Welcome, young one, to the realm of Shadows. We are masters of the land between the darkness and the light, but our path was not always so.

Many from our first days have long since left to travel a new path. I was not present for those days, but you may still learn from my words. Arcona was but an Independent House, founded by the Dark Jedi Donitz.

As it grew in strength, Arcona was granted the ability to form a Clan, with three distinct houses under the command of its first Consul, Nighthawk. The original three houses continue to this day; Qel-Droma, Galeres and Oriens Obscurum, each enjoying their own place in Dark Brotherhood lore having survived many battles and proving victorious countless times over.

Life within the Brotherhood was filled with constant struggle, running the gamut of strife from political or physical. Through it all this Clan stormed through, battered, but never bowing to any aggressor. We feared no one, our will never bending no matter the odds or whom we faced. Our fearlessness would rove fruitful for what was to come.

Now we come to the point where the story of both the Brotherhood and Arcona can be split into two parts. You have just heard the first. The second begins at the height of our power. We blazed a path of glory across the Brotherhood, fighting for supremacy and beating back the other clans.

The Exodus changed all of this. You will have heard of the Exodus, or the Split, as they are one and the same. We cast off the shackles of the military organization known as the Emperor's Hammer. I urge you to seek out the full tale of the Exodus, but for today, you need only know that much of Arcona was lost during this time. Although we were able to take the bulk of our fleet and possessions, many of our brethren, my Clan brothers and sisters, stayed loyal to the Emperor's Hammer.

Our old home of Coronada was lost to us, but the Dajorra System was found and we now call it home. With our new home came new discoveries. Now, listen carefully to this for it may one day save your sanity. Nighthawk, upon leaving his Consulship, left behind the Abyssal Tome. This ominous book was never touched until we arrived here on Selen, at which point Consul Mejas Doto brought forth the ancient artefact and was the first to fall under it's spell. Within its covers were the powers of Shadowcrafting and initiation rights for di Tenebrous Arconae. I am Arconae, and only those who have shown themselves to sacrifice all for this Clan shall ever be granted that honour.

The Tome however contains secrets far beyond what most can handle, with only the Consul's able to delve deep within it's pages. Many a Consul, myself included, has been deeply affected by its words. When you have been deemed ready for its initial pages, brace yourself for a plunge into madness.

The essence of the Tome has affected every aspect of the Clan, inserting strife between the Houses. They are constantly vying for supremacy and the Consul's favour. You will be drawn into this struggle. Prepare yourself now.

Our struggles however are contained. In times of war, the Clan is drawn together in the bond of darkness, striking out at any enemy who should threaten us. Many battles have been fought, whether for Clan supremacy or against forces who wishes the downfall of the Brotherhood. All Arconans are bound by their vow to follow their leader wherever they may go.

We travel the dark paths, young one, and the areas where no other being would dare dwell. Take strength in that fact, and knowledge that you too shall stride where others fear.