First Reply Shadow of Doubt

[Sig Dryggo]

Shadow of Doubt
Tag(s): @Open to the first Mandalorian Neo-Crusader to respond
Objective(s): Poison the Well

The bonfire was massive. A pit of swirling and raging fire that exploded outwards towards the void of space above. All around it was Clan Dryggo clad in their beskar’gam that followed the inverse color scheme of Sig’s own armor. They all sat around the massive hall of fire while a few others banged war drums to a steady beat.

The only one who stood was Sig. He walked before those seated and around the bonfire that was at the center. He glanced at each and every one of his vod. All of them were Foundlings like himself. All of them ‘liberated’ from the prisons they once called home. All of them looking to Sig for his teachings.

With his flock gathered, he was ready to continue tending to them. “Kad Ha’rangir be praised!” His clan hollered as the ancient gods name left his lips. “Kad Ha’rangir bless this Crusade, bless this clan!” He continued pacing around them, clearly getting excited by his own words. “We are his chosen…”

Sig could feel a presence among the crowd. There was someone there that was not one of his. He waited a moment, trying to find the stranger in the crowd. He smirked, “The other clans are chosen but are blind. They see the glory at the end but they fail to see the vision they serve. Rest assured they and the rest of the galaxy will soon know the truth!”

The clan continued shouting in praise and celebration. Sig was making the progress he sought and soon those beneath him would truly believe the same vision he had. Standing tall he continued taking in his clan’s rallying cry, a cry so loud it shook the very ground of Dathomir.

He stood and waited, knowing the stranger among them would be known soon. A Crusader undoubtedly but a friend? That remained to be seen.
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[Carduul Akahl]

The Rally Master did not hold jurisdiction on how other clans operated.

However, it was his jurisdiction to ensure the Crusade was not being interfered with. The Battle of Bimmisaari and the lackluster contribution upon the planet of slaves had left much confusion within Carduul. He did not want to believe the signs, but they continued to be written upon the walls of a soon-to-be grave. Could a Mandalorian truly betray their own brothers in arms, united in purpose, for mere selfish gain? At this moment, he could no longer deny and ignore the possibility. It was his duty to ensure his brothers went unharmed, from within or without.

As the bonfire was erected, he had been a shadow the whole time - wreathed in the darkness of Dathomir, it warped around his form like he belonged. Despite appearances, Carduul was quite adept with stealth. His precise movements paired with a cloaking field generator blended him into the environment with ease. The viper had listened, and waited. A pang of annoyance rippled through him, at the final words. He lost patience with hiding.

The rally cry soon died down. It was then he stepped from the darkness as the cloaking field unravelled from his body. Tap. Tap. Tap. Metal resounded against dirt as he made his approach. The crimson armor may have been shared by some, but all knew of who the weapon belonged to.

It was then he stopped, a moment of silence passing the scene. He stood, alone, but unafraid. He had a feeling Dryggo used those words intentionally, perhaps suspecting there would be someone in their midst. Perhaps someone who would object to the idea, so he could weed them out. Yet Carduul would be a fool to fear a man like this, for that is what they thrived upon. They grasped for whatever semblance of power they could - even from their own allies, even if it cost them their own soul.

“A curious sentiment, Sig Dryggo.” Came a monotone observation, after that period of silence. “Do go on.” A hand gestured wide, “Enlighten your clan as to how the rest of those a part of our glorious Crusade is blind. What your ‘vision’ is. I am eager to hear it.”

His words dripped with a not-so-subtle venom. But they were honest - while he was here, he may as well listen to whatever drivel was being peddled to these unfortunate, prospective souls.

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Sig Dryggo

 

[Sig Dryggo]

It was Carduul Akahl . Their duel has no doubt left a poor taste in the alor’s mouth. In fact he had expected him of everyone present that day to know that Sig indeed intended to fire upon Hakon Fett and Stormbringer. Even if he wasn’t outright accusing him, calling him out in front of his own clan was all he needed to assume where this was likely leading.

Until he knew for sure however he allowed the crowd of Foundlings murmur and whisper amongst themselves, Sig and Carduul standing among a small sea of those seated. Beneath his t-visor a smirk formed upon his lips. “Kad Ha’rangir has blessed us with the presence of Clan Akahl’s Alor,” Sig announced, his voice booming over the crowd, whose whispers died with his words. Stepping forward a few steps he extended welcoming arms, as if to hug Carduul had he been closer in proximity. “Look upon him, my flock,” Sig said with a calm and collected tone. “An example our people should strive for…” He knew that the beneath compliment Carduul and those present would hear the faintest hint of sarcasm.

He motioned to the night sky above, “Tell us, Alor,” he spat, this time more accusatory, “should we fall victim to the lies of Arasuum?”

Whispers once again continued. His teachings, true or not to the culture, had taken hold over many; as many threw cautious and concerned looks towards Carduul. Sig was aware his teachings were false. He knew Carduul would see through the ruse with little hinderance.

The victory today would remain with his clan; if he could keep them from falling out of his sway.
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[Carduul Akahl]

He had watched with a measured, stoic gaze from the helm. Faux-sweet words, venomous pleasantries. Like a Senator in that rotted court of the Alliance would. He was expecting him to elaborate more as requested - but rather, he sent a query with an accusatory note towards him. Carduul knew it for what it truly was; a veiled challenge.

“We should not.” Words lingered for a touch, “And that is precisely why I am here.”

His gaze swept across to the foundlings seated. “For t’was said so: in War, we garner favor with Kad Ha’rangir, for we spread his teachings. We ensure the galaxy does not remain weak, by spurring conflict. We teach the galaxy strength, by taking in those such as all of thee, and educate you to one day be Mando’ade.”

His teachings were, to an extent, true to the Mandalorian Culture. Nearly every interpretation was, and t’was the beauty in it. Carduul had an intrinsic understanding of so many different facets. A view above it all. He was nothing if not a philosopher, a historian. No matter how much he disliked the stagnation of his progenitor sect, the Rally Master could not be more thankful for the insight it has provided him.

Tap. Tap. Tap. “All the while, Arasuum whispers from the shadows. In his stead, much as we Mando’ade are for Kad Ha’rangir, he sends prophets. Those who advocate for stagnation - for consumption without growth, without cause.”

He came to a halt in his pace. “Those who sow discord in our ranks are his agents - from the outside, and from the inside.” With the words, the helm tilted to rest upon Dryggo with a pointed stare. The poleaxe raised, leveling to jut towards him with the next inquiry; “Tell me; what does Kad Ha’rangir mean to thee, that you intend to teach these foundlings? What vision is it, that sees you so above the rest?”

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Sig Dryggo

 

[Sig Dryggo]

Sig listened carefully as Carduul Akahl spoke. The battle of philosophy and wits was at hand. In truth Sig was employing the very arts Carduul and many of the Neo-Crusaders, likely as it is, despised. Deception was the mark of dishonor. Sig, however, was born of royal blood. Ignoring it for his roots as Foundling, it didn’t stop him from recognizing the power they could provide him in such an environment as the Crusade.

Standing tall as the Alor finished his question, one that no doubt attempted to cast Sig as the prophet of Arasuum, he remained still a moment. Those gathered had shifted their gaze from Carduul to their own Alor. After a beat Sig nodded. “He’s right,” he said as he once again started pacing. “Arasuum will try to strike from within,” as he paced around he glanced among those gathered.

“And what does Kad Ha’rangir require us to do?” He stopped and returned his gaze to Carduul, now standing opposite him with the bonfire between them. Their shadows cast over their perspective sides and everyone sat with held breaths, eagerly awaiting what would happen next.

“War is the only evolution, the only way forward,” Sig announced, “We must burn this galaxy down if we are to properly stem the tide of chaos.” He didn’t break his eye contact from Carduul as he spoke. He knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t convince Carduul of any innocence on his part.

Instead he hoped the bait he laid would lead to him corrupting Carduul’s words; once more employing the traits his people frowned upon.

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