THE DARK VOICE
Volume I, Issue II

Address From the Iron Throne
The following was an impromptu address given on Antei by Deputy Grand Master Jac Cotelin at a ceremony commemorating the Antaran victories. Lord Cotelin was standing in for Grand Master Firefox, who was on leave. Thousands were in attendance.

"Brothers and Sisters, let me command your attention and please bear with, for I have much to say. We have much to celebrate!

    For a long year we have worked and strived that character and reputation of this Brotherhood be known throughout the land so that life outside the wicked door may be upheld. We have longed for the time when we can look upon this land and see none opposed. We have endeavored to bring the vision of the Star Chamber back to its origins. We have looked to consummate the most ancient prophecies of our order. Today, I tell you that we are one step further.

    It is victory that we celebrate here today, but not only the victory of battle. There is, rightly so, joy taken in the knowledge that we have defeated an enemy. You are all to be praised for the glory you have brought to the Brotherhood through the sword, but today we celebrate a deeper victory. Not for four thousand years has the Star Chamber sat upon this callous land. Not for four thousand years have the peoples of this system been enslaved to us. Not for four thousand years has the brotherhood stood upon this blackened soil and called it home. And truly, not for the lifetime I have spent in this brotherhood, have I ever felt more at home.

    We are established, brethren, and there is nothing more that I could ask for from the clans. The Exodus has been overcome. We have struck out to new territory and with an iron fist we have crushed any and all that have opposed. The clans have prospered, and the leadership is steady. With the final days of construction here on Antei and the other brotherhood worlds, we are finally seeing the fruits of our labor. The defeat of the Antarans is one of many steps toward the consummation of the Final Order. With it brings a new age of prosperity for us in this system, and an age of cooperation amongst the clans.

    I stand here before you, proud of our accomplishments, were he here, Lord Firefox would be as well. Go now, celebrate our victories!"

Dark Voice Staff:
Senior Editors:
His Excellency,
Dark Side Adept Trevarus Irad Caerick,
Knight First Class;
Oracle of the Brotherhood of Dark Jedi

His Eminence,
Lord Jac Ae-Sequiera Cotelin Taldrya-Cantor
Grand Master Emeritus
Deputy Grand of the Brotherhood of Dark Jedi

Editors:
Krath Archpriest Vassan Rokir,
Praetor to the Oracle of the Brotherhood
Aedile of House Qel-Droma of Clan Arcona
 
Sith Warlord Maxamillian Von Oberst-Tarantae
Magistrate to the Oracle of the Brotherhood
Aedile of House Tridens of Clan Tarentum
 
Krath Priest Mal'ari'carun
Magistrate to the Oracle of the Brotherhood
Cohor's Praetoria Taldryae

MYSTERY SHROUDS ANCIENT OBELISK STRONGHOLD

ANTEI – The Dark Hall

Running parallel to the archaeological efforts being undertaken in the Western Shadowlands, purportedly the ancient fiefdom of the Sith Master Okemi, a new and even more intriguing site has been discovered amidst the desolate plains far to the south of the Dark Hall.

Surprising most amongst the Dark Council this week, Prelate Shaithis suddenly ordered a reallocation of resources and lead a small survey party to investigate an area approximately 50 kilometers south of the Dark Hall.

Upon questioning, it was revealed that Clan Tarentum's Archpriest Spears Tarentae had discovered the site a few days earlier. He was awarded with a Gold Nova for his efforts.

The following expedition was arranged for with such haste and subtlety that, either by fate or by design, no on-site reporter was able to accompany the party on its mission.

What is known, however, is that Shaithis was observed leaving the Dark Hall by shuttle five days ago, accompanied by six assistants of varying ranks. Three days later, upon his return to the Dark Hall, only four of those assistants were seen exiting the shuttle.

The unexplained loss of the two Dark Jedi has only heightened the speculation regarding the exact nature and significance of this newly explored area.

When approached, Prelate Shaithis refused to comment in detail about the site or the unknown circumstances surrounding the missing assistants. What he did say, however, carried with it a tone of both concern and foreboding: “The operation is considered a success. However my feelings tell me otherwise.”

Further inquiries have hinted at realities far worse, however. Facts regarding the site that have been ascertained, and corroborated by at least three sources, include:

  • The site was determined to have been an ancient fortress of the Obelisk Warlord Ferran
  • The missing Jedi were killed by still-active “security measures”
  • A suit of armor was recovered

Since the initial reporting of the expedition, one contribution, from a source that has since fallen completely out of contact, has given us an idea of what the temple looks like. The images have been attached to this document.

News From the Seven Clans:

Clan Arcona - The members of Clan Arcona watched the end of an era recently as Consul Mejas Doto stepped down. Doto choose to return to his studies, leaving the job of running the Clan to Jam3z Lucius Entar Arconae. Jam3z has been celebrated as a man of many talents and, in the words of Lord Firefox, "will assure that Arcona continues its legacy." Consul Entar recently unveiled the a new state-of-the-art facility for its Sith upon their homeworld. It was a major step in re-establishing the newly re-opened House Oriens Obscurum

Clan Naga Sadow - ProConsul to Naga Sadow, Tissaya Argat, has been a large influence in the archeological digs surrounding the Dark Hall on Antei. She has brought many members of her clan, some unwillingly, to participate in the dig. The Krath High Priestess has commented on how grateful she is for the help, as most other clans do not seen to bear the same interest.

Clan Exar Kun - Riding into the face of adversity, Consul Khan has assured the members of the Star Chamber a stellar performance from the members of Clan Exar Kun in the current Vendetta. Having recently grown to the size equal to the next two smallest clans, Exar Kun is confident that they can fare better in the upcoming battles. Their luck is perhaps changing, as they placed second in the qualifying round, giving them a large advantage over other clans.

Clan Satal Keto - Recent events at the headquarters of Clan Satal Keto have lead to the resignation and transfer of the renowned ProConsul, Dalthid. It is still unknown why the ProConsul left his position, and further, why he was allowed to leave his clan in the midst of conflict. Consul Gord Darkonian has yet to name a new ProConsul, and there is much speculation about who it may be.

Clan Scholae Palatinae - The achievements of Clan Scholae Palatinae have reached far in the last months as they destroyed all aspects of the Independence Games celebration. ProConsul Arania was instrumental in their claim to victory. She and Consul Vail pushed their members hard to obtain bragging rights over all other clans for an entire year. The Dark Council has commended them on their job and hope they do just as well in the Vendetta.

Clan Taldryan - House Dinaari, the pride of Clan Taldryan, was recently awarded their Obeliskan Rite for winning the War of Supremacy. The strong warriors have traditionally held the title of First House of the Obelisk Order, and they upheld that title yet again in the past months. Consul Kir Katarn has stated his joy in the continued dominance of his Obelisk members and hopes they continue doing so.

Clan Tarentum- Gui Long, Consul of Clan Tarentum, has been serving in a joint position as Left Hand of Justice. He has stated that he enjoys the job, and he feels if makes him better at the other aspects of his work. This seems to be the case, as his clan has prospered over the last weeks. Clan Tarentum was a driving force in the recent Sith War and reestablished their claim of the Sith sthrone by destroying the Antaran threat.

ANCIENT LIBRARY SEIZED

ANTEI – Shadowlands

The form of this article will be different from most you might read. Ion storms across this section of the Shadowlands disrupt any attempts at electronic recordings, thus I am forced to revert to the simplicity of ink and parchment.

The current archaeological efforts recently lead to the discovery of an ancient archway, buried beneath eons of earth and debris. The markings around the doorway implied that it might have been merely a tomb, but proceeding within, much, much more was discovered by the team of researchers. Accompanying the second exploration group, I shall record as best I can what lies within.

---
I stand now within a chamber so vast and wondrous I doubt I can describe it effectively. Even within these thick walls, which I thought would insulate from the ion storm’s disruption, my holocam still refuses to function.

The main chamber of this library, for that is what it must be, is accessible only from an amazingly deep staircase, originating from the entrance already mentioned. I would gauge the depth at somewhere near 300 feet below the surface.

The room is a gigantic permacrete cylinder, capped far above by a ridged dome. Stacks of books, scrolls and artifacts litter the floor. There are at least four rows of mammoth bookcases, some 12 feet high, and numbering approximately seven per row. Many have collapsed from age and decay, spilling their charges into chaotic piles. Though difficult to judge, I would guess the size of this library to be only a quarter of that housed within the Dark Hall itself. But physical size cannot measure the value held here. For those curious, I will select a book, and try to transcribe a page of this ancient wisdom.

"In those places light cannot reach there exists an essence unknown to those too confined by their imposed sense of limitation. I have seen it. I have felt it. I know now its rhythm, and the rhythm now knows me well enough that the one cannot be distinguished from the other. We are synergy.

It is gained through release. But that release, no matter how glorious, must first be predicated with control; with containment. For ours must be thought of as a battery, and it must be broadcast only when most effective, and only then when honed to a fine edge. A single sliced artery kills more quickly and efficiently than a dozen strikes of the fist.

Conserve.
Deliberate.
Focus.
Conquer.

These are the steps that lead to the gilded towers from which we shall oversee our kingdom. Each flight contains the same steps, and the towers rise past the point of infinity.

The struggle is forever; the spoils endless. But only for those that persist in the climb."

The book carries no named author. The titled is faded somewhat, but I believe it reads The Lore of Shade. Skimming further on, I have reason to think that these were memoirs of some ancient darksider.

I have replaced the tome where I found it. I have little doubt that our researchers will be pouring over this site for a long time to come. I will leave now.

---
I stand again outside the entrance, awaiting a shuttle to deliver me back to the base camp near the Dark Hall. But before I end this, I must mention that ever since leaving the library, I have experienced an odd sensation, telling me that I am not entirely alone. It is as if I brought something out from within that knowledgeable tomb. Abstractly, I suppose it is whatever secrets might be contained in the transcribed entry. But still the feeling persists.

Time will tell, I suppose.

INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES ADOPTED BY COUNCIL
Statement from Jac Cotelin

Dark Council - Antei: "Following the recent surge of Antaran prisoners, the Dark Council has asked for a look into the interrogation techniques used by the Brotherhood masses. With the vast amount of information needed to be gathered about the Antarans and their system, the old Imperial techniques were no longer efficient enough.

It was pleasing to see so many brothers and sisters contribute their techniques. We have made note of many, but the Dark Council will primarily be adopting the techniques suggested by Jedi Hunter NexusMage of Taldryan. We were impressed by the Hunter's ideas and abilities and will be using them from here out.

NexusMage has been given a Gold Nova for his services."


COMBAT MASTER INJURED
Replacement sought
ANTEI - The Dark Hall

The Dark Council announced the in absentia resignation of Combat Master Gryffon D'Urtha Cantor this past week. Sources inside the Dark Hall indicate that the Combat Master has grievously injured, and possibly even killed in an attack within the Observatory of the Dark Hall. It is unknown when this attack took place, but one Judge of Certamen has complained that Cantor has been missing for well over a week.

That same Judge, speaking on condition of anonymity confided that the Oracle may have been perpetrator. "Shan-Long has always been insane." This same Judge revealed that Oracle Shan-Long, also known as Trevarus Caerick, had been challenged to ritual Certamen by Cantor for rights to the Observatory. Insiders claim that the Elder may have simply slain the Equite Dark Councilor in a bout of rage.

Lord Marshal James McKenna assumed interim command of the Antei Combat Center in lieu of replacing Gryffon immediately. Although the Lord Marshal blatantly refused to comment, Arcturus Xyler, Deputy Combat Master offered the following: "McKenna is eager to replace Cantor as soon as possible. The training of our Initiates must proceed with all due haste."

Neither the Dark Council nor the Oracle were available for comment due to the closure of the Shroud, all communications between Antei and the outlying systems has been terminated. Members of Clan Satal Keto have harshly criticized the Dark Council for their apparent cover-up of the Combat Master's disappearance. - Dark Voice Staff


SITH RAIDS DECLARED A SUCCESS
Antarans defeated by Brotherhood forces
By DV Staff

PLT Vorago

Recent Sith missions against the Antaran forces have been an astounding success, according to the Sith High Warrior. Members of the Brotherhood performed admirably, taking control of the last remaining space outlets and fending off against the Antaran Remnants. "Success," was the only word used to describe the recent sorties by the Sith High Warrior. Such an uncharacteristically short comment by Goatham shows that he is obviously pleased.

"We tore them to shreds in that last battle!" commented Dark Jedi Knight Licah Fox. Fox is a member of Clan Tarentum who performed admirably in the recent tirades, earning himself a Gold Nova in the process. Fox was sent on an intelligence gathering run early in the scheme to determine the strength of the Antaran shipyards. His mission was an "easy success," to use his own words.

In a surprising outcome, Jedi Hunter Zill, also of Clan Tarentum, outmaneuvered all of the higher ranking Brotherhood members in the Shipyard assault to accumulate the most kills. Zill declined to comment on the battle, however, sources close to him say he is ecstatic about achieving his first Gold Nova.

Following the attacks on the shipyard, the Platform Vorago was attacked by the remnants of the Antaran fleet. "The attacks were simultaneous from different sectors," explained Gold Nova winner Gord Darkonian. "They had some decent pilots, but our strong command of the force and our sheer numbers led to the decimation of their fleet."

Sources close to the Dark Voice say that the Antarans no longer have any capability to challenge the Brotherhood via space.

COMMUNICATION LOST WITH GRAND MASTER FIREFOX


Dark Council - Antei: All communications with Grand Master Firefox have ceased, regardless of further attempts by the Dark Council to contact him. "It's nothing to worry about," stated Justicar Keirdagh Taldrya-Cantor. "He can take care of himself."

The Grand Master left the system early last month to work on trade negotiations that required his attention. It is unknown when he will return.


ANTARAN CIVIL WAR
By KP Mal'ari'carun

Proverbial thunderclaps resound through the night air, accompanied by blinding light high above and far below. A fierce spectacle of nature indeed - the nature of man. Upon the distant battlefield remnants of the Carison lay siege to a Nanimoun encampment. Deep in Carisoni territory, the Nanimoun spearhead a much larger force bent on the destruction of their fellow Antaran nation.

Last week the Carison - a secretive people who had long held themselves aloof from their kindred, made public a startling socio-cultural revelation. They had - to the last man, woman and child, declared themselves to be in willing servitude to the Brotherhood, heralding the Brotherhood's coming as one might a pantheon of deistical splendor. The Nanimoun - whose leadership had been quietly spreading dissent among the Antaran tribes since Antei's capitulation to the Brotherhood - attacked the Carisoni shortly after the announcement. While the Nanimoun attack force is twice the size of the Carisoni nation, the latter have fought valiantly, managing to halt the encroaching force for over a week now. The sheer weight of numbers coupled with a lack of victory has led many to suspect that the Carisoni may be receiving aid through rogue members of the Brotherhood.

While this rumor is currently unsupported, sources within the Dark Council say that the matter is "being investigated with all due thoroughness and will be resolved in a timely manner."

In addition, the Right Hand of Justice has stated that "any member of the Brethren found to be giving aid or succor to either force will be dealt with unmercifully."

Regardless, the battles continue to rage with the ferocity of religious fervor and unrelenting resolve.


ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG CONTINUES

ANTEI - Shadowlands

Progress continues on the digs surrounding the Dark Hall structures. Krath High Priestess Alanna is overseeing the project. Having recently returned from an unexpected trip out of the system, Lady Alanna has commented that she expects some "interesting finds" to come out of the area soon.

The progress has at some points been marred by the ongoing construction of the Dark Hall. Tissaya Argat, Praetor to the High Priestess, has recently sent complaint to Telaris Cantor about the continues disruptions. "It's impossible to get any work done with those fools running their machinery everywhere!" Tissaya vented.

Upon asking for comment, Telaris Cantor shrugged off the idea of moving or delaying construction to suit the Krath needs. "The Dark Hall must be completed on schedule," according to the Lord Chamberlain.

Lady Alanna is still pushing forward with her digs. She has recently awarded a Gold Nova to Pontifex Jonaleth Isradia Kunar of Exar Kun for astounding work in the Shadowland area. "I wish we could get more determined Krath like that," Commented the High Priestess.
 

CHANCELLOR ELEVATED IN RANK


Dark Council - Antei: The current Chancellor, William Flechette Taldrya-Cantor, has been awarded for his long service to the Brotherhood while sitting on the Dark Council. The Chancellor has been serving in his position for almost nine months now, doing a remarkable job with the Medals as well as being a personal counsel to the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.

"This is long overdue." Commented Jac Cotelin at the recent ceremony honoring the Chancellor. Cotelin bestowed upon his good friend the rank of Dark Adept. This was an uncommon promotion, as it essentially skipped a rank. When asked about the jump, Cotelin commented "look, he deserves it, and as Deputy Grand I'll do as I see fit."

The report who took the comment from Lord Cotelin has not yet been released from the medical ward.

COUNCIL OF SIX SPEARS ELIMINATED
Obelisk Forces led by High Commander Shaithis leave no survivors

Reports coming in from the Obelisk High Commander confirm that the Antaran Council of the Six Spears has been eliminated by Obelisk forces.

As initially reported by the Dark Voice, the Antarans were led by a six member council that consisted of the eldest and most powerful members of their race. Recent interrogations have given away the location of the Council.

The reptilian creatures had strong protection surrounding their leaders, however that protection was no match for our Obelisk forces. Led primarily by forces in Clans Taldryan and Arcona, the Obelisk decimated the surviving Antarans. Their leaders were assassinated in a mission led by Shaithis himself.

"Unfortunately," commented Cyris of Arcona, a Gold Nova winner for his bravery, "we were not allowed to go and destroy other camps as well. Something about 'enslaving a race.' I would have rather just killed them all for practice."


STAR CHAMBER ANNOUNCES ROLLS OF PRESTIGE
"Great Jedi War" affects standings

After weeks of fighting with the Antaran forces, the Star Chamber has released the numbers that show its feelings of the members and clans. Jac Cotelin, standing in for Firefox as the speaker of the Star Chamber, has explained that some of the standings in areas were adjusted to keep balance between the different area of the Brotherhood.

Three contenders for the high favor of the Star Chamber are in a tight race for the top stop. Clan Arcona currently has the most favor, with Clan Taldryan and Clan Tarentum following close behind in that order. Arcona fared the greatest in the first phases of the wars, but a loss in the qualification round closed the gap to their lead. The other clans are not too far behind, either. They round off the seven in the following order: Clan Satal Keto, Clan Naga Sadow, Clan Scholae Palatinae, and Clan Exar Kun.

The Star Chamber will be reassessing its favor constantly over the coming months and will announce so as it does.

For the specifics of the scoring, click the links below.


ROSTER AS OF RELEASE
Copy of roster as of 6/30/2004 kept for historical purposes

Click here for the HTML Roster
Click here for the Excel Roster (.xls)

The Dark Voice is a bi-monthly publication of the Brotherhood of Dark Jedi through the Office of the Oracle of the Brotherhood.
Distribution is free and without prejudice pursuant to the articles of the Dark Covenant of the Brotherhood.
All articles are completely fictional.
The opinions expressed herein are the responsibility of the writers and do not reflect the opinions of the Brotherhood, the Dark Council, the Office of the Oracle, or the Dark Voice Staff, unless otherwise denoted.

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