Tomorrow I'd like to hear more about all these new groups, these Remnants and the Alliance, the Neo Confederacy, and of course this new Galactic Empire," she manages to rasp out.
"Of course Lady Ciaran," the tinny voice echoes, did they use a modified B-1 voice box in this thing? "This unit will begin to compile all available information on the major galactic powers active at this time and create an as accurate and understandable report that meets your security clearance. This unit would like to remind you to update your security clearance, as you have not done so for two years. This unit will take it's leave." The robotic hodgepodge gives an acute bow and makes for the door, it's high mistress half expecting it to walk into, or perhaps through the door.
No such luck, the droid smartly and precisely opens the door and steps through, "A fair night and good rest Lady Ciaran."
The door closes behind it.
For a moment she thinks she might be able to hold it in, resist it, or even accept it. But then the pain hooks its way into her heart and tears it apart. Silas and Ventress, Xruk and Qymean, Obi-wan and Anakin, people she had known for years, her advisors, her friends, her family... dead and scattered throughout the universe. Uncountable dead from the fighting, not just on Coruscant but on every battlefield for the past two years. All of it her fault. They were supposed to preserve the order of the Galaxy but instead they had only rended it further asunder. They were supposed to kill Palpatine, no matter what but she got cold feet. They were supposed to win, whatever the cost. But. She. Failed.
She lost.
It wasn't supposed to end that way it wasn't fair!
Not after everything she did, not after all the effort her people put into making her madness into reality.
It hurt.
"Ciaran, remember this. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes it might be that you draw a bad hand and no amount of bluffing will save you. Other times, it's just a bad roll of the dice and there's nothing you can do. But when you lose you can either cut and run, or..." she remembers a shitty apartment, the smell of alcohol and smoke, and a crooked but loving smile.
"But when you lose you can either cut and run, or you sit back down and reshuffle that deck. And next time you win."
This omake is based off numbers and assets available from The Abyss Strikes Back by Teron, Barondoctor, Publicola, UbeOne, Marlowe310811, Killerflood, Void Stalker, and Panory.
This omake takes place in an alternate timeline where everyone's plans go off the rails and everyone makes questionable decisions.
For more information on this omake, please see below in the "Old AN" spoiler tab, transplanted almost wholesale from the original, scuff included, although I did move one or two things around. My recommendation would be the Extra's Tab, where I go into some of the things that totally happened during and after the Battle of Coruscant and includes details on Yoda's and Mace Windu's duel for the fate of the Jedi, HK's true fate, and the final duel between Darth Sidious and Count Dooku.
I'm always open to criticism and discussion. Thank you all for reading.
7768 words. My previous longest work was about 2900 words, so this is the longest written work I've ever written, and man has it been a trip. So there's actually a lot I want to say so I'm going to break it into some tabs.
But before that, thank you everyone for reading this all the way through, I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any criticisms or questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I've spent way too much time thinking about the omake over the past couple of months I've spent writing it, plus the past two or so years it's been a plot bunny in my head so there's a lot that's gone into it. And again, thank you.
So the original idea of this omake came a couple of years ago while I was either reading or re-reading the second thread or reading the discussion after what was at the time the previous chapter and wound up toying around with the idea of the Silencer being essentially a video game character stuffed into Star Wars, and immediately came up with the idea of him waking up and crawling out from some kind of tube a la Master Chief and having to get up to speed to help fight the Empire. That led me to wonder...how exactly would it come to that?
My answer was the assassination/arrest attempt on Palpatine goes wrong. Really wrong. I even came up with a spotty outline of people's fates afterword, the first ones being that I wanted to kill Xruk, Silas and Dooku, two of Ciaran's oldest allies and her grandfather, but I also came up with Anakin and Qymean getting some hefty cybernetics as a parallel to their canon fates, and Obi-wan leading this remnant of the GAR while Satine and Siri are still trying to romance him. At this time, HK-47 was just going to be damaged and in need of desperate repairs if found. It was also during this preliminary period where I decided the omake would be best presented as a post-mission review and at the end for it to be revealed as being told by a droid, originally either Priam or OOM-9, to Ciaran as she recuperates on Kiln.
After about a year - a year 1/2, during the elongated hiatus that preceded this thread being made, I sat down and started working on it. I liked the idea of perhaps ending that thread with a 'What if everything goes wrong at the end, here's how the sequel might continue the story' omake. But something wasn't right. Looking back now the first major problem which got me stuck was that I was trying to write the assassination part first, and not even that, I was writing the end of the assassination at the start, revealing a lot of the major twists before anything really started and then some major questions hit me. Why are there eight people fighting Palpatine? Where's everyone else and why aren't they dogpiling Sidious with ever Jedi and Abyss Walker they have. I wasn't able to answer those questions at the time and so abandoned writing the omake.
Then I found this thread. I read a little bit of it and at the end of the first bit of new chapters, the way the Palpatine report presented that the attack on Palpatine must coincide with the attempt to heal the Force Wound in the Temple solved my big question. That's where everyone was. The Assassination Team took 8 of the best fighters they had and sent most everyone else to the Temple, and all of the grunts are set up around Coruscant in case all hell broke loose. And that's when the pieces all started falling into place.
So I sat down and started writing this between May 4th-May 7th, that's where I've been on this thread for the past 4 Months at least. And things came pretty easily at first but I was kind of unsure where to take it. Then I had a revelation. Things were supposed to go bad. Really bad and for both sides. Nobody actually wins this encounter, everyone gets hurt in different ways. So what better way to immediately wreck the Assassination plan then to have the CIS fleet show up and start the Battle of Coruscant 100% coincidentally almost at the same time Ciaran's plan starts. And this winds up screwing every side over. The Abyss Watchers weren't prepared to be defending Coruscant from a CIS invasion, they were expecting to fight the GAR and Imperialists, maybe work to stop or aid civilian riots, depending on what they were rioting about, but they could never predict Palpatine would order an attack on his own capitol and stage his own kidnapping. And to be fair, Palpatine never expected Ciaran to be so bold as to stage an assassination/arrest of at noon, let alone how her forces would be in place to help fight the invasion.
Also before we continue, I do hope that the 'Four Corners Jedi Alliance' doesn't actually need too much backstory, but I feel like it's for the best to shove it in here just in case. So, I basically needed a name for the combined Jedi and Force users who come together to heal the Force wound, and so to keep it simple they were rolled together under one banner. Four Corners is obviously in reference to the four corners of a traditionally 2-d rectangular map of the Galaxy, even though a proper map of a galaxy would be 3-D and thus eight corners at least, to show how it's a collection of peoples from all over the galaxy, and Jedi Alliance is basically just brand awareness. I'll take a guess and say maybe roughly half of the people and organizations of the alliance are actually Jedi sects, but Four Corners Jedi Alliance has a really nice ring to it so everyone is fine with it. Also, as it's hinted at it does survive past the invasion and has an annual meeting of it's sects' leaders and higher ups to discuss things and work together.
With contact made with the enemy and plans on both sides blowing up, I kept going...and then I realized I could make things worse. Order 66. In the middle of the Battle for Coruscant. In that moment I was sure I was a mad genius. I actually also decided to make a 1138 reference, so I went back and changed up some times, which was the first edit I made to the story. And let's talk about time now.
So I wanted the briefing to sound official, that's part of why I laid out the three objectives and their results first, that and it helps build tension. And I felt that another good way of making it sound professional was indicating the progression of time. When the operation begins, when certain major events happen, and finally when it ends. But I found myself worried about how fast and slow certain events during the operation was going. Battles, especially those on a planetary scale are not supposed to be fast affairs. Traversing through a single building should not take hours upon hours. By including Order 66 I also had to take into account communication time and travel speeds. So I kinda just fudged things by not addressing them directly and implying the chain of events which lead to the next thing, and just forcing things to happen in regardless of actual temporal feasibility.
Another thing I wanted to talk about was the *Override* and the inserted quotes, I wound using those to break up the flow of the briefing to provide a bit of color commentary at the beginning, but quickly started using them to explore the effects of certain events and give Dooku's last words to Ciaran and Ventress some screen time while was hinting to the actual nature of the omake. It also let me make some adjustments to the usage of names, mostly because I got tired of writing Supreme Chancellor S. Palpatine/Darth Sidious everytime I needed to use his name and to give a shorthand explanation for terminology to differentiate certain groups, allowing me freedom and the ability to change things in the middle of writing. It also serves as foreshadowing for the epilogue.
While writing the progress reports of the Assassination Team I had to come up with a lot of obstacles to throw at them to slow them down and weaken them for the final confrontation with Palps. I'm not entirely sure why there were so many Sith and Dark-siders in the Senate Executive Building, which is a real place and is where the Supreme Chancellor's office is by the way, but I like to think they just have some meetings lined up with Palpatine for whatever reason, and he just had them all scheduled the day of the invasion just in case he needed some help. But I also got the opportunity to use some proto-magnaguards, the droids which resisted decapitation, which I feel Sidious would have commissioned due to the 'troublesome recent events' concerning the Jedi. They aren't actually magnaguards, but phrik-based chasis with central processors based in their chest instead of the head and then equipped and programed to fight Jedi doesn't seem like too much of a stretch to make, even if without General Grievous training them they wouldn't be half as effective.
Splitting the assassination team is probably the most crucial point in this story. By removing two of the strongest fighters from the team and sending them out to do other things does indeed stabilize the Battle and ensure that Silencer can pull the remains of the team out of the fire at the end, but if the two of them had stayed, that would have been two more extremely accomplished fighters fighting Palps and the team would likely have managed to finish killing him. Maybe with some important casualties, but with Sidious dead, that's the greatest threat defeated.
But that's not the only major mistake Ciaran, or if we're being meta the alternate quest players, makes. While I was writing it I found myself asking the question, why is Obi-wan arresting Palpatine and not at the Temple? He's one of their most accomplished and respected Jedi Masters, he's known as the Negotiator, wouldn't he be better off talking the Jedi down than Ahsoka, who almost got kicked out by the council and then left anyway, Vos who's a Shadow, and thus kind of respectable but also not the most calming influence, and Morne who the modern Jedi wouldn't even know about? And that's when I realized, oh, that's just another good reason why this operation failed. The teams weren't balanced well enough. Vos, essentially a Jedi Assassin, would be a perfect addition to bring along in an assassination mission. With video evidence of Obi-wan and Ciaran working with Count Dooku, the face leader of the CIS, to infiltrate the SEB, especially during a CIS invasion, is all the reason he would need to implement Order 66. All of this worked so well I wouldn't rewrite any of the preceding even if I wanted to. It worked so well.
The biggest obstacle in writing this was the actual fight scene with Sidious. I felt like I just couldn't gloss over the climax of the story with a paragraph or two explaining that everyone fought and everyone got beaten up before escaping. I needed to go in depth on how much of a struggle it was to fight the greatest Sith alive. Everyone got some screen time fighting him, even if some of it was tragically short, I do feel really bad about what I did to Jango and HK, they were just absolutely ripped apart, but I do hope I managed to convey how much of a threat Sidious was, while also showing that it really was the result of just some bad dice rolls that managed to keep him alive.
It was also during the fight that I realized, oh I needed to kill more people. I needed to raise the stakes more, there needed to be more consequences for failling. This is what led to me killing Vos off, since I didn't have any real plans for him after the operation, and altering HK's fate. Which has been moved to the Extras Tab.
Also, a couple of minor points before we get into the last major parts of the fight. I just want to point out how I gave Obi-wan an evil-looking scar on his face. I just thought it was so funny to give one of the most heroic characters in Star Wars a massive vertical scar that runs down his face, like the kind you would on a generic villain and I love it. I also loved being able to use the Clone Assassins, even just as a mention. For those who don't know, the 2005 Revenge of the Sith video game utilized a number of different clone troop variants that fight you as Obi-wan after Order 66, Clone Assassins were my favorite variant, Clones trained to fight and kill Jedi in melee and resist Mind Tricks and other Force powers. Also they looked pretty cool.
I feel like I should also address the non-sequitur that was Lord Hutchins' statue, partly because I know someone will question it. It was a completely random detail I threw in to provide some commentary on Palpatine. Thrawn was the one who recognized the bust and made a point to talk about how Hutchins, a Nabooin Noble and former King who wrote poems and treatise on power and control after his terms. He suspects that these works f Hutchins then influenced Palpatine's own mind set and philosophy even after he became a Sith. Completly made-up and barely even talked about, but I thought it was a fun addition to a massive segment of story I struggled with so much to write.
I was actually surprised with myself that the penultimate duel with Palpatine was actually between him and Ventress. It just flowed so well to have the final two be Ciaran, who's trying to save everyone else's lives, and Ventress, who barely listens to her on the best days and would never abandon her sister to her death. Which was the dynamic I decided to portray between the two of them. Familial, sisters. Partly because the female PC's love intrest being a woman is tired trope, partly because it just works well for this story. But I digress, since it was between the two of them, and Palpatine would hate Ciaran way more than anyone else at the time, he breaks out his final weapon, the weird Sith magic that strips Ciaran of her connection to the force. This was, I thought, the best consequence for Ciaran. As a Miraluka she's had an innate connection to the Force since birth and had throughout the story trained and learned more about the Force and the Sith and the Jedi, enough to become a master of the Force. And to have all of that stripped away is painful and heartbreaking and left scars that haunt Ciaran. And that just left Ventress. A former Sith, betrayed but rescued, someone who pulled herself out of the darkness and misery and forged a new path for herself. In a way, she's a strong contrast to Sidious, who was a Sith Lord who has betrayed and used others to only ever fulfill his own lust for power and who totally embraced the Dark.
Speaking of strong contrasts, Dooku made his first major appearance in the first thread saving Ciaran's life from an assassination attempt. Completely accidentally, his last appearance mirrors that, saving Ciaran's life during an assassination attempt. He does die here. I'm going to go into a bit more of his last fight with his master in the next segment, but I wanted to address that ambiguity here as well.
The fight sequence with Palpatine is the first fight sequence that I've ever written, and while I don't think it's bad, if I did I would have kept working on it until it wasn't, I feel like it is hampered by trying to keep a quick, efficient pace, like something that would be written in an after-action report, but is also weirdly in-depth and descriptive in a way you wouldn't write in a report. I think it suffers from trying to do two things at once which don't mix well. But it kicked my ass. This is what I've spent most of the past four months on. Everything up to the assassination proper? It took about two weeks. Even the last bits (the finishing touches at the Temple, the evacuation, the final calls, the ultimate tally of losses, and the epilogue) took about a month combined to write. But that fight, there were just three or four times I just stopped and couldn't write anything for weeks. But I finally managed to finish it. So I'm happy with it.
On the topic of the final things, there's not too much I really feel like I need to say, at least in this section of the AN, the Temple section eventually worked it's way out, I was really happy I was able to fit Captain Fordo, from the 2003 Clone Wars cartoon shorts series, in. I enjoyed having a Jedi save Qymean's life when his escape transport was shot down. I imagine she was a Jedi Healer who worked at the Temple and just couldn't stand all the violence and fighting in the Galaxy and is thus a pacifist. I also see her as a good foil to Qymean and his view on the Jedi. If this story actually continued I would use her as a romantic interest for him.
The evacuation worked out well but it was a bit tricky and Silas does come straight out of nowhere, but thinking about it I feel like it does work. There was no way he was going to sit back while his favorite granddaughter fights a pivotal battle for the fate of the Galaxy. He was probably hanging out, just waiting to pull a hot evac off the SEB before Silencer showed up with Palp's personal shuttle, which is actually also canon. It's the Theta, precursor to the Lambada shuttles the Empire used, he takes to Mustafar to save Vader and it had not only had a hyperdrive and advanced shielding, but top-quality stealth and communication systems. His little quote sequence is also notably the only one in italics and is not preceded by OAts announcing an override to the review.
Silas' quote actually changed a number of major things. First, it gave me the perfect note to end on, finishing off his lesson on failure and losing which he taught to Ciaran as a child. Second, it gave me the name for the omake and third, inspired me to look up a new name for the Operation. Originally the Omake's name was 'Blind eyes opening to the Ashes', a subtle reference to the Dark Souls references, and the Operation was named Brutus, after Ceasar's famous last words, 'Et tu Brutus', and both of those are kind of boring so I'm very happy to have found better names for both of those, though I took the chance to reference the former title in the omake itself. The new names, Prelude to Reshuffle, besides being cool sounding, is kind of what the omake is about. It's the calm before Ciaran reshuffles her deck, draws her cards, and rejoins the game that decides the fate of the Galaxy. Kill Blind is, based on skimming a wikipedia article, from a kill game, which is a variant of fixed limit betting rules in a poker game, and the player who activates the 'kill hand' must place an additional blind, the Kill Blind. I'm not a poker player and I'm not familiar with the rules of poker, but it seemed like fine enough reference that fit the theme I decided to go with in the last couple of paragraphs, but also plays to how the Operation is Ciaran's way of going all in and placing her final bet on her hand and is now forcing the endgame on both herself and Palpatine.
The final Tally section was not as horrible as I thought it was going to be. I mostly just went off of what was on the Organization Assets threadmark, buffing some numbers to imply it took some place in the future of the quest. I decided that the Abyss Watchers would have deployed only their most experienced soldiers, while saving some elsewhere, which cut down on their manpower in the fighting, but did give them better K/D ratios and a bigger impact, but even then most of the ground forces took almost 50% casualties which are near crippling losses for almost any engagement, and it was the sacrifice of the Droid units under AW control which preserved the organic forces.
I did want to write more about the state of the Galaxy post-Clone Wars, more about the Empire and Sidious, how a lot of different organizations, cultures, and planets realized how having a Sith Lord be their Emperor was not a good idea splitting off from the Empire before it can really take off which weakens it, but also creates lots over smaller factions that fight among each other as much as they fight the Empire. I wanted to talk about the Republic Remnant, the Rebel Alliance, the Mandalorians, Qymean's campaign, where the hell Thrawn was, and a bunch of other things, but I just felt like that was more work than was really necessary to release this project.
The Epilogue from Ciaran's perspective was one of the first major idea's I had when I conceptualized this omake, and managing to reach it was such a weight off my shoulders. It's a bit shorter than what I originally wanted it to be, but if I wanted to finish this story and on a high note at that, so I couldn't let it drag on too long. So a little bit of personal thoughts, some 'plot hooks', and a final tearful breakdown which surprised me when I wrote it. It was literally 'She tries to hold it back' and I thought, 'What am typing? Wait...no, that's actually really good! Let's go with this! Let's humanize Ciaran a little bit, this is the biggest failure and loss she's ever gone through, she deserves a little time to herself to cry.'
I didn't manage to fit everything I wanted to in the omake, but what I did write I am extremely confident in and happy of.
So there were somethings I wanted to include in the story but for various reasons; from not making narrative sense for those events to be in the official debrief of the Operation to not being known about, but since I really liked some of the ideas, here they are.
Starting off small, Captain Fordo and Qymean/Grievous absolutely fought together, possibly back to back, during the battle of Coruscant, saving Jedi and fighting off the Droid Army, which is very ironic considering how in the 2003 series Fordo fights Grievous to save Jedi from him , and of course how Grievous leads the Droid Army in canon.
The boarding action on the Oracle winds up being a hefty assault which ends up destroying OOM-9's chassis and wounding Thrawn, though not critically. And although his chassis is destroyed, OOM-9 winds up downloading his entire personality, memory, and customized software into the Oracle, preserving his life. Once this is found out, the Abyss Watchers just shrug it off. They give him some upgrades to his cybersecurity and call it a day. Eventually he comes up with the designs for the Oracle Analysis droid based off of his software, tactics/strategy is the flagship this droid line and is exclusively utilized by Abyss Watcher officers, but also comes in security/data, accounting/business, legal/crime scene, exploration/archaeology, and theater/movie variants. It's also my dream that the Abyss Watchers would eventually keep strapping new arms and armor to keep up with Oracle's ever increasing processing power so much that they wind up with a battlestation equivalent to the Death Star, just minus the superlaser, and that eventually the two have to duel.
Originally HK-47 was just going to be heavily damaged and maybe lost, but then I came up with an even better fate. Without Vader, Sidious still needed someone to kill Jedi for him, and who better than the greatest assassin of Jedi, everyone's favorite droid HK-47. So after getting the Windu Window treatment, fried and thrown out a window, he gets found by Palp's forces and reprogrammed to serve him and to kill Jedi, turning one of the most famous fan favorite characters into an enemy and one of the greatest threats that fake-sequel-quest would have to deal with.
The duel between Yoda and Mace Windu starts off normal enough as the two fight through the Temple, getting help from their respective allies as they progress before they progress pass the main brawl. Eventually the fight makes it's way to the turbolift that goes up the main spire, and the two of them fight in the lift as it's travelling up, Yoda bouncing off the walls and ceiling of the lift as Mace defends himself, before eventually Yoda cuts the floor out from underneath him and he falls out. Rather than this being a rather anti-climatic ending to the duel, Mace survives, riding another lift up to the very top of the Jedi Temple. The Council room. There is a moment of peace as Yoda and Mace talk, reminiscing of simpler times and trying to reason with the other before it falls to conflict once again, with the two wind up fighting, and destroying, the council room. But this isn't the end, instead they blow out the windows and the duo finish their fight on the roof of the Jedi Temple spire, which by canon is so tall it is officially in the lower reaches of the atmosphere. Talk about a metaphor for determining the fate of the Jedi. Finally though, Mace loses, and Yoda, tired of the fighting, the pain, and the loss retires to Dagobah, telling no one of even his survival.
You might also be wondering about Palpatine's threat to Padme, well, before the operation Anakin convinces her to go on a retreat with 'Ciaran', actually Zam Wessel, to help keep her safe and uninvolved with Operation Kill Blind. Well, while waiting to be wither kidnapped by the CIS or attacked by Ciaran & crew, Palpatine contacts the goons, clones, mercs, whatever he's hired to tail Padme, and orders them to capture Padme so he can use her as leverage. This fails utterly with Padme and Zam outwitting and beating up all of them. Zam is revealed in the process and Padme is more than a little angry that her friend basically sticks her with a literal body double so she can run off doing Force knows what, but truthfully Zam doesn't really care.
The final duel between Sidious and Dooku is extremely and uncomfortably close for Sidious. He's mostly saved by shear luck and weight of reinforcements and a couple of clever moves which wind up costing him. But the start of the duel has Palpatine panting, but pointing out that Dooku has been running around for hours himself, not to mention has been fighting even more than Sidious has. Dooku points out, "Master, were you perhaps not paying attention? I've fought your guards, your droids, your other petty apprentices, but I'm hardly wounded. I've keep my distance from the fighting and done my best to preserve my strength. As you always said, let headstrong fools rush in first and tire themselves out. Then you can sweep in and claim victory for yourself." I don't have much choreographed for this fight, but to keep Sidious' survival and Dooku's death a diabolus ex machina, Sidious got a couple of holes put through him and maybe even part of his shoulder and an arm taken off. As continuing the pattern established during the duel itself, Palpatine wins by taking advantage of a mistake/oversight of his opponent by making an audacious, bold, and in this case, lethal move. After all, trading an arm, even your dominant one, to behead your enemy is still a victory.
Final word count is 12604, including these, I've written almost 5k words in author's notes, smashing them out in just one day. Actually not even that. Once again, thank you everyone for reading this, however much or little, and I hope you enjoyed it.
Yeah, that's the problem with Dark Jedi.
At least the Sith have a code. Sometimes twisted, usually awful, but in general there is a method to a Sith's madness. They can be orderly and methodical.
But a Jedi who get high on the Dark Side becomes a very horrible thing that's usually only useful as an attack dog. You send him out to cause as much damage before dying, and if by some miracle he survives you need to put him down before he destroys what you're trying to build.
I sat in my ship with Darra Thel-Tanis. We'd spent the last couple days asking the Tarasin in the Cularin system about what might lead a Sith attack here, what threats a Jedi Academy here might face. It was time to assemble our notes.
"So, there's a dark side nexus whose influence has been slowly growing, as they measure by the exclusion zone of the glowing grasses. It's got a thousand year old Sith fortress made of beskar in the middle of it. A kidnapping group grabbed Jedi and dragged them back there, and they were working on some form of Sith technique for giving one person the vitality of several," Darra said, fingers tapping away at the shared file she'd loaded into her datapad.
"There's a fair amount of resentment against the Republic and generally divided loyalty in the system, at least in part due to getting ignored for a thousand years. The exact political complexities are beyond me, but the short version is that they're a lot more purple-by-way-of-red-and-blue mosaic than purple-as-genuinely-neutral and it's all a big chunk of detonite waiting for the signal to explode into another conflict," I narrated, adding my portion of the file.
Darra shook her head. "Sounds like exactly the sort of blasting charge the Sith behind both sides of the war would want to explode, with the added bonus of being able to catch one of the more progressive and experimental Jedi Academies in the fireball. What did you say his name was again?"
"Sid Vicious is the name we've used. Not because we think the Sex Blasters are actually a front for the Dark Side, but because it creates a layer of cognitive separation ensuring that even if we happen to be thinking about the Sith in front of the Sith, they don't pick up that we're thinking about them even if they do manage to find their way past our mental defenses," I answered.
Darra stroked her chin. "Similar to and yet different from Master Rand's Treatises on Pazaak," she concluded. "With information compartmentalization ensuring that even if someone was compromised they'd get dismissed as insane."
"Throw in the light side nexus in the ch'hala tree grove defended by the Tarasin, natively Force-Sensitive and some of whom trained as Jedi," I added. "Others probably qualify as somewhere between Jedi Service Corps and Antarian Rangers. Every bit as capable and every bit as unafraid of technology, though choosing to live in tune with nature."
Darra nodded. "Also capable of changing colors like the trees they revere. Probably not a coincidence. I felt the echo of that nexus as we flew past, definitely a place I'd like to spend some time."
"Believe me, me too," I responded. "We've just been running around like madmen trying to keep Sid Vicious from succeeding in his aims."
I looked over the collected data.
"So, the report we're sending up the chain runs about like this," I said, keying in the comms sequence to send the message along. "This is a Priority One Code Red Imminent Danger Report. The Jedi Master in charge here, renowned for his Farseeing abilities, has been quietly calling for as much backup as he could find for the past few weeks because he's been seeing visions of destruction and he's trying to put as many aces up his sleeve as he can get. There's a light side nexus on the next planet over, and there's a dark side nexus on this planet where a couple of Jedi got kidnapped and dragged to before something…more or less ate their Force essences while leaving their bodies approximately intact. Dead, but intact," I concluded. "This is a Priority One Code Red Imminent Danger Report."
The automated message-received reply pinged.
"What now?" Darra asked.
"Now we fortify the Academy, because whatever storm is coming, forting up will help us all make it through this" I answered.
I know that just reading the thread would be easiest, is there an option to see all the main and the better canon omakes in a chronological order? That's kinda what threw me off at first but I'd love to reread and get a better view of this world
I know that just reading the thread would be easiest, is there an option to see all the main and the better canon omakes in a chronological order? That's kinda what threw me off at first but I'd love to reread and get a better view of this world
Reader Mode will get you all the threadmarks, and there's epubs of the main story threads, but I don't know that anybody's actually gone to the effort of trying to put together everything that's canon in proper chrono order.
Just like Legends, it's a little bit of a scattered mess but you follow through on the story elements that grab you.
@Dr. Snark, I got a few write-ins that we can borrow from the alt-universe version of Turn 30 that appeared in Abyss Gazes Back. We also removed a number of minor actions that seemed less important/urgent/irrelevant to the goal of defeating Palpatine.
Most of those are either good or stuff that I was going to do already. But there are ones I wanted to comment on:
Hunting Malevolence: Martial instead of Intrigue. If that sounds odd this is more of organizing search fleets and the like to pin down its location. It's also because it's location isn't entirely unknown thanks to the hulks it leaves behind as well.
New Diplo Advisor: Irrelevant. Almost all of that stuff is being done already by the relevant people, don't see a need to basically add a couple of lines of flavor text tbh.
IRIS Network: I see where you're going with that and it makes sense, but I need to think on that a bit more to see where it can be taken. It's definitely an interesting angle but I wanna make sure any rewards from it stay relevant.
Conclave: Eeerrrrghhhhh not right now. Even in context Ciaran's priorities when it comes to Force Orders are now more focused on information related to the Force Wound or esoteric powers that might blindside Palpy.
More Courier Ships: Automatic. I'm not that kind of QM who would force you to take another action to maintain a benefit especially when I have enough problems to throw at you. Midichlorians: Mentioning the Forbidden Word should deny this action by def - I'm kidding, kidding. Mostly. Seriously though, that seems legit-ish, though again it'd be in the context of helping the Watchers only.
Sacrifice Play: No, but not because of "waaaah dont hurt my characters" or something like that. Right now Ciaran's not in enough of a "back against the wall" position to consider that option, especially since that could easily backfire by having Palpy go hot early. Also each of those candidates are ones that she would be vehemently opposed to that kind of action for various reasons.
...That being said that will be kept in mind, we'll see if an action comes of it. For Ciaran, the best kind of sacrifice play is the one where you have someone else make the sacrifice for you.
Almas Fortress: Would be folded under a broad "initiate Looting of Cularin" option. Like I said previously, if any good is going to be done from Ciaran's side, it's going to be largely as a side effect in that case.
Karada Technologies: This one specifically I'm going to have to veto, if only because the two preceding options are more interesting variants of this anyway.
Succession: This actually got addressed (briefly) during the Q&A session, where Thrawn comes in as the No. 2. More broadly, it's not necessary; after the neurotoxin incident those plans were put in by default.
Celeste: Not available this turn, remind me when the next one rolls around though because that just makes sense.
Exar Kun: Personal Action. Can anyone else in the Watchers actually stab a ghost to death? Didn't think so
EDIT: also, @Dr. Snark, one of the 'housekeeping' items we decided to do for Abyss (besides removing a bunch of lesser actions that we thought had no chance of ever getting picked) was to separate all base purchases and base upgrades to a second vote, that would take place mid-turn. That way, the entire focus of the initial Plan would be entirely about the headline-grabbing actions, while the Base discussion could take place during the 'down periods' between story posts when the thread is less busy.
I just remembered, didn't Anakin meet the ghost of a Sith Lord during the PS2 Clone Wars game? I'm pretty sure it was either Exar Kun or Ulic Qel-Droma (probably Qel-Droma).
I do legitimately love the idea of an alt-universe assassination attempt going horribly wrong due to it being interrupted by the Battle of Courscant - it's a direction that can't really happen at this point for various reasons, but damn if it isn't an interesting angle.
Have the +10, and my encouragement to do something else like this possibly within quest canon - the After-action report angle is one that I haven't seen that frequently, and there's plenty of events that would be interesting if they were approached from that angle.
I know that just reading the thread would be easiest, is there an option to see all the main and the better canon omakes in a chronological order? That's kinda what threw me off at first but I'd love to reread and get a better view of this world
I've done my best to organize the threadmarks to have everything pop up in a relatively chronological order, so go by those if you can. But yeah, I won't deny there's a lot of Stuff and in-jokes that have been going on long enough that there's gonna be at least some discrepancies. As previously recommended, treat it like the EU, both old and new - follow plot threads you enjoy, and smile and nod when you see people and terms you don't recognize
Anakin Skywalker - Branching Out: Anakin is one of the most powerful Force Users in the history of the galaxy, well trained in the Jedi ways... but the Abyss Watchers can teach him so much more. (Uses Lore Bonuses, Anakin Skywalker must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: Varies
Basically, this is intended to be an action to have Anakin learn the techniques of other Force Sects that the Abyss Watchers have access to. Feel free to change the wording (or even the name), I'm not exactly satisfied with what I typed.
Anakin Skywalker - Branching Out: Anakin is one of the most powerful Force Users in the history of the galaxy, well trained in the Jedi ways... but the Abyss Watchers can teach him so much more. (Uses Lore Bonuses, Anakin Skywalker must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: Varies
I always viewed it more as "They're attracted to / created from Force Sensitivity" rather than causing it. Seems the far simpler answer than it being Magic Juice. In that way, would it be any stranger than a device that can tell you how many cells or pieces of hair someone has?
Hunting Malevolence: Martial instead of Intrigue. If that sounds odd this is more of organizing search fleets and the like to pin down its location. It's also because it's location isn't entirely unknown thanks to the hulks it leaves behind as well.
That's fair. Highly worrisome, but it makes sense.
More Courier Ships: Automatic. I'm not that kind of QM who would force you to take another action to maintain a benefit especially when I have enough problems to throw at you.
The 'More Courier Ships' action was intended not so much to maintain the benefit, but as a way to justify giving players +1 Hero Action for future turns (per the aforementioned 'get to the fun stuff before the finish line' idea). Plus it'd be fun to write another 'what kinds of ships do our latest Hero Units get?' interlude -- almost half of our Hero Units joined us after the initial round of courier ships, and there's plenty of inspiration (Talesan Fry's ship seems like it'd be especially hilarious).
Exar Kun: Personal Action. Can anyone else in the Watchers actually stab a ghost to death? Didn't think so
Sacrifice Play: No, but not because of "waaaah dont hurt my characters" or something like that. Right now Ciaran's not in enough of a "back against the wall" position to consider that option, especially since that could easily backfire by having Palpy go hot early. Also each of those candidates are ones that she would be vehemently opposed to that kind of action for various reasons.
...That being said that will be kept in mind, we'll see if an action comes of it. For Ciaran, the best kind of sacrifice play is the one where you have someone else make the sacrifice for you.
Hire Cad Bane? Though that whole palpatine assassination plot has likely happened already, and I doubt he would be willing to try again. If it hasn't happened yet, I wonder if we could try through some imidiataries (with cutouts directing the source of the cash to some seapperist figures we really don't like that we know are not in on the plan) to offer him a ridiculous amount of cash to try and kill the dear chancalor, before the chancalor pays him to make the attempt. maybe add some conditions that we don't want a flashy spectical to make him a maytr, but do want recordings of what happens for our private enjoyment.
Many Kaleesh members have openly suggested that "Grievous" has already ascended to the ranks of the Kaleesh pantheon, leaving behind Qymaen as his still-living body. The man himself has refused to comment on the matter.
M'kay. Also... here's the last ones, I promise, as I don't want to overwhelm you. Some of these could be base actions instead, if you feel that would be a better place for them. For the Nun and ACLO actions, yes they are meant to happen after the fall of the Reoublic, but... meh. I'll understand if you don't want to use them.
[] Breath Of A Guardians: A long time ago, in a now destroyed system, there lived a Force Order known as the Guardians of the Breath. Originally based on the planet of Kashi, the Guardians were experts at using the Force to speed up the growth of crops and heal the sick and wounded, while their strongest members, the Elder Guardians, used it to see visions of the future. After Kashi was destroyed by a... supernova... or maybe an ancient artifact known as the Kashi Mer Amulet (which probably was behind it's destruction since the system's sun seems to still be there), the Guardians were one of the few Kashi-based factions to survive and... well, "prosper" isn't the proper word. Still, the Silver Cross and the Ithorians would, for obvious reasons, love it if the remaining Guardians started working more closely with the CNS. Hell, you can build them a Temple on Taris, letting them recruit more members... while your Abyss Watchers copy their interesting Force abilities.
[] The Healing Hands Of A Gamorrean Nun: So... turns out that there's a group of, uh, Gamorrean nuns, led by a "Mother Grotrugga", are trying to set up a temple so they can practice their beliefs. They're currently trying to buy an old Jedi base from the Order, specially the one located on the asteroid of G'aav'aar'oon, which is... going poorly, for reasons that should be clear. We could either help fund their attempts to buy the base, or we could help them build a new one on Gamorr proper. Whatever happens, at least your Abyss Watchers should be able to learn more about Force Healing from them.
[] Reform The RRM: The Refugee Relief Movement was originally created to help countless lower class people from Coruscant to worlds all across the galaxy, letting them live far more prosperous lives. Interestingly enough, both Padme's father and Bail's sister served as leaders of the RRM at different times. By flooding the RMM with more funding, and lobbying for expansions, a veritable wave of immigrants will be able to travel to worlds... and, thanks to your connections with those that lead it, most of them will be heading to CNS controlled worlds, with the rest being sent to worlds that should join the CNS in the near future.
[] A Group After My Own Heart: Originally, the Aggregate Civil Liberties Organization, located on the planet of Talus, was meant to be a purely medical-based company. But, one thing led to another and, somehow, this medical company started gathering up it's own paramilitary units, slices, and such. Officially, they're still a purely non-profit organization. With a little bit of funding, you could easily absorb them, with the actual doctors and researchers joining Karda while the criminal-based assets can be used as deniable assets.
[] Breath Of A Guardians: A long time ago, in a now destroyed system, there lived a Force Order known as the Guardians of the Breath. Originally based on the planet of Kashi, the Guardians were experts at using the Force to speed up the growth of crops and heal the sick and wounded, while their strongest members, the Elder Guardians, used it to see visions of the future. After Kashi was destroyed by a... supernova... or maybe an ancient artifact known as the Kashi Mer Amulet (which probably was behind it's destruction since the system's sun seems to still be there), the Guardians were one of the few Kashi-based factions to survive and... well, "prosper" isn't the proper word. Still, the Silver Cross and the Ithorians would, for obvious reasons, love it if the remaining Guardians started working more closely with the CNS. Hell, you can build them a Temple on Taris, letting them recruit more members... while your Abyss Watchers copy their interesting Force abilities.
[] The Healing Hands Of A Gamorrean Nun: So... turns out that there's a group of, uh, Gamorrean nuns, led by a "Mother Grotrugga", are trying to set up a temple so they can practice their beliefs. They're currently trying to buy an old Jedi base from the Order, specially the one located on the asteroid of G'aav'aar'oon, which is... going poorly, for reasons that should be clear. We could either help fund their attempts to buy the base, or we could help them build a new one on Gamorr proper. Whatever happens, at least your Abyss Watchers should be able to learn more about Force Healing from them.
I applaud your research skills. Those are some deep corners of the Star Wars galaxy.
The Nuns of G'aav'aar'oon (no relation to Guns of Navarone) are Riphath's next destination after Almas' resolution, because for whatever reason the thought of sending him there puts a smile on my face, probably related to his sheer disbelief and how absurdly well-suited he is to help solve that problem.
"I've read the tourism pamphlets for Gamorr. They say 'do not visit Gamorr'. We'd both like to amend that to include something about G'aav'aar'oon being open to those with peaceful intent. Let me see what I can do, I've actually got some standing with the Order and a fair bit of money I could use to buy G'aav'aar'oon off them before donating it to you."
"Generous, but what's your goal here?"
"I'm a doctor by education and a Jedi by training and the conclusion I've come to is that anybody who does healing of any kind through the Force is not only interesting but also worth helping."
So, when I saw this video on Anakin's mental health, I thought immediately of this quest and was trying to remember how Ciaran had treated Anakin over the years.
The 'More Courier Ships' action was intended not so much to maintain the benefit, but as a way to justify giving players +1 Hero Action for future turns (per the aforementioned 'get to the fun stuff before the finish line' idea). Plus it'd be fun to write another 'what kinds of ships do our latest Hero Units get?' interlude -- almost half of our Hero Units joined us after the initial round of courier ships, and there's plenty of inspiration (Talesan Fry's ship seems like it'd be especially hilarious).
Hrm...while I can understand wanting more actions, I feel like there should be a better reason for getting a new one than "doing something that was already done." I'll mull over this some more and see if something springs to mind.
Hire Cad Bane? Though that whole palpatine assassination plot has likely happened already, and I doubt he would be willing to try again. If it hasn't happened yet, I wonder if we could try through some imidiataries (with cutouts directing the source of the cash to some seapperist figures we really don't like that we know are not in on the plan) to offer him a ridiculous amount of cash to try and kill the dear chancalor, before the chancalor pays him to make the attempt. maybe add some conditions that we don't want a flashy spectical to make him a maytr, but do want recordings of what happens for our private enjoyment.
M'kay. Also... here's the last ones, I promise, as I don't want to overwhelm you. Some of these could be base actions instead, if you feel that would be a better place for them. For the Nun and ACLO actions, yes they are meant to happen after the fall of the Reoublic, but... meh. I'll understand if you don't want to use them.
-I'm not particularly sure as to what the Guardians would specifically offer that other orders couldn't, even if the idea is sound in and of itself (a similar issue to "I want to build a base on this One Planet that has One Thing). If there's something more specific that they can do though I'd be perfectly willing to walk that back.
-I'm prepared to let the Gammorean Nuns slide because the mental image of a pigwoman in a nun's habit amuses me to no end.
-The ACLO I'm gonna shoot down in that case though, and I'm also going to shoot down the RRM because at this point odds are they've either been folded into Silver Cross activities (especially given its two leading figures who both have close ties to Ciaran) or the organization is just pointing people to Taris anyway.
So, when I saw this video on Anakin's mental health, I thought immediately of this quest and was trying to remember how Ciaran had treated Anakin over the years.
Not the first time I've seen media diagnosing the boy with Borderline Personality Disorder admittedly. It's never been a major factor when I've written for Anakin, but things like his outburst on Mortis when he talked about what Ciaran had done in his place (from his perspective) were definitely influenced by that to some degree, if subconsciously.
@Dr. Snark
Just a thought for base actions to avoid going to too many minor planets you could make a sub option in base upgrades when there past a minimum size to expand to minor planets in their region changing it from new bases to just upgrades in a nearby one.
also another thought we cant use the foundry for combat but could we use it for one off runs of construction/industry/mining droids for things like setting up another secret planet without the issue's of a trackable logistics trail.
also does hk-47 have the blueprints for things like hk-50's? I could see hk-47 leading a force of hk-50's as force multipliers.
