Duel Galactic Kaggath Round 1: Lysander von Ascania vs 5-WCH Switchblade

[Razmir Tezhyn]

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Lysander von Ascania vs 5-WCH (Switchblade)​

The arena floor rumbled and shook, the entire surface sliding open like a missile silo to reveal… an enormous Wroshyr tree rising up from the lower levels. It towered so high that its upper branches crested the arena and stood nearly eye level with the skybox. It sat upon a grassy, fern littered field. Amid the ferns, shapes prowled. Dangerous predators. Vornskrs. Force hunting beasts.

The boughs of the Wroshyr tree criss-crossed, forming limbs as wide as Coruscanti skywalks that the combatants could duel upon.

Droids hovered in the air around the tree, some with cameras, but many projecting interlinking rayshields so that the duelists could not interfere with the duels of the others. Of course… ray shields could always fail.

If any of the combatants fell to the ground far below, they risked being set upon by the vornskrs.

The announcers’ disembodied voice cut through as the combatants took their places on the boughs of the tree. “Honoring those who fell in the Battle of Kashyyyk between the One Sith and Republic, so many years ago, I give you the FIRST ROUND of the GALACTIC Kaggath!”

“A solider, a poet, a king…someday, maybe. Today, good audience, we find out if the pen is mighter than a cold heart made of durasteel. He’s the Wayward Bard of the von Ascania royal family. Hailing from Ukatis, LYSANDEEEEEEEER VON ASCANIAAAAA!

“Even if our noble warrior poet can defeat his opponent, he might find a target on his head. Facing off against Lysander, it’s the BOUNTY HUNTER’S GUILD CHAMPION. He has ‘REVENGE’ engraved on every circuit in his system, welcome into the ring: SWITCHBLAAAAAAAADE!”

“CHALLENGERS! BEGIN!”

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

CHAMPION OF THE GUILD

Lysander von Ascania

​

The droid stood expressionless as the giant tree of Kashyyyk rose from the ground.

Switchblade stood on the planet, gazing down below as the massive organism began to fill the air. Quick scans revealed some sort of predatorial creature below, but the droid was too far away to identify which one. They would be of no bother to him. The droid's only focus was on the opponent set out for him. A boy of the name Lysander. The hunter's only assumption was that he had left home in search of a greater glory, choosing to compete in the biggest tournament the galaxy has ever seen. Scanning through the datalogs of the holonet, Switchblade learned that the boy was of some noble descent. Aristocrats were treated no differently during a hunt than a normal target. No such pleasantries would be offered.

Reaching out a metallic leg, the droid stepped onto the limb of the tree. There were a few tricks up his Durasteel sleeve that would soon be revealed. All in due time. Flashy introductions or dances were not given by the droid. Those came after the kill.

Turning his own scanners to infrared, Switchblade slowly began to observe the area ahead, searching for the boy. It would only be a matter of time before the droid located him...or the droid was located himself. Either way, he would ensure that his own weapons would be the first to strike.

Spoiler: Equipment

All of this gear will be revealed in character, but if you want to peak now, these are the items that Switchblade is equipped with:

• AP-25i 'SIMP' Particle Beam Blasters
• Dioxis Grenades​
• Indomitable-pattern Vambraces​
• M.I. Telescopic Electrostaff​
• Netrunner Vibroshank​
• PGEM Assault Rifle Slugthrower​
• Tanuki Droids​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Disciple's Helm of Devotion | Leidimas Sith Plate

Tag: 5-WCH (Switchblade)

​

​

Each exhale that passed through the rebreather system, customized for the acolyte’s helm, was calculated; it was regulating the flow of oxygen, which served to calm his nervous system before the impending clash. Poised in a stance suggesting his readiness, Lysander would lurk in the shadows, absorbing the waves of energy pulsing through the area. Anticipation, excitement, and even dread, it all mingled in the currents of air like a toxic elixir.

As the announcer's words echoed through the arena, labeling him as a poet, Lysander felt a flame suddenly ignite within; it was a title he wore with pride, though his words on paper had only ever been dedicated to one individual, who in return had made him feel foolish and naive. Bleeding out his own heart had only left him hollower, shattered even. But there would be no sorrow, nor pity; rather, only his gaze narrowing like the wound that simply would not close, and gloved fingers curling tight into a fist.

It still hurt.

By the time the words shifted over to his opponent, Lysander was already tapping into the unhinged and powerful emotions swirling about through the air, harnessing them to fuel his strength. With the skill of Force Essence, passed down to him by his Master, Revna Marr , he greedily consumed the currents that were stirring wildly. Anger, hatred, awe, and for some.. hints of uncertainty, it all coursed through him the same, feeding the storm of power now waiting to be unleashed.

Summoning Force Cloak, Lysander crouched low before propelling himself up onto a high branch, using the terrain to his advantage. All movements were silent and unnaturally fast as the boy sprinted across the uneven ground.

This match reminded him of when the Mandalorians invaded Naboo, back when he was just a confused Padawan, and they exploited the Mid Rim's weaknesses. One particular foe back then had an answer for every move, aided by technology that could read his intentions before he even struck.

But Lysander pushed on, falling into motion and then dropping from above. A single hand extended, unleashing a sudden burst of Force energy towards the ground near his opponent. The intent was not to cause destruction, but to control the rhythm of this battle. The shockwave of moss, dust, and bark erupted with sudden violence, an attempt to disorient any sensors or scanners that the droid may need to rely on.

​

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

CHAMPION OF THE GUILD

Lysander von Ascania

​

The datalogs showed no record of the boy being Force-sensitive.

For the first time in quite a while, the droid felt a sense of surprise. He had prided himself on being vigilant and hyper aware of his surroundings. It is what he had reprogrammed himself to be. But, in rare occurrences, there were things that zeroes and ones would not be able to predict.

Suddenly, pieces of the branch exploded in front of Switchblade. The sensor in which he used to try and detect his opponent were now blinded by various chunks of moss and wood. All he could rely on now was his main photo receptors. Stumbling backwards, the droid tried to regain his footing. It did not help though that the blast of Force energy pushed the limb of the tree downward. Tension and kinetic energy soon built. In a matter of seconds, the branch whipped violently upwards, sending Switchblade careening into the air.

Two of the Tanuki droids already scurried away at the first sign of danger. However, the other two were shot into the air as well. Grabbing onto the branch above, the bounty hunter's servos whined as he pulled himself up. While still not entirely sure where his opponent was, it would appear to the crowd that the two had switched positions. Switchblade was now above, with Lysander having already dropped down below.

One Tanuki droid fell back down onto the branch in front of his opponent. A violent, yet only mildly frightening metallic hiss screamed from its jaw. The one that had flow into the air was now looking down at the boy, hissing as well. Both of them now alerted Switchblade to where the boy stood.

"It's not too late to call it quits, kid. To go home and live your life."

While giving Lysander one final warning, the droid began to raise his assault rifle. His opponent might have time to react before a shot was fired, but that was a risk that the droid was willing to take. The barrel slowly rose to meet the chest of Lysander.

"Final warning."

A finger sat idly on the trigger, waiting for any sign of movement that wasn't a surrender. Though he would have no hesitation killing a child. It had been done before.

Spoiler: Equipment

All of this gear will be revealed in character, but if you want to peak now, these are the items that Switchblade is equipped with:

• AP-25i 'SIMP' Particle Beam Blasters
• Dioxis Grenades​
• Indomitable-pattern Vambraces​
• M.I. Telescopic Electrostaff​
• Netrunner Vibroshank​
• PGEM Assault Rifle Slugthrower​
• Tanuki Droids​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Disciple's Helm of Devotion | Leidimas Sith Plate

Tag: 5-WCH (Switchblade)

​

The instant their roles reversed, a cold stillness settled over the acolyte. His breath was slow now, each rise and fall of his chest like a tempest. Fury churned wildly beneath his skin, but not the fiery kind of anger, but instead the white-hot pulse that threatened to consume him from within. Behind the helm's visor, his eyes narrowed, watching as the droid hissed. A hollow menace to be sure; to Lysander, it was more of a feeble attempt than any true threat. Not a flicker of reaction betrayed him; his frame remained firm, unmoving, the calm before the storm.

As the rifle lifted, his chin rose, as though embracing the pain to come, surely but a fraction of the stinger left by weeks of betrayal and silence. Something raw began to coil within, a tangled web of grief, abandonment, and even years of blame, etched into his being.

The Force was no incantation to be summoned when calm, but born from wounds too deep for healing, and soon pulsing in the hollow of the acolyte's chest. His jaw clenched as breathing shifted into a slower rhythm, drawing deeply. With that clarity, the energy swirled around him, unseen, but full of intent.

There was no need for a grand display, but the Force Barrier rose like a wall of liquid glass, tension vibrating through its surface. Unlike cold and mechanical defenses, this shield bore the weight of raw emotion. Lysander stood ready, every fiber prepared, for the moment the barrier would finally be pushed to its limits. Words brushed along his lips, as if he'd carried them too long to keep inside any longer.

"Let it come," he murmured, his voice devoid of emotion.

Even the Force knew he spoke no lie.

With every shift, each metallic grind, and every creak of limbs, he built a map of the surroundings within the recesses of his mind; his awareness, enhanced now, was just as sharp as the blade he carried. It stretched around the area like a web of death. No longer was he limited to only what was before him, but he could also feel the presence of every living thing that dared to exist in his domain. It would sing to his senses, and be prepared to guide the following moves.

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

CHAMPION OF THE GUILD

Lysander von Ascania

​

Rapidly, the droid pulled the trigger on his rifle, firing off multiple shots.

Switchblade did not have highly advanced sensors that would allow him to detect the Force Barrier. So, he simply dismissed it at his photo receptors glitching out ever so slightly. The bullets rang out from the barrel of his weapon, echoing against the nearby branches. Full auto allowed him to fire off twenty rounds, about half of the extended magazine size.

Before the droid could see if the bullets made contact with Lysander (or unknowingly, the Force Barrier), the bounty hunter began to move inward, heading closer to the trunk of the tree. Once more, he began to swing around the muzzle of the rifle at the boy, preparing for any surprise reaction that might be taken.

While all of this was taking place, the Tanuki droid on the same branch as his opponent lunged forward, aiming to bite his leg with a vicious bite. The small droids had even weaker processors than Switchblade, so they were unaware of the Force Barrier as well. This did not stop the one above the boy to leak down from the top branch, loosely aiming for his shoulder.

The remaining two Tanuki droids stuck close to Switchblade as he repositioned. Now that he knew the boy was Force-sensitive, the hunter's method of attack was going to need to be modified. Letting go of the rifle so only one had held onto the weapon, Switchblade reached down towards his metal hip, grabbing a Dioxis grenade. Flicking the safety pin off, a small cloud of green gas ever so slightly began to pour out. But there was not enough time for the droid to throw it just yet.

He would just have to wait and see what happened next.

Spoiler: Equipment

• AP-25i 'SIMP' Particle Beam Blasters
• Dioxis Grenades​
• Indomitable-pattern Vambraces​
• M.I. Telescopic Electrostaff​
• Netrunner Vibroshank​
• PGEM Assault Rifle Slugthrower​
• Tanuki Droids​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Disciple's Helm of Devotion | Leidimas Sith Plate
Tag: 5-WCH (Switchblade)

​

In the blink of an eye, bolts slammed into the invisible Force Barrier, mere inches from his frame. Sparks danced before him. Lysander's muscles tensed like springs, raw energy thrumming beneath his flesh; given his current experience, holding the shield in place demanded nearly every ounce of strength. The strain was felt in his arms and core, but he was far from fatigued.

Seemingly in the same moment, two of the droids would also meet the barrier, failing to penetrate it, as the acolyte was encased by a prison of energy. The boy's mind churned like a tuned engine, calculating trajectories and different options, like an algorithm of survival. All was going accordingly, until there was another shift in the surroundings, breaking his focus. A new disturbance, impossible to ignore. Lysander suddenly gritted his teeth, the tempest in his mind now making it difficult to sustain the barrier.

Then he saw it.. a massive silhouette, as the top of the tree gave away. Dozens of meters worth of bark, boughs, and debris rained down, smashing through everything in their path. He knew better; it would easily shatter his defenses. The blonde now aimed to use this moment to an advantage. With barely a pause, he closed his eyes and listened. The arena rivaled the sounds one might hear in war.

The first heavy branches slammed into the platform, shattering the barrier just as they did his composure. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, a tempest of dark rage and primal instinct. Whatever facade he'd been wearing in recent weeks was stripped away; it wasn't just about survival; it was about finding her again, to see her face, to hear their voice.

Sibylla.

He leapt sideways, driving a boot into the floor, barely avoiding massive slabs of bark. Perhaps, it was enough to keep the Tanuki droids occupied, even if not for long. Force Lightning flared at his fingertips; it was a manifestation of the torment etched into his soul. The notes of malevolent electricity swirled around Lysander's fists, black and blue arcs hissing as if alive, eager to feed upon whatever they touched.

The armor he wore failed to contain the inferno burning through the acolyte's body; smoke curled from the plating. Whatever gas leaked into the air moments ago had not eluded his senses. With an instinctual reaction, he turned in its direction. The heat festered, punishing him as layers of the gauntlets began cracking, revealing the blistered flesh of his hands. Lysander screamed; the sound tore out of him, a combination of rage and agony, unlocking a part of him he never knew existed. But as the sound escaped his helmet, it was twisted and distorted.

Drawing deeper from the reservoirs of energy, he cast it outward in violent torrents, unleashing electric wrath in every direction. Not a flicker of restraint registered, nor a thought spared for collateral damage. There was only the need to destroy everything that dared stand in his path.

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

CHAMPION OF THE GUILD

Lysander von Ascania

​

Before the grenade could be thrown, the droid was greeted with a large commotion from above.

Looking up, Switchblade watched as the entire top of the tree began crashing down onto the competitors. The blue photo receptors that acted as eyes grew wide in shock. A flurry of branches, leaves, and bark were hurtling towards the duo. Quickly, the droid dove out of the way as a large chunk smashed into the branch he was standing on. One of the Tanuki droids, however, was not so lucky. The limb smashed directly into the droid, sending it falling to the ground.

The two Tanukis that tried to attack Lysander were now regrouping, as well as trying to avoid the tree splinters. Switchblade flung the rifle around his shoulder, allowing for more maneuverability. But by the time his footing was regained, flashes of lightning shot out from the boy in all directions. One bolt initially struck the right arm of the droid. Sparks crackled up his servos as electronics were beginning to reach full electrical capacity. Struggling, the bounty hunter dropped to a knee, trying to redirect the bolt. However, it was redirected straight into the Dioxis grenade.

In a flash, the device burst from the pressure, all of the green gas engulfing Switchblade and the surrounding area. He was now hidden from Lysander, but Lysander was also hidden from him. The droid could not see outside the green cloud. One Tanuki droid stayed by his side, while the other two were on the far side of the boy, more than likely running away from the electrical attack.

Attempting to find a solution to the lightning problem, the droid removed the electrostaff that was attached to his back. Expanding the weapon to its full size, he hoped that the charges would absorb some of the rogue bolts. Calculating many of the possible outcomes, the bounty hunter knew it was time to go on the offensive. Gripping the staff with both hands, Switchblade began to sprint along the branch.

Soon, the droid appeared from the cloud of green smoke. He was jumping down from the limb above Lysander, hoping to strike the boy from above. A few of the loose lightning strikes already started crackling their way to the staff. But he was unsure how much the weapon would be willing to take. He needed this attack to work if he wanted a chance of winning.

Spoiler: Equipment

• AP-25i 'SIMP' Particle Beam Blasters
• Dioxis Grenades​
• Indomitable-pattern Vambraces​
• M.I. Telescopic Electrostaff​
• Netrunner Vibroshank​
• PGEM Assault Rifle Slugthrower​
• Tanuki Droids​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Disciple's Helm of Devotion | Leidimas Sith Plate
Tag: 5-WCH (Switchblade)

​

Lysander's hands throbbed from the pain of exposed flesh; the rawness of it radiated like fire beneath the skin. But there would be no retreat in the boy. Instead, he harnessed the agony, channeling it back into the rising anger that began consuming him.The electric arcs continued erupting from his fingertips in chaotic bursts that crackled against what was shaping like a battlefield. Until now, he had only ever summoned such power during training sessions back on Korriban, but never amidst real combat. It was exhilarating. The heat crawled beyond the gauntlets, up through his arms, and engulfed his chest plate. Everything intensified.

It strained his body, too; heavy breaths tore from his lungs, the first offensive strike scorching the platform beneath his feet and leaving charred fragments scattered about. Even though the acolyte hadn't meant to unleash so much, the pain at least sharpened his focus; adrenaline ran wildly, and his mind flowed to the rhythm. Through the haze, he could barely catch a glimpse of his opponent, and the burst of green gas in the distance.

The acolyte was able to perceive subtle quivers in the currents around him, but it was not enough, and there was no other guidance except his own instincts.

With a blistered hand, he reached out and grasped the curved hilt beside him, igniting it with a violent and desperate hiss. And as he looked up, a silhouette emerged from the smoke, sparks flying as he brought his blade to meet the deadly electrostaff. The energy surged back, ripping through him and adding to the already tormenting pain. Lysander fell off balance, sliding onto his back foot in an attempt to regain footing.

The fury that would launch him forward next with a brutal overhead strike was not executed with the grace of a warrior, but that of savage beast, with intention of overwhelming, dominating, desiring to break through anything in his path.

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

CHAMPION OF THE GUILD

Lysander von Ascania

​

The boy was nearly caught off guard as Switchblade dropped from above.

Slamming directly into the defensively raised lightsaber, the droid listened as loud crackles filled the air, the energy from all sources colliding. Lysander's Force lightning and his lightsaber against the bounty hunting droid and his electrostaff. A buildup of electricity was beginning to amass...and it would only be a matter of time before it violently released.

A faint belief that the upper hand was gained soon diminished. As the droid continued his assault, the boy seemingly broke free, preparing a counter. Lysander rose fiercely into the air, giving the droid a fraction of a second to react. Raising his right arm, Switchblade caught the initial strike with his right vambrace. Though it would not be enough. The Force following through his opponent was quite strong. His bladed slowly began to overpower the droid.

Sizzling filled the air as the tip of the lightsaber grew ever closer to the bounty hunter. His lone vambrace would only be able to do so much. In his left arm was the electostaff, meaning that he could not raise his other wrist to block. Dropping to a knee, the droid watched as the fiery blade made contact with his right shoulder. The weapon angrily dug through the Durasteel plating. If Switchblade had been programmed to scream in utter pain and agony, he would do so.

But he was not programmed to be a coward.

In a flash of motion, Switchblade rammed the electrostaff directly towards the stomach of Lysander, aiming for an exposed gap within his armor plate. He calculated that if the boy suffered from anymore electrical buildup, between the Force lightning and his staff, that his opponent's body would shut down. No one person could handle that much charge.

All the while, the two Tanuki droids behind Lysander began to steadily approach. While trying their best to avoid any rogue bolts of lightning, the duo prepared to attack the boy's back. Their bite might be enough to distract him from Switchblade, leaving room for the jab of the staff to succeed.

Spoiler: Equipment

• AP-25i 'SIMP' Particle Beam Blasters
• Dioxis Grenades​
• Indomitable-pattern Vambraces​
• M.I. Telescopic Electrostaff​
• Netrunner Vibroshank​
• PGEM Assault Rifle Slugthrower​
• Tanuki Droids​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Disciple's Helm of Devotion | Leidimas Sith Plate
Tag: 5-WCH (Switchblade)

​

Lysander was fueled by fury, stepping forth into uncharted territory, pushing his limits in ways that training could not. His muscles trembled behind the unlocked, hidden strength, pouring everything, every ounce of sweat, every bit of willpower into the swing. Adrenaline became a beautiful thing, for it masked the fractures forming beneath the skin, and dulled the searing pain, so that he may continue fighting.

And beneath the helm, the acolyte's eyes opened wide; had someone met his raw gaze in that moment, they would've witnessed the gleam of pride, mingling intimately with arrogance. Right then, he truly believed this would be the final blow, one that would send the droid straight into oblivion. Victory was on the horizon; the taste was palpable. As the crimson blade made contact with durasteel, he clenched his teeth.

But there was another threat which was momentarily forgotten; now, the electrostaff came launching back. For the first time today, his reaction was too slow.

Without hesitation, without any warning, it slammed into his unprotected side with brutal intent. Muscles began to lock up from a fresh wave of electrical currents that was ready to consume his entire frame. Lysander choked on his breath as they surged, pushing to regain control, but his body was working against his will now. The power that felt unstoppable only moments prior was draining rapidly. His connection to the Force, something he relied heavily on, was weakening. However, it would whisper one last warning before being severed entirely: the Tanuki droids were flanking him, like beasts hungry for flesh.

The curved hilt slipped from the teen’s numbed fingers, his arm shuddering as one lunged forward. Blindly, his hand found the throat of one. His touch still registered the coldness and lifelessness, devoid of the pulse a sentient being would carry. There was no fear, no hesitation. The darkness within demanded death, demanded destruction. He, too, became a machine. The acolyte’s upper lip curled; it was not in a sneer, but in detachment. From a command not his own, his thumb pressed harder. This was a futile attempt, but he refused to go down easily, and certainly not without an attempt to crush that soulless thing beneath him first.

And at last, he fell, unaware that the platform’s edge was nearby. The descent was unforgiving; branches tore at armor and exposed alike. Each impact only pushed him closer to unconsciousness. Pain dulled and eventually faded altogether. The entire arena fell silent as the bard from Ukatis exhaled one final breath.

Followed by: What in the Nine Hells Were You Thinkin'?​

 

[5-WCH (Switchblade)]

CHAMPION OF THE GUILD

Lysander von Ascania

​

A white and blue glow reflected off of the droid's face as the boy became consumed by the lightning.

Switchblade simply watched on, ensuring that his opponent would not recover from his. The blade that struck his shoulder still sat there idly, though causing no more damage. All wounds were now being directed onto Lysander. An array of energy flailed in all directions from the duo, as if an ion grenade had exploded. He kept the electrostaff firmly pressed against the boy's stomach. Vital readings showed that the boy was growing weaker and weaker. The pain that Switchblade felt in his mechanical shoulder was soon replaced by an all too familiar feeling of euphoria from the hunt. This is where the droid belonged. He was programmed to be a hunter, so that is what he did.

And damn, did he do it good.

When it seemed like Switchblade would escape this fight with only an injured shoulder, the boy reached out and latched onto one of his Tanukis. Trying to stop Lysander to taking the life of the droid, the bounty hunter watched as the two of them rolled off of branch in a lifeless tumble. Peering over the edge, he watched the long descent until both of them faded into the leaves. At some point the pair hit the ground, watching as the elimination confirmation appeared on his HUD. Two remaining Tanukis looked over the edge as well, accompanying their leader.

Standing, the bounty hunter offered nothing more than a nod of respect for his opponent. That was the nature of his business. If one spent time mourning over the loss of their target, then they would never have time to collect the credits. Shame that two of his own were lost in this conflict, but it was a necessary sacrifice.

Hooking the electrostaff back onto his back, Switchblade dropped down a few branches to find bits and pieces of Lysander's armor plating. Picking up these loose pieces, the droid attached them to both of his arms and legs, along with his torso. That should provide him with greater coverage later on in the tournament when it came time to fight the Jedi and Sith.

For now though, it was time to repair his wounds and get ready for the next competitor to cross his path.

Spoiler: Equipment

• AP-25i 'SIMP' Particle Beam Blasters
• Dioxis Grenades​
• Indomitable-pattern Vambraces​
• M.I. Telescopic Electrostaff​
• Netrunner Vibroshank​
• PGEM Assault Rifle Slugthrower​
• x2 Tanuki Droids​
• Claimed Gear:​
• ​
  Leidimas Sith Plate​