Chapter 1: Gathering of the Clans

[Vinny]

STORYTELLER​

Mandalore, Seat of the Dominion
Early Morning
THIS THREAD IS DEATH DISABLED

The ruckus outside the building was as normal as dawn-birds. Men and women of various clans had gathered outside in the plaza. Tents had been erected, barricades put in place. Even small shops had opened and for the most part the warrior clans were getting along just fine. Tension flared here and there, but that was normal-and welcome-among the great people. It was inside the walls of the massive structure that the real fires smoldered and burst into infernos of anger and mistrust.

"My Duke will be here any moment, and still you allow Clan Treval to ponce about in these sacred chambers! It's a kriffing scandal, Mand'alor!" Count Ivan Skirata demanded, slamming his fist on the table at the center of the room. He glared at Mand'alor, his hair, long and bowled from often wearing his helmet, fluttered around his head.

Countess Mirta Treval crossed her arms, her muscles tensing as she looked down her nose at Ivan. Two of her enforcers tensed, eager for a fight.

"Instead of whining about it, make me leave, boy. The Mand'alor has called all of the clans. Last time I checked, Treval was one of them." She snapped, bearing her teeth at the younger male. He did not even flinch, he didn't press his luck either.

As you enter from various doors around the outer ring of the circular chamber, you catch most if not all of the conversation. Other clan leaders are arriving. You take a moment to get your bearings;

Spoiler: Count Ivan

The Count, despite his strong front, appears to be stressed. His pupils dilated and his shoulders hunched, he looks to be ready to pick a fight at a moments notice.

Spoiler: Countess Treval

The leader of Clan Treval and known for her ambitions of making Treval one of the Houses of Mandalore, she has picked many fights with neighboring clans and even house Skirata. Most importantly, she is still very much alive. She stands without a shred of fear or even tension, relaxed against the wall.

Spoiler: The Room

The room is wide and circular, with the banner of Mandalore hanging prominently in the center. The banners of the Houses of Mandalore ring the room along columns. There are four doors, one at each point on the compass rose.

Spoiler: Security

The security in the building is exceptionally tight, you are checked several times for anything more dangerous than a blaster. Security drones move along each hallway, scanning passersby for gear that they may have smuggled back onto their person after the checkpoints.

@Arclight @Prudence @Kori Buor @Sreeya @Darasuum

 

[Kori Buor]

Mand'alor Ral Vizsla sat in his chair listening to the clan leaders argue and bicker amongst themselves, his cobalt and gold helmet rested on his head concealing his face. In truth he found the counts' fighting to be tiresome, but somewhat amusing, like little kids fighting over a toy. In fact, that is exactly what it was, except these were armored adults. Turning to his side for a moment, Ral's gaze fell upon Talia Al'Saif, the Soulless Queen of the Dominion and his personal Protector here today. The former Mand'alor stood by his side and he tried to gauge her body language, but she was a professional killer and beneath her armor she was impossible for almost anyone to read. He was glad to have her there; one person he could trust who wasn't involved in the politics of the clans or knee-deep in some power play.

Finally, he had enough for the moment, "You two fight like an old married couple! All the dukes and clan leaders are invited here, with this in mind," he leaned forward. "I suggest you all remember some form of decor before we start shouting again. You are all my guests and under my protection. Until then, no action will be taken unless you wish to explain yourself to the Queen's blades. And trust me, they are far less forgiving than she is."

Looking at the two counts, Ral exhaled reluctantly, motioning to the newcomers to present themselves and then to take seats in front of their house banner. "You all know why we are here. So, once introductions are made, we can get to the meat of the matter. Hopefully, without bloodshed."

 

[Darasuum]

Against the wall behind Count Ivan Skirata was Donar Skirata. He had his black and orange helmet removed and under one arm. His stance was at ease and the only thing that moved was his eyes as they followed whomever spoke. He was only a few meters behind the Count of the house he shared with the man and he wondered if he would have to restrain the man if things got out of control. Can't be worse than my sister I suppose he thought to himself.

He shifted his stance and scratched the slight stubble that had been growing on his chin over the last few days. He had only recently returned to the fold of the Dominion and knew that some still garnered some resentment not only towards his house but him specifically. In truth he couldn't really blame them either. He had tried to contact his meantor, Tannen Bralor in his state of turmoil but now he seemed unreachable. without realizing it his jaw had clenched slightly, revealing to those that might be taking any specific interest in him would notice the act, but he doubted it and just inhaled calmly before letting out a deep breath.

The doctor wanted to return to his family's company or the front lines and help with any wounded that might be suffering thanks to the Sith Empires tyrannical attempts at conquest. Then of course there were the pirates, good thing he had been contacting the Kjlljk Protectorate. Soon any corsairs in the area would be removed from the trading lanes.

 

[Prudence]

There were a lot of things that Kalan wanted to be doing in that moment, or even a lot of people. There was paperwork to be done, matters of his own House to be attended to, along with countless other things, but no. Here he was in the Mandalorian Palace, attending to one of his least favorite parts of being in the Mandalorian hierarchy, squabbles between clans and Houses that didn't concern him. Presently Kalan stood in the hall outside of the grand hall where Ral presided over the current bickering. Between his fingers was situated a thin piece of white paper, rolling it over a small line of spice in the center.

When the small joint was properly rolled he retrieved from his pocket a small gray lighter, and held it to the tip of the paper. The tip of the lighter went ablaze with a blue arc which caught the paper on fire. Kalan gripped the joint between his forefinger and thumb and gave it a good puff, sucking the smoke in through his nose. It had a sweet scent to it, and he could feel his head growing lighter as it worked on his body.

He gave it another good puff, and then heard one of his aides come out of the room he was supposed to be in, and then get quite concerned, "Erm... Duke Ordo.. The meeting has already begun... I think it's best that you join the others."

"Kriff." Kalan muttered before dropping the joint to the ground and crushing it with his heel. "Alright, time to go bore myself to death." He was wearing his grey and black armor, a small one shouldered cape fluttering behind him as he moved through the large doors that lead into the room, and affixed his helmet on his head. He could already see that quite a few people were here, including the Mand'alor's beloved Talia Al'saif. He gave the pair a sharp nod and then found his seat, kicking his feet up on the desk before him.

 

[Arcangel]

Having already arrived before the argument had started, Caedryn simply leaned against one of the surrounding pillars, bathed in shadow as the pair of Counts argued. His eyes flicked back and forth between the pair, noting the Count Skirata's posture, the flicking of his eyes, and the slight dampness over his quivering lip, the perspiration of stress. Countess Treval was calm and confident, her aura radiating surety. The woman was ambitious, bold, beautiful. Well maybe she wasn't the most beautiful woman in the room, a bit farther off even then, though not ugly. But the first two traits more than made up for her homely looks, and Caedryn found his attention drawn to her more than the sniveling Ivan.

As the pairs argument was cut off by Caedryn's cousin and Mand'alor, Ral Vizsla, Caedryn himself emerged from his concealment, polished boots clicking against the stone floor. Clothed in black polished knee high boots, grey pants, and a dark blue tunic, sewn with silver durasteel disks which covered his front torso, black sleeves printed with the ever so visible rose vine pattern, dark grey against the black armorweave material. "Indeed the Mand'alor called all of the clans, from the most cowardly-" eyes flicking to Ivan Skirata for a briefest of moments, "to the boldest." Eyes settling on Countess Mirta Treval, a slight smile sneaking its way onto his face and a twinkle shimmering in his eyes. "We must all-". Stopping as a faint smell drifted into the room, causing a few of the assembled clan members to look around, mumbling amongst themselves. Spice. The distinct smell floated about the room before the Duke Ordo strode into the room, affixing his helmet atop his head. Watching as the man found a seat and kicked back, Caedryn smiled. "Duke Ordo, how good of you to drop by."

 

[Sreeya]

Talia was not a patient woman by any means. As the bickering proceeded, the only movements from her were the cracking of her shoulders and knuckles. It was subtle, but a clear giveaway of her feelings on the matter. She hadn’t been allowed a smoke break before walking in, and she was already feeling irritation grow at the pit of her stomach. She also had her helmet on, favoring the traditional Mando look these days.

She grinned beneath the helmet at Ral’s threat as he referenced her as if reading her thoughts. Talia took in sight of those present in the room, glancing over Caedryn who favored more civilian clothing these days. She also had heard Treval’s jab at Skirata, privately admiring the woman already. Talia had never been a fan of Skirata, but she wasn’t involved enough to grow a deep seeded hatred for them just yet.

As Kalan strolled in and the hint of spice filled the air, Talia rolled her eyes. In truth, if this hadn’t been an especially important meeting, she would have been out in the hallway doing the same. She watched him kick his feet up on the desk, turning her attention back to Caed as he spoke next. Talia was close to an adjacent wall and leaned against it, crossing her arms over her chest, “Now that everyone’s bitching is out of the way, can we get to the point?” In truth, she was planning to leave on a mission in Sith space a few days from now. The thought plagued her mind and distracted her briefly from the banalities of a diplomatic meeting.

@Vinny

 

[Darasuum]

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With his helmet off Donar could clearly smell the sent of spice wafting through the air but he did not turn to look at whom it was emanating from and instead searched with his eyes. It was not until the Duke of House Ordo entered into his field of vision that he saw the source. His face returned to the place ahead of him and the words spoken after the man's arrival. He acted as if he did not notice the slight against the count of his own house. There need not be more testosterone in the room, not yet anyways as the real meeting had not even begun. Besides, it was not his place. He was not a captain, a protector, count or duke. He was just a doctor and warrior of the dominion with somewhat of a past as far as the higher echelons of the Dominion were concerned.

A slight vibration occurred in one of his pockets, prompting him to move a part of his body besides his eyes. Reaching into his pocket he saw a notification of the arrival time for the Duke of House Skirata. He acknowledged the receipt of it whispered as much into Count Ivan's ear so as not to bother any ongoing conversation. Next he turned and left to go meet the Duke of his house and escort them to the meeting room, briefing them on the way with what little there actually was to inform them.

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@Vinny ​

 

[Vinny]

STORYTELLER​

Count Ivan stiffened at the Mand'alor's reproach. He did his best not to shoot a glare in the countess' direction before giving a stiff bow of respect. House Skirata had been pushing for a more centralized Dominion ever since it's formation and those in the higher echelons of the house had developed a sense of diplomatic decorum. Though, admittedly, they were still Mandalorians.

"Yes, Mand'alor." He bit out as he gripped the table as the others began to arrive-still seeing no sign of his Duke. He checked his chrono and chewed the inside of his lip before glancing once more at the Countess. She did not even blink at him. Instead, she seemed to have locked gazes with Caedryn Vizla. A small smile dancing on her scarred lips as the two assessed one another.

As other clan leaders stepped inside, Ivan checked his chrono one last time. He swallowed and looked up at the queen who was eager to get to the point. He opened his mouth to speak. He was cut off by the Countess nodding in greeting toward Kalan Ordo.

"My sentiments exactly Duke Ordo." She intoned. Ivan seemed to stiffen just as she glanced back at him with another one of her unabashed smiles. "I say we do as the queen says and get to the point. Stars will die out before we solve anything with all this talking." She quipped.

Even while her predatory gaze burned into the back of Ivan's neck, Ivan stood up straight and looked the Mand'alor straight in the eyes.

"Sir. Given the hierarchy of the clans-" Mirta's derisive snort cut him off. He took a breath for patience. "-the constant infighting among lesser clans in order to establish dominance has done nothing but dwindle our reserves of talented men and women. The most offensive of these actions was recently carried out by Clan Treval on a training convoy. An entire corvettes worth of crew and trainees are dead as a result." Mirta did not speak, she crossed her arms and waited for the others to comment before saying her peace.

@Sreeya @Arclight @Prudence @Kori Buor

 

[Kori Buor]

Beneath his helmet, Ral's eyes rolled at his cousin's little comment. Oh Caedryn, you would. The Mand'alor let out an almost inaudible chuckle as he watched the reactions of the counts and dukes present. He enjoyed Talia's comment, mirroring Kalan's own remark. Talia had never been the most diplomatic of people, which fit in well with the typical Mandalorian stereotype. While Ral could talk someone's ears off for days, he knew that things would need to get moving, and in situations like this with Mandalorians, actions spoke much louder than words.

Finally, it seemed that they had managed to cut through enough of the bantha poo to get to the heart of House Skirata's issue with clan Treval. Allegedly, Treval had launched attacks against other clans, propagating the infighting which Ral had worked to curb since taking the throne, though, he obviously still had a long way to go. Frowning, Ral looked at Mirta for several moments, studying her face. The crossing of the arms told him much: defensive, reserved. "Is this true, Countess Treval? Has your clan breached the peace I have strived to obtain since my ascension?"

No doubt the others in the room would have something to say, so as he sat up in his seat, Ral's gaze fell on the other dukes in the room. "Let me just remind everyone, before we continue, that I do not allow such acts. Mandalorians do not fight each other while the Sith rule much of the Galaxy. If you want to prove yourselves as superior to another clan, we have plenty of enemies wishing to destroy out there. To weaken our Dominion with such selfish acts is an act of treason. This will be my only warning on the matter. Count Skirata, what is the hold up with your Duke?"

@Prudence @Arclight @Sreeya

 

[Prudence]

The amount of snark and pomp following his entrance into the room was befitting to Kalan's ego as he settled into his seat and took his helmet off once more, his fancy entrance having been achieved. The politics of this meeting so far bored him, and it was mostly just outrage from clans he didn't care about, of Houses he cared even less for. Instead he raised his hand up, forming a pistol with his fingers and firing it, alongside a wink, towards the Duke of House Vizsla. The most interesting part of this meeting would be the banter between himself and the once exiled Duke, Caedryn Vizsla.

He was mouthing words with a particularly mocking facial expression at Caedryn, as others in the room spoke said words, until he heard mention of his name snap his attention back to the matter at hand. The Countess that had caused them to gather today was agreeing with him on something, so he just politely smiled and nodded at her, pretending to understand what it was that she was agreeing with. It worked 8/5 times on the women that he'd tried it with, but then again his recent relationships had been anything but stable.

The Countess was then challenged by another Count that he cared even less for, purely on the basis that the man hadn't yet told Kalan that he agreed with him. He returned to not paying much attention, until Ral cut back in and scolded the Countess who had previously agreed with him, and asked the Count where the Duke of Skirata was. Never one to miss an apt opportunity to fire shots at a political rival, or just someone he didn't care for, Kalan snorted "Probably bedding some former Republic bureaucrats. Just because the Republic isn't around anymore doesn't mean that House Skirata doesn't enjoy the thought of being in bed with them. Give the Duke a fair amount of time to get dressed and prepare some breakfast, we'd hate for Skirata to appear any weaker than they actually are this morning."