Liquor And A Brute. [OPEN]

[Rexian]

Rexian Tekkyeus, 'The Blood Hunter'.
Doisac.
An unspecified establishment.

In celebration of his first combat engagement, Rexian was having a gathering in a local bar. He ate from the finest meat, and drank from the finest drinks. He laughed and joked with his friends and family, singing songs with other Minors and Elders alike. Rexian felt as though he was on top of the world. He felt as though he was finally a true warrior. "Rexian!" started his younger brother. "What was it like, fighting the humans?". Eveybody else around the tables nodded and cheered, wanting to hear of his first war story. "Well, youngling... It was very exciting to serve my brothers, and the Prophets. The humans are weak and small creatures. They fight with no honour, with no skill. Their bones are soft, they crumble with ease. I have yet to encounter one of their Demons, but if they are anything like the ones I fought today, they will all be dead soon."

The young Jiralhanae spoke with an air of smugness to his voice, making himself out to be some kind of a hero to his friends. In reality, he had suffered some minor injuries, and he had only killed one human. "And you know what else? I think that I will fight again soon. I am sure the Elders will understand this: Once you get a taste of blood, no matter what the species, you cannot resist it. It is ike this beverage I hold in my hand here. It tastes sweet, like victory. Tonight, we drink to our fallen brothers!" Rexian threw his mug at the wall, his friends erupting in fits of laughter at his actions. They were all young Minors, new blood into the terrors of war. Some of his compadres boasted up to five kills. This was impressive to the children and females of their tribe. Rexian put his arm around the barkeep's shoulder, engaging in drunken song with him.

"This is what we fight for, friends! The ability to enjoy our time with those who we cherish!" Rexian felt astronomically happy that he had finally gotten into battle. It was what he had been waiting to do for his entire life. It was what his mind had been tailored to doing. It was what his parents had prepared him to do. Since a young age, Jiralhanae boys had been conditioned by the Covenant to hate humans. They had been made ready for war. Their physically strong and intimidating physique had helped massively in the campaign against the humans. However, their mental state did not service them so well. This was especially obvious that night with Rexian's outlandish and reckless behaviour. If it were not for the influence of his uncle on the barkeep, Rexian and his friends would have been barred from the tavern.

He was enjoying himself, that was obvious for anybody to see. But perhaps,
too much?

(this is my first open rp so yes tis bad)

[Llau]

Thread has been moved to the character backstories board, where it's better suited for. You can RP with others still if you wish; though, I recommend creating an interest check thread first before making a side mission - especially for the next time.

- Llau

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
Lesson one.

Around twenty minutes later

There had been someone seated in the Mug today who hadn't been celebrating with the others. And had just been waiting in the back. Writing with a single mug on their table. Writing down a tale he had heard before. Almost too many times to count. He would move soon once a few more patrons had left his target alone. But not a target for anything violent. Just for a lesson. A lesson that he would take to heart or likely pay dearly for later. It would be up to the young warrior to take the advice. The Elder would just give the lesson.

Once it was time Eugine gave his staff a thump to get the attention of the rather pretty female Jiralhanae that was waiting tables at this hour. A little talk later and some Gekz handed over and she was sent on her way. The Elders table soon cleared of a space for Rex to sit across from him but Euigne kept his open notebook in front of him and a pen equivalent next to that. Before waiting and watching.

Hopefully not too drunk on victory and booze Rexian would get a tap on his shoulder from the female before he was told that his presense had been requested by the Elder in the corner. The silver furred one being pointed out at the back with his staff resting against his side. Probably unlikely that the young warrior knew who it was. But who knew what the youngins knew these days about up and coming Chieftains and their advisors.

[Rexian]

Faclan

While Rexian was busy having fun with his friends and celebrating his first combat victory, he cared not to take any notice of anybody outside of his immediate circle. Why would he even need to? It was his night of fun and honour. Nobody else seemed to matter at that moment in time. Intoxicated by the cheap drink and rushing adrenaline, he was fighting playfully with his friends and answering lots of questions about his fight with the dirty humans. "...and then!" the young Minor roared with laughter, patting his best friend on the back. "The human looked me in the eyes and beggged me for mercy!" this seemed to be a joke to the young Jiralhanae. He and his pals were laughing and smashing tables, which earned them some very dissatisfied looks from customers who had young children around.

It was as Rexian was chugging another mug of some mysterious concotion that he was tapped on the shoulder by a female. He turned to face her, and was soon made aware that his presence had been requested, urgently, by none other than an Elder. He had a quick look around the room for said being, and grinned privately to himself once his eyes landed on the right person. "Ah, right then. Very well." Rexian shared a final dig on the shoulder with his brother before walking over to the table on which this Elder sat.

As he got closer, Rexian seemed to notice something different about the atmosphere. It felt no lnger like a thriving party as it did minutes ago, but perhaps now more like something with a strange feeling in the air. It was almost like a smell. The smell of an older, yet seasoned and wise, warrior. This strange scent alone caused the young one to bow his head in respect as he approached the decaying wooden table. Rexian sat down and felt an almost overwhelming sense of knowledge as he did so.

"Elder. It has been requested by a female that you wish to see me?"

[Faclan]

Rexian

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
A, B, or surprise me with C.

Finishing up his notes as he saw the boy approach, thankfully leaving the majority of his entourage behind, Eugine flipped to a new page and wrote down the date. Before, Rexian able to see it as he sat down, the elder wrote down his name and underlined it. But once sat down one would have to crane his neck to still be able to read the upside down notebook. Setting the utensil to the side the silver ape looked over Rex before finally nodding.

"Correct. The young warrior returns home successful." Leaning forward Eugine would stroke his beard before continuing. "What did you learn from your deployment Warrior?" The first of many questions. Perhaps one could even call them tests. To see the tone of this question and teaching time. Maybe Rex would get up and leave, go back to drinking. That would be a poor showing - a warrior who didn't want to stop and reflect. Who could keep charging forward into their own grave. Perhaps he would only tell of learning how many punches it would take to turn a human to mush. Better but reflective of one who only looked to the end goal of combat. One who would get blindsided by his enemy doing some unorthodox. At least with that one could be trained and molded. Where as those who left could not.

But Eugine waited, to see how much work or zero work he would be doing tonight.

[Rexian]

Faclan

Rexian's expression turned to a slightly confused one as he pondered the silverback's question in his mind several times. "Well, I certainly believe I discovered my true potential as a great Warrior, but I also learned to respect my enemies as they too are fighting for a cause. I have discovered my own physical capabilities and am eager to engage in more hand to hand combat." the young Minor smiled to himself as he thought about crushing the skull of a human in one swift move. Yes. Perhaps, in time, he would be celebrated as the true alpha male that Rexian saw himself as. He believed that he deserved the best females, the best food and the best treatment.

He observed the Elder's notebook and was, again, noticeably perplexed by something. "Why must you write, Wise One? Will you give my words to the news? I can see it now. Young Rexian Tekkyeus emerges triumphant from battle! I am only joking with you. Although, one day I would enjoy being seen as a great one. Perhaps an Elder, like you. I would tell tales of my victories to my grandchildren. This whole experience has brought something to me that I didn't know I had until now. Or, at least, I didn't know it was this prevalent. The desire to fight and to kill has grown on me ever since I saw those puny humans...."

The Brute's fists clenched on the table  as he spoke of the humans, the anger could almost be seen running through him. "The way they tried to stop me with their pathetic little fists and their primitive weapons. They disgust me, all of them. Elder, I must go again. I must server my ancestors. Don't you think so? Killing more is the only way I can become a man."

[Faclan]

Rexian

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
We begin.

The Elder hid his expression or truthfully disappointment when the first thing Rex spoke off was his potential. That wasn't a good start. He didn't leave which was good but boasting right off the bat was pretty rough. But, Eugine reminded himself, he was young and high on the joys of successful combat. He shouldn't expect restraint from one without the proper teachings. Just meant there was a lot to teach...Good?

Glancing up as he made two hard to make out shorthands notes, Rex probably barely able to reach 'hard teach' from his upside down far end of the table, Eugine kept the quill in his hand as he replied. "You should know why we as a people write Rexian, to remember. To remember before we squabbled under the Sangheili's little thumbs. And now I write for the benefit of you and your future career. It will be up to you to decide if it will be a tale of caution or one to be an example for future young warriors."

With that perhaps aggressive ultimatum laid out Euigne looked back at his notebook and wrote a few more things juuust to far slanted to make out before looking back up. "Killing leads to more killing does it not? Do you not remember the very little we know about before the First Immolation? Where everyone was only focused on killing and killing until the entire world was almost killed?" Using his quill to point at the shaking fists Eugine continued. "You would do well to work on controlling your temper, lest you let it get ahold of you during the fight and charge right into an explosive surprise. The Chieftians and Warriors that live know not to let the red mist descend."

[Rexian]

Faclan

"Yes, Elder. Killing will always lead to more killing. It's... an inevetable process, mych like the falling of my noble brothers in battle..." Rexian took a moment to reflect upon his thoughts and what had happened to himduring the battle. "Perhaps our enemies, while vermin, demand some respect from me? I know that they are capable of killing, and I know that they fight as much as we do. Killing them is not something which I understand, Wise One. Why must I do such a thing? To please Prophrts who I will never meet and a faifth I do not understand? Or, perhaps, it is keeping my family tradition alive?" The young one slammed his fists down onto the table, becoming frustrated with his inability to understand. His friends looked over, one even beginning to walk towards them before he was pulled back.

"Thoughts swim around in my head... And laugh at me as I struggle hopelessly trying to grasp them. Yes, yes. I understand. The Sangheili's lives are valued more than ours, are they not? They are the ones who lead our siblings into battle, and they are the ones who lead me to the slaughter against the humans!" Rexian's outburst was the result of him overthinking the Elder's words, and memories of his friends dying rushing back into his psyche as he was trying to drown them with cheap rum.

"The drink... It does nothing for me! Still, I fell shamed for allowing them to die by the hands of the humans! I would much rather be the one who was killed. Forever now, until I am dead, their passing will be a burden on my shoulders..." He took a deep breath, shaking his head, almost in disbelief at his words. "What kind of a fool am I to forget the words of my teachers? Death is the start of my journey as a great warrior. Yes, the deaths of my friends is very upsetting but I must remember the times we had as younglings. I must remember that I was with them until the end."

"This may come as a great lesson for me in time, Elder. To remember that our fight has never been without cost, and that we fight for our people. I must honour their sacrifice by continuing my journey to become what I have always wanted to be. A great and respected warrior. I will not forget them, but I have to move on If I want to be like my ancestors."

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
Walk n Talk.

Raising an eyebrow as the young-in slammed the table Eugine made a slash on the page to denote a new thought as he listened. It seemed like Rexian was more conflicted than initially appeared. And seemed to hang onto the missions of combat because that was easy to answer. Tried to use boasts and drink to keep the rage at their situation under control. How mature of him to have considered the bigger picture and the string pullers. Eugines expression going more neutral until Rex was finished, before he finally nodded. And then, likely to Rexians surprise, stood up and slipped his notebook back into his pouch. Scooping up his staff he moved over to Rex's side and put his good hand on his shoulder.

"Up you get Rex, clear air will do you good and moving feet help to calm a troubled mind." And without giving Rex really a choice the elder, in a pretty surprising burst of strength, yanked Rex to his feet with his good hand and then headed for the door. "You can come back to your friends after we talk."

Once outside Eugine would breath in the dusk air and wait for Rex before he started to walk. Heading for a loop around the restaurant district of this village before ending back at the Damp Mug. Plenty of time to talk. Thumping along Eugine waited until they were out of ear shot of the bar before he spoke up again. "You remind me a lot of myself when I was a little older than you. Back when this war first began." A few more steps. "We fight because the powers above us demand that we do - where-as the Humans fight in defense. Backs against the wall. This makes them more dangerous and respectable. But the Sangheili and San'Shyuum don't want to give them that honor. They don't fight for power or for control, they fight to try and save their own kind." A moment for consideration. "The Sangheili spit on our traditions to try and make us honorless exterminations. But as long as they hold sway and enough War Chief ears we must do as they say. But if the history of all the species of this galaxy have taught me anything if that there is no such thing as an 'Infinite Empire'." The elder taking a moment to drink from his canteen before looking back at Rex. "It may be tomorrow, it may be long after I'm dead and the Humans are gone forever. But it will fall. But until then you have a duty to your tribe. To keep them alive by following the will of our current overlords, to keep the memories of your brothers and sisters alive," he reached out to tap Rex's chest with the butt of his staff. "Because that is something the Sangheili can never take. Just as the Humans are trapped by the Covenant, as are we. Work to become an icon and vessel for our traditions, our strenght, and our future where we will one day be free of the lizards hands."

(Hope good with you Rexian )

[Rexian]

Faclan (Sorry for extremely late reply.)

Rexian gasped in surprise as he was yanked from his comfortable sitting position. He was annoyed, but could not protest or stop him. Despite his almost obvious dissatisfaction with the situation, Rexian respected his elders and so he followed along. He took a quick breath once they stopped, ready to be gifted with the great knowlege of Eugene. "So, the humans are much like you and I? Great and mighty warriors with traditions? So, surely, they demand some respect... Even from the Sanghili and the Prophets... Perhaps, then, if we win the war, there will be no more tradition?" the youngling struggled to process all of this imagination, containing his anger. "Think, Rexian... Think... My duty is with my tribe, not with the Empire. Empires... They... Come and go... But tribes are forever? Correct?" A hopeful look crawled across his face, seeking praise and approval.

"Elder... Why do they fear the Demons? Is there no respect even for what is greater than us? In battle, even I... I become scared sometimes. But I know, and I always have, that if I die I will be honoured in the family mausoleum. Battle is a great thing... But why must we fight at all if everything we believe willone day mean nothing?" Rexian's mind was jam packed with thoughts. He knew that this would help him become a better warrior and a better being with time.

[Faclan]

( Rexian - its alright, welcome back :>)

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
You are ready.

"I know only a little of their history but yes, they have a long history of legendary warriors and battles. A lot of their ship names reference those I believe." By now they were near the Mug again as Rex started to process and consume some of the knowledge. "If the war is won according to the whims of the Covenant the Human history will be extinguished. As is their desire. Tribes can be exterminated like the Humans can, but wide Empires eventually get too wide to hold together. One day there will be a crack in the Covenant, and it will just continue to expand and pull itself apart. But a tribe is small and insular, something we can keep alive just with ourselves in our lives and memory. Empires tend to be uncaring, unlike a family."

The door was now next to them as Euigne leaned against the wall near it as he looked back. Demons and Battle...interesting. Rex seemed to be getting troubled by a lot of interior dilemmas. Very much like a young warrior tossed into this galactic war. Before he closed himself off to just head forward. "Because the Humans are 'weak' and yet the Demons are not. It makes the Covenant panic that they were wrong about them. So what else could they be wrong about?" He swapped his staff to his bad hand to put his good hand on Rex's shoulder and smiled. "Fear is nothing to be afraid of, it keeps you alert and alive. What you must do is understand your fear so it doesn't surprise you. Surprise will get you killed. And we fight because the Empire demands it of us, one day it will collapse and all you will have left is the tribe and family you had before being deployed. So you must never forget them."

Opening the door for Rex he gestured for him to enter, so he could return to his friends and the celebration.

[Rexian]

Faclan

Rexian smiled as the Elder spoke of the humans and their battles. He had found a new respect for his opponents. He frowned at these many mentions of mass extinction. "Is it really worth it, this war? All of the destruction it brings, and for what, Elder? My brothers fell in battle, and until I met you I did not know why. I thought it was for the Empire, to serve the Prophets, but that will not last. I now know that what will last is my tribe, and the memories of my fallen brothers. I do not feel fear anymore. I think I am ready to fight for my cause. Thank you, Noble One. You have gifted me knowledge which I never thought I would recieve. I know now that the Empire does not care for us or our interests. The lizards will fall one day..."

"So, if the Demons are not weak and the humans are, then surely the DEmons are not human? What are they, then, other than these mythical creatures I have been taught of? Could they come for me in my slumber? I know that they would kill me at any given chance, but surely, if they are human, they must have some weakness? Anyway... You will come with me, and I will buy you a drink." Rexian guided the elder into the bar, smiling as he had thought a new friend had been made. As they walked in, Rexian's childhood bully bumped into the Elder on purpose. Rexian would have normally been scared of his old bully, but this could not stand! "No, you fat imbecile! That is my friend! I have had it with you!" Rexian roared, taking the bully by surprise. Rexian hit him with an uppercut as hard as possible. Rexian's adversary flew across the bar.

He scurried back to the Elder. "Friend, are you OK? I am here to help. He is gone now, are you proud of me?" Rexian smiled, looking for praise from his new... Friend... Idol... Mentor? He had taken a lking to the Elder. Rexian paid for drinks, handing a mug to him. "I hope you like it, it is my grandmother's recipe. Specially f-for you, Noble One."

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
Always more to learn.

Walking back inside the Mug with Rex Eugine grunted as he listened to more questions. "A few years ago I would have said the war was for the Holy Covenant journey. But the Covenant showed my family how little they cared about protecting us so now I say it is for their benefit and their benefit only. They want the Humans gone and since we're under their control we have to follow their commands - as I said trapped as the Humans are. Especially with so many War Chiefs believing in the Covenant fully." Stroking his beard slightly he smiled when he was thanked for the information and patted Rex's shoulder again. "No problem young-in - its my job after all. I'll add it to your bill." A wink after that, a bit of granddad humor.

He just nodded at the offer of a drink, a bit low quality in this place but he could manage it. And as they walked he shrugged. "I have to assume they are Human as well giving the images we have seen of them - or some kind of very human shaped machine. If human probably heavily modified or adjusted like the old tales of the Bear Chests from our times; on so many drugs they don't know what pain is anymore." At the shove Eugine just eye rolled and was about to raise his staff to help teach the young-in some manners before Rex jumped in to do it for him. It was interested, but in Eugines mind especially after what he had learned he believed Rex had jumped to action - disregarding the fact that Eugine was about to as well. But he was old darnit - he had some freedoms with that.

"I am fine, if a tumbling Human vehicle couldn't kill me a youth in a bar sure won't. However Rex," he took the offered drink, gave it a sniff and a swirl, before taking two gulps. "Thats a fine draft, be sure to congratulate your Grandmother or her memory for it. But," setting the tankard down he nodded at the bully just getting up now. "He is a warrior just like you. One that could potentially be watching your back just like a Sangheili. You should work on shoring up relations so you only need to worry about one of your potential squad mates, not both." He was tempted to add that if the Covenant did ever collapse in Rex's lifetime he may need that other youth to get away from the Sangheili. But no need to scare Rex today.

[Rexian]

Faclan

"I will. I always do. My father taught me that remembering the fallen is one of the most important things for a tribe to do..." He smiled at the thought of his grandmother and the treats she used to give him. Boiled candies, sweet drinks... He snapped out of his trance. "You were almost killed by a tumbling human vehicle? How? What happened? Were you injured by it?" he was full of questions, the young Minor obviously fascinated by the tales of an old warrior. "You have been in battle before. Is it true that I may need my old enemies to fight alongside me against the humans?"

Rexian took a moment before asking the next question, quickly running over the possible consequences in his mind. He thought he could trust the Elder. "Or even to fight against the Covenant if it collapses? Is the Empire really so unstable that it's all on the brink of collapse?" he shook his head with a sigh, taking a large swig of the drink. "How have the humans managed to hold their Empire together for so long? How have they not collapsed under their own weight? It makes no sense."

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
Possible doom-saying.

"Good lessons, better to remember what you can before it gets burned away again. Either by us or another race." Returning to the nice drink Eugine kept listening to Rex. And when he was asked about his almost career ending injury he rolled his eyes a little. Letting his staff thump against his head to hold it up he raised up his bad hand and attempted to close it. It only really twitched but it was pretty badly mangled. And then he grabbed his staff again and put down the drink. "Rain, mud, and explosives tend not to mix. In the early days of this war I was part of an assault team and an explosive sent one of their green turret trucks sliding towards me on its side. Wasn't fast enough to get out of the way." A shrug. "But it started me on the path of historian, mystic, and advisor instead of being thrown against the Humans again and again. I could it as a neutral experience all things considered."

He was glad to see that Rex was thinking on what he had said and not just ignored it but he seemed to need a second 'yes' before he believed something. Eugine was unsure if that was good or not. On the one hand if something needed to be done immediately Rex may delay and make it worse. But on the other it means he would be less likely to believe someone at first sermon. "Perhaps, but its always better to have allies than those looking for a weakness to exploit. Is why I suggested re-building bridges that either of you burnt down. Even if it doesn't collapse in yours or my lifetime its better to have warriors than traitors if another tribe attacks." He finished off the drink before shrugging again. "I assume its not as perfect as you think. I'm sure they have in fighting and traitors and the like. Just like how the Covenant may look from the outside; a strong alliance of us alien races. But those on the inside tend to see the cracks better than those outside the dome."

[Rexian]

Faclan
The RP returns!

"War and humans have always seemed to mix, though. Do you know anything of how they live outside of war?" Rexian was becoming increasingly interested in how his enemies lived. He thought it would be something that could prove useful on the battlefield. His endless storm of questions were now being overtaken by a hurricane of thoughts and plans. "How did you fight for so long? How did you keep your mind clear and your body strong?" Rexian had a great amount of respect for this great warrior, and it showed. He had always admired those willing to lay down their lives, and he knew he would be content if he did so one day. The fall of the Covenant was at the back of his mind. He wouldn't dare to vocalize it.

Was it not treason, in some way or another? Or was it the truth?

//sorry this is short im a bit rusty and pressed for time

[Faclan]

Rexian
(Welcome back! And no problem.)

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Doisac Alehouse - The Damp Mug
Moar lessons.

"Not really no. I suspect most species aren't too different really. Even the Kig-Yar despite their sneaky thieving ways have downtime. Either to talk with family or work on making a new family. Or do those fast vehicle races they like so much. Build something. Its what makes intelligence doesn't it? The ability to enjoy yourself. You can't always be fighting or you'll burn out and then just be a useless husk." He shrugged. "Just one old mans ramblings however - most other species think of us like that. Just a bunch of angry furry lunatics that love nothing more than smashing in the heads of our neighbors." He took another gulp. "Then again," setting the mug down. "They aren't too wrong after the whole Immolation business. I just hope that most of us can grow past that."

"On the whole Rex I didn't fight that long at all. And I'm hardly strong of body anymore. My medical discharge left me with very little to do body wise. So instead I honed my mind and history by becoming a Historian and Mystic. Much less glamorous than a mighty warrior but I'm one of only two of my former war party that still lives." A shrug as he finished off his drink. "And now I help youngins like you hopefully not run in front of a tank. Take it as you will I suppose."