Open Mandalore Eye of the Storm

[Nox Solus]

While Lothal proceeded adequately, it was time for Clan Solus to return home to reorganize. The Badgers would have gladly forged on with the other houses but they had to discover their footing before they stepped onward with the rest. With the events that had transpired on Mandalore, they had lost their Alor and a majority of their assets in one move. It was a devastating blow, one that each likely Solus felt heavily as it brought a weight of shame placed on their clan, especially that one of their own led the traitors. A new Alor to lead them through these times would have to be selected today.

If that wasn't enough, that day on Mandalore was also the genesis of the Mandalorians aligning with the Sith. The transition was taken the roughest by Clan Solus, their hate for sorcerers, specifically the Sith, and their powers palpable within the walls of their home. Their history was vast, as was the death and pain caused to each other. Nox could just imagine their ancestors, Raz and Leandros, twisting and writhing in their resting place at the fact their clan would be accepting of this. But, as that thought came to his mind, so did Shale's words as a reminder that this was the first time, in centuries, that the clans have been united under one banner, one goal. It was an achievement too great to be ignored, even with its price.

Nox entered into the main hall of the Citadel, a lot plaguing his mind as the sound of his steps echoed through the vast room. It was empty for now but it would soon hold dozens of Solus members. A call had been put out to all of the clan by him, a general message that they would hold council in order to elect a new Alor. Not only was the leader being decided but also the future of the clan and the plan of action to take. They had to replace what they lost and return honor to the Badgers tenfold for what happened. Solus would only allow so many blows before they bared their claws and teeth.

As he approached the holotable in the center of the room, his gaze couldn’t help but drift to the empty chair at the head of the hall, the seat for their Alor. It was a saddening sight to behold but would be rectified soon. At the table, Nox placed both his hands upon the cold surface as he waited, clan members filing shortly after either by themselves or in pairs. The Solus gave a nod to each one that came in. He had no idea what would happen but once they left the Citadel it would be in lock-step with each other.

@Wit @Mr. Teatime @Arcangel @Logan @Painus
(Open to any loyal Solus.)

 

[Dalair Solus]

Traditional earth-tone leather boots calmly carried the Solus armorer into the meeting hall, the soft jangle of certain tools on ringing like bells. If the attire he wore didn't make it obvious enough, the pair of Beskar hammers on his belt certainly did. Throughout the prior Alor's absconding from the clan with its materiel in defiance of the Resol'nare, Dalair had been working to get the Citadel's forge working. The prior owners had neglected it. He would not.

But even with his tasks arrayed before him, Dalair could not deny the impact of everything that'd happened. A Sith had come to Mandalore and forced a choice. That choice had been made and now their new Mand'alor called for a crusade. Solus had a hateful history with the red-bladed sorcerers and none seemed pleased by the prospect of this alliance. Even Dalair, unconcerned with holding grudges, felt the same.

Sorcerers could not be trusted. This was known. From the old empire to Palpatine's, all had struck against the Mandalorian people. Even this 'new' empire of Andruil's still burned worlds. This time they'd given the clans a fleet of ships to jump-start their crusade. It was a smart move, giving the rest of the galaxy something else to worry about, but what happened next?

Now was the time to decide. It was important enough to even be one of the first few to arrive, stepping up to the holotable on the opposite side of Nox. He stood stock straight, both arms slowly folding loosely across one another, and his helmet nodded once to Nox in greeting. As much as their ancient grudge was likely to be brought up, the armorer didn't consider it the clan's primary concern.

They lacked assets and supplies, stolen by the traitor Dalair had dubbed hut'uun'alor. Badgers did not run from their dens, and now the clan needed to work even harder to make up for the incurred losses. They wanted for a new alor and the honor of ages past.

"And so, here we gather," Dalair said, turning for a moment to glance at the empty clan leader's seat. "New beginnings or old history, do you think?"

The armorer had strong opinions of his own on what was needed, but he was going to wait until the rest arrived before speaking his piece.

@Orbit

 

[Cyrus Solus]

Where Dalair entered with calm certainty, Cyrus stormed into the Citadel, grumbling beneath his breath, making his presence known from his muted swears before he had even thrown the doors open. He’d been whipped into a frenzy ever since the news that they had arranged an alliance with their ancestral enemies, and the knowledge that their Alor abandoned the Resol’nare to wage a guerilla war against the Mand’alor did little else but keep his blood at a constant boil. This was a cutting blow against the people of Mandalore, and Solus felt the weight of the recent days upon its back more than most.

His armor was pock-marked with various scratches and repaired sears, and his beskads bounced lightly with his swift steps. He was sure his kinsmen all felt the same about the recent agreement by their new Mand’alor, but the importance of finally uniting under one banner was far greater than even ancestral rivalries. The galaxy would learn to fear the Mandalorians once more, as history demanded, but it would be as pets of the Sith, not as free marauders. He would follow their Mand’alor into battle, but he would curse his name with every foe they felled, so long as they remained allies with witches.

Nox and Dalair stood opposite at the holotable, and Cyrus stood equidistant from them, planting a hand firmly on the edge as he leaned forward and thrust a finger towards the empty seat of the Alor. ”That,” he growled out, ”Is a disgrace.” The older Mandalorian’s eyes darted around, brows furrowed in frustration. Losing an Alor was a cutting blow; losing an Alor to treason brought shame to the entire clan, and that was like a scorching brand seared into his skin.

He panned his head between those gathered, huffing out a frustrated breath, and then collected himself. He pushed off the table and stood straight, shaking his head. ”But we’ll solve that. It’s good to see you, brothers,” he remarked, dipping his head cordially.

 

[Ea Solus]

Though she spent much of her time out in the galaxy alone doing personal work, Ea always made a point to stay informed on the goings on of her people, her own clan most of all. The news that Solus no longer had an Alor had been most unfortunate, only made double so when it became known the Mandalorians had allied themselves with one of their oldest and most vile enemies, at least in Ea's opinion.

Still, the clans were allied under a Mand'alor for the first time in centuries. It was something to be celebrated, at least for now. Ea would follow the Mand'alor despite her intense reservations. The ramifications of their alliance would only be known in time. There were far more immediate matters that needed tending to.

When the call came for Solus to have council, Ea dropped everything she had been doing and made her way to the Citadel, the home of their ancestors. She may not have been as staunch of a traditionalist as some of her brothers and sisters, but even Ea knew that desecrating the Resol'nare in the way that had been done isn't something that could be ignored.

Ea wasn't the first to arrive and taking stock of the only few that had gathered thus far, hoped she would not be the last. She knew the ranks of clan Solus were thin but she truly hoped things had not become this dire. As she approached the holotable, Ea took a place near Dalair just as Cyrus had finished speaking.

How many more do we expect? She asked no one in particular, Ea's gaze moving from Cyrus to Nox and then to Dalair.

More importantly, when are we killing the traitor?

 

[Blank Solus]

Blank Solus had returned to Mandalore as soon as she found out about the situation with her people. The call of the Mand'alor and the Alor's betrayal of the clan. As she strode through the citadel, she couldn't help but notice that the place had been stripped bare of anything useful. Clearly the traitorous Alor had not been content with merely leaving his clan in a shameful position. He had also chosen to leave them broke and without assets as well.

She strode into the meeting hall with her usual swagger, helmeted head held high. Unbroken by what had happened. She was coming off a string of victories in the death pits of Rattatak and her confidence was at a peak.

"What intel do we have on the Hutt slimes location?" She spoke aggressively. Angrily. She was ready to walk out of the room and hunt the man down that moment. "I want to gut him like a tauntaun." She slammed a fist down on the table as she spoke, anger in her voice.

 

[Reshelle Solus]

Reshi had attended more than one such gathering, the only difference was that this time there would be no rabid fools present to deal with. Or at least she hoped that would be the case. The coward would be Alor of theirs had run off with most of that crowd, so she expected to be in the presence of those with a more sensible head on their shoulders.

Entering the citadel chamber where the others were gathered, she took note of the large number present there, it seemed like most of the clan was here, rarely had she seen so many badgers gathered in one place. For the longest time she hadn't even known that so many still lived. How she wished her mother was alive to see this sight.

"For whatever reason the traitor and his cowardly cohorts have been spotted on Mandalore," she spoke up in response, "it seems he is just as foolish as he is cowardly."

 

[Nox Solus]

As the seconds ticked by, more Solus migrated into the hall. There were a few faces he recognized, Dalair with his smith garb and gleaming hammers, Cyrus and his hospitable personality as he made his feelings known from the second he entered. The Mandalorian shared experiences with each one and greeted them with a warm nod, It's good to see you both as well brothers. Before they could add any more, even more began to enter, the room beginning to be painted crimson.

Many faces were still new to Nox simply for his nomadic tendencies but still, he made an effort to recognize each one that entered. It was rare he had seen so many of his clan in one spot and his heart swelled but was also saddened somewhat, the sight highlighting the weight of the matters that would be discussed and how deep their wound ran.

As the last few trickled in, Nox was able to spot one he was quite familiar with, Reshe. They had been there when their people had been offered the decision to join with the Sith, there when Kotii wasn't. He considered her a friend and wasn't surprised by the comments of the traitors, or by the ones the others blurted out once they arrived, their hatred for the deserters felt throughout the room. They will be handled. Nox assured them as he waited until the last Solus entered and the doors shut.

With that being everyone, uncommon silence fell over the room as they waited to proceed. Nox pushed off the table to stand to his full height, speaking first as they had no acting Alor and being the one who called it. First thing first, you chose loyalty and duty to your clan. I'm honored to be standing here with you all. Despite their Alor abandoning the planet, very few Solus actually left with him as the majority of the clan remained loyal to the Mand'alore, the ties to each other strong enough to repel a violent split. Even in one of their hardest times, he could appreciate and be proud of that.

Once that small moment was out of the way, Nox began, Let's begin. Both of his arms crossed over his chest as he continued, To address this and have it pushed aside from this point on until necessary, the Sith. All of us share the same sentiment and are angry or detest the idea of working with the sorcerers. We know what we are to them. But no one can argue, even with our history, this is one of the rare times in years the clans have unified, have a goal and a purpose. We can not threaten that. Everyone that stood in the room chose to remain loyal and knew what that would mean. Nox felt there was no need to speak on it further when he knew everyone could see the bigger picture.

Onto the next matter. Kotii, our Alor, abandoned our home and is leading the traitors to resist Mand'alor and his own people. Anything could have been done, anything but that. It was too much. His voice was heavy but he pressed on. Because of these circumstances and with our need for a leader, I hereby renounce Kotii Solus, of his title and his place amongst the clan. He is no longer recognized from this point on as our Alor and will be known as Kotii, The Exiled. If any opposed, they were free to speak but he highly doubted it based on what he heard earlier. With the renouncement as well, it would legitimately open the seat until Kotii was taken care of.

Nox glanced around the room then, gauging everyone as they had come to the last topic he would bring up himself. And to the final matter, the Solus would turn halfway to expose the empty seat behind him, one made for the actual Alor to their clan. We must select a new Alor. One to lead us, to hunt down Kotii and wash our clan of the black mark he has left there, and to return honor to us tenfold with our Mand'alor. The floor would be open to the others at that point as they decided who to elect.

@Painus @Mr. Teatime @Wit @Arcangel @Logan

 

[Blank Solus]

Blank Solus nodded along to Nox's speech. Agreeing with several of his points. Loyalty and duty. The alliance with the wretched sorcerer. A united Mandalore. She had killed more Mandalorians than she had ever had the stomach for. Petty feuds over long standing grudges. She had left because of it. Mandalorians were supposed to stand together.

And then they got to the meat of the issue. The issue of Kotii. Blank didn't know him. Had left for different battles before he had risen to lead the clan. But he betrayed the clan and left them in dishonor. He would burn for that. She thought it was a little silly to give him some special name if they were just going to hunt him down and kill him, but she went along with it, nodding with the rest of the clan.

But wait, there's more. Blank smirked underneath her helmet. Wily badger, this was a power play.

"Well, seeing as you're the one that called us here, brought it up." She leaned forwards onto the arm she had just slammed on the table, pointing a finger at him with her other hand with a forward roll of her wrist. "It sounds like you're volunteering." She finished with a laugh.

@Orbit @Painus @Wit @Logan @Mr. Teatime

 

[Dalair Solus]

It wasn't long before more badgers joined them, starting with an especially inflamed man vomiting curses to punctuate each step, breath, and gesture. Dalair watched Cyrus and, although he said nothing, he nodded with great seriousness at the man's greeting. They were both in agreement, even if it wasn't spoken in so many words.

Ea too, someone Dalair knew, joined near him at the table with an endorsement of killing the fled Kotii. She wasn't the only one, either. "The hammer will fall," he smoothly agreed with Nox's statement, inclining his helm slightly in the Tiefling's direction while she looked at him. "Kaysh mirsh solus."

Nox spoke more at length once everyone had gathered, and Dalair mostly just listened. There was a short grumble and a nod as the Sith were covered. He was of the same opinion. Even if none of them liked it, that's how things were at the moment. Next was Kotii, and that's where the armorer spoke up.

"Kotii wasn't exiled. He fled so far with Solus materiel at the first hint of trouble he couldn't even hear Mand'alor's call." His visor glanced around the table for a moment. "No titles for dar'manda. Kotii, now until his end," Dalair opined. Even exile was more honorable than what he'd done. Kotii hadn't just fled. Contrary to the Resol'nare he'd actively harmed his own clan in the process. When Kotii fell, it would not be as a Mandalorian so far as Dalair was concerned. It may not obviously sound as such when he spoke the way he did, but he was angry too.

Then, of course, the matter of Kotii's replacement. Dal and Nox had only more recently met, but he did call this meeting in the first place and he did have a bit of a reputation for getting shit done. Whether this was a power play or not didn't matter to the armorer. Solus needed a competent leader either way.

"Are you volunteering?" Dalair asked, audibly amused by Blank's energetic antics. "So saying, I'd hunt with you."

@Orbit @Painus @Wit @Logan @Arcangel

 

[Reshelle Solus]

Reshi was silent as the others spoke, listening and thinking. It wasn't like she hadn't expected this, she knew Nox well enough to know he wouldn't have gathered them here for idle chitchat. She had not objected when Kotii had claimed leadership of the clan, as far as she was concerned anyone who tried to bring the clan together and strengthen them would be good for them. Oh how wrong had she been. So she hesitated a little when the topic of alor was brought up. In another world she might have stepped up herself, but she knew she wasn't right for the job, just as Kotii hadn't been, just as none who had followed him would ever be.

That was when she heard two sets of boots pull up besides her, and even without looking she knew her siblings were here. Her sister tapped her armor with her fingers, a short yet complicated pattern that only they knew. Their code, their reassurance. And a voice spoke up on the frequency only the three of them shared. "Do it." That was the clincher. Her sister knew her thoughts, and despite how things had played out in the past between her and the wolf she agreed, That was all the validation Reshi needed.

"Well I don't care if you volunteer," she spoke up with a glance to her brother, continuing as he nodded in agreement, "I trusted you enough to have my back, so we're trusting you now to lead us into battle. Unless there are any complaints," she said as her hand dropped to rest on her blaster, inviting anyone to challenge her, "you're our new alor Wolf."

@Orbit @Painus @Mr. Teatime @Logan @Arcangel

 

[Ea Solus]

Ea remained quiet while her brothers spoke. Truth be told, she had been quite removed from a lot of clan activities for along time now. Something she always meant to rectify, but just never seemed to find the time. But she was here now, when it was most important, and that's all that really mattered.

When Nox had asked the true pressing question, the one about who their new leader to be, Ea thought the answer seemed quite obvious, even to her.

You have my vote, Nox. Ea said simply, shrugging her shoulders. I have no doubt Solus will flourish under your watch.

The winds of change were blowing through Clan Solus and Ea couldn't help but let a tinge of optimism flicker in her chest. At the very least, she was confident Nox was a better Mandalorian than Kotti. Better man, too.

And I agree with Dalair, She said, turning slightly to nod in the foregmaster's direction. No titles for a traitor. The best he deserves now is head on a spike. At least as food for the flies he'll be more useful in death than he ever was in life.

The only one left to give his piece now was Cyrus, though the consensus seemed to be clear at this point. Still, should the weathered badger have something to say, Ea would respect her brother enough to listen.

@Orbit @Painus @Mr. Teatime @Wit @Arcangel

 

[Cyrus Solus]

Cyrus stood there with his arms folded across his chest, practically radiating frustration. With a quiet grunt and a nod, he greeted the rest as they gathered, thankful at least to share in the company of those with whom he shared the bonds of family. It was a rarity for so many Badgers to be assembled in one place, because, while other clans are more prudent and prone towards moots and deliberation, Badgers went out and gripped the galaxy by its throat until it gave them what they wanted. They were all hot-headed and rearing for a fight, even if they showed it all in their own little ways. Cyrus was just louder about it.

He listened quietly, sneering as the matter of the Sith was brought up, and thankful it had been a fleeting topic. They were right; there were more pressing matters to attend to, and the empty seat of the Alor was the most pertinent. ”We shouldn’t even speak the traitor’s name,” he spat out, ”Otherwise we might give the impression he is still worth mentioning.” He shook his head and huffed, uncrossing his arms and resting his hands lightly on the hilts of his beskads.

Nox and Cyrus had met once before and shared in each other’s company, and he found the man agreeable, if bound by tradition to a foreign, more strict adherence to the Way. Cyrus didn’t care so much for it, but the man was one of his own people, despite religious differences. When the matter of choosing a new Alor came up, the decision seemed fairly obvious. Nox had summoned them here, and they’d not beat around the bush deliberating. They needed a leader, and they needed direction.

”Then do it yourself, boy,” he grumbled out, dipping his head towards Nox, ”The traitor’s blow dealt a great wound to our people, but Badgers do not roll over and submit. Be the one who leads us to vengeance and glory as Alor. For the glory of Mandalore and her children.”

@Orbit @Mr. Teatime @Wit @Arcangel @Logan

 

[Nox Solus]

To Nox's somewhat surprise, the debate hadn't really been a debate at all. One by one, each one of the Solus voted for him to be their Alor, some sarcastically but the sentiment still the same. Why Nox was sort of surprised was because his call to have this meeting hadn't been a power-play in his mind at all. The Mandalorian had just viewed it as a necessity for his people to have after the loss of their previous Alor and the damage he left. Nox had spent nearly his entire life to ensure his clan's survival, he wasn't going to sit by and let it fade after they had been abandoned.

Nox's gaze would fall on each one as they spoke, giving each his attention as he would offer a nod to those who vouched for him. Even though he stood there silent as a statue, he was incredibly honored that they chose him, his heart swelling with pride as he was elected their leader. He had never really chosen to gun for leadership, that being evident when it had been between him and Kotii at first. It had possibly been one of his greatest mistakes. Now the mantle of leadership had sort of just fallen onto his lap.

From a lonely nomadic bounty hunter, Wolf, to the Alor of his clan, Nox gladly accepted the challenge and responsibility with open arms and knew the road would be difficult ahead of them. Thank you, all of you. I swear on my honor and life, I will not fail you. I accept. The words left his mouth and he was pleased with how they felt right to hear as he always had his own opinions on how to handle situations compared to previous and other leaders. Now it was his turn to prove himself.

Even though he was honored, there were no fireworks that happened or massive celebrations for him. These were different times and different circumstances. Instead of turning to walk back toward the chair, Nox remained right where he was, on the equal level with them as he spoke, Then let's get to business. There was a new tone to his words, one filled with authority but also certainty as he naturally stepped into it.

Nox turned his attention to all of them as he cast his gaze around the room, Regarding Kotii... Extra emphasis was put on just his name as the others were gleeful to point out how much they hated giving him a title. He used to be a Solus. He is our kill. Whenever we hear a whisper, get a sniff of his stench, or spot a resemblance of where he is with the traitors, we will be the first there to fight. We hunt them down to and from whatever tunnel they scurry from and wipe their existence from our memory. Our Mand'alor may want his head but we will do our damnest to have him killed by a Solus blade. Kotii may have stood against everything for what the Mand'alor stood but for him and his old clan, it was personal.

The Alor directed his attention to Reshe, If he really has decided to show face around here, let's find out the validity of these rumors. We will not allow him to threaten our Mand'alor's crusade. While the traitor was a pressing issue, it wasn't the main one.

Turning his attention back to the rest, While we need to deal with Kotii, our main focus is still supporting the cause and our people. Right now, we are being offered a lifeline by the Sith. If we want to actually make a hold on this galaxy, we need to be able to rely on ourselves.

Nox would then take a step toward the holotable before activating it, his fingers swiftly dancing along the keys before a map of the galaxy was pulled up. It would zoom in on a small stretch of planets near Mandalore before he stepped back, These planets once belonged to Mandalorian space and hold valuable resources we will need to fuel our war machine. These will be our first move to return our name to the glory it once held without equal. It would be a path forged by steel and blood.

The Alor would turn his attention back to his brethren and sisters, a fire lit in his voice, Badgers! We hide no more and fend for scraps to survive. We march to war and immortality. There would be a sharp slam of his fist on the table before he raised it in the air, OYA!

@Logan @Wit @Mr. Teatime @Arcangel @Painus

 

[Ea Solus]

Ea was happy to hear even the grumpy old man was on board with the rest of Solus. You could never be too sure where geriatric opinions would sway, whether their eyes were too covered in cataracts to read the room or if they were going to make ludicrous demands to have seniority take precedence because a young Alor wouldn't support a clan-wide mandate of dinner at 4:30pm local time.

Getting straight to business was also something Ea could appreciate. Nox was already impressing her with his demeanor and priorities, though there was something to be said about taking time to celebrate the victories when they came. Clan Solus having a new proper Alor was definitely a victory, that much was certain.

Oya! She responded, nodding her head approvingly at Nox.

Looking at the planets Nox had brought up on the holotable, Ea began thinking about the best ways to go about achieving their goal and how despite whatever victories they might see in the coming days, each of them would be somewhat diminished by the ever-present shroud of the Sith looming over all of Mandalore.

The Sith's aid might be a necessary evil for us but we should be vigilant, lest that lifeline swiftly tie itself into a noose around our necks. She said, her tone serious. I'll begin work on continuing fortifications for the Citadel and start gathering intel on the planets we are focusing on. Pausing for a moment, Ea sighed though it was more from contentment than annoyance. Still - so much to do, so little time.

If there was still more to discuss, Ea would remain with her brothers. If not, she would make her way back to her ship, thoughts racing, but feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time.

@Orbit @Painus @Mr. Teatime @Wit @Arcangel

 

[Blank Solus]

Blank's comment got the ball rolling. A quick vote and Nox was the Alor. Good, the quicker they got that over with, the quicker she could get to hunting down the traitor alor and to bashing whatever heads that the new alor needed bashed. She appreciated it when Nox skipped the victory speech and got right down to business.

Blank listened intently as Nox outlined the details of what the next steps and priorities were. She loathed the help that Mandalore seemingly required from the Sith as much if not more than she loathed the Sith. It was because of them that her people were in the state they were in, and now the Sith offered a handout. She agreed with Nox, nodding along.

"OYA!" She shouted along with the rest of the clan, slamming her fist on the table and raising it into the air as well, to war and immortality. She had nothing else to contribute for the moment, but would stick around to see what else was said and was otherwise eager for what battles lay in the future as she eyed the map.