Knights of Zakuul

The **Knights of Zakuul** are an order of Force-sensitive warriors who serve the Sith Council on Zakuul. They differ in philosophy from the Sith, believing that the Force was a tool to be used in the pursuit of justice, similarly to the Jedi. They believe they draw their connection to the Force directly from their king, Darth Magice, who they believe to be a reincarnation of the Immortal Emperor Valkorion.

## Organization and philosophy

The Knights of Zakuul serve to enforce justice throughout the Dominion. No area of the Force was deemed too weak for a Knight to pursue further knowledge in, and no areas of the Force were off-limits for Knights to study in the pursuit of power. However, whilst the pursuit of unlimited power drew natural comparisons between the Knights of Zakuul and the Sith, Knights were encouraged to share their findings with the rest of the order, rather than hoarding information for themselves. Several Sith viewed Knights as ineffective combatants when faced in single combat, as their use of the dark side without adherence to the Sith code limited their ability to channel anger through the Force.

Above the normal Knights of Zakuul were the elites, the black-clad Knights known as Paladins, who generally command greater power in the force and are generally better trained, they are often assigned to more important duties than the gold-clad Knights.

The Knights of Zakuul were a heavily militarized organization and favoured group tactics, often involving the use of personal shields, as well as co-ordination between Knights, walkers, and the Black Legion's troopers and droids. Their leader held the title of High Justice, who in turn served the Sith Council. Below him were several Knight-Captains who commanded their own groups of Knights. It was not uncommon for Paladins to fill the roles of Captain should their officer be slain.

## History

### Origins

The Knights of Zakuul drew their origins from the Force-sensitive tribal leaders of early Zakuulan settlers; Matriarchs, Champions, and High Shamans. After Valkorion united the centuries tribes years before 3636 BBY, these roles were organized and formalized into the Knights of Zakuul. Among them were a sub-group known as the Scions of Zakuul who fulfilled the role of the old Shamans. They received visions and advised the emperor on various matters. Following the death of Valkorion however, the scions were hunted down by Emperor Arcann who despised their order.

### Service & Fall

The Knights continued their service, even after Valkorion's assassination, wherein they served his son and successor Arcann and later his sister Vaylin. The finest Knights, under Arcann's reign, were selected and chosen for the experimental Project Exarch and fitted with its state-of-the-art technologies. Exarchs would be chosen to command the formidable Star Fortress which held important worlds across the galaxy under control. During Empress Vaylin's reign, another sub-group of Knights was introduced - the Horizon Guard. Chosen from the most skilled and loyal nights, they became the Empress' personal guards and executioners. Both the Knights and Horizon Guard continued to serve faithfully until the Assault on Odessen, during which their Empress was killed. Following the disastrous battle the order that was known as the Knights of Zakuul scattered, serving different individuals who filled the void left by the late empress.

A “contingent” of Knights was recruited by Senya Tirall and Sana-Rae to join the Eternal Alliance, although this particular contingent of Knights turned out to be minimal. Senya's contingent aided the Commander on Iokath, whilst a large group of Knights and Horizon Guards joined the Order of Zildrog under Vinn Atrius. Another group of Knights and Horizon Guards proceeded to join Battalion Commander Tassar on Lehon with the Zakuulan Forward Recon, along with Knight Captain Maevee, and Horizon Guard Sterla. They attempted to construct another Star Fortress to avenge their late Emperor, but were thwarted by the Alliance.

### Reorganization

One of the only surviving Exarchs follwing Arcanns demise, Cyruwil Nelmfai, would later begin to gather the survivors of the Order of Zildrog, and the Zakuulan Forward Recon. He would lead them back to Zakuul to reform the Knights of Zakuul, as they believed the Immortal Emperor had intended for them to remain as guardians of their world. On Zakuul political power had meanwhile been turned over to a council local leaders whose reign was a far cry from the great rule of Valkorion. Dissatisfied with the council, Nelmfai and his most loyal Knights initiated a coup, murdering all members of the council and their allies in cold blood. In their stead the former Exarch introduced a theocratic rule to the planet with the Knights of Zakuul at the top. He would then take the position of High Justice, which had remained vacant since Vaylins death, and used it to project his absolute power.

While Zakuul underwent drastic change, in large part due to the tyranny of the Knights, the organisation itself remained largely unchanged. Their ideology regarding the force stayed the same and so did their utter devotion to their leader, the High Justice. The first changes came with the prophecy of Emperor Valkorions return, which eventually became the most sacred idea of the order.

### Galactic Legends

The Zakuulan Knights survived through the millennia in much the same form as they had since the fall of the Eternal Empire, still honouring the teachings brought by the Immortal Emperor. When the Sith Dominion arrived at Zakuul, the knights opposed them. But those knights who bore witness to Darth Magice's Force powers, recognised the Sith as the returned Valkorion and laid down their weapons and submitted. Those who did not, lost their lives in the following battle against the Sith or against their former brethren who now viewed them as heretics for not following the prophecy.

The Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Magice took the throne of Zakuul. The Knights who had submitted to him were allowed to continue their duties as peacekeepers and protectors. Belief that Darth Magice was indeed the returned Immortal Emperor continued to be strong and those that had doubt, were smart to not voice their concerns.

## Armor and equipment

Knights of Zakuul were, in the past, known for their use of distinctive lightsaber pikes, sometimes wielded alongside a shield for deflecting blaster fire. By the time of the Sith Dominion's arrival however, most lightsaber pikes had been lost and replaced with more traditional vibropikes or vibroblades.

The standard uniform of the Knights of Zakuul was a suit of gold-colored armor. Knights were taught to forge their armour from a young age, a practice that extended to the future Emperor Arcann and continued at least until the second millennium after the battle of Yavin. A resource that started several hundreds of years into the isolation of their planet, led to the material of the Knights armour degrading over time. Suits began to be passed down and among the newly forged, lesser materials would be used more often. When the Sith arrived in 1004 ABY there was very little uniformity among the Knights, a far cry from their glorious past. Paladins continued to wear similar armour, which remained black instead of the still more common golden colour.

The Sith that were slain either in battle against the Jedi and Imperial Knights or against the Knights of Zakuul were gathered and their lightsabers broken apart. The crystals within were then granted to the most worthy Knights to allow them to reforge their lightsaber pikes of old. Those Knights who had lightsaber pikes then underwent training alongside the Sith adjust to their traditional weaponry.