Faction King of the Hill -Diarchy (and friends)

[Tales of the Diarchy]

The Diarchy is preparing for war..
As part of these preparations the Cilare of the planet Vonak have agreed to host war games of a sort.

On the windswept grasslands of Vonak there has been erected a watch tower..
Members of the Diarchy and their allies will be split into two teams one led by Reign, the other by his brother Rellik.

These teams will battle for control of the watchtower in a mock hard point assault/defense to prepare them for the war to come.

What side will you choose?

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Location: Diarch Rellik Forward Operating Base

The wind here never stopped moving, brushing tall grasses in long, restless waves. Relliks cloak swayed in it as he looked out towards the watch tower where the simulated war would take place. He surveyed the terrain as tactical crews unloaded stun-modified weapons, medidrones, and sensors. A few soldiers were already testing their rifles, checking equipment, syncing comms. Others waited near the staging zone.

He sensed his apprentice Xian Xiao near him but was leaving her to gather her senses for now. He hoped she was doing okay and not overly stressed by these games. He had not prepped or hoped for her to enter into war. Yet, he would not stop her from deciding what she believed in or wanted to do. For any reasons of her own. He would only do his best to protect her and these games might be a good first step in that regard.

Tarn Ekkard had been handling the landing proceedings as he would setting up a defense force. The man was a medical and breach specialist of Diarch Reign 's myrmidons and was showing it. He was no stranger to war and new his former lord well. He was on Rellik's side only to show Reign that Myrmidons never lose their edge. Rellik thinking he was lucky to have such a man here to help initiate the groundworks for the soldiers.

The Diarchy was not preparing for sport. This should be treated as nothing less than a live training session for wars to come but here there would be no artillery, air support, or savage beasts dropped into the lines. So Rellik prepped accordingly. This would mostly simulate a high value target being reached and taken, not planet wide trenchlines, mud, and screeching death.

It was for that reason he requested the support in these games directly of the network and its agents. Yorran Vosk and Redmond - he believed them to be valuable assets in the event to come.

Furthermore, despite recent outbursts. It seemed Zara Saga was still more aligned with him than Reign or Laphisto. For that reason he hoped she would come soon as well.

To fill in the gaps of team Rellik, reaching out to Sâs Pen’kar - the Diarch had requested a testing of clones he was soon to purchase from the great Kaminoian. Turning around, the sand filled HASCO walls, tents, and holo tables had been set.

Rellik marched into the command structure and requested Tarn to enter and begin planning their attack. Any else who were on his side in these games were also allowed to enter.

 

[Tarn Ekkard]

Tarn Ekkard stood at the central holotable, arms braced on the edge, his red-slit visor scanning the projected terrain. He didn't remove his helmet. In his eyes this was still a battlefield. He shifted the projection with a swipe of his gauntlet, magnifying the southeast slope of the tower. Natural bracing column that could be rigged for collapse. He marked it as a potential deadfall zone, locking it in for later review with the breach droid.

Tarn had already ordered DAF troopers to begin tagging terrain entries and syncing sensor pings across squad channels. Non-lethal didn't mean non-lethal to structure. They'd treat this tower like a hostile extraction zone: breach, clear, hold. It would benefit them to isolate and pinpoint combatants and terrain so that they could maximize their potential in the battle. Any single combatant in this engagement could change the tide of conflict.

"Knowing my lord Diarch Reign will pursue a frontal assault. Leaving the main strategy planning to Laphisto - We need a counter and reaction force for each. I think we can constrict Laphisto's forces with a rather shady tactic. I suggest sending in your apprentice Diarch Rellik. He is a leader, and a teacher. It might distract him as he "teaches her a lessson" - on the side of Lord Reign, I suggest we send you as his counter."

Tarn let the air hang at his comments. It was honest but he had not fought alongside Rellik before. He did however fight alongside Varis Oakertain on Serenno and knew the man had faith in his commanders.

"The remainder are a lot of un-knowns at the moment in regard to active combat. We will have to fluctuate with the flow of battle. - I suggest we use the clone troopers promised for this engagement to hold the ground around the building against DAF and Lilaste troops while we move strategically on the floors above."

Diarch Rellik

 

[Saul Whesai]

Location: Expo Hall Nearby

Saul strolled along the Diarchies' Expo Hall with his ratty hood over his head, glancing at starfighters, vehicles, and other various craft that were on display from N&Z, Bastion Holdings, and Lilaste Order. Each ship was shined and polished, looking its best for potential customers, mainly the surrounding planetary military units, as the Vendors clambered over each other to try to put every possible customer in a pilot's chair. It seemed like the Diarchy had momentum; if this event was any sign, the only question was if this Faction could hold on to it in the long term.

Trying to stay well away from the madness, the Android's blue eyes snagged onto a model of a Ragnarok Butterfly in a case in one corner of the Expo Hall. Its lines were something to behold, with their curves making it unlike the straight lines of the Imperial Ships of old. She really is a beauty... I wonder how she would look under the hood... A call over the P.A. split into his thoughts, however, as it announced the conquest to come. "Come one, come all! See the glorious Leaders of our Nation duel with heated passion! Only the Two Founders could best each other in the art of Marital combat! See the results of this titanic clash for yourself!" As the government attendants started to forcefully guide everyone outside, the Android silently slipped into the crowd of onlookers. His gaze turned to where some gigantic display screens were set up in the center of the Expo Hall's courtyard, showing where both sides were gearing up to do battle with each other. Smirking as he listened to the play-by-play commentary, he couldn't help but think. Let's see what this military might the new generation of Imperial want us to behold.

Vyllia Sancetti @Open​

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Vonak | Diarch Reign's forward Operating Outpost
Tags: Diarch Rellik @Open

---

Reign was excited, actually excited, for the first time in some time. War games were always a pleasure for the man, he was after all a warrior. Yet lately he had been forced into the role of Philosopher. A role which he felt stifled him, yet his destiny was to serve.

But today? Today that was put to the side, he was a commander again, something he had not done since the battle of Serenno. His blood was rising at the thought, even though it was to be non lethal, that did not mean the stakes were any less real. He knew this enemy, knew how he operated. Yet, this did not give him any real advantage, for the enemy knew him just as well.

As the Varlo began ordering the First Legion into action, the DAF soldiers prepared, the tension was thick in the air. It was brother against brother, friends and neighbors going to "war" against one another. To many of the soldiery, it was a taste of what could happen should the Diarchy ever fracture.

"Reign, looks like Tarn Ekkard has sided with your brother in this demonstration. The man is sharp, no doubt he's outlining strategy now. He knows us, knows what we will do. It may be time to change things up"

Varlo was right of course, Reign knew Tarn well. The man had been a faithful member of the Myrmidons for the last few years, the Diarch had been happy to see him move into a command role, even if it meant losing a valuable companion and friend.

"You're right of course, yet, we know what he's going to recommend. Our usual tactic is me leading a forward charge with a large force, claiming attention and leaving Laphisto and the Lilaste Order to cut the head from the snake. But today, I know Rellik will meet me head on. We haven't properly fought since we lived under my father's roof. This will be a test for both of us."

Reign wondered for a moment as Varlo took in his words.

"My brother will meet me, I can feel it. However, I want Solari and the Sixth cohort (OOC Note, these are the snipers among the Myrmidons) on overwatch. Tarn served with Blackhewn (Building Demo/Breaching and Fortification among the Myrmidons) so no doubt he's identifying structural hardpoints for fortification. That means we need to get there first and flip the script on him"

Varlo put in quickly

"He only has Tarn, we have the entirety of the Myrmidons should we want them. We can have the VIII (Electronic warfare, signal jamming etc.) cut off comms and have them operating in the dark"

Reign smiled at this.

"The Myrmidons are yours to command Varlo, but let's not take the fun away from everyone else. This should be a test for us all. But, my test must be fought alone, when it happens, give us the space so no one get's hurt. Otherwise, Let's show baby brother what we can do."

With a crisp salute Varlo went off to organize the attack.

 

[Zara Saga]

​

Zara Saga arrived fashionably late, in true dramatic fashion, her long blonde hair tousled by the constant Vonaki wind like she'd just stepped off a stage or out of a scandal. She descended the ramp of her transport in a half-dance, half-stumble, boots crunching over gravel and dry grass, one hand gripping the side rail as if the planet had tilted sideways just to mess with her.

Her eyes, those too-clever eyes, were glassy but alert. She wasn't quite wasted, just a little tuned-up on whatever mystery cocktail she had pulled from her satchel. Judging by the slight flush in her cheeks and the way she was smirking at everything like it had told her a private joke, it was working. She approached the command tent like she was crashing a wedding she hadn't RSVP'd to, pulling back the flap and leaning into the space with mock solemnity, one arm lifted as if announcing herself at court.

"Lord Rellik," she intoned, her voice so theatrically formal it may as well have echoed across the plains. "I, Zara of House Saga, First of Her Mood Swings, Mother of Bad Decisions, arrive to offer my cunning and chaos to your noble crusade." She gave a clumsy little bow, one that probably would've taken her down if not for the tent post she casually caught with a hand and then leaned against like it was part of her plan.

She licked her lips. "So. War games. Simulated violence. Testosterone in the wind. Where d'you want me, darling Diarch? I can manipulate, infiltrate, or... instigate. Just point. But not too hard, I might fall over." She gave him a wink so lazy it looked like her face was melting. Then, suddenly more serious, she added, her voice soft and low but audible to Rellik, "Just don't make me babysit clones again. One of them tried to flirt with me. I don't care how genetically disciplined they are. They don't blink right."

She twirled a small dagger between her fingers like a coin, waiting. Ready for orders. Or for trouble. Whichever came first.

Diarch Rellik​

 

[Yorran Vosk]

"An unblinking nature may be valuable in this conflict," Yorran interjected in response to Zara's comment.

Then, "Case in point. I have two-thousand spy drones deployed across the conflict zone. We will know precisely when they are moving and where. In accordance to the doctrines of defense, I recommend allowing them to come to us. Statistically they are likely to expend two units for every one of ours they take, assuming we fortify out position."

He gestured to a holo-map of the area, "We can deploy Hot Smoke grenades wherever contact is made. The hot smoke foils thermographic sensors, while it is opaque to ultraviolet and normal vision as well. Then we can employ sonar mappers to peer through the smoke ourselves and identify enemy positions.

E-web emplacements, modified to fire stun blasts, will unleash withering fire from behind Duranium barriers."

He looked towards the Diarch, Tarn, and Zara, to see what they made of his proposal.

Diarch Rellik Zara Saga Tarn Ekkard

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Maldor frowned at the battle map.

"The rules of engagement prevent an orbital strike," Maldor said, "because the ground has to be taken, and not destroyed... so I think we should use subtlety."

He gestured in the direction of the engagement zone.

"I can have elements of my Secret Service attempt to infiltrate the structure covertly, using personal stealth technology. Possibly making an approach through underground drainage pipes. They could set charges underground. Not real ones, of course. Simunition charges, so that the governing computer designates the enemy perimeter 'collapsed' and declares a kill on enemy defenders among the collapsed structures.

Then Laphisto's forces can take advantage of the breach."

Diarch Reign

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto stood motionless at the holotable, arms crossed, one clawed hand resting against his chin. The winds outside whispered like distant artillery—faint but restless. Inside the command tent, he stared down at the glowing terrain projection with the weight of a veteran who had seen campaigns come and go. His ear flicked once.

"No armor support. All infantry," he murmured, voice low and steady. "Means this isn't about overwhelming force. It's about angles, pressure... and timing." With slow, deliberate motion, he traced two flanking vectors across the terrain one arcing wide to the left, the other curling right around a narrow escarpment.

"I'll send Tarain's Sword left. Tight formation, shock discipline. Red Lancers swing wide right, staggered spread. They'll harass and bleed the outer perimeter." His claw tapped a ridgeline just south of the tower's base. "Here. Four LO-23R light machine guns, emplaced across this high ground. Concealed. Elevated. We tie down the tower's entry points with continuous overlapping fire. Anything that moves to reinforce the objective from the front gets caught in a corridor of steel."

He glanced toward Diarch Reign , his voice calm but decisive. "If you and Diarch Rellik are destined to clash in open ground... then that's the moment we capitalize on. While they lock blades, we isolate the tower. No reinforcements. No fallback. Just fire and silence." He gestured to the lower western quadrant of the map.

When Maldor Sancetti offered his proposal, Laphisto gave the man a firm, respectful nod. "My forces will take the heat," he said evenly. "We draw their fire keep eyes up front. Once the sim charges detonate and the system flags the breach, that's our moment. We drive the hammer into the anvil."He turned back to the table, gaze sweeping across the glowing contours of the simulated battlefield.

"Once the breach is triggered, Lilaste infantry pushes through the main level with speed. Red Lancers collapse from the right flank. Tarain's Sword presses the left. The tower becomes a pressure point from three directions while Maldor's team fractures it from below." His voice remained level, but carried steel behind the words. "Flanking pressure. Fire superiority. Precision over brute force. We don't take the tower... we make it impossible for them to hold." Then, finally, he looked to Reign, the slightest nod marking the end of his assessment. "Thats how i would handle this. sir."

looking over at Iandre Athlea he flicked his lone ear. hoping she was paying attention to the battle plan, not only to follow along but with how it was laid out. her NCO promotion was coming up quickly and one of the things to learn was how to co-ordinate a battle such as this

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

In the beginning, there is nothing just nature, with fields and a tower. It's that tower we must take to win. Obviously, using orbital strikes is completely forbidden due to the massive destruction caused by the Ragnarok it's totally unusable here. That's fine. I don't need it to win. There's only one person I absolutely want to face here. The other apprentice of Diarch Reign. Ryu.

With that focused mindset, I too head toward the engagement zone. It's a change for me to take part in an open-field skirmish. Usually, we're always in ships, confined spaces today, we have to capture a tower in the middle of the fields. A portal appears, green and wreathed in smoke, allowing me to step through to the other side. My footsteps echo on the damp earth. I'm not alone Nyva Shei is with me. She takes the opportunity to turn invisible using a power of the Force, concealing herself to cover my back.

I check my datapad. A map of the area? That will help me plan accordingly. I have my lightsaber. I have my Nightsister gear. I'm ready for this big moment. I've decided to go with my instincts that's always how I work best. No need for grand speeches. If the others need me, my comlink is active and will let them contact me if necessary.


When I have an obsession in mind, even my master knows it's hard to get it out of my head. I have two or three projects I need to carry out, but first, I have to prove myself here.

My senses are sharp, and Nyva's cover allows me to move forward calmly. So far, everything is quiet where I am, I'm not picking up any movement. Everyone must be preparing and refining their plans. Me? I've already started moving. I'm so eager for a fight. A smile forms on my face. Internally, I recite the code of the Diarchy and meditate while I still can. Once the battle begins for that damn tower there'll be no turning back.

And there I am, walking along a path, hands in my pockets, head held high. Glory to the team Rellik.

 

[Xian Xiao]

This was going to be one of the first times in Xian's life when she was going to be facing an enemy. To her memory, it had only happened once before, and they ended up having to work together to survive. So the fight had been short-lived, and their rivalry was over quickly. Today it was a wargame and their enemy were their allies. The exercise was supposed to provide training and experience. She probably needed both.

A part of her wanted to sit this out to watch and learn, but the part that won was the one eager to participate. To test her skills and abilities. If any shots from the troops were to connect and hit her, they would give her a good shock but not harm.

Wrapping her arms around herself, she looked across the field between them and their enemy. Each of them would have a role to play, and she wondered what hers would be. Cannon fodder or competition? That would be decided later as these games played out.

Turning when Zara tried to enter the tent, she was surprised by her condition. Blinking her black eyes, she hoped she wasn't going to be asked to babysit clones either. Looking at Yorran as he spoke, she listened to the plans he laid out. There wasn't anything she could impart, so she kept her mouth shut.

 

[Sâs Pen’kar]

Diarchy Wargames​

Objective: Win the tower
Tags: Diarch Rellik | Zara Saga | Xian Xiao | Yorran Vosk | Tarn Ekkard |

---

Weeks Prior: Sâs Pen'Kar was in his office on Neo Kamino when a holo call came in. Diarch Rellik appeared and asked for a demonstration force of one thousand clones. Sâs pen'Kar readily agreed.

Today:
Not too far away from the demonstration Neo-Kamino's ship an Acclamator looking ship, but modern in its load out. Why such a big ship? The support crew for tending the potential wounded and to observe the exercise for further training. Not too long later Sâs Pen'Kar and the one thousand clones from the first ARC Legion Come into view in perfect marching unison. Their armor to normal eyes are adorned with command rank along with personalized markings. Along with temporary team color marks. To onlookers in the ultraviolet spectrum the armors of Neo-Kamino's clones were of brilliant colorful designs.

Onlookers that are closely looking would notice that the forces armor has subtle variation that indicated that the force was made up of males and females. Sâs Pen'Kar along with two clones in charge of the force walk up to Diarch Rellik and those assembled at the holo table. He bows before the Diarch along with the two clones "Lord Rellik, I am Council President Sâs Pen'Kar. I am here with one thousand clones of the First ARC Legion. If you would like to discuss how our military works we can. But these two are top notch tacticians." His long thin Kaminoan arm gestures at the two clones closest a male and a female.

The female steps forward "Pleasure to meet you all. My name is Sellis, I am the General in charge of ARC Legion. Amongst our ranks are specialists like the jet troopers and demolitions experts. My cohort is in charge of the commandos." The group takes in those present and analyze the holo map of the rolling grassland with the tower objective in the middle.

---

Spoiler: Composition

32 Jet Troopers
50 Heavy troopers
750 Regular troopers
32 long range specialists
36 Infantry command positions (e.g. Sergeant)
50 ARC Commando's
50 Heavy ordnance troopers

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn stood in one corner of the tent, sometimes listening attentively, other times zoning out. He tended not to talk much at these types of meetings; not because he didn't think he had decent ideas, but because he knew the real tacticians had better ones. As he thought about just how decent his ideas were, he suddenly zoned back in right when Laphisto began talking about the Diarchs. He smiled, imagining himself out on the battlefield and feeling a quake beneath his feet. That's how he would know Reign and Rellik had met.

But who would he meet? Maybe he'd go with Iandre Athlea and see who they'd run across. Well no, because her master Laphisto would likely be with her, and there would be no need to have all three of them in the same place. He shrugged slightly. He'd ask Laphisto once he was less busy.

For now, he was content to stand in silence and listen.

Diarch Reign Maldor Sancetti

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Dressed in most of her Lilaste armor, only her helmet was off. She held it under an arm as she listened to what her Master had to say. He laid plans, and she didn't have anything to suggest yet. The objective was to take the tower and thus become king of the hill. It seemed it was a similar exercise they had put the clones through in her day. Something Iandre understood with complete clarity.

"How are people eliminated today?"

The handful of men she usually had with her were among the men on the field. They might normally be her guard, but they needed to keep up the practice of working with the others of the Order.

"Aren't we supposed to take the tower, master?"

Lowering her brows together, she ran her tongue across the inside of her cheek as she looked at the diagram before them. If she had her men, she would have suggested the small group climb the tower to take control and thus become king of the hill.

Glancing around the room, she stopped on Zinayn. The first person she had met within the Diarchy and the Lilaste Order, the person she had followed to be here. If she got the chance, she would talk with him again. To offer him her thanks and catch him up on everything that had happened to her since they last chatted...when she was still the broken woman recovering from near starvation and adjusting to this new time. For now, her focus needed to be on the battle unfolding in front of them.

Laphisto Diarch Reign Zinayn Maldor Sancetti

 

[Diarch Rellik]

With Zara's entrance and antics the Diarch looked at her keenly. It was the catching of the tent post most that caught his attention. Most of her words could be chalked up to the constant behavior she exuded but that lead him to believe she was inebriated. There would eventually be a line for the young Archon. She was close at the forum and Rellik needed to do something. She was smart, strong, a great warrior and member of the brotherhood... or the Diarchy as a whole. Perhaps with the right motivation she can find herself again. Something that would need to be thought about at another time.

Turning to Yorran, it was clear to see with those supplies that a solid strategy could be put into place. He was very glad that the Network and Vosk were able to make the simulation.

Now, the arrival of the clones was the crowing moment of confidence. Sâs Pen'kar did not disappoint. Where the Diarch wrongfully assumed he would be met with fresh recruits with no distinct gear, he was met with a specialized force that was ready for full war. He would nod and salute at General Sellis than go and give Sâs Pen'kar a handshake.

"Thank you all for coming. We are honored and excited for this meeting."

Now surrounded by key personnel. The briefing began.

"For the rest of us I have a plan. Hoping to take advantage of all of our skills. I am more than happy to accept input."

He looked around, glancing at Zara, one time to see if she even cared.

"I agree with what Yorran said. Right now there are multiple high councilors and the head of military in Laphisto on their side. They should feel confident and ready for an attack. We should let them encroach into the open first. In a battle with such a singular objective - Reign should be the missile that goes to claim it. The rest of them will go for total control of the area. All four sides of the tower, above, and below. As they do so, let us stay entrenched. - Here is my theory. When the enemy has exposed themselves by trying to contain us and breached the tower for us - we strap the smoke grenades Yorran brought unto the drones themselves than we will use them as a screen to push out. Tarn and the DAF Security forces will split into two groups of 550 soldiers. Group A will take up LO-Va'karis Shield's in long columns, one trooper being the wall, the other the roof. The clones - if they think the strategy is sound - along with group B of the security forces will than return fire with live intel fed from Yorran's sonar readings. Leaving the enemy exposed, and us on the advance to the tower. I myself will try to pinpoint the most concentrated section of fire and if somehow they have us at an upward angle, I will hover with my Cloak directly reflecting any attacks that seep over the top of our shields. - Now, they might enter the tower first, but with the Jet Troopers and myself leaping to the higher levels, I believe we can negate that issue. Lastly, some follow up points for the battle. I think the long range specialists should stay in the fob, the commando's with the first units of shield security forces should enter first. With the commando's and shields holding the first level, the ARC troopers could assault upward. With the heavy and heavy ordinance cleaning up the exterior."

Rellik all the while was pointing and mapping out the exact column he wanted to make between the hills leading to the tower.

"If the enemy is overwhelming us on entry, I suggest we send some of the drones directly to harass them. Even with no weapons, these drones could simply bump and run into the enemy. If completely necessary, the jetpack troops, arcs, and command sections could split off to take out key enemy tools."

Pausing, he looked around to all of the other leaders available.

"I am open to other plans but this is what I have thought up so far. If any of you see weaknesses and things needing correction feel free to speak your mind. If not, ready yourselves."

Personal Inventory -

• Single bladed Lightsaber - Conviction
• The Blooded Seer Cloak
• Spear of the Star-Fallen King

DAF Security forces Inventory -
LO-Va'karis Shield
LO-17D

Zara Saga Yorran Vosk Sâs Pen’kar Xian Xiao Lyssara Thrynn Diarch Reign Zinayn Iandre Athlea Laphisto

 

[Redmond]

Dan, being the practical man that he was, wasn't totally for the initial assault, but he understood the Diarchy system enough at this point to see why the leadership might. Anything involving open ground and incoming fire he attempted to circumvent whenever possible. He certainly wouldn't direct his men to that task.The silentarrii rubbed his chin thoughfully as the others discussed their various plans and tactics.

He thought about how he would approach this if he was the attacker and putting his squad to the task. Air wasn't viable.

Underneath. Lot less fuss than the show above, might be sparsely defended. Probably overwhelmable if not at least a platoon sized element.

"My Lord, permission to take HRT 1 and three squads of
Infantry to the towers sewage system. Plans show it being large enough for an opposing for to make use of it, if they wanted to climb that way." He said after the Leader asked for input. Diarch Rellik

Zara Saga Yorran Vosk Sâs Pen’kar Xian Xiao

 

[Shyra Calipsa]

Objective: Test mettle of the Diarchy
Location: Reign's "camp", Vonak
Tags: Team Reign | Zinayn

Shyra stood behind her Lord, Maldor Sancetti who had assigned her as bodyguard to his wife shortly before they were married. It was an odd situation after she fled her home seeking freedom Shyra found herself back in the service of a Tapani adjacent noble house. Despite the fact that Vyllia Sancetti was prim and proper, Shyra actually liked her charge. And Maldor had his moments as well.

Now though it was time for her to show them what she can do to make sure that Vyllia remains safe. There was back and forth about who would go where. Tactics were not Shyra's strength. She was a react to the threat type of combatant. Good for bodyguard work, not so much for war games. At least at this stage. Once the others decide their plans, Shyra will be pointed in a direction and then it will be on.

As Shyra's eyes roamed around the room she noticed she wasn't the only one who was not enthralled by the strategy talk. Shyra approached the Chiss and when she came to his side she placed her vibro-lance into the ground making a slight clinking sound to break the ice. "Just came to bust a couple people in the mouth," Shyra said with a grin and a chuckle. "What is it you do around here?"

 

[Xian Xiao]

This was going to be one of the first battles for Xian. Was she ready? Sure? Did she have a choice? Yes, there was always one of those. Was she going to chicken out? Heck no! So she stood in the tent and listened to her master speak his plan.

She had nothing to input, so she was quiet. Chewing on her lower lip, she wondered what her role was going to be. Thinking that, she looked at Rellik and motioned to herself.

"What will you have me doing, Master? With my elemental control, I can sweep people off the field pretty easily."

Air was her strongest, and she was confident in her abilities.

Diarch Rellik Zara Saga Redmond @Sâs Pen'kar

 

[Zara Saga]

​

Zara's expression, once smug and dazzling, had settled into a flat mask of disinterest. The longer the strategy discussion continued, the more her eyes dulled. It wasn't from the booze, which was wearing off fast, but from the endless, mind-numbing tactics. Talk of formations, sonar, shield layouts, and hot smoke droned on. It was like being trapped in a meeting about power converters while standing in lingerie. She was sobering up, and tragically, she hated it.

Her gaze drifted to the holomap again. The tower loomed in the center, indifferent and quiet, just sitting there and being dramatic. It practically begged her to come poke it in the metaphorical eye. She gave a low exhale that was somewhere between a sigh and a growl, then smiled sweetly at no one in particular.

She didn't announce her departure or make a grand exit. One moment she was there, the next a blur of blonde hair slipped between the tent flaps like a whisper in silk. She moved low and fast, weaving between tents and crates with the practiced subtlety of someone who had done this kind of thing countless times before, usually for much dumber reasons. By the time anyone might notice her absence, she was already halfway across the field, her boots silent in the grass, cloak flapping behind her like a flag of defiance.

The wind on Vonak bit at her cheeks and tangled her hair, but Zara seemed not to notice. Her fingers toyed with the hilt of her blades as she walked, eyes locked on the tower in the distance. That was where the fun would start. That was where the real point of all this talky-talk would finally kick in.

She didn't need a specific role in some grand plan; she was the role. She was chaos, in expensive boots, and she was heading straight for the hard point like it owed her money.

@Everyone​

 

[Ryu Jung]

Team Reign
Diarch Reign Maldor Sancetti Zinayn
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Apprentice to Diarch Reign was aching for an opportunity to test himself against the other warriors of the Diarchy. If not to rub in to Lyssara Thrynn then to show his master how far he had come. In all honesty, the rivalry between the two Diarch apprentices was coming to a head. They also knew that this confrontation was only going to be the start of something bigger to happen between them. The game was king of the hill, but it was clear from the get go what his main focus was.

At the strategy meeting, he had a distant look. Present but not there. He wasn't much of a strategist anyway.

The gist of his strategy was simply win AND beat Lyssara. Just as the Diarch and High Chancellor discussed strategy, with the chiss off to the side, Ryu was lost in his anger. Itching for fair combat.

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