World Notes:
-- Character played in the Star Wars roleplay group, Cantina Roleplayers Guild .
FoE (Forces of the Empire) is a Star Wars role-playing group set in the ROTJ era more or less.
The Emperor survived the Death Star II as did Vader who lapsed back to the Dark Side. The
Alliance now controls a swathe of territory and the galactic civil war continues.
The club was begun way way back before the pre-quels and the two Sith rule but otherwise
has incorporated much of these additional movies.
The Role of Alliance Intelligence
Alliance Intelligence is the nervous system of the Rebel Alliance. Through its activities, the Alliance is kept appraised of the Empire's activities and intentions. Without Intelligence, the Alliance Forces would surely be defeated.
Though under the direct control of the Alliance military, Intelligence also serves as the prime information-gathering organ for the civil government, particularly the diplomatic corps. The Alliance's diplomats must be sure that a meeting with prospective allies is not a cover for an ambush.
In addition to these other critical roles, Intelligence is also a very potent offensive weapon. Intelligence has recruited many millions of beings on Imperial held planets. These dedicated highly trained beings do more than channel information, they also destroy supply dumps, disable transportation, attack outposts, assassinate collaborators and so forth.
While these covert attacks are useful in bleeding Imperial strength they are particularly potent when used in cooperation with the Alliance Military just hours before an Alliance Special Forces unit attacks the planet.
The cell network is at the core of the Alliance's Sector Intelligence Operations. A cell network is structured so that information can be passed quickly from any operative up to Sector Command while at the same time protecting Sector Command from discovery in the event of infiltration.
Communication from cell to cell or from cell to leader is often one way. Those on the upper end have full knowledge of those on the lower end howeber those on the lower end have only a drop point, transmission frequency or scrambled code with which to connect to their superior. This way a leak can only travel down the network tree not up.
Case Officer
Each cell network has a Case Officer. This is the Alliance Officer responsible for maintaining the network. A Case Officer's first priority is to ensure that his network is not infected, that is infiltrated by Imperial agents. His second and third priority are to collect the intelligence his network gathers and to keep the System Commander fully informed. His fourth priority is to keep Operations back in Intelligence Command fully supplied with data, and fifth, to use his network to cause as much grief as possible to the military within the Empire.
If an agent is compromised or killed the Case officer must reorganize the network to minimize danger to the rest of the network.
The Case Officers for a given Sector are usually based together in Sector HQ where they have easy access to the Sector Commander and the Sectors communications with Alliance HQ.
Network Leader
The Network Leader is responsible for day to day operations in the network and also for making periodic reports to the Case Officer.
Area Coordinator
The Area Coordinator controls a smaller porttion of the network, receives overall strategic guidance from the Network Leader and is responsible for turning the Leaders directives into operations. The Coordinator will accompany network agents on operations, coordinating efforts between the various cells.
Coordinators are trained to fight to the death to avoid capture. Many carry "lullabies" - suicide pills - in the event of disaster.
Operations (from West End Games Rebel Alliance Handbook pg 27)
This is the largest department in Intelligence. It is responsible for all of Intelligence's field operations: spying, infiltrtation, blackmail, subversion, assassination and any other operations which may bring agents into direct contact with the enemy. Field operations is the most dangerous posting in Intelligence; anytime he takes the field, an agent has roughly a 7% chance of being captured or killed.
On the surface, this may not sound particularly grim. However, during his career at Operations, an agent can go on 20 missions before he retires from field duty. He has a 23% chance of surviving those 20 missions.
Bastet Species Info:
Bastet are a humanoid race, generally able to pass for human and able to interbreed without much problem. A subspecies of the race exists, though rare, as a recessive gene. Those carrying the gene in part are known as Kinfolk, in full as Folk, and are the force sensitives of the species.
Folk are widely present in Bastet literature, particularly mythology and legendary ancient history. Long ago they were more common and served as Kings, Queens and Warriors. As Healers, Mystics and Visionaries ruling the lives of the non Folk. As less of them were born, Kinfolk and eventually those with no trace whatsoever of the gene gradually filled the roles traditionally Folk. Today the Folk are still revered, though almost thought a myth or extinct, and hold no authority at all. Most who carry the gene have no idea that they do. As Folk are physically superior to Kinfolk, so kinfolk are to those lacking any Gene at all.
When a True Bastet is born the Folk arrive and take the child, usually within the first month. The parents are not consulted and it is as if the child is dead. The kit is raised in the Temples and taught the Folk ways, history and heritage, and instructed in the use of their unique abilities. Neither dark nor light, Folk generally use the lighter side but also have developed a technique for extreme (temporary) self bio-enhancement that relies heavily upon the darkside, tapping in on primal fear and rage within each Bastet. Weak willed beings viewing an Elder Bastet in full crinos can be killed outright by the Fear and Rage unleashed this way. The racial talent of the Bastet is in dealing with the spirit realm. Being aware of spirits and their realm, interacting with them and assuaging them when necessary.
They see the darkness as Cahlash, the personification of Entropy. The Father of the Night, Author of Mysteries. They know he is dangerous, seductive and ultimately essential to the balance. Rajhah is his opposite, Order. Nala is the force of creation. Those who fall to Cahlash are known as Dakat. The children who came too close to the fire and were burned beyond recognition.
Disputes between Folk are dealt with through the practice of hanshii, ritual combat, usually at Taghairm when Folk gather to discuss and exchange information.
Bastet Info
They are a catlike race. All her race is felinoid, but there is a recessive gene that produces an offspring who is a Force User. The gene is dwindling and is now pretty rare. The offspring are genetically attuned to the Overworld (Umbra) and the spirits can thus detect them easily. The other Folk are alerted, the child is taken, Awakened to the Force in a ceremony and raised much like the Pre-Palpatine Jedi when I think of it. Brainwashed into the Folk culture (which is not the same as the other Bastet), taught how to use their Umbral link and abilities. Folk is their term for themselves, and how Bastet legend call them.
Sune is a mystic, called a theurge, and as such her Umbral bond is much stronger than norm, even for Folk. It is not uncommon for a Theurge to live entirely on the Overworld for long periods, bringing their body with them. Because of her extreme mystical upbringing, Sune can use technology but cannot understand science or technical explanations. The hardest part of teaching her the Force was getting her to go past her 'knowledge' that this is how things work, to understand that well, yes, but they work this other way also. It'll be a long struggle for her to become a fluent Force User but that struggle has begun.
Bastet Abilities
Physically they are dexterous, more solidly muscled and thus heavier and stronger than you would expect. Lifespan is a bit longer than human. As Darana realized, they use it, but do not know they do.
A Bastet is a battery or turbine, generating and storing large amounts of the Force (life force/bio energy) within them at a time. They generally use this energy when dealing with the spirit realm (Overworld/Umbra level/Astral Plane), it sustains them and protects them somewhat from the exhaustion of a human in similar activities.
Unlike Klaw, the average bastet has but one form, that of a furry humanoid with catlike head or features. Folk however have a Force technique (laran shapeshift) called Crinos. An extreme bio-enhancement alteration of their form (self only) that causes them to become even stronger, bigger, tougher and more bestial looking to a very large degree. To effect this change the Bastet draws on that stored bio energy they have and burn a chunk of it. The change is painful, but they are drawing heavily on the dark side and broadcasting Fear in such a potent form (Mental Projection) that weaker willed beings can simply die on the spot. This is of course the warrior form.
Sune being a theurge, not a warrior, her crinos is not as effective as that of a true warrior Bastet, but effective all the same.
Bastet cosmology
There is a Japanese religion (Shinto?) where every animal or tree or rock has a spirit. Same thing. All things have an avatar, though it may be dormant. Each planet has one (a dragon apparently :-) and each person has one (what they use for astral travel and the Overworld). Animals have them, machines have them (Possibly even the Topaz is one though dormant). Each Avatar is unique but falls into a certain type. All avatars need energy to sustain them.
The Avatar's nature is determined by its function. That of a lock is to keep things closed. Of a hacking program to open things. Of a rabbit to be shy, of a wolf to hunt, of a coyote to be a trickster. Humans nature is to build things and question things but as they are sentient their avatars (spirits) are not as restricted as those of the minor avatars.
Higher level avatars reside on deeper planes of the Umbra/Overworld and include things that are the embodiment of emotions. (Fear, Rage, etc) or elements (fire, air etc) or concept (Justice, Time, etc). 'Gods' are also higher level avatars, with their Courts. Darana is right in thinking Cahlash is a god, but god is not the right term for it. He is such a high level spirit he basically is a god, but he is just the spirit avatar of the concept of Chaos. Bastet dont worship anyone, but they are aware of these higher powers and that the powers can give aid if approached correctly.
It is possible to bind to a Power. The ritual for it sets up a soul deep bond with the Power wherein the Bastet receives abilities, and the Power receives a portion of the Bastet's life force. Breaking the Bond wont kill a Bastet, but it does hurt and is not often done. But then again you can always Bond to a different Power... But only to one at a time.
The Bastet see the Prime Avatars as Chaos, Order, and the Other (I forget what she is). All 3 are necessary and none are evil, but Balance is required. Order builds structure to the universe, Chaos loosens it to allow freedom of being. The third is, I think, the primal energy that the other two use (The Force?) Machines are basically a trap, and each has a spirit of a certain type captured in it and without that spirit it is 'broken' and wont work. The power to the machine sustains the Avatar, without it it goes dormant.
Bastet are creatures of the Umbra, not really of this material Plane. They exist here but they live in between.
Bastet have grown used to classifying people by where they stand in the Balance. Sune thinks Darana has a Cahlash spirit. Taking apart things and causing ripples. Janin is also but not as strongly.
Dealing with spirits
Spirits are generally lazy but desire the life energy from the material planewalkers. They can get it by being worshipped, or by direct transfer. Drinking souls that have been sacrificed is one way. Bastet when they want something generally go to the spirit in person and select one of several tried and true methods. Theres more than what I list below of course.
Bribery ALWAYS works, but the spirits will always try to get away with more than necessary. The preferred currency is life energy, but artifacts of power can work, or a special treat. All have a weakness for something... Tell a trickster a really good joke or play a game and win against him. Carrots for a rabbit spirit and so on.
Flattery. Not all can be flattered, but the lesser the spirit the greater chance this can work. Mix with Bribery for best result.
Friendship. This takes awhile, but is how Sune defended her ship. A lot of energy and time spent cultivating each spirit until it accepted voluntary enslavement aboard her ship. She gives them energy monthly and communes with them in her daily meditation. Generally they are 'asleep', but wake when someone new enters the area.
Coercion. Some spirits are timid and easily cowed by a display of force. Some must be actively subdued, defeated in combat. Generally the stronger will wins this one. Word gets around however, and a Bastet who uses this method a lot starts to find even neutral spirits avoid him or are hostile.
Enslavement. This too gives a bad rep, but is nice for the enslaver. Once coerced a spirit can be bound into an object or a Contract. Coercion works only once and must be renewed each encounter. Enslavement lasts until the spirit is freed. Spirits can be voluntarily enslaved with a big enough bribe (life energy and lots of it) but expect to be well treated when they do agree to this. Sune's Ship guardians are technically enslaved, but well treated by her and fed so it is a comfortable arrangement.
Contracts. Demons are big on Contracts. Contracts can be used by anyone though and often are in conjunction with coercion and enslavement. Note that Contracts can be used against a person as well as by him. These last until the terms are completed, or the parties revoke it together.
Reputation. Sune maintains a good reputation in the Umbral level. If shes in a hurry or low on energy she can often get help and promise to compensate them later because of it. But of course, like all debts it is best paid off immediately. :-)
The Overworld
The Umbra is one level of the Overworld, the one that Bastet are attuned to whereas humans seem to be attuned to the astral plane or the standard grey plane in laran where the Towers and dreamers go. The levels of the Overworld are infinite and gods and other exotic creatures live on these other levels. By his Ridenow Gift, Deveron is attuned to these beings, but doesnt mean it is safe.
Too much Order is seen in the Umbra level as cobwebs, spider things running around binding the chaos energy into patterns. Too much chaos and things can look ummm... I dont remember exactly, but creatures that are Cahlash tend to gather there. The burned dark things, evil things that have gone insane. The Umbra is not a safe place to wander by yourself unless you know what youre doing. It can be an enchanted grove, in perfect balance, or a threatening slum world... Depending where you are.
I suspect Coruscant is very unpleasant in the Umbral level of the Overworld. a lot of evil things have probably gathered there around the Emperor's dark light. Darana's interrogation rooms and prison cells are probably also popular feeding grounds.
What kind of Darksider Are you?
Greetings, my child. I am Master Wend. And there is nothing I do not know about the Force.
I sense much power in you. If you choose to use it -- as I can instruct you -- you may one day become as powerful as I am. You now have the tools you need to unlock the deepest mysteries of the Force, teachings long forgotten by the pitiful Jedi Order. If you have the will and the determination, you can become more powerful than even the strongest Jedi. If you are too weak to use this power, better that you throw away this holocron now. In the Force, there is no room for the weak-willed. Will you submit to my test?
You are a most eager pupil. Good ... good. Now we will begin. Search your feelings. Find the truth within you. As I pose questions to you, seize upon the first answer that comes to your mind -- that is what your heart knows to be the truth. And answer honestly. You cannot hide your true self from the power of the Force.
Proceed Master
To fully master the dark side, you must first embrace it. How you choose to do this will have its consequences. Which of these paths would you take?
Those who fear the power of the dark side are fools. The Force is nothing more than a tool, and I will use it as I see fit.
Excellent . . . I can sense the darkness growing within you already, my pupil. Your power will quickly overstep that of the weak and pitiful Jedi. Tell, me. What do you think of them? How would you deal with their kind?
Turning Jedi to the dark side is the best revenge.
Yes ... Your hatred will serve you well. Can you feel the surge of power it brings? You must use that power. Use your hatred, your anger. With it, you will achieve your goals. What ambitions do you have, my young apprentice?
Calling the shots isn't what I do. Give me a mission, and consider it done.
Ah, you will be a fine instrument of the dark side. But will you be an instrument of subtlety or one of infamy, I wonder?
People won't necessarily know who I am, but as soon as we meet, they'll know not to mess with me.
You seem to know the shadow in which your destiny awaits, my child. But there are those who will try to stop you, to hamper your progress. How would you deal with such fools?
Enemies should be toyed with and then killed. They should know and fear their executioner.
Excellent. I almost have pity for those who might unwisely dare to cross you. Soon, the many great and terrible powers of the dark side will be yours to command. Yet I sense that you will wield one of them with particular zeal. Which of those skills whispers to you, my child?
Channeling the raw power of the Force into terrible bolts of lightning that will reduce my enemy to a quivering mass of pain and agony.
Of course. You will be an exemplary agent of the dark side, my young apprentice. There is but a single step you must take to begin your training. Are you prepared for what is to come?
Yes.
Dark Force Witch
Ah, you seem to know the truth of the Force as being a kind of magic. Well, my pupil, you will learn that the dark side is the most powerful magic of all. With it, you can carve an empire of pain and fear on nearly any world you choose. Seek out those places where weaklings still cower from the darkness. There you may rule unchallenged, as a dark Force witch.
