Faction Going Away to College | Sith Academy

[Annika Starfire]

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Location: Jutrand
Objective: Seeing what happens
Tags:
Gear: in bio
Wearing: this but with her hat

In the midst of the crowd of acolytes a as they were gathering an inky black portal opened and Vestara VII And perhaps a few others if nearby might feel a familiar presence. Out of the darkness stepped Annika and she went and stood by her friend's sister. "Hey, Vee" she said to the little torturer, "You got a sponsor then? Is it?" she raised an eyebrow in question to the other woman but would not say the name, it was her secret as long as she needed it to be. Her own mistress Astrid pentoghast would probably sponsor her if she so asked, but Annika being herself had turned up here a few days before her 18th birthday just because she was too eager to see how things panned out. In truth, by this point Annika was only an acolyte still because noone had officially told her that she was the next thing, whatever that was, titles were fairly arbitrary after all. "You gonna be able to come to my party if you are starting school?" she teased cracking her neck as she looked across at a man who stared at her as if he knew her. He may well do, she had amassed a few million holonet followers on Jutrand by now and it wasnt entirely unusual to get spotted by one.

She touched her hat and a whisp of purple smoke trailed off her fingers, the man gave her a grin and touched his forehead in response before going back to his friends. She looked around the rest of the room. Darth Malum of House Marr was here, she knew him, nerf herder nepobaby, but he wasn't all bad, then there was Darth Carnifex lord of the Khainites, she had worked with his entourage on some holo media stuff that had gone quite well, but she didn't know him. There was a lot acolyte hopefuls here, she could see many around that might not make it very far, and she could feel the swirling emotions in the room. One very pretty blonde girl in the corner was preening herself surrounded by flirting teenagers, she gave the impression of confidence and vanity, but Annika could feel her fear, and she smirked, she was that girl a couple of years ago, she would get over it, or she would fail, Annika committed her face to memory just to future reference.

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[Soldane Talon]

Soldane could feel the eyes rest on him in turn. Bearing down nearby in the form of Firrerreo , Aerik Lechner , and others. Soldane didn't have the precise skill to tell where their sight came from, but he could feel there eyes - both by the Force, and by instinct. It made his skin crawl. The most notable however drowned them out like a wave, and he could feel it even from afar. Haru Kaine studied them, but for a moment, then moved his gaze to the others. Compared to the students, it felt like a spotlight shown directly on them - he didn't have to look at Darth Carnifex to know he watched them.​

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<< We're being watched. >>​

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He didn't look to Lunaria Talon , but she would know what he meant. She would feel what he felt. See what he saw. They were being targeted already - by students and sponsors alike. Perhaps not for the yet hidden secrets they held, but for their nature.​

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<< Do we strive to rank near the top, or hold back to aim for the middle? >>​

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An unconcious thought, passive and clear to his twin. Only they could hear them, not even their Naneth could penetrate their telepathy - even when it had not always been so. Sometimes it was a glance, a look, a slight frown. They could read each others mind even without the Force.​

 

[Firrerreo]

Good.

Very good.

The Familiar's eyes, shrouded in the shadows of the room, continued to dark around to size up ever contender, every notable presence. There were a half dozen or so that seemed to stand above the rest. Possibly more. The more the Familiar saw, the more Firrerreo realized this was indeed the best of the best that the Empire had to offer.

All it did was excite the boy, though. A proper challenge so he could face off against them. Earn his right for more power. They would fall before him, and those above would recognize his worth not because of any heritage or pedigree, but because he'd make them recognize him. He straightened his uniform, smiled ever so faintly. These were the nicest clothes he'd ever had.

He'd make them work.

@All of you Firrerreo be peepin.

 

[Aspect of Passion]

As the students found their final places near the rear, a Sepulchral priest and the Provost of the Jutrand Academy rose to the stand to speak. One was a corpse of unknown age, her eyes yellow from iris to sclera in a wash. The Provost, however, wore fine raiments - befitting his position as the principle Tutor at the finest academy in the Order's history. He beamed, then let his voice carry through the Force - as though he spoke to every single person, and no one else.​

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"Children of the Sith - Today you have been guided by strength, passion, and freedom to our doorstep. Firstly, congratulate yourselves for coming this far - out of billions, you are the thousands who made it. Among you, there will be less who make it further - but acknowledge the accomplishment you have made thus far.", he said with a grin.​

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"Then understand that failure now, washes away that pride. In the Royal Academy of Jutrand you will not be coddled, cared for, or given privileges of birth.", a lie from all the rumors, "You will be given nothing you do not earn - and to earn it, you must prove yourselves better than the rest. Today is the beginning of the rest of your lives - but only some of you, will have a life worth living.", he mused.​

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"When the doors behind me open, you will march in file to your designated testing area. There in, you may speak to your fellow candidates, learn who they are, and what they are capable of. Each of you will begin with a test - to measure your midichlorians, and your potential as a Force User. Simple questions regarding your application of the Force, and demonstrations of your skill in using the Force. Lifting multiple stones, carefully undoing multiple locks and pins in the same instance, and more. This is the First of the Tests in the Initiation."​

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"Hail, Sith! Ana na Tutsatsa!"​

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Walk with Strength.​

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The students knew their place in this ceremony. They slammed their left fist to their heart, and let out a 'Ooah'. It sounded like a single entity speaking in return. The slam of heels hitting one another as the crowd moved from parade rest to a march, and the great black doors of the academy opened. Their initiation would begin, just as the Provost had declared - their first Trial, one of the Force, to understand their baseline.​

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For those outside, there in the stands where shade still stood, holograms appeared for them - able to be changed to monitor any student they wished, any applicant who yet underwent the tests. Almost immediately, students were given the trial, and failed. They didn't lift enough boulders, could only unlock 2 finely tuned locks at once, or tested far too low on the midichlorian count to be worth their time. For any number of reasons, in the first 30 minutes as the Sepulchral initiated the tests, almost every single student was eliminated. Only 1 in 8 made it through, out of thousands.​

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The first culling had already begun.​

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Students: Soldane Talon // Meili Feng // Viers Connory // Firrerreo // Marcus Dinn // Vestara VII // Kai'lyn // Thelnic Vath // Veradun Sharr // Jarek Voss // Irina Jesart // Nevheda of Tsis'Raki // Udren Zeln // Aerik Lechner // Lunaria Talon​

 

[Kai'lyn]

Kai'lyn stood attentively in the bustling hall of the Sith Academy, his montrals sharply angling towards the distant voice of authority. As others saluted, he clumsily attempted to mimic the gesture, his movements tinged with awkwardness. He tugged at the collar of the unfamiliar yet fitting attire he had donned, a garment that was not originally his but served its purpose well enough.

Around him, the air was thick with a mix of emotions—concern, fear, frustration, sorrow—all of which Kai'lyn sensed with an animalistic precision. His gaze, both predatory and keen, swept over the room, absorbing and learning from those who seemed to excel. Despite the prevailing fear that perfumed the air, Kai'lyn found himself intrigued rather than daunted. To him, this was an exhilarating challenge, not a threat.

His montrals glowed softly, a visible sign of his intense focus. He smelled the fear around him, but it didn't stir him as it did his peers. Instead, it served as a silent warning to proceed with caution and deliberation, considering each move with strategic thought. In this den of potential and power, Kai'lyn was a keen observer, learning the rules of a game he intended to master.

And master them he would.

As the initiation trial begins, Kai'lyn excels noticeably among his peers. Tasked with lifting heavy boulders using the Force, he maneuvers them with ease, showcasing his exceptional control. During the lock-unlocking test, his concentration is intense; the locks open seamlessly at his command. His abilities allow him to surpass the challenges one by one. His midichlorian count, distinguises him as a strong contender, revealing his deep connection to the Force, setting a promising course for cultivating and training. His mind works like a well-oiled machine, quickly identifying weaknesses in situations and exploiting them.

Through each of these trials, Kai'lyn not only survives, but thrives, his adaptability and quick learning marking him as a formidable aspirant within the harsh and competitive world of his Sith peers.

 

[Firrerreo]

And just like that it started. Firrerreo's gaze shifted forward, focused back in as the whisp of a shadow that was his familiar retreated back into his clothing. It was a cold sensation against his skin, but he was long used to it being a comfort in the desert heat of Tatooine. He only spared a glance to the other students as they all in unison returned the cry. Practiced and devout, was it? He half mirrored it, mostly to ensure the next time this came about he knew what to do. At the same time though, he didn't seem hard pressed or freaked out that he didn't know.

He followed his group, stepped into the trial room. He only observed at first, his familiar slinking around to scope out the tests for him. Lifting rocks, a blood test, and lock picking? He practically laughed at the last. How many of these rich kids actually knew how to pick a lock?

He stepped up to his trial, idly holding out a hand for his blood test.

Mediclorine Count: Above Average.

He wouldn't be the highest ranking in that. Nor would he be with the rocks or lifting them. Firrerreo still lifted a good weight to put him above so, so many, but raw strength in the Force wasn't something he was good at.

The locks, though?

He reached towards his lock, and the familiar that had returned to clinging to his skin subtly shot out and into rhe lock itself. The amorphous nature had made it all too skilled at picking locks when he needed to get out, or in, to locked storerooms for food.

It'd be hard pressed to find another who so thoroughly undid the lock as fast as the boy did. He smiled a little to his examineer before stepping past.

Firrerreo: Passed.

 

[Vestara VII]

Location: The Royal Academy of Jutrand
Attire: U-01 Standard Academy Uniform │ Choker Collar │ Spirit Anchor - Concealed │ Amulet of Many - Concealed │ FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade - Concealed
Tag: Annika Starfire

It was unnerving being looked at by so many, especially with the intense, all-seeing gaze of the Father honing in on her, eliciting a sensation that caused her nerves to tingle with restless fervor. However, just as her muscles tensed up once more, a familiar presence registered in Vestara’s awareness—one that she recognized from the interrogations she had assisted with while working under Darth Nefaron. With it came a wafting of pheromones that hit her like a small wave, causing Vestara to manifest a slight smile, before clamping her expression back down out of instinctive discipline. Out from the darkness emerged Annika Starfire , her aura confident, playful, and perhaps vain—though not without good reason, given her HoloNet fame. Nevertheless, pheromones or not, Vestara was not unhappy to see the half-Zeltron sorceress amidst the crowd of strangers and students.

With Annika here, she could at least distract herself from the eyes.

Out of the darkness stepped Annika and she went and stood by her friend's sister. "Hey, Vee" she said to the little torturer, "You got a sponsor then? Is it?" she raised an eyebrow in question to the other woman but would not say the name, it was her secret as long as she needed it to be.

“Yes, I do.” Vestara answered softly. “Lord Nefaron gave me his endorsement.” She added. Even as she said it, there was a measure of relief. At least if she failed, it would reflect less on the Eternal Father, and more on Nefaron. Of course, she did not want to shame either the Dark Lord or the Lord Terror, but in her mind, one weighed more than the other.

Then, just before Vestara would have replied to Annika's question, the booming voice of the Provost called her to attention. Soon, Vestara found herself within her designated testing area, standing close to the half-Zeltron. First came the blood test—a small prick on her finger to lay bare the potential in her blood. The count came back with the number she had expected from previous tests, so nothing was out of the ordinary in that regard.

However, the next tests caught Vestara off-guard. Boulders. In particular, heavy boulders that she needed to lift with the Force alone.

The line was progressing quickly. And with it, Vestara’s palms grew increasingly clammy with sweat as each successive name was called. The Hapan touched the collar of her uniform, feeling the imprint of the amulet concealed underneath. She would need it, but it along would not be adequate for her to pass the next test, especially given her relatively subpar telekinetic skills. Thus, swallowing her pride, Vestara looked back towards Annika and exchanged an uncomfortable glance.

Time was running out. But perhaps, she could make a silent arrangement with the half-Zeltron sorceress.

 

[Viers Connory]

[Tags in Spoiler]

After hearing the instructions for what and where she was, Viers mouthed several choice words. How did she find herself in the middle of the trials of a pristine Sith Academy? She groaned under her breath but knew she needed to follow along, or thousands of Sith were going to descend upon her. The thought was enough to cause the Corellian to straighten her back and attempt to march along with the others.

There had been a small voice that held an air of command that spoke to Viers earlier. Assuming it was the Echani girl, Viers nodded and smiled sheepishly. Viers looked away and focused on the instructions; the tasks seemed easy enough; the training she had endured at her Order was far more strenuous than probably anything she would be tasked to do here. It was a small comfort, but the teenager relished in it. It was time for the salute, which the others obviously practiced. They all imitated it with sharp precision, and then there was Viers. She did her best; her arm shot up to mimic the same salute. It was apparent she didn't know it since her motions were delayed compared to the others.

Then came the chant, "Uh…Hail, Sith, Anta nah Tautsanta!" Viers shouted along with the others a few syllables behind, hoping not to draw too much attention to herself. If anything, maybe they would just give her a free pass since she was late and looked out of place. The group marched, feet beating against the ground in tandem. Everything was so organized and military that the girl would have never volunteered for this.

Upon entering, the layout was the one the proctor had stated. There were several stations set up for their testing. Groups of acolytes shuffled along, some determined to quickly take their tests. In contrast, others decided to socialize and build any alliances they could. Not really knowing anyone, Viers decided she wanted to take the tests while also trying to figure out a way out of there. There was one matter she needed to attend to. Before the robotic pair of twin dolls decided to disappear into the group. She bowed her head slightly towards the girl [ Lunaria Talon ] that spoke to her earlier. "I am Viers. Thank you for your wisdom. Please allow me to repay this debt when you deem necessary." As she spoke, her body bent at the waist lower and lower till her head was near the ground. Shooting back up when she finished, Viers waved and disappeared out of sight with the aid of the Force.

She was a natural at bending the light waves around her, reflecting and refracting to the naked eye, allowing her to disappear seamlessly from view. It is a skill that she has excelled in since an early age. Being invisible to the naked eye allowed her to weave through the crowd. She had always wondered what her midiclorian count was. Whenever Viers questioned her Masters at the Order, she was always met with an excuse as to why she could never know her ranking. Remembering a conversation she had as a child with her mentor, she grinned, figuring it was because her count was something beyond that of Force-born children. Exceedingly extraordinary; that had to be why they would never allow her to know. Didn't want it to go to her head or make her think she was some sense of a chosen one - a prophetic child. "Fufufufu," Viers chuckled as she shimmmered back into view behind several other acolytes. The test was simple: blood was drawn and examined with a device. She watched as the others ahead of her gained various scores. It didn't take long to understand what number garnered an impressed look from the overseeing advisor.

Soon, it was the monk's turn; she rolled up her sleeve and presented the golden tattooed forearm. "Hmm," the advisor looked over the tattoos and then at the young woman presenting them. He didn't warn her when he drew the blood, and Viers fought to wince at the pain. Being a Sith or pretending to be a Sith was a struggle. She watched with the advisor as the count slowly went up. It didn't shoot up like the others around her, and Viers panicked. If she registered low, it meant that she would probably be removed or killed. Probably killed, she convinced herself. "Oh, this is cool. So, what does this device do?" It was the Corellian's lucky day, and the advisor was thrilled to quickly explain everything about the small device and how it counted midiclorians in the blood. He even explained how, back in the old republic times, they would have to send the sample back to the temples to figure out the count.

As the man spoke, Viers focused on the device in his hand. It was a simple device, nothing that required an advanced hand at Mechu Deru. She quickly racked up the numbers, not truly knowing what she was doing by going as high as she did. A beep happened as the man was mid-sentence, and he looked at the device. "Oh, it's fi--" he stopped and looked at the device's screen and then back at Viers, who was smiling, unaware of what she had just done. "45,000?" He stammered and then showed another advisor. They spoke hushed and pointed a few times at Viers. "Is that good?" She asked as the man collected himself, "Yes, it's exceptional." Her face illuminated with a smile, and she was off to the next test.

Unknowingly to Viers, she would have only scored around 13,000. Despite her specialties, the rest of the Force was untouchable to her. To even gain the score she received, her kyper-infused tattoos played a massive part in her control. The girl was a dud, but today she was exceptional.

Walking up to the next task, she saw others throwing rocks with telekinesis. Force pull and push were never things she could fathom, and sweat was collecting on her brow. How would she be able to weasel her way through this trial? Standing near her boulder, Viers held her hand to her chin. She paced in circles around it, sometimes stopping to touch the rock and gauge its weight. Viers realized she could easily throw the rock, but she was determined to do what the others were doing. She reinforced and strengthened her muscles using the Force and the tattoos that covered her body. She became stronger and faster, and with her Force Cloak ability, it would be easy to mimic a Force Push. Viers waved her arms as she assumed the Sith would do when preparing to throw the Force out. She moved her arms outward and in circles, bringing them forward as if gathering strength. As her hands moved forward, she instantly popped out of sight and lifted the boulder. Her feet moved quickly, leaving small indentations where she was. She ran and set the boulder down. A quick punch exploded the rock, and she sprinted back to drop the force cloak and pretend as if she blasted the rock with the Force.

The advisor raised an eyebrow and watched the girl wander to her next feat. "This is the one?" He murmured as he shook his head and noted her task.

The last task was the locks. Instantly, Viers walked over and examined them. They looked ordinary, but she wondered what type of mechanism they were. A part of her hoped they were electronic; it would make working with them a lot easier by means of Mechu Deru. Unfortunately, as she moved her hand over each lock, she realized their electromagnetic field was negligible, which meant they lacked what she had hoped for.

It was alright, though. Mechu Deru had several applications, using them on electronic devices or droids was common knowledge. To someone born with an affinity to Mechu Deru, its world was wide open. Viers examined the first lock, her hand hovering close; she pushed her presence against the potential energy lattice the springs in the pin would create. The living Force was everywhere and could be felt and surrounded by anything. Typically, Force users could sense the residing essence of the Force on living beings. In Viers' case, with her ability to distinguish the Force in energy, specifically electromagnetic or kinetic energy, she was able to manipulate manual and electronic devices with the aid of Mechu Deru.

Unknown to her, through her mother, she was a direct descendant of Belia Darzu, the creator and first Mechu Deru user.

Viers quickly pushed each of the twelve pins, moving her fingers until she heard the satisfying click. With the type of lock she was working on, each pin had a pressure point - she needed to align each pin at once, mimicking the lock's key. While holding the pins in place with one hand, she used her free hand to twist, focusing on the cylinder that would house the key when turning. The lock fell open, exposing itself further for the young woman's study. She took her time with the first but soon breezed through the next several as they had similar mechanisms. When she came across any locks with an electromagnetic field from technology, she quickly overloaded its programming, fooling it into thinking she had entered the passkey. All the longs finished, she nodded towards the advisor. The woman took her notes, highlighting the girl's innate and unique ability with Mechu Deru.

With everything complete, Viers stretched and yawned. Her stomach growled fiercely as she stood by several other acolytes who had already finished their tasks. Leaning towards the group, she smiled. "Do you know if they'll be serving anything here to eat?"

Tags:

Spoiler

Soldane Talon Firrerreo Meili Feng Irina Jesart Veradun Sharr Darth Carnifex Marcus Dinn Thelnic Vath Jarek Voss Kai'lyn Nevheda of Tsis'Raki Darth Malum of House Marr Aspect of Passion Vestara VII Annika Starfire

 

[Renora zambrano]

Tag: Firrerreo Darth Carnifex Soldane Talon Lunaria Talon Aerik Lechner Darth Malum of House Marr @at all the rest.

equipment: school uniform, empyrean gland, body glove

Renora slammed her left fist to her heart and let out a 'ooah' like she had done it a trillion times as the doors opened she began walking with great stride towards the trial area. She had looked over the other students while they where gathered before the voice echoed throughout the hall the half epicanthrix woman walked with a militaristic nobility. As she began walking towards the blood test as the instructor drew blood he would notice the hole left would heal instantly. "Test result: strong/very strong" she wasn't surprised as she continued walking she was the granddaughter of darth carnifex she was supposed to be strong she wouldn't rely on tricks during an exam like this was it a handicap yes but it was who she was.

As renora walked towards the boulders renora channeled her pain and rage against her fellow kainite as two boulders flew against the trial area wall. Both shattering into pebbles as she threw two more out of her way as she walked towards the final test in militaristicly noble statue she held back her feelings as her firrerro blood prevented others from reading her mind. She was trying to impress those who watched especially her grandfather who she assumed wasn't watching her he was probably watching one of the Talon children or the other kainite participating not her.

She didn't show doubt at all she had a stern look on her face as she approached the lock as she examined it closely as she whispered in ancient miniature darkside tendrils came out of her hand as the tendrils slithered into the lock. And began picking the lock she couldn't summon these large enough to do any real combat or damage to an enemy but it was useful for picking locks she felt the individual pins click into place until the lock opened. And undamaged she dismissed the tendrils as she walked towards the other acolytes who finished as the instructor who watched over her performance noted about the use of sith sorcery.

As she walked up to the group she heard and looked at Viers Connory "there I'm sure they will if you can prove your worthy of such a school" she said she had watched viers boulder test it left alot to be desired but it wasn't up to renora if the other acolytes passed or not. Plus deception was the name of the game for sith. Even renora wasn't above it so she had no room to talk but she wouldn't have done it with most of the senior sith watching.

 

[Marcus Dinn]

"When the doors behind me open, you will march in file to your designated testing area. There in, you may speak to your fellow candidates, learn who they are, and what they are capable of. Each of you will begin with a test - to measure your midichlorians, and your potential as a Force User. Simple questions regarding your application of the Force, and demonstrations of your skill in using the Force. Lifting multiple stones, carefully undoing multiple locks and pins in the same instance, and more. This is the First of the Tests in the Initiation."

A midichlorian test? Really? That was what they were going with?

Of course. The Sith would put stock in something as meaningless as a midichlorian count. At least, that was what Marcus told himself as he turned up his nose at the idea. It was easier to believe the system was at fault (which is was) than it was to accept that he could be judged a failure because of the randomly determined amount of microscopic organisms flowing through his veins. He was half tempted to leave in protest, but he didn't want anyone to think he was running away.

When his turn came, he held out his finger to be pricked but avoided looking at the screen, dreading the results. Only when the attendant read off the number did he release the breath he had been holding. He had passed.

Next he had to demonstrate his capabilities. He lifted stones with the Force, undid locks, ran around an obstacle course, defended himself from low-level threats. All things he had been taught to do by his parents or his Master or himself, in preparation for his enrollment. ("These Sith academies like to pretend each of them is unique, but they all follow the same ancient formula," his mother once told him.) Other would-be students around him fell. Some suffered brutal injuries. A few were mortally wounded. He couldn't let his gaze linger on them for long, lest he become distracted by their suffering.

The questions were perhaps the most difficult part of the tests. Marcus knew what the "right" responses would be, and parroted them back to the overseers. Deviating from what was expected of a Sith might make him stand out, but he wasn't trying to gain the attention of a Master or more sponsors just yet. Nor did he want to draw the unwanted attention of his peers.

In the end, he found himself seated among the lucky ones. Next to him was a cocky girl who yawned, smiled, and asked if they would be serving food. Another replied that it ought to be their reward for passing the tests. Marcus' gaze flicked toward the testing area. He had no one here that he could call a friend, but the people he was familiar with were still out there fighting. An urge to help them rose in him, but he squashed it back down. Aiding those who would one day be his rivals was foolish. And yet...

A twitch of two fingers in his lap, and he had done something. A tiny manipulation, designed to be imperceptible to the overseers, but just enough to potentially turn the tides in their favor.

@anyone who wants some assistance

 

[Veradun Sharr]

When the speech from the Provost finished and those gathered had given their salute and a rallying cry, they all were marched inside to begin their testing. Veradun glanced around himself as he made his approach to his own testing center, and waited his turn to have his blood tested for his midichlorian count. The prick on his finger went by unnoticed; he’d had worse scratches and nicks and bruises in his young life. After a short wait, the tester noted down the number on the datapad in his hand and gave an accepting nod before asking the boy some simple but probing questions:

“How long have you known about your Force sensitivity? From early childhood? More recent?”

“More recent. I think a year or so now. Maybe more.” Veradun answered honestly.

“And how was this discovered? What were you able to do? Did a Sith observe this?”

“My family did. They told our High Priest about it, and he had me do some tests.”

The test overseer raised his eyebrow at the pale teen. “‘High Priest’, hmm? I see. Was this individual who tested you a Sith?”

Veradun didn’t understand why that was important, but he answered the question anyway, if a bit bluntly. “Of course he’s a Sith. My entire family are Sith.”

“And what were you able to do when your family first noticed this?”

“I moved a kickball without touching it.”

“Tell me about the tests from this 'high priest'.” came the statement in a slightly mocking tone of voice.

Veradun frowned slightly; he didn’t like the way his High Priest was being referred to. But he kept his mouth shut; he didn’t want to get kicked out of the testing before it had truly begun. “To move other items and objects without touching them. To pick them up, and then call them to my hand, or place them on another object for balance. I did this with my sight, and blindfolded.”

“What other ways have you been able to use the Force?”

“Mostly just to move things around. I did learn how to meditate and use some of my emotions to make my power stronger.”

“I see. Very well, I think that will suffice for now. Your next test will be to demonstrate these skills you’ve learned. Head over there and begin when you are instructed to.” the overseer said before sending Veradun towards an area with a gathering of rocks and boulders.

Upon his approach to the area where a series of boulders of various sizes sat, he noticed one of the overseers give him an up and down look before sneering in disgust. The young boy simply stared at him with a deadpan expression, before turning his attention to the task at hand. This was a test of Force application, not physical strength. He had utilized his Force abilities before on the settlement for such things…but never to move large boulders. That had been left to the older adults in Dresuoti. But the application should still be the same. Taking a stance, he eyed the various rocks before him with his icy stare before shutting his eyes and trying to shut out the many voices and distractions that pulled at him. It was difficult, a true challenge for the young teen…but he pushed a little harder into that elusive power, and willed it to harken to his call and move the boulders.

One…two…and then three various sized rocks shifted before lifting off the ground, slowly. They wobbled a bit as the boy’s brow creased further, trying to hold them steady. Their weight was heavier in the Force than he expected them to be, but he managed to keep them in his invisible hold, gaining more and more control over them as the moments ticked by. He opened his azure gaze and held his focus tight on them, ignoring those who might be watching, lest his concentration break. Then, as if to display and hopefully impress someone, he rotated them in the air to change their position…before attempting to set them on top of one another in a three tier stack.

Trying to hold all three in the same position was hard, and while they remained like that for a few seconds, the boulders eventually toppled to the ground with loud cracking thuds.

Veradun blinked a couple times, before he looked at the overseer. He was noting down on his datapad the results, before he pointed the boy towards his next test without uttering a single word to him. The pale and thin teen took a breath and exhaled slowly; he must have passed, if he was being sent onward. All around him were children of various ages who had failed in some manner, and were either throwing temper tantrums or were leaving looking utterly dejected. A few even cast envious and hateful glaces his way…jealous that he got to move on, but they didn’t.

The next was one involving a series of locks, all of which were complicated and had to be manipulated through the Force…at the same time. Moving the boulders seemed to be fairly straight-forward, but Veradun wasn’t sure how this particular test would go. Others around him seemed to be in different stages of the same test, and after brief glances to those nearest to him, the boy turned his attention to his own test.

It went longer than he expected it to go. The first little bit was him simply trying to read the locks and pins in the Force, trying to feel each individual piece out so he could more easily manipulate them. It was far easier said than done, but when he felt confident that he had an understanding of how to go about it…he gave it his best attempt. He found four locks, the mechanism which were the same, interspersed throughout a half a dozen more. He started with the pins…manipulating all of the pins at the same time in each of the four he had chosen, moving them with one slow wave of his right hand from left to right, his brow furrowed deeply as a sheen of sweat from his hard concentration began to build on his forehead. When that was completed, he lifted his other hand and turned it counter-clock wise, releasing the other four locks with simultaneous clicks.

All four dropped from their trappings at the same time, and Veradun opened his eyes to stare at the fallen locks. A glance at the overseer brought him a slight smile; she seemed…impressed, if only slightly. He didn’t know how he had fared compared to the others around him, but after a few taps on her pad, she smirked at him and ordered him to pick the locks up and replace them back on their places…in the same manner that he had undone them. Once he knew how they worked, the second pass was much faster and easier…and within moments he was sent off to his next test.

By the end of it all, he was mentally drained. It had been hard work, and it was the first time he’d ever had to use his Force abilities that much. But he had passed; some with flying colors, and others just barely. But it had been enough.

Tags: Soldane Talon // Lunaria Talon // Firrerreo // Marcus Dinn // Aerik Lechner // Meili Feng // Irina Jesart // Thelnic Vath // Jarek Voss // Kai'lyn // Vestara VII // Annika Starfire // @ others I missed
​

 

[Udren Zeln]

Two things caught Udren's attention enough to cause him to shift his stare. The first was a jostle as one prospect bumped into another, with the latter catching herself incredibly quickly, and her appearance certainly being Echani... and Udren's silver eyes shone with realization of the Echani girl's physical control. The second was a rapid movement to one side of Udren's position, as he noted some shadowy critter entering the clothing of another prospect; though whether that meant some pet, some subtle attack, or even a trick of the eye remained to be seen.

The Echani girl also had a brother, possibly a twin, who stood near her; the familial resemblance was obvious.

Udren's eyes lingered on the brother for a moment.

Beyond that, Udren continued to look forward, boring a proverbial hole into the back of the aspirant's head in front of him. He had worked far too hard, endured far too much, to lose nerve and get distracted now. This had become the Acolyte's purpose, this is what he had been prepared for, and ascending the Sith Order was a large part of that planning.

Udren let out the cry, though it was reserved, as he thumped his chest. He turned and followed the masses, maintaining his stepping line, though he soon reached the testing area and was able to step aside. With a careful watch over the fellow prospects, Udren saw the Echani girl again and moved toward her through the throng of individuals in uniform; and once he was close, he looked to her and offered a tight-lipped smile.

"You move well."

Then Udren continued through the bodies, his want to reach out and initiate contact achieved. His next intent was to find his way to the blood testing portion. That was an aspect he could not control. His midichlorian count was what it was, though according to his Master it was substantial enough to be realized shortly after birth - which was how he had been chosen to become an Acolyte. There would be no surprises with the count, nor did Udren particularly care, as he knew he was well within desired recruitment tiers. As it was, the prick of the device didn't even register, and Udren simply waited for the questions.

“How long have you known about your Force sensitivity? From early childhood? More recent?”

"I have been told since shortly after birth."

“And how was this discovered? What were you able to do? Did a Sith observe this?”

"I was discovered by a Sith Master, taken as a baby, and trained as an Acolyte from then on."

"Very well, that also settles several follow up questions. Proceed to the other testing areas."

Udren stepped away without another word, as he moved through the crowded area lithely. He tried to avoid focusing on those aspects of his past that the questions - albeit brief - had caused him to momentarily consider. He didn't know his family, his parents, with his only 'real relation' being his Master... though that didn't help him, thinking like that, nor did it achieve the goal of doing well in the testing. Udren channeled that loss into annoyance and then into anger; and by the time he reached the boulder test, he was more than ready.

"Lift and stack boulders, as able. The heavier is more favorable."

With a clenched jaw, Udren reached out a pale-skinned hand and began to curl his fingers inward. The larger rocks began to shift, rumbling, then lifted from the ground, before the Acolyte slowly swept his arm sideways and moved the objects. They were steadfast in movement, the control precise, and the weight seemingly irrelevant. And after several moments, the large boulders were stacked, neatly, balancing atop one another.

The overseer nodded, noting the results.

"Proceed to the lock device test."

"Very well."

Udren turned and walked away, his silver eyes taking in other tests taking place. He wanted to gauge others, insofar as what they presented, whether that be a true indication of ability or not. For his part, Udren did very well, as though he had been prepared for the testing - which he had. There was something to be said about forethought and planning, after all, and the youth needed to do well to appease his Master's wishes. It didn't take long to reach the locking test area, to which Udren walked to a stop and waited for his turn.

"Select your locks and undo them using your control of the Force. The more complex, the better."

"I understand."

Before him, Udren noted the number of devices positioned for choice. He reached out both hands, lifted four of the most complex devices, and systematically twitched his fingers inward, almost as though playing an instrument; and when the final movements happened, the locks each exploded into individual parts, split apart as the mechanisms within were separated, before the pieces each thumped to the ground discarded by the young Echani's hold of the Force.

The overseer noted the locks used, the complexity, and nodded.

"Move along."

Udren turned and walked to a portion of the training area where some had finished the testing. He stood quietly, unmoving, save for his silver eyes as he observed others. Now was a good opportunity to see more closely how well other prospective students fared, especially the Echani girl, whom Udren felt had provided him his first real world experience with Echani communication...

___________________________________________________________________

Lunaria Talon | Soldane Talon | Viers Connory [mention] | Firrerreo [mention]​

 

[Annika Starfire]

​

Location: Jutrand
Objective: Seeing what happens
Tags:
Gear: in bio
Wearing: this but with her hat

Annika didn't conform to the strange noise that the collective group made in response to the provost, but she didn't know it was something that would happen, everything seemed much more regimented homogenised than the academy on Korriban and it was a little surprising. She followed the crowd in towards the testing facility only to have her entry barred by guardian.

"Uniform" he said a single word and gestured to a neat stack of clothing on a rack next to the doorway.

"Can I not? It's pretty ugly?" she joked, the guardian did not speak but instead activated the crackling field on his weapon to emphasise his point. Annika rolled her eyes and reached up to unclip the shoulders of her dress allowing it to fall to the floor around her boots. Now in her undergarments she walked over and picked up the appropriate items and began to don them, while a few more apprentices walked in. Her last act was to open a small black portal and send her dress and hat back to her ship.

She was now allowed access and was ready for her tests. The midichlorian test was fairly standard, she had had it done a couple of times and already knew her count was high, so it was not surprising when the number appeared and the tester announced it. Then it was for the boulders, she chatted to one of the other students as they waited in line, she was next after Vestara VII and felt her nerves and the glance in her eyes. Vee had many talents but telekinesis was not one of them, she appeared to be asking for help. Annika would do so, but would telepathically send her a warning. <<If the door is too heavy, I hope you are prepared for what is on the other side>> the rocks shifted and Vestara moved on.

Annika's turn went quickly and she was waved through too. Unfortunately the next girl had an incident with the boulder that left her pinned beneath its weight and probably requiring a new leg, but such was her luck.

Annika passed all her first challenges well.

​

 

[Thelnic Vath]

Objective: Learn with fellow Sith youths
Location: The Royal Academy of Jutrand
Equipment:

• Datapad
• Lightsaber
• Hover-crate with various research instruments
• Academy Uniform

Tags: OPEN | Nevheda of Tsis'Raki

The pomp and circumstance of the Sith was just as enormous as Thelnic had thought it would be. The power that he felt from such a gathering still had him reeling just a bit. At the same time it was an energy that he knew he belonged as a part of. Sure he hadn’t been trained from infancy to become a Dark Lord to dominate the galaxy. But that was not the path of all Sith. He had learned valuable things. And when given the chance he would use his talents to prove it.

As Thelnic watched the ceremony a young woman of dark features and unknown origin approached and offered a hand in “alliance”. Sith did not befriend strangers. That was something that was earned. ”Nevheda,” Thelnic acknowledged the young woman and extended my claw to her hand. ”This is my first time among this many…” Thelnic admitted as a source of pride not embarrassment. ”I have no acquaintances here that I am aware of. As to allies…Among the Sith I believe it is dog eat dog. However, in the wild all canine species thrive mostly in packs. It is good to meet you, Nevheda. So long as you give me a reason to doubt it…we shall be allies. I am Thelnic Vath of Arkania.”

Thelnic turned his attention from Nevheda as the Sepulchral priest started his speech. The young Arkanian listened intently, hoping to have hints of how to conquer the coming challenges hidden in the words. Formal ceremonies were notorious for doing such things. But if there were clues there they were lost on Thelnic. For the better, he thought to himself. He readied himself for the opening of the doors and when the time came he marched with the rest of the applicants. He knew that he would be put to the ultimate test, for the first time in his life as a Sith. He would answer the challenge with all that he had.

The first Force test was focused on telekinesis. Thelnic had lucked out. That was one of the few talents in the Force that came instinctively to him. That and controlling his own body, which seemed to come as much from his knowledge of science as it did from the Force. But moving large rocks and opening ancient non-electric locks those tasks were akin to things he had practiced day in and day out since finding his gifts when he was eight. Others who had received some formal training surely surpassed Thelnic’s results, but he did well enough to move on to the next step. His midichlorian was something that Thelnic knew by heart. He checked it often and knew that it was within the threshold of exceptionally gifted. That was probably closer to average in this group as any other the Arkanian was ever associated, but he was confident it would get him through. And it did.

 

[Irina Jesart]

As the Provost rose to address them all, Irina felt bile rise, the anticipation of the trials beginning was over giving her nerves an unnecessary jolt. She swallowed against it, snapping her fist to her chest with the rest as blood rushed loudly in her ears. She took a breath and moved forward with the rest of them, pressing into the academy with flawless ceremony. The movement at the very least allowed her to work some of the tension away, allowed her to find her centre and focus.

She stepped up to the first examiner, extending her left arm for him to take her blood, her eyes watched those around them, those who passed, those who failed.

"Acolyte." Irina snapped her gaze back to the examiner, and then down to the figure on the blood tester. An eyebrow arched, the figure was higher than she expected, but then she had caught the attention of a member of the Dark Council, so it could not exactly be unexpected. She rearranged her face into on of neutrality before looking back up. "Well above the average. Move on."

She didn't need to be told twice, stepping up to the next test, to the boulders that lay on the ground, all varying in size. "Lift and move as many as you can." This was child's play, a fact that should have made her more relaxed as she lifted all of them, moving them around her in a slow steady circle, rising them higher as she did. But it did not relax her, on the contrary it made her feel worse. This was only the initial stage, the first round of tests meant to weed out the weak, inexperienced and lesser sith.

What waited for them beyond this?

She released the boulders, letting them crash and crack around her. A deliberate action to make those who might be rivals or allies aware she was worth noticing. The examiner said nothing, merely gestured for her to move forward. On to lockpicking. Irina would have been lying if she said she was an expert at picking locks, she'd never picked a lock before in her life, but she understood the principal well enough, each lock contained a mechanism within, turn the mechanism in the right way and the lock would release.

She closed her eyes, blocking out the noise beyond the locks in front of her. focus on them and only them, gentle applications of the force testing the mechanisms within, listening to the clicks, noting where there was resistance. This challenge took her a little longer, she was seemingly still, aside from the occasional movement of her fingers, when she felt she had all of them where she wanted, she opened her eyes and her wrists twisted, the locks falling open. She had taken longer than others, that much she knew, but she was thorough.

"Very good. You may proceed."

Irina moved to the waiting crowd of other acolytes that had passed the first wave. she settled herself into a seat next to a boy who seemed a little older than her, ( Marcus Dinn ) his intense gaze on the remaining potentials while the girls (Renora zambrano & Viers Connory ) on the other side of him discussed food. The idea of food made her stomach turn again.

"Food should be the last thing on your mind." she commented, her dark eyes watching the others endure their tests, her expression impassive as some of them failed, her voice was calm and quiet. "The real question should be what's next? This was designed to weed out the weak...the... unworthy. The next tests will truly test us..."

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Fiolette supposed the sight of someone like her attending these trials was unique. Jutrand's Academy was where acolytes from all over the Empire vied for the attention of Sith Masters. Fiolette's wife, Taeli, was busy teaching their grandchildren at Riverview Manor the Sith arts. Fio had volunteered to scout out Jutrand for any potentials who might be deemed worthy of Lady Raaf's attention.

Hands behind her back, Fiolette wore a long black uniform with a traditional Imperial minimalist look. Boots to match, with a light gold trim. As she moved toward Darth Carnifex, she momentarily did not acknowledge Lord Marr. She knew he was present but did not trust him, giving him only the slightest nod when she did see him. "Quite the gathering of acolytes," Fiolette began, commenting on the acolytes present. "I am here on behalf of Darth Arcanix, should any of these acolytes show enough promise to be worthy of her attention."

Her red hair cascaded just past her shoulders, and her red-lined black cloak rested at her back. Thus far, there hadn't been much promise. Oh sure, there were a few bold names out there. Many already had sponsors, and the others, she would determine if they were worth her wife's time. If they could compete with their grandchildren. "Now that one," she gestured toward a rather ordinary-looking girl, "looks vaguely familiar." The young girl happened to be Viers. The Galidraani took a picture of the girl and would send it to her wife.

Aside from Viers' passing familiarity, the others hadn't quite struck Fio as worthy of her wife's time. At least not yet. Perhaps other trials would show their potential. "I take it Lechner has sponsored his own? Same for the Talons and their House."

There were few influential families in the Sith Empire, but enough that each acolyte there stood a chance to perhaps join one if they hadn't already been born into one. Fiolette's gaze remained sharp and calculating, a reflection of her decades of military training.
As she observed the trials, her posture remained rigid, her demeanor unyielding. The academy was a place of power and ambition, and Fiolette was here to ensure that only the most promising acolytes would have the opportunity to learn under Lady Raaf.

Darth Carnifex | Darth Malum of House Marr | Viers Connory [mentioned] | OPEN​

 

[Aerik Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Soldane Talon | Lunaria Talon | Firrerreo | Meili Feng | Irina Jesart | Veradun Sharr | Darth Carnifex | Marcus Dinn | Thelnic Vath | Jarek Voss | Kai'lyn | Vestara VII | Viers Connory | Renora zambrano | Udren Zeln | Annika Starfire | Fiolette Yvarro | Hopefully I did not miss anyone

The amulet around his neck almost hummed as the familiar presence of his parents seemed to get close, just to fade. Aerik reached for it briefly and looked at his siblings which all seemed to do the same.

<< They came to watch us. >>

Vyra’s voice was soft like water in Aerik’s head. He offered her a nod.

<< Father is sponsoring, or looking to sponsor. Besides, the Dark Councilor, the Great Lord Lechner would never be absent for such a prestigious event. >>

Kole’s voice was a bit more harsh, not mean just, rough.

<< But they are both here. Our mother is here with him. >>

Aerik’s voice was still. It was neither fluid nor harsh, just a calm presence in the mind of his siblings. All three had their own unique qualities, and there were others they shared. The tests which they were about to endure would put that truth on display. The provost came to address the prospective students, the one in fancier dress. The priestess, she also rose, and Aerik, his siblings, hid their disgust for the thing. They were not the kind to find the dark side a religion to be used as a tool of exploitation or manipulation. It was something which gave them power. Their father’s influence and opinions on the Sepulchral had become theirs as well.

<< We will not fail. >> Kole’s voice echoed in his mind.

<< No, we will not. >> Vyra agreed.

Her resolve matched Kole’s intensity, and while Aerik felt it deeply, his stoicism did not allow him to display it. Even if this was a moment where he knew the sensations and feelings that swelled within him were his own. Everyone else around them were nervous, save a few. Aerik made note of them. Firrerreo was one which seemed to exude confidence. There was an Echani that kept to himself. Though none seemed so sure of themselves as the girl [ Lunaria Talon ] in front of him. Perhaps it was the Echani way in which she and, who Aerik assumed was her brother, carried themselves. It was something else as well, but the young pup could not place it. He did observe one thing which was familiar to discern. She had learned a similar lesson as he.

“Always keep your chin held high, my son.”

The voice of his mother, the memory of the constant reminder, played in his mind, instructing him even now. They were a noble sort, even if their nature would put that to the test. The only thought which would threaten the same air of confidence Aerik shared with his siblings, and those in front of them, was the fact none of them had experienced their first change yet.

They were thirteen, and the next full moon was soon. Their father had promised to arrange for them to be let out of the academy that night, and every subsequent full moon, until their first. Once they learned how to control it, there would be no more exceptions. It was the only gift Gerwald could knowingly give them.

Line by line they were led into the hall where each of them would be tested.

“Don’t show off,” he said to Kole, slipping out of their telepathy for a moment. << There are certain things no one should know yet. >>

Their physical strength was one of those things. Bright fire eyes would make them stand out enough. They did not need additional targets on their back because others knew they were powerful. Then again, maybe it would keep the others away. Regardless… Kole nodded.

“I’m not an idiot.”

“Knock it off you two,” Vyra silenced them.

Aerik chuckled and nodded. The line was getting shorter and shorter, and in a matter of minutes, several had already been eliminated. More were being dismissed than not. It was just as the provost had mentioned. They would be sifted.

“You have been weighed and measured, and found wanting,” came a voice from across the hall. Several prospective students released with one harsh statement.

“Finger.”

Aerik presented his finger for the blood test. He knew this part of the test was not going to be an issue. The pup had been using the force for as long as he could remember. It was as natural to him as breathing by this point. Eyes widened as they looked at the datapad.

“You’re…”

“Not human, I know.”

The same expression crossed his face with each of the triplets, and they were waived ahead without as much as another word. Aerik could only assume that meant they had a high enough count to gain access to the rest of the exam.

He closed his eyes as he focused on the boulders. Invisible tendrils, ripples within the force, wrapped themselves around as many as Aerik could focus on. The test seemed simple enough, lift what you can. It was no different than the exercises Gerwald required of his children on Stewjon when they were with nature. This part of the exam was easy. Several boulders shifted, scraping against the ground as they shook and wobbled before lifting into the air.

“Very good, and how long have you been using the force?”

“Since my earliest memory.”

“Then the locks should be no issue for you either.”

A hand, the evaluator, one of the priests motioned toward them.

Again, Aerik closed his eyes, this time he imagined the force as a key, several keys. His head canted toward each lock as his mind fixed on mechanisms. There was a lot of detail, but the young teenager was determined to succeed where others had used different means. Yes, if he wanted to, Aerik could simply rip the lock open. He was certainly strong enough to do so, but that was not the display he wished to put on for those watching now.

The wide eyes of the priest which had taken his blood for the count haunted him even now. The little wolf was not natural, not according to what many considered normal. Which was why the Sith and this academy were what he needed. Here he could excel because he was not… average. Even the bottom tier within the academy were more than that. Simply getting in would be enough.

Click

Click

Click

Three clicks representing three locks.

Aerik moved into the hall once more, standing with those who had already passed this first phase. He knew his siblings would join him, there was no doubt in his mind. Instead his eyes remained fixed on Soldane Talon and Lunaria Talon . He wondered how they would fair. Was the confidence which the posture of her chin seemed to indicate well placed, or was it the pitfall of most Sith instead. Perhaps he should not have been so curious, but something stirred it inside of him. It was as though the wolf inside him was trying to tell him something, warn him maybe? Aerik could not place this feeling. It was his, he knew it, but it was new.

 

[Jarek Voss]

"Hail, Sith! Ana na Tutsatsa!"Walk with Strength.The students knew their place in this ceremony. They slammed their left fist to their heart, and let out a 'Ooah'. It sounded like a single entity speaking in return. The slam of heels hitting one another as the crowd moved from parade rest to a march, and the great black doors of the academy opened.

Jarek is taken aback from this salute, making a mental note in case this salute is needed for the future. The creak black doors of the Academy opening match it's eeriness to the doors themselves. "This is it..." Jarek thought to himself, now following inline with the massive gathering, with his hands now at his side. Due to the countless number of people in attendance, by the time Jarek reached the room with the trails, students were already failing.

"Pathetic..." Jarek chuckled. He took a minute to scope out who he can. Siblings, lineages, families, those who have allies coming in or have already made them. The stuffy air of privilege and rank. He even spotted fellow Echani amongst the crowd. "Entire family lines amongst the Order? Family can be exploited... Manipulated." Jarek did his best to take mental notes of those he could.

With the pang of the idea of failure, Jarek used it to fuel his anger and decided to start with the test.

Approaching what he perceived as the first area, an Overseer acknowledged Jarek has he approached. "Who do we have here... Jarek Voss. Give me your hand for a blood sample."

"Midichlorian count? This is a Jedi practice." Jarek scoffed with digust.

The Overseer either didn't hear, or simply ignored Jareks comment. "Interesting...", the Overseer said making notes in his holopad. "Continue to the next trial."

Jarek did not bother asking for the results. If he was being ushered forward, he assumed he passed the trial. Approaching the next trial, he took a moment to observed students trying, and clearly failing this boulder trial. "If only we could kill the failures. It would save the Empire resourses."

Jarek walked up to the boulders, taking his turn. He stood in front of the largest boulder he could find. He closed his eyes, and reach out a hand towards the large boulder. He brought all his pain, all of his terrible memories to the forefront. Feeding his hate and anger, he reached out to the boulder, trying to envelope it with the Force. A bead of sweat begane to drip down his face, looking for every crack and weakness on the boulder. Jarek may have had raw strength, but his lack of training meant he did not have the finesse and technical aspects of the Force as those who've had training, or a Master. Engulfing the boulder with darkness, he began lifting his hands. His breathing began to labor, struggling to left the weight of the large boulder. Slowling lifting it, another bead of sweat fell. He used his struggle to further fuel his anger, fueling the dark side.

In an outburst of emotion, Jarek lifted his other hand and force pushed the large boulder, shattering from the force of impact. Jarek dropped his hands, breathing heavily. Showing a display such as this, and even showing weakness of it tiring him, could paint a target on his back. This, however, was what jarek was hoping for. Conflict makes a Sith stronger. Jarek looked over to the Overseer, who made notes on his holopad and simply noded Jarek to the next trial. Not knowing if this was good or bad, Jarek continued.

Jarek approached the next trial, the Overseer acknowledging him and explaining what to do with the locks. Still fueled by the rush of emotion and the dark side, Jarek picked up for locks with the Force. His face twisted with anger, he sharply closed his fist, crushing the locks into tiny bits. Jarek raised the crushed bits of locks to the Overseer, suspending them in the air. "Unlocked", Jarek said flately before dropping them and stomping away from the trial area. He huffed at the thought of picking locks. Jarek walked over to an area of the room where Acolytes were gathering, and seemed to have passed. He stood by a group, crossing his arms. He overheard one of them mentioning food. To Jarek's suprise, he was unsure on what to do.

Having been ostracized by his family, his people for most of his life, he came to the sudden realization that he did not know how to properly react to people, let alone how to make allies.

 

[Lunaria Talon]

Direct Tag: Soldane Talon | Darth Carnifex | Viers Connory | Aerik Lechner [OPEN]
Alias: Artemis Dreadmoor
Wearing: School Uniform

Oh, Haru.

She missed the Dark Lord coaching them to do better, to push past their limits, and achieve…Anything. Mercurial orbs fought not to look for Darth Carnifex or their mother in the crowd and doubled down on silently evaluating their competitors. Lunaria, rather Artemis Dreadmoor, considered what Soldane placed between their telepathic bridge for several long moments. Haru would not want them to hold back, nor, would their mother want them to make themselves less than what they were…But for the sake of fitting in? Should they make mistakes, on purpose?

<<…Everyone who is anyone seems to have an interest, brother…We can't afford to be dismissed.>>

Neither twin looked at the other or changed their posture in the slightest but there was a bidirectional line of communication that ran through them, one, that was deeper than the Force. It was cultural. It was family. It was everything they had ever known boiled down to the most basic way their mothers' people spoke to one another on Eshan. In silence.

But the assembly began before she could think on it too much more. She dutifully echoed the others "Ana na Tutsatsa" but her voice was merely a glimmer among the crowd. As much as she desired the opportunity to prove herself, especially, to their Father…She didn't like being on stage this way. They'd stayed isolated and hidden for so long that it felt abnormal. That creeping feeling of being out of place was only amplified when dozens of students were dismissed in the line ahead of them.

<<Sol…>>

She might have hidden in the shoulder of her brother were it not for Viers Connory catching her attention. "You don't need to…", the youngling started to say, but, was caught off guard by a very formal bow. Eyes of gunmetal blue followed her and she had to resist the urge to help her back up. While some might have sought distance, or schemes, she wasn't sure what she wanted to get out of the Academy yet. What she wanted to be. "I'm Artemis!"

She wasn't sure if Viers heard because in the blink of an eye? The girl was gone?

They moved up in line, one by one, watching as students like Firrerreo and Kai'lyn made it through with some degree of relief. Finally, some that weren't rejected. That settled her enough so that by the time a few more passed through Marcus Dinn , Renora zambrano, and Veradun Sharr she felt a little less overwhelmed. The audience…Held a little less sway on the stressed, stiffness between small shoulder blades. At least…Until a another, new presence approached.

She turned to meet Udren Zeln with eyes that seemed both precise and too-far away. As if she both simultaneously knew he would be there, and knew, he meant to speak to her. What she didn't expect to see was someone who had coloring so similar to that of her and her twin. He was at least a head and half taller than she was. But… Her eyes swept the floor with a quiet smile at the compliment.

"…It's just genetics.", she deflected, softly, but he was also already on his way.

She bit the inside of her lip and turned back so that she could just face the front of the line. Pay attention. She could do this, they, could do this. So many people seemed to find her brother interesting and Lunaria half wondered if he'd somehow met them before. There was a set of triplets that kept looking in their direction, with bright, orange eyes. Luna put her hand on her hip for a moment and mercurial eyes slid from the ground up to observe Aerik Lechner until her number was called.

Luna was as protective of her brother as he was of her.

"Take a holo of him, it'll last longer."

But her momentary ire didn't last long at all. It was time. Soldane was taken away all too quickly and the feeling of being alone was almost enough to make her wheeze. The Sepulchral Priest who called Artemis Dreadmoor forward by her pseudonym was a horror to behold. But, none of the others had really been bothered by it so she pretended not to notice the alchemically delayed stench of death. Like a piece of rotten meat that had been doused in floral perfume. She could hear her fellow applicants around her…Having their sensitivity tested and broadcast for sponsors to see. She gave her finger when requested.

A cool alcohol swab.

A sharp prick.

The machine sputtered to a stop and shorted out, delivering nothing, as a result. Lunaria didn't think it to be anything other than a technical glitch but when they repeated the process several times and the same thing happened…She began to worry. Her childlike expression was schooled into something that would have done her mother proud. Empty. No fear.

But she was terrified.

The tester looked at her for a long moment, too long, before someone pulled them to the side and by some miracle waved her on to the next step. "No…result? Don't I need that to pass?"

"It's a calibration error and you're holding up the testing. Don't worry, child. The unworthy will be culled.,"

She was ushered away before Sol was, but she hadn't been able to see his result either. Regardless…She sensed his fear. It was stronger than her own, palpable, and when it came time for her to lift the boulders and open the locks…Her heart was pounding in her chest so loud she was afraid someone might hear it. Everyone else had a reading, or so it seemed. High and low. Why didn't she? Would Sol? Her focus was so much on her brother that she almost missed the step down to the boulder arena…But before she could stumble, truly, become the shame to all Echani…?

Luna was caught, standing on an invisible step for half a second. (Via the helpful Marcus Dinn )

She blinked. Breathed. She was working herself up for no reason…None at all. Not everyone was given their numbers, right? Just as before she raised her chin and performed the tasks that were requested of her. This was...Nothing. She would have been ashamed to be under the tutelage of two of the greatest Sith she knew of if she couldn't handle such simple tasks. That being said...Luna didn't do more than was asked for and used the pacing of the other students to determine what she should and shouldn't do. Lift more than most, but, not more than everyone. Open the locks quickly. Faster than most, but not faster than everyone. She shot for slightly better than average.

They couldn't make waves.

When Artemis Dreadmoor was passed through, she released a sigh and took her seat on the sidelines to wait for Sol…

 

[Darth Carnifex]

He felt him long before he made himself known.

Though He did not turn to face Malum, the younger Sith would feel His gaze sweep over him like a spotlight. It was impossible to know just who the Dark Lord had been looking at before, His black veil shrouded His features and there were far too many applicants below to pick any specific person out. There were plenty candidates who might have been the one, several were seemingly over-qualified for admission to the academy; personally trained by the Dark Lord to enter the academy and rise through it's ranks.

In truth, they were obstacles for the twins to overcome and conquer. The Dark Lord of the Sith stressed to Srina Talon that her children must not be handed their inheritance, they had to fight and scrape for every morsel of it. He would seed the academy with those He had also trained from a young age, armed with His instruction that would seek out the silver-haired and attempt to kill them or force them out of the academy. He could not specify who they must defeat, they would strike out against all who bore silver locks.

"I go where I please, Lord Marr. No world is locked to me." No doubt the boy was probing for knowledge, there would be little other reason for him to hazard direct conversation. Marr and Strosius were driven by that same delusion, although the latter allowed it to fully consume him. Despite their public fallout, the Dark Lord never forgot how they joined arms to try and assail the Malsheem. He would forever be suspect, regardless of the secrets of his blood.

His gaze returned to the applicants down below as the initial trials began, and the culling commenced. "The future of the Sith lay before us, it is my charge to see that they are guided." He could see just how many were rejected or failed, they would vastly outnumber those who passed. Already, His agents were working to pull aside these failures, to draw them into the Eclipse so that their purpose was not entirely wasted. "Even the weakest have their purpose, Lord Marr, as I am sure you know. Those who do not become Sith will have their destinies fulfilled."

Darth Carnifex's gaze then turned to the newest arrival, Lord Admiral Fiolette Yvarro. Not long ago, the Dark Lord had a direct hand in bridging the divide between the formerly late Lord Admiral and her estranged wife, the Lady of Secrets -- Taeli Raaf . Renewing and strengthening their bond had taken time and effort, but the results had already begun to bear fruit. "A pity that Lady Arcanix could not join us in person, Admiral, but understandable." Carnifex knew more about Taeli's busy schedule than most.

He followed Fiolette's line of sight to the girl below, young and unassuming. He did not recognize her and decided that she was not worth more of His attention. "Many sponsors have put forth their own, that Lord Lechner and the Emperor might as well is of no surprise." He knew better. Beyond the twins, the spawn of Lord Lechner were also present at the assembly. The Dark Lord had maneuvered them as well, alongside the others meant to challenge the Talon twins.

"All eyes converge. Blood is inevitable."

Darth Malum of House Marr | Fiolette Yvarro ​