By The Blood We're Made.

[Kahlil Noble]

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Bastion Temple​

[member="Ryder Zeshatt"] [member="Taeli Raaf"]​

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The power of blood was truly unfathomable. Sith Alchemy was only one way to make use of it's strength, it's depth. Crafting something from nothing, warping life and mineral into anything the user desired and required. Dubiety had never truly been able to master this craft. So young, so untrained, he was still learning the basics of his own spells, let alone the ability to create and craft life.

Ryder and he had brought a couple of beasts back from their most recent expedition. Howlrunners and Bloodsniffers, native monstrous creatures from the planet of Kamar. They were little more than pups, as the young were the easiest to control. Dubiety of course had no intention of just training the creatures for his personal group. He wanted to shift them. Change them. See what sort of spawn he could make.

He couldn't make them on his own however, so he requested the assistance of the most powerful Alchemist he could think of. He, just an Acolyte, didn't expect her to arrive, but none the less he stood by the pens where the creatures were kept, idly drumming his fingers on his staff as he waited for Taeli Raaf to arrive.

Feed.

Dubiety visibly twitched as the voice in his head whispered it's command. "Not yet, dark one. There is business to be had."

 

[Kev'vazulan]

Location: Bastion Temple - Planet Bastion
Objective: Learn Through Observation
Tags: [member=Dubiety] | [member=Taeli Raaf]

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Ryder had ensured that the beasts had been safely brought to the pens, making use of his inhuman strength and resilience in order to carry the large cages into the temple one by one. It was not an enjoyable task, given that the pups were ferocious by nature and would attempt to escape the confinements of the metal cages, whether it be by biting on his fingers to the point of bleeding or striking his face with the sharp elongated tongues. Blood certainly dripped down his skin during the transfer from the ship to the Temple, bu tthe wounds healed within seconds, which is why it made the most sense for him to do it.

Once he was done, he stepped away from the cages, withdrawing a handkerchief from his left back pcoket. He thoroughly removed the blood in order to not stain the flooring underneath them, standing a few paces behind of his superior. The cloth transitioned from a snow-white pallor to a winered hue. It was a meticulous process to remove blood from white cloth, so he simply disposed of it rather than attempt to cleanse it of blood.

Ryder also didn't say a word, keeping his head low. At Kamar, he had already been defiant and spoke out of place, something which he obviously should not have done. Knowing that he would be in front of another important figure of the Sith Empire, he did not want to risk the chance of exposing his normally indiscriminate tongue. For the sake of himself, and for the sake of his superior, he wasn't going to cause another potential upset by speaking out of hand. His pupils gazed towards the entrance to the confined area in which the experiments were going to be conducted in, the lighting of the room casting a vibrant layer on his violet and blue irises.

All he had to do was watch and observe. Simple enough.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Bastion Temple
[member="Dubiety"] [member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

As the Triumvir of Power, the one who oversaw all sorcerers and alchemists, Taeli liked to be kept abreast of all alchemical projects happening within the Sith Empire. It helped to make sure resources were allocated correctly, she could make sure dangerous projects were not being approached by those who could not handle them, and so on. But sometimes, it also meant she could observe up-and-coming talent as they started experimenting into the deeper depths of the dark side.

Case in point was the project she was invited to by a new acolyte into the darker arts.

Most Sith acolytes wouldn't get the time of day from her. Generally, she would send one of her senior alchemists or even one of the junior instructors to oversee a starting project. But the name on the request had intrigued her, and the mention of specimens recovered from the Kamar campaign. She had been unable to attend the campaign herself, busy with her own projects, but she was curious about what they might have planned... or hoped to accomplish.

Garbed in traditional Sith robes, Taeli arrived, datapad in hand and appraising eyes moving over the collected specimens.

"Acolytes," she said. "You said you had an intriguing experiment."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Hopefully so." Dubiety gave [member="Taeli Raaf"] a deep bow as she came in. The greatest Sorcerer, perhaps even strong than the Emperor himself. Someone worth learning from. Someone worth respect. The mask slowly lifted as a faint smile formed below it. Someone worth aiming to defeat one day. Pushing that thought back however he waved a hand towards the beast pens.

"The Bloodsniffers and the Howlrunners. Both terrifying creatures for different reasons. The Bloodsniffers are, as their name implies. They seek out blood, and drain it from their prey. Howlrunners are terrifying for a different reason, their skull faces and haunting howls. Apex predators through fear and power. Imagine what sort of creatures could be made between the two. Imagine what could happen if they were given a humanoid shape. Fear is a powerful weapon against the Jedi and their allies."

[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

She didn't speak for several long moments, merely pacing around the cages containing the specimens as the young acolyte spoke. An ambitious undertaking. Melding two species together was never an easy task, even for experienced alchemists. But... she had plenty of expertise in that field from her Z-series experiments on Valrar and the other curiosity Sithspawn she had created over the years. A humanoid shape? An uplifting and altering? The young acolyte was very very ambitious. Not many Sith attempted such a feat. Rave Merrill, if she remembered the stories correctly, had uplifted some tuk'ata specimens in a similar manner as what the young acolyte desired. She herself had created a few sentient Sithspawn, some mutants of already sentient creatures, and others of her own design.

He would go far.

"Fear can certainly be a powerful tool," she murmured, crouching down to be at eye level with one of the Bloodsniffers. The creature regarded with hunger in its eyes, it's tongue flicking out to reveal the bony needle it used to consume its preferred nourishment. "You desire to create something that can stalk the light, make them fearful of what might be lurking in the shadows."

She straightened up, turning her violet eyes towards the acolytes.

"But you do not yet know how to," she said, amusement sparking into her eyes.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Not in the slightest, unfortunately." Kahlil had remained silent as [member="Taeli Raaf"] set about her examination of the creatures. In the presence of his betters, it was far more important to speak only when asked a question. Her last statement however had roused something within him however. No, he did not know Alchemy. Did not know the Sith's ability to warp reality to their will. It had been why he asked the Triumvir of Power to come.

"But that is why I asked you to come. So I could learn how."

[member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

"Hmm," she said, keeping her thoughts to herself as the young acolyte seemed to bristle at her statement. A sense of pride there perhaps? Well, who was she to deny someone the chance to learn about one of the oldest traditions of the Sith?

"Then the first thing you should know is this; blood has power within," she began. "Blood is the basis for much of what makes our alchemical arts. The blood of one you hate, the blood of one you love, your own blood, and so on. Each has its own purpose in the creation of whatever alchemical project you are working on, and as you grow stronger in the dark side, they will only gain more potency. In equal measures, your ability to craft certain potions and to understand the use of Sith magic can further enhance anything you might be attempting to create through alchemy. For example..."

She turned back to the Bloodsniffer she had been observing. A small knife appeared from her hand and she pricked herself with it, allowing the small droplets of blood to land on the creature's forehead. Gathering the dark side to herself, she began her spell.

"Sas ri kraujas, tutki ri urs. Shromohta sis katwa na jina'tis, daishikis oi na ri midwan iw tsita."

A miasma of darkness sprung around the creature, wrapping it in a cocoon of shadow as the dark side energies in her blood meshed with the predatory instincts of the creature. After all, the creature had consumed the blood of its prey, gorging on the life-giving nectar that had been infused with the fear of its victims. A long anguished howl emerged from the chrysalis as the creature was twisted by the dark side. When the shadows fell away, a new monster was within the cage.

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"A simple demonstration of what a Master can accomplish," she said, turning back to the acolytes. Behind her, the newly empowered beast stalked within its cage.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil watched in awe as [member="Taeli Raaf"] displayed her power. He had been studying the basics of Alchemy for some time now, but to see someone so strong as to bypass the need for a basin. And yet, in the blink of an eye the Triumvir of Power had done what the young Sith expected days, if not weeks, to complete. He took out his black bound book, flipping to a blank page to begin furiously writing notes.

"Amazing, truly."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"] [member="Ryder Zeshatt"]

"Something to look forward to once you've sufficiently moved on in your studies," she replied, her gaze traveling around the room to the various instruments he had gathered for his experiments. Not a complete alchemical set, but it was fairly close. It paid, she supposed, to be a son of Kaine Zambrano.

"But, let us focus on what is within your reach now," she continued saying, pacing around the room now. "For those just beginning to study and experiment with Sith alchemy, your ability to warp and twist the nature of the galaxy will be limited. You won't have built a significant knowledge of spells and potions yet, nor will you have had the chance to really collect older writings by other Sith to reference and draw upon. Although, it is true that the academy here does provide some rudimentary sources."

Taeli had perfected her craft in alchemy and Sith magic by studying the holocrons of Naga Sadow, Freedon Nadd, and Darth Zannah, along with her collection of manuscripts and other texts she had recovered during her time among the One Sith and the New Jedi Order. But she had certain... advantages to draw upon, wealth that wasn't gated away behind a father's approval or disapproval.

"Many would have you believe that it can take a long time to create a new Sithspawn, and while this is certainly can be true if you are starting from absolute scratch, it is not so when you are attempting a melding of two species. Sithspawn creation can happen far faster than what your texts might say, as past Sith have created ways, such as the Muur Talisman for a famous example, to immediately morph beings to suit our needs. It merely takes having the right... mindset and a base on hand."

She gestured at the captured Howlrunners and Bloodsniffers.

"You already have the basic components of the creatures you want to create with these specimens. But whereas creating something from scratch can be time-consuming, it also does not have as many potentials for complications. A melding of two or more species is a tricky thing to do as, if your concentration wavers for even a moment while you are shaping them together with the blood and the dark side energies you unleash, it can create a misshapen failure of an experiment and you will have to start again. This ultimately is why Sithspawn creation takes so long. Now, let's see what you can do with your first attempt."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Already? Alright. I'll see what I can do." Kahlil snapped his book closed as he glanced over to [member="Taeli Raaf"] and again to the beasts he had labored to bring in. He had brought a number for a reason after all. He crouched down before the cage of another bloodsniffer, pulling out a small dagger from his boot and slicing open his palm. The young Sith visibly flinched as he did so, clearly not use to the pain.

At least he was willing.

He took a deep breath before he closed his eyes, focusing on the creature before him. From memory alone he repeated the Triumvir's words, using it as a channel for his alchemy.

"Sas ri kraujas, tutki ri urs. Shromohta sis katwa na jina'tis, daishikis oi na ri midwan iw tsita."

Similarly darkness sprang out, taking over the form of the kitten for just a moment. A horrid screech sounded off from within, breaking his concentration for just a moment. A moment long enough for the darkness to pull back and reveal a mound of flesh.

".. Ah. Whoops."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

"Yes," she said, " already."

While one might consider the exercise cruel, it was more for her to observe the younger man. She wanted to gauge his power, his ability to concentrate, his imagination. Being thrust into performing before her, with little to no preparation, was designed to show her how he would handle such immediate stress and how he might handle failure. She was the Triumvir of Power, and failing a task she had set someone... well the reputation for how she suffered fools preceded her. But, even worse, was the young Zambrano likely knew that any failure of her tests would reach the ears of his father.

His first attempt was... well, she had seen worse. A mound of flesh and blood was all that was left of the creature.

"And you see the importance of concentration," she said, gesturing at the failed attempt. "Imohtini."

Her spell banished the failure, dark side energies crackling around it and reducing it to little more than ash.

"Again."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Ah, yeah. That makes sense." Kahlil laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head much like someone trying to ignore their embarrassment. It was an act, however. For just a moment the facade of the young Acolyte ever yearning to please his betters faded, his eyes narrowed in focus as [member="Taeli Raaf"] muttered her spell. Imohtini. Immolation. It would be another spell he'd have to add to his spellbook.

As quick as the lapse came it was gone, and the young Sith was again the wide eyed youth scrapping knowledge from where he could as the Triumvir spoke. This time, as he was commanded to go again, he glanced down to his bloody palm. The cut had been deep, and his blood dripped onto the floor like red ink. That's it! An idea sprang to mind. He wasn't as strong as the Lord, and there was little chance he'd be able to do as she did, at least for now.

So he'd make her skills his own.

Using his blood as if it was indeed ink he'd begin drawing on the next Bloodsniffer cub, his free hand holding it's tongue to keep it from drinking him dry. Runes of power, ancient symbols he had learned from his books. Points that would help him focus his energy more. Once finished with the cub, he turned his hand over, tracing one final rune in the palm of his hand.

C̣͓͙̦̗o̜̹͙̜̰͡n̬̼̞t͍̜͍̞̱͔̦ṛ̷̳͚͇o҉l̖̀

Again he set his hand atop the beasts head, his eyes closing as he focused again on the task at hand.

"Sas ri kraujas, tutki ri urs. Shromohta sis katwa na jina'tis, daishikis oi na ri midwan iw tsita."

Rather then a pure sphere of darkness forming around the beast as it had last time, a mist of the same energy sprang from the various runes, swirling and brushing over the cub. Kahlil's eyes narrowed in focus, and every time the shadows brushed it's form something changed. Small changes, like it's forearms slowly extending, it's legs shifting backwards. It's torso changing and shaping. It took hours, but sure enough the young pup grew.

And looked more and more like a humanoid.

The ritual came to an abrupt end however as the young Acolyte slumped. His skin was awfully pale from blood loss. His version of the ritual had used his own blood to fuel it, the rune on his palm pulling his very life source from his being to shape and change the creature before him. He passed out briefly, slumping forward as his eyes closed from the exhaustion, before they snapped open.

The shadows faded, the runes on the creatures fur now glowing red like a brand. Similarly the one on his palm did the same. But it sat there, it's chest rising and falling as it's eyes snapped between the figures in the room curiously. It was unfinished, but there was a hint of sentience in that gaze. Of wanting to learn more.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

She remained silent as he began his second attempt, her amethyst eyes studying the young Sith. He understood the importance of acting, she noted, and the importance of keeping his true self concealed. That was a good indicator of a cautious Sith. And his next actions showed she was dealing with a keener mind, excellent. He realized he needed to focus his powers better, and the runes he was drawing, while maybe not the best ones, were passable enough that he could start affecting changes.

Over the next while, she watched quietly as he worked, slowly trying to uplift the Bloodsniffer he had drawn his blood runes on. She made internal notes on his progress, on places where he could improve and places where he was doing well.

It was all going so swimmingly until he reached his limits and collapsed from blood loss and exhaustion. As he recovered, she slowly walked around the now partially changed creature. Arms more clearly defined, legs suggesting bipedal movement was possible now... chest was elongated more, muscles morphed to help with arm motion... She observed he had gotten the creature at least to a semi-sentient state, a good start for an uplifting.

"Do you recognize your mistake?" she asked quietly.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"By using my blood so recklessly. It's not unlimited, and more importantly it leaves me weak." Kahlil grumbled out his response to [member="Taeli Raaf"] after he had regained consciousness, groggily rubbing one of his eyes. After pulling it away he glanced to the cut, noting that the rune had indeed been burned into his flesh. He slowly flexed his fingers, glancing back up to the Sith Lord.

"I'm too weak to use my own. I need sacrifices." It was an affirmation on what he was intending to do next as he rose to his feet, dusting off his robe from the dirt of the floor. He glanced over to the unfinished beast, taking a moment to savor his own clear advancement. While he had a way to go, this was a good start.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

"Correct, you do not need much of your own blood for such experiments," she said, nodding as she was glad he grasped his issue. "A few drops will do it, and combined with blood from sacrifices, they will see you far. A note for you; sacrifices from sentient life, especially from those sensitive to the Force will always be stronger and more useful than that from a lesser creature. Lesser creatures are useful when the amount of blood needed is immense. It is one reason why basins are useful for alchemy, a large vat of blood to work with that can be added to or augmented as you see fit."

She didn't really use alchemical basins herself, but they were useful to a certain degree while one learned the craft.

"But some Sith alchemy will never go near blood," she continued. "Think of examples such as the rakghoul virus and the technovirus. Both such examples are crafted by the alchemists through their own mastery of creation, an understanding of techniques to create something from seemingly nothing at all."

A datapad appeared from a pocket in her robes, offered to the young Sith.

"You've made decent progress today, but any more and you'll likely overexert yourself again. And we don't want you passing out again, there are always eyes and ears observing and another appearance of weakness, and on the part of a child of Zambrano, will raise questions. On this datapad, you'll find rudimentary instructions in something called Art of the Small. A useful ability for any alchemist worthy of the title to know. Read it, study it, and if you have more questions, you may seek me out."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"True. The last thing I need is another target on my back." Kahlil let out a sigh as he turned his gaze once more to [member="Taeli Raaf"] . It's no wonder his father trusted her so freely. Her power and knowledge was awe inspiring. He blinked in surprise as was handed the datapad though, already flipping through some of the pages. Art of the Small? Molecular restructuring and changing?

"This is.. Astounding. Being able to so freely change reality." His demeanor changed as he continued to read through, his eyes wide with a newfound excitement. There was so much he could do with this. So much he could apply to his alchemy. They were fundamentally the same, but where one used blood and the Dark to change to the users will, the other took the very atoms and changed them individually.

"Truly amazing.."