Junction The Divide | TSC & TSO & ME Junction of Carratos, Ank Kit'aar, Sarka | IC

[Mercy]

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In the aftermath of Abregado-rae and Thyferra, the Sith Covenant has invited representatives of the Sith Order and Mandalorian Empire to join them on Abregado-rae.

As the Galaxy grows increasingly chaotic and new conflicts begin to erupt, the Empress of the Core has deemed it necessary for the three nations to come together, plan, strategize, and determine what comes next. All three find themselves surrounded by hostile powers that seek their defeat, if not their outright destruction.

Mercy has personally guaranteed the safety of every delegate for the duration of their stay.

The gathering will take place within the only remaining major settlement on Abregado-rae. Monikered Empress' Peace, the settlement has expanded rapidly around the planet's surviving spaceport. Refugees and survivors from across Abregado-rae have gathered there in search of safety, work, and whatever future might still be carved out of the ruined world.

​

OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE 1: THE WAR COUNCIL
Leaders of the three nations come together to discuss the aftermath of Abregado-rae and Thyferra, and to cauterize remaining divisions between the Sith Covenant, the Sith Order and the Mandalorian Empire. As their enemies are growing in number, so must the three nations find a way to present a unified front against those that threaten them.

The Tyranny is in orbit over the Empress' Peace and is open to host the leaders of the three nations.

OBJECTIVE 2: A BUTCHER'S PEACE
A large town has emerged around the planet's main spaceport. Explore the sights of Empress' Peace, the last remaining settlement on Abregado-rae, administered by corporations under the aegis of the Sith Covenant. Law is sparse, enforcement selective, and personal power settles most disputes away from the eyes of the Corporations.

Though the leaders of the Sith Covenant, the Sith Order, and the Mandalorian Empire have found common cause, their people look to one another with suspicion and distrust. The destruction of Mandalore is still fresh in the minds of some; there is constant tension between Sith who are allied to different Empresses and nations. This is a powder keg just waiting to explode.

Defuse it by drinking the night away and finding common cause with one another. Empress' Peace can offer you all the luxury of the Core with all the debauchery of Nar Shaddaa.

Enjoy yourself and celebrate the recent victories over Abregado-rae and Thyferra.

OBJECTIVE 3: INTO THE DEPTHS
The invasion of Abregado-rae has caused a rupture in space, allowing the Netherworld to infiltrate deeply into the planet. While Empress' Peace remains more or less stable through Sith Magic, the same cannot be said about the rest of the world. An expedition is leaving to explore a newly revealed ancient tomb complex, which emerged during one of the continent shifts caused by the destruction of the industrial zones.

The oddity is that there are no records of there ever having been an ancient Sith presence on Abregado-rae.

Investigate the tombs and explore the possibility that this has something to do with the veil between the Netherworld and the real world thinning on Abregado.

OBJECTIVE 4: BYOO
Explore the world of Abregado and discover its secrets and mysteries!

.

​

 

[Mercy]

OBJECTIVE 1: THE WAR COUNCIL
IMMEDIATE TAG: Lysander von Ascania Cassilde Vortayn Aria Talorien
LOCATION: On board the Tyranny

OBJECTIVE TAG: Quinn Varanin | Arris Windrun | Lirka Ka | Mia Monroe | Lily Rhodes | Adelle Bastiel | Ivalyn Yvarro | Kurayami Bloodborn | Astra Sadow | Leontis Antalis | Zeptepi Zambrano | Gerwald Lechner | Nagual | Varin Mortifer | CT-312 | Darth Carnifex | Darth Prazutis | Aether Verd | Siv Kryze | Amelia von Sorenn | Darth Reign | Veyla Krinn | Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr

Abregado-rae had been a success across the board.

It had pushed the Sith to their very limit, forcing some to break, others were scarred and yet some had found glory within the madness.

A warning had been send to any who contemplated siding with their enemies as well. You would not just be punished. You'd be erased, anything that made you you, rearranged and repurposed for the Dark Side's purposes. And the warning had worked even better than Mercy could have dreamed for.

With one campaign they had conquered not just Abregado-rae. Nantoon, Botor, Questal and Atrisia all quickly realized they would be far better off accepting the embrace of the Sith.

One world ruined and in return five sectors had joined the Sith Covenant.

It was brilliant and Arris Windrun would have to endure Mercy's smugness for weeks to come.

Thyferra had been equally a success. The Sith Order managed to push the High Republic out, in one fell swoop securing the planetary supply of bacta, which would have long-term consequences for the Galaxy. Srina Talon and her... well, their encounter with Acier Moonbound , Lorn Reingard and Judah Lesan had been troubling. The Force erased, Srina almost dead, Mercy lost to her grief. The encounter still disturbed her, if she was being honest.

Luckily it was no time for troubles and instead it was time for celebrations. Below, where the shadow of the Tyranny touched the edge of last major settlement of Abregado-rae, the people of the three nations would try and find common cause with one another. It would not be easy, Mandalore's memory ran long and there was always conflict between the Sith.

But that is why some of them had gathered on the Tyranny itself.

The strongest and most powerful were invited to partake in a banquet, to eat, drink, but more importantly to scheme with one another for power and understanding in a Galaxy that was hostile to them and their cause. Mandalorian leaders rubbing elbows with Lords from the Order and the Covenant.

Mercy herself had brought along three guests.

Lysander, her son... newly embraced and accepted. Cassilde, her cup bearer and Duch'a from Hapes. And the newest addition, Aria formerly of House Talorien and recently freed from prison. She'd first allow them to see the host being gathered here. The mightiest, hungriest, the most ambitious.

Then they'd retire with the leaders of the other two nations... to try and find common cause where possible, to chart one course through a hostile Galaxy.

"I don't think any of you have met each other yet." Mercy said as they walked through the corridor towards the gathering hall. She could already hear the noises from so many boots gathered in one place. "My son, my cup-bearer and my..." A glance towards Aria, because they had not yet discussed what her function would be.

"Observer." The Covenant Lord said finally. "Cassilde is a Duch'a from Hapes, loyal to me without a doubt. Lysander is my adopted son, a strong Knight of the Sith. Aria is a Lady of House Talorien." Amber eyes briefly ran towards Lysander. "Of the Tapani Cluster, of course."

The same one where they had continued a campaign of extermination against the nobles of the ancient territories.

"Do feel free to mingle with one another, I am sure you will find things in common." Then to Aria and Cassilde. "I want you two to keep your eyes open. Listen, observe, and by the end of the night... I want to hear what you think of what has been gathered here today."

Her head tilted and a smile appeared.

"Oh, and all of you, should be aware of my sestra... the Empress of the Order." Mercy took one step to the side, revealing Srina Talon , offering her hand for Srina to accept. "My beloved guest and ruler of the Sith Order."

Their eyes met for a moment as the rest of the room melted away.

"You look wonderful, sestra." Tone soft for a moment, squeezing her hand. As if concerned... that she'd die all over again. Just like on Thyferra.

.

 

[Nagual]

Slog. Slog. Slog.

The words kept time with the boots striking polished durasteel. Nagual remembered the old poem imperfectly, which was probably appropriate. It had been written about soldiers marching themselves half-mad, and there were certainly enough warriors here. Slog. Slog. Slogging. The rhythm followed him into the main hall of the Tyranny and remained there even after he stopped walking.

He had prepared for this. The soirée had been an introduction, intimate enough that eccentricity could survive without immediately becoming reputation. This was different. Here was the wider society of the Sith gathered beneath one roof, filled with people whose names carried armies, worlds, fortunes, cults, grudges, and occasionally all five. Nagual had spent far too long on the periphery of such things. Now he intended to be seen.

At least he had dressed appropriately. Black armor enclosed his narrow frame, its surface carved with the same screaming faces that had once hidden within the fabric of his suit on Aargau. Here there was no attempt at subtlety. They twisted openly across the plates, mouths stretched soundlessly beneath the light. Behind him fell a long cape, black on its exterior and deep purple within, flashing color whenever the fabric shifted. Above it all burned the crimson eyes of a Nagai who had modified himself too many times to remember precisely where nature had ended.

Nagual observed the hall quietly. He was under no illusion that he was the strongest creature aboard the Tyranny. Perhaps not even close. That had never particularly troubled him. Strength was useful when something needed breaking. Nagual preferred the problems that remained afterward.

And there would always be problems.

That was why he had come. Scientist, financier, engineer, occasional Sith, whatever else the galaxy presently required him to be. Nagual was a problem solver. A fixer. The Sith had accumulated a great many problems, and somewhere beneath the continuing rhythm of Sith boots, he found himself rather looking forward to fixing them.

Tags: Mercy | Quinn Varanin | Arris Windrun | Lirka Ka | Mia Monroe | Lily Rhodes | Adelle Bastiel | Ivalyn Yvarro | Kurayami Bloodborn | Astra Sadow | Leontis Antalis | Zeptepi Zambrano | Gerwald Lechner | Varin Mortifer | CT-312 | Darth Carnifex | Darth Prazutis | Aether Verd | Siv Kryze | Amelia von Sorenn | Darth Reign | Veyla Krinn | Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr​

 

[Aria Talorien]

A SCENE

INT. THE TYRANNY

AFTER ABRAGADO-RAE

♫ RAGE — DEZI

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Mercy's gift was that she was such a talented liar. Not for the first time, Aria had to consider herself lucky that Mercy was not an actress for the holodramas, because there would be no chance come award season. Case in point? The casual way in which she referred to Aria as a Lady of House Talorien, of the Tapani Cluster, of course.

As if House Talorien had not been vaporized by Mercy and her butchers.

As if the Tapani Cluster had not been brutalized to the point of being irreparably damaged. Mercy hadn't forgotten, surely. No, everyone seemed to be so delighted by their success as regarded terrorizing Tapani. They bragged about it on the holonet, Aria had later come to learn. Not that it had done much good. Some loudmouth Senator had had a conniption about it and then what? Nothing. Perhaps that had been the point of making a carnival of the butchery.

It certainly made a point.

She felt a frisson of fear at these thoughts. Mercy had been eponymous in this regard; freed her to speak the truth. Yet, she felt some kind of bizarre sense of disloyalty. She swallowed and brushed a gentle wave of redgold hair from her eyes before nodding at Cassilde Vortayn and Lysander von Ascania in turn. "Aria, please," she said quietly. "House Talorien is no more, as I'm sure you are well aware."

"Don't I know you from somewhere?" she asked Lysander, an eyebrow lifting. She was sure his face was familiar. Had he been in the news recently?

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STARRING

Mercy • Cassilde Vortayn • Lysander von Ascania

 

[Helix]

​

Helix ran one scalpel-bladed finger along the edge of the table, producing a grating screeching sound. Despite the creature's alien appearance and even more alien manner, he still managed to project an air of insufferable self-satisfaction.

After all, he'd been instrumental in both of the victories being celebrated today. Granted, one had been personal and the other had been work, but he had slacked off on neither battlefield. The sheer scale of the carnage for which he was responsible was hard to even put a quantifiable number on.

Thus, he felt he'd earned a spot at the big kids' table, whether he was wanted there or not.

So it was that the creature loomed in his seat, spindly and unnaturally tall, and looking for all the world like an animated bundle of thorns or razor wire. Four eyes glared unblinkingly out at his surroundings with a timeless and disquieting malice.

If he felt anything at all, it was a certain pride in his work. Abregado had been a rough battlefield, but as ever, his superior technology had triumphed over the enemy's sheer aggression. By comparison, Thyferra had been a pleasant vacation. He was glad both were over, but he was a craftsman and inventor at his core. His creations had been put through the worst in both locations, and had emerged the stronger for it. It was difficult not to be proud of the results.

After securing the appropriate permission, he'd grace both planets with their own statues of his person. Eternal markers of small but important victories, something to come back to and reminisce over once he had ascended past this comparatively-limited body.

That, however, could come later. Today was about flouting and exaggerating his own accomplishments in whatever manner he could get away with, and continuing to cozy up to the Covenant's leadership. His brief association with them had been quite tremendously useful so far, and he had little doubt it would continue to be so.

His ambitions could hardly be restrained behind the borders of one empire, after all.

 

[Ivalyn Yvarro]

IY

IVALYN YVARRO

ABOARD THE TYRANNY

SITH COVENANT SPACE

EVENING • 907 ABY

♫ FETİH MARŞI | YELKENLERİ BİÇİLECEK | SENFONİK MEHTER MARŞI— ORMANGÜZLE SENFONİ ORKESTRASI

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Thyferra had been won.

The Commonwealth's 5th Fleet had played its part, Task Force Valiant and Task Force Highmarch. The victory belonged to the Sith Order. The Commonwealth's contribution to it belonged to the ledger she kept in her head, the one that recorded what had been given and what, eventually, would be returned in kind. A sort of balancing of the books as it were.

She had noted it. She had filed it. She had moved on.

The refugees were the more immediate matter, and in some ways the more interesting one. A small number had passed through Commonwealth space in the wake of the engagement, the kind of displacement that followed any significant military action, people moving along the paths of least resistance toward whatever looked like safety. They were on Halm now, under Commonwealth care. Medical assessment, integration screening, the careful administrative process of determining who they were and whether the Commonwealth was where they were meant to be. Ivalyn had read the preliminary reports twice on the crossing from the Commonwealth. She would read them again before she returned.

The ICV Margrave reverted into realspace over the Abrego-rae system with the particular unhurried quality that diplomatic vessels cultivated deliberately. It moved through the system with a measured paced pushing through the void with ease. The noise of war had left the system although its fog remained on the world below life for many of the citizenry had become a moment of before, and after.

Empress' Peace.

She turned the name over as the Margrave settled toward its assigned berth. There was a philosophy embedded in naming a settlement after a person, it was personal in a way that geographic names were not, aspirational in a way that functional names were not. It said: this peace is willed into existence by someone. It persists because they will it.

Ivalyn had opinions about peace that depended on the will of a single individual to sustain it. She kept those opinions to herself, as she kept most things, filed in the careful architecture of her interior where they would be useful later.

The ramp descended.

The Janissary came first, four of them in Nocturne Black, the full dress uniform that the Imperial Guard reserved for occasions where the Commonwealth's dignity required its most deliberate presentation. They took their positions flanking the ramp without ceremony, without looking at anything except the middle distance, the particular stillness of soldiers trained to be furniture until required to be something else entirely. The crescent moon and star of their insignia caught the Tyranny's lights.

Then Ivalyn descended.

The air of the Tyranny was not unpleasant, no different than any other rewashed air aboard any standard Imperial vessel. Here of course this was the early stages of deciding what came next.

The deep navy of her formal coat, the gold at the collar and cuffs, the signet ring, this was the register of a Grand Vizier arriving on behalf of a nation.

She had read the full briefing on what was to occur here, before departing Dosuun. She had read the objectives. She had studied what she knew of the three parties involved, the Sith Covenant a group of Sith that for the most part she had no dealings with, and therefore neither did the Commonwealth, the Sith Order, whose suzerainty over the Commonwealth gave this meeting its particular texture, and the Mandalorian Empire, whose relationship with the Commonwealth was its own separate and developing thread. She had formed views about what a unified front between three powers with genuinely different interests and philosophies could realistically produce, and what it could not, and where the useful overlap between those positions was most likely to be found.

She was here because presence mattered. A holo could carry information. It could not carry weight. She had learned that lesson early and had not forgotten it.

The Janissary fell in around her as she moved along the Tyranny.

The Margrave's ramp retracted quietly behind them. Around her, the settlement carried on its particular business, the functional organised activity of a place that had been built quickly and was still deciding whether it intended to be permanent. Ivalyn observed it without staring. Made note of what she saw. Added it to the ledger.

Three nations. One table. Any number of possible outcomes depending on who in that room understood what the moment actually required.

She had opinions about that too.

She intended, in due course, to share them.

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TAG

Nagual | Mercy | Quinn Varanin | Arris Windrun | Lirka Ka | Mia Monroe | Lily Rhodes | CT-312 | Siv Kryze | Adelle Bastiel | Kurayami Bloodborn | Gerwald Lechner | Varin Mortifer | Darth Carnifex | Veyla Krinn | Darth Prazutis | Amelia von Sorenn | Darth Reign | Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr | Astra Sadow | Leontis Antalis | Zeptepi Zambrano | Aether Verd

Template stolen from Helena Cross

 

[Nysa Veilwalker]

Objective 3
Tags: Open if you want to hang with willowy, social awkward girl

Nysa's boots barely made a sound on the ancient tomb ground that shouldn't even be there. The coordinates had her far beyond the familiar bustle of Abregado-rae's spaceports and trade corridors, into a stretch of wilderness where the signs of civilization slowly gave way to weathered stone and half-buried ruins.

A series of enormous stone structures emerged from the landscape like the bones of some forgotten civilization. But there was not a layer of dust, debris, and decay upon them. They looked almost...new. The apprentice frowned. The netherhound at her side leaned against her leg. A low grow erupting from the base of its throat. Even as the amulet around her slender neck gave a soft, green glow.

Head canted to the side, dark feathered hair shifting down her shoulder and the dark-tunic she wore. The dark colors of oher clothing making her pale skin look even more ethereal.

"You hear them too." Dark green eyes flickered to her companion. Giving his smoky-like fur an absent stroke before her soft-padded boots took her forward into the maze of the tombs.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace | Cross Guard Broadsaber | Wyrmfang

THE WAR COUNCIL​

Varin had arrived on The Tyranny in his robes tied off at the waist letting the cloth hang loosely over his legs. The runic inscriptions upon his body etched within the lining of the fabric revealing that of a draconic skull within a ritualistic circle on his back.

The Black Blade clung to his waist as he made his way inside the busier area full of individuals. Most faces were familiar from prior interactions or as faces he had seen momentarily.

Varin had made his way through the many faces, towering over most as he made his way to the center listening to conversations in passing.

Rumors of what had happened on Abregado-Rae and Thyferra. Many had likely heard of the firestorm that was created. Varin could not take all of the credit for it, he merely pointed it in the right direction, many had parts to play.

Even after treatments both battles had left his body sore, but he made no sign of such discomfort. He walked straight and tall full of pride of what the Sith had accomplished.

Pride that he had played his part in such an event.

But, the young Knight felt this was but only the first tremors of what was to come.

A nod here or there to acknowledge some who greeted him before he finally stopped to take his position within the area, his gaze and his senses reaching out to keep tabs on all he could around him.

Soon to be interacting with Veyla Krinn​

 

[Astra Sadow]

"Take a care, Leontis Antalis ," Astra instructed as they'd drawn near, "you are about to wade into a sea filled with razor sharp teeth and barely restrained bloodlust. Swallow your pride when before those of higher station. Take care which servant you accost. And don't choke on the overwhelming sense of ego that would gladly squeeze the life out of everything in the room. Stay close, at first." It was the Sith way to sink or swim, but Astra preferred to let them know there was a lake of water at least rather than toss them in blind.

Astra strode into the chamber with the tips of her red jacket spread wide allowing her feet unobstructed progress. She did not move with the gait of one overcome with haste, but neither was it a casual stroll. Ruby glareshades were tucked away in a pocket so all their lovely guests could see her burnt golden eyes. There was no need to hide where her attention swung among today's guests. Let them see.

Her course would take her straight through the room to where Mercy stood instructing her trio.

"Empress of the Throneworld, Ruler Victorious of Abregado-rae," Astra paused to give the woman a polite bow and flourish of her jacket without letting her eyes fall from the other woman. "Everything is to your specification, I trust? No need met unsatiated?"

A quick flick of the eyes and Astra smiled to those assembled, and Lysander in particular. "Astra Sadow, Chairwoman of Sanguine Enterprises. May I introduce you all to the Heir of House Antalis of Chandrila? Perhaps you've heard of our efforts on the planet below in establishing logistics, construction, and above all genetic research in the wake of the introduction of a non-native fungal species."

Lysander von Ascania | Cassilde Vortayn | Aria Talorien | Open​

 

[Adonis Angelis IV]

The Tyranny was unlike anything Adonis had seen before in his life, even when landing aboard it, he wasn't able to see the entire thing in his view. It was truly a testament to the stranglehold the Sith had on the core. They had turned the resources of their subjugated worlds into fifty kilometers of metal and firepower. It was a true bastion of the Dark Side and strange Netherworld energies seemed to bleed through every corridor. There was something even darker further into the Sith fortress, though Adonis dared not question what that could be.

He was here to do what he always did- ensure the safety of Vaal and its people. Ever since becoming Warden, it was Adonis's main goal as a Mandalorian and more importantly, as a man. There were many lessons he had learned over the years, some more painful than others, but the most painful was learning the price of that safety. As long as the Angelis family had been living on Vaal, they had a hand in its protection. This generation, it was the Sith they were bartering with. Adonis would give pieces of himself away so that his people could sleep safely.

Seven feet of ivory and gold beskar stood silently against the backdrop of the main hall. For their brutality, the Covenant weren't cheap when it came to aesthetics. It was to be assumed, he figured, from one of the richest women in the galaxy. His beskar'gam stood proudly emblazoned with his family's crest, the shine of a recent polish catching the light. Like a sentinel, the Warden of Vaal stood tall. At his side was his broadsaber, clipped and hanging loosely, but still easily called if necessary. That wasn't the intention of the Mand'alor nor his followers, but as history had proven, Mandalore the Iron was not one to be pushed around.

Adonis's uneasy eyes scanned the crowd that had gathered, his HUD flickered with different information, some dossiers of important figures, or news flashes from battles on planets far away. He settled his gaze on familiar faces when he could, he knew most of the Mandalorians that were in attendance, but he was unfamiliar with many of the Sith. He had hoped he would be able to stick to his allies, but that would defeat the purpose of his job, which was to decide if the Sith were worth negotiating with. Not only were the technocratic Sith Covenant present, Mercy had invited the Sith Order as well. It was a real who's who of war criminals.

The realization sat uneasily with him: for tonight, he belonged among them

"Can someone come talk to me, they're giving me the heebie-jeebies." Adonis said into a private comm-channel to the other Mandalorians nearby.

TAG: OPEN

​

 

[Brool Koon]

Though not shackled in the traditional sense, Brool Koon was a prisoner. He had been captured by Anet Raine , and since then had been kept on a tight leash. They had given him some slack, however, and even given him a task. Something he was eager to do, as it meant leaving the prisons and torture racks the Sith had kept him tied to. Turns out, Jedi Padawans, no matter how low on the totem pole, were considered interesting enough to be kept alive.

Since his capture, they had tried to get anything they could out of him. Jedi secrets, hidden plans, or even getting Brool to fully turn to the Dark Side. He had held out so far, but he could feel the rage slowly finding its way through the cracks. Every session made it a little easier to hate them, and a little harder to remember why the Jedi had taught him that hatred was something to fear.

The Kel Dor figured that was why they had sent him to the tombs alone, without any sort of restraint, and even with his lightsaber. They knew that he was already too far gone to go back to the Jedi, and if he tried to run, he was too weak from the imprisonment to stand a chance against the combined efforts of the others roaming the tombs. The weapon at his side almost felt like another kind of restraint because of it. They trusted him with it because they didn't think he could escape them. Brool hated that more than he wanted to admit. So, with his lightsaber in tow, the Jedi prisoner walked into the welcoming darkness.

For a long time, the only sound came from his mask. The rest of the tombs were eerily silent, enough that the mechanical rhythm of every breath seemed louder than it should have been. Brool had never interacted with the Netherworld, and before he had been captured, he hadn't even heard of it. So to find himself in the middle of its sway was jarring, to say the least. The Force felt different here, though he didn't have the experience to explain exactly how. There was something underneath what he normally felt, something that made the darkness around him feel a little less empty than it looked.

Before long, however, he could feel the presence of another. A young, lost soul like himself. It was enough to draw his attention away from whatever seemed to be watching from deeper inside the tomb.

Not wanting to alarm her, Brool made his presence known by making his footfalls heavier as he approached. There had been enough surprises in his life recently without becoming one for someone else.

"What have you found so far?"

TAG: Nysa Veilwalker

​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Location: Onboard the Tyranny
Tags: Mercy Srina Talon Mia Monroe Quinn Varanin Ivalyn Yvarro Nagual Aria Talorien Astra Sadow Helix Varin Mortifer Adonis Angelis IV Arris Windrun Lysander von Ascania Will add others as they join the thread
Open for interaction until big meeting
​

After some well-deserved, and mandated by the wife, rest following the battle at Thyferra, Taeli had arrived in Sith Covenant space for the summit proposed by the Empress of the Core as part of the delegation from the Sith Order. While she would prefer to be back on Jutrand analyzing the data she had acquired from Thyferra, and preparing plans for its reconstruction, the summit was possibly equally important. She had brought with her what she had learned, and when the war council was called, she would put forth her observation to everyone when the time was right.

To be honest, she was curious what might be accomplished here tonight. She had sat through so, so many conclaves in her life when she was undercover with the Jedi, and nothing had ever been agreed upon in those meetings. Tonight, she hoped a different outcome would be possible, even if she had to share the space with... Mandalorians. The old hatred flamed up and was quickly suppressed as she saw the armored forms among the mingling crowd of Sith, officials, and warriors. Dictated by the Empress, she would be... polite to the representatives from the Mandalorian Empire. At least she could see that Ivalyn had arrived herself, so the Commonwealth also saw value in participating in the summit of their suzerain.

She would mingle, adding a word or two here or there, as she wove through the crowd.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: This
WEAPONS: Ferrum Solus | Blodmåne | Strømafbryder
SHIP: Vigfjall
TAG: Helix | Taeli Raaf | Mercy | Srina Talon | Adonis Angelis IV | Astra Sadow | Varin Mortifer | Nagual

Gerwald had spent enough years around councils to know the real work rarely began when everyone first entered the room.

It began in the moments before.

The Tyranny had gathered an unusual collection beneath one roof. Sith from different banners shared space with Mandalorians who had ample reason to distrust them, while representatives of powers that had spent years pursuing their own interests now prepared to discuss the merits of cooperation. Thyferra and Abregado-rae had given them victories to celebrate, but Gerwald had lived long enough to know that success did not make alliances easier. More often, it simply gave everyone something new to argue over.

He entered without ceremony and allowed his attention to move across the gathering.

Helix was difficult to miss.

The creature sat at the table with the sort of satisfaction that suggested he had already calculated precisely how much credit he intended to claim for recent events. Gerwald could hardly fault him for it. Whatever else might be said of Helix, his work had proven effective when it mattered, and Thyferra had offered ample evidence of what happened when that particular mind was given room to operate.

His gaze moved on.

Taeli Raaf had arrived as well.

That earned more of his attention.

The last time they had shared a battlefield, Taeli had been aboard a warship during the battle in space, facing the chaos of the engagement without knowing what awaited her beyond the next exchange of fire. Gerwald had disagreed with her more than once over how Thyferra should be handled, but disagreement had never kept him from respecting competence. She had identified the greatest threat in the battle and moved against it, then survived long enough to bring whatever she had learned here.

Judging from the way she moved through the gathering, Gerwald suspected she had brought more than opinions.

That would be worth hearing.

For now, the Dread Wolf claimed a place among the representatives of the Sith Order and allowed the room to continue filling around him. There would be time enough for strategy once everyone who intended to shape what came next had taken their seat. Until then, Gerwald was content to watch the alliances already forming in miniature through quiet conversations, lingering glances, and carefully chosen proximity.

One absence remained conspicuous.

Mercy had summoned them here, guaranteed their safety, and placed the weight of her name over the entire gathering. Yet she had not made her entrance into the council itself.

Gerwald found himself wondering how long she intended to make everyone wait.

Knowing Mercy, probably exactly as long as she believed would make the point she wanted to make.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Mercy | Aria Talorien | Cassilde Vortayn | Astra Sadow | Leontis Antalis | Open

Helix Srina Talon Adonis Angelis IV Nagual Taeli Raaf Varin Mortifer Nagual​

The Tyranny proved rather impressive up close. Given the nature of the meeting, he thought it a suitable venue for hosting their Sith brethren from beyond the Black Wall, as well as the Mandalorians. The latter remained a complicated consideration, but perhaps for the first time, some sense of optimism had begun to take root. Since the destruction of the last Death Star, their presence had become less an anomaly; at least in Sith space.

Passing through the corridor, Lysander caught both lapels between his fingers and drew them into place with a tug. Since his return, things with Mercy still felt uncertain, and that alone sufficed to sharpen his caution. One conversation could not mend the breach between them. But.. caution did not mean estrangement. Beneath it all, he was beginning to feel that he once again occupied his own skin.

Introductions drew his focus toward the cup bearer. An amiable nod accompanied his greeting. "Pleasure, Cassilde. Seems we've both been drafted into Mother's entourage." Then, to the newly appointed observer. Of course, the title alone invited examination, while mention of the Tapani Cluster and her House surely earned an extra beat of silence. Everyone with even a passing interest in galactic affairs knew what had happened there. Some understood the details; most knew only the aftermath.

A courteous incline acknowledged her. "Aria, then. Lysander." Her question earned a slight rise at one corner of his mouth. Close enough to suggest he found it amusing. "Statistically? Probably somewhere unfortunate. This month has been unusually eventful."

As Astra drew near, lips pressed together against another smile. The effort proved unsuccessful. Months of dealing with the chairwoman taught him to value one dependable ally amid a chamber teeming with political sharks; a gift not to be mistaken as ordinary among those who studied the Dark.

"Ms. Sadow."

Lysander's attention finally settled on the Chandrilan heir accompanying her, and he offered another courteous dip of his head. "I look forward to witnessing your progress. I imagine there are a hundred small details demanding your attention before anyone here takes their first proper drink."

Beyond the immediate circle, Varin drew his notice. His brother was impossible to overlook. And naturally, Darth Arcanix, whom he regarded with considerable respect, founded on more than one reason.

 

[Revna Marr]

Gear:
Ring || Lightsaber || Necklace

Tags: OPEN​

Revna almost didn’t return to Abregado-rae. The planet had been laid to waste…except for a spaceport. In the wake of the violent and bloody battle between the Sith Covenant and the Kestran-Mandalorian Iron Covenant, a town had begun to build itself up around the spaceport, right under the shadow of the great warship, Tyranny. The little Marr had heard rumors of that town, Empress' Peace, and rumors that both Sith regimes and the Mandalorian Empire were going to converge on Abregado-rae to discuss future plans at some War Council and perhaps mingle in town. She had almost included herself in the War Council, but decided she needed some time away from war planning and discussions and whatever else the powers that be decided to chat about. She had plenty of that as the co-ruler of Korriban, and she was now even more busy putting together a new Agency for the Sith Order, one that would hopefully fill the gaps that the ill-fated Tsis'Kaar had left behind.

And after being involved in the recent, violent battles and losing connection to the Force for a short time - the little Darth decided that she needed to unwind and have a drink. Or two, or several. Maybe even try some spice for the first time.

What good was life, if it wasn’t lived a little afterall?

Returning to the surface brought a myriad of emotions to Revna; she could still feel the weight of so much death, destruction, fear, anger, horror…the presence of the Nether, the spread of the Bloody Bonnet plague, even the faint ticking of cogs that had nearly driven her insane. It was a veritable feast for someone who drew from such emotions and energy to bolster their power, though she had no current need to draw upon it. Luckily, the spaceport seemed protected from that which continued to ravage the once beautiful planet, though it wasn’t spared the lawlessness that inevitably descended upon places like this, however.

In the short time between her setting her personal ship down at the port and finding a suitable cantina, she’d witnessed several crimes take place and nothing was really done about it. A mugging here, an assault there - it was mildly entertaining, especially when someone who didn’t know who or what she was decided that such a small woman would be easy pickings. Rarely did she ever reveal the true wickedness that existed within her to the outside world - but she was feeling rather reckless this particular day, and so she slammed her attacker against the wall of a nearby building with a Force grip around the throat and a dangerous smile on her face. She entertained simply frightening the poor man who found himself at her mercy, but then her Hunger stirred and another thought slithered into her mind, one she couldn't shake off.

Ever since she had unleashed it upon Abregado-rae’s surface, the Hunger had been more persistent, harder to ignore. And she knew from experience that the longer she ignored it, the harder it would be to keep under control. She walked a knife's edge of wanting to deny the Void, but knew she couldn't push it off indefinitely. And just like that, the man's fate was sealed.

Shadowy red tendrils had slipped free from her hand and had joined the Force choke, and the man’s life was drained away to bring a moment’s relief to the deep, soul-chilling Void that existed in her being. The body collapsed to dust and empty clothes, and the Sith Knight turned away to continue her search for a cantina, ignoring any stares she received from passerby's.

When she stepped inside a suitable establishment, a hush fell over those gathered. She felt eyes briefly settle upon her, size her up, or look her over. She carried forward, ignoring it all, before taking a seat at a table nearby with her back to a wall. The patrons had already returned to their conversations, their dealings, their drinks, by that time - having decided she wasn't worth too much attention.

A female bartender who appeared to have some Pantoran in her blood approached the table with a smile that was just a hair too tense and eyes a smidge too guarded. She asked what she could get started for Revna, and the little woman ordered something basic but strong to start with. When the drink was delivered, she sat back and let her ember gaze wander the establishment and its patrons, her ears sharpening as she began to pick up various discussions and gossip taking place. Such dens were gold mines for information and knowledge, and she would take advantage of that any time the opportunity presented itself.

Revna lifted the glass of amber liquid to her lips and took a sip, relishing the burn that erupted across her tongue and down her throat, and the heat that soon bloomed in the center of her chest and spread to her limbs. Idly, she wondered if she might see a cantina fight, or some other drama, to liven up her evening. There was only one thing to do, and that was to relax see what would happen next. ​

 

[Siv Kryze]

.​

​

Siv entered the gathering with his helmet sealed, his visor slowly passing over the room as he took in those gathered around him. The blue and silver of his armor marked him as Kryze, while the Nite Owl helmet kept most of his features hidden. He carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to being the one others looked to when things went wrong.

The Tyranny was an interesting choice for a meeting like this. If nothing else, it made sure everyone remembered exactly how complicated the history between Mandalore and the Sith had been.

Before moving further in, Siv glanced toward Veyla Krinn and Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr .

"Keep your heads up. Watch how they conduct themselves and what they actually offer. You're here to learn, so pay attention. If something needs discussing, we'll handle it over a private channel."

He had brought them here for a reason. Neither would get many opportunities to sit in a room like this and see how different powers handled diplomacy firsthand. Whatever came from the meeting, there was something worth learning from it.

Siv's attention returned to the gathering.

The responsibilities of Concordia's Warden had taught him to judge people by what they did rather than what they promised. That lesson seemed especially relevant here. Mandalore and the Sith had spent years as neighbors, enemies, and eventually allies. The peace had fallen apart once before, leaving scars that hadn't simply disappeared with time.

The Calamity had only reinforced that lesson. Siv wasn't going to forget what instability had cost Mandalore, nor was he going to assume that a new period of peace meant the old problems could never return.

Still, things were different now.

Mandalore had rebuilt, and there was an opportunity to start repairing what had been broken between the two sides. Siv wasn't going to reject that opportunity out of old resentment. But neither was he going to offer trust before it had been earned.

His visor eventually settled on Adonis Angelis IV

"It's not every day Mandalore gets invited onto a Sith warship without being shot at."

There was a faint hint of amusement behind the words, enough to break some of the tension without making light of the history between them.

Siv looked back toward the gathering.

He wasn't here to decide whether the Sith could be trusted before they had a chance to prove themselves. He was here to find out.

For now, that meant listening, watching, and seeing whether this time really was different.

Tag: Mercy Aria Talorien Cassilde Vortayn Astra Sadow Leontis Antalis Helix Srina Talon Adonis Angelis IV Nagual Taeli Raaf Varin Mortifer Nagual Gerwald Lechner Veyla Krinn Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr + Open (before meeting)​

 

[Arris Windrun]

Mercy Srina Talon Quinn Varanin Mia Monroe Aether Verd Ivalyn Yvarro Nagual Aria Talorien Lysander von Ascania Cassilde Vortayn Varin Mortifer Helix Adonis Angelis IV Taeli Raaf Gerwald Lechner Amelia von Sorenn Astra Sadow Leontis Antalis Zeptepi Zambrano CT-312 Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Siv Kryze Darth Reign Veyla Krinn Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr Lirka Ka Lily Rhodes Adelle Bastiel

ABOARD THE TYRANNY
With: Lily Rhodes | OPEN​

Arris was tired.

Everything after Abregado-rae... after Thyferra... after running into Kirie. After that mistake with Lily. Speaking of--

"Watch yourself in there," she addressed her apprentice.

The cyborg dragged her cigarette as the monorail reached their destination within the Tyranny. The doors opened.

"There's going to be a lot of people... And you represent the Sith Covenant now." She looked at Lily. "You represent me."

The last leg of their journey would be on foot, giving them both time to talk or think before they reached strange ears. Windrun's mind wandered to Quinn. Would Her Highness be there? They hadn't exactly crossed paths since Thyferra; they left things open-ended with emotional debt in that conversation.

Arris threw the roach to the floor and ground it to dust with her metal (bootlike) foot before they finally entered the main hall where everyone was gathered.

Her voice dropped so it might just be between them. "I'm not sure I know anyone here... You can stick with me for a bit, but then I have to attend a meeting."

Although she passed it off as an offer for Lily's sake, Arris was privately asking because she was the one who didn't want to be alone.

She caught some familiar faces. Mercy, Lysander, Cassilde. Varin. Astra. Then a few less familiar faces, though ones she's seen before, even if they haven't really talked. But mostly, she was in a room of total strangers from two nations she'd hardly familiarized herself with. She had run into Adonis too, but didn't recognize him for his armor.

Well - here goes...

 

[Anet Raine]

Robes | Mask | Lightsaber
Madrona A’Mia
​

Anet set foot back on the devastated world; the echoes of destruction felt through the Force. So many had died - and those few the Kestrans could rescue would carry the rot with them, plague-ridden or not. Abregado-rae was a beautiful budding flower; Darkness nurtured beneath closed petals, and by Sith love, it bloomed.

The half-pantoran did not hesitate to wear the mask and gorge herself on the energy.

At the foot of ruin... steps that led up to what used to be a library... the acolyte knelt before her Master.

"I have done all that was asked of me. I overthrew the governorate on Humbarine, and helped the Empress drive off the Mandalorian interlopers." She began.

"Calyx and I spent weeks infiltrating these people, learning their secrets, plucking their pathetic strings so that when the invasion came, the factories would be primed for fire."

She giggled under her breath.

"I found a Jedi... cut off, and ripe to fall... and delivered him to our fold." Brool Koon

Her head rose an inch. There was a twisted fire in those golden eyes that looked up at A'Mia.

"I am ready, Master! I am more, I will do more, I will become more!"

And there was something else in her tone. It said: And what I am not granted - I will take.

 

[Nilira Vornix]

Tag: Vestra Tane
​

A puff of smoke escaped Nilira's lips as she glared down at the stick in her hand, wrinkling her nose in disgust at the thing. Sure, the sudden rush of sensations rushing through her was a pleasant feeling but it was artificial. False. With a simple flick of her index finger, the Acolyte sent the stick hurtling off to the side. A simple sigh escaping her lips as she began to wander around the streets, running a hand through her hair as she tried to focus on the feelings around her but none of it was what she wanted. The dark oozed from all around the planet and any pleasant emotions were far and fleeting for her to latch onto.

Though that thought caused to hesitate mid-step for a moment. Her gaze flicking towards some of the locals who remained in the streets. Those who were too weak to get their own aid. Those who were like Neriah had been. They'd be looking for anyone, anyway to save themselves. To save their loved ones. A slight glimmer shined behind the usual quite dull and lightless eyes of the Acolyte as she was slowly coming up with a plan of her own.

That would have to wait however. Because as she prepared to move on, Nilira felt something...familiar in the air for a moment. A momentary expression of shock, perhaps confusion flicking over her face before a scowl wiped it all away. This shouldn't be possible. Whoever this feeling belonged to was dead. And the dead stayed dead. No matter what. Lowering her hand down to where her lightsaber dangled, the Acolyte stormed off after the sensation. There was only one person she considered worthy enough to teach her, and that person was dead. Whoever was masquerading as them would soon be able to meet them for themselves when Nilira was done. At least that's what she thought.​

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Mercy Srina Talon Quinn Varanin Aether Verd Ivalyn Yvarro Nagual Aria Talorien Lysander von Ascania Cassilde Vortayn Varin Mortifer Helix Adonis Angelis IV Taeli Raaf Gerwald Lechner Amelia von Sorenn Astra Sadow Leontis Antalis Zeptepi Zambrano CT-312 Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis Siv Kryze Darth Reign Veyla Krinn Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr Lirka Ka Adelle Bastiel

ABOARD THE TYRANNY

With Arris Windrun | OPEN​

Lily should have been in awe of the Tyranny, she should have been marvelling at the monstrous ship, but all she could think, all she could feel, was how much she wanted to be as far away from this fething planet as possible. She was chewing the inside of her cheek, fingers tapping the fabric on the inside of her pockets where she’d shoved them. She was a bundle of uncomfortable and nervous energy.

Her eyes snapped to Arris when she spoke, watching the smoke she exhaled fill the monorail. At first, she figured she was warning her to watch her back, then she continued and despite herself, Lily’s mouth curved into a smirk.

"Is that a polite way of saying "don't be a little shit"?"

She pushed off the wall, following her out of the cabin, eyes flicking to take in the corridor around them without really seeing it.

“You can relax, I know how to be a wallflower.” She’s attended enough soirees and gatherings of sith to know how to not be noticed. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing members of the Sith Order. There was a reason she had left.

Her gaze swept the room as they entered, spotting Mercy was easy, she was a head and shoulders taller than most in the room which meant her gaze naturally found her cousin at her side. He seemed back to his formal self at a glance.

Varin was another monstrosity that stood taller than the rest and Lily had to stop herself clicking her tongue and rolling her eyes. Who let that idiot in here?

Lily’s eyes moved back to Arris and she pulled her hands out of her pocket. “You brought me here to abandon me later? Gee thanks.” The sarcasm dripped from her tone before she scanned the crowd. “Allright, let me see if I can remember faces.”

She pursed her lips. “Ok, regal looking woman, dark hair moving between everyone. That’s Lady Raaf, she’s a Dark Councillor, Lady of Whispers or something…” she tiptoed peering over heads “Oh, big guy, long hair, in leather with the fur collar, that’s Lord Lechner. Dread Wolf. Probably shouldn’t take me near him though, last time I saw him I was uhh…”

Settling back on her heels, she cast Arris a sidelong glance shifting uncomfortably “...helping the Jedi.” She mumbled before spotting the red eyes of the droid Helix , one she’d not seen since Malum had used her to read everyone’s mind to see if they were lying.

“And that’s Helix.” she shrugged. “That’s it, that’s all I got for you.”