Volume III, Issue V December 22, 2006 Dark Voice Archives |
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 Brethren, Dark tidings bring me to you today, warriors of darkness. Tidings that are dark for our enemies, that is. The Brotherhood has found renewed strength these last months and I revel in our destructive power. Within a short time from our previous missives on the planet of Antei, I can say that the Clans have solidified new ground and the Dark Council is well back into their expansive projects. We are now the tide; we will roll over our enemies and show them the true meaning of the Dark Side of the Force!
Dark Voice Staff
Editor:
Dark Side Adept Telona Murrage Staff Members: Guardian Droveth Kathera Vectivi Dark Jedi Knight Ricco Vao Contributing Members: Grand Master Jac Ae-Sequiera Cotelin Dark Side Adept Anshar Kahn Tarentae Battlemaster Mononoke Keibatsu Goura Dark Jedi Knight Ood Bnar Epis Braecen Kunar Dark Jedi Knight Vodo Biask Warrior Shikyo "Rurouni" Keibatsu Archpriest RevengeX Palpatine Guardian Imperial Pontifex Strategos Thanatos Entar Arconae Dark Jedi Master Sith Bloodfyre Tarentae Dark Jedi Knight Gaius Julius Caesar I am joined in our recent agenda by a new warrior amongst warriors. Dark Jedi Master Artisan "Sarin" Dantes has joined my side this past month as the new Deputy Grand Master. You would be wise to fear his power and influence; he has my full backing and will see to it that my will is done. Master Sarin is feared and respected by his peers and will continue the long line of resolute Deputies. My thanks go out to Xanos Sadow for his distinguished service. Naga Sadow is now an even greater force with him back at their side. News from the Outer Rim still continues to pour in from my various sources. Word has it that both the Rebels and our former imperial allies have begun to amass their forces for an inevitable conflict. My position on this matter remains firm: though we have left the outer rim, it is imperative that no single faction gain control over the territory. We will act should war erupt. We have already begun preparations for such a war and begun to recruit new resources onto the Dark Council. With new Councilors, strong Consuls and a new array of assistants, I can say without second guess that this is among the strongest Brotherhood administrations yet. I truly look forward to seeing the accomplishments to come over the next months. My visions tell me that a new golden age is on the horizon. Let us work and strive that we shall arrive sooner than I expect. Show the galaxy a life without light. In Darkness, Lord Jac Ae-Sequiera Cotelin Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood 
Helping New Members Thrive By Anshar Kahn Tarentae For much of my Brotherhood career, I have been involved on some level with assisting new members in the Brotherhood. This ranges from one on one relationships with personal students, working as a house and clan summit member, serving as Envoy, serving as Knight Commander, and my work as Praetor and now Headmaster of the Shadow Academy. This type of work also carries over into my real life. In Boy Scouts, I served more times than not as troop guide and my job in that role was to help the new scouts advance through the early ranks. At work, I've trained several other new workers. Suffice to say, I work with new people a lot no matter where I am, and I keep coming back. I generally like the job. Now, obviously, I'm one person, and by no means am I responsible for the Brotherhood's continued success. At most, I'd claim the smallest of fractions because I know that this club takes more than one person. And it definitely takes more than one Grandmaster, or one anything else, to help new members get adjusted, involved, and to keep them there. Each and every member in this club who chooses to remain active has a role in helping new members. Many seem to realize this, at least to the extent that they may chat on IRC, or choose to game with someone. Unfortunately, not every member realizes this, or they choose to willfully ignore it. In a small number of cases, some members hold themselves as independent and to important to concern themselves with other members. This self righteous, uncaring elitism irks me a great deal, and it is not beneficial to one's battleteam, house, clan, or the Brotherhood as a whole.
Galactic News
Communication systems were interrupted today as an old star went supernova. Scientists gathered for the event to record data on the shockwave and how it affects electronics. Sightseers were also present for the naturally occurring event. There were reports of temporary blindness despite the specialized glasses they all were wearing.
I don't know exactly how active the member who left was; on that, her superiors will have to speak if they choose to do so. But, I want to highlight the response her leaving got. It is her fault? As I write this, no one else has commented on the leaving, yet, but I can only hope that the responses get better. But, the attitude currently expressed is harmful. One member leaving may not seem very consequential, but if it continues to grow, who knows where it may lead? I will not become a prophet of doom or anything, but when one considers that only active people are on these clan mailing lists, every time you drive one of them away, that means one less active member. It doesn't matter how many people sit on the Brotherhood Rogue roster. Each and every one of you plays a part in helping new members thrive. It is not just my job, or just the job of unit leaders. No, it is your job also. If you are in the Brotherhood and having fun, then you should strive to permit other people to have fun, too. You're bound to disagree on things, but can't you respect some rather simple requests from your fellow members, then you create problems that ripple throughout the entire Brotherhood. One person today may not seem like much. Imagine, though, if someone had driven Firefox from the club. Would the Brotherhood have still split from the Emperor's Hammer? If so, would it have been as successful as it was? What if Jac had been driven from the club? Would we be where we are today? You may not have an active role in dealing with new members right now. But if you want to be a leader someday, then you will have to learn to work with new members. If you still can't wrap your brain around what I have been trying to say here, then let me close with this: what goes around comes around. Today, you may be the one who's actions, whether alone or in part, drive another member to quit. One day, though, it may very well be you on that side of things. Just don't come crying to me or anyone else if it does happen. 
By Macron Mononoke Keibatsu-Goura Alchemist's Notes, File 422:
The following is an interview taken at an undisclosed location.
The DJB Wiki was created to be the definitive source for all things relating to the club. The idea had been kicking around quite a bit, even when I was still on the DC. I believe it was a request from Sarin and Kromtal that eventually got the ball rolling.
The open-ended editing and simple formatting syntax make it accessible to anyone. Unlike other resources such as the Codex, the wiki allows anyone to update the information, providing accurate details and cross-referencing it to other relevant topics. This way when anything changes, be it a policy, requirement, image (for medals and the like) the wiki article can be updated by anyone at any time and help keep the membership up-to-date. We don't have to wait for the DC to edit the article, which takes alleviates their workload for far more pressing issues. Having been there, I know all too well that other projects can distract you, keeping you from doing the little things like updates.
Currently the staff is concerned with standardization, which means they're going around and making sure that articles have categories, and that the articles all in the same category look alike. Also Tron has been working with some automated features that give some life to the main page, such as a Featured Article bulletin.
There is much that could be improved, from filling in missing data to reformatting articles. Still, the project is very 'new' and I know there are a lot of eager people out there. The focus of Wiki should be the content and not so much the presentation, but I'd rather it all look a little better, a little more uniform.
Former Allies
Continue Their Fall
By: Anonymous
Location: Aurora System Reports of the further collapse of our former allies began to trickle into the shroud just a few weeks ago. Today, it is our pleasure to report that the rumors are absolutely true: our former allies who remained on Eos have fallen further into the abyss. Upon the Exodus, the remaining Dark Brotherhood members with the Imperial Remnant had tried to maintain four clans as clones of our very system. The Dark Voice has recently uncovered that two more clans, Alvaak and Scholae Palatinae, have been closed due to lack of resources. This recent merger leaves only the bastardized versions of Tarentum and Arcona left to destroy. This is good news indeed for the true Brotherhood, an event that the Dark Voice is indeed proud to report. 5. What do you consider your "favorite" task or function?
Currently I've been filling in the gaps about the past. Working on the Obsolete Data category, redirecting links, renaming articles, moving articles... it's putting things in order that I like, and working with the staff to make more templates to help standardize the whole project.
Originally I wanted to be able to serve the DJB without joining a Clan. I left the position of HRLD when I was overwhelmed with real life obligations. These have since dwindled a lot, enough that I can find a sufficient amount of time to aid the DJB, and this project really allowed me to do significant with a great deal of flexibility.
Antei News
The native workforce on Antei has gone on strike. They demand to be treated fairly and for their families to be compensated for loss of life or limb. This strike comes after thirteen individuals were horrifically maimed and seven killed when a tank of deuterium unexplainably exploded last week. GMRG initiates have been sent to quell the strike, which has threatened to become violent if demands were not met.
I attempted to get a response from Dark Side Adept, and former MAA, Syn Kaek, but it appears that he secluded himself from the blaze of activity in the Brotherhood and retreated to a private area. Many Darksiders can agree that, in this time, many changes are occurring. Some for the better, some for the worse. Though Kaek served well, and brought about many things during his reign, it is an age of new beginnings, and a new pace has been set in the Brotherhood. We all wish Darkside Adept Xu Long(Syn Kaek) a great life, and may he return to us someday once more. It is the view of many that, though they may not have known him well, are losing a great ally, and a dear friend. 
By Braecen Kunar Antei System - First Moon of Antei: Atrophos Atrophos, home of the Royal Guard's primary training facility, is the largest of Antei's two moons. The moon was once a lush and verdant satellite that was home to a vast range of flora and fauna. However, as a result of the catastrophic proliferation of one of Antei's binary star, the moon soon became devoid of all life and the necessities to maintain life; bodies of water were evaporated, the surface is composed of silicates and sparse rock formations, and the atmosphere has been altered from a high oxygen yield to a heavily dominated nitrogen and carbon dioxide atmosphere. Yet, the sparse moon with all of its challenges had become the center of the Grand Master's Royal Guard: home of the Crucible Training Seminary. The Crucible conditions both mentally and physically within thirty (30) environmentally sealed cubes - each cube its own unique combat arena to provide a diverse, rich training - upon the high gravity (1.1 gs) moon. Commander of the Guard, Obelisk Adept Khobai Wrathraven, stood before the assembled warriors of the Grand Master's Royal Guard - the Defenders of the Iron Throne - with his hands clasped behind his back at parade rest. Over his shoulder stood the newly appointed Deputy Grand Master, Aristan Dantes, and the Lord of the Iron Throne, Jac Cotelin. Both were in attendance for the ceremony upon the wicked wasteland of Atrophos.
Galactic News
The Aratech Repulsor Company has issued a massive Speeder bike recall. The particular design that has been recalled is the newest line of bikes, the Blue Rocket. There were a total of ten thousand sold on multiple Core systems last week. Reports have since flooded in detailing unexplained loss of propulsion, the controls falling off, and spontaneous combustion resulting in rider death. Owners are highly encouraged to return their Speeder bike to the dealership of purchase for a full refund.
The Commander of the Guard briefly gave a speech about the commitment and loyalties of the Royal Guard. Then he advanced the pace of the ceremony, inducting new Initiates: Rasilvenaira StormRaven, Ky Terrak, Etah, Dante Armand al'Tor, Malidir, Bane, Karel Bruth'Kothae, Menace, Xayun Erinos & Zandro Savric Erinos. Finally, he came to his final two orders of business: elevating Guard Captain Braecen Kunar to Guardsmen III and promoting Koskian d'Tana Arconae to the rank of Guard Captain. With the ceremony drawing to a close, the Elder gave a short speech to warn of impending threats and potential enemies of the Brotherhood. Almost as if he knew a dark threat was seeking to bring harm against the Iron Throne - to prepare his warriors for the eventual effort that would fall to the feet of the elite cadre. Suddenly the Adept exploded from his lackadaisical pace into the deadly form of Echani. Three solid, rapid blows ripped through the air as they crashed into the form of an unknown Initiate. The first punch was a left hook to the man's frontal lobe, resulting in temporary disorientation. Quickly the Commander of the Guard continued the motion before bringing his elbow back along the path of the previous blow - landing a crunching blow to the neck that would leave the individual paralyzed. Yet, before the paralysis could set in, a precise, two finger strike to the chest spiraled the Initiate into cardiac arrest. The man slumped forward right before he spilled into a heap before Khobai's feet. "A hundred raw recruits do not hold the value of a single Guardsmen, you must all train harder before you can wear the crimson robes of the Royal Guard. Only through dedication and discipline can you attain such skill, the path before you will not be easy, nor should it be." In closing, he simply stated, "Congratulations to each of you... the sacrifice of your lives to the Iron Throne may bring you unknown fame and glory." 
By Telona Murrage Antei - As most of you all know by now there have been several retirements and replacements happening within the Dark Council over the past month or so. These position changes created quite the shakeup as it was unknown if anyone strong enough would arise. The positions of Deputy Grand Master and Master at Arms are not to be taken lightly. A strong disposition and even stronger leadership skills are a must for these demanding jobs and so few are showing these traits nowadays. With the slots vacant, there were many arguments breaking out into deadly conflicts. Aristan Dantes Appointed DGM Many cries went up into the vacuum of space when this announcement was made. There are those who would have him drug out into the street and vaporized. Then there are those who were joyous of the announcement and celebrated with a toast of their favorite drink. Either way, it was no secret that this decision from our Lord Cotelin has been highly scrutinized. As most know, Aristan stayed with the Emperor's Hammer when those loyal to the Dark Side fled to Antei. He did eventually return to his brethren but at the cost of raising suspicion, hearsay, and debates on what to do with those who may follow him. Despite it all, Aristan has proven a capable leader who is loyal to the true calling and its followers. The time he spent leading and building Clan Plagueis has helped to clear his name to those who were suspicious though he did ruffle the feathers of a few disagreeable members. It will be no doubt that he will create enemies in the position he is in now but it is the hope of at least this person that Aristan proves himself to be able to handle the demanding position he is in now. May he remain true to the Dark Side of the Force. Halcyon Rokir Appointed MAA This appointment came as no surprise to those gifted in the ability to see into the future. Halcyon was appointed the Praetor of the last Master at Arms several months ago. It did seem odd to some, however, which noted his leave of Clan Arcona and Consulship for Clan Taldryan and a general membership in one of its houses. Many more have drawn the Taldryan - Dark Council link and have silently accused the new Council member of making a power play at the expense of others. Conspiracy aside, this position appointment was well received by the masses.
Antei News
The Shadow Academy has finished an additional section to its library. Named in honor of the late Deputy Grand Master Xanos, this new addition will house the ever-increasing flood of leadership manuals and handbooks. Very few were in attendance as the ribbon was cut and the shelves have not been touched since the section was opened. However, the section has become a haven for quiet reading outside the bustle of the main section.
A Farewell to Xanos It did not come as a surprise when the Deputy Grand Master announced his resignation. He had held on strong to his post for many months. However, his absences became increasingly noticeable and rumors started going around long before the announcement. During his time in office he faced many obstacles, mainly from the very Dark Jedi he served. The greatest obstacle had to have been the war that gripped the Brotherhood and forced him to place his loyalty with one of the two Grand Masters that arose during that tumultuous time. Perhaps one day Xanos will write his memoirs and give us all an account of those days now past. For now, he has retired to his home Clan where we will perhaps see him rise up once more to lead.
From the Editor
As one can glean from this issue of the Dark Voice, many changes are happening within the Dark Brotherhood. Respectable Dark Jedi come and go from positions as Houses fight for dominance and Clans enjoy new equipment. It is a good and prosperous time for all. The Dark Voice is not without its changes. The layout and presentation of the DV has changed for the better as you may have noticed. This holds true for the hard copy backup file that can be viewed as well. The staff has undergone some changes as well. We say goodbye to Malidir who has left to focus on being a Battle Team Leader. He is wished the best and encouraged to enjoy one of the best positions one can be in. We will be saying hello to Ood Bnar and his lovely puzzles that will be featured every issue.
The Exodus Issue will happen next year in April. Everyone is encouraged to take part in that festive issue. All submissions will be looked at for inclusion. This includes songs, stories, graphics, poems, and anything else that has the Exodus theme to it. If you need a brush up on what the Exodus was I suggest reading the Dark Side Compendium, Book 1: Chapter 1: Page 22 through 25 for a nice little look at what happened. 
By Vodo Biask In the aftermath of the Recent Great Jedi War, Grandmaster Jac Cotelin awarded his most loyal advisors and Clans with lavish spoils. While this ended up being everyone in the Brotherhood for their commitment to one of the Jac's, one Clan ended up being awarded a very great prize indeed. This was Taldryan. Taldryan prides itself on it's legacy of triumph and continued dominance over the other Clans of the Brotherhood. Most of all, the Sons of Taldrya, pride themselves on their Navy. This monster of an armada fended off an attack from Tarentum around their home planet, Karufr, and then moved on to the recapture of Antei, providing a majority of the forces responsible for completely routing the Blue Jac's forces in orbit around the planet. For years now, the Taldryan Navy has been a mark of power and strength within the Brotherhood. Whether it is a force from outside the clans, or one from within; they have repeatedly shown themselves time and time again to be unstoppable. Especially now. The Grandmaster's prize to the Taldryan's for their amazing performance in the war was the immense Venerator-class Star Destroyer, The Katarn. In addition to this monstrous ship, Taldryan was awarded nearly fifty Squadrons of fighter craft, gunships, and light shuttles for boarding actions and troop redeployment. This is in addition to the Clan's already extensive holdings. With all new equipment processed, named, and assigned, the Taldryan Navy is now a force that is only rivaled by the power of the Dark Council itself. 
By Shikyo "Rurouni" Keibatsu
Help Wanted!
The Dark Voice is heavily understaffed and is in need of your help! If you've ever wanted to be part of something that benefits the Dark Brotherhood as a whole and can write an article or two every month or so then this is the place for you. Applying is as simple as creating an application and sending that along with a sample article. The Exodius Edition is fast approching and the DV needs to fill positions immediately! Send applications to telonam@gmail.com and please state which position, described below, you would like to be part of. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled so get to sending today.
Editor: 2
Primary job will be to edit staff member's articles and work with staff members if corrections need to be more in depth than simple punctuation, grammar, or spelling errors. Editors will also be looked upon to keep an eye out on the other staff members to make sure they are fulfilling their quota. Basically becoming my right hand person, editors will be required to pick up the slack of any staff member who is away and writing the article(s) that away staffer would. Editors may also be called upon to write updates on the DV itself.
Primary job will be to keep up on DC, society leaders, and tribunes by reading reports, blogs, and communicating with them. When big things happen in those offices it is the job of the DC writer to write up an article about it regardless of when the next DV is to come out. These articles need to be run by that particular office for approval before being given to the editors for the editing process. This position will require more than one article to be written.
Primary job will be to keep in contact with the GM and DGM about the DB storyline and the direction they wish to take it. This job will require secrecy. Articles are to be written as anonymous and will go directly to me after getting approval from the GM and DGM. This may require writing as a different character or writing about happenings that hurt clans or the DB. Being up to date with the SW books is a must. Shikyo: Cajun, how does it feel to be in command of a massive ship, such as the Covenant? Xayun: It feels pretty good. I wanted to take it out and blow something up but Manesh said not to before he left. Shikyo: (Don't worry. We'll find something to destroy.) Xayun: (Make sure this is off the record, alright?) Shikyo: (Gotcha.) You were the one who tested out the weapons system, yes? How did they fair against the asteroids? Xayun: Total obliteration. I mean, the explosions looked like fireworks. It was definitely worth it. Shikyo: Have you taken the ship out for a ride yet? Xayun: I made sure it was in Sadow space, but yeah. It was cool. It was a little more conforting to be on, compared to a starfighter. Shikyo: Do you plan on taking command of the Covenant during the war? Xayun: Well, we gotta share the ship, so I'm hoping I get to command it some. Shikyo: Only until we get to the Phare system. After that, it's all mine, baby. Xayun: Fat chance. It was at this moment that a lightsaber duel insued and the reporter was not allowed 100 feet towards the Aedile of Ludo Kressh. To conclude, this ship has brought a renewed strength to Naga Sadow and has brought the possibility of more salvaging for ships such as this. It has been tested multiple times and approved by the Conclave of Naga Sadow to be powerful, magnificent, and totally righteous. 
By RevengeX Palpatine The Festival of the Fox started the beginning of a huge celebration for Clan Scholae Palatinae. There were games, poetry contests, dueling tournaments, but the most anticipated event was the naming and induction of a new Palpatine. Rumors flew and everyone gossiped, hoping it would be them. However, half way through the Festival after fighting in a tournament duel, newly appointed Quaestor of Acclivis Draco, one of two Houses that comprise Scholae Palatinae, RevengeX Palpatine discovered Dark Jedi from House Caliburnus abducting House Acclivis Draco's Aedile, Rasilvenaira StormRaven. The Quaestor was able to stop the kidnappers in time and took them to Antenora, the home planet of Acclivis Draco, and had them locked up in the House dungeons.
Other Newsletters
The Dark Voice would like to give support to the other newsletters owned and operated by the Clans. Without these, local news and happenings along with member opinions or just plain silliness cannot be brought out and published. Their editors and contributors forgo any thought of reward for their work. We at the Dark Voice salute you for all your tireless efforts.
The Naga Sadow Times and The Taldryan Times We hope the Plagueis Chronicles gets back up and running at least its archives so that they too can be included here. Of course, the capturing of Caliburnus Dark Jedi enraged Caliburnus Quaestor Krath Priestess Impetus who immediately began organizing a rescue team. The conflict became increasingly tense when the prisoners were recovered by a Caliburnus squad led by Aedile Thran Occasus. Throughout the history of the Clan, no House had ever challenged House Acclivis Draco's dominance in the Clan except for once in the far past when Caliburnus was a force to be reckoned with. In fact, House Dorimad Sol, now closed, and House Caliburnus had fought each other to decide which House would be staying in the Clan. It had already been implicitly decided that Acclivis Draco would stay because it contained the majority of the active members within the Clan. RevengeX, not wishing to allocate any resources or materials to wage a full-scale war against Caliburnus, ordered the assassination of Caliburnus Quaestor Impetus. He had thought that by taking the head of the beast, the body would fall. Cuchulain, chosen to be the assassin, failed in the attempt and pretty soon, the conflict erupted into full-scale war and each House was sending their fleets and armies against one another. The Clan is in a state of civil war and the Clan Summit is seemingly just going to let the whole thing slide past their noses. Will Acclivis Draco remain the dominant force in Scholae Palatinae as it has been for the last several years? Or will Caliburnus finally overthrow his sibling in an attempt to gain the Clan Summit's favor? The outcome of this war is unknown and only the future could possibly know what will happen. And of course, the future is not willing to speak.  The Dark Voice has obtained information from some of the clans regarding their recent endeavors. That information is as follows:
 Copy of roster as of 12/20/2006 kept for historical purposes Click here for the Excel Roster (.xls)
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