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Post by πΏπππππππ on Apr 17, 2024 14:27:39 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
The Priestess grinned as she focused solely on Karnac. Murmurings from several conversations still garbled the air and melded with the comforting crackles of the firewood, slowly being eaten away to nothing but ashes. For now, though, she heard nothing more than his stories, clarifications, and questions. Even as the Cathar man from earlier made his rounds, touching a brief hand against her shoulder, the Priestess seemed as if the only person in the room was the Zabrak outsider.
"It was the same between the Archivist and myself at first," she chimed in, chuckling to herself. Arrogant, he called himself, and ignorant. Although she could never put herself in his exact position, his words still sent her briefly down memory lane. "She had Ascended into her role and served her branch for nearly a decade when it was my time to Ascend. Our daily squabbles nearly had the two of us banished by the Council... on more than one occasion. Sometimes, though, the strongest bonds are forged from the fires of... what was the word you used? Ah yes, animosity."
She enunciated each syllable of that word with pointed exaggeration. She seemed to toast to that, lifting her goblet of wine towards Karnac, and took a drink. She then turned to her book and flipped the pages until that single title was written on the top: Specters of Midnight. The Priestess made a face before she struck out the whole thing with a deliberate and heavy hand, setting quill to the page like a clean cut from a knife. Then, underneath it, she changed its spelling to Karnac's correction: Spectres of Midnight.
The Priestess chewed on the inside of her cheek as she debated it. With a faint shrug of her shoulders, she seemed to accept it, even appearing a little pleased by it.
"Not the traditional spelling, by any means," she poked with a twitch of a smile. "A unique name for what I hear is a unique group."
As Karnac continued with his personal queries, only then did the murmurings of her acolytes draw her attention towards them. Her playful nature melted away, although she was still far from solemn.
"Truth be told, there are many here whose past lives remain a mystery to us, Elder-Slayer. Of course," she corrected with a faint wave of her hand, "some were born here. Raised here, like me. But for those who were brought in, either of their own personal desires orβ" she paused, fighting to find the right words, "βor the desires of the Force, many don't divulge in speaking about their past lives. Their histories are theirs to tell one day, if ever. They decide if and when that information is consequential or if it's more important to keep buried. So you'll have to forgive my enthusiasm about your openness towards you and your comrades' histories."
With a sense of finality, the Priestess shut the book and quickly handed it off to that same man, who seemed to linger close by like a personal attendant. With a hand to his heart and a faint bow, he departed from the chambers, more than likely heading off to the Archivist to ensure the tome was tagged and sorted with haste.
"Our current hierarchy is difficult to explain in words. Instead, it's more so lived, like a forced tradition." Again, the Priestess seemed to fight for the correct words. She observed the Cathar man as he departed, and even a few beats after he was out of her vision, she held her gaze steady. With a sigh, she shook her head and looked back to Karnac. "As you've no doubt noticed by now, though, Abyssos is governed by the Council of Elders, which consists of five of our finest, and the High Elder sits at its head." Delving briefly into thought, the Priestess ran her tongue over her teeth and took a deep breath in and out. "Arguably, the Matriarchs stand just beneath the Council. However, in recent years, we've begun to shift away and into our own independent rank within Abyssos. We're still revered, but... different." Without derailing on a side path with no way back, the Priestess decided that would be sufficient for the time being. "Then, you have the Virtuosos, who are typically the teachers, or at the very least, masters of their particular art. Everyone else is considered a scholar, including my acolytes, save for..."
Pandæmonium. The High Guard and her men. The Priestess growled an unpleasant sigh at the unspoken thought. A delicate matter.
"The Guard," she finally uttered, "are a creation of Abyssos's New Ways and are a rank of their own in limbo between honor and disgrace. If you asked everyone in Abyssos, you would get mixed answers. Some revere them as the Elders' Keepers and Abyssos's Protectors. Others shun them for their lack of potential in Sorcery and are seen as dead weight."
The Priestess danced on a knife's edge as she ensured she used only the basic explanation, speaking on facts and not her opinions. She didn't seem to enjoy it, with her eyes narrowed or her ears pinning back against her head for moments until she realized and composed herself. The Priestess then picked up her goblet again and swirled its contents. A mischievous grin spread across her lips as she eyed down Karnac. His final question gave her a new direction, bringing her joy in its more sinister sense.
"The Enchantress," she revealed with a fanged smile, "is what she calls herself now, and she is our keeper of spells. Theoretically, she can perform every spell documented. So, for the record, she still lives. I am not nearly as ferocious as the Guardian and could never compete with the Echantress's raw talents." She laughed, but there was still a pointed seriousness in her words and an unspoken warning behind her eyes. "There is a ritual of the New Ways that we Matriarchs partake in once in our lives, and it is the one time we are permitted off-world. After we lost Lord Tartarus, I simply ensured she undertook her rite sooner rather than later. She'll return to nothing but silence and solitude, a fitting punishment for her avarice."
She brought the goblet to her lips again, allowing Karnac to process the words behind what was actually stated. Although the Priestess had no way of truly knowing who or what would come after Tartarus's failed ritual, she had the utmost faith that the Force was working Its will and that a shift was soon approaching. And as Its dutiful servant, the Priestess had acted.
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 131
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Karnac on Apr 20, 2024 6:14:50 GMT -8
Karnac couldn't help but chuckle in a what seemed like a half scoff. He could only imagine their own particular hardships dealing with the elders and this new way she spoke of. Their situations were entirely different, though there was that small piece that made the realities similar. It was what they gained at the end of it. Still, if one side was to have a possibly worse future because of their animosity, arrogance, and ignorance, it would have been them. "Sounds as if you've been standing against the High Elder for some time in your beliefs. Makes me wonder just long they've been in existence and what brought them about in the first place."
Such a tiny things, but sometimes something small held greater significance than one realized. The Priestess seemed to contemplate the spelling change for a moment before being satisified and closing the book once more. He gave her a nod in response to its uniqueness. "Perhaps one day, we can take a little trip to where we set ourselves and you can meet them. And with that our master."
He then finished off the last bit of his food as she went on, explaining further the depth of his words really had, despite it seeming so little. So many unknowns in regards to the past of many here that weren't born into Abyssos. He understood the sentiment. For a time, even some of his peers did not wish to think on their past due to the pain it brought. But they all eventually learned the importance of the past. Even time, they would all come to share it with each other and, eventually, were no longer bothered by it reality, allowing it to be spoken about freely by any of them. "I see. Well, I'm glad I could give you something. Once upon a time, it would have remained under lock and key by particular individuals. But we learned the importance of ours pasts and what they mean for us. While they in no way define who we currently are and can be, they do have their place as a means of learning from or simply understanding what brought us to our current places. Painful and upsetting they can be sometimes, they are vital to our choices moving forward."
He then leaned back a bit, sipping at the wine as she began stepping into their ranks and how things were within Abyssos. Once again the cathar spoke of the new ways and how things have shifted in recent years. In some cases, her words were vague while others clear. It seemed there were some things she wished to not speak of for one reason or another. Or perhaps he was merely reading to deeply into something. For the most part, the structure was really no different than any other order. There was the council that lead the group with a singular person at its head while having an odd number to ensure votes could go through without issues of constant draws. Then there were the masters in the Virtuosos and apprentices and acolytes in the Scholars. Even the Guard, a newer addition or not, served like Sith Knights and Jedi Sentinels in some form or another. It was the Matriarchs that stood apart of something different. Revered they were and still are, but their purpose had shifted with these new ways. But what purpose did they serve? Thus far, those at the head of the Matriarchs or held that position rather, never had their name spoken, only a title. So their importance laid within them undoubtedly. Special roles? Perhaps being under the council once before, they were advisors?
However as he thought on it, he grew curious about something. For the most part, Pandæmonium was referred to as High Guard. It wasn't until he met the Priestess and Archivist that the name shifted to Guardian. Two Matriarchs referring to her by a different title. In any other situation, it could easily be seen as an interchangeable word. But now, seeing how these two opposed much of the new ways, he couldn't help but wonder. Was it merely a means of showing more respect to her for her duties, or perhaps... "I have indeed seen that divide. Those that look down on them sickens me, if I'm honest. Especially considering you now of the diversity of my group. Each art is important to the greater whole, something that won't be looked down on in the Sith Eternal. Every art has its place and importance. Were they given that respect and fully trained, my team wouldn't have succeeded as they would have been able to hold us enough to allow everyone to cast their spells freely." Taking another sip of his wine, he glanced over to her from the corner of his eyes. The look spoke of the turning wheels and curiosity that brewed within. "Curious, though. I've noticed a difference of reference when addressing Pandæmonium. Guardian. Normally interchangeable but somehow not quite when you and the Archivist speak it. I wonder why?" During the current conversation, nothing had been said to the numbers of the Matriarchs and he couldn't recall if something had been spoken earlier. So far, four were now known to him, including this Enchantress. How many more were there? Was that it? Still, he couldn't help but remember the reality of five. Five elders, the five points needed for their previous ritual. Based on that, it seemed that there were five Matriarchs. So who was the fifth if there was one? Then again, the Enchantress was only really mentioned because he asked. If anything, though he never spoke the words, his eyes openly expressed these thoughts, something he was more than certain the keen awareness of the cathar would have picked up on.
He then thought on this Enchantress. Not a title that once existed its seems. Another product of the new ways? But it made him wonder as to her actual power. Capable of every spell in Abyssos? Made her seem like a jack of all trades, master of none kind of person with that much knowledge. But she had raw talent, which suggested she was more powerful and capable than the idea suggested. But she was currently sent away for this ritual in anticipation of his or, at least, someone's arrival. And when she returned, there would be nothing. That was a bit concerning. "As she still lives, do you think she'll become a problem for us? Certainly, no matter her knowledge or strength, I can't imagine she's strong enough, or foolish enough to come at the Sith Eternal directly. That being said, will she make moves against us?"
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Post by πΏπππππππ on Apr 23, 2024 15:34:29 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
The Priestess offered Karnac a grin. "Let's just say that I'm not among the first generation of Matriarchs who foresaw Abyssos's demise caused by this fantastical and detestable creation we call the New Ways."
Her nose wrinkled in distaste as she lifted the goblet to her lips. With a sigh, she drained her cup. While there was still the very plausible option to refill itβa thought marked by her wandering gaze to an opened and still half-full bottleβthe Priestess seemed to think better of it. Instead, her disappointment melted from her expression as her mischievous grin returned.
"I suppose your Eternal will keep Abyssos on looser leashes than our very Council?" she inquired, her words dancing with laughter. "I would be lying if I denied my excitement to see other worlds outside these jungles. And a chance to meet your teacher? Give me a day and a time, Elder-Slayer, and I will conquer any such beasts, such space sickness or hyper-rapture, to join you."
She would have toasted to that, but her goblet was emptied. The Priestess hummed a reflective sigh and shrugged off the thought. Karnac made it easy, picking up on the discussions of his comrades. While she had little to add to itβat least not currentlyβshe still listened intently and nodded. The Priestess noted, however, and offered a silent prayer that her acolytes and other scholars of Abyssos would find freedom in accepting their pasts. One day, in their own time, of course.
With that thought, the Priestess's 'keeper' returned. He whispered something in her ear in a soft purr, too quiet for Karnac to hear. She seemed to smile and placed a gentle hand against his chest as she whispered something back to him, which must have been something witty or comical, as the giant Cathar man roared with laughter that quieted the whole table. The Priestess bit back a smile as she waved a hand towards her acolytes, who took the moment in stride with their own faint chuckles before resuming their conversations.
Apologetically, the Cathar man bowed his head toward the Elder-Slayer and silently gathered up the Priestess's plate and goblet. He would have offered to take Karnac's as well, but from the looks of it, Karnac was still enjoying the feast to the fullest. With his leisurely movements and proud smile, this Cathar man appeared just as delighted as the Priestess for Karnac and his comrades' presence and ease among them.
As Karnac has stated, there was indeed a divide among Abyssos. However, sitting at the table with them now, the Priestess hoped she offered him a glance of what was and should have been. Despite the serenity of the Priestess's expression, yearning sorrow was reflected in her eyes. It only weighed more heavily with his question regarding the Guardian. However, she attempted to smother it with another fanged grin pointed in his direction.
"I must beg your forgiveness, Elder-Slayer, but you are beginning to tread deeper into waters where I cannot guide you yet." She waved a hand before herβbefore themβmotioning for Karnac to look towards all those gathered at the table. "You are not the first person to ask me these questions and more, and until today, I have been forbidden to lecture on past traditions, hierarchy, or rituals deemed unfit by the Council. Although you and your children and your children's children will forever be honorary cultists of Abyssos," she paused, taking a deep breath as she glanced about the room, "I wish to respect those who have come before you. It is their time to ask those questions and finally receive those answers first."
The Priestess didn't like her response, but it made the most sense. She could have indulged Karnac by answering his question, but then there was the potential that her answer sparked more inquiries. Regardless of what Karnac thought of himself, the Priestess could see the intellectual in him, the need to ask questions and seek answers. She despised herself for snuffing out his curiosity. However, she would despise herself more if she didn't first offer these explanations to her acolytes.
"Just know," she added, choosing her words very carefully, "that when several observations guide you to a certain conclusion, trust what your instincts tell you and let them guide you to the truth."
The Priestess could tell that Karnac had already put it together or was very close to finding the answer on his own. She laughed internally at the thought that he was closer to discovering this fragment of the Old Ways after a single day than the Guardian was after two years. And hopefully, her blatant dismissal of his question led him closer to the truth he sought.
At least now, she could let this piece rest. They would have many more days, weeks, and hopefully, even yearsβthe Force willingβto unravel the truth instilled by her master and her master before her. Karnac raised a legitimate and more pressing concern, though. The Priestess's eyes narrowed as she reflected on a memory.
"The Enchantress versus a whole army of fine warriors like yourself and the Guardian backed by powerful sorcerers?" She tilted her head as she weighed the odds. "I'm not going to say that there wouldn't be casualties if she ever found the Eternal, but I don't think she's exactly in a position to risk her life. Or that of her daughter." The Priestess chewed on that wordβ'daughter'βas if it held some higher meaning to her. "We have something like... oh, I'd estimate... two decades before we need to worry about her, and that's if we ever have to." She grinned at Karnac. "Don't worry about her. I took every precaution to ensure she wouldn't be an issue in our immediate future. My current and most pressing concern regarding the Enchantress is filling the void in the Matriarchy now created by her loss."
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 131
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Karnac on Apr 24, 2024 8:00:40 GMT -8
Karnac raised an eyebrow as she spoke of not being the first generation to be against these new ways. There was no clear time frame, but guessed it had to at least be three generations in. That or she was making being the second group sound as if it had been longer. Which could very well have been depending on how long the prior Matriarch held her place.
However, he gave a sigh and a slight drop of his head. The promises he couldn't truly make, though he had seemed to imply such during his conversations most of his time here. Yet, he had also expressed reality among those of the higher ranks. "For as much as I'd like to claim it so, there really is no telling how the Eternal will view Abyssos as a group. Will they respect the people and their abilities? Yes, I have no doubts there. But will Abyssos be allowed to remain and function freely according to their ways while pledging themselves to the Eternal or will, by their claim, force it to cease? I have no answers, though I doubt such official words would do much to truly remove the thought of Abyssos. Such ties don't just disappear just because someone else says they are done away with. And even if they try the latter, you'll have me in your corner fighting to ensure it can continue on unimpeded."
There was a bit of a pause in their conversation as the male cathar returned once more and whispered something to the Priestess, who, in turn, whispered something back that caused the man to laugh loudly, causing all present to stop and stare. It was but for a moment before his host gave but a wave of her hand and everything returned to normal. It certainly made him curious.
What made him more curious was her choice to refrain for speaking on the old ways. Yet, he understood her reasoning. "There is hardly a need for such apologies. True, it makes me want to know it all the more, but as an outsider, it is hardly right for me to learn of it before those of Abyssos who will gain the chance to learn and return to the old ways."
Finishing off his glass and pushing his plate to the side, he said nothing on the silent confirmation she gave to his ponderings. Something he'd be in the know of, just a tiny reality of what the old ways held. For now, that would be enough.
He then listened as she spoke of the Enchantress. He knew nothing of the woman or her character. He could only trust in what the Priestess told him. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that they'd see her sooner than they thought. "I see. I will defer to your judgement then. Still, perhaps it would be wise to keep her in mind in case she simply comes poking around. If she did choose to come after Abyssos and the Eternal, she'd need to get an idea of how things stand over time to possibly fight back."
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Post by πΏπππππππ on Apr 29, 2024 16:18:01 GMT -8
CLOSED RP
The Priestess shrugged nonchalantly. Karnac touched on a concern that sheβand many othersβharbored regarding this new order. However, a grin slid across her lips as a fanged incisor peeked through the edges of her lips. It seemed Abyssos would be able to keep Karnac as an unexpected ally.
"Continue to carry your title with pride, Elder-Slayer, both within Abyssos and outside our ranks."
She winked at the Zabrak, but all too soon, the excitement died. The table sat at half the capacity as it did when the festivities began. Many of the acolytes took on individual tasks to clear off the table while others ushered off through another door built inconspicuously in a deep corner of the chambers. A faint peek into the hidden room revealed bedrolls and linens lined horizontally and vertically, supported by rudely carved wooden posts. If Karnac had concerns about how tight a fit it would be on his ship, at least that brief glance would ease those concerns. At least when it came to the acolytes of the Sanctum.
The Priestess smiled sadly, knowing that the festivities were quickly winding down. If she carried even an ounce of responsibility or respect for Karnac and his comrades, she would ensure they returned to their ship before the nocturnal beasts began prowling the jungles. Sure, they could hold their own, but it probably wasn't an ideal way to end their night. Then again, two of her male acolytes hovered near Lyne and Lassix, doting and ensuring they received the most positive experience within their care. A female and male also stayed close to Jonas in the same manner. There was the genuine possibility she could hold the four in captive conversation the whole night. The Priestess's ears twitched at the amusing thought but left it at thatβa mere thought.
"An outsider by title alone, and even so, the line begins to blur." She grinned. She had already explained to him his place in Abyssos, forever etched by the Force's wishes. "I look forward to seeing how Abyssos grows in the True Ways. I have a strong inkling you'll be around to see it, too, Elder-Slayer, and your questions will soon be answered. Have faith... and heaps more of patience."
Gracefully, she slid her chair back and rose to her feet. Smoothing out her robes, she glanced around. She nodded in unspoken thanks to those who had already taken the initiative to clean and clear up the chambers. However, she nearly laughed, hiding it behind a gently closed fist lifted to her face as she faced Karnac again.
"That is a very dangerous sentiment to defer to my judgment," she teased, unable to hide the amusement in her tone. However, she swiftly buried that playfulness. "If the Enchantress knows what's good for her, she may come poking around to offer up a peace offering to our new masters within the Eternal. I cannot speak with certainty as to what her exact actions will be. Serving a new Lord or High Elder or whatever hierarchy the Eternal consists ofβ" she hummed thoughtfully but shook her head at whatever answer she arrived at, "βit is improbable that she would do so voluntarily and not without an ulterior motive. Furthermore, I expect she would rather put up a fight than come peacefully." She waved a hand dismissively. "I wouldn't worry your masters until the time comes. If it does, Elder-Slayer, I entrust you to warn them that she is far more trouble than she is worth."
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Karnac
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 131
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Karnac on Apr 30, 2024 9:33:32 GMT -8
Karnac scoffed. "You can be sure that I will." The zabrak looked around as he realized how quiet things had become. Sure, their was still conversations about, but for the most part, many had cleared out or were in the process of cleaning up. It seemed this feast had reached its end and it was time to begin calling it a night. It would certainly be a big day come the sunrise. A new future was about to unfold for the people here and many sought to be ready to welcome it. It hoped that when all was said and done, all could accept their new way of life as part of the Eternal.
Karnac then took notice of his team and the interactions the acolytes were giving them. The men that doted upon the girls certainly seemed to get the desired reaction. Lyne, while accepting, was much more humble about it, knowing at what point to keep others at bay so as to not give the wrong impression if it was possible. Lassix, on the other hand, fed into it. She wasn't a fool to think anything of it so much as playing into the moment, but she did tend to take after Kuriau with the ways of seduction. If it wasn't for what lay ahead, he didn't doubt the chance of her pulling one or both off to bed. Something that Karnac couldn't help but shake his head at. They were lovers themselves, but their relationship was rather loose. In most cases, while it wouldn't have bothered them, they may have flirted and teased, but never went the distance with anyone but each other, especially since they left the Sith. Jonas chatted freely with the pair that surrounded him, though it was a bit more difficult to sort out their interactions compared to the others.
He was glad that they were enjoying themselves and found plenty to interact with each other about. It would certainly help in bridging any gaps that existed. "Indeed, it does. Soon, the lines should disappear completely." He then chuckled as his gaze returned to the Priestess. "Don't you worry. For proper Sith, patience exists without end."
Following suit, Karnac stood as well with a shrug. "Perhaps, but I get the feeling it'll be more fun that way." For a moment, his own seriousness returned. "rest assured, we will be ready for anything she throws at us. And if she is so keen on standing against us, she will find nothing but oblivion."
Taking a final glance around, he gave a twirl of his fingers to his team before giving a bow to the Priestess. "But for now, we should take our leave. Morning will be here swiftly and a new chapter will begin. No doubt you and yours will want to be rested to taking in the first steps fully. Until then."
With that, he departed with his group, Lassix playing a bit more towards the pair that stood around her as they left. As they went, the trio went on talking as the zabrak stayed back a few steps, merely watching his crew. They had grown in the time since they met among the Sith. Now it was also their time to begin a new chapter. He'd need to make sure his eyes remained open for what was to come.
Reaching their ship, they spent little time working themselves to sleep.
Morning came swiftly as the quartet rose with the sun. They'd need to make their final checks to ensure the ship was fully ready for the trip. Coming back to this world would have to be kept to a minimum or a new approach would be needed to deal with the fungi that grew here. As they made their checks, they could here to slowly growing hustle within the village as final preparations were being made. Some arrived pack a few last minute things, though they requested bedrolls and the like wait until everyone boarded. As the final bits were verified, Jonas returned to the cockpit to begin running systems checks so they were ready for departure. Karnac simply waited at the foot of his ship, knowing that the start of this day was going to be a rather interesting one.
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