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 5X)
Length:
Crew: Geist + 24 (Geist + 6)

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Consoles

Advanced Geist Management Console Mk V [G, N]

Permits the geist to manage most of the ship's systems. Minimum crew is reduced to one eighth of the normal (Restoration Era) crew complement.

+5 equipment bonus to geist rolls pertaining to routine ship functions

Wormhole Network Interface Console Mk V [G]

Grants the ship the ability to use the wormhole network.

+5 equipment bonus to rolls pertaining to using the wormhole network

Advanced Long Range Sensor Console Mk V

Grants the ship "extreme" sensor range.

+5 equipment bonus to rolls pertaining to establishing and analyzing sensor readings

Prototype Cryptanalysis Console Mk V [G, I, S, X]

Time required for cryptography and mathematical analysis is reduced to XXX (compared to XXX for a standard Cryptanalysis Console Mk V).

+8 equipment bonus to rolls pertaining to cryptography and mathematical analysis

Prototype Hyperwave Transceiver Array Console Mk V [G, X]

Allows instantaneous communication with any other Hyperwave Transceiver Array Console.

+5 equipment bonus to rolls pertaining to establishing and maintaining hyperwave communication

Prototype SIN Anonymizer Console Mk V [G, I, X]

Manages XXX alternate SIN registrations, and periodically generates a random course history to the ship's current location for each anonymized SIN. Activating an anonymized SIN requires an action. Programming a new SIN takes up to 8 hours.

If installed in tandem with a Prototype Variable Geometry ECM Coating Console, the Prototype SIN Anonymizer Console may be set to automatically manage it. (Refer to Prototype Variable Geometry ECM Coating Console for current presets.)

Prototype Variable Geometry ECM Coating Console Mk V [G-, I, X]

-5 modifier to enemies' sensor rolls and targeting rolls; geist not required

If installed on a geist-managed ship, the ship may adopt the surface appearance of XXX preprogrammed alternates: changing the colour, texture, the appearance of shaded contours, and the appearance of damage are all possible. Failed sensor rolls appear to be successful, and match the ship's current appearance; successful sensor rolls reveal the ship's appearance is only skin deep. Programming a new alternate takes up to 48 hours.

If a Prototype SIN Anonymizer Console is also installed, the Prototype Variable Geometry ECM Coating Console may be set to automatically synchronize with it.

B.E.W. Ghost Keeper, Bha'atar hospital ship refit [PE]

B.E.W. Greasy Bastard, Bha'atar armed merchant refit [PE]

C.E.V. Beacon Fire, Commonwealth unarmed merchant refit [PE]

C.E.V. Lantern Fly, Commonwealth heavy escort [PE]

C.E.V. Madison Nebula, Commonwealth heavy escort [PE], simulated damage (default SIN)

C.E.V. Pink Elephant, Commonwealth armed merchant refit [PE]

I.S. Lady Snowblood, Siobhan armed merchant refit [PE]

I.S. Radiant Black, Siobhan heavy escort refit [PE]

Z.F.P. Armed Courier JH52, Zniss armed courier refit [PE]

[G] requires a geist, and will be inert if no geist is present
[G-] requires a geist for some features
[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 has extremely limited applicability
[X] is a prototype: replacement parts are unavailable, and must be individually constructed

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

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

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

B.E.W. = Bha'atar Empire Warship
C.E.V. = Commonwealth Exploration Vessel
D.S.V. = (Corporate) Deep Space Vessel
H.D.S.S. = His Divine Shadow's Ship
I.S. = (Siobhan) Imperial Starship

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."