"Omen of Durace"
11th post
Northern Temple Valley, Tython (Late-Autumn of 876 ABY)
Though the one-eyed Woad couldn't hear what the Sith Pureblood was saying, those three words the former loved most would be seen spoken on the lips of the latter, with head shaking as he begrudgingly acknowledged the driving force that spurred the Bloodhound to throw caution to the wind in such a way. Even as his vambrace covered part of his mouth, Thomas had already seen enough of the the first two words spoken that the obscured lips did little to hide the fact they had spoken two more syllables after the second pause, along with the look of disappointment in Jas' otherwise glaring golden eyes.
The following look Thomas received whilst Jas called in the strike, as unaffected as the Pureblood had been by the one-eyed Woad's challenge, seemed to think it a waste at first glance; but in seeing Katis' eyes looking to the bodies, (and the soldiers who stayed behind to facilitate a timely retreat) Barran knew there was more going on there, something akin to the early makings of grief. Yet on the other side of the short distance between, a frightening contrast would be seen staring gleefully right back at the PMC Captain, like the whole experience of the fight for the mountaintop was healing the soul of the one-eyed Woad. Both would be wise enough to know differently, and while Thomas was all too willing to immerse himself in it's vicious glory, it was obvious to the Bloodhound that his opponent was quite happy watching it all unfold at arm's length.
'I hope we meet again, Mawite. But if we don't… it's nothing personal. It's just business.'
As the Imperials and Hellions made their tactical retreat, keeping their sixes covered throughout until they passed Barran's threshold, the skies began to light up with the real impending thrill; as Barran himself was in no mood for slaughtering lesser foemen, not when the true prize of growth against greater opposition was there, and such opposition would please the Bloodhound to state his intent to fight him again someday. What was to be a disengagement (for the most part) still was fated to take many living elements of both contingents with the impending barrage, as those of Mt. Geran's defenders who had stayed behind willingly would do so either knowing who they were protecting, or in the case of the farther-situated majority, not knowing that any such orders had been given in the first place. No doubt the final play of the Hellions' commander, as measured and sound as the reasoning was, would still affect a man of Katis' ilk, though Barran somehow knew his training would rail against it - creating a conflict in the mind of a Pureblood so potent he was verging on something even greater already.
'Ah, there you are.... AN' MORE WONDROUS THAN I EVER COULD'VE IMAGINED!!!!'
Emanating with wispy red wickedness from within, the already-stormy clouds above would offer the burning, searing beauty of foreboding power as the Hellions' gift for a brief farewell descended on the attackers, parting like trees to a strong hurricane's gust, vanishing behind the fire for the payloads that rained down all around the Scar Hounds. All rigged for the indiscriminate bombardment of the area, bathing Mt. Geran in hot, fiery light as the one-eyed Woad gambled his life on simple statement of intent. The requirements for the blood-rune sacrifice had already been met, the death quota had been achieved and utilised to ill-effect before Barran and Katis first closed the distance on no-man's-land, reason enough for the Bloodhound to call off the attack and return to Mt. Sintarin, but the one-eyed Woad (much like his mentor) was a firm believer if his own place in the cycle.
The Avatars had spoken to the Scar Hound Tribe, the visions and tri-lunar alignment display and the fact they held so viciously against the weight of the Empire had shown them the merit of their faith, giving all the more reason for the joyous outcry of the brethren who could see it for themselves. With outcries of,"War, Death, Rebirth!", ringing out across the mountainous ridgeline before their crescendos were consumed by those of the rushing, destructive waves of annihilation, the Avatars would have their choice of souls from the Maw's last dedicated offering of the battle, a filling banquet the Scar Hound's new Warlord was all to willing to provide. Such wanton death and suffering, inflicted by the erratic claims of a one-eyed madman, almost demanding bombardment and holding to it as the fire rained down on the blood-soaked ground around him, yet only Barran could've known that this was the only way to find himself as a warrior, a strategist, and most importantly - a leader.
The fear of death, pain, anguish and debilitation, all of it had to be cleansed from the Bloodhound's mind, heart and soul. Or at least, this is how Thomas viewed the matter, for it was as much a necessity for Barran as it was for Katis, with both opposing commanders nonverbally confirming that prolonging the fight for Mt. Geran would have eventually become worse than Pyrrhic for the victors as well. The official draw would stand until the next time they fought, and with neither Jas nor Thomas contending or protesting the result, Barran was free to test his faith against firepower without interruption.
However, the barrage eventually rolled to it's natural conclusion, and powerful though it was, the Bloodhound was still standing; still looking to the skies above for some more of the mercenary's gift, shrieking with the most hideous of mirthful outbursts in the realisation that the fight was over, Thomas then roared with renewed belief in the Three Avatars. He had offered up his soul for the ultimate sacrifice, cutting out his eye to paint the same blood rune as all the other Mawsworn warriors on the field that day, testing himself on the firepower of his enemies, yet it seemed the Dark Voice's greater plan for Barran was still being woven. Even then, as his one-eyed gaze scanned left to right to find survivors on either side of the struggle, Thomas knew that he had achieved all he could that day, all but one matter in particular though.
And in his last scan of the horizon in front of him, this matter would finally show to meet it's conclusion in Barran's Ubese acquaintance, stepping forth from the billowing smoke of the nearest bombardment craters to give his answer. The Bloodhound could tell it was Lord Superious before the helmet and attire drew into the focus of the Woad's left eye, and Thomas was also able to deduce that the response to his offer was nigh at hand, seeing the confidence in the Darth's body-language as he exclaimed,'Good to see you again, Lord Superious! Glad you made it!', approaching at a leisurely stroll as he paused for effect. Opting to let the moment of significance transpire for a while longer at least. Erion had every reason to refuse of his own accord, being a Sith with power enough to lead armies of his own, and one of great skill and prowess in battle all on his own, but Thomas couldn't help but feel a little hopeful for an acceptance of initiation.
'Have you had enough time to think on your answer? If so, will you join us after all?'
They would search for survivors in the retreat together despite the answer, so there would be no hard feelings either way, especially not after sharing the field of battle with each other more than once, so the firm alliance between them would stand no matter what the young Darth decided in the end. Superious had seen the black eyes of Rebirth casting over Barran's own, seeing what the man had endured up until that point, seeing what the one-eyed Woad had become since, Justeene would still be invested in the Bloodhound's future either way.
OPERATION: SHATTERPOINT
From the header to the template, it's all amazing work! Thank you very much, Nef! Scar Hounds are rollin' out in the DRIP now!
THE ANNIHILATION OF TYTHON
Objective 1: ATTACK EVERYTHING!!!!
Thomas Barran
"The Bloodhound"
ANOINTED ACOLYTE OF THE SCAR HOUNDS
Allies (BOTM/NSO):
Darth Solipsis
The Mongrel
Keilara Kala'myr
Shai Maji
Ardana Vorco
Erion Justeene
Darth Saevius
Ronar
Scylla AI
Enemies (NIO/Enclave/NJO):
Roxy Rizzan
Hall Mannarra
Asanté Tsilor
Ishida Ashina
Bex Tarring
Aerys Myrrine
Ollis Barran
Jas Katis
Annor E-059
Saul Vandron
Asmus Omaand
Alessandra Io
Kal
Caltin Vanagor
Rex Valhoun
Loadout
Protection/Equipment
Beskar Brodie-Helm
Free-State Surplus Gas-Mask
2nd-Gen Galidraani SF Combat Webbing
Free-State Surplus Flak Jacket
Hipflask (Mineheel Moonshine)
Weaponry/Explosives
SA-35 Heavy Blaster Rifle
AP-25i "SIMP" Particle-Beam Blaster Pistol
Beskar Romphaia
Old Fairbairn Vibrodagger
X3 Incendiary Grenades
X2 Flashbangs
X3 Tetan Mastiffs
X5 Repurposed Valdr Skær-Pattern Dual-Role Droids
Scar Hound Array
X1 Scavenged Goliath Main Battle Tank
X50 SHT-66 "Malm-hrið" Heavy Battle Droids
X100 SHT-26 "Bedevil" Heavy War Bikes
X75 Scavenged XT-62 "Cataphract" Main Battle Tanks
X20 Branchlurkers
X300 Moon Children
NEXUS OF THE BLOOD-HOUND: SHRIVEN NO MORE - PART NINETEEN
The Summit of Mt. Geran, Eastern Arros Range,
From the header to the template, it's all amazing work! Thank you very much, Nef! Scar Hounds are rollin' out in the DRIP now!
THE ANNIHILATION OF TYTHON
Objective 1: ATTACK EVERYTHING!!!!
Thomas Barran
"The Bloodhound"
ANOINTED ACOLYTE OF THE SCAR HOUNDS
Allies (BOTM/NSO):
Darth Solipsis
The Mongrel
Keilara Kala'myr
Shai Maji
Ardana Vorco
Erion Justeene
Darth Saevius
Ronar
Scylla AI
Enemies (NIO/Enclave/NJO):
Roxy Rizzan
Hall Mannarra
Asanté Tsilor
Ishida Ashina
Bex Tarring
Aerys Myrrine
Ollis Barran
Jas Katis
Annor E-059
Saul Vandron
Asmus Omaand
Alessandra Io
Kal
Caltin Vanagor
Rex Valhoun
Loadout
Protection/Equipment
Beskar Brodie-Helm
Free-State Surplus Gas-Mask
2nd-Gen Galidraani SF Combat Webbing
Free-State Surplus Flak Jacket
Hipflask (Mineheel Moonshine)
Weaponry/Explosives
SA-35 Heavy Blaster Rifle
AP-25i "SIMP" Particle-Beam Blaster Pistol
Beskar Romphaia
Old Fairbairn Vibrodagger
X3 Incendiary Grenades
X2 Flashbangs
X3 Tetan Mastiffs
X5 Repurposed Valdr Skær-Pattern Dual-Role Droids
Scar Hound Array
X1 Scavenged Goliath Main Battle Tank
X50 SHT-66 "Malm-hrið" Heavy Battle Droids
X100 SHT-26 "Bedevil" Heavy War Bikes
X75 Scavenged XT-62 "Cataphract" Main Battle Tanks
X20 Branchlurkers
X300 Moon Children
NEXUS OF THE BLOOD-HOUND: SHRIVEN NO MORE - PART NINETEEN
Northern Temple Valley, Tython (Late-Autumn of 876 ABY)
'War, death, rebirth.'
Though the one-eyed Woad couldn't hear what the Sith Pureblood was saying, those three words the former loved most would be seen spoken on the lips of the latter, with head shaking as he begrudgingly acknowledged the driving force that spurred the Bloodhound to throw caution to the wind in such a way. Even as his vambrace covered part of his mouth, Thomas had already seen enough of the the first two words spoken that the obscured lips did little to hide the fact they had spoken two more syllables after the second pause, along with the look of disappointment in Jas' otherwise glaring golden eyes.
The following look Thomas received whilst Jas called in the strike, as unaffected as the Pureblood had been by the one-eyed Woad's challenge, seemed to think it a waste at first glance; but in seeing Katis' eyes looking to the bodies, (and the soldiers who stayed behind to facilitate a timely retreat) Barran knew there was more going on there, something akin to the early makings of grief. Yet on the other side of the short distance between, a frightening contrast would be seen staring gleefully right back at the PMC Captain, like the whole experience of the fight for the mountaintop was healing the soul of the one-eyed Woad. Both would be wise enough to know differently, and while Thomas was all too willing to immerse himself in it's vicious glory, it was obvious to the Bloodhound that his opponent was quite happy watching it all unfold at arm's length.
'I hope we meet again, Mawite. But if we don't… it's nothing personal. It's just business.'
I wouldn't have it any other way.... Jas.
As the Imperials and Hellions made their tactical retreat, keeping their sixes covered throughout until they passed Barran's threshold, the skies began to light up with the real impending thrill; as Barran himself was in no mood for slaughtering lesser foemen, not when the true prize of growth against greater opposition was there, and such opposition would please the Bloodhound to state his intent to fight him again someday. What was to be a disengagement (for the most part) still was fated to take many living elements of both contingents with the impending barrage, as those of Mt. Geran's defenders who had stayed behind willingly would do so either knowing who they were protecting, or in the case of the farther-situated majority, not knowing that any such orders had been given in the first place. No doubt the final play of the Hellions' commander, as measured and sound as the reasoning was, would still affect a man of Katis' ilk, though Barran somehow knew his training would rail against it - creating a conflict in the mind of a Pureblood so potent he was verging on something even greater already.
'Ah, there you are.... AN' MORE WONDROUS THAN I EVER COULD'VE IMAGINED!!!!'
Emanating with wispy red wickedness from within, the already-stormy clouds above would offer the burning, searing beauty of foreboding power as the Hellions' gift for a brief farewell descended on the attackers, parting like trees to a strong hurricane's gust, vanishing behind the fire for the payloads that rained down all around the Scar Hounds. All rigged for the indiscriminate bombardment of the area, bathing Mt. Geran in hot, fiery light as the one-eyed Woad gambled his life on simple statement of intent. The requirements for the blood-rune sacrifice had already been met, the death quota had been achieved and utilised to ill-effect before Barran and Katis first closed the distance on no-man's-land, reason enough for the Bloodhound to call off the attack and return to Mt. Sintarin, but the one-eyed Woad (much like his mentor) was a firm believer if his own place in the cycle.
The Avatars had spoken to the Scar Hound Tribe, the visions and tri-lunar alignment display and the fact they held so viciously against the weight of the Empire had shown them the merit of their faith, giving all the more reason for the joyous outcry of the brethren who could see it for themselves. With outcries of,"War, Death, Rebirth!", ringing out across the mountainous ridgeline before their crescendos were consumed by those of the rushing, destructive waves of annihilation, the Avatars would have their choice of souls from the Maw's last dedicated offering of the battle, a filling banquet the Scar Hound's new Warlord was all to willing to provide. Such wanton death and suffering, inflicted by the erratic claims of a one-eyed madman, almost demanding bombardment and holding to it as the fire rained down on the blood-soaked ground around him, yet only Barran could've known that this was the only way to find himself as a warrior, a strategist, and most importantly - a leader.
The fear of death, pain, anguish and debilitation, all of it had to be cleansed from the Bloodhound's mind, heart and soul. Or at least, this is how Thomas viewed the matter, for it was as much a necessity for Barran as it was for Katis, with both opposing commanders nonverbally confirming that prolonging the fight for Mt. Geran would have eventually become worse than Pyrrhic for the victors as well. The official draw would stand until the next time they fought, and with neither Jas nor Thomas contending or protesting the result, Barran was free to test his faith against firepower without interruption.
However, the barrage eventually rolled to it's natural conclusion, and powerful though it was, the Bloodhound was still standing; still looking to the skies above for some more of the mercenary's gift, shrieking with the most hideous of mirthful outbursts in the realisation that the fight was over, Thomas then roared with renewed belief in the Three Avatars. He had offered up his soul for the ultimate sacrifice, cutting out his eye to paint the same blood rune as all the other Mawsworn warriors on the field that day, testing himself on the firepower of his enemies, yet it seemed the Dark Voice's greater plan for Barran was still being woven. Even then, as his one-eyed gaze scanned left to right to find survivors on either side of the struggle, Thomas knew that he had achieved all he could that day, all but one matter in particular though.
I can feel the presence o' your soul out there, friend.
Glad someone's still in fighting condition anyways.
Glad someone's still in fighting condition anyways.
And in his last scan of the horizon in front of him, this matter would finally show to meet it's conclusion in Barran's Ubese acquaintance, stepping forth from the billowing smoke of the nearest bombardment craters to give his answer. The Bloodhound could tell it was Lord Superious before the helmet and attire drew into the focus of the Woad's left eye, and Thomas was also able to deduce that the response to his offer was nigh at hand, seeing the confidence in the Darth's body-language as he exclaimed,'Good to see you again, Lord Superious! Glad you made it!', approaching at a leisurely stroll as he paused for effect. Opting to let the moment of significance transpire for a while longer at least. Erion had every reason to refuse of his own accord, being a Sith with power enough to lead armies of his own, and one of great skill and prowess in battle all on his own, but Thomas couldn't help but feel a little hopeful for an acceptance of initiation.
'Have you had enough time to think on your answer? If so, will you join us after all?'
They would search for survivors in the retreat together despite the answer, so there would be no hard feelings either way, especially not after sharing the field of battle with each other more than once, so the firm alliance between them would stand no matter what the young Darth decided in the end. Superious had seen the black eyes of Rebirth casting over Barran's own, seeing what the man had endured up until that point, seeing what the one-eyed Woad had become since, Justeene would still be invested in the Bloodhound's future either way.
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