Faction New Blood // Inaugural Trials

[Naamino Zuukamano]

It wasn't unreasonable for her to assume she'd been singled out as an "easy" target. If another had chosen her, that might indeed have been the case. Naamino however had sized her up to be roughly a similar height and weight to himself. Though misplaced perhaps, he'd chosen her in a sense of fairness and in hopes that Darth Thaliax wouldn't consider his decision weak, since he'd had the nerve to call out first.

The zabrak scowled faintly at the sleek instructor who offered prudent insights. Azure gaze following first as the strangely beautiful man gave one student a dagger and he corrected his expression to one of careful watchfulness. He'd been schooled many a time by his uncle for the "sour attitude" his face seemed to naturally fall into when his mind was preoccupied. Adults seemed to care more for careful, curated seriousness than whatever expression he generally took when he was overly focused. So Naami was wary as Kyraj settled in to watch, feeling as if he was fighting on two fronts now rather than just one, even more determined to put his best foot forward.

Naami took on an approximation of a fighting crouch, choosing to waste no time and making his body as narrow of a target as possible. His movements were rational but not practiced, his steps steady but not yet second nature. He began to circle, moving toward her left side which he could only guess was the opposite of her dominant hand.

"Well met, fellow first year." He called in that overly formal tone as he made to close the distance, "I am Naamino Zuukamano - who do I cross blades with?" The boy prepared to lunge if she answered, hoping to catch her off guard with niceties.

Leshanna​

 

[Akhuul Sautra]

Tags: Darth Caedes Elmindra Xitaar Diarch Reign Kyraj Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna Lodd Grimmin
Location: Spires of Kor'ethyr, Korriban
Equipment: In Bio
Objective: 2 - Observe the Dueling Pits Among the Masters

Korriban. The world of my birth. The Ziggurat Shuttle would near-silently hum through the atmosphere. It stood out compared to the other vessels at this meeting. All the while, my refuge of Sautra Vokh was hidden on the fringes of the system. The Kainite had this system very well-secured. It was something I did not notice much in my previous exploits within the tombs of this world.

Much has changed in so little time. For thousands of years, I was skulking in the shadows. For thousands of years, I watched those who claimed the inheritance of my people. For thousands of years, I watched numerous Empires of the Sith rise and fall. For thousands of years, I watched with bitter disappointment.

Yet, in a blink of time compared to my years, my return to activity has proven fruitful. I looted small trinkets that radiated with some bit of the force from Freedon Nadd's tomb on Onderon's Moon. I warded off petulant Jedi barbarians at that time too. I have recovered a few artifacts from the neglected tombs of this world that I remembered seeing standing in all their glory a millennia ago. I have gained ties with a few other Sith Lords, including the prestigious Darth Malum of House Marr , improving the security of my unmasking to the Sith of this age. I witnessed the death of Darth Strosius in the effort of a Kaggath. Now, I return to what was once my home as a guest in the court of this Darth Caedes.

This rumination in my digitized mind would end as my shuttle softly landed on the platform. This city was new. This academy was new. All of this stood on grounds I saw when my eyes were of flesh and blood rather than lenses that were possessed by what was left of my soul. The Golg Desert was where I hunted my first sanctioned murder. That whelp was found by me starving and dying of thirst in a cave. It was less the glorious hunt and more so an act of mercy. His head gave me my first titles though. He certainly was not a waste of Sith flesh.

My ponderings continued to be calculated. This was a brazen maneuver. Yet, it was a calculated maneuver. I watched the work of Korriban's reconstruction. It was not terribly disappointing as I would have thought. I was braced for treachery. I would enter the hall where the Sith Lords of this age were gathered. They all were focused on their own affairs to notice my arrival. Their obliviousness is my boon, I would ponder as I walked in as regal as a true Sith Lord ought to be. Call it pageantry, yet pride was instrumental to rulership in the times of my people's Empire.

Many of these proclaimed Sith Lords seemed little more than foppish nobility. Petty creatures. A few I saw as potentially true Sith. Peering up to the throne, I saw the visage of Darth Caedes from a slight ways away. The time to unmask my existence has come. I would approach the throne with smooth strides despite the heavy robotic frame. Each step precisely calculated for regal presentation in my digital cortices. I would stand behind the others before the throne. One, a similarly regal Lord. The other, an alien merchant of some renown judging by its finery.

I would not bow. Korriban is more my home than any other here. Very few in this room could claim to be born here. None other than me could claim to be born here when these tombs and monuments stood in all their glory. "As one who sits on a throne, you must be the Darth Caedes I have heard tell of.", I began in the ancient tongue of my people, "I come before you in custom for a host, yet this world is more my home than any of the others I see here in this chamber. I have outlived rivals and Empires. I have watched the Sith through the ages. I have grown bored of watching. Your works here do not disappoint me, as you at least present appreciation for my people's culture that you and your contemporaries claim to inherit. I am the Sith Lord Darth Cryptis. It will be foolish of you to dismiss my wisdom."

 

[Chasianna]

Location: Desert of Golg - Korriban
Tag: Micah tol Powl Kivah The Scion Zal Aditi
Direct Engagement: Marcus Dinn

For virtually all Qilin, a mask was a necessity in air such as this—thick with irritating particulates that could quite easily send one into a long, ugly coughing fit. Chasianna had taken all precautions in that regard, knowing that neglecting to do so would not only cause her to fail the trial, but it could also result in her untimely death. Thus, an atmosphere mask was fitted snug and secure to her face, with spare filters on her utility belt.

However, Chasianna’s preparations had not only encompassed the immediate demands of her survival, but also the strenuous demands of the trial itself. The two collapsed vibroblades situated on her lower back were a testament to that fact. And it was why her jaw went slack upon seeing that the red-haired man she had met in one of her classes had elected to take the trial blind.

Though perhaps it wasn’t so bad, since he had a guide dog!

Doubtlessly the creature would register Chasianna’s presence as she approached, making no effort to conceal herself in the process. The tiny Qilin regarded it cautiously, all too aware of the threat that even medium-sized canines presented to small beings like her. In that regard, the thought dawned on her that the Tuk'atas would be even bigger, with far more teeth, muscle, and aggression, as well.

And they were hunting her, just as she sought to hunt them.

The Force filled in the gaps, allowing him to sense his surroundings. His loyal beelzebork Mali sat by his side, ready to defend her master. Beasts stalked them in the canyons and crags. He would need an ally. As the creatures drew nearer, he searched for a familiar presence...

It was then that the presence announced herself in a tone that carried equal parts bewilderment and disgust.

“Why are you blind?”

Spoiler: Loadout

• Shell Spider Silk Sith Uniform with Synth-Leather Gloves, Boots, and Banded Belt
  
  • Atmosphere Mask
  • Gauntlets
    
    • Gauntlet Comp - R
      
      • Loaded with FAE/S-11 Universal Communication Matrix
  • Utility Belt
    
    • FAE/C-05 Infiltration Suite
    • Fibercord Grappling Hook / Liquid-cable Launcher
    • Aqua Breather
    • Glowrod
    • "PureSucculent" Filtration Straw
    • Energy Capsules
    • Spare Filters
  • Boots
    
    • FAE/A-14 Energized Foot Gear
      
      • Jetboot Thrusters Removed
• Fuchsia Edge (2)

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Domina Prime and her hapless chaperone were greeted by a few sleek holographic signs temporarily put in place to assist the new influx of students and visitors. Two helpful indicators took them into the heart of the school and down into the laboratory where the trial of minds was being conducted. The tall, unconventional student garnered only a few glances because of the spectacle she walked in on.

A'Mia stood within the soundproof chamber where an overly confident student had decided to try their hand at the challenge just ten minutes in. Their frothing-mouthed screams couldn't be heard but their writhing form was visible to all. The Neti watched dispassionately, marking results down on her datapad before finally bending to render aid to the student who'd gone suddenly still on the floor. From within the folds of her bizarre living robe she pulled a new vial, lifting the student suddenly at the shoulders with many limbs previously hidden or newly formed. With the same calm coldness she tipped the vial's contents into the student's mouth and shook them a little.

All at once they came too, scrabbling against the iron hold of A'Mia's many vines. The chamber door opened and the relatively quiet lab was flooded with the sounds of their newly revived sobbing. For the sake of the exam and whatever students yet worked at their tables, A'Mia summarized the results.

"Your first choice was correct, and your reasoning was sound. Your second choice… was not."

A'Mia set the student down when it seemed they could bear their own weight, and the first year buried face in hands, making to leave and no doubt recover their wounded pride.

"Welcome students, your tardiness means you have fourty nine minutes to complete this trial. Someone explain to them-" and she continued taking down notes with barely a glance in their direction.

Viv gulped, eyes wide at the display they'd walked in on, and a school aide quickly caught them up on the precise details of the challenge. There were still several tables with vials that were unaccounted for, while students hustled in and out of the lab- some with arms laden with plants from the greenhouse, a few typing out calculations furiously on datapads, one student was even hunched over an incredibly rare and dusty looking tome. All while wealthy or interested observers dined at a long table on the far end of the laboratory.

 

[Kivah]

There were a few things to consider. Not being overly familiar with the planet, it was harder to gauge how old the tracks were, but given the wind and blowing sand, probably not too old. They also weren't as far out as she'd like from the trail area, but that could also mean a shorter way to drag their kill. And potentially fewer poachers, of both the many legged and two-legged variety. "Mnaaaow" She replied, telling him it was a good idea in her huskier tones.

As they followed the already disappearing tracks, Kivah kept her eyes open and head on a swivel, checking not just around and behind them, but above along the rocky cliffs as well. People and animals had a tendency not to check above them, a fact she'd taken advantage of in more than one ambush. In the jungles, and the cities, most anywhere she'd been, the high ground had been desirable, Korriban was likely no different.

Kivah decided it was likely a Wraid they were following based on the two rows of differently shaped tracks. The smaller ones occasionally overlapping the depressions left by the larger, meaning they were the rear feet. Another quarter-hour of tracking, sometimes losing the trail but continuing on the path until it reappeared, and the two of them came upon it. Kivah heard the chuffing of its breathing as the large creature sniffed about for something around a boulder. The hunter eyed the surrounding rocks for danger as she angled for a shot with her bow. She wasn't sure how good Micah was with his knives, but she meant to bleed the beast, enrage it and make it cry out, lure in the Tuk'ata with the promise of a stolen meal or a distracted kill. Of course, she and the kit would have to stay alert for that or it'd become more than a promise.

Drawing back her nocked arrow, Kivah paused, flicking her tail, checking its mood and the air around them as she filled her lungs. 'Trust the tail Kiv,' her dad had always told her on their hunting trips. Light, springy but relaxed, no bristle. She let loose her first arrow at the creature they'd been stalking.

Darth Caedes Zal Aditi Marcus Dinn The Scion Micah tol Powl Aramea Bel

 

[Sssslik]

The sands of Korriban were not exactly ones that were known to the Fillithar - the snake-like sentient dressed in naught but a "body tube" of sorts, and a hat, in order to distinguish it from one of the many Sithspawn skulking upon the surface. Indeed, ivory fangs glistened as the viper made their slinking way from the shuttleport to the lesson. At least late was better than never arriving - though the strangeness of the Fillithar was definitely unusual given their own species' dimensions. His tongue flicked out to taste the air for the scent of fear and the potent mixture of chemical pheromones; he tasted it well, and found it suitable for use. Moreover, though, the snake casually collected one of the blades, furling it around in his tail as he gripped it surprisingly well. Though, this was one of a few things he could hold realistically well enough due to its shape.

Sssslik peered at the dueling pits, and then something caught his eye. Two apes - ah. That would do quite nicely. Slithering open close-by to them, enough to seem unaware of them (though in truth, he knew they were there), the snake merely commented idly, yet loud enough to be heard by anybody listening. It was definitely a strange, exotic tone - befitting the one who made it and such...

"I come seeking a proper challenge from somebody with hands." The Fillithar peered at the two Acolytes about to brawl and hissed out his next words with a lisping tone, "Hmmm... You two, I do not ask, but I demand - I want to fight both of you." The serpentine sentient merely waited what was to come next.

Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna​

 

[Marcus Dinn]

Marcus recognized the presence of a former lab partner approaching. "Chasianna," he said her name, head instinctively tilting downwards as if he expected to see her tiny form. "Hey."

Mali barked excitedly at the newcomer, snorting and shifting her weight from one paw to the other while strings of slobber turned the sand by her feet to mud. She was sort of cute in a way, like a big monstrous pug.

“Why are you blind?”

"Had a run in with a Jedi who had a weapon that produced a really bright light. Caught me by surprise and pretty much vaporized my retinas." He scratched his ear. "But I had surgery to fix them. I just haven't fully recovered yet.

"Anyway, how are you?" he asked, as the roar of a hungry beast somewhere behind him preluded the sound of thundering feet. A tuk'ata had found their scent and was fast approaching across the dunes.

Chasianna​

 

[Leshanna]

​

Leshanna noticed movement near to her and her challenger, and her attention flickered briefly towards the sleek armored man who she assumed to be some sort of instructor, as he gave both her and the Zabrak boy both the same pointers.

Be ruthless. Be cunning. Be indomininable…? What the heck did that mean??

The king was watching?? There was a king here? What school had a king? Was he some top student or something? The Headmaster?

Lesh didn’t know, and she didn’t have time to really think further on it as both she and her challenger were instructed to begin.

For the first time in her young life, Leshanna felt something she thought she’d never feel as this duel with the scary blades loomed before her: excitement. Perhaps that was because she’d never been allowed to fight back at the orphanage. But here, she was told to be ruthless! Could she actually unleash here and let out the growly monster in her chest that she had to shove down all the time?? Or would she get in trouble for doing that?

Only one way to find out, she supposed.

Her challenger took up a fighting stance opposite to her, and her stormy blue eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him. She had no idea how to do any of this, but as the boy started to circle around to her left, she felt her excitement grow, and she followed him with her body so he wouldn’t surprise her from the side or behind her. She gripped the pelko-sword in both hands and had it extended out from her midsection, and her heart started racing in her chest as the Zabrak moved to close the distance between them.

He spoke to her then, introducing himself and made mention that he too was a first year student, and stalked even closer to her. She hadn’t expected him to talk to her.

She was about to respond back to him when a hissing voice called out to them both, demanding to fight both her and this Zabrak boy. Lesh scowled and glanced towards what she saw to be some sort of serpentine individual.

"Go get your own partner!" she said, more harshly than she intended, before refocusing herself back on the Zabrak. "This one is mine."

Naamino Zuukamano // Sssslik
​

 

[Aliyah]

Tsis'Kaar were known to be folk of subtelty, demure in their conduct. Yet ruthless in their methods. One such sith with allegiance to them found themselves travelling across the Galaxy to the Sith homeland of Korriban. Granted that she was almost too late to it, given the sheer distance she had to travel. It took months upon months of double, if not triple-checking the NavComputer to make sure the destination was right.

The results were not in vain, so the young acolyte thought. If she were to become well-travelled, she had to learn how to hold her own in a fight, even if it meant going through some of the most terrible pain in her life. At least that's what the instructors told her about the weapon she was using, a sword.. Not something she's entirely used to. The young sith acolyte had no combat experience nor background. If one couldn't commend her skills in this, then at the very least one had to respect the bravery she had to be looking for a fight while being utterly out of her element.

"You demanded a fight?" Her voice mused to the serpentine creature, there is smugness in the delivery of those words, the blade of bone lifted to point at them. "Then I challange you, uh, to... Uh... A duel? That's... How that works, I hope?"

...But that didn't last, the smugness was replaced by confusion and uncertainty. She stuck out like a sore thumb, not entirely sure how to conduct herself in this place, for she was not taught nor she learned of Sith tradition proper. Field work is the name of the game here, if one had to guess.

Regardless of the semantics - a new challenger approached.

Sssslik

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Darth Caedes Zal Aditi Kivah The Scion Marcus Dinn

The young Cathar had lapsed comfortably back into the habits that he'd developed hunting ganguls with his tribe back home.

He let Kivah take point. The spry, lithe cat instead turning his focus to their flank and rear. Let the lioness track their prey. He need only keep track of her while looking out for anything that might be hunting them.

Darting up the sides of the craggy outcroppings, the boy perched up high when the opportunity presented itself. Surveying and testing the wind for how it may have shifted, and what sounds it may have brought with it.

He'd assumed by the two sets of tracks that their prey was stalking something. When they came upon the reptilian beast, the boy had to correct his thinking. It was his first time being presented with a wraid. Their front and rear limbs were quite disproportionate. He'd have to remember that.

As the lioness loosed her arrow, the boy shot out across the ground -- ready to route the creature if it tried to flee. When, instead, it turned and seemed to charge at Kivah, the boy shot out from the sidelines in a sudden burst of speed.

Normally, for something like this, he'd go for the hamstring on the rear limb. But with the way this creature's weight was distributed, he re-oriented his strike for the forelimb instead. The blades shone in the dying light, as the boy drew them as he leapt up from the sand and shot up toward the creature's back.

He drew blood, though how deep he couldn't be certain yet. With luck, he'd severed a tendon.

Making contact with the beast's shoulder just long enough to push off again, the spry cat vaulted back through the air, His knives dug into the sand as he made his landing, before immediately sprinting off to one side in case the creature came after him now.

If Kivah got off a shot now, the boy would slip back into the shadows.

Watching and waiting to see if their wounded prey attracted any interest.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

He was set to strike out, had moved close enough and she'd responded in kind, everything felt like it was falling into place where he expected it to-

A snake?!​

Naamino blinked in confusion at a speaking serpent, the opportunity to strike his opponent while she responded to Sssslik came and went with the distraction of someone else trying to enter the fray. He coiled into his stance a little tighter at the ferocity of the girl's voice. Something- a feeling told him she was more dangerous than she appeared. For a moment it felt like her shadow was longer and darker than what his eyes told him, than what logically made sense at high noon with a distant sun. His forehead scrunched, pulling together as he glowered from beneath his brow.

Precious advantage was wasted though and there was no snatching it back. He could only press forward. Naamino didn't wait to see what happened to the would be interloper, but Leshanna ‘s eyes were already back upon him. His lip curled in frustration, he lowered his head in a charge and swung the borrowed sword at her legs, making to skip aside just in case she'd retaliate with a quick swing in turn.

 

[Kai'lyn]

"I come seeking a proper challenge from somebody with hands." The Fillithar peered at the two Acolytes about to brawl and hissed out his next words with a lisping tone, "Hmmm... You two, I do not ask, but I demand - I want to fight both of you."

Sssslik
Kai'lyn prowled the sands of Korriban, sent by his new master, Diarch Reign , to burn off the restless energy coursing through him. His eyes caught a movement he recognized instantly—a snake. And not just any snake, this one was massive, far larger than the puny ones he used to hunt in the wild. A sharp, toothy grin stretched across his face as his montrals shifted, tuning into the vibrations in the air. The oversized creature slithered lazily, unaware of the predator stalking it.

Kai'lyn's fingers flexed, claws twitching with a splay with anticipation. This was an outlet for the raw, feral energy that crackled in his veins. His body arched, moving with the sleek grace of a predator, his montrals instinctively angling toward his prey. The snake was a distraction, a way to sate the primal hunger within him.

His movements were slow and deliberate, creeping closer like a shadow, his breath steady as he closed in on the massive serpent. It was much bigger than the small snakes he had hunted as a child, but the thrill of the hunt surged through him all the same. This would be a satisfying challenge.

With every step, he imagined the victory—sinking his claws into its scales, feeling the resistance as his grip tightened around its thick, writhing body. The anticipation built with every second until, finally, he lunged, with a powerful burst of speed, he pounced—silent, deadly, and swift.

 

[The Scion]

There was so much life in this dessert for what it was. A landscape of death, where the Sith were buried or something. But graves often made the best food for bottom feeders. Was that why the Slugs were so prevalent? The axe rested on the hook on his pack, a simple sheath that made it easy for retrieval. He wasn't too sure how he knew how to use it, but he also didn't think long on.. Anything.

Instinct was all he needed.

Which was what lead him to this cave. He stood outside it, his senses practically screaming at the danger he was now in. A massive clawed hand gripped the edge of the cave as the hulking behemoth of a Terentatek stepped forward into the glow of the red sun. Gone was the wild smile of the Zabrak. Instead, instinct had taken over. Run. It was time to run.

And run he did. Without hesitation he turned and sprinted across the sands as he felt the heavy vibrations of the monster following.

Micah tol Powl | Zal Aditi | Chasianna | Rayth | Kothar Spitesewn | Marcus Dinn

 

[Chasianna]

Location: Desert of Golg - Korriban
Tag: Micah tol Powl Kivah The Scion Zal Aditi
Direct Engagement: Marcus Dinn

The hilt of one of Chasianna’s vibroblades remained firm inside her grasp as the hideous looking puppy thing drooled and barked at her presence. Though she realized that such an expression could be a sign of friendliness, the tiny Qilin was still loath to let her guard down around the creature. However, the knowledge that there were bigger threats lurking in the desert was enough for her to make a compromise. She allowed her body to relax, potentially making her seem like less of a threat to the strange beast.

“Ouch.” Chasianna commented in response to Marcus’ explanation of his blindness. “I’d say that you should have worn flash lenses, but if the light was so bright that it essentially vaporized your retinas, maybe those wouldn’t have been much help.” She gave a slight grimace, thus displaying a modicum of empathy before casting her gaze back towards the slavering canine.

"Anyway, how are you?"

Chasianna shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not blind, at least.” She answered in a straightforward tone. The Qilin turned around then, her ears twitching upon registering the howl emanating across the dunes. She immediately recognized the source as a tuk’ata, not too far away from their position.

“Do we stand and challenge it here, while we are relatively fresh?” Chasianna questioned. “Or do we fall back and try to find an advantageous position to engage from?” The Qilin stopped to allow for an answer, her gaze quickly scanning the environment as her mind worked to formulate a course of action. They were inside a valley, in the middle of a slight depression in the terrain. Chasiana hoped that they might be able to reach a high point, but there was still more terrain to cross, which would likely conceal traps, pit falls, thicc sand, and various other potential hazards. “It sounds like there is just one, but another could be close by.” She added, before glancing towards Marcus’ pet and cocking her head to the side. If anything might be able tell them whether or not there were more tuk’ata lurking close by (while expending minimal energy in the process), it was the beast.

Thus, Chasianna briefly stared at the creature’s nose, in the hopes of figuring out if it had sensed another tuk’ata on the approach!

Spoiler: Loadout

• Shell Spider Silk Sith Uniform with Synth-Leather Gloves, Boots, and Banded Belt
  
  • Atmosphere Mask
  • Gauntlets
    
    • Gauntlet Comp - R
      
      • Loaded with FAE/S-11 Universal Communication Matrix
  • Utility
    
    • FAE/C-05 Infiltration Suite
    • Fibercord Grappling Hook / Liquid-cable Launcher
    • Aqua Breather
    • Glowrod
    • "PureSucculent" Filtration Straw
    • Energy Capsules
    • Spare Filters
    • Water Canteens
  • Boots
    
    • FAE/A-14 Energized Foot Gear
      
      • Jetboot Thrusters Removed
• Fuchsia Edge (2)

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

Korriban | Vardin | Palatial Capital | Spires of Kor'ethyr

Darth Caedes | Diarch Reign | Lodd Grimmin | Akhuul Sautra | Kyraj | Naamino Zuukamano | Leshanna | Aliyah | Sssslik

Positioned near her king, in her own designated seat on the dais of his throne, the First Lord of Korriban exchanged pleasantries with the masters and nobles invited to observe the academy’s inaugural trials. The arrangement allowed her to act as something of a barrier, even if just energetically, between the king and the attendees. Those who approached would be encouraged to interact with Elmindra first before addressing the king.

Unlike her counterpart, mingling with such a crowd was effortless for the Falleen noblewoman. Ebbing and flowing through conversations, welcoming new guests as they came, all while keeping an eye on the duels in the pits below, Elmindra remained a perfect picture of poise and power. The look she presented for the event further painted an image of business and pleasure. Her dark fitted suit jacket was cut long, tailored to her tall slender form, and reminiscent of a military uniform fashioned to accentuate the broadness of her shoulders with sharp epaulets. Opacity faded at the lower part of the long suit jacket, her snuggly fitted trousers and tall heeled boots visible beneath the mesh fabric. The front of the suit exposed a deep V at her chest, exposing sage green skin all the way down to where a wide leather belt cinched at her waist. Her jet black hair was pulled up in a one long, thick, tidy braid.

Despite being turned away from her king, she knew Darth Caedes brooded and seethed behind her. She could feel the depth of his emotion radiating from him — a distinctly chaotic turbulence in the Force. She knew the source of his ire intimately because she shared in it. The invasion of Sluis Van and the betrayal of the Emperor was still fresh for them both. The resulting damage to their fleet presented an infuriating and entirely unnecessary setback in the pursuit of the war on the Galactic Alliance. But Elmindra believed now was the time to channel their anger into action. This event was just as much an opportunity to network, forge alliances and acquire resources as it was to witness the future of Sith in the making. That said, she fully intended to observe the students and gauge their eligibility for recruitment. She had specifically been interested in seeing what the young zabrak, Naamino Zuukamano , might bring to the dueling pits as she had been impressed by his test scores and the reports of his promise from his professors.

As the robed man made his way to the throne, Elmindra’s piercing gaze appraised him thoroughly. She watched him intently as he performed a polite introduction with all the decorum of a well-practiced courtier. The amused smile that graced her lips did not meet her eyes.

On the tail end of his introduction, her attention was pulled briefly to yet another newcomer approaching the throne — a neimoidian in a mechanical chair made mobile by robotic legs with an exotic avian creature of some sort perched on his shoulder. The alien addressed the king directly and so Elmindra only observed peripherally, awaiting Caedes to redirect this Lodd Grimmin of the Trade Federation to her for further discussion. She returned her full attention to the robed man.

“You are welcome, Darth Reign.” The statement was as much a literal assurance as it was a customary response to his gratitude.
“We are pleased to have you.” She matched his honeyed tone with one of her own but, for all her charm, there was an iciness behind those reptilian eyes.

Before she could engage with Diarch Reign any further, heavy foot falls preceded the appearance of a massive mechanical being built of silver metal. The towering android stepped up to address Caedes in the ancient tongue of the Sith Purebloods, Elmindra recognized, in a tone that clearly pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable when addressing a king. A moment of silence fell over those gathered after the one who called himself Darth Cryptis spoke as tension and anticipation swelled.​

 

[Myunnah]

The stands provided a nice raised spot near the top for her to stretch out. Myunnah had talked someone into filling one of the bowls she carried in her Bag of Things with water and carrying it up here for her, now she lounged over a few rows of the bleachers, half in the top of the isle, as she basked in the sun's weak rays and watched the curious little Sithlings below. Her red eyes looked on contemptuously, they were all weak and lacked instinct.

In the distance, she could hear the echoing calls of her kin rumble through the valley as they were hunted. But she felt no kinship with them, if they challenged a Sith and their blood was spilled before they tasted it, they were weak. She could feel their telepathic links, strongest between mated pairs, but pulled her mind back from them. Simple creatures, she drew her own attention back to the arena as it looked like they were about to begin.

A snake was momentarily interesting, but it didn't bite anyone. Instead, issuing a challenge to the two squaring off. Then neither took advantage when their prey was distracted! Myunnah growled out her dissatisfaction, the riding fear that caused in those still close to her soothing her like a pleasant scent. The water bowl was calling to her when the boy struck! In an instant she was transfixed, her lolling tongue running over her teeth, imagining it was her making the strike and the gushing warmth that would have followed.

Another Sithling came out to play, drawing the snake away. This one looked harmless, doubtless to lure in prey. A point proven as yet another child began stalking the distracted snake. Maybe it was an animal wandered in from the sands after all? Suddenly she felt an itch to jump down there and join in on the fun. How easy it would be to bat those little sticks away and- She caught herself, already raised up to run and pounce. That was not being a Good Myunnah. That would be Causing a Scene. Her tail smacked against the safety railing as she lashed it in irritation, she wanted to plaaaay.

Then she got a wicked grin spreading across her muzzle as she realized she could. An image formed in her mind, one of danger and snarling teeth creeping in from behind, the smell of fresh blood. She bundled it up and pressed it against the mind of the snake below, warning Sssslik of the creeping one behind him. Or scaring him before she did. Either was good to her. The other Sithlings likely caught some of it too, she wasn't very precise at the moment. Not with The Pack gone. Mischief achieved, she sat her haunches back down to watch whatever unfolded.
Kai'lyn Naamino Zuukamano Aliyah Leshanna

 

[Sssslik]

Sssslik was at least if nothing else consistent. Bobbing their hat-bearing head with a bemused, slithery smirk, the Fillithar turned their gaze straight over to the newly-arrived Acolyte. Or Sith. Or whatever they were! Sssslik's tongue flicked out and caught the distinctive odor of something approaching vaguely from behind - and any reply that would have been given to Aliyah died as the warning of blood and violence rang through. The serpentine sentient, however, had another secret tool that aided in telling who was deciding to creep up on him like a professional backside-grabber.

Vibrational senses through the ground.

Sssslik whipped around coolly as the person attempted to lunge at the Fillithar; a look of are you kidding me followed up by a sidewinding motion to the side, avoiding the hit with decent distance to it. This one wanted to fight? So be it, but killing his opponent probably meant upsetting his overseers. This was likely just one of the dumb... dumb-er Acolytes they kept in the back or something to not embarrass the Lords on their own spare time visiting. A smug sense of superiority radiated from the hiss as the serpentine snake suddenly lunged forward, seeking to wrap its large coils around Kai'lyn's frame, fanged maw opened wide as it chuckled out in a hissing sound with bemusement. If nothing else, the snake was determined to pin down his opponent and try to restrain them.

Oh, not out of consideration for their wellbeing - Academy property wasn't his to damage yet after all.

"You are definitely terrible at sneaking up on people." The Fillithar returned his gaze upon Aliyah, coolly keeping his mind on two different things as his body attempted to still wrap around Kai'lyn, "Give me just a moment; I'm afraid present company has no braincells rattling about in their skull. I will duel you momentarily." The snake-like reptilian was unamused. No, not just unamused - agitated slightly as a ripple of anger burned through them. But for now there proved the task of restraining this ambushing foe, and seeking to maybe crack a few ribs in the process of showing why snakes were truly ssssssssspectacular in their element of fighting.

Even if he had no limbs, unless if one counted his tail.

Myunnah Elmindra Xitaar Kai'lyn Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna Aliyah​

 

[Zal Aditi]

​

Desert of Golg

Korriban

Valley of Golg

Afternoon

[image source: Star Wars: Invasion #2] (edits by me)

​

Zal scanned the desert with her binocs, observing how the Trial of Golg was progressing. For the most part, the students seemed to have fallen naturally into groups, mostly pairs - a wise decision, for such an alliance not only strengthened their chance of success in the challenge, but also kept a potential enemy - their chosen partner - close and within eyesight.

She watched a red-skinned Zabrak { The Scion } dispatch a dozen K'lor'slugs with apparent ease, not even turning his head to look at his prey. Indeed, he moved with a singular focus that spoke to senses at play beyond the standard 5. She smiled in approval as he prioritized first disabling, then finishing his targets. His battle complete, he set back to the hunt, and she turned to the other hopefuls.

Two Cathar { Micah tol Powl Kivah } were busy with a wraid. Zal could feel the interest the battle was provoking in a nearby tuk'ata hunting pair - partly due to the blood now on the wind, but also because the two students were distracted by their prey. At least the smaller one had been smart enough to lame his quarry - the little catling was quick, but an angry wraid could be just as fast, and if those wicked claws found their mark the fur would truly fly.

Throughout the battlefield, her pack had begun to engage, their patience with the students tracking them wearing thin. A blindfolded acolyte with a pair of companions { Marcus Dinn Chasianna } whirled to face an approaching tuk'ata, and the group readied itself for battle. Distantly she sensed amusement from a stalking sith hound as a different student yelped and was swallowed into a sink hole.

She was about to turn to try and see the occurrence when a ripple of alertness pulled her attention away. The tuk'ata sensed danger, danger on a scale that far outmatched anything the students could possibly represent. An elder had arisen.

She turned quickly in the direction of the disturbance, her breath hissing out between bared teeth as she caught sight of the elder in question. The talented Zabrak had stumbled into a cave mouth, and a terantatek had caught his scent. Why had it come to the surface? Her mouth twisted. Perhaps the shifting of Koe'thyr had awakened it, the dark magic of the Academy drawing it to the surface from its subterranean rest amongst the Old Ones.

A terantatek had not been part of the plan for this test. At least the kit was smart enough to flee, but his path of escape was drawing the ancient behemoth directly towards the still-distant Academy grounds.

With a thought, she called to her bondmate. Rising from her crouch, she ran to the edge of her perch, swinging off the edge and onto the tuk'ata that leapt to meet her, landing securely on its back between the spines. She had not yet decided whether or not she would interfere with the situation, but at the very least it merited a closer look.

 

[Kai'lyn]

Sssslik
If Kai'lyn was anything, he was fast -- faster than lightning, literally. The moment Sssslik's coils tried to snake their way around him, Kai'lyn had already moved. His reflexes were beyond sharp, honed through battles where even the slightest hesitation meant death.

With a swift side-step, Kai'lyn avoided the Fillithar's attempt at a constriction with a fluid grace, his body moving as if it was made of wind. His predatory instincts kicked in, and he pounced forward, aiming to bring his boot down behind Sssslik's head. He knew the weak points in serpentine anatomy well, and a well-placed strike here would give him all the leverage he needed.

As his boot shot toward the creature, Kai'lyn's claws glinted, ready to dig into the Fillithar's flesh, should he need to make this encounter even more brutal. The Togruta's lips pulled back in a sharp, toothy grin. He was already poised for a counterattack, claws extended, ready to strike and bring both tooth and nail in to the creature. He had no interest in the drawn-out fight; victory came quickly or not at all.

 

[Kivah]

Micah zipped in like a fuzzy missile, drawing blood from the beast as Kivah fingered another arrow from those clutched in her bow hand onto the string. The nock was smooth and turned into part of the draw as she aimed past the tip of the arrow. There was no pause before the loose, turning the attack all into one smooth motion that sent a shaft plunging into the rocky lizard's gaping mouth. The results were stunning, the beast immediately burst into wild motion, shaking its whole body and howling as it tried to dislodge the arrow. Each motion pushing the arrow about in the wound as it screamed in pain before it bit down on the shaft, breaking it. Even then the pain remained.

Kivah was drawing on the Wraid again when her tail shot straight, maximum bristle, hair sticking on end. Not hesitating saved her life, or at least spared her a mauling. Leaping to the side, she cleared the Tul'ata's pounce even as it moved through the air where she'd once been. Twisting about, she loosed the arrow meant for their bait into the sith spawn's leathery side. It snarled and snapped at her just in time to catch the end of the hefty bow as she brought it around in a two-handed, full body, swing across its muzzle.

"EEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRREIR!" She let out an ear-splitting yowl of warning, "Raoao Wrrrao" And told Micah to let the other beast get away. Its bellowing and stomping about had covered the noise of the Tuk'ata's approach, and there was likely a second one angling in on them even now. Hurt, outnumbered, and now with apex predators showing up, she didn't think it would want to stick around for revenge.

Spinning past its clawed foot, Kivah added to the motion, thumbing another arrow from her clutch into the draw hand. This one she loosed from less than a meter into the creature's other side. Her peripherals caught the spined tail coming in, and she braced the bow to take the hit. Her weapon bent with the blow, the wrong direction. She could hear it crack as a break formed somewhere in its body and Kivah howled her rage as she threw it away to draw her own knives. The stout bow had been a gift from her father and she had loved to hunt with it while relishing the memories of her childhood.

Darth Caedes Zal Aditi Marcus Dinn The Scion Micah tol Powl Aramea Bel