Faction A Dark Tree Grows New Roots (Open to Sith)

[Erebus Ignosi]

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Dagobah, Sluis Sector​

For millennia Erebus Ignosi had remained entombed beneath Exegol's surface, slowly regenerating after being gravely wounded during a battle against another Sith who had chosen to take residence on the world. But that foe, along with Exegol itself, were little more than space dust now. Ignosi's cult had tended to him but it was only upon the arrival of a descendant of his bloodline at the eve of Exegol's destruction that the ancient Lich had awakened from his slumber, and aided by absorbing the death and destruction occurring around him the Midnight Ziggurat rose from its resting place beneath the planet's surface and took to space.

Guided by his distant progeny Hekate Ignosi , Erebus exerted a great amount of his energy to Fold Space around the Ziggurat, propelling it far away from the doomed tomb world towards Sith Space. For some time the Ziggurat floated through the void, but once Erebus had finally recovered from the exertion Hekate helped guide the temple-ship to the swampy world of Dagobah. It was said that this world was a center for the dark arts like those that he had once practiced.

Perfect.

From the sanctum atop the Ziggurat Erebus watched the marshlands below slowly come into view as the temple descended, as if falling in slow-motion. As his domain lowered itself, his thoughts drifted to the last fruit of his dread bloodline. He had expected his name to fade into the sands of time, his bloodline to wither away, and his works to be mistaken for myth, yet he awoke to find the Ignosi line unbroken. A thread—thin, but unsevered—pulled through centuries of filth, ignorance, and mediocrity to manifest in her. She carries his blood, though the galaxy has done its best to dilute it. Still, a spark remains. He could see it in the way she handles the alembic, the way she listens to the whispers of reagents, the way her mind bends instinctively toward the unseen architecture of enchantment. She sees patterns where others see mystery. She sees opportunity where others see danger. In this way, at least, she was his truly of his blood.

Only time would tell if the other Sith of this age would live up to his expectations.

 

[Hekate Ignosi]

Hekate had studied her ancestor's legacy for many years, eager to follow in his footsteps, and had traveled to Exegol to see what she could find of his tomb before the world was annihilated. Never in her wildest dreams would she have expected, however, to find that Erebus was not in fact dead, but had been regenerating in the sarcophagus atop his temple, silently tended to by his cult for several thousand years. With this revelation, she had to ask herself: was it him that had drawn her to Exegol?

Whatever the truth was, the reality was that she was now face to face with her greatest ancestor, who had once ruled an empire of death on the now-destroyed tomb world. All that remained of his dread legacy was this Ziggurat and its contents. But while she was a historian, she was not foolish enough to focus too deeply on the past to recognize the potential for the future. She had helped guide him to Dagobah, where many Sith necromancers of the current age had plied their trade and all manner of dark experiments had taken place. Looking out the sanctum of the Midnight Ziggurat to the swamps below, she felt a small pit in her stomach, a nagging in the back of her mind.

In the past, she had never chased the approval of her peers or superiors, but perhaps that was because her point of comparison had never been so close to her, so real. Now, secretly, silently, she found herself afraid; that he would judge her unworthy of his legacy, that he would cast her aside in disappointed contempt for how weak he had perceived the Sith to have become.

Here, perhaps, among the swamps the two of them could build the foundation of a new dread legacy, and she could prove herself a worthy heir to his domain of death.

 

[Arris Windrun]

The Sith seers on Desevro had sensed it... an omen on the dark swampworld - Dagobah.

Arris traveled with Mercy to investigate the source of it. When they arrived, there it was, the ominous dark temple, and the great power that emanated from within.

"I... I don't understand," Arris confessed to the Warlord.

She had experienced powerful places in the Force, like on Ruusan, but the sheer evil that radiated from the arcane vessel was quite unlike the twisted background noise of the planet itself. Intoxicating and terrifying both.

They wandered through the swamp, keeping a low profile as they approached the ziggurat's landing. Or at least, where it appeared to hover ominously near the surface. Arris turned her attention to Star-Arm, wondering what approach she would advise. It was unlikely their presence had gone unnoticed, just as the ziggurat would not escape theirs.

Erebus Ignosi | Hekate Ignosi | Vestra Tane

 

[Mercy]

Erebus Ignosi | Hekate Ignosi | Vestra Tane

At this point Mercy was used to inexplicable things happening in her immediate surroundings.

You didn't come to terms with a fucked up eldritch golden monstrosity for an arm and a hive-mind infesting your body without realizing that there were more important things in life than to worry about the latest oddity popping up next to you.

"I... I don't understand," Arris confessed to the Warlord.

"What's there to not understand?" Mercy asked as she lit up her pipe and stuck it between her teeth while peering up at the ziggurat in the distance. It was floating, because of course it was. "There is a floating building in the middle of a swamp and we are about to breach it, unravel whatever is inside and take the power for ourselves."

She dragged from her pipe and then blew out the smoke.

"Seems pretty straight-forward, isn't it?"

It probably wouldn't be that easy. It never was, but that is why Mercy didn't let Arris go alone. If technology wasn't involved, the cyborg was woefully out of her depth.

Then again, if there was a problem you couldn't smash with your fists... Mercy was the one out of her depth.

They made a good pair like that.

 

[Erebus Ignosi]

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Tags: Mercy Arris Windrun Hekate Ignosi

The Midnight Ziggurat, propelled by some archaic arcane devices, hovered over the swamps in an area that was relatively clear before coming to rest a sliver above the surface of the murky water. Nearby fauna were quick to flee from the temple, either feeling the dark aura coming from within or simply to avoid being crushed by the many-ton impervium structure.

As he had done when he had awoken on Exegol, Erebus channelled his will through the sarrassian iron and out the transmitters that capped each corner of the Ziggurat's base, probing the area for signs of life or, perhaps, unlife. Those nearby may have felt a sense of unease as an invisible eye cast its gaze upon them, scrutinizing their presence, their energy, before slowly retreating back up to the sanctum.

"It would appear we have attracted attention, descendant of my blood. I do not smell the soil of the grave on them, but I can sense the Dark within them," the Lich said to Hekate. "Let them come to us." Around them, members of his grave cult began to gather, but at a gesture from Erebus they kept their distance from the entrance. On the ground below, the ziggurat's structure presented Arris and Mercy a staircase that was perhaps too inviting, one that a glance would reveal led all the way up to the sanctum at the crown of the dark temple. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he awaited the arrival of the visitors to his boudoir. It had been far, far too long since he had entertained guests.

 

[Vestra Tane]

"I... I don't understand," Arris confessed to the Warlord.

"What's there to not understand?" Mercy asked as she lit up her pipe and stuck it between her teeth while peering up at the ziggurat in the distance. It was floating, because of course it was. "There is a floating building in the middle of a swamp and we are about to breach it, unravel whatever is inside and take the power for ourselves."

Vestra appreciated her Master's simplicity, sometimes. The Apprentice's head rattled with ideas. A bit of clarity of purpose was helpful.

She looked up at the ziggurat, and very briefly, allowed herself...not peace, exactly - in no small part because raw hostility rolled from the ominous monument like miasma from a corpse - but a moment of contentment. Before the Black Sun, before the Covenant...this was the sort of thing she'd been expecting to do with her life.

"Can't hurt to know a few things about it, though. The architecture is...Manderon Period, I think. Golden Age or earlier. Might predate the first Exiles. Definitely earlier than the Hyperspace War." She'd dropped the faux-Corellian accent, the gutter-punk affect, too engrossed in her history lesson to bother putting on airs while she trudged her way through the muck of Dagobah.

"Which means our biggest concerns are going to be ancient curses and Massassi zombies, maybe the ghost of a Kissai or two." She paused, for a moment, and then, out of habit, wrapped black synthflesh fingers around the hilt of her lightsaber. "And other Sith, of course."

Equipment: Lightsaber | Disruptor Pistol | Armorweave Coat | Rebreather | Hex Grip
Tags: Arris Windrun | Mercy | Erebus Ignosi | Hekate Ignosi

 

[Hekate Ignosi]

Tags: Arris Windrun Mercy Vestra Tane Erebus Ignosi

It would appear we have attracted attention, descendant of my blood.

As Hekate cast her silver eyes back from Erebus to look out the sanctum, she saw those that he spoke of. A small crowd of Sith were beginning to gather below. At a glance, she could not recognize them, not at this distance. But admittedly, she had been too buried in her research in recent years to make many friends, so she doubted that she would be able to put names to faces even if they stood inches from hers.

The only company she kept in that time were her Magnaguard bodyguards who, upon hearing Erebus' words, drew their blades and took their places at their master's flanks. While a lightsaber hung at her waist she mainly relied on the droids for close combat, preferring to rely on her sorcery to do battle with foes. Perhaps she would need to change that if she wanted the favor of her ancestor.

As they waited for the Sith to make their way up to the sanctum, Hekate mused silently to herself about what they sought. Perhaps they were tomb raiders, drawn by the sudden appearance of an ancient temple seeking plunder. Or perhaps, by some small miracle, they had recognized the Midnight Ziggurat. Before she had seen it with her own eyes, she had wondered herself if any semblance of the temple had remained intact, and that was coming from one of the few who had read of Erebus and did not just assume they were myths, so the chances of any recognition from their visitors were scant to none. At best, they would be able to date the architecture of the temple-ship. But then again, just as she had been surprised to find that Erebus had not perished, perhaps she would be surprised again. That would remain to be seen.

 

[Besala]

C U R S E

Location: Dagobah
Ship: 1x Tie-H Huntress Class Starfighter
Weapons: 2x Shoto Lightsabers (Red + Blue), 1x HG-88 Big Iron
Armor: 1x Serjek Vambrace
Equipment: 1x SV-5 Phanes Class Survival Kit
1x Mask of Seeming
Tag: Erebus Ignosi | Hekate Ignosi | Arris Windrun | Mercy | Vestra Tane

It wasn’t unusual for young Besala to be sent out when a new crumb of ruins had been discovered. Despite her youth, Besala had delved into more ruins and emerged with her life and often with her prize. But imagine her surprise when she felt a disturbance in the Force, how it quivered as if it was making way for something, or someone, to pass. With the sensation came a vision, or rather a single image of a swamp. Within view was a ziggurat that loomed ominously over the murky water. Through the vision, Besala felt a chill run down her spine as she felt the evil aura that emanated from the structure, as if it were a breathing organism rather than a construct.

To some, it might have been an everyday occurrence as stranger things had occurred in the past, but to someone like Besala. Such things were often the type that she’d actively avoid due to how dangerous it could be to unearth ancient sith lords who don’t envy the afterlife, and they wouldn’t hesitate to possess a host or consume the life of others to rebuild their bodies. Regardless, despite the usual carefully constructed procedures that Besala had instilled in herself, there were those within the Sith Order who were keen to secure any sources of power for themselves.

Now that Besala had discovered that the vision wasn’t just a figment of her imagination, but she could feel an unholy chill as if the air itself was attempting to sap the vitality down to the marrow of her bones. There were others, of course, but Besala made certain to keep her distance. Neither of which she personally recognized, but she knew they were likely after the same thing as she was.

The earthy scents of the swamp filled her lungs with each breath she took, the mask that seamlessly fitted over her face without so much as betraying a hint of its existence. The alteration had long since been completed after she had broken through the planetary atmosphere previously. She found it unlikely that they hadn’t noticed her approach, but perhaps the existence of the floating ziggurat and the staircase that allowed anyone who dared to enter the monument had drawn their attention, which would delay their notice of her presence under normal circumstances.

The shadow that she cast twisted itself into knots as if it were a living being, but it didn’t betray that gnawing ache that had settled upon her stomach. Ziggurats were often depictions of power, but only to those who gained control of such structures. Those who didn’t, well, the Ziggurats could easily be their tombs. It certainly didn’t look like it was meant for the living, and frankly, Besala would rather be on the living side. Still, to see a ziggurat in person was something that Besala had never thought she’d see outside of glyphs and images from ancient tombs.

”I wonder who’s inside…” Besala muttered quietly to herself as she remained crouched down upon the twisted roots and thick vegetation that obscured her presence. Ordinarily, she’d volunteer to walk in, but caution held her back. Not just because of the ziggurat’s presence, but because of the trio who stood before the flight of stairs.

 

[Arris Windrun]

Tags: Mercy | Vestra Tane | Erebus Ignosi | Hekate Ignosi | Besala

"There is a floating building in the middle of a swamp and we are about to breach it, unravel whatever is inside and take the power for ourselves."

She and Mercy had very different ideas of "straightforward," but her meaning was taken. It seemed that at a certain point, things with Sith and the Dark Side got spooky on a level that betrayed all perceptions.

Arris sighed. "Got it, yeah."

The cyborg looked over her shoulder at Vestra, who blabbered on about the ziggurat. Manderon this, Golden Age that, though she absolutely lost Arris at the mention of zombies and curses.

"What the hell are you talking about, Tane?"

Before any of them could appreciate further discussion, the ominous structure presented them with a set of stairs. At no point did she notice the acolyte hidden just outside their periphery.

"Huh..." She muttered.

It looked like the stairs would carry them all the way to the structure's apex. With a cautious step, Arris placed a single foot on the first staircase to ascertain that they were real before she continued ahead, leading Mercy and Vestra up the long path.

She looked between them with no shortage of questions on her mind, albeit less particular (and weird) than whatever the Chandrilan was on about.

"So I take it this thing is Sith, yeah? Can't be a coincidence it appeared on the edge of the Blackwall."

When they finally reached the top, Arris decided to take the right flank and gestured for Vestra to hold the left, leaving Mercy to take up the center. She had a hand on each hip, fingers ready to draw her revolvers should violence be what awaited them at the top. At the same time, the technopath kept a steady pulse on the Force, probing their surroundings for mechanisms and defenses.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Arris Windrun Mercy Vestra Tane Hekate Ignosi Erebus Ignosi Besala
Objective: Dagobah
Outfit (Also wearing mask)

Filth. So much Spirit damned filth. Reina grimaced as she moved through the swamp. How much gunk was going to be in her boots after this job was done? She was definitely going to use the credits to buy a replacement outfit once she was back...and after she had burnt everything she was wearing in this moment. Though she knew even with that, the filth would still cling to her. It was more than just physical. The Force felt wrong here. She knew it was the Dark Side. It was the same feeling she got when she did other jobs for the Sith.

"...Just great. Some random karking pyramid shows up and I'm expected to be able to report back about it."

Unfortunately for the Ersansyr, whilst she had been at least somewhat educated in how to use the Force and how to fight with a Lightsaber during her time as a Jedi, the lessons on history and on the Sith's...Sith things, was sorely lacking. Instead it had been deemed more important for her to learn patience and pacifism. A small scowl came to her face at that thought as she shook her head. Pacifism wouldn't get her anywhere in life, especially in this somewhat new line of work.

As she lazily made her way closer towards the Ziggurat, Reina stopped for a moment. Her gaze flicked over towards the mud, noting the various footprints, watching the way they tracked up towards the Ziggurat. She could see the sources of said footprints at the top of the steps, but there was another pair of footsteps that seemed to look into the vegetation. Was someone hiding? Watching?...Well. That wasn't Reina's style as she walked out into the open, heading straight up to the bottom of the steps.

"You three got space for one more? If not, that's fine. Still headin' in there even if I have to do it alone."

Reina rested her hand against the Lightsaber she had earned from previous jobs with the Sith, using her spare hand to lift her mask further up her face as her gaze flickered between the three. There was a faint voice in the back of her mind, telling her that it was wrong to be working with anyone who gave off a Dark vibe...but considering she wasn't a Jedi anymore, why should she care?

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[Mercy]

Erebus Ignosi | Hekate Ignosi | Arris Windrun | Vestra Tane | Besala | Reina Daival

Mercy's hands settled on her hips as she peered at the centerfold while Arris and Vestra arrayed themselves alongside her.

"Are you seriously asking me if this is a Sith thing? Arris, babe, it's a floating pyramid in the middle of a dark and creepy swamp. It literally oozes with the Darkside. If this isn't Sith-related then I will-" Mercy thought better of it then and there. "Then Vestra can eat a hat." She glanced over to her employee and apprentice with something approaching an apologetic quality.

"You did start to talk about its historical and architectural nature, darling, so best to stand on business."

Right before they'd reach the apex, a voice rang out.

Mercy glanced over her shoulder and took Reina in. It seemed they weren't the only ones that were interested in the pyramid. Her senses were catching Besala 's proximity as well. She had no ability in Force Sense, but when she was enhancing her physical capabilities, she could practically hear the heartbeats of those around her.

"You and whoever is skulking around near us can join. I'd prefer to have you next to me than trying to bite my arse while I am busy fending off... what did you say?" Back to Vestra. "Zombies, really? I already had my share of those a while ago, but fine, zombies it is. Shall we?"

 

[Erebus Ignosi]

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Tags: Arris Windrun | Mercy | Vestra Tane | Besala | Reina Daival | Hekate Ignosi

Within the sanctum atop the Ziggurat, the architecture blended that of a Sith temple with the functionality of a command center—massive angular structures, ritualistic engravings, holographic displays flickering with crimson data, and braziers burning with unnatural blue flame.

Waiting at the center was the Lich himself, Erebus Ignosi, his dark red aged skin wrinkled and vein-stricken. A golden gauntlet inset with several rubies covered his mummified left hand, and in his other hand he held a glaive, red runes shining along its length. At his side stood his elegantly-dressed descendant, wearing ornate black-and-gold robes of flowing dark fabric, her silver eyes silently observing them.

Encircling them was a gathering of his cultists, draped in ceremonial red and black robes, bone-white skull masks, inscribed arms, and talismanic jewelry. They gazed at the arrivals from behind their masks, each one brandishing an ancient blade but none daring to strike without a command from their lord.

Erebus took a step forward, raising his mummified left hand, palm upwards. "You stand within the Midnight Ziggurat, tracking mud and ambition across grounds older than your lineages. You look upon me and my realm with hunger, suspicion, and the arrogance of children who believe themselves dragons. Know this: I am Erebus Ignosi—Lich-Lord of the Ashen Veil, Magnus of the Exegol Thanatocracy, he who shattered the wall of Death and built a throne upon its ruins. I still endure. I still stand." His voice boomed within the sanctum, echoing within its walls, reverberating with power.

He gestured to the walls around them with his mummified, gauntleted hand, the very air thick with dread and the aroma of millennia of death and decay. "This temple is mine. Its pulse beats to my will. Its wards breathe with my intent. Put an ear to the walls and you will hear the laments of other so-called Sith who dared to tread into my domain with ambitions of greatness, whose bones built its foundations and whose souls fueled my apotheosis." Veins of red sarrassian iron formed intricate patterns throughout the structure that gave off a faint pulsating glow as if the Ziggurat itself was alive, routing the energies of the Dark Side throughout like a body would blood. "You trespass under the shadow of a will that has endured longer than your empires, your doctrines, your very civilizations. But it has been far, far too long since I have had the pleasure of speaking to outsiders, so your intrusion shall be forgiven, if only once. So tell me, fledgling Sith… what is it you seek by crossing my threshold? Power? Secrets? Riches?" The faintest glimmer of a wicked smirk tugged at the corner of his dessicated lips.

"Or have you merely come to kneel before something older, colder, and far greater than yourselves?"​