Knights of Zakuul
- Knights of Zakuul (Eternal Empire)
| Knights of Zakuul | |
| |
| Political information | |
| Type of government | Military Order / Paladin Order |
| Affiliation | Eternal Empire |
| Societal information | |
| Territory | Throughout Eternal Empire territory |
| Historical Information | |
| Date of establishment | Year 27 |
| Status | Active |
| Holosite | https://eternalempire.guildtag.com/ |
The Knights of Zakuul are the paladins and champions of the Eternal Empire. Only the most trusted warriors are granted this prestigious rank, serving as the elite guardians of the Eternal Throne and the empire's most loyal defenders.
Knights of Zakuul may be Force-sensitive or not, but only those who have proven themselves reliable and loyal are ascended to this rank. They are present in any major war and conflict, representing another layer of security for the Eternal Empire.
History
Origins
The Knights of Zakuul emerged as the premier military order of the Eternal Empire following its foundation in Year 27. Their traditions and customs were inspired by ancient visions of the Empire of Zakuul, as experienced by the Knights of Ren. These visions revealed ancient armor designs, combat techniques, and the noble traditions of the ancient Zakuul knights.
The armor of the Knights of Zakuul is inspired by the ancient tribal leaders of the ancient Zakuul worlds, modernized and combined with elements of former Son-Tuul Pride armors. The design was created by Bork Shalas, honoring both the empire's ancient heritage and its more recent origins.
The first Knights of Zakuul were drawn from the most loyal and capable warriors of the Son-Tuul Pride's hordes, granted the honor of wearing this distinctive armor that embraces the Eternal Empire's past while adapting to contemporary warfare.
Role in the Eternal Empire
The Knights of Zakuul serve as the most trusted paladins and generals of the Eternal Empire, functioning as the primary military leadership. Battle fronts and legions are often led by prominent Knights of Zakuul, who bring their experience and combat prowess to the Eternal Empire's forces.
They are trained in advanced combat techniques and traditional warfare, often using top-of-the-art equipment. Knights of Zakuul commonly use shields and force pikes, but also employ all types of rifles and even lightsabers for those who are Force-sensitive. Beskar variants of the armor and spears are currently being developed for the order's most elite members.
Each Knight of Zakuul also oversees a Star Fortress, a forward base built within enemy territory used to project power and maintain a permanent presence in contested regions.
Knights of Zakuul are a key part of the Eternal Empire's Order of Zakuul, which also includes the Horizon Guard and the Scions of Zakuul. They accompany the Eternal Emperor on his conquests and serve as the empire's elite guardians.
The Horizon Guard, a division of the Knights of Zakuul, is responsible for internal security and special operations, answering only to the Eternal Throne and overseeing the development and training of the Knights of Zakuul.
The Exarch Program
The customs inherited from the former Guavian Death Gang subfaction of the Son-Tuul Pride remained and evolved into the Exarch program. This program enhances Knights of Zakuul with cybernetic implants, granting those who are not Force-sensitive superior abilities.
Exarchs are highly augmented warriors who serve as some of the most formidable combatants within the Eternal Empire's forces. Their cybernetic enhancements provide them with increased strength, speed, and durability, allowing them to match or exceed the capabilities of Force-sensitive opponents. The Exarch program represents the Eternal Empire's commitment to using all available means to ensure the superiority of its warriors.
Differentiation from Other Knights of Zakuul Groups
The ancient empire of Zakuul is known throughout the galaxy by researchers and their cultural descendants. However, the Knights of Zakuul of the Eternal Empire are distinct from other groups that also claim the Knights of Zakuul name or armor style.
Other notable groups include:
The Resistance Knights of Zakuul (RKZ) : An order of Force-sensitive warriors of ancient-origin who traveled from the Unknown Regions to the Ardroxia System. They have been incorporated into The Resistance as an elite special operations and personal guard department. Their philosophy differs from both the Jedi and the Sith, believing that the Force is a tool to be used in the pursuit of justice. Zakuul Knights neither reject nor rigidly adhere to the light or dark side of the Force, instead emphasizing the importance of exploring a personal connection to the Force.
The Lethean Ecumene Military : The Military Operations Branch of the Ecumene uses Knight of Zakuul traditional armor, which differs from the new design used by the Eternal Empire but are similar in design as they are both inspired by the ancient knights. The Ecumene's forces are responsible for intelligence, defense, and policing within their territory.
The Eternal Empire's Knights of Zakuul distinguish themselves through their direct connection to the Eternal Throne and their adherence to the traditions revealed through Force visions. While other groups may claim Zakuul heritage or emulate their armor styles, the Eternal Empire's knights inherited their legacy through the visions of the Knights of Ren, setting them apart from those who merely study or emulate Zakuul through historical records.