Populate [RNR][Zhar] The Storm Gathers

[Lysander von Ascania]

Cerys Dyn Aiden Porte Echo Athoth Ceri Fraissi Michael Angellus Tasia Palpatine Phillip Slate Rook Merriex

​

He raised a brow at Cery’s response. Her demeanor appeared cool and focused, with just a touch of frustration.. one he understood quite well. The weight of their Master’s influence to be present seemed to weigh heavily on the Togruta’s mind. Lysander wasn’t entirely sold on this test either, much like the first, but if the Order of Shiraya believed this was the path to a brighter future, well, it would be pointless to argue against it.

With a nonchalant shrug, he acknowledged her words and decided to keep his thoughts to himself. As he approached the finish line, he took a moment to look at the others around him before refocusing his vision ahead. "Let's just get this over with," he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. As Cery took off, he lingered at the starting line for a moment, simply caught up in everything unfolding

Next, he flexed his limbs, stretching each one in dynamic fashion while visualizing the different movements he would need to execute. A slow exhale followed. The tension slowly ebbed away. “I guess it’s time to find out what I’m made of,” he mocked.

Now that his muscles were warmed up, he allowed half hearted determination to swell in his chest. Finally taking off after the other Padawan, it wasn’t long before the first leap was taken with a grace that was uniquely his own. His lithe frame cut through the empty space. And when he landed on the beam, there was a sudden jolt felt as it wobbled beneath him. With a minor adjustment of his core, it was easy to regain balance.

Like a seasoned acrobat, he naturally fell into a flow state, moving across three more. Every movement was correctly measured, displaying a balance of strength and finesse. Aside from this physical prowess that was but a reflection of his consistent training, he also had the pulse of the Force guiding him.

By the time he caught up with Cerys, there were boulders before them, each one swinging. Another moment was taken to gauge their surroundings. “Wow, I’m actually surprised you made it this far,” he taunted. A smirk curled at the corners of his mouth, even though the test had only just begun.

After calculating the trajectory of the first boulder, he took the initiative and launched himself toward it. When his boots met the surface, it tipped, testing him far more than the beams had. Lysander steadied himself, bending his knees and remaining focused. Each jump to the next boulder would demand more caution and time; he could feel them swaying. Lysander would constantly have to shift his weight accordingly.

 

[Michael Angellus]

​

Meanwhile…​

Journal Entry:

"Isn't it always?"

Who said that? Left? No. Right? No… Down… NO!!!!

It’s her! She wants to headbutt me in the jewels!

No way! I don’t know why I freaked out, but the “older than 8” year old seemed to subliminally motivate me to BOLT! I took off running and somehow, I didn’t even think about it, I ran at those pillars. I think I cut the line.

Sorry! Will have to apologize proper, later.

Anyway, I think it was crazy, but one, two, three, four, five posts… the blonde guy who looks like he thinks he is better than everyone got off a pillar that went up. OOF! I think I broke my nose hitting it. That seemed to snap me out of my freakout as I realized where I was.

Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Don’t look down. I can’t believe I climbed up and across and made it to the next one…

Swinging boulders… great…

Rook Merriex | Ceri Fraissi | Aiden Porte | Phillip Slate | Tasia Palpatine | Echo Athoth | Cerys Dyn | Lysander von Ascania | Eerie Omera .

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Gall
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Rook Merriex | Ceri Fraissi | Cerys Dyn | Aiden Porte | Michael Angellus | Phillip Slate | Tasia Palpatine | Echo Athoth | Thayze Montserrat | Lysander von Ascania | Eerie Omera

Lily listened to what Rook had to said further in the back of the group of Padawans. She was watching the others and understanding the concerns and whispers that they were sharing. She had already travelled to the Netherworld, with her Master, Briana Sal-Soren as well as Rook. Lily had fought some of the beasts there, however, Lily also knew that she was going to need to more training and push herself to the limits of what she could do to ensure that she was the best she could be in handling what the Nether had to offer her.

Cracking her knuckles, the balancing beams were something that did not daunt Lily. She had faced similar things when she approached her own training. Lily used agility courses and balance training to ensure that she was still light on her feet. Lily was not going to be concerned with the first portion of the trials. She was Echani and light-footedness and understanding the centre of gravity one's body had was crucial to her. It was something Lily had to relearn as her body changed over the years but it was something that Lily was very aware of.

Moving forward, Lily stepped onto the balancing beams and moved at a steady but careful pace. Not rushing ahead of anyone but demonstrating a quiet confidence in her ability to manage the challenge that was being set before her.

 

[Echo Athoth]

Gall
Tags: Phillip Slate

Echo Athoth's Locket, Epo-1 Interceptor, BB-055TN "Boston"
​

Phillip didn't want to be seen as the coward who chickened out at the first sign of danger. Even if it meant being absolutely terrified on the course, he'd take that over any looks of shame or disappointment.

For now, he worked on stretching. He had done as much preparation for his mind that he could.

Echo stepped up to the young padawan, clearly observing his apparent nervousness. It was reasonable given the course ahead of him. This wasn't exactly an easy venture. With her particular training even she would struggle on a course such as this.

That, of course, was the point. It was a test of spirit first and foremost.

"If it's any consolation, attempting here is the same as succeeding," Echo told him. "This is an exercise even skilled Jedi would struggle with. I believe focusing on the environment helps, at least as far as I've observed in similar scenarios. Find something in the distance as your goal point to reach. Little steps first. That way you can choose to go back after reaching each milestone and still feel like you've accomplished something."

The Ogemite paused to adjust her glasses.

"Does this seems agreeable to you?"

 

[Phillip Slate]

Location: Training Grounds - Gall
Objective 2
Tags: Echo Athoth

Attempting would be the same as succeeding...Phillip frowned at that thought. Find something to focus on right ahead of him instead of focusing for the end point. Hm...Maybe that was another reason he always failed at making art. He was too focused on the end result and having it be perfect, that he didn't focus on the journey there first. Everything needed a base to work from and then to add more layers to. He flexed out his hands for a moment, letting his eyes trail across the course to find where his target was going to be. Half-way. That was the minimum of where he wanted to get to.

"It is...very agreeable. Thank you. Life is meant to be a marathon. Not a sprint. I need to pace myself."

With that, he set out for the first obstacle with a leap! Waving his arms through the air to try and keep balance as Phillip stumbled amongst the beam. He had to keep moving. If he stopped his momentum, he'd fall. It didn't particularly...fancy as he rushed his way along the beams, waving his arms around to try and keep his balance. He just had to trust in the Force. As long as he didn't hesitate, he could do this. He needed to have belief in himself as he threw himself to the last beam. Hurtling through the air as he fell...and fell and fell as he overestimated his jump and nearly landed face first against the beam, causing his glasses to plunge down in the darkness.

"...It's a good thing...those are for aesthetics..."
Now Phillip laid there for a moment. What was the best solution for him to get out of this position? Focus. He worked on pushing himself up to his feet slowly but surely so as to not adjust his weight too much. Starting to perch on the beam like a gargoyle as Phillip braced himself to jump to the other side. Calling upon the Force, Phillip built up his energy before leaping across the gap, flailing his arms and legs around. With a thud, he hit the ground, winding himself before scrambling up to his feet.

"One...step...closer..."

His legs and arms felt like jelly, but Phillip felt strangely confident. He managed to get past the beams. Now he had to get past the boulders. That was his plan of attack. Focus on what was ahead of him, not what was two obstacles or three obstacles ahead of him. Take things one at a time.

​

 

[Cerys Dyn]

​

Lysander's attitude to the event was not at all unexpected. He tended carry this nonchalant disparaging mindset to any task another put on his plate. Cerys casually wondered if Lysander was a more awkward Padawan to instruct than she was. They probably both had their challenges. What did Brandyn do to deserve two such students as they?

"I would have you know that if it weren't for you and Zaiya's constant bickering..."

He was already gone. He was probably on the first boulder before she could get her retort out. Cerys folded her arms with the customary annoyance that she showed at anyone trying to be too familial.

She watched Lysander as he made his way across the boulders. This was a different obstacle, requiring a different technique. If she hit the first boulder at the wrong moment, she could add to much circular momentum. The boulders could crash into each other. It seemed best to jump up at the right moment, and land on the boulder as it descended.

"Right. Easy going."

She waited for Lysander to move on to another boulder, and then for the first boulder to reach its apex. Cerys jumped up, slightly forward and the left a little. She landed firmly on the boulder as it descended and she grabbed a hold of the rope. The speed of the boulder increased, her second hand grabbed for the rope, and she steadied her footing.

The next step was all timing. While her boulder was going up, she needed to jump with its momentum and land upon the next boulder.

"Better get moving, Lysander! I will have caught up to you in a moment!" She called, no teasing in her tone. It was just a statement of fact.

Lysander von Ascania ​

 

[Ceri Fraissi]

SPARKY
TRAINING GROUND | GALL
TAG: Rook Merriex | Tasia Palpatine | Thayze Montserrat | Everyone else

HERE WE STAND​

"I enjoy the energy you give off"

Ceri turned to the new voice with a smile and giggled at the comment about bubbles for breakfast.
"Always." she beamed before enthusiastically thrusting out a hand toward the older girl. "Ceri Fraissi!" she introduced herself. "Haven't been around as much as I'd like - blame my Master. Who're you?" she asked, still happily shaking her hand.

Soon though, another voice made its appearance - one much more familiar.

"Hey Ceri, been a while! Who's your new friend?"

"THAYZE!" she cried, rushing the older Padawan with a hug. "How ya been?! It's been a rough couple a' months, hasn't it?" She then then turned and unceremoniously dragged Tasia Palpatine forward to stand next to her. "This is Tasia. Her family's been around for a hot minute now. Master Rik Perris has just been dragging me all over the place, so missed meeting her earlier." she said, draping a firendly arm around Tasia's shoulders in a hug. "By the way, Tasia, I love your tattoos. They're sooooo cool!"

But the happiness was short-lived as Rook Merriex got right to the point as to why they were here and what they would do. Ceri's face fell. Her attention span wasn't the greatest. She hoped she could keep her squirrels in a cage to pull this off. The gravity of the situation weighed on her usually light heart. There were actually people counting on this - her Master probably included. She couldn't let him down after all he had done for her.
"Guess we better get going huh?" she remarked as she started moving toward the start line. "Though, uh," She looked at Thayze and Tasia. "Don't you guys think it'll be more beneficial in the grander scheme of things if we work together instead of just gunning for a win?" she asked as she looked at the beams ahead.

"Well, here goes nothing." With that, she was away, launching herself into the air to try and land as close as possible to the middle of the beam. After a heartbeat of hesitation to regain her balance, the beam started to tilted, prompting the Padawan to put speed in her feet and ran to launch herself at the next beam.

One beam at a time...just don't fall....

 

[Tasia Palpatine]

OBJECTIVE 2

​

Rook Merriex Ceri Fraissi Michael Angellus Aiden Porte Phillip Slate Thayze Montserrat


Wielding Palpatine's Saber

Hands were shaken and introductions we're made. The bubbly young woman introduced her to her other friend while draped around her shoulder. It was a strange sensation to have someone act so friendly so quickly but Tasia could not help but enjoy the sensation her positivity caused within the force and hoped she could maintain this. She smiled at the compliment "Thank you, they are the same as my mother, she is Kiffar. And a pleasure to meet you Thayze."

"Don't you guys think it'll be more beneficial in the grander scheme of things if we work together instead of just gunning for a win?"

She was absolutely correct. "The only victory condition is getting to the top, he never mentioned getting to the top first. Very well interpreted I think" Tasia didn't know if her agreement would be noted by the girl as she headed into the challenge. "Let's go then, looks like the three of us are a team." she said to Thayze before launching herself after Ceri. She waited until Ceri had cleared the first bar. Competing for position on the different beams would absolutely be a great way to fall down. Once clear she left and landed on the beam. She placed her arms out and allowed the force to balance her, this was like walking along branches at the tops of the Naboo forest. She would then proceed further along the chain of beams to eventually arrive at the second station.

She had a plan for the boulders which she would detail once they got to the first stop. Two of the trio would use the force to stabilise the boulders in air whilst the first jumped across. Then once that jedi had made it, they would turn back and help stabilise while the next person followed, giving each one of the three an easy path across the treacherous hanging rocks. If the others agreed to this teamwork, then they would succeed.

 

[Aiden Porte]

Tags: Rook Merriex Thayze Montserrat Ceri Fraissi Lysander von Ascania Echo Athoth Tasia Palpatine Phillip Slate

Hi everyone.

The Jedi Padawan broke his mediation just as he heard Michaels voice and he looked over to him with a smile. "Good day to you you Michael."

"How's recovery?"

"It's going rather well, Thayze." Aiden said with a small nod of his head followed with a smile. "Thank you for your help out there. I mean it." They had a encounter with several Sith not too long ago. "I trust you are feeling better."

Several others began to show up and the Padawan rose to his feet just as Rook was to start her explanation to what they would be facing today. They were prepping for the Netherworld, while he didn't ever traverse past the rift in the unknown. The creatures that spawned from that place he did face, and they were indeed manifestations of darkness and unpredictable.

This was for Naboo and its people. To protect them and prevent further escalations with the Netherworld.

"Trust in yourselves and in the force my friends. We will get each other through the end." Aiden spoke in a calm manner to ease any possible worries. Good things his weekly meetings with the Naboo populace had done their job. He was providing guidance to those that had experienced loss, and it was putting himself in a greater position to let go what he had lost. He thought about them, and it gave him much strength now, instead of fear and doubt.

After they got into position and places were taken and the event itself had started.

There was so much he had yet to do.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Naboo
Royal Assembly
Interacting with: Open to any Senators, politicians, merchants, or anyone wanting to interact that may find it interesting!


Lady Sibylla Ynez Abrantes adjusted her sleek white tunic as she walked through the towering halls of the Royal Republic Senatorial Assembly Headquarters, her thoughts a flurry of excitement and quiet anxiety. The day had come for her to meet Senator Eharl Sarn of Enarc.

Her father, Lord Alistair Veldrin Abrantes, Ambassador of Naboo for Enarc, walked beside her with his usual calm, his steely gaze ahead but ever aware. His presence always had a way of steadying her, even when her thoughts swirled with doubts. They approached the doors of the senator's office, and Sibylla took a breath, trying to keep the anticipation from showing on her face.

"You're nervous," her father said, his voice soft but firm.

"Am I that obvious?" she teased, though there was a hint of truth in her tone. "I suppose I should be. He's been a force in politics for years at Enarc as Viceroy and now the Senator. I have to do my best to ensure I exceed expectations."

Lord Abrantes gave her a sidelong glance, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"That thought process will serve you well, Sibylla. But remember this: the galaxy isn't as kind to idealists as it once was. Politics are a game, and it's one you'll need to play to win. You can't afford to be naïve."

She nodded, the words sinking in. Idealism had always been Naboo's compass for creating a better Naboo. But her father was right. Things had changed, and she was learning, in small but significant ways, that the game had evolved.

Senator Sarn was a being she'd heard much about. An Ithorian, tall and gentle in appearance, with a deep, gravelly voice that belied his warm, grandfatherly demeanor. He had been Viceroy of Enarc before becoming a senator and had a reputation for being stubborn and steadfast, with an unwavering loyalty to the Royal Republic. His battle with Sarah Kreeve, the head of the Separatist Party on Enarc, had shaped much of the political landscape she was about to enter. His support for the Republic, coupled with the corporate backing he had amassed, made him a powerful figure.

But Sibylla had heard rumors -- whispers that he wasn't always the best judge of character. She couldn't help but wonder how much of that would affect her mentorship.

As they approached the office doors, her father placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll do fine, Sibylla. But remember...being a mentor isn't just about learning from them. It's also about showing them who you are, and what you stand for. Don't lose sight of that."

With a quick nod, she squared her shoulders, pushing her nerves aside. This was her moment to step into the wider galaxy, to prove herself not only to her family but to the Republic she loved.

The doors slid open, and Senator Sarn rose from behind his desk, his large frame towering in a way that seemed out of place in the sleek, polished office. Despite his imposing figure, his eyes held a warmth that immediately put her at ease.

"Ambassador Abrantes, welcome." he greeted, his voice deep but soft. "and Lady Sibylla Abrantes, it's an honor to meet you." His hand reached out to shake hers. "I've heard much about you."

Sibylla smiled warmly, shaking his hand. "The honor is mine, Senator. I've read so much about you -- your efforts to bring Enarc into the Republic."

"Ah, I hope that it wasn't all bad news," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But enough about me. I'm eager to see what the future holds for you, Sibylla. It's not every day that a young mind like yours enters the fray."

She was surprised by his casual demeanor, considering his reputation as a stern political figure. Perhaps the rumors about his character judgment weren't entirely unfounded, though she couldn't help but think there was more to the man than others gave him credit for.

Senator Sarn motioned for them both to sit, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Enarc's entry into the Republic was a significant shift, one that's not without its challenges. We've moved from a planet that used battle droids for military strength to one that must adapt to new alliances, new rules. And you, Sibylla, will play a key role in helping navigate those waters."

"I understand," Sibylla said, her voice steady despite the weight of the responsibility settling over her. "The shift from domestic to foreign affairs is a delicate one. I'll do my best to help guide those who are new to our ways, to ensure that they feel integrated into the fold of the Republic, and to maintain the strength of Naboo's traditions."

"Exactly," Senator Sarn nodded, his gaze sharp for a moment. "But be cautious. The lines between diplomacy and manipulation blur quickly. You'll need to stay a step ahead, always."

She nodded, grateful for the advice but mindful of her father's warning. This was her chance to not only grow in political skill but also to see how far she was willing to go to protect what she held dear.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Cerys Dyn Aiden Porte Echo Athoth Ceri Fraissi Michael Angellus Tasia Palpatine Phillip Slate Rook Merriex

​

Losing his balance for a split second, Lysander’s hands gripped the rough surface of the boulder while shifting his weight. His mind raced with thoughts that tangled around one specific name Cerys had let slip moments ago. It was the Lovalla— just the thought of her caused bile to rise in the Padawan’s throat. That odd creature’s essence simply had a way of corrupting the air around him whenever she was present.

With a look of disdain, he turned his head aside and spat the bitter fluid from his mouth, watching as it dropped into the abyss below. It was like a heavy weight being lifted from his shoulders, and his senses instantly sharpened once more. With determination and not wishing to waste any more time, he pushed forward, clearing another boulder.

The confidence in Cerys’s voice was intriguing, but also a quite unnerving, bringing an unexpected chill to the back of Lysander’s neck.

He glanced back as she was slowly catching up. There was, without a doubt, a sense of loyalty, for they were both students of the same Master. But there was something else that came with the Torgruta: unpredictability. It was a quality that he carried as well, making their bond just as frightening as it was exciting.

After the final boulder, he landed onto a small patch of grass.

Their luck had held thus far; they had tackled two segments of this challenge without a single issue. As he waited for Cerys, he would then gesture towards the ascending bars ahead. But he wouldn't dare voice his anxiety caused from her trailing behind him. Instead, he offered a faint smile. “You can go first,” he suggested.

However, a loud growl of his stomach ruined any attempt of nonchalance. Lysander’s eyes narrowed from irritation. “Feth me. Not again. Let’s hurry; I’m already getting hungry,” he added, the urgency clear in his tone.

Though the stakes of this test were high, the demands of his own body often felt like a formidable foe in its own right.

 

[Eerie Omera]

Eerie watched Michael Angellus expression go from confusion, to shock, to panic all within a few short seconds. Then....he took off. Bolting for the balance beam and leaving a perplexed Eerie behind. Was it something she said or did? She wasn't sure, but it caught her off guard.

She watched as the older teen made his way across the beam with more speed then grace. Then winced when he collided with one of the pillars right before the rocks. He was definitely going to feel that in the morning.

Her own eyes turned to the balance beam. In a way it was similar to the bamboo poles that ran across some of the flooded fields on her home planet. Her and the other teams would see how far they could get before falling. So this, was more than likely something she could do.

Letting out a slow breath, she took her turn. Holding her arms out some for balance, she then used the force to try and adhere herself to the beam for better grip. Keeping her eyes focused on a point at the end of the beam, she swiftly made her way across Without looking down. Each beam after that was a little easier now that she had a working plan. Once she reached the other side....it was the boulders.

 

[Rook Merriex]

​

Location: Gall, moon of Zhar
Tags: Ceri Fraissi | Aiden Porte | Michael Angellus | Phillip Slate | Tasia Palpatine | Echo Athoth | Cerys Dyn | Lysander von Ascania | Eerie Omera | @ Padawans

​

Thus far, the Gauntlet was progressing nicely. There were a handful of close calls and unfortunate missteps, but nothing the Padawans couldn’t overcome and move past. A few scrapes and bruises would serve them well.

Rook kept her eyes on the Padawans as they progressed. Some of them formed small groups while others went on their own, two equally viable approaches with their own merits and downsides. As they moved, she kept mental notes of things to praise and critique when they made it back.

Cerys Dyn cleared the balance beams with ease, only missing her mark by a few centimeters on the last one. She was agile and quick to correct, a trait that made Rook smirk. Her partner, Lysander von Ascania , followed suit with the same swiftness as his friend – only moments spent regaining control, then right back to it for the next challenge.

The next Padawan to catch Rook’s eye was Michael Angellus , who seemed more confused than anything with the Gauntlet. She didn’t count him out right away, though – she herself was much the same way when she first fell into the Netherworld. If she could attain the level of prowess that she had without any mentorship, Michael would certainly make a fine addition to the team with a bit of help. This was, after all, only their first exercise. His partner, Eerie Omera , moved with an air of confidence that suggested she’d done this before. She was a good partner for Michael, one who could share techniques and perhaps boost the boy’s confidence.

Lily Decoria moved with every bit of the finesse that Echani were known to exhibit. This Padawan’s readiness was already tested in full during the Second Cataclysm, where she and her Master helped to defeat the Archdemon. Of her abilities, Rook had few doubts. Any weaknesses she might notice would be easily corrected.

Rook snapped her attention to Phillip Slate next, watching like a hawk in case intervention was necessary. He managed to recover and close the gap with a Force-enhanced leap, resulting in a successful, albeit not very graceful, landing. Rook wouldn’t deny the necessity for technique, but in the Netherworld, demons do not keep scorecards for form. Rook would keep an eye on Padawan Slate as he tackled the boulders…

Ceri Fraissi and Tasia Palpatine spaced out their positions on the balance beams, a smart move to ensure nobody lost their footing to the unexpected weight of a comrade. Rook was pleased with their forethought, but made a mental note to remind them that Nether demons do not make such tactical decisions often – they’d sooner leap after you and bring the whole pack down into the abyss than risk letting you escape. It wasn’t a critique, just a simple fact to remember in the heat of a chase.

Overall, Rook was pleased with their performance. This was an excellent starting point, definitely workable.

Through a megaphone, Rook addressed the trainees. Her voice echoed through the canyon, audible to all who listened. “Keep going! You’re doing quite well, but the Netherworld neither rewards progress nor waits for those who are left behind. Hustle, Padawans!”

[ Gauntlet map courtesy of Briana Sal-Soren ]

 

[Cerys Dyn]

For Cerys, the boulders were more a matter of timing than anything else. Which made the obstacles a little boring, enough so that by the last one she was trusting her internal rhythm more than the Force itself. It was a poor choice.

The last boulder was not quite in the place it needed to be, and when Cerys landed she found her hand grasping at air instead of the rope. She stumbled a little, starting to fall backwards towards the chasm, but pushed off to the side and rolled to a stop beside Lysander.

"Don't...say...a word..."

She cast him a glance that said more than her words.

"Well. We wouldn't want you to be hungry," she said with an eye roll as she looked over the next obstacle. The intent was clearly to swing across them. That could work. Or...

She jumped up, landing on the left most bar that supported the bars across the chasm. She turned around, walking slowly backwards while watching Lysander's reaction. She held herself with a poise and grace that her personality lacked.

"So...haven't seen you round Naboo much lately. Where have you been? What have you been up to?" She said. If Brandyn had been giving him missions to do on his own, she was going to be livid.

Lysander von Ascania

OUTFIT: | TAG: | EQUIPMENT:

​

 

[Phillip Slate]

Location: Training Grounds - Gall
Objective 2

"I've got this. I can do this. Trust the Force. Not my fears."

Phillip attempted to hype himself up as he hopped up and down in the spot, trying to keep the blood flowing through his legs. He couldn't risk standing around too long and letting all of the energy fade away. If he listened to his fears here, he knew he'd be a mess when it came to an actual situation that needed these skills. His eyes took in the boulders for a moment, taking in the movements of the Padawans ahead of him. Physics was at least something he enjoyed, as he tried to figure out the best approach at taking on the boulders. If the boulders had been touching each other, his current plan could have worked excellently...Might as well try it out anyway.

As soon as there was no other Padawan on the boulders, he stepped up, waiting for the motions of the boulders to stop. Once that was done, Phillip sent out a ripple of Force to Push the boulders. Attempting to make a poor man's version of a Newton's Cradle. There was going to be a lot of energy lost because of the gaps between the boulders...so he'd just have to work fast and trust in himself. Trust in his mind. Leaping to the first boulder on it's way back to grab onto the rope and then wait. Wait for the right moment to leap to the next boulder. He was trying to use the environment and education to his advantage.

"Don't look down. Look straight. Almost a quarter of a way done..."


Every fibre of his being was wanting him to look down. See how far the fall would be. But he kept himself steady. He wasn't going to fall. Not unless he wanted to. Part of him wondered if having a partner to do this with would have given him more confidence...or had just made him more nervous. If anything, Phillip knew it would have been more of a distraction. He didn't need any distractions as Philip prepared to dismount off the final boulder. Waiting for it to reach it's apex of the swing before throwing himself to solid ground! Rolling along the ground before hopping up to his feet. It wasn't anything fancy but he wasn't looking to be fancy. Phillip wanted to get it done without wasting any excess energy.

​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Cerys Dyn Aiden Porte Echo Athoth Ceri Fraissi Michael Angellus Tasia Palpatine Phillip Slate Rook Merriex

​

A smirk touched Lysander’s lips as he noticed the Togruta’s eye roll—luckily, it wasn’t quite dramatic enough to send her eyes into hyperspace. In a clever display of bringing herself upon the support bar, the Padawan found himself admiring the audacity of it all; the idea was brilliant. With a clap of his hands, his approval was expressed; he was also relieved that he wouldn’t need to further strain his arm, which were still sore from multiple training sessions earlier in the week.

Though deep in thought, a faint shrug may have suggested otherwise. Lysander did feel guilty as he gathered the words, similar to ones he’d been rehearsing during an absence that spanned several months. “I took some time off to visit family back on Ukatis, and also do some traveling. I guess you could say I’m just trying to figure myself out outside of the enclave." Under the guidance of his dark side Mentor, Revna, he had learned to master Force concealment, a skill that allowed him to hide emotions and darker energy that might give him away since he was back on Naboo now.

Then, jumping into action himself with natural grace, further supported by the Force, he landed perfectly just on the rightmost bar.

"So.. how's your training been going?" he asked warmly, perhaps even genuinely curious. "I'm really happy to hear that Master Bran is around again," he added. Even from the thought, there was a shadow of caution lingering in the recesses of the boy's mind; Bran’s murky past was well known to Lysander, as it was to many, and something about it kept him just a tad more humble.

 

[Aiden Porte]

Tags: Rook Merriex Thayze Montserrat Ceri Fraissi Lysander von Ascania Echo Athoth Tasia Palpatine Phillip Slate Michael Angellus

Aiden didn't really have much time to chat after that, he was already behind. The beams came first, he didn't moved immediately, he took a second or town as his eyes scanned the beams quickly enough and he began his trek across them. It was just as Rook had stated, you had to be fleet of foot from beam to beam in order to not risk dropping more.

That was done well and quickly enough, to get started, thus came the next phase and that was the the suspended boulders at which he had to time things very precisely and acccurately. Once again moving with a good pace as the boulders swung front and behind until he navigated through them well enough, one however did get the better of him. He was able to regain and make it through. Perhaps it was the adrenaline from the course as he didn't notice until he glanced down that there was a small cut on his arm. It wasn't anything bad, but he knew he would have to be careful.

Focus more and center himself with the force as he came to the Ascending bars and would soon began that trek.

 

[Michael Angellus]

Meanwhile…​

Journal Entry:

To “Bleep” with this!

Yeah! I bleeped myself!

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, so I’m going to do this my way, if they kick me off, then… well… I didn’t change anyone’s minds anyway.

These boulders swing? Fine, let’em swing. I’ll swing with them.

On the chains that hold them up.

I need to hop on the first one annnnd swing… grab… no I missed it… okay swing back and forth and GRAB… got it… wash… rinse… and repeat… and I feel like a Monkey-lizard…

We’re supposed to survive, right? I’m surviving. I don’t know if anyone really heard me, and I don’t really care at this point. I have a challenge that is supposed to kill me, I have a little “NOT 8 YEAR OLD” kid trying to kill me…

Last one… FINALLY… I need a min… what’s this an inclined ladder? I got this… Porte is taking a second… I’ll just pass him. This is easy… just “crawl”... It’s just an “inclined ladder” like they have on obstacle courses at the Naval Academy… the one I got to go to that one day anyway…

Don’t look down! Haha Why did I say that? I didn’t mean that.

Rook Merriex | Ceri Fraissi | Aiden Porte | @Phillip Slate | @Tasia Palpatine | @Echo Athoth | @Cerys Dyn | Lysander von Ascania | Eerie Omera .

 

[Cerys Dyn]

She continued her backwards path, ascending up the slim pip that suspended the bars below. It was precarious, and the wind was not slight. Cerys did have to work to keep her balance, but an unexplainable compulsion insisted that she not indicate any struggle. They were far enough ahead that it was only Lysander and any teachers watching. Unexplainable indeed.

"You can just...take time off?" Cerys said. She sounded incredulous. There is no way Brandyn would permit her to just go off on her on, even though she had already lived on her and done...well enough.

"Brandyn seems to be distracted entirely by his impending fatherhood," Cerys said. She could not keep the snare of her lips as she spoke of Cybelle Sal-Soren 's pregnancy.

She shrugged. "My training is going fine, I guess," she said, "he still won't tell me when I will be recommended for the trials..."

A quick glance over her shoulder told her she was close enough. With a crouch, and a push upward, Cerys jumped into the air flipping backwards and landed comfortably on the platform beyond.

"'...but I am clearly ready for them."

She stood from her crouch. Her lekku moved a little in the increased wind of their elevated location. She looked up the next obstacle. It didn't look to be too hard. Something to take quickly and just do it. But the wind would make it tricky, especially as it was creating a headwind.

"He keeps saying that I can advance when I learn some tact. But it is only Jedi I have low patience for...attachments and all," she said with a glance back at Lysander, though her eyes quickly averted.

| TAG: Lysander von Ascania |

​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Gall
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Rook Merriex | Ceri Fraissi | Cerys Dyn | Aiden Porte | Michael Angellus | Phillip Slate | Tasia Palpatine | Echo Athoth | Thayze Montserrat | Lysander von Ascania | Eerie Omera

The first portion of the trial was completed. Lily breathed in deeply as she landed on the platform and looked at the others who were trailing behind or struggling to find their balance. There was sympathy in her eyes and she felt a pull to help them but Lily also knew that she would not always be there to save them in the future so doing so now would be more of a detriment than a benefit. Especially since this was all training circumstances. Lily looked at the next phase in the gauntlet and the swinging boulders were interesting challenge.

However, it was once again nothing that Lily hadn't faced before. It was showing where her dedicated training and experiences were kicking in as a benefit to her in this challenge for Padawans. A lot of what she was facing were either methods she trained daily with or were things she had faced in real combat experiences during missions. Lily moved with the lightest of feet, bouncing off each boulder with little effort and once again demonstrating the grace that an Echani had when moving.

The ascension beams were a fun twist but Lily moved with her raw strength, able to pull herself up and use her arms to move along the beams while she used her legs to swing herself from one ascension beam to the next. It was not the most efficient way to move along the beams but it was a little flair for the dramatics that Lily couldn't help herself but indulge as she moved forward. Preparing for the next stage in the gauntlet.