Campaign Light in the Dark | Struggle for Ruusan

[Darth Strosius]

​

Ruusan, a world as serene as it is storied.

In years long past it was the home to a great battle between the Jedi and the Sith, a battle which the Jedi won and would memorialize in a monument called the Valley of the Jedi. A monument which would be weathered over time as years bled into decades and then into centuries, being covered by time and restored by those reverent of it in a continuous yet gradual cycle. A cycle which Darth Strosius intended to interrupt and shatter forevermore.

Being in the Mid-Rim and away from most powers that would be interested in such a world, the Lord Inquisitor of the Sith Order would strike out with a small force intent on scouting Ruusan as a potential foothold for the Sith alongside his main goal of destroying the Valley of the Jedi in order to wipe away the Jedi's ancient victory over the Sith. Given that his forces were still spread fairly thin, due to his continued campaign in the Outer Rim to spread Sith influence there, he could only afford to bring a scarce few Legionnaires and Troopers to assist the Sith that shared his goal in their mission. He had assumed that this small force would be enough and that they wouldn't face any real resistance.

Unfortunately for the for the Sith however, he was wrong.

The Outer Rim Alliance, although especially the Jedi Enclave of Eadu within their ranks, had recently taken an interest in Ruusan and had dispatched a contingent of Jedi and other likeminded parties in order to check on the ancient world as well as pay their respects at the Valley. The pilgrimage arrives shortly after the desecrators, both parties catching the other off-guard right before hostilities begin. The fate of the Valley, and perhaps even Ruusan itself, lies in the hands of the Jedi and the Sith once more...

Objective 1: Valley of Death
The Valley of the Jedi, built to commemorate an ancient victory over the Sith which was once thought to have been the final battle between the Jedi and their dark adversaries, is now under siege from Sith forces led by Darth Strosius of the Sith Order. Eager to despoil the history of Ruusan and conquer the world for his own uses, the Sith have begun planting explosives in the Valley that threaten to render it into utter ruin. The Jedi and their allies, caught off-guard by an equally surprised Sith, must fight to save the Valley and rid the world of the Sith once more as their predecessors had done in ages past.

Objective 2: No Way Home
Despite being surprised by the arrival of the Outer Rim Alliance and their allies, the Sith forces were quick to act. With many Jedi moving to save the Valley from the machinations of their foes, the transports which brought them to Ruusan have been left lightly defended. In order to both trap their enemy on the world and ensure that no word of their presence can get out to the wider galaxy, a force of Sith has been dispatched to sabotage and destroy the transports.​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Objective: Valley of Death
Equipment: Lightsaber, Sword, Dagger, Robes
Tags: Caden Evesa / Open!

The Valley of the Jedi, a reminder and monument to when the Jedi had believed themselves to have achieved their final victory over the Sith. It also served as a grim totem of the last time that the Sith had been an Empire in the days long past, the last time that they were whole and unified before the dreaded Rule of Two rendered the Sith into a weak diad scrabbling around in the shadows. The Valley disgusted him and was an insult to the history of the Sith. So, naturally, it had to be removed.

Darth Strosius normally wasn't one to venture into the Mid-Rim, preferring the less civilized Outer Rim where there was less attention and authority for him to be concerned with. But of course he knew that he couldn't confine himself, nor his forces, to the Outer Rim alone. Not with the wider Sith Order starting to make moves beyond the Rim. He had to get ahead and gain an advantage in the days to come, he needed a foothold of his own.

And so, he descended upon Ruusan.

It would make for a decent staging post but more importantly it was the site of an ancient Sith defeat. One that he intended to make up for by wiping away the Jedi's monument and ridding the world of their influence once and for all. Evidently that task would not be nearly as simple as he had assumed though. :"Destroy their ships, we can't let word get out that we were ever here!": He barked into his commlink before his hand dropped down to his side, plucking his lightsaber from his belt as his other hand tightened its grip around his sword.

Barely half of the charges had been set around the Valley and yet there were confirmed reports of Jedi coming to disrupt their operations, as always. "Meddling Jedi scum." The masked man hissed under his breath as he moved towards the entrance of the Valley, ready to greet the coming enemy with his weapons bared. "Give them no quarter! The Jedi have won on this world once, but they will not do so again! We will blow this horrid monument of theirs into ruin and let it serve as their grave! For the Sith!"

 

[Commodore Helix]

Tags: Darth Strosius /Open
Equipment: E-4H Blaster Carbine, Horror Matrix, Electrostaff​

Objective: Valley of Death

A pair of gunships howled down from the sky to land near the Sith Lord, and standing atop one, arms folded serenely behind him, was Helix. He stepped off the round upper edge of the vehicle, landing with a thunk on the rocky earth. The gunships then extruded a pair of internal racks, dropping off a platoon of B1H and H4X droids, before one rocketed back up into the sky. The other stayed, loitering above them to provide support.

"These monuments the enemy values so much will not be easy to destroy." He said. "But if you wish them gone, then gone they shall be. I have a larger ground assault force coming to reinforce this small advance team. Enough to pound this wretched little valley into radioactive dust. Droids, tanks, transports, the works." He said, as ever displaying a greater grasp of colloquial language than most of his kind.

Almost as if to suit the action to the word, a squadron of Crocottas streaked overhead, stirring dust from the ground. "Air support is, as you can see, available upon request. I've taken precautions since the Tund debacle. My assets in orbit are... considerable. We won't be caught unaware so easily this time."

"As for resistance, I have yet to detect any. Should you wish it, we can render the area uninhabitable after the battle. Rebuilding the monuments will become somewhat more difficult under radiation sufficient to cook most life forms. In any case, we stand ready for your word. I expect the reinforcements to arrive within no more than one-quarter of an hour. The terrain here has made a closer drop difficult."

 

[Caden Evesa]

Location: Valley of the Jedi, Ruusan
Tags: Joran Olan | Darth Strosius | Chirp
Wearing: Silver Robes | Ring | Watch
Equipment: Lightsaber
Ship: Vis Inflexio​

Caden licked his lips.

There hadn't been time to plan, hadn't been time to even think. Chirp had been the first to alert the Jedi Knight to the incoming threat, beating the warning from the Force that came only a few moments later. Something as simple as paying respects to the fallen Jedi had become an entirely different mission completely due to the unexpected presence of the old Jedi advisary.

He had no kit, other than what he was wearing. He had none of his usual arsenal, no armour and no plan. He looked down at his hip, ensuring his lightsaber was fixed in place. A quick mental checklist later confirmed the technology and kit he did have access to. His Theia glasses were in his pocket and his Chase Spymaster was on his wrist. On his finger lay his newest gift from Matsu Ike , his Jedi Decoder ring.

Almost certainly his robes could take a hit, but that's pretty much all he had to hand.

"Chirp, get a message out to Joran and get the Vis fired up" he stated, turning to face his little astromech droid. "Anyone who isn't a fighter needs to get on board and gone. Don't wait for me, I'll be fine" he continued, turning to face whatever Jedi had gathered behind him. "Anyone who's unarmed, under the age of eighteen or otherwise incapacitated go with Chirp and get out of here"

A sigh escaped the young Jedi Knight. "Everyone else, good luck" he spoke, addressing the crowd. "Now, I'll admit I'm not one for a speech. However, you're all Jedi, today that means you defend your fellow Jedi until they're away from here. May the force be with you, and retreat as soon as possible. I'll hold the line until you're all on ships and cleared"

Caden slid his lightsaber from his waist and smiled. This was just like old times.

 

[Fervos Kej]

Objective 2: No Way Home

Equipment: x2 VSF Wolf Claw Mk 2, Ranger Heavy Cannon

Tags: OPEN

As the Sith began their assault on the Valley of the Jedi, reports began coming in of enemy units. Fervos, being one of the highest ranking officers planetside, was one of the first to hear of the attack. Enemy gunships and droids were already landing, no doubt they would be trying to spread their grip to the rest of the planet soon.

A decision laid before the Togorian, to send his troops forward or not. His choice was to keep his troops in reserve. They had been ordered to keep the landing ships safe, and they would do just that. No matter how many Sith were waiting in the wings, or how many droids they brought, the landing zone would remain open so long as they drew breath.

"Troops! The enemy is rallying his forces together, we must keep this landing zone open for those leaving the valley! Until we are ordered out of this area, you will dig in and prepare for anything. There is all likelihood that we will be attacked next, defend these ships to the last man! The Jedi depend on us!" Most of the soldiers cheered as their commander spurred them on. Some though, they wondered. Could they even resist the Sith? They were not even one hundred strong, and the vast majority of Jedi were in the valley. If the force users came in any numbers, they could wipe the whole lot of them out, the soldier thought.

Their fears were well placed, even the commander himself was worried. Beneath his stoic exterior he felt a solemn sadness, by all accounts this would be slaughter. Even still, he couldn't order the retreat. To leave the Jedi behind was unthinkable, even if it meant his own demise.

While he had made peace with this cold hard fact, he wouldn't put that on his men. They largely believed that they would turn the tide of the battle, and he would not squash those feelings. His hope was that they would mainly be fighting the non-force sensitives in the Sith forces. Against their legions of soldiers they had a chance, but even a handful of Sith knights would be enough to route the small force of defenders. All there was to do now was wait, wait and see what came.

 

[Revna]

Objective: Valley of Death
Equipment: Armor, Sword
Tag(s): Darth Strosius // Aris Noble // Open

​

Revna wasn’t too familiar with the planet Ruusan. She’d only read about it in her studies into Sith history, learning that this place had seen the fall of the Sith as they were at the time, giving rise to something else known as the Rule of Two. The Jedi had claimed victory in that ancient conflict, even if it had come at a terrible cost to their own Order.

Now, her Sith Mentor desired to bring the planet back under Sith control once more, and attempt to erase the fingerprint of the Jedi from its surface. It was an ambitious desire and plan on his part for sure, especially since the numbers of his forces were spread so thin as it was. For some reason she felt like he was biting off a little more than he could chew with this particular campaign, but she refrained from saying as much to him. But the little woman followed him regardless of her trepidations or uncertainty or concerns. She had much to learn from him yet, and these campaigns he was running in the Outer (and now Mid) Rim were giving her much needed experience.

It also gave her a front row view into how complicated and complex planning these campaigns could be; they weren’t always successful either, despite the time and energy poured into them. More valuable lessons learned for her, especially as she watched how the Sith Lord went about his strategies or plans.

She could understand the desire to bring Ruusan under his control and influence. She liked the idea of helping to reclaim worlds for the Sith…or rather, reclaim worlds for him. And getting rid of the Jedi and their influence here? Even better. If nothing else, she was excited to join her Lord as he sought to push the Jedi back. Her last confrontation with a Jedi hadn’t exactly gone as she hoped it would.

Maybe this time, it would be different.

Of course, their presence hadn’t gone unnoticed for very long and already the Jedi were mobilizing to confront her Lord’s forces along with his allies who were supporting him. Her Mentor barked orders, and spoke words to stir the fighting spirit in those with him, and she knew it was only a matter of time before she was engaged in yet another fight…but that didn’t really bother the petite Sith woman.

She had found that she rather enjoyed fighting. It was another way for her to learn about her opponent, and most importantly, learn more about herself and what she was capable of.

 

[Aris Noble]

The Sith weren't supposed to be here. Aris had come to Ruusan to learn, study the ancient history the Valley of the Jedi had to offer. The past conflicts, the current lessons, and everything in between. It was just a peaceful, learning trip. That had gone to hell the moment the alarm had gone off. He hadn't felt it like the other Jedi did. The looming shadow, the danger.

Not of it he could feel in the Force while he read over one of the datacrons he'd gotten his hands on. But how the alarm had gone off, and now he stood and looked around. Frowned. Danger. Now focusing on it, he could feel it in the far reaches of his mind. True, real danger. "Seszil?"

Over his shoulder the blade stirred awake, shifting in their sheath. ".. Ah. My apologies, young master. I failed to wake once the threat was clear, hadn't I?"

"Do not apologize for getting rest. But we're going to have to fight our way out, or at least to the others." He pocketed the datacron. It was possible that the Sith were going to destroy anything they could get their hands on, he would at least save this one. He reached down, unhooking his lightsaber to hold in his hand.

"I'm ready. Are you?"

"I'm going to have to be."

Revna

 

[Krinear Malseren]

Objective: No Way Home
Equipment: Sith Sword, HG-54 Hand Cannon
Tags: Fervos Kej / OPEN

Krinear descended from the gunship onto Ruusan's battle-scarred surface, his pristine white regalia a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. The small contingent of legionnaires accompanying him quickly adjusted their gear, prepared for the task at hand. By strategically landing outside the valley's immediate battleground, Krinear aimed to ensure their stealth. Knowing that the Jedi's focus on the valley would provide the ideal cover to execute their mission undetected, it was the perfect opportunity to cripple the Jedi's mobility and prevent them from easily fleeing Ruusan or calling for reinforcements.

As he surveyed the expanse in front of him, a thought lingered in his mind. This mission was more than a tactical endeavor—it was a chance to prove himself not just to the Sith Order, but directly to Darth Strosius. This was Krinear's inaugural campaign under the direct scrutiny of the Sith hierarchy, and the importance of this opportunity was not lost on Krinear.

With a measured stride, he approached the map laid out on a portable holo-projector right outside the gunship, his finger tracing the paths leading to the Jedi transports. "Our focus is here," he indicated, pointing to the locations where the transports were parked. "Instead of spreading our efforts thin, we concentrate on disabling their transports directly."

As the team prepared to move out, a report from a forward scout halted them in their tracks. A small force, evidently stationed around the transports, had been spotted. Krinear's lips curled into a semblance of a smile, not of amusement, but of acknowledgment of the challenge that lay ahead.

"Time to adapt," Krinear announced, his voice infused with a resolute energy. He surveyed the legionnaires with a clear, commanding gaze, ensuring his orders were understood. "Proceed with the operation as planned, but with heightened vigilance. It's imperative we remain undetected for as long as possible."

He pivoted smoothly, his eyes fixed on the distant silhouette of the Jedi transports against Ruusan's sky. "We're not merely disruptors today," he declared, the depth of his conviction resonating in his voice. "We are the heralds of a profound message. Let's ensure the Jedi comprehend that no corner of the galaxy is safe from our reach."

 

[Raxus Thul]

Objective: No Way Home
Equipment: Sith Sword, Sith Dagger, Robes
Tags: Fervos Kej Krinear Malseren / OPEN

As Raxus sat in the gunship, he thought about the task ahead of him. He started to feel a deep sadness for the Sith that came before him, was this the force? He did not know, all he knew was their endeavors had been quashed by the Jedi, like many times before. This planet serves as a shrine to the fallacy of order. As the ground drew closer, the sorrow grew into anger.

As Raxus stepped off the gunship, his black robes waved in the wind and he wondered, could these be winds of change? Will the Sith be able to erase this defeat from history? Or will it stand as yet another monument of defeat for the Sith? Raxus knew there was only one outcome. Destroy the Jedi. Not only would this send a message to the Jedi, but it would also be a message to the galaxy. Nowhere is out of the reach of the Sith, obey or die.

Raxus also saw this as his first chance to prove himself to Darth Strosius, he needed to perform well on this mission, and he planned to. Raxus would aid Krinear in destroying the transports, so the Jedi have no way of escape. He heard Krinear addressing his men about the plan for the transports and listened in. This not only would give him a chance to demonstrate his growing strength to his master, but also a chance to prove to himself that his training had been fruitful.

As Raxus continued to listen to the plan, he started to feel the anger build into rage. He believed it to be the rage of countless dead Sith, flowing through him. Giving him the power to destroy whatever measly footsoldiers stood in his way. Something stirred in Raxus, he had a newfound purpose on this planet, the legacy of his people was soiled in this valley, and it will not happen again. He will wield the hatred of his people as a weapon against the Jedi.

Raxus heard them from far away, what sounded to be someone addressing troops in the direction of the transports that Krinear had pointed out earlier. He couldn't control himself anymore, before Krinear could stop him, he started running toward the voices. He heard Krinear yelling for him to stick to the plan, but he did not care. As he ran, he felt those who came before him, he felt each of them fall, the last bit of life flicker out. He ran towards the inevitable battle, and he brought death with him.

 

[Fervos Kej]

Objective: No Way Home
Equipment: x2 VSF Wolfclaw mk-2, Ranger Heavy Cannon
Tags: Raxus Thul , Krinear Malseren

Fervos was looking through binoculars at the distant valley, he couldn't see anything coming his way. He assumed if there was a battle going on that the Jedi and Sith would make more of a spectacle. He was caught unawares when his men began to cry out. A single Sith Pureblood was charging towards their lines with nothing to arm himself with but a sword and dagger. Was he mad? The soldiers on the right flank turned their attention to Raxus and began opening fire. Much to their shock though, the Sith could easily dodge the blaster bolts flying his way.

Raxus's display was as awe-inspiring as it was terrifying. No matter how heavy the fire coming at him, he continued his charge. The Pureblood was like a man possessed, and Fervos knew that it stopping him was beyond the rank and file. Two soldiers from the first squad to engage were cut down in brutal fashion. The gleaming Sith sword was able to pass through their light armor as if it were cloth! Fervos refused to stand by while his men were turned to minced meat. If needs be, he would stop this Sith himself.

Taking in his options, the Togorian considered using the massive cannon on his back. His opponent was far too fast for that however, the glowing green projectile would merely endanger his own men rather than the opposing warrior. No, there was only one viable option. That was to meet this man head on. Fervos knew that it was foolhardy to match blades with a Sith, but he needed not to win the engagement. Rather he needed to buy time for his men and the Jedi to escape. It was a sacrifice he would make twice if he could.

Without a second thought the feline humanoid began his countercharge. Raxus would find his next strike would not meet the soldier whom it was meant for. Instead he would hear the sound of metal on metal. Towering over him was a Togorian with a look of disdain etched into his stony feline face. "Face me Sith, for I shall provide you with a suitable challenge! Unless your wicked heart truly desires to slaughter those who cannot fight back..."

Fervos knew little of the Pureblood's people or his religion. He had heard the stories of what the Sith did to their enemies from the Jedi however, and he was not impressed. To him they sounded like vile marauders, going from planet to planet spreading chaos and death. He would not allow such beasts to roam freely through the galaxy and do as they pleased. Justice would be served here today, even if it was the last thing Fervos did.

 

[Revna]

Objective: Valley of Death
Equipment: same as first post!
Tag(s): Darth Strosius // Aris Noble // Commodore Helix // Open​

They were coming.

Revna could feel them through the Force, like the rising of a sun to beat back the darkness of the night. She glanced at the Sith Lord not far from her, then to the various Legionnaires and Troopers that had been assigned to serve beside him at this particular location, and the droids commanded by Commodore Helix. Somewhere else, more agents of Darth Strosius were making plans on destroying transports so the Jedi who were on Ruusan couldn’t escape.

If things went according to plan this time, it would be a wholesale slaughter. Everyone aligned with the Sith Lord would make damn sure to eliminate as many of the enemy as they could. There was a collective excited buzz in the air that the little Sith woman could feel; it spurred her further into anticipation for the fight that was to come.

But there was a constant worry that hung around in the back of her mind. She was but an Acolyte, her level of skill was nowhere near high enough to challenge a trained Jedi Knight or Master head on. She would be cut down before she even had a real chance to fight back.

So she hoped and prayed to the Dark that it would deliver a younger Jedi into her hands. Someone who was more at her level of skill. She wasn’t a pushover by any means; she had (in her opinion) some of the best trainers and teachers a Wonosan Squire could need, and they had trained her hard to prepare her for moments like this. Revna was now also battle tested; she had survived two other campaigns before coming here…she could - no, would - survive this one as well.

Movement caught her eye, and Revna looked upon the ancient enemy of the Sith as they arrived to defend what was theirs. Stark white hair caught her attention, and her gaze landed on a rather youthful looking individual amongst the others.

What the feth was this? The Jedi were sending children to fight for them?

She narrowed her gaze to get a better look. That was a…rather tall child. Maybe he wasn’t as young as he appeared? He was almost the same height as the other Jedi who were coming to challenge the Sith.

But it mattered little to Revna at the moment. She prepared herself, feeling her aggression rise with each passing moment. She would fight for this place, she would fight alongside her brothers and sisters, she would fight alongside her Sith Mentor. So she stood, Sith sword in hand, and counted the seconds before violence erupted between Jedi and Sith, and the ground on Ruusan became bathed in blood once more.

 

[Aris Noble]

Sith. Aris tightened his grip further on his lightsaber before his blade ignited in a blaze of blue plasma. He didn't want this fight, but given the number of Sith that had entered the premises to do just that he wasn't going to have much of a choice at all. He was alone here, separated from the other Jedi with only one way through to get back to the others and evacuate.

He knew better than to stay and fight if he had the choice. He was too young, he knew.

"Ready?"

"Of course, young master."

He took off then, in a quick lunge across the room. Far faster than a Padawan should've been able to do. Right for the door. If he was fast enough he might not need to fight at all.

Revna

 

[Darth Strosius]

​

Objective: Valley of Death
Equipment: Lightsaber, Sword, Dagger, Robes
Tags: Caden Evesa / Commodore Helix / Revna

The masked man spared a glance upwards as he heard something coming in to land and idly raised an eyebrow beneath his mask at the sight of Helix. He didn't take the droid for one to have a relatively showy entrance but anything to lighten his mood was welcome at the moment. "You always seem to know the exact sort of cavalry that I want brought in Commodore." A trait that most certainly made up for the price of the droid's assistance. "For now we'll keep the action lowkey, the last thing we need is more attention brought down on our heads."

While the world of Ruusan wasn't exactly a military bastion or part of a larger force, they already had enough trouble with this unexpected incursion as it was. In the Outer Rim he was more than happy to battle against the powers that be but the Mid Rim was a different beast entirely. More populated, more protected, far more dangerous for their operations. "We cannot allow our presence to be known until we've destroyed this valley's monuments and established a proper foothold. Until then our position is too vulnerable and our movements too obvious as is."

Perhaps it would have been wiser to establish a base of operations, no matter how small or minor it would have to be, first before moving to destroy the Valley but Darth Strosius knew better. To be in the Mid Rim meant that they would be close to Jedi and other powers that would have little issue contending with his forces given how stretched thin they were. Using Ruusan as a staging ground was risky and would be temporary no matter what, but destroying this monument would send a message that would not be as easy to wipe away. It was the priority no matter what.

"Hold your forces for now, with any luck these interlopers can be handled with what we have at hand already. Jedi and Sith have fought for this world before and last time the Sith lost." His grip tightened on the hilts of his blades as he looked back to the entrance of the valley and narrowed his gaze. "We will not repeat the mistakes and losses of our ancestors however. This time, Ruusan will be the Jedi's grave."

 

[Commodore Helix]

Objective: Valley of Death
Tags: Darth Strosius /Open
Equipment: E-4H Blaster Carbine, Horror Matrix, Electrostaff​

Hold your forces for now, with any luck these interlopers can be handled with what we have at hand already

Helix would have raised an eyebrow himself, if he had them. Bold, to attack a seat of enemy power with so few. He had simply assumed they would roll over the wretched place by force. He had to concede Strosius had a point, though. This wasn't the Outer Rim. Any show too large would kick up a hornet's nest like few others.

He nodded, acknowledging the order, and hailed his troops over the coms. "Dig in." He said. "Lord Strosius wishes to keep this mission clandestine as long as possible. We'll make do with the small force we have with us. Stand by to reinforce on my command until then."

He hefted his carbine, unfolding the wire stock, and gestured to the hovering gunship with his free hand. It retrieved most of the infantry save a squad of eight H4X droids, then shot off into the sky to follow the other, and disappeared. If the Sith wanted this task kept quiet, then air support would rather defeat the purpose, as would bringing more than a few droids. All eight models present had saber-resistant vibroswords, six carried E-5H blasters, and two carried silent Lamprey marksman rifles.

"In that case, I brought along a number of small explosive charges as an alternative. My droids can place them at key points on the monuments when we reach them, to be detonated at your convenience." He noted the venom in Strosius' tone as he spoke about the place's history. Helix could appreciate history, turning his gaze to the valley before him with an appraising eye. It didn't look like much to him, but if it was anything like most such sites, it had been a place of bloodshed for millennia. It was fitting, then, to carry on tradition, and soak it anew in crimson. Settling a grudge was far more interesting than seizing a simple military target, at any rate. "A personal matter, then. Worry not. If you wish the Jedi buried here, then buried they will be. It'll make a pretty tomb, if nothing else."

 

[Raxus Thul]

Objective: No Way Home
Equipment: Sith Sword, Sith Dagger, Robes
Tags: Fervos Kej Krinear Malseren / OPEN

Raxus' plan was simple, remove any and all obstacles that stood in the way of victory however, this would not be as easy a task as he had hoped. As Raxus ran he dodged the blasters being fired toward him, he was deliberately moving out of the way, but his feet appeared to be moving on their own. At first, he did not notice this, but after a while he just let his instincts take over. Was this the force? He figured it best not to dwell on such thoughts, as he had a more important task at hand. The rage built inside his chest, like a raging wildfire, engulfing everything in its path.

When he got close enough, he struck a soldier with his blade, carving through armor and flesh alike. As Raxus continued to cut through these men, he failed to realize he was being targeted. The Togorian man was no measly opponent and would prove to be Raxus' first challenge as a Sith. Feeling no remorse for the men who were trying to stop him from achieving victory, he went to strike the next one. An overhead slash that would surely cleave this soldier in two.

As Raxus watched the man try to move out of the way, metal struck metal, Raxus felt the vibrations through his sword. The opposing sword hadn't so much as budged under the weight of his swing. This much strength couldn't come from a normal soldier, he had drawn out the commander. Excellent. As he heard Fervos speak, the deep voice of the Togorian echoed through the young Sith's ears. "A suitable challenge?" Raxus said as he looked up at the man, he began sizing up his opponent. This fight would be no easy task, but he knew he had to be successful, not just for his master, but for the Sith as a whole.

"You made a grave mistake by intruding on our mission here heathen. Now you are in the way and you must die. I accept your duel, as I have an empty space on my wall, and your pelt will do nicely!" In an attempt to gain an early advantage, Raxus quickly took his dagger and thrust up, aimed at the arm holding the sword.

 

[Krinear Malseren]

Objective: No Way Home
Equipment: Sith Sword, HG-54 Hand Cannon
Tags: Fervos Kej / Raxus Thul

Complications.

As swiftly as Krinear's command for his fellow Sith, Raxus, to stand down and adhere to the plan was uttered, it fell on deaf ears. The Pureblood was already too far gone, a crimson blur against the tapestry of Ruusan's war-scarred landscape. Raxus' audacious charge drew the attention of the defending troops, their blasters unleashing a tempest of fire in his direction. Yet, with a display of preternatural speed and grace, Raxus wove through the incoming bolts, closing the distance to his foes.

A smile, equal parts amused and calculating, tugged at the corners of Krinear's lips as he observed the unfolding spectacle. This unexpected turn of events could prove most fortuitous, providing the perfect diversion for their true objectives. As Raxus engaged the enemy commander, a formidable Togorian warrior, in a whirlwind of blades and fury, Krinear couldn't help but entertain the notion of the two combatants destroying each other. Such an outcome would be a delightful twist of fate, one that might even surpass his original designs for the mission.

Turning to the legionnaires, Krinear issued his orders with quiet intensity. "Proceed with planting the charges on the Jedi transports. Seize this opportunity while their focus is divided."

As Krinear and the legionnaires moved to execute their plan, it became evident that the duel, as captivating as it was, had not fully engrossed the enemy forces. A small contingent of the defenders, alert to the approaching threat, raised the alarm, drawing the attention of their comrades. The air crackled with the exchange of blaster fire between the defenders and the outnumbered legionnaires.

Seeking cover behind one of the transports he sought to destroy, Krinear's hand instinctively sought the comfort of his sword's hilt as he assessed the rapidly evolving situation. The Togorian's soldiers were putting up a stubborn fight, threatening to unravel their mission.

It was time for him to take a more personal hand in the matter.

With a fluid motion, Krinear drew his Sith sword, its crimson blade springing to life with an ominous hum. He emerged from cover, his pristine white regalia a beacon amidst the smoke and chaos of the battlefield. He would attend to these bothersome defenders personally, buying precious time for the legionnaires to complete their grim work.

The battle was joined in earnest, the crimson bolts of blaster fire intertwining with the crackling energy of Krinear's blade as he wove in and out of cover, moving through the enemy ranks with lethal precision. Each stroke was economical, each step calculated.

As he fought, Krinear kept a watchful eye on the progress of the legionnaires, ensuring that no enemy forces would ascertain their true intentions. The success of the mission hinged on both Raxus and himself holding the line, buying precious moments for the legionnaires to complete their objective.

 

[Fervos Kej]

Tags: Raxus Thul Krinear Malseren
Equipment: x2 VSF Wolf Claw MK-2, Ranger Heavy Cannon

The battle ahead was going to be a bloody one, many men would die, but such were the terms of war. What seemed like a single rogue Sith warrior was now turning into a full on assault. Krinear must have planned to release this rabid dog upon them knowing it would draw Fervos away. It was expertly planned from where the feline soldier was standing. As he was clashing blades with Raxus, he was having to think of commands to give his men. This distraction allowed the Sith Pureblood to do an uppercut with his dagger before Fervos could block. As the towering Togorian tried to move out of the way, his right bicep received a grazing strike.

Fervos backed up, placing a hand on his arm to assess the damage, it was quite the long cut. However, the flow of blood would most likely staunch itself given enough time. He had never felt a blade deal so much damage from such a glancing hit, these Sith weapons were very intriguing. Were he not in a life or death struggle, he would give respect to the swordsmith who forged them.

The legionnaires were getting ever closer, storming up the field into the wall of blaster fire. The vanguard had turned their repeating blasters toward the enemy and unleashed Hell upon them, but none of the losses seemed to break them. The enemy's soldiers seemed to only grow more zealous in the face of certain death, such an enemy would fight until they were nothing but ragged corpses. Savage fighters like these were most likely beyond the skills of planetary militias such as the Vanguard Corps. They would need to outnumber them two-to-one to have a chance at pushing them back!

Fervos would need to finish his battle with Raxus quickly if his men were to have any chance at success. To that end the commander placed both hands on the grip of his sword, twisting it to activate the blade's battery. Lightning crackled along the blade of the sword as electricity charged the weapon to full strength. With the sword now at full charge Fervos would have to be mindful of time, its battery would only last ten minutes at this strength before turning into an inert hunk of metal again. Each one of Fervos's swings would be wide cleaving swings, he was attempting to compensate for the difference in speed between himself and Raxus. It would be more difficult to dodge now at least, and the energy blade would be more difficult to successfully block.

 

[Raxus Thul]

Objective: No Way Home
Equipment: Sith Sword, Sith Dagger, Robes
Tags: Fervos Kej / Krinear Malseren / OPEN

The strike landed, blood streaming down his dagger. He watched as the Togorian assessed the wound, and readied for battle. Raxus returned the gesture and prepared to fight. He charged the Togorian and readied himself to dodge any swings that would come his way. The transports had to be stopped, and Raxus would make sure that happened.

Raxus heard Krinear and his men behind him, opening fire on the defending troops. Raxus hadn't had a chance to meet Krinear yet, but he was certain he and his men were more than capable of taking out this small regiment of troops. One less thing for Raxus to worry about, he needed to focus on his battle ahead. This large feline man was no simple trooper, and his sword would easily cleave Raxus in half with the right blow.

Raxus dodged the swings the man took at him, as blocking them would be a last resort. The rage he felt burning inside of him continued to grow, he became faster and stronger with every dodge, swing, and glancing blow. He could barely hear anything at this point, everything was being drowned out by the battle he was engaged in. Suddenly, he heard a crackle of electricity and saw lighting crackle up and down the blade. Before Raxus could react accordingly the blade was coming at him, he held up his sword in defense, blocking the sword from touching flesh.

Electricity surged through Raxus' metal arm and up into his chest as he flew a few feet back from the man. The smell of burning flesh filled that air, and the searing pain was enough to drive anyone mad, Raxus caught his breath and stood up. "That's a neat trick you got there, however, it will not save you!" Raxus yelled at the man before realizing the circuitry in his right arm had been fried from the electricity. It's a good thing he trained with both arms. Raxus charged the man again, this time feeling all the rage he had before, along with the pain of the burn. Raxus had to give Krinear enough time to destroy the transports, but he wouldn't let the Togorian get away. He assessed his opponent again and found no opening, he went in for an attack anyway, preparing to dodge another swing.