Faction Ascension [Open to Sith and Jedi]

[Darth Carnifex]

Grass rose to meet His foot as He stepped through, the stale air of the vault giving way to the vibrant odor of a world teeming with life. Trees of brilliant oranges and blues swayed in the breeze, and the Force was strong. Mountains loomed large against the horizon, impossibly suspended in the air above the ground. Everywhere the rules of physics were bent, impossible formations of utterly alien geometry, so dazzling that the mind could barely comprehend the patterns.

Others slowly began to join Him, first Demiurge, and then Kaahlil. Sith and Imperials alike moved through the gap to cross the bridge into the realm of Mortis. Vera Noble, her task complete, had been left behind in the vault to suffer through the lingering effects of the drug that had been pumped into her. The guard about her was sparse, ineffectually light, for the Dark Lord did not lie that He would allow her to return to her mother and father once she'd done what He'd asked. Though it had come through coercion, she had fulfilled her end.

"I do not like it," spoke Kaahlil, "You should have brought Vera with us, Father. You told me that she would be mine." Carnifex didn't even look at His son, His eyes fixed upon the distant mountain range. "And she will, my son. It matters not if your other and his woman find her in the vault, for they will be drawn by duty to follow us. When we kill them in this world, then you can take your prize." This seemed to mollify Kaahlil, who again returned to quiet. Of course, the Dark Lord had no intention of keeping true to His word with Kaahlil, not that the fool would ever discover that he'd been tricked. The Dark Lord's plan for the Dark Mirror far eclipsed any bitter desire the wretch harbored, for he had been groomed for the exact moment that was to come.

Carnifex addressed the assembling Sith and Imperials without facing them, "Line up in parade formation, my faithful. We will march upon the monastery at the mountain's summit, and we will take what is ours. The Day of Reckoning is at hand." There arose a mighty cheer, and, gradually, a long column began to ascend the mountain. Like before, the Dark Lord moved at its head, the astrolabe carefully cradled in His hands.

But they would not be the only ones to become aware of the gateway's opening, for the very presence of the Butcher King in this realm was an aberration. Mortis had once cast Him out before, when He'd accidentally been drawn into Mortis many, many years ago. But this time, it could not so easily dislodge Him, for He held in His hands a power wielded only by the ancient Celestials. With it, He could potentially unmake the galaxy, and the Force itself cried out in alarm to all those whose hearts were bent towards balance and justice.

The Light called upon its Sword and Shield, and all those who stood in unison against the Dark.

For the preservation of life, and the sanctity of the galaxy.

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Darth Centax]

Tag: Darth Carnifex | Open​

Being sure to memorize the prisoner's face, recorded away in case he required her later. Within the column, Centax's justice was placed. If the galaxy were to be unmade or remade, it was only fitting he should see it first hand. Runic silver Khan armor on and two sabers clipped to his side. The long conflict beckoned him forward, strife in every step. There were other zealots here if need be, today he doubted he would need them. Not finding a worthy challenge since Braith, let alone any pitiful Jedi. He was bored of the galaxy's new lingering weakness, and it gnawed, grating at his concentration.

Mortis, the potential realm of force origin. Insipid creations, seeds, or the source of fractured and fallen minds. Around him, his eyes met a vibrant dreamscape, no a forcescape full of life. Boots carving out steps upon the mountain's surface, his loathing bled into his ethereal path. Were the minds or spirits of those connected affected, brought to heel as they tread upon their origin? This place reeked of force energy, "taint," origins of fallen lightside Jedi "everywhere." His grating voice cursed. Crushgaunts were pressed into a fist wanting to rip the life energy out of this place, cutting it away from those who didn't deserve the power it had given them.

While not at the front, he walked close enough to the Emperor to make a difference in the result here. There was no will to hide who or what Centax was. His thoughts and his emotions were an open book of challenge to any man or woman here, and always would be. There was no other way for him to live.

Looking to their destination, for once Centax marched in time. The timing was everything. Keth always had a plan.

 

[Salara Zambrano]

SITH LORD + QUEEN
KAINITE
M O R T I S




​

Salara had arrived just as her husband entered Mortis. She and her own guards would not have been far behind him. The Grand Alchemist wanted to witness the event herself, and as she strode past the young Vera Noble and the few guards left with her. The Epicanthix pressed onward, closing the distance just enough to overhear what her husband said to the other. The Queen was flanked on the right and left by her daughters as they joined the march at the head of it, her sons, Sarlow, Alvarex, and Ansgar would join the march as well with their own personal retinue of guards, personal battalions, and so forth. This was not a moment to be missed, and such as it was, Salara in her new form awaited it with patience and pride.

All of her husband's work would come to fruition soon enough. It mattered not who lingered or tarried behind them, or if the Light dispatched its sword and shield. Salara was confident that all of it would be in vain and that Kaine would have what he had worked so hard for. Achieving this goal would only open the doors to the others that they had so carefully planned. Wholly devoted was she the First Wife of Kaine that for her this moment, this Day of Reckoning brought her an untold amount of joy. Each step of this march was another step closer to their goal, another step forward for both the Epicanthix and the Sith. Even if the latter were too blind to see it now, but oh the realization would dawn on them sooner... or later.

Darth Carnifex | Darth Centax | Open​

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Embrace, Aing-Tii
Tags: Vera Noble

Lux Ultima​

The plight of Valery and Kahlil Noble was quick to reach Jasper. When they came to him asking for him to retrieve their daughter Vera, there was very little hesitation. There was something so vile about it all. The distress of them being seperated against their will, the disgusting wretch that was her grandfather, Carnifex. The Jedi Knight would have followed the Nobles into Mortis in a heartbeat if it meant wiping that stain from the galaxy, but Vera was undoubtedly the priority. It was quite soon after he had decided to lay his weapons down for a time, try to escape the violence of the war.

He would always be dragged back in. It was inevitable. In this instance, he was more than willing to fight.

So here he was, on a planet deep within the Kathol Rift and more notably in Sith space. It was empty, torn from a recent battle and the recent movement of Sith into Mortis. The prospect of it all was deeply concerning. The culmination of something dark, a doomsday that he was sure he had seen. This was it. The galaxy on fire. Valery and Kahlil would be going in to face the apocalypse. Jasper could only ensure that their daughter was safe whenever they emerged.

If they emerged.

It was not long before he was upon the Embrace. A vault of artifacts, contained in caverns deep into the earth. Vera would be held here, at least if he was to believe what he was told. He had no doubts that it was true. Even as the darkness seemed to flow out of the vault, a faint light within could be felt. The guard detail seemed shorter than he had anticipated. It seemed that Carnifex was bringing everything he had to Mortis. He didn't have time to process what that meant. Low guards or none, Vera was his only concern. Jasper drew the claymore from his back, allowing force light to spill into it. As what guards were in the area moved to intercept him, the young councilmember wasted no time beginning to cleave his way into the complex.

<Hold on, Vera,> he called out telepathically, <Everything's gonna be alright.>

The Sentinel of Harmony had sworn off killing after the war. Far too much had been lost in the wake of the Maw, and he always felt that taking life, even that of the Sith, would bring him ever closer to the weapon his creator had wanted to make.

But he was willing to make exceptions.

 

[Silas Westgard]

Objective: Save Vera
Tag: Vera Noble / Jasper Kai'el

It had been a long time since he had felt so on edge, not since his days in the underworld. Although kidnapping a child, a girl he promised to protect gave him every right to be that way.

Upon hearing the news he went straight to Valery to put his name forward with no hesitation. He wasn't going to just sit back and worry about the girl he considered a little sis, no chance. Silas was going to do everything within his power to get her out of that hole, just like he did when she was attacked at the arcade. As long as he still breathed, Vera Noble was not going to be lost. If it were through force or by accident, Silas was going to keep her on the path her parents guided her through.

She could not consider any other road...

Reaching the vault with haste a small number of guards waited for his arrival. Before they could even properly react they were all struck down without a flicker of emotion, but instead a stone cold face that was solely focused on getting the child back safely. Somewhere deep inside the confines a small light still glowed, along with another brighter force that seemed to be cutting through whatever was in front of him. He knew full well who it was, they were sure to be more focused than he was.

Not wasting anytime he moved forth, slicing and dicing the resistance he ran into. One way or another, they were going to get her out of this place.

"<You will be found Vera...>"
​

 

[Starlin Rand]

A blue lightsaber, an orange shoto, and the lit end of a cigarette glowed in the darkness of the caves. Starlin emerged from the shadows, armor-clad, clearly ready to fight. He glanced over at the other Jedi who had arrived at the vault. "Ooh, nice. We got some real quality Jedi Knights here today! All right, let's save this kid. Where the Sith at?"

Jasper Kai'el Silas Westgard Darth Carnifex Darth Centax Salara Zambrano Vera Noble Kahlil Noble Valery Noble​

 

[Lucia Naberrie]

Location: Mortis
Objective: Neutralize Apostate and Jedi Intruders
Allies: Sith ( Darth Carnifex Darth Centax Salara Zambrano )
Enemies: Jedi ( Silas Westgard Jasper Kai'el Starlin Rand )

​

KHRD Type 2, Unit 410: Report. New Directive: Enter the Gateway to Mortis. Day of Reckoning - Safeguard the Astrolabe at All Costs. Neutralize Apostate and Jedi Intruders with Extreme Prejudice. Priority: Extreme.

KHRD Type 2, Unit 410: Active - All Systems Nominal. Combat Effectiveness Rating: 100%. New Directives: Confirmed. Present Status: Entering the Gateway to Mortis - Designation: Reckoning’s Ascent.

It was still a mystery to her as to why Xyrah had ordered her to join the Dark Lord’s retinue. The gynoid knew that the mission he had been tasked with was far too important for him to be here, but then, why was she not by his side?

No matter how much she processed it, Lucia could not come to a satisfying conclusion regarding Xyrah’s motives. While the HRD had been created with his neural pathways downloaded into her systems, there were still some things about her master that yet eluded her understanding. Nevertheless, Lucia was nothing if not dutiful and obedient. The matter was quickly dropped as she crossed the gateway into Mortis, her processors suddenly exploding with activity as she found herself in a realm that was unfamiliar to her, within a vivid, lush forest teeming with strange creatures of Light.

She could not deny the realm’s beauty, and yet, in this current state, it disgusted her at a fundamental level.

The HRD glanced down at the small shard of Void Stone on her neck. It was a tiny quantity of the substance so as to not disrupt the powers of the Sith around her, but it would protect her from the realm’s attempts to repel her unliving presence.

Should it be destroyed or lost, Mortis might never let her return.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Daeva Combat Bodysuit
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/W-11 Hybrid Gauntlet Scatterblaster - Heavy (2) - L/R
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
  • Utility
    
    • Synthspray
    • Synthetic Void Stone Shard (1 m Radius)
    • FAE/S-03 "Phase Masque" Distortion Matrix
    • Kirino Visual Interface
• FAE/M-03 “Pellax” Aerial Katana (2)
  
  • Poison Reservoirs - Mgehye ot Lloig | Ruiner of Mind
• FAE/M-03 “Pellax” Aerial Katana (2)
  
  • Poison Reservoirs - Sith Poison

 

[Valery Noble]

Mortis | Monastery

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble Thurion Heavenshield Darth Carnifex

It started as a whisper.

Through the endless currents of the Force, Valery, and Kahlil Noble both felt a familiar presence calling out to them. One home to a realm known as the Wellspring of Life — their time to act as guardians had come, but not where they had believed this battle would take place. A different portal had opened itself, to a realm Kahlil had visited once before, and it was the will of the Force that would guide them there once more, but this time together.

After boarding their bonded X-wings, a hyperspace jump into a seemingly random direction exposed them to the monolith. Valery had heard stories about it, both from her husband and from her own research, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. If only their visit had been under better circumstances.

"I already sent out a call to Thurion Heavenshield to join us," Valery told her husband over comms. "If the Force wills it, he'll be able to find us there."

There was something nervous about the tone of her voice. Not because they were going into a dangerous battle together, but because she could feel that their little star was somehow intertwined in all of this. For now, all she could do was hope that Jasper Kai'el and Silas Westgard would free the young Noble. She'd be forever grateful.

"Let's land at the Monastery and wait there. I'm sure he'll be coming to us."

He was expecting them.

 

[Vera Noble]

Embrace

​

Tag: Jasper Kai'el Silas Westgard Starlin Rand | Any Sithies

Slowly, Vera's eyes flickered open to a much darker place than she remembered. The portal had created a flash of light, but she hadn't gone through, and none of the people who had been with her remained. She was alone with just a few guards keeping an eye on her, and she saw no way out.

The drugs still kept her mind foggy, making it hard to focus, but through the clouds that surrounded her, voices began to find their way through. Familiar voices.

<Hold on, Vera,> he called out telepathically, <Everything's gonna be alright.>

"<You will be found Vera...>"

Immediately, Vera perked up and looked around, hoping to see the people she heard in her mind. Jasper, Silas — they were friends and they had actually come for her. They were getting closer too, but it would take more time before they could reach her, so she had to remain strong and brave.

<Please hurry,> she managed to communicate back to them. <They know I'm awake.>

 

[Kahlil Noble]

So this is what they meant.

Kahlil's eyes were closed as he let the Force guide him. Let their bond, their connection, guide them. It's what he focused on. What he had to focus on. He had faith in the Jedi to find Vera. For Jasper, Silas, and the others. He spent a long time trying to convince Jedi to be open with their feelings so they might be sure how to understand them. But right now, he knew his limits. If he let himself dwell, let himself feel, he wouldn't be able to function.

"I've no doubt he'll meet us. But it won't be at the monastery."

They weren't going to Mortis.

As he opened his eyes and Hyperspace faded, the desolate looking world he'd once settled as home came into view. He kept a calm expression as he pulled the controls to guide himself to land.

".. So that's his plan. Be ready, Valery."

Darth Carnifex | Valery Noble | Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Eslo Anderson]

Objective: Save Vera
​

Eslo went with Silas Westgard and the other two to rescue Vera Noble from the hands of the Sith, Eslo himself was similar to the ancient Jedi Master Luke Skywalker in his old age and sounded like him too. He knew she would need help, it was only a matter of time until they either executed Vera or find another way to silence her. "So who's first?" he said as he approached the guards unafraid of death. He then whipped out his lightsaber and swung his lightsaber in the direction of the sith trying to kill the two of them. But also to distract them so that Jasper Kai'el , Silas, and the others could rescue Vera.

Tags: Vera Noble | Silas Westgard | Jasper Kai'el | Starlin Rand​

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Embrace, Aing-Tii
Tags: Vera Noble , Silas Westgard , Starlin Rand , Eslo Anderson

Lux Ultima​

Jasper felt more people appear some ways behind him. Starlin and Silas, no doubt, but a third unfamiliar individual as well. If there was one good thing about all this darkness, it made lights stand out even more so. That certainly helped less force sensitive individuals such as himself. It wasn't long though before his telepathy had a response.

<Please hurry,> she managed to communicate back to them. <They know I'm awake.>

Now he was certain where she was. The light of the child's conscious mind stood out amongst the darkness of the vault like a beacon. She seemed to only be a few levels down. Unfortunately, as he descended down to the next level, Jasper was only met with more guards. A sigh of frustration escaped his lips.

"Alright," he muttered, "Here we go."

Jasper's organic hand released the grip of his claymore, leaving it in his much stronger mechanical arm. Then, with his remaining arm free, he drew his lightsaber. This was, without a doubt, incredibly reckless, but the knight had weighed his options. Soon he was advancing on the guards again, a storm of spins and slashes illuminating the dark halls of the Embrace. Steam erupted from his prosthetic with every swing of the Lux Ultima, catching particles of light in such a way that they appeared almost flame-like. He was pushing his engineering to it's limits.

There was no fear. No doubt. No anger. Only determination. He'd succeed at what Valery and Kahlil had asked of him.

Even if it tore him to shreds.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

City of Heavenheim
Midvinter
Two Days Prior

A man may choose to leave the Jedi Order, but the Jedi will never leave the man. It had been years since the victory at Tython, where the serrated blade of the Maw had been blunted against the shield wall of a united Jedi task force, leading to the counterattack and subsequent destruction of Exegol. It had also been the last time the former Grandmaster picked up his lightsaber, believing there was no finer timing of announcing his retirement than the successful defence of the Jedi homeworld. Still, his lifestyle would change little in the aftermath of his decision, and he would put his long decades of service to good use in serving Midvinter as its High King, his loyalties no longer divided. Others would fill his shoes; younger, brighter, and better people than himself.

Meditation proved crucial to weathering the onslaught of kingly matters dire and trivial alike, as it allowed him to clear his mind and seek guidance from those that had come before. A firm believer in the Living Force, as introduced to him by his childhood mentor and later adoptive mother, Thurion would spend hours delving into the aether in search of greater wisdom and clarity.

"Hng," his material form grimaced and lurched forward, his facial features twitching and trembling from the sudden strain. A great disturbance in the Force had struck him like a sledgehammer to the chest, ringing in his ears with its warnings of the future. Visions of a dark host marching on the very heart of the galaxy, and the echoes of a call for aid in the form of a woman's voice. Upon snapping out of his deep trance and regaining his senses, Thurion's head turned to the foot-sized wooden box which had appeared next to him on the floor.

Its contents were vibrating with anticipation, demanding his attention. He placed a hand upon its resting place, soothing it into stillness.

"It seems we are to ride to battle once more, my oldest friend."

~oOo~​

Allies: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble
Enemies: Darth Carnifex Salara Zambrano Darth Centax Lucia Naberrie
En Route to the Wellspring of Life
Present Day

By the time Valery sent out her call for aid, the Lion was well on his way. The Oathkeeper had journeyed for over a day now, having departed in search of the meaning behind his vision. The Force was his guide, urging him ever onward towards the galactic core. The Nobles' communication served to confirm his destination, speaking of the Wellspring of Life - a realm from which all life hails, thought by many learned scholars to be but a myth.

Yet here he was, staring at the celestial body with his own two eyes. Emotions welled up inside the aged Jedi, not unlike a pilgrim reaching a holy destination after a gruelling journey. "Do you see it, Asha," he asked shedding a tear, reminding himself of his dearly departed mother's teachings etched into his mind since childhood. "You were right. You were right about everything..."

 

[Caden Evesa]

Location: En-Route: On Board LL-1210 Light Freighter
With: Darth Centax
Allies: Jedi
Enemies: Sith
Equipment: Field Robes | Lightsaber
​

It had been years.

Caden Evesa hadn't wielded a lightsaber for years. In truth, the galaxy had passed him by and he was content with it. He'd been away in his own corner of the galaxy, minding his own business and doing his own studying on different sects of the Force. He had to admit, he had quite enjoyed not being involved in the ongoings of the galaxy for the first time in his life.

The man had seen so much war and bloodshed, the break was deserved. He hadn't retired officially, moreso gone off to do his own thing at his own pace. He'd learnt a lot in the last few years, more than he'd hoped to learn when he set off on his quest after being Knighted. Sure he'd popped up in a few places, but he'd kept himself relatively anonymous.

Until now.

Visions had started, out of no-where. He'd tried to ignore them at first and pretend they weren't a problem, but he was finding that he couldn't ignore them any longer. It was as if the Force itself was crying out, begging for help. It was something he hadn't felt in his life, as far as he could recall. It was something he couldn't ignore, no matter how hard he tried.

The attire had been easy to locate, locked away in a trunk. Caden had been more surprised it had fit him than anything. The lightsaber had been harder to find, it had been put away years ago and it took an hour or so of searching before it was located. Caden hadn't intended to lose it, of course, it just happened. Eventually however, he was equiped and ready.

The flight had been mostly uneventful. It felt good to be back behind the controls. Caden wouldn't admit it to anyone else, but it felt good to have a purpose again. It felt good to be following the Force's command, although he wasn't yet sure where he was going. He was just trusting in the Force, for it was the only guide he had.

When he arrived, he took a few moments.

Caden wasn't entirely sure what he had been expecting. The Force didn't cry out for no reason so he assumed it was something big. What he wasn't expecting was the Monolith that scholars had been searching over multiple centuries to find. It was something he'd only ever read about in books, something he'd never actually expected to see in person.

He set the ship to remain stationary just outside the Monolith for a few moments, while he did a few final checks. He double checked his armour, ensured everything was tight and ready to go. He wasn't sure what he was going to be walking into, he didn't want to take any chances. He thumbed his lightsaber on and watched as the yellow blade shot from it's metallic holder. He thumbed it off, watching as it retracted.

The man slid his helmet over his head, and let out a sigh. He took his seat, and set off into Mortis.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The procession wound its way up the mountain, following an ancient path inlaid with weathered stone. At the summit was a titanic monastery, capped by an enormous crystal that glowed a bright pale blue. Carnifex was the first to reach the monastery, arising from the path onto a flat stone landing. The stone was arranged in an octagon, with three meter tall plinths placed at each of its angles. Another set of stairs led up into the monastery itself, where a pale glow emanated from within.

"Secure the landing," declared the Dark Lord. Carnifex, along with Demiurge and Kaahlil, approaching the steps. Together, with Carnifex ahead of them, they all began to ascend. Within a few moments, they disappeared into the monastery. They came upon a massive walkway, terminating in a branching junction that led both to the right and to the left. At the center of this junction was a large throne, flanked by a pair of massive statues; one with avian qualities, and the other with batlike features.

Together, they walked towards the throne. It was the same one that Carnifex had sought in visions, desperately grasping at but never obtaining. It was the Throne of Balance, assuredly. On one side of it was a large medallion etched with the symbol of the Dark Side, and on the other was an identical medallion with the symbol of the Light Side carved into it. The seat of the throne was more like a flat expanse where one would meditate, surrounded by a barrier of raked gray sand.

Carnifex approached the throne, looking at the throne with a discerning eye. In His left hand He held aloft the astrolabe, cradling it possessively. His eyes swept down, and there He could see that at the center of the throne's seat was a small indentation. Crossing the sand, which was not disturbed by His footsteps, Carnifex knelt down to get a better look. The astrolabe responded to this action, and began to reconfigure itself of its own volition. Rather than spherical device, it now resembled a narrow rod with odd protuberances jutting from its sides.

Gingerly, the Dark Lord placed the rod against the indentation, which suddenly snapped into place and sunk into the stone. Suddenly, the entire monastery began to shudder and shake. Dust burst out from around the throne's margins, as the seat began to recede into the ground. Demiurge and Kaahlil quickly moved to leap onto the seat alongside Carnifex, as they descended into the monastery's depths.

Awaiting them was a large chamber, illuminated only by ghastly lanterns punched into the stone walls. The floor of the chamber was not made of stone, but rather a reflective pale blue glass. Carnifex would be the first to step onto the floor, a halo of blue light rushed out from where He stepped. He placed another foot on the glass, and the same action was repeated, and would repeat with every step. This was a strange and otherworldly room, unlike anything He had ever seen before in His life. The other two followed Him, coming to stand at the center of the room.

Carnifex knelt down, touching the glass floor with His hand. Something was calling out to Him, a sensation He'd never experienced before. "How strange," He mused, before closing His eyes and concentrating hard. There was a few moments of silence as Demiurge and Kaahlil knelt down to mirror His actions. Nothing seemed to happen at first, but then, in an instant, the three sank down into the glass and disappeared entirely.

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble | Thurion Heavenshield ​

 

[Salara Zambrano]

SITH LORD + QUEEN
KAINITE
M O R T I S




​

Salara's forces moved with haste securing the monastery, her children, Sarlow, Alvarex, Ansgar, Mavriana, Ephraazel, and Cordelia led their retinue to designated points in and around the Monastery. Undoubtedly the Light would want to break through and disrupt the ritual that had already begun. Dissenting Sith would join the cacophony of chaos all the same, but Salara could not allow anyone to disrupt her husband's work. Along the inlaid ancient path, the zealous forces of the Kainite's army stood with weapons at the ready, while others carried heavier weapons to prepare to shoot down any attempts to arrive at the Monastery through other means.

The procession that had accompanied her husband would stop there, "no one gets through." The Queen ordered, "ensure the landing remains secure." Her next set of orders was given to her oldest son, while her daughters were told, "take your guards, make sure your father is able to accomplish his goals uninterrupted." The other two sons would remain with their mother strengthening the army there at the landing. Where Carnifex had disappeared, Sarlow the Wolf-Prince would occupy the level with his men, he leaned out just so. He caught a glimpse of what was to arrive there, but he would be readied. He relayed to his mother that he and his men were ready.

Queen Salara's guards and the regimental army would reinforce the landing there in that octagonal space. There was so much more at stake than anyone truly knew. Heavier weapons still were erected, turning the Monastery into something of a fortress. Her hope wasn't to stop the Jedi and their ilk, no, they were far too stubborn and motivated on this day for such nonsense. Her hope and goal really were to slow them down enough for Kaine to finish what they had set out to do. "Today you give your lives for your King, for the Dark Lord Himself." Motivated Salara to the men around her, "your names will be etched for all eternity for our people to see, your memories and souls will continue to live on forever."

It wasn't so much a speech as a promise, each man there upon their death their souls would be bound to their armor and their vigor renewed so that they could, in death - continue to serve their King. This day was not just about the Sith, it was for all Panatha and for what had been taken from the Zambranos and what would be restored to them. Lightsabers at the ready, a chorus of darkness that sang, eager for the blood that would be spilled in this very realm. The Grand Alchemist remained there on the landing and began her incantations...

Darth Carnifex | Darth Centax | Lucia Naberrie

Open to Interaction​

 

[Lucia Naberrie]

Location: Monastery - Mortis
Objective: Neutralize Apostate and Jedi Intruders
Allies: Sith ( Darth Carnifex Darth Centax Salara Zambrano )
Enemies: Jedi ( Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Thurion Heavenshield Caden Evesa )

KHRD Type 2, Unit 410: Report. New Directive: Secure the Monastery. Priority: Extreme.

Status Update: Present at Target Area. Combat Effectiveness Rating: 100%. New Directive: Confirmed. Present Status: Securing the Monastery.

For a moment, the gynoid’s photoreceptors saw Him at the head of the procession.

Her synthetic gaze was set upon the Dark Lord of the Sith Himself, along by the Godhead and the Son. A brief chill flickered through her processors in response, one born not out of terror, but of simple awe. And yet, Lucia knew that she had seen Him and fought alongside Him before, but without the comforting presence of Xyrah, she felt more or less exposed, even knowing that she was here at her master’s discretion.

Nevertheless, upon reaching the monastery, Lucia committed herself to the task of securing it and preparing herself for the intruders that were to come. A quick check of her personal weapons saw to their integrity, before she shifted her attention towards checking the defensive emplacements, and mapping out the monastery itself.

The air grew heavy with anticipation and before long, Lucia found herself amidst a quiet scene, herself hidden among the soldiers, assassins, and warriors who lied in wait for the apostate and Jedi intruders.

Soon, a flash of light registered high in the sky—a vessel translating out of hyperspace. Lucia let her processors ramp in motion, priming her chassis for combat.

For those on Mortis, whether they were Kainate, Jedi, or apostate Sith, time ran short as the Light of day slowly surrendered to Dark. It would not be long before the reckoning came due.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Daeva Combat Bodysuit
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/W-11 Hybrid Gauntlet Scatterblaster - Heavy (2) - L/R
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
  • Utility
    
    • Synthspray
    • Synthetic Void Stone Shard (1 m Radius)
    • FAE/S-03 "Phase Masque" Distortion Matrix
    • Kirino Visual Interface
• FAE/M-03 “Pellax” Aerial Katana (2)
  
  • Poison Reservoirs - Mgehye ot Lloig | Ruiner of Mind
• FAE/M-03 “Pellax” Aerial Katana (2)
  
  • Poison Reservoirs - Sith Poison

 

[Darth Centax]

Location: Monastery Landing
Direct Allies: Darth Carnifex | Lucia Naberrie | Salara Zambrano
Direct Enemies: Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble | Thurion Heavenshield | Caden Evesa

"no one gets through." Salara Zambrano commanded.

There was a small nod from the silver-armored figure to the Queen's left, burning runic symbols across the armor of his lineage were more alive in this place than ever. Mortis, the heart of the force beating within him. No one would cross this threshold while he lived, the space greedily claimed as his own battlescape.

Centax arrogantly put himself squarely central somewhere near the queen. An obvious target on the landing, done to claim the strongest challenger that came. Caden Evesa Planting his silver boots to hold into this ethereal plane of dreams or purpose. Not moving for his weapons yet, crushgaunt's rested on his belt in anticipation of the battle ahead. He had business in Mortis himself, the potential birthplace of the force held a certain secret he would claim. A small box lay on his belt of note for the observant. Firstly the encroaching Jedi must be disposed of. Perhaps one among them wouldn't die too easily.

The aura around the Sith came with a certain purpose, pressure in the words. "You will have your victory. Queen of the Sith." His grating voice stated in pledge to Salara Zambrano . Whether the Emperor had his own victory was out of Centax's own hands. There was a certain respect for the Emperor taking the trial alone, a respect which didn't come easily to the half Epicanthix.

The Darth looked for any of worth among the gathering. Studying body language, stance, and resolve, if any flinched in fear or showed a passion for the fight. Armored eyes lingered on Lucia Naberrie as she went about her duties within. Was there a flicker or two of a stealth field on her patrol? No, it was probably nothing, that or a violent contingency plan for Jedi infiltrators.

 

[Valery Noble]

Wellspring of Life

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble Thurion Heavenshield Darth Carnifex

"I've no doubt he'll meet us. But it won't be at the monastery."

A shiver traveled down Valery's spine when the realization struck her all at once. The priestesses, the visions, their daughter, and everything that had happened leading up to this — all of it made sense now. They would once more travel to the Wellspring of life, a place that brought up a mix of emotions in her. It had once been where Kahlil managed to recover his Force-sensitivity, but it's also where he had been trapped for far too long.

But a Jedi had to learn to move on from the past, and today they'd be there as Guardians.

"I'm ready," she told him, determined as ever. The ship was already going down on a guided path into the Wellspring, and through their bond, they both knew exactly where they had to be. At the floating islands of this realm of the Force, they would await the arrival of Darth Carnifex together. But as strong as they were when they stood side-by-side, Valery felt relieved to have another ally, a friend, with her.

Thurion Heavenshield had been his greatest enemy for years, and now the Nobles had been standing in his oppressive way for a long time, and for a much longer time to come. Now they all stood together, ready to confront the Dark Lord once more.

"Thurion already knows where he needs to be. I can feel him approaching." Valery looked at Kahlil as the Bastion settled on the ground and smiled. She then stepped closer, pushed herself up on her toes, and quickly pressed a kiss against his lips. "We're going to stop him, and we're making it back together." A promise she had to make before a big battle like this.

"We're going to be seeing Vera again very soon."

With that, Valery exited the ship and walked towards the floating islands, where she'd wait with her husband for Thurion to arrive, and inevitably, for the battle to begin.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil took a breath as his ship landed.

The Wellspring. He hadn't wanted to come back so soon. Not after how long he'd spent here, trapped on the surface with only his brief visions as company. He'd accepted it, some time ago, but it didn't exactly mean the memories were so easily forgotten. But the reason they were here, he understood it better than most. Not all, though. He turned his gaze up towards the other ship, nodding his head in agreement with Valery.

"I have faith in the others. And in turn, we won't let them down."

His gaze turned towards the black glass. The islands were all filled with so much life, but here, the black glass was out of place. Uncomfortable, just by appearance alone. No, not by appearance. By the unnatural darkness that emanated from it.

Emotion, yet peace.

Kahlil took a breath to calm his mind.

Ignorance, yet knowledge.

The black mirror rippled, slow at first.

Passion, yet serenity.

A figure took shape. One far too familiar to be anyone else.

Chaos, yet harmony.

Kahlil's expression calmed as he lifted the hilt of his blade. Ignited the green edge in a hum of energy.

Death, yet the Force.

"Hello, Father."

Valery Noble | Darth Carnifex | Thurion Heavenshield