Goings On...
~The Grand Master announces with great pleasure the following awards to be made to Tau
Squadron members as an incentive to perform and a reward for past service.
All flight members of Tau Squadron are awarded Envoy ranking
All flight leaders of Taus Squadron are awarded Companion 2nd Class ranking
The Squadron Commander of Tau squadron is awarded Companion 1st Class ranking
The Comodore of the DGN Lichtor V is awarded Knight 2nd Class ranking
Congratulations to all. You may contact the Herald for your awards.
Brotherhood Robes Designed!!!
Thanks to the dilligent efforts of the Herald, Master Pyr, the robes designed for
the Brotherhood's use have finaly solidified. The robes will be based on the following
system...
The Dark Brotherhood maintains a strict and detailed prescription for the dress of
its members. The differences in attire relate directly to the differences in rank and
position, and the distinction between the two Orders of Dark Jedi.
The robes worn by DB members fall into 4 main categories: The Leaders, The Equites,
The Yeomanry, & The Journeymen. These categories correspond to the general divisions in
the duties, positions, training and privileges of the membership.
The most distinctive robes belong to the Grand Master. From the design of his
robes, there descends a lessening of darkness and complexity. At the top, everything is
black, while at the entry level, everything is white. Accessories also decline in
frequency down through the ranks.
The Grand Master carries an ebony staff. No one else in the Brotherhood is
permitted this distinction. Additionally, his light saber's blade is scarlet, and by
choice, he wears no medallion.
While the cloak is worn by all members of the Yeomanry and above, the manner,
color and number of instances in which it may be worn is limited by rank. All cloaks
have hoods, but only the Dark Council and the Grand Master may wear theirs up during
official DB gatherings.
The Jedi's weapon, the ubiquitous light saber, is understandably only
permitted to be worn by those that have completed their training as Dark Jedi Knights.
The fashioning of a light saber is an accomplishment only a Jedi may achieve. The
wearing of a light saber is then, one of the greatest distinctions of dress in the Brotherhood.
Like the light saber, the Jedi Robe is also a major mark of distinction. Those that
bear the weapon of the Jedi wear only a simple black robe, while those of the Yeomanry
wear robes that remind others of their roles. The robes of the Jedi Hunter are green,
as in the manner of legendary hunters in by-gone eras. Those of the Guardian are red,
reminiscent of the Imperial Guards, while the Protectors' robes are blue.
The wearing of other items such as the sash and the medallion are detailed in the tables below.
Across the ranks of the Yeomanry and above, the distinction between members of the
Sith and Krath Orders are displayed in the cloak. The Sith cloak will bear a crimson
trim or stripe, depending on rank, while that of the Krath's will be purple. The Grand
Master's cloak is trimmed in gold, to show his ascendancy over both orders.
It should be noted that each member of the Krath are presented by their High Priest,
with the Krath talisman, which they, at any time, they may hang from their sash or belt
if they choose.
The Orders occasionally have meetings and rites of their own. At these occasions,
special robes are worn that are not worn on any other time.
The dress of the ranks of the Journeymen are limited to white robes, though the
addition of inverted chevrons across the front of the robes, point to differences in
rank between them.
Formal occasions include the elevation of a member, a Shadow Academy graduation, or an
address by the Grand Master. The robes below are worn only at DB functions, which would
normally be held in the Dark Hall, aboard the DGN Lichtor V, or at the Shadow Academy.
INFORMAL ROBES
The informal robes are those worn while conducting DB business. EH members, if they choose,
may wear their informal robes when in the Dark Hall, the DGN Lichtor V or the SA.
Non-EH members wear their informal robes at all other non-formal occasions.
DB Dress While In the EH
While serving as EH officers, DB members must wear the appropriate EH uniform, with
some additions (cf. Operations Manual). While visiting or traveling aboard EH vessels,
non-EH DB members wear their 'Informal Robes'.
Although EH rules permit the wearing of side arms in certain situations, many Dark
Jedi will choose to rely on their light sabers alone. This choice is left to the
individual.
Note that an Adept on Council is not permitted to wear his cloak while on duty in
the EH, since the EH allows that privilege to Dark Jedi Masters only. The EH officially
recognizes only ranks, not positions within the DB.
DB Position Badges are worn on all EH uniforms.
The rules below conform to present EH conventions as outlined in the Operations
Manual. In the event that the Emperor's Hammer alters its rules, the rules below must
be edited accordingly.
A Visit to Tau Squadron
I recently paid a visit to Tau Squadron aboard the DGN Lichtor V.
Not so long ago, I had served as its squadron commander, and later Commodore of the
Lichtor, so I felt right at home. I was first welcomed aboard by Commodore Adept Crona,
and then taken on an inspection tour of the vessel.
In my capacity as Flight Officer of the Emperor's Hammer, I had been working
with the Commodore in revamping Tau Squadron. We had converted Tau into a unit
piloted by Dark Brotherhood members only. Special invitations were issued to the best
available Sith pilots of the DB.
After the tour, I had the opportunity to wish BG Gunner, the former Tau CMDR
'well'. It should be noted that CMDR Gunner had held Tau together through some
difficult times, and will no doubt prove to be a source of strength to his new squadron.
I then personally welcomed Tau's newest CMDR, LG Dark Jedi Knight
Deathwatch. The CMDR introduced me to each of Tau's pilot-warriors. I have rarely seen
a more Force-inspired, dedicated group. They are truly the vanguard of the DB.
I concluded my visit by offering a benediction to the pilots and craft of the Squadron.
"Each of you now will set a name to your gleaming steed in
recognition of this time hallowed relationship you enjoy."
"Now you will lead the forces of the Dark Jedi to an
unprecedented series of glorious victories. The Dark Brotherhood has its
Destiny... its destination... and you in your craft, are its vehicle."
"The might of the Dark Side, as it engulfs our enemies, shall
empower you to triumph!"
Two DB Members Inducted into the Krath
It is my pleasure to announce the induction of Guardian Gita and Protector Lors
Avakim into the Order of the Krath. All members may take pride that each element of the
Brotherhood, Sith, Krath, and the entire membership, wax strong with each nightfall!
Updates to the Dark Sanctum Web Site
The Dark Sanctum has some new 'cover art' created by Apprentice Atratus (Matt Kugel (volsung@ix.netcom.com)).
I would like to extend my personal thanks to this brother.
For the benefit of new DB members, I will be uploading the most recent issue of the
Dark Voice. Dark Voice III is the current issue available there now. This will allow
those who have not been mailed the latest issue, a chance to download it. I will update
this as new DVs are released.
Also of interest to all Imperial pilots, is an Imperial Wings uniform emblem file
created by our own Grand Master (Mstr Jdi@aol.com). It is located on the Position Badge page.
Heraldry Update
(Prepared by Master Pyr)
This feature is prepared by the Herald for the Dark Voices Newsletter and is anticipated to
be included in all future editions. Each issue (coming out every 1-2 weeks) will
feature an achivement of arms for a featured member, as well as information on updates
and new issues of arms. Submissions for this section, as well as comments and
suggestions, should be addressed to Master Pyr at RBKugel@GNN.COM
Fiction
(Edited by the Grand Master)
This section contains works of fiction, as well as mission outlines, for the DB.
Call of Darkness
(Prepared by Master Crona)
This is the roster of the Dark Brotherhood. Note that it is only meant as a guide and that
any omitted promotions, etc. are most likely not forgotted, but were not made or
submitted in time for roster inclusion. If problems persist for more than one edition,
then contact the MAA.
From the Desk of the Grand Master
This section contains the bi-weekly "address" of the GM to the Brotherhood. It is intended
to give news and views, as well as important announcements.
Fleet Admiral the Duke Jedgar Paladin
Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood
Govenour Plenepotentary of Eos