Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Realizing they would never be able to control Mandalore and wanting to make sure no other faction did, the Empire launched the so-called "Great Purge" against the Mandalorians. Some attempted to fight the Imperial effort, but the purge nevertheless led to the near-total genocide of the Mandalorian people. Some Mandalorians, survived the Purge and fled Mandalore, though they scattered across the galaxy.
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Shurijo
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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Shurijo » Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:59 pm

Ravenklaw, moon of Krownest, New Kleyman system, Mandalore sector, Outer Rim Territories
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Assembled on the frigid moon called Ravenklaw, a few dozen warriors have assembled together in wait for mission assignments. Some of them have been on the moon for mere hours, while others have been here for weeks. They are the remnants of the once-great Mandalorian people...

After the near-total genocide of the Mandalorians by the Galactic Empire, the survivors dispersed throughout the galaxy. Since then, Lady Bo-Katan, the once Regent of Mandalore and wielder of the Dark Saber, and Clan Night Owl traveled in search for the Dark Saber and fellow Mandalorians. They sought to unite the scattered warriors, rebuild Mandalorian society, recover Mandalorian artifacts stolen from their home, and reassemble the Clans.

Some of the assembled warriors are the last living members of their Clan. Others have pledged an oath to restore Mandalore to its rightful place among the greatest civilizations of the galaxy. And others have gathered seeking worthy battles so they may honor their ancestors. While their ancestors may have opposed each other in the Mandalorian civil wars, they have united under a single purpose and calling -- FOR MANDALORE! In their chests, they carry the ever-burning flame of Mandalore and will not allow it to become extinguished.


* * *

With the aid of A'den Karr, last of Clan Mythosaur and Clan Raven's assigned captain, they have been assembled into strike teams. Each strike team given a specific mission and objective that will help return their people to greatness. Some individuals may specialize in black market contacts and information brokering, while others specialize in attacking the Imperial remnants or New Republic forces that stand in their way.

Many have spent the time practicing on the firing ranges set up on the frozen moon, sparring against others in hand-to-hand combat, repairing and improving gear for themselves and others, and making contacts. While they all have different reasons for being here and different ideas of what to do once Mandalore has been restored, they are united under a single goal of restoring Mandalore. Several fights have broken out between these warriors--for their ancestors battled each other and Clan feuds and disagreements are rarely forgotten. A'den Karr has been able to strongarm them into cooperation reminding them that their Clan fights can take continue once they have something to fight over.

Today, A'den Karr has been going over various missions with strike teams. The first few teams have been sent on reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on the movements of the weakened Imperial remnants. While the Galactic Empire has fallen and the New Republic has risen, the supply lines of the Empire continue producing weapons and military supplies which will be useful to the Mandalorian cause.

In addition to A'den Karr's presence, Ursa and Alrich Wren of Clan Wren and Krownest have been seen alongside A'den reviewing missions and speaking to teams. While it isn't unusual for Clan Wren to make an appearance on the moon which orbits their home world of Krownest, rumors have spread that Clan Wren has a special mission selected for one of the strike teams. Many of the warriors continue to resent Clan Wren for actions taken by their daughter, Sabine. Some of these warriors have openly stated they would oppose any mission that might directly benefit Clan Wren.

Within the next hour, A'den Karr, Ursa Wren, and Alrich Wren will be briefing you for your mission.
Welcome to the game! I'm still finalizing character sheets, so there won't be any dice rolling this week. This week will be introductions and just roleplay.

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Othniel
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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Othniel » Fri Jan 15, 2021 2:19 am

Lorn Kesyk stands chatting with a few members of Clan Raven. He has a datapad in hand and seems to be discussing possible upgrades for some of the ships the Mandalorians possess, upgrades that could provide the edge needed in future combat scenarios. His armor is rust brown - painted, not rusted - and he is lightly armed, carrying only a pistol (heavily modified) and a combat knife. Instead of heavier weaponry, he bears a tool belt from which hangs equipment typical of a mechanic or engineer.

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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Bohemond » Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:43 am

Resyr sits at a table, his helmet off, finishing up a meal of gi dumpling soup and haarshun bread. While the outpost would never be mistaken for a luxury hotel, it's location allowed for those with the knowledge to hunt, fish, and trap game in the surrounding wilderness. The Mandalorian figured it was better to get one more respectable meal in before he had to travel on whatever mission was about to be assigned to his cohort. He has also made use of the time to shave his facial hair down to a goatee. Noticing the engineer, he gives Lorn a nod of acknowledgement.

"Any word on this mission?" Resyr says, dipping a piece of bread into the broth.

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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Shurijo » Fri Jan 15, 2021 2:21 pm

Batsu Onyo, a bounty hunter from Shukut, sits at the table alongside Resyr and drinks the last of his Mandallian Narcolethe. The hunter slides his chair out and and begins to stand from the table. Instead of standing, he places his palms down on the table and takes a moment looking Resyr in the eyes.

"Stay clear of whatever Clan Wren wants you to do." He appears nearly ready to spit at the mention of Clan Wren's name. "It's bad enough we're this close to Krowsnest. If it wasn't for Wren, Vizsla, and Saxon bending the knee to the Emperor, we wouldn't be here now." As he speaks, he is interrupted by a shout.

"Batsu! Time to go." Another warrior standing near the door to the hanger bay calls Batsu from his meal.

As he's called, he pushes his chair back under the table and stares hard at Resyr. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Wren brings nothing but dishonor." With his words said, he turns to depart to his mission.


To recap, House Vizsla was one of the more powerful Mandalorian Houses. It contained Clans Vizsla, Wren, and Saxon.

After the Empire removed Bo-Katan from power, the Empire replaced her with Tiber Saxon (and later Gar Saxon). The clans were Imperial vassals who acted as "Imperial Supercommandos."

Additionally, Sabine Wren (Countess Ursa and Alrich's daughter) designed a weapon at the Mandalore Imperial Academy that specifically targeted Beskar and would (essentially) vaporize anyone wearing it, which allowed the Empire to use the weapon in combat with the stormtroopers unaffected and killing all Mandos. It was only used once, but the thought of a Mando designing a weapon that only kills Mandos continues to irk most Mandos. Even though the weapon is now destroyed, it's one of those things some Mandos don't easily forget.

Also, Sabine is 30 years old now as well. Same as as most PCs, so she's a name you'd recognize at least by rumors/stories. Ursa and Alrich Wren (and Bo-Katan and A'den Karr) would be 50+.

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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Muskrat » Fri Jan 15, 2021 6:23 pm

Rayne looks up from a book on military strategy she is reading. She shakes her head and rather wearily says, "It's best to let the past be the past. Clan Nakano was split during the Mandalorian Civil War, but the two sides have reconciled and reunited. Because of that, Clan Nakano still continues strong. If we hadn't been willing to reconcile, who knows where we would be? Certainly much weaker and perhaps extinct. If members of Clan Wren have seen the errors of their past ways, we should welcome them into the movement. Perhaps keep an eye on them, but we're in no position to reject anyone who would support the movement to free Mandalor."

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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Othniel » Sat Jan 16, 2021 5:09 am

"No idea what the mission is," Lorn shakes his head. "Wouldn't mind something a little more exciting than a supply run though. Could use some target practice with the big guns." The pilot pantomimes firing the blaster cannons on a ship.

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Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Shurijo » Sat Jan 16, 2021 2:43 pm

As the group converses, A'den Karr enters the area and walks over to the table. As he takes the seat left behind by Batsu, he takes off his helmet showing a man in his late 50s to early 60s. With numerous scars and a left eye replaced with white glass, his face is rough and tells the stories of many battles. The Mandalorian waits for a long moment sizing up the others before speaking in Mando'a. His words are calm, slow, and steady and his voice is deep.
"[Mando'a]One indomitable heart, Brothers all.
We, the wrath of Mandalore, Brothers all.
And glory, eternal glory,
We shall bear its weight together.
Forged like the saber in the fires of death, Brothers all.

One indomitable heart, Brothers all.
We, the wrath of Mandalore, Brothers all.
"

Rayne Nakano recognizes the words from the ancient Mandalorian war chant called "Brothers All" ("Vode An" in Mando'a). She does notice A'den changed the original lyrics from "the wrath of Coruscant" to the "the wrath of Mandalore." That difference might be specific to his clan or a personal difference of interpretation. In the ancient chant, Coruscant was used because it is the Mandalorians original homeworld before they departed more than twenty-seven thousand ago.

"Since you're the newest group, you've gotten the shortest straw. Before we begin," A'den starts before pausing. The warrior reaches down to his side and pulls out a single-edged blade. The blade, more of a saber than a dagger, has a traditional leather-bound hilt and appears to be forged from beskar iron. "I will put my beskad on the table."

The Mandalorian idiom of "putting your beskads on the table" is an ancient and figurative statement meaning to reveal something that one has kept hidden such as one's motives, intentions, or opinions. Over time, this idiom has had many forms and for Mandalorians, the "beskad" term is usually changed to any weapon while someone from Corellia might use the term "cards". At it's core, it means revealing yourself and being blunt and candid. In this instance, A'den has literally placed his ancient beskad on the table. The key difference with the Mandalorian invocation is the show of weapons which is a sign of non-aggressiveness and respect, with the greater of the warriors the first to give up their weapons.

"You have seen Countess Ursa and Alrich Wren taking part in discussions. There are many strongly held feelings towards Clan Wren. I believe there is a time for the Clans to fight one-another, but now we must fight together. Can you set aside the past to move forward to the future?"

Rayne has Warfare 2, so you recognize the ancient war chant
https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Vode_An

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Re: Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Bohemond » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:10 am

Resyr listens to Batsu's warning as he chews on the bread. He nods slightly as if he is considering the bounty hunter's words. He Batsu is called away, Resyr says, "Happy hunting." He listens as Rayne speaks, again nodding his head but not speaking. Among Clan Shryke, the only reason to care about one's past was to determine how battle-tested they were.

It is Lorn who finally gets Resyr to speak. "Careful. There may be some TIE pilots thinking the exact same thing," he says with a slight grin. There is little time to continue the conversation as A'den Karr enters the room and speaks with them about the impending mission. After the senior warrior finishes, Resyr places his blaster and vibroknife on the table. "Our people can duel once we are free and secure. So, what is the shortest straw?"

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Re: Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Othniel » Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:17 am

"Bah, TIE pilots don't think. They run off programming. Shoddy programming."

Lorn, known to have a low opinion of Imperial pilots, is then obliged to drop the subject as Karr speaks. The technician listens and nods at the end. "I can put that part of our past behind us, but just tell me we get to fry some Imps."

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Re: Chapter 1: A Mandalorian Never Forgets

Post by Muskrat » Mon Jan 18, 2021 7:44 pm

Rayne puts her rifle on the table and says, "Clan Nakano is strong now because we agreed to put the past behind us and forge something new. So, what is our mission? Short straw or not, I am eager to do something. Or are you here to tell us we must stay behind and clean out the septic system?" The final sentence is said completely deadpan.

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