Imperious Leader

The Imperious Leader on its throne.

Summary

The Imperious Leader is the highest authority of the Cylon Empire. There is only one Imperious Leader, although there are others to replace it should the Cylon succumb to destruction. Typically, their potential replacements are called IL-series Cylons, and are typically the politicans or viceroys of the Cylon Empire.

• In the original novelization it was mentioned that the Imperious Leader had six brains each capable of independent thought but also working together.

• Imperious Leaders are also programmed, each one an improvement on the previous generation. In the Epilouge on Saga of a Star World the Imperious Leader told Baltar that his predecesor was programmed at a different time when Cylons were less tolerant.

• The origin of the Imperious Leader can be traced directly to Count Ibilis. In War of The Gods Part Two Baltar tells Iblis that he recognizes his voice as that of the Cylon Imperious Leader. But Iblis balks at this and says that he would have to be 1,000 yahrnes old since the Cylon race is that old.

• A green lizard can be seen sitting on the shoulder of the Imperious Leader in the pilot episode. This reptellian/lizard reference was never fully explored in the series run except during a scene on Carillon where Apollo explains to Boxey the origins of The Cylons.

Biography

The Imperious Leader strikes a bargain with Baltar, allowing the Cylons to take control of the Twelve Colonies but leaving Baltar's colony alone (with Baltar in charge of it). When the plan comes to fruition, the Imperious Leader renogiates the bargain and destroys Baltar's colony as well. Baltar is sentenced to a public execution. The Imperious Leader is present at the Battle of Carillon. The Imperious Leader is killed when his basestar is too near planet Carillon when the planet detonates (Saga of a Star World).

The Imperious Leader that replaces the one destroyed at Carillon is more tolerant, and commutes Baltar's death sentence. Baltar is given command of a basestar, and the assistance of Lucifer, in the hope of tracking down the fleet and extending an offer of peace from the Cylon's new regime (Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I).

The Imperious Leader visits Gamoray.

The Imperious Leader is last seen visiting the planet Gamoray, where he is dedicating a Cylon cultural center. The Imperious Leader is present at the Cylon compound when a commando unit disables the planetary defense systems, allowing Vipers to attack freely. It is unknown whether this Imperious Leader survives the Battle of Gamoray (The Living Legend, Part II).

See also

• Barkol
• IL-series
  • Lucifer
  • Specter