The forgotten world

[Causstik Rahn]

2 years ago
Unknown regions

Causstik Rahn and his war band of privateers had been a thorn in the One Sith side for quiet some time. Now though. Now the tables had turned. The One Sith had cornered Causstik and his band of Trandoshans. They were completely surrounded and their was no way out, but through the enemy fleet. For now they were content to hide in the asteroid field, but eventually they'd run out of supplies. Causstik had to think and fast.

He sat aboard a commandeered battleship surrounded by his closest lieutenants.

"Sir we've lost a quarter of our fleet to the asteroid field alone," Hissed a T'doshk.

Causstik paced the bridge with his hand to his chin. "Ready the fleet. I have a plan," Causstik's warriors hailed the chieftains of the remaining vessels and they entered an arrow formation. Causstik briefed his commanders on the plans and they prepped for battle. The Trandoshans met the enemies head on. The formation drove deep into the One Sith lines before being halted. When the stalemate began Causstik's ship became immobilized. Considered out of the fight by the One Sith they moved to finish off his remaining forces. The chieftains used Causstik's derelict vessel as a rally point.

The One Sith Flag ship commanded by an ambitious Moff decided to end the battle quickly. He plunged his destroyer deep into the Trandoshan lines and began firing, but the Moff had made a mistake. Causstik's ship was disabled, but not his warriors. As the ship floated beneath Causstik's own, reinforced escape pods jettisoned from his vessel and straight towards the enemy command ship. They boarded the ship and in a moment of confusion the One Sith assault faltered. The pirates punched a hole out of the One Sith fleet and hut the hyper drives. They were headed to an unknown destination that had been provided by a Cissillian smuggler.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond had no clue how he had been wrangled into this. He had been on a smuggling mission through unknown space and the next thing he knew he was captured by Trandoshan slavers. They held him in a cage and kept trying to feed him worms. Which he refused to eat. Funny, because that's actually how he got his stunning figure. Regardless the Trandoshans were in a bit of a pickle. He shook as blaster fire and explosions rocked the ship he was on. He was locked up in a containment field and not being in the cockpit during battle was killing him.

Another shock wave and the ship quaked. This time they must have hit something, because his containment field went down. Desmond ran trough the bowls of the vessel. It appeared to be some sort of Corellian cargo ship. Through out the halls fires were starting up and smoke welled through the ship. He checked a near by terminal and saw that hulls six through nine had been breached, while fires had started on decks ten through twelve. Not good since he was on deck eleven. He made his way through smoke filled corridors to the bridge. The captain was apparently dead and now lizard men were running around the bridge like chickens with their heads cut off.

"Attention on deck!" Desmond shouted. He might have been a coward, but on a vessel he was in his element. "Vent the air from decks ten through twelve and activate emergency air locks systems on six through nine," The Trandoshans merely stared at him for a moment then raced to do his bidding. He checked the command console and began to fully appreciate their situation. The enemy command ship was in the middle of the Trandoshan fleet, but for some reason it was not firing. One Sith vessels had raced from the front to charge in after the lead flag ship and now only a thin film of vessels stood in the way of freedom.

"Alright lads, full thrusters forward. Relay a message for all ships to follow me then punch in these coordinates when they can enter hyperspace!" Desmond's ship led the charge and the threat of death made the Trandoshans fight ten times harder. They made a hole in the One Sith fleet and entered hyperspace.

 

[Causstik Rahn]

The Jury rigged escape pods fell towards the One Sith command ship. Lazers danced across the vastness of space. Ships exploded all around them. A few of the escape pods were incinerated as the ships cannons hit their mark. Then the pod shook around Causstik as they impacted with the enemy vessel. They waited a few minutes. Inside, the vacuum of space vented out all air and anyone within died abruptly. A man atempted to take a breath in zero G and his lungs collapsed accordingly. Blood leaking out every orifice in his body, others simply froze to death. Then the emergency air lock system activated and the Trandoshans charged out of their make shift boarding craft. They secured the empty halls then Causstik sent a message to his troops aboard the enemy vessel.

"Make your way to the bridge as quickly as possible. It'll be a few minutes before they realize what has happened,"

Causstik made his was to the end of the hall and found an elevator. It led directly to the command deck. Upon his arrival he found forty of his men already waiting. They were engaged with a few Stormtroopers. Eventually the Trandoshans managed to overpower them, but when they reached the bridge entrance they discovered the blast doors had been shut. A few more Trandoshans arrived and they formed a defensive perimeter while a squad drilled through the door. Wave after wave of Stormtroopers attacked, but the Lizards held strong. Eventually they forced the door open and charged the bridge. The Moff had taken his own life, but his crew were quick to surrender.

"Vent every deck on this boat now,"

The engineer immediately did as he was told. Sith coward. All over the ship men and Trandoshan flew into the void of space. Their were places where a few Stormtroopers would be holding out, but for the most part the vessel was secure. The other One Sith ships upon seeing their Command Vessel had been taken began to fire upon it. Causstik wasted no time, but still the vessel took considerable damage.

"Jump to light speed, NOW!"

The engineer plotted in the coordinates and hyperspace greeted them, but the damage the vessel had taken was extensive. Upon exiting hyperspace it split in two.

"Brace for impact!"

The two halves of the vessel plunged towards the desert world below. It crashed through some sort of asteroid field then the bulk began glowing red hot as they entered the atmosphere. They landed with a WHOOSH. Causstik looked around, everyone seemed okay.

"Hail the others, find out where we are,"

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond looked at the world below. It was circled by a ring of what apperad to be old vessels, preserved in the depths of space. Desmond had read about it on Cissilia. The files were ancient and it was only a passing glance. He seemed to recall something about zeds, but figured they'd be OK if they didn't make planet fall. Around the bridge Trandoshans let out a breath of relief at discovering they were going to live.

"Sit rep report. How many ships made it out?" Desmond asked while still studying the planet.

A Trandoshan looked at his view screen and began receiving data from the others. "Four cruisers and various fighters,"

Then as if out of out of nowhere a One Sith ship exited hyperspace. "Prepare for combat! Route all power from the decks not used to the shields!" Desmond shouted. They weren't out of the woods yet.

But the ship didn't engage. In fact it split in two shortly after disembarking from hyperspace. The two halves went rolling through space. Crashing through the "asteroid field" and entering the planets atmosphere. It didn't take long for Desmond to figure that was probably Causstik. They were going to have to make planet fall. If Causstik survived and contacted his fleet their would be no stopping the Lizards from racing in after him. Better to appear the hero.

"Track that ships trajectory. We're going to look for survivors. Transmit the coordinates to one of the cruisers, tell the rest to hang tight," Desmond decided to go search for the part with the bridge. He reasonably assumed that is where Causstik would be. Especially since the ship had made it to the rendezvous. They flew down to the surface and soon found the wreckage. They scoured the place and spotted a few survivors. A group of Trandoshans leading Imperial captives at gun point.

"Where's the rest of you?" Desmond asked. A Trandoshan pointed to what remained of the bridge. Desmond made his way to the bridge and finally got to meet the leader of the band of these rag tag pirates.

"Radio the others. Tell them we we found 'em," the Trandoshan did as he was told, then received a strange transmission in return.

"It's aboard the ship! We're trying to make our way to one of the drop ships... I thought they wouldn't make it off the ground but they FLEW! They took a dropship and crashed it right into our cruiser! I think we're all that's left,"

 

[Causstik Rahn]

The Trandoshans sent a transmission and set it on a loop. Although the signal was weak, as the communication array was destroyed. Causstik had also taken the liberty of sending out a patrol. Some odd 57 Trandoshans had survived. More then Causstik expected. For now their was nothing to do, but sit and listen. The voices whispered to Causstik. They spoke of power on this planet. They said many great raids would be staged from this world. Causstik cocked head and listened. They spoke of a new god... Then a Chiss interrupted his train of thought and he snapped back to reality.

Causstik addressed the T'doshk that had accompanied the man "Hsss msss Siisss," (Who is this man?)

The Trandoshans shrugged. Meanwhile the blue man ordered someone to send a message. "Sss Iss y'sss," (Lock him with the others) The Trandoshans immediately grabbed the man by his shoulders and began to drag him away, but they paused at the door when a reply transmitted in.

"It's aboard the ship! We're trying to make our way to one of the drop ships... I thought they wouldn't make it off the ground but they FLEW! They took a dropship and crashed it right into our cruiser! I think we're all that's left,"

The men aboard the bridge began to whisper. What could it be? Causstik raised his arms and spoke to calm their nerves. "I have spoken with the Scorekeeper. It is the other half of her! It is Jater Madle!" Upon hearing this shouts arose from the Lizards. "IT is true! Jater Madle will consume all who are unworthy! We have been brought here, so that we may satiate the gods!"

The oldest Trandoshan among them stepped forward. "You have never lead us astray and I believe you will not now! He is right! The Scorekeeper is angry we lost! She has brought us here to show us her wrath!" The Trandoshans began whispering again. What do we do? How will we appease them?

"We must give them a sacrifice! A hunt to remember!"

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond finally got a good look at Causstik Rahn. He was a tall, muscular, scary monster. The lizard studdied Des then began hissing to the other Trandoshans in that gibberish they speak. It didn't sound good, but then again it was an ugly language. Desmond was grabed by the Trandoshans whos scaley hides he had just saved. They dragged him off the bridge and threw him in the brigg. Ungrateful bastards.

"Hey! Let me out!" Desmond knew they weren't going to release him, but it was worth a shot. He turned around and studied his impromptu cell. About a dozen imperials sat cowering in the corner. "So uh got any cards?"

"We will not socialize with the likes of pirates!" Des shrugged, worth a shot.

As time passed the rest of the Trandoshan fleet landed. They'd take Des out to stretch the old legs. Mostly because the guard was on the ship he saved. When he did Des noticed they had begun building what apperead to be a stadium. Make shift shcks made of bone circled the dome. They had a large wall of bone already put around the budding settlement. To keep what out Des didn't know and he didn't want to. Every now and then though a Trandoshan would come to his cell and another Imperial would disappear...

 

[Causstik Rahn]

Causstik Rahn surveyed the Construction of the Arena. It was coming along nicely. They had made the One Sith capital ship into a large living quarters. Surrounding the vessel sat small bone huts and in the center of it all was the sacrificial pit. Everything was lined in bone and dirt was caked over those. It helped keep the place cool. They had to raise walls from the corpse of the ancient behemoth that once rested here. They found themselves constantly under attack by the dead and it was easier then always fighting them off. Over the months the settlement had grown. Trandoshans from all over made the pilgrimage to offer up their prayers and sacrifices to the Rot God. Today the Bone City had seen its biggest influx yet. Causstik decided it was time. They would offer up the biggest sacrifice ever.

The guards gathered up the slaves and prisoners. Then herded them to the arena through the underground tunnels. The slaves were painted with ceremonial paint and given swords to do battle with. They guided them through the pits halls and stopped just before the wrought iron gate that would usher them into the arena. A great booming voice could be heard from just beyond and at the crescendo of the sentient speech the gates opened. The slaves wandered into the killing fields dazed and confused. All around them bone clad Trandoshans filled the stands and directly opposite atop a large balcony stood Causstik Rahn.

Then another gate opened directly across from them and out wandered another group of slaves. These ones painted differently. The bone lizards roared as Causstik bellowed more of his religious spiel. The slaves now knew what they were to do. It was me or them. They charged.

"LIVE FOR THE GODS, DIE FOR THE GODS!"

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond was herded through the tunnels of some ancient crypt. At least that's what all the bones gave the impression of. Then they were all painted blue. Racist. After they were nice and pretty the guard led them to a giant gate. Swords were given to them and Des studied his for a moment. Balanced. Nice. Some guy outside was really wearing out the soap box. Finally after much cheers and applause the gate opened. Des stepped into the bright light of Mug Fallow. Turns out it wasn't a crypt at all, but some sort of arena. Across the way sat another group of painted slaves. Tribals everywhere were rolling in their graves. These Trandoshans and their sense of theatrics. It was plain what was to be done. Kill the enemy. Desmond held no love for the others. They were Imperials and he was certain Glupgloor the Rodian was among them. Des had it out for that guy ever since the man bested him at Pazaak. The cheating bastard!

The slaves across the way began to charge. Fortunately for Desmond an Imperial Red guard presided among them. He began barking orders and the slaves formed a moon shaped formation. Des was sure to linger in the back of the crest.. Unfortunately Glupgloor was there to.

"Blast, I thought you were on the other team," Des grimaced. Glupgloor shrugged "At least we'll probably live,"

Des nodded. Then the enemy fell right into the trap. They attacked the center of the crest and were soon enveloped. Surrounded on all sides they began to collapse. The fight still took a heavy toll and Desmond's team lost half their number. When the last enemy had been finished the former Red guard began viciously hacking off his head. When the task was completed he hoisted it high into the air. Screams of joy erupted from the crowd. What a bunch of suckers.

Then the gate opened once more. This time three grizzled Trandoshans exited. They bore the bone armor of the Chieftains and golden ceremonial swords. They had probably led their tribe here on some sort of pilgrimage. Now they sought the ultimate honor. Fifteen against three? Des was sure this would be a cake walk. The Red guard barked another order and the slaves fanned out. An attempt to again surround their prey. This time Des could not hide behind someone else, but he could take his sweet time getting over there. The Imperials met the Trandoshans and the Lizards seemed to dance circles around them. They moved with finesse and speed that Des hadn't thought possible. When two of them had died they had taken out at least six slaves each. Leaving only Glupgloor, Red, and Desmond. The last chief was looking right at Des. Feth. The beast charged. Des ran. Then he tripped. He spun on his back just as the creature prepared the killing lunge. He hopped forward. Des closed his eyes and thrust his sword outwards. When he opened them he discovered the Chieftain had accidentally impaled himself on Des's sword.

 

[Causstik Rahn]

The wind swept through the arena and carried the dust of this dead world with it. The crowd roared in cheers for their new champions. The Red Guard always did put on a good show. However Causstik did not expect the blue man to kill one of the Chiefs. Those Chieftains had grown complacent, old in their years and had wanted to die with honor. Now they rest with the Score keeper. The crowd erupted again as the Red Guard hacked off a Chieftains head and presented it to the crowd. The skull would be added to the growing collection embedded in the arena walls. Guards entered the arena and prodded the slaves to a corner. They then went about retrieving the corpses to be treated.

Once the guards had fled back into the depths of the arena Causstik smiled. Today was special. Today the Rot God walked among them himself. The Red Guard would face a foe unlike any he had faced in the arena before. Despite the Blue man's success Causstik was adamant in his belief that only the Red Guard would survive...

He began speaking to the crowd once again and they hung on the cliff of his every word. He spoke of the Jagganath points he himself had claimed. The hell that awaited the unworthy. Finally he spoke of the Rot God. He ended his speech and a trap door in the center of the arena opened. Out came a feral looking man. Black veins bulged all over his face. The White in his eyes had been completely washed away by dark smoke. The creature let out a blood curdling screech.

"The Rot God!"

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond stood with Glupgloor as the Red guard savagely severed another head. Disgusting. The man held his trophy high to the sky. Show off. I killed one too, you know... Then a few guard entered the arena and herded them to the corner. Evidently from the suprise on the Imperials face this was new. He attempted to fight back and one of the guards sliced his ham string. Oh khark. Their goes my life line. The Red guard limped to the corner and the three waited for the next surprise.

The Lizard gave a rambunctious speech and all the others cheered with zeal. Desmond ignored them and ran to the Imperial.

"Get away from me scum," The man atempted to wave Des away while backing towards the wall. He slid down the surface unable to stand. He was bleeding out. Fast. Des felt his post and knew the man would die. Then Glugloor said something.

"Not now y'u Rodian bastard," Des felt the Imperials fore head. He was burning up. A hand grabbed Des's shoulder. Hard. "Glupgloor I told y'u-" Des turned to face the alien and was greeted by a half eaten head. "BY THE FORCE!" Des rolled away just as black projectile vomit spewed out of Glupgloor's gaping maw. The black liquid seemed to race from the surface with a mind of its own. It slithered across the ground and upon finding the Red guards blood entered a frenzied charge. It crept over to the dying man and enveloped his face. Entering every orifice of his body. Des felt something wet run down his legs.

"Now Glupgloor buddy! I ever tell you how much I love y'u! You know what! I'll pay what I owe you, plus interest!" The Rodian was not deterred and now the Red guard was clawing his way across the ground too. Des backed away then bumped into something. He froze as a low growl emitted from behind him. Feth. Desmond ran forward just as the original Zed chomped down on the air where his head had just been. The Chiss cut Glupgloors malformed head off as he ran by. A stream of black gore erupted from the stump. The original dead man was still chasing Des, but he was begging to slow. His body seemed even more bloated now and getting fatter by the second.

"What the-" The dead man exploded sending black gore every where. The gore amassed itself and slithered into the drains of the arena. Seeping into the cavernous maze below. "Yeah y'u better run! I had 'em on the ropes!" Des cried out to the crowd. The Red guard still crawled ever closer to the Chiss and Des decided to make things easy on the poor bastard. He walked over to the man and planted a foot on his back. With a heavy hand he cut the beast head clean off then presented it to the masses. "WOOO!!! YEAH!!!!" So the creation of the Bone City began. Built on the dead, founded by the insane, and bested by an idiot.