Ask Korriban Thrones of Blood, Dirt and Bone

[Darth Caelestis]

The sun blistered down upon Artorigas bare head, sand wiped around his body the long half-cape flapping out behind him as he stalked across the open sand from the landing pad to the Sith Temple. Though he wore his traditional armour Artorigas had forgone the helmet, for those he was meeting today he wished to look clean in the eye and hiding behind a visor was something neither of them would take kindly to. As he approached the bottom of the steps leading up he temple he gazed up at the colossus either side a statement to the power and overwhelming might the Sith wished to push upon the galaxy.

As he stepped into the halls of the Temple the temperature slowly began to fall, with each step he felt cooler and more comfortable within the heavy armour. People passed him through the halls, some gave him looks of subservience others of outright defiance, though Artorigas gave none of them heed for his eyes were firmly fixed upon the halls ahead of him.

The Sith Noble headed for the Council Chamber, for those he wished to seek would be found inside, Darth Stolas and Darth Andruil. The man had the luck of having spent some considerable time in the company with both of the Dark Councillors since his arrival into the Sith World. Though unlike many other meetings he had with the pair, the Sith Marauder had something to bring to the fold this time. A jewel within not only his crown but perhaps one to fit into that of the Sith Order itself.

He reached the large ornate doors which would lead him to the meeting room, armoured guards lightsabers at there hips stood either side. Neither looked to stop him entering knowing that if he was to be stupid enough to enter the council chamber without a real reason those inside would deal with him quickly. Summoning The Force he pushed the doors opening slowly before entering into the chamber.

@Mr. Teatime @Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil's schedule was always an odd one. Most of her time was spent on Dathomir. Some was spent on Felucia. But the Council chambers was on Korriban ever since the fall of Sullust, and that meant that technically she had an "office" here as well. Truthfully, she avoided coming here unless she had to. It was insufferably hot. And it was that kind of hot that just didn't ever cool off. She'd started nearly sweating between the landing pad and the temple entry.

Oh well, there was no use dwelling on it now. She'd gotten to work and had quite a productive morning so far, even getting a cup of caf and chatting with Morgan a bit before the arrival of their joint meeting.

Artorigas was someone she had gotten to know fairly well and he had earned enough respect from her that when he claimed to have important information, she was at least willing to meet with him to hear about it.

Though she had a chair in the Council chambers that was assigned to her, she wasn't actually using it. As was her wont, she had taken a seat on the ground in the far corner of the room, sipping on her second cup of caf and scrolling through mission reports on her datapad.

@Braden Drake @Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Although Stolas wasn't fond of Korriban's climate he checked in often even when there wasn't immediate Council business to attend to and orders to give out. The others would find the temple kept as clean as possible even with all the dust outside, the floors regularly swept and cleaned. Statues stood intact and in good condition wherever they'd been placed, and a door or two forbidden for general entry. The temple would not be neglected even if its King was rarely present.

While Andruil had taken to a corner Stolas sat in his chair while a servant poured fresh tea into a small lidded cup. A datapad of his own lay on the circular table used for meetings, the latest information regarding the movement of different resources displayed on the screen. His eyes didn't immediately move to their guest as the broad double doors opened, a slow drink of tea filling that time instead.

"Artorigas. Do sit down," Morgan said by way of greeting, a more ordinary chair if comfortable chair available at the opposite end of the table. After a moment he closed the datapad screen and his eyes came up to look at the Marauder, hawk-like goldens focused on the Lord of Wessex. A small, politely friendly smile settled on Morgan's face. The servant quietly offered tea.

"You have found something of interest?"

@Phoenix @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

As expected only the two Darth's he wanted to see where here. Typically Stolas was the height of prim and proper, dressed the nines and sipping tea, Andruil sat in the corner on the floor, sipping something perhaps stronger than the tea Stolas offered Artorigas. The Sith Noble took the offered seat, it was small, insignificant and plain in comparison to the other seats on the table, a sign that those who came to visit were no comparison to those who resided in this room. Artorigas smiled to both Stolas and Andruil giving both of them a respectful nod, he allowed the tea to be poured but he doubted he would drink it. The only thing that could help him in this time was a lot stronger and perhaps frowned upon whilst formally meeting these two.

"Thank you Lord Stolas, Queen Andruil." He started before reaching beneath his half-cape and pulling out a small holodisk. Sliding it across the table to it sat neatly in the middle of the two Sith Lords before springing to life. A dark planetoid with a single moon floated between them all. "This Mi' Lords is the lost Sith Redoubt of Exegol." He gave it a moment to sink in, or for brains to reach back through old histories to remember this planet and the history behind it before continuing. "The last resting place of Darth Sidious, the ancient Citadel had become infested with corrupted inbred creatures but myself and my Apprentice have removed them. I am currently in the process of securing the Citadel for use."

So that was the facts now for the gamble. "I wish to claim the planet for my own, my own Kingdom. For that I would request the backing of yourselves for not only the planet and surrounding space but also the rise to Sith Lord." There it was, the demand, now the payback. "The planet has much to offer both the Order and yourselves and I would be happy to share in the spoils." Artorigas already knew the hook to catch Andruil, though Stolas might be a little more difficult.

@Mr. Teatime @Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry pushed herself up and slipped her datapad into her pocket as she walked over to the table, taking a sip of her caf.

Good to see you again, Artorigas, she said. She liked him despite her reservations about him, but this was a business meeting of sorts. She didn't take a seat at the table as she looked at the information on the holodisc.

Her eyebrows rose in interest and surprise at the reference to the planet of Exegol. This was impressive work. He went on to speak about what he intended to do and what he wanted from them.

She glanced over to Morgan for a moment. They had two options: back him or simply seize what he had. She was never much for the latter.

You have my attention, she said. What is the state of the facilities? she asked. They all knew what had happened at Exogol and if the production facilities were still intact that was an offer far too good to pass up.

@Mr. Teatime @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Stolas]

Perhaps it might come as a surprise after a particular interaction at the party on Serenno, but Morgan had no dislike of Artorigas. He did good work and backed off when warned and that was more than others could say. The Firrerreo's attitude toward others was fluid and ever-shifting with context and that was true even now. His eyes met Renfry's for a moment when she glanced his way.

Morgan listened to his explanation. Exagol had been devastated near a century ago as part of another of Palpatine's long list of failures, but it could be said the man had been both productive and ambitious. That someone had found and cleared it out had his attention. Golden eyes locked themselves onto the nobleman's face with an unsettling focus, every minute muscle twitch of his face and visible body under skilled scrutiny.

"Exegol is far west. What ambitions do you hold for such a kingdom?" Andruil had already asked the practical question. Stolas' was far more loaded and he was notoriously difficult to lie to.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He gave the Queen of Dathomir a light bow when she greeted him. Artorigas gave them both his full attention as they spoke in turn, his face passive as he mulled over his reply. If he was honest he had only learned a little about the facilities beneath the planets surface before he left. His limited resources meant that his first week upon the planet had been spent mainly within the confines of the Citadel he had secured.

"There is some significant damage where crashed ships have pierced the surface and we have some power problems. But with some financial and physical work we will be able to bring them fully back online within half a solar year." He replied to Andruil, if he was honest he was surprised that she was the one after the physical assets of Exegol and not its other assets. "That is not to mention the ample hard resources upon the surface. Thousands of Star Destroyers ready to be scrapped and rebuilt. Our fleet could double within the year, triple again within twenty four months." Turning to Stolas he wondered if the Dark Councillor remembered much of there conversations on Serenno, he had spoken then of his desire of his own land and Kingdom.

"King-in-the-Sith sounds quite nice." He said with a smirk, "being so far west has its benefits and cons that is for sure, yes it will be harder to receive support from the central Empire. But it also allows us for a two-pronged attack, I can look to push in from the West as yourselves can push from the East. This expansion will split both the Jedi's and Republic's attention and resources allowing the Sith Order and our own spheres of influence to expand rapidly." Artorigas words were a gamble, even though he was only seeking the rank of Sith Lord at this meeting he was positioning himself at the same time to one day rise to the rank of Councillor along with Andruil and Stolas.

@Phoenix @Mr. Teatime

 

[Renfry]

Another good question and then some interesting answers. Renfry was more aware than most of the Order's rather precarious state. They were not weak, but they were not nearly as strong as any of the Empires of old. They needed troops, ships, and assets for the war that was well on its way. Failure to protect Sith space would result in danger to Dathomir, and that superseded even her own personal desire for knowledge.

Excellent, she said, knowing that she was as likely as not to want to go see it. Though, if he was as exclusive about Exegol as she was about Dathomir that might be more difficult than not.

Bold ambitions, she said, but didn't offer any comment to say that it wasn't acceptable.

You're ready to take on the responsibility of Lordship? she asked. It was not ask in slight against him, and she wagered the answer was "yes" but there would be great expectations placed upon him if he went forward.

What else can you tell us? she asked. She would have been lying if she said she wasn't interested and excited, and her tendency toward asking too many questions was trying to push its way forward.

@Braden Drake @Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Stolas' brows furrowed in thought. Potential benefits and difficulties both presented themselves in Exegol, but logically speaking some sort of grand betrayal wasn't one of them. It was near worthless without support to revive it and sufficient crew for ships raised from ashen graves of twisted metal. With that support, however...

Of course Morgan remembered their prior conversations. Artorigas was ambitious but didn't come off as foolish enough to make enemies when he didn't need to. A second after Andruil's question the Firrerreo straightened slightly in his seat, brows returning to a neutral state on his face.

"Exegol will lose all value if it is discovered too early by others." Others here meant the Free Worlds and friends. "But, a wise investment." Far from Northern Sith territory meant Artorigas would need to resort to quieter methods for expanding his kingdom in the south-west. What this meeting was really for, however, was to establish ties with other Sith in power and solidify that the nobleman was an asset. So far it seemed to be working.

Morgan leaned forward a little and leaned his chin against his hand, head tilting slightly.

"What sort of king to you aim to be?"

@Phoenix @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He could tell out of the two of them Stolas seemed either the most concerned or most reserved in Artorigas' ambitions and words. It made sense, from the conversations he had experienced with the pair of the Firrerrian was always going to be the harder man to both please and assure of his loyalty to the Sith. "Much to my fathers disgust I was always raised to one day rule over people, it is in my blood. Though I doubt he expected the House of Wessex would have this much power one day." He replied to Andruil with a smile. "I am sure Exegol has much more to offer all three of us, a world such as that cannot be without prizes of magnitude befitting the Sith Council. Though I require more time and resources to fully bring them into the light."

Although the conversation was far from over it seemed as if he had gotten over the hardest part of the conversation, there was no flat out refusal, now it was a positioning game. One he was much more suited for, as such the Serrenian relaxed in his seat, pushing himself back further into its embrace allowing him to cross one leg over the other. "I am not one for being a despot, unnecessary cruelty, forced coercion and brutality only breeds discontent and rebellion. This is a stupidity that many of our forbearers and even some of our contemporaries have fallen into. I would look to rule wisely, for people who believe they are wisely and justly ruled, are not only loyal but speak of that loyalty to others."

Artorigas thought for a moment about leaving it there but instead chose to expand a little upon his own ideals for wisdom and justice. "Unlike some however I see wisdom as the awareness to determine the mean between the extremes in temperament. I will not be pushed over, but I will not become despotic either. I believe that Justice shall reign when rulers rule wisely and justice which should be the aim for all rulers, is achieved when each of the classes of society is in their ideal state do what they are best suited to do. My soldiers will fight and defend, my merchants will trade and barter, my craftsman will build and create and my workers will be the backbone of it all. Idle hands breed boredom, contempt and rebellion I will keep them busy, not only upon Exegol but upon all worlds I control." He could have kept going but decided to hold it there. To allow the Councillors to digest what he had said, to perhaps scoff and roll their eyes at his ideals. If he was honest he did not mind if they thought he was idealistic or naïve only that they accepted him as a King-in-the-Sith.

@Phoenix @Mr. Teatime

 

[Renfry]

Renfry listened to what he said with a face that betrayed nothing. It was a skill she had slowly learned as queen. Most of what he said sounded good, but she couldn't help getting the impression of a politician: sounding good but meaning nothing. She hoped not, but ultimately it was something that only time would tell.

We'll see, she simply said. It was not an objection. In fact, she hoped it all ended up being true, but she didn't often base her actions on "hope" anymore.

We don't need anymore unhinged psychopaths like my predecessor, she did add after a moment. The Council's "late" expert on the arcane was a truly insane woman and the Order was better off without her. Nothing about Artorigas had ever indicated to her that he was unhinged. In fact, if anything her hesitation was in his hesitation.

And where do your views on the Sith stand? she asked. She had no doubt he knew what she was referring to, but this wasn't a topic that she could simply ignore at this point. He was not an Acolyte any longer, he was angling for a position as Lord and perhaps even more. While she was hardly a conventional Sith either, she wasn't as averse to the Dark Side as he was.

@Mr. Teatime @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Stolas]

His opinion was similar to Andruil's. Drast games and evasion were what he knew and grew up with, the duplicity and airiness of nobles. Double-speak and implication were sometimes easier than plain answers. Golden eyes narrowed slightly but he didn't interrupt with commentary and instead waited for Artorigas to elaborate on his intentions as a king.

Certainly what he said was wise and much of it even lined up with the teachings of Morgan's family. Prosperous and productive citizenry made for a strong empire. War and 'peace' were both good for business while civil unrest was nothing less than poison. Peace was a lie of course, a hope rather than reality, but in practical terms even that falsehood had uses.

"Lessons in failure. Smart." Stolas straightened again. "We certainly do not," he added dryly to Andruil. Vyrassu hadn't been mentally qualified to be in charge of a carwash much less holding an important seat on the Council. The madwoman's loss was not one he mourned.

"And," Morgan began, tacking his words onto the end of Renfry's question about the Sith, "Just how sure are you?" Whether he was referring to prizes or Artorigas himself wasn't made clear.

@Braden Drake @Phoenix

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He gritted his teeth a fake smile placed upon his lips at Andruil's question, he knew that this could come up. He had once voiced his concerns about both the Sith and the Dark Side to the Councillor months ago, there was always a chance that it would be brought up here and now. He had mentally prepared for it though now before the two he had to gather his words correctly less they collapse everything. "They have changed, my eyes have widened over time, though there are still many faults to the Sith Order which need to be rectified. I am sure between the three of us we could resolve them. Much of them are as we have already discussed, wanton bloodlust, stupid wars and useless wastes of resources." He paused for a moment before continuing.

"There is much greatness within the Sith Order, awaiting to be pushed forward into excellence. That is something I am sure that I can help progress not only from Exegol but from the Kingdom it births." He paused and look at both of the Councillors straight in the eye. "So I ask again your backing in my rise to Lordship and title of King-In-The-Sith. From this Kingdom around Exegol the Sith war machine will bolster and once again the Sith will control the galaxy." It was his final pitch he just hoped that it was all the pair needed to give him what he wanted, what would be the next step upon the road for Artorigas Wessex.

@Phoenix @Mr. Teatime

 

[Renfry]

She listened to his explanation of what he had come to think of the Sith and decided it wasn't all that different from what she or Morgan thought. It was a more reasonable position for the Sith to take. She was unafraid to dirty her hands with blood, but blood poured out without reason was still waste.

Okay, was all she said in response to his statement. The reality was that none of them had taken conventional paths to the Sith, and each had their own view. What she didn't think was that he was going to attempt to turn on the Sith. He was showing his true colors now, and they were well enough aligned with those of the Sith.

He continued on to his final statements about his goals and aspirations. Specifically what he wanted the two of them to support, and so came the first thing she took issue with.

I support your push for Lordship, she stated. She saw no point in beating around the bush for any of this further.

If you want to be King, I suggest you pick a planet: King of Exegol if you want. King-In-The-Sith is a title you can take if you want to challenge the Eternal. Changing "of" to "in" isn't going to save you from its wrath, she said.

One of several things was true. Either he was simply pushing the envelope to see what he could get or he was serious about the title. Either way, he had found the edge. As for the title itself, perhaps there was a reason he wanted it other than the fact that it was two letters away from claiming total leadership of the Sith, but she doubted anyone else was going to see it from this alternative view. She wasn't going to put her neck and assets on the line for that.

She glanced over to Morgan, wondering if he would see things the same. Perhaps he could convince her or offer an alternative viewpoint, but she was doubtful.

@Mr. Teatime @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Stolas]

'King-in-the-Sith' was an unusual title all on its own. While precedence for kings of individual planets or cultures wasn't unheard of, broader ranking held a certain sort of weight. As Andruil pointed out a "Sith King' of any sort could clash with the Eternal solely because the Eternal decided it did. Artorigas may have his own further thoughts on the matter behind that tense smile he wore over his face but Morgan's concerns went in a different direction from word choices.

"I will also back your Lordship." A brow above hawk-like eyes rose up with a sense of skepticism, a wry smile on the Firrerreo's face. "However. If you want want to be a 'King' of any kind shouldn't you build a kingdom first?" he asked dryly. If he wasn't mistaken, Exegol's population according to the report had been horrible mutants and monsters that Artorigas and his apprentice had wiped out. The planet needed an influx of workers and population, territory needed to be expanded, and so on.

Stolas thus felt his question was perfectly valid. While he and Andruil could provide support the nobleman needed to do those things and reap the rewards of Exegol, declaring himself 'King-in-the-Sith' at all could easily draw enough attention to have someone show up to take the planet from him. For example, the Eternal itself. Which would not be ideal.

"Clarify what that title is meant to mean to you and the Sith." Historically speaking, some planets or galactic governments had Kings within them, which may well be what Artorigas intended.

@Phoenix @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

If Artorigas was true with himself he had not thought that the title would be something to displease The Eternal. It would be something he would need to consider further now he was moving out of the shadows of being a Marauder now the light of a Sith Lord. He was however extremely pleased that both Stolas and Andruil had agreed for his rise to Lordship, now it all really took was to leave this room without a mistake and it was his. He waited for both of them to add there secondary questions, he left Andruil's as it would tie into Stolas' second.

"I already have Exegol and plans are already in motion for, Nirauan, Rago and Ankus. These four will be the centre of my new Kingdom, with Exegol as its secret head, Nirauan the public one. I have already shown in the Edua Campaign that I can push forward in the conquest of new lands quickly and these will fall at the same pace." It was a show of confidence in himself and his plans. "With regards to the title," He paused for a second, his words need to not only suffice for the two Councillors before him, but any ears which would reach The Eternal.

"In the practical terms it means that I am only a sovereign over the lands themselves, the space around it belonging to the Sith Order. In more conversational terms, you both are Kings and Queens in the Sith are you not? You rule over vast territories, you even call yourself Queen, Queen Andruil. Yet you hold these lands in deference to the The Eternal. You are a King and a Queen but serve an Emperor, just that none of you wish to use those names. Also a King is a grand title, one which brings with it prestige and power, so to ones such as yourself who a King shows deferment to that prestige and power follows along to yourself and of course to The Eternal." He finished the last comment with a bow towards the pair.

@Mr. Teatime @Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was still dubious about his secondary title, but they were all adults. Perhaps it was mincing words, but sometimes those subtleties ultimately became important.

I am Queen Andruil of Dathomir. Not of the Sith, she clarified. It was why she had recommended he choose a particular planet.

My suggestion remains, she said with a shrug. The statement was also an indication that if someone opted to fight him over that title, he should not count on her for support. She hoped he would reconsider, but it was his decision. Sith had killed over pettier things before.

Even so, she had to say she was happy with the decisions he was making. He had come quite a way since they had first met. Though she didn't say it aloud, she was eager to see what he would do in the future.

@Mr. Teatime @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan listened closely and but didn't look at Artorigas much for the entirety of his explanation, instead reading off the datapad in front of him. The nobleman's plans seemed sound enough he had to admit. Title-wise the two Councilors had issued their warnings and suggestions. However...

Referring to Stolas as a King summoned up an abrupt change in his demeanor. His eyes returned with hawk-like sharpness to Artorigas' face, an irritated frown curling his lips downward. The Serrenian hadn't meant that Morgan was literally was a king, that was obvious, but it still irked him. That it irked him at all irked him further.

"I am a Lord of the Sith, not a King," he corrected. Conversational or not there was a significant difference in terminology that should be respected. Just as quickly his lips curled back up into an amused grin, the fangs on one side flashing in the light. Funnily enough he was a prince, but nearly no one knew that in the first place.

"Be a King if you like," Morgan said with a lazy wave of his hand. "And wear well that weight." With that he seemed to lose all interest in that part of the conversation, going back to his datapad where he was now handling some digital paperwork.

"This Council looks forward to your future endeavours, Lord of Wessex. No pressure."

@Phoenix @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas would take Andruil's words to thought, perhaps it was best not to anger The Eternal. He had only heard stories and whispers about the elusive Dark Lord of the Sith and he did not wish at least at the moment to bring about the Lord's wrath upon himself. Stolas' reaction to the words of King was a bit off, well in his eyes at least. He had seen the man snap a few times during there conversations and like always his face quickly reformed into the serene balance that it always sat in.

He would file away the comment for later, just encase this issue ever raised again between the pair. It seemed that there meeting was over and Artorigas had got what he wanted and not given away all that he was willing, a win. "Thank you Lord Stolas, Queen Andruil, I will inform you both about Exegol's progress once I have it. Enjoy your day." He finished with a smile before standing and leaving the Councillor chamber, hopefully his next visit will be to sitting down on the other side of the table.


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End