Nyâsh Taral

Lightsabers

Akesi Va Lightsaber





Training Lightsabers



"To inflict the most significant amount of pain, yet ensure one is safe" was the motto that Karnac's master lived by when training his students. With the creation of the Nyâsh Taral, it also became the Zabrak's. To accomplish this, Karnac had to carefully sort out the different means of training, starting with the very weapons they used. A regular lightsaber instilled the proper fear, yet a single mistake could cost one everything. Knowing this reality would never allow his men to learn and grow past them properly, he needed a standardized training saber.

Looking to keep things simple, the overall construction of the lightsaber utilized typical metals. The hilt was level and grained to provide a better grip. Over the emitter, three plates resided to give it a bit of flare so as not to appear completely boring. Finally, it was given a smoky black color to help make it feel more like a lightsaber of a Sith.

Its functionality was more complex, though. With a flat pommel, the saber was built to be combined into a saberstaff. In this way, a student could freely shift from a single hilt to dual hilts and finally a staff on a whim. At its core was a synthetic crystal of a blood-red color. But what made it stand apart from any other crystal was how it was shaped with Sith Alchemy. With the proper tuning of the electronics along with the crystal's creation, the blade would unleash a severe amount of pain upon impact, leaving extreme burns and welt. Though it would never cut, it did come with a different secondary effect. After a short burst of pain, all sensations from the impact spot on would grow numb and become paralyzed. Much like the microscopic toxin-filled barbs on the Sith training sabers of old, this effect would simulate the loss of a limb for several hours. An impact to the head or neck could render one unconscious. This crystal embodied Karnac's motto into his training, ensuring the genuine fear of the consequences settled in his warriors' minds.

While this was the standard, a dedicated variation would be crafted to mimic the base version for those select few who specialized in a unique hilt style.

Droids

DRK-1 Dark Eye Probe Droid



With the constant progression of the Nyâsh Taral on Karnac's mind, alongside safety during missions and trials, the Zabrak needed something that could continuously monitor his warriors. The choice seemed simple enough when he came across the DRK-1 Dark Eye Probe Droid. A creation of the Sith, this spy probe would be what kept him in the loop with each member's progression.

The surveillance system within the droid could record and transmit video and audio of everything it witnessed. To add to its usefulness, a stealth field generator was implemented, allowing it to remain hidden, either from those of the Taral or from enemy soldiers. While the effective range was limited, making it harder to view in real-time unless within orbit at the very least, simply having the data to inspect later was more than enough. To aid with its range, each ship utilized by the Nyâsh Taral had a server to which the droid was connected so as never to lose signal.

This would allow Karnac to analyze his members to find better ways to aid them in improving, weed out any questionable actions, and keep a better eye on their situation on a mission. This was the level of his conviction for his men, their progression, and their safety.



Battle Droid Remote



Knowing that combat with regular living opponents or even wild animals wasn't always enough to prepare for the unknown, Karnac looked to add probe droids to the list of training units within the Nyâsh Taral. Looking back to the typical training remotes that even the average person utilized, the Zabrak added the Battle Droid Remote. Once used by the Jedi, its many settings and training levels made it a good choice for his men.

Though he allowed the lower levels of intensity to remain for those younger and inexperienced members to utilize, he increased the potency of the stun bolts to ensure that the Taral understood the severity of their mistakes and what it could cost in an actual combat scenario. With the five blasters equipped, four of which were hidden, the probe could attack in rapid succession and from unexpected points, forcing warriors to keep on their toes when trying to anticipate when and where the next shot would come from. Its pathing was unpredictable at its highest setting, and its maneuvering was remarkable. Even a solo probe could give the impression of being shot at by multiple enemies, truly testing a Taral's ability to fend of such an assault.



Sith Training Droids



Though training with other members of the Nyâsh Taral or other wild creatures provided a far better session to build one's skill, Karnac knew he could not overlook droids due to their accessibility on a whim. While more limited and focused upon a designated program, they could battle a warrior en mass and amplify a spar in a proper scenario. Yet, he couldn't allow himself to diminish the level of training he placed upon his members, so he needed to select a droid capable of giving his warriors a proper challenge.

After looking through the vast collection of droids available from the Forge Worlds, the Kovoti found what he sought in the Sith Training Droids, which Darth Vader utilized when training his secret apprentice. Many features in these mechanical beings worked to bring out the best of a training scenario. Their holographic technology would allow them to take on the appearance and voice of any humanoid lifeform. Coupled with the combat modules that recorded the combat styles of selected individuals, these droids could keep things ever-changing in the sparring pits and provide the needed practice to challenge their living counterparts. Advanced blaster and lightsaber combat programs were installed to ensure maximum efficiency.

Karnac then requested a few upgrades found in other droids to enhance these droids further. The first was improved servos for better agility and strength in a fight. This would allow the droids to keep up with or surpass their opponent's capabilities. Another feature came from the Jedi Training Droid, which added the ability to release electricity from the fingertips on its left hand to mimic Force Lightning. Within its right hand was a device that released a small burst of energy that simulated a Force Push, though its intensity could be enhanced to mimic a weak Force Burst. A final touch was adding a stealth field generator that could allow the droid to mimic an assassin or user of Force Cloak in short bursts.

With these features, Karnac knew they would provide enough of a challenge to keep the members of the Taral pushing forward without growing bored or complacent. This included the reality that the droids were programmed to occasionally wander the halls of the temple, disguised as other members of the Taral, and attack randomly. This ensured that his team remained vigilant at all times.

Mounts

Uvaks



Whether standing with the frontline pushing forward in battle or sneaking in from behind enemy lines to create an opening for their forces, the Nyâsh Taral functioned on foot most of the time. Yet, in these instances, they were engaged directly in front of their enemy and in a small window of time. But there would be moments when an operation would take days to complete, and they had to seek out the enemy over long distances or multiple locations. As such, the Taral would need a means of traversing the terrain far more efficiently.

Common amongst the Sith Eternal, Karnac brought in the use of Uvaks for his members. Their ability to fly would allow them to scout better while being unrestricted by terrain. When paired with a Uvak's devotion to their designated riders, no better mount could give them certainty in the field. Though reasonably large, they were swift and agile, making it difficult to pursue either through the height they could fly or the foliage they could traverse.



FC-20 Speeder Bike



While the Uvaks granted members of the Nyâsh Taral the ability to fly and traverse a planet's terrain easily, some preferred to stay on the ground or desired something mechanical over organic. That left Karnac seeking a speeder bike that could truly satisfy his men's and the field's remaining needs.

When choosing a bike, he wanted something that could be quickly and capable in a fight. Looking through the many speeder bikes throughout history, nothing stood up to his desires. That left him looking for the best base that could utilize slight modifications. In this light, only a single bike outperformed the rest. Like the Sith Darth Maul, Karnac looked to the FC-20 Speeder Bike. Incredibly fast and exceptional in its cornering and maneuverability, none could adequately keep them in their sights.

But speed alone wasn't enough. They needed a bit of firepower when chasing down an enemy. With that in mind, the Zabrak had them modified with a dual-light blaster cannon mounted on the front below the controls. A final touch was implementing the same feature Maul used, a "wait mode" that would allow the speeder to stop, even at high speed, should a warrior suddenly dismount.

Coupled with the Uvaks, the FC-20 filled out the Nyâsh Taral's need for a mount perfectly.

Ships

TIE/St Stryfe



Though the focal point of the Nyâsh Taral was its frontline support during combat on the ground, Karnac knew that not all combat was there, nor was each member's specialty. A space battle was equally crucial in claiming new territories and warding off enemies. As such, the Zabrak sought out a starfighter that would stand as the elite standard just as those who would pilot them.

Looking through the databank of fighters available to the Sith Eternal, Karnac's initial selection would have come from vessels claimed from either the Blackguard Imperium or the Resurgent Sith Conclave. Yet, it was then that Darth Astera revealed the new TIE-ARMS program and the collection of fighters produced from her work. Though initially reluctant to utilize them due to their minimal defense, he eventually opted for these vessels when seeing the depth in which each fighter operated.

The first was the TIE/St Stryfe. Functioning as the pinnacle of speed and agility, the starfighter's meager defenses meant nothing if none could stay behind them long enough to attack. Named in honor of Darth Stryfe, who served as the Hand of Krayt, the TIE/St's focus was swift interception operations of enemy fighters, much like its namesake. Four dual laser cannons sat upon the outer part of the solar panels and wing tips, while a pair of ion cannons under the cockpit allowed the TIE/St to pack a severe punch. At the same time, its massive engines and SLAM system gave it the speed it needed to get in behind the enemy and use that power to its fullest. While the ship didn't usually come equipped with a hyperdrive, any built for the Taral were upgraded with this feature.



TIE/Az Azard



Initially looking to add only a single starfighter for the Nyâsh Taral, Karnac couldn't help but take to the TIE/Az Azard due to its overwhelming power. Much like its brother, the TIE/St Stryfe, its defenses were terrible as the lighter armor and removal of a shielding system made them cheaper and easier to produce. However, while speed and agility allowed the TIE/St to get in and out with less risk to the pilot, the TIE/Az had something else: a powerful rear armament. Due to this, the Kovoti brought both vessels in as regular choices for his men.

The TIE/Az Azard, like its counterparts, was named in honor of the deeds of a famous Sith Lord. In this instance, it was Darth Azard, the Overseer of the Imperial Outer Rim Third Fleet and one of the main executioners of the Massacre of the Mon Calamari. With this legacy of destruction in mind, the TIE/Az was outfitted with a robust arsenal that would put larger gunships to shame. Twelve torpedo launchers were built into the wings, while six laser cannons were grouped into threes and nestled closely to the curved solar panels. Around the viewport of the cockpit rested four ion cannons and a pair of rear-mounted dual-light laser cannon turrets to ensure none could quickly shoot the fighter down. To control this power, the TIE/AZ required two people to operate it: a pilot to control the ship and fire the laser and ion cannons and a co-pilot to control the tailguns and fire the torpedoes.

Much like the TIE/St, the Azard came without a hyperdrive but came equipped upon request for those given to the Taral. Together with its brother and in the hands of skilled pilots, these vessels would bring untold devastation to all of the Sith Eternal's enemies.



Wrath-class Transport



With the creation of the Nyâsh Taral, Karnac sought a vessel that could serve as a solid transport for a single team. After scouring the various ships the Sith Eternal had access to, he felt a modification of an existing vessel or an entirely new one was the only answer. After sending the commission to Darth Astera with the particulars he required, it was decided that a newly designed transport was best. Due to his position as Champion of the Eternal and the role of the Taral, it was dubbed the Wrath-class Transport after the Emperor's Wrath, later the Empire's Wrath of the reconstituted Sith Empire.

At fifty meters, the Wrath-class takes inspiration from various designs from Sith and Imperial philosophy. The TIE Reaper, Raider-class corvette, and TIE Silencer were the most significant contributors with its long, slightly squared body and angled solar panels that rested near the ship's rear on extended wing protrusions. The cockpit was located above the main hull rather than integrated into the interior, near the transport's stern and off-center to the right. This construction allowed more room for the troops and better sealed the cockpit during depressurization of the deployment area while providing a better visual of the ship.

Able to accommodate forty troops, the great length of the ship ensured plenty of space for the typical amenities such as bunks, a medbay, a bathroom, a common area to eat, and personal lockers for gear. As this ship was planned to be launched from Roon or aligned worlds and could take days of hyperspace travel to a mission objective, some comfort was afforded. The rear of the ship holds the boarding ramp, though for rapid deployment, the main floor of the troop deployment bay can open to allow for quick drops. All areas attached can be sealed off for depressurization, so deployment in a vacuum is possible. Twenty seats on each side of the floor allow for some relaxation just before deployment.

For armament, it carries two laser cannons attached to the wings, two missile tubes that carry proton torpedoes or concussion missiles (five each,) and a pair of light turbolasers situated nicely into the upper part of the hull just behind the missile launchers. A retractable dual-blaster cannon turret rests under each wing to provide cover during deployment and extraction. The defenses are weaker, but this is made up for by incredible speed and solid agility. Further aid comes in the form of a cloaking device, allowing teams to drop in quietly and take enemies by surprise.



ST-25 Troop Transport



With the design of the Wrath-class Transport, sorted and put into production, Karnac also requested the creation of another vessel. While the Wrath-class would do well for a singular team, he also needed something that could carry multiple groups in a single trip. However, instead of another new design, the Champion found a pre-existing ship just waiting to be examined and updated in the form of the Imperial Assault Transport of the reconstituted Sith Empire.

Pleased with the vessel's overall appearance, he requested a smaller variation be built. It meant a smaller troop capacity, but it would be enough for his purposes. The new design could carry up to 150 troops or 75 troops and 75 speeder bikes or Uvaks. The main pod could also be detached from the ship in the event of a longer occupation, in which case it housed the necessary equipment to function as a miniature base of operations.

Though some thought was placed into either a cloaking device or another type of stealth fitting, the idea was scrapped as it was a rare occurrence that the ST-25 would operate solo. As such, the armor and shields were dramatically reinforced from the ship's original design to ensure greater survivability, and it was given an updated armament to ensure that the transport would be capable of enduring a heavy firefight over hiding from it. Behind the cockpit rested a dual turbolaser cannon, while two dual turbolaser turrets rested on the slanted wings, granting it some ability to fight against larger capital ships. A pair of quad-laser cannon turrets ran down the dorsal side of the vessel to stave off starfighters. A quad-blaster turret was then mounted under the chin of the cockpit to clear out a landing zone.



Sith Personnel Carrier and Dropship



Even though the Nyâsh Taral gained two capable transports, Karnac understood that sometimes, they wouldn't be fast enough to deploy unless initially prepared before or would need to take some time to reach a designated landing zone. Due to this, the Zabrak looked to an old design utilized by the Sith in the form of the Sith Personnel Carrier and Sith Dropship.

While weak offensively and defensively, once given a clear path, the Sith Personnel Carrier could jump in from hyperspace and head close enough to the planet's surface to unleash the dropships attached to it. This would allow the Taral to send its warriors directly into the middle of a fray and unleash hell upon an enemy. Though the dropship could hold up to sixty troops, only a team of thirty-five would be on board, giving them plenty of time and room to prepare for landing.

In such cases, a team of starfighters would work as escorts to ensure a safe landing from enemy fire, though the dropships had some support from their carriers with their eight light-blaster cannons. However, as weak and slow as they were, these vessels were only ever on stand-by and rarely used.