Difference between revisions of "Apollyon"

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[[File:Apollyon.jpg|right|thumb|At Age of 45 in 3076]]
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| image              = Apollyon.jpg
[[Precentor]] '''Apollyon''' was a [[thirty-first century]] Military Commander and Sub-faction leader in the [[Word of Blake]].
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| caption            = Apollyon, ca. 3076
 
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| name                = Apollyon
Apollyon was a mysterious "Ascended" cybernetic warrior of the Word of Blake's elite [[Manei Domini]] and commanded all the Manei Domini Shadow Divisions in name of the [[Thomas Marik|Master]]. As Precentor of the Manei Domini he was considered the single controlling authority allowed to introduce Ascendants into becoming named Manei Domini warriors of high ranks. He had been given the informal title of the Prince of Scars.
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| birthdate          =
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| died                = [[3079]] (presumed)<ref name=FM:3086p14>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 14</ref><ref name=J:FRp18>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 18</ref>
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| othernames          =
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| affiliation        = [[Word of Blake]]<br>[[Manei Domini]]
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| rank                = [[Precentor]]
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| title              =
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| position            =
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| profession          =
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| parents            =
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| siblings            =
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| spouse              =
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| children            =
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}}
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[[Precentor]] '''Apollyon''' was a mysterious "Ascended" cybernetic warrior of the Word of Blake's elite [[Manei Domini]] and commanded all the Manei Domini [[Shadow Divisions]] in name of the [[Thomas Marik (Real)|Master]]. As Precentor of the Manei Domini he was considered the single controlling authority allowed to introduce Ascendants into becoming named Manei Domini warriors of high ranks. He had been given the informal title of the Prince of Scars.
  
 
==Personality==
 
==Personality==
Fanatical to both the cause of the Master and the Word of Blake, he considered himself far above frail non-augmented humans. Despite this, he was determined to protect them by any means, not unlike a samurai or knight.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 87 - "The Hanging Threat - Conversation recorded between Apollyon and Naamah reveals his feelings on Manei Domini duty toward humans".</ref>  He saw himself as the guiding father of the Manei Domini. Many believe that due to his lack of greed and ambition he could be called insane.
+
Fanatical to both the cause of the Master and the Word of Blake, he considered himself far above frail unaugmented humans. Despite this, he was determined to protect them by any means, not unlike a samurai or knight.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 87: "The Hanging Threat - Conversation recorded between Apollyon and Naamah reveals his feelings on Manei Domini duty toward humans"</ref>  He saw himself as the guiding father of the Manei Domini. Many believe that due to his lack of greed and ambition he could be called insane.
  
 
Apollyon was a master of intimidation as well as an expert in conducting interrogations and brainwashing. Among his victims were [[Fritz Donner]] and [[Michael Cirion]], both of whom had commanded the [[Black Warriors]].
 
Apollyon was a master of intimidation as well as an expert in conducting interrogations and brainwashing. Among his victims were [[Fritz Donner]] and [[Michael Cirion]], both of whom had commanded the [[Black Warriors]].
Line 16: Line 29:
 
Apollyon typically wore a hooded red acolyte's robe with gold trim. Both his legs, one of his arms, and the right side of his face were replaced with cybernetic implants. What remained of his skin was described as cocoa-like in color.
 
Apollyon typically wore a hooded red acolyte's robe with gold trim. Both his legs, one of his arms, and the right side of his face were replaced with cybernetic implants. What remained of his skin was described as cocoa-like in color.
  
==Character History==
+
==History==
 
+
Much of Apollyon's past is a mystery to the general public, however intelligence agencies believe that he was a former native of the lost world of [[Jardine]], one of the Word of Blake's five hidden worlds, and the leader of that planet too.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 81: "Apollyon profile - Apollyon suspected being native and leader of the lost world of Jardine"</ref>
Much of Apollyon's past is a mystery to the general public, however intelligence agencies believe that he was a former native of the lost world of [[Jardine]], one of the Word of Blake's five hidden worlds, and the leader of that planet too.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 81 - "Apollyon profile - Apollyon suspected being native and leader of the Lost world of Jardine".</ref>  
 
  
 
During the beginning throes of the Jihad, he led the hunt for Doctor Brooklyn Stevens, who had discovered the location of Jardine.
 
During the beginning throes of the Jihad, he led the hunt for Doctor Brooklyn Stevens, who had discovered the location of Jardine.
Line 24: Line 36:
 
After the [[Ghosts of the Black Watch]] rescued [[Hohiro Kurita (31st c.)|Hohiro Kurita]] from [[Dieron]], Apollyon ordered the [[Opacus Venatori]] to destroy the unit and kill [[Colonel]] [[Loren Jaffray]].<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Dieron'', p. 6</ref>
 
After the [[Ghosts of the Black Watch]] rescued [[Hohiro Kurita (31st c.)|Hohiro Kurita]] from [[Dieron]], Apollyon ordered the [[Opacus Venatori]] to destroy the unit and kill [[Colonel]] [[Loren Jaffray]].<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Dieron'', p. 6</ref>
  
On August 9th [[3071]], Free Worlds League government gave control over [[Gibson]] to Apollyon.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 17 - timeline - "9th August Apollyon given named control of the world of Gibson".</ref>  After taking control of the planet he created a massive command and control complex that became the headquarters for his Shadow Divisions.
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On 9 August [[3071]], Free Worlds League government gave control over [[Gibson]] to Apollyon.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 17: Timeline - "9th August Apollyon given named control of the world of Gibson"</ref>  After taking control of the planet he created a massive command and control complex that became the headquarters for his Shadow Divisions.
  
In February [[3074]], Apollyon led the [[52nd Shadow Division|52nd Division]] to [[Bolan]] where he directed his people to destroy the capital of the planet. The fighting against the [[Brion's Legion]] prevented him from killing the planetary leader, Duke Umayr. After sacking the capital city he ordered the execution of the planetary nobility.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 14 - "Brion’s Legion Saves Duke Umayr" <<file BOLTIMES.200274.vol2a>> - New excerpt of Apollyon's unit actions on Bolton.</ref>
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In February [[3074]], Apollyon led the [[52nd Shadow Division|52nd Division]] to [[Bolan]] where he directed his people to destroy the capital of the planet. The fighting against the [[Brion's Legion]] prevented him from killing the planetary leader, Duke Umayr. After sacking the capital city he ordered the execution of the planetary nobility.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 14: "Brion's Legion Saves Duke Umayr"<<file BOLTIMES.200274.vol2a>> - New excerpt of Apollyon's unit actions on Bolton</ref>
  
In [[3075]], Precentor Cameron St. Jamais had sent a series of transmissions to Apollyon, demanding to know why the Shadow Divisions were attacking his worlds. Apollyon simply replied that only the worthy would be allowed to survive and that the Master trusted him, Jamais, to hold Terra against their enemies.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 50 - Feuding Children - "Garbled transmission between Apollyon and Precentor St. Jamais".</ref>
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In [[3075]], Precentor Cameron St. Jamais had sent a series of transmissions to Apollyon, demanding to know why the Shadow Divisions were attacking his worlds. Apollyon simply replied that only the worthy would be allowed to survive and that the Master trusted him, Jamais, to hold Terra against their enemies.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 50: Feuding Children - "Garbled transmission between Apollyon and Precentor St. Jamais"</ref>
  
In early [[3076]], Apollyon asked for a meeting with the "Captain-General" of the [[Principality of Regulus]], calling for a ceasefire between the two. In April, Apollyon arrived with a task force drawn from the [[50th Shadow Division]]<ref name="JHS:Tp21">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 21, "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp55">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 55, "The Jihad In Review"</ref> for meeting with the Prince of Regulus.  He found that Prince Kirc Cameron-Jones had been replaced by his son, [[Titus Cameron-Jones]].  In the meeting at [[Regulus]]'s capital city spaceport, he delivered an ultimatum to the new Prince, stating that the crimes of his father, especially his attack against Gibson, would no longer be tolerated, proclaiming that all of Regulus would pay the price should they conduct any actions outside their borders, be it by proxy or by themselves. They would get to know the full fury of the Master.  As he awaited the answer to his ultimatum, the Prince's wife had snipers try to shoot him. However, Apollyon's escort troopers took a number of shots for him. Regulan commandos then emerged from DropShips and attempted to assassinate Apollyon, however almost immediately after the shooting started, he ordered his [[Level II]] of invisible mimetic Battle Armor body guards to reveal themselves, forming a ring around him. The commandos were quickly killed by the Level II of guards. Apollyon then approached the Prince and Princess, telling Michelle Cameron-Jones he would have been disappointed if she had not tried something. He then addressed the whole Regulan delegation and soldiers using his augmented voice, asking how they could dare trying to attack him. Apollyon continued that he must give a demonstration of what will happen if they do heed his ultimatum. Apollyon orders one his battle armor clad warriors to grab the Prince's left fore-arm and holding him aloft for all to see, shatters it. He again asks the Prince Titus if he understands he can crush his frail bones as easily as he can crush his frail nation. The Prince, in serious pain, is able to give his response, confirming that he understands.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', pp. 4-7 - "Sins of Our Father" (short story).</ref>  
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In early [[3076]], Apollyon asked for a meeting with the "Captain-General" of the [[Principality of Regulus]], calling for a ceasefire between the two. In April, Apollyon arrived with a task force drawn from the [[50th Shadow Division]]<ref name="JHS:Tp21">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 21: "Timeline of the Jihad"</ref><ref name="J:FRp55">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 55: "The Jihad in Review"</ref> for meeting with the Prince of Regulus.  He found that Prince Kirc Cameron-Jones had been replaced by his son, [[Titus Cameron-Jones]].  In the meeting at [[Regulus]]' capital city spaceport, he delivered an ultimatum to the new Prince, stating that the crimes of his father, especially his attack against Gibson, would no longer be tolerated, proclaiming that all of Regulus would pay the price should they conduct any actions outside their borders, be it by proxy or by themselves. They would get to know the full fury of the Master.  As he awaited the answer to his ultimatum, the Prince's wife had snipers try to shoot him. However, Apollyon's escort troopers took a number of shots for him. Regulan commandos then emerged from DropShips and attempted to assassinate Apollyon, however almost immediately after the shooting started, he ordered his [[Level II]] of invisible mimetic Battle Armor bodyguards to reveal themselves, forming a ring around him. The commandos were quickly killed by the Level II of guards. Apollyon then approached the Prince and Princess, telling Michelle Cameron-Jones he would have been disappointed if she had not tried something. He then addressed the whole Regulan delegation and soldiers using his augmented voice, asking how they could dare trying to attack him. Apollyon continued that he must give a demonstration of what will happen if they do heed his ultimatum. Apollyon ordered one his battle armor clad warriors to grab the Prince's left forearm and holding him aloft for all to see, shattered it. He again asked Prince Titus if he understands he can crush his frail bones as easily as he can crush his frail nation. The Prince, in serious pain, is able to give his response, confirming that he understands.<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', pp. 4–7: "Sins of Our Father"</ref>
  
In 3076, the word of the destruction of the ''[[Ventura]]'' prototype [[WarShip]] had reached Apollyon. Once it is clear Regulan forces were involved with its destruction, he orders [[Naamah]] to send a personal visceral message to Prince Titus,<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 87 - The Hanging Threat - "Apollyon orders Naamah to punish Titus for destruction of the Venture".</ref>  which turns out to be the murder of his wife Michelle and her unborn child.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p.70-71 "Titus Cameron-Jones"</ref>
+
In 3076, the word of the destruction of the ''[[Venturer (Individual Venturer-class WarShip)|Venturer]]'' prototype [[WarShip]] reached Apollyon. Once it is clear Regulan forces were involved with its destruction, he orders [[Naamah]] to send a personal visceral message to Prince Titus,<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3076'', p. 87: The Hanging Threat - "Apollyon orders Naamah to punish Titus for destruction of the Venture"</ref>  which turns out to be the murder of his wife Michelle and her unborn child.<ref>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', pp. 70–71: "Titus Cameron-Jones"</ref>
  
On the 30th of April [[3078]] [[Colonel]] [[Marcel Webb]] - commanding officer of the [[Star Seeds]] mercenary unit and head of security for the allied coalition - announced in a news broadcast from [[Kittery]] that the allied coalition was filing criminal charges on behalf of all the allied nations against a number of Word of Blake senior or high profile figures, including Apollyon. The coalition intended to charge Apollyon with terrorism, murder and genocide.<ref name="JHS:Tp82">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 82, "Charges Filed"</ref>
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On 30 April [[3078]], [[Colonel]] [[Marcel Webb]]—commanding officer of the [[Star Seeds]] mercenary unit and head of security for the allied coalition—announced in a news broadcast from [[Kittery]] that the allied coalition was filing criminal charges on behalf of all the allied nations against a number of Word of Blake senior or high profile figures, including Apollyon. The coalition intended to charge Apollyon with terrorism, murder and genocide.<ref name="JHS:Tp82">''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 82: "Charges Filed"</ref>
  
Apollyon was on Gibson in [[3079]] when the Principality of Regulus entered orbit in the system and unleashed a bombardment of nuclear weapons. The entire planet was destroyed, and Apollyon was presumed killed.<ref>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 14</ref><ref>''Jihad Final Reckoning'', p. 18</ref>
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Apollyon was on Gibson in [[3079]] when the Principality of Regulus entered orbit in the system and unleashed a bombardment of nuclear weapons. The entire planet was destroyed, and Apollyon was presumed killed.<ref name=FM:3086p14/><ref name=J:FRp18/>
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 +
==BattleMech==
 +
In the field Apollyon piloted a ''[[Shootist]]'' [[BattleMech]],<ref name=MMp216>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 216</ref> heavily modified with a weapon loadout that remains something of a mystery. It may have been equipped with an experimental HPG Cannon, a weapon that employed a miniaturized [[hyperpulse generator]] to tear a target apart with a single shot.<ref>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 139</ref>
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
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We are the saviors of humanity.''
 
We are the saviors of humanity.''
  
The human race is intrinsically evil. Within each and every  
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The human race is intrinsically evil. Within each and every one of us may be found salvation and hope, intelligence and grace.  But to a much greater degree, each and every one of us harbors greed, selfish pride, lust, and ambition the seeds of our own destruction. History teaches that time and again, the will to do evil is strong enough to overpower the will to perform good.
one of us may be found salvation and hope, intelligence and  
 
grace.  But to a much greater degree, each and every one  
 
of us harbors greed, selfish pride, lust, and ambition the  
 
seeds of our own destruction. History teaches that time and  
 
again, the will to do evil is strong enough to overpower the  
 
will to perform good.
 
  
This will has created mighty empires, moved mountains,  
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This will has created mighty empires, moved mountains, and settled the stars…only to bring us to the brink of annihilation time and time again for centuries uncounted.
and settled the stars…only to bring us to the brink of annihilation  
 
time and time again for centuries uncounted.
 
  
 
Evil is in the nature of all mankind. It is integral to the flesh.
 
Evil is in the nature of all mankind. It is integral to the flesh.
  
It is thus that we willingly sacrifice our very flesh. We trade  
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It is thus that we willingly sacrifice our very flesh. We trade the evil within us for the purity of technology, the cold, impartial perfection of the machine, yet retain enough to cling to our mission. We divorce ourselves from the senses and sins of the flesh — the petty desires of ego, lust, and vanity — yet we do not lose sight of their affect [''sic''] on others. We embrace the visions of a brighter future — even if it is one our fellow man must be dragged toward, kicking and screaming.
the evil within us for the purity of technology, the cold, impartial perfection of the machine, yet retain enough to cling to  
 
our mission. We divorce ourselves from the senses and sins  
 
of the flesh — the petty desires of ego, lust, and vanity — yet  
 
we do not lose sight of their affect on others. We embrace  
 
the visions of a brighter future — even if it is one our fellow  
 
man must be dragged toward, kicking and screaming.
 
  
We become more than merely human, and far more than  
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We become more than merely human, and far more than mere machines. We become tools of the Master, born in his image, awakened to his purpose, a purpose of pure, enlightened truth. As the hands are the first tools of men, we become tools of the Master's vision. We become the Master's Hands.
mere machines. We become tools of the Master, born in his  
 
image, awakened to his purpose, a purpose of pure, enlightened truth. As the hands are the first tools of men, we become  
 
tools of the Master’s vision. We become the Master’s Hands.
 
  
Some might call us monsters, in the same fashion as all  
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Some might call us monsters, in the same fashion as all weapons of war are seen as monstrous. But what we do is for the betterment of all. We accept this responsibility willingly, exchanging our very lives to the Master and his vision for a greater glory all might one day share.
weapons of war are seen as monstrous. But what we do is for  
 
the betterment of all. We accept this responsibility willingly,  
 
exchanging our very lives to the Master and his vision for a  
 
greater glory all might one day share.
 
  
That is what it means to be Manei Domini.  That is our  
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That is what it means to be Manei Domini.  That is our legacy for the future.
legacy for the future.
 
  
''Sursum corda.'' [Lift up your hearts.]
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''Sursum corda.'' [Lift up your hearts.]<br />
''Dignum et justum est.'' [It is good and right.]
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''Dignum et justum est.'' [It is good and right.]<br />
''Gratias agamus Domino Blake nostro.'' [Let us give thanks  
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''Gratias agamus Domino Blake nostro.'' [Let us give thanks to Blake our lord.]''}}
to Blake our lord.]''}}
 
 
 
:-Personal  record of  '''Apollyon''',  Precentor ''[[Manei Domini]]'' (circa [[3069]])<ref>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 37</ref>
 
  
 +
: —Personal record of Apollyon, Precentor ''[[Manei Domini]]'' (circa [[3069]])<ref>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 37</ref>
  
 
'''Apollyon:''' ''"I assure you, Colonel, were conversion or torture our only goal, you would most certainly be a broken man by now."''<br>
 
'''Apollyon:''' ''"I assure you, Colonel, were conversion or torture our only goal, you would most certainly be a broken man by now."''<br>
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'''Apollyon:''' ''"No, Colonel. You remain as you are because we have made you so. We have strengthened your resolve, given you focus, because the Master has willed it so. And now, you are ready for your mission..."''
 
'''Apollyon:''' ''"No, Colonel. You remain as you are because we have made you so. We have strengthened your resolve, given you focus, because the Master has willed it so. And now, you are ready for your mission..."''
  
:-Apollyon begins brainwashing Colonel [[Fritz Donner]], November 5, [[3071]]<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 7</ref>
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: —Apollyon begins brainwashing Colonel [[Fritz Donner]], November 5, [[3071]]<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3072'', p. 7</ref>
  
==Titles and Ranks==
+
==Notes==
Precentor ''Manei Domini'', Precentor Domini, and the commanding officer of the [[52nd Shadow Division]].
+
* Although nominally based on Gibson, it is apparent from many sources that Apollyon traveled extensively during the Jihad. For example, it is indicated that he traveled to [[Terra]] to introduce new officers to the Manei Domini, as in the case of [[Berith]].<ref>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 6</ref>
 
 
{{S-start}}
 
{{S-bef|before=?????}}
 
{{S-title|title=Precentor [[Manei Domini]]|years=306? &ndash; 308?}}
 
{{S-aft|after=None}}
 
{{S-end}}
 
 
 
{{S-start}}
 
{{S-bef|before=Sir [[Paul Masters]]}}
 
{{S-title|title=Count of [[Gibson]]|years=[[3071]] &ndash; 30??}}
 
{{S-aft|after=None}}
 
{{S-end}}
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Apollyon image from Jihad Secrets.jpg|The original image of Apollyon from ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
+
Apollyon (3).jpg|In [[3072]]
File:Apollyon (3).jpg|Precentor Apollyon in action, from the cover of ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]''
+
Apollyon JSTBD.png|In 3075
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Notes==
 
* He was noted to be the pilot of a modified ''[[Shootist]]'' [[BattleMech]].
 
* Although nominally based on Gibson, it is apparent from many sources that Apollyon traveled extensively during the Jihad. For example, it is indicated that he traveled to [[Terra]] to introduce new officers to the Manei Domini, as in the case of [[Berith]]. <ref>''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 6</ref>
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 124: Line 99:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3072]]''
Line 129: Line 105:
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
 +
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Dieron]]''
 
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
 
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
 
* ''[[Starterbook: Wolf and Blake]]''
 
* ''[[Starterbook: Wolf and Blake]]''
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Dieron]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
  
 
[[Category:Word of Blake Characters|Apollyon]]
 
[[Category:Word of Blake Characters|Apollyon]]
[[Category:Manei Domini]]
+
[[Category:Manei Domini Characters|Apollyon]]
[[Category:Precentors|Apollyon]]
 

Latest revision as of 08:11, 24 November 2023

Apollyon, ca. 3076
Apollyon
Character Profile
Died 3079 (presumed)[1][2]
Affiliation Word of Blake
Manei Domini
Rank Precentor

Precentor Apollyon was a mysterious "Ascended" cybernetic warrior of the Word of Blake's elite Manei Domini and commanded all the Manei Domini Shadow Divisions in name of the Master. As Precentor of the Manei Domini he was considered the single controlling authority allowed to introduce Ascendants into becoming named Manei Domini warriors of high ranks. He had been given the informal title of the Prince of Scars.

Personality[edit]

Fanatical to both the cause of the Master and the Word of Blake, he considered himself far above frail unaugmented humans. Despite this, he was determined to protect them by any means, not unlike a samurai or knight.[3] He saw himself as the guiding father of the Manei Domini. Many believe that due to his lack of greed and ambition he could be called insane.

Apollyon was a master of intimidation as well as an expert in conducting interrogations and brainwashing. Among his victims were Fritz Donner and Michael Cirion, both of whom had commanded the Black Warriors.

Apollyon had a strong distrust, even hatred, of Cameron St. Jamais: Apollyon thought of St. Jamais as an "arrogant whelp" who was worse than the "Pretender" Thomas Marik and even Jaime Wolf.[4]

Appearance[edit]

Apollyon typically wore a hooded red acolyte's robe with gold trim. Both his legs, one of his arms, and the right side of his face were replaced with cybernetic implants. What remained of his skin was described as cocoa-like in color.

History[edit]

Much of Apollyon's past is a mystery to the general public, however intelligence agencies believe that he was a former native of the lost world of Jardine, one of the Word of Blake's five hidden worlds, and the leader of that planet too.[5]

During the beginning throes of the Jihad, he led the hunt for Doctor Brooklyn Stevens, who had discovered the location of Jardine.

After the Ghosts of the Black Watch rescued Hohiro Kurita from Dieron, Apollyon ordered the Opacus Venatori to destroy the unit and kill Colonel Loren Jaffray.[6]

On 9 August 3071, Free Worlds League government gave control over Gibson to Apollyon.[7] After taking control of the planet he created a massive command and control complex that became the headquarters for his Shadow Divisions.

In February 3074, Apollyon led the 52nd Division to Bolan where he directed his people to destroy the capital of the planet. The fighting against the Brion's Legion prevented him from killing the planetary leader, Duke Umayr. After sacking the capital city he ordered the execution of the planetary nobility.[8]

In 3075, Precentor Cameron St. Jamais had sent a series of transmissions to Apollyon, demanding to know why the Shadow Divisions were attacking his worlds. Apollyon simply replied that only the worthy would be allowed to survive and that the Master trusted him, Jamais, to hold Terra against their enemies.[9]

In early 3076, Apollyon asked for a meeting with the "Captain-General" of the Principality of Regulus, calling for a ceasefire between the two. In April, Apollyon arrived with a task force drawn from the 50th Shadow Division[10][11] for meeting with the Prince of Regulus. He found that Prince Kirc Cameron-Jones had been replaced by his son, Titus Cameron-Jones. In the meeting at Regulus' capital city spaceport, he delivered an ultimatum to the new Prince, stating that the crimes of his father, especially his attack against Gibson, would no longer be tolerated, proclaiming that all of Regulus would pay the price should they conduct any actions outside their borders, be it by proxy or by themselves. They would get to know the full fury of the Master. As he awaited the answer to his ultimatum, the Prince's wife had snipers try to shoot him. However, Apollyon's escort troopers took a number of shots for him. Regulan commandos then emerged from DropShips and attempted to assassinate Apollyon, however almost immediately after the shooting started, he ordered his Level II of invisible mimetic Battle Armor bodyguards to reveal themselves, forming a ring around him. The commandos were quickly killed by the Level II of guards. Apollyon then approached the Prince and Princess, telling Michelle Cameron-Jones he would have been disappointed if she had not tried something. He then addressed the whole Regulan delegation and soldiers using his augmented voice, asking how they could dare trying to attack him. Apollyon continued that he must give a demonstration of what will happen if they do heed his ultimatum. Apollyon ordered one his battle armor clad warriors to grab the Prince's left forearm and holding him aloft for all to see, shattered it. He again asked Prince Titus if he understands he can crush his frail bones as easily as he can crush his frail nation. The Prince, in serious pain, is able to give his response, confirming that he understands.[12]

In 3076, the word of the destruction of the Venturer prototype WarShip reached Apollyon. Once it is clear Regulan forces were involved with its destruction, he orders Naamah to send a personal visceral message to Prince Titus,[13] which turns out to be the murder of his wife Michelle and her unborn child.[14]

On 30 April 3078, Colonel Marcel Webb—commanding officer of the Star Seeds mercenary unit and head of security for the allied coalition—announced in a news broadcast from Kittery that the allied coalition was filing criminal charges on behalf of all the allied nations against a number of Word of Blake senior or high profile figures, including Apollyon. The coalition intended to charge Apollyon with terrorism, murder and genocide.[15]

Apollyon was on Gibson in 3079 when the Principality of Regulus entered orbit in the system and unleashed a bombardment of nuclear weapons. The entire planet was destroyed, and Apollyon was presumed killed.[1][2]

BattleMech[edit]

In the field Apollyon piloted a Shootist BattleMech,[16] heavily modified with a weapon loadout that remains something of a mystery. It may have been equipped with an experimental HPG Cannon, a weapon that employed a miniaturized hyperpulse generator to tear a target apart with a single shot.[17]

Quotes[edit]

We are Manei Domini.

We are the Hands of the Master.
We are the Will of the Blessed Blake.
We are the saviors of humanity.

The human race is intrinsically evil. Within each and every one of us may be found salvation and hope, intelligence and grace. But to a much greater degree, each and every one of us harbors greed, selfish pride, lust, and ambition the seeds of our own destruction. History teaches that time and again, the will to do evil is strong enough to overpower the will to perform good.

This will has created mighty empires, moved mountains, and settled the stars…only to bring us to the brink of annihilation time and time again for centuries uncounted.

Evil is in the nature of all mankind. It is integral to the flesh.

It is thus that we willingly sacrifice our very flesh. We trade the evil within us for the purity of technology, the cold, impartial perfection of the machine, yet retain enough to cling to our mission. We divorce ourselves from the senses and sins of the flesh — the petty desires of ego, lust, and vanity — yet we do not lose sight of their affect [sic] on others. We embrace the visions of a brighter future — even if it is one our fellow man must be dragged toward, kicking and screaming.

We become more than merely human, and far more than mere machines. We become tools of the Master, born in his image, awakened to his purpose, a purpose of pure, enlightened truth. As the hands are the first tools of men, we become tools of the Master's vision. We become the Master's Hands.

Some might call us monsters, in the same fashion as all weapons of war are seen as monstrous. But what we do is for the betterment of all. We accept this responsibility willingly, exchanging our very lives to the Master and his vision for a greater glory all might one day share.

That is what it means to be Manei Domini. That is our legacy for the future.

Sursum corda. [Lift up your hearts.]
Dignum et justum est. [It is good and right.]
Gratias agamus Domino Blake nostro. [Let us give thanks to Blake our lord.]

—Personal record of Apollyon, Precentor Manei Domini (circa 3069)[18]

Apollyon: "I assure you, Colonel, were conversion or torture our only goal, you would most certainly be a broken man by now."
Fritz Donner: "Broken? Or turned into one of you freaks?"
Apollyon: "Do you really think you could stop us from doing that even now? All we would need is a surgical table and a lot of sharp objects."
Apollyon: "No, Colonel. You remain as you are because we have made you so. We have strengthened your resolve, given you focus, because the Master has willed it so. And now, you are ready for your mission..."

—Apollyon begins brainwashing Colonel Fritz Donner, November 5, 3071[19]

Notes[edit]

  • Although nominally based on Gibson, it is apparent from many sources that Apollyon traveled extensively during the Jihad. For example, it is indicated that he traveled to Terra to introduce new officers to the Manei Domini, as in the case of Berith.[20]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 14
  2. 2.0 2.1 Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 18
  3. Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 87: "The Hanging Threat - Conversation recorded between Apollyon and Naamah reveals his feelings on Manei Domini duty toward humans"
  4. Jihad Hot Spots: 3072, p. 6
  5. Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents, p. 81: "Apollyon profile - Apollyon suspected being native and leader of the lost world of Jardine"
  6. Jihad Turning Points: Dieron, p. 6
  7. Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 17: Timeline - "9th August Apollyon given named control of the world of Gibson"
  8. Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 14: "Brion's Legion Saves Duke Umayr"<<file BOLTIMES.200274.vol2a>> - New excerpt of Apollyon's unit actions on Bolton
  9. Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 50: Feuding Children - "Garbled transmission between Apollyon and Precentor St. Jamais"
  10. Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 21: "Timeline of the Jihad"
  11. Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 55: "The Jihad in Review"
  12. Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, pp. 4–7: "Sins of Our Father"
  13. Jihad Hot Spots: 3076, p. 87: The Hanging Threat - "Apollyon orders Naamah to punish Titus for destruction of the Venture"
  14. Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, pp. 70–71: "Titus Cameron-Jones"
  15. Jihad Hot Spots: Terra, p. 82: "Charges Filed"
  16. Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers, p. 216
  17. Jihad: Final Reckoning, p. 139
  18. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, p. 37
  19. Jihad Hot Spots: 3072, p. 7
  20. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, p. 6

Bibliography[edit]