Son of Emperor Valkorion, Arcann dreamed of a grander, more exciting future than the privileged life his father gave him. With his older twin brother, Thexan, he joined the Zakuul Knights at a young age, eager to prove himself. In an attempt to gain their father's respect, the brothers proposed a plan to test the strength of the border worlds between Zakuul and the holdings of the Republic and Sith Empire. Valkorion sanctioned the assault, but allowed only Thexan to lead the Eternal Fleet. Defying his father's orders to remain on Zakuul, Arcann joined his brother at the front. Together, they were victorious, but Arcann suffered a serious injury in battle. Valkorion's indifference to their accomplishments pushed him over the edge--he attacked his father, only to be stopped by Thexan. Despite his deep love for his brother, Arcann turned on him and murdered him. Then he set his sights on the Eternal Throne itself....
NEW INFORMATION THAT IS PRETTY INTENSE (SPOILERS, DUH):
- Darth Marr LIVES (possibly): "Thanks to the bond you forged with Darth Marr, combined with your own preparedness and quick thinking, Darth Marr survived his encounter with the Immortal Emperor."
- It looks like Vitiate placed "Star Fortress'" on all the current SWTOR planets, and that there will be a "Survival" mode in which you can fight in some of them.
- There is an "Alliance" that is against Vitiate's Empire. The factions are: Alliance Military, Alliance Research Division, Underworld Logistics, and The Force Enclave (the Jedi Order might be extinct).
- The 5 new story companions are HK-55, Koth, Lana, Theron, and Vitiate's wife. Darth Marr will be a "secret" companion - possibly. Each of the 6 Star Fortresses have companions associated with them also.
Deadeye Leyta: Selonians are well known for their strong family ties, but there is a dark side to these tribal bonds. Conflicts between competing tribes can erupt into deadly feuds and terrible violence. The gun-for-hire "Deadeye" Leyta was the unquestioned victor of one such conflict when she single-handedly blasted every member of a rival family that had oppressed hers for years. Given the enormity of the carnage--and the likelihood of reprisals--Leyta left her homeworld of Corellia and settled in the deserts of Tatooine, where she could at least spot potential assassins from a safe distance. Leyta quickly established herself as one of the planet's best mercenaries, taking jobs from anyone willing to pay. She continues to settle disputes in her own fashion, which usually ensures there's no one left to make any trouble. The arrival of an Eternal Empire Star Fortress in orbit gave Leyta her biggest target yet, and she jumped at the chance to aid the Alliance Commander in blowing it out of the sky.
Choza Rabaat: Two years before the Republic and Empire broke the Treaty of Coruscant and resumed open war, Ithorian Jedi Knight Choza Rabaat embarked on a scouting mission into Wild Space. His vessel and astromech droid were destroyed in a crash that Choza barely escaped. He found himself marooned on an uncharted and uninhabited world, where he survived alone for ten long years. Choza would still be there if a patrol ship from Zakuul hadn't set down to survey the planet. When the crew opened fire on him for the crime of introducing himself and requesting rescue, he was forced to incapacitate them and commandeer their vessel. He returned to the Core Worlds after a lengthy interrogation of his prisoners that caught him up on a decade of history. Now he serves the Alliance to overthrow Emperor Arcann and restore freedom to the galaxy.
Asylum: Asylum is an uncharted shadowport in Wild Space and a haven for those fleeing Arcann's control. Although out of the Eternal Throne's reach, refugees don't find Asylum an easy place to live. Because its location is unknown to the Eternal Empire, smugglers, pirates, and gangs use Asylum as a base of operations. Rival syndicates wage war in the Free Zone, a black market for goods from all over the galaxy. Street fights are common, and the desperate are easy targets for the port's large criminal element. Looming over Asylum is the Control Spar: the remnants of a long-abandoned mining operation that now acts as the main control center for the port's security defenses and docking management.
HK-55: Unlike previous HK units, the HK-55 model was designed to be a loyal bodyguard, not an assassination droid. Created specifically to combat the Eternal Empire during Arcann's invasion of the Core Worlds, HK-55 was given to Lana Beniko, then head of Sith Intelligence, for her own protection. Although programmed with etiquette protocols to fit Imperial culture, HK-55 still has a few personality-matrix quirks, including an obsession with the term "meatbag" passed down from the HK-47 model. Despite his amiable disposition, it would be a mistake to think HK-55 a less proficient killer than his counterparts.
EPHEMERIS Droids: The Eternal Empire of Zakuul doesn't have a population of loyal citizens large enough to fully crew its thousands of warships, much less its gargantuan Star Fortress battle stations. The solution: "EPHEMERIS" droids, advanced multi-tasking machines capable of running every vital system in an operational Star Fortress--and also provide defensive countermeasures should the organic command staff become incapacitated. Though often mistaken for fully-functional artificial intelligences, EPHEMERIS droids are incapable of independence. These hybrid machines merely combine all the best features of Class 1 mathematics droids, Class 3 administration droids, and Class 4 assassin droids into a lethal and efficient package. Destroying an EPHEMERIS droid will not disable a Star Fortress, but the resulting system failures will greatly reduce the battle station's threat to the planet it orbits.
Knights of Zakuul: Before Zakuulans served the Immortal Emperor, they lived in nomadic tribes, each led by three Force sensitives: Matriarch, Champion and High Shaman. After Valkorion had united the tribes, he repurposed these roles to form the Knights of Zakuul. Officially considered protectors of the people, Knights hunt down corruption in the Eternal Empire. In actuality, they are enforcers of the Emperor's will and fanatical in their adoration for Valkorion and his family. Zakuul Knights don't limit themselves to studying one side of the Force, instead teaching balance and exploration. Knights have their own relationships with the Force, but are encouraged to share their findings with the rest of the order. No area is deemed "weak" or "a dangerous path"--they are all parts of a larger, limitless power. Ultimately, every action a Knight takes is to honor the Immortal Emperor. Sacrifices, whether material or a life, are essential to show one's commitment to the Emperor.
Koth Vortena: Koth Vortena is a former captain in the Zakuulan military who defected with his crew when he was ordered to kill civilians. While on the run from Zakuul Knights, he met Lana Beniko, and the two began plotting to dethrone Emperor Arcann. With Lana's prowess as a Sith Lord and Koth's skills in the pilot seat, the two became a formidable thorn in the Eternal Empire's side--eventually breaking out the legendary Outlander accused of assassinating Valkorion. A proud Zakuulan, Koth has high hopes for the future of his homeworld and longs for the days of peace and prosperity under Valkorion's reign.
Odessen: Odessen is a remote, unsettled planet in Wild Space with a strong connection to the Force. Realizing that Asylum couldn't support a permanent base of operations for the Alliance, Lana Beniko began searching for a more appropriate location. Odessen pulled at her through the Force. Unlike with Tython, Korriban or Yavin 4, Odessen's affinity with the Force is balanced, making it the perfect spot for a coalition of Sith and Jedi. Covered in lush wilderness and mountains, the planet is a hidden oasis with a mild climate and a variety of wildlife.
Scions of Zakuul: Scions are a subgroup of Zakuul Knights who can glimpse the future through the Force. Before Arcann's coronation, they were often paired with other Knights to form a team with both mental and physical prowess. Scions are infatuated with the idea of fate and consider their visions foolproof. Valkorion was content to use this obsession to his advantage, but Arcann detested the Scions, believing them narrow-minded fools. One of his first acts as Emperor was the mass slaughter of Scions, creating a schism in the Zakuul Knights. Some abandoned the order completely, and anyone who spoke out against the new Emperor was cut down by High Justice Vaylin. The surviving Scions, led by Heskal, fled to Asylum, where they waited for the Outlander prophesized to defeat Emperor Arcann.
Senya Tirall: Senya Tirall was a Zakuul Knight in Immortal Emperor Valkorion's elite guard. He was phasing out human military roles in favor of droids when she spoke out against the change. The fire in her words caught his interest, and she joined his detail permanently. Two years later, they began a secret love affair. Senya bore twin boys, Thexan and Arcann, and a daughter, Vaylin, but as time passed, she became increasingly concerned with the changes she saw in Valkorion and how he raised their children, particularly Vaylin. Senya attempted to flee with the children, but all three idealized their father and saw her as weak. She returned to the Knights to continue to serve Zakuul in her own way. When Arcann took the throne and massacred the Scions, she could no longer follow the Emperor, even if he was her son. Choosing a life of exile and rebellion, Senya is now on a mission to atone for her children's mistakes.
(Continued from above)
Star Fortress: After Arcann's successful campaign through Republic and Imperial space, he deployed massive battle stations orbiting the planets he most wanted under his control. These Star Fortresses are powered by Sun Generators capable of venting their excess plasma onto the planet below. The threat of instant devastation holds the world populations hostage and serves as a warning to any who might attack the fortress. Every enslaved world has its own tale of life under the oppressive shadow of a Star Fortress. Some blame the stations for spreading blight and disease through the environment; others have stories of friends incinerated from orbit for daring to speak their minds about Arcann or Zakuul. True or not, freedom will never be restored to the galaxy until Arcann's Star Fortresses are all destroyed.
The Alliance: Although the governing bodies of the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic conceded to Arcann's control, not everyone was content with becoming a resource farm for Zakuul. Chief among these rebels were Lana Beniko and Theron Shan. While Theron used his contacts from SIS to amass specialists to aid their fight against Arcann, Lana teamed up with Koth Vortena to break out the legendary Outlander--the only person they believed capable of wrangling so many different parties together under one banner. Although relatively small compared to Zakuul's forces, the Alliance has the Gravestone and experts in multiple fields at their disposal. With proper leadership, this coalition could not only defeat Arcann, but change the galaxy forever.
The Eternal Empire: The Eternal Empire of Zakuul is a totalitarian dictatorship under the Immortal Emperor. Citizens don't merely obey the Emperor--they view him as their timeless guide and protector. By trusting him with all political and military power, they can focus on higher learning and the finer aspects of civilized society. All citizens receive a monthly stipend of credits and resources such as food and fuel. Compared to the rest of the galaxy, the average Zakuulan would be a member of the upper class and want for nothing. They are an idealistic people--scientists, artists and philosophers--who look down on the Sith Empire and Republic, disgusted by their warmongering ways. Instilled with Valkorion's arrogance, they believe it is their burden to bring enlightenment to the rest of the galaxy.
The Eternal Fleet: The Eternal Fleet is an ancient and unstoppable armada operated by sentient droids and controlled by the Eternal Throne. Centuries ago, the fleet nearly wiped out all of Wild Space. It took a colossal alien warship, the Gravestone, to deactivate the Eternal Fleet, and even it was subsequently lost in the final battle. Valkorion had heard rumors of the fleet before his arrival on Zakuul; it was the main reason he chose the planet to house his new empire. Once he gained control over Zakuul, he began his search for the fleet in earnest, using the Scions' Force visions to eventually find the dormant ships. He built the Eternal Throne to reactivate and command the lost fleet. While primarily used in military operations, the fleet is also key in collecting tributes and resources from conquered planets and protecting trade routes in Wild Space.
The Eternal Throne: The Eternal Throne sits at the top of a starscraper in the center of the Spire. Built by Valkorion over a century ago, the throne not only serves as the Immortal Emperor's seat of power, but is the key to activating and controlling the Eternal Fleet. Valkorion gathered the greatest minds in Zakuul for its construction, which took generations to complete. How and why the fleet responds only to the throne remains a mystery even to the Zakuulan people--only Valkorion and his children know the true answer.
The Exarchs of Zakuul: Alliance spy T7-O1 obtained classified datafiles in the Spire on Zakuul that revealed the existence of an experimental program code-named "Project Exarch." The goal of this initiative is to enhance the best and most loyal Knights of Zakuul with biological and cybernetic upgrades, creating paragons of the Eternal Empire's sociopolitical ideals--and deadly enforcers of Emperor Arcann's might. Knights who survive the intensely painful conversion process are given the title Exarch and assigned to command a Star Fortress orbiting one of Zakuul's many conquered worlds. Exarchs are not just military commanders and super-soldiers; they are the unquestioned rulers of planets under their watch and answer only to Arcann himself. In addition to governing conquered worlds, Exarchs are quasi-religious leaders who inspire their subordinates with iconography related to the Old Gods of Zakuul's ancient history.
The Gravestone: Centuries before Valkorion's arrival on Zakuul, the Eternal Fleet was in the process of systematically decimating all life in Wild Space. Legend speaks of a single massive, alien warship that could counter the Fleet's might: the Gravestone. Outfitted with specialized weapons designed to take out multiple targets at once, the Gravestone could destroy entire sections of the Fleet--including capital ships--with a single shot. After the final battle, the Eternal Fleet was deactivated and the Gravestone believed to be lost. Zakuulan archeologists have scoured Wild Space for a trace of the old warship, but so far have been unsuccessful.
The Old Ways of Zakuul: Before Valkorion's rise to power, Zakuul was a backwater planet in Wild Space with almost no contact with the rest of the galaxy. Forced to settle in bogs and swamps, early Zakuulans were a superstitious, nihilistic people who worshipped a pantheon of ruthless gods. These deities expressed their power through the pain and suffering of their followers. The pantheon's father was Izax, the god of death and the Ultimate Devourer. The ancient Zakuulans believed their fate was tied to the will of the gods and belonged to Izax. Those who challenged this view were considered demons. While most Demons were outcasts and expelled from society, a prophecy emerged claiming that one would climb beyond Izax's reach--an immortal god of gods who would topple the pantheon and usher in a new age for Zakuul. Claiming to be the Demon Savior of prophecy, Valkorion began his campaign against the Old Ways.
The Old World: Zakuulans have always been fascinated by suffering. In ancient times, the Old Ways taught that pain represented the power of the gods. Now, living in a near-utopia, most Zakuulans have never known what it means to suffer. Food, shelter, clothing and education are all provided by the grace of the Emperor. But in the lower recesses of the Spire, called the Old World, citizens can leave their pampered lifestyles behind and pay for the pretense of suffering, placing bets on gladiators in the arena or living out dark fantasies in the red-light district. The Knights of Zakuul have no jurisdiction there, which Arcann allows only because it keeps the privileged docile and content. Located below the Old World is Breaktown, an urban wasteland where an underbelly of outcasts has fled from the Eternal Throne's authority. In this forgotten city's decrepit ruins, debtors, black-market criminals, and those who reject the Emperor set up new pockets of society away from Arcann's prying eyes.
Valkorion: Valkorion is an ancient Sith entity with the power to possess and control the bodies of others, using them as puppets to enforce his will on the galaxy. The Immortal Emperor is his latest mask and Zakuul his greatest, most ambitious endeavor: an idealistic playground where he can shed his past and experience a new life unburdened by archaic Sith teachings. A manipulative survivor, Valkorion pinpoints the weaknesses of both friends and enemies alike, twisting them to serve his purpose. He believes the entire galaxy is his to shape and will stop at nothing to reach his goals.
Vaylin: From the moment his daughter, Vaylin, was born, Valkorion felt her strong connection to the Force. As she grew up, the Immortal Emperor noticed similarities between them, which both pleased and frightened him, and he decided to keep a tight leash on his favorite child. Her father's control curbed her tendencies toward violence and anarchy, but beneath her upbeat and lighthearted exterior lurked a restless hunter, hungry and ambitious. When most of the Emperor's power was locked away on Yavin 4, he was no longer able to hide Vaylin's strength from her, and she finally got a taste of her full capabilities. Instead of striking back, however, she decided to bide her time, like a predator studying her prey. She formed a close bond with her brother Arcann as they both detest the idea of destiny. However, Vaylin isn't one to stay in the shadows forever.
Zakuul: Home to the Eternal Throne and defended by the Eternal Fleet, Zakuul has become the new superpower in the galaxy. An old civilization reshaped by Emperor Valkorion, Zakuul is technologically advanced, relying mainly on droid labor, with seemingly unlimited resources. All roads lead to the Spire, a sprawling metropolis built on the Endless Swamp. Valkorion's "golden city" symbolizes his victory over the Old Ways of Zakuul. A vertical labyrinth, the Spire is filled with countless neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. The populace is primarily human, but as the Eternal Empire continues to grow, more aliens are welcomed into the fold.
Some interesting material here, highlights being:
1.) Vitiate has a Zakuulan wife. ***** be cheating on Traya!
2.) Star Fortresses. Once again this DLC proves to be an unimaginative DE rip off. World Decimators, anyone???
3.) So it looks like the Eternal Fleet's origins are unknown. Probably Rakatans? Or are they just gonna drop the point and just say "well uh it's ancient"?
4.) So Valkorion has invested more than a century into Zakuul... It's odd how he's been "Valkorion Eternal Emperor" for so long, but his body seems to age normally... For that matter, who was Valkorion before Vitiate possessed him? Also, when did Vitiate possess him? Was he running around with more than one voice?
5.) Vitiate's power was "locked" on Yavin IV? Am I missing something?