Second Sith-Imperial Tournament - Heca Foliou vs. Orion Darkstar

[Darth Carnifex]

The Shâsot Skyhook Arena
Lorrd

High above the world of Lorrd, and tethered by many reinforced cables and repulsorlifts, was a magnificent skyhook of glittering metal and sparkling reflective glasteel. Recently constructed at the behest of the Imperial Directorate, the Skyhook was made for one purpose and one purpose only.

To prove a warrior’s strength.

Inside was a massive arena, nearly a hundred meters across and almost twice that in length. Around it was high walls, taller than any beast or sentient creature, with an electrified energy field projecting all the way up to the ceiling. The field bowed in towards the middle, curving as it traveled up to form a sort of tapered point when it reached the secondary generator built into the skyhook’s ceiling.

Outside of the energy field was a miniature community, endless rows of seating, private boxes, concession bazaars, gambling hubs, and residential living. Everything was arrayed perfectly to ensure that those who came to witness the looming battles had every convenience at their fingertips. Nothing was more magnificent than the high-rising tower reserved for the Emperor and his entourage, which afforded them the best view of the entire arena and was equipped with multiple commodities not found elsewhere in the skyhook.

As the days counted down towards the grand start of the Second Sith-Imperial Tournament, tens of thousands of wealthy Imperial citizens flocked to Lorrd to partake in the spectacle. Members of the Empire’s military aristocracy were among the first to arrive, themselves afforded a special privilege in acquiring the private boxes closest to the arena floor. Imperial bureaucrats, lesser military, and others followed shortly after to fill in the remaining ranks. For those either too far from Lorrd or unable to travel for any means, the tournament was to be broadcasted live to every member world of the Sith Empire.

The day of the tournament arrived, and the arena was packed beyond capacity.

Anticipating hung in the air like a deathly pall, and a hush fell over the crowd as the massive floodlights dimmed until only one remained to highlight the announcer’s podium. And upon that podium was a sight to behold. A figure, clad in purples, surely a pinnacle of fashion somewhere, the remnants of a laugh as he stepped up to his post. His arms spread wide as if to welcome each and every audience member.

“Welcome, welcome, one and all. It is with my deepest pleasure that I welcome you to this test of ability.” Clasping his hands together, a few of the intricate tattoos that took up much of his arms began to glow. With it, images of the combatants cycled through, the details of each image a bit too exact to be holograms.

“We have quite the treat for you all this day, but enough from me. Why don’t we meet some of our contestants? In fact, why don’t we just cut to the chase? What say you, contestants? Ready for some sweet, sweet, bloodshed? A rush of adrenaline?”

“Let the games...begin!”

Contestants: [member="Heca Foliou"] | [member="Orion Darkstar"]
Terrain: Swamp
Variables: N/A

 

[Heca Foliou]

She had little interactions with the other disciples of the Sith Order no matter what their rank was. One would think she would train at an academy and make colleagues amongst her peers. Rather she found herself much...superior to her ilk. All thanks to how her current lifestyle was and is. A grand fortune whose profit amassed everyday with the many investments that doubled their profit, her glamorous looks, and her talent in the Force that was being refined with the help of her mentor, [member="Matsu Xiangu"]. The latter was the primary topic she cared about the most. It was enough to satisfy that black heart of hers, once a beating red before being robbed of it. Pain and misery became a source of energy that helped the young Acolyte progress in the path and followed.

Far she was from becoming a Knight, but her Master was impressed and proud that the time and energy she invested in the Foliou was blossoming. The Maenan had faced many unorthodox trials that always had some element of danger that could lead to death. Thankfully, no accidents happened. Or at least major ones.

With the training simulations she had overcome Heca felt prepared to test her metal against someone on par of her own skills. Her wanting to prove herself to not just her Master, but other Sith followers pushed her to be here today on Lorrd in front of millions of people. All chanting and demanding for violence and blood to be shed. And so they would have their wishes fulfilled. She was not here to disappoint. Coming with nothing except a lightsaber, light armor composed of armorweave and leather armor padding, and her knowledge in the Force she was determined to claim victory for herself.

She stood amidst the swamp that surrounded her, composing a strategy against her opponent. The terrain would not allow a simple duel, it was an obstacle to defeat and use that for her own advantage. The Foliou would walk on any land available to her and swim across whatever she had to cover. Needed to close the gap between her and the opponent.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Orion Darkstar"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

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Gear:​

War's Edge​

Red Variant Lightsaber​

Valis Worship Lightsaber - Opaque​

Light Armor​

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It had been some time since the echoes of his defeat. The Capital of Bastion had proven too much for many capable fighters and Orion. Still, he fought valiantly and the spectacle that he put on for not only the emperor, but the thousands that watched was truly something to behold. None of that mattered though, at least; not to Orion. Instead, he took his defeat and dissected it. He ripped apart the flaws and learned to improve on them. The wit he continued to utilize would eventually bring results. Of course, that's all anyone really cared about...​

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Results. ​

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Despite all that, Orion decided to take another go at it. His travels forced him to grow, and grow he did. The word of another tournament had gotten to him in the nick of time. Thankfully, he made it to the Skyhook that hung over the planet Lorrd like a imperial shadow. He would yet again, be another contestant in the Emperors game of strength and mettle. This time however, in an ironic way, Orion found himself yearning for results. He wasn't here to lose a second time or squander the opportunity.​

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No, this time he would emerge victorious. Orion wouldn't stand for second place. There wasn't room for petty errors like before. From the ashes of defeat, he would be reborn like a vengeful phoenix of fire and fury. ​

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The tube he was told to step into was tight. A consistent form of bursting air pushed upward from beneath his boots. His normal armor was detached, instead a light set hung over his chest with a black form of cloth underlying beneath. Along his waist was a gunmetal belt, affixed with weapons on each side. Strapped to his back clung the War's Edge. A gift from his long ago master. Over the years, Orion had become exceptionally deadly with the sith sword. Regardless, he was ready to be launched from the tube and down below into the arena. A small click encompassed the narrow area he stood in. Before long, the descent began. The loud humming of his peculiar elevator travel made him smile. Orion's fingers began to tingle and the thrum of his heart switched from a quiet storm to a thunderous beat. He was ready. ​

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With a tight clench, his fingers slid along the edges of a mask in his left hand. He turned to the outside part of the clear glass and took a deep sigh. He arched his head upwards and slowly lifted his mask to the air above him. The descent into the arena slowed and before the final latch clicked, his mask hid a malicious grin. A loud hiss released him from the tubular glass frame and he stepped into the arena. A fog hung in the air and the putrid smell of decrepit sulfur cycled through his senses. Along with it, dead trees that spanned for what looked like miles. The twisting canvas of death was fitting. Worse even, the intricate addition to murky and thick muddy waters would prove dangerous in combat. It seemed they really were testing their contestants this year. ​

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Orion could sense his opponent in the force, but couldn't see them. He stepped forward as the wet ground expanded, a slush exuding from the moss below. Something the other contestant may not have accounted for was the sudden impact the air would have on them both. The warm, but dry conditions would prove treacherous if they weren't careful. Leading to dehydration and in some cases a form of exhaustion. Falling trees would even be fatal, as the light tinge of wind forced creaks from the hollow rings of the once great bloomers. One terrible mistake and it could be all over. Orion knew this all too well, analyzing the battlefield before him. He would be patient and the darkside would continue to comfort him like a cold blanket of truth. ​

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If he was going to win, he needed to remember one thing.​

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Make no mistakes...​

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[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Heca Foliou"]​

 

[Heca Foliou]

In a situation like this, with a fog somewhat limiting what one could see, it was important to be on the move. Or at least that was her preference when analyzing the current situation. It would be rather foolish idling around and not changing her position. Better than doing nothing. While moving around, using the terrain at its best for her own convenience, her mind began to tick and turn. Sure she lacked in some muscle density, always having the downside when in hand-to-hand combat, but she made up for that in other aspects. Her intelligence was one. She didn't exactly have too much information on her opponent except that it was a Sith on her level or on par, but what was around her did account for. It was already a pain to mobilize in the swamp, and the same would be for her opponent. Of course, she could have a slighter edge if she took the needed steps to get there.

Already some little amounts of sweat began to drop from her head due to the air that was influenced by the swamp. This couldn't be a drawn out battle, it had to be finished in a quick manner. Otherwise fatigue would consume her, and that meant she had to conserve her energy and tactically invest it in the best moves possible.

Using the Force, she used it to pinpoint her opponent's general area and do her best to reach them. She absolutely had no intentions to use any method of stealth at this stage of the battle. She planned on outright attacking the Acolyte right now, and perhaps alter her posture depending on the factors she could not control.

Trekking now into the water she could sense her opponent nearby. Some distance, but not as before. And her greeting? A simple push from the Force that exerted from her at his direction. After that small offensive, she began to move about again. The games could now finally begin.

[member="Orion Darkstar"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"]​