Ask Anteevy: The Search of Ice and Darkness

[The Storyteller]

Anteevy
​

The icy world of Anteevy has been frozen for centuries and little has ever happened on this world and little more will ever happen. It lacks the resources and population to matter to the major powers. Its frozen services were too cold to cultivate much food, and the lack of population was unable to be used to make machines of war or to fill the boots of marching armies. So when a group of researchers and archaeologists arrived it was perhaps the largest influx of people into the world it has had in years.

A small discovery by travelers of a mysterious temple that was abandoned and filled with multiple dozens of symbols of some ancient religion brought these researchers to discover if this backwater world might have some great secret to reveal. Something nearly all old archaeologists want to find before they retired. It took the researchers months to melt through the ice of the dozens of lower floors before they finally hit a pocket of warm air where some old machines still run. They ran into both animals and hallways filled with ancient art and manuscripts of a forgotten age. It was a treasure of knowledge and they were able to get out only three messages before they went silent.

Now the university has quietly called out to people for help. To rescue their researchers and maybe find this ancient knowledge the school can get to make it all worthwhile. Of those that responded they would be given the coordinates to the entrance of the temple. There was little in terms of knowledge on what they might face inside just that they will be dealing with the cold and some strangeness.

The temple entrance was a single tall dark gray stone building with an open door that led to a staircase. Its walls were smooth and flawless with only the odd missing chip or claw mark of a wild animal. At the bottom of the staircase was a door into the temple proper. The door was smooth and sealed without any visible means of opening the door. The room is five feet to five feet with smooth walls except for symbols made of some red paint that seemed too smooth to be as old as the temple should be. If the rescuers decided to go caution to the wind they will be able to make their way through the entrances and determine for themselves the path they wish to take with speed being a factor for if they will find any survivors.

Outside the temple was a village of people that had refused to speak with the researchers and would refuse to speak to any of the rescuers if they tried to talk with them. They appeared human or near human except for their lack of any social skills. Either stuck in their homes or doing minor labor work just nearby their homes. But even as quiet and anti-social as these people were if cornered and made to talk one can find some truly strange tales about this temple they had lived next to all their lives. Just understand that even these folks in the backwater world will be armed and increasingly unhappy about any questions asked.

Next to both were the researcher's ship, a Curich-class Shuttle still filled with some of the researcher's notes and even a few relics they had found in the temple and just outside of it. If the people wanted to explore the ship they might find some secrets or tricks that the researchers had found during their trip to the ship only one will hopefully be prepared for what some of the dangers of these relics contained.

@DMCK @Issachar @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson had gone through a few schools before starting his early life as an explorer and when one of his old schools reached out to him for a favor he jumped to help. He read the message and realized that perhaps this would be a good way to continue his Padawan's training. So he made sure to contact his Padawan @Lonae Hatow and bring the two of them on his Lantillian Transport. This would be a good way for the two of them to truly test the bond and skills they had.

Wayson had to make sure that he did not look bad for his Padawan and that his Padawan actually survived. So he was wearing his full gear set up. All but his helmet was on, as he knew that there would be more people coming, and not even a Jedi would know if they would be a friend or foe. Keeping a completely emotionally neutral face, Wayson internally was planning out all the small details that could go wrong. A blizzard hit them forcing them to stay either on the ship or in the temple till the blizzard went away. What if it took days? So Wayson had a small pack filled with supplies for at least two people to survive for a few days. What if they run into dangerous animals? Wayson was bringing his full gear to fight it if necessary. What if there was some dark side creepy stuff? Well, Wayson was still figuring out how to work that one.

So when he landed the ship it was just outside the village away from the temple and the researcher's ship. It appeared that they were the first ones here. Good meant they would be the first to start exploring and learning.

"Lonae, you know what I know. How should we go about rescuing those researchers?" He wanted to know his apprentice's mindset, and what Wayson found both positive and negative about it. They were still new to one another and Wayson wanted to get close to his Padawan but for now he will remain stoic until he understood how best to encourage his Padawan.

 

[Lonae Hatow]

The young Twi'lek knew he was used to the cold... but this was extreme cold. The nights as a slave, sleeping out in the cold, absolutely could not prepare him for this. Even in his enviormental gear he had acquired before this mission, his unsharpened teeth chattered quite audibly. He took a moment so clip the mouth flap closed and made sure his tonfa lightsabers were inside his coat before he spoak.

"Ko gan toyid, gan sohsa elan ka ordeket vil jalran ei ercolna ji Ohk'olehsol fic jid tohso. Cea y sil boo geo tohshehra veo ar qa ar asary, vil arnian sil fa'kan geo cloyan korjin." emanated from deep within the hood of the Jedi's enviormental garb, obviously cold but trying to ignore it.

This obviously would be more of a bonding mission than a high priority task, Lonae knew that. What he thought when he heard of this task was they were wasting their efforts and energy on this, but upon further review he appreciated his teacher's attempt at learning about him and trying to bond with him. He knew inside he was not the easiest to work with. Lonae needed to prove to his Master that he was a worthy pupil, and with that thought he began his trek to the ship.

 

[Arctus Friers]

Too long he'd spent his days in silent contemplation, and Arctus Friers finally felt that he had had enough of the pity party and actually get off his ass to work. Be it Jedi work or self-improvement work. While he couldn't yet decide between the two, he got on his ship (without telling anyone) and set a course to nowhere.

No plan, no destination – typical smuggler Friers.

The Cyar'ika was on some ice ball planet's orbit – Anteevy, on the screen –when Arctus received a message from one of his brothers. Ansem had found work as an archaelogist, and his message spoke of an expedition gone wrong, with colleagues missing on the planet below. It seemed like a coincidence that the Padawan would already be on the location, but Arctus shrugged it off and made his descent. He'd made sure to stock food, clothing, and even ammunition to last a week since he had no idea how long this retrieval op was going to take. The former smuggler also did not want to have anything gone amiss and landed his ship right next to the missing researchers'.

Ansem had cautioned him about the villagers' warm welcome, but there were times were Arctus courted danger and this was one of those times. Just like his old, smuggling days.

Arctus Friers was a Padawan of the Jedi Order, and yet he had travelled to Anteevy without company.

He emerged from the ship, clad in winter gear Knight Haldir Eressëa had lent him. Arctus eyed the researchers' ship for a moment, wondering if he should let himself in or scour the village for information first. They might be wary of strangers but they have never met Arctus, so he banked on whatever charm he still possessed and tried his hand at gathering intel.

@Richie B. @Issachar @DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel has been intrigued by the University’s message. History was an area that interested him, so the chance to explore a seemingly ancient temple was too good an opportunity to ignore. It was also possible that the temple could contain objects that would fetch a good price with collectors. Rescuing the research team was of no concern to Thel.

The planet was as cold as he expected. A biting wind blew across the icy landscape. Thel had made sure to layer up. He was wearing his usual black cloak over his black robes, but he also had a poncho on under his cloak to add an extra layer. Thel felt confident that his leather gloves and boots would be able to keep his hands and feet sufficiently warm. The colour of the poncho, gloves and boots matched the rest of his attire.

Thel had slightly misjudged his landing on the planet, which gave him a longer trek to the temple than he had anticipated. However, he could now see a settlement in the distance. It appeared to be a small village. Thel knew he was getting closer to the temple, so he took a second to stop and rest. It was at this moment that he spotted a ship land near the village. He was still quite far from the village, so the ship was of no immediate concern.

Just as Thel was about to set off again, he sensed something. It only lasted for a moment. He didn’t quite understand what it was that he sensed, but he suddenly felt uneasy. An uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. He scanned his surroundings, his eyes darting back and forth. There was nothing there. The only things in sight were the village and the ship in the distance. Thel stood straight, taking a moment to compose himself. “Probably nothing.”

Thel then started off again in the direction of the village.

 

[The Storyteller]

The landing by all those sensitive in the Force had a strange effect on the world, the wind will grow colder and blow faster. Even if it couldn't the temple's entrance seemed to shrink and become less noticeable. The sense all the Force users could get was a seemingly quiet and dull roar of rage coming from the temple. If the Force users attempted to sense the disturbance they will find it hard to determine the source.

Even the people of the village begin to feel the change, sensing something had happened again, only three people now remained outside. Two of them are men armed with quarterstaffs patrolling the edge of the village, while the third was a female Twi'lek who was sitting just outside her hut looking out into the gray clouds that covered the stars. If one was to sense with the Force they would find that the two guards were angry, and with a dull feeling in the Force as if their life force wasn't as strong as it should be. While the Twi'lek seemed to have a stronger sense of self in the Force and lacked the aggression the other two have.

The directions the Jedi Padawan @Arctus Friers and the Sith @Thel Xeros would find that their approach blocked by one of the guards who don't speak just simply keeping their staff tight in their hands.

When one approached the ship they will find the ramp down, the ship's engines are cold and no calls into the ship would be answered. Approaching the ship they will notice a recent line of disturbed snow that lead from the ship ramp to the entrance of the temple. If one walked into the ship they would find a messy common room with a paper throw across the room and a table broken in the middle of the room. Those that would enter the ship would feel the cold inside the ship, and something else. If it was truly empty those that felt the Force wouldn't feel the pressure on the back of their neck. If they are to keep a keen eye out they might see some extra details and if they search further to discover something interesting.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Issachar @DMCK

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson nodded in approval to his Padawan's statement. It was a good reason and the logic was sound. So that was what they will do. Even if Lonae have given a bad suggestion Wayson would have still done it just so he sees how the Padawan could handle making a mistake. One important thing that every adult needs to learn is how to handle failure. Maybe one mission Wayson will try and create a situation like that for his Padawan.

Was that too cruel? Or perhaps that was what would be necessary for his Padawan. A Master's job shouldn't just be to encourage his positive traits but also to help him overcome his negative traits but to do that it needs to be done correctly. He couldn't just force his Padawan to fail but bring him to a challenge that will force the Padawan to evolve and grow. Great, Wayson thought, he was becoming a caretaker now. Couldn't he just have another life before he had to deal with that?

"Smart, let us go. Keep close don't use the Force to keep warm. We must endeavor to save our energy. Once we are in their ship we will search through the entire ship to determine what they left behind." Wayson said with a neutral tone.

Lowering the ramp Wayson lead the way to the ship, trying to make sure to keep his Padawan behind him so that he would at least have a break from the harsh wind. He grabbed a cloak before leaving and wrapped it around his body, keeping as much heat inside as possible. He could feel in the Force the emptiness and a small flicker of Darkness in the world actually it was just outside the temple. Who else has landed on the world? Wayson could see at least one other ship, but without a way to call out to him without drawing too much attention to himself and his Padawan, he continued to head to the ship without delay.

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel advanced on the village. The air had grown colder and the wind harsher, as he walked. The planet was already an unforgiving place as it was.

Thel stopped. He felt a disturbance. It was different to what he had sensed before. This was a more intense sensation. Rage. Thel couldn't ascertain where it was coming from. It unsettled him. The village was close but Thel had become unsure. It would be easy to turn around and walk away. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. He stood, deep in thought. Don't be ridiculous, carry on. He grimaced, looking up at the village. I will not be deterred. Thel began walking towards the village again.

As Thel approached the outskirts of the village, he spotted a figure. They were still a fair distance away. It appeared that they were carrying something, but Thel couldn't quite see what it was. Thel stood still and faced the figure, his arms hidden under his cloak. As they moved closer, he could see that the figure was a man and that the object they were carrying was a type of staff. "Hello." Thel raised his voice to ensure the man could hear him. The man was unresponsive, continuing to march forwards. "Excuse me." The man stopped abruptly and turned to face Thel. He glared at Thel as he held his staff tight. Thel could sense the man's anger, but it was different to the presence he felt before. The presence he felt earlier was stronger. Thel remained calm. "I am looking for a temple." The man did not respond to Thel's words. Before Thel could say anything else, the man charged at him with his staff raised.

The frustration was visible on Thel's face. He preferred to avoid conflict. The man rushed at Thel. He swung his staff, aiming
for Thel's head. The swing was wild and easy to anticipate. Thel ducked, the staff sweeping over his head, and he then countered. Thel's saber was clipped near his left hip. Reaching for his saber with his right hand, he swung his right arm up in the direction of the man. He ignited his saber as he did this. The crimson blade cut through the cold air before slicing through the man's chest. The attack had been executed in one swift motion. By the time Thel's arm was by his side, the man's lifeless body had already dropped to the ground. He took a moment to observe the body before checking his surroundings. There didn't appear to be any witnesses. He switched off his saber and clipped it back onto his belt, concealing it with his cloak.

After waiting for a short amount of time, to see if someone else may attack, Thel was satisfied that would not be the case. The encounter made him feel confident that any resistance from locals would not be too difficult to deal with. He began to walk again, making his way into the village.

 

[Lonae Hatow]

The apprentice was bundled deep into his cold weather gear long before he stepped into the snow. It crunched lightly beneath his feet as he stepped towards the craft, for a majority of the time even leading the older master he had. That was until he simply stopped and turned back, Wayson may have assumed to look back at him but once he passed it was beyond that. As if he was staring through time and space itself to the source of what he had felt.

"Sihse, nie dan karsan cea? Ajuh fic ohk n'ilsimis onhso." He felt that feeling many times as a slave, far to many to count. It was rather acute, his sense of picking up on whenever a civilian died. It was a nasty habit of his, but it's the oldest power he had. It made his blood run colder than the snow and ice around him. No doubt the other individual came to look into the cave, so now was less of a rescue and more of a rave. One he dreaded losing. He turned back to Wayson and picked up his pace.

 

[Arctus Friers]

The weather went from bad to worse in the blink of an eye, prompting Arctus to be on high alert. It felt as if something on the planet did not want him here, and at the same time the opposite. He had a vague feeling that he had sensed the same thing before, though the thought was instantly swept by the cold, harsh winds. The Padawan looked back at the researchers' ship over his shoulder thoughtfully, making a firm mental note to check for any clues available–

A firm pressure on his chest made him face forward, a quick and friendly smile on his face as he found himself face to face with a rather stern guard. Arctus's eyes briefly flicked down at the butt end of a staff pressing against his sternum. Through the Force he could sense anger from the other man, and probing just a bit further he felt the waning of the guard's life force. The former smuggler blinked, and through his vision in the Force he could see clear as day the poor man's color – muted and graying.

There seemed a dull rage in the wind, felt through the Force. Arctus couldn't pinpoint the source so he did not bother trying. At least not yet.

"Good day, mate!" he jovially greeted the guard. "Just gonna ask if there's an inn or a boardin' house somewhere in your, uh, village. I'm just passin' through and reckoned I should stay the night–"

The guard's expression only became more stern, dark eyes burning with more anger. Arctus cut himself off as politely as he could and took a step back, hands up in the air in surrender. The guard stepped forward in time with the Padawan, end of staff still pressed to the latter's chest. The older male didn't need to say anything as Arctus already saw the obvious that he, somehow, wasn't wanted here.

Hazel grey eyes darted from the guard's face then past the latter's shoulder until they alighted over a rather peculiar Twi'lek, her gaze skywards. Reaching out to her, Arctus sensed that she did not share the guard's anger and weakness in life force.

Curious.

"I know a 'no' without you having to say it, alright?" the Padawan assured the guard, backing off swiftly until he couldn't feel the staff on his chest. The guard, for his part, scowled at Arctus and spat at the ground before walking back to his post. The raspberry the former smuggler was about to blow was delayed, however, when he felt the familiar sensation of a life being snuffed out through the Force.

What's that about?

Marching back to his ship, Arctus swerved and made a beeline for the missing researchers' ship instead. His brows furrowed at the sight of the opened ramp, and before he could set a foot upon it he felt someone was approaching the ship. The Padawan stopped and faced the direction where he felt the approching presence (presences?), one hand subtly hovering over the blaster on his hip.

Just making sure if they turned to be foes, after all.

@Richie B. @Issachar @DMCK

 

[The Storyteller]

When the body hit the snow and noise was dulled unnaturally. No one exited their homes and there was nothing stopping the Sith now from approaching the Twi'lek now. Where he could see her dull red skin, continuing to stare into the sky. While the other man seemingly unwilling to move continued his guard watching out into the frozen field where his body slowly stiffened.

The taking of life had strange effects on both the soul and the Galaxy, and next to the twisted temple death seemed to abate the anger of the wind. Though the wind did not die down to a gentle breeze they will find a noticeable change in the wind allowing them to see further and be able to last longer in the cold. The Dark side grew in power for that short moment and became like fire hungry for more fuel. A pull could be felt by Thel Xeros ( @DMCK ) and the other Force users welcoming the Sith into its supposedly warm embrace.

When the Sith would get to the Twi'lek he would find her dressed in thick furs only revealing her face. Her eyes would be hard to see due to the snow and sharp wind. If he spoke or not the Twi'lek will call out to him.

"W-whose there?" If the Sith responded the Twi'lek would turn to face the Sith but her eyes could never actually see him. For her eyes had long been taken from her. When the Sith focused on her eyes he would see how horribly disfigured they were as if something had used several barbaric methods to remove them.

She was one of the few remaining in the village that remains, what did she remember though? It hurt her to think about it, there was a frozen thing that stood standing in her mind glaring at her with its dead red eyes. Nothing she had done had removed it from her waking mind. Not the sharp things she put into her eyes or the boiling water and the dozen of others ways she tried to free herself.

The ship remained quiet waiting for those to enter it and discover what lay within.

@DMCK @Forsythe Crowholde @Issachar

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson felt the life drop without a sound. It was quiet not even a whisper in his mind as life was probably already close to death. Still with what they were doing out here it worried him that life had suddenly ended, was it one of the researchers or villagers expiring? Whatever the reason he wanted to get into the ship now so they wouldn't be exposed to whatever else was nearby killing things. So he continued to march until he got to the ship and found another man standing next to the ship.

It was hard for Wayson to get a good look at the man even as he squeeze his eyes to try and keep the snow out of his vision. But in the Force Wayson could feel him, he didn't feel like the darkness around them which gave him some confidence in this stranger. Which in this situation may be such confidence Wayson shouldn't have since he doesn't know how dangerous or tricky this dark presence is.

"Hello? I am a Jedi, named Wayson. This is my Padawan Lonae, who are you?" Wayson said moving to show the Padawan behind him.

"Lonae go check out the ship. I will check out the village and the source of that disturbance in the Force." Wayson would leave the two and make a run straight to the village where he felt the death in the Force.

Wayson would use the Force to quicken his speed as he used the power within himself to get himself quickly to the site hoping to find what had happened. Despite the resistance caused by the temple and the powerful dark side within it, the Jedi is still able to connect with the Light side." Quickly Wayson would arrive seeing what had caused the sudden dread in the Force.

A man had been cut down, and clearly by a lightsaber. Wayson couldn't be sure but he had a feeling that a Sith had been involved. Which means he needs to be extra careful now.

 

[Thel Xeros]

As Thel strode through the village, he could hear the pitter-patter of footsteps inside the dwellings that he passed by; the sound was muffled. The wind had abated, which made things more bearable. The dark side seemed to have grown in strength. Thel could feel it emanating from the direction of the temple; almost as if it were calling to him. He had brushed aside his doubts. His mind was now filled with curiosity as to what secrets the temple may hold.

As Thel approached the edge of the village, he caught sight of a figure. He narrowed his eyes to take a closer look at them. The figure was sat cross-legged outside a hut. They were bundled up in heavy clothing. He slowly approached the figure, stopping next to them. Their thick clothing made it difficult to properly see their face. They appeared to be a twi’lek. “W-whose there?” Their voice was weak. “I am sorry to bother you. I am on my way to the temple not far from here.” Thel’s voice was calm. He wished to avoid confrontation unless it was necessary. The man he had cut down earlier had not given him much choice. The twi’lek slowly turned to face Thel. His eyes widened at what he was seeing. The twi’lek’s face was horribly scarred, their eyes gone. The skin around the scars was blotchy and dry. My word. Thel could now see that the twi’lek was a female. She was a grotesque sight. He hesitated, unsure of what to say to her. “Leave here. For your own good.” Her voice seemed stronger. She raised a gnarled finger in the direction from which he had come. “Why? What is it I am supposed to be running from?” Thel was eager to get answers from her. It would help him to know of any potential dangers he might face. The twi’lek didn’t answer him. She suddenly seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. “Answer me.” His voice was sharp. The twi’lek didn’t answer. She turned away from him and faced the sky again. The frustration was visible on Thel’s face. Enough of this. He had already made the decision to go to the temple. He wouldn’t let her warning deter him. Staying in the village would only waste more time.

Thel walked away from twi’lek. He set a brisk pace. As he left the village, he could see another man; similar to the one he had killed earlier. Fortunately, the man was moving away from where Thel was, so he was able slip away unnoticed and continue on his journey. Marching away from the village, he knew that he would soon arrive at the coordinates that had been given to him.

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus waited, eyes narrowed, as the figures from the distance gained shape and formed features. A man and a young Twi'lek, and the longer the Padawan gazed at the pair the stronger familiarity struck him. Though he had vanished from the Order for a while, the former smuggler could confidently say that he succeeded in his attempts to memorize as many of his fellow Jedi's names and the faces that came along with said names.

He allowed himself to slightly relax in the presence of Knight Wayson Hanson and his Padawan Lonae Hatow. The hand hovering over his blaster rose in a friendly wave, though before he could introduce himself to the master and student duo, he felt a rush of urgency from the former.

"Padawan Arctus Friers," he simply introduced himself, stepping aside to make way for Wayson as the younger man strode off in a hurry. Arctus faced the younger Padawan with an easy and friendly smile. "Well, now. Hail and well met, buddy."

The former smuggler did not attempt to make further conversation about the disturbance in the Force Lonae's master had spoken of. Someone somewhere in the village had died – whether the cause was natural or not – but Arctus's main focus was entering the researchers' ship. Gesturing for Lonae to follow, the older Padawan ascended the ship and was met with a surprising sight.

With the ramp left open and the ship's interior exposed, it was no surprise to see the snow blown inside by the wind and the frost that covered almost every surface. There were no fresh marks that spoke of the transport's inhabitants, but the further Arctus stepped inside the more he saw frantic and shaky writings on the walls of the hallway that led to the Curich-class shuttle's common room.

Old sheaves of paper were scattered on the floor, pages yellowed with age covered in illegible script. Arctus entered the common room, crouching down to pick up an aged sheet. When was the last time he'd seen an actual paper? Even more so these fragile, xanthous pages? These were a rarity... maybe the archaeologists found this on their excavation site?

Something shiny under the table caught his gaze, the former smuggler shuffling forward and reached a hand to pull out a deactivated datapad. He pressed the power button, even shook the device like old, damaged tech, but it didn't turn on.

"Huh. Must be broken. Better to keep this for the meantime, maybe the thing's just glitchin' or summat."

If Lonae chose to follow Arctus, the older Padawan would glance at the younger Jedi with a curious, "Found something? I can't make heads or tails of these tip-yip scratch writing." He then did a double take, eyes briefly darting to the Twi'lek's head tails and mentally reviewing what he just said. Heads or tails, head, tail, head tails. Bruh.

"Assuming that someone you or your Master told either of you about the missing researchers... did the messenger mention anything in particular? Like information shared by the missing archaeologists?" he asked, quickly changing the subject's course to the most vital ones.

@Olwin @Richie B. @DMCK