Between the dawn and the dark of night (Black Imperium Intro/open)

[RC 212]

Location: Morellia


In the Black Citadel the man known as High Lord Titus spent his time brooding upon his throne. The room was dark and tall, lined with stone pillars, each attended by a Black Knight. Their considerable powers swirled in chaotic vortex through the force. He could feel each black plated warriors presence like the fire of a thousand suns.

Today was anew day, the first steps to the emergence of the new order. An order which Titus himself would rule.

"My lord, the dignitaries from the Tyrell House are here."

"Send them in."

His voice was harsh and cold. There was no mercy behind the helmet of steel and jewels. His visor glowed blue with intense power.

A man bearing wealthy wardrobe of yellow and fine boots of leather entered. His mousy brown hair contrasted with the white of his pale skin.

"I have answered your summons my lord."

He bowed to one knee and Titus rose, his armor clanking as the rich plates shifted.

"Rise envoy of the Noble Tyrell's. Tell me, does your house pledge their loyalty this day?"

It was a question mere mortals would tremble at in time.

The envoy rose and nodded, drawing a ceremonial sword emblazoned with gold and silver writing.

"The Tyrells have ordered me to tell you they send their deepest regards and the full might of their personal forces are behind you. Twenty thousand souls, battle trained and ready. Ten thousand droids, armed with the finest weaponry the Morrellian Commonwealth can provide. A royal fleet and the bulk of her treasury."

Titus nodded, returning to his seat.

"Your linage will be richly rewarded then. Return to the Tyrell's order their forces on standby and prepare to recieve orders from my personal Military commander."

The envoy nodded, sheathing his sword as the Emperor mused again, setting a steel clad hand to his chin.

There were still yet Noble Houses of the Morellian Commonwealth that had yet to answer his call. The call had been put out across the galaxy for mercenaries to lead his armies, great force warriors to join ranks with the Black Knights and Noble Families to join his side...

 

[RC 212]

Location: Morellia, Orbit.

It had been quite some time since Colaps departure from the Red Ravens. In that time he had come to Morellia and joined forces with an aspiring Nobleman. It had soon become clear that the Lord Titus plans and designs would prove fruitful, and with his military experiences and background as a shipbuilder Colap had thrown in with the Cause.

Two Longhammer Disabler frigates and a small fleet of Privateer Frigates remained in Orbit in the skies of Morellia. The inhabitants were totally unawares of it's true nature, believing its presence to be an anti pirate force.

In truth Colap was about to launch the most decisive and strategic offensive in his career thus far. Clad in his spacers armor he scanned the bridge, eyes running coolly over the newcomers to the fleet and the new blood in the Helltrooper ranks.

The Lord Titus had even graced him with two lumbering Black Knights, standing silent watch, their large swords gleaming in the soft glow of the bridge.

"All hands situation report."

"We've all ships green admiral. Twenty four vessels here and another fifty have joined the fleet at the north pole. The Tyrel house has pledged their loyalty and resources to his Lordship."

"Excellent, order the flight crews to standby. Put us in low orbit above the capitol and stand down on weapons for now."

"Aye admiral."

The time was fast approaching. For some Noble houses their fate would make or break in the next two critical hours....

 

[Draich]

The vastness of it had always overwhelmed him. The dark void of space stretched on for an eternity, the inky black marred only by the stars or distant worlds. Draich took another long drag off his cigarette and exhaled sharply. White wisps of smoke struck the veiwport and rolled off harmlessly, dissipating into nothingness. The stars seemed so close but he knew how far they truly where.

Draich had never been this far out into wild space. This was unknown territory for him and that was discomforting. But however discomforting it was, he had accepted the contract with the Black Imperium. He would see this through.

He turned his attention to the planet that lay before him, the planet he was hired to help take. It hung immense, its outline in stark contrast with the emptiness of the void. The majesty of it was beautiful and for a fraction of a second he wished that he hadn't accepted the contract. He would much rather been killing vermin on Nar Shaddaa or Coruscant. People who deserved it. He had no idea who the citizens of these planets where or what they had done to earn such wrath.

Ours is not to reason why, our is but to do or die. Draich sung to himself, but the logic was of no comfort. Not anymore.

Draich stood in his Camo Recon Armor, his helmet nestled safely in the crook of his arm. His E-11 hung across his chest held in place only by his sling, while his T-6 hung from his belt in its holster. Draich looked at the faint reflection of himself in the veiwport. Kited for war, ready to deliver death and judgment.

Its to late now. Soon it will be them or you. Stop boohooing about it. You got a farking job to do.

Draich let go of all though. This wasn't the time to let his mind run wild. He did have a job to do. And he would see the contract fulfilled. After all, his word was his bond. And he broke his word for no man.

"All hands status report." The voice brought Draich back to the here an now. The ships captain, or what Draich assumed was the ships captain, was preparing for something. Draich made no attempt to pretend he knew how the navy operated. He had always preferred to keep his feet rooted on the ground.

He dropped his but to the deck and smothered it with the toe of his boot. He turned heel in one quick motion as he grasped the pistol grip of his carbine.

Time to earn your farking keep Draich. He scowled silently to himself.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Draich"]

Colaps eye's were drawn across the bridge once more and he spotted a newer more seasoned looking figure. Draich was impressively clad and Colap being an ex mercenary himself had an eye for talent. He walked over to the man and looked him up and down, armor clanking as the immense weight of his steps boomed across the deckplates.

"I see you're a new arrival. What is your name friend?"

A cigar hung in the corner of Colap's mouth blazing errantly away and casting mixtures of spicy sweet aroma across the bridge.

"We are entering orbit Sir!"

"Excellent, bring us into our pre designated flight path!"

Colap turned his attention back to the man as the small fleet of ships split the sky with fire and vengeance. They burst from orbit above the sprawling white city below, an unassuming presence.

"Mine is Colap Ticon."

 

[Taa Nul]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzbkQzPy8h4

In the darkness of the space above Morellia, a lone Imperial Star Destroyer came out of light-speed within orbit of the planet, carrying an important passenger, the Minister of Finance of the quickly rising Paecian Empire, Count Veril Morcus. Through various social circles and intelligence from a few agents who had infiltrated the court of Emperor Titus, the Count had learned of this new power rising on the planet below, a possible opportunity of great benefit to the Paecian Empire, and himself. If an alliance could be made, both factions would be in a better position than before.

The Count's shuttle, escorted by two TIE Fighters, flew out of the large hanger bay on-board the large vessel, before soaring down towards Morellia's surface. The recognizable sound of TIE fighter engines would be heard within the Emperor's throne room as the trio of ships soared above the elegant stain glass windows above Titus. His shuttle, landing in the Citadel hangar bay, soon extended it's boarding ramp. A procession of six Paecian Imperial Royal Guardsmen, each garbed in the unmistakable red robes and armor of the infamous Royal Guard that once protected the Emperor Palpatine of old, each on carrying a simplistic Lightsaber Pike, soon descended down the ramp, lining up quickly and without error at both sides of the ramp bottom.

Soon enough, the Count himself descended the ramp, garbed in an Imperial-style officer uniform lined with medals gifted to him by the White Empress. With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed around briefly, before proceeding to make his way to the throne room, honor guard in tow. When he arrived before the throne, he humbly kneeled before Emperor Titus. ''I bid you greetings, my liege. I am Count Veril Morcus, Minister of Finance and Ambassador of the Paecian Empire. I come before you to offer our support with your future endeavors.....''

[member="Emperor Titus"]
[member="Colap Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Count Morcus"]

Location: The Black Citadel

As the count entered the Black Knights whirled in unison, almost as if to block their path. But Titus waved them aside, and the large armored machines of death fell back, taking their posts once more. Titus rose from his throne, gold and silver armor gleaming and his voice booming with power that shook the hall.

"Greetings Noble one. You may rise as royal blood must not cow amongst themselves."

Titus lifted his arms high, activating a stream of lightning that crackled amongst the ceiling, running along its arches and support structures. The light illuminated the room in a purple hue, further allowing him to examine the newcomer and his detail.

After several moments of speculation he spoke once more, breaking the silence of the burning braziers.

"Tell me, what of this Peacian Empire. With whom does Lord Titus do business with?"

 

[Draich]

[member="Colap Ticon"]

"Vandal." Draich as he joined the mans side to take in the veiw of the ship entering orbit. "For the duration for the Operation you may know me as Vandal."

He glanced the soldier up and down, taking in the immensity of his armor. Draich was tall, but this man towered over him. The sheer bulk impressive but it wasnt Draichs cup of tea. He prefered to be as small a target at possible. And as inconspicious as possible.

"Whats the game plan for taking this damned planet?" Draich inquired flatly as he reached into his pocket and produced his cigarettes and lighter. With a flash of fire white smoke wafted back into the room as he took a long drag and watched the decent.

 

[Taa Nul]

The Count arose, smiling warmly before nodding his head. ''T'is appreciated, my liege. Indeed, I represent the Paecian Empire, led by the White Empress, monarch of Paecia, whom I, Count Veril Morcus of Serenno, serve as Finance Minister. She eagerly seeks to make ties with the Black Imperium, in the hopes of strengthening the both of our empires. We seek trade, and an alliance with one another in times of great need or gain. That is why she has sent me, my liege, to meet with you in hopes of discussing the possibility of a partnership....''

[member="Emperor Titus"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Draich"]

"The plan is to wait for Lord Titus word. Once we have the support of two Royal families here we will descend upon the surface and inititate a total destruction of any that oppose him."

Yes it was blood warfare, of the most nefarious kind. For several long years Titus appetite had grown for wealth and power over the feeble peoples of the Morellian commonwealth. Now that time was upon them and in the present dark forces were mobilizing to crown his will.

"After the opposing houses are destroyed their treasuries and subjects will be incorporated into the Titus house, and you will receive your payment in princeps, gold coins. What skills can you offer?"

He had a notion to plant the man on the ground with the Helltroopers, and see how well he did. If he could be instrumental in the raids on the Noblemens palaces Colap could further develop him. Maybe even offer him a higher Salary than any other could offer.

"Lord Titus will pay you well, better than any of his peers. But first you must prove yourself."

 

[RC 212]

[member="Count Morcus"]

Titus paused, his blood thumping through his veins. There was another Empire here at his doorstep. They seemed less than malicious at the time but who knew of the true motives of men. Titus, raised in the Noble courts of Morellia and her commonwealth had been privy to every squabble and petty bicker of the royals.

Over time he had learned never to lay too much trust in a nobleman or his word. Trust must be earned and so he had a simple test before the
Count in mind. Yes indeed this Paecian Empire would have to prove their loyalty to him, and in return, he would prove his.

"This is well Count. I too have sought alliance and now my hour of need grow near. As you may have deduced some of the local Noblemen are banding together under my banner to launch an assault among those that have....less than desirable intentions.."

Titus mad rage took over now, bloodlust rising to the fore. Yes the noble houses that opposed him. They would be wiped from existence, their libraries burned, lineage slaughtered and the archives erased of their existence.

"I shall agree to alliance in all aspects, but first I must call upon your empress. I shall need any forces you can muster at once to aid me. Do this for me and my loyalty will be consecrated by blood debt."

 

[Taa Nul]

The Count nodded. ''The Empire will provide anything you require for this conflict....'', he said, and as if he knew this would be the terms of forming their new alliance, a large group of Paecian Imperial Stormtroopers soon arrived within the throne room, impressively standing to attention at the foot of the throne, in formation. ''I've brought a full legion of troops with me aboard my Star Destroyer, along with a contingent of TIE Fighters and Bombers, and I can easily request an entire fleet of more on short notice.....we'll organize your forces and strike upon these traitors that threaten the Dark Imperium in one swift stroke. I trust this pleases you, my liege?''

Meanwhile, back on Paecia, said fleet was already making preparations to mobilize and assist in the Morellian civil war. Troops were being gathered, vehicles fueled and readied and supplies prepared on the possibility their assistance would be needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8buh5A70loA

[member="Emperor Titus"]

 

[Draich]

Draich cocked an eyebrow at the comment.

"Lets get one thing straight. Im not here to prove anything to anyone. This isnt a try out. This is a job." Draich growled in a low tone, the cigarette dangeling from his lips. He hated being assessed, much less by some Emporer. There where thousands of lords and Emporers in the galaxy, each one wanting the same thing. Each one with the same inflated opinions of themselves. Delusions of grandure.

Draich served only himself now.

"My specialty is forward reconaissence,' Draich said bring the converstaion to the original topic. "But that isnt going to do you any good this stage in the campaign. What youre going to need is a breach in planetary defenses once everything goes to hell. Put me on the ground with the boys and Ill ensure you have a hole wide enough to land this fleet."

 

[RC 212]

[member="Draich"]

Location: Atmosphere Morrellia

Colap raised an eyebrow, fire flashing across his visage. This whelp had dared to stand up to him, to utter fallacies in his midst. Nonetheless he had garnered the older warriors respect with his candor. He was not the usual bootlicking and grovelling type begging for a job. He was firm, purposeful and posses direction.

"Very well then Vandal. You'll be inserted with the first wave of Helltroopers. The first target will in your HUD shortly. Get to the assault pods, and good hunting!"

Colap turned back to the crew with a vengeance, stalking his way among them and peering over their shoulders. His massive armoured figure cut an impressive swath through their ranks, inspiring fear among them.

"How close are we to launch?"

"Still awaiting the final word from Lord Titus, staging area has been set. The Paecian Empire has joined the assault."

"Excellent, prepare the helltrooper legion for launch and alert the Legion legates to standby. What's the status on my fighters?"

"All fighters fueled and in launch positions."

"Very well, carry on."

Colap spit out his cigar, crushing it beneath his steel boot and squinting through his heavy brow.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Count Morcus"]

As the stormtroopers stood to attention the evil mans eybrows arched underneath his mask. This was most impressive, though secretly he wondered why such a force had been brought in the first place. Surely it was not just chance that had possessed the count to embark on this voyage with a full legion at his disposal.

"This is well count, order your men to assemble at rally point alpha. As for this fleet, we will see if we have such need of it. The hours of truth grows near. The Noble houses have begun to run out of time!"

It was at this precise moment that the heavy black doors of the hall swung back, their hinges moaning under the immense weight of the jewel plated husks of metal. In the silhoutte of blazing crimson and orange hues another figure stood, tall and imposing. Titus shifted his weight evenly over both feet and crossed his arms, grinidng the blue and gold metal plates together.

"Halt, declare yourself in the name of our lordship!"

The Black Knights head captain stepped forwards, his black banner waving in the soft winds of the dusk.

"It is I, Laran Tarros, agent of Lord Tarros."

The Knight shifted closer examining the newcomers banner and clasping an eerant hand upon the hilt of his sword.

"He speaks true, what is your business Tarrosian."

"Enough of this, come hither Laran of house Tarros."

The shorter mans boots clicked a steady beat as he trotted across the hall, flanked on either side by the white Legions of Paecia and the Sturdy gargoyle frames of the Knights.

No sooner than he had reached the lower step of Titus throne than he bowed, offering his banner with both hands.

Titus stepped forwards, tearing the mans standard from his hands and slamming it with virulent force into the stone floor. Under his immense power the steel shaft pierced stone with the sound of nails grating upon a chalkboard. Together the three banners of Nobility stood. Three noble houses, with one purpose.

"Beholden another House pledges its loyalty unto us my brethren. Raise up your swords, raise up your shields. Sing the songs of your ancestors and prepare for war!"

The hall range with raucous shouts. The Knights slammed steel against shield and the very stones themselves rattled, piercing every man to his core.

"The time of the Commonwealth is behind us! So begins the Black Imperium!"

More cheers and war cries echoed the chamber. Titus waved the Tarrosian away and resumed his position in the throne.

"Count, shall you lead your men, or shall my Legates prepare them for the attack?"

 

[Taa Nul]

The Count nodded his head. ''My command staff are already ordering my troops to deploy. We'll assail those renegade noble houses immediately and either wipe them off the face of this planet, or force them to surrender quickly, with your approval....'', he said in a polite manner, taking care not to offend Emperor Titus with his tone of voice. From orbit, the first wave of Imperial troops began to deploy to the planetary surface, setting up landing zones before beginning their campaign upon the renegade noblemen. Soon enough, reports began flooding in of the battles that had began to take place. Morellia was in Civil War now, there was no mistake of that.

At the same time, the first batch of Imperial reinforcements had arrived in orbit to begin deploying more troops and armored columns down to the planetary surface. As a method of instilling pure terror in the hearts of the enemy, a small group of Imperial Star Destroyers decided to fly at low altitude above the rebel ''capital'' while they deployed their forces quickly to the streets below. The Count wanted to end this conflict swiftly and decisively to prevent major casualties, and by whittling away the enemy morale, he could force them to lay down their arms with little incident.
[member="Emperor Titus"]

 

[Draich]

Draich watched as the soldier tensed, every muscle in Colaps body seemingly screaming to strike Draich. But it passed and Draich couldn't have been more amused. He let the smallest flitter or a snicker slip briefly.

"So be it. Ill get an LZ open for the main force to arrive. Just don't leave me out there to dry." Draich fitted his helmet with a subtle click. He turned heel and made his way across the bridge, making his exit to the hanger.

Draich valued his life greatly and being cannon fodder didn't appeal to any of his senses in the slightest. Being thrust into the first wave where casualties would undoubtedly be the highest made his stomach knot. He felt queasy, but he knew it would pass. The calm before the storm was worse than the storm itself. He always got jittery before battle.

Draich pulled his cigarettes as he made his way through the bowels of the ship to the hanger. He instinctively lit another cigarette, his nerves where fried. He breathed deep as he tried to calm his protesting mind.

You've survived worse than this. You'll get through this too.

[member="Colap Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Count Morcus"] [member="Slate Estrada"]

Dark is the Night of our lords Crowning....

The words of the Oracle ran through his mind over and over again on repeat. The old ones had told of his coming, leaving their prophetic words forever preserved in scrolls of power. Scrolls which were firmly bound around his neck, and their words etched upon the armor he was wearing. The Lord drew his sword as the legions of Helltroopers began to gather below in the courtyard.

"Come it is time!"

He stormed from the hall, blue cloak flying in contrast to silver and gold plates. His eyes glowing with sapphire flame and his mighty sword held at a dowward ready. In his offhand was a massive banner of a twin falcon adorned with a skull, the sigil of house Titus. Upon his entering the courtyard the ranks cheered in reverie as the forces of the count pounded the city.

"Legates fall in, the time is now. We march on the first house!"

Black armored soldiers fell into ranks, both legions moving behind him in swift succession. The Legates and the banner men fell in at the front and gave the orders.

"Forward, march!"

The ground shook, the very stones vibrating under the feet of thirty thousand men. It was a doomsday army and they were headed down the ancient streets into the heart of the Wrothgarian district. The mighty chapel of the force using family loomed in the distance, smoke rising from it's spires. A messenger sent the word ahead and the streets emptied of all citizens.

There was only Titus, his black Knights and the Legions on the move....

 

[RC 212]

[member="Draich"]

The battle had begun. As Colap mused the silence was broken by the crackling comms.

"The assault has begun, house Wrothgar is the first target."

Colap whirled to the helmsman.

"Set battlestations across the fleet. All fighters prepare to launch!"

"Aye admiral!"

The bridge descended into chaos, alarms blaring, red lights flashing. In the din of the sirens Colap roared his next set of orders, heavy voice cutting through the madness.

"Helltroopers launch!"

The sounds of a thousand thumps rattled the bridge, forcing Colap to grab a nearby railing as his Frigate rocked. Thousands of pods ejected from their hull with powerful explosions. Below the people of Morellia gasped and fled in terror as the sky began to blot. The hue of duck gave way to the black of night, helltrooper pods blotting out the suns.

Explosive landings sent shrapnel and smoke far an wide. With deadly precision the troopers emerged inside the courtyards of House Wrothgar, opening fire on the royal gaurds. The surprise attack had worked beautifully, sowing chaos amongst their ranks. The guard fled their posts as the heavy rockets from the heavy squadrons exploded against the stained glass windows.

Outside the gates of the Compound the Lords armies massed, preparing for an all out assault. Inside the compound the gates swung shut and the snipers took their perches, firing indiscriminately into the masses below.

"Situation report!" Colap barked across the bridge.

"Surpirse attack a success, all helltroopers are in the compound. We're seeing local fighters scramble and AA defence come online."

"Hold our fighters, turbolasers on the AA turrets. Send em to hell!"

The earth shook again as the fleet fired with her tubolasers. Green streaks of death smashed down around the walls, obliterating the turrets and sending the fires of war raging through the streets. A steady haze permeated the air as the battle grew more intense. The armored columns of the Paecian empire were moving in. The turbolasers were levelling city blocks, destroying defences and civilians alike...

 

[Draich]

Draich pied off the corner to what was likely a residential building. His active camouflage warped and distorted his body, blending him in with the surrounding city. His silhouette shimmered as he moved, but he was near invisible.

He had broken off from the main force, taking the fight to the enemy from a diff rent front. He moved silently through the back allies, hunting his prey. Weapon at the ready he scanned the windows and doors to targets and he pushed on.

More shots sounded in the distance. Heavy fighting at the LZ. Chatter across the coms where frantic as the Helltroopers coordinated the counter attack and defense.

Double back, hit the flank. Draich turned and double timed it the way he had come, following the cacophony of fire to its source. He rounded another corner, weapon at the ready. They where one hundred meters out, using a small house as a makeshift bunker. He couldn't see them directly but he heard their return fire clearly and could clearly see the structures door was smashed. Someone had broken in in a hurry.

He proceed, the buttstock of his E-11 pressed tight against his shoulder, muzzle trained on the door but eyes still scanning the surrounding area. He covered the distance to the building quickly, crossing the street quickly but cautiously. He waited but the door, listening, smelling the air. Ozone. Ozone was heavy in the air, the house reeked of it. Multiple shooters. At least a squads worth. He only heard a few voices barking orders, but there where more weapons signatures than voices.

Draich exhaled sharply. Time to do work. He would have to do this fast.

He crossed the fatal funnel and entered the first room, weapon raised as he scanned his points of domination with the barrel of his weapon. One target. The target flinched and yelled in surprise as the world distorted with Draichs movement. The active cammo shimmered as Draich quickly fired, putting three rounds center mass. The man groaned and crumpled to the ground, dead before he had truly realized what happened.

Game on.

 

[Vexxtal]

Alisa looked to the sky only to see war approaching. When she had heard of trouble on Morrellia she never though it would be this big. People around her began screaming and running, taking cover behind random objects, even things that would never in a million years stop a turbolaser. Nevertheless, the innocent people were scared, and it was a Jedi's job to protect the innocent. Dressed in her full Jedi Gear, Alisa made her way towards where the fighting had begun on the ground. After a few blocks of running, and barging past civilians who were fleeing the opposite way, she saw the destruction that had already been caused. Whoever was attacking had struck so fast that the house Wrothgar courtyard had fallen before any form of military could mobilize. "Get to the nearest spaceport! Go!" Alisa shouted to the people around her who had not yet fleed, but inside she questioned whether her command was the right decision. Did the attackers intend on stopping anyone from leaving the planet?

It was at times like these Alisa regretted being a Jedi, but deep down she knew it was what she had to do. Her head gave a quick turn, noticing several squads of local military finally approaching the courtyard. "Lady, get to cover! Go!" Their commander shouted, but Alisa merely looked at him. "That wont be necessary." She replied, unholstering her curved-hilt lightsaber and igniting it's blue blade. The soldiers' faces brightened with hope, the sight of a Jedi instilling morale in their hearts. Realistically, they had no chance, but they had to try. Turning her attention back to the courtyard, Alisa noticed the Imperium's soldiers approaching and already beginning to open fire on them. Alisa's soldiers bunkered down, returning fire from whatever cover they could find. The Jedi herself however charged forward, deflecting blaster bolts back at their senders and keeping most of the fire off her own men. With her other hand she pulled out her Machine Pistol, firing controlled bursts of bullets to take out soldiers she could not yet reach.

So far she did not know who or what was attacking, but she hoped she would survive to find out.

[member="Draich"] [member="Colap Ticon"]