Open Mustafar Arau'kesh Viewing: Cremek v J'aver (Sith only)

[The Storyteller]

Far above the dueling arena where the combatants gathered, away from the craggy bench seats that the menials and initiates took to watch the spectacle, was where the true members of the Sith Order gathered. All of them had been invited to come to an abandoned head quarters of a long defunct mining organization, to watch the duel from positions of relative comfort. The systems had been rebooted to allow for power to flow to the inner most chambers it ensured that cold refreshments could be served and A/C would flow through the chamber. In addition, reactivated thermal shields ensured that the occupants would be safe from any stray molten flare ups that might occur.

Any individuals that arrived early would be greeted by the sight of reconnaissance droids being retrofitted with recording and broadcasting equipment to ensure all could watch the duel from multiple angles as it took place. The dregs of the Order would have a single jumbo-sized holo-screen that floated above the area to watch the duel, the elite would have several, including direct streaming to personal devices. These elites would be greeted by servants taking cloaks or coats, offering refreshments on refurbished platters, all to maintain the illusion of the aristocracy they once had enjoyed. There was an underlying factor to this though, this was more than just a gathering or a tradition, this was a blood-sport for all who had come. An opportunity to sate more bloodthirsty desires and watch as two of their number ripped each other apart all while rubbing shoulders with their betters. This was a clever illusion of finery that mirrored the one the occupants had spun in one way or another. A ruined husk housing and entertaining the most vile beings in the galaxy.

And so the wine would flow, arterial and red.

 

[Anai Skhess]

Among the first people to arrive to spectate the duel, Anai stared ahead, arms crossed as she waited for the show to start while holding a glass of wine she had been handled. It was not every day you could see the possibility of a sith master dying and, yet, it had happened two times in a row as of recent. The Kaleesh did wonder if Cremek would fare off well in this battle or if he would end up like Zorya or worse...She did not care, personally, she had not known neither of the sith getting ready to duel for long.

Yet, as one of the few sith that had witnessed the issued challenge firsthand, and so it would've been a disservice to either of them to not come, the challenge had arrived to her comms personally so it was clear that at least J'aver wanted her to watch, although she probably would have not missed it regardless, such sith challenges actually reminded her of home, so how could she?

 

[Darth Arcanos]

As a Pureblood of his class, Azar always found brute displays of strengths to be rather silly. For once he would prefer to see feats that challenged the intellect. Instead, they were treated to watching two Sith Masters beat the hell out of each other for no real reason other than a bruised ego. With their numbers low to begin with, was this a great idea? He didn’t understand it when his own people back on Korriban practiced these rites, and he still didn’t understand it now.

He arrived on time today, strutting in wearing appropriate attire for his new role as a Champion. Azar had begun to sort through all the archives and libraries at the Umbara academy, fascinated by everything he found there. He broke away from it because the entire Order was buzzing about this fight, so he made his way over. Azar was in the middle of concocting a new type of potion that could potentially enhance a Dark Sider’s connection to the Force, but he needed to find some test subjects.

“Greetings,” He said smoothly to the Kaleesh he spotted. His studies informed him that she had been one of the Dark Lord’s most loyal and oldest followers. Doubtless she was a good person to rub shoulders with as she was in Tempest’s inner circle.

@Versok

 

[Param Vour]

As out of place as Param was at the first Sith gathering on Umbara, her master had told to experience a bit more of the people within the order and the culture. That meant when the call went out for this arg-kush? ara-kash? Whatever it was, Param felt as if she had to go at least see what it was about. She could still barely pronounce the word, but there she was, walking the corridors of the old building to make her way to the viewing.

Entering the viewing area, there were only a Kaleesh and a pure blood so far. Param nervously sauntered toward an empty area where she could watch the duel below. She could feel the dark side ripple around the two champions in the viewing area with her. They were in a completely different league than her, and she knew it.

She'd even dressed differently than them; sporting her black sleeveless top and trousers with a half skirt covering the left leg. Param cold at least be thankful of her clothing choice. Even above all the lava and magma below, the heat was almost unbearable.

@Sreeya @Versok

 

[Serene]

Link to 1v1

Spoiler: Music

Lightning Field

Serene left her personal Black Vulture star yacht, Frostmaiden, on its shielded landing platform along with her C4T protocol droid, Auril. The droids had security measures in place should anyone tamper with her ship or she call for their services. The Sith Champion was wearing her normal armor and robes appropriate for work. Her vibro repulsor blades were in a concealed place on the small of her back as usual. Serene was intending to be entertained at least, however she was considering this a work event.

The woman kept her helmet on at first, to better ignore the varying waves of heat that Mustafar was known for. The interior was cool so perhaps she would eventually remove her helmet. Then again, the Champion had recently modified her armor to have a Utility Heads Up Display and its zoom feature could help Serene see the details from a distance. Plus she did not want anyone to know she was rooting for one party or the other.

The Champion decided she preferred the open air to the stuffiness of her helmet. There were enough viewscreens and angles to get a good visual of the fight to come. Lifting the helmet off of her head and shaking loose any stray strands of hair she tucked the protective headgear under her left arm just before exiting the hallway.

Serene saw right away that she was not the first to arrive. There was the Kaleesh Champion, Anai, who Serene would have to tilt her head to speak towards. Then there was the recently promoted Sith Pureblood Champion, Azar. Serene almost missed the Acolyte if not for her alabaster skin that gave contrast to the dark architecture and shadows.

"I call dibs on the cadavers." She half-joked with a macabre smile. Serene was referring to whomever would die from this fight if there was a fatality or multiple. "But I'm willing to share, of course." she looked at Azar and gave him a playful wink as she sauntered more towards the front of the viewing area.

Serene as an individual was very limited with the resources available to her but that had not stopped her so far. There were secrets of the Dark Side she wished to discover and it would be easier with the proper assets. Toying with the body of either of the combatants could prove insightful but better results came with a professional's touch.

The Mandalorian Master and the Sith Champion who issued the challenge each seemed to have a share of power and Serene was keen to analyze its source. A droid came by with horderves and another with drinks but Serene waved them both away. She had already eaten on the way to the planet and Serene did not want distractions.

@Sreeya @Versok @TheDudeMike

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael had decided to make an appearance, for better or worse he would see. The last gathering of sith didn't go so well as his memory served. Walking up the stairs to the spectators box he could hear some chatter up ahead. It seemed he wasn't first hopefully he didn't miss the fight though he held his own reservations for who should be a master but tradition was something that was hard to break. Looking amongst the occupants he recognized each of them. He has been on a mission or expedition with all of them except one. Nodding to each as he made his way through the seats.

The contrasting acolyte of his associate Thel who seemed to be absent for her to be here alone was curious. Thel didn't seem like to type to let his interest wander around willy nilly. Taking a seat next to the acolyte seeming to tower over her a slight chuckle escaped him. Looking over he would address her "Surprised your master would let you out of his sight, he doesn't like to leave his investments to their devices." He would then look forward to the two sith in the arena one a master the other trying to claim the title. He would adjust his cloak reveling his hidden third lightsaber for but a brief second if the acolyte had been paying any attention. He had yet to understand this new sith though he would soon do so if he can.

@TheDudeMike @Sreeya @Versok @Darasuum

 

[Param Vour]

Param gave the Sith a quick glance as he sat down next to her. Subconsciously she shrank in her seat a little, hoping not to accidently bump into or touch any of the other, far more powerful, Sith in the room. It was hard for her to disappear though, in a room that was only filled with a few people, she being the only one with platinum hair.

"He said I should meet others," she said quietly. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Learn the culture." Param wanted to tell the man that she wasn't Thel's slave, and she could do what she wanted, but that most likely wasn't a good idea. She barely understood why the two down below were fighting; last thing she needed was to start a fight up here too. "You know my master?" Her silver eyes turned from the scene below to fix on the Sith next to her for a moment. Armor, lightsabers, a cloak. He looked almost like one of the Sith she'd seen in a holocron once.

There was much about him to take in visually, so she turned her attention back down the fight.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Though he didn't seem to regard anything the acolyte said after a few seconds he started his explanation of things sensing her mounting questions. "Sadly if you want to learn the true culture of the sith you would have to speak to the red skinned one. Shrinking into your seat makes you seem weak willed which to a sith is the greatest form of weakness. Your master is the sith I'd say I've spent the most time with. He is very efficient and cares for his endeavors. Him taking you on as an acolyte means he sees something in you worth making whole. Though unlike most masters he won't shackle you like a slave so I guess I was a bit over zealous in my surprise he wasn't here with you. Lastly the fight is one over honor the challenger felt he was dishonored by the one in Mandalorian armor and challenged him to a duel. Since the Mando sith's promotion the duels rules were altered the winner claims the property and titles of the loser. Though like most sith practices only one will live shame that is they both have potential." His eyes never leaving the arena as if examining the two sith under a microscope. "Also one last thing no one will kill you over touching them at least in these conditions." Another chuckle escaping the sith. Trael was unsure why he felt the need to explain everything to the girl maybe its because she reminded him of himself before his training picked up when he still was naïve to the cruelties of the world.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

Param turned to the Sith next to her as he spoke. Her cheeks burned a shade of red they hadn't been in a long while upon the realization that he could easily sense her thoughts. It was all great information, and she was glad he was explaining it to her. She was more worried now of dying from embarrassment though. All the lightsabers in the room couldn't touch the heat in her cheeks at that moment.

She turned away, hoping no one would notice. It was a fool's errand, she knew, but it didn't stop her from hoping anyway. Honor was something her parents had talked a whole lot about back on Eshan, before she was taken by a Sith and enslaved for most of her life. Her parents were dead now, and their honor meant nothing. When her cheeks had gone back to the pale white they normally were, she turned back to the Sith.

"How often do these honor duels happen?" she asked, still just barely above a whisper.

@Javier esschoolbus @Sreeya @Darasuum @Versok

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael didn't hear a lightsaber ignite but could see the glow of one through his visor. Turning to look at the acolyte his visor was filled with the glowing red heat of embarrassment. Then she looked away giving him respite from the heat. Slowly the glow gave way as Trael watched the duel.

Her question was unexpected. It even caught him off guard. Clearing his throat, "Well from my experience as a sith this is the first I've witnessed one. Most sith choose underhanded tactics and assassination. A lesson my master instructed well." His voice trailing off at the last sentence. Continuing, "Unless you openly offend a sith its safe to assume you wouldn't be in the arena anytime soon." Seeming to take extra notice of the use of Trakata in the duel a glaring example of the lack of honor he was spewing to the acolyte.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Nevizkas]

Was trauma of the mind the worst that could be inflicted upon a person, or could it affect one in ways beyond our current understanding? An affliction so terrible that the pain transcended the flesh, poisoning the mind, or worse? Could it slip between the bonds of life and touch the force itself?

Returning to the Sith was no small feat, considering the circumstances Cyutadakyr had found herself in since succumbing to the horrific assault. Worse, she was due to meet with the Dark Lord following this prestigious duel. No doubt another fun experience lay ahead for her there.

Spotting a familiar face among a sea of unfamiliarity, the pureblood stared at the elevated man a few moments with silence at her lips unsure how to start that conversation. It was kind of funny watching the fight unfolding considering she'd previously stabbed one of the contestants. She didn't remotely care who won today, so long as it was brutal and horrible.

She felt she deserved to see that much.

@Sreeya

 

[Anai Skhess]

Anai turned her head towards the sith pureblood, the man that had taken the spotlight on Umbara right after Zorya had made her escape, the Kaleesh had made sure to take a bit of a look into his accomplishments and actions that warranted such a thing, he appeared to be quite the cunning person "Hello, champion Kressh." She said, putting some emphasis on the word "champion". It was a title that was usually not addressed, but she figured it would feel nice to have it be used shortly after becoming something more than a mere acolyte "Have the halls of the Umbara Academy been treating you well?" She asked, taking a small sip of the cup of wine afterwards, she couldn't help but wonder about how the man felt about such an abrupt change, going from an acolyte to a champion that had more responsabilities than most.

Another champion would approach shortly after, a shorter woman that started the conversation with a stranger opener "I expect the body of whoever loses to end up in the lava by the end of the duel, so you may find yourself wanting." She retorted back without missing a heart beat, the other woman was probably joking...But Anai knew enough sith to understand that she could be literal, and by now she did not care about such a fact. After that, she would simply nod at Trael once he made his appearance, the only person she had personally talked to in here and who was expected to watch this match unfold as well.

@Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus @Sreeya

 

[Nefid]

Nefid was silent. Silent and focused.

Around her, people chattered, but she paid them no mind. She was easy to miss, small, colorless, her body language all withdrawn into herself. She was here for the fight. Nothing else.

Beyond the screen, she could sense them. Hate, bloodlust, arrogance, all old classics, only slightly uninspired. The treat would come later. One of them, the challenger, fought with a reckless abandon Nefid couldn’t wait to see unravel. She would be there when it all went wrong. The panic the first time a block missed and a blade found flesh; the frantic recalculations when an opponent proved tougher than expected, praying but not knowing if it would be better than sticking to the plan. That millisecond where the loser realized this was the end.

Today, J’av and Cremek would grant Nefid a feast.

 

[Param Vour]

"I see," Param said, falling into silence as she watched the fight. The dark side seemed to grow in the room with every new comer. The lust for death in the room was almost palpable to her. She had fun when her master let her loose to destroy and kill, that much was for sure, but this wasn't one of those times. Param frowned, folding her arms across her chest. There wasn't even any live music here.

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

The duel was in full swing now he couldn't help but notice the pout of the acolyte. "If you want to be down there I'm sure it could be arranged." His voice full of sarcasm, though he never lost focus on the fight seeming to study the fighters. Following there movements making mental notes and critiques. Though he didn't plan to betray the sith weather they would betray him was a different question he wanted to make sure he had a grasp of most others fighting styles.

One of the droids passed him offering drinks Trael simply swatted it away. It was at this moment he took in the newcomers. As it stood he had dealings with every sith here except the Twi'lek they were completely new to him. She seemed to revel in the fight more than most as currently all the other sith were conversing semi-uninterested in the duel. Trael was losing interest himself nothing special aside from the Trakata was employed.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

"Maybe another time. I haven't had the best of luck with men taking me places," Param said, spitting some sarcasm back at him. A small smile spread across her lips as she gave him a quick glance. The fighters weren't graceful in their movements. It looked like wild flailing to her, if she were being honest. Granted, most things looked like wild flailing to an echani. What she would give to have a honest to Eshan echani spar again.

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

"If that's the case I believe you may have been trusting in the wrong men. Though sometimes we don't get to chose either do we?" He may have started sarcastically but that faded quickly. He would let out a sigh watching the screen beginning to fidget with one of his throwing daggers. Spinning it on his finger to keep himself occupied.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was pleased at being addressed as Champion, and it was one of the few instances where he felt as if he accomplished something since leaving Korriban. His old life was long behind him, and the prospects of becoming Korriban’s king was fleeting in the wind. It stung him at times to think of what could have been, but dwelling on such frivolities-like his previously budding attachment to Zorya-was only detrimental.

“They have,” He said truthfully as he swiped a cup of wine off a passing tray. Anai would notice he waved his hand over his drink, the liquid swirling and changing colors before their eyes. He liked his drinks a little stronger and his specialized skill set allowed him to manipulate the Force in very unique ways, “Though I may not get many students interested in my study,” He said with a grin. In truth, he was hoping for it. He had every intention of jealously guarding his skills and not teaching them.

The Pureblood glanced up just in time to see a familiar and grumpy face. Cyu was staring right at him as if piercing through his very soul. In turn, he only had an amused half grin on his face. He politely excused himself from Anai, floating over a glass of wine into his grip as he all but glided over towards Cyu. He handed her the drink, knowing full well what happened back on Kashyyyk. He noticed his counterpart Ciri was nowhere to be seen. Curious.

“If you keep staring at me that intently, people will start talking,” He said as he sipped from his glass. She would notice that while he had a thick accent still, his Basic was far more improved since last time.

@Xorism @Versok

 

[Darth Tempest]

Despite the chaos that surrounded the return and subsequent betrayal of Zorya, Tempest hadn’t forgotten the Arau’Kesh that had been envoked. Reports had previously reached the ears of the Dark Lord - indicating what had occurred between the Cremek and J’aver on Prakith. Under normal circumstances, Tempest would have been keen to punish them both for their behavior - but instead opted to allow the duel to run its course. It was only a matter of time before the two Sith made a move at the others throat - better that it occurred on their own territory, rather than compromising yet another objective.

Leaving her own citadel, Tempest made her way towards the arena - hands neatly tucked against the small of her back. The Dark Lord was adorned in her signature armor and mask, both lightsabers swaying at her waist. By now, repeated Bacta-treatments had all but completely healed her injuries from Ailon.

Rather than secluding herself in the gallery, Tempest cut a path right through her followers - reaching out to snatch a glass of wine from a passing tray. Her gaze slowly swept through those who’d already arrived, Acolytes and Champions alike gathered to observe the Kesh. She didn’t fail to notice Azar amongst them, a disciple whose progress she had come to monitor far more closely these days.

But it was the woman standing beside him that captured the Dark Lord’s undivided attention.

Cyutadakyr would feel the very presence of Darth Tempest wash over her - applied like a weight that bore down with every intake of oxygen. Like static that crackled within the air, causing every hair on her body to stand on edge. There was no mystery who had stepped in to the gallery, even as the armored figure stepped from behind the woman.

“I did wonder,” Tempest began, keeping her gaze affixed to the arena below. The bottom half her mask had been disconnected, revealing the lower hemisphere of Tempest’s face and allowing her to drink. “When you would return to us.” Her gaze briefly tilted in the direction of the Pureblood, meeting her gaze for the first time since their expedition to Korriban. The silence would hang between them, but there was no immediate punishment for Cyu’s repeated failures. Not yet. The Pureblood would be allowed to observe the Kesh. She would be allowed to drink, feast and socialize with her peers for however long their gathering lasted.

And she would know precisely who would be waiting at its conclusion.

@Sreeya @Xorism

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael had been playfully twirling an twisting his knife when a shiver ran across him. Almost dropping his knife putting it away as Darth tempest entered the viewing area. He noticeably tensed up even though he wasn't the source of her ire. Mentally cursing himself for training so heavily in force sensing. Turning his attention back to the tv trying to relax himself. Though it wasn't working sadly.