Dominion Winter is Coming: AC Dominion of Pho Ph’eah [ Scars of Tython ]

[Voice of Ashla]

Recent intelligence from Crusade resources has been troubling, to say the least. Everyone knew that the damage from Tython wouldn’t end with the battle, but recent reports have demonstrated just how deep the wounds had become. Most recently, the Crusade has received a distress signal from the people of Pho Ph’eah. The Pho Pheahians have relied on the planet’s geothermal activity to maintain their climate for millenia, but now, for unknown reasons, the core is going cold. In a desperate attempt to save their home, the Pho Ph’eahians have reached out to the Crusade with the hope that they can bring the planet back from the brink of collapse.

The core going cold is a potentially catastrophic event that must be stopped, but there have been differing opinions on the best method of reversing the damage. The scientific minds of the Ashlan Crusade have begun their efforts to drill to the core, an undertaking of great proportions. Meanwhile, the clergy have gathered en masse to conduct a ritual to help cleanse whatever darkness may be causing the cooling, hoping to wash away whatever blight may have found itself upon the planet. Join the efforts to reach the core, or take part in the prayers of the Papacy.

Though there are methods of repairing the core, the source of this anomaly is yet to be determined. As such, the Crusade has deployed many of their forces to traverse a great and complex system of caves in an effort to discover whatever may have triggered this. Join the Jury, Knights, and military forces in braving the cold, dark depths of the planet, and see what mysteries wait to be uncovered within.

The Pho Ph’eahians have already suffered greatly from the cooling of the planet, and many need assistance if they are to survive the cold. The Crusade has sent emergency relief to the planet ahead of their forces in an effort to curb some of this, but the task has turned out to be more involved than even they could have anticipated. Help the WorkForce implement further assistance by distributing cold weather gear, hot food, and heated temporary shelters to the residents closest to the planet’s surface, and keep as many alive as you can.

Pho Ph’eah is a rather unique world with a very unique species that calls it home. Feel free to explore the environment, and see what it has to offer!

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: OPEN

The cold winds nipped at Pietro's face as he entered the room, causing the Cardinal to pull the collar of his robes a bit tighter than usual. He had made sure to wear an extra layer underneath his usual garb, though he still found himself to be a bit on edge from the growing frost upon the once warm planet of Pho Ph'eah. The core had begun to cool at an alarming rate in recent weeks, and though the scientific minds of the Crusade had formulated a plan to remedy the situation, there were still few answers as to the cause of this. Pietro was not one to turn his back on science, despite his overwhelming belief in Ashla's power. Nevertheless, the Papacy felt the need to take every precaution, as they had determined that this had to be the work of some dark force.

The building had been outfitted with heating systems, just enough to keep those inside relatively comfortable. Guards were posted at the entrances, allowing only those with proper clearance to enter during the ritual. They would need all of the focus they could muster, should they wish to succeed in this endeavor, and they simply could not afford that concentration being broken by some wayward local. Thankfully, the Pho Ph'eahians were being tended to elsewhere, and Pietro had full confidence that they would be kept as comfortable as possible until things could be fixed.

The Cardinal took position in the middle of the room, calmly offering a prayer to Ashla as he awaited the arrival of the others. There had been some debate on whether or not the ritual had been necessary, but something tugged at the back of the Cardinal's mind ever since he first heard the news. Whatever was causing this would certainly require a joint effort to push back into the depths of the unknown, and the Cardinal would ensure that he and his fellow faithful did their part.

 

[Elysium Dusk]

Beleiver​

Tags: Open

---

Black boots hit the ground the moment the small cargo ship's bay doors opened. The woman was covered head to toe in black heavy clothing to protect her from the elements. On her belt hung two swords old archaic with unique design on the hilt. Her Jade eyes scanned her surroundings from behind the goggles she was wearing. She saw the natives of this world walking through the streets of the town scurrying about despite the circumstances for most people life went on. That was how it was no matter how dire things got for the most part life just went on clicking away every second on the clock.


Elysium felt sad for the people of this world the ones that couldn't afford to get away. Those that would never leave because this was their home. Those that were chained to a system that would not allow them to leave. These were the doomed souls the ones bound to die with this world and this world was dying she could feel it, it called out to here. The world begged her for some kind of reprieve for the misery it that I spiraled in. The endless winter that would kill away the plant life and from there this world would go through turbulent time before it final exhaled its last breath into the void of space. It was still a few centuries away, but Elysium could definitely feel it.


Perhaps the Ashlan could save it or in the very least give it more time all things were possible Ashla's hands. They called it Ashla but Elysium knew it as Ta-Ree the force that had brought her to the crusades calling. After looking around for a moment she finally moved forward she heard call through the planets dying pains. The Call was Ta-ree guiding her on her mission someone on this worlds life had been claimed for there nefarious deeds and it was her job to reap it.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

and

​

Location: In space aboard Ashlan Military Support Vessel Adaren
Objective:

• 1. Bore into planet, reignite core
• 3. Help manage relief efforts

Tags: Zolasha Tyrin also OPEN

Spoiler: Isla's Personal Gear

Admiral's Sabre
Ashlan Rosary
Kaldrweave military uniform
Personal guard of Ashlan Praetorian droids
Overseer Biochip OPBC-01a
Diamond snowflake necklade

Personal Diplomatic Transport -
Bucephalus Class Fast Diplomat

The Ashlan Prime Minister was here for two reasons today, the first was a simple case of overseeing some scientists as they drilled hole into the core of a inhabited world using an experimental laser, and the other was managing the logistics of a humanitarian relief mission to the beleaguered peoples of said world, couldn't be simpler.

She looked over at the scientific team involved, they had together managed to upscale a Anti-Material Molecular Disruption Rifle, usually used to bore through tanks and fortifications, into a space based laser capable of boring deep into a planet, at least that was part of the theory. There was at least one scientist who was concerned the particle reaction could become unstable and disintegrate the entire planet. The Ashlans were reckless though, so the weapon had been testes multiple times on asteroids to ensure the reaction would remain stable. Isla looked across the bridge at the representative that had been sent by Archangel, the military contractor responsible for this weapon. She had gotten to know the woman through her friend Queen Enzar and was satisfied she was not a threat. She wouldn't however be advertising the background information of the woman too widely. "Princess Zolasha Tyrin , how is the device looking? I'm quite partial to ice worlds, so i would quite like this one to still be here when we are done."

Isla had to give final ministerial authorisation for the firing of the crust cracking beam, they had chosen a target in the southern hemisphere at least a thousand kilometres from the nearest settlement, the greatest risk was volcanic eruption if they hit a hidden magma chamber, but surveys had indicated the cooling of the core had also reduced volcanic activity across the world significantly.

A ping came in her implant as a captain on of one of the other support ships connected with her digitally, she accepted and began to speak digi-pathically to him <<Admiral, the first landing craft are prepared, but there is some disagreement as to where to land the first wave, your plans suggest the capital, but out analysts have suggested that a recent change in weather patterns makes this area a higher priority now.>> an image hovered in front of her. An electrical storm caused by the weakened mangetosphere had ravaged part of the coast and almost entirely destroyed a major storage facility for the fishing industry, this could impact several other larger communities. <<Very well, I am happy with their assessment, please proceed with caution, I suggest deployment of Mercy pods to protect our distribution centres as well. That weather system is still looking quite energetic and may strike again with little warning.>>
​

​

 

[Mairéad Solus]

Location: Near a frozen cave complex
Objective: Investigate the force anomaly
Tags: OPEN

Spoiler: Equipment:

Velmorite bladed lightsabers
Knife on ankle
Ladies Watch
FDS-4F blaster pistol
Marzanna
Speeder bike
Outfit pictured woven in Kaldrweave
Datapad

The long form of Marzanna was landed at the very base of a cliff, with her stealth form and low profile she was indistinguishable from the rocks around her, so would be safe their while Mairéad went about her business. The young woman sat on her speeder moving rapidly towards her intended destination. She was very curious about this place. Some force anomaly was apparently siphoning all the heat out of the planetary core, it was too familiar of her own powers to be coincidence, she needed to know what was going on. It may be her opportunity to know more of herself.

The only problem was the Ashlans, they were here too trying to save the planet themselves. She held them no ill will, they had hunted her for actions she had knowingly and willingly taken, despite her growing regret for how far she had taken her anger those few years ago. Neither the Family, not the Solus clan knew she was here. If things went badly wrong she could again lose everything, but she needed to know if this power was even slightly related to her own. She focused inwards, trying to mask her force presense slightly, the planet was seeped in the force from the anomaly, so she wouldn't be too obvious a target, but better to be safe than sorry. The wind and ice whipped at her hair and her face as she powered forwards, it wouldn't be long.

"Come on, where is that entrance?" she said to herself as she slowed down by a large rocky outcrop. According to her map this should be the closest entrance to the cave complex, and one of the only ones the Ashlans didn't fully control. She stopped her bike and swung her legs off into the snow. Mairéad looked around, still noone about, that was a good sign at least. She looked down at her bare hands where the skin had gone pale in the cold and snowflakes settled undisturbed on her skin. A small grin appeared on her face as she felt that growing comfort that being at one with your powers gave. She the cold isolation here gave her a few moments alone with her thoughts, how much her life had changed in only a few months. A place to live and a family to call her own from the Solus, a sense of purpose and a job from the Family... then there was the other thing, she smirked, still wondering what that might become.

Mai pulled her hood up to get the wind off of her ears and hair, the cold didnt bother her but the wind made it hard to concentrare. Hopefully she would find the cave quickly, preferably before a snow drift came along and buried it.

 

[Marcella Fiora]

S I S T E R⠀ M A R I A N A
OBJECTIVE: Below Zero; Join the Cardinal in Prayer
TAGS: Pietro Demici & Open!

'Crossing the Styx'​

Traversing through the cold was not an easy undertaking for Mariana~ thankfully there was little of it. Attending the planetary rescue at the behest of Cardinal Pietro, Sister Mariana heeded his call alongside a few others from her mission. After acquiring a

ride with the military her shuttle had landed nearby on the planet, and after a short walk she had reached the congregation building.

Having recently transferred from the militant Sisters of Ashla, Sister Mariana was a newly appointed sister of the Holy Ashlan Papacy, having partook in a small number of battles she felt as if she could offer something more than death and destruction, however appropriate. As a result, her true faith in Ashla was forged in the battle against the Bogan; the events of Tython merely accelerating and solidifying it and thereby resulting in the application of her faith changing.

Taking a few steps inside, she straightened her habit to make herself more presentable after shivering through the cold, she had brought little climate protection apart from her thermalux attire as a sign of solidarity with the Pho Ph'eahian people and their struggles~ although realistically she knew the walk would be short between the shuttle and congregation building.

Emerging into the main hall she had exchanged pleasantries with a number her fellow clergy members, "Praise be to Ashla," she'd offer with a polite smile, making her way further into the building. She knew little of the Crusade's plans for the planet outside of the clergy, however she hoped that they weren't interrupted by the locals during their prayers, if the possible severity of the situation was to be believed.

Assuming her position near the centre of the hall, she was within the direct vicinity of the Cardinal, a rare occurrence for someone of her station. Most likely to be positioned behind a number of influential members of the clergy, it was unlikely that she would be singled out or even noticed, though that mattered little to her and she would join the Cardinal in offering a prayer to Ashla while waiting for the Clergy to gather.

​

 

[Aleem Qel Droma]

A escape pod descended like a shooting star and streaked across the sky like Flaming comet before landing near a Cave System. A hatch ejected and climbing out was a Crusader in golden robes, and a respirator mask and hood. He leapt on to snowy surface, his white boots making a soft crunch. He began walking his feet digging into the white floor, making his way to the mouth of a Cave, where he saw Clergy and Crusaders assembling. There were great yellow lamps erected and shinning inside, and there Aleem took a bow to an Officer and Clergyman.

“Aleem Qel Droma reporting for duty.”

The Postulant breathed into the respirator that helped feed him temperate oxygen. It was getting cold and he wanted to ensure his lungs stayed warm and his heart was not obstructed by the chill. How could he wield his sabers if his breaths weighted him down?

As he stood waiting for orders and acknowledgement, he looked into the cave mouth, it looked like a Sarlaac pit, the icicles replacing teeth, and in place of tentacles great ice structures that wormed into ceiling. It felt foreboding, but Aleem did not fear, he welcomed the opportunity to dive into Seventh Circle of Hades, the coldest circle.

 

[Pope]

Freezing wind whipped through his hair, face blistering cold, he would quickly regret traversing the planet by speeder bike. As the Crusade's mighty military gathered to take their first move into the depths of the cave, Pope became impatient. Surely they wouldn't mind him borrowing a speeder bike to allow him a head start on this mystery. Pho Ph'eah had an interesting aura about it, but as the Mirialan found himself speeding closer to a complex system of caves, he could feel the aura of Bogan heavily growing and growing around him. There was a darkness about this area of the planet that Pope had never felt before, he knew something had to be done sooner rather than later and could no longer wait for the Crusade to assemble. Isolation had become second nature to him, preferring to keep an arms length away from operations. The Crusade trusted him to search the galaxy on his own, searching for the followers of Bogan and thats just the way he preferred it.

It took a while but following his instincts and the stench of Bogan, led him to an entrance of the cave. Swinging his leg around, and strutting towards the cave with such a pace ultimately saw the Juror quickly slipping to the ground. His bottom painfully met the snow covered ice at the mouth of the cave. From his seated position, Pop took an agonized glimpse inside the cave, realizing he would have to be a little more careful when spelunking it. Slowly to his feet, he was more mindful of every step he took as he never knew when his boots would catch a patch of ice.

The opening wreaked of Bogan, making Pope feel a bit nauseated. Surely this was the right direction. It seemed almost more imperative now that the Juror quickly find the source of this darkness and put an end to it for the sake of the Pho Pheahians. Using his Lightsaber Pike to balance himself throughout the cave, Pope gripped his Ashlan Rosary in his other hand to calm his nerves and grant him strength.

Pope ventured deeper and deeper into the cave. He could feel nothing else but the Bogan, if the Crusade was behind him, he surely could not feel them coming any time soon. Maybe he would be the first to find the source, he truly felt alone down here...

 

[Mairéad Solus]

Location: Near a frozen cave complex
Objective: Investigate the force anomaly
Tags: Pope and OPEN

Spoiler: Equipment:

Velmorite bladed lightsabers
Knife on ankle
Ladies Watch
FDS-4F blaster pistol
Marzanna
Speeder bike
Outfit pictured woven in Kaldrweave
Datapad

There it was! The entrance to the cave system she sought, finally. It had taken her ages but now it looked obvious, as if only the blind could have missed it. The yawning mouth was three of four meters side and maybe twice that tall, ice clung to the inside making it glisten on the light. The witch walked forwards onto its shelter and listened to the howl of the wind receded behind her. About a dozen metres in, the roof rapidly dropped down to only a metre or so above her head and the walls closed in. It was freezing cold but her breath left no mist as her body temperature cooled to match that around her. Mairéad tried to remain open to allow the force to guide her to her target.

Eventually the light from outside was not enough so Mairéad activated her torch along. Eerie shadows were cast on the icy walls as she carried on her expedition. "force guide me to where I need to be." she willed as she stepped carefully across a small rocky bridge over a deep ravine in the ice and stone.

It was hard to know how deep she was, but there was no light from above and no markers in this, so far, natural cave complex. On the way she saw small scratches in the wall, that might have once been old writing, it meant nothing to her in its worn state.

After maybe an hour of walking the cave opened up in front of her. Mairéad nearly lost her footing as the opening she was in was a few metres above the floor level of the chamber. She adjusted her torch to widen the beam and was stunned by the beauty in front of her. Ice crystals as big as a child surrounded the borders of a lazily flowing underground river. The river had a layer of ice on the surface, but cracks and rolling breaks in the ice betrayed the movement of the water no more than a few centimetres beneath the surface.

Mairéad sat on the edge of the ledge before dropping down, landing heavily and again almost slipping. The whole area was seeped in darkness, but there was something else, a knowing feeling that she was not alone. Maybe it was just her paranoia playing up, so she pit it to the back of her mind as she picked her way across the frozen terrain.

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Tags: Aleem Qel Droma

Heinrich shook the cold from him as he stepped out of the shuttle, peering into the entrance of the cave as he made his way through the crowd of gathered Crusaders. The cold weather gear was doing its job, but the current environment was still managing to cause him to shiver a bit despite his choice of outfit. He was no stranger to fighting on frozen worlds, but something about this chill made him feel on edge... perhaps there was something to the Cardinal's words after all. The clergy had been quite set on the idea that something dark was at work on Pho Ph'eah, but Heinrich was intent on seeing for himself. Now, as he reached the mouth of the cave, he felt as if something was very, very wrong.

He turned toward the others, and starting with Aleem, he greeted each one.

"A pleasure to see so many of you have decided to accompany me into the caves. This planet will not last long without our assistance, though I must admit that we know little of the cause of this freeze. Whatever waits for us in these caves, it'll likely test our mettle. But we will find the source of this, and we will help the others reverse the damage. Ashla wills it!"

The others echoed his final words in a declaration of dedication, and slowly they began to funnel into the dark, cold cavern, traversing into the depths of the unknown in search for answers. Heinrich took point, leading with the light of his lightsaber as a beacon to those that followed. There were many mysteries to be solved deep in the black unknown, but with enough faith and a bit of luck, they could find the source of the cold that had swept across Pho Ph'eah.

 

[Aleem Qel Droma]

ALEEM QEL DROMA​

TAG: Heinrich Faust

Aleem stood at attention, his cape blowing at the mouth of the cave. His face onscured by his Crussder helm and hood. When The Grand Marshall arrived, The Postulant was elated to see him. They exchanged greetings, Aleem bowing his head, and beating his chest with his golden gauntlet. Then the march began.. the candle of Heinrich’s saber leading them on into shadow. The Postulant chanted,
“Ashla Wills It! Ashla Wills It! We will tilt it! We will tilt it! Hip ha hip ha Hoorah! Huzzah!”
The other Crusaders began to carry the chant like a choir, the cave beginning to echo their voices.
It was perhaps not the wisest course to telegraph their location, but there were others using clandestine methods to close in on what may be causing the chill on the planet, and their voices may be like a Lion roaring to lead the Deer to the Lionesses.

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Marcella Fiora

The Cardinal offered smiles to each member of the clergy as they entered the room, his heart warmed by how many of them had chosen to show their support for this crucial endeavor. So many faithful, ready to give all they had to healing this planet. The mysterious source of this calamity was still shrouded in mystery, and if though the methods of the Prime Minister and the others would likely reverse the damage, Pietro would see to it that it would never be able to happen again.

His eyes scanned the room, surveying the area as he mentally prepared for what would soon come to pass. His eyes met those of each individual as he began to speak, his hands stretched outward as if he were embracing the very crowd itself.

"My fellow faithful, we sit on the precipice of a dark day for all of the Pho Ph'eahians. Though the efforts of our people have helped to keep them alive, we must do all we can to push back this unnatural frost, and root out whatever may be causing it."

His hands fell to his sides as he spoke, his voice growing into the fiery tone that he had become so known for.

"Though the day is dark, it cannot last. Not against our combined power. For it is not just one that Ashla uses as a conduit, but many. From the highest ranking members of our clergy..."

His gaze fell upon Marcella for a moment, a calming smile upon his face.

"to those who are not yet known to us."

There had been many new faces within Ashlan Space as of late, and though the Cardinal didn't know them all personally, he was glad to see them all the same. He was one to often look to the future, and understood that such fresh faces would be an integral part of that future.

"Together, we will spread Ashla's warming light across this planet, and together, we will see Pho Ph'eah made whole once again."

His eyes were closed now, his head lowered as he began to start the prayer. Others would soon follow, slowly beginning to fill the room with their chanting as they began to do their best to help reverse the damage done unto the planet.

 

[Marcella Fiora]

S I S T E R⠀ M A R I A N A
OBJECTIVE: Below Zero; Join the Cardinal in Prayer
TAGS: Pietro Demici & Open!

'Not Today'​

As the remainder of the clergy began to pool in around the Cardinal, Mariana remained in prayer until the Cardinal began the

ceremony. As her first formal ceremony within the Papacy, excluding her ordination, nerves were flowing~ though her courage remained resolute.

Eyes now locking onto the Cardinal, the priestess listened attentively to every word he spoke, fascinated by the orator that stood before her; his words were wise and well-spoken with each word carrying meaning and gravitas, she understood why he was such a revered figure.

Moments passed as she listened to the Cardinal; suddenly the pair locked eyes for a moment catching her off-guard, for a moment she became anxiety stricken, though his gentle smile managed to assuage her slightly. In response, she offered a slight smile as if to show she was pleased to be acknowledged.

As the cardinal finished his eloquent speech, Sister Mariana would join him in prayer similarly to the rest of the clergy in attendance; removing her own rosary from her belt and holding it between both hands she would begin her contribution to their collective prayer.

​

 

[Count Tarsus]

TAGS: Marcella Fiora & Pietro Demici
​

Life clings to the most dangerous places, doesn't it? It was a sobering thought to have in this grand galaxy. Tarsus had not heard of this planet before the Cardinal sent out his call, and now that he was reviewing it in the backseat of the small shuttle, he was smiling broadly. Such an inhospitable planet had an entire culture of beings that lived on it, and those people now needed the Crusade more then anything. Recent reports about the core going cold had sent alarms across the sector, and the Ashlan were now here to do what was needed.

The Crusade is here for the people, and the faithful will always help the down-trodden.

However, Tarsus couldn't help but see the numbers near the information on temperature, and shudder just a small amount. Dromund Kaas, the planet he had been tending to for literal decades, was much warmer then this. His younger self would see this as a wonderful adventure, filled with fraught and peril, but now his older bones were crying out in anticipation. His movements would be sluggish in this weather, and he would need to call upon Ashla for assistance. His physical form was definitely not as strong as it once was, and he would need every bit of help in the coming few hours.

Once the shuttle set down on the surface, Tarsus stepped off and immediately regretted his decision. He would never say no to the Cardinal, the both of them being far-off acquaintances for some time. Doing so would be a slap to the face to the literal head of the Papacy, and Tarsus could never abide by that. It would be ill-advised to refuse such a call for assistance, though the frigid wind that was now striking Tarsus was making that harder and harder to remember.

Thanking the guards for assistance from the shuttle ramp, Tarsus made his way towards the small center that the clergy were supposed to be gathering at. Not one to walk without talking, Tarsus chatted with the guards assisting him through the snow and wind, thanking them for their helpfulness and blessing them as he smiled. His thoughts settled on the Cardinal himself, who he was about to see for the first time since the election.

That was a hard time for Tarsus. He had not been nominated, and had instead endorsed Pietro to all that asked him. He never publicly came out for Pietro, the idea of holding off being a political move he remembered from his childhood. The most contentious part of this was that Pietro probably knew why Tarsus was not publicly endorsing him, as the both of them were raised in similar ways. Nonetheless, Tarsus would be at the beck and call of the Cardinal, and would provide assistance anywhere he was needed.

Once Tarsus arrived to the meeting room, he slowly made his way inside, prayer's having already been started. Blast his old, creaky legs. If he had moved with more purpose, he would've arrived before the prayers had started. Taking a spot in the back towards lesser members of the clergy, Tarsus gave a few nods to those that noticed him, and then locked eyes on where the Cardinal was in all of this. He would need to speak with him later of course, but for now, he was content with healing this planet of whatever darkness was ruining it all.

Joining in with his warm voice, Tarsus began pushing whatever power he could towards healing this planet. Whatever was here would need to be washed away, and only the Light of Ashla could do so.

 

[Zolasha Tyrin]

Below Zero

​

Equipment: In Bio
Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana

Confusion was worn over the face of Zolasha, as she poked at her console, trying to work out the letters and numbers that came back to her. Her goddess had asked her to come here, ensure the device was working, though technology was not a strong suit of the princess. It never had been, aside from that of biology, and a few hard sourced sciences. But right now on the bridge of this ship, she had her brain racked as she looked over the data, before she remembered that she could change the language on such devices, and immediately switched it from basic.

Which made things so much clearer. Her speaking ability had improved, certainly, but her reading abilities were a struggle to say the least. She looked back to the one called Isla, the friend of her beloved goddess, and read back what she had thought of the device. "It is functional, friend Isla, though I must warn you of the danger we are in if using the device too closely." She wasn't sure if she needed to inform the woman of the obvious, or if it was going to be asked of her regardless. Well, anyways, Zolasha had stated her information, and began to work on fixing her dress. It was one of the nicer garments she had been given, though she felt Hanaya Enzar was messing with her. The fabric was soft as silk, and was a bright pink color, with a skirt that halted at her knees, and a blouse that cut off at her shoulders. She felt silly, yet, Hanaya had insisted it made her cute.

Only time would tell if this was a prank, or her goddesses wisdom in action; Zolasha still wasn't sure which was which.

 

[Elysium Dusk]

Beleiver​

Tags: Open

---

Boot falls continued through the streets sticking to the main pathways at first. Her eyes noted a few frozen corpses along the streets as she passed though them. The homeless and unfortunate who had been exposed to the frozen hell of this world to long. When her business was finished, she would give those who bodies proper burials. The dead deserved to be buried, even the most unfortunate of all kind were owed that dignity. Still her mission came first, and she would finish her call first.

She turned off the main streets and started down a dark alleyway and the temperature seemed to drop another ten degrees or so as she did. As she moved down the ally, she could feel eyes on her from up above, but Elysium kept her cool. She knew blasters where being drawn on her as she moved closer to her destination. She closed her eyes and reached out with the force, where she could feel around fifteen eyes upon her. The force stretched out and she could feel the tension and fear in their hearts.

Then she stopped about halfway down the Ally and scanned around the area. Her eyes covered by her goggles landed on a doorway unlike the other two doorways nearby this one was thawed out and if you looked closely enough at the very edges around the door you could see the hot air slowly leaking out hitting the cold air. Small lines of swirling steam all around the edges but only the keenest of eyes would have noticed it. She still continued to stand there just eying the door out of the corner of her eye, she was in deep thought as she knew as soon as she moved towards that door those weapons would fire upon her.

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Marcella Fiora , Count Tarsus

As the others joined in the Cardinal in prayer, others quietly funneled into the room, taking positions within the crowd as they added their energy to those already partaking in the ritual. Pietro could feel the familiar presence of Tarsus as he entered the room, though he wouldn't allow it to break his concentration. He was simply glad to see such high ranking members of the clergy present, as such a show of faith would bring greater assistance to this holy endeavor. With their combined efforts, the Cardinal believed that they could push back this mysterious malady of cold.

His chanting continued, and his mind began to flow freely through the empyrean as he opened himself up to Ashla's unending Light. Visions began to swirl in his mind; images of both past and present events. The near-destruction of Tython, the Crusade's bloody fight for the planet of Ninn, and countless other instances of the clash between the Light and the Darkness. Then, somewhere deep within the depths of the Force... a black void began to stir. It started off faint, at first, not more than a whisper from the shadows. Yet, as the Cardinal continued to open his mind to the world around him, the whispers slowly grew into a choir of its own, a cacophonous howl of the damned souls torn asunder by the minions of the Bogan.

"Something stirs... do you feel it my brethren? Do not let it take hold within your hearts. Ashla's warmth will keep us safe."

Pietro could feel the cold, withered touch of the Bogan attempting to weasel its tendrils into his mind, like a slithering creature seeking entrance through a crack in a wall. He knew not the source of this darkness, but would remain steadfast all the same. Whatever it was, it certainly had some part to play in all of this, though what that part was remained shrouded in mystery.

 

[Aleem Qel Droma]

ALEEM QEL DROMA​

TAGS: Open

Aleem continued into the dark, the troops marching on as he stopped at an offshoot. Igniting his yellow jasper blade, he stepped into the cavern, and saw water swirling, he took a step, his legs submerging, and then the water swirled in great rings and wrath, pulling him under into the white light. The chill of the cold water got slightly water as he sunk to the bottom.
Was this one of Geo Thermal Springs, still at work and fighting the freeze.
Aleem saw his saber hilt and grabbed it, the blade snuffed out. He swam as more light from somewhere called him further.
By duty he should rejoin his unit, but the fact some heat still remained, not fully chilled, made him inclined to press on. Perhaps it was a clue to why the planet was dying.
Aleem kept kicking, and searching, great crimson stalks of seaweed floated about like underwater trees and veins. Aleem touched one, and then rose to an opening, and took a breath. There was that cold from before, and so he dove once more, and looked among the blood weeds, where they part of geo eco-system?

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Tags: Aleem Qel Droma

The Crusaders pushed onward, into the cold, dark caverns of Pho Ph'eah, carrying all of the bravado and confidence of their faith. As they continued to sojourn forth, the cave began to break off into several offshoots, prompting several Crusaders to split into smaller groups, each hoping to find the source of whatever was causing the frost. Heinrich had ensured that most of them would stick together, and that those within the smaller groups had maintained communication. Despite these efforts, their comms seemed to be getting more filled with static the further they descended, conjuring a bit of apprehension within the Grand Marshal.

"This doesn't bode well..."

He turned toward the Sons of Ession, the brave and faithful veteran warriors of his homeworld that would give anything for their people. With a single look from the Grand Marshal, they sprung into action, setting up a makeshift camp within the cavern corridor. Their extensive experience in the field made them quite the independent fighting force, able to understand whatever the situation required of them. They would do what they could to boost communications and cover the exit, and Ashla willing, keep those that journeyed deeper into the cave alive.

"The rest of you, with me."

The march continued, and Heinrich eventually found himself as another fork in the cavern. Reaching out through the empyrean, he sought an answer as to which direction to take... yet, no answer came. Perhaps something was blocking his thoughts, or perhaps it was his own indecision. Whatever the situation... there was only one way to find out.

"I'll scout the passage on the right, the rest of you, take the left. We will rendezvous back here."

He took a few steps forward as he spoke.

"Keep comms open. Soon we'll fi-"

The ground beneath him began to give way, and Heinrich soon found himself falling into another chamber below. If he didn't do something soon... he would likely fall to his death. Calling out to Ashla, he pushed forth with all his might, managing to soften his landing just enough to avoid sustaining any serious damage. Immediately summoning his lightsaber to his hand, the Grand Marshal ignited its blade, the only source of light that he now had. He quickly reached for his commlink, attempting to contact anyone that could potentially hear him.

<<Grand Marshal Faust to FOC, come in. Anyone read me?>>

No answer.

Heinrich cursed under his breath. His men would likely need more time before getting the comms back online, time that they didn't have. As Heinrich looked around the cavern chamber, he discovered another small path leading downward.

"Well... it looks like I have little choice."

He began to journey on, following the darkness of the cave into the great unknown, and whatever mysteries awaited him therein.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

and

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Location: In space aboard Ashlan Military Support Vessel Adaren
Objective:

• 1. Bore into planet, reignite core
• 3. Help manage relief efforts

Tags: Zolasha Tyrin also OPEN

Spoiler: Isla's Personal Gear

Admiral's Sabre
Ashlan Rosary
Kaldrweave military uniform
Personal guard of Ashlan Praetorian droids
Overseer Biochip OPBC-01a
Diamond snowflake necklade

Personal Diplomatic Transport -
Bucephalus Class Fast Diplomat

"It is functional, friend Isla, though I must warn you of the danger we are in if using the device too closely."

"Aknowledged, thank you. Helm, please monitor our attitude and ensure our distance is sufficient."

She breathed calmly and pondered for a moment before giving the order to proceed. A beam of energy lanced downward toward the planet and she could see the local clouds in the spread out in a ripple as a portion of the energy dissipated into the atmosphere before the beam slammed into the ground. This was the dangerous moment, it was predicted their would be a short ranged electromagnetic pulse on impact but their were no electrical within range.

"Princess Tyrin, it appears your weapon works and hasn't vaporised the planet, how are the readings looking?"

She looked at the woman as she seemed to struggle with the hemline of her pink dress. It was a pretty dress, but quite striking and different to previous outfits she had seen the woman wearing. "Are you doing OK over there?" she asked in a friendly way that also enquired whether her distraction would be a problem.

The lights on the science vessel dimmed for a few seconds aboard the Adaren as the engineering team managed the power flow rates from the demanding weapon. Down below, the beam, only a couple of metres wide turned the air within a dozen metres to plasma causing quite the spectacle. Layer by layer the energy weapon began cutting into the planet, turning thousands upon thousands of tons of solid rock into an energetic slag in mere seconds. The aim was to tunnel to the interface between the solid inner core and the above mantle that should normally be semi-solid. Beams of energy could then be directed at the core causing it to heat up and re-melt the above layers through convection. This was the plan anyway.

"Our shuttles are now landing at the fishing town Admiral, they are reporting significant disturbance from the local populous, request permission to deploy Sister's of Ashla." Returned the support ship captain. Her orders were to only deploy the Sister's if the humanitarian units were struggling to cope. She had concerns that this Captain was acting too hastily, she may need to review his performance if he is unable to make these decisions appropriately himself.

"Captain, you may deploy the Sisters, but only in a secondary support role, the people are scared and may be panicking. This is a humanitarian mission, I will not have put forces out into a position where they are perceived as aggressors. Thank you." The tone in her voice was that of frustration, having to micromanage the Fourth Fleet whilst dealing with a potentially dangerous scientific mission. "How is our progress Zolasha Tyrin ?"

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