The Dark Voice Newsletter - Volume I, Issue III

ADDRESS FROM THE IRON THRONE

Brethren,

I come to you today with news that both saddens and angers. It is joined with an issue that I have, for a long time, been trying to absorb and understand. I have at last, come to the source of my problem.

Months ago, now, I was again elevated to the iron throne in front of scores of my brethren. The Dark Councilors and Clan Summits, in a ritual as sacred to us as the force itself, set upon me the duties of Grand Master through the Rite of Ascendancy. I knew what to expect, what to feel, what to hear. I had been through it before. However, where I had previously felt fused with power, things were not the same. The power was back, but weaker and disturbed. Something was holding my back, and I did not dare to confront it until today.

For the longest time I felt that the virus had kept hold on me. The being that once infested my body could have very well limited my powers. This was different though. Here there was a power that I had not sensed before within our lands, showing itself for the first time. It shames me to know what happened under my watch.

We have been infiltrated by the light.

More cunning than I would have expected from a Jedi, this man hid his power from us for years. Perhaps it was our blind trust, or perhaps he was good, but I never sensed anything. He kept his true colors hidden. He faithfully served, acting the part of the darkness as well as anyone. His only mistake was that he went too far. He entered the Dark Council. As such, he was forced to partake in the Rite of Ascendancy and use powers that were beyond his grasp. That is how I found out. That is how I now know.

The Lord Marshal is not one of us. Jin Long is of the light.

I do not know where Mike Halcyon is, but I warn all to be careful. He is powerful; a master of the light. He knows our secrets, he knows our ways. I do not know with whom he serves, but the Brotherhood must be aware of any presence that emulates his, and we must strike it out.

The Dark Council and I have taken the necessary steps toward returning the Rite to its full strength. With that, I have ordered the dissolution of the Lord Marshal's office.

Be wary. I fear without the powers added by our Lord Firefox, the Brotherhood is still weak.

His Highness,
Lord Jac Ae-Sequiera Cotelin, Dark Lord of the Sith
Grand Master of the Brotherhood of Dark Jedi

A NEW CHALLENGE
by Pontifex Vail Aquillarum Unteminar

It seems like the Fifth Great Jedi War was mere heartbeats ago; we barely had time to reflect on the experiences of that terrible battle and mend the rifts the prolonged struggle caused, and already the Brotherhood seems to be facing a new challenge.

Lately, the activity of the clans Exar Kun, Naga Sadow, Satal Keto and Scholae Palatinae was increased throughout the galaxy. However, surprisingly, almost every mission undertaken by members of the four clans ended up as a failure, and agents sent to accomplish it found themselves in a carefully prepared trap. Only through superior skills and measure of good fortune were our Jedi able to survive their ordeals.

The most interesting fact though, was involvement of a number of hostile Force-users in the matter. Unfortunately, we were unable to determine what order, cult or sect they belonged based on the descriptions given. We are almost certain that this group seeks to destroy the Brotherhood and oppose the Final Way. It is foreseeable that Brotherhood will survive, no matter the power this new foe possesses. As it has ever been, their efforts will prove futile and they will be brought under the Darkness.

For now though, the Summits of the four clans have agreed to cease their operations temporarily while the Krath Rite of Supremacy lasts. After the Rites have ended, the Consuls will launch a throughout investigation to discover everything about these imprudent sect that has issued such a coarse challenge to the Dark Jedi Brotherhood.

THE EIGHT CANTICLES OF THE FINAL WAY
Oracle reveals more of the path to darkness

By Shan Long, Oracle

During the the Rite of Ascendancy, performed by the Star Chamber, two ancient artifacts were presented to Darth Cotelin by the Justicar of the Brotherhood. These were the Great Sword and Shield of the Brotherhood. The Sword commands the Grand Master of the Brotherhood to strike down those who would harry the Final Way, while the Great Shield commands that he defend the precepts of the Covenant, and defend the honor of the Brethren.

The Great Shield was presented to Okemi by Taimat, upon her oath of allegiance to his cause. Upon the shield she inscribed eight prophecies, said to have been passed down by the Nameless Apprentice of Lord Darth, the Wanderer himself. It is said that each of the Eight Canticles reveals a necessary truth to the achievement of the Final Order, to lead to the Consummation of the Final Way.

NEW BROTHERHOOD FLAGSHIP DESIGNS
New type of Capital ship was designed specifically for Brotherhood use.

ANTEI – The Dark Hall

The Dark Voice Staff has recently obtained documents which indicate that early construction has begun in the newly captured shipyards on what may in fact be an entirely new capital ship design. This information seems to corroborate recent reports that Headmaster Spears has been working closely with the Grand Master to develop a new flagship of the Brotherhood. The Headmaster himself has been largely tight-lipped about the project, though he has acknowledged the new ship under construction is as of yet unnamed.

Construction on the hull of the ship has already begun. Current estimates seem to place the ship as being a bit bigger than an Imperial Star Destroyer based on initial hull construction, though it still appears to be quite a bit smaller than a Super Star Destroyer. Tight security around the shipyard facilities has made it difficult for the Dark Voice to obtain more than mere glimpses at the ship. Still, the staff was able to obtain small, simulation-generated images of the flag ship itself.

The images obtained by the Dark Voice Staff seems to portray both the larger flagship and a smaller ship, perhaps a transport of some sort that seems to be able to dock with the larger ship. Speculation among the staff has lead to the assumption that this small ship will actually be a personal vessel for use by the Grand Master himself. Analyzing of the images continue and updates will be made as more is learned.

If construction continues at its current pace, the new flagship is expected to be completed by the next issue of the Dark Voice.

EDITORIAL: COMBAT v. THE FORCE

By: Archpriest Nekura Manji Keibatsu

Physical prowess or strength in The Force? This is a question pondered by many, and a question that has plagued the greatest minds of the Brotherhood since its birth. In truth, there is no definitive answer- however, in this article I will seek to cover the positive and negative aspects of reliance on either path.

When they take their first step on the dark path, many apprentices choose the road of physical prowess through a sense of confusion over their own power. As an apprentice, you know little of the internal workings of the Force- it is much easier to rely on your physical strength to win conflicts. And in all fairness, there are times when this is necessary; there are times when words or careful application of the Force have no effect, and one must test ones strength. However, in the words of that misguided fool Obi-Wan Kenobi, ‘The Force is a powerful ally.’ During combat the Force can provide you with alternative avenues for victory- if your physical attacks are having no effect upon the enemy, utilize the surrounding environment with telekinesis. If you are being beaten back by your enemy, use the Force to implant conflicting thoughts or ideas into his head, thus buying you the time to finish him. Used correctly, the Force not only augments your prowess in combat but can supplement it.

However, over-reliance on the power of the Force can in itself be a drawback. The appropriate analogy would be of a magician dedicated to his art entering combat with a knight trained in the ways of battle from birth- the two combatants would inevitably enter a stalemate. While the magician could incinerate the knight given time to concentrate, while he attempted to gain that time the knight would be able to tear him limb from limb. As such, placing too much importance on the power of the Force may lead to you encountering trouble when in real combat- there is still a need to develop your physical prowess in order to truly make use of it. There are times when the only way of communicating a point is through violence.

In conclusion, a careful balance between the two disciplines is needed in order to truly meet your full potential. While physical strength or mental strength alone may allow you to realize your goals as a Dark Jedi, you would be much wiser to consider a balance between both aspects of the Dark Side

JEDI MASTER INFILTRATION CAUSES CHANGE IN GRAND MASTER'S ROYAL GUARD
Dark Councilors given needed protection

ANTEI – The Dark Hall

The Grand Master has been visibly troubled by the recent revelation that a Light Jedi Master was within our ranks. Truly, The entire Dark Council was astounded that Mike Halcyon was able to evade them for so long.

"We need protection," commented Krath High Priestess Alanna. "With the dangerous times that we have faced of late, I don't feel as comfortable in the Dark Hall."

In response to the increased need for Dark Council protection, the Grand Master has ordered sweeping changes in his guard forces. Renamed "The Royal Guard" what was formerly known as the Grand Master's Royal Guard will be divided among the Dark Council members for their use. Under this new system, each Dark Council member will choose from a list of potential guard members to select their personal bodyguards. Those Jedi will serve and protect their Dark Councilor in addition to their normal duty for the clans. Each Council member will have two to four guards.

The Dark Council members will be fully responsible for the upkeep of their guard cells. They will hire and fire new guards for their unit, and will keep in constant communication with them regarding missions and Council travels. The Guard members will further serve as the representative of the Dark Council members in combat enactments.

The Commander of the Guard will be the personal bodyguard to the Grand Master. He will assist in finding potential guard members, running training events and making sure that the assignments are current.

"I think there is a lot of potential for success here. The Councilors will be involved in the training and competition aspects of some Jedi," commented the Grand Master, "a chance they didn't have before since the Dark Council is so removed. Further, the Jedi will be able to assist in the protection of our leaders. The system will work nicely."

The Dark Council has overwhelmingly approved of the changes. The Dark Voice has learned that the Grand Master will be accepting applications for Commander of the Guard soon.

PORTRAIT OF THE FIFTH GREAT JEDI WAR RELEASED
Tissaya finds painting among archives

Pontifex Tissaya Argat Sadow remembered clearly the days of war at the Shadow Academy. The memories of fighting infected allies leave scars that do not leave. The Krath Jedi was reminded of this battle as she came across a portrait in the Dark Hall archives. The work, which Grand Master Cotelin referred to as "a reminder that darkness is relative," shows the defense of an old structure against an onslaught of daker beings. The piece is displayed in the Dark Hall currently. The Dark Voice has obtained permission for printing a sample look at the artwork here. The original artist's works can be found at holonet site http://GingerStu.co.uk.

NEWS FROM THE SEVEN CLANS

Clan Arcona - The Fifth Great Jedi War left Arcona weakened and isolated; the clan had many losses concerning resources and personnel. Many within its rolls were discontent with the situation, and the unity of the clan was fragile. Consul Vassan Rokir began to rebuild the clan. He restored order and secured a profitable mining operation in the moons of Dajorra System, giving the clan the basis it hungered for. The process of rebuilding the clan continues under his successor, and there are whispers that the new Consul's deranged mind has dark plans being set into motion. What glories or tragedies will come from these plans cannot be foreseen – the shadows of Arcona are growing, and they cloud everything.

Clan Exar Kun - Exar Kun has had many good and bad times since the end of the Great Jedi War. The changing of Consuls was a different feel for the clan, and then internal conflict has stifled growth in one house. The Clan has gained in size and activity but still has far to go.

Clan Naga Sadow - Clan Naga Sadow has completed its annual Artisans competition, and found a new Tapestry to hang in the halls of House Marka Ragnos, the close victor, depicting its namesake, Marka Ragnos. Having had that, the clan started preparing for something major. Tremors in the force were felt, announcing the K'hamar'ans. Having been one of the few clans being prepared for them, Naga Sadow now is second only to Clan Taldryan, and plans to consolidate on that position.

Clan Satal Keto - Clan Satal Keto is rising strongly from it's period of depression. The leaders within Satal Keto are strong and determined to make the Clan rise to the top once more. Numbers are rising like flood water, activity is building with grace, morale flows like a rapid river, fun is stretching like a fat woman's dress, and there's always a plan to be worked upon. Satal Keto conquered the Murder Mystery League, placing 1st amongst 4 participating Clans. A few of individuals within the Clan dominated a 4-way Clan Co-op Story event. This, and many other achievements within the Clan, make our motto stand strong - "Order. Power. Unity.".

Clan Scholae Palatinae - The past period was marked by heavy involvement of the Scholae Palatinae summit in Brotherhood-wide affairs. Arania Lawakiro took an active part in the events behind the Krath Rite Of Supremacy, while Unteminar Vail conducted the joint operations of clans Exar Kun, Naga Sadow, Satal Keto and Scholae Palatinae. Lately, House Acclivis Draco saw an influx of new members and shuffling of leadership, and the agenda of the new Quaestor, Krath Priest Kschamehellan, remains to be seen and draws large attention throughout the Brotherhood.

Clan Taldryan - After completing the repairs of damage caused during the Great Jedi War, Clan Taldryan moved forward as always. The Clan’s new possessions were christened with their new names to proudly serve in Taldryan’s fleet. The times of relative peace in the Brotherhood also allowed the research staffs of the Taldryan Times and the Codex project to bring their projects to completion. Unfortunately Proconsul Sharad resigned from his position to return to House Dinaari and concentrate on his elder studies. Recently the Clan has been engaged in the Krath Rite of Supremacy, while Consul Katarn has been spending long hours on his ‘State of the Clan’ address.

Clan Tarentum - In the aftermath of the Great Jedi War, many clans committed to seek out and train able apprentices to replace the fallen. Tarentum, choosing to take advantage of their necromantic powers, took another path. Using the remains of the dead, the elders of the clan created an army of undead to fill the menial roles within the shortages of the post-war structure. Unfortunately, events took a turn for the worse and the moon-base of Koros was soon overrun by the dreaded Draugr. Following the resolution of the incident, a dark shroud descended upon Tarentum. The clan continues to plan and act in secret, seeing the anointment of another Tarentae, Anshar Khan and also a change in guard as the summit of House Tridens, Doni'Tzu and Oberst, retire and Pyralis and Zekk step up to take their place leading the First House of the Sith.

REVENGE IS AWAITING
A little motivation by DJM Kaiann Yetaru Entar

For no less than twenty-seven years, the populace of the galaxy has been waiting for a moment that is now mere months away: the final chapter in the epic holonet history of the rise and fall of the Empire is to be released to the public in the near future. And it will not only be the final, but also the darkest of chapters, culminating in the rise of Palpatine and Vader to their utmost in power. Now while I am sure many if not all of you will attend screenings as soon as they happen, this is hardly where things should stop. For it is this year that the Brotherhood will have its best chance to find talent out there in the galaxy and on the subjugated planets. This talent however will not flock to our doors unbidden. As such, I can only implore on leaders and followers alike to plan ahead and use the opportunity of Darkness to show the masses what the Force is really about.

By starting now, you can be prepared for the event in more than one way. While you shall obviously want to distribute some tangible tokens with directions to Antei and Lyspair, you may want to do more than just that. For this occasion, we shall remind you that you are cleared to show yourself in full ceremonial Brotherhood dress on all subjugated worlds. If you do not have a robe in your possession right now, remind yourself that the main and most complicated aspect of it – the base robe – is easily acquired in many countries at the current time of year. The „carnival“ sections of market halls should yield a plethora of black robes usable for easy conversion into a full ceremonial robe. After procuring the base garment, consult the compendium on which color markings to apply in which positions and shapes to indicate your current rank and status. Add a belt or sash and, if you are entitled to, your lightsaber and you can be recognized as a member of the Brotherhood anywhere. Also, anyone providing holographic record of an appearance at a screening in full garb shall be appropriately rewarded even if their search will not yield any new candidates for our ranks.

The robe and trim design is also a beautiful, black, starting point for the design of any identification cards you may wish to hand out. If you give those you suitably impressed by your dark appearance a cleanly printed card repeating your personal robe pattern in the decorative frame and then add your name, rank and identification number as well as directions to the Brotherhood recruiting office, the benefits to the Brotherhood as well as your own recruitment tally should be tangible. Any member wishing to take the task upon themselves to provide the Brotherhood with a unified template for these cards should please step forward for additional instructions and of course suitable reward upon completion of the project.

If you feel diplomatic and charismatic enough and trust your mind tricks, attempt to gain the cooperation of your holotheater operator. The ability to hold a short trivia session with some small prizes will put you center stage for several hundred interested pairs of eyes and, most likely, ensure that at least those selected to play on stage – with any luck many more – will check out what else the Brotherhood has to offer.

With all you shall do in the upcoming season, remember that this will likely be our last chance to influence the masses through the holonet screenings. While there will always be some new members coming to our doors, the next six months are the last time we have a chance to go out there, reach the masses and recruit the next generation of Dark Jedi into our folds. Other organizations will attempt the same, so be prepared and be the one to stand out of the crowd. Be there not only at the entrances, be at the exits as well. The minute the uninitiated exits the holotheatre will be the one minute they are most susceptible to the Dark Side, having just witnessed Anakin’s rise to true power. This is the very point they will realize the finality of what they have just witnessed – the completion of the saga – and thus it is the time they will look for something to fill the void. It is then that Darkness is at its strongest and by reinforcing your presence from the time before the presentation, you will leave the lasting impression needed to make the candidate leave his life behind and take a shuttle to our recruiting offices.

Of course the holotheater is just one location you can turn to in the hunt for new Force-sensitive members to join our ranks. Stores selling paraphernalia from the Clone Wars, Battle of Yavin and Battle of Endor will be using the release to boost their own sales of antiques and replicas – so if you can manage to join forces with one of them, their efforts and yours can work in synergy, creating not only sales for the storeowner but recruits for your Clan as well. If you are lucky enough to share residence on the same planet with a number of your brothers in Darkness, you might even consider holding a party or mini-convention offering a live-action glimpse into some of the benefits the Brotherhood can provide through its galaxy-spanning network. Creativity is the key, but if you can gather a number of like-minded individuals into one place around the right time, you have an excellent chance of turning some of these visitors into full-fledged Dark Jedi.

Whatever effort you decide to put in, be sure to share your experiences during the preparation time. From written handouts to plans and checklists, you will produce items that others can reuse in their efforts and if we share these items, the effort spent by each member on the basic fixtures will be reduced, thus increasing the available time to provide the special parts of what will set you apart from other recruiting organizations. Speaking of which – do avoid any hassle with those. Convince through better preparation, not through belligerence – the latter can only get you removed from the grounds you wish to work on, but it will not gain you any trust among the masses. If some group intrudes into your sphere of influence, be firm but do not let things escalate. This is no time for showing anger and aggression – and if push literally comes to shove, you will most likely find an even better place to present yourself and the Brotherhood just a few meters away. You can always pay them back by being far more successful than them.

Good luck in your endeavors from the Lord Hegemon office and remember to show the Dark Side at its brightest so that our future will be a powerful one.

RECONSTRUCTION OF SHADOW ACADEMY BEGINS
Scars from the war are fading

By Headmaster Spears

Five months after the conclusion to the Last Great Jedi War, the Shadow Academy has finally begun to recover from its near destruction at the hands of the Consciousness. The damage had proven far more extensive than originally thought. Many of the main structure bearing elements of the Academy had been damaged beyond repair and a complete reconstruction had to be undertaken of the above ground structures. Vast clouds of dust still linger over the Campus.

With the last remnants of the old structure cleared away, construction of a new Campus has begun with the full support of the Iron Throne. A proposed new structure to the Campus has already been submitted to the Grand Master for his final approval.

Rumors have begun to circulate through the ranks that the Grand Master has instructed the new Knight Commander to gather together the Envoys that remain so that they may once again actively record the true History of the Brotherhood, the History of its members on the most basic level. It is believed that the re-training of the Envoys that remain has already begun. It is also rumored that the eye of the Knight Commander is actively seeking to restore Envoys to those Houses, which had lost them. To this end Pontifex Anshar Kahn has been elevated to Legate Class Envoy and given full authority over the Envoys in the absence of the Knight Commander.

KRATH ENGAGE IN COMBAT
KHP Alanna initiates Rite of Supremacy

The fog of war had barely lifted from the Dark Hall when the mystical creatures of the Brotherhood declared war upon each other. The Krath High Priest was determined to find who the best was among the clans, and has been using the present situation to act as a Rite of Supremacy.

"It has been too long since the Krath have been at war." KHP Alanna told a Voice editor. "We will soon know who the strong are."

Rumors have it that Alanna is only using the current situation to rid herself of a few rival Jedi. The Dark Voice has heard unconfirmed reports of several Krath not returning from what should have been easy battles. One can only imagine the torture those Jedi are taking at the moment.

The Sith and Obelisk members, meanwhile, have been training on a new Commando Simulation. The current demo version has only been available shortly, but has helped immensely with some of the group techniques used for ground combat.

The Dark Voice is sure that as the Krath War comes to a close, those Sith and Obelisk will take every advantage of the weakened third order.

        STEEL CROSS
             2 Star of Anger
             3 Star of Power
             4 Star of Immortality
             6 Cluster of Rage (-CR)
             8 Cluster of the Storm (-CS)
             12 Cluster of Transcendence (-CT).

        DARK CROSS
             2 Knight's Cross
             3 Oak Leaves
             4 Crossed Swords
             5 Diamonds
             6 Lord's Cross (-LC)
             7 Rose Leaves (-LC-R)
             10 Crossed Scepters (-LC-R-C)
             15 Adegan Crystals (-LC-R-C-A).

ROSTER AS OF RELEASE
Copy of roster as of 2/05/2004 kept for historical purposes (NOT UPDATED YET)