Ask Irredeemable

[Karys]

Karys didn’t speak as Trodai began. He listened in absolute and unwavering silence. His gaze was unflinching and his expression was unreadable. Karys waved his hand and the Royal guard’s gaze glazed over. He didn’t need them overhearing what Trodai was blabbing, he didn’t need to be put at risk because of another oversight.

<I do not care what you think or believe.> Karys stated icily. <I did not intend for you to survive Murzana when I drained you.> He continued. <But the Dark Side preserved you, for this purpose.> Karys explained. <You will serve Arcanos’ designs and be a part of this new golden age for our people.> Karys took a step forward, his golden gaze fell down on Trodai. <You will prove yourself worthy of our king’s grace.> He continued as he smoothed a wrinkle from Trodai’s clothing. <Or...> Karys’ pointer finger hooked beneath Trodai’s chin and jerked his head up to meet Karys’ gaze. <…I will kill you and find someone else who is.> He stated with finality.

<Continue to prove your worth and value. There will be no issues between us so long as you serve your role.> Karys patted Trodai on the chest before turning to walk away. He’d wave his hand again and the guards would return to an attentive stance. <Sleep well, Trodai iv-Narat. Son of the Spider.> Karys called as he entered his room for the night.

Karys would pause for a moment to drink in his room. It was lavish but it wasn’t home. He booted up a portable data terminal and typed up a positive report to Arcanos. He told of Trodai’s choices, his reactions, and his decisions. Karys left out the minor indiscretion of Trodai speaking in front of the Royal Guard. He had dealt with it and it was beneath Arcanos’ notice. But ultimately, the report given had Karys’ approval written all over it. He signed the message with:

Eternally yours,
Karys’ithar iv-Kressh

I miss you

With that Karys would walk to the open window and gaze out at Azar’s statue. He’d do something he hadn’t since Trokien when he burned Param’s garden, he smoked as he stood there. Soon this power vacuum would be sealed and his duty here would be finished. He was ready to go home.

———————

The morning brought much preparation before the Ragnos arrived to negotiate with the Narat line. Karys aided where his hostess would allow him, which was mainly in the kitchen. Karys was sure it was meant to be an insult, but it wasn’t to him. This was where he was most comfortable. And so he aided in preparing dishes for the negotiations.

———————

It was mid afternoon when the Ragnos line arrived. Their house leader wore colorful robes and golden jewelry adorned their fingers, neck, and piercings. His Red Sith traits clearly pointed to extremely selective breeding. His facial tendrils twitched as he gazed at these lesser Sith that had requested the privilege of his presence.

<Lady Narat, the Spider of Ur.> He stated cooly as he approached the hostess. His entourage broke off from him to settle into pillows provided to them. <I was not expecting your missive.> He continued haughtily. <I am glad you saw reason and decided to surrender yourself upon the grace of my great House.> The predatory grin on the Sith’s lips told of the goads and insults he offered.

Karys felt Lady Narat’s ire rising at the insults. He didn’t react, instead he simply turned his gaze to Trodai and watched. If a skirmish broke out between the two factions, Karys would do his duty to protect Trodai. Supporting Narat or Ragnos was secondary to him.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai spoke he found Karys was hard to read, yet noted how the royal guards eyes glazed over. He cursed himself for the minor oversight yet felt some relief that they would not overhear. As Karys explained he didn't really care what he thought or believed, how he had not intended for his survival at Murzana. A momentary spike of rage threatened to come forward but he managed to hold it back and bury it.

Yet he felt better at being told the Dark Side had preserved him for a purpose. That he still had a part to play in Azar's plans, his vision for the future of their people. On that they agreed at least. He listened as Karys stepped forward and gazed down upon him, stating how he would need to prove worthy of Darth Arcanos, their king. Something he had every desire and need to do. He had no intention of letting him down.

And then came the threat, as a finger hooked under his chin and jerked his head up quite roughly. Staring into Karys eyes he had no intention of that becoming a reality, of being replaced by a lesser. Someone who didn't really understand Azar or what he wished to accomplish.

As Karys finished he finally spoke "Then I will endeavour to prove myself worthy and be of such continued value. As I have done today." And so he left Karys to his own room, intent to do right by Azar and make him proud. To help the accomplish the vision they shared. He knew to persuade the Ragnos would not be easy. Especially when they considered themselves more pure and were very picky when it came to picking a concubine or new spouse. It would be a task to convince them to take Xini, but he was determined to do so. Just as he had persuaded his mother, he hoped they might be persuaded.

Trodai was a little un-amused how the Ragnos had most likely purposely taken most of the day to arrive. And as expected as soon as they did arrive the insults and goading already began. Trodai was quick to address them, sending a quick telepathic message to reassure his mother and remind her why he was invited.

Ignore him mother. Don't give in to his goading and insults, remember why you agreed to this. What is more important.

Trodai stepped forward, offering a respectful bow of the head as he spoke calmly with no offense. "Lord Ragnos. Lady Narat sent you the missive on my persuasion. It is not to surrender as you put it, but to offer you and your house a proposition. One you might find interesting and put an end to this needless feuding between you both. One that has cost blood and lives on both sides, and the blood of the innocent in the streets of the city. Of those we all wish to unite. Darth Arcanos, our king included. Take a seat, dine with us and let us discuss how we might reach a beneficial arrangement for us all that would end this unfortunate situation that has lasted for centuries."

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Lord Ragnos’ face twisted in offense and disgust when Trodai spoke to him. <And just what kind of creature are you supposed to be?> He spat in response. <Lady Narat, I expect that you will keep your pets on a leash during the negotiations.> He continued, his attention turning to the spider. <You might choose to take council from degenerates but rest assured, I do not.>

With that Lord Ragnos brushed past Trodai, Karys, and Lady Narat to take his seat at the host’s left hand. A place of honor and meant to signify the guest’s importance. He would sit with posh fluidity, every bit the entitled Lord he seemed to be.

Do not worry my son, Master Karys. I will listen to your counsel through this connection. Lady Narat telepathically stated. Be seated among the third table. Lord Ragnos will not dine with the…unclean. There was a hint of regret in her voice but she’d do what was required of her to forge peace for her house and the city of Ur.

Lady Narat took her place beside Lord Ragnos and listened in faux pleasantness as he regaled her with the stories of his glories. She would listen to the advice of her son, he would hear Lord Ragnos’ demands and be able to counter propose to create a deal that favored Narat, was equitable, or favored Ragnos. The decisions would be his alone.

<So, your surrender to House Ragnos will be unconditional, yes?> Lord Ragnos asked. <As per tradition, we will cull the children to ensure the end of a line before mixing your blood with the Grotthu of our own.> He continued, with a smirk. <I believe that is a fair arrangement.>

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai wasn't amused at the comment but took his own advice and didn't react to the insults directed at him. It would serve no purpose, not if they wanted to achieve some sort alliance with the snob. He didn't much like him already but despite this did nothing. Instead he kept calm and smiled, acting in the diplomatic capacity he was currently undertaking and allowing his mother, Lady Narat be take the lead in the negotiations with the more traditional Ragnos.

It was becoming very clear he would be not so easy to sway. Especially with his old ways of thinking.

Trodai sat to the right and remained silent, listening to his mother as she telepathically reassured both him and Karys. Assuring she would listen to their counsel. He allowed a brief smile. Trodai continued to listen patiently as the entitled Ragnos Lord made unreasonable demands. He found the idea of culling children like that antiquated and pointless. Not to mention repulsive. Although a Sith even he had lines he wouldn't cross. This was one such line. And he was certain Azar would not approve either of a culling or the enslavement of the house. It went against the very principles they hoped to instill. No. They would need to find a alternative, thinking upon it he knew the solution lay in marriage. But would this entitled jerk go for it? They would have to see.

He remained quiet as the Ragnos droned on about his past glories, smirking as he made a ridiculous demand and trying to goad Lady Narat no doubt.

Telepathically Trodai spoke to Lady Narat.

Remain steadfast mother and calm. What he asks is unreasonable. Emphasise the fact, and that he cannot possibly expect you to agree to such terms when he would not be inclined to agree to do the same if in your position. That to spill more blood and enslave the house would only weaken our people further and lead to more blood spilt in the streets. With those he wishes to unite turning against him, and that it is something no-one wants. he continued The culling of children and enslavement is not something we hope to instill. Darth Arcanos, our king would never approve of it and neither do I. As I told you, we must do better. We have too, not just for ourselves but for the survival of our people.

He thought upon it and spoke to her telepathically again Emphasise that the culling of the children and enslavement is something we cannot accept, and neither would the people of the city or his king, Darth Arcanos to whom he claims he is loyal. Tell him that he would have more to gain by the binding of both your houses through marriage than through a culling and enslavement. Appeal to his heart and emphasise what the house has to offer by way of marriage instead of what he has proposed and how it would favour you both. And make mention that you are willing to offer Xini. See what he is willing to do to progress and serve his king. To help our people survive and evolve.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Lady Narat’s lips and eyebrow stalks quivered with rage. How easy it would be to call upon her power and strike down this impetuous little lord. Would Arcanos really care that much? They were loyal, surely he’d give Narat a reprieve for eliminating a rival house and securing Ur.

Then Trodai’s words echoed in her mind. His verbose way of explaining himself soothed her in a way. It reminded her that she wasn’t alone anymore, she had her son and through him the backing of Arcanos and his court. So she settled back into her role.

<Lord Ragnos,> She began. <Surely you can’t expect me to take that offer? The culling of children has been expressly forbidden by King Arcanos.> She explained. <Plus my warriors would never submit to chains. They would burn your house from the inside.> A calculating smile touched her lips. <We would wage an open war that would end with Graush ruling our city and brining ruin upon it.> She pointed out. <Why choose this outdated and failed method when another path has been carved.> Lady Narat gestured to the massive form of Karys. <Sadow and Kressh, bound together in loving marriage.> She pointed out. <If these two can put aside a rivalry, surely we can for the future of our home.>

Lord Ragnos shifted in his seat. Lady Narat’s words were initially met with a snarl and agitated wriggling of facial tendrils. However at the mention of Darth Arcanos and his tale, he went still. Lord Ragnos’ father had stood against Darth Arcanos, he failed in that endeavor. That is how he had ascended in his father’s place. Well that and liberal applications of Force Lightning.

The stubborn lord let out a sigh of annoyance.

<How do you propose we do this?> He asked in a huff.

<Narat offers the eldest daughter, Xini’s hand in marriage.> Lady Narat replied calmly. <She is pure of blood and her magicks are strong.> She continued. <She will make a worthy spouse.>

There was a moment of silence before Lord Ragnos spoke.

<Ragnos recognizes Xini iv-Narat and accepts Narat’s offer.> He replied cooly. <She will be wed to Avarale iv-Ragnos, second heir.> He continued. <The dowry paid will be bloodline ties and aid against your enemies.> He stated neutrally. <Does Narat find these terms acceptable?>

Lady Narat would brush Trodai’s mind.

Should we request more for her dowry? She asked her son.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai observed as Lady Narat lips and eyebrow stalks shivered with rage, and so he briefly brushed her mind when she did to remind her he was there with her. That now the bond they shared was remade he would be there when needed, as not just regent but her son too. He smiled as she listened and applied his logic and sense in her own unique way. Albeit not without a small threat at what her warriors could do as was to be expected after centuries at war.

He continued to listen and observe, seeing no further need to intervene. His mother appeared to be handling the younger Ragnos rather well all considered. Just as suggested she appeared to be emphasising the need to unite, the principles Azar sought to install with his stance against the culling of children. How it was forbidden and would not be accepted as a term of allegiance. Trodai allowed a small smile at how she had taken what he said to heart and listened to the sound reasoning behind it all.

And he smiled more at how she cited Karys and Azar situation as a example of how such a ancient rivalry could be put aside and not just be put aside but thrive. It was true, if they could look past their houses ancient prejudices and feud then perhaps other houses like the Narat and Ragnos could too. Following a similar path using them as perhaps a kind of inspiration for all their people. Trodai continued listening as Lady Narat espoused how a binding marriage with Xini iv-Narat was pure and strong, appealing to the traditional mindset Ragnos had towards purity of the blood and strength.

A worthy spouse to fit his houses need and vice versa. He listened carefully as Ragnos offered his dowry in exchange as was traditional. He considered any additional dowry as his mother asked if they should ask for more. So far the deal was acceptable although he did wonder if they could push for one more thing. Yet knew they couldn't be too greedy or extravagant, less they scare him from the idea entirely and make him angry or insulted.

And so he thought against it just in case.

He spoke telepathically again, wondering what Karys thought of it all so far. If his choices had been sound and what Azar would have wanted.

I don't think that will be necessary, we must not be to greedy less he feel insulted or made to feel inferior. But the choice is yours. If you think this arrangement is satisfactory and acceptable, I will back it.

He continued He knows what will happen if he should try and find a way out of the arrangement and betray his people, or fail to honour it in any shape or form and defy his king and the vision of a united people. Darth Arcanos and myself left a vivid impression by making a example of his father when last we were in the city. He will not want the same fate as him or the line of House Graush. Hopefully his not so foolish as his father to make the same mistakes. We just have to try and trust each other, however uneasy it may be. It is a gamble we must take to accomplish our and our kings dream. Just to make sure though, request a blood oath to seal the alliance, as tradition would demand.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys sat in silence, eating with the common soldiery at their table as he listened to Trodai's instruction to his mother and then the woman's way of negotiating with the young Ragnos Lord. The way the pair handled the Lord was impressive, especially when Lady Narat brought up his past. That gave Karys pause. How common was that knowledge? When did his love story with Azar become such something talked about? Karys wasn't sure and wasn't sure how comfortable he was with the revelation. But it did serve it's purpose and Lord Ragnos recognized the truth in Lady Narat's words.

An agreement was quickly reached. An accord was struck. The beginnings of an alliance forged in marriage and the mixing of bloodlines was forged. Karys didn't telepathically speak but instead sent a telepathic pulse of his approval. These were the decisions and plays he wanted to see.

With that, Karys would withdraw from their telepathic link. Whatever Trodai and his mother spoke on next wasn't any of his concern and he didn't wish to be in the center of it.

-----------

Lady Narat heard her son's words in her mind. She felt Karys' approval of their combined effort. She sat in silence while contemplating Lord Ragnos' offer. It favored Ragnos heavily but their House did have more sway in the city than Narat did. Plus the intertwining of their families ensured generations of peace between them and plenty of time for Narat to rise to prominence it was acceptable.

<House Narat recognizes Avarale iv-Ragnos and accepts the offered hand.> Lady Narat replied. <These two should be wedded within the week, to secure our alliance.> She continued.

Lord Ragnos popped a chunk of grilled meat into his mouth and nodded in agreement. <It shall be so.> He replied. <In the meantime we should speak on our war with Graush.> He pointed out.

<Perhaps after the festivities and with our Regent and Grand General present.> She told him.

Lord Ragnos silently agreed, his attention shifted back to the performances put on for him and his House. The rest of the feast would go without incident of political maneuvering. It was dances, displays of power, food, and drink. It was only after that Trodai and Karys were led to the inner sanctum to meet again with Lord Ragnos and Lady Narat.

-----------------

Karys glanced to Trodai as they were led into the sanctum where the planning would take place. Now we see if you have are worthy of leading a military force again. Karys pulsed telepathically. You have handled everything above my expectations so far. I am curious if that pattern will continue here. He continued.

After that, the large double doors would peel inward and allow them to step in. The two nobles turned to welcome them. Lord Ragnos looking momentarily horrified as he realized these two held significant sway and power in the new regime that Darth Arcanos was setting up. He dipped his head in an unspoken apology before stepping away from Lady Narat's left hand side and allowing Trodai to take that position.

<Lord Ragnos and I were just speaking of the rampant alchemical mutations House Graush has been employing on their Massassi.> Lady Narat explained to both Trodai and Karys. <This will make our assault on their compound...difficult.> She continued. <Lord Ragnos has suggested am ambush on their compound while their Massassi patrol the streets during the day.> She explained while gesturing to him.

<And Lady Narat has suggested another tactic, using stealth and alchemy to poison their food supplies under the cover of night. Let them kill themselves.> He nodded towards her in return.

<Unless you see a more viable path forward?> She asked, glancing to Trodai.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened and observed again after he had finished speaking to his mother via telepathy. He looked on, taking a piece of meat and eating it, roasted tuk'ata a favoured delicacy he liked. As he was eating, he looked as both Lady Narat and Lord Ragnos spoke, discussing the terms of the alliance with his mother taking heed of his words, applying them in her particular own way. He felt the pulse of approval from Karys, and allowed a brief smile. It appeared so far he had done what he set out to do, and righted at least some wrongs.

He had shown how was better than before, how he had learnt his lessons. And that he continued to grow beyond his previous limitations. As his mother contemplated the alliance, he waited patiently and hoped she took the deal. It was probably the best they were going to get all considered, and was desirable. As she accepted, he approved and allowed a smile as history was again made. As Narat joined Ragnos and unified as one in the binding of marriage and bloodlines, a step towards the vision they all shared and for himself making Azar proud. And their people by helping to end the blood feud that had existed for millennia and move forward, to help secure the city without much bloodshed sparing the innocent and children from the horrors.

Yet Trodai knew there was still to be some blood to shed, it was unavoidable. A price had to be paid by the Graush for not heeding the warnings. For defying their king and their people who wished to unify and bringing war to the city. They like the father of the Ragnos before him would serve as an example, a message. That to defy the king and the people was to embrace death. They would know his rage and wrath. They would see the Sith in him.

Yet there were those he would spare of House Graush. He would spare the children, for they could be re-educated and molded to support unification and the king. Used to rebuild House Graush into a house that served their needs. He knew Azar would object to their culling as much as he would have at Ragnos previous suggestion of children being culled.

As they were led into the inner sanctum, he listened as Karys essentially told him he was worthy of the regent position. And at being told he would now see if he was worthy of the military leadership agaiin, he grew determined to succeed. Trodai too was curious if he would succeed, if he would surpass his past antics and mistakes. If he would be the warrior he was expected to be. There was a fire inside, alight at the possibilities. As Lord Ragnos looked on in horror at seeing Trodai and Karys and his realisation that they held such sway and power, he couldn't help but smirk a little as the young lord dipped his head in apology. A apology accepted as he nodded his head in return.

Taking the position offered to him, Trodai listened intently. He could afford no mistakes on his part.

As he listened he was curious about these mutations of the Massassi. Yet he also found it repulsive that they would defile them in such a way. To mutate them beyond the great warriors they were and twist them into nothing more than hulking brutes, and yet he could respect their power and strength. But the cost he found was too high. That any would do it willingly he thought was a fool.

He listened to both as each suggested a strategy. Trodai found value in both...perhaps he could combine these ideas into one. Poison the enemy to weaken them, make them vulnerable and then strike while they are disorganised, disoriented and hungry, drained of energy. A fight could be fought on many fronts afterall and he would use every advantage they had. He decided to also employ a tactic if he could that both himself and Karys had been subject too on the way to Murzana. He knew it to be effective from the experience.

He answered calmly and collected "Firstly I will point out, we are not to kill or cull the young children. Our king, Darth Arcanos would object to it as previously was mentioned. And I do too. The children can be re-educated and molded to support unification and the king and rebuild House Graush to our benefit. Everyone else is fair game." He continued "I do see a more viable path for us however, one which would better favour a outcome we desire. I suggest a combination of the two tactics. We first poison the food of the soldiers and generals."

He continued "We weaken them with this in combination with a little something I learnt to be a effective tactic on the route to Murzana. We conduct psychological warfare using sorcerers. While they are disoriented, drained and hungry we strike with a ambush while they are at their most vulnerable. With the Massassi patrolling the streets during the day and lack of sleep or food leaving them exposed and weak, it shouldn't be too difficult to draw out the leadership to an ambush of our choosing and cut the head off. Perhaps we could even use the city catacombs to sneak some assassins inside the compound in the panic to do just that, to seek out the leadership exclusively while the ambush distracts the troops and general."

He explained. It made sense to him, to weaken them and make them more pliable to suggestion and vulnerable to attack. Using the cities maze of tunnels underneath to smuggle in assassins to cut the head off while the troops and general were distracted by the ambush.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys listened as Trodai spoke in absolute silence. While House Narat and House Ragnos together easily outnumbered the armored behemoths of House Graush, a frontal assault would result in catastrophic losses. So, Karys was pleased to hear that Trodai recognized this and chose an alternative strategy, to bleed Graush of their strength. To steadily wear them down until they were too weak and spread too thin to defend themselves. Then they would strike at them.

<I approve of this plan.> Karys stated, speaking for the first time openly. <Lady Narat, your alchemists will brew a poison that is not easily detected.> He told her. <Lord Ragnos, your sorcerers will weave their magicks to cause night terrors and induce paranoia within the House.> Karys’ stated, his attentions shifting to the Head of Ragnos. <Trodai, you and I will conduct attacks on Graush patrols after two days of poisonings and restless nights.> He continued. <We will induce panic, sow distrust, and force them to spread themselves out too thin to control their territories.> He explained. <On the fifth night, we will assault their compound through their sewage systems. We will catch them unaware and kill them all.>

<Unless there are objections?> Karys asked after a brief pause.

If not, Karys would push for the meeting to be adjourned so they could begin the process of taking down House Graush. The creation of the poison and the right incantations took time to develop, a full three days passed before things were ready. Karys was present when the first shipment of meat was intercepted on its way to House Graush. All of the meat on the wagon was poisoned and the merchant was paid to keep their mouth shut.

Between the poisoned food and the incantations of House Ragnos, House Graush was quickly beginning to rupture from within. By the second day, guards were bleary eyed and exhausted. The ambushes led by Trodai and Karys were beyond effective in reaping a further toll on the House.

However, instead of trying to control their territories as Karys expected. The House retracted, conceding ground and consolidating their forces. This meant a night raid was too risky, they’d have to adapt their plans. A new council meeting was called.

<Trodai, this was your base plan, what is your appraisal of the situation?> Karys asked him, yet another test.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai in turn listened as Karys approved of his plan. He agreed that Lady Narat, his mother was best suited for creating such poisons, while not as potent as perhaps Azar concoctions they would do the trick he imagined. And likewise the sorcerers of House Ragnos were well suited to planting the seeds of terror and paranoia with their mastery over the mind.

This along with the ambushes he thought would be an effective tactic. To drain the Graush until they were vulnerable, so he was glad Karys agreed with the assessment. He shook his head, having no further comments and so gave a brief bow saying his goodbyes to his mother and Lord Ragnos before departing to get ready for the work that lay ahead.

He had spent the three days preparing ambush positions near the compound within Graush territory. As the poisoning of food and paranoia took hold, he could hear the screams at night. Inciting a small smile as everything fell slowly into place and was so far going according to design. On the second day the ambushes began, as the guards struggled to stay awake or suffered debilitating stomach conditions, some dying, making patrols easy pickings off in their drained state of mind and body as both Karys and Trodai worked in tandem to eliminate the threats with the Ragnos and Karat forces. And assisting with ending those who would defy the king. Defy the Sith'ari. Azar, and seek to work against the people of Korriban in unification.

Trodai could sense the change in the Force as the combined affects of endless, sleepless nights, poisoned food and ambushes took their toll upon House Graush. Even as he heard the reports from the scouts. They were beginning to crack under the pressure just as anticipated from the combined strike. But then a complication arose, which was not unexpected.

Such was the nature of war. The unexpected happened and you needed to adapt should it occur. It was one eventuality he had considered.

Their enemy were as cunning as he, his mother, Lord Ragnos or Karys afterall. Or House Graush would not have stood as long as they had in the city. As a new meeting was called he knew why, the enemy had decided to retreat, giving up ground and consolidated back at the Graush compound instead of trying to defend their territory. This told him one or two things. Either they were regrouping for a counterattack and a trap or pulled back since they no longer had the resources to hold both the territories and to protect their most vital assets. The leadership and the people.

In either case a night raid was no longer viable, they would be more exposed and lose men. Something he knew Azar wouldn't want he thought as he entered the inner sanctum again to meet the three. No, they would need a alternative strategy to compensate. He Offered a respectful bow as he did enter before taking again the left spot.

" I believe an old saying comes to mind. We must improvise, adapt and overcome. I think we must adapt our strategy to compensate for this change that has occurred. They know something is up now due to our continued efforts, which have thus far proven effective, and culled some of their numbers. They have pulled back for possibly a few reasons." he said as he further considered "It is possible they are abandoning territory they can no longer feasibly hold, with not enough men to do so and can't afford more losses. Our combination of ambushes and with so many men and women being tired or sick...it is feasible they were forced to pull back to protect more vital assets and regroup. To protect the leadership and royal house members."

He continued "Or it is an attempt to re-establish some semblance of control in the compound due to the chaos we inflicted and get somewhat organised. The final possibility is they are bolstering and preparing a large counterattack" he said, facing all "Probably trying to perhaps lure us into a false sense of security and into a trap. I suspect it is a combination of these elements."

He thought upon it and spoke further "Either way a night raid now will cost too many men or women to achieve the victory we want in this manner. It's too risky now that they know to expect it. A day raid makes the most sense, maybe in the dawn of morning with the first rays of sun, when they are still groggy and half asleep. We must be vigilant, patrols will be more active during the daylight and a direct assault would be difficult but...if we map out patrols, learn the patterns around the compound we might be able to exploit an opening while they are severely weakened and still somewhat disorganised."

He continued "I suggest a diversion while sowing further descent among their leadership. Try and break the chain of command between the soldiers, generals and leadership. Foster further doubts between the generals and troops about the members of the family and leadership. That sort of thing. Turn them on themselves and keep up the pressure." Trodai suggested.

"We keep them focused only on what we want them to see and do. Blind them to what really matters. After we learn these patrol patterns about the compound, I suggest we lure the remaining forces in their confusion, discomfort, paranoia and discourse outside the walls of the compound and into death pits. Drained of energy and prone to mistakes we split them up and apart, setting up sections to pick them off and herd the enemy. We close them in a trap of our own, dividing their strength to weaken them. We box them in and burn them to ashes with the Narat Pyromancer sorcerers. And use the distraction to sneak in a smaller detachment to traverse the sewers as planned while the mutant massassi are busy. They will not expect such a attack in broad daylight."

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys listened to Trodai’s suggestions in complete silence. They were open ended and vague. A lot of it was based off the assumption that Graush knew they were behind it or that they’d simply not react in ways that were unexpected.

“None of these plans are thought out enough.” Karys replied simply. “A morning raid could just as easily, if not more easily be caught out as a night raid.” He pointed out. “Their guards likely work in shifts, a minimum of three shifts is the usual.” Karys continued. “I agree that pressure should be kept up but instead of trying to sow distrust, we sow paranoia in another way.” He began. “By utilizing hit and run tactics we can keep their guards on edge, we can force double patrols and slowly exhaust the men they have left.” Karys explained. “We break them through a thousand tiny cuts rather than a single blow.” He concluded.

“This will give us an advantage even if they pursue an open battle outside of their compound.” Karys explained. “With numbers thinned and resolve broken we can more effectively corral them.” He continued. “Then moving assassins through their sewers to eliminate command structures while pyromancers and our own Massassi deal with their soldiery.” Karys stated.

“That is a developed plan, Trodai iv-Narat.” Karys instructed. “Think things all the way through to their end points.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened carefully, noting how Karys remained silent as he tried explaining his reasoning. Unable to read just what he might be thinking. Soon enough though and he knew as the more experienced Sith spoke. As he listened, Trodai thought upon it and knew he was right in the end, cursing himself for not accounting for the unexpected and thinking it through entirely. Basing it on assumption rather than accounting for all potential unexpected events that might occur. He knew he was better than that. Yet even so he was young still and still learning even as a Sith Champion.

He knew it was likely one mark against him, yet so far so he had done well. Hopefully it wouldn't affect things too much. He would soon see. And so he agreed with the suggested approach, for as Regent he was open to advise and suggestions if they were of value and a better strategy than one he might suggest. He nodded his agreement finding no fault thus far.

Listening intently as helps Karys mentioned the fact that his suggestion was more thought out and instructed how a plan should be thought out to the end...something Trodai took as a piece of advice he would try to follow. A lesson from one more experienced even if perhaps it may not have been the intent. The man was difficult to read so He didn't actually know, at least not entirely. He spoke only once Karys had stopped.

"Your suggestion does make more sense than my own ideas, Master Karys. If Lady Narat and Lord Ragnos are amenable to the idea I think we should use this approach. I shall endeavour to try to remember that."

He said, intending to try and do just that. He would evolve as always.

@Apollyon