Private The Drums Of War || Gerwald Lechner

[ToKola Bakari]

Honored blood and sacred sand were the foundation of Ushindi Arena. On a planet at war with itself, this arena was the sole point of comradery for the Sandali people. It was the one place where all tribes could come together. Not as Jiwe Screamers or Maji Waders, but as proud warriors gathered for sports of blood. A number of games and contests take place at Ushindi arena, but they were nothing more than a bit of distraction until the true entertainment began. As the sun began to set and the heat was at it's peak, a number of massive drums began to echo out over the arena. They started, off set by one another in low, slow baritones that boomed over the land. In the sands, the Sandali people screamed, they cheered, some of them even fought to show their excitement.

There were three massive pillars that extended above the viewing stands. At the peak of each pillar was a man who presided over a singular tribe of the Sandali people. The leader of the Maji stood, wearing flowing cloaked of azul. A thinly-built man of pure muscle who seemed to be aging roughly, yet he stood a rising tower, several feet higher than most of the Sandali people with him. He looked around the tower before letting out one single, rallying yell. A yell that sounded much like a dog's bark, echoed out again and again.

The next to stand from a throne of rock and skulls, was the leader of the Kivuli tribe. This warrior held a massive scythe over his shoulder, with chalky white paint covering his bronzed features. He was not nearly as tall as the Maji leader, yet he made up for it in a hell-like presence. He set his scythe onto the rocky surface before raising all five of his fingers to the sky. He let out a startling shriek, much like the cry of a vulture or some other scavenging bird. The Kivuli people echoed the loud cry behind him, throwing themselves into a viscous uproar as their Chief gave his blessings to begin the competitions.

The final member of the great chiefs was received with a stunning silence. The kind of silence a man could only hear from the Sandali once in his lifetime, if he was lucky.

The Chief of the Jiwe stood from his throne, rising as if he was the very mountain himself. With a wooden spear thrown over his shoulder, he let his left fist beat against his chest three times before leaning back letting out a terribly loud clamor. He yelled from the deepest pit of his gut and behind him the massive members of the Jiwe mountainmen let out an equally loud bellow.

Standing before his people. To'kola Bakari looked at the Sandali and his face was unreadable for a moment. Then, as if to break the uncertainty there was a loud, barreling laugh.

"Who is the first challenger?!" His voice echoed out loudly and in the next moment the Sandali were lost in a screaming clamor.

Gerwald Lechner

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

R E B U I L D​

Wearing: xxx
Weapon: xxx
Tag: ToKola Bakari

Pride, it was something every warrior had to some degree. Any that had lived long enough to taste battle and survive, to overcome, felt some sense of accomplishment in their own skill and ability. Gerwald was no different than most in that regard, though his recent experiences within the Confederacy had taught him that one could not place too much stock in their own skill alone. The Lupine had watched as those with too much hubris had found themselves killed thinking themselves to be unstoppable.

There were other cultures where being a warrior was celebrated, a way of life. Gerwald had not come from such a culture, though he had heard a great deal about one such group. One of the former Lord Commander of the Knights Obsidian hailed from such a people. They were needed now, more than ever. With the numbers of the Knights Obsidian completely decimated, Gerwald needed every able bodied member he could enlist, even if it meant reaching out to those no longer among their number.

It was no secret the two of them shared something, someone, in common. Both would most likely wish to forget the troubles which had come as a result of their shared acquaintance, but the repercussions would always be lasting. Tonight, as the sun began to set, Gerwald would make his way to face the former Lord Commander intent on doing whatever it took to gain his support and his weapon. If he could win that, Gerwald believed he could win the Sandali.

Blue eyes observed as the chiefs took their place. It was clear that Gerwald would not be able to hide himself from those which gathered. He was as fair skinned as they were dark, which made his presence more than obvious. He did not belong there perhaps, and likely they would find him unwelcome. Yet, Gerwald knew there was always one way to gain the audience he sought.

Without a word, Gerwald descended the steps, from the seat he had occupied. Certain that all eyes were on the fair blonde which walked though the fading twilight of the day. His skin at least boasted of the summer sun which had kissed it before winter on Naboo had set in. Dressed plain, a simple warrior from Stewjon, Gerwald stepped forward.

“Gerwald Lechner, challenges you,” he said directly to To’Kola Bakari. “One Lord Commander to another.”
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[ToKola Bakari]

"Gerwald Lechner, challenges you."

"One Lord Commander to another."

The words caused the uproar in the stands to subside, with only simple mumbles and scattered talk filling the air. No one had expected that declaration, especially not when the sun still blazed over the horizon. Usually the Chiefs fought once the darkness came, when it was more difficult and the stakes were higher. Even more remarkable than the timing, would be that the declaration came from an outsider, a very rare sight indeed.

To'kola's sunburnt eyes gazed down from the pillar. The voice was a familiar one, one that he had not hear in almost a year. Harsh eyes gazed down as his dried lips curled into a smile. The Force surged as the massive warrior's legs carried him into a skyward leap. He soared over the point the sun now rested, arching up until finally he came back down towards the hard rock and dirt below. His massive body slammed into the ground, the Force echoed out once more as several large cracks formed in his landing. He drew his fist from the ground, rising from the three point stance with a nod towards Gerwald.

"I accept."

"Although I must say. I did not expect to see you so soon again, my friend." He spoke in a familiar tone, recalling the days when he would stand side by side with the man before him, slaying the enemies of The Confederacy. A simpler time, with simpler troubles.

"Choose your weapon, Gerwald Lechner." The great giant's hand went to his back, producing a Sandali warspear. Oddly enough it was only a few meters in length, but with it's lack of length came the danger of losing it in the throws of combat. To'kola gave the weapon a brief roll around his fingers, before resting the neck of the weapon against his shoulder. "This shall be my weapon, Heartseeker."

"Wait for the fires. Then we begin." He said causally, before turning his back to the man. "If you have come to bring me back to The Confederacy, you know what must be done." He declared.

To'kola turned back to face Gerwald and as he did he took an offensive stance. With his left hand held back in a closed fist, he held the spear parallel with the ground, aimed towards Gerwald.

The sun slowly began to fall below the horizon...

A circle of fire was born surrounding the two and in the next moment the Sandali warrior charged. "Mayefla!" Large, imposing steps closed the distance between the two and almost immediately To'kola would lead the confrontation with a vicious jab of his spear, aimed for Gerwald's shoulder.

The attack was merely a feint. A moment before contact, To'kola's massive form folded at the waist. His spear arm tucked under his gut as he fell into a roll. His shoulders and then his back met the hard ground, with the heel of his right foot swinging upwards to slam just above the man's gut, the Force flowing into the blow to spare To'kola's heel while trying to devastate Gerwald's solar plexus.

Gerwald Lechner

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

R E B U I L D​

Wearing: xxx
Weapon: xxx
Tag: ToKola Bakari

He knew his challenge would seem out of place. Gerwald was breaking from the tradition of the place to suit his own purposes. It seemed the chieftain was wise enough to know why the Lupine was there. Fortunately for him, the man had accepted his challenge. Those watching fell silent as the two faced each other. This was certainly going to be an unorthodox evening. Yet, if Gerwald was going to accomplish what he set out to do, both men needed to be fresh.

Gerwald nodded to the warrior. He knew what had to be done.

“I must defeat you tonight,” the wolf smirked.

It was only natural that To’Kola would choose the spear. The weapon was one with the former Lord Commander. Gerwald had never seen the warrior use another weapon. This would not be a night for Gerwald to use his lightsaber. This was a battle for warriors with other weapons to emerge.

“Your spear will be the perfect weapon for me to test out a recent gift.”

Gerwald grinned wide as he relieved his axe from its rest on his back. The spear would give To’Kola an advantage, but the axe was a weapon of force which the more nimble weapon would have to account for. As the fires were lit, Gerwald waited for the first attack.

He was unmoved by the feigned attack. The lupine expected it. The tuck and roll was not anticipated, but not dangerous. A simple pivot and step to the left allowed Gerwald to avoid the kick to his gut. As Gerwald moved the axe lifted into the air before Gerwald brought it crashing down toward the ground. He would either decide the battle now, or To’kola would be forced to continue moving to avoid a devastating blow.
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