Important links:

>Synopsis of Dark Empire (To quickly catch up)
https://pastebin.com/h7uFmbpt

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

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

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

>Official political map
https://imgur.com/bNUpg6e

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

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

The blue-green, tropical world of Byss seemed very much an oasis in a desert when set against the dense curtain of stars that made up the Galactic Core. While you'd been born on Imperial Center, you always considered Byss your home first.

The trip here had been harrowing, not the least because you now were responsible for an entire fleet of warships journeying down the snaking and uncertain Byss run. All the same, you'd arrived in one piece, though not without losses. A Carrack Refit had evidently strayed off course during a jump and likely found itself crashing through a star. It was still a small price to pay.

Now you were here at the Throneworld of the Empire. Aside from its own tranquility and natural beauty, you were struck by the vast array of orbital facilities and warships forming an artificial ring around the world. It was one such facility that was your next destination as soon as you'd boarded a shuttle craft to transfer off your flagship.

"Admiral."

You stop your course through Undying's labyrinthine halls as see Vells approaching you, out of his flight suit and in standard officer's garb. Well, not quite his usual garb.

"Captain Vells, congratulations on your promotion," you beam.

"Ah. Yes, they promised I could stay in a cockpit or I would have refused."

You shake your head, "That does sound like you. Were you granted shore leave?"

He looks anxious a moment before nodding. "Yes. Another perk of my promotion. Fingers crossed for a barony." He chuckles. "I ah, I wanted to see if you might want to . . . " he struggles for words.

"Spend time with you?" You suggest.

"Yeah- yes, Ma'am. I had plans to rent a skyhopper and do some sightseeing. Just a pleasure flight. You could come along- if you'd want to." His face is kept carefully neutral but it's plainly obvious to you that this is Vells way of inviting you on a date.


>Yes, let Vells take you flying
>Why don't we do something else instead? (Options to follow)
>No. I'm sorry, it wouldn't be appropriate
>Write in

>>2808987
>Vells when did you lose your balls. Ask properly as I am a lady after all
>go sight seeing with him

>>2808987
>Yes, let Vells take you flying

>>2808987
Supporting this >>2809000

>>2808987
>Fly me to the moon~~ (Yes)

>>2808987
>Yes, let Vells take you flying

>>2809000
>>2809002
>>2809003
>>2809014
>>2809018

>Yes
+
>Bully

>writing

You smirk, "Is that your way of asking me out?"

Vells remains stoic. "Ma'am. It might be."

You shake your head. "I would like to go flying with you, yes."

He relaxes a bit and sags his shoulders. "Oh. Okay, great. Ah. Wonderful."

You nod, not letting your face betray any emotion. "Though I do have some prior engagements to attend to first."

"Sure," he says. "Hey, just . . . Com me whenever you're ready, okay?"

You nod again.

"I ah . . . I also apologized . . . To Zepal."

You peak an eyebrow, "Oh? And how did that go?"

He grins, "Not well. I mean, she accepted it, but . . . I think she still hates my guts. Maybe she won't shoot me in the back though." he pauses. "Do uh . . . Do I owe you an apology, Admiral- Alana?"

You resist the urge to cast a look around for anyone who may be listening in.


>Yes
>No
>What would be the point?
>write in

>>2809048
>Wow, Its surprising to see you even losing your steel for once over this. Its all good.

>>2809048
Yes, you owe me an apology for making me guzzle that awful substance they call a drink.

>>2809048
>>Yes
Yeah you owe me an apology for fucking me

>>2809048
>what would be the point?

>>2809048
>What would be the point?

>>2809051
>>2809061
>>2809068
>>2809075
>>2809090

>Writing

Can we have War of the Roses back soon please?

>>2809095
we dont speak of that anon

>>2809100
Spooky Girl was garbage that should have died when the first QM dropped it. It only got in the way of the good quest.

>>2809095
I liked War of the Roses

>>2809111
I didn't like spooky girl, but it's good for TK to have variety

You cross your arms. "An apology?"

He looks hesitant but nods again.

"I have to admit, it's surprising to see someone like you lose their mettle over this."

"Well . . . Uh, ma'am-"

"I would like an apology for the swill I drank at that place. I'm not convinced that wasn't surplus coolant, truth be told."

"I-"

"And I would-" you now take a glance to ensure you are alone. "Like an apology for what happened after that as well."

He looks bewildered. "Ma'am-"

You hold up a finger. "Really though? An apology, captain? What would be the point? When have apologies ever changed anything?"

Vells blinks, "Is that really how you feel about it, ma'am?"

You wait a beat and sigh, "Ask me again another day, Captain. We all make rash decisions. I'd say that qualifies as one."

He doesn't react much, "Yes, ma'am."

"Will there be anything further?"

"No. No, ma'am."

You nod and turn away, you have a shuttle to catch.

(1/2)

The boarding ramp lowers painfully slowly and admits you into the orbital platform's docking bay revealing a tableau of activity. It's more industrial than a commercial port and everywhere are towering stacks of crates, palettes, and canisters. At one end you see the source of your nervous fear, your father, Aldon Tyrna.

He wears a solid black tunic, unmarked by any rank or insignia with his face just as unreadable. You wouldn't know him from an exceptionally stone-faced office clerk if it weren't for the pair of Death Troopers flanking him.

You keep your own facial expressions under control as you approach, feeling some alarm when you note that he looks even older than the last time you'd seen him, the lines of his face were deeper, harsher.

He speaks first. "Hello, Alana."

"Hello father. You didn't need to meet me here, I know how busy you are."

"You think I don't have time for my own daughter?" The question is asked plainly and you're not sure if it's a trap or not.

"I know the Imperial government must be just as busy as we are."

The faintest hint of a smile flickers across his face. "Yes. The bureaucracy never sleeps. I still find time to. I hope you do as well."

You relax fractionally. "When I can. I saw the construction on the way in, the fleets. Your work?"

"Yes. My responsibility anyway. 9th and 10th fleet i think, minus whatever we need to fill out your own fleet."

The two of you begin walking together slowly, pacing along the edge of the hangar bay with the two Death Troopers following silently behind.

"You've done quite well for yourself, Alana." Rare praise from your father. "I never wanted a military career for you. I've seen too many lives throne away on such things during the Clone Wars to want that for my daughter but . . . you have served your Empire admirably."

"Th-thank you, father," you feel a swelling of pride.

"Admiral is nothing to scoff at. I do hope though that soon after you've proven yourself you can consider a career in in the bureaucracy. It may not be glamorous, but I think you'll find enjoyment in it."

You nod non-committal. You really aren't sure that's the path you want to pursue.

"What brings you to Byss anyhow?"

"The fleet was redeployed," you explain, like it should be obvious.

"I've heard you've requested some shore leave. Did you have plans?"


>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.
>I was planning on visiting with you and mother
>Just taking some time to myself
>Write in

>>2809122
>>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.
>I was planning on visiting with you and mother

>>2809122
>>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.

>>2809122

>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.
>I was gonna visit you guys later

>>2809122
>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.
Let's tell him about how hard the Inquisitor is going to inquisition us.

>>2809122
>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.
>I was gonna visit you guys later

>>2809095
>>2809112
>War of the Roses
Not until Dark Empire is done. I Got burned out running both at once and they both suffered for it.

>Spooky Girl was garbage that should have died when the first QM dropped it. It only got in the way of the good quest.
Just as an FYI: I never put any quest on the back burner for SGQ. If anything, SGQ gave me the break from Dark Empire I needed to keep it going.

I promise that it did not limit your sessions at all.

>>I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge.
>I was planning on visiting with you and mother

>writing

>>2809150
>SGQ gave me the break from Dark Empire
So you did limit sessions to run Shitty Girl quest?

>>2809164
>bullying the qm
LOL

>>2809164
>So you did limit sessions to run Shitty Girl quest?

>>2809150
>I never put any quest on the back burner for SGQ. If anything, SGQ gave me the break from Dark Empire I needed to keep it going.
>I promise that it did not limit your sessions at all.
kthx

"Actually," you say, "I have an engagement with Grand Inquisitor Amenge."

"Amenge?" Your father says, lip curled in distaste.

You are surprised by your father's reaction, but forge ahead. "I was planning on visiting with you and mother as well."

"Please, don't patronize me. Whether or not you stop by every few months is inconsequential. Tell me, why business do you have with Amenge?"

You hesitate a moment. "It's a social visit. I was unaware he is a Byssian as well. We met briefly at Da Soocha."

Your father shakes his head, "Alana, I-" he stops and looks uncertain, not an emotion you're used to associating with your father. "I'd ask you not to get close to Amenge."

"Not get close?" You repeat the words. "May I ask why?"

The question seems to take your father by surprise. He blinks once or twice and then flashes a stern look at his two body guards. The Death Troopers turn on heel and walk away from him until they are well out of earshot. "Alana, he's a Dark Sider."

"So?" Now you're truly confused.

"Have you spent any time with Dark Siders?"

You shake your head, "Not aside from the Komissars on my ships." And a run in with Brakiss, but you'd sooner forget that.

"They aren’t like you or I Alana. They are only concerned with power and themselves."

"But the Emperor is-"

"The Emperor isn't my concern, you are." Your father looks genuinely worried like you'd never seen him before.

"Has The Grand Inquisitor done something?" You know that frequently backroom politicking dominated the upper echelons of the government, perhaps your father had designs on Amenge that would make the two enemies.

Frustration mars your father's features, "Amenge hasn't done anything. I'd just prefer you weren't involved with him. Now please, I won't ask you again."


>You're being ridiculous. I won't promise any such thing
>I'll be careful, father.
>If you insist, I'll try to limit my involvement with him.
>Write in

>>2809195
>You're being ridiculous. I won't promise any such thing
You're just making me more curious pops

>>2809195
>If you insist, I'll try to limit my involvement with him but know I cannot just stand somebody up like that if I made plans already.

>>2809195
>>I'll be careful, father.

>>2809195
>>I'll be careful, father.
I'll use this visit to pad decide, and try not to think too much, just in case

>>2809195
>>I'll be careful, father.
NOW I'm excited

>>2809199
>>2809200
>>2809203
>>2809204
>>2809206

>writing

"I'll be careful, father," you say, startled. "But you're making me curious about-"

"No," he interrupts, "Don't be curious." he then sighs. "I'm not trying to frighten you Alana but . . . I've seen what happens to the people who get close to them. Just remember what I've said. Please?"

"I've already confirmed plans with him so I cannot simply stand him up. But I promise I'll be careful."

He nods once, apparently satisfied. "Don't think about this too much." He lifts a hand and beckons his guards back over. "Think about other things."

As if it were that easy now.

"If you do decide to come visit your mother and I, let me know beforehand. No surprise visits with Duchess this time?"

You smile a bit, "Not this time."


***

On Imperial Center, the world still known by many as Coruscant, you are Emperor Palpatine. You're regularly forced to attend an endless procession of meetings and briefings on the state of your growing Empire and the steps necessary to safeguard it. You most recently heard back from Director of Intelligence Ysanne Isard that contact with Lady Santhe of the Tion Cluster has not be reestablished since the death of the Consortium's leader brought an end to organized resistance in that corner of the galaxy.

You're hardly surprised once you receive your military briefing from Grand Admiral Zahn.

"Two combat fleets," he is saying, indicating lines on a map, "Of Thrawn's faction sighted entering the Tion Cluster and Corporate Sector. Centers of power in the old Consortium."

"So his target was the Consortium?" you ask.

Zahn gives you a grim smile. "It appears so. It's fortunate that we did not execute any pre-emptive strikes."

You ignore the obvious jab at Isard, the petty squabbling of your subordinates does not interest you. "And our own attack?"

Zahn seamlessly goes back to business mode. "The Slice is mostly secured, Highness, the Hutts haven't interfered and we've been mopping up what resistance we find. We've managed to secure a number of prize ships that are being sent home to be re-crewed but Admiral Oxtroe is running ragged without reinforcement. It will be difficult for her to make good progress against the Consortium remnants, especially with Thrawn bearing down on them."

You stare blankly at Zahn, willing him to get to the point.

"To that end, I'd request we take Admiral Yazz's force off standby for Core defense and instead dispatch him to the Slice to reinforce Oxtroe, as per my original suggestion."

>Yazz will remain on defensive standby until I am certain of Thrawn's intentions
>Very well, Yazz will reinforce Oxtroe
>write in

>>2809263
>>write in
Can we get a call with Thrawn before we make this decision? See if we can gauge his reaction

>>2809263
>Give a quick read of the future
>Lets just deploy them.

>>2809270
A call with Thrawn is possible if other Anons agree

>>2809271
Is that a vote to deploy Yazz to attack the Consortium?

>>2809263
>>Very well, Yazz will reinforce Oxtroe

>>2809271
>>2809324

>writing

>>2809323
Yes

You close your eyes and reach out across space and time, seeking the future. You're disappointed, but not surprised by its lack of clarity. You see war and death, suffering on a vast scale, treachery and intrigue, but you don't see the fate of your Empire, or of Thrawn.

You open your eyes, "Grand Admiral, deploy the fleet. Admiral Yazz will reinforce Admiral Oxtroe's attack so we can capitalize on her advanced."

"Yes, Highness," Zahn bows.

"See to it."

The hologram of Grand Admiral Zahn has only just started to disappear when your doors admit a visitor past your towering Sentinel guards, this one flesh and blood. Mostly.

Darth Cythera, once known as Mara Jade, your current apprentice, marches swiftly to the foot of your throne before taking a knee.

"Arise, Lord Cythera. What is it?" you can sense her troubled mind, "You've received my orders?"

"You've asked me to remain about Tarkin and be vigilant for a Jedi attack," she replies.

"And you disagree?"

"Master, my place is at your side. If the Jedi are coming- if Skywalker is coming-"

You raise a hand to silence her. "You want to prove yourself against Skywalker, yes?"

"Yes." She sounds almost ashamed.

"Have patience. Your time will come. The task I have given you is an important one. I require my flagship to be kept safe. I trust no one more than you with that task."

Cythera looks unsold. "Yes, Master. But . . . The Rebels- the Jedi acting with such impunity . . . " she grits her teeth. "Master, Director Isard failed to locate the rebels. But I won't. You trusted Vader with a task force to destroy them . . . Let me destroy them master. After this attack, give me ships and I will chase the Jedi to the ends of the Galaxy and see their kind wiped out once and for all."


>You will have your task force, Lord Cythera
>I will create a task force, but I have other uses for you
>No task force is necessary
>Write in

>>2809368
>You will have your task force, Lord Cythera

>>2809368
>You will have your task force, Lord Cythera, after the attack on the Palace. If you fail me this last time, there will be grave consequences

>>2809368
>>2809381

>>2809368
>>You will have your task force, Lord Cythera

>>2809368
>>You will have your task force, Lord Cythera

>You will have your task force, Lord Cythera
>>2809377
>>2809387
>>2809389
>>2809381
>>2809382

"You'll have your task force, Lord Cythera. Do this task for me first, protect my flagship, slay the Jedi and you will have what you ask."

"Thank you, Master."

"Make sure you do not fail me."

"I won't."

As she says the words, you know more competent men had made that same promise in the past and hadn't lived up to it. It was fortunate that she was replaceable.

***

The Amenge Estate sits on the edge of Byss's turquoise coastline and you can hardly look away from it as waves crest and crash against the white sands of the beach over and over. Seeing the grounds from the air was one thing, but they were far more impressive when you were walking among them. They reminded you of the finely cultivated gardens of Kuat, making you wonder if Amenge's parents hailed from Kuat nobility. If he were born of a Kuati Telbun it would help explain his good looks.

You make the trip from your shuttle to the house itself alone, glancing back over your shoulder as it lifts off into the clear sky, back for the Imperial Control Sector. The wash from its engines ruffles the edge of your dress momentarily. You'd been requested to come formally dressed and expected a party. Instead, you were seemingly alone here. Ahead of you, the Amenge house rises up, implacably white and wrapped in stone.

Reaching the door you press the call button and are surprised when it immediately opens to reveal an aging butler droid.

"Miss. Your name?"

"Alana Tyrna."

"Is that Admiral Lady Alana Tyrna?" it asks in a nasally whine.

"Yes."

"You are expected. This way please."

You step into the broad expanse of the reception room and follow the clacking droid as it totters across the polished marble floor.

You're halfway across when Vende enters from a side room, closing the door beside himself and smiling at you.

"Hello, Alana." He sweeps his cape to the side and gives a shallow, courtly bow.

"Grand Inquisitor." You return a curtsey out of instinct, having not done something like that since you were practically a child.

"Please. Vende. If we're to become close, we must dispense with such formalities. Besides, Inquisitor is such an ugly title." he motions for you to follow and the two of you match pace leading deeper into the house as the butler buttles off.

"I appreciate you coming, I hope you haven't found it to inconvenient."

"Oh, not at all," you reply. "It's my pleasure." You glance at a dusty oil painting on the wall of a stern man who is clearly related in some way to Vende.


>Are you alone here? Where are your parents?
>Is there a reason for the formal attire?
>By chance have you met my father?
>Write in

>>2809443
>Is there a reason for the formal attire?
>Are you alone here? Where are your parents?

>>2809443
>>Is there a reason for the formal attire?

>>2809472
>>2809483

>Writing

You step a bit faster to catch up with Vende. "Are you alone here? Where are your parents."

Vende smiles at you. "Oh, they're around I'm sure. But I don't mind being alone, it can help me focus."

"Also, I wanted to ask," you continue, "What's the reason for the formal attire, if you don't mind me asking."

Vende smiles even broader, "Not at all! I apologize, I should have been more clear. There's a function I'm keen to attend and I'd like you to be my guest."

"A function?" you ask.

"Yes, there's a stage play I'd like to see with you." He taps his forehead with the palm of his hand like a carefully practice gesture for absent mindedness. "Perhaps I should have informed you ahead of time." he stops walking and faces you. "Yes, my droid is preparing a shuttle now. I'd like to invite you to see a play with me. Perhaps we could have dinner afterward, talk in the shuttle."

It's obviously too late to say no, besides a play sounded interesting. "Certainly, what play?"

"It's called 'Tave Kal Kash Trynys'," he half closes his eyes as he recites the alien words.

"I'm not familiar with it," you reply, passing a collection of old tapestries decorated with scenes of battle you don't recognize, though you see two great armies with swords and blades fighting.

"That's not surprising. It's relatively new." He laughs, "In actuality it's quite old. I can explain more on the way."

The two of you emerge onto a landing pad behind the house where you see a small but ornate shuttlecraft being boarded by a droid.

Vende looks at the shuttle and then smiles at you. "I can answer whatever questions you may have on the way. I'd rather not be late."

***

That's my time tonight. Thanks for showing up every body! I appreciate everyone stopping by. I'd wanted to get farther but it took longer to cover the material than I expected. Anyway, next Wednesday we finish the date with Vende probably and handle some other stuff.

Next session is Wednesday 7 EST 11 UTC.

https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

Thanks again!

>>2809526
Thanks for running

>>2809526
Nice run TK.
Things are coming up Milhouse for the Empire it seems. One thing I'm curious on right now though, is how Brakiss is doing with the Solo child

I believe we promised an Alien lady to talk with our father if her species could we allowed to serve. Should we follow on that promise?

Also, good to be cached up.

>>2809526
inb4 getting getting sacrificed at a sith convention

>>2809540
>>2809575
My pleasure!

>>2809575
>Brakiss
That will be shown soon. Brakiss is more supervisor than nanny at the moment. He has droids and underlings for that. The solo child is not a complicated creature right now.

>>2809623
>Selonians
Yes, but the Anons seemed lukewarm on the idea at best, I think they had a chance to bring it up with your father and did not. I'd be curious if others have any thoughts on allowing Selonians or other non-humans to serve in the military.

>>2809670
>Sacrificed
First you want to go on a date with Vende, then you don't want to get sacrificed? Make up your mind, guys.

>>2809890
I honestly wouldn't mind allowing near-humans to serve in the military. There's already something of a basis for it in people like Thrawn and Hissa and the many alieans serving as Dark Siders.

>>2809526
>Tave Kal Kash Trynys'
The [unable to decipher] Is Yellow?

You've lost me on the kal part TK. I do love a good sith play though.

>>2810342
In a more bureaucratic side of things., we could perhaps imitate Rome. If a near human passes 20+ years of military service, it gains regular citizenship. Not near humans could, optionally because this might be too alien friendly, get the same deal to get near human status, but can't advance further.

File: ani ani bobani.jpg (56 KB, 622x622)

56 KB JPG

>>2809890
>Every single time you run a session I miss it by a day or more
why am I like this
I don't think the person we promised selonian military service to had any kind of power if I'm recalling correctly... so we could just not do it.
Also, do the rebels know it was Alana who was responsible for the capture of the child and the death of a smelly rug Chewbacca? I could see some retaliatory action coming at her personally in the near future if they do...

>>2810342
Perhaps we can start by allowing "most trustworthy" near human races to have their own planetary defence force like the bothans have (though they are not trusted) and let them serve in auxiliary capacity, and from there integrate them into our own forces. And ofcourse if we identify any "most loyal" near humans there shouldn't be an issue with integrating them long term directly.
It also depends on what we mean by near humans. Arkanians? No probably, dudes are basicly just super intelligent and dickish humans. Zabraks? Togruta? Twi'lek? More risky.

...Can we send an emissary to the chiss ascendancy? Or think about infiltrating the Empire of the hand? Would be a good way to strike at Thrawn from the rear and force him back into our fold

>>2810353
>Translation
Sort of close! The translation I have is kind of wonky and doesn't untranslate right.

>>2810362
Correct, the Selonian was just a delegate from a Seolnian clan or family, no real power.

>Rebels
They know she was leading the attack but tey don't blame her personally any more than any other Imperial leader. Veers wasn't blamed for Hoth for example. Alana is a part of the machien to them.

>>2810366
>Auxillary
The Bothawui Protectorate operates this way currently. It's possible to implement it on a planetary scale as well.

>Empire of the Hand
I'm fuzzy on this in Legends but I think this would be unknown to Palpatine, I think it was a purely thrawn endeavor. I believe the Chiss are similarly poorly understood. So far as Palpatine is aware Thrawn is one of their outcasts.

Don't forget that in the DE timeline Thrawn shares power with the Pentastar alignment

>>2810374
>I'm fuzzy on this in Legends but I think this would be unknown to Palpatine, I think it was a purely thrawn endeavor. I believe the Chiss are similarly poorly understood. So far as Palpatine is aware Thrawn is one of their outcasts.
Hmm, I guess that is right, though it was Palpatine himself who funnelled troops and resources into Thrawns unknown regions activities, so he would know there are considerable military assets there that are not in the pentastar and could be taken advantage of in some form. He would atleast have up to date maps of Thrawns ventures up to the battle of Endor. Something to consider.
>translation
yeah, fair enough, guessed it was not a literal one. I await the reveal eagerly and all that

>>2810374
Hah, actually, it just occurred to me TK. Kal’evos means Emperor, so, if Kal is shortened for Emperor or King/Ruler… The Emperor Is Yellow… or, differently phrased. The Emperor in Yellow. As in, the Lovecraft play, The King in Yellow. Rather fitting for a sith play. That’s my final guess.

>>2810426
>The King In Yellow
Ding ding ding. We have a winner.

>>2810426
>>2810426
>Lovecraft play

reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

It was written by Robert W. Chambers and published when Lovecraft was a 5 year old. A collection of short stories, some of which mentioned a fictional play with the same title.

Lovecraft just threw in a few references to it in his work bc he was a fanboy of it (and Chambers was a huge influence on his style). Kind of like how people now throw in references to Lovecraft's stuff bc they're fanboys of him.

I forgive you for this mistake bc this isn't /lit/, tho I hope you give Chambers' book a read as it really is quite good. (He later ditched the genre and wrote lower quality stuff for the pleb $$$$, a fact which made Lovecraft incredibly butthurt about what a waste it was)

>>2812552
oh, cool anon. I must have gotten it mixed up, thought it was mentioned by lovecraft first and then expanded by Robert W chambers. I am in no way a buff of the mythos besides having read Delta Green.

Vende’s shuttle was just as ostentatious as you’d imagined it would be. Wood paneling with gold inlay and a small drink station inset between two chairs. The passenger cabin lacked access to the cockpit as his droid would be flying, but it did have two bubble windows on either side that gave a splendid view of the Byss countryside as you flew.

Once seated in the shuttle, you brush away perceived imperfections in your dress, nearly invisible wrinkles on its black surface. You felt a little naked out of uniform, but it was also nice to step away from the military for a moment. Wearing dresses like this always put you in mind of your youth here on Byss. You hadn’t wanted to overdress but did your best to imitate what you remembered from childhood up to and including a pair of black, elbow-length gloves. All the better if you were to be attending an actual play.

Amenge is likewise dressed for the occasion, well-polished knee-high boots, a black tunic and a red cape. You can see the glint of a silver lightsaber handled clipped to his belt and feel a small, nervous chill. You’d never seen one drawn in anger and weren’t sure you wanted to. You note that small glyphs or runes mark the handle though they are completely foreign to you.

His hair is light, long, and swept back neatly, not a stand out of place. He’s good looking, his features not as rough as Vells and containing just a hint of boyishness, but they are placid, calm, and smooth. His eyes seem somehow alive though, as if a fire burns behind those blue pools.

“This play,” you say, “What is it about?”

Amenge smiles knowingly at you. “That’s a bit harder to explain. It will perhaps be better if you see it.” He pauses and seems to mentally collect a bit more information. “It’s an ancient Sith play. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

As he looks away, back out the portside window you marvel again at how he seems so familiar to you, but you somehow can’t place him specifically. Amenge had told you he’d seen you before, as both of you were the children of high-ranking Byss bureaucrats and aristocrats to boot, you’d probably attended many of the same functions.


You had a lot of suitors in those days, other young boys foisted upon you by their parents, desperate to secure strong connections with your father, Minister Tyrna, but you don’t recall Amenge being among them.

His parents you do recall. Dour, stand-offish and dark. You recall his mother was a low-level Kuati noble and his father some sort of big figure in the tax bureau. You don’t think Vende got his good looks from either of them, instead you think Telbun was likely a surrogate parent for him.


>I’m sorry I didn’t get to see your parents before we left
>How is it I remember you so clearly if we’ve never spoken?
>You seem to have a strong interest in the Sith
>What can you tell me about the Force? What is it like?
>What happened to the Solo child we captured?
>Write in

>>2828426
>I’m sorry I didn’t get to see your parents before we left
>How is it I remember you so clearly if we’ve never spoken?

>>2828426
>>I’m sorry I didn’t get to see your parents before we left
>>How is it I remember you so clearly if we’ve never spoken?
>How does it feel like, to be attuned to the Force?

>>2828426

>How is it I remember you so clearly if we’ve never spoken?
>How does it feel like, to be attuned to the Force?

>>2828426
>I’m sorry I didn’t get to see your parents before we left
>How is it I remember you so clearly if we’ve never spoken?
>How does it feel like, to be attuned to the Force?

>>2828432
>>2828435
>>2828437
>>2828465

>All this
>Writing

"I'm sorry we didn't get to see your parents before we left," you say.

Vende gives you a cold smile, one that doesn't reach his eyes.

“You didn’t miss much. I think it’s better this way. They were inconvenient at best. Besides, would you really want to spend time with your parents if I were visiting?”

You’re not sure if he plucked that knowledge from your head or made an educated guess about your relationship with your father and mother. "No. I suppose not. Still, it might have been nice to say hello."

He nods in a non-committal way.

"Tell me something, how is it that I remember you so clearly if we've never spoken before?"

He laughs softly at your question, this time the smile is genuine, “It’s a bit embarrassing really." he scratches his nose absently and pauses to look out the viewport. "When I first saw you I was really rather smitten with you."

At his admission you catch color rising slightly in your cheeks. You've always known people have been attracted to you, but still, to hear it put so frankly is startling.

"I expect you caught me looking at you just one too many times when we were younger." he chuckles again "I never was able to speak with you. Until now anyway." he seems to return to the present and looks over to you, his face lined with concern. "I hope that doesn’t make you uncomfortable or seem strange.”

"No!" you answer, perhaps too quickly, "Not at all. It's . . . Sort of refreshing to hear it put so honestly."

This elicits another smile from him.

(1/2)

"You've been honest with me, I’d like to be honest with you," you continue. "I've always been curious about the force."

"Have you?" Vende's interest is clearly piqued.

You nod. "What does it feel like to be attuned to the force?"

Vende studies you a moment. “I became aware of my connection when I was a child. Very young," he begins. "It was rather frightening at first. Imagine . . .” he pauses to think. “Imagine you're lying in the dark. Utterly alone and utterly blind. Fearful. Terrified of what might be there that you can't see. Powerless. Trapped."

You shiver as he continues.

"In my experience, it'd felt like I'd been lying in the dark with my eyes squeezed closed tight until one moment I realized: they're not closed. They're opened and you can see everything." He smiles at the memory. "In that moment, you're not afraid anymore because the darkness is yours."

He fixes you with his gaze again, eyes half-lidded. "It might have felt like the first time you went flying, Alana. You were terrified to take the control yolk from your instructor. So scared."

Your blood runs cold when you realize he's describing one of your memories, your past.

"But the moment you seized control you realize that what you held was power. It was freedom."

He again returns to reality and beams at you. "Nothing to be frightened of."


>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>How young were you when you began training?
>It sounds wonderful
>That sounds awful
>write in

>>2828522

>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>How young were you when you began training?

>>2828522
>>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>>It sounds wonderful

>>2828522
>>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>It sounds wonderful

>>2828522
>>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>>It sounds wonderful

>>2828522

>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>It sounds wonderful
+
>The difference having that connection would make to an Admiral... I can only imagine.

>>2828550
I like that addition

>I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission
>It sounds wonderful

+

>Write in

>>2828550
>>2828535
>>2828533
>>2828532

>writing

File: Spoiler Image (140 KB, 996x699)

140 KB JPG

You wring your hands uncomfortably, "I'd prefer you didn't read my thoughts like that without my permission."

Vende stares a moment. "No. I suppose that isn't fair to you." He exhales, "It's a gift. A useful one in my line of work. I'm not used to people asking me to stop so politely."

You imagine that quite a lot of them beg him to stop instead. You have a hard time reconciling the quiet man before you as the fearsome Grand Inquisitor of the Empire. "Thank you. But, the Force sounds wonderful."

Vende shrugs. "Wonderful? Perhaps. It's quite useful for getting what I want. And getting what you want out of life is a powerful thing."

"The difference having that connection would make to an Admiral . . . I can only imagine."

"Oh yes! There have been quite a few Force sensitives and Sith who have become masterful tacticians and leaders. Naga Sadow comes to mind. His invasion of the Republic- he very nearly succeeded in establishing a galactic Empire like we've done. Like we will do again."

You'd only heard about the war in passing, History wasn't a required course in the Academy, only a small primer on the history of the Empire.

Soon enough the shuttle enters the densely urbanized Imperial Control Sector of the planet, a tangled sprawl of spires and bustling complexes that surrounds the towering freight complex and Citadel.

Instead of going there, the shuttle banks through the urban canyons to a bulbous theater house, one of the largest you’ve ever seen where Amenge’s shuttle becomes one of hundreds flitting around the building.

After the craft lands, you and Vende debark carefully and follow a waiting protocol droid into the theater itself.

The building is cavernous and huge, packed to the brim with all manner of Byss elites. You see Imperial uniforms of the Army, Navy, Stormtrooper corps and Intelligence services. You see elegant dresses, flashy costumes, and all manner of suits.

(1/2)

“This way please,” the droid quietly purrs, motioning an arm to a side staircase leading to the box seats. You follow your usher until you and Vende enter a private booth in a box overlooking the stage. Within minutes, the house lights go down, the crowd hushes, and you find your eyes glued to the stage.

A man strides out center stage, grinning wildly and wearing anachronistic garb that you can’t quite place. Clearly he plays the part of an actor or narrator.

"Gentlemen, ladies, greetings to you.” the Narrator begins, looking over the audience. “Here sit gathered a most illustrious collection of men and women of the Empire and it is to them that this play is dedicated. Before we begin, I should first like to welcome the chief architect and sponsor of this production, the Grand Inquisitor, Lord Vende Amenge and his companion, the lovely and fearsome Admiral Alana Tyrna, Baroness!" He gestures grandly up to your booth and you feel mild embarrassment at the applause directed your way, as well as the smattering of laughter at your introduction as 'fearsome'.

Vende gives you an amused, if sympathetic look of support but says nothing else. You’re too surprised by the revelation that he is ‘the architect’ of this particular play to say anything.

A few other nobles are announced and then the play begins with a broad saffron curtain descending across the stage, leaving only the narrator visible in front of it. The lights are further lowered and the stage is cast in shadow.

"Among the flotsam and jetsam of the galaxy lies a world that orbits twin suns. Carcosa. Gilded in glittering lakes and blustering seas that ring its surface. Lost Carcoasa. Dim Carcosa." The Narrator casts a furtive glance around the vast and abyssaly black theater. "Strange is the night where the black stars rise, and strange moons circle through the skies on distant and ancient Carcosa." The narrator falls silent and his words die in the darkness around him and you realize he is now lit only by a single spotlight, leaving a strange and ominous circle of yellow visible behind him. "Our story begins on the shores of the Lake of Hali in the fog-cloaked city of Hastur." Behind him, the curtain whispers and begins to rise, revealing a minimalist city of obelisks and pyramids fashioned from plain stone, "Tonight, the Carcosan Lords have gathered together along with their sons and daughters to hold an elegant masquerade ball."

Vende seems interested in the play, but you notice that he steals glances at you.

> You wrote this play?
>Offer him your hand to hold
>Watch the play
>Write in

>>2828606
>> You wrote this play?
>>Offer him your hand to hold
>>Watch the play
Is this supposed to be a tragedy or a comedy?

>>2828614
>Is this supposed to be a tragedy or a comedy?
Yes

>>2828606
>You wrote this play?
>>Offer him your hand to hold
Degenerate noises

>>2828615
So both?

>>2828623
It's actually a tragedy.

>>2828606
>> You wrote this play?
>>Offer him your hand to hold
>>Watch the play

Im getting a little bit of a Yandere vibe from Amenge

>>2828625
tragedy of dark plaque the smart

>>2828606
>> You wrote this play?
>>Offer him your hand to hold
>>Watch the play

> You wrote this play?
>Offer him your hand to hold

>>2828614
>>2828621
>>2828626
>>2828638


>Writing

You disgusting degenerates

>>2828646
>50 Darkside points

You lean and whisper into his ear. "You wrote this play?"

Vende smiles, not looking away from the stage. "In a way. Truthfully I translated it from some fragments in the Imperial archives, various archeological sources. I compiled the translations and filled the gaps. Its true author is long dead, I am merely returning it to the galaxy. You know, we'll soon be living in a cultural golden age. Every day we make new discoveries about our past and find that it's still relevant today. It's a Sith cultural renaissance."

You didn't know anything about a renaissance, but the play seems decent so far. You watch the colorful Carcosan Lords fill the stage in preparation for the party. You extend your hand to Vende, palm up, fingers splayed and see him react instantly, laying his palm on yours and intertwining fingers.

He doesn't look at you but his lip curls in a smile.

The masquerade ball is elaborate and stunning with all the alien beauty of this world on display. Even as the ominous Stranger arrives and makes his way through the crowd you get a sense of excitement for the pageantry here.

It makes you miss your youth, before the academy. You were never much for being a wall flower or a debutante, but it had its charms as well. It was hard to imagine Vende as a teenager watching you from afar without the courage to say something to you. At least when compared to how calm and self-assured he seems now.

Even so, you suppose that was a decade ago, long enough that people can change. You tighten your hand on his and feel his fingers press into you in return.

On the stage, the Stranger is approached by the two leads, the brave and stoic Cassilda and her bubblier companion Camilla.

“You sir, should unmask,” Camilla advises the Stranger, a polite smile fixed on her face even while staring up into the terrible, oddly twitching, silken veil.

“Indeed?” the Stranger asks, his voice altered somehow to sound less than human, but somehow more.

Now Cassilda speaks up, clearly tired of the strangeness of his charade, “Indeed it’s time.” She casts a look about the stage at the other actors, all keeping a wary distance from the Stranger. “We have all laid aside disguise but you.”

A painful silence descends on the stage, so long that you worry someone has forgotten their lines. The Stranger turns his horrible gaze to Cassilda with deliberate slowness. “I wear no mask.”

Camilla starts and looks aside to Cassilda, clutching her arm for support and safety. “No mask? No mask!”

Cassilda draws and ignites her lightsaber and a flash of blue lights the stage.

As the chaos unfolds below, you’re reminded of Amenge’s own position. You can still seem his lightsaber, clear and in the open.

>How was it the Empire discovered your abilities?
>Have you ever had to use your lightsaber in battle?
>Watch the play
>Write in

>>2828687
>How was it the Empire discovered your abilities?

>>2828687
>>Have you ever had to use your lightsaber in battle?
>>Watch the play

>>2828687
>>How was it the Empire discovered your abilities?
>>Watch the play

>>2828687
>How was it the Empire discovered your abilities?
>Watch the play

>How was it the Empire discovered your abilities?
>Watch the play

>>2828696
>>2828702
>>2828707

>Writing

"How was it that the Empire discovered your abilities?" you ask.

His smile falters for a moment. "When I was young," he says. "I realized I could see what others could not and I knew there was something special about me. Something that my parents couldn't or wouldn't understand. There was . . . An incident that brought my abilities into the public eye. Once the Emperor knew of my existence I was brought to train with them. I studied under Sly Moore, Vader, the Emperor-"

"You trained under Vader?" You blurt.

"Yes. Fencing." he says the word like it's an insult. "If it can be called that."

"And the Emperor?"

"He took a special interest in me. I believe my interests in archeology and Sith history impressed him. I did extensive work on the archeological digs on Prakith. I also served the Inquisition in tracking down and recruiting rogue Force sensitives."

He looks at you, smile returning. "I always preferred the digs."


>What sort of incident was it that outed you?
>You don't enjoy being part of the Inquisition?
>What was Vader like?
>What is the Emperor like?
>Write in

>>2828744
>>What is the Emperor like?
>What was Vader like?

>>2828744
>>You don't enjoy being part of the Inquisition?
>What is the Emperor like?

>>2828744
>What is the Emperor like?

>>2828744
>What is the Emperor like?

>>2828744
>>What is the Emperor like?

>What is the Emperor like?

>writing

>>2828744
>>What is the Emperor like?
>>"My last campaign took my fleet to Russan. Maybe one day you'll be able to have a Dig there now that it's been reconquered"

>>2828812
Witnessed

File: image.jpg (92 KB, 1280x720)

92 KB JPG

>>2828814

"My last campaign took me to Ruusan. My Komissar told me that it was some kind of legendary battle ground. Now that it's ours maybe you'll be able to dig there."

Vende looks away from the play on stage to you. "Ruusan? Oh yes. That would be quite a find. Perhaps once everything's calmed down I could go there. I have too much to do here right now."

"I have to ask, what was the Emperor like?" you ask, unable to conceal the awe in your voice.

"He's . . . Very self-assured. I have never seen someone with so much confidence. I envy him. He never fears a decision or its ramifications. His powers of foresight are incredible."

You listen to his description breathlessly.

"He's a remarkable man," Vende says in closing before turning his attention back to the play where the King in Yellow stands revealed at last and the first act comes to a close in grand fashion.

Cassilda's prowess with her lightsaber counts for nothing when she and Camilla finally lay prostrate before the dread King in Yellow, his tattered canary yellow robes flowing in an unfelt breeze, his features obscured by his pallid mask.

A small chill runs down your spine at Camilla's tearful cries of "Not upon us, oh King! Not upon us!" while Cassilda is held aloft through an invisible force beside her.

The second act though is much harder to follow and is something of a blur to you. You keep pace through a few of the scenes, but particularly the sequence in the Lake of Souls and the Waltz of the Unveiled King leave you a little shaken.

A sidelong glance at Vende reveals no such discomfort and he watches the events unfold with a slack, satisfied smile, his eyes glittering at the conclusion. After the mad trek across the frozen plateau of Leng the blood-soaked stage is darkened again, that baleful yellow curtain descending leaving only the Narrator, a grim smile on his face as he recounts dutifully the ultimate fate of Carcosa.

"As the double suns drop out of reach, dusk creeps unto Carcosa, long and endlessly deep. Night arises and ghastly white stars rise over damned Carcosa. The moons alone witness the silken tatters of the King." The narrator pales as he continues, features trembling subtly. "My soul lies mute, its cords all cut . . . my wailings cease, my mouth sown shut . . . lost as tears in Hali's deeps by dead . . . Carcosa."

A second black curtain drops before the narrator leaving the entire theater in darkness for a single uncomfortable second before the lights come up to the stunned applause of the audience.

"So," Vende says, turning casually to you. "What did you think?"

Truthfully, you barely understood most of it, and what you did understand you found off putting. What a horrible fate to befall a world. Still, something of it sticks with you, turning over in your mind. You normally preferred dumb action stories to this sort of cerebral and surreal horror but . . .


>It was very good!
>It was very different
>It's a little off putting, don't you think?
>Write in

>>2828849
>>It was very different
It's seems so alien to someone like me.

>>2828849
>It was very different

>>2828849
>>It was very different
"Was this a true story?"

>>2828849
>>It was very different
>>It was very good!

>>2828849
>>It was very different

>It was very different
>>2828859
>>2828870
>>2828885

+
>Write ins

>writing

"It was . . . Very different." you say.

Vende nods, face neutral.

"It just seems so alien to someone like me, I have a hard time wrapping my head around it."

"I don't think you're meant to understand it so much as experience it," Vende explains. "It's meant to wash over and through you. It's like inevitability."

You don't like inevitability.

"Is it a true story?"

"You mean is Carcosa real? Does the King in Yellow exist?" he smirks, "I couldn't say. There are so many ruined worlds. None that I know of match Carcosa's description close enough though. If it's real it's unknowably ancient."

The two of you exit the theater in a small current of other guests leaving. Many look to be just as dazes as you, but others seem enthralled and will pause to congratulate or thank Amenge.

"As a young man," Vende explains to you on the walk to the shuttlecraft "I dedicated myself to studying the Sith and their secrets. I knew they were fearsome warriors and bold leaders. Imagine my surprise when I discovered they were poets as well."

"I suppose every society has artistic types," you reply, but the arts normally didn't hold much of your attention. "I'm still impressed you wrote that, or at least translated it."

He nods, "Much of the first act was lost to time, so I had to reconstruct it from what was available. I was able to piece together the second act with some difficulty. Truth be told, I borrowed a few elements from similar play fragments to patch the gaps. I'm afraid I'm not a very creative person when it comes to writing."

"I think that makes two of us," you reply.

"Even so, the Sith and their history are so fascinating to me. I've been collecting their artifacts for . . . almost my whole life now. I'll take anything I can get. I'm fortunate that my position has enabled me to maintain a large collection." He seems to realize who he's talking to and clams up.

Vende stops at the edge of the landing pad and watches shuttles taking to the air.

"I was thinking that you might like to spend some more time with me tonight. There's a restaurant very near here that specializes in local Byss quinine. But I do know you have other duties that compete for your attention."


>I'm sorry, I should return to my fleet
>Dinner sounds lovely
>I think I'd rather see your artifact collection
>Write in

>>2828916
>Dinner sounds lovely

>Quinine

>>2828916
>Dinner sounds lovely

>>2828916
>>Dinner sounds lovely

>>2828917
>>2828918
>>2828922

>Dinner

>Writing

You smile. "Dinner sounds lovely."

Amenge simply smiles back, his eyes hard on yours. "Wonderful. I'll have my droid take us there."

***

I'm out of time for tonight guys. Thanks for playing as always. I meant to get through the Vende date stuff, next game will open with Palpatine and probably focus on him exclusively.

On that note, I have to take next week off to handle some domestic work, but after that I will be back on September 5th at 7 EST, 11 UTC to continue.

I hope everyone is having fun on the Vende date Or at least patiently waiting for the plot.


Thanks again guys! Be sure to follow on Twitter or troll me on the Discord.

https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

>>2828934
Thanks for running TK

>>2828934
Is it possible that Alana actually refused dinner but she got mind tricked into accepting?
And an observation not a critique, you've been slower in writing and updating

>>2828940
Mind tricks only work on the weak minded. And Alana is not weak minded, . . . right?


>Spoiler
I got distracted a few times today and meant to post and didn't hit the damn button. Plus I've found that if I post too rapidly there's long delays before people remember to check for updates.

I'll try to be more diligent about it. I've gotten lazier in my old age.

TK why do you write in sessions instead of 1-2 posts a day most Qms here do?

>>2828939
Thanks for playing! I really do appreciate it.

>>2829242
>Most
I don't know of any major QMs that run this way, but I also don't play them all so . . .

I don't do this for a number of reasons.

1: I've always done it this way
2: I think it allows me to pace things better with an "episodic" style. It's easier to loose interest waiting 24 hours between a "Do you want to hold his hand Y/N?" vote than a weekly session I think.
3: I like to have my free time too and this allows me to separate Quest from life.

But if people really hate the session format for some reason I am willing to consider giving a 1-2 posts a day style a go.

>>2828916
>I'm afraid I'm not a very creative person when it comes to writing."
2meta4me, TK. I suggest Vende makes a play about the King in Blue next... Marko Ragnos