Vandelhelm: Enemies and Alloys

Part 2: Venerated

By Cory J. Herndon

The return of the Venerated Ones to Vandelhelm led directly to that world's strong ties with the young New Republic. Without the efforts of the Guildmistress and increased shipments of shipbuilding materials, Thrawn may well have succeeded in retaking the galaxy, to say nothing of the lives saved by resources that went into medical ships and hospital facilities.

Even with the upswing in production, however, the Guild's profits reached a plateau a few years after the Venerated Ones were freed. Lillindri Nanimei Filda Vandelhelm XXXII, who was made Guildmistress at age 15 by popular vote only a day after General Solo's departure, showed a keen mind for finances. But Lilli used her power to keep prices down for the New Republic even though it meant income for the Guild remained stagnant. No Guildmaster had ever let such a situation stand for so long, and Endro, Lilli's security advisor and spokesperson, reported whispers that perhaps it was time for the Venerated One to return to her royal duties and leave the business of sales to those with more experience.

To openly and directly oppose a living member of the Vandelhelm family was unthinkable, and it's not as if the Guild was in danger of going broke. But when Lilli ordered the smiths to produce an enormous shipment of their finest alloys to go into a shipbuilding job for the Venerated One herself -- a fleet of combat-capable freighters dedicated solely to supplying the New Republic shipyards -- profits took a huge hit. Steady sales are one thing, but declining profits are another to people used to charging what they want. Still, once a Vandelhelm had made her mind up, there was little one could do to change it.

Personal Holojournal of Lillindri Nanimei Filda Vandelhelm XXXII

[Decrypted with Permission]

The Guild thinks I don't know they're unhappy. They say I won't listen. Yet when I send Endro to explain my position, I get nowhere. Freedom from the constraints the Empire imposed on them made the smiths greedy for ever more credits once the occupiers had gone. Greed is repulsive in those who already have so much. They thought giving me a tutor would just make me more likely to see things their way, but now that I really understand how this world works, I can see I have to change it. Vandelhelm has hoarded its wealth too long.

It's not as if I offered up the secrets of our smithing techniques. Just reduced the price to the right people, and cut off the wrong people. As long as there are people identifying themselves as Imperial, they don't get metal from Vandelhelm. And the Guild is so preoccupied with the short-term losses from the new fleet that they can't see how much we'll all gain in the long run. Once the Solo fleet is flying, it will increase our stature and our profits, and we'll still helping the New Republic while we're at it. It's not the profitable thing, but it's the right thing. It's what Han would do. What kind of leader am I if I don't follow that example?

I've been so nervous since he and Nien Nunb accepted the invitation. But everything will be fine, Endro says. He's the one who knows all of our security systems, so I have to trust he's right. He's my brother. Besides, General Solo will be there, and he wouldn't let anything happen to us.

Endro told me Han agreed not to bring the Head of State. I don't know what he sees in her. She can't possibly have time to be as close to him as they say on the sludgenews. When he sees what Vandelhelm has become since he left, he'll have to stay.

GM Notes: Lillindri Nanimei Filda Vandelhelm XXXII

The Guildmistress of Vandelhelm rarely uses her full name unless protocol demands it. Lilli is a striking brunette woman in her mid-twenties with the extensive education and stunted social skills common to many royal figures who came to power young. Reaching adulthood during the post-Endor period that led to the formation of the New Republic also gave her a strong sense of idealism. Her few respites from the business of running the Metalsmiths Guild are sculpting small abstract metal figures in the royal studio and practicing martial arts (for practical and relaxation purposes).

Lilli truly does understand her business, but she is determined to repay the debt Vandelhelm owes the new galactic government -- and especially former General Han Solo. During this time, a little more than ten years after the Battle of Endor, she is frequently accompanied by her brother Endrodanar Tiopuld Shaamador Vandelhelm XXIV and an utterly loyal modified protocol droid that Endro has programmed to be her bodyguard. Though barely an adult himself, Endro has an intuitive knowledge of technology, and he helps his sister manage both personal and planetary security. He is also the Guildmistress's liaison to the industrial concerns that keep Vandelhelm's atmosphere from becoming toxic. Both Venerated Ones go armed at all times, according to tradition.

Lilli: Human Female Noble 9; Init +7 (+3 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative); Defense 20 (+5 class, +3 Dex, +2 Defensive Martial Arts); Spd 10 m; VP/WP 34/11; Atk +7/+2 melee (1d6 +1, unarmed strike) or 9/+4 ranged (3d6+2, Guildmaster's blaster pistol); SQ bonus class skill (Escape Artist), coordinate +2, favor +3, inspire confidence, resource access; SV Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; SZ M; FP 5; DSP 0; Rep +6; Str 12, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 15; Challenge Code D.

Equipment: Expensive clothing, Guildmaster's blaster pistol (damage +2), numerous luxury starships and speeders, worn-out hydrospanner (lucky charm, a keepsake from the Millennium Falcon).

Skills: Appraise +15, Computer Use +15, Craft (metal sculpture) +14, Diplomacy +13, Escape Artist +14, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (business) +18, Knowledge (chemistry) +18, Knowledge (politics) +18, Knowledge (Vandelhelm) +18, Profession (Guildmistress) +11, Read/Write Basic, Speak Basic, Speak Sullustan, Speak Ancient Corellian, Sense Motive +11.

Feats: Defensive Martial Arts, Fame, Influence, Martial Arts, Skill Emphasis (Knowledge [business]), Skill Emphasis (Knowledge [politics]), Skill Emphasis (Knowledge [Vandelhelm]), Weapon Group Proficiencies (blaster pistols, simple weapons).

Coming in Part Three of "Vandelhelm: Enemies and Alloys"

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The small planet Roon, a staging area for spice smugglers, lies hidden from all but the best navigators in a dense gas and debris cloud known as the Cloak of the Sith. The perfect spot for a family vacation! Check it out in our latest excerpt from Geonosis and the Outer Rim Worlds.