Populate The World That Hell Built | SO Populate of Dasoor

[Darth Strosius]

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Darth Empyrean / Fiolette Yvarro / Taeli Raaf / Diodoros / Darth Kentarch / Lina Ovmar / Darth Dekaltis / Kai'lyn / Revna / Darth Aion / Darth Malum of House Marr / Darth Daimen / Gerwald Lechner / Carthus of House Marr / Charles Castex

He cast a glance away from his ever-present glaring to regard his apprentice as she spoke up, idly resting his chin on his fist as he silently encouraged her to speak up with a nod. She might have been a mere apprentice, but she was his apprentice. And far more worthy of the title of 'Sith' than many which surrounded the dinner table. The 'Emperor' himself counted amongst that number of course. After all, what true Sith held a dinner with those that were threats to their power? It was either a show of power or of arrogance and he cared little for either.

Revna's desire to see the institution of slavery burned away entirely wasn't too surprising, it was one that they shared due in part to their similar histories after all, nor was her apparent lust for knowledge. In many ways she reminded Darth Strosius of himself when he was but an Acolyte, albeit she had a spot in a room full of Sith Lords while he himself occupied battlefields more often than not.

It was difficult to say which one was more dangerous in terms of survivability.

As she questioned Empyrean in turn the masked man would lean over a bit and speak low so that his voice didn't carry far. "You ask that which he cannot answer, my Disciple. There sits a corpse occupying a throne that shouldn't have been built to begin with, you'll find no wisdom in his words." To this day he'd yet to have a meaningful conversation with an Eternalist, the words of their leader carried even less weight.

Darth Malum was perhaps even bolder than Revna had been with his outright declaration of his intent to surpass the legacy of Darth Marr himself. Not to mention announcing his bid for a seat on the Dark Council, perhaps fishing for some sort of support from the assembled Sith in that regard. Now was hardly a fitting time for brazen power plays and declarations like that. Well, for any that weren't assassination attempts at least.

Darth Aion surprised him somewhat, a feat which the other Sith seemed very keen on performing giving the frequency of such thus far, with his response. For a devourer to seek freedom rather than power was unexpected enough but to further proclaim a desire to surpass the Jedi in their own deluded attempts was another matter entirely. One that they could find common ground on, and one that would be the subject of discussion in the future for certain.

And then the Corpse Emperor began his reprise as meals began being laid out for the Sith to partake in, the promise of dinner being fulfilled after all. Although he did notice how Empyrean himself neglected to claim any food for himself. Curious but not unexpected given the state of the Eternalist Sith. His responses were as succinct as one would imagine, meeting and challenging the stated goals of each that had spoken with the ease of a practiced politician.

When those dead eyes landed upon his own masked ones however, he knew that he wasn't going to enjoy whatever response he would recieve.

A scoff which he didn't bother to hide escaped him at the rebuttal, finding it to be rather cheeky given how it deflected away from the Corpse Emperor. "The gall." He muttered under his breath as he rolled his eyes and turned to look back at his apprentice as he spoke low once more. "See how he avoids the real issue and moves right on to a diversion? A classic tactic." This was a learning experience for her after all, at the very least he could extract a lesson or two from this soured dinner.

His attention did return to Empyrean as he began recounting his personal goal, or so he claimed at least. It would have been interesting to listen to in order to try and find some other, more personal, angles which could be used against the Eternalists. Would have being the key word, as the masked man was far too distracted by the feeling of his blood boiling more and more with every other word that was spoken.

He sought to blame the Force itself for the failings of him and his ilk, for the failings of the Worm and Carnifex, for the failings of the galaxy in general it seemed. Despicable. "Blasphemer." Darth Strosius hissed under his breath as what had been a simmering rage was let loose, coating his form in a blanket of wrath as he attempted to slay Empyrean by simply glaring at him.

The responses and reactions around the room faded into static as one of his hands, the one facing Revna and hidden from a quick glance by most, began to slide down to his side to wrap around the lightsaber on his belt. The Corpse claimed to be unkillable, to be above them all, and even had the audacity to claim to have been a slave in his past. All lies. All of which could be disproved with one cut across his throat.

Right as he unhooked the weapon from his belt and placed his other hand on the table to rise up however, a serving tray was thrust into his line of vision and blocked Empyrean from his hatefilled gaze for a moment. A large goblet filled to the brim with a liquid of crimson color and metallic scent, both of which were enough to halt his imminent wrath from spilling over. For now. He yanked the goblet from the tray with a growl and removed his hand from his lightsaber in order to reach up and pull open a small slit at the bottom of his mask, wasting no time in tipping his head back to down the contents of the goblet without any concern for appearing decent.

 

[Kai'lyn]

Tags: Open

Kai'lyn wanted to pay attention, but he slowly, but surely, was being lulled into a calm, sleepy state. He sank down into his chair, finding it incredibly hard not to fall asleep. There were lots of big words being used, and he didn't understand them. Heretics? What were those? Sith? He still didn't know what it meant, and judging by the adults and the way they interacted with one another, none of them could agree on its meaning either. Delude? Consolidate? These were words beyond his meager education. In truth, he would probably have trouble spelling them if he tried. Then some weirdo was talking in some other tongue that Kai'lyn didn't understand, but no one seemed to talk to them, so it probably wasn't important.

When he was finally served his food, he brightened up and took delight in devouring what he was given. It didn't seem to matter what he was given. He horked it down with voracious appetite and even licked his plate unabashedly when he finished a portion of food, thoroughly enjoying it. He didn't seem to mind any natural desire noises he made or seem to care if it bothered anyone near him. He was a child with an animalistic savagery that held little understanding of etiquette and social graces. His markings lit up and his patterns started to glow and flicker. He was an odd looking Togruta.

He had come to gather information for the mistress, but she would be getting information from what food he enjoyed the most here. The promise of food was something that made him want to come. It was a good thing his mistress had a backup plan for how to get information because Kai'lyn wouldn't be able to remember all this big fancy talk.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

The Emperor looked to his Wrath and nodded in kind;​

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"Power is pointless unless directed properly. To sharpen a blade, one must use the correct angle, the right materials, and the right force. To do anything else will allow the grindstone of fate to chip and shatter your blade upon its unnatural metaphysics.", he said with a slight frown.​

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His attention however was diverted by the crunch of plate - he had seen the man lift the plate and study it before chomping at it, but it had annoyed him regardless. It was one thing to simply reject Empyrean's offer of hospitality even at a catch, but it was another to insult the Emperor at his dinner table. His head slowly turned to face the would be necromaner;​

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"How pedantic and performative.", he said flatly.​

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"You come so close to the truth, Carthus of House Marr , and yet you still fail to open the door you've run into. I propose adaption, change, to understand philosophy and the science of logic so that it's application can be used to make change absolute. To abandon my metaphor of swords, to apply your power under whatever individualistic impression you can create is... shallow, and entirely the reason the Sith have fractured and broken time and time again. It is the pressure of the Force that whispers this falsehood to the Sith."​

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"This existential nihilism beats its chest at hopelessness, speaks of adaption in one breath and whispers that nothing changes in the next. If you wish to learn, learn what it is I speak. The purpose of the sciences, the application of research and learning, it is these things that must matter - but they only matter when the metaphysical and noncorporeal, non measurable sciences are eradicated. If all laws are subject to the will of a greater entity, then no laws define truth - and truth has become as objective and perspective as anything else, invalidating the effort entirely."​

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He motioned with a finger for a waiter, who laid Carthus down another plate.​

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"Enjoy your meal.", he said with some amount of gruffness as he turned to the others.​

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"The Force is a tool, and yet it is foolish to think it is nothing more. It pretends it is nothing more, of course, but as you reach its depths as I have - you find something alive down there. Its heart beats in time with the universe, and its will is subtle - but it lives still. In time, I hope you see what I do, and you may yet carry on the hope of the Order.", he said with a firm nod.​

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For Darth Malum of House Marr , he would offer a simple confirmation, but no words. He understood what Empyrean said, what he spoke of, at least in basic concepts. It would do for now.​

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"It is a noble thing to witness what one's body is capable of, and experience the wonders of technology and tools built for ones own needs.", Empyrean offered Diodoros . "But it is a terrible thing to waste your mind and potential on material things, golden son. I have had all that glitters and is gold, and I have found it... lacking. Consider my words when greed fails you - there is yet more for you in the Galaxy should you seek it."​

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As he spoke, he saw Darth Strosius clench and prepare for a strike. It wouldn't be enough - Empyrean was far deadlier an opponent on the Mors Mon than he was anywhere else. It would be an execution by suicide in all the practical ways, and the Emperor's eyes saw all, especially in this room surrounded by servants who's eyes served his own. Regardless of his efforts, Empyrean would treat him respect - until he no longer was required to by the law of hospitality.​

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"I do not deflect, Inquisitor. How many times have the Sith brought order to galaxy? The Sith Empire and First Order did it under Darth Carnifex, and it failed. Darth Sidious brought it under the Galactic Empire, and it failed. King Adas brought it to Korriban - and it failed. I do not deflect that these had problems, only that they were built to fail by the superstructure of reality itself. Were one to look into the Force, each of these would have been predicted, seen, and yet the Sith could not counter fate in any of these instances. It did not matter what weapons they built, laws they implemented, or tactics they put forth. They each were destined to fall - and by the same enemy, the balance others seek. It is this balance that must be broken, the galactic martial law that keeps us chained in a game of wheels, departing only to come back once more.", he said flatly.​

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"Think on what I have said. You as well Revna . There is truth in my words, even if you do not like who it is that speaks them."​

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For Kai'lyn , he would not chastise him for a lack of manners, or any other amount of anger. Instead, he ordered the young Sith another round of food with another subtle flick of his finger.​

 

[Revna]

Darth Empyrean // Darth Strosius // Darth Malum of House Marr // Diodoros // Darth Aion // Carthus of House Marr // Gerwald Lechner // Srina Talon // Taeli Raaf // Fiolette Yvarro // Lina Ovmar // Darth Dekaltis // Darth Daimen // Kai'lyn // Charles Castex // @ whoever I missed, sorry!


Even as dinner was being served, there were others that voiced their thoughts or opinions on the questions the Emperor asked of them. Still, others arrived and were seated and there was a lot of information for the young Sith to process. Her curious gaze flickered over each person present, listening to what they each said.

As her cousin Malum spoke after she had, another figure made itself known…and she stiffened slightly in her seat beside Strosius. Her eyes were pinned on the dark robed figure who took their seat, and she swallowed hard as her eyes beheld that familiar bone white mask. It had been some time since she’d been in the presence of that particular Sith - a near fatal mistake she’d made in her desire to satisfy that dangerous curiosity she always carried - and her own master had to come and pull her from the fire she had jumped into.

She still remembered their fight.

Revna tried not to notice the other Sith’s stare, which she could feel piercing through her, and an almost strange…pulse through the Force of recognition.

Thankfully, a bowl was set in front of her by a servant, and the aroma of rich meat broth reached her senses. She peered into the bowl as her mouth watered in hunger, though she blinked in surprise. There were few in the galaxy that knew her favorite “comfort” meal was a hearty meat stew, made from scratch. Something her mother used to make for her when they were together. The scent brought back nostalgia to her, and a hollowness settled in her chest.

She picked up the finery and spooned a bit of the brother into her mouth, and for a moment was taken back to one of those last days with her mother. It was both a happy and a sorrowful moment, and she ate the provided meal with a touch of somberness. Revna didn’t know how the Emperor or his staff knew what meal to provide for her, but she wasn’t going to complain. As she ate her meal, she continued to listen as others spoke, though her attention was drawn back to Darth Empyrean when he replied to those who had spoken thus far. She was a bit curious to hear his response to her and her master’s replies; this was her first true interaction with the Sith Emperor and she was eager to hear what he had to say.

Even if the masked and robed man beside her was not. Her moment of thought was broken when Strosius leaned in towards her and spoke in a low voice, commenting about the questions she had posed to the Emperor, and stating that she would find no wisdom in his words, and they were questions he could not answer. She didn’t outright say so, but she disagreed with her Master in that regard. There was always something to learn, insight to be gained…even from her enemies.

The sound of a cracking plate startled her a bit and her eyes snapped to one of the newcomers - who appeared to be eating his dinner plate. The sight was rather disturbing, though entertaining at least, and the Emperor seemed to have his own views and words for the matter, and what the new individual had to say on the topics at hand.

It soon became quite apparent to her that her master was rather…displeased…with what the Sith Emperor had to say overall. She could feel his mounting ire, even as she continued to listen to Darth Empyrean as he shared a glimpse into his former life with them all. His words echoed the truth of what the beautiful and wintry Empress had told Revna all those months ago in their dance - that he’d been a former slave. A lot of what he had to say resonated with the young woman, and unknowingly she stopped eating her utterly delicious stew to listen intently to his tale.

She was so focused that she almost missed the fact that her master’s hand, closest to her, had slipped to wrap around the hilt of his saber and she could feel the zealous anger boiling off of his familiar presence. She pursed her lips ever so slightly; if someone or something didn’t break her master’s attention now, this dinner was going to end up a violent mess that she frankly didn’t want to be involved in. Taking her spoon, she flipped it around so the tip of the handle was pointed outwards, and made ready to jab it into the side of her master’s leg - but her efforts were not needed as a servant placed a well timed goblet of crimson colored liquid in front of the maverick Sith Lord.

Thankfully, that pulled his attention - and his saber hand - away from the actions he almost committed to. Revna’s shoulders slackened just a bit and she began to eat more of the hearty stew before her, pausing briefly to lean over to her master and mutter:

“...I know you don’t see eye to eye with him, but can you control yourself, since we are guests at his dinner table? Save your fight for the field of battle, and not for dinner. Please.”

Revna had no problem talking back or having a bit of sass for her master; they’d been around each other long enough to learn the other’s personalities and establish a bit of an understanding and a comfort level between them. And she’d learned some time ago that her presence oftentimes made her master…behave himself when around others he didn't like. As if he restrained his normal antics to spare her from dealing with the fallout of his actions. And she more than took advantage of that, especially in situations like this.

Darth Empyrean seemed to notice her master’s actions, though thankfully there would be no threats of violence or drastic actions…for now. She listened as he responded to her master’s ire, and encouraged them both to listen to his words, to think on what he had said.

"Certainly, my Lord. You've shared much and, speaking for myself, you've given me a lot to think about and to consider."

Oh, she would be thinking about them for sure. There was a lot that the Emperor had said thus far in response to all the others who had spoken with him at the table, that she would need to really digest to understand…and she had a feeling that she still wouldn’t understand everything that he had spoken about.

But there was something he kept alluding to, or so she felt, that made her a bit unsettled: that perhaps the Force was their great enemy, whose chains on them made all of them slaves, and thus needed to be broken. This contrasted with her own beliefs, and she sensed that perhaps this was what provoked her master’s wrath in the moment. But even if she didn’t agree or didn’t understand, it wouldn’t stop her from thinking about what all had been discussed thus far. Maybe there was truth to what the Sith Emperor said.

...or maybe it was just the mad ramblings of a corpse who should have died long ago.

 

[Sarlow Zambrano]

Sarlow didn't want to be at the dinner but Lina Ovmar insisted it would be good for them. Although he was sure it would be good for her networks, he would oblige because he could then keep her safe, show face, and be the model child for his father Darth Carnifex and so there he was. "So long as they are respectful toward you, they will live," murmured Sarlow to Lina in return, as he felt her squeeze his arm. He was certainly beside himself, Lina held within her someone so precious and so dear. Sarlow had vowed his life to them, and so if anyone stepped out of line he would be sure they were reminded of their place.

The Prince of the God King paid no mind to the corpse playing emperor on the throne. "If you insist," he remarked at Lina's reminder to not kill anyone. The Wolf took his seat beside his beloved, he gave the briefest of nods toward Darth Arcanix Taeli Raaf and then simply kept to himself whilst dinner was served. Lina would answer the corpse and speak with the Mother of Monsters. While he just stared at his food trying to sniff out if it had been poisoned before he tried it. He paused only when Lina spoke, giving her perspective that her goal was to know the hearts and mind. He smiled, quite proud of her statement, how else would they control the yearning masses who needed direction in their lives.

"Well said," he whispered toward her before picking up the fork and knife to cut into his steak. Although he was still somewhat hesitant to eat it. After all the Admiral two seats over wasn't touching her food, maybe she knew something that he didn't.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Admittedly, after saying her initial piece and offering a smile in response to Lina Ovmar to her agreement about the pursuit of knowledge, she was only half listening to the participants as they spoke. Darth Strosius ' response was to be expected, his zealotry on display along with his barely contained anger at those assembled. She had no idea who Darth Dekaltis was and her goals spoke of the beginning stages of dark side education... and that of a university student looking for a free meal.

Her mind had started to wander, already going back to the mind laboratory to work on the several vexing issues in front of her, when the voice of... Fiolette Yvarro crept in. Or rather the intrusive thoughts of Fiolette as she sadly regarded her meal and not being able to partake directly... and then the actual thoughts as they both realized their bond was synchronizing again.

"I did tell you that proximity strengthened it, that didn't stop even after everything," would come the dry reply, although there would be the briefest flash for Fiolette of the mind palace or lab that Taeli was projecting herself into. Still... there was some sympathy for Fiolette as the meal in front of her was her favorites, as the one in front of Taeli was, and she couldn't eat or drink it.

Revna spoke next and she continued to reinforce to Taeli that she had a solid head on her shoulders, her master aside at least. The girl had potential and her pursuit of knowledge would more align her towards the Lady of Secrets, and her questions towards the Emperor showed that she was at least thinking of the future and wondering why they constantly strove against each other. Darth Malum of House Marr was making his ambitions clear, just as she had suspected, and his ideals certainly sounded more grounded. She was certain common ground could be forged even more so than before.

Darth Aion , an unfamiliar Sith to her but one that seemed to exude the aura of Nihilus even down to the mask, and he spoke of the Sith achieving their full potential. Of wresting control of the Force away and the followup question from the Emperor was in line with that as well. The cheeky answer, and the immediate one she could say, was the only limits we have are because we have not discovered yet how to surpass them.

But Darth Empyrean was speaking of something deeper. The guiding hand of the Cosmic as it were, the enemy of the Sith and their destiny. She knew his story, recalling distantly a young man newly empowered as Sith that had allowed that unfettered freedom to consume him. A warship transformed into a party ship, uninhibited with access to anything his mind or heart desired. She had watched that Sith apprentice mature and become wiser, becoming a dominant force within the Sith and the galaxy with business and invention.

And now here he sat, a corpse that refused to die, sustained his will alone and the dark powers he had seized and honed over decades. Yet it wasn't enough.

She knew of the enemies he spoke of. How could she not? Almost no one in attendance would know about the hidden work that Taeli and Darth Carnifex had been striving towards for decades. The work that, and it would flash briefly through to Fiolette, that had often kept Taeli awake into the wee hours as she studied ancient charts and manuscripts, cast spells and other divinations, as they searched piece by piece for the key. The One had always been a concern for the Sith, the Celestials that had melded into the Force and even now were considered to guide it and the inhabitants of the galaxy.

The Akala Incident in 844 had spurred her to research them, both within the Sith archives on Coruscant and later the Jedi temples on Ossus and Lothal. She knew of the enemy the Emperor spoke of, and it likely had been that enemy that alerted the Nobles to their efforts. A memory would cross for Fio, a memory of Taeli as black shadow within the metaphysical standing behind Kaine as they strove against the Jedi, her presence like wings holding Kaine in place as they fought in the Wellspring of the Force itself... and Taeli drawing golden ribbons of energy from there and the Lake to... somewhere.

With them connected, the memory faded, and, with an ever so slight upturn of her lips, she sent Fio another memory. One from Genesia, one of starlight and water and a perfect moon as she stepped into the water with a gesture.

"The limits are set by those who came before, my Emperor," she responded, not revealing anything of her thoughts on her face as she reached for the Bastion black tea in front of her. Perhaps the Emperor could be taken into confidence on what was being studied, or perhaps Srina Talon , but not yet. "But the Ones who did set such... guidance can be undone in time."

She would place the emphasis on the words, no doubt sparking a response from Malum as well as he seemed keen on that point of the Emperor's speech.

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Fiolette had forgotten, perhaps due to the Netherworld's fog the strength of their bond as it synchronized. Why would it ever stop? You designed our bond to be strong, stronger in fact. The Admiral poked at her food, and glanced about the room minding her business. She truly had no real reason to be there had it not been for the invitation. Memories flashed in her mind but they were not hers, they were Taeli Raaf and of course they were of things and places that Fiolette had not been privy to. She took in a deep breath and exhaled and whilst she had minded her own, had was doing her best to keep her thoughts to herself even if it was difficult.

The images of the library, Fio had sighed at and briefly a memory of being alone came into her mind. And then, that sly, little- Fio tensed up. She clutched onto her fork and then set it down gently almost immediately. She exhaled again this time because of that moment from Genesia. Fio chewed on the inside of her lip. Undoubtedly the little tease was Taeli's way of striking back, and she certainly would feel exactly what that had done to the Galidraani.

Two could play at that game, Fio's eyes were drawn briefly toward Revna when the woman spoke again, and thought she sounds like you, pity she aligns herself otherwise, mhmmm? The thought was simply a fake out as the Admiral took those memories of the library, and used them to her advantage and sent in return her own memories of their time in the library. If Genesia was what she wanted, then Genesia was what she would get and the memory that Fiolette chose was one of their first nights together on that world. Fio recalled and shared each and every moment from that night, core memories that had formed for her would now be a relentless show for Taeli.

"Well said young one," Fiolette acknowledged the apprentice. "Perhaps, you and my wife, here should spend some time together. There is much you can learn from her." Perhaps a slow and delicate removal of her chains? This thought was followed by other more sordid memories ones that were meant to remind Taeli of exactly how close she and Fiolette once were. She sat at the table after she had regained her composure and ran a finger along her collar. Let that be a lesson to you, mhmm. There is a proper time and a place for such things. A thought to Taeli to perhaps cool whatever fire the Lorrdian-raised Corellian had attempted to initiate.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

The Emperor was already deeply aware of who among them knew of what he spoke. Taeli Raaf was not the novice who had lost their way in the esoteric knowledge of the Sith, but one of the pioneers who had bubbled up from the miasma of confusion to be something more. One could even say she was the only Pioneer that mattered - but that would not be fitting to the others who yet toiled on this path. Darth Empyrean, the Dead Emperor, would acknowledge her with a nod.​

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"Limits...", he mused.​

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"What I speak of is what the Sith Code, the Sith Philosophy was always preordained to struggle against. The Sith are the application of freedom to a philosophical understanding of the Force and its machinations - the dialectic. Materialism, versus the immaterial. The foundation of our Galaxy, and the truth that you will all learn in time - should your strength and mind allow you to do so.", he offered.​

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"To fully understand the Force, to understand how the application of Sith Philosophy can make one stronger, one must understand the foundations of reality. My will was not from the Sith Code in of itself, but rather its application and implementation to my understanding of the Force. The Code we abide by does not give these answers easily, we hide our truths so that only the worthy may find that strength.", he continued.​

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"What I offer to you here at this table, is something far beyond any lesson, weapon, or ship you can imagine. I give you a key to power unimaginable, so that you may look upon my deeds and understand that as your Emperor, I strive for something beyond mortal concerns. The knowledge I have piece mealed to you tonight may lead to the very foundation of your strength, so that you may surpass even me. A charity I bestow on very few.", he said with another glance around.​

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"Power comes from knowledge, we have often agreed on that point tonight. Let this be the cornerstone to your own."​

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Taeli Raaf // Revna // Darth Strosius // Darth Aion // Darth Malum of House Marr // Gerwald Lechner // Lina Ovmar // Fiolette Yvarro // Sarlow Zambrano // Darth Dekaltis​