#Skytrooper | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

swtorpadawan · 6 months

Text

SWTORpadawan Headcanon: The Unforgiven

There are several passing references in the game to what happened on Tython during the five-year gap in Knights of the Fallen Empire. Right out of the gate, Lana specifically informs the Outlander that the Jedi Order took devastating casualties during the war and doesn’t know anything about any surviving leadership. The romanced Nadia Grell letter specifically mentions the attack on Tython, while Kira concludes her own letter by informing us that the Jedi Order was “dying”.

Much later, of course, we meet the Jedi who evacuated to Ossus in Jedi Under Siege, who are completely unaware of everything that’s happened around the galaxy in the past five or six years.

The conclusion we come to is that the Zakuulans attacked Tython, and some of the Jedi escaped to Ossus. (Even bringing some of the Kalikori villagers along with them.)

In my Halcyon Legacy Storyline, I’ve featured this largely unchronicled event in a couple of short stories: This Moment and How We Came to This Point. We have almost no “canon” details about it, although from what we see later on Ossus, it is clear that some or all of the Kalikori villagers went with the evacuees. (In my story, this was a minority of the Twi’leks who chose to join the exile, and Kalikori Village still stands on Tython.)

But let me expand on all that: One head-canon I have is that when the Jedi were preparing for the attack and their evacuation, they realized that they would need several defense teams to slow the Zakuulans down. A sort of “rear guard” if you will. Given their experiences with the Eternal Empire up to that point, they knew that losses to these special groups would be extremely heavy, assuming any of those Jedi made it off Tython at all.

One of these combat teams of volunteers (one that formed organically rather than by design) was made up entirely of Force-users who had experienced the touch of darkness in their respective pasts. Each of them carried a degree of responsibility and guilt for the circumstances of their lives. That didn’t mean they didn’t believe in the Jedi Order and their precepts; on the contrary, most of them were quite grateful to the order for their help. But individually, each of them came to the conclusion that if the Order was to begin anew, they would need to save as many Jedi of all ranks as they could, even at the cost of their own lives.

At the suggestion of one of their members, the group would call themselves ‘the Unforgiven’.

When the remaining members of the Jedi Council – Archivist Gnost-Dural and Barsen’thor Ulannium Kaarz – protested that it went against every principle the Jedi held dear to place individuals at risk of being sacrificed on the basis of their past experiences. The nominal leader of the Unforgiven – one Bengel Morr –countered that they weren’t seeking forgiveness from the Council or the Order; they were thankful they had already been given that. Rather, they were seeking to forgive themselves.

The Council still objected to the name but under the circumstances, they could not deny the group’s right to fight for the Order.

As the might of the Eternal Empire descended upon Tython, the Unforgiven held the line. Every time it appeared the Knights of Zakuul and their legions of Skytroopers would break through and turn the retreat into a massacre, the Unforgiven were there, forcing the Eternal Empire to pay for every inch and making sure that as many Jedi as possible were saved.

In the aftermath of the exodus, in recognition of their sacrifice, Gnost-Dural vowed that the courage of the Unforgiven would forever be remembered in the Jedi Archives.

Without further ado, I present the Unforgiven.

Master Surro and the two survivors of the Seventh Line. We first encounter Master Surro and the Seventh Line on Ziost. [There’s a whole bunch about the Seventh Line that I find controversial, including whether or not Satele Shan and the Council even knew about them and what they were doing on Ziost. Instead, we only hear about them from Theron or Lana, even if we are playing a Jedi Master sitting on the Council.] Nevertheless, Vitiate’s possession of Surro and the others was one of the best subplots of the Rise of the Emperor story. Naturally, during my playthrough with Corellan Halcyon, he spared Surro (despite Lana’s protests) and the two other unnamed Seventh Line members, as well. (They couldn’t have given them names???) In the months that followed, Surro and the others were treated with kindness by the Jedi, but when the Eternal Empire appeared poised to strike at Tython, remembering the harm they had done on Ziost under Vitiate’s influence, they were among the first to volunteer for the defense teams.

Among the Unforgiven, they would be among the first to die during the retreat, covering the final withdrawal from the Temple.

[Tagging @swtorramblings and @starknstarwars ]

Fortris Gall. Seventeen years before the fall of Tython, Fortris Gall had been an impressive young Jedi Knight during the closing days of the First Great Galactic War. A hero during the first battle of Balmorra, Gall bitterly opposed the conditions of the Treaty of Coruscant. Joining a conspiracy led by Master Dar’nala, Gall took part in the bombing of the Galactic Senate on Coruscant in an effort to vacate the Treaty by blaming the Sith for the act of terrorism. After a fateful encounter on Dantooine with Satele Shan, Darth Baras and Darth Angral, Gall realized the extent of his error, abandoning Dar’nala to her fate.

Gall understood that if he returned to the Jedi and the Republic, he would be held responsible for his crimes. Unable to face his former Master – the legendary Orgus Din, who sat on the Jedi Council, Gall withdrew into the Outer Rim. There, far from the frontline galactic conflicts, he rediscovered what it meant to be a Jedi in his own way, helping isolated colonies to resist attacks by pirates and slavers.

He eventually found a measure of peace.

When the Eternal Empire began its campaign against the known galaxy, Gall initially declined to get involved. He was well aware of his own legacy and was worried that he would repeat his mistakes.

But when he heard that Orgus Din had been slain years before while fighting Darth Angral at the start of the Second Galactic War, Gall realized he had to make peace with his time as part of the Jedi Order. He arrived on Tython mere days before the attack, and – after meeting with Bengel Morr, another former apprentice of Din’s – immediately joined the Unforgiven. During the fighting, he bravely felled three Zakuulan Walkers single-handedly with his twin lightsabers before finally being cut down by an Exarch.

Fashk. Growing up, the Flesh Raider known as Fashk always knew he was different from most of his people. He saw things that they didn’t. Felt things that they didn’t. Eventually, during the Flesh Raider uprising of 10 ATC, he realized he shared the gifts of the hated Jedaii. Desperate to earn his place with the Order and learning that they had recently begun supporting the Kalikori villagers, Fashk abducted a young Twi’lek named Viyo Kobbeth. This led him to the attention of a talented Padawan on Tython in Corellan Halcyon, who sought to rescue the pilgrim. Despite the severe nature of the situation, Corellan agreed to support Fashk’s introduction into the Order. At last, he would become a mighty hunter.

The next few years were difficult for Fashk. Although he was talented in the Force, denying his own aggression went against every instinct that had been ingrained in him as a Flesh Raider, both genetic and cultural. Nevertheless, he managed not to attack any of his fellow trainees, so he maintained his place with the Jedi, tentative though it was.

Finally given the chance to see combat on the world of his birth, Fashk was quick to volunteer for the toughest combat assignment available to cover the evacuation, and that meant the Unforgiven.

During the attack, the Flesh Raider lashed out with the Force with a ferocity that startled the Zakuulans, briefly driving them back and buying the Jedi precious moments.

Fashk was never happier than in the last moment of his life.

Loyat. Loyat was a life-long Sith, trained on Korriban and apprenticed to Darth Arho, a Dark Councilor and Loyat’s eventual lover. Later as a Sith Lord, Loyat fought under Arho’s command during the Battle of Ilum. Abandoned by her master during a Republic counterattack, Loyat was defeated and captured by Corellan Halcyon and Kira Carsen. Realizing that everything Arho had taught her had ultimately been a lie, she abandoned the teachings of the Sith. After a relatively short time in a Republic prison, Loyat – at Corellan’s recommendation – was sent to Tython to begin her recovery and possible training as a Jedi, should she accept it.

Although grateful for the chance to work through her trauma, Loyat struggled to fully embrace the Jedi path. Her emotions were too close to the surface for her to make that commitment. When the Eternal Empire was poised to attack Tython, the Jedi were prepared to designate Loyat as a dependent and prioritize her evacuation. Partially out of gratitude and partially out of pride, Loyat insisted on joining the defensive combat teams. Knowing her history with Corellan on Ilum, Bengel Morr recommended her for the Unforgiven.

Loyat fought bravely against the Zakuulans, destroying dozens of Skytroopers until she was eventually knocked unconscious in an artillery explosion from an Eternal Empire walker as the Unforgiven fell back.

Loyat was officially listed as “Missing – Presumed Killed” in the Jedi Order’s after-action report. After all, it seems implausible to believe she could have survived…

[Author’s Note: Tagging Loyat’s #1 fan girl, @raven-of-domain-kwaad as well as @alexsrandomramblings ]

Sajar. Once a member of the Dark Council years ago before his defeat at Tol Braga’s hands, the path to redemption has been a long one for Sajar who faced numerous setbacks over the years. His lapse on Quesh while commanding Republic troops led to him executing several prisoners of war and led to a fateful encounter between the Hero of Tython, Corellan Halcyon, and the Emperor’s Wrath, Lord Scourge.

Sajar spent years recovering from his ordeal on Quesh determined not to falter again. When he heard that Tol Braga, who had been his master, had succumbed to the Emperor’s mind control techniques, it led to another crisis of faith, this time leaving him catatonic for a time. While in this state, Sajar experienced several Force-visions involving Corellan Halcyon.

Although he again recovered, word that Halcyon had been killed aboard Darth Marr’s flagship darkened his mood. When it was clear the Zakuulan’s attack on Tython was imminent, he was among the first to volunteer for the combat teams.

During the fighting, the Unforgiven were briefly at risk of being encircled, which would have allowed the Eternal Empire to bypass their defense and strike at the Jedi ships as they lifted off planet. Recognizing that the Order’s survival meant far more to him than the inner peace of a single faltering Jedi, Sajar reached out to the Dark Side and embraced the power that had once been his as one of the most powerful Sith in the galaxy. The Zakuulans, unprepared to face the tactical challenge of a potent Sith amongst the Jedi, were briefly stunned. As he unleashed a fearsome storm of lightning against the Knights of Zakuul, the last three survivors of his team were able to pull back and continue the fight, allowing the last of the evacuation ships to escape.

In the final seconds of his life, Sajar received the gift of one final vision from the Force. With tears trailing down his cheeks, he let out a cry of laughter as he saw that Corellan Halcyon had not only survived but that he would one day meet with the survivors of Tython, many of whom would owe their lives to Sajar.

Sajar did not die as a Jedi, but his sacrifice allowed many other Jedi to live.

[Author’s Note: Special thanks to @taraum for the bit about Sajar having visions concerning Corellan’s future, as that concept was shamelessly pilfered from her amazing Motivations story that you should definitely go read. Also tagging @shabre-legacy ]

Ako Domi. A hero during the First Great Galactic War, Domi was captured by the Sith Empire during the Battle of Sullust, a conflict that earned him a legendary status in the Republic. Imprisoned at Shadow Town on Nar Shaddaa, Domi was subjected to horrific torments, and watching his fellow prisoners turn on each other eventually broke him. Now a Sith, Domi and his apprentices would eventually encounter Corellan Halcyon and Kira Carsen years later during the Power Guard Crisis. The two Jedi defeated the Sith, but Corellan refused to strike the killing blow on the former Jedi, instead insisting instead that Domi be sent to Tython in an attempt to recover his humanity. (Satele Shan later would commend Corellan for his decision, though predictably Jaric Kaedan would not.)

Domi’s return to the Jedi path was a slow and arduous one. Part of him embraced the familiarity of the Order and its teachings. But with the guilt with everything he had done, of the lives he had destroyed in Shadow Town, it took him years before he could trust himself to hold a lightsaber again.

But recover he did. Just in time to meet the Zakuulan invasion.

It was Ako Domi who dubbed the defense team ‘the Unforgiven’. None of the other members objected.

As the battle of Tython waged on, no one fought with greater zeal and determination than Domi. For a few hours, he was once again the Hero of Sullust, fighting in a hopeless battle.

He was one of just three Jedi left still fighting at the end.

Domi gave his life to allow Bengel Morr and Nalen Raloch a few fleeting moments to fall back to their last defensive trench, where they reported their status to the evacuation fleet in the final transmission from Tython.

Bengel Morr. Another former padawan of Jedi Master Orgus Din, Bengel Morr was traumatized by the destruction of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant during the Sack at the end of the last war. Withdrawing from the Order and the Force, Morr spent years navigating the galaxy’s criminal underworld, learning the ways of power. A decade of preparation later, he reemerged on Tython with an apprentice, determined to destroy the Jedi Order by controlling the Flesh Raiders.

Morr’s defeat at Corellan Halcyon’s hands at the end of the uprising was a revelation to him. In that moment at the Forge, he saw the true future of the Jedi, and he finally understood his own role to play in that destiny.

In the weeks that followed under the care of the Masters of Tython, Morr slowly started to recover. With his pain eased, he started to remember his old self. Bengel realized what he had done, and was left guilt-ridden, even more so when he learned of the death of Orgus Din at the hands of Darth Angral. But the consoling messages he received from Corellan helped ease his suffering, and by the Battle of Corellia, the short-handed Jedi were willing to send the recovered Nautolan into battle.

Morr distinguished himself during the fighting against the Sith, though witnessing the horrors of war first-hand once again raised the specters of Coruscant in the dark corners of his mind. Sensing his unease, the Masters allowed him to return to Tython as part of a training cadre; one that included Nalen Raloch, formerly of Kalikori Village. The very people who Morr had tormented during the Flesh Raider uprising he led.

Facing Nalen Raloch and his resentment on a daily basis proved to be one of the greatest challenges of Bengel’s life. The Twi’lek harbored considerable hatred towards the Nautolan for everything the pilgrims of his village had endured.

It took years for Bengel to earn Nalen’s trust and respect. But in the process, Bengel made peace with some of his own demons. The two became close friends.

The training cadre missed the fighting on Tython during the Sith Empire’s assault on the Temple before the Revanite Crisis as they were hundreds of kilometers away on a survey mission scouting the Flesh Raiders. A year later when it became clear that the Zakuulans intended to attack Tython, Bengel – who had endured two sackings of Jedi Temples – vowed he would not allow a third.

The Unforgiven were born, with Bengel as their nominal leader. And on Tython, Bengel Morr finally met his destiny, making peace with his past.

Nalen Raloch. Nalen Raloch had always been a protector. When the Kalikori pilgrims were driven from Ryloth, he protected them from their orthodox Twi’lek persecutors as a young warrior. After they settled on Tython, he emerged as his village’s champion, holding off the predators in the Flesh Raiders and other indigenous species.

But serving as a protector is a double-edged sword for every being; when he found the holocron of Rajivari, Raloch was seduced by the promise of power he needed to defend his people, and in the promise of striking back at the Jedi who had ignored his peoples’ suffering for all their posturing assertion of moral superiority.

It was only after his confrontation with a talented young Mirialan padawan named Ulannium Kaarz that Nalen realized that everything he was trying to do to protect his people would have led to their destruction had he not been stopped.

Nalen, under the care of the Jedi, slowly began to rebuild his life and his sense of identity.

He came to see the value in defending not just his own people, but all people. He came to understand that he could be a protector without letting that consume him.

When he was confronted with training beside the man who had led the Flesh Raider uprising, he was beyond disgusted. He nearly quit the Jedi on the spot.

But as time went on, he began to see Bengel’s compassion. His dedication. His commitment not only to the Jedi but to his own redemption for his actions.

Nalen would learn more from Bengel than he’d learned from anyone.

When Bengel volunteered to lead one of the defense teams, Nalen didn’t hesitate to join him, despite knowing the likely outcome.

During the Battle of Tython, Nalen fought hard, but he found himself increasingly distracted. As the Eternal Empire fell upon the Jedi home world, he was terrified that the Zakuulans would turn their eyes towards Kalikori Village, knowing that his people would have been wiped out had they sent even a handful of Skytroopers in that direction.

Had Bengel not been by his side, he would have abandoned the Jedi and returned to his old home in a desperate attempt to save his fellow Twi’leks.

As it stood, Nalen and Bengel were the last two living document Jedi on Tython. In the final message from the retreating Order, Ulannium, now a master on the Jedi council, exchanged kind words. The Barsen’thor further revealed that the Zakuulans had bypassed Kalikori Village, much to Nalen’s relief.

Nalen and Bengel were alone.

Before the end, the two exchanged a fleeting moment. They acknowledged the possibility of what might have been between them in another life.

Nalen had found what he had sought for so long; the strength he’d needed to defend his people.

@grandninjamasterren @swtorhub

Thanks for reading.

30 notes · View notes

corruptlight · 9 months

Text

Unchained Wrath

If a light side Sith Warrior trusted others to get to Vette before Vaylin... only to lose her because of it.

The snap echoes.

The snap that will forever haunt one person.

The Sith, that was known for being everything that contradicts his order, cradles the body of his lover close. After a moment, cold rage swells in the force and all can feel it.

Force sensitives and Non-Force sensitives alike could feel it, as the entire force becomes shrouded in darkness.

Bringing Vette's hand up to kiss it once more, before gently setting her to rest. Vaylin revels in the pain of the commander, watching as the Sith just stares at Vette.

That's when she felt it.

Her skytroopers all are lifted into the air, being crushed with a sickening noise as her personal guards ready themselves. But, they start to scream as the armor is digging into their skin before their bodies slowly are crushed together.

Blood pouring through their armor as the screams eventually cease, as Vaylin starts to feel something she hasn't in a long time.

Cold, unrelenting fear.

Senya and Arcann both step back, as the Commander looks up as his eyes show the most sickly yellow she's ever seen.

He stands slowly before reaching his hand out with total command of the Force.

"I... I will rain down every pain, every agony, every form of torture known. Then I will parade your body around Zakuul, every planet possible, the galaxy will know what it means to wrong me!" The Commander - no, The Wrath - growls as Vaylin feels herself forced to kneel.

"Kneel..." Wrath hisses, "Kneel before the Dragon of Zakuul."

That's when it started, the pain as the Commander slowly took her life. However, he didn't give her the pleasure of death before using his lightsaber to her skin. The Wrath throws Vaylin to her family, making the girl reach out to them but they can only stare in horror. Being forced to kneel again, Wrath squats behind her and moves to be beside her ear.

"This?" He starts, closing his fist more, causing more pain.

"THIS... is the unchained wrath... and you will never truly be at peace." Was whispered into her ear before snapping her neck, ending her the same way she took all he ever loved and cared for.

Silence over takes everyone as the Eternal Fleet retreats upon Vaylin's death. The comms come alive with chatter, but, Wrath stares before yelling and flinging her body all over the place.

His anger was deep and he was going to inflict on anyone in his way. Vaylins death wasn't enough, as he keep beating the death body.

Senya steps forward, "Commander, this-" Senya was then flung harshly against the wall, making Arcann run after her before contacting Lana and Theron.

"Lana, Theron you're needed here-"

"We know, everyone felt it." Lana assures.

Five minutes later, Lana and Theron found them and looked upon what they found. Arcann was tending to his wounded mother as the Wrath abused the body of Vaylin.

"Commander!" Lana yells while running over with Theron in tow.

After an hour, they were able to calm the Commander by letting him cradle Vettes body. Removing everyone else from the area, they sat as the Commander broke down.

"I should've just came for you myself, I shouldn't of trusted them to make it." He says shakily, tears running down his face.

"But not to worry, my love," he whispers, closing his eyes, "I will make the Galaxy suffer for what they did."

And he will no matter who tries to stop him, and that is what concerns Lana and Theron the most.

#swtor #swtor spoilers #swtor sith warrior #vette #vaylin #theron shan #lana beniko #arcann #swtor senya #star wars the old republic

37 notes · View notes

dingoat · 2 months

Note

❛ i’m not ready to lose you yet. ❜ from the sentence starters!

[Soft angst, set immediately before KotFE chapter 2: Outlander, with a long suffering Ahuska trying to avoid direct involvement with the war, and a Crow who hasn't been able to keep himself out of it. I haven't fleshed out a lot of how things went down for those 'left behind' during the carbonite years, so this was a fun little time period to consider.]

---

His hands were broad and firm, even stronger than she remembered. But their pressure was warm and welcome, and she closed her eyes as she turned her face against his palm and let it envelope her cheek.

How long had it taken, to no longer tremble at the touch of human hands?

To learn to trust again? Hidden away, to heal, to overcome, while the galaxy burned and shattered from end to end?

“Ahuska,” Crow’s voice was so gentle. His fingers brushed back her hair, tucked loose strands behind her ear in a gesture so familiar it hurt.

“Why?” she countered, before he even had the chance to say it. “Why do you have to go out there? Why can’t you let somebody else take the risks for once…?”

“Ahuska,” he repeated, pulling her in tight. “You know I’m their best chance. You know if anyone’s going to fly in and out in one piece, it’s me.” “You don’t even know if they’re actually in there.” Her voice was muffled against his chest, and it only grew moreso as she pressed against it as though hoping to simply vanish into him. “We don’t even know if they’re still alive.”

She felt the tiny shudder in his fingertips as they dug into her hair. “They are.”

The question had plagued them for the last five years, since Marr’s ship had rammed into Zakuul’s fleet with both Five and Thirteen aboard. Crow had sensed them both lingering for a time; Ahuska, worlds away, only knew when Thirteen’s presence vanished, startling her with a sharp pain and sense of loss. It was not the same as the severance of a bond, the likes of which had more than once in her life left her reeling and disoriented, scarcely able to breathe. Nor did it feel the same as a death; there was none of the peace and finality of feeling a soul rejoin the living Force.

They were simply… absent, somehow.

Out of reach.

But not for lack of trying. Ahuska had scoured the Force, flung herself far and wide in sleep, in dreams and meditations, running, soaring, howling wildly into the boiling black abyss in hope of an echoing call. There were times when she’d glimpsed a grey-brown wasteland, glassy mountains, a shadowed version of Kaas City, and thought she’d felt something flicker that passed as swiftly as a scent on the breeze.

She’d dreamed of Thirteen a few times, standing, staring out into nowhere, but he never saw her, never reached for her, never turned to her cries.

Pining after dreams had torn her apart before. She’d never told Crow about them.

“You’re up against impossible odds,” she said softly, her ears low. “You know that. You know as well as I do what’s out there. There’s too many of them.”

“I like impossible,” he said, with a soft laugh, the sincerity of which was tainted by the hollow doubt he truly felt. The enemy fleet was unlike anything they’d faced before. The skytroopers were easy enough to put down, but they were endless. Wave after wave, and it would only take a single stray blaster bolt…

“Don’t go,” she whispered, pulling back so that she could meet his eyes. Yellow and green light flickered across his face with the movement of the brilliant little luminescent beetles that called the woods of Odessen home. For a moment his hair seemed to glow, framed in a flare of gold. The planet had become her sanctuary, a beautiful place hidden from the raging war and known only to a trusted few.

She would welcome Thirteen here with open arms, if Crow’s intelligence was correct, if the mission to retrieve him was successful.

But Five…

Crow kissed her forehead as though to soothe the tension in her before it could take proper form, and again her eyes fluttered shut. The galaxy had taken so much from her, and her tone became pleading at the thought of still more being stolen away. “I’m not ready to lose you yet.”

He wanted to promise her that she wasn’t going to. He wanted to promise her that he would defy the odds. But even the best damn pilot in the whole damn galaxy wasn’t invincible, even with the Force at his side. All he knew was that there was nobody he trusted more with Five and Thirteen’s lives than himself. That if the mission failed, and he hadn’t been there, he couldn’t live with himself anyway.

“Keep me here, then,” he offered gently, pressing a hand over her heart, knowing full well that she already did.

“Crow…”

But he shook his head as he pulled away, and they both knew nothing would convince him otherwise.

#swtor #swtor fic #dingoat writes #prompt response #ty for sending this!!#ahuska #steel crow

9 notes · View notes

cienie-isengardu · 8 months

Text

Cienie’s take on Mandalorian Culture: Kad Ha’rangir and mandalorian traditional weapons, p. 5

part 1 — part 2 — part 3 -- part 4

Caution: I have never personally played The Old Republic MMORPG game and all my knowledge about Mandalorians of that era comes from tie-in material including those published on dedicated to SWTOR sites and watching playthrough videos, especially of the last patch, Legacy of the Sith. Keeping that in mind, let’s wrap up the final part.

The Old Republic MMORPG game takes place a few hundred years after the regime of Mandalore the Indomitable, The Ultimate and the Preserver (Wookiepedia claims the story of SWTOR currently covers the era of 3643–3626 BBY). For the first(?) time an in-universe source contemporary with the events taking place directly mentions Kad Ha’rangir and praying practice:

The Fall of Mandalore the Vindicated Firsthand account from Ralia of Clan Lok: The Skytroopers surrounded us. Two dozen, blasters aimed at our heads. We had already begun our death roar. And then Mandalore the Vindicated cut through them, scattering their metal parts. He ordered us to rejoin the clan and leave the Skytroopers to him. But the droids had called for backup; suddenly, dozens were swarming him. Mandalore dismantled them two at a time with a war cry like thunder. They kept coming, waves and waves, till we could no longer see him. I started to charge forward, but Droga stopped me. “He’s already gone.” He was Ardus Lok. My brother, our Mand’alor. And he fell to machines. He will not be honored. I pray to Kad Ha’rangir this pointless war will end soon.

This account gives us a lot of interesting details about the Ralia of Clan Lok’s mindset. On one hand, “he fell to the machine. He will not be honored” line fit with what game itself presented by Torian Cadera

and Khomo Fett's mocking saying

Which implies she and similar minded warriors followed very harsh rules according to which dying in battle against machines may bring dishonor - even if Mandalore sacrificed himself to save his people, as Ralia herself said: He ordered us to rejoin the clan and leave the Skytroopers to him.

However the author of this account didn’t pray to Kad Ha’rangir to acknowledge and/or have mercy on the soul of the “dishonored” clan brother but prayed for pointless war to end soon. Which is surprising, given that War was a central part of her culture - approximately three hundred ago, Taungs and Neo Crusaders considered War to be divine and SWTOR’s lore object outright says “War is the Mandalorians’ way of life”, while describing Mandalorians as “trained from birth to fight in battle”, who “embrace conflict and admire strength” and “believe confrontation is required for growth — on the personal, as well as the cultural level."

Mandalorian praying for war to end seems to be acting against the most basic principles on which the whole warrior culture is built. Even more surprising is the fact, the prayer was said to Kad Ha’rangir, the god known as Destructor who demanded from his followers to face challenges and trials in the first place and not, for example, to Arasuum, the god supposedly opposite to Destructor. And yes, the Mandalorians: People and Culture and Death Watch Manifesto call Arasuum the god of stagnation and idle consumption however in the traditional understanding of myth, opposition to destruction wouldn’t actually mean prosperity as time not dominated by war?

Showdown on Ruhnuk (included in Legacy of the Sith, 2023) went even further with the religious aspect of Mandalorian culture by introducing the clan Ha’rangir, whose members are said to be descended from the god Kad Ha’rangir himself. Within the game itself, this information is passed to player by Lane Vizla:

"Clan Ha'rangir claims they 're descended from Kad Ha'rangir, an old Mandalorian god of destruction."

SW:TOR provided also a codex entry for Ha’rangir Clan (x):

Named for Kad Ha'rangir, the ancient Mandalorian god of destruction and bringer of change and growth, Clan Ha'rangir was founded by Mandalorians who believed their people were being weakened by cowardice and inaction. The clan began a bloody expansion called "Ha'rangir's Path" in the latter half of 3732 BBY. Their early success encouraged more raids and occupations, which earned the clan a fortune in resources. This vast war chest sustained Clan Ha'rangir during the decades of reactionary conflict that followed. Their empire building peaked in the 3600's and slowly declined as newer generations of Clan Ha'rangir avoided the front lines, preferring instead to manage and expand their wealth. Once formidable conquerors, Clan Ha'rangir's power today resides in the credits they command, rather than their military might. Some within their ranks, however, are questioning their role within the galaxy, perhaps yearning for a return to their expansionist ways.

Lane Vizsla describes this clan as “old money, with an even older name”

However Lane notes also how the fame, prestige and credits corrupted those Mandalorians, including current leader, the Kur Ha’rangir.

Decades of that kind of notoriety, power, and credits have given them quite that inflated self-image.

He does whatever he wants - no matter how dishonorable - and his name and his money pay for everyone to ignore it.

They consider it an insult if you don't recognize their prestigious history. They consider it a threat if you don't give them the respect they demand.

Granted, Lane Vizla isn’t an objective source, as she holds personal grudge against Kur Ha’rangir for killing her brother in an unfair duel over a trivial matter[12], yet what game presented on screen (Kur’s treatment of basilisk war droids) so far supports Lane’s claim. Even Codex entry for leader of Ha’rangir clan (x) highlight his egotistical and arrogant nature:

Ruthless, arrogant, and egotistical, Kur Ha'rangir embodies all of the traits that the members of his clan, Clan Ha'rangir, consider important. Claiming to descend from Kad Ha'rangir, the old Mandalorian god, Kur sees his clan as the supreme embodiment of Mandalorian strength and power. To reflect Clan Ha'rangir's status, Kur believes that he should possess the strongest and most powerful weapons. Although Basilisk war droids--the infamous Mandalorian mounts that wreaked havoc across the galaxy during the Great Sith War and the Mandalorian Wars--are exceedingly rare, Kur Ha'rangir has no interest in preserving them for future generations. His only goal is to collect and continually improve the best of them, even if it means sacrificing the increasingly limited number of Basilisk droids for their parts. As the number of available Basilisk droids dwindles, Kur has turned his attention to learning how to build the war droids--a craft that was lost when the droids' original creators destroyed their own planet. Legend tells of beacons, full of schematics and construction plans, that were scattered across the galaxy when Basilisk was destroyed, and although Clan Ha'rangir has pledged themselves to fight alongside Heta Kol and the Hidden Chain, Kur has not let their desires interfere with his own obsession.

There are plenty of conclusions that can be drawn from the above sources. The most important one is that Kad Ha’rangir is known as an old Mandalorian god of Destruction and whose importance remains strong enough to allow the “descendants” bathe in his glory solely for supposedly sharing the same blood and surname. We still can’t be sure if original Mandalorians worshiped this deity under this exact name (or if even knew him at all), but if Kad was part of Taung mythology, then we can assume the mythological knowledge (religion) was passed down to newcomers before Taung died out. This is actually quite an interesting detail in regard to religious reformation that happened before The Sith War, when original Crusaders are said to change their customs and start worshiping War itself.

The second vital information is how Mandalorian society has changed by the last three to four hundred years. For one, a clan like Ha’rangir isn’t held at this point in respect due to members’ individual deeds or military might but solely for supposedly having a prestige ancestor and money to cover for their dishonor behavior. Though we do not have that many sources about original Mandalorians, I think it is safe to say clan Ha’rangir is the beginning of the emerging aristocracy while also an antithesis of Taung warrior society. Especially in the matter of equality of clans, personal honor (prestige) and money.

Taungs, as far as we know, respected hierarchy but their social structures were built on warriors’ personal achievements not who their forefathers were. They did seem to hold past ancestors (clan members) in high regard[13], as at some point in the past they renamed themselves from Shadow Warriors to Mandalorians in honor of their legendary “warrior king”, Mandalore the First. However no one so far claimed to be a direct descendant of said leader or gods nor the leadership was passed down on such a basis. The title of Mandal’or is outright stated to not be democracy nor hereditary bestowen - which means only the person who dared to take the title (responsibility) and proved their worth may lead other warriors. This approach to the leadership was mentioned in SWTOR tie-in source, the The Old Republic Encyclopedia:

and summarized by Canderous Ordo: “When our leader falls in battle, the most worthy takes his place”. (Star Wars Miniatures)

Similar approach could be seen in regard to hierarchy between clans and its members. For example, Galaxy At War Sourcebook describes Taung society as “clan-based nomadic culture” in which ”veterans of successful battles are held in high regard, to such an extent that they are de facto leaders of their communities. Only the leader of all the Mandalorians, known simply as Mandalore, holds greater sway with the clans.”

while SW:TOR Encyclopedia states “Although clans may have ties or rivalries with other clans, there is no formal hierarchy. All clan chieftains report directly to the Mandalore”.

(The lack of formal hierarchy wll change overtime, as some old and/or powerful mandalorian clans like Vizsla and Kryze turned into Houses. The sources so far did not provide enough data about inner workings of said Houses, although Sabine’s introduction in Rebels: Protectors of Concord Dawn [S02E13] as “I'm Clan Wren, House Vizsla” implies other, lesser(?) clans are subject to them. Similarly, House Kryze at some point became officially acknowledged as the Royal Family that ruled Mandalore before and during the Clone Wars. Simultaneously, the number of clans is not constant and limited, as sources provide examples of new clans formed during different eras.)

At the same time, the Mandalore, clan leaders and veterans - the broadly understood "ruling class" - may be challenged by anyone and according to the law, the honorable duel will officially settle the conflict[14]. This law apparently survived to modern times as could be seen in

Death Watch Manifesto: “to ensure we would be led by the most powerful, we decreed that any warrior could challenge the Secret Mandalore for leadership of Death Watch”

and The Clone Wars TV animated series when Maul challenged Pre Vizsla to a fight over control of Mandalore & Death Watch:

Almec: “Clearly you are powerful, but how can two of you overthrow Vizsla and his supporters?” Maul: “Vizsla is a soldier and, like every soldier, he is bound by honor. I will challenge him to single combat in front of his men. He will not deny me.” Almec: “Hmm. If you defeat him, according to the ancient laws of Mandalore, his soldiers will be honor-bound to follow you.” [TCW S05E15: Shades of Reason]

All of this implies that Mandalore and even the highly renewed veterans do not stand above the law - and maybe, ironically, are even more bound to follow it, as their honor is at stake.

Now, Ha’rangir clan is said to get away with dishonorable act during an official duel because of the religious connection and money and in all fairness, this speaks a lot about Mandalorians of that time. The roots of this corruption however reach the end of the Mandalorian Wars and the following decade(s) which brings me to another vital point. How exactly Ha’rangir clan got their fortune?

Lane Vizla described members of said clan as “old money with an even older name”. while Shae Vizla further explained:

Player: Clan Ha’rangir? Shae Vizla: I figured we’d see them around. Like I said before, they’re old money. Many clans got rich from plunder during the Mandalorian Wars generations ago. They want those days back, and Heta’s the answer.

If we agree that Ha’rangir clan got rich from plunder during the Mandalorian Wars, the clan dates to at least the last phase of Taung era (and Lane suggests the clan is even older than that). As much as it is true that Crusaders and Neo-Crusaders raided and robbed many planets, Taungs weren’t exactly focused on material wealth. Yes, they prized advanced technology and generally understood weapons were always at the top of list to steal, but money and similar goods? KotOR Campaign Guide states that “trade within Mandalorian communities is based on barter, with jewelry and precious metals used as portable commodities alongside weapons and armor” and that Mandalorians were familiar with galaxy currency however beside that one paragraph, the traditional culture didn’t seem to hold material goods other than an armor in any real regard, as only personal achievements allowed warrior to rise in the social hierarchy.

Thinking about this matter, KotOR tie-in materials allowed us to dwell into the Mandalorian mindset and majority if not all named Mandalorian characters showed no real concern over the money.

In KotOR: War, new recruits were provided with armor and weapons, warriors did not complain about living in harsh, frontline conditions even while raising children. Ko Sornell's advice to a newcomer (Zayne) was “find some wall to lean against. During invasions we sleep in armor. You'll get used to it” [KotOR:War #2]

Another example comes from Interference short story taking place in early 3963 B.B.Y. When Mandalorians were faced with republic propaganda broadcasting on their communication frequency, taunting with luxury, even talking about how the Republic has “Real beds. Running water” in contrast to mandalorian camps and finally promising wealth:

And it is an offer. They say that Mandalorians deal with things in a Mandalorian way. Well, the same is true of the Republic. And what is the Republic at heart, if not first and foremost, a vehicle for the enrichment of all peoples? There isn't any reason at all why the forces of Mandalore can't have a seat at the table like anyone else. And so the offer is this: The Republic would welcome a cessation of hostilities with the Mando'ade. In return, the Senate would be willing to commit a share of all taxation from Republic planets and hyperspace lanes currently under Mandalorian occupation to go to the occupiers. That's right: the spoils of war, to stop the war. It is a fair price, and one that should more than satisfy all your requirements. With your victories in these weeks, your honor has been restored. The galaxy knows it. The Jedi did nothing to stop you; they know it. And you will have the prize -- part of the wealth of these stars, without having to continue to enforce your will on them. You'll be free to explore your options elsewhere, in directions away from the Republic -- and you'll be better funded to be able to do it. “

Ko Sornell reported to her superior, Cassus Fett, this:

Yes, Cassus, I responded already. I used the transmitter here on Zongorlu. I know I should have waited. Who is Koblus Sornell, anyway? Just a warrior. A signals expert, but a warrior. A Mandalorian warrior… ... and as a Mandalorian warrior, their "choice" was really no choice at all. I spoke for all of us: Their "bargain" was ridiculous. Think about it: They could have a glorious battle, a true measure of what we're worth. That's a bargain. Instead, they're trying to choose -- a bribe? To buy peace like a peasant at a shop? All it costs is whatever guts they ever had. And they thought we might agree to it! Whatever gave them that idea? Just like with this "Captain Goodvalor" business. Pretending to be the victor of great battles -- that's insulting enough all on its own. But big talk about what they can do, how big their forces are? Lies about people leaving our side? Did they really think any true Mandalorian would listen? Do they really fear us so little?

Cassus Fett himself showed little care for wealth, as can be seen in short interaction with Gromar [KotOR #23].

"--you listen to Cassus Fett and your son's sons will have nothing to do -- because you'll have concquered everything!"

Cassus admitted Mandalorians didn’t make full use of the resources of the conquered lands because they rarely stayed in one place for long (the curse of nomad life, as he called it) however he did not promise wealth to his subordinate but that Mandalorians are gonna conquer the whole galaxy leaving nothing for new generations.

Canderous Ordo mentioned in some of his game dialogues the fortunes (wealth):

Canderous: You want to hear tales of my exploits? Of the wars I've seen and fought, the enemies I've seen die by my hand? Heh, sure, I'll humor you. My name's Canderous of the Mandalorian clan Ordo. I've been fighting across the galaxy for 40 of your years. For my people it's the honor and glory of battle that rules us. It's through combat that we prove our worth, gain renown and make our fortunes. [KotOR game]

Mandalore: The Republic thinks my people are dead, scattered. They are wrong. You should have destroyed us when you had the chance. As long as one Mandalorian lives, we will survive. Our honor, fortunes, and lives revolve around battle. From our earliest history, this has been our way, as it will be, always. [KotOR 2 game]

however other tales made it clear money itself did not have the same value as armor, weapon and basilisk droids, as losing those three (cultural) things hurted defeated Mandalorians the most:

Canderous: The war we had with the Republic was supposed to be the most glorious battle of our history, but… it was a very costly one. I guess we didn't think of how much we could lose in it. [...] There weren't many of us left after that last battle. Mandalore himself was killed at the hands of the Jedi Revan. The best of us could not defeat him! After that last battle, those of us that survived were stripped of our weapons, our armor, and our Basilisks. Revan's forces destroyed them while we were forced to watch. Those who hadn't fled earlier were left with nothing to call their own: no weapons, no armor… only the honor of having fought in the battle we just lost. For many this was not enough. While the rest of us were sent into exile on the Outer Rim, they tried to relive the old days – raiding worlds. They're nothing more than bandits now. [KotOR game]

Canderous specifically said “Those who hadn't fled earlier were left with nothing to call their own: no weapons, no armor” so clearly, the “warrior equipment” is the wealth that Mandalorians cared for, not credits or other material luxuries. Similarly approach was seen a decade later in Mandalorian Camp on Dxun:

That idiot Kumus will be working off his shame for the rest of his days. Equipment eaten by cannoks - it would have been better if he'd let the jungle take him. [KotOR II]

However, as Canderous mentioned, after the Mandalorian Wars, this mindset changed in favor of money. Some Mandalorians turned into mercenaries, some kept raiding worlds, some turned into bandits attacking simple farmers. This sentiment was repeat by Veela from The Old Republic: Revan:

“When Revan hid Mandalore`s Mask, most of our people scattered in disgrace. But some of us refused to give up. We stayed behind to look for what was lost instead of running off to become mercenaries and hired thugs.”

Similar statements comes from History of the Mandalorians:

“Following their failed campaign, the Crusaders found a new object of worship -- the almighty credits. Decimated and embittered, the surviving Mandalorian warriors turned ruthlessly mercenary in order to survive. Informally called the Mandalorian Merc, these individuals hired out their lethal talents to the highest bidders without regard to silly notions like justice, morals, and honor.”

So, did members of Ha’rangir Clan enriched themselves during the Mandalorian Wars, as Shae Vizla said, or did they get their fortune from post-war raids, as Codex Entry suggests? This is an important question in context: how old the clan truly is? Because there is a chance that the clan's origin grew into myth over the time, the same as their “cultural” role.

I mean, Canderous and Veela of clan Ordo were eyewitnesses of change happening in their society while Shae Vizla and contemporary Mandalorians may only rely on knowledge passed down to them by their predecessors. Considering how Mandalorian people were broken and divided after war, it is quite possible that a lot of historical knowledge was lost or misrepresented, even on purpose.

At the same time, there were attempts to bring back Mandalorians to their honorable ways. The best known example is Canderous Ordo, who for his efforts earned the title Mandalore the Preserver. In KotOR II: Sith Lords, he said “Many Mandalorians have fallen from the path of honor and are now no more than common mercenaries. But that is changing” yet despite Ordo’s best intentions, the unity of Mandalorian clans is much more fragile than what it was under Taung leadership. But if Canderous could dedicate his life to rebuilding Mandalorian society under his banner (against Sith as Revan wanted), then logically thinking there could be more reformators like him. Which is another possibility to see Kad Ha’rangir. Not as a literal deity but actual historical figure who could renamed himself in honor of the warrior god[15], either presenting himself as “chosen” warrior / tool or maybe even as the god’s prophet of some sort or whose fame (interpretation of warrior culture) overtime grew into a myth that benefited the entire clan. TOR game presented us with Mandalorians such as Kur Ha’rangir and Arla Ha’rangir so Kad Ha’rangir easily could be a full name of real person who started the Ha’rangir family in the first place and whose person at some point merged into one with the mythical god in mandalorian collective consciousness. This brings back the question - did Taung truly knew Kad Ha’rangir under this exact name and not just, for example, simply as Ha’rangir?

As I hopefully established in previous parts, swords weren’t the traditional Mandalorian (Taung) weapon while the Kad Ha’rangir name, for the first time showed in in-universe source coexisting with the events taking place approximately 300 years after Taung died out. This is of course matter of game mechanics, but The Old Republic presents on screen

Mandalorian characters using commonly swords

lore entries like Mandalorian Relics: The Final Blade of Dunesa Rul (x)

[...] Rul's creations, prized within the Mandalorians, were often handed down from one clan leader to the next, but demand for new work was overwhelming. Rul was killed in an explosion during an altercation between Clan Mettir and Clan Ironstone, who sought to lay claim to a masterwork weapon--a durasteel dagger--he had created. Both clans were hunted down and destroyed in retaliation for the grievous loss. The dagger itself was never found.

Even the official duel between Mandalore the Avenger and Field Marshal Kol Heta was done with ceremonial swords

while so far the only axes I noticed are Gamorrean made (x)

and vibro axe (x)

and none of those are even close in shape to traditional Mandalorian (Taung) ones. This kind of weapon seems to have lost its importance in the favor of swords/sabers, so if Kad Ha’rangir was a historical figure who either claimed or was hailed by others as descendant of an old god, he could be also a reason (impulse) for the switch from axes to swords. As in, Mandalorians considered him to have divine connections - or even be the embodiment of divine will - and started preferring swords as a symbol of their renewed faith to honor god. The mentioned in Codex Entry “a bloody expansion called "Ha'rangir's Path" in the latter half of 3732 BBY” fits well in that assumption and even could be treated as the approximate date of “religious (weapon) reformation”.

Like it was already mentioned, the unity between Mandalorian (human dominated) clans is a much more fragile matter than what we know about the Mandalorian society under leadership of the last two Taung rulers - the Indomitable and Ultimate. The conflict between old fashioned warriors and mercenaries started after Mandalorian Wars and will last to modern days however in The Old Republic game it took a surprising shape. The current conflict has divided Mandalorians into supporters of Mandalore the Avenger (Shae Vizsla, a former bounty hunter herself) and Field Marshal Kol Heta (leader of Hidden Chain) who wants to bring Mandalorians to their warrior roots and regain the lost independence. The surprising part of this conflict is that both sides acknowledged the need to preserve material artifacts to keep their culture intact and give people tangible connection to their history and past deeds.

And so TOR game included:

The Importance of Mandalorian Relics codex Lore Entry: For many Mandalorians, relics are an important touchstone to connect with their long and fractured history. The cultural identity of this clan-based group is centered around conflict and combat, so a chaotic history of war is expected. While grounded in a common creed and code, those who wish to understand and honor past achievements will look to items that gained significance during a specific event, battle, or because they were wielded by a person of great renown. These relics can become symbols of the core tenants of the Mandalorian beliefs; a physical embodiment of a philosophy that is rooted in the most primitive of contests between creatures of flesh and blood. Perhaps more than the leaders before her, Mandalore the Avenger recognized the importance of these relics in helping to unify the clans with a history they could see and touch, and so began to collect and house important artifacts from the past in order to smooth the path to the future.

Seeker's Vigil codex: Lore Entry: This heavily-guarded space-faring vault serves as a monument to what the Ash'ad consider the glories of Mandalorian culture. Within these fortified walls lay the history of conquest, raiding, victory, loss, and struggle that characterize a true Mandalorian warrior's existence. There are so many tomes in the libraries that the archivists have lost count. Tableaus and frescoes line the hallways, depicting Mandalorian battles whose names may be forgotten, but are still part of their history. It would take multiple lifetimes to even begin to uncover all of the knowledge hoarded within, and those that call this vessel home will ensure that if the Mandalorian way ever falters, they will be there to teach new generations what it really means to hunt and live the life of a raider.

Troya Ajak: "Field Marshal Kol promised the Ash'ad the relics. They belong to those who believe in honor. Shae Vizla does not." "They are priceless symbols to those with honor. A reminder of what the Mandalorians once were."

The importance of relics collected by Shae Vizla’s supporters and Kol Heta’s Hidden Chain could also lead to a renewal of religion - however how true to original faith it was, is of course up to debate.

During Spirit of Vengeance Arc, the player was forced to walk through enemy ships belonging to Mandalorian clans such as Varad and Ash’ad. Here, clearly the various items

are treated differently than what we could see in frames presenting Shea Vizsla’s or Kol Heta’s meeting room.

The skulls and fire flames reminds me mentioned in previous part (#4) details from Cassus Fett and Demagol’s workplaces and may be a continuation of the same magical-religious traditions. What stands out the most is presents of altars and/or place of sacrifice.

On one of the ships, there was even a great statue that resembles Mandalore the Ultimate

but could actually represent a god (Destructor maybe?), considering all the bones - sacrifices? - piled up around.

This is one of the better documented examples of likely religious practice among warriors.

In general, The Old Republic game is so far the one major source providing the most direct information about Kad Ha’rangir in relation to the events taking place, while “Death Watch Manifesto” [Bounty Hunter Code] and “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” [The Essential Guide to Warfare] were written in distant modern times. At the same time, the game did not include the traditional Mandalorian (Taung) mythosaur axe, as in this era the swords are the most common weapon alongside blasters. Which leads me to believe that Kad Ha’rangir may be a side effect of religious renewal that happened decades after the original Mandalorians died out, as religion in itself is a very good carrier of culture and binder for a broken community. As post-KotOR sources provided, Mandalorian people were divided and in need of symbol(s) under which they could unite - a need recognized by both Shae Vizsla and Kol Heta. Thus the founder of the Ha'rangir clan could become one of such symbols and his achievements and/or charisma at some point grew into a myth affecting Mandalorian people’s perception of original (Taung) gods. As humans dominated warrior society, it makes sense that some aspects of older culture took different shapes to fulfill their needs.

My final conclusion (theory) is that the “Destructor” was part of Taung mythology albeit there was no connection between warrior god and sword/sabers - if anything, the deity’s attribute was an axe which is why the weapon was held in such great regard. However once Taung died out leaving remnants of Mandalorians scattered and broken, some warriors took upon themselves to resurrect their culture. Ordo Canderous tried to unite Mandalorians under his banner (against Sith), while some time later, Kad Ha’rangir, as a historical figure, brought changes - religious reformation? - that influenced perception of old mythology and somehow, maybe in honor of his name, swords for good replaced mythosaur axes. Later, Tarre Vizsla - the first Mandalorian Jedi - created darksaber that became another important relic that affected his people’s spiritual and material culture.

The modern authors based their knowledge in majority on sources that were passed down to their era and could over time become distorted or their original meaning has completely lost. Which could explain the discrepancies between what sources showed and the knowledge of the (in-universe) authors.

SIDENOTES:

[12] Lane said this story about her brother's death:

Years ago, Kur Ha'rangir challenged my brother to a duel. Over some perceived slight against his famous name. Kur used nothing but underhanded tricks-like he does with everything else, There was no honor in the way he fought... He killed by brother... and no one called out Kur's deception. Typical, for a Ha'rangir.

[13] Another example implying Taungs & Neo-Crusaders had a special respect for (dead) ancestors/family members is the specific greeting used by Mandalore the Ultimate during meeting with Arkanian leader

... and all honor to your family's dead [KotOR #20]

And Ko Sornell while adressing Cassus Fett (one of the closest advisors of Mandalore):

Su'cuy, Cassus Fett, and all honor to your family's dead. [KotOR: Interference short story]

[14] The honor duel does not exactly need to end with the loser's death, as Ulic spared Mandalore the Indomitable’s life but as sources show, death was an usual occurrence. Frankly, the example of Canderous Ordo vs Jagi implies that once the challenge was issued there was no way to revoke it. Even though Jagi learned that his former commander’s action were not motivated by selfishness (glory-seeking) as he assumed for years and accepted his accusation turned out to be false and unfair, the man committed suicide to clean his own name:

Canderous: I saw a chance and had to take it. It ended the battle quicker than we would have otherwise, and many of our warriors may have died. Mandalore taught us that opportunism and flexibility in battle were to be admired. You may contradict me, but do you contradict him as well? Jagi: No! I... I... I see that I have been wrong. I have not been true to the teachings of Mandalore. You were right. I was wrong to question your honor. But I must now cleanse mine with my life.

Jagi didn't haveto fight Canderous, and you tried to persuade him not to. The Mandalorian sense of honor, however, would not let him live having done what he has. Jagi took his own life in the Dune Sea. This has deeply affected Candeour. [KotOR game]

[15] Similar like clone trooper KADDAK used the name of Mandalorian god in Darth Vader: Cry of the Shadow

He named himself Kaddak. They say he took the first name of the Mandalorian Destroyer God, Kad Ha'rangir, and used it forwards and backwards.

#star wars #mandalorians #mandalorian culture #Cienie’s take on Mandalorian Culture #kad ha'rangir #taungs #to my regret i couldn't use all screenshots and frames I had collected due to picture limits lol #i finally finished it #i strongly believe that taungs knew the god of destruction but rather under simple name of ha'rangir #while the “kad” part was added over time #and started the era of sword / saber and its special role in mandalorian culture & religion #mandalorian culture is pretty dynamic one when it comes to changes and evolutions or rather revolutions

17 notes · View notes

bear-of-mirrors · 1 year

Text

New Jedi! Xa’nell!

Master and Knight-Commander Xa’nell is an atypical Jedi. While she, in action, is fully committed to the Light Side, Jedi orthodoxy, and the Republic cause, she is less a true believer and patriot than she is a Chiss who believes that the galaxy is out of balance. She abhors that her people have broken their neutrality to support the Sith Empire and, since she can’t turn back the clock to return the Chiss Ascendancy to its hidden neutrality in the Unknown Regions, she has taken action to try and at least balance the scales of Chiss action.

Due to being a citizen of the Chiss Ascendancy instead of a subject of the Sith Empire, she had more freedom than those individuals. When Xa’nell, already an outspoken critic of the broken neutrality, learned she was a Force Sensitive she was not forced to go to Korriban to be trained as a Sith. Instead, she saw that she now had the power to challenge her people’s break with their traditional neutrality. By joining the Jedi instead of the Sith, or even staying with her people, Xa’nell would be able to add some small level of Chiss support to the Jedi and Republic, and threw herself at both tasks to try and maximize her efforts and balancing the scales.

While she adheres to the Light Side and practices of the Jedi, some eye her with suspicion due to her lack of engagement with Jedi dogma and philosophy. Her commitment to trying to embody her own people’s neutrality instead of serving the living Force has made her few friends within the Order. Her own “alien” culture and values make it harder for the less orthodox Jedi to connect with her as well.

Due to this lack of personal connection, Xa’nell instead has thrown herself into the war as hard as she can. She became one of the few Jedi to actually enlist within the Republic’s military and, as the Second Galactic War went on, her efforts saw her eventually get a officer’s commission as a Knight-Commander, a relic of an older era. This ferocious commitment to waging the war, the violence she unleashes, and her detachment to the lives under her command, has seen great suspicion fall upon her by the Order and some in the Republic military. However, both her deep commitment to the Light Side of the Force, and her great successes in the war mean that she is beyond reproach.

When the Eternal Empire of Zakuul invaded, she stood her ground against their armies alongside those she commanded. As her soldiers fell, and as the orders from Coruscant came in to retreat and surrender to the invaders, Xa’nell stood with her defiant soldiers and kept fighting. Her detachment changed, in their mind, to be something to rally behind. The Knight-Commander was unfazed by the hordes of Skytroopers, unfazed by death, and so they would be as well. The Republic may have abandoned them but, as long as their Knight-Commander breathed, they would not abandon it.

In the the end, by the time the Outlander emerged and founded the Alliance, Xa’nell’s whole unit had perished in their doomed war. But she did not join this new power, to do so would be to further damage the balance of Chiss involvement in galactic conflicts. She kept fighting Zakuul in her own way, alone, till the Eternal Empire fell. She returned to the Republic military a hero to the enlisted and lower ranking officers, but a resentful command structure who, along with the those aware of her in the political landscape, saw her as a dangerous element who was fully capable of not following their orders.

Since the resumption of hostilities with the Sith Empire in the Third Galactic War, Xa’nell has found herself given the most dangerous tasks and risk-filled missions by her commanding officers. Whether they hope she dies in battle to become a martyr they can control the memory of, or that she fails and has her reputation with the lower ranks destroyed remains to be seen. But whatever the case, she has not flinched from the fighting. Showing the same ferocity as she always had, in her detached and clinical way, all the while staying firmly embedded within the Light.

#SWTOR #Star Wars #star wars the old republic #star wars legends #swtor oc

30 notes · View notes

nocternalrandomness · 5 months

Text

D-Day Doll landing at Prestwick

#Douglas #C-53 #Skytrooper #Dakota #Vintage aircraft #WW2 aircraft #troop transport #airplane #Gooney Bird

126 notes · View notes

eorzeashan · 1 year

Text

swtor give me a blade for tech users I need to do this

#swtor #ooc #eight 2 secs before charging into ten mobs of skytroopers

5 notes · View notes

queen-scribbles · 3 months

Text

Man, it is such a good thing Disavowed comes right after Anarchy in Paradise or I would get stuck every dang time.

#queen in space #it's just so many things i don't like #skytroopers and their sticky bombs #the waves of enemies that can SEE YOU IN STEALTH #the boss fight mechanics #(the grav rounds. the zipping around the room. the uncanny timing on ALWAYS interrupting channeled abilities)#and it's all to be railroaded into recruiting a companion i don't even LIKE #so it's a real good thing it's immediately followed by getting my favorite #or i would get stuck here even more than visions in the dark

2 notes · View notes

fleeting-sanity · 7 months

Text

Musical Forms

[ Previous Entry ] 🎵 [ Read @ Ao3 ] 🎵 [ Chapter Index ]

"I'm sure he'll take it well."

No matter how busy he was, those words never failed to steal his focus away. Restructuring the training method for the Knights? Done, but the Jedi Master never showed up because he forgot to contact her. Allocating funds between fortifying the Odessen base and reparations on worlds most affected? Off by four percent, when it should have been five, but blame his perfectionist nature for that. Attending that particularly insufferable annual gala? Zero fundings and partnerships were secured, but at least he looked impeccable! Which meant nothing to him.

He wanted to stop her from saying such things to their son. But his ego coupled with the busy schedule prevented that. It might also mean that he would be keeping Jaesa in limbo, appearing as if he was toying with her heart. Which would be the last thing he'd ever do. But he was not ready to forgive her yet. Why was she forcing his hand like this, he seethed.

Just as he was about to rage about it all, his son skipped inside his office beaming. Breathe in, breathe out, straighten the face, unclench the fist, then smile, as his mind forced him to. He needed to stop raging around the vicinity of his son, or better yet, stop raging at all.

"Father! How's your day?"

Immediately, the rage evaporated. "I'm good. How about you? How's class?"

“Mmm, it was okay, we got out early,” As the boy took his seat opposite his father. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”

Oh no. Did Jaesa already tell him about their relationship? But Rian's facial expression did not match his assumption.

"Are you finally free to spar?"

A subtle breath of relief escaped his mouth. He gave Rian the brightest smile, then an affirmation to his question. "In fact, how about now? Before it gets too hot and the sun won't glare as much."

"YES! Let's go!"

Both father and son merrily jogged their way to a small field near his Fury starship. Rian was equally nervous and excited to duel his fearsome father. He had seen some illicit holos recorded by Zakuulans at the Asylum and the Old World where Rionnic was clad in dark armor, slaughtering Knights and Skytroopers left and right. The child in him thought it was cool, but the Jedi in him thought it was horrifying. Was he really about to challenge that killing machine?

"Don't uh… don't go easy on me!"

But Rionnic sensed the real emotion behind that statement. Unfortunately, he would have to disregard that request. Maybe he could compose a proper training structure for Rian?

“How about I see your forms first? Practice them on me.”

“But I want to fight like real!” Rian protested, which was unusual of him.

“Hmm… the purpose of sparring is to improve and learn, good Sir. How about I make you a training set so we can go through them each week? Sounds fair?”

The little padawan wanted to further defy Rionnic’s authority, but a pout would do. He received a sheepish smile in return; the father seemingly relieved that his attempt at placating worked. Another side of Rian was actually intimidated by that image of his father as the former executioner, and his parents did not know that he knew. Despite Jaesa’s best efforts to shield him from that, and the reason why she left Rionnic.

“Alright, let’s go.” As Rionnic drew his lightsaber out.

His son took the initiative of surprising him by flinging a rock missing his face just inches away, using the Force. Rionnic was given little time to parry a forward lunge of a green blade by swinging upwards, and the grin on his face indicated how impressed he was. As the combat progressed; being the only one in the offensive and a little upset, Rian performed some Juyo moves. There were obvious openings for Rionnic to counterattack, but he chose to go easy on his son.

“Shien... very good!”

Both father and son were so focused on each other that they failed to realize Jaesa was watching them from near the starship. She kept thinking about the pain she would be inflicting Rian with that impulsive decision made in moments of volatility. One time she’d be a fighter with unstoppable spirit and determination, the other would be her beaten, letting go, and ready to move on. Just like her husband, she actually wasn't ready to tell Rian about this.

She decided to give them space and left without either noticing.

As the morning turned to noon, Rionnic offered a break from the sparring session, which Rian accepted rather reluctantly. The training didn't come out exactly as the padawan had hoped, but at least there would be more of it in the coming weeks. The pair climbed the natural rocks stairway to a ledge overlooking Fury.

"That was fun. I'm quite surprised by your mastery of the forms. You're very talented!" As Rionnic peppered praises unto his son. However, it might have fallen on deaf ears when he noticed Rian seemingly spaced out. Could this be about what Jaesa might have said? Or was he back to last week where his mind was contemplating all of those Sith atrocities? So many speculations on his part.

"... Rian?"

"Oh! Sorry! T-thank you father!"

The Sith chose to dismiss his neuroticism with another winning smile. "Are you tired? Ah, I should have brought drinks or more supplies for this."

"It's alright, father. We'll be better prepared next time,"

"Agreed! Actually, remember that one thing I promised you?"

Rian's eyebrow shot up, scratching his neck trying to recall said promise. Once the figurative lightbulb lit, he triumphantly raised a finger while exclaiming his answer.

"You'll sing?!"

Again, Rionnic's distraction tactic worked. It was his turn to become shy as he ruffled the back of his neck, confirming it by a nod. He started believing what those parenting books were stating about children inheriting their parent’s involuntary movements; in this case, the exact same way they scratch their necks. Seeing Rian’s eyes sparkling with a complementing open mouth smile eased some of his imaginary stage fright.

“Stay here, I’ll go get my instrument!”

Rionnic sprinted towards Fury, fetching a pitcher of water and its cups along with a xantha. Their thirst was first quenched before Rionnic pulled out a piece of paper containing the lyrics of his original song. A paper felt more personal to him rather than writing it on a datapad, especially a song for his long lost son. The amount of times he has performed can be counted on one hand, and all of it was private.

“Ahem… I’ve actually written this quite some time ago, I’ve just been spending time practicing it. Um… I hope you like it?”

The song started with a modified locrian mode by the xantha, progressing to the latter part of a melodic major. But when he was about to start singing, what came out of his mouth was a snicker instead. He groaned, covering his mouth in shame. “Sorry! Um… I’m a little nervous,” said the father while blushing. Rian gave some reassurance, while his father readjusted his breathing and cleared his throat. “Alright, alright, no more messing up this time!”

He knows when, fate notwithstanding, Strings of green and shine, Echoes from nature's dark and spring, Northern wind takes what he finds,

Return to him surely with time.

Beautiful is the mind of child, Swift is the wit of innocence, Beautiful are the eyes of child, Light is of the higher sense.

Ooh-oh, dull encrusted glimmer trails him, Wisdomful exchanges ever so enlightening, Ooh-oh, to sail the seas of brilliant stars, Enter the heart of clashing forces, no…

Will our mutual respect be enough?

Home is the true scenery of the heart, Hope is the true end of it all, Home are the souls inside the heart, Hold the darkness and never fall!

Return to him surely with time.

The song ended with a somber note, something Rionnic changed last minute instead of belting the line out. Rian's mouth was agape throughout the entire song, seemingly entranced by the acoustic performance. Truthfully, he never expected his father to sound like that. Noticing the son's facial expression made Rionnic even more flustered.

"Um… what do you think? Any critique?"

"Critique? Why?"

The question to his question confused Rionnic instead. Perhaps he should have phrased it better? "Umm… I mean, do you like it? Do you think I can improve?"

"Can you sing it again?"

"Oh? Y-yes, yes of course!"

This time, Rian was swaying along to the music, taking in the melodies with closed eyes. When the song finished, he giggled while grasping Rionnic's arm. "Heehee… I like it, father. It's just that… you sound a little different from your speaking voice."

Indeed, he sang a few octaves higher than his usual range, and in a simpler style instead of his classical technique. Not a trace of his Empire accent was heard. He thanked his son like he was the fan and not the singer. The king of his heart couldn’t stop giggling, being flattered that he had such an amazing father. “Can you explain the lyrics?”

“The song is about you, good Sir. The very first line is about our bond through the Force. Green and shine means your lightsaber, echoes of dark and spring means… well, your spelunking hobby!”

The father happily explained each lyric, but there was one line he kept vague. It was about the state of his marriage, bluffing it off by telling Rian how much both parents loved him, which was not untrue. Which led Rian to ask; “Have you… sang for mother?”

Of course he’d go there, Rionnic thought. “I… haven’t.”

“Huh? But mother said she heard you sing?”

“But, um, not directly to her,” Rionnic mustered all the of self control he had to avoid mentioning the abandonment, not wanting to appear resentful in Rian’s eyes. “I very rarely sing, good Sir. As I’ve said before, I’m quite self-conscious about it.”

“Aww, I’m sure mother would love to hear you sing a song to her someday! Just a suggestion!”

He ruffled Rian’s dark brown mane, steering clear of promising anything in regards to Jaesa. But he did promise future songs for Rian. The pair then returned to Rionnic's office, being welcomed by Jaesa sitting and browsing a datapad. "Mother! Oh shoot, I forgot about the class story!"

"Seems like you both were having a good time."

"Yeah! I just sparred with father and…" Rian trailed off, looking up to gauge his father's expression. It was always the same loving smile that he could sense the sadness underneath. "I learned a lot from him!”

Rionnic was sure that Rian would tell his mother about the song and honestly wouldn’t mind if he did. He dismissed it as his son being considerate of his feelings about it, which eased up some of the tension upon facing Jaesa after that conversation. Still, he wasn’t the biggest fan of Rian needing to assuage his feelings; he was a firm believer of children freely expressing themselves.

“Sooo…. the class earlier today was about attachments. While we can show compassion and love to those who need them, we cannot compromise the will of the Force. Whatever happens to them, we have to accept and believe in the best? This part I don't quite understand…"

"I think it means that if we lose them one day, we must always believe that the Force had better plans for them. We let them go…" Jaesa lamented, indirectly reflecting her own situation.

"Does that include both of you…?" Rian asked in a whimpery tone, which made Rionnic cross his arms, trying to hide his disapproval of this Jedi lesson.

"We'll never leave you, but as you grow, I think you would want some independence. You still have a lot to look forward to, so don’t worry about that!" Tried the father in appeasing his son. The boy nodded, easily absorbing the advice of his amazing father.

Shortly after Rian left to spend time with his friends, Jaesa didn’t wait to make her exit after cleaning up the tea set. It was unexpected for her husband who actually wanted a conversation after Rian’s lecture session. He could only stare as Jaesa left the office, panicking internally yet again. Should he give chase? Was he really about to chase his wife down?

“Wait!”

Jaesa stopped in her tracks, brows furrowed for a double take. It was her husband’s voice, that much was unmistakable, but was he actually calling out to her? “I want to talk.”

Oh, so now he wanted to talk, as Jaesa scowled. She did not turn around and resumed her steps with a faster pace, again surprising Rionnic. What action should he take to make Jaesa stop? Instead of the obvious reach and grab, he stated in a desperate yet reluctant manner; “Bridge towards Fury.”

He waited for his wife there for about an hour. A part of him was amazed that she dared to make him wait when she was the one in the wrong , another part liked this new side of her. But the matter at hand was serious, and he promised himself to not let it devolve into another argument. When the large blast door of the military base opened, it showed his wife walking towards him with a cold countenance. She avoided looking into his eyes; wordlessly standing near him.

“Have you told him?” asked Rionnic without looking at her either, awkward and detached.

“I haven’t.”

And quiet. Jaesa did not want a potential conflict, thus she started leaving. Rionnic was having a hard time trying to convey what he wanted to say, producing only a simple; “Why?”

“What do you mean?”

“I… I thought we were supposed to keep up appearances for him?”

“And let the lie continue until it implodes? Until he finds out then resents us? I changed my mind, Valius. It’s better for him to find out… what we are now so we can all move on to wherever life takes us. I know my place.” Valius. That was a name he has not heard in a long time. Hearing it spoken from his wife’s mouth felt like a fatal blow to his heart. It was actually a name that only the people in his home planet called him, which shouldn’t hurt since they both hailed from Alderaan. It was the tone. Furthermore, the way Jaesa kept wanting to leave exasperated him. But he couldn’t say anything more after that, and only watched her disappear into the base.

There was a war happening in both his mind and heart. He dreaded losing his little family all over again, only in a different way. A new wound opened on top of the still raw one–it was how cold Jaesa was. Like a switch flipped. Or maybe it wasn't an instant change, and he believed in his part of constantly hurting her. But he was still hurt, too.

Could he overcome the pain and confess his undying love for her even though it wouldn't feel right?

#swtor #swtor oc #swtor fanart #star wars oc #swtor fic #sith warrior #my art #star wars fic #jaesa willsaam #warrior x jaesa #sith warrior x jaesa

8 notes · View notes