Into the Abyss

[Ara Zambrano]

Etyrmion. The underworld of the S'kytri.

The perpetual slumber of the unyielding landscape lay undisturbed beneath the dominating shadow of the Canaitith Mountain. An area considered largely off limits by the superstitious native race, their mythos derived of monstrosities having once threatened the equilibrium of the Outer Rim planet, contained and entombed deep within the bedrock of the snow-capped crags. Here, the Knights of Ren were summoned and here they would be tested.

Darkness pulsed at her back, the inky backdrop blending in seamlessly with the onyx armourweave and zeyd-cloth cloak draped across her shoulders, maroon lining the only splash of color breaking up the monochromatic silhouette. A sharp ray of light flashed against chrome as Sarathiel Ren turned her head to catch the gaze of the [member="Brennan Cabrol"] , his hooded and armoured figure as formidable as her own against the maw of the labyrinth behind them. The distant hum of approaching engines preceded the static and mechanical communications system connecting to the encrypted systems within her helmet, a Furious-class Corvette rapidly descending upon the jagged mountain range of Skye as the pair looked on.

:: And so it begins. ::​

The crackle and pop of a mechanical vocalizer broke the otherwise comfortable silence between Master and Knight, a lilt of amusement and anticipation slipping into the words despite the unnatural distortion of tone and inflection. A soft, predatory smile curled up the corner of her mouth, hidden as it was behind steel and Duraplast, Ara’s anticipation matched only by the thrumming of the relics hidden deep within the cavern beneath their feet.

Gaze returning to the small transport as it landed, a small collection of Force signatures burning brightly within for any who cared to look. An invitation extended to the lower echelons of the Ren, few Disciples had risen to answer her summons, dedication and potential echoed in that singular action alone. Most were no more familiar to her than a name and a face, pseudonyms, masks donned in their service to the supreme leader.

Power, knowledge, and strength awaited them, if they could weather the gauntlet of Entyrmion.

Crimson eyes watched from behind opaque glass as the Disciples arrived, the Master of Ren a silent sentinel amidst the mists and shadows of the Underworld.

[member="Elensa Jari"] | [member="Varas Kyrel"] | [member="Aurora"] | [member="Racosidae"]
[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

OOC information:

Into the Abyss

• Location: Entyrmion, Skye // A vast labyrinth system of underground caverns on the planet Skye, commonly reveried by the S'kytri as their underworld, a place they are forbidden to go. Filled with carnivorous creates such as the Gogitol.

• Premise: The Disciples of Ren will set out with the intent to find hidden artifacts, previously placed around the cavern system by the Masters of Ren. Armed only with their basic armour and one weapon of choice, they must make their way through the caverns and back with their prize. Faced with challenges of the Masters’ making as well as the creatures prowling within, they will be pushed to work together to come out victorious.

• Focus: Force abilities and Teamwork

• Reward: Disciples may keep any relics they recover.

Please use this thread for OOC communication or contact me directly through Discord.

Anyone is welcome to join in, please contact myself or [member="Brennan Cabrol"] should you wish to jump in after it is in progress and we’ll find a way to work you in!

 

[Armand Temi]

There was little conversation in The Reaper on the way to Skye from Mustafar.

Varas wore a black tunic with tight black sleeves, the right one cascading gracefully into her matte onyx cyberhand, removed by Kyrel on the bridge of the Itsukusk. They really did not talk about why he chose a metal hand unadorned with synthflesh. She was unconscious at the time and the operation had proceeded without her being able to voice an opinion about the lost limb. But he’d alluded to it now as though it were a totem of sorts, a reminder that she’d crossed him once.

The brunette clone could not tell if her agita about it was because she was still getting used to the appendage or if she was ashamed of what had happened, still unable to fully process it.

Despite being cloned from the DNA of a Hapan mother, Varas had no matriarchal figures in her life. She’s spent a brief amount of time with Sarathiel Ren but not enough time to really get to know the woman. Still with any female role models, she had an anticipatory flutter in her stomach over encountering the capable warrior again.

After entering the Skye atmosphere, The Reaper did not only touch the ground, it went down, down and further down, entering the cavernous space called Entyrmion. Varas gripped the console with her mechanical hand. She closed her eyes and drank in the raw power from the Ren who awaited her during this subterranean trial.

“What are you thinking about, father?” she asked, a tentative bridge to the closer relationship they once had, made tenuous and brittle by lack of control - her lack of control - in Galactic Alliance space.

[member="Elensa Jari"] | [member="Ara Zambrano"] | [member="Aurora"] | [member="Racosidae"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

 

[WolfMortum]

Moving into the underground caverns for which would become their Disciples new playground, Brennan Cabrol wore not his armor but rather the black material tunic of the dark practitioner and most unusually had chosen to neglect the Helm for which masked his presence from their students, his hood draped down over the height of his face though did nothing to disguise his cold yet disturbingly human physique from their newer entrances into the Order of Ren, as well as those who had proven themselves worthy of such a task ahead of them.

At his right, his apprentice [member="Elensa Jari"], she of whom was a gifted candidate having gained much experience through the brethren Sith Order. Because of her association with the likes of the Sith, Brennan had rather high expectations over her and had not yet expressed his distrust and ill regard for the Sith Order yet had made no secret of his intent to treat her with a heavy hand should she fail to represent his position in the Order of Ren with any insubordination or signs of weakness.

Carrying only his Lightsaber attached to his belt upon his left side and harnessing the power of the Force that flowed around his form, the Knight of Ren are torrent of strength, most intimidating in his silence for which was often mistaken as his disregard for others in such group sessions, he cast his gaze across to that of [member="Ara Zambrano"] for whom he had come to work with closely over the previous years and two wars now against the terrorist forces of the Galactic Alliance and their heathen Jedi friends. They had shed blood together, both their own and that of their enemy across friendly and enemy territories, well established within the Order and trusted warriors of the Darkside of the Force and the vision of security and might of the First Order embodied within The Supreme Leaders command over them all, they had come here today to test the strength and perseverance of their Disciples, to see whether they were prepared to push themselves above and beyond to serve the needs of [member="Sieger Ren"].

[member="Elensa Jari"] | [member="Varas Kyrel"] | [member="Aurora"] | [member="Racosidae"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Ara Zambrano"]​

 

[Aurora]

Aurora arrived alone, hands tapping on her neck as she stretched out the aches of travel. Her eyes felt heavy and dry- she couldn’t remember when she’d last slept. It had been at least two days yet despite the weight she carried, she wasn’t going to let it show. She could feel her gut tensing, filled with the certainty that she would not fail. Not only that but she was determined to show that she could complete any task they set. She would not be weak. Not now.
She stayed silent as she approached the forming group and bowed to any masters already there. She hoped the sign of respect would show her gratitude for this opportunity- she would speak but did not want to without being addressed first. She wanted this to go perfectly and wouldn’t let a wrong first impression get in her way.
Her mind shifted between thoughts, a little impatient that she couldn’t dive straight in but still calm over the fact that she had made it this far. “Just a little longer” she kept thinking to herself “You’re almost there Aurora, just a little longer.”

Elensa Jari | Varas Kyrel | Racosidae
Kyrel Ren | Samka Derith | Brennan Cabrol

 

[Kyrel Ren]

@Aurora [member="Brennan Cabrol"] [member="Varas Kyrel"] [member="Ara Zambrano"]​

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Kyrel had heard of the trials when in a meeting with [member="Ara Zambrano"] and several Masters that made up their council via Hologram. His mind kept thinking of what his mind went through. As a Disciple, he never had trials when he was given the Rank of Knight of Ren it was by the Supreme Leader himself after being the first Ren to slay a Jedi earning him the moniker of 'Jedi Slayer' amongst the Ren. The true trials did not come till months later during the Battle of Mustafar where he had encountered the Ancient Sith Spirit, Darth Thaxsis who had wanted to take control of his armored body to destroy both the New Jedi Order and the Knights of Ren who had attacked the ancient bastion known as Vader's Castle which he was now a caretaker of. In the battle of wills, he had to fight for control of both his mind and body ultimately going through several tests, before banishing the spirit within the dark abyss of his mind.

Now here he was piloting the Reaper from Mustafar to Skye. The world where he was initiated into the Knights of Ren Shackling off Thomas Kyrel and becoming Kyrel Ren Enforcer of Ren. His daughter sat beside him now adorned with a Cybernetic hand, not to the extent of what Kyrel used to be as a 'New Vader' But was now her mark of shame. Of course with the technology gained from Zonoma Sekot, he could have her hand regrown in a vong shaped way. But this was her mark of sin, something to remind her not to cross her Master again. He had not even bothered with the medical droids to attach synth flesh to it to make it seem human. She would not need such foolish illusions and now he had grown wary that she would kill him the first chance she got. He knew it would happen someday and from now on in the Castle, he made sure to sleep with at least an eye open always wary that she would kill him eventually.

But for now, even when he was distracted by such thoughts, he made sure to bring her here as he knew out of all the candidates she was ready to be a Knight of Ren. And during the time when the Supreme Leader had returned from his solitude and the galaxy plunged into the ultimate battle between dark and light. The Order needed new Knights. The craft dropped out of Hyperspace into the planet's atmosphere recognizing it from his many visits he followed the coordinates to Entrymion, an underground of vasts labyrinths and tunnels underneath Canatith Mountain and was entered through only one way and so allowed 'The Reaper' to do so finding a place to land shortly after. He had heard stories long before the First Order had arrived at Skye. The Superstitious natives known as S'kytri had used the underground for sacrifices of the ritual sort to appease their gods and had often used it as a rite of passage for the beasts that dwelled here.

As he got up from his seat, he heard his apprentice speak. Disregarding her words and ignoring the question he said through the icy tone of voice enhancing mask. "Nothing you should be concerned with girl. Come your trials should be beginning shortly and we do not wish to keep Sarathiel waiting." He said walking out and onto the ramp to where he could feel the dark force signatures knowing he was only acting as a guide and an observer while letting his Apprentice's trials play out.

 

[Dirk Bannahan]

Skye
Etyrmion
Upon the threshold to the Insane Catacombs

Pretension reigned over the proceedings, and the greatest relief came from escaping the shuttle filled with a collection of misanthropes from across the vast realms of the First Order. Racosidae was no different, and probably as moody or angst ridden as the next novice. Her only defining characteristic that differed from the melodrama of wanting more power for power’s sake was that the gray-skinned Ren did consider herself a twisted monster. The memory of consuming her allies’ very souls in order to fuel her fight against the treachery of the Silver Jedi was afresh in her mind -staining her very conscience the way stale coffee stains one breath after a long morning.

Was it wrong? Nobody would have survived otherwise. Was it immoral? They were already dying at the hands of supposed “peace-mongers.”

That rationalization would have to do.

Drawing her rather shabby looking navy cloak closed she marched forward but gave her compatriots wide berth. She wore a strange looking wide brimmed hat complete with a barely transparent shawl to cover her eyes from what she considered intense sunlight. It was humid and uncomfortable in the light -skirting on the edge of annoyance to outright prickling, itching pain. It would be unlikely for her “brothers” and “sisters” to know of her affliction, and even if they did it was most likely something to be ridiculed or misjudged.

With that in mind she marched right past anyone assembled before what appeared to be a crypt to escape the glaring menace above into the comforting shadows nestled away directly inside. Outwardly, it seemed like an disrespectful offense done to demean everyone assembled. Even if they interpreted it in such a way -then so it would go. She couldn’t afford to care about keeping up appearances; meanwhile, her senses extended like a silken touch outwards, letting the masters know that her awareness was upon them even if her physical presence was not.

[member="Elensa Jari"] | [member="Varas Kyrel"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Ara Zambrano"] | [member="Aurora"]​

 

[Oregano]

As Oregano glanced around the shuttle there were others just like him, everybody was different, yet at the same time the same. Everybody here served the Supreme Leader and was loyal to the First Order. However that may be the only thing keeping them grouped together. Everybody here likely had different motives, agendas, views, and even different purposes. However they were all gathered for one thing, training. Oregano wasn't nervous, perhaps some were and perhaps some weren't, he was one that wasn't nervous. What was there to be nervous about? This wasn't his first time training or anything, he's been on missions before accompanied by masters and knights so this was nothing new for the boy. When the shuttle finally finished its descent Oregano was in no hurry to step out of the shuttle. As he strided out of the shuttle and towards the group of people Oregano took note of how everybody had their own unique choice of attire. For himself he wore a simple black long sleeved shirt that had a small collar popped up. Over that he had a sleeveless robe that was strapped to his body with a belt. With that he had on a pair of black pants and knee high boots that followed the monochromatic get up. The only noticeable weapon would be the lightsaber attached to his belt on the left side of his body.

The only information Oregano had was that this would be a good training session. He would supposedly gain knowledge, power, and strength. Of course it interested him, who wouldn't it interest? As green eyes scanned across the group he noticed somebody leaving the crowd, heading somewhere else. He didn't know the reason, nor did he necessarily care. He was here to further himself and so that is what he would focus on. He would complete whatever they were assigned to the best of his abilities. However they were here together for a reason, that reason being in the First Order teamwork is vital. That meant Oregano would be working with the people gathered here today. This made him curious as to what they were capable of. He himself had a strong grasp on the fundamentals and developed a strong foundation for him to build off of. Besides the core abilities he didn't know much else. His weapon also displayed the basics. It was a plain single hilt crimson lightsaber, it wasn't even his own, something he was borrowing from the Order of Ren until he crafted his own lightsaber.

As the masses gathered Oregano stood tall and calmly, his arms resting at his sides casually. With his youthful appearance he thought perhaps the others would look down on him. He was young, naive, and had much to learn, though isn't that why they were all here, to learn? Oregano had no words to speak as he didn't want to speak out of place. That was something which could be punishable and that wasn't a bright idea. For now he stood at the ready, awaiting whatever the Masters of Ren had planned for them, this could be a turning point in his life that could make or break his future.

 

[Elensa Jari]

| [member="Ara Zambrano"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aurora"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Racosidae"] | [member="Oregano"] |​

To stand once more upon the firm ground of S'kytri felt more of a blessing than Elensa would have expected. Though she stood straight next to her teacher, she felt far weaker than would have normally been true for her, the wound in her side still bothering her after the battle aboard the Supreme Leader's Executioner. The medics had carefully removed the shotgun shrapnel, jagged metal edges that had dug deeply into her soft flesh, cleaned the wound and carefully stitched the torn edges of skin together with self-dissolving medithread, before using a Spray-bandage over the top to keep it all together. She'd been lucky, and she knew it - the injuries could have been a good deal worse, but even so, they left her feeling vulnerable.

She was no stranger to physical injury, it was true - one only need pull down the tight shadowsilk collar around her throat to see evidence of that, the faded jagged white scar that had severed her larynx and forever stolen her ability to speak. The rest of her body was likewise covered with bruises and small scars from battles recently fought - the Mandalorians had moved to give little quarter, and made a mess of her into the bargain. And yet, as all survivors do, you must count your blessings and your scars, and persist until retribution can be yours. It angered her, though - a silent but persistant inner rage that was directed as much at herself as at those responsible.

It was a sore spot that her Master kept poking with his silent threats over her.

He stood nearby, unusually without armour, adopting clothes that would have been at home on distant Bastion, among the Sith that resided there. It was his habit, and part of her wondered if he did it to needle her - a subtle rebuke for her origins among the Sith, on a path that was so different to that of the one she was now made to walk. Somehow she doubted he would ever relent in his suspicions of her - perhaps he felt that was here to be a subversive force, played among the Ren by the Sith in the hope to guide them to fall. And yet here I remain. She could not allay his doubts, and in some ways, she did not wish to, but part of her felt that she had proven her willingness to die for the First Order in fighting above their flagship in recent battle. Not sufficient proof for you, though, is it? No matter: she'd find a means by which to convince him.

Standing close by, the woman that her mentor was so fascinated by. There was a frissom of something between them, an energy that eluded simple definition, but present nonetheless. He softened in her presence, less gruff, less abrupt, a more civilised version of the brutal man that he otherwise thought to convince others of. The way he stood, the tense energy of his movements, the dark words often spoken through a mask, hinting of cool menace...he thought to intimidate and create distance between himself and others. But such a chasm of feeling is often something you might easily fall into, never to return. If he pushed her too hard, Elensa knew she'd see to it. They do say that one must be given a good nudge off a cliff before they might fly. I'd be happy to assist you in that.

A small vessel landed nearby, dropping heavily onto a series of landing struts that issued forth from the belly, a hiss of steam curling upwards from the boarding ramp as it gave way, revealing a metal door built into the frame that slid aside shortly thereafter, revealing the gloom of the interior, to admit others. More disciples, come to play games with us. Elensa had little time for the others - brethren though they were supposed to be, the Sith in her recognised them for what they were. Rivals: whether by choice or by necessity, their role is to advance, and to do this, they must see that others lag behind them. Nothing she wasn't used to, but now...it felt that might yet might become more apparent than before. Silent emnity often gives way to physical force.

Ara's message to them all had used all the buzzwords one might expect that such a group desired: Knowledge, Power, Strength. Such simple things that all of their rank sought, hoping to stand forth and be recognised as better than their fellows. And for those that cannot? A meal of disappointment, a feast of anger and regret, a gift of power unasked for, and one yet to see form. Either way, whatever happened next...it would be a learning experience, an opportunity to give voice to feelings otherwise caged, to see the power they contained unleashed and directed. Let us see, then, what offerings you have brought for us to feast upon.

 

[WolfMortum]

Those that would slowly come to join Sarathiel and he, would find themselves surrounded by the labyrinthine underground for which would become part of their challenge for the duration of the ceremony. Standing in the formal attire, expressing the official visage of a high ranking officer of the First Order and for the group to see the expression of stoic pride that he held for the congregation of Disciples, Knights and Masters of Ren; Caehl spoke up in greeting to them all and the introduction for which they had come to be there that day.

"Greetings everyone. For those of you who do not know of me, I am Caehl Ren and here alongside Sarathiel Ren and Kyrel..." He would soon gesture to their peer and Master of among the Order in respect and acknowledgement to his superior before continuing; "Today within this place, Entyrmion, we stand beneath the ground for which the Academy of Initiates inducts our very own into the Order for the wisdom and guidence, the vision of our gracious Supreme Leader, [member="Sieger Ren"] himself".

The group stood upon the precipice of the underground ravine that spread out for what seemed like miles, the darkness of Skye's natural underworld foreboding and carrying a presence in the Force that echoed the absence of light, rather fitting for a world which birthed the new entrants into Sieger's elite, he felt.

"There are a number of Artifacts hidden within the depths of this cavern for which I have stowed away, these are to be your objectives, you who are Disciples and here to prove a portion of your strength to the Order. You are to collect one each, no more and no less" He glanced first between his peers, those already established and having proven themselves to the First Order as the extension of the Supreme Leader, his personal elite. "You will receive no assistance from myself nor your superiors. Here, there are natural dangers for which you may cross paths with and the Force here is strong, it will test you beyond measure...We expect you to struggle, we expect you to feel the weight of what you come to face, each of your experiences will differ from one another and through your trials here you will each learn to rise above your anguish and personal doubts, to ascertain what makes you worthy of the title of Ren and Siegers favor..." Brennan Cabrol smiled, most rare for him yet it carried a certain malice in his approval over their willingness to give everything for the First Order and the path they had committed themselves to. Should they succeed today, many would fall by their hands in the future where the enemies to the First Order would otherwise oppose the course to security and order within a crumbling, decayed Galaxy. Fate was owed to the Supreme Leader, destiny was his to bring into fruition that others might benefit from his gracious care and righteous leadership; yet before all of this was to come, those whom would serve him through strength of will and the power of the Darkside of the Force had first to earn it.

"Do not disappoint us. Do not fail the Supreme Leader".

Turning then to look to [member="Ara Zambrano"], his left arm extended to her whilst his gaze again swept the group, that they would know Sarathiel Ren was soon to continue where his words had ended.

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[member="Ara Zambrano"] | [member="Varas Kyrel"] | [member="Aurora"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Racosidae"] | [member="Oregano"] | [member="Elensa Jari"]​