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I've been waiting a VERY long time on Mars to get around to the Immortals. Hopefully he'll join this discussion. Anyway, I want your thoughts on the group.
The write up needs a lot of edits. Basically, it needs to be nerfed. The original person who wrote it made them way way way too OP.
The Immortals
Description
Although few in number, the Chiss military is known for its potency and supremacy through superior technology. This trait is exemplified to the maximum in the elite spearhead of the Ascendancy’s military might: the Immortals. Led by the enigmatic former Jedi Xaphan and striking from the modified Chiss Star Destroyer Black Feather, these soldiers are considered far and away the most elite segment of the Chiss military and among the most potent and feared warriors in all of galactic history.
The foundation of the Immortals can be traced to the top secret Chiss weapons project 20-11B, which was founded as a search for biological weapons. In so doing, a highly virulent and aggressive virus was created that, interestingly enough, carried a survivor rate that was exclusively Chiss. It was postulated that perhaps, due to their highly active metabolism from having evolved in the frigid planet of Csilla, the Chiss immune system was more capable than humanity and other near-human species in coping with the virus’ effects. Whatever the reason, the potential for such a creation was quickly realized and Project 20-11B was adapted into something wholly new: the creation of super soldiers through gene therapy.
Using this virus as a delivery mechanism, Chiss scientists quickly began experimenting with “cutting and pasting” little bits of genetic code into cells of living Chiss subjects. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and understanding about Chiss DNA into the project, it wasn’t very long before a prototype serum was created and ready for testing. Because of the aggressiveness and unpredictability of the virus vector, the first test subject needed to be especially hardy. Arasyx’apha’nuruodo, usually shortened to “Xaphan”, was selected for this task. In addition to being one of the brightest rising stars in the Chiss military, Xaphan was remarkably strong in the Force and a former Jedi Knight, thus it was believed his mastery the supernatural would help him to weather the virus’ effects.
Once treated with the serum, his body was able to keep the virus in check and within minutes, a significant number of changes began to take root throughout its systems. The overall effects of the virus are to stimulate increased production of intracellular structures. Cellular growth occurs, and density increases due to radically increased production of structural proteins. Mitochondria are also stimulated into nuclear fission and as an unintentional but so-far beneficial twist, midi-chlorians have also been shown to increase in number as well. Other organ system-specific changes include additional iron and calcium content in the bones and increased myelination of nerve cords, along with additional actin and myosin fibers in the muscles. These changes take place progressively over the course of a few days.
Overall, these changes in cellular structure have incredible effects on the overall anatomy. By and large, the most obvious is radically increased strength and durability due to the additional density and structural elements of each cell. Xaphan showed a significantly more defined musculature within 24 hours of initial exposure, and standard hypodermic needles were found to be suddenly unable to pierce his skin. Additional myelination of his nerves results in faster transmission of action potentials and quicker reflexes, while additional mitochondria in the cells themselves drastically boost adenosine triphosphate output to fuel the body. With more energy, the cells operate and heal themselves much faster. Xaphan was shown to heal small cuts and bruises within an hour of infliction and to be capable of running impossible distances without apparent fatigue. Furthermore, the increased midi-chlorian content in his cells increased his connection to the Force. Though certainly not on the level of a Jedi Master or Sith Lord, Xaphan’s progress in this area was shown to accelerate significantly. Those treated with the Phoenix virus who did not previously show any sign of Force-sensitivity often begin to show faster reflexes, though perhaps not so much so to be potential candidates for Jedi or Sith apprenticeship.
Side-effects of this gene therapy, besides the initial crippling sickness as the virus takes effect, seem to be slim to nil once the virus reaches carrying capacity within the body and the immune system keeps it in check. However, its long-term effects are almost completely unknown and Xaphan is frequently subjected to full physical tests to continue to monitor its progression.
Those that did not perish were reborn as demigods among their kin, and joined the ranks of a military force that became known as the Immortals. Because of this, the virus became known as the Phoenix virus for its ability to seemingly kill its victims and bring them back in a blaze of glory. With their founding member, Xaphan, as their leader, the Immortals were provided with advanced and often unique equipment along with their very own specially altered Star Destroyer, and rapidly made a name for themselves as among the most feared soldiers in all of the galaxy.
Other than certain commonalities that each of the Immortals share, such as their infection with the 20-11B virus, they operate much like any other army battalion. There are specialists in infiltration, demolition, sniping, heavy infantry, anti-armor, space combat, and more. They undergo rigorous and unique training that is more intense than anything else found in the Chiss military and are taught to be able to cope with any situation, regardless of their specialty. They are also equipped with armor and weapons that are of special Chiss make, and make them instantly identifiable on any battlefield.
It is common for an Immortal to personalize his or her armor, resulting in a wide range of deviations while still maintaining a certain easily recognizable base design. It is designed along the same lines as Darth Vader’s legendary armor: to both serve a practical purpose and intimidate those around them. The armor is composed of a light but strong titanium-cortosis alloy, defending them from blaster bolt and lightsaber blade alike. The weight and thickness vary from soldier to soldier, but all the armor is designed to allow the soldier to survive in the harshest of environments to include deep space. Most have a fractal-pattern outer layer which refracts and scatters light to make the surface nearly invisible to the naked eye. This layer is able to be toggled on and off as the need demands. Additionally, the suits generally utilize some form of onboard weaponry, the original intent being to prevent the advanced Chiss weaponry from being dropped in the field and used by the enemy. These weapon types also vary a great deal. Many have a cannon built into the right or left arm, which slides back to reveal a hand when not in battle mode. Though of course highly trained in unarmed combat, all Immortals carry some form of close-range weaponry. For Xaphan, this is in the form of an energy blade built into the wrist of the left arm, but some prefer vibroblades or simple knives. The helmet sports a highly advanced and integrated onboard computer complete with targeting systems and suit diagnostics projected right in the wearer’s vision along with environmental information.
A few additional innovations built into the suits of all Immortals are derived from the Chiss leadership’s desire to protect their investment. Not only do the Immortals gobble up funding like no other army battalion in the galaxy, but the relatively high fatality rate associated with adding additional soldiers to their ranks results in a rather high body count. For this reason, all known measures are taken to preserve those that do make it through the grueling viral infection. The suits are ubiquitously equipped with plasma shields that enhance protection from energy weapons. These shields can be overpowered by concerted or especially potent fire, though. As a final measure, a unique, prototype micro-teleporter is installed in each and every suit and is wired into the wearer’s body in such a way that it can monitor his or her vitals. If it senses mortal injury, it instantly activates and the Immortal vanishes in a blazing flash of light, transported back to the nearest safehouse for treatment. It is this characteristic flash that associates them so strongly with the legendary firebird of myth, the phoenix and is partly where they derive their name, as it seems they can never die. Those that do sustain permanent injury usually have those injuries healed through advanced cybernetics, making them sometimes even more fearsome.
As far as actual combat capabilities, the Immortals are trained and equipped to take on virtually all conceivable situations on the current galactic battlescape. Their numbers are rather low compared to other battalions of the Chiss army, but regardless they have been known to sack entire planets purely of their own accord. Their biological augmentations as well as the advanced Chiss technology they wield make them so potent and versatile that enemies have been known to withdraw at the simple possibility that the Black Feather might appear. They are capable of augmenting the regular military as well as acting independently, and are particularly skilled at boarding and performing a hostile takeover of enemy craft. Their leader, Xaphan, carries extreme and utter respect and admiration among his men and is known for attacking in strange and unexpected ways, from unpredictable directions and angles. The Immortals often appear in a battle seemingly from nowhere and seem to instantly turn the tide, if only from the pure fear inspired by their presence.
Like their armor, the battle presence of a single Immortal in the field can take a wide variety of different forms. Xaphan, for instance, is known for his respect for the Jedi Code and is nearly always seen as perfectly calm and passive, if a bit intense. Others take this to opposite extremes. Though this has not been proven, it could be that certain brain chemistries are particularly sensitive to the Phoenix virus such that it has driven them insane. Some coat their armor in paintings cast from the blood of their victims or even wear the bones of more prominent foes. The nastiest of them are known for having a penchant for spreading their own sickness, which they refer to as “the Fire”. They wield knives, swords, or vibro weapons coated in their own blood, which thus infects their enemies with the Phoenix virus. Non-Chiss have never been known to survive it, and these darker Immortals often relish their enemies’ dying throes.
Though they take a variety of forms under one common banner, the Immortals are a highly elite fighting force and operate as one. There is an intense camaraderie and pride in their ranks; so much so that they can appear arrogant and distant from other Chiss soldiers. Regardless of their low numbers, they are constantly to be feared both from their raw efficiency and potency and Xaphan’s strategic genius, said by some to be comparable to the great hero Thrawn himself. If the Chiss are to finally take a dominant role in the galaxy, it is the Immortals that will shepherd them to that position. Entire planets seem to quake with their coming, and so too will the enemies of the Ascendancy.
The write up needs a lot of edits. Basically, it needs to be nerfed. The original person who wrote it made them way way way too OP.
The Immortals
Description
Although few in number, the Chiss military is known for its potency and supremacy through superior technology. This trait is exemplified to the maximum in the elite spearhead of the Ascendancy’s military might: the Immortals. Led by the enigmatic former Jedi Xaphan and striking from the modified Chiss Star Destroyer Black Feather, these soldiers are considered far and away the most elite segment of the Chiss military and among the most potent and feared warriors in all of galactic history.
The foundation of the Immortals can be traced to the top secret Chiss weapons project 20-11B, which was founded as a search for biological weapons. In so doing, a highly virulent and aggressive virus was created that, interestingly enough, carried a survivor rate that was exclusively Chiss. It was postulated that perhaps, due to their highly active metabolism from having evolved in the frigid planet of Csilla, the Chiss immune system was more capable than humanity and other near-human species in coping with the virus’ effects. Whatever the reason, the potential for such a creation was quickly realized and Project 20-11B was adapted into something wholly new: the creation of super soldiers through gene therapy.
Using this virus as a delivery mechanism, Chiss scientists quickly began experimenting with “cutting and pasting” little bits of genetic code into cells of living Chiss subjects. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and understanding about Chiss DNA into the project, it wasn’t very long before a prototype serum was created and ready for testing. Because of the aggressiveness and unpredictability of the virus vector, the first test subject needed to be especially hardy. Arasyx’apha’nuruodo, usually shortened to “Xaphan”, was selected for this task. In addition to being one of the brightest rising stars in the Chiss military, Xaphan was remarkably strong in the Force and a former Jedi Knight, thus it was believed his mastery the supernatural would help him to weather the virus’ effects.
Once treated with the serum, his body was able to keep the virus in check and within minutes, a significant number of changes began to take root throughout its systems. The overall effects of the virus are to stimulate increased production of intracellular structures. Cellular growth occurs, and density increases due to radically increased production of structural proteins. Mitochondria are also stimulated into nuclear fission and as an unintentional but so-far beneficial twist, midi-chlorians have also been shown to increase in number as well. Other organ system-specific changes include additional iron and calcium content in the bones and increased myelination of nerve cords, along with additional actin and myosin fibers in the muscles. These changes take place progressively over the course of a few days.
Overall, these changes in cellular structure have incredible effects on the overall anatomy. By and large, the most obvious is radically increased strength and durability due to the additional density and structural elements of each cell. Xaphan showed a significantly more defined musculature within 24 hours of initial exposure, and standard hypodermic needles were found to be suddenly unable to pierce his skin. Additional myelination of his nerves results in faster transmission of action potentials and quicker reflexes, while additional mitochondria in the cells themselves drastically boost adenosine triphosphate output to fuel the body. With more energy, the cells operate and heal themselves much faster. Xaphan was shown to heal small cuts and bruises within an hour of infliction and to be capable of running impossible distances without apparent fatigue. Furthermore, the increased midi-chlorian content in his cells increased his connection to the Force. Though certainly not on the level of a Jedi Master or Sith Lord, Xaphan’s progress in this area was shown to accelerate significantly. Those treated with the Phoenix virus who did not previously show any sign of Force-sensitivity often begin to show faster reflexes, though perhaps not so much so to be potential candidates for Jedi or Sith apprenticeship.
Side-effects of this gene therapy, besides the initial crippling sickness as the virus takes effect, seem to be slim to nil once the virus reaches carrying capacity within the body and the immune system keeps it in check. However, its long-term effects are almost completely unknown and Xaphan is frequently subjected to full physical tests to continue to monitor its progression.
Those that did not perish were reborn as demigods among their kin, and joined the ranks of a military force that became known as the Immortals. Because of this, the virus became known as the Phoenix virus for its ability to seemingly kill its victims and bring them back in a blaze of glory. With their founding member, Xaphan, as their leader, the Immortals were provided with advanced and often unique equipment along with their very own specially altered Star Destroyer, and rapidly made a name for themselves as among the most feared soldiers in all of the galaxy.
Other than certain commonalities that each of the Immortals share, such as their infection with the 20-11B virus, they operate much like any other army battalion. There are specialists in infiltration, demolition, sniping, heavy infantry, anti-armor, space combat, and more. They undergo rigorous and unique training that is more intense than anything else found in the Chiss military and are taught to be able to cope with any situation, regardless of their specialty. They are also equipped with armor and weapons that are of special Chiss make, and make them instantly identifiable on any battlefield.
It is common for an Immortal to personalize his or her armor, resulting in a wide range of deviations while still maintaining a certain easily recognizable base design. It is designed along the same lines as Darth Vader’s legendary armor: to both serve a practical purpose and intimidate those around them. The armor is composed of a light but strong titanium-cortosis alloy, defending them from blaster bolt and lightsaber blade alike. The weight and thickness vary from soldier to soldier, but all the armor is designed to allow the soldier to survive in the harshest of environments to include deep space. Most have a fractal-pattern outer layer which refracts and scatters light to make the surface nearly invisible to the naked eye. This layer is able to be toggled on and off as the need demands. Additionally, the suits generally utilize some form of onboard weaponry, the original intent being to prevent the advanced Chiss weaponry from being dropped in the field and used by the enemy. These weapon types also vary a great deal. Many have a cannon built into the right or left arm, which slides back to reveal a hand when not in battle mode. Though of course highly trained in unarmed combat, all Immortals carry some form of close-range weaponry. For Xaphan, this is in the form of an energy blade built into the wrist of the left arm, but some prefer vibroblades or simple knives. The helmet sports a highly advanced and integrated onboard computer complete with targeting systems and suit diagnostics projected right in the wearer’s vision along with environmental information.
A few additional innovations built into the suits of all Immortals are derived from the Chiss leadership’s desire to protect their investment. Not only do the Immortals gobble up funding like no other army battalion in the galaxy, but the relatively high fatality rate associated with adding additional soldiers to their ranks results in a rather high body count. For this reason, all known measures are taken to preserve those that do make it through the grueling viral infection. The suits are ubiquitously equipped with plasma shields that enhance protection from energy weapons. These shields can be overpowered by concerted or especially potent fire, though. As a final measure, a unique, prototype micro-teleporter is installed in each and every suit and is wired into the wearer’s body in such a way that it can monitor his or her vitals. If it senses mortal injury, it instantly activates and the Immortal vanishes in a blazing flash of light, transported back to the nearest safehouse for treatment. It is this characteristic flash that associates them so strongly with the legendary firebird of myth, the phoenix and is partly where they derive their name, as it seems they can never die. Those that do sustain permanent injury usually have those injuries healed through advanced cybernetics, making them sometimes even more fearsome.
As far as actual combat capabilities, the Immortals are trained and equipped to take on virtually all conceivable situations on the current galactic battlescape. Their numbers are rather low compared to other battalions of the Chiss army, but regardless they have been known to sack entire planets purely of their own accord. Their biological augmentations as well as the advanced Chiss technology they wield make them so potent and versatile that enemies have been known to withdraw at the simple possibility that the Black Feather might appear. They are capable of augmenting the regular military as well as acting independently, and are particularly skilled at boarding and performing a hostile takeover of enemy craft. Their leader, Xaphan, carries extreme and utter respect and admiration among his men and is known for attacking in strange and unexpected ways, from unpredictable directions and angles. The Immortals often appear in a battle seemingly from nowhere and seem to instantly turn the tide, if only from the pure fear inspired by their presence.
Like their armor, the battle presence of a single Immortal in the field can take a wide variety of different forms. Xaphan, for instance, is known for his respect for the Jedi Code and is nearly always seen as perfectly calm and passive, if a bit intense. Others take this to opposite extremes. Though this has not been proven, it could be that certain brain chemistries are particularly sensitive to the Phoenix virus such that it has driven them insane. Some coat their armor in paintings cast from the blood of their victims or even wear the bones of more prominent foes. The nastiest of them are known for having a penchant for spreading their own sickness, which they refer to as “the Fire”. They wield knives, swords, or vibro weapons coated in their own blood, which thus infects their enemies with the Phoenix virus. Non-Chiss have never been known to survive it, and these darker Immortals often relish their enemies’ dying throes.
Though they take a variety of forms under one common banner, the Immortals are a highly elite fighting force and operate as one. There is an intense camaraderie and pride in their ranks; so much so that they can appear arrogant and distant from other Chiss soldiers. Regardless of their low numbers, they are constantly to be feared both from their raw efficiency and potency and Xaphan’s strategic genius, said by some to be comparable to the great hero Thrawn himself. If the Chiss are to finally take a dominant role in the galaxy, it is the Immortals that will shepherd them to that position. Entire planets seem to quake with their coming, and so too will the enemies of the Ascendancy.
