Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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The Rise from Cathar: Roshim's Story

[OOC: Due to the limited information about the planet Cathar and the inhabitants' life-style, I'll be taking some liberties in this project. If any writers here have their own cathar character, do not think that my interpretations are set in stone! And, feel free to PM me if you guys find out any information that I get wrong!]



The Rise from Cathar
CHAPTER 1: Sung'datta and the Ideal Masters
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I

The yellow sun hung high in the sky on the planet Cathar; a striking contrast to the pristine blue. A large plume of blackish smoke stretched its' finger upwards as if to touch that beacon of light in the cloudless sky. Small gusts of wind would build up, blowing from the out-lands towards the horizon to the west where a village stood defiantly in the flat desolate plains that made up the majority of the planet. Massive trees could be seen easily in the distance, despite being hundreds of clicks away, where the tribe had made their homes. On this day, the village was empty.

Far to the south, the Talsung clan stood before Stone-Jaw -- a towering mountain-like cliff that formed a crescent moon shape when viewed from above. It towered hundreds of yards above the cathar, as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Three old cathar stood closest to the mountain, looking out towards the gathering before them. Divided by the large bonfire, six younglings stood side by side facing these Elders, with their backs to the rest of the tribe. Today was the day they would prove themselves worthy and fully become part of the clan. Not only would the younglings be seen as adults should they pass their trials, they would also be given their duties based on their performance. The rest of their lives would be decided because of this, which is what made the rite the most important part of a cathar's life. Failure, however, brought dishonor not only to the young cathar, but to his entire bloodline. He would have to wait another year to attempt it again.

The young cathar began to feel uneasy with anxiousness as the drums started, knowing that the trail was about to start at any moment.
 
Abruptly the drumming stopped, as the Elders raised their hands. "All eyes bare witness! All brothers and sisters stand for these -- our children and our future. Today, our strength grows!" Cheers rang up through the spectators, then stopped short as the Elder raised one hand lazily. "But let us not rejoice now, my kinsmen! For, the trials have not begun, and the honor has not been won!"

The old cathar stepped closer to the younglings, holding his thin arms out wide. "Your blood shall be tested thrice!" The Elder was talking to the young ones, but kept his voice loud so everyone could hear. "Your first trial shall be a test of your determination and perseverance! Climb the Stone-Jaw, and bring a terdacta egg back, undamaged, and you will claim honor for your clan!" He paused to let the directions sink in. "And, begin!"

The cathar sprung forward at a dead run, leaping upon the rocky surface of the cliff and using their retractable claws for more grip. Grunting and heavy breathing from exertion was the only sound the little cathar could make out, as he climbed stubbornly up the incline. The mountain wasn't the tallest on the planet, but it wasn't to be taken lightly. It would take a great deal of time to scale this obstacle, and would prove fatal if there were any slip-ups.

They climbed in silence, endlessly reaching, grabbing, pulling and reaching again. Hours crept by, but that didn't matter. As long as they could pass the test, all the pain and discomfort would be worth it.

Lost in his focus, Roshim let out a startled gasp as he reached for the next rock-hold, and found nothing. So caught up in the routine that had lasted who-knows how long, he had managed to make it to the top? Pulling himself up to the flat platform of uneven stone that was the top of Stone-Jaw, he thought he was the first one up. But, he was wrong. One other cathar had beaten him to the top. Non-other than the unlikable self-centered Colbin. Roshim watched as he placed the large egg in his backpack, which all of the young cathar wore, and tied it closed with the coarse leather straps. Colbin looked up at him, and smiled triumphantly as he shrugged on the backpack and made his way past him. Roshim snarled his lip in disgust at the cathar, walking briskly to the nest to grab his own prize. Maybe he'll fall, he thought, making his way back as the rest of the group were just reaching the top. The obvious excitement on their feline faces made Roshim smile. "Half-way there!" He called out to the others, and started the long climb back down.
 

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