Ask Moraband Cold Sand

[Darth Caelestis]

The sand viciously whipped at his face, like tiny razors slicing his skin. The planet was cold, as if all life and energy here was null and void, that even his presence upon the ground was an affront to the planet Moraband itself. Artorigas Wessex had set foot upon a number of worlds deep within The Dark Side of the Force, Korriban, Dathomir, Exegol to name a few but none felt like the walking death that was the ancient tomb world of the Sith. The Sith Noble stood at the head of a rise overlooking the legendary Valley of Kings, the once glorious place was now devoid of its grandeur, it had been over a thousand years since the Drast Empire fell and it showed. Once proud faces were torn asunder by the wind, glorious mosaics and paintings ruined by the sand, bright marble staircases cracked and crumbled under the harsh cold sun.

Artorigas dark hair matched his flowing cape, flapping behind him in the wind as he awaited the arrival of his companion that day, a smile upon his face. For he was blessed with the companionship of Tiamat, the Sith Lady who had met if only briefly what felt so long ago upon Serenno. Much had happened to the noble during that time and he wondered if so to much had gone on for Tiamat.

He had made cause to keep in contact with all that attended Castle Wessex that night and when information from Exegol pointed him towards this tomb, the Serrenian had only one person in mind for this visit to Moraband, perhaps the most learned of the Sith Lords. Now he waited, small cuts upon his cheek from the vicious sand for a women's who mind was perhaps has great as her strength.

@GABA

Spoiler: Destination

Location Tomb of Darth Malos

General information Constructed Location Builder(s) 0 ABC Valley of Kings, Moraband The Sith Empire Lore information Type Site lore . The Tomb of Darth Malos "May you forever live on within the Force, and may it forever guide you to your eternal freedom into a world unchained." —Empress...

thestarwarsrp.com

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat returned to Moraband, never thinking she would have needed too after all these years. She wasn't particular in the liking of the dead world, as compared to most other Sith, Tiamat felt she thrived in more organic and living environments as compared to the sand and rock that dominated this dark world. The rendezvous point overlooked the Valley of the Kings; she had explored it minimally, but wondered which tomb the Sith Lord decided to investigate. The woman chuckled at the thought of going back to the one she first visited when she came here.

The red haired Sith arrived wearing garb more adaptable to tombs and the blowing sand. Still in her navy blue and gold accented armor pieces, her hair was tied back into a tight braid around her head, googles to protect the eyes and a scarf to wrap around her nose and mouth. She knew how nasty the wind and sand could be on this planet, and though it would not be too bad once they went into the tombs, until then, she rather not deal with the pin prick pains of Moraband's welcoming.

She arrived, curious and even a surprise, as she was not one who considered herself an artifact or history buff, that was certainly Emryc's domain. She rolled her shoulders and adjusted her pack on her back overlooking the valley and suddenly feeling the urge to spew all that she knew of its history. This of course was not uncommon for the redheaded Sith Lord, it has been on numerous occasions where she encountered something historical and she couldn't help herself, subjecting others to an ongoing and relentless history lesson.

"Let's get moving to get out of this wind." she stated, clearly uninterested in continuing to brood atop of a hill.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He had been waiting for a long time before the Sith Lord finally made herself shown. His cheeks and nose red from the blistering wind, Artorigas had contemplated leaving without the women. Making the descent into the valley alone and confronting the dangers and demons of the tomb, but a small flash to the past of the last time he entered an ancient tomb brought some sense to the man and he held his footing.

Even though the endless wave of darkness which flowed across Moraband he could still feel the Sith Lady approach, a small speck of living darkness within this ocean of death. He turned to view the women, she seemed at least on the outside to be ready for whatever the planet through at her, her hair tied back out of the way, her clothes were much more suited to surviving this harsh land than his own.

"I guess we should." He replied before making his way down off the overlooking hill and into the valley before them. "So Lady Tiamat, I hope you have been well since Serenno?" He asked as he made his way down the dark red dune, his feet half stepping half sliding down its face.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

She wished there was an easier method of getting to the bottom of the dune, like a speeder, but it would have only served them for a short period, the rockiness of the valley would have forced them to continue the journey by foot. Artorigas continued conversation, though she couldn't help to think of all the recent titles he obtained and started to mentally count how long of name that was. The effort to remember seemed to take up space in her mind that could be used for more purposeful data, such as the latest solar storms that took place over Moraband at the time they will leave this world.

"Well as one can be." she stated though, not even really thinking how she was not well in this sand storm, she wasn't a fan of this world.

"Congratulations on your ascendency to lordship, your ambition will be invaluable." she said bending her knees to keep steady as she slowly made her way to the bottom without losing complete control.

"So which tomb are we entering?" she asked, "Malos?" she confirmed, trying to remember if it were correct; there were so many here and across the galaxy, sometimes the names overlapped in syllables. This one of course was a short-lived Darth, not as prolific as the Drasts at the time, but still one with a fascination history. She could feel the bubble of excitement ready to burst open as soon as she felt her companion gave her permission to continue.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Sliding down the side, he paid careful attention to avoid some of the larger stones which jutted out of the dunes side. Filed down by years of sand the edges of these great stones were as sharp as a knife and could easily cut through a boot and deep into the foot beneath. Artorigas stopped for a moment turning to the women and gave her a smile and a nod. "Thank you Mi'Lady." He replied quickly before continuing his descent down the dune. It was slowly evening out, the worst of the descent behind them as she brought up the tomb.

"He seems to be one of the more interesting ones buried here yes and I don't need the headache of playing with the Drast's." He had long ago realised that the Councillor Stolas was extremely interested in that family and he had since chosen to stay clear of the families assets encase he incur the wrath of the Sith Councillor. "Have you heard of him?" He asked as the ground finally evened out, he could feel more solid ground beneath the shifting sands, before him the large stone monoliths of the Valley of Kings began to block out the sun from there path.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Her mind was winding up, filling with the facts and timelines from all the history she had to cram into her brain, and yet, there was still more she could fit inside. He commented how he didn't want to get tied up in any of the tombs belonging to a Drast and the woman frowned, "They're not that bad..." she quickly commented, more so because they were nearly all raided for thousands of years, just mainly what remained was the illusions created by their own minds. She grinned widely however, when he asked if she heard of Malos.

"Of course, an interesting chapter during Andraste's rise to power." she started, "He was one of the first Lords that served her. At some point before his Lordship he was captured by the Jedi Order, held on trial and stripped of the Force." Tiamat explained, "It was some weird trend that occurred back then, thinking that would solve all their issues. They would have been better off just secretly executing prisoners if they were that worried, but..." she paused, thinking where she was, "It was rumored that there was inside help, otherwise how was Andraste able to show up to the Jedi detainment world where they were holding Malos. Scholars haven't been able to prove it, but it is the most logical explanation." she shrugged, walking beside Art, glancing up at the towering statues that seemed to block some of the wind in addition to any of the sunlight that remained.

"He was able to have the Force restored and went on to continue to serve Andraste's cause."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas knew a little of Sith history but it seemed that Lady Tiamat had him beaten hands down when it came to the details of their ancestors. He smiled as he watched her real of the history of Darth Malos, he sounded like an interesting character that was for sure, and the stories about him having his ability with The Force removed was something that peaked his interest. "You say removing one's connection to The Force was a trend back then do you know anything more about it?" It was an interesting concept one that could be useful to understand and master himself for the future.

"We both know that the Jedi do not have the stomach to execute a prisoner, they would much rather die upon their sword hoping to save them than risk there own souls killing one." He paused. "We would try the same would we not, especially one of equal power, would we not prefer to corrupt a Jedi Master or Council Member instead of outright killing them? To turn the asset against the enemy is twice as damming as just removing it from the board?"

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

He seemed to be intrigued by the history lesson and though it seemed such obvious knowledge, she had to remember not everyone had Emryc Thorne as a Master during their acolyte training. He asked about the Force sever and though it was nothing that she practiced herself, it seemed even too barbaric even for the darkest of Sith Lords to practice. Though it did not stop her from looking into it, "They thought it was the safest for the galaxy, but it was that very ideology that gave us the Lords of great and old. It can be returned...albeit painfully." she stated, her gaze catching the direction of where the original Lords of the Sith rested as she reminiscence on the lessons of history years ago.

Caelestis continued, stating is assumptions on the Jedi and their practices, her eyebrows rose to such an idea that the Jedi were unable to kill their prisoners and would rather save them instead. "Do not underestimate the Jedi, they are not as naive as many in the Sith Order believe them to be. Their power comes from elsewhere, but it is still power and just as they are unable to master feats specifically of the darkside, they are capable of feats that we will never be able to touch." Tiamat explained and paused, thinking on the rest of Caelestis assumptions. Her lips pursed in thought, she never thought of turning an enemy, but she understood that was not always ideal.

"Their decision needs to be of their own. An enemy who is forced to serve or corrupted into serving isn't necessarily as loyal, ambitious...I wouldn't trust them. They have already shown weakness in their inability to chose their own ideals." Explained the red hair Sith.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"I agree, but even as a agent of chaos they could be reliable in that feat." He replied to the Sith Lord. "Corrupt, turn and release back into the New Republic, a Jedi gone rouge, not only a weapon against the Jedi and the Republic but one to drive a wedge between them." It was something he was looking towards in the future, as if they could remove the Republic from the Jedi's side, this war would be quick and simple without excess bloodshed and needless death.

The sound underfoot changed as the crunch of stones signalled that they were finally off the dunes and into the ancient valley proper. His head was on a swivel marvelling at the constructs around him, to build something this lasting, to have a story this known was what it truly meant to live, to build a legacy to last generations, millennia.

"Have you been here much before?"

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat watched the Sith Lord take an excited interest to the tombs that lined the valley walls. She had been here once before, when she was supposed to be at the temple helping Darth Malicia. The woman was not too concerned about what was in the temple, and allowed her curiosity drag her to a random tomb. Though it was not much of a success of an adventure as she was chased right out from a distraught ghost.

Internally, Tiamat grimaced at the thought of ghosts.

"No." she simply stated, answering Cael's question. "I don't take the time to explore here, I'm more busy in my lab...or with the stars." she explained, instinctually looking upward to see if she could spot any through the dust clouds in the atmosphere. She stole a glance from Cael, giving him a small smile before glancing at the different towering statues, "Do you think there will be annoying spirits in Malos' tomb?" the woman asked, now frowning as her mind seemed to latch onto the idea, "I just don't want to be bogged down by spirit banishing." she huffed, trying to shake any jitters.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The sun seemingly always hung low on this evil planet casting long shadows across the valley. It gave the tombs an added flair of drama as they approached the entrance to what Artorigas believed was the last one built. Far from the Drast mausoleum, it seemed to belong to a petty Sith Lord, one of the last to call this planet home before the old Sith Empire came crashing down. "I have heard stories of your grand experiments, I hope to one day to learn a little more." He replied, his eyes forward scanning the valley for their destination.

Artorigas' half stopped when she mentioned spirits, causing the Sith Lord to almost topple over his own feet. It had only been a few months since he had removed Lord Andros from his mind, the last thing he needed was another one ancient sorcerer taking up residence. "I hope not. I have already had my fill of them." Artorigas grumbled as they continued to walk on.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

The woman quirked an eyebrow, eyeing him curiously as he suddenly lost cadence in his step and grumbling about about a fill in his experience with spirits and ghosts. It seemed like perhaps it wasn't only her that found long dead spirits a pain to handle. They certainly caused hiccups in getting to one's goal. Or at least just ruin a pleasant moment in adventuring. Tiamat let out a long sigh, releasing any apprehensions as they approached the tomb.

Her blue eyes rested ahead, tracing the outline of the stone pillars curiosity biting as to when she passed, would she want her body to rest in such tombs. Though there was even the chance her body would not return from where it falls, and that seemed like the space for no body was useless. She glanced Cael, ready to ask him his thoughts and if he wished to be buried here, but held her tongue, it would be a question for another time. She paused before she climbed the stairs, senses feeling out her surroundings for any lurking surprises.

"Do you know where in the tomb we need to go?" she asked taking the first steps up the stairs, an icy breeze exhaled from the opening of the tomb as she entered. She fought the chill that left goosebumps on her arms and neck, pausing for Cael to pass and lead the way before she continued inside.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Even in this frigid desert world, the temperature seemed to drop as they made their way towards the top of the stairs. The edge of the steps crumbled slightly under foot, millennia of constant beatings by the sand and turbulent weather of the planet causing it to fall away even under the nimble foot of Tiamat.

Reaching the top of the stairs he looked into the darkness ahead. "No idea, I guess at the back?" He replied with a smirk before pulling The Force into his body. A moment later a brilliant blue flame ignited in his hand, the Sith Lord held the hand out slightly illuminated the entrance, it was originally sealed, the remnants of the large stone door was scattered around the entrance. "Ladies first."

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

This place was a health hazard, and clearly not up to any codes, leaving a look of disapproval on Tiamat's face. Cael had spoken, but Tia didn't catch the smirk, sharing her disapproval with him in addition to the tomb the could very well collapse on the two of them. The Force stirred beside her and she watched as the blue flame rested in his palm, giving them some insight to what laid ahead of them for several feet at a time, which was better than just being blind in this cave. He suggested ladies first and the woman quirked an eyebrow, half a mind to push him down the remaining the steps.

"Huh, lead the way then." she hummed as she slid her arm into his; this tomb was his idea after all!

Down the remaining steps they would go, avoiding rock and other debris that obstructed a direct path through the open hall of the tomb. Large pillars on either side of the Sith looked more for decoration than for actually holding up anything. "Such a waste." she frowned, releasing his arm to climb around a broken pillar. Though she wondered if some of the tombs were purposely built to allude raiders, an easy way inside, but the real possessions of the past lords were reserved only for those who made it through the tests. Internally Tiamat grimaced at the thought, especially if it were a ghost giving tests, since they don't follow rules.

"Have you started designing your final resting place?" she asked Cael.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He smirked at her quick response and gladly held his arm out so the pair could descend into the darkness of the tomb. The blue flame flickered in his hand sending dancing shadows across the walls around them, the steps were large built for grandeur than purpose they were perhaps only twenty feet under by the time they reached the open hall though they had travelled twice that.

As the walls disappeared into the darkness either side, Artorigas poured an extra lump of power into the flame expanding it and helping most of the room. He gazed up at the intricate carvings, here away from the beating sands and blistering sun the details were still clear. "I guess a little in my mind." He replied, to have thoughts of ones death was the nature of the living. He had buried family before in the graveyard at Castle Wessex, but those little mausoleums were nothing in comparison to the tombs of the Sith. Would he lay to rest here, or Korriban, Serenno, Exegol? He did not know and maybe that would be something that should be thought upon more. Legacy.

He climbed past the same broken pillar, though with one arm he was slightly less graceful than the red headed Sith. "Although I hope to live a bit longer to finalise some details." The air had become cool and humid, some fungus had begun to grow in the corners of the room and broken pillars. "I assume you have something a little grander than a tomb. Perhaps being fired off into a supernova?" He replied passing the skeleton of a previous tomb raider.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

A wide grin crossed her face when he gave his thoughts to what her tomb would be like. It seemed fitting for someone like her and her passion, though she never gave it thought. The idea of death and immortalizing herself never went hand-in-hand, death at one point would be wherever her body was left, but perhaps she has earned herself more. Maybe...

"Seems fitting, being in the stars for an eternity." she agreed, spotting an engraving in the wall and went to inspect it closer. "Though I guess it would depend too if at the time of my passing if I had someone I loved, I think I would want them with me or I with them so we could have eternity together." she explained further, letting her ideas drift out lout as her fingers traced the stone portraits of Malos' accomplishments. Tia remained quiet for a moment, finding it had been a while since she dabbled into her hopeless romantic ideals; luckily it was still dark enough in the tomb that her now crimson cheeks would be difficult to notice.

"But hopefully, time will grace us with the luxury of life for a bit longer." she smiled before her face returned to serious and even concern as they came to a forked crossing. "Hm, so which way should we go?" she asked him looking down the dark paths of each hallway.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"Is there a someone in your life Lady Tiamat? One that you would like to be shot into a sun with?" He asked as the reached the forked crossing, both avenues led down deeper into the tomb deeper into the darkness. Artorigas held his hand and the flame out first left then right, trying to see anything down the passage which would identify which was the correct decision. As his hand and the flame reached the right hand tunnel the bouncing fire pulled slightly towards the passageway.

"If nothing there is at least fresh air down there." He said pointing to the right hand tunnel. "Don't worry, I will lead the way this time." Artorigas said with a smirk before heading off down the tunnel. The walls were lined with runes, ancient text and images depicting what Artorigas could only guess was elements of the long dead Sith's life. He caught some of the words having a good grasp of Ancient Sith from Andros' time in his head, though none of it was entirely helpful in telling if they were going the right way.

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tia's eyebrows rose slowly when he asked about her having someone in her life that would join her once they have passed. "I don't think I have been searching correctly." she answered, glancing away as though the walls suddenly became entirely more fascinating than this topic. It felt different day dreaming about finding her soulmate, she was certainly a sucker for the romcom approach and being swept away in the arms of the perfect partner.

She felt herself snap back to reality when Art spoke again, noting the fresh air the further they went. Tiamat softly exhaled, expressing her relief to know they were not wandering into a dead end where they could be ambushed. Though, the closer they would get, she wondered what the catch was to finding the good stuff in here. She followed as he lead the way, the flame in his palm flickering to the draft that flowed through the darken halls.

"What do you hope to find?" she asked him, curious as to if he did his research before arriving, "Also, if I didn't mention it earlier, I'm not helping you carry anything out of here. That is way too much work." she sighed, thinking about having to attempt to lift a stone chest or similar.

@Braden