|
Welcome!
Quick Log In!
Links
Admins
Mods
Credit
|
|
Knights of the Empire; Lilia Straz
|
|
Topic Started: May 5 2010, 04:12 AM (945 Views)
|
|
Lucius Xeronus
|
May 15 2010, 01:56 PM
Post #11
|
- Posts:
- 37
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #34
- Joined:
- Mar 24, 2010
|
As the moments ticked away, the sounds of the engineers working and systems beeping serving as a testament to that, Lucius remained still as the very statues that use to honor the former champions of the Arena. His form, calm yet powerful served as a testament to his decades of constant training and battle. His eyes closed as he waited for new orders, he did not have to wait long for it took but twenty minutes for the younger guard to leave and return.
"Lucius Xeronus, you have been summoned by the commander and thus you are to come with us." The soldier said in a firmer tone than he had with Lord Abaddon; after all, this was a mere ruffian that could no more lick his boot than hold toe to toe with him. Of course this was what a few of the young recruits thought as they held that pride within the empire but Lucius did not help matters as his ragged clothes and slightly shorter stature made him out to be smaller than his moniker. What most did not know was that the man was always ready for combat as his armor was upon him almost at all times, underneath his simple garbs and his blades were hidden by his trenchcoat as they were strapped to either side of his hips.
As such, Luke did not say a word as he merely nodded to the other soldiers to show them that he was ready to go. Soon, the small, four-man cell squared up all around Luke to escort him to where he needed to be. And thus, ten minutes later, they appeared before Lord Abaddon and the HRD. Luke of course was surprised to see the female here of all places and had just begun to thank Palawa for such a coincidence when he remembered the Emperor saying she would be here. He of course figured she would be on the surface but then again, this large ship was so imposing that it probably meant this was final patrol before venturing to such an imperial world. Thus Luke said nothing to her as he merely looked for but a moment and gave a nod of acknowledgment before turning to face the man he would come to know as his new commander and chief trainer; a figure he had not had since the days of his youth training under Master Xeronus.
"Well this is quite the place..." Luke began with for a moment before clearing his throat.
Lord Abaddon I presume...Lucius Artori Xeronus reporting for duty." Luke finally said in a calm yet firm tone as he quickly straightened up. Now his new life with the empire would begin yet there was no telling what would come of it; especially as his light skills at sensing the force were on overdrive due to the great amount of force-users on board the ship and the one before him.
|
 "Honor thy master for they are the ties to Palawa and true balance."
Force Powers
Precognition - Beginner Telekinesis (Push/Pull) - Beginner Force Movement (Speed, Jump/Leap) - Beginner Force Deflection - Moderate Teräs Käsi - Skilled
|
| |
|
Lord Abaddon
|
May 16 2010, 01:31 AM
Post #12
|
- Posts:
- 32
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #72
- Joined:
- Apr 30, 2010
|
Lord Abaddon watched as the one known as Lucius Xeronus entered the command center, and proceeded to walk up to the Arch-Paladin. Abaddon took note of the nod Lucius gave the HRD, as if they knew each other. Lord Abaddon's face was stern, and he stared into Lucius' eyes with his own cold emerald ones. The new Arch-Paladin needed the strongest men as part of his Knights, and even if the Emperor said Lucius was good enough, he still needed to prove himself to what would become his new master and commander. The Arch-Paladin listened to what the recruit said, but said nothing in return. Lord Abaddon walked around the newcomer and examined him, not saying a word. He could feel the Force radiating from the man, he had potential, that was for sure. For now, he was not a powerful Force-sensitive, but Abaddon could feel that he could easily be molded into one.
The Arch-Paladin moved back to the front of Lucius, and stared him again in the eyes. A recruit from the Rakata Arena, eh? The Imperial Knights would see just how efficient the Rakatan warriors were. Lord Abaddon closed his eyes and relaxed his muscles, he was calm, and let the Force fill his body with its presence. At once, his eyes opened and the Arch-Paladin sidestepped, and in a split second the greatsword, Judgement, was unsheathed and was lifted by Abaddon's hands and swung towards Lucius' side. If the Emperor had drafted Lucius out from the Rakata Arena, then he should be able to block such a blow, although it would take him completely by surprise. Nevertheless, Abaddon drove the sword sideways with the flat side of the blade facing Lucius, so that the sword would not actually cleave him in two just in case Xeronus was not able to block the blow. The Royal Guardsmen that remained in the room grinned behind their masks, knowing all too well Lord Abaddon's often surprising methods of welcoming newcomers. They stood perfectly still, but were watching the oncoming fight with excitement and anticipation. Welcome to the Imperial Knights.
|
|
| |
|
Lucius Xeronus
|
May 16 2010, 01:13 PM
Post #13
|
- Posts:
- 37
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #34
- Joined:
- Mar 24, 2010
|
Lucius remained silent now as his eyes never came off the form of Lord Abaddon. Even as the man circled around him, the primal stare of a warrior kept looking as his form was still yet strong. Blades still strapped to his side, Luke waited until the inspection was over yet did not know what to expect as this was his first true "initiation" into a military unit of such a large group that sought to right the wrongs of the Republic. Thus the man remained unmoving as his primal eyes finally returned to the front of him just as his commander did.
The sudden attack from Lord Abaddon was not unexpected as Luke was always ready for battle but it was a slight surprise to him as this was a commander and usually such rights were reserved for the entire squadron that seemed to be snickering to the side. Of course Luke did not know this as his attention bared squarely down on Abaddon. The flat of the man's blade inched ever closer to Luke yet his eyes and body did not move, at least that is what it would seem to the untrained eye. In reality, Luke barely moved as he held no wasted motion in his form. In a fluid motion, Luke slid his feet to slightly shoulder length apart to brace for the impact that was about to come. as he did so, Xero's right arm came up and close to his torso as he used it to actually block the attack; it was not what he hoped for but his muscle memory would not allow for such a simple ploy to defeat a former gladiator and potential champion.
As the flat of the blade slammed into his arm, the familiar sound of metal striking a hard plastoid shell could be heard; Luke was not as unguarded as he seemed. The armor that rested below his garbs shielded him from most of the damage yet the sheer force of Abaddon's blow would still leave a bruise upon his arm later on. As Luke parried the blow, pushing it slightly away from him, Luke's torso began to turn until he had done a full 90 degree turn, grabbing onto Abaddon's wrist (sword arm) with his own blocked arm. In doing so, Luke continued to turn as he slid his lead leg in front of Abaddon's own foot to destabilizing him. Finally, using his upper body as a fulcrum, Luke proceeded to actually try and toss Abaddon in a simple grapple maneuver that used the man's own attack strength and momentum to try and defeat him; a way to keep his strength and endurance up should a bout be prolonged.
|
 "Honor thy master for they are the ties to Palawa and true balance."
Force Powers
Precognition - Beginner Telekinesis (Push/Pull) - Beginner Force Movement (Speed, Jump/Leap) - Beginner Force Deflection - Moderate Teräs Käsi - Skilled
|
| |
|
Lord Abaddon
|
May 16 2010, 11:06 PM
Post #14
|
- Posts:
- 32
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #72
- Joined:
- Apr 30, 2010
|
The Royal Guard watched in astonishment as the greatsword glanced off the hidden plastoid armour and watched as their commander was being grappled by the newcomer. Lord Abaddon merely laughed however, impressed by the gladiator's skill and technique. Lucius may have been weak in the Force, but he was definitely not weak in combat techniques. Abaddon dropped his greatsword as his sword arm was grabbed, and grinned as the gladiator tried to toss him over. As the gladiator turned his torso around and put his foot in front of Abaddon's, the Arch-Paladin immediately sidestepped and moved his foot from behind the gladiator's. Xeronus still had his arm, but now they were standing side by side, and any attempt at throwing the large paladin without the aid of Xeronus' leg support would be futile.
Using his free arm, Abaddon drove it around and into the gladiator's face. The strike would not only hurt but would disorient Xeronus. Whether it was successful or not, it allowed Abaddon to then move his right leg around so that now he was the one who had the leg support advantage. However, instead of throwing the gladiator, Abaddon swiftly acted by driving his leg backwards the moment it was in front of Xeronus' own leg. Xeronus would still be holding his arm, and even if he didn't, Abaddon would make sure that his arm was positioned atop Xeronus. This meant that as his leg drove through the front of Xeronus' leg, the gladiator would lose balance and Abaddon would apply his full weight atop the gladiator to bring both himself and Lucius to the ground. Xeronus was clearly a skilled martial artist, but so was Abaddon.
|
|
| |
|
Lucius Xeronus
|
May 17 2010, 02:00 PM
Post #15
|
- Posts:
- 37
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #34
- Joined:
- Mar 24, 2010
|
To say that Luke held a new found sense of respect for this commander was an understatement for few had ever been able to counter one of his throws before. But of course, a warrior never takes his mind off the battle as to be a part of the dance is to be a part of life. Thus as Abaddon began to move, the warrior was already beginning to deduct the most logical points of attack. Of course he could not deduce the full extent of the man's movements but Luke could read the best situation one could take in a battle; a strike with his free hand along the upper body. A part of Luke also believed that the higher up in status people were, the higher up they would hit and thus was proven right as the posture of the man's arm showed.
All this was deduced in a matter of seconds of course yet not by Luke's conscious mind as his body reacted for such things before he could truly think about all of this. A simple strike was all that Luke needed as his own free hand flew in an arc with blinding speed. As Abaddon entered the end of his turn, he was met by an quick chop to the exposed neck. This maneuver, as simple as it seemed, held greater force to it than most would ever see for this was part of Luke's own style of combat; a modified version of the Teras Kasi's Charging Wampa technique. As the chop would make contact, a strong pulse of force energy would serve to jolt the senses and disorient should it connect.
With all this going on, Luke knew he could not forget about the man's attack as it was such close range. He knew he could not fully avoid it from where he was and with his own counter but he could lessen the blow somewhat. Shifting and turning his head slightly as the punch came forth, he turned what would be a devastating hook into a slightly glancing blow. Of course Abaddon held great strength which was shown from his greatsword and larger stature thus said glancing blow did cause a shallow scrape and slight muscle damage that would swell later.
"All this was for the crowd" Luke would think for as he was brought up, the galaxy was now his Arena and its citizens his crowd. His name would live on through them and as such, even should he die on the battlefield like a true warrior, he could be immortalized through their stories. Luke however was still slightly caught off guard when Abaddon also brought his own leg to trip up Luke. Of course, should his own strike connect, the man would be disoriented slightly as well which would allow a stop to this spar. Luke would then begin to fall backward as he was still holding onto Abaddon's former sword arm just long enough to have the armored commander begin to fall forward towards him. Letting go finally, Luke would then proceed to send another sharp, three finger strike towards Abaddon's exposed armpit. A slightly modified version of the striking Sarlacc, it two sent a jolt of force energy into the body to damage the nearest arteries and muscle groups in order to disable his opponent. This of course was not a deathmatch and as such did not warrant killing blows, Luke could deduce as much.
|
 "Honor thy master for they are the ties to Palawa and true balance."
Force Powers
Precognition - Beginner Telekinesis (Push/Pull) - Beginner Force Movement (Speed, Jump/Leap) - Beginner Force Deflection - Moderate Teräs Käsi - Skilled
|
| |
|
Lilia Straz
|
May 18 2010, 09:50 AM
Post #16
|
- Posts:
- 20
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #50
- Joined:
- Mar 30, 2010
|
Apparently what was in the datapad was excellent news to the man who called himself Lord Abaddon but she did not see the excellence in it. There had been nothing particularly excellent about it in her assessment of it but perhaps she was missing the point. Organics had a habit of using words like that in other ways of describing. She merely listened to him speak and got confused about what he referred to as the Masters and Knights of the Order. She was unaware of what exactly he was referring, apparently there was more to all of this than she had first assessed. Then he spoke of the Force to another and she frowned, her brows pushing together slightly as she considered that.
The Force which apparently revealed her for what she was instead of what she was supposed to come across as, and so many had it? This was a major flaw. She would have to investigate it. While he spoke to others she was compiling a list of things she would need to do to check this malfunction out. Then he was talking to her again, about training the men. That was not a field her expertise and yet she was assigned to assist him. This would not work out well as far as she could tell, even if she had some way of knowing how to train them she doubted they would be able to move their physical bodies in the ways she could.
Then a message from the Emperor and she recognized the name Lucius Xeronus. The man who had been her last target was somehow to be involved in all of this. This was all moving in such a way that left the droid having to puzzle and piece together what the organics were doing. Being non-organic had its disadvantages it seemed. Their thought patterns were so different to her own. She waited in silence as Lucius was escorted up, trying to still piece everything together, her HUD working hard to figure it all out and discern what mattered to her and what didn't.
When Lucius entered she tilted her head slightly as she looked him over, her HUD analyzing him and confirming he was the same as before. Then her eyes slid to Abaddon, waiting for his response as seemed customary with organics. But there was nothing customary about his reaction, her HUD analyzed his movement, calculated the angles of the attack, the weight of the blade and so many other specifics as she merely stood there and watched. The reaction time for Lucius was that of a skilled warrior, she stood there and analyzed the movements of each of them. Stepping back a few paces to keep clear. She had not been asked to do harm to anyone and so staying out of the combat zone was the best idea should she accidentally be brought into it and her self preservation subroutines kick in.
|
|
| |
|
Lord Abaddon
|
May 19 2010, 04:23 AM
Post #17
|
- Posts:
- 32
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #72
- Joined:
- Apr 30, 2010
|
Xeronus was skilled. Very skilled. Abaddon was truly impressed as he fought a true gladiator. Abaddon grinned as he saw Lucius' arm coming up to his neck. It was a quick chop, and Abaddon simply relaxed his muscles and closed his eyes, calming himself. His arm was already going for the strike, but Lucius' chop managed to connect with his neck. Abaddon had thought that the strike would have been slightly painful, but nothing much, he was then deeply surprised as he felt opposing Force energies exploding through his neck. The paladin grit his teeth as he felt the burning sensation of the Force constricting his neck, but he still managed to get in his own strike.
Abaddon's strike connected, but was not that effective, for the gladiator managed to avoid the full force of his brutal strike. Abaddon felt dizziness entering his brain as the Force energies from before began to disorient him, but he simply allowed the Force to enter him and fill him with both concentration and determination. The Arch-Paladin then proceeded to trip up the gladiator, but a sudden spasm of pain from the previous attack shot up in his neck, and he growled in dismay. Anger began to flicker in his mind, and in apprehension of the battle being taken to another level, the paladin calmly decided to end this little spar. Lucius had already proven himself the moment he had entered the bridge, Abaddon did not need any more than that. He had felt his Force potential almost immediately, and now it was time to end this.
Turning his arm quickly, Abaddon freed himself from the gladiator's grip, and using the Force he made a half-hearted and disoriented jump which was transformed by the Force into a high backflip that sent Abaddon five meters away from the gladiator. It was a strange sight to see, as Abaddon moved so gracefully through the air even though he was weighed down by all of that armor. The paladin panted, and rubbed his neck, smiling, "Good, very good. Your skill is exceptional, Lucius Xeronus, and I can see why the Emperor chose you for this cause," The paladin used the Force to recall his greatsword, which spun through the air and returned to its master's grip. Abaddon then sheathed his phrik blade.
"You are more than capable of being an Imperial Knight, though I believe you lack in Force ability. However, you have great potential," the paladin then took a hold of the datapad that had been given to him by the HRD, and placed it on the floor, "Now, concentrate on this datapad. I want you to lift it off the ground with the Force, and return it to my hand. I believe that you may already have some knowledge and skill in this area, but I simply want to see how proficient you already are, and we can work from there." Lord Abaddon seemed to have completely forgotten about the spar that had just ensued. As the spasm of pain had entered his body, Abaddon had felt an inkling of anger, which would have been truly detrimental to the situation if it had taken control of him, so the paladin had quickly ended the spar. They would have to continue that spar one day. Nevertheless, Abaddon focused on his new student and watched how he progressed.
|
|
| |
|
Lucius Xeronus
|
May 19 2010, 08:28 AM
Post #18
|
- Posts:
- 37
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #34
- Joined:
- Mar 24, 2010
|
The moment Luke had felt Abaddon freeing himself did his body already begin to move. Preparing to redistribute his body and lessen the force of the impact he would make with the ground, Luke would thus be ready for a counter should the man wish to continue. His legs began to roll up thus causing a chain reaction of sorts as his lower torso curled and hands, now freed from combat, shot up and over his shoulders to catch himself and thus further lessen the sharp impact on said shoulders.
The moment he made impact, the all too familiar sound of plastoid hitting durasteel could be heard once more, further displaying the level of protective armor he too wore; perhaps a signification of a subconscious hope to be glorified as the knights of legend, the jedi. Such thoughts exited the young man's mind however for the artificial gravity began to be felt as the force of his landing was utilized as a means of gathering energy for his next maneuver. Like a spring, Xero propelled himself backward with a simple handspring and with little need for the external force of the jedi; a group that in the end he learned to dislike due to his teachings. Landing two meters away from his original position, Xero stood up calmly and looked to his commander with a look few have seen on him, a man ready for more. Of course such things were then pushed away as the man began to talk and it made the old gladiator wonder what the point was.
"Well Commander, the force is relative to a man's perception of it I believe." Lucius responded calmly as he exerted his freedom of opinion while at the same time did not aim to mock or show insurrection. But of course, his years as a slave in the underworld did count for something as the man was quick to comply with the orders of a superior. It was true that Luke held some knowledge of external force use but he had never truly believed it to be something necessary; the force was a part of you and as such came from you to make one stronger against the evils of the galaxy. In the end, it would seem that this was a necessary evil and thus warranted to study in his new career path.
As such, the warrior proceeded to reach out his hand and began to concentrate on the datapad Abaddon slid on the floor. Nothing happened at first as Luke was not as proficient perhaps at such things as the likes of the jedi or sith but soon, a glimmer of hope appeared. Soon the datapad began to rattle as Xero's concentration was true and steady and within moments, began to life from the ground like a leaf caught in the wind. This of course only lasted a few moments more before the object floated to Abaddon to be placed gently onto his hand. The sweat beginning to roll from Luke's brow, he soon brought himself back to the physical realm and looked at his accomplished deed. It was a small feat for most but one that showed Xero's one weak area; something he would rectify with rigorous training of the lessons he shall learn here. He did not however boast of this accomplishment like some arrogant child as he merely looked to Abaddon, the other Knights, and Lilia the HRD for further instruction.
|
 "Honor thy master for they are the ties to Palawa and true balance."
Force Powers
Precognition - Beginner Telekinesis (Push/Pull) - Beginner Force Movement (Speed, Jump/Leap) - Beginner Force Deflection - Moderate Teräs Käsi - Skilled
|
| |
|
Lord Abaddon
|
May 23 2010, 01:10 AM
Post #19
|
- Posts:
- 32
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #72
- Joined:
- Apr 30, 2010
|
"Well Commander, the force is relative to a man's perception of it I believe."
Lord Abaddon chuckled at this response, "True, very true." The paladin then proceeded to watch the gladiator's attempt to lift the datapad with the Force. The paladin smiled at the attempt, reminding him of himself when he was first using the Force. However, he was not a fully trained gladiator when he first started proper training in the Force, like this gentleman was. Indeed, this Xeronus would prove to be a powerful warrior indeed.
Abaddon smiled, content, as the datapad was gently placed back into his hand by the gladiator's Force efforts. "Good, you possess basic Force abilities and adept combat capabilities. With correct training and an astute mind, you will become a strong Imperial Knight. I, Lord Abaddon, induct you, Lucius Xeronus, into the Order of the Imperial Knights, stewards of both the Empire and its Emperor. Tell me, Lucius Xeronus, will you protect the Empire with your life, and dedicate your body and mind to the protection of the Empire?" Abaddon waited for the appropriate responses, and if so then he would continue. Lucius Xeronus was now an official Imperial Knight recruit, and Abaddon was sure that he would work his way up through the ranks quickly.
Abaddon turned to Officer Jarnsson, "Officer, plot the co-ordinates for Bastion, we will be leaving immediately once the Royal Guard are back with the potential recruits." The officer nodded, before moving to the rest of the flight crew to issue the orders. Abaddon then turned back to Lucius, "Knight Xeronus, you still have much to learn. Your combat ability is exceptional, yet your Force prowess must be fine-tuned. You will learn the art of the lightsaber as well as other Force techniques as part of this Order. I too must now be officially given my own title as Arch-Paladin of the Order. You will accompany me to Bastion, and from there we will part ways momentarily. Upon arriving, I want you to contact Paladin Geric in the Imperial Administration Office, near the Imperial Palace. He will provide you with a standard-issue silver Imperial Knight lightsaber, and will teach you how to construct it, as well as teaching you in the basics of lightsaber combat. Or, if you so desire, you may travel around the Galaxy, to places like Ilum, and try to construct your own lightsaber from scratch, after a quick lesson from Geric. If you choose to make your own lightsaber, then you can use whatever crystal you find. Geric will tell you more about it. The choice is up to you, Knight Xeronus, which one will you take?"
Meanwhile, the newly promoted Imperial Knights had rounded up thirty new recruits for the Imperial Knights. They made their way back to their starfighters, and from there they proceeded to make their way back to the Covenant. The ship was primed for departure, and soon it would be heading back to Bastion. Lucius Xeronus would be a new Imperial Knight and Lilia Straz would have completed her mission, unless she decided to stay on as a Knight tutor.
|
|
| |
|
Lucius Xeronus
|
May 26 2010, 07:00 AM
Post #20
|
- Posts:
- 37
- Group:
- Imperial
- Member
- #34
- Joined:
- Mar 24, 2010
|
As Abaddon began to address Luke once more, the man stood tall and straight knowing that even as a gladiator he knew that standing at attention was what a master sought when finishing an inspection. The praise the commander bestowed upon Luke was all he needed to know that he would be right at home here. Though the crowd seemed small as the immediate witnesses would merely be the soldiers around him, it was in fact vastly larger than what he knew as it would encompass the ever growing Empire.
"Thank you M'lord for such praise and know that I pledge myself to this Empire and the safety and prosperity of its people..." Luke began as he answered as straightforward as he could. In the end, he knew this was the best choice for him and he would put his complete being into achieving the highest honors and ensuring that his new crowd would be pleased. Soon however, Xero began to ponder on what was planned of him from here on in. Traveling to a new world already, meeting with an established Paladin, and began construction of a weapon which, his whole life, Luke has seen as the embodiment of all things jedi and thus evil. Perhaps of course there was more to these things than met the eye as Luke remembered the words of his former master teaching him of the force within.
"Remember Luke, the force is free-flowing as you should be...do not be bogged down by routine, set yourself to a limitless path and you shall be led to a great destiny." A voice said as the thought lingered in Luke's mind; a voice within the man's mind from the past that was merely Luke's memory to himself.
"I was raised thinking lightsabers were the tool of trade of the jedi and thus was meant to dislike them...however my former master once told me that to live life as a warrior one must be as free-flowing as the force so...I think I shall begin at the bottom once more with a standard issue saber and perhaps build my own over time." Luke answered the man once more as he could feel the jolt of the massive ship they were on beginning to move forward. Now his new life would begin and perhaps even down the line his destiny would be fulfilled.
|
 "Honor thy master for they are the ties to Palawa and true balance."
Force Powers
Precognition - Beginner Telekinesis (Push/Pull) - Beginner Force Movement (Speed, Jump/Leap) - Beginner Force Deflection - Moderate Teräs Käsi - Skilled
|
| |
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
|
 Join the millions that use us for their forum communities. Create your own forum today.
|
|