Disciples of Ragnos

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This article is part of the series:
House Marka Ragnos
Documents
House Marka Ragnos
House Marka Ragnos History
House Marka Ragnos Prospectus
House Marka Ragnos S.O.P.
Battleteams
Scepter of Ragnos
Locations
Tarthos
Kar Alabrek
Ragnos Cathedral
Ragnos Memorial
Platform Onyx
Mucenic
Markosian City

Introduction

See: House Marka Ragnos Prospectus

The Council

Dark Primus

“Some there be whom shadows kiss,

“shadows cling,

“shadows rent

“Some there be whom shadows teach,

“shadows draw,

“shadows keep

“and some there be whom shadows cloak,

“shadows spoke

“shadows reach

“some there be alone whom can call and make the shadows greet.”

Zeen Deheval, Krath archivist and Tetan nobleman, circa 2,237 BBY

Deheval speaks:

Since the very founding of the Krath in those shadowed mists of time, there has been the
mighty figure who has embodied the vision of the Disciples. In those mediaeval times that
marked the twilight of the Golden Age of the Sith our most august sect was but a dark portent
in the far sight of the exalted Lord Marka Ragnos. 

Lord Ragnos knew in His dark and terrible wisdom that the Disciples alone would come to be
unlike their component Orders – the Sith in their heady thirst for power and inclination for
infighting and self-destruction, or the Krath In their unrelenting pursuit of dread knowledge;
His Disciples would be the manifestation of an unholy annexation of Dark Side lore, and that
the ideological vortex caused by this amalgam would utterly consume it's devotees unless there
was a clear first among equals. 

At times, the spirit of the Dark Lord himself served in this capacity; it is known that his
specter appeared before the Krath High Priest Satal Keto and Exar Kun and bade them to cease
their fighting for supremacy and instead ally against their common enemies. This is marked the
first act of a Dark Side devotee in the crucial functions that would later come to be
associated with the role of the Dark Primus. His concerns lie primarily with the continuation
of the fusion of Krath and Sith mysticism and Dark Side lore that formed the core of the
Disciples' doctrine.

In contrast to many other roles tied to the modern Disciples of Ragnos within the Dark Jedi Brotherhood, the role of Dark Primus is one filled by virtue of simple expediency, as was often the case in the past; it's duties are assumed by the most powerful and capable Dark Side practitioner loyal to the married ways of Sith and Krath as practiced by the Disciples. Since the advent of the Dark Brotherhood and the formation of Clan Naga Sadow and House Marka Ragnos, The Dark Primus has always been the reigning Overlord of House Marka Ragnos who the undisputed Head of the Council and final authority within the Disciples of Ragnos. His duties are primarily judiciary in nature and are concerned with the continued overall productivity of the Disciples as a whole and the Council in particular. The Dark Primus is expected to serve as mediator as well as lead the Council in any issues he deems to use voting procedure to resolve.

In keeping with the mystic ways of the orders from whence his teachings come, the Dark Primus is a spiritual authority unto himself within the Disciples of Ragnos, and by virtue of his status as a Son of Sadow as a member of the apostolic succession that descends from Naga Sadow as heir of the Sith Empire and Dark Lord of the Sith and thus our Dark Lord Marka Ragnos himself,

The Dark Primus often works closely with the Dark Chronicler, and has the duty of petitioning the Prima Marked of the Wanderer for when the Tome of Dark Souls is in need of revision, or when there is a need to formally anoint and install a new Dark Patriarch whenever one comes into office. Above all the Dark Primus is responsible for overseeing the Disciples of Ragnos as a body and making whatever changes needed to ensure that the Disciples do not stagnate and remain active and vigilant as the galaxy approaches the Final Order.

Dark Patriarch/Matriarch

The Dark Patriarch. Preeminent as the de facto leader of the Council of the Disciples of Ragnos in their day-to-day affairs, Some would say that the Dark Patriarch (or Matriarch, as the case may be) is nothing more than a subordinate to the Dark Primus, an aide much as the Brotherhood's Praetorian Diet is to the Dark Council. Those who make this ignorant assumption would be gravely mistaken; the Patriarch manifests all of the true power that the Dark Primus is general too distant and otherwise occupied a figure to embody. The Disciples may pledge their highest fealty to the Dark Primus, but it is the Dark Patriarch they follow with zeal and fervor, the Dark Patriarch whom they emulate with diligence and admiration.

Most consider the first true Dark Patriarch of the Disciples of Ragnos to be the Sith Lord Freedon Nadd, a fallen Jedi who sought Sith lore and was found a worthy student and successor by the spirit of Lord Naga Sadow. Freedon Nadd established the very use of the title, in fact, as he subjugated the entirety of the planet Onderon and installed himself as its King, establishing a dynastic line that persisted for many centuries. Indeed, the Dark Patriarch's full title according to annals of the ritual texts of the Disciples is none other than “The Dark Patriarch of Onderon”. This was an apostolic legacy in much the same dark and mystic fashion as that of the office of Dark Primus. The seat passed for centuries, for untold generations within the Royal House of Onderon alone, guided by the dark spirit of their progenitor. The last Patriarch of the Onderon Royal Family was King Ommin, whom the Dark Lord Freedon Nadd ultimately deemed unworthy.

The mantle then passed to the young Lord Satal Keto, who had come to Onderon with his sister Aleema in search of greater understanding of Sith lore the young Tetan nobles had acquired on Coruscant. The dark spirit of Nadd knew only that it was no mere coincidence that these diligent young students of Sith magic had come to his citadel; and with the Jedi howling for their blind, ignorant crusade for destruction of all of the wisdom of the Dark Side Nadd wasted no time in confirming Satal and Aleema as the next ordained leaders Disciples of Ragnos. It is here, sometime after 3,997 BBY, that despite the eventual destruction of both Satal and Aleema Keto, the Krath cult, and the wise Disciples of Ragnos that had gathered many of them under their banner, began to prosper, a creeping mold from the farthest reaches of the galaxy.

The notes that follow are the words of Master Kik Theen, a venerable Dark Jedi and the longest-living member of the Disciples of Ragnos, during his lecture at the Dark Library. Master Theen, a Neti, was eyewitness to the Great Sith War, was revered as a veritable treasure trove of information on the first era of the Krath's emergence in the galaxy. Master Theen passed on a few short months after this lecture took place.

Much of the history escapes me in my admittedly advanced age, young ones, but the legacy of
malevolence remains; From Ragnos, to Sadow, to Nadd, down his bloodline for an era. From
Ommin, to Satal Keto onwards. The lineage is unbroken, and while at times its branches have
withered or been cut back entirely, it persists to this day and is the legacy of our Dark
Father.

The Dark Patriarch is he who calls the Krath Holy Crusade amongst the Disciples and grants
the Sword of Ragnos his blessing as His Dark paladin, the one who consecrates the ritual
sacraments at any gathering and mystic working of the Disciples and their general leader in
their every act.

In times of war or in times of peace, the Disciples of Ragnos defer to their Dark Patriarch
for guidance in their every act. In the modern era, the Dark Patriarch is always the senior
member of the House Summit of Marka Ragnos.

Hand of Ragnos

The recording that follows is transcripted from a restricted-access Holocron in the Dark Library at the behest of the Dark Primus. It follows the training of a young Disciple of Ragnos by an unidentified Hand of Ragnos shortly after the cult's establishment upon Tarthos.

Hmph. So you're it, then? My would-be successor as the mighty Hand of Ragnos? I see that
greedy gleam in your beady eyes. Oh, silence your stammering, insolent whelp. I know precisely
how much you have studied as well as the subjects you have studied. You are here because the
Dark Patriarch thought you showed promise worthy of further training in my tasks, a
certain...affinity...for the arduous and demanding tasks of the Hand of Ragnos.

Pray that you do not prove him wrong. The Patriarch does not like to be wrong, youngling, and
the most I can promise you if he discovers he was mistaken in his estimation of you is a long
and uneventful career in speeder patrol with Dlarit Security. Should you happen to be
supremely inept and prove his judgment spectacularly poor...well, let it suffice to say you
shall receive a rather intimate introduction to the care and feeding of the flesh-eating
plants of the gardens here at Ragnos Cathedral.

Where was I? Ah, yes. Follow me. What? Don't be stupid. Of course this leads to the Dark
Library...I see you are as ignorant as you are greedy and unworthy. Still, the Dark Patriarch
must have seen some merit in you...let us test that here.

Listen closely...can you hear it? Yes-be mindful before you answer those voices! Should you
answer incorrectly you-

Hee hee hee...Wrong. Well, at least you didn't lose control of your waste. Lie there and
relax a moment, the muscle spasms will abate. I think.

Don't you dare be sick in here! It's your own fault for answering the question for passage
incorrectly; try again, and this time you won't be as fortunate if you are careless.

Ah! I see you have something between your ears besides sarlacc gristle. Very well done
indeed. Moving on...See, the light filters through the dome in the daytime. It casts the
symbol of the Dark Lord Ragnos on the floor we are crossing at this very moment. Now over here
is where we stray from the beaten path. Mind you pay particularly close attention here – we
are already on a heavily restricted level of the Dark Library. Let me show you a room that
even the Dark Librarian knows nothing about...

Aah, my home sweet home here on Tarthos. This, unlearned one, is the Gallery of Pain and
Paradise. It is home to the accumulation of many of House Marka Ragnos Force artifacts, mostly
of Sith or other dark origin, of course. What you see before you in this great hall includes
priceless works from across the galaxy; many right here from Tarthos or within the Orian
system, some from other areas of Sith space, some from Onderon, Yavin IV, Vjun – in short,
anywhere and every where we have been able to hunt such items down and retrieve them, barring
things such as Holocron’s and other literary works, you will find them here. Granted, this
pales in comparison to the collection present in Sadow Palace on Sepros, but the Dark Primus
thinks it in the Clan's best interest that the Clan Overlord not be privy to every last secret
we possess. 

And that, at long last, leads me to my duties, and hopefully your duties some day. We Hands
of Ragnos have forever served as the Curators of Pain and Paradise, this gallery of Dark
artifice that has remained hidden, in various capacities, from almost every unworthy who has
sought such objects of power. It has been relocated from one end of the galaxy to the other –
We have records of Disciples maintaining such a hall in the Deep Core, and centuries before,
in Wild Space. Thusly the duties of the Hand of Ragnos supersede those of the Dark Librarian
in scope. Simply put, our job is to ensure the maintenance and perpetuation of the collection
for all time, not only as a record-keeping measure, but as a formidable resource for the truly
worthy. 

Those of us who embrace the Dark Side, almost without exception, tend to possess a selfish,
self-aggrandizing streak – itself a manifestation of the Dark Side – and are often reckless
and destructive with the resources at our disposal – the Sith Lord Exar Kun being a
particularly vivid example of a genocidal marauder who cared little to stop and examine the
methods or objects of his destruction. This tendency leaves us with a distinct disadvantage in
the face of the Jedi Knights, our eternal enemies and oppressors; they have the sense to
realize that rare and powerful artifacts are at their most useful when concentrated in one
location, best when shared and not hoarded, used judiciously and cautiously and not with wild
abandon. Most darksiders will leave a trail of corpses and rubble between them and whatever
object of power that calls them through the Force, and tend to completely obliterate either
themselves, their bauble, or in a few particularly idiotic cases, both. 

We Hands of Ragnos are responsible for cataloging and maintaining these artifacts and
delegating their use to our Disciples as need arises. We also have our role on the frontier of
space as well; we are the armorer of our troops before the battle - equipping them with what
relics they need for our absolute victory - and the plundering hand that follows to loot where
the Sword of Ragnos has slain. Ours is the duty of locating unclaimed artifacts of power, and
it is one we pursue with all due zeal and diligence. Our spies prowl the deep expanses of the
galaxy and report swiftly at the slightest whisper of devices of potent in the Force. 

Few have married the Sith's intense focus of power and the Krath's devoted questing for
higher learning and orderly book-keeping like the Disciples of Ragnos have. Our traditions
have endured for millennia relatively unscathed by the mad power plays of the random
barbarians and madmen claiming the mantle of Dark Lord of the Sith, or Krath High Priest. Our
Dark Predecessors know this and approve, and it is with their blessing and watchful
stewardship that we have remained as relatively unseen as we have. 

All you have heard and seen I have made a holovid record of. Review this information and
study diligently, and in time the heavy mantle of the Hand of Ragnos will be your own burden
to bear.

(Transcoding Complete, Recording Terminated.)

Dark Chronicler

The Dark Chronicler is responsible for annotations in the Chronicle of Dark Souls, a tome of vast Dark Side knowledge and lore first compiled by Dark Jedi Master Trevarus Caerick. The Chronicler updates the tome under the utter and total influence of the Prima Marked of the Wanderer or his duly appointed Marked. The Dark Chronicler has no recollection of what he or she writes in the tome; this is an unfortunate side effect of the energies involved in both the mind domination and the actual transcribing of the words. The Dark Chronicler performs his duties at the behest of the Dark Primus, who in turn must petition the Prima Marked of the Wanderer. As Trevarus Caerick currently holds both offices, there is no conflict. This may change upon the ascension of a new Dark Primus.

The Dark Chronicler works closely with the Dark Librarian; it is he who keeps the mystic tomes that the Chronicler updates, and who also serves as an anchor for the Chronicler, as the energies involved in making changes in said records endanger the Chronicler's sanity. Further, the Chronicler's duties range from the literal to the esoteric, whether annotating the names and deeds of Initiates of the Disciples' Mysteries, or etching the mystical tattoos that mark an anointed Sword of Ragnos.

Sword of Ragnos

The Sword of Ragnos. For ages feared as the embodiment of the Disciples' wrath, she is vengeance made manifest. A dark paladin anointed and blessed by the Dark Patriarch himself, the Sword leader the Disciples in all forms of warfare, directly onto the battlefield when required or with finesse and tact from the shadows when galactic affairs could benefit more from the subtle, tampering hand of the cult.

The Sword of Ragnos came to it's recognized modern form in the form of a one Warb Null, a Sith acolyte and personal apprentice to the King Ommin, Dark Patriarch of Onderon. A devoted follower of the Dark Doctrine, Null served his Patriarch unflinchingly and with grim efficiency, falling at last to the Jedi Ulic Qel-Droma, who ironically would later fall to the lure of the Dark Side himself. For centuries the Council was saddled with the precarious task of elevating one to their numbers from the body of the Disciples of Ragnos that was a talented commander and ferocious warrior, but fervent follower of the cult's ways well-versed with their unique brand of sorcery.

The Sword of Ragnos is the coordinator and field commander for any combat operations undertaken by Disciples of Ragnos for the purposes of seeking new lore, reclaiming lost lore, or retaking stolen or misappropriated lore, and artifacts of the Dark Side for the enrichment of House Marka Ragnos. The Sword of Ragnos is always the standing Night Hawks Battleteam Leader, who's duties include maintaining contact with the Council during conflicts involving the deployment of the Disciples, co-ordinating training efforts and tactical exercises as well as directing the war effort of any Krath Holy Crusade of House Marka Ragnos (assuming the Dark Patriarch and Dark Primus have formally initiated such a drastic act.)

At her appointment to the post, the new Sword of Ragnos is undergoes a ritual tattoo ceremony that last for hours and indelibly etch thirty-one prayers of malediction from the Tome of Dark Souls onto the supplicant's flesh while they recite an oath to serve the Disciples of Ragnos and the guidance of the Council above all others and unflinchingly lay their lives down for their brethren and cause.

Following this, the candidate prays on a ritual kneeler which is wrought in jagged, barbed Mandalorian iron and drives spikes into the supplicant's knees, using the pain to purify their thoughts as the Krath leading the ritual intones the ceremonial chants and circles the room with censer and oils. Once the grate beneath the kneeler has flowed over with the blood of the supplicant, she is anointed with a mixture of the blood and ashes of the incense, burnt to send prayers of devotion to the Dark Lord in exchange for His stewardship so that His Sword may lead the righteous life devoted to unleashing the dark retribution of the Dark Side upon the cult's enemies.

She then stands and receives the items of her office from the presiding Dark Patriarch himself; a dread suit of iron-cast armor, alchemically reinforced and decorated with sigils and runes of Krath magic; an underlying padded suit of the Krath Holy Battle Armor, richly embroidered with Onderonian hieroglyphs, a durasteel replica of an ancient Sith Sword; and a synthetic green crystal infused with Dark Side energies, lending any saber constructed with it a caustic emerald blade.

Dark Scholar

The Dark Scholar's seat on the Council is one that has been surprisingly vague in the annals of an otherwise well-documented history of the Disciples of Ragnos. Some argue that the only true holder of the title prior to the Disciples' second genesis in the Dark Brotherhood was the Queen Amanoa of Onderon – a dabbler in the dark arts, but not a sworn devotee - although this is hotly contested amongst the Disciples themselves.

What sketchy records do exist of the Dark Scholar's presence on the Council have indicated that for many generations of the Council he was often a teacher – or a student - of great renown and learning, or academic accomplishment. A highly plausible theory, given that the purpose of the Dark Scholar was perhaps the most perilous balancing act performed by any of the Councillors; he was charged with risking occasional exposure to the wielders of the Force's Light Side aspect, most often the Jedi Order, in order to discern their secrets and glean any practices of use from their teachings.

The Dark Scholar was often expected to be the unshakable voice of cool reason on the Council, as he was encouraged to maintain as neutral, dispassionate and unbiased an outlook as possible on all the philosophies of the Force. Unsurprisingly, most fallen Jedi that wound up in the Council of the Disciples of Ragnos, be they in the era of the New Republic or the Old, found themselves in the position of Dark Scholar, due in no small part to their connections and intimate understanding of the Jedi Orders of their contemporaries.

To study the Dark Side and the Light Side, but to give oneself over wholly to neither; this was the responsibility of the Dark Scholar, so as best to advise and educate his fellow councillors to govern themselves in as through and informed a manner as possible. The Disciples witnessed the fall of many darksiders who bought about their demise by their overuse of, or over reliance on the Dark Side, and were all too aware of the utterly withering and destabilizing effects the Dark Side could exert on those who relied on it's aid too heavily, or worse, grew too addicted to it's use and became beacons of hunger, gaping tears in the fabric of the Force.

Since the annexation of the Disciples of Ragnos with the Dark Brotherhood, the House Marka Ragnos Ravana Squadron Battleteam Leader has always been the logical choice for the seat of Dark Scholar; only the best academics are permitted to train and tutor the newest acolytes in the Brotherhood, and when not directing the training drills of Ravana Squadron, he is most often at the site of an undisclosed Dlarit Special Operations Group compound preparing for recon or intelligence-gathering operation inside the Jedi's theaters of operation. While many Disciples sneer at the notion of Jedi practices yielding any useful insight, none can deny that the information gathered by the deep-cover operative of the Dark Scholar is invaluable, and as such only the most prodigal Dark Jedi serve in the risky role of the double-agent that is the Dark Scholar.

Dark Librarian

Simus. It is a name known to few, even in the Dark Brotherhood, and respected by even fewer. It is the name of a severed head in a crystalline container, a member of the Sith Council, a Dark Lord of the Sith. Mostly, however, it is the name of the man defeated by Marka Ragnos to become Dark Lord of the Sith, and the man that trained Naga Sadow to be the same. But he was more. In the deep recesses of the past, in the Golden Age of the Sith, he was the first Dark Librarian.

Little is known about the Sith in the time preceding the Great Hyperspace War, but most of what is known comes from the records of Clan Naga Sadow and, more specifically, House Marka Ragnos. The Archives of the Disciples of Ragnos, housed within the Dark Library in Ragnos Cathedral, date back to that time period. Ostensibly, the Dark Librarian is charged with the preservation of these records and acts as a guide to those seeking specific knowledge within the databases. In reality, the Dark Librarian is much more influential than he appears.

While a defeated Dark Lord of the Sith would generally be killed or go into exile, Simus - the first Dark Librarian - took a different path. Even before his defeat he was known for his wisdom, and he chose to use this knowledge for the betterment of the Sith Empire. As a member of the Sith Council he sought peaceable resolution to conflicts between the Sith leadership, using his abilities to strengthen the Empire.

Though assassinated by Naga Sadow to instigate the Great Hyperspace War, Simus's legacy would live on through the ages. The Disciples of Ragnos have continued, a line unbroken, through the millennia since the Golden Age of the Sith. And through those millennia there has been a Dark Librarian. Chosen for his wisdom and his love of order; he acts as a mediating influence within the House Summit. When conflicts erupt or the unknown is faced, it is to his wisdom that the summit turns to strengthen the House. Given the level of influence he exerts, the position of Dark Librarian must change hands periodically, allowing an infusion of fresh blood, new ideas and perspectives, and preventing the accumulation of too much power in any one individual.

The Scions

Scion of Ragnos

A Scion is the proclaimed descendant of Dark Lord Marka Ragnos; in the original Disciples of Ragnos a Scion was the actual blood relation of the Sith Lord. However, the modern Disciples realise that any blood relation of the Sith Lord has long since died off. This title now serves to honour the most prominent members.

A potential Scion is always selected from the pool of Progeny; in fact this lesser title was created to help select future Scions. In times long past the Dark Primus would invoke the spirit of Lord Ragnos to appear and select a Scion from the available Progeny; but in recent years all attempts to summon the Sith Lord have failed, so the Dark Primus has turned to the Epistle of Ragnos for guidance.

Before being proclaimed a Scion by the Dark Primus, a Disciple must spend the time in a drug-induced trance to reached a stage of illumination and clarity; this drug was be created by Lord Ragnos to aid him in deep meditation. It was also said that this drug had the ability to shape a Scions own genetics to enhance their own mind and body; which was why some believed Marka Ragnos lived as long as he did. The effect of the drug is of course only a rumour and for security purposes is locked away.

Scions of Ragnos can expect to answer only to the Dark Primus, as well as the Dark Patriarch of Onderon. They stand on equal footing as an Avatar of the Dark Doctrine (even if they may lack certain knowledge and powers an Avatar can possess). The true nature of what a Scion does for the Disciples remains a secret; only the Dark Primus, Dark Patriarch and the Scion themselves know their true purpose.

Progeny of Ragnos

A Progeny is something of a stepping stone towards a greater power. With the attainment of this title, and the approval of the Dark Patriarch, the member will have a choice of four robes tailored for them. Following this, the Progeny will be invited to a ceremony the next day, where they will be presented with their robes and a signet ring with the Disciples of Ragnos emblem inscribed onto it.

The Progeny is now an important asset to the Council and will be valued over all mere Disciples. They are tested constantly by the Dark Patriarch (at the behest of the Dark Primus) both physically and mentally. The Primus pays close attention to their education hoping that one may show the foresight and endurance needed to undertake the “awakening”, a drug inducted ritual meditation; those unprepared for this have died as the drug itself can be lethal.

If the Progeny does survive and show the necessary changes that mark a Scion of Ragnos, then that title will be granted to them. If not, and the Progeny didn’t die, then the testing will resume until they proclaimed a descendant of Lord Ragnos or their lifeless corpse is buried.

The Disciples

                           Avatar of the Dark Doctrine
                                        |
                         +--------------+--------------+
                         |              |              | 
                      Hegemon         Cleric         Warder
                         |              |              | 
                      Zealot         Advocate       Custodian
                         |              |              | 
                      Dremora        Defender        Keeper
                         |              |              | 
                         +--------------+--------------+                 
                                        |
                            Vizier of the Dark Doctrine
                                        |
                           Disciple of the Dark Doctrine

A Disciple is the starting position for all new members of the Disciples of Ragnos. They are only elevated to Vizier upon showing their worth and dedication in following the Dark Doctrine. Once a Vizier, a member can start looking at which three castes of the Dark Doctrine to dedicate his or herself too. A Vizier will then be inducted into that caste (although caste hopping has been know; it is still very rare).

The Dremora's caste is led by the Sword of Ragnos. The Defender's caste is led by the Hand of Ragnos. The Keeper's caste is led by the Dark Scholar. Each path is different, each with there own rewards and burdens.

Avatar of the Dark Doctrine stands above all three castes; one who achieves this status within the Disciples of Ragnos is considered wise and knowledgeable in the teachings of the Dark Doctrine. Currently there are only two Avatars; Shan Long (the Dark Primus) and Muz Keibatsu. However, Jedgar Paladin was given honorary Avatar status by the Dark Primus soon after his arrival on Tarthos.

The Dremora's Caste

From the dawn of time, the Dark Side has subjugated it's own devotees, warping their thoughts with promises of unending power, undying life, transcending all. It's siren call has moved entire star systems and lifted it's most diligent adepts from relative obscurity to the heights of galactic power and authority. The Disciples of Ragnos base their claims to eminence as first amongst equals on their inherited legacy of apostolic succession from Naga Sadow and Marka Ragnos himself – but more importantly, on the their unique outlook and approach to the adepthood of the Dark Side.

The wise Disciples understand that 'power at any cost' implies power gained, but possibly to the detriment of it's seeker on the whole. 'From learning, comes wisdom and from wisdom, springs power.' These words have long been the motto of those who seek harmony with the Dark Side, neither ruling it nor being ruled by it.

The Epistle of Marka Ragnos and more recent works such as the Chronicle of Dark Souls are regarded as the ultimate authority in matters spiritual and esoteric. Comprehensive and detailed in much of the dark mysticism of the Force these tomes explicitly detail a brutal, cruel, but simple vision of the Final Way, and those who find themselves on the path of the Dremora are charged with the holy duty of seeing this dark vision realized.

Their lot is that of the purging soldier, riding forth at the head of the dread host with cleansing flame one one hand to sear the flesh of the unenlightened and with dark sorcery on the other, to flay the souls of ignorant, erasing all undesirables from the galaxy in preparation for a new age.

Where the mighty Hand of Ragnos points and the Sword of Ragnos slashes with razor precision, the followers of the Dremora discipline follow and wage war like only a religious fanatic can. They belong to a militant order of soldiers unique for their utter devotion to the Dark Doctrine. These dark knights endure entire seasons of intensive training under the watchful eye of the Patriarch and his Sword in the various arenas of warfare, learning to maximize their destructive output through facility with the Dark Side and mundane instruments of violence alike. Where most of the Disciples' approach is thoughtful and favors the mental prowess over all else, the priority of purpose of these paladins is open combat first; they are trained to be spectacular engines of slaughter foremost.

These fearsome warmongers are universally recognized by their distinctive blood-red waist sash, which is in fact a stole from the shoulders of the Dark Patriarch, granted to the initiate from the time of their dedication rite on the road many refer to as the path of the Scourge of Ragnos. This stole is stitched with fine gold bouillon in intricate weave with the crest of Marka Ragnos displayed prominently on each end of the stole's fine silk, marking the wearer as a righteous crusader of the Ragnosian legacy.

As the first step on the path the Dremora dedicates his efforts to excellence in the field; the new paladin is expected to serve in no fewer than three major campaigns or conflicts, proving first and foremost their mettle in the theaters of war. As their prowess sharpens and they ascend to the Zealot caste, his indoctrination begins in earnest, and the knight of vengeance is recalled for long weeks of solitary contemplation and martial practice in the confines of the chapter house on Tarthos. Once this done and the Zealot has proven his unswerving devotion to the cause, they are elevated to the lofty plateau of the Hegemon caste, whereupon they are pledged into the service of a senior aide of the Sword of Ragnos, becoming a trusted lieutenant and leading the Disciples' into open warfare when the need arises.

War being their domain this extends to the rite of the Krath Holy Crusade; however, as with many other elements of the cult, this practice has evolved over the centuries; the Disciples know that the 'secret society' that was the origin of the contemporary Krath had many complexities and facets of meaning, often veiled in esoteric allegory. One being the very meaning of the phrase 'secret society'. Not only does this imply that the organization and it's actions are hidden from the galaxy as a whole, but also that that selfsame society is one dedicated to the pursuit of secrets, of lore, of the learning of the hidden things.

The ingenuity of obfuscation was seen as early as ascendancy of Darth Revan, who would impart the understanding of the unseen upon the Sith that followed him, leading eventually to Darth Bane's implementation of The Rule of Two. In even this we see that the Krath have developed their own unique traditions and practices in the Dark Side; theirs are not merely a bastardization of Sith principles, as some ignorant bigots would insist.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the modern Krath Holy Crusade. The Dremora is the faceless tourist who passes you on the street moments before explosions rock the municipal district. She is the smiling dancer on the arm of the passing politician moments before he is found dead in an his office with all of his sensitive documents missing. The Dremora are trained to follow the intricacies of every method of warfare, subtle and overt, and once directed to a target they are relentless in their efforts to subjugate and neutralize it.

The Defender's Caste

"Oh Dark Child of Ragnos what are you willing to give for your house? What is your life compared to the life of the very pillar of your meaning? Are you willing to give that life for the Great Spirit of Ragnos? The Defender's path is not for the self important. It is a path of total service. It is your charge to assure that the great secrets and the keepers of those secrets are made secure."

In the hours of greatest despair, in the void of the unknown, in the fires of deepest fears will stand the shields of our hope. The Defender's path will charge only the bravest and most confident of disciples, for their charge is of the most critical to support. Led by the mighty Hand of Ragnos the Defenders of the Dark Doctrine of Ragnos are set to give their very life to assure that the House lives on even if they themselves should not.

A Defender gladly pays the ultimate sacrifice for the Doctrine to spread and live on. It is with their blood that the greatest Legacy in the Galaxy shall survive. Often given missions of delivery of special artifacts or even people they are also the visible arm of defense of the inner sanctum of Ragnos Cathedral.

Where a Defender of Ragnos stands none shall pass. There has never been a single recording of a Defender of Ragnos failing to keep their charge safe. Their determination and fortitude are the stuff of legends and to enter onto the path is to willingly accept the life of suffering and pain only to be released upon your death. Yet even then it is said that a Defender will still hold his post long after his physical self as turned to ash.

A Defender who becomes an Advocate will be trusted with the safe keeping of the most closely guarded secrets the Disciples keep. As such they also help to spread the influence of the Doctrine by assuring that it is well received by those select few who deserve it. Should it be found that the word has fallen onto those who do not deserve it, it is an Advocate who will be sent to correct that and to assure that the Doctrine remains pure.

The highest level on the Path of the Defender is the great Cleric. A Cleric is one who is most trusted by the Hand of Ragnos and is often sought as an advisor and is given the Hand's leave to see that proper Doctrinal practice is kept. The Cleric is a true zealot in the name of Ragnos and their loyalty is beyond reproach or question.

The Path of the Defender is not one for the vain or self glorifying. It is a path for one who is willing to serve something greater than themselves so that they may themselves become greater. One must be willing to fight beyond what their physical body can endure to keep the Doctrine and those who practice it safe. It is the ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate glory.

The Keeper's Caste

In the vastness of the Universe there is mostly darkness. Weaving in between the stars, floating our great ships, pushing our planetary systems about as if children's toys. It is here in which the greatest secrets can be found. Darkness does not always reveal its knowledge however and indeed it often will guard its secrets from those who seek them.

Since the dawn of time creatures have sought to understand the Universe and once understood, bend it to their will. The Universe speaks its own language and keeps its own council as to how it will manifest its greatness however. Naturally this makes finding and then understanding the great secrets perilous and even fatal. The Universe sees fit to give its powers to select few but distorts the gift. Creates races who have difficulty communicating with one another. Histories are twisted to the point of lies. Civilizations war with one another and destroy each other and with them the very secrets that made them great.

It is rare to find a being that can see past the shrouded veil and see true knowledge and wisdom. It is rare to find a creature who can interpret the mysterious language that speaks in stars dying, wars raging, eco systems changing, lies spreading, and the various ways the Universe sees fit to operate itself. It is rare to find one who willing walks between the systematic chaos in the pursuit of ultimate knowledge. Yet the Great Ragnos has placed his hand upon a few gifted enough to understand the mysterious weavings and dark whisperings which hide true power and greatest potential.

The Keepers are the agents of the Dark Scholar. They are the most keen of mind, the most subtle of wisdom. The gatherers of knowledge and the interpreters of the that knowledge. They are the creators of truth, and the weavers of mystery.

Their training begins with puzzles of the mind. Looking for patterns in the waves of water and explaining what they mean is one of the first of many such tests and as the new Keeper progresses his skills are often pitted against tests which his very survival depends on his successfully solving the puzzle.

The tasks of the Keeper will stretch from the mundane to the transcendent. One day the Keeper might be diving through a trash bin seeking a discarded letter and the next performing a ritual at a mountain top shrine which could twist the fabric of reality. Such is the Path of the Keeper. Part scientist, part archeologist, part mystic, part spy all wrapped into a brilliant Disciple,writer of doctrine, and ultimately a Keeper of secrets.

The Keeper begins his duties by assisting others in their educational endeavors in the Force, field work at archeological sites, research on particular histories, items, people or events and experimentation. As the Keeper proves himself worthy he may ascend to the position of Custodian where his duties will shift to the more subtle and clandestine. The Custodian is one who is skilled in the arts of subterfuge, intelligence gathering, and counterintelligence. While the mission remains to obtain knowledge and discover truth, the Custodian is able to twist truth to thwart the enemies of Ragnos. A Custodian is also the seeker and protector of various powerful artifacts. Often a Custodian will be sent to retrieve an item which has fallen into the wrong hands be it a private collector, a museum, or the ignorant. The methods used range from peaceful negotiation to complete erasure from existence. Not death...but never existed.

When the Custodian has proven himself in all areas and is superior he will ascend to the place of Warder who are the most trusted of the Dark Scholar. The Warder's mind is the most keen able to see the vague connections of all things. The first initiation of a new Warder is the glimpse at the Epistle of Ragnos, the surviving document thought to have been penned by Ragnos himself. He will then give his interpretation from that point on it is the duty of the Warder to ensure that knowledge and wisdom within the Epistle is not only passed on correctly but also added to if necessary to ensure that ultimate understanding of the Universe is achieved. The Warder is one who can see a moon pass overhead and tell you what color shoes you are wearing in the next system over. He can hold an item and tell you its detailed history, he can be your friend and your enemy at the same moment and you will not know him in the next.

The Keepers are the makers of knowledge, the shadowy whisper that guides the Disciples and points them towards their greatest self. It was a Keeper who discovered the lost Epistle of Ragnos. It was a Keeper who set down the original Doctrine that would be taught. It was a Keeper who improved the design of the modern lightsaber and it will be a Keeper who will ensure that your Legacy as a Disciple will never die.

Behind the Scenes

Disclaimer

The Disciples of Ragnos holds no official titles within the Dark Jedi Brotherhood or Clan Naga Sadow. It is purely a fictional device to reward members for their activity and dedication in House Marka Ragnos, and to promote character development for every member of the House. This article itself is being developed by members and is to be an amalgam of their work.

Vision Statement

House Champion

Just before the end of each month, the House Summit will get together with the Battleteam Leaders and select the most active member to become House Champion for that month; candidates are based on activity, participation in competitions on a BT/House/Clan/DB scale, and general House involvement. The House Champion becomes the Dark Librarian for the next both; fictionally he or she gains access to the untold knowledge stored in the Dark Library, while non-fictionally this person is allowed to House Summit meetings to bring his or her ideas and short-term project (something that can be done within two weeks) to the House. Also, as an optional choice, the Dark Librarian can insert a mini-report into Quaestor's weekly reports to inform the House of any ideas/project/thoughts; this allows the Dark Librarian to get a feel of writing reports for a future leadership position within the Dark Jedi Brotherhood.

Roster 2008

January	N/A
February	Zaxen Dauketrenal (Dark Librarian - March)
March	Vorion (Dark Librarian - April)
April	Zaroth (Dark Librarian - May)
May	Nassin Zye (Dark Librarian - June)
June	Mal'ari'carun (Dark Librarian - July)
July	TBA
August	TBA
September	TBA
October	TBA
November	TBA
December	TBA

Scions and Progeny

This is basic rank system to reward House-related accomplishments:

Progeny refer to an academic progeny (a student), referring to members who have developed thier own skills within the Shadow Academy by getting Maven's and/or demonstrating leadership abilities. A set of requirements have been established to challenge members to grow.

Scions are the next step up from Progeny; they relate more to House related accomplishments than personal; like a member doing outstandingly well in a GJW, or a Journeyman finally making it to DJK. Another set of requirements have been established for Progeny members to get an idea of what is needed.

Progeny Requirements

• Rank of Protector or above
• Two Dark Maven (History, Writing or Philosophy) or Leadership/Service Dark Maven
• SA Core Exam (Sith, Krath or Obelisk depending on Order)
• One (1) page of Progeny fictional entry (Ariel, font size 10)
• Final approval by Quaestor

Scion Requirements

• Must be a Progeny first
• Rank of Dark Jedi Knight or above
• Participated in Vendetta (GJW, Clan Feud, ect)
• At least a minimum of five (5) Seals earned
• Three (3) pages of Scion fictional entry (Ariel, font size 10)
• One (1) Merit Medal of Dark Cross or above for House-related accomplishments
• Final approval by Quaestor

Role Playing

This is the most fictional part of the Disciples of Ragnos and is heavily involved with character development. This allows members to expand and explore their characters in House canon through writing, anything from one page to ten pages depending on the person. The idea here is to just to Role Play.

Disciples to Avatars (House Summit Guideline)

Quaestor, Aedile and Battleteam Leaders of House Marka Ragnos pay attention to the following criteria. You each serve a fictional role in the Disciples of Ragnos (see above) and thus the development of a members status in this fictional organisation is your responsibility.

For a Disciple to advance all the way to Avatar then spelling, grammar and realism are need to be taken into consideration; also along with continuity for ACC and Run-On's. Spelling and grammar may not be essential until a member reaches a certain status; remember not everyone is a writer and to promote character development through House canon is your main objective. Below are some suggested requirements on what to look for.

Vizier Requirements:

• Realism

Dremora/Defender/Keeper Requirements:

• Basic spelling and grammar
• Realism
• Character Development

Zealot/Advocate/Custodian Requirements:

• Basic spelling and grammar
• Realism
• Continuity (ACC/Run-On)
• Character Development

Hegemon/Cleric/Warder Requirements:

• Good spelling and grammar
• Realism
• Continuity (ACC/Run-On)
• Character Development

Avatar Requirements:

• Exceptional spelling and grammar
• Realism
• Continuity (ACC/Run-On)
• Character Development

IRC Role Play

House Marka Ragnos has its own channel for members to act (I)n (C)haracter and explore House canon in a "Real Time" atmosphere (similar to ACCLive!). A system is currently being created by Alexander Anderson to be used.

About

The Disciples of Ragnos was originally conceived by Ashura Isradia (based on House history) during his term as Quaestor of House Marka Ragnos in an attempt to meet some of the expectations placed on him as House Leader.

• Preparing a vision statement for your House to rally around
• Constructing a list of goals for your House to accomplish
• Developing the fictional background of your House
• Member development

House Champion/Dark Librarian allows a member to try out short-term projects (which means projects that dont take long to set up) and to voice his/her ideas (along with any members ideas who would rather go through them instead of coming directly to the House Summit)

Progeny allows members personal accomplishments to be displayed, allowing a member to grow as an individual and reward that by letting them have a fictional impact within House canon.

Scion allows members House-related accomplishments to be displayed; a Scion is higher than a Progeny, which means it would replace it.

The Three Castes of the Disciples are a House fictional device for character development... allowing members to develop and evolve their characters through fiction and run-ons. The idea is to allow people who aren't good writers to generally have fun to explore their character, as well as those who are good writers. This would mainly be for members who want to develop their characters in House canon.

So what does this mean for you (a member of House Marka Ragnos) to focus on:

  Leadership: Accountability, Interaction, Development, aka L.A.I.D. A chance for one member
  to experience House Summit type role having earned it by becoming House Champion

  Encourage and promote member development by becoming a Progeny; this allows personal growth
  to be acknowledged and provide a fictional impact to House canon. 

  Encourage and promote House development by becoming a Scion; this allows members to see that
  their participating in GJW, advancement, developing a House (fictionally and non-
  fictionally) has its rewards and benefits, allowing a Scion to stand out as a exceptional 
  member of his or her House; which would be displayed through House canon. 

  Encourage and promote character development on a House-wide scale; this is done through 
  fictional aspects of the Dark Librarian, Scions and Progeny... but also with the Three Castes
  allowing all members to keep pushing forward

Contributors

The following people have contributed to the creation of the Disciples of Ragnos by either providing input, feedback, ideas, names and written material. There part in the creation of this project should not be forgotten...see trivia for complete listing.

• Ashura Megos Isradia
• Raven
• Tsainetomo Keibatsu
• Vladek
• Jades "Imperial" Atema
• Faeril Munlear
• Alexander Anderson
• Vorion
• Zaxen Dauketrenal
• Zaroth Kalikrayye
• Nero Pennant
• Teu
• Tritherus
• Wookieepedia

Trivia

• The Disciples of Ragnos should not be confused with the Sith cult of the same name that was led by Tavion Axmis
• The Disciples of Ragnos have a Krath theme to them, but this is because House Marka Ragnos historically is a Krath House. Do not feel you need to change your Order to reflect this.
• Dark Primus; name created by Zaxen Dauketrenal , description was written by "Dark Primus" Competition winner, Vorion
• Dark Patriarch/Matriarch; name created by Zaxen Dauketrenal, description was written by "Dark Patriarch/Matriarch" Competition winner, Vorion
• Hand of Ragnos; name created by Ashura Isradia, description was written by "Hand of Ragnos" Competition winner, Vorion
• Dark Chronicler; name created by Sai Na'Ashar Keibatsu, description written by the same
• Sword of Ragnos; name created by Zaxen Dauketrenal, description was written by "Sword of Ragnos" Competition winner, Vorion
• Dark Scholar; name created by Ashura Isradia, description was written by "Dark Scholar" Competition winner, Vorion
• Dark Librarian was pre-established in House history and revamped for use in the Disciples of Ragnos. The description was written by Alaric.
• The Scion of Ragnos; was pre-established in House history and revamped for use in the Disciples of Ragnos. The description was written by Ashura Isradia. The Progency of Ragnos name was created by Zaroth after the idea of establishing a lesser position. The writting is a combined effort from Ashura Isradia and Zaroth.
• The Disciples Castes names were created by Vorion, Zaxen Dauketrenal, Zaroth, Teu and Tritherus. The descriptions were written by Zaxen Dauketrenal, Vorion and Ashura Isradia
• Scion and Progeny requirements inspired from Marked of the Wanderer article; full credit goes to Trevarus Caerick.
• Three Castes requirements inspired from the Antei Combat Centre; full credit goes to them.
• Mission Statement was written by Ashura Isradia to clarify the need and purpose of the Disciples after recieving feedback by various members.
• More trivia to be added if I can think of any more to add.