Begeren. Once a prosperous Sith world, it has been the site of numerous battles throughout the millennia. Grand halls and monuments were torn down and re-purposed by looting Republic forces thousands of years ago, before they were driven from the planet. Isolated settlements still dot the planet's surface, but the inhospitable, craggy, and desert-like terrain, along with the beasts common to many desert and Sith worlds, have kept most humanoids from colonizing. Occasional skirmishes have left debris scattered throughout the desert, and battles were fought here as recently as the Galactic Civil War. The planet is now under the control of the One Sith and is rumored to be full of all manner of priceless, ancient Sith artifacts.

The Dark Council has pushed forth to Begeren and the Grand Master, on his quest for ever more powerful items, has decreed the Clans and Houses seize anything of value. The unity shown by the Brotherhood during the beginning of this Crusade is fracturing, with the Clans and Houses growing tired and frustrated with the seemingly endless succession of battles. Tempers are flaring between former allies, with outright aggression no longer uncommon. Despite this, you have responded to the Grand Master's call—though whether it's to actually seize the items for the Brotherhood, destroy them, or use them for your own purposes, only you know.

You have followed the call of the Force to a stretch of desert wasteland, seemingly unremarkable save for the various rock outcroppings that dot the landscape. These outcroppings, though, hide a subterranean cave network, known to be a den of wraids. Though the entrances to the caverns are typically narrow and dark, these tunnels quickly widen. Below the surface, bioluminescent plants and lichen provide limited light.

You know that, despite reaching this place first, you won’t be alone for long, as an ancient Sith tomb is located deep within the caves the wraids now call home. Exactly what you’ll find in that tomb, you’re not sure—but it is something of great power, that much you can sense. You know it is your duty to find it, whatever it is, before any others can locate it. What you do with it when you find it… that is up to you.

As you near one of the entrances to the caves, you think you hear the sounds of footsteps, or maybe skittering, down below—and above ground, you hear the distant crunch of rock underfoot as someone else has found a different rocky cave entrance as well.

The stone dug into Rathus' skin as he lowered himself through the narrow slit in the earth. He shivered as he felt the contrast in temperature between the cavern and the desert above, enough to almost make him miss the wretched heat. Luckily, the desert made sure to leave enough grit encrusted on his clothes, face, and even curled black hair, to remember it by.

Immediately he was met with trouble. With a mix between a snarl and growl a form moved in the dim light, its muscular forearms barely illuminated by the bioluminescent mosses coating the cavern walls. The creature lunged with a swiftness unexpected from a beast so squat and muscular. Rathus turned to react, his hand reaching and igniting his saber in mere seconds, only to have his vision fail him. He was still blind from the transition from the light of the desert above. With a Huttese curse he took a blow from the creature's claws, the assault digging into the flesh of his left arm. But the attack was ultimately the creature's downfall. Rathus struck in the direction of the attack and the characteristic hiss of lightsaber slicing into flesh filled the air, followed by a burning stench somehow worse than the beast's natural odors.

Rathus panted slightly as his adrenaline high faded. He could get a good look at the creature now - nothing more than a common wraid. While they could be deadly, they typically weren't much cause for concern. Unless you were a man bumbling into the dark on a wild goose chase, that is. He'd have to take care to avoid another ambush.

As if right on cue, Rathus heard the tumbling of rocks from somewhere else within the cave, reverberating through the rock walls. Rathus stretched out with the force, trying to determine what the new intrusion in only to have his fears realized. Whatever it was, it was in its own cavern not far from him. Something else was here, and it was strong. For a split second he contemplated simply crawling back up the rock pile he had slid down back up to the desert above. But there was something far more alluring than even mission or duty that drove him still - the promise of a new artifact to study, temptation enough even for the cautious and pessimistic scholar to decide to delve forward.

The cave opened up quickly into a series of interconnected caverns, making it far easier to search, though it was hardly difficult to follow the almost seductive call of the artifact. Despite earlier aggression the wraids stayed away, perhaps unaccustomed to visitors or wary of the stench of the death of one of their kin.

It was obvious when he had reached his destination. A large fissure in a cave wall opened wide to reveal a once sealed antechamber. The uniform pitch black rock met a sudden end as it reached the cracked opening from cave to chamber. Rathus slipped in warily and quickly examined a massive statue toward what he assumed must have been the proper entrance, judging from the various glyphs and ritualistic obelisks around it. For once he wouldn't have to go through the trouble of all the typical mysticism to get to what he wanted.

Unfortunately, it seemed he would have to go through a person, instead. The distinct force presence was shortly behind him now. He surely knew Rathus was there. In a rush Rathus strode across the stone strewn floors, eyes running over hieroglyphs as he struggled to find the artifact's location, only half-reading them as he reached out with the force in his search. The artifact finally revealed itself to be almost amusingly elusive given the location - a simple stone tablet hidden among cave rubble fallen from the damaged ceiling. Rathus ignored the pains in his injured arm as he frantically shifted the rubble, only just getting it loose as he heard footsteps. Just in time to maim him after finding the artifact, he supposed.

Rathus turned to size up the stranger. The bald horned head immediately gave away that he was a Zabrak, though the charcoal skin was unusual. As Rathus scanned him over they locked eyes, the stranger's a deep shade of green, squinted and serious, as if already in battle. Despite the grave demeanor of the man, Rathus could help but smirk just a tad. For all the man's apparent strength he stood far shorter than normal. For once Rathus felt tall.

It was this that left Rathus feeling emboldened enough to speak first, despite his usual adversity to such things. That and a desire to try and save his skin.

"Well, looks like we came after the same toy. Don't suppose we could say finders keepers?"

The Zabrak's response was monotone. "I don't think so. Who are you?" Already his hands slipped to his two sabers.

Rathus' voice wavered slightly as he spoke. "Oh, I'm just a guy passing through is all. A scholar, really."

The man's brow twitched as he ignited his sabers, one white, one green, their humming amplified in the chamber. The faint light revealed intricate engravings on their hilts. "If you won't start the introductions, I will. I am Cethgus Tiberius Entar Arconae of Arcona. And I am taking that artifact." Cethgus sunk into a combat stance, squaring his shoulders to Rathus', his blades held in a 'backwards' horizontal grip of the unusual Shien style.

Rathus nearly scoffed. "Fine, no need to get all 'noble warrior' on me. I'm Rathus Marr of Taldryan. Now I like dueling as much as the next guy, but I prefer to stay alive. How about sharing?" Despite Rathus' talking, he knew what was coming. He sunk into a Soresu stance.

Cethgus didn't offer another retort. Now quite literally deadly serious, the Zabrak charged.

The crash of blades echoed as sparks shattered the dim lighting of the forsaken cave. A singular cause, forcing these two warriors to meet under the circumstances. A single artefact, the victor would take to prove their worth to their comrades. Facing the Human, it was clear that this meant something to the man. His name was worthless, his titles were useless; pm;y his ability to fight would prove the key in this fate weaved duel. What seemed like a lifetime before the two broke apart passed in seconds, and speed of the Iridonian was clear as he darted backwards.

Feeling the cave floor under his boots, Cethgus shifted his weight and pushed off the floor, launching himself with deadly speed at his opponent. Rathus brought his guard up, deflecting the first blade only to be met by the second. Leaping from the floor, the Human landed a few feet away from the second blade, feeling the Force guiding him throughout his evasion. Hearing a low growl coming from the Arconan drew the attention of the cyan-eyed warrior. The Zabrak was already on the prowl, his blade gripped firmly in his hands as he stalked the Templar, clearly looking for an opening . Rathus prepared himself, knowing what was about to come his way. Stepping forward once more, the two combatants began their advance, colliding in what could be described as a blur of blades, neither of them willing to give a foothold on the other. Forcing the blue blade downwards, Cethgus allowed the Force to come through him, and Rathus found his hair blocking his vision for a split second. Cethgus took full advantage of the distraction, his knee colliding into the Human’s stomach, forcing saliva to spill from his mouth as the wind rushed clean from his lungs.

Unable to recover, the speed of the Quaestor became apparent as he slammed his fist into the Taldryan’s jaw, sending him spinning to the ground. Scrambling to his feet, the member of Harbingers spun around, allowing his eyes to fall upon the figure that stood before him. The throbbing pain continued to ripple through his jaw and stomach, but he was unfazed and fuelled by the hatred for the use of a cheap trick like that. A treading noise could be heard from the corner of the Primarch’s awareness and his eyes darted there for a split second. Seeing a beast charging, he turned and slashed out only to find his blade meet thin air.

“Two of us can play tricks if it’s needed,” the Human’s voice echoed through the cave, bringing the attention of the horned male back to his opponent who was closing the gap between them.

Stumbling backwards in a calmer fissure that would have seemed possible, his blade deflected an attack that would have seen his head cleaved from his shoulders. Dropping down slightly, he felt his footing slip as he lashed out with the second blade. Forcing the Human back, he tried to keep himself out of reach of his opponent as he regained his footing.

It seemed that the two of them were gaining no ground, yet both men were becoming more determined by this fact. Cethgus launched himself forward once more, showing fewer signs of fatigue than his opponent. Colliding once more in a deadly duel, their blades constantly clashed in the hope that the other made a slip up. Both were trained for combat and both seemed to be proving a point. Once more, the Zabrak’s speed seemed to dramatically improve as he forced his way through his opponent’s guard, the tips of his blade catching his opponent’s forearm and leg. The smell of searing flesh filled the cave as a hiss of pain escaped the Templar’s lips. Rathus limped back slightly, the cut causing pain through his leg with each step as he tried to open a gap only to find the Iridonian charging his flank to end this fight once and for all.

Rathus felt the force flow through him as Cethgus charged, the power torn almost unconsciously from the pervasive presence of the dark side within the cave. It tempered his body and amplified his movements, imbuing his muscles with strength. Despite his injuries crying out for him to stop, he ran, only pausing when he reached the pile of rubble. Rathus dove down in a swift motion, snatching the tablet and forcing it into his cloak, the weight just barely noticeable.

Despite this, it was enough to give an expert like Cethgus an advantage, who tapped into his own connection to the force to dash at inhuman speed after Rathus. He wouldn't allow this stranger to so blatantly try to escape with the artifact. How the fool could be so sure of himself as to snatch up the artifact while bleeding and beaten was beyond him. It angered him, as if the man saw their duel as just a game. Eager to make sure he gave the human no escape he charged, only to feel the effects of some warped power upon him. He sensed the Force being stripped from him now, as if partially diverted away like a fork in a stream, the enhancements woven into his body suppressed by the oppressive aura that flowed from his opponent.

But Rathus was injured, and Cethgus saw there was no escape available for the man. Even if he ran back through the cave, he would eventually be caught, the saber wound already slowing him. Despite the powers and trickery of his opponent's manipulation of the Force, Cethgus managed to conjure forth a shock of electricity. The attack forced Rathus to dodge, despite it being weakened. The opening gave Cethgus the time he needed. He sprinted forth, relying on natural speed and agility, and landed a solid slash, the force of the colliding sabers causing Rathus to stagger backward. In response the man lashed back, his blue lightsaber parried by Cethgus' second saber effortlessly.

The Zabrak did not let up, now relying on his superior condition, experience, and strength to batter the weaker opponent into submission, driving his back closer and closer to the statue and the wall behind him. Cethgus could see the man's movements slow, could hear him pant for air as he tired. Each moment he grew more sluggish. It wouldn't be long before he had the opportunity to finish.

Yet at the same time Cethgus also felt an unnatural fatigue, his mind clouding. It was only after they traded another series of blows that his weary mind made the realization - Rathus was using the Force to slow him and wear him out through his own attacks. Unfortunately for him, Cethgus' mastery of amplification surpassed such petty tactics. As the Inquisitor's theft of the force faded Cethgus drew upon the Force for speed again, his quickness returning despite his weary mind. He drove a brutal assault into the man, causing him to stagger once more despite his solid duelist's defense.

Rathus nearly stumbled over the miniature obelisks on the jet black floor, his back slamming against the statue as he reeled from the parried blows. But it seemed the defensive Soresu style had only bought him mere moments of life. The last blow sent his blue saber flying from his hand, the blade flickering from existence as it landed unceremoniously in a pile of rubble. Finally Cethgus had his opening, yet he stared at the fallen lightsaber as if struck dumb, his face blank as he struggled to think. Was this what he wanted? Was this an opening? Was this the time to attack? The mental haze slowed his actions to a crawl, his own thoughts like distant echoes. A faint voice tried desperately to urge him on. Go! Attack! Finish this! But he could not heed it.

By the time Cethgus' mind had begun to catch up, Rathus had already slammed his hand against the statue, electric sparks flowing in and out of it like burrowing worms. Instantaneously the obelisks emitted a purple glow, the aura suffusing Cethgus as he stood between them. He felt his strength and the Force drained from him as the obelisks' glow intensified.

Rathus grinned now, looking at the Zabrak's face as he struggled to move only to find his limbs frozen by the forces gripping at his being.

"You had me there, didn't you, Tiberius? But just like so many of you warrior types, you forgot one thing. No matter how fast you can move your body," he tapped the side of head as he spoke, "it doesn't matter if you don't have the brains. You broke my hold on your body, but you never broke my hold on your mind."

Cethgus tried to snarl, to insult the man, but his mouth refused to work.

"But, hey, how would someone who likely spends all their time fighting know just how dangerous those obelisks were? Why, being able to read those hieroglyphs would actually take some study rather than physical training. And we can't have that. Luckily for you, I don't think this will kill you. Just make you very tired, and very much stuck here for some time. I'd kill you now, since you were so set on killing me earlier, but I'd really like for you to keep this door open for me, my friend. Let's make another play-date."

Cethgus seethed with rage he could not release as the man tarnished his pride. Rathus was obviously getting a sadistic thrill, emboldened by the situation despite his pitiful demeanor. Cethgus wanted nothing more than to destroy him. But he couldn't.

Before them the statue shuddered and sunk into the ground, opening up another chamber. Rathus snatched his saber from the rubble and hurried to his escape. No matter how big he talked, he definitely wasn't confident enough to stick around.

His body reacted and his saber came up to block against the oncoming Arconan; however the pressure of his opponent’s blades crashing down forced the Human to give ground quickly. Retracting from the lock, he glanced up to meet the Quaestor’s eyes for a split second. Keeping his calm, the man parried the second blade that was incoming with ease.

Seeing the pattern through this exchange of blades, Rathus darted in quickly, catching the horned warrior by surprise. Sensing the incoming danger, Cethgus leaned backwards, trying to avoid the oncoming attack that was heading his way. The bright blue blade sliced against the cheek, searing the flesh of the black and white combatant.

Hissing, the Primarch stumbled backwards slightly, knowing fully that he was lucky to come out of it with only a burn to show. Gathering himself, he faced the Taldryan member who was already looking for the next gap in his opponent’s onslaught. In a blink of an eye the two of them were back at it, trading blows with neither one able to break through the other’s guard. It was clear to the Templar that he was losing the battle of attrition in this situation, forcing him to withdraw once more.

“What’s the matter, can you not hold your own Rathus?” the Iridonian’s voice echoed around the caves.

Something slumbering awoke from the continued conflict within the cave,altering the Primarch’s senses. It seemed the wraids had pinpointed their location and were heading their way in numbers. The growling noises drew closer. The fight would have to come to a close sooner rather than later.

Cethgus was determined not to allow his opponent off the hook, not with their battle in full swing. Allowing the Force to flow through his body, he charged forward, slashing out with his blade at Rathus’s head.

The two continued to trade blows, summoning the Force, instantly he deactivated one of his sabers and attached it to his belt, switching his stance, the saber gripped firmly as he took a much more aggressive approach to this fight, lashing out with long and powerful strokes of his saber. Using the well-recognised strikes he continued to keep Rathus on the defensive, trying to wear him out in the long run rather than get the killing blow as quick as possible. Driving his footing forward, the slashes came in thick and fast with each strike that he made.

Beads of sweat were dripping from the Human, gently leaving a pitter-patter sound as they hit the floor, and he struggled to maintain his posture. Cethgus dropped under the Taldryan’s guard and it only took a split second for Rathus to feel the pain as an elbow collided with his chin, sending him slamming down on his behind. His breathing was heavy, his arms were aching from the ongoing fight, and his body was losing itself to the constant strain that he had put it under. The hilt of his curved blade rolled free from his grip as it clattered to the cave’s floor.

Blood ran free from his lip as he glanced up towards the Primarch, knowing that the Zabrak was ready to strike the final hit. Yet Cethgus stood there, waiting for the Human to get back to his feet. His movements sluggish as he stood up, slowly wiping the blood from his chin just as Cethgus was already getting ready to make the final move. Rathus allowed the Force to come to him, the Arconan’s saber hitting a barrier between the two combatants. Rathus scrambled to recover his blade as the barrier shattered from the attack. But the last line of defense from the constant barrage, his saber, was unable to hold.

By the time Rathus realized what was happening it was too late; he was already in the trap and was about to become snared. Driving deep and gaining the last bit of energy inside of himself, Cethgus twisted one of the stalactites, watching it come tumbling down. It was too late for Rathus, and with the fight now over, he loosed a blood curdling scream throughout the throughout the area as he was impaled. Cethgus watched the mass on the floor struggle as he walked over to it, sabers deactivated already.

Glancing over the mangled body, he looked down, his plan only a partial success as he saw the sharp rock crushing Rathus’ leg and pinning him in place.

“It seems this fight is over. If you have anything to say, now would seem the appropriate time, wouldn’t it?” the Zabrak’s voice echoed through the cave as the sound of the creatures was now ringing around.

Rathus could barely make out a word, his mouth spewing blood as he tried to speak, only to witness the Primarch walking away, leaving him this in this cave, this tomb that would now see his final breath rendered from him. However, unable to just leave him, the Quaestor turned around as he nodded. It was a respectful bow, but his final words would ring in the ears of those that dared stand in the way of progress, glory and the goal of Clan Arcona.

“If you survive the beasts, if you get out of here, come back to me one day and find me. If you die here, remember my name and bring it to those that have fallen by my hand before you.” With that the Arconae began his search for the artefact.

Darkness in the cave was consuming the life of Rathus, and desperation began to sink into the Human. Right here, right now he could see no way out. As the eyes of glistening beasts appeared in the cave, the realization of what had befallen him came to light.