Completed JanFathal Campaign Phase 3 - Investigating Ancient Secrets

[Kylar Thrane]

Location - Athar City, CIS held Manufacturing District
Time - Day 5
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Finally, an envoy from his outside allies had arrived. It had been three (3) weeks since the CIS command had made contact and had delivered their promised vast army to help the Unionists defeat their rivals and re-gain control of JanFathal for the CIS. "Everything had moved like clockwork in the beginning", the Unionist Colonel thought to himself. Their combined forces had gradually secured the mines, the factories, and methodically pushed back the Traditionalist traitors until they were on the brink of collapse. Victory was within their grasp.......until the sudden arrival of the Republic's accursed Airborne battalions. He cursed his officers lack of training and inadept ability of the tactical droids to adjust strategies to properly counter this new threat. What had once been a near one-sided slaughter against the Traditionalists, had turned into barbaric onslaught. The Republic troops' ferocity had robbed them of all advantage and fought the CIS forces to a stalemate. Where once the Unionists had a 5-to-1 advantage, the number scale was near even..........and defeat loomed like an imminent storm gathering above them. Hence, the Unionist command had been over-joyed when the CIS leadership had made contact again, as they hoped it had meant bulk reinforcements to turn the tide once and for all. Everyone knew the Republic was spent on troops and ships, otherwise they would have sent full legions to JanFathal, instead of mere divisions. But the instructions from the CIS command were.........strange.........to say the least.

Prepare for a one ship envoy?

The shuttle had arrived. Escorted by advanced starfighters and enhanced with jamming sensors to bypass the Republic fleet and asteroid defenses, yet only disembarked a single being. Still, the memory of their first encounter filled the Colonel with wonder, confusion, and......fear......

This envoy was to be treated with upmost respect, that was made clear in his orders. Yet, the man did not seem like an officer of the CIS military. Nor even of the late Count's strange Acolytes (though rumor was they were 'fallen Jedi'), though this envoy did carry a similar air of mystery about him. He had ordered the Colonel to recall the Acolytes from their deployments in the city: Sebastian Kade, Azael Leandre, and Dalak Krayt. He had performed his orders and reported back to High Command's envoy.......and then he had been dismissed.

"That man gives me the chills", he thought to himself. "Something is off here......", but with the military Acolytes returning headquarters, he was not daring enough to question them on this summons.

​

The envoy awaited them, casually pacing in what had been a luxurious business suite. Extravagant tapestries hung on the walls with burgundy curtains draping the full ceiling height windows of this meeting room decorated from an era long past. The furniture was exquisite with in-laid gold, the grand fireplace white-smoke marble.......it would have all been so elegant.......if it was not covered by inches of concrete dust and wall debris from all the bombings in the city. The envoy continued to pace, quietly humming an ancient tune to himself, "And who are you, the proud Lord said, that I must bow so low......." He had come to this world under the flag of the CIS to treat with those whom the late Darth Tyrannous had trusted.......or at least shown interest in. The wind was alive on this world........the Force was in motion. The Unionist Colonel and his little war mattered not. This struggle mattered not. "What mattered was that the master was calling in earnest again, and the master must be served. The Darkside must always be served." He only hoped these Acolytes proved up to his challenge.

He prayed they did not force him to wait long................


(OOC Note - This first kick off is for the CIS Players, with a future post to gather the Jedi/Republic aligned players also on this mission. This will be heavily DM'd by the Site Community Team, so a separate thread will be started where participants can ask questions and list out player requests to help guide this mission)

 

[Sharkk]

___ ___​

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He stirred when not one, but two of the Commando Droids shook him in tandem, an overkill on effort. Jostled awake eventually the Acolyte would come out swinging only to be flipped by the tag team, though he was then caught by the other two Commando Droids rather than being slammed into the harsh ground itself.​

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Having his world rocked before he had even truly woken up Sebastian was left gasping for breath even when he was set on his feet and dusted off by the droids nearby. It had been a surprise that all five of them had continued to survive for as long as they had, least of all without any notable injury to boot. Beyond this the Acolyte swore he had begun to witness the Commandos growing or rather establishing personalities of their own, an oddity considering this had been their first mission since being activated. Lotting it under the idea that it was likely due to his presence and their continued work as a squad to achieve success in their tasks. Nonetheless the two who had awoken him proved to be rather childish, pranksters even, but on the battlefield they were quite violent, almost like evil twins. While the other two were more grey, one remaining akin to a loyal droid, while the other was just aloof or detached, but faithfully followed Sebastian at this point.​

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As the shocking "good morning" settled Sebastian's mind would then wander on the events of recent past, stemming from his aerial combat in attempt to protect the Parliament Building before ordering the droids in the sky to suicide bomb it and ram enemy vessels along the way if able. From there he had landed before entering the Parliament Building himself in a crazed mission to assault Republic Troops whom were attempting to use the building as their own, it was there he linked up with the Commando Droids where together they bombed it while fleeing toward the Eastern AA encampments to bolster CIS defenses there.​

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Sebastian was unique...whether this would prove to his downfall or his grace had to be seen though.​

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Just as he was about to attack a protein meal bar Sebastian would be interrupted by the "Evil Twins" again, the pair smacking aside his meal replacement before beginning to drag him off to their acquired vehicle. They cackled while hooting and hollering, telling the Acolyte along the way that they were to bring him in to the Colonel for a talk which in of itself confused Sebastian more than the droids wrestling him. Eventually giving up the fight and letting them drag him, as they wouldn't have had it any other way even if he wasn't resisting, Sebastian would then begin to chew on his fingernails as they began their trip.​

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But, he quickly shook his head to wave the thoughts of violence from his mind, despite being a Dark Acolyte, despite using the Dark Side he didn't relish the violence, he didn't seethe with unadulterated rage for no reason. Drawing closer to their designation Sebastian would find himself bombarded by a cold feeling, one of dread, doubt, fear, anger, it was as if the Dark Side was clouding the air now. The Dark Side pulled at him, whispered to him louder than before, but Sebastian was not one who viewed the Dark Side as a tool to be abused, nor did he view it as an idol to be served.​

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Sebastian was unique.....​

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Arriving at the location only made the feeling intensify, lead to the building by the Commandos Sebastian would feel as if he was walking through an invisible swamp that drown him from head to toe. Walking in he'd take in a couple of things, first that the beautiful building's interior was now ruined by war, secondly the mumblings of a man....?​

 

[Kylar Thrane]

(Ambient Music)​

The envoy turned as the young Acolyte entered the room. "Ah, good. I was beginning to worry that Dooku had exaggerated about his number of Acolytes he had taken under his wing. Though your number is dwindling, it is good that you are here at least." The man's hood was still drawn, hiding his features in shadows. Only his jaw and mouth were visible as he kept his brow low. Eye gazed from those shadows to observe his target, and he breathed in the Force and sighed, "Ah, you must be Sebastian Kade. Yes, the late Count spoke very highly of you and I can sense why. The Force swirls around you with purpose. Tell me, do you want to keep struggling for the lost dream of the Confederacy? Or do you yearn for something more than hollow victories spawned from battlefields littered with broken droids and bodies while the Separatist leaders line their pockets with plunder?" He sneered into sly smile.

"If you have the desire within you, I can start you down the path to greatness. I can help you rise above your station to become far more than an Acolyte. Your teacher was.....the Count Dooku was far more than he ever revealed to those that followed him. Yet, he did leave instruction with my Order to come seek out the ones he deemed worthy to strive for his true title, to follow in the footsteps of Darth Tyrannous and re-shape the face of the galaxy." The man revealed these things as even Dooku's acolytes did not fully know or even understand the importance of his role as a Darth, a dark lord of the Sith.

The sparked interest in the young Acolyte's eyes was instantly recognizable. Ah, always the lure of the unknown, of hidden secrets and truths was the best tool to forge the future, for all beings yearn for truths. "What will be your decision then, Sebastian Kade? Continue on as you are, or do you wish my help to achieve your destiny?"

He waited for the boy's response.

 

[Sharkk]

In an instant the mumbling cloaked individual would direct their attention to Sebastian. And as they began to speak to him so did the swamp that left him "drowning" in the Dark Side began to swirl about, as if lifting him up out of the bog just enough to stay conscious as well as alert. The mentioning of Dooku left him curious however as the Acolyte had believed himself to be a student of the "Grievous School of Hard Knocks" rather than the likes of Killswitch whom was a polished warrior within Count Dooku's Regime. Though to be fair General Grievous himself had also been trained directly by none other than the Count himself.​

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These thoughts were short lived however as Sebastian's mind was diverted to the likes of himself rather than the worries of the Confederacy's. It wasn't new to the Acolyte though, pondering on how the CIS benefited while he searched high and low for scraps. Tying into this was the constant reminder that all he got for joining the military was a personal small starfighter, his Orb Wing to be exact. And while wonderful in his mind, after having joined the war he quickly realized how he had been bamboozled. Despite this he had been lucky enough to be in the Acolyte Program rather than being a mere foot soldier.​

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But, due to his lack of experience and eagerness to grow in strength Sebastian was left akin to a drooling house cat yearning for a snack. He had always felt as if he was destined for more or that if he strived for it, pushed for it that he could rise from a mere Acolyte to....​

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" I.....I want it all.....I'll take it if I have to. "​

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Instinctively reaching for his lightsaber and sword hilt Sebastian would instead hesitate momentarily before just resting his palms and fingers along the respective hilts. Feeling as if anything starting from now until his death could happen in between the two, if this was his destiny then his fate would surely be full of chaos and he'd have to remain ready at all times.​

 

[Kylar Thrane]

(Ambient Music)​

"Good, very good. Ambition is the inner fire you will need, and the desire for power will be the steel in your spine." He gazed up and down at Sebastian, especially as he felt the man's hands twitch towards the sword hilts at his waste. "Hmm, honest anger and a self-perseverance is strong with you. It is not enough, but it is a foundation you can build upon. But you will need no such gestures towards me. I do not threaten your life. I only seek to aid you in this moment."

In truth, the Force did not reveal the young man's fate, but the Darkside swirled around him with intent purpose, in such vibes and currents that he had not seen since young Palpatine had been plucked from his life to train as a Sith. Yet, it seems that particular destiny had fallen by the wayside, with the dethroned former Sith Lord now locked in Jedi chains. However, the ancient call was strong.......stronger even that it had been in the past. Perhaps Sebastian truly was one of those the Asha-Karat had been waiting for.

"While your destiny is still shrouded in mist, I do believe you have been chosen to shape the events to come in ways neither you nor I can fathom. But one does not question the unbreakable will of the Darkside." He strode closer to Sebastian and extended his hand. "This will be my first gift to you, and your first test along your path. Indeed, we shall see if you are worthy of unraveling the secret." He gestured for Sebastian to extend his palm, and in it he placed a faded gold wrist-amulet, inset with a sapphire gem at its center surrounded by ancient script markings. "If this destiny is truly before you, then go to the Tomb of the Founder on this ruined world. Explore there, don the amulet, and let it guide you. The battle for this world was always trivial, as whether or not it joins your banner is but a trifle compared to what you must find in that tomb."

He held the amulet mere breaths away from Sebastian's palm. "Will you undertake this task?.......this destiny?......what say you, boy?", the old man sneered.

 

[Blarg Spartan 999]

The Force called, and Dignomos answered.

Why he had felt to stow away on a CIS ship, he knew not. Not at first. Only that it would lead him one step closer to the destination he'd caught glimpses of in his visions. Thus it was that Dignomos had arrived at JanFathal some days prior, sneaking down to the planet's surface aboard a transport vessel. It was a simple matter to go incognito among the populace of war-torn Athar, really. Plenty of bodies lying in the rubble with uniforms to steal. Taking the form of a Muun was no issue for a Shi'ido, as was passing unnoticed among the soldiers, thanks in part to a small telepathic suggestion to overlook any discrepancies.

Admittedly, his search had borne no fruit so far. Twice he had been detected by soldiers of the “enemy faction” of whatever uniform he happened to be wearing, which had necessitated he swiftly dispatch them. A waste of their material bodies—yet there is no death, only the Force. The droids were of no consequence, though.

On and on he hunted, sifting through rubble and data, and eavesdropping on any promising communiques. Then, Dignomos had caught wind of a summons for the Separatist Acolytes. Immediately the Force graced his mind, riveting his thoughts to that order. In that moment, he knew he had to go as well.

Dressed in a minor Unionist officer's uniform, taking the shape of a lanky Muun, Dignomos made his way through the Separatists as he searched for the place the others were to meet at. The closer he got, the more he felt a particular presence in the Force. And with it, the sense of a crux, a pivotal moment in time.

Following the vague sense of the shatterpoint, Dignomos slowed when he heard voices. Focusing, he caught someone say, “Count Dooku.”

Traipsing nearer, he paused near an office wall. Warfare had damaged the building such that part of the ceiling had crumbled away, opening up a small hole on the edge where ceiling met wall. The floor above seemed to be where the Acolyte meeting was taking place. Perfect.

There, Dignomos hunkered down and drew in his presence in the Force to appear as small and inconsequential as possible while he eavesdropped. The words were somewhat muffled, but he heard enough to get the gist of it.

Darth Tyrannus... Destiny... The dark side. Such rhetoric he had heard before. If this stranger mentioned Darth Tyrannus, was he a Sith, then? Perhaps a cultist of the Sith or some other religion?

“...go to the Tomb of the Founder... Explore there...”

The words jumped out at Dignomos. The world seemed to freeze in place for a moment. A crux in the Force. That was why he was here. That was his next destination.

What else did this stranger know that would be of use? If he was manipulating the Acolytes so, then he must know more. More than merely lore about on JanFathal, too. Perhaps there was a way to draw more information out of him somehow...

 

[Sharkk]

Taking the amulet in his left hand, thus leaving only his right resting along his short sword's hilt, Sebastian would glare it with wonder. In fact he'd lose himself for a short time before his eyes would drift back up to the cloaked figure just feet from him.​

" This is a fine gift and a welcomed step deeper into the Dark Side....But, might I request something else from you? With Count Dooku's death the Acolyte's training has become lacking in the ways of The Force....Would it be possible for you to teach me a new technique or aide in me advancing one of my other ones? "​

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While Sebastian was questioning the cloaked figure he'd be completely ignorant of the intruder within the war torn building albeit be it for now. This was due to Sebastian being rather reliant on his physical senses rather than through The Force, as such he suffered because of it. However there were benefits to living within an army consisting of 99% inorganics. Nonetheless the youth remained distracted for the time being all the same.​

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" You did speak of other gifts after all.... "​

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By all accounts Sebastian wasn't a greedy fellow, he swore he wasn't materialistic...Yet, he had suffered a strange life, he wasn't unpopular growing up, but he wasn't super social either, he didn't miss out on everything, but he wasn't a rich snobby kid either. But, subconsciously this did drive him into some sort of greed which was even further bolstered due to the Dark Side growing inside of him.​

 

[Kylar Thrane]

As Sebastian slipped the amulet onto his wrist, the gold would seem to resize itself to fit perfectly to his forearm. Then a slight pain.....a wince of as if being pricked by a razor-sharp edge.....could be felt on the skin.

In the sapphire at the amulets center, a red mist began to swirl in its deep blue depths, as it seemed to dominate the whole gem. Suddenly, the red mist settled and was consumed by the sapphire, as it returned to its normal hue, but somehow brighter.

The hooded man chuckled, "Good, you did not die. That is a very promising start." He showed a grin to Sebastian before continuing, "But I had no doubt you would pass this simple test. First, you must prove yourself worthy, and then mote gifts will come. Go to the Tomb of the Founder, and face that trial with the amulet. I will find you afterwards."

The hooded man then turned to go. As he approached the door, he felt something.....a glimmer in the Force. He could not pinpoint it the being, but he felt the drive, the hunger for knowledge. "Hmm," he thought to himself, "perhaps there is another I can set on the path....."

Without Sebastian seeing, the hooded man took out ancient silver coin from his pocket and let it gently slip from his fingers. He would let the Force guide this next play of fate. Unseen by all the coin would roll over to a section of damaged wall.....teeter for a brief moment on the edge......and then choose to fall with a gentle patter down onto a wooden beam next to Dignomos. The coin had a soft glow to it, and was covered in markings of an ancient language. If Dignomos looked close enough, he could swear some of the markings were....in motion.....changing.....and then suddenly still again.

Ensuring his newest, and mysterious intrigue also got the message, the hooded man turned at the door and spoke in a louder voice one last time. "Remember, what you seek can be found at the Tomb of the Founder. Bring your Relic, and descend into that place. Let your Relic guide you......for strong is the Darkside." With a swirl of his Crimson cloak, he was gone. Those listening would even swear they could not hear his footsteps receding down the long hallway.

The amulet's sapphire pulsed with a blue light, "Ah, how many ages as it been this time. I sense the Force is very strong with you, I could feel it in your blood. To who am I bound?"

 

[Blarg Spartan 999]

A gift...and a test. Interesting. So this stranger was trying to cultivate the power of the Acolytes. Not, however, to empower the Separatists. No, Dignomos felt this was something else, something deeper. If this man was-

Clink.

A silver disc clattered atop an exposed beam in front of Dignomos' nose, which made him instinctively flinch back. Despite the shade covering that area where the battle-damaged wall blocked the ambient light, the disc—a coin of sorts—had a faint glow to it.

What was this? Had it been dropped accidentally? Was it a trap? Did...?

These questions and more slowed to a halt when something bade Dignomos to look closer at the coin. The world took on an almost dreamlike quality as he peered at it, as sometimes happened when he was immersed deep in the Force. The shifting markings, writing perhaps, was certainly strange. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to pick up the coin. That dreamy hyperfocused feeling only grew stronger as he inspected it and its markings.

In this state, the stranger's words seemed to come not through the gap in the ceiling, but reverberated within his very mind.

“Remember, what you seek can be found at the Tomb of the Founder. Bring your Relic, and descend into that place. Let your Relic guide you...”

Yes. This was what he must do. Regardless of the stranger's misguided rhetoric concerning the Dark Side, this coin, this relic, was his key going forward. Whatever he was to find in the Tomb, it would lead him closer to his ultimate destination. Even if it was just one more step on that long path.

With that, Dignomos pocketed the coin and strode off. It would not do to tarry too long.

 

[Sharkk]

It would have been a slight wince of pain had the kiss of a razor's edge not always sung to Sebastian's nerve endings more, similar to how a slap was much more intense to the Acolyte than a punch was. So when the pain was felt Sebastian would audibly hiss as he sucked on his teeth in an intense recoil, but the instant after then the pain was gone and he was left in even more wonder than before. Taking notice of the statement that he had just survived a possibly fatal "test" Sebastian would then raise his gaze again, eyes burning intensely as he glared at the hooded figure, clearly upset that he hadn't been warned about the threat prior.​

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By then Sebastian's gaze had been so focused on the man's upper torso, shoulders and up, the Acolyte would miss the sleight of hand, even the tinging of the coin as it echoed from its fall below. Though it would've been unlikely to reach his ears even if he had been paying attention to be fair, leaving him ignorant still to the interloper. And then before he could truly snap out of his confused enrage haze the Acolyte would completely be taken back as they seemingly vanished in a crimson swirl, moving in tandem with his rotating cloak.​

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Snapping his head from side to side then Sebastian would clear his mind and vision in one go, addressing the situation at hand for what it was in that moment then. Yet, as Sebastian began to make his leave he'd pause with one foot still prepared to finish it's step, left hovering mid-air for the Acolyte would then be seemingly contacted by his new gift, the amulet. Even with the idea/fear of potentially losing his mind Sebastian found himself stumbling for a response for a few seconds longer than intended.​

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" Uhh...uh....Sebastian Ivar Kades' the name....And uh...what should I call you? Do you even have a name? Uh...I don't wanna' make assumptions! "​

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Glaring at the amulet for a moment Sebastian would nonetheless proceed forward without waiting for a reply, instead taking his leave on foot rather than teleporting away as the hooded man had. Regrouping with H8 Squad the Separatist soldier would then seek out this Tomb of the Founder and whatever the Dark Side had in store for the Acolyte.​

 

[Muru]

A lone vessel, a NovaSword Fighter, was making its way down to the surface. There was only one person on the ship, a man who looked like he was rather weather-worn. His armor was dented in places and scratched almost entirely over. The underlying robes were ragged and the hood that usually covered his head was tattered. Alexei had ridden high off the victory in Kashyyyk, but all that he found was unexpected silence. Where before he always felt that the Force spoke to him, letting him gleam secrets to his future, it now seemed like he had been abandoned. In his forlorn mind, he did the only thing that made sense to do for him, lose himself in war. To escape the silence of his inner thoughts he replaced it with the screams and roars of battle. Yet even in all of these things, he could not find the answers that he sought.

He thought that there was something greater out there for him to achieve, yet now everything had gone silent. At least, it was that way before. But it was recently that Alexei suddenly heard them again, the voices, the haunting whisper of the battlefield. It called out to him from this planet. Like a parent calling out for their child to come home. The NovaSword landed not too far away from the buildings where Alexei could feel the pulsating call. It radiated like a siren's song from the mouth of the Dark Side itself. He ran down the landing ramp as soon as it opened and made his way towards the building at a full sprint. For Alexei, he wasn’t going to let this chance go by like a fleeting breeze.

Yet, it seemed that just as Alexei had come to his target it was taken from him. He felt the presence nearby seem to just disappear. And with it so did that feeling of pulsating darkness. As the feelings of loss swept through Alexei he couldn’t hold back, letting out a roar of anger. The Dark Side swelled through him, empowered by his raging emotions. All that power quickly gathered up into his left hand which Alexei suddenly smacked into the nearby wall. From his palm, the energy spread and disintegrated everything around where he had hit leaving nothing but ash. After releasing the wave of destruction Alexei took in a deep breath and calmed his racing heart, he couldn’t give up. Not like this. He was so close, so very close.

 

[Sharkk]

" Hold up!...Whatever just landed is booming with the Dark Side! "​

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Having watched the starfighter come into the area and land, as well as being notified by the Commando droids using the tank's radars, Sebastian would leap from his perch outside of the tank. As soon as this notion passed through his mind though the amulet upon his wrist would begin to pulsate, sending painful vibrations thruough his frame. Hitting the ground jogging back toward the building he'd only pause ever so slightly when a crashing sound could be heard next, though he wouldn't miss a step along the way. At this point the pulsating would become rather uncomfortable until the Acolyte began to summarize that this "guide" wasn't wanting him to move in the opposite direction he was intended to head toward, either that or he was headed toward danger. Drawing his short sword however just in case the Acolyte would be sure to hoop the strap attached to its hilt to his wrist, being his left. Popping his neck from side to side before taking in a deep breath the man would proceed to burst back upon the scene he had left. And what Sebastian was left to witness would leave him somewhat in shock.​

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He wasn't an extremely informed individual, but with how the Acolyte program was run and due to their relatively low numbers Sebastian didn't just forget a face. Even if he couldn't recall a name he still was able to recount backstories if he had been given them by their owner or others who had heard of them. Now before him stood a former Jedi, one of many within the Dark Acolyte program's small group. It was best to tap an already trained resource after all. Still clutching to his sword however, given the recent circumstances, Sebastian would nonetheless do his best not to appear totally on edge.​

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"Uh...Uhh, if you're here for the show then you just missed it....But, I remember you.....You're Acolyte uh.....Acolyte Lexi La'Reine? Lex Valeweine?! Uh....Sorry, not so good with names! But, great with faces. "​

 

[Hugeaux]

Azael wiped the soot from his face as he sat for the first time since the battle began. This war had not been easy on the Acolytes, and what few remained had seen one horror after another. But even he had to admit, drinking generously from a water canteen that he subsequently tossed to the side as he semi-frantically fished out and lit a cigarra. Of course, he had received the summons as the others had, and had he been casually indisposed, Azael imagined that he could have come at the beck and call of whatever two-bit magician their betters had trotted out this time. As he and his dwindling contingent of partisans and droid soldiers were, however, in the process of being surrounded and completely cut off by a small horde of clone troopers when the communique had come to him.

To make a short story shorter, it was very ugly, the smell of singed clone still fresh in his nostrils, but ROXIE had managed an extract. Most of the commando droids were still mostly functional to boot.

But the unmitigated schutta show that had been the battle in Athar was behind--or below--him now. Even before the Tu'kata belatedly approached the expected rendezvous, Azael sensed a queer fog settling over the battered planet. The carnage in the growing distance seemed increasingly muffled as the unassuming freighter neared where the other two Acolytes spoke, and for a moment the Vahla perceived two familiar wisps of energy, as dark as he if distinct.

"There," he pointed when the vehicle, and then the humanoid figures came into his sight of the cockpit. ROXIE complied, gently setting the Rigger down a hundred feet or so ahead of the pair and accompanying droids. "Leave us, but stay close. I want to get out of here as soon as possible..." He'd said the words, but something powerful, seductive even, was reaching through the Force and beckoning him closer.

Azael finished his cigarra before grabbing a fresh pack from the dash. He exited the ramp unceremoniously, making himself known to the others before he was close enough to speak.

"Sebastian...and Alexei is it? Did you leave enough wookies for the rest of us?" He smiled maliciously. His interactions with the other Acolytes had been slim, but he imagined they'd been assembled for a common purpose. That beckoning energy only amplified, seeming to beam directly from the other young man atop the tank...

 

[Kylar Thrane]

Character - Ancient Spirit

"Aaahhh, more gather in curiosity, now there are three. Drawn to this rising power. But these three are distracted. No structure, no focus. Alas, they wield the Force like a spoiled child without discipline. How can the golden age return by their hands? I must accelerate the plan. No more hiding in the shadows," the spirit whispered in the Force.

The amulet on Sebastian's wrist pulsed with energy and he would feel a wince of pain as it borrowed a little more blood. The inset sapphire raged with red mist and then shone a haunting pale blue light. The ancient spirit rose up in their midst, "Why do you tarry when destiny is within your grasp?"



He towered over them, the image of his spirit near twelve (12) feet tall. He peered down at then with calculating eyes, "I see into your hearts. You each of believe you wield power, yet you have barely communed with the Darkside. You rage in violence and war without purpose." He paused and folded his arms.

"Though I sense you do not know the precipice that the galaxy is approaching and the mantle that is before you. I shall explain, but first I must make your acquaintance." He slightly bowed, "I am Ludo Kresh, once a Lord of the Sith and apprentice to the true Dark Lord, Mark Ragnos the Great. The Force is at a crossroads. The reigning dark lord has fallen out of favor with the ancient Sith order, for he has hidden what he truly is and denies restoring the glory of the Sith to galaxy. However, others must take his place and must rise to this mantle. If not....all will be lost....and I shall wait generations for another if need be."

Ludo turned then to Sebastian now with promise in his eyes, "Though this moment has not happened on this far flung world by chance. It has been foretold, and you Sebastian Kade have been chosen. But if you truly wish to become a dark lord of the Sith, you and your companions must prove yourselves before fully receiving my blessing. Prove yourselves in the trials ahead at the Tomb of the Founder, and you will reveal if you are worth to restore a new Golden Age of the Sith."

With a wave of his hand, images began to appear around them displaying the awe of the ages past......thousands of worlds flying the Sith banner, glorious monuments and cities, fleets mightier than any they had seen in the Clone Wars, and dark clad Sith Lords walking down down a parade field surrounded by cheering subjects who all graciously bowed at their dark overlords' passing.

This future could be theirs to create again, if they proved themselves worthy.
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Character - Guiding Voice

The silver coin seemed to tug and pull Dignomos along, nudging towards alleyways and shortcuts to take to arrive at the Tomb of the Founder with all haste. It was night he arrived at the entrance to the mausoleum. The wind blew gently thru the surrounding trees peacefully, almost in a strange fashion as the sounds of war now seemed far off.

A gentle feminine voice seemed to echo in the air, "Good evening friend. I see in your heart you have desire to discover truth and lost knowledge. The Jedi Order sometimes confuses truth with mantras. I learned that long ago. If you would like, I can help lead you to some truths you desire though some may he difficult to bear."

With wind seemed to beckon him towards the mausoleum entrance. In the rotunda, there sat a single tomb with some local historical facts of Janfathal's capital. The Voice returned, "this is not the Founder, merely a tourist stop", she chuckled. "Follow my voice on the air, and descend....." At that moment the silver medallion coin began to vibrate and hum! There was a cracking of stone and a deep groan as the tomb slid back to reveal stairs descending down into darkness. The wind called him down, "do you desire knowledge?"

 

[Muru]

Alexei let out a troubled breath, seeking to regain control of his raging emotions. As he did so he felt that there was somebody quickly approaching him. As Alexei moved his vision over to the newcomer he saw walking over. Grey eyes looked over the young man who seemed to be holding a tight grip onto his weapon, a sword of some strange make. He felt that he had seen this young man before though he couldn’t quite put a name on him. When he spoke Alexei listened and shook his head some, though he didn’t show any other emotions on his face other than the small scowl that had been there since the young man had arrived.

“It is Alexei Val’vane, so you were close enough I suppose.” Alexei answered the young man. “I don’t have the pleasure of knowing your name, though I do believe that I have seen you once before. Another Acolyte no doubt, always good to see an ally in wartime isn’t it.” Alexei said with his scowl turning into a small grin. “And it seems these are good times.” Alexei said as he turned his head to look in the direction of another dark side wielder approaching. This other young man showed up with a smile and spoke up to both Alexei and the first, which must mean his name is Sebastian.

“I left enough so that they can grow their numbers again. Quite an exhilarating feeling to be fighting against one of them saber to claw. I am looking forward to facing even more of them.” Alexei said with a small laugh. Though his laugh was interrupted by a sudden surge in the Dark Side around them which was followed by a towering figure materializing. This Force Spirit started to speak out to them and this quickly grabbed Alexei’s attention. This is what he had been looking for. This was what he needed. As the Sith Spirit introduced itself Alexei was quite intrigued, he had read up on the Sith back in the Jedi Library before so he knew a bit about them. Though not much.

When Ludo Kresh spoke to Sebastian, speaking to the young man as a chosen one Alexei raised an eyebrow. He watched the visions as they went by and wondered, could he lead such an army on the battlefield? What an exhilarating feeling that would be. Alexei grinned wide as he stepped forward, raising a fist into the air.

“Lord Ludo Kresh, I desire that power. No… I must have it. I’ll do whatever it takes, no matter the cost. Where is this Tomb of the Founder? I will prove my worth!” Alexei said with passion in his voice. His chest was full of fire and excitement. It felt like his heart would come bursting out of his chest.

 

[Blarg Spartan 999]

Only once did Dignomos come close to being detected, and that by a Republic reconnaissance team. Feeling it best to simply leave them be, he patiently waited for an opening before passing by without their notice. The coin's navigator-like nudges got him the rest of the way without an issue.

Once he reached the mausoleum, Dignomos let himself relax and simply...exist. The Force ebbed and flowed around him, though not violently. War and the destruction it brought agitated the Force, but here at least was a place of temporary calm. A place to find calm and recenter himself before proceeding onward. Leaves rustled in the wind, partially blocking the noise of far-off battles. Dignomos closed his eyes and breathed deeply, opening himself up to the Force in preparation for whatever came next. Though the world may be in chaos, he could be a bastion of serenity as he heeded the subtle whispers and current of the Force.

It was in this moment of reflection that the voice came, soft but clear.

Dignomos instantly drew and ignited his lightsaber. Instinct then lowered its guard, allowing reason to realize there was no danger. A press of a button extinguished his blue blade. Curiosity piqued, he plucked the silver coin from his pocket and rotated the cool disc in his fingers, feeling the markings between his thumb. Specters within the Force such as this one were few and far between, and even he had only rarely encountered them.

“You speak truly, unseen one. I only seek the will of the Force. If whatever truths you offer are indeed truths, and not merely another set of misguided mantras, then I shall bear them however heavy they may be.”

The wind tickled his Muun-bald head, directing him into the building itself. Then the coin buzzed, and a crack and grinding filled the air as the sarcophagus slid backward to reveal the stairway leading down. Stale, dusty air filled his nostrils as he peered down. The Voice invited him to descend—as did the Force, providing another brief moment of dreamlike deja-vu.

This was the right place.

Dignomos activated his lightsaber once more and used it as a torch as he walked deeper into the earth.

“What shall I call you, spirit? If you are indeed a spirit. Have you a name?” If he knew whom this entity was, perhaps he could glean further insights about this place and his purpose here—and whatever biases that may be clouding her perspective.

 

[Sharkk]

Rallying with his brothers in arms, singular turning into plural with the arrival of Azael, Sebastian would be left with a warm enough smile, preparing to give his own retort when....Another intense needling of pain, was it subconscious? No...The Acolyte swore that the feeling had to be literal, as if he could feel his very life essence being siphoned away and into the amulet on his arm. Regardless Sebastian would then be left in amazement as a "hulking" blue...." A holog....No.... "​

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Correcting himself mid-sentence the man would then blink, in an instant remember an off statement that Count Dooku had delivered to a class of Acolytes one day, a session Sebastian had been lucky enough to attend. Dooku had mentioned not just the Dark Side...But, Sith, beings that were well beyond the likes of Acolytes. And while the class had been afforded a few other minor notes on Sith, it was nonetheless still a statement that the entire class took as mumbo jumbo, myths or just blabbering about history that was so long lost it was barely worth wasting breath on.​

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Until it proved useful during times like the present day.​

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Recalling the faint memory just enough that in combination with it along with the fact that intense levels of the Dark Side began to radiate from the same blue ghastly figure he'd come to a singular conclusion.​

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" A Sith... "​

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However his words, along with his half-speak about a hologram, would be whispered and unable to be heard by his peers unless they had some sort of enhanced hearing. Even if he hadn't been whispering the Sith Ghost's words would have likely echoed over him even still. As his cold venomous words spun an enchanting web of conversation, Ludo Kresh would have the Acolytes truly enthralled. Then they would all be given a grand display of almost living images of the Sith and their past, their glory. Yet, by time he had finished speaking there was one thing at the forefront of Sebastian's mind, even taking priority over his supposed destiny. And this was the fact that the others, Alexei and Azael, hadn't attacked him outright. After everything Ludo had said and even with Alexei's quick response, Sebastian stood without a weapon aimed at him nor did he pick up on any hostile body language.​

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In the Acolyte's mind this was...good. But, he immediately began to ponder on how to respond, how to retain dominance as a "Chosen One" without being aggressive towards his allies. Though with how Sebastian's mind worked and taking in what Alexei had said, thus likely misunderstanding his intent, he'd speak swiftly.​

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" I will earn this, the title of Dark Lord of The Sith shall and will be only mine! "​

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Shooting an almost intense glance at Alexei then Sebastian would let his gaze drift to Azael in hopes to not come off as too hostile, hopefully. " As we've seen though, a Dark Lord of The Sith is nothing without his loyal followers....And these two men have entered and survived the same Acolyte program within the Confederacy as me....Whatever backgrounds we come from, we've faced potential disability or death against the likes of General Grievous and Count Dooku, a war of blood and iron.​

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Azael, Alexei....I wouldn't claim us best friends, or even pals....yet. But, I would match you two in word and blood....For as long as I remain loyal to you and do not lead the Sith astray, you remain loyal to me as a Brother...And vice versa. With you two here at the beginning, at my side, I say let us enter the deep!​

"​

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Moving then to cut his hand and draw blood Sebastian would seek to become "blood Brothers" with the other Acolytes, though if they denied him and gave a reason he'd likely not pause otherwise. " " Anyways...if you guys wanna' get going I've got a tank waiting! " Snickering Sebastian would then begin to walk back toward the tank and H8 Squad. Though with a 12 foot ghost still hovering over his wrist the man would let his gaze finally return back to Ludo Kresh's own eyes.​

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" So you....And a lot of the Sith of the past, you look...unique....I've never seen one of your species, not even in a record or on a datapad.... "​

 

[Hugeaux]

Azael's malicious smirk widened into a cruel grin. He could tell Alexei did not exaggerate, the web of dark energy that suffused the trio pulsing with rageful delight as the other man spoke.

"Que va," he said--the author euphemizing his native Vahla language to fit his unoriginal conception of Azael's ideolect--exclaiming with a giggle. There was something hungry though, behind the humor, as if the idea of returning to that jungle backwater for mere saber practice appealed to him greatly. "If they don't kill us or drag us to Coruscant by the end of all-" he gestured to the pandemonium of now distant battle," - I'd be glad to make a hunt." Azael didn't actually have anything against Wookies, of which he knew almost nothing, yet there was a sincerity in his talk of hunting them as beasts. The Confederacy, its proud banner over Kashyyyk notwithstanding, was in a tail spin. Without Dooku, the warlords and capitalists would tear each other apart, whoring themselves to Tarkin or Coruscant for what gain could be had at this stage. And of course there was still the rage. That indignity in the pit of his stomach, so carefully nurtured by Dooku and his underlings into bottomless anger, still burned fiercely, even as he and his compatriots flailed blindly at that which they despised.

Yet as their plain rendez-vous transformed into something much more consequential, it seemed to Azael that the slow, sad slide to which he'd resigned their cause flickered with a new hope...no...hope was a poison. That he did remember from Dooku. No this was something different, a new power older and more secret than any of the parlor tricks or history lessons the Acolytes had been exposed to.

Though foreign, the darkness that washed over them as their long-dead benefactor made himself known, reminded Azael of home. The vagabond had never had a place called home, but instead found it in the traditions of his people, who, while not Sith proper, had revered the Bogan for millenia. But still, he felt this essence was of a pure quality, and as he listened to the manifestation's honeyed words, Azael had not expected to be so overwhelmed.

He felt lust first, lust for that power the demonic apparition offered. The thin, tattooed inscription on his cheek wrinkled as his face twisted, as it so rarely did, into a serious expression. He marveled at the projections of glories-long-forgotten, displays of light and sound that would challenge even his most concerted efforts in his favored discipline.

The Acolyte, suddenly restless and discontent with his (and all of their) position within the Confederacy, saw promise in what the phantom said. His wonder was shattered, if momentarily, when the old Lord christened Kade as their prospective Dark Lord. He knew nothing, certainly not more than Sebastian, about the Sith and their ways, but he knew enough about life to know that this meant the other was being elevated above him. He looked to the other, distracted by the phantom, and his hand all but reached for the silver hilt dangling at hi belt. It would be swift, he thought.

But no, Azael did not move, his prospective treachery interrupted by Alexei. He scoffed initally at the other's eagerness, even if he would not admit that the very same ravenous desire had overcome him. The Vahla made to speak-but refrained, waiting to hear what the human acolyte would say to him.

Given the current state of affairs, and their own uncertain position in the galaxy at large, the Acolytes could not afford to balk at an opportunity so promising. He nodded to Sebastian, and then to Alexei. Hardly the reflective type, he nonetheless realized that this moment, surrounded by nothing, was one of consequence. Without the Count to tighten their leash, why shouldn't those the Force had made strong strive for more? Was this Acolyte title, his effective apprenticeship to Dooku and Ventress, a mere domino in the Force's plan for the man and his new (friends? no, not yet) allies? Sebastian was right about that; he hardly knew the other two men. Yet forces beyond their comprehension had joined them together, heirs to a legacy called Sith.

"I will join you. The games of the past have failed us, but with our combined wits, I sense a new beginning can be found here."

He remained prepared for either or both of the others to strike, to thin the herd of future power-players, if you will. Yet he did not need the Force to see his compatriots were of a like mind. He could see the same, almost-nauseous determination that he felt in his gut, in Kade's eager gate; he could hear it in the hunger of Alexei's words. Azael walked alongside the other toward the tank, his attention stuck squarely on the ethereal Kresh. He too was curious about what exactly Ludo Kresh was, though any concerns he might have had were washed away by the cascading desire that had overcome him.

He all but shook with excitement.

 

[Kylar Thrane]

Character - Guiding Voice, Ashara Zavros

The voice upon the wind still lead Dignomos down into the dark depths, dimly lit by the glow of his saber. The descent continued until the stair forked at a landing, with the wind tugging him to go left. After another brief descent, the space then open into a vast cavern as Dignomos found himself standing on a causeway leading into a wide subterranean city!



"This was one of the realms of my master," the voice spoke proudly, "one of his many hidden strongholds, and he first founded the colonies on this world thousands of years ago." The wind shifted then and the voice final took shape. Before him appearing in a pale blue light appeared a female Togruata clad in robes and armor of a age long past.


"I am Ashara Zavros," she bowed to him, "once apprentice and student to the wise and powerful Darth Imperius. This stronghold is his tomb. And it holds many wonders and secrets." She lead him further down the causeway until it joined the center stair. Dimly lit braziers illuminated the area as they walked. "I was once a Jedi padawan, until I met my master. He was......different. He was a Sith, yet strictly followed the ways of the Living Force, as Jedi do. Yet he did not let himself be tethered by Jedi dogma, nor by Sith treachery. In our era, he loathed the bloodlust and backstabbing of the Sith Order and instead desired to reform the Sith Empire from within, so it was better for all. He succeeded for a time........until his death." She paused then, a visible sadness came over her, and a pale tear ran down her cheek. Her ghostly figure brushed it away as they continued their walk. She stared at Dignomos intently before speaking, "you have the stride of a duelist about you, though I cannot make out your preferred stance and form. Darth Imperius instructed me in several forms, as I wielded two long-bladed sabers in Jar-Kai and Djem So, though my master preferred his own unique style. He developed it over years of study with a staff-saber. If your interested, I think he kept notes on it this way," she motioned as she gestured off to a distant antechamber off to the side of this underground citadel.

 

[Sharkk]

Eventually leaping onto the exterior of the hovering tank Sebastian would crouch and await the others before giving the nod to H8 Squad to once more set off. With the ghastly blue visage of Ludo Kresh guiding them the trio of Dark Siders and their small Droid Commando detachment [Sebastian's H8 Squad] they'd move with an increased pace albeit still being mindful that enemy forces had won the battle, had won the planet. Still to Sebastian it was more about the threat rather than the loss, the latter not even on his mind any longer. It was at this point however than Sebastian pondered back on questioning the cloaked figure about if they had anything else to offer Sebastian besides the amulet...A foolish question when Sebastian could just...​

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" Azael...Alexei....If you would, might you place your hands upon mine, if only for a few moments....A trust exercise if you would... "​

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Taking the time then to slowly remove his gloves Sebastian would turn either hand over so that it was both of his palms facing the sky while his knuckles were aimed down toward the tank. Then after a moment or two both hands would begin to emit a dull orange glow that raged statically, but in complete silence. Raising his eyes from his hands then to the two Acolytes he'd be mindful to warn them.​

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" This technique is called Drain Knowledge or Mind Probe....I've never attempted to perform it on allies, as it is usually a means to pull information out of the minds of the unwilling through pain.​

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Yet, if we are going to continue this journey together, might we be bound in pain from here on out...​

"​

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But, this wasn't a simple trust exercise, to Sebastian it was also training, as well as a chance to learn something from his allies or about them even.​