Order of Darkness

The Order of Darkness

The Order of Darkness was a legendary collective in the galaxy circa Year -1 and led by former Emperor Hiram Drayson.The Order was a separatist movement composed of Imperial officers who objected to the weak rule of Emperor Suntzu. These officers claimed that Moff Vodo Bonias had usurped the leadership of the Galactic Empire and that Suntzu was merely his puppet on the Imperial throne.

The members of this collective were responsible for hastening the downfall of Emperor Suntzu and their subsequent machinations greatly destabilized the Galactic Empire under later rulers. Perhaps their most notable achievement was the control of several Imperial Star Destroyers by Admiral Price, a close associate of Drayson.

Hiram Drayson

History

Main article: History of the Galactic Empire

The earliest known separatist movement was the quasi-legendary "Order of Darkness" led by the enigmatic Hiram Drayson, a former emperor who used his immense wealth and political influence to oppose his successors such as Suntzu, Vodo Bonias, and Spytek during a chaotic historical period known as "The Dark Years".

The Order of the Darkness originated in the early, tumultuous years of the Galactic Empire. During this chaotic time, Grand Admiral Hiram Drayson of the Imperial Navy orchestrated a "bloodless" coup and seized power as ruler of the Galactic Empire. However, his reign as Emperor of the Galaxy was short-lived and, following inner turmoil, Drayson was forced to abdicate. His Naval Chief of Staff, Admiral Suntzu, assumed power. In retaliation for being forced from power, Drayson formed The Order of Darkness, which he claimed was "A purer iteration of the Galactic Empire". This act led to his exile from Imperial space by Emperor Suntzu. Asynchronously, Admiral Price of the Imperial Navy defected with Officer Evax to the Order of Darkness, stealing a number of Star Destroyers in the process.

Shortly thereafter, General Balseraph of the Imperial Army accused Moff Vodo Bonias of encouraging Emperor Suntzu to instate policies which favored the Imperial Navy over the Army. The disillusioned Balseraph soon fled from the Empire and also joined the Order of Darkness. Beyond the reach of Suntzu and Bonias, the Order continued to disseminate its views. As their beliefs gained prevalence throughout the galaxy, Emperor Suntzu was viewed as weak by his subjects and abdicated. Unsurprisingly, Bonias succeeded Suntzu as Emperor.

In time, the power of the Order of Darkness waned and the ranks of its supporters grew thin, allowing the Galactic Empire to recover some of its stolen vessels. The fate of the Order of Darkness and its members are unknown. Some claim it still exists, others dismiss such talk as idle rumor.Despite its rapid decline, the Order of Darkness became an inspiration for many future separatist movements in the history.

Dyvel Price

Diablirus Balseraph