Faction TSE // What We Do In Darkness

[Sabine Delacroix]

TAG: Aspect of Passion | Open

The Wayfinder had come to her on Ryloth which in truth surprised her, she held no allegiance to the modern Sith Empire in whatever incarnation it was. While true that she had a loose association with the previous Sith Empire before its collapse, she also owed no loyalty to it or its Emperor. Though it seemed that whoever sent the message cared little for her concerns and even more so her curiosity demanded she go.

Once again she departed the company of the Witches of Ryloth and journeyed toward darkness. It was after all, where she belonged and where she was free to do what she would without repercussions. The Confederacy for all its charms strode to find a balance between the light and the dark and she? She was a creature of darkness both in blood and ideals. The one thing that had kept her from pursuing this path? Vanished without a trace.

Before she had departed she left in her room at Vureshakkairn Castle two letters. One for Kyyrk and another for Vytal Noctura should she return next to them lay the ring that Vytal had gifted her a final farewell and an end to her ties. The contents of both letters were sealed by blood, hers, and they would only reveal their contents to the intended recipients.

The pale woman stepped into the cockpit of the small shuttle she had boarded with the Wayfinder and observed as it exited hyperspace to a world she in all her years had never seen nor even heard mention of. This alone was worthy of her visit. Amber eyes fixed themselves on the planet studying its features as they approached. Ortuvessa. Sabine observed it while the craft moved between vast armadas lead by grand ships. A dark shroud hung over the world shielding it from the light in an all-familiar way. In a word, it felt like a long-forgotten home, one she was unaware she had lost.

After mere minutes the shuttle set gently upon one of the landing pads and disembarked. Once she actually stood upon the world an unmistakable presence caused her eyes to narrow sharply. It should not be possible, but she felt it likewise he probably did too. She drew the hood of her cloak forward over the snowy white hair, and against her better judgment, she followed the Wayfinder to the appointed meeting place.

As luck would have it when she arrived it seemed like their host had begun addressing the assembly. Amber eyes studied the room as she silently descended the stairs, by all counts she looked young defying the conception of age. She would bestow a wintery gaze as her eyes moved around the room. The Confederate Exarch Srina Talon was here, as was one she had crossed blades with before Lirka Ka though she suspected Lirka would not recognize her as she bore a different face from the last time they had met. A short walk further found her finally standing among the gathering and she was more certain than ever as her eyes fell upon the Worm. Her old master, at least part of him was here. Of course, he would have the audacity to summon her. So much of this now made sense.

 

[Darth Qis]

Life sign readings skitter across the screen of a datapad held by the sith lord, her soulless pale eyes reading the screen with a certain curiosity. Before her was a reptilian being held down on a table by iron cuffs locked upon it's arms and legs. It's body was pricked by various needles, with a collection of suction wires attached to the forehead for neural readings as well. The reptile was kept in a lethargic state by the needles, which were constantly drawing blood for study. A few wounds were evident here and there, skin removed to study the scales. Qis had found this little lab rat scurrying about the planet of Denon after finding out someone had stolen a sithspawn serum for some sort of study. Expecting to find some freak of nature she'd have to put out of it's misery, she was pleasantly surprised by a beautiful creation, one that could serve the empire well if replicated. Perhaps added to the potent sithspawn serums. Qis had a belief that untold glory awaited the sith that could create the perfect infiltrator. She planned to unveil her progress at the gathering the worm had summoned all sith to, and a wonderous gathering it would be. It would bring her one step closer to her goal of ruling the sith assassin hierarchy.

She approaches the table that her newest experiment is bound to and reaches down to take the reptile's chin in her hands. The being bares it's teeth, those reptilian slitted eyes dilating as thin as they can out of rage. "Quite the amount of spite that fills you. Typically, I'd say spite would serve you well, but your fate is already sealed. You put up quite the chase though." It's true, most on on Denon had no idea this creature existed. It blended in with society quite well using it's shapeshifting, not to mention it was quite the actor. It proved quite the task to properly hunt down, but it was eventually caught, and it's secrets would soon be hers.

As she pulls her hand back, the reptile's head leans up to try and bite it, but it wasn't fast enough. Qis chuckles, shaking her head. She had preparations to make. Thus, she turned about and exited the lab room. The reptile's eyes narrowed as she left the room, then those slitted pupils start darting about the room as it's muscles strained in it's bonds. Even if it escaped the bonds, which it could easily pull off, making it past the sith was unlikely. After moments of searching, something in the room caught it's eye, one of it's fellow lab specimens, some sort of small primate locked in a simple cage. Slowly, the reptile bared it's teeth in a sinister grin.

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Dressed in fancier robes before in preparation for the gathering, Darth Qis entered the lab. Those pale colored eyes widen. The table was empty, her specimen gone! She instantly draws her lightsaber, igniting it with a twirl as she slowly makes a patrol round through her lab, watching every corner and shadow. The research she had was sufficient enough if she had to end the creature. Survival was now what mattered. Sadly, it wasn't what the force had in store. She made one simple mistake as she patrolled her lab. When she passed the monkey cage, her back was to it. Before she could react, the cage door flew open, bones cracking as something shifted it's form. Just as Qis turned about, the reptile flew out of the cage mid transformation as a horrid combination between monkey and lizard, striking her in the chest like a bullet with reptilian claws outstretched. It was in it's true form now, all traces of primate gone as Qis was pinned to the floor, strong claws pushing her lightsaber hand aside. The reptile's jaws opened wide, and went straight for the throat. The sith lord had been done in within a matter of seconds due to a careless mistake. Then again, how could she have known? The reptile had kept it a closely guarded secret that it could become things smaller than itself, an ace in the hole for when it could ensure it's escape. The reptile slowly pulled itself to it's feet, leaving the body in a heap on the floor as blood leaked from it's lips. A serpentine tongue leaves it's mouth, cleaning those lips of any crimson. Then, it cackles.

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Darth Qis makes her way through the entrance to the black pyramid, eyes drifting about the room. Quite the gathering, this was. She would have to be careful, sith were a treacherous bunch. But she had spent her whole life amongst treachery, the only difference was that this place had the addition of force lightning. Momentarily feeling the lightsaber at her side, she casually makes her way further into the commons area of the palace, taking in every detail about the people that surrounded her. She had landed herself amongst some of the most powerful and influential people in the galaxy, and she planned to make the most of it. Not comfortable with engaging in conversation, she would simply observe for now. In terms of attire, she wore a simple black dress with a cut at the hip that shows off her right leg, and a simple black cloak about her shoulders. Her lightsaber hung at her side, always within reach.

(Not sure who to approach yet, but feel free to approach me!)

Sabine Delacroix Telis Taharin-Zambrano Darth Ophidia Darth Carnifex Darth Strosius Seela Leini Darth Empyrean Aspect of Passion Darth Strosius Sofiel Darth Moirai Decimus Sharan Maevel Aedan Miles Stardust Solus Skirae Srina Talon Lirka Ka Thaelius Taeli Raaf

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova leaned back in her chair as she turned her head to regard the spectral thing that had so boldly intruded upon her chambers. "Well aren't you just adorable? One wrong step and I'll rip you into shreds." An uninvited guest? They were lucky not to have the crimson Twi'lek already laying into it the moment it surfaced. But of course she recognized such a thing as a messenger, and everyone knew it was only polite to hear the message before killing the messenger. "Let's make this quick before some Light Sider feels a disturbance in the Force." One unwelcome guest was enough.

Ah, yes, the future of the Sith. Freed from... etc. etc., try the free wine.

Although, Zlova was curious. Despite being among the Confederates as a result of helping that delightful urchin from Nar Shadda, Zlova had never stopped identifying as Sith. Sure, she'd been betrayed. Yes, she'd lost everything. There'd even been a time the Twi'lek simple danced for a living because it brought more fulfillment than spending the rest of her life trying to exact revenge. None of which had drawn Zlova away from the Way of the Sith; though her understanding of it had differed considerably from many others at the time.

Perhaps things had changed. Perhaps now was an opportunity to reevaluate her relation with this so-called Future of the Sith. After all, the worst case was this was a trap and she had to carve her way through countless fleshpops in a rain of blood -- something worthy of another Sith tattoo if she could find the space for it.

And if it wasn't a trap, but Zlova did not agree with this future? Well, then she would leave. Rip them apart as she did if necessary. Then let them carry on however they saw fit without spilling their secrets. After all, a Sith was good at keeping secrets.

Zlova didn't dwell on the journey there. Acquiring a ship was easy -- as a Knight Obsidian she could requisition all sorts of things, they were so overly charitable like that -- and following a spectral co-pilot was something even an Apprentice could do. All to lead her to the great Hall of the Mighty Sith.

The Twi'lek stood outside, hands on her hips, with her golden eyes peering up at the top of the pyramid. Light slid over her Lethan flesh and failed to touch the deep black of traditional Sith tattoos carved into her body and soul. And in that great moment of revelation, Darth Siron had only one thing to say: "Of course it is." The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Never give up your opulent ways, she thought to herself.

Had to hand it to the ones throwing the party though, their pyramid of power was in pristine condition. Not like one of those ancient, dilapidated temples everyone gathered inside of pretending like it got them closer to Exar Kun or whatever other Dark Lord they wanted to get people thinking about when the self-appointed Leader made their appearance. Not that Zlova turned her head every which way to admire it; it was plain to see even with her eyes focused ahead toward the throne room where so many gathered.

Then she entered the throneroom and was immediately presented with statues of Every Great Sith Lord to Exist. "Of course you are." Not just one, but all of them? Little heavy handed, but you weren't aiming to be Emperor by playing modest or humble. With that said, Zlova took a moment to check for Darth Traya being there. Usually wasn't. Everyone liked praising Darth Nihilus. Some even envied the power of an endless hunger that would consume the cosmos.

Now there was something of a surprise to be seen, however. Srina Talon was here? Zlova hadn't actually met the woman in person. Chasing after the big names of any faction wasn't her game. Still, there'd been no expectation she or Darth Empyrean would be here. Perhaps they'd come for the same reason. See if this was anything worth contemplating, or just a good chance to drink fine wine on someone else's tab then pat them on the head with a cheerful 'good luck with that.' Given how many showed up, however, Zlova figured they had a decent shot. A promising beginning. The night might actually turn into something worth noting after all.

The Lethan wearing little other than leg wrappings and a wide band over her chest strode into the crowd. Her curved-hilt sabers secured at the small of her back. Nothing said trust like walking into a den of vipers.

Zlova stopped beside another woman and turned to regard Darth Qis for a moment. "Anyone killed anyone else yet? These kind of functions are always so fun to watch everyone dance around each other. No one quite sure who they can speak to without starting a blood feud or other nonsense. How about you? See any familiar faces to form an execution party?" The Twi'lek chuckle to herself.

Tag: Open

 

[Darth Ophidia]

In response to the respect offered, Darth Ophidia offered a court nod of her head. She did not want to take away from the speech with sweeping movements and lavish gestures. Showing off had a time and a place; history had to be hailed and displayed if it was to instill the correct lessons in the future generations of Sith. Some times, one needed to instill an idea of power and authority to bring unruly thoughts in line, but lavishness for lavishness' sake was distasteful.

Ophidia looked back at the rest of the congregation.

First her eyes went to Darth Strosius , her apprentice. He had chosen to remain in obscurity, rather than ride her proverbial coattails before the Worm Emperor. She could respect that, for the time being. There would be much work to be done if he was to become one of the great Sith of his generation. While she, and hers, would soon perish and become legend.

Her eyes glided over others, picking out curious faces in the dark mass.

She noted the number of confederates; familiar names like Srina Talon and Darth Empyrean , but also fresher faces like Zlova Rue . If the Dark Lord asked them- To ensure the ascension of the Sith -Would they betray the confederacy they had spent so much time building? What would it take? This she pondered for a moment.

Her eyes turned back to the Worm Emperor.

"For this cause, you will have me and mine." "We shall look forward to the news of your Dark Council."

Her words did not betray of what she could contribute to the cause. Most did not know what power-base this displaced sith held, but those who knew would know what it was that Darth Ophidia could unleash. Darth Carnifex had seen it. Once, on Mandalore, she had even used it against him so that he would not forget the position he was in.

A Dark Lord only ruled until he was unseated.

With a respectful bow, to the Worm and the others who had gathered to speak, she bid her farewell of attention. With steps graceful beyond her years, the ashen woman went back to the shadows and lifted her hood to rest again on her bare, tattooed scalp.

Aspect of Passion Telis Taharin-Zambrano Taeli Raaf Darth Qis

 

[Darth Qis]

Qis was quite absorbed in the ongoings, listening to the whispers and elements of every conversation in the room. Originally, she had come to see if she could gather any information that was worth it's weight in gold. However, when seeing this opulent and powerful group, she was slowly forming other ideas. It would be a gamble, for certain, and very counterintuitive to her previous goal. But if it succeeded, she could be one of the best assets in this newly formed council of sorts. One in such a position could expect to do quite well for themselves.

Her thoughts are interrupted by a voice addressing her. Those blank eyes rest on Zlova as her head cranes to face the lethan. A beautiful creature to be certain, it was her first time seeing one after all. She admired the boldness it took to arrive in that attire. She might try it herself sometime. Though, today, she had to look the part. In more ways than one, to be certain. None of these people seemed to know her, which which made this situation a lot easier to handle. She purses her lips for a moment, pretending to look thoughtful before the answer leaves her mouth. "No killings yet. Not many familiar faces either.....But I might stir the pot in a little bit, we'll see." She shrugs, grinning slightly. She was still feeling the waters, testing the crowd, guaging what their reactions will be.

Zlova Rue Darth Ophidia

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Much like her colleague, Darth Ophidia , Taeli inclined her head respectfully towards the Worm for the respect he offered in kind. She wouldn't speak again until the Worm had said his piece on what she and Ophidia had offered, not wanting to interrupt the speech. Rudeness was another simple way of gaining an enemy that smiled at you as they stabbed you in the back.

Re-establishing the Dark Council... how interesting. She was very curious at what the structure of it would be this time, and she would of course maneuver herself towards one of the positions. Perhaps the Frumentarii, considering she was already once again infiltrating another galactic power and had quite the experience in that regard, or she could go towards her academic and mechanical interests in furthering technology and the Sith arts. Time would tell, and she would deal with potential rivals to whatever position she sought out.

She gave a small smile as Darth Moirai spoke, acknowledging her words. There was something to be said of repeating the classics, and corrupting the second New Jedi Order from within would be amusing... and not all that hard. From her interactions with the New Jedi Order, many of them teetered on the edge. Whether it was because they had so few Masters teaching them or during their formative years they learned too much of the zealotry of before, she couldn't say yet, but so far her tests had shown only a few truly had the hearts of Jedi. It was disappointing really.

Spotting someone that she very much wanted to speak to, she quietly moved away from the group around the Worm and over to where Srina Talon and Darth Empyrean were standing.

"Exarch Talon, Darth Maliphant," she said in way of greeting. "A powerful gathering so far, wouldn't you say?"

 

[Darth Empyrean]

The Sith Lord Maliphant could feel Raaf's eyes on him before she even approached. Be it the Force, or a simply a slight intuition into the dangers Sith must be aware of, the sense was there even as she took the first few steps. He offered her the slightest smile when they were close enough to speak, and returned her words in kind;

"Darth Arcanix.", he said, choosing the respectable title considering company.

"I would say that is a mild understatement."

Maliphant glanced to those gathered, and considered briefly that this was likely the most powerful gathering of Sith lords that had been known for years; his own impression of the likes of the Maw or Warlords as mere inexperienced upstarts looking to garner fear and power rather than strive to a true goal. Now with only the Maw left, he couldn't help but think this might be the only true sane collection of Sith left in the galaxy.

"I understand you're working with the Galactic Alliance now. I've considered much the same - as Dorian, of course. I'd doubt anyone in the Alliance would appreciate my features adorning propaganda.", he mused playfully to himself and the Exarch next to him.

Taeli Raaf // Srina Talon

 

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan let his mismatched yes meet those of Joycelyn Zambrano calmly head canted to the side curiously at her statements a bored hum leaving his lips. "Captain seems a bit wrong honestly I am not really a captain as much as a being with significant forces at my disposal. Yes I did fight against your people at Mandalore just like I fought with them many times before that. I was quite the pirate these days people tend to get a wee bit upset when one goes about trying to steal their ships or other belongings not that I don't still try constantly. So I suppose in a way you are correct but again wrong." He shrugs as he leans back against the pillar crossing his arms lightly as he tilts his head. "Is there something Specific I can do for you? Or are you merely here to judge me and determine my plans?" He smirks boredly as his eyes flare up curiously wondering if anyone would truly believe that he was on their side not that it mattered to him this was all entertaining to watch.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

And that was that.

Carnifex and His mirror moved away from the Worm Emperor's throne, moving in tandem away from the others. They spoke quietly to one another, their voices no louder than a husky whisper. Those that could pick up on their speech would discover that they were speaking in another language, that of their native Epicant. There were few others at the assembly that could speak the language as fluently as they could, Epicant being their mother-tongue.

However, both of them quieted as they neared the spot where Darth Ophidia lurked in the shadows. Carnifex again assumed primacy and approached the Ashen Assassin first, "Darth Ophidia, you are a welcome surprise to old eyes. I experienced the vague memory of sadness when I learned of your unfortunate death. To see you among this motley gathering elevates my willingness to invest in the Worm's endeavors."

The other, Vornskr, now walked up silently. Carnifex introduced him as well, "Of course you know my other half, we were once whole during the time of the One Sith." While that may have been true, the other half had not interacted with Darth Ophidia since those days long passed. He tilted his head in respect towards the Phantom Blade, "It has been a long time, my fair Ophidia." Vornskr's mouth curled into a mischievous grin, a sharp departure from the emotionless stoicism of his counterpart. "You are as ravishing as I recollect, though I can see how the passage of time has subtly influenced the vision you project."

Carnifex again took up the conversation, "It appears as though our interests are again aligned, this time in alliance with this Worm Emperor. My counterpart professes the merit of the Worm's truth, but I am not fully convinced." Vornskr laughed, sincerely so. "My other self is quite the amusement, is He not? He surrounds Himself with the most religious of followers but possesses no faith of His own, only a hunger for power. I can understand, for we were once whole and those memories and desires are mine as well. But it appears that He assumed the Nexu's share of that ambition."

From Ophidia's point of view, it appeared as if the other half of Kaine Zambrano was afforded a greater deal of candor than any other had been at the expense of Darth Carnifex. An interesting dynamic for certain, one that would undoubtedly have unforeseen ramifications to come.

Darth Ophidia | Darth Strosius ​

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

"A pirate then, but not a captain." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "You are the Aedan Miles I have heard about."

A smirk spread across her lips, showing gleaming teeth beneath. Though they were not unusually sharp or inhumanly shaped, they looked as though she could take a solid bite out of a person if she so desired.

"I don't think any of this is part of your plan. I think you were lead here and wanted to see if anyone would throw you out as a stranger, or perhaps you were looking for someone that would take out old grievances with you, so you could keep telling yourself what you tell yourself every day." She shook her head a little, as if blinking the train of thought out of her mind.

"But that is not why I have cornered you." "If I wanted vengeance, I would not come to you like this. That is impractical and stupid."

She straightened up a bit, as if she was done inspecting his face so closely. Her chin drew up into that regal posture the Zambranos so often kept; like there was something rigid in them.

"I want to know how to become a pirate." Strange words coming from someone who had spent so much time hunting pirates throughout the Tingel Arm. "And I need contacts in the underworld to accomplish that goal." "What do you say?"

Aedan Miles

 

[Darth Ophidia]

The Worm had made his speech and declarations to the dark congregation that amassed at the base of his throne. While his words were said, the meeting was far from over. In fact, it had barely begun. Now was the time where Sith spoke to SIth; whether they be colleagues of old or relative strangers who had too few chances to speak candidly about their shared conviction, now they could see eye to eye. Or, if they much prefer, to follow the object of their ire to a secluded place and confront them with their grievances.

Darth Ophidia found that it was in this portion of the congregation that the greatest alliances were forged, or rivalries cultivated. Whether this iteration of Sith would function depended as much on the conversations happening now as it did on the call of the would-be Dark Lord of the Sith.

So, while Ophidia stepped out of the eyeline of the public, she made certain she was still to be seen and sought out. It did not take long before one, or rather two, approached her.

"Darth Carnifex" She gave a respectful nod to the former Sith Emperor. "Darth Vornskr."

Ophidia watched the two of them quietly as they made their formal greetings, and noted the differences between them. The compliments were noted, but as always, not reciprocated in kind. As for her death, that she had died at the hands of such curs was a stain on her record that she would prefer to expunge once and for all.

"Your division may have served you well: While one ruled an Empire that nearly bent the galaxy to shape, the other helped lay the groundwork for its successor. The faults of one is fulfilled by the diligence of the other." Her eyes turned down for a moment, looking at her ink-black left hand clasping the ashen right, before coming back up to look at the pair. "As for the truths of the Worm Emperor, I am eager to hear them myself."

Her eyes then locked on Carnifex as she recalled their conversation on Mandalore. "In his wisdom, I hope he does not forget to heed the warnings of his Council." They then flicked to Vornskr as the last days of the One Sith trilled through her memories. "And the follies of Dark Lords past."

Darth Strosius Darth Carnifex

 

[Darth Strosius]

He watched the whole exchange between his master, Darth Ophidia , and the Worm Emperor with some measure of caution. It wasn't his master's abilities he doubted, but rather the mentality of the Worm. From his, albeit very limited, experience the more powerful Sith seemed to often have the tendency to self-sabotage in one form or another. Murdering an asset or ally, potential or not, seemed to be a fairly common form of that from what little he knew.

Thankfully though, his master left the throne unscathed, and he breathed a small sigh of relief.

Now though was the time for mingling and scheming. Already he could see various groups or pairs beginning to form not soon after the Worm had seemingly come to a pause in his grandiose proselytizing. Look at how they talk, I can only wonder how many of them don't intend to keep whatever promises they're making.

Alisteri idly noticed the Darth Carnifex duo approach his master, a small narrowing of his eyes being the only real reaction. That would be the downside to being so powerful master, He pushed off of the wall that he had been leaning on and began making his way around the outskirts of the main crowd. , someone is always wanting you in on things.

There was nothing to do other than get in the way of someone speaking at the moment, and he wasn't about to gamble his life on interrupting any conversation, so instead he would continue watching. He had to learn about these Sith eventually anyway, he supposed. It might as well be now, while they were all within eyesight.

 

[Sofiel]

"So you still live, little Sithling." Gnox's towering form came to a stop beside Darth Strosius . He was content with just passing the acolyte by, but there was something familiar. Not just about the Acolyte himself, but the smell of blood that radiated from him. Faintly glowing red eyes stared down towards the masked man, studying in silence.

"You've become one of them." Who he meant by 'them' he didn't say. Instead, he glared at the boy. A rage, as ancient as his all consuming hunger, threatened to spill out. Lethal intent. The pure desire to kill and consume this acolyte simply because he'd become a Sangnir. And yet, he didn't act on it. Simply left the unspoken threat linger in the air. He said nothing further as he continued down his intended path, pushing the acolyte from his mind.

"Arcanix." His attention solely focused on Taeli Raaf as he approached the small gathering. A toothy grin formed as he motioned to one of her very 'Butchers' that trailed behind him. "You must show me how you made these wonderful creatures."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Of course," spoke the pair in perfect unison. "We would demand nothing less."

"An individual may die, but the Sith are eternal," Carnifex spoke this time, the other half remaining silent but still engaged in the conversation. "It is this maxim that lays the foundation of our Order. The Empire has fallen, its territory cannibalized and coveted by vultures, but the Sith will always endure." Vornskr then moved to speak, "The Sith proliferate across the galaxy, like pus from a ruptured cyst. Left untreated, the contagion will infect and poison the galaxy. Those who cling to the bestial mania of the Maw take the place of the most visible symptoms of this affliction, but we will slip through unnoticed and lie dormant until the rot is too cancerous to excise."

"You know as well as I, the Assassins will be sorely needed to ensure the survival of our Order. But the Assassins are nothing without you to lead them, you must discover a means to return to your mortal form." Carnifex and Ophidia had always enjoyed a close working relationship in the past, each one supporting the other in an alliance not too dissimilar from the one currently in place between Carnifex and Taeli Raaf .

"Evolution demands a sacrifice," commented Vornskr, "You must be prepared to pay that price, old friend."

Darth Ophidia ​

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova smirked as she regarded the other woman. "Really? Well, you'll either survive and garner some acclaim, or be executed on the spot for offending someone's sensibilities. Either way, I am dying to see what you have in mind."

"Take that lot," the Lethan turned to regard the gathering of Dark Lords Darth Carnifex slash Darth Vornskr and Darth Ophidia reminiscing about the past and foretelling the future. "Ambitious bunch. Dangerous if provoked. Mindful of what it takes to claim power. To hold power. And how it can be easily lost." Zlova's eyes shifted back over to Darth Qis . "Important lessons few learn well, and fewer survive being taught; those that do become formidible foes or grand allies. The type to impress if you dare."

"I wouldn't mind crashing their party, but something tells me that'd only distract from what you have in store. No matter. I'm one of the patient ones." The Twi'lek smiled. "Look forward to it -- whatever it is."

 

[Darth Ophidia]

Indeed, the Sith would transcend all individual lives, and the goal would one day be achieved. There were no guarantees that anyone on this planet would be there to see it in the flesh. Yet, they all worked to achieve the ultimate goal: Perfection.

"Naturally, my Lords." "You can rest assured that I am working tirelessly for that effort."

She had never been one to shirk her sacrifices, but it would have to be the right one.

"As you both know, these matters are most delicate."

She knew how to return to a physical form, but her difficulties lay in locating the ideal body: It had to be strong enough to fulfill her needs, but not so strong of mind that it would reject her influence or corrupt her intelligence. Clones were suitable for some time, but inevitably decayed. Her adopted daugther was once perfect, but her prostetics had corrupted that plan. She had trained some apprentices, but these had died or were otherwise incompatible.

The circumstances had to be correct, lest she was sent back to the Netherworld and forced to claw herself back again. As long as her holocron remained intact, she would be whole again.

And there was one body she had not accounted for.

"And the details are sensitive."

Ophidia's eyes flicked over to Zlova Rue and Darth Qis , both noting and emphasising the point of listeners with unknown intentions. Even her apprentice did not know the details of her plan. Then again, it seemed Darth Strosius doubted she had ever died. It was a simple, but reasonable conclusion to make in his position.

"Instead, my Lords, tell me of the challenges we face. How may I assist you?"

Darth Carnifex

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Darth Empyrean had a point of course. It was a mild understatement to say that the gathering had a good turn out. Many of the prominent Sith Lords and Ladies of the past Empire and the Eternal were present, many of them still with their power bases and influence intact even after the collapse of those two galactic factions. Both she and Maliphant were examples of such, especially with his close connection to Srina Talon .

"Indeed, it wasn't hard to infiltrate the Alliance, but then I do have some experience in that regard," she answered, a sly smile briefly forming. His admission that he desired to also begin working within the Alliance was a lovely surprise. Here was a colleague that she could work with to influence events in the Core, one that wasn't leading a murderous death cult from the Unknown Regions in a tide of blood and madness. Kaine could handle the dealings with the Maw, although she was still wanting to gauge their so-called Sith'ari for herself. Perhaps when the Senate session was over.

"As I understand it, Dorian could have a strong position in the Alliance as I believe the Banking Clan is the primary backer of the Alliance's credit," she mused. "The Trade Federation has a seat in the Assembly, so precedence exists. It would not take much effort I'm sure to petition for a seat, especially with Tithe as Vice Chancellor. His predications for the economy and making credits has not changed."

She felt the hungry darkness first, and turning with another smile, she acknowledge Sofiel with a bow of her head.

"Oh it wasn't too difficult, a little Squib, a little Hynex, a touch of slakari-hound DNA, and just a little rakghoul for a kicker," she answered. "I'd be happy to show you how to make more, even improve on them. I've had a few ideas on the subject, but just haven't had the chance to travel to Vanqor to work on them."

 

[Darth Strosius]

It had been a fairly long time since Alisteri had felt a cold shiver run up his back in some show of fear. He could regenerate from the blood of his enemies and wielded a lightsaber, not much scared him. But when a familiar voice and shadow came over him, he couldn't repress the twinge of fear as he turned to stare up into the maw of Sofiel

"I see that I'm not the only that's hard to kill, Lord Gnox." He managed a steady tone and a respectful bow of his head. Stories had been told of vicious Sith of course, but the beastly Sith before him was the only one that he had seen in the flesh. And the stories did not do him justice. The next sentence that he spoke was filled with such venom that there was no real room for misinterpretation. His hand idly moved down to touch the hilt of his weapon as he stared back up at the Sith Lord with as calm an expression behind his mask as he could manage.

Thankfully though, it seemed that the Acolyte wasn't appetizing enough today.

He didn't spare another glance as the beast walked by, too busy getting out of his way. The masked man rolled his shoulders and let out a small sigh to relieve the tension that had seated itself in his muscles. Of all the people here that I've met, of course one would be that...thing. With a shake of his head he cleared the thought from his mind and was quick to move a bit further away from the Lords and Darths as they gathered.

Better to just stay out of the way.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Of course," replied Carnifex, His eyes never wavering from looking directly at Darth Ophidia. He didn't need to visually make contact with the others in the room to know every aspect of them, He could hear the blood in their veins being pushed along with every beat of their heart. Once He would have been able to smell every scent that had come into contact with their body, but that sensation had long since departed Him.

However, He had begun to notice a subtle decline in His hearing as well, the final stages of the affliction He had willingly imposed upon Himself finally taking hold. The edges of His vision had grown incrementally darker with each passing month as well.

In time, He would lose all use of his faculties; cursed to be trapped in His own body.

But the return of His other half presented a new opportunity.

"Our enemies are legion, as they have always been. The Galactic Alliance seeks political, economic, and spiritual control across the galaxy. Their punitive expeditions into the Tingel Arm were only the beginning, but their citizens can only stomach so much of war. We've made several inroads into their political structure, as have the Maw. Their efforts to subvert mirror ours, but they are clumsy. It will allow a far more subtle hand to operate with impunity."

"The New Imperial Order is a similar story, but a different beast. The wider they cast their net over the territories that we once held, the more and more they destabilize their own regime. Thousands of loyal operatives opted to root themselves in the path of the Imperial war machine, and a great multitude of them went unnoticed. Many even found employment within the Imperial regime, taking advantage of the New Order's naïve amnesty. They've also recently lost their Imperator to an assassin's blade, not ours but one that was fed by the knowledge only we possess."

"The Ashlan Crusade is another of the boy Grayson's fallacies, more of the weak-willed pulled in to slake his thirst for vengeance. Zealots are the easiest to manipulate."

Carnifex then made the choreographed move to turn His head and look to where Taeli Raaf , Darth Empyrean , and Srina Talon had congregated. "As you can see, we are well-positioned."

Darth Ophidia ​

 

[Darth Empyrean]

"Then it may be favorful for us both for Dorian to get that seat.", he said idly, making brief eye contact with the Dark Lord Carnifex.​

​

"Previously, Dorian also had a number of dealings with the Chancellor. While perhaps not friends, the political acumen of the woman has garnered plenty of respect - so the business relation could be used to our advantage."​

​

Though in his mind, he considered his own personal gains to be made. The IGBC was, afterall, taking the vast majority of his time, and made up the vast majority of his networth. It wouldn't hurt to strike some deals to benefit the banks, because it would afterall - benefit him. Even if this reconstituted Sith failed, the banks would be eternal, and fund him for generations to come.​

​

Yet, as Sofiel entered the conversation, Maliphant simply watched the beast. He smelled wet, like he hadn't seen the business end of a shower in some time; but to his relief he hadn't chosen to talk to the alabaster lord that he was. He doubted even he had they would have much to discuss - the beast reminded Maliphant too much of Darth Vulcanus . A beast was a beast was a beast, afterall.​

​

Taeli Raaf // Srina Talon​