Cannibal Carnival | CIS Dominion of Miranda [R-41]

[Queen Bots™]

WHY ARE WE ON MIRANDA?​

Planet Information​

TLDR: By order of the Vicelord the CIS has spent several days searching what seems to be empty space for several missing mining ships. A fleet comprised of the CIS and her Allies has come up with nothing thus far and the journey has remained, for the most part, uneventful. Rapidly moving asteroids filled their designated flight path and gave the ships something to worry about. They are causing plenty of damage and are hard to avoid. This has caused many crew members to become cranky, and annoyed, with most proposing that they should turn around. That conversation died abruptly with a far-off signal being received by most of the ships. Those in charge of the rescue operation have decided that they will brave the asteroid field and push ahead.​

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Once clear of space debris they will discover a relatively unknown world without a name. It doesn’t show up on star charts as anything but a darkened area of nothing.​

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Spoiler

If you would like more details about the mission, or, a little more lore please read below!

The trek through the Seswenna Sector was inevitable. The Confederacy has long since developed a habit of rapidly expanding during these ventures. Discovering new trade routes and viable planets for resource farming is not only expected but a requirement. As a Droid Nation, the CIS has a tendency to consume significantly more mineral ore than many other neighboring powers. It must be replenished frequently to sustain the massive mechanical armies that are produced. That being said, if a world holds the potential to support life, they do not strip-mine it to the point of making it uninhabitable.

They take just enough to fill Confederate foundries and to provide work for citizens that find themselves in need of it. The idea of a mining-colony always makes people nervous. To put it plainly, the labor is intensive and dangerous. But those extended missions are what tend to rake in the most credits for subcontracted companies—so there is rarely an empty seat in any operation.

With the recent acquisition of Hypori, the Confederacy has been sending out teams to bring back more ore to be refined. Hypori itself is fairly blessed with resources, however, it is nestled safely in Confederate territory. It is a treasure trove that can be utilized in a desperate hour if for some reason they are required to close their borders. With that in mind, they hunted resources elsewhere.

It was with this notion that the Ministers hired dozens of private contractors that were capable of finding, mining, and hauling their goods back to Hypori. Once the cargo was traded off they would be paid in full for their services. Something strange developed in the last few weeks. Licensed and dependable subcontractors that were scouting for mineral and metal resources had begun to disappear. It was reminiscent to the missing Confederate ships that had led the nation to discover the planet Enos. The similarities of the disappearances caused some of the higher-ups to take notice.

Citizens of the CIS have begun circulating rumors that they disappear in a part of space that is difficult to traverse safely. Those plotting courses to the last known coordinates where actionable communication had been received would note that the destination wasn’t terribly far from Seltos itself. Blaming pirates, thieves, or mercenaries whilst choosing to cut their losses would have been the easiest solution. But, the Confederacy rarely chooses the easy way. Especially, not with the possibility of some unknown threat potentially trying to cut off their resources.

The Vicelord has ordered that a team of his best and brightest bring light to this issue. It is comprised of Volunteers, Obsidian Knights, Mandragora, and any other Confederate group that should throw their lot in. [member="Darth Metus"] and the rest of the Viceroyalty wish to see this matter dealt with as soon as possible.

HOW DO I JOIN? ​

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Make landfall via drop pods and follow the signal through this broken, desolate, and freakishly creepy world. Lifeform scanners do show that there seems to be an extremely small population of humanoid beings but the readings fluctuate. They will traverse through the Dead Hollow to approach one of the groups that seem to pass for civilization. Those that are Force Sensitive will hear and see the spirits of the dead crying out in misery. Many have died here. Many have been burned to ash here.​

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The CIS does not realize they are not headed toward the wrong group. Toward the cruel and quite insane cannibals. ​

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WHAT CAN I DO ON MIRANDA? ​

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Carousel Throne: [Combat Objective/Social-ish If You Swing Toward Crazy?]

The CIS did not show up on Miranda looking for a fight. The locals have endured extremely poor living conditions, cannibalism, and even inbreeding due to a limited gene pool. In the case of the people of Pandemonium it has left them hostile and deranged. They constantly look for a fight, sometimes, just as an excuse to kill for more food.

The would-be rescuers will be chased by what appear to be rage virus zombies with brains. Ravagers would be a good word for them. They have crude weapons, but they are fast/strong, and some DO utilize the Force. The carnie culture causes the spooky things they can do with it “Magic” as an old throwback to their origins as traveling performers.

Enjoy the rusty ferris wheel, the ancient carousel, the outdated music, and the extremely "complicated" dancing. Yes, dancing. While being chased. By zombie-esque cannibals. Definitely while being chased by carnivorous people that want to eat you.

Those that are Force Sensitive will STILL hear and see the spirits of the dead crying out in misery. NFUs will feel something creepy crawlie beneath their skins.

Spoiler

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Big Top Prison: [Investigative/Combat Objective]

Not everyone in the CIS wants to or even can be busy dancing with the zombie-esque cannibals. The open area of fighting and chaos just might not be for them. In turn, they've decided to follow a tip, from a few big-mouthed crazies, on where their missing people might be. Narrowly avoiding having their brains devoured through their nostrils with a straw they will find a new location at the center of Pandemonium. It is a big top - a gigantic carnival tent whose insides have been altered into a freaky prison using old starship parts and tattered cloth. Some of the prisoners, you know; these are some of the missing CIS miners. Other prisoners are there for less obvious reasons and their stories will need to be heard.

And some… Are not prisoners at all.

Free the miners and get them back to the evacuation point that was set up in the Dead Hollow. For prisoners that want to go home, another settlement by the name of Cale City, make sure they get there safely. But before that...Fight your way out of the Big Top. Try not to die, as the carnies would love it if you did. Yum, yum.

Those that are Force Sensitive will STILL hear and see the spirits of the dead crying out in misery. NFUs will feel something creepy crawlie beneath their skins.

Spoiler

City of the Living: [Exploration/Possible Combat/Social Objective]

This area of investigation will take place in Cale City. It is the larger settlement on Miranda and full of mostly sane individuals. It is here that characters with medical backgrounds, less combat oriented characters, and even relief workers will be most useful. They also may be forced to defend the settlement from impromptu raids from the cannibal-crazies and it will become clear that the people are very fearful. Both of their more terrifying neighbors and the sky-people.

The goal will be to build bridges with the citizens of Cale City to find out what happened and to find the rest of our missing Confederates. Once it is deemed moderately safe the CIS can deploy medical stations and provide the people with rations until suitable supplies and basic necessities can be requisitioned.

Spoiler

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BYOO: [Anything Goes]

As always - Do your own thing! There are a lot of opportunities here on a mysterious world to get caught up in the travesty and spookiness. Feel free to put on your creative hat and take your character trick or treating through the Dead Hollow or find something else that isn't even listed in the planet sub. Get your jollies!

Spoiler

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Tag List

Spoiler

[member="A'Runda"]
[member="Akabane"]
[member="Alexandrite"]
[member="Alora Fae"]
[member="Alvarex Zambrano"]
[member="Alwine Lechner"]
[member="Amarant deWinter"]
[member="Amaya Cardei"]
[member="Amethyst Atreides"]
[member="Amethyst Sovereign"]
[member="Andi Americus"]
[member="Anya Malvern"]
[member="Arabella Darkhold"]
[member="Archim Calixis"]
[member="Ari Zanareth"]
[member="Arlox"]
[member="Aston Jacobs"]
[member="Aya Clarke"]
[member="Azmodan"]
[member="Betty Americus"]
[member="Billy Americus"]
[member="Braan Kell"]
[member="Bandit Six"]
[member="Caid Centurion"]
[member="Callisa Asran"]
[member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"]
[member="Carith Thelcar"]
[member="Chikako Liona"]
[member="Cim Salro"]
[member="Corvus Dravere"]
[member="Daisy Americus"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Daniel Americus"]
[member="Dalton Kenway"]
[member="Darth Rixas"]
[member="Darth Tacitus"]
[member="Darth Zurvan"]
[member="Daxton Bane"]
[member="Derek Dib"]
[member="Dhakarta"]
[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Drauchir"]
[member="Ella Nova"]
[member="Erin Tenel"]
[member="Fawn Alzi"]
[member="Gerwald Lechner"]
[member="Hadashah Vi'dreya"]
[member="Isarn Apis"]
[member="Ithiel Verd"]
[member="Jade Isara"]
[member="Jamie Pyne"]
[member="Jennifer Blanchard"]
[member="Jorge"]
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
[member="Kalee Bladesworn"]
[member="Kaptan Americus"]
[member="Karlie Lynn Destat"]
[member="Kasca Fen"]
[member="Katria Vekarr"]
[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]
[member="Kayla Wylen"]
[member="Kilia"]
[member="Kingsley"]
[member="Kip Ridel"]
[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]
[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
[member="Kyber"]
[member="Kyrinov"]
[member="Kyle Naktis"]
[member="Lady Psyona"]
[member="Lirka Ka"]
[member="Luna Terrik"]
[member="Luna Vega"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Maple Harte"]
[member="Marek Starchaser"]
[member="Minerva Vessia"]
[member="Muad Dib"]
[member="Natasha Darkstar"]
[member="Nine Lives"]
[member="Osintrium"]
[member="Petra Cavataio"]
[member="Popara the Great"]
[member="Qaarssk Roark"]
[member="Razelle Breuner"]
[member="Roy Americus"]
[member="Rylan Kordel"]
[member="Samantha Jade"]
[member="Sander Europa"]
[member="Scherezade deWinter"]
[member="Sola Marr"]
[member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]
[member="Srina Talon"]
[member="Tex Americus"]
[member="Teyla Ee'everwest"]
[member="Thalira Kiing"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Traveler"]
[member="Treiades Rhoujen"]
[member="Umai"]
[member="Varick Lechner"]
[member="Veronika Fleischer"]
[member="VildarnTentoria"]
[member="Vyra Silara"]
[member="Xenro"]
[member="Zephyr Carrick"]
[member="Zhai'ellev"]

 

[Paragon of Virtue]

The girl stood atop a bare hill, staring as the dropships came from the sky. She had been too young to remember the last time such a thing happened, but she had heard the stories. She knew that things falling from the sky meant slightly turmoil, followed by good times of prosperity, food, and new things. She approved of this very much. Mother would be happy with more food on the table.

As the first began to land, the girl made her way towards their landing spot, her little doll clutched tightly to her chest. She might have been happy about the happenings, but she was still shy. A hundred feet or so was still as closest as she dared stand, her little faded shoes, the left one open in the front, pointing somewhat towards each other. Saliva began to form around her gums and she licked along her upper teeth, saddened by the few that were already missing to never return.

The little girl was hungry. But this hunger would soon pass. She approved of these things falling from the sky.

​

The little girl is an NPC for the purpose of this dom. Feel free to interact with her, ask her to show you around, chase her, or other things that tickle your fancy. Just remember... Even with a few missing teeth, the little girl can bite.

 

[Malok]

Interacting With: [member="Eternal Flatulence"]
Accompanying: [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
Post: 1

When it came to these matters, he could not leave well enough alone.

In decades past, a younger Darth Metus would have happily cast a blind eye to vessels disappearing into the void. He would have, given a position of leadership, sent others to investigate the missing souls - but would not have risked life and limb to undertake the task personally. However. A lovely thing called experience pushed the modern Vicelord into action. Perhaps it was recent experience of Enos which had seen urgency raging through his veins. Or, perhaps the spontaneous combustion of the Galactic Alliance had caused him to begin to overthink everything. Whichever the case may be, when word of missing miners reached his ears, Darth Metus wanted to be there when their whereabouts were discovered. Best case scenario, it would be a lovely bit of PR for the Confederate news outlets: a Vicelord who cared about the everyman.

Worst case scenario? He could meet whatever monstrous threats laid in wait headon. To Darth Metus, there was no greater sin than sitting on his hands in this current reality. And thus, he was among the dropships which poured from the heavens over the uncharted world. As descent gripped the form of his vessel, an all-too familiar sensation gripped the whole of his mouth. It felt as if someone had seized his jaw and dumped a heavy elixir over his tongue. He could taste iron. He could feel warmth. The sensation he had come to identify as the Dark Side’s presence, made manifest in its own unique way. That...did not bode well for the miners.

That, potentially, did not bode well for the Confederate relief force.

Once Darth Metus’ boots finally crunched upon the foreign soil, he and his team began to head off into a surreal...Hellscape. Wherever the tread, entropy seemed to have ravaged a civilization. Childhood memories danced before his mind’s eye, identifying the sordid forms as some form of an amusement park or carnival. Rust caked each and every surface. Slow, agonizing notes screeched from an auditory system that had must have been ancient. Overall, the scenery was enough that a chill raced down the Sith’s spine. This place...this “carnival” was enough to make the skin of any man crawl. Fortunately enough, backup was not...too far off. He had his team of compatriots on his flank - and those who had departed in another direction were still within comm distance.

But still. This carnival gave even the Commandos alongside him the creeps.

”I’ve got movement!”

The metallic syllables hissed from underneath one of the Commandos’ helms, causing pure instinct to seize Darth Metus’ swordhand. His fingertips found the lightsaber hanging from his waist and wrenched it free. The weapon was held at the ready, sulfuric eyes sweeping the rust and decay for anything or anyone.

”Hold fire! Civilian!” answered another of the Vicelord’s team. The Sith’s grip upon the lightsaber lightened ever so slightly, yet still his guard was raised. With a jut of his chin, one of the Dauntless Commandos strode forward and approached a divine contrast to the entropy. A youngling wandered towards them, clutching a bear close to her chest. She was so out of place here...perhaps she was with the miners? A survivor?

Kneeling, the Commando leveled his gaze to the girl.

”Are you lost? Hurt?” he began. ”Are there others with you, little one?”

 

[Alwine Daye]

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Location: By the dropships
Wearing: Obsidian type Strike Armor
Wielding: generic vibrosword
Tags: TBA
Post: 2

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Alwine was snarling. Never before had all of her senses been accosted by something that smells, looked, and felt so wrong. The reek of where they had landed felt like a punch into her mind, and every cell inside her body, human and wolf alike, demanded that she turned around and flew herself back to the ship immediately. The main problem with that was that she’d landed in a dropship, and dropships, as she had been told, were a one way ticket. To get off this dreadful place, the petite would have to make it to the extraction point and then stay there until others were ready to leave as well.

The first time since her training had begun in earnest, something that crawled beneath Alwine’s skin let her know in a very sharp and violent way that she was severely under-experienced to deal with what this mission had to offer. But then why had she been sent there? Surely the Confederacy knew what their Knights were and were not capable of, and she was certainly in a subgroup that was still very new to these things. Every single time she had gone on a mission before, she had been attached to someone with more experience than her. But would that be enough now?

The blonde hugged herself, knowing there would be no comfort in holding her sword right now. The dangers on the surface of Miranda were not just of the tangible kind. And the non-tangible kind was what set all the hairs of her furs to painfully stand.

 

[Naedira Darcrath]

Location: Dead Hollow [Headed Toward the Carousel Throne]​

In the Company Of: [member="Kyle Naktis"] + Anyone else that wants to tag along​

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The dark-haired Knight kept her eyes closed as they dropped from the sky. Her body wasn’t held tense but she did remain locked firmly in her position due to the restrictive crash webbing. As far as making an entrance went, this wasn’t bad, but it was always rough when passing through any form of atmosphere. The dropship shook almost enough to make her teeth rattle but it wasn’t as if they were using tin cans to get to the surface. It was safe. Mostly. There was always the chance something could go wrong.

When they made landfall she felt the solid jerk before her hand moved to press the release. She stepped out of her restraints and pulled the hood of her strike-armor down to conceal her features. Sensors stated that the air was breathable, but, she would rather keep herself shielded as much as possible in an unknown environment. She wasn’t carrying a lightsaber but she did have the standard issue sidearm resting comfortably in a holster.

Through the orange hexagonal pattern of her mask, she could see fields of strange looking trees. There was something wrong with them. Whatever they were made out of didn’t really look like the bark of any tree she had seen before. The ground was cracked and dry. It didn’t really look like a place anyone could live comfortably. Sucking in a little air through her teeth she noticed the scent of old smoke in the air. Something had been burned, recently, but there weren’t any obvious signs of a fire.

The Vicelord had arrived ahead of many of the other groups and the Knight Obsidian had followed in the second wave. She kneeled down for a moment to evaluate the disturbed layers of dirt and dust among the cracked earth. Their footfalls led due east. “We’re moving this way. Circle up and move out but keep your head on a swivel. This world is uncharted and the population may not have interacted with modern technology. We don’t want to spook them.”

The Knights that moved with her were good at following orders and working together. Some of them she had worked with before and some she hadn’t. It didn’t much matter though. They all had their orders. She pulled herself up from inspecting the movements of their predecessors and prepared to follow suit. She kept her hand near her sidearm at all times.

Something in the air made her extremely uneasy. She didn’t know what it was but it made her want to call down an evac and leave immediately.

 

[Don Cagliostro]

"I have a bad feeling about this..."

Roy said to himself while entering the drop pod. Not only did he dislike getting into such small vessels as well as landing on such a backwater world. But he wasn't scared, he can't remember the last time he was scared. It wasn't long after getting inside and strapping himself in that the pod led loose. The loud rumble of the pod's smaller engine helping it to stay on course as it came through reentry.

However, this wouldn't be another happy landing. Shortly after getting into the thermosphere a small racket could be hear on the outside of his pod. First being a few taps, but soon grew into a cacophony of micro impacts while entering the planets outer atmosphere. A collection of small asteroids and rather thick noctilucent cloud after quickly reaching the mesosphere. All this seemed to jam the engines and Roy could feel the unseen force of spinning while being strapped in. Feeling a gravitational pull in every direction as his pod spun around in the air like a cannon ball shot out.

Only a good minute or two of this and his pod came crashing down onto the ground. He wasn't sure how off course he was taken from the impacts but it had to be impactful enough to lose some trajectory. But he had little to no time to ponder this as his possessors began a trauma based reset on impact. Meaning he was out cold for at least a little.

 

[Kyle Naktis]

LOCATION
Dead Hollow

ALLIES
[member="Naedira Darcrath"]

AMBIANCE

Spoiler

[media]https://youtu.be/Wxu_WxO3suI[/media]

OBJECTIVE

Kyle Naktis hated flying, but this, this was asinine. Falling to the planet in a drop ship, teeth gritting. Kyle hated the feeling was making him sick. Once the ride was over Kyle could all but thank the lord. He stepped out of the drop pod wiping off his armored white and blue robes. He checked his crossed double bandoilers to make sure they were strapped tight. Kyle then took his blonde hair and put it into a makeshift bun. He then grabbed his Hood up over his head hiding his crystal blue eyes only showing his scruffy blonde beard. He checked to see if his two lightsabers were in place. Once he noted they were he looked around checking the environment. The ground was very dry and cracked. The trees all around were dead, the air was stale and grey, even though it was afternoon it still seemed like it was getting late for all the washed out color around, it was creepy. The sounds were also creepy, dead trees slightly blowing in the slight breeze. Kyle could hear grunting and grumbling in the distance, but he wasn't sure. The sounds just gave him a bad vibe. On top of it all, it was rather cold. Kyle looked to Naedira Darcrath. In a subtle whisper that she could hear Kyle spoke Kyle Naktis Voice Sample Well hello there, you couldn't pick a warmer planet, or maybe a better way to get here, bloody hell that drop ship was terrible. Kyle bent over as he said bloody hell. Kyle then straitened up and looked to Naedira and examined her. Kyle Naktis was new to working as a team, but this woman looked like she could handle herself, most women he's come across were dainty, and not able to do much. So two new experiences, working with a woman and a team, and all this was happening on a cold world that looked dead.....what the kriff Kyle thought. Kyle simply shook his head and shrugged it off listening to Naedira as she begin to stride off. Kyle quickly fell in step beside her walking with her. I wasn't fully breifed on the situation, what exactly are we doing here? Kyle awaited her reply as he walked with her.

​

 

[Genesis Rostu]

Interacting With: [member="Roy Americus"]
Location: Cade City, Outskirts
Post: 2

The Drop was like riding a bicycle.

It didn't matter how many years had passed, a true Mandalorian never forgot how to urge their beast forward. They would never forget how to lean into thunderous bounds that propel them into the black. And, they would never forget to breathe deep, steadying breaths as they hurtled through the atmosphere. Over time, the inferno of heat racing past their shields would become something to not fear. It would become something to love and to look forward to. Such was the reality that Jo Americus called home. If any man had asked when last he rode a Basilisk out an airlock, he would answer with an honest not a damn clue. Yet despite the grievous passage of time, the Americus' calloused hands held true to his beast as their descent ripped through the stars.

Asteroids, large and small, attempted to stall their fall towards the planet; yet Jo urged his mount forward. Eruptions of blaster cannon fire or tremendous, durasteel claws tore apart whatever stones laid in their path. Then, at long last, they began to burn through Miranda's skies. As the final descent filled his stomach with that tingling sensation, Jo turned his gaze up towards the upper corner of his HUD. The helmeted warrior checked the comms of his kinfolk who had come along for the ride - and it seemed only [member="Roy Americus"] was in front of him. The youngin' had opted for a droppod instead of a War Droid.

If Jo wasn't written on a PG-13 board, he'd have a word to describe that choice.

Regardless, the veteran began to reach out to his mechanical next of kin via the comm. But...a connection couldn't be established. He tried again, raising an eyebrow. And again. Before finally looking out for the pod as the ground became visible. His Basilisk recoiled, using its engines to rapidly slow their approach to a managable glide. All the while, Jo continued attempting to secure a connection. Even a rookie drop shouldn't have caused that much interference, and all other systems were green. Maybe Roy's bolts had gotten rusty.

Jo clicked his tongue and brought the Basilisk around, urging it to land a few paces off from the pod. "C'mon young buck, up and attem." he said with his tone alive with amusement. Swinging off, the veteran winced slightly as his knees screamed against the impact of landing. It was a small miracle that his beautiful wife wasn't around to chastise his being careless. He gingerly stepped forward and gave the pod's horrendously disfigured door a kick to open.

"Chit. Roy!"

Knees be damned - Jo dropped to his and immediately began pulling the mechanical Mandalorian out from the Pod. He didn't wait to assess just how bad of shape he was in, instead calling his Basilisk over to lend a hand. It was bad enough the rumors said this place was eating miners by the dozen - now it seemed it had eaten one of his own too.

"Pull it together boy, wake up. Wake up!"

 

[Srina Talon]

Interacting With: [member="Eternal Flatulence"]
Accompanying: [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

Her heart wouldn’t stop pounding in her chest. Slender fingers raised to her temple as she tried to stave off feeling a distinct sense of vertigo. What was wrong with this place? Everything about it made her feel like they ought to take a flame to it over walking through it calmly. There was something to be said for a location that made her instincts say ‘kill it with fire’ instead of allowing her the usual level of apathy. Srina Talon had keen eyes, and more than that, her sensitivity to the Force was often just as troublesome as it was useful.

The Echani did not like this world. Not one bit.

The Dauntless Commandos that moved around herself and the Vicelord in a protective formation were appreciated, but, she didn’t like that their much taller frames occasionally obscured her view. Her gaze flickered. “This place looks like a graveyard Master…”, Srina murmured distantly, reaching through their bond to find him, as she always had. He was her strength when she had none. Her solace when everything in the galaxy seemed like it was turning against them. Family, friend, mentor.

As his hand went for his lightsaber Srina called her own. There was no other response to the report of ‘movement’ in a place so unknown and seemingly hostile. Seeing what it was that had the Dauntless so up in arms caused her head to tilt with confusion. What was a child doing here? On her own? Without any sort of protection or adult in sight to keep an eye on her? Surely, they’d seen the drop pods coming from the sky. At the very least a concerned and responsible adult would have kept such a tiny thing indoors where it was safe…

The hair on the back of her neck was suddenly standing on end. Her off-hand reached for the elbow of [member="Darth Metus"] on reflex to get his attention. “This isn’t right.”

She couldn’t be the only one who saw it. Echani could be a little over the top when it came to their offspring. A child was precious. Loved. Cared for beyond measure. They were protected until they could take care of themselves. This small female clearly had not reached that stage in her development. She was human, if her eyes didn’t deceive her, but there was something off about her. Eyes too wide apart. Her stance was off.

An invisible shudder ran through the Exarch as a flash of something unbidden ran through her mind’s eye. It was brief, but pointed, with gnashing teeth and tearing flesh. She held her breath for a moment as her eyes grew distant and visions of blood and violence spilled into her cranium. In the time it took her to blink the Force ended the virulent intrusion. She breathed. She could hear the wind and smell decay.

If she wasn’t mistaken, however, she could still hear screaming in the distance.

Something was definitely wrong here.

 

[Paragon of Virtue]

There were screams. These strangers that had fallen from the sky spoke the same language as the people of Miranda, and the little girl could understand each and every word. She clutched her doll tighter to her chest as she realized they were speaking of her, about her. She was this civilian. An innocent. Someone not under military occupation. So these people… Were soldiers. And soldiers meant blazing guns. Miranda would a light in the darkness with what they could take from them, Miranda could actually burn… Thanks to them.

Someone asked if there were others. The little girl looked at him strangely. What a silly question was that. Of course there were others. There were always others, and others too. Which others did she belong to? She could not remember. But she remembered the taste of the flesh, boiling over a long time, so deliciously sweet and tender.

Hungry eyes moved behind the man who had asked, who had hair like snow. The little girl knew about snow. She had seen pictures of it in a book, before another boy took the book and burned it. But she remembered. There had also been an old man once who had hair like that, but there was some gray in it, and he died in his sleep, and after that she’d gotten to eat his left eye because it had been her birthday.

To both of them, the little girl smiled. A wide grin, showing all her missing teeth, the blood that covered them from the puss welts that exploded on her gums showing the red coverings as well. These people and their presence made her happy. The looked like they had healthy livers. Livers were good food against the scurvy.

The little girl motioned with her head to these healthy people and turned around. They would understand. They would follow her home.

​

[member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Dianah Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Malok]

Interacting With: [member="Eternal Flatulence"]
Accompanying: [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
Post: 3

The presence of the Dread Queen was a candle in this dreary place.

In truth, the near totality of the Sith’s attention had been focused upon the sensation running hot within his mouth. The taste of the Dark Side was cloying and had the uncanny ability to dominate Darth Metus’ perception. Though he saw, all witnessed was the dark. Though he reacted, all he felt was midnight. The sole anchor which plucked the shadow from over his senses was the alabaster woman striding beside him. As her presence washed over him through their Bond, he began to see as she saw. The Sensitivity in their blood provided yet another lens to gaze upon the twisted Hellscape. Darth Metus found his eyes widening ever so slightly as a fresh wail echoed within his ears.

And yet, no one besides [member="Srina Talon"] seemed to hear what he was hearing. This place looks like a graveyard… she remarked. There wasn’t a more apt description in the whole of the Galaxy.

When the Dauntless Commandos responded to movement, both master and apprentice reacted in turn. Their weapons raised in near unison; but while the Sith froze with only his fingers slacking at the word civilian...Srina graced his elbow with a touch. What echoed through their union was an understanding that he knew came from Home - at least for her. To witness a child all alone in this Hell...And to see her exist in the form that she did? It was more than enough to jar the alabaster woman.

There were countless days and countless nights where Srina had been the one to steady her Master. When the pain of loss was too great, she was always there make him see clearly. To help him focus. To aid his survival. Now, for just the briefest of moments, Darth Metus aimed to the same for his student. His offhand extended and the rear of his fingers brushed gingerly upon her arm, as they so often did. The touch was to steady her as the baritone of his voice graced her ears. ”Easy Srina. All is not what it seems.” he breathed. She would feel what he meant by this. The child seemed more than...off. And if the deal came down to it, they would not hesitate.

A fresh scream erupted in his ears. Blood. Teeth. Flesh. All flashed before his mind’s eye.

The Sith blinked away the spontaneous assault and levied his gaze upon the child once more. She seemed to bid them to follow, speaking not a word verbally. Instead, she turned and began to stride away, leading them where? No one knew. The Dauntless Commandos wordlessly kept pace with the child. Their guard, as always, was up. Blasters were armed and ready to respond to whatever the kark decided to leap out of the rust and decay next. As for Darth Metus, he gave the Echani a slight nod before stepping forward. Come what may, this planet would not be the end of them. Both Master and Apprentice would perish before a hair on the other’s head was harmed.

 

[Darth Ivum]

Interacting with: [member="Eternal Flatulence"]
Accompanying: [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
Post: 1

___________________________________________________________​

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His own meager ship raced against the metallic beast of his father's, each striding ahead for but a moment only to be sucked back into the jet stream of its opponent. They were caught in a dangerous tango in the murky skies, the lead dancer switching every few seconds to keep a bloodthirsty crowd satiated... for the time being. Within the belly of the beasts that contained father and son, there they sat. Cramped and purely uncomfortable. They were large men, these two. This fall they were engaged in held their bodies captive, even as they both had full control of their functions. Though, for Ivum, it was never heights that he feared, nor was it the fall itself. He was petrified at the thought of what might occur - or the lack thereof - when his body impacted with the black ground that was steadily approaching.

Boldly they rode and well​

From what he knew, his other half, Dianah, and his one of Father's Apprentices were joining the pair on this rather forsaken world. It was a bittersweet-somewhat-welcome to work with his sister for the time that passed since their little jailbreak episode. As for this Apprentice, he wasn't entirely sure that he'd meant any of his father's students, much less one in particular. That was no little importance as the vessels docked themselves into the midnight dirt of Miranda. The hatch opened and provided him with a breath of stale air. Immediately, he felt a familiar hand seize his being and wash over him in such a rush that he stumbled back slightly.

He knew this force that gripped him quite intimately.

It was the Dark Side. A formidable ally and mentor that his father oft called the Deep.

But, no... this Darkness was different. Fierce, predatory, and utterly depraved. This sensation was not the Deep with which they communed. Perhaps it was. In any case, the young man squinted and his left hand found the black saber at his hip. All about them, the tormented shrieks off in the distance filled their ears as the Alternate Deep clawed at him from the inside out. Closer than the eerie cry of lament were the howls of the weary undead and the screech of distorted, high-pitched carnival music. Though he'd never visited one, the music was universal in sound. Yet, this was an ill first experience for the man.

The only thing to jar him from observing his immediate surroundings was a... a girl? The stench of the Alternate only increased from being within her presence. The little one sported a round face of a babe, which was her only resemblance to an innocent child that could be told of her. Within that face, lay deep set eyes and a sinister smirk which marred the beauty of her figure. An expression that gave him chills and caused his skin to stand up as bumps laid claim to the dark brown landscape. It was the face of one who had seen to the fall of others, one which relished and saw pleasure in the blood spilled and flesh consumed in the same of their cause.

He said nothing, his throat clenched in on itself and deprived him of air bit by bit. It was not suffocating or claustrophobic in nature, but it was certainly choking. A warning. Thus, he became as a mute. Watching the girl momentarily before a spark ignited in his mind, unbidden and invasive. There his focus jarred, rattled him, until it was snapped to attention just in time for him to see crimson blood leak from canines and molars alike. Sharp nails scratched at flesh already dead, packs of Dark beings swarmed an unseen prey like starved wolves eager for the hunt. At the curtain call, a finale seared into the back brain of the young Sith: a single toothy smile. One akin to the expression upon the girl's pasty white features.

Still, he said naught. He waited silently for the vision to subside and release him from its thorny embrace. His deep brown moonstones cast a glance towards Father, seeking his direction in this endeavor. It was to this end that the Vicelord took a bold step after the girl that bid them to follow in her stead. He took in a hitched breath, following suite and stepping in time with his father, a sweaty palm locking his weapon in a death grip as they began a scorching trek through the dead, black sun that was Miranda.

Into the jaws of Death,​

Into the mouth of hell rode the six hundred.​

 

[Darth Miseria]

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Interacting With: [member=Eternal Flatulence]​

Accompanying: [member=Darth Metus] | [member=Srina Talon] | [member=Jaron Lesan] | [member=Darth Ivum]​

Post: One​

​

The drop ships came streaming from the clouds like a million shooting stars lighting up across the night sky. Aboard one of them the daughter of Darth Metus sat in one of the few seats as they plummeted to the ground. You couldn't really call it sitting though, she was practically bouncing up and down, safety straps long since forgotten so she could peak from the view port. The reason for her excitement was two fold. Firstly she could feel both her brother's signature and her Fathers whizzing down to the planet as well, which was something that rarely ever happened. Secondly, Miranda wasn't exactly the prettiest planet ever and it looked even more gristly from a thousand feet up but something about it called to her, it screamed adventure. Dianah couldn't help but turn her head to Jaron, who sat tucked away beside her with the same miserable expression he always wore.

'Ooh, cyar'ika, this whole entire planet is straight out of a horror film.'

Dianah barreled out of the drop-ship the minute it touched the ground, spinning in the open space to stretch her aching muscles. It was at almost exactly the same time the words "movement" carried over the stale air. There was little time to wait for Jaron to emerge, he'd follow her on. For now her sights were set on something she hadn't seen in the longest of times: her Father and brother on a mission accompanied by the lovely Srina Talon. From this distance she could see all wasn't right. In fact, she could't just see it. She could feel it. The gathering seemed tense and the company surrounding them seemed doubly so. Dianah made her way forward, taking careful steps with her heavy boot clad feet. One had rested over the hilt of her lightsaber purely out of habit, she wasn't sure if she'd need it but it was always best to be prepared...

'Buir, ori'vod! You remember Jaron, don't you?' She reached the small crowd that surrounded the little girl, one hand waving behind her at the slow poke she called a partner. After her greeting she placed one quick kiss on her Father and brother's cheek in turn and offered a friendly smile to the silvery-white woman. 'Srina, it's so good to see you again.'

After her quick greeting Dianah finally drew her gaze to the strange little... thing. She casually lent against Ivum's arm, using him as a leaning post as she inspected the child closer. It was clear that the atmosphere was tense and Dianah could tell why. The force surrounding them was dark. Not just dark but malicious. Something was out there, causing the air to turn icy as you breathed and making it almost impossible to think. Her Father had enough guts to kneel down and address it, which was definitely brave in Dianah's eyes as the girl looked rather rabid. Dianah could barely hide her disgust at the evil looking smile the young thing cast their way when her Father posed his question. Creepy had been Dianah's thing up until now, maybe it still was because this child was seven levels above creepy.

Her make-shift leaning post, the tree trunk that was her brother's torso, shifted in his place. She could feel his unease, seeping off him like dry ice over a dance floor. They were connected in ways beyond comparison just as Srina and Metus were connected. Ivum moved again, this time to follow the tiny devil as she turned to walk. Dianah rolled her eyes up to the deep void black sky, pressing her thoughts into her brother's mind.

Oh sure... Follow the half-dead demon. Always a great plan...

There was no other choice but to follow behind so follow she did.

 

[Lirka Ka]

Well it had definitely gone down better than the last time she had been in a drop-pod, Lirka's pod had ended up being more or less filled with the Honor Guard she had picked up on Seltos that clung to her like some sworn robots: like living breathing Battle Droids, they were still undergoing the shift from their mercenary life to working for the Confederacy, not unlike Lirka herself had gone through: and still currently was, going through.

She felt the planet before the pod hit the ground, shuttering as she wordlessly cursed the force: oh how she hated the feelings like this, they always made her tingle to her very core with the utter wrongness. She felt reminded of Roon, that hated little rock.

Each of her guardians stayed completely silent, not seeming to mind the descent to the world one bit: always fine to have such solemn sentinels around, and after one of them had shattered her Klaives to bit the extra blades were more than appreciated...for now.

The Drop-Pod made contact, shaking the occupants as violently as ever as it's doors extended. Grunting, Ka's armored form: still wearing much of the battle damage from Seltos, rising from it's position she made her way out to this forsaken rock. Already having the urge to just get rid of anything in the way of her objective: so rare that these missions could ever put her into a good mood. But Ka was a warrior through and through, especially when aggravated: the Force was an aggravation in places like this.

"Spread out! Cover ground and report when necessary!"

She acted like a commander, and her Guards didn't care: they would follow the commands of their "Queen" to the letter: so they broke off with simple nods, each of the seasoned warriors going off into the wilderness but staying close enough to move in for support when necessary. That left Ka alone, or practically alone. Just marching her way along with the fall of heavy Dura-Armor boots and a simmering distaste for just about everything in front of her, far from silent in her march.

 

[Kyrinov]

Location: Carousel Throne
In the Company of: [member="Josiah Denko"]

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Well, wasn't this just a lively world?

There was an amusement park directly in front of the pair. There were undead vendors that were still shouting their wares from the beyond. There was music playing all around, distorted and sickly in tone. The parents which accompanied children were morphed and contorted, hungry and feral, seeking flesh to devour and blood with which to wash it down. There was one that stood apart. A young girl who did not appear to be more than ten years old. She piqued Aurelia's interest, but that faded as that wasn't the reason they were standing at the gates of the carnival with a grimacing clown staring down into their hearts, eyeing and sizing them up as prey to feed the masses beyond the entrance.

No, they were here to have fun!

Glorious, blood soaked, sadistic fun.

There were memories of the stories her father used to tell her at night in the Well. He often sat by her bedside and told her marvelous tales about the wonderful brief week in which the carnival comes to town, promising fair goers a sensational time for boys and girls alike, guaranteed a ballroom of happy memories for years to come.

She glanced over at Josiah, a man that Metus asked her to accompany on this outing. She nodded to him, her staff gripped firmly in her dominant hand.

"Soooo, which one first? The ferris wheel or the merry go round?"

 

[Jaron Lesan]

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Interacting With: [member="Eternal Flatulence"]​

Accompanying: [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"] | [member="Darth Ivum"]​

WEARING: xxx​

Post: One​

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The atmosphere was rough. Each drop and bump from the turbulent entry twisted Jaron's stomach into knots. He was used to his own flying and while Dianah was bouncing about the dropship excited for the planet, Jaron was cursing the skill of the pilot who was behind the helm. The angle was all wrong, he was going to fast, and the tip of the ship was burning hotter than what it needed to. Jaron was certain the sooner this was over, the better off they would be. Of course the thing that should have had them concerned was the exact thing Dianah was excited about. She may have been cute and bubbly, but the young woman was dark and twisted in her own right.

It was the darkness that called to them. They were there because something had drawn them. No one knew what it was that had been calling out, but they were headed right for it. This world was going to be theirs, or they would belong to it. Which was the case remained to be seen.

"The darkness seems to like finding you..." Jaron replied with a smile. "It calls out... can you hear it?"

As the dark knight stretched his senses out across the planet, Jaron landed on the dark aura of Darth Metus and Darth Ivum. In an instant he knew where they were going and who they would be teaming with. The excitement was etched all over his young goddess, and as soon as the ship landed and another curse was uttered from Jaron's mouth, she was off and running. Her legs carried her quickly across the distance between the ship and her father while Jaron was left to fumble with attaching his helmet to his belt. Since they did not know what they would encounter, Jaron was wearing his armor, the pattern a gift from his mother.

He nodded to the men upon his arrival.

"Lord Metus, Darth Ivum." Jaron could not recall ever meeting Srina Talon, and a similar nod was offered in her direction. No true introduction was made because the group began to head off toward something that had appeared to them.

His senses pricked with warning, and one his lightsaber hilts flew into his hand. They had to be ready for whatever the planet threw their way. As Metus led the group, Jaron covered the rear. It was an odd feeling considering he was used to playing the scout, and always the first to rush into danger. From this vantage he could see less of what he was used to despite having the entire party in his sights.

Jaron sighed slightly as he could feel a bit nervous about this encounter. Not only did they not know what to expect, but this seemed like a family outing. It had been a while since Jaron had any feeling of family, but Dianah was the closest thing to that. No, she was his family, which made her family his. As they were shrouded by darkness Jaron was consumed by the thought of the dark family that he had become part of by extension of his relationship with the Viceroy of Krant.

His voice spoke loud enough only for him, and anyone immediately in front of him to hear.

"Embrace your fear, let it flow through you."

 

[Darth Metus]

Location: Pandemonium, Big Top Stalls
Accompanying: [member="Aurelia"]
Post: 4

On Nar Shaddaa, there had never been a Carnival.

And as such, the only expectations that Josiah had were born from holovids and a commercial every once in awhile. From these electronic means, the Jedi had imagined carnivals to be a rather joyous affairs. He expected there to be an aroma of sugar mingled with butter no matter where he turned. He expected the music to be lively - enough so that it could place a smile on even the most brattiest of young faces. He had expected...something that was vastly different than the scene which unfolded before his eyes. As the Jedi strode ever forward, this “carnival” was the furthest thing from what the commercials had displayed. This was a nightmare. It mattered not where he turned, everything was a far cry from the gilded displays from the holovids. Instead of joy, he found misery. Instead of confections, he found blood-soaked lips and the smell of decay.

This was not a time for “fun and games.” This was a time to get in, get the job done, and get out. For this reason, he had been dispatched along the main Confederate force to locate the missing miners. Upon reaching the designated drop, their midst had split up in order to cover more ground, leaving the Jedi with only one soul as backup: a young woman by the name of Aurelia. Josiah did not know the woman in the slightest, but his superior had deemed it necessary that they work together - and any backup in this hellhole was certainly better than nothing. Thus, when she asked her question, he took it that she was just as...surprised...as he was.

A dry chuckle escaped him.

”Neither.” he breathed, instead motioning eastward with his index finger. He was pointing towards the most imposing and “vibrant” structure of them all: the Big Top. It was only a short walk up the stall-packed path adjacent to them; but had yet to be touched by the Confederate force. If nothing else, poking around there was sure to provide some clues as to the whereabouts of their marks...or shed some sort of light on why everything was as royally karked as it was. So, with a destination in mind, the Jedi held the hilt of his saber ready in his dominant hand before leading the way forward.

Yet with every step, the patrons which did witness their advance became less than spectators. Their whimsical demeanor turned on a dime, contorting into snarls and carnivorous huffs. The peddlers running their stalls did not attempt to sell them on rigged games or buttery snacks, but rather emerged from their workstations with saliva running fast from their lips. Josiah stopped in his tracks, now only halfway along the path towards the Big Top. They weren’t going to get there peacefully, that much was becoming painfully apparent. His finger slid over the ignition with minimal fanfare, coaxing into being a burning column of golden light. The Jedi raised his weapon over his head, assuming the opening stance of Djem So as he had countless times before.

As for Aurealia, he gave only one statement before all Hell broke loose. ”Whatever you do, stay close.”

With a screech filling the air, the bloodthirsty carnies began to pounce - and the Jedi’s blade began to tear into pallid flesh.

 

[Malok]

Interacting With: [member="Eternal Flatulence"]
Accompanying: [member="Srina Talon"] | @Dianah Vi’dreya | [member="Darth Ivum"] | [member="Jaron Lesan"]
Nearby: [member="Lirka Ka"]
Post: 5

I. Hunger.​

As a Sire, a cacophany of thoughts would always assault the Sith’s mind upon the sight of his children. Pride, in knowing just how much they had grown. Joy, in seeing the light dancing within their eyes. Fear, in not knowing what would befall them - both now and in the future. Yet, as the heirs to his legacy set foot upon the blighted world, Darth Metus found his mind captivated by another. It was not the twisted, cloying presence of Miranda that now filled the whole of his senses. No. This was that creeping Darkness. The chill which infected every fiber of one’s being. The ice which encased the heart and lungs. The might which elevated mortals to tried and true Sith. It was this abyss...this Deep that Darth Metus called “master.” And like any “apprentice”, he hearkened to its call - no matter how vague or quiet it would be.

Yet this time, the Deep filled his being with a whisper. Syllables as cold as the most vicious winters on Hoth. Exhalations as vast as the cold of space. Two, simple, meager words...rattled him with boundless purpose. This was not the same, silent tug that led him to take [member="Srina Talon"] under his wing...this was a direct statement.

The Deep...hungered.

It took another voice entirely to center his mind once again. The hushed, silent whisper of a daughter chattering telepathically with her elder sibling. Ah, some things, truly, never changed. It mattered not how mighty in the Force the Vi’dreya line was...siblings would always act as siblings. And the stern Father driving the ship would always look back…”I heard that.” he said, in the most fatherly baritone he could muster. It took everything in him not to say something along the lines of “I’ll turn this operation around.” Yet the moment of familial mirth came and went like a breeze. The vicious reality of now was not lost upon the Vicelord, nor the Commandos which kept pace around the group. He could feel anxiety running rampant through them - as new VIPs now became their responsibility to protect.

But they carried on regardless. Undeterred. Dauntless. And so too did the Sith Lord keep pace with the vicious child leading the way. For the most part, he kept his peace - deliberately not going out of his way to comment on the final member who had joined their “merry little band.” The Sith had...heard whispers that his child was seeing someone - but she never made it a point to present him before her father. Perhaps she thought a potential hellscape was the best place to break the ice? Or, perhaps she did not need or seek her father’s approval; she certainly wouldn’t be the first daughter of his to do so. Nonetheless, [member="Jaron Lesan"] would feel a new...weight...fall upon his shoulders. The calamitous might of the Vicelord was now examining the mate of his child.

But the interrogation would not last long. After all, they had literal monsters to attend to.

And Darth Metus had a hungry god to satisfy.

 

[Draven Dursden]

Location: Falling from atmosphere​

Equipment: Standard Armor and weapons​

Troops: None​

Objective: Get off the planet​

​

The ship went groaned as its engines cut out, the lights and energy in the ship had been flickering on and off throughout the entire ride in this section of the universe, and Draven was rapidly getting fed up with it. Now the ship spared him the pain of dismantling it bit by bit, because it was crashing down towards some force forsaken planet below that seemed....extraordinarily dark. He could here the whistling and sickening ripping as the ship slowly came apart as it entered the atmosphere, glancing around, the knight let out a deep sigh, one thing to do, brace for impact. He began the assembling process with his sabers, slowly the two metallic hilts clicking and almost rhythmically the gears snapped together to form one, much more bulky handle, slowly but surely. By the time Draven heard the last gear click into place, it was almost as if on que, the ship smashed into the earth below.​

​

Slowly his surrounding came into view, and the knight silently reminded himself to avoid these situations in the future. Too often he found himself waking up with a head ache. Using the wall to help him, Draven struggled to his feet, boots clicking on the metallic floor of the tiny ship which...was missing its roof? Looking around, Draven saw it buried in the fossilized tree forest a couple meters away. "So much for that one," Draven muttered. His ship had been like a comet smashing to earth, anything and everything with half a brain and ill intent would be moving his way, and the knight had no intention of sticking around to meet, what he was sure would be, nice and caring neighbors concerned for his well being.​

​

The battle mask stabbed up, covering Draven's mouth, and flooding it with clean oxygen, he had never been so grateful for clean air, the entire forrest smelled like a turd, and tasted just as good. Glancing about, he gathered what little there was to gather, clipping the broad saber on his hilt, glancing around he nodded to himself, "Gotta make sure to not drop that saber. Water'll short it if I do." Noting a small stream trickling nearby. Only a moment longer's hesitation, and Draven was off, he had a little hand held scanner which showed life signs a good run from where he was, and the way Draven saw it, someone was going to find someone, and he'd rather him find them instead of them find him. So off he went, a blurr in the dead and decaying trees, and mist, searching for whatever brutes inhabited this planet.​

​

From the minute he landed, Draven had almost wanted to let out a scream himself, voices of the dead filled his mind constantly, like static background noise, screaming and moaning, nothing intelligible, but simply horrid screaming. Something atrocious had happened on this planet, and the knight didn't want to stick around to find out what.​

 

[Paragon of Virtue]

The little girl looked back only once to make sure they were following her. It was a group of them now, and she nodded in approval. They all looked healthy. The all looked like a month on Miranda would ensure that they would no longer look like that. Perhaps, some of them would be saved, would be permitted to make it to the end of the month and then left to fight against the dangers that the world had to offer. The little girl had been taught well on how to make such educated guesses. She supposed the big dark man would last longest as his body cannibalized his own muscle mass. They could put him to good work with that physical strength until that happened. Would he eat the one with the white hair, the little girl wondered, or would they have to feed him but not tell him where the meat came from?

Her old shoes slapped against the rocky grounds as she continued to move forward. She wanted to run, but it had been too long since her last meal for that to be a viable option. Running now would mean that a little bit later she would lose consciousness and fall asleep, and she wanted to be awake for the whole thing. There would be a celebration. Festivities. Pandemonium would use what little their generators could offer to play the music. Oh, the little girl sighed with excitement, they could turn the carousel on again! When newcomers came along, it was allowed. No one would be executed for it.

And Pandemonium was never far away. It only took a handful of minutes before they were there, the carousel and the big wheel revealed in all their ancient and rusty glory. The little girl turned to the group again and motioned for them to follow faster. They had to see the carousel.

Of course, once on Pandemonium grounds, they were no longer there alone. There were other people there, walking around, looking as hungry and sometimes even hungrier than the girl did. Some of them wore make up befit of a travelling carnival troupe. Others let the decay of the flesh do what make up could not for them. And all of them had eyes that glistened as they befell on the newcomers.

Even the hungriest among them though, knew not to approach just yet. Soon, soon there would be enough food for all the aching bellies in Pandemonium. But first, a carousel ride.

The little girl ran to the carousel, her bony fingers already knowing where the correct button was. The entire carnival area lit up like fireworks, the music coming from the ride so old and so familiar. She smiled again, a smile wider and bigger than last time, paused only momentarily as she winced due to another exploding ulcer on her gums. Soon, just a little bit more… It would all stop hurting. She motioned for the group to come on the carousel. An initiation ceremony. They would love it.

And to show the newcomers that it was perfectly safe, she climbed onto the ride herself, choosing what once was probably a black mare but now was a pile of rust that might have resembled a horse years and years ago. Someone had scribbled a phrase on the side of it that faced onlookers – ALL ANGELS ON MIRANDA WELCOME.

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[member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"] | [member="Darth Ivum"] | [member="Jaron Lesan"]​