The Dark Voice Newsletter - Volume I, Issue III

ADDRESS FROM THE IRON THRONE

Lords of Darkness,

We have seen over the past few months the growing expansion of the Dark Brotherhood. Our holds are growing stronger, our territories are widening, our coffers are overflowing. The Brotherhood's move to Antei has finally began to crescendo. We will soon have the resources we need to expand our control even further.

It has been a long while since I have felt comfortable with this situation. The exodus, while freeing us from the reigns of of defeat and despair, left us cold on this desolate planet. The Dark Hall, long under construction, has seen many months with little progress. The Virus, the Antaran strike and massacre, the Krath battles. Each have taken their toll on the progress of our construction in the Shadowlands.

I am pleased to announce that the progress is moving forward now at an astounding speed. The Dark Hall's main chambers are finished. My quarters have been completed as well. The defense systems are operational, and the hangar is finally useable. The Dark Council chambers remain incomplete, however. That is something that I am working to remedy.

I have ordered the expansion into parts of the Sunside of Antei. Telaris has been working with the Sunside governments for a long while now, and we will be increasing our presence there. We have found the people there to be receptive to our "ways". They are simple minded creatures, suitable for slavery and control. Our complete hold over of the planet prime is only a short time away.

There is still much to do, however. Antei is only one planet. The Dark Brotherhood must expand to entire regions before we expect to strike at the heart of the Galaxy. This ultimate goal must be sacrificed for nothing. The Light Jedi we have found among us must never stand in our way. Do what you must, take what you must, kill what you must. We will be successful here. We will surpass the glory of even our finest days.

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

A CHAPTER CLOSES...
Krath Rite of Supremacy ends with Taldryan victorious

By Krath High Priestess, Dark Jedi Mistress Alanna

The clans are at rest once more. Whilst serving tremendous purpose in training and the development of our younger members, it is nonetheless a relief to each clan when a Vendetta is completed. In recognition of service, each member who played a part in this great event has been awarded with a Seal of Retribution, to remind them that even enemies long past can continue to influence events.

With an impressive ritual undertaken by the Krath of our Brotherhood, the artifacts wishing to return to K’hamar’a have been retained – a great resource for our scholars, and one from which the clans participating in their retention will be rewarded. In addition to this, Taldryan retains its dominant position among the Krath of the Brotherhood, with CNS and CSP its closest rivals, and these clans have been well rewarded for their efforts. I personally thank each of them for their commitment to the Krath order.

But, as ever, such matters cannot be so neatly concluded. Stray ends will always come undone and threaten to unravel the work in its entirety. And so it is in this instance. Light Jedi have once again begun to impact upon the Dark Brotherhood’s operations, with unexpected encounters on the Kh’amar’an colony world where our members were performing missions on my behalf. Additionally, small numbers of their operatives were apprehended attempting to thwart the ritual described earlier. Needless to say, they did not enjoy meeting our Justicar.

If Imperial remnants are once again interfering with the operation of the Brotherhood, it would seem that it is only a matter of time before our old foe re-emerges to challenge our right to supremacy. And if that should come to pass, we must be prepared...

NEWS FROM THE SEVEN CLANS

Clan Arcona - The rebuilding of Arcona to its glory days has continued unabated. The mining operations have allowed the Arconan fleet to finally be rebuilt after long last. With its military forces at full strength once again, strategic planning has occurred to spread these forces throughout Dajorra. The Summit of Arcona has busied themselves with restructuring their houses. Warlord Xu Long and Knight Quejo have been tasked to lead Oriens Obscurum, as Archpriest Strategos was given the reins to Qel-Droma once again. Galeres has been closed, the worthy being saved from the cull and added to the rolls of Oriens Obscurum. Veterans of Qel-Droma, their blood having been spilt in numerous battles, have returned to their rightful home after being away for so long.

The distractions of rebuilding left the Krath of Arcona, and their Sith and Obelisk allies, far too little time to properly defend themselves during the Rites of Supremacy. The warriors and champions of Arcona, however, gave a final push to separate themselves from those who were content to stay in the cellars. The planning and scheming continues as always, the iron doors sealed to all but the most trusted of advisors. Renewed and reinvigorated, Arcona has set itself on the journey to reclaim its rightful place in the Brotherhood.

Clan Exar Kun - Tremendous changes have occurred within Clan Exar Kun! Grand Master Chi Long has taken the reins of the Clan and has appointed a Summit consisting of Esca, Rakhai, Cipher, Braecen, and Sunflash.

The development of the Path of Kun also occurred, giving a stable base to the Master/Student relationships forming in the Clan. Both houses have begun to grow and prosper under their new leaders, and it is an exciting time for our members!

Clan Naga Sadow - Prosperity continues to follow Naga Sadow, now having earned second place in the recent Krath Rite. The Clan vaults have grown substantially in recent weeks with the acquisition of five AT-TE walkers and seven Century Tanks, along with the Orb of T'aluna. Many of the Clan's members have been acknowledged recently with Korras Aquillarum being appointed Obelisk High Commander and Jasru Lakca Commander of the Royal Guard.

Internally, the Clan has welcomed the return of its liege, Tron Sadow as well as Xanos Sadow, Consul Emeritus. Xanos now takes up the role of Proconsul for a second term. There has also been much work to improve the running of Sadow Palace with the reintroduction of the Consul's Inner Circle and the Black Guard. The Clan has also seen the first two issues of its companion, the Sadow Chronicle, published.

Clan Satal Keto - Clan Satal Keto fought strong once again in a large scale competition. The Krath Rite of Supremacy proved a challenge in the first chapter for the warriors of Satal Keto as the Clan sat in last place. By the strength and courage within these warriors they fought onward and brought the Clan to a victorious fourth place. Two warriors (Khamier and Vessicant) especially made a great effort by fighting their way through to the Semi-Final of the ACC Ladder. Warriors of Satal Keto believe the final placing to be victorious as they are proud to come from seventh place to fourth through only three short chapters. As each week passes, new warriors join Clan Satal Keto, and as they train with fellow warriors they too become strong and courageous. With the confident leaders of the Clan, Kirleta and Aleema maintaining their strict procedures, whilst still keeping a high morale, they are a part of the force that turn these members into warriors. Victory will once again be in Satal Keto's hands!

Clan Scholae Palatinae - Clan Scholae Palatinae has been busy in the last weeks. Not only were the Clan perimeter defenses worked on and the Clan facilities revamped, there has also been an increase in training for uncommon situations, such as cooperating with allied Clans and missions for teams or single members to do. Most missions were solved successfully.

Those were likely the reasons the Clan did so well in the Krath Right of Supremacy. The Clan's focus is away from Clan matters only, and with securing 3rd place, CSP is once more back among those who shape the future of the Brotherhood. There will be no rest, as new challenges are already on the horizon!

Clan Taldryan - After many months of battle, Taldryan emerged victorious in the Krath Rite of Supremacy thus earning the title of First Krath Clan of the Brotherhood. For this achievement the clan was given several ground-based military possessions, which have been placed in strategic locations around the planet of Karufr. During the conflict Consul Kir Taldrya Katarn managed to give his annual State of the Clan Address outlining the future of Taldryan and the past victories over the last year. The address was well received and was chronicled in a holocron for future generations to view.

With the flush of victory still on the minds of many, the clan summit now begins plans to expand Taldryan’s territories. Each day the Summit convenes in an unknown location to devise new battle plans and strategies. The clan continues its day-to-day operation but training regiments have increased greatly as they prepare for the next inevitable conflict to arise. For the younger members of the clan, special training classes have been devised to quickly enhance their skills. Along with the physical conditioning the Summit has begun work on a Clan Code of Values, which will be followed by all members young and old alike. On the edge of this new challenge Taldryan, as always, stands ready for battle.

Clan Tarentum - Clan Tarentum has been doing what it has done in the past. Always remaining introverted, very little leaks out of the clan. The main tidbits include secret training, base rebuilding, and experimentation. The Consul offers little information when asked, and the ProConsul doesn't even speak about clan happenings. While this action has raised several eyebrows, no one has moved to take any action for fear of what Clan Tarentum might really be doing.

ROYAL GUARD COMMISSIONED
New Structure celebrated among the Brotherhood Elite

ANTEI - The Dark Hall

During a ceremony conducted at the foot of the Iron Throne Jasru Lakca was commissioned to lead the reformed Royal Guard. In a ritual that linked the Jedi Hunter to the Grand Master, Jasru was given the power to levy all means necessary to fulfill the Guard’s new mission. The young leader of the Guard was visibly shaken after the ceremony, both from the pressure of the new position and the toll that the ritual took on his self.

Asked if he had any comments Lakca responded, “This is a good day for the Brotherhood. Those who seek to endanger the lives of our leaders will soon no longer be amongst us. The Light will be purged, so that the Darkness will prevail. Take heed, the Guard is a force to be reckoned with, and those who cross our blades will be sorry.”

Mixed reactions have continued throughout Dark Council and the Seven Clans. Members have raised questions about the experience of the new Commander of the Guard, and the Council is still unsure of how successful the new Royal Guard structure will be in protecting their lives. Only time will tell if the changes will succeed, but one has to believe that the Grand Master has reasoning in both the changes to the Guard and his choice of who to lead it.

Members of the Dark Council have already begun recruiting members for their Guard cells and training them to suit their needs. With the expanded autonomy of the Guard cells the onus to train and reward Guardsmen now includes the members of the Dark Council. The Commander of the Guard is still directed to act as the principal trainer of the Guard, but each Council member may train the Guardsmen in their own unique styles.

An active and revered Guard is something that the Dark Brotherhood has not experience in a long time, so getting used to their presence will take a while for the membership of the Brotherhood. While most members are hoping that the Guard succeeds in its new role, the Grand Master remains open to the idea that it may yet be abolished. If that happens we are sure to see a quick end to the lives of those who have been selected to lead this new venture.

ANTEI DEFENSE FLEET
Is the best offense truly a good defense?

In the continual efforts of the Dark Council to provide a more effective means of safe-guarding Antei and all the territories of the Brotherhood, it has come to the attention of the Dark Voice that the Sith High Warrior, Sith Bloodfyre-Tarentae, has recently made some acquisitions in the way of a defense fleet. With the recent gain of funds from mining efforts in the Brotherhood's territories, and other less-mentionable deeds, the High Warrior gained the necessary finances to purchase, through several agents, the following ships: six (6) Seinar Fleet Systems Immobilizer 418 Interdictor Cruisers (slightly used); fourteen (14) Kuat Drive Yards Escort Carriers; twelve (12) KDY Lancer Frigates, and it is rumored that additional acquisitions may be in the works. The High Warrior's office has also informed the DV staff that fighter compliments will be fully stocked aboard these ships: twelve (12) Missile boats assigned to each Interdictor; seventy-two (72) upgraded TIE Interceptors, or upgraded A-9 Vigilance Interceptors assigned to each Escort Carrier. It is rumored that additional pursuits are in the making to acquire other fighters which could be of greater benefit to the Brotherhood.

The DV staff attempted to contact the Sith High Warrior about this information, and received a short reply (though we did not have any face-to-face contact with the Ghost Dragon, himself). The High Warrior's response was thus:

"Whatever information you have acquired, let me state this -- the defense of the Brotherhood and all of her sovereign Clans are of our highest concern. Yes, the Unknown Regions are just that: unknown. However, this 'unknown status' only applies to the outside sectors and systems. We all know that there are potential enemies in these Regions, in addition to possible allies. We will not rest until we have ourselves adequately prepared and defended. Yes, I have made certain acquisitions, with the Grand Master's permission. Currently, it appears that you have the information on these gains, so I'll not restate them. We have the ships and manpower for six battlegroups whose sole duty will be to patrol and guard our borders. Whatever else we acquire, or seek to acquire, will not be counted among those groups."

Verification on the ship acquisitions can be gleaned from the High Warrior's remarks; but he also seems to hint at the possibilities of more, as has been rumored. What might these "additional acquisitions be," you ask? As we have more information, we will make sure to publish it as quickly as possible.

HOLOCRON OF MALA K'AANRII
Remnant of an age long gone discovered

The Sith High Warrior's office has been a point of multiple contacts for the DV staff as of late. Even as interesting as the acquisition of ships and fighters may be, we've received additional information surrounding the High Warriors gains, that seems even more intriguing. The discovery of an artifact was leaked in a document that spoke of something called "the Holocron of Mala K'aanrii". There wasn't much information regarding this item, but as we all know, holocrons are storehouses of historical information, as well as the knowledge of whomever created the holocron. It can only be surmised that this holocron was created by the person called Mala K'aanrii, but as to whomever he or she may be, no clues have arisen. The only additional information in the document spoke of the High Warrior having contacted the gatekeeper, and discovering some interesting information; whatever this "interesting information" was, we haven't yet found out. However, we did contact the High Warrior, and Bloodfyre seemed a bit more forthcoming with information about this holocron than we had anticipated him to be:

"Yes, I have come into possession of the artifact to which you refer. I can say that Mala K'aanrii was a person of great power, and was known to have been a peer of at least one Dark Lord of the Sith. The gatekeeper of the holocron is the same person and contains all the knowledge of this Sith sorcerer, as well as that much information surrounding the Sith Empire of that time, in addition to much earlier ages. The information I have acquired through contact with Mala K'aanrii's essence has been of great help to me in deciphering much of the records we already possess, discovering the truths to some errors that have been published before and much, much more. Whatever else the holocron entails, I will not divulge that at this time. Good day."

So, what secrets might this holocron possess? Could this, perhaps, be one of the relics that have been appearing lately, some of which have led to the rediscovery of certain forms of Force-use, that we now call Clan and Order Powers? Or is this something else entirely? We took the opportunity to seek out the Oracle and ask for his opinions (especially since he is well-acquainted with the High Warrior):

"Yes, I saw the reports of the holocron. No, I do not have any additional information at this time. If the High Warrior chooses not to reveal more of the artifact's nature, we shall simply have to wait until he does. Although, I must admit, I am curious about it myself."

Look for further information regarding this item and any other secrets of the Sith High Warrior in future issues. We plan on keeping our ears open for further revelations on this artifact.

DU'SAN BOUNDRY: THE STORM CURTAIN OPENS
Cotelin authorized use of passage into Sunside of Antei

ANTEI - Dark Hall

In a press release from the Dark Hall, Grand Master Jac Cotelin formally authorized the opening of the Du’san Boundary between the Shadowlands and the Sunside of Antei. This announcement signals the end of the three-year moratorium placed upon the Brotherhood for involvement in the political and economic systems of the Sunside nations.

Immediately following the arrival of the Brotherhood on Antei, Lord Firefox decreed that the Brotherhood would not deeply involve itself in the established social structure of Antei before an expansive investigation of its cultural foundations. The financial situation of the Brotherhood and the Dark Council’s resources led the Dark Lord to a more conservative approach than usually assumed by the Lords of the Dark Side. It was deemed that, the nations of Antei in particular, were uniquely suited to pose a vital threat to the Brotherhood’s reestablishment away from the Empire. With the anticipated opening of the Dark Hall, Jac Cotelin is allowing limited commercial ventures.

The geography of post-obscuration Antei has been significantly affected by the history of the world. As is well documented, the Dark Star radiates a tremendous amount of energy and pure light-absorbing blackness into the system. Sepulveda, the former star of the Antarest system, shares an orbit around the Dark Star with Antei, allowing the northern hemisphere of the world to experience uniform light at all times, while the Shadowlands are perpetually enclosed in darkness. Slightly off-axis with the equator of the world, is the Boundary, a band of chaotic and dangerous ion-storms and displays of light-dark clashes that makes navigation difficult.

A small isthmus of land joins the two continents, where the Boundary is noticeably less severe. Called the Du’san Boundary, after the high mountains that create the geographical basis for the calming effect on the Boundary. The Jadan Pass, a long network of canyons, runs through these mountains, allowing relatively safe transport across the mountains and the boundary.

To oversee the Pass and the movement of Brotherhood resources, Lord Cotelin authorized the construction of a military base at the height of the mountains.

Currently, the Dark Council is accepting applications for business charters into Sunside Antei. The Dark Lord cautioned that such applications would be reviewed very carefully, to ensure that Brotherhood interests are not disturbed.

ROSTER AS OF RELEASE
Copy of roster as of 3/18/2005 kept for historical purposes