Raven Guard

This bunch? They even give fanatics a bad name... if you can believe it...

— Jangir Toth, bounty hunter

There are elite special operations units across the galaxy. Highly trained individuals that represent the best in what they do. Efficient and loyal to their cause. The Raven Guard is one of those units, and perhaps the deadliest of them all.

The Way Is All

The origins of the Raven Guard have been lost to time, but the earliest reference comes from the High Republic era. A schism developed inside the ranks of the Mando’a group called the Kyr’tsad, or the 'Death Watch', over meaning and tenets of the Mandalorian way of life. As per their way, a duel between leaders took place, which resulted in one group being exiled from the Death Watch and known Mandalorian controlled space.

These ultra conservative, if not fatalistic and dogmatic followers of the Mandalorian Creed called themselves the Raven Guard. This group moved to the fringes of the Unknown Regions and vanished.

A Renewed Purpose

The Raven Guard wasn’t heard from again until after the Galactic Civil War. After the fall of Emperor Palpatine, his personal bodyguards deserted. The Royal Guard and Shadow Guards were the most loyal to not only the Emperor, but his philosophy. Every one left Imperial space rather than serve what they saw as a usurper.

Privately, the death of their emperor was a cruel blow. It left them adrift in an uncaring and dangerous galaxy. Some vanished to the Unknown Regions. Others took up arms for one crime lord or another. But many found their way to a Mandalorian tribe called the Revenlore; descendents of the original Raven Guard.

The Revenlore had come far since the original Raven Guard. In the centuries since their exile, the Raven Guard’s descendents moved farther away from the original Mandalorian ideals. Now, their culture shared more in common with ancient Sith culture, or even the Sith Order. It was a mix of ancient Mandalorian and Sith Order teachings. These Revenlore reflected many of the ideals and goals set down by Emperor Palpatine.

These foundlings of the Emperor found a renewed purpose with the Revenlore. Once lost, now they look only to prove their loyalty to their Fallen Emperor and his dark designs. They ressurected the Raven Guard as a military unit among the Revenlore. Dangerous fanatics, they wear a highly altered version of black and white-trimmed Mandalorian armor, complete with a styled skull as the helmet faceplate. They remain true to a twisted, conquest-oriented interpretation of the Mandalorian Creed. One that has melded with certain Sith teachings.

The result? A conquest driven, militaristic culture as dire as the ancient Sith Warrior traditions of old.

Structure

The organizational structure of the Raven Guard applies when members are on one of the guard's Honor Crusades.

First Marshal

This is the highest rank among the Raven Guard. He or she oversees the general organization, deployment, and execution of a 'war effort' on the part of the Raven Guard.

Tribunus Marshal

A trio of Raven Guard selected by draft from among the Cohort who advise the First Marshal. These are Raven Guard that have displayed tactical prowess and ability on the field.

Preatorian Cohort

This is the main body of the Raven Guard and what most would see as the black and white armored warriors.

Raven Seekers

They would be the 'padawan apprentices' of the Raven Guard. Younger members of the tribe who are still being trained by an assigned Raven Guard member of the Praetorian Cohort.

Shadow Breathren

Most of this unusual group are made up of former Imperial Shadow Guard or Force senstive members of the Revenlore tribe that have undergone the Shadow Guard training.

Culture

We bring the light of Order and Discipline. This light is the Fallen Emperor’s vision for a new galaxy, burned free of Rebellion, Defiance, Chaos. Concepts that should not be allowed to exist.

— First Marshal Ortan Starkgaze

Members of the Raven Guard follow a modified form of the Mandalorian Creed that is observed by the Revenlore people. They call it the Crusade of Light and Dark.

Discipline is the way, as only the Strong should rule

Defend the Order and Clan, for Loyalty is foundation of purpose

Abhor the Peacemongers, as they are Agents of Chaos with their lies

Guard your Honor, as it is the roots of life

Loyalty to the Way, through Loyalty we endure the War of Life and Death to honor the Fallen Emperor

As demonstration of their loyalty to the Crusade, they follow similar tenents as many Mandalorian tribes, such as:

Wearing the armor

In this case a modified Saber-Carapace Powersuit in black with white plates or trim.

Speaking the Revenlore language

This is a language that contains elements of the Sith language with an older dialect of Mandalorian spoken by the Revenlore. In speaking it, they believe they keep their people, their culture, alive while honoring their ancestors.

Defense and care for the tribe

For the Raven Guard, this would be defending their fellow members of the Raven Guard and their people, the Revenlore.

Heed the call of the First Marshal

The First Marshal is the top military commander of the Raven Guard. If he declares an Honor Crusade, all able bodied adults are expected to join the battle.

Assets

The key asset of any Raven Guard member is their modified Saber-Carapace Powersuit. Styled to be a blending of both Mandalorian armor and Imperial Royal Guard armor, it is both sturdy and unique. This armor is riddled with sensors and weapons, complete with a full heads-up-display in the helmet.

Raven Guard also maintain their own black hulled, armored craft that are modified Imperial Assault shuttles with backup shields and hyperdrives.

Order. Discipline. Clan.

Founding Date

Unknown, approximately during the High Republic era

Type

Military, Special Operations Force

Alternative Names

Templars of the Way

Predecessor Organization

• Death Watch

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Leader Title

First Marshal

Related Plots

• Episode 3.09 - Escape Velocity, Chapter 6

Member of the Raven Guard by CB Ash synthography using MidJourney, Krita, with snow/lighting/grunge overlays and photomanip adjustment

Notes from the Jedi Temple

Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi

"Hm... and here I thought the Death Watch were dogmatic..."

Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker

"It would explain why Palpatine's Royal Guard, Inquisitors, and others vanished so quickly. There wasn't even a trace."

Master Kenobi

"Honestly, Anakin, I do think I know what their problem really is."

Master Skywalker

"Oh? What would that be? A fanatical loyalty to a dead madman with control issues?"

Master Kenobi

"Why, lack of a good hug. of course!"