Over hundreds of thousands of years, gargantuan quantities of water have snaked through Ptolomea's surface, leaving a lattice of extensive cave systems behind. Carved out of the limestone bed-rock, cave systems can spread for miles under the dense jungle with little or no tells that they exist. Through extensive geological survey, these cave networks tend to spread outwards from large extinct magma columns, undoubtedly a legacy of the planet's early life. Upon arrival to Ptolomea, the forces of House Caliburnus sought to exploit these natural wonders. Deep, dark, splendid caves seemed like a wonderful place for Dark Jedi. During the primary construction of the House's main campus, a cavern was discovered in the ground directly under where the House's new facilities were scheduled for construction. After evaluating the integrity of the ground and exploring the depths of the cavern, they became the secret vaults of the House of the Sword. Hidden deep under the Obsidian Palace, it remains secret to all outsiders.
The Primary Cave system is relatively small compared to other systems on the Planet. Completely shut off from other nearby cave systems, there are only two entrances to the tunnels. Dark, the cave hides several marvelous features. Each feature will be showcased, and a brief explanation of its formation will be included.
Level Two
Lift Room
A plain room, carved out of the abnormal rock, this room is nearly perfectly square. The lift stops at the ground, letting riders access the lower level of the cave.
Porter's Point and Grenadier Rock
Porter's Point is one of the few natural passages in the lower level of the cave. Opening up into a relatively large room, this is a well protected area. Rasilvenaira conducts many botany experiments in the hydroponics gardens which have been constructed in the opening. On the North end of the opening, the impressive Grenadier Rock defines the room. Appearing as a soldier lobbing a fragmentation grenade towards his enemies, it is the most lifelike visage in the cave system.
Central Station
Another carved room, the Central station joins all the passages and serves as the foyer for the Caliburnus Vault.
Caliburnus Vault
This top-secret room is accessible to the Quaestor and Clan Authorities. No one is really sure what the room looks like, however it is known that the Caliburnus Lightsaber is kept in this room. Many other secrets are sure to lie behind the Force Sealed Triple Doors. Only the most Wise of Dark Jedi stand a chance at breaking these Force Connections, thus granting them unprivileged access to the vault. The doorway over the vault is ornately decorated. Judging by the artwork and the repetitive images of a man clutching a lightsaber, this décor was created under the rule of former Quaestor, Thran Occasus.
Hall of the Radiant Scabbard
The most ornate of the cave's chambers, the Hall of the Radiant Scabbard is littered with rock formations and many other hazards. Few venture into this area, as it is left unlit, hiding the secrets of the rest of the cave.
Grand Hall of the Serpent
The Largest Chamber in the cave system, the Grand Hall of the Serpent seems to hiss as you enter the room. Most people, especially those weak with the Force, feel a terrible air in this room. It feels imposing, as if it is closing in on you. Again, few people ever venture this deep into the cave, it is sure to hold some surprises.
Occasus' Cul-de-sac
Found shortly after the discovery of the Caliburnus Lightsaber, when then Quaestor Thran Occasus ventured deep into the caves. Upon reaching this dead-end, he stood with artifact in hand, staring into the sudden stop in the cavern. Befuddled, he stood there for days. When asked about it later, the former Quaestor reported feeling as if there was something more behind that wall. Though he discovered nothing, to this day he is still adamant in his belief that a great and powerful essence lies just behind a thin stone wall. Since his reign ended, Occasus has returned to the place only once. But without the legendary Caliburnus at his side, he was overcome with a peculiar fear.
The Lower Caverns
Level One
North Natural Entrance
Like most cave entrances, the North entrance is effectively a small gap in a larger rock formation on the surface. Protected by the ferocity of the Ptolomean jungles, this entrance is extremely difficult to access. Only one who knew what they were looking for would locate the entrance, without the aid of blind luck. Once within the cave, sharp stalactites and stalagmites further protect the entrance from unwanted intrusion. This entrance is used as an emergency escape route for the House, should it ever come under an attack which cannot be repelled. The steep incline carves deep into the land, nearly 75 meters into the solid bedrock. Though very little can be carried through the entrance, it can certainly save the lives of fleeing Dark Jedi while taking any unwise pursuers to their deaths. This area sees the most wildlife, as it is mostly undisturbed. Those that walk this path should do so with extreme caution and a flashlight.
Cavern of the Twin Sinners
One of the largest chambers in the cave, the Cavern of the Twin Sinners is the location of a marvelous rock feature which towers to nearly 30 meters above the cavern floor. The Twin Sinners, a pair of mirrored mineral buildup, appear as two ghastly persons who appear to be melting in the fires of the underworld. This feature is well lit by colored flood light fonts installed near the base of the rock monstrosities. The rest of the chamber glistens with flecks of minerals embedded in the stone walls. Called the sinners, the other features in the room are their transgressions. A pair of columns known as Pride, a towering stalagmite, known as Wrath, and finally a series of Helictites, known as Lust, are some of the more notable structures in the cavern. All well lit, this is one of the most beautiful chambers in the caves.
Hall of Worms
Over a giant dome, the small glow of glow-worms illuminates the Hall of Worms. As the fluorescent light glows with a definitive eerie feeling, this room is rather undisturbed. However, the eerie blue goop that drips to the floor is a prized possession among the people of Ptolomea, making this room one of the pilfered place on Caliburnus turf. Known for its medicinal and drug uses, this mysterious blue goop is actually worm droppings. The Hall of Worms, while somewhat disgusting, is still quite a sight.
Caravan Cathedral and Lift
Caravan Cavern was the only original pathway to the lower levels of the cave system. A towering ceiling accompanied by the magnificent rock formation known as the Great Pipes, gives this room the feeling of an ancient cathedral. A deep plunging hole once occupied the floor of this chamber, but was eventually refit as a lift shaft. The lift itself descends a staggering 80 meters deeper into the land, until it hits the floor below. Only privileged membership is allowed to access the lift, as it is password protected.
The Throne Room
Another impressive display of natural beauty is present in this chamber. The slow dripping of mineral rich water built a great formation which resembles a throne. In the back of the room, this Throne faces the door. Well lit by showy lights, this spot has been a favorite meditation location for many of House Caliburnus' finest.
Lover's Nook and the Needles
The Lover's Nook is a room set apart from the other chambers on the first level of the cave. It was named for two childhood sweethearts who deflowered the spot during first steps in construction. The room is plain, barren almost, but the gentle feel in the air fits its name. The Needles is a tight passage way linking the Lover's Nook to the rest of the cave. Barely wide enough for one person to fit through, It is this fact that makes the Lover's Nook so remote and personal.
Whiskey's Cathedral
The Second Largest chamber in this cave system, Whiskey's Cathedral is named for the distinct smell of whiskey in the room. Stagnant water pools in the low spots, giving the room its musty smell. Three distinctive formations mark this room, the Three Pillars of the Sith, the Beach, and the Krate. The Three Pillars of the Sith, a formation of three mineral columns, marks the South End of the cavern. Perfectly even in height, they represent Power, Passion, and Self, three hallmarks of Sith teaching. When gazing upon them, many feel inspired to achieve great things. The Beach, a long and stout formation appears like a wave crashing onto a beach-head. A perfect tube is formed by the ancient stone, reminding those who look at it of the breaking wave. Finally, the Krate is a gigantic stone formation at the west end of the chamber. Looking like a distiller’s keg, the Krate is also quite awe inspiring. The complexity of the rocks makes this formation a favorite among many, especially the drinkers of the House.
The Cell
As its name implies, the Cell is a small room which looks like a jail cell. Closed off by bars of stalagmites and stalactites, the cell is inaccessible. If one were small enough, they could squeeze between the bars. But, who really wants to get into a jail cell? Several people have gotten in, but cannot get out. Of these bold adventurers, only their skeletons remain.
Stone Sentinels
The Stone Sentinels guard the Southern Natural entrance. Two table top platforms formed in the same manner as the rest of the cave's features make the perfect resting place for Tuk'ata, who often roam the caves, protecting the Secrets of the Vault. The Sith Hounds guard this place, preventing intruders from sharing their stories with others.
South Natural Entrance
Much like the North Entrance, this area is the second outlet to the outside world. A steep climb to the outside makes this area just as difficult to access as the North Entrance. A small stream runs down the center of this passage, disappearing into the rock before the main Cavern opens up. This entrance also opens up into the deep jungle which encompasses the House's Campus.
The Upper Caverns