Conclave at Deneba

"The Jedi are disturbed at how quickly Satal and Aleema have mastered the Sith powers. They've called an assembly of all the Jedi in the galaxy. We're on our way to Deneba."

- Nomi Sunrider

The Conclave on Deneba was a Jedi convocation during the Krath Holy Crusade of the Great Sith War, held on the planet Deneba in 3,997 BBY. The gathering of Jedi was called in response to the growing threat of the dark side that was previously thought to have been eliminated on Onderon. Nearly ten-thousand in number, the Jedi gathered in an amphitheater in the valley at the foot of Deneba's Mount Meru.

The conclave would come to an abrupt end when a surprise attack, initiated by the Sith-inspired Krath, interrupted the assembly with a bombardment of life-pods containing deadly war droids. The ensuing battle would result in the deaths of many Jedi, including the Arkanian Jedi Master, Arca Jeth.

Trouble in Empress Teta


Jedi Master Arca Jeth, with his team of Jedi Knights, recently cleansed the planet Onderon of the dark side in a series of battles known as the Freedon Nadd Uprising. In doing so, the Jedi believed that the dark side had been kept in check; however, this was not the case. The region of the galaxy known as the Empress Teta system had recently suffered a violent political uprising, staged by the heirs to the thrones of Empress Teta, Satal and Aleema Keto. The Ketos were also the leaders of the Krath, a recently established and secret society of Sith magicians. To solidify their rule over the system, the Krath laid siege to their own homeworld of Empress Teta, which was the last of the Tetan worlds to resist the coup.

Master Arca was suspicious that the unrest in Empress Teta was somehow connected to the uprising on Onderon, so he and his Knights accepted guardianship of the Tetan system. Again the Jedi waged war against the dark side, this time on the Krath, with intentions of restoring peace in Tetan space. However, when the Krath manifested their newly acquired Sith powers, the joint Republic-Jedi effort was bewildered, and defeated. Considering how briskly the Krath managed to spread the dark side across the galaxy, the leaders of the Jedi Order became increasingly concerned that an ancient prophecy was on the verge of coming to pass. The result was something that had not happened in hundreds of years: a gathered assembly of all Jedi was to be called.

Arrival on Deneba


Due to the fact the dark side played an integral part in the Krath's rise to power, the Jedi Masters decided to meet and discuss whether the situation warranted a renewed Jedi war effort. Almost every Master, Knight, and Padawan in the entire galaxy was summoned to Deneba, numbering close to ten thousand in total. Among the first to arrive were Master Arca Jeth and the freshly injured Ulic Qel-Droma, Nomi Sunrider along with her daughter Vima, and the Beast Master Thon. Nomi and Ulic had returned from a recent failed relief mission to Empress Teta, where, in an attempt to drive the Republic Navy out of Tetan space, real Krath chaos fighters began making suicide attack runs in the midst of illusory ones. Ulic was injured during the assault, and the Republic fleet was forced to retreat and rethink their battle strategy.

His arm in a sling, Ulic Qel-Droma seemed distant while his fellow Jedi gazed in wonder at the sight of so many of their fraternity gathered in one place. Nomi, being concerned for Ulic's lingering condition, suggested that he use a service droid for assistance to the Mount. Meanwhile, Masters Thon and Arca of Arkania discussed the growing darkness around the apprentice of one of their closest colleagues. Just then the group caught up with Ulic's brother, Cay Qel-Droma. Cay, who was also concerned for his brother's well being after the battle at Koros Major, was relieved to see him doing fine, though he too suggested the assistance of a droid as so many of them seemed to be hanging around in the group. Ulic refused both Cay and Nomi's suggestions as he recounted the glorious moments of the battle, while Nomi presented a more matter-of-fact account of the events. She was more concerned with Ulic's war-wound and how it still refused to heal when Master Arca approached them. He explained that ancient Jedi holocrons tell stories of how in the past the Sith were able to twist nature, to the point of preventing the natural healing of wounds. Since the conference was about to begin, though, leaving the Jedi to take their places in the amphitheater.

Message to the conclave


The convocation of Jedi gathered in a massive hollowed-out valley at the center of Mount Meru, with a great stage in the center of the valley. Recognized as one of the oldest and wisest of the Jedi, the Draethos Jedi Master Odan-Urr sat on that stage, and acting as the spokesman for the Council Odan-Urr was also chosen to preside over the convention. Just as the assemblage was beginning, Master Arca cautioned Ulic and the others about the Draethos; humanoids that use telepathy as their natural means of speech, but before he could finish, their minds were suddenly filled with the voice of Odan-Urr. Though unnerved at first, the Jedi relaxed and listened intently as Odan-Urr recounted the prophecy of the return of the Dark Lords, and also of the catastrophe at Empress Teta. The question he posed was whether the Jedi should send a mightier force to deal with the dark side threat, just as was done with Onderon. It was at this time Ulic Qel-Droma approached the stage.

Ulic's plan


"The darksiders act in complete secrecy, until the leaders of society have fallen to their evil seductions. Then they strike with great suddenness, bringing down civilizations it took aeons to build."

- Master Shayoto, warning Ulic Qel-Droma about the wiles of darksiders.

Ulic was acknowledged by the Draethos Jedi, and through the Force, Odan-Urr delivered Ulic's words to the minds of all the attendees. He began by discussing the past events, and how the wrong approach was taken in respect to dealing with the Krath. Ulic felt that the Jedi were mistaken, that overwhelming military strength would never be capable of completely eliminating the dark side. He believed that even if the dark side were defeated in Tetan space, there was nothing preventing it from taking root elsewhere in the galaxy and spreading again. But Qel-Droma's history of success was in question amongst his associates; he'd just returned from a defeat, and many Jedi were unsure if he was even capable of leading them to any sort of victory. This is when he unfurled his true plan: not one of direct confrontation, but infiltration. Ulic Qel-Droma was proposing that a Jedi be chosen to effectively become a double-agent, feigning allegiance to the Krath, while secretly learning their ways and plotting to destroy them.

The assembly was in an uproar; Ulic Qel-Droma was proposing the unthinkable. Many of them, including Master Arca, advised Ulic against such foolishness saying that the only way to defeat the dark side was to face it down. Knights like Shoaneb Culu and Dace Diath, who fought with Ulic on Onderon, also spoke against his plan. The aged Master Shayoto spoke of the dangers of attempting to destroy the dark side from within. Master Arca agreed with Shayoto, and warned Ulic that he could not destroy the dark side entirely, but merely subdue it as Thon had done with the planet of Ambria. Arca continued, stating that even though the Jedi could never hope to destroy the dark side, through their combined efforts they could create a wall of light to drive the dark side away. A recess was called, and the first half of the Conclave was finished.

The shadow of Freedon Nadd


Only a small number of Jedi were absent on Deneba, and during the recess many more arrived late, as the distance they traveled was so great. One of those tardy was Master Vodo-Siosk Baas. The Krevaaki Jedi was in terrible dismay; his greatest student Exar Kun left him in search of dark side things, worrying Vodo tremendously. He knew that somehow Exar Kun would be swept up in the dark times ahead. Vodo was looking for Master Arca, and as he advanced he came across the Qel-Droma brothers just as Cay was admonishing Ulic for his bold proposal. After a brief exchange Ulic and Cay pointed the Krevaaki Jedi in Master Arca's direction. Greeting each other, the two Jedi Masters walked abreast while discussing Exar Kun and his fascination with the dark side. Suddenly, there was a violent call through the Force. Both Vodo and Arca felt it, and Vodo instantly recognized it as his apprentice Exar Kun. Unknown to Master Vodo or any of the other Jedi who witnessed the call, Exar been tricked in accepting the dark side by the dark spirit of Freedon Nadd. At Arca's behest, Vodo reached out with the Force and meditated around his student. When Nadd's spirit realized that Exar Kun was receiving outside assistance, he set his attention on Vodo. Vodo sensed it too late, just as Nadd lashed out at him through the Force. He was knocked back, and his connection to Exar Kun was lost. Knowing there was nothing more he could do for his student, Vodo and the other Jedi took their places in the arena as the second half of the convocation.

Battle of Deneba
Before the conclave could resume, the Jedi were ambushed by Hundreds of life-pods that fell from orbit to Deneba's surface, unleashing their deadly cargo of Krath war droids. When the pods opened to reveal battle droids, the unsuspecting Jedi became quickly embroiled in a fierce battle. Arca quickly suggested to Vodo that they create a shield wall with the Force for protection, but Cay noted that it was too late. Cay Qel-droma instructed his T-12 servant droid to investigate the area, but upon receipt of that order the Krath's program trap kicked in, and all of the servant droids received new instructions to dispatch the Jedi. The Krath droids put up a formidable offensive, but despite their intense assault the Jedi emerged victorious. In the heat of the battle, Master Arca Jeth was killed by a war droid.

Outcome


The battle of Deneba was over, and many Jedi including Arca Jeth, perished in the skirmish. As the cleanup efforts began, Master Vodo-Siosk Baas retreated to a secluded hill, where he then displayed his personal holocron, and recorded the day's events including the travesty of Arca's death, and the discovery of the Krath being responsible for the war-droid attack.

Meanwhile, Ulic sat with Master Arca's robes, while Nomi and Cay did their best to console him. Ulic suffered incredible guilt for Arca's death. He then vowed to carry out his plan, despite the warnings of the Masters. Nomi implored him, saying that an idea like that would only result in calamity, but Ulic was unmoved. Cay tried also to sway his brother from making s desperate decision, but he too was unsuccessful.

The Jedi returned to Ossus, where Ulic and Nomi sought more information regarding the Empress Teta system. Ulic was determined to learn everything he could about the Krath and their home system, so he could have a better understanding of what he was dealing with. Traveling to the Great Jedi Library, they were greeted by Master Ood Bnar. Ood provided Ulic with a comprehensive history of Empress Teta, while also warning him about his rash decision. Before leaving, Ood brought the Knights before Master Odan-Urr, the Jedi keeper of antiquities. Odan-Urr then revealed his rare Sith holocron, and displayed for Nomi and Ulic stories of ancient Jedi who fell to the dark side. Ulic however, was not impressed. He stated that he was not seeking the Masters approval, only their understanding. The Masters recognized his determination, but also knew that trying to hinder Ulic was folly. Odd Bnar and Odan-Urr left, offering Qel-Droma their blessing.

Before leaving Ossus, Ulic had a conversation with his brother Cay. Cay still believed that his brother was making a foolish decision, and was nervous that he would never see Ulic again. As much as Cay tried to sway his brother, Ulic's determination remained unwavered. The two brothers embraced in a hug as Ulic assured Cay that everything would turn out alright. Ulic then spent the next morning with Nomi, preparing himself and his ship for departure to the Tetan system. Refusing repeated offers of assistance from Nomi, he left her with a passionate kiss, and departed for Empress Teta, the homeworld of the Krath.

Odan-Urr


Trained by the ancient Celegian Master Ooroo, Odan-Urr himself grew into one of the oldest and wisest Jedi of the Order. As a young padawan he was an avid learner, relentlessly studying Jedi lore and history, and learning ancient and forgotten Force techniques. He played an influential role in the Unification Wars of the Empress Teta system, displaying his proficiency in the rare art of Jedi Battle meditation. During this time, he became the personal advisor of Empress Teta herself. In 5,000 BBY, a prophetic vision forewarned Odan-Urr of an impending invasion from the fabled Sith Empire, which lead to the Great Hyperspace War. As a Knight Odan-Urr again went to batle, alongside his warrior Empress and the Galactic Republic. The Sith were eventually defeated, and found by Odan-Urr in the spoils of an abandoned Sith warship was a Sith holocron. In the wake of the war, Odan-Urr founded the Great Jedi Library on Ossus, where he kept his prized Sith holocron among other antiquities. Odan-Urr eventually attained the rank of Master, and by the time of the conclave on Deneba, Odan-Urr had provided over Jedi assemblies for nearly six centuries. He was the acting spokesman for the Jedi Council.

Ulic Qel-Droma


Ulic Qel-Droma was a famed Jedi Knight and, along with his brother Cay, was the apprentice of Arca Jeth. During his time Master Arca's padawan, Ulic was assigned to a diplomatic mission to the planet Onderon. Together with Cay and the Twi'lek Jedi Tott Doneeta, traveled to the dark side world, where their mission turned out to be an utter failure. The Jedi became involved in Onderon's Beast War conflict, and assisted Beast-Lord Oron Kira in defeating Queen Amanoa and her dark side legions. In the wake of the Beast Wars, Ulic and his Jedi companions battled Amanoa's husband, the sorcerer King Ommin and the dark side spirit of Freedon Nadd. After emerging victoriously over King Ommin, Ulic was one of several Jedi aware that the dark side had not been entirely defeated, and had made it's way to the Empress Teta system. As such, Master Arca and his apprentices accepted watchman duties for Empress Teta. Arca then sent Ulic and Nomi Sunrider as Jedi liasons to the Galactic Republic, where they again requested assistance on behalf of the Tetan worlds. The Jedi-Republic effort was unsuccessful, and during the battle for Koros Major, Ulic was deeply wounded. As a result of the mission failure, the Jedi Order called a Jedi gathering to the planet Deneba, where Ulic revealed his plan to secretly infiltrate the Krath. Despite the unanimous opposition of the Jedi assembly, Ulic Qel-Droma was intent on destroying the dark side from within.

Arca Jeth


Arca Jeth of Arkania was the Jedi Master of Ulic and Cay Qel-Droma, as well as Twi'lek Tott Doneeta. During his time as Knight, Arca participated in the Hyabb-Twith Campaign of 4,050 BBY, a Jedi effort to rid the Hyabb-Twith Corridor of the infamous Nelori Marauders. Thirty-five years later, he played a major role in the Great Droid Revolution, where he revealed a little known Force power that allowed a Jedi to disable a droid's internal mechanisms with the Force. As the watchman of the Onderon system, Arca Jeth sent his three padawans in his place to mediate the civil instability of the system's namesake planet. When his apprentices proved unsuccessful, Master Arca intervened, using the power of Jedi Battle meditation to soundly defeat Queen Amanoa and her dark side army. Arca and his apprentices battled the dark side again, this time in the form of Amanoa's husband King Ommin, and the spirit of Sith Lord Freedon Nadd. Arca and his Jedi eventually triumphed over Ommin, and managed to cleanse Onderon of the darkness. Arca was also aware that Sith magic had escaped Onderon, and taken root in the Empress Teta system. When the Jedi were called en masse to Deneba for a discussion of the darkness in the Tetan system, Arca was adamant in his stance against Ulic's plan to ally with the Krath.

Shayoto


Shayoto was an aged Jedi Master, who lived though the times of such galactic conflicts as the Gank Massacres of 4,800 BBY, and the Vultar Cataclysm nearly five hundred years later. Shayoto was also very familiar with the machinations of the Sith, and advocated fervently against Ulic Qel-Droma's intentions of joining the Krath. After being overlooked and nearly ignored by the assembly of Jedi, Shayoto was finally allowed to speak, and was given the floor by Arca Jeth. He then recounted such previous conflicts as the Great Hyperspace War, and spoke of how his Master's Master told him of the Hundred-Year Darkness. From this ancient Jedi, Shayoto learned how the dark siders implement their evil schemes, acting in utter secrecy and only striking when their victims are most vulnerable. He warned Ulic and the assembly of Knights about the dangers and wiles of the dark side, and how in the past darksiders were successful in toppling entire civilizations.

Behind the scenes
The Conclave of Deneba first appeared in the issue Dark Lords of the Sith 3: Descent to the Dark Side, for the Tales of the Jedi storyarcs. The battle was conceived and written by authors Tom Veitch and Kevin J. Anderson, and was drawn by artist Chris Gossett. Veitch and Anderson chose to use the conclave as the backdrop for the death of Arca Jeth, which itself was a pivotal moment from which to build on Ulic Qel-Droma's fall to the dark side.

The Conclave of Deneba was also featured in the Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith audio drama, with voice actors John Cygan (Ulic Qel-Droma), Glynnis Talken (Nomi Sunrider), and Jim Ward (Arca Jeth), adding a unique and personal take on an already established story.

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith 3: Descent to the Dark Side
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith 4: Death of a Dark Jedi
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith 5: Sith Secrets
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith audio drama
 * Adascorp Fiscal Period Financial Report and Outlook: Field Report: Project Black Harvest
 * Champions of the Force

Notes and References
Konklawe na Denebie