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Karys Narat iv-Adas

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  1. Not long before they approached Falleen, Darth Akheron decided to pay a visit to his apprentices chambers. Questions still lingered as to happened upon Aaris III, or more specifically what happened to his apprentice that had been different to his own experience during the ritual. Questions that required answers, the only way to do that was to discuss the events and see what could be recalled, any event that could not he was certain they would find a way to discover it. Walking along the various corridors and hallways, Akheron was saluted or given brief nods as he moved towards his goal. He returned each with his own, ensuring that the loyalty and respect he had earnt remained by acknowledging those who helped accomplish the will of himself, the Dark Lady and the Fanged God. Mutual respect he found had many benefits to be gained at least where they were concerned. Approaching the chambers, he knocked first. Although he was his master, Akheron respected the Shard enough to not just barge in unannounced. Even if he could if he wanted. He called out. "You there my apprentice, I don't mean to intrude. But...I think you know why I'm here, there are some questions about Aaris III that need answering. Answers that perhaps only you have. If you would permit me inside maybe we can find the answers we both seek."
  2. Akheron walked into the shuttle, curious still at just what Solus had seen and been possessed by. What had driven him to madness temporarily yet gifted certain knowledge. He had little time for the moment to think more upon it as the shuttle exited the atmosphere and into a waiting hangar bay upon his flagship, where several others also entered. The Linnorms had already begun unloading the various treasures and were carrying them into the storage bays, others were taken deep into the ship and the vaults within designed to hold the most dangerous items. Akheron observed, picking a particular holocron he would study later, on other shuttles a more grim cargo was unloaded, corpses from below that had been gathered per Krath Inmortos request for bodies. They were taken for cold storage and put on ice until needed. Below the beast that had been unleashed was given free reign of the world. It would be it's kingdom. Upon Inmortos new ship the Linnorms understood and begrudgingly followed the commands. Inmortos would need to earn their loyalty. The ship joined the others of the small fleet, defensive formations formed as the fleet soon readied itself for departure. Their work was done here. Akheron, pleased at what had been accomplished and the newfound power he was gifted by the ritual, knew where next to go. Just as he was contemplating, a urgent holographic message arrived, informing that a meeting had been called. One of all the Lord-Captain's of Clan Brasganu, which would now include Krath Inmortos. However first a brief stop was needed at Falleen. His powerbase, or one part of it. For resupply of arms, Linnorms and fuel and to undertake any repairs to any shuttles. Issuing the command, the fleet exited the system. Behind only the dead and a beast born of hate remained. ((Onwards to Falleen.))
  3. Akheron observed his apprentice movements, he noted the strange movements and primal madness. The mist that surrounded him, clinging like a web. It was something that would need to be remedied less he lose all sense of what he was. Advancing, agreeing with the sentiment, Akheron begun to strike at any lizard folk left. Those that had thought to run to the sea hoping in the waves they might find solace from the death they witnessed. But it would not come. The Sith Warrior advanced like a Wrath filled storm, uttering ancient chants, Akheron beckoned the Sithspawn beast that would be birthed of his, Solus and Inmortos flesh and called it forth from the depths of Chaos. Allowing the vials his apprentice held to fall into the ocean and begin to boil and make it bubble as the beast took form. The water itself was beginning to boil, cooking any wildlife too close to the shore. Within the depths did the Sithspawn beast soon rise, first it's head, multiple eyed and full of hate as it was. And yet the beast did not strike at Solus or Akheron. The beast knew it's masters. Within moments the beast grew, doubling in size until it dwarfed the two. Rising it looked into the tower, eyeballing Inmortos briefly as it looked in before turning to the ocean and beginning untold destruction. It was a true leviathan, a beast of old called forth from hell itself or so it seemed. Walking and wading out, the beast tipped ships of all sizes into the deep, smashing them against the waves and rocks of the shoreline. Eating others whole. Screams and panic ensued as the lizard folk ran to try and save what remained. Even the undead did little to stop it's advance. Akheron looked out, proud of his creation. Of the creation of the three. It would be a permanent reminder for those who defied the Sith, a symbol to the Fanged God who took lives in his honour. It would be death incarnate to any who would do the Sith wrong on Aaris III. On the dead world it would make a home and become legend. Turning away, Akheron knew their work was done, it was time to leave the world of the dead to it's fate. He motioned that Solus should follow.
  4. Brutally cleansing the city in the name of the Sith and the Fanged God, Akheron continued his remorseless rampage. All notion of morality lost as he brought death and destruction, burning any souls he encountered into corpses and dust. Eventually the city stood practically empty, the three Sith and the Linnorjs, combined with the might of the fleet had flattened and misshapen the city into a hollow ruin of nothing but pain. Pain that would echo for years to come no doubt, a wound formed of thousands of voices lost to the void as they endured neither death or life. Stuck forever between worlds. Stepping back towards the tower at the end of the carnage, Akheron ascended into the bitter cold and top of the tower, where he found both his apprentice and Krath Inmortos discussing the next steps in purging the planet of life. They had taken most of the life on the surface either through their own hand or by way of the fleet, all now that remained would be the oceans. It would require a unique solution, however it appeared Inmortos had planned for such a event. A smile crept across his lips as he heard of the task at hand, to create a Sithspawn born of the suffering and pain they had wrought. Speaking as Inmortos took a seat upon the unholy throne of the dead, Akheron added to the discussion before departing to the task before them. "It shall be done, I shall assist. Let us see what the blood of Wrath and Rage may add to the mix and awaken the Destroyers Of Worlds. The Leviathans. Sithspawn born of us all, one that will bring this planet to it's last knee and consume it for eternity." With that he motioned his now somewhat normal apprentice, albeit with madness below the surface and lead him to where they needed to be. He let his apprentice collect the potions and elexirs they would require before speaking. "Open the vials. I shall add a few drops of my blood to each, I suggest you do the same. Channel your Hate, Rage, Suffering, Pain, Envy and Wrath. Let us ensure the world gives birth to our vengeance."
  5. Akheron was relentless, a walking machine of death and destruction that had been unleashed for a single purpose. To see the end to the lizard people that once called Aaris III home and entomb them eternally, their body and souls forever a testament to the power of the Sith and the price of defying them and the will of the Fanged God. And in so doing his own legend would spread throughout the galaxy even more...rumors about what happened to Aaris III would soon go on to frighten young children from their beds at night. A warning of the fate of all those who would defy the Sith and the gifts given to them. Gifts that came with a price, a price they had refused to pay when it came due. He would be the Sith's iron fist, acting as agent and a Wrath filled wraith upon the defilers. As Inmortos spoke, Akheron replied his voice slightly changed, fueled by the Darkness. For he was in the moment, Wrath and Rage intertwined, becoming one. A symbiosis of emotions that directed a unmatched fury upon any in the way, innocent or not. The Sith Warrior knew no remorse, pity or mercy...only adding to the dead. "It shall be done Lord Inmortos, I have also sent the command authority to you. Temporary command has been give for the ship I gifted and all aboard, you need only contact them to issue the command to join as well. They are bound by ancient law to obey. This world will burn and then become a tomb eternal. For the Sith do not forgive nor do we forget." Moments later and the flagship and various others in the small fleet with Akheron answered the summons. Soon after and several shuttles descended to the surface under heavy armed escort. Shuttles with a purpose. They were destined for the crypt, landing and disembarking the Linnorms surveyed the area before making way to the tower, killing any in the way to their objective with excitement and shouts of glory to the Fanged God. The lizard folk suffered under axe, sword, blaster and fists as the elite Sith trained warriors made little work of the living and undead. They were soon at their destination after carving a path and linking up with Akheron, passing by and killing any he missed as they went below with several crates. Once in the crypt, they ransacked it killing any lizard folk who interrupted or tried stopping them as they hurled angry, rage filled words at the Linnorms who they saw as desecrating the crypt and stealing from their former god. But they paid no mind and swiftly ended the objectors lives, more victims for the Fanged God. Collecting various ancient treasures, scrolls, holocrons and items of interest that the Sith would want safeguarded and removed from the dead world. Soon enough and it was practically empty as each crate was escorted out. Above the planet, the ships moved in closer as instructed. It was then they begun to rain hell on those below, as the weapons of the fleet aimed their weapons upon the cities and remote villages, anywhere they could. Soon enough and a barrage of laser death descended, adding to the furor of destruction. A Base Delta Zero reduced one city to ash and melted glass in a instant as thousands were extinguished. The deaths and the suffering they endured only served to strengthen and further fuel the Sith Lord, Akheron. As the bigger ships opened fire below, the smaller Acklay Class Heavy Interceptors, a new breed and line of starfighter that had seen successful testing above Naboo, were unleashed from the bellies of the beasts. Like a swarm of angry locusts, they attacked in waves. The first entered and struck at the same city the three Sith were currently occupying, shaking the foundations of several areas and sending rubble everywhere as bombing and strafing runs helped reduce everything to smoldering ash and allow Inmortos to harvest the souls of the damned. Akheron felt the vibrations as he continued the onslaught. The necromancers he was fighting shouted towards him, pointing bony fingers and condemning the three Sith. He simply laughed at them, their threats meaning nothing. This simply angered them more as severla begun to chant unknown languages. Ancient and powerful magic begun to be put at work as several bodies of the dead arose, attempting to grab at the Sith Warrior. Deformed with some missing parts of their face and other extremities, these undead were skeletal, primitive and wielding various clubs, maces and axes of old. They raced towards him with apparent abandon and little care for their own well being. Akheron simply smiled under his mask as he plunged into the very depths of his own pain and trauma, entering the warrior state of the Sundered Heart. In this state, Akheron begun to unleash his inner turmoil in a torrent of powerful and never ending attacks with the intent to overwhelm the enemies in front of him a ceaseless, unending storm. His efforts begun to take form when his hits begun to strike harder and faster and the weightlessness of the lightsaber he was using only further increased his efforts. As the undead horde thought to make a meal of the Sith Warrior, he charged forwards into them. His Rage fuelling his current mind state. He became almost a blur of red, as the lightsaber and his skin molded into one with the fast movements being conducted. He struck at the first victim, slicing straight through the lizard man's primitive shield like it was butter and carving a long burning line to his jaw. Yet he continued, undead as he was. So Akheron instead impaled the undead lizard folk with his new arm appendage and swung him around head first into the floor with a sickening crunch. He followed this by stomping on it's head. under his boot before slicing vertical until he reached the groin, leaving the undead in two separate torso sections. Moving along he noted his apprentice as he passed by, successful in his endeavor. Slicing up more undead, Akheron used the warrior ability to Shatter. Using the Darkness of the Force, Akheron hurled raw blasts of the Force into obliterating any shields or weapons the undead might have been using at the time. He channeled the destructive power of his abilities through the physical weapons they carried, attempting to sunder the armor and leave them vulnerable. He was largely successful, as a rippling wave of energy, cascaded towards them like a tsunami and swept them backwards in a wave, sending lizard folk flying into any wall behind them. Breaking bone, flesh, weapon or shield into pieces. Yet he was far from done, he was barely getting started. Satisfied this particular group had been dealt with, Akheron advanced further forwards into the city. As he did, more shuttles arrived, this time with reinforcements as a battalion of Linnorms exited the various craft and begun to join in the slaughter, cheering as each living or undead member of the lizard species were snuffed out. Their souls damned forever to never live nor truly die. Instead they would suffer the long silence of eternity trapped and driven insane. A fitting punishment for those who would defy the Sith, or so Akheron thought. He continued on, the Linnorms at his back and ready to add some more to the ever increasing tally of the dead.
  6. Akheron laughed a little as he spoke. "Then we shall be on equal footing. For I have walked beyond the veil of death many times, and seen for myself the horrors that await in the realm of Chaos where no spirit ever sleeps. And more so trained since birth in the arts of killing and death, further expanded upon with my education in the Sith. These apprentices will know what it is to know true fear this day, to know what true devotion is. For as is our motto...Death remembers all." He continued to speak. "As a Lord-Captain of the Clan, I shall make make your entrance official after these proceedings with the Master Of Hides. He shall conduct the ritual oath you must take to swear loyalty to the Fanged God. In the meantime I have transferred temporary authority to you of the ship I previously mentioned. When the ceremony is complete that authority will become permanent as you become one with the nomad fleet. For now you need only contact those aboard whenever you wish and begin the issuing of commands. In the meantime, let us purge together and offer souls to the Fanged God." Walking further he soon found the necromancers and others, those who were doomed to a eternity of nothingness. Igniting his lightsaber he began his own path of destruction. His aura of calm became a raging storm in moments as he ended the first of many lives on Aaris III. Focusing in the Darkness, Akheron unleashed his Wrath and newly acquired additional Rage, his eyes turning to black as the monster that always laid just below the surface, caged like a beast was released. Unchained and remorseless. A unmerciful machine of death, the Sith Warrior starting carving into those in front of him. Impaling the first of many lives, he sliced his saber into their gut before slicing upwards leaving a corpse in his wake of death and destruction. His eyes saw another, as some soon panicked, attempting to run much to his disgust, while others stood awestruck at the fury and power of the Sith Warrior, all previous doubt erased. Becoming a hunter, Akheron stalked before using the Force to lift another victim, throwing them like a ragdoll into a icy spike on the wall. Continuing on, corpses begun to be all that remained, as the Sith Lord let nothing stop his purge. One devoted to the Darkness and the Fanged God. The suffering of the damned was a musical symphony, as Akheron conducted his dance of death and destruction. He would let none escape, all would become worthy sacrifices, the living and the undead. Aaris III would burn. He wondered if his apprentice faired as well, if he was living up to his potential. As the Assassin he thought he could be for the Sith.
  7. Akheron looked upon Solus, confused by his speech. It was as if possessed and his apprentice no longer had sound mind or body, like a puppet on a string. Something had clearly come through whatever portal they had created during the ritual and snuck in. Or so he thought, they would need to see about remedying that sooner or later. Speaking he answer Inmortos. "It appears so. We will need to fix that sooner, rather than later. He cannot be left in such a state, he has far greater potential than becoming a madman. As to the ships, if you wish command there is no easy way to go about it. You will be required to break them, to bend them to your will and have you earn their trust. There is a way in which we may benefit mutually...you have proven much already and appear to be open to perhaps a new way of looking at things. At the Darkness, perhaps even similar to myself and my apprentice. As such I would be a fool not to make a offer of closer friendship, one that would bind us as brothers even more so than now. I would offer you the chance to join Clan Brasganu, the House Of Dragons. A House more closely connected than some others. As a father Of Dust you would be welcomed as a Lord-Captain, those who are Sith Lords and Masters of great power and the will to burn worlds in the name of the Fanged God and Dark Lady. Who's authority is without question, such as will become your power should you choosse to accept this generous proposal I unto you. This would in turn earn the loyalty of the Linnorms, along with additional benefits. Chose and become one, Just as a moment ago, and we shall set the galaxy aflame. Starting here." As he waited for an answer, Akheron got dressed, placing his dry robes and all his equipment back in it's rightful place. Last came his mask, again concealing the monster beneath that he had now become. At least other than his eyes and his aura. He noted Solus additional strange movements, as he disappeared to accomplish the task he had been set. One, Akheron approved of, it would be excellent training, a test to see how he handled himself alone and to see if he could control the madness.
  8. Akheron waited for what seemed like to him a eternity yet was only a few minutes when the blood surrounding him took hold. At first there was nothing, just the warmth until that warmth began to feel like it was burning. Like the blood itself had become as acid and was melting his skin, yet this was far from the truth. As the ritual began in earnest, he felt as though on fire...gritting his teeth he fought back against the pain and the hallucinations that soon took hold as what appeared to be a gateway, a Eye Of Chaos opened before them. Threatening to suck them all in. In the blood as he felt like burning, in his Wrath and Rage Akheron saw hallucinations. Visions that looked and felt all too real, visions of the Fanged God and the Darkness. His body convulsed and sputtered, shaking, shuddering violently in the blood a s it engulfed him into the abyss at least for the moment. The blood enveloped his form like a red blanket as it wrapped around like liquid metal. Bending, breaking and remolding his prosthetic arm and leg, molding new flesh with bone and the imbued metal (Looks like Starkillers spiky arm). He tried to scream but his mouth refused to open. It felt like he was in Chaos again. As if in the realm of the dead. As he suffered, a amalgamation soon became apart of Akheron as the ritual induced blood threatened to eat away at him, binding his prosthetics on both a spiritual and physical level into one as the acidic life forces tried to clamour for passage out of him. Passage he denied them, drawing on the Darkness and all he knew, all his strength and power to not submit. His body raised, caked in blood still engulfing him as he floated, levitating in a ritual trance. His body grew in size, muscles bulged as his eyes shot open. The deepest black, filled with the Darkness of the Force. But he was still in a trance, he spoke in the language of the Tsis, before switching to that of the chants. As more blood engulfed him, his body shot back into the blood bath going under. It was as this happened he saw a searing bolt of red lightning arc from a void and strike at the blood filled pool. He heard the thunderclap in room erupt in a blinding flash of red even in his trance. The next few hours seemed like minutes as he fought against his own Rage and Wrath. The hallucinations became more vivid and soon Akheron face to face with what he thought to be a depiction of the Fanged God or as close as the mind allowed. In that moment he believed more than ever, Fanged God, the Darkness was all real. Soon enough and Akheron found the strength and power to will himself free of wherever he was. He controlled his Wrath and Rage. Finally awakening in the empty pool, Akheron opened his eyes properly for the first time since the ritual started. Looking at himself, he felt filled with power. Invigorated even. His Wrath and Rage simmered just below the surface, desiring a outlet. He would soon oblige. Looking upon what had once been prosthetics, Akheron noted the changes. How the imbued Sith steel had warped and moulded with new flesh, bone, muscle and blood to create a amalgamation work of Sith art. Or so he thought. On the tips of the fingers he noted a Starkiller like razor sharp appendage, a hand encased nearly all in imbued Sith metal yet allowed him to stab or slash while his upper arm was flesh blended to the remaining metals. His prosthetic leg was much like his upper arm, flesh and metal. Testing them briefly, he enjoyed the new movement he had been given. The return of missing flesh upon that arm and leg. And the gift of Rage. He would not forget it, or how his mistrust at least for now had been misplaced. He spoke out, using what remained of one of the lizard folk clothes to wipe the blood from himself. Speaking he replied to Inmortos. "So shall it be Lord Inmortos. I believe a apology is in order...I was wrong to mistrust you. I thank you for this mighty gift and the additional side effect of the return of something akin to a real arm and leg again, a return being whole. I am not quite sure what happened but it is a boon. One I look forward to using. If it is a purge you require, you shall have it. Let us burn in the name of the Dark Lady, the Darkness and the Fanged God."
  9. Akheron considered the words, looking into the Darkness of the Force, sensing for deceit. He found none, and something told him as much as the two distrusted the necromancer, this was the correct course to take in serving the Fanged God and the Dark Lady. Nothing ever happened without a reason he had found as experience had taught him. His apprentice was young, full of defiance. Much like himself once upon a time, fearful of that which he did not know. Both were offered a chance, should they pass the test and ritual of unlocking more of their potential...that much was certain, looking within Akheron knew the price might be worthy of the risk. Besides as a Sith and a Warrior he would not refuse a rare boon such as was given. Even if he did not fully understand the reason for it. He spoke, understanding. "Calm yourself my apprentice, I feel we have nothing to fear. If Lord Inmortos wished us harm, he would of done so already. I can understand your mistrust, the previous experience was painful, but it was one of many such tests as a Sith. This is yet another. Nothing happens without reason where the Darkness is concerned. You or I may not fully understand the reason why we were brought here, but the Fanged God brought us three together for a reason. Just as I as a Sith Warrior or you as a Assassin serve the Dark Lady and Fanged God by taking life from our enemies on the field of battle in fire or from the shadows, necromancers also serve a purpose. They are the taker or souls, collectors and serve the Fanged God by punishing the enemies of the Sith with eternal servitude or empowering allies such as us, here and now. Helping to unlock our further potential. Yes there is great risk, but such is the life of a Sith. As much as we might mistrust Lord Inmortos, I trust in the Fanged God and the Darkness. We can either choose to embrace the pain and prove our strength, our power and devotion to the Darkness by stepping into the pool and coming out stronger for it or give in to the fear and mistrust. The Fanged God watches and awaits your choice. I have made my choice now it for you to make yours my apprentice. This is your next test, a test of both pain, devotion and loyalty. How far are you willing to go to become all you desire. To be a Sith and serve the Darkness and Fanged God. Will you choose to place trust in one you hate and the Darkness....or will you give in to your Envy. In case it is the latter, I offer a new ability to learn, to assist with your transfer to the pool. That of Telekinesis. Similar to a Force Push or Pull except that this ability will allow you to manipulate physical matter, allowing you to touch, grab, hold, and otherwise interact with a target. Even yourself. The ability using the Darkness to lift targets in combat or not. It can also be used to disarm or physically attack opponents, as well as a method of defense for the user or the target. For a sufficiently skilled or powerful practitioner, the size, distance, weight, and mass of the object do not matter. One can possibly lift something as small as a piece of fruit to an X-Wing or be able to affect a target from another room or yourself. Telekinesis also entails applying and defying physical forces without physical contact and from a distance, with the strength and intensity of this force causing the feats performed with it ranging from making small to medium-sized objects float or levitate weightlessly, to slowing or completely halting the motion of moving targets, to crushing targets with the strength and resilience of metal with extreme amounts of pressure. Despite the there is a price. Telekinesis may allow us the ability to manipulate and interact with targets without physical contact and from a variable distance, the precision, accuracy, magnitude, range, and intensity but this is tied to the our concentration, willpower, emotions, senses, and spatial awareness. Therefore, it is a power that can be weakened, causing us to be unable to properly control it. Physical or mental fatigue, stress, or disorientation are side affects of prolonged use. So use it sparingly my apprentice. Now it is up to you to make your choice." With that he was done speaking, stripping as far as his underwear, Akheron revealed his true self. Placing his weapons alongside them. A Tsis Pureblood, a Massassi of crimson red, long thought of as extinct...marked with a lifetime of war, with scars on almost every speck of flesh. That which was not covered in these scars were covered in ornate ritualistic tattoos that gave off a eery glow. Or appeared that way. Some were Tsis in origin while others such as his face and head were markings of the Fanged God. Of Clan Brasganu, branded into the skin. The only metal that remained was his prosthetic arm and leg. Sith Steel, imbued with Sith Alchemy and Magic he rationed they were resistant enough to survive the ritual. Besides it was something he refused to remove, he still wished to retain some dignity. Making his way down the steps he entered the pool, his crimson skin becoming one with the blood. In the Darkness he focused himself, preparing for whatever came next. Leading by example he hoped it convinced his apprentice.
  10. Akheron laughed a little as Solus talked to himself about perhaps one day having a planet to control of his own. His ambitions laid bare. His Envy surging outwards. He spoke as they followed, looking upon the strange structure around them, listening to Inmortos and taking note. Avoiding any soulfrost. "Perhaps one day you will have such a planet my apprentice. Just as you desire, just as I have Falleen and parts of Korriban. However it takes a great deal more than you know to keep such a thing, there is as always a price to that which you crave...to keep control and keep what you desire takes a toll. And just as Lord Inmortos says...It is a easy thing to just kill, it is simple. To kill for the sake of it is nothing, but to really relish the moment, it is better to do it for a reason, even if known only to yourself or self satisfaction. And as said, sometimes those you seek to kill require more than simply slaughter. Not that this not enjoyable. True punishment requires many things. As you shall see." Continuing on the walk, Akheron was in awe at the crypt and the treasures held within. Envy of his own briefly simmered before subsiding. He noted the life story of Inmortos, looking upon each moment that let to who and what he became. Trying to gauge a better understanding of his fellow Sith. To understand the necromancer and just what he wanted, for he knew that the secret likely lied in the clues hidden in the depictions. As with all Sith secrets were usually hidden in plain sight. And then he heard the unusual dialect. It was one he had rarely heard, predating the Sith. Likely Rakatan in wagered. And next he saw the temple, one devoted to the God of these unread lizard folk he had seen about. One devoted to the image and power of Inmortos. And within stood his most loyal followers, devotees to the Lich King and the power of the dead. He could feel their disdain for him and Solus, considered as outsiders. He smiled a little under his mask. Let them hate and fear, he was Sith. Staring at the pool of Blood if it could be called such a thing, he felt drawn to it. Like a moth to a flame, it called offering sweet temptations born of the Darkness. Whispers of the dead called into his mind, offering yet more temptation. But for now he resisted. Listening, Akheron was cautious, resisting and not stepping a foot forward. So this was the reason for his invitation, to be some kind of recruit , a induction. But for what reason and why he wondered. What was the endgame and what would be the price if he submitted. "Now I see what you meant by Baptism Of Blood. You meant it quite literally...and yet I wonder. If I do As you say, if we both do. What is the price, the cost of submitting to the pool and the dead within, of exposing my flesh, bone and very essence of what I am to such a ritual. And to you. What would become of me."
  11. Akheron eyed the undead lizard men with suspicion, even as they surrounded him, his apprentice and his escort before he even had time to object. He didn't like the fact that these...abominations stood so close. Almost like a pack of rabid, hungry wolves held back only by the alpha. And the unrest he felt in the Force, the rage and anger, the icey chill, did little to change his thoughts on the matter, if anything he was more cautious, holding a hand close to his saber just in case. He distracted himself on the ascension by looking at the citadel of ice and souls. He was sure he could hear wailing from within at some points. It was impression, a feat of Sith Magic he could hardly fathom, and yet strangely familiar, it reminded him of Ziost in his youth long before it's destruction. As the undead muscled lizard man spoke, Akheron simply laughed in his face before he spoke. His defiance evident even in the face of uncertainty. Making a statement of truth. "I am honoured to be here however....your master should of told you. I am a Sith Warrior. The Lord Of Wrath. I do not beg like some commoner or mewling quim, nor do I ask forgiveness like one. I accept my sins as part of me, I come only because I was asked, nothing more." Letting the words sink in he remained silent for the remainder of the trek to the top, even as he felt the rage from the creature at being berated. He cared little about it, undead as it was. Making it to the top, he had the Linnorms wait below as he motioned Solus follow him into the epicentre of Inmortos power, and to the Lich King himself sat atop his ice throne. Hearing the question, he answered truthfully. Showing a wisdom beyond his years, wisdom born of the rule of his own people. "Yes, the unrest? I feel it. Like a storm brewing just below the surface. Such is the price of power, of a throne Lord Inmortos. There will always be problems to contend with. Besides. Few know the true cost of eternity until it is too late. Eternal life to some, while it may seem a good idea at the time...soon loses it's appeal. Some would prefer the gutter to the promise of salvation after perhaps decades of the same. Either that or they seek more than they have, they crave what you have yet know it will always be just out of reach. And for that you will be hated, despised. For jealous they become and envious of the power you control. So much so that the hate they have will lead them to break oaths and only ever leads to betrayal. Question is what will you do to answer it when that happens as now. Will you answer the challenge or not? Regardless I have a gift or two that might cheer you up." Akheron proceeded to remove something of a blade, wrapped in leather clothe. A sacrificial blade belonging to the Fanged God and bathed in the blood of the sacrificed to flame burnt alive. Their suffering still lingered upon it. In his other hand was held a datadisc with two holograms of ships schematics. "First a sacrificial blade bathed in the blood of the sacrificed to flame burnt alive for the Fanged God in his honour. The suffering of those that died upon it lingers still. The second gift, something more practical. A ship. Glacadh An Dorchadas. Embrace Of Darkness in the common tongue, a Sion Heavy Escort Carrier/Cruiser and complimentary starfighters in the newly field tested Acklay Class Heavy Interceptors, both of which I had a hand in personally designing based on battlefield experiences in the space arena so to speak. Both saw action above Naboo, you can review the data in this disc along with the schematics at your leisure. Both are in appreciation of a gift once previously given and to strengthen an any alliances between us if that is your desire. I must say this...Baptism Of Blood has me curious".
  12. Akheron observed silently again. He was for now pleased, his apprentice had started to show signs of the potential and promise he knew lay beneath the sentient crystal's exterior. The Darkness within as gifted by the Fanged God flowed strong, at least until his energy reserve was depleted, however Akheron knew there may be time to somewhat relax on the way to the surface. He felt the planet long before they entered the system but being in it's presence was something else entirely. All he felt was a deep sense of suffering of Death. Speaking to the Linnorm he replied. "Do so, let Lord Inmortos know we are here and request for the fleet to resupply, refuel and re-arm. Have his space faring gift prepared to await his command once I personally speak with him. Prepare our escort and have the Linnorms on standby...just in case. There is much we do not know about this necromancer and his domain. Let's be cautious." Turning to Solus, he spoke as all returned as it once was. Once he was clear, the carcasses were removed and the platforms were gone. A empty room remained. "You did well my apprentice, but do not let your rage entirely consume you. This has been the undoing of many Sith. Rage and hate if left to it's own devices, allowed uncontrolled and unchecked would destroy all that you are and wish to become. Your own strength would become your demise. We may draw from Rage but there still a price as with any emotions drawn of the Darkness. Draw too strongly and it will suck you into a endless pit of unstoppable Rage and Anger that would strike not just your enemies down, but those you call ally or friends as well. But that is enough for now. Come, Lord Inmortos awaits below. I am certain we shall plenty of opportunity on the surface to test you further and advance your training. Even still be on your guard, he is a unknown quantity. I am not quite sure if he is to be fully trusted....yet. This is his domain, his powerbase. As such We must be cautious, I do not know what to expect of this...festival, Baptism Of Blood." With that he headed to the shuttles, motioning his apprentice to follow. He made a quick stop by his personal quarters to pick up a unique gift he had crafted for the necromancer, one he was certain he would appreciate and would repay the gift he had been given previously. Continuing on to the shuttle he entered, wondering what just awaited the two below. Although one thing was certain, he could feel a deep unrest about the planet...even now. He would soon see why.
  13. Akheron spoke again as he observed the next scenes of carnage, as the silence soon turned to death as darkness enveloped Solus gungan and Acklay victims. All souls sacrificed to the Fanged God in the name of the Dark Lady. The last moments of pain and suffering felt delightful in the Force as their gasps fed the Darkness and in turn the two Sith in the room. "Impressive my apprentice, most impressive. However there is a far easier way with which to gain such heights. Just as the Darkness allows us to Push or Pull victims, so too can it be manipulated to jump, in a timed Force Jump also known as a Force Leap, which when used and implemented correctly may allow you to use the Force to augment your natural leaping ability. Force-users adept in this technique are capable of awe-inspiring vertical/horizontal leaps with impunity, even during combat where it may used to dodged what could be a lethal blow via leaping over your enemy out of range as to allow time to plan your next strike. Another ability which likewise may be used in combat and which augments, a ability which can work in combination with a Force Jump with practice, to further boost your height is that if Force Speed. Force speed, is also known as Burst Of Speed or a Force Sprint is a power that allows us to maintain sprinting speeds for a brief time. Greater aptitude and further training with it grants greater boosts to speed and or greater duration. The increased speed enables those touched by the Force, individuals like us, to perceive and react to the world and the entities around us in slow motion, allowing us to dodge attacks more easily and attack more quickly with greater accuracy in unarmed or armed combat with or without a lightsaber. But there is a cost. Prolonged and overextended use will have a draining effect upon your energy and metabolism, one that requires a longer recovery period and as such should be used sparingly. To use this you must focus the Darkness, use the Force to augment your muscles, especially in your legs and arms and focus that energy to increase the speed of you movements, heightening your reflexes and increasing the speed of blocks and blows during engagements. For your current task, you will be required to make use of it for your next challenge along with that of a Force Jump. In the last section, you will need all your newfound skills to reach the end. Continue on my apprentice, I feel we are nearing our destination. The Darkness tells me so, can you feel it? Aaris III approaches. But do not let such a distraction disway you from your task. Complete your current test and we shall continue below...I'm certain Lord Inmortos will have adequate training facilities." ((Note: Next post will be on Aaris III.))
  14. Akheron observed silently, as each victim fell to the death that hid in the shadows. Their own screams in the last moments their only comfort as his apprentice ended their lives and added the souls to the Fanged God's tally. He observed that while unorthodox, his apprentice methods worked and are within the perimeters of his objective. Misdirection and subterfuge were afterall hallmarks of a Assassin. What sound there was came only from the traps being triggered and the Acklay who had been tricked into one, a fact that brought a smile to the Sith Warrior. It appeared his apprentice was finally learning, adapting to the situation accordingly as needed. As his apprentice advanced to the next area, Akheron decided to up the anti a little and introduce a additional lesson. One that make use of his apprentice connection to the Force. He turned on the speaker briefly. "Excellent my apprentice, you are doing well. You are more a Assassin with each step, misdirection, subterfuge....these are the mark of the greatest Assassins. Keep it up. To aid the next section, one with holocameras...I offer a additional lesson. One which requires you delve deeper into the Darkness the Fanged God affords us." Pausing, he continued. "The Darkness offers us much as you know, but a Assassin can use it in other ways to aid in keeping their target unaware. One such technique is one that allows us to temporarily disable a security holocam, causing a brief period of static, allowing those who use it to pass while only alerting security to a minor holocam malfunction. Or so it is said, A Force-flash. Try this as you proceed forwards. Focus within the Darkness and upon remaining hidden. Compell the Darkness to aid you, directed upon any camera within your sight line and pass unseen both by sight, sound and technology." After that moment, again the room was silent, other than the roaming gungans and remaining Acklay's.
  15. Akheron looked upon his apprentice, feeling his Pride at his new position, however he knew it was far from over. Now he would be truly broken and remade, both physically and mentally. He would mold him into a dagger in the dark, a shadow of death that was the Sith Assassin. But to follow in such footsteps would require the greatest of sacrifices. As the Shard would soon see. Motioning for Solus to step back to the back of the room, he spoke as he activated several buttons on a console. A rumbling sound occurred as several sections of the room shifted their former shape. In their place stood several elevated sections, some with pillars that cast shadows, others without and other sections were low. The Mutated Acklay of which there were 3, were now spread out on different sections. One below in a darkened pit, another on a elevated position and the last stood towards the end of the now labyrinth looking set up. Inbetween several of the now tight corridors and hallways were several traps triggered by fast movement, vibrations. "Welcome my apprentice, I trust you rested well. Today, on this moment your true training begins. In this room shall you begin learning the skills needed to become one with the shadows and strike without anyone ever knowing you were there. To mask yourself in the dark as with the greatest of Sith Assassins of times past. Despite his flaws Darth Nyrys predecessor, Darth Exodus, The Spider himself was said to be such a Assassin. Whether you reach such heights time will tell. For now your first steps remain, that said let us begin. To become one with the dark you must learn to quiet your steps, the natural rhythms of your body. To move with silence and strike without sound. Pass through this labyrinth without making a sound where possible, these are Acklay that have been mutated...adapted via Alchemy to sense through sound and vibrations. Move too fast, too loud or make too much noise and vibrations and they shall attack. Despite lack of sight, make no mistake they are deadly and never to be taken lightly. Your task is to attempt to pass silently, use the shadows and strike them down and any gungan warriors in the maze. They are promised freedom in exchange for taking part in what they believe is a gladiator games. You may begin when ready, however make a sound and you fail. As you know such failure will have consequences. May the Darkness and the Fanged God guide you true."
  16. Aboard his flagship the 'Fangs Of Chaos', Akheron stood within the observation bay of the training area that stood before him. A area designed to test many different types of Sith to their limits. It was located at the back of the ship, a previous hangar that had been converted. Now it would withstand almost anything. As the streaks of hyperspace passed by the window, he wondered what awaited on Aaris III. Soon all would be revealed no doubt. Below, he heard the Mutated Acklay's roaring at each other and anyone close to the pens in which they were currently securely locked inside. At least temporarily, they would soon find release. Speaking over a hologram, Akheron contacted his apprentice. It was time to truly begin. "My apprentice, report to Bay 5, it's especially converted for our purposes. Your true training begins." Once he arrived he would be greeted by a great empty dark room, at first glance, aside from the Mutated Acklay's, albeit it was far from empty or deserted. He would note these Acklay lacked eyesight, and appeared to rely on sounds and vibration to detect others and seek prey.
  17. As Solus returned Akheron noted his new changes and improvements to his outer shell. A new body. Approving of it he spoke, it was time to depart, him and all the Linnorms here along with the precious cargo that was the plasma they had gathered for study. Making contact with the Linnorm left in charge of the operation, he requested a update and a shuttle immediately. It wasn't long before both arrived. "Lothal, status update requested. Has all cargo been secured aboard the 'Fang Of Chaos' as instructed and the Linnorms made way to the shuttles. We are departing this world, have Stitch -Mouth depart also." "Already done my Lord, we just finished up after the young Shard left. Stitch-Mouth is aboard the shuttle and heading to secure you Lord-Captain. I am too, we should be approaching within moments." Akheron acknowledged him just as he saw the shuttle come into view, landing just outside the Force Wound. The ramp descended allowing both the Shard, Solus and Akheron to at last depart the hellscape that Naboo had become. "Very good Lothal, I can see you now. Let us leave this desolate world, our work here is done." Walking to the shuttle Akheron motioned Solus to follow. He picked up pace as he felt the Darkness, something told him he should hurry. "I see some great improvements upon you my apprentice. Come our time here is done, Aeris III awaits and your further training." ((After your final post we are moving to the space thread.))
  18. As Akheron observed the ritual and movements within the Force Wound, he could feel the tension building. He was intrigued somewhat, for many elements of his own ritual remained but it appeared due to the Shard the ritual took a life of it's own, it spoke of his potential. Even as he felt the emotions dripping from his apprentice, Akheron observed silently until he felt the changes occur. Saw the sphere form and take shape as his apprentice screamed into the nothingness. At the rituals end, he stood proud of the accomplishment and offered a knowing nod to the Spider creature who bore the marks of the Fanged God. When presented with finished product, Akheron took the lightsaber. It was a crude design but reminded him of his own. Traditional in appearance, primal even. He could feel the Envy drip from it's core, threatening to suffocate and snuff all life out. Handing the bladed back, he nodded approvingly before speaking. "Most excellent my apprentice, you have achieved a feat few ever have. You have passed the test and advanced to the next step of your training. You now have the tools but must now learn that which is needed to wield this extension of yourself to it's maximum effect. From here everything gets much harder. Perhaps now you know the truth of my words and the wisdom spoken. Having witnessed that which cannot be rightly explained to some. In light of this achievement I deem you ready and worthy to shed that which you were in Clan Brasganu having faced the manifestation of Darkness both internal and external.. in my authority as both your master and Lord-Captain of Clan Brasganu I deem it so that you are The Golden Slave no more my apprentice but have been reborn again and ascended through the first fire. You have become The Dragon and as such shall be known as such among those of Clan Brasganu. You are likewise granted autonomy to recraft your body as you deem fit as necessary to your chosen path. Which seems to favour the Assassin as I previously mentioned. You may give yourself a 'face' if that is your desire. See Stitch-Mouth about doing this. Once this is done, we shall depart this world for Aeris III where we are expected. Hold your head high my apprentice and savour your success, at least for now, for on the journey we begin your next steps."
  19. Akheron listened and sighed a little. He had hoped the Mandalorian could of stayed a bit longer and observe the ritual as it unfolded, but he understood the war came first. Their enemies would not wait for them. Speaking, he bowed a farewell as he spoke, handing a encryption key to Tros Ardell before his departure. One that would allow him to contact the Sith Lord personally if ever the need arose, such as the battle to come. "That is most unfortunate, things were about to get interesting. However I understand, the war cannot wait forever. Indeed, after we are done here we must begin our own preparations. In that regard, take this. It is my personal com number and shall allow you to reach me in a much more expedient manner I think. I too hope we meet again soon, even if after the battle, until then may the Darkness guide you true, my newfound friend." Once Tros left, Akheron wondered what the future might hold for the man. It was clear the Darkness and Fanged God had a plan for this one, one entwined with his own but how was yet to be decided. Time would tell. Turning to Solus, Akheron spoke As he entered the area his apprentice was staring at, he motioned that he should follow before pointing towards the epicentre. "Come my apprentice, you must enter the epicentre of the realm of these dead here. Sit, meditate and focus yourself. Open yourself fully to the Darkness that resides here, direct it inwards and combine it with your own Darkness. Use those feelings, emotions that you feel when you are one in symbiosis. Face your demons, your inner most vulnerabilities and weaknesses, for during the ritual you must face yourself even as the Darkness attempts to destabilise the ritual, you must gain control...enforce your will upon it and bend it to your needs. Focus the energy upon the blood and a piece of yourself, your Shard. A equivalent of blood. The symbiosis should allow you to join them as one, to become a crystal. But that is only half the ritual. Once the crystal is made, focus those same feelings and emotions upon the electronics you brought with you. In that moment your true self shall help you create the sabre that shall be a extension of you. It shall be no easy task, and both are taxing on both mind and body. Survival is not guaranteed, but if you succeed you shall as I said previously, be another step closer to your true potential. Good luck my apprentice, will observe but cannot interfere. This is your test alone." On that Akheron stepped aside, allowing his apprentice to begin when he wished. Now his apprentice fate was for him to decide and the Darkness.
  20. Akheron thought upon it and answered calmly, speaking the truth as he saw it. "A bit of both you could say. Although it's not so much me or you but rather my apprentice here who has to accomplish this...as a fundamental step and moment of his training. It can be rather volatile. You see the construction of a lightsaber crystal is no easy feat, it is far more dangerous and personal than the construction of the saber itself, to the one who is constructing the crystal. For the crystal is the heart of a lightsaber and one could say a part of their soul." He motioned both to follow even as he informed about the task to come. "At least for this particular method that is the case. For he must grow the crystal from his own blood or the Shard equivalent, molded with his emotions and the blood of the recently deceased...feelings of pain and such have the best effect...to mold and bleed it. A Force Wound that is as recent as happened here is helpful to intensify those emotions that will be needed, and is best to exploit the physical pain as well as any mental pain as fuel for the arduous meditative ritual he is about to undertake. For a lightsaber is not what some believe, just a tool. It is far more than this. A lightsaber is in truth a extension of a Force-Sensitive like us, a mirror for our true feelings made physical, just as it is also a extension of the Force and our connection to the Darkness thereof. A lightsaber strengthens our connection to it. For this method of crystal making, it is more intensive than finding a crystal and bleeding it, but I feel it's much more personal this way. There is a old mantra I once was told which is helpful during the meditation. I suggest you remember it, my apprentice." He said as he followed the distinctive telltale signs in the force. Signs of a wound born recently of death and destruction. No doubt his apprentice would likewise be drawn to it. Letting the Force flow through him he recited the old mantra: "The crystal is the heart of the blade. The heart is the crystal of the Sith. The Sith is the crystal of the Force. The Force is the blade of the heart."
  21. Akheron listened to Solus, pondering his words as he spoke them. A smile formed beneath his mask and Sith Lord visibly showed in the force and his carefully chosen words, that he was pleased with his apprentice. At last his apprentice was beginning to understand. "A excellent interpretation my apprentice, however it is not for me to judge. The Sith Code is open to different interpretations and meanings as I said, it is for you to interpret as you will. For it is a guide, much how I am but a guide. Like a slab of stone, I simply chisel away the small pieces...to reveal what already was hidden. It is up to you to listen. It is true though, that by embracing your passions, your every negative emotion, these will help you unlock your true potential and true freedom as you desire. By embracing who you really are inside. Only then will you find your purpose. Your calling as a Sith, whatever form that may take. You have tasted a glimpse of that in your fight with Darth Inmortos, focus on that moment. Use it to strengthen you. That said, let us find a wound and begin your first true steps as a Sith. But first find Stitch-Mouth, have him prepare the internal electronics necessary for your saber construction. For it takes more than a crystal to make a lightsaber. We must blend engineering of a sort with ancient ritual. All will become clear at the right moment. Now go, we have no time to waste my apprentice." As he waited, Akheron turned to face Tros. He spoke. "Once he returns we shall proceed. Although I recommend staying close, wounds in the force, especially those born of the Darkness, tend to be unpredictable and volatile beasts. A beast we must bend to our will."
  22. Akheron listened to Tros, what he said was true. The heat of battle was a unpredictable beast of many moving parts, not everything could be accounted for. As the Mandalorian stood up, Akheron placed his own masked helmet back upon his head, concealing all but his eyes. He spoke, motioning to the bladed weapon being held before him. "Very well, consider this just the start, I will use what time is available until we leave here, where possible to teach what I know. You can accompany myself and the Shard to find a wound on this planet, for he must construct a lightsaber and crystal. As part of his training. If you so desire, you may bare witness to the true power of the Darkness of the Force....few ever get the chance. It shouldn't be far from here, such a area would also provide the space we need to move about freely and I to impart what you desire to learn." Moments after and Solus had returned, Akheron turned to face his apprentice. Looking upon his improvements, he found them sufficient, it was then he spoke. It was time to see what he had to say, and if he found the meaning of the Sith Code. "Ah my apprentice, you return. I see you took up my suggestion, very good. Now tell me what have you learnt of the Sith Code. What meaning did you define from it. Answer truthfully and openly, there will be no repercussions. The Sith Code contains a different meaning for all Sith."
  23. Akheron listened as Tros made a request, one he was happy to oblige. He both respected and admired the Mandalorian ways, as such a rare opportunity to learn from a true Mandalorian and add to his already considerable skillet was more than welcomed. Indeed there was much they could learn about each other from co-operation like this. Looking at the weapon and feeling the man in the force, his choice was made. Bowing his head in respect he spoke. "You do me much honour by asking and in proposing such a generous offer. I would be honoured to learn the Mandalorian ways and teach you. Long have I admired your people's fighting prowess, to learn such would be most appreciated and a gift I can only repay in kind. I would not only teach you of melee training as is your desire but I would repay such a offer with that of additionally proposing to teach you the secretive martial arts of my own people. A gift for a gift." Moments after and Akheron observed his apprentice, Solus had somewhat accomplished what he had set out to do. He only hoped he learnt the lesson being taught. As he noted the body, he knew the performances would return soon enough, even if he had left a husk here. Looking to Solus, Akheron nodded with tacid approval. "You have done we'll my apprentice, and yes while you have regained some respect for this accomplishment....do not be too overconfident in your success. No doubt, Darth Inmortos shall return, such is his way. For a Sith Necromancer has a special relationship with the Darkness and the Fanged God. One that allows them to return and achieve a state of quasi-immortality but at great cost to themselves. As you have seen. That said your performance was admirable for your part. You show promise as one with the shadows...that of the Assassin. And you have broken your second chain by using your own Strength to claim a Victory. Now take this vial, claim some blood from the body of your fallen foe. You shall use it to help create your lightsaber crystal. One attuned only to you and in part bonded with you. A crystal worthy of a Sith. We shall begin as soon as you are repaired, use the opportunity to make adjustments as necessary, to one suited to your newfound skills. Go see Stitch-Mouth for this. As you see Stitch-Mouth contemplate the Sith Code. Think upon it, look inwards and ponder what the words mean to you. Return to me with your interpretion. Then we shall find a wound upon this planet and you shall begin the ritual of your saber making." Moments after and Akheron found his comlink chimming, checking it, he found the message: It appeared that Akheron's words as rung true. It had not taken long for Darth Inmortos to return, albeit now he was on the other side of the galaxy. The strange festival mentioned in the communication sounded intriguing. He decided he would partake, out of curiosity but also with caution. He sent a reply informing the lizard man to inform his master that he would be coming soon.
  24. Akheron had remained silent as Inmortos attacked his wayward apprentice, who appeared to want to impart a lesson or two. Lessons of which he held no objections too, afterall to become stronger one had to learn what they could from who they could. What could not be learnt from his own master would be learnt either in battle or from those who imparted such lessons. He observed but kept his distance, had he need he would intervene. In the meantime , he listened to Tros speak and couldn't help but illicit a chuckle. "Usually train, if you have a desire for such I am happy to oblige you. What better way to learn about each other, for it is true what people say. You do not truly know someone until you fight them, in the chaos of battle the true measure and character of a man or woman becomes known. I believe we have much to learn of each other. Looks like my apprentice is learning the truth of this."
  25. Akheron nodded in agreement as he took a seat that was offered. He too thought the same, Nal Hutta was likely to become the main field of battle unless they found a way to divert the Rebels attention to where they wanted them. A potential idea sprang to mind. "Indeed, I am aware of what is expected of me, and as you mentioned what to expect. War is not new to me. On that note of strategy, I may have a idea or two. You are correct, and I also have made the same assumption. Nal Hutta is likely to become the main battleground unless we find a way to dictate the terms. However the Rebels and the Jedi if anything, have become somewhat predictable. I believe in this regard we can exploit their predictable nature...their compassion and need to protect those who claim supposed innocence. If we target the heavy population centres upon Nar Shadda, those loyal to the Rebel regime, with help from the undead and troops to spread fear and paranoia, they will have no choice but to come and defend them. Their own natures will betray them. Their sense of 'justice' and need to protect the unworthy shall force them to act to stop what they consider a slaughter. That will be our moment to act, we draw them in and tighten a noose around them while they are distracted. As you said, it won't be easy but it is possible. As for Terra, from what I read of her tactics in reports of what few survivors she leaves, she is one to look out for...unpredictable by her very nature, and a top priority threat. To stand a better chance we must find a way to keep her busy."
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