Public Blood and Sand [Geonosis Arena - Open]

[Vo Pandyn]

Vo rolled right!

He rolled left!

He deftly and totally rolled right again!

Then finally making it onto his front he stood up and looked around the sandy place with angry, yet delicious, looking beasties.

Filled with a sudden motivation and not filled with food. He moved far faster than his bulky frame would suggest possible and engaged a Nexu in glorious single combat. Each violent creature possessed with the same thought.

FOOOOOOOOD!

@people and things. ​

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

"Ah, don't our apprentices make you so proud... Darth Strosius ," A masked man with a voice as warm as it was manufactured, appeared out of the shadows, allowing his cloak and concealment to fall, as the rays of the Geonosian sun struck the armour that was not made by him, not designed by him, but now was certainly his. His amulet hot to the touch, at the presence of... those with Marr blood.

He had not intended to come to Geonosis when he had received the surprising invitation from the Butcher King, it was not the kind of invitation one rejected out of hand, for its sender was not one you wished to offend, even if Malum had already been party to a plot to kill the man at least once.

However, he had his fill of blood sports to last a lifetime, between surprise negotiations with Hutts being laid before him by his Emperor, all the while having to silently witness and hope for the safety of both his cousin and his... his... his... Elise Ahana-Gwyneira , well... he would not reject the invitation, but no one would notice his absence, it was after all his duty to remain hidden and unseen, and none could doubt that he held important responsibilities, far more significant than making small talk among Sith more liable to stab each other than well... talk.

Suffice to say, he had been to so many of these events, that he knew what to expect.

And thus that would be the end of the story of the invitation, as underwhelming as it began.

Until a very sudden, very cold, realisation.

If he was invited.

Then his peers would have been invited.

And there was one peer in particular that given an invitation by Kaine himself, would be far more willing to place his hand directly into the lion's maw, if only to have a greater chance to stab the heart.

Absolute fool.

Yet... his battlebrother.

So he had come to Geonosis, he had never been to the world, that much made it somewhat worthwhile he supposed, though, he could not call himself entirely entranced by the Geonosians themselves, whether it was their insectoid forms made large, or their clicking tongues unable to speak Basic.

Bogan, he wished he had brought Motus along with him.

Still making his way to the massive arena, he had seen quite a bit before he found his query, many a familiar sight, Diodoros upon the stands, Domina Prime once upon the prime seat, and then launching herself upon the ground after offering some sort of reward... and then killing quite so many Geonosians.

It was enough to turn one's stomach foul, and the exact brutality one expected out of Kaine's ilk. For, he had long since now learned her true identity, a daughter of the Butcher. How he so hated being made the fool.

Speaking of Kaine, he had noticed the invitee's presence too, Darth Carnifex , sat atop, far above them, though strangely, he was not alone up there when it came to familiar faces. One that looked suspiciously like Arla Rodarch , the one that had dared attempted to capture him upon Mo- Mandalore, about to face some sort of karmic justice for it now, as she stared down the Butcher and... another of his subordinates.

He'd hope her death was swift, despite her aloof annoyance upon the streets of Mo- Mandalore, she did not deserve the pain of Kainite custody.

And there was even Annika Starfire , recording the whole thing... from atop the roof of the section.

Odd.

Yet, at this point, all the events he had witnessed play out, from those that he knew, and those he did not... certainly placed this bloodsport among the wildest he had witnessed... and he had been there when one had been used to launch a coup against Kaine.

And the final familiar sight, one that filled in him... a grimoire of complex emotions, one that he had not spoken to in quite some time, though, he truly was beginning to grow annoyed at the propensity of those he cared for to end up in these arenas. Still, for the most part, she seemed safe, and if necessary he knew he would intervene.

His... his... former lover, deserved that much.

"Come meet me when you prove victorious, old friend." He transmitted across his mind to hers, to one, Tae'l Vizsla , the Golden Gun... hm...

Bah, he had lost himself to his thoughts, turning towards Trayze Tesar , underneath the mask he offered a smile, even as he sensed emotions within him, laying a hand upon his shoulder, "Glory to our Triumphator, to our Triumvir," His teasing voice came across through the mask, ribbing the man... they had not spent as much time with each other as he would have liked, but Trayze still remained among those he was closest to, "I am glad this time you are not celebrating by finding yourself in the arena," He quirked his brow beneath his cover, Nal Hutta was many months ago, but the memory remained fresh upon his mind, "As to the answer to your question..."

His masked helm turned to consider young Zachariah Conway , having long since discovered his identity, his mind had worked into overtime, for all that it could mean, "Conway, you speak with the same eloquence that marks you as so favoured, do never change, I appreciate your candour and your curiosity, but it is as I have said, speak what you believe your truth is, only then shall you open yourself to questioning and interrogation, who do you believe shall lead the Sith Order to our newest golden age? The Butcher King, or the Corpse King..." He smirked beneath the mask, looking at him intently, "...Or will it be another King entirely?"

And then a cold gaze fell upon the only other one of them masked, as an agitation formed in his mind, as he felt her awaken at the back of his head. As he gripped down his hands, as he swallowed his emotions, and breathed softly and calmly.

Resisting the first temptations that made themselves felt.

Knowing... he had a purpose.

No...

No...

Not that...

Knowing... he was his battlebrother.

Yes...

Yes...

That.

He blinked, unbeknownst to them, as he simply gazed upon him, seeming to gather his words, "...But that considering best be done in closed quarters, where one knows they are safe from any prying ears..." His mind transmitted the words to his opposite, as his mouth opened, "...A hypothetical point, nothing more, we are all loyal servants of his Imperial Majesty, Darth Empyrean, long may he reign," And it would be a long time yet, such was the pattern with these immortal tyrants.

Immortal... until they were not.

That was what they waited for after all.

"Yet, it is our right, as loyal subjects of the Emperor, to sometimes question, to advise as it were... Darth Strosius is quite right, wanton cruelty serves no purpose, it must not be allowed to stand... all the while... the existence of twin parallel authorities, even if one in theory bows to the other, cannot be considered to be particularly... stable. Yet, such is the wisdom of our Emperor, and we shall follow it," His eyes never left where he imagined Ali- Darth Strosius' eyes were, needing to make it perfectly clear that they were not to attempt something here, not when their plans were so far from fruition, not when there still laid so many obstacles on their path.

It would not do to simply destroy Kaine and Empyrean.

They had to be ready, to pick up the pieces.

That was what their Mistress knew, what his dear friend, was too impatient to understand.

His eyes finally fell upon the last of those assembled, her answer had been the most interesting, but beyond it all, little Revna , was the one he could have the most fun with, as his amulet burned.

Especially, as he had not yet shared their little discovery with all those surrounding them.

Thus, as he bowed his head in respect, he took her hand in his, and brought it to his masked lips, playing out the same matters of etiquette he and her sisters had drilled into her many moons ago upon Alvaria.

He could not help the words that left his mouth.

"And a most astute answer from you, Lady Sharr..." He paused, the theatrics always so much his mode, his eyes glimmering with mischief, "...Or perhaps should I say, the new Lady Marr."

Kaiah Nihl Annika Starfire Kebii'kara Solus Commodore Helix Alicia Drey Lodd Grimmin Vo Pandyn Sula Skirata Phaelissia

 

[Commodore Helix]

Tags: Darth Strosius / Revna / Darth Malum of House Marr / Zachariah Conway​

Helix looked up as the battle below inevitably filled the stands. One of the combatants had rampaged into the seats, hurling Geonosians in all directions. One came hurtling through the air toward him, shrieking. His bodyguards reacted immediately, with superhuman reflexes. One stepped forward, swept out its vibrosword, and swung, bisecting the unfortunate spectator in midair before it could reach Helix. Ichor splashed, spattering the tactical droid's chassis. He let out a creative curse involving a krayt dragon and the Geonosian queen, and stood, wiping himself off with a cloth one of the droids handed him.

It was time to move to somewhere rather less exciting. He walked down the stands, his guard occasionally shoving away some of the panicking crowd or cracking them over the head with the butts of their rifles.

"Lord Strosius and Lady Revna." He said as he approached. "What an unexpected surprise. A pleasure to see at least a few people of culture in attendance. I don't wish to impose, but do you mind if I join you and your guests? The seats above are getting a little too... enthusiastic for my liking." He said, plucking a chunk of dismembered Geonosian off his armored shoulder and letting it drop with an unpleasant squish.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Dark Lord's smile widened, "I am the darkness that resides with the hearts of all who draw breath, I know more than you will ever comprehend." Then they were off, His chosen champion and the Mandalorian fighting on the cusp of the platform's barrier. Several of the Imperial and Settler officials quickly vacated the spire, until only a sparse few remained. The Archduke looked concerned, for as well as his insectoid face could convey conventional emotion, but he did not yet flee. Not when so many eyes were upon him, he did not want to appear weak before his subjects; nor in the eyes of his Queen.

There was a rumble, a tremor felt deep within bone. Carnifex hadn't moved an inch, though His eyes did glance upward. Several large boulders came flying in from above, all of them aimed towards the Dark Lord. Still sitting, and without moving, Carnifex watched as each one of the boulders shifted direction ever so slightly as it land about the spire or miss it completely. The Archduke had risen in alarm, reaching for his blade tucked away in the scabbard at his side.

But he stopped when the Dark Lord began to speak. "Now, now, my friend. No need for such crude instruments." The Dark Lord finally rose, towering above everyone present. "But it would be wise for you and the others to leave now. My guard will accompany you below." The Archduke hesitated for a moment, but then bowed and then turned towards the exit. The Crownguard moved in junction with the Archduke and the others, guiding them and protecting them from harm.

Stepping down from the throne dais, the Dark Lord stretched out both of His arms to either side of Him. His cloak slipped away from His body, His tunic sliding away shortly after until He was bare-chested with the vast expanse of His tattoos fully exposed. They wound around His sculpted musculature in elaborate geometric patterns, each one a word or phrase of power and protection. An inverted pyramid enclosed within a ring of ur-Kittât was the centerpiece, inked right above the solar plexus.

He spoke aloud then, His voice amplified.

"Come Jedi assassin, bear witness to the supremacy of the Dark Side."

Monaray Dod | Phaelissia | Arla Rodarch
Annika Starfire | Lodd Grimmin | Tarnan Tolo ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Alicia Drey Domina Prime Kaiah Nihl Annika Starfire Diodoros Kebii'kara Solus Revna Darth Strosius Zachariah Conway Commodore Helix Vo Pandyn Sula Skirata Trayze Tesar

With sharp eyes, the Jedi Master carefully watched the Arena's landscape as the enormous boulders swiftly plummeted towards the Archduke's Podium. Their purpose was to eliminate the Twice-Emperor of the Sith Empire. However, the Sith's mastery of the force redirected the boulders towards other targets, obliterating a few geonosians who attempted to flee. There was some slight hesitation to confront the Dark Lord without the full support of the New Jedi Order, although now that the Archduke and the Human Settlers had been evacuated, it was a fair opportunity to engage in combat and swiftly defeat him.

Darth Carnifex - The complex designs on his exposed chest were unveiled as the cloak and tunic swiftly fell away. Every word and gesture seemed to hold a magical essence of strength and defense against the forces of good. It became evident that the ex-Emperor's intention in the battle was to provoke a direct attack, allowing the full might of the dark side to be unleashed without hesitation.

Flying towards the Podium with outstretched wings, flapping behind him.

"The Dark Side is a taint on the Pure Force, Darth Carnifex. Your death will clean the slate."

The Master proclaimed with conviction, having no delusions that he was surely outmatched by the Twice-Emperor when it came to direct physical force powers. Deciding to use an ability that Carnifex would be potentially unfamiliar with, Using Golden Flash.

 

[Ordo]

Come Jedi assassin, bear witness to the supremacy of the Dark Side."

"This is getting good." Ordo said from a beskar throne beside the seat Darth Carnifex had just vacated. His feet dangled over one armrest, a mixing bowl of sugar sithieo's and blue milk in His lap. His helmet reasted on the throne's back as He spooned a mouthful of cereal into His mouth.

He hadn't been there before, but that hardly mattered to anyone. He was there now. Just a casual observer. Not a weapon in sight, other than himself.

"Kill the Jedi." He said after he had finished chewing, "I'll wait."

Arla Rodarch

 

[Tae'l Vizsla]

TAG: OPEN	Domina Prime Darth Malum of House Marr Kebii'kara Solus Sula Skirata
OBJECTIVE	STEAL AN ACKLAY.​
LOCATION	ARENA BATTLEGROUND​

EQUIPMENT

• Personal Armor
• Grav-gauntlets
• JT-13 Jetpack
  • Strillir-Class Missile
• The Golden Gun
• KS-8 Slugthrower
  • Void-touched slug(s)
• Vizsla dueling Kal
• EL-DET-4 Grenade

"Okay well... don't you think we should help them??" Tae'l called to Domina Prime , still trying to wrap her head around both Dima's loyalties and what exactly she was supposed to do about the fact that her contractors had failed to mention that she'd be fighting her own people! If she could even call them that now.

But then she saw the Acklay finish it's meal in the distance, then suddenly turn towards them.

"Uh- Dima?"

Then it started approaching. Rapidly.

"Dima?? DIMA BEHIND-

you..."

Dima was unceremoniously thrown into the air, the heavy titan that had towered over Tae'l since she was a child went flying and then crashing into the crowd. Not so different from how they met actually, but she couldn't help grimacing all the same.

She watched as Kebii'kara Solus rolled out of the way before the Acklay's claws came crashing down a split second later, then lifted to go after Tae'l herself. Using a third generation neural-link to control her entire suit hands free, the twi'lek was able to throw herself backwards just as the jetpack screeched, propelling her backwards and then up out of harm's way.

"Come meet me when you prove victorious, old friend."

A familiar voice diverted every ounce of focus away from her task as Tae'l landed a short distance away, suddenly spinning on her heel fully expecting to see Darth Malum of House Marr when she turned.

But... her ex-lover was not there, not that she could see. Instead she found herself staring at a distant and cloaked figure in the stands, unknowing that she was looking directly at the speaker. She... would have liked to part ways in a fashion not so crude. A part of her hated herself for choosing to leave without so much as a word, Malum deserved far better of course, but if anyone were to know why she did it now, especially so soon, it would put them both in great danger.

Tae'l needed to remember that she did what was best for them.


She needed to- pay more attention. With the Solus girl and Domina focused on each other again, no one was keeping the Acklay in check and Tae'l was in more danger than she expected.

The beast slammed it's claw into her armored back, suddenly pushing her face first into the dirt. It was fortunate then that the mighty Acklay was used to killing in one fell swipe, as it would lift it's claw and begin walking away to kill more prey in it's angered frenzy.

Tae'l rolled onto her back with a pained groan, her jetpack broken and sparking. She punched the ground as she sat up, glaring daggers at the great beast. If she were to rally with her Vode or leave this arena alive than she needed that damned bug out of the way! Or perhaps... she could use the insectosaur to her advantage?

Standing, she took a sudden running leap towards the monster, using the last bit of thrust in her jetpack to hurl herself atop one of the Acklay's legs. It lifted to kick her off, but the Twi'lek commando was quick to throw herself on the thing's back, using her crushgaunt to grab ahold of it's chitinous back as not to fall off when it stood on it's hind legs in an attempt to buck her off.

Then she launched her whipcord, wrapping around the monster's head, which slipped partially into it's mouth like a horse bridle and secured the mandalorian to her new ride as she climbed up on it's back just behind the neck so that it could not reach her with claw nor fang. Perhaps one needed the force to tame a beast so quickly, but to simply ride? one only needed courage, or simply a few screws loose.

"That's more like it!" She laughed as the beast's snapping slowed, unable to chew through the metallic cord thus far.


But the beast was far from defeated, and so it began to sprint across the arena at full speed, the only control it's rider could mustered being to yank the makeshift reins as a form of steering, trying to avoid trampling any of her fellow Mandalorians as it ran her towards the wall...

 

[Revna]

Tags: Darth Strosius // Zachariah Conway // Trayze Tesar // Darth Malum of House Marr // Commodore Helix


Things were really starting to get interesting in the arena now. In the midst of the conversation being held by the group, a couple of combatants smashed into the stands, crushing poor hapless souls in their wake. It made the crowd both blood thirsty and fearful, as screams and roars filled the stadium. Several rows near to where the group sat were completely obliterated, their occupants likewise turned to pulverized mush. Revna had watched this take place while giving her opinions on the current leaders of the Order, regarding the chaos and destruction after she had stopped speaking.

Then, a voice came to Revna’s ears - a voice she had come to know well, and it brought a familiar smile to her face. Her head and gaze turned to land on Darth Malum as he seemed to just appear out of nowhere. Her cheeks flushed a little bit, and she glanced at her Mentor.

“...I hope I make him proud. And you too.” She replied softly, turning her gaze back to the Sith Lord with his familiar red eyes and raven black hair and dark, nobleman’s aesthetic. She watched as he greeted Trayze, then turned to regard the young man beside her and asked the youth for his opinions on the matter.

The two Sith Lords seemed to regard each other for a moment, and there was a flicker of tension that Revna could feel, if just barely. She knew they were battle brothers, their kinship formed through serving the same Sith master, and eventually slaying her together. Though despite a friendship or a bondship being present, there was still a certain degree of…rigidity between them. It made Revna curious, but it wasn’t any of her business.

She listened to the words spoken by Malum, and she scoffed lightly.

“ ‘Loyal subjects’? Speak for yourself. I don’t know him well enough to call myself a loyal subject to the Emperor.” Revna muttered. A dangerous sentence to speak aloud, but until there were consequences to be paid…she didn’t care too much.

Malum stared at her Mentor a bit longer, as if trying to convey something silently to his fellow Sith, before he turned his attention her way. He bowed respectfully and reached for her hand, bringing it to his masked face, a noble’s way of greeting another of status and blood…something she had been taught in her time on Alvaria, learning from him and his sisters.

...She had also discovered something else while there…a secret which she had kept to herself, kept even from Darth Strosius, and part of the reason why she smiled so when she saw the Scion of Darth Marr. Her cheeks colored up a bit more as he addressed her as ‘Lady Sharr’ again, it was something he knew to say to get under her skin a bit and tease her as she still was getting used to the truth of who she truly was now.

A Lady of House Marr.

Revna shook her head as Malum addressed her as the new Lady Marr. “And…the truth comes out. I’ve been sitting on that for months now.” She confessed with a chuckle and a stray glance to Darth Strosius. She was curious to know how he would take the news.

“Looks like you can’t escape us Marrs can you, my Lord?”

Another familiar voice reached her ears and she looked to see the now familiar figure of Commodore Helix arrive. "Ah, Commodore! Nice to see you here as well...I'm sure the others won't mind you joining us. I certainly enjoy your esteemed company."

Commotion out in the arena caught her attention once more, and she watched as none other than Darth Carnifex himself seemed to make his appearance, challenging a Jedi and whoever else felt stupid enough to face him directly.

This should be good. Maybe we’ll get lucky and someone will poke a hole in him and we can watch him deflate…

 

[Darth Strosius]

​

Revna / Zachariah Conway / Trayze Tesar / Darth Malum of House Marr / Commodore Helix

Ah, and there was the question that so many had leveled at him. At least the young man was as consistent as the rest then. Consistently badgering on about the 'whos' and 'whats' instead of the 'whens' and 'wheres', but none were worse than the other former apprentice of Ophidia in that regard. Before he could respond on how such a question was irrelevant until said obstacles were well and truly dealt with, both Trayze's remark and a general commotion from the arena distracted him.

And with a quick glance said 'general commotion' could more accurately be labeled as everything going to chit, as it were. Members and stands in the audience were falling victim to stray action from the arena, said arena having been entered by a familiar four-armed combatant that made him wonder just what he had missed with her involved, and of course the sight of the spire being assaulted by various individuals. He silently cursed himself for getting distracted by his own ranting and raving instead of paying attention to what had been transpiring right behind his back.

That's what he deserved for trying to educate the youth on his own time he supposed.

Revna's voice was enough to draw his attention back to the conversation at hand though, his head cocking at a slightly odd angle given how quickly he had looked back at her and the other two Sith. Despite going against his recommendation, again, he couldn't help but smirk at how the Acolyte constructed her response. Even if she was naive enough to disagree with him she did so whilst saying it in such a wise way that he was proud.

"Very eloquently put young Revna." Still he did have to advise her before she got ahead of herself, for her own sake of course. "They're both failures, one with two failed thrones to his name and the other which decided to take up one that should have burned with its original inhabitant. The only time I recommend interacting with either of them is when you intend to strike them down." That approach tended to sav oneself a lot of trouble and strife in his experience.

Before he could continue and excuse himself from the conversation in order to attend to the commotion developing around them, a very familiar voice and presence appeared. He quirked an eyebrow behind his mask as he glanced up at Darth Malum of House Marr with a surprised tilt of his head. "'Our' apprentices? I know only of mine I'm afraid." He must have been referring to the Trayze fellow that he had taken up for at the Assembly, a suspicion that he assumed confirmed as he spoke to the other Sith and laid a hand on his shoulder.

Darth Strosius felt his gaze narrow slightly as it met Malum's own masked one in turn, and scoffed at the message with a nonchalant shrug. He was beyond caring for prying eyes and ears in regards to his feelings towards the powers that be. Said powers were well aware and still decided to let him live so it wasn't as if anyone else knowing mattered all that much in his mind. "'Advise' implies that the corpse or the butcher care for any opinions other than their own." He returned the hidden stare with an intent one of his own. "I've never known you to be optimistic, Darth Marr."

Thankfully before they could get into another spat over what must be done and why, Malum's focus moved to addressing his apprentice. With praise and then an odd addition. A remark that Revna herself seemed to confirm without issue. What the feth was happening here? He glanced back as the Commodore approached but couldn't spare a moment to greet the droid general as he was still thinking on what the pair had said. "I must say..." The strangest thing was that he didn't think Revna was quite Malum's type. "That this is an odd choice of locale for an engagement reveal..."

Not that he wasn't happy that Malum had finally gotten over that other Sangnir Sith but still it was unexpected. Love at first sight perhaps? Regardless he would have plenty of time to interrogate the two on the details later, for now he had business to attend to. "Commodore, forgive my rudeness but it has been a rather eventful day thus far! Please, take my seat." The masked man rose and idly gestured to the seat that he was just sat in as he leaned in to whisper to the droid. "I'll give you an emergency payment if you can get my Acolyte to a transport and off world at your earliest convenience."

He spared a glance back at other Sith, flickering over them before finally landing on Revna. She was the only one that he owed an explanation too after all, given that Malum already knew well enough what he intended to do and the other two Sith weren't his concern. "I shall be back soon, I have some Inquisition work that I left unfinished too long ago. But it's high time to pick up where I left off." And without another word he was off, leaving a gust of wind in his wake as he leapt into the air.

- - -
Equipment: Lightsaber, Sword, Dagger, Robes
Darth Carnifex / Phaelissia / Arla Rodarch / Monaray Dod
- - -

The masked man hit the ground running, dodging around debris and other audience members alike as he rushed towards the base of the spire. His heavy robes didn't seem to weigh him down or inhibit his movement at all, but whether that was due to their craft or his pure intent carrying him forward was unclear. Regardless he managed to make it to the base of the spire where it connected to the rest of the arena without running over anyone or getting caught in any crossfire. So far at least.

His clawed gauntlets sank into the stone as he leapt up and grasped the spire in order to clamber up to the viewing platform where his prey was embroiled in a battle already. It would be chaotic and close quarters but when the Force gave one an opportunity Darth Strosius believed it to be a sin not to take it. He couldn't wait to throw the tyrant's headless corpse to the arena sand below.

He ascended the spire like a predator approaching its newest meal and paid little heed to what was going on in the arena below as each moment brought him closer to victory. Closer to ending Carnifex once and for all. Finally Darth Strosius pulled himself over the side right after a flash of golden light from the platform nearly blinded him. His gaze shot to the Dark Lord of the Kainate and narrowed, not bothering to even acknowledge the other assailants or Carnifex's minion as he pulled his lightsaber and sword from his belt.

They could be dealt with after he was done tearing the tyrant apart, perhaps he'd even be in a good enough mood to spare the Jedi and the Mandalorian for their aid in the whole affair. But first and foremost... "Kaine Zambrano, your execution order still stands old man." Lightning crackled up his sword's blade as he leveled it at the Sith Lord and let loose a bolt from its tip.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Within me is the scripture of the Dark Side, see it writ in flesh."

The bands of ink within the Dark Lord's skin glowed brightly as He raised His hand towards the insectoid Jedi, the bright flash of golden light washing over Him in an instant. For a moment, all was blinding illumination, shining out from the high spire like the beacon of an ancient lighthouse. Then it subsided, and the Dark Lord remained standing. Across His body, the once permanent pigment had begun to writhe and shimmer like fog upon a lake's surface; like smoke in the twilight gloom.

Darth Carnifex withdrew His hand and flexed His fingers, the very tips of them burnt away and smoldering. "So few of your kind lean so eagerly into the killing power of the Force, Jedi. Is not your Order comprised of children now? Who have not seen a day of war? Will you pass on what you have learned to them, Master Jedi? So that they may kill as you have?" He smile, but then His expression hardened in an instant. He lunged forward, mouth now widening as His tongue extended out in a vicious leer. Blue flame ruptured forth from within His throat, rushing up out of His mouth and spiraling as a great whirling gout into the air.

The flame took on the appearance of a serpent, mouth agape and ready to swallow the Jedi and submerge him within it's fiery gullet. It did not emanate heat, but rather seemed to leech it away; the air molecules crystalizing into ice as it passed. Yet it would still burn like flame, consuming not only flesh and clothing, but eating through metal and stone as if it were softer materials.

As the last of the flames left the Dark Lord's mouth, another became aware to Him. Another figure had climbed up, launching themselves over the barrier, drawing both lightsaber and sword. "Alisteri Haxim, I had been wondering when you would finally gather the courage to face me again. My eye has been upon you ever since that day, watching as you stumble about your meager existence." The Dark Lord turned to face His would-be assassin, the second one day, and raised His hand as the younger Sith leveled a bolt of lightning towards Him from the tip of his sword. The bolt struck the Dark Lord's outstretched palm and rebounded off into the nearby wall.

"So very bold, I would have thought the business on Tund would have left an impression. But you've never been a quick learner, have you?" The Dark Lord appeared to take a step towards Alisteri, but where the next step would have come a second Carnifex seemed to grow out from the original; initially wreathed in shadow before taking on more distinct shape and contrast. And when Carnifex spoke again, both spoke simultaneously. "Don't think I noticed you the moment you stepped foot on Geonosis, boy? Have you forgotten? I see everything, your sins are all laid bare before me."

The Shadow-Carnifex moved forward, running at speed straight towards Alisteri, with no clear strategy other than to quickly close the distance.

Darth Strosius | Monaray Dod | Revna
Phaelissia | Arla Rodarch ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex Revna Phaelissia Arla Rodarch

The Jedi Master felt a glimmer of hope when the Twice-Emperor was seemingly vanquished by the Golden Flash, a blinding light designed to obliterate its enemies without tapping into the dark side of the force. However, this momentary relief was short-lived as the Lord of the Kainite emerged relatively unscathed save for deep burns across his body as smoke rose off of it.

"We will return to our ancient roots, Darth Carnifex. There will be no empathy for those who practice the dark scriptures of your order." - a reply came to his taunting.

There was a disturbance within the force as darkness gathered from within the bowels of the former Emperor, roaring like a tidal wave of death and destruction as the flame took on the appearance of a serpent, mouth agape and trying to swallow him whole into a fiery demise.

The Verpine had little time to react to the appearance of a new co-conspirator Darth Strosius in the assassination attempt on Darth Carnifex , as a potent Force Barrier was erected around his form, having mastered in such defensive techniques during his training within the New Jedi Order's various enclaves.

Such a potent barrier did not last for long as the force of the serpent's impact would send him flying away from the podium, as the all-consuming blaze tried to consume him.

With his head spinning and determination still burning within, the Verpine kept a sharp gaze on Carnifex as he swiftly closed in on his Sith opponent. Utilizing the force to propel himself, he soared through the arena once again, heading straight for the podium.

Summoning the power of Telekinesis once more to rip several Geonosian Force Pikes from the hands of the remaining guardsman. Twirling them around his body with the force before sending them towards Darth Carnifex with some speed.

 

[Phaelissia]

Location: North Side Spire, Arena - Geonosis
Dialogue Legend: <<Ghoul-Speak>> │ “Galactic Basic”
Tag: Darth Carnifex Arla Rodarch Darth Strosius Monaray Dod

Had her mind been unaugmented, 666 would have registered the towering Moridinazid moving as a blur as she crossed the 20 meters that separated the two combatants. Instead, the Aetharian’s augmentations—both cybernetic and Force-derived—allowed her senses to perceive the armored warrior in effective slow motion. Such acuity and sensitivity of perception gave 666 plenty of time to anticipate her opponent’s actions, in spite of the fact that she was not in an ideal position to deliver a follow up ranged attack.

And so, as the Moridinazid lunged (presumably) to grab 666’s arm by the wrist, the Aetharian swiftly and instantaneously accelerated out from the reach of the large-statured warrior by means of her anti-gravity implant, thereby moving a little less than a meter to the right of her previous position within the timeframe of a single millisecond. All the while, the vibroblade on 666’s left gauntlet sprang out from its sheath, before it was immediately leveled in a crosswise, diagonal slash initiated from her own right shoulder and brought down towards her own left hip, so that it might strike the Moridinazid in the crux of her (potentially) outstretched arm.

In doing so, 666 intended to bypass the impregnable protection afforded by the Moridinazid’s befouled beskar, in the hopes of severing the arm of her opponent and rendering it as little more than a mangled, bleeding stump.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Frostfire Azalea
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade (2) - R/L
  • Utility
    
    • Neahtid Earpiece
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield

 

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT MISSION - DAMAGE CONTROL
Immediate Goals -
1: Make friends
1.1: Touch base with some estranged political allies
1.2: Connect with the youth
2: Enjoy the free entertainment ALERT NEW PRIORITIES
1: PREVENT Darth Strosius FROM COMMITING SUICIDE BY CARNIFEX

BLUFOR - Darth Strosius || Revna || Zachariah Conway || Darth Malum of House Marr || Darth Strosius || Commodore Helix

OPFOR - Darth Carnifex

TARGETING ACTION(S) - BLUFOR & Darth Carnifex

---

The battle had not gone unnoticed in the mind's eye of the Kiffar, he just simply didn't care. At the present time, neither the safety of, nor destruction of, the Butcher King of Korriban was none of his concern - for he was here on "mandatory fun day", and said Sith celebrations had a terrible habit of becoming chaotic. Especially when impulsive Sith, such as Darth Strosius , smelt blood in the water.

Trayze almost groaned audibly with a "Karking dammit" as he turned to the younger members of the enterouge. "If you don't plan on staring down Carnifex, stay down." he would then turn to Malum, and with a gruff bark. "With me."

Bounding up the stairway, his cousin hopefully by his side, the Kiffar scowled up at the battle occurring at the VIP box: Mandalorian, a familiar Cipher, Jedi who somehow managed to slip by unnoticed, and now Strosius. Bogan buggering dammit can nobody keep their cool in this day and age?!
Nostrils flaring, Trayze willed the crackling energies of the Force down upon the very feet of the shadow that slinked from the Dark Lord of Korriban. As soon as the thunder subsided, and the ringing could stop, Trayze Tesar had this polite phrase to say:

"Strosius you fething imbecile! If you don't get your overconfident ass back down in these seats Ah'll tan you worse than a racoon-cricket in an assembly line!" This rather diplomatic dialogue was further accented by a withering gaze directed to the Twice-Emperor, he was in no mood for anyone's nonsense at this present time.

 

[Ordo]

He set the bowl to the side and it stopped existing; as if it was His attention that had given it form in the first place. He dropped His feet back down to the stone and stood. And the beskar throne He had inhabited a moment before was no longer there. He walked to the edge of the spire and looked down at the pits below the strange bustle of activity that had very little to do with the fighting pits didn't surprise Him. He stood a moment, wind tugging His half cape, and watched His people in the sand like common animals. They would have to live or die by they're own skill now. That was the way they would become stronger, or be culled and returned to The Manda.

The sith He watched too, their bickering squabbles and posturing so much like heard animals establishing their hierarchy by whomever had the biggest horns or could inflate their throatsac the largest. Weak. But He would not judge them for their weakness, as weak as they were they were still the closest to His own people in violent efficiency and the waging of war. He had to respect that if nothing else.

But, they did have a penchant for taking what wasn't theirs....

He looked out over the stands and found Malum, the little sith, and those around him. He saw the sith challenging Darth Carnifex and He saw the Jedi challenging Darth Carnifex. He would leave His fellow butcher to his fun and they could talk another time. Instead He reached out with the Manda, His harsh Unyeilding Will scoured over the gathered sheep like a sandstorm over a poor shepards flock and He chose.

Revna That one.

His eyes bled black behind the T-shaped visor as a heat wave tear opened over the edge before Him. He stepped through and stopped behind the woman the tear still behind Him. With one massive hand He took the Woman by the scruff and the tear in space closed around them. And He was gone.

Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Strosius

 

[Revna]

Tags: Darth Strosius // Darth Malum of House Marr // Commodore Helix // Zachariah Conway // Ordo


Revna’s cheeks flamed red when she heard her Mentor’s words, realizing that he had misinterpreted Malum’s statement. She was stunned into silence for a moment, and before she could open her mouth to correct him that she and Malum were not engaged, the Sith Lord had risen to his feet and declared to her that he had “Inquisitor work” to attend to and before she could question him…he was gone.

She watched her Lord’s retreating back, and a cold sensation settled into the pit of her stomach. She glanced at the Commodore, then to the others, before her gaze shifted to the tall spire. Everything clicked into place suddenly, and her face went a bit more pale before it turned to stone, her gaze turning cold as well. She rose to her feet and looked at Malum.

“...I should have known he’d have other ideas in mind - like chasing after Carnifex - besides just taking me to see …whatever the feth this is. Just…couldn’t resist could he?” She growled before heaving a sigh. “Please…go make sure he doesn’t end up decapitated or something? I really don’t desire to find myself another teacher.” The little Acolyte said to Malum. Though she was trying her best to bury it under a mountain of annoyance, she felt a stab of fear for her Mentor. Not that she didn't believe him capable, but she had heard about of the exploits of Darth Carnifex, and the immense strength and power he wielded. Surely her Mentor going after him alone was a suicide mission.

Trayze was on his feet within moments of her speaking to the Heir of Marr, and he issued commands to her and she assumed Zachariah to stay put, then he directed that Malum go with him in an attempt to dissuade her Mentor from his actions.

Then, they were gone as well, and she was left standing there staring into the arena as utter chaos ensued. She heaved a deep breath and flicked her gaze to Zachariah and Commodore Helix, her annoyance clear…but there was nothing she could do about it now. Maybe he knew that she would have tried to talk some sense into him which was why he had…neglected to tell her of his plans to begin with? Not that it mattered, really. He was the Sith Lord, the Master…she the apprentice. She wasn’t always privy to his plans and designs, if he felt such things didn’t concern her.

And she respected that.

Though she did feel an itch to chase after the others well, orders and directions be damned. Darth Strosius was her Mentor after all, her High Priest, her...well...

...she just couldn't stand by knowing that he was probably going to get himself killed. She knew she would never be able to forgive herself if she didn't at least try to be of some assistance.

But before she could make up her mind, Revna felt a shift in the Force around her, the slightest twinge that something was…off. Then she felt a presence behind her and all her warning senses went into full alert but before she could react, someone or something grabbed the scruff of her neck and hauled her off into the void.

She hadn't even had the chance to yelp in surprise.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Ali-... Darth Strosius ...

You fucking fool.

His voice and hers were at least united by that. Time seemed to slow around him, at this moment, he could not quite tell who the bigger fool was, Malum knew that Ali- Darth Strosius was tolerant of risk at the best of times, though Malum could not even tell if that was because he was so confident of his abilities, or because he simply could not see the risks.

That would be something to question him on when he survived this.

After he was done screaming at the man for his utter and complete idiocy.

He failed his objective, he came here to stop this, strangle it in the cradle, but a simple lapse, genuinely gladdened to see Trayze Tesar , Zachariah Conway , Revna , and yes... even... Ali- Darth Strosius.

It did not help that the man was incredibly swift.

The apprentices of Darth Ophidia had to be.

He felt the glimmer of gold in his eye.

Breathing out softly, as time still approached a standstill.

The arena stopped mattering.

The presence of the droid entering their booth did not matter.

Only.

That the plan must succeed.

He offered Trayze a nod, there was no procedure for this, but all that echoed in his mind told him all that he needed to know.

"Success or Death."

He had no intention for death claiming any of his lov-... any of those which he car-... any of those he needed.

Revna's words broke him out of his stupor, he had little time to do as he would have to comfort her, but, he laid a comforting hand upon her shoulder, as Trayze raced out of the booth, "You need not fear cousin, this is not the first time I have needed to save your master," He offered a smile that did not reach his eyes, though she would be privy to neither fact behind his mask.

As he stared up at the spire. Great flashing lights, of gold, of blue, of red, yet above all else, was the deep smog, the darkness that protruded out of everything. He felt them all, felt them all battling for their lives.

All but one, the one who need not fear death.

His Immortal Tyrannis.

He felt the world spin, as he witnessed a veritable storm break through the booth of Kaine, he imagined that Trayze had made it.

He need not imagine for long, as within a second, as his eyes adjusted through their mask.

He stood upon the great precipice, Arla Rodarch and Phaelissia in the middle of their duel, and now, a great conflagration proceeding out before him, catching the last of Trayze's far from short and vulgar warcry, watching as a Jedi of all things, bug-like in form, began his counterattack, there would lie his opportunity.

His throat went dry, even with time slowing around him, Darth Carnifex moved with a speed near unparalleled, all toward... Ali- Dart- Alisteri... who was none the wiser of his impending doom.

The slice of metal released from the sheath heralded his arrival, Sith steel ringing out in the air, covered in flames, as red plasma broke forth from its blade, coming between the advancing path of Butcher and Assassin.

"My apologies, Lord K- Carnifex, but, I believe it is my right to deal with my co-apprentice," The voice was emotionless when he felt a veritable cocktail of emotion. Gazing at neither, keeping his breath levelled, this was a tightrope, and falling would mean death for them all.

Monaray Dod

Kaiah Nihl Annika Starfire Kebii'kara Solus Commodore Helix Alicia Drey Lodd Grimmin Vo Pandyn Sula Skirata Phaelissia Ordo Diodoros Tae'l Vizsla Domina Prime Kebii'kara Solus Sula Skirata

 

[Domina Prime]

Living For The Thrill Of The Kill Yes It Excites Me!
ᖭ༏ᖫ
The Closest Representation To God You Might See~



ALLIES: Darth Carnifex
​

ADVERSARIES: Alicia Drey | Kaiah Nihl | Annika Starfire | Diodoros | Kebii'kara Solus | Revna | Darth Strosius | Zachariah Conway | Arla Rodarch | Commodore Helix | Vo Pandyn | Sula Skirata | Trayze Tesar

​

"You have abandoned your Clan-Name. It would not surprise me you would abandon your challenge as well." Kebii’s words rang out as the towering Xeno who was proceeding past her suddenly paused in place with those many eyes set on the Acklay that had previously sent her flying into the stands. However, it seemed that Tae'l Vizsla was the first to beat Dima to it as she watched the Twi’lek handle the beast like a true Mandalorian Tamer. Reminding her of the stories from when Mandas Ancient Children would ride upon mythic creatures that baffled the imagination. Bringing a slight twinkle to her eye as Dima was going to merely brutalize the beast in an extremely violent fashion. But this? This was much more exciting, Dima twirling her hair within her claws bashfully as Tae’l steered the creature back and forth expertly.

“W-wow violet! Dima did not know you were so talented~” She purred lowly, almost flirtatiously as that massive tail of hers swished about violently, threatening to take the head off whoever was unfortunate to be behind her. “Mmnf, go get em darling~” She mused as Tae’l rode off towards the middle of the ring. Dima finally shifting her attention back to Kebii'kara Solus before grinning behind her mask, approaching the Solus girl one step after another, closer and closer until finally their armored chest plates were practically touching as Domina loomed over the girl.

“Abandoned? Never~” Dima said in timing to a sudden, rather dramatic commotion erupting from the arena as a Jedi appeared to cause havoc and aim his grievances towards the god-king Darth Carnifex . Followed by godlings revealing themselves in the stands after smelling the opportunity arise from the stranger who had appeared from the ether. This madness caused even Dimas many eyes to once again drift away from Solus and glare daggers towards the flinging of massive stones and weapons of devastation being tossed back and forth. “Just…distracted~” Dima finished, her brows furrowing as she lifted her arm towards Kebii, that massive axe she held just over her as if Domina were giving her something.

And then, the axe dropped from her hand. Rather Kebii caught the weapon, or let it crush her feet was up to her.

“Here, hold onto this~” Domina grumbled, twisting her neck and rolling those broad shoulders as those five eyes dilated to perfect pins of focus on those who battled in the distance. “Godlings have finally showed themselves! So this is a good opportunity for you to pay attention and bear witness to the might of Prime!” She hissed, glaring back down at Kebii. The energy around Domina shifted in an instant. “And the fate awaiting of all gods~”

Since her arrival she had been rather carefree and whimsical! Just going along with the flow of things and seeking to keep herself entertained during such a dull event. But now? Now the leash holding her back could finally come off as she watched Carnifex ready his blade against the would-be assassins.

“As long as you hold Dominas axe, this one will be returning to get it. And then, your challenge will be answered little one. Assuming you still have the nerve after seeing what happens next~” She chitters, slowly bending her knees and bringing herself down low as she gathered the power stored within those powerful, piston-like legs. Collecting as much pressure and force as she could before letting those hydraulic-like springs in her legs unleash all the stored energy at once, sending Domina jumping so high into the air the scorching sun blocked out her very visage. “GRRAH!” Domina grunted from the power of her jump, flicking both her upper arms wrist and ejecting a line of silk to attach to the pillars and structures above the arena, using her gained momentum from the jump and her lessened weight due to her natural repulsor organ to FLING herself EVEN higher into the air.

The itch.

It was back.

It was an itch Domina could never quite scratch. The Itch that only appeared when titans of might met in the field, the Itch that came with the banging of wardrums and the chants of glory.

It was an Itch that only the slaughter of gods and devils could satisfy. And fortunately for every Mandalorian in the sands below there were no gods among them for Prime to unleash her unholy wrath.

And as Domina flew through the air, she eventually found herself above Darth Carnifex and Darth Strosius as the god-king charged forward to meet his opponent in battle.

She considered landing between them, but figured Carnifex was itching to ease his boredom just as much as his Starborn daughter, however, it seemed things had gotten hot in his neck of the woods.

Many foes had migrated towards the main VIP area of the stands. Darth Malum of House Marr , Monaray Dod , Trayze Tesar , and many others who all turned their blades to her father.

And the closer she got to the ground. The more she could see everyone scurrying about like rats in a panic. Domina aimed her freefall towards the VIP stands where Darth Carnifex was being assaulted.

"Where did that big purple one go?" A random spectator asked, noticing the sudden disappearance from the middle of the ring. A couple of audience members who surrounded the Sith looked around awkwardly, only for one to look up into the sky at the last second and...the first thing he saw. Was a pair of massive alien legs colliding down directly into his face.

And then, he was gone. The sheer force and weight of Dominas' arrival SLAMMING into the poor spectator and turning them into an explosion of meat, blood, bone and carnage. The others crashed to the ground in alarm, smoke and dust flying through the air as Dimas arrival was made painfully obvious.

The dust settled, and standing on top of a man with his spine sticking out of his ribs and half their body shattered like glass, Dima grinned wickedly at the godlings are she dragged her claws menacingly across the beskar armor of her gauntlet.

"Greetings at last little gods. Domina thanks you, this one was starting to get bored~"

And so it began. The Sith likely never expecting a Mandalorian to suddenly CRASH into the middle of their little tea party of plotting and scheming. The carnage and mess of the body beneath her feet clung to her legs, the filth vividly graphic as Domina made a disgusted face, stepping out of the puddle of mashed up bones and guts while kicking her feet to the side like an animal wiggling its soaked leg.

"Eh, Di-fucking-sgusting~" She mused casually in frustration. The blood having stained her favorite dress as she stepped forward, all five eyes flicking and scanning between each of them, looming over the godlings with that massive tail and twin lashers poised and ready for incredible, unholy violence. “So…one at a time, or all at once? You're welcome to take turns if it's easier~” She asked honestly, uncertain if these godlings excelled in single combat or if they were team players like Jedi.

“Eh, actually…doesn't matter. Nothing will save you from Domina Prime. So try to at least just last!” She snarled, that massive tail of hers suddenly lashing out towards EVERYONE sitting in the group in attempts to either smack them all out their seats to make them look alive, figuring some of them might have the brain power to dodge, a simple testing of the waters as that massive tail proceeded to smash and crash into the stands all around them, likely crushing and mangling anyone not fast enough to avoid that tail two sizes larger than Dominas actual body, making it incredibly heavy and dangerous to be in the path of it without reacting.

​

 

[Commodore Helix]

Tags: Darth Malum of House Marr / Revna / Trayze Tesar / Darth Strosius / Zachariah Conway​

"Ah, Commodore! Nice to see you here as well...I'm sure the others won't mind you joining us. I certainly enjoy your esteemed company."

"Commodore, forgive my rudeness but it has been a rather eventful day thus far! Please, take my seat."

Helix was pleased at the warm reception, but his processors registered a degree of confusion as his employer excused himself. There was a hard edge to his words, something in the tone, that he'd heard before. He turned his head to the carnage going on in the luxury box above, seeing the telltale signs of battle. He'd been right. Someone had made their move on the dark one, maybe several someones by the noise level.

Unwise in the extreme. Helix had fought on the same field as Carnifex on Dagobah, but wasn't well-acquainted by any means. Nor did he wish to be, unless money was involved, and maybe not even then. He was rich enough now to be picky with the jobs he took, and one with his current clients' enemy would cause issues he didn't need.

"I'll give you an emergency payment if you can get my Acolyte to a transport and off world at your earliest convenience."

His confusion then grew greater when the Sith addressed him quietly with what he suspected might be his final address, before hardening into surety. He knew what the man was about to do. He thought it foolish, but he wouldn't try to reason Strosius out of it. It wasn't his place, and he knew better than most that one had to answer when their destiny called. "Consider it pro bono." He responded. "If you survive. I'd offer to send assistance, but some paths must be tread alone. Best fortunes, Lord Strosius. May we meet again." He watched as the Sith leapt into the luxury spire with a single bound.

He turned to Revna. "We must leave as soon as possible. His final orders." He wasn't sure she'd listen, but Strosius had been a solid and faithful client so far, and he intended to see that last request through. "This arena will very soon be even more unhealthy to be in than it is already, once Carnifex begins looking for others to punish. You will be next on the list." He turned back to observe the battle briefly, and when he swivelled his head to face her again, she was gone. His mind ran through thousands of known curses in different tongues, with his processors registering immense frustration. Strosius would be furious, likely with him.

He got even more inventive with them when a few of the others leapt to follow Strosius, with the Kiffar yelling all the same words he had thought of. There was a time for this betrayal, but this was hardly it. Strosius' impetuousness might be the death of them all. Well, of his compatriots, anyway. Killing himself was not quite so easy as cutting down a body. His mind processed quickly. Revna was gone: that was a lost cause for the moment, and dithering about down here wouldn't help get her back. Together, the two Marrs might manage to pry Strosius away from his suicide mission, but it would hardly do for himself to be seen openly moving against the Kainites. It might later be useful for at least one of them to be able to claim neutrality in that conflict. Besides, he knew his limitations. The good he could do against Carnifex directly was limited.

He came to a decision: he'd open up a path for retreat, as clandestinely as possible. Somebody had to think about the after, should this insanity succeed. "Get me an unmarked shuttle, now." He said, sending a command to his vessel in orbit. "Scrubbed transceiver codes, touch down in the wastes outside the hive at these coordinates." He switched channels to address the others who had run off to battle Carnifex. "If any of you make it, I'm preparing evac. There's a shuttle coming down at these coordinates. It's leaving in one hour, with or without you. Lady Revna has been taken. I don't know how. She was there one instant then gone the next. None of you will be of use to her, or to your cause, as a corpse. Least of all you, Lord Strosius. I'd advise you take that evac, whether you succeed or not. They'll most likely be waiting for you at your own vessels." His red-eyed glare then turned to the young man, Conway he believed they'd called him. "You'd best come with me. Unless you fancy staying here and becoming part of the show." He was really earning his paycheck today.

He clicked it off, then turned to leave, calmly folding his hands behind his back. His droids formed close around him, keeping away anything that looked like it might get in the way with their usual precision. He'd do as he said. One hour. He just hoped they were wise enough to listen until they could figure out just what was going on.

 

[EZEKIEL DRAKE]

-

The Red Ronin

Golbah City. Geonosis. The Bugs' Nest as he would call it.

A desert and rocky planet with hundreds, if not thousands, of miles worth of underground hives full of an entire worldwide population of Geonosians. The entire concept behind such architecture hinted at a sound strategy. One of hiding away in the deepest darkest pit where no one would bother to explore without great risk while the planet suffered invasion or bombardment.

But, at the end of the day, it was insects burrowing away into holes to avoid death. Not dissimilar to how many of the gladiators of the coliseum tried running or hiding away in the deepest corner of the arena they could find if only to delay, if not avoid, their fates.

Poor bastards never stood a chance.

But Drake?

His blade slashed out quickly, cleaving a beast's skull in half before flicking the blood and viscera cleaning off the blade before sliding the weapon away back into its sheath. An amused smile rested on his lips.

He was having the time of his life. Entering the arena willingly with money and glory to be found from his efforts, Drake found the reward worth the risk. Imagine his surprise when a particularly rowdy Mandalorian, of a species he was not familiar with to boot, make such a large declaration. Defeat, not kill. An important distinction for later.

Tracking the foreign Mandalorian with his eyes, Drake began sneaking around the edge of the arena and utilizing the chaos the arena provided as cover. Too many fighters and outside interference that would prevent him from putting his full efforts towards his opponent and the prize. Then, in a moment, Drake found his opening. Silver eyes trailing alongside the sudden leap of Domina Prime from the arena towards the VIP booth and observing her making an improvised entryway into the booth by crashlanding through any obstacle in her path.

Rushing across the field of battle, Drake drew in a rush of breathe as his legs and shoulders began to tighten their muscles before releasing like a spring, launching himself in pursuit of Domina Prime. Air rushing past him and overshooting his leap, Drake began twisting his body mid-air before crashing his feet against the roof of the booth, cracking slightly the structure underneath his landing.

Leaping once more off of this inverted position, Drake focused on sailing over Domina Prime's tails whipping across the battlefield. The rush of air buffeting his body from below as the tails swung side-to-side proved only a testament of Domina Prime's strength and speed with her additional limbs. However, unlike some of Dima's previous opponents, Drake did not choose to attack her at a distance. No, if he wanted the outcome necessary to secure his prize, Drake needed to move towards the alien amazonian and not away. It would be the only way to control the battle. Everything else was secondary to this one goal.

Sith fighting other Sith for supremacy was a tale as old as time and held nothing of concern to him in the moment.

Landing a little off to her side, Drake struck a rising jab towards her helmet, a glancing blow. Knees bent and his free arm protecting his jawline, Drake rotated his shoulders and turned on the ball of his leading foot before delivering the blow towards the helmet. Every single cell in his body pouring speed both natural and unnatural, courtesy of the darker powers of the Force. But his intent was not to harm Domina in a conventional manner. Shatterpoints were funny like that.

Instead of attempting at all to shatter or damage the Beskar—a much more tiring and precise feat—Drake simply sought to make the alien Mandalorian's helmet reverberate by focusing his strength and the flow of the Force into this one weakpoint. A singular vibration would create a terrible noise ringing throughout the hull of the helmet, sudden and sharp, that was meant to hurt Domina's ears and disorient her.

A distraction meant to catch her off-balance and off-guard. The maneuver would harm a normal individual fairly well to achieve his goals. Drake wondered how much worse it may prove to be if her ears were particularly sensitive to sound.

His next move if the first succeeded? Drake kept up the offense and struck out with a right hook with that free hand before drawing his jab hand back to protect his jawline. Twisting his hips and holding the hook arm at shoulder height, Drake kept his elbow bent at an angle for striking ferociously for Domina's head again. Beskar might help protect against blaster fire, cuts, and shrapnel, but concussions? As long as he struck with more than enough force to send Domina's head snapping to the side with his Force-enhanced alien strength, there stood a chance her brain might shut down temporarily as it danced around inside that skull of hers.

It would not be for long. Most bouts of unconsciousness were for a few seconds. But a knockout was always considered a victory in the ring. One that would net him the reward he sought.

But everyone better believe he poured as much force as he could without trying to kill her, which would be difficult he had no clue what species she was nor how durable she was. The beskar helmet would keep him from shattering her jaw with his right hook. The rest was up to her. There was no prize in killing her, only winning.

Others may have fought to survive. Drake fought to win and win alone.

"You talk too much, suit-rat."

Domina Prime ​

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Everyone in the Kainite box would hear a deep, thundering baritone ring out from within the encroaching shadows.​

They had no idea what was coming.

"How dare you approach us. Who gave you the right to stand tall before us and think this world belongs to you?"

A storm of dark side energy poured out from the immaterium smothering the air, choking out everything and everyone and drowning them all in the ebuillent waves of darkness. The very stone of Stalgasin Arena began to shake, as the foundations of the Archduke's Viewing Box trembled and violently shook. "You should be on your knees groveling for life. Yet you grasp power with your filthy fingers and think its yours. But this is not power of your creation." The quakes began to escalate rapidly then perhaps enough to toss individuals off balance as the darkness continued to encroach on the box.

It was caught within the vice grip of fate it seems as some unknown force rang out from every direction, each word thrumming through the air like hammers into the senses. "It is mine." Quite suddenly everything grew eerily calm as the presence seemed to fade, and all of the quakes seemed to halt entirely.

Boom.

There was an explosion centered right beside the Twice-Emperor that would quickly drown the entire box in wrath. It charred the stone and turned the earth beneath it to glass. A destructive wave of pure dark side energy, crimson madness radiated outward from it then in all directions to sweep through the length of the box. The Twice-Emperor would be left entirely unharmed by the explosion. In its destructive wake stood a tower of iron, flesh, bone, and muscle. A titan wrapped in a terrible raiment that silently hummed and hissed. A billowing cloak of black fur blew in the howling winds surrounding this figure of death. This wraith seemed wrapped in the agony of the realm beyond.

So much death surrounded him, so much pain it wrapped him like a burial shroud of screaming souls. This giant gripped in its huge hand an immense greatsword six and a half feet long, its dark steel seemed to gleam and shine within the Geonosian sun then and for a moment it was beautiful. A true testament to the craftsmanship poured into such an instrument, before its true nature could be felt by all touched with the force. It was death incarnate, the reaper's scythe, end of empires, the dynasty-killer. Daesumnor the Blade of Hunger.

It was the harvester of thousands of souls, all locked eternally within the hungering heart of a blade that craved violence. It had grown to such a degree that it almost craved life, attempting to drive its master into a blood crazed frenzy if he weren't careful. It was a true abomination in this world. For even the greatest sith lords it was the final moment made flesh, especially for those with claims to master the realms beyond life. "It seems in my absence the weak have grown bold and foolish, to think their time has come. You will learn." The Lord of Death bellowed out as he stood beside Darth Carnifex, the Dark Dyad renewed in full strength.

"Come then. Face destruction."

Darth Strosius | Monaray Dod | Revna | Darth Malum of House Marr | Arla Rodarch | Phaelissia | Trayze Tesar ​