Memoirs and Recollection of a Fractured Heart - Sovernus Nova

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry #12 of Horuset Chronicles:
The Finale of Lord Sanguinis's Challenge

***An organised recollection of what transpired within the Krath Tomb and the conclusion to Lord Sanguinis's challenge.***

A renowned Arkanian pathfinder once said “People do not take trips. Trips takes people.”

Verily it is one of philosophical sentiment, expressing the change and transformations that can alter one’s perception in life. As though it brings a drastic revelation in one’s worldview, to have a life changing experience in embarking these adventures.

Yet the quote is lost upon me, or more precisely the connotation asserted is not one that I share with the masses. By my own admission, the path I tread towards the desolate ruin was adorned with plentiful skeletons and withering trails of those who were engulfed in quicksand; all with death’s fragrance buzzing in the air. The cracked bones and faint odor of malefic demise were the only reminders of former spirited explorers.

In that regard, trips do indeed take people.

The Krath Scroll drove me towards a coordinate that was hard to traverse, yet upon gazing at a fallen structure marked by Sith architectural influence, it propelled me further to engage on this adversarial journey. As the sun peaks in its plateau above the jagged mountains, my presence reached the entrance of the haunting tomb. A whiff of baleful aroma emanated from the darkened hallway, yet I trudged forth despite the discouraging olfactory sense.

The first interior chamber was a dead end- seemingly so, yet a thorough inspection onto the walls one can deduce that there was a mechanism of sorts to lift the main primary wall. Peering within the interior, the chamber was filled with skeletons and scattered primitive weaponries from a lost time. Yet the resonance of these were eerily emitting essences of the dark side, but it was not due to direct alchemy rather from an overexposure of a nexus that lies dormant within the temple.

An ornamental pedestal stood imposingly at the center, once I placed my hand onto it something drew me in and a strange sensation surged through me. The wall shook as dusts cascades off into the ambient atmosphere, revealing inscriptions that were similar to ones that were in the scroll. After momentarily deciphering it, I was able to unveil its message.

“What beast is that which defends souls, bears its bloody back, but man it saves, meets spears, gives life to some and lays itself besides a warrior’s palm?”

These riddles were often the bane of my rationalist thoughts, as they often contain abstract meanings. Though I mentally noted the presence of these primitive weapons earlier, radiating with a certain resonance. Gazing at the possibilities, it came to my attention that the pedestal holds similar markings to these arsenals, as though one of them has to be placed on it. Considering the riddle and its implication I eventually placed on of these upon the center pedestal.

A shield.

Once the crude ancient defense tool was settled on the pedestal, the primary section of the wall lowered itself, revealing another chamber. Once I entered however the wall enclosed on itself, trapping me within the interior. I took this as an indication to temper my conviction for there is no going back.

The chamber itself was unremarkable, except for the many small pillars situated at the corners of the room with what appears to be urns on them. The center of the room was a coffin engraved in old inscriptions. I inspected it shortly but could not unveil its meaning due to these carvings being illegible, as time corroded the indents. Against my better initial judgement, I opened one of the urns, and immediately a contrasting air rushed out in a thick white smog. In response I quickly closed the lid to prevent any more from pouring out in fear of it containing toxins, yet the thick vapor had been inhaled in that brief moment. I could not feel any difference nor could I detect any sensation of poison, so I concluded it was harmless, at least in the immediate time frame.  It was as though the pillar itself that connected to the urn were pipes itself, and whatever was underneath the room contained the gas.

My eyes were drawn towards a wall that shown engravings, and after briefly deciphering it, it unveiled yet another riddle that had to be solved.

“The great one who grasps the earth, swallowing wood and water will reveal the path. It dreads winds but envelops man all the same.”

I traced my thoughts in each word and carefully considered their implications. Through rational deduction it was evident these urns and pillars were not here for aesthetic reasons, and from that I reasoned that the enveloping vapour was the key to the riddle.

The concept of a thick fog fulfilled all the criteria of the riddle. Fog itself could envelop nature, and it could not withstand strong winds, and naturally consume the figure of man.

Yet I was hesitant.

Would I be willing to subject the entirety of the room with an unidentifiable vapour? Granted it could be an atmospherical phenomena similar to the desolate gradient pressure, yet to fully envelop myself in it was disconcerting. I considered it may even be simply smoke, from an everlighting source that exploits Korriban’s nature. Though nonetheless I had to make a decision quickly, and I resorted to following through with the plan.

I opened all the urns as the white vapour slowly filled the room. The visible spectrum was gradually diminishing and I found myself amidst clouds. Gradually the fog enveloped the entirety of the room and I heard a mechanism that clicked and I heard a wall move. At first, I was relieved that something was indeed activated from this gamble, yet the noise that followed broke my respite.

A vicious growl that bordered a primal ferocity made itself known. Judging from the sound of it, it was increasingly hostile and possesses a large frame. I utilized Force Sense to gather my bearings as best I could, and the audible noise of flaring nostrils confirmed to me that it inherently has an advantage in this situation. It could smell those who wandered in these tombs and would exploit those who were depended on vision in a fully enveloped room of fog.

It is here where my Arkanian physiology provides a distinctive edge. The infrared spectrum of my visual senses offered the sight of the creature through its body heat. Whilst I am unable to fully capture the intricate details of the specimen, it was evident that it is a rather prominently large Tuk’ata who saw fit to offer hostility in the ways of its claws. The struggle was evident, as the initial Force Push had minimal effect and the Force Shock only provided a delay in its ferocity. Slashes were expressed from my vibroknife whilst its claws find its way through the side of my waist, after continuous cautious bladework the beast eventually succumbed to its injuries and a final blow struck.

After patching my wounds and halting the injury from progressing farther, I sought to collect from the fallen Tuk’ata, fashioning myself it’s claws and teeth as I took my time carefully. I wanted the brain of the specimen to be preserved as best I could, and I was unsure whether I could retain the full extent of its condition- and so I crudely detached the head off instead with great effort and using augmentation. I ripped the hood of my robe to use as a carrying sack. It would have to do until I could find a storage with proper preservation reagent quickly.

Now with a deadline and time limit on my mind, I trudged towards where the Tuk’ata came from and found an opening in the wall which lead me to another chamber. At the same time the wall from the previous room opened once again and it allowed the fog to disperse. At this point I was fuming with impatience and frustration, and the injury I received was beginning to throb in agonizing symphony. The chamber itself was peculiar, with multiple columns with a reflective mirror on one side scattered around the room. The ceiling above had an opening which gave way to a singular focused light aimed towards the floor.

There was a wall with another inscription that had similarities to the scroll. After momentarily deciphering, it revealed yet another riddle.

“Time is the province of Gods and Kings; the path is open when light defies shadows for the enlightened.”

The wall had an indentation and a gem of sorts that was embedded onto it. Momentarily deducing a way to solve the riddle, I eliminated several alternatives until I came to the conclusion that the light was meant to reflect that one gem and that the mirror columns were meant to aid in that endeavor.

The ground in which the singular light focused on was peculiar, and after I removed the sands it revealed that there was a mirror on the floor which immediately redirected the light. I opted to scout the mirrors around the chambers to find the trajectories that eventually lead the light towards the gem.

Though there was an issue.

Two of those columns were broken, perhaps damaged from a battle that ensued within the tomb. It made the trail of light incomplete and thus it could not fulfill its purpose of reflecting onto that gem.

Time was running out, aside from the brain of the Tuk’ata I sought to preserve, the notion that the light stems from the sun would mean that as the day goes by, the light beam would diminish and eventually fade as nightfall arrives.

I thoroughly pinpointed the locations of the mirror columns once again and devised a plan to rearrange two of them to ensure their mirrors surface reflects the light onto the gem, as though I was attempting utilize a loophole. Once I concluded with my schematic, I sought to move the column.

The task was not simple, and I had to batter the lower end to ensure its mobility using debris and the Force to aid in such, fortunately time has not aged well for these structures and it was possible to do such. Perhaps it was also due to time that withered the two broken columns, but I digress. It was here the full range of my telekinetic ability is challenged. The column itself was heavy, and the welling of my infuriation and hatred bolstered my capacity to move it.

I am reminded of the old days in Korriban where Overseer Regaine ordered me to lift a blistering pot of charcoal above my head using telekinesis, in his disdain towards me he gradually added more and more until the weight of it was solidly heavy. It took every ounce of my being to maintain such, until I realize his disdain did not end there. A few moments after he told Frelan Drul to encourage me and ‘spark my spirits’ in which I was greeted by the crackles of static lunged towards my body, followed closely by the burning sensation of charcoal against me. But I digress.

The columns were finally arranged in a manner that allowed the light to find its way to the gem. With a resonating hum and a looming sensation of Dark Side influence, the wall opened in its splendor revealing a small area where an ornamental amulet was placed on a pedestal that were adorned with scrolls. From my studies with Sith Alchemy, I could identify the intricate craftsmanship- but moreso the quality of the metal used and the focusing crystal was of superior quality.

I inspected the scrolls and found it to depict diagrams and runic inscriptions. The Krath Cultists are known to have specialized and delved deeply into Sith Sorcery and Alchemy and I suspect this tomb was used to hoard their knowledge of such. I did not have the luxury to fully sate my curiosity as I took the amulet and the scrolls as time was running out.

Eventually I returned to civilization and was able to treat the injury. I placed the Tuk’ata head in a temporary storage until I made it to Drommund Kaas where the possibility of finding an appropriate encasing was significantly higher. Using the funds, I acquired from my encounter with Skraven, I brought a container and preservative reagents in which I eventually carved the brain from the head surgically before storing it in such. The remaining funds I utilized to purchase a black box to place the amulet in with the intention to present it to Lord Sanguinis.

I understood that I could not bring the brain to Th’Asidra, though I remember fortunately I was given my own room at Nedhorroc’s apartment after the incident where his appeal was successful against Alencia’s accusations. I opted to place the container and scrolls hidden there before I returned to Th’Asidra.

There was another time lapse, and my memories did not align. I suspected that Sovereign had taken over hours before as I abruptly found myself walking towards Lord Sanguinis with the black box in my hand, whilst his scrutinizing red gaze hovered over me imposingly.

I panicked.

Within that brief moment I gathered that I was about to present to him the Sith amulet I procured in Korriban. But what made me panic was the fact that there was a blank time inbetween. I dreaded the possibility that Sovereign substituted the contents of the black box and lured me into a trap where I was about to present something entirely different- possibly something that would guarantee Lord Sanguinis’s disdain and displeasure. Yet there was no turning back now, the Lord’s gaze was fixated onto me and if I back down now, that would essentially spell out my defeat.

I gulped as I presented him the black box whilst kneeling down. Sweat was pouring down my face as I could hear my own heartbeat grew ever louder. When he inquired what I had brought him, I opened the box carefully and slowly as it was the moment of truth.

Inside was the Krath’s Sith Amulet, adorned gracefully within its confinement. My heart sank in relief, and it became more reassuring when he inquired more about it with interest. Though our interaction was cut short when the presence of other apprentices entered the halls, one of them stopped in their tracks, evidently curious as to what is transpiring.
It was here where Lord Sanguinis immediately clasped the box shut and took it from my hands. He dismissed me and did not hesitate in leaving the premises immediately away from the others.

It was finally over.

After months of careful preparation, schemes, subterfuge and resourcefulness, I completed Lord Sanguinis’s challenge. Truth be told, I was tempted to keep such an ancient amulet for myself as it would benefit me greatly in the long-term run. To possess an object that could store a considerable amount of Dark Side essence was an edge that would have placed me above my peers.

Though the dilemma arises with what I could have offered to the Sith Lord if I had kept it for myself. Even Apprentices finds difficulty in providing something of substance to a Sith Lord, as it is evident that the resources of the latter are far reaching. A lord has the means to acquire most things apprentices aspires to attain. How much more difficult for an acolyte who has limitations far beyond that of an apprentice with little to no privileges?

Though I am still in the dark as to Lord Sanguinis’s opinion and whether I passed his challenge as our interaction was shortened. For the next passing days I have not heard from him since, there may also be a possibility he has forgotten about the ordeal entirely, yet that would be greatly detrimental after the exhaustive effort I invested in it and the fact that I relinquished an artifact that would have greatly benefited me.

Regardless in a greater context, I am grateful that Lord Sanguinis has provided me such a challenge. Granted I could have followed the examples of fellow acolytes and settled with a gift that is inferior, gifts that would have taken me weeks or days as opposed to months of intricate planning. But I was never one to settle for less. The adversity throughout the journey tempered my resolve, I had the opportunity to utilize a broad range of my Force abilities into real practical scenarios, expanded my network, gained specific items of interest and increased my leverage on different individuals for future plans. 

It reminded me of my childhood where I was constantly forced to the edge of my wit and intelligence to creatively be resourceful in dealing with many situations and challenges as demanded by my father, Lord Nova. I find my heart aching from homesickness, but also a sensation of concern for my sister.

All that remains now is to maintain my position within the generation and uphold the Nova standards of perfectionism. To consolidate the proficiency of my abilities and continue to delve deeper into studies of the alchemical kind. Though the pursuit that consumes me most is one I had been dealing with for all this time.

The pursuit that matters most is to defeat Sovereign.