Dark Words, Dark Wisdom

[Darth Maleficar]

Ziost, former capital of the first Sith Empire; her glory lost to the ravages of time and her cities had felt the icy kiss of her winds. Were it not for the fact that there was no freeze-thaw action here, the ancient temples on her surface would've fallen to rubble than the icy ruins that remain in this day and age. Indeed, no longer did Sin'ryk care for Ziost's embrace; it would be a waste of energy to complain about it...he had much better things to gripe out instead. Yet this wasn't one of those times, for now was a time of surprise; none had expected for the Imperium's High Arcanist to come to the temple. Within the atrium, the Red Sith stood; his lean figure shrouded in his fur-lined robes and his hair woven into two braid, one for each shoulder that they flowed down upon; bound fast with a single gold ring that shone with rubies. Whilst his neck was bedecked with trinkets made from a mixture of tooth, bone, gold and silver.

Looking around the world with his second sight, the Darth reached out the full extent of his presence in the Force; cold tendrils of Dark Side energies snaked throughout the halls of Ziost's temple. Slithering throughout, they came bearing a message to pass to those who would head it. Darth Maleficar had come, to share his knowledge with the newest generation of Sith; one could only dream what a master of the highest Dark Side knowledge would offer to those who would listen. Indeed, even a scrap of wisdom was valuable from one such as he...yet the High Arcanist wasn't one to offer the scraps of his knowledge; you either partake fully of such a dark draught...or you stay away.

 

[Alexander Roth]

So much to learn, such limited multitasking capability. A light sigh escaped the lips of a fairly tall and quite athletic looking black haired human man, immediately condensing in the freezing air permeating the outer areas of Ziost's Sith Academy. He was garbed in a custom set of grey insulated light military combat and training apparel, which was modified with a ring of dark-grey fur around the collar and patches of dark-gray synth-leather reinforcing the joints and common areas of wear and tear, marked with the symbol of the Imperium on his upper back. At his waist lied three items, a K938 'Canine" blaster pistol holstered to his left, a small rectangular case towards the front right, and a matte black "handle" further to his right. Of course given the location one could only assume the "handle" was the hilt of a saber, and they'd be right. However, Alexander was hardly looking for a fight, but he always wanted to be prepared.

Currently Alexander found himself steadily pacing the outer walkways of Ziost's academy for three rather basic purposes, all centered around training multitasking with a bit of endurance. The first of which was the least important, some mild cardio while working on the other two; the second of which was specific to the clime, a bit of Tapas to keep his hands and face from going numb; and the third of which was the true focus of the test, a bit of telekinesis to suspend two small metallic balls above his right palm and rotate them. Alone all of these issues might seem mundane, but together they provided a simple but effective bit of focus training. Lose focus of where you're going and you could run into something, or someone. Lose focus of your Tapas management and you could end up with a case of frostbite. Lose focus of your telekinesis and two very cold metallic balls are going to freeze themselves to your bare palm.

The plan was for Alexander to do this until he felt his ability to maintain the two techniques start to wane but that changed when a certain presence made itself known to those within and around the Ziost Academy, a very powerful and very dark presence. While certainly intimidating this presence surprisingly lacked a foreboding air. To Alex it felt somewhat like it was taunting, no, tempting those that would dare brave such darkness to seek what reward may lay at the source, a temptation Alexander couldn't resist to at least see what, or who, the source was. Carefully Alexander placed the two hovering metallic balls back into the rectangular case on his belt before proceeding to seek out the source of the dark presence. As he entered the academy and made his way towards the atrium Alexander heard the presence whisper a name to him from within his head, Maleficar. That was his answer to the source, the High Arcanist himself, Darth Maleficar. Alexander had never felt such a powerful presence before, but rather than deter him this presence almost seemed inviting.

There he was, a pure-blooded red Sith in all his glory, shrouded by robes that even with a brief glance would speak of vast ancient knowledge and power. However it was in this moment that Alexander was unsure of how to react, how does one properly address those of the highest echelons of Sith society? Were Darths still addressed as Lord? Or did they prefer Darth? Perhaps their personal title, Maleficar in this case? He failed to recall the method of doing so, for whatever reason he just couldn't remember. Upon nearing the High Arcanist Alexander stopped roughly ten feet away and kneeled out of respect, and for his own safety should Maleficar be one of those Lords who demanded proper respect. "Acolyte Roth, Darth. Your presence called to me." Alexander decided to go with the primary title, it was what Imperial Army and Navy officers went by, though he would remain kneeling until Maleficar would state he may do otherwise. A Darth was not someone he wanted to get on the bad side of.

 

[Zeb Volter]

The Dark side was important; it was what the Sith used. Moreover, it was the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. The Sith Acolyte knew this, and when he had sensed the presence of one of the most powerful Sith in the entire Order, and one of the most powerful force users in the galaxy, he simply followed the presence to its location.

If it were someone else, Zeb would have not stopped practicing his telekinetic control. Nevertheless, this was not just anyone. Zeb was well aware of who Sin'ryk was. The Pureblood was the best expert on Sith Sorcery, and the acolyte was more than happy to learn whatever he could from the Dark Council Member even if the path Zeb had chosen from the beginning was to be a Sith Warrior.

When he arrived, he had found another acolyte had been there before him. Zeb did not care. He focused on Darth Malecifar, bowing down to him. "It is an honor to see you again my Lord." he stated, making sure that his arrogance was kept in check, and only respect was the only thing that was in his tone. While he was extremely arrogant, and aggressive, he knew went to keep his arrogance in check. This was one of the more important occasions where he kept it in check, especially when talking to someone who wielded such power.

 

[Alicia Dayne-Sith]

Alicia Dayne arrives at Ziost, a total contrast of the world of Korriban. She knew Darth Malecifar before he rose to that position. One of her prized possessions is his primer on Sith alchemy in fact. She hopes that further lessons, will aide her in progressing and gaining more power.

Her usual dark robes on, one that alludes to her... Pleasing form set with a silver circlet, she looks sedate, relaxed, and above all not like a threat. How are they to know she received training under him before? And before that the basic Mandalorian training of her weapons tutors? The less they know the better, but they do see a saberstaff, placed in an easy to reach location and perhaps the more perceptive can see how she is judging them, figuring out the most efficient ways to take them down, noting their positions, heights and weights. But no matter, they are not rivals today.

As she walks up to where the group of people are she keeps her head up high, face passive, posture set and with a short bow says.

My Lord, I am ready to learn under you once more.

She stands close by, but with a respectful distance between the High Arcanist and awaits further instruction.

 

[Darth Maleficar]

Roth, Volter, Dayne; the names echoed within the High Arcanist's mind, the last of them wasn't actually said, for he remembered her name from a previous session. He could see them as they stood out from the ambient darkness ever present on Ziost; were this Korriban, it would have been harder for them to be perceived...albeit slightly for one of his prowess. The Red Sith gazed deeply into his students, seeing for himself their ultimate ambition; to become the most powerful Sith within the Order. A common ambition to say the least, Sin'ryk could not fault them for that...but power for its own sake could never be enough, save to make one a slave to the Dark Side. This was something that the High Arcanist believed to be the greatest threat to the Order...alongside the other threats it faces on the outside. Setting aside this thought, the Red Sith proceeded to start the lessons.

"I bid you all welcome, all who've answered my call. Through me, you will begin your first steps on the paths to the deeper aspects of the Dark Side. But at this moment in time, what is it that you hope to learn from me? I extend this question to each and everyone of you."

 

[Alexander Roth]

Two more Acolytes would heed the call of Maleficar's presence. First, a male Lasat. Grey haired, grey skinned, and a somewhat intimidating stature, at least to someone that was intimidated by height or muscle-mass. Such was the nature of male Lasat physique anyway. "It is an honor to see you again my Lord." It seemed that this Lasat was acquainted with the Darth already, his greeting made that much apparent. Alexander rose from his kneeling position after the Lasat said his greetings to the Darth, nodding in his fellow Acolyte's direction as a silent greeting to the Lasat. Second, a female... Zeltron? Human in appearance but red hue to the skin, probably Zeltron. She was garbed in a mildly formfitting set of dark robes with a silver circlet atop her head and a saberstaff at her waist, maintaining a very calm demeanor as she approached; though Alexander could tell she was reading them just as much as he was reading her.

"My Lord, I am ready to learn under you once more." So she too was also previously acquainted with Darth Maleficar, perhaps Maleficar was a frequent guest at the academies, or at least the Ziost Academy. With three prospective students gathered it seemed that Maleficar was ready to begin. "I bid you all welcome, all who've answered my call. Through me, you will begin your first steps on the paths to the deeper aspects of the Dark Side. But at this moment in time, what is it that you hope to learn from me? I extend this question to each and every one of you." What he desired to learn from the High Arcanist? A good question. There were many things he could potentially ask of a man with such vast knowledge, though it wasn't any particular thing that Alexander desired.

Figuring since he was the first to arrive it would make sense for him to be the first to reply Alexander spoke up. "I seek knowledge, my Lord, knowledge and wisdom. Anything you deem important enough to impart upon us will undoubtedly be worth the effort on our part to learn." Alexander replied in a respectful and steady tone, and he meant every bit of it. He wasn't trying to suck up to his better, he truly desired any form of knowledge or wisdom that would help him to become a better Acolyte, a better soldier, a better Sith so that he may promote a better Empire. Albeit an Empire that leaned towards his own logic and methodology, but that was a long way off.

 

[Alicia Dayne-Sith]

"I bid you all welcome, all who've answered my call. Through me, you will begin your first steps on the paths to the deeper aspects of the Dark Side. But at this moment in time, what is it that you hope to learn from me? I extend this question to each and everyone of you."

Alicia looked on as the human male spoke first.

"I seek knowledge, my Lord, knowledge and wisdom. Anything you deem important enough to impart upon us will undoubtedly be worth the effort on our part to learn."

In other words... A cautious reply one that is both insinuating, yet without being overly dramatic like the kneeler.

It seems the burden to reply now falls upon her, as the other man has not yet spoken.

What I desire, my Lord is also knowledge and wisdom, but one that involves the topic that we went over when we had our prior session. And other Force techniques you deem fit for us to learn.

Her tone was polite, and filled with the right amount of humility. For her knowledge is power, but recalling what he said previously, the Dark Side is not a force to be trifled with and anything she can pick up to assist her will be well worth it.

 

[Zeb Volter]

Zeb so Alexander greet him. The Lasat did not greet him back, ignoring him when he so Alicia arrive. It was interesting to see a Zeltron. The only other Zeltron he was aware of was the former Sith Spymaster, and traitor, Darth Umbra, otherwise known as Eris. When Sin'ryk asked them what they wanted, Zeb heard the other acolytes' statements. While he did know that the Sith Acolytes were ambitious, Zeb smirked at what they had stating.

"Like them, I seek knowledge and power; I however also seek to use this knowledge to defend the Imperium, especially over the external threats we we are facing my lord." he replied respectfully, silently believing that his answer was the best out of all three of them. Despite his arrogance, Zeb did truly mean what he stated. The Sith were facing a powerful threat and even though he didn't want to admit it, the Rebellion had grwn immensely powerful. From Naboo, to Bestine, and Maanan, the Rebellion had conquered all of this worlds from the Imperium, with Bestine being extremely important due to their shipyards. The Lasat believed it was his duty to defend himself against the Sith Imperium, especially after a Sith Assassin had helped him.

Zeb awaited the Sith Lord's response, nodding at Darth Malecifar.

 

[Darth Maleficar]

The High Arcanist listened as each one of the Acolytes spoke, each one a variation of the same thing that had been said the first time. However, Sin'ryk knew that there was probably more to this than what was spoken; for the Sith there was no straightforward answer, for many are the motivations of each and everyone of them. Not even those with a more servile mentality were above the call of Sith ambition; for such beings, their ambitions were more...unpredictable, always suspect the servile for they are in positions few would have access to. Setting aside his ruminations, the Red Sith continued to speak.

"All of them perfectly valid reasons, for a Sith's reasons are their own; themselves, not others. Others will offer wisdom and knowledge, but it is ultimately the self that teaches the path ahead. All Sith are individuals, we are merely a pack of alpha predators; each individual using their own strengths to make it, and themselves stronger. As such, it is their duty to relieve the pack of weakness...not even the leader is safe from falling pray to weakness. Of course, those who are weak can still have their uses; keep them close until their usefulness wanes to nothing."

After that was said, he shook his head; grey-streaked crimson locks trembling with each gesture. He proceeded to hold his flesh-hand aloft; reaching out to the Dark Side, the Red Sith whispered in a tongue the Acolytes knew nothing of. As silent as it was, a timbre echoed with each syllable, containing power and audible enough to hear. Suddenly, an orb of darkest energies began to manifest within the hand; seemingly drinking in the light of the place. What Sin'ryk had to say next would certainly challenge the egos of his students.

"Tell me, what is that each of you have learned in your path as Sith? It is best for us to sort through that which is necessary after all."

 

[Alexander Roth]

The Zeltron answered next. "What I desire, my Lord, is also knowledge and wisdom, but one that involves the topic that we went over in our prior session. And other techniques you deem fit for us to learn." A similar answer to his own but Alexander couldn't help but feel a little curious about what she had previously learned under Maleficar, nonetheless now wasn't the time to ponder it. Next came the Lasat's reply. "Like them, I see knowledge and power; I however also seek to use this knowledge to defend the Imperium, especially over the external threats we are facing my Lord." Another similar response to his own, though it more directly addressed what said knowledge and power would be used for than his own and the Zeltron's.

"All of them perfectly valid reasons, for a Sith's reasons are their own; themselves, not others. Others will offer wisdom and knowledge, but it is ultimately the self that teaches the path ahead. All Sith are individuals, we are merely a pack of alpha predators; each individual using their own strengths to make it, and themselves, stronger. As such, it is their duty to relieve the pack of weakness... not even the leader is safe from falling prey to weakness. Of course, those who are weak can still have their uses; keep them close until their usefulness wanes to nothing."

Alexander subtly and passively nodded in agreement to Maleficar's response. His analogy was spot on, as was his philosophy of holding onto the weak as long as they can serve a purpose. At least that was Alexander's opinion, and one of his own philosophies as well. What the Sith pureblood did next only served to increase Alexander's curiosity for what knowledge the Darth could provide. The man shook his head and held out his hand, whispering in an incomprehensible tongue as he drew in the power of the dark side at such a magnitude that one could practically hear it. Then, an orb of shadow so dark that it was reminiscent of a black hole manifested within Maleficar's extended hand. "Tell me, what is that each of you have learned in your path as Sith? It is best for us to sort through that which is necessary after all."

A logical question for an instructor to ask, though Alexander didn't exactly giving out his skillset. Nonetheless lying would only serve to set things back in this instance, but Maleficar did say "in your path as Sith", no reason to reveal the skills he learned beforehand. "So far I have come to learn practical applications of most of the core powers. Force Sight is the most developed, followed closely by Telekinesis, Empathy, and certain aspects of Stealth. My Force Speed is usable to my advantage but lacking in efficiency. I have been just barely able to grasp the beginnings of Force Cloak, though Telepathy has illuded me so far. Apart from the core force powers I have picked up fairly well on Breath Control, Tapas, and Magnify Senses; Center of Being serves as a useful tool to reflect upon what I've learned; I have had some minor success with Tutaminis; Aplink zo jautrus iv tsis khutrai; ((A medium understanding of Sith language)) the bare basics of Shii-Cho, as is first taught to every Acolyte; and an adept grasp of Niman."

That was quite a mouthful to say the least, but Alexander kept a modest professional tone throughout his entire response. None of his skills in particular would merit any bragging rights over his fellow Acolytes, but when combined they are more useful than any particular specialization. At least that was Alexander's philosophy when it came to learning useful techniques.

 

[Zeb Volter]

Zeb heard the other acolytes speak. After that, he heard Darth Malecifar speak, and then he asked them what powers they had learned in their path. Like his counterpart(keep in mind that Zeb doesn't know that Alexander is being vague), Zeb recognized the words that allowed him to be vague. The High Arcanist had stated "in your path as a Sith" , not any skills you had learned before hand. The Lasat had plenty of skills he had learned before becoming a Sith, and he wouldn't reveal them.

When he heard Alexander speak about him learning Force Sight, Zeb was surprised. That was mostly because he also had force sight as his most developed power. He wondered who was better. Zeb didn't dwell on that though. Fortunately for him though, his thoughts and emotions were protected by his Teras Kasi barriers.

"Force Sight is also my most developed, and I also have telekinesis, sense, speed, and jump. Each power, I hold a reasonable amount of grasp that allows me to use it effeciently in some instance. I am knowledgable in tutanamis, and I also know the bare basics of Shii-Choo. I do hold a good grasp on Shien/Djem So." he replied respectfully.

Zeb awaited for the other acolyte to speak.

 

[Alicia Dayne-Sith]

Alicia listens intently to what the Arcanist said and her... Peers in a way. As the High Arcanist said, they are a pack of wolves, weakness will never be tolerated. But arrogance in the face of those higher in the chain will end poorly for that person. Thus she feels a fine line has to be treaded.

She listens and hears what they all say, they are much further along then her in some aspects but she is lucky with her combat abilities, Mandalorian training inspires discipline, combine that with her healthy desire to improve.

I have started to learn how to read the primer you have given me during our last session. I was not foolish enough to try any of the things you have in the book, but I have practiced reading it aloud and to myself for better understanding. I have knowledge in Form III and Form I. But only on a theoretical basis, but Form I is like the "valid" hits of a vibroblade. I know the basics and can do some telekentics, force sight and speed.

With that she shuts up and goes back to making eye contact with the Arcanist.