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I see the contestants are making their way out onto the starting grid. This article was originally created as an entry for a Dark Crusade competition and is not official DJB canon content. It is preserved here for historical purposes only.
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Outer Rim Territories, Stygian Calera
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Sith Worlds
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Krayiss System
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1
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Hakagram, Nakgru
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Rocky Inner Terrestrial
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Breathable
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Arid
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1.0G
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Mountainous, Barren
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None
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Ancient Sith Empire
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Krayiss II was considered one of the five sacred Sith planets that formed the heart of the Sith Empire. A planet in the Outer Rim Territories, in the Region of the Stygia Caldera nebula. Connected to other worlds through the Nache Bhelfia hyperlane. Long ago, during the Ancient Sith Empire Krayiss II sheltered a colossal Library-temple that housed many Sith Sorcerers during their periods of meditation and study. After 14000 BBY, it was buried and over time the Library had become another forgotten Sith Artifact. A large obelisk is all of the Library that remains above ground. Over the years however, Krayiss II has attracted numbers of Sith and Jedi hoping that the Library-temple will reveal it's secrets.
Geography
- "This sand is wreaking havoc with our equiptment. Can't get a decent line through to the other outposts, and the sandstorms are constantly shifting our recalibrations. What have I done to deserve this post?"
- ―Intel Report K-07649
Barren and mountainous, the surface of Krayiss II is an extremely unforgiving environment to any who dare to venture there. Massive seas of sand dominate the landscape, making travelling by foot across the harsh environment nearly impossible. These great expanses of sand and dirt are also coupled with the frequent mountains spread throughout the planet's surface. These mountains are often seen as great spikes of rock jutting out from the thick layer of sand covering the landscape. While the majority of the landscape is a barren and harsh environment, the large and expansive deserts are pockmarked with small bodies of water, saturated with salt. Larger bodies of water are a rarer occurrence, and often exist as anomalies uncommon to Krayiss II's surface. These larger bodies of water separate Krayiss II's great deserts by establishing boundaries used as guidelines for mapping the planet's surface. Due to its arid climate, Krayiss II is largely prone to enormous sandstorms as great gusts of wind pick up the loose sand from the dry surface of the planet's landscape, carrying it over an incredible distance. Often, these sandstorms can leave thick layers of sand covering entire mountains, concealing and uncovering these great monoliths with each passing hour. These sandstorms can transport large volumes of sand unexpectedly, ensuring that anyone unprepared for such an occurrence perish.
Over the years during the reign of the Ancient Sith Empire, Krath sorceries have left their mark on the planet in the form of terrifying electrical storms. These storms occur frequently and at random; the most frequent occurrences of these lightning storms are most often seen during a sandstorm, when the unbalanced electrical charges in the air induce these storms in the form of powerful electrostatic discharges, clinging to the airborne unbalanced particles carried by the wind.
Laime iv Hadzuska
- "I haven't slept for days. Been keeping an eye out over the dunes for those ghosts that keep vanishing. Am I dreaming, or is there more to this place than we know?"
- ―Intel Report K-120495
Meaning "Land of Shadow," these lands are in a state of perpetual darkness, induced by the centuries of Krath sorceries and Dark Side worship of the planet's ancient inhabitants. The Land of Shadow is full of dangers as electrical Force storms are most common here, and can last weeks, if not months. Contained within these perilous lands is the Ancient Sith Empire Library-temple which exists as the source of the Dark Side energies that keep these mysterious lands shrouded in infinite blackness. Small oases of water with only lesser salt concentrations that tap into the deep water table are more commonplace throughout the landscape than the planet's other continents, and are most commonly used as sustenance for wandering packs of creatures drawn to the Dark Side energies permeated throughout these dark lands. Examples of these may include wild Tuk'ata and Terentatek that roam the vast deserts in search of prey.
During the reign of the Ancient Sith Empire, this land was heavily contested. The varying empires of the pure-blooded Sith nobles would often march their forces in vast numbers across the perilous sands and only the strongest were seen as worthy enough to claim this sacred ground tainted in the mystical energies of the Force. Whenever this land was conquered, the ruling Sith noble was elevated to the highest position as Grand Warlord of Krayiss II.
Cut off from surrounding continents by the salt-saturated Jurin iv Karal Kraujas, "Sea of Royal Blood," the Land of Shadow is isolated from the surrounding regions, with the exception of the treacherous Koridorius iv Th'xarnait (Corridor of Servants). Located in the south-eastern hemisphere, it is nearly impossible to attain accurate measurements through the impenetrable shroud. However, it is estimated to contain about 4,200 miles of land running east to west, with only 1,400 miles of land running north to south. Temperatures in the Land of Shadow remain below freezing, due to the lingering effects of Krath sorcery. On average, temperatures range from between -15 degrees Celsius to -45 degrees Celsius in this unforgiving region.
Slonijas Th'dziuti
- "This post is colder than a wampa's backside. Actually, I would prefer that."
- ―Intel Report K-06481
Written in the Sith language, Slonijas Th'dziuti translates to basic as "Icy Wastes." Comprised mostly of ice and snow, Slonijas Th'dziuti is arguably one of the most difficult environments to live in, and was often the domain of lesser Sith nobles' empires. Coincidentally, this land is also the biggest source of water unsaturated by salt. Sith alchemists have discovered that when melted, the snow and ice blanketing the landscape are suitable to be used as sustenance; this became a major boon as a negotiating factor when brokering deals with neighbouring factions. However, due to the area's abundance of tall mountainous ridges, it was difficult to find suitable ground to live on, as the strong, chilling winds would often wreak havoc on infrastructure built on the sides of mountains, sending entire settlements down to their icy deaths. As a result, flatter stretches of land are highly sought for, with thick tents or huts of leather or hide preferred to keep the temperature inside relatively warm whilst adding protection against biting winds. Proximity to the mountains may also be a problem, as avalanches are common here, occurring on average 26 times in 24 hours.
Located in the northern hemisphere, these lands stretch from east to west approximately 6,700 miles in length, while only running 2,000 miles north to south. Temperatures here are perilously cold, ranging from anywhere between -20 degrees Celsius and -56 degrees Celsius ensuring that shelter and warmth are a must.
Planetary History
Geological History
The planet of Krayiss II has a core made up of molten rock. Due to this fact there are a number of volcanoes on the planet's various land masses.They do erupt at least one time a month. Because they are going off so much it has made the planet desolate and hot. As a result of the enormous amounts of volcanic activity and outgassing of the planet, Krayiss II had a breathable atmopshere. You go from lava planes to desert.The sands of the desert are made up of small pieces of crystallized glass from volcanic ash.
Due to the volatility of the planet however, you can find pristine stones deep with in the earth if you can stand to dig for them. The seas or oceans have the same type of sand only much more refined due to the water beating them rather than the harsh winds. Long ago, these oceans and small bodies of water had boiled towards Krayiss II's surface as a result of the heat associated with the volcanic activity. Over the years and centures, tectonic activity has shaped and molded the various continents, slightly deforming them since the reign of the Ancient Sith Empire. Collisions with various other bodies in space, such as comets and asteroids have also contributed to this planet's water source and the strong presence of sand. Not much can grow on the planet not because of the land itself but because of the lack of good fresh clean water.
Ancient Sith Empire (~14,000 BBY- 4,000 BBY)
In the years preceding 14,000 BBY, a great Sith Library-temple was founded on the planet Krayiss II, a place for Magicians, Sorcerers and Kissai to gather and meditate upon their knowledge gained from experiments conducted within the inatricate temple complex. Created in the harsh enviroment of Laime iv Hadzuska, the "Land of Shadow," the Library-temple was built within a font of Dark Side energies under the guidance of pure-blooded Sith nobles, a pilgrimage site for those devoted to unlocking and mastering the secrets of the Force. These nobles, calling themselves Karal Tsis, or "Royal Sith," created their empires in the outlying continents, taking with them slaves and servants of varying non-Sith species to lay out the foundations of their empires. The Royal Sith often referred to the hardship of living on Krayiss II's surface as Tave Veloti iv Tiesa Tsis or "The Trial of True Sith," believing that overcoming the limitations imposed upon them by the barren and vastly unforgiving planet somehow elevated them to the elite of their order. If they perished, they would be seen as unfit to bear the title, and forgotten by history. To escalate matters, the Trial of True Sith pitted these empires against one another in an attempt to weed out the weaker Sith, leaving only the strongest to survive. Alliances were commonplace; the Royal Sith would often broker deals with neighbouring empires in exchange for resources, such as water unsaturated by salt which was hard to find, and often salt water was purified by Sith alchemists in limited quantities. However, these alliances eventually led to the downfall of the Royal Sith as the weaker empires would often unite against their more powerful adversaries.
Over the years, an extensive wealth of knowledge was contained within the sacred landmark, the sum of countless experiments focused on discovering and unlocking the secrets of the Force. These experiments resulted ultimately in creating a shroud of pure darkness over the desert continent of Laime iv Hadzuska, burying the planet in a perpetual darkness concealing the Library-temple's true location. Other experiments were conducted by Sith Alchemists, who had created monstrosities of varying shapes and sizes to inhabit the surafce of Krayiss II and serve for the horrifying amusements of the Sith that had created them. Eventually, these Sithspawn were employed to serve a greater role - to defend Krayiss II from any who might dare tresspass; the elite of these were often chosen as personal bodyguards or guardians of the Sith Library-temple. However, the temple became abandoned circa 14,000 BBY, although the spirits of those Sith who inhabited the place still remained while the legacy of their experiments were preserved.
The Middle Period (4,000 BBY- 34 ABY)
Following the abandonment of the Sith Library-temple, a series of events took place among the surviving Sith nobles' empires that resulted in the cataclysmic decline of the Sith presence on Krayiss II. The most powerful of the Royal Sith at the time, Darth Malignous had conquered most of Krayiss II's surface, ruling over his lands with an iron fist. However, the three remaining empires sought to preserve their existence, allying with one another to eliminate a common foe. Darth Malignous had amassed a great army, including his own regiment of Sith Sorcerers. Angered at the alliance of the lesser Sith, Malignous had ordered the complete and utter destruction of his enemies; according to the Trial of True Sith, all were to perish and forgotten from history. His ultimate goal was the reclamation of the ultimate seat of power that would elevate him to the highest stature of the Sith, the Land of Shadow. These lands were perilous now ever more than before, great beasts now roamed the vast deserts; combinations of Sith alchemy and the flesh of creatures once native to Krayiss II's surface so very long ago. In an effort to crown himself with the ultimate title of Grand Warlord, he had marched his armies over the vast continents into the heart of the Land of Shadow.
The alliance of the lesser Sith took note, sending their own armies in an attempt to intercept Darth Malignous's army. Eventually, the battle took place where it all began, the Ancient Sith Library-temple, where Darth Malignous's troops were currently stationed to guard the halls with their last dying breath. Outnumbered and outmanoeuvred by the combined power of those unfit to rule, Darth Malignous swore an oath that no Sith too weak to challenge him would ever rule over these lands. Thus, he locked himself away deep within the intricate halls with his regiment of Sith Sorcerers. By the time the enemy had torn through his defenses, it was too late; his one final act of defiance resulted in a powerful Sith ritual, destroying the bodies of all who had sought to wrench their power through inferior means and granting him the ultimate power of everlasting life, although his body, too was destroyed in the process. Since then it is unknown what had exactly transpired, but it can be safely assumed that the spirits of all those who had been at the battle were now trapped to forever guard over the planet of Krayiss II, the Force Ghost of Darth Malignous himself is often rumored to roam the halls of the Ancient Sith Library-temple, keeping its secrets from those too weak to match his own power.
Dark Crusades (34 ABY- Present)
On 34 ABY, the grand assault on Krayiss II was launched under the direction of the Dark Council. Various elements of the Dark Council were sent to claim the desolate planet, including three separate units of the Dark Brotherhood - House Odan-Urr, Clan Arcona and House Taldryan. The One Sith have already fortified key locations on Krayiss II's surface, including Darth Zash's outpost, a nearly impenetrable fortress fitted with powerful anti-aircraft weaponry. This resulted in many problems as the Brotherhood was forced to send troops in limited quantities to Krayiss II's surface. Another key structure had been the sole spaceport on Krayiss' unforgiving surface, designed to sustain operations for the One Sith on Krayiss II. With the sands constantly shifting, it was deemed unsafe for any shuttle to linger too long, as it could be sunk and buried beneath the sands. Eventually, the Brotherhood had amassed a sizable taskforce on the planet's surface, and launched their two-pronged attack simultaneously on Darth Zash's outpost and the spaceport, cutting off reinforcements from either of the two locations.
While the attack had taken place, the Sith Lord Darth Sinagar was nowhere to be seen, along with his apprentice and the two dozen Sith aspirants known to be accomanying him.
Points of Interest
Ancient Sith Empire Library-Temple
Originally constructed under the guidance of Sith Sorcerers, the Ancient Sith Empire Library-temple stands as a beacon of lost and forgotten knowledge. The Library-temple itself was designed using an inatricate floorplan with angled walls and pyramidal towers, much like the inner workings of a Sith holocron in it's complexity. Inside, it's mazelike halls led to the various key points of interest - labrotories once used for experiments and research storage facilities. A massive narrow, tapering obelisk extended from the top of the structure, covered in ancient Sith runes with a pyramidal summit serving as a spire. The inscriptions themselves have been long since withered over time from the rough texture of the sand, with only a quarter of the inscription above ground. Once visible, the temple complex's massive double-doors were protected by a force field, which only allowed certain people to enter the premises. Abandoned since the Ancient Sith Empire, the Library-temple had fallen into disrepair, sinking deep below the ever-changing sands while only it's great obelisk remained above ground. An army of countless Force Ghosts guard the secrets within, while any who perish in these ancient halls join them among the ghastly dead.
At the center of the complex rests the pinacle of Krayiss II's knowledge, the sum of the experiments of countless Sith. It is rumored that this research holds the key to everlasting life, while others fear that it is the same ritual responsible for the entombment of countless ghosts present throughout Krayiss II's surface. Whether or not these rumors prove accurate, none have dared to set foot within this ancient library alive. Sealed for centuries, a set of massive, wooden double doors have kept intruders out who had ventured too far within the complex, sealed through ancient rituals. Two mysterious Force Ghosts guard the gate, although it is unknown who these avatars belong to, it is safe to assume that whoever they were, were quite powerful in their time. Inside, a great stench of stale, dead air greets anyone adventurous enough to make it this far. Great tapering bookshelves line the walls, in odd likeness to the great monolith serving as an entrance to the complex. These booksheves contain the combined results and experiments of ancient Sith in the form of dusty tomes, scribbled and scrawled notes, jars of specimens created through Sith alchemy and the occasional ornate scroll. Resting atop a pillar in the center of the room rests the greatest achievement of the ancient Sith presence on Krayiss II. Preserved in a mighty leather-bound tome of sithspawn flesh, this tome is said to hold Kraiss II's most powerful secrets. The book itself is nearly pristine, having been preserved through combinations of Sith sorcery and alchemy, as the ancient Sith of Krayiss II had no knowledge yet in the making of holocrons.
High Value Targets
Darth Sinagar
Formerly trained as a member of The Malevolence, Bog Hayden is a fifty year old Sith Lord hailing from the planet of Prakith. Hayden was ambushed and subsequently captured by the One Sith while tricked delving into the ancient tombs on Korriban in 30 ABY. Overwhelmed by the power of the One Sith, Bog relinquished his lightsaber and acquiesced to death at the hand of his captors. Tortured both psychologically and physically through the infernal mixtures of Sith Alchemy, Sorcery and powerful drugs, Bog was turned over to the One Sith's inquistors where he begged to become re-indoctrinated in the ways of the Sith.
Rising again as Darth Sinagar, Bog Hayden pledged total and complete obedience to Darth Krayt and committed himself to the studies of the Dark Side of the Force. Rising from cult member to Sith, Darth Sinagar adorned himself in tattoos of black and white, marking and immortalizing his passage to the ways of the Sith. These tattoos symbolize his new identity as he eschews all commections to his past.
As an Elder level combatant in the ways of the Force, Darth Sinagar is a master of multiple Force powers including the art of Ballistakinesis that allows him to pulverize an area with debris, as well as Combustion which allows him to ignite the very air, agitating the particles to create a pyrokinetic shower of sparks. He also has the power to identify the weakness of objects and shatter them, as well as the power to propel a arc of lightning from his body capable of striking adjacent enemies.
Sith Aspirants and Acolytes
The One Sith expedition to Krayiss required vast amounts of resources, thus the need to protect their investments. Collected from all corners of the vast galaxy, these aspirants range from force sensitives to sycophants of the Sith cause. Trained in the arts of combat, this support personnel's competentcy is on par with elite mitiary forces, making them a greater challenge for the forces of the Dark Brotherhood, and painting them as high value targets not to be thought lightly of.
Tor Siva
Collaborators
Morotheri Mithfaron (12049)
Kaira Rohana (10057)
Mar Sûl (13009)