Raised Banner Tournament ♦ Round 1 ♦ Group 5

[Shalken]

In central Chaleydonia, Christophsis, lay a large arena. Today, its benches and sidelines were packed to the brim - for the fighters of the closest allies, the Accord, would challenge each other in combat. In the center of the sandy arena was a raised pedestal, with a diameter of 100 feet. Scattered near each opponent were a couple stacks of crates to act as cover.

The rules were simple: fight until you or your opponent surrendered, received too many wounds to continue, or were pushed off the arena. All weapons must be set to non-lethal; regular blaster weaponry can be used with low-power clips. Firespray, poison, and knock-out grenades are banned, and sonic grenades must be set to non-lethal.

@Headastator @Shalken​

 

[Daska]

Daska stood at the opposite side of his opponent on the wide pedestal, taking a brief moment to warm himself in the midday sunlight. He had bundle of javelins tied onto his back and held one in his left hand, the vibrogenerator in its tip making a subtle high-pitched whirr upon movement. His right hand was hovering near to the blaster pistol in its holster on his hip. Whilst he had no intention of killing or causing real harm in this friendly non-lethal tournament, the Trandoshan saw no harm in causing a little pain in the name of sport. Even using low powered clips a blaster wound still sting like hell and he didn't doubt that his opponent would be sparing him too much hurt either.

A recent outing to the jungles of Bakura had awoken a deep longing for combat that the infiltration expert hadn't really practiced since his youth, the unconventional choice of weaponry being a part of this primal calling. His cunning would surely help him in a battle like this, the few crates dotted around providing moderate cover and a potential means to get up close and personal with his challenger. Turning to the man, Daska beckoned across the arena. "May the best fighter win!"

 

[Shalken]

Rook kneeled on the edge of the pedestal, calming his mind before the round began. He ran a quick checklist of preparedness through his head. Physically, he was ready - he'd warmed his body up shortly before the match with a few synchronized patterns. His gear, lacking the grenades, knives, and armaments attached to his gauntlets, felt strangely light. He had also decided to take his stun pistol with him instead of his typical blaster, as it was still non-lethal and yet very effective on exposed skin. His Harlaw was clipped to his back, his kagebo split in two and attached to his sides, along some extra clips for his guns. Rook took in a deep, drawn-out breath; though he had certainly been in combat scenarios before, this was the first time where conflict was guaranteed. Normally he'd been able to sneak his way through missions, but this was entirely different. There was no sneaking his way out of this fight. Finally, he exhaled, touching the energies of the force before rising. His mind was now at peace as well. He was prepared.

He rose now, facing his opponent, a Trandoshan from the Specter Cell. From what Rook could tell, he seemed to be used to more traditional weaponry, espying the bundle of javelins strapped to his back. Bowing to Daska, Rook replied in turn, "Yeah! Good luck!"

Hardly skipping a beat as his bow ended, Rook drew his Harlaw from its clasp, switching its safety off and priming it. Bringing the stock to his shoulder, he aimed down-range, keeping his scaled opponent in his sights.

@Headastator @Daska​

 

[Daska]

As soon as his opponent raised his rifle, Daska swiftly dived behind a stack of crates. Apparently this man was a Crucible soldier, so he'd likely be better suited to open combat like this. However, not all of them operated the same, Daska couldn't afford to make assumptions. He was a stronger fighter in a CQC range, so he'd have to get up close to stand a chance. Another stack of crates lay to his left and a few metres ahead. Drawing his blaster pistol from its holster, he dashed to the next stack, taking a few pot shots at the man's arms as he did. Daska knew he couldn't close the entire distance, he would have to rely on his opponent to get closer to him. Crouched down behind the pile of heavy containers, he waited for his enemy's next move. Patience was key both in the field and in the arena. It usually paid off as well.

 

[Shalken]

Taking more of an opportunistic defensive mindset, it came as no surprise to Rook when Daska immediately ducked behind a stack of crates. Keeping his legs tense to dodge any incoming attacks, he backed his eye away slightly from looking down the scope so as to see both ends of the Trandoshan's cover - he could easily pop out of either side with little notice.

As he expected, his opponent leaped out moments later, firing off a couple shots in his direction. Avoiding the bolts, Rook stepped forward a couple feet as well, moving behind the stack of crates to his right for cover. Seeing Daska take cover again, Rook aimed down his sights once again. Rapidly extending a hand, while keeping the rifle secured closely to his shoulder, he released a pulse of Force energy at the stack of crates. Though it certainly wouldn't be strong enough to knock his opponent off the pedestal, it would certainly knock him off balance and reveal his position. Immediately pulling his hand back to the carbine, he released three shots directed at the Trandoshan's legs.

 

[Daska]

I didn't realise that 100 feet was pretty small until now. Whoops!
The crates Daska was using for cover began to shake for a moment before coming crashing towards him. Attempting to dart out of the way to no avail, he stumbled backwards as his cover collapsed and a sudden burst of energy pushed him into the open. Damn. The Trandoshan knew he was exposed now and the sound of shots being fired from a blaster came as no suprise. He'd been running backwards to some more crates and one of the rounds hit him in his left leg. Even when they were set to stun, blaster bolts still hurt and the Trandoshan affinity for going bare foot didn't help this. Flinching as pain seared down his calf, Daska shielded himself from more rounds behind a larger stack of crates. Regaining his composure, he made sure to stand back from the crates a little as he considered his options.

A force user. Lingering behind crates once again was not an option, they'd only be pushed down again. Going on the offensive was really his only option, Daska would have to use his speed and strength against the defensive human. Breathing out deeply, he sprinted out of the right side of the crates, zigzagging through smaller stacks as he rapidly closed the distance between himself and his opponent. Leaping at the man with a his, he swung his spear with both hands in an attempt to knock the gun out of his hands.

 

[Shalken]

Watching the trajectory of his bolts, he grinned in victory as one of them found their mark. However, these feelings were short-lived as he saw Daska began to rapidly dash from cover to cover, approaching his position extremely quickly. Damn, he's fast! Placing his rifle back on its clasp, he quickly drew the two tips of his Kagebo. Not having time to combine them, he crossed the two batons together in an x-shape to deflect the spear away to Rook's left. His left foot already forward from his default shooting stance, he followed up his deflect utilizing his natural body motion with an immediate, strong side kick to the Trandoshan's exposed midsection with his right leg.

 

[Daska]

Daska slid back as his blow was deflected, the strong kick following through with a nasty blow to his midsection. He could resist some pain, but all of the pain on both his leg and waist were a distraction from the duel. Daska would have to land some hits on this guy before he became to tired to continue. Being well versed in unarmed combat, he wielded his spear in a unique manner that allowed him to land kicks and punches as well as attacks with the weapon. This versatile combat form still required him to use cunning as always, speed being a virtue with weapons like this. The vibroweapon whipped through the air with a high pitched hiss as he regained his balance. He feinted a blow towards his opponent's legs with the pointed end of the javelin, reversing the attack before it connected and attempting to hit the man in the head with the blunt end as he shifted the weapon's weight.

 

[Shalken]

Though Rook was both accustomed and comfortable with utilizing ranged weapons in combat, melee was truly his primary field of expertise. Remaining in his strong stance, his right leg now forward, he whipped his right baton downwards and away to deflect the vibrospear away from his leg, simultaneously countering with a strong strike from his left baton into the Trandoshan's chest. Rook immediately realized his oversight as the blunt end of his opponent's spear connected with his left shoulder, its trajectory slightly redirected from its original target by his quick parry. Rook also commonly utilized a staff, and he mentally chastised himself for not seeing a feint like that coming.

Having landed his strike, he slid back a foot or two, his left leg now facing forward again and remaining in a prepared defensive stance.

 

[Daska]

As his attack connected with his opponent's shoulder, Daska felt a burning pain at his chest from a quick counter attack with the electrified batons, causing him to spasm in pain breifly. The other man had moved backwards, giving him a little more space for an attack. They both had their left legs forwards, ready for another attack. Jumping backwards a few paces, Daska slid another javelin out of its sheath with his left hand, spinning the right hand one around and readying it for a throw. Mustering the strength he had left he threw the blunt end of the spear at his opponent's legs before closing back in and readying for another attack.

 

[Shalken]

Closely watching his opponent as he backpedaled, Rook watched Daska draw another javelin as he spun the one in his right hand. Seeing the Trandoshan raise his right arm and pitch the blunt end at him, the boy slid to his right out of the spear's trajectory, bemused that he would take such lengths to avoid harming his opponent. Not that Rook minded, it was a noble gesture.

Bracing himself as Daska charged back into close quarters, Rook quickly stepped out with his right leg forward and swung his left baton out, connecting it with the Trandoshan's arm slightly above the elbow to deflect the arm and weapon out of the way. Stepping to his opponent's right and slightly outward with his right leg, Rook quickly brought his right baton rising up, striking Daska in the back of the head. Though it certainly wasn't as strong as Rook could have made it, the electricity coursing at the weapon's tip would still make it effective.

 

[Daska]

Daska parried his opponent's left baton, driving the weapon up and following through with a quick, forceful bash to his elbow. Having deflected one attack, he swiftly redirected his attention to the right baton that was swiftly approaching the side of his head. Daska internally let out a sigh as he knew he'd been outmatched. The electrified baton connected with his head, the blunt pain being followed up by the burning sensation of an electric shock to the head. Staggering backwards and breathing heavily, the Trandoshan collapsed to the floor.

He was beaten, too injured to go on. Or at least that's what his opponent was probably thinking. Daska had been in situations like this before and got out of them alive, albeit with a slightly demoralised sense of pride. Leaning on his arms, he looked up at the man. "Nice job, kid. You know, it's true what they say-" In a flash he had drawn the blaster from the holster on his right hip and fired three shots into the man's legs.

 

[Shalken]

Even though his attempt to direct Daska's body away was met with a dull hit to his elbow, Rook was pleased to see his primary attack land. Watching his opponent collapse to the ground, he re-attached his batons back to his sides as the crowds hollered at the result of the blow. Glancing at the audience, his attention was drawn back to the Trandoshan as he spoke. Seeing him whip the pistol from his side, Rook's eyes widened as he drew his stun pistol rapidly from his side, one of Daska's bolts hitting their mark before Rook leaped out of harm's way, shooting three stun bolts at the Trandoshan's exposed head and hands.

 

[Daska]

One of his shots had hit, but the sneak attack hadn't quite had the desired effect. Whilst he'd hoped to catch the man off guard and knock him down, it looked like Daska would need more than a shot to the legs to take down his opponent. He had developed a substantial pain resistance over years of injuries and close calls, so the fight wasn't over yet. As soon as he had let loose the blaster bolts he had rolled to one side and began to get up, although another round from his enemy's gun struck him in the left arm.

Being knocked back down, he dragged himself behind a nearby crate with a surprsing burst of strength, providing a moment of respite. He could walk, but he doubted he could fight much longer. Getting up into a crouching position and drawing a spear from his quiver, Daska leaped up onto the crate and sprang off towards the man for one final attack, swinging his spear above his head with both hands for a savage downwards strike to the upper body.

 

[Shalken]

The blaster shot left a smoking mark on Rook's shin guard, but he remained mostly fine, besides being slightly winded. Seeing Daska retreat behind the crates, Rook quickly holstered his pistol, re-drawing his batons and snapping them into the full staff. Expecting a few more blaster shots or a javelin appearing from behind cover, he bent down into a ready stance, keeping his weight on the balls of his feet.

Seeing Daska clamber onto the crate and leap at him, Rook realized there were few easy ways of parrying such an attack without receiving damage of some kind, and thus slid to his right several feet out of harm's way, only to transfer his weight back onto his left leg and extend the staff out, jabbing at his opponent's exposed side beneath his arm.

 

[Daska]

Swerving his attack before he landed, Daska hoped to catch his opponent's left arm with the javelin instead of his head. Unfortunately, this risky attack didn't pay off and a sharp electrical pang in his left side sent him crashing into another crate stack to his right. An audible cracking sound from his ribs signalled he was finally beaten. That would take a while to heal. Collapsing to the sandy floor, he panted heavily, staring up at the arena's cheering upper stands. They'd entertained the crowd, which was sometimes more important than winning the fight. Looking across at his opponent, Daska chuckled. "Good hunt, my friend... Good hunt."

 

[Shalken]

Detaching his staff back into the two batons and sheathing them to his sides, Rook removed his helmet. Bowing low to his opponent, he replied, "Likewise."

Finis​