Dark Crusade

From Wikipedia of the Dark Brotherhood, an online Star Wars Club
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Next: Fading Light
Dark Crusade
Conflict: Vendetta
Beginning: 30 ABY, Capture of Avenger II
End: 32 ABY, Battle of Ziost, Battle of Dromund Kaas
Location: Stygian Caldera
Outcome:

Overwhelming series of victories for the Dark Brotherhood, as they managed to push back the One Sith and lay claim to over a dozen planets in the Sith Worlds region of space.

Major Battles:
Combatants


Commanders


[ Source ]

The Dark Crusade was a massive series of skirmishes between the members of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood and the followers of the One Sith as the two sides fought for control of the ancient Sith Worlds. The conflict did not truly begin until the Battles of Krayiss II and Nfolgai, but was set off by the actions of former Grand Master Zoraan, who attacked the Brotherhood in the events of the Horizons Plague. For more than a year, the two sides battled back-and-forth seeking domination and destruction. The Clans and Houses of the Brotherhood utilized all the forces at their command to decimate the Sith forces and compete against their rivals within the Brotherhood itself. After capturing a planet and repelling the One Sith, the Dark Council awarded stewardship of the planets do the unit they believed contributed most to the victory.

Plot

Prologue - Capture of the Avenger II

Further information: Dark Crusade - Prologue



"Get off our ship..."
―Methyas, to Darth Necar after activating the thermal detonator

In the wake of former Grand Master Zoraan's death on Antei, the Super-class Star Destroyer Avenger II attempted to flee the Antei System before the Brotherhood could mount a counter-attack. However, without their master's guidance, the ship found it near-impossible to navigate the treacherous Shroud, which left the ship blind and vulnerable to attack.

The reigning Dark Lord, Muz Ashen, quickly dispatched teams of Dark Jedi from each unit of the Brotherhood to board the Avenger II, eliminate all opposition, and capture the vessel for the Dark Brotherhood. A total of eighteen teams were formed and sent, however, most played ancillary roles in the operation. The first team to board the ship played the largest role in its capture, fighting the remnants of Zoraan's Force-trained students

SSD Avenger II

The team, comprising of Kalia Pepoi, Atra Ventus, Araxis Farron, Archangel, and Methyas L'eonheart, began their assault in the Star Destroyer's hangar bay, where they encountered the twin Dark Jedi codenamed Reaper and Frost. Unable to match their opponents with sheer strength, Araxis came up with a plan to lure the one called Frost in with an illusion. The gambit worked, and Frost ended up slaying his own twin brother. Consumed by rage, Frost attacked the five Jedi, threatening to overwhelm them with the sheer power of his pain and rage. However, that blind rage became his undoing, as the teamwork and Force meld of the Dark Jedi united to bring an end to Frost.

Though the first objective was cleared, the battle was far from over. The team continued moving forward, but were forced to battle their way through the ship's security deck where the encountered the Dark Adept, Dantella Novae and managed to combine their powers to place the Umbaran into stasis. Adept Novae because the first prisoner of war in the conflict between Dark Brotherhood and One Sith.

Finally arriving at the bridge, the team was shocked to witness a horrific scene as the entire crew of the command deck had been butchered before any Brotherhood troops arrived. The team was forced to face Darth Necar, Zoraan's apprentice, who had fallen in anguish over his master's death. A powerful Sith Lord in his own right, Necar proved to be a brutal opponent with command over the vicious dark side beasts, Terentatek. In the end, the only way to defeat the Sith Lord was for the team to vent the entire bridge into space. Methyas, alone, bought the rest of the team time to fleet. Utilizing a thermal detonate, Methyas manages to slay the Sith Lord before both of them were sucked out into the vacuum of space.

Phase I

Chapter I - Dawn of War

Further information: Krayiss II, Nfolgai


In 30 ABY, the Dark Brotherhood was besieged my some unknown malevolent force. Sleeper cells hidden within the Brotherhood itself were activated, and began a silent, systematic assault on powerful and influential Dark Jedi. In the aftermath of the Horizon Plague, this unknown faction manipulated the disinfranchised Dark Jedi and turned them against their brethren. The infiltrations began. As more and more members turned against the Brotherhood, they provided a foothold for their new masters. In a matter of weeks, what was at first thought to be mere accidents, became a series of devastating attacks across the Brotherhood's dominion.

Library-temple of Krayiss II

The Dark Council was under siege and the Clans and Houses were being attacked by enemies from without and within. Finally, the Grand Master called a gathering of the various leaders and Elders who appeared before the Iron Throne as holographic projections. Orders were given and targets were identified and the Brotherhood was called to unite as one to go on the offensive and destroy the new order that had risen and attacked—the One Sith.[1]

Krayiss II

"You think you deserve to inherit the legacy of the Sith?!"
―Darth Malignous, spirit of the library-temple[src]

First on the Brotherhood's path of conquest was the Sith World of Krayiss II, believed to be one of the five sacred worlds of the old Sith Empire. Ancient lore acquired by the Grand Master indicated that Krayiss II was home to a dark side temple-library, which was believed to be filled with power relics, artifacts, and knowledge long-thought lost to the annuls of time. With the Clans and Houses united with the goal of eradicating the One Sith, the Grand Master sent mixed-unit task forces to the surface of Krayiss II to capture and secure the library-temple and the secrets kept within.

However, the Brotherhood was a step behind. The One Sith, led by a Sith Lord named Darth Sinagar had already led a team in and discovered the entrance to the library-temple. Utilizing a powerful and dangerous ritual, Sinagar and his acolytes breached the seals on the temples and entered. Sinagar's apprentice, Tor Siva, was left on the surface to protect the entrance. A Brotherhood team, led by Shadow Taldrya and comprising of the Battle Teams Dark Forge and the Wardens made up the vanguard of the Brotherhood's assault. Joined by his fellow member of Taldryan, Benevolent Taldrya Whiner, Shadow drew away Siva and her retinue to allow the rest of the team to follow Sinagar into the library-temple. In the desert wastes, the two Dark Jedi managed to combine their power to defeat the Sith Lady and join up with the rest of the team.[2]

Darth Malignous

Within the halls of the library-temple, madness seemed to have taken hold of both Brotherhood members and the One Sith. Possessed by the spirits dwelling within the relics and artifacts, both sides were forced to eliminate their own as they delved deeper into the heart of the library-temple to find the source of the madness. When the Dark Jedi arrived at the inner sanctum, they discovered the remnants of the One Sith had been murdered by Sinagar, who was now possessed by a spirit calling itself Lord Malignous. The Jedi fought against the brutal power of the spirit, but where overwhelmed by its power. It was due to the uncontrolled power unleashed in the battle that the guardian spirits of the library-temple awoke and attacked Malignous en masse, weakening him enough for Shadow to eliminate him with a Force meld-enhanced blast of Force Lightning. With Sinagar dead and the temple freed from Malignous' taint, the Brotherhood gained its first victory in the Dark Crusade.[2]

Nfolgai

"It is time the so-called Sith see what it is they really face."
―Yobd Nan[src]
Temple of Sorzus Syn

Deep within the jungles of Nfolgai, a great burial temple was said to hold the remains of Sorzus Syn, a master Sith alchemy and his knowledge and techniques for creating Sithspawn. As one of the units sent to subjugate the One Sith on Nfolgai, Plagueis sent an entire army of war droids to capture the temple. As the battle raged outside its walls, Yobd Nan, a newly appointed Sith Lord, was researching the mysteries left by Sorzus Syn.[3]

The Plagueian droids eventually managed to blow a hole into the side of the temple. Nan ordered his guardians, a trio of Nightsisters to protect him. Leading the charge on the temple were two Dark Jedi, Ronovi Tavisaen and Solus Gar. The nightsisters attacks proved ineffective, and were taken out by two modified SD-10 battle droids. Enraged, Nan launched a powerful attack at the two Dark Jedi, but his power could not reach them. It was revealed that the pair had come up with a countermeasure to Nan's power, and had acquired a rare ysalamir to prevent the use of the Force for either attack or defense. With his power rendered useless, Nan was ripped apart by the battle droids at the order of Gar. Nan's fall signalled the end to the battle and Plagueis claimed the burial temple and the secrets it contained for the Brotherhood.[3]

Chapter II - Places of Power

Further information: Khar Delba, Rhelg


Dark Councilors have identified the planets of Rhelg and Khar Delba as potentialfollow on targets. Grand Master Ashen and his advisors have observed an anomaly within the Force on Rhelg. This information has not been shared with subordinate Houses/Clans and explains its limited selection by Brotherhood forces. The Grand Master takes the time to deliberate on deploying his forces deeper into the Stygian Caldera in search of One Sith forces.

Though victory bad been secured on two notable worlds, the various members of influence across the Brotherhood knew that the balance of power was shifting. The confidence and servitude endured under the current Grand Master and Dark Council had not led to a Brotherhood increasing the size of its holdings. Rather, for the second time in a short period, it found itself under siege inside and out, infiltrated and under attack. Some felt that the battles having taken place thus far were clear indications of the power the Grand Master was too afraid to utilize. Notable efforts from surprising sources leading some to believe the balance of power within the Brotherhood was shifting, which could lead to disaster.

But everyone knew the time for dissidence had not yet come. The Grand Master, not entirely blind to those in his service and their feelings, ordered another series of assaults on One Sith worlds. And though they may claim victory, there were those that still felt the Brotherhood was one step behind the devious One Sith forces.

(The assaults on Khar Delba and Rhelg.)[4]

Chapter III - Forbidden Knowledge

Further information: Bhargebba, Ch'hodos


In an attempt to secure valuable resources, the One Sith had spent the years leading up to the Crusade investigating and occupying the ancient Sith Worlds. Intelligence gathered by the Dark Brotherhood determined that the Sith had discovered to such resources on the planets Bhargebba and Ch'hodos. While the Houses and Clans were still recovering from the previous battles, the Grand Master ordered a continuation of the assault. The Brotherhood's forces once again split up to cover more ground, with temporary alliances, doomed to failure, once more forced upon the units. However, unlike the previous battles, the One Sith were deeply entrenched and the battle became a drawn out and costly affair for both sides.

Bhargebba

"Attention all troops. We have secured the Forge. Soulfire, Void Squadron, Vic and Andrelious held off Scholae and Odan Urr. The downed Larty team has been recovered, and House Qel-Droma has secured an enemy captain as a P.O.W. Bhagebba is ours. Arcona Invicta!"
―Wuntila Arconae, after the capture of the Forge of Loka Dan
Brotherhood forces preparing for battle.
  • Mecrosa order, assassins, great deal of knowledge in the dark side assisting Krayt
  • The Brotherhood targets the Forge of Loka Dan, a vast structure hidden deep underground. Within, a treasure trove of artifacts, weapons, and armors stand untouched by time. A great boost to the military might to whichever unit captures the Forge.
  • In an attempt capture the The Forge of Loka Dan, Clan Arcona won a hard fought battle against The Mecrosa Order, a Dark Side cult that has been studying the arts of the Dark Side for nearly 5,000 years. Once they discovered the location of The Forge and made their way inside, Arcona had to deal with the Sith Spirit of Dan Loka and a group of One Sith Aspirants and Acolytes with specialized training.
Ch'Hodos

Captain Lin: "What do you want with me?"
Jac Cotelin: "Me? Nothing. Them? I cannot fathom."
―Captain Lin, questioning Jac Cotelin about her fate
Brotherhood encampment on Ch'Hodos
  • Captain Lin, a smuggler and trafficker of munitions, is running supplies for the One Sith on Ch'Hodos. Pravus, Voice of the Brotherhood, contacts former Grand Master, Jac Cotelin, to capture both Lin and her ship and bring them to Antei.
  • After eliminating a large part of her crew, Jac manages to confront Lin aboard her ship and forces her to travel to the Antei System
  • The Battle of Ch'hodos was a brief but very costly pacification. The ultimate goal was the capture of The Fortress of Shar Dakhan and the research contained within. Brotherhood Intelligence had found out that the One Sith had tasked one of their most promising members Elser Repu and his apprentice Erithin Vax, a former Acolyte within the Brotherhood before turning traitor and defecting to the One Sith. Brotherhood Intelligence also managed to come across a shipping manifest for the infamous smuggler Captain Lin and the Core’s End, the Dark Council wanted them captured alive.
  • Large-scale battle fought against the One Sith, who were entrenched within the fortress. Great deal of casualties for the Brotherhood. However, cut off from their supplies, the One Sith eventually were forced to surrender. Plagueis driving force behind conquest.

Phase II

Chapter IV - Chains of Duty

Further information: Ashas Ree, Athiss, Svolten


Phase II saw the separation of the Brotherhood into special and general forces. The assaults on Ashas Ree, Athiss, and Svolten

Ashas Ree Events

Razor Nine attempted to observe the Temple of Garu with a disinterested eye, but could not keep the feelings of dread from overwhelming him. The subordinate units of the Dark Brotherhood had been tasked with the capture and recovery of Garu’s secrets, but only ruins remained. Reports indicated that House Taldyran planned the Temple’s destruction in an act of defiance against the Dark Council, but the Nephilim Commando doubted that possibility. Grand Master Cotelin had been grievously wounded and remained in a coma while multiple other Taldrya had been injured. Regardless, Grand Master Ashen and his advisors would be displeased.

The Nephilim’s limited Force powers could sense the lingering power that the temple had once held, but the sensation was diminishing with every passing moment. It would take beings of far greater power to divine the lost secrets here. Razor Nine had no inclination to be planet side when they arrived. “Razor Main, this is Razor Nine. Request immediate exfil from Objective Garu.”

- Dark Council sent a spy to keep tabs on Taldryan during their campaign on Ashas Ree. - Taldryan has their own plans for Ashas Ree once it’s secure. - A large armada and mine field make it impossible for a full ground campaign, instead a small strike will be sent down to secure the temple. - A small force consisting of a Vindicator Heavy Cruiser and 2 Lancer Frigates managed to slip through the minefield. - Using the Vindicator as an interdiction point, Taldryan was able to insert their strike force by jumping in behind the mine field. - After landing, the Taldryan strike force quickly overcomes the One Sith defenses. - In desperation the One Sith commander, sent down his Marine detachment, lead by Biliy. - Commander Biliy’s counterattack was quickly routed, with Yacks personally killing the marine commander.

- A crazy Sith Lord, Argaal, occupies the temple as it’s guardian. He likes to talk to himself. - The strike team confronts the crazy Sith Lord. - Yacks is the first to engage him. After a brief exchange of blows, Yacks stuns Argaal by hitting him at the base of his brain tentacle. - Before being able to counter-attack again Argaal is stabbed through the back with a lightsaber by Quejo.

- The death of Argaal, awakes a being, Taral, protector of the temple. - Taral notices the power of Jac, Halyc and Yacks. He wishes to replace Argaal with one of them. - Using a powerful attack fueled by the temple, Taral tried to take possession of the members of the strike team. - Jac calling upon the dark side was able to repel the attack. - Realizing that they were too powerful, Taral, a construct of the force, began preparations for destroying the Temple to protects it’s secrets from the strike force. - Before he was able to complete the task, Jac using his powers, the powers of the temple and Taral’s own powers to create a protective shield around himself and the rest of the team. - Having survived the temple's destruction the team, confronts Taral. - With the temple destroyed Taral’s runes begin disappearing leaving him in tremendous pain and helpless. Halc orders that he be terminated, in his last moments Taral wonders why his brother Lord Garu has forsaken him.

- The Grand Master meets with the Taldryan strike team sent to the surface. - He then inquires about Jac’s condition and wishes to seem him. - He enters the medbay and clears the room, after a while he emerges but with Jac still in his coma.

Athiss Events

  • Infectious Madness
  • Assault
  • Chain of Duty (RO)

Svolten Events

  • Infectious Madness
  • Assault

- Wuntila and Marick summon the top members, Troutrooper, Atyiru, Teroch, Montresor and Cethgus of Clan Arcona to the Darkest Night for mission to strike against House Odan-Urr and take about Drand Powern the One Sith commander on Svolten. Surprising everyone, Wuntila announces that himself and Marick will be joining the strike team. - The team will inserted onto the central island where Powern has built his command center, they will be inserted by two LAAT/i shuttles piloted by two of the best pilots who have been vetted by Oblivion Brigade. The insertion will be covered by an attack on Mining Rig 37 by the bulk of Arcona's remaining forces. -

Chapter V - Title

Further information: Jaguada, Kalsunor, Korriz


The assaults on Jaguada, Kalsunor, and Korriz.

Jaguada Events

  • Fortifications

Kalsunor 'Events'

  • Gravity

Korriz Events

  • Trinkets

Chapter VI - Title

Further information: Dromund Kaas, Ziost


The assaults on Dromund Kaas and Ziost.

Dromund Kaas Events

  • Fiction

Ziost Events

  • Fiction

Events and Placings

Phase 1 Chapter 1 here

Phase 1 Chapter 2 here

Bhargebba Event Results
Assassination Fiction Graphics Gaming Training
1st Place OPM Marick Arconae OE Wuntila Arconae OE Wuntila Arconae OPM Cethgus Tiberius Entar Arconae KPN RevengeX Palpatine
2nd Place SWL Xen'Mordin Vismorsus CSE A'lora Kituri SBL Montresor OT Uji SWL Andrelious J. Inahj
3rd Place DJM Troutrooper KAP Atyiru Caesus Entar DJK Kyrun Ashida DA Teroch Erinos Arconae SBL Archangel
4th Place     OPM Marick Arconae OPM Marick Arconae GP Sanguinius Tsucyra Entar
5th Place     DJK Kyo Loric KAP Atyiru Caesus Entar DJK Blarex
Phase I Chapter III


Etc.

Results

  1. Plagueis
  2. Arcona
  3. Taldryan
  4. Scholae Palatinae
  5. Naga Sadow
  6. Odan-Urr
  7. Tarentum

Unit Awards

Champions of the War

Heroes of the Dark Crusade: Jac Cotelin, Selika Roh, and Marick Arconae.
  1. Jac Cotelin, Taldryan
  2. Selika Roh, Plagueis
  3. Marick Arconae, Arcona
  4. Furios Morega, Plagueis
  5. Alaris Jinn and Shadow Taldrya, Taldryan (Tie)
  6. Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor, Taldryan
  7. Troutrooper, Arcona
  8. Cethgus Tiberius Entar Arconae, Arcona
  9. Howlader, Taldryan
  10. Ronovi Tavisaen, Plagueis

Source

Notes and References


Horizons Major Brotherhood Conflicts
30 ABY - 32 ABY
Fading Light