The Dead God
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To create a viable academy for roleplay, to train and protect the rising Sith acolytes.
- Image Credit: 1.
- Canon: N/A
- Links: Barbatos
- Structure Name: Sith Academy of Barbatos
- Classification: University of Higher Dark Side Learning
- Location: Barbatos
- Affiliation: Sith │ N/A
- Accessibility:
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the massive metropolis of Barbatos, lies the almost isolated temple of the Sith; a curious group with an enigmatic reputation among the planet's residents. Outside access to the academy is extremely difficult, as only those with predetermined permission to be there are allowed, or otherwise brought in with an accepted Sith that has been recognized by the academy. A personal ship dock allows for all traffic to come in from the sky, expediting the process in which it takes the many to come across the academy.
[*]Description:
- Amidst an already impressive skyline of buildings with unknown stories and lights of families one will never see; lies the imposing tower known as the Sith Academy of Barbatos; its very nature imposing with a soft red glow to its traditional Sith aesthetic. At a glance, the darkness of the planet seems concentrated for only a moment as the passerby witnesses the nature of the structure; forcing many to quietly avert their eyes lest they receive some unknown form of punishment for witnessing something they weren't meant to. Its angular architect was designed for this exact purpose, to impose and posture, to remind the population that the academy served as a figure head of power to any and all on the surface; while two massive statues of slave's holding up a darkened sun to represent the weight the sith must bear from their power, stands just over the actual entrance of the facility.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Docks & Customs
Outside the massive academy is an entire outcropping full of load bearing landing pads for freighters of varying sizes to dock and offload their materials. Automated droids begin almost instantly as the freighter makes landfall, while the captain of the vessel is tasked with reporting to the designated security officer in charge of Customs; forced to fill out an arrival document along with ship identification numbers and freight on board. The process is to ensure as much security as possible, while the Customs section is to ensure no paraphernalia gets into the academy for any reason.
The Customs section is in charge with the foremost task of ensuring all imports are clean and lacking any dangerous chemicals, materials, or weapons that may be used against anyone within the facility. Once a thorough search has been implemented, the goods are sent to their respective sections through freight turbolifts that run near the outside areas of the facility; always keeping the necessary infrastructure of the facility hidden away from those inside.
[*]Infastructural Sub-Levels
- While materials are brought in through the docks to ensure the life of the Academy is maintained, it is the Infrastructural Sub-Levels that house the various core elements that keep the academy as a whole running at all times. Here is where the auxillery power generators are kept should an outright blackout happen, on an isolated power grid to ensure protection at all times, while goods are moved on turbosleds and dolleys through each section; from the kitchen near the dormitories to anything else required within the facility. It is by far the fastest way around the academy, though it is entirely off limits to all but the Lords and Security of the facility; patrolled by various groups at all times.
In addition, the security teams headquarters, barracks, and armory are all located in this section. Within the headquarters is the various offices that maintain the security the acolytes take for granted, constantly monitoring the sith-spawn for signs of betrayal and reporting it to the proper lords. Murders are a common issue amongst a dark side orientated academy, and as such those tasked with monitoring the facility have a very stressful, twenty four hours a day job they switch off in shifts. Past this, the sleeping quarters for the in house security is present, along with the barracks that is filled with not only Anti-Forcer Riot Gear, but anything else required should the worst case scenario come through that the Sith have turned on each other in civil war.
[*]Main Academy
- The bread and butter of the facility, the Sith Academy holds everything an acolyte, knight, or aspiring lord could ever hope for. Hundreds of classrooms, offices, and more all exist for the exclusive purpose of training the next generation of Sith in the galaxy; a constant battle against their own ambitions to destroy one another more often than they care to admit. Within these halls are are entire sections dedicated to Galactic History, Politics, Biology, Chemistry, Force History, Language Studies, and an untold many more subjects; with many not even being directly related to the use of the Force or killing. Of everything within the academy, the central hub is a massive open area with a mural statue of The Sith and their struggle; the main socialization area for any acolytes looking to make friends or foe.
Around this is various hallways, each with their purpose. The first of which is for the lecture halls; with four large scale theaters for mass education, each able to seat nearly seven hundred students at a given time. Within, discussions on The Sith Code, uses of The Dark Side of the Force and more all take place; even the inclusion of special guests and Sith Lords of repute who are invited to speak on various subjects or artifacts. Past these, many dozens of auxiliary rooms are dedicated to clubs, more focused lessons and classes, and advanced learning; some dedicating themselves to the more physical aspects with some rooms being dedicated entirely to sparring and light saber techniques.
[*]Archives
- Filled with endless amounts of Sith Knowledge from the eras of The One Sith, there is a central learning hub full of much of what any Sith can learn from years of study. Gaps do exist due to the raids comitted on the central archives by the likes of Darth Adekos during the downfall of the One Sith; though what is recovered allows a strong foundation for any dark side user, missing only the most advanced and specialized techniques. Within are studies on many forms of rituals, alchemy, sorcery, lightsaber forms, and more notably an exceptionally extensive selection of books of all genres and origins in regards to the Galaxy at large, both nonfiction and fiction.
Meditation rooms are also supplied in conjunction with these resources, to better allow acolytes to hone themselves when they feel the need; holonet computers and studying rooms also are up for temporary rent should any be required. A few Knights serve as dedicated librarians, constantly checking the area for any ill actions or security breaches; though to a far more limited degree than the actual security force.
[*]Ritual Chambers
- For the more dangerous aspects of Sith Sorcery and Alchemy, a lower section of the Academy has been dedicated to the understanding of such knowledge. Hallways littered with conduits and teachers, with rooms and forges for more hands on learning of all sorts. This section is exceptionally more dangerous than the others, and as such has more security, reinforcement, and more to ensure no Acolyte harms either the academy as a whole or any other students. Within this section is a prison for collected subjects along with a beast den for when more hands on experiments are required.
Compared to all other sections, this one has a considerably stricter curfew in addition; as by mid evening all classes and subjects related to these subjects are closed for the sake of safety; sending the various groups back to their respective dormitories. All acolytes and knights found breaking this ruling are given strict and prompt disciplinary action up to expulsion; though some rumors persist that those in violation are taken as prisoners to be experimented upon.
[*]Proving Grounds
- One of the most 'Sith' areas of the facility is the notorious proving grounds, deep within the core of the academy as a whole. Relatively simple, the 'Proving Grounds' is an arena for the various acolytes to watch duels and shows from high in the stands; effectively becoming the primary source of entertainment and competition between the otherwise safe university. The area consists of a large domed ceiling with various lights illuminating an equally massive sand pit, all surrounded by hundreds of seats for the viewing pleasure of the various houses. These sections are separated according to the house, while a section at the head of the area seats the various teachers and the Overseer in a throne like overlook to watch all that happens.
The most popular sports within the academy is the 'Duels', a sport that consists of acolytes taking on other acolytes with training lightsabers and non lethal force powers. Winning one of these earns the respective house points for the end of the year rewards and grading, through this they help to inspire younger sith to understand the means of power over one another without taking on the more harsh aspects of other academies in history where death was a common result of Sith lessons.
[*]Dormitories
- The academy dormitories are a place of relaxation and personal studying outside the more populated ares of the archives or main academy; where the various acolytes and knights may mingle amongst one another in the evening hours before sleeping the day's lessons away. Each acolyte is given a single small room, a desk, a bookcase, and a footlocker for the sake of storing their goods. Every basic necessity is provided for them with relatively simple means of comfort; while their corresponding constituents reside on either side of them through sound proofed walls.
These rooms are given with no stipulations but one, that once in the academy each acolyte is seperated into one of the three 'houses' to better acclimate them to learning from fellow Sith. This camaraderie is established through putting the groups into the class they'd best fit with;
First, The Hord House, renowned for their ability to produce some of the best lightsaber combatants in the galaxy. Named after the renowned and often infamous Tulak Hord, the house emphasizes physical attributes above all else; though doesn't shun the more force orientated nature of things. Those with a very traditional outlook on combat are often segregated to this house with pride, as making quick allies with fellow athletic Sith helps ensure a grand specialization in the arts.
Second, The Sadow House, named after the legendary Dark Lord of the Sith 'Naga Sadow'. This house specializes in Sith Inquisitors, or those focused less on the physical aspects of sith use and the more academic nature of it all. That and the predominate usage of force powers to instill a harsh power over the galaxy at large; creating legendary force users for many generations through the use of hard lessons and the boon of a planet wide nexus aboard Barbatos. These many factors, and great tutelage, make for the Sadow House to reign supreme in many aspects, giving the Hord House a run for its money in more than a few Duels.
Last, The Bane House, given its name from the infamous Darth Bane. More than the physical or metaphysical focus o the other Houses, the Bane House produces those of moderation; any Sith looking less for a general focus in one aspect or the other, but somewhere in between. While many in this class don't excel at either, every few years one exceptional individual appears in the House capable of outdoing both other houses in their respective fields, and is often given respect for such feats. Although not the best, their ability to adapt makes them an extremely dangerous foe.
Each of the Dorms are looked over by a stern hierarchy, looked over by Two Sith Lords who both mentor the individual houses and otherwise provide support whenever necessary. These two in turn delegate authority to 'Prefixes', older Sith Knights who have proven themselves not only skilled, but very trustworthy; tasked with ensuring curfews are followed, fights are broken up, and that no secondary damages occur to the facility as a whole through illegal experimentation.
[*]Lord's Dormitories
- Unlike the very simplistic nature of the acolyte and knights dormitories, the Lord's Dormitories are full of luxuries and private facilities for all those who choose a selfless existence of teaching the many who come to learn. Their rooms are larger, with dedicated holonet uplinks provided for free; all living expenses paid for by the facility as a whole. This creates a very relaxed faculty capable of teaching with minimal stress, something that pays dividends every year with graduations and apprenticeships taking fruition.
The only exception is that of the Overseer's office, with its own private security and almost house like complex within the area. It is less so a 'room' as it is a small mansion inside the academy itself, filled with private study, bar, bedroom, living space, kitchen, and more. A dedicated sith meditation sphere is also included for the Overseer's need to focus themselves after the stresses of the day; though this entire area is strictly off limits to students without the explicit permission of the Overseer themselves.
SECURITY
Security Rating: Medium
Although not an outright military base in itself, what with the entire focus of the academy to be for higher learning; to actually try and break in would be a fool's errand considering the amount of concentrated force users with ill intent inside. Masters, knights, and acolytes of all degrees wander the halls in their studies and tutelage, making the very nature of the university to be deadly to all but the most experienced infiltrators and assaults teams; despite many other areas lacking outright.
The general technology of the place is relatively basic, with the traditional means of security and patrol droids mixed with live armed forces guarding both the perimeter and internal halls; though a serious lack of active patrols within the base is a weak-point considering they don't want to interrupt the studies within. Guards and security members are generally kept outside the academy when possible, or to the more infrastructure related sections, such as the Docks and Customs, Sub-Levels, and dedicated Barracks.
Features Include:
Scutum Automated Defense System
Master Command Unit w/ Heuristic Droid Brain
Model Dz5 Security Doors
Advanced Security Scanners
Two-factor (Code cylinder & Biometric) Security Locks
Automated Sensor Beacons
Weapon/Explosive Detection Sensors
Automatic Laser Emplacements
Coma Gas Dispensers
Southstar Battle Droid patrols
2x BE-1313 "Gos Karza" Class Battery Emplacement (Overlooking Docks and Customs)
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Located on the planet of Barbatos, the long standing Sith Academy has proven for many millennia to be one of the finest learning establishments in the galaxy for untold generations of Sith, something that even till this day the Academy carries with pride. Its resounding architect and imposing nature give vague hints at the knowledge stored in its depths, while every student to ever leave the facility is seemingly destined for a high ranking military position or an otherwise exceptional life; as through the years its history has created a well versed alumni of all means.
Originally founded by the infamous dark lady of the sith, Darth Niona; the planet was chosen for the site of an academy in part because of the influence carried by its enigmatic leader, but also because of the undeniable dark side presence found on the planet; often reminiscent of the aura of Korriban or other Sith worlds. This constant pressure created a luring environment for the Sith to harness, while teachers studied what was within the world at all times; some going insane by the oddities they apparently had found.
Although no notes have been kept as to what sent many of the Dark Lords into the precipice of insanity, the Golden Age of the academy began to fall when it it was nearly abandoned during the reign of the Eternal Empire; overshadowed by the excessive mining and need to industrialize the planet. Used for a short time as training grounds for the likes of the Knights of Zakuul before the eventual destruction of the empire at large and the dark ages for the Unknown Regions took hold. Rumors persist that over the course of centuries the academy was littered with Sith, though never to the rate of its prior state; just enough to maintain the structure and ensure it through the ages.
Following the Gulag plague, the planet began to see some semblance of returning to normal, and with it a stronger population. Years passed by as more and more dark side tainted sensitives came out of the wood works, the massive metropolis on the planet never ceasing a near constant churn of the darkness it spread amongst its population. Amongst these, the soon to be named Darth Balius learned the ways of the Sith through searching the dilapidated academy, finding notes from eons past and training droids set up with knowledge of many things. It was this initial discovery that led Balius to begin the reconstruction of the facility as a whole.
With the Dark Side Nexus on the planet, recruitment was quick and almost overwhelming. The original few Balius had trained worked everyday for years as the systems were hammered out and set into motion to streamline the teachings of pupils as much as possible; and in these early years the most deaths and accidents occured. One such event involved the attempted creation of a miniaturized leviathan; though the portion of the spell to make the creature ‘small’ had failed, ending with a number of dead acolytes and a reconstruction project that took years. It wasn’t until a mysterious funder came forth and began to subsidize the academy for its altruistic actions that things began to turn upwards.
Belias used the money to create the current infrastructure, of houses and teachers, creating what would be known once more as an ivy league school amongst the Sith. Hundreds from across the galaxy began to pour into its depths, and this influx of students has even been tied to the eventual rise of the Sith now, as the galaxy begins to slowly lose more and more of its Jedi. So influential was it, that a solid Electrum Statue was erected in the greenhouses below the structure to celebrate the crowning founder; Darth Belias himself for his dedication to the next generation of Sith.
Now, as many thousands desperately seek a better life within the walls of the academy, the Sith Academy of Barbatos has found yet another Golden Age; one where it keeps close ties to the Sith as they stand, and the message they bring with.
So the arches say, so the students know;
“Lux Eclipsare.”
