For Thine Is The Kingdom [TSE]

[Darth Carnifex]

​

The Imperial Palace, Bastion​

​

The sounds of music and revelry cascaded out from the audience hall, spilling into adjacent rooms and corridors until there was no sliver of the palace left unadorned with the muffled dirge of celebration. Every door to the audience hall was flung wide open, guarded by a pair of crimson-clad sentinels who stood still and stoic as statues unless provoked. Servants adorned with glimmering gold and silver moved through the throngs like ghosts, trays of refreshments; the most tantalizing fruits, bursting with flavor, seared meat that fell right off the bone, and full goblets of the sweetest wines imported from all over the galaxy; held high above their heads with impeccable balance.

A raised platform near the center of the chamber was the epicenter of attention as musicians from distant Panatha clutching instruments both familiar and foreign played a rousing dissonant tune in their native tongue. A single dancer, clad in shimmering samite, danced in synchronization with the beat. Transparent silk clung to her curves, a thin sheet of sweet glistening over her caramel skin as she shook and twirled around and around, every eye fixated on her every move.

At the other end of the chamber was another raised platform, this one mightier than the other. At its apex sat a throne fashioned from blackest stone and iron. Perched upon it was the Sith Emperor himself, black and crimson robes hanging from his massive bulk as he watched the revelry with impassivity, his dark baleful eyes sweeping over the congregation. Both Sith and Imperials were in attendance, Lord and Ladies of the Brotherhood, Generals, Admirals, and the grandest of the military nobility that the Empire had to offer. Knights and their apprentices were also in attendance, indulging in the hospitality of their Emperor like everyone else.

All united in jovial mirth for the grandeur and glory of the Empire.

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

The Imperial Palace, Bastion
856 ABY

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When she reached her destination of Bastion after several fine days upon an expensive yacht that had been assigned to ferry invited guests to the Emperor's party, the ambitious priestess had been impressed with the level of development that a human world had reached. Until recently, she had been far more used to seeing humans in chains and groveling at her paws; their mighty fleets and unending legions proved to open her eyes to the truth of the galaxy. She no longer wished for something as naive and ultimately impossible as Anubian dominion over all others. Instead, she desired her own power, and the grandeur of the Imperial Palace even from a distance was enough to convince her that the Sith was the way to achieving her goals. Besides, the throngs of nobles from across Sith-Imperial space weren't necessarily a bad thing; she was clearly enjoying the exotically familiar sounds and scents of an upper caste's party, ranging from the subtle sting of fine wines and champagne at her muzzle to the atmospheric music intermixing with the inevitable gossip.

Carnifex's power, she understood, was more than adequate of giving him an uncanny awareness of all things around him. However, the talk of an exotic jackal-like alien towering over the vast majority of the party guests spread like wildfire the moment she had confirmed her invitation's existence and strode amidst the others. She kept her shoulders swept up behind her back while her muzzle ever so subtly rose upward to gently emphasize her position. Even if the Empire did not recognize the value of the priesthood of Ankhypt and their guidance in interpreting the will of Anubilar to the masses, Sekhet will never even hint at letting go over her natural aura of superiority. Nobles, generals, and even other priests have prostrated themselves before her in the temples of their mighty god of death; why should she expect to be treated as anything less than royalty?

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Onrai]

It was rare to see Vanessa in attendance at the average Sith social. Reasons varied for this - from her planning for acts of aggression against the enemies of the Empire to development of new technology allowing her to better harm said enemies when she confronted them. But with the recovery phase now in place after the ORC assault on Sith territory - an assault that was truthfully unexpected and for which Vanessa had certainly not planned a response to - it was time to begin scheming for a response. Vanessa would head over towards the throne, intending to perhaps have a conversation with the Emperor while others indulged in their thirst for enjoyment.

After all, she had been there and done that.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Emperor's eyes fell on Lady Vantai as she approached the throne dais through the throne of those who crowded around its base, as none were allowed on its steps save for a quartet of Crownguard. One brandished a crackling vibro-voulge as she approached, but quickly backed off after the Emperor called out; "It is quite alright. Let her Ladyship of Nathema approach." She could now approach unmolested, but only her and her alone. She was only allowed on the second tier from the base level where there was enough room to kneel, bow, or prostrate herself in reverence to the Emperor and Dark Lord of all Sith; as was customary for a ruler of his extraordinary magnificence.

Carnifex clasped both hands together, his face impassive but his eyes dancing with reflections of carnal delight from behind the Lady Vantai. "It has been quite a long time since you have come before me on Bastion, Lady Vantai. What brings one of your enigmatic stature all the way from distant Nathema?"

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]​

 

[Onrai]

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

Vanessa would get upon her knees on the step in question, attempting to sit comfortably. She had chosen a simple pair of gold-embroidered robes for this occasion - the robes provided her with a surprising deal of comfort. Kaine's welcoming response was at least appreciated to a degree, and she was rather pleased her hikikomoric nature had not evidently given the Emperor reason to presume any disloyalty. There was nothing to gain from such, after all, as her former apprentice had previously showcased.

"A degree of frustration." Vanessa answered him. "I have been running my forces through exercise after exercise and providing segments of my gestalt assets to various offensive campaigns. While great casualties have been inflicted upon our enemies, I am disappointed at the lack of a concerted effort to exterminate, enslave, or otherwise turn to our allegiance those within the Silver Jedi Order, as well as to those remaining Jedi elements from the Alliance. I have the men, the equipment, and the necessary resources to inflict great harm upon them, but no operations have as yet been authorized - hence my playing military diplomat with the Mandalorian clans."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Matters elsewhere had required my attention, Lady Vantai. A house divided would not be able to stand against a foreign enemy, no matter how exercised your forces might have been. The destruction of the traitor Vyrassu and his Illborn ilk were a requirement that could not be ignored, dismissed, or taken lightly. His bastardized copy of Dromund Kaas burns in Wild Space, and I again remain the undisputed Lord of All Sith." Heresy and rebellion were not to be tolerated in the eyes of the Emperor, with any whispers of such to be torn out root and stem and burned until nothing remained but salted fields and irradiated ruins. "And the Jedi will be dealt with in time, patience is a virtue that more Sith need to understand and take heed of." Without a shred of doubt in his mind, the Emperor knew that such reckless haste would be their undoing as it had been for their distant forefathers.

Her admission to serving as a military diplomat to the Mandalorian Clans did not surprise the Emperor, he had known of this breach of authority for quite some time but had allowed it to continue. There was nothing that Vanessa spoke to the Mandalorians that Yasha did not inform him of almost immediately, so close was their relationship as rulers. "And yet, who gave you leave to conduct such diplomatic affairs on behalf of the Sith Empire? I had not known that you had been appointed Diplomatic Minister. It must have slipped my mind." Though there was a trace element of mockery in the Emperor's voice, there was no such mirth in his eyes; eyes that burned brightly with an unfathomable undirected hatred.

"I assume you have an excuse?"

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]​

 

[Tatsu]

| The Imperial Palace, Bastion |

​

Aftermath of Betrayal​

What was a man if not more than a miserable pile of lies and secrets? Tatsu's mind devoured itself with thoughts of shame and self-damnation, contrived excuses manifesting from the unknown regions of his mind, trying to compartmentalize the atrocity he had committed prior to attending the social gathering of Sith and Imperials alike - the very people that made Tatsu witness their grandiose strength, their raw cunning. His hands still felt taut with the dried blood of those that would perceive Tatsu as not a traitor, but a friend and merciful commanding officer.

He was not such things, and their expectations were now irrelevant. But he could still feel their disappointment, the utter shock and awe of their faces as he stared into their eyes as they died.

The major's eyes scanned from one side of the main chamber to the other, the music like white noise to his ears as a depressive episode washed out any other feelings. His lips clung to a goblet of sweet wine, his taste buds rejoicing in the delightful dessert of a drink; however, his stomach ached with guilt. Tatsu's face was rugged, accented by light scarring here and there, his cheeks flushed with a light crimson as he began to sweat beneath his combat armor.

There was no longer a point in the masquerade of doing the right thing. To not have killed those loyal soldiers would have been a greater fallacy, and so Tatsu gave them the peace of rest - to no longer suffer the waking world around them, to no longer struggle the proclaimed greatness of the Republic.

He saved them from the biggest lie of all.

Tatsu chugged down the rest of his wine, a droplet falling from his lips and onto the floor. A rude, loud burp escaped his mouth as he proceeded to wipe away anything residual. His heart was broken, but he at least now understood himself. No longer shackled by the self-importance of the Jedi and their pointless rhetoric. The broken soldier's eyes fell upon the man seated in his throne - the Emperor of the Sith in the flesh.

And suddenly, none of the guilt pained Tatsu. It now was replaced by longing - a lust of the ego.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

"They were a disgrace." She stated. That Vyrassu, an individual with no prior association, no claim to the Sith throne, would arise out of the blue with his band of heretics and dare to falsely claim himself leader of the Sith - especially comparable to Kaine, who she had known and watched grow from the early days of his time within the Sith sphere. Vyrassu had been exterminated, his empire had been exterminated, and whatever good remained from the Jen'ari having been burned away and amalgamated within the true Empire. She paused for a moment, considering the latter words. "A valid point - that said, we should never allow them to feel the concept of comfort. To stir the pot, to force them to further imperialize over their traditionally laissez-faire citizenry, will harm the citizens' faith in their so-called 'benevolent' Jedi masters."

The latter had hardly stung. "My affairs with the Mandalorians were hardly diplomatic, admittedly. I assisted the Mandalorians in their unfortunately failed defense of Eshan, assisting as I was obligated to by our association with them. After all, it is better to keep the tiger satiated than starved in order to maintain its devotion." She replied. "The clans have been, of our allies, the most devoted to the Empire, willing to assist when others were unable to - or when they desired not to." She retained her composure.

"Besides, it was a chance to test some of my latest equipment upon appropriate enemy forces."

 

[Darth Voracitos]

The Triumvir of Knowledge attended the festivities, but not in the traditional sense of "attendance". His "wounds", per say, on Rhen Var were far too "grievous" for the general public. Instead, a hologram of Voracitos as he appeared before Rhen Var waltzed through the procession of others on spidery legs, likened after his traditional mobile Throne these days. It is unfortunate of course, that he is not able eat any of the most likely delectable fruits or foods arranged before them. At least his eye may be satisfied with the sights before him. Truly though, his presence here was to have ears open. One never knows what they may come to hear when festivities have brought people's guard down. Although currently, the Sith Lord made a point to stalk the high turned nose of a particular dog he had met on New Alderaan ([member="Sekhet-ka-nefer"]). Just to have something to do while he listened...

[member="Vanessa Vantai"], [member="Tatsu"], [member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Darth Voracitos"] [member="Vanessa Vantai"] @Tatsu @Sekhet-ka-nefer

Lurking on the edges of the party, Taeli was keeping to herself for the most part. [member="Fiolette Raaf"] would be arriving soon, with Nerralyn, for her official debut to the Sith-Imperial court, but Taeli had arrived early to oversee a few matters the campaign on Rhen Var had left neglected. The events in those ruins were weighing on her mind, feeding her annoyance and rage towards Coren. He had stolen a valuable asset from her, the young Jedi... her teeth gnashed together behind pursed lips. Appropriate counteractions would need to be taken, agents and assets moved into position because she wanted to eviscerate every pillar of Coren's support base.

She wanted him to pay, and pay dearly.

Still such thoughts would put her off the party, even more so than the slightly reclusive Lady of Secrets could be about such gatherings. She was not one to attend the many social gatherings in the capital city. Always too busy with her experiments and research. Not that she neglected politics, but when one did not partake of vices, Sith parties could be rather dull affairs unless three or more people died.

 

[Darth Ledgermayne]

Interesting...

Such events the Gutretee avoided to attend but with the recent battle on Rhen Var also came the reason to reveal his presence more and more within the Empire. Proving his worth in a way and showing his loyalty more and more. From the past encounters Darth Ledgermayne was a reclusive hermit within the empires established rule. No more. Besides there were several personalities that the Gutretee knew, some more than others. There was the Sith emperor himself, [member="Darth Carnifex"]. A companied by his guard and other such peoples of commitment. [member="Vanessa Vantai"], A woman Ledgermayne had only heard of by name. This was the first time he had actually seen her from afar, she herself looked to be holding a conversation with the Dark lord. Business no doubt. A two new faces as well, neither were immediately recognized ([member="Tatsu"] & @Sekhet-ka-nefer). They would be met in due time. [member="Taeli Raaf"] almost escaped the Gutretees sight once again. The triumvir of power and lady of secrets. Perhaps it was finally time to greet her. Adorned in a clean Cloak of Hate, a article of clothing that covered almost all of his body with the exception of his red hued feet, hands and head due to the cloak hood being cast down. It was rude to hide is face in a place as this. Making his way over to the Lady of the sith in simple strides with hands behind his back in a regal clapse, his eyes glanced at a larger figure. It was [member="Darth Voracitos"]. Turning his head the crystalline man smirked slightly remembering the events that occurred with the Lord of hunger before continuing onward.

" I did not expect to see you here, my lady." He commented addressing Taeli as he neared closer.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Indeed?" The Emperor quirked an eyebrow at the Lady of Nathema, "You are correct, naturally. The Mandalorians must be kept sufficiently well-nourished if they are to be any use to us as allies. From what the Mand'alor has spoken to me in confidence, you have done the Empire a great service by coming to their aid at Eshan. She spoke very highly of your contributions, even if the operation was ultimately a failure. For that, you have my gratitude as Emperor."

With a beckoning finger, the Emperor allowed Vanessa to approach him all the way up to the level upon which his throne directly sat upon; a place of high honor that would be noticeable by any who cast their gaze upon them.

"For your service, you may ask of me one favor within reason. I will see it granted, for those who serve the Empire faithfully and competently are rewarded."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]​

 

[Onrai]

“Precisely.” She replied. “While we must never allow the Empire to fall to a position where anyone, even our allies, could exploit our weakness, strengthening our allies through diplomacy, trade deals, and military assistance in time of need allows us to greatly multiple the lethality of the blade we shove through our enemies’ hearts.” The fact that the Emperor agreed with her was surprising - the last conversation they had truly had, from her recollection, was regarding the territory Vanessa maintained influence over and suspicions of potential disloyalty.

“Besides. I appreciate working with our allies. Even if some have proven to be... irritants in the past.” Every time she worked with the Mandalorians, she was forcibly reminded, either through Yasha or through his direct presence, of Kaine Australis attempting to cause the alliance harm during a confrontation with the GA some five years ago. While he had apparently straightened out somewhat, she could never fully trust him, and regularly worried about how strong his whispers into Yasha’s ear were.

Vanessa would stand and approach the level in question before once more getting upon her knees as she reached it, still looking at Kaine. It had been a tremendous amount of time since any sort of boon had ever been offered to her - the last thing she remembered gaining as a Sith was her position of dominion over a third of the prior Sith Empire. While there was much she could have asked for - a fanciful title, dominion over the third she controlled decades ago, wifehood at the Emperor’s side, all things Kaine would likely glean as possibilities from he raised mind as such thoughts were open to him right now, her chosen request was far more specific - though he could certainly respond to any of her other thoughts were he to desire, though they were not what she ultimately wished to request from him.

“At the planet of the Wookiees, when we engaged the Silver Jedi Order, the enemy forces brought out a dreadnought-class vessel designated the Hyperion Ascendant to conflict with my fleet assets. I lost fifteen prototype battleships crippling the light-sided abomination of a vessel and forcing it to return back to the enemy drydock from which it came battered and limping. They were minimally crewed, but out of respect to the men and women I lost to that infernal contraption, some of whom have served me loyally since the prior Empire, this must be my request.”

She stretched her knees for a moment beforehand proceeding. “I request a dreadnought-class warship of my very own be constructed to my precise specifications, a vessel of such extreme firepower that will easily be able to overcome the monstrosity of the Silvers the next time we meet. A vessel that will have the power to butcher fleet after fleet of our enemies as it is weaponized against them. Such a vessel shall be able to scorch planets, slaughter fighters and bombers, and eviscerate lesser combatants of even battlecruiser scale, a ship capable of rendering such terror in its opponents’ hearts that long after we are gone from this world, it shall be remembered. This I humbly and respectfully ask from you, my Emperor.”

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Tehkyram]

These gatherings were less than ideal for Tehkyram. Certainly he knew the intricacies of courtly etiquette, that was not the issue. Likewise, he had already come to terms with his newfound literary fame and the controversy surrounding it. As such, he was certainly noteworthy enough to be invited to the gala, regardless of the Emperor's personal tastes in literature- actually, no, perhaps taste was the issue. Everything about this event was undeniably tacky. The music, the dancing, this was so terribly superficial in its meaninglessness. It was superfluous, irrelevant, unnecessary. Such are the material trappings of life, so pedantically mundane as to be unbearable. In truth Tehkyram was hoping for a more spiritual experience: something on par with the glory and splendor of the battlefield or perhaps a more monastic and aescetic environment like the ones he favored. He needed a raging inferno of passion and violence or the quiet solitude of a library- anything in between was meaningless noise. Such a pity the last major engagement was on the intolerably cold Rhen Var- were it not for Tehkyram's own biology he would have quite liked to partake in such a matter.

At least there was the wine. Tehkyram had initially been loathe to imbibe alcohol, finding it utterly trivial. And yet, something about the process of fermentation had piqued his interest- there was something undeniably romantic about alcohol and what it represented. It was liquid death, a spiritual and material poison borne of decay and rot. A reminder about how death was woven into every single aspect of existence, the all-powerful presence of the end. It was quite the comforter, he supposed. The bitter taste of wine was especially enjoyable.

 

[Osiren Clarmore]

He was a stranger in a far away land, wondering why it all felt so familiar. How his noble title and lordly manner felt insignificant in a place with such power. As he entered the chambers, he kept to the edges of the revery, knowing his white cloak and silver hair no doubt gave away his presence. For so much of Osiren’s life, he thought he understood power. It was what his family used as a weapon against their enemies, the grip his father kept across their Keep. Standing here, in the Basition of the great Empire in the presence of the powerful, Osiren finally understood.

Today he was prepared to bend the knee before the Emperor, should it be required. He came here on the wishes of his father, but it had been Osiren’s secret desire for power that had willed it. Osiren was the sworn sword of his father, willing and able to speak for him for all matters of their house and hold. He would come to the Sith and submit himself to learn their dark ways, swearing the fealty of his house and banners to the Emperor’s cause. Cain had read stories to his older brother for years, the tales of Jedi and Sith, the Knights of power in the galaxy. The power inside them, Osiren knew it must be awaiting within him. Today was the day he would begin to unlock it.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

His eyebrow remained raised throughout her request, his will probing the surface of her mind for those thoughts she let slip. None were wholly unexpected, he had come to anticipate Vanessa Vantai's wants from their time working together over the decades. The importance in which she placed her requests, both spoken and unspoken, was something of a surprise, that much was sure. "A dreadnought is a powerful vessel, Vanessa. Powerful and expensive, not to mention a considerable strain on our shipyards. Our current military doctrine has started to veer towards smaller, more manageable vessels that can be grouped up and divided to react more flexibly to threats." While the Emperor's desire on Palpatinean dreadnoughts and super-heavy capital ships continued on in secret, the majority of the Empire's naval production might was being used to create much more versatile vessels.

"I can substitute your request for the collective sum of smaller vessels that together match the firepower of a single dreadnought, if you would so desire. Or you can decide on something else you desire, something much more attainable and financial sound for the Empire."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]​

 

[Tatsu]

So minuscule, utterly drowned beneath the currents that swirled the room, mustering into an ocean of undeniable presence and power. Tatsu's gaze became downcast, his Atrisian features going from a mild tanned complexion to that of a pale white ghost. His scars became more noticeable across his face as his left eye began to spasm - something hard to catch to anyone else, but he could feel the anxiety and stress rushing back into his being with full force.

He forced his breathing to remain calm, clearing his throat as he thrust his hand to a nearby table to acquire more alcohol. Raising his goblet to his lips, Tatsu gorged himself, trying anything to steady his nerves. How could he compare to these people? These monsters that appeared like something out of myth - a nightmare. What was he doing here? What right did he have other than to be systematically classed beneath those that title themselves as Sith.

Tatsu was nothing. A nobody.

His armor shifted as he tried to maintain correct posture, the booze making his head swim as his vision blurred for a brief second.

A world of anguish and guilt screamed inside, tears that felt like they were pushing against the back of his eyes.

A cold sweat formed on his brow as he remained quiet. Staying rightfully in his place.

 

[Onrai]

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

"I understand that, certainly." She replied. "That said, I would at least like the manufacture of such a vessel to be considered." She replied. "I have resources stockpiled from over decades to see such a vessel constructed, as well as access to a great deal of raw material." Raw material from dissected Alliance ships or the Imperial Graveyard came to mind. “The Nathema facilities are large enough to construct a ship of dreadnought scale." These were valid points - Vanessa was hardly eager to have the concept of a dreadnought waved away, especially given the tense situation with the Silver Jedi and other potential enemies.

"I already have converted multiple Sovereign battlecruisers into vessels capable of taking on a dreadnought-scale warship, and these vessels are within the naval assets under my command, so alternative vessels for dealing with such a ship are admittedly unnecessary..." She pondered for a moment. "I would ask for marriage, but despite having known you for so long, I would always be lowest upon the totem pole..." She sighed. "Dammit, there's not much else for me to want at this point, if I may be quite honest. I can't ask for my old territory as the Sith have been reorganized. The Dreadnought can't be built, marriage is ultimately not beneficial, and a title means nothing if it's ceremonial..."

Vanessa was clearly quite frustrated in how difficult it was to come up with something she would be able to actually utilize for the betterment of the Empire.

 

[Mythos]

He was a Legend, the stuff of tales and horrors told in the dorm rooms of Glee Anselm long after 'Lights Out'. Since he was nothing but an Acolyte with the expectance of death he had heard the tales of Voracitos. Little did he know that much later into adulthood would he come to know a little more about the "Sith who devoured a system". Acolytes and young minds were filled with fabulous tales of Sith Lords and Sith Knights which were most of the time greatly exagerated. With the passing of time some things a man of his position could and did figure out. Curiosity never died, names spoken and gone with time like Darth Kryptus and the Throne breaker. Usually in that same sentence other names were also mentioned, [member="Darth Carnifex"] and Voracitos among them.

Dressed in traditional wear for Sith Imperial officers with all awards, medals and service ribbons affixed to standard, Mythos emerged and walked in a straight line for the hologram of the grotesque Sith. He noticed familiar faces, mainly [member="Sekhet-ka-nefer"], the only other Anubian apart from Mythos' personal escort ships.

"About time the priests got to doing somethig. You'll enjoy it here" He spoke under his breath in clear Anubian. The unique language was difficult to speak with human vocal chords but her ears were Anubian. There was nothing she could not hear.

Bastion was good to him but his stay needed to be breif, he could only appear in gatherings shortly and now his profile needed to be much less noticable. Work could wait, when could he ever again meet and speak to someone who could awnser so many Mysteries?

"Voracitos?" He said once sure he was close and in ear shot. His yellow eyes searched and his posture straightened, a dull and snapping custom of motions he could not shake after so much military grind. "The [member="Darth Voracitos"]?" He clarified more sternly and clearly, a doubtful tone to his voice. If this was turly him, however possible that may have been, he had to be sure.

 

[Darth Voracitos]

[member="Mythos"]

"Should there be any o͏th̢e҉r?" There was a moment where his voice was not transmitted through the hologram clearly, a distortion that was unnatural... or perhaps it was perfectly natural for the true form hiding beneath the facade of a holographic image of his mortal form. Regardless, it could easily be interpreted as merely static from a less than stellar transmission across the galaxy from wherever the true location of where ever Voracitos may lie, deep within his Den of Decadence... or deeper beyond the sight or presence of mortal beings in the physical realm. Who is to say that this mechanical contraption which walked about this assembly touting itself as the avatar of its dark master was not entirely artificial? Fabricating a transmission completely to give one the idea of the presence of the Sith Lord's direct and personal observation? It was difficult to say, Voracitos enjoyed toying with the idea of multi-presence and simulacra from time to time.

"Point me to his direction such that there may remain only one." The hologram sneered in jest, knowing full well it had been recognized, and no duplicitous other Voracitos existed elsewhere that was not just some avatar of his existence. Though he had not employed the use of avatar's as of late, given his latest transformation, he may see to it to make more. It would supply the empire with a public presence of himself that remained at least palatable enough to tolerate looking at for short times. Palatable at least in comparison to the monstrosity he had become, willingly. Political capital was made up of appearances just as much as making deals. Too frightening or hideous to look at, and you shall be relegated solely to the shadows. Though that is the element in which Voracitos operates, even the shadows have their limits, which thus necessitates the need for fleshy avatars.