| abstract
| - Kashyyyk: Kachiro City - Wookiee Village The Wookiee capital city is a wonder of organic architecture. Rarely has any people accomplished so much with so little so slowly. Kachiro's streets are wide branches radiating from the giant local wroshyr trees, a full kilometer above the surface of the planet below. Its alleyways are boardwalks, hung on impossibly stout vines, connecting small clustered neighborhoods of houses. Civic areas occur near the crux between a great branch and the trunk, where the level-footing can be dozens of meters wide. While some homes are constructed as egg-shaped wooden domes scattered among the branches, many other dwellings and larger structures are found standing on a branch node at the main trunk. Still others burrow into the trees themselves. While walkways provide access to most buildings, they tend not often to be built too far from the main branch-lines of the three main trees here. Thus, vines and rope-pulley systems are common sights, providing the physically agile natives the opportunity to take numerous shortcuts through the city. As the Wookiees are raised at such a precarious height, they see little need for safety measures - railings or safety nets are practically non-existant. Kachiro City - a thousand and one tree-houses. Players: Things: Vaal Hirah Republic Guard 3rd Infantry [army] Menglor [armed] Republic Guard Elites [army] Republic Guard Senatorials [army] Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry [ Republic Guard 2nd Infantry [army] Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohor Republic Guard 3rd Expeditionary Cohor Republic Guard Riot Squad 3 [army] RGEF Armor 002 [vehicle] RGEF Armor 001 [vehicle] Devil Company - 1B BAG [army] Zulu Company - 1B SAG [army] Golf Company - 1B BAG [army] F Company - 2B RAG [army] E Company - 1B RAG [army] D Company - 2B RAG [army] C Company - 1B RAG [army] B Company - 2B RAG [army] Saraphim Company J - GAG [army] Saraphim Company I - GAG [army] Seraphim Company L - GAG [army] Seraphim Company K - GAG [army] Seraphim Company H - GAG [army] Obvious exits: -Ladder Down- towards Kachiro Starport. -Suspended Boardwalk- towards Tree Top Market. -Rope Bridge- towards Jungle Canopy. -Swinging Vine- towards Isolated Enclave. (Vaal Hirah) Far off on the western horizon, a golden glow lines the treetops as the daylight refuses to flee entirely, but underneath the skies of Kachiro City the shadows have already grown long and deep as they claw their way across the bridges and walkways. Here and there a fire smoulders from recent blaster fire, and many of the tree trunks that hold aloft this marvellous city sport deep rends and scars; hollows carved out by claws and talons to create yet more wells of darkness. War and savagery has come at last to the peaceful capital of the aggressive wookiees. Vines hang loose down from mighty boughs, the creak of bark and wood heard at whiles to echo through the deserted streets. A lone, mournful howl seeps from the distant civic boles, only to be cut off and strangled into silence a moment or two later. And all else is ominously still. (Menglor) The Wookies may be on the far side of the Galaxy, a backwards people, and highly misunderstood, but they are Republic Citizens. Much of what they built may lay in ruin now, but still the Armies of the Republic come. They land here on Kashyyyk in numbers that haven't been seen in a thousand years, and may never be seen again if they fail. Towards the Capital city they move, like a thousand dark garbed insects, lights on their rifles helping to illuminate the coming night. Great tanks rumble along with them, offering some cover, but not right away -- it'll take a while to get them into the City. So, a few unlucky souls are sent to scout ahead -- the Republic Guard Elites and the 1st Cohort. Up the cargo ramp they come -- their brothers following below -- and move a short ways into the city. Their guns point in all directions, the lights on them illuminating much of the darkness -- while creating more shadows. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Amongst those that scout ahead is a darkly robed figure, keeping low, the cloth billows behind him as he moves. He makes his way slowly in, keeping along with the rest as icy eyes survey the destruction causes. He keeps his comlink close, speaking into it after every level or potion gained. The hood of his cloak is kept up and as he looks to the Guards, he nods and they move on with him. He is swift, unseen as he creeps low. The Jedi remains unseen as thus, he is just another of the troops. (Vaal Hirah) Meanwhile, up above in the tree city, the ominous silence reigns still. No hint of movement is betrayed to the scouts, they themselves stealthy enough to avoid a clamour, and so the pregnant lack of noise continues. But... a smell might well make itself known to the soldiers. Foul and rancid it lingers on the air around the platforms of the entrance ledge. (Menglor) The scouts continue to advance further into the city. For the most part they keep low, and search for cover. Yet as they advance, more troops come up the cargo ramp behind them. The 2nd Infantry reaches the top of the ramp, and there hunkers down. With each step into the darkness, the Scouts slow -- not pushing much further. They have seen the attacks on Ord Mantell. They know what is waiting for them out here in the shadows. Fighting alone in the darkness they do not wish for. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) The smells are not lost on the cloaked figure, his hand lifting to close his mouth. He reports into his comlink and then scoots forward withthe rest to look over the first landing, his gaze scanning the sights as they start to cover their position. (Vaal Hirah) The odour is ranker and more potent as the scouts scout on, a great well of shadow claiming them as they pass beneath a gigantic branch. Here the stench is so strong that bark, should any flashlight inspect it, is starting to turn yellow, and green liquid stains the trunk. And then, a light chittering sound can be heard above them. (Menglor) The Scouts halt beneath that great branch. A few inquisitive privates shine their lights upon the green liquid staining the trunk. "Ugh," one grunts in a soft voice, reaching a gloved hand out to touch it. "Don't..." Says another one simply nearby. "Shut up..." Growls a Corporal in a low voice. "Oh hell." Says a Sergeant as the chittering starts in the branches above them, and in unison all of their lights shine upwards. Nearby, one of the Officer's moves to take cover. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) The chittering is known to Kenobi and as they pass beneath the branch, the hooded figure looks up at the light given. He grimaces and shakes his head. "Foul...the Blacks create such monstrosities." Obi-wan moves back, grasping at his saber and pulling it free. He does not activate it quite yet, but as the lights all remain focused, he also finds cover and the thrum of his saber cutting the air is only accented by the blue glow. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi ignites his blue lightsaber. (Vaal Hirah) The flashlights search the boughs above to no avail, until a drip of the same green goo lands upon one of the scout's lenses. A second drip splats upon a second scout, and the chittering turns to an angry rasp. All of a sudden a hideous insectile face flashes into view, and the branch erupts into furious hissing. A dozen or more lithe, powerful bodies leap down from above onto the scouts; hacking and stabbing and biting with claws, talons and teeth. The Golf Company - 1B BAG charge bare-handed ... The Republic Guard Elites open fire with Force Pikes ... CASUALTIES: Golf Company - 1B BAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard Elites: 1 killed. (Menglor) "Bloody Hell!" cry the Skirmisher's from the Bloody 4th (Elites) as the clones drop onto them. The battle lasts only a few moments though. These soldiers fight like mad men. They fire with their force pikes, and then ram them through the clones hearts. Again as usual they make a mess of things, killing all that assault in this first wave, even as their cowering Captain is killed -- cover not helping him here. An older First Sergeant spits on the man's body, and then motions for the soldiers to advance. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Stepping forth, the blue glow of his saber etching out more and more of the fighting figures infront of him, the Knight dare not enter the fray for worry of hurting one of the Guards. But they do well on their own, felling each one with only one loss to their side. His gaze then sweeps out, waiting for the rest to come springing forth. His gaze narrows and he steps further out, lowering into a ready stance as the shadows are thrown across his face, his hood leaving a dark impression across one cheek in its mystery. (Vaal Hirah) And the noise of the scuffle only heralds a second clamour, for even as the veteran punishes his Captain's corpse a great hiss is taken up in the closer trees. A rhythm runs through it, pulsing in time to some alien, terrible will; grains and strips of bark sauntering down to suggest claws tearing into the branches in unison. Still not a great many, but enough to rival the numbers of the Skirmishers pour out from the nearby shadows -- scuttling to launch themselves at the vanguard of the Republic's forces. Once again the Elite of the Bloody 4th are put to the test, while in the distance, there is a strange, menacing thud. The Devil Company - 1B BAG charge bare-handed ... The Republic Guard Elites open fire with Force Pikes ... CASUALTIES: Devil Company - 1B BAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard Elites: 2 killed. The Zulu Company - 1B SAG charge bare-handed ... The Republic Guard Elites open fire with Force Pikes ... CASUALTIES: Zulu Company - 1B SAG: 34 killed. Republic Guard Elites: 3 killed. (Menglor) The Skirmisher's continue to advance, proving beyond all doubt they are the bravest men of the Republic Guard, while the 1st Cohort lingers behind them. More Republic Guard troops beging to make there way into the city, but they are far behind these brave handfull of men. The Skimisher's advance, their force pikes held at the ready, and once more do themselves proud! They kill, maim, destroy, and do what they do best against their foes! The night may have come to Kashyyyk, the planet never to rise again, but these men fight with all the valor and tenacity of those who once called this city home. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Stepping up to join the others, the Knight's reactions are swift, certain. The light of his saber cuts across him, throwing more shadows as he engages the clones, the smell rending his senses, but not his purpose. He turns, the cloak flaring, but the hood remains, he slices hard at the torseo of one, intending to carry through to another if he can, his steps digging into the floor. Obi-Wan Kenobi slips out of hiding. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Zulu Company - 1B SAG! COMBAT: Zulu Company - 1B SAG tries to dodge, but Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber strikes and kills one of them. COMBAT: Zulu Company - 1B SAG lash out at Obi-Wan Kenobi with their Spined Claws! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries with his blue lightsaber and kills one of Zulu Company - 1B SAG. The Republic Guard Elites open fire with Force Pikes ... The Zulu Company - 1B SAG defend bare-handed ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard Elites: 1 wounded. Zulu Company - 1B SAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. (Vaal Hirah) The fury of the Skirmishers is not to be withstood; at least, not by a foe so mean as this frontal charge. But if the din of battle so far was thought to be loud, it is nothing compared to the great wall of noise that screeches and hollers at the warriors of the Republic as they carve their way through the clones. Kachiro City all but shudders from the sound of a thousand or more insectile voices, and chitin rasps against chitin as unseen they are heard to mass in the darkness. Here and there a glimpse might be seen of the vicious beasts as they swarm, but ever do they cling to the shadows as they begin to surround the men. And, joining the dreadful choir a drum beats into the wooden floor of this tree-city. Heavy and hard the thumps can be heard, until, their source is suddenly revealed. No drum is this that beats such a challenge, but the footfalls of an enormous, spine riddled monstrosity -- surely the result of some hideous mutation among these creatures. Twenty feet high and forty long it sports a putrid yellow shell and sharp looking pincers that snap in time to its steps. (Menglor) The First Cohort looks upon this terrible thing, and turns away. They hear the noises of the coming clones, and see this monster. It is too much for them, and they sprint back towards the troops which are gathering behind them. The Bloody 4th's skirmishers do the exact opposite! Some laugh as they see it approach, a few cry out in shock and disgust, while their Officer's bellow forward! "Into the belly of the beast you maggots! Fear no evil, because your are the toughest soldiers this galaxy has ever seen! Forward!" COMBAT: Republic Guard Elites fire their Force Pikes at Spiny Monstrosity! COMBAT: Spiny Monstrosity is not damaged by Republic Guard Elites's force beam. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Even as they finish off what is left of the clones, Obi-wan turns back to watch the guards back away at the sight of the great beast. The Jedi does too. Taking strafing steps back, one by one, he holds his saber at ready. As they shoot and fire, Kenobi ruses forth, his saber streaking out to cut into the side of the thing, meaning to be lost in the flurry of fire, the blade arcing like a hot lance. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Spiny Monstrosity! COMBAT: Spiny Monstrosity cannot evade, and Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber strikes and damages it. (Vaal Hirah) There is a deep, rolling growl that can be felt underfoot as the Elites open fire; the monstrosity seeming to take offense at their attentions if not actual harm. It pounds forward as though to trample over their midst, only for antennae to twitch and beady multi-faceted eyes to shine with the glow of the lightsaber as it carves into the exoskeleton of this hideous beast. Pincers snap and teeth gnash as the creature rounds upon Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the beast tries to give as good as it gets from the Jedi Knight. Meanwhile, the storm breaks at last upon the scouts, for with the strike against their tank-like pet the clone warriors pour forth from the shadows. Screeches and hisses fill the air as they charge, and even the Skirmishers of the Bloody 4th might be given cause to retreat. COMBAT: You charge Spiny Monstrosity at Obi-Wan Kenobi! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries with his blue lightsaber and gashes Spiny Monstrosity. The E Company - 1B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard Elites open fire with Force Pikes ... CASUALTIES: E Company - 1B RAG: 47 killed. Republic Guard Elites: 22 killed. (Menglor) The Skirmishers of the Bloody 4th give as well as the get, each man that dies taking at least two with them, but when faced with such overwhelming force -- they run. There is no need for an order to be given. They are brave men, but not stupid. In unison they all break ranks, and flee. "Run for it boyo's!" Cries their first Sergeant. "Every man for himself!" Back towards the waiting horde of the Republic the charge. The Guard has come at last, and is arrayed before their foes here in the Tree City. Many have taken cover, and other stand in long battle lines -- meant to hold back the clones in a Melee. Behind all of these troops sits a pair of rumbling tanks, just looking for a likely target. When the skirmishers come running back, half as many as before, the soldiers of the Guard let out a strange and wild cry -- as if victorious! Then they part to let the soldiers through. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Dipping in close to the stinking spined creature, his saber digs into its side, but not far enough. Obi-wan grips the saber, pulling it free as he turns, his cloak flaring and hood falling back in the darkened canopy. The Knight pushes with his feet upon the ground, turning in mid-air to bring about his saber to meet the pinchers of the creature which seeks him. Using the Force as his ally, the robed Jedi jumps to the side, using the things own movement to carry his saber in deep, cutting thoroughly though as he pushes up and pulls free. He steps back and then hurdles in again for another attack. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Spiny Monstrosity! COMBAT: Spiny Monstrosity cannot evade, and Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber strikes and damages it. (Vaal Hirah) Once again Obi-Wan's weapon is a match for the hard carapace of the gigantic clone, tearing a deep gash along one of the creature's legs. It stumbles, setting the platforms aquiver before a high pitched squealing erupts from it's throat. Antennae twitch anew, and a dozen or so of the other clones turn their beady eyes upon the Jedi, rushing to their pet's aid. The beast itself turns about; thorax raising to reveal a long, sharp needle-like spine that lashes towards Obi-Wan's face. Meanwhile, the battle proper is joined at long last. Hordes upon hordes of the clone warriors surge forth in pursuit of the Elites, and there is no slowing of their pace as they catch sight of the Guard's reinforcements. Instead a battle cry rends the night air, already dank and rancid from the spilled filth of their veins, and the army of the Black Empire dives headlong into the massed ranks of their foes. COMBAT: F Company - 2B RAG attack Obi-Wan Kenobi with their Spined Clawss! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi tries to parry with his blue lightsaber, but F Company - 2B RAG's Spined Claws grievously wounds him. The D Company - 2B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard Riot Squad 3 open fire with BlasTech X92 Advanced Blasters ... CASUALTIES: D Company - 2B RAG: 67 killed. Republic Guard Riot Squad 3: 30 killed. The C Company - 1B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 2nd Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: C Company - 1B RAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard 2nd Infantry: 27 killed. The E Company - 1B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort open fire with BlasTech E10 Carbines ... CASUALTIES: E Company - 1B RAG: 114 killed. Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort: 36 killed. The B Company - 2B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard Senatorials open fire with Force Pikes ... CASUALTIES: B Company - 2B RAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard Senatorials: 13 killed. The Saraphim Company J - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: Saraphim Company J - GAG: 93 killed. Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry: 24 killed. The Saraphim Company I - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: Saraphim Company I - GAG: 81 killed. Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry: 27 killed. The Seraphim Company L - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 3rd Expeditionary Cohort open fire with BlasTech E10 Carbines ... CASUALTIES: Seraphim Company L - GAG: 44 killed. Republic Guard 3rd Expeditionary Cohort: 60 killed. The Seraphim Company K - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: Seraphim Company K - GAG: 68 killed. Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry: 22 killed. The Seraphim Company H - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 3rd Expeditionary Cohort open fire with BlasTech E10 Carbines ... CASUALTIES: Seraphim Company H - GAG: 24 killed. Republic Guard 3rd Expeditionary Cohort: 35 killed. COMBAT: You charge Spiny Monstrosity at Obi-Wan Kenobi! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries with his blue lightsaber and damages Spiny Monstrosity. (Briseis) Look. There is a tank. It fires. BOOM. COMBAT: Briseis fires RGEF Armor 002's Heavy Turret Blasters at Spiny Monstrosity! COMBAT: Spiny Monstrosity is not damaged by RGEF Armor 002's blaster bolt. (Menglor) The Republic Guard stands it's ground against the assault! Waves of clones pour over the Soldiers, and they are slaughtered by the hundreds! The Corpses at first are piled high before the Guard, green blood mixing with red, and then the Clones pour over the top of that wall of dead. The soldiers of the Republic are forced back, and some units take heavy casualties -- breaking and running back through the lines. The veteran units stand and fight, forcing the Clones to pay dearly for each inch they take -- exacting a high price in blood. One of the tanks at the rear concentrates its firepower on the massive monsters which follows the Black Empire's forces. The barrel of it's gun is leveled, and then it opens fire -- the explosion from it's barrel alone enough to illuminate the darkness. The Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... The D Company - 2B RAG counterattack with Spined Clawss ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry: 18 killed. D Company - 2B RAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. The Republic Guard Senatorials open fire with Force Pikes ... The Seraphim Company L - GAG counterattack with Spined Clawss ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard Senatorials: 13 killed. Seraphim Company L - GAG: 94 killed. The Republic Guard 3rd Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... The Saraphim Company I - GAG counterattack with Spined Clawss ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard 3rd Infantry: 14 killed. Saraphim Company I - GAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. The Republic Guard 2nd Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... The Seraphim Company H - GAG counterattack with Spined Clawss ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard 2nd Infantry: 11 killed. Seraphim Company H - GAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. The Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort open fire with BlasTech E10 Carbines ... The Seraphim Company K - GAG counterattack with Spined Clawss ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort: 25 killed. Seraphim Company K - GAG: 39 killed. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Even as Obi-wan strikes his next hit and he turns to make another, he grits his teeth, backpedaling to try to put distance between himself and the incoming forces. The knight narrows his gaze and turns, attempting to dodge their stikes, but in the flurry of blows he finds a portion of his side cast into hot claws. He hisses between his teeth and presses through them. As the larger beast takes its own strike, he twirls his saber about, aiming a strike hard and true upon the creature. A step to the side and he is jabbing the saber inward, quick and true. His upper body leans in with the strike. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Spiny Monstrosity! COMBAT: Spiny Monstrosity cannot evade, and Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber strikes and damages it. COMBAT: Menglor fires RGEF Armor 001's Heavy Turret Blasters at Spiny Monstrosity! COMBAT: Spiny Monstrosity cannot evade, and RGEF Armor 001's blaster bolt hits and seriously damages it. Spiny Monstrosity explodes. (Vaal Hirah) The rally of the Republic forces is a terrible and glorious thing to see, for their blasters cut into the clones with vigour; felling them in droves as though harvesting some gruesome field. Down they tumble, green ichor spraying hither and thither to coat not only the trees and walkways but the Guardsmen themselves also. Screeches rend the night, though they are far fewer by the tell the deadly barrage is over. But, where sentient foes might flee, where beings with fears, hopes and dreams might balk and seek to live another day, these creatures press on; hissing and squealing their savage defiance as they fight on. Meanwhile the great juggernaut of a clone, the mighty insectoid leviathan is beset from all sides. With one blaster bolt from the first tank ricocheting harmlessly off of the hard chitin of its carapace, the beast is nonetheless distracted and Obi-Wan's saber is given the chance to wound it deeply. Jelly spills and sprays over the Knight as he slices open the many chambers of the creature's eye, and even as it reels the second tank's fire sears through its abdomen furiously. Down at last goes the beast, crashing into the platformed ground with a force that shakes the leaves of the treetops, and it moves no more. And it is then that keen eyes might spot a figure standing far in the back; watching the proceedings. Dark and tall even from afar it stands with arms outstretched as though casting some spell. COMBAT: You try to terrify Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah terrifies and disorients Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort. The Saraphim Company J - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort open fire with BlasTech E10 Carbines ... CASUALTIES: Saraphim Company J - GAG: 19 killed. Republic Guard 1st Expeditionary Cohort: 28 killed. COMBAT: You try to terrify Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry! COMBAT: Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry controls their fear of Vaal Hirah. The F Company - 2B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 3rd Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: F Company - 2B RAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard 3rd Infantry: 1 killed. The E Company - 1B RAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard Senatorials open fire with Force Pikes ... CASUALTIES: E Company - 1B RAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard Senatorials: 2 killed. The Seraphim Company L - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: Seraphim Company L - GAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry: 5 killed. The Seraphim Company K - GAG charge, Spined Clawss at the ready ... The Republic Guard 2nd Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... CASUALTIES: Seraphim Company K - GAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. Republic Guard 2nd Infantry: 6 killed. (Menglor) Horror falls upon the 1st Cohort, they have fought well, but it is all too much for them -- most of them being still very young soldiers. Many of them are little more then young men. They turn and flee, taking a few clones with them as they do, but are cut down like nerfs to the slaughter. They run for the ramp, and are soon lost from sight. The Bloody 4th though are soldiers, nearly legends, and dark sorcery will not turn them to flight. They stand fast, slaughtering their foes, and crying out in wild and rage filled voices! They are veterans! They are the fist of the Republic. Around them the rest of the Republic Guard gathers, and then moves to finish the battle and carry the day. The fall upon the last of the clones without mercy -- offering no quarter where none is given. The Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry open fire with BlasTech GS-1 Rifles ... The Saraphim Company J - GAG counterattack with Spined Clawss ... CASUALTIES: Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry: 5 killed. Saraphim Company J - GAG: unit eliminated. The remaining fighters disperse. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) As his hit slides home, the thick spray of abdominal fluid sprays out over him. He turns his head away, ducking slightly and lifting his shoulder as the saber hisses against the liquid that pours forth. Drawing the blue blade away, he is soaked from head to two. He is quick to cut free the ruined robe, as heavy as it has become. His saber switches hands for a brief moment as the gooey cloth falls into a sickening thunk of a puddle. He feels the Force, it ripples across his skin and he reaches out. Icy eyes lift and in the shadows he finds a form, faint and undefined. It is to this he runs, charging past what clones are left to try to get to it. Trying to get to the one behind this massacre. The Force flows around him and his jog becomes a full out run. (Vaal Hirah) A sharp cackle echos out over the bodies of the slain, and the dark figure in the distance lowers his arms at the sight of Obi-Wan's charge. Vaal Hirah, --for who other would the ominous spectator be?-- turns slowly away from the battleground, and walks calmly towards a low hanging vine. Grasping hold of it with gloved fingers, the Sith Knight sends a final glance to the Jedi, ere swinging out of view to a platform a short drop away. Kashyyyk: Kachiro City - King's Court This unusual structure is twenty-five meters high and fifteen meters wide, and is shaped like a giant egg. Made of intricately woven vines and long pieces of lumber, it is open-air within and has many windows placed throughout its rounded walls, bringing in natural light from all directions. The various small 'rooms' of the King's home are suspended platforms, hung from trusses within the larger structure itself. Some are interconnected by walkways, other smaller spaces can only be reached by intrepid wall-climbing or rope-swinging. One large platform is hung about two-thirds of the way towards the bottom of the structure, and has a roomy arrangement of wookiee-sized furniture, as well as a long table with seats for twelve. Players: Things: Obi-Wan Kenobi [armed] Kashyyyk Mob 12 [army] Menglor [armed] Kashyyyk Mob 11 [army] Vaal Hirah Kashyyyk Mob 10 [army] Republic Guard Elites [army] Republic Guard "Bloody 4th" Infantry [ Republic Guard 2nd Infantry [army] Republic Guard 3rd Infantry [army] Republic Guard Senatorials [army] Kraaghchahk Kashyyyk Government System Old Wookiee Treasurer Obvious exits: -Rooftop Walkway- towards Isolated Enclave. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) The Knight is not far behind, looking down over the huts and the figure disappearing. His saber sheathes and he grabs at he vine as well, kicking off and swinging down over the huts. He releases and hits the ground in a roll. The momentum of it hurdles him to his feet and he comes rushing forward, tilted a bit far. He keeps himself upright and slowly rises, the saber held tightly in his grasp as he moves after. Breaking into the King's Court, the Knight skids to a stop, looking about for the one he pursues. (Vaal Hirah) Crimson fire writes itself across the shadows then as there is a sizzle of oxygen, and Vaal Hirah ignites his own lightsaber. Stepping forth, sneering a lip at Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi's old apprentice bows his head in salute. "You heal quickly, Obi-Wan... the Order must have paid dearly for the Bacta used upon you. Who nursed you to health, I wonder?" COMBAT: You ignite your red lightsaber. (Menglor) The Republic Guard itself spreads out through the city, searching the ruins for anymore clones, or survivors. They have triumphed once more, but at a cost -- they were too late to save Kashyyyk. Through the city they stalk, hunting for clones to take out their ire upon. Even in the darkness what these men see, move them to tears -- some crying out in anger and hate. They are soldiers, but what the clones do goes beyond mere war or soldiering. Some of them come at last to the King's Hall, and see the Sith Lord standing there before the Jedi. Many raise their rifles to fire, but a deep voice cries shouts a simple, "Lower your weapons. This is not our fight." They all stand then at ease, watching as the two warriors prepare to face off. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) "The Supreme Justice healed me, Vaal Hirah.." He says the others name with some shame, "And he paid for the bacta. The Order are busy with their own deeds. And I survive because I am one with the Force and I have no shroud about my shoulders of lies and deceit...and death." Obi-wan circles, his saber twirling in his hand as it springs to life. Seering the air, the faint blue colors the side of his face, gracing it in a gentle reflection of what remains in his hand. He starts to circle faster, his gaze upon the other. "You have become everything you fought against, Orin. I am sorry I must do this, I am sorry I failed you before." With that the knight moves in, a heavy step taken and another lighter one to follow that brings his blade arcing in, a slash of brilliant light that scorches the air. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah parries Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber with his red lightsaber. (Vaal Hirah) There is a crackling discharge of energy as Vaal, or Orin as Obi-Wan seems wont to name him, is quick to raise his own blade in defense. Slipping a pace or two to one side, the Sith shakes his head and sneers in reply. "Sorry, Obi-Wan? You should be sorrier for your precious Order itself... it is in worse shape than I am..." A sniff, and Orin adds: "I warned you of the rot in the Jedi.. but you would not listen. And so, you must be cut down... the blind cannot aid the witless." All around the pair of them the air grows cold; shadows lengthen and the Jedi may well feel some dark force pressing in on all sides. COMBAT: You try to terrify Obi-Wan Kenobi! FORCE: Obi-Wan Kenobi calls upon the Force. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi does not fear Vaal Hirah. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) What shadows come are distorted and pushed back, the Knight's own control of the Force shuddering past the living fear. "Keep your tricks, Sith Lord, for soon you will find the Order stemming the flow of your evil that sweeps across this galaxy. You will fall, but not in the way you have already. Your redemption is past me." Regret and sadness linger in his eyes as the fear is driven back completely and what is left of it is cut through with a swing of his saber, the strike extended beyond to reach for the other in finality, the step drawing the Knight inward with a flow of robes. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah parries Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber with his red lightsaber. (Vaal Hirah) But once again Orin's training is equal to the task of parrying; much of that owed in no small part to the instruction given by Obi-Wan himself, and he swats aside the strike. But what the Jedi likely did not teach him is the snarl that wrinkles his lips, and stepping back a pace he sends his own weapon out in reply. Out it slashes, seeking Kenobi's chest eagerly. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi tries to parry with his blue lightsaber, but Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber hits and grievously wounds him. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Even as the Knight side steps to break away from the strike, he feels the heat of the strike. He hisses through his teeth, eyes narrowing before he looks up at his once apprentice. While he snakes away from the red blade, his own twirls in his hand and does as well. Spinning in with a step, he brings the saber with an arch down from his shoulder, the light panning some luminence across his visage. "You were always quick to violence." COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah tries to parry with his red lightsaber, but Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber hits and moderately wounds him. (Vaal Hirah) And this time Kenobi's strike is not to be denied, the blue saber slicing into his side and leaving a smoking gash in his dark attire. A second snarl comes from Orin then as he staggers back a pace, and furrows his brow. "Not bad Obi-Wan... but enough of the warm up..." Wincing from the pain of his wound he steps forward then, a series of feints and lashes sent out at Obi-Wan's own saber with little vigour, until suddenly a truer strike is made at the hilt itself. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi's arms -- but you try not to hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi's arms too badly! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber with his blue lightsaber. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) This sends the Knight stepping backwards, saber moving with each, his eyes dancing to keep time with the feints. As the lash suddenly comes out with intent, the Jedi arcs his blade with a sideways movement of his hand and meets the blade with a crackling hiss. Gritting his teeth, Obi-wan presses his weight against it and then thrusts aside. The blue heat comes rushing in, a herald of strength and justice as it seers the air in complaint towads the other's opening after his strike. "Speak as you like, but let us see what the battle says." COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah tries to parry with his red lightsaber, but Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber hits and moderately wounds him. (Vaal Hirah) The Jedi is rewarded with a second decent hit upon the Sith, and Orin gasps for air a little as his chest surely gains a burn from the strike. His armour appears to be doing little other than weighing him down, but the Dark Knight is nimble yet. It is Orin's turn to spin, working up a turn of speed to his strike as he pivots to the left, and with a devious slash he sends it arcing out in search of Obi-Wan's stomach. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi -- but you try not to hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi too badly! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber with his blue lightsaber. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Stepping back once, widening his stance, the Jedi receives the hit without backing down. As his blade collides there is a screeching hit and a flash as his blade moves down along the others, gaining strength as he rushes his blade towards Orin's hand. Obi-wan then lifts, knocking the blade up high before turning his blade in to stab for the others chest the blue blade like a missile in the dimness. His features are tense and his brows furrow, a faint sheen of sweat as the young Knight stares at his once student, almost in apology. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah parries Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber with his red lightsaber. (Vaal Hirah) Where remorse fills the Jedi's gaze, Orin's is filled only with a dark rage as he watches his former Master block his strike, and a fresh snarl escapes his throat as he circles Obi-Wan warily. Quick as a snake his saber makes as though to stab at his foe's left side, only for him to roll his wrist and slash viciously for the weaponhand anew -- hoping no doubt that the Jedi's guard will be distracted. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi's arms -- but you try not to hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi's arms too badly! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber with his blue lightsaber. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Nearly the hit is made but Obi-wan is able to sway, stepping to the side and bringing his saber outward to meet with another angled, crackling hiss. He grits his teeth, pushing upon the other's saber and drawing it up and then high. Leaning in with his shoulder, Obi-wan strikes forth, driving his blade sideways along the torso of the Sith as he speaks. "This ends here...you will leave the Jedi alone. You will not strike another padawan and you will not seek Aure or another in your dark wishes. Leave them out of this, I failed you, so strike at me." COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah tries to parry with his red lightsaber, but Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber hits and moderately wounds him. (Vaal Hirah) Once again there is a searing of flesh as Orin's defenses are breached, and yet again the Sith is driven back an wincing few paces. His breath coming in fitful pants he holds his red blade before him warily, while his gaze clouds with hatred. "You failed me, but the Jedi fail the galaxy, Obi-Wan," he rasps, as once again fingers of cold and fear work their way over his opponent's skin. "It is my duty to cut them away as you would cut away a cancer. A scalpel I shall be, slicing into the heart of the tumor to end its malignant existence!" COMBAT: You try to terrify Obi-Wan Kenobi! FORCE: Obi-Wan Kenobi calls upon the Force. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi does not fear Vaal Hirah. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) As the darkness creeps in again, Obi-wan fights back, letting it crawl over him his eyes close. His chin lifts and he shivers a moment, but icy eyes open, reflecting the color of his blade. He watches the Sith before him, scored several times, his own side paining him as well. There is sadness now within his gaze and he shakes his head. "I am sorry Orin, sorry for failing you and letting you be blinded by the darkside." He watches the other, "You will cut me down, then the rest. Will you do so to Aure as well? is she a cancer that must be cut free?" (Menglor) The Republic Guard troops stand quietly by, looking on in reverence, watching these two warrior's fight. These men are veterans, warriors of a different sort then the Jedi and the Sith, but they still respect older codes -- perhaps their Marhsal instilling in them a sense of honor that has long been forgot. Even the Marshal himself is there, watching in silence, with his men gathered around him. The gathered might of the Republic stands in awe before these two men, leaning on rifles, holding up bloody comrades, or resting upon a knee with their helmets off. A sign that at least the Guard yet has honor, and perhaps men of character. (Vaal Hirah) "Aure is a fool, blinded by soft lies from your cursed Masters!" explodes Orin then; sure enough his buttons are pushed by the words of the Jedi Knight. "You know it to be true.. yet you shield yourself in further lies. At least I have the courage to face what I feel, and seek out the true nature of the Force. You and your little monks simply sit around talking yourselves to death while the galaxy is rocked by this war." "They!" he points then to Menglor's troops, even wounded as he is. "They know more of the Force than you, for all your training. They feel it coursing through them when they slaughter and kill those that need to be slain. I am not beyond your redemption, Obi-Wan... I am beyond your ken, and am your better..." (Obi-Wan Kenobi) "Slaughter is not the way of the Force, how can you feel glory in such things, in such bloodshed when it is for pitiful reasons?" Obi-wan's eyes take a measure of the man before him, "Must you always seek such ways, death and destruction. Your path is so dark she will never walk it with you and you will never find your way from that night you have enfolded yourself in." (Vaal Hirah) The Sith drops into a fighting stance once more; eyes burning at they look to his once friend. "To the death, then, and let us see where the Will of the Force truly guides us..." Vaal Hirah snakes forward, and a vicious slash is sent towards the Jedi Knight's neck. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi's head -- but you try not to hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi's head too badly! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber with his blue lightsaber. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) As the hissing blade rushes his neck, Obi-wan slides out of the way, striking his blade upwards to hiss - crackle - against the hot line of red light, the clashing causes a flash and spark. He lifts, pushing the other's saber upwards and the strikes inward, again with a thrust towards his middle. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah parries Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber with his red lightsaber. (Vaal Hirah) No words now, no time for a reply, Orin's saber slices up to bat aside the strike and taking form hold with both hands he drives his lightsaber forward in a powerful lunge, seeking to run Obi-Wan through. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi -- but you try not to hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi too badly! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi parries Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber with his blue lightsaber. (Menglor) There is truth in the words of the Sith! The grim faced and blood spattered soldiers of the Republic know it, and it shows. They are covered in the gore of both friend and foe alike. Each man has touched the darkness in their soul so that others might live in peace, and it shows in their eyes. They will be haunted men in years to come. Each leaving a little bit himself on every battlefield upon which they have fought. Nightmares will fill their nights, the horrors that they have seen never truly leaving them. Even Menglor, who leans upon his sword has the same look as his veterans. "We're making the galaxy safe for democracy," he says in a low voice, "and peace costs a lot to win." The soldiers of the Republic fight for a Galaxy that none of them can truly be a part of again. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Silence, now all that remains in the hiss and crackle of saber against saber as the battle grows more intense, more swift. As one hit meets, another is thrust and Obi-wan strikes forward, carving his blade through the air and low, aiming for the other's middle, near his stomach. The hot blue of his blade cleaves there and dance. The Knight stands against the darkness, corrupt and evil, far from what the Guards will ever see, but that is the problem, they never will. The Jedi knows - he feels. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah parries Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber with his red lightsaber. (Vaal Hirah) With urgency Orin darts to the left, his blade slashing behind him to send Obi-Wans's thrumming past his shoulder. Quick as a flash the Sith rolls his wrist; a crimson razor slicing upward in a bid to hew the Jedi's hand away at the wrist. COMBAT: You swing your red lightsaber at Obi-Wan Kenobi's arms -- but you try not to hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi's arms too badly! COMBAT: Vaal Hirah's red lightsaber meets Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber with a crackling hiss. The fighters struggle for the upper hand ... COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber is struck from his hand and deactivated. (Menglor) The Republic Guard watches as Obi-Wan's lightsaber is struck from his hand. Thus far they have done nothing, and have watched quietly. The soldier's could've easily helped Obi-Wan win, or struck down the Sith with a horrifying amount of fire power. Yet, they haven't. Still, when Obi-Wan's lightsaber is knocked from his hand, more then a few raise their rifles. Shouts of, "Let him pick up his weapon," follow, as slowly more and more Guards level their rifles. "Make it fair! Let him pick it up!" A chorus of voices rise, and though no one fires yet there are certainly more then a few soldiers out here that would like to see it continue as it was. "Let him get his weapon back! Kill him fairly!" (Vaal Hirah) And the eyes of Orin turn cold as they look to Menglor and the Guard; saber raised and poised to strike. "Fair? Fair! I match him skill for skill and come out the victor, and you ask if it is fair?" A low, feral frowl escape his lips. "Come not between a Sith Lord and his prey... this battle is over... I now claim his head my trophy..." With that the Dark Knight glares at Obi-Wan, and he tenses for a final, deadly strike... (Menglor) Menglor himself says nothing, and watches only. He is a man that is disciplined, even more so then the soldiers here. The Marshal stands in silence, the point of his sword resting on the ground before him. Still, he watches with interest. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) Given his time, even as Orin threatens to rush him, Obi-wan reaches for the Force. The saber rattles a moment, sliding and then flying into his outstretched right hand. Grasping tightly to it, he turns, the light seering the air again with a hiss as the oxygen is cut through. The Jedi takes the moment, stepping in with the aid of the Force. His blade dives in toward the Sith's stomach as the other's guard is lifted high and out of control to stop such a move if he does not react instantly. The Knight's gaze narrows and darkens with his deed, sorrow again touching his face, but determination as well. Obi-Wan Kenobi picks up an Obi-Wan's Lightsaber. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi ignites his blue lightsaber. COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi swings his blue lightsaber at Vaal Hirah! COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber strikes Vaal Hirah and grievously wounds Vaal Hirah. (Vaal Hirah) And woe unto Orin for his gloating words, for he has not the time to react to Obi-Wan's strike. Into his belly the blue weapon delves, searing and cauterizing his flesh even as it parts it. A spurt of blood escapes the Sith's lips as his eyes widen in shock, and he stumbles back or two a moment later. "Clever... Master..." his voice rasps as he staggers backwards, the Jedi's blade slipping out of his body and his armoured boots finding the lip of the floor ledge. Orin teeters a moment; eyes clouding with the mist of approaching death, and a single word leaves his lips in a whisper. "Aure..." he breathes, before he tumbles back and over the ledge, his dark figure falling down, down into the undergrowth far below, and is lost to view. FORCE: You establish telepathic contact with Obi-Wan Kenobi and transmit a horrified feeling and a vision: Stabbing pain in the mind; sudden agony that seeps through into the body. And then, nothing. (Obi-Wan Kenobi) The light of blue leaves the body, untouched and clean. A weapon of light, untouched, but the man who holds it is not. He lifts his gaze to the face of his once friend and padawan and great grief whips across his visage. "Orin.." He says, watching the sith start to teeter back. The Knight instantly sheaths his saber and drops it, reaching out with his hand to try to grasp the black robes, to stop the fall. "Orin!" There is perhaps a desperate plea in that cry that was not heard through their jabs back and forth. Air is all that his hand finds. The figure plummeting back as the Jedi moves out to look downward. He closes his eyes, bowing his head as his shoulders tense. "I am sorry...I am sorry I did not lead you as I should have." COMBAT: Obi-Wan Kenobi puts away his blue lightsaber. (Menglor) Silence. Not a man in the Guard seems to breath. They don't even dare to move. Blood drips from the wounded soldiers onto the ground, and even they do not dare to break the silence. A quiet calm falls over the dead city, and the soldiers all slowly begin to bow their heads. There are no cries of victory now, unlike on Ord Mantell, only sadness that they came too late.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)