Private Vile Nilotic Rites

[Darth Carnifex]

Vile Nilotic Rites​

The Dark Star moved through the cerulean chaos of hyperspace, sleek hull refracting the incandescent light which assailed it. Nearly seventy hours ago it had left the dockyard orbiting Dromund Kaas, capital of the Sith Empire, and journeyed along a hyperspace course which would take it on the far south end of the Core Worlds. Much of the Core Worlds was under the suzerainty of the Galactic Alliance and thus was considered dangerous for members of the Sith Empire to traverse through without proper concealment. Fortunately, the Dark Star possessed multiple transponders which masqueraded the ship as another depending on which galactic territory it was moving through. As the ship passed from Galactic Alliance space into Confederate space, the transponder shifted again. The Confederates were more or less ambivalent to the Sith Empire, but they weren't going to take any chances in the event the wind had shifted without their knowledge. ​

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Deep within the Dark Star resided the sanctum of the Dark Lord of the Sith, who levitated in quiet meditation within the confines of his qabbrat. Sensory deprivation was a meditative method employed by both Sith and Jedi alike, and the Emperor found it to be particularly effective in deadening his other senses so that he could focus solely on the spiritual nature of the Dark Side. A small cadre of red-robed Crownguard stood vigilant outside of his qabbrat, their loyalty as unyielding as their ferocity in battle. ​

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In his mind's eye, he saw distant locations and indistinct people. A world of dense bush rose to meet his gaze, inhabited by a people descendant of a proud lineage. Their world had faced many calamities in the past few decades, and the scars of those conflicts still pocked the planet's surface. The landscape shifted again, bleeding away like ink in water, to reveal a terrible spire of volcanic stone and glossy obsidian glass. ​

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Then the Dark Lord's eyes opened, and the hermetic seals of the qabbrat disengaged. Compressed hair billowed out as the top half of the qabbrat peeled back, revealing the Dark Lord of the Sith suspended in the air over a small assortment of ornate pillows. Lowered himself down to his feet, the Dark Lord strode from his quarters and gave only one command to his servants.​

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"Assemble the others in the conference room, we are here."​

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Arctus Silmar | Joycelyn Zambrano | Darth Prazutis | Onrai

 

[Arctus Silmar]

The Shaper

The Iron Crown|| Whilstone of Prowess|| Whilstone of Acuity
Whilstone of Power|| Acharn|| Urfael
Voice Sample

Darth Carnifex | Joycelyn Zambrano | Darth Prazutis | Onrai

The Shaper was pleased, but none too surprised, when he had garnered the attention of the current Emperor of the Sith. His astute observation in recognizing The Shaper's usefulness for this endeavor only the first thing about this modern Emperor that had impressed him. This Emperor, much like Ajunta Pall, carried with him a respectable, deep connection to the Dark Side and it's power and The Shaper was only too pleased to see the Sith were still beings that commanded respect and fear among the galaxy. This Carnifex, as he was called, was much like seeing the grandchild of a family member risen to his own, new heights and The Shaper could feel that manic, obsessive energy to reap the Dark Side's will upon the galaxy surge within his veins once again. Though the body of this Anzat was only a temporary measure he could still feel his blood pulsing at the prospect, truly, he was alive again.

But beyond this the wonders of modern technology and, currently, the wine they could produce was what captivated him as he reclined in the chamber set for him. Truly, if the galaxy had progressed at least enough to provide these comforts to one such as himself, he could see himself getting quite comfortable. Slowly lowering the small silver goblet from his lips, as he felt the long-missed sensation of the cool wine sliding down his throat, The Shaper smiled as he rose from the chair. Eyes thrumming a deep crimson orange as they feel upon the writhing, wriggling form of the Leviathan Larva he had brought with him. Humming a low chuckle he extended a hand and re-exerted his will over the long, worm-like creature as he crooned in a sultry, echoing voice that seemed to trail a moment or two behind the movement of his lips.

"Obedience, little creature. My beloved Sorzus may have been the mother of your species, but I plan to perfect you." The Shaper turned his head, raven hair falling partly over his face as he did so, as he sensed the Emperor's servant approach before they sounded their presence at his door. Smiling to himself The Shaper rose and, dusting off the plain robes he wore, he extended a hand. The spear Acharn appearing in his grasp in a flash of light as it moved the paltry few feet across the room to his grasp, and he rested a hand on the hilt of Urfael at his hip as he motioned the door open with a casual tilt of the spear. A tiny exertion of telekinesis opening the door and The Shaper calmly looked down at the servant, clad in plain clothing of a muted grey. Fitting for a worm.

The servant informed The Shaper that his presence was requested in the conference room and passed the servant with only enough of a response to indicate he was obliging. Lest such a measly creature report to anyone who would listen he had denied the Emperor's message. Though he was not one who enjoyed the ploys of his brothers and sisters, he nonetheless knew the game that was to be played. Every step he took was measured, the Whilstones gleaming in his crown with a dazzling light, as Acharn tapped lightly on the hallway floor with each motion. Seeing that he was the first to arrive as the door to the conference room opened The Shaper would glance around the few seated present and, taking another measured motion in this game of theirs, had been made aware this current Emperor possessed a right hand. Limiting his options ever so slightly.

Even so he made a small, yet what he felt was appropriate statement, by seating himself at the left hand side of the seat reserved for the Emperor. Though he had not brought his armor for this trip, not seeing it as necessary for what did not seem to be an act of war. Though the Emperor had neglected to say where they were going, a fact The Shaper respect as a subtle, yet potent show of authority, he was nonetheless idly curious as to the goal of this new Emperor. At least, new in his eyes, he supposed.

 

[Onrai]

Darth Carnifex Joycelyn Zambrano Darth Prazutis Arctus Silmar

Visions were not Vanessa’s specialty. While a true master of practically every sort of Dark Side power, her sense of precognition, particularly in the realm of Dark Side soothsaying, was not her speciality. Nonetheless, the reason she was on board the yacht of the Dark Lord of the Sith, the only male she had ever in some form fathered a child with, was due to such a vision unfurling. It was enigmatic, as most visions were, but the sense she got was that a presence familiar to the Sith was potentially capable of returning, someone the Emperor and herself both knew well. This was what had intrigued her: perhaps it was an opportunity to return her beloved Silara to life. It was not Darth Ophidia, that was for certain - Vanessa had never directly interacted with her, despite having her old laboratory on Malachor V, which had been in Ophidia’s domain for years. No, this had to be someone from the past, from the old Sith Empire. Perhaps it was Jacen Cavill, or maybe Mikhail Shorn was eager to break another throne. Maybe Ashin Varanin had somehow come back to the fold of the Dark Side. Or perhaps Val’Ryss Zankarr would make an appearance. There were many she could think of.

Whatever the reason, Vanessa waited patiently within her room aboard the vessel, her thoughts studying the ship and its design until the Emperor summoned his compatriots -a daughter, an uncle, an unknown, and herself. How fortuitous she was, Vanessa supposed, to have had her request to come accepted by the Emperor.

“Do you know of who it is we seek on this journey?” She asked the Emperor.

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

Click, click, tickticktick "Chit" Click, click, click, tick.

Joycelyn sat hunched in her quarters, hands occupied with what appeared to be a bronzium polyhedron. Her hands nearly encompassed the twelve-sided shape as she methodically turned and twisted the pentagonal plates of its exterior. With each chosen movement, the polyhedron responded. Sometimes it reset, other times it progressed. Each time it set, Joycelyn studied the constellation of the runes and noted down the combinations.

"Clever." she raised the object up and studied it against the light to see more clearly between the cracks, she then turned it a quarter way, looked, another quarter. "So that is why." She leaned down to make another note as there was a signal at her door.

Alk and Ilke immediately raised their heads to attention.

"Enter." the Vahlacanthix responded, not looking up from her notes. A grey-clad attendant entered, trying his best to ignore the two vornskrs by Joycelyn's feet. As he opened his mouth to speak, she raised a finger and continued completing her written thought. She then placed the bronzium dodecahedron on a metal stand and turned in her chair to look at the attendant.

"Let's go then."

Joycelyn gestured for the two vornskrs to remain, while she accompanied the attendant to the conference room of the Dark Star. She could have been described as wearing her "light kit", featuring a simple breastplate and armourweave. Rather than carry her polearm, she kept her Sithsword, Zaudraka, at her side. Never had a journey with her father been without peril, so it forgoing even light kit would have been an error in her experience. Besides, at this point, armour was more comfortable on her skin than clothes were.

Then again, usually she would have had more knowledge of the purpose of their journey. What journey could require the Emperor, his daughter, uncle, and two other Sith? Even the rescue of the Eye of Vahl from Tython came with less secrecy. Alas, their family was of the mysterious kind.

Arriving in the conference room, Joycelyn swiftly surveyed the ones present: One had placed himself at what would be her father's side, where the wives or close family sat. She could only assume he was her father's newest concubine or some long-lost brother seeking to insinuate himself. It brought a smile to her face as the heir apparent herself took her place at the second chair on the throne's right. She knew well that her uncle claimed the right hand seat of the Emperor. Though there would come a time when all familial bonds were thrown to the wind, this was not the one to start pointlessly irking Braxus.

They were here for a reason, and Darth Vornskr the Second would like to know why.

As would, apparently, Vanessa Vantai.

Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Onrai Arctus Silmar

 

[Darth Prazutis]

​

The room swirled.

It's size distended and bloated like an overgrown cyst, a manipulation of reality bent the material to the will of the beyond. It was larger than it should've been and tapestries now hung from the walls depicting vile images, alien symbols foreign to the known galaxy. A great throne of sleek black stone sat implanted into an alcove that held the gigantic form of the Lord of Lies. Inside his sith battle plate he was an even greater giant than without it, his arms gripped each arm rest lifelessly, Daesumnor resting within arms reach against the throne. The mans face was bare and lifeless while his eyes were pulled only half shut, they were glossed over eerily similar to that of a dead corpse than a living man, his cheeks were unusually pale and devoid of color. All around the room in each corner stood tall, shrouded figures with skin the color of starlight. ​

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Everything was bathed in touch of the beyond.​

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Its corruptive touch stained everything it touched, the walls ached and periodically groaned with protest. The air in the room was thick with a dense miasma that made it harder to breathe, and the presence emanating from the figure burned like a star, it's ferocious touch enough to cause pain through each bone in ones body the closer they stood in proximity to him. This was the state it remained since they had embarked on this journey, the very first out of the group called aboard the yacht. The only noise within the room was the hissing and wheezing of the power armor the Shadow Hand wore. Silence was only broken with the opening of the access door when a figure stepped within. Each step was a struggle and they grimaced in pain as they struggled to close the distance. Their knees began to shake as they closed in. Something about his burning presence, his majesty struck deep into their mind. A whisper of their subconscious. It ground into their bones and tried to force them to kneel 'Kneel, kneel before the true Master of Death, a true Zambrano Sovereign'.​

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"S-Supreme Excellency?" He reached to touch the Shadow Hands arm.​

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"Don't touch him! You will be lost forever!" A voice cried out.​

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"He communes with the beyond."​

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They stood in silence then for what felt like an eternity within that simulacrum of pain until something broke the monotony.​

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"He returns."​

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The man could feel it now as the Shadow Hand began to stir. There was the briefest flicker of eyes unknown, as the Unraveler flashed its crimson eyed gaze before color returned to the giants face, and his eyes glowed with signs of life. The first noise he made was a mixture between a groan and a snarl as he lifted his head upward and his gaze fell hard on the messenger. The figure fell before his commanding presence, involuntarily forced to his knees in supplication. "Supreme Excellency." He said again, this time with more confidence.​

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"We near our destination. The Emperor summons all to the conference chamber." The Shadow Hand said.​

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"Th-Y-Yes. H-How?"​

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Braxus wrapped a hand around the massive runeblade and stood. Beneath the armor joints popped as he stood to his full height, lifting the dark steel from its resting position. "I see." The giant left the room without another word, cape billowing behind him. In the very moment he departed from one blink to another, the room had changed to the man. Everything he had seen even the figures were now gone, returned to its former state. ​

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When the conference room doors swung open the Shadow Hand swept into the room without a word to any of the assembled group. He simply moved towards his rightful position beside his nephew. There was nothing except absolute certainty in the place that belonged to him and him alone, he took it in silence. ​

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Darth Carnifex | Joycelyn Zambrano | Arctus Silmar | Onrai ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

When all were seated, the triangular doors sealed and locked as the light was dimmed down to a barely visible gloom. A bright blue light blinked into existence, illuminating the chamber with the image of dozens of star systems holographically displayed above the table. The Sith Emperor's face was accented by the contrasting darkness and sharp light, his eyes an eternal blaze in the shadows. He waited several moments in silence before finally speaking, addressing them all while gesturing towards the holo display which had undoubtedly dominated their attention.​

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"We are now entering the Atrisian Commonwealth, a recent acquisition of the Confederacy of Independent Systems."​

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He waved his hand, and the display zoomed in on a single planet in particular among the two hundred settled worlds of the Commonwealth, one from which the sector attributed its name. ​

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"Atrisia is our destination, a world some of us are intimately familiar with." He waited for that knowledge to set in before continuing, "I have spoken with Isolda and the other Mystics, and they have whispered to me of a vision through the Dark Side of the Force. There exists on Atrisia a mountain, dormant and silent for years. It, among many others, was the consequence of the conflict which ravaged Atrisia between the Sith of Mephirium and the Galactic Alliance. That is where I am leading you, my faithful chosen. It is there that we will enact a ritual to bring a Lord of the Sith back from the dead."​

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"Vulcanus will rise once more to serve the Sith."​

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Arctus Silmar | Onrai | Joycelyn Zambrano | Darth Prazutis

 

[Arctus Silmar]

The Shaper

The Iron Crown|| Whilstone of Prowess|| Whilstone of Acuity
Whilstone of Power|| Acharn|| Urfael|| Mithralian
Voice Sample

As he awaited the arrival of those who would also be accompanying the Emperor and himself on this journey the Shaper was pleasantly surprised as a true work of art entered the room.( Joycelyn Zambrano ) She was large, sleek, elegant and possessed curves and edges in a captivating manner. The woman that bore her on her hip was not bad to look at either and the Shaper inclined his head slightly toward Joycelyn, a light smile touching his lips, as he idly glanced to the entering Shadow Hand. To say that the Shaper was pleased to see two individuals that were at the Emperor's side using tools of his craft would be an understatement. His eyes smoldered with satisfaction as Prazutis sat in silence. Seeing the legacy of his work, of the blade he bore on his own hip be continued, why.... if he were a Jedi it would bring a tear to his eye. But all he truly felt was deserved pride and satisfaction.

The Shaper's attention was brought swiftly from this reverie as the Emperor began to speak, the room darkening to match the intense importance of the situation, the Shaper studied the galactic readout as it showed the Atrisia system. Carnifex's words not lost on him as he began to think, to ponder, as an excited thrill washed over his nerves as the Emperor announced their intended goal. A small smirk graced his features and he reclined more easily in his seat, now understanding the scales before his eyes and the need for the Emperor's secrecy.

Whomever this 'Vulcanus' was they must have been a very worthwhile servant if the Emperor felt the need to go to such an extent to bring them back into the fold. Whatever the import of this person the Shaper would make certain to be prepared for this and he nodded his head in acquiescence to the Emperor upon understanding the weight of their task. Murmuring "As you wish."

 

[Onrai]

"...Krag?"

Vanessa froze at the mention of the Graug's name. She was one of perhaps three people within the group of transients who even remembered that Other Space Kaiden was the last of the previous Empire's rulers. Darth Carnifex remembered him, certainly - he was the reason Kaine had been forced to leave the Empire. He was also the one who had set the old Empire into a collision course with the then-strong Republic that led to its shattering. Vanessa gave an agitated frown as recollections of having to reorganize broken and shattered Imperial units - those that remained loyal, at least - into the New Order, which itself was unable to last for an extended period of time.

"I feel it worth mentioning, if only for those who know nothing of him - Darth Vulcanus, known also as Krag, was the last Emperor of the last Empire before ours. He overthrew his predecessor" - she chose to not name names - "and led the Empire into a conflict from which it was unable to recover. There would not be a resumption of organized Sith presence in the galaxy until years later." Her eyes moved to gaze at those of the Emperor himself.

"How do we know that his... past mistakes will not be repeated?"

Darth Prazutis Joycelyn Zambrano Arctus Silmar

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

When eyes were cast upon Zaudraka, it responded as if casting an eyeless sight in return. While still, the spirit within felt as though it was writhing, plagued by an itch it could never scratch; a hunger never to be fully sated. While sithswords had gained a renaissance in the new Sith Empire, swords with such unique qualities as Zaudraka and Daesumnor were still incredible rarities. Some would have said their historic value outweighed their combat value even. Yet, the Sith were not prone to letting objects of power sit dormant in a library- Or any other vault.

Joycelyn stroked her chin in thought when Carnifex explained their whereabouts and his plans. She could vaguely remember the One Sith's conquest of Atrisia before their fall. It had been a location of great contention both within the Sith and between factions who sought to control the valuable system. To pierce into the Confederacy's midst, particularly to a new acquisition, the prize would have to be grand. No wonder he had brought so many. But for the Emperor to come himself made her expect more.

and Vulcanus? Krag?

She only knew him from the history books.

Joycelyn raised her voice in answer to Lady Vantai's objection.

"-As did our Emperor, and Vulcanus' predecessors before him." She let her hand fall from her chin and land gently on the table, yet it was not a timid motion. "It is up to us to show Darth Vulcanus that his chance at life in the galaxy comes at a cost."

She looked over the others; they were powerful lords of the Sith. Masters within their fields, conquerors, scourges, butchers and black-iron tyrants. These were the faces and names that were chanted by night terrors -that inspired myths and legends of warning and ill omen. In truth, if they could not bring Vulcanus in line, then they did not deserve their claim to power.

"If Vulcanus cannot be brought in line, then he will be brought to a far more permanent end." She looked at her father. "We should expect an altercation to prove the sincerity of our proposition, but with our shared power that should not be an issue."

There was little humility in Joycelyn's tone, nor was it insulting or defiant. She spoke plainly.

But then she looked to Vantai again.

"Or do you doubt your own powers suffice against him?"

It was a sting, an insult, but not so grave that it should halt the meeting. If anything, she was urging the senior sith to prove her strength against Krag when the time came.

Arctus Silmar Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Onrai

 

[Darth Prazutis]

"The Horde-King of Gratos. I was there when he fell."

The Shadow Hand spoke after all of the voices died down.

Atrisia.

A meeting hosted by the returning fallen king Animus Malgus aka Mythos and multiple Sith Lords. They had invited the Lord of Lies to the meeting and in truth? He only went as part of a ploy to identify the members of their group. All were to be culled. A tip of the coming alliance force allowed him to escape in time before they locked down the system. That was when a nefarious idea came to the Zambrano Lords mind. A deal worked out with the Alliance Admiral Sieb Tevv at the time saw him return an ally alongside the alliance forces to fight their enemy, a deal with the devil as it were. Although he didn't get his part of the deal, the mission was an overall success. All of the Sith Lords died on the surface and from the bridge of his ship he watched them all fall. Including one Darth Vulcanus. How Krag got roped into their fall was a mystery. But then again the ultranationalist graug supremacist was a force of nature, a beast of carnage that sought the eternal dominion of his people in the form of blood and slavery over all others. It was a spectacular death befitting the graug turned living god over his monstrous people.

"Lord Vulcanus will not come easy. An insufferable graug supremacist. He is a force of nature when unleashed. There is no predicting how death has changed the Gratosian God." He leaned back in his chair then his eyes sweeping across the assembled Sith.

"If he cannot be reasoned with then he will need to be controlled. If he cannot be controlled?"

The giant grabbed the hilt of his immense soul devouring runeblade then.

"He will be dealt with."

Darth Carnifex | Onrai | Joycelyn Zambrano | Arctus Silmar | Other Space Kaiden ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"He will find that the balance of power has shifted, far beyond his means to contend."​

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The Emperor shut off the holographic display, darkness briefly engulfing the conference room before the above-head lights kicked back on to bathe the room in sterile white light. They all now knew why they had been assembled to journey with the Emperor, to raise one of the legendary Sith from decades past and see that he again served the Empire.​

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It would be a monumental task, perhaps the most arduous reanimation that the Dark Lord of the Sith had ever performed. ​

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The Dark Star exited hyperspace over Atrisia, maneuvering into an advantageous orbit over the planet after clearing its arrival with the local authorities. Carnifex planned to keep the yacht situated in orbit while he and the others made the rest of the journey on his shuttle, the Crestfallen. ​

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Rising from his seat, the Emperor bade them follow him to that exact shuttle which had been docked in the Dark Star's sole hangar bay. They would take their positions upon the shuttle as it ferried them down towards Atrisia, towards the volcanic peak where they would enact the ritual to bring Vulcanus back to the world of the living.​

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Other Space Kaiden | Darth Prazutis | Joycelyn Zambrano | Onrai | Arctus Silmar ​

 

[Arctus Silmar]

The Shaper

The Iron Crown|| Whilstone of Prowess|| Whilstone of Acuity
Whilstone of Power|| Acharn|| Urfael|| Mithralian
Voice Sample

As the Shaper listened to the rather unfavorable reaction the other individuals at the table gave of this... Graug? Whatever kind of being that was. Nevertheless this Vulcanus nearly seemed more trouble than he was worth, however, as the Shadow Hand and the Emperor gave voice to the very thoughts crossing the Shaper's mind that was a problem that could be rectified. Though he said nothing as it seemed the dark-haired woman made rather cutting remarks against the other woman present. How scandalous. The Shaper said nothing in relation to these antics, though could at least appreciate the short-haired woman's attempt at stoking a fire in the other.

As the Emperor rose and bade them to follow the Shaper rose without a word, merely instead did he remove a Sith Amulet from his belongings and begin to study it for a long moment, before nodding as he deemed it acceptable for the plan he held in his mind. As they entered the Crestfallen and began to descend to the volcanic peak below the Shaper considered their actions, their locale and the name of this Lord they were to resurrect. Vulcanus was being revived, on a molten pinnacle, it did not take genius to deduce what this servant of the Empire had specialized in. Knowledge which he would turn their Emperor to confirm his course of action. "My Emperor, I would offer to assist in the..... control of this subject."

The Shaper let the Sith Amulet float from his palm before the Emperor, having imbued the small device with a profound aura of chilling, numbing cold that even now began to cause frost to coat the Shaper's hand, arm and for a faint, blue light to emanate from the amulet as the Shaper inclined his head to the Emperor. "I know of just such a measure to take. A small alteration to the ritual, to craft chains fit to restrain this.... Gratosian God." The Shaper's hand would close around the Amulet, snuffing the faint blue light, and causing the thin layer of frost to begin to melt rapidly. The Shaper's eyes meeting that of the Emperor as he smiled a cool, icy smile. "To bind a God to the will of an Emperor, of course."

Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Joycelyn Zambrano Onrai

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa sighed in response to the initial criticisms of Joycelyn Zambrano . “My concern doesn’t relate to how he became Emperor as much as it relates to who he overthrew to become Emperor.” She gave a quick glance over to Darth Carnifex that the second Darth Vornskr would presumably witness before continuing. “I have no doubts as to my ability to deal with the Graug’s wraith. I did deal with him and clean up the mess he made after the last Sith Empire collapsed.” She had at least been able to remove his remaining supporters from the region and reorganize whatever loyal forces she could in the form of the New Order prior to the eventual reserving of the military units and disbanding of that government, even if she had not been directly responsible for his death.

The following discussion did reveal more information as to the proper fate Krag had experienced at the time of his demise. When the Shaper had suggested assisting in a means of control, Vanessa chose to perk back up. “I would like to engage in the process of creating the body and the binding of his spirit to said shell. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.” She did have thoughts as to the sort of body that the Sith Lord deserved to possess.

She certainly did.

Arctus Silmar Darth Prazutis

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

Onrai Arctus Silmar Darth Prazutis Darth Carnifex

Joycelyn scoffed at Vantai's gesture to her father. She knew how the story went. She knew that her father was the one who had been deposed, but that was before he was Carnifex. And even then, with all the Sith Lords present, the situation could not be compared. She could not speak for the power of Vantai, but she could speak for her own. This would not go as it had gone in the past, as her father confirmed.

Before they ventured down to the surface of Atrisia, Joycelyn made sure to read through the scroll she had found on Tython during the rescue of Darth Isolda; a scroll to bring fire under one's own domain. Carefully, she unfurled it and read it quietly to herself before rolling it back up and placing it within a protective container that then went on her belt. Between the scroll and her sithsword, fire and all its aspects fell easily under her command. She could feel the connection to the element deep in her soul, colouring even her connection to the Force. And within that, she closed her eyes and found the familiar sanctuary of Vahl. The feeling of the goddess: It was a warmth and an eager drive in her blood, but also itch in her brain that could only be scratched by the depths of rage.

Vahl was power. Vahl was destruction.

She opened her eyes again, letting her fingers run over the side of Zaudraka's hilt. It was warm to the touch.

Her eyes burned with renewed intensity.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Ruin.

It was a jagged wasteland of obsidian rock, the land marred with the jagged scars of devastation wrought from conflict on a level bordering cataclysmic. While the world might've healed and pressed forward it was this patch of land that did not, that remained ever scarred like a wound that never properly healed. The air carried the stench of smog and the ever present scent of a roaring inferno, a fire that burned violently without end. This was the final resting place of a graug who single handedly carved his people a place of prominence on the galactic stage. The one who took that brutal, merciless people and unleashed them like a scourge upon the galaxy. It was the resting place of the Seven Day Emperor, the Great Khaan.​

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Other Space Kaiden .​

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The sleek hull of the Crestfallen cut through a hanging cloud of black smoke as it swept past the face of this oppressive monument to annihilation, the stone face marred with a warped visage, a byproduct of the powerful magics unleashed by the great Krag before his untimely demise and pass from this world into legend. The scars of that butcher were so deep one gifted in the force could feel their thoughts of aggression and violence grow in their minds, simply by standing in the shadow of this massive volcanic gravestone. A death echo, a mark left by the graug due to the circumstances of his death. The shuttle touched down just in front of the volcano, its ramp descending to the blackened stone. The first figure that descended was none other than the Shadow Hand, stomping down his face remained exposed to the open air as his eyes peered across the surface, memories flashing. ​

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"This is his final resting place. The power he unleashed has defiled this area, his death has left a mark here. Our destination is not far." ​

Darth Carnifex | Arctus Silmar | Joycelyn Zambrano | Onrai ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Emperor listened to the advice of his companions as they boarded the shuttle and departed for the planet's surface.​

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"Be wary, Shaper. Vulcanus is stronger than you might anticipate. Your spellwork may contribute to his binding, but do not let yourself fall lax in wrangling with his wild power."​

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Many in the galaxy saw the Graug was mindless or dimwitted brutes, compelled only by animalistic savagery. While this was partially true, the Emperor knew there was another layer to the species. He had controlled them for decades at this point, and he was intimately aware of the brutal cunning that the more powerful members could possess. And if there was the epitome of Graug strength and guile, it was Vulcanus.​

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He then looked to Vanessa, "The land itself will provide us with a vessel, the bones of the dead lie buried beneath ash and soot." That was all to be said on that matter.​

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The shuttle landed, and the group departed for the summit of the volcano. There, wreathed in a halo of glassy obsidian, was the peak's caldera. Though geologically inactive, a thick steamy pool of black tar bubbled and seethed at the very center of the caldera. Great bubbles formed and popped at random intervals, letting forth noxious gas up into the sky. The air itself was a noxious fume, and fire, dust, and ash riddled the ground they tread upon. Nothing grew, and nothing called the rocks and cliffs of the volcano home.​

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Truly, it was a barren waste.​

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But the Sith persevered and traveled onward, only stopping when the Emperor stopped at the shore of the bubbling tar pits. He knelt down, picked up a loose handful of ash, and let it drift away into the wind. Rising, he turned back to look at the assembled group. "This is where we shall begin. Prazutis, head to the far side of the pool to begin your spellwork, you know the symbols. Joycelyn, Vanessa, Shaper, you will circumnavigate the pool and inscribe these ritual symbols into the ashen soil, be sure every line is accurate. A single mistake could spell doom for us all." He conjured three copies of documents detailing the intricate spellwork needed to conduct this ritual and deposited them in each of their hands with a wave of the Force.​

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"I will remain here to conduct my end of the spell, once you three have done your tasks you will align yourselves in accordance with the spell. Four must stand on the shores of the pool while I conduct the ritual from an elevated position, so it has been written."​

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Darth Prazutis | Joycelyn Zambrano | Onrai | Arctus Silmar
Other Space Kaiden ​

 

[Arctus Silmar]

The Shaper

The Iron Crown|| Whilstone of Prowess|| Whilstone of Acuity
Whilstone of Power|| Acharn|| Urfael|| Mithralian
Voice Sample

The Shaper simply nodded in response to the Emperor's warning, raven locks flowing down past his shoulders, before his mind began to formulate exactly how he was going to contain a being capable of being Emperor of the empire. Even for such a.... paltry and unsuccessful amount of time as it seemed they had. He had a spare bit of Phrik from his idly forging upon the shuttle, enough that he could disperse it amongst a creation to lend it great durability. It was not until the Shaper's eyes fell upon the field of obsidian wrought by Vulcanus' own explosive fury that he smiled a cool, knowing smile. Murmuring to himself "Let the creature's own reckless creation be what binds him then....."

As he moved to take his place in the ritual circle the Shaper idly ripped pieces of obsidian from the environment, extending a hand to gently take the presented instruction on the ritual, though he was already familiar with the rite in question. As he unfurled the paper and glanced over the instructions, more to judge them himself if anything else, he nodded and stored them away before the Whilstone of Power flared with energy. Pale, green lines dug themselves into the ground, each one perfect and impeccable down to the very millimetre. Dark, ancient energy crackled around the Shaper as he exhaled a chilling, frozen breathe. The obsidian he had pulled from the earth flowing up and around him in an almost liquid-like state as writhed in the air, orbiting him like the rings of a celestial body, before it began to shape itself. The Sith Amulet he had brought, along with the piece of Phrik, slowly sinking into the now oddly liquid-like obsidian.

The molecular strength of the Phrik was then spread out among the liquid obsidian, strengthening it as it formed around the Sith Amulet, it's single unbroken mass altering it's shape to that of a large chain before the Shaper as more and more obsidian was added to it's mass until he was certain it would be well long enough to hold Vulcanus. With the pieces in place the Graugothian Chain hovered, half-complete, in the air around the Shaper as he returned his attention to the lines in the ashen soil. They were still there, still perfect, and linked together with efforts of his contemporaries perfectly.

Once every bit of preparation for the resurrection ritual was complete only then did the Shaper turn and put his focus to inscribing an extra rune behind himself. A rune wholly, seamlessly melded into their work, and explicitly for the purpose of finishing the Chain's construction as it slithered out from the Shaper. Resting there in this new rune for a moment, before moving out to the center of the larger circle and down into the bubbling, frothing tar like a serpent gliding into the water. To address any worries his fellows may had he remarked calmly "Do not worry, it will not disrupt our efforts, it is simply there for.... insurance."

Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Onrai Joycelyn Zambrano

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa’s traverse of her portion of the runic inscriptions were done in the most ergonomic manner: one of her eyes stayed focused on the book as the other looked down, identifying and watching as the symbols were inscribed in the area they were supposed to be. Vanessa ensured they were inscribed with her own anger and hatred towards Krag’s damage to the original Empire.

“I hope this works.”

Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Arctus Silmar Joycelyn Zambrano Other Space Kaiden

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

Joycelyn nodded sharply as she took the paper and read it over once. She rolled it up carefully, but efficiently in her hand, then set off at a jog.

Her long strides easily let her overtake either of her fellow Sith as she headed for the furthest of their marks. She stopped, feet near skidding in the ash and volcanic stone as she recognised that she was in the right spot. The air was hot and acrid from the smell of the volcano. While the noxious gasses stung her nostrils, the heat bothered her none as she once more inspected the symbols and committed them to memory.

She did not lean down to draw them with her finger or foot.

Instead, her hand went to her sword as she envisioned the mark in the ashen soil. She pulled the blade half-way out of its scabbard, and the ground hissed with heat. First it blackened, then it bubbled, then it hardened into obsidian as she carved the symbol into rock through flame. She focused again, gathering the power of fire under her will, and tweaked the symbol into its correct form.

She took the time to inspect it one more time, making sure there were no breaks, no dangerous impurities.

But it appeared solid.

Nodding to herself, she looked to the others and then headed up to the shore of the pool as instructed.

Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Arctus Silmar Onrai Other Space Kaiden

 

[Darth Prazutis]

So it began.

The power to defy death was ancient and wholly unnatural. It shattered the delicate balance of nature with the oppressive grip of the dark side. It was a forbidden art few could hope to grasp at, but the Deathlord? For the giant it was power he grasped long ago. He moved in silence across the shadowy ashen world, across to the other side exactly in the same spot that the ritual would begin.​

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That was when he did his work. ​

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It was done with the delicate hand of a master that wove the spellwork, the signs and sigils required with precision and a clear experience that told all he had done this before. It wouldn't be long before Darth Vulcanus was thrust upon them, and the Great Khaan's rage set loose upon the material plane once more.​

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Other Space Kaiden | Darth Carnifex | Arctus Silmar | Onrai | Joycelyn Zambrano ​