Campaign Mysteries of the Maze

[Ascendant Resolve]

Mysteries of the Maze​

It started on Nar Shaddaa. Then to Circumtore. Xolu. Far Pando. Near Pando. Shiffrin. Now finally Rishi. The trail was faint, but it has been ever present. A string of disappearances had been winding its way across Hutt Space, but it had finally found purchase on Confederate soil. It was only discovered because of a lone trader who decided to investigate why his shipment was late. But now, news was spreading like wildfire among the Confederacy. The plague of disappearances were now upon Confederate soil. With it, the horror of a nation fearful that their sons and daughters will be the next taken.

In a desperate search for answers, the Knights Obsidian and Ministry of Secrets deploy their top operatives to the new ghost town. Their objective: Search the settlement, and determine how an entire village went missing over-night. And more importantly, determine who or what is behind such an attack on the Confederate people. Leads are slim. Clues are non-existent. But the Confederacy depends on you. Stop the attacks before another planet falls victim.

Confederate Battledroids and investigators have established a quarantine around the settlement, the costal city of Raider's Cove, and are beginning to sweep for survivors. Only a single Firrereo has been located, unconscious in the streets. No other bodies have been discovered. For those sensitive to it's call, the area is saturated in the Dark Side. As Ministry and Obisidan operatives descend, it now falls to you to discover the truth behind this ruthless attack...

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph was among the first to arrive in the, by now, rather large city of Raider's Cove. At least, it was larger than when he'd last visited it some millennia ago. Voph stepped from the airspeeder he had taken from the spaceport, and looked ahead to the edge of the quarantine. Something of a landing area had been designated in an island nearby the main city, with shuttles taking teams to and from the new ghost town. Voph frowned slightly as he looked upon the city for the first time, and lifted his arm to his mouth. "Lord Voph to all Obsidian Lords, I'm on site at Rishi. Quarantine is in full effect."

He stepped closer to the base camp from which the shuttles launched, and an investigator hurried up to him, flanked by two battle droids. Voph nodded once at the man. "What have you found out? Does the city itself pose any threat?" The man shook his head, falling into step beside Voph. "No sir, the city is secured, no signs of any radiation leaks, airborne toxins, or anything of that nature. Whatever caused this, it's not present anymore."

Voph nodded, raising a hand to dismiss the man. He drew near to a shuttle, looking back to the other craft depositing the team he would be working with. Again, his comlink was raised to his mouth. "All Knights and Ministry operatives, Quarantine has given the all clear. The city is safe for us to traverse. If you travel alone, maintain radio contact. Whatever this attack was, it wasn't environmental, so there's a chance hostiles may be present in the city."

Voph turned to look out to the city, brow furrowing as he concentrated. The Force had turned, corrupted by a stifling presence of the Dark Side. Voph wasn't sure if it was the work of the Dark Side itself, or merely an after effect of whatever heinous act had been committed here. He'd seen the signs. The disappeance on Nar Shadda, and on Xolu. But at the time, he'd written them off as random events. Now he was not so sure. Voph turned to the waiting shuttle, and stepped into a passenger seat, ready to travel into the City, and begin his investigation...

 

[Fawn Alzi]

Only recently had Fawn woken from the dead. There were some things that even adequate hydration couldn't fix, like the sour taste lingering on her teeth and gums or the pain she felt in her joints as she moved. It had felt like an eternity since she last stepped foot outside of her home on Rishi, but there was a familiar call abound, one that had roused her from death itself. Most of the dead she had assembled long ago were limp on the warped and eroded wooden floor, already decomposed in their natural state.

She coughed and hacked as snow and dead leaves crunched beneath her bare feet, the cold winds enveloping and nearly pushing over her pallid, emaciated frame. How or why she had reawoken was a mystery to her, but mysteries no longer felt the same in her rotted, corpse-like mind. The few remaining animated cadavers she had left followed her out, still thawing from their cryonic states. She tried to say something witty to them, but all that came out was wheezing and more coughing.

Raider's Cove... It would have been a long trek on foot, but as luck would have it, her personal ship was still functional. As soon as her eyes caught the symbol of the Confederacy, she knew why it all felt so familiar. She exited her small craft, still accompanied by her minions, now fitted in body armor and protective helmets so as not to frighten others, although she may not have been much more pleasing to look at herself even after having a meal upon awakening. A thick, pale violet scarf was wrapped around her neck and lower face, obscuring her gaunt features as her long, black, fur-lined robe took care of the rest.

Whatever was going on here, it wasn't her mission. She knew not if the Confederacy would even recognize her, let alone see her as one of their own. How much time had passed during her slumber...

There was one vaguely familiar face among the first to arrive, that of Kyyrk . Surely there would be more, then. "So kind of you to visit," she said weakly, holding herself up with her wooden staff. "To what do I owe the pleasure..."

 

[Vytal Noctura]

"Attack."

The Nightmother scoffed as she stood behind the pilot that guided their transport to the surface. Naturally they assumed this was an attack. What else could it possibly be? Some days the Dathomiri woman thought offworlders thought themselves too much a hammer and everything a nail. Suppose given their proclivity to fighting among one another it was only natural. Entire solar systems and still they fought.

Well, the Nether would be empty if it were not for the deaths of the living.

As the ship settled down on the surface of the planet, Vytal turned and strode back into the belly of the metal beast. A channel was open with other shuttles carrying those under her command. The Nightmother's voice was volumous and unrestrained as usual, "Advance personnel has deemed this area clear of any obvious threats. As such we are authorized to explore the area and determine what has happened to the inhabitants of the city. Stay on your guard at all times. Whether the streets are empty and silent as a tomb, those of the Mandragora know the dangers that come with such things. Should you join them in slumber, be it because you put forth your best and not because you were bored." The pale Witch regarded all Knights present for a moment. "Keep your commlinks on hand and report anything that may be a clue or does not belong here."

With the ramp at the rear of her own shuttle lowered, Vytal nodded to those physical present. "Remain in your teams. Dismissed." The order to depart felt foreign on her tongue, but after having it explained to her a common set of instructions was logical. Especially with such a large number of people. The Nightsisters were far from few, but they did not have armies of people to command -- even then there was some uniformity, just not like that of offworlders.

After the rest had slipped forth, Vytal strode from the back of the ship out onto land. The moment her foot touched the soul she could feel the currents of the world swept up about her before they settled once more. Some might find the darkness unsettling; the Nightmother actually found it pleasant. Dathomir was not a world of Light, and so to be removed from such pressure had been less than ideal. It was pleasing to be on a world or even just a city buried in it.

When she came out from behind the shuttle, her bright, green eyes beheld Voph conversing with a woman. One from Dathomir, surprisingly enough, but not one of her own number. She set her course curious what development may be underway.

Tag: Kyyrk | Fawn Alzi | Mandragora | Open

 

[Jorah zos Darnus]

Wearing: Mantle of the Path | Talisman of the Chiroptix | Armor of Lylek
Wielding: Lylek's Needle | Cuf'boka
Tags Out For Harambe: Kyyrk | Vytal Noctura | Fawn Alzi

What the heck was a Rishi?

The young Nightbrother had no idea. All he knew was that they were on yet another planet that was somewhere in the sea of stars. And people were disappearing. For reasons.

...well, at least, he assumed it was for reasons. That was also sorta why they were here. To figure out the reasons. But it stood to reason that people would disappear for a reason, because it would be unreasonable to assume that people would disappear for no reason at all. That was just unreasonable.

Whatever the case may have been, the Dathomirian boy disembarked the shuttle and found himself looking out over a planet that reminded him of his native Talay. The city that seemed to be the immediate concern was situated on an island, not unlike the City of Talay.

Couldn't the Nightmother have just opened a portal from Ryloth to this... Rishi? These star transports that the Confederates approved of were maddeningly sterile. How did one commune with the spirits in one of those metal death traps?

"I'll have a look from the sky," the boy offered, before reaching up to lightly touch the fang pendant that he wore around his neck. As the magic inherent to the talisman was triggered, the youth's form seemed to shimmer and shrink, becoming a blur of mystic energy as his physical form was exchanged for that of a bat-like creature.

Wings fluttering, the chiroptix fought his way into a gust of air, and then stretched out to ride the winds over top of Horizon Island and Raider's Cove.

 

[Taiia Locke]

Tag: Kyyrk | Vytal Noctura | Fawn Alzi | Jorah | Open

Taiia had arrived with Voph to hopefully help look into the matter on Rishi. He had departed first to evaluate things and once he had signaled, she followed. This was not the first time she had set foot on Rishi, on her way to Geonosis she had stopped in to Rishi to get landing codes but outside of that her stay was brief. When her foot touched the ground now though, she felt the difference, dark and cold something unnatural had happened. She walked a time toward the rally point there she saw the Nightmother, Lord Voph and some other person she did not recognize. Her eyes scanned all around the gathering taking it in with all her senses then she reached out with the force pushing against the darkness, she could feel it pushing back against her and she shivered slightly.

When finally she walked up along side Voph and Vytal she spoke quietly “Nightmother” she nodded in greeting keeping the pleasantries to a minimum, as they were here for a job of course. She reached down unconsciously touching her lightsaber just reaffirming that it was still there. Her emerald eyes fixed on the figure she did not recognize. She would not be too disturbed by the scene however, she had spent time among the Mandragora after all.

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

It seemed once again Rishi was in for some trouble, no matter how much she tried to keep the planet out of confederate manners or the subject of some stupid incident the galaxy found a way. Now, the planet was roaming with the CIS special Knights and other secretive forces as they wished. At the very least she had time to order the planetary security troopers to clear the area and keep anyone else from getting in the effected area. It was imperative to keep this matter under wraps and make sure it didn't spread to any other urban areas or another planet.

Though for now there wasn't much she could do, soldiering wasn't exact her fortay and it wasn't as if the CIS would give permission for her to assist in the investigation. All the force nonsense and knight stuff was behold her understanding, non of it made logical sense and it's capabilities were just to wild. If they current team needed information about the planet or military help she'd oblige, but for the time being the Viceroy would remain where she was sorting out the pile of documents that had arisen from this sudden development.

Taiia Locke Kyyrk Vytal Noctura Fawn Alzi Jorah zos Darnus

 

[Alkor Centaris]

Different Knights had different skillsets.

Those to arrive first on scene were medical Adepts or investigators, first responders tasked with assisting the CDF and various relief efforts. Later came the more security oriented Knights, people who worked to help secure the area and assure any would-be offenders were not lingering, and if they were, those Knights would assist in securing those threats. Last, men like Alkor arrived.

He was a hunter, a skilled killer. His set of abilities were on the far end of the spectrum from the generic, defense oriented Knight. When they sent Alkor, it was intended as a final measure. The fact that so many had abruptly gone missing, meant the Confederacy did not intend to wait to deploy a single asset.

Instantaneous and immense fear surrounded the situation. The people of Rishi demanded answers. No one felt safe.

So, as the others continued their work, Alkor appeared on scene with a datapad in hand. "Local accounts have yet to confirm any sort of energy discharge or signs of weaponry," he muttered. Perhaps one of the others might overhear. He was mostly musing to himself. Alkor had seen many strange disappearances and been involved with genocides in his time. "Readings indicate some kind of anomaly, but no one can tie it to anything substantial."

From behind Kyyrk , Alkor spoke up to the others finally. "We're looking for any clues about what time the event may have occurred, and any signs that point to where it may have began. Any possible witnesses should be questioned, as quickly as we can manage to sus them out."

Taiia Locke | Vytal Noctura | Fawn Alzi | Jorah zos Darnus

 

[Tess Valnora]

Weapons: Oathkeeper (B2) | SPG-12 | Phrik Knife | Shotosaber | SMG
Gear: Shadow's Sting | Norris Trench Coat | PD-00 | Utility Belt
(UB Contents: SOAR | SMG suppressor | Extra SMG mags (5) | Smoke Grenades (2) | Medi-kit)
Tag: Kyyrk | Fawn Alzi | Vytal Noctura | Jorah zos Darnus | Taiia Locke Labkahip Mordulla | Alkor Centaris

Her job description was to kill people who opposed the CIS that the Ministry thought too dangerous to be allowed to live. But instead, she was here, on Rishi, trying to find out why people had died. Or rather if they had died and if not where they all were.

The room she searched through was, like the other houses she had checked, relatively undisturbed. Like the occupants had either vanished on-site or left willingly. Not a single sign of struggle could be found in any of the rooms. The agent jumped as her comms crackled to life-giving the green light to enter the village, “Oops, guess I was a little early.” She said with a chuckle as she surveyed what appeared to be the master bedroom of the house. The bed was neatly made, not a wrinkle marred its smooth comforter, “Curious. Rumors say this took place overnight…” she contemplated before grabbing her commlink off her belt, “To last transmission, this is Crow Valnora. There appear to be no signs of struggle or violence during the event. Either the village occupants disappeared on the spot or went willingly. Will report again with new information. Out.”

The quietness of the town was eerily pleasant to Tess, easy to listen for out of place sounds too. Unless you were the local law enforcement that is sneaking past their quarantine was too simple a child could have done it if they wanted, ‘Those bucket-heads couldn’t hear a raging mudhorn charge them if it roared the entire time. They probably do look intimidating if you’re a civilian though.’ she thought as she closed the door to the undisturbed bedroom.

Walking through the living room Tess’s boot stepped on something soft. Looking down and raising her foot she saw a small cloth doll staring up at her with two button eyes. The Crow crouched down and picked up the plaything, “You don’t happen to know where the people who lived here went do you?” she asked the inanimate object before continuing, “Yeah, me neither.”

 

[Ciri Jade]

As the message went through of the green light given to Confederates for travel into the village, the Raven turned the corner of a building, crosschecking details of the disappearances with reports she had gathered from Nar Shaddaa. People going missing on the Smuggler's Moon was nearly an everyday occurrence but for a large number to disappear overnight, even the Hutt's weren't capable of doing that without a witness or leaving some trace of evidence.

Stepping through the door leading into the local cantina, moving into the main room of the establishment. No matter which planet, if there was coin and an open cantina, there would be business. The eerie silence was far from what would be expected as the music which had likely filled the space had ceased. Stepping closer to the bar, she leaned over, glancing for even the slightest sign of anything, living or dead. Not a soul to be found, not even a bartending droid. Curious. Straightening her posture, her comm came to life with the voice of a Crow. Though the sudden sound caused her to jump, it was nice to know that there was another of the Ministry within the area and from the sounds of it, within the village. Even here, she saw much of the same.

A couple of the tables held glasses, partially filled to various levels. A shame they didn't get to finish their drinks before whatever had happened to them. If they survived, some of them would likely need a few glasses, she guessed. Turning back towards the entrance, steps bring her back outside into the streets and into a nearby alley between buildings, keeping her senses open despite the unsettling silence around her.

Kyyrk , Fawn Alzi , Vytal Noctura , Jorah zos Darnus, Taiia Locke , Labkahip Mordulla , Alkor Centaris , Tess Valnora​

 

[Ascendant Resolve]

Tags: Kyyrk | Alkor Centaris | Vytal Noctura | Jorah zos Darnus | Taiia Locke | Tess Valnora | Fawn Alzi | Labkahip Mordulla​

As Confederate elements began to filter into the city, the previously quiet ghost town began to fill with the calls of search parties sweeping the streets. In the heart of Raider's Cove, the infamous Blaster's Path cantina stood. And it is amid this scene of destruction that a security and medical detail stood, surrounding Tedryn. The young Firrero sat motionless, feeling wave after wave of nausea building within him. All his friends. All his family. Gone. The security people were trying to keep it quiet, but Tedryn knew the looks they were sharing. He knew the whispers. He was the only survivor.

He pulled the blanket around himself a little tighter. He heard, but hardly processed the call that the city was safe to traverse. All he knew was that he wanted to know what happened. "I wanna talk to them." His head perked up and he looked at the nearest Security officer. "Whoever you guys called in. I wanna talk to em. I wanna find out what happened to us." The security officer looked to his partner, then nodded.

Moments later, the gathered investigation team all received a message from the Cantina team's captain. "The lone survivor is awake, and ready to talk. He's expecting you. We have him at Blaster's Path in the center of town."

 

[Kyyrk]

I N V E S T I G A T E

Ciri Jade | Alkor Centaris | Vytal Noctura | Jorah zos Darnus | Taiia Locke | Tess Valnora | Fawn Alzi | Labkahip Mordulla​

Voph turned quietly as he was approached by an unknown figure. To what did she owe the pleasure? A wonderful question indeed. He did not answer her immediately, instead turning to look at the approaching Nightmother, to whom he nodded in greeting. "Nightmother. Glad to see you. I had hoped you would lend your expertise to this." Voph glanced towards the city for a moment, then turned back to Vytal. "Given the strong presence of the Dark Side, I cannot help but feel that some form of ritual has been performed here, but none of the rituals I am familiar with would result like this."

A glance and a nod towards Alkor Centaris was given as the man spoke up. "Agreed. We're wasting time here. Security reports they have a survivor at the central cantina. A team should be sent there to speak with him with all haste. While I think we are close to ruling out wildlife, those of us combatants had best assist in establishing security within the city streets." Voph gestured to the speeder behind him, sitting down in the front passenger seat. Probably best the blind man didn't drive. "Ministry Operatives," he said into his wrist-com, "If you are able, I request you move to interview the survivor. I feel your skills will be far more beneficial to gleaning information than most of us."
​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal turned her head aside to nod when Jorah commented he'd take an aerial view. Shortly thereafter, as she drew near to Voph, Taiia offered a greeting and drew the Dathomiri woman's green gaze for a moment. A small smile surfaced on her lips.

"Lord Vizier," the pale woman replied. The usual edge to her voice was softened as she responded to Voph's greeting. The unnaturally long-lived man had earned a good deal of respect from the Nightsister of Dathomir. Most other men she had learned to treat 'equally,' but few held a genuine belief in their command of spiritual matters as Voph. "This effort is well in hand if they have your aid." Though together she was confident whatever mystery was present would be solved.

Her eyes were cast out over the city as Voph spoke of the Dark Side present. "I know of some of its kind, but this one..." More information would help better understand the nature of what occurred. The lack of corpses would make this effort more difficult than if their souls could have been forced back into their bodies to spill their secrets.

Alkor's voice soon drew her attention, however, as he laid out what they knew and what they needed to uncover. Voph soon took action to set personnel in motion. His choice in having the Ministry interview the survivor was probably wise. Doubtful such a person would not relax and confess what they knew if they were petrified by her appearance. There were times to lean into the reputation of a Nightsister, and times to avoid it.

With Voph taking to the speeder, Vytal stepped forward and extended her hand out toward the city. The Nightmother drew a rune in the air as she chanted, "Spirits, lost and departed, let us hear your voice and know your will." A moment passed before she turned to look back at the speeder. "If this was a ritual, we may need to conjure our own throughout the city to uncover what spell as stolen the residents of this city." A 'counter' spell as some chose to call it. If they were lucky, the people were merely hidden or relocated. If they were not, then all that remained was to discover why so many sacrifices were necessary and potentially end it.

Tag: Ciri Jade | Alkor Centaris | Kyyrk | Jorah zos Darnus | Taiia Locke | Tess Valnora | Fawn Alzi | Labkahip Mordulla

 

[Taiia Locke]

Taiia listened to both Voph as he issued commands to those present and at other locations then she watched his interaction with the Nightmother. Vytal for her part had her own theories as to what was going on and Vytal much like Voph knew to trust her knowledge. She listened intently as they discussed the situation, taking in every detail and then the discussion was joined by Alkor and he too posited more information about the situation, weather or not it was his intention to interject or not it was still timely.

Though Taiia was not as knowledgeable of such things as Voph or Vytal she knew enough to trust in the force and not to discount either of them. She considered everything As Voph moved to get to the speeder she took his lead and quickly moved to the driver’s side and took a seat. “Nightmother, will you join us or find your own way?” she smiled knowing full well the feats the Nightmother was capable of. Covering a large distance in a matter of moments was trivial for her at times, though Vytal had never shared the details of such an ability.

Tag: Ciri Jade | Alkor Centaris | Kyyrk | Micah | Tess Valnora | Fawn Alzi | Labkahip Mordulla

 

[Kirk Tektus]

Official commander in the core fleet, Commander Tektus' mission at Raider's Cove was to overlook the settlement's security system and provide overwatch. A CDF surveillance center was set up inside the city with permission from the local security forces and were given authority to assist in the investigations. The military's role in this op was to provide a support role as there were no battle droids deployed and all the center had was a few armed analysts and Kirk himself. He stood out for a bit to get some coffee for this op was bound to be a long one. He walked back into the surveillance center where the analysts stared at screens of Raider Cove's streets and alley's. "Any updates?" Kirk said as he sipped his coffee.

"Security sent word to our operatives that a survivor has been found in a cantina located in the quarantined area."

"Keep your eyes on every corner of the cantina to make sure no one goes after them. The rest of you keep watch for any suspicious activity. We've established that we don't have a normal abduction on our hands."

 

[Tess Valnora]

Weapons: Oathkeeper (B2) | SPG-12 | Phrik Knife | Shotosaber | SMG
Gear: Shadow's Sting | Norris Trench Coat | PD-00 | Utility Belt
(UB Contents: SOAR | SMG suppressor | Extra SMG mags (5) | Smoke Grenades (2) | Medi-kit)
Tag: Kyyrk | Fawn Alzi | Vytal Noctura | Micah | Taiia Locke | Labkahip Mordulla | Alkor Centaris | Ciri Jade | Kirk Tektus

Tess stood up, doll in hand, and was about to leave the house when her commlink informed her about the sole survivor of the incident, “Hopefully this will unravel this mystery quickly and I can get assigned to a mission better suited for my skills.” She thought as she headed for the door. As the door slid open, she had the strongest feeling of being watched, acting quickly in case of enemy activity Tess hid from the house’s entryway. Glancing around the doorframe she didn’t see anything, she raised her commlink to alert the group of possible hostiles in the area when she saw the frame of a little girl, no older than ten galactic years, standing in the dark doorframe leading to the basement, “Sweetie,” Tess said in a kind voice hoping to lure the girl into the light, “Where are your parents? My name is Thea, I would like very much to speak with them.” the little girl giggled and ran down the stairs. Tess glanced back outside for any threats and not seeing any quickly made her way to the top of the stairs.

The door at the bottom of the staircase was left open and the ghostly sounds of the girl’s giggles could be heard from within the darkness of the room. Tess wasn’t going to bulrush her way down, she wanted to make the girl feel safe, so she calmly and carefully walked to the basement door. Unlike the front door, the basement door was made from what appeared to be local lumber, and the hinges groaned in protest as she pushed it open. “Sweetie, are you in here?” she asked as she reached for where the light switch should be, but her hand found no such device on the wall. Tess turned to her other side and attempted to find the switch again, but again there was nothing.

“Mommy and daddy went to play. The whole village went to play.” Came a thin child-like voice from the center of the room. Tess jumped and looked around for the little girl, “Where, where are you? What do you mean ‘they went to play’?” she asked, a little spooked. Why would the girl bring her down here to talk in riddles? Then a soft red glow emanated from the center of the room outlining the little girl, “You asked where my mommy and daddy were. They went to play, along with the whole village.” She replied again. This riddle made no sense to Tess, but maybe one of the others could understand her? “Honey, if you come with me, we can go get some people who will help you find your mommy and daddy. Would you like that?” Tess said, hoping to get out of the dark room. The little girl’s face changed to that of puzzlement, “Why would I want to do that? I went to play with mommy and daddy too! We are all playing together! It’s so much fun! You should come with us!” Her face changed to an excited expression as she held out a hand and pointed at Tess, “Oh you found my dolly!”

Tess was more confused now than when she had first been assigned to the mission, ‘They went to play. The whole village went to play. I went to play with mommy and daddy.’ What did it all mean? At the mention of the doll, Tess looked down and realized that she did in fact have a doll in her hand. The same one she had found in the living room of the house. “Come and play with me.” Came the girl’s voice again, this time whispering right next to Tess’s ear. The Crow nearly jumped out of her skin as she dropped the doll and pulled her combat knife out instinctually ready to strike, but the child was gone, the room was no longer pitch black, the red glow had disappeared.

Tess looked around at the nearly empty basement, more of a storage room than anything. A few boxes lined the walls but other than that the room was empty. Tess sheathed her knife and knelt back down, timidly she picked up the doll, and then quickly stashed it in her bag. Maybe one of the ‘Force’ users could figure out what just happened here. “I wonder if Vytal is here. Her Dathomiri magiks would probably be best suited for something like this.” She said out loud as she ascended the staircase, a little shaken by the event. Tess made her way back across the living room to the front door, but this time didn’t feel the danger of before. “Time to find this living survivor.”