Private Power - The man or the Artifact

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Bane Kaohal

After the fireworks at the declaration, word reached the Diarch of a wanderer of great power. Intelligence had come through that the they wore a unique mask. Thinking the Diarch needed additional strength, Rellik sought out this mysterious stranger. Hoping to see if the mask was the source of their power or if it was the person themselves. The dynamics of the galaxy were shifting and they would need every person or tool they could get.

Diving deeper into the report, the wanderer had been upon Bastion during the ceremony. Not seen directly during the events they meandered through the city with the majority of citizens. To Rellik this seemed like a tactic to blend more easily within the crowd. They had been tracked on surveillance for a while but it appeared they were able to give "The Network" the slip and disappeared shortly after.

The Diarch donned his civilian attire and left to travel through Revelin - (The city outside the crucible academy on Bastion). Stopping at the local Cantina, the owner of which he had a good personal relationship with. Upon entering he approached the bar and asked for a Corellian whiskey and a tip. The waiter knew what he wanted and awaited the question. "I am looking for a unique individual. Large, extremely well built. With fiery orange hair and a dark aura about them."

The bartender openly gave the Diarch information about underground dealings but this time, he hesitated. "M..mmm..mmmy Lord." Choking out the words as he spoke it was apparent that this mysterious stranger had left him in fear. "He said he was heading up the academy to find the powerful lords."

The Diarch sat for a moment processing the information and finishing his drink before beginning to leave the cantina.

Unbeknownst to him, Rellik was being watched. A shadow upon his entire journey. The manipulative and strategic Bane has gotten one of the leaders of the Diarchy to come out of their high castle and walk amongst him with no guards or retinue. If Bane wants to attack or question the man he could do so now unimpeded.

 

[Bane Kaohal]

Diarch Rellik

​

People at large and the universe were much like a grand and elaborate game of chess, always comprised of moves and countermoves.

Bane was always working a gambit.

Always keeping tabs on the powers at large, working within the shadows, moving but never seen -- he did this to know who had the most strength, for who truly held power. It wasn't for the thought of who might pose the biggest threat, no, it was for the pure unadulterated purpose of knowing who he might align himself with temporarily to further his own personal gain.

Only one thing mattered in this world... and that was power.

The Jedi, in their high and mighty dogma, indoctrinated youths and teens alike into their ranks, brainwashing them from an early age to instill control within them, bridling their powers. Sith -- they were the worst of all. They fought among themselves, arguing who had the most power until ultimately it consumed them and did them absolutely nothing.

So what power did this new Order hold? What were they about?

He had heard about this Order , one which had just formed -- with Leaders known to him only as the Diarchs. Unfortunately this was all he had been able to fletch out, that is -- without drawing much attention to himself. The people of this place seemed... almost, fearful to let any information simply just go, either that, or they were tight lipped due to loyalty -- and so, he had to change his strategy.

Using his own charismatic charm to mislead, he dropped the tip that he himself was going to the temple. He was an outsider, and to most, an intimidating presence to be in, which -- he made no efforts to conceal his presence.

Time would pass and as he kept tabs within the Cantina -- what he gathered to be the central hub and local entertainment venue. His eyes would narrow from afar on a man, bald, rather tall -- yet, what he found curious was the way he held himself, and the contrast to that in what he wore. He wore the clothing of a commoner, yet walked like someone, and talked with others with a refined and educated sophistication.

This was a man within the Order, he was for sure of this fact.

Like a wolf that picked up scent, he began his pursuit -- skillfully stalking his prey.

As he would enter into a semi, vacant alley way -- Bane would appear from behind, his body stepping out and emerging from the shadows. His simplistic attire was not something that would stick out easy, his black traditional Kama speaking outwardly about the man, he wasn't about flashy gimmicks, which -- in turn spoke potential volumes about the depths of his power, he had no need for such things. His hands lay within each opposite sleeve of his Kama, his right elbow resting on the handle of his worn katana, that rest on his right hip. His amber eyes, gleaming like an animals in the low light, cold and indifferent locked with the back of Diarch Rellik 's head as his voice would break the silence.

"Why do you seek me old man?"

​

Checkmate.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Bane Kaohal

The bartender eased up after his initial words, moving back to his day to day life. Rellik pondered what kind of man would shake him in such a way. Finishing off his whiskey - a warm burn and confidence residing within him. He rose and decided he would calmly walk back to the crucible. Their academy of for force users. The high-council themselves convenes within a tower at the crucible so if this stranger was looking for the lords of the Diarchy that would be where he ended up.

Now believing they were seeking tutelage and the guidance of the Diarchy themselves Rellik would walk calmly back. Possibly this person was looking to become a student or member of their order. During his walk Rellik saw a thief rush down an alleyway away from one of their local vendors. With a quick dash the Diarch rushed them down. Halting them in their tracks using Qâzoi Kyantuska. Arms folding behind his back as he slowly approached.
"Name and occupation."

Rellik interrogated him for a moment. His senses were telling him that something was amiss. That there was more to the situation than met the eye but he could not put his finger on it. With his feelings in the force clouded, he did not believe what the thief had to day. Believing his was lying, Rellik let the man leave, the stolen goods now in the Diarchs possession. Although he distrusted him, he could not see in his mind anything beyond basic theft.

The disturbance in the force he felt was not due to a petty thief though and the Diarch would soon come to learn why. Behind him a sinister aura filled the space.

"Why do you seek me old man?"

Rellik turned as large man appeared suddenly behind him. Unveiling his presence. His hands were tucked within his Kama, yet Rellik noticed one was resting upon his blade. He did not move at all, appearing to await the release of force on his first attack with a sudden decisive maneuver.

The air between the two was tight as both were warriors. A calm breeze pushing around them.

"Your reputation proceeds you. You have caught me off guard." Lighting the mood slightly as Rellik gazed into the shining amber eyes of the man next to him. "I assume than, you know who I am." His gaze never shifting. Both one wrong word away from unsheathing their blades. "My intelligence agency has informed me of your presence. For as aloof as you are, they are quite keen on those within our territory. I have been informed of an artifact you carry." He paused for a moment to gauge if the wanderer would attack in self defense of this item or hear him out. "A mask - one presumably of great power according to our library within the crucible, I only wished to seek out your strength for myself, my people, the Diarchy."

The Diarch - who had been gently tapping his blade, moved his hands behind his back in a show of peace. "I want to know what makes you, - the mask or the man and if you will help my people in the days to come?"