Social Games The Rancor Pit (EUC Dueling thread)

IC: Lord (Lady) Hekate
Location: VIP Seats

With the battle between Iudex and Jishin being announced, Hekate decided to use this as a field trip for her 12 and 13 year olds. If they were old enough to watch “Mononoke Hime” and “Soul Eater”, then they were certainly stomach watching an Apprentice duel with a new Acolyte.

Once her pupils were seated, Hekate left her tutor droids in charge as she excused herself to find her fiancée (nobody had come forward to officiate her marriage to Underlord Bernael yet) and join him and the other Sith watching the upcoming melee. Finding a vendor, she was able to purchase a seltzer water and swallowed her morning sickness medication.

Arriving at the box, she curtseyed to her superiors before joining Bernael. Just a quick kiss, and she settled into her seat.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Lady Belligerent , @darthbernael , @Silvertough , @Master Vo'Un'Var and @greyjedi125

 

Darth Jishin/Raul

Iudex threw a quick series of jabs into the air, adjusting to the drastic decrease in weight. Satisfied, he offered Jishin a respectful bow. "Use what you have." He finally stated, resting his hands on his hips. "But know this, once we begin, I won't hold back."

Raul smirked, shaking his head briefly.

"I was hoping you would say that."

His Master then stepped forward, giving her blessing for the fight, and briefly prowled around Raul.

"Don't fail me." She whispered from behind before leaving. Raul had no intention of letting his Master down, and looked up to the Emperor's box before returning his gaze to Iudex.



He began to circle around Iudex, making note of his build and height. This unfortunate fact lowered Raul's chance of a takedown, meaning he would have to focus on striking.

He slowly closed the distance between the two as he circled, he quickly changed form. His arms raised in guard, and his legs lightly bouncing as he hopped to and fro towards Iudex.

Then it began. He slid forward, throwing two quick jabs and then... wham! An uppercut towards Iudex's chin! He would then throw himself backwards, gaining some distance as he surveyed the possible damage done.

TAGS: @Silvertough
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Manticore
The Pit of Rancor

Keeping to the shadows, he entered shrouded by darkness, fiery pinpricks set deep inside his black hood were the only indicators of his presence. Silent steps took him to his usual spot upon the mezzanine, where he stood like a dark sentry.

Darth Manticore folded his arms over his chest as he peered at the two combatants, taking their measure, gauging them in the force. So many sith had made their mark here, stained the arena floor with their blood and sweat. How they struggled against one another and reaped unprecedented benefits after their various encounters.

It was all exactly as the force would have it.

Manticore offered an acknowledging nod to both sith. First, to Underlord Iudex. In the zabrak’s estimation, the Falleen continually displayed his evolving potential. Manticore looked forward to the day he could personally test him in battle. The newly minted Sith Apprentice, Darth Jishin seemed strong, but he had yet to prove himself. This was a good start. Besides, he was Dark Lady Bellorum’s Apprentice, hopefully he understood the true significance of his position.

Turning his head, Manticore offered a respectful nod to Darth Hekate and a short bow to Darth Bernael. He then regarded the Emperor’s Box, where he spied Darth Bellorum, whom he graced with a full bow.

At the edge of his perception, he imagined the Sith Emperor was likely in attendance, but Darth Insipid revealed himself at his own pleasure.

Manticore’s fiery eyes returned to the two combatants, his black lips curling into a smirk of amusement and expectation. He could feel the two sith were eager to engage in combat, yet exercised a good deal of self-control- but could they maintain it? That remained to be seen.

Ans so, he would watch and analyze these two and perhaps, even…enjoy the event. Darth Jishin did request a match in the Pit, a request Lord Iudex seemed quite willing to fulfill.

Good. Very good.


Tag: @Silvertough, @Master Vo'Un'Var, @Lady Belligerent , @QueenSabe7, @HanSolo29, @darthbernael, @Narancia, @Sinrebirth, @DarthIshyZ, @Nehru_Amidala

 

IC: Darth Iudex
The Pit

"And so it is." Iudex stated coldly, offering a final nod towards the Sith above before turning his full attention to Jishin. A thin smile grew upon Iudex's lips as he watched the young Apprentice bounce around him, undoubtedly looking for an opening. Meanwhile Iudex himself remained still, unnerved, choosing to not even remove his hands from his hips. The wordless insult communicated enough, Iudex wasn't taking this seriously. Worse, he didn't feel the need to. A slight against a warrior's pride demanded action, and if Iudex's presumptions were true, Jishin would fall head over heels into his little game.

The Human charged forwards, breaking the silence to attack first. He was a quick little thing, something to keep note of during the rest of the duel. Although speed was irrelevant if there wasn't power to back up the strikes. Iudex remained rooted in place, watching the rapidly approaching fists with a curious eye. He could dodge, sure, but another idea struck him first, and his smile widened.

The blows landed in quick succession, followed close behind with a rapid uppercut directed at Iudex's chin. He quietly braced himself, accepting the blows unconcerned. He allowed his chin to rise up by a few inches from the final blow, but otherwise, offered nothing but the same, maddening smile in reponse. He would break this upstart, both in body and spirit. Only when shattered could he be reforged into a useful tool for the Sith.

Iudex shook his head. "Tsk tsk tsk. Surely that can't be it! No, you're just warming up, hmm?" He stepped forwards, letting his hands hang freely by his side. A casual, easy-going pace, not suited for active combat in the slightest. Another taunt, designed to get underneath Jishin's skin. Iudex wanted him to lash out, to lose control. It would be far more entertaining a lesson to mete out.

"Come ooon. Round Two big guy! Really knock some sense inta' me!"


TAGS: @Master Vo'Un'Var
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

Darth Jishin/Raul
The Pit

Raul frowned. Iudex was trying to wind him up, it seemed. He had met people like him before. They tried to get under his skin. They wanted him to get angry. Irritated.

The issue at hand, however, was that Raul lived in constant anger. He had tried to escape it, yes, but this was no use. Instead, he had learned to co-exist with his rage. He had become the hate. Now there was some attempt to get him to lose his cool? His cool had vanished years before.

It wouldn't work. Not yet. Raul had barely started. He looked the Falleen up and down. He was tall, he knew this. But how heavy was he? Only one way to find out.

He wanted round two? Raul would give him round two. He launched forward, and wrapped his arms around his right leg, attempting to lift Iudex from the ground! And to his luck, the Falleen turned out to be around the same weight as Raul.

Good. I can use this.

If Iudex allowed Raul to hoist him from the ground... he would surely regret it. A takedown was imminent.



TAGS: @Silvertough
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

OOC: Both Raul and Iudex are 250lbs, as checked via. the Dark Reach resource thread.

 

IC: Darth Iudex
The Pit

Iudex could only raise an eyebrow at Jishin's efforts. His own attempt to wind the Human up had seemingly failed, a shame, but nothing to be concerned about. He was more interested in Jishin's plan to get him to the ground. What a pleasant surprise to meet a new grappler! A part of Iudex wanted to simply stand by, to allow Jishin to continue to dictate the flow of combat, to see what would happen. Especially now, it was so rare for a humanoid to try and manhandle him. "So be it, Human!"

But no, enough was enough, the show had to go on. So he braced, digging his heels into the dirt as he lowered into a deep squat. Quickly, Iudex clasped his hands together into a tight double-fist over his head and slammed down, aiming directly at Jishin's exposed neck. He leaned hard into the attack, an attempt to counterbalance against Jishin's push.

An odd thought arose within Iudex, could Jishin use the Force? Or had the young apprentice simply wanted to have a friendly bare-knuckle sparring match? Curious..

TAGS: @Master Vo'Un'Var
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

Darth Jishin/Raul
The Pit

It was sudden, but obvious. Had Raul faltered for a moment longer, a painful blow would have been dealt, which may well have dazed him, stacking even more odds against him.

Thankfully, his instincts kicked in. They were far sharper than an average human's. Though, of course, this was to be attributed to the force. He swung back, gaining distance as he surveyed his opponent. He couldn't help but grin. His blood was pumping, and he was getting excited. There was a glint in his eye. His hunger was beginning to be sated.

"I do not intend to be disappointing Lady Bellorum just yet, my lord." he hissed gleefully.

He watched and prowled, keeping his guard up, protecting his head. The height of Iudex would mean his blows would typically be aimed towards his face. Moreover, Raul would have to keep an eye on his legs. If the duel managed to go to the ground, they could very well mean defeat.

He hopped around his opponent. This time, the ball was in Iudex's court. Raul wanted to see what the Falleen would do. The predator and the prey. Raul knew what he wanted to be of the two, but his opponent hadn't shown him anything just yet.

TAGS: @Silvertough
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Iudex
The Pit

Iudex simply cocked his head to the side as Jishin bounced away. Interesting. He was more in control of his emotions then Iudex had presumed, rare for a fresh recruit. He began slowly inching forwards, keeping his arms held loose at his sides, offering little in the way of his next move. His odd smile returned as he stared blankly into Jishin's eyes.

"Good. Would be a shame if this were to be the last I see of you." He replied with a roll of his shoulders. Jishin had gone on the defensive, and the Falleen was happy to oblige. He was growing bored of the common brawling anyways, it was past time to mix things up a little. The Human was protecting his head. Smart, if this was but a simple boxing match. Such were not the terms of The Pit, and by extension, the Sith. Kill, or be killed.

Iudex suddenly lept forwards, closing the gap between the two in an instant. The air surrounding the Falleen began to violently crackle and flare as he charged. White lightning appeared writhing like a living creature down from Iudex's shoulders to his outstretched hands. A beat later it leaped forwards from his fingertips, surging forth through the closing gap between himself and Jishin. A thunderclap echoed moments later, in tune with swift downward heel kick directed at the man's kneecaps.

The Human's abilities within the Force needed to be determined, understood through and through. As much as he postulated, Iudex had no desire to kill the Human. Physical ability would only get one so far, a lesson he himself had learned the hard way. The Force was as useful a tool as one's fists and blades. Jishin would learn, one way or another.

TAGS: @Master Vo'Un'Var
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

Darth Jishin/Raul
The Pit

Raul grimaced as he watched the Falleen charge towards him, and crackle with lightning. He knew this attack. It annoyed him. However, he needed to move. The move that Iudex was sure to execute would cause a great deal of pain. The problem was, how was he meant to dodge that?

He had only used the force seldom times before. To push, to pull, and...

To jump.

He leapt into the air, dodging the crippling strike. He landed opposite Iudex, with decent distance between them.

"No..." He growled, gaining speed as he began to run, charging towards Iudex.

"Don't bore me with your lightshow!" He roared, sending a flurry of strikes towards the Falleen. He began the attack with an uppercut, delivered with much greater force than the warmup he had shown his opponent earlier, and would follow through with strike after strike, before throwing a hook at Iudex's liver.



The display of sith lightning had irritated Raul. A man who was never phased by taunts had suddenly lost his temper to this? Of course. After all, with the addition of the force, Raul was out of his depth.

He couldn't let this end so quickly.

TAGS: @Silvertough
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Iudex
The Pit

Iudex's attack had missed, and as Jishin flung himself out of harm's way, he could only sneer. He had simply prolonged the inevitable, no need to lose control. The expression dissipated as the Human landed on the far side of the arena. Hands once more resting on his hips, Iudex stood still, waiting for the fight to come back to him.

Jishin was back upon him in an instant, throwing blow after blow at lightning speeds. Iudex bobbed and weaved as best he could, finding himself on the backstep as the human advanced. He was fast, faster then before. "Show me what you can do whelp!" He exclaimed, his smile returning. Finally, the fight had begun. The final hook caught Iudex by surprise, more so as it slipped through his defenses. Impact. An annoyed hiss would be the only acknowledgement of the hit Iudex would offer as he countered with his own series of strikes.

A lesson had been learnt, one that far outweighed what minor damage Iudex had taken. Not only was Jishin untrained in the Force, he was self-conscious about it. A weakness to be exploited. Iudex sidestepped mid-jab, a timely Force push against the ground counter-acting his own momentum. Each punch, every kick seemingly grew in speed, attacking from impossibly random angles as he pushed and pulled himself around with the Force.

He didn't care if they were blocked, or if Jishin dodged around them. He would follow his opponent's every step, putting his full body-weight behind every strike. Iudex wanted him on the backstep, unsure of when or where his next attack would come from, overthinking what to do next. The air around Iudex once more crackled and sparked, a constant reminder that his lightning was always ready to be unleashed, should he simply choose to release.

The word petty came to mind, and Iudex laughed in spite of himself.

TAGS: @Master Vo'Un'Var
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

Darth Jishin/Raul
The Pit

Raul switched to a defensive stance, employing a completely different style as he reevaluated his strategy. The attacks just wouldn't stop. Iudex even decided to go one step ahead and pressure Raul with the crackling lightning. He parried the blows, as quick as they were, entering a state of deep focus.



Iudex's pressure was working, and Raul knew he needed to change the balance. He looked for an opening, before sending a flurry of strikes towards the Falleen.



He's good... Raul thought to himself. I haven't had an opponent like this.

He needed space. Something to give him a short span of time to gather himself and assert dominance.

How the hell am I supposed to do that with this guy's tricks?!

He parried the continuing blows, just barely, even letting a few land, before looking for a way to force jump out of this sticky situation. Even if it was only for a few seconds, a few milliseconds Raul would take it. He needed to let the full beast out. The Dragon.





He launched himself forward quickly, throwing himself back into the dance before throwing two heavy punches with each arm, his full weight backed behind, at Iudex. He couldn't afford an opening again, and threw a storm of quick punches, packed with power, at the Falleen. He knew, wanted, the same intensity to be returned, and continued to parry and strike over and over.

Would it be enough? Not likely. He needed more. Something more. What the hell was it meant to be?

TAGS: @Silvertough
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Iudex
The Pit

Iudex frowned, halting his attacks to dodge around Jishin's dual heavy strikes. They were slow, too slow, and the Falleen slid around them with an air of nonchalance sure to offend. The two fell once more into their routine, quick attacks, defensive parries, back and forth over and over and over again. The Human had proved himself to be quite the competent brawler, but he was beginning to slip up, more and more attacks were beginning to slip through his defenses. In time, Iudex was quite confidant he could simply outlast his opponent at their current pace.

But that was boring. Besides, they weren't here to determine his aptitude for boxing. Jishin was to be a Sith. Apprenticed to the powerful Darth Bellorum. Fists would only get you so far within their Order.

Iudex glanced upwards, catching Bernael's eye with a smirk. "So be it." He retreated a half-step, breaking the routine of immediate counter-attacking to simply defend, biding his time for the right moment to strike. On queue, Jishin continued his storm of punches. Iudex advanced suddenly, knocking aside the humans fists with his own palms. An opening had been found.

Iudex cocked his head to the side, a humorless smile etched into his lips as he extended his hand out towards Jishin's throat. A great weight descended upon the Human, threatening to completely immobilize him on the spot. Iudex blinked, and a similar pressure began to form around Jishin's neck.

"First Lightning, now a Choke, how cliché hm?" Iudex said, resting his unused hand on his hip. "Your physical strength is impressive, for a Human. But a Sith is more than such trivialities. We fight, we die, an eternal struggle to ever improve ourselves!" His gaze hardened. "So struggle! Use that rage I know you have and break free from my hold!"

A pregnant pause. "Or you will die, your bones left for the vultures."

It was a simple lesson, the first step every Sith takes on their journey to greatness. Physical boundaries only existed to be broken and commanded. The Force was similar, the two twin sides of the same coin. It was only when one fully understood those boundaries could be broken in the first place could one truly be reborn as a Sith. Until that special moment, when the conventional had been tried and failed, this human would amount to nothing, and leave behind less.

Iudex took several steps backwards, retreating out of reach as he waited for Jishin to make his choice.

Tags: @Master Vo'Un'Var
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Manticore
The Pit

From within the shadow of his hood, fiery eyes shone within the dark, even as the zabrak smirked dryly at the evolving encounter, and found himself nodding slowly in agreement with the words uttered by Darth Iudex.

Fiery eyes shifted to Darth Bernael for a brief moment, sending a sense of agreement an amusement at his 'nudge'.

And so, the Falleen finally decided to apply a decisive amount of pressure upon Darth Bellorum’s newly minted Apprentice. It was time to see if this so called ‘Darth Jishin’ was worthy of the honor he had received. To date, of all the Apprentices that had recently walked through the Sith Halls, Manticore found himself impressed by only ‘two’ of their number. Two who had set themselves apart, shown themselves capable and were already making their own 'mark'. This was a double-edged word. Still, these two had the potential to affect change, but only if they found the stamina to endure their continuing 'trials' and the ambition to match - such were the necessary ingredients to propel them forward in their time among the Sith.

The present question was: Would there be a third?

Jishin would find that this contest was far more than he had anticipated- and in turn, this would also shed some light on why the Sith Council often found themselves in want of worthy Apprentices. Such prizes were indeed rare.

Ironically, the test also applied to Lord Iudex in many ways. Manticore was observing them both and taking notes, smirking all the while. In his estimation, he could anticipate that the best part was yet to come.


Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var, @Silvertough, @Sinrebirth, @Lady Belligerent, @QueenSabe7, @HanSolo29, @darthbernael, @DarthIshyZ, @Shadowsun, @Narancia, @Nehru_Amidala

 

IC: Darth Azathoth
The Pit

Azathoth had been watching carefully the struggles of the new found Apprentice. He gave a swift look to the various Lords gathered giving a swift bow to them all before settling into his seat.

A sly smirk encroaching on his face as he looked to Underlord Bernael. He could feel the tension in the air, the feeling in amongst the Sith of the relatively little use of Force abilities by Jishin. He tilted his head in curiosity, perhaps this apprentice had not fully grasped the power gap between the two, or perhaps his Force Abilites were merely...underdeveloped.

Another chuckle escaped his lips as he looked to Bernael.

"It would seem the days of arising through the ranks without Force Abilities have gone, wouldn't you say Lord Bernael? Ah and here I was thinking I could achieve High Lord without them was a possibility,"

He looked back down at the fight, a quest amusement settling on his face. He watched as Lord Iudex grasped the young acolyte by his neck. A sadistic smile growing on Azathoth's face as he watched pain entolled on the young Sith. The Sith Lord was administering a lesson well ingrained into the Sith. One that had been taught to him by the likes of Manticore and Insipid and in turn he had imparted what he knew to Tobbi Airskipper or 'Impetuous' as he called himself. It would remain to be seen if this 'Jishin'' could learn the same.

TAG: @Silvertough @Master Vo'Un'Var @darthbernael @greyjedi125 @HanSolo29 @Narancia @Lady Belligerent

 

IC: Emperor Ferus



(Looks around for any of my fellow Jedi)



Good day, Sith Lords.

 

Darth Jishin/Raul
The Pit

The battle had changed. In fact, it wasn't even a battle anymore.

Raul realized this was a test. They were forcing him to use to force, or he would die.

He couldn't breath, and he was transfixed in mid-air. He tried, desperatly, to do something, but it came to no avail.

His vision blurred slightly as his body struggled to find it's source of fresh oxygen.

He struggled, internally, as there was little hope externally, for a solution. He needed it. Any sign of hope.

His frustration continued to build up until it reached a boiling point.

ENOUGH! He roared in his head, being unable to in reality due to Iudex's force choke. In this moment of desperation, Raul had found power.



The force bubbled and crackled around him, forming a sphere until it released, sending a wave of force energy outwards, which in turn would hopefully throw Iudex away, or at least break his grasp.

TAGS: @Silvertough
@Sinrebirth , @greyjedi125 , @Lady Belligerent
@QueenSabe7 , @HanSolo29
@DarthIshyZ , @darthbernael , @Nehru_Amidala , @Narancia , @Shadowsun

 

IC: Darth Manticore
The Pit

‘Ah, there it is.’

Manticore’s smirk did widen as he witnessed Darth Jishin save his own neck with a magnificent execution of Force Repulse. Not only had he witnessed the event, he’d also felt it, choosing not to erect a defensive barrier to protect himself, but instead opting for a more visceral approach for his 'estimation'.

At this distance, the strength he felt from the Apprentice’s use of the force was quite acceptable. Manticore’s hood had been snapped back, revealing his face, which felt as if it had been punched. The zabrak braced himself at the proper angle, so he wouldn’t take a step back, yet was still able to appreciate the aftershock. Behind him, several benches toppled over, while heavier ones were moved further back.

‘Not bad. Not bad at all.’

Darth Manticore spared a glance towards Dark Lady Bellorum, then offered a satisfied nod; yet he would not get ahead of himself. The encounter was far from over and Lord Iudex would no doubt have a demonstration of his own to hand.

Manticore took a step forward, eagerly awaiting the next exchange between these two Sith. Thus far, their struggle was yielding some welcomed results. To add to the excitement, whispers of a newly arrived peon seeking Sith Wisdom were being circulated.

Yes, indeed, it was a good day to be Sith.

Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var, @Silvertough, @Sinrebirth, @Lady Belligerent, @QueenSabe7, @HanSolo29, @darthbernael, @DarthIshyZ, @Shadowsun, @Narancia, @Nehru_Amidala * ( @Aznak Dum , mentioned )

 

IC: Darth Azathoth
Playing with Food

After his comment to his now fellow Underlord Azathoth cast his gaze further to the display of power Jishin displayed. Azathoth's eyes glinting in appreciation and so it continued.

The Legacy of the Sith.

From Death comes Life. From Destruction comes Reconstruction. Tearing down weakness to rebuild it with strength. Such were the ways of the Sith. His attention then turned as Bernael noted the arrival of a Jedi Padawan no less. Azathoth dropped down, gazing at the Padawan, standing tall above them as he inspected his find.

"My, my little sheep, did you lose your shepherd? Do not fret the wolf is here to take care of you."

​

He waved his hand a single beskar needle coming to caress their face.

"Such soft skin... I wonder little sheep, do you bleed?"

​

TAG: @Emperor Ferus @greyjedi125 @darthbernael @Sinrebirth @Silvertough @Master Vo'Un'Var @Adalia-Durron @Lady Belligerent

 

IC: Emperor Ferus

I have arrived to give support to my fellow Jedi.
The power of the dark side will not overcome the light.


@greyjedi125 @darthbernael @Sinrebirth @Silvertough @Master Vo'Un'Var @Adalia-Durron @Lady Belligerent