Iokath - The Archives are incomplete

Accomplishments of the Celestials inspired legends throughout history: https://www.suspectinsightforums.com/t3607-the-celestials-separating-facts-from-the-hyperbole

Another remarkably intelligent and powerful civilization emerged at some point and commenced the Iokath project among others - accomplishments which were a class of their own.

HISTORY of Iokath

Explained in a series of codex entries below.

Archive no. 1:

TEST REPORT 089375.24

Deployment of new designs on test environment JX967A24 were within acceptable parameters. Our three initial dropship waves suffered heavy losses before planetfall. Test subject resistance was unexpectedly heavy, conflicting with prior scout reports indicating minimal military forces. The subjects deployed single-pilot aerial countermeasures to intercept us, but that self-sacrifice appears to be the full extent of their response.

Total time to planetwide surrender was 28 standard hours. Our master designer should be honored for this significant improvement over the last three test environments. Survivors received our standard compensation package, but damage to their civilization's infrastructure is extensive. Analysts estimate it will be at least 2,000 years before we can test this world again. Our scouts are already searching nearby systems for fresh prospects.

- Lead Design Analyst Yuv Kal Zaer

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Entry 1

Archive no. 2:

TEST REPORT 195821.78

Per the master designer's request, our analysts have compiled a detailed study to explain the total failure on test environment Z17AX558. The details of their findings are available in a separate report, but in summary: the test environment's proximity to its star, coupled with previously-undetected trace chemicals in the upper atmosphere, reacted negatively to our new particle beams. The resulting electrochemical chain reaction ignited the entire biome, destroying the test subjects and our deployed designs within moments of activation.

While this can only be considered an unmitigated disaster from a return-on-investment perspective, we will make the most of our losses. The master designer's teams will recalibrate their particle beams to a lower-yield setting. Should we locate another planet like this, we can re-test our creation and hope for more satisfactory results.

- Lead Design Analyst Ise Pev Trin

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Entry 2

Archive no. 3:

TEST REPORT 249216.39

It is my extraordinary honor to report that the test on environment WL428T73 succeeded beyond all projections. Every design element performed with minimal deviations from their expected functions. Millennia of internal research and development have finally produced a fully-integrated and optimized planetary assault platform suitable to any environment or resistance pattern. On a personal note, it has been my sincere pleasure to work with the greatest master designer in our long history.

I must add one small addendum to this report for the sake of completeness. Analysts examining the test environment have discovered a vast underground vault constructed by the now-extinct natives. With no surviving test subjects to explain its function, we can only theorize why the structure was filled with cultural artifacts of little practical value. We will leave the vault to be discovered by whatever life emerges on the test environment in future epochs. Perhaps they will be able to explain their predecessors when we return to test them.

- Lead Analyst Udo Lin Xoir

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Entry 3

Archive no. 4:

MASTER DESIGNERS COUNCIL DECREE #789129

Greetings to all analysts, engineers, designers, and builders! It is with great pride that we mark this day as the official start of our civilization's greatest effort. Construction has commenced on Project Iokath. Where we once remade other worlds, we now devote ourselves to creating one. Our ambition is simple: fabricate an expandable and adaptable home for our people that is secure against any outside force. At long last, our culture will achieve the immortality it deserves.

We will call this new world Iokath, and our great-grandchildren will know it as their birthright.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Entry 4

Archive no. 5:

PERSONAL RECORD 14 CLAROST 9276

Today was another painful reminder of how meaningless the role of master designer has become. My days are wasted in endless planning meetings to direct the construction of new biomes for Iokath's endlessly-breeding populace. I only feel alive in my spare hours, when I revisit the great designs of ages past and vainly attempt to improve them.

The analysts who witnessed my gallery cooed and tutted, deeming it "exceptional" and "a celebration of the thinking that made us great." What blind sycophancy. All I offered them were ornamental improvements. What difference does it make if SCORPIO looks like a floating cube, a ball of programmatic light, or a walking biped crafted in the image of a long-dead alien species?

We have fallen so far from our glory days. We no longer bother to deploy our designs on test environments and instead rely on simulations to predict the outcomes. Foolishness. Only the chaos of an unpredictable environment and its unique subjects can teach us anything.

I wonder what would happen if I deployed our designs on Iokath? Would I reveal something new?

- Master Designer Vel Jyc Boer

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Entry 5

Project Iokath

The mystery civilization created a massive habitable eco-system for itself by completely reshaping an original star system:

To call Iokath a planet is technically incorrect, and an insult to the brilliant design of the artificial world. A massive sphere constructed around--and fully enveloping--an undersized and unremarkable star, Iokath absorbs all of the energy released by its "sun," maximizing solar efficiency.

All the orbital bodies in the system--every planet, moon, and asteroid--were demolished and salvaged for core elements to create this technological marvel. The salvage was processed and repurposed to create a self-sustaining ecosphere that could be altered and expanded to meet the ever-changing needs of the builders and their society. The self-contained nature of Iokath allows for complete control and customization of every aspect of the environment--a theoretically perfect world.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Iokath

VISUAL of Iokath:



Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne

The only construct of its kind throughout history with no peer in scale and complexity:

With the system's star hidden by the surrounding sphere, Iokath is undetectable from a distance, and its impenetrable exterior defenses make it virtually unassailable. Combined with the technological superiority of the builders, it was impervious to any outside threat... but Iokath couldn't protect itself from enemies within.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Iokath

- Iokath was virtually immune to EXTERNAL THREATS of any kind.

INTERNAL THREATS however...

SUPERWEAPONS - LOVE ME MORE

The mystery civilization developed a new generation of superweapons to safeguard its interests.

THE SIX TITANS

Little is known about the six titan droids that lie in hibernation on Iokath. These superweapons were created millennia ago by the planet's architects, likely designed to pacify, subjugate, and destroy entire civilizations. Salvaged records indicate these machines operate as a sentient family unit of "god kin." They are: TYTH, God of Rage. AIVELA, Goddess of Passion. ESNE, Goddess of Envy. NAHUT, God of Apathy. SCYVA, Goddess of Sorrow. IZAX, God of Death. During early weapon testing, Iokath unleashed the Six Gods on various unsuspecting planets. Trillions of lives were lost. The people of Zakuul were among the targeted victims, and the survivors eventually mythologized their would-be destroyers as a pantheon of merciless gods. Centuries later, these machine gods are still worshipped on Zakuul.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: The Six Gods

- capable of wiping out other civilizations.



LINK to the source: https://twitter.com/swtorista/status/972188074141663233?lang=hi

The mystery civilization tested these superweapons on various unsuspecting planets, wiping out TRILLIONS in the process. People of Zakuul were among the victims, reduced to primitivism in the aftermath.

ZILDROG

"I thought it was just a legend, but he dragon god of Zakuul is real... it's a superweapon. Capable of consuming entire civilizations." - Vinn Atrius

The mystery civilization developed another superweapon identified as Zildrog:

The ancient mechanical entity known as Zildrog has always operated from behind the scenes. Unlike the other "machine gods" of Iokath, Zildrog permanently functions in two forms.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Zildrog

Form 1 - Central Computer



This was planted on planet Medriaas to serve as the base-of-operations of Zildrog:

The first is a central computer that specializes in the transfer of life energies. Given this device's presence on Nathema, it is likely that Zildrog was a key element of the original ritual Tenebrae used to empower himself at the cost of all life on the planet. Beyond that first atrocity, however, Zildrog's central mind appears to have played no role in Tenebrae's dual life as Vitiate and Valkorion, and slumbered in stasis mode until Vinn Atrius discovered it many years later.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Zildrog

Planet Medriaas (NATHEMA) - a world stripped of all manner of LIFE and the Force:



Form 2 - the Gravestone




This was an aerial platform employing omnicannon technology to neutralize distant threats:

The second of Zildrog's forms is the ancient warship known as the Gravestone. Though it can be operated by an organic crew when required, the vessel's Dark Heart functions as a remote command core that allows Zildrog to control the ship as an extension of itself.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Zildrog

Zildrog was a (semi-sentient) warfare system capable of calling upon its form 2 to do its bidding if necessary.

The Gravestone was an alternative to Izax (one of THE SIX TITANS):

Ancient Zakuulan myths often confuse or conflate Zildrog and Izax, likely because both entities are aerial platforms employing omnicannon technology. Given the many differences in their construction and operation, it seems likely that they were actually built entirely separately--perhaps even as rival projects carried out in Iokath's endless pursuit of better and deadlier weapons.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Zildrog

The Gravestone is arguably the most powerful airborne platform ever created. It could withstand tremendous amount of firepower and was capable of exterminating entire fleets of massive starships (and more).



The Gravestone was tested on the Eternal Fleet at some point:

Centuries before Valkorion's arrival on Zakuul, the Eternal Fleet was in the process of systematically decimating all life in Wild Space. Legend speaks of a single massive, alien warship that could counter the Fleet's might: the Gravestone. Outfitted with specialized weapons designed to take out multiple targets at once, the Gravestone could destroy entire sections of the Fleet--including capital ships--with a single shot. After the final battle, the Eternal Fleet was deactivated and the Gravestone believed to be lost. Zakuulan archeologists have scoured Wild Space for a trace of the old warship, but so far have been unsuccessful.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: The Gravestone

The Eternal Fleet

The mystery civilization created a massive fleet of battle-networked warships identified as The Eternal Fleet which was tested on the Wild Space, devastating much of it:

The Eternal Fleet is an ancient and unstoppable armada operated by sentient droids and controlled by the Eternal Throne. Centuries ago, the fleet nearly wiped out all of Wild Space. It took a colossal alien warship, the Gravestone, to deactivate the Eternal Fleet, and even it was subsequently lost in the final battle. Valkorion had heard rumors of the fleet before his arrival on Zakuul; it was the main reason he chose the planet to house his new empire. Once he gained control over Zakuul, he began his search for the fleet in earnest, using the Scions' Force visions to eventually find the dormant ships. He built the Eternal Throne to reactivate and command the lost fleet. While primarily used in military operations, the fleet is also key in collecting tributes and resources from conquered planets and protecting trade routes in Wild Space.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: The Eternal Fleet

A CLOSER LOOK



Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire

Iokath Civil War

The mystery civilization descended into CIVIL WAR at some point:

The pneumatic trams of Iokath cross every kilometer of the planetary megastructure in a complex network of tubes that doubles as a transportation system and cooling matrix for the technological world. The trams were initially built as an energy-efficient method of moving construction supplies to the far corners of the planet. Propelled by pressurized gas, these materials were transported across entire continents, speeding up Iokath's creation tenfold.

For centuries, the trams operated without incident--until an act of sabotage ignited the pressurized gas and sparked a catastrophic explosion that killed thousands and leveled a nearby settlement. This attack sparked the Iokath Civil War, a centuries-long conflict that ended with the extinction of every organic species on the planet. When the dust settled, Iokath's droid caretakers fixed the tram and used it to help repair the damage wrought by their deceased creators.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Pneumatic trams

- and met its end by virtue of its own creations:

When civil war broke out on Iokath, one faction did the unthinkable and turned the Six Gods against their rival brethren. The resulting cataclysm wiped out all life on the planet and exterminated the Iokath species. These titans were their greatest achievement--and the engines of their ultimate destruction. Now, after a millennia-long slumber, the droids are about to reawaken.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: The Six Gods

LEGACY

The mystery civilization created incredibly advanced droids on average. These droids became self-aware, re-armed themselves, and were able to repair and maintain Iokath in the post Civil War times:

For centuries, the trams operated without incident--until an act of sabotage ignited the pressurized gas and sparked a catastrophic explosion that killed thousands and leveled a nearby settlement. This attack sparked the Iokath Civil War, a centuries-long conflict that ended with the extinction of every organic species on the planet. When the dust settled, Iokath's droid caretakers fixed the tram and used it to help repair the damage wrought by their deceased creators.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Pneumatic trams

More:

In many technologically advanced societies, droids are designed to handle a multitude of mundane tasks. The organics who created Iokath embraced this idea, and built a wide variety of mechanical servants to nurture their artificial world. Custodian and compactor droids were created to preserve the parklands; scour swarm droids to clean the Chromium Garden; purifier droids to provide protection and security; and support droids to maintain and repair the entire system.

With the extinction of their organic masters, the purpose of these self-perpetuating service droids slowly changed. As newer generations evolved, their original mandates shifted from preservation of Iokath to aggression toward any foreign entity.

The escalating xenophobia led to virtually every droid on Iokath becoming weaponized in some way, eventually culminating in the creation of the Colossus Droid, a war machine with enough firepower to wipe out an entire army.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Droids of Iokath

SURVEY of VALKORION

Tenebrae (Valkorion) stumbled upon the people of Zakuul in the state of primitivism at some point:

Before Valkorion's rise to power, Zakuul was a backwater planet in Wild Space with almost no contact with the rest of the galaxy. Forced to settle in bogs and swamps, early Zakuulans were a superstitious, nihilistic people who worshipped a pantheon of ruthless gods. These deities expressed their power through the pain and suffering of their followers. The pantheon's father was Izax, the god of death and the Ultimate Devourer. The ancient Zakuulans believed their fate was tied to the will of the gods and belonged to Izax. Those who challenged this view were considered demons. While most Demons were outcasts and expelled from society, a prophecy emerged claiming that one would climb beyond Izax's reach--an immortal god of gods who would topple the pantheon and usher in a new age for Zakuul. Claiming to be the Demon Savior of prophecy, Valkorion began his campaign against the Old Ways.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry titled "The Old Ways of Zakuul."

- and was able to retrieve The Eternal Fleet to create a new Empire:

Valkorion had heard rumors of the fleet before his arrival on Zakuul; it was the main reason he chose the planet to house his new empire. Once he gained control over Zakuul, he began his search for the fleet in earnest, using the Scions' Force visions to eventually find the dormant ships. He built the Eternal Throne to reactivate and command the lost fleet. While primarily used in military operations, the fleet is also key in collecting tributes and resources from conquered planets and protecting trade routes in Wild Space.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: The Eternal Fleet

Under the supervision and guidance of Tenebrae (Valkorion), and with Iokathian technologies at their disposal, people of Zakuul transcended primitivism and became a new galactic superpower:

Home to the Eternal Throne and defended by the Eternal Fleet, Zakuul has become the new superpower in the galaxy. An old civilization reshaped by Emperor Valkorion, Zakuul is technologically advanced, relying mainly on droid labor, with seemingly unlimited resources. All roads lead to the Spire, a sprawling metropolis built on the Endless Swamp. Valkorion's "golden city" symbolizes his victory over the Old Ways of Zakuul. A vertical labyrinth, the Spire is filled with countless neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. The populace is primarily human, but as the Eternal Empire continues to grow, more aliens are welcomed into the fold.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex entry titled "Zakuul."

The Spire

Built on the swamps of Ancient Zakuul, the Spire symbolizes the golden age Valkorion created for his subjects. The towering metropolis comprises vertically stacked and numbered districts, each of which boasts a labyrinth of museums, restaurants, and entertainment designed for maximum enjoyment.

The highest level, District 52, houses the droid command center Overwatch and the opulent Eternal Throne. Below District 1 is Oldtown, which serves as a dark playground where citizens can explore their more unsightly appetites in privacy and safety. Most Spire denizens have visited Oldtown, but few will admit it.

Though Zakuulan society is deliberately classless, many Spire residents use the districts as a status symbol. Those living on levels near the Eternal Throne may boast of a superior "closeness" to the Emperor while districts near Oldtown are considered the slums. In reality, every district is carefully constructed for identical living conditions, just as the Emperor intended.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: The Spire

Also identified as The Eternal Empire:

The Eternal Empire of Zakuul is a totalitarian dictatorship under the Immortal Emperor. Citizens don't merely obey the Emperor--they view him as their timeless guide and protector. By trusting him with all political and military power, they can focus on higher learning and the finer aspects of civilized society. All citizens receive a monthly stipend of credits and resources such as food and fuel. Compared to the rest of the galaxy, the average Zakuulan would be a member of the upper class and want for nothing. They are an idealistic people--scientists, artists and philosophers--who look down on the Sith Empire and Republic, disgusted by their warmongering ways. Instilled with Valkorion's arrogance, they believe it is their burden to bring enlightenment to the rest of the galaxy.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: The Eternal Empire

They eventually conquered the entire galaxy:



- a development which came to be known as The Eternal Empire Conquest (3637 BBY - 3636 BBY).

An account of the Republic of a major battle with The Eternal Fleet:

From the court-martial of Admiral Dannis Veriga, Republic Fleet:

When the Eternal Fleet came for Alderaan, we thought we were prepared. The Republic planned for a naval invasion. What we got was a massacre.

The enemy suddenly dropped out of hyperspace. There were hundreds of them, a massive wall of ships moving as one. I've never seen such a fluid formation. When we shot a vessel down, the others closed in and sealed the gap. Like the fleet was healing a wound.
They were relentless. We fought with everything we had, but barely scratched the enemy. It was like the entire fleet had a single pilot.

So yes, I ordered the retreat. Even then, only half of us survived. There's no stopping them. Why die trying?

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: Eternal Empire: Combat

SURVEY of Doctor Oggurobb

Doctor Orggurobb of The Eternal Empire discovered and visited Iokath at some point. His efforts to retrieve Iokath remotes turned into a frustrating experience:

The strange remotes are one of Iokath's many mysteries. These technological obelisks have been spotted across the world, hovering just above the ground via unseen propulsion systems and scanning their surroundings with omnidirectional lenses. Some remotes are mobile, while others hang in stationary orbit around the planet's various technoliths. They are outfitted for observation over combat, though they possess the unique ability to interface with Iokath's advanced technology.

Doctor Oggurobb believes the remotes were built centuries ago as multi-purpose drones used to construct the massive planetary structure of Iokath. More recently, the AI known as ARIES likely repurposed them to monitor any trespassers stranded on the planet. Oggurobb has attempted to dismantle several damaged remote husks recovered from Iokath--to disastrous effect. Latent safeguards buried in the remotes sent electric shocks through eight of Oggurobb's assistant researchers, singing eyebrows and temporarily blinding two scientists. At this rate, the true function of the Iokath remotes may forever remain a mystery.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne: Codex Entry: Iokath Remotes

SURVEY of The Alliance Commander


Several years after The Eternal Empire Conquest of the known galaxy (3637 BBY - 3636 BBY), The Alliance Commander discovered the Gravestone at some point:

The origins of the Gravestone--and the Eternal Fleet--were thought to be lost to history, until the Outlander discovered the ruins of an advanced alien civilization on the droid-infested world of Iokath. Using blueprints and data files of the Gravestone's original creators recovered from Iokath, the Alliance saw the opportunity to optimize the ship's weapons and defense systems.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: Gravestone Upgrades

They brought the Gravestone to the Asylum spaceport to get it overhauled:

Unfortunately, installing the new upgrades has proved far more complicated than anticipated, leaving the Gravestone trapped in dry-dock while mechanics work frantically around the clock to integrate the new enhancements. While some argue it is foolish to sideline one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy for any length of time, the benefits seem to outweigh the risk. Once completed, the greater firepower, better shielding, and improved speed and maneuverability will make the Gravestone virtually unstoppable.

Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire: Codex Entry: Gravestone Upgrades

The Gravestone parked on the Asylum spaceport for the needful:





Overhaul complete and subsequent take-off:



Another visit to Iokath: