Ask Korriban Rise and Grind

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Sith Training Facility on Korriban, in an individual workout room 10 minutes before sunrise.

Ayomi stood silently in the center of a dimly lit training room, within a small facility on Korriban most frequented by acolytes still learning the basics of lightsaber combat. For the Tiefling, though, it was a reminder of where they'd come from and a reminder that there was always more to be perfected. They focused on feeling the Force around them, the raw Dark Side energy that radiated from the planet around them. It flowed like an electricity rushing through their veins, at once exciting Ayomi's muscles and bringing fiery pain.

The Sith stood, twin crimson blades extending from either side of their lightsaber with a crackling hiss, knees bending with building tension before the Tiefling leapt from their stance with a flurry of action. Ayomi fought a battle within their mind, eyes closed as their body copied the movements in a physical and mental chess match against the imagined clone of Ayomi themself. Parry, redirect, a sliding dodge to the left followed by swift and powerful strikes to the right flank, the shins, an uppercut.

They moved in a red blur, the blades providing the only illumination in the wide training space as the sun had yet to pierce through the windows overlooking the dusty orange of the Korriban landscape. The space radiated with a dense aura as Ayomi channeled the Dark Side into their strikes and movements, notably stronger than any one of the usual acolytes would produce. The Sith continued their routine with power and purpose, a shadow dancing amongst the red haze in pursuit of a phantom opponent.​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai entered the training room silently as to not disturb the other Sith while he was training. Awaiting his turn. He had been instructed to head here by his new master, a Pureblood like himself which at first had surprised him, more so that it was a attractive female by his species standards.

Around his age too, which was enticing. But he had kept such thoughts to himself, instead obeying her as a obedient and loyal apprentice. In a hope to unlock his Dark potential. He was sent here to practice his lightsaber skills for now using a temporary one until he constructed his own. He observed as the female, a Tiefling fought.

He noted how she was fairly attractive for her species, at least to Trodai's yellow eyes and sported demonic looking horns. Also young by the look of it, about his own age. It appeared there were a few younger members of late. Much like himself. He noted that in many ways Tieflings were similar to his own kind, demonic in appearance. But it did not disturb him, in some ways he could relate to them. Despised for how they looked by superstitious folks. Ignorant fools He always thought.

He observed as she before him went about wreaking carnage, unleashing Dark destruction and death upon her phantom opponents. Enthralling the Massassi. As a Warrior and student of the Darkness. Eager to learn wherever he could.

He was impressed with her skills, affording her respect. A rare recognition from him.

As the young Tiefling female continued, he issued a respectful nod of approval and spoke as they went by.

"Impressive. Sorry for the interruption, I can't help but admire your lightsaber skills...As a fellow Warrior of the Sith. I was told to come here to train and improve my own skills, I was not expecting someone to already be here, for that I apologise for disturbing you. If you don't want me here I am happy to leave however...this does provide us a opportunity.

To learn from each other, and perhaps find out a bit more. Through combat and sparring. If you want? I am Trodai Narat iv-Adas, Acolyte to the Sith, Cyutadakr. I am a new addition hoping to unlock my potential. It is a pleasure to meet another Warrior. May I enquire as to your name? I do not believe we have yet met before now."

@Lord Kyle

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi sensed the fellow Sith enter the room, giving them the space to continue their routine as he stuck to the edge of the room. That was respectful enough; the Tiefling had no qualms with eager acolytes watching them practice, and they could sense a bit of admiration in the Sith's stare. He began talking, however, causing a now irritated Ayomi to slow their movements and finish the imagined duel early.

They finally opened their eyes, a piercing yellow tinged with red. They wiped a head of sweat from their forehead, above which wavy shoulder-length blue hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. They donned simple black training wear, a tank top with loose black pants and a belt from which hung a second lightsaber. Ayomi turned to face the newcomer, extinguishing their lightsaber and placing it back on their belt as they did so. He was tall, his red skin and facial tendrils identifying him as a pureblood Sith. Though not one for much socializing, the Tiefling had to admit the Sith, Trodai he called himself, was right. There was an opportunity to be had here; a real opponent, even an acolyte, was always better than an imagined one.

"Welcome then, Acolyte Trodai."

Ayomi responded, her voice cold and measured. Not out of malice, though maybe slight irritation, but predominantly their lacking social skills.

"I am Champion Ayomi Jakarta. I appreciate your... admiration. I would agree that the best training comes from live practice. Perhaps a test first, so I may better understand your skill with a lightsaber."

The Tiefling drew their secondary curved hilt from its spot on their belt, flicking a switch to turn down its intensity to a light burn. Training was best without loss of limb, but painful mistakes made for memorable connections. Ayomi held for hilt at their side with a thumb hovering over the ignition button, readying for Trodai's approach.

"Make your move, acolyte."​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Akheron inclined his head in respect before they began, as the lightsaber he had sprung to life on a lesser setting. He did not need the headache of explaining the loss of a Sith Champion while training. His master had given him specific instructions not to kill anyone on this occasion.

So Ayomi Jakarta was their name, a interesting name he found. More so they were a Champion which would make the duel all the more exciting, to see what awaited in the future. A hint at his own potential. Issuing a salute with the lightsaber,he spoke before entering a defensive stance, cautious of what may happen.

"Ayomi, pleasure to meet your acquaintance. As you wish, may the best Sith win."

Spoiler

Roll D20: 3

With that he began, twirling the lightsaber as much as he could, despite the weight of the blade. It reminded him of his swords but far more lethal and quick. But even then, there was no escaping weight and momentum. As such, he put a put a little weight behind it, using the momentum to swing the lightsaber at the Tiefling's left side, a attempt to jab near one near the ribs.

Merely toying with them, at least for now. A test just as they said.

But it failed terribly, the attempt was easily deflected and blocked, and he got a fresh, burning cut right across his arm and sent careening as a result. The flesh felt like it was on fire, as his momentum was used against him sending him into the wall and at least two cracked ribs. It was not a pleasant feeling at all. Clearly he had his work cut out for himself.

And it was only just getting started.

He offered a quick jib, even despite the pain and the combat.

"Nice move, gonna feel that in the morning."

@Lord Kyle

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi stared down the Pureblood, sensing waves of overconfidence as he entered a defensive stance. They suspected he was well trained in some martial system then, or maybe he really was just that thick headed. Whatever the case, her faux enemy abruptly changed his mind and rushed forward to push the offensive, twirling the lightsaber in the air. Trodai seemed to move in slow motion to the Tiefling; it was clear he wasn't used to the weight of the lightsaber, or trained in the deliberateness required to maneuver one effectively. His movements were too heavy, growing uncontrollable as the lightsaber moved more than he might've anticipated. He likely trained with something heavier, like swords Ayomi thought to themselves.

The Sith champion ignited her blade from its curved hilt and moved to block Trodai's heavy slash with a swift, fluid motion, redirecting the opposing blade's momentum up and away as the Tiefling sidestepped and finished the counter-attack with a swift slash to the Pureblood's arm. He careened forward, all momentum and no brakes as he crashed into the wall opposite of where he'd started. A side comment showed he'd recover well enough, though it did little to impress Ayomi.

"Your footwork was sloppy, and you swing the lightsaber as a child would a stick. The lightsaber is no common sword; it is fast, precise, light, an extension of your physical abilities. You must be decisive with your movements, always feeling the flow of the Force around you, through your every muscle, through your opponents."

They held their lightsaber out in a ready stance to the side, turning to fully face Trodai. The dull hum of their blades filled the short silence as Ayomi paused to help their lesson sink in.

"Come at me again, acolyte, but with focus. Don't attack me with the lightsaber, feel it as an extension of your attack."
​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai hissed slightly as he felt the pain of the blow, a swift slash made contact with his left arm, a irritation but not lethal. He nodded understanding the Tiefling Champion as he likewise entered a ready stance, this time he was prepared. And focused just as he had been told, briefly closing his eyes and allowing himself to connect with his inner Darkness. And for it to freely flow through him.

Becoming the quick learner he was known to be.

Then he opened them, as his lightsaber became the extension he wished it to be. A part of his arm, a tool to connect him it his Darkness and turn against his enemy. Approaching as instructed, Trodai was beginning to like this Tiefling, they had valuable insight. Striking out he went for the left, feigning a blow aimed to disable the arm and allow him to instead strike at the torso or legs, whichever fate and the Force decided for him.

Again toying with his opponent, only this time he knew what he was doing. Even if it was for now at least a bit unrefined, He was here to learn and learn he would.

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi let a small smile creep across their face; the Sith was a quick learner it seemed. His stance was already more balanced, his attack more even and measured. Maybe they wouldn't have to hold back that much against the acolyte. After all, it took beskar to sharpen beskar and the Tiefling was more interested in progressing their own skills than just being at teacher.

Ayomi brought their lightsaber up and across their body to protect their left side, blade pointing towards the ground parallel to their body. Trodai's feint was a nice touch, but his blade clashed against Ayomi's anyways. Sparks flew as they held firm against his strike

"You learn quick, acolyte - but let's see how quick."

The Tiefling's eyes flashed yellow as they drew on the Force, attempting to push the clashing blades up and in an arc that would leave Trodai open and exposed. If successful, the Champion would follow up with a swift Force-strengthened kick to the Pureblood's chest.
​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai let out a small snicker, yes he would show him. He was forged in the fires of combat, like marble he had been chipped away at and moulded by war, taught to be a hunter. Right now his prey was Ayomi Jakarta, and he would take no prisoner. As their blades clashed, the Massassi held firm against the attempt by Ayomi to counter his previous action.

His eyes yellow eyes briefly flashing a pitch black, almost demonic looking. As the Darkness flashed within and behind his eyes.

As both blades went upwards in the arc, Trodai held strong, using his strength and surprising speed, despite his size. When the kick came, he sensed the intention, his hair standing on end. Warning of imminent danger.

Trodai altered his momentum, adjusting and side stepping just a little and enough so that the kick went beside him instead of into his chest as he twisted round. He smirked. The momentum and power of the kick would force Ayomi forward he fathomed.

A mistake that would now hopefully cost him.

"Nice try." He called out.

Spoiler

Roll D20: 15

Successfully avoiding the kick, Trodai attempted to step within range, to close the gap and bring his hilt directly into the Champion's face. Right on the bridge of their nose. If successful he would follow up with a strike aimed to cut diagonally across from right to left in a cross-cross as he turned.

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Trodai wisely avoided Ayomi's kick, immediately putting the Tiefling in a disadvantageous position. The kick's momentum pulled them forward and they went with it, pushing themselves into a forward roll past Trodai as the Pureblood's saber slashed the air above them, singeing the tip of their ponytail. The Sith pulled up and out of their roll, landing on their feet and quickly turning once again to face their opponent.

"That's it!"

They encouraged. Ayomi grinned; this was turning out better than they'd expected. They missed having a challenge, but that's all they would allow this acolyte to be. Experienced fighter or not, lightsaber combat was an art in and of itself. It took years of study to master; experience the Tiefling was quite ready to utilize against their Pureblood opponent.

Ayomi flicked their tail, drawing on the Dark Side as they rushed forward with unnatural speed. Both hands gripped the curved hilt of their lightsaber as they unleased a flurry of blows; an uppercut from Trodai's bottom left up to his right shoulder to push his blade upwards and off balance, a second horizontal strike from right to left to expose his center, and finally a flourish of the wrist to re-angle their blade before a left-to-right cut across the midsection. Assuming the attack landed, it obviously wouldn't actually bisect Trodai but it would certainly leave a nasty mark.
​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai fought he continued to learn. Adapting and improvising...improving with each success and failure. Such was the Sith way, to learn from their mistakes and become stronger for it. Despite his inexperience with a lightsaber, he found his footing quickly. When Ayomi used the Darkness he felt the shift in the Force.

Attempting to prepare himself he bolstered himself, holding his own lightsaber to take the impact.

Spoiler

Roll D20: 3

His blade was sent backwards from the Force of the uppercut and the speed that had been employed against and as Ayomi's lightsaber passed it burnt a scar from the bottom left up to his right shoulder. Trodai briefly grumbled in pain and hissed as the blade cut him. It was then he countered, adjusting his stance as his Rage and Wrath grew, fuelling his access to the Darkness.

Spoiler

Roll D20: 20

As the second strike attempted to strike horizontally right to left to expose his center, the Warrior twisted himself again. Turning the blade forcefully to meet the strikes and countering with a flurry of his own.

Spoiler

Roll D20: 18

Pressing his advantage, Trodai continued, learning as he fought, studying each movement, with each action his eyes were transfixed upon Ayomi's lightsaber and then his target. When the next movement came he was ready, he attempted to force Ayomi's lightsaber upwards and return the favour from his first strike.

He ducked below Ayomi's waist and attempted to follow through with a sweep at his feet while bringing his lightsaber around, twisting his own wrist, and attempting to impale him into the ground using the momentum.

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi's attack was successful, even if Trodai recovered from the slash across his chest quick enough to avoid the worst of the Tiefling's following moves. The pair's sabers clashed, crimson red on crimson red as sparks flew and the two Sith continued to size each other up. Ayomi felt a few beads of sweat on their forehead; this was starting to get fun.

The Pureblood launched his own series of attacks now, attempting the same upwards slashing move the champion had used only moments before. They were ready for it, catching their opponent's blade against their own even as it required more strength to hold against Trodai's blade than before. Unfortunately for the Tiefling, they were caught off guard as their feet were swept out from under them and they fell hard on their back. Ayomi felt a piercing burning sensation in the side of their abdomen as Trodai's blade stabbed into them; luckily this was a sparring match, and only the surface layer of the skin was burned, but it still put an irritating hole in their black tank top.

Now it was the Tiefling's turn to retaliate, using both hands to grab Trodai's wrists and hold him in place, even with the lightsaber still stabbing into them. If he wasn't stuck he'd have to momentarily retreat to escape their grasp, and if he was Ayomi drew on the pain from their abdomen to fuel a strong, Force-powered kick from both of their legs up from the ground into Trodai's chest. If successful, the kick would send the Sith several feet back and possibly knock the wind out of him, allowing his opponent time to recover from their disadvantageous position.
​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai grinned enjoying every minute of the bout. This was what he lived for, trained for and was born for. He was a warrior and despite his youth and inexperience was proving himself quite the challenge. He was learning very fast indeed, picking up movements and adjusting accordingly.

As the Tiefling attempted to grab at his wrists, he pulled back to attempt an escape.

Spoiler

Attempt to escape grasp, rolled D20: 13

Successfully dis-enganging and managing to wrangle his wrists loose, Trodai tried something different. Although he didn't know much he knew the Darkness was an ally. As such he tried to stretch out, to see if he could try and Push at him and smash him into the wall. To connect to the Force and retaliate. To see if his connection was as strong as he thought it could be. To use the Force as his opponent was.

Spoiler

Attempted Force Push D20 Roll: 1

He completely and utterly failed. And so could only watch and try to counter what came next as his attempt did nothing.

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Trodai escaping Ayomi's grasp wasn't the worst thing; it forced him to pull back, allowing them to jump up off the ground and back into a ready position. The Tiefling could feel their opponent drawing the Force to himself, and widened their stance as they drew the same energy to shield themselves from the incoming attack. Ayomi braced to resist the incoming telekinetic push, yet it didn't even make it past their own defenses. It was understandable; learning to use the Force on a whim during the intense flow of a duel was difficult, and certainly not something expected of an acolyte still learning lightsaber combat.

The failed attack left Trodai completely exposed, and acolyte or not Ayomi wasn't one to waste a good opportunity to finish off an opponent. They dashed forward as the Pureblood's weak attack failed, aggressively slashing down from his left shoulder down to his right hip before flourishing their lightsaber and holding the blade at their opponent's neck as a sign of victory unless Trodai miraculously recovered from his failure in time.

A smirk once again crept across the Tiefling's face regardless of the outcome. Trodai may be a bit rough around the edges, but it was clear he had the drive to master combat that Ayomi themselves held close.​

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai braced but try as he might and what he did, he could not stop the assault. Again he felt the stinging pain as Ayomi's lightsaber cut at his flesh, or the surface level at least and brought with it the burning sensations. He winced a bit as the pain shot through his body and when his opponent went for his neck, Trodai reluctantly knew it was over.

He had to give the outsider credit, he was good. And it became clear there would be a long road ahead. Conceding, Troda I de-activated his temporary lightsaber and spoke as he attempted to get up.

"I concede. You fight well Champion, Ayomi. It is clear I have much to do, although I have learnt today. Perhaps we might do this again someday. I do hope we see each other again, that was fun and...interesting. You possess the Warrior spirit."

@René

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Another challenger, another bested in the art of lightsaber combat. Still, Ayomi had to give credit to the Pureblood acolyte before them; few acolytes who were new to a lightsaber could prove better than a typical workout. The gleaming beams of the rising sun began to shine through the window of the training room as the Korriban sun crested over the horizon and peaked over the distant mountains. The Tiefling deactivated their lightsaber, the crimson blade receding from the space next to Trodai's similarly-colored neck.

Ayomi listened patiently as Trodai spoke, running a hand through the hair between their horns as they clipped their lightsaber back onto their belt. Their long tail flicked back and forth with satisfaction; this acolyte reminded the champion of themselves when they were younger, albeit more talkative.

"You are correct acolyte; there is much to be learned in defeat, but nothing more than the knowledge that someone else is better. Hold onto that as you hone your craft, always aiming to surpass all others around you."

Ayomi replied, one finger tracing the new burn hole in their tank top.

"I hope our next meeting proves a challenge to us both."

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded as he rose up, shaking off his previous injury. It burnt but was manageable and wasn't fatal so he would be fine. He took in the words, knowing them to be true, he would remember. He spoke briefly before he left, offering a warrior's handshake of respect.

"As do I Ayomi Jakarta. I shall remember that name, I would consider you an ally if you wish it. You fought well but for now I must leave. Until we meet again."

/ThreadExit

@René