Faction The Killing Moon [SO War Council]

[Darth Empyrean]

The Mors Mon lumbered through the darkness of space, its attached fleet being tended to by flocks of alchemic ships and religious ceremonies. Their hulls were blessed, their weapons sanctified; The First Legion prepared itself for war like a man seeking penance for the violence he was about to commit. For them, however, this was not penance but duty, power, privilege. The men of the First Legion enjoyed the carnage of their crusade like a man loved his wealth.

For many, it was all they lived for.

Their Emperor, their God, Darth Empyrean moved through one of the deeper central chambers of the massive ship. He passed empty chairs before finding a seat on a throne, elevated above the mirrored black marble floor and carved table implanted with technology. In the corners of the rooms, portals spun and opened for those invited to join them - to discuss where the First Legion would soon strike.

None were permitted to know the true location of the Mors Mon, but it was built to invite those graced by the Emperor. They would arrive through these portals from their homes or planets, but each would arrive with no semblance of where the Emperor truly was in the Galaxy. In truth, it mattered little, the Mors Mon was a ship capable of pin-point teleportation; it might as well have been everywhere and nowhere at once. It was the sword that kept the Sith in line, always aware that it could arrive in a moment’s notice.

When the guests would arrive, Empyrean would speak;

“The Failed Sith’ari, Darth Solipsis , has challenged me to a kaggath. By tradition, that means my Empire will destroy his. This is the reality of our creed, and the sanctity of our practices. You, who stand here before me, have a piece to play in this war.”, Empyrean said through a voice that sounded like a stone grinding.

“My Empire has never known defeat, and it will not know it tomorrow. Today I ask for your council, your beliefs, your passions; so that we may deliver a crushing blow that reminds these upstart Imperials their power is lacking and their destiny is the same as all others - to eat dirt when they grovel before us. That is what it means to be strong.”

He waved his still mortal, physical hand;

“Speak. The Core prepares for war, and I intend to strike when they are vulnerable.”

 

[Lirka Ka]

What a wonderful business war was. It seemed to be looming its head high in these last cycles, the core had erupted in hyper violence. The Sith’s supposedly-holy worlds assailed by Imperials as well. It was a sign of the times, really. The Primordial Darkness was tightening its entropic grasp, testing those who had sought to make something of this meager reality life inhabited. Meritocracy through conflict. It put Lirka in a rather swell mood, all things considered. If one could ever call Lirka’s endlessly shifting moods “swell”.

Gears churned, tides shifted. An Emperor with eyes to the core let things fester in the Outlands. Indeed, this bout would prove…pertinent to the machinations of Lirka and her fellows. An Emperor undefeated was a powerful thing, something for the rabble to venerate. Some might even cry out that silly word “Sith’ari” - that boundless and timeless shackle of Sith existence.

So it would be. Declarations made, and with declarations came violence.

Stepping from the portal with clawed hands clasped behind her back. The Empire’s Third Imperator gave a cursory glance over the gathered assembly. A good showing, this would be. Never a dull day when the great minds of the Empire were able to gather - while Darth Empyrean may have desired the prattle of belief. Lirka oft gave it willingly, but her’s was an obnoxious heresy rattled in shadowy places. Here? There was some modicum of decorum to maintain, that of an Imperator, the speartip that cut through the unwashed masses of foul culture that lay outside the wall.

With those veneer, seizing the initiative seemed pertinent. She needed to remind the Emperor why she held the title she did after all.

“Tradition dictates a duel of Emperors, and indeed I do believe that is where the greatest success will be found. One merely needs to follow the historical trends, with the head cut off the snake such bands oft fall to disordered warlordism.”

A history of Sith and Imperials alike, an amusing through lines for groups that remained such sworn enemies depending on who stood in power at the time. Lirka’s mechanized voice kept a cool edge, the calculus of something closer to a war droid instead of a wretched monster of unnatural flesh.

 

[Darth Athora]

Zahori was like a statue standing proudly before her throne at the top of Zahorimar. She awaited the summons of her lord. Her Emperor. The Dead God. War was coming to his mighty empire. She would not allow the wretched curs to invade upon his worlds. She would bring the fury of the Eternal upon every last one if he commanded.

Then, a flicker. The portal opened before her. She stepped through and felt the overwhelming aura of the Mon Mors weighing on her almost instantly. It was like the cold grip of death. It held onto her all the way to her seat. Zahori listened as the Dead God's words shook the room. Another false prophet had called for the emperor's throne. And yet another will be left either disappointed or dead. By the scowl on Empyrean's visage, death was likely their end.

"I will tear them from the stars and skies, my lord. Their fleets will be crushed."

Darth Empyrean | Lirka Ka​

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Attire //:

Another war council. This one is set against the Galactic Empire. Quinn stepped onto the Mors Mon through her own portal, flanked by those she trusted the most. She had been summoned home as she had expected. The stirrings of the Core Emperor and his Imperials had made such a meeting inevitable. Imperials. The word itself was bitter on her tongue. In every shape and form, they had been a thorn in the Sith's side. Rebellions, betrayals, schisms — a waste of strength while the Republic and the Jedi thrived.

They had a common enemy, yet chose instead to claw at one another. Perhaps Quinn would never understand it entirely, but she did understand one truth: weakness required a boot to the throat.

She entered and listened. The announcement of the Kaggath. Empire against Empire — a spectacle, yes, but not enough. The Sith needed more. They needed to seize power, to stand where others had faltered.

This was her moment. She was no longer the quiet, invisible Princess. No longer sheltered by the laurels of her bloodline. Everything would be decided now.

"Emperor," she began, her voice steady, resolute. "My fellow Sith. As has already been said, our Empire has never known defeat. We have conquered, defended, and expanded the reach of the Sith into eternity."

Her tone sharpened, growing louder as she addressed the chamber.

"But now — with the revelation of the failed Sith'ari, a man clawing at shadows and posturing at immortality — we must strengthen ourselves. Once Solipsis falls, another pretender will rise. His zealots will not vanish; they are blinded by his failure, worshipping what he can never be."

She let her words hang before her gaze moved deliberately to Lirka and another unexpected ally.

"Instead of challenging one another. Instead of weakening our ranks. We must expand. Bring in new voices. New strength. Add more minds to the Dark Council and show the galaxy that the Empire is united under its Emperor."

Her hazel eyes scanned the gathered Sith, searching for the spark she meant to ignite. Too long had the same voices spoken, too long had power been allowed to stagnate.

"We have grown fat," Quinn declared. "We have let the mighty rest unchallenged, grown complacent on their laurels. That luxury was earned — yes. They built the Empire we stand upon. Their knowledge must not be discarded. But if we are to endure, it must be sharpened by new ambition."

She let a smile spread across her lips, carefully diplomatic, and promising.

"So I say this: to bring new ideas, to ensure our victories continue, I nominate Lirka Ka , Darth Caedes , and myself as candidates to broaden and strengthen the Dark Council."

//: Darth Empyrean //: Darth Caedes //: Lirka Ka //: Darth Athora //: Mercy //: CT-312 //: Mauve du Vain //:​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Tags: Darth Empyrean / Lirka Ka / Darth Athora / Quinn Varanin / Lina Ovmar / Open!
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The Core had been battered, and yet it seemed as though its denizens were still gluttons for punishment. The apparent "empire" which had managed to strike at the wounded Alliance and claim the heart of their territory had reared its head against the Sith Order even as it found itself surrounded by enemies. A very foolish maneuver indeed but given their leader it was only natural. The heretic Solipsis had wielded his mass of rabble, the wretched Maw, like a hammer against the Alliance and had only bent it with each blow.

Now they had torn out its heart yet they still wanted more foes to face in order to sate their bloodlust. No doubt this too would end with the coward destroying his own worlds just to deny victory to his opponents, but given that the Core Worlds would be the ones to face such a fate Darth Strosius couldn't muster any sympathy for them. If anything He was more so annoyed by the call for this meeting, by the idea that they had to take such a challenge as a serious threat at all. Let Solipsis and his dogs die in the Core as they would do all by themselves soon enough, there was no need for interference.

Yet He knew better than to not raise His voice at all in such a discussion, let alone to ignore it entirely, and so despite how much He despised doing so He walked through one of the portals nevertheless. Besides, Lady Ovmar shouldn't be left alone in the den of wolves so soon after her return. As the corpse spoke of the "Kaggath" that they were, for whatever reason, going to indulge in and the subsequent prattle of affirmation afterwards, one voice did arise to speak in addition to the words of the self-declared emperor. A voice which made Him scowl beneath His mask.

Of course Quinn was here, never one to miss out on a chance to espouse and flaunt. That she painted their returned foe as something to actually be wary of was nothing less than insulting. Perhaps she was concerned about the heretics which had flowed into the Core, but no true Sith would be. No true Sith feared a rabid beast, they simply culled it and moved on to the next. When such words proved to be a leadup to a call for unity He rolled His eyes, but then paused when she mentioned something that was actually accurate for once.

She actually addressed the complacency that the Sith Order was saddled with, of course not without pandering to them as one might expect, but it was rather surprising from one such as her. A rather bold move for one such as Quinn it had to be said. He could almost respect it. Almost. A notion that went right out the window when she mentioned the candidates she wished to put forward for the Dark Council additions, a taste of bile briefly rising in the back of His throat before He cleared it and stepped from the crowd fresh out of the portals.

"For once, you almost spoke some sense Lady Varanin." Darth Strosius crossed His arms behind His back, masked gaze affixed to the target of His coming response. "You are quite right that the powers-that-be have delved into decadence and faltered into complacency, in dire need of replacement or renewal to be sure. Yet I find two of your proposed candidates to be quite lacking in any meaningful change from what we already have in place." He stepped forward gradually, precisely, as His gaze briefly traveled to the unmistakable form of the Third Imperator.

"It is enough of a disgrace that a Kainate hound was allowed leadership of one of our Legions, let us not stain the Dark Council as well with her ilk. If anything I say we let Lirka Ka prove herself worthy of her position by leading the assault against the Core, then nothing of value will die first." Darth Strosius then snapped His attention back to Quinn without pause. "And as for you? Don't make me laugh. What do you intend to do in the face of our foes? Debate them? Seek audiences with them? We need leaders, not politicians." He spat the word as though it was a curse before turned to face the wide assembled Sith, and the corpse that presided over them.

"Although Lady Varanin's judgement is questionable, her proposal can be salvaged. I put forth myself, Darth Strosius, as a candidate for an expanded Dark Council." He pressed a gauntleted hand against His chest, His voice steady and broad. "I am aware that I have had my controversies of course, but what I believe we can all agree upon regarding my character is that I have no love for heretics. Pretenders would would claim the title Sith and wear it as though they are comparable to us in any way."

There was no attempt to hide the passionate disgust that underlaid His words as He spoke of their foes, if anything it seemed intentional. "Under my guidance we will not only thwart and defeat Solipsis and his hoard, we will take this chance to strike at the heart of the Core while it is weakened. The hold that this self-aggrandized 'empire' has over their territory is decidedly fickle and chaotic. The people of the Core are desperate for saviors from the tyranny of their oppressors, failed by the Alliance and spited by Solipsis. And that is where we shall make our mark."

He then gestured towards the ceiling of the mighty Mors Mon above them. "Whilst our forces push back the maddened rabble, we will encourage these pitiful populations with a new backbone and promises of revenge on those that have wronged them. We can turn the Core against Solipsis, ignite a fire which will burn down all that he has built by attacking the Alliance and in doing so weaken the Alliance itself in kind. And all without having to expend our Legions to carve a path first."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

​

The Dark Lord of the Kainate watched from amidst the shadows, His presence muted from the voidshards inlaid into His voluminous robes. Normally, the Dark Lord would be unable to mask His presence from others due to the enormity of the power He wielded in His flesh, but thanks to the ingenuity of Darth Prazutis He was all but invisible to the senses of others. In truth, there were very few in this chamber who might be able to sense past the warping power of the voidstones.

Darth Empyrean among them, perched upon his infernal throne.

He watched with cold, calculating eyes as several individuals made their voices heard among the assembled throng. Chief among them were the Princess Quinn Varanin and the errant puritanical prophet Darth Strosius. That the latter's voice had risen only in contest to that of the Princess' was no surprise. The boy yet held some sliver of promise, but his over-eagerness to set himself at odds with his contemporaries never failed to overshadow anything else he might embody.

"There are few in this Empire who retain the right to cast scorn upon the judgment of another, Lord Strosius. Your relation to that vaunted circle is separated by an endless gulf." The Dark Lord made Himself known, appearing as if from the shadows themselves to stand, not sit, amidst the council that had gathered to heed the Emperor's summons. His withering gaze fell upon the Prophet of the Wonosa, like searchlights beaming down upon a bare and helpless creature.

"A heretic who despises heretics is a curious thing, is it not? More curiously, is one who manages not to die in a duel to the death. Perhaps such fortune would smile upon you against in the vanguard against Solipsis, hallowed Prophet. The Imperator of the Third Legion has proven their worth to our Empire, a feat you sorely lack." He looked then from Strosius to Quinn Varanin, His gaze far less harsh in it's intensity. "In my estimation, we should heed the words of the Princess. Let the fidelity of those named speak for themselves, for have they not stood stalwart in defense of our Empire many times over?"

Truthfully, the Dark Lord of the Kainate cared little for the machinations of the Dark Council. He was so far set above and beyond the Empire's ordering, an order He helped orchestrate, that very little could restrain His actions domestically and abroad. That He paid lip service to them was only for political theater, an act of concession to maintain the delicate detente between Himself and Empyrean; bound by their shared loyalty to Srina Talon , though in their own ways.

"This war erupting out from the Core Worlds is a war of wills. Solipsis' will set against that of the Alliance, and of our Empire now. The power of will is the only strength that animates the flow of history. Either our will eclipses all others, or it shall be eclipsed in turn."

Darth Empyrean | Quinn Varanin | Darth Strosius
Lirka Ka | Darth Athora ​

 

[Helix]

Tags: Lirka Ka Darth Strosius Darth Empyrean Darth Athora Darth Carnifex Quinn Varanin​

"My counsel is a simple one, highness. Kill them all. Leave no man, woman, or child still breathing, and no stone standing upon another. Eradication, not defeat." Came the gravelly, perhaps unwanted reply of Helix. The creature had slithered forth from whatever pit he had been inhabiting at the time, crossing the portal's threshold with an unpleasant squelching noise. He looked as though he'd been bathing in an abattoir, which, in all likelihood, was exactly the case.

Blood dotted the floor as he moved, fresh from an unguessable source. Small metallic tendrils licked from Helix's surface as he walked, quickly cleaning up this trail and siphoning the gore from his surface. It was far less about concern for the Mons' nice clean floors, and far more about not letting anything go to waste.

His counsel was perhaps a predictable one. It was he who fought and slew on the blood-soaked earth for the Empire. Hardly so much as a fistfight had happened where he had not been involved, not since he had wriggled his way into their midst.

For the Third Legion or on his own, he had more than proven his worth, at least in his own eyes, and he hadn't done it by showing mercy. He, and those under him, promised only horror to those they came across.

"Apologies for my state of being. I was occupied when I received the call." He fell into step next to Lirka, as befitting his position.

"In any case, such retaliation was probably going to happen anyway, but it is the only logical response to a challenge." He folded his hands amiably in front of him. "Anything less encourages more of the same." Helix was a blunt instrument, a barely-controllable monster, and was used to simply cowing others with force or terror. If those failed, one simply wasn't being forceful or terrifying enough. Even Sith could be sent howling in panic back to their holdings, if one was only possessed of sufficient inventiveness. For all his many other failings, the War Marshal of the Third wasn't short on inventiveness.

"Should my superiors wish it, I would of course be more than pleased to help prosecute whatever punitive measures are decided upon. My record and reputation speak for themselves. The only question is the ability, and surely these upstarts couldn't halt such an effort, should one occur." Of course not. To suggest otherwise, or to admit otherwise, was something no one in this room would do. Helix knew them too well, as an ethos if not as individuals.

Helix paid no heed to the early squabbling between the rest. He'd been dragged from his fun to give his counsel, and so he gave it. He was here in a professional capacity, rather than a personal one, and professionally speaking, he'd rather kill the lot and be done with it. The sooner he could crawl back into the nightmare-decks of his flagship to plan for what was to come, the better.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Strosius //: Darth Empyrean //:

She didn't speak yet, allowing another to go first. Darth Carnifex , Kaine Zambrano, had been in her life for as long as she could remember — her mother's confidant, a man she trusted. Her eyes flitted across the chamber, searching for Lord Prazutis; she wanted him to see what he had helped awaken.

The Princess nodded and smiled at the voices supporting her.

Quinn languidly turned toward the man who spoke against her. He was predictable: always nipping at the heels of his betters, riding the coattails of established Council members. Her eyes rolled at his mewling.

"To be called a heretic," she said with dry amusement, "is the height of irony coming from you."

"How dare you — make me laugh," she scoffed. "What have you achieved, Lord Strosius?" A short, cutting laugh escaped her. She'd known him since their youth; he'd been unremarkable then and worse now.

"You kidnapped children to play villain and try to rival my Master, with your lackluster creations. You can't even die properly in a kaggath." Her words landed with the sharpened contempt of long acquaintance. "Even now, you crawl and mewl like an orphaned calf begging for attention. Know your place, Strosius. It is not here — not until you can lead anything beyond your own two feet."

She allowed a smirk and turned away; he no longer merited her time. Despite their shared past, there was no affection between them. Pity, she thought, for the girl who still called him Master.

Helix , who stood beside Lirka, spoke next. Quinn listened. He was clever, and his points reinforced why Lirka Ka kept him close. Small confirmations that strengthened Quinn's faith in the former Sephi.

"Since I placed my name forward, I have been building an alliance with the Black Sun. That alliance will bolster our economy, fund the war effort, and ensure stability behind the Blackwall," she said, a slight smirk at the corner of her mouth.

"I am also negotiating with the Underlord to secure Isotope-5 — fuel for our ships, power for our weapons. That resource will help ensure victory against the false Emperor in the Core."

She considered revealing more — the Mandalorian angle — but held it. Alisteri's criticism of her diplomacy had its point: she had chosen a different path from the old ways. Perhaps that made her a heretic in some eyes, but the galaxy had changed. Alliances were now part of the game.

She rolled her shoulders, exhaled, and continued, "I have proven myself in combat — on Woostri, on Brosi, and in other conflicts with the Alliance." Her eyes flicked to the Emperor.

"I will be Empress. Survive this war in the Core, Emperor — and once it is finished, I challenge you to a kaggath for your throne."

---

//: Mercy //: Mauve du Vain //: CT-312 //: Darth Athora //:​

 

[Elane II of Kuat]

​

Sith-Imperial Tag Channel: Quinn Varanin Darth Empyrean Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex Helix

Elane expressed her disdain by rolling her single eye at the summons to the Mors Mon for yet another War Council, as if the last meeting regarding the Imperial Invasion of the Holy Worlds had been a definitive success. Still the High Treasurer was concerned that the Galactic Empire would collapse the entire economic system if this mysterious weapon of theirs was unleashed.

She shifted in her chair slightly, leaning on the wooden cane for support as the Emperor Darth Empyrean spoke about the false Emperor in the Core and his kaggath challenge as if it was not a significant affair. Kaggaths always resulted in negative outcomes for the Sith Order; however, as long as her salary continued to arrive, this was not a priority for the SIBC.

It appeared that Quinn Varanin aimed to expand the council by including additional members like Lirka Ka , Darth Caedes , and herself, lords of the Sith who seemed more interested in perusing Zeltron magazines than helping the Empire run smoothly.

Her gaze drifted towards Helix , then to Darth Carnifex , returning to Darth Strosius , and ultimately resting on Quinn Varanin once again. Each of them spoke in rapid succession, yet the content of their words was as useful as a stuffed terentatak employed to eliminate Jedi.

"It is truly remarkable that the Eleventh Sith Empire has survived this long with such visionary leadership..." She expressed herself with a degree of respect; however, her patience for foolishness had diminished to a level where even her respect was beginning to feel disrespectful.

"Though if we are done posturing in front of our Emperor, I see no reason to expand the Dark Council simply because we need fresh perspectives. We can add a hundred new members to this Council but it will matter little if they still have the same old, tired ideas. Furthermore, regarding the candidates you have chosen, Princess...what exactly would they be rewarded for? Merely fulfilling their expected duties? That hardly constitutes a valid reason for us to open the palace doors and celebrate" Elane stated firmly, wishing to avoid setting a precedent that merely performing one's job as expected would lead to advancement within the Order, placing one in a position second only to the Emperor. If promoting mediocrity was acceptable, she believed it would only lead to future complications.

"And frankly, the only ideas I have heard so far are: 'Let's kill everyone' or 'Let's just change who sits on the council.' and while I'm certain the Princess believes her dealings with the Black Sun and the Underlord will bear fruit, their contributions will not be enough to seriously increase our GDP per capita in the long term. Instead, they will only expand existing black market activity within Sith Space, making it more difficult for the SIBC to utilize these resources in the grand scheme of things. I remind you that a war with the Galactic Empire is a costly endeavor, dealing with the Black Sun is a costly endeavor. A kaggath is a costly endeavor. We need someone who understands the larger picture, not someone who will bleed credits for symbolic proclamations."

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Darth Caedes | Elmindra Xitaar
Darth Strosius | Quinn Varanin | Darth Carnifex | Lirka Ka | Darth Empyrean
Helix | Elane II of Kuat​

More personal endeavors and business had captured and dominated A'Mia's time of late. Opening a business, overseeing the regrowth of Brosi, and working on a handful of more personal clinical studies had kept her rather busy— not to mention her general duties to both Kor'ethyr and as Lord Seer of Korriban.

However, duty of a higher order had called and the neti answered. She'd arrived meticulously on time, through one of the many portals, seated herself in a middling place, and now listened with a kind of serene stillness. Taking in the words of the Emperor and her fellow Sith, A'Mia compiled their various thoughts and assertions in orderly fashion— committing to memory not only that which was said, but the flow of tone, body language, and apparent ties between those gathered.

Her eidetic memory was useful for moments such as these, where incessant note taking might be ill regarded by those gathered, but still allowed her the opportunity to review all she heard and saw at a later time. Some aspects of social nuance were still lost to her, but A'Mia found that she was able to hone in on certain observations lost to others because of her unique perspective.

The neti remained impassive as others spoke. Even as Darth Strosius made some decidedly acerbic remarks and was summarily executed via spoken word by not only Darth Carnifex, which was to be expected, but also by the blonde he’d offended.

A'Mia had noted some growth in the Prophet since his death and return, incremental changes that felt promising as one who wished to capitalize on Wonosa's strengths and diversify the Council of Vardin's power base. However, today did not appear to be the day Alisteri chose to focus on stepping outside of his comfort zone. If she respirated like other organisms, she might have sighed.

Her opportunity to speak seemed to present itself after a rather sour, stern looking human said her piece. A'Mia stood to indicate her intention to speak. Twin pools of blue-green observation swept across those gathered and spared a glance for the throne, her head inclining in the slightest bow— more like a nod of acknowledgment to the one that gathered them this day.

"I'm unfortunately unacquainted with two of the three individuals named by the Princess, I can however speak directly to the character of Darth Caedes. I have personally witnessed the way Korriban has flourished under his authority, and know him to be a man that leads with the big picture in mind. I do not think you could find a more level headed nor insightful Sith to add to the ranks of the Dark Council. That is not to say he lacks passion— rather, that he is one whose strengths are well tempered by wisdom. King Caedes has shown immense aptitude for making shrewd choices, even under immense pressure or when faced with otherwise 'impossible' choices."

The woman turned to address Elane directly.

"You will forgive my rebuttal, I hope. But it seems self evident that as our Order grows, leaders must rise— figure-heads who represent the various factions within our society must be acknowledged and encouraged to bring forth their ideas. Stagnation weakens us to our foes, monoculture makes us susceptible to destruction from within."

A'Mia paused, knowing her ideas were dangerously close to heretical considering current company, but her truth felt self evident and mirrored throughout the natural world. So she pressed on, eyes flickering to the Butcher King where he loomed.

"I too feel we should heed the words of the Princess. Expanding the Council is rational. As to the discussion of resource and economic viability, we stray a bit from my direct expertise. However, my efforts on Brosi have yielded very promising early results. In time, that planet will indeed be a hefty jewel upon the proverbial crown of this Empire."

She chose not to divulge some of her own dealings with the Black Sun, nor to delve deeper into the topic of Brosi. Let people wonder. Curiosity had a way of driving up demand. A'Mia also decided it prudent to withhold comment about any kaggath, which frankly landed so outside her sphere of influence or interest that she'd rather not feed into the topic whatsoever. The woman turned back to address the room at large again.

"The role I intend to serve in the coming conflict is to shore up our borders. The Blackwall is formidable indeed, but I feel as if my particular skillset might be put to use in strengthening the fabric of that defense where we neighbor this so-called Galactic Empire. My particular Sight combined with that powerful working… Well, I believe it would be an opportunity for sorcery that has yet been unexplored. Unless I hear suitable reason for me to be elsewhere or objection to that plan, when we bring war upon our enemies once more I'll be ensuring that our defenses remain ironclad."

A'Mia paused just for a beat, her eyes searching the room at large for any indication what others might think on the matter, before she turned to retake her seat. Having said her piece, she awaited answer and new dialogue.

 

[Srina Talon]

Tag: @Darth Caedes | Elmindra Xitaar | Darth Strosius | Quinn Varanin | Darth Carnifex | Lirka Ka | Darth Empyrean | Helix | Elane II of Kuat | Gerwald Lechner | Taeli Raaf | Darth Malum of House Marr Madrona A’Mia
Location: Mors Mon
____________________________________________________

Some part of her had wondered if this Galactic Empire might have been changed from its predecessors, but every point of evidence pointed to the contrary. The portal she walked through was linked to an unknown vessel that mattered little. The pale-skinned Empress was never far from Darth Empyrean in terms of consciousness, so with that in mind, he was easy for her to pinpoint, to know where and when he was. It was as simple as turning over her hand.

There he was.

She stepped into view to the right of Empyrean as if she had always been there, not to admire the curving war table, nor to flatter the Emperor—But to take inventory. The wintry woman was clad in black, but there were obvious runes sewn into her clothing that shimmered when the shadows around her moved. Long white hair was bound half-up and half-down, braided, but her expression was empty as it always was—a porcelain doll rather than a human being, unfeeling, and unemotional.

This was war—Not the day to ask the Corpse King for candy and favor.

“Where are our three Dark Councilors now?”

Her voice cut through the room as if winter had blown through, the very opposite of the heat that was slowly being generated, but opinions flying free. Each more venomous or ambitious than the last. “This meeting was not arranged on a whim. The Holy Worlds have been silent and free from Imperial aggression while they successfully rebuild what was lost. There is no excuse for absence.”

The only reason she would accept some of the most important individuals NOT being present while they discussed the future of the Order would be some sort of calamity taking place that superseded this one. If there was some sort of emergency, it would need to be named. Otherwise…She was not pleased with those who might think neglecting their duty was the best course of action. Nothing else mattered for perhaps an hour of their time. If Madrona A’Mia could make it and she’d been overseeing the regrowth of Brosi…What did that say? “…We will not pretend that shouting and tossing around insults makes any one of you better suited to lead than the other. If a Dark Council seat is to be granted, let it be done so with merit earned in the coming engagement. Let the Sith Order itself choose their next Dark Councilor by what they accomplish in the field—Not by who bays the loudest.”

All those who wished to hold the seat would likely loathe her for interrupting; however, they were all focused on the wrong thing. Srina knew that this was a land that dealt with nobility and kings, but it made sense to turn the decision over to those who would be serving alongside and beneath the newest Dark Councilor. It required both the mindset of a politician and a warrior while remaining above both of those plebian definitions all at the same time. Their people would serve well, given the opportunity, especially if new power was supported and allowed to flourish.

The nearly ethereal woman sighed softly and raised a hand to brush errant strands of ivory hair behind her ear. Quinn challenging Empyrean to a kaggath was not entirely unexpected, but she hadn’t thought it would be here. Not after her husband had just announced the consequences of the kaggath that the Galactic Empire had just issued…It was folly, that they were doing the work of the enemy for them.

Again.

But…It was not up to her, and thus did not address it. If Empyrean wished it to take place, it would be the way of things. Every person who had or would put themselves forward for Dark Councilor had something that contributed to the Order. They all had strengths, failings. What would be telling for the sake of the future would be the potential observed while they dealt with this new crisis.

Surely, one would rise above the rest.

“Regardless of how the Dark Councilor is ultimately chosen…I seek a plan to deal with the enemy, not lobbying. We will not be the rabble that flails at the Core while the Empire shapes a trap…We should prepare to either strike where they are weakest or fortify and defend what we already hold. Where are we most vulnerable?”

The Legions should move now, not wait until the eleventh hour while vital positions across the galaxy fall into enemy hands. Srina had heard plenty of violent rhetoric toward the GE, but too few concrete orders a soldier could follow. Lirka Ka urged a direct, spear-point strike in the form of “cut the head off the snake”—but did not say where to begin. Darth Athora pledged that the enemy would be torn from the skies, and Quinn Varanin argued for strengthening the Council and leveraging diplomacy and resources. Darth Strosius wanted to exploit the Core’s unrest—convert hearts and authorities rather than simply slaughter them. War Marshal Helix was blunt and brutal, calling for total eradication. Elane II of Kuat pressed for a fiscally sustainable campaign instead of symbolic gestures, and Darth Carnifex ultimately sided with a more strategic approach.

In truth—There was something for everyone. Strategy would be required…That ran from not bankrupting the Order to placing their strongest where the nation might get hit hardest. The Hordemother followed up with some insights, and Srina waited for her to finish before saying anything further. It came as no surprise that she would support Darth Caedes , and the Echani couldn’t find any fault in it. Her words were true. But just like the rest of the candidates…

They all had an appetite for more.

She knew her daughter wanted it; otherwise, she’d not have brought it up. Darth Strosius had already lost everything once…This seat was redemption. So many names. So many accomplishments. So many deserving, but a ship didn't run well when everyone was a captain. There would always be some who followed and some who led.

“I have secured additional forces since Brosi…They will fight hard and are as strong as…Iron.”

Oh…The irony.

Her ties to other nations were not something she exploited lightly, but it never hurt to be prepared. Those that she held on retainer needn’t be friendly, merely loyal, and she had ensured that through the only means they understood. It ensured that they had extra boots on the ground AND that this particular group wouldn’t be encouraged to move against them.

“We merely need a point to begin.”

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

Tag: Srina Talon | Darth Empyrean | Darth Carnifex | Quinn Varanin | Darth Strosius | Lirka Ka | Madrona A’Mia | Darth Caedes | Darth Athora | Helix​

The holoprojector flickered to life in the midst of the war council, casting Gerwald Lechner's towering figure into the chamber. Though not physically present, the imposing aura of the Dread Wolf was palpable. He inclined his head slightly, a measured acknowledgment of the assembled Sith.

When he spoke, there was no mistaking the intent behind his words. His tone was clipped, deliberate, stripped of the excess that so often clouded councils. This was not an appearance meant for rhetoric, nor for playing to the ambitions of others. It was an intrusion.

"We are here for war."

The projection leaned forward slightly, the edges of its form flickering as the chamber's light caught the wolfish angles of his face.

"The enemy gathers strength even as we speak, and if we fail to meet them with precision, the consequences will be measured in lives and worlds."

He let the words hang long enough to cut through the noise. Then, with the same weight he gave every order, he set his decision before them.

Gerwald paused a fraction longer, as if about to answer a point already made in the chamber. Srina Talon argued that merit should be earned in the field and that the Order should let results, not rhetoric, decide who sits at the table. Gerwald did not dismiss the argument. He acknowledged it as practical and useful, but not uncontested.

"Merit on the battlefield is the desirable test," the projection said without naming Srina again, but inclining his head toward her.

"The Second Legion will post itself where the fighting is thickest and where the need is greatest. That is where you will find us. We will anchor the line, drive the enemy back, and carve our way through until the field is ours."

The hologram straightened, expression unflinching. His voice grew quieter, but not softer. If anything, the calm edge carried more weight than volume.

"If further information is required of the Second Legion, you do not need to wait for me to provide it. Naedira Darcrath will speak for me. Her voice and wishes are mine. Her word is final. If clarity is needed, she will give it. If decisions must be made, she will make them. Treat her words as you would treat my own."

The image flickered once more, light catching across the armor at his shoulders before dimming again. He had said what was needed, no more, no less. There were no declarations of loyalty, no appeals to unity, no wasted attempts to shape what others might think of him. The Dread Wolf had never needed those things. He was direct, decisive, and wholly unflinching.

The projection began to dissolve, fragmenting into shards of light that vanished into the chamber's gloom. His words lingered in the silence that followed, cutting through the noise of politics and ambition with the same clarity as steel drawn across stone.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Darth Empyrean Darth Carnifex Quinn Varanin Darth Strosius Lirka Ka Helix Elane II of Kuat Darth Athora Madrona A’Mia
​

From above the throne reserved for Darth Arcanix, itself positioned beneath those of the Emperor and Empress, a single dark-feathered raven with amethyst eyes watched the beginnings of the war council. If it weren't for the occasional ruffle of its feathers, one could almost mistake it for a statue as it observed and listened to what was said and who said it. The zeal of Lirka Ka and Lady Athora were spoken first, one holding that it seemed only appropriate that it would be a struggle of Emperor against Emperor in the declared Kaggath, and the other prepared to burn worlds. While technically correct that the simplest implementation of a Kaggath was a one-on-one duel, they could encompass so much more. In the ancient traditions, it was power base against power base, and in this case, that would mean Empire versus Empire. A pity really, but then it was not surprising to the raven that Core Emperor would act in such a way.

The Princess, the Apprentice, spoke of reforming the Dark Council, expanding it with new proposed members. Of the three she suggested, the raven agreed with two of the choices. Darth Caedes held immense influence within the Holy Worlds, and in the raven's mind, it would only be natural for the Necromancer to be elevated in recognition. In kind, the elevation of the Princess would show a continued reverance for those that came before and would allow her to enforce her diplomatic efforts with further weight. For when a Dark Councilor spoke, in the absence of the Emperor, their word was a law upon itself. The third offered name, she disagreed with though. Imperator they may be, they were not Sith, not truly.

And then an addendum was made with Strosius. The raven gave a soft caw as he spoke, putting forward himself to be named as a Dark Councilor. His words, charged in the anger and hate that was never far from his heart, mind, or soul, only continued to confirm to the raven that he was not ready for such a position. He spoke of heresy and pretenders, and yet he would deem many within this chamber to be both as well. The old resentments from the fall of the Tenth still burned in his heart, and no Kaggath against a brother would quench it. He spoke of glorious revolution, to arm the masses within the territory of the Core Empire in an attempt to overthrow their new masters. It was an idea, but one that would need careful cultivation and intelligence before such an operation could even begin to take root. He had spent much time in the Outer Rim, but not much within the Core. The motivations of one did not match the other.

If the raven could smile, it would at the words of her longest ally. The Butcher King spoke wisely, and there was little love lost between the Dark Lord of the Kainate and the Prophet of Wonosa. The droid Helix proposed such a simple solution to merely kill all of their enemies, offering his services in accomplishing this task. Then Quinn lobbied back against Strosius, referencing his actions against her with derision. While she maintained the situation settled, she knew he did not, nor did she view him within any better light. The Prophet had earned her everlasting... attention. Quinn spoke of her efforts with the Black Sun and her efforts to secure isotope-5, declaring that she would be Empress herself eventually and promised her own challenge when the war concluded.

She admired her apprentice's ambitions, but she did not believe the time was right for her. Not yet, but she was growing stronger and more influential with each passing year. The time would come soon enough when she would truly be a force unto herself... but not yet.

The banker spoke of finances, her voice dripping with derision cloaked with a veneer of respect. Elane understood things in terms of the credits needed for each endeavor, of the costs that would be incurred, and as any executive would desire, she wanted a true plan that would make a return upon investment and then some. The raven could understand that position. The Neti Lord Seer spoke next, offering further support for Darth Caedes and placing herself among those that would reinforce and shore up the domestic front. As someone not particularly of the warrior path, the raven itself would likely also assume a more supportive role for the coming campaign.

Then the Empress spoke, querying where the three current Dark Councilors were. On cue, even as the Empress spoke, the raven would swoop down into her seat, wings and feathers shifting into the dark-cloaked form of the Lady of Secrets. The ring on her finger would glow softly as the spell of the talisman ended, Taeli settling into a contemplative post as she leaned on one arm of her chair. She could not speak for Malum, but she was present as the Empress demanded. She wanted a plan as well, to know where they were weakest and where the enemy might be struck.

"Our border with the Alliance will likely be their point of egress," she muttered softly, although her words would carry in the room. "With their forces scattered with their recent losses against him, Solipsis and his forces could launch an assault through that territory without any resistance from the Alliance. Where exactly, I leave to the Tsis'Karr and... other assets to determine."

Her gaze would shift to the droid commander and the Imperator of the Third, her tone contemplative.

"There are several avenues we could take as a point to begin, either offensively or defensively," she said. "Defensively, reinforcing the northern border with the Alliance, even placing advance stealth units within the bordering Alliance territory as an early warning would assist with blunting an assault from those that claim us as rivals. A trap could be set within the worlds of the Maw, utilizing the Akkadese Maelstrom to our advantage. For offense, I propose a two-pronged solution. A traditional campaign with our legions against their worlds, led of course by Lord Lechner and the other more martial commanders, along a similar assault through the fractured Alliance territory into the southern portions of the Core. Byss and Epoch would be primary targets for a beginning stage of this campaign as they each hold some level of importance to Solipsis himself. The second would be to raid their backlines. If our maps are accurate, the Core Empire has three main zones that fuel their war machine; the region of space around Coruscant and across the Bormea Sector as a financial and scientific base, the region around Kuat and the worlds of the Neimodians as a provider of finances, starships, and other war materials, and the Deep Core. I would propose that Helix and those with a proclivity for raiding and espionage undertake those operations."

Her gaze would then fully shift to Quinn, to Strosius. Her words would be carried to Caedes too once he arrived himself.

"While I myself would have no issue with supporting your ascension to the Dark Council, Quinn, or enthroning Darth Caedes among our ranks, that choice lies with the Emperor or the Assembly. However, as valuable and powerful a warrior the Imperator is, she is not Sith and a formal induction into our Order would be required. And Darth Strosius... there are a litany of subjects that would need to be addressed before I would entertain even the thought of supporting."

She would lean forward.

"You may prove the contrary in this campaign, however."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Dark Lord of the Kainate listened in quiet contemplation as the voices of others rose in concert after His declaration, absorbing every word that was spoken with the patience accumulated over many, many years. But, even as they all spoke and bandied words with one another, His gaze never met any of them. His imperious sight was pivoted in only one direction, focused entirely on a single individual who above so many had long since earned His respect, admiration, and, perhaps even, affection.

The Empress, Srina Talon.

The Silver Dragon.

His eyes drank in her appearance, the platinum veil of her hair and the luminous halos of her eyes. More important, His gaze dipped towards her clavicle. Resting against it was a jeweled bauble suspended by a sturdy chain, innocuous in appearance and dismissable as mere trinket. Such was by design, for the truth was far greater. It was His phylactery, the vehicle through which His spirit reincarnated on the mortal plane, and by which He was made immortal.

She wore it openly and without fear, for there were so few who knew of it's true purpose and fewer still who would strike against the Empress even if they did. He looked back to the Empress' face, and their eyes locked, a spark of electricity jolting in the air as they did. The shared look was only held for a moment, a fleeting breath, and then it was gone. The Dark Lord looked to Taeli Raaf, His longest ally and nodded sagely at her words. They'd already discussed some strategy before the council had been called, a discussion worth returning to once it had ended.

"The martial, industrial, and logistical might of the Kainate shall be brought to bear. My Immortal Legions are armed and hungry, my war fleets primed, and forges of the Malsheem prepared to replenish all fronts in perpetuity. Where the mighty Mors Mon and the indomitable forces of the Empire strike, the Malsheem shall follow to rejuvenate any loss and strengthen any holding gained. We need not fear any amount of casualty in this or any other war, for an endless armament I lay before you. Weapons, vehicles, ships, soldiers. All can be produced endlessly by my command, and so they shall be in this war against heretics, usurpers, and the faithless hordes."

Darth Empyrean | Srina Talon | Taeli Raaf
Gerwald Lechner | Quinn Varanin | Darth Strosius
Lirka Ka | Helix | Elane II of Kuat
Darth Athora | Madrona A’Mia ​

 

[Lirka Ka]

TAGS: Quinn Varanin Helix Darth Carnifex Srina Talon Taeli Raaf Darth Athora Elane II of Kuat Gerwald Lechner Darth Empyrean Madrona A’Mia Darth Strosius

Never long could such power stay dormant when condensed so tightly. It bubbled, steamed, erupted. The Sith walked to the path of a new age - war was the herald of change, was that not what the Empire Darth Empyrean worked so hard to build was all about after all? Endless war, the struggle that sees the meek die and the strong rise. For all it was, Lirka was not unfond of the Eternalists - it was merely a shame they were unable to see beyond to the Darkness beyond Darkness as she had. Now, her Primordial Oppressor had pitted Sith against each other once more, as it was all so fond of perpetuating. Darkness cannibalized darkness; it was merely the way of things. Yet - it was impossible for a leech like Lirka Ka to not see the grand opportunity laid before her as passions began to erupt in the chamber.

Declarations of support, the cries of fleets that would pound the interlopers to dust. Yet, in the end, the rising star of the Empire shined brightly today. Slit lenses fell upon Quinn Varanin with a quaint emotionlessness that hid the humor that lay beneath Lirka's marred helm. She was an impressive variable, of the many gears that shifted and churned: Lirka understood well that it was the young Varanin who would rise to prominence first before the festering conspiracy on Anoat would bear fruit. Certainly, Lirka could relish in the work she had done in securing her spot in the Princess's graces when she had the name of Ka beckoned forth in her decree for a council swelled. Bold. Respectable. Foolish, perhaps. Yet it was the fool who was brave enough to bring about true change.

Yet for a time, silence. She did not deem it right to speak the praises of the girl when she had staked her claim to the throne so soon. The calculus shifted greatly now...things to ponder, the hand of Ka needed to know where to place itself in what was surely to be quite the bloodbath. Was the princess even capable of winning such a brawl? Lirka was not sure. Yet, she was a creature most beloved. And that was a power in that.

Strategy churned forward. The welcome warblings of Helix reminded Lirka why she kept the mechanoid close - his was a scorched existence, a wanton massacre that in due time the Once-Sephi was certain she would bribe into being unleashed upon her foes in this very room. Though Lirka's list of enemies was always a thing that grew longer and longer with each passing day.

She could not fault Darth Strosius for his scorn - it had not been long ago when the Once-Sephi had shown her lot put behind Darth Nefaron in the twos' scrap. Certainly, she would have put just as much wrath upon such a cretin. Of course....the difference between them was vast. A bloodsucking boy who styled himself prophet, and the warrior-priestess who knew she was right: merely waiting for the rest of them to see as she had seen. A nuisance compared to a disease.

Amusing. This was likely to be more dangerous than the core.

She wanted to bite, to thrash. Rage against that which would oppose her and see the boy-prophet crushed beneath her boot, but today was not the place. There were too many witnesses to whichever of her great-many-shanks would end up buried in some fleshy bit of his being. They could kill each other on the battlefield; it was a far more suitable murder. The time for silence abided.

"The wisdoms of the Empire gathered, an impressive sight. Indeed, even the Wonosan that nips at my heels and rues my existence."

A measured calmness as emotion bubbled within her foul being. A swirl of feeling - such a great swelling of energy was an almost maddening thing to the foulblood of her form. The brand upon her head, hidden beneath black plate, squirmed and writhed in the presence of Darth Carnifex - perhaps, she could feel the wrathful jealousy that yet still she had not earned his eyes. Though it was certainly a fair thing to gaze upon the Empress and her power - they old news, the lot of them. Transience was strength. Too long had the laurels of the founders rested. She stayed focused still, for a time.

"For the Imperator has spoken true as well, we are gathered here for a war of Empires and faith alike. Ours is an Empire swelled mighty, and with the First and Second rising to the spearhead. It is the Third that shall stand ready to meet the war of culture - for such is our charge, let the hymns bleed their ears as they hear the words of our Eternalist Church."

Lirka began to pace some now, emotion was swelling. Energies needed to be maintained as long as they could while strategy could still be discussed before the fervor of theology within her would take the forefront.

"War is a thing of great cost; it is undeniable. Change is not cheap, so shall in the wake of this all my efforts be redoubled to claim all that was lost to us beyond the wall. A galaxy of wealth untapped within the Wilds that belongs so rightfully in the hands of Sith kind, and the illustrious gem of Firefist that lingers closer than ever before. Indeed, the Councilor's placements are wise. I would trust no so much as my War Marshal Helix to unleash a raid so mighty upon the Core and its profits, if it costs we fear. We must do as Sith have always been charged to do: take."

To speak so calmly, and sing the praises so highly of the gathered certainly left Lirka an animated thing as she paced. She was thinking - poor Helix would understand it well. She was gearing up for another tirade of some form or fashion. Some things simply could not be left unsaid - one was enough, but two decrying voices against all she had walked? Well, the ever-loud Lirka Ka certainly had something to say.

"Aníra umë. Lirka Ka will have to disappoint the Empress - for I must bay."

For a great many decades had Lirka Ka suffered the anguish of the outsider, she who walked in the shadow of Dark Lords. Drinking in what they could gift upon her - merely another Imperial, another monster in the menagerie. Her claim was a brazen one, but if the Princess were to be bold today - it seemed only right to follow suit.

"The councilor leverages me as an outsider, the Wonosan jabs me as a hound openly: a heretical pretender silently. Yet is it not Lirka Ka who has walked the path? Lirka Ka who has stood alongside the Sith for decades? Is it not Lirka Ka, with the blood of the Butcher King writhing in her veins? Is it not Lirka Ka, who has read the texts, who has delved the knowledge of our kind? From the tome-towers of holy Rhand to the catacombs of Korriban? Is it not Lirka Ka who embodies our Codex Eternal? Who has risen through struggle, who has battled our war unending! Look into the void of my being and know this - I am free. The force's enslaving grasp holds no veil over mine vision."

Thump, thump, thump. A metal fist pounded upon her chest as she prowled - some barbarism of a warrior cultist roused to faith. Of the beast who would declare herself Darth.

"Make me Councilor, scorn the princess's proposals. It matters not - but Lirka Ka stands before you Sith! Nae athae amán norui! The wizened one speaks that I would to be inducted."

Arms spread wide now, in grand theatrics, did the Imperator all but present herself to the gathered mass in both challenge and question. A distraction, perhaps.

"Before me I see Emperors present, past, and future. Visionaries and dark lords - so tell me, would you deny she who stands before you? Who has imposed my darkness upon the Living Force with blade in hand? Or does stand before you now a Sith, a true Sith of faith and steel unmatched! Who with Legion at her back, and the Darkness as my witness, shall see the weakness of our foes washed away in the storm of true Sithood!"

Let them hear here now. She would not be denied what she had fought so hard to claim - Lirka Ka would be Sith. if not this war, then the next, and the next. Till she would stand upon a pile of bodies that towered to the stars themselves.

 

[Jhyrack]

JHYRACK

The minotaur stood stood toward the back of the war council chamber, arms folded over his chest. The mirrored marble floor reflected torchlight and distant portals opening. Voices drifted in like smoke, heeding the call of the emperor. He observed the gathered Sith: proud, dangerous, sharpened for war. This was what he wanted to see.

When Darth Empyrean spoke of destroying the Imperials, Jhyrack’s lips tightened into a wide, slow grin. His yellow eyes glinted. He did not need to join the speeches. The promise in the words was enough.

He took a single step forward, boots heavy on stone. The rumble in the room matched the tremor in his heart. A war was coming. He had promised his people war.

He said nothing. The grin said more than words ever could. He was singularly focused on the chance of war. He didn't care for their political games.

His focus was almost singular. Jhyrack slightly hoped that Gerra was here. The other huge red-headed brawler. He looked worth fighting. In Maldrani culture, not picking a fight with someone that looked worth a scrap was considered rude.

But war was more important.

The Maldrani were not unique in being large and fearsome warriors. What was unique was their environment. They lived in a nightmare world of mountains and monsters. They had evolved from prey. They were a hard people and he had promised a crusade across the stars into the soft underbelly on humanity.

 

[Lina Ovmar]

While ambitions and insults were tossed around the room, Lina hid in the shadows, her fingers working the darkness with slow, careful movements. With so many strong in the force present and so much predictable posturing, her work would go unnoticed. The Varanin heir drew her attention, her words not too dissimilar to Stosius’s beliefs, though she imagined their reasons were miles apart. The disdain that he responded with however made her smile and give a small shake of her head as the shadows at her fingers took shape.

He still could not help himself. Quinn would make a valuable ally, even if temporarily. Then a voice she despised spoke up, jarring her, for she had not sensed him. Emerald eyes snapped to the leader of the Kainites as he stepped forward from the shadows; she could not help the hiss that escaped her, the sound lost in the darkness. How hypocritical of him to comment on Strosius’ survival when he himself could not seem to stay dead.

His presence lit a pit of burning hatred within her chest, spurring her on. This was just one step of many, a small thread of a greater web; she would not be derailed by him. Elongated limbs coiled about her leg, as the creature finally took form, dim yellow eyes looking up at her, its mind connecting with hers, waiting for her command.

Stay hidden and keep watch. You will remain here to be my eyes and ears.

A slow blink was its only response before it melted away, disappearing into the shadows from which it had been summoned. Her work complete, she finally stepped into the light, offering Strosius the barest nod of her head and a small knowing smile before giving the meeting and the words spoken her full attention. Quinn’s bold declaration of her desire for the throne left her frowning. All well and good to kill Empyrean and claim his throne, but you still needed a nation to support you, and from the responses that followed, that support was…lacking.

The appearance of the Empress seemed to calm the bickering before it reached its true potential, bringing them back on track with their true purpose here. How best to deal with the coming battle? Where is best to strike first? Or so she hoped. It would seem Lirka Ka still had her piece to speak. While she lay her own phallus out to be measured among the others, Lina scanned the room, spotting the massive form of Jhyrack, his grin wide, his itch and eagerness for the fight ahead evident on his face.

Finally, she stepped forward. “While the displays of ambition are…admirable, and I don’t entirely disagree with the ideas that the Princess has put forward, the time for such changes is not now. Now we should be united, behind the scenes and on the battlefield, lest our enemy take advantage of our seemingly endless infighting.”

Her gaze flicked momentarily to Strosius before sweeping the room once more. “I have some, shall we say, untested forces that I believe would be suitable for raids throughout the Bormea sector. I have a facility on Kuat that can easily be converted to a forward operating base for such attacks I would gladly open up to Helix if he is to lead this assault."

Darth Empyrean Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex Quinn Varanin Helix Srina Talon Taeli Raaf Darth Athora Elane II of Kuat Gerwald Lechner Madrona A’Mia

 

[Darth Nefaron]

TAGS: Darth Empyrean Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex Quinn Varanin Srina Talon Taeli Raaf Darth Athora Elane II of Kuat Gerwald Lechner Madrona A’Mia Helix Lirka Ka Jhyrack
THEME: Enter the Serpent
​

The Corpse Lord had been silent since he arrived aboard the Mors Mon, watching silently from the shadows as the mightiest beings in the Empire debated the challenge from the pretender in the Deep Core as well as the direction of the Sith going forward. As ever, Empyrean sat above the muck and the rabble, the broken god managing the chaos. Already, there was contention, from the expansion of the Dark Council to an open challenge against the Emperor. This gathering was yet another chance for the Sith to bicker and squabble over ancient titles and honored traditions that Nefaron would do away with if given the chance. Alone he sat, away from his newfound allies, away from his newest rival in Darth Strosius, and most definitely away from any of the major factions that made up the Empire. Let him be a peacemaker, let him play the soothsayer when in reality he could not be more overjoyed by the rot that had set in within the Empire. Once Solipsis was dealt with, he could continue with his true plan.

"Indeed, unity should be the goal of this gathering. It is time to consider, as our vaunted Princess has suggested, that we have indeed grown content with our holdings. It is time for a change, but let us resist the urge to dive full force into civil war."

Nefaron spoke as he rose, hands folded behind his back. It had been some time since he addressed such a vast collection of allies and rivals, but his ego remained ever strong.

"Solipsis lost the ability to call a Kaggath the moment he fled to the Core, taking the false title of Sith'ari. It is only the weakness of the Galactic Alliance that has seen him gain such power, but there is little doubt in my mind that he will be crushed underfoot. Let our Legions march, lockstep and with united purpose. Once more, I must agree with Princess Varanin in that the Dark Council should be expanded to contain fresh blood. I wholeheartedly support the accession of her chosen candidates, though I must caution them to remain united in these dark times."

With this act, the alliance formed on Anoat was solidified. Lirka Ka, Warmarshal Helix, and Darth Nefaron would go toward the future as a united front. Ka's position on the Dark Council would ensure Anoat's continued safety while Nefaron sought favor with a potential Empress, though that remained to be seen.

"I must also caution against the accession of Darth Strosius. My dearest friend has great ambition, but I believe we are calling for fresh blood and not one who has been laid low for all the Empire to see. We do not need more Kaggaths in our future and as unfortunate as it is for me to say, Lord Strosiis will be unable to resist the temptation."

Nefaron could barely hide his glee. Anoat and the Order of the Wonosa were in an undeclared war, and he so enjoyed this verbal thrashing of his rival. Still, he spoke truth, Darth Strosius had been soundly defeated in a Kaggath, and despite Terror Lord's belief that the contest was little more than a playground game, he would use that loss for his own benefit.

"Our newest Imperator does provide a point of contention for us to discuss. She wishes to be raised to the status of a true Dark Lord, and despite what many of you may believe, I see little reason for us not to at least let her prove herself. Let Lirka Ka loose upon our foe, let her bring us victory, and in return, we shall bestow the title of Darth upon her. If she fails, then she will take her place amongst all those who have fallen on the path to power."

To openly call for a non-force user to become a Dark Lord openly was insanity. Nefaron opened the door for Ka; it was up to her to earn the title once more by bringing glory to the Third Legion.

There was but one final thing that needed addressing, arguably the most important topic in Nefaron's mind.

"But we must ask ourselves how we came to be in this position. The galaxy mocks us; they turn to false Dark Lords or rally to the Jedi's side, believing in a chance for hope for the galaxy. I say this openly, and despite what you might believe, it is true."

The Corpse Lord spread his arms wide, motioning to the entire chamber.

"We have become hypocritical. We believe ourselves to be enlightened rulers over insolent children. We have forgotten what it means to be Sith!"

Nefaron did not waver, even as cloaked lords mocked and raged against his claim.

"We are the damned. We serve darkness for our own sake. Greed, lust, wrath, these are our tools, and we use them gladly, but suddenly we decide ourselves better? Enlightened? We must remind this galaxy who its rightful masters are, we must snuff out this spark of hope that we have allowed to fester for far too long."

Now for the coup de grâce.

"I propose that every single world ruled by Stolipsis be scoured. Its people are reduced to slavery for their support of the false Sith'ari. Now I know some of you shudder at the idea, but be calm, I am not suggesting we reintroduce it wholesale, but simply to the conquered worlds. Let us remind this galaxy that they should fear us."

There it was. The opening salvo in Nefaron's scheme.

The Revenge of the Sith. Revenge on the entire galaxy.​

 

[Elane II of Kuat]

​

Sith-Imperial Tag Channel: Quinn Varanin Darth Empyrean Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex Helix

Elane's retrieved a death stick from her belt and ignite it with a simple motion, her solitary eye already scanning the room until an unwelcome chill enveloped it. The Empress Srina Talon arrived not with grandeur but with the keen intellect of a strategist who had experienced her share of battles and was acknowledged as the only individual possessing the same authority as the Emperor, not subordinate to him but rather equals, as far as she could discern.

Her questions cut to the heart of the matter bypassing the posturing entirely. Where are they? A valid question. Let the Order choose based on merit. A sensible, if dangerously democratic, proposal. Elane gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod in the Empress's direction. Here, at least, was a mind that understood priorities.

The Neti, Madrona A’Mia spoke of level-headedness and big pictures, a sentiment Elane could theoretically agree with, yet her proposal was to reinforce a border. It was not a plan for economic victory, merely for economic survival. A necessary evil, perhaps, but not a strategy to win a war.

The Dread Wolf's hologram was a blunt instrument. War. The Second Legion will be where the fighting is thickest. It was a statement of fact, not a request for opinion. Military efficacy was good for business, but only if it was cost-effective. Blank checks to the military were how empires went bankrupt.

Taeli Raaf materializing from her avian form, finally provided something resembling a strategic breakdown. Border vulnerabilities, offensive and defensive proposals, target analysis. Elane's fingers, resting on the head of her cane, twitched slightly, as if inputting the variables into a mental spreadsheet. Raiding the Core's financial and industrial bases… now that had potential for a positive return on investment.

Darth Carnifex promise of endless armaments was met with a internal sigh. Endless meant a perpetual drain on the treasury to fuel his foundries for although the Malsheem was practically a nation in of itself it still needed resources from outside its sphere of influence and that was where the SIBC concern's would be when the corporations and trading guilds came knocking at the door demanding payment for unreasonable work orders.

Then came the theatrics. Lirka Ka grand, pounding declaration of her own Sithhood was so much auditory pollution. Elane's patience, already thin, focused into a laser point of pure, undiluted contempt.

"With respect, The only thing that performance proved," Elane stated, her words cutting off any lingering echo of Ka's fervor, "is that you have confused the basic requirements of your station for a demonstration of exceptional merit. You speak of walking the path, of reading texts, of battling in our wars. Imperator, you have just described the minimum qualifications for your job."

She shifted her weight, her cane tapping once on the floor like a judge's gavel.

"You are a Legion Commander. Leading your troops, studying warfare, and fighting the Empire's enemies are not extraordinary achievements; they are the baseline functions of the title you already hold. We do not promote accountants for knowing how to count, nor do we elevate soldiers for knowing how to fire a blaster. We promote them for innovation. For efficiency. For generating value far beyond their assigned duties."

She dismissed Lirka with a slight turn of her head, as if closing a file on a underwhelming quarterly report, and her focus swept to Darth Nefaron His call for unity was immediately undercut by his own gleeful stirring of the pot and his monstrous proposal of mass enslavement.

"A fascinating proposal, Lord Nefaron. Have you calculated the initial investment required for such a vast logistical undertaking? The cost of transport, containment, security, and sustenance for billions of unwilling assets? The catastrophic disruption to the local economies we would need to integrate and tax? The permanent, galvanizing hatred it would breed, ensuring a forever war that would drain our treasury for generations? Slavery is not a profit-making enterprise; it is a moral failing that also happens to be a spectacularly inefficient economic model. It is the resort of those who cannot conceive of a more intelligent way to leverage conquered resources."

Finally, she turned her attention back to the heart of the matter, her focus settling on the Emperor and the Empress.

"The Empress is correct. This should be settled by merit. But merit must be measured. Not in corpses piled, but in credits earned, resources secured, and systems captured from the Core Empire. Let the would-be Councilors lead the raids Lady Raaf has proposed. Let them target the shipyards of Kuat, the financial hubs of the Bormea Sector. Let them bring back not just trophies, but market shares. Not just captives, but industrial data. The one who secures the greatest tangible, economic advantage for the Eleventh Sith Empire will have proven their value. They will have paid for their promotion."

 

[Helix]

Tags: Darth Nefaron Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex Darth Empyrean Quinn Varanin Srina Talon Taeli Raaf Darth Athora Elane II of Kuat Gerwald Lechner Madrona A’Mia Lirka Ka Jhyrack @anyone else I missed here
​

"As ever, Lord Nefaron stands as a beacon of clarity and wisdom in these uncertain times." Simpered Helix, without the remotest trace of sarcasm. The creature was amusing himself by scraping two bladed fingers together, making a high-pitched stridulation that drifted through the chamber. As before, he elected to ignore Nefaron's antagonism toward Strosius. It was an ugly problem that could be solved later.

"Would that we had a hundred more like him. There would be no enemies of the empire remaining, and thus, no need for these discussions at all." The colony let out a quiet laugh, or a sound that perhaps was in imitation of one. "Alas, we'll have to make do with the one."

Helix's mechanical tittering was much drowned own now by the rising tone of "debate" in the chamber. Much of this increased volume was Lirka's fault, of course.

When the Emperor inevitably spoke up to tell them that their ideas weren't worth the air they moved through, he might well laugh again. Humor was one of the many pleasures he had only recently evolved enough to appreciate, but he found this spectacle intensely humorous.

Of course, dear Lirka offered a path forward. Dear Lirka innovated, mad as she was. Most likely, her barbaric boastings would be slapped down as the ravings of a lunatic. Maybe they were, but they were also part of the character of things to come.

The colony flinched a bit as she proclaimed herself Sith amidst the assembled upper-crust of the empire. His surface rippled with agitation. To do so here, on the Mons, risked ruining their carefully-laid groundwork. He found himself looking for small places he could scuttle into to escape.

Then he paid more attention to the direction the conversation was turning. Lirka, Darth Athora, and Councillor Raaf had given him a vote of confidence. A rare treat these days. He had clawed his way up rapidly from a third-rate sellsword auxiliary to a proper officer, and with that status occasionally came work. He didn't exactly thrive on attention, but it was nice to hear himself acknowledged for once. As ever, Helix was easily distracted whenever his towering ego was tickled.

The colony sighed, causing a ripple across his semi-liquid surface. "Your faith in me is flattering, and I will do my best not to disappoint it. I was, of course, going to fill my holds with their treasure no matter the outcome today, but it never hurts to have a little proper state backing for once. I was worried I'd have to do it all by myself." Screech, screech, screech went his clawed fingers, beginning to form a sort of crude melody. "In any case, I don't believe they're prepared for the likes of me. No one ever is."