Scourge of Death
Sarna News
The Scourge of Death was a terrorist organization that operated in the Free Worlds League during the mid-27th Century.
Overview
Following the establishment of the Star League and the conquest of the Magistracy of Canopus, the Free Worlds League became a victim of its own success in both of these events. Canopian industries, refurbished and updated by post-war aid, soon outperformed those of their League benefactors, and then the introduction of the Star League dollar became the straw that broke the League's economy's back. Driven into recession from 2623 until the late 2640s, the Free Worlds League witnessed the rise of a protectionist faction opposed to the Star League and seeking to guard the League's economy with anti-free trade measures.[1] [2]
While the League's economy recovered in the mid-27th Century, the most extreme anti-Star League protectionists continued to push their agenda. Deprived of popular support due to the economic upsurge, they began resorting to violence in the 2660s. While most of these groups were small and swiftly hunted down, one organization would pose a far greater challenge.
This "Scourge of Death" terrorist group first made its presence known with 2667 with a bomb at Atreus' starport aimed at pro-Free Trade industrialists. This action heralded over a decade's worth of bombings, assassinations, hijackings and other terrorist acts while the League's security forces were unable to capture any high-ranking members or uncover the Scourge's shadowy patrons.[3]
On October 19, 2678, the Scourge finally overreached when it bombed House Marik's family estate in Dormuth on Marik. The reigning Captain-General Theodore Marik was slain along with thirty-eight others in an attack which almost destroyed the Marik dynasty. But Gerald Marik managed to survive after a month of treatment and bionic reconstruction. Taking office as Captain-General, Gerald determined to hunt down and destroy the Scourge of Death.[3] [4]