Event I Hear it's a Delicacy: Competition Winners' Feast & Mystery Event

[corinthia]

IC: Empress Hesper, Imperatrix of the Sith
Nyriaan – The Empress' Tower ​

As was typical, a storm was raging on the tempest-world of Nyriaan—rain lashed at the sides of the gleaming tower in which the Empress was waiting, and great claps of thunder and lightning split the sky and shook the ground. Any within the storm's path would feel its oppressiveness in the Force… it would even seem to choke out a Force user's powers.

Within, in a luxurious suite not quite at the tower's pinnacle, the Empress sat at the head of a long table laid with the victory feast for her guests of honor, who would likely be arriving at any moment. The room featured a broad floor-to-ceiling window on three of its four walls which looked out over the stormy landscape, and the polished steel-colored floor boasted the coziest, largest emerald shag rug anyone had likely ever seen. Guards and servants flanked every window and the grand door leading into the room, waiting at the ready to serve or defend, and just behind the Empress' right shoulder stood one particularly unusual-looking body guard: a woman almost as petite as the Empress, with a serious visage and long polearm clenched in one tiny hand. Her black hair was tied back in a tight knot, and she wore the elegant green robes of the Empress' personal guard. Below her gaze, the Empress sat languorously in her chair, legs crossed, golden hair slicked back from her scarred face, swirling pale violet gin and bitters in a glass in her right hand. Seemingly unruffled by the storm or the seriousness of her guard, she waited patiently for her guests.

They would be ferried down from the planet's orbital station via gondola, so as to avoid a tussle with the planet's nasty weather (which had been known to bring down even the bravest and most skilled pilots), and from the gondola they would be afforded a luxury ground shuttle to take them to the polished Empress' Tower. There would be six attendees in total: Dark Lord Kain, a formidable heavy-hitter of the Dark Council, and Knight Bril'Kairn of Lord Kain's newly-formed House; and of House Cruor, Lady Invadator, Knight Rayge, Apprentice Karros, and Acolyte Duraanir would be in attendance.

Shortly, the guests arrived at the tower and entered in through the main entry, which was flanked by rain-soaked tapestries bearing the golden sigil of the Order and brightly burning braziers. They were led in by a pair of green-clad guards, and were escorted down a hallway and onto a spacious turbolift which whisked them towards the top of the tower with such alarming speed that they would certainly feel the altitude crinkling or popping in their ears. When they reached the correct floor, the lift chimed and the doors parted to reveal a lobby, furnished with stylish chaises, side tables with golden candlesticks and potted plants, with bronzium sculptures standing proudly all throughout the room like a gallery. Passing through the lobby, the guests were then led through a drawing room furnished with clusters of seating areas for quiet conversation and decorated with sumptuous tapestries and framed paintings, before entering into an empty foyer. The grand doors to the room where the Empress waited stood proudly in this foyer, being nearly as tall as the vaulted ceiling and quite wide— and on either side stood a guard dressed in that ubiquitous green garment of the Empress' guard.

From within, a muffled voice said: "Let them in."

The guards beside the grand doorway turned to face inward and pounded their polearms on the polished floor as the doors noiselessly slid open, revealing a long dark table set for seven, the Empress lounging at its head, with golden cloches covering what certainly smelled to be a grand feast all down the table's length. Behind the tall chair the Empress sat in and the guard standing behind, the tall picture window flashed with lightning, casting all in momentary, eerie brightness. As the blinding light faded from the guests' visions, they would feel it: the oppressive, foreign sensation of the absence of the Force.

Setting down her glass, the Empress stood, revealing the lustrous loose satin gown and long velvet jacket, both of black onyx, she wore. She held wide her arms, as if to present the feast before them.

"Please," she said, "Sit. This feast is for you, our most diligent and loyal citizens of the Final Sith Order. This is in thanks for your service in helping our Empire grow." She returned to her seat and re-crossed her legs, and summoned a servant with a beckoning gesture of one slender finger. "Drinks all around for our guests," she said to him before he bowed and vanished towards a discreet door, then smiled around the table.

The feast had begun.

TAG: @Darth Kain, @Reiis Invadator, @Bril'Kairn, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel, @Evis Dharkar’ta

- - -

Greetings, winners of this month's House vs. House Recruitment Competition! This is the aforementioned "mystery event" from the prize descriptions; please settle in and enjoy yourselves! Though please do be punctual with your responses, as there may be more here than meets the eye...​

 

[Darth Kain]

IC: Darth Kain
The Tower of the Empress, Nyriaan

Something was wrong here. He had seen enough horror to realize that it lurked everywhere. In the shadows of men's hearts, in the skeleton-filled closets of grand estates, in the minds that wander just a hair too far.

He had researched this world after briefly visiting during an event here some time ago; a labyrinth, if he remembered correctly. Apparently the storms here would cause interference of all sorts in the upper atmosphere: communications, electronics, and so on. But the curious thing was that it too would cause issues when summoning the Force. Now, even stranger still, was that the same oppressive force in the upper atmosphere was being felt on the ground. Kain was, perhaps, not as negatively affected as the others, thanks to his lineage, but it was certainly felt all the same. What manner of power would cause that on this world?

But he had no intention of interrogating the Empress about it. Not straight away, anyhow. No, no. It was not the time for questions, but a time for celebration. House Kain, despite its small size, was one of the two Houses in the Order to be successful in recruiting newcomers. It was a feat to be proud of.

​

He attended the gathering in a fine white suit, fitted to perfection thanks to his personal tailor on Dromund Kaas. His hair had been cut short, it seemed, though that did not require a barber. Kain had opted to not bring any weapons, as his Sith Sword was not quite so concealable; hopefully his ability to make it appear in his grasp would not be at all hampered by this storm.

Once beckoned to do so, Lord Kain took his seat at the table, admiring the decor as he went. His eyes soon fell upon the short bodyguard that stood behind the Empress. She seemed very devoted to her position, her demeanor not one of laziness or any real emotion beyond protecting the woman that sat in front of her. It was quite an attractive trait, thought Kain. Dedication. It was what originally drew him to Abaddon.

The food all along the table was fresh and varied, catering to the needs of all attending species here. The Empress had gone to great lengths to ensure they were rewarded for their efforts. And yet, Kain found it all… repetitive. Perhaps that was the curse of being royalty in his own way now. Where once such finery and delight would have made him think he'd died and gone to heaven, it now was just another day. Perhaps that was one of the lesser reasons why he'd retreated to Kashyyyk, surviving on the meat of the animals he'd killed. A break from the redundancy that his life had become.

A servant approached, no doubt for his drink order. "A Tatooine Sunset," was all he said. It was no secret that he still disdained the widespread usage of slaves in the Sith Order; once being a slave himself made that clear. Hopefully these servants were paid in some way, at least.

"And hail to the Empress," said Kain. "If only we could have gathered more. Alas, we seem to have a monopoly on the galaxy's most powerful Force Users already."

TAGS: @corinthia, @Reiis Invadator, @Bril'Kairn, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel, @Evis Dharkar’ta

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Reiis Invadator
Nyriaan – The Empress' Tower

It was a planet worthy of the event - an imposing monument to the might of the Final Sith Order, the rain and flashes of lightning that butchered the otherwise tranquil sky as inevitable as the progress of the ancient order. Rebranded, yes. Reinvented, perhaps. But inevitable. As lightning crackled brilliantly against the impenetrable cloud cover, so too did the Order extend its branches to the rest of the galaxy, its presence known and not unheard.

But it was by chance alone that the retired Dark Lord was there at all, and Reiis Invadator found herself somewhat surprised at the invitation she had received. But she remembered, and while she hadn't done -- by any means -- the majority of the work, she had happened to play a part in House Cruor's victory in the recruitment competition. This was their reward, and she was present to represent.

The hall was resplendent, as was to be expected. It had been a considerable amount of time since the General had attended a formal event, but the usual air of excess and lavishness felt something like a well-worn suit -- stiff, still, but plenty familiar once you got used to wearing it again. It reeked of nostalgia for her, for a time when such occasions were numerous and well-populated. And that was the thing that was most unsettling: barely anyone was there. There were guards and staff and all that was to be expected, but something about the planet, the room, and the few number of attendees was...off-putting.

Of course, it was only the most unsettling aspect if you entirely neglected the fact that the Force was absent within the room. It was a deadness that Invadator had become accustomed to, thanks to a certain individual who possessed an uncanny knack for Sever Force. But it was still uncomfortable, and she bristled against the overwhelming sensation that clung like wet fabric to her mind. It was times like these when she felt claustrophobic in her life support suit.

The General took a moment to appreciate the fact that her version of 'formal' attire was a full set of armor, weaponry and all.

"All Hail," she repeated after Lord Kain, the only attendee who had arrived thus far. She cast a meaningful glance in his direction before gazing briefly at the Empress. A servant distracted her attention, asking for her choice of beverage, but she quietly waved him away. She didn't presently have any intention to drink or eat, and it was convenient for her that she physically couldn't. She had seen too much in her time as a Dark Lord to take anything at face value, especially not when the entire planet was steeped in hidden plans. In her book, there was no room for trust in the realm of the unknown.

Still, she kept her outward demeanor passably amicable, but she was waiting.

​

@corinthia, @Darth Kain, @Bril'Kairn, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel, @Evis Dharkar’ta

OOC: Apologies for the delay. Texas is largely unfrozen, finally.

 

[Bril'Kairn]

IC: Knight Bril’Kairn

Nyrian-Tower of the Empress


Admittedly, the tempest world was not one the Marked Knight had ever heard of. Nevertheless, an invitation from the Empress herself was not something to ignore. Thus here he was, being guided by the Imperatrix’s guards through the tower. In his mind the tower was like a work of art. It truly was a sight to behold. More so it was far more luxurious than Bril was used to.

As they walked however, Bril’s mind wandered. Since he had arrived on Nyrian the Force felt absent from him. The feeling was alien to him and put him on edge. As such he was glad that he’d made the decision to slide his dagger into his boot and tuck a holdout blaster under his jacket. Probably an unnecessary precaution with the amount of guards present but one he chose regardless.

The suit the Shadow had chosen was a new one he had just acquired for such an event. All black with a single button dinner jacket, tailored by the best tailor he could find. His usual cavalry boots were replaced by a second pair he owned. Made from black leather and shined by his own hands to a mirror finish. It had taken some time to accomplish but it was well worth it.

An antique watch fastened by a black leather band adorned his left wrist. A momento from his grandfather the assassin only wore for special occasions. Small black steel rings went through the piercings in his ears to finish his outfit. All in all he could have done worse. Now however wasn’t the time to think about that.

The grand doors opened to reveal a dinner table, with the Empress seated at its head. Lord Kain had already arrived as well as Lady Invadator. Thankful he wasn’t the first to arrive, Bril stepped forth into the room before bowing deep.

“Hail the Imperatrix!”
“Hail Lord Kain!”
“Greetings, General Invadator.”

Standing upright once more, the Shadow walked over to the table and took his seat. The smell of what could only be the finest meal he was about to have kept him mesmerized, so much so he nearly didn’t notice the servant patiently waiting for his choice of drink.

“Honey bourbon and tea.” He said, choosing to keep it simple.


Tags: @corinthia, @Darth Kain, @Reiis Invadator, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel, @Evis Dharkar’ta

 

[Rayge]

IC: Death Knight Rayge Vigör
Nyriaan: the Empress' Tower


"The Blood Moon" hummed loudly as it exited hyperspace arriving in the Luire system. Before it was a storm-stricken planet, one that Rayge had never laid eyes on before. Up until his time as a mercenary and later joining the Sith he had never left Iridonia but with his new reward from Lord Cruor, a Mandator IV-class Siege Dreadnaught he had plans to explore as much of the galaxy as he could. Gaining knowledge from every known source of Sith power.

"Captain!
Dock the vessel at the orbital station. Empress Hesper recommended we be ferried down to avoid any possible mishaps." Rayge commanded.

"Yes sir!" the captain responded to the Death Knight and began barking out orders.

"Bring the ship around, pronto. Let's not keep the Empress waiting any longer!"

Adorning his typical attire of sith robes covered by his alchemized armor Rayge decided he would take a more formal approach to this event. He hastily made his way to his quarters where his requested attire was waiting for him. Removing the armor he ceremonially placed it in the same substantial dresser he always used. This had become somewhat of a custom of his given the way he had acquired the armor and the sentimental value it held with him. After a brief moment of removing and slipping on garments, Rayge emerged from his quarters prepared for the festivity. Feeling the ship stutter as it docked at the orbital station Rayge changed courses heading towards the docking bay. He sent out a brief message to the captain stating to keep the vessel docked and to "hold down the fort" until his arrival.

The gondola made a timely but calculated descent seemingly predicting each lightning strike before it even manifested. Something that would've originally invigorated Rayge having his blood pumping with excitement but any joy was sapped away by the growing pit in his abdomen that grew sharper as they got closer to the planet's surface. Rayge impatiently awaiting the firm feeling of the ground hoping that this sensation was just a combination of the shaky ride and the volatile atmosphere.

As soon as the gondola came to a stop he was unsettled by the fact that the pain only increased with every step he took. Mustering what focus he could, Rayge tried to indulge himself within the pain allowing him to feed the Darkside energy flowing through him but instead of the familiar vigorous rush of adrenaline he only continued to feel the empty void left by the absence of the force. Not to prolong this sensation Rayge made a direct path to the shuttle waiting close by. Sickly as he was Rayge couldn't look over the fact that this shuttle was more lavish than any other vessel he had ever traversed in. Intricate details traced the natural curves and edges of the shuttle entrailing the whole of the vessel in an elegant array of vibrant colors.

Allowing himself to relax as arduous as it was, Rayge was able to overcome the initial effects of the illness in enough time to bring his full attention to the pearlescent tower the shuttle rapidly approached. It stood as a pinnacle of the planet and, with what Rayge assumed was the intent became a lightning rod irradiating bright flashes of light in a vast radius around the tower.

A set of guards awaited his arrival, standing at the ready next to the rain-soaked tapestries fluttering in the storm. The Order's sigil flickered as the golden print reflected the light from the nearly extinguished braziers and spontaneous flashes of lightning. The shuttle came to a steady halt directly in front of the entrance, Rayge stepped out and nodded in gratitude to the green-clad guards and followed suit as they lead him through the tower's many magnificent corridors to the main suite. The guards stepped to either side of the corridor as the grand doors opened revealing enormous floor-to-ceiling windows on the other walls of the room each once pulsing with light after every strike.

Rayge paced in hoping he wasn't the last to arrive after all, who would want to keep the Empress waiting? He immediately noticed Empress Hesper sitting at the head of the table her beauty knew no bounds much like the Tatooine sunset and he could feel the eminence dark side power radiating from her only augmenting her beauty. His gaze carried on down the table as he noticed Lord Kain in his gleaming white suit "He certainly came prepared for the occasion" Rayge thought to himself. Not far from him was General Invadator, a Lady of the Sith and a fellow member of Cruor that he was all too familiar with. Then Rayge noticed Bril'Kairn another knight among the ranks at this event as well, also sporting a well-fashioned suit. He looked over himself wondering if he had arrived underdressed but the nervousness was outweighed by pride. He dare not speak it but Rayge did have a slight sense of arrogance among these contestants and any others to come. For he single-handedly had recruited more members than any of the other contestants combined, a feat that he knew would not be overlooked.

After a quick assessment of the room, Rayge stepped forward bowing to those of notability within the room.

"Hail the Grand Imperatrix, Empress Hesper!

Hail Lord Kain!

Greetings General,...Bril.

Many apologies for my delay I had some difficulties lining out a crew for The Blood Moon."

Rayge seated himself next to Empress but not close enough to cause any alarm. One of the servants approached waiting for an order, Rayge acknowledged them

"Cassius Tea"

he barked out and turned his attention away from the attendant. Rayge wasn't one to partake in alcoholic beverages as they cloud the body and mind. This was a habit he had adapted back on Iridonia which was enforced by many of the warriors to call it home.

Tags: @corinthia @Darth Kain @Reiis Invadator @Bril'Kairn @Karros Zaruiel @Evis Dharkar’ta

 

[Karros Zaruiel]

Karros exited the doors of the shuttle. Rare was the occasion that called for him to don his formal wear. A far more ornate mask that functioned more like a helmet; spiky black and indigo that completely concealed his face and head. His dark purple suit with golden stripes, long wrapped sleeves and frilled white cravat. Worn over it was his black and gold trim cloak that wrapped around him like the wings of a bat. Crimson lined the inside of his cloak and an enormous black collar jutted upwards from its shoulders to encircling his head. The Concierge's twin lightsabers were discreetly stowed away on his belt underneath the folds of his cloak. They never left his person.

Nyriaan was yet another planet he had never been to. The flashes of lightning arcing in the sky provided a mesmerizing light show as he had been ferried by gondola and then shuttle. All the while he had been...adjusting...to the emptiness he felt in the absence of the Force. For the greater majority of his life he had been ignorant of his Force-sensitivity. He had once considered himself quite capable without the Force. But now faced with the true sensation of being without the Force, and realizing that ignorance of something was not the same as the absence of something, was making him seriously reconsider his self-confidence in that regard. This...emptiness...while not debilitating, gnawed ever so quietly at the edges of his mind. Like a subtle chill he couldn't quite shake.

A servant awaited him at the doors to Her Majesty's tower. With a polite yet subtle word and gesture to follow Karros was escorted through the tower. The rooms within were beautiful. As he followed the Concierge's eyes were constantly on a swivel, taking in as much of the surrounding architecture as possible. Part of it was the bounty hunter in him; subconsciously or consciously he was always surveying his surroundings, looking for whatever environmental advantages he could exploit should something arise or if there was a surprise hiding around a corner. This habit had proven invaluable in the past and had saved his life more then once. This was not a mission though; there was no substantial reason that he would need to employ tactical maneuvers in Her Majesty's residence of all places. But twenty-seven years of engrained tactical training was hard to quell, subconscious or no. At the very least he was taking notes on the architecture and what designs he may employ for his blueprints at his architectural design desk at Darkside Living.

His escort stopped before a pair of doors and wordlessly gestured for him to enter. Stepping through the threshold Karros saw that several others had arrived before him. Her Majesty Empress Hesper, the Lord Kain, the General and Knights Bril'Kairn and Rayge were all assembled either around or seated at a long table.

"Hail Empress Hesper, Imperial Hierophant! Hail Lord Kain, Firelord!" Karros said with a bow. "Greetings General, Knight Rayge, Knight Bril."

A servant approached the Concierge and asked what he wished to drink. Karros looked at him for a moment weighing what he wanted. After a pause Karros extended a hand from the folds of his cloak and wordlessly declined and dismissed him with a wave of his hand. He was still adjusting to the Force-less sensation and wasn't sure how his stomach would hold up while adjusting. If he could become better acclimated then he might go for a drink. Something to eat as well perhaps. To eat was to live after all. Retracting his hand into the bat-like folds of his cloak he looked around to see who else would be arriving.



@corinthia @Darth Kain @Reiis Invadator @Rayge @Bril'Kairn @Evis Dharkar’ta

 

[corinthia]

IC: Empress Hesper, Imperatrix of the Sith
Nyriaan – The Empress' Tower ​

Finally, all her guests had arrived—save for that acolyte, Duraanir, whom she had unfortunately not expected to show, anyway—and all were seated around the grand feast table before their gleaming dishes and glittering feast. Their drinks were being set before them to the music of violent rain lashing at the large picture windows, and Hesper continued to sip on her purple gin.

"Let's all enjoy the feast, shall we?" The Empress set down her glass, and crisply clapped her hands twice.

On cue, servants appeared over the shoulders of each guest, reaching for the bright gold cloches covering the main courses of the feast. Another clap from the Empress, and they lifted the domed lids, revealing the lavish spread of food—succulent roasts, exotic vegetables, delicate and complex seafood, and… an interesting dish none had seen before. Large, circular discs of crispy-edged dough, slathered with tangy red sauce and topped with artisan grated cheeses and an assortment of unusual toppings… meats, vegetables, herbs, and… tart yellow fruit? Each was cut into triangular slices just large enough to lift with one hand; the largest of these foreign dough-discs was placed before the Empress, who helped herself to a slice.

"This," she said, nibbling on the string-trail of cheese that had followed her slice from platter to plate, "is called P'zza. I hear it's a delicacy from the planet Urthha." She smiled around the table, and gestured with her free hand. "Please, eat."

Another clap of thunder and flash of lightning split the air, reminding all that they should continue to be on edge, despite the delicious smell of p'zza wafting all about them...

TAG: @Darth Kain, @Reiis Invadator, @Bril'Kairn, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel, @Evis Dharkar’ta

 

[Darth Kain]

IC: Darth Kain
The Tower of the Empress, Nyriaan

It felt like he'd been giving polite nods since he'd gotten here. Each time someone entered the room and hailed him, each time the Empress spoke, each time a servant offered him a dish. He imagined nodding so much that his own head would fall off, smacking into his plate with a loud BANG. Perhaps that would have been more interesting.

This food was intriguing, at least. P'zza… something about it seemed wrong. What species thought it was a delicacy to put fruit and meat on dough? Seemed peculiar, anyway.
He decided to eat it differently than the Empress was, whether out of curiosity or a desire for individuality, he could not say. Taking it by the crusted end, Kain rolled the slice down, all the way until the triangle had become a cylinder packed with the p'zza's contents. He took a bite, and was happily surprised. The savouriness of the meat - whatever it was - perfectly complemented the cheese, the sauce, and even the fruit. In a matter of seconds, the slice was gone, disappeared into the gullet of the Beloved Prince of the Stars.

The ominous storm that loomed outside did not leave Kain's thoughts all the while. Perhaps some day he could visit the planet and practice the art of altering the environment here. Maybe he could even make it sunny one day.
That is, if the Empress wanted it so.

"So, how does everyone fare this evening?" asked Kain as he dabbed the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief. "I hope none of you are afraid of a little lightning."

TAGS: @corinthia, @Reiis Invadator, @Bril'Kairn, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Reiis Invadator
Nyriaan – The Empress' Tower

Food.

How...inconvenient.

The General might have sighed internally as a most lavish feast was unveiled before them, reminding her of a time when she would have taken advantage of the wealth of the Sith, even more so that of a Sith Empress. But in her state, neither could she sigh, nor smell, nor consume the delicacies before her. Of course, that was a lie, but it was a very useful lie. Each of those three activities would require her to remove her mask, and Reiis Invadator had never willingly shown her face to anyone. That was also a lie, but it was similarly useful. As such, she was not distracted by the heavenly smells of what lay before them, and her mind remained on high alert.

Still, none of it stopped her from gazing at the p'zza with interest, quietly observing the Empress', then Lord Kain's, method of eating it.

Something about the way Lord Kain rolled it up -- balled it up, almost --smooshing all of the contents together and to the drier back of the dough surface...it irked her.

"I don't think you're doing it right," she observed with amusement, ignoring his other statement and question. She regarded him with an almost blank expression, waiting for his reaction. In truth, she wouldn't know the "right" way of eating it, but she was giving him a hard time intentionally. It was the most interesting way to pass the time as she ignored the food and drink before her. He might have sensed a slight smile, perhaps even a slyly amused smirk, behind the mask. If he truly wondered if they were frightened by the lightning, it would appear that Invadator was unperturbed by it, seemingly oblivious to its presence as it cracked across the sky.

@corinthia, @Darth Kain, @Bril'Kairn, @Rayge, @Karros Zaruiel, @Evis Dharkar’ta