Betheben Village

Betheben Village is a large village (taking into account its surrounding Thorps), east of Nexus City, in the Mid-East Continent of Taneth II. Betheben is is notable as a producer of certain medicinal herbs, which are used to partially pay the Imperial Tithe.

Betheben Council has twelve members, usually elected by residents of the village and the village's dependent thorps. In the event a councillor retires or dies, a spouse or child can inherit their seat if all eleven other councillors unanimously approve. If a councillor retires temporarily or travels away, they can appoint a Steward-Councillor (who does not have to be a family member) for up to one year, if the steward has the unanimous approval of the other eleven members. The council also sometimes appoints "officers" who have authority to act on the council's behalf in a specific area of expertise.

This page includes a list of some of the significant characters in Betheben, but is definitely not exhaustive!

 Shan and Nahan  Councillor Shan (human female) is the oldest member of the Betheben Council, taking her late husband's seat thirty years ago. She is wise, compassionate, and surprisingly hearty for her age (96). In her youth she was rejected as a potential Jedi ("too old and too willful"!), although she has a close connection to the force, and, secretly, considerable power.

Her son Nahan (54) is slightly force-sensitive but too concerned with other things to be much of a meditator. He performs or oversees many of the council's tasks, almost effectively a councillor in all but name (and is expected to succeed her unanimously). He is also an excellent scout, careful negotiator, and reasonably capable fighter.

 The Devouchet Family 

Councillor Allen Devouchet (human male) is in his 70s, and is considered something of a voice of reason on the council. He was born in Betheben but worked as a lawyer across Tanith II before retiring back to the village. Allen's wife Senna passed away recently.

His son Eli (a computer coder) and daughter-in-law Jan Daw (an engineer until her hand was injured) moved in to care for Senna, and serve as the main record-keepers and modernizers in the village. Although not councillors, work hard for the village in general and are greatly respected.

 The Swift Family  Councillor Randal Swift (human male) is in his late 60s, and used to be a big-game hunter. His age is catching up with him physically but he still has an alert, tactical mind, and excellent knowledge of the area. An emergency council meeting of 7 members (Shan, Swift, Winter, Tzev, Rinsilver, Yala, Ann M.) just appointed him temporary Head of Defences.

Randal's nephew Kestrel is a skilled and daring hunter, but a bit on the cavalier side, and recently got quite badly scarred by a Tusk Cat.

 Councillors Tzev and Rinsilver  Councillor Tzev (weequay male) is middle-aged, and used to be a fearsome warrior. As a teenager in the Clone Wars he fought in the resistance against the separatist occupation, and led later defenses against local warlords and slaver gangs during the Republic era. Tzev is a skilled marksman and explosive expert and still physically strong, probably the most physically fit of the councillors. Although Tzev has more true combat experience than Councillor Swift, he voted Swift head of defense for the current crisis due to Swift's superior knowledge of the local topography and wildlife. Councillor Rinsilver (Twi'lek male) was a child rescued from slavers shortly after the clone wars. Tzev demolished a slaving ring which corrupt Republic officials had allowed to operate under their noses, and unofficially-adopted Rinsilver. Rinsilver is very close to Tzev and usually backs whatever he supports, but when they do disagree on an issue, their strong personalities make the debate fiercesome.

 The Winter Family  Councillor Selon Winter (human male) is in his 80s, from a farming background. His extended family run about a third of Betheben's entire agricultural production. His son (Oron) and grandson (Sillip) are not interested in becoming councillor, so Winter is considering May as a candidate for Steward-Councillor...



 Councillor Yala 

Councillor Yala (human female), in her 30s, is one of the youngest councillors, having just replaced her late mother. She is the most highly-qualified doctor and pharmacist in the village, and is the final authority in medicinal tithe matters.

 The Mazer Family 

Councillor Ann Mazer (human female) and Eric (human male) Mazer run one of the most successful trading businesses in the village, and one of the few families to privately own multiple speeder-trucks. Eric Mazer is often away making deals and contacts in the cities, while Ann is a talented skinner, leatherworker, and butcher; and powerful businesswoman in her own right. Since replacing her late father as councillor she serves as the council's expert in trade and international matters.

 The Leaf Family 

The Leaf family (humans) include mother Green, father Marcus, and their teenage children including eldest daughter Laker.

Shan's Disciples helped recover Marcus (who had technically been rescued by Tanith and Ralo) after he was taken from the Lakeside Thorp by an Acklay. Laker has shown an interest in and aptitude for medicine, and is currently staying with Marcus and Ralo in one of the Reers City hospitals.