Game Star Wars Judgment Day: Part III of the Prelude to Requiem

[Cardun Vrek]

IC: Lord Mavros
The Tsushima

Mavros glanced around at the items held in the storage room. His eyes eventually fell on the inactive droid. He wondered. The droid may have some idea where the ship had come from. Perhaps knowledge of who owned and created it. He heard Eschaton’s words, but didn’t react.

God, he lays the fear inducing persona on a little thick…we get it, you’re trying to frighten us.

For Mavros, who had seen and felt the power of Typhojem first hand, Eschaton was nothing. He knew what real terror felt like.

He heard the commotion coming from Vaer’s side, and nodded when Lady Kolasi dismissed the idea of going to help him.

“Lord Vaer is a big boy. I’m sure he will be fine.” Mavros agreed. “Now, I think this droid may of some use. Hopefully, it knows the Tsushima’s home port. Let me see…”

He walked up to the inactive droid and prodded it, before running his hands over it, looking for an activation switch.

TAG: @Kain, @skira, @Zareel Jhenan´doka, @Drakul_Xarxes

 

[Darth Nathemus]

COMBO WITH @Darth Kain
​

IC: Grand Master Kei Durron and Kain, Beloved King of the Stars
Location: Jedi Temple, Tython

Radiant streams of the purest form of the Light illuminated the Temple both inside and out. Not only had the undead and their reflective portals been destroyed, but there was seemingly no trace of the Dark Side at all within the Temple. The Jedi had won the day, and the Grand Master saved the Temple.

There was still one small pressing matter within the Temple. Unfortunately, in all his religious zealotry, Samael had set it ablaze. The fire had grown larger now, and the temperature was rising. This was not an issue for the Master of the Elements. Kain and Samael were not the only ones well acquainted with fire. Kei held both of his hands aloft, and attempted to channel every last bit of the blaze back into himself, dissipating all of its energies. He could not and would not save the Temple from the Dark forces only to let it burn down by a mid tier Sith Knight's hand.

And obey the flames would the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, their raging inferno snuffed out by the will of Kei Durron in mere moments. The walls, floors, and ceilings were charred and burnt, with pieces of the support structure beneath visible in multiple areas. The main hall was still standing, barely, but it could be repaired with enough supplies and enough time. It would be no real issue for the Jedi Order to handle.

But even in all this, there appeared to be one flame that Durron did not snuff out. He was walking down the mangled corridor, appearing as he had when the Grandmaster saw him last. Kain had produced another of his phantoms, sending one to return to the Jedi Temple while his others dealt with their own issues elsewhere.

“Defeating all of your enemies in a single stroke,” said the Beloved King. “Well done.”

One Flame remained. But this was more than a little fire. Kain's aura was an inferno that burned hotter than any blaze in history. His power would be awe-inspiring to any Darksider, but Kei Durron knew the costs of such power. Costs that he would never be willing to pay.

"Welcome back, Kain," Durron responded to the freshly returned Beloved King. "You've extracted your son and taken your subordinate away as well. Well done, as well. Now, let us continue our discussion."

Kain smirked. “Discussion will have to wait, I’m afraid.”

The Grand Master raised an eyebrow. He was now on edge in the presence of Kain, when before he had been comfortable enough to allow him in the Temple. "What, then, brings you back?"

“My greatest advisor, Pandora, has sent me a telepathic message from the summit on Nar Shaddaa. I feared that Shadow Beings could have infiltrated the assembly, but apparently it was far more than I anticipated. Many of those attending are dead. I think you and I need to save those that remain.”

Kei stroked his white beard before responding. He believed that Kain was telling the truth. "Then it is as I feared. I have not felt the presence of Sho Temm in quite a while. Let us go now before any more lives are lost."

As it had been before, a portal of infernal flame materialized at the side of the Beloved King of the Stars. The ethereal shimmer of the open doorway to the Howling Hawkbat beckoned, welcoming the most powerful Jedi and the most powerful King in the galaxy to a nightmare.

TAG: @Darth Kain @corinthia @Voidwalker @skira @Cardun Vrek @Dark Lady Makaria @Darth Voxyn @Helkosh

Powers used:
Durron's Pyromancy: 5
Kain's Force Travel: 5

GM's NOTE: Kei Durron's use of Pyromancy rolls 12 + 24 + 10, succeeding. An Effect Modifier of 18 + 8 allows him to completely snuff out the flames burning the temple.

Kain's use of Force Travel rolls 15 + 25 + 10, succeeding. An Effect Modifier of 25 + 10 creates another safe, stable portal.

 

[Darth Kain]

GM UPDATE PT. 2

IC: Damian Kento
Courtyard, Sith Temple, Pyxis

​

In the aftermath of the unrelenting assault by the undead, an unusual hush settled upon the apprentice, Sharkish’Ki. Drained by rigorous training and beset by the relentless onslaught of the undead, his body languished, devoid of the vigor necessary to even move now that their lives were in danger. In the face of such circumstances, any other instructor in this temple would have left Sharkish’Ki to face his impending demise at the hands of the ravenous zombies. But Damian Kento was not in the business of letting his students die just because it was convenient.

He had not the strength to carry someone as massive as Sharkish’Ki, but hopefully, he wouldn’t need to. Employing the arcane art of Crucitorn, he delved into the apprentice's pain receptors, manipulating them with deft mastery. The searing torment of exhaustion was subdued, ensuring that Sharkish’Ki could summon the strength necessary to escape their dire predicament. At least, for the time being.

“We need to get moving!” Damian exclaimed. “Come on, before I leave you with the dead!”

TAG: @Sharkish’Ki

OOC: Damian’s positive usage of Crucitorn rolls a 9 + 15 + 5, totaling 29 and succeeding. An Effect Modifier of 7 + 8 allows him to almost completely nullify the pain that Sharkish’Ki is feeling, all with the hopes of getting the apprentice to move despite his exhaustion.

Failure to respond to this GM update could have negative consequences.

____________________

IC: Knight Skelter
Hangar, Sith Temple, Pyxis

​

Mardinga unleashed a formidable surge of telekinetic energy, propelling the zombie horde in a stumbling frenzy towards the starfighter. Alas, his intent was belated, for the treacherous Skelter had already claimed the cockpit, sealing the windscreen shut before Mardinga could strike. The undead throng, now a mere few feet away, posed no real threat to the Knight, as the starfighter roared to life, ascending from the hangar floor with resounding engines.

Drawing upon the potent power of Shatterpoint, the Sith apprentice channeled the energy with refined finesse, unlike his earlier endeavors. However, no discernible focal points revealed themselves to him. Instead, he perceived an intricate tapestry of interwoven threads within the Force, a multitude of warning signs that he and Mihi had blatantly disregarded. The hangar proved perilous ground, especially considering Mihi's apparent paralysis following Skelter's act of treachery.

As the starfighter hovered toward its imminent exit from the temple, aiming for the exposed precipice of Pyxis' majestic peak, the perilous reality of their situation would become increasingly evident. Empress Hesper's devised escape route should be their next course of action, unless they dared brave the shuttle or freighter still plagued by the encroaching undead.

Mardinga would remember more of the escape route than Mihi, as he’d spent greater time here. They would simply have to head down the halls that they’d seen the others go down, into an atrium with a statue of the late Darth Apollyon. Concealed behind that revered effigy lay an entrance to tunnels winding through the very stone walls of the temple—a path that ascended, carrying them deeper into the mountain, where a secluded hangar awaited their arrival.

Alternatively, they could gamble their fate against the relentless onslaught of the undead horde, which now drew near with unwavering vengeance.

TAGS: @Mardinga, @Mihi Gaudens

OOC: Mardinga’s Force Push rolls 14 + 7 + 2, succeeding against the zombies. An Effect Modifier of 4 + 2 knocks the zombies toward the starship, but as noted in the previous update, Skelter is already in the fighter with the cockpit windscreen closed. The zombies pose no threat to him.

His Shatterpoint then rolls 18 + 7 + 2, also succeeding. An Effect Modifier of 4 - 3 only allows him to see that the hangar is far too dangerous for him and Mihi.

Failure to respond to this GM update could have negative consequences.

____________________

IC: Sergeant Luceno
Storage Room, The Tsushima

​

The soldiers did as commanded, looting what items they could from the room that they found necessary. Though the space was small, they made sure to give Lord Mavros as wide of a berth as possible, so that the Sith Lord could fiddle with the maintenance droid unimpeded.

After a series of probing, Mavros located the activation switch discreetly nestled at the droid's cranial recess. With a flick, a low whir permeated the air as the automaton sprang to life, shifting from a prone position to standing at its full height. Though the droid bore signs of wear and tear, its faded paint and scratches hinted at a history predating the ship's downfall. An LE-series droid—a model renowned for its exorbitant cost in most star systems. How had it found its way here?

"REBOOTING SYSTEM SOFTWARE... PLEASE WAIT... USER FAILED TO PROPERLY DEACTIVATE LE-14 DURING PREVIOUS SYSTEM USE... REPAIRING DAMAGE..."

Amidst a symphony of mechanical whirs and grinding gears, the droid stood upright once more, its visor aglow with an amber radiance. "Greetings," it intoned. "I am LE-14. Have you come to rescue the Tsushima?"

Meanwhile, Lady Kolasi focused her third eye, delving into the currents of the Force, peering into the stream of the future rather than dwelling on the past. In a tumultuous cascade, vivid flashes assailed her mind—an obelisk, soaring to a height of at least four meters, its contours reminiscent of a bird of prey's talon. Composed of an enigmatic ebony marble, etched with veins of foreboding crimson. Another glimpse, this time withdrawing from the eerie monument, revealing a flickering sign that read "Cargo Hold."

The visions ceased abruptly. Once again anchored in the present, she absorbed the ominous words of Eschaton, the subtle insinuations of Zareel, and the feeble drone of the maintenance droid.

Approaching with deference, Sergeant Luceno inclined his head in respect upon noting her re-engagement with the surroundings. "My lady, we have thoroughly scoured the storage room. Shall we proceed?"

TAGS: @skira, @Darth Drakul Xarxes, @Cardun Vrek, @Zareel Jehnan’doka

OOC: Kolasi’s Farsight rolls 13 + 20 + 10, succeeding. An Effect Modifier of 14 + 5 allows her to see a glimpse of the source of this vessel’s woes, and that they will confront it.

____________________

IC: Pandora and Kain, the Beloved King of the Stars
The Howling Hawkbat, Nar Shaddaa

​

The call of Darth Makaria went unheeded, as did the pleas of Cal Vastrom, and the eerie laughter of the eldritch Shadow Beings. Hesper, resolute and unyielding, focused solely on the vision that had unveiled the future— a future wherein the denizens of the cantina succumbed to the maddened might of Huskac. Such a fate would not be allowed to transpire.

Though Huskac had managed to erect a protective energy shield around himself, the malevolence or madness that had fueled the lightning swarm meant to envelop him seemed to have waned. For whatever reason, at this very moment, he seemed to possess no offensive capability at all. But this miracle went both ways however, for fate’s allowance of his shield protected him, if only barely, from the crushing might of the vengeful Empress Hesper. The ethereal dome surrounding Huskac began to crumble and contract, as Hesper's unyielding resolve to end his life radiated with unwavering intensity.

But this was not the only exchange of Force power within this madhouse. Beneath Huskac, under the table that this peace summit was meant to surround, Lord Voxyn, submerged in the abyss of his own darkness, summoned forth its inky depths, transmuting them into a healing elixir for both himself and his fellow floor-crawler, Voidwalker. Those energies split between them, sealing some of their wounds and kickstarting their slow, but natural healing processes. Or in Voidwalker’s case, it would be the much faster, much more unnatural kind.

And speaking of the resident Onderonian hiding beneath the table, Voidwalker’s might in the power of the elements proved to serve him well here as it had over a decade ago. The floorboard bent and split as he intended, covering all sides of the table and forming a perfect wooden shield against the harmful volleys raging outside. It was not an impenetrable defense, not at all, but it was far better than their situation had been moments prior.

And thankfully for all involved here at this summit, there was someone present that knew how to direct their powers to a single target. Cal Vastrom, isolated from the rest and consumed by an unwavering pursuit of justice against the creature responsible for Sho Temm's demise, unleashed the full might of his luminous energy against the loathsome being from Dark Illathurion. The creature recoiled, writhing beneath the onslaught of radiant power, penetrating its darkened form like rounds discharged from a slugthrower. Unable to withstand further punishment at the hands of this emissary of light, the creature hastily created another portal in the ceiling, retreating to the side of its nefarious master.

And for those few that still looked to the open doorway for some hope of escape, whether they be mad or sane, they would find two figures entering through it. The first, with flowing white hair and a matching beard, was none other than Kei Durron, the esteemed Grandmaster of the New Jedi Order. The second, exuding intensity with dark hair and fierce eyes, stood as the Beloved King of the Stars—Kain.

​

Kain wasted no time, his gaze widening at the ensuing madness unfolding before him. Though he had encountered and battled Shadow Beings in the past, never had he witnessed such a multitude congregating in a single space, their malevolent intent directed towards the very people Kain sought to protect. In previous encounters, he had employed flame and raw power, yet such endeavors rarely culminated in the annihilation of these abominations. No, the most expedient way to vanquish creatures steeped in darkness was to sever their connection to the wellspring of power sustaining them.

And so he acted.

Clasping his fist with a mighty roar, Kain channeled his power toward the four remaining Shadow Beings, now stripped of their mortal hosts. He willed their connection to the Force to be severed, their tenuous threads of servitude to the Father of Shadows sundered.

And so it was.

With resounding cries of lamentation and rage, the Shadow Beings dissolved into the aether, leaving only the ones that remained in their hosts to deal with. A couple of false nobles and a few guards, their blasters now aimed to fire at the new arrivals to this failed peace summit. There were also the noble, troopers, guards, and others that had been driven mad by Hesper’s attempt at quelling this insanity. They would need to be dealt with as well, lest they claw their own eyes out before long.

Pandora's plea escaped her lips, her protective aura released from those she deemed worthy. "My King," she implored, "save us."

TAGS: @corinthia, @Helkosh, @Voidwalker, @Darth Voxyn, @Cardun Vrek, @Dark Lady Makaria, @skira

OOC: Cal’s Force Light rolls 17 + 18 + 5, matching the Shadow Being’s DC and succeeding. 4d6 of Light Damage is rolled for, with a 50% bonus thanks to Shadow Beings having a 50% weakness to said damage. It rolls 6 + 6 + 5 + 4, and receives an additional 11 damage, totaling 32. The Shadow Being’s HP is reduced to 8, and it retreats rather than risking death at Cal’s hands.

Voidwalker’s Alter Environment rolls 16 + 21 + 10, succeeding. An Effect Modifier of 27 + 6 definitely allows him to completely shield himself and Voxyn from any reasonable physical damage with the floorboards, completely covering any openings surrounding the table.

Voxyn’s use of Dark Side Healing rolls 15 + 18 + 5, succeeding. 4d6 are rolled for Healing, rolling 5 + 4 + 4 + 5. Since Voxyn is using the Dark Side to heal, I’m going to arbitrate that you have to evenly split the amount of healing you can do in one turn between all the people you’re healing, to account for the Dark Side’s intrinsically selfish nature. Voxyn’s HP is restored to 25, and Voidwalker’s HP is restored to 18. Voidwalker’s healing blood also kicks in this turn, healing him 1d6 of damage. It rolls a 2, and his HP is overall restored to 20.

Hesper attempts to use her Darksight to prevent Huskac from harming anyone with his Maelstrom, therefore she will be rolling against his Maelstrom here. His Maelstrom rolls a 10 + 21 + 10, a would normally bypass the DC of everyone within the Howling Hawkbat except for Hesper (and of course not affecting the shielded Voxyn and Voidwalker beneath him). Hesper’s Darksight, however, rolls 9 + 24 + 10. His Maelstrom will miraculously fail to harm anyone, but as the Protection Bubble part of his Maelstrom could technically be considered as not affected by Hesper’s Darksight, I will allow his Maelstrom roll to carry over to that, and in which case, it succeeds. An Effect Modifier of 18 + 10 increases his DC by 10 for this turn.

As Darksight is one of those few abilities that’s known to drive its user insane, any successful usage of it will inflict 1d4 of Psychic Damage on the user, just as Force Travel does. In Hesper’s case here, it rolls a 4, reducing her HP to 44.

Hesper’s Force Crush on Huskac rolls 13 + 24 + 10, failing to overcome his DC with the Protection Bubble bonus included.

Kain’s usage of Sever Force against the Shadow Beings rolls 7 + 25 + 10, succeeding against their DCs of 40. An Effect Modifier of 39 + 10 completely cuts the Shadow Beings off from the Force, destroying them.

 

[Undying Master Xiannarr]

Ic: Keldro Unmar
Jedi Temple- Tython

Betrayal of the highest order


A new face skirted around the corner to join them. Keldro didn’t recognise him, though a sense of great shame overcame him. Ignoring Keldro and the rest he spoke a warning to his counterpart
‘What is with this influx of strangers today?’ The Jedi Knight pondered. Normally he was happy to receive guests, but so far this lot has brought nothing but misery.

Subconsciously Keldro stepped out from behind Brooke. Attempting to shield her from both men. This would prove to be a critical mistake.
The stranger launched. No, he was launched, Keldro tensed ready for a fight. But he overshot them, and as Keldro turned to follow his flight saw with dismay as Brooke and Apollo soared through the open portal, closely followed by the newcomer, and then it closed.

Keldro snapped his head around to face the only threat left. A string of obscenities rose to mind. He needed to go with them, to protect the boy. Only Apollos’ father stood in his way.
But he faltered, unhinged by a look on the man’s face, murderous intent gleaning behind those cold green eyes. Then he was gone. Despair filled the Jedi Knight, he fell to his knees, the flames engulfing the room. ‘Let them take me, I have failed in my duty. Let my duty end here tonight.’
Only the end never came, through the despair a voice called to him.

“Keldro….. Keldro…… KELDRO” Thalas voice rang through. ”Come on we need to go find the Grandmaster”

The flame of hope had been ignited, Keldro rose, nodding his thanks to Thala.
“You’re right, the Grand Master can help us. All is not lost”
He surged forward, a new spring in his test. His boots making little sound in the corridors, he passed a handful of Jedi. How many were here for the attack? How many are injured? He would go around and help after speaking to Durron.

Rounding a corner, Keldro's spirits soared. The Grandmaster stood, hope was restored, if anyone here could help it would be him. But then he moved, and Keldro saw for the second time today the man who ruined it all.

“YOU!” Keldro bellowed out a roar that went unnoticed as he dashed into a sprint. Too late to stop Grandmaster Durron from departing the temple.

His roaring flame of hope was dashed with a tidal wave, not of despair, no this time anger washed over him.
‘How could the Grandmaster just leave, did he not know Apollo had been kidnapped? What was happening today.”

He turned to Thala, speaking far calmer than he felt.
“Time is of the essence, we need to move quickly. Help me to round up the Jedi. We need to assess our injuries and our plan moving forward. I don’t know why the GrandMaster has left. But I have a bad feeling about this.”

He turned away from her and knelt, trying to calm the war raging in his soul. At Least enough to concentrate on the future. Where should they go now? What should they do without their guiding light?


Powers used:
Serenity-3 (trying to combat his anger at the situation)
Precognition -2 (looking to the force for guidance on what to do next.)


Tags: @Darth Kain, @Darth Nathemus, @Hadzuska_The Jester, @Catalyst

 

[Helkosh]

IC: Lord Huskac
The Howling Hawkbat, Nar Shaddaa

"Your focus determines your reality." - Qui Gon Jinn​

Through the will of the Force or simple luck, Kain had come to save them all. Huskac, barely conscious now, watched as the Beloved King of the Stars seemingly outmuscled the Shadow Beings, smiting them down with a prejudice. Though the danger was yet to pass, as some still seemed possessed with madness, none were threatening Huskac, sprawled on the table like a spilled fruit basket.

Lacking the strength to stand, or perhaps the will, he instead remained prone and placed his hands on his stomach and chest. His voice barely more than a whisper, he began to murmur a Sith incantation, gasping and coughing.

"..jiaasjenwodza......hâskwai..................châtztyûk............dwzoljen.........", he muttered. Dark energy would emanate from his hands, healing and revitalizing him, eliminating the sores and wounds that littered his body.

Powers Used:
Dark Side Healing 5

-​

IC: Darth Pravum
???, ???

"No one's ever really gone." - Luke Skywalker​

..........................u.......................................................................................................................................???......................................................................
?!.................................................nn....................................h...............................................................................................................................................

TAGs: @corinthia, @Voidwalker, @Darth Voxyn, @Cardun Vrek, @Dark Lady Makaria, @skira, @Darth Kain

 

[skira]

IC: Lady Kolasi
Aboard the Tsushima​

The Cargo Hold.

They needed to get to the Cargo Hold.

Or, perhaps only she did. Perhaps her curiosity was all that was fueling this sudden burst of bizarre enthusiasm to explore the ship, instead of running in the other direction. Back to her ship, to hopefully reach her husband and his guardsmen. That was the reasonable thing to do. Lord Vaer was not the boss of her, and knowing the Empress the way she did, she had her doubts of the legitimacy of the commands from her. This was all too suspicious, too strange. And the Empress had never questioned Kolasi’s decisions before, even the more… colorful ones. If Kolasi had decided to leave, the Empress would have understood why she did.

But curiosity was getting the best of her. It would win, at least this time, in controlling what she did next. In that brief moment between her visions ending and the world coming back to her, she noticed how the feeling of her force bond seemed to relax. Perhaps whatever was plaguing the summit had calmed, or perhaps something…

No, she wouldn’t think like that. Not now, not here.

“LE,” Kolasi started, moving past the sergeant and kneeling down a bit to look at the droid.

“Do you know your way around this ship? We need to get to the cargo hold…” She paused, turning on her heel to look at the Sergeant and others.

“If this droid can guide us, either physically or by giving us verbal instructions, I think we’ll have a much easier time finding what I’m looking for.”

Tags: @Darth Kain , @Darth Drakul Xarxes, @Cardun Vrek, @Zareel Jehnan’doka

 

[Catalyst]

IC Brooke
Kain's Castle, Hastur

Brooke's words were lucky to not fall on deaf ears, and the Force gave her enough confirmation that Kain's response was indeed true. Any further doubt in her mind was left to fester as Kain was approached by another being whose appearance to Brooke was nothing short of a demon writhed in righteous flames. There was little she could do or say as the demonic figure gave Kain a dire warning, to which Kain responded by flinging him and herself holding Apollo through the portal he had conjured.

Holding Apollo tight in her arms, Brooke looked around at their new surroundings. Wherever they were, the whole place looked eerie and suffused with Kain's own presence. It was like he was everywhere, watching over them. There too was the demonic one, whose fiery aura flickered and glowed like a torch. His light was intense and chaotic, though dwarfed by Kain's. Her gaze centered itself on the brightest figure in the room, resplendent in his fiery glory.

He spoke of Eva, and her opposition and fear of him. He spoke of Shadow Beings, of Typhojem and Ooradryl, names Brooke had only heard in shuttered whispers and cryptic rites. He pleaded with Brooke, begging her to let him see his son. Apollo was clutching tightly to her, clearly afraid.

"Those creatures at the temple," Brooke spoke softly to Kain, still cradling the boy. "They weren't shadow beings, were they? And this one," she motioned to Samael, "he isn't either. He's much too bright." She paused, thinking. "I can see why you want your son safe, if these Shadow Beings are intent on closing you off from others you trust. But look at him. Can't you see how scared he is? It isn't fair to drag him into this war." She sighed, wondering if her words had any effect. "We're here now, and I trust you will keep us safe. Go and fight your war. I'll make sure Apollo is here when you have made the galaxy safe, one that he doesn't have to be afraid of his own father."

TAG: @Darth Kain, @Hadzuska_The Jester

 

[Cardun Vrek]

IC: Cal Vastrom
The Howling Hawkbat, Nar Shaddaa

The Shadow Being recoiled at the power of the light Cal brought to bear upon it, and the thing fled before it was destroyed. Cal allowed himself one moment of relief. He let out a deep sigh, and contemplated the body of Sho Temm that lay before him. Quickly, he picked up the Battlemaster’s lightsaber and hooked it onto his belt, saving it from any potential thieves or trophy hunters.

But the battle was not over, and Cal knew now he, and perhaps he alone amongst the attendees, had the power to destroy the Shadow Beings once and for all.

But then, Kain entered the room. Kain…accompanied by the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. The surge of relief Cal would normally have felt upon seeing Grandmaster Durron evaporated when Cal saw who he was with. He knew Kain had been on Tython. To what end, he had not known. But seeing Kain arriving with the Grandmaster, striding in like a conquering hero here to save the day, made Cal more worried than when the Shadow Beings had attacked. What had happened on Tython that would bring the two here together? Hopefully this was just a temporary pairing of convenience, and not a sign Master Durron meant to ally with Kain. Kain unleashed his power, and the remaining unshackled shadow beings vanished into nothingness, cut off from the force.

The remaining Shadow Beings still in their host bodies turned towards the masters of light and dark, leaving Cal with an opening. Looking around, he saw two of the Federation guards that had been a part of his escort had been heavily affected by Hesper’s sorcery, and had been driven mad. Cal made his way over to them cautiously, wary of them attacking him out of terror. He held his inactive lightsaber hilt in his right hand whilst he reached out with his left hand and attempted to touch their minds and cleanse them of the effects of Hesper’s Sith magic, so that they may be themselves once more.

Power Used: Cleanse Mind- 3

TAG: @Darth Kain, @corinthia, @Darth Nathemus, @skira, @Voidwalker, @Dark Lady Makaria, @Helkosh, @Darth Voxyn

 

[Volacius]

IC: Lord Volacius, The Wrath of Kain
Location: Verdanth

Volacius felt a chill as the trooper answered, like some icy parasite was clawing its way down each of his vertebrae in defiance of the warm, gentle blanket of Verdanth’s sunlight. Speaking through Captain Teltif had been bad enough, but the revelation that Nephthys could convincingly impersonate him threatened to sunder Volacius’ determination and confidence.

I’ll have to institute a communications blackout, Volacius reasoned as Eva spoke. That way, my men will know it couldn’t be me contacting them. But if Nephthys can indeed replicate my voice and use, or at least mimic using our comm frequencies, could she not also conjure illusions? A phantom version of myself to fool my men? Phantoms of the squad we just lost? Phantom ships?

His hand slid down his marred chin as Volacius sucked air through his nostrils, signs of his mental muscles reaching out for some way to check Nephthys’ powers. He did not return Catalyst’s gaze as the Lord of Linguistics addressed him, though he made sure to listen carefully.

Of course, the realization struck him as Catalyst put forward his experience as a Jedi hunter. I’ve been tackling this mission wrong from the beginning. This isn’t a warzone—not yet, anyway. I’ve been a fool.

Tapping his comlink, Volacius keyed for Commander Verton. “Commander, I am ordering a withdrawal of our ground forces. Get them reembarked as quickly as possible, then retreat to high orbit. This will be my last transmission to you until the mission is complete. Do not accept or believe any further ‘transmissions’ from me until I am safely back aboard,” Volacius paused. “There is a possibility our quarry could attempt to deceive you with my voice and visage, so be sure to detain me when I do return and test to make sure that it is really me. I don’t know how detailed her illusions could be, or if they can stand up to intense scrutiny. If a week passes, make best speed for Hastur and report our disappearance to the Beloved King. Volacius, out.”

Next, he turned to the Lord of Linguistics. “You’re right,” he replied simply, too preoccupied with salvaging their operation to take full offense from Catalyst’s smugness. “You are the one whose expertise best suits this situation. We should have followed your lead from the start, and I am not ashamed to admit that. I won’t send our ships out of the system, however. That would leave us with no way to retreat if we’re unable to accomplish the mission. Besides, this may still become a full-scale battle later.”

“As for your bond idea,” he continued, though with noticeably less enthusiasm. “I… concur.” Volacius was all too familiar with Force Bonds. The one he had shared—and hopefully still shared—with Trinaya had haunted him to this day. “However, given the implications of forming such a connection with someone, I believe it should be your decision with whom to form said bond. I am… willing—for the good of our mission—though I imagine our recent quarrels might rule me out as your choice. That being said,” Volacius’ eyes fell back upon Kain’s daughter. “Eva, Catalyst; given your history together, my suggestion would be that you two form the bond.”

Tags: @Darth Kain, @Darth Nathemus, @Catalyst

 

[corinthia]

IC: Empress Hesper, the Butcher of Coruscant
"Peace Summit" - Howling Hawkbat - Nar Shaddaa

​

Hesper could almost hear the snap of her patience happen in her mind. She blinked, sluggishly, processing what had just occurred, her prescience seeming to have fled her, as the myriad shadow beings around the room dissipated with shrieks and screams, and miraculously, stupendously, Huskac was spared from her divine wrath. How strange this is, she thought, and then-- things clicked into place.

And all she felt was hot, unbridled rage.

She turned it on Kain like a knife, figuratively holding it to his throat as she bared her teeth and snarled at him. Her anger rolled off of her in waves, buffeting all in the room with its potency, and it burned in her chest like white-hot metal. "You presumptuous, duplicitous bastard," she spat, malice dripping from every syllable. Her entire body felt as though it were strung as taut as a bowstring, full of unspent tension. Her fists balled and unballed, grasping for some elusive shred of calm as her mind cycled through every shade of fury. How could this man-- as, after all and despite his lineage, that was all he was-- be so arrogant, so pristinely well-timed, stepping in at just the ideal moment to save the day and confirm his right to rule? After having gone to such lengths to impress upon the Empress of the Sith the importance of this "peace summit", only to be absent until the very last moment? She ground her teeth with such force that the crunch was audible. What a farce this was, the grand overtures of needing her help and false promises of peace! What condescension! Reaching out with the Force, she grasped the first thing to her side, and heaved it at Kain with a savage yell: a chair, blood splattered and broken.

She shoved an accusatory finger towards Kain. "You claim to want my support, my help, and yet you fail to show your face at your own summit until we're all but dead? I hope your arrogance kills you again, King," Hesper seethed, stressing that final word with pointed derision, "Before I do."

She pushed past him, past the Grandmaster of the Jedi, and to the doors that Makaria had struggled to ply to her will, leaving the chaos behind with no backward glance. She had been a fool to accept Kain's intrusive invitation in the first place. Let them be destroyed, she thought. And I don't care if it destroys me, too.

TAG:
@Darth Kain, @Voidwalker , @Helkosh, @Darth Voxyn, @Cardun Vrek, @Dark Lady Makaria, @skira

Powers used:
Force Push/Pull (TK) - 5​

 

[Darth Cold]

IC: Samael
Location: The Flaming Throne Room, Hastur

They were thrown through the portal, thankfully before the danger struck. The next thing he knew he was in the fully renovated Throne Room on Hastur. He saw the blind jedi first, with the scared child hiding behind her. Was this Lord Kain’s son? No, it didn't matter. He wouldn’t get attached. Not again. He turned his back on them as Kain began to speak.

He saw the Flaming Throne. This was a true throne. Not like Lysander’s false contraption in HIS Temple. The thought of Lysander caused Samael to ball up his fists as the flames surrounding grew both hotter and brighter before he took a deep breath to calm down.

He approached the throne as if it called to him. Kain’s words to Brooke were muffled, he didn’t hear them. He could hear the crackling of the flames. Every step closer to the throne, the flames grew louder, beckoning him to them. He was almost upon the throne when it occurred to him, this seat currently belonged to the Avatar of God, but one day when the Avatar dies, it will be his. Instead of taking the seat, Samael stood beside it, placed a hand on it and silently prayed to God that he understood, before returning his attention to the Avatar and his guests.

TAG: @Catalyst @Darth Kain

 

[Darth Nathemus]

IC: Grand Master Kei Durron
Location: The Howling Hawkbat, Nar Shaddaa

What a scene of utter carnage this was. The auras in this room were all over the place. Darkness was the most prevalent. There were Sith, adherents of the Dark Side pledged to Kain, and darkest among everyone, the Shadow Beings. But there was one lone Light spot in the sea of Darkness. Master Cal Vastrom was here, and Kei could feel the dreaded unease building in him.

If Grand Master Kol Skywalker could take out a hundred Sith in his last stand, surely Cal and I could do the same here if the need does arise. The Darkness cannot be allowed to prevail.

Durron surveyed the room. The table and floor were in the same condition as all the beings in here. That is, all kriffed up. He knew that Cal's nerves needed to be calmed in order for the Jedi to get out of here with all of his faculties. The Grand Master's eyes glowed a vivid blue and he allowed the resurgent power of the Light to be channeled through his being. His mind reached out, sending a pointed message to Cal, and only Cal. May your mind be at ease, Master Vastrom. I am here because it is necessary. Arriving through Kain's portal was simply the most efficient means of travel. I have not pledged our allegiance.

After his message was concluded, the Empress of the Sith seemed to go berserk. She unloaded on Kain with words of utter malice and venom. Her demeanor was unbecoming of her station. A leader of such prominence ought to keep her cool in even the most dramatic of situations. And even stranger, she attempted to toss a broken chair towards Kain. Her behavior was ridiculous, yet unsurprising. Furthermore, she tried to push past Durron like he wasn't even there. He half-grinned, and shifted his left index finger. If all went as planned, the distracted Hesper would be frozen in place, courtesy of the highest degree of Force Stasis. "Do not defile me with your childish antics, Lady Hesper. You're better than that."

TAG: @Darth Kain @corinthia @Voidwalker @Helkosh @Dark Lady Makaria @skira @Cardun Vrek @Darth Voxyn

Powers used:
Force Channel: 5
Telepathy: 5
Force Stasis: 5




IC: Sedriss Nathemus
Location: The Jungle, Verdanth

The Sedriss and his Battlebonded Shadow Guards held short prior to going down into the caves. Everything that Catalyst and Volacius were discussing made perfect sense. This was not a war. It was not a battlefield, yet. It was a hunt. While Nathemus wasn’t a natural hunter, he could play the role perfectly fine if need be. "I agree with you both, I'll send my Guards back. Guards, get back on the shuttle and return to the Harbinger. Accept no transmissions from me, and shield all your minds. I will return in time."

Nathemus thought about their situation, and he also agreed with Eva. She was the key that wasn't present in either vision of the future. Through her, they all would survive. But they all needed to be connected. They all needed to be one, truly one. It wouldn't be enough for only Eva and Catalyst to be Bonded.

Force Bonds meant a lot to the Sedriss. He had had many throughout his life, though many had faded over time. Even the Bond he shared with his sister faded over time. Currently, he shared a Force Bond with his beloved wife, Queen Ellisana. How he longed to return from his mission soon to see her again.

"Catalyst, Volacius, Eva, I believe I have a solution. Force Bonds don't have to be a link between only two people. They can be shared among a group, such as the Bonds between my Shadow Guards. If all three of you agree, I will forge the Bond between the four of us into a complete circuit. It is necessary for our quarry ahead. Additionally, as a student of the history of our Order and the Jedi Order, I would also not hesitate to summon the specters of a pair famous for their Bond, Revan and Bastila Shan, if each of you would agree to that. Their spirits will be forced to serve me, and if they don't, they will perish." His suggestion was a wild one, but at least the first half of it was a necessary one.

TAG: @Darth Kain @Volacius @Catalyst

 

[Dark Lady Makaria]

IC: Dark Lady Makaria
The Howling Hawkbat, Nar Shaddaa

The Empress was incandescent with fury. It was plain for everyone to see that she took Kain's late arrival as a personal insult and as a grandiose attempt to sway them to his side.

And Makaria, once Keres, agreed. The disappointment in her heart filled her, even as she knew that Kain was already too far gone. She had warned him, in his palace, in his maze of illusions that they did not need his grand gestures and displays of power. She did not need it, and now the disappointment mingled with disgust. How could he? This entire summit was ruined, trust was broken, because Kain thought that coming in as the hero was more impressive than an actual alliance.

I thought better of you, she quietly sent to Kain, even as the Imperatrix stormed out, her disappointment palpable. Makaria wondered if anyone else would follow. She looked askance at Avery, and hoped he survived this night. She did not want to tell her friend what happened.

Just as quietly, she moved to follow her Empress, only to fist her hands in her skirts at the Grand Master's words. "You dare!" Makaria snapped, the Force lashing out like a slap to the face, to humiliate him. "You defile yourself with your words," she said hotly, and folded space around herself to put herself outside of the seedy little tavern Kain called his summit.

TAGS: @corinthia, @Helkosh, @Voidwalker, @Darth Voxyn, @Cardun Vrek, @Darth Kain, @skira

Powers Used:
Telepathy - 3
Shadowstrike - 3
Fold Space - 3

 

[Zareel Jhenan´doka]

IC: Knight Zareel Jhenan’doka
The Eastern Hallway, The Tsushima

Zareel remained in the corridor, leaving more space for the Lords and troopers in the room; besides, she preferred being in a more open area in case whatever was having fun with the others decided to include them.

At the sound of the droid initiating its system, she tilted her head looking in that direction. Had it been turned off by force or damage? Under what circumstances that had happened if the droid had been aware of the ship needing a rescue?

Lady Kolasi had started asking questions to the LE unit, but Zareel was still feeling a little uncomfortable with her own thoughts. Moreover, the fact that Kolasi was only sharing half of the conversation with all the rest, at least outside her head, didn’t give much aid to her feeling of safety.

“Maybe the droid also can identify what attacked the ship or where it was before ending like this…” She blurted out suddenly looking inside again while fidgeting with the hilt of her saber. ”And since my lady knows what are we looking for…” The knight really hoped it was a we and not just her looking for something. “Maybe the droid not only knows how to get there but also what we might find on the way."

Tags: @Darth Kain, @skira, @Drakul_Xarxes, @Cardun Vrek

 

[Arach]

IC- Darth Arach
The Flight Lounge, The Tsushima


Arach looked at the twitching halves of her enemies with satisfaction. She ignored the continuing discomfort in her ribs for a moment longer. She quickly looked to see how her team was faring.

She saw Vaer’s side- eye before continuing his battle with his opponent. There was an itch at the back of her mind. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that her question remained unanswered. Yes it was highly possible that they were in the middle of combat, but something about this whole situation wasn’t sitting right with her. For now, though, she’ll push it away until a better time.

She heard Vitani’s shots go off and she turned her head to see the shots bounce harmlessly off of the creature. Arach’s golden gaze then landed on their engineer’s enemy.

She pondered her options for a moment before moving to the general center of the three pairs. She took a breath before closing her eyes. She split her attention to the three remaining creatures and focused on draining their life force from them.

Arach also reached out to her demon. Return to me when you’re done.

Force Powers Used:
Drain Life- 4


Tags: @Darth Kain, @Darth Voxyn

 

[Cardun Vrek]

IC: Darth Mavros
The Tsushima

Yes! Now we might finally be able to get some kriffing answers out of this pile of bolts.

The droid was still active, and its vocabulator was able to speak basic, and not restricted to binary or some other pointless language. Mavros was about to ask where the ship came from and whose flag it had flown under when Kolasi walked over and knelt before the droid. Mavros raised an eyebrow as she did this, though it fell back into a frown when she spoke.

Why the kriff do we need to go to the kriffing cargo hold?

Mavros could only hope that Kolasi had experienced some sort of vision, because the cargo hold was likely to be deep in the bowels of the ship, and he didn’t like the idea of going that deep into the Tsushima. She said she was looking for something.

Before Mavros could speak, Zareel chimed in, asking of perhaps the droid could identify where the ship had been before it ended up in the midst of the Sith Fleet.

Finally, someone with common sense…

“My Lady, why do we need to go to the cargo hold? What do we hope to find there? And droid, before we head to the cargo bay, I want to know where this ship comes from, and whose flag it flies under?” Mavros asked both Kolasi and the droid. He knew he might be pushing his luck…but, when hadn’t he done that?


TAG: @Darth Kain, @skira, @Drakul_Xarxes, @Zareel Jhenan´doka

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Death Apprentice Sharkish’Ki
Sith Temple courtyard, Pyxis​

Sharkish’Ki’s muscles burned like hot iron, as he gripped the stone structure, and watched the aftermath of his successful actions. His mind clouded with the ringing of a deep, dull tone as the sound of the crashing statue rattled through him. Dust billowed upward towards him, forcing him to cover his face with his arm, as he disengaged his lightsaber.

Lightning once more obliterated the assailants as he crouched, trying to will life back into his limbs. He thought he’d saw Master Kento mouth something, as the dust began to obscure his vision, the effigy of Lord Sedicious making him cough violently into the crux of his arm, as payment for his efforts.
“Where next, Master?” He shouted, unaware of his own volume, and imagining Master Kento having the same hearing issue. “Are there more of these things?” He dropped his arm and peered around, attempting to get his bearings within the apparently empty compound.

For some reason, his muscle aches began to subside, as if the lactic acid had been forced from his limbs, and his heart began to quieten. He could feel the Force flowing through him, and with it the peace it brought, and a refreshed lease, and so he pushed himself to his feet.

There was a calling that intrigued him as he watched the Sith master dictate their options. Something about tunnels. “Are we escaping, or investigating further? I don’t understand the source of all this.” His voice, and the dull ring inside his head, settled with the quieting of the courtyard, as he looked toward Master Kento for direction.


Tags: @Darth Kain @Mardinga @Mihi Gaudens

 

[Mardinga]

IC:Mardinga
Location: Pyxis

Get out, that's all his Shatterpoint showed. Too much danger, too many creatures. Survival chances were so low he needed to go.

"Get up let's run."

He shouted to Mihi and waited for a moment for her to follow him. He run back through the door and tried to feel out for Sharkish'Ki and Kento. The situation around them was quickly deteriorating. He thought it possible the only way he and Mihi would survive would be with them.

He made a mad dash towards where he thought they were. Either way it would be better to be out of the corridor would be better he thought.

Power Used:
Force Sense (free)

Tags:
@Mihi Gaudens @Darth Kain @Sharkish’Ki

 

[Mihi Gaudens]

She saw all the minute heat signatures of the undead as she blinked and allowed her focal muscles to contract and adjust her contacts.

She followed Mardinga out away from the undead. The scoundrel in the tie fighter she mentally took note that someday she woukd have his head.

Why? Was the main thought she was having. Why here? Why undead and why them?

She was outwardly motionless before she had moved with Mardinga only because she was thinking.

Calmly she reached her hand in the air and made a grip with her hand.

Inhaling and focusing she willed a shape of a spear of the color of the sky when the clock strikes midnight. Her brow collected sweat.

She now had a weapon inher hand of some sort of use aside from her saber.

She held it with confidence and made the decision to hope that the others were around the corner. She glanced to see if there were any note worthy heat signatures around the corner over Mardingas shoulder.

"I wonder if there is anyone ahead."

Spear of midnight black-1

 

[Darth Voxyn]

IC: Darth Vitani

The Tsushima


The blast struck true, impacting the creature's chest, but the creature went on unaffected by the impact of the sonic blast. Stabbing forward with a protruding bone, it tried to hit her back though she managed to jump out of the way just in time. The sonic blaster was apparently not going to help in this situation, but the creature was still made of flesh and bone so her light foil should do better. She aimed her strikes for it's limbs, better to take out it's means of pursuit and attack quickly.


Powers Used: Makashi 4


TAG: @Darth Kain @Arach