Faction Secrets of the Past

[Braze]

OOC: People can join via dm if not faction or if they have a good reason to join / be there. NJO members are welcome to get involved.

LOCATION: Grand Temple
TAGS: Ko Vuto

The Jedi Archives had always been a sanctuary for Braze, a refuge filled with ancient texts and holocrons that offered endless knowledge. But today, something felt off. He had come in search of an old text that hinted at a lost Force technique related to elemental manipulation. However, as he inputted the reference codes, he found nothing. The records appeared to be missing or restricted.

Puzzled, Braze approached Kyla, one of the Archive's Keepers. "Kyla, it seems some information is missing. Are the archives incomplete?"

Kyla looked bemused. "That's unlikely, Braze. These archives contain the collective wisdom of the Jedi."

Unsatisfied, Braze thanked her and started to leave, his thoughts racing. Why was this information missing? Who would want to keep it from him?

Before he could exit, Drace, a respected Jedi Master, intercepted him. "Braze, may I have a moment? I've heard you've been looking into matters best left alone."

Confused, Braze responded, "I was just researching—"

Drace cut him off. "Just be careful what paths you tread. Curiosity isn't a sin, but it can lead you astray."

Drace walked away, leaving Braze alone, awash in a sea of questions. What was so perilous about this knowledge? Why was Drace warning him?

In that moment, Braze realized he stood at a crossroads. On one side lay his loyalty to the Jedi Order, and on the other, his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He knew venturing further might put him at odds with some within the Order, but his curiosity was too strong to ignore.

Braze decided to seek out his friend Ko Vuto and tell him what he found- or rather... what he didn't.

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

Ko was out in the courtyard, in his hand was an old jedi holocron. It projected the translucent, three dimensional image of a Jedi master from centuries ago. He couldn’t see who they were, but they spoke with a rather regal voice that could command respect. The holocron housed a unique lesson on Telekinesis that Ko found rather insightful. Detailing a memory of his when he was a youngling, and encountered the grandmaster at the time.

The holocron and the old master’s memory within it explain how your perception of things can drastically alter the results of harnessing The Force. They spoke of how they were able to telekinetically lift something that was far heavier then they realized, simply because it didn’t look as heavy as it actually was. They believed they could lift it using The Force, and then they did. Explaining that if they had actually known the real mass of the object, it could’ve created a mental block and made it far more difficult.

Ko found this lesson to be far more useful now than ever, given his recently acquired visual disadvantage. Deactivating the holocron he wondered if he could test this somehow. Maybe with the help of someone else he could try and recreate a similar scenario. The Kel Dor padawan thought if it was possible for his blindness to aid in dispelling future mental blocks. Seeing that something is heavy is believing that something is heavy. If he can’t see it, then perhaps it’s really just as light as a feather? Maybe not to such a profound degree, but he was trying to be more optimistic now after spending a decent amount of time feeling sorry for himself. His eyes might not hurt anymore, but Ko felt that the real journey to heal was just beginning.

Then from Ko’s perspective, out of no ware behind him, there was Braze. Which startled the Kel Dor padawan, causing him to step back some from the younger boy. “Woah, hey Braze… I didn’t se- uh, notice you there.” Clearly Ko was still getting the hang of Force Sight.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

"Hey Ko," Braze began, scanning their surroundings before leaning in closer. He lowered his voice to a near-whisper, imbuing it with a conspiratorial tone. "I hope I didn't startle you. Listen, do you know anything about 'Stormforged Wrath'? I've been trying to find information on it, but it's like it's been wiped from the archives or something."

Braze hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to share the next piece of information. Finally, he decided it was worth the risk. "Look, I was approached by someone named Drace who mentioned I should stop my research. I don't know much about them, but they seemed... well, let's just say it caught my attention. I got the sense that this 'Stormforged Wrath' is something important, maybe even forbidden. So, have you heard of it?"​

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

Being a little confused as Braze leaned in to speak with Ko, he instinctively leaned back before hearing what the younger padawan had to say. He spoke about something called a Stormforged Wrath. The elder padawan simply shook his head a little. “Um no, not really. Is it some kind of weapon or project?” Ko asked, thinking it sounded like the code name to some kind of super weapon. Especially if it’s information that seemed to be wiped. If that was true Ko couldn’t help but wonder if there might be a good reason for that.

The Braze spoke about something rather intriguing. The Kel Dor was unfamiliar with whoever this Drace guy was. “They told you to just stop? Did they elaborate any as to why?” Ko asked, finding that to be the most intriguing part. He assumed that Drace was a fellow Jedi, but for them to just request Braze to forgo looking any further into the subject without explaining why seemed a little fishy to Ko.

“Hmm…” He thought for a moment. “Well what do you know about this Stormforged Wrath? Someone just telling you to not look into it any further is kind of odd if they’re not going to explain why. I can understand some if the information is forbidden or not appropriate for Padawans to be looking into. It just seems a little suspicious to me.” Ko wasn’t the kind of guy to go around snooping around for things he was told he shouldn’t. But this just felt a bit different to him.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

​

Braze appeared thoughtful, his features slightly drawn as he chose his words carefully. "Drace... Master Drace, he's one of the archivists. He didn't go into detail, just warned me off from digging deeper into Stormforged Wrath. He mentioned that 'Curiosity isn't a sin, but it can lead you astray,'" Braze mimicked the elder Jedi's tone. "It's intriguing, you know? Why issue a warning if there's nothing to be cautious about?"

He looked back at Ko, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "As for Stormforged Wrath, all I really know is that it's connected to some form of Force technique that involves elemental manipulations, possibly even combinations of elements. But what bothers me is the lack of documentation. It came up in my research almost incidentally, just a passing mention without any explanation. It's like hitting a wall in a maze; you know there's something more but you can't go any further."

He paused for a moment, studying Ko's expression to gauge his reaction. "Doesn't that strike you as odd? A topic that is only briefly mentioned, information seemingly wiped or hidden, and then a veiled warning from an archivist? It feels... it feels like I've stumbled onto something that perhaps I shouldn't have, but the lack of answers is driving me crazy."

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

Ko just listened patiently as Braze explained themselves more. Not really understanding what the big deal was. The main thing that intrigued him was the manner on how Drace warned the young padawan. The Kel Dor shrugged his shoulders some. “I’m not sure, maybe it’s just something that’s off limits to padawans like ourselves.” If this was some kind of Sith teaching then maybe it was best to leave it alone.

“But to be honest a Force Technique like that does sound pretty interesting especially for elemental adepts like ourselves.” Ko said in reference to the skill between the two of them. “I’m guessing you haven’t brought this up to anyone else have you?” If so Ko would wonder why the younger padawan would’ve wanted to seek him out instead of one of the various mentors within the temple.

Ko then remembered about the holocron he had in his hand. “I’m gonna need to bring this back to the archives… Hmm, maybe there’s a holocron that has some information. Even if a gatekeeper isn’t doesn’t believe we should gain access to its information. They might be a little more forthcoming as to why.” The older padawan said with another shrug. He figured it might be a decent idea. It’s a lot harder to tamper with data on a holocron than it was in databooks. ​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Braze's initial disappointment shifted quickly into eagerness at the mention of a holocron potentially holding the answers. The very idea of diving into such ancient and valuable knowledge was thrilling, even if the mechanism to access it seemed slightly intimidating.

"I haven't really used a holocron on my own before," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and slight uncertainty. "I'm not even sure how to open one, to be honest."

He considered Ko's suggestion for a moment. "There might be one in the library that could help us. Could you show me how it works if we find one?" Braze asked, his eyes brightening at the prospect.

The notion of accessing guarded knowledge was exciting, especially since he felt somewhat stymied by the limitations currently placed on him. Not to mention, it was about a subject that could be a transformative learning experience for both of them.

"Elemental techniques could be a game-changer for us," he added, in agreement with Ko's earlier observation. "But no, I haven't brought this up with anyone else yet. You're the first."

He felt it was a matter best discussed with a fellow Padawan, someone who might share his curiosity and sense of urgency, rather than immediately turning to the sometimes restrictive perspectives of their elders.

​

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

Ko raised a brow to Braze’s words. A little shocked that the younger padawan had never used a Holocron. The older Kel Dor has used plenty since he got back into being a jedi apprentice. “Really? Well it’s not actually difficult. They only work with force sensitives though. But I can show you the ropes.” He replied with a friendly smile under his mask.

He begins to walk back to the library with Braze, still needing to put the holocron in his hands back where he found it anyways. Ko listened as he explained that Kel Dor was the only other person he’s told so far. Which made Ko give a somewhat amused sigh. Finding it a little odd how they seemed to seek him out to talk about this with before anyone else. It earned a chuckle from him.

“Why am I not surprised?” He rhetorically asked with an amused tone. Soon enough the padawan pair were back at the archives. Ko made sure to put the Holocron he had back in its rightful spot. After which he turned to Braze and thought to himself. Trying to utilize his bookishness to recall from his previous research where might be a good starting point. “Maybe we could look into a holocron crafted by Uduud Dozzu. She was a skilled elementalist back in her day.” Ko concluded, thinking it would a decent source learn from if they could. There was still a good chance that if this was such a mighty elemental technique that she wouldn’t disclose much to them. But will probably offer more of an explanation as to why. “So why don’t you use those jade eyes of yours and find out where we might be able to find a holocron of hers.”​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Braze looked up at Ko with an expression of genuine interest and a hint of youthful excitement. "Really? You'd show me? That's, uh, that's awesome!" The concept of a Holocron always intrigued him—miniature repositories of knowledge and wisdom locked away in tiny tech-shells. But for some reason, he had never taken the initiative to explore one himself.

As they walked back to the library, Braze listened to Ko's amused sigh and chuckle. "I don't know, you just give me vibes that say I can trust you..."

When they arrived back at the archives, he watched as Ko carefully placed the Holocron back on its designated shelf. Braze felt an odd sense of reverence wash over him, almost as if the very air in the library had thickened with the gravitas of countless generations of Jedi knowledge.

"Uduud Dozzu, you say? An elementalist?" Braze's eyes brightened at the term.

When Ko instructed him to use his 'jade eyes' to locate a Holocron crafted by Uduud Dozzu, Braze grinned. "Alright, let's see what I can dig up."

With that, Braze enthusiastically began scanning the shelves, his eyes skimming the titles and labels, occasionally using a touch of the Force to sense the 'aura' around each Holocron. It wasn't long before he located one that seemed promising; a small cube, intricately patterned and glowing softly. As he carefully lifted it off its shelf, he felt a slight pulse of energy, as if the Holocron itself was acknowledging his presence.

"Think I found it," he announced, holding it up for Ko to 'see'. "Ready to crack this thing open and dive into some elemental mysteries?"

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

Ko stayed close by Braze as they searched but making sure he wasn’t in the younger padawan’s way either. ‘Watching’ as they searched for a holocron. Internally he was still a little surprised that they never used a holocron before. But the more that the Kel Dor thought about it the more believable it became. This was a kid that had asked him to do his homework for him after all. Was never a very studious padawan. Which was part of the reason he was even trying to help out Braze right now, since they were actually trying to study for something for once.

Once they ‘showed’ the holocron to Ko he nodded. “Alright then, let’s see what we’re working with here.” He said before gently grabbing the holocron from Braze. Stranding there in the archives with the other padawan he began to explain how to open them. “They require The Force to be opened. I kinda like to imagine it like I’m politely asking the holocron to open up. Sort of just need to reach into it.” He explained some before putting his focus on the Holocron. Not much longer it began to shift some. It’s corners rotate some before floating up and displaying the gatekeeper within it.

“Oh my, aren’t the two of you rather young looking. Padawan’s I presume?” She asked while looking down at the two of them. Uduud Dozzu was a Gand, one of the few genetic relatives of Ko’s own species. “Well, what is it that the two may want to learn from my holocron, if I deem either of you worthy that is.” Ko then ‘looked’ over to Braze, as if to silently tell them to ask what they wanna know about. Since this was information he was interested in. ​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

​

Braze's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and eagerness as he posed his question. "I was wanting to know more about something called the 'Stormforged Wrath'? What is it, and can you explain more about how it's created?"

Braze was excited to see how this worked and passed Ko an uncertain glance to see if he asked the questions right or not.

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

The holographic gand listened to Braze’s question. Her large compound eyes looked over the young padawan as if scanning or sensing him to see if the echani boy was ready. “I’m sorry young apprentice, but I cannot in good faith pass on the wealth of my knowledge to you at this moment.” She said while reluctantly shaking her head. “I don’t think I would even teach your elder friend here, my apologies.” Uduud glanced over to Ko for a moment. The Holocron’s gatekeeper seemed to be doing just that, gatekeeping.

“But I’ll explain to you why, Young Padawans. It is a very dangerous ability, utilizing the tempestuous power within The Force to create an electrical storm. I myself was rather accomplished with the ability for pioneering the ability to use it in different atmospheres such as my ammonia rich homeworld. However, it is almost impossible to control and guide its consequences once it is unleashed. Just to unleash it can require brutish resolve making it very difficult to use while maintaining balance within one’s self.” She explained to the two of them. Providing an understanding on what the power was and the danger of using it, all while not informing either Padawan on what it takes to actually harness the power.

“I apologize again, dear Padawans. But after you’re training and achieving knighthood you can ask me again and I will see once more if either of you are worthy. Do either of you have any other questions?” Looking partially in the direction of where Ko thought the holographic image of the late master was, he shook his head gently.

“Not from me Master Dozzu, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. What about you Braze, do you have any further questions for The Gatekeeper?” Ko asked, wondering if this answered at least some of Braze’s questions.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Braze listened intently as the gatekeeper spoke of the dangers and smirked quirking a brow at that. Braze tilted his head, pondering the holographic gatekeeper's words. There was a mischievous glint in his eye as he smirked. "So it's like playing with fireworks, but the fireworks can level a whole city. Got it. It can't be too difficult to put those ideas together at least on a small scale. " He trailed softly and shooed his head thinking it over as the cogs and gears started to churn. He nodded at Ko.


"If it's so dangerous and hard to control, what made you want to develop such a dangerous technique?" Braze asked curiously.

He was getting a grasp of his own style of rather explosive and deadly dangerous abilities, and this was a wake-up call to the realization that it too could get out of hand.

His youthful curiosity was piqued, however.

"Do you ever regret it?" Braze continued, addressing the holographic figure. "Creating something so dangerous, even if it's powerful?"

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze​

The holographic image of the Gand looked back over at Braze as they spoke about their fireworks analogy. Ko however, let out a sigh. Wondering if the younger padawan didn’t realize that looking into this matter further was largely unwise. The gatekeeper didn’t seem to feel that way, saying what it believed it should.

“Well I never created a technique, only expanded upon it. One of the Jedi’s many duties is to learn I believe. The power will still exist regardless of my contributions. I was simply trying to push the limits to see where it could go as safely as I could. For both the sake of the environment I tested in, and for myself.” The gatekeeper of Uduud explained to Braze. Answering the boy’s questions on why she pioneered it in the way that she did and if she regretted it or not.

“Within every Force Adept, no matter their origins or traditions, they must be responsible with the power they inherit. Although I developed upon my understanding of ‘Stormforged Wrath’ I never used it in battle or any other combat scenario. I couldn’t imagine doing so without tapping into one’s own darkness. Even while I was in barren, yet tranquil and serene conditions and environments I still struggled. ‘Stormforged Wrath’ is not some party trick one can simply pull from a hat. I hope I’ve made myself clear, young padawan.” The holographic image of Uduud explained. Hoping that Braze understood the gravity of her words. It was like playing with fire with little in the way of bringing it under control. Still though despite everything it said, it still didn’t explain to either of them how to actually do it.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

​

Braze absorbed Uduud's words with a thoughtful expression. He had always been confident in his abilities, and while he respected the cautionary tone, he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to "Stormforged Wrath" than met the eye. He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand.

"I appreciate your guidance, Master Uduud," Braze began, his voice sincere. "It's clear that 'Stormforged Wrath' is not to be taken lightly, and I respect the wisdom you've shared. But I can't help but wonder if there's a way to harness its potential without necessarily delving into the darkness. The Force is about balance, after all."

He glanced over at Ko Vuto, who had a pensive expression. "Ko, you and I have faced challenges together, and we've grown as Jedi. I believe we can approach this with caution and a sense of responsibility. Perhaps we can find a way to use 'Stormforged Wrath' that aligns with our Jedi principles."

Braze's overconfidence was still evident, but it was tempered with a willingness to heed Uduud's warning while also exploring the possibilities that lay ahead.

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze​

Ko and the gatekeeper looked to Braze as he spoke. The holographic image of the late Jedi Master seemed largely content so far with her words. Largely saying everything she wanted, and more so as willing to say to the pair of padawans. Ko eventually spoke up. “Thank you Master Uduud for your words of wisdom.” With that the Kel Dor allowed the holocron to return to its dormant state and had the translucent gatekeeper disappear.

He then seemed to be in a contemplative mood. Wondering how Braze and himself should continue from here. Hearing the younger boy speak about trying to find a way to explore this ability while staying true to themselves. It reminded Ko of the first time he was taken under Jonyna’s wing as a student. Who shared some ideas as to the logical extremes he could take his affinity to earth shaping. Although awesome, the idea alone was rather terrifying and only pushed Ko to understand and value discipline and restraint.

That same mindfulness was even what made Ko refuse to train his abilities with Braze in at the temple before. Not wanting to cause unnecessary damage to the temple with his abilities. The older padawan sensed he would be at odds with Braze in this subject. “You’re right, the Force is about balance. But this is like the difference in finding balance between having a wide, sturdy and rooted stance on solid ground. As opposed to talking across a wire in the air while juggling a handful of rapid lizard monkeys.. They both require balance, but one is undoubtedly more difficult than the other.” Ko explained to him in a rather metaphorical way. Ko believed Braze would be walking on a razor thin wire while juggling monkeys. Something that would undoubtedly require lots of training, and it sounded like his young friend wanted to jump into that endgame technique without the prior build up. Afterall the gatekeeper wanted them to at least be accomplished knights before requesting her guidance again.

“If this is something you still do, I’ll stay by you. But can you assure me you’ll let your Master know? And if I start to sense things are going poorly, you’ll stop?” He said, wanting to still be supportive of Braze’s studies. After all he was the same kid that came to Ko asking to do his homework for him. He wanted to foster Braze’s desire to learn in any way he could. ​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Braze listened to Ko with rapt attention, absorbing every word as he proposed his idea. He perked up, nodding in agreement as he considered the terms and conditions Ko was laying out. To Braze, it all sounded fair, reasonable, and sensible. He didn't have a problem with discussing this with his Master, Jasper Kai'el, especially since he had recently undertaken independent training that involved such discussions and seeking safer ways to approach various tasks. Ko's offer fit neatly into Braze's plans.

With genuine excitement, Braze briefly hugged the elder Jedi and expressed his gratitude. Ko may have noticed that the smaller padawan felt physically stronger than he remembered with that squeeze. "Thanks, Ko! I knew I could rely on you! I really appreciate you helping me. I'm going to go find Jasper and ask him about it now."

As Braze prepared to return the dormant holocron to its place, he suddenly paused, seemingly realizing something. "Do you want me to help you get anywhere before I go?" he asked. Braze was aware of Ko's blindness, and he understood the challenges it could present, even in familiar surroundings like the temple.

Ko Vuto

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: NJO Temple
Tags: Braze

If not for certain factors Ko doubted he would even be this willing to go along with Braze’s idea here. Given that he wasn’t keen on going against the wishes of the late Master Uduud, even if it was just a Gatekeeper that they spoke with. Plus he could feel good about passing on a bit of a lesson to Braze in how to access holocrons. Which should aid the younger padawan greatly in their studies. Before leaning under Jonyna it was how Ko largely continued his training as a padawan.

Fortunately it also seemed like Braze was receptive to his terms and conditions. Not protesting it in any way. Before Ko could say something else he suddenly found himself being hugged by the boy. Which stunned the Kel Dor for a moment. Having his arms and hands up, unsure what to do for a moment. Also recognizing that his grip was noticeably stronger and more firm. Seems like his training has been paying off some. “Uh, Yeah, don’t mention it Braze.” The tone of his voice definitely betrayed how taken back he was. After a second he finally brought one of his clawed hands down to give Braze some gentle pats on the head.

Then he listened to Braze ask him if he might’ve needed his help to get anywhere in the temple. Causing Ko’s face to form a hidden smirk. “No I don't think so, but thanks for the offer though. You’re right that it can be a struggle, but I’m getting pretty decent now with navigating the temple now.”

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

The Kel Dor's surprise at the sudden hug was evident, and Braze couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected reaction. Ko's pats on the head felt comforting, almost like a reassuring gesture from a mentor or friend and he leaned into the soft touch.

"Thanks, Ko," Braze said with genuine appreciation, a warm smile on his face. He leaned slightly into Ko's touch, his eyes closing briefly, savoring the affectionate feeling. "I really appreciate you helping me with this. It means a lot." The gentle pats on his head brought back fond memories of his childhood when his mother used to comfort him in a similar way.

With a final nod of thanks, Braze turned to head off in search of Jasper. He was eager to share his plans with his Master and discuss their next steps.