Captain Nyx and the Radiant Black

Captain Yzma Nyx

Captain Yzma Nyx was a Siobhan privateer who operated during the century before the Fall. Nyx primarily preyed on the ships of the Bha'atar Empire, but any ship that crossed her path was likely to have its cargo seized. Her ships were also responsible for the distribution of urgent messages between the Siobhan core worlds and the rimworlds. By the time her career was over, she had reportedly commanded a fleet of over 300 privateer ships, approximately half of which were lost in battle. Most noteworthy was her flagship, the Radiant Black, a Commonwealth Heavy Escort which Nyx had captured and extensively modified. The Radiant Black was infamous for being everywhere other than where it was expected. The Bha'atar Empire laid numerous traps for the Radiant Black. All failed.

Nyx was hailed as a hero on the Siobhan core worlds, and Emperor Vreenak CIV awarded her the Gold Banner of the Imperial Raptor. Nyx's influence extended to other institutions, including the courts, the military, and the Siobhan Research Complex. At its peak, her fortune was among the largest in the Siobhan Star Empire.

However, her actions often placed her at odds with influential members of the Siobhan Imperial Senate. Nyx was persecuted by the Siobhan elite throughout her career, and she was arrested on several occasions. At the peak of her success, she was able to employ her extensive network to have her political enemies prosecuted and imprisoned. However, when the Senate confirmed Abadia LII as Empress, Nyx's fortunes abruptly turned. She was charged with smuggling, and her wealth was seized by the Siobhan government. Nyx fled and took refuge on the worlds of the Siobhan Research Complex. Her donations over the years had bought her allies there who would protect her. The charges of smuggling were eventually dropped, but Nyx chose to remain at the Siobhan Research Complex, where she lived out the remainder of her life.

The Radiant Black was never found.

The Radiant Black

Registry: I.S.S. Radiant Black (Siobhan) Type: Heavy Intel Escort (Class 4X) Length: Crew: Geist + 24 (Geist + 6)

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Consoles

As a Class 4X starship, the Radiant Black has Hull 4 and five modular consoles, in addition to the Advanced Geist Management Console, which is not removable.

Advanced Geist Management Console

Mk = Haste/Duplication

Permits the ship's geist to passively manage XX systems, and actively manage XX systems.

SIN Anonymizer Console [G, I]

Mk = number of preset alternates

Radiant Black

Ace Decade

Beacon Fire

Ghost Keeper

Greasy Bastard

Lantern Fly

Madison Nebula

Never Simple

White Elephant

Advanced Cryptanalysis Console [G, I, S]

Mk =

Advanced Long Range Sensor Console

Mk = Range

Hyperwave Transceiver Array Console

Mk =

Variable Geometry ECM Coating Console [G-, I]

Mk = number of preset alternates

-6 modifier to enemies' sensor and targeting rolls

If installed on a geist-managed ship, the ship may adopt the surface appearance of X preset alternates

changing the colour, visible contours, texture, and the appearance of damage are all possible. A successful sensor roll will reveal the ship's appearance is only skin deep.

[G] requires a geist, and will be inert if no geist is present

[I] is illegal in most jurisdictions

[N] is non-removable, and is inextricable from the starship

[S] adds +3 to the bonus provided by the console, but is extremely limited in use

As with personal equipment, starship console bonuses replace or add to your skill roll.

2d6 + [Attribute] + [Skill or appropriate equipment]

If you have the needed skill and the appropriate equipment, use whichever bonus is larger, and add +1.

Last message from Captain Nyx

"I am about to leave for the Research Complex. I have every intention of returning. But if I don't...

"This is the Radiant Black. It is one of the finest intel ships in the galaxy, for the moment. Use it honorably.

"Cause trouble."