View source for Arastin Delacroix

{{CharacterInfobox
| status       = Alive
| born         = 
| died         = 
| gender       = Male
| homesystem   = Mudhrid
| allegiance   = Empire
| occupation   = Landgrave of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid (formerly)
| relations    = [[Corentin Delacroix]] (Son)
}}
Landgrave '''Arastin Delacroix''' was the leader of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, an [[Empire]]-aligned minor faction that originated in the Mudhrid system. At some point prior to March 3307, the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]] reached out to Delacroix, gaining his allegiance in exchange for promises of high status in the "Republic" the NMLA planned to build after deposing the [[Imperial Family|Duvals]]. The Landgrave directed his faction, then named the Order of Mudhrid, to provide logistical support for the NMLA's most daring attack: [[Nine Martyrs]].

In the aftermath of the bombings, the [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] identified Mudhrid as the NMLA's staging post, and Captain [[Niamh Seutonia]] discovered that the Landgrave was extending the use of his [[megaship]], the [[Steel Majesty]], to NMLA members. Exposed, Landgrave Delacroix openly proclaimed his support for Neo-Marlinism, renamed his faction to the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, and declared a revolution against the [[Imperial Family]], drawing a military response from the Empire. The Order was quickly defeated, but Landgrave Delacroix eluded capture and vowed to continue fighting the Duvals. He then fled with what remained of his supporters aboard the Steel Majesty to Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 in the [[Marlinist Colonies]], and requested asylum from Minister [[Aaron Whyte]].

Although the situation threatened to cause an international crisis, [[Senator]] [[Lorcan Scordato]] negotiated a peaceful resolution that satisfied all parties. In exchange for identifying the NMLA's senior leadership to ACT, Delacroix and his inner circle were given a relatively lenient sentence of life imprisonment at a Marlinist detention facility for their role in Nine Martyrs, and the Order's remaining members were granted sanctuary and the chance to become citizens of the Marlinist Colonies. A leak of classified ACT files published by independent journalist [[Flint Lafosse]] on April 26, 3307 indicated that Delacroix had named Imperator [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]] of [[Nova Imperium]] as the NMLA's mastermind. While the leak was genuine, it took several weeks for ACT to investigate the Landgrave's claims. On May 21, ACT concluded that the NMLA had very likely falsified Imperator Hadrian's identity in its dealings with the Landgrave. ACT released a report confirming this theory on February 21, 3308, revealing that Delacroix had been manipulated by the [[Lords of Restoration]], the NMLA's true masterminds, using a virtual doppelganger of Hadrian.
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== Timeline ==
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21 FEB 3308
*[[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] has released details about a plan by the [[Lords of Restoration]] to frame [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]] as the leader of the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]]. The information was extracted from the NMLA's [[Omega Grid]] network and published by Captain [[Saskia Landau]]: "It was [[Senator]] [[Ursula Torquatus]] who devised a scheme to undermine the [[Imperial Family]] and turn citizens against them by 'exposing' a Duval as the NMLA mastermind. Hadrian Duval was seen as the logical choice since many viewed him as an extremist through his prior association with [[Nova Paresa|Nova Imperium]], though [[Emperor]] [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] officially pardoned him in 3306. The Lords of Restoration used a virtual doppelganger of the Emperor, indistinguishable from authentic transmissions, to convince the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] that she was communicating from a safe location. A similar doppelganger was developed to replicate Hadrian and was used to send orders to NMLA allies such as the Landgrave of Mudhrid. This is how they planted evidence, discovered in April 3307, that Hadrian had converted to Neo-Marlinism and was determined to wipe out all other Duvals. Yet, despite triggering an unsuccessful [[Federation|Federal]] attack in the [[Paresa]] system, the accusation was not verified or widely believed. Months later, the Lords of Restoration tried to kill Hadrian and [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Lady Astrid]] before their son [[Hector Mordanticus Duval|Hector]] could be born, fearing the continuation of the Duval dynasty. But other senators moved the family to a secure location, beyond the reach of their agents." Hadrian Duval has publicly thanked ACT for uncovering this information and officially absolving him of all suspicion in this matter.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/62138ad4d83a154b750c5986 GalNet: Further Omega Grid Secrets Revealed]</ref>
19 NOV 3307
*The [[megaship]] [[Steel Majesty]] has arrived in the Mudhrid system after being taken over by [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] terrorists. Its original owning faction, the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, has officially reclaimed the vessel. Margrave [[Corentin Delacroix]], the faction's new military ruler and the son of former Landgrave Arastin Delacroix, announced: "The Steel Majesty has returned home to fulfil its destiny. Be warned: should any ships attempt to board or attack, all the former crewmembers still onboard will be executed." Senior Agent [[Tanya Ramirez]] gave a statement on behalf of [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]]: "Unfortunately, we cannot take action while hundreds of innocent people remain captive. But the NMLA's effort to assemble troops, supporters and resources must not succeed. Having the Steel Majesty as a mobile base will allow them to regroup for a new campaign of terror – especially if they manage to reach [[Theta Seven]] before we do." A spokesperson for the Epsilon Fornacis Empire Group, which controls the Mudhrid system, claimed: "The hostages should be considered lost as casualties of war. We are prepared to perform our duty for the [[Empire]] once again by destroying the Neo-Marlinist threat."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6197a66c59a8504c152cf914 GalNet: Neo-Marlinist Forces Gather in Mudhrid]</ref>
14 JUN 3307
*The [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit]] has published an update on its investigation into the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army]]. Senior Agent [[Tanya Ramirez]], one of ACT's joint leaders, gave a statement to the media: "ACT is currently pursuing multiple lines of enquiry, which must remain classified for reasons of security. Our agents are gathering evidence from sites across the [[Alliance]], [[Empire]] and [[Federation]]. As yet we cannot report any significant breakthroughs. NMLA activists appear to use a dark-comms network that defies detection. They also compartmentalise their operations, so individual cells have little knowledge of each other. In recent months, NMLA incidents have been restricted to minor strikes against Imperial authorities, which were dealt with by local police forces. There has been no activity by Theta Group, the hardcore extremists responsible for the '[[Nine Martyrs]]' starport bombings. The collapse of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid may have deprived the NMLA of their logistical capability to deliver large-scale attacks. But it remains possible that a new wave of terrorist atrocities is being planned." ACT later confirmed that it has recruited additional personnel from [[Alliance Interpol]], the [[Federal Intelligence Agency]], the [[Imperial Internal Security Service]], the [[Marlinist Constabulary]], [[Nova Paresa|Nova Imperium's]] [[Praetorian Guard]] and the [[Wallglass Investigations Agency]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60c743ff19871404ab6986a6 GalNet: ACT Continues to Hunt NMLA Terrorists]</ref>
21 MAY 3307
*Evidence that Imperator [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]] masterminded the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] terror campaign cannot be authenticated, according to [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]]. Inspector [[Mara Klatt]], one of ACT’s joint leaders, delivered this report: "We have rigorously analysed data provided by the Landgrave of Mudhrid that contains detailed instructions from Hadrian Duval. The content undoubtedly arranges the starport bombings, but its source is inconclusive. It now seems highly plausible that his identity was faked by the NMLA." Hadrian Duval made an announcement via the [[Paresa News Network]]: "There can no longer be any doubt that the NMLA planted a false trail in order to incriminate us. They aim to slay every [[Imperial Family|Duval]] and demolish [[Empire|Imperial]] traditions, a goal that the [[Federation]] is clearly happy to support. [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Lady Astrid]] and I are deeply grateful to the Nova Navy, and all the other pilots who helped to defend our honour." The [[Federal Diplomatic Corps]] confirmed that the League of Mandu, which was defeated by [[Nova Imperium]], will withdraw from the [[Paresa]] system but made no reference to ACT's report. Praetor [[Leo Magnus]], head of security for Nova Imperium and a former [[Imperial Internal Security Service|IISS]] officer, has been seconded to ACT. He will serve as a replacement for the deceased Captain [[Niamh Seutonia]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60a79fa7cad2fc23ee125dc2 GalNet: Hadrian Duval Allegations Declared 'Inconclusive']</ref>
03 MAY 3307
*The isolationist group faces attack by both Federal and Imperial factions, after accusations that Imperator [[Hadrian Augustus Duval|Hadrian Duval]] is the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] mastermind. The League of Mandu arrived in the [[Paresa]] system last week and quickly established a foothold. Admiral Natalia Lee, commanding the Harmony's Shield megaship, announced: "Our purpose is to eliminate the terrorists who slaughtered so many [[Federation|Federal]] citizens. We advise the [[Empire]] to stand aside and allow us to deliver justice." Magister Julius Halstrom of the Peraesii Empire Consulate declared: "In the name of the [[Emperor]], we stand ready to purge the NMLA from the Paresa system – and the Federation too, unless they withdraw." Hadrian Duval has broadcast a message via [[Paresa News Network]]: "The NMLA faked my identity when dealing with the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, knowing the superpowers would do their work for them by killing another [[Imperial Family|Duval]]. [[Nova Imperium]] will defend itself if necessary, but we are not responsible for any terrorist attacks." [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] is still attempting to corroborate evidence provided by the Landgrave of Mudhrid. Praetor [[Leo Magnus]], Nova Imperium's security chief, is reportedly aiding their enquiries. The [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] has urgently requested direction from the Emperor, but [[Anders Blaine|Chancellor Blaine]] declared "[[Arissa Lavigny-Duval|Her Majesty]] cannot pass judgement upon a live investigation."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/608bf28ac9e22d02fc09c53d GalNet: Nova Imperium Targeted by Superpowers]</ref>
28 APR 3307
*[[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] has confirmed receiving evidence that [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] attacks were orchestrated by Imperator [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]], who immediately denied the claim. Landgrave Delacroix of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid provided details to ACT that the isolationist group [[Nova Imperium]] is at the heart of the NMLA. In response, Hadrian Duval made this statement: "These accusations are completely false. Our political stance is the exact opposite of Marlinism, since we believe in restoring the [[Empire]]'s traditions. Nova Imperium forces even fought against the terrorists in Mudhrid, as required by the [[Treaty of Paresa]]. As for [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Lady Astrid]] being a 'top NMLA agent', my wife has been a loyal Imperial [[Commander]] since she first piloted a ship." Princess [[Aisling Duval]] has publicly decried the allegation and offered support to Hadrian Duval. However, Senator [[Zemina Torval]] told the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]]: "Should we be surprised that an extremist organisation performs extreme acts? That this arrogant boy who declares himself 'Imperator' should turn to violent rebellion once again? Enemies of the Empire must be punished, even those with [[Imperial Family|Duval]] blood. ACT is fully investigating the Landgrave's evidence and has asked for patience, despite urgent demands for action from the [[Alliance]], Empire and [[Federation]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60894dbc996a513c643a93b5 GalNet: Hadrian Duval Refutes NMLA Allegations]</ref>
26 APR 3307
*Imperator [[Hadrian Augustus Duval]] of [[Nova Imperium]] is the mastermind behind the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]], according to classified information leaked from within [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]]. Independent journalist [[Flint Lafosse|Flint 'Firemaker' Lafosse]] published the details on the [[Rewired]] network: "Hadrian Duval: the illegitimate embarrassment of the [[Imperial Family]], or their secret terrorist nemesis? That's the story being told by survivors from the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, who gave up their secrets to save their own skins. According to my source, Landgrave Delacroix confessed to ACT that his faction transported enzyme bombs and Nova Imperium assassins to their targets on the direct orders of Hadrian Duval, who promised rewards and political power in return. Delacroix also revealed that Hadrian was converted to Neo-Marlinism a year ago by his consort [[Astrid Minerva-Duval|Astrid Minerva]], a top NMLA agent. She convinced him that becoming [[Emperor]] would be much easier if all the other Duvals were dead! As for the NMLA's attempt on Hadrian's life last October, that was faked in order to gain the Imperial Family's trust. Just another false flag operation – which, as we truth-seekers know, can be found everywhere." As yet this information has not been verified, and its source remains anonymous. There has been no comment from either ACT or Nova Imperium.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6086a9eadf81213e58131544 GalNet: Neo-Marlinists Expose Hadrian Duval as NMLA Leader]</ref>
20 APR 3307
*The Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid has been granted sanctuary in the [[Marlinist Colonies]] in return for revealing the identities of the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] leaders. The faction's survivors arrived in the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 system after being defeated by [[Empire|Imperial]] forces. The Marlinism Reformation Party agreed to offer political asylum, despite all three superpowers demanding the refugees' arrest. Imperial Senator [[Lorcan Scordato]], who was visiting the Colonies on a fact-finding mission, announced: "After meeting the Neo-Marlinists and the Marlinist Parliament, I have secured an agreement. The Landgrave of Mudhrid and his inner circle will cooperate fully with [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] to provide details on the senior leadership of the NMLA. In return, they will receive life imprisonment at a local detention facility. The [[Steel Majesty]]'s population will undergo security vetting by the [[Marlinist Constabulary]] to identify extremists. The remainder will be permitted to remain in the system and apply for citizenship." [[Anders Blaine|Chancellor Blaine]] has approved the proposal, commenting that it was "precisely the sort of creative solution the [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval|Emperor]] requires". Responses from the [[Alliance]] and [[Federation]] were mixed, but there was broad agreement that targeting the NMLA was the priority. Minister [[Aaron Whyte]], elected leader of the Marlinism Reformation Party, publicly thanked Senator Scordato for negotiating a peaceful resolution.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/607ec1d8af3850356305da12 GalNet: Conditional Amnesty Agreed for Neo-Marlinists]</ref>
16 APR 3307
*Survivors from the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid have arrived in the [[Marlinist Colonies]], requesting political asylum from the [[Empire]]. The faction was recently defeated by Imperial forces in the Mudhrid system, after an [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] investigation confirmed that it provided logistical support for the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] [[Nine Martyrs|attacks on starports]]. Landgrave Delacroix and his loyalists fled aboard the [[Steel Majesty]] [[megaship]] to the Hyades Sector RO-P b6-2 system, which is controlled by the Marlinism Reformation Party. Minister [[Aaron Whyte]], its elected leader, announced: "Not every individual within the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid is an NMLA activist. We have the right to offer asylum to protect innocents from persecution, just as the [[Federation]] protected us when we were refugees." The Empire has officially demanded that the Neo-Marlinists be apprehended, with [[Denton Patreus|Senator Patreus]] claiming "The Landgrave of Mudhrid is a traitor and a war criminal." Both the [[Alliance]] and Federation have likewise insisted on their arrest. However, [[Felicia Winters|Shadow President Winters]] reminded [[Federal Congress|Congress]] that the Marlinist Charter grants their systems the same legal powers of asylum as the Federation. The Marlinist Parliament has declared an emergency situation. [[Jenna Fairfax|First Minister Fairfax]] called for a discussion of options, while Ministers [[Amrita Ross]] and [[Tamsin Taylor]] urged cooperation with the Empire.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60797af1a95948443016ee4a GalNet: Neo-Marlinists Seek Sanctuary at Marlinist Colonies]</ref>
08 APR 3307
*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots Federation ALERT*<br/>The Mudhrid system conflict has ended with the Epsilon Fornacis Empire Group overcoming the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid. This was triggered by [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] discovering that the Neo-Marlinist faction had provided transports and logistical support for the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] [[Nine Martyrs|attacks against nine starports]]. The Epsilon Fornacis Empire Group has thanked all pilots who contributed to its triumph. Rewards are now available at Payne-Scott City in the Mudhrid system. Landgrave Arastin Delacroix, ruler of the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid, has so far evaded capture. He managed to broadcast this message: "Those brave warriors who fought for our cause can receive recompense at the [[Steel Majesty]]. One day we will slay the [[Imperial Family|Duvals]] and bring revolution to the [[Empire]]!" Inspector [[Mara Klatt]] of ACT told the media: "This is a definite victory against the NMLA. It also provides an insight into their modus operandi – promising disenfranchised or delusional leaders, such as Landgrave Delacroix, increased status in the new Republic should they succeed. We assume they used similar third parties to support the [[Alliance]] and [[Federation]] bombings. Our agents are gathering information, but it's clear that the NMLA's network is more advanced and widespread than we first suspected."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/606eef0cb52d2b055343e484 GalNet: Neo-Marlinist Faction Defeated in Battle]</ref>
01 APR 3307
*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots Federation ALERT*<br/>Conflict has erupted between the Epsilon Fornacis Empire Group and the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid. An investigation by [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] in the Mudhrid system confirmed that the Order of Mudhrid provided logistical support for the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA's]] starport attacks. Their agents infiltrated other local factions to transport enzyme bombs to their targets. The faction has now renamed itself the Neo-Marlinist Order of Mudhrid. Landgrave Arastin Delacroix, its leader, has declared a revolution against the [[Imperial Family]]. From his flagship, the [[Steel Majesty]], he announced: "The corrupt Duvals will never give up their power, so we must take it from them. All those who seek to change the established order – join us!" The Epsilon Fornacis Empire Group responded by engaging their forces in battle. Senator [[Denton Patreus]] has ordered them to "take revenge for the '[[Nine Martyrs]]' atrocities." This is the first instance of a faction openly adopting Neo-Marlinism, although it has not been officially recognised by the [[Marlinist Colonies]]. Minister [[Aaron Whyte]] commented: "It's a lost opportunity that Landgrave Delacroix chose to aid extremists, rather than provide a political platform to the Neo-Marlinist community. I hope we can soon replace the cycle of violence with meaningful communication."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6065c5042b53674bdb23a076 GalNet: Empire Attacks Neo-Marlinist Faction]</ref>
31 MAR 3307
*<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pilots Federation ALERT*<br/>The vessel of Captain [[Niamh Seutonia]], who vanished on an anti-[[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] mission, has been found with its crew dead. Following a widespread search by independent pilots, [[Commander]] TheRealFlame was the first to discover the wreckage of the [[Valkyrie]] in the Trianguli sector GW-W B1-0 system. It was apparent that the ship crashed after sustaining weapons fire, and that all crewmembers died on impact. [[Affiliated Counter-Terrorism unit|ACT]] co-leader Senior Agent [[Tanya Ramirez]] gave this statement to the media: "We owe a debt to every pilot who joined our efforts to find the Valkyrie. It's an emotional blow for us to lose one of ACT's guiding lights, along with her courageous team. However, Captain Seutonia managed to secure her mission logs moments before the ship's destruction. This allowed vital information to be recovered. We now have evidence confirming that a Neo-Marlinist faction in the Mudhrid system was directly involved in the NMLA starport bombings. We have shared our findings with [[Empire|Imperial]] authorities, and the Order of Mudhrid is being investigated." Captain Niamh Seutonia rose to prominence as part of the tri-superpower taskforce that eliminated the [[League of Reparation]] in 3304. The [[Imperial Internal Security Service]] confirmed that she will be posthumously awarded the Achenar Service Cross.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/606463db3f8b605b54052ea5 GalNet: Crashed Ship of Missing ACT Agent Located]</ref>
{{Div-end}}

== References ==
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