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Brief History
The story of House Marka Ragnos begins some 5,300 years before the Battle of Yavin, when the Dark Lord of the Sith, Marka Ragnos himself, began his reign over the Sith Empire. Under his rule a Golden Age was ushered in. Ragnos ruled with unparalleled success for 300 years. During this time, he established a devoted following of warriors, scholars and other figures who swore an oath of loyalty to him.
After Ragnos was succeeded by Naga Sadow, this cult remained loyal to their slain master and left Korriban, wandering across the galaxy with no destination in mind. In their travels, this cult came across the planet Karana III and settled there. They began calling themselves the "Disciples of Ragnos" and continued to worship their master and practice his dark doctrine. However, the Disciples were soon driven away from Karana, and they settled on the planet Loki in the Phare system.
It was not long before Clan Overlord Astronicus Sadow came to Phare and brought together his followers under the name of House Naga Sadow. Soon, as the numbers of House Naga Sadow grew, it became Clan Naga Sadow and the Disciples of Ragnos deigned to become House Marka Ragnos.
The Disciples of Ragnos of the modern era are made up of Sith, Krath and Obelisk of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. The epistle of Marka Ragnos continues to live on through a new generation adored in the traditions of old.
Complete History: House Marka Ragnos
Government and Politics
House Marka Ragnos
The Disciples of Ragnos are more commonly known as House Marka Ragnos within Clan Naga Sadow and the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. This is because the cult was reorganized into a House to conform with the Codex.
Overlord of Ragnos
The Overlord of Ragnos (also known as the House Overlord) is not a official leadership position in the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. The Overlord is the symbolic leader of the House; thus it is the responsibility of the Dark Primus to assume this role.
Main article: House Overlord (Clan Naga Sadow)
House Summit
Battleteam Leaders
Economy
Wealth in the Disciples of Ragnos cannot be measured by credits; knowledge is the true economy. Knowledge can only be gained through study of the Dark Doctrine of Marka Ragnos.
A disciple can measure his or her wealth of knowledge by checking the following:
- Elevation through the Dark Doctrine.
- Scion Societal Status.
- Past and present service on the governing council.
For example, an Avatar of the Dark Doctrine who is a Scion and serves on the governing council of the Disciples would be considered truly rich.
Society and Culture
Disciples Theocratic Society
The Disciples of Ragnos are a Theocratic society like the Yuuzhan Vong; only here the disciples believe Marka Ragnos to be divine. His divinity is recognized through the Dark Primus.
A governing council advises the Dark Primus and helps determine the divine power of Marka Ragnos through the Dark Lord's own Dark Doctrine. Scions of Ragnos also serve the Dark Primus.
Council
The governing council of the Disciples of Ragnos consists of seven members led by the Dark Primus. The other six members are warriors, scholars and others figures devoted to the Epistle of Marka Ragnos
The other council positions are known as; Dark Patriarch (or Dark Matriarch), Hand of Ragnos, Dark Chronicler, Sword of Ragnos, Dark Scholar and Dark Librarian. The current members of the council are:
Main article: Disciples of Ragnos - The Council
Scions
To become a Scion of Ragnos is the greatest honor a Disciple can achieve in his or her lifetime; for they will be seen as a descendent of Dark Lord Marka Ragnos and a True Believer of the Final Way. The very nature of the Scions responsibility is shrouded in mystery. A Scion in-training is called a Progeny of Ragnos.
Main article: Disciples of Ragnos - The Scions
Castes
| Dremora |
Defender |
Keeper
|
| Avatar
|
Avatar
|
Avatar
|
| Hegemon
|
Cleric
|
Warder
|
| Zealot
|
Advocate
|
Custodian
|
| Dremora
|
Defender
|
Keeper
|
| Vizier
|
Vizier
|
Vizier
|
| Disciple
|
Disciple
|
Disciple
|
Castes are to the Disciples of Ragnos what Orders are to the Dark Jedi Brotherhood; more or less. The three castes are named after the first level a Vizier becomes after elevating thier current level. There are three levels a Vizier must elevate through the levels to reach the top level of Avatar.
Main article: Disciples of Ragnos - The Disciples
Non-Believers
These are people who don't believe in the Final Way as taught in the Dark Doctrine. The Dark Jedi Brotherhood and House Naga Sadow were originally seen as non-believers; this changed somewhat after the creation of Clan Naga Sadow and House Marka Ragnos. The Brotherhood are now seen as believers of the Final Way (although not true believers) as they're let by the Dark Lord of the Sith, as it was a Dark Lord who created the Dark Doctrine, but in fact it was Primus Caerick's influence within the Dark Brotherhood as a whole that led to the Disciples acceptance.
Illuminati
This is a secret sect that is loosely affiliated with the Disciples of Ragnos but based inside the workings of House Marka Ragnos and the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. The Illuminati are very similar to Lord Okemi's Star Chamber, as they are Equites and Elders of House Marka Ragnos united is a fragile alliance to empower their knowledge of the Force as they look to unlock the secrets of the Epistle of Marka Ragnos
Holidays and Festivals
Holidays
Anniversary of the Exodus (April 13): This was the day of the Dark Brotherhood's liberation from the Emperor's Hammer
Day of the Fox (Nov 6): This is day celebrates Grand Master Firefox decision to actually split from the Emperor's Hammer
Festivals
The Wild Hunt
In ancient times, it was believed that there were forces beyond their understanding, who would sweep down from the skies during the fiercest of thunderstorms to take the lives of whoever they deemed unworthy. Never seen and killing with brutal efficiency, this superstition has survived the test of time.
The Jedi of the Brotherhood, ever believing in their own superiority and the need to exert this over others, have revived this tradition. It is more public than ages past, a sign to all in Naga Sadow controlled territories who their masters are.
The Ritual begins with a prayer to the ancient Lord of the Clan; Naga Sadow, while the members of the Houses pray to their benefactors after whom their Houses are named; Marka Ragnos and Ludo Kressh, respectively. They pray for strength and cunning in the festivities to come, and hope that these fearsome beings smile on them as the ritual begins.
As with any population, there are those who have decided not to take the Clan as their Masters, and ignore the rules and regulations set on them by the Clan and the Dlarit Corporation. These prisoners are released periodically and hunted down by the Clan, as a showing of their authority and sending a clear message that insubordination cannot, and will not be tolerated. The prisoners are released and told to use any means necessary to procure their own freedoms; they are told that those who manage to escape will be offered their freedom, though this has never happened. Every prisoner who was released has always found their end at the hands of a member of the Clan, a testament to their abilities.
The ritual serves several important ends: It establishes and maintains the authority of the Clan in their space as they inspire fear and dread in the local populations. Also, it serves as a chance for individual members of the Clan to show their leaders their prowess. And finally, it serves to cull the local prisoner population, as well and quelling any thoughts of dissent in those that are thinking of trying to overthrow their Masters.
The Rite of Quietus
Even the most powerful of Dark Jedi can boast the most humble origins. Indeed, mystics of the Final Way preach that the smallest of factors can have the most powerful effect on any individual. Naturally, the annals of power that Clan Naga Sadow treads on have their own histories. It is the Rite of Quietus that helps the Clan to remember those who have gone before.
The Rite is primarily a form of ancestor worship, though the term 'ancestor' is used to signify any people, places, or events that have shaped a Dark Jedi into the being they are today. A Dark Jedi is, after all, the product of all of their experiences.
It is a time of self-reflection for the Clan, as each individual is asked to remember those who they have come into contact with who have had an effect on their lives and who have since passed into memory. A wide variety of reactions are brought forth from the Jedi: Some fondly remember parents, spouses, and childhood friends. Some may remember other members of the Clan, or those of other Clans. Master and Apprentice may decide to show their appreciation for each other, and families may decide to celebrate their victories and defeats. By the same token, someone may perform a personal ritual to torture someone who has caused them pain, or swear their undying enmity for someone who has slighted them. Either way, the Rite serves as an affirmation to those who have had an impact of the life of the Jedi in question, whether positive or negative.
One of the central figures in the Rite are the Lords of the Sith who serve as inspiration. Prayers are offered to Naga Sadow, Marka Ragnos and Ludo Kressh with the hope that they might look upon the Clan with fondness. What these beings actually feel about the Clan, or individual members, is something that only they would know, if they decide to even bother with it...
The Festival of Renewal
It is a fact of life: Empires, Kingdoms, and the life of everything will eventually come to an end, to be replaced with something new. Though to the mystical Dark Jedi this concept seems to hold less meaning, especially to those so powerful that they can transfer their essences into the bodies of others, it is still known that everything goes through a cycle.
The the Festival of Renewal is dedicated to those members of the Clan who, while not as powerful as those in power, still have their part to play in the daily workings of the Clan. It takes a special kind of courage to realise the power within oneself and to try and harness it by joining the Brotherhood, and often this takes a lot of sacrifice as well. It is this festival that pays homage to that sacrifice.
Even the lowliest Acolyte has the potential to one day become Grand Master, and it is this potential that must be nurtured and properly trained in order to achieve that status. However, it should also be fun, and this is the one moment in the Clan in which all eyes are on them.
The festival itself is meant to be an often welcome reprieve from the harsh training regimens and study periods. Games are played, food and drink are served, and stories are told of past exploits. It can be as simple as a Master telling a good story of one of their Apprentices, or perhaps they might tell a story of their own time as novices, before their rises to power.
Military
Disciples of Ragnos
In the time of holy crusades waged in the name of Dark Lord Marka Ragnos. The cult is let by the Sword of Ragnos with the blessing of the Dark Primus.
Military units are split into three members of different castes but at the same level of elevation; the Dremora caste member is the "striking arm of Ragnos", the Defender caste member is the "defending arm of Ragnos", and the Keeper caste member is the "will of Ragnos".
House Marka Ragnos
Night Hawks
Night Hawks, known to the elite fighting force within House Marka Ragnos. Accepting all missions thrown their way and usually hiding in the shadows to protect its house leaders, whether they requested them or whether they even knew they were there. Its members filled with loyalty for their house and clan, and actively taking part in all house doings.
Founded by Trevarus Caerick in 21 ABY, the Night Hawks quickly became the most whispered about and most feared. Its members said to lethal in the way they moved, and stealthy in the hidden secrets of the group.
Its members were seldom known or seen, and if a member of the Night Hawks came to sit down at your table, you often didn’t live to tell the tale, which only helped in keeping the members identity a secret. Only those who have been chosen for the position of Night Hawk member are taken in, although many try to find out who to talk to about joining.
Main Article: Night Hawks
Ravana Squadron
Ravana Squadron is an elite X-Wing Squadron founded by Ximeno in 14 ABY. Throughout the history of the Brotherhood the squadron has player a crucial if often sometimes silent role in the Brotherhood. The Squadron performs two main duties firstly they are of course an X-Wing unit composed of force talented individuals. Secondly they perform the duty of a commando unit involved in counter-intelligence, sabotage, and assassination. With the approval of the summit various commanders have recruited pilots and people capable of intelligence work.
The Squadrons name was originally decided by Ximeno who thought that the Raven best suited the nature of the squadron. Dark birds of prey, whose appearance was the harbinger of ill fate. Like the bird, seeing Ravana Squadron has often been the beginning of the end for the unfortunate set in their sites. The Ravana Squadron is the "back alley lightsaber" of House Marka Ragnos accomplishing clandestine work that others deemed themselves too good for.
Due to the nature of the work the attrition rate in Ravana squadron is high, members often find that they are simply not ready for the work that the squadron does and burn out, or simply die during mission.
Main Article: Ravana Squadron
Astrography
These are the past and present planet's the Disciples of Ragnos have called home.
Karana III
The birth place of the Disciples of Ragnos; this was there Marka Ragnos original students settled and started the cult. It remained their home until 10 ABY when they were forced to leave with the arrival of the Emperor's Hammer
Main article: Karana III
Loki
House Marka Ragnos was founded on Loki. The Disciples of Ragnos settled here and were joined by House Naga Sadow. When Naga Sadow became a Clan, the Disciples were reorganized to function as a House
Main article: Loki
Tarthos
The current home of House Marka Ragnos. The planet was picked to be the new home of the Disciples following the Exodus in 19 ABY. Here the House has remained and growed.
Main article: Tarthos
Words of the Doctrine
Culling, The - a time when the weak are purged from the Disciples of Ragnos.
End of Days - same meaning as the Final Way.
New Era, The - this marks the time when the Disciples of Ragnos formed to become House Marka Ragnos.
TBA
Allies and Enemies
Allies
Neutral
Enemies
Typical House Actions/Reactions
Fictional
The Disciples of Ragnos is an ancient cult spanning back thousands and thousand of years to the death of Marka Ragnos; becoming a House happened after the fall of the Galactic Empire
There cult is based around the Epistle of Marka Ragnos; the believed teachings of the Dark Lord. In recent years the Marked of the Wanderer religion has become popular among the members as Trevarus Caerick was seen as the next Dark Lord rising before his betrayal. The ancient cult still hold firm to their ancient believes which continue to inspire and invigorate new members who join the fold.
Real Life
House Marka Ragnos is historically a Krath House led by the Quaestor, with the Aedile and Battleteam Leaders as left and right hands; Aedile being more responsible for the administration of House and welcoming new members.
While in fiction the Disciples of Ragnos may be some ancient cult, its in fact a recent development to the House as part of the Quaestor's Vision Statement to encourage members to develop in various areas. The House itself is friendly and supportive of its members; old and new. Its leaders look to create a fun and friendly atmosphere for all it enjoy, and like the rest of Clan Naga Sadow enjoy participating in run-ons.
Important Figures
- Ximeno - First Dark Patriarch of the New Era
- Tron - Former Dark Patriarch and honourary Avatar of the Dark Doctrine
- Muz Keibatsu - Former Dark Patriarch and Avatar of the Dark Doctrine
- Trevarus Caerick - Former Dark Primus who betrayed the cult
- Shan-Long - Current Dark Primus
- Jedgar Paladin - honourary Avatar of the Dark Doctrine
Scions of Ragnos
- Jedgar Paladin
- Muz Keibatsu
- Shan Long
- Shikyo Keibatsu
- Ashura Megos Isradia
- Tsainetomo Keibatsu
- Devani Kiriana Maharet
- Faeril Munlear
- Jade Atema
Progeny of Ragnos