The Blood Princess: A New Dawn Rises

[The Confessor]

[fancybox2]

PRAKITH
0800 Hours

The cultist's power over villagers is militaristic in nature only. Therefore, you will meet a coven of dissidents in the City of Gallia. Keep in mind, these are not war-minded individuals, so a soft touch and diplomatic approach will be necessary to secure their loyalty.

Mission Pack ; Self DM
@EmilyHuene ; @Morse ; @Sabrina [/fancybox2]

An exiled Dark sided cult lead by the "Blood Princess" has taken refuge on Prakith, occupying a majority of the ancient fortresses. Darth Victress has sounded the call to bring about the death of this heretic. Under the leadership of the blind Sith, Lady Eriana Fox, strike teams will focus on a three mission task force that will bring the so-called princess to her knees.

The first mission was successful. With the Warlord executed, the leaderless capital would fall. The Confessor left her two partners behind to follow through with the second mission with the others stayed to assist the Imperial Forces to take the city. Once out of the city, her droid would fly her Vaxatious-class starfighter to the blind Sith so that she could meet with the second squadron. Eriana hated flying. It gave her the worst anxiety because she could not actually see what was ahead of her. It was worse in space. At least here on the surface she could feel the earth below her. So while the droid did most of the piloting, she tried to relax and not focus on the world flying below her.

As Eriana's personal starfighter came to land in the city of Gallia, she would be met with two Sith she had not met yet: @Taalong Vorr and @Sarla Malvern . The ship would dock and The Confessor would exit the starfighter then shake herself off as if she'd collected dirt on her jacket somehow. She was dressed in Sith Marauder armor which was solid black throughout, and curved to her body in a corset design over a tight fighting black and leather body suit. She had two of her favorite weapons with her, the first being two curved lightsaber hilts which rested on her belt. The second, for more silent attacks, was her Zygerrian electro whip which deemed only fitting for her role as The Confessor given she was captain of a dungeon-class ship which was waiting for her in orbit once the siege was finished.

The only thing missing from her normal ensemble this early morning was her white cloak. White would draw too much attention. Instead, she'd taken to wearing a black one like that of what she used to wear when she was a member of the Imperial Republica. She wanted to be stealthy during her mission last night and white had a way of standing out in the dark. Also, she had left her helmet behind for she needed all of her senses working as best as they could for stalking around in the dark. Her ability to see around corners and through walls -via her unnaturally strong connection in the Force- made her perfect for this job and she wondered why no one else had thought to assign her more stealth missions like this up until now.

Moving to the two Sith, The Confessor would greet them with kind words not like that of a Sith, "Good morning, my brethren. The Force has blessed us with a victory. Soon another shall be at our hands. I am Lady Eriana Fox. It is a pleasure to work alongside you."

 

[Taalong Vorr]

Dark Force cults were a shameful irritation, and one that seemed to be increasing with each passing day. The empire stood strong and steadfast, and yet in the wake of the recent turmoil there were splinters, fractures in the otherwise perfect union that the dark side kept and the Empire enforced. They rippled outward like cracks on a perfectly etched and aged stone that, and the more that grew, the more there was the decay. The great work of art that was the Empire was struggling to keep its renovation and bring about a new birth of itself in a new Empire. But everywhere the splinters continued, and with the growing dissidents of the Mandalorians, such cracks were only representing weakness, as one day the enemies of the Empire may look for allies to exploit, which they would no doubt find in these cults.

Fortunately the Empire was far from finished, and to reclaim its glory it was now expanding outward... aggressively. Nothing would stop the flow of soldiers pressing into the Rim. Nothing would stoke disunity in the hearts of its citizens. Most importantly nothing would stand between the true Sith practitioners of the Darkside and bringing down those pretenders that looked to the dark side on their own. Though the dark side tended to feed such divides, it brought those that survived them to a new, stronger bind then ever before, and would bolster them with new powers never before seen.

This mission to the City of Gallia was one of many that Taalong Vorr was not entirely suited for. His talents were that of violence and aggression, and it was apparent by his appearance. He no more appeared a peaceful monk of the Sith then he did a moof herder. He wore the armor of a Sith Warrior, and upon his face was a haggard mask of the Kaleesh. He was certainly prepared for battle, and would exercise his right towards a fight on a whim, without a moments notice, and would come out victorious.

The fact that he was on the mission he was on was for a pair of simple reasons... intimidation and reassurance. Taalong Vorr was developing a strong reputation as reliable in battle and as a reliable Sith warrior. He did not defy his mandates and did not seek outlandishly ambitious gains. He served his superiors and brought results. A peaceful meeting as they were about to have could serve well with Vorr, as though he may have actually been the strongest there, he certainly served as a visual reminder of the danger that the Sith Empire could pose to its enemies.

That was not the expected plan here, as Taalong Vorr stood awaiting she who would lead their efforts. The Confessor, as he knew her by reputation, was strong in the force and he could sense it even as she approached. Not one that was given her position lightly, and certainly capable of holding her own to keep it. Should anything happen he would proud to fight beside her.

"Lady Confessor." Taalong Vorr nodded with a bow of his head, a clear sign of respect. Though she was younger then he, the amount of dark energy she exuded far surpassed his own, and he held great deference for it.

The other that stood with him was @Sarla Malvern, a Sith Acolyte such as himself. They had worked together on several missions and it was clear to Vorr that their superiors were enjoying the success they were sharing as their talents complimented each other. Perhaps that was what the Confessor had in mind here, but it would be far too early to say.

"The villagers here exude a fear of all things." Vorr mentioned as a start. "Fear of the mundane. Fear of this cult. Fear of what our coming could mean." He was prepared to follow, but it was his assessment of their situation. "We could use this to our advantage." That was his appraisal, but in their present arena to the two Ladies were his superiors by sheer power in the force, and he knew well enough that it would be to them what they would do.

@Sabrina @EmilyHuene

 

[Sarla Malvern]

Sarla Malvern was the last to arrive, her shuttle had problems, getting off Serenno. She was here to help a Crusader by the name off @Eriana Fox, she was higher ranking than her. So she was in charge, though she would not keep her counsel to herself if asked, she will give her honest opinion. After all, she was nobility and a lady by birthright. She was wearing her Marauder Armour, it was a well as could be, and it was functional. Her lightsaber staff was clipped to her belt, and she had two bodyguards following her.

She left her shuttle landed, and she then headed out to find her peers. As she found them, she recognized @Taalong Vorr a fellow acolyte. She joined his side to listen to the crusader, though for some reason, Sarla thought she would have more advanced armour than herself. They had the same type of armour, which was nice to know. As she greeted her, she gave a polite nod of her head. She listened to her speak, and then her fellow acolyte speak. She then asked, a simple and basic question, Do we know how many we face, and do we have any intel on them? She was being practical, as the more, they knew the better they would be prepared.

@EmilyHuene @Morse

 

[The Confessor]

Eriana couldn't lie. Hearing someone actually address her as The Confessor was like music to her ears. She knew people called her that when talking about her -such was heard by word of mouth from others- but she quite frankly had never actually been called that by someone. It was always "Mam" or "Lady" or even "Sir" from time to time. It was a nice change of pace.

As Taalong bowed his head to The Confessor -a sight she missed due to her blindness- she was looking into his aura. The Dark side was indeed strong with this one too. She could feel power and strength from him. This was a warrior. Much different than her. While she could hold her own in battle, she preferred not to. She was perfectly fine staying out of things and focusing on her work aboard her prison transport ship. There, she had a host of secret procedures she'd been working on that the Empire might either be unhappy with...or thankful for. Results pending.

Taalong would explain to Eriana next that this cult feared many things. And fear was a powerful tool. They should know. While fear gave way to open one's strength, a flight or fight reflex as it were, it also fueled them from the fear it put into others. There was just something so appealing when a person cowers in fear of you. That fear, transformed into power for the Force user. It was like a sweet drink one could not get enough of. Yes, fear would be quite useful. They just needed to play things out carefully.

Their second comrade soon joined them not much after followed by two bodyguards. Sarla was wise to bring reinforcements, but Eriana doubted they would need it. After all, she could always have asked her own battalion of forty soldiers to come along with her too. But that would give off the wrong impression. Instead, she'd left them behind to help the Imperial troops take the capital where she'd just left. As this new Sith approached, Eriana would scan her as well. Focusing on the aura and the intent behind it. She knew not to dwell much further, as much as she wanted to pry into their minds and memories. Sith didn't tend to like sharing.

Sarla would ask then as she finished her walk over how many they faced and Eriana would reply, "When I scanned the city before landing I counted a good two dozen or so life forms. There could be more hidden around but there will be no shortage of locals."

As she spoke, the two Sith might notice she wasn't bothering to turn her head or look either of them in the eye. Most when talking with more than one person would shift their gaze as they spoke. Eriana did not. She stood tall and like a statue as she spoke. Had her bangs not been in the way they would be able to see that her eyes in fact weren't looking anywhere but straight ahead of her. For the Confessor had another name: the Blind Sith. That was her first name before she earned the reputation as an interrogator.

"As far as intel goes, we know these citizens are not tied to the "Blood Princess" by choice. They fear her, so they obey her. They will likely choose to fight us in fear of her retaliating against them. We need to show them that we are not their enemies, but their saviors. Giving them another figure to fear will only spread hatred in them and they will later come to revolt. This is something I'd like to avoid if at all possible."

 

[Taalong Vorr]

The logic of the Sith Lady, the Confessor, was undeniable. The Sith were working to retain and expand their Empire. Everything they did worked towards the unending goal that was to hold on to what they had, and expand it as they were able. But with the increase in revolutionary activities and the miserably uprisings of both the Mandaloreans and various criminal elements throughout the galaxy the capacity to do that was becoming harder and harder. Each and every day more citizens of the Empire slipped to the subversion or subjugation of those that sought to undermine it. And to make matters all the worse, each of those that defected did so in secret. That secrecy was their true asset. The real strength behind their momentum. They could strike without warning and appropriated Imperial weapons and power with little to stop them.

As she spoke without looking at either Sarla or himself, Taalong Vorr recognized that some of the Sith had unorthodox mannerisms. When dealing with a culture that spanned much of the known galaxy, they came across many that had strange habits. He of course would say nothing, but it did bring about an interesting power dynamic when she did not even look at them, but remained cordial. She was obviously in control and the other two would no doubt bend to whatever her preferences were.

"Play to your strength in power, Confessor." Taalong suggested. "A strong approach of three Sith provides an element of prophecy. A mythical presence of our arrival would not go amiss I in their... superstitious minds."

Taalong Vorr was almost entirely dismissive of cults. Their rudimentary understanding and practice of the Dark Side, which entirely forewent the true nature of it. Denying the real power of the organized lineage of the Sith was almost heretical to him, and he did not mind the idea of stomping it out, as much as bringing it to heel to serve the Sith. In either case he'd follow her lead.

"Should they tend towards aggravation... our appearance may leave them... intimidated." Taalong Vorr suggested a heavier handed meaning, as while they may have been somewhat intimidating at first glance, their combined might would be more then enough to encourage submission.

Vorr had done battle against Sarla before, she was no slouch in combat, coming second only to himself in a tournament. And both of them were not nearly as strong in the force as the Confessor. He was confident in their abilities here.

@Sabrina @EmilyHuene

 

[Sarla Malvern]

Sarla Malvern listened too @Eriana Fox speak, fear did help control people, it well within the realms of possibility it was. So the question on them was, would they help them remove the blood princess, or help her out in fear of retaliation. This was one question that needed answering, one of many. Then @Taalong Vorr talked, he made some sense as well. Then some began moving towards her and the other three, as they did her tow bodyguards moved forward. To take up a position to protect the three of them, they would be more than a match for cultists, but not for the blood princess herself.

One of them shouted Freind or Foe? She never understood why people asked that friend would say friend, and the intellgent enemy would say friend as well. Though they did know they had blasters trained on them now so they may react accordingly. She took up a defensive stance and waited.

@Morse @EmilyHuene

 

[The Confessor]

In response to Eriana's wisdom on the matter, Taalong would reply that they should play to their strength, that the three of them showing up would indeed make a dramatic entrance. She'd suggested coming as saviors, his was more to the fantasy of it: that they were of prophecy. Eriana liked the way that sounded. And she would argue that maybe the Force had sent them here like that of destiny and prophecy. For that's what the Force did.

He did caution though that if the Sith angered them and pushed them past a certain line that they may have to use their full power to make them submit. Doing so would be an easy task; something Eriana had done on more than one occasion. Being that these clansfolk had already run from one power rather than fighting it, Taalong's theory could prove effective. It stood to reason they'd be apprehensive about fighting and make it that much easier for the three Sith to put down the boot, as the saying went.

The trio didn't have much more time to discuss this as the cult would start forming around them. They had blasters, which was to be expected. But from Eriana's far-seeing perspective of the matter, she didn't see the conviction in them. It took a certain mentality to fire a weapon with the intent to kill. At best they were hold the guns to defend themselves but she could feel the anxiety and worry in the air. They didn't want a battle any more than the Sith wanted one.

Turning to face the one who'd called out to them Eriana would reply loud enough for all to hear, "People of Prakith. We are ambassadors of the great Sith Empire. We come today before you to speak of an alliance. A treaty of protection, if you will. Who do you call your leader? Let him come forth so that we may reach an agreement."

 

[Taalong Vorr]

Taalong Vorr stood firm as the cultists took up their positions, a stance echoed by their own troopers. Neither appeared particularly threatening to the other. The irony was that both were obviously prepared for a fight, and while the cultists would most certainly have the numbers, it would be the Sith that would have the upper hand. They were mighty to a fault. Their power gave them an arrogance in inflicting pain and suffering upon those that got in their way. In a moment their foes could be lifted in the air in the force, and feel their nerves seared by the power of the three Sith. And Taalong Vorr could only guess at the power wielded by the Confessor, who stood pleasantly calm, without an ounce of fear or hesitation in her voice. Though she was small, Taalong Vorr could sense her great power, and stood almost in its invisible shadow in that moment.

As The Confessor had called out to them, requesting a moment to treat with their representative, her call was answered. An elder stepped forth from the cultist guards. It was possible that they possessed meager force abilities themselves and he may have sensed their arrival. Though it was impossible to tell without giving away the Sith's potential oversight, it would not matter.

The elder was an older man, he wore a finer robe, such that represented his stature. It was more formal and less functional then the armor and garb of the Sith standing before him. But within him... the Sith could all three sense fear.

"I am the one who would speak." announced the elder, who was followed by an older guard with a blaster rifle. "You violate the sacred lands of the Blood Princess... for outsiders... are not welcome here."

The elder spoke the words, but inside and in his eyes, he did not believe them. Nor did his people, for they did not seem anything but interested in what the Sith had to say.

"Who are you?" The Elder asked. "And why do you come to this place?"

It was not for Taalong Vorr to answer this, nor would he have words that would satisfy the situation. He simply narrowed his eyes on the mature guard that stood behind The Elder... sizing him up should action become necessary. His yellow eyes scorched into the man's eyes, and he knew that he was afraid of him. That was enough to assert their position, as on a word from the Confessor, Taalong Vorr would dispatch each and every one of them.

@Sabrina @EmilyHuene

 

[Sarla Malvern]

She listened to the conversation that went back and forth, these people where friends, well they were not enemy. She stood ready willing and able, to slaughter them if need be. Though in reality, they were nothing more than, noncombatants were given weapons. She would not even rate them as militia, they did not even have a proper pose for combat trained soldiers. She gave her bodyguards an order, Stand at ease, they are not here for trouble. She then looked at the elder and told him Come forward, let us talk without everyone watching, we want the blood princess out of your lives. She knew this would make him nervous, as even though he may hate her, he had power through her. She then said Once she is gone, these people will still need leadership and guidance. There are roles for people who help us, and the more helpful people are, the more power we give them. This was her offering him an olive branch, he was not going to lose power by helping them, in fact, he may gain from it.

@Morse @EmilyHuene

 

[The Confessor]

Answering her call was an older male who claimed to be the one in charge. Eriana would turn her whole body to face him, not just her head as one might expect. In her eyes she saw the old flame and could sense his years about him. He was wise and strong in both will and mind. She could respect that in someone of his age. It would make arguing with him far more difficult, but by using muscle they could overpower him with ease. Not that Eriana wanted things to go sour like that.

The man would say to them that they were in violation of the rule set down by the Blood Princess and that they were not welcome. He then asked who they were and what they'd come for. Sarla would be the one to speak, asking him to let the group of them talk. She explained that their purpose was to rid them of the so called Blood Princess. To assure the commotion and whispering now spreading through the crowd she continued by saying not only would they deal with the issue, but they were ready to plan for the future. Anyone who helped them would be rewarded.

It was a good ploy to use. Make them think they were giving them any sort of power. In a way, they would have that freedom. But in the end they'd still be on the Emperor's chain and were no better off than lapdogs obeying whatever order the Empire set down on them. But sure, let them think and hope about the future. Eriana would deal with the present issue, that the Princess would have to fall.

"What my sister means to say is that we are not here to seek assistance in dealing with the so called royal daughter. Our people are already making headway to bring her down. Prak city has already fallen and so too shall she. We come to you today to talk about tomorrow. Will you seek an alliance with us so that no other blasphemer tries to come and rule you?"

 

[Taalong Vorr]

Taalong Vorr could see the hesitation in the eyes of any of the guards, and could sense it in the elder. Some of those that stood there were in fact reassured by the mere offer and presentation of the Sith. They seemed to relax slightly and looked amongst themselves hopefully. This was a good sign as far as Vorr was concerned, but he did not lighten his stance. His arms hung low and his grip loose in preparation for seizing upon his lightsaber and doing battle with these mixed and disarrayed cultists. There would nothing that would stop the Sith from dominating them, but for the moment it seemed their words would be enough.

Vorr could see the Elder look at the guard beside him, seeking a validation or an inquisition through a glance. One did not seem to come, as the guard hesitantly looked down at the Elder, his eyes a bit wider then they might have usually been. His thoughts were as wide and open as the Elder's in that moment, but he seemed to ere more on the side of Hope rather then caution.

The Elder looked back to them, looking on Eriana, who appeared to be the superior in that situation. He heard the words of Sarla and seemed to ponder on them carefully, and then took on the words of the powerful Sith Crusader that stood in the center of all of them. His lip shuddered slightly, almost as though he was containing words. It seemed even he was daring to hope that this offer was factual. But it was impossible to say. This cult had its own beliefs, but so long as they sought the Dark Side they would likely be allowed to subsist within the Empire's rule.

"We would seek such an ally, should the Blood Princess fall." The Elder conditioned. "But we would seek an autonomous relationship. To be left alone would be our preferred course... with some concession to be made for those who helped us achieve it." The Elder was cautious with his words, but cordial and not unwelcoming himself to a degree that it made him appear honest. "Would such an arrangement be agreeable to the Sith Empire?"

Whether that concession be in the form of taxes, force sensitives supplied, or dark relic search teams would be yet to be seen. But Taalong Vorr was somewhat satisfied by their answer. After all they were there looking to necessity a potential relationship... and they could certainly force new terms should they be necessary.

Taalong Vorr looked to the other Sith, his expression unchanged behind his sternly emotioned mask. He inhaled, not wishing to say anything more, but exuded an air of confidence in the expedient dealing.

@EmilyHuene @Sabrina

 

[Sarla Malvern]

Her smile broadens as the old man was willing to talk, this meant he was not completely happy with life under the blood princess. He was also willing to contemplate the future, of himself and his people. It seemed to be over, all that was needed to was to seal the deal. The empire did not need to honour its side of the arrangement, they no way of overthrowing them again, once they had set up here. She smiled and then offered him a job, it was a simple job. Though it would give him power locally, and status locally, it was meaningless anywhere else. I can offer you a starting position as the local judge, the job is paid and how comes with power, to decide the people fate here. So your word would be law in this area, and the people would have to obey you. Though she did not tell him, if he does not follow the law, he would be judged and taken to task by others. She waited for his answer, if yes they could then count on his support, and this area along with others will fall in line. Then he will soon realize the bargain he had struck, yes gave him power, and money, as long as he followed the empire rules.

@Morse @EmilyHuene

 

[The Confessor]

Eriana's offer was tempting. Why wouldn't it be? Freedom from an oppressor. Of course it was appealing. But they were smart not to just sign on the metaphorical dotted line. They would try to barter for their freedom which was a pointless endeavor. The Sith Empire could go back on their world as easy as flipping a lightswitch. They could have their freedom one day and then the next the Empire shows up with warships and demanding taxation.

The elder would request a partnership. They would submit to the Empire so long as they were allowed to be left alone. Of course they understood that some form of payment to the cause would be requested on the hands of their overlords. That was wise of them to not assume they'd be allowed to be independent. Eriana could see he was very wise in his old age. The deal was already forming and Eriana was sure that both parties would walk away profitable today. She didn't like having to use violence. These men had treated them with respect and Eriana would offer the same.

Sarla to Eriana's side would go further to even offer this elder power over his own people and land. The word of his law. It was no concern to the blind Sith how he made people follow his rules so long as in the end they understood that the Empire was supreme and tribute would have to be given. Eriana would smirk as the man agreed to the terms and then she'd task a few of their men to stay behind and go over the treaties to be signed and the Empire to leave its mark on this land. Their mission was done. The Confessor would return to her ship and leave her fellow Sith behind as they'd likely come with the troops or on their own shuttles. She would return to Prak city where her men were finishing up the conquest. All that was left was to wait for Darth Victress to call her with news of the Princess' demise.

~END THREAD~
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