Skirmish Desperate Times, Desperate Measures [Commonwealth vs Bryn'adûl]

[Gial Goldarr]

Location: Dubrava
Goal: Distract and Survive
​

The Bryn'adûl had carved an unwavering path of destruction through the eastern half of the galaxy, slaughtering world after world in their quest to achieve dominance and to purify the galaxy of weakness. And it was here, above Dubrava, that their fleet was organizing to do the same to this backwards planet. Dubrava was a swampy world, with a dysfunctional government and generally not much going for it. They stood little chance, but the local Dubravans were ready to lay down their lives to save their world. And now that the Commonwealth had stepped in, they had high hopes for success, even if that hope was slightly unrealistic. Ground forces of the Commonwealth, a few elite teams, strategists, and jedi had been deployed to the planet to help organize an effective resistance and arm the natives with modern weaponry.

The most the Commonwealth was hoping to do was to make the swampy planet into a hell hole of guerilla warfare even the Bryn'adûl thought was too costly. Traps and independent resistance cells had been placed across the planet to help slow down the Bryn'adûl's invasion and now as they watched the beast's ships above they waited, waited for the first ground forces to slam into Dubrava.

Dubrava, was only a distraction. In a move that had been quite unpopular Admiral Goldarr had refused to send the Commonwealth navy to supply support from space. Rather, while the Bryn'adûl was distracted with one world Admiral Goldarr would be organizing mass evacuations of nearby worlds and ferrying away their population to more safe and secure planets away from the Bryn'adûl front lines. And when Dubrava was about to fall, the Admiral and every fleet in the Commonwealth navy would arrive to retrieve Commonwealth forces and as many Dubravans as could fit on the ships. Hopefully it would not get to that.

Cruanless Orcash Kahlil Noble Weyland Castril Bo Nadea Argaloth Gordrak Sethrak Tathra Khaeus

 

[Skajin var Imret]

Skajin's people were downright leathery from last-second evacuation and scattered rearguard actions. A composite of Kubaz, Barabels, Tintinna, Keshiri, all kinds of survivors - they weren't used to the Commonwealth. Not the professionalism, the coalition-building, the resources...

...the optimism. These people knew they'd be evacuating ahead of a full Drael cataclysm. And they were fine with that in a way that Skajin's tired guerrillas hadn't been in years.

For his part, Skajin wished he'd holed up in one of the redoubt positions. Instead he found himself on a shuttle, en route to meet Gial Goldarr for the first time. Not the best timing, but Skajin had...options...that could benefit from a chat.

Assuming the Drael didn't arrive, you know, now.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

The Brynadûl were one of the only groups in the galaxy Kahlil couldn't think had good in it. Even the Sith, even his family, he could hope to save. That no one was too far for redemption. But the crusade of these beings to slaughter the galaxy wasn't born from the corruption of the Dark Side. It was born from the creatures. Their culture. It would be like telling a Mandalorian to give up all their weapons or remove their armor. It'd go against all their beliefs to allow peace.

So he was left with only one option. They were going to slaughter more and more of the galaxy by the day, so he needed to stand against them. The Commonwealth called, and he answered. The Spacer brought out the hilt of his saber as he stepped before a group of militia. Men and woman of various races with various weaponry. A far cry from an army. The last time he stood before armed individuals to lead was when he as still Sith. He chose to stay away from combat and war to keep himself from the temptation of the dark.

But now, there was no hiding anymore.

The blue blade ignited as he turned his gaze upward. The ships of the Brynadûl were still coming out of Hyperspace. "Billions need us to keep these crusaders busy. Land will be lost. Homes will be destroyed. This is not a battle we are going to win by fighting. We will stem the tide, keep them back so those who can't fight can escape. We win by saving life in the face of death. Keep each other safe. Keep each other alive. All we have to do is weather the storm."

Speeches were never his thing. The most he hoped was that by standing at the front he could be a symbol. A Jedi.

Gial Goldarr | Skajin var Imret

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Allies: Sethrak | Keldothera | Gordrak | Aovinr | Primarch Drek'ma
Intent to Engage: Weyland Castril | Kahlil Noble
Orbit above Dubrava
Aboard the Divine Brutality

The skies of Dubrava were filled with darker elements. Large metal cages clinging to massive space-faring creatures, twisting through the air as hundreds if not thousands of smaller vessels were fired out like projectiles from the Bryn'adûl carriers. Into the cities, the farms and all cultivated lands did these death-baring machinations descend. Massive structures of metal four hundred metres wide crashed down in groups of dozens into the major population zones - Siege Towers following in their wake, hundreds of Gunboats descending from the Divine Brutality into the open sky. Black columns of Drones, spearheaded by Juggernauts marched from within the Dropships out into the open fields and cities, at their feet Savage hounds

This was not a typical planet-cracking force, but the tip of the iceberg of a ravenous invasion force that would swallow the Galaxy whole. Almost the entirety of the military might of the Bryn had been reshaped into this force, lad by the Titan himself aboard the Divine however it did not rear the entirety of its ugly head upon a singular planet. No, nearly all of it yet remained within their territory. Tathra watched with idle hands as his hordes of hellish warriors crashed down into the planet below, cracking its surface like a jittering, stillborn egg as the weak reaped what they sowed.

And whilst Tathra would still see to the destruction of a few planets personally, it did not mean he took his entire army with him. Just enough to give those below a fighting chance, complacency was your worst enemy after all.

He turned to one of the Artificers aboard the bridge, bold golden eyes staring through the boney neck of the Aeravalin before him.

"Inform Keldothera of my intent. I will join the conflict shortly." He spoke with soft confidence, hands clasped behind the thin of his back, thudding but careful steps sending vibrations through the bridge as the massive Drael sauntered through the bridge, foots echoing their heaviness as the doors shut behind him.

He would bring the Dreddikkast to the battle.

 

[Sethrak]

Post: 1
Allies: The Bryn'Adul
Foes: The Commonwealth and its' allies
Location: Above Dubrava
Inventory: 1x Barad Kukri [X] , 1x Val-Shae Spear [X]


Sethrak had been quiet. Not just in preparing for the upcoming battle but in general. While the Bryn had continued their conquests, the young Warlock had stayed behind, training, and planning his future. Of course he had been to battle, mostly small skirmishes of no note. In some cases he had stayed in reserves in contrast to his battles just months ago where he charged head-first into conflict. It was a change for the better. His old ways had resulted in countless injuries, and heretical thoughts.


But his new vision didn't mean Sethrak would never fight. That's why he was here today, to conquer, fight, and kill for the Bryn. The enemy was just one of the countless foes conquered by the Bryn before today. It didn't matter much...some weak, humanoid species with Green skin backed up by one of the thousands of coalitions, alliances, and organizations in the galaxy. There was no doubt that the Bryn would conquer them like any other foe, despite bringing a force small enough to be repelled by a foe if they were to be lucky.


In his short stretch of passivity Sethrak had been granted a few planets to rule over as a Warlord, the newest reform in the Bryn'Adul. He had done little to affect the planets under his control both due to fear, and a lack of will. Perhaps after this battle he would deal with them. He needed to appoint a better garrison, and assign a council to help in his decision making and to govern while he was away. One action he had taken was removing a portion of the garrison to fight in this battle. He wanted experienced troops to guard the planets. They were his responsibility. Inexperienced troops could be a disaster if the enemy were to strike.


He had thought of his administrative duties enough. He focus turned to the battle ahead. With him he had a Val-Shae Spear, and the Kukri he stole what seemed like an eternity ago in an act of defiance. He had never turned it it. It wasn't just a kukri anymore, it was his kukri. It had slain many foes, their blood unofficially sealing a pact that bound the Warlock and the Blade in his mind. Today it would slay again.


The battle was near.

 

[Weyland Castril]

LAST DAY
Allies: Kahlil Noble
Engaging: Tathra Khaeus

Rapid breaths, that was all he could think of was the rapid breaths escaping him. He didn't need to see the Divine Brutality as it dropped into orbit. The sky was blackened and the Titan came with his horde of travesties.

He could it, that weighted presence. He would be on the battlefield today, and only one of them would walk away. He had signed on with the Commonwealth for one reason only, because they were hitting back at the damned Bryn when no one else would. All the Jedi he thought he could count on - Loske, Ryv, Aaron, Quill, Auteme - all of them. They'd all been drawn into petty conflicts, things that didn't matter. Whilst they fought amongst themselves Tathra raged against the borders of our strongest nations.

Tactically crushing the Silver Jedi and the Sith Empire in ways the Galaxy at its current state had never seen before, and even then they failed to realise the true threat. Their strongest nations even had the gull to false flag a union against the genocidal threat to fight against the Imperials. It had all been for nothing, all the worlds that had burned and the people that had died.

It seemed like there was no one left to count on, after Hrothgar he had went his own way. He hadn't been prepared to fight Tathra then and he likely wasn't now. But he could, he had to. The damned red devil would be drawn out into the light and cut down by his hand and any who'd join him. The Bryn'adûl were amassing, that much was clear from the different invasion tactics - sheer brute strength of numbers and power.

They were ready.

So was Weyland.

 

[Amunra Khaeus]

Amunra launched himself at the enemy sweeping aside foes as he landed, curshing bone and meet as he grabbed the screaming pathetic life forms.. Amunra unleashed a shockwave of 360 degree’s flinging the guerilla troops back with enough force to break bone. The fools had tried to ambush him, but all they had accomplished was providing an avenue for Amunra to be able to unleash his full potential. Amunra was enjoying himself. Amunra looked around at the carnage he had created and snorted in contempt. Their feeble attempts at taking him down were pathetic

Amunra didn’t have to worry about his own troops getting caught in the crossfire. Not that Amunra would really worry about such collateral damage casualties, but it could be a waste of resources which could otherwise be spent on more useful targets. It wasn’t so much the losses in battle that bothered him just the lack of efficiency. A pyhrric victory could be costly for the next battle or throughout the campaign. If they took enough losses they might even have to stall their righteous crusade across the galaxy. Even the thought of it was blasphemy, almost unthinkable. The Brynádul had a great purpose to fulfill.


.Just as he was thinking through the potential logistics of taking this world and the next world, a pod landed providing him with reinforcements, not that he needed them. Still they could provide a usefulness by completing the tasks that were beneath him.

“Sweep up what reminds of this force” Amunra gestured forward. “They are running and hiding like rats into a sewer.”

The Brynádul roared with eagerness as the full complemenet spread out into the building killing everything in their path. Briefly Amunra considered joining them, if only so he could enjoy himself further, then he dismissed the thought with a tinge of regret. While he could choose to indulge himself, he had other responsibilities to attend to.



“Chieftain.”Amunra contacted his father with deference “The first waves have landed and are providing a beach head. Awaiting further instructions.”

Tathra Khaeus

 

[Primarch Drek'ma]

Location: Dubrava
Tags: Tathra Khaeus | Sethrak | Amunra Khaeus |

The Primarch descended aboard one of the many Siege Towers, standing upon its exterior with Staff in hand. His eyes glowed menacingly, his mind adrift as energies surged to the beasts below. One such in particular was a Guardian, an a thousand metre long beast of immense power. Its pronged maw chewing through the pitiful structures of the species that inhabitated the planet. Dubrava was like any world, ripe for plunder and death.

Their deaths would serve a greater cause than they knew. Their deaths would make them all children of Khaeus, they should smile knowing that. Most did not, too ignorant to know the gift they were being granted. He could feel it, like the stench of smoke from a dying fire. He could feel the pulse, the beat of defiant hearts.

They knew not that their plight was futile, but he would show them. The Guardian tore through a skyscraper like paper, forcing the building to crumble under its own weight as cracks in the earth the size of houses sprung out from miles from the centre of the Guardians plummeting mass.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

The sun was gone. There was that long, agonizing moment of calm before the storm. Everyone around Kahlil could feel it. But the calm wasn't truly calm. He could feel the terror growing. The militia had soldiers and commoners alike, all who wanted to give their friends and family a chance to flee and survive. But as this horde descended, every one of them doubted. How could they not? It wasn't even ships, it was creatures.

Monsters. His eyes widened as he watched one of these creatures rip through a skyscraper, bringing the building down in a mere moment. And there would only be more. He could hear the whispers behind him. The fear. What was he going to say? Even he felt the same fear. That crumbling building marked the end of the calm. Blasterfire erupted all around him. Explosions. War.

Death.

The young Jedi brought his blade up. The hum brought a calm to his mind. If he wanted to keep these people safe and survive, he needed to be calm. Needed to let himself go. The shots turned to where he was. The guerilla troops he was tasked with leading. Beasts charged. Roars and screams echoed in the air. Calmly he weaved through the shots coming his way. He became the calm of the storm, weathering everything that was coming his way with seeming grace.

The Force guided him now. He would be the shield to hold the line.

Gial Goldarr | Skajin var Imret | Tathra Khaeus | Sethrak | Weyland Castril | Amunra Khaeus | Primarch Drek'ma

 

[Skajin var Imret]

ENGAGING: Primarch Drek'ma
EQUIPMENT: Kubaz scarpyen armor with ghost spider silk cloak; vibro-knife; disruptor pistol

Visiting Gial Goldarr would have to wait. A large Bryn'adul invasion force made for a significant interruption.

As warbeasts and soldiers rained down, Skajin parked his shuttle somewhere reasonably potentially safe. He was nowhere near his own troops, nowhere near really anything but crumbling city and hell. Part of that hell was a giant Siege Tower beast descending on the city. To Skajin's eye, the Force highlighted a single large, armored figure standing on top with a staff in hand: one of the Bryn'adul version of dark lords.

Beneath Skajin's helmet, his trunk wrinkled in a sneer. He knew that some of these people could step instantly from one place to another, much as he'd been taught to do. This ought to be interesting.

Between one heartbeat and the next, Skajin vanished from the ground and reappeared on the Siege Tower's carapace, about twenty meters from Primarch Drek'ma .

"I am Szava Szkajin varr Imrret. Drrael cowarrd, today you get what you deszerrve."

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Allies: Sethrak | Amunra Khaeus | Primarch Drek'ma
Intent to Engage: Weyland Castril | Kahlil Noble |
Orbit above Dubrava
Aboard the Divine Brutality - Planet Surface

Tathra was on his way to the bay of the Dredd. The long metal corridors shook and billowed as the explosions rippled through the sky. The strange warped sounds of dropships passing by cut through the air outside of the Divine. The gauntleted left fist throbbed with light, raised to reveal an audio transmission through the battlenet. Some warmth came to the Titan as his massive form marched down toward the gate before the Dreddikkast's deployment bay - it was his son.

He had done well, continued to prove himself on the field of battle. Tathra had fought hard to have this war mostly won before his son grew into an adult. His growth had been slower, like his own but all the same he had been trained and now he graced the halls of war. It had troubled the Titan, but he knew this was the price of his vision.

"Well done my son, I shall arrive shortly. Press the attack, leave none alive. Follow your superior's orders." Tathra replied through the near instantaneous feed.

Tathra opened the gate, descending down onto the mount of the Dreddikkast. The great creature growled, waked from a hibernative state as its master mounted it, the warmth of his open palm against its hide alerting it to its surroundings. His hand, tightening round the reigns, a single downward tug signalling it to leave the Divine. He would do whatever it took to win this war, if he had to sacrifice his son... perhaps he would. He was terrified by the prospect, but he knew it was a possibility.

One he reflected on often.

"Show them the meaning of haste." Tathra whispered in his native tongue, the beast wailed as it blasted out from the confines of the ship at incredible speed - its wingspan tripling as it extended its massive tendrils of black blades. The Dredd danced around the combat, its scream like a glass-shattering sonic cry that would cast fear into the hearts of those who stood against them, reaching far across the battlefield. To those who fought alongside him, it was the announcement of his arrival.

The Titan had come.

 

[Gial Goldarr]

"Today! We face what some may say is an impossible enemy!" Gial would proclaim as he walked down the row of an uncomfortable looking Dubravan militia. "But we will show them just how weak they really are. We have the courage, we have the planning, we have the might of liberty on our side. We fight not for one world, but for the countless that will come after. Today we make a stand against the monsters of this galaxy." Turning to face the hundreds of men listening to him Gial would thrust his fist in the air "No peace for tyrants!" and a grin would spread across his lips as the militia mimicked him in turn "Good! No-" he would pause as his large eyes trailed the first swarm of drop pods launched from the ships above. "Now get to your posts! We have work to do!"

Gial would turn and retreat below to the bunker that was the heart of the resistance on the planet. This small section of the planet was overseen directly by him. It was a swamp filled with concentric circles of heavy blaster nests, minefields, pit traps, trenches, and as many Dubravans who were willing to turn this swamp into a hell for the ground troops of the Bryn. The general plan was to fight as long as possible at each trench before falling back to the next, with minefields between the abandoned trench and the new to be activated when his troops succsefully evacuated to the new terrain. This central bunker also hosted the coms array he was using to coordinate the ships and relief efforts lightyears away. Being on planet was ultimately the right move, at least in his eyes. He could get a first hand view of the situation and deploy troops effectively and will know exactly when to call for orbital support.

As he brushed his hand across the holographic table, the dark blue would have a single ping of cyan expand from the center as the hologram would take shape showing the nearby countryside and troops. As drop pods smashed into the ground and their troops were unloaded they showed up on the table as simple red dots. Not exactly a perfect display but a usable one. He watched in quiet admiration as the first swarm of enemy troops met the heavy guns of the blaster nests scattered throughout the outer swamp which were hidden to mimic the terrain. Between these blaster nests were trenches dug, nasty muddy places. Yet they were a basic protection in a time of need. He watched carefully as red lights began to blink out yet the swarm grew ever closer to his front lines. This will be a costly battle.

Tathra Khaeus Skajin var Imret Kahlil Noble Primarch Drek'ma Amunra Khaeus Weyland Castril Sethrak

 

[Primarch Drek'ma]

Location: Dubrava
Tags: Skajin var Imret

The Primarch was admittedly caught off guard by the appearance of the kubaz, but it was a welcomed one. His hidden brow rose, titled in curiosity by the appearance of the creature. He could feel it, it wished to avenge its people. A noble cause, sometimes Drek'ma wondered if - with survivors such as these, that they hadn't created a thousand Tathra's.

"I recognise your species. The kubaz fought well, you should be proud to know."

He moved forward, staff lowered as he paced closer and to the right to stand toward the crest of the Siege Tower and slightly above the Kubaz.

"Do not be sad, nave. Your people died, adding to our strength. And in those deaths, they became children of Khaeus. Smile - they had better deaths than most."

He meant every word.

 

[Skajin var Imret]

At the peak of the siege beast, Skajin looked up at Primarch Drek'ma . Fury boiled up, and the dark side of the Force roared behind his eyes. He hadn't meant to speak, but-

"I knew you werre szingleminded fanaticzze, Drrael, but thisz iszz deluzzion."

He drew the disruptor pistol and fired - not at the armored Draelvasier, but at the impressive staff. If there was one thing his sojourn with the decidedly unimpressive Sith had taught him, it was this: target the ornate artifact and watch them squirm. The disruptor had served him well, burned through plenty of stone and steel. He didn't know whether it would disintegrate the fancy staff, but it was worth a try.

He also snapped off a couple shots at the Primarch's eyes just on general principle.

 

[Amunra Khaeus]

”Acknowledged” Amunra replied curtly. It would seem he’d be able to indulge. After all his direct orders form the Chieftain- his father was to leave non alive. Until another Superior gave any additional orders to the contrary, Amunra could enjoy himself.

Letting out a roar of his own he launched himself after the scrambling rabble before him. Amunra caught a fleeing fool who barely had time to scream before he was ripped limb from limb, but that wasn’t as quick a death as one might imagine. The creatures torso and head was still intact his scream turning into a gasp as he chocked on his own blood, gurgling in his throat and lungs.

Amunra grinned he was curious to wait and see how long the base lifeform to die, but much like a kid in a candy store, there were other treats and flavours to enjoy. Amunra tore the head off the man and flung it at one of his fellow troops who started throwing it around. It reminded Amunra of a childrens game of some sort.

Amunra smiled, the thought occurred to him to let them have their fun for now, but much like the children they were it was Amunra’s job to discipline them back into the work that was required. The Brynádul had a noble purpose, and while ideally one could and should enjoy ones work. There’s demanded reverence and discipline as much was required of them. If anything it was further proof of how right they were. Only the truly divine could have this much enjoyment. Fun of their furor however had to be tempted by the righteous.

“Enough” Amunra commanded “Form a perimeter with the appropriate fortifcations and communications. This will be our forward base to coordinate further purges of this region.”

Tathra Khaeus Skajin var Imret Kahlil Noble Primarch Drek'ma Tathra Khaeus Skajin var Imret Kahlil Noble Primarch Drek'ma Amunra Khaeus Weyland Castril Sethrak Weyland Castril Sethrak

 

[Keldothera]

Keldothera's Gunboat touched down, releasing the General and a grouping of some thirty Juggernauts at her side. She was here to support Amunra's push, though she wasn't sure if he needed it. Watching from afar, Kelda saw as the heir fought valiantly.

Perhaps he just wanted reliable eyes on the child. She understood that, some of her Juggernauts were worth caring for. She supposed it wasn't much different than that. Keldothera moved up the battlefield toward Amunra with Carbine in hand.

Overhead, more Gunboats would push ahead to flank the enemy resistance, pouring out hot plasma from their turrets as her forces of Juggernauts poured out in droves.

"Amunra, is it?"

Tags: Amunra Khaeus | Kahlil Noble | Weyland Castril | Tathra Khaeus

 

[Weyland Castril]

LAST DAY
Allies: Kahlil Noble
Engaging: Tathra Khaeus

He felt it before he could hear it, but even so he didn’t have time to defend himself. The ear piercing screech nearly brought him to his knees, the men around him cried out in fear as the warriors of the Bryn approached. Though, it seemed as though he was not the only saber wielder around. Another was moving to the front ranks, blue blade and all. He pulled back, watching as the beast he had seen at Hrothgar flew overhead.

He had thought Allyson Locke had killed it with her ship, it seemed neither it nor her had died. Dual fates revealed, and here the Titan was riding it into battle once again. Above them, the multi-winged terror cut threw their ships, darting toward the high rise buildings. He knew what he had to do.

Weyland retreated from the front lines, moving as fast as his feet could carry him. He found the closest skyscraper among a few, a tight corridor he hoped he could coax the Dredd into passing. Some had turrets, he just needed to get up there.

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Allies: Sethrak | Amunra Khaeus | Primarch Drek'ma
Intent to Engage: Weyland Castril | Kahlil Noble

The Titan carved through the air, the black tendrils of its wings manoeuvring independently, cutting down ships. The wind blew in his face as he darted between the skyscrapers, holding onto the reins as the Dreddikkast spun round, diving low as it screamed again - its power reverberating through the force to attack the minds of its enemies.

Low on the ground - men, women and children screamed out in terror as the creature moved above. It was like something from their nightmares, its strange exterior further worsened by the fear spread through its wailing.

Tathra snarled, yanking at the reins as the beast flew upward. It darted upward at full speed toward an escaping cruiser. The ship was nearly cut in half as the Dredd slashed through its side, smoke and fire pouring out from it as it dropped toward the city.

 

[Weyland Castril]

LAST DAY
Allies: Kahlil Noble
Engaging: Tathra Khaeus

Weyland moved through the skyscraper as it shook violently, the muffled sound of combat and many civilians being slaughtered sent a shiver up the spine of the Jedi Knight. But he had to get moving, today his opportunity was more important than the lives they were losing.

As much as it hurt to admit it, he had used the commonwealth to get here. He had been with them for some months, but every battlefield he was sent to he went happily because he knew there was even a small chance of victory.

He would do what Quill nor Loske, Ryv or Treicolt never could, and with the hope they’d never have to. That moment was coming, as Tathra flew by on his beast Weyland used the force to manually fire the anti-air turret, taking out a number of Phedrak fighters and clearing the air space for Tathra to notice as their own ships moved in.

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Allies: Sethrak | Amunra Khaeus | Primarch Drek'ma
Intent to Engage: Kahlil Noble | Weyland Castril

Tathra’s head turned to the sound of explosions, reports coming through the battlenet as the rebels had retaken a block in the centre of the city. Tathra leaned low, pulling the chains to his chest, speaking into the creature’s ear - whispering to it in ancient Drael. The Dreddikkast pushed itself forward into the building.

The Dreddikkast used its own wings to turn sharply in the tight corners of the city, carrying its momentum down into the streets as its wingspan stretched, slashing through the buildings on either side as shattered glass rained down on the civilians below, running for their lives.

Tathra raised his gauntlet, looking up to the sky as he called Ra’mak’s to his aid - massive beams of energy cutting through the buildings and from the sky above, forcing the enemy crafts low as the Dredd moved to meet them.