The Rite of the Long Dead: A Sith Magic theory lesson

[Sierrien]

Turning to follow with the class, Lairiel looked around at the tomb like everyone else seemed to be. It was quite the impressive place, truth be told, if not also rather creepy. Perhaps the level of creepiness actually helped to make it all the more impressive, she mused, before shifting her attention back to the red Master who was teaching them. He had asked for questions, but also cautioned that much would be covered in the duration of the lesson. Despite that, at least one other acolyte had chosen to speak up. His question had her letting out a quiet scoff - not because she thought it was a bad question, but rather because it wasn't something she really had to worry about. When your mind was already lost, what was the harm in it taking a little detour along the way? Who knows, perhaps she might even find a way in all of this sith sorcery to actually make her mind less lost, or at least lost in a more useful way. Still, she had questions of her own, though she would hold most of them for after the lecture. She didn't want to look like an idiot in asking something basic that would obviously be covered.

For now, she only asked one question. "Is it true that the ghosts down here can possess you and take over your body?" Her eyes gave a little shift around; she wasn't sure if what she was asking made her look like an idiot, but she had heard stories and rumours and would like to be prepared for the ghosts as best she could, if those stories were true.

 

[Kaane]

Dawn followed the group into the tomb, coughing slightly as they passed the threshold. The Dark was positively choking in here, physically so to him. It wasn't something he enjoyed in the slightest, nor did he wish to. For him, it was a tool, nothing more...and being surrounded by it, nearly drowning in the massive pool of it within, was not his forte. In fact, why did he even come to this class if he felt so intolerant of the dark at times...knowledge, of course, as he reminded himself often. But there had always been a part of him that wondered what it would be like, how easy it would be to fall back within the confines of the Darkness like he had been so long ago. A forbidden path to one like Dawn...but a tempting one.

So he persevered, listening idly to the two Acolytes who had spoken up. Though one of them sounded slightly more ridiculous than the other, they were both justified. Both Sorcery and the restless spirits that practiced it were highly dangerous. He slipped close to the Acolyte who had asked about the spirits and patted her on the back with a slight smirk, as if it say "nothing to worry about." Something to reassure her confidence for the moment. After all, a lack of resolve was what let the bastards still in these tombs get you. And while most would argue it was a better use for the weak-minded than anything else, to Dawn, it was definitely an unfortunate fate.

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Finally entering the old sacrificial chamber, the Red Sith then gestured for his students to join him around the altar at the top of the stairs within. Next to the altar was a black, opaque cube the size of a full-grown Human male. Seating himself on the ancient stone, Sin'ryk would then address the two question put forth by two Acolytes; both of which were vital to the lesson. First to be answered was the question which essentially focussed on the safe usage of Sith Magic.

"A prudent question, and the answer is one of control; a Sorcerer walks the path as one would walk at near the edge of the cliff...with caution whilst sampling the views. Magic is also like a draught of medicine, in right amounts it would serve you well...but take in more than you can currently handle, and it will consume you. Bear this in mind throughout your studies."

Then came the question of the Ghosts that dwelled within the very stone of Korriban; an aspect of the lesson that was truly important, for it was one that Sin'ryk had witnessed ever since he had joined the Sith Order. Something that he had resisted, having been educated on the matter from childhood. Yes, the ancestors were to be venerated...yet they were also to be treated like fire; they had the potential to both good and harm.

"As to the matter of Spirits, we speak of the external dangers when one pursues the art of Sith Magic. Of course, one cannot always confine their studies to the texts within the Academy; to truly understand it, one must delve into the very source of arcane knowledge...the very Tombs themselves. Throughout history, many of these burial places were excavated...but you would be surprised at how many lie undiscovered. Both kinds of Tomb are dangerous; they contain booby traps, guardian-creatures whilst the undiscovered ones hold artefacts that may in truth be cursed. Yet these are paltry compared to the worst dangers within; the very beings these Tombs were built for. The ghosts of the ancient Sith Lords, whilst holding knowledge and power, offer it in the hopes of tempting the weak...I've held the grim duty of putting down any Sith unfortunate enough to have their souls ripped out and replaced with the essence of a Sith Lord determined to remake the old Empire. Yes, take what you can from a Spirit...but know that is a dangerous game you play. See for yourself what becomes of those who lose."

Turning towards the black cube, Sin'ryk gave a wave of his hand. In an instant, the black object faded into a black smoke followed the Red Sith's hand, as though the Arcanist had created a wind that blew the object asunder. As the otherworldly smoke blew away, a figure raced through it; only to be jerked back by a chain that held it fast. The figure was Human, young and was handsome...or he had been once. His flesh, tainted by the ghost's corruption, was now wrinkled and deathly white; his eyes blood-red, his robes ragged and his short hair a sickly grey. A gag had been forced into his mouth from which he snarled, and the chains that bound him had chafed against his wrists so badly that it caused him to bleed...not that the possessed Acolyte seemed to care. His eyes conveying pity, Sin'ryk returned his attention to his students; anticipating that there would be many reactions to the thing before them.

"I found him last night wandering the tomb of Aru'Qesh; he had been missing for two weeks. By now, it is likely his soul has been stripped from his body or has been driven mad by the spirit within. Banishment will offer no reprieve for him...the poor fool was only 16." Indeed, the possessed was already dead, it was simply a matter of time before his body was lain to rest. The Arcanist continued to speak. "Does this very sight before each of you conjure any questions?"

 

[Vexillar]

He smirked at the question of spirits, but allowed the red Sith to answer it. After the question he had been answered he piped up. "You have a walking story of someone who has taned a ghost here. Though it's not a practice I would ever recommend. I only did so because she threatened my Apprentice. It wasn't an easy task in the least..." His dual voice spoke the final words with a bit of malice. That would be Erchitu's feelings, her thoughts, speaking through his own mouth. Of course Raith was in agreement with her. The process wasn't fun for either of them, but still...

He followed in silence until the their goal came into his Sight. He saw him a while back. His face betrayed nothing however. He simply observed, content to see the body which was, for all intents and purposes, void of life and the thing that had taken up residence in his body.

When Master Sin'ryk presented the boy the Miraluka simply tilted his head. "Not to grandstand Arcanist Sin'ryk, but use this as a lesson Acolytes. Saber will only carry you so far. When it comes to spirits, you may as well be swinging a child's stick. In the end your mind will see you out of dangerous situations, and with luck, and skills learned from your studies, you may survive a spirit attack." He bowed his head to the other Arcanist. A sign of respect, and in mild apology. He didn't like speaking like a teacher when he was taking the role of a student, but he couldn't pass up a remind that the mind was a terrible thing to waste.

He approached their living example carefully and knelt before it. "Hm..." was all he said before returning to the others. He had no thoughts on it. He didn't really feel anything about it. But his Sight shifted to focus on Dawn, though outwardly his head did not move. He wondered what the Crusader would feel for the boy. He stood near him, but not too close. He didn't want to appear to play favorites.

 

[mrj9797]

Tyn looked in shock at the possesed. Was this the risk he ran with using the dark side? A moment of doubt about his career as a Sith crossed his mind. If risking this is what it takes… He thought. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the possessed for a while until Raith gave his advice. He bowed gratefully to Raith, taking comfort in the fact that there was a way to survive a spirit attack.

No one volunteered any questions so he decided to speak up. The possessed's snarling coupled with the silence from the rest of the room was becoming...uncomfortable. Tyn decided to ask what he assumed everyone else was thinking. “So what exactly are we going to do with him?”

 

[Xylonic]

xylonic remained silent the whole time studying the possessed acolyte. xylonic found this disgusting but fascinating the prospect that the ancient ghosts of the sith could do this even after their deaths drove him to wonder what else a sith could do even after their death. again he heard the teacher ask if anyone had a question but xylonic didnt feel he had any questions to ask at the moment because he was to busy studying the possessed acolyte.