Dominion Trials of Cularin | CIS Dominion of Cularin Hex

[Aspect of Defiance]

Cularin, a world full of history, known for being strong in the force. The world had remained untouched by the Confederacy of Independent Systems for some time. While the world itself seemed like a natural pursuit for the Southern Systems, the right to allow the world to remain autonomous was more important to them. With the galaxy watching the Confederacy, to see what they would do after lifting the misunderstood Confederacy First mantra, there was no need to rush into the acquisition of more territory. The lush jungle world, known for its beautiful trees and hardwoods, had never signaled a need for anything more than self governance in recent years.

All of that changed overnight.

Rumors began to reach the Presidum that a cult of force users which matched the same description as those from the recent events of Lorta were taking up residence deep in the jungles of the world, in what many believed to be a force nexus. They were searching for something, another artifact, more power, anything which would further their agenda. Little was known as to what the agenda was, but such activity along the borders of the Southern Systems could not be ignored.

In what would seem like a repeat of history, the force sensitive natives, known as the Tarasins began to revolt. Feeling threatened by those who would seek to rob their planet of what they wished to remain untouched, they took up violence once more. If no one would drive the intruders from the planet, they would, along with everyone else that were not of their species. This was another matter which the Confederacy could not ignore. While the Southern Systems took pride in their beliefs of autonomy, they also could not sit idly by while systemic genocide was occuring so close to home.

Many Confederate worlds near the Curlarin system found the planet to be an ideal place for vacation, or trading for goods they could not find elsewhere. The popularity of their jungles brought many from all over the galaxy. Such an act of violence could not continue. Confederate citizens could not be put in the crosshairs of such hateful acts. Military action would be required, and at the request of the Cularin ruling body.

The sordid history of Cularin would be changed for the better, once and for all. With agreements reached, and the signing of the Confederate Charter, the Confederacy of Independent Systems would not only welcome a new world into their fold, but they would bring with it the reforms which were greatly needed.

Spoiler: OBJECTIVES

Investigate the jungles and search out the cult of force users. Rumors that a force nexus of some kind rests at the heart of the jungle have also reached the Knights Obsidian. Discover if there is any truth to these rumors. If so, determine the effects and evaluate potential danger. Eradicate the cult.

The Tarashin natives, a strong force using species, has begun a revolt on all foreigners. They possess a hatred for all those they consider to be aliens, believing they only wish to steal from the planet. The ruling body of Cularin has asked the Confederacy of Independent systems to stop the rebellion. The main stage for this is in the heart of the capital city itself. Stop the attacks, rescue as many of the citizens as you can.

Cularin has a lot to explore. From urban areas to the untouched jungles, the planet has something for everyone. Choose your own adventure. “Climb every mountain. Ford every stream. Follow every rainbow, til you find your dream.” (Sound of Music -- lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II)

Spoiler: TAG LIST

Alaria Telwith
Alban Roble
@Alden Akaran
Amelia von Sorenn
Anakwor Farlorn
Anashla Deshal
Ar'tal Ktruok
A Arisone
Archon Xris
Ashelia Solidor
A Aston Jacobs
Aya Clarke
Bastille Rommer
Beric Layne
Bentil Mortop
Bullwark
Caesar Kenway
Cazo Thraos
Corvus Dravere
Colton Renth
Corran Watts
@Cypher Rage
Damsy Callat
@Danielle Mueller
Jayce Pryde
Decious
Dispara
Draconis Sederius Wolf
Easy-G97
Eli-Mae Forrest
Elsasca Selcoc
Eryneth
Fawn Alzi
Faye Malvern
FN-1138
Gerwald Lechner
Holt
Hester Shedo
IG-65A
Jason Farkas
Joannis Campbell
John Locke
Julra Repraj
Karlie Lynn Destat
Kasca Fen
Kathryn Foster
Kayla Wylen
Kiff Brayde
Krystal
Kurenai Yumi
Kyber
Lady Moll
Lesya Kosarev
Lyla Quinn
Lyra Vent
Maani
Maple Harte
Maria Savilia
Mathieu Brion
Maur
Mila Uhlesifa
Millu Lee
Fury of Aerðs
Muad Dib
Myrrdin_Emries
Nimue
Nine Lives
L LGMForever
Pravus Cruento
R4-AUD
Rabbit
Rann Thress
Rayne Centaris
Razelle Breuner
Redd
Ryk Gaelir
Rylan Kordel
Sabine Delacroix
Saram Kote
SC-A1
@Sergei "Jack" Jachovich
Shuklaar Kyrdol
Srina Talon
Startorn
Subject 73 Red
Taiia Mataan
Talon Rahl
Talak Jenste
Tess Valnora
Teyla Sal-Soren
ToKola Bakari
Tyran Numeck
@Udrid
Uxagi Xatash
Valencia Hadley
Vanric Dannon
Vemric Keldra
Veronika Fleischer
Vess Sadragen
Vio Doni
Visanj T'shkali
Kyyrk
Vyse de Valorous
Vytal Noctura
Valeria de la Vallée
Cord Starfall
Telula Vale
Alluria Ivalice
Oleander Webb

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Objective: 2 Rebels
Tags: TBA

Another planet another rebellion, one fueled by hatred for outsiders. WHile not somthing new the extremities of the revolutionary army was somthing to raise and eyebrow too. Ths Cularin were certainly not a welcoming people, well unless they were under threat, like their leaders were.

Rebels was somthing Kurenai was well versed in, having been one herself many years ago during the varying Sith empires, often being a member of said rebels or mercenaries hired by them. Their tactics, way of fighting and goals were somthing she had first experience in doing herself, hopefully the Cularian natives were not to much different in that regard.

First step would be to secure a perimeter around the more central parts of the capitol and prevent the rebels advance, establish an proper LZ and begin the process of evacuating. "Everyone best keep their eyes open, though there is the saying all is fair in war revolutionary rebels often go out of their way to do nothing but unconventional tactics". "Expect ambushes, hit and run tactics attacks, rebels trying to blend in with civis and other guerilla tactics, but at the same time don't be surprised if they mount a full on frontal charge". "Unpredictability is what rebels are best known for along with their resourceful nature".

It was through these methods that time and time again rebel factions could win against better equipped and trained military groups. "Once we reach the surface be ready for just about anything".

 

[Subject 648 Slipknot]

Objective 2: Rebels
Tags: Kurenai Yumi , Open

"Go, go, go!"

"Push up! We need to move!"

"Keep your heads down!"

"Gah!"

"Medic! I need a medic over here! Man down!"

"Where's the rest of our forces? Where's the armor?!"

"INCOMING!"

Slip dove into cover behind a fallen column as another shell landed close-by, exploding, sending rubble flying. Blaster fire rang out everywhere, bolts flying in every direction. Rubble littered the streets of the capital. Bodies of both Confederate forces and Rebel forces lay everywhere, and the wounded lay among them, medics desperately trying to reach them and heal their wounds. Confederate forces were trying to push up, but were experiencing heavy resistance from the Rebels. It was a true hellscape.

Of course, this wasn't the first, or the last time Slip would be in a hellish place like this.

Slip peaked over his cover, observing the battle. It wasn't going too good. One bad thing had happened after another, and now they were in this position. A good amount of their shuttles had been shot down before reaching the LZ, leaving most of their troops and supplies stranded. The other shuttles had been forced to land early, because of heavy fire. Now, a good amount of their forces were separated, pinned down and separated by enemy forces all over the city. A couple of shuttles had managed to make it to the LZ. Slip's shuttle had managed to make it to the LZ. The problem was, the zone was surrounded by a heavy enemy presence.

And it seemed like the Rebels were everywhere. Hiding in every nook and every cranny. One could barely move forward without getting shot at from a random direction. The Rebels had set up a pretty intense ambush, and now were resorting to other methods of guerrilla warfare, too. Needless to say, things weren't going too well.

Nearby, a Confederate soldier got hit, falling to the ground. Slip pointed his blaster at where the shot and came from and fired. Through the Force, he felt that his shots had hit. It was hard to hear anything of the fighting, even with Slip's enhanced hearing. A couple shots flew towards Slip's direction, hitting against the column he was behind, and he popped back down into cover. He took off his mask, and wiped off from sweat with the sleeve of his jumpsuit off of his forehead, before putting the mask back on. Kark... this place was hot.

A Lieutenant ran over to Slip, and ducked behind the same piece of cover Slip was behind. Blaster fire continued echoing out from both sides, and more explosions went off.

"Where the hell is the Captain?!" Slip asked, yelling over the sound of a nearby detonator exploding.

"He's pushing ahead with the rest of his company to try and link up with 37th platoon!" The Lieutenant replied.

"Well... what about the Major? Where's he?!"

"No idea! We got separated from him, and we haven't had contact with him! We're trying to send runners to go and establish contact with where his shuttle went down!"

Slip scowled. Some more blaster fire flew overhead, pocketing the cityscape. "Alright, we need to hold out. We need to keep on fighting and attempt to break through. I'll try and figure out where our reinforcements are!" Slip said. The Lieutenant nodded, and ran back off, dodging between cover.

Slip pulled out his commlink, and activated it, broadcasting. "Attention! To any Confederate forces, this is Slipknot! The first wave on the capital is being held up by a heavy Rebel force! Our forces had been stranded and split up. There is a heavy Rebel presence! They're putting up heavy fire! I repeat: most a good amount of the first wave has been split up and stranded! I'm currently at the landing zone, and we're surrounded by hostiles!"

A friendly bomber flew overhead, dropping its payload on an enemy EWEB gun nest, the explosion adding to the noise of the fight.

"Where are the rest of our forces? We need assistance at the landing zone if we're going to hold this position!" He said into the commlink.

Kark, he was starting to really hate this planet.

 

[001-A-986 "Nix"]

Equipment: flight suit uniform with combat armor kit, tau squad weapon, M60 G60
vehical: AT-2 heavy gunship


Nix would Fly into the hotzone In his AT2, Dispite the overall birds lost today just getting troops and supplies out there. Reaching out to the forces at the LZ Nix spoke over the radio as various rounds and blaster fire pinged off his bird. "Heard you boys and girls could use some air support, if you can mark em i can see if i cant clear your fellas some breathing room." Flicking a switch as his gunship was warning about missle lock a series of chaff flair sprung out of the left side of the craft before Nix let loose a few AP missles at rebel lines.

"I'll try to stick around as long as I can before I head back to rearm and refuel. so until then you folks have my undivided attention."

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

W A R R I O R​

WEARING: xxx
WEAPONS: Wolfsbane | Ferrum Solus | Icebreaker | Stormafbryder
ALLIES: Oleander Webb | Open

Once again Gerwald found himself leading a company of the Knights Obsidian in pursuit of a cult, a group of extremist force users, which posed as great a threat to the Southern Systems as the Brynadul did for the rest of the galaxy. It had become a pursuit and obsession. There were some who noted he seemed to be as taken by eradicating the cult as he was about bringing Naedira Darcrath back to life. Those who were close enough to him knew the Lord Commander to be one of passionate pursuits when it came to the way he worked. If there was a thing to be done he would see it through to the end.

Gerwald’s hand gripped the bar just above his head firmly. The dropship would touch down on the landing zone soon, and they needed to be ready. They all needed to be ready. The jungles were dangerous, the cult had proven they were not beyond rituals of other worldly nature to further their agenda, and the local Tarasins did not think outsiders were welcome. A battle which would involve each of those variables was just ahead of the team which accompanied the Force Master.

One such was the anzat which seemed to never leave his side on such excursions. While the phrase “joined at the hip” might not have been completely accurate, the wolf had learned to trust Oleander Webb with his life. He smirked at the irony as the brief thought crossed mind. It was rapid, gone as fast as it had come. The creature was one of death, and Gerwald knew that he likely seemed more a meal for the anzat than anything else. As long Oleander was Gerwald’s weapon to wield the wolf would hold some measure of security.

“I need to know if they are after the other eye, and if they know where it is,” he said to the man as he looked over his shoulder. “I don’t care how you get the information.”

Blue eyes turned to look ahead once more as the order had been given without any hesitation.

There had been a time where Gerwald might have second guessed his decision, but the threat of knowing another artifact existed which was capable of as much devastation as the one which decimated the Knights Obsidian numbers was one Gerwald would not suffer long. It had to be found, and the Lord Commander would find it no matter what methods he had to employ to find it.

Gerwald could feel the planet the moment his feet touched the ground. There was a power, a strength, which radiated from the heart of the jungle, one which was undeniable. Rumors of a force nexus had made their way to his desk, and with each successive step, Gerwald became convinced that the rumors were reality.

“Do not spread too far out,” Gerwald said to the others who were with him. “Be smart. The jungle will not be kind. The natives do not want us here. These cultists will not want us to find the nexus. Regardless, the objectives are clear. We eradicate the extremists, and we secure the Nexus. Any force artifacts you find… I want to know about them right away.”

The warrior did not wait for the others to confirm his orders as he made his way toward the heart of the forest. Gerwald itched for a run, the wolf inside him fighting for the chance to explore new woods.

“Not now,” he said to himself just below a whisper. No one was meant to hear it.

Whatever obstacles they would find, Gerwald knew he did not need the distraction of an antsy beast to be one of them. He would need to command himself as well as the others in his company.
​

 

[Oleander Webb]

INVENTORY: x | x | x
TAG: Gerwald Lechner | Open

Death came in many forms, appeared in many places. In the moment, Death leaned against the dropship's wall, perfectly balanced, absolutely no need to grip a bar for stability. There was a fight to be had, perhaps several. And in cases such as these, Oleander served as both jury and executioner, content to let Gerwald Lechner fill in the role of judge, at least currently. How long the Lupine would fill that role remained to be seen. For the meantime, at least, Oleander was an effective shadow at the Lord Commander's call.

“I don’t care how you get the information.”​

The smirk that tugged at Oleander's lips was almost cruel. He could get the information, alright. And it was quite entertaining how the other accepted his less than conventional methods of doing so. "If you find those who'd know first, give them to me," he said, a glimmer of amusement just barely caught in his grey eyes as they met the blue. Two sets on the lookout would be more effective than one. The ghost of a chuckle caught in his throat with how quickly the Lupine looked away. Perhaps there was second-guessing after all. No matter. Moral high ground had no place in the face of results.

The balance he thought he had was quickly forgotten, the Anzat nearly falling over as the ship lurched to a halt. He quickly caught himself, resisting the urge to cast a quick glance around to see how many caught his near-fall. Quickly righting himself, stretching as he exited the ship, he took a deep inhale as his senses took in the world around them. A low rumble could be felt in the pit of his stomach, a hunger awoken by the presence of whatever power that pervaded the area, nexus or otherwise. The smirk he'd kept under wraps before now fully came to life. "This will be fun."

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Wearing: Aquila armored flight suit
Inventory: T-7 ion disruptor, MSD-32 disruptor pistols, Viridian bladed lightsaber
Tags: Open

Once again Kurayami had found himself visiting Naboo on the anniversary of his leaving the planet behind many years ago, the only place he had ever considered home outside of a ship. After his visit he was settling back into the cockpit of the N-1X, powering up the systems and scanning the holonet for any interesting news as well as some of the old CIS comms channels. In doing so he learned of the current situation on Cularin. Seemed there was a search for a Force nexus as well as the quelling of an uprising in progress. Well that sounded fun. As he let the autopilot move the craft into orbit he set the astrogation navpoint to Cularin. On the way he looked over what weaponry he had on his person outside of Jenni's saber. T-7 ion disruptor and MSD-32 disruptor pistols. Plenty of ammo for each,, but hopefully neither of them would be would be necessary.

He kept an eye on the developing situation on the planet while he set down his ship and marked the clearing on his HUD. Climbing out of the ship he opened himself more fully to the Force, it was clear that the whole area around him was steeped in the Force, but there were small places that felt different from the norm. There were also rumors that a Force artifact was located somewhere within the nexus. That may make locating it exactly a bit more difficult but it had been a long while since he had undertaken any sort of archaeological expedition, so why not? Uncapping his flask, he took a long swig and let the Forge guide his steps as he headed into the thick jungles of the world.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

W A R R I O R​

WEARING: xxx
WEAPONS: Wolfsbane | Ferrum Solus | Icebreaker | Stormafbryder
ALLIES: Oleander Webb | Open

Oleander seemed to find a level of satisfaction in Gerwald’s request, or more accurately, his permission. The lupine never thought the anzat needed his approval to find sustenance, but allowing him to do so as a method of collecting much needed intel could be something that would be frowned upon. This was why Gerwald ensured his voice had been soft enough for Oleander’s ears only. The request made by the knight in return did not surprise the force master. The anticipated response caused the wolf to grin.

“I will look the other way, just be sure that you are not caught.”

Gerwald had not been clear on whether he would actively feed the anzat potential subjects. That had been intentional. Whether he did or did not would likely be a decision made in the moment. Neither of them truly knew what they would be facing once found what it was they were looking for. The primary mission was the Nexus and eliminating the cult. If that helped lead them to knowledge of the second eye, that remained to be seen. The lupine could only hope.

He shook his head at the near fall by Oleander. The knight could be cocky sometimes, and the overconfidence would be his downfall if not reigned in. There had been a time when Gerwald had thought he was nigh invincible, only to have that notion squashed at the hands of Darth Prazutis. One day the Dark Lord would come into his circle. Until that day, the Lord Commander would focus on what was his to control. His desire for vengeance and justice would one day be satisfied.

“Fun? Yes, I suppose it will be. I cannot wait to see the looks on the faces of these cultists when they realize they are about to be torn asunder by a giant wolf.”

There was something about the apprentice which made Gerwald feel he could be more of the predator, the beast, than man. Few held this privilege. To date, Gerwald could name only two others who had been able to touch the beast which were not his family. He was both man and beast, one in the same, but that did not mean everyone saw him as such.

Another presence ( Kurayami Bloodborn ) could be felt in the force. They were not alone.

“We have company,” Gerwald stated.

A rustling could be heard just ahead. It grew louder with each passing second. Something, someone, or several somethings or someones, had taken up an intercept approach. Gewald smirked once again as he took his warhammer in hand.

“And more coming from that direction,” he indicated the section of the forest in front of him. “Cultists or Natives wanting us dead? Let’s find out shall we?”

Pressing the force to his legs, Gerwald took off. Speed and silence would be his ally. They would have their answer soon.
​

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Objective: 2 Rebels
Tags: Subject 648 Slipknot

Radio chatter filled her comlink as her shuttle finally made it's way to the ground, small arms fire and more portable heavy arms filling the sky as the rebels tried to swat the landing craft from the sky. The vanguard had run into some issues, if the reports were to go by from Slipknot. At the very least the fighting made it clear which zones were safe to land at, giving her an idea of the rebels front lines.

"Listen up everyone, first wave is in a bit of a pickle, heavy fire meant the original LZ was a no go". "I want a few squads to follow me to help release our scattered forces while the rest of you form a perimeter around the new LZ and push out". She ordered to the varying officers, the disembarking troops heading to their rallying location. Time was of the essence if they didn't want caculties to mount to heavily.

"Rest of you we are going for for a spear head towards slipknots location. Once we link up there we can hopfully move as a full unit and regroup with the rest of first wave and bug out back here to consolidate our forces". She replied, placing her ballistic mask on, switching fully over to comlink.

"One that is taken care of we can make a push for the capital center and the original lZ and get proper ships down here". The short and simple orders being followed by conformations from the varying squad leaders accompanying her as the group began their advance through the streets. Weapon fire echoing from each direction as the varying element's of the CIS battled the rebels.

"Slipknot, this is Marshal Yumi, give me a sitrep and exact coordinates on your location, we are coming in to relieve you and would like some heads up before people start shooting".

 

[Kyyrk]

​

First deployment. Voph had specifically requested to be sent on this mission. Whispers in the dark of an item called "The Eye." And rumors that there may be a second one. Voph didn't know why, but it filled him with a sense of dread. And instilled in him an unquenchable desire to ensure the recovery of this device personally. He had made his intentions known to Srina Talon , and departed with all haste to join the fireteam. Horace perched upon his shoulder once again, now bidden by Voph to rejoin him. The owl could help protect him where his lightsaber could not.

Voph still refused to carry one. He was armed with a blaster, to be sure, but the iconic weapon of the Knights Obsidian was conspicuously absent from his belt. And so Voph found himself in the jungle armed with nothing more than the weapons of cavemen, insofar as the confederacy may be concerned. Gerwald Lechner was leading this mission himself, along with his shadow, Oleander Webb . Voph had remained silent throughout the trip, a sense of unease filling his bones. When they landed upon the planet, the sense of unease grew to a sense of dread. There was indeed a great power here.

His eyes glowed brighter than normal under the effects of the nearby nexus. And now that he was back in the field, this was not the only change in the man. He seemed more at home than any had seen him before. He lived for the hunt. The thrill of battle. Or so it seemed, anyways. Perhaps it was just the immersion in the familiar. The only thing he could remember. His days had been consumed by study of late. Attempting to rekindle his knowledge of the galaxy around him. But further reflections would have to wait. He lifted his sword from his shoulders, and drew his blaster in his off-hand. They had incoming. "Watch the flanks. They have terrain advantage and they know it."

​

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Wearing: Aquila armored flight suit
Inventory: T-7 ion disruptor, MSD-32 disruptor pistols, Viridian bladed lightsaber
Tags: Gerwald Lechner , Oleander Webb , Open

The formation of a darkside nexus had been one of the few things that had ever made much sense about the Force to the Corellian, some really bad chit goes down, the Force throws a temper tantrum and makes the area oppressively annoying or outright hostile to be around for too long. Or at least that is how Kurayami had described it to someone long ago when they were discussing the impact of nexuses. It was possible that with enough focus and strong enough users a nexus could be cleansed or in some cases destruction of an artifact could yield the same result. Here though, the mission was to recover the artifact not destroy it. There had been mention of a Sith cult in the area as well. Well that just meant more fun in the end.

The sounds of something moving through the brush nearby as well as the nearing of the other presences he had felt earlier brought him into a more alert state. Switching The sensor suite of his HUD to begin actively scanning the area through multiple spectrums. The HUD would display anything found nearby most prominently and it seemed there were three pings far closer than Kurayami cared for as he used the Force to pull the saber into his hand from its resting place on his hip. The other weapons remained where they were for now.

Slowing to s stop, Kurayami knelt down and zoomed in as one of the nearby pings started forward at a high rate of speed. Following the path of the unknown...thing more pings began to show up. Damn sensor suite. The thought that it was a malfunction or jamming signal was quickly dismissed as Kurayami reached out through the Force, feeling the multiple hostiles closing in. If he could catch up to where the other three were, then at least he could provide some aid for them. The thought was quickly brushed aside as several of the things started towards him as well. Fine, fight through these and then join up with whoever that was.

 

[Oleander Webb]

INVENTORY: x | x | x
TAG: Gerwald Lechner | Kyyrk | Kurayami Bloodborn | Open

His smirk widened with Gerwald's response. No, of course Gerwald wouldn't give him more to feed off of, at least not commit to it now. Still, it was amusing to watch the other drift toward less than ethical methods. Oleander wouldn't consider himself a tempter, not truly. He had no stake in anyone's fall or redemption, only an obligation to bear witness and to be there in the aftermath.

"They only fear the wolf for they do not know what lingers in the shadows," the glimmer of warmth that crept into his voice would suggest he meant that in good nature. It was a rare thing for the Anzat to attempt humor. The lingering tendencies toward professionalism demanded he be a silent, deadly force in the dark. And he delivered in that respect, certainly, but every so often, that shell cracked to reveal a touch more.

With mention of compan6y soon to be upon them and sensing them himself, the Waking Nightmare also took to motion, keeping to the shadow of trees while his counterpart and other companions took more direct approaches. Lightsaber in hand, its translucent blade ready to cut down opponents unworthy of extracting information from. Out of sight, out of mind, until his soon-to-be victims were out of time.

 

[Alessandra Creed]

B Y O O​

Location: Jungle
Tags: Valessia Brentioch & @Mishel Kyrze

The sound of exotic chirruping of birdlike creatures on the breeze should have soothed her more than anything, but it was the heat that let her relax. It wasn’t the same dry heat that Geonosis boasted but it was still preferable to Naboo. Everything was too green there. Too bright, too clean. Lush trees seemed to reach for the sky with roots that climbed out of the ground, wrapping, and turning around the trunk. As if clinging to itself. Alessandra walked through what might have been a path and felt gladdened that she’d worn a pair of shorts and a light blouse. Her boots were sensible with a thick tread and had been treated with friction grip.

Parts of the ground were wet in some places and she had no desire to fall. Mostly, because it had become a family outing and if she found her face full of mud: She’d never hear the end of it.

Chestnut eyes were drawn upward, pulled by the light filtering through the leaves, and she adjusted the heavy backpack she wore. Ch'hala trees were beautiful. Raising her hand she snapped her fingers loudly near the bark and watched the color and pattern of it change in response to the noise.

All right, that was fascinating.

Perhaps her Mother and Sister had been right to pull her away from balancing books and analyzing contracts. The last year had seen the Creed woman throw herself into her work like never before. Her office was rarely empty, and she was rarely home, leaving a flat too large, and too empty to fill up with dust were it not for the droids that cleaned it. “Did you know the natives make tea from the roots when the Ch’hala die?”

“And refuse to cut them down before then?”

It was almost a shame that religion held them back, but she could respect keeping something so unique protected. Lest the whole galaxy come and try to harness it. Her mother led the way, considering, she was the artifact expert.

Alessandra was just along for the ride and the company.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

W A R R I O R​

WEARING: xxx
WEAPONS: Wolfsbane | Ferrum Solus | Icebreaker | Stormafbryder
ALLIES: Oleander Webb | Kyyrk | Kurayami Bloodborn

Oleander’s attempt at humor had not gone unnoticed, it even elicited a slight chuckle from the wolf. He was cocky to be sure, but at least he was not overconfident in his abilities. If the cultists knew of the Anzat and the wolf, they would likely be changing their minds on their decision to attack. Yet, here they were, preparing for a fight. Gerwald was uncertain about what they would find once they cleared through the onslaught which was about to fall on them, he just knew they needed to be ready.

A small nod was given to the shadow. Oleander needed to make himself scarce now. It was time for him to find the shadow.

The lupine canted his head toward Kyyrk . It seemed the man expected the cultists to have the advantage. He shook his head.

“You do not remember what I am do you?”

The question was rhetorical. It was clear the former Lord Commander was missing his memory. In many ways he was no longer Voph which was why he went by another moniker. It seemed the fourth potential member ( Kurayami Bloodborn ) of their party was still closing in. He would need more help than two predators set loose in a forest. At least Gerwald knew the assignment was one Voph would be able to carry out.

“There is another trailing behind. See that he catches up with us.”

Gerwald began to run ahead, and as he did, the sound of his bones cracking filled the forest. In a matter of seconds, the man had become a beast, and ran into the forest, finding cover in the shadows. If the cultists had wished to flank the party, they would be surprised. The hunters had become the hunted.

Quietly Gerwald stalked a group of three. One was falling behind, and with a quick leap, the massive wolf wrestled the man into the bushes, his teeth closing around the man’s throat. The other two would be more direct. A paw tore at one to knock him down before the massive beast pounced onto the third. As quickly as the first had expired, the last fell by the wolf. The second ran, but would soon bleed out. They would not get very far.

< “Oleander… push ahead and tell me about their security. What can we expect?” >

He could only hope that Voph had similar success in his task so far.
​

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

BYOO​

Valessia led her daughters through Cularin's dense jungle terrain. Neither of her daughters had been keen on coming along for the trip, but mother dearest knew best and best was to provide her daughters the opportunity to spend more time together. It also would provide ample opportunity for Valessia to collect Imperial artifacts. Most people these days didn't really care too much for the Imperial things, at least not when compared to Jedi or Sith artifacts. A cult on the planet was devoted to the Sith, and while that was all well and good - Valessia preferred to use it as a distraction.

Lush green leaves created a canopy above them and as they ventured deeper into the jungle the more it was clear that they would be carving out their own path. "I'm still not sure why I'm here, I hate outside." Complained Mishel as she used the Force to gently push Cularin's nature away from her. "Also no, did not know that, does this mean you're sticking around for tea?"

"If your sister is staying then so are you, but only after we retrieve this artifact."

"Okay, sure, what's this artifact, and why did we have to venture this far for it?" Mishel both inquired and whined.

"If you had read anything in that intergalactic history class I paid for you to take, then you would know that the Empire once controlled all mining operations here. I am here to acquire details of their mining operations and when I'm done I'm sure some corporation will be eager to learn of the Empire's findings here."

Mishel sighed, "so we're here so you can play with rocks? Force help me, we could have done that, on GEONOSIS OR I DON'T KNOW SOMEWHERE THAT ISN'T OUTSIDE!"

"Mishel, my darling. You've been more outside than the three of us."

"Exactly, why I don't wanna be here."

"I also need you to focus," Valessia stopped in her tracks and turned to face her daughter. She smiled softly, "you my beautiful child are going to lead me exactly to where we need to go, and I need you..." Her voice trailed off as her attention shifted toward Alessandra, "to help her." She took in a deep breath and exhaled. "I want the both of you to focus, the Great Jedi Purge would have left residual signatures in the Force and where the purge took place - the Empire's mines are sure to be, besides, Mishel I'm sure you could find a crystal around here."

Mishel only sighed, again, as she huffed forward after her biological mother. The unorthodox Jedi wasn't entirely sure why she decided to come or how she let her mother talk her into talking her sister into this trip. "This isn't exactly what I thought we would be doing when you said that Ale and I should spend time together."

"Darling, if we were like any of these other families we would be at each other's throats vying for power or worse putting knives both physical and metaphorical into each other's backs." This time it was Valessia who sighed and then exhaled as she manipulated the trees out of their way, "But if it makes you feel any better, Mishel. We will return to my ship and have a family dinner."

Mishel shifted her lips to the side, "better be a big dinner."

"Of course, now, let us continue onward - this way I believe."

Alessandra Creed ​

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

​

Wearing: Aquila armored flight suit
Inventory: T-7 ion disruptor, MSD-32 disruptor pistols, Viridian bladed lightsaber
Tags: Gerwald Lechner , Oleander Webb , Open

Kurayami had stayed where he was for the time being, waiting for the cultists to move in closer as they were now slowing down hoping to stay undetected by the Corellian as he increased the sensitivity of the passive and active sensors while trying to keep track of the other three presences through the Force. With his attention split as it was one of the cultists was able to begin sneaking up behind working their way forward slowly.

Breathing deeply, Kurayami worked on centering himself awaiting the moment paying close attention to the feeling of danger to time it correctly. Finally the sense was overbearing from directly behind him. In a flash Kurayami spun to the right, igniting the saber in his left hand as he completed his turn, lashing out in a wide arc, spinning the blade from its reverse grip as he grabbed the hilt with his free hand and slashed diagonally through his adversary. Flourishing the blade back into a Form V opening stance, preparing to kill whatever dared to attack him.

 

[Kyyrk]

​

Voph snorted quietly, and muttered, "The wolf that hunts alone, dies alone." He turned back to look at the jungle behind him, drawing his blaster and holding it at the ready. He too sensed the straggler moving to catch up to them. He watched vaguely impressed as the warrior dispatched a cultist that had attempted to sneak up behind him. His blaster came up, and three bolts flew through the air at three other cultists hiding in the undergrowth. Voph's aim had always been passible, but paired with the Force, his shots rarely missed their mark.

Voph nodded to the man once, opting to not offer a quippy one-liner. He was just playing the role of gunslinger. "Seems that the others are confident in their abilities to handle the entire cult by themselves. If we hurry, there may be scraps to pick up." Voph's dry humor had returned in force, it would seem. He turned back towards the source of the disturbance, and moved forward through the undergrowth, clearly taking the lead, but lingering long enough for the pilot to keep up...

Kurayami Bloodborn || Oleander Webb || Gerwald Lechner

​

 

[Verin Oldo]

OBJECTIVE 2

Gerwald Lechner [OPEN]

Thwop

The reassuringly familiar sound that the vessels of the NAVCOM made as they exited hyperspace was inordinately pleasing to Fleet Marshal Verin Oldo. A veteran of numerous campaigns and one of the most well known in the sector Armada, Oldo was never one to turn away from adventure. A routine rerouting of his forces meant that they were deploying again in another far-flung location, way away from their home deep in the Bassadro Sector. From the gantry above the command deck, he viewed the hub of activity upon his flagship the CNS Al’Raja, a Victator-Class Battlecruiser. It was sure to be far above what was called for in any engagement today, but it did not hurt to send in the big guns occasionally. The arrival of the rest of the fleet was certainly overkill.

“Hands to stations” the deck officer cried out, Oldo himself taking a seat in the central command chair above the deck. He gazed down at the displays, the planet Cularin coming into view.

“I’d like operations report immediately. Inform them we are here and ready to deploy.”

The infamous 513 had burst into action, forming up as a blockade of the entry lane to hyperspace. Nobody was leaving and nobody was getting into the system without their say so; it was CIS territory now. The already numerous CIS naval elements which had enabled the deployment of ground forces would be relieved for the support-the inclusion of a Lucrehulk III Supercarrier was a boon! With its complement of near fifty Mark II Vulture droids, and a literal army of droid soldiers at its disposal, any ground forces could be easily aided, proving the forces could land appropriately.

The Heavy Dropships of the Air Superiority Line would bring a gargantuan amount of extra firepower, alongside any strategic aerial bombardment afforded by the sea of armaments now floating above the planet. In short, any insurrection was sure to end on the planet.

“Get me an open channel to the Lord Commander.” Oldo sat, adjusting his uniform.

“Lord Commander, this is Fleet Marshal Oldo of the 503[SUP]rd[/SUP]. We are in orbit and ready to provide any assistance where necessary. Please relay our readiness to the ground command.”


Oldo blinked, the transmission ending. He watched as the vast CIS forces began to shape up and deploy what was necessary to form an effective blockade of the planet.

Not going anywhere today, folks.



FLEET MAKEUP


513th Heavy Attack Line-Talay, Balis-Baurgh, Dantooine-11.9k

• x1 Victator-class Battlecruiser
• CNS Al’raja
• x2 Grievous-class Star Destroyers
• CNS Exigent
• CNS Carrhae White

• x2 Argente-class Assault Cruisers
  • CNS Last Disciple
  • CNS Shadowrun
• x4 Murkhana-class Escort Frigates
  • CNS Aspis
  • CNS Cannae
  • CNS Utica
  • CNS Capua
• x6 Terrus-class Flak Frigates
  • CNS Pedestal
  • CNS Aevala
  • CNS Sundark
  • CNS Alisandor
  • CNS Dantooine
  • CNS Garang

538th Carrier Line-8.64k

• x1 Lucrehulk III-class Supercarrier
  • CNS Vanguard
• x2 Argente-class Assault Cruisers
  • CNS Ambush
  • CNS Triumph
• x4 Murkhana-class Escort Frigates
  • CNS Arun
  • CNS Protectorate
  • CNS Vigilance
  • CNS Empress

Air Superiority Line 578

• x1 Grievous-class Star Destroyer
  • CNS Dauntless
• x2 Raxus-class Assault Carriers
  • CNS Fortress
  • CNS Redoubt
• x4 Terrus-class Flak Corvettes
  • CNS Havoc
  • CNS Gold
  • CNS Escape
  • CNS Battle
• x6 Miraj-class Heavy Assault Dropships
  • CNS Siege
  • CNS Ransom
  • CNS Devil
  • CNS Unyielding

 

[Khyr Beviin]

Jungles of Cularin​

The man opened his eyes to a flood of light, unfiltered. Sounds, too, came to his ears in a strange way. His body felt heavy, leaden limbs taking far too much energy to move. After a few moments of staring up at a strange panoply of green cut into thousands of similar wide blade shapes, but no two quite the same, he was able to turn over onto his stomach and bring his knees up. His hands, dirty and bare, pressed into the odd layer of dirt, leaves, and crawling bugs, leveraging himself first to sit on his heels, then up to a standing position. He slowly walked his hands up the rough bark of the tree next to him, fingers pressing into the long slits between sheaths of bark and over the odd length of thick vine hugging the tree.

Upright after several minutes of work, he leaned bodily against the tree, letting the pounding of his heart settle. While he leaned there, unmoving, his eyes roamed constantly and his mind searched for answers. Nothing looked quite right, nothing felt quite right, but he couldn't figure out why. Thinking more, he felt his stomach bottom out and nearly crashed to the jungle floor once more. He couldn't remember who he was. For several minutes more he leaned against the tree, forehead pushing into the bark as he tried to force himself to remember. He could speak and move, he could identify objects around him on a superficial level, but his own identity eluded him.

The sounds around him died all of a sudden, moments later followed by a horrific trilling sound echoing through the trees. Adrenaline filled his body, his limbs felt free of their leadened state and he stepped back from the tree. He fell into a wide-legged, crouched stance, his right hand patting his empty right hip, his left hand patting the opposite side. He felt naked, but didn't know why. He wore some form of clothing, a shirt, pants, boots that fit.

Scuffling from the trees overhead had him moving. His feet naturally stepping lightly, making little sound as he moved into the shadow of a large tree. He crouched by the bole of the tree and paused. His eyes searched high and low, then lit upon where the scuffling was coming closer. He stepped slightly more into the shadow of the tree and waited.

Along the lowest branch of the tree he had used to get himself erect, a long-limbed reptilian humanoid stepped. It sniffed at the air, then trilled a softer trill as it looked at the ground.

"Soft fleshed creature awoke and has moved into the jungle." The creature spoke aloud, and the man hiding in the shadow of the tree understood. "I will pursue."

There was cruelty to the three simple words that he understood all too well. Whatever had happened to him, whatever took his identity from him and left him feeling naked and alone out here in the jungle, this creature was hunting him.

The man did not fear, however. His eyes looked up and saw a way up into the larger tree he hid behind, and with care born of training he no longer remembered, he moved up into the tree. From his new vantage point, he saw the reptilian begin to move again. It retraced a few steps to the bole of the tree it stood in, then moved to climb into a branch of the tree the man currently hid in. The man climbed a bit higher still, then stepped onto a high branch a meter over the reptilian. The reptilian moved with natural ease as well but didn't notice the man until it was too late. A scuffing sound brought the reptilian up short and it's head around just in time to meet the boot coming down on top of it. The man hit hard, then struck again. His hands, his body, knew what to do to inflict damage. He hit throat, jabbed eyes, and bent limbs in quick succession that left the breathless reptilian gasping for air at first, then soon after no longer needing to worry about such trivialities.

The man pulled the weapons off of the reptilian before he even realized it. A knife sheathed and a holstered blaster pistol, along with a communicator and an assortment of other things in a belt lined with pouches. He slung the belt around his hips but found his own hips were wider set than the reptilians, and he couldn't get the buckle to meet. He settled for clipping it around his chest for the moment, then he brought the knife into his hands and looked around. He felt like he had gotten lucky, getting the drop on this creature. His own weathered skin was distinctly different from the leaves, trees, and litter of the jungle, he would be easy to identify. Back on the ground, he fixed this, rubbing dirt more onto his hands and over his face, the two patches of skin feeling the open air. The communicator on the belt came to life, and he quickly grabbed it and dropped it before he started moving again.

The reptilian had been hunting him, and now he knew there were others hunting him as well.

He didn't fear them, he only hoped they could answer his questions before they expired.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

​

Wearing: Aquila armored flight suit
Inventory: T-7 ion disruptor, MSD-32 disruptor pistols, Viridian bladed lightsaber
Tags: Gerwald Lechner , Oleander Webb , Kyyrk , Open

Voph's muttering and approach were lost amongst the sound of the saber igniting and the short lived scream of the doomed cultist. Three blaster bolts flew past Kurayami and laid out the other attackers. His immediate response would normally have been to eliminate the newcomer and get on with things, but it seemed that the presence was one of the three from before. The silent greeting was returned in kind, though the Corellian was smirking behind the impassive faceplate of his helmet.

"Trust me, most Force users I have known felt that way at one time. I know I sure as hell did long ago, perhaps a story for another time. Let's go."

There may have been less humor in Kurayami's reply to the man, but for now he needed to keep himself focused on the task at hand. Keeping up with his guide was not much of an issue. With the lightsaber in his left hand still ignited he followed along behind the 'gunslinger' leading the way. Once they got to the site then he could allow himself to give into the thrill of battle.