Skirmish Battle of Chaldea (NJO, GA, others)

[Arlo Renard]

Historically an isolationist world, Chaldea’s entry into the Alliance during the Second Great Hyperspace War was a reluctant one. The ruling Chaldean Potentium had many misgivings about their membership—namely, that the ancient religion of their forebears would become corrupted or die out when exposed to the strange new ideas of outsiders. But in the spirit of charity, a deal was struck to allow thousands of refugees to settle on Chaldea and build a new life.

Rather than assimilation and understanding, the rift between the natives and the alien refugees has only widened in the years since their arrival. Now a new regime has come to power, one led by zealots who have grown to fear and loathe the foreigners who were brought to their world. The current Potentium has taken a militant approach, harassing the residents of Calabiyau and threatening them with certain death unless they leave the planet. While some have fled, many civilians still remain within the city’s walls.

Negotiations with the Potentium forces have failed. A Potentiate army, led by the teenage radical Jogerda of Chaldea , is about to attack Calabiyau. With only a small civilian militia to defend it, the city seems doomed to fall.

Objective I: Evacuation & Defense

Senator Alicio Organa and his bodyguard Arlo Renard have called upon the Jedi to help them evacuate Calabiyau. Protect civilians from Potentiate forces and escort them safely to the evac ships. But beware: the foes you will face are trained to kill meddling Force Users like you.

NPCs: Chaldean Mystics & Chaldean Paladins

Objective II: Looting and Murder

With much of the Potentium’s forces fighting at Calabiyau, they’ve left their fortress, the Chaldean Academy, largely undefended. A group of opportunistic pirates have launched a heist of the Academy’s treasures. The vaults hold numerous priceless treasures, including holocrons. Grab some loot, but take heed—things may get a little bit hot where you are.

NPCs: Chaldean Academy Guards

Objective III: BYOO

Chaldea is a vast world full of opportunity. Do you have another story to tell?

Alicio Organa Kuzo Arcadian Sor-Jan Xantha Gweneth Zarari Laphisto Alasdair Voland Shan Pavond Jonyna Si Micheal Nox Auteme Taeli Raaf​

 

[Jogerda of Chaldea]

Objective I: Kill Them All
Location: Calabiyau
Tags: Open

Some of the heathens had gathered along the outskirts of the city in hopes of defending it. Wielding makeshift or stolen weapons, they took cover behind trees and ancient walls then opened fire on the Chaldeans. The Chaldeans responded in turn, hurling grenades, rockets, and other incendiary devices. Explosions rocked the ground, sending dirt and other debris flying. Smoke began to cloud the sky, rising from spreading fires. The battle had begun in earnest.

Jogerda’s scouts reported that the enemy had planted explosives underneath the bridges across the river in an effort to slow their crossing. “Use your repulsors to cross the river if you’re afraid of getting wet,” she ordered. “We’ll use what boats we have, too. If you must cross the bridges, go slow.”

She didn’t expect much from the militia, whom she knew were under-equipped and outnumbered. The rumors she had heard implying that the Jedi would come to their aid were much more concerning… but even then, she had faith. They would wipe out the heathens and purify Chaldea, even if it cost them their lives.

Hitching a ride on an armored repulsor tank, she crossed the river and got to work.

 

[Arlo Renard]

Objective I
Location: City street, Calabiyau
Tags: Alicio Organa + Open

The ground rocked underneath Kai’s feet as he heard the first explosion. Cursing under his breath, he turned around to face the group of refugees he had been escorting through the city. Their expressions mirrored his own, panic spreading across their features. The battle had begun.

“Come on, keep going!” he urged, herding them toward the cathedral and other fortress-like buildings which had been chosen to hold the civvies until evac ships arrived. Locations which were rapidly becoming overcrowded as the evacuation continued to face delays.

<Alicio!> he called out telepathically. <I’m nowhere close to being done with the evac here! Where are the Jedi?>

 

[Shan Pavond]

Objective 1
Tags: Open!
Padawan Pavond
Outfit (ignore the saber)

It was evacuation after evacuation. Shan was starting to wonder if he should try to learn how to fly a ship. Maybe then he'd be able to stay in a ship for the evacuation instead of being out in the field. Last time that happened for him, it didn't exactly go well with him facing a Sith for this first time...But he couldn't let himself get distracted by that thought. Today was a different battle. A different enemy. One that Shan was willing and ready to fight if push came to shove. There was a part of the Padawan that wanted to sneak into the Chaldean Academy. The information that could be in there...Shan always wanted to learn more. But that desire to learn was not going to beat his desire to protect people.

He could recall the small briefing he had. There wasn't that many civilian fighters to deal against the Potentiate forces. Honestly, Shan felt like he wouldn't be that great of a fighter against them. They were meant to be impossible for him to sense so he'd have to keep his eyes open more than normal for a possible ambush. The padawan also wasn't sure if his lightsaber would be able to deal with most of them...but until he could potentially find an alternative weapon to use during the mission...

Either way, the Mirialan Padawan was going to keep his eyes and ears open. He needed to make sure people were able to get to the evacuation zones. He was sure there were other Jedi doing this job. He just had to focus on his. It would have been safer for him to stay with the main groups at the evacuation zones, to heal them. Make sure no-one was hurt, but this was more important to him. The people at the evac zones were already in a way safe. There were people who could treat them, but if there was anyone hurt on the way to the evacuation zones? Who was meant to help them? That's what Shan was here for. He kept his saber at his side, ready to use at a moment's notice. The more he faced his fears of being in battle, the better it would be for him in the long run. It would be easier for him to protect people, the more he got used to being in battle.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Objective: II - Obtain Knowledge, Specimens, and Artifacts
Location: Approaching the Chaldean Academy
Tags: Open for the Moment
Retinue: Geist Infiltrators and Ravenscar Adepts

Equipment: In signature

The growing tensions on Chaldea had finally erupted into a full-blown crisis, and from her position in the Senate, she had been mildly interested in the planet's affairs. The Potentium were fanatically anti-Force User, although she appreciated they were not hypocritical enough to discard the use of the Force themselves as it was the most efficient means of severing the connections others had to it. Now the truly zealous individuals within their government and culture were making their way to purge a city of refugees settled from the Second Great Hyperpsace War.

A perfectly chaotic opportunity.

It had been designed to be a slow trickle of her assets to the planet before the conflagration consumed the planet, with her Adepts getting crash courses on the planet's culture, organizations, locations, and most importantly what they might obtain there. The rumors of a hidden vault at the academy for the Potentium were too much to pass up, as she led most of her retinue towards the academy. A few others had been sent off to observe the battle at the city and a squad of her Ravenscars were waiting to see if any of the planet's fabled creatures would appear for capture.

The pirate attack on the academy was the perfect cover and greed had always been a weapon she could use. All she and her retinue needed to do was wait, let the pirates and defenders exhaust themselves, then swoop in and mop up. Pity, she thought, Kaine would enjoy what was likely coming for the planet and the academy.

 

[Aculia Voland]

Objective 1/3: Ancient Calabiyau Fortress (DM me to join if you'd like, Jedi also welcome).​

(Meant to post as Alasdair Voland , apologies!)

A young man stood for a moment gazing out at the ocean which he could see from the walls of the ancient Calaibyaun fortress which he and his men found themselves at today, memories he would rather forget creeping upon him. The Commander was still young for a human, at roughly 25 years of age, but the coolness in his eyes hinted at far more experience, much of which was far from good.

I remember when Mother and I were in a situation like this…except no one came to save us. And what we had to do to survive. That will not happen here today. I will kill as many of these Chaldean fanatics as necessary until every single man, woman, and child gets onto the evacuation shuttles. And if the Jedi or anyone else have problems with how I intend to do so, they can shove it. They failed to prevent this from happening in the first place. Some guardians of peace and justice. Where were they when I needed them? And we were only allowed to bring a single ship to support, otherwise risk the wrath of the Alliance.

Alasdair Voland, son of Moff Aculia Voland of the Empire of the Lost, and Commander of the Chimaera IV Storm Hawk Cruiser along with its regiment of men. That is who opposed the Potentium today at the outskirts of Calabiyau in a fortress whose name had long been lost but whose purpose still remained the same: to shelter the huddled masses inside. It had been hastily, but effectively, repaired into a bulwark, and opened to the flood of refugees who now huddled in the inner keep waiting for the evacuation shuttles. And by Imperial will and Imperial steel, they would make it there today.

Of course, I would have never been authorized to do this if it were my own personal initiative. The Moff Council agreed this would be a good demonstration of our new weapons and troopers and buy us some desperately needed goodwill while we regroup and rebuild our military from the Great Collapse. I’m sure Mother pushed that angle hard, but she remembers what is what like to be a refugee too...

Turning back towards the fortress, the young man walked past his personal bodyguard of stoic Death Troopers clad in black armor to the front of the keep, looking out at the fires and chaos already enveloping large portions of the city. He had a full regiment of men, some five companies of Army Troopers, three companies of Storm Troopers, one and a half companies of Storm Commandos, his own personal retinue, and a squadron of Stealth TIE bombers for air support and the Chimaera IV in orbit for the occasional orbital strike if it were not too close to his own men. A sizeable force…but they were facing at least ten times that number, if not many more, and the elite of the Potentium. They had neither the artillery nor the armor to hold out forever against such a force. Their goal was to simply make them bleed for every inch and buy the refugees time.

He and his men did not stand alone today. One of the Empire’s assassins, Aziraphale , stood with him. A few mercenaries and refugees had agreed to support him as well, given the circumstances and the fact the Chaldeans were far from welcoming today, including Lira Virel and Ivixa Nera'kas , who had been given the appropriate support and resources needed to assist today.

(Can also add you to the map too if you DM me ).

 

[Arcadian]

Location: Chaldea | Objective: Loot (and Possibly Shoot)

​

'A better man would show a modicum of regret for his actions,' an old friend once told Arcadian when they were younger. But the time for being better had long since passed. It was time for Credits, now.

Cade could already see the path that battle had torn as he dove through Chaldea's clouds, his ship cutting the sky near the now-deserted Chaldean Academy. His bones ached for the ground, the alabaster stone calling to him to leave the heavens and roam its halls. He wasn't sure what threats would rise to challenge him once he made landfall, but he had blaster pistols and thermal detonators for that.

His only concerns were the treasures that awaited inside the Academy.

If his data was good - and Stars-dammit it'd better be - there was a small fortune within this vault. Pelts and trinkets, ornate weapons and strong armor, but even better than all those things... a holocron. Specifically, one that once belonged to the near-mythical Bartych Halcorr. What exactly it contained, only speculation could conjure. But if the data inside was worth storing in a holocron and hiding within a vault on Chaldea, it was worth stealing.

As he stepped down the landing ramp of his M33 Starcrawler, he wondered how much the Jedi Council pay to keep such an artifact out of the hands of the Sith... and vice versa.

Tags: Taeli Raaf (mutual thievery?) | OPEN​

 

[Gweneth Zarari]

Location: Calabiyau
Objective: Objective 1
Tag: Arlo Renard Alicio Organa

I had heard rumours about the Potentium, and then rumours had turned into stories, stories that scared me. I felt so torn I actually believed some of the message of the Potentium. Isolationism was better for Chaldeans, and staying out of the galaxy prevented contamination of my own very distinct anti-technological culture, but this was too far. I am a Chaldean Moonchild, my birth parents were of course wary of outsiders and they had lived in the forests minding their own lives until loggers had wiped them out. Such careless disregard for the native life here, I thought as I shook my head.

It would have been very easy for me to have fallen for a path of violent Isolationism, had it not been for the moonchildren cultural tradition of baby swapping. In order to protect their heritage, my parents had secretly exchanged me for the child of the people I call Mum and Dad. They were devaronians, outsiders to the planet, very much like the refugees that were being persecuted today.

I considered my options as I launched myself through the air. I was skinshifted in the form of a cat, a useful form for getting around the cuty from one rooftop to another, and I was moving towards the frontlines. I didn't need feline senses to hear the gunfire and explosives of the potentium in their initial salvoes against the city. I landed on another roof and bounced across the ground and passed a group of civilians that had formed a defensive levy. One of them with a sniper rifle twice the length of my body. The next leap took me to within sight of their foes. <<This is bad>> I thought to myself, speaking telepathically as I saw a row of smoke plumes ahead.

I jjumped again but I twisted in the air when I sensed another telepath active nearby. Now, telepathy is usually pretty private, but my Echo stone had made me more sensitive recently. I liked that stone and I liked how it had responded to my personality and now looked more like horn covered in living moss than the pristine stone that was given to me. This person, I couldn't make out what they were saying, it doesn't work like that, but I could hear them shouting and feel their panic, so with no specific plan in mind I headed that way. I left off the final building and while in the air shifted back into my Devaronian form, pulling my ryyks blades out just in case, he would have seen me make this jump to the ground and walk over.

There was a guy there trying to usher people into the thick walled cathedral. It was a smart move unless they lost the city, at that point they might as well have rounded them up for easy slaughter. I spoke to the man as I continued forward on foot to a position just past him. "Be careful yeah, if their telepaths hear you, they'll come looking, these Potentiates are pretty good at dealing with force users."

Another blast shook the ground near me and I gripped my blades tightly, still unsure what exactly was the best option here. "I'm Gwen yeah, you got a plan?"


​

 

[Micheal Nox]

"You guys really learned some fun things, didn't you?"

This was ideal. More than ideal, truly. The Open Hand wanted as much information as they could get on techniques all about limiting or out right removing the Force from individuals, places, any of it. And Micheal, the current head priest, had no desire to miss out on something so important himself. Chaldea was burning, right? So of course it fell to him and his priests to gather up every bit of information they could.

For safe keeping, of course.

He stood in one of the rooms, deeper down within the facility, idly glancing over the information he'd been able to obtain. The Paladins, as they were called, were frustrating in that they couldn't be manipulated by his Thought Dowser. But the Mystics, they could The right persuasion to weaken the mind, and he could make at least one into his little minion. That one stood beside him, their expression blank and empty.

They had some information. Probably an initiate, given they didn't have spectacular resistance or information on everything he was searching for. They did, at least, know where the archives were.

"High Priest."

A Twilek, dressed in the same white robe as he, crouched and bowed their head in greeting.

"Yes, Ji'mel?"

"The Faithful have taken notice of more arriving. Many want to take up the information stored here, I imagine."

"Then it's an arms race. You there, where do they keep the good stuff?"

The initiate stared blankly. Micheal frowned.

"Alright, where is your information stored? Where are all your techniques stored? Where aren't you allowed to go in until you've proven mastery?"

That seemed to catch their attention. They lifted a hand, pointing in the distance.

"The lower levels. There's.. A way down to the lower levels. A puzzle to deeper within."

A puzzle? Micheal hated puzzles. Ah well. He smiled just a little more as he lifted his hand, and the Thought Dowser with it.

"Show me the way, then. Ji'mel, keep the Faithful out of sight, as much as possible. We don't want to fight with anyone here if we can help it. But don't hesitate to kill anyone who get in our way of course. Pirates are a nasty sort after all."

Arcadian | Taeli Raaf | Open

 

[Jegy Sesara]

Objective 1/3: Ancient Calabiyau Fortress
Reinforcement Compromise:
"COB" AW-TS Dropship
Alpha Battalion "Icarii-Anax"
6x "COB" Anthrope Medium Patrol Walkers
2x "COB" Therato Medium Frontal Assault Walker
2x "COB" Kronos Assault Front Line Walker
2x "COB" Retribution Assault Artillery Walker

Tags: Aculia Voland Aziraphale Lira Virel Ivixa Nera'kas

​

"Breaking Through, this is Court of Blades Dropship "Revelation", we are attempting to dock through towards your location. We are incoming for the defense of the Calabiyau Forces for Evacuation. Our contractual pay has already gone through a generous benefactor. He will be with the dropship and joining shortly, stand clear of the Courtyard. Hot Drop Incoming!"

There was a streak of missiles from above as one slammed harshly into the AW-TS, causing a small explosion but it kept on course with parts of metal flinging off the dropship transport. Landing rather harshly, its feet crunched into the dirt in front of the fortress as it hissed dangerously for a moment before opening the doors of the dropship. Rather quickly and with much practice, twelve different Armored Walkers disembarked and started to surround a small perimeter of the zone and was ready to patrol. The two Artillery Walkers started to be set up in a protected area, ready to lob what be considered hellfire onto its foes.

As the walkers went out, one of them had a carry on passenger so to speak on on top of one. An Anthrope patrol walker started to move a bit quickly towards the fortress as the hunched over figure started to stand up. Tapping on top of the walker, he leaped off and used the Force to propel himself rather far from where he started, both hands extended as he seemed to levitate for a short time, making his fall slow down in a way as he finally landed with a puft on the towers wall.

Brushing off his outfit, he walked towards what he assumed to be leader command, straightening his robes as he looked to the right and then the left, on his back seemed to be a rather old lightsaber attached.

"I believe you would like some assistance? Jegy Sesara, friend of the Imperials."

 

[Lira Virel]

Location: Calabiyau Fortress
Objective: Defend and Evacuate (Number 1)
Tags: Alasdair Voland | Jegy Sesara | Ivixa Nera'kas | Aziraphale

Lira Virel stood amidst the chaos that engulfed the ancient Calabiyau fortress, her eyes scanning the scene with a mix of determination and concern. The acrid scent of smoke filled the air, intermingling with the metallic tang of blaster fire. The thunderous explosions reverberated through her body, resonating with the beat of her heart. The fortress walls, worn and weathered, seemed to pulse with the weight of their responsibility. Her hands, adorned in grease-stained overalls, bore the marks of countless hours spent repairing starships and machinery. They were calloused and rough, but they possessed a gentle touch that could coax life back into the most stubborn of engines. Today, however, they were poised to wield a different kind of power - the power to protect and preserve life.

As Lira moved through the labyrinthine corridors of the fortress, her senses were assaulted by a symphony of sounds. The cries of frightened children echoed in the distance, mingling with the hurried footsteps of evacuees seeking shelter. The walls themselves seemed to whisper ancient secrets, their stone surfaces cool to the touch, reminding her of the history etched into every crevice. Amidst the chaos, Lira's eyes remained focused, their vibrant brown depths reflecting both determination and compassion. Her gaze swept over the troopers assigned to protect her, their armor gleaming in the flickering light. She could sense their resolve, their unwavering commitment to the mission, and she felt a surge of gratitude for their presence. They were her shield, her silent guardians, and together, they formed an unbreakable bond of unity.

As the battle raged on, Lira's mind worked with precision, analyzing the ever-shifting battlefield. The acuity of her senses heightened, picking up on the faint vibrations in the ground, the subtle shifts in air currents. They whispered to her, offering insights and warnings, guiding her decisions and shaping her actions. She knew that every moment counted, every decision had consequences, and she embraced the weight of that responsibility. The taste of adrenaline lingered on her lips, sharp and electric, as she navigated the labyrinthine corridors. She felt the tension in the air, a palpable energy that crackled with both fear and determination. Her heart thrummed in her chest, its rhythm synchronized with the ebb and flow of the battle outside. It was a rhythm she had grown accustomed to, a rhythm that drove her forward, steadfast and unwavering.

Lira's footsteps echoed against the cold stone floors, a rhythmic cadence that resonated with purpose. Her hands, once covered in grease, now clung to the comforting weight of a hydrospanner, a tool that represented her unwavering dedication to her craft. With each stride, each adjustment made to fortifications and barricades, she wove her own thread of protection, intertwining it with the collective efforts of all those who fought to defend the fortress. Amidst the chaos, Lira's thoughts turned to those she was entrusted to protect. Their faces flashed before her eyes, a kaleidoscope of hope and desperation. She could see the fear etched into their features, the weariness that clung to their weary bodies. It fueled her resolve, igniting a fire within her that burned brighter with each passing moment.

Her interactions with the civilians and refugees were filled with warmth and empathy. Her voice, a soothing melody amidst the cacophony, offered comfort and reassurance. Her hands, now tender and gentle, moved with practiced grace as she tended to wounds, offering solace in the face of pain. In those moments, she felt a deep connection to those she assisted, a profound understanding of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

Lira Virel, the resolute Engineer and Shipwright, stood as a pillar of strength amidst the chaos. Her actions spoke volumes, echoing the compassion and determination that defined her character. She was more than a technician or a protector; she was a symbol of hope, a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. And in the depths of her soul, she knew that she had found her purpose - to create, to repair, and to safeguard the lives of those who sought refuge within the fortress walls.

 

[Amani Serys]

Objective I
Calabiyau streets, Chaldea
Alicio Organa - Arlo Renard

---

It seemed, as of late, that Amani's husband was getting into more trouble than she was. Such was his crusade of good intentions, a trait which she admired in him. But at this rate, the Chief Healer would have a head of gray hair before she hit thirty. Truthfully— She plucked a strand out just a couple days ago. Amani prayed such discoveries were not about to become a trend.

Chaldea, on the other hand, was in much more dire straits that a bout of undue stress. The militant planetary government had finally lashed out after years of perceived threats on their traditionalist livelihoods. Their target: the refugees that they had once allowed to settle on-world. And the only options presented were to leave their new home, or be slaughtered.

Amani looked down at the spiraling chaos in disgust, "Take us down… there," She informed the pilot of her troop transport, sensing the Senator's location. The drop ship made a swift landing within Calabiyau proper, delivering a few Jedi and a cadre of Alderaanian royal guards to the streets (the latter's involvement becoming increasingly common in response to Alicio's exploits). Chaldea, it seemed, was happy to invoke the ire of the entire Alliance to fulfill their hateful urges. In the end, Amani only saw this accelerating the planet's downfall. Were they too blind to see their own self-fulfilling prophecy? Did they even care anymore? A tragedy either way.

The vanguard cleared their landing zone, and Amani stepped off to find the two men she was seeking, "Alicio?!" She could recognize his silhouette from any distance. The healer rushed to meet him, "We came as soon as we could. How… This all happened so fast!" Amani wasn't sure if she found it more concerning that this violence could be spurred so abruptly, or that it could have been so deceptively plotted this whole time.

 

[Alicio Organa]

Calabiyau, Chaldea
OBJECTIVE 1
- Arlo Renard - Gweneth Zarari - Amani Serys - Open
​

<Alicio! I’m nowhere close to being done with the evac here! Where are the Jedi?>

"...must destroy the western gate," the Count muttered, his eyes clouded with concentration, as he peered aggressively into the future. It was obviously causing him a large amount of strain- whatever he was seeing was unclear, choppy, sometimes too vague to make out helpful details. Such was the hard reality of war, and he was sure the inclusion of Force-dampening zealots wasn't helping matters. "It won't slow the tanks for long, but every second we buy is another family saved."

The militia captain nodded grimly, before taking three other fighters, and rushing towards the oncoming wave. Alicio was finally freed up enough to respond, shooting a message across the courtyard at Kai. <They're coming. I know they're coming.> In truth, he didn't know. His precognition wasn't exactly being cooperative. But he had faith in the Jedi.

And soon enough, they came, ships descending from the sky. Alicio was so glad to see them, he didn't immediately clock that the fleet wasn't exactly GA. But through the Force, he sensed the arrival of Jedi, too, small tastes of Light in a stew of tasteless flavors.

One in particular, he was relieved to feel the presence of.

As Amani came down from the heavens with a platoon of Alderaanian Guard, Alicio, met her, a warm, but hard expression on his face. His robotic hand was bare to the elements, his natural-looking synth-skin burnt away by frost to reveal the silvery, skeletal fingers beneath. "The Potentium has decided that killing the refugees is a crusade worth dying over," he said, any hint of happiness at seeing his wife shriveling away. He wished he could elaborate, perhaps ask for her help in processing his guilt about Calabiyau, and the negotiations, but they simply didn't have the time.

"Most of the refugees are gathered here!," Alicio shouted, making sure his voice could be heard by Kai and a new horned form beside him, as well as any additional people in the area. Usually, the Count was soft-spoken, unsure. Now, his voice was a tempest, dripping with authority. "Many are still scattered through the city! Find them, bring them here, and keep this landing area clear!"

"Every second counts."

 

[Arlo Renard]

Objective I: Save refugees
Location: City street, Calabiyau
Tags: Alicio Organa Amani Serys Gweneth Zarari Shan Pavond + Open

<They're coming. I know they're coming.>

<When?!> Almost immediately after sending the thought, Kai's attention was drawn skyward to the transports now landing. "Over there!" he shouted to the refugees. "Follow the ships!"

He herded them forward, darting through streets that, thankfully, remained untouched by flames or explosives or gunfire. So far, at least.

"Be careful yeah, if their telepaths hear you, they'll come looking, these Potentiates are pretty good at dealing with Force Users."

"I know, I'm blocking them out," he replied, barely glancing toward the source of the voice. He assumed she was another one of the defenseless refugees.

Until he belatedly realized that she had "heard" his telepathic message to Alicio, and was holding blades in her hands. "Who are you?" he asked, staring at her.

"I'm Gwen yeah, you got a plan?"

"So far, evacuating these people and waiting for reinforcements." Which were already beginning to arrive. "The city's lost, but the Alliance... won't take kindly to all this. They'll probably put Chaldea under martial law, or something." Despite a brief stint as a supporter of Fal Gore and all the time he spent with Alicio, Kai was not particularly well-versed in politics. He didn't know what would happen. He just knew that it would be bad, and all he could do for his homeworld was try to soften the blow in any way he could. Namely by reducing the civilian death toll.

As he approached the dropships, he spotted Alicio and Amani amid the crowds of soldiers, Jedi, and refugees. He was actually happy to see her, since her presence meant Jedi healing would be available for the wounded.

"Most of the refugees are gathered here!," Alicio shouted, making sure his voice could be heard by Kai and a new horned form beside him, as well as any additional people in the area. Usually, the Count was soft-spoken, unsure. Now, his voice was a tempest, dripping with authority. "Many are still scattered through the city! Find them, bring them here, and keep this landing area clear!"

"Every second counts."

Using his shapeshifting abilities to make himself tower over the crowds, he waved his arms. "Come on! This way!" He gestured for the Jedi to follow him as he took off back the way he had come. Back toward the sights and sounds and stench of battle, where there were still people in need of help.

 

[Gweneth Zarari]

Location: Calabiyau
Objective: Objective 1
Tag: Arlo Renard Alicio Organa Amani Serys

"Martial law huh?" I didnt like the sound of that, it sounded like a dumb idea which would only prove the Potentium right that the outsiders were trying to dominate their culture. "I hope it doesn't come to all that"

My eyes followed his to a pair of approaching Jedi, that would help, if they didn't get caught out by those paladins. Mystics I could handle... but those armoured warriors scared me. They were even worse than mandalorians, completely surrendering any connection to life, nature and the force, just for access to their tech?

As I turned back to Arlo Renard he grew and towered over me. "Dont worry what i said before, if you want to get their attention... that ought to do it!" I called up to him as he continued shepherding frightened refugees. I thought I saw movement up ahead so I went to check it out, someone wqs watching us from one of the buildings on the other side of the courtyard.

I walked over, keeping my guard up, but as we hadn't yet seen any Chaldeans, other than myself, this far into the city, I hoped it was just some stragglers checking out if it was safe to run for the cathedral. "Hey! You up there, you coming down? We're trying to get everyone safe before the Potentium arrive."

Blaster bolts descended from the building "Get off our world alien scum! Your kind arent welcome!". I managed to dodge the bolts and get beneath the window. "They think I'm an alien... cute" I looked back over where the giant was sending people into the cathedral, I needed to do something. I quickly skinshifted into a red furred primate form.

I used the strength and leverage of my new arms to grab one of the wall supports and throw my weight up onto the higher balcony.

The man up there was caught off guard, he was dressed in dragon leathers and had the emblems of the potentium, probably a scout I assumed. But he wasn't making introductions, he tried to shoot me, bringing his blaster up. I was able to catch the blaster with my hand and yank it out of his grip with a little effort. I swung his rifle back at him an caught him in the side of the head, there was a crack and he went down on the ground. As he lay there bleeding I listened out, he had an earpiece that was crackling with someone in a chaldean voice, asking about the cathedral, numbers, defenders. "Yep, definitely a scout."

I reached out telepathically to Arlo Renard to warn him that they knew we were here and were on their way to us, but then remembered he was actively trying to block telepathy, so may have not received the message anyway. I would need to go back and let them know in person.

​

 

[Laphisto]

Location: Calabiyau
Objective: Objective 2
Tag: Arlo Renard Arcadian Taeli Raaf
Faction: Dusate Pirates

The Dusate Pirates had entered the system under the guide of Refuge help, bearing a poor new paint job disguising - and hoping to lay the blaim - themselves as the Lilaste order. At first glance and from a distance it was close enough to the original though if some one looked close enough or even got close enough they would see the Pirates symbol underneath, with the paint dribbling down the body . A single Sands panther heavy cruiser made it's way to the planets surface landing near the academy hearing about the vault and vass treasures that were hidden within. On the bridge of the ship a togrutan male stood at the ships holo table as the computer turned on a tungroth male sat in a chair leaning forwards with a deep glair " Ubbal sir, we are approaching the academy once we have access to the wealth within we will have what we need in order to reclaim our territory and push those fools out of the Kalinda system " the man looked down refusing to make eye contact with the man. " Then make it done Vilno, if you fail me here I'll wear your skull on my belt. Do not fail me again." The tungroth gripped a halberd in his hand lifting to his feel and stepping out of range of the holocomputer

as the ship lands the side doors opened with several of the simply equipped pirates began to disembark from the ship the Togrutan male leading the way holding a blaster rifle in his hand. Shouting to the defenders of the academy " hey there we are here to provide relief aid!" The man waited for the defenders to show themselves before giving an order for the ship to begin firing at their emplacements. Pirates now begining to swarm out of the ship rushing for the academy.

 

[Jogerda of Chaldea]

Objective II: Loot the Vault
POV: Ganner Threepwood, pirate, doctor, and former Chaldean Mystic
Accompanied by: Captain Rhett Valentino and the pirate crew of the Morning Star
Location: Chaldean Academy, Nezamiyeh
Tags: Taeli Raaf Arcadian Micheal Nox Laphisto

The silence in the Academy was eerie to Ganner, who had once been a student within its halls. But it was very convenient for the pirate crew of the Morning Star. Dressed in student uniforms, they made their way through the white marble halls, heading straight for the vault.

“Hm, yes, I am very pious,” Captain Rhett Valentino muttered, clasping his hands as if in prayer and bowing his head every time he saw someone who wasn’t part of the crew—only to immediately go back to tiptoeing around in an obviously sneaky manner once he was out of their immediate sight. Ganner sighed under his breath. He had tried to instruct the pirates on how to act in the event they did encounter any Potentiates, but so far he was not impressed with the crew’s poor imitation of student behavior. They were lucky almost no one was here, apart from the guards.

Four Academy guards stood tall before the doors to the archives, their armor reflecting the freshly scrubbed and shaved faces of the pirates. “Halt,” one of them said. “The archives are closed until further notice.”

“With all due respect, sir,” Ganner began. “Our group borrowed an artifact from the archives for study. We only want to return it to the safety of the vault.”

“Give the artifact to me,” the guard replied. “I will put it away.”

“But you're not an archivist," Captain Valentino butted in. "You don’t know where to put it or how things are organized in there, right?”

"Neither do you," the guard replied.

"Well, boys, at least we tried." Ganner drew his vibrocutlass from its sheath and swung at the guard, who narrowly dodged the blow.

The other pirates drew their weapons and attacked, unaware that other parties were also descending upon the vault...

 

[Alasdair Voland]

Objective 1/3: Ancient Calabiyau Fortress (DM me to join if you'd like).​

It did not take long for the forward “elements” of the Chaldean army to begin to arrive at the outskirts of the fortress, fresh from the slaughter of the cursed refugees in the city. They were more a large crowd facing in the same direction than proper soldiers, given they had received but a few weeks of training before being sent out to commit genocide, and only carried substandard equipment, but their numbers, eight full companies, made them dangerous. Certainly more than enough to take out the civilians and light militia they were tasked with dealing with.

Their mood was high, with many of them quite literally covered in the blood of their enemies, chanting marching and victory songs as they approached the strip of land outside the ancient fortress. There was no fear upon approaching the four Imperial patrol walkers-why would there be? They had faced down the Jedi and the militia so far with little impeding their advance, why would some tin cans be any different?

“Ha! Look at them cowering inside their walls and little steel walkers! They’ll be no match for us!” One shouted to his comrades, greeted by a hearty cheer from most of the soldiers. A few steely-eyed regular army officers watched from the back, seemingly much less enthusiastic about the prospect of being at the front lines of an infantry assault into even a small number of walkers with the limited amount of anti-armor launchers their troops carried for their relative size, but orders were orders.

“Attack!” One of the officers shouted authoritatively, safely in the rear of his company of soldiers.

They moved forward in a semi-organized surge, firing their blaster rifles, repeating blasters, and second-rate handheld launchers at the four outer patrol walkers, hoping to overwhelm them by sheer volume of fire.

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Alasdair was grateful for the arrival of the walkers along with the curious alien with a lightsaber, something he clocked almost instantly-he grew up around his mother after all. Armor, even the relatively light kind provided by the walkers, would bolster their firepower significantly.

"Welcome Sesara. I'm Commander Voland, we are grateful for the help. We're outnumbered and reports from my recce ships have indicated their first formations will arrive shortly. We have to hold out long enough for all of the refugees to get away before I can authorize a withdrawal."

He reached out a black gloved hand, steely blue eyes showing a rare display of warmth for once as he did so, before the sound of blasterfire and explosions from the front of the fort caused him to turn his head. Hand still outstretched, he smiled wryly.

"Sounds like it has begun then. I am forced to stay here to coordinate the overall defense, but if you would like to head to the front lines, I understand. It's good to be with the troops when possible."

Jegy Sesara Mellifluous Magenta Lira Virel Aziraphale Arlo Renard

 

[Jegy Sesara]

Objective 1/3: Ancient Calabiyau Fortress
Reinforcement Compromise:
"COB" AW-TS Dropship

Alpha Battalion "Icarii-Anax"​

6x "COB" Anthrope Medium Patrol Walkers
2x "COB" Therato Medium Frontal Assault Walker
2x "COB" Kronos Assault Front Line Walker
2x "COB" Retribution Assault Artillery Walker

Tags: Aculia Voland Aziraphale Lira Virel Ivixa Nera'kas ​

The Battle would soon begin, four of the Anthrope Patrol Walkers stationed outside the walls to assist in the start of the defense of the fortress. The four stood there as they started registering contacts that were starting to appear on radar. Taking a few steps to the side, they would start to run full sprint, acting without authority except of their own. Each time they moved, blaster fire seemed to follow them, scorching part of the walkers. While their overwhelming firepower was doing well...the exchange would be no so equal.

They let loose a torrent of heavy ripper repeating fire, ripping apart the ground as they unloaded onto their foes without remorse. Infantry that was up in front would soon become shredded from the overwhelming amount of projectiles flown towards their direction. Running to the side, one of the Anthropes started to make a lock-on signature and fired Advanced Cluster Missiles towards one of the company sections, resulting in parts of the ground imploding around them.

One of the Anthropes in their attack stride, could not see from its blind spots a set of launchers being fired from a nearby company. In a rather spectacular display of destruction, the head of the Anthrope would implode from one side and explode out the other. Creating a large black smoke plume, it still ran forward as it quickly dove into the ground, grinding itself into scrap metal near the company. A small victory perhaps but it would soon start to turn.

The companies seem to be getting wiser, more and more sets of volleyed attacks would be set off. One of them impacted the side of another Anthrope Walker yet it took itself in stride, still moving with great ease and was covered in blaster fire marks. The third however had a dangerous hit, smashing underneath the cockpit as a leg was blown off from its socket and the pilot engulfed in shrapnel. Much like the first one before it, it went down and slammed harshly into the ground below, skidding before it stopped. The head was still intact...and so was the engineer.

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​

"This is Alpha A5, I am downed outside the wall, pilot has been killed. We are experiencing heavy fire with A4 now damaged, requesting remaining forces to retreat behind the wall."

"Granted Alpha A5, we are sending reinforcement for retr-"

"Negative, to hostile. Requesting artillery barrage on my location!"

"Acknowledged, Retributions sending barrage on location. Family will be compensated Knight Errant."

"Glory to Icarii!"

"Glory to the Court of Blades."

The communicator was turned off as the loud crackling and cries of soldiers around the wreckage started to move inwards. The Icarii-Anax grabbed from his holster the M-18 Pit Viper and fired out of the wreckage, striking down one of the soldiers. Being fired back upon, several of the blaster bolts hit the engineer but he had refused to die, his flesh becoming damaged as he kept firing with the disruptor pistol, incinerating various soldiers on strike. Standing up, he felt part of his right side starting to bleed out more, his body starting to fail him.

Gripping onto something near the wreckage, he lifted up a rather large rocket launcher with one arm and held it up. Not even attempting to aim at a target in the oncoming crowd, he fired it directly into the group with a plume of white erupting from it, white phosphorous as it drowned the area with skin burning toxins. Feeling it even burn himself, he turned and fired the Pit Viper several more times as the two Anthropes retreated away from the area as they started to advance more onto their position.

Giving another turn, he was struck this time in the head with a blaster rifle as half a dozen soldiers descended onto the engineer and erupted a large amount of blaster fire, hoping to finally end the monster that was this strange engineer.

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"Positions are locked, turning the key."

There was a loud set of popping noises, the Retributions side panels opened up to reveal five on each side of large proton torpedo tubes. With a small flash of blue, it fires upwards over the sky a total of twenty of them as they start to clear over the walls emplacements. Going upwards, they soon started to split apart as several missiles came from out of it and started to spread out, going straight downwards as they speed towards the ground.

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​

"A pleasure to meet you Commander Voland, I wish it was better circumstances for a first meeting though."

The echoes of battle would soon erupt as the Sullustans eyes glanced slowly over towards where it came from, seeing the hand briefly. Taking it with his right hand, he shook it before letting go a bit quickly, perhaps a bit of a non-shaker? His green eyes seemed to look at the battlefield as if it was very well known to him, as if he knew each sound of blaster fire that erupted from the conflict. When the ground shook for a brief moment, he seemed undisturbed by it.

"The Front Lines may not be the best spot for myself but I can hold back key points when required. My Skills are Yours to Command."

 

[Ko Vuto]

Objective: 1
Location: Calabiyau Outskirts
Tags: Jogerda of Chaldea

​

Ko wasn’t all that familiar with the situation going on in Chaldea until very recently, and still had a lot of questions. But at the end of the day the reasoning behind what was happening didn’t really matter as much as the consequences of it. Innocent people were being hurt and that was never a justifiable outcome. To the Kel Dor padawan there were no what ifs, ands, or buts that could excuse such actions.

Another thing of concern was who it was that the Jedi were up against. Native zealots of some kind that were apparently skilled and seemingly overspecialized in attacking Force Adepts. He didn’t really know much of anything about the history of Chaldea, but it made him wonder what sort of past struggle would necessitate the creation of such a fighting force.

However, it wasn’t his duty now to go into a head on fight with such individuals. He and the other Jedi were here to aid in saving lives and evacuating as much of the refugee population as possible from Calabiyau. In essence, use stall tactics against the opposing forces. Which didn’t seem as daunting of a task as a stalwart defense of the entire city.

Ko found himself more along the outskirts of the city with some of the local militia that were doing everything they could to slow down the Potentium march into the city into more of a crawl. There were explosives rigged along the bridge to cause a collapse, but he didn’t doubt they had repulsor vehicles to cross the river with as well. In fact one already had from what he could tell. To make matters worse for the padawan the guiding whispers offered by The Force seemed to be quieter than usual. Almost like it was being replaced with an unnerving ringing in its absence. Perhaps it was the work of the mystics and paladins he’d heard about, passively undermining his connection even now.

From his position Ko finally got sight of one of the repulsor tanks that had crossed. Weapons like that could steamroll himself and the militia they needed to be taken out. As best he could he tried to focus, he wasn’t yet confident enough in his Force abilities to outright destroy or overpower a tank. But perhaps he could subvert it instead. From where he could he’d try to reach out to the repulsor tank and focus to the best of his ability. Trying as best as he could to feel the tank, its electronics and mechanisms. He couldn’t just crush the vehicle like a tin can, instead Ko tried to do simple things like disconnect a wire here, and loosen a screw there. Subtly sabotage the tank from the inside until it was rendered inoperable and useless for battle…