Tradition Demands It

[Vilaz Munin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WranhsWm32s​

It was part of their culture; their heritage; their philosophy; their tradition; and their life of what and who they are.

Mandalore Ra had done his duty of uniting the Clans and led them all on a short, yet glorious Crusade that made the name "Mandalorian" send chills and fear into the hearts and souls of many in the Galaxy. Ra had, once again like other Sole Rulers in the past, made the Mandalorians a proud, united people.

But it was time for a new leader as there were rumors of Ra missing or being slain in battle from the Battle of Castameer against the Rogue Sith. Many had mourn for the loss of this Mand'alor, but there was little time for that. There had to be a new weapon and protector for the Mandalorians. Never again would they continue life with no leader; never again would they allow the Alor'e Council to have total control and decide the fate and future of Mandalore and her strong warriors; never again would they not follow the sixth and last tenet of the Resol'nare; never again would they allow apathy and pacifism seep their veins and make them something much more deformed than the New Mandalorians; never again would they disgrace and dishonor Mandalore. Evident it was for all of them that they desperately needed someone to lead and protect them, and not fall under the curse that they were once under before Ra came and freed Mandalore and her children so that they could be what they truly are: Mandalorian.

But who would rise and challenge for the honorable title of Mand'alor and bear the lives and future of the Mandalorians?

The Alors, the Cuir Rekrs, and the Warmaster was called to the grand table at Manda'yaim by Vilaz and he had made sure that the summoning was urgent and distressed.

The Munin was sitting at his seat of the council in his armor and his face unveiled from his helmet, patiently waiting for the others to attend.

Spoiler

Courtesy of [member="Draco Vereen"] for the music

 

[Keira Priest]

When the call had come Keira couldn't quite say she hadn't been tempted to ignore it, because a part of her had wished to push it aside. Not because she was uncaring for the future of her people, and not even due to the one that had made the request for the gathering. No, she had wanted to push all thoughts of the meeting aside because she was tired. After fighting for a myriad of causes for twelve years and aligning herself with the Mandalorians for two or three of those, the fighting got old. More and more the notion of retirement seemed more favorable, but even as she edged closer to such a thing more reasons cropped up that prevented her from pursuing it, and this was another one of those.

It was something she had known was inevitable. Even with the general isolation the two sects of vode experienced from each other, all of them were aware that their Mand'alor had disappeared. Whether dead or simply missing in action, it wasn't their way to simply wait and see if he would reappear. A new Sole Ruler would have to be chosen, and there was only one way for that to be dictated: combat. Only the strongest were suited to rule over the Mandalorian people in any respect, and that hadn't changed even with their stagnation of late. If a new leader was to be chosen, they would need to prove themselves capable first. That was the way it had been, and the way it always would be. It was tradition.

Unlike when Ra took the title, this time things would be done properly. There would be an honor duel, a drawing of the beskad, and blood would no doubt be shed. Not out of ire or ill will, but rather necessity. None of them would fall today, but a victor had to be chosen. And somehow, she already knew who would challenge. Vilaz would of course, and she wouldn't have expected anything less. Even if he hadn't called the meeting, the two of them had interacted enough for her to know full well that his overbearing pride in his people wouldn't allow him to stand aside and give another the opportunity to claim the title of Mand'alor as their own. Like her, he always had to be on the front lines.

It was for those same reasons she set foot on her cultural homeworld for the very first time, clad in full armor, helmet tucked under one arm. There was no time for exploration or simple tourism. As with most things she was here for a purpose, and so set out for the designated meeting chambers, booted feet crossing the threshold and taking in the scene before her. Thus far there was only one other individual present, and she couldn't help the dryly amused laugh that escaped her along with a shake of the head. Here and now marked the third time they had crossed paths, and also the least violent of those occasions. Perhaps they weren't exactly friendly, but there was no need for a blade or blaster to be drawn this time.

Wordlessly she seated herself at the table, not so close so as to presume a position of power, but near enough that proper conversation might be held. Her helmet was placed on the tabletop before her, dark eyes looking to the other Mandalorian in the room, an awkward silence persisting for a few moments. A wry smile broke across her features, the greeting extended nontraditional but not unexpected by either party, "Munin, you di'kutla shebs."

[member="Vilaz Munin"]

 

[Kenrath]

Things were abuzz among the Mandalorians. A Big meeting had been called it seems. Big enough that everyone was invited. The reason for this meeting. Apparently a rumor was going around that Mand'alor was missing. Some said he never came back from the Omega crisis. Cole had only met him once..............the speech only minutes before they assaulted the Citadel on their way up to the Omega.

Cole had no idea what a missing Mand'alor meant or the impact it had but it could be good. Cole made his way to where he had heard the meeting was taking place. However Cole hung back. Sure he had fought with them, fought for them, and even became one of them. However his little group was in it's infancy and held no voice in the eyes of the Clans. It suited Cole just fine..............he was a soldier..............and one in no hurry to effective policy.

So far he didn't recognize anyone but he was sure that would change as time passed.

[member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[Krenis Skirata]

The Mand'alor had disappeared, according to the words on the street. Vanished in the assault on the citadel on Castameer. He hadn't been there for that assault. He had stormed the Omega ship itself, fighting his way clear to the bridge and defending one of the First Order operatives as he hacked the computer. Now he strode forward to the meeting room, arm still splinted and bound, with bandages wrapping their way around his torso.

It had been a brutal battle, but he had survived, and they had won. His foot-steps echoed through the threshold as he entered and took a seat. A few others were there. He recognized them more by reputation than name.

Well, except for the woman. He knew her and had stared down the barrel of her armies before. His breath hissed over his teeth, partially from the pain in his torso and partially from rage. She had led the rebel clones during the Selectivist uprising, leading them once again in a rebellion against the Republic. That was something that could be forgiven, but never forgotten.

He never forgot those who would use clones for their own advantage at the cost of their own lives. But that was not why they were here, and as Mando'ade, they were family. He closed his mouth once more and settled back against the chair. The grand table stretched before him as others began to filter in. Krenis kept quiet for the most part, other than to name himself.

"Su cuy'gar," he added, voice low, "Krenis Skirata."

He would wait and see what discussion would occur before adding anything else to the discussion.

 

[Preliat Mantis]

The chair was tall, and the man who occupied it was mighty, albeit absent in many ways. He was a man of action once, now he was an older, more cautious man. His eyes drifted over to [member="Vilaz Munin"], eyes full of hate and malice for all things. He tapped his crushgaunt adorned fingers on the table, before stopping abruptly in the silence following [member="Keira Ticon"]'s words.

And his broke it with a low, gravelly tone that carried weight.

"I find it hard to believe that you're even allowed a seat here."He said to Keira, drifting to her helmet on the table. His eyes said it all of how he felt towards her. And it wasn't good.

He turned his head back to Vilaz.

"I grow worrisome of the sole ruler's selection for a successor. Prove me wrong, Vilaz. Otherwise, I will remove your head from your shoulders and take your place."

 

[Briika Munin]

Popping off her sliver-colored buy'ce, Briika smoothed over her plaited back golden hair before entering the Alor Council chambers where the Cuir Rekr [member="Vilaz Munin"] was waiting for Mando'ade to join him to discuss the issue of a new Mand'alor.

With the rumored demise of Mand'alor [member="Ra Vizsla"] during the Omega event, it was time to move forward to keep the clans strong and active on the galactic stage. Even though the One Sith and Galactic Republic had been defeated, there were still factions out there that posed a threat. The Akaan was well aware of that and was the main reason he had called this meeting. The Munin also had a vision for his fellow kinsmen, and didn't want the Mandalorian Clans to fall into the same situation as had befalled the faction before Ra's crusades.

As the Tor walked into the chamber, the seasoned baar'ur gave a respectful nod to those already in the room, trying to keep a smirk off her face in response to hearing [member="Keira Ticon"]'s quip and [member="Preliat Mantis"]' threat; it was good to see the Wolf back and in good form.

The Alor'ad of Clan Munin gave Vilaz's armored shoulder plate an encouraging pat of confidence as she passed by, then took a seat behind her significant other in the outer ring that surrounded the main table; settling into a comfortable position while placing a hand on the small swell of her lower abdomen.

Yes, there would be much rejoicing in the spring as a new Munin would grace the galaxy, Manda willing.

[member="Krenis Skirata"] [member="Cole Dagos"]

 

[Cathul Thuku]

"I'll never understand Jedi: one day you were a healer and today you are a fleeter" a Clan Lok attendee commented while Cathul arrived.

"All too many Jedi in history fell prey to this game of musical chairs with their functions, and, unfortunately, not even Jedi in Mandalorian service are immune to it. Same goes for Sith, too"

Cathul came to Mandalore for the Alor'utai, using Instinctive Astrogation Control once again from Hakassi, after a hectic space battle against the Warlords of the Core. On the way to Mandalore, she changed ships on Coruscant, leaving the ANS Hero of Coruscant on its namesake planet for repairs, on inactive duty while she attends to other duties. By now she was more of an Alliance observer in Mando-land, than she was an actual Mandalorian; even though she was, nominally, Clan Lok's alor'ad, because of her ties to the Alliance, she is about to relinquish the much-maligned title of Radar of Mandalore as well as the position of governor of Azure. Yet one [member="Draco Vereen"] once saw fit to recommend her to be bestowed the title of Radar of Mandalore. But an alor'utai was not a proper venue to discuss the future of Mandalorian banking and how IGR fitted in this, despite having two locations in Mando space: Azure and Gala, that much she knew. Ever since the name of [member="Vilaz Munin"] came up, among the list of potential candidates to replace [member="Ra Vizsla"] as Mand'alor, the two million residents of Azure were getting more and more unhappy with Cathul. Once Cathul was brought before the Alor'e Council:

"I stand before you today, as the observer of the Galactic Alliance in these proceedings called the alor'utai. I am addressing the Alor'e Council for two reasons: it pains me to say it, but the population of Azure is growing dissatisfied during the latest stages of my tenure as governor of Azure. I hereby resign from this position. Also, even though one of the Cuir Rekrs once described my skill in Force-sense and Force-sight as exceptional, I realize by now that he meant it in jest. For this reason I am officially relinquishing the title of Radar of Mandalore as well. There's no denying that my own skill in Force-sense has still been useful in catching the assassins off-guard on Gala, and my other usages of the Force back then helped prevent blood from being spilled, however"

[member="Marcus Lok"]

 

[Arumi Zy]

[member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Cathul Thuku"] [member="Briika Tor"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Krenis Skirata"] [member="Preliat Mantis"]

" We have no need of an outside observer, or one whos loyalty is not totally with the Mandalore [member="Cathul Thuku"] , nor does the Alliance have a stake in this ' Arumi barked as he entered into the room. He looked around at the bevy of mando'ade before him and most of them wore their armor. Which was a smart thing, for well over a thousand years he had lived amongst his vod and had seen this very drama unfold a hundred times. On man occasions there was a casual shanking or two and a few blood feuds between clans. That was just the way it was, the mando'ade were passionate people with ancient memories. A mando'ade knew of slights against them from thousands of years ago.

He nodded at [member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] the only two that were in the room that he even cared about, two he would consider worthy enough to kill for and if need be die for. Of course they along with any other claimant to the mantle would have to earn it in blood, theirs or others. That was something that had to be earned with all others challengers dead or on their knees in defeat. there was nothing dishonorable about losing to someone who was superior to you and there was nothing dishonorable about knowing your own limits. He popped a squat in one of the chairs, his bald dome barely rising to the top of the chairs back. " Well, lets get to it then shall we ori'vod, been through enough of these to know how it will end. And please do spare us the long winded speeches about legacy and plight and all that jazz. No one likes a blow hard or a lecture, stay to the point and be direct. I say we get some of you to beat each other to death , who ever is left standing is the Mandalore and buys the Netra'gal!" he said as he clapped his hands together and rubbed them rapidly together.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

Feet up on the table, Alec sipped something clear through a helmet straw.

"Gentlemen, ladies, all Clan Rekali needs to know right now is this: who's got a plan to accomplish something, and who's willing to stay the course?"

Sip.

"Ra won by right, but we committed to him because he had a good goal and he stuck with it."

Sip.

"That's all."

 

[Kenrath]

Cole watched as [member="Cathul Thuku"] strolled right on past him and started making speeches about the Galactic Alliance and positions and who knows what else having nothing to do with the absence of Mand'alor Ra Vizsla. Cole shook his head before putting his hand over his face like WTH. It was not until another arriving just in time to here the speech but Cole's own thoughts to voice that Cole did anything.

Walking slowly forward the helmet of the WESTAR Rogue armor tucked under one arm he walked right up to Cathul turning slightly to face her the back of one shoulder to the Council members present. He half whispered to her.

"Really.............you chose now to bring this up.............at a time when there are more important issues to discuss." "And at the request of the Alliance who has no more purpose here than the Silvers told us we did in their affairs." "You heard the man........what invitation you may have had to this event it seems just got revoked." "Do yourself a favor, go home, tell the Alliance Mand'alor will speak to them when he or she feels is appropriate and not a moment sooner."

Cole paused looking at her.

"Next time you get the bright idea to address the Council you may want to set up an appointment specific to your individual purpose first or wait for them to open the floor for new business." "Now come on I will walk you out."

Cole motioned with his head back out the way she came.


[member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Krenis Skirata"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Briika Tor"] [member="Arumi Zy"] [member="Alec Rekali"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

Stardust would be attending in grays absence, least she could do for her husband and alor

And so she did, dressed in her armor helmet under her arm as she strolled in, she was bit late, but as the saying goes your never late, everyone is early

When she walked in to passed [member="Cole Dagos"] and [member="Cathul Thuku"], she couldn't hear what was said, but whatever it was he wasn't happy, she didn't quite care for cathul, not after her last experience, however she had better interaction with Cole

So now she sat down and looked around at the people here

[member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Arumi Zy"] [member="Briika Tor"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Krenis Skirata"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Vilaz Munin"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

[member="Cathul Thuku"] got a mean glare from Preliat.


"Get out."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco sat calmly at his chair throughout the opening of the Alor Council meeting in silence. His voice on the council was merely customary at this point and as the Foreign Ambassador for the Mandalorian Clans it was his duty to meet with and treat with foreign bodies. It was also his duty to relay the Clans desires, the Councils decisions, and the Mand'alors edicts to their allies, which were slim these days. They had always been slim pickings for good allies that didn't stab them in the back when it was convenient for them. When the Twi'lek spoke, Draco almost spit out what he was drinking in shock.

"Cathul, this isn't for resignations. This is a meeting is of the Alor Council and for Mandalorian observers to listen. Observers as you may not know DO NOT SPEAK UNLESS BEING SPOKEN TO!" The Dragon's voice roared as he shouted, his voice rising to a thunderous condemnation. "To stand and speak out of turn is an insult to everyone in attendance. Furthermore, you say you stand here and represent a foreign nation. It is good you resign, after that statement about representing the Alliance, I would have stripped you of that title. You cannot rule our planets and our people as an Aruetii. As Shukalar, the Galactic Alliance has NO voice in our internal affairs, how dare they stand and speak as though they did. No aruetii does. You have no voice here, and if I hear it in these halls again, you and I will fight."

Draco stood up and drew his sword, pointing it at the witch. "Out, now Aruetii. The Alor'utai is a sacred tradition handed down to us by our Mand'alor. It is not for outsiders to make themselves heard." The Dragon of Mandalore waved his blade at her, gesturing towards the door. "Tell your new masters in the Alliance I would speak with them about this insult to our honor and pride at a later date. Leave your buy'ce behind." Leave your Face, your Identity behind. That's what it meant. With Cole and Preliat already voicing their opinions her options were limited. It was time for her to go silently and without a word.

"Back to the matter at hand. Ra brought us back from the brink, left us with a dozen major changes that allows us to continue now that he is gone, and left a stamp on the galaxy by leading us to destroy and help destroy two of the oldest, strongest governments in the galaxy. Now all we need is someone else at the helm, and it ain't gonna be this family man."

[member="Cathul Thuku"] [member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Briika Tor"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Krenis Skirata"]

 

[Julius Sedaire]

Bickering. Squabbling. It was all things seemed to reduce to when the Council was called to a meeting. It never seemed to matter as to the how or why or what of the proceedings. Ijaat had hung back on the fringe, letting others like the little wolf [member="Preliat Mantis"] yip and whine. Eventually they would be wound down, and as Cathul was disposed of, he stepped forward and cleared his throat. The master work beskar'gam he had crafted and taken to wearing recently had been discarded, for a very pointed message. Some might doubt his intent and mission given his recent gifts being bestowed on him by [member="Ajira Cardei"], though he didn't know her by name. Some might scoff at him for using the Force. But he was no idiot to claim a Jedi philosophy as a mando'ad.

Trakar'gam and a tra'kad and everything from head to toe was made from void steel. And a similar made nutrient frame for a ysalimari was on his back as well. All around him was a dead zone in the Force. The only thing different was a set of crushgauntlets on his hand, plain with no adornment. Of course they would be of worked and microionised beskar. The Force would not aid him if it were to come to a fight. Not in the slightest bit. f it did, and he suspected it would, become a martial contest none could bicker and whine over avdantages he had others could not. The metal itself was fresh from the forge, hammer-marks just barely polished to a dull sheen. Right arm prosthetic was laid bare, the terentatek ivory and phrik clicking as he flicked aside a crimson cloak and drew he sword upon stepping to the table. And, as always, his missing left eye was covered with a patch of worn leather.

Disregarding the chair Clan Mereel would have been afforded, he stepped up to the edge of the table and smiled thinly to his brothers and sisters. This was with a pointed look at it, and then fixing each of the seated attendants. With a clangor and clatter, he threw the tra'kad onto the table, watching it slide into the center of the table almost. The action was rather brisk and with almost a hint of irritation to it, as was the next one. Reaching up, his crushgauntlets rattled as he took the right one off and let it drop with a heave, next to the sword, and again fixed each attendant with a pointed stare as he let his helmet come to rest with the visor out, the jaig eyes challenging and screaming in their fixed form.

"Talk is cheap, and words are wind. Actions stand at the end of the day. I can tell you what I would do, like so many others. I can yip empty threats and rest on past laurels like some. Or I can tell you all you should be ashamed sitting about and debating and letting our lands crumble back into disarray. I stand before you ready to lead. And I say our first priorities must be the First Order, for their treachery. Then the Silver Jedi for their slights on our envoys, and the Galactic Alliance, for their transgressions on this meeting. They are just waking up to the reality that we are rightly to be feared. Let us show them how right that conclusion is. Follow me, and if I fail, I will gladly bare my neck to the pup Preliat for my head to be taken in disgrace..."

 

[Cathul Thuku]

Without saying a word, Cathul left the assembly hall, knowing that it was in the best interests of all parties involved for her to leave without saying anything. Nevertheless, she answered to the Alor Council while she was in office, and it was the final straw for her in Mando-land. But she keeps calm by any means she could. At least they accepted my resignation... may Marcus do a better job for Clan Lok than I, if he attends the alor'utai at all. May as well swear the oaths of the Jedi in full now that I am an aruetii to Mandalorian eyes... she thought, while escorted out of the premises. But she wasn't affiliated with the Alliance for that long for stuff other than her business. Everything about her loss of status among Mandalorians began with her business, IGR: Clan Lok still technically owned it but, in practice it was her property and her property alone: no one else among her then-allit'buir wanted anything to do with that stuff. She was no longer welcome as an alor'ad of such a clan either. But she didn't fret: her status among Mandalorians was already beginning to be shaky from the moment where she was even contributing to GA reconstruction projects. Clearly there was no place for a Jedi like her in Mando-land, she thought again before making preparations to leave Mandalore behind.

[member="Marcus Lok"]

 

[Preliat Mantis]

"You remind me of someone."

The wolf said smartly to [member="Ijaat Mereel"].

 

[Vilaz Munin]

There was talk.

There was chitter.

But there were no actions.

"Keira, I'll deal with you once this is over," the Akaan said to the Ticon, representing the Mandalorian Crusaders here at the Council. If there was one thing Vilaz could not tolerate, it was the lack of disrespect one held for him. He didn't demand anyone to respect him. No, he worked and earned most, if not, all the Mandalorians.

With that briefly said and done, he returned his attention back to the topic of the Council. He shot a glare at Cathul as she left the Council of Alors. How dare she? How dare the Alliance? Sending one of their own puppets to this sacred place, and disrespecting every Mandalorian. The Akaan said nothing to her, but if she did look back, may whatever deity she believed in help her.

"Nicely put, ner'vode," the Munin complimented to Draco, Preliat, Cole, and Arumi. With the dar'manda out of these sacred halls and soon to leave Mandalore, they could finally get back to the crisis of not have a Sole Ruler.

"ENOUGH TALKING."​

​

His voice was loud and demanding. He wouldn't give a long speech about why he should become Mandalore. Ijaat already gave his claim and challenge for the helm of Mandalore, and so will Vilaz.

"AND I CHALLENGE YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE, AND ONLY THE STRONGEST WILL RULE MANDALORE."​

​

[member="Draco Vereen"], [member="Briika Tor"], [member="Alec Rekali"], [member="Keira Ticon"], [member="Ijaat Mereel"], [member="Preliat Mantis"], [member="Armui Zy"], [member="Stardust Raxis"], [member="Cole Dagos"], [member="Krenis Skirata"]

 

[Kenrath]

Cole followed Cathul out for a short distance and returned just as was issuing his challenge. Cole would glance around giving a small nod of his head to everyone there before quietly resuming his original spot.

Cole would simply observe and say nothing unless it was required of him. He did smile though. He looked from Ijaat to Vliaz. He didn't know much about either man but they did seem to have the same temperament.

Ijaat who Cole was familiar with but not enough to say he knew the man clearly had a plan past the day's events. Cole was not at all surprised by the man's opinion of the Silvers. As it was Cole was not a big fan of them either. The Alliance.............well that was a more complicated matter assuming Cathul's words had been true. The First Order's treachery was a mystery to him and one he was curious about but would wait until a more appropriate time to inquire about them.


[member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Krenis Skirata"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Briika Tor"] [member="Arumi Zy"] [member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Ijaat Mereel"]

 

[Arla Ordo]

What round was this again, how many? She lost count, but here she was sitting in her chair listening once again, and waiting. She supported Ra because he said he would unite the Clans, and give them purpose.

Who among them could claim to do the same, and do it with good reason and not some fool idea, or made up nonsense.

So, she waited to hear what was said, waited to see what was done. Then, she would say what she needed what was best for her clan.

Boisterous, they were all loud, what did that do...just meant they could all yell...did not mean they could lead...again...she'd wait and see.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

She watched cathul leave there area and only offered a slight chuckle before she swung back around to focus on the business part, she listened around before she looked to [member="Vilaz Munin"] as he spoke loud challenging all to the helm of mandalore, stardust could only chuckled as she moved back and bowed her head

You'll have no challenge for me there, I feel myself unworthy to take such a mantel of greatness up, consider your challenge to me won by me quitting, not by cowardness but by knowing I'm not worthy for such a thing yet

She said and looked back up at him

[member="Arla Balor"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Ijaat Mereel"]