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GM Kestevan 79 Coalition Victory Station Lor time mark 1482.4 [April 2, 2016 (Terran Calender)] The slightly over a year that had passed since the Battle of Kestevan 79 and the defeat of the Communion had seen the former Communion mothership converted into a thriving center of galactic trade and politics. Multiple city sized sections of the former Communion mothership had been converted into living areas, markets and commercial districts, ship yards, industrial facilities, and all the other amenities one would expect of advance spacefaring societies. The station had become a truly cosmopolitan collection of the various galactic civilizations that had made up the Coalition that had defeated the Communion. Within the station there could be found representatives from all the races that made of the former Coalition members, and beyond. While it was not uncommon for tensions to exist between those that had long been enemies, those feeling were somewhat offset by the promise that the station represented, when those former enemies had come together to face a common foe and ensure the survival of all. But today, the normal routine of the vast space station had been disrupted, at least for the organizations aboard with sensor equipment that scanned the area around the station and monitored the traffic at the nearby wormhole which connected the remote system to other parts of the known galaxy. Just a short while ago, a Stellar Khanate cruiser had emerged from the wormhole, quickly causing the many smaller transports that were flying to or from the wormhole to scatter from its path. The Khanate cruiser approached CoVic Station at a steady pace, not making any overtly hostile movements. As best as the many sensors scanning it could tell, the cruiser had not charged any of its many weapons. Then, a transmission was sent from the Khanate cruiser to CoVic Station, focused on the channels used by the various governmental embassies, the station peacekeepers and administrators, and the Praetorians. "Greetings, I am Ambassador Draan Raal of the Stellar Khanate." Stated a stern and confident Zultasian noble in GalStandard. "I am here on behalf of the great Kinan Khan and request an audience with the ambassadors of the Lor Republic, Grue Unity and other governments that made up the Coalition Council which have official embassies aboard Coalition Victory Station."

Kestevan 79 Coalition Victory Station Lor time mark 1421.1 [February 3, 2016 (Terran Calendar)] Amara Val-Ren stood in the center of the command center looking at the massive holographic display that floated in the air above the table around which she was gathered along with Elite and Traveller. The hologram was a detailed map of the Lor Republic and the surrounding parsecs, many of which contained systems and worlds which had accepted assistance from the Praetorians. Intermixed with the representations of the multitude of systems and stellar anomalies were markers providing information on incidents warranting the Praetorians' attention. There were far too many of those markers in Amara's opinion. Although a group of Praetorians (including Amara, Traveller and Cavalier) and Star Knights had managed to follow a group of Spectrum Knights back to their base of operations, capturing a number of their leaders, the Spectrum Knights that had escaped were continuing to spread the chaos and destruction across the galaxy. In addition, new Spectrum Knights continued to appear nearly every standard Lor week. Although most of those chosen as hosts were unstable individuals and not able to fully utilize the potential of their armor, the damage they still caused before being stopped was great. While the combined efforts of the Lor Star Navy, the Praetorians, the Star Knights, and various freelance bounty hunters had drastically reduced the pirate activity that had spiked following the Incursion, there were still shipping lanes along the edge of the Republic that were regularly targeted by pirates. This was particularly true along the unclaimed expanse that lay between the Republic and the remains of the Stellar Khanate, where there were ample locations for pirate ships to dock without too many questions being asked. The Stellar Khanate presented another set of challenges. A number of systems that had broken away from the Khanate had begun to form formal ties with the Republic, and in many cases looking to the Praetorians for aide. And there was much for them to be concerned about. A handful of Star Khan's senior officials that had survived the Incursion had declared themselves rulers of a section of the Khanate and begun trying to expand their areas of influence. The rogue Boran known at Sovereign had led a group of former pirates he had brought under his command during the Incursion and taken control over an area of the former Khanate. While a group of Praetorians had halted his attempts to expand into a number of free systems along the unclaimed expanse, it was doubtful Sovereign had lost his desire to continue expanding his domain. Star Khan himself was still at large somewhere, although what his condition might be was questionable. When he had been rescued from a Lor prison transport, the former conqueror had been in a coma, his body ravaged by the failure of the many implants the Communion had installed in place of so much of his organic parts. There were reports of loyal Khanate forces gathering in large numbers in the central systems of what remained of the Khanate, but accurate information was hard to come by. Another increasing concern for Amara was the Praetorians' relations with the Lor Star Navy. While the Republic civilian government and many in the Lor military (particularly those that worked directly with the Praetorians during the Incursion) were still supportive of the Praetorians, the Star Navy hierarchy and number of star ship commanders were beginning to act more distant. There had even been some disputes over the Praetorians' authority to operate in certain Republic systems. "It would seem we are little closer to helping establish any lasting peace than we were when the Incursion ended." Amara commented to the other two women with her. Among the surviving original Praetorians, the Naram relied heavily on the guidance and assistance of Elite and Traveller as the team had taken on its new role. "Did my brother and the other Imperators have to deal with this many problems and I just never realized it?"

Vanor System Outer edge of the Perseus Arm Lor time mark 1471.5 [March 8, 2016 (Terran Calendar)] The Praetorian spacecraft Kavaca hung at the outer edge of the Vanor system, a small silver drop in a vast field of black dotted with the lights of millions of stars. The Praetorians aboard had been following a faint energy signature, the only possible clue they had to locating a group of Spectrum Knights that had been terrorizing the local sector. In the months since the Praetorians and Star Knights had driven the Spectrum Knights from their base of operations and captured some of the group's key leaders, the remaining Spectrum Knights had been scattered across the galaxy. Although they were individually dangerous, being scattered did mean their rampages were generally brought to a quick end. Of course, this did little to slow the appearance of new Spectrum Knights, as new ones continued to pop up seemingly at random. Then, a little over one Terran week ago, a small group of Spectrum Knights had begun striking at targets within the sector. In response to request for Praetorian assistance, Paradigm had sent Elite, along with Magnetar, Mater Vyrdna, Corona, and a new member to the team, the Terran Queenie, to the sector. "The energy signature associated with Spectrum Knight armor leads into the system Elite." Magnetar commented from his seat on the bridge of the Kavaca where he was manning the ship's sensors. The only other "original" Praetorian aboard besides Elite (Mater Vyrdna did not count, as two thousand years ago, she had been a member of the Delaztri Navy, and not a Praetorian), Magnetar spoke in GalStandard, the only one aboard who could not understand being Queenie. The Vanor star was a red supergiant, so massive that if it sat at the center of the Sol system, it would swallow everything out to about Mars' orbit. A thick asteroid belt was visible clustered around the Vanor star, extending out millions of miles within the system.

The heart of the Delaztri Empire Over two thousand years ago Amara Val-Ren knelt on the smooth polished white floor of a large great hall of the headquarters of the Praetorians as she repeated the oath of allegiance to the Delzatri Empire. Her voice joined those of over a dozen other beings kneeling nearby, as they all swore their loyalty and life to protecting the Empire and its citizens. Amara was dressed in a full length white bodysuit, with black diamond shapes, surrounded by golden yellow trim, on the shoulders, upper chest and back. Her long black cape rested over her and was spread out slightly on the floor around her. For the young Naram, this was a moment she had long dreamed of, ever since her older brother had joined the ranks of the Empire's greatest protectors. Following in his path had been a difficult one, yet despite the hardships and sacrifice required, Amara had not wavered in her devotion or focus. "And I shall not falter in my duty, even unto death." Amara recited as she completed the oath along with the others around her. As she finished, Amara raised her head, looking up at the room around her once more. Gathered along the wings of the hall were more than sixty members of the Praetorians, gathered to watch the newest members recite their oaths. Gathered at the front of the hall were the six senior most Praetorians, with Amara's own brother, Daar Val-Ren in the center, similarly watching on. Darr Val-Ren was well over six feet tall, with a powerfully built physique. He had dark orange skin which was characteristic of Naram, with short dark blue/black hair. He was dressed in a uniform similar to Amara's, only his was primarily black, with red diamond patters and a long red cape. "Your oath is complete, welcome brothers and sisters, to the Praetorians!" Daar Val-Ren announced in a strong voice that carried easily through the large hall, followed quickly by a booming cheer from the gathered members. Amara stood back upright, an feeling of elation sweeping over her as she looked to her brother with a small smile, before turning to begin congratulating her fellow new Praetorians...

Continuing from >here. Amara Val-Ren had followed after Vince as the hologram led her from the room in which she had been awoken and into the vast chamber beyond, where seemingly endless rows upon rows of cryogenic tubes were stored in the cold air of the room. The cold no longer was bothering the Naram, as she moved over towards the nearest row of tubes, around which lights had just activated and the faint forms of her friends and comrades could be seen behind the frost on the tubes. She carefully counted the tubes as Vince moved over to a nearby control panel and began the awaking process for the other Praetorians. Just about two dozen tubes, the number of survivors she remembered from after their final battle with the Communion. And yet now they were being awoken to face the Communion once again. Amara stepped back from the tubes as she waited for the others to begin to wake. "We will want to see all information you and the Curator have regarding the Communion's advances. As well as that on any power groups that are there to oppose it."

The OOC.

Elite Power Level: 10 (150/156 PP) Trade-Offs: Variable Offensive, +0 Defense/+0 Toughness Unspent Power Points: 6 In-Brief: Delaztri noble and officer, who has now outlived her society. Alternate Identity: Lady Tatiana Gaius Libera Identity: Public Birthplace: Muras Occupation: Praetorian Affiliations: Ancient Delaztri Empire Family: None Living Description: Age: 37 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Murian Height: 5'7" Weight: 160 lbs Eyes: Gray Hair: Blonde Tatiana is a powerfully built, human-looking women with weathered features and a commanding presence. Her wavy blonde hair is usually worn down, and on the job, she is most often seen in the uniform of an officer of the ancient Praetorian Empire. She bears a jagged scar along her eye, and her left arm has been replaced by a sleek, mechanical replacement, the most glaring costs of her military life. In addition, she keeps the Sword of the Elite at her back, A compact weapon which erupts into a golden sword of light, and at her shoulders, the Wings of Muras, an armor of sorts, which projects a shimmering energy field to protect its wearer. History: The Sword of the Elite. A mighty relic of the ancient Delaztri Empire, forged by a mad genius of a swordsmith. Entrusted to a series of the empire's mightiest leaders, the weapon was enough to allow one warrior to single-handedly take on a legion. It turned great generals into unstoppable conquerors. And they liked it. The Elites- successors to the sword- earned great glory for their conquests, but also great infamy for their slow descent into brutality and bloodlust. An acceptable cost, by Delaztri standards. Until Elite Ragnus Carn Ferox, after tearing his way through a Vishnari garrison, and continued fighting until he realized his opponents were armed with small arms, sticks, and their bare hands in defense of their children and elderly. The true battle won, he left. Left the world, and for a time, left the empire. On official pretext, of course. There were many worlds an races marked for conquest, but Elite Ragnus chose one in particular. Muras. A peaceful planet, whose culture valued communication, arts, and learning, and according to Delaztri intelligence, their military upheld a rigid form of martial pacifism. Functional and defensive, and a respectable code of honor. Upon reaching the planet, he made himself known to the planet's leadership. A terrifying announcement, but the locals met it with admirable stoicism and resolve. He challenged the Murian high commander, General Valora Lumina, to a duel, with conventional arms. The pair fought to a draw, and Ragnus deemed Muras adequate. So, he negotiated peaceful integration of the Murian people into the Delaztri Empire, one of the cornerstones of the agreement was declaring General Valora his successor as the Elite, and declaring the Murian people as the keepers of the sword, as their society could be trusted to wield it without letting its power consume them. And so, life went on for generations, with the Elite serving as stalwart defender of the Empire. This is the world to which Lady Tatiana Gaius was born, heir apparent to one of the great military houses of Muras. Groomed from birth for leadership, for command, and for war. Upon graduating the Murian military academy, she was stationed to her first command, and began climbing up the ranks through honorable service, all the way up to becoming a general, as was her birthright. In their expansion, the Delaztri came into conflict with the Qi'tar, who formed one of the few alliances capable of giving the empire a true challenge. In the war, they seized Cena V, a major Murian agricultural outpost, and a strong potential staging ground for an assault on Muras itself. At the time, there were four Murian generals, including their Elite, She Whose Name Was Purged From History, the leader among the four. Despite all protests, the Elite received orders to deploy Murian forces in defense of more 'vital' targets. This was deemed unacceptable. So, she did the unthinkable to the piously honest Murian people. She falsified orders for the other three generals to liberate Cena V, while she and her strike group held the line personally. It was a bloody conflict. The Elite's defense held, and Cena V was wrested from Qi'tar control, but of the three generals sent to liberate the world, she was the only one to survive. In the aftermath, the Elite was forced to retire for her deception, outcast from her world, and simply for being involved, Tatiana received equal parts praise and contempt. She received the title Tatiana Gaius Libera, yet lost her commission. However, the queen, respecting her honor and strength as a warrior declared her successor as the new Elite, and nominated her for membership in the Praetorian guard, once she had trained the next generation of generals, continue her service in defense of the Empire, even if politics necessitated an end to her military career. Powers & Tactics: Tatiana herself is not a powered individual. Though highly trained and capable both mentally and physically, she is not, in fact, superhuman. However, she is armed with superior alien technology. The lesser of the two, the Wings of Muras, is a protective shield, both from attacks and environment, which can also enable flight and serve as a power supply. The greater is the Sword of the Elite. While disabled, it looks like a particularly clunky short sword in a bulky sheath. Active, it is a sword of light, varying in quality from a tightly focused golden blade to a raging pillar of energy to a fine cord, or even changing in substance to fire or electricity or a kinetic field. [br] Complications: As Good as Your Word: Among Murians, you are as good as your word. The higher your station, the higher the expectations of honesty from you. Honesty is deeply ingrained in the culture, and as a highborn, Tatiana strives to be infallibly honest, as a matter of basic self-respect and honor. She understands the concepts of deception, tries not to judge other races for it, and knows how to spot a lie more often than not, but she does not, herself, lie. Rules of Engagement: As the Elite, Tatiana holds herself to some unreasonable standards of what does and does not constitute honorable combat. She will not attack an opponent unawares (though planting an explosive charge on them to detonate should they attack is fair game), she will not decline a duel, and will generally conduct herself at the highest standards of honor in combat even if it puts her at a disadvantage or her opponent does not extend the same courtesy. A Sword To Protect: The Sword of the Elite was once a tool of indiscriminate slaughter, its raw power corroding the honor and basic humanity of its wielders. High-ranking Murian officials were educated in the standards required if they were ever called upon to take up the blade. The most sacred among them is that the sword exists to protect, not destroy, and it exists in service to others, not to self. She will never draw the sword except to defend another, not even to defend herself. If her motivations would be impure, if drawing the sword would mean drawing it in anger or revenge, then she won't draw the sword. Incoming: It is generally frowned upon to go about daily life carrying an ancient super weapon, and wearing the equivalent of power armor on your back. As such, she spends more time without her equipment than with. While she can call them by remote, it can take some time for them to arrive. How she holds out until then is another matter. Stupid Batteries: The Wings of Muras are a tremendously powerful source of energy, but without it, she only has so much to work with. Her sword can only operate so long on internal power, and even her arm can run dry without a power source. Mechanical Arm: Tatiana's left arm is not flesh and blood. Instead, it's very obviously robotic, making disguises rather difficult, but also having its own drawbacks, such as requiring power, not being able to recover naturally, and being susceptible to EMPs and the like. Abilities: 8 + 8 + 8 + 14 + 10 + 10 = 58PP Strength: 18 (+4) Dexterity: 18 (+4) Constitution: 18 (+4) Intelligence: 24 (+7) Wisdom: 20 (+5) Charisma: 20 (+5) Combat: 8 + 8 = 16PP Initiative: +4 (+4 Dex) Attack: +8 Melee, +4 Ranged (+4 Base, +4 Attack Focus: Melee) Grapple: +12 (+18 with Sword of the Justicar) Defense: +10 (+4 Base, +6 Dodge Focus), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -5 (-3 flat-footed) Saving Throws: 3 + 1 + 3 = 7PP Toughness: +10 (+4 Con, +4 Defensive Roll, +2 Protection) Fortitude: +7 (+4 Con, +3) Reflex: +5 (+4 Dex, +1) Will: +8 (+5 Wis, +3) Skills: 92R=23PP Acrobatics 1 (+5) Computers 3 (+10) Diplomacy 5 (+10) Escape Artist 1 (+5) Gather Information 5 (+10) Intimidate 5 (+10) Investigate 1 (+8) Knowledge: Tactics 13 (+20) Knowledge: Galactic Lore 3 (+10) Language 2: Delaztri (Native), Galstandard, English Notice 15 (+20) Pilot 6 (+10) Ride 1 (+5) Search 1 (+8) Sense Motive 15 (+20) Craft: Artistic 3 (+10) Perform: Stringed 5 (+10) Perform: Dance 5 (+10) Knowledge: History 1 (+8) Knowledge: Art 1 (+8) Feats: 15PP Attack Focus: Melee 4 Defensive Roll 2 Dodge Focus 6 Eidetic Memory Master Plan 2 Powers: 16 + 15 = 31PP Device 4 (Wings of Muras; 20PP Container, Flaws: Hard-to-lose) [16 PP] Feature 3 (Communicator, Power Supply, Remote Control) [3PP] (Standard Equipment, Tech) Flight 3 (50 MPH/500 fpm) [6PP] (Hover, Tech) Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] (Environment Field, Tech) Protection 2 [2PP] (Energy Shield, Tech) Device 5 (Sword of the Elite; 25PP Container, Flaws: Easy-to-lose) [15 PP] Sword of the Elite (Tech, Laser; 20PP Array Feats: Alternate Power 5) [25PP] Base Power: Damage 10 (Extra: Area [100' Cone]) {20/20PP} (Sword of the Conqueror, Laser, Tech) Alternate Power: Damage 2 (Extra: Autofire [6], Penetrating [6]; Feats: Accurate 3, Homing 2, Mighty) {20/20PP} (Sword of the Legion, Laser, Tech) Alternate Power: Damage 6 (Feats: Accurate, Extended Reach 5, Knockback 5, Mighty, Subtle, Triggered: Target Attacks) {20/20PP} (Sword of the Diplomat, Tech, Kinetic) Alternate Power: Damage 6 (Feats: Accurate, Improved Range, Mighty; Linked: Elongation 4 [Extra: Projection; Flaw: Limited: Sword], Super-Strength 2 [Flaw: Limited: Sword]) {15/20PP} (Sword of the Justicar, Tech, Laser) Alternate Power: Damage 8 (Feats: Affects Insubstantial 2, Improved Critical 2, Mighty, Variable Descriptor 2) {15/20PP} (Sword of the Master, Tech, Variable) Alternate Power: Drain Strength 12 (Feats: Slow Fade 4 (1 hour)) {16/20PP} (Sword of the Merciful, Tech, Electric) DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed +8 Touch DC19 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Sword of the Conqueror 100' Cone DC20 Reflex/DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Laser) Sword of the Legion +14 Touch DC21 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Laser) Sword of the Diplomat +10 Touch DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Kinetic) Sword of the Justicar +10 Touch DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Laser) Sword of the Master +8 Touch DC27 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Variable) Sword of the Merciful +8 Touch DC22 Fortitude (Staged) Drain Strength (Electric) Totals: Abilities (58) + Combat (16) + Saving Throws (7) + Skills (23) + Feats (15) + Powers (31) - Drawbacks (0) = 150/156 Power Points