Open Event An End to the Killik Threat

[Harald av Svendsen]

"Very good. You're a fast learner." (@Wills) Harald smirked back to his padawan in turn. Looking around, it looks like they assembled a big host of Jedi to take the war into the Killik nests so that they can be vanquished for good. This should have been done a long time ago. Hopefully the Killiks have been complacent in not building more and more defenses.

After hearing Vanya's speech, Harald was ready to go. Now they are where the Jedi host splits, either into the small mound or the big mound. The big mound would most likely have more bugs investing it, so Harald is inclined to support that effort. (@Wills) "Johanes, lets support the team going into the large mound." he said, figuring that would be a good way forward for them. With that Harald would move forward to form up with the others going into the large mound.


@Altaris @Narzen @Wit

Spoiler: ooc

dialogue, dialogue, dialogue, and big mound

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra gave a nod when Vanya (@Phoenix )said it was good to see him. He wasn’t one for sentiments, but he did appreciate Vanya. His icy gaze briefly lingered on hers before he spoke again, “I’ll go to the main mound. The small mound group will be fine under your leadership,” He said before he looked over at Natalie (@TheDudeMike ) when she walked over and addressed him. He studied her for a moment before he spoke as if he didn’t hear her whatsoever, “I have canisters of a solution I’ve created,” He said as his gaze flicked back over to Vanya, “Use them sparingly. Each one has five sprays and if you blast them directly towards their mandibles it will temporarily disjoin them and perhaps even make the hordes consider them a threat to cause them to attack one another,” He shrugged. He hadn’t had the chance to test this live. He handed a can to Vanya and another Natalie, not having enough for everyone.

“We’ll keep in touch,” Ezra said before his gaze finally set back on Natalie. He gave her a wink and purposely gave her a light shoulder check while striding right past her to join the other group without a second look.

He spotted Ferrin (@Altaris )immediately, jutting his chin in greeting, “Long time, you miserable shit,” He said, his voice betraying the smirk behind the mask. He handed him one of the canisters along with Alhazred (@Narzen )and explained the same thing he did to the other group.

Ezra went first within the large mound, a noticeably uncharacteristic decision from what Ferrin would have seen from him in the past. He hunched slightly to walk down the incline, relying on his sensitive ears to listen for noises.

 

[Tycho Denarii]

Tycho dipped his head encouragingly toward Vanya (@Phoenix ) as she gave a speech to rally the strike team before following her off the ship, his eyes sweeping over the Killik mounds with a frown pulling at the corners of his mouth. He knew that their forces were engaged with the Killiks to try and draw them from their nests, could feel the fighting in the distance if he reached out, but the unsettling darkness that emanated up from underground promised that finding the Queen would not be an easy task. He turned and blinked as he caught sight of Master Ezra (@Sreeya) making his entrance, a low whistle of appreciation at the smooth slide to the ground as well as the sleek shuttle that had been his ride. Nodding at the man's proposal, the Ossein Knight looked around as the groups formed and made his decision.

"I'll go with the small mound team; hopefully we'll all meet in the middle to take down the Queen."

Walking up to the smaller mound cautiously, Tycho stuck his head into the opening and peered down at the slide leading down into the hive. Turning back toward Vanya, Natalie (@TheDudeMike) and the Zabrak padawan (@Scoobert) he drew his lightsaber and held it unlit at his side. "I'll take point if that's alright with you all?" On receiving a nod, Tycho gave one last look up to the stars and murmured, "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me and definitely not with the creepy bugs," before taking the plunge and sliding down into the depths of the hive, his cloak flapping behind him as he held himself steady and upright with the Force.

Spoiler: DM Notes

Joining the small mound team and then taking the slide down down to Killik Town.

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

"Sure." Big mound it is; Johan followed Harald (@The Good Doctor) to join the others, unlit lightsaber in hand. He shuddered at going in there; the middle of infestation central. The thought alone was enough to make his stomach churn. Human-sized bugs... Regular crawlies were bad enough, never mind the extra size and the weird pheromones that messed with your brain.

At least there would be a little more space than in the smaller ones. Imagine hugging those putrid walls, plagued by the Killik's eggs— it sounded like a truly cruel fate. Sorrows and prayers to all the Jedi who had to deal with that... Not him though! As he failed to realise, there would probably be even more bugs trying to kill, or worse, Join him in the main mound.

@Altaris @Narzen @Wit @Sreeya

Spoiler: OOC

The main/big mound

 

[Theia Durand]

Theia immediately kicked herself for not thinking of it, Ezra always had the good ideas and mentally noted taking her own ship next time. However, she was glad to see him and the unease of battle seemed to feel lighter; seeing many faces she knew in the midst of something that can change the galaxy forever gave a sense of unity and oneness. The young padawan's mind clicked to this feeling and somehow, understanding what it meant to be a jedi seemed clearer.

She listened carefully from Ezra, Vanya, and the others, deciding their plan of action to better handle the Killiks and get to their queen. There would be no doubt the creatures would do everything in their power to see them all eradicated even if it meant to destroy themselves for their Queen. Hopefully this would give them the advantage, acting on passion and emotion lead to mistakes and poor oversight to what was really happening. Theia clutched the hilt of her blade, remembering and trusting all she had learned to lead her to this point and forward. "I will go with the main mound team." she stated and followed beside Ezra and the others.

Spoiler: tl;dr

Theia goes with Team Maim Mound

 

[Mako Krim]

Mako stepped out of the shuttle, light booted steps on the dirt of an unfamiliar world. The Killik mounds rose ahead of the Jedi strike team and he glanced up at the largest one for a moment. Cold. Darkness. This was not a place of the Light.

The Jedi deliberated, splitting quickly into teams to hopefully split the enemy forces. Mako pursed his lip. In the darkness of the Killik hive...

"Well, into the thick of it." Mako said quietly to himself before speaking up. "The big mound it is." He said as he unclipped his saber, humming to himself gently for a moment.

He quit his humming as he stepped forwards and started walking towards the entrance to the big mound with quiet steps. His eyes and senses scanned the surroundings, looking for hidden sentries, some sort of alert mechanism, or any manner of strange Killik traps.

Spoiler: DM notes

1. Team Big Mound.
2. Quietly approaches the entrance with saber drawn but not lit.
3. Looks for sentries, alarms, or traps.

 

[Kaedan]

Kaedan was the type of person who wanted a better galaxy. He strived hard to become a Jedi Knight and he figured that his mindset was something that was shared across board with his peers. In a better galaxy, people could have peace and live without fear of invasions and planetary devastations. He was always willing to step up and answer the call to help out. With the new look at how the Jedi may do things, he wasn't sure where he stood but he did prefer to act instead of waiting for permission to act.

He was among many other Jedi including fellow padawans, knights and even masters. They were going to be a strike force to end the Killik's threat once and for all. While it was technically a preemptive strike on the hive, it also was a defensive strike to stop their invasion altogether. Also, bugs ew. What a good time to have a blaster to keep distance while taking out a bug. Well, at least he had his lightsaber and he would do his best to protect himself while they went after the mounds.

Once they had all arrived, many spoke up and gave each other inspiration before Jedi Master Ezra asked if that was everyone and informed everyone that alerting one mound would alert them all which was probably to be expected with such creatures. His idea was that they split into groups and simultaneously attacked all the mounds. Kaiden nodded and took a breath. He was nervous but he wasn't that afraid. He didn't have much to fear since he was surrounded by fine capable Jedi of the order. He got up, ready to take on the task at hand. "I too will join the main mound team." He said before looking over to Natalie @TheDudeMike. "Good luck over there."
@Sreeya @GABA @Arcangel @Wills @The Good Doctor

 

[Akari Moriko]

Since, for some unknown reason, A'kari's writer was thrown off by @TheDudeMike's placement of @Natalie Hope upon the battlefield(Thanks bro. ), the landing portion of her is pretty much played out with the exception of her placement as she descended the gangplank and the order in which she did. Stepping upon the surface of Rago, she took in not only the sight that was Rago, but she felt the vibrant Force as it swelled around them. As O's wings flapped in place upon her shoulder, she chuckled.

A'kari was a person with a unorthodox thought pattern and outlook upon the world around, almost child like and truly innocent in their intents. But, like with all personas, there was a systematic upholding on the other side of the coin. Her chipper attitude still realized the reality of existence. Likely more than most, as despite her merriment in life, she had walked a hard one. And yet, it was why she was the way she was.

Now she was presented a choice by the one who had taken command. Having lowered the hood of her garments and let her antlers spread out into the open, her ears perked up as she took in the options and weighed them upon her mind. Gazing at the main mound, she knew that it would likely be a harder task and few had chosen to walk it's path. Feeling the Force's call, she knew her choice was simple.

"I'm taking the main mound." She offered up aloud, stepping next to the group that chose to handle the main mound. "I can feel its call in the Force, like a warm sensation upon the skin."

And so her choice had been made. As Ferrin, Alhazred, and Rain headed off toward it. Quickly catching up, she heard a question arise. It was something she was wondering herself. A’kari was walking the path of the Jedi Shadow, a specialized path of the Jedi Sentinel, and her focus had always been one combating the Darkside, so her field experience was limited. In truth, she was mostly a Connoisseur of Knowledge, opting to stay at the Temple Library for most of her life. She actually had a room near it and access to it 24/7. She could use the guidance of another who was more experienced in the field.

Still, she offered up her thoughts. "I'm curious as well. We can't just wing it."

Tag: @Altaris @Narzen @Wit @Sreeya @GABA @Arcangel @StephDLegend

 

[Perun]

Perun, his white fur slightly ruffled by the planet's breeze and golden eyes reflecting the mounds' ominous shadows, stood amidst the Jedi, his stature imposing yet imbued with a relaxed demeanor. His gaze swept over the gathered strike teams, a playful smirk tugging at his lips, the atmosphere thick with a blend of anticipation and underlying trepidation.

The Ma'alkerrite Jedi Master found himself drawn to the small mounds. He relished the challenge they presented, knowing well that their confined spaces and unpredictable paths would demand agility and cunning - qualities he possessed in abundance. Perun's keen senses, honed through years of navigating the treacherous politics of the galaxy as much as its physical dangers, were alert to the subtlest shifts in the air, the faintest scents of the alien world, and the distant echoes of conflict.

He grasped the hilt of his dual-phase interlocking lightsabers, their presence a comforting weight at his side. "Well, it seems the small mounds beckon," he declared, his voice resonating with a confidence that belied the gravity of their mission. "A more intimate rendezvous with our chitinous adversaries, I suppose. I do prefer a more personal touch in my duels."

With the grace of a predator and the light-footedness characteristic of his species, Perun approached the smaller mounds. His golden eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the slide-like structures leading into the darkness. "Shall we descend into the heart of darkness, my friends? After all, what's an adventure without a little mystery and a dash of peril?" His tone, though lighthearted and tinged with his customary sass, carried an undercurrent of steely resolve.

As he prepared to take the plunge, Perun's mind was a whirl of strategic calculations and Force-intuition, ready to face whatever lay in the shadowy depths below.

OOC: Perun joins team small mounts.

 

[Zana Ryks]

Zana nodded along in agreement with Nat. It had been far too long and this wasn't exactly the kind of reunion they'd been fixing for, but it was the only one they had and thus she would be grateful for.

Between everything else said and the division being somewhat lopsided, it made her decision rather easy. The Togruta would join Nat and the others on the slide down the smaller mound and with any luck they'd do so with a sense of stealth.

Spoiler: text

Team small mound

 

[Vanya]

Team Big Mound​

The tunnel that led down into the largest of the mounds seemed to provide a feeling of relative security as the Jedi strike team advanced. Sure, they were going down the largest thoroughfare in order to get to the heart of the hive and that meant their odds of running into danger was higher, but they also had an easy exit behind them.

The slope downward would continue for a few hundred yards before they exited into the first, large room, and this was where things began to become... problematic.

The Killik nest was largely underground, and they seemed to have reached one of the first large interchanges. A place that would normally be swarming with Killiks if it weren't for the fact that the hive was nearly emptied.

To the left was a route that appeared to descend further and the sound of bustling could be heard. A closer look would reveal to them that the path was laden with tracks that led that direction, no doubt leading to the bugs that had left them.

The other path to the right looked less lit and less trodden, but even from here the Jedi would be able to tell that it still led deeper into the hive, though what they would find that way was ominous and difficult to determine.

They would have an option of which way to pursue their objective or be allowed to split their group again in order to better pursue the Queen.

@The Good Doctor @Wills @Altaris @GABA @Narzen @Wit @StephDLegend @Mythos @Arcangel

Team Small Mound​

Team Small Mound seemed to be the small team as well. Only a handful of people had chosen to go this direction including the late comer who had markings of a Dathomirian male, something that caught her eye. She had never seen or met him before, but perhaps he was from one of the other clans beholden to the Winged Spirit.

Vanya was glad for Ezra's new invention, holding it up and shaking it slightly as she looked at it. Her mind was already going over the million useful ways they could use that.

Well, that's useful, she said, stuffing it into her belt and being sure she could access it very easily. She had a feeling if this all went to pieces she would need to be on top of it.

Maybe you should come with us, she suggested to Ezra. We're a bit undermanned, she said. His skills could certainly be useful especially if they were about to descend straight into the heart of the hive. A smaller team that packed more of a punch might be in their best interest. There was a serious argument that their team was going to have an uphill battle (no pun intended) as they made their way to descend into the bowels of the hive.

A slope of dirt led down into the nest, dumping them out the bottom in a way that could easily be called "unceremonious." A quick glance around revealed that they were, indeed, deep within the hive now with no real way of retreat.

It was eerily quiet and the sensation of the weight of the dirt and stone over their heads was almost oppressive.

For them, the horror would begin even quicker.

They would come on a room that was packed with people. People packed into some sort of pod-like vesicles filled with a familiar goo-like liquid. Some of them were unconscious and others still looked to be very much alive, awake, and in some measure of horror. Wide eyes and looks of panic were scattered throughout the room, almost pleading to be let out and banging against the... clear walls (if you could even really call it that) of the pods.

And so they arrived at their first decision: press on past the strange captives or free them and risk whatever consequences may come from possibly Joined people entering their ranks.

@Rom @Phoenix @Scoobert @TheDudeMike @Sreeya @Aberforth @Xorism

 

[Alhazred]

TEAM BIG MOUND​

Being surrounded by so many better trained Jedi soothed Alhazred's nerves if only but a little. While it wasn't secret, it was a lesser-known fact that Alhazred himself had a mild case of what his people called, Subterraphobia. There was something wrong about not being able to see the stars, and to be possibly be buried alive. Most of the time, Alhazred could avoid such things by avoiding caves and the life, but here, having to be in the dark tunnels of a Killik nest, Alhazred had to rely on the distractions of his fellow Jedi.

When it came to the divergence of paths, Alhazred had a thought.

"Hmmm...a pause my friends...after all, we have access to senses better than our eyes and ears"

Closing his eyes, he began to move his hands around like a director of an orchestra without a batan. Often times when utilizing sign casting, people described him as a orchestra director, and it made sense. Whenever he used the Force, he claimed he could 'hear' the music of it. When using sign casting, he was either adjusting the music around him, or causing his own paticular tune to resonate with the song around him in certain ways

The Killiks, like all life, made a unique song. Each individual node played their own instrument, but they were unified into one steady beat that was impossible for any self-actualized sentient. It was rather beautiful, if it wasn't so scary that that the bugs could implement a similar thinking into helpless victim's over a period of time.

But the fact was that there was one governing voice of the entire choir of the Killiks. One director, one overwhelming commander, one, as the others called it, brain. Alhazred was simply trying to tap into his Force Sense to determine where that particular voice was coming from.

Sadly, such a task was impossible for Alhazred. Not only was he but a padawan, and still needed practice, but he had no access to the hive mind of the Killiks. He couldn't be certain of his results, he could only make educated guesses.

"I believe there is something of value down our starboard path..."Alhazred stated, eyes still closed. "... like the thumping of a beating heart, or the clicking of mandibles. But I'm unable to locate the voice of the Queen. Perhaps someone more experienced than I might have better fortunes?"

@The Good Doctor @Wills @Altaris @GABA @Wit @StephDLegend @Mythos @Arcangel

 

[Perun]

TEAM SMALL MOUND

In the dim, unsettling ambiance of the Killik nest, Perun surveyed his companions with a discerning eye. Each Jedi, a unique mélange of strengths and potential vulnerabilities, presented a different element to the equation they now faced.

Tycho, an Ossein Knight, emanated a quiet confidence, his posture and mannerisms suggesting an underlying readiness for the unforeseen. Vanya, their leader, displayed a calmness under pressure, her eyes betraying a strategic mind at work. Drexus, the Zabrak Padawan, stood tall and eager, his youthful energy palpable even in the stifling air of the hive.

Natalie, though small in stature, held a presence that spoke volumes of her inner strength and resolve. Ezra, the only one Perun had previously collaborated with, maintained his usual composed and analytical demeanor, an asset in this labyrinth of uncertainty. Lastly, Zana, a Togruta whose keen senses might prove invaluable in navigating the hive's depths.

As Perun's gaze shifted to the room packed with captive people, his mind wrestled with the dilemma they faced. The sight of the pods, filled with goo and the horrified faces of potential victims, was a stark reminder of the stakes at play.

To press on meant possibly abandoning innocent lives, a decision that weighed heavily on his conscience. Yet, the mission's primary goal was to eliminate the Killik threat at its source. Freeing the captives posed its own risks. Were they Joined? Could they turn on the strike team, adding chaos to an already perilous situation?

Perun's instincts leaned towards action. "We should free them," he proposed, his voice steady yet tinged with concern. "Every moment we delay, their suffering continues. However, we must be cautious. If any are Joined, they could endanger our mission. We'll need a contingency plan."

He looked at his team, his golden eyes reflecting both the gravity of their situation and the unwavering resolve of a Jedi Master. "Let's prepare ourselves for any reaction, but remember, compassion is the essence of the Jedi way. We came to eradicate a threat, not to overlook those who have fallen victim to it." His words, a blend of strategic prudence and moral imperative, underscored the dual nature of their mission: to fight, yes, but also to protect.

OOC: Perun suggests freeing the captives.
@Rom @Phoenix @Scoobert @TheDudeMike @Sreeya @Aberforth @Xorism

 

[Natalie Hope]

Talking to Mr. Jawline (@Sreeya ) was something she could handle for the most part, but him handing her a literal can of whoop-ass? Natalie took the canister, her hazel eyes shifting between it and Ezra. Where was the quip? The snark? Two realizations hit her when none came; the first was that her jaw was hanging slightly open- something that she corrected real quick and in a hurry. The second was that they were in for some shit if Ezra wasn't sassing her to hell and back. Just like that time on that one planet she had forgotten the name of. She gave him a nod.

And then this asshole winked. Natalie's jaw once against hung open, this time with some extra burning in her cheeks while she got lightly checked aside by his shoulder. Just close enough to notice he was using the same cologne as before. Things she would do to that ma- NATALIE! BUGS! FOCUS! Damn it!

Natalie secured the canister on her belt at her right hip, turning toward Vanya (@Phoenix ) and following her. There were so many voices going at once it was hard to keep track of who was who and who was saying what. Did Vanya suggest Mr. Jawline come with them? Didn't matter. Time for some bug squashing. Natalie followed Vanya down the slide, the point of no return, only to end up much as she had in previous missions: on her ass and only slightly regretting her life choices.

Of course it wasn't the claustrophobia that was the problem. Oh no. It was that much like Molly and her closet of goo jars, the killiks had managed to gross her out within seconds. Rows of pods filled with same kind of goo filled the room, but this time there were people in them. Natalie instinctively grabbed her lightsaber with her right hand, keeping it unlit for now. Her hazel eyes were hardened, despite her stomach doing acrobatics at the sight. They fixed on MonkeyMan (@Aberforth ) for a moment, then back on the pods.

"Freeing them now means we'll have to take care of them for the remainder of the battle," Natalie said bluntly. She wanted nothing more than to free the people, it just didn't make any tactical sense to do it now. "And if some are joined, we'll then have enemies to our backs and our fronts, having to fight on their terms. We're already outnumbered as is, and they seem to be stable for the most part. We could come back for them."

Spoiler: TL;DR

• Nat spends 2 paragraphs bluescreening
• Slides down into small mound
• Votes that they continue with the mission but come back

 

[Tycho Denarii]

When he'd reached the base of the slide and saw the pods lining the wall the Ossein Jedi had immediately moved forward to examine them, pressing his gloved hand against the clear surface of the pod and trying to project calm to the woman crying inside. Looking back over his shoulder at Master Perun and Natalie he frowned, trying to weigh the pros and cons. It made him feel sick to his core to leave these people waiting in the pods, especially those who were awake and struggling to escape. Tycho had admittedly not dealt with very many Joiners, he didn't know how the process worked or could be reversed, but he could feel the fear rolling off of them in waves... but the risk of one being Joined and betraying the strike force to the Queen could endanger the Galaxy itself."

"What if we freed them from the pods and use the Force to lull them to sleep or stun them?" He quietly suggested, looking between the other Jedi. "Move them to the entry, with the battle happening it's not likely to see traffic and we can get them onto the shuttle on our way out?" He looked toward the people struggling within the pods and frowned, "We can't risk the mission, but it doesn't feel right leaving them trapped."

Spoiler: Actions

1. Suggest freeing and knock the captives unconscious so they're not stuck in the Joiner goo but are also unable to betray the mission.

 

[Akari Moriko]

Team Main Mound

A'kari's words either went unnoticed or had yet to be acknowledged by the time she had trodden most of the way down into the larger, main, tunnel where the first large interm chamber presented its self. Gazing into the darkened realm as her eyes adjusted to its blackened veil, her ears outstretching backwards against her hair in caution, A'kari let out a sigh of relief as it came into full view.

"Empty." She spoke aloud to herself as she stepped beside @Alhazred and gave his moment of requested respite after hearing his words. It was true that they held a certain affinity for forces better than sound and sight, but many things could easily just as seduce them as much as their original senses. She wasn't one to trust entirely even if she came off overtly as such.

Still, it was worth a shot nonetheless. Much like during her training as a Padawan, she let her mind flow upon the Force like that of a Sakura pedal upon a somber brook that flowed across years of eroded debris. It was a simple exploration of the ripples that would drip upon its surface, attempting to discern and divining its path just before it rolled down the hastening stream. And yet, the darkness than had came upon Rago seemed to cloud much of the path like thickened algea.

Opening her eyes, she looked the turbened fellow to her right as he suggested the path that seemed less trodden and was as ominous as the path she could physically see. But her gaze fell upon the left, the silenced bustling of life piercing the blackened veil that enveloped their natural sight. She didn't believe the group should split up so early on, as more options would inevitably be weighed. But on the off hand that her thoughts were right, the left path that held life likely brought the scurrying of the Queen in which they sought.

"This is usually the part of the horror holovid where the group splits into two teams shortly before everyone begins to perish one by one." She jokingly pointed out amidst the enveloped darkness. "Usually, I would protest such actions, likely under the guise that I wouldn't want to die..." She paused briefly, searching her words, and then continued. "However, the left path calls me to investigate. It carries the sounds of life, which could mean the Queen."

Turning her gaze to the group, she pondered their thoughts upon the first of split decisions even if it became one she would inevitably walk alone.

Tag: @Narzen @The Good Doctor @Altaris @Wills @GABA @Wit @Arcangel @StephDLegend​

 

[Theia Durand]

Team Big Mound

Theia thought it was odd with how clear their path has been deeper into the mound, but at the same time, it wasn't as odd as she thought it was. If they were determined to protect their queen it made sense to form up and strengthen their lines especially if they had underestimated the strength of the Jedi. The group came to a fork; Theia thought they should have seen more by now with the depth of the tunnel systems by the insects. Her eyes followed the tracks and there was a clear distinct sound of the clicks and twirls their ligaments made as they prepared for the jedi to follow them.

However, eyes could be deceiving... could it be coincidence that the worn path made by their bug enemies was where they were drawing the Jedi? Theia's had a feeling, she couldn't put her finger on it quite yet, but it was there. As she listened to the others speak up, the padawan made a decision, "I'll go right, there is something..." she said, her eyes glanced to the right, dark tunnel, "We should split, we're not holo-horror helpless... in case this is a trap to flank us from behind or lead us astray with the tracks." Theia pointed out, feeling less in a mood for jokes and wanting to make sure direction was as clear as it could be.

"I'll go down the right with two others," she paused looking at the group of jedi, she knew she was just a padawan, but thought she was just as capable of making decisions here and hoped a Knight would offer guidance or support in her efforts to keep them moving, "The rest, you guys should head down the left, clear it, and if its a dead end, trace back and follow down the right." Theia took her vibroblade and switched it on, quickly leaving two parallel lines to mark their path- in case things became too much like a maze the further they entered.

@The Good Doctor @Wills @Altaris @GABA @Narzen @Wit @StephDLegend @Mythos @Arcangel @Phoenix

Spoiler: tl;dr

1. Theia chooses the right tunnel
2. Theia gives directions to everyone
3. Theia recommends two others join her and the rest go down the noisy left tunnel
4. Theia makes a mark at the fork in case things get maze-y

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

The Big Mound — As Harald would proceed with the others through the large mound, now firmly going underground. So far so good once the got into the first large chamber, although there are much less Killiks than he was expecting. There weren't any at all. That is odd, since he figured that if this is where the heart of the swarm lies, there would be more bugs. But there aren't.


When Theia declared she would go with, Harald would agree “I’ll go with you.” He would look at his padawan then. “You inclined to come as well Johanes?” He gave the other Sverender the option of going through either lane instead just of dragging him forcefully along.

@GABA @Wills

 

[Mako Krim]

Team Big Mound​

The tunnel delved inwards and down into the mound, a slow descent but a descent nonetheless. Mako found the lack of resistance... Unsettling. Either the Killik were not prepared to receive the Jedi Interlopers, or they were walking into a trap.

His credits were on the later.

As the group came to an intersection, decisions needed to be made. And oh were Jedi good at being indecisive. The left side tunnel was marred with activity, tracks and the echoing chitter and scuttle of insectoids. The right side tunnel however.

Dark, ominous. It looked far from frequently used.

But by what purpose would the queen of a hive mind need frequent visitors? The Killik were all of one mind after all.

Before Mako could make his decision, his mind was made for him as one of the padawans, young Theia Durand, declared her intention. Mako nodded and stepped forwards to join her.

"I will join you on this darker path young one." He said with certainty in his voice. His resolve came into focus as he stared down the dark tunnel. It reminded him of his adventures on Lorrd. Surely there would only be bugs here, not the unquiet souls of the dead and mysterious Sith.

"The light will guide our path." He said as he ignited his purple lightsaber. Snap-hiss. The crisp sound lit the darkness with a light violet hue. And then he stepped forwards into the tunnel.

Spoiler: DM notes

Mako muses.
Mako takes the right hand path.
Mako ignited his saber as a fancy flashlight and holds it aloft as he advanced into the tunnel

Spoiler: Team Right side tunnel

 

[Rain]

TEAM BIG MOUND​

Reaching the intersection, Rain observed both options, feeling an instinctive pull towards the path down the right. But as a padawan, and probably the least experienced Jedi in the group, she knew not to rush to conclusions. She let everyone speak, and soon enough the choice between left and right was made for her. One of the other padawans decided to go right, and two Knights opted to go with her, leaving the remaining jedi to tackle the left over path. The one, coincidentally, towards the left.

"Left it is." She gave a nod to the remaining Jedi and began moving towards the path on the left, stopping by some of the footprints to peer at them while the others started moving. She would spend a few moments observing them, trying to get more than a measure of volume, trying to see if she could figure out what else to expect. Tracks, bigger footprints, drag marks, things of the sort. Once satisfied, she straightened up and began moving, drawing both her blades but keeping them unlit.

Spoiler: tl;dr

Rain picks the left path, she stops to briefly inspect the prints on the floor to look for any bigger prints, or tracks/drag markes before pulling out her blades and moving down the left.