Nikolaus Ephranor

Nikolaus Ephranor
Biographical Information
Race	Coruscanti
Homeworld	Coruscant
Mother	Avandari Ephranor (deceased)
Father	Xavier Ephranor
Spouse	none
Siblings	none
Children	none
Born	Year -14, Day 155
Imperial Service
Branch	Imperial Navy
Positions	Group Commanding Officer, 1st Group, 2nd Imperial Fleet Director, Imperial Gaming Commission
Prior Service	Agent, Imperial Intelligence Group Commanding Officer, 7th Group, 6th Imperial Fleet Member, 7th Imperial Fleet
Awards	[UDS] [CMM] [GCM] [LOCx4] [ISM-2] [IABG-H] [MIDx3] [IMM-12]

Commander Nikolaus "Niko" Ephranor (Born Year -14, Day 155), is currently serving the Galactic Empire as the Group Commanding Officer of the 1st Group, 2nd Imperial Fleet. He also serves as the Director of the Imperial Gaming Commission.

Early Life (Y-14 to Y11)

Xavier Ephranor; around Year 10.

Nikolaus Ephranor, who informally goes by "Niko," was born the only child to Xavier and Avandari Ephranor in Imperial City, Coruscant on Year -14, Day 155. He was born into a family of wealth, political intrigue, and dis-functionality. Xavier Ephranor was a long-term banking executive with ties all over the Galaxy. As a result of sound investments and a bit of luck, Xavier earned a hefty wealth early in his life. Most notably, while the rest of the planet suffered, he profited significantly during the Coruscant market crash of Year -22 after the Confederacy of Independent Systems invaded and attacked the Republic headquarters on Coruscant. These profits allowed him to start his own banking empire which spread quickly across the Core Worlds. Niko's monther, Avandari (deceased), was a Nabooian politician for a few years before meeting Xavier while on a diplomatic trip to Coruscant. They were married on Year -16, Day 342 in Coruscant, and Niko was born less than two years later.

Avandari Ephranor shortly before her sudden death in Year 13.

Niko excelled as a young boy. His father's career allowed him to travel across the inner Galaxy often, exposing him to the different cultures and offering him many life-changing experiences. Notably, the constant travelling drove Niko's curiosity with regards to space travel. This would ultimately lead to his pursuits in the Imperial Navy. Despite these travels, Niko was still offered a fine education by tutors that accompanied the family on every trip. The lack of long-term permanent residence, however, prevented Niko from forming any strong ties with anyone at any particular place.

A building on the grounds of the University of Coruscant under the control of the Galactic Empire; around Year 2.

Perhaps the most influential experience of his youth occurred on Year 0, Day 146. The Ephranor family was on a typical business trip to Corellia when a band of Rebel Alliance began an assault on the Ephranor family ship, the YT-1300 Vengeful Addiction, mistaking it for a ship of the Galactic Empire. Calls from the Ephranor family finally reached the attacking ship; the Rebels ceased fire and immediately escaped in to hyperspace. Despite the charges filed by the Ephranor family, no justice or compensation ever came. This exposure to the turmoil of the Galaxy opened Niko's eyes to the true problems facing the future of the Galactic civilizations.

Sick of travelling and finished with all knowledge impart-able by his tutors, Niko decided to attend University back home on Coruscant. The Ephranor family wealth allowed Niko to attend the prestigious University of Coruscant, now, under the control of the newly formed Galactic Empire, an all-human school. Niko entered the University on Year 1, Day 202, at the age of 15, and graduated nine years later with degrees in Astrophysical and Computer engineering.

As a child, Niko experienced first-hand the turmoil of the Galaxy. He saw the effect that the Galactic Empire had in improving the quality of the University and saw how the Galaxy began to fall in to place after the end of the Republic. After graduating from University, his father expected him to take his place in the banking industry and eventually take over his father's banking empire. Niko, to his father's surprise, had no interest in following in his father's footsteps. Immediately upon leaving school, Nikolaus visited an Imperial Recruitment Centre, enlisted in the Imperial Military, and joined the Imperial Academy.

Imperial Service (Y11 - Present)

Imperial Academy (Y11)

Nikolaus Ephranor entered the Imperial Academy on Year 11 Day 153 under the advisement of Zyr Kyrill. Still fresh in the mind, Nikolaus breezed through the Academy lessons and passed all exams with only one day's preparation. His work at University as well as his experience with space travel, politics, and leadership throughout his childhood offered Niko a strong advantage in the Academy. He graduated with Honors only a day after entering the Academy. Niko requested a position in the Imperial Navy and was assigned to the 7th Imperial Fleet as Crewman (then [E-3]).

Nikolaus Ephranor sometime just before entering the Imperial Academy, early Year 11.

7th Imperial Fleet (Y11 - Y12)

At the time of his assignment, Nikolaus served in the 7th Imperial Fleet under the command of Fleet Commanding Officer Markus Saretti, Fleet Executive Officer Stefan Skyreaper, and Fleet Signals Officer Wilhelm Draagvarg. In the 7th Fleet, he served alongside many distinguished Imperials including Dratt Darkstar, Miguel Arandano, Seric Bain, and Serena Moon. Nikolaus rose through the ranks quickly with the 7th Fleet. By the time of the Naval Reform of Year 12, Day 33, Nikolaus had served almost a full year with the 7th Fleet and had been named the Deputy Director of the Imperial Gaming Commission.

Imperial Gaming Commission (Y11 - Present)

Nikolaus showed much interest in the Imperial Gaming Commission from his first days in the Empire. Just days after joining the Empire, he began working with the director of the Commission at the time, Patrick Martin, on some odd jobs. On Year 11 Day 162, less than 10 days after finishing the Academy, Nikolaus was offered the newly created position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Gaming Commission. He served under the Director Patrick Martin until his scandal and death around Year 11 Day 213. Mikel von Bianchi took the position of Director of the Imperial Gaming Commission after Martin's death and Nikolaus continued to coordinate events in the Commission as Deputy Director.

On Year 11 Day 322, the Commission experienced another blow as the long-time organizer for the Commission, Mark Hadrian, collected and stole the entry fees from the first iteration of the Imperial Boloball League. This unfortunate event required months to recover from, but Nikolaus assisted all those affected in regaining their stolen credits. Mark Hadrian was eventually arrested and prosecuted for his crimes.

Nikolaus was given the position of Director of the Imperial Gaming Commission on Year 13 Day 7. He continues to serve the Commission as Director, organizing games and raffles and managing the Commission's finances.

7th Group, 6th Imperial Fleet (Y12 - Y13)

After the Imperial Navy reform of Year 12 Day 33, the 7th Imperial Fleet became the 7th Group of the 6th Imperial Fleet and Niko was promoted to the rank of Command Flight Sergeant under the new ranking system. He continued to serve under the Fleet Commanding Officer Markus Saretti, Group Commanding Officer Ardath Lemeth, and long-time friend and Group Commanding Officer, Miguel Arandano. After Lemeth's sudden leave, Arandano was assigned as Group Commanding Officer and another long-time friend, Dratt Darkstar, took the position of Group Executive Officer.

It was during this time, around Year 12 Day 175 to Day 240, that Nikolaus took his first extended leave from duty. He received word that his monther, Avandari Ephranor, had suffered a severe stroke and her health was failing. Niko took time off from his duties to visit her back on Coruscant. Luckily, her health recovered quickly and Niko was able to return to duty fairly quickly.

Soon thereafter, Darkstar was given the position of Group Commanding Officer of the 6th Group of the 6th Imperial Fleet, and Nikolaus replaced him as the 7th Group Executive Officer on Year 12 Day 246. All good things come to an end however. On Year 12 Day 299, the 6th Imperial Fleet lost Markus Saretti who became the Navy Executive Officer and Daniel Ascarion replaced him as 6th Imperial Fleet Commanding Officer. On Year 13 Day 17, Arandano left the Imperial Navy and Nikolaus took over his position as Group Commanding Officer of the 7th Group. After less than two years of service, Nikolaus took the lead on the group he had been a part of since his start with the Imperial Navy. He had the honor of serving alongside Serena Moon as Executive Officer of the 7th Group during his command.

Private Imperial Investment Program (PIIP) (Y12 - Present)

Shortly after the Imperial Navy reform, and after the closing of the Imperial NAMIS program, Nikolaus organized the first incarnation of the Private Imperial Investment Program. This program was a real estate and asset pool open to current and past members of the 7th Imperial Fleet/7th Group opening for business on Year 12 Day 32. After about a month of operation it was already worth hundreds of millions of credits with dozens of Imperials participating.

Over a year later, on Year 13 Day 163, Nikolaus unveiled the redesigned investment program, known as the Private Imperial Investment Program. This incarnation of the program was offered to all members of the Empire, not just the 7th Group. At the present, the PIIP has more than fifty investors and is worth almost a billion credits.

Leaving the Imperial Navy

The Ephranor family ship, YT-1300 Vengeful Addiction

Nikolaus served as the Group Commanding Officer of the 7th Group for only a short time. On Year 13 Day 122, Nikolaus learned that his mother's health had taken a turn for the worse and she had passed away. Grieving, Nikolaus submitted is resignation to the Navy Commanding Officer, Senki Blackrain, in order to set his affairs in order back home. He intended on helping his father through this time. When Nikolaus returned to Coruscant, however, his father was missing. Friends and family said they hadn't seen Xavier since his wife's passing. Nikolaus organized the funeral and other necessities surrounding his mother's cremation. His father's house was empty and the family ship, the YT-1300 Vengeful Addiction was docked. Not knowing exactly what to do or how to contact his father, Nikolaus cleared out his belongings from the family home and loaded them on to the Vengeful Addiction. He locked up the house and left Coruscant in the YT-1300.

Imperial Intelligence (Y13)

After floating around in space for some time, Nikolaus decided that his mind would not be at ease without Imperial standards. His desire to return to the Empire overcame him, and he contacted the job opportunities board to look for a position.

Nikolaus Ephranor, after joining Imperial Intelligence, around Year 13 Day 134

Within a few days, Nikolaus had applied for a few positions, including one with Imperial Intelligence. He was accepted for the Imperial Intelligence position and was given the public rank of Agent on Year 13 Day 134. The classified nature of the position shrouds the details of his duties in mystery. However, it is known that he served this position well for the short time he did.

Return to the Navy: 1st Group, 2nd Imperial Fleet (Y13 - Present)

Only a few short months after joining Imperial Intelligence, Nikolaus was contacted by his old commanding officer, Markus Saretti, about an emergency necessity for a Commanding Officer of the 1st Group of the 2nd Imperial Fleet. A devastating turn of events left shattered the core group of personnel in the 2nd Fleet. Nikolaus was offered the position which he gratefully accepted; any blow to the Navy, his original home in the Empire, was a blow to him as well. He officially returned to the Navy on Year 13 Day 211 with the rank of Lieutenant. Within a few days, his former comrade from the 7th Group, Julius von Alard, was assigned as his Executive Officer of the 1st Group.

Nikolaus Ephranor, after promotion to Commander, Year 14 Day 101

Commanding the 1st Group under Fleet Commanding Officer Markus Saretti was a trial by fire and ice. Nikolaus dealt with a lack of strong group membership, inactivity, and low morale. Another blow left Nikolaus without an Executive Officer as Julius von Alard took the reigns of the 2nd Group as its Commanding Officer. Eventually, old members returned or were transferred to the 1st Group, including Geo Gravis who took the position of Executive Officer on Year 13 Day 85 and Szardra Kaika. Niko continues to lead the 1st Group as its Commanding Officer in an attempt to rebuild the group to its former glory.

Ranks Held

Grade	Insignia	Rank	Branch	Start Date
[E-1]		Recruit	Imperial Academy	Year 11, Day 153
[E-3]		Crewman	Imperial Navy	Year 11, Day 153
[E-4]		Flight Corporal	Imperial Navy	Year 11, Day 178
[E-5]		Flight Sergeant	Imperial Navy	Year 11, Day 243
[E-6]		Staff Flight Sergeant	Imperial Navy	Year 11, Day 274
[E-6]		Command Flight Sergeant	Imperial Navy	Year 11, Day 281
[O-1]		Ensign	Imperial Navy	Year 12, Day 150
[O-2]		Lieutenant Junior Grade	Imperial Navy	Year 12, Day 233
[O-3]		Lieutenant	Imperial Navy	Year 13, Day 12
		Agent	Imperial Intelligence	Year 13, Day 134
[O-3]		Lieutenant	Imperial Navy	Year 13, Day 211
[O-4]		Lieutenant Commander	Imperial Navy	Year 13, Day 354
[O-5]		Commander	Imperial Navy	Year 14, Day 101

Positions Held

Deputy Director, Imperial Gaming Commission
Preceded By: New Position	Nikolaus Ephranor Y11 D162 - Y13 D17	Succeeded By: Otto Mustard

Training Officer, 7th Group, 6th Imperial Fleet
Preceded By: New Creation	Nikolaus Ephranor Y12 D4 - Y12 D215	Succeeded By: Classified

King of the Enlisted
Preceded By: Artorius Byrd	Nikolaus Ephranor Y12	Succeeded By: Santiano Salazar

Group Executive Officer, 7th Group, 6th Imperial Fleet
Preceded By: Dratt Darkstar	Nikolaus Ephranor Y12 D246 - Y13 D17	Succeeded By: Serena Moon

Group Commanding Officer, 7th Group, 6th Imperial Fleet
Preceded By: Miguel Arandano	Nikolaus Ephranor Y13 Day 17 - Y13 D122	Succeeded By: Markus Saretti

Director, Imperial Gaming Commission
Preceded By: Mikel von Bianchi	Nikolaus Ephranor Y13 D17 - Present	Succeeded By:

Group Commanding Officer, 1st Group, 2nd Imperial Fleet
Preceded By: Raffael Goschmitt	Nikolaus Ephranor Y13 D211 - Present	Succeeded By:

Awards

Award	Name
	Unit Distinguished Service [UDS]
	COMPNOR Member Medal [CMM]
	Group Command Medal [GCM]
	Letter of Commendation x4 [LOCx4]
	Imperial Service Medal - 2 Years [ISM-2]
	Imperial Academy Basic Graduate - Honours [IABG-H]
	Mentioned in Dispatches x3 [MIDx3]
	Imperial Monthly Meeting [IMM-12]

Obsolete Award	Name
	7th Imperial Fleet Retired Veteran [7IFRV]