Social Games The Rancor Pit (EUC Dueling thread)

IC: Lord Iudex
Dull, rhythmic clanking of heavy metal on metal echoed out from one of the many vestibules leading up to The Pit's viewing area, the sole herald of the heavily armored Sith's arrival. Other than the ominous sound of his plated armor, Iudex was voiceless as he marched into view. Just like before, a call had gone out to gather, to honor the ancient tradition of ritual combat of Sith against Sith.

And so Lord Iudex answered.

Lord Iudex offered the other gathered Sith a respectful bow of head before diverting his full attention to the two Apprentices squaring off below. He crossed his arms across his chest, waiting for the inevitable blood to spill. Either Apprentice had the potential for greatness, to boldly lead the Sith into a brighter future. Perhaps they would both survive the events of today, or maybe they would both fall. The specifics mattered little to the Falleen.

If one were to die, so be it. There was no room for weakness within the ranks of the Sith. Those who ruled, and those who served. Which apprentice, Iudex wondered, would be the ruler, or the ruled?

Tags: @Shadowsun , @Narancia , @darthbernael

 

IC: Lord Manticore

Once again he appeared, striding forth out of the darkness, seeming a billowing cloud of black smoke and red tongues of fire taking humanoid shape. The zabrak High Lord was covered in his customary black cloak, hood up, fiery eyes peering out. He gazed at the currently empty Emperor's Box, as well as that of the Sith Triumvir. They were presently empty, but he doubted they would remain so. A turn of his head, and he beheld Lord Bernael, as well as Lord Iudex. To both he offered a respectful nod.

Turning now towards the dueling pit, his eyes perceived the shape of the upstart new apprentice, Darth Impetuous. This one was well named, for it was his own impetuousness that ushered his duel with the Emperor's own apprentice, Darth Azathoth.

How interesting.

Lady Syren's recently acquired pupil did not waste time, fully intending to make a name for himself. An why not? It was a worthy challenge, but was he up to it? Had he bitten more than he could possible chew? A good question. Impetuous was no longer a peon, he was something far greater. He had impressed the Sith and attracted a High Lord. Now, it was time to prove that worth. From what little he knew about Darth Impetuous, Manticore understood that the young sith would always have something to prove, mostly to himself- and though a proud warrior, he knew how to learn from his lessons. Otherwise he would have certainly perished during his Trials.

Standing now on upon the mezzanine of his choice, Manticore folded his arms over his chest and waited, even as he opened himself to the currents of the force.

Azathoth was in an interesting position, given his current sith pedigree. Impetuous was in danger of having a very brief career as an apprentice, if he did not satisfy Lady Syren's standards of excellence.

Manticore allowed himself a smirk of amusement and merely continued to observe, as he wondered in the back of his mind, if his very own apprentice would make an appearance.

Either way, as a sith battle master, he could sense that he would not be disappointed by the duel.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @Narancia, @darthbernael, @Silvertough, (@Quinlan Vos )

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

Azathoth gave no external reaction to Insipid's warning, but internally it lit him with glee. Not only would Azathoth's wrath be brought forth but also the wrath of the Emperor himself channeled and conducted by his Apprentice.

He waited patiently with bated breath as his Master ascended the stairs. And then it happened... the swipe... the indication to unleash his hunger.

In the instantaneous moment after the drop of his Master's hand, Azathoth flailed his hands, six thin beskar needles flying outward from his robe. The signature weapon of Azathoth. They flew with intent and purpose over to Impetuous, their speed a marvel to behold. Azathoth would be deeply surprised if he was able to avoid them, although he knew Impetuous had likely researched him greatly. It was in his nature, he would be expecting the needles.

Four of them each went for the four limbs of Impetuous, attempting to pierce and push back the fresh Acolyte into the wall. The remaining two would go for the chest, their purpose to assist the others in propelling his opponent into the wall.

Azathoth's expression would remain the same.

Devoid of emotion.

TAG: @Narancia @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Impetuous

Impetuous' eyes light up with glee as the Emperor had given them the signal for the battle to start. But just as suddenly, the Emperor teleported behind his apprentice Azathoth and issued...something? Darth Impetuous was unsure of what the message entailed, and Azathoth, his long-time tormentor, did not indicate through external expressions of the message's contents.

But Impetuous felt the air change; there was a tinge of malice to it, maybe imperceptible to simpletons that lacked the sensitivity to pick up on the force or even a bumbling peon. Impetuous was none of those things, especially not a peon, not anymore. Impetuous might not have heard the words, but he could feel the motivation the Emperor's comments caused. It stirred within Azathoth, and just before Impetuous could settle in his thoughts, six gleaming needles of what Impetuous instantly knew was Beskar came flying his way, whistling through the air!

Impetuous knew of Azathoth's tactics, so this strategem was predictable in a way; however, there was a problem. Azathoth's throwing arm was more potent than Impetuous had estimated, but if it hadn't have been for the prep-work, the studying by Impetuous, he'd have been skewered right then and there. Instead, Darth Impetuous channeled the force into constricting and contracting his leg's muscle at an accelerated rate. Thus enabling Impetuous to move and dive past 5 of the needles. But the 6th needle intended for his right arm grazed his right shoulder came ever so close to cutting the skin as Impetuous dove. By what appeared to be luck, Impetuous managed to avoid being stabbed with the needle by the thinnest of margins.

A close call.

But Impetuous continued his dash and altered his trajectory towards Azathoth with his blade raised, betting that his tormentor would be at a disadvantage if this fight were taken to CQC or close-quarters-combat.

TAG: @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7 (anyone else)

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

Azathoth's face remained expressionless, his head tilted in what appeared to be apparent boredom as he viewed his opponent rush towards him. A common mistake of his enemies was to assume that Azathoth was helpless in close quarters, he had learned to adapt over time, and in truth, certain techniques used by the Acolyte were far more potent the closer his target was.

But Azathoth would not allow his opponent the luxury of reaching him. As Impetous's rushed towards the Sorcerer he would unleash a blast of kinetic energy in all directions, which would if not knock down his opponent to the floor, surely would cause him to slow down for even a moment.

And that was all Azathoth needed.

With a wave of his hands, the six needles came chasing after Impetuous, instead of the orderly, neat squadron they flew in previously they traveled in deliberate disarray, their movements chaotic, difficult to predict. They would swarm around his opponent probing for weakness and trying to find an opportunity to strike.

Azathoth was testing the junior Acolyte's reflexes, seeing what he could manage.

He did not want it to be over before it had even begun.

TAG: @Narancia @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Impetuous

The sudden kinetic blast staggered Darth Impetuous, interrupting his rush. Still, he quickly turned his head back to see the gleaming metals of Beskar needles chasing after him once more, this time in a more crazed and erratic fashion. Impetuous's frustration grew some more as he realized that Azathoth was, in fact, toying with him right now, testing him.

Tch.

His Tormentor viewed him as nothing more than a peon still; then it dawned on Impetuous, his tormentor might've expected this action from him. This next realization also angered Impetuous; he would have to get real creative if he were to best Azathoth but first the needles. Using his Echani training coupled with his already intact force sprint, he dodged the 4 of the needles with the grace and calm of an acrobat.

​

The last two needles lagged but were simultaneous in action; Tobbi used a highly advanced Echani move called the sidewinder flip to dodge these.

​

The more Impetuous recognized these needles as a threat, the easier they became to dodge. However, after dodging the needles, Impetuous began to sprint in circles for no explicable reason. Impetuous kept running and running and running until a whirlwind of debris was formed, and he used the force to send it to Azathoth's way!

​

TAG: @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

Azathoth watched patiently as Impetuous dodged the needles, he was swift and gifted. He could sense the frustration radiating off him. He sensed the debris coming towards him, a more imaginative technique for sure. But still, not one that would prevail.

The Emperor's Apprentice let out a hand, a rush of chilled air came in contact with the debris, slowing it as it began to drift downward. But the air around Impetuous was now filled with this debris. Bits of metal, dust, a general cloud that would make it difficult to see.

He realized he would have to step it up a notch, to his surprise his opponent had remained unscathed thus far, he would not allow this to continue. Azathoth extended his fingers, a crackle of energy unleashed itself from his fingertips, crackling through the air and the debris field towards Impetuous.

​

His right hand remained free, its gestures commanding the remaining beskar needles, that as the flew would come in contact with the lightning conducting it. They would surround Impetuous in all directions, following him like homing missiles, locked on to their target.

TAG: @Narancia @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Impetuous

Darth Impetuous looked on in both awe and frustration as Azatoth simply observed his new whirlwind technique and snuffed it out with a simple spell of sorts. The move that Impetuous created had now effectively backfired. What was left of the debris and metal had become a smokescreen of sorts impairing Impetuous's vision.

Sith spit! Impetuous cursed mentally, Azathoth isn't just powerful; his judgment, mobility, reasoning, all of his abilities are finetuned...

A slight crackle of lightning tipped off Impetuous to what was being thrown his way through the silence that followed. In the fastest he's ever been, Impetuous put his hands up, blocking the lightning with his Tutaminis power; the power managed to help protect Impetuous from the full force of Azathoth's lightning. Still, the attack's impact threw him across the arena and crashed into the rafters before falling back into the arena below.

​

Impetuous lied there, on the ground, his body smoking and steaming, his body slightly shaking from the pain as his breath quickened. Then once again came the needles; they just never seemed to stop, never letting up. Impetuous did the first thing that came to mind and began to roll away from the incoming needles, dodging them once more, eventually making his way back onto his feet.

​

That's it! Impetuous needed to change the pace of this battle; he was tired of this cat and mouse game! Tired of the narrative that Azathoth was going to beat Impetuous black and blue, he couldn't afford to look bad in front of his master; if he were going down, it would be in an epic battle, not a complete stomp! Impetuous, still in full sprint, came up with a new strategy and once again charged at Darth Azathoth but zigging and zagging at unpredictable and chaotic times to seeking to disorient Azathoth.

​

TAG: @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Syren
Watching...

From a corner opposite her Emperor, Syren bathed in the shadow of an entryway, peering down upon her new Apprentice and his opponent. Impetuous was swift and cunning, though she couldn't help a cold smile at the sight of him smoldering on the arena floor.

Pain taught unique - and lasting - lessons. Impetuous would have to suffer through many... Yet, for the first time, after several failed and unworthy students, Syren felt as though this one would make it to the end.

If he didn't die here first, of course.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth @Narancia @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

Azathoth could not help but let the sadistic urges swell throughout him. The struggle, the pain it brought Azathoth delight, perhaps Impetuous did not realize how much they both needed this. He viewed Impetuous try to draw near once again. A small smile grew on Azathoth's face.

The chaos of his movements did not matter, the Force Wave would spread out in all directions. There were ways Azathoth knew that Impetuous could combat this, but even if he could the needles were in hot pursuit of him once again.

With a small smug smile on Azathoth's face, he spoke for the first time, the devilish glee buried behind his calm, malice words.

"Tell me Tobbi, what do you think your greatest mistake thus far was?"

TAG: @Narancia @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Impetuous

Darth Impetuous heard Azathoth shout his real name, and it made him angrier but not as angry as he would become once he heard the familiar sound of the six Beskar needles whistling through the air once more, then came the force wave, another multi-pronged attack. But Impetuous was having none of it and unleashed his own force wave, albeit a bit smaller but potent enough to cancel out Darth Azathoth's attack.

​

But as the Impetuous stopped to dissipate the force wave, the needles were upon him now. Impetuous raised his hands with no time to run and channeled the force into redirecting the trajectory and path of the needles and sent towards Darth Azathoth; then, he continued his sprint towards his target.

"My first mistake was thinking that I could beat you at your game instead of trying to beat you at mine!"

Impetuous was now very close to Darth Azathoth. Within that moment, Impetuous pulled back his arm, intending to punch his former tormentor; in fact, he envisioned in his head what that moment might look like.

​

But in that moment of envisioning, Impetuous doubted that it would come true. The truth of the matter was that Impetuous had played into Azathoth's hands because he respected him on a deep level, so he doubted his capabilities. Everything Impetuous did was in truth to impress Azathoth, he was the first Sith he met in the temple, after all, the one that exposed him to the dark side, but it soon turned to resentment. Azathoth was always the hardest on Impetuous, but he never understood why, why was nothing good enough for him! So Impetuous kept charging at Azathoth with his arm outstretched, wondering if the attack he had in mind would actually hit.

If not, then he wouldn't be surprised, but if it did, then Impetuous didn't know...


TAG: @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

Azathoth's grin grew into a maddening vistage. The infectious sadism that lurked within his heart bellowing forth to the surface. Azathoth could feel his opponent's frustration and his doubt. His lack of confidence would be his undoing.

The Emperor's Apprentice let out a hand, in a gesture to choke Impetuous, but this was no ordinary Force Choke. It was stronger, coming to bind at Impetuous's sides. Crushing him on all fronts. Or at least that is how Azathoth envisioned it.

​

"No Tobbi, that was not your first mistake."

A flick of his wrist as he commanded the Force to smash toward his opponent, in the assumption that it would fling him across the room. In any case, Azathoth was confident his opponent would not reach him, and if he somehow made it through all that, Azathoth would simply move out of the way.

"I feel your frustration, your anger... this is good. Have you not considered this is exactly what I want. For you to be broken down, only to become stronger than before."

Another movement as the cacophony of needles rained down once more, their assault relentless seemingly unending, stabbing towards Impetuous over and over.

"Your first mistake Tobbi was assuming we are now equals."

TAG: @Narancia @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Impetuous

Yes! Impetuous was so close, he could almost taste the punch coming, and as he reached out to connect fully, he felt a pain in his side, making him stop his rush completely and wince in pain, it felt suffocating, Impetuous felt he wanted to throw up but couldn't. In fact, Impetuous was so enraptured and engorged in the moment of gaining another bit of satisfaction from his tormentor that he didn't hear his monologue, but he did hear this.

​

"Your first mistake Tobbi was assuming we are now equals."

"What?" Impetuous, a statement stammered as his face wore visible confusion. Then what followed was an absolute thrashing fun time for Azathoth probably, not so much for Impetuous as he was flung away right back into the rafters and just like that all the distance Impetuous managed to close was lost. Back to step zero.

​

"Dank Ferrik!" Impetuous wheezed as he stood up from the rubble, his whole body ached at this point, the pain was nothing that he hadn't endured already; trekking through the entire dessert of Korriban would do that to you, but Impetuous had wondered how much it would hurt more if he hadn't used the Force Barrier ability to soften the impact. But as he stood, Impetuous heard the familial whistling of the Beskar needles.

Where, where is it?!

Now it was right in his face, he could see the needles a mere few inches away from him, but Impetuous was cornered and had nowhere to go. And so the needles hit, one in his right arm, three to his chest but by some miracle missing his heart, one to his left arm, and the last one hitting his left leg. The sudden pressure created by the impact of the Beskar Needles had caused Impetuous to puke up blood.

​

Now Impetuous lay in the rafters wheezing, his hatred for his tormentor reaching new heights; Impetuous was gathering that hatred now.

TAG: @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

​

The Pain.

The Frustration.

The Anger.

​

"Yes Tobbi... good... remember this suffering, remember this pain, remember this defeat."

Azathoth wandered over to his battered and bruised opponent the sadistic joy plastered over his face. He gave a whisk of his fingers, commanding the needles to plunge deeper into Impetous's flesh.

"The paralytic poison should be working its way through your bloodstream by now. You have Darth Erebus to thank for that, he suggested it to me during one of my more recent duels."

He leaped up, landing by where Tobbi now lay. He knelt down, viewing the injured Sith with interest.

"It is quite annoying I assure you, it took all I had to resist a similar poison, but now you can listen. You have nowhere to go."

Azathoth continued to let the needles do their work, enough to ensure that Impetuous would stay conscious but not too much that he could not focus on Azathoth's words.

"You are skilled Tobbi, there is no denying that, but your success has made you soft. You have had no rival, no competition to keep you strong."

A movement as a needle would drift away from Impetuous, out of his body, the blood dripping to the floor as it came back to its Master.

"You mistakenly think I am unduly harsh on you. Your pride in your knowledge is commendable, as I too am one to horde, collect, find out all that I can."

Another movement now two needles flowed out of Impetuous.

"But this has led to misplaced arrogance, you compared yourselves to your contemporaries which was a mistake. You should have been comparing yourself to those above you, that is the only way to improve."

A pause, as Azathoth viewed Tobbi and then continued.

"I have been keeping a very close eye. I have seen your time with High Lord Manticore, the trials you have undergone. And yet still you lack respect for the hierarchy. Your mouth getting you into trouble when you could have ascended oh so long ago. And the final mistake thinking you could speak to me in such a disrespectful manner as if we were equals"

Azathoth leaped away, calling all the remaining needles back to him, he turned to view Impetuous. What he said next he bellowed aloud so all those gathered could hear.

"You have come far Tobbi Airskipper! Come back to me when you are stronger. Come back to face me again and if you defeat me then you shall be my equal.

...

Then I will call you Darth Impetuous"

TAG: @Narancia @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

Mentions for @Quinlan Vos @greyjedi125

 

IC: Darth Manticore
The Pit

A gossamer hint of a smile formed upon the zabrak’s blackened lips. His eyes never leaving the ever intensifying struggle between Darth Impetuous and Darth Azathoth.

Manticore already knew about Azathoth, as he had clashed against Manticore’s own apprentice, Darth Erebus, at Manticore’s request. That encounter had been nothing short of spectacular in every possible way.

This encounter however, was not about Azathoth, it was for Impetuous. This lesson was for High Lady Syren’s newly minted Sith Apprentice, a lesson he had brought upon himself, ironically enough.

Apprentices were an extension of their Masters, despite being individuals. Azathoth was a sith who was being groomed by the Sith Emperor. Erebus was being groomed by the Sith Battlemaster. Impetuous had yet to form a bond with High Lady Syren, so he had no way of properly representing her in this conflict, though he was still liable by default.

The hierarchy existed for a very good reason. It served a critical role in sith culture. Outsiders would never understand it.

Perhaps, after Impetuous was healed and recovered, he might request a crossing of swords against Erebus, with the High Lady's approval. Perhaps.

Still, this was good, a very good beginning. The strong forging the strong.

From the mezzanine, Manticore nodded very slowly at the wisdom Azathoth imparted. Truth was truth, harsh or otherwise. ‘Cushioning’ was for jedi, not sith. Manticore was certain Impetuous possessed the tenacity of spirit to make it through Azathoth’s gauntlet. He could not have made it this far otherwise.

Indeed, these were the new generation, those who would carry the sith mantle onward, towards the future. If they could not be stronger than their predecessors, then they would be destroyed. There was no other option or alternative. This was the way of the sith.

While the assembled Lords awaited Impetuous’ next action, Manticore did look over his shoulder at The Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth Insipid. His fiery eyes glowed menacingly inside his hood.

“Whom do you wish me to slay, my Lord.” the zabrak rasped in his trademark manner.

Insipid was well aware that Manticore was not the ‘social’ type, and Manticore knew Insipid schemed the way he trained: Incessantly. They had a perfect understanding. It was good to see the sith growing ever stronger; it felt good to return to business as usual.


Tag: @Sinrebirth, @Shadowsun, @Narancia (@Quinlan Vos , mentioned )

 

IC: Darth Impetuous

​

Impetuous eyes bore the face of absolute frustration and anger. Still, he couldn't move the paralytic poison saw to that, and as Azathoth drew closer and further pushed in the needles, Impetuous shrieked; he couldn't move but his body, but he could feel all of the pain. Impetuous was forced to listen to Darth Azathoth's diatribe, but this was... different somehow, a slight tinge of admiration and respect, something that might've always been there, but Impetuous never noticed it until now.

But in a very Darth Azathoth style, it was filled with backhanded compliments and condescension, but at least now he knew that Darth Azathoth had indeed noticed him; however, it was revealed to Impetuous in the most frustrating way possible, a perfect defeat. Impetuous had barely moves that could counter his foe throughout the fight, and even when he did get close enough, he could not land anything, not even a single blow.

It was then that Azathoth recalled the needles, alleviating all the pressure it created from his body, and hopped down from the rafters, imparting these last words that would stick forever in Impetuous's mind;

"You have come far Tobbi Airskipper! Come back to me when you are stronger. Come back to face me again and if you defeat me then you shall be my equal.

...

Then I will call you Darth Impetuous"

Even now, Azathoth didn't respect the name that he earned. Or maybe he did and just wanted to stoke the flames of Impetuous's heart; whatever the intent, it worked.

The rage, hatred, pain, and frustration all boiled and swelled within him, and the worst part was that Impetuous couldn't do anything about it, it took all the energy and a lot of strain, but Impetuous managed to use that anger and use that rage to overcome the poison. Only then did Impetuous manage to regain a slight modicum of control over his body after crawling and falling from the rafters onto the arena floor once more; battered and bruised, he barely managed to stand, and as he did, Impetuous limped his way towards the Sith temple. Anguish and agony filled Impetuous mind as he knew he had utterly failed this day, his father, his newly minted master, his legacy, everything.

Coupled with this defeat and new revelations that Impetuous could never speak of, he realized that he couldn't trust anyone or anything. All that remained in Impetuous's heart was hatred for everyone. For Insipid, for Azathoth, for everyone, all the Sith wanted to see him humbled and beaten; they were just as complicit too; they wanted to mold him into the perfect Sith because he was too outspoken, "arrogant." All Impetuous ever wanted to do since the start was please the Sith and make them stronger; he idolized and respected every single one of them in his own way, but all that accomplished was making him a pariah; impetuous knew for a fact that some Sith didn't even want him here, wondering why and how Impetuous could've made it this far when the Sith of old used to die for less.

Fine Impetuous would play their game; they wouldn't hear another peep from him, and he would only speak when he absolutely needed to. Tobbi Airskipper truly died this day, and all that was left was a machiavellian husk with a hole for a soul, all that was left was Darth Impetuous.

​

TAG: @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @QueenSabe7

 

IC: Darth Iudex
The Pit

"Hmph. And so it ends." Iudex said with a dismissive grunt. Azathoth had preformed brilliantly, as was to be expected of the apprentice to the Emperor himself. Truthfully, the outcome was known from the start. But If the newly minted Darth Impetuous had managed to squeak out a victory..

But no, it wouldn't do to play "what if's". The aptly named Impetuous had lost, as predicted. A shame though, Iudex had been quietly rooting for the young Sith to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat, to shake things up a little back at the Temple. The routine of the internal politics had gotten so routine. Having the Emperor's pet project lose to a hotheaded youth like Impetuous..

Iudex rested his hands on his hips and looked towards Insipid. "They both proved their potential to the Sith, yes." He affirmed, loud enough for Impetuous to hear as he departed the Arena.

"But an ultimately fruitless gesture, and hardly an adequate challenge for your apprentice, my Lord." Iudex concluded with a wave of his hand.

The duel hadn't been a complete waste of time he supposed. The upstart had been dealt a very painful, and very public, lesson on the true reality of the Sith and Azathoth and Insipid got to show off the fruits of their training. The Sith were once more victorious as a whole, and would only grow stronger because of it.

A chuckle escaped from Iudex lips. Ah, if only Impetuous had won.. The Falleen Sith had quite a few credits riding on him..

Tags: @Narancia , @Shadowsun , @Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @darthbernael

 

IC: Darth Manticore
The Pit

“I would suggest you set your eyes on Azathoth, my friend. Give him a taste of what he is on the cusp of achieving."

"If he survives, then I shall commence his final Trial.”

The deeper meaning of the Sith Emperor’s words were not lost on the Lord of Hate.

“As you wish…Lord Emperor.”



Emperor Insipid had just unleashed Darth Manticore on his own apprentice.

‘My CHAINS are BROKEN’

In the Force, something akin to a detonation of darkside energy would be felt, the sensation would be palpable enough on the physical plane to knock any unprepared sith to the ground, or even cause actual injury to the likes of the Jedi- who were fortunately, very absent.



The level of darkside energy simply continued to rise, higher and higher, saturating the very air, covering the entire dueling arena.

‘Through POWER, I gain VICTORY’

In a single bound, Lord Manticore leapt from the high mezzanine, a black shadow of darkness and fire trailing behind him. The Sith Lord landed perfectly upon the arena floor, his form already exhibiting his martial mastery.



Lord Hate’s vermillion weapons were already ignited, even as he methodically rose to his feet and set his fiery gaze upon his given target: Darth Azathoth



Dark Lord Insipid was taking a decidedly dangerous risk, but to his credit, he knew exactly what he was doing. No being could wager risks quite like Insipid could. One could argue he was inspired by the 'evolution' Darth Impetuous had undergone just moments ago, or perhaps this was something he had planned for a very long time. It was impossible to tell with Insipid.

Still, no words were needed.The zabrak High Lord’s intent was unmistakably etched upon his tattooed face. If Azathoth was not up to the task, he would know only ruin.

The force allowed for a pause between the two combatants.

The heat emanating from Manticore was surely felt in the upper tiers of the dueling arena and by everyone present, thus immediately calling attention to the new development.

Darth Azathoth would now have to prove he was worthy to be counted among the Lords of the True Sith.

Or pay the price of failure.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @Sinrebirth, @QueenSabe7, @darthbernael, @Narancia, @Silvertough ( anyone else )

 

IC: Darth Azathoth

Azathoth had barely time to think over his victory as a new 'challenger' arrived.

One that Azathoth deeply respected.

One that Azathoth deeply feared.

High Lord Manticore, the Lord of Hate. Out of the Three High Lords, that sat dwelled above the rest of the Lords, Manticore was one Azathoth had studied the most intently. It was he that has asked Azathoth to duel his own Apprentice, Darth Erebus. But this was different.

What fate had just befallen Impetuous could just as well begin to serve Azathoth himself. The maddening, sadistic grin that had been on the Emperor's Apprentice faded, giving way to hardened resolve.

​

Of all those Azathoth had faced in one-to-one combat Darth Manticore would be far the most skilled, deadliest, and experienced foe yet. It then dawned on Azathoth that he had not dueled his own Master, although he supposed that awaited him in his Final Trial. If he could make it there.

Azathoth was quick to discard the six needles he so often used. It was only of use against an opponent of equivalent or weaker Force Ability, against one stronger, even if they did favor the way of the blade, would be madness.

​

"Long have I waited to cross blades with you, High Lord Manticore. I assure you I will not disappoint."

He then offered a bow, the hilt of his lightsaber, a weapon he did not even use against Impetuous, gripped neatly in his hand. This was it. This moment he had waited so long for. A duel that would push him to further and greater heights, or die trying.

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Sinrebirth

Mentions for @Quinlan Vos, @Narancia

 

IC: Darth Manticore
The Pit

The temperature all around the arena continued to rise as Manticore took his opponent’s measure, visually and in the force. He did noticed how the gleeful laughter had subsided, then gave way to a more sober mindset, and with good reason. A slow nod of acknowledgement was offered to Lord Bernael, who’s revelation caused the zabrak to smirk, if only briefly.

‘….clear of noncombatants.’

Lord Hunger was quite keen of mind and understood what was about to unfold.

…And so, Darth Azathoth ‘discarded’ his six needles, did he? Manticore’s smirk remained for a heartbeat longer. It was a useless gesture in the end, but a worthwhile deception on the sith apprentice’s part. Did he somehow intuit the Battlelord’s intent? Manticore would know the exact location of the needles for the duration of their encounter, just the same.

“Long have I waited to cross blades with you, High Lord Manticore. I assure you I will not disappoint.”

Under normal circumstances, Manticore would have responded in kind, but he had been tasked to elevate the Emperor’s Apprentice. For something to rise, it must first fall. This dynamic was intrinsic to the process of ascension and elevation. Instead, Manticore allowed himself a disdainful snarl and a growl, before slowly beginning to circle Azathoth, his pace deliberate and predatory, all the while raising the ambient temperature, heating the rocks under their feet, the masonry from which the arena was built, the very air between them.

“No, Azathoth.” He rasped darkly, spinning his double bladed weapon for a single revolution.

“You are not prepared.”

Manticore chose to act, knowingly, expecting Azathoth to do something natural, which required no conscious thought. He waited for his opponent to blink.

In that instant, Manticore exploded forth, propelled by the force, becoming a blur in motion. Still in that moment, there was a powerful detonation in the force, as Manticore released Force Shockwave upon Azathoth, with the intention to hurt him, unbalance him, break his bones; this a fraction of a second before his saberstaff spun in a figure eight pattern that would effectively dismember the Emperor’s Apprentice, way before he could recover.

That is, if he was the Emperor’s Apprentice at all.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @Sinrebirth, @darthbernael, @QueenSabe7, @Silvertough