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Post by Voon Ostrenis-Massa on Feb 8, 2020 15:51:54 GMT -8
"Red Leader to Dodonna, copy"
The squadron was flying in low-altitude, soaring over the water surface and creating ripples on their tails; a diverse assortment of X-wings, B-wings, Y-wings and A-wings, all painted red to match their honored legacy. All fighters in escort mode around the larger but still very fast blockade runner, still with the markings of a consular, senatorial vessel. The comm on board Tumanis' A-wing chirped, speaking with Voon's deep voice.
"Here Dodonna, copy"
"We have picked up the cruiser's signal. We're approaching it. Two standard minutes to set arrival time. Cut"
Less than one minute later a warning came. Three starfighters incoming, X-wings, modern-issued models, painted in blue.
"Here Major Bashla of the Lee-Char, requesting identification"
"Here Senator Voon Ostrenis-Massa, of the Resistance. Code GA-0708-CA1993, Fulcrum"
A moment of static silence filled the communication.
"Codes cleared, follow our trail"
The X-wings turned tails with the precision of hardened professionals. They soon joined formation with Red Squadron and the corvette reaching destination in little time. There it was, perched atop an underwater crest, like it was supposed to do back in Dac, towering over the surface almost half a mile, the rest laying under the waves. As any other MonCal cruiser its design was unique, bulbous and hard to characterize. The bridge was no-where to be seen, probably under water. Sensors picked up life forms around the ship, many being MonCal either taking a bath in Lothal's sea or scouting the area. The corvette approached slowly and docked externally with the MC75, openning a passage-way between both ships. The fighter squadron headed for the ship's open hangar bay, acommodating themselves among the ship's own craft.
The senator crossed the sliding gate into a well-lit corridor, round in design, purely white. Awaiting him was a MonCal, wearing the distinctive uniform of the Alliance's navy, the ship's captain offered him a hand to shake. The senator was solely acompanied by his aide.
"Major Tabalina Moqtab, commander of the Lee-Char, welcome on board, senator"
"My pleasure"
The walked through the corridor and lowered few stories on a turbolift, clearly heading for the bridge.
"I'm curious about the current state of affairs of this ship, commander. For starters, how did you end here, stranded on Lothal?"
"Yes, certainly, I can understand why"
The female MonCal turned her bulbous, dome-like head to a side.
"After the Sacking of Dac, no need to explain, we remained at the service of our planet's defense force"
"Yes, I could guess as much"
"But, something dark and poisonous lurked in the depths. When it appeared we were fairly unprepared for it. Nightmarish terrors were born in the shadowy depths of our seas. A dark sorcerer, whose name cannot be uttered aloud, for it's a curse for all who breathe in Dac, now rules a dark dominion over the once-bright oceans of the planet"
The senator tilted his head and nodded. Little was known about what even happened to Dac, only hushed rumours and fragmentary information.
"Many have remained under the thrall of this twisted tyrant, but some of us weren't as collaborating. I refused to follow orders and took off with my ship, followed by few others. I believe many ended in Coalition's territory"
"Yes, I personally know some refugees there. They found peace and safety within the Corellian Coalition"
His pompous father even had a ship named after the watery planet and crewed by Quarren and MonCals alike.
"We sought shelter in Lothal. It's government has been, for a long time, inclined to do as much, as you probably know"
"Indeed"
The turbolift openned, showing a spacious bridge, surrounded by the wonders of Lothal's depths, including banks of silvery fishes swimming in unison. The officers in there saluted the senator accordingly, but their commander pointed to a door to the left, clearly a briefing room.
"Follow me, senator"
Once inside, they resumed their chat.
"As you might have guessed, we have lived in constant fear of the Dark Sorcerer's intentions and discovery in Lothal, which lays in close proximity to Dac. He might try to extend his cursed tendrils towards this planet"
"Yes, understandable, MonCal space is nearby"
"A few among Lothal's government still check Rebel frequencies routinely, specially since the fall of the Alliance. And, when we were communicated of an agent called Fulcrum acting on behalf of a Resistance, we simply had to reply. Many of us feel obligued to rejoin the fray, our departure from Lothal far overdue. We don't want to risk the dominion's wrath on this peaceful system"
The senator takes a seat as indicated but he refused any drinks save fresh water.
"I will not fool you, commander. The Resistance is short on supplies and firepower. But we do have some valuable assets and a growing fleet. If you and your ship were to join it would provide us with a proper flagship and the medium to assist many Rebel cells in need over the Galaxy"
"That much I know, senator. We don't believe in any of the factions that were born of the splinttered alliance, some remain unconcerned of the Galaxy at large, like the Coalition, too busy trying to survive in a hostile world, oblivious to the troubles of many ailing systems. But, when I heard your voice, using the frequencies that once Lando Calrissian or Leia Organa used... well, something moved on my chest. And then, the holonet recording, spreading like waves from Hoth. You gave the crew hope and that's what we sorely needed"
She claps both hands.
"I hereby request to join the Resistance, on behalf of my ship and crew"
The senator warmly grabs her hands.
"Accepted, Admiral Moqtab!"
The formerly-known as commander Moqtab blinked, twice, surprised, but then warmly smiled to the senator. Ostrenis smiled in return. Outside the briefing room a large loth-whale swimmed around the command bridge. A good omen.
"Maybe we should finish this water and ask for a glass of good ale"
"Perhaps, admiral, perhaps"
They had reasons to celebrate. Allies and friends could be found in unexpected places...
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Post by Voon Ostrenis-Massa on Feb 9, 2020 3:08:59 GMT -8
Red Leader, Tumanis, and the senator Ostrenis-Massa were on the ship's spacious briefing room, a small amphitheatre within the ship's vowels. The senator stood by the large tactical holoconsole, while the Quarren, in a red flightsuit, was a step behind. The room was full of people, many inhabitants of Dac, but also Humans of all kinds and several alien species. Among those prominent were the new admiral, Maqtub, and Major Adonis Bashla, head of the ship's squadron.
"People of the Lee Char"
Said the Duros, wearing robes befitting his status as chief of state and former senator.
"You have, for long, fought for freedom and liberty in this Galaxy. Now, darkness has a hold over it"
The senator used the patterns of speech of Chandrilan and Alderaanian rethorics, that meant sober and restrained manners, giving up little to dramatic gestures, but still deeply emotional. It was mostly based on classic theatre and the work of authors like Mak Ustul Kikeron, one of the pillars of Alderaanian politics in centuries past.
"I understand your pain, your sense of loss, your hopelessness. We have all suffered and lost. Dear, beloved ones. Most the people I knew and loved when served in the Galactic Senate were hunted down and slain, like cattle"
He looked around, somber. Some heads among the audience nod, in agreement.
"But we have to fight on, else our sacrifices be in vain. I know many of you fear to never see the waters of Dac again, to witness the glory of its depths and the tranquility of the coral reefs, the majesty of underwater volcanoes and mountains. I know some of you are afraid to lose even more, to lose kindred and friends. That many miss your planet as much as our comrades from Mon Calamari miss their watery home"
Voon leans on the holoconsole.
"That much I know. But, we-have-to-keep-fighting"
He clenched his fist.
"For them, for us and for all that will come after us. For our existence might be fleeting comrades, but our legacy will be ever lasting. We have a goal, to free this Galaxy of despotism and restore democracy and freedom"
The senator makes a pause to look at the faces of his audience.
"Your captain offered her ship and crew, but here we are all comrades here. I wish to know if you are willing to follow her suit, to join our Resistance and fight! Will you wear this raising Phoenix in your arms and hearts?"
The pilot in a flightsuit steps forward. Blonde, blue-eyed and with a moustache, he looked aristocratic and elegant, like a gentleman from more civilized times.
"I will fight. My pilots will fight, count of us"
He embraced Tumanis, fellow flight commander. They looked each other in the eyes and muttered something in hushed tone: respect and camaraderie.
"We, the engineers will fight!"
Said a Quarren, raising his left fist, the tentacles around the mouth twirling with excitement.
"And we!"
"Count on us!"
The noise started to raise all over the audience, fists raised and feet slamming the white floor. The senator basked in the sensation, closing his eyes for a moment.
"So be it, members of the Resistance!"
The new admiral steps forward, she keys something in the console and a holoprojection of Crait and its system appears.
"Our destination is far away, we will have to cross dangerous hyperspace routes and uncharted lanes. This won't be easy. I want everyone ready for eventual combat and on their battle stations. The government of Lothal will provide supplies, not only for the ship and the travel, but also will contribute to the war effort"
The map zooms out and the route is detailed, step by step.
"We're deeply thankful to the governor. They can count on us if they ever have help, that I solemnly swear"
"Also, I've been told that quite a few of their pilots and troopers want to join, they shall arrive here in the earnest"
The senator nods, the travel had proven fruitful.
"Now, meeting's over. Everyone go back to work, we have a ship to fly"
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Prophet C'thyl
Quarren Dominion
Posts: 303
Affiliation: Quarren Dominion
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Prophet C'thyl on May 20, 2020 3:09:32 GMT -8
Emissaries from the Quarren Dominion would eventually arrive on Lothal, weeks after the subjugation of Jabiim. Lead by the Codru-Ji Clan leader K'yahla the ambassador's party would request negotiations with the planetary gouvernor of Lothal and his council in order to propose Lothal becoming a member of the Dominion's vasall states. Adding up to the offer, K'yahla would promise the increase of Lothal's infrastructure and protection from outside forces like the First Order.
The negotiations would go on for a long while as some parliament members argued in favor of the Dominion and also are delighted by the chance of potentially seeing famous weapon producers like Baktoid Armor Workshop producing directly on Lothal, seeing it as a lucrative opportunity for their own buiseness,
others would question the Quarren Dominion's motives and rather prefer to not get involved with their kind of buiseness.
K'yahla reminded the fellow politicians quickly though, that Jabiim had underestimated the Dominion's military power in their futile attempt to resist the Triarchy's wish of restoring de jure Dominion territory, which the previous gouvernment failed to defend. Lothal was never a member of the Galactic Alliance, but was tolerated for a long time by Mon Calamari as an independent gouvernment. Thus the Quarren Dominion would welcome a volunteerly request of Lothal's gouvernment to join up with the Dominion.
Given the frightened expressions on the Lothal parliament members upon this statement, K'yahla carressed the wyrwulf's head, which she had brought along her embassy party and enjoyed the chaos, which she had spread. As divided as the politicians, Lothal's society would also be. The next weeks would proof fun for the icognito sorceress to shape the planet and its society within the image of the Dominion's visions, as the gouvernment would certainly try to avoid any pointless war against a powerhouse like the reformed Mon Calamari fleet. That was when they took the peaceful approach, for as she didn't care in what way they would offer Lothal as a gift towards the Prophet and the ones, he serves.
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Prophet C'thyl
Quarren Dominion
Posts: 303
Affiliation: Quarren Dominion
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Prophet C'thyl on Aug 12, 2020 7:23:07 GMT -8
 Ruined Outpost, around 50 kilometers south of the capital
The perfect ritual site.
Over the last weeks, K'yahla was able to convince several among the locals to join up with the Dominion's cause. Beggars, desperate men and women from the middle class, discontent politicians. They had come, as they were willing to form a rebellion against the current gouvernment in return for more power, to obtain more influence. It was a difficult task and probably an impossible one for a regular diplomate, yet the Codru-Ji clan leader was expierienced enough to deal with this sorts of problems. After all it was thanks to her intriques that her own planet had surrendered volunteerly to C'Thyl and his forces.
Things wouldn't be that easy though with the Lothal gouvernment, as the wolf lady had realized. While a good portion of the regular politicians would argue in favor of accepting the Quarren Dominion as their leadership, the majority of the gouvernment would vote most likely against joining up with them and would rather hold out for other gouvernments with similiar interests like the Corellian Coalition to aid them.
Not that it mattered, the Dominion could easily take the planet by force, just like Jabiim.
However Lothal's unity and beliefs in ideals, which once founded the rebellion against the Galactic Empire was a major obstacle to overcome. One that an invasion alone wouldn't solve.
This was the reason, why K'yahla was installing in secret a rebellion.
A Wolf cult, going by the symbol of the local Loth-wolf, a species to be thought of as extinct, was her answer to fabricate the fall of the gouvernment. Arming up the discontent with weaponry in order for them to fight the gouvernment's injustice upon them. Many of undercover Dark Sorcerers had already whispered into the minds of the citizens, showed them of what is to come, if they don't act against those, who kept them in charge.
Having formed most of them into disciples, beings worthy enough of being converted into loyal cultists, they would start here.
It was grotesque to watch these people howl, as they were told by the deacon of the whole organization, as they prayed to the wolf god so that he may bestow his powers upon them to bring down those, who stood in their way.
The third sermon, K'yahla witnessed - and the cult was taking form, as none of them realized that the powers for which they prayed would soon enough be granted to them.
With a smirk, she caressed the wyrwulf child, she had brought along to watch the ceremony.
Once the pack was organized, the next pillar would fall.
The first opposition was formed, soon it was time to form another so that the wolves would tear apart eachother... until all that was left had only the choice to join up with the Alpha
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Prophet C'thyl
Quarren Dominion
Posts: 303
Affiliation: Quarren Dominion
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Prophet C'thyl on Oct 20, 2020 3:03:30 GMT -8
Over the course of the next weeks, reports of frantic attacks from howling beasts are reported alongside Lothal's country side. The gouvernment sends the military forces towards the locations, realizing that the threat might be harder to locate than originally anticipated. As the Cultists of the Wolf becomes a prominent faction within the southern hemisphere of the planet and near the outskirts of the capital among the poorer subjects of society, distrust arises among the factions. Unbeknownst to the public, further cultists and their vile creations were shipped to Lothal via stealthed Guomi-class transporters, invisible to the sensors of the planetary naval forces in order to inforce the guerilla forces of so-called 'werewolves'.
While Ky'ahla watches from her manor the unfolding events and the increased military presence within the capital with glee, she was already planning ahead the next step. Now that unrest between the social classes was created and the seed for a new generation of Sithspawn was laid, it was now time to corrupt the nobles and land owners of the planet. After all they also need to find their places within the Dominion's future plans upon this world.
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Prophet C'thyl
Quarren Dominion
Posts: 303
Affiliation: Quarren Dominion
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Prophet C'thyl on Nov 24, 2020 5:20:55 GMT -8
 Forlorn mansion on Lothal
Recently the Cultists of the Wolf have occupied several key locations within the last week, including ex-imperial production facilities and ore mines. With Lothal's military getting pressured by packs of what they describe as "wolf beasts" and their cultist followers, their resistance gains more ground, as the wronged masses saw themselves as a Separatist movement, that would spread the true beliefs. For reasons unknown their numbers kept growing with every single day. Citizens were kidnapped and either never be seen again - or if seen, within the claws of the cultists.
Ky'ahla gave the nobleman a faint smile, knowing only too well, what would be the next step. With the majority of Lothal's self-declared aristocracy being driven into her arms it was now time to drive them into the Dominion's arms...
She eyed everyone within the room briefly, before she opened up a suitcase, filled up with various vials, containing a dark-red liquid.
"This will be the solution", she remarked, much to the confusion of the present noblemen.
Although it was hard to explain the Lothal nobility the purpose of these flasks, further demonstrations upon a volunteer guardsman made the gathered ladies and gentlemen realize what this blood was.
The blood of a god.
But more importantly for the nobles, a liquor, capable of enhancing a soldier's strength, his physical abilities... everything.
When Ky'ahla explained that the midichlorian count within the blood would cause these temporary effects, none of them really listened, as they were too fascinated to ask, what else this liquid could do. The mention of that it could enhance the lifespan of those, who regulary consumed it on a daily basis was something, what made most of them look up in surprise, as the greed within their eyes showed the emissary directly, that they would be the ideal victims.
After the whole meeting at least half of them stayed, while the rest of them promised at least to buy a batch for their mercenaries and hired swords, given that the thought on a physically-enhanced warrior being capable of driving back these wolf-like creatures was only a logical conclusions.
The Clonetroopers of the Clone Wars were capable of accomplishing such feats against their Separatist enemies and so where prior to them, the Mandalorians.
Yet, as each of the remaining noblemen drank a vial, they all fell for the lie.
For the blood of the Sithspawn would not briefly enhance them over a short period of time, but slowly also turn them into Sithspawn.
The blood came in fact from one of the Prophet's most recent creations. A white, batlike being, blind and with a vampiristic nature. It's blood chain was as infectious as a virus, drawing the Force out of a living being. Over time the creature would have to feed upon others and suck the life out of them in order to sustain itself - for if it didn't, it would die.
Ky'ahla knew that the noblemen and their soldiers would drink the blood over the next weeks frequently, for they would become addicted to the blood, realize that they needed the blood - and eventually realize that this thirst for blood would not solely apply to the special kind of liquor they drank.
The Prophet's agent left the lone manor, as another seed was planted to fuel up the brewing civil war on Lothal.
With both werebeasts and vampiristic followers ravaging the surface of the planet, Lothal's military had to act, had to find a solution against these major movements from within the planet.
And above all was the ever presence of the Prophet, the hidden cult among the stars.
The Quarren Dominion loomed over the world in orbit like a Damocles sword.
It was only a matter of time until it would fall upon Lothal and lay claim to this world. |
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Prophet C'thyl
Quarren Dominion
Posts: 303
Affiliation: Quarren Dominion
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Prophet C'thyl on Apr 26, 2021 2:48:03 GMT -8
Conflicts between the Wolf Cult and the faction of the nobleborn become more dire, as the seeds, planted into Lothal's society take deeper roots. With the villages and territories getting slowly divided, local citizens either bow towards the self-declared pack leaders of the Cult of the Wolf, the wolf-like overlords of their large rebellion movement against the gouvernment or the nearly-as-cruel vampiric Caste of Lords, that has silently formed itself from the rotting society.
Although the Lord's mercenary armies are capable of holding back the tides of rebell soldiers, where the gouvernment failed, the bloodlust and arrogance of their commanders tends to become with each passing week more of a problem.
Senators and those within the capital of Lothal fear, that the nobles might become the gouvernment's next enemy, if they continiue their frenzy and threats against the state, should they not pay their own demands. While the chaos was unfolding, the Dominion's ambassadors watched gleefully their creation, as it wouldn't take long now until their world would submit into their fold.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240 
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Aug 15, 2023 20:56:07 GMT -8
It was easy to tell the site's location, even as the Consular-class Cruiser entered the atmosphere and headed for the ongoing excavation below. The camp was dominated by the presence of a AZ-7 Jedi Transport, carrying a portion of the Archaeological Corps and Preservation Department of the Ossus Jedi. The planet had a link with the Jedi Order's history from before the rise of the Galactic Empire and the Clone Wars. Pilgrims had come to this planet and built a Jedi temple out of a large stone structure, almost like a stalagmite. A most natural formation turned into a strong temple, dedicated to the Light.
The darkness that once held this planet had seemingly vanished, bringing the Jedi to begin exploration, once more, into worlds with Jedi history. The initial reports, to Ossus, had proven to be promising and had even enticed the High Lord to come and see the results for himself. This was especially considering how old the Jedi Temple on Lothal was and its significance. The presence of a Force Nexus alone was enticing, but it seemed the excavation was uncovering trinkets and structures, nearby, that belonged to the High Republic Era. The Golden Age of the Jedi Order before the dark times, before the galactic conflict that was the Clone Wars saw the near total destruction of the Jedi.
Lucien came along with a handful of Jedi retainers and even Abi Bruce, who seemed as intrigued as he was. Their arrival was welcomed by the Jedi and department leadership that oversaw the exploration and excavation. All manner of droids and workers moved about between three major sites of excavation. The reports showed that Hole 3, which was to the northwest of the camp, proved to be the most promising of the trio in terms of what was discovered. Without further delay, and at the insistence of the High Lord, the pair and those with them were brought to what appeared to be an estate of a Jedi or two from the High Republic Era. It was half excavated in the shadow of the temple's tall rock spire. A treasure to behold!
Lucien stood in the main area, looking at a display table where the archaeologists had displayed a few findings: a couple old lightsabers, clothing, books, even a broken holocron. The High Lord was truly fascinated at the findings and the desire to explore himself grew, especially considering the Jedi Temple itself, though rebuilt, had not been touched in many generations. He was now looking at the tall spire that overshadowed them.Lothal seems to be doing well. Strange that whatever darkness lurked here has seemingly vanished.He spoke directly to Abigail as he looks at the Countess.The temple was rebuilt, but it seems that the Galactic Empire's purge of the structure didn't penetrate deep into the earth. The Archaeological Corps believes there could be many undiscovered locations and treasures of the Jedi waiting below.
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94 
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Aug 17, 2023 20:51:24 GMT -8
Abi had a minor interest in history of the Jedi, and it had been at the insistence of some of her aids that she take a vacation from Ossus. The death of Aurora still weighed on her mind and spirit. But after taking her first steps off the transport, she felt a new vigour and quickly occupied herself in observing trinkets and other artifacts dug up. She had never been to Lothal and the art, architecture, and culture was fascinating to learn about. The Countess looks up from the pottery shard she had been examining as Lucien spoke to her. Yes my lord, these archeologists have done a fine job, and we are fortunate at the late Emperor's slopy work...
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Aug 26, 2023 8:12:36 GMT -8
Lucien had felt the weight upon Abi's person and mind. All of the Jedi Lords were aware of the death of Aurora, who had been with them since the founding of their cause under his predecessor, High Lord Stone. A ceremony had been held on Ossus, honoring her among the dead. She was one with the Force now. But, even that wasn't enough to stave off mourning and sadness for those who loved and cherished the late Baroness. The High Lord thought that this little excursion could be good for the Countess. Something to do other than her usual work as Administrator of Knossa.
Come on now, Abi. You need not call me so formally.
Lucien looks over at the Lady Bruce.
I may be High Lord, but I don't mind being called Lucien.
The Jedi moved away from the display, walking back into the center of the room they occupied. Lucien looked about at the architecture and could feel the Force presences that lingered as echoes from the past. The Golden Age of the Jedi it was called, the High Republic Era. He wondered what it would have been like to live during the height of the Old Jedi Order.
You think this era was influenced by our predecessors, the original Jedi Lords?
The villa did feel a bit... like a noble's estate.
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Sept 5, 2023 10:15:01 GMT -8
Abi blushed slightly at being 'told off' about her formality. She was not usually one to be so familiar with her superiors, at least not in public. Her attention soon drawn to the building itself. There was something regal about it, more so than the spartan standards the Jedi in the Rise of the Empire era had. The Countess moved over and joined the High Lord in the middle of the room. Hard to imagine they wouldn't have been, with personalities like Hoth and Farfalla at their head. The Jedi Lords left a distinct mark on the galaxy thanks to their efforts to stop the Brotherhood of Darkness. Thinking of remodeling back home, High Lor- erm- Lucien?
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Sept 9, 2023 18:58:37 GMT -8
Lucien chuckles at the last bit of Abi's words.
Hardly. I am content with the style I utilize for Harcey Keep. It would be impossible to emulate such... glory.
The Jedi gestures at where they were. In the shadow of what was once the high peak of the Old Jedi Order. Where the knights of their ranks were viewed as protectors and peacekeepers, not soldiers. Where the approach of these trained individuals sent all manner of evildoers fleeing. Where the sight of a Jedi Vector squadron brought hope to a beleaguered world... what a time it must have been to live as a Jedi. The galaxy was still relatively at peace and the Clone Wars was hardly a thought upon the minds of those who had caused such a tragedy.
The excavators tell me that there is a temple beneath the one on the surface.
He points at the visible structure that all knew prior.
Bits and pieces show of a time before as well. Likely what was used during that era by the Jedi.
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 9, 2023 22:37:09 GMT -8
Abi stepped over to stand next to Lucien. Since her time in exile on Naboo, hiding from the enemies of her family, she had had a fondness for structural aesthetics. And if this building had managed to survive the purge, then whatever was below would be even older and perhaps untouched by looters. Then perhaps we should take a look? There is much wisdom that can be gained from the Ancient Jedi. Who knows what lost relics or records could be down there...
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Nov 13, 2023 19:04:28 GMT -8
Lucien looks at Abigail who stood next to him. He offers the binoculars, pointing to where the reports indicated a likely passage towards the lower levels where the Old Temple resided. Estimations says it could be from the High Republic era or perhaps be even older, from the dark times of New Sith Wars, the catastrophic Great Galactic War, the equally devastating Jedi Civil War, or perhaps the Golden Age of the Jedi, before the fall of Exar Kun to the Dark Side.
They do worry about structural integrity, not to mention what defenses could be there.
He smiles some, crossing his arms over his chest.
But when has that ever stopped explorers? Let alone Jedi wanting to see more of their past?
He looks once more at Abigail before nodding his head in the direction of the excavation.
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Nov 20, 2023 8:29:17 GMT -8
Abi peered through the binoculars that were offered to her. She studied the suspected entrance and the approach. Lowering the binoculars just in time to see Lucien signal that they should head on up. The Countess adopted her signature half smile, and with a shake of her head, she passed the binoculars back. Well, what good are two Jedi Lords just standing around when there are dangerous ruins to delve? Was she properly dressed for an adventure such as this? No. Did she need something to distract her from the pain she still felt over the loss of her friend? Absolutely. And thus she began to gather potentially useful gear into a pack.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Nov 20, 2023 11:32:22 GMT -8
Before they could full depart, the excavation teams would help the Jedi Lords prepare for their descent. Lucien felt it was necessary since they'd need maps and equipment to perform their exploration. Armor was removed, tools for climbing and descending were granted, flashlights were attached to their shoulders, necessary supplies for medical, food, and drink dispensed. Within the hour, both Jedi Lords were prepared for their descent.
Moving towards the entrance, Lucien walked upon a fine stone slab that appeared to be a fountain or maybe an old memorial. It was elevated slightly, but likely a turbolaser blasted it away when the Lothal Jedi Temple was bombarded by Imperial cruisers. Clicking on his flashlight, the High Lord entered the cavernous corridor that was before them, entering the tunnels that would take them to even lower levels. The teams had warned about what may lurk, whether it be creatures, defenses, or poor infrastructure. Cautions that were well warranted, but did not deter Lucien from the desire to see what could be found.
He waited for Abi to join him before refocusing on the excavated interior.
One of the entrances. You can see statues of Jedi protectors on the side. One corridor is caved in, but the other two seem open.
Lucien flash his light down one way and then another, inspecting them.
They said that there may be an entrance to our right, but they haven't fully explored either of the open directions much.
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Dec 2, 2023 23:05:07 GMT -8
Abi wasn't far behind Lucien. She hadn't planned to explore any ruins herself, so had had to modify her dress, and borrow some pants, but now was eager to delve. Her own flashlight illuminating some of the stone, looking for any carvings or other markings on the cave walls. But then her attention too fell on the two paths before them. Both passages, that still stood open, looked promising. She smiled as she glanced over at the High Lord standing next to her. Should we split up? Or are you afraid of the dark? Abi teased. She knew the correct answer was to stick together, she just couldn't resist the joke.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Dec 3, 2023 0:35:32 GMT -8
Lucien grins and lets out a short chuckle as his flashlight scans about.
And have you find everything interesting alone while I get stuck somewhere? Unlikely.
The High Lord chuckles again before proceeding to the right, figuring that was the best place to go. There was evidence, along the way, of excavation and exploration along the walls and into some rooms. Equipment had been left behind by the team that surveyed this area. Lucien paused, every so often, to pick up something and see what it was before continuing onward some more. Eventually, his flashlight illuminated a passageway that led downward. Moving forward, he surveyed the stairwell, seeing how it looked.
Think this is what they were talking about, Abi. What they believe could take us to the more ancient part of the temple.
Attaching the flashlight to his shoulder, Lucien pulls out a spray which he puts upon his boots. He offers it to Abi.
One of the team members says they use this to add extra grip to their boots. Better to be safe than sorry, ya know?
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Abi Bruce
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 94
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Abi Bruce on Dec 26, 2023 19:56:51 GMT -8
Abi accepts the spray and applies it to her boots, supporting herself on Lucien's shoulder as she lifted one foot at a time. Better that we get stuck together, is that it? She smiled up at Lucien as she finished the application and stood on her own again. She peered down the passage. Her eyes could not see much, so she closed them, and listened to the Force. There was a calm here. Something she had been looking for since Aurora's death. Maybe it was the temple itself, maybe being out and getting to be a Jedi again rather than an administrator, or maybe it was the High Lord himself. Whatever the source, Abi was eager to continue their adventure. Stomping her feet a couple of times, checking to see if the spray was griping like it should, she once more looked to her companion. After you, Lucien!
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Dec 30, 2023 19:25:46 GMT -8
There was a smile on Lucien's face when Abigail turned back to him. He could sense that there was a greater degree of calm over the Countess. All on Ossus was aware of her loss when it came to the trusted baron and knight that had served her for so long, Aurora Valhalla. It made Lucien wonder how he would react if Yar Sho died. A ceremony had been held in memory of Baroness Valhalla, but one could not simply set aside mourning even when one knew that someone they cared for was gone. It was one of the reasons why the High Lord had brought the Countess with him; a chance to be distracted and also to gaze upon some old ruins.
Onward!
And so both of them would begin their descent, deeper down the staircase and over a few chasms considering the lack of maintenance. Many of the doors they could take were caved in. Yet, after going down probably three or four floors, Lucien found a promising doorway.
Hmmm...
Gingerly, the entrance was nudged with the Force before peeled a bit more to let the two of them enter. Ahead, although it was pretty dim lit here, Lucien could make out pillars and what appeared to be a stone railing... or maybe marble? Pulling out the holomap, Lucien checked their location. There were all kinds of levels that were examined and explored. But it looked like things hadn't been explored this far below.
Don't think the excavation has been down here before.
Up ahead, it appeared that the area opened up into what appeared to be a balcony. Were they on a floor above something?
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