Private Try and try again, wisdom cannot be forced.

[Lovecraftfluff]

The room was dimly lit by a single chandelier of whimpering green flame. Darkness enveloped Yo'tek who stood alone, staff ready at mid guard while he tilted his head from side to side. His beak curled in a snarl while his brow furrowed, his eyes scanning the darkness as desperately he tried to adjust to the bizarre lighting and shifting dark. His eyes snapping wide as he lunged into the dark, his staff flaring in a brilliant green flash as he made contact with his prey. The training droid crumpling in twain with a crack and a sizzle, Smoke billowing out of the husk as it struggles to process its failing systems. A heavy sigh falls out of Yo'tek as lowers his arms, lifting his staff and turning into a sudden shock of kinetic energy sending him clattering across the floor. Shocked and confused, he looked up at the droid now towering over him as it lowered its staff and touched it to his temple.

--SIMULATION FAILURE--
A loud claxon sounded, light flooding the room while the droid stands down, extending out a manipulator to help up the fallen warrior. Yo'tek clutched it and hauled himself up slowly, confusion, guilt, and rage spilled across his face "I am sorry sir." The droid spoke softly, it's voice shifting from the booming binary tone to one of a soft wisened woman. "If you let your guard down like that you'll simply be exposed to everything out of there." they continued, replaying the projection of the room from a virtual perspective displaying how easy it was to take the bird off guard.

"I wasn't expecting a second..." he began, already knowing that it didn't matter what he expected. As the droid had already battered into his skull, "it's not over until it's over." He repeated with a sigh the feeling of helplessness filling him again as he stepped away from the droid, wincing as he clutched the countless energy burns all over his body. Stretching and stifling his moans of pain that racked his body, he had been at this for hours and had never felt so helpless. Even as he looked around himself and saw the countless battered and broken training droids, a testament to combat prowess of a non-sensitive but to the witches, he was lacking and not getting the message this simulation wasn't meant to be won but to show him that even with all his might and fervor, he couldn't best the galaxy at its most cunning. "you are a stubborn one, perhaps we can continue this training when you return from your new assignment." The droid spoke as it vacated the room, scrubbers coming in to clear the piles of debris for the room to be made ready.

An assignment? After that display? Yo'tek stood concerned for a while, he had failed the tests he had given himself was he worth keeping around? He shook his head and stood to attention at the ready line, still cursing himself in his head if this was to be a test he was not sure if he could pass what was to come. He hadn't had much time to get to know the station, the students, even the teachers he had all but failed to make contact with. The chip on his shoulder burning into him with a desire to prove himself, but the scoreboards and these training simulations he totally failed to pass were demoralizing, every turn he would hammer into the training with everything he knew and still come up short. The force was not something that could be grasped at, he wanted to let it guide him yet he snatched power back the second he started on the path to acceptance. The results were like a forest fire atop a candle, a single motion of the force ripped into his devastating strikes yet held by a child without an ounce of consideration. Additionally, a quite sickening credit bill had arisen from droids designed for intense training that had been... shattered.

The doors to the chamber slid open as he stood into a salute. Perhaps something could be made of him in another way under the watchful gaze of Vytal Noctura .

 

[Vytal Noctura]

As a Sister or Brother of the Solanaceae you may have been blessed -- or cursed -- to venture into the Nether as part of on-going efforts to study the Realm of the Dead. You may also be aware that a skeletal army was risen on Rodia after its evacuation in preparation for a terrorist assault. It is on that topic which you are invited to participate in learning on the fourteenth of the seventh month, 860 ABY at the Covenstead of Vaklin.

The Confederate Defense Force personnel supplied most of the training droids for practice purposes. They could not afford to become complacent while guarding a 'gaggle' of Witches and Warlocks. An opportunity to cross-train was not one to grow lazy, which Vytal made sure was far from what happened. Nightsisters did not sit around fires reading books; they hunted the wilds while communing with the spirits. So too would those with mild or negligible skill in the mystic Arts that still could learn philosophy or the extent of their ability with magick. Meanwhile, members of the Solanaceae were free to take advantage of their equipment... within reason.

After today, however, it seemed the Engineers or Mechanics among them would have enough to occupy their time. Or perhaps there'd be a new punishment for any soldier that rubbed their CO the wrong way. Whatever the case may be, Vytal's green eyes cast among the debris strewn about the room for a moment with little more regard for it than a sprinkling of dirt. What were training droids for if not to be beaten and broken?

Yo'tek had been brought along to Vaklin not because she expected him to participate in every class that would be held here, but to bolster his exposure -- to magick, the spirits, the wider galaxy, and to his Sisters and Brothers of the Solanaceae. Much like his life on Rishi, there was more to the galaxy than Ryloth. The Nightmother would make sure he received an education in the field as much as he might in a classroom.

In truth there were days Vytal wished they all learned more by practical experience than in guided sessions. But that would mean there would be serious injuries, and potentially even death. It would... look bad if the Witches were "callous" toward the "suffering" of their own. Offworlders. Far too soft.

"I see you used one of the more advanced levels again. I trust you did not let yourself become so bruised you will fall asleep in the next session?" Vytal smiled as she looked over at the avian male, Yo'tek. Why would she be upset? Had he lost an arm? An eye? His culture was closer to her own than most.

Spirits began to lift and haul the scattered parts off to one side of the chamber. Today's subject matter would hardly require broken metal chassis of broken droids. That was a different matter altogether. No, room to stand and move would be more important. Though there were a few seats around the perimeter of the chamber one could collapse in if need be.

For the moment, Vytal would wait for Sisters and Brothers to gather; and then they would begin a lesson in the Art of Necromancy. Even those not of the skill or power level needed to command such things could still benefit from exposure to the topic.

Spoiler: Invitation

Alluria Ivalice | Alvida Osulf | Aries Creed | Asher Mossa | Effie | Haven | Jalan Riyadosh | Julra Repraj | Lunara Azure | Nimue | Pom Stych Tivé | Sabine Delacroix | Shalita Verd | Shamira Karuto | Solana Arasne | Telula Vale | Vanir Eris | Viana Morreth | Vytal Noctura | Solanaceae | Knights Obsidian

 

[Jalan Riyadosh]

Jalan's eyes adjusted accordingly, the difference between views of her cyberoptic eyes still fresh for woman. Hands flexed inside the gloves as she walked to the meeting area, a needed precaution made apparent by her HRD guardian. The interior did not stir awe in her however, eyes passing over the interior in a way that one looked over a new home. Taking in the small details and making notes of interesting things.

She was new to, well, everything. Knowledge in most basic things, practice in none. Her guardian had not pressed her to learn more, but the suggestion boardered on a stern removal if she did not comply.

Her footsteps were heavy, leather boots clicking along the floor as an untrained soldier would before she came upon the person she had been instructed to meet. And what looked to be a being of the avian variety. Her face tilted slightly as she looked between the two. A staunch second of silence emerged as a lesson in her mind made her look to the pale woman, Dathormirin if she had to guess. She only stood a few fingers taller than the other woman, and nearly eye level with the avian being.

A respectful bow was made, soft voice coming next as she stood upright, gloved hands now at her side. Her clothes were plain in color, blacks and grays with a white button up beneath the light jacket. Nothing loose or flowing, everything in its right place for the moment.

"Jalan Riyadosh, I am in your care for this lesson." The words were plain, lacking tone or inflection. Similar to a droid in that manner as she watched the spirits work to clean up the scrapped husks of droids. This was watched with a bit more interest, something new that had not been covered by flash learning. The issue however was the lack of expression upon her features, burgundy eyes scouring the scene before her.

Lovecraftfluff Vytal Noctura

 

[Lovecraftfluff]

Yo'tek nodded and provided a short bow of his head in response with a respectful chirp. "Jalan Riadosh" The avian mimicked, still coming to terms with galactic basic. "Yo'tek" He managed to utter, the concentration on his face apparent as he struggled to formulate his own words without copying others. His eyes scanned her curious features, a mechanical person yet... not entirely? Fascinating! the avian resisted the urge to trot about the room and examine her, there was a cordial honor to the society he found himself in and he would abide its customs as best he could.

Yo'tek was eager to begin his lessons, maybe he would have better luck training with a partner but the way she said it, it was almost as if she expected him to protect her. Of course, he would try his best but after such a shameful display he wondered if it were even possible he could protect himself. He tightened up and shook the thought away, his head turning to follow Master Vytal Noctura as she walked about the room. Studying her every motion as if some secret would be revealed by her featherless body that he was missing.

His every fiber attempting to reach out and feel the force, somehow through sheer determination and will the spirits began to swirl and malform at his touch. Growing unsettled and wild, snaking and snapping as he reached and grasped with fervour at what he assumed the force to be, the dark side rushing to meet him every time. Yet he failed to harness it, huffing as once again he released it as the avians shoulder slumped.Awaiting the masters instruction eagerly

 

[Vytal Noctura]

The Nightmother regard Jalan after she had entered the chamber. Bright, green eyes swept over her figure before staring into the woman's cybernetic eyes. They were in Confederate territory still, and many members were of the Confederacy so it was not surprising to see cybernetics in use. Though the Witch did wonder how extensive the modifications were. Only for a moment, however, as Vytal found the aura around Jalan as equally off-balance as the rest of her (ignoring her physical shell).

"Minor correction," Vytal proclaimed before she turned to stride around a depression that formed in the center of the room, "it is not only for this lesson." Not that the Solanaceae made claim to the galaxy as most sought to, but neither were their actions curtailed to territory the Confederacy managed. Even if the enhanced woman was on the most remote world in the Sith Empire, she would be under the Nightmother's care -- if she desired it.

Yo'tek managed to introduce himself, which was a small victory, but a victory all the same. "I would appreciate it if the two of you spoke with one another during the lesson. When I am not speaking, of course. As musing as the gasps and the shrieks can be at first, we do not run a horror house." What was wrong in delighting in the uninitiated crying out witnessing necromancy for the first time? They should enjoy it too -- once their heart rates recovered.

The large, square-shape depression had descended below the floor before returning in a minute's time. Where it had been empty before, it now contained a number of humanoid forms upon it. Perhaps those of keen senses or medical knowledge might discern a lack of vitality -- life -- about them. Well it would have been awkward to kill someone just to resurrect them. Might cause someone to erroneously report the act to the authorities. The other authorities. Then Knight Commander Voph would probably ask about it and... Really, the Nightmother could do without the paperwork.

"How many of you have ever witness necromancy? Do either of you know what the Art of Necromancy is, or what it can do?" Vytal began to complete the square perimeter of the platform and began to draw nearer to those present again. Now was when those present could help inform the Witch how far to go with the lesson -- or how much ground they needed to make up.

Tag: Alluria Ivalice | Alvida Osulf | Aries Creed | Asher Mossa | Effie | Haven | Jalan Riyadosh | Julra Repraj | Lovecraftfluff | Lunara Azure | Nimue | Pom Stych Tivé | Sabine Delacroix | Shalita Verd | Shamira Karuto | Solana Arasne | Telula Vale | Vanir Eris | Viana Morreth | Vytal Noctura | Solanaceae | Knights Obsidian

 

[Telula Vale]

Attire: [X]
Tags: | Vytal Noctura | Lovecraftfluff | Jalan Riyadosh |

------------------------------

It was a new day, which clearly meant that it was time for new lessons. New things to learn, and new things to keep Telula distracted from her social anxiety. It was getting better - not great, but better at least around those of the Solanaceae. She was used to seeing her sisters (and brothers) in arms now at least, and she didn't always peek around every corner to make sure no one would see her coming. In fact, she found her way to where she was supposed to be without doing any of that. The occasional pause in a hallway when she found people she wasn't too familiar with, but otherwise she found her way to the Nightmother with no complications.

Upon entry however, Lula stopped dead in her tracks and stared. It wasn't due to whatever had gone on in the room before her arrival, it wasn't the girl she didn't recognize, no. It was the other new figure that she did not recognize that was within the room as well. Most people would be bashful when they realized they were staring, but the ashy-blonde girl was burning with far too much curiosity for that to happen. Her approach was careful, and even then she naturally flit her way towards Vytal rather than the other two in the room merely out of habit than anything else.

"Who is that?" she found herself questioning, which in hindsight probably would have been better asked to the avian, but even with curiosity burning oh so evidently in Lula's gaze, her socialization fears kept her from approaching directly and doing exactly that. She really was getting better though; she hadn't fled from the room the moment she saw others occupying it, after all!

 

[Shalita Verd]

NECROMANCY​

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Lovecraftfluff | Jalan Riyadosh | Telula Vale

Shalita traveled along two paths and today those two paths had collided and her schedule was fast becoming full. One that required every once of concentration and energy that she could use. Today, however, the woman had to take time to put herself together. To rearrange body parts and certain features, for she had been in disguise to glean information from certain individuals. Information that had otherwise turned out to be a dead end and so she pulled on her black jacket, only to quickly make her way towards the room as to where the lesson would be taught. A lesson which she had every intention of joining so then she herself could grow amongst the ranks of the Solanaceae.

Pale fingers dragged through hair that was black with white ends, just to make sure that it was at the usual length that she kept it at. Last thing that she needed was to burn through the identity of an undercover disguise that took months, sometimes years to establish.

With that thought, she pushed through the door and walked into the room that held the class. Icy blue eyes took note of the other three that were in the room, but her head angled slightly downwards towards Vytal. No words parted her lips, but her thoughts pressed upon Vytal’s mind to relay why she had been late. 'A… task took longer than expected,' was all that the Shi’ido told the Nightmother before her booted feet carried her to the outskirts of the room and then around so that she would stand behind the rest who had also made an appearance.

Her gaze moved to look at the square shaped depression in the center of the room, while the assassin moved to remove a pair of dark leather gloves from the pocket of her jacket and she pulled them on. She hadn’t told Vytal in any clarifying or absolute words about the first path that she travelled upon. Hadn’t said any words that would tell her that she was an assassin, but she also didn’t think that she would need to. Vytal was an observant woman, one that she hadn’t even bothered to try to deceive. There was no need, for the Nightmother had seen more about Shalita than she cared to admit and it had struck her as rather fascinating, that Vytal had decided to give her something that she had been unwilling to give herself.

She observed the humanoid figures within the depression and she was briefly reminded of the dead that she had helped Vytal rise from their graves on Rodia. The woman also remembered about what the woman had to say back then as well, words that she would probably also draw upon within this lesson. For now, what Shalita did know as fact, was that this class, was a class on Necromancy, but she hadn't so much as heard a word yet about how much had actually been covered. So for now the woman had decided to remain quiet. Obviously, they hadn't risen anything yet or the bodies would have been animated by the spirits. At least, that was what she had gathered from her own experience with the art of Necromancy on Rodia. Even back then she had so many questions and yet questions didn’t seem appropriate in the middle of a war.

Shalita remained quiet though, as her gloved hands moved behind her back so then her right hand could clasp her left wrist. She had been late, so her silence was a simple reflection of the fact that she was being respectful to the others, to let them speak, but also, so then she could glean information about where they were up to in the lesson. Of course she could ask, but information gathering and observation meant that any little clue would help her to pick up as to what stage of this lesson they were up to. Plus it helped her to keep her current skills sharp if she continued to practice using them, even while learning new ones.

Besides, as someone who worked in the shadows, she would rather not draw any more attention to herself than she already had by being late, due to needing to rearrange her physical body..

 

[Jalan Riyadosh]

The avian spoke her name, drawing her attention away from Vytal a moment as she gave a small nod to them. Her eyes fixed on him as she examined colors, eyes, whole physiology in a sweeping glance of curiosity and reflection. Feathers caught the light in strange ways, creating different shades of blue upon the same being, much as shadows cast by a building did a normal person. A painting would need to be done to reflect on the new thing at some point.

The woman spoke, correcting her as to the measure of time. Jalan tilted her head slightly at the correction and aimed to clarify after the lesson, listening to the next words she spoke about not running a horror house? The strange depression returned to the center with...cargo, which was certainly new, but how could one find the display frightening? Then again, the woman was playing catch up in the regard to both worldly knowledge, and known fears. The figures before her reminding her of the staff the HRD kept on hand, though this lot before her was a bit lacking in the...liveliness.

She informed them of the topic, asking their inherent experience with the topic. There had been information regarding the topic, but it was tertiary knowledge to the HRD guardian, something that was optional, and had not been played until very recently. Something that she had not had time to give thought to in a manner that would affect her opinion of the subject good or bad.

"The Art of Necromancy, typically attributed to speaking with the dead through arcane, or magical means. Either by summoning the spirit as an apparition, vision, or by raising their body into a state of existance. Attributed in many holo-vids as a means to divine the future, learn of hidden information, or attempting to sway the revived being as an ally to a fight." Jalan spoke precisely, and quickly. The information was still rather fresh in her mind, the time to process it an form an opinion terrifically limited as she spied someone entering the room.

Telula Vale entered, and Jalan silently watched, almost a statue if it weren't for the blinking and way she turned to see the other person( Shalita Verd ) to join them. Eyes watched Shilita until satisfied with the examination, returning her gaze to Telula as she looked to the center once more.

"Are we to be in direct contact with these beings?" Jalan finally asked, hand sliding to a hidden pocket and feeling for the mask she had been given. The osteo Augment had done wonders for her day to day life, but also caused problems in another direction. If told yes, she would go ahead and slip on the synthmesh mask, hoping at least a topical barrier would help her immune system. It was one thing having been exposed to a number of common ailments and been made to suffer through those. The force only knew what brewed in the deceased, or what the deceased had been afflicted with before their demise.

Lovecraftfluff Vytal Noctura Telula Vale Shalita Verd

 

[Lovecraftfluff]

Yo'tek was a little nervous, he had no idea of the rank of anyone present save for the nightmother but the sense of power that seeped from everyone in the room was terrifying. Every single one of these groundlings were simply oozing with refined strength, he managed to swallow back his sensation of worry and remind himself to be on his best behaviour. The mechanical person still caught his attention as his uncultured brain tried to piece together how that would work, did the machine rule her soul? Was it trapped within or did it pilot the cold steel like a starship captain? These distractions must be banished while there is learning to be done.

The floor opened up to reveal what he could only assume to be some kind of artificial burial mound, to exhume so many at once and in one place was a very rare occurrence. Perhaps they had brought the sisters a great deal of grievance or they were those that had failed the lessons before him, with his feathers bristling he thought it safe to assume that he should study to make sure he did not end up a corpse for lesson study.

The word necromancy was a strange one in rishii culture, having to fish out his pocket guide to galactic basic to understand the word he took a moment to fully understand what this was. Puppetry of the dead? A very basic view point that he did not agree with, if he was understanding what "necromancy" was then it was the channeling of the spirits of those passed on from their nests of flesh and bone. Magics like these were always very dangerous, the legends of the mystics who failed and end up with their mind twisted beyond their own from abusing the spirits were plentiful back home. To raise the dead back to even an immitation of life was a concept he was very wary of, whoever these corpses were may have been just like him at some point.

He turned his head to observe the new witches entering the room, perhaps in an effort to distract himself from the thought of bastardising life for his own gains. Firstly with an inhuman rotation of his head those big birdy eyes fell upon Telula Vale she had the look of someone who knew the wilds more than most, very curious to see but it made him smile but for a second. To see a groundling who did not salivate and lumber for precious pebbles in the dirt was always a welcome sight. He felt a strange affinity to this one, perhaps it was her demeanor or how she conducted herself but there was some force that willed him to trust her. As if she were one of the sages back home, open and calming, oft the voice of reason for childish squabbles over big thoughts in young minds. A smile peeking out from his beak as he nodded respectfully then shifted his gaze.

He snap turned his head to another of the figures in the room, he felt something very dark move among them, even as they spoke over lifeless and limp forms there was a presence among them that made his crest bristle and his talons curl. @Shaliwas a head hunter, the smell of it permeated the air like a miasma of foreboding. He could feel the world twist and shift darkly around her, perhaps the anguish that surrounded her was from within but he had seen it only in tales before. Those without tribes who stalked the winds to make themselves great raptors and stalkers of rishii, a terrifying people of legend but to see a groundling bear the same anguish and power over death so easily at her fingertips. He truly was among the legends now...

As Jalan Riyadosh spoke it snapped him back to reality, a small peep escaping his beak as his focus returned to the lesson. If what she said was true and we were to be in direct contact with the spirits he would certainly have to prepare himself. To commune with those passed on beyond life itself was an honour that only the mystics had, to walk with those who had the wisdom only death could bring? Such knowledge and secrets were thrilling. Doubt snaking back in as he tried to contain his excitement from speaking with such venerable powers, he thought it best that he at the very least be respectful. Striding to the edge of the pit he knelt beside it and bowed his head, a short prayer he had devised for the groundlings. Their gods were so many and so varying that he kept it broad, thanking them for their sacrifice and the honour of bearing witness to the vessel of their legacy. "Supposing I may not need thank them now. In person maybe I can do better. With your speaking with the dead." Yo'tek pondered aloud, smiling up at the nightmother Vytal Noctura his galactic common was loose but he got his message across. Musing on the prayer he uttered even though he was about to speak with them.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

It wasn't quite what the Nightmother would have suggested, but it was pleasing to find Telula engaging those around her -- even if it was only three words. More than the assassin that sought to be a shadow even in the open. "This is Yo'tek," Vytal replied. "He comes from Rishi. I hope each of you will find time to welcome him among us, and continue interacting with one another. We can empower one another, unlike Force Users that often remain apart." They could also make sure they did not suffer any negative effects from ill-planned applications of magick.

If they group sought to engage in welcoming him, the pale Witch would pause before proceeding further in the lecture. One should feel welcome by their peers. They had a fair deal of progress to make with his Basic, but the young man had made considerable progress. If necessary telepathy or magickal supplemental methods could be used as well.

Green eyes slid back to the cool young woman, Jalan, as she replied as a matter of fact regarding Necromancy. Perhaps given enough time the young woman would acclimate. Not that Vytal would mind someone focused on their studies, but a Witch did not seek power or knowledge at any cost. The Balance was exemplified in themselves as much as it was in the wider world.

"You are correct, except in whatever notions those 'holo-vids' may have led you to believe." Bad enough there were holo-vids at all on the subject. Certain magick Arts should not be thrown out there before the wider community -- they wouldn't understand. "Necromancy is the Art of bringing the Dead back into our Realm for a short time. It is a subject you much approach with the utmost seriousness and respect. Done incorrectly it is tantamount to finding a starving person, providing them a full meal, and then returning them back to their original environment only now with the knowledge or memory of what it meant to be satisfied. It is better the departed are not reminded of what it meant to be alive."

"You will not need to touch them," Vytal added to address Jalan's follow-up question.

Then her eyes turned back to Yo'tek as the Rishii expressed a measure of gratitude for the departed. Again, she could not fault his thoughts or how he approached the circumstances. Perhaps Vytal had been too long among the offworlders to remember the reverence Nightsisters felt bearing witness to such feats. "Perhaps." A shadow of a smile passed across the Witch's lips.

"Necromancy is a dangerous power. You will be asking the Dead to return, or in some cases you may force them to return, or invite other, darker spirits to take the place of the departed. It is a power steeped in Will; yours against theirs. Few enjoy death even if they manage to secure a place in the Nether rather than return to the Source. Given the chance to return, they may seek to stay indefinitely." Vytal lifted her right hand off to the side to conjure the formless presence of a spirit over the corpses. "Like this, they often do little more than make noise and shake material objects. You will find them a less than effective combatant in a conflict. Perhaps you have seen many of these 'apparitions' around the Castle on Ryloth. I will remind you not to test those in the Library, however, as they are far stronger than any normal apparition." True, they weren't conversationalists, but they would happily retrieve a book by force if anyone sought to take one without permission.

Having just described just one form of Necromancy, the Nightmother wanted to make clear before she progressed, "As I discuss these topics, I invite you all to interact with the conjured or ask any questions about them."

Tag: Lovecraftfluff | Telula Vale | Shalita Verd | Jalan Riyadosh

 

[Telula Vale]

Tags: | Lovecraftfluff | Vytal Noctura | Jalan Riyadosh | Shalita Verd

--------------------------

The idea of Necromancy did not repel Telula has she would have surely considered such a thing to do. The idea of reaching out and pulling those who had long since been dead - or those who had not, for that matter - back to the realm of the living if only for a brief time was intriguing. But it wasn't the idea of pulling those who had once been humanoid that piqued Lula's curiosity. Almost too quickly her mind filled with the idea of creatures long since passed, or freshly fallen for that matter. If the ability to reanimate the dead could be stretched to any previously living being...

"Nightmother," her tone was soft, for despite the fact that she was now overly curious of this situation, she had not forgotten that there were others, strangers within the room as well. "Is it possible to reanimate creatures?" the question was innocent enough, driven by deeper curiosity that she couldn't seem to keep to herself either. "And if so, would it be possible to take control of them, the way that I do with Kai?"

The idea of being able to control undead beasts was far too intriguing for it's own good. Some part of Telula was all too aware of how dangerous something of that sort could and would be. But it's not as if warging with living creatures wasn't dangerous as well.

 

[Sabine Delacroix]

O B S E R V E​

In all her time with the witches the one thing she had not truly done was take part in instruction, perhaps in some ways, it was her not wishing to admit she had a lack of knowledge in any area. Sith pride was a very real thing after all regardless if that title is prefixed by 'Former' or not. The concept of magick at least was not foreign to her; there were some similarities to Sith magic, close enough so that the books in the library at the castle had been informative yet different enough to where the foundations needed to be understood. The class, of course, would likely already be underway, it did not help that she had dragged her feet in regards to attending but nevertheless here she was, and she knew that the Nightmother would not mind a late entry so long as it was subtle but most importantly before she could second guess herself she stepped through the doorway and let it quietly close behind her.

Other than the soft click of the door shutting behind her not a single other noise was made by Sabine as she moved into the room, her eyes roamed studying both the students and Shalita Verd before finally resting upon the Nightmother Vytal Noctura herself who was already at work teaching. She would give a slight nod in acknowledgment before simply moving to a dark corner of the room to watch. To the students, the woman who entered might simply be a few years older than them, but they would be very wrong.

The elder vampirika quietly slid into a seat in the shadows, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap, truth be told the topic of instruction would have been enough to motivate her to come. The Sith too liked to study death or manipulate it in ways that would make most rightly recoil in disgust, and while she personally had never engaged in such behavior she had always believed that knowledge in and of itself was important, even if it may be unpopular though if there was a better, less messy way, more the better.

Spoiler: TAGS

Tags: | Lovecraftfluff | Vytal Noctura | Jalan Riyadosh | Shalita Verd | Telula Vale

 

[Shalita Verd]

NECROMANCY​

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Lovecraftfluff | Telula Vale | Jalan Riyadosh | Sabine Delacroix

The Nightmother had made a point to the group to make sure that Yo’tek felt welcomed amongst his peers and although it was unlike the woman to seek to engage with anyone, she took a moment to think it over. Icy blue eyes viewed the one who had come from Rishi and she pressed her thoughts upon the nervous one’s mind. ’Welcome. Do not be nervous. You are amongst like minded individuals here. Besides, the Nightmother will make sure that you do not go astray… Too much.’ And that was all that Yo’tek might get from the woman. She had already had a lead turn sour, so the pale woman wasn’t about to be overly friendly. In fact, she had surprised herself that she had even bothered to welcome the Rishii. Perhaps one day she’d learn to open up a little more to others, but today was not the day.

Shalita remembered that while on Rodia, Vytal had mentioned that it was dangerous to imbue those that were brought back, with a strength that was not naturally their own. That it could potentially be dangerous. While the dead could be a useful tool, she wondered about the other aspect. Her hands were released from behind her back, while her right hand lifted to palm her chin in quiet contemplation at the predicament before her. Indeed. Necromancy was a dangerous power when she thought about it. For she could use any tool upon her belt. Knives, swords, daggers and even a lightsaber and the only will that she needed to wield them in order to be effective, was her own solid will. Her will to command the physical weapons to do her bidding. A spirit was a different ball game. It wasn’t just her will, but the will of another.

One’s own spirit had to be far stronger than that of the spirit that they summon, not to mention that their own power had to be great in order to easily overcome the one that they summoned. The weaker the spirit, the easier. The stronger and more powerful spirit, the harder it would be for an individual to command. At least, that was her take on the topic as she watched Vytal conjure a spirit over the corpses. It seemed far too easy than it had been on Rodia. The ones that they had commanded on Rodia, were of a larger scale, an army. However, she could only imagine that not all of those that had been brought to life, were spirits of minor beings. The Assassin could even remember that more ingredients had been tossed into the mix by another witch who had accompanied them upon their journey on that day.

Icy blue eyes shifted to view the pale woman who quietly entered for a moment, before she took note of the questions being asked by her fellow companions. While she would have asked questions herself, she was sure that some of her questions would be answered soon enough. Not to mention that there were probably other, more forward students that would be eager to ask a question that she herself probably hadn’t already thought of. Shalita learned mostly from being quiet and musing to herself. It was a process that she had taken on board long ago, for she learned much on her own already.

Vytal had been right in saying that the Solanaceae were not like Force Users. Although some Force Users grouped up and trained each other in the Force, not all took such an approach. Others were loners by blood. Shalita included. It was why she had been able to do what she did without caring too much about the life of the person that she took. Now however, things may be a little different, except she would not take back the fact that she had already taken so many lives. So why bother continuing to care about the lives that she would take in the future, now that she was a part of something other than to kill?

So indeed, the woman would simply listen for now. Listen, observe and take in the knowledge that was being shared.
.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal's gaze shifted to Telula as the young woman sought an answer. "Yes." It was a gross stereotype that those of mystic Arts were incapable of direct or succinct answers. Some could not express their thoughts in an easily understood manner after having steeped too long among the spirits, it was true. Others were simply deliberately obtuse at the expense of those asking questions on matters they were better off not pursuing. Then others simply found it difficult to express a deep, rich understanding in a short sound bite that would hold a person's short attention span. Try explaining the Nether to someone and watch their eyes glaze over -- then sum it up with "afterlife" or "lake of fire" and watch their eyes light up.

"However, the spirits of beasts are disposed even more than sentients to rejoin the Source and be little more than shallow reflections of what they once were. Like sentient souls, the stronger they were in life the greater the chance they remain the same in death and can be called upon. To a degree, given the great number of such spirits that pass on relative to sentient ones, this tends to balance out provided their world is not a paradise where a soul lacks definition." Without growth in life -- often times born of struggle, though not required -- the spirit stagnates. If it manages to be called upon, Vytal would be curious in studying how such a lackadaisical soul managed the feat. "Whether you can control them depends on which soul you conjure, Telula. Choose wisely by using their Name or something they held dear in life, or if you leave it to chance nothing is certain."

The Nightmother turned to the side then and lifted her right hand into the air from her side. A shadowy, formless mass bleed into the world. Soon it began to writhe with tentacles that latched onto a corpse, and soon began to blend into the inanimate flesh until it disappeared entirely. A moment later the body jerked and began to rise much as a marionette might. Its eyes were pitch black as they turned toward the crowd, though it made no move toward them.

"People. Creatures. Forces of Nature can be imbued into flesh," the pale Witch affirmed. "The wildest of which are the Unborn. Spirits that manifested in the Nether without ever having Lived at all. Do not mistake the loss of a baby by this name; these souls have never possessed eyes, ears, tongues, or the sense of touch. Never had a conscious thought or heard the voice of the Living. What they know of us comes from the shadow of the dead that have passed into the Nether -- in essence, they read a book on what it means to be Alive. They do not think like us. Their motivations vary widely among them from curiosity of our world to rage at there being anything that jeopardizes their sense of self. Necromancy is not just the Art of raising the dead -- it is the Art of selectively bringing entities in the Nether into the realm of the Living."

Tag: Lovecraftfluff | Telula Vale | Shalita Verd | Jalan Riyadosh | Sabine Delacroix

 

[Lovecraftfluff]

Yo'tek listened intently. There certainly was a lot to take heed of, threats of other worldly beings raining their terrible powers on all of us being among them. More importantly however he had almost had a heart attack when a voice entered his mind, leaping to a defensive position thinking the deamons had already come for him as Shalita Verd spoke unto him. Flushing a little as his crest flattened from embarrassment of having made such a hatchling noise. He summoned his courage and reviewed what the nightmother said over and over, trying to spool through the information so he didn't miss a thing. The slightest misshapen strand of the force could lead to a fate worse than death, or at least thats what he believed.

Over eager to begin he reached out to the dead and tried to understand a little for himself, was it something on this end of the veil that stopped spirits from inhabiting their puppet forms? Or was it at the other side, closing his eyes as he reached out with his hand to try and shape the force the room flooded with unease. His amateurish use of the force was notable but even more so was the sheer power behind it, perhaps he was already tapping into this other side as the master called it without even knowing. His face contorting as he felt the flood held at bay by a toothpick.

Realising he may be going too far alone he tries to release the connection, the body amongst the group he was examining lurching about as if being checked over by a vast hand. Its limbs flopping and rolling as the Rishii sought to learn more, then all at once his confidence shattered, he was in too deep, he started to shake as his breathing turned from calm meditated breaths to dread flooded pants and gasps. His eyes snapped open as he glimpsed the other side, finding it all too familiar for some reason. His talons snapping back to his side but the force not releasing.

In the next instant the body he was examining was torn open and showered him in viscera from his panicked withdrawal, staining his feathers an unusually vibrant crimson. Charged with some kind of force energy it almost appeared to glow, perhaps a connection had been made after all. The warrior stumbled to his feet wiping away the stains from his face.
"I... think maybe I was too quick." Was all the words he could muster before sheepishly returning to listening, his attempts at showboating nearly ending in disaster and most certainly ending in an extensive bathe after lesson.

 

[Jalan Riyadosh]

Correct, save for the notion of what the holo-vids had tried to tell her. She wondered quietly in the privacy of her mind if the being pedaling the ability to speak with deceased loved ones had been a wise choice for learning information about the topic. She had been one of a few, all with similar promises of speaking with those past. No-where near as serious as the Nightmother before her though.

And they had been speaking of the need for compensation for the effort.

A similar sentiment in a number of the holo-vids they had come across. Something that had made the HRD wary of ever using the series of vids as a source again. A small explanation that sometimes people lied, or greatly exaggerated the abilities they possessed to make a quick credit followed after the search. The thought bothered Jalan that someone would do such a thing, but then again, she did not struggle. The woman continued to explain as she went ahead and covered her face with a mask.

Yo'Tek, from Rishi. She would have to remember the name and place for later searching. For the time being however, she stepped aside from her usual train of thought. Whether it was was something that had come from having the selkie implant, or just the continued disconnect between real life and the training images she had been given for so long, her mind slipped readily into processing the other side. Like switching a lens, she was still learning to feel these sensations, to be able to gauge them properly.

It wasn't like stepping into the world of the holo-net, or other machine programs. This was, a more natural setting if that were a possible. Their was a current, a flow. The spirits before her emanated with power, gave a sign that they had been given something more but not nearly enough.

Yo'Tek had done something to cause the explosive reaction that he received, and that brought her back for a moment to look over him. There wasn't laughter, or condemning remarks. Just a silent gaze and examining them before a quiet remark on their speed.

"It seems you may have been a little quick." Jalan remarked with bland reflection. Something she would have to keep in mind herself as she watched the spirit with black eyes intently.

Lovecraftfluff | Vytal Noctura | Telula Vale | Shalita Verd | Sabine Delacroix

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal's eyes shifted in the direction of the body that Yo'tek had been occupied with much to his lament afterward.

The black-eyed fiend's head snapped int he same direction before the animated figure seemed to simply 'step' across the intervening distance until it was within arm's reach of the avian one. As it reached out toward his crimson-stained feathers, however, a simple 'No' from the Witch behind it caused the limb to freeze in mid-air. Its head cocked to one side as its lidless eyes peered at Yo'tek and then at its motionless hand.

"It is one thing to speak with the dead, and another to command it. You're fortunate only the corpse was ruined in haste." Vytal could appreciate their eagerness to explore, but what she spoke of today was best done after considerable study and experience. "You must touch the Nether, and carefully bring the smallest piece of it into our world. Released suddenly it can be set free, or snap back into the realm where it belongs. Both with dire consequences."

There was something about Yo'tek's experience, however, that made the pale Witch wonder as to his talent. Perhaps it could grow along these lines. That did not mean she wouldn't admonish him for delving too greedily. The blood on him should do the rest without nearing to tear the youth down, however. Even young Nightsisters did foolish things, and garnered the Clan Mother's tongue for their effort.

Without a sound, the black-eyed one's attention turned toward Jalan next. Again it 'stepped' across the distance to appear within reach of the woman. Its head was cocked to the other side now, but it did not reach for her. Perhaps it had learned such was not possible (or permissible). A long moment passed before it's mouth opened and the word, "Quick," emerged. It was much like an echo of Jalan's own voice. The mouth closed afterward and it stood there as though waiting for further stimulus.

"It appears to be a fast learner," Vytal remarked about the single word the spirit seemed to utter.

Her gaze swept over those assembled. "Shall I animate the rest and let you study them? To see how they move, and respond to stimulus? Or would you prefer a lecture?" A shadow of a smile graced her dark lips curious to see what those in attendance preferred.

Tag: Lovecraftfluff | Telula Vale | Shalita Verd | Jalan Riyadosh | Sabine Delacroix

 

[Shalita Verd]

NECROMANCY​

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Lovecraftfluff | Jalan Riyadosh | Telula Vale | Sabine Delacroix

The assassin had noticed the small peep that the one before her had made and a slight smirk curved her lips before her attention was drawn back to the Nightmother. A voice inside one’s head without warning was indeed a sure fire way to surprise someone, especially when you hadn’t even heard that person speak a word since first meeting them. Icy blue eyes watched as the Nightmother called upon the spirit of a baby, an Unborn as she had called it and the woman rocked back upon her heels in silent thought. An Unborn that learned what they knew through only the stories of the other’s experiences. These hadn’t experienced the world for themselves and they hadn’t made any mistakes to learn from. They were simply unlucky that they had died before getting a chance to truly live. Such an unfortunate fate. However, it also meant that they were wild cards, as the Nightmother had basically explained.

Anything that were wild cards, were unpredictable and could do just about anything. The trick of it was choosing the right wild card that would have some semblance of behavioral pattern. However slim that chance was.

Shalita was drawn from her thoughts as she felt the force move and shift in a way that signaled that a young one that was unfamiliar with it, was drawing upon it. Her gaze shifted to the bird whose connection wavered as if he had lost confidence and then it was uncontrolled. His grip had become unsteady as the bird man lost control and inevitably ended up bathing in the entrails of the cadaver he had been working on. Quietly she angled her head as she began to dissect what went wrong.

Perhaps simply being too quick and eager, without learning all of the facts or theory had a hand to play. Perhaps it was simply that his focus and grip upon the force was just too unstable for the task at hand and he needed to reign it back to the basics. Confidence was key and was probably why a lot of the force users had egos the size of the universe. The assassin had felt the eagerness and it was not a good combination when using the force. Balance was key. Whether that balance leaned more towards the light or dark, depended upon the user and the elements that they drew upon. The intent, the mental state and emotions were all key when it came down to it. A force user had to be careful and her gaze watched the bird for a moment before her attention was drawn back to the black-eyed Unborn.

It’s movements seemed to follow those that moved and spoke within the room. It seemed to mimic those within the room, as if it was trying to learn and a brow rose up at the word that came from its lips. Fast learner indeed, she thought to herself while her gaze shifted to Vytal once more. After a moment of silence the assassin spoke for the first time since entering the class. ”Perhaps a lecture is in order to place the ground work in theory. Then a follow through with animating the rest of the cadavers, so then the theory can be grounded in some practical application through observation and research?” Of course, there was only so much theory one could take in before needing to do experimentation through learning. However, after watching the bird get splattered with entrails, it seemed as if some theory would help the others, including herself, to be able to properly apply the knowledge into practise. To be able to know how to properly navigate the potential blow backs that could occur while attempting such magics..

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal's eyes slid over to regard Shalita before a small smile graced black lips. "When it comes to the spiritual -- the Nether -- one rarely, truly understands until they are forced to confront it. However," that being said, "it is wise to hear the knowledge and wisdom of those that have already experienced it, so that when you are exposed to it some of what was heard might surface when you need it most." The Nightsister approved of instruction before the students were tossed into the fire.

"To animate spirits of the Nether, you must first be able to commune with them. If you cannot speak to them there is little hope you will truly control them when they are given form in our world." The Nightmother slowly began to move around the group as she spoke. "To speak with them, you must first understand your self, and your desires. Why do you need to bring the spirits across the Veil? How strong is this need? If you attempt to do this out of idle fancy you will quickly lose control of them; and when you lose control, they often turn on you first -- the one most capable of returning them to the Nether, true or not."

"A strong will. A strong need can reach the spirits of the Nether. Focusing this need into a clear understanding will draw a compatible spirit to your cause. If you need something of destruction, a violent or savage soul may answer. If you need a guide, one with knowledge of what you seek will hear your call. This is crucial, for you should not animate the dead for no reason at all. You are purposefully violating the Natural Order. You are tripping the scales of Life and Death to your whim, and if it spirals out of control you may violate the very Balance the Solanaceae are meant to maintain." Research was their pursuit, but stability was their Purpose. For how could you research the mysteries of Creation if that very existence was being swept away by a tide of spiritual energy run amok?

Vytal began to circle back toward the front once more as she continued. "Once a spirit hears your call, then you can usher them through the Veil and into a vessel. This can be a corpse, or a beast, or even an animate object. In that order of difficulty. Imbuing an object with a living soul is no simple feat. Returning them to a body they once held, however, is easier as the spirit is often more accepting of such an arrangement. Once here you must be sure to maintain the strength of your conviction -- of your purpose for calling them. Know what is allowed, and what is not. This is often more important for the violent spirits, as they might be content to ravage and slaughter anything they see if you do not instruct them appropriately."

"When you seek to learn this Art, return the spirit of a beast into the corpse of a beast is often the easiest for students to learn. Something less prone to violence such as a bird or a rodent. From there you can strive toward returning a sentient to a corpse. The ability to understand one another can aid you in establishing an understanding." Vytal stopped in front of the group once more. "Never rush to conjure the greatest or the most powerful spirit to your side even if you have a natural talent to do so. You are dealing with powers beyond this world. If you do not respect them, they will certainly not respect you, and that inevitable leads to your own downfall."

The Nightmother paused and look over the group curious if they had any questions.

Tag: Lovecraftfluff | Telula Vale | Shalita Verd | Jalan Riyadosh | Sabine Delacroix