Black Raven Initiative [BLKRVN] - Organizations

History

Introduction: A Hidden Player in the Verse

Within the complex tapestry of the Star Citizen universe, where mega-corporations, pirate factions, and alien civilizations vie for power and influence, a secretive and enigmatic organization has been quietly making its mark—the Black Raven Initiative. Known to only a select few, this organization operates from the shadows, focusing on exploration, advanced technology, and safeguarding humanity from existential threats.

Origins: The Fall of the Messer Regime and a New Vision

The Black Raven Initiative traces its origins back to the fall of the Messer Regime in 2792. As the United Empire of Earth (UEE) transitioned from a brutal dictatorship to a more democratic government, a group of disillusioned scientists, former military officers, and rogue explorers saw an opportunity to reshape the future of humanity. They believed that neither the UEE nor the powerful mega-corporations like Origin Jumpworks or Drake Interplanetary could be trusted to guide humanity through the vast and unpredictable dangers of the universe.

Led by a charismatic former UEE Navy Admiral, codenamed Muninn, and a brilliant ex-Anvil Aerospace engineer, codenamed Huginn, the group formed the Black Raven Initiative in 2795. They chose the name “Black Raven” to symbolize their ethos: intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to operate beyond the oversight of corrupt governments and self-serving corporations.

The Raven’s Nest: Building in the Shadows

The Initiative established its headquarters, known as the Raven’s Nest, in a hidden asteroid field within an uncharted system. Utilizing advanced stealth technology, they developed a network of secret bases and research stations across remote sectors of the verse. These bases, hidden in asteroid belts, nebulae, and barren moons, serve as safe havens for their members and as launch points for deep-space expeditions.

The Black Raven Initiative operates with a strict code of secrecy. New recruits, often disillusioned former UEE military personnel, freelance explorers, trade runners, industrialists and rogue scientists, are carefully vetted and sworn to an oath of loyalty. The organization’s decentralized nature ensures that, even if one base is discovered, the others remain hidden.

Core Mission: Guardians of the Future

The Black Raven Initiative’s primary mission is threefold:

Exploration and Knowledge Preservation: The Ravens prioritize deep-space exploration, venturing into the most dangerous and uncharted sectors of the verse. They seek out ancient alien artifacts, derelict stations, and lost human colonies, believing that knowledge is the key to humanity’s survival. They have also made several covert expeditions into Vanduul and Xi’an space, often ahead of the UEE’s own initiatives.

Countering Existential Threats: The Initiative considers itself a guardian against threats to humanity—both external and internal. They believe the Vanduul are not the only dangers lurking in the cosmos. Rogue AI, unsanctioned weapons research, and unknown alien entities are all on their radar. They have developed clandestine operations to counter pirate factions, rogue mercenary groups, and dangerous cults like the Nine Tails when they threaten larger human interests.

Advanced Technology and Experimentation: Unlike the UEE or corporate entities, the Ravens aren’t bound by bureaucratic red tape or corporate regulations. They freely experiment with forbidden technologies, including quantum anomaly manipulation, artificial intelligence, and reverse-engineering alien tech. This has led them to develop some of the most advanced stealth ships and prototype weapons in the verse, including the much-rumored Raven-Class Stealth Corvette—a ship said to be capable of out-maneuvering and out-performing even the best Aegis Dynamics and Anvil Aerospace craft.

Notable Operations: The Shadows That Guide

The Black Raven Initiative has been implicated in several mysterious events across the verse, though nothing has ever been definitively proven:

The Orion Incident (2931): A secret Vanduul raid on the remote UEE colony in the Orion system was repelled by an unknown fleet using advanced stealth technology. The UEE Navy, arriving hours later, found no trace of the mysterious defenders, leading to speculation that the Ravens intervened to prevent a massacre.

Operation Nightfall (2945): When the notorious outlaw Dane Kellar attempted to seize control of GrimHex in the Crusader system, a sudden electromagnetic pulse disabled his fleet. Kellar’s ship was found adrift, and his crew in a fugue state. Though the UEE and Crusader Security investigated, rumors suggested a Raven strike team deployed a prototype EMP device to neutralize the threat.

The Lost Beacon of Odin IV (2952): Deep in uncharted space, a derelict research station was discovered broadcasting an ancient distress signal. UEE surveyors found no survivors, but they did find detailed star maps of an unknown system and encrypted logs mentioning “Raven reconnaissance ships.” These documents remain classified, fueling speculation about the Initiative’s activities in the outer rim.

The Raven’s Call

In the 30th century, as humanity stands on the brink of new horizons and ever-present dangers, the Black Raven Initiative remains a shadowy guardian. Neither friend nor foe to the UEE, the Ravens see themselves as the true vanguard of human potential—a group committed to ensuring that humanity not only survives but thrives in the vast, unpredictable expanse of the verse.

Their unofficial motto, whispered among the most seasoned pilots and most ambitious explorers, remains a mystery to most but a guiding star to all who join them: “From the Shadows, We Rise.”

Manifesto

Mission and Philosophy

The Black Raven Initiative operates under a singular guiding principle: Preservation through principle. We believe that small, calculated actions can prevent widespread disaster, and that sometimes the ends justify the means. The organization sees itself as a necessary evil, willing to do what others cannot or will not to ensure the survival and advancement of humanity. Our motto, “Corvus Aeternus Custos” (The Raven, Eternal Guardian) symbolizes an eternal sentinel watching over the cosmos, embodying wisdom, strength, and an unyielding commitment to its mission. The raven, a creature often associated with foresight and mystery, serves as a perfect emblem for a force that is ever-watchful, prepared, and dedicated to the exploration and safeguarding of the unknown. This eternal guardian stands as a symbol of both the pursuit of knowledge and the protection of what is discovered. Unlike traditional organizations, the Black Raven Initiative has no official allegiance to any nation or government. Instead, we serve a higher purpose, one that transcends borders and ideologies. Our goal is to maintain a delicate balance of power in the verse, preventing any one entity from becoming too dominant or too destructive. We truly believe in a future where humanity can thrive, but only if the most dangerous elements are kept in check.

Operations and Structure

Black Raven Initiative is structured by special divisions, each with a distinct focus:

SWORD: [Space Warfare Operations & Reconnaissance Division] Our combat and defense division, which specializes in air, space, naval and ground combat.

SHIELD: [Space Hazard Intervention & Expeditionary Liaison Division] Our support division, which specializes in medicine, exploration, scientific research, cyber-ops, engineering, refueling and towing.

HAMMER: [Hyper-Active Material Management & Extra-terrestrial Resources Division] Our logistics and industrial division, which specializes in supply, mining, salvaging, trade, and cargo.

Legacy and Influence

As the universe evolves, so does the Black Raven Initiative. We adapt to new challenges and threats, ever vigilant and ready to act when the balance of power is at risk. Always operating in the shadows, we guard the future against those who seek its demise.

Charter

BLACK RAVEN INITIATIVE – ORGANIZATION RULES

Age

Members must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years old to join the organization. This is not only for legal reasons, we expect our members to possess maturity, decorum and respect.

Real Life Comes First

Real life comes first. We will not demand your attendance over work, school, and family. We all have responsibilities outside of work. If you will be inactive for an extended period of time, let your chain of command know. We do not expect you on every day.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Griefing of any kind is strictly NOT allowed. Harassment of any kind in the verse via global comms is strictly not allowed and is a bannable offense.

Respect

At BRI, we uphold high standards and treat everyone with respect. We value integrity, both within our organization and in our interactions with others in the verse.

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BLACK RAVEN INITIATIVE – RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Purpose

The Rules of Engagement (ROE) codify the internal rules or directives that members of the Black Raven Initiative (“BLKRVN” or “BRI” or “The Organization”) will follow in the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in the use of force.

The Right to Self Defense

Regardless of any other rules stated here or elsewhere, members of BLKRVN have the inherent right, in all circumstances, to defend the lives, property, or entrusted goods under our protection. In simple terms, if a hostile act is committed or threatened against any member, you are authorized to use deadly force.

Defense of Another

As with the Right to Self Defense, the membership will have the right to defend each other. Should a hostile act be committed or threatened upon any member of the Black Raven Initiative or a declared ally, any member may act and use deadly force to defend, aid, protect, or otherwise help each other or a declared ally. A member need not witness the hostile act, a simple report by any communication means is sufficient.

Griefing

No member of BLKRVN will participate in any act that violates the terms of service specified by Roberts Space Industries (“RSI”), Cloud Imperium Games (“CIG”), or subsidiaries thereof. Further, BLKRVN sees senseless and wanton violence as abhorrent. The use of force should be with a purpose, i.e. PvP with a purpose, seizing space or land area, denying access to a location, accepted challenges and duels, etc. More simply, random killing is NOT allowed. Other examples of griefing include: pad ramming, exploiting, and any other action that violates Cloud Imperium Games terms of service.

Privateering

A privateer is a private person or vessel which engages in hostilities under a commission of war or a letter or marque. The Black Raven Initiative Council may commission members to engage in hostilities against others for the purpose of taking prizes, such as cargo and ships. A Privateer is NOT a Pirate. Privateering is a limited action taken in a specified area, against known specified parties, or even unknown parties over a specified time period. It is not wanton killing and stealing of cargo from any party at any time, the latter more a definition of Piracy. When authorized, BLKRVN members that are participating in Privateering shall always act in a minimum of two. The group effort provides evidence that the acts committed were within the ROE and not Piracy or Griefing. Failure to obtain authorization, solo privateer, or commit acts of piracy is a Violation of the ROE and shall be addressed as such as described herein. All proceeds from Privateering shall be split evenly amongst the members that took part in the action with an equal share distributed to the BRI bank.

Violation of the Rules of Engagement

A violation of the ROE should be brought to the attention of the first officer in the Chain of Command, however, a member shall always have the option to report a violation directly to the Council. The Council will appoint an investigating officer who will obtain all evidence and produce a report for the Leader and Council’s review. Should the member be found to be in violation of the ROE, disciplinary action will be taken at the discretion of the leadership with the Council voting in the affirmative. This can include expulsion from The Organization, especially for repeated violations.

Black Raven Initiative / BLKRVN

“The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”