Open Event Vengeance of the Sith: Descent

Arak Ragnos · Jan 1, 2024

Arak had caught up to the group and was trying to figure out if he’d missed anything. Sadly Connor didn’t help him with that and he let out a sigh. “They put us at risk. It was only choice.” He shrugged at both Connor’s and the captured Sith’s comments. He had grown up in a dog eats dog background cutting off weak links was necessary for survival.

Arak may have been used to ritualistic sacrifices and various other forms of visually upsetting acts. But the stench was not something he had spent time around, so when he caught wind of the horrendous smell coming from ahead of them he couldn’t hold back the vomit. Luckily he was just quick enough to rip off the mask before doing so.

When he finally got himself composed, he looked up to something that made his heart drop. There was some ugly ass creature and Nash was trying to talk to it. He put back on the mask and walked over to her, his saber still ignited, leaning in close to whisper, “Why you do this alone?” Though he couldn’t deny the intrigue the creature drew from him. He was curious so if it didn’t respond to Nash he would call out to it in Ur-Kittat, <“Are you able yo aid us? Or are you here to stop us?”>

Arak pukes
Arak walks over to Nash and talks to her
Arak tries talking to the thing in Ur-Kittat if basic fails

Xohhar K'liir · Jan 1, 2024

Xohhar kept his eyes focused on his surroundings as they made their way down the tunnel, listening intently to the murmurs of conversation around him as he stuck close to the group of Sith as they approached the chamber. Sound carried strangely against the carved stone, magnifying everything; the fall of booted feet on stone like a drumbeat, the distant tumble of loose stone like fireworks... and whispers far louder than they were meant to be. When the Half-Sephi (@Apollyon ) 'whispered' that he and Nash and Arak were the only ones to mattered and to plan accordingly it was audible to every Sith in the group. Looking at Connor as if he were the most tragically stupid person that he'd ever been forced to work with, Xohhar shook his head with a derisively 'whispered' "Fuck you too, Scrapheap," and stepped away from the slicer.

As they entered the chamber Oracle had highlighted on the maps Xohhar reached behind him and tapped the Seeker droid before gesturing up toward the roof of the cavern and then across toward one of the unoccupied terminals. The droid detached and floated away silent as a ghost, flitting between shadows and staying out of sight of the droid attendants and the abomination in the pools. Switching off the glowrod and tucking it into his pocket, the Falleen Acolyte ignored the sound of Arak vomiting and began examining the chamber for any signs of an exit or something that might prove useful, his eyes darting between the dissected undead and the ones floating in the tanks with a frown of disquiet.

Slipping his phone free and once again activating the link between the device and Oracle, Xohhar sent a silent message telling the droid to begin slicing a distant terminal when it was unguarded and get whatever information it could, and to defend itself if necessary. Oracle sent back a confirmation and Xo resumed examining the chamber, trusting that the droid would be able to take care of itself and get the information they were looking for without being noticed as it was designed to do.

Stepping closer to the quiet Acolyte, Xohhar checked the power pack on his blaster and watched as Nash and Arak attempted to interact with the strange creature while Connor beelined for the nearest terminal. 'Better them than me,' he thought to himself and resumed searching for anything they could use should this horror-holo turn into a bloodbath.

1. Insulted Connor
2. Sent Oracle to stealthily approach an unoccupied terminal across the lab
3. Sent orders for Oracle to begin slicing when the coast was clear and to defend itself if necessary
4. Perception check for anything usual in the lab, staying near Corra.

Serene · Jan 2, 2024

The Champion had wasted no time or energy on mourning the loss of the transport. Her legs had carried her along with the front running acolytes and their collared Rattataki guide. Serene was already sprinting with the aid of the dark side to dive out of the way of any falling debris. She had some respect for the individual for at least covering their back though now the only known exit was blocked.

Without the helmet she would have likely had a worse time dealing with the scent but it allowed her to remember her training and techniques. The one whom had brought down the ceiling pulled his mask off to puke, unable to stomach the stench. Serene's helmet filter made her confident she was not in any danger but the Sith Pureblood had foolishly broken the seal. Her vision moved past him and took a deep breath as she accepted the filtered air was unavoidably sulfuric in smell. She made a note to remember the example for later teaching.

Serene had personal tastes and preferences for beauty but she accepted a great many things with an open mind. Her desire for power and the lengths she was willing to go helped her easily look past things that would horrify most others. What was disgusting, what was horrifying and revolting had power over those that judged it as such and manifested as the Dark Side. The inverse could be said for the Light. If the acolytes wanted smell flowers they should trample them in a Jedi's garden or cultivate their own.

For the rising dread, she felt a thrill and recognized it for what it was, progress. She was getting closer to her goal the more eyrie the vibe became. Serene continued to regard Timera, making sure she did not make any suspicious moves.

The twi'lek acolyte moved into action first and made an entertaining opener. If she had not addressed the wide-mouthed surgeon then Serene would have. The champion clipped her shoto hilt back to her hip. Everyone seemed to be doing something and Serene was no different.

She silently and anonymously read their guide's mind. Reading her surface thoughts would only be momentary as she pressed deeper. More than just thoughts, memories and knowledge were what she sought. Her presence was seamless with the darkening chill that surrounded them making it hard for her to be detected. The fear the lingered in her past would hopefully help bring her answers. She wanted to know if Timera intended betrayal. What good was she for the unknown ahead? If she did not know anything, then perhaps she served no purpose.

Serene clips her shoto back to her belt and tries to secretively read Timera's mind.

Ayomi Jakarta · Jan 2, 2024

Ayomi's swirling lightsaber circled and cleaved off dozens of heads, but for each dropped zombie it seemed two more rushed fowards. The transport, and those still on it, were being literally ripped to shreds; and not randomly either. The Tiefling's attack had been focused on those undead closest to the ship, and they noticed that's where the main force of creatures attacked in unison. The realization was terrifying, but the failing effort to hold back the horde left little time to process what exactly it meant. They recalled their lightsaber before turning to see—the tunnel collapse in on itself directly in front of the two remaining champions, a ripple through the Force indicating it was no accident.

Those kriffing acolytes. On the other hand... the tunnel's collapse filled the area with thick dust, providing Ayomi with the split second they needed to escape. There had been mention of another tunnel, right? Their lightsaber was deactivated before Trodai even had the opportunity to speak as they dashed through the blinded zombie horde, feeling claws scraping at their armor and across flesh. The Tiefling ran into the second tunnel as Trodai collapsed the entrance behind them, sealing the champions off from the undead assault—for now. As Ayomi dusted themselves off and checked their wounds, they noticed the strange construction of the room they were in, and the ur-Kittat inscription upon the wall. "By Strength of Two, Thy Chains are Broken. By Blood of the Victor, Thy Way is Opened." Reading the script was a bit harder than speaking it, but they hadn't spent so much time studying it under their old master for nothing.

As for its meaning? Well that's were tricky Sith riddles always got you, wasn't it. Unfortunately, the two champions had precious little time to figure it out, and that meant trying things. As Trodai approached one of three pedestals Ayomi did the same, placing their palm into the open hand mark and concentrating their Dark Side energy into it. With the way things had been going so far, it didn't require much effort to draw on some hate. They watched carefully to see what would happen, if anything. If Trodai went towards the middle pedestal, they'd ask <So you think YOU'RE the victor here? Last I checked you were the laughingstock of the acolytes.> in accented ur-Kittat. Might as well remind the other champion that he wasn't the only one who knew what was going on here. They were not getting left behind again, and they doubted their toned but smaller form would be slower than Trodai's Massassi bulk. If the door opened, there were going through.

1. Recalled and deactivated lightsaber before running into the other tunnel.
2. Read the ur-Kittat inscription (Ayomi's know it since their first thread) and checked wounds.
3. Followed Trodai's lead on the pedestals, getting read to dash through the door if it opens.

@Altaris @Akheron

The Storyteller · Jan 4, 2024

Main Group

With the cavern sealed behind them, the Sith could certainly breath a sigh of relief to know that the immediate threat - the hordes of infected that had so quickly (probably) claimed the lives of Trodai, Ayomi and their crew - were halted. Nevertheless, one could only wonder if wandering into the Alchemist’s laboratory was the worst mistake they could’ve made since arriving on Utapau.

The putrid odor wasn’t something that would fade with time. It was the stench of decay and acrid chemicals, clear signs of experimentation that had failed and not properly been disposed of. It would be most pronounced for Corra and Xo ( @Phoenix @Rom) as they approached the multitude of tanks and floating bodies hosted within the lab.

Upon immediate inspection, both of them would notice a tunnel that ran deeper into the cavern - positioned behind the sulfuric waterfall where the Alchemist was standing. Trying to pass through the exit would, naturally, require going around the creature and its meat-flap lips. Closer inspection of the tables, mechanical equipment and computers would strangely reveal not a single document or note having been jotted down. Instead, inscription and runes had been carved into every surface scratchable. Tables were whittled with Ur-kittat runes and text, descriptions of ‘test subjects gone awry’ and ritual components still required. The full text trailed off the tables, an incomplete record generated from a crazed mind, no doubt.

As for the bodies in the tanks? They were infected for all intents and purposes, but with clear alterations that made them different from the averages. Their bodies were morphed and twisted in ways beyond the standard decay, as if necrotic flesh had been shaped into something else entirely. They floated in a state of coma, and yet the undead flicker of life beated through them like a dull heartbeat. Singular and unified - as if each of them were connected in some way.

Most of all, Corra would recognize the runic symbol that was inked in blood across each and every one of the medical tanks. Its meaning - as a student of the Arcane - was one that she alone would understand.

While Xo might’ve dutifully trailed Corra, his droid wasn’t so successful in its tasks. Just as its probes entered the computer to begin the slicing process, Oracle.. Paused. Its metallic frame seized and shook for a moment, as if assaulted by something unseen entirely. Without warning, the Scout droid lifted away from the computer it had been sent to slice into. It’s metallic frame drifted towards the nearest grate located at the top of the cavern walls - a ventilation shaft of sorts, far too small for any Sith to squeeze through on their own. It slipped into the grate and vanished out of sight, progressing deeper into the underground facility with a new directive entirely.

Regardless of what either of them did, a voice would enter into the mix. “How may I be of assistance?” One of the surgical droids approached. It spoke in a robotic tone - its photoreceptors flicking between the both of them.

Meanwhile, Connor ( @Apollyon )would had no trouble reaching the computer terminals that had been built across the back of the laboratory. For the moment, the protocol droids had dispersed to assess their near arrivals and had left the area unoccupied, allowing the Acolyte to quietly slip into place and begin to apply the Force towards the databanks compiled by the followers of Occidius.

A decision he’d quickly come to regret.

The moment that Connor opened his mind to the computer systems, the Acolyte would be flooded with the information that was contained within. There was no Aurabesh text or data to be read, but instead rows and rows of Ur-kittat inscriptions that would flash across his mind's eye. It would be an excruciatingly painful process, subjecting him to almost seizure-like symptoms as it occured.

Most of it would be completely unintelligible - too much information at once to make sense of. Nevertheless, Connor would be able to make out a single image more clear than all the others. More important than all the others. Something that he’d be forced to fixate upon as if his life depended upon it.

The runic-marked, obsidian obelisk dominated his mind throughout the vision, a voice of whispers echoing from its very presence.

The information was imprinted and burned into his mind. A blueprint he would struggle to ever forget. And most of all? A burning desire would linger within him, to build the very obelisk that had appeared in his mind.

By some strange twist of fate, Nash and Arak (@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus ) would find their interaction with the Alchemist to be - perhaps - the least interesting of the occurring within the laboratory. The abomination happily hummed along as it sliced into the corpse, discarding the skullcap of its ‘patient’ deeper into the water at its feet. It didn’t mind the additional melody from the Twi’lek - quite the opposite, really - and proceeded to tap its long little toes to her percussion.

As the question was posed, the Alchemist finally lifted its gaze - a smile stretching across its face that melded with the center of its chest.

“Learning,” He said in a whiny voice, his eyes once more flicking down to the exposed cerebral of its patient. Inspecting. Dissecting. Learning from what had gone wrong last time. The question from Arak, however, earned a curious look from the Alchemist. “Why would I try to stop those invited?” It asked - allowing the implications of its words to linger in the aid. The other half of its question, however, was answered only after a pause.

“Help.. For help.” It said, setting down the scalpel. It pointed a bony finger to the patient on the table. “Too far decayed. Not..” It paused, as if looking for the appropriate word. As if the horror standing before them felt the need to articulate its words more clear. “Legible.” He said with a wave of fingers. He was learning - and there was little to be understood from something so far rotten.

“Need something new.”

He pointed a single, bony finger towards Timera.

A Rattataki who - at this point, had kept herself at the back of the room - didn’t look the least bit pleased. Mental infiltration by the most skilled of individuals might’ve been discreet, but most certainly not by someone of similar strength and modest skill. Serene (@Darasuum) would have a split moment to glance within Timera’s mind before being repelled entirely. Timera summoned the Force into herself - mounting her own mental defenses to stand resolve against the probing and invasion of Serene. Her fingers curled towards a fist, sparks of lightning dancing between her elongated nails as clear, unmistakable warning.

“Do that again, and you’ll wish to have been left on the other side of this cavern.” Timera hissed without missing a beat - her pale fingers hovering near the hilt of her lightsaber. Whatever her intentions, the Rattataki didn’t take kindly to her mind being invaded by a Champion with nothing to their name. Was this the treatment she was to receive, for turning against her Masters? As if the collar around her throat wasn’t insurance enough.

If the thought of betrayal hadn’t crossed through her mind prior to that point, it most certainly lingered there now.

Left-Behind Bitches

@Akheron @René

By Strength Of Two, Thy Chains Are Broken. By Blood Of The Victor, Thy Way Is Opened

It was fortunate that both had some experience with the ancient language of their Order - notoriously used for inscription and works of Magick throughout the centuries. But to read the words, and to understand their deeper meaning, were two different things entirely. It was the mechanism for which the weakest of the Sith were weeded from the strong, and that was no different within the depths of Utapau.

To their credit, the first test was quickly solved by the pair. As both placed their hands against opposite pillars - the Force applied in equal measure - a low rumble would echo through the entire cavern. As if snapped by an invisible force, the colossal links of the chains were pulled apart in opposite directions - shattering across the room while the rest of the length feel limp to the floor. A cackle of energy radiated throughout the room, emanating from whatever was beyond those doors.

They had stepped closer to revealing whatever was beyond. Something powerful. Something that yearned to be found.

Their success, however, was short lived.

As Trodai impatiently. placed his hands against the central pedestal, the Pureblood would feel his own blood drawn into the grooves and channels that had been carved into the stone. He would feel his own strength sapped and pulled from his body, and difficulty removing his digits from the stone where they’d been voluntarily placed. It would be nauseating and terrifying as it happened over the course of seconds, and would leave the Pureblood struggling for several moments to catch his breath and recover his strength, even if he managed to remove his hand from the pedestal.

There was a price for failure. There was a price for guessing wrong in the riddles of Sith Lords.

All the while, Ayomi would feel their eyes drawn deeper into the runic inscription itself. They would feel the tunnel-vision that made it near impossible to turn their attention anywhere else, until the edges of their vision blackened and the only thing left was bright, crimson runes.

The vision that followed was little more than a flash of images - chaotic and disorienting as roll across her minds eye. The Tiefling would see themself standing over the fallen body of Trodai, lightsaber still plunged into the center of his back. They would see their own hand pressed against the central pedestal, eyes fixed ahead as the door slide open at their command. They would feel the rush of strength and power that came from whatever was waiting for them on the other side, intoxicating as the finest spice in the Galaxy.

It was so sweet. So tempting. And the Tiefling had everything they needed to make it reality.

Nash · Jan 4, 2024

Nash looked over when Arak (@Javier esschoolbus ) sidled up next to her, “What’re you doing?” She quietly hissed at him with gritted teeth. She was known for her bold and ridiculous ideas, but why was Arak putting himself in danger like this? Nash focused back on the abomination, watching the way it tapped its foot.

“Invited?” Nash repeated, feeling unsettled by the prospect, “Help with what?” She got this far asking the weirdo questions, so why not continue the line of dialogue? When the guy pointed a finger towards their guide Nash grimaced at the prospect. From the looks of it, the shady bitch from earlier was already trying to mess with her. Having come from an entire people that often wore the collar, Nash wasn’t too thrilled about bullying Timera around.

“You can have her,” Nash announced to the group as she pointed instead to the annoying Mandalorian chick (@Hastur ), “I call dibs on the armor though,” She said nonchalantly.

That was when out of the corner of her eye she saw Connor (@Apollyon )going through some kind of mental struggle. Her eyes widened and she darted towards him, “You okay? What did you see?” She asked urgently. Despite being at his side, she glanced over her shoulder towards Serene (@Darasuum )and Timera. Nash was prepared to fight the Champion if she tried to make any further moves against their tour guide. However, she would also aid in the endeavors to sacrifice the Mando brat to serve the nice abomination’s experiment instead. Nash may have been selectively nice, but she knew how to turn on the savage Nal Hutta street rat within her when needed.

Corra · Jan 4, 2024

Corra would have probably been consumed with her typical curiosity if it weren't for the fact that she was in such a tense location where she wasn't sure if she was going to be murdered or harvested for parts. You know... just Sith things.

As she poked through the area without being stopped she recognized some of the symbols carved into the table and across the tanks. She understood what Lip Flaps was after but what she didn't know was whether or not it was going to require some actual parts from all of them. Maybe Lip Flaps was actually nice.

A droid came over and interrupted her reading the runes.

Oh, hello! she said, trying to affect a semi-cheery tone. Things looked like they were going fine across the room, so she was going to try to play nice, too.

I'm just fascinated by the research, she said. How long have you all been down here? Have you made any progress? she asked. It's an interesting combination of runes you've used on the cages, she said. She hoped that expressing some level of knowledge of the topic would loosen up the droid's proverbial lips.

She looked back at the others to see that Nash seemed worried about Connor and the pair of Champions seemed like they were on the verge of a throwdown. Had... had one of the other Sith just been offered up as a sacrifice? To be honest, Corra got it just so long as she wasn't the sacrifice.

Arak Ragnos · Jan 4, 2024

Arak was not expecting Nash (@Sreeya) to question his actions. He felt it was obvious why he was where he was. “Watch your back.” He whispered back quietly. Arak was paying close attention to the thing. As it began to answer both of their questions. That meant it spoke Ur-Kittat, which only interested Arak more.

The answers left him with more questions. They were invited? He would’ve asked himself but Nash had beaten him to the punch. So he just waited for the thing to answer her. He followed the bony finger with his gaze to Timera. The thought crossed his mind to try and convince the others to sacrifice her until it was interrupted by Nash’s counter suggestion.

His gaze reverted to Nash as he had an awestruck expression but only for a second. That was a great idea. Why fight the Master when he could just use another acolyte. If the abomination agreed to having the mandalorian (@Hastur) as a replacement Arak would reach out with his mind and assault her defenses. He would pour his prowess and knowledge of mental force use into using Dull Sense to knock her unconscious. He would then drag her unconscious body closer towards the alchemist with the Force should he succeed. “Would work?” He questioned as he released the body.

He stood there for a moment watching the alchemists reaction. That’s when he spotted Nash sprint towards Connor as he convulsed on the ground in a seizure attack. Arak would await the answer before walking over and kneeling next to Nash and Connor. He looked down at Connor confused, he was amazing when it came to technological Force manipulation, yet he seemed to have met his match.

He looked over to Nash seeing her concern hurt him in a way he didn’t quite understand. Yet he also cared for Connor enough to not leave him. “If he no wake I cover you while carry him. He too heavy for me.” He whispered as quietly as he could. He cared little for if the rest died but he would at least help Connor and make sure Nash got out.

Waited for the alchemist to answer the questions
Attempts to use Dull Sense on Feifi and drags her body to the alchemist if succeeds
Goes to check on Connor

Trodai Narat-iv-Adas · Jan 4, 2024

Trodai was slightly relieved as the undead were momentarily blocked off, granting a limited reprieve. And more relieved that the two managed to solve the first riddle and the chains fell slack, pulled apart in opposing directions that then shattered. He noted how the rest now sat across the room limp and lifeless. He felt the power behind the door. Strong and tempting. He ignored the comment now wasn't the time for it. Instead as he placed a hand and felt that same feeling he had felt before, he cursed his luck and own impatience.

And suffered for it.

He felt the feeling of strength being sapped, as he felt nauseated over the course of the seconds it took. Trodai removed his hand from the pedestal quickly as he could, so he would no longer be sapped, knowing Ayomi might take advantage of this moment if he had kept it there and faced towards them with his guard up. He was also weary of them in case they were thinking of taking advantage of his temporary weakened state. But Trodai knew even weakened for the moment, he was not totally without his means to act if he had too. And now he understood better what the inscription might mean. He just needed to be the first to take advantage.

And so he breathed calmly, focusing his Rage and Wrath into what was needed to be done.

He turned with lightsaber ignited quickly, backing away from near the other Champion, eyes narrowed upon them, he would not be unprepared if it was as he thought. As Ayomi stood, seemingly looking at the ruin inscription, staring intently so far as he could tell, and distant, Trodai didn't trust it. He could feel something was not right about this. Considering the words of the ruin inscription again he now understood it. At least he thought he did and knew Ayomi likely thought the same thing. And so he acted in his own self interest to survive.

By the blood of the victor. And he would attempt to ensure it would be him who walked out of here.

Using the distraction of Ayomi looking at the inscription, Trodai came in with his lightsaber, dashing fast, zig zagging a blur as the fury of his Juyo form flowed, and attempted to cleave them in the back diagonally from the right shoulder down. He would offer no reprieve even despite his state. He would do as was necessary.

1.Removed hand from the pedestal to prevent further sapping. Faced towards Ayomi, lightsaber ignited with his mental and physical guard on high alert as he doesn't trust Ayomi.
2.Now the chains are freed and understood the inscription (hopefully) properly, Trodai reacts accordingly in a pre-emptive strike.
3.Trodai used the distraction of Ayomi looking at the inscription and being deeply entranced, to try and cleave Ayomi diagonally from the right shoulder down across the spine using the Juyo form.

@René @Altaris

Serene · Jan 4, 2024

Serene had underestimated Timera but would not make the same mistake twice. The witch had failed in her attempt at going unnoticed and she did not want to dive into a squabble of any kind considering their collective situation. She was unsatisfied with what she may have sensed but it would only serve to motivate her training in the art later.

The woman’s eyes moved from one danger to the next from behind the stoic expression of her helmet. The face beneath was equally calm as its exterior. Her eyes settled on the being beyond their guide, the Alchemist. She took a step back from Timera and began circumnavigating the room.

Serene would give their guide space though her visor would drift towards Connor and Nash. She wanted to keep the rest of the acolytes in view just to be aware of any sort of counter measures that might have got them.

“Have they seized before?” She asked from her distance. “They have cybernetics, yes?” The sorceress looked over the acolyte’s body to get an assessment from a distance. She was adept in technometry and knowledgeable at the consequences of having bionic replacements. Mostly because she fully anticipated that she might lose an arm or leg one day. “I might be able to help.” She knew assistance was not always wanted even if it was offered. Serene was not sure there was anything she could actually do but it was worth making the effort. Judging by what she had seen, the Champion would not be surprised if she was colorfully declined.

@Apollyon @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Altaris

Serene backs away from Timera and leaves her alone to deal with the alchemist
Serene offers to help Connor and keep an eye on the other acolytes.

Connor Vance · Jan 4, 2024

When Connor’s mind first slipped into the machine, he thought he felt something calling him in deeper. The lure of knowledge that could be useful. He listened to that virtual sirens song. He pushed deeper into the databanks of the terminal, rooting through its memory for anything of use until he found what called to him.

He wished he hadn’t.

Script in a language he didn’t understand burned into his mind. Images of obelisks imprinted themselves behind his retinas leaving near permanent shadows of them in his digital vision. His mind was overloading, it was pushing him over the edge. Connor tried to pull away, to retreat back to his body but something wouldn’t let him. Something held a death grip on his mind. Something made him stay. Something made him see.

Outside of the terminal, Connor’s white eyes flashed back and forth with his usual emerald green. His mouth hung open in a silent scream. His ears twitched in pained madness. His face went through a variety of emotions, switching in unnatural speed that was tuned to the beat of his heart. Then the convulsions started. His body locked and shook rapid, twitching in spasming until it fell back from the terminal. But still Connor didn’t wake.

Then as Nash reached his twitching body, he went suddenly still. His chest stopped heaving for several long seconds. His face went slack. Yet the horror in his now green eyes didn’t fade, even as they rolled back into his head. For a moment it seemed Connor died. And in those few seconds, he wasn’t entirely sure he didn’t.

But when he awoke, he found himself being held by Nash. He smiled weakly at her, his ears turning pink slightly. His eyes turned to Arak and his look of concern. “Why‘s everyone so fre-“ Connor’s gaze retuned to Nash and instead of her face his vision was transplanted with images of alien script and terrible obelisks. Voices echoed into his mind.

He screamed in panic, fear, and pain.

“IT’S IN MY HEAD!” He screamed. “GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT!” His eyes snapped shut but still the visions didn’t end. His hands gripped his head. His chest heaved up, his back arched, his head lolled. Connor’s screaming stopped, and his eyes suddenly opened, blackened. He spoke in a voice and tongue foreign to him.

“Visa apata nayir lenkti kia trunyti.
Sas tave Loksota ai Visita, Visa apata nayir udai” The serpentine voice wheezed from the rattle of lungs running short on air.

Then Connor went limp in Nash’s arms again. He’d lay in that state for several more seconds before his lips moved. Whispering those words beneath his breath as consciousness returned to him for a final time.

“Nash? Where are we?” He asked as his mind became his again. “What’s happening to me?” The fear in his voice clear and evident. His ears were pinned. Panic was building quickly within him, what was going on?

@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Darasuum

Ayomi Jakarta · Jan 5, 2024

It all made sense now. The runes carved into the wall ahead of the two champions glowed, speaking to Ayomi as images flashed through their mind. Trodai on his knees, the Pureblood's cold corpse laying on the ground, dead by the Tiefling's hand; and power, the power they'd sought, the power to be finally recognized as someone worthy of the Sith. It all lay just beyond the door ahead of them, a door unshackled and waiting for the key to open it. A victor's blood. Their comment to Trodai had been true after all; he was no victor, and Ayomi would prove it today. The scenes running through their mind told of a story come full circle, of an acolyte who'd once required help surpassing the teacher, the teacher's doubt and hatred upon this realization, and their final vindication that they'd grown to. That they were worthy.

Ayomi blinked and took a step back, dazed as they regained their bearings and looked around the room for Trodai. He was stumbling backwards, and they could sense he had lost energy; not just from the fight against the hordes of undead before, but something more recent. The pedestal. In any other situation, the Tiefling might have laughed as their prediction came true. Trodai had been judged. He was unworthy. This was no laughing matter, however. Eyes now filled the the bright yellow of Dark Side energy raised to meet Trodai's, and it was clear both Sith knew what was about to happen. What needed to happen. Ayomi could sense the Pureblood's intentions as clearly as he sensed their own, and yet they also sensed what fueled him. Survival. He hadn't seen what they had seen. The blue-skinned champion knew their conviction was stronger, the depths of their hatred deeper, their need to attain the power that lay beyond that door greater.

The hiss of the other champion's lightsaber igniting all but confirmed what both already knew was inevitable, quickly met with the ignition of the Tiefling's own―not the dual-bladed lightsaber of before, but the single-bladed curved hilt their opponent would remember from when they first met. The room was relatively small, better suited to a more precise dueling weapon than the larger one Ayomi used more frequently, though not due to a greater degree of mastery. "I hope our next meeting proves a challenge to us both." The words they'd told the Pureblood as an acolyte echoed in their mind in the long seconds the two sized each other up. The words of a naive young champion, eager to please those around them. This meeting would prove a victor.

As soon as Trodai's muscles flexed, Ayomi would reach out their hand and unleash a torrent of Dark Side energy, their hatred and rage made manifest. Crackling arcs of deep purple lightning exploded out from their hand towards the Pureblood's legs, aiming to disable his advance before it truly began. The Tiefling's first use of the ability had been raw, uncontrolled. The visions they'd seen made clear the solution to their problems. Drive. Focus. A specific intent to kill, to destroy. To make Trodai feel their suffering. If the blast was successful in halting his advance, Ayomi would draw on the Force once again to pull down on the Pureblood's head and smash it into the pedestal closest to him, intending to stun him at worst and severly injure him at best.

If the combo of attacks were effective, the champion would rush forwards and slash upwards into Trodai's blade to knock it aside before thrusting towards his chest. If not and the Massassi's forward assault continued Ayomi would meet his diagonal strike halfway in a saber lock, baring their pointed teeth as they attempted a Force-enhanced kick where no-man ever wanted one.

1. Stepped back after having the visions, igniting their curved-hilt lightsaber in response to Trodai's ignition.
2. Shot Force Lightning at Trodai's legs as soon as he began to move, attempting to stop his advance either by knocking him down or causing him to stop and block it.

IF 2 is successful, then:
3. Use the Force to smash Trodai's head into the nearest pedestal.
4. Rush forward and attempt to knock Trodai's lightsaber aside while he's dazed to thrust at his chest.

IF 2 is not successful, then:
3. Block Trodai's strike with equal force for a saber-lock, then launch a Force-enhanced kick at his precious jewels.

@Altaris @Akheron

Xohhar K'liir · Jan 5, 2024

Xohhar couldn't help the shiver that ran up his spine as he examined the creature's... test subjects. The infected in their tubes seemed immobile, but the Falleen acolyte had seen too many horror films to make any assumption about zombies in a lab. Sticking close to Corra(@Phoenix), Xohhar leaned in to look at the runes carved in blood and softly asked the quiet acolyte, "Can you read any of this? I've not had the opportunity to learn any runes just yet, but the fact that they're drawn in blood makes me assume they're important."

The EZPhone in his hand buzzed and Xo glanced down only to let out a soft curse in Huttese under his breath; Oracle had terminated the connection between them, something it absolutely knew not do during a mission unless it was compromised. Looking up, he could only watch in confusion as the droid flew up to a vent and disappeared within. Pulling up Oracle's connection application on his phone the Falleen tried forcing the connection open and sent recall and reset notices to the Seeker Droid before a clatter behind him caught his attention.

The Mandalorian Acolyte was being offered as a sacrifice by the Half-Sephi's friends and the Nar Shaddaa slicer in question was down and convulsing by the terminal before speaking in tongues. Burying the spark of concern under the memory of what the man had said on the way to the chamber, the Falleen Acolyte turned back just in time to see the approaching medical droid. With a placid smile of his own Xohhar nodded toward Corra and said, "As she said, the facilities seem to be in good order and that's quite the runic array. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it..." he ended, completely truthfully.

1. Asked Corra for an explanation on the runes.
2. Tried to force a connection and send a restart and recall order to Oracle.
3. Try to bluff the medical droid by appearing interested and knowledgeable despite being lost.

The Storyteller · Jan 7, 2024

Main Group

Perhaps Occidius had misjudged the weakness and fragility of Tempest’s order. Or so was the singular thought that passed through the twisted mind of the Alchemist - watching with enthusiasm as one of their own was ganged up upon. It watched as the Acolyte was knocked out and dragged across the sulfuric water, offered as a sacrifice to the science-loving abomination. It wasn’t quite so delicious as the mind and strength of a Sith Champion.. But it would do.

Fefi was fresh. Undecayed. Clay to be molded as it so wished.

How delightful.

Lifting up onto its tippy toes, the Alchemist walked across the pool to where the other Sith and Feifi stood. The abomination - despite its misformed body - easily towered four feet over each and every one of them. “Help.. For help.” It repeated. Without any additional warning, the Alchemist began to open its oversized mouth. Its jaw cracked and popped as it unhinged, extending past its chest and down towards the bottom of its torso, revealing an endless row of hooked, venomous teeth. Venom that would keep Feifi sedated without any possible defense.

The Alchemist reached down to grab Feifi by her dangly limbs, pulling her upwards and proceeding to swallow her whole - vanishing into his maw. She wasn’t dead - perhaps not yet - but had little chance to escape the confines of the abominations stomach until regurgitated and experimented upon. Whenever they might possibly be.

As promised, however? Pieces of Mandalorian armor and a lightsaber were quickly vomited back onto the floor.

Steepling its fingers, it finally turned to Nash - speaking as if what just happened didn’t happened. “Invited by Lord, of course.” It spoke in broken basic. “He want you here. To see. To join.” It smiled. “Is not why you come?” It glanced between them expectantly, awaiting an answer. “Lady Vyrassu know you here, yes yes.”

The Alchemist was satisfied with the sacrifice it received - glancing between them as if awaiting whatever request of help they wanted. They had its attention now, even if Nash had been the only one thus far to ask it anything.

“He sees now.” The Alchemist turned to Connor. “Like me. Builder, like me.” It smiled. There were thoughts shared between the two of them - telepathically transmitted through the Force. Only Connor would understand. Only he could choose to reveal any of it.

Across the room, Corra and Xo would find the surgical droid took a pause to regard them for a long moment. It’s photoreceptors clicked from red to blue, its posture relaxing so far as the metallic frame would allow. Were these not Sith? Their masters, to be sure.

“Ten rotations and fifty-four days, according to my databanks.” The surgical droid said without missing a beat - answering the first question that Corra posed. It waved a hand towards the tanks - tapping a bladed finger against the glass. The subject within winced and recoiled, groaning in response.

“Experimentation has been.. Inconsistent. Alterations to virus strain made by Masters - difficult to perfect and replicate on a larger scale. Progress has been made in using runic inscription to transmit commands to subjects, linking individuals to Beacons.”

“Advanced decay has made large-scale implementation.. Difficult. Newer subjects are preferable.”

Left Behind Group

Passion rippled through the Force, as the glow of crimson plasma illuminated the narrow walls of the cavern. For better or worse, both Trodai and Ayomi understood the true meaning of the riddle before them. Such was the price demanded by the ancient Sith - to weed out the weakest amongst them, so that only the strong would enjoy the fruits of their knowledge. It was the first and last rule of their kind.

And they would learn it, then and there.

As blade and lightning clashed, the Force pulsated all around them - an unknown Darkness seeming to invade their minds subtly. As if the very runes etched into the wall had reached out to whisper sweet nothings amidst their duel. It brought out the very worst of their instincts - amplifying their anger and sense of rivalry. Twisting the sense of alliance they might’ve clung to. Repeating the anxieties they almost certainly felt as they fought. Their very lives were at stake. To kill or be killed.

Visions etched their way into the back of their minds - thoughts subtly planted as if they had always been there. Ayomi would witness the same scenario as before, the satisfying thought of standing over Trodai’s corpse. How sweet, to cut down the man who’d stuck first? To prove they were the victor after all.

Trodai would see the same - but further. He would see the doors that opened and the power hidden behind them. He would feel his body and beauty restored to its former glory, radiant and powerful as befit royalty. On the horizon, the Champion would see the smile of Azar and the adoration of the city of Ur, waiting to embrace him. He would feel the passion they might share again for the first time in so long, while other lovers were so easily cast aside.

It could all be his, couldn’t it? All he needed to do was to fight. To win.

The caverns shuddered and shook with each clash, dust falling from the ceiling above them.

Corra · Jan 7, 2024

Corra was beginning to put the pieces together and the implications were fascinating. Granted it could be horrible in someone else's hands, but oh kriff.

It's about controlling the infected, she said (@Rom), putting together the pieces she had read on the table with what the droid said and finally the bits and pieces of ur-Kittat she had heard from Connor as he... seized?

Wait, did he just say Vyrassu? Corra spun, listening to the words of OH WHAT THE KRIFF WAS THAT GUY DOING TO THE MANDALORIAN. She slapped a hand over her mouth to keep herself from gagging. Between the smell and the now-swallowed Mandalorian was just a little too much.

Focus, Corra. Focus. Vyrsassu. But she's DEAD? She was from before Corra's time in the Order - before Corra was born in fact - but it was a name she knew the story of.

Is this whole area down here your lab? Are there others through there or is that where the Beacons are? she asked the droid, trying to continue to gather what information she could, not just about their target but about these beacons.

Trodai Narat-iv-Adas · Jan 8, 2024

THEME

As Trodai advanced, he quickly halted to hold the lightning back with his lightsaber, repositioning himself to the left, using his lightsaber as a conduit in a attempt to force the electricity back upon the one who cast it as he gritted his teeth beneath the mask he wore. Albeit not without some scarring across his legs and side as intense pain shot through him, he fought against it to use that same pain to add to his fuel. In that moment, where blade met lightning he saw the visions. Even as they clashed.

Something calling to him and urging from the back of his mind. Something vaguely familiar somehow. Something sinister and dark. As he saw himself restored, Azar smiling at him and Ur awaiting, Trodai became more determined. More empowered almost to win. A clear goal in sight. At seeing the potential possibility of what might lay behind the door...a temptation too great to ignore. A possible answer to his problem, with only Ayomi life as the cost. He had no qualms. He would take it for the chance.

A gamble worth the risk he thought even through his rage.

He knew what he had to do, what he was willing to do. What he would do. Before him was a ally no longer, Ayomi was an adversary, a rival to wipe out so he might ascend. Such was the way of the Sith. To reclaim what was lost and restore what was lost. All he saw was the opposition, despite the past. All he felt was hate, anger, rage and wrath. All directed at Ayomi. He desired an end to their life. He wished it and to prove he was the victor and not a victim. Not weak as assumed by some. Assumed by them.

He recalled the last time they crossed blades and what was said "I hope our next meeting proves a challenge to us both." And indeed the words had so far come true, for it was a challenge. One with only one victor. And Trodai was giving his all.

In that moment he saw a clarity amidst the storm.

He saw power he wanted and would take. He wanted to win, he knew he could. For what was Ayomi? A nobody with a outcast apprentice. They were not worthy. Despite the duel, Trodai noted the shuddering...a sign time was running out. He needed to speed it up.

He felt the Force being used and so buffered himself and adjusted, as he hit the pedestal. Although briefly stunned, earning a deep cut at the back of the head, Trodai could still see Ayomi rushing towards him. He allowed a smirk. It would be a opportunity he would not waste. Waiting until they were committed, Trodai focused his Rage and Wrath to use the Force and employ a strong Force Push as he got up from where he had lay. A attempt to throw Ayomi against the opposing pedestal hard in a focused strike. Either bruising, fracturing or breaking ribs. As his might was brought to bare in return.

He would follow up by gripping their throat using his left hand, focusing upon the trachea in a Force Choke in a attempt to force them into submission and crush it completely. As the Force was used to apply pressure and squeeze the life from them or attempt it. At the very least Trodai knew it might provide a opportunity to move closer to use his lightsaber in a cleave to the lightsaber arm. Regardless he was cautious on the advance. He knew Ayomi had their own tricks.

Actions -
1.Halted advance and repositioned to hold lightsaber firm to stop and attempt to block the Force Lightning and redirect it back at Ayomi. Received some burns upon the legs and side as a result, and used the pain as a additional fuel source.

2.Buffered himself against impacting the pedestal, receives a cut to the back of the head with a brief daze.

3.As Ayomi rushes, Trodai waits until they are committed and attempts to use a Force Push to push Ayomi hard into the opposite pedestal in a fairly powerful focused strike. Hoping to break bones or fracture.

4.If Ayomi impacts the pedestal, Trodai attempts a Force Choke upon Ayomi trachea, compressing in a attempt to crush it or failing allow a opportunity to move closer to attempt to cleave Ayomi lightsaber arm off.

@René @Altaris

Serene · Jan 9, 2024

The woman’s eyes widened with a raised eyebrow at the startling sight of Feifi being swallowed by the Alchemist. The fact that the petite Mandalorian was experience first hand vore was mildly unpleasant to view. But the Sith was mostly glad she was not the one ensconced in another living being, especially the wide mouthed surgeon.

The other half of the woman was entertained. The repulsiveness of the Alchemist’s attributes and unnerving mannerisms had an attraction in them. The Dark Side itself was the inverse of the Light. The power the Alchemist possessed and his effect on the present Sith was undeniable. Darth Occidius had good taste in skilled workers.

“Vyrassu...” She repeated the name back with a somewhat curious tone. The named sounded familiar and she thought back trying to recall where she had heard it. Then again it could be similar to a historical Darth name Serene had read somewhere. That would not make sense with them being here though, hopefully. Maybe it was someone else. Regardless, the woman was not happy about not recognizing the name right away.

Serene’s emotionless visage panned across the chamber as her offer was ignored. It was not the first time and surely not the last. Her shoulders rose as she took in a breath which caused her nose to wrinkle, reminding itself of the sulfuric scent that continued to pervade over the area. The Champion regarded Connor after what the Alchemist said. If what the sadistic surgeon had said was true then Connor was likely the key to uncovering what came next. He just became more valuable.

Raising a hand to the regurgitated armor and lightsaber, Serene used the Force to lift the mucus-covered objects off the floor. She tried to keep a decent amount of the stringy saliva and other vomited fluids inside the helmet, going so far as to scoop some of the stuff off of the ground.

The lightsaber would spin, inactive, towards the woman but stopped and hovered nearby. She used some of her cloak to wipe away the crown of the helmet and the handle of the lightsaber. The sith clipped the acolyte’s saber to her belt and held the helmet like it contained fruit salad. She wanted to inspect the Alchemist’s saliva and see if it had any notable properties. Maybe it was acidic, perhaps even a sedative. Maybe it was just equally slippery and sticky and nothing more.

Serene tries to remember who Vyrassu is.
She then pulls Feifi’s lightsaber to her, cleaning it off and putting it on her belt.
Serene makes use of Feifi’s helmet as a bucket to hold and examine the Alchemist’s vomit.

@Altaris

Nash · Jan 9, 2024

Connor (@Apollyon ) was in her arms and proceeded to spazz the fuck out and screech in Ur-Kittat. Cool. Great. Awesome. She looked over to the side to see the Mandalorian get swallowed up by a vagina from hell. Also cool. Nash looked over at Arak (@Javier esschoolbus ), panic clear in her eyes. For a moment it felt like it was just her and Arak in here. He always kept his cool and knew what to do and she relied on him to keep her from losing her shit. She never realized how grounded he kept her.

When Nash panicked, she rapped, and right there in the middle of the tense situation she started doing just that.

"Yo, I'm trapped in a lab, darkness all around,
Creepy abomination, making eerie sounds,
Sith language echoing, I'm lost in the script,
Connor's spazzing out, man, what's the cryptic trip?"
No light to guide, just shadows on the wall,
Feeling like a pawn in this twisted Sith brawl,
The lab's alive, with droids and hypothesis,
Lost in translation, wondering what this is."

Before she could get to a second verse, Connor came to and she stopped freaking out. She took a few breaths to calm herself, “What did you see, dude?” She asked Connor, remembering what the abomination was flapping about. She looked over at Arak, “Did you understand what he was screaming?”

@Altaris

Xohhar K'liir · Jan 9, 2024

Xohhar tried and failed to hold back a shiver of revulsion at Corra's words, his eyes roving over the blood-etched runes and the experimented on corpses with a new light. "Dead things should stay dead," he muttered under his breath quiet enough for the acolyte to hear under the rambling of the surgical droid. Still fiddling with his EZPhone trying to reconnect with Oracle, the Falleen acolyte watched with horrified stillness as the strange abomination in the pool opened it's mouth into a gaping, fang-filled maw nearly as wide as it's own body before stuffing the Mandalorian Acolyte down it's gullet. The sulfurous stench of the pools and the sickly scent of decay and embalming fluid filling the lab along with the sight of the abomination proved too much.

Bile rose at the back of his throat and his stomach roiled, Xo breathed shallowly through his mouth trying his best to resist the urge to vomit before bending over and hurling the contents of his stomach across the floor. 'Kriffing hells, I hate this planet' he thought sullenly to himself, waving away the gaze of the medical droid and trying to regain his composure.

1. Still trying to reconnect to Oracle
2. Vomit across the floor.

Ayomi Jakarta · Jan 10, 2024

Ayomi found their lightning mostly blocked, and then redirected towards them by Trodai's blade. They let go of their electric assault and raised their own blade to deflect the redirected bolts toward the ground. Luckily, their early attack opened up the opportunity to slam the other champion into the far pedestal and advance on him; unluckily, he recovered quickly and retaliated with a focused Force push of his own. Ayomi had just a second to draw the Force around themself and brace for the attack's impact, which sent them flying back and into Trodai's intended target. The Tiefling felt something crack in their chest as they collided with the stone pedestal, the air driven from their lungs.

A broken rib or two was nothing new, and the pain only further fueled their resolve and anger. The same image as before flashed in their mind as they took a moment to recover. There was no doubt Trodai was experiencing something similar, but Ayomi knew their visions could only be premonitions. The image in their mind's eye was so real, so vivid; what else could it be? Trodai was weak after all, and the champion knew they were better than him. The only thing left to do was to put the future into motion.

They slowly stood, readjusting the grip on their lightsaber as the Pureblood approached. The Tiefling felt a pressure on their throat that began to grow and cut off their air supply. The whole cavern shook, dust falling from the ceiling as the Sith quickly surveyed the situation. This place wasn't entirely stable, and the battle wasn't helping things. It needed to end quickly, or they'd both be dead. Reaching out with the Force as their breathing grew unsteady, Ayomi applied a small amount of push against the pressure on their neck. They dropped to their knees with heavy gasps as they feigned complete loss of control to Trodai's attack, arms hanging limply at their sides. As the Pureblood stepped close and raised his arm to strike, the Tiefling summoned their second lightsaber to their other hand, igniting just one of the blades as they moved to surprise their opponent by meeting his arm halfway with the two blades moving in one fluid x-like motion.

1. Stopped blasting lightning once Trodai began to return it, deflected the returned lightning into the ground with their lightsaber.

2. Got Force pushed into the other pedestal, cracking a rib or two in the process.

3. In response to Trodai's Force choke, created localized resistance against the pressure around their neck to prevent actual serious choking, but still acted as if it was enough pressure to successfully bring them to their knees.

4. Once Trodai gets close and raises his lightsaber to attack, summons their other lightsaber to their hand, ignites just one blade, then brings both lightsaber blades across in an x-like slashing motion to cut off Trodai's arm at the elbow while his swing is in progress. This is done as one fluid motion meant to intercept his attack.

@Akheron @Altaris

Open Event Vengeance of the Sith: Descent

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Dungeon Master

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Dungeon Master

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