"Part two sounds like the most fun, i dident get my bones reinforced to fly like a scurge. And do you want to make a bet on me surviving this day mistriss?" Hetax answered, dident care about the insult, he was sorta insulting her a bit with not listening to the many warnings.
"What a waste." A hardened boot swung up to plant itself square in the Commorrite's compromised chest, tossing the ailing fool to his back and his hands far from the knife in his belt. Kholivaz idly ran a finger along the cut at his ear as he eyed his defeated foe, the ever present laughter bubbling just beneath the surface of what appeared a genuinely exasperated Eldar. A knife materialized into the palm of his other hand, from which hidden pocket of his Corsair armor, none could say. Wickedly curved to the point of imitating the talons of some Realspace predators and clearly meant to make a mess of whichever poor sod wound up against him, it had been with him since his exile from the Dark City over a century ago. "A waste of my talent, to be matched against you." But that was the way of Commorragh, the constant tests of strength, will, cunning. Clawing to the top, stamping down on the hands and necks of those below. The pursuit of power was not what Kholivaz lived for. While he yearned for power like all of his loathed kin, he strove for something different. Power was a means to an end, the end being whatever the former Hellion willed it to be when he woke up. A boot stepped down on the chest of his opponent, grinding fragmented bone. The rules had been clear, no killing and yet.. He knelt, placing ever more weight on his foot as the blade in his hands spun about, around and over his fingers and over his wrist in absent-minded playfulness. "Were it not for the Kabalites ready to blow me away, your suffering would be at an end. Instead here you will lie, humbled. You will continue your pained mewling until someone comes to sweep your pathetic carcass from the ground. You will remember my face and my name. Hate me and become stronger." The knife came around to his palm once more and his arm blurred into motion, the same strength, precision, and agility that had seen him lop off limbs at high speeds down the most cramped of Commorragh's alleyways put to the mundane use of educating his lesser. Blade parted flesh, slid between bone, and buried itself into the pavement, impaling the loser's hand to the pavement. Kholivaz had tired of his beaten opponent reaching for a knife that would avail him nothing. "I will kill you, one day. It is our way. My way. The least you can do is make it interesting." The pensive mood lifted from the half of his face visible to the Dark City, brows lifting in cheerfulness and soft laughter leaving lips locked behind fangs. His next test was complete after all, what little effort it required. Taking a light jump off of the now forgotten Commorrite, Kholivaz placed himself to the fore after sweeping up his weapon belts. Arms crossed, brow cocked, he waited in a stance asking was that all?
<Haemonculus> @Vulpas Nobody stopped Yrara as he headed out, moving outside the stronghold and towards the area just a bit "across the street" where the series of ruined factories were being located. They used to be a hole chain of industry facilities that fueled the war machine of the old Kabal which dominated Nether's Gale tier, however after it was brought low and eventually destroyed, all of its precious few assets that survived Tyrant's fury fell into disrepair. At the moment, Zar'uil's intention was to get a hold of the factory district and once again start putting the forges to proper use, however Crimson Moon's strength still hadn't reached that level but hopefully it'll soon be there. Anyway, as he crossed the territory under control of his Kabalites he saw couple of them throwing him and his wracks quizzical looks but none dared to stop and question him, although it was clear that his small trip will not go unnoticed by the higher echelons of his Kabal which then might or might not turn into a problem if a question about his loyalty is put in front. After all, Dark Eldar were famous for not letting anyone else play with their toys... Soon he reached the designated spot, going through the blocks of ruined masonry and away from all prying eyes. Inside a small dome overlooking production lines where splinter rifles used to be put together from various parts, Yrara finally met the one who summoned him here. Standing a whole feet taller than Yrara was a pale creature dressed in similar yet quite different robes. Six arms protruded from his body while a big mechanical contraption was fixed onto its back, like an oversized backpack from which a pair of additional mechanical arms were dangling, giving the person the looks of an arachnid of some sort, rather than Dark Eldar. His skin was quite pale and his eyes, while being of dark brown color, were surrounded with black sockets while a wide grin could be seen adorning his face. He also had a set of vials as well as all sorts of curved blades (tools of the trade) dangling from his belt, definitely sealing his identity as one of Yrara's kin. "Greetings once again my esteemed colleague," he began, surprisingly the voice was quite melodic (probably an enhancement), "I'm so glad that you decided to meet with me. I am Flesh Master Xaley of Coven of the Thirteen Scars and I have come to you to offer you a spot in our Coven. I'm sure you are a busy man, so excuse me for my directness. We heard that you are currently working freelance and as you surely know, a Haemonculus doing that can soon be considered to be a renegade and thus bring wrath upon him as well as upon the Kabal he's currently working at, which in turn would bring lots of inconveniences I'm sure you'd not want to go through. But if you join us, you'll become a part of our organization which will give you lots of benefits, from security, additional protection and support from your colleagues, assistance if some experiment goes awry and most importantly, if you show aptitude, tutelage under some of the most famous flesh crafters in all of Commorragh!" "In return, we require a small fee of membership as well as, if such needs occur, you providing assistance to the Coven or its members first, before anything or anyone else, as well as keeping the secrets of our trade for you and you only." "So, what do you think? Do we have a deal?" <Grand Arena> @Grall_Stonefist "Hmm," Eliria stopped with her work and turned to properly face Hetax now as if gauging his worth. "Let's make it like this - I bet that you'll live, but barely, and that they will have to carry you out of the arena because you will be so fucked up you won't be able to walk." "If you win, I'll give you five fresh Kroot slaves and one Kroot hound for you to have fun with, maybe even train the critter or whatever else you wracks do in your spare time. However if I win, you do two jobs for me, free of charge. I won't go crazy with the marks, I promise." <Incubi business> @Wata @Vlayden Just as Venessia guessed, Drach ducked under the blow of her punisher, and as the heavy blade fell he moved. However as she parried one strike from his demiklaive, the Hierarch used the shaft of the long weapon as a jumping board and launch in the air, making a maneuver that would better fit a Wych or even a Howling Banshee, and somersault behind Kaesar who was just throwing his own strike. And indeed, Kaesar managed to swing two times at the Hierarch but each time the Incubi lord parried, before he counterattacked and with mechanical precision, scored three hits on Kaesar - one below his right knee, second right above his kidney and final, most savage one, annihilated Kaesar's right gauntlet, drawing a shower of blood from his hand and forcing him to drop the grip on his klaive, which Drach used to disarm and then promptly kick him in the chest, throwing him backward onto Venessia before charging himself at her. He attacked her two more times and both of it she managed to parry, using the range of her punisher to keep the attacker away from her however as she was once again pushed backwards towards the circle of Incubi the Hierarch suddenly stopped. "Enough," he said and holstered his weapons, "I have seen enough." As he spoke, the rest of the Incubi immediately moved away, back into their dueling sessions, acting as if nothing happened. However Hierarch had more to say. "You," he pointed a finger at Venessia, "You want this job too much. You," he then pointed it at Kaesar, "You want it too little." He returned to his position at the statue of the Dark Master, however after a few seconds he continued talking, from his calm tone it was obvious he didn't even break a sweat. "You are not in union. You are not in concert. Individually, your skill is sufficient, but in team, you are weak. This is the moment when I tell you to kill each other and then I pick the winner, however that will not happen. I run a close group here, every one of us know our purpose and I will not let anything disturb that flow." "But...I will give you one more chance to prove me wrong and show me that you have learned the lesson. Very soon, our Archon will present you and the rest of his lieutenants with a special task. You will go on it and when you reach the hostile territory, you will act differently than before. You will eat together, you will sleep together, you will fight together. You will not be Kaesar nor Venessia, you will be one creature with a singular purpose and drive." "There will be nothing to stand in you showing everyone else that you are Incubi. You are honorable, in a city where honor doesn't exist. You are trustworthy, in a city where trust is an unknown word. You are incorruptible, in a city where everything is for sale. You are warriors, in a city made of murderers. You are children of Arhra, and he is watching over you." "You will honor his teachings and his vision and you will survive the Archon's task. And then you will come back to me, where on these very sands before the gaze of the Dark Master shall I judge your worth again. If I see that you stayed true to the way, I shall admit you into our brotherhood. If I find you lacking, I shall cull you from our ranks so your very existance doesn't bring shame to our Shrine." "Now get out and don't come back until the task is done."
<Slave pens> @kanila "Nah, they are pretty bad with it, but there's a certain amount of joy when you watch them try, like watching a baby trying to walk for the first time," the Dark Eldar slaver chuckled, getting up on his feet. He knew who Aesra was, he saw him before with his mistress and he knew the guy was solid. Leading him further into the back, he pointed at a nearby cell in which lied three Tau, looking wasted and spent, pretty much the same if anyone was asking. However one's arm was twisted in a wrong way, not really healing properly. "Here's the one you need. He's yours for the taking. You can either bring him with yourself or use our facilities," the slaver grinned, referring to a wide assortment of torture tools hanging on a nearby wall. As for the Tau himself, all three of them looked quite scared and watched both of the Dark Eldar fearfully, not understanding their language but trying to figure out what was this all about. <Barracks> @Skarboy @bossaroo @Draconion Around the time Kholivaz finished with his opponent did the others brought their clashes to an end. Ave'ras could see eight clear victors, most of them using either only hands (and environment) or a few hidden blades to cripple their opponents, but nothing more serious than that. Only one of the recruits was dead, an unfortunate victim as his attacker kicked him into the head while he was lying on the ground one too many times that caused severe brain damage that turned into internal bleeding which in turn, caused premature death. Besides him, there were three more lying down on the ground unconscious but pretty much that was it. Now it was Ave'ras' turn to render judgement and\or accept new recruits into Crimson Moon's fold.
@Wata The Incubus gave a single nod to the Hierarch as she made her way over, offering a hand to Kaesar to help him to his feet; a brief glance of concern came over his injuries again before that faded out of sight - perhaps being mistaken for him imagining things, even - and stepping back to make her way outside, her Punisher halberd being held over her shoulder. Once she was outside she spat out a bit of blood to the floor and pulled her helmet on, allowing it to cover what emotions she may end up feeling. Concern certainly was one; not only for him, but for her own profession and survival. Venessia at least waited just outside the exit for her partner, watching him for whatever response he might give.
An evil laugh escaped Aesra's lips as he opened the cage door. He made his way over to the three Tau huddled towards the back of the cell. His movements were slow and deliberate, those of a predator on the hunt. Standing over the cowering forms, he kicked the two away that he didn't want. Reaching down he grabbed his 'prize' and began dragging his kicking form towards the exit of the cage. Once outside he slammed the door shut, locking it behind them. He lifted the Tau up by its neck, pinning him to the cage. The Tau's feet scrapping the floor as he attempted to relieve the pressure on his throat from his own weight and the force Aesra placed on it. "You starting to remember me now child?" Aesra said with his mask inches away from the Tau's face. Fear was already etched across his visage, but it was unclear if recognition was the cause or fear of what was to come. Aesra dropped the Tau on the ground, and as it struggled for breath Aesra leaned down, pinning the broken arm under his knee. The Tau screamed out in pain as Aesra secured the collar around his neck and then yanked him to his feet by the chain that was attached. Slamming the Tau's face against the bars so he could see his former cell mates, Aesra whispered into it's ear. "Say goodbye to your friends. This is the last time you will see them alive!" Without waiting for the Tau to make any attempt in response he drug him towards the exit of the slave pits. There was nothing gentle in the way he guided him back towards the arena where he would watch the evenings entertainment. He would force him watch his friends die, breaking his spirit even more before the real torture began!
@Vlayden Kaesar was not smiling when Drach gave his ultimatum. He was angry and it showed in his expression. When Venessia offered her hand for help he stared at it like it had been a gun pointed at his head, considering the rancor she had shown toward him earlier. Nevertheless, he grabbed it to stand up and picked up his klaive. Furious expression displayed on his face for brief moments as he left the hall. He followed Venessia outside, checking on his arm wound once there. He breathed in deep once, held it for a second and closed his eyes before exhaling. Smile crept back to his face slowly and when he opened them he seemed to back as his usual self. "You know, you are like a puzzle to solve. One moment you are calling me a disgrace in public and then the next moment you are..." Kaesar tilted his head slightly and let the sentence trail off. Kaesar voice was his usual playful one when he spoke to Venessia. As he was inspecting his ruined armor and wounds a bit more he even chuckled a little. "Sounds like we will have time to...unravel that too."
<Grand Arena> @Grall_Stonefist "Then go right in," she said and pointed him towards the entrance. Once inside the arena, Hetax would see that the stands were quite packed, the viewers watching the carnage below but from his spot he couldn't see anyone familiar. As for the enemies, from another entrance came ten Kroot led by the albino one he caught before. In the middle of the arena he saw a makeshift "fort", the barricades manned by humans armed with las weapons as well as some crude swords and spears, who were currently fighting off a cadre of Tau Fire Warriors who tried to shoot them from afar. While all of that was happening he also spotted two Venoms coming from above on, carrying in the Wyches and their Blood Queen, who was yet to jump in and start fighting. Kroot, being quite mad at this point, just charged forward but sadly for Hetax, three of them spotted him and like rabid dogs, ran straight at him, brandishing serrated blades in each hand. Arena fighters (free for all): - 10 Kroot Carnivores (Veterans) - Albino Kroot (Boss) 6HP - 16 Tau Fire Warriors - 34 Human "Guardsmen" - 5 Blood Brides (Elite) incoming - Blood Queen Lyn'shela (Boss) incoming Hetax:11HP
Heltherith found the attention she was getting was perhaps counter productive for her goals as she found herself seemingly frustrated , but she spied an opportunity to turn that around with an act of charity, as strange as that might sound to anyone else. And all she'd needed to part with would be a few coins for it to hopefully work. Granted, she had no interest in actually consuming what was on offer (she wasn't willing to go that far down memory lane.) And despite Aesra being present, the Wych was sure that the Beastmaster wouldn't be paying her attention as to what she was doing. Perhaps for all he cared, she was just planning to enjoy some time with a slave. So Mertrixa took out a fair amount of coinage and gave it to the person at the stand, saying to him "Consider that a gift. Spend it wisely, and if you happen to hear anything interesting, be sure to inform me." With that said, she then left the slave pens, deciding to let that act of charity test the waters for if the slaves would be more receptive or not to her. Or if she'd need to give something better like food from outside the pens before she'd make headway with her plans.
