Ask Dromund Kaas Welcome to the Jungle 1: The Devil You Forgot

[Ayomi Jakarta]

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Spoiler: Theme

Dromund Kaas. The planet where Ayomi had first joined the Sith, arguably where they'd spent their most formative years studying as an acolyte. A place they'd hadn't returned to since the original Sith Academy's destruction, despite how much it meant to them. They might speak ur-Kittât, but they were by no means a Pureblood with any real claim to the place; yet it was here that they'd first felt truly at home, and because of that the Tiefling would always be connected to it. Ayomi stood atop a landing platform at the spaceport that stood in the limiting remains of the old Kaas City, enjoying the familiar smell of rain as lightning flashed overhead.

As it so happened, their reasons for finally returning had an aspect of familiarity as well. The champion knew from their last days as an acolyte that their old master, Hâtar Krezk, had designs to conquer his homeworld and had accumulated resources and a variety of assets to that end. A local contact Ayomi knew from their academy days had kept them informed about the so-called "Warlord of Krezk" for the past few years, recently passing along that no only had his territorial expansion slowed for some time but he'd allegedly begun claiming the title of "God-King" over the whole of Dromund Kaas. This caught the Tiefling's eye; such a statement didn't align with their memory of the stoic, discipline-minded Sith who'd ruthlessly drilled lightsaber forms into a young acolyte. The Pureblood had his ambitions like every other Sith, though he'd engaged them as much as he did his constant need for self-mastery. It was a weakness he'd passed on to Ayomi, and it seemed his narcissictic traits had moved towards delusion as he slowed his campaign only to claim the most absurd of titles.

They would carve that weakness out of themself here and now. The expedition to Utapau and dinner discussion with Caerllion had revealed to the champion the flaws in the logic they'd been operating under for so long, and the need to embrace the full range of their emotions and unapologetically take what power they sought. Hâtar had both assets that his former apprentice wanted for themself, and resources that would be more useful to the Order than in his wasteful hands. Ayomi could stake a claim to their own power by eliminating him, proving to both themself and everyone else that they were a Sith; but better yet, their old master's declaration came with added consequences now that Dromund Kaas was a target in Darth Arcanos' own expansionist designs.

The Tiefling was no fool, and as such did not share their old master's desire to rule the planet. Even if they had, they knew better than to cross the Sith Lord and the power he wielded. They'd been smart enough to send Arcanos a message informing him of Hâtar's treachery and their intentions in order to avoid stepping on his toes; yet it seemed the Force wanted to test Ayomi once again. Of all the people who could act as the Potionsmaster's representative in this situation, of course it just had to be Trodai. The two hadn't spoken or seen each other since their duel on Utapau a month or so back, luckily, but the Force seemed to work in mysterious ways to make sure the pair kept encountering one another.

So there Ayomi stood, the hood that accompanied their armor drawn up to provide some semblence of protection from the rain as they waited for Trodai to arrive and assault their pointed ears with his usual never-ending word vomit.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Dromund Kaas. Trodai had never set foot here but even back home on Korriban he had heard of it, as with all Purebloods. It was the ancestral home to House Hekk. Those from whom the Hekk upon Korriban were descended, this was where they had migrated from originally, with the history of outsiders and Purebloods here running deep, since the time of Darth Vitiate. As such it would a far easier time he hoped to convince the tribes to join perhaps with Darth Arcanos plans for the planet.

They would be more progressive and open to change.

Trael and Vossari had made significant progress within the city of Kaas itself, and now it was his turn to aid towards efforts. To play his part in bringing Azar dream to fruition here and expand the Sith influence across the Stygian Caldera and soon beyond. But first they needed to eliminate a rival to his claim to the world to allow expansion to occur within the jungles around and grant a audience with the Hekk and other tribes. A pretender for the title of God-King. For Sith'ari. Something Trodai could and would not allow and neither would Darth Arcanos himself. There could be no challenge to his rule.

Not even from within the Sith. And that is where the current challenger resided, the self proclaimed 'Warlord of Krezk'. A rogue Sith Master, a Pureblood Massasi called Hâtar Krezk iv-Sadow. A outcast from Sadow, much how Karys had been. He had been expanding his influence on Dromund Kaas trying to control the planet and spreading lies about Darth Arcanos, as well as kidnapping children and executing any who defied his rule. His forces were apparently quite formidable inside the fortress he had chosen set up camp with Massassi Warriors and Sorcerers forming part of his forces inside the compound.

Hâtar Krezk iv-Sadow had trained Ayomi Jakarta, his rival and despite they're differences the two had a mutual interest in seeing the rogue Sith dead. And so the two had arranged to assist each other at Darth Arcanos request. Ayomi wished to acquire his former masters assets and had a desire to prove themselves stronger than them, Trodai needed his removal to access the tribes. It made sense to temporarily join forces when all stood to gain.

And yet the man that Ayomi Jakarta would see was not the same as they had previously encountered upon Utapau. Trodai was now physically restored after conducting a ritual with the help of his apprentice Kyssiria and had since also been restored to his former position as Regent of the city of Ur upon Korriban with flying colours after reconciling with his mother, Lady Narat along with uniting her house, the Narat and Ragnos through marriage to assist with quelling a rebellion in the city by the Graush. Now he hoped to have similar success here.

Due to his new position he held some influence especially with his mother Lady Narat and Lord Ragnos both acting as his new advisors. It was through them he was able to acquire some reinforcements to bring with him for the endeavour just in case. Some Pyromancer Sorcerers, and Poisoners belonging to House Narat and Priest-Kings of House Ragnos. Both would be a help in the coming battle of that he had no doubt. He and the entourage arrived shortly after Ayomi.

Trodai was calm, collected. More confident than he had been when last they met and more sure of himself. He appeared to be that same man he had once been before his fall only better. More wise from lessons learnt and stronger. Every bit the Sith Warrior and Champion he claimed. He arrived suitably dressed in Sith Armour suited to the environment, but allowed for movement should he need too. The hood was up protecting from the rain even as he looked briefly about, inspecting the progress in the city.

Kaas city. It was a marvel he hoped to see more thoroughly after things died down. It still suffered some signs of the previous conflict. Which was understandable. As he approached he offered a slight respectful, yet begrudging bow. They were rivals yes but it didn't mean there was no respect between them.

"Greetings Champion Ayomi. May I introduce the Pyromancers, and Poisoners of House Narat. And Priest-Kings of House Ragnos. I managed to secure their aid should we need it. I trust we didn't keep you too long, the sooner we get started the better. Let's head somewhere less wet to discuss further how we wish to handle your troublesome, former master. Shall we?" he motioned to a temporary headquarters set up for them. He hoped even they respected the sorcerers he brought and the advantage it would bring to the fight ahead.

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi watched as they saw Trodai approaching from a distance, an entourage of other Purebloods following behind him. Their expression remained unchanged so as not to give away what they were thinking, their crossed arms only the slightest indication of their internal annoyance at the whole situation. They needed help, that much was true, but Trodai's help? It irked them to no end.

Ayomi met Trodai's slight bow with a long nod, the most respect they were willing to offer the man who'd become a rival. They hated that he'd even become that much. He'd approached them for the first time years ago as an unseasoned, hapless acolyte still figuring out how to wield a lightsaber; yet here he stood, ruler of Korriban's capital on behalf of Darth Arcanos while the Tiefling had almost nothing to their name. That would all change soon enough.

"Champion Trodai." Ayomi curtly responded to his greeting. "I'm sure your people will be of great use in this matter. And I agree, the sooner this matter is dealt with the sooner we can both get what we want."

The champion led the way inside, removing their hood as they circled around a large holotable in the middle of the room. They removed a small datachip from one of their belt pouches as the rest of the group gathered around the table, only then noticing that Trodai's appearance matched the usual red coloring of his brethren for the first time in a long while. Ayomi raised an eyebrow, but turned their eyes back away from the Pureblood so as to give no indication of their reaction. "I see you've recovered well from your injuries on Utapau." they stated calmly, inserting the datachip into the holotable. "And you seem to have cured your previous... affliction as well." they added.

With the chip inserted the holotable flickered to life, depicting blue holographic architechtural plans of a large pyramid-like structure encased by towered walls. "Before we get started," Ayomi began, "I will be taking the lead on this endeavor. As per the agreement I've arranged," they said, gesturing towards Trodai, "I will aid in Darth Arcanos' plans to unify the jungle tribes after eliminating my former master. But until I've succeeded in that task, I will have the final say on our actions. Does anyone have a problem with that?"

The Tiefling paused for a moment, before continuing on if nobody raised an objection. They pressed a button on the table, magnifying the projected image so that everyone could get a better look. "This is the best information we have on Hâtar's base of operations: he constructed these plans himself prior to my promotion to champion several years ago, and I took the opportunity to make a copy for future reference. Unfortunately that means it might be outdated, but the basic structure should still be the same. Including this." Ayomi pointed towards a small passage underneath the audience hall, leading outside the main complex walls towards what appeared to be an underground bunker about a mile away. "This is supposed to be a secret escape tunnel leading to a hidden bunker and a spare ship to use in the event that the fortress is overwhelmed. Hâtar called it pragmatism, I call it cowardice and our best way in."

They looked up at Trodai, tail steadily flicking back and forth. "If you can draw away the bulk of his forces, it should provide me the opportunity to use the escape tunnel to sneak into the fortress and eliminate Hâtar in traditional Sith single combat. This way we can avoid wasting your sorcerers or the warriors bound to my former master's service and avoid a messy frontal assault."

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai went inside the tent alone while those with him went to surrounding tents where they would mingle. He gave a curt now as the two entered after briefly speaking outside. Placing his hood down, he revealed his restored physical form for the first time, the scarred crimson skin showing in some areas of his armour and upon his face where the faded acid burn marks still lingered slightly in some areas.

He smirked a little as he noted how Ayomi raised a surprised looking eyebrow at his appearance before making comment upon it and his changes. Even if there was no other indicators it was telling as to what they might be thinking. At least Trodai thought so. Inwardly he chuckled a little, at his rival before him, how they must of been so envious so jealous of his current accomplishments.

At regaining such favour among the Order by his own hand.

He offered a comment upon it in return briefly "Yes, as have you by the look of it. A most unfortunate chain of events that unpleasant business. I hope today we can move past that." He calmly stated genuine, it was unlikely but he was willing to try and at least meet a mutual understanding and agreement. As Ayomi inserted the datachip, he continued in reply to the following comment about his appearance "Yes, I think you will notice much has...changed about me. And not just in my physical sense. I suppose in a way I should be thanking you and others for teaching me such lessons."

It was then Trodai went serious, focusing upon the holotable, and the pyramid structure, studying it intently. Accessing for any potential weaknesses they might be able to exploit. As Ayomi spoke about taking the lead, stroking they're ego or so he viewed it and boasting about having the final say, he simply sighed. It reminded him a little of how he had once been in months previously. It reminded him of how much he had truly grown since. He didn't really care about the fact Ayomi took the lead, only that the threat to Darth Arcanos conquest of Dromund Kaas was eliminated and he got access to the jungle tribes.

Everything else was secondary to that.

As such he gave a nod of yes to the inquiry and demand. He would remain subservient for now but if Ayomi jeopardized what Trodai hoped to accomplish, his attempt to gain an alliance with the jungle tribes and what he hoped to do for Darth Arcanos, his love, for the sake of they're need for vengeance he would end them. He would make them suffer. And so Trodai listened as Ayomi outlined the pyramid as they had known it.

Trodai took note of the secret escape tunnel, even as he heard the sting of anger and rage in Ayomi voice when speaking of they're former master Hâtar. He listened as Ayomi outlined they're plan, considering it. While true there was also another alternative he saw and so made a suggestion. If Ayomi used it was up to them however.

"While effective, this method is just as wasteful. Perhaps yes we can draw out his men, but at the same time we also draw him out to this hidden bunker, isolate and trap him away from his troops inside the fortress where he would have the advantage of knowing the layout and it would be far easier to call for reinforcements. He hasn't seen you in years, but it is unlikely he will have forgotten you. You knew him intimately, do you think he would be fool enough to be tricked into a talk with you? Convinced enough that you have changed sides and want to talk. If we can draw him out to this bunker, we could lay a trap to isolate him from his men there, and you may begin your challenge uninterrupted, take away his advantage and without the possibility of reinforcements arriving for him."

Trodai let Ayomi ponder upon his suggestion as he spoke "But of course this is just my suggestion. It is for you to decide our course of action."

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi didn't respond to Trodai's comment about leaving Utapau behind them, a brief glance up in his direction the only acknowledgement they'd give. Truthfully they didn't hold the duel against the Pureblood—hells, they'd moved first—but they lamented the lost opportunity to silence his constant blathering then and there. No witnesses, no fancy Pureblood titles, no overrated skinny handler to come to his pet's defense. They'd failed once, but next time Trodai wouldn't be so lucky.

For the time being, however, Ayomi needed the brute's help and that meant he'd live another day save for an unforeseen opportunity; professional courtesy Trodai seemed unaware of as he assailed the Tiefling's ears with his grating voice. Painful delivery aside, the other champion's ideas weren't bad in a vacuum. Unfortunately, they failed to consider Hâtar himself as a semi-rational actor.

Ayomi shook their head as Trodai finished speaking, looking back up from the map. "If only it were that easy." they said. "As you pointed out, I know Hâtar better than any current Sith. He is stoic and calculating, but as prideful and stubborn as any of your kind."

The Tiefling pointed once again to the escape tunnel on the holographic map of their target's compound. "This is designed as an emergency escape route, and Hâtar will only use it if he thinks the fortress has been overrun beyond his ability. We have no way to lure him there without first showing our hand in acknowledging its existence, or laying siege to the entire fortress." Ayomi paused, meeting Trodai's gaze. "And no offense, but I don't believe you have the forces to complete such a task."

The champion pressed another button on the table, replacing the ziggurat blueprints with a satellite-view 3D image of Hâtar's complex and the surrounding area. The fortress' front faced East, its front steps leading down to a road that passed through the outer wall's gate and led into a large village situated outside the wall. On each other side, the fortress was surrounded by jungle.

"I suggested a distraction to draw away Hâtar's troops, but you don't necessarily need to engage with them head on." Ayomi continued. "Surely a skilled warrior like yourself understands the power of guérilla warfare?" they asked innocently, though there was a hint of a mocking undertone in their voice. "Regardless, you're more familiar with your forces than I am; it's your call as to the most optimal way to utilize their talents. For my part, I intend to cloak my presence in the Force in combination with my approach from Hâtar's escape tunnel. Because he has no reason to believe anyone else knows about it, he'll never expect an attack from that direction."

Ayomi's eyes locked with Trodai's once again, as they asked "Does that answer all of your concerns, Champion Trodai?i"

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai noted how Ayomi didn't respond to his comments regarding Utapau, only giving a glance. Which was telling enough. Although he didn't know it they felt the same way about the whole thing. At least in a way. He didn't hold the Tiefling in high esteem either. In his mind they had hardly done anything worthy of attention, simply mopping and being jealous and envious instead of doing something to change they're circumstances as he had done. He wished he had ended the life of Ayomi there, to put an end to they're insufferable moaning. No-one would have missed them. He lamented the fact he had not been successful, perhaps another time. When opportunity was ripe.

Even if not now. He knew both of them were doing each other a professional courtesy in not striking each other down, and come to an arrangement. But it didn't change anything. They would always be rivals and one day they would need to compete the deadly dance they once begun. Of that he was certain and he would enjoy it. He thought back to the moment they first met. They had been allies and he had asked for a lesson in lightsaber combat as a Acolyte. How things had changed now, the pathetic excuse the Tiefling had become. Or so he thought. They seemed to take issue with everyone.

He recalled the t-shirts at the Umbara academy that had been going around at one point. How Ayomi was made a fool by Karys at the time and Acolytes now spoke of them with mockery. It amused him even if Ayomi probably wasn't so much at the time. Trodai thought upon it, he had actually had respect for Karys, Ayomi was barely worthy of any. He would miss Karys enormous frame and personality, that force of nature. But he knew the man had been the architect of his own downfall. As was the case of many Sith.

He intended to not meet the same fate.

Trodai would put up with Ayomi for now for Darth Arcanos sake. Just as he had once put up with Karys on Korriban in the process of his restoration to Regent of Ur. For the prospect of meeting the jungle tribes and a getting a step closer to complete dominion over Dromund Kaas. The end goal was all that mattered. And so Trodai listened as Ayomi replied to his suggestion.

It was true his kind were stubborn, prideful and stoic. It would be a challenge with not just Hâtar but with the tribes as well because of that. They would not be so easily swayed. Especially the Hekk who kept to themselves for most part even if they put up with outsiders and occasionally interacted on neutral terms as opposed to on Korriban. Things were very different here. He continued to listen, only nodding occasionally as he did to let Ayomi know he was listening. Not that he wanted to listen to that voice or help them but he had too.

As he listened, Trodai did find a tiny ounce of respect for the enemy, for Hâtar. He didn't appear a fool at least and planned for the eventuality of it the fortress did fall. Just as any sensible commander, which spoke of at least some competence. Trodai ignored Ayomi comment about his forces, it might have been true or not. But he knew they were capable of many things, he had seen it. Looking again upon the map, Trodai observed as the inferior Tiefling welp showed more of the fortress and it's defences. He didn't hold much hope in Ayomi, seeing them as incapable and lacking...defeating the Sith Master in single combat seemed beyond them.

But if they wanted to die that way who was he to complain. If they died he would complete the task and claim the prized assets instead. He could hope at least for now.

Trodai continued to listen to them, ignoring the mocking tone. Doing his best to not act. He simply gave a nor to the reply about his forces, as he thought of a way to utilize them effectively. Indeed guerrilla warfare was his intended tactics, the jungles would provide the perfect cover and the foliage that covered everything would be to compacted to fully navigate for the forces at the enemies command. They would be forced to walk single file or in smaller groups. Single file and ripe for the picking it they could force them into areas that burn easily or trick them into those areas with forced paranoia. The latter seemed the best bet, to induce paranoia and sow distrust. Visions of terror among the jungle to drive them mad. Make them more susceptible and drained. Especially if they did it every day and night up to the time of the main assault.

"I understand the concept. I'm not a fool." Unlike some, he thought. "It does answer my questions. For my own part we shall use the jungle to our advantage. We force them into the jungles where there numbers count for nothing. Single file or smaller patrols would be forced upon them. We force them to endure endless nights of paranoia might terrors brought on by our Sorcerers and attack during the early daylight hours. We continue to ambush them day and night whilst they endure these illusions until they are drained and depleted of energy. In their weakened state they will be more vulnerable. Is this an acceptable strategy, After all your in charge are you not, I wouldn't want to act without your approval." he half mockingly said with a smirk in a slight moment of reprisal for the earlier comment.

After all you wanted to be in charge he thought and made it clear you were. So the final say was up to them.

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

The tension between the two champions was palpable as both Ayomi and Trodai exchanged passive aggressive jabs at one another. He is beneath you, the Tiefling reminded themself; they were here for Hâtar, not Trodai. There was no need to continue what had started on Utapau here.

"I'm glad we're on the same page then." Ayomi responded, their voice devoid of any emotion that might indicate to the Pureblood that they were bothered by his comment about them leading the mission. "Your strategy sounds effective. We can poke at Hâtar's defenses for several days and nights, tiring his forces while we gain more information about the fortress and those guarding it. A week should be an ample amount of time."

The Tiefling paused, running a hand through their hair as they observed the holographic map laid out before them. Without more information about the fortress' present construction, it didn't make sense to plan out a point of attack just yet. "These attacks should allow us to better pinpoint the weak points of the base." Ayomi continued. And tell them what needed to be altered once they removed their old master's head from his shoulders and claimed the fortress as their own. "Once we have that intel, we'll know exactly where to have you and your sorcerers strike to draw out the largest response while I engage Hâtar."

Ayomi looked up once again, taking a step back from the holotable and crossing their arms. "We'll stay here tonight while we get everything in order, but we'll begin this operation in earnest tomorrow. I've got a couple of old Sheathipede shuttles lined up to get us near Hâtar's base to set up a base of operations. They're nothing fancy, but they're low profile and won't give away our true alignment if we're spotted. As far as he knows, we'll just be local raiders."

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai simply smirked as Ayomi exchanged passive aggressive barbs, completely unphased it all. It would take far more than a few petty insults from the Tiefling to provoke him. He likewise thought of them as inferior and unworthy of his gaze. What had they ever truly done to be worthy of any respect? Nothing. At least he had been making an effort and was respected among the Order now. Ayomi? They were nothing, not even a speck in the grand scheme of things.

Trodai expression and gaze remained neutral, he didn't really care what they thought of his strategy, he already knew it to be effective. He had used a similar one in the city of Ur. Although it appeared the fool misunderstood his idea forcing him elaborate.

"You misunderstand the intent." As expected he thought "The strategy is meant to not just tire...but to deplete the enemy forces. We wear them down and dwindle the numbers until he can no longer sustain himself properly. His powerbase would be more diminished. With not enough troops to guard the fortress, with them too drained or dead entirely it will be far more easier to assault more directly. Then it won't matter how he tries to defend it, he won't be able to hold it with his men too stretched thin. When the moment is right we can strike with shock and awe when they are low enough to no longer be a larger threat and we won't need to draw them out to destroy them. Wasting lives that need not be wasted. They would crumble from within and be overwhelmed."

He knew Ayomi might potentially object, but if they were smart which he found doubtful they would see the wisdom of the strategy and know he was right. By draining and dwindling the numbers it would be far easier to take control and save time. They wouldn't need to search for weak points so much or waste more lives on drawing out a larger force.

The rest of the strategy seemed ok enough, but he took issue with wasting more lives than necessary. Azar would not approve and neither would he. He spoke on it "The rest of your strategy is adequate. We can use this cover as raiders to trick him into thinking it was raiders who had been depleting his forces, only revealing our true allegiance when it is too late for him to react accordingly."

@René