Ask Building an Army

[K’Jun]

Orsimer Prime l Death Enabled​

The Army of Light. It was still a fledgling thing. An idea that needed tending to in order to ensure growth. More importantly, it needed warriors to operate the way it was intended. That was why K’Jun had taken it upon himself to head to Orsimer Prime, homeworld of the Orcolan people.

They were a proud tribal people who had high pain tolerance, could survive in almost any climate, and matched the strength of Wookiees. But most importantly, they had their own Force traditions that focused on nature and maintaining balances. A light side tradition. One Jun hoped to bring into the Army of Light. Through diplomatic talks or shows of strength, either suited him.

Jun wore his typical white tank, jeans, and boots on this detail. The world was rugged and he saw no reason to appear otherwise. His Matukai Gauntlets were firmly affixed and his utility belt was wrapped around his waist. He had a small backpack with bits of armor plating and a change of clothes sling over a shoulder. He hoped he was ready for the tribal meet that was called yearly for the Orcolan tribes. He had to make a strong case or prove that the Army of Light was worth siding with.

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash hauled himself up atop a huge root, pausing to scan the jungle depths. The light armor he had pulled together for this venture glistened with moisture and a fair amount of sweat. This place did not suit him at all. Add to that the weight he was carrying on his shoulders and it was not just his pack on his back.

The oppressive canopy of Orsimer Prime reminded him too much of Kashyyyk and the very first time he had properly met fellow Jedi, including the silver eyed jerk who came to matter to him more than anyone.

The place evoked memories the Rhinnalian was keen to bury, particularly these days. He and Ezra were further apart than they had ever been and Dash was not here to tread any path he had trod before. He was here to conscript the martial Orcolans to the fight. The fight of their lives, and there was no room for sentimentality.

Except someone had apparently beaten him to it. Dash had plowed his own furrow since the gathering on Tython, so running into another Jedi out here was unexpected. He did not know who it was, or just what they were doing here yet, but he intended to find out. The port staff had told him they were not far ahead.

He slid down the root and weaved between the trees, stepping around one particularly large trunk and spying what looked like a figure ahead.

”Hey” Dash called out, hoping to get the guy’s attention. “Who wears white in a place like this?“

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun’s ear twitched, he heard someone or something slide through the trees. Their feet scraped against the bark, creating a distinct noise that he picked up on. His twin tails twitched in anticipation for whatever was lurking out there.

Then a human voice called out to him from behind. Jun turned to face whoever it was, his gauntlets almost sparking to life. His yellow eyes studied the dude. He’s talking about my outfit?

“Someone who’s not afraid of trouble.” He called back. “What’s with your get up? This a jungle or a fashion show?” He quipped back.

Jun wasn’t exactly sure who this guy was but he didn’t sense any malicious intent. His guard relaxed just a hair. He tugged a hand carved wooden pendant from beneath his tank. It was a symbol for the Army of Light and it hung on a piece of lightly tanned leather. It was how Jun identified friend from stranger. If the guy recognized the symbol, he was likely in with the Army. If he didn’t? Then Jun knew to be cautious at the very least.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

The guy was a Fiani Dash realised as drew closer, tall and broad and more fox-like than many he had seen. It seemed he also had a sense of humour.

"Apparently it's what I wear for a race" Dash replied, walking up and keeping it casual. There was no reason for them to be at odds. "Came to see the natives, but then I hear I am second in queue". He spied a small pendant clutched in the other Jedi's hand, wooden by the looks of it. The Rhinnalian thought it artsy, maybe even superstitious. Then he noticed the symbol.

"Then again, maybe it's a fashion parade after all" he reasoned "looks like you and I are here to sing the same song to the Orcolans - get them to join the Army of Light yeah?". Dash had not been calling it quite that, but the goal was the same. "What do you say we persuade them together? I'd rather not find out which of our 'get up' the greenskins like best?".

He had intended to do this alone but help was not unwelcome. The only thing he had no time for was someone getting in his way.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun’s left ear twitched his tails settled into a more calm sway. This guy is a Jedi then. He shrugged. “Sure why not.” He replied. “The nomadic tribes are meeting a few hours north of here. The forests break into open flatlands where they gather for an annual celebration of sorts.” He explained. “That’s our best shot of bringing them in as a people instead of with piece work.” He continued. “Name’s Jun by the way.”

With that Jun would continue walked northwards. His mind focused on the task at hand. He knew there were two ways to convince the Orcolean people to join the Army of Light. First option, participate in their festivals and prove they were worthy allies by understanding their culture and traditions. Or second option, deal with something big, bad, and probably related to the Dark Side for them.

Jun was kinda hoping for option two.

“So what’s your special trick?” Jun asked. “I met a chick that can teleport and shoot lasers already.” He stated bluntly. “You do the same?”

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash’s smile was sincere. Jun agreed without protest and his information matched what Dash had been told. Finding the Orcolans at least might prove simple enough at this rate.

”Dash Pavan” he said in return, finding it refreshing to meet a Jedi who did not seem to know him already. A celebrity boyfriend had its drawbacks, and as much as Dash had revelled in some of the tabloid attention, it sometimes but him on the back foot with newcomers.

Jun seemed straightforward and direct, so Dash reasoned he could trust him until he gave him reason not to. They had not gone that far when the Fiani gave him reason to doubt.

”She sounds like some girl…” the Rhinnalian frowned. Special trick? Maybe Jun did know something about him after all. "I don't show too much leg on the first date" he joked, deflecting. "I've one or two bits up my sleeve, same as you I bet. Hopefully we won't need any of them".

They reached the edge of the treeline, emerging onto the periphery of a great and colorful gathering on the flatlands. It was clear immediately that they were going to stick out like sore thumbs. "We can't just go barging in" Dash highlighted, knowing something of tribal sensitives from his childhood on Rhinnal. "Did you have a plan?"

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun felt himself relax a little when Dash gave him a sincere smile. Could be worse. Dude could be an asshole or something. Jun gave him a smirk and shrug in reply to his introduction. He nodded in the direction they needed to head towards and started walking. They had plenty of time to get to know one another while the traveled.

"The chick?" Jun thought about it for a second. "Yeah, Vanya was pretty chill." Jun chuckled at Dash's reply and shook his head slightly. "Everyone's got their secrets, I guess." He said as he glanced over at his companion. "Mine ain't that special." He raised his hands to show his gauntlets. "I'm just a hammer hopin' to find a room filled with nails." He smirked.

When Dash asked what his plan was, Jun stopped walking for a second. Honestly, he hadn't thought that far ahead. "Nah, the Force finds a way." That sounded pretty sage-ish. "Or whatever that saying is." He continued. "The Orcolean's are pretty welcoming, we shouldn't have too many issues." He explained. "They might want us to prove we're capable warriors though." He continued. "Maybe they'll have something for us hunt down or something." He offered with a shrug. "What're your thoughts?"

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash actually let out a little laugh, well more of a snort. "Oh Vanya, yeah totally chill" he said, wrinkling his nose. "Called the whole Order together to make a plan, then somehow put the Killiks top of the list". He was muttering by the end of the sentence, but his dissension would still be clear. "Did she at least teach you to teleport?". If so, he was wrestling that knowledge out of the Fiani whatever it took.

The gauntlets threw him for a moment. Jun's talent was that he wore gloves? Then the Rhinnalian remembered the combat tournaments Ezra used to watch on late night holo channels - the ones Dash only watched with him for the muscles in tight lycra.

"Nice" he said, cocking his head in curiosity. Fighting hand to hand was an unusual way to go for a Jedi, but Dash liked unusual. The fox had flair. "Just don't hammer any of this lot unless we have to yeah - or nail them for that matter".

The lack of a plan stopped him grinning though. Dash rounded on Jun to chide him on storming into this blind, when two burly green hands grabbed hold of his shoulders and span him around.

"Ere they are!" a voice boomed in his face "them hunters you were on about chief! Two of em an all!". The Orcolan towering over Dash seemed thoroughly pleased with himself, armor and tribal sash jangling like pots and pans. "Look at em skulking back ere in the trees when there's all them Not Belongins to be chasin down!".

Dash was about to shout up, to explain he was no hunter and that he was not here to chase anything down, belonging or otherwise. Then he realised he did not exactly look like a Jedi today, nor did the casually dressed Jun. Their saber hilts were not much bigger than a greenskin's serious toothpick and so far beyond notice.

"Lets be havin you little hunters - need them Not Belongins clearin out before the gatherin!". The Orcolan moved to grab them both and shove towards a central firepit, where a couple of sagely natives were hopefully going to explain matters in proper sentences.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

”Yeah, she was a vibe and a half.” Jun replied with a shrug. Then Dash started in on his very obvious negative viewpoints of her. “Gotta start somewhere and those bugs were still hurtin’ people.” Jun said. “Can’t start by killin’ the Dark Lord, you gotta build up to it. Clearin’ the Killiks let people know we’re here to help.” He continued. “It’s a step in the right direction in my book.” He stated. “But nah, she kept those secrets to herself.” He told Dash with a grin.

As they traveled Dash quipped about him being a hammer and asked him not to hammer or nail any of the Orcoleans. Jun glanced up at him and blinked a few times. A shit eating grin crossed his lips and his ears perked a little. “But tall, strong, and green is my type.” He teased.

However when Dash whirled around in him, the good times were over. The other Jedi seemed pissed. Jun didn’t really blame him, the guy seemed anal retentive. A real control-freak, which was fine. Thankfully, he never really got to snap at Jun, because two massive green figures appeared from nearly thin air. They grabbed Dash and accused them both of being hunters.

They didn’t let Jun or Dash defend themselves. Instead, they were unceremoniously brought before two elderly looking guys. Probably Shaman or something.

“Uh, hi there.” Jun greeted. “I’m Knight Jun and this is Knight Dash.” He introduced them. “We’ve come to build friendships between warriors. We’re hopin’ to earn your trust and support in bringin’ peace and justice back to the Galaxy.” He explained, his gaze pulling from the elders and back to Dash.

“That sound good?” He asked in a hushed tone.

@Alhon

 

[Macote Hassan]

The shamans stroked their long, grey beards as they eyed the Jedi. “More offworlders. Knights. Are you Jedi like him, then?” An orc gestured to a teenaged Kage who sat at the edge of camp, playing his piccolo to the children of the camp as they played. “Because he’s been absolutely exhausting to deal with.”

Macote grinned stupidly and waved when he saw two more Jedi. He stepped towards K’Jun. “Padawan Macote At Your Service!”

Over the course of the next few days, the Jedi mingled with the Orcs. They swapped stories about the distant nature of the Force and the galaxy, participated in challenges of strength and skill, and had all types of jubilation and merriment.

All this changed on the third night. In Macote’s tent, an arrow ripped through, exposing the night sky. As he jumped to his feet he saw a rain of arrows approaching the Orcish camp.

A horn sounded. They were under attack! But by who?

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun stared blankly at the Padawan in front of him. Macote had a stupid smile on his face and an excited gleam in his eyes. It was better than nothing, Jun supposed. He gave the young Padawan a smirk and extended his bear paw of a hand towards the Padawan. “Honorary Jedi Knight K’Jun.” He replied, his ears perked and his tails swaying smoothly.

The next two days went by smoothly. Jun and Macote took part in the festivities, spent time getting to know the Orcoleans who had gathered, and competed in their challenges. However, it was the third night when all hell broke loose. Before the moon was blocked out by arrows, Jun felt a concerning shiver. A distant scream that almost blended into the currents of the Force, disrupting the Balance.

Jun had gone to check on Macote in his tent, concerned with what he’d sensed. He found the Padawan in relatively high spirits and after a short conversation, Jun was turning to leave. Then the first arrow pierced the tent between the two Jedi. Jun reacted immediately, flinging his hands up and erecting a small invisible barrier to protect both him and Macote.

“Padawan, down now!” He shouted as poison tipped and barb headed arrows tinked harmlessly off the invisible barrier.

Jun would maintain the barrier until the arrows stopped raining around them. Then he would drop the defensive power with a slightly tired huff. His yellow eyes would glance to Macote.

“Are you alright?” He asked. “We need to see what’s goin o-”

Jun was cut off by inhuman shrieks and howls that echoed up in a chaotic cacophony. Jun’s eyes narrowed, he’d heard noises like that before, on Jedha with Vanya. Spawn of Darkside given life and purpose. Shit.

“Do you have a lightsaber Padawan? Because you’ll need it.” Jun stated. “Come on, there’s work to do.”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Macote Hassan]

Macote watched in awe as K'Jun deflected the arrows from midair. He needed to learn how to do that. Could every Jedi do that, or was this one just actually cool? That would be a welcome change.

Macote did have a lightsaber. He grabbed it from his waist. But, if they were about to charge headlong into battle, there were more options than just a lightsaber. As the Orcish clans rallied to battle against the Dark Side beasts, armaments spilled openly across the camp. Macote grabbed a wicked looking short bow and a quiver of arrows, and moved out towards the battlefield. He was still too weak in the Force to truly sense the origins of these beasts.

One thing was clear, though. They needed to be shot in the fuckin' face. "Lotta work to do. Let's break through." Macote saw a pair of the beasts cracking through the wooden palisades of the Orcish camp. Orcish children, previously playing, sprinted away from the beasts. One child caught an arrow through the leg, and they feebly attempted to crawl away from the howling beasts that lunged at them.

Macote's lightning-fast reflexes, the gift of Kage biology and Jedi training, tracked the beast as he knocked and arrow and drew it back. He closed one eye to aim, but the arrow fired ineffectually. It only served to draw the beast's attention to him. Ah, shit - one really had to train with these things to use them, huh?

His saber ignited. "I'll help the civilians. We'll reconnect on the battlefield." He charged to the beast, saber pointed out like a stinger.

@Apollyon