The Dark Side: Beginnings

[Dinkus Mayhem]

Korriban, home of the Sith and center of training for those seeking the power of the Dark Side.

It was here that Kattatha found a Master, and a powerful one at that. Darth Umbra, newly risen Keeper of Veritas and guardian of the Chamber of Heresies. This was the being who would reveal the secrets of the Sith to Kattatha.

For their first meeting Kattatha was given the freedom to choose a location for training, and as he had already had his fill of the dark halls and vast chambers of the massive training complex the wookie decided upon a location a bit more secluded.

Only a few miles away from the main hub of activity was a range of mountains, and within that range of mountains was a desolate valley where a deep cave was located. Kattatha had found this on one of his first outings, having a desire to explore the wilds he stumbled upon this location by what appeared to be accident.

The cave itself looked to be man made, though it was unfinished and rough. It was common knowledge that the planet was filled with tombs to long dead Sith Lords, Kattatha assumed this was to be one such tomb though the reason it was not completed he did not know.

Though he did not yet have time to completely explore the depths of this seemingly endless maze of chambers and passages, to his great surprise he had not yet found signs of anything living within.

The location was well suited to the wookie, and it was here that he would not only train in the ways of the Sith but also where he would reside while he stayed on the planet. The luxury of the main complex, spartan as it was, would not do for Kattatha. The unforgiving environment of the wilds would sharpen his senses and force him to evolve, if not he would die. Such was the way of the Sith.

Kattatha was not sure how Darth Umbra would find him here, but somehow he knew that the powerful Sith would know where he was. The thought that he could never truly be hidden from a powerful Sith like him brought more than a bit of fear into the wookie, but he would not show that fear to his Master.

So it was here, standing in the desolate valley at the mouth of the unfinished tomb, that Kattatha stood waiting for his Master to arrive.

 

[Zach]

((Sorry for the wait!))

Korriban... A planet of ruined wastelands and hopefuls seeking knowledge. The planet was ancient, filled with history and lore of the Sith Empire. Many powerful beings had tread its paths and temples, leaving a signature of their presence in the Force to remain behind. Their graves, if nothing else, held the core of their power in the Dark Side. There were many tombs on Korriban... Many ghosts...

Ruthric, only recently deemed the Sith Lord, Darth Umbra, paced the halls of the Sith Academy near the center of the planet's power. The corridors appeared ancient, darkening in color and fracturing through its existence in time. Curious marks could be seen on the walls, if looked upon closely enough, as well as the scorches and blurred from training exercises. One particular area of the temple had remained relatively undamaged; the concentration quarter. There were several meditation chambers lined through the halls, some reserved for the practices of mental defenses, whiles others designated for the training of sensing with the Force. The runes upon each of their walls seemed to blur together, sliding into place as many of the Sith Tattoos seemed to do.

In the center of one of the chambers, Ruthric Segra sat, focusing on his own presence in the Force and meditating to it. For hours, the ex-soldier had taken silence in the chamber, choosing the same room with each session. His senses had been finely honed and well learned in the Force. From his continued practicing inside the academy, and continued teaching among newly recruited acolytes, his awareness of his surroundings were kept keen. There was little that happened in the temple without Darth Umbra's knowing.

As he sat deep in concentration, a slight pull in the Force alerted Ruthric of a presence, and one he recognized. The Force signature was that of a Wookiee who'd trained with him, known as Kattatha. The student had proven to be of worth, catching on quickly to Ruthric's style of teaching and progressive steps. He'd caught on quickly to the techniques he'd been shown, taking the initiative and practicing above and beyond expectations. He'd located his position, residing out in the valleys where Sith Lords from ancient past were laid to rest. Most of the tombs had been explored and mapped out, but thoroughly pillaged. Others, however, had remained untouched, either from those too fearful to journey through the tombs, or those too stupid to.

It was a wonder how the Wookiee had managed to progress farther than most, but perhaps the acolyte was more resourceful than most. Regardless of his travel, it would take the Sith Lord little time to reach the area, although he hadn't explored it fully himself, either. The Wookiee seemed to have intent on his mind, searching for a place of meaning, perhaps, but also anticipating the arrival of another. He'd been taught before, and even offered tutelage of the finer arts through the Force, allowing him the location to begin his training.

Ruthric smiled at Kattatha's chosen location, as it was one in the distance, far from home and unexplored. There were bound to be creatures about, hostile to all those that intruded their habitat. Still, one could wonder what secrets lied beneath. Perhaps the temple that emanated its presence would prove to reveal more than just treasures and monsters. The Sith Lord rose from his hovering position with crossed legs, standing straight as his feet met the floor. His steps quickly followed without pause, leading him out of the room and swiftly through the halls. His constant practices with Ataru had led him to utilize the Force in every motion, increase his speed naturally from practice.

Umbra quickly exited the academy, seeming only as a blur to those around him from his hidden aura. Another talent he'd practiced in constant usage was that of concealing his signature in the Force. It was commonly known as Force Stealth, but it sounded so cliche to Ruthric. The term had meant little meaning to him, only that it proved to be useful in his talents. Infiltration and assassination had always been his forte, exercising his capabilities with finesse. The Sith Lord usually remained hidden to even those talented in detection, let alone powerful being that held their title by brute strength alone.

Darth Umbra quickly made his way through the valleys, passing over the steps in the cliff side as he progressed. There were some areas where his skill in acrobatics were necessary, using the Art of Movement to guide his path. The rocks were not difficult to traverse, hindering him by only fractions of a second with each obstacle. Within only a few minutes, the master of stealth approached a partially constructed tomb, bearing between the rising cliffs and ever-expanding wastelands. The Wookiee was close, to be sure, and likely inside.

As Ruthric rounded the last of the corners, he could see the furry figure standing tall int he mouth of its entrance. He gazed inside, gauging its size and structure as he waited. The Sith Lord swooped down, using the Force to silently land in the corroded dust. He glided toward the opening, creeping up behind Kattatha as silently as he'd landed. "Remarkable, isn't it?" he asked curiously, keeping his eyes on the tomb as he tried to spook the acolyte.

The crypt seemed almost untouched, with spare tools and materials of construction still lied behind. They were of course not valuable, but the mere presence of the tools showed that no other explorer's had gathered the equipment for their aid. The structure looked weak in some areas, but mostly from age and exposure to Korriban's harsh winds. The stability of the structure was complex in many ways, diverting the pattern of support beams and pillars in the ways of the original Sith species. The Dark Side still pulsed from the mysterious tomb, however, proving that there was yet still importance in its caverns.

 

[Dinkus Mayhem]

Kattatha could feel power emanating from the depths of the tomb before him, it flowed out from the hollowed earth like blood from a vein. Even being near it's presence made the Wookie feel stronger, though his control over the Dark Side was still not the best he could none the less absorb it's raw power.

Closing his eyes he attempted to extend his senses into the cavern in search of anything living, or dead, but the overwhelming presence of the Dark Side clouded everything. He could sense nothing beyond his own range of sight. The failure frustrated him, but he did not show his irritation, instead he fed upon it and attempted to gather his power.

Kattatha intended to enter the tomb, though he did not know if it was a bad idea or not he did know that in order to gain status within the order he needed to take chances. This action may prove fatal, or it may launch him ahead of other Acolytes seeking favor, it was a chance he was willing to take.

Before he could summon the courage to finally take a step forward he heard a familiar voice of Darth Umbra, though he had not sensed the man approach he did not show his surprise at his presence. "Remarkable, isn't it?" Kattatha turned his head slowly, finally catching a glimpse of the Sith Lord from the corner of his eye. <<"Yes, it is.">> The giant Wookie looked back into the dark cavern, his eyes showing just a glimpse of desire to discover what lay hidden within. <<"I feel drawn to enter, though it may mean my death.">>

Turning away from the cavern he looked at the Sith Lord, though smaller in stature Kattatha knew that his massive strength and honed skill could not compare to the man standing before him. A full fledged Sith Lord, Ruthric was a being to be feared. Kattatha knew he would need his help if he was to discover the secrets of the tomb.

 

[Zach]

He felt the Wookiee's emotions surge as he felt drawn to the power of the Dark Side. There were signs of conflicting urges and warnings, but Ruthric felt confident in Kattatha's choice. While it could be dangerous inside the tomb, anything of worth was bound to be a challenge to obtain. "It is wise to be cautious," the Sith Lord remarked, considering the Acolyte's response. "Sometimes, you must take chances in order to improve yourself. Only in the heat of battle can you truly test your potential, but walking in blind can be foolish," he countered. Ruthric could offer observations and suggestions, but the choice would ultimately be Kattatha's.

The tomb indeed resonated with remnant imprints of the Force, emitting power to those who could feel it. Even the wild Hssiss creatures would be sure to reside in its unfinished halls. "I will tell you this, Acolyte," the Sith Lord added. "There is a source of power beneath the landscape. I know not who this tomb was being constructed for, but is indeed a prize to behold." The information was vague, but he hoped the Wookiee would choose to pursue it. He would accompany Kattatha, but only as a provisional role. He would be protected from death, and guided through the underground catacombs, but this would surely be a test of his skills.

 

[Dinkus Mayhem]

Little encouragement was needed to spur Kattatha forward, already he could sense the power waiting to be found and the words of Darth Umbra mirrored his own thoughts.

Indeed there was a prize to be found, it would only take a Sith with courage enough to risk his life and the skill enough to survive. Kattatha was confident, but not stupid. He knew his limitations, he was still new to the Dark Side but he was cunning and strong. He feared nothing, not even death.

He flicked his hand causing one of the wrist sheaths he wore to release his lightsaber hilt into his waiting palm, lit the blade and took his first steps forward into the unknown.

The crimson blade reflected ominously on the rough walls as the murky light from Korriban's sun was left behind. The former gladiator believed in signs, the cavern looked awash in blood, it was as if the Immortal Gods of the Sith were telling him plainly that to gain the power that lay hidden in this tomb a sacrifice of blood must be made.

Kattatha grinned fiercely, exposing his prominent canine teeth, and let out an angry growl to challenge that which waited. His mind now focused and his body tensed for the fight that surely would come, Kattatha walked past the point of no return. Though he knew he was not alone, he also knew that Darth Umbra would do little more than observe. This test was for Kattatha alone.

OOC: Again, sorry for the wait. I am going to make sure to get at least 1-2 posts up per week. I really want to get this character up and running.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric smiled to himself from beneath the shadowy hood of his cloak, observing Kattatha's responses and decisions. The Wookiee plunged into the challenge, drawing his lightsaber to hand and advancing into the half-constructed tomb. Umbra felt the presences of man creatures underground, detecting a more notable source of power in its depths. The catacombs would be inhabited with creatures lured by the Dark Side, filled with rage and power to all that intruded.

The Sith Lord followed his chosen apprentice into the construction site, masking himself in the Force to almost a near-undetectable level. His presence would only be noticed if specifically concentrated on, and his physical appearance blurred to the background. He would be little more than a shadow in the glimpse of one's eye.

There was an immediate response of Kattatha's advance, a pair of Hssiss beasts stalking up from the descending ramp. Their backs arched viciously as they caught scent of the haired acolyte, sensing their animalistic similarities. The Hssiss were a semi-sentient species, naturally attuned to the Dark Side of the Force from their occupation of Korriban and other Force hot spots. They were soon to attack Kattatha, depending on his actions, or even as an aggressive act of initiative. For now, Umbra would watch, and observe, maintaining the mental connection with Battle Meditation and telepathy. Their Force Bond only began to grow, but in time, this would strengthen.