Public The Call Home (Echani Firedance Festival)

[Delsin Shaw]

Image Credit​

E S H A N
Echani Festival
OOC THREAD FOR INFO

For many years, the Echani people have been recognized for their contributions to Martial Arts fighting, their technological advancements in the first years after the Gulag plague, as well as some companies using the basis for their weapon technologies to make their own versions. Cortosis-Weave, Vibroswords, Fiber Armors, and even energy shielding systems. However, at the end of the day, it all came from one source. Their love for combat. Combat in its many forms came from a dedication to the art, the dance in which one would perform to defeat a foe. And over time, this dance became just that. A dance in which was practiced again and again to perfection. Changing styles through out the years have allowed these dances to all be different, but similar to one another. This dance? Fire Dancing.

At one time, this dance was a literal form of combat, and could be used today. However, for many, the term Fire Dancing was a practiced routine between two or more individuals who would combat one another in a flurry of blows, and movements. Their graceful and awesome display of control over their body, the super-heated Ritual brands, and the clothing to show off the body in a way that allowed one to be mesmerized by the display. Secondly, for the Echani people themselves, this dance was communication. Many loved ones had at one time, fought one another to better create a bond between their loved one. This communication was formed so that even in the fastest, or "erratic" looking conflict, neither individual would receive a strike that was not blocked. To become so in sync with a loved one, was the perfection that Many sought to reach.

It was today that those things came forth. A Festival in which many onlookers, Echani people, and even those who had not seen such a display before, could come in a time and place of peace to observe and for some, even take part in the displays.

Thats why I was here. To return home. It had been such a long time since I had been to Eshan in proper. Most times it was for a very short visit to the locations my father had once been. Searching in vain for what he had done, and who he truly was. But now? I came home to just relax. Find myself a place where I could just interact with others. Hopefully letting my mind have some time to rest. See my kindred in high spirits despite the raging wars across the galactic scope.

For this, I showed up in Ceremonial Fiber Armor, and carried a vibrosword to match. The blade was not to be used, merely to be worn for the purpose of dressing the part of the festival. Maybe if there would be one to offer a Fire Dance, I could accept it, but for now, I was content with moving to one of the shops that was open for the festivities. Ordering a drink and enjoying it at a two-seater table. Just watching the people go by, and the courtyard in front of me where many people were partaking in the Fire Dance.

It was a good day to be an Echani.


OBJECTIVE ONE: Enjoy the Festival. Eat, Drink, and be Merry.

OBJECTIVE TWO: Take part in the Fire Dance!

OBJECTIVE THREE: Sell your stuff in the Markets if you like.

OBJECTIVE FOUR: Bring yourself. Do whatever.


Braze | Sable Varro | Quinn Varanin | Reese Helfire | Kat Decoria | Everest Vale | Beau Talon | Nylea Apollodor | Taiden Keth

 

[Taiden Keth]

#The Scrolls of Taiden Keth Entry 8-PKF. Fire to Dance as life to culture.
Tag: Open

Taiden and the House of Keth had long sought to mend the wounds left by the glassing of Eshan. Perhaps such a festival would offer hope that all their efforts might have been achieved, both for the Echani as a whole and to heal the pariah name his House carried among his people. His work had mostly been at the grassroots level, where grand designs easily faltered without the foundation of hard work and dedication. Nima, Matsu, and Kei had taught him a lifetime ago to serve where silence held weight and few remembered your name. To him, that was the Silver Jedi creed. Alongside Taresa Kae and her mission to restore the House of Kae to its former greatness, they had set aside a millennia-old feud between two outcast Echani Houses for the greater good of their world and kin.

Much like setting aside his books for this rare outing!

Walking with practiced grace, his movements honed to exacting precision, Taiden and his small entourage strode through the festival, moving as part of it, their pristine white clothing and armor carried gleaming silver markings that reflected ethereally in the dancing firelight. The silver Kethblade rested across his back, his namesake and ancestry restored to its rightful place. As they reached the front of the display, where the Kae honorguard awaited, both small groups came to a halt, exchanging friendly bows together.

Few words passed between traditional Echani; body language spoke volumes. Respect, admiration, and familiarity were spoken through their stances. A small smile nearly touched his lips as Taresa placed a hand on his arm. Disguised in full Echani precision, down to the smallest detail, she fooled him as always. Then, as swiftly as she had appeared, she slipped away to make her own connections.

Body language poised, energetic but disciplined, measured but resolute, Taiden's thoughts came to his ancestor Aiden on Wodenstam and his humble existence, or to Raien's conquest on Eshan, brought in fire. But this was a different era, and a chance for something better. What the night would bring for the Kethborn, he did not know. But one thing was certain—he was glad to be home, if only for a little while.

 

[Kat Decoria]

Objective: 1
Outfit: Green Dress
Tags: Open

It had been a long time since Kat had returned to Eshan. The last time she had been there was a time when she fell out with her mother. A nothing argument that grew resentful and highlighted the growing estrangement between them since Lily took on the role of the family warrior. The future leader of their family name. It was a chance for Kat to take a step back from such a role since it was never the path she wanted to take but it meant her mother returned to the colder, crueller ways she used to treat Kat. Viewing Kat lesser than.

Highlighting the fact that Kat could never be a true Echani, a true Decoria Echani. She would always have that stutter, those inorganic ways to speak.

Kat could only accept this since there was no way for her to counter such attitudes, not when she was seeing the success that Lily was having in life. The social circle that Kat never got, the connection with the Jedi that Kat never got. She couldn't believe there was a tense jealousy that Kat felt towards her niece. But it wasn't due to her niece, it was because where her niece succeeded, she was supported in ways Kat never was. Never would be moving forward. It was highlighting the loneliness that she was feeling.

And it didn't help that she was coming to this intimate event without Allyson Locke . Without the woman she loved but allowed to hold her at an arm's length.

Maybe that was Kat's curse. To be alone, to never connect with people because she could not connect with them truly in the way of her people. It was why she avoided in attempting to be a part of the firedancing festival. She did not need more people to see her less than perfect movements, the judgement and shame would be overbearing and terrifying. Instead, she focused on enjoying the shows and the food, drink and being around her people once again.

Kat wandered on her own around the festival, seeing what was going on.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Objective: 2
Outfit: Firedancing Dress
Tags: Open

Her grandmother had prepared Lily for the firedancing event. Taking Lily to different trainers so she could understand the movements and how to handle the unique ritual brands that burned fiery hot, it was important that Lily could represent the Decoria name with honour and expertise to ensure they remain a family name of high standing within the warrior culture. Lily took the training seriously, her mother and grandmother were important to her and it was a break from the Jedi drama she had going on in her mind. A way to focus on her family, her people and demonstrate her growing strength.

Lily was not sure why her grandmother was fixated on Lily demonstrating how skilled she was in combat. Her aunt, Kat, was already a powerful warrior and they had established themselves as a warrior family of some skill. However, it was important to her grandmother and the woman had helped raised Lily into becoming the woman she was today. Lily knew she had to honour her family with this dance but also demonstrate the progress she had made as a warrior. That she was intending on becoming one of the best in history for her people.

It was a bold ambition but Lily was bold and determined to achieve such an exclaim.

Breathing in slowly, she held her breath, fighting the growing nerves she could feel around her. Briana Sal-Soren had guided Lily in combat and she was the best fighter and best physical shape of herself that she had ever been. There was only a rise with Lily and she intended to show she was only going to get better. She just hoped that her dress, her appearance and her dance would reflect that clear enough for those watching the fights to admire.

It had been the first time in a long time that she was fighting another Echani in the truest of ways.

 

[Thal Mantis]

The Deathless.

The Fallen.

The Son of the Wolf.

And- an Echani. At least, half.

His father's bastard son, born to an Echani woman, who never knew his name, where he ended up. He hoped and prayed every day that she was alone, cold, and full of regret. She deserve to suffer, selling her only son into slavery. And now Thal was here, the product of two warrior cultures. Mandalorian and Echani, producing a Jedi of all things.

He was heads and shoulders taller than most, built like his father, large in the chest and arms, lean in the torso. He was menacing to say the least. His hair was shaven down, darker than most echanis- though retaining an almost white blonde hue, when it was grown out. Thal stood with his arms crossed, narrowed, angry eyes watching the festival-goers. He marched along, eyes flicking to and fro. They were here.

He could practically smell them.

Jedi.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: OPEN

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It had been a long time since Braze had last spent time among the Echani. Long enough that he wasn't sure he even remembered how to belong among them—if he ever truly had. That awkward, rootless feeling clung to him more keenly here, a quiet reminder that he was always a step out of sync, a beat behind.

He turned his attention to the fire dancers, their movements fluid and precise, each motion carrying meaning beyond the obvious. He tried to follow, to read the unspoken language woven into every step, every arc of flame. But understanding came slower to him than it did to those who had been raised in this world, immersed in its rhythm since birth.

When he fought, it was out of necessity and survival. Sometimes he touched on something more, something bordering on poetry when he practiced moving meditations. But he could feel the gap, the missing piece, as if there was something intrinsic that eluded him.

His gaze drifted uncertainly across the gathering. Should he try to blend in? Try to connect? The thought lingered, unformed, as he hesitated at the edges of the celebration, caught between curiosity and the quiet unease of not knowing whether he had a place here at all.

 

[Khal'vyssa]

Location: Eshan
Attire: Echani Firedancing Dress
Equipment: Echani Ritual Brand
Objective: II
Sub-Objective: Participate in the Fire Dance
Tag: Lily Decoria

The art of Echani Firedance had long held Khal’vyssa’s interest. The Echani martial art was one of the few links she had to the Echani culture. Her fascination with it had driven her to dedicate her studies to the practice not just as a means to make herself stronger, but also to fulfill her desire to learn more about her blood species.

And in doing so, Khal’vyssa had also learned the language of Echani.

It was the music sang through muscle. The messages in movement. And, the conversation in confrontation. However, Khal’vyssa had taken the art further, her studies driving her to learn not just the Echani language of motion, but Lorrdian kinetic communication as well. In doing so, she had unconsciously synthesized the two languages, allowing her to read virtually any individual with naught but a glance. Through rigorous study and practice, she learned how to glean everything from their mood to their exact intentions, especially if she had context.

Khal’vyssa’s gaze widened as she studied at the Echani woman ( Lily Decoria ) standing across from her in the Firedancing circle. She was tall—dwarfing Khal’yvssa quite easily—and obviously extremely strong. Her athletic, muscular frame exuded that fact in and of itself. However, it was the refined grace with which she moved and her controlled, honed reflexes which all but confirmed that she was not just a strong fighter, but a warrior.

And yet, she appeared nervous.

Khal’vyssa blinked and cocked her head to the side, her eyebrows raised in interest. However, she didn’t waste more than a moment before springing into motion, her searing ritual blade lashing out towards the woman in fiery, balletic fashion as she took the opening steps of the dance!

 

[Lily Decoria]

Objective: 2
Outfit: Firedancing Dress
Tags: Khal'vyssa

Breathing in deeply, Lily had been partnered with another female Echani and the battle mindset began to settle into her mind. It lowered her anxieties and focused the mind on the fight. All that mattered was the exchanging of emotions, and demonstrating the progress that she had made as a warrior. Lily was stronger than she had ever been, her skills in fighting were ever improving but currently the best that they were. Lily twirled the staff in her hands, feeling the weight of the weapon and feeling the heat that was coming off the staff as well.

It was all familiar and demonstrated that Lily had been away from Eshan too long since it was triggering a nostalgia that she was not used to feeling when she was thinking of home.

When Khal'vyssa leaped into action, Lily twirled the staff in her hands and blocked the attack in a firm but casual manner. There was not much concern on Lily's face but she was intrigued. Curious to learn from her opponent what she could this fight. Guiding the opposing staff away from her, Lily showed off the natural strength that she had honed. Years of training, Lily was a weapon without the Force and she had made sure to train her body hard enough to prove that.

Striking back, Lily jabbed the staff to poke at Khal'vyssa and test the defences of the other Echani. Lily knew that she wanted to probe, learn and investigate things before she committed hard to her strategy in fighting. That it was important for Lily to understand her enemy to predict and read the movements that would be coming next.

 

[Khal'vyssa]

Location: Eshan
Attire: Echani Firedancing Dress
Equipment: Echani Ritual Brand
Objective: II
Sub-Objective: Engage in the Fire Dance
Tag: Lily Decoria

Khal’vyssa did not require feel to understand that her opponent—her dancing partner—was strong. And yet, it was that exact feeling which cued her into just how strong Lily was as she blocked her opening strike in a firm, casual manner, eliciting a new, unexpected sensation of equal parts awe and excitement. In that, she gave a sharp gasp upon registering her partner’s immense strength, which saw the much smaller Echani pushed back two steps as her brand was guided away.

Intrigued, Khal’vyssa allowed a brief flicker of a smile to tug at her lips as her eyes widened with focus. All the while, the firedance fell underway as Lily jabbed her staff to probe at the smaller Echani’s defenses.

In turn, Khal’vyssa spun around on her feet, pirouetting laterally as she danced past the incoming jabs in ballerina-like fashion. Then, twirling around, her ritual brand struck out, delivering a sequence of jabs that mirrored the probing strikes of her partner!

And as she did, Khal’vyssa offered Lily a wide-eyed, focused gaze, feeling no small amount of intrigue regarding her much larger dancing partner!