Deeds in the Dark

[Taalong Vorr]

Moraband
- Evening
- The Tomb of Andraste

The hailing screech of the Nightstalker Star Yacht broke the silence in the valley near the Tomb of Andraste. It nestled in a quiet corner of the dark world of Moraband. Though different from Korriban, they were both very similar world. Endless slews of graveyards and tombs that stretched on forever to honor the greatest warriors of the dark side and all their achievements. Battles had been fought there in centuries long past, when the Jedi tyrants oppressed the Sith and all that they were, landing troops en masse to commit acts of genocide at the whim of their Republic.

Those days were long past, but scars remained on such worlds to remember.

The mountains were the main difference between Korriban and Moraband. Korriban was hot and had varying features, but valleys such as the one near the Tomb of Andraste were less common on Moraband. The world was not so entirely isolated that it had nothing, there was still thriving industry there. Factories billowed smokes into the atmosphere, and speeder transports darted the skies near the cities.

Here was a more open, plain spoken place. Easy to understand. Easy to converse in.

As the ship was brought to its landing, Taalong Vorr stood from within and moved to the ramp. His crew were the three soldiers that had accompanied him in the attack. It had happened so quickly and their foe so aimless, they were incapable of dispatching a single one. Taalong Vorr gave as much credit to himself for his own speed as he did the troopers that survived, though they were merely diversionary.

As he stepped off, Taalong Vorr guessed at why he was to meet there. He was no fool. He had carried out the mission he had for a reason, and not entirely likely for the good of the Empire itself. When invasion could be presented to destroy the cult there was likely a reason it was he that was chosen to ensure it was obliterated, especially given his violent reputation.

Still he approached, prepared with his report, to find whomever it was to receive it, marching alone with his troopers still aboard.

@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Tagus]

Darth Tagus awaited the return of Taalong Vorr.

He awaited the return of the Sith Acolyte at the top of the stairs that led to the entrance to the tomb and he watched as the ship touched down. Staring down at the other Sith, Tagus' presence in the Dark Side would saturate the air between the two of them and it would be made abundantly clear that the Sith Lord had achieved greater power since he had sent Taalong to deal with the cult on Lothal.

Staring down at the Acolyte at the bottom of the stairs, Darth Tagus raised a hand to beckon for Taalong to approach before turning and entering the Tomb. He was unhurried, taking an easy pace as he advanced within the stone hall towards the tomb and statue of the Sith Empress Andraste.

"Acolyte Vorr - you return."

That had been the first part of his test; to return alive.

"Was your mission a success?"

And that was the second part of his test; to actually succeed in his mission.

@Morse

 

[Taalong Vorr]

The overwhelming nature of the Sith Lord before him was almost oppressive on the senses of Taalong Vorr, who stared up in the shadow of one that he may well have called 'Master'. Though that was not precisely the lot of a Sith Acolyte, especially him, at that precise moment, it was certainly obvious which of them was in control. Even if it was not visible to any that may have been there to see the two, those that were attuned to the force could perceive far more then what was simply before their eyes. In a way it sent a shudder down the spine of Taalong Vorr, an almost animalistic fear of what could happen as he stared up at the powerful Sith.

It was not the first time that he was left in such a moment, the Sith brought to bear many powerful beings. It had taken some adjustment for Vorr, who had come from a place that tended to prize strength and speed, even cunning and intellect. The Sith could be beings of great supernatural power that had no rhyme or reason.

For this reason he was ever careful with his words amidst his superiors.

Taalong Vorr stopped as he was approached. The Sith Lord had either been expecting him, or had sensed his arrival. Either way he appeared sooner then he was expected. Vorr stood in place staring up at the slow and empowered descent of the Sith Lord before him.

"The Cult." Vorr started, blinking with bright yellow eyes. "is pacified." This was his answer. "Nothing remains of its misguided following on Lothal."

Taalong Vorr had followed his instructions to the letter. The violent bombardment he had let loose from the cannons of his appropriated vessel had been fiery and horrifying, sending dozens flying through the air and burning everything before them. To Vorr it was simply his purpose and he thought nothing of it. But the news on the holonet had reported on the violence as something akin to a massacre without explanation.

 

[Darth Tagus]

The cult was dead.

That was good.

Cults within the Empire sometimes focused on certain aspects of the history of the Empire or the Dark Side and he could understand them on some level. What he could not understand, or accept, was loyalty to the cult above loyalty to the Empire. The Empire was to be the be all and end all for every Sith within the Empire and it could not be otherwise.

Those who stepped over the line needed to be reminded that the line existed in the most violent and final ways possible. Taalong had done his duty in this regard and done it well; something that Tagus would remember.

"Follow me."

Leading the young Sith, Tagus moved into the main hall. Stone pillars held the ceiling up high above them and the centre piece of the whole hall was the tomb. It was carved out of the same stone as the pillars into the likeness of the first Sith Empress. The stone was stained over the face however with dark stains.

They were clearly blood stains.

Standing near the head of the stone sarcophagus, he gestured for Taalong to approach.

"Acolyte Vorr... step closer."

Tagus drew a vibroknife and held it easily in his hand.

"You have proven yourself to the Empire but, perhaps more importantly, you have proven yourself to me. Come forward if you would wish to become my Apprentice."

@Morse

 

[Taalong Vorr]

The Stone Temple that was the Tomb of the Empress was a place of grand reverence, if not some disuse. It was in rather good repair but did not appear entirely trafficked, and likely being utilized for purposes that were not initially meant for it. A ritualistic nature and air was kept about the place, which was not of any great surprise given the fact that the Sith opted for a deep connection to their faith. Loose interpretations to their commitment to the Dark Side were not very well appreciated, and those that sought the darkest depths of the force were usually the most respected... and the most powerful.

It was in this place that one who had sought such was honored, and it was in this place that Taalong Vorr found himself standing now. He had followed the Dark Lord forward into their and had looked down onto the stone face of the woman that was inside of the temple. He did not know what she truly looked like in life, and the stone representations were somewhat dulled and faded. Other species often looked similar to a Kaleesh, and this place was no different to him.

As ordered he stepped forward to the Dark Lord, Tagus. A blade was drawn, but Taalong Vorr did not have fear. The Darth named Tagus suggested that he had proved his worth and could come to be acknowledged as the coveted title of apprentice.

This was both an offered honor, and curse.

Taalong Vorr understood well the ways of the Sith, and recognized fully the difference between he and the prospective master. Taalong Vorr was a violent and aggressive warrior, and this Dark Lord would well know that his spirit was not likely to be calmed to act as a schemer and plotter such as many of the Sith aristocracy.

He would likely be utilized in matters of the grand court of the Sith. He would be a living weapon, sent on missions for the benefit of this master first, and the Sith Empire likely second. Taalong Vorr was not a fool and surmised that the Sith may have had greater designs for him and his uses, and may well have attempted such with others. The Dark Lord was young, nearly have the age of Taalong Vorr. This was not one that would change Vorr's mind.

But this revelation was not new to either of them, and he would know that.

They understood well the arrangement they were offering the other, and Taalong Vorr, a warrior who brought the full wrath of the Sith to its enemies, would have even greater opportunity as an apprentice to Darth Tagus.

"I would accept this." Vorr spoke without joy nor disappointment in his tone, his yellow eyes following the Dark Lord before him.

 

[Darth Tagus]

There was a pause where Taalong seemed to be weighing up his options.

It was something that spoke to the Acolyte's credit. Someone who didn't weigh up the options was either stupid or so arrogantly overconfident that they didn't know to feel some trepidation. Either way, they would not have been a good candidate for apprenticeship, for becoming someone that he would guide and direct through their path to becoming more powerful than they ever had been before.

In the end, after his weighing of the options, Taalong came to the correct conclusion that this was in his best interests. Through this, doors would open for him.

"Good."

He cut his palm open with the vibro knife before casually tossing it for Taalong to take it.

"Now slice open one of your hands and squeeze it into a fist. I want you to feel the blood being squeezed out of your clenched fist, understand?"

Holding his cut hand out as a fist, Tagus began to drip blood onto the stone face of Andraste.

"Repeat after me." he ordered, "By the blood in my body; I shall defend the legacy of Andraste."

@Morse

 

[Taalong Vorr]

A Blooding Ritual. Taalong Vorr was not unfamiliar with these. He had only taken one before, but it involved a cut under his cheek, mimicked by the streak that was engraved and painted upon his mask. It was the mark that bound him to his tribe, in life and in death. He was still a member of that tribe on Kalee though the day would not likely come when he would return. To do so would be dangerous to both himself and his tribe, as their warlike ways still viewed the Sith ways with suspicion, and not something to be embraced such as Taalong Vorr had done.

He held the knife in his hand a moment. He recognized the purpose of this Darth Tagus. Swearing to a higher purpose of the Andraste would appeal to a code of honor that one such as Vorr would possess. It would manipulate him into feeling a part of something greater, and imply grievous consequence should that bond be broken.

In a way though, he had doubt about Tagus' own devotion to this offering of the occult, rather suspected it may be demonstrating a great cleverness on his own to get others to stand with him.

Vorr clenched his fist and his pupil slits thinned, his mouth wincing from the pain, but hidden under the mask of a Kaleesh Warrior.

He held up his hand, demonstrating the bleeding and depth of the wound. Not such that it would not be healed, not so little that it was something that would heal on its own quickly.

"By the blood in my body; I shall defend the legacy of Andraste."

Though the wording of the oath may be specific, Vorr saw it for what it was, another bind to the dark side and the Sith.

@Nefieslab

(Sorry, it didn't notify my there was a post._

 

[Darth Tagus]

Excellent.

Taalong didn't bother hesitating to begin the oath and that was exactly what he was looking for. He was looking for someone who could see how what he was doing would lead him further into the Dark Side and do it regardless. He knew he had chosen correctly with his apprentice so he continued.

"By the blood of my enemies; I shall suffer no enemies to live within the boundaries of the Empire."

No internal enemy would be free from Taalong's sight.

"By the blood of my ancestors; I shall climb to new heights."

He would honor those who came before him without feeling the need to linger on their past glories.

"By my blood I shall rise with strength; to glory and purpose."

The creed of all Sith.

"By my blood I shall serve you, My Master."

And the final vow that would lock Taalong into his service.

@Morse

 

[Taalong Vorr]

With every line Taalong Vorr repeated with a stern duty. It was his duty and his honor to pledge himself further and forward unto the Sith cause. All Acolytes looked to the day they would be able to call themselves an apprentice. It was not a title of subservience, as much as it was an acknowledgement that a Sith was worthy of being taught more then what they had. An Acolyte was offered broad strokes, and had to gain much of their knowledge on their own. It labled them as little more then a baser force user, which while powerful, was not such that they were any more then a match then a dangerous beast.

This had its limits. But an apprenticeship under a Sith Lord... that had weight. Though he would not be the only one, that alone would be enough.

His verse continued.

"By the blood of my enemies; I shall suffer no enemies to live within the boundaries of the Empire."

"By the blood of my ancestors; I shall climb to new heights."

"By my blood I shall rise with strength; to glory and purpose."

"By my blood I shall serve you, My Master."

These words solidified his bond to Darth Tagus, one he would call Master. He would have a bond with any other apprentice. He would be on his path to being a Sith Lord.

@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Tagus]

And that was it.

Taalong Vorr swore himself to Darth Tagus and the blood had been spilled to bind them together. The young Sith was to be his apprentice and that meant that he was going to work with him in the future. Unlike some Sith, Tagus was the kind of Sith who wanted to enable and embolden his subordinates to do better. And one of the ways that people who worked with him could do better was with better equipment.

"The ship you stole from the cult? Keep it." he urged his apprentice, "I will call upon you to deal out death and destruction in my name, and in the name of the Empire, and such a machine shall help you greatly in this type of task."

He nodded once to the other Sith.

"You may go now apprentice. I shall call for you when I have need of you."

/End Thread
@Morse