Public Weathering Storm

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Storm Breaker
Tags: Aegeus Agata

This planet, and the twin moons, was new to the former soldier. There wasn't much to be said about Esthorhiel other than they don't take kindly to outsiders. Of course, Rath didn't come to the planet nor the city of Cinra like he's on some touring vacation. Instead he's come to this place for information as a certain pair has been going around and causing chaos as they steal vital information and weaponry. Information from the Eternal Empire that is. Technically he's no longer part of their military, but Rath still does his part as he travels outside of Eternal Empire’s reach to track down these two humanoids. The only evidence he had was a holodisc that contained surveillance footage of the most recent theft and assault on a medical facility.

Rumor has it the ship managed to be tracked down to this very planet. However, due to the natives' paranoia and hostility to outsiders. Rath volunteered to venture out and see if he could find who these people were. Or at least get more information as to what could be their next target.

With the information at hand, Rath had done his best to respect the natives and essentially landed at one of the docking bays in Cinra. As it was about the only spaceport on the planet that wouldn’t attempt to shoot down his ship. Once he landed, Rath had done the usual routine of checking in with the overseer and paying the fees. Afterwards he would wander the streets with only a sword sheathed across his back as the handle looms over his right shoulder. The crystalline head of a wolf peered into the streets as he wore no armor. Instead he wore a leather jacket, sandy brown tunic, black boots, and a belt.

His corrupted eyes wandered from one individual to the next as he would occasionally question them about the pair that he was looking for. Of course, no one knew what he was talking about, and frankly the natives weren’t exactly keen that he’s asking them questions. It wasn’t like they would really know considering that the pair that he’s looking for was clever and covered their features from head to toe. However, they wore armor and were fully equipped with gadgets meant for espionage.

The Force didn’t favor him this time, or at least that’s what it appeared as Rath spent the first few hours to no avail. In the end, Rath sat down at one of the outdoor restaurants, and was simply taking a moment to relax his mind. The waitress brought a menu initially with a smile, but then turned into a scowl after seeing that Rath was an outsider. Busara started to spew foreign words like a rapid fire machine as she made wild gestures. Rath didn’t understand what she was saying, but he understood that he was not wanted.

”Alright, alright. I get it.” Rath spoke as exhaustion seeped from his words. He got up from the chair and proceeded to walk down the street. As he wished to put some distance between himself and that place.

”If they really are here, then based on what’s going on outsiders typically aren’t wanted here. If I just raided a medical facility and retreated here, where would I go?” The Shadow muttered to himself as he pondered. The two choices were either hiding amongst the crowd, or staying off to the wilderness away from civilization. Which would normally suggest that there’s a hideout somewhere. Which unfortunately Rath lacked the time to search for something that may or may not be there. Let alone be visible to those who don’t know where it is, unless those who knew exactly where it was. Either way, Rath wasn’t getting anywhere as he wandered the streets of Cinra.

 

[Aegeus Agata]

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Two Blades
Tags: Rath Nihro The Third

The minute Aegus landed his ship in the only safe port of Esthorhiel he noticed the eyes boring into him. He knew that this planet disliked strangers, especially humans but he did not expect the natives to make it so blatantly obvious. Stepping off the ship he heard scurried footsteps and saw the natives avoiding him like he was a carrier of some sort of plague. The reason for his first visit to this desolate island was not for a vacation but a bounty that he had received from an anonymous contractor. The bounty Aegus had received was to find and kill a pair of miscreants who had been causing mayhem on the planet. Usually Aegus would be too high and mighty to accept such a puny bounty as this one, but he was asked by one of his few acquaintances Tzarthyx to accept the bounty. As a matter of fact, this was his hometown and Aegus had to repay Tzarthyx somehow after losing a high stakes bet.

Due to this being his first time setting foot on this planet, Aegus decided to roam the desolate, desert landscape in search of a merchant who could have some information for him. After exploring the small town of Cinra Aegus was having trouble finding anyone willing to talk to him due to being seen as an outsider. After some deliberation he decided to use a different approach to find a lone merchant.

Scanning the streets from on top of a roof, Aegus noticed a fidgety man, suspiciously looking down in an empty alleyway. After discreetly following the man for a couple of minutes Aegus decided to make a move. Jumping down behind the man in almost absolute silence. Aegus drew his sword and placed the tip of the sword onto the neck of the man. The man stopped in his tracks his shivering body turning completely still. "Keep quiet and turn around, scum." Aegus spoke in a soft but menacing tone, causing a slight tremble from the scrawny man. The man turned around and this was the first time Aegus got a proper look at him. His face was etched with worry and fear, his insect like face was covered in scars and bruises. The man waited for Aegus to make the next move.

"How do you understand English?" Aegus declared, his tone more surprised than worried at this discovery. "Why, because I am a merchant who has traveled to many different planets." His entire body stay still when he said this, including his mouth. This is when Aegus remembered a crucial point that he had read about. Esthorhiel merchants spoke telepathically. After realising that Aegus had hit the jackpot and found a merchant willing to talk to him, he removed his sword from the merchants throat and started asking for information about the two miscreants.

At first the merchant was hesitant but Aegus had dealt with fidgety merchants before. After offering to pay several galactic credits the merchants mood had completely switched and he was happy to answer any question Aegus had to ask. Aegus spent the evening conversing with the merchant gathering all the necessary information to find the location of the miscreants.

After gathering all the information available, Aegus started searching for a place to set camp for the night. There were not many options in this desolate landscape but when landing his ship Aegus had noticed a small cave inside one of the sandstone mountains. On his way to the cave, Aegus was caught by surprise from a loud ruckus being made at one of the restaurants nearby. Due to his curious nature he went to investigate it. Catching him by surprise, walking out of the restaurant was another unwanted human. "What is another human doing here." he thought to himself. After following the figure through the streets, Aegus decided to approach him, much to his repulsion of socialising.

 

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Storm Breaker
Tags: Aegeus Agata

It wasn't that seeing another life form was uncommon, but considering how the locals were borderline hostile to outsiders, Rath wasn't expecting to see another outsider like himself. Rath basically smelled Aegus's presence before he actually saw the swordsman. It was unfortunately one of few things Rath himself couldn't explain. The ability to feel what was Light and what was Dark in the Force. Only through smells could he really tell, but if he ever wore a mask or helmet then the smells would be blocked. That said, all he could feel was the Force as a whole. Including Aegus's presence.

Rath turned his eyes over to the newcomer as he was expecting some form of communication. However it was the opposite, and Rath wasn't exactly the most charismatic lad in the galaxy either so this encounter should be entertaining.

"I'm going on a whim and assume that you're not from around here, are you?" Rath implied as he didn't want to assume otherwise. Plus it'll give some clarity as to what he could want with a wandering man with a sword his back.

 

[Aegeus Agata]

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Storm Breaker
Tags: Aegeus Agata

It wasn't that seeing another life form was uncommon, but considering how the locals were borderline hostile to outsiders, Rath wasn't expecting to see another outsider like himself. Rath basically smelled Aegus's presence before he actually saw the swordsman. It was unfortunately one of few things Rath himself couldn't explain. The ability to feel what was Light and what was Dark in the Force. Only through smells could he really tell, but if he ever wore a mask or helmet then the smells would be blocked. That said, all he could feel was the Force as a whole. Including Aegus's presence.

Rath turned his eyes over to the newcomer as he was expecting some form of communication. However it was the opposite, and Rath wasn't exactly the most charismatic lad in the galaxy either so this encounter should be entertaining.

"I'm going on a whim and assume that you're not from around here, are you?" Rath implied as he didn't want to assume otherwise. Plus it'll give some clarity as to what he could want with a wandering man with a sword his back.

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Two Blades
Tags: Rath Nihro The Third

Walking up to the man, in a desolate street, Aegus started deliberating what he would say. He was never much of a social person as he had grew up for several years with only the dungeon guards to talk to. And there was only so much they could say over the years. Luckily for Aegus, the short, black haired man was the first to make a move.

He turned around as if he had sensed Aegus presence from a mile away. Aegus could see that the man stood rather defensively, but he still seemed curious enough to spark a conversation between the two. "I'm going on a whim and assume that you're not from around here, are you?" The man spoke with a tinge of curiosity but Aegus could still sense that the man had his guard up.

"I am here for a job, which I am guessing you are also here for?" Aegus spat out, a little more aggressively than he had expected. "I am here to kill a pair of miscreants, have you heard anything about this?" Aegus started to calm down a little towards the man, but this did not stop himself from keeping his hand on the hilt of his blade. Waiting for the individuals next move.

 

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Storm Breaker
Tags: Aegeus Agata

Similar to Rath, the man was on a mission. Blunt and straight to the point of the matter. However the notion of killing someone was clear as day, and frankly Rath wasn’t sure who employed this man. The idea that someone else would be after a pair of thieves wasn’t uncommon. The Eternal Empire sometimes employed mercenary companies or even individuals to reinforce an objective. Perhaps, in Aegus’s case, he was employed to kill whoever stole the goods? Although, Rath had a different notion as to why he’s after the pair.

”That’s a bold assumption that is what I’m here for. I could’ve just happened to meet a potential lover here for all you know.” Rath spoke with a mix of fact and sarcasm. Granted Aegus wasn’t wrong, Rath was here for a purpose. The former soldier crossed his arms as he looked the man in the eyes.

”Considering the facts of this planet, death is a vital part around here. To whom are you searching for? Do you have a puck of your mark?” Perhaps Rath was guarded, but frankly there were very few windows that Rath let down his guard. When it came to killing the Sith and their hellspawn. He could never afford to be careless, and so he was as relentless as he was vigilant.

He couldn’t describe it, but Rath couldn’t dismiss the notion that he was being watched. Not quite on a technological level either, but rather like something was peering through the veil of the Force. Rath mentally focused to shroud himself by bending the Force itself so that he could not be directly seen by whoever was watching him. The last thing he needs is a potential hostile keeping track of what transpires here, and truthfully he just doesn’t appreciate being stalked. Rath’s attention shifts to the man’s armaments. Or rather a lack of.

”I assume you’re specialized in blades as well?” It was an honest question, and unlike Aegus; Rath wasn’t aggressive either. More like a matter-of-fact with a hint of sarcasm.

 

[Aegeus Agata]

Location: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Two Blades
Tags: Rath Nihro The Third

"You do not look like the type of man to come here just to meet a lover, I can sense you are here to fulfil a specific task." Aegus could see the sheer focus and concentration that the man was giving off. He was a very guarded man, someone who Aegus would never want as an enemy. There was another thing that Aegus noticed, "You seem to be a military man, your stance looks very similar to some of the soldiers I have faced in the past."

Out of the corner of Aegus eye he noticed a shadow peering from behind a alleyway, Aegus could not sense his presence but due to the shadow he knew there was someone there. Someone was following him. Had the shady merchant sold him out? Or was this strange man the one that was being followed?

"To answer you other question, all I know is that I have to kill a group of two miscreants who have been going around and making trouble on this planet. I have gone around and forced some answers out of a merchant but have not learned much information about them." Aegus was now freely explaining his mission, waiting to see if he could gain some extra information from this man.

Aegus pulled out his sword and swung it through the air, it felt light in his arms from years of practice, but he knew that this was a heavy sword. "I am using this sword and another smaller sword, but I am looking to craft myself a lightsaber to add to my collection, maybe you can help me with that." Aegus was getting much more comfortable with the man across himself, but was still wary of the presence of the hidden opponent behind him. If a battle were to start, it would be challenging for Aegus to fight two people at once. Not that he had not done this before. But Aegus could feel that the man in front of him was powerful, and he would need to keep all his focus on him.

"If it is not for the same reason as me, what are you doing here? This is not the type of place people would come for a vacation." Aegus asked in a interested way, there was no intent or malice behind his question, rather just curiosity as to why this man was on this planet. Aegus now sensed no aggression from the man in front of him and kept most of his focus on the person hiding behind him.

"Have you noticed that we are being watched? Or is he with you." Aegus sneered.

 

[Rath Nihro]

Objective: Esthorhiel, Cinra
Equipment: Storm Breaker
Tags: Aegeus Agata The Third

Was he really not the type to have some kind of romance? Of course the idea of it was appealing and he's thought of it more than once. But as Aegus pointed out Rath's career choice and lack of time rules that sort of life from his story. Additionally, given the knowledge of some poisonous matter that's slowly killing Rath wasn't exactly ideal. Well, perhaps one such method of curing himself of this blight. However, the price for it was a bit extreme.

"Perhaps." He simply stated before Aegus started to appear to be shifty with his eyes. Apparently they were being stalked through the Force and visually. It was possible that they could be the mark of what they sought after, but Rath wouldn't bet on it. Considering how hostile the locals were towards Rath; he wouldn't put it past them if they sent someone to keep tabs on them. It was a reasonable course of action when two outsiders came to their planet and both were after someone.

Aegus went further into explaining what he's here for, and frankly that ruled out their marks weren't the same.

"Well, since I've been here I have only seen myself causing a nuisance to these people. Not to mention the people here didn't seem appreciative of my questions, so information has been hard to come by in general." He answered more in depth and was upfront about it. Even though it still means trouble occurred on this planet, any sign of civilization will always have some form of crime. Given the rundown information of this planet and their natives, conflict was a constant obstacle.

A mention of a lightsaber was certainly an interest. Sure, a lot of sentient folk who has seen a lightsaber in action dreamt of just holding a lightsaber. Others fantasize the idea of being a Jedi or just the mere thought of being a hero. The glory, the lust for power, can be intoxicating whether they were Sith or Jedi. Of course, every time someone brandished a lightsaber at him it always made Rath mixed with anger and disappointment. Mostly because he always viewed it as the Force instigating a clash amongst itself, and fate blends to an unseen future or paints illusions in the mind of victory. Perhaps that was why many were blind to see what was in front of them as they mindlessly obeyed the Force.

"Combat with blasters and maybe a sword or two is something I can handle. But lightsabers? That's a different ball game." Half truth and half not. Frankly it was common for anyone with a military background to be capable of fending for themselves. Assuming they have the tools and resources to do so of course.

"Well I am after someone who came to this planet, but I'm fairly certain they are not your marks." Rath confirmed Aegus's curiosity as the former soldier continued to shroud his presence from the Force. Once Aegus questioned the spy, Rath shook his head.

"Hm… he's not with me, but he's not alone either. On a second note, what do these people usually do? I assume they must have something that will gather some form of respect that might loosen some lips for information."

 

[Voice of Esthorhiel]

Tag: Aegeus Agata Rath Nihro ​

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The season of the hunt has begun. With this comes the many tournaments for newcomers to prove their worth in battle. During this duration young brood will clash in competitions, the contests are held in all of the major cities. And the general goal is to impress the plethora of Knights looking for new soldiers in their ranks. Yet even for outsiders, this season can prove worth the troubles. To establish oneself mighty in battle is the simplest way to impress the cold natives of Esthorhiel. And it is not uncommon for adventures to test their blade in these brawls, yet it is rare for one to come out living.​

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Tournaments will be open for exactly one month and anyone who wishes to participate outsider or not will be granted an audience within the battling grounds, where all shall be equal in the eyes of our God. All means of battling are permitted and matches will be fought to the death. The only rule existing is that modern technology is banned due to its unhonourable approach to combat. Before entering this holly tournament one should way in their honour of battle as respect for one's opponent is highly praised on the fighting grounds, and even if it is not prohibited to fight dirty if one wishes to there will be no recognition in their victory. There are two types of battles prohibited in the arenas, free-for-all clashes or the uncommon team competition in which packs of five will come together to battle either a considerable beast or an opposing group of five.​

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If one wishes to find the fighting grounds all you must do is follow the gush of inhabitants rushing through the streets, or look for the glowing green beacon lighting up the night sky, calling for all contestants and spectators to take their places. For those who were unfortunate enough to come too late fear not as all can sign up whenever they seem fitting, there is no rush in finding one's inner warrior. The rules of battle are simple and sing ups are open for all in the ancient colosseum of all large cities. The bustling streets will empty themselves as the shows begin and all lights will be extinguished leaving only the brightness of the moon to glare down at the competitors during their brawls. Those expecting a monetary reward for their fights should look else whereas the reward comes in honour and renown rather than coin and possessions.​

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The season of the hunt has begun and all that remains is to sign up and fight or enjoy the show, what will you do?​

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