Ask A Royal Hunt

[Darth Arcanos]

​

Spoiler: Mission Brief

Planet 2 – Rutan
The king of Rutan desperately clings to power in the face of those who wish to challenge his position on the throne. He has agreed to pledge allegiance to the Sith Order, if they can simply help him stay on the throne. His main rivals are gathering at the castle of a prominent Baron, for a great hunt. Find a way of being present at the hunt, to eliminate his rivals. However, there are perhaps alternative ways of taking them out of consideration… On the other hand, you might find that one of them may be a more suitable candidate for ruler. Just ensure whoever is on the throne, answers to the Sith.

As was often the case, Azar did not arrive without a plan. He had an assortment of variable tonics, poisons, serums and weapons at his arsenal. He had told his group to dress for their parts in advance, and they would have had the chance to procure their attire upon arrival. The Champion waited for the others in a clearing not too far from the Baron’s castle. The King of Rutan was an unknown variable thus far – the only thing that Azar knew was that the man was paranoid and neurotic. Azar had advised Nefid to pack or obtain attire suitable for a royal court, and he had asked Gemini to obtain attire to pass for a mercenary or hunter. For now, while they met at the clearing, they were all to dress for trekking through a forest because his plan had two parts to it.

Once the other two arrived, Azar gave them a curt nod as a greeting before outlining the full plan to consider their thoughts, “We will operate best working in sequence and maybe split,” He said, going against the grain of how missions usually operated, “There is a prized kudana called White Crown Kudana that king’s rivals hunt today,” He explained with his thick accent. It was a massive kudana with white markings around its head that marked a distinct trait, “We will find and mark kudana with serum,” This part would fall largely on Azar, though he needed assistance in locating the damn thing. His gaze fell on Gemini, “Acolyte, you present yourself to Baron and his guests as an exceptional hunter,” Azar knew the acolyte was combat focused and would have no issues with the task, “You go with hunting party and hunt this kudana. Make sure they eat it for the feast,” A brow rose, “…Do not eat it yourself,” He reminded Gemini in case the acolyte was an imbecile.

His gaze then fell on Nefid, “You have choice to accompany me to King to assess suitability for ally or you can go to Baron to assess if he better replacement,” Azar would leave the choice to her. He and Nefid were the same rank, so he would allow the courtesy of pausing to give her thoughts on the plan or to suggest something entirely different. Gemini didn’t get a second look – he had no choice but to obey what the Champions decided.

@Volene @Mythos

 

[Gemini]

Gemini arrived fashionable late per his usual. It had been a few months since he left Mustafar far behind and now walked among the Sith casually. He adorned his usual armor despite the request to wear something more appropriately for the cause but did bring a poncho that could loosely be recognized as part of the Hunters Guild as well as a members card with a sliced photo of himself in it's place. It mattered not what happened to the poor soul, only that what he was required had been acquired.

As he listened to the Champions, he spoke not a word, but only gave an approving nod. In all honesty, just the idea of participating in another hunt was enough for him to be game with the plan. The hilt of his Vibro-ax had been repaired and it ached for blood, freshly sharpened as Gemini traversed hyperspace before his arrival.

Taking a small hit from his vapor, the crimson plum dissipating with the softened breeze as it blew by, Gemini awaited their decision.

 

[Nefid]

Nefid hated the wilderness. She hated anywhere she was not surrounded with people, to read and use and occupy her mind. Thankfully the mission would provide her with just that.

She showed up to the clearing in practical synthleather clothes and carrying a pack that contained the rest of her things. It couldn’t have been very heavy—a dress appropriate for court and perhaps a few extras, lightsaber included—yet when she lugged it around it seemed to weigh a ton. The Twi’lek gave her Sith accomplice a respectful bow when she arrived. The acolyte shone by his absence.

The champion was ready, at least, and not only in appearance. From him came confidence. Preparedness. All reassuring.

The time came and went. Still no acolyte. Nefid had started to adjust a plan for two instead of three when the telltale steps of someone approaching made themselves heard. She probed. The mind was familiar. A glance over at Azar, more for his sake than hers. His annoyance confirmed they would be acting in unison.

He does not see us, she told him, and if the words had been spoken aloud they would have been a whisper. Gemini made his entrance.

@Sreeya @Mythos

 

[Darth Arcanos]

While the other Champion showed up on time, the acolyte delayed. Azar bristled at the open display of insolence. His patience for delinquency was particularly reduced since he took up the teaching role at the Umbara Academy. He took a moment to give the twi’lek a respectful greeting, pleased to see at least she was in no mood to sabotage the already difficult mission ahead of them. While they had a moment to themselves, he learned how she operated - as Kissai, it was something he could admire.

As Nefid worked her magic, a cold grin played at Azar’s lips. By the time Gemini arrived, he would see he was alone. No doubt he would stand around and start vaping when he would suddenly feel a constricting pressure around his throat.

Azar would continue until Gemini was forced down to his knees. He noted poncho the acolyte managed to nab. Smart. But it didn’t change the fact that he was tardy, “Take your missions seriously,” Azar said as he materialized into view with Nefid and directly in front of him. The Force choke would be hard enough to make him briefly believe he was going to die, “And arrive on time,” He finally released the hold, the display a reminder that Gemini would meet with his end if he continued with his display of carelessness. With Nefid’s ability to read Gemini’s mind like an open book, he was not too concerned with further insolence.

Azar wasted no time in relaying the mission to them both. Fortunately Nefid agreed with the plan and the group set off to find the kudana. Though forests were unfamiliar to him, Azar had done quite a bit of tracking back on Korriban. Here he would have to rely on the others to help, but between the three of them it was easy to spot a herd in the distance.

And then he saw it - the White Crown Kudana. It was a massive beast, proudly over 2 meters tall and prancing about as if it owned the planet. It was almost a shame such a magnificent creature had to be slain to feed a crowd of slimy humans, but such was the mission. Azar motioned for the others to stand still as he slowly slinked towards the herd, moving like a shadow throughout the forest.

He had a dart launcher that he unleashed from a distance, his mark finding purchase exactly where intended for maximum potency. There was a grunt from the kudana shortly before he bolted in the opposite direction. His herd followed soon after, crushing any forestry in their path. The earth trembled from the stampede, but the group was provided insight where they were heading next.

Azar returned to the group, pleased with how things started off thus far, “The plan is in motion,” He looked between the two, “Let us scatter.”

With that, he would split off from the group to head towards the King. Nefid and Gemini would go towards the Baron’s castle. They would all have shared comlinks discreetly on their persons to keep in touch.

Roll to mark the kudana: 19/20

@Mythos @Volene

 

[Gemini]

To truly know Gemini, one needed to know his past and how it led him to this singular moment. Yes, he was driven by pain, sorrow, and lust for for power. But he did so in his own relative way, living in the moment rather than in the past or the future. Death had come to be a little more than a welcomed companion. To outsiders, he always hide behind a mask of carelessness and futility. But the true persona that was Gemini laid in a singular goal. To return to the Galaxy what the Galaxy had gifted him. Unapologetic Darkness. That was what Gemini hide so well.

As the grip of death pressed tightly against his air way and he felt the flush of heat and the cutting of his blood flow, a maniacal grin graced his lips and through the escapes of air, he managed to mutter but a singular word at least three times before his release whether the other two heard him or not. "Tighter...tighter...tighter...

His words weren't out of disrespect, nor were they meant to serve as discontent. No. Gemini had walked this Galaxy as the unwanted for almost the entirety of his lifetime, and he always sought to see whether his will or the Galaxy would come out on top in any given situation. Whether it be in his use of spice, or pissing off the wrong person, he always sought to test the limits of his cursed luck. He had done it so long that it had become second nature, a separate but complete aspect of his mentality.

The true aspect of himself, however, was a life of loneliness and insecurity. Where he preferred a life not of lavish, but of becoming a part of the immediate masses. He was more comfortable lost in the seas of life that congregated upon populace worlds where he was just another face that flowed upon its confused currents. So to be out amongst the open flora of an underpopulated world such as this made his comfort diminish immensely.

Still, this world was but a passing moment, a mission from upon high that would garner more doors to open within the near future that depended upon this moment to further. So as the trio went about the first phase of it, Gemini carried with him the seriousness of it. The other two would not need to question this, whether they chose to or not being of their own rights, but the weight of it would be released when the time came and the jester within would return.

As Gemini and Nefid approached the Baron's Castle, he notes the amassing members coming for the King's Hunt. A somber semblance of comfort returned for the young Armegedon and his nerves relaxed. Moments would pass as the duo readied to present themselves, and when the time came, Gemini presented the Hunter's Guild ID he had forged.

Spoiler

D20: 15

"Geminy Kritchet, Hunter 8675309, here for the Great Hunt." Gemini spoke casually as the Guard looked over the ID and the two with slight disdain as much as curiosity. "My Apprentice, Nefer, as my plus one for this glorious occasion. I cannot wait to taste the culinary skills of the King's Chef."

It was a greeting this Guard had likely heard more than bantha full of today and as casual as the rest of those whom had gathered. So his curiosity and what suspicious he held faded with a grunt as he allowed passage. Walking into the Great Hall, Gemini turned to Nefid. "A few bottles should loosen their lips. Let us see what their hearts habor."

 

[Nefid]

The tracking was even worse than the trekking had been. At least with the latter Nefid could set her own pace, provided she arrived on time. If her sickly tempo commanded she planned more time, so be it. Only she didn’t have that luxury when being led on a wild hunt by some less-than-sentient animal she had to keep up with. Supposedly important.

Thankfully, that wasn’t her part. They had a hunter for this, and Azar himself showed quite the affinity for the chase. Before long, they split. For the first time, Nefid found herself alone with the acolyte from Tatooine. She remembered him well. No doubt he remembered her, too. Nefid made an impression on the people whose paths she crossed.

Acolyte. So you found your way to us, she remarked.

When the two prepared themselves, Nefid opened her pack and changed into a black dress appropriate for court: excessive and disproportionate by all accounts, yet one of the least extravagant ones of those around, by the looks of it. Especially for events such as these, people dressed to impress, to project, to hide who they were. None of it made sense to someone who read minds directly. Nefid couldn’t remember a time clothes had ever influenced her perception of anyone, but she knew to play by the rules. It didn’t suit her half bad, actually, with her lekku reaching over the low-cut back.

The acolyte introduced them and they were through. As they passed, the guard retained no memory of the interaction, for good measure. That hadn’t been the plan; Nefid was a court advisor, not a hunter and even less an apprentice. But no harm done this time.

What their hearts harbor is clearer before the bottles, Acolyte, she answered his idea. Only a fool needs them talking to know. Take this one. Nefid didn’t point, yet it was clear in Gemini’s mind who she meant, a tall Chagrian with a boisterous laugh. Brimming with impatience. If he does not return from the hunt a hero, he will skip the feast and go home to brood. An unfit ally. He will not accept being propped up by anyone else.

Speaking of, you should prepare to leave soon, Great Hunter. Was that a tease? Hard to tell. I will make progress before your arrival.

@Sreeya @Mythos

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar set off from the others to venture towards the King’s hall. He had to maintain an air of mystery, just enough to appear as a wise court advisor from distant lands. Rumors spoke of ‘magic’ and superstition and Azar fully planned on embracing that to play his role. He had requested an audience with the King to hear out his plights and offer a strategy.

As he crested a hill to gaze at the castle, he was shocked to see a massive crowd gathered outside the castle walls. Everyone was protesting newly raised taxes and the locals were pitching a massive fit. Azar gritted his teeth. Would this throw the entire operation into jeopardy? Not being able to get to the king was a risk. If it was discovered he was unsuitable to the Sith cause, there was no way to remove him swiftly.

The pureblood feared the bickering and squabbling would detract from the focus on the hunt. What King would want to hear about that when his own people were banging on his door? Azar had to think of alternative options quickly, but this was a heavy setback for now that no one could have predicted.

He commed the others to see how they were faring, informing them of the roadblock he encountered.

Getting to King: 5/20

@Mythos @Volene

 

[Nefid]

The ballroom was her element.

Not for the dancing, of course. Nefid’s movements weren’t exactly graceful, and if she was forced to dance a few of the nearest attendees would suffer a severe headache from her frustration. But at last, she was surrounded with people again. Chatter, swirling thoughts, sensations, offering themselves to her like the worst kind of spice.

The acolyte would go to play his part and as promised she would play hers. Nefid knew most of the important attendees would be part of the hunt, including the baron himself, but she could get a head start before they left. Besides, mission or not, it pleased her to do this. Like scratching an itch. Flexing a muscle no one else had.

She moved around the room like a specter and she looked the part, handily managing not to attract attention to herself—being a stranger to every guest and not saying a word would do that. She surveyed nearby thoughts and feelings as she passed, which she followed to the people of most notoriety. Then, it was a game of questions and answers. She would make them think of the current king; if their feelings were positive, she moved on. But almost unmistakably they were not, and then Nefid planted the second thought: The Sith could help you.

Most did not even pause. The answer was immediate fear, a refusal to ever consider it, like that deal meant trading an annoyance for a gun to the head. Some considered it, though they were far too self-interested to make useful servants. Just when Nefid was about to give up and await the hunters’ departure and return to probe the Baron and others, she found what could be the one.

The Sith could help you.

The woman responded with a form of awe at the thought, fear that stopped short of prohibitive, like a healthy dose of respect. And beyond it: gratitude. She was the Baron’s aide who’d stayed behind to prepare his arrival, and either naturally or by proximity to him she’d cultivated quite the political mind. She disliked the king as much as any other and when she let herself daydream she saw herself, not her lord, replacing him; only she was of common birth, and uniting the king’s rivals under her rule would be nothing short of a miracle.

Depending on Azar’s conclusions, Nefid swore to try.

Speaking of. She checked her comm for an update, gave one of her own.

Found one. maybe

Force almighty she hated writing. So used she was to communicating directly, in feelings and images and words that didn’t need translated.

@Azar Disperse crowd somehow? Frighten them? king will b grateful

One idea, perhaps not the best, but likely what she’d have attempted herself. Assuming having a key guard hallucinate her as someone else was out of the question.

@Sreeya @Mythos

Spoiler

Finding a suitable replacement: 14/20

 

[Gemini]

Gemini was amongst his element as well, albeit not as quite comfortable yet as he would like. But the life was here. Overtly crowded. But not where the booze, spice, and everything nice was held. And no Baron. His target had yet to arrive. Or rather, one of them. So he walked amongst the masses, letting his own mind's eye wander the establishment, letting the emotions of others flow from them upon the Force and outwardly through him as he sated upon them like a beast. Emotions were the top graded drugs any Force User could ever hope to digest.

The action, however, always took place in a back room. Away from the eyes of society and law. That was Gemini's true element. And he had a nose for it, like a hound bent on finding the hare. It wouldn't take long to find it either. The Nobles were terrible at hiding it, even beyond locked and key or the personnel they placed at the exterior. It was simply a game of wait and see, with a little luck and maybe a hand or two in a turn of events. And when Gemini saw the door begin to open, he made his move.

With a well placed wave of his hand, Gemini tipped a nearby vase into a wobble upon a nearby table that would catch the guard's eye, and in swift motion, slid into the locked room unannounced as the being exiting passed his entrance. To the Noble, he was but a blur, likely an hallucination of the spice he ingested in the back, and to those inside, salvation, as the door clicked with a silent buzz.

Spoiler

D20: 15

Before the question could even be asked, cheers erupted from within as Gemini opened his robes to reveal the plethora of Spice he usually kept upon his person and was quickly welcomed by everyone almost as if he was king. And amongst the few that welcomed him, the Baron's nephew, the family outcast, a kindred soul if you will. This was Gemini's true target. It was the black sheep who always made the adventure interesting, and if anyone would make a deal with a devil, it would be him. With a plum of crimson vapor exiting his lips, Gemini smiled. "Let's get this party started."

 

[Darth Arcanos]

The crowd was proving to be an enormous problem. Azar thought of several ways he could disperse the crowd to look more appealing to the king. They were banging on the gates and Azar prepared to use the Force to alter environment and create enough of a crisis where they wouldn’t bother. For some reason, the King responded with extreme force. Within moments, he unleashed trebuchets and hot tar on his own citizens.

“Fuck,” Azar grumbled, stepping back and realizing the situation was hopeless. The King was legitimately batshit. The Baron was their only valid option and the Pureblood hoped the others were faring better. As he rapidly thought through the scenario, he began to formulate a new plan with these new variables. Adapting to scenarios was his skill and now certainly called for it.

Change of plans, He applied voice-to-text slowly to the group, Hunt beast but offer as gift to King. King unsuitable. He will welcome the feast for successfully stopping riots. Baron becomes number one choice in power vacuum, we earn cooperation.

The execution of this would largely depend on Nefid, who had to now convince the Baron to get in on the plan and turn boldly on the King by pretending to offer an alliance with a feast.

Must have leverage, Azar added to the group.

They had to have the Baron by the balls somehow. Perhaps Gemini could execute there with the Baron’s nephew as a hostage if needed.

roll 3/20 on dealing with crowd/general story scenario

@Volene @Mythos

 

[Nefid]

With that update from Azar, Nefid knew she had to move fast. The hunting party was about to leave, the acolyte meant to go with them was Force-knows-where and she’d planned to assess the Baron upon his return, return which now may not happen.

She walked with purpose towards the assembled nobles, almost threatening, her black dress flowing behind her like smoke. At one point she was close enough to draw attention, even from the Baron’s party itself, but those who could have interposed themselves stayed still and let her go. Nefid found herself ten meters away from the hunters, their weapons and their towering mounts. The Baron had the largest following of servants and wore regalia only slightly toned down for hunting; by his side were imposing guards, one carrying a hunting horn, one with a pack of hounds on a leash. At the sight of the pale woman racing for them, some of them took a step back, raised their weapon.

“Who—”

But Nefid had what she needed. Though no words passed between them, the Baron saw the likely sequence of events. The angry crowd before the king’s gate—though the way Nefid imagined them from Azar’s recounting, rather than the way they truly looked. His hunting party, leaving like heroes. The White Crown Kudana, majestic, otherworldly. The feast in the king’s halls. And finally himself, ruling over Rutan in the aftermath. The Baron laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Onlooking eyes went from him to the strange woman who’d irrupted before him and hadn’t said a word. Nefid stepped back.

“Onward, men!” the Baron commanded between more fits of glorious laughter. “Tonight, we feast like kings!”

The horn rang. When the men and the trampling had gone, and hopefully the acolyte with them, Nefid wondered if she’d made a mistake, not bringing up the Sith.

@Sreeya @Mythos

Spoiler

Getting the Baron on with new plan: 12/20

 

[Gemini]

Hidden within the recesses of Noble Houses laid closeted secrets that usually managed to slip out amongst the outcasts and addicts. Affairs, failings, shortcomings, etc were usually relieved under a plethora of intoxication. And Gemini had counted on it. Sitting upon the nephew's lap, twirling a small vial before the young man's open mouth, he questioned coyfully. "So what's the big deal about this Hunt?"

The nephew laughed casually, and stared up at Gemini's silver eyes. "You should know. You're the mighty hunter." He chuckled as he groped at the Acolyte. "A hunt is a hunt. I've killed many things over the course of my life, both in sport and for survival. And yet, this hunt is celebrated all across your little globe." Gemini replied, before carefully leaning in for a kiss. "Is the Beast rare?"

"The White Kundana is. And it is my fat..." He went to speak something, but quickly corrected himself. "The King's Favorite." Gemini emptied the vial into the nephew's open mouth. "You were going to say something. Tell me." Gemini stood up and stepped behind the nephew, rolling his hands across his shoulders and chest before whispering into his ear. "Maybe I'll be your White Kundana."

Spoiler

D20: 3

The nephew reached up and pulled Gemini back into his lap. "It was nothing worth noting, my Big White Kundana." He spoke before attempting to kiss Gemini again, but Gemini stopped him. "Nah uh. No secrets." But Gemini had already figured it out. His assumption about the nephew was correct. He was in fact the King's son and bastard heir to the Throne. "It's true then. You are his son." Gemini spoke with an intoxicated chuckle, making the Nephew quickly uncomfortable as he placed a hand over Gemini's mouth forcefully. "Shhh. You must not say anything aloud."

"Don't worry your Princely head." Gemini spoke as he kissed the Nephew's forehead and rose, placing the poncho on over his armor. "Your secret is safe with me." By now, the others were so out of it that they barely would remember his presence. As for the Prince, it would last a lifetime. "But what would you do if you were to become King?" Gemini questioned. The nephew rose and pulled Gemini close, laying one more upon Gemini's lips. "I would serve you." Gemini grinned. "Promise?" "Promise". He replied. Gemini's chuckle erupted to a coyful laugh. "Be careful what you wish for, my liege." And with a bow, exited, leaving behind the Prince's hands free and Gemini upon his mind.

As he made his way to the other Hunters, Gemini sent @Nefid and @Azar Kressh both an encrypted message confirming his hunch.

"My hunch was correct. Phillippe Drow, the Baron's nephew, is the bastard son of King Adreus."

Climbing aboard the mount outside, his gaze shifting to Nefid as she made her approach before halting, he rode out with the others.

 

[Darth Arcanos]

The news about Phillippe Drow was surprising. However, Azar texted back to eliminate the man if there could be any dispute to the Baron ascending the throne. With the Baron onboard for bringing the feast to the King, the puzzle pieces were falling into place. In the aftermath of the chaos that was left behind from the protesters becoming obliterated, Azar gingerly stepped past the bodies. He met with the guards up front, swaying their minds to remind them of his appointment with the King.

The guards treated him with a mixture of fear and suspicion, which was exactly what he banked on. There needed to be an air of mystery about him to really sell the role as a mystic. His job was to bring ‘spiritual guidance’ to the king.

“Ah! You have arrived!” The King said gruffly as he chugged from a mug of ale and belched. He was a portly man with a massive beard that had grease and bits of food clinging to it. His eyes were glazed over and right away Azar knew the man was entirely unsuitable as their proxy. Azar took a deep bow, offering a smile.

“I am Jazair!” He said breezily, “Our meeting may have been delayed, but I congratulate you on your victory.”

“Yes!” The King slammed his fists on the table, “I knew you would appreciate what I have done! Those people…they would plot against me..I must kill every last one of them..yes..yes..” His trembling hand grasped the goblet and he drank deeply. His other advisors and small council looked on in silence.

“This great display of power warrants a feast,” Azar said, clapping his hands together, “Baron Devine recognizes your strength. They are on hunt to bring you the White Kudana himself!”

The King rose to stand, excitement clear on his face, “Truly?! About time others recognize me for what I am!”

Roll: 12/20 to convince King to welcome feast. Baron party can just waltz in.

@Volene @Mythos

 

[Nefid]

With the hunters gone and the change of plan, Nefid had nothing left to stay for. When the smoke cleared, she was by the gate and ready to move. She’d even left her pack in the Baron’s castle. The woodland clothes weren’t necessary anymore, now that she wasn’t embarking on a wild trek after a trampling animal.

She’d have to hurry if she wanted to make it before the party returned. The hunt would take some time, and Nefid would head to the king’s palace in a straight line, but she’d wasn’t the fastest and the woods weren’t made for her. She wondered how the acolyte fared, if everything was proceeding according to plan. If they failed to track the White Crown Kudana again, this would be a very disappointing mission. They might just have to turn it into an assault.

The castle came into view, and like Azar Nefid had no issue convincing the guards to be let in. When she arrived at the gate, both clearly remembered being instructed by the king himself to allow the Twi’lek advisor inside. They complied before she even said a word, and only when she’d gone inside did the false memory slowly start to fade.

Nefid searched for Azar in the throne room. Approaching discreetly from behind, her insipid voice resonating in his mind would be the first sign she’d returned.

The hunt is underway. The plan is in motion, she said. What of the king? What makes he of the Sith?

@Sreeya @Mythos

 

[Gemini]

There it was before the Hunting Party, a great White Kundana with silvered mane flowing against the wind as it darted from the sizzling crimson and emerald hues that fired from the accumulated blaster rifles and chips of bark flickered off the trees as slugs bore into wood. The sensation Gemini experienced, he could see the thrill and emasculated it breed, the sense of prowling behind the prey, and as the group tore through the woods that surrounded the beast, it was as freeing as it would come.

Gemini had planned to let the Baron himself strike the killing blow, staying to the rear within reasonable distance should the animal grow irritated and make a charge of its own against either the hounds that pursued it ferociously or the Hunters behind them. But as the hounds kept in pursuit, the Hunting party would divert at the Baron's command upon the higher ground, a trail head that split into two separate trails, favoring the one leading up to an overlook, the moment of the pursuit would overtake Gemini's primordial instincts.

Spoiler

1st D20 Roll: 4
2nd D20 Roll: 15
15 - 4 = 11
Partial success

Unsheathing his ax from upon his hip, he eyed the beast's neck and threw the tomahawk sized blade with his usual accuracy, but was slightly altered by his mount's lung over a laying log, his ax burying into the foliage below. Grimacing, Gemini rode harder to gain lead over the animal below before rising in the mount's saddle and diving downward off the steed and onto the back of the White Kundana. Grabbing at his horn like antlers, Gemini made his will abundantly clear in the Force as he snapped the beast's neck and both fell briskly into the ground beneath them.

A few bruises and scratches, perhaps some broken ribs, Gemini rose as the hunters made their way toward he and the Beast, all cheering in celebration despite his selfishness, including Baron Devine. A celebration that would continue until the feast would begin and drinks would be shared as tales of his take down would be regaled throughout the moments that would pass. Walking up to @Nefid and @Azar Kressh during the celebration, mug in hand, he would silently propose his suggestion.

"If the King isn't worthy, I would suggest his son. He's young, encouragable, and is easily controlled. I feel the Baron would be a problem, older in age and more set in his ways, both in the past as much as the presence." His tone was low and his persona casual, as he took a sip of the wine from his horned cup. "I say let these two slay one another and let the Heir prove his worthiness for many years to come." His gaze shifted to Azar first, then Nefid. "And not just because he's great in bed."

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was thankful to have the others join. The King was insufferable with the constant guffawing and paranoia. As Nefid’s voice echoed in his thoughts, he sighed, On one hand he is extremely easy to manipulate, He echoed back, However he would need far more hand holding and managing than we want to deal with.

This was when Gemini joined in with their prized hunt completed. Azar stared at the acolyte as he gave his suggestion, a brow raising as Gemini admitted to sleeping with the proposed future candidate. Azar stared blankly at him before looking at Nefid to confirm whether or not Gemini’s insight was useful or if he was just thinking with his nether regions.

Regardless of the answer, Azar drank from a cup of wine, “Is the son aware of the plot?” He asked Gemini, “If not, perhaps he can be compelled to avenge the death of his father if someone were to suggest to him that the Baron had poisoned the feast,” Azar said breezily as he watched the party begin to dig into the meat. There was music playing in the corner as a live band came with their lutes, flutes and other archaic instruments.

@Volene @Mythos

 

[Nefid]

His son, Nefid repeated, like thinking aloud without the ‘aloud’ part. Young, encourageable, easily controlled. A double edge. Easily controlled opens the door to others. Less easily could guarantee us... exclusive access. Knowing eyes went to Gemini. Almost reproachful.

The Baron is established and his aide is sympathetic to our cause, she continued. Will the people recognize the son as the heir? Unite behind him? Or will he win them over easily as he has you?

All around them the feast went on, and Nefid found it hard not to be distracted. All who were already dead and didn’t even know it. She doubted the people would readily accept a bastard as their new ruler without tearing themselves apart over his legitimacy. It had all the signs of a civil war in the making. But for now, there were no more words from her as she watched the King eat and waited for thoughts from the others. Especially the champion.

@Sreeya @Mythos

 

[Gemini]

First, Gemini would address @Nefid, allowing her to reach his mind and thoughts of the few hours he had spent with Phillippe, graphics included before he spoke. "He was good, but not that good." A sly expression crossed his face as he turned back to @Azar Kressh. "At a subconscious level, yes. It was of his own making after all. All I did was help it blossom."

It seemed his time under Param and her Garden was beginning to wear off on him, even the expressionisms. "The other Nobles likely will not back one that is not a rightful heir, and only through his death would the Baron have that right. Yet, he is youthful and impressionable where the Baron is not. It would be a shame if we were to extinguish such potential just yet."

He turned to @Nefid once more. "I cannot speak to the people, however, no more than i can speak for either of you in this matter. He would sway a great many as the King's Bastard Son. Oh the horrors he has hidden away. But there may be a small portion that wouldn't accept him." He smirked again as he took a drag off his vapor and let loose a volley of crimson plum. "Nothing we could not quell in silence from the Shadows though."