An Introduction

So. War. War never changes.

You all know what I’m talking about. We’ve been hyping it up for several months now, and the moment that you’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner. With war comes competition, frenzy, and numerous opportunities for advancement, fun, and memories.

So, here’s Orion’s wartime guide. Our main objective isn’t to do every single competition presented to us. Rather, the main objective of wartime activity is to participate in at least one competition within each bin in the competition. From there, it’s best to participate in the competitions that you are best at, be that art or gaming or fiction, or the ones that you think are the most fun or interest you the most. That, however, leads me to my next point.

In this time of uncertainty and worry, however, with much of the world still shut down and many of us still shut in, I believe that there remains one imperative; have fun. We shouldn’t be freaking out over competitions, or running ourselves into the ground. Our goal is to have fun with our friends, to enjoy the stories and the art and the games that we’ve created and participated in together.

We’ve got some fun times ahead of us. I know you guys won’t let me down.

Until then, stay golden, and be kind, friends… and as my favorite Triumvir once said…

With Ate by our side, come hot from hell,

Shall in these confines, with a monarch’s voice,

Cry “Havoc!”... and let slip the dogs of war…

Orion

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House Fiction Update

38 ABY Eldar

While Scalebeard’s fortress burned in the distance, filling the night sky with a ruddy glow. Other than that, there wasn’t a light in the sky; Eldar had been granted a rare, moonless night. It provided the perfect cover for the second assault being launched. While the House’s Zeltron organized Arconan special forces for that attack, with Ruka secretly at her back, Spectre Cell would strike the location that had been pinged as Scalebeard’s secretive hidey-hole; a darkened cave, set back into the woods. Through her macrobinoculars, Sera had seen only a light guard of a half-dozen or so pirates, well armed and armored. They were the elite of the Trandoshan’s men, his personal guard, the only ones that he would trust to defend his share of booty. Of varying races, they were brutal, hard-bitten, and nearly fearless.

Nearly.

The Zabrak was the first to ignite her saber. Like a beam of burnished sunlight, it burst to life in the darkness, illuminating the silhouette of her plated armor. To her left, two blades burst into life, the bloody light washing over Xenna’s dark, functional gown. At her right, another crimson saber hissed into being, running from a violet hilt clutched within Aay’han’s pale hand. Behind them, more blades burst to light in the darkness, more forms emerging from the shadow. Tybalt’s bulky, beautifully-furred form, wreathed in pale blue and silver light,was backed by Tyga and Zorrander, with their blades of amber and emerald. The Force ran through them all; a warmth within their hearts, and unity of mind and action, guided by Sera’s gentle battle meditation, a chant rising under her breath.

Death came to the pirates with a hiss of lightning, and a multicolored wreath of crystalline light.

Read the rest here and expect our participants from our House fiction competition to make appearances going forward…

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News!

• WAAAAAAAAAHRRRRRRR! Yes, literally. Just to reiterate. War. Havoc. All the things. For more information, check up on our Consul report and the Fist report for more info
• Spectre Cell has a newly revamped wiki! Thanks and love to Atty and Grot for all their help, absolutely amazing job.
• We’ve got a new Headmistress of the Shadow Academy! Congrats to Ciara! Also, we’ve got a few job openings!
• We’ve also got a new Combat Master! Congrats to Rahjin!
• As you probably know, we recently had another May 4th Celebration! Congratulations to all who were awarded seals of loyalty, and (belatedly), May the 4th be with you.

That’s the news for right now. Keep your ear to the ground, and stay safe out there; as much as everyone might like to start heading out to the beaches or the pools as we get into summer… just be careful, alright?

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A Dagger, and our Battleteam Shoutouts

Like I said in my last report, I’m gonna do my best to relay all of our battleteam’s awards and promotions each month. As part of this, I’ve prepared something new for us to try. Call it a little bit of friendly competition.

Each month a member of the Spectre Cell that demonstrates worthy initiative, activity, skill, and ballsiness will have a new award to look forward to: the Spectre Dagger! This weapon has a vaulted history within our Battleteam, and serves as a true symbol of loyalty and courage, in and out of character.

This month, the dagger goes to a rather obvious recipient. Demonstrating, as always, a level of activity, creativity, and sheer friendliness that is almost terrifying to behold, we have Atty! Enjoy your sharp pokey thing, and take pride in everything you’ve done. We, as always, appreciate it to the utmost degree, and love you for everything you do <3. Check out the wiki for more.

• Congrats to Atty for -breathes in- 2 diamond stars, an amethyst star, a sapphire star, 2 emerald stars, a topaz star, 19 clusters of ice, and five clusters of graphite!
• Congrats to Tybalt for 2 sapphire stars, a Seal of Loyalty, 2 clusters of graphite, and 92 clusters of fire! Moreover, congratulations for his promotion to Seer!
• Congrats to Zuji for an amethyst star, 2 sapphire stars, and 14 clusters of graphite!
• Congrats to Aay for 7 clusters of ice and four clusters of graphite!
• Congrats to Tyga for a ruby star, an amethyst star, a topaz star, and 13 clusters of ice!

I’m gonna be making a personal effort to hit upon everything accomplished by our mates in the Battleteam in these reports. If I miss anything, feel free to kick me. Anyway, now it’s onto…

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Competitions!

Now, while there are competitions running right now… I’m going to encourage everyone to rest, for just a moment, and focus on the war that stands just in the horizon. Catch a breather, take a nap, all that. We’ll have plenty of time to take butts and kick names once we’re into battle!

Plus, that leaves us extra room for my favorite section...

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#AskTheKickyCaptain!

Once again, got some great questions this time! Not quite as weird as last time, but still good. Plus, a bun.

Zuji asks:

1. So, Team Jackets? Yes? I'll start a size list :P

   Yes. Yes. Bantha leather. Spectre’s Scythe on the back. Maybe different colored stripes on the sleeves, unique to each team member? Sera calls yellow. Yes. Very yes.

2. What's your favorite vegetable dish?

   Personally, there’s a pho place near my house that makes an excellent vegetable stir fry, with flash-fried peppers and potato shoots and MMMM. Warms a boy’s heart. Sera doesn’t eat her veggies; she’s a carnivore, and relies upon vitamins and some medicinal herbs to acquire minerals that she would otherwise get from fruits or veggies. I’m sure that she eats some green stuff… but it’s definitely not her favorite.

3. What is Sera's plan to unite her ragtag team of 'soldiers'? Especially when a number of them either don't mesh well or has issues with each other?

   Sera has big hearts, and she intends to use them to bind her team together as friends. She doesn’t just want a squad or crew to back her up. She wants a tribe, a family, and she will level her considerable personal willpower and friendly charisma to that end. Basically… prepare for hugs, and lots of toothy grins.

4. What is a Zabraki ice breaker? Why do I feel like it probably should be called Skull breaker?

   Good alcohol, good fighting, and good… uhh, headbutting. Also other things. Yes.

5. What is Sera's favorite sundae flavor?

   Now, Sera grew up in a rather isolated tribe; sugary treats would be a very special occasion to her. I’m thinking the most colorful, vibrant, sugary flavor you can get; rainbow sherbert, or something like that.

   Also, probably something gross and savory, like beef. I’ll let you imagine what beef flavored ice cream would taste like.

6. How have you been settling into the role? What have you found to enjoy? What do you wish to improve?

   All in all, I feel like I’ve settled into this role quite well. I love just about everything about the job; report writing is a blast, working with the summit has been incredible, and I love working on fiction for y’all. If there’s one thing I really want to improve, it would still be our team identity, which is a work in progress.

7. What critter would Sera own if she could own any in the Possession stores?

   Oh, definitely a cythraul. She’s seen Fela a lot, and she’s just so itty bitty adorable. She would 100% want her own deadly, fluffy friend.

8. Why is Motraka like this?

   In all honesty, Sera has no idea. She picked him/her up from a scrap dealer on Port Ol’Vaal. She’s… not a techie, and has no idea whether there’s something wrong with him, or what. The bot has intricacies that she doesn’t fully understand yet, that have probably evolved over dozens of years and dozens of owners. She doesn’t like the fact that they’re so mean, but the application as a trainer and portable escort can’t be foregone.

Donny asks:

1. Favorite kind of kick?

   One of two; a straight forward kick, normally utilizing the heel for the strike itself. The other would be a backward roundhouse kick, once again striking with the heel as opposed to the ball of the foot, unlike most roundhouses. This would normally be used to hook behind an opponent’s guard to knock their hands away or to deliver a knockout blow. Bad day either way.

   Bonus points for Force-amplified, running-leaping Slavic slam.

2. Favorite kick ever performed?

   The time where she kicked a Sith Shade’s ghostly balls up into the back of its throat.

3. Favorite thing to kick?

   Karran.

4. Least favorite thing to kick?

   Anyone who’s wearing a codpiece.

Strong asks:

1. Swimming lessons soon?

   books one of the beaches without a waiting tentacle monster

Atty asks:

1. How are you planning for WAHR

   Mainly, warming up through fiction and art practice, getting a ton of custom aspects ready, donning warpaint and body oil. Y’know, the usual. Gonna get those Nova.

2. Speaking of lessons, budgeting?

   That sounds a lot less enjoyable than chilling at a beach with scantily clad men and women… but, probably just as useful. Guess it’s time to grab my credit chit…

   Also, because I promised last time; here be this month’s new bun pic…

Aiden asks:

1. Do you want the Eevie duel to happen?

   Yes yes Yes. I believe that one would draw an audience...

2. What's been the most challenging part of BTL?

   Honestly? The hardest part has been picking and choosing between what I want to do. Obviously, I can’t do all of the things, and if I pick up too much crap at the same time I’ll never get anything done. So, prioritize, plan, and plot. With the BTL position, the M VOICE position, and the War coming on, I should have plenty to occupy me.

3. Will we see a Sera vs Karran Darkest Timeline ACC battle?

   I certainly hope so. That match would be… well, heartsbreaking.

   evil cackle

Lucine asks:

1. What is your favorite part of being BTL so far?

   The people. Being able to really jump into the position with the team and Galeres, channel our enthusiasm, and coordinate with the summit on leadership decisions has been an absolute pleasure. It’s just been so fun so far.

2. What part of Sera's character development are you most pleased by?

   One of my favorite parts about developing a character is seeing how their relationships expand and evolve over time. That is certainly one of my favorite parts of Sera. With her bright personality, she collects friends and allies like fly paper, as one of her stated strengths is that she’s always looking to make friends. This is made more interesting, however, by the fact that not all of her friends have her best interest at heart. In fact, an argument could be made that most of the people that she’s allied herself to don’t care for her. So far, she’s already started to be exposed to the darker aspects of the galaxy, the sharp and jagged edges that contradict her intrinsic beliefs; that good things will happen to good people, that people are naturally noble at heart, that everything will turn out alright in the end. But, nothing has happened to truly shake her faith.

   Perhaps betrayal will be enough to teach her a more… permanent lesson.

3. Are you ready for WAHR?

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!

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