King of Korriban
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: [ To create a Sith Temple and place of power on Korriban ]
- Image Credit: [ MidJourney | Me! ]
- Canon: [ Dathka Graush, the Sith King ]
- Permissions: [ N/A ]
- Links: [ Reclamation — The Scouring of Korriban ]
- Nexus Name: [ Gates of Graush ]
- Nexus Alignment: [ Dark ]
- Location: [ Planet: Korriban | Valley of Golg ]
- Affiliation: [ Darth Caedes | Sith Order ]
- Size: [ Large ]
- Strength: [ Strong ]
- Accessibility: [ The Gate of Graush is hidden at the Northern-most end of Korriban's Valley of Golg. The valley itself, an ancient burial ground for the Sith Empire (c. 7,000 BBY), spans over fifty miles near the planet's equator. The Valley of Golg is but one of many burial valleys constructed on Korriban by the ancient Sith Empire. At one point, the valley's canyon floor descends as deep as 1,200 meters and is untouched by Korriban's chilly sun. It's lined with tombs similar to those in the Valley of the Dark Lords and covered in runes of protective Sith magic. The valley was particularly notable for containing the tomb of Sith King Dathka Graush.
The Gates of Graush are somewhat more hidden and arcane, disguised by Sith magic to appear as though merely the valley's end, cleft in rock. In order to gain access to the Gates, one must conduct a dark and powerful ritual, the site for which is located at the Valley of Golg's Northern-most edge, carved into the valley floor. There lies an archaic astral chart depicting the lunar movements of six of Korriban's seven moons. At the site's center, amidst vastly detailed, hand-engraved astral charts, rests a massive and heavy stone orb representing Korriban's seventh moon, Chwûqmidwanottoi (in the Sith tongue). Upon the orb are ancient runes of Sith magic, designed to absorb the touch of the Force and feed upon dark side power, ultimately resulting in the gathering of enough of that power to open the Gate of Graush. In the Sith language, secrets and riddles are inscribed about the valley, detailing an intricate ritual designed to mimic the cyclical lunar eclipse of Korriban's seventh, red moon. When Horuset is at its zenith, the orb representing Chwûqmidwanottoi must be lifted high into the sky, whilst succumbing to the effects of dark side Lightning and flame conjured from the Force. The result is that Horuset's light is blotted out by the large stone sphere, effectively creating a lunar eclipse within the valley's depths. The runes across the orb make this difficult however, consuming and weakening Force techniques used to lift and charge it, necessitating the combined efforts of numerous, powerful Force Sensitives in unison. Once the Gate of Graush has been opened, the rock of the valley's end literally peeling away to reveal an entrance, its guardians, the ghosts of Korriban's ancient Sith, rise from their tombs to feed and infect. Only techniques of the Force can be used to dispel these beings, their bodies made of sand and burial ash, and impervious to the effects of conventional weapons such as the modern blaster. These shambling specters will feed upon those who dare trespass upon these sacred grounds, serving only the Sith. ]
Sith Hieroglyphics Found Throughout the Seventh Moon's Lunar Charts:
"Moruun hoth kyr'amal Korriban, korun'aa Shi'norun ashala ashkad rai domun Sha'halet orokur darik'shir kash Skotre as'eyn skorathal dalovun Jensa vor'en korath Korriban'kir moril." | "Beneath the eclipse of Korriban's seventh moon Illuminated in the roil of storms of lightning Set aglow in the pale glaze of fire In the blood of that which dwells in darkness You may enter the Maw of Korriban's underbelly." |
Sith Hieroglyphics Found Upon the orb of the Seventh Moon:
"Lifted to the heavens, the seventh moon gleams, A crimson— [ As it aligns, darkness veils the land, Unlocking the gate with lightning's command." |
- Description: [ The Gate of Graush, located at the Northern-most end of the Valley of Golg, opens to an immense network of sprawling tunnels which reach for miles and connect numerous subterranean crypts, Sith temples, and hidden repositories of Sith artifacts. The Valley of Golg was largely desecrated by the Ashland Crusaders who later came to occupy the planet, such that tombs lay in ruins and massive statues depicting ancient Sith lay defaced and in pieces. Inside the tunnels, miles of precisely cut stone architecture form treasuries and walkways, vast open expanses containing temples, tombs, museums, natural catacombs, and an immeasurable variety of cultural art samples taken from the Sith's most ancient Empires. Some of this art, carved along massive walls, into murals, mosaics, stone reliefs and statues, depicts the valor of the ancient Sith Empire, their knights cleaving passages with their very own weapons over the course of lifetimes. ]
Distortion of the Force — The nexus' presence creates a distortion in the fabric of the Force for many miles, making it difficult for Jedi or other light side practitioners to sense or connect with the Force in its vicinity. For many, feelings of paranoia and fear accompany this distance from the light. The nexus of the Gateway emits an aura of fear and despair, enveloping those who enter the tunnels. It intensifies negative emotions, feeding off the darkness within individuals and amplifying their terror.
Amplification of Dark Side Energies — The nexus acts as a focal point for the dark side of the Force, intensifying its energies within the Valley of Golg and for miles within Graush's passages. Force-sensitive individuals who tap into this nexus experience an augmentation of their dark side abilities, making them more potent and formidable.
Burial Specters — The nexus' arcane properties allow Sith sorcerers to summon and dark specters from the crypts of Korriban and the depths of the Force. These creatures can be harnessed for various purposes, such as guardianship, combat, or labor, and most commonly take the form of vengeful undead built of sand and burial ash. It's said that those who perish along the valley floor are said to join the specters in their eternal watch.
Force Visions and Prophecy — The mystical energies emanating from the nexus create a heightened state of connection to the Force and its mysterious premonitions. Force users who venture into its tunnels may experience vivid and potent visions, gaining insights into the past, present, and future. To some, these visions are maddening.
Necromantic Powers — The magical properties of the nexus facilitate Sith sorcerers delving into the necromantic arts. It holds the key to Sith King Dathka Graush's mastery of undeath and immortality. Within its influence, the boundaries between life and death blur, enabling Sith sorcerers to tap into the power of resurrection, necromancy, and the further manipulation of life energies.
SCENARIOS OF ENTRANCE
| Tomb of Dathka Graush [ritual entrance] | The central chamber within the underground network, where the bodily remains of Sith King Dathka Graush lie in eternal rest. This chamber is the proper tomb of Graush, and the resting place for many powerful artifacts and instruments of Sith sorcery. If the Gate of Graush is opened through use of the proper rituals, the pathways will lead those who enter here. |
| Labyrinth of Lost Souls [trespasser entrance] | A maze-like network of tunnels, designed to disorient and trap intruders. The labyrinth is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who have perished in the pursuit of Sith knowledge, adding to its eerie and dangerous nature. If the Gate of Graush is breached improperly, or the pathways within are somehow entered by trespassers, the pathways will lead them here. |
POINTS OF INTEREST
| Chamber of Dark Secrets | A hidden room branching off from the main pathway, containing forbidden Sith teachings and dark rituals. This chamber is said to hold the darkest secrets of the Sith King Graush, and carries the dark presence of his ancient-though-timeless, twisted practices. If the depicted art is indicative of historical accounts, this location is where Rathka Graush developed the Tsaiwinokka Hoyakut spell. |
| Hall of Shadows | A vast series of hallways filled with intricate Sith murals depicting ancient battles and the rise and fall of Sith Lords. It is believed that the murals hold clues to unlocking hidden powers and forgotten Sith techniques. These halls stretch on for miles, though the decay of time has left its scars upon sections of the historical murals. |
| Chamber of Undying Flames | A chamber wherein a perpetual flame burns, fueled by powerful Sith alchemy. The chamber's art depicts dangerous, experimental rituals wherein Sith acolytes bath themselves in the fire. Many are culled, but those who emerge are shown as having enhanced abilities and resistance to physical harm. |
| Vault of Forbidden Relics | A heavily guarded vault that houses ancient Sith relics, including weapons, artifacts, and talismans imbued with dark energy. These relics are often used by Sith acolytes and apprentices to harness the power of the dark side. The floor, walls, and ceiling are heavily laden with protective runes capable of conjuring storms of lightning and fire, and the surrounding hallways are thick with deadly traps of a more physical nature. Those wearing the Amulet of Graush walk unhindered by these dangers. |
| Chamber of Sithspawn | A breeding ground for twisted and abominable creatures created through Sith alchemy and dark rituals. These creatures serve as guardians and protectors of the underground domain and pose a significant threat to anyone who dares to venture too deep. |
| Shrine of Immortality | A sacred site where Sith acolytes and aspirants come to commune with the spirits of ancient Sith Lords and seek their guidance in their pursuit of immortality. It is said that the Shrine holds the key to unlocking the secrets of eternal life. Art surrounding the shrine depicts the Sith King Graush replacing his heart with a crystal, thereby achieving eternal life. |
| Throne Room of Darkness | An opulent chamber where powerful Sith Lords once held court and made fateful decisions that shaped the course of Sith history. The throne at the center of the room is said to grant immense power to anyone who sits upon it, but at a great cost. |
| Nexus of Chwûqmidwanottoi | A central chamber at the pathway's deepest point where the dark side of the Force is said to converge. It is a place of immense power, where the boundaries between life and death blur, providing Sith sorcerers with access to potent energies. |
| Chamber of Eternal Damnation | A cursed chamber where those who failed in their service to the Sith were banished. The chamber is said to be haunted by vengeful spirits. |
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
In pursuit of dark knowledge, the Sith King Graush bored into the crusts of Korriban in search of the planet's core vergence, an area where he believed the veils between life and death were thinnest. There, he performed a sinister ritual wherein his heart was replaced with a crystal and he was bound to undeath and immortality. The power of the ritual forever warped the currents of dark side on Korriban, forming a nexus and wellspring of necromantic power.
c. 7,050 BBY — Discovery of Immortality Rituals: Through extensive experimentation and forbidden rituals, Dathka Graush discovers a dark path to immortality within the liminal spaces between life and death. This revelation marks a turning point in Sith history, as many Sith sorceries developed thereafter commanding the powers of undeath are majoritively attributed to Graush's ancient discoveries.
c. 7,000 BBY — Construction of the Sith Gateway: Sith King Dathka Graush oversees the construction of the Gateway of Graush in the Valley of Golg. Using his mastery of dark sorcery and Sith rituals, he carves out a vast network protective runes into the valley's walls.
c. 6,982 BBY — The Rise of Sith Sorcerers: The existence of the Gateway and the knowledge of Dathka Graush's immortality rituals attract aspiring Sith sorcerers. The Valley of Golg becomes a hub of dark sorcery and occult practices, with Sith apprentices flocking to study under the tutelage of Graush's disciples.
c. 6,950 BBY — Wars of Succession: As the power of the Sith Empire wanes, the Valley of Golg becomes a contested territory among rival Sith Lords. The control over the Gateway and its subterranean network becomes a strategic advantage, leading to numerous subterranean wars of succession and power struggles.
c. 900 ABY — Rediscovery in Modern Times: After centuries of obscurity, the ancient Sith Gateway of Graush is rediscovered by a group of Sith, led by Darth Caedes, Zal Aditi, and Elmindra Xitaar.
Last edited: