Tau Squadron

Tau Squadron
Unit Information
Allegiance:	Dark Brotherhood / Emperor's Hammer TIE Corps
Branch:	Navy
Role:	Grand Master's Escort Squadron
Garrison:	M/CRV Tripidium
Nickname:	The Dark Avengers
Motto:	L'Outil de Douleur--The Tool of Pain
Mascot:	Nurse Abbey Danger
Equipment:	A-9b Vigilance Starfighter
Decorations:	Pink Stars
Commander(s)
Commanders:	Magnus Kaerner
Notable commanders:	Magnus Kaerner Havok Deathwatch
[ Source ]

Tau Squadron was the Elite Squadron of the Dark Brotherhood, and currently one of four present in the Tie Corps of the Emperor's Hammer.

Though Tau Squadron had been stationed in many places, it's last staging ground was from aboard the M-CRV Tripidium, the personal ship of the Grand Master - used while abroad on business that did not require more overt displays of military power.

History

In days before the first reign of Grand Master Jac Cotelin, a squadron, separate from the rest of the Brotherhood, formed. This squadron was known as Tau Squadron. However, as the Dark Brotherhood became engulfed in internal fighting, Tau Squadron under the command of DeathWatch abandoned the Dark Brotherhood with the infamous, Crona. When Grand Master Cotelin ascended the Iron Throne, Tau Squadron was not re-commissioned and was all but forgotten as the Iron Throne moved to restore order within the Dark Jedi ranks.

Upon the ascension of Grand Master Khyron, from the plea of Dark Jedi throughout the Brotherhood, Tau Squadron was returned to full status under the command of Dark Side Adept Magnus Kaerner.

Within months of re-commissioning, the Iron Throne demanded that Tau Squadron either join an existing House or create their own. Rather than tie Tau to any of the one Houses in existence that wished to exploit their skill, Kaerner opted for the latter. For the short time Kaerner remained as Quaestor, all Tau members were members of Tarentum. When Kaerner ascended to the position of Knight Commander of the Brotherhood, the practice was abolished. Tau retained its strict requirements, and with the exception of Kaerner, the entire squadron remained a part of Tarentum.

Tau Squadron continued in existence under the command of General Kaerner. However, his ties to the Empire proved stronger than his loyalty to the Grand Master, so he and the squadron were left behind during the Exodus. With their departure it was decided that a new unit would not be created to replace them - the role was filled by the GMRG.

Mission

Tau Squadron is the personal bodyguard of the Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood. They escort him at all times that he is not residing in the Dark Hall and on business throughout the galaxy. What the Grand Master's Royal Guard is on the ground, Tau squadron is in the air and space.

Equipment

Tau Squadron is using a specially modified A-9 Vigilance Interceptor (A-9b).

A-9b Vigilance Interceptor
Production information
Manufacturer:	Kuat Drive Yards
Class:	Starfighter
Cost:	185,000 Credits
Technical specifications
Max acceleration:	22 mglt
Max speed (space):	156 mglt
Hyperdrive rating:	No
Shielding:	None
Hull:	20 RU
Armament:	2 Heavy Turbolaser Cannons 2 KDY Standard Laser Cannons
Modified systems:	Force Vents
Crew:	1
Cargo capacity:	55kg
Consumables:	1 Day
Usage
Role(s):	Territorial Defensive Interceptor
Era(s):	djb
Affiliation:	Tau Squadron
[ Source ]

Hall of Fame

General Magnus Kaerner

Service Dates: 1997-2005

Rank held in Tau: General

Background Data: Kaerner was uber.

General Erich von Reinthaler

Service Dates: Varied & Long

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: Rein was the Artistic and Web face of the Squadron. Also served as Executive Officer for a long time. He was good people.

Havok

Service Dates: 1995

Rank held in Tau: Commander (Brigadier General)

Background Data: Sector Admiral Havok joined the squadron early on after its commission in 1995. After assuming command of the squadron, Admiral Havok moved up the Empires ranks and was eventually offered Fleet Executive Officer (CS-2), which he accepted.

"Pappy" Renegade

Service Dates: 1996, 1998-2000

Rank held in Tau: Colonel (Major General)

Background Data: High Admiral Renegade joined the squadron in 1996, while under command of Deathwatch. After the squadron was decommisioned in early 1997, Admiral Renegade assumed other duties. Some of his accomplishments include EH Executive Officer (CS-2) position, founder of Imperial Weapons and Tactics School (IWATS) and the Infiltrator Wing (IW). When General Kaerner took command of the squadron in 1997, Admiral Renegade was soon offered a flight position. He served the squadron with honor until his medical situation prevented him for participating in squadron events. A real legend in the Emperor's Hammer, all Tau members are honored to have served with this fine man.

Deathwatch

Service Dates: 1995 - 1996

Rank held in Tau: Major General (Colonel)

Background Data: Deathwatch commanded the squadron for many successful months and led it to many victories. Is the creator of the squadron nickname and the different flightnames. He began the Tau tradition of naming the A-9b’s which was done years before the general EH membership picked started doing so. The squadron had some problems with higher officers which resulted in Deathwatch leaving the squadron and the EH.

Khyron

Service Dates: 1996

Rank held in Tau: Commander (Brigadier General)

Background Data: High Admiral Khyron was, despite his unwillingless to fly, a member of Tau Squadron in 1996, under the command of Deathwatch. Though not known as a great pilot, Admiral Khyron constructed a very fine homepage for the squadron and has, since his resignation in late 1996, contributed with many great artistical work. After being appointed Grand Master of the Brotherhood in late 1996, Admiral Khyron requested the recomission of the squadron. As the superiour officer to the Tau Commander, the Admiral and the squadron achieved many accomplishments in the following years. After his retirement as Grand Master in 2000, Admiral Khyron still serve the Brotherhood as Tribunal.

DBZero

Service Dates: April 1997 - 1998

Rank held in Tau: Lt. General (Major)

Background Data: DBZero joined the squadron in the early days after its recomission. A great SP pilot, he participated in many competitions during his time in the squadron. He, along with GN Kaerner and the rest of Tau squadron, joined house Tarentum which was formed by Kaerner at the Grand Master’s request. While serving as Tarentum’s first Aedile, DBZero wrote the house history. He later went on to command Tarentum only to be promoted to DGM of the Brotherhood shortly thereafter. DBZero is the creator of the famous “Top Gun” style lockers which was displayed on the squadron homepage.

Stryker

Service Dates: Nov. 1995 to Oct. 1999

Rank held in Tau: Lieutenant

Background Data: Justin Stryker began his career in the Emperor's Hammer aboard the SSD Avenger in Nov. 1995, at a time when the Avenger was the flagship of the fleet. Shortly thereafter, he was given command of Tornado Squadron aboard the newly commissioned ISD Challenge. Proving his abilities as a Squadron Commander, he was soon promoted to Wing Commander of the Challenge.

Stryker's command ability was eventually required aboard the ISD Vanguard, which he commanded for the better part of a year before his promotion to commander of Battle Group I in January 1997. It was while Stryker served as Commodore of the Vanguard that he first met the young commander of Asp Squadron, BG Khyron, who was soon promoted to Command Attaché to the Internet Officer, then Deputy Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood — eventually becoming perhaps the greatest Grand Master ever to serve the Brotherhood.

Stryker began to yearn for personal combat after a few months commanding Battle Group I. Flag Officers fought from the bridge of a capital ship, moving supply and combat squadrons around like pieces on a gaming board — a necessary duty, but one not well-suited to a fighting man. Stryker was by now a Sith Warrior in the Dark Brotherhood, and had seen first-hand the incredible skill wielded by Dark Jedi pilots when Tau Squadron handily beat his best squadron aboard the Vanguard, Viper, in a combat challenge.

Stryker made the decision to resign as BGCOM and requested a Flght Member position aboard the SSD Avenger, now the Flagship of the Brotherhood. His intent was to fly and to fight, and to do paperwork no more. Fate was not so kind, however. Admiral Khyron and Commodore Bluefire, who had served under Stryker as a Flight Member aboard the Vanguard, impressed upon Stryker the great need the Avenger had for a Wing Commander to whip Wing II into shape, so Stryker moved to the Avenger as Commander of the Dark Jedi-only Wing II. While serving as Wing Commander, Stryker was called to serve as Deputy Grand Master of the Brotherhood, a position he held simultaneously with his position aboard the Avenger.

Nearly six months after joining the Avenger, Stryker was called to serve as its Commodore — so much for flying a starfighter instead of a desk. A month after his promotion to Commodore of the Avenger, Stryker resigned as DGM of the Brotherhood, in order to concentrate his efforts on the Avenger. A few months later, now a Dark Jedi Master, Stryker resigned his commission and left the EH territories to prowl the dark spaces of the Outer Rim in solitude.

Returning some months later, in August 1998, Stryker joined Tau Squadron as a Lieutenant under the pseudonym Jarohnen Borisovich Stryker, going by the initials "Jay Bee" for short. Tau was stationed aboard the Avenger at that time. Stryker was Tau 1-4, flying A9b Berserker. Meanwhile, he served as Lord Chamberlain of the Brotherhood under his original identity, Justin Stryker. This was a high-water mark in Stryker's career, serving Grand Master Khyron and the Brotherhood as Lord Chamberlain while also striking fear into the hearts of the Grand Master's enemies as a pilot in the elite Tau Squadron. After serving in Tau for almost seven months, fate once again threw Stryker a curve ball.

Lord Khyron had a pressing need to vacate the Iron Throne early in 1999, and called upon Stryker to assume command of the Dark Brotherhood. Somewhat reluctantly, Stryker assumed the mantle of Grand Master. It was an exhilarating experience, but also an exhausting one. Stryker served only a short time before burning out under the pressures of leading the Brotherhood. Once again he found it necessary to resign, for his own good as well as that of the Brotherhood.

Stryker served the Brotherhood as Lord Chamberlain for a few months after stepping down from the Iron Throne, then once again left the EH territories to prowl the Outer Rim — once a leader, still a warrior, always with the Emperor's Hammer close to his heart.

Jupiter

Service Dates: April 1997 - January 2000

Rank held in Tau: Lt. General (Major)

Background Data: In early 1997, the squadron has a competition with Cyclone squadron, commanded by LG Jupiter. A superb pilot, Jupiter’s results were so impressive that he was immediately invited to join the squadron, which he accepted. Besides dazzling piloting skills, this pilot is otherwise best remembered for his crazy feats of endurance races (such as endurance running).

Oan

Service Dates: Late 1996 - Late 1997

Rank held in Tau: Lt. General (Major)

Background Data: A personal friend of the commander, Oan joined the Emperor’s Hammer in late 1996 and was placed in Rage squadron under then Colonel Kaerner. When Tau was recomissioned in January 1997, all Rage pilots were transferred to the squadron. Oan was a great pilot and helped the squadron to many victories in the early days.

Shadow

Service Dates: Unavailable

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: My instructors at the academy could not believe my skill with a spaceship, They transferred me to Tie Fighter pilot instruction, where I graduated in the top one percent of my class. Because of that standing I was assigned to the Emperor's Hammer Strike Fleet. My first assignment was a Flight member in Tav squadron.

Not long after I had been in Tav squadron a robed figure, who never named himself (I believe now It was DGM Khyron), came to my room one night. He said he was from the Dark Brotherhood of the Jedi. He said my skill with a Tie was not just training, he said I had a very high potential in the Force and that I was being sent to the Shadow Academy. It was a very enlightening experience. I learned much from my Dark side masters. I graduated from the Shadow Academy at the top of my class. I was raised to the position of Guardian in the order of the Sith. My ability to control the Dark Side of the Force now made me an even better pilot. Because of my accomplishments at the Shadow Academy and my skill as a pilot I was invited to join Tau Squadron, the elite squadron of the Dark Brotherhood. I immediately accepted.

I held the position of Flight Member, and later Flight Leader of Flight Two "Death Bringers", In Tau Squadron, The current Envoy Squadron of the Dark Brotherhood. Tau squadron is a very close knit group, for the first time in my life I feel as if I know what it is like to be really close to someone. When you must trust someone so completely with your life, as you must your squad mates in combat, you form a bond, that is closer than family, which I never had as a child. It makes me strive all the harder not to let my squad mates down, and to uphold the honor of Tau all the more. I would give my life gladly for any member of Tau squadron, as I know they would for any member of Tau. That is what makes Tau a truly Elite squadron, and the most formidable squad around.

Tron

Service Dates: January 2001 - March 2001

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: Back when he had been with Praetorian, after a competition between Prae and Tau, Kaerner offered Tron a spot in Tau. Going on that invitation, Tron contacted Kaerner to confirm the invitation was still open, it was. Tron resigned as Wing Commander of Wing X and transfered to Tau. Admiral Kawolski, the Flight Officer of the Emperor's Hammer, approved the transfer and also promoted Tron to the full rank of Colonel for his loyal service to the ISD Challenge. His current rank/position is SOD/AD Tron/SSSD Sov.

Charles Spencer

Service Dates: March 2002 - July 2002

Rank held in Tau: Major

Background Data: Experianced multiplayer pilot with over 250CR and 10 DFCs. Went on to become Commodore of the ISD Challenge and then SSD Avenger. Also known as Demos.

Shups

Service Dates: June 2002 - December 2002

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: One of the top EH pilots with over a 300CR and 10DFCs.

Baron Fel

Service Dates: October 1999 - January 2003

Rank held in Tau: Commander

Background Data: Orignally served in Avenger where he made a name for himself. Regarded as the biggest lagger in TAU history.

Undo

Service Dates: 1998 - February 2003

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: A Former SSD Avenger Commodore and resident SP guru.

Keirdagh "Yacks" Cantor

Service Dates: June 2000 - February 2003

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: Commonly refered to as "A Fat Canandian". Yacks was a near god in XvT, specializing in rebel craft. Former ASF Admiral who among other things founded Avenger squadron. Was also Acting Tau Commander for an extended period of time while CMDR Kaerner was undergoing ranger training. His other duties included the DB's Sith High Warrior where he maintained strong ties between Tau and the Brotherhood.

Forced to retire from the Squadron due to the Split of the Dark Brotherhood from the Emperor's Hammer. Yacks got to keep his A-9b as a souvenir.

Hades

Service Dates: June 2000 - April 2003

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: A retired Admiral. Had been in the Emperor's Hammer for over six years. Former Executive Officer of the Corporate Division, Grand Moff of the Emperor's Hammer Directorate, Commander of the Infiltrator Wings old Elite Squadron Ares, and Commodore of the SSD Avenger.

Had been in the Dark Brotherhood equally as long. Started out as a member of the now forgotten House Arbroath. When attained the rank of Dark Jedi Hunter and left House Arbroath to become the Commander of the Sith Squadron in House Satal Keto, where he rose to the rank of Sith Warrior. During The Great Clanning he was promoted to Proconsul of Clan Satal Keto and thusly to the rank of Sith Battlemaster. Shortly after Clan Satal Keto's victory in the first Great Jedi War he was promoted to the rank of Sith Battlelord. After over a year of service to his Clan, and twice being denied a promotion by the Master at Arms, Hades stepped down as Proconsul.

About a year he came out of retirement to advise SHW Yacko as his Magistrate. When Yacks retired Hades took his place as SHW and later DGM until the DB separated.

T'vra Kiriska

Service Dates: March 2000 - May 2003

Rank held in Tau: Captain

Background Data: The musically talented Kiri was the posterchild for birth control. His skills in XvT were only shadowed by his not so good looks.

Rivian von Donitz

Service Dates: July 1996 - August 1999, July 2001 - March 2004]

Rank held in Tau: Colonel

Background Data: An old school pilot that served in nearly every position the EH had to offer from Flight Member to INQ to Science Officer. Roaming the galaxy and providing his piloting serives where he saw fit, Donitz mopped the floor with all.

Other Notable Members

• Adren Silvori
• Binagran
• Brie: Daughter of Pappy
• CrimsonFury
• Daavak Tron
• Death
• Diastorm
• Dras Hempor
• Ensun Kelric
• Glauron
• Lacey: Daughter of Pappy
• Mazzic
• ShadowXX
• Tek Selkirk
• Timber
• Xura Verr