Imperial Intelligence and Tactics Bureau

**The Imperial Intelligence and Tactics Bureau** was the primary intelligence organization that served the Empire of the Dark during the Universal War and the time just prior to it. It is the largest organization within the Empire, boasting multiple branches, agents, and even being granted unusual freedoms. Imperial Intelligence answered directly to the Shadow Council and the Emperor, but often they have no reason to step in. Very little is known about this shadowy organization, but their agents specialize in manipulation, assassination, deception, and various other skills to accomplish their missions. Agents operate with code names and are often recruited from a skilled few individuals within the Empire. It is also noted to be one of the most mentally taxing jobs in the Empire. Another interesting note is that they prefer not to hire Sorcerers to be field agents, but instead train those without magic to become just as dangerous - if not more dangerous, than a magic user.

## Reputation

ITB was quite possibly the most deadly and feared organization both inside and outside of the Empire, easily able to out maneuver every other organization such as the Alliance STAGE agents. The agents of Intelligence were very adept at gathering information, having spies and operatives on nearly every planet and within every faction - sometimes even their allies. These agents were rarely discovered, and if they were they were either extracted, took their own lives to avoid interrogation, or were taken out by another field agent. The few that did not take either of these options sometimes carried a high dose of a drug which would wipe one's memory entirely, and protect the Empire, though many preferred to die with their memories intact. Still, situations like these were rare because the average agent would not be caught off guard, and with careful training they are taught to regain the advantage even if they are. Whether sniping their enemies from afar, taking the direct approach, stabbing them in the back, or simply pretending to be a politician, agents are more efficient than soldiers.

The main problem the organization faced were fully free-thinking agents, which could go rogue at anytime. They are not slammed with obedience like the average grunt. The organization also bickers with Sorcerers often including the Dark Council due to a difference in methods, sometimes resulting in botched operations.

## Ranks

Ranks are given based of skill and sometimes preference, but those with more undesirable skills are either given a lesser position, trained up, or rejected. The real names of agents were never spoken or disclosed, and it is rumored that only the Minister of Intelligence had access to them. Agents are assigned a designation, a number, and sometimes a color to differentiate between them. The very rare times that someone is referred to by name, it is a false name to operate under. Those who often do this are Dominoes, Informers, and Operatives.

* Domino:

* Informer: Spies, scouts and informants who gathered information and reported it back to ITB. If they are discovered and extraction is impossible, they are often assassinated. This is the lowest field position, and often requires something basic like impersonating a soldier or even a citizen of the Alliance.
* Field agent: These are often agents that do not operate under a disguise, and will simply go in, accomplish a task, and get out. If a field agent is sent; the careful movement of an operative is not required, but bringing in the military would be ill-advised. If a field agent fails or deems a situation too dangerous, they will trade out for an operative. Some operatives pretend to be field agents to fool their own colleges as part of their cover, but it is rare.
* Operative: They are more advanced field agents. Operatives must know every skill within intelligence and received all manner of training, including changing their accent and voice. They also often changed their bodies with augments and altered their appearance to start with a clean slate. Each individual specializes in a combat method, but can preform more. For example, a poison operative will still be a very good marksman. They will often take their life as a last resort, but their chances of needing to are drastically low.
* Director of Intelligence: The main leader of Imperial Intelligence. The Director is in charge of relaying orders, directing the lower agents, and keeping the secrets of the Empire safe. If he does his job well, he may move up to minister, but many remain in this position until their death. Fail safes are in place so that if the Empire falls or if they die, the director will give one last set of orders to keep agents safe.
* Minister of Intelligence: