Dominion The Bryn'adûl | Shard of Draemidus | Dominion of Empty Hex

[Primal Architect]

The Bryn'adûl | Shard of Draemidus | Dominion of Empty Hex

The Bryn’adul continue their ongoing campaign further into their neighbouring arm, scouring for resources across the known Galaxy within their reach. War consumes supplies endlessly and even with the impressive war machine of the Draelvasier working with incredible efficiency - new routes of produce and delivery must be secured.

As such, the Bryn’adul have came upon a rather large asteroid, but upon further investigation it has been discovered that this is no asteroid. But instead it is a shard of Draemidus! This is a derelict and ancient piece of the Draelvasier homeworld Draemidus Prime. There is no real explanation for how this continent sized slice of Draemidus made it this far into the vast emptiness of space.

Even stranger, this shard of Draemidus holds a still intact citadel of ancient Draelvasier origin. Following a month-long terraforming project, the shard now has breathable air and a remote Bryn installation. In a retreat for solace, Tathra and a contingent of his fleet have travelled to this shard at the behest of the Seers, who have also gathered to commemorate this extraordinary event.

Objective A - Discovery
Travel through the derelict ruins of the ancient Draelvasier, discover its wonders and learn of those that came before!

Objective B - Ghosts and Shadows
Our archeologists have discovered that the ancient Draelvasier used similar memory based technology to us, the ancient text speaks of a library of memories. If it is on this continent, find it.

Spoiler: Tag List

- Galak | Keldothera | Osam | Phantrx | Gordrak | Vertask | Primarch Drek'ma | Seer Kalanthir | Krarolk T'manu | Kelmor |

 

[Seer Kalanthir]

Post: One
Objective: A
Tags: Galak |

The shuttle descended into the archaic ruin. This, was unlike anything they had never seen before. He hadn't been... what was this - excitement? An emotion he had not felt in so long, an emotion that he was entirely unfamiliar with. He did not like it, this new challenge that showed itself. Seers were beings of control and restraint. But he always had been a student of their history, and what wondrous history it was.

The shuttle bay door opened, and just as it seemed he had himself under control the excitement carried him steps forward; his feet the first to touch the soil. What little they knee of the ancient Draelvasier came from Tathra and the few remaining ruins that had survived on Draemidus Prime. However, from what he could see already the ruins here were in much better condition than those on Draemidus itself.

Magnificent. The roots, the blood. SO STRONG.

He spoke telepathically to his fellow Seers, joining in their communal elation at the sight of the ruins. Their archaeologists were already studying the ruins. Kalanthir raised his hand, placing it on a pillar that marked the remainder of an entry into a room. It made him curious, its design.

 

[Ostak Cl'mana]

POST: I
OBJECTIVE: B
TAGS: TBD

Five Shamen and their Skag mounts rode through the barren landscape, clouds of red dust rising behind them.
​

The large beasts charged forwards, their footsteps leaving cracks in the ground underneath them. For about twenty minutes, the Shamen had rode in pursuit of an ancient script that was supposedly hidden upon the fragment of the old Draelvasier homeworld. They had rapidly created distance between themselves and the main excavation sites, which were already being thoroughly explored by much greater quantities of Draelvasier. By scouting out the unexplored areas of the continent, the group could find much greater spoils.

But so far, they had found nothing but charred earth and the occasional ruined pillar or wall.

The thought of Ostak's spiritual ancestors inflicting such damage upon their original homeworld filled him with a sense of unease. Had they fallen victim to the same schisms that the Overseer Council was carefully working to suppress in the current age? If so, was there a limited "lifespan" to the Draelvasier species as a whole before they fell into anarchy? In the absence of an external threat, would the current Draelvasier, like their ancestors, turn on each other and destroy everything they worked so hard to create? Such a thought had haunted Ostak for weeks now.

"To the left, Overseer!" called out the Shaman riding on Ostak's right flank.

"Understood." replied Ostak. "But please, be careful calling me that in such public view. The others might catch up with us soon."

All five Shamen with him were also Tachael-Vemnak Enforcers - Ostak had personally made sure of it. They, like many other Draelvasier inside and outside of the Vemnak, were assigned to search for the relics of their ancestors. But unlike the others, the five Vemnak agents posing as Shamen sought a different use of the relics. Once they were discovered, they would be seized, analyzed by the Overseer Council for potential heretical contents, modified if necessary, and then sent to the appropriate institutions.

The five Shaman Beast Masters halted in a large clearing in front of a massive ruined structure. Its entrance was a stone arch rising nearly twenty meters into the air, cracked and bleached but still intact. Beyond the arch, a large hallway beckoned, sunlight seeping in through holes in the roof and the roof of the floor above.

The Shamen dismounted from their Skags, using sturdy rope to tie them to a nearby large rock formation.

Then, they began their trek to the arch.

 

[Sethrak]

Post:1
Obj: B

Spoiler

Tathra Khaeus Ostak Cl'mana

Sethrak was quite far from any other Bryn, but he kept them within his sight. So far, he had found nothing of importance. This place was odd to him...he had a feeling deep down that made him feel strong, and wise. How could such a dead place make him feel powerful? Was it the openness, the feeling of freedom? The warm wind hitting his face as he rode the powerful beast? He couldn't be sure, but it felt good.

He looked over at the other groups, where he saw one had dismounted. Had they found something? Sethrak began toward them, intrigued by their possible discovery. He was excited today...ancient Drael technology was foreign to most Bryn. He wished to see how the original Drael lived. Were they all like Tathra? Sethrak felt like a young child that had just seen a colorful insect fly away. The child would search for the insect and find that it was colorful, complex, and unique. It was new.

Perhaps he was a fool to think that way. He knew he likely wouldn't see much technology, much less use it. On the other hand, if he was one of the few to rediscover it, perhaps he would have a chance to use it. Time would tell.

 

[Galak]

Post: One
Tags: Seer Kalanthir |

"No Pavium. I'm fine, things are just complicated right now." He explained, looking over the available screened images that had been released to the Barricas. This place they'd found, it was awfully convenient timing. Something they'd only found now but had also set up terraforming installations to make the air breathable like a little miniature planet.

Something didn't add up. They had to have known about this place, was this all a stunt to bring the Draelvasier together? To remind them of their bonds? How much he did not know of his own people was not something he enjoyed. But something he had to accept.

"What Tathra did, it leaves me... feeling uncertain." Pavium's doubts alarmed the Juggernaut Emissary, cold eyes and a wagging finger lecturing him as he barked back defensively.

"Tathra did what he had to. Cast those shadows of doubt aside, or cast yourself!" Galak was alarmed by his coldness, baring teeth. This wasn't him. Or perhaps it was.

"I'm sorry, Pavium."

"I know, brother."

 

[Seer Kalanthir]

Post: Two
Objective: A
Tags: Galak

The blood. The roots. They were strong here, the force was strong. It was a truly powerful thing, the force surrounded them, penetrated them and bound them together. Here, he could feel a greater closeness to the other Seers than before, he could almost feel their thoughts. Even more so he felt the world around them, he felt those on the planet.

As always, Tathra’s signature was incredibly strong but dulled and rich with fog. His armour, even his bones were force resistant. It was hard to truly underground more than the dull ache of frustration that emanated from him. But he was not the only Draelvasier on this planet who felt strongly, the Seers would need to speak with their Titan soon.

In many ways, their society was on the brink of a greater mutiny. They had foreseen it, many cold objects, bludgeoning Tathra into a cold grave. Even among the Seers was a fear of the unknown, an uncertainty that had never been there before. But, so were the challenges of unprecedented times.

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Objective: B
Post: One
Tags: Sethrak |

Standing opposite Tathra was the head archaeologist, Merdak. He appeared enamoured with the possibility of learning, and apparently was learning much so far. But the useful information would not be here in the walls, it would be inside that library if they could find it. The prospect of discovering more information about their forefathers was elating, finally he had slept well after the destruction of the asteroid.

Finally, he felt some sense of youth and strength return to him. He had always wanted to learn more about their kind, when he had found them nearly fifty years ago they were a technologically dependent and half-lobotomised race. He recalled how the poor females were stripped down by the raiders for amusement and how they did nothing.

Even to this day the thought of that time, that place was a disturbing memory. He was glad to have left it behind a smouldering wreck, there had been no saving them - no redemption for those that remained. He had done what was necessary, and he would continue to do so to ensure the strength and security of his people. He felt no guilt for what he had done aboard the Fractured Axe, the naivety of the Warlock would consume him or set him free to grow as a being.

The Seers foretold that Sethrak would seek him today, he accepted that. If he needed to speak, he would. If not, that was how it was meant to be.

"Tell me Merdak, do any of these writings indicate any directions to you?" Tathra asked, studying the markings himself.

 

[Primarch Drek'ma]

Post: One
Tags: Galak | Seer Kalanthir |
Objective: A

The Primarch had always had an interest in literature, media. His own library of contents was vast on Edemar, the primary home-world of the Shaman and the residence of the Primarch. He had many recorded volumes, the various takes on the force by the more talented members of their various orders were intriguing. He had collected media samples from the Ashaka, Warlocks and even other Shamans he respected.

Their various views on the Jedi and Sith and the branching but shared narrative they had was indeed one of great interest. He had no real opinions on it, they were both flawed ideologies in their own right, but Humans weren’t stupid. Far from it, they had wisdom, great wisdom or at least once did. The Jedi and Sith were archaic orders, however their current time representatives were poorly realised imitations at best.

There was some small truth to be found in the depths of their history. Though they had seemed to lose their grace and intelligence to some degree at some point in their history. Everything became much harder to discern previous to the 400yr darkness the Galaxy had experienced.

 

[Galak]

Post: Two
Tags: Seer Kalanthir | Primarch Drek'ma
Objective: A

The understanding from Pavium was welcome, he had always been able to count on him. So many battles had they shared, much blood spilt between them and a fair amount of kin worthy of his title had they both seen taken unfairly due to their conquest. It reminded him of how Pavium himself had nearly been torn apart by that autocannon only a year before.

“Pavium, I must be alone. I need to contemplate.” He explained, in truth he wanted to seek out one of the Seers but… would he tell his kin that? Was there any point to telling him, he thought not.

“Of course, Emissary. You need not justify yourself to a Captain.” Pavium replied, half serious.

“Hmph.” Galak responded, leaving with a smirk as he headed out from the Installation toward the derelict ancient ruins.

Where some no doubt they found themselves feeling at home, he felt lost. Everything that had transpired, his killing of Fertesa. Everything, it coiled up inside him like a virus, like a guilt he could only disown so many times was festering inside and he didn’t know what to do, how to deal with it.

 

[Seer Kalanthir]

Post: Three
Tags: Seer Kalanthir | Primarch Drek'ma

Unprecedented times brought fear, fear was a strange thing. Some believed civil war was imminent, nothing quite so dramatic threatened them. The Tachael-Vemnak coupled with their leadership and the Chieftain’s strength was enough to maintain a throat tight grip around their society. One that they deserved, for so long the Ish’makra had worked together with Chieftain Khaeus to ensure that Draelvasier prospered.

Whilst they now encountered harsher times, the faith of the Ish’makra by a vast majority was still greatly in favour toward the Titan. But that did not mean that the doubts of even the best of their soldiers could be ignored. That was why, at the appropriate time Kalanthir separated himself from the other Seers. He would like himself to appear more approachable, if possible.

Kalanthir waited, patiently and idle as he observed the magnificent carvings of the ancient architecture. It was a testament to the strength of the architects that even after a cataclysm their foundations still stood strong. Of course, time had aged many of the structures into ruin but that could not be said for them all.

 

[Primarch Drek'ma]

Post: Two
Tags: Galak | Seer Kalanthir
Objective: A

He often wondered what life was like back then. It seemed as though the entire galaxy had been starved of strength, drained of its life with endless wars and conflict with no true resolution. He found himself, passing through the ruins almost absent mindedly. He had gotten himself half lost, though he felt a familiar presence was near. A powerful force user, he recognised the familiar scent of power.

He followed its trail, his form drifting like a shadow through the slender corpse-like ruin. It was equal parts beautiful as it was haunting. They had rebuilt Draemidus, so many years spent in their effort to restore Draelvasier supremacy. He did not want it to be all for naught. The Primarch steeled himself, the appearance of the Seer, Kalanthir coming into view. He was one of their youngest, a prominent telepath like himself.

“Greetings, Seer.” The Primarch announced his arrival, nodding to the Seer.

The Primarch stood tall, considering his options before speaking.

“You feel the force strongly here as I do. Do you also sense the betrayal on the horizon?” He asked.

 

[Galak]

Post: Three
Tags: Seer Kalanthir | Primarch Drek'ma |
Objective: A

He sought out guidance, heading towards the empty ruins. They were grand, ornamental designs not too unlike the underground city of Xaeldrask on Draemidus itself. He wondered if Tathra had taken great inspiration from designs such as these at some point, it’s not like it was just by chance that they were similar. It couldn’t have been mere coincidence, the use of memory stones as a way of recording history was nearly coincidence enough.

Maybe that was why he was here, walking through the grand archway, covered in rivets of immaculate Drael design, art and expression of it. It was something he sorely missed in their many military installations. Whilst indeed each were unique, there was something different, something beautiful about the craftsmanship of brick and mortar.

Even though he was here, following the trail of the Seers. He was also taking in the scenery, for once he wasn’t an Emissary, he was just Galak here. But he quite enjoyed that, and found some sense of liberation and relaxation in it.

 

[Seer Kalanthir]

Post: Four
Objective: A
Tags: Galak

As quickly as Drek’ma had arrived, he posed an interesting question. He did not think to turn around and address him not. Not yet, he’d let it fester, let Drek’ma do his own thinking, they both already knew the answer to his prodding question. But the directness was a surprise to be sure, commendable. The roots grew strong, deep.

You already have your answer, Primarch.

The Seer explained, turning around to face him. Kalanthir could not see, but he could use the force to form a viewage of almost anything. In his minds eye, Drek'ma was a tall, lithe Aeravalin. Imposing and broad, unlike many of his kind.

Whilst his missing hand made him less physically less imposing. One would be foolish to not be intimidated, Drek’ma was an incredibly powerful force user, he had a command over the Servitors unlike any other.

Betrayal? Perhaps. Nothing of the future is certain, however indeed doubt permeates through the void of thought. A void which we all reside in.

This was the truth, whether the Primarch could accept it or not was another matter entirely. Kalanthir had no true use for this conversation, but perhaps such a thing would reveal itself.

 

[Primarch Drek'ma]

Post: Three
Tags: Seer Kalanthir | Galak
Objective: A

Uncertainty, doubt. He felt these things, he felt doubt and fear. But it was alright to feel those things, it was not heretical to feel. But it was allowing those emotions to control and contort one’s views into something that threatened their great society that was heretical. He was not sure why or if there was much point in stating facts when indeed they could simply work on the pertinent issue.

“Yes, I agree. Things have been difficult as of late.” He admitted, needling the edge of his staff into the ground.

Thinking. The Seers gave guidance, but perhaps there was not much to be said on the matter. Things were set in motion that could not be undone, all they could do was try to be prepared for what was to come. The Primarch was a powerful force user in his own right and he had faith in the military might of the Bryn'adûl.

But that did not stop the constant ache of anxiety, ever since Yurb and Ylesia - everything had been tense and traumatic. He had nearly died due to a bioweapon only for it to haunt him afterward at Ylesia and once again with the warheads. They had to defeat their enemy, the same as he had to defeat his fears.

“Tathra is set upon a path of conflict, both from within and out. I fear for him.” Drek’ma explained, revealing his own fear.

 

[Galak]

Post: Four
Tags: Seer Kalanthir | Primarch Drek'ma
Objective: A

Turning a corner, he heard voices. They were muffled but one he recognised, the Primarch. He tried to approach as stealthily as he could, who was Drek’ma meeting in secret? Was he meeting in secret? He felt a sudden wash of confused emotions, questioning himself. He had no real right to question the Primarch’s loyalties, he was indeed one of Tathra’s closest allies. Always had been.

He made himself apparent, rising out from the arched pillar he was hiding behind to see the Primarch standing with a Seer no less. As luck would have it, he indeed was searching for one. This was perhaps meant to be, he couldn’t avoid the conversation now even if he wanted to. He needed to talk to someone, and there was nowhere better to find guidance than from the wise Seers.

“Ah, Primarch. Seer Kalanthir, vold kata my kin. These ruins are beautiful, aren’t they?” Galak pressed his right fist against his chest, honouring both with a respectful nod.

That was the very least he could do, interrupting their conversation. Now all he had to do was get rid of Drek’ma so he could talk to Kalanthir in private.

 

[Seer Kalanthir]

Post: Five
Objective: A
Tags: Galak | Primarch Drek'ma

I understand, Primarch Drek’ma. But you must trust that Tathra’s destiny is his own. He could die today or the following day. This is the risk we take in living, especially in how we Drael live. Even more so our Chieftain. He is at the epicentre of a galactic war, you cannot allow yourself to be too troubled by fears for his life.

Kalanthir explained as passionately as his strange form could provide, interlacing his fingers.

His mind shifted elsewhere, feeling the strange emotions of the approaching Emissary. Doubt, worry, accusation and swift change. Kalanthir’s surroundings faded into dull nothing as he listened to the minute movements of Galak as he contemplated spying. Kalanthir was curious, curious as to what he would do. It seemed as though he was loyal, but they all had to be careful.

Even those who are truly loyal could betray them unwittingly. Luckily, no such thing was committed to thought and Galak showed himself, Kalanthir already facing him before he came from the corner.

Welcome, Emissary.

He would smile, if he could. The purpose of the interaction had revealed itself.

 

[Sethrak]

Post:1
Obj: B

Spoiler

Tathra Khaeus Ostak Cl'mana

Sethrak reached the group, dismounting as they had. In front of him, not far away, was a massive arch that was half buried in the sand. The group was ahead of him by quite the distance. Perhaps he should've stayed closer in the first place. There was no chance that he'd let them enter the place before him. Perhaps it was his youth, but the Warlock allowed curiosity to get the best of him, sprinting ahead to catch the group.

It was supposed to be a library of ancient Drael knowledge. Sethrak didn't know what to expect, but he had hopes: He wanted to learn about the leaders of the past. He wanted something that would either restore his faith in Tathra, or fortify his own convictions. He needed to know that he is right, or wrong. No more guessing, no more speculating. If the old leaders were like Tathra, Sethrak would respect that, and back off. If they were not like Tathra...then Sethrak was right to judge the "titan".

Furthermore, Sethrak wished to learn about the Drael ideologies. Were they conquerors like the Bryn'Adûl, or were they humble and wise? Did they wish to cull the weak, or did they believe in helping the weak find power? The Warlock was intrigued by the past...it was something he had not thought much about until he learned of this place. Now that he had found small parts of history, he was addicted.

Finally, he caught up to the group, remaining silent until they acknowledged him.

 

[Keldothera]

Objective: B
Tags: TBD
Post: One

The General stepped away from the archaeologist group, settling into a secluded seat as she allowed herself to breath. Respite at last, in this place of all places. It was beautiful - but... She felt somewhat like an imposter. With the growth of their empire it also put a distance between a lot of Draelvasier and Draemidus Prime.

Many Draelvasier lived and died never having seen their true home. Never having seen what it was they were fighting for beyond their own strength and glory. Beyond their kin, Draemidus Prime was a symbol of their existence.

This, this derelict was a shard of that symbolism - it brought her heart some semblance of warmth. But she felt the cold on her back, everything that happened aboard the Fractured Axe had been harrowing. Fertesa, she was dead - gone. Every time something happened, an explosion or a sneeze or anything. When those things happened it made her feel like she could still feel the brains and blood on her face.

 

[Gordrak]

Post 1

Objective B



Three brutes trudged away from the recently made Bryn installation. They were to find or at the very least narrow down the location of a library. They were merely one team among several that were similarly dispatched. Though some shared this particular mission, others had varying other duties that ultimately saw them all spread out. Gordrak, the leader of the three, huffed as they continued their trek. Part of him was surprisingly intrigued by the potential such a library held whilst the other, baser parts of him yearned for violence. That said, Gordrak was tasked with this mission and he would see it done. Gordraks' mind wandered back to Ylesia and the horrors that were unleashed upon him and his fellow Bryn. He had held the line until it ceased to be a line all because that was his mission. Gordrak would do whatever was required of him, no matter the cost.



" You think we'll get to shoot anything? " One of the brutes said as he casually glanced at their surroundings. Gordraks two companions had been silent up until now. They were fellow survivors from Ylesia that Gordrak had grown to respect. That was likewise for the other two and they all deigned to stick together afterward. " No. " Came a somewhat dejected reply from the other companion. " You two could shoot one another. Save me the trouble. " came a reply from Gordrak himself. His companions chuckled momentarily at the comment. The three picked up their pace just a bit afterward. " Makes you wonder how a shard of Draemidus got all the way out here. " Gordrak and the other brute simply shrugged at the question. " Someone probably pressed the wrong button. " All three of the Brutes chuckled at that comment and continued their search.

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Objective: B
Post: Two
Tags: Keldothera | Sethrak | Gordrak |

Everything the current generation of the Drael knew about their ancient predecessors was from him, he was one of the few truly fluent in the ancient language. He had modernised it, streamlined it for easier learning when inducting it into the teaching methods and mechanisms of the Bryn'adûl, but even he was struggling to make out some of the more faded texts.

Market - Smithy - Installation - Public retreat - restrooms

Seperately they didn't mean much, but he imagined the retreat to be some kind of vacationing area, or something. It was all interesting, Draelvasier now didn't have vacations, they had to fight for their safety, fight for the Galaxy as long as they could before being granted the luxury to be so lax. Though the concept of it was amusing for certain.

"No, sire. What about you?"

"No such luck." He responded, settling onto one knee as he brushed away dust from more markings, it was truly an exciting day to finally be able to explore this place with greater focus on the small details. They had in truth, discovered it nearly a year ago however today was the first day anyone had actually explored the ruins. It had drifted so far, almost beyond the mapped regions of the Galaxy. But now they had secured it, the size of the shard told of how once colossal and mighty the planet had been.