Sons-in-Exile

Living legacy of the Dragon King...
Sur Daggur made it his mission to eradicate the descendants of Das Anazhar, the Dragon King of old. Takshi Anazhar, eldest of his clan-clutch, decided if the Daggur Clan wanted the Homeworld to themselves, they could have it. Taking with him a huge number of disaffected Thunthen of all races as well as a sizable hoard of inert phergon, they withdrew to the distant Redali System to build for themselves a new home free from internal squabbling. Unfortunately they would find out things were far from quiet in the Redali System. Still, they have managed to prosper building for themselves a number of orbital stations and space colonies. Reluctant to commit to full-scale planetary colonization despite the existence of suitable worlds in the system, the Dragons cling to the hope they can one day reclaim the Homeworld. The Daggur Clan and their adherents scornfully call them Dasphati, but Takshi-now a great deal older and wiser since that fateful day-calls his followers the Sons-in-Exile.

Structure

A confederacy of Thunthen clans led first and foremost by the Anazhar Clan, direct descendants of Das Anazhar. The leader goes by the title Highlord, and Takshi Anazhar has held that position since his youth.

Culture

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Sons-in-Exile Emblem (Red and Silver) by Mardrena

Made with Inkscape

In keeping with the philosophy of the Dragon King of old, the Sons busy themselves with technological development and innovations in standards of living. Instead of using their skills for conquest, they have carved out for themselves a comfortable lifestyle throughout the outer half of the system.
The old tradition of relying on matrons solely for clutching has been abandoned in favor of individual families, actually increasing population growth in the colonies and contributing to overall morale. Because the dragons have much to fight for, they fight all the more fiercer.
For those who accuse them of growing soft during their banishment, they are no pushovers, capable of fielding formidable military might if provoked. And unfortunately they have been by the aggressive Threes...
Their crest is patterned after a claw-salute, a gesture first invented by Das Anazhar to symbolize both submission and strength by baring the claws near the throat but displaying their full length.

Public Agenda

Their short-term goal is to prosper in spite of the Daggur Clan's persecution. Long-term, they hope to topple the regime and return to their home.

Assets

Aside from raw phergon and numerous combat-ready ships, the Sons took with them a huge number of brilliant Nobeyls and clever Khamens, perhaps their greatest treasure. They have established orbital stations near Planets Redal V-IX and have scattered colony cylinders throughout the outer orbits.

History

The Dragon King's Promise

Das Anazhar himself never visited the Redali System, sending members of his clan-clutch in his stead. Upon first entering the system-discreetly, or so they thought-they were hailed by the Nines and dialogue established. Even though ideal uninhabited planets were offered, the expedition declined for the time being. The explorers noticed the instability of the system's star and worried it might cause problems in the future.

The Dasphat Revolution

With his father slain by Sur Daggur, the then-oldest of his clan-clutch Takshi Anazhar fled with his family, taking any willing defectors with him on a mass-exodus to the Redali System. Out of personal pride, he still refused to establish planetary colonies but opted instead to order construction of habitable structures scattered throughout the outer planets. Appalled to see the system in chaos, Takshi pledged support to the Nines who still remembered his beloved ancestor.

The Good Father Pirate

Thunthen on the Homeworld learned of humans via Aleksander Vanstandtvoort, or Ander Vai Stel Vethu as Thangiens called him. Dasphati in the Redali System first met a human when Gage Wendell's Silver Seraph popped out of nowhere and crashed in the middle of a hydroponics facility.
Befriending a young Ker Barzduk, Gage managed to secure a shuttle and briefly left the system entirely on a mission of exploration. He returned with a motley crew of aliens from other distant stars with a new ship he called the Blue Isis. Named the "Good Father Pirate" for his gallant nature, he pledged support to the Sons-in-Exile and the Nines against the Threes.

Events of Cataclysm War

Takshi is alerted to the existence of the Ronin Warriors during a conversation with a member of the Blue Isis Crew. Knowing Bak Thraplek is currently on Earth with his crew of Dissidents, he rings up his great-grand nephew to inquire about them, in the process notifying the other Ronin of Dais' presence in the distant Redali System.

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Ker Barzduk, Blue Isis Quartermaster by Mardrena

Made in Realistic Paint Studio

Spoiler Warning: Planned Content!

Last Dance

"Check it out. The Highlord is here..." Rowen nodded down at the stage. The others stared down from the balcony as old Takshi Anazhar strode in with his entourage. His gait had grown jerky as of late from arthritis, but he still held himself proudly as befitting of any Nobeyl. Ru Ru Tiki Aurora awaited him on the stage and curtseyed as he approached. He shell-bowed before straightening himself and drawing a long curved sword out from under his shell. It closely resembled the one Australa had forged under duress from Talpa and later gifted to King Torke.
"The Sword of Deres. The Anazhar Clan has kept it as an heirloom for thousands of years," Dais commented. Takshi held the sword up with both hands, turning to face each side of the amphitheater. He turned to face Aurora and turned the sword around, presenting the handle to her.
"Shouldn't King Torke or Azuro be the one doing this?" Ryo asked.
"Most rulers in Thanged's past have historically been queens, and as eldest daughter, it is only fitting for Aurora to receive this honor. Should the House of Taurit fall in the End Tide, it would put Aurora in the unique position of being Thanged's first Queen from the House of St'lur in over a thousand years," Anubis explained. The ceremony below continued with Aurora sheathing the sword at her hip and Takshi turning to one of his aides and retrieving a cylinder filled with a bright bluish liquid. He again displayed it to the gathered crowd before presenting it to Aurora.
"I wonder what that is...hope it's not something we should worry about..." Sehkmet mumbled.
"It is a cure..." the gathered Ronin turned to see Bak Thraplek striding onto the balcony, his shell spikes adorned with gold caps and ceremonial regalia in place of his usual padded armor. "To the Pegacorn Contagion. We've been developing it for many years. It will take time to test and refine, of course, but it is a hopeful step toward the future," he stated and turned toward the view of Planet Thunthen through the window of the amphitheater.
"How are they so sure it'll be today?" Kento asked, fidgeting.
"They've measured tectonic activity for the past century and calculated it down to the precise day. This is the time and the hour," Sage replied. "Molten spectra's been leaking into the core for the past five hundred years and eating away at the inside. The planet's being torn apart from all directions by the Twin Suns and Planet Runjen."
"Can't they just ask Roth to move the planets or something so they're not pulling at each other so much?"
"Unfortunately the damage sustained has reached such a catastrophic level there is nothing anyone can do. No one realized what was happening until it was very well too late," Anubis added.
"So, wait, does this mean the entire planet's going to explode?!" Tanya exclaimed.
"Well, no, it's not going to happen all at once...but it will become far too unstable for continued habitation. They've already evacuated the surface. The only ones that will stay behind will be aboard the shipyards to keep an eye on things until it's ready to be dismantled and relocated," Cye answered. The group fell silent upon hearing a thump as Takshi rapped his tail club against the floor and raised his arms, facing the window.
"AND SO IT COMES TO PASS..." he bellowed in his mellifluous manner. "THAT WE SAY FAREWELL TO THE CRADLE!!" The gathered crowd of Thangien and Thunthen dignitaries and guests fell quiet in awe. Takshi lowered his arms slightly, his wrinkled lips pulling taut over his still-razor teeth. "ONE. LAST. TIME!!" he finished with a sorrow-laden croak, his arms lowering to his sides. All eyes remained on the view through the window. The gathered Ronin remained respectfully quiet.
It started slowly at first. A crack formed in the crust near the Writhing Spine. Half the slope of the nearest peak began sliding away. A geyser of magma arced up into the air, followed by several more until the surface appeared scored with fire. More peaks of the mountain range began toppling, and camera drones on the surface displayed footage of columns breaking apart in the Palaces of Das Anazhar. The Ronin couldn't help but tear up at the sight. If it hadn't been for molten spectra, they wouldn't have their new Armors. They had never been to the planet's surface, but this was the Thunthen's home. Where they had lived for millions of years. And now it was dying before their very eyes. Ryo felt a tightness in his throat.
"I guess this means they can't call themselves the Sons-in-Exile anymore...you know...since they don't have a home to come back to..." Cale shrugged absently, drawing awkward glances from some of the others. They looked to the side when Bak walked up to them.
"And so our adventures together come to an end, at least for the time being. When next we meet, Entide will be upon us, and we will stand side-by-side on the field of battle in the Day of Doom. All is not loss and sorrow this day: vast deposits of raw phergon have been discovered on Redal VII!! My people make haste to establish bases on the surface, a sort of green 'gold rush', if you will! It is a somewhat dense jungle planet with mild volcanic activity...not quiet the verdant paradise we longed for, but for now, it will do. The best of both worlds, you could say! Much like the Earth of your prehistoric past. I will be departing soon to join the expeditionary force. We had long put off settling on any other planet out of foolish hope and pride, but now it is time we swallow our pride and look to building a new future. Perhaps this is fate's way of rewarding us for our diligence and good deeds," Bak explained and clasped his hands behind his shell.
"Don't be a stranger, Bak. You know you can always ring us up if you need help with things," Ryo offered.
"I will keep that in mind. Until then, or until the Entide comes...farewell for now...my friends" Bak shell-bowed again and the Ronin formally bowed in reply. Bak turned and walked away, humming aloud as he left the balcony.

Technological Level

Phergon fuels much of their technology, but with a finite supply, they have expanded development of conventional arms and developing new forms of fuel and propulsion. Perhaps their most requested weapon is the breach shell, a missile capable of tearing through the toughest hull the Threes have to offer, completely bypassing shields. These are in such high demand they actually have trouble keeping them in stock.
Critics might accuse old Takshi of being stingy, but he must be frugal since they currently have no access to new supplies of phergon. With the Daggur Clan constantly on the prowl at the Homeworld, it would be impractical to send teams to Planet Khilio from so far away. Given the Threes show no sign of slowing down despite fighting on two fronts, Takshi wonders if perhaps the stalemate is intentional, a war of attrition to exhaust their phergon stockpile.
Surveys have yet to be conducted on any of the other habitable planets since Takshi believes taking in the scenery can wait until things quiet down in the system. The Nines supply them with raw material harvested from their home planet and ample ore is sourced from the asteroid belt. They might not have access to dererium and spectra remains a tough nut to crack, but they make do in a pinch with what is readily available.

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The Great Old Highlord by Mardrena

Made with BlackInk

Religion

The Queens have yet to visit the Redali System with it being so far out of their way, but the Sons still invoke their names. During battle they sing hymns to Witheren, after a victory they give praise to Roth, while busy at work they salute Eyurodin, and as of late they give thanks to Ritho for rites of marriage. Roth has other pressing matters occupying her attention, but perhaps there is something that might one day draw her gaze to the system.

Foreign Relations

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Highlord Takshi Anazhar by Mardrena

Made with Spectrum Noir Markers (AKA red-headed stepchild of Copics....) Background done in BlackInk.

Nines

-Friendly. In keeping with the ideals of his ancestor, Takshi has formed a defensive compact with the denizens of Redal IX, helping to keep the Threes in check.

Fours

-Friendly. Takshi has extended hospitality to the beleaguered inhabitants of Redal IV, providing transport for evacuees and lodgings in various colony stations.

Threes

-Very Hostile. While the Threes did not attack the Sons first, the persecution of Fours struck a nerve with Takshi and the Sons were quick to retaliate on their behalf.

Blue Isis Pirates

-Friendly. Caroline Wendell carries on the legacy of her husband, providing assistanance to friendly parties and coordinating privateers in the system to engage in rapid response to aggression from Threes.

Thangiens

-Cordial. While Mal Daggur might have sullied public perception of Thunthen, the name of Das Anazhar still inspires respect among the populace.

Ronin Warriors

-Neutral. Takshi has a very low opinion of the Sol System but only recently has he heard of these peculiar individuals. He might implore them to assist in ongoing defense, or at the very least help reclaim the Homeworld.

The Four Queens

-Devout. The Dragons know none of the Queens will directly intercede on their behalf, but they still pray to them regardless, hoping to one day garner attention from the Gods they know are real.

Agriculture & Industry

On top of habitation centers, the Sons have built for themselves a vast industrial network, perfecting their hydroponics technology to provide ample food for themselves and others in need. They boast manufacturing capabilities second to none and are in the process of creating new shipyards to replace the one that was stolen.

Trade & Transport

Despite aggression from the Threes, the Sons maintain cordial relations with the Nines, providing logistical and manufacturing support. To the unfortunate Fours they extend humanitarian assistance, providing shuttles for use and making arms available to privateers operating in the system such as the Blue Isis Crew.

Education

Hearkening back to the olden days, apprenticeships are heavily encouraged. Even as far away as they are from their home of Thuruk, they still worship Eyurodin, Thangien Goddess of the Forge and pray to her to stoke the fires of inspiration. Be it tending hydroponics troughs or machining weapons components, all hands are kept busy from the strongest Nobeyl to the meekest Pesak.

Benevolence, not Brutality, Insight, not Intimidation

Highlord Takshi Anazhar by Mardrena

Founding Date

1900's Earth-Time

Type

Geopolitical, Protectorate

Alternative Names

The Sons, The Ruby Dragons

Demonym

Dasphati

Government System

Meritocracy

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Barter system

Major Exports

Aside from a bounty of food, the Sons serve as the largest arms-provider in the system.

Major Imports

Primarily self-sufficient, their most precious import is intel, knowledge, news of the world at large delivered by privateers and dignitaries.

Official State Religion

The Four Queens

Subsidiary Organizations

• The Anazhar Clan

Related Ranks & Titles

• Highlord

The Great Old Highlord by Mardrena