Open Event Newbie Event: Crisis on Verona

[Ja'Rek]

On his way to the guild office, Ja'Rek spotted another Mandalorian. The stranger was wearing all black armour, Ja'Rek couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about the stranger seemed off. He decided to blend into the crowd, as best he could in his own bronze and blue armour.

While standing near a food vendor, he overheard some locals talking about Friar Lawrence and a peace conference. Ja'Rek had not heard about this before, but he had heard about the blockade, in fact he had thought he might have trouble getting passage to Verona. He decided to hang around a little longer to gather more information, he wasn't sure why he had decided to come here looking for work, but now he was convinced it was the right choice. Money was here.

Ja'Rek listened to the locals talk about the peace conference. They said that Friar Lawrence was a respected figure on Verona, and that he had been working tirelessly to bring the two sides together. They also said that the blockade was causing a lot of hardship on the planet, and that the people were desperate for peace.

Ja'Rek felt a surge of excitement. He had always been a peacemaker, and he knew that he could help Friar Lawrence achieve his goal. He decided to find Friar Lawrence and offer his services.

 

[Davin Tillisk]

"So be it." Disdain dripped from his hoarse words. Despite the lack of support from the other Sith, Davin's plans changed very little. A dictatorship seemed impossible but there would be a civil war. The planet is a powder keg that just needed a nudge. The warrior's thoughts and motives were flawed, but to him they made perfect sense. All he needed was a scapegoat. All in due time.

A flash of bronze caught Davin's eye. As quick as it appeared it had vanished into the crowd. He watched the crowd for a moment longer and covered his bald head with the ebony hood of his robe. There was no doubt in his mind that there were other parties at play and most were probably in the very port the Sith were plotting in. It was time to leave. "We're being watched," Davin whispered. "Travelling as a group would be dangerous, we should split up and regroup at the palace within the hour."

Davin did not wait, he stepped off and disappeared into the crowd. Another maglev train pulled into the overhead station and deposited more lost souls and disappeared into the fading light. It would be faster, but it wasn't discreet. Like the train, he too disappeared in the dying light.

 

[Caeli Veridia]

There was a deep concern nestled within the pits of Caeli's stomach. It wasn't the idea of meeting Friar Lawrence that stirred her unease, but rather the plan to separate from her Jedi companions. She knew the Sith were not only capable, but also present on Verona, and the idea of being isolated left her feeling uneasy.

"Alright," she responded, her voice slightly choked, "but let's keep communication open. The Sith are not to be underestimated." Despite her youthful age, Caeli had a wisdom beyond her years and an understanding of the precarious nature of their mission. The mere mention of Sith presence added another layer of complexity to their objectives.

Caeli's heart pounded against her chest as she started to journey to meet Friar Lawrence, the local peacemaker. The hum of city life, the constant drone of hovercraft and chatter of beings all around her, faded into the back of her mind as she tried to center herself through the anxiety. She called upon her Jedi training, falling back on mindfulness exercises she learned in the Temple as a youngling. The fear began to subside, replaced by determination and the belief in her cause.

Her surroundings shifted from the urban environment to a more rural, peaceful setting as she reached the outskirts of Verona. Caeli felt a comforting calmness wash over her. This is where she'd find Friar Lawrence, somewhere within the peaceful aura of this location. It felt right; the tranquility seemed to resonate with the very nature of the man she had heard about.

Her hand brushed over the hilt of her lightsaber, a silent reassurance of her readiness. Despite her internal turmoil, Caeli was resolved to face whatever trials awaited her, and to uphold the values she so proudly represented as a Jedi Padawan.

@KaraLi @Skippypls

 

[Adora]

Adora was relieved to hear her companions' voices. Another padawan—Caeli—sounded confident, but Adora felt something off in her words. It was hard to tell, though. The planet was frantic with energy and given the state of affairs, there was a lot of anxiety. The whole thing was messy... it muddled her senses. Thankfully a knight was with them—Rair—someone with more experience or so she hoped.

If it was just the trio, that was concerning. The conflict spread wide, a whole planet and a whole moon engulfed in preemptive war. They would be stretched thin, to say the least. "Just the three of us," Adora tentatively remarked. Nobody else had stated the obvious — if things were to turn sour, it would get very ugly, very fast, and their options would be limited.

Padawan Adora, do you think you can manage a conversation with the Montague's? They called us here, so should be the most receptive to our presence.​

"You got it, master." The easiest task of the lot. Adora hoped so, anyway.

Adora leaned back in her crash couch and engaged the starfighter's thrust-vector control system to pitch starboard. The starfighter streaked across the sky towards the royal palace. The magenta padawan pronounced herself to docking authorities, transfered her ship's identification code, and requested landing access to the local transport bay. Once given the green light, she gently glided into the bay, disengaging her engines and power systems with the practiced flick of a switch.

She exited the cock-pit, removed her helmet, and shook her magenta head-tendrils free. A pale, young human approached. "Follow me, please," he said curtly. The man was dressed in military blues, but the lack of medals or other accomplishment paraphernalia indicated his lower rank. A glorified servant. "Lead the way, chief," she replied. As the pair walked down the halls, Adora felt a lump in her throat. The Jedi were peacekeepers, not servants. Hopefully the Montague's understood that. Else, she would have to break it to them and she wasn't exactly the polite diplomat they were expecting.

@Marianne | @KaraLi​

 

[The Storyteller]

.
C R I S I S _ O N _ V E R O N A
Summer 2023: New Members Event

M A R C E L L U S _ M O N T A G U E

From a balustrade of his family's estate, Marcellus Montague's pensive eyes fell upon the city of Montaluna, a glistening jewel that, of late, had lost its lustre. His heart throbbed in his chest, a throbbing much akin to the one caused by the pernicious ailment of love. His gaze drifted towards the rival Capulet estate, somewhere on Verona, his thoughts occupied by the delicate visage of their enigmatic heir, a woman who had bewitched him with a single shared glance at the ill-fated peace summit.

As his reminiscence of the peace summit deepened, Marcellus couldn't help but contemplate the growing fissure that had cleaved Verona in twain. The once vibrant cityscape now wore a veil of apprehension and fear, its citizens pawns in a game of power played by the Houses of Montague and Capulet. The blockade, a grim testament to their strife, had left the city starved of essentials, its prosperity hanging by a tenuous thread.

His thoughts navigated towards his family's legacy, their rightful claim to the dominion of space over Verona. A birthright, instilled in him since he was a child, a right that he now questioned, as the same space was being suffocated by the venom of their rivalry.

His heart was engulfed with a wistful hope as he remembered the communiqué he had sent to the Jedi Order, a desperate cry for help to untangle the Gordian knot their planet had become. Despite his family's history of self-reliance and pride, Marcellus found himself yearning for the diplomacy and tranquillity the Jedi were known to bring. As a silent prayer escaped his lips, he thought of a galaxy where love could transcend the barricades of feuding houses, and his city, Verona, could once again bathe in the light of prosperity and peace.

@Skippypls

__K I N G _ T H E S E U S _ C A P U L E T

King Theseus Capulet occupied his golden throne, his fingers tapping out an impatient tempo against its ornate armrest. The vast heart of Prospera's majestic palace, illuminated by the ethereal glow of the local nebula, echoed his pulsating impatience. This silence that filled the halls, held an undercurrent of unease, a visual representation of the King's restive disposition.

His mind was ensnared by thoughts of the Sith. Their formidable reputation was undercut by an inefficiency that was proving costly in his anxious wait. Lines of vexation etched themselves deeper into his countenance. Pondering whether his decision to involve the Sith was driven more by desperation than strategic acumen.

His mental wanderings strayed to the crowning glory of his ambition, the colossal space station. It would be a symbol of Capulet's supremacy, a beacon of power radiating across Verona and beyond. This grand vision filled him with an unassailable resolve, dwarfing any reservations about the escalating conflict.

The King's voice rang out, firm and resonant, echoing off the high ceilings, "This station will take shape. No force in the galaxy can hinder our pursuit." His declaration resonated through the palace's grand halls, seeming to seep into its very stones. Each marble pillar absorbed his resolve, silently bearing witness to his unfaltering determination. His gaze was locked onto a hologram of the station, ambition hardening his features. He resolved, privately, that he would allow nothing to obstruct his path.

@theaveragejedishadow @Stump @KaraLi @vinter @Javier esschoolbus

__F R I A R _ L A W R E N C E

Revered for his wisdom, Friar Lawrence paced the ancient flagstones of his contemplative space. The fragrant incense permeating the room did little to assuage the unease gnawing at him. The sacred monastery's walls seemed to mourn, resonating with the strife that had draped Verona in a shroud of sorrow.

Once a beacon of peace and prosperity, his beloved homeworld was now a stage for power plays, a grim arena where honor and duty had been trampled underfoot. The plight of the common folk, the lifeblood of Verona, weighed heavily upon him. The blockade had spread a pall of desperation, turning even the most pacifist soul towards resentment.

A rueful sigh escaped his lips as he reflected on the once-noble Houses of Capulet and Montague. Their names, once symbolic of leadership and justice, were now tarnished with the tarnish of self-interest and myopic ambition. Unfit to rule, they were reduced to marionettes, their strings pulled by external forces of dark and light.

His meditation was disrupted by the quiet shuffle of a novice's feet. "Father, two parties request audience with you," the novice spoke with a tremor in his voice. Friar Lawrence, known for his equanimity, studied the novice's worried expression. He speculated about the identities of these visitors - whether they heralded hope or deeper despair.

With a nod of his head, he acquiesced. "Guide them to the reception hall. I will meet them both together." His voice, layered with years of wisdom and resolution, eased the novice's worries.

As the novice hurried off, Friar Lawrence steeled himself for the forthcoming encounter. These meetings, he knew, could define Verona's fate.

@Marianne @BlueGreen

__O O C _ N O T E S

Awesome work everyone! We are all impressed by the turnout so far. Remember that you can still join at any time for the entire duration of the event.

If you want to interact with any of the NPCs, just tag me and I'll understand that you expect a response.

Don't hesitate to join our discord to facilitate communication with each other and the rest of the community!

M I S S I O N S _ R E P O R T

JEDI ORDER

The Jedi, composed of Rair, Caeli Veridia, and Adora, are aiming to mediate the escalating conflict between the House of Capulet and the House of Montague on Verona. Their current plan involves splitting up to meet with different factions:

• Rair has chosen to meet with the likely more antagonistic Capulets.
• Adora has been assigned to the Montagues, the faction that requested the Jedi's assistance and therefore expected to be more open to dialogue.
• Caeli has been assigned to meet Friar Lawrence, a neutral party and respected figure on Verona who's working towards peace.

Objectives:

• Bring the feuding factions of both Houses back to the negotiation table [started]
• Expose the Sith self-interested involvement in the conflict [not started]

SITH ORDER

The Sith group, composed of Davin Tillisk, Ikaran, Trael Osso, and Cremek Candorus, initially had a divisive discussion about how to approach the situation on Verona. Davin suggested a more aggressive route, advocating for the establishment of a dictatorship under the Capulet house and exterminating opposition. However, the others preferred a more careful and discreet approach, acknowledging the Sith's vulnerable position in the galaxy.

Their ultimate agreement involves going to the palace of Verona and possibly aligning themselves with House Capulet, while avoiding unnecessary attention and conflict that could jeopardize their position. They also agreed to split up for discretion, given the suspicion of being watched.

Cremek also offered to deal with any interference or obstacles, possibly hinting at combat readiness.

Objectives:

• Ensure the successful construction of House Capulet's space station [not started]
• Covertly infiltrate House Capulet/Montague to cause discord and nurture resentment [not started]

THIRD PARTIES

Ja'Rek, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, is currently gathering information. After learning about Friar Lawrence's peace efforts, he decided to offer his services to assist in the peace process. His ultimate goal and allegiance, however, remain unclear.

Objectives:

• Spark a grassroots revolution promoting the wisdom offered by Friar Lawrence [started]
• Expose the hidden manipulations of both the Sith and Jedi [not started]

.

 

[Rair]

Tonight the wall is coming down​

I am stronger than my fears

This is the mountain that I climb​

​

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​

Nodding along with Caeli and Adora's words, Rair didn't bother to give voice to the roil of emotions their statements filled her with. If the Sith were here, which they had been led to believe was likely, than they were in danger and with just three of them, that danger wasn't small. Splitting up made them easier targets, but hopefully it also meant more maneuverable and quicker acting, and if there was a lion's den, well... she was the one walking into it, not the padawans.

At least, that was the theory.

"One last thing. We're here to talk, not to fight. Unless absolutely necessary, you're to avoid conflict. Run if the S... if anyone engages you and let us know." Another nod to herself before she let out a sigh. Maybe that should go without saying, but it was better to be clear. At least that's what her Master had taught her. "And uh... you can just call me Rair. Master is... probably a bit too generous."

With a final nod, the girl slipped through the port and into the city. With her head low, she moved towards the Capulet's estate, keeping along as public of roads as she could find.

----------------------------------------​

Arriving unhindered at the estate, the young Knight found herself escorted into the throne room. The guards at the front gate had been a bit brusque, but otherwise amenable and it hadn't taken long before Rair had been escorted onto the grounds and her arrival announced to the King. Now she stood before him on his throne, a soft smile on her face.

"Greetings, King Theseus, I am Rair, Knight of the Jedi Order," she began, offering a small, deferential bow. "I'd like an audience, if you would be so kind. The Montagues have asked for aid in securing peace and in the interest of that, I've come here to speak with you before I sought them out. Better to get your side of the story, I think, before theirs. I wouldn't want it said the well has been poisoned, after all."

----------------------------------------
Got 100 steps to go

Tonight I'll make it 99​

@Marianne | @Skippypls | @Aberforth

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek was the first of his kin to arrive, emerging from the shadows before the king like a ghost, with a bow.

"greeting, oh noble king, forgive our tardiness.. things are moving quickly indeed."

he said, adopting his much more socially approachable persona.

"I heard you required our assistance good sir, and we have heard your call, my comrades should be arriving shortly to hear your plea."

@Stump @KaraLi @vinter @Javier esschoolbus

 

[ikaran]

Ikaran arrived quickly after Cremek. Knelt before the king, awaiting his word. forgive me your royal higness, For I am late. We are here to aid you.

Ikaran remained still waiting for the other sith and instruction from the king.

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Arriving shortly after his fellow sith, although via the traditional routes he arrives during the jedi's introduction. Masking his force signature as he felt her presence upon arriving off the maglev train. He doesn't interrupt her introduction waiting until she finishes looking up and motioning for the mando-sith to hide knowing he has been masking his presence in the force as well. Clearing his throat before speaking, "King Theseus it is a pleasure to meet you in person your renown and reputation as a ruler supersedes you and doesn't do your visage honor. I am one of the mercenaries you've hired to provide security for your new space station once tensions have been resolve. Although I can see you have a visitor before me and will wait accordingly until you conclude your business with her."

Before leaving the room he motions for the sith in the suit to follow him. After leaving he sends a holomessage to the other one before he arrives. "A jedi is making an audience with the king so I suggest a change of plans. You should head to the Montague palace I have a ship with some more casual clothing in it at the docks I'll send the tracking beacon location so you can find it. I would recommend changing clothes and going as ambassadors just to get an idea of their demands and what the jedi may work toward." With that he cuts the holomessage and sends the beacon location to his holocommunicator. Now he waits to see the jedi and his fellows actions.

@theaveragejedishadow @vinter @Stump @KaraLi @Aberforth

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Listening to Rair's parting words, Caeli's heart hammered in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. As a Padawan, she was well-versed in the principles of peacekeeping. Still, the prospect of facing a potential Sith presence was daunting, and Rair's insistence on evasion underscored the severity of their situation.

Having been entrusted with the task of reaching out to the elusive Friar Lawrence, she boarded her transport, its engines humming softly. As she set course for the monastery, she couldn't help but ponder on the role they'd been thrust into. They were peacekeepers, not warriors, a fact that felt increasingly precarious in the face of the mounting tensions. She silently pledged to uphold the principles of the Order, to use her intellect and compassion to forge a path of resolution, however challenging it may be.

As her transport gracefully descended onto the landing pad, Caeli caught sight of the monastery's intricate stonework, bathed in the waning light of Verona's setting sun. The air held a crispness to it, mixed with the faint scent of ancient books and burnt incense that seemed to permeate from the monastic walls.

Gathering her thoughts, she disembarked, her boots crunching softly on the gravel path that led to the monastery’s grand entrance. Crossing the threshold, she entered a vast reception hall, its cathedral-like architecture suffused with an air of tranquility that soothed her anxious heart.

At the hall's center, awaiting her arrival, was Friar Lawrence. His aged eyes, filled with wisdom and a weary understanding of the world's burdens, fell upon her. She approached, and with a respectful bow, she greeted him, "Friar Lawrence, I am Caeli Veridia, a Padawan of the Jedi Order. I come in hope of peaceful resolution and understanding in these tumultuous times."

@Aberforth

 

[Davin Tillisk]

The presence of Jedi excited Davin. Where there was one, more were surely scurrying about. It was inconvenient timing as he was already on the palace grounds, Davin was not returning to the port without a proper disguise. Casual clothes wouldn't be appropriate. His escort is a smartly dressed officer in a white jacket and trousers. "Excuse me sir, but I need your uniform."

The maglev train was packed, but the passengers made their best attempt to give Davin space. A uniform has its perks it seems. The port was as busy as ever and a heightened military presence was evident. Davin marched to Trael's ship with mild anxiety. It had been awhile since he last flew anything. At least it wasn't his ship. The checklist was simple enough and he lifted off for the Montague estate.

As a representative of House Capulet, Davin was granted landing privileges at the estate itself. It was a hard landing, Davin hoped he didn't break anything, but he wouldn't have been too upset about it either. Davin disembarked and was met at the landing pad by another officer. "We weren't expecting an ambassador. State your purpose."

"There are new developments at House Capulet. I am here to begin preliminary talks between our House and House Montague," Davin did not break eye contact with the officer. Confidence was important to get inside.

"Very well, follow me." The man made way for the estate interior and Davin followed closely behind.

@Aberforth @Skippypls

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

the mando-sith turned to the woman..

of course they were here, cremeks masking was still going strong, so no way she could know his true nature.. he will deal with her himself..

"my lord, if I may, I've heard there have been those with intention to... manipulate.. your decisions, If I may not ask as a mercenary charged with your houses success, why we should not assume she is a rival spy, here to destabilase your oh so glorious space station?.."

@vinter @Stump @KaraLi @Aberforth @KaraLi @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Adora]

"Right this way, madam Jedi," said the escort.

Polished marble pillars flanked an arched entryway and gave way to an expansive chamber. At the front of the room was a balcony, its entrance blocked by a crimson curtain. Adora sauntered inside the chamber and clasped her hands behind her back.

"He will be with you shortly."

The servant masquerading as soldier turned and walked away. His boots softly clicked on the marble floor. Adora nodded her thanks. She could sense troubled thoughts beyond the curtain; tendrils of confusion, anxiety, and sadness wrapped around her.

After a few moments of waiting, the source revealed itself. The poised Montague heir emerged from the balcony. Adora wasn't expecting much, but to her dismay he was tall, dark, and handsome.

It made her want to puke.

"Your... grace?" She wasn't sure what the proper greeting was, if there was one at all. "I'm Adora. The Jedi Council has sent me." She shot a thumb to the side, "Quite the blockade you got out there."

As the brief introductory exchange ended, Adora could sense a presence approaching, far before the echo of their boots reached her ears/head-tendrils. It wasn't the servant, she knew. This new presence was not so simple minded. An ominous feeling filled her mind. The air around her seemed thick and heavy....

She tried not to let it overwhelm her. Afterall, it was nothing a lightsaber couldn't cut.

@Aberforth | @Stump​

 

[The Storyteller]

M A R C E L L U S _ M O N T A G U E

Amid the grandeur of the Montague estate, a gaunt figure emerged from the shadowed alcoves. It was Marcellus Montague, his sharp features etched with the lines of stress and worry. Unbeknownst to his guests, he was embattled by a ceaseless internal war; a tug-of-war between his responsibilities to his lineage and his heartfelt desire for peace.

Emerging from his introspection, Marcellus was met by the sight of two unfamiliar figures. His heart quickened; he knew the reputation of their emissaries. Though his weary spirit yearned for amity, he understood that such visitors would either usher in a new era of harmony or further plunge Verona into chaos.

His first contact was with the supposed ambassador, a figure claiming allegiance to House Capulet. Davin. The corners of Marcellus' eyes crinkled, a subtle indication of his skepticism, though he veiled it under a cordial veneer. "Welcome, Ambassador. Your arrival is... unexpected, to say the least. Our houses have long been at odds, but let's hope our conversation today shall be the first step towards a resolution."

And then, he turned his attention to Adora, the young Jedi standing awkwardly amidst the grandeur. Her casual demeanor and colloquial speech contrasted starkly with the opulent surroundings, yet he saw something in her eyes. A spark of determination that reminded him of his own youthful idealism. "Ah, Jedi Adora, I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival. It's an honor to have you here. We've called upon the Jedi Order in desperate times, hoping for a light in the gloom," he stated, his voice thick with emotion.

"Come," Marcellus beckoned, his eyes flitting between the Sith and the Jedi. "Let us sit and discuss the future of Verona, and perhaps, we may yet find a way to pierce this shroud of darkness." As he led them towards the opulent meeting room, he was acutely aware of the tensions simmering beneath the surface, the hopes and fears of all those whose fate hinged on the outcome of their deliberations. His heart ached at the uncertainty of it all, yet he held onto the sliver of hope their presence promised. He knew it was a gamble, but the stakes were simply too high to fold.

@Skippypls @Stump

__K I N G _ T H E S E U S _ C A P U L E T

Impatience clawed at the fringes of King Theseus's mind, an incessant throb in the temples as he awaited the discussions to commence. The throne room, once a place of resolute strength and authority, felt strangely confined, the ornate mosaics and filigree casting unsettling shadows under the dimmed lights. The quiet hum of the automated servitors was barely audible, drowned by the cacophony of his own thoughts.

He watched as Jedi Knight Rair bowed deferentially. Her polite words and conciliatory demeanor did little to placate his ire, only reinforcing his belief in the meekness of the Jedi Order. Her mention of the Montagues was the spark to his already simmering indignation. "I have no need to hear their fabrications and sly justifications," he retorted, his voice echoing throughout the vaulted chamber.

Turning to the Sith, the King's eyes blazed with a renewed sense of vigor. He found a certain solace in their straightforward approach and shared ambition, an echo of his own hunger for power and expansion. He decided to confront the Jedi's insinuations head-on. "The Montagues see a weapon in my station, where I see a beacon of progress. They reject the notion of change, of growth. If they stand in the way of our destiny, they must be removed."

The Sith emissaries maintained their silence, an ambiguous foil to the Jedi's placatory overtures. Their enigmatic demeanor seemed to suggest a deep-seated assurance, a contrast to the veiled anxiety that clung to the Jedi Knight. "My foes must understand that their obstructionist approach to progress cannot continue," he addressed, his tone a study in controlled intensity.

His eyes danced with a volatile spark as he gestured expansively at the holographic display of his space station. "My vision is clear, and nothing shall stand in its way. Not the Montagues, and certainly not the manipulations of the Jedi. We shall shape our own future, under the watchful eye of our monumental beacon of achievement."

With a final determined look at his audience, he concluded, "Verona's ascension is inevitable. And I urge everyone present to acknowledge it. Or step aside." The echo of his last words hung in the air, a stark challenge, punctuating the tense silence that descended over the throne room.

@theaveragejedishadow @KaraLi @vinter @Javier esschoolbus

__F R I A R _ L A W R E N C E

From the heart of the monastery, Friar Lawrence observed the ongoing power struggle with an unshakeable tranquility. His quarters, a meditative space adorned with ancient ecclesiastical tapestries, was imbued with an air of timeless wisdom. The ambient scent of parchment and burning incense, the subtle whisper of turning pages, all contributed to the serene backdrop against which he constructed his strategies.

The arrival of young Caeli Veridia and the request to meet with both sides at once brought a quiet, cunning smile to his lips. This was his domain. A perfect stage for his subtle manipulations, as he would be playing the mediator in the foreground while advancing his agenda in the shadows.

As the door to the reception hall creaked open, the Friar's senses were assaulted with a rush of cool air, carrying the scents of worn stones and aged wood. The old-fashioned hall, with its tall, intricate stained-glass windows, was bathed in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors from the early afternoon sun.

"Greetings, Padawan Veridia," he welcomed, his voice resonating through the archaic hall, rich with paternal warmth. He listened to her speak, his eyes thoughtful and his responses measured. His observation of the Jedi was shrewd, his mind dissecting each word and gesture for underlying implications.

"Patience, my child," he finally spoke, the soothing lilt of his voice echoing in the hall. "Strife is but a crucible that purifies gold, distills wisdom from the dregs of conflict. Our path to salvation lies not in the rule of one or the other but in unity."

Inside, he was a tempest of plans and calculations. The Houses, engrossed in their petty feud, were blind to the real danger - the power vacuum that they were nurturing unknowingly. It was a void he intended to fill.

A vision of a harmonious Verona, led by the righteous and enlightened hand of the church, filled his thoughts. The space station, a contentious symbol of power, would metamorphose into a beacon of unity and spirituality under his governance. Every word he uttered, every action he orchestrated, was another deliberate step towards that endgame.

"As both factions seek solace and counsel in our monastery, we must guide them toward peace," he continued, his gaze steady on Caeli. "Not just for the Capulets or the Montagues, but for Verona. For it is in unity that we find strength."

His words hung in the hallowed air of the reception hall, a veiled sermon of his veiled ambitions. After all, it was in the delicate dance of politics where the Friar truly thrived.

@Marianne

 

[Rair]

Tonight the wall is coming down​

I am stronger than my fears

This is the mountain that I climb​

​

----------------------------------------​

​

An eyebrow arched up as she turned her head to examine the men who spoke after her. Not that she really needed to, her force sight being only helped by direction, but it was customary, after all. And here was a motley crew claiming to be... mercenaries? Well, likely as not that part was true, though the Mandalorian carried what appeared to be a pair of lightsabers on his wrist.

Giving a shake of her head, she turned her cloth-covered gaze back to the king on the throne.

"I want to be clear, since it's been brought up... I'm not here to manipulate anyone. Regardless of what you may have heard, you only need to manipulate and lie when you have something to fear. Jedi tend to covet courage instead, so I can promise I'll be honest with you." Holding out her hands, she offered them palm up and empty to show she had nothing to hide. "I want what's best for Verona and her people, and if that's your space station? Then my work here will lie with seeing that come to fruition."

Letting her hands fall back to her sides, she smiled at Theseus and took a couple of steps forward to separate herself further from the pack of "mercenaries". "In order to help, though, I need information. Why do the Montagues believe your station is intended as a weapon?"

----------------------------------------
Got 100 steps to go

Tonight I'll make it 99​

@Aberforth | @theaveragejedishadow | @vinter | @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Davin Tillisk]

Davin eyed the young woman. Does her masters not find this serious? She's just a child. He contemplated this as Lord Montague stated his welcome. It was clear that the disguise wasn't bought, but he only needed an in. Still, tact is necessary and more importantly, not reveal his full intentions to this little woman. There is no way she isn't a threat. I cannot underestimate her.

"Lord Montague, may I start by thanking you for allowing an audience with you unannounced and I wish to apologize for my voice. My vocal cords are ruined from a past mistake." Davin wheezed his greeting out. He had a clear disadvantage and learning as much as he possibly can about his opponent in this meeting. Peace is a lie. There will be something this man will fight for.

Davin took a position behind an ornate chair. The room was gorgeous skewing on tacky. It reaffirmed that he wanted nothing more than to see it all burn. If there is success here then Davin will gain power and there is nothing more important in the galaxy than that. The Force shall set me free.

@Aberforth @Skippypls

 

[Ja'Rek]

Ja'Rek watched as the other guest, a young woman with short auburn hair and hazel eyes, walked ahead of him and introduced herself to the Friar. He slowly followed, taking in his surroundings. The stone floor was slightly worn down in places, testament to the hundreds of years of people who had walked upon it before him. The stained-glass windows cast a mottled light upon the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

As he drew closer, Ja'Rek heard the woman mention the word "Padawan." He had never met a Jedi before, and he had no interest in meeting one. Her and her ilk, along with the Sith had ravaged the Mandalorian people for centuries, and he held them all in contempt.

The woman was small, but there was something about the way she carried herself that made Ja'Rek think that she would not be an easy opponent. He smiled to himself. A worthy challenge, even if he had no intention of fighting her.

He stopped next to the Jedi and listened to the Friar speak. The Friar spoke not of peace but unity, making reference more than once that neither house was the solution, did the Friar have a mind to remove the houses? If so, surely he can’t expect this to be resolved quickly, unless of of course, the “diplomatic” Friar has already started the wheels of revolution behind the scenes, and if so Ja’Rek would need to talk to the Friar in private, away from the medalling Jedi.

When the Friar was finished speaking, Ja'Rek stepped forward and introduced himself. “Friar Lawrence, my name is Ja’Rek of House Talon, I’m here to support your efforts to bring peace, and unity…..” he let the word drift for a moment hopeful that the Friar would understand the deeper meaning and the Jedi wouldn’t, “perhaps once we are done here, I could have a word with you in private, about a more personal matter?”

@Aberforth @Caeli Veridia

 

[Adora]

Adora had deliberately lied by omission. They didn't need to know she was just a padawan learner. She was young, that much was obvious. Hopefully that was enough to work in her favor should they underestimate her.

Staying silent and listening was her best course of action for the time being. Lest she talk and reveal her novice diplomatic acumen. Perhaps being misleading wasn't the typical approach for a Jedi, but Adora was no stranger to breaking the rules. She briefly ran a hand through her head-tendrils, touching the two cauterized stubs she had accidently cut off.

Adora found the meeting room both opulent and empty. The air felt strangely cold to her head-tendrils. The polished marble was adorned with intricate etchings. Aristocracy was as hollow as the room. Pretty, but underneath the hood, their legitimacy was built with blood. If the current crisis escalated, there would be a lot more of it.

The Capulet "ambassador" weezed like a dying bantha. Gross. He addressed the Montague heir and then pretty much ignored her presence. If it was passive aggression, she wasn't about to let him one-up her. Maybe staying silent could wait. She could practically feel her late Master's disapproval, but she bit back the shame.

"Haven't you heard of bacta, ambassador?" she said with veiled disdain and a forced smile. "I'm sure the Capulet's could afford your treatments, no?"

@Aberforth | @Stump

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Caeli listened, her gaze bouncing between the stoic Friar and the mysterious man who had introduced himself as Ja'Rek. The aged friar's words resonated with her Jedi teachings; unity was indeed a strength. Yet, there was an undercurrent in his tone, a hidden meaning that she could not quite decipher. As for Ja'Rek, his request for a private conversation with Friar Lawrence stirred a sense of wariness within her.

She broke the silence, her voice echoing softly in the vast room. "Friar Lawrence, I agree with your sentiments of unity. However, unity requires understanding, something sorely lacking between the Montagues and Capulets."

With a steady breath, she continued. "I suggest we arrange a second peace summit, this time with representatives from the people also present. A neutral ground where both sides can voice their concerns, seek understanding, and hopefully, find a middle ground."

She glanced briefly at Ja'Rek before her gaze settled on the Friar. "This monastery could be an ideal location. An environment that encourages reflection and understanding, far removed from the political intrigue of the palaces. What are your thoughts?"

@Aberforth @Blue Green

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael listening in couldn't help but notice the challenge in the kings last statement. Though he would prefer to be diplomatic the other siths idea of installing a puppet government now isn't sounding so bad. He looks at the king though his eyes aren't visible the king couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. His voice thick with challenge as the kings he says "No one here is questioning the rise of your planet lord. Yet one must also not forget those who built the foundation of the home lest it crumbles. Ambition is fine but blind ambition leads one to make mistakes. A war will weaken the military of Verona to a point where any outside force can push in, if you would like my associates and myself could go to take care of the Montagues but the price will be drastic. I think the best course of action presently is the see what your rivals want before making a drastic decision."

Glancing to the jedi he turns he glance back to the king. "If the Montagues hired jedi than they are seeking either peace or something tip the scales. The blockade and clearing it should be our highest priority. Your people are starving they have no moral to want a war. Dragging them into one will more than likely have dire consequences. Another of our band is on the moon now speaking to the other family." He turns and leans to Ikaran lowering his voice to an almost inaudible whisper. "The report mentioned a peacemaker from the church that lead the first peace conference go see what transpired during said meeting and where he stands"

@Aberforth @vinter @theaveragejedishadow @KaraLi