Open Event Vengeance of the Sith: Descent

[The Storyteller]

Main Group​

The moment that Connor (@Apollyon ) grasped the holocron, reality would shift all around him. Darkness encroached and Enveloped the ceiling and walls, stretching and warping into a space of incalculable size. There was no source of light. No visible path to take. There was only the space where Connor stood, and the cloaked figure that stood several meters ahead of him.

The chorus of madness grew silent - silenced by the powerful voice that boomed from the figure. Connor would feel the strength of the hooded Sith, eclisping his own like the sun. It was terrifying and awe-inspiring. Intoxication that would leave him aching to claim such strength for his own.

“You hold the key to your own destiny, child.” The voice boomed - loud enough to shake the very foundations of the realm they shared. It would split through Connor’s ears and echo in his mind, enough to bring the Acolyte to his knees.

“So long as you are strong enough to walk for it.”

In an instant, Connor would see himself standing before a Beacon - rune-inspired and thrumming with power. He would see an army of Technobeasts that moved at his every command, to ravage worlds and spread his influence across the Galaxy. And Connor would catch a glimpse of his own reflection. His eyes animalistic yellow and sunken - his fine features bearing the signature of Dark Side corruption unchecked.

“To sacrifice for it.”

As quickly as it began, Connor would be thrust from the vision - returning to the room he’d wandered into. Removed from its pedestal, the room itself began to quake - sparks popping from computer terminals and flesh-lined walls wincing in agony. The Acolyte had destabilized the room of horrors, and he would not last long within its confines.

Betrayal was an unfamiliar experience for the Alchemist - isolated within the confines of the laboratories since its creation. Even still, the abomination writhed in a mixture of agony and rage as Nash struck first.

The abomination was still hunched over - in the progress of vomiting Feifi onto the ground - when the Twi’lek attacked. The crimson blade plunged through the Alchemist’s back and out its stomach. While highly effective, this would have the unintended consequence of spearing Feifi through the abdomen while still inside the abomination’s stomach. A shriek ripped through the abomination’s throat, ear-splitting and horrifying to witness.

The Mandalorian would eventually roll out of its jaw, though not without taking damage. (@Hastur)

The combination of blaster bolts and stasis kept the Alchemist from retaliating - and ultimate drove the creature over the edge. “Traitor! TRAITOR! TRAITOR!” It roared angrily, keeping its mouth closed.

And its body began to bloat.

Like a balloon filled with air, the Alchemist would begin to inflate through its stomach and limbs, filling with acidic fluid and poisonous gasses - convulsing violently the entire time. There was little mystery regarding what was about to happen, and the precarious position it left the Sith in - given the confined space of the hallway.

The sound of footsteps grew louder from behind them, thundering with every second that passed. The doorway ahead remained free and clear - though they could only wonder if moving in the direction that the Alchemist wanted was a wise decision. Especially as those thick, metallic doors began to slide open.

Within, the Sith would be greeted by the sight of Ayomi and Trodai alive after all. Each of them was chained and bound to a Beacon - crimson runes thrumming with a heartbeat of their own. Blood seeped from minor cuts along their forearms and legs, each drop seemingly absorbed by the dormant obelisks.

And seated between, Vyrassu was perched upon by her crude throne - her lips twisted up ever-so-slightly towards a grin. She made no attempt to approach them or force them into the chamber. No. They would come to her, one way or another.

(@Phoenix @Sreeya @Rom @Xorism )

Unfortunately for Serene (@Darasuum), her companions nearby would somehow have far superior luck. Trust was a rare enough thing amongst the Sith, and there was precisely none that existed between herself and Timera. Perhaps the Champion was willing to put aside the little mental intrusion now that it was convenient, but the Rattataki was not. She had the nerve to leave the woman for dead at the nearest opportunity, and that was precisely what presented itself to her in that moment.

Crouched behind Serene, Timera drew upon the Force in an instant - allowing the kinetic force to flow out through her palms. It was a blast that would slam directly into Serene’s back and force her through the panel of the ventilation shaft, timed just as the woman was deep in concentration to weave her spell. It would send the Champion hurtling to the ground below, just barely behind the small legion of undead that marched to feast upon her allies.

And Timera would remain in the ventilation shaft - preparing to remove the slave collar from her throat once the coast was clear. Serene’s own actions had planted the seeds of betrayal within her mind - and it was only now that they came to fruition.

Left Behind Group​

For a long moment, the imposing figure was silent as a ghost - waiting for the Sith to do was instructed. There was little room for argument or defiant in her unnatural tone, and yet allowed the children to supplicate without bodily forcing them to their knees. The sight was enough to bring the hint of a smile to her lips - tugging wide the necrotic flesh of her cheeks.

Her head tilted ever-so-slightly to regard Trodai, listening as the Champion proceeded with his verbal vomit. Perhaps it was fear that sparked his curiosity, or that the Pureblood wildly misunderstood the situation he was now facing. In any event, the figure merely leaned down - her face hovering mere inches from his own.

“Vryassu.” The voice croaked against his ear.

Without another word, the eldritch women waved her hand - summoning the Force to slam powerfully against both of their minds. It would knock both Trodai and Ayomi unconscious in a fraction of a second, their bodies slumping to the floor where they knelt.

Weaving her fingers together, black smoke began to envelop all three of them - bodies dematerializing into the plane of the Force. Within seconds, they would be teleported deeper into the subterranean facility. To finally rejoin their companions.

 

[Connor Vance]

The world around Connor warped as he fell backwards from the wall. Gravity altered itself and instead of falling, he was upright. Before him the massive figure stood, its back to him. The deep voice boomed out like a funeral bell, each syllable it uttered a funeral dirge. It was only then that he realized, there were no voices. They had fallen silent in the presence of this being.

When it addressed him, Connor felt his soul twist and ache. His knees buckled and gave. His head aches and stomach turned sour. It was voice he felt like he shouldn’t have heard, a voice of something wrong but powerful. A god among men.

Visions streamed into his mind. Promises of glory and power. An army to serve his every whim. He’d be able to purge the Hutts. He’d be able to protect what he cared for. He’d be able to kill any of opposed him. The thought was intoxicating.

But to achieve he would need to sacrifice for it. Would he be willing to do that? Could he do that? The tiny triangle in his hand whispered yes.

Before Connor could truly grasp what he was seeing, he was tossed from this realm. Cast back through a void of death, decay, and entropy and into his body. He gasped rotten as he sat up from the quivering floor. The room was dying and sought to claim him as well.

That wouldn’t do. He had destiny to claim.

Connor pushed from the floor and darted towards the sphincter/door. He dove through it and onto the hallway floor on the other side. He rose to his feet and stuffed the holocron into an interior jacket pocket. Something called him to return to where he had come from.

Connor listened.

He would arrive moments after the alchemist exploded. When the group began to move forward, he’d follow. Grabbing Feifi’s form by her leg and dragging her with him. When they arrived before the Councillor’s throne Connor wanted to vomit.

Not from the pylons. But from her presence.

“What the fuck…” Connor muttered as he looked at the Champions strapped to the Pylons. The instruction he was given became clear. They were to be the sacrifices. Connor came alongside Nash and Arak.

“I don’t think we can fight her…” Connor whispered to them. “…maybe we can just make a deal?” He suggested nodding toward Feifi and then the Champions.

The implication was clear. They’d trade, their lives would be spared in return for the lives of the others. After all, what had Serene, Trodai, Ayomi, or Feifi done for them? Regardless, Connor would stick close to the group now, he’d stick close to his friends…knowing full well they’d have questions he’d need answers for later. Connor would enter the room whenever they did. It was time to claim his destiny.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Darasuum @René @Hastur @Akheron

Spoiler: dm actions

Connor has vision
Connor escapes room
Connor rejoins group
Connor drags Feifi along with group
Connor suggests sacrificing/abandoning anyone not with current (free/conscious) group to get out alive.

 

[Feifi Candorus]

First, there was nothing, then, searing pain, familiar, delicious, then she was thrown up, and anger follow suit as she saw the world once more, and something within the girl snapped, it was like she was reborn within the gullet of the.. thing.. it didn't matter what it was to her.

Her iron will commanded she stand as soon as she was able to, even if she had to kick herself free, her side tingled from the stab, it burned, but that didn't matter right now, as always, pain was a great motivation for the mandalorian, if she managed to somewhat stand, she would find her body conflicted with her mind, curses! she would not die here, she couldn't , SHE WOULDN'T, she has a rally master to gut, and would do what was needed to survive, to see every single one of rancor squadron bleed, even if she had to abandon her master Jakarta and these bumbling fools..



@Apollyon @Darasuum @Xorism @Rom @Sreeya @Phoenix @Akheron @René and whoever else I missed.

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai knelt, he listened even despite the pain of some of his previous injuries from the bout with Ayomi. He fought through, as the was trained to do for even drained he was strong. His iron will and determination to survive remained constant, he had been in a similar position before if not worse. He had seen the face of death. He held no fear but curiosity towards the strange woman. The one who called herself Vryassu and held as much power as Tempest herself or so it appeared. He would need to be cautious, yet he knew whatever was to happen next probably wasn't to be pleasant. For they were essentially prisoner.

As she spoke the name he placed it to memory, just in case it came useful later.

And then everything went black as his vision faded and his mind felt like a building had just been dropped on it. As he fell unconscious, he came to in another location, waking up groggy at first. Opening his eyes and regaining his senses, he found himself chained, as he tried to move. He could feel the Force again he found and had his lightsaber still, both a good sign. Sort of. Not so much his current predicament he noted, as he saw the Beacon he was next too, obelisks of some kind. And his blood seeping slowly from minor cuts along his forearms and legs into crimson runes. Dropping and so far as he could tell being seemingly absorbed by the obelisks. He saw too the Acolyte Arak who had put him into this situation, kind of. Although he acknowledged his part. His own foolishness.

He knew Azar might disapprove of it if he harmed another Pureblood of a royal bloodline, so despite himself, he put aside the need for vengeance and hate towards him even if he had a brief urge.

He would find a alternative sacrifice, if Vryassu was willing to oblige. For it was obvious what plan she intended for both he and Ayomi. Sacrifice. Or something like it. He had made two mistakes he didn't intend for another. He saw Connor whispering to the others suspiciously, he didn't trust it. And then he saw Feifi and a idea came to mind, one that involved begrudgingly using his own weakness to his advantage. Perhaps he could reunite Master and Apprentice. His own survival was of far greater concern than their lives.

He spoke calmly, whispering to her from his position and offered Feifi as a alternative to himself. So long as there was a sacrifice he didn't think Lady Vryassu would care who it was too much.

"Lady Vryassu. Surely we can make an arrangement that would suit us both? Surely one as as powerful as you would require a far more worthy sacrifice? Someone more worthy of your designs and not so fallen. Of a sacrifice worth more than this withered form. Perhaps the Mandalorian Acolyte down there, Feifi. She is more powerful than me in some respects. She is apprentice to the one opposite me. Ayomi. A warrior from a lineage of great warriors and a daughter to the now dead Sith exile. Cremek. I would offer her blood in exchange, and let her join her master."

He had no wish to tango and fight with someone who was like a black hole, and he was but a spark in comparison. A far superior foe that even he knew he would do little to match. It would be a wasted effort. And so negotiation was his best chance. He doubted she cared who was sacrificed too much.

Spoiler

Actions -
1.Trodai knelt, and listened despite the pain of his previous injuries from the bout with Ayomi. Commits Vryassu name to memory.

2.Trodai wakes up groggy after teleporting. Trodai opens his eyes and regains his senses, takes a look at himself and his surroundings. Realises he can now feel the Force again and has his lightsaber.

3.Trodai finds he is chained to the Beacon/pylon obelisk of some kind with his blood seeping slowly from minor cuts along his forearms and legs into crimson runes. Notices drops being seemingly slowly absorbed by the obelisks.

4.Spots Connor whispering to the others and doesn't trust it, getting suspicious.

5.Trodai whispers to Vryassu attempting to disway and persuade her against using him as a sacrifice, citing his withered form as not being worthy of her attention. Attempts to strike a deal and offer Feifi as a replacement, citing her as being a more suitable and powerful sacrifice due to her being Ayomi apprentice, her Mandalorian heritage and having the potent blood of the dead yet powerful Sith exile Cremek.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Apollyon @Hastur @Darasuum @Rom @René

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak had kept the alchemist from openly retaliating against Nash when she made her strike. He held the beasts mouth closed as it started bloating and convulsing. He turned his head to look at Xo quickly, “Help me throw it away.” He asked nervously. With XO’s help he would throw it down the hallway towards the encroaching footsteps.

He walked with the group to the doors and watched as they opened. Inside he saw yet another grotesque face and the two champions he left for dead chained to a beacon. Connor whispered his plan to sacrifice the mandalorian acolyte and as he did so Trodai whispered to the sitting lady. A fire lit behind Araks eyes, “It is a shame that a descendent of King Adas wouldn’t greet their death with pride as your ancestors have. If you wish to make a bargain do it in the open like a man.” He called out to the other Pureblood. Even if he was of a rival house Arak couldn’t help but hold Adas in some reverence as they came from the lineage of King Adas himself. “We offer our own deal,” Arak said waving to the group of acolytes, “All that joined us were champions or higher. Two, if my assumption is correct, went into the vents though I have no clue where they went after. Two are strapped to your beacons. We offer the mandalorian as an additional sacrifice to allow us five to escape unharmed. That way you get five sacrifices to five lives.” He stated believing the allure of the fact that champions would be more powerful than any of the acolytes would be a good tipping point.

He leaned in and whispered to Nash and Connor, “If anything goes south you two run first. I’ll cause a distraction.” He started looking around the chamber they were in. He needed to find ways to cut off any potential retaliation in case the deal isn’t accepted.

Spoiler: actions

Arak yeets the alchemist with xos help
Arak talks shit to Trodai
Arak tries to make his own deal with the lipless mommy
Arak begins preparing a back up plan

@Sreeya @Apollyon @Akheron @René @Hastur aris

 

[Corra]

Everything began to devolve at once, and Corra was smart enough to take the cues from her partners. They started to attack the alchemist, and Mr. Flap-lips began to shake and tremor, bloating up as if he was about to explode.

Corra reacted quickly backing away from him and throwing up her hands around him to create a barrier to contain the explosion and protect herself and the others (@Sreeya @Apollyon @Javier esschoolbus @Rom) from the acidic goo and mist. It wasn't - probably - a high explosive, so it was more about keeping the acid physically off of them rather than stopping a high velocity explosion, which should make a barrier - even from her - an ideal option to restrain it.

When she finally turned to the room they had been shuffled into, Corra saw the others from the group being literally sucked dry of their blood by the woman at the center of the room who radiated Dark Side power. It wasn't their actual target, but it was clear that she was in charge down here.

And suddenly, Corra felt like a rabbit in a trap, and the feeling made her skin crawl and anxiety tug at her chest. Perhaps even fear. But there was no way out except through.

Spoiler: DM Notes

Corra uses a barrier to block the acidic stuff from the alchemist and protect herself/the rest of the group from the explosion while moving into the next room

 

[Serene]

Timera the Rattataki guide had been leading the other sith until recently and Serene had continued to have the woman take point. Even as she had attempted to summon the shadowgeist the witch had never ceased her suspicions of her so-called peer and thus remained on guard. Whether the collared sith was a traitor due to Serene’s own meddling or the seeds were there from the beginning hardly mattered. She made a move and would pay the price.

Within full view in front of Serene she could see Timera try to take advantage of her split focus. The act of maneuvering to her blindspot in of itself would cause the sorceress to cease her casting. Serene had little time to react though and instantly stopped attempting to summon her shadow monster. It would cost the sorceress some of her stamina but a small price to pay in order to avoid injury. The call upon the dead halted and they remained on the far side of the veil for now.

Serene enhanced her body's durability, seeing as there was little else she could do in such an enclosed space and with such little time. Timera used both of her hands to force Serene out of the vent and into the hallway below. Even with the durability of the sorceress's body strengthened against damage she still let out grunts as she was thrown through the vent and even when she softened her landing with the force on the ground below.

The Champion recovered swiftly. Ahead of her was the ranks of infected and their cheekless leader. His steps were an ever present reminder that Serene had other threats to deal with besides the Ratattaki traitor.

Spoiler: summary

Serene has been following Timera this whole time and been highly suspicious of her. She stops weaving her spell if/when Timera moves behind her and certainly when/if she throws a force push. Serene enhances her body with the force to protect against injury and slows her fall to the ground in the hallway behind cheekless and his infected.

@Altaris

 

[Nash]

Nash gave Corra (@Phoenix ) a nod of thanks when she threw up the barrier, still mortified from her impulse reaction. In truth, a part of her hadn’t wanted to kill the alchemist. Besides being an eerie little shit, the dude seemed pretty okay. However, the splitting up drove her anxiety through the roof. Nash grimaced at Feifi being puked back up and trying to stand.

She did a double take when Connor (@Apollyon ) casually showed up next to them, “Where were you, you stupid fuck?!” She hissed angrily, punching him on the shoulder. It was not enough to actually hurt, but definitely enough to get her anger across, “You made me kill Bernard!” Nash said, pointing back to the Alchemist that she named at some point.

They were in the next room and she grimaced at the sight of the creepy Lady. Right out the gate the Crypt Keeper started blabbering as per usual, this time about a sacrifice. To her surprise, Arak joined in and then whispered about giving them a way out, “No,” She said flatly, “None of us stay behind so you shut the fuck up about that talk right now,” She hissed at him, closing out that convo right then.

Nash looked over at the other acolytes and Champions, “I dunno why y’all leading with all this talk of sacrifice when my girl is just fuckin’ chilling there,” She said with a nod towards the Lady, “Look, Your Creepiness, the way I see it, you’ve been getting all the sacrifices you need from all these fools coming in to check this place out,” She pointed a finger upwards, remembering all the undead from the entrance and reports of search parties going missing, “And I don’t wanna leave empty handed. So how do we release you into the wild so you ain’t gotta be in this stuffy dungeon anymore?” Hey, if this lady was half as scary as she looked, Nash couldn’t think of a cooler ally to unleash on the Hutts.

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi awoke slowly, red eyes blinking as they adjusted to a new environment. What had happened? One minute they were dueling Trodai… the realization of their situation came as the champion fully awoke, remembering the grotesque woman, Trodai’s blabbering, and the rush of energy that had knocked them out.

The Tiefling tried to move, only to find themselves chained against what they could only guess was an obelisk of some kind. The thing seemed to vibrate with a life of its own, matching the beating of Ayomi’s own heart. They could feel their pulse beating in their arms and legs as black blood crawled out from fresh wounds to satiate the hunger of the eldritch object to which they were bound. A glance to the right confirmed that Trodai was here as well, chained to an obelisk himself; in between the two Sith, the tall, bony woman and her oppressive aura. Every breath Ayomi took was heavy, like they were drowning.

After a few moments, a flurry of activity burst into the room as the gang of acolytes the Tiefling had thanklessly tried to protect earlier entered through a pair of large doors at the far end of the room. The narrowed gaze of Ayomi’s disappointment fell upon Feifi, the girl struggling to stand and covered in… what was that, slime? Vomit? It appeared she’d lost her armor and lightsaber too, yet the other acolytes looked to be perfectly fine. Perhaps they’d judged her too hastily. All the potential in the world couldn’t overcome incompetence.

Still, there were far greater issues at hand than a disappointing apprentice. For one, the group of acolytes began to whisper amongst themselves at the sight of the two champions and the imposing Vryassu; for another, neither Serene nor the Rattataki woman were present and the brats had ditched champions already. Ayomi hoped that Serene at least was alive—they found the other Sith quite interesting—but the evidence was clear that the acolytes wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice the Tiefling for their own goals. It was a trait that would make the acolytes good Sith, but they were tired of being a stepping stone in others’ stories. Trodai apparently had the same idea, choosing to tackle the problem with his premiere weapon of choice: word vomit.

Ayomi’s eyes rolled as their pointed ears picked up on the Pureblood’s desperate whispers to Vryassu for his life in exchange for a worthless acolyte’s life. Pathetic, he was barely even trying. As the acolytes continued to talk amongst themselves, the Tiefling closed their eyes and reached out through the Force to brush against Vryassu’s mind. They offered only a short telepathic connection, should the imposing horror choose to allow it. I am nothing compared to your power, but I offer action in place of empty words. Let me be an instrument to wield against your enemies, a means into the Sith Order I’m sure you despise. I would pledge my service to you.

Spoiler: Actions

- Woke up, saw their situation and the acolytes burst in, was disappointed in Feifi.
- Picked up on the acolytes' less-than-friendly vibes and rolled their eyes at Trodai being Trodai.
- Attempted to telepathically reach out to Vryassu and offer their services in exchange for their life.

@Altaris @Akheron @Hastur @Apollyon @Sreeya @Phoenix @Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus @Rom

 

[Xohhar K'liir]

The sound of zombies groaning and pounding feet in the hall behind them lent Xoh speed and urgency, reaching out with the Force in tandem with Arak (@Javier esschoolbus ) to wrap around the expanding Alchemist.
Stepping forward and twisting around, the Falleen acolyte let out a grunt of effort and together the two acolytes yeeted the abomination turned noxious acid bomb back down the way they'd came toward the approaching horde of undead and the thing that had stolen Oracle.

Nodding gratefully toward Corra for her quick Barrier work, Xoh quietly said, "Team Non-Human," (having decided that the quiet little sorcereress could be an honorary member) and nearly jumped out of his boots when Vance reappeared from seemingly thin air and the great doors slid smoothly open to reveal the Champions they had abandoned to the Horde outside chained to dormant obelisks flanking a woman perched on a crude looking Throne.

The power emanating from the dark lady was more than hed ever experienced, a void that reached out ever hungry for more. Swallowing, Xoh stood at an angle; staying close to the other Acolytes but keeping an eye on the hallway behind him with his pistol held at the ready.

Spoiler: DM Actions

1. Partnered withArak to yeet the abombination down the hall toward the approaching horde and the creepy one that stole Oracle
2. Made sure the other acolytes werent offering him up for trade while guarding their backs.

 

[The Storyteller]

Main Group​

Even against the dull light, the satisfaction was clearly visible - etching its way against the grotesque features of ‘Vryassu’. How many years of experimentation had culminated in the creation of such a creature? One could only guess the obsession of Occidius to revive his dead colleague, or the twisted memories that had forcibly been implanted into the mind of the abomination seated before them.

How long had she waited for precisely that moment?

There was a prolonged silence as Vryassu waited for the group to approach - filing into the spacious chamber that she occupied. Shadows dominated the far sides of the room, but even amongst the inky blackness, the sounds of movement could be heard. Wet, slimy slapping against the cool stone. Something foreign and unnatural that lurked, just barely out of sight.

Her fingers tapped against the armrest of her seat - listening as the multitude of offers were sent her way. Each of them scurrying over each other to provide the best offer to lay at her feet. Perhaps the best option in order to keep their heads attached to their bodies. Or far worse, if the Alchemist was anything to go off of.

“You offer the blood of a child. Lineage of a disgraced and exiled Sith.” Her head tilted towards Trodai. “This is all?”

Without warning, Trodai would feel the chains pull tighter against his limbs - particularly the collar that bound his neck. It was tension that would be painful in its current state, and threatened strangulation with any additional pressure. She had little patience for foolishness - and that was precisely what Trodai offered her. While the Pureblood clearly had a propensity for opening his mouth at every opportunity, it would quickly become clear that too much worthless blabbing was likely to get him killed.

Her attention quickly turned to Ayomi. Though it wasn’t said aloud, Vryassu was far more interested in what the Champion promised - the devotion they so quickly claimed to profess. How much would they possibly sacrifice to prove such loyalty? As the Dark Lady turned her head to address Ayomi, the Champion would feel her mind being probed by Vryassu. Memories and emotions laid bare and examined, before a simple message was telepathically transmitted. Only they would hear or understand the message, even as their chains opened and fell limp to the floor.

Only they could choose what happened next.

Finally, Vryassu rose from her seat - eyeless gaze turning to address the Acolytes that stood before her. Little more than child, all with potential of their own. Immature crops that might yet wither on the vine, or be coaxed towards bountiful harvest. “Nash of Nal Hutta,” Her voice echoed.

“This,” She offered a grotesque smile, “Is my offer to you.” A single hand pointed towards Trodai. “You will sacrifice this disgraced descendent of King Adas, to bring life into the Beacons.”

“And you will swear your lives to Occidius.” Vryassu stepped forward - necrotic limbs dangling and twitching ever-so-slightly at her sides. Phantom movements of a body that wasn’t quite perfectly constructed. Impulses from a brain that clearly wasn’t her own. “You will serve the true Dark Lord of the Sith as his agents - you will reveal everything you know of Tempest’s Order, and work to dismantle it from the inside.”

“What has she truly offered any of you?” Her attention flicked to Connor. “Versus the power that could so easily be yours, Builder.” Words spoken with a smile. “The strength to exterminate the Hutt race. The power to claim the throne of your ancestors.” Her voice echoed to Nash and Arak.

Unfortunately, the situation would only get worse for Serene as she fell through the vent. While her body might’ve been protected from the fall, the loud clang of the vent falling to the ground - and over a hundred pounds of Sith Champion falling ontop of it - was easily detected by the swarm of infected that clamored through the halls. All of them turned towards the Sith Champion - eyes alight with anger. Frothing at the mouth, hunger and feral instinct with only the hivemind to guide them.

And they began to close the distance.

Serene had few options - though the most obvious was to flee further down the tunnels that stretched through ground behind her. The maze-like caverns would leave the Champion with little sense of direction, though the deeper she might’ve ran, the most technologically advanced the environment would become. Stone walls replaced by solid metal and machinery. Dim torchlight replaced by bright, fluorescent beacons. Towards the very heart of the facility, and perhaps its most critical infrastructure.

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor heard Vyrassu’s words, they rang true. What had Tempest’s Order ever did for him? Force him into a life he didn’t care for? Put a collar around his neck?

It gave him his friends…but why shouldn’t he kill Trodai? He’d tried to sentence him to death earlier. Turnabout was fair play.

I got this…Grim Reaper tried to get us killed earlier by sending us scouting those tunnels. If his sacrifice gets us out of here, fine by me. Connor whispered into Nash and Arak’s minds.
As for serving Occidius? We say what we gotta.

Connor stepped forward, almost in a trance. He craved the power he’d seen, his encounter with Occidius had awakened something within him. Using that army he could destroy his enemies, he could reshape the galaxy in his image. He would make those who stood against him tremble.

Unless stopped he would approach the conduit that Trodai was chained to. His eyes were cold and dispassionate. He plucked up a jagged piece of metal and gazed at it for a moment. Then his eyes fell to Ayomi, why had this woman trusted them so easily? Was she that dumb?

Connor’s eyes returned to Trodai, he smiled at the Pureblood. Then he suddenly jabbed the piece of metal into Trodai’s neck, twisted, and wrenched it free. He had to make a show of the sacrifice to pass off this next part.

His gaze returned to Lady Vyrassu. “His blood for our lives.” Connor stated calmly. “We will serve Darth Occidius in the downfall of Tempest’s Order.” He lied as he took a step towards her throne. “Are we free to go?” He asked.

@Altaris @Akheron @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Rom @Phoenix @René @Hastur @Darasuum

 

[Corra]

Corra's mind never stopped working. Although she had been labeled the "quiet" acolyte by the rest of the group, she hoped the nod of thanks from Nash and Xo meant that she at least wasn't first up on the sacrifice block.

Ultimately, her thoughts were probably more valuable than her words, and there were plenty of others willing to step up and take the actions and do the talking.

Instead, Corra thought about everything they had seen. Her mind lingered on these Markers, the exact nature of which wasn't clear, but it seemed to be the key to everything. Would their destruction bring about the end of all these half-alive beings? What would it mean if they weren't destroyed. Somehow, Corra didn't think that the handful of acolytes were going to bring down a Sith Lord's fiefdom on their own.

She wasn't eager to join the undead horde, and wondered to herself what it would entail to "join." Connor was the first to step forward, shivving the "sacrifice" which Corra was fine with, and pledging himself to the undead horde. Not included on the group telepathy call, Corra wasn't sure if it was true or a ploy, but went along with it for now. Of all the Sith fiefdoms, this was probably the one she would least want to join... too much... undeadness.

In the meantime, she also looked for alternative ways out of the room they were now in. Perhaps the air wouldn't smell so foul in one direction. After all as a wise man once said: when in doubt, always follow your nose. Or, you know, the Force's guidance. Maybe for once her dreams and visions would help.

Spoiler: DM Notes

[*]Corra tries to figure out if she can piece together what the markers are
[*]Plays along with pledging herself for now
[*]Tries to discern other exits or ways out

 

[Serene]

Serene was a alone with dozens of infected ahead of her and a cheekless abomination leading them. There was no avoiding the horde and she doubted she could push through them all as she was now. Their numbers and uncanny way of surviving the most brutal of injuries made them a deadly matchup. Instead of fighting them directly, the Champion turned and ran.

The sorceress sped down the hallway, keeping her wits about her and keeping a pace to get a lead ahead of the ravenous horde that would give pace. So much for trying to help her cohorts. Serene Graves just needed to survive.

Signs and symbols along with structures which Serene recognized told Serene she was drawing close to the power generation for the underground base. The Sith could make little other sense of where she was and decided to follow her instincts and head for what she could expect to be the power generator as she formed a plan. Elemental techniques were aided with a prexisting source of the inspired element. In this case, the sorceress would have an exceptional amount of electricity at her disposal. All she had to do was guide it to where she wanted it to go.



Serene stood before the generator and began to weave a dance with pointed middle and index fingers. Ribbons of electricity coalesced into bright zapping tentacles as the panting voice of the Champion began to chant once again in the ancient language of the Sith. The method to better manipulate electricity help the sorceress control the energies at her fingertips. But she never let the energies run directly through her. The last thing she wanted to do was electrocute herself with an excess of energy. Instead she would draw it out and through her targets.

<"Engorging syphoned servants of the eight armed divine tyranny
Traverse transfer and tear the ravenous beneath the sunless horizon
Bend to my will burning truth through the fate of six pale scepters,
Heed and strike!">​

These zapping tendrils lashed out like cracking whips only they avoided Serene who was closer to structure. Instead they seemingly formed a cowl of deadly glowing and sparking threads as the sorceress continued to dance and gesticulate her focusing of the lightning. Bolts of electricity would aim to shoot through the nearest infected with the energy meant for this place's infrastructure and experiments. The lightning would chain from one body to the next which only served to act as resistors to the shocking current unless they eventually burned completely away. Even their muscles likely reacted on electrical impulse and would seize up, stopping them in their tracks whilst the rear ranks only ran into the onslaught of power.

The wealth of electricity was not the painful lightning meant to hinder the nervous system of a normal organic. This was lethal lightning that would quickly burn holes through chest cavities and set bodies on fire. Whatever the generator's it's former purpose, the power it made was now used to supply Serene's lightning and enhance it tenfold. The Sith Champion knew these infected were unnaturally tough and she wanted them utterly fried beyond recovery.

Spoiler: summary

Rolled a 14/20 per DM request
Serene attempts to locate the power generator and run ahead of the infected.
She uses sign casting and her skill with Sith lightning to channel the power generator's electrical production through/into the infected chasing her and in doing so making it more lethal than Sith lightning normally is.

@Altaris

 

[Xohhar K'liir]

Xohhar looked back over his shoulder at the offer made by Vyrassu, the sound of the Horde diminishing as they seemed to be pursuing another. Keeping his weapons drawn but held at his side, the Falleen acolyte watched apathetically as Connor (@Apollyon) stepped forward and jammed the jagged metal into the withered Champion's (@Akheron throat and then turned to look back at the strange golem that reeked of darkness but seemed somehow... imperfect.

While he wasn't offered any grand power or conquest or thrones, Xohhar was somewhat grateful to be included in Connor's offer of service in exchange for life - he'd half expected to be offered as a sacrifice given the half-Sephi's words earlier. Meeting the eyeless gaze of the abomination called Vyrassu, Xohhar inclined his head in a nod to show his agreement with Connor's words and stayed where he was standing beside Corra, ready to respond should things take a turn for the bloodier.

Spoiler: Summary

Indicates silent agreement with the proposed deal, staying ready to fight or flee if need be.

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai waited patiently, choosing to ignore the hypocritical Ragnos. For one who spoke about greeting death with pride, he didn't seem to want to offer himself either with the same pride in death he spoke about and spare his friends. Instead he listened as Nash attempted to be the voice of reason and disway Vryassu from further sacrifice but to no avail. The eldritch entity seemed determined and more.

He could feel the chains tighten, as she dismissed his offer which was not unexpected. He watched as Ayomi had been released and he remained. He couldn't prove it, but suspected something had occurred to facilitate this change of heart. But at what price? What bargain? Trodai thought at least he did not submit instead making a offer instead of outright submission or whatever he assumed occurred. And even with the chains he would remain defiant. He listened as the pretender made a offer they could never hope to keep...a throne that would never be relinquished so long as Vossari, Karys or Darth Arcanos himself lived.

All she offered was death and a life as a undead minion most likely, a steep price for what she asked.

He knew Occidius and Vryassu both were pretenders, both would fail. Even should he die it wouldn't change a thing. He knew by comparison to Darth Arcanos and Tempest they were weak or they would not be hiding as they had. The Beacons she spoke of though had something to do with this place, that much he knew. Despite being chained, he found he could still move his hands, which allowed despite the tight chains a way to act. He said nothing, knowing she wouldn't listen at this point yet he found it laughable she still had chosen what she considered a disgrace even when she had refused a similar disgrace.

So as Connor approached in a trance, noticing him Trodai glared in anger at the traitor to the Order. If he survived it would be a act remembered, just as all other such acts. Focusing he used the Force to Enhance his defence and protect against the jagged metal. Reinforcing his body's durability to insulate from the physical impact and penetration and hopefully diminish the effects somewhat. This in combination despite his current condition, with the extremely thick skin and resistant hide of the Massassi species he hailed from, would hopefully assist his survival as the metal would not find as much purchase as he wanted.

There would be pain, blood maybe but not death.

However he feigned as such, to give the impression he was fading more than he was. Even Vryassu would find it difficult to tell. Or at least he hoped so.

Spoiler

Actions -
1.Trodai used the Force to Enhance his defence against the jagged metal as Connor tries to jam and twist it in. Reinforcing his body's durability to insulate from the physical impact and penetration and hopefully diminish the effects somewhat.

2.He relies on this in combination despite his current husky condition, with the extremely thick skin and resistant hide of the Massassi species he hails from, hoping the metal will not find as much purchase as Connor wanted.

3.Trodai feigns that it found purchase, hoping to lull Vryassu and Connor into a false sense of success.

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

In just about any other situation, Ayomi might've had a good laugh at Trodai's (@Akheron) expense witnessing the Pureblood's running mouth catch up to him. Unfortunately, this was that 1 in a thousand moment where they themselves were likewise trapped, with very few options and little leverage save for their offer of service. On one hand, it was a decision based on a desperate struggle for survival; on the other, there was a genuine interest and curiosity behind it. The Tiefling still didn't know what was behind that door they'd fought Trodai over, and given where they were now there was a high likelihood it had manipulated their emotions. Yet, those images they'd seen burned at the back of their mind like a spreading wildfire that refused to be contained. The piled bodies of rivals slain by their blades, the fear and respect of their fellow Sith, a galaxy that was theirs for the taking as their every ambition and desire came to fruition. Manipulation or not, there was power here and everyone gathered could feel it. The only question that remained was if Ayomi had the strength to take it for their own; and why not them? They didn't owe Tempest or any of the others anything, and none of the Sith had ever done anything for them either.

For better or worse, it was the Tiefling's turn to deal with Vryassu after the abombination punished Trodai for his verbal diarrhea. Ayomi could feel the woman's gaze turn to them, feel the connection open between their minds before Vryassu invaded. Their breath caught in their chest as they felt the thing rifling through memories, emotions, private thoughts. A feigned assassination attempt a couple of years ago on Cotellier. Private moments spent training, hating themselves. The power of Darth Zannah's holocron in their hand, the dinner they'd shared with Caer afterwards. How it had felt to look into his eyes... Things few knew about, secret emotions the champion would never reveal, all lay exposed. Ayomi felt naked, yet the message ringing in their head caught their attention for the time being. A deep breath escaped their lips as muscles relaxed, the weight of the chains holding the Tiefling down collapsing to the floor as they shakily stood. They knew what they needed to do.

Truth be told, what Vryassu asked of them mattered little. A small sacrifice to pay for loyalty, though whether real or feigned remained to be seen. If this Dark Lady was as powerful as she appeared, Ayomi had no qualms playing sleeper agent if it led them to the power they desired. To the respect they deserved. They cared for no one in the Order but Caer, for that damned smile and the goregous onyx eyes... he would understand, right? They could convince him to join, surely? Thoughts for another time, the Tiefling reminded themselves. For now, they had to survive.

Ayomi stood as tall as they could given their injuries, their irises a fiery yellow as they finally got a better look at the surroundings while one of the acolytes (@Apollyon) approached Vryassu and the bound figure of Trodai. A shame the woman wanted the kids to do it, they would've cleaved the Pureblood's blabbering head from his body without a second thought. The champion was in no position to be asking favors, though, instead taking a few more steps forward until they were between the abombination's throne and the gathered acolytes, including their own.

"Come, apprentice." Ayomi's voice was cold but firm, their face betraying no emotion as they commanded Feifi (@Hastur) forward. They doubted the girl would be unable to recognize her own failure, yet any outward signs of disappointment were masked just the same. The champion had put themselves at risk to train Feifi, adopted daughter of the traitor Mandalorian. Nearly every Sith of note had been there to watch him ripped apart, and they all knew who trained his remaining legacy. Yet the girl had abandoned her master in the tunnels above, appeared ready to do so again just moments before, and had absoluetly nothing to show for it. Idiocy at its best, weakness and short-sightedness at its worst. "Carve the heart from her chest and bring it to me, and you will have your place as my Champion." Vryassu's words rang in Ayomi's head once again, demanding a sacrifice the Sith was plenty willing to give. No more loose ends. If the Mandalorian girl approached their master as directed, the Tiefling's uninjured left hand would snatch up the lightsaber still hanging from their belt; and, activating it, slash from Feifi's left shoulder down to her right hip in one fluid motion as soon as she was close enough, intending to erase their mistake and secure their life in one fell swoop.

Spoiler: Actions

1. Was released from the chains, stood up to survey the room.
2. Walked forward about halfway between Vryassu's throne and the group of acolytes, ordering Feifi to come to them.
3. As soon as/if Feifi gets close enough, unclips, activates, and slashes from shoulder to hip with their lightsaber in one fluid motion meant to surprise her.

 

[Nash]

Nash of Nal Hutta. She almost expected the woman to bust into a bard song. The twi’lek stared in stunned silence, trying not to spiral about how this psycho knew where she was from. Maybe it was her accent? Did she read her mind? Fuck, hopefully not, because there were some very sketchy thoughts in there. Nash’s eyes glazed over as she stared at Virus or whatever the fuck this ratchet bitch’s name was. King Adas? Sounded vaguely familiar. What the fuck did that mean? Did she mean Arak? AWW HELL NAH! Trodai looked so crusty that quite frankly Nash couldn’t tell he was a Pureblood.

When Connor said he would do the talking, she considered his words, deciding it made sense. For once, she kept her mouth shut, letting him offer up the crypt keeper. Moments later, the tiefling called her apprentice over and casually started swinging their blade at the Mando from earlier. Nash’s eyes widened and she took a step back towards the exit, not entirely sure if she cared about a prize anymore.

While all that talk about hitting the Hutts back sounded great, she wasn’t sure about just taking everything at face value. Nash had been given many promises in the past, and they got her conned several times. She had to learn things the hard way. The twi’lek wasn’t going to see how this all played out. She nudged Arak and Connor to let them know what she was doing - which was already huge for her - but that was it. While Trodai fought against the binds and Feifi was in the process of becoming a two for one deal, Nash would jump on the window present.

Nash turned and straight up dipped, making a break for it back towards the exit.

@Altaris @Apollyon @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak listened as the lipless woman made her counter demands. His gaze narrowed ever so slightly as she seemed to favor Nash doing it. He didn’t quite like the sound of Nash having to get close enough to the woman to sacrifice the goul. His grip tightened around his saber in anticipation of Nash being well Nash and marching in headfirst.

That’s when Connor spoke through the link that had yet to be severed from earlier. He listened as Connor offered himself up as the sacrificer. Which he honestly didn’t mind at all that just meant he didn’t have to be the one face to teeth with what’s her name. As Connor made his way to do the thing, The horned champion called their acolyte over to them and sliced along their body. Arak not liking where this is going immediately begin to formulate an escape route.

He got interrupted by Nash nudging him, his gaze flicking to her as she unceremoniously began to leave. Arak looked back to Connor momentarily, I believe it’s time to go. He said to him telepathically. He then started making his way to the exit as well. He knew Nash enough to know if she ran from something that was dangerous it wasn’t in his best interest to stay with it. In fact other than the chicken horde, he was confident this is the only other time she ran away from a dangerous scenario.

Spoiler: actions

Arak listens to the conversation
Arak informs Connor to leave
Arak follows the normally fearless Nash as she tries to leave

@Altaris @Apollyon @Sreeya

 

[Feifi Candorus]

feifi, during all of this, maintained her silence, the woman.. thing.. Lady Vyrassu.. wasn't wrong, disgraced sith and all, but feifi was far smarter than he was, and knew when to keep her mouth shut and to assess a situation. As for the pureblood, if she wasn't in the worst pain possible right now due to her wound, she would have had a chuckle at his suffering, well deserved..

right now, feifis eyes looked around, maybe she could spy a way out of here without looking too suspicious.. but for now she would play the part of listening, and considering.. she could feel the power from Lady Vyrassu, and in her state a fight would not go well for her, or well, any of them.

The woman had a point.. what had Tempest offered her? had Tempest not executed her own father, and forced her to watch? Although, she truly made it like art.. she still took her father, a shadow of his former self, but her father all the same.. and as long as every. single. one. of those god forsaken cowards that make up rancor squadron, especially their leader, were bleeding at her feet, who was she not to take power when it was offered? feifi still remained skeptical though, what was to stop her from simply killing feifi and her fellow acolytes?.. she would play along.. for now.. at least until she could rearm and find a way off this rock, with or without her master.. speaking of her master, she watches them drop from their little pylon, she wondered what had transpired to warrant their freedom..

Feifis blood ran cold when her master called her over, feifi was many things, brash, impulsive, but a fool in certain facets was not one of them, she looked to her wound, then to her master again, before delivering a long breath, she knew there was likely no way she was escaping this..

so she stumbled forth, she would be damned if she was going to go out a sniveling coward, when she saw her master make her movements, feifi whispers swiftly but softly, to insure these parting words were only between them.

"lord tempest will have your head, just like she collected his."

with that, in combination with her current wounds, she blacks out from the damage, unable to defend from the whim of the corpse woman and her former masters final strike.

(ooc note: accidentally deleted my post for this round somehow while trying to fix a double post, thank goodness I saved it, but apologies. im just gonna edit to have this make sense.)