Imperial Gauntlet, Behold Your Heroes

[Darth Evandrus]

PVP disabled; Shenanigan disabled​

"Citizens of the Empire!"

Evandrus, dressed in his more ceremonial armour, stood atop the steps of the Sith Temple on Korriban. He was not alone for The Eternal and the Dark Lord Kravos stood with him.

They alone stood at the top of the steps but they were far from alone.

As the awards ceremony for The Gauntlet, they were so very far from being alone. Imperial citizens from dozens of worlds crowded at the base of the steps, spreading throughout the natural valley as cameras made sure to capture every second and beam it across the Galaxy via the holonet.

And why wouldn't they show it to all?

The Sith Empire had nothing to hide, much less this, this crowning achievement of strength and courage in the face of peril.

"Citizens - I present to you, the survivors of the final challenge of The Gauntlet! These warriors took on the challenges presented to them and they stood tall!"

Evandrus held a hand out, gesturing to where those to have finished The Gauntlet were lined up at the base of the stairs.

"They stand in front of you, apart from you, for their bravery and for their skill. But survival is not victory! Today - we honour the victors of these survivors!"

They had the rewards at the ready and the other Lords knew who they were to honour already. All that had to be done at this stage was for him to finish making it all seem like a big deal and then award the prize for the third place.

"Survivors... if you name is called, you are a victor. You shall ascend these steps until you are commanded to stop - there you shall kneel on the steps and accept the reward that you have earned through sweat, blood, honour and courage."

He let the silence linger for a moment before he stared down at the assembled survivors of The Gauntlet.

He let them all stew, let them all think on their actions and if they could truly think of themselves as a potential victor.

Spoiler: Lords

@Phoenix @Orbit

Spoiler: Survivors

@Rexx @Plebometer @Raydo @christhebarker @Gian Greydragon @Taz

 

[Eisa Nimbus]

No sooner had they scaled the staircase wrought from the bones of some ancient beast within the chamber where the remaining Sith taking part in the gauntlet trails has awoken from the illusion they had been trapped in.The sith champions had found the star case lead to the foot of the steps of the Ancient Sith Temple. Among the group, the fiery haired teenager was intently surveying her surroundings, somewhat bemused that a concealed staircase lead part way onto the main stair case to the temple. Her emerald hued eyes narrowing as the teen figured it was likely to have been a concealed guards house that they had just awoken within.

Coming to a halt along with the rest of the surviving participants, the Fiery haired teen stood on the tips of her toes so that she could see over the shouldersin of the Sith stood infront of her. Eisa's bright emerald hued eyes focusing on the high judge clad in his ceremonial armor as he spoke out to the assembled crowds, her eyes soon falling upon the other two Sith Lords standing close to Evandrus, The Eternal and The Dark Lord Kravos. Two members of the Sith council that she knew of by name and reputation, but who she could say had little interaction with. Out of the three sith Lords the teen had the most contact with the High Judge more than anything, whether it were down to her skills and abilities or just her concerningly indepth level of knowledge in explosives.

Still despite all that here they where the six remaining survivors of the gauntlet, although she couldn't recall precisely the number of those who originally started. But out of the sixteen or so competitors only six remained, and she was one of them. To the teenaged Sith that was an achievement in itself, given the others around her were much older and experienced members of the Order, particularly those standing beside her who where viewed as Masters within the Sith empire. That fact on itself seemed to be an accomplishment for the young girl.

And not without good reason, either. Despite not only her physical age and her apparent mental age, the fiery haired teen had threw herself fully into the challenges being put towards her. The event would bring about some introspective thoughts later, after it highlighted that there were some things that perhaps she should learn from. Yet despite her few trip ups in the earlier challenges, particularly with the spherical mass of bodies and the sir of disappointment that resonated within the chamber as they all openly prepared to attack it. Eisa had a great deal of fun from the whole experience, as not only had she been able to learn much more than she would have if it where a typical training session. But she had been able to push herself in a whole range of scenarios.

 

[Vash Windrider]

Vash was not only alive, but still intact as well. Getting to his feet as the world of darkness and pain after getting his from the massive tail would soon shift back to Korriban, at the steps of the Sith Temple. Standing now, he nearly snapped his neck looking at the crowd forming from this massive undertaking. Then he looked back to the ground below him, a puzzled look crossing his face. A slue of questions crossed his mind but no words came to his lips. After a passing moment and a sigh he looked back to the steps.

Now assenting to the ranks of his fellow survivors he was stop beside the young Eisa who had arrived briefly before, taking in once more the sheer magnitude of the event and what they had done. What HE had done for the Empire. Of the near twenty or so who started this event one of them a fellow brother of the Black Hand, he remained. A knight, an assassin, A Nightbringer. His pride at that would surge through him as he set his eyes finally on the three council members. The High Judge, he had encountered only in passing. The Dark Lord Kravos he had worked a couple missions for and finally. The Lord Eternal. Vash's Lord and Master of the Black Hand.

As the the gaze of those powerful Sith fell on himself and the others, Vash would bow his head and take a Knee as commanded. There was much to process from this trail, so much to taken in and learn from. But for the moment he was satisfied with being alive, and being one of the final six to be brought before the Council, and perhaps even the Empress....maybe.

 

[Kalladrrl]

Kalladrrl blinked once as his surroundings changed from the plummeting platform with Falaghar swooping about like the winged creature of death that he was. He was still in the deep, lunging crouch that had sent a deadly spear of ice careening toward the dragon as his last action before the end of the Gauntlet. He stood slowly, hoping he didn't come off as sheepish, as he noticed the very real pain in his back. Must have been some kind of damned Force trickery after all. Kalladrrl kicked himself for not realizing the truth of the last trial before the end. It hadn't even entered his mind until then that there was a lot of prime Imperial talent assembled to challenge the Gauntlet and it wouldn't do to throw away warriors of this caliber. Kalladrrl noticed grimly than Xornoth was not among their number but he didn't focus on it overlong.

No, the cheers and adoration of the assembled masses washed over all of his senses including the esoteric sense granted to him by the Force, the fervor of their jubilation adding to his pride at having finished the Gauntlet strongly after his toil against all the trials. Besting the other Sith in claiming the kyber idol, dueling Eisa Nimbus, and facing down Falaghar without hesitation, his fury in battle unparalleled amongst the competitors. Kalladrrl hadn't been laden down with high explosives, relying on his lightsaber, his wits, and his command of the Force.

The Wookiee raised his head, narrowing his eyes as he looked over the assembled lords. Evandrus, the High Judge, who seemed like everything a Core World Sith was. Kravos, the Dark Lord of the Sith, highest in prestige and a veteran campaign leader. And last, the one he had seen in Vex's mind.

The Eternal.

He looked down as if in polite supplication, awaiting the announcement, his unease at being so close to Vex’s master buoyed by the eager, adoring cries of the assembled public before the Sith Temple.

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

He awoke from the trial and walked until he came to the base of the stairs with the others. He cared little for cheering of the crowds, little for the pomp and circumstance around the ceremony. He had come for one purpose only, to show his worth to the Empress and her Sith Lords, that was it. He even cared little for the reward though he had to admit he was a bit curious as to what it was.

He had no knowledge of how the others had done in the challenges before the fight, He had survived the day though but not without wounds. He was proud of his wounds, they would be added to the collection of scars over his body, adding to the story of his life and service to the Empire.

He had made enemies today, those who had to rely on treachery at every turn to obtain what he had achieved without it. They would be dealt with in time. but that was another day's worry.

For now, he waited patiently waiting for the names to be called.

 

[Talion Knylenn/Anhur]

He had survived, beat the odds against 11 other who had failed, but he didn’t know if had been deemed worthy of a reward.

Anhur stood at the base stairs, stood proud with his back straight and his arms folded behind it. The cheers of the crowds were unexpected, he had thought this would be a more private affair but the empire did have habit of making a lot things a PR stunt unnecessarily but if it benefits the empire he had no qualms against it.

Anhur laughed in his own head when Darth Evandrus mention the word honour, a word people liked to throw at people. It meant nothing, some arbitrary beliefs used to praise and degrade others and to be frank honour is like money, it only has value if people believe it does.

He didn’t really care for a reward, he knew his self worth but he always tried to keep a trophy from his victories, not matter how small but as what he hadn’t happened in reality, he had nothing take as one and this to him was a victory and wished for some sort of memento, so he waited eagerly for him to call there names.

 

[Halmo'de Torobah]

Halmo'de stood among the other champions of the tournament. He had fought and redeemed himself against a worthy adversary, at the end of the first trial, and, with the others that stood among him, took down a dragon in some nightmare state they had collectively been thrown into, as real as it had seemed. He felt as though he'd earned his keep, for now, until more was asked of him. His eyes were forward, awaiting the speech from his overlords.



(OOC: My sincerest apologies, guys, irl kinda kicked me in the teeth these past few days with work and life. I won't take that long to respond again.)

 

[Darth Evandrus]

They were assembled, the crowd was ready and the cameras were rolling.

It was, without a doubt, show time.

"If your name is called, you will begin to ascend the stairs."

He paused, for dramatic effect of course, as he made a point of looking at them all in turn.

"Once your name is called, you shall ascend until you are told to stop." he explained further, "Once you are commanded to stop, you shall stop exactly where you are up the stairs and kneel."

If they didn't then Evandrus wouldn't reward them - he'd kill them instead. But, he supposed, these people weren't the survivors of the gauntlet because they were stupid. They would do as they were told and the anticipation would build to the point where they were all but salivating at the idea of being awarded.

But it was time for the first winner to be named.

"Vash Windrider - Ascend!"

Once the Sith was named, the crowds would cheer and clap for the young man as he began to ascend the stairs up towards the Sith Lords. However, once Vash was a third of the way up the stairs, Evandrus spoke again.

"Vash Windrider - Kneel!"

Vash Windrider had done well and he would be honoured above the survivors... but he was but a third of the way up the stairs because Vash Windrider had placed third in the gauntlet.

@Taz @Orbit

 

[Vash Windrider]

Hearing his name called over the roaring crowd, he would raise his head and look directly at the High Judge before standing once more and ascending the steps again as he was instructed. He was not stepping up long however, maybe another ten or fifteen steps or so before he was commanded to stop. Thus he would kneel as previously instructed.

'Third' he realized quietly in his mind. He could live with that. That was three more above those who simply survived. It was enough to be noticed by the council and the Empress. Enough to bring respect to himself and his fellow members of the Black Hand, and enough to hopefully garner more respect from The Eternal and Vex(@Dread).

Vash managed a smirk as he bowed his head once again and waited for further instruction.

 

[Siris Drast]

The Eternal stood at the top of the steps with the other Sith Lords. The survivors/winners of the Gauntlet were below them and the High Executioner slowly swept his gaze over all of them. He had kept a special eye on the Gauntlet himself as one of his Nightbringers participated and was one of the victorious. There were other reasons as well but the Eternal just kept to himself as Evandrus spoke to the crowd and the participants below.

Catching Kall's look, the Eternal slowly brought his gaze over to the Wookie, the voices in his head whispering different thoughts and ideas in both ears. He could feel the emotions inside Kall and he always found it spike when he saw the Eternal before him and he knew exactly why. The voices in his head slithered into the back of his mind as they came to the agreement together and satisfying the mask for now.

Looking over at Evandrus as he made a dramatic display for the winners, crowds, and cameras. Personally the Eternal couldn't stand being out in the open like this in front of everyone's view. He'd always chose to work in the shadows and at a distance, it was his preferred way and he felt completely out of skin out here like this. He could also see some of the people in the crowd purposefully stare at him in shock or awe, this being the first time they actually have seen the Eternal and not just stories. Many didn't even know that he existed and it was something they didn't expect at all.

As Vash made his way up, the Eternal watched him as he did, not giving a nod or anything to stand him out. Vash brought honor to the Black Hand even though it was secret and the High Executioner recognized it. When Vash finally kneeled, it was his turn to call out the next person that landed in second place. "Halmo'de Torobah - Ascend." Compared to Evandrus, the Eternal's voice was one of a monster and nowhere near noble as his.

When Halmo'de passed Vash and was about halfway up, he spoke again, "Halmo'de Torobah - Kneel." Halmo'de would now be two-thirds of the way up the stairs and above Vash as he had placed second. The Sith had performed well in the gauntlet and he had been recognized above the others but one still remained the true champion.

@Gian Greydragon @Phoenix

 

[Halmo'de Torobah]

A mixture of positive and negative emotions vied for supremacy in Halmo'de's mind, as his name was called next .He had risen above all but one, though a third remained - one that outdid Halmo'de in some way. Nevertheless, he stepped forward, walking silently up the stairs until he was told to halt.

As he came to a halt, he knelt, and bowed his head to the Eternal, and the other Lords that accompanied him. He outdid all but one. He could live with that until the next tournament.

 

[Darth Kravos]

Only the finest that the Empire had to offer had been assembled here today. Each person standing here was one of those who had survived the gauntlet and though they all had a level of prestige in simply being here, there were several who had stood out above all the others. Three of those in particular were above the rest and would receive the recognition they deserved.

Darth Kravos said nothing as he presided over the award ceremony. They each had a role to play and the High Judge and High Executioner called their contestants up one at a time. He could sense a mix of pride and frustration in each of them. They had placed as the elite, but they wanted more. It was a type of hunger that was to be admired because it made for the greatest warriors.

There was one still who would be picked to be the leader. The individual who had distinguished above all the rest, and Kravos's eyes scanned over the crowd from behind his helmet until they rested on him. For a moment, he merely stared at the final competitor, watching the second and third place individuals ascend and stop, which meant it was now his turn. He paused a moment, letting it hang in the air for a bit before finally speaking up.

Kalladrrl. Ascend, he said. He didn't stop the Commander as he came to the top of the stairs and stood directly before the Dark Lord. It would only be a matter of time until the Wookiee was one of the leaders of the wider Empire. This much, Kravos could see, though what part he played remained to be seen.

Congratulations. You have distinguished yourself above all other competitors. Ingenuity, efficiency, and self-reliance combined with teamwork have put you here, he complimented the Wookiee.

His hands came out from behind him and whether out of some sleight of hand or trickery of the Force, there was a gauntlet in it that he handed to the Wookiee. It was an ancient device, forged by the Sith and one of a kind. It could amplify the Force in ways that were difficult to replicate. Any Force power manipulated with that hand would be equivalent to the most powerful Force users in the galaxy (level 4). Even for the up and coming Wookiee, it would be useful. For you. One of a kind, he said. The other competitors would be given their own gifts, but this was reserved for the most potent of them. @Rexx

 

[Kalladrrl]

Vash Windrider. Kalladrrl could feel the man's devotion to the Eternal as his name was called. Was his hand as black as that of his love? Perhaps the Mask would elevate him as he had Vex. Time would tell. He knew Halmo’de’s name but hadn't shaken his hand. The first stopped and was grateful, but he felt the familiar sting of pride in Halmo’de as his name was called second. But his acknowledgement of his competitor’s pain was filed away and disregarded as his own triumph rose within him, singing mightily to his spirit as he felt the soaring power of victory within him. This is what the Sith meant; this is what the Empress had meant as she had spoken to the assembled masses when he had been but one among their number.

And now, the Commander stood higher than any save the Lords themselves and he nodded in appreciation as he grinned at the tension in the air changed to jubilation. This was the ultimate moment of the Gauntlet. His moment.

Kalladrrl kneeled briefly as the Dark Lord spoke, touching his knee to the steps as he pondered Lord Kravos’ words. He had set the bar high for others of his station and among the Masters of the Sith Order, though he was not of their number in truth or teaching. His shared past with that Exiles was not as one of them but as a mercenary, temporarily hired on and recommended by an old friend. And yet he had learned to wield both of their weapons, lightsaber and Force, in a way that had marked him as first among equals.

He stood as Darth Kravos produced a gauntlet - ha! The Gauntlet! - from behind him. He could almost see the field that the artifact cast in the Force, infinitesimal curves that would amplify whatever power he called to it. Kalladrrl took it in his hand reverently before he met the Dark Lord’s eyes.

"Ynnakrrynwrro, rrannryn." he began softly, only for the assembled three to hear, nodding to each, "Ohrrnarrhrrranohrookarrkarrnanyn. Pahnohkynnratthwroohrrnaohrngaycynnakrrf."

The Wookiee took off his right dueling gauntlet, tucking it in his belt with a quick fold before he slipped the gauntlet on, feeling his own potential magnified beyond any behind him and closer to those ahead of him. Kalladrrl clenched his truly mighty fist and he almost heard the rumble of distorted air, the gauntlet singing to him through the Force as it met its new master. The Commander gathered the Force to his right hand, feeling the thrum of the universe’s energy gathered in his grasp beyond what he thought possible, shunting it in an instant to his voice as he punched his fist in the air, crying aloud for all to hear, not by magnifying the volume but by letting the soundwaves travel further than possible.

"Wrokarran!" And though some of the crowd may not have understood the harsh and unwelcoming tongue of the tree people, a thunderous tide of cheers and adulation rose to meet them all nonetheless.

 

[Siris Drast]

The Eternal observed Kall as he made his way to the top, the winner of the Imperial Gauntlet. The Wookie knelt in front of them before Kravos offered the gauntlet to him. The Eternal just gave a short nod to the Wookie's words before he turned and lifted his fist into the air, letting out a well-deserved victory howl. The cheers continued on for a little bit before the Eternal raised his hand, the crowds quieting down immediately at one of the Lord's commands.

With the crowds no longer screaming and chanting, the Eternal started to step down the stairs. It looked more like levitation, his cloak hiding his feet and not making any sound as he took one step at a time. It only took him a few seconds before he stood in front of Halmo'de, the air around the both of them becoming frigid. "Halmo'de Torobah, stand." When the Sith stood and they were somewhat of the same height, the Eternal spoke again, "Congratulations, you stand at second place through the tactics and decisions you made. You have proven yourself as a valuable warrior and team member." The Eternal paused for a moment before pushing one side of his cloak away and pulling the reward from underneath. "A fitting reward."

They were a pair of bracers, the Dark Side rippling through them as it was held between the two Sith. If worn, the bracers could weaken any light side powers used against the wearer. (If it is a level 4 light side power, it would become a level 3, etc.) The design was like the gauntlet as well, ancient and clearly, one of it's kind. It would certainly come in handy with their fight against the Jedi and could be what saves the wearer's life in the future.

@Gian Greydragon

 

[Halmo'de Torobah]

On command, Halmo'de stood and made his way to the Eternal, with a brisk jog up the stairs, before bowing his head to him, keeping his head down until the gauntlets were presented. Taking them in his hands one at a time, he slipped them on, and felt the power that emanated from them. Keeping a straight face, he bowed his head again, placing his left hand over his right palm, an Echani symbol of respect.

"I will use them to decorate the Galaxy with the corpses of the fools who call themselves Jedi," he said, before returning his hands to his sides.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

First and second place had been awarded and the crowd seemed pleased.

The contestants seemed to be pleased as well and that was good! They should enjoy their prizes as far as he was concerned. With the second place prize given, the crowd went crazy again and Evandrus let them for a moment or two before raising a hand - silencing the crowd as the other Lords had done before him.

In total silence, he began his own descent down the stairs to Vash Windrider.

As he grew closer he spoke.

"You have proven yourself to be a capable warrior."

Stopping in front of Vash, he nodded to the other man.

"More; you have proven that you are truly an asset to the Empire."

Taking the prize from where it had been hooked to the back of his belt, Evandrus held the prize up for Vash to inspect and accept it. It was another gauntlet - one that would work to absorb the energy of attacks used against it (Force, gun, lightsaber, etc.) and then redirect that Force back at whoever did the attacking.

"Use it wisely, use it for the Empire and ascend ever higher."

Evandrus would wait in case Vash wanted to say anything.

@Taz

 

[Vash Windrider]

The loyal nightbringer and assassin waited, and waited. AND WAITED. He glanced up toward the wookie Kalladrrl received his price and was impressed. A gauntlet with the ability to magnify his power. Grant it the warrior did not speak it but Vash could feel it in the force as he roared into the crowd. Halmo'de had gotten another as well, and the assassin could sense a pattern here. Vash couldn't sense the power from it as he did from Kal but he was sure it was a prize worth a the position.

Finally it was Vash's turn, he remained kneeling until the High Judge stood to the assassin his prize. Vash stood to accept the gauntlet of power. He removed the one from his right hand and arm to replaced it with the prize, all at once he could feel the power from it and understood it's ability and it's potential.

Vash nodded his head before his reply, "Thank you my Lord, I will put it to great use and see all of our enemies fall."

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus nodded to Vash's response, having expected something like that from the experienced warrior. Vash was someone who would very soon be leading assaults on their enemy's worlds with larger backing than he had ever enjoyed before. He would be part of the vanguard for their invasion of enemy territory and it would be glorious for the young man and for the Empire as a whole. The crowd certainly seemed to be appreciating the young Sith, cheering for him as Evandrus ascended the stairs to stand beside Kravos and The Eternal once again.

He let the crowd have their moment as they just enjoyed it all before he raised a hand and silence fell over the area again as he spoke to the crowd and to the winners and survivors.

"Today we mark the first conclusion of the First Imperial Gauntlet." he declared loudly, "We mark it as a celebration of our strength as an Empire! The strength of the survivors! And the strength of our victors here today!"

He looked across the crowds.

"Remember this day and speak of it to others! Tell them that you were here when the winners were presented with the fruits of their labour. Tell them that you were here to witness the Might of the Empire and you were here to see these warriors standing tall above all others!"

Evandrus pressed his closed fist to his chest.

"Long live the Empire! Long live the Empress!"

/End Thread