Ask Casany Praxor's Bounty Hunting for Beginners: Book 1 | Part 1 | Chapter 1

[Casany Praxor]

​

Spoiler: Casany's Journal

Hello journal,

​

It is a day today. With pen to paper I write to you on this day to tell you that I will soon meet once more with my new partner as we partner up to take on the latest di’kut on a long, long list of di’kuts this side of Crap Galaxy. This other gal is about ten years younger than me, reminds me of me as much as my sister far, far away, and taking her under my wing and aboard my Winged Pike might do her some good as she finds her footing in a crazy world bloated with worlds.

I also got the idea of beginning a kind of guide on the do’s and don’t’s of bounty hunting. I figured what the heck since I can just record what I relay to my vod as I show her how I do things. Who knows, maybe I’ll get this published, make a fortune, settle down on some world frozen in time as much as in an endless blizzard… Rawl won’t like it but that droid can’t even find the door while bumping into it so who cares?

So, Tip #1? Rule #1? Where to begin? Order will come later. Chaos of thoughts shall ensue. So it may not be the first pointer but the first pointer is to know your bounty as much as you would know your enemy. You might be one mean cookie in a Mandalorian helmet but your target might be one too—even if they traded armor for poncho and sip cappuccino in the sunlight.

Estaria, Estaria system, Outer Rim Territories

Spoiler: Music IC

The seat was comfy, the sun was out, the wind came with it and the sea lapped against the rock of columns beneath a bridge high above. Estaria. She tasted that name as though it was the cinnamon sprinkled on the foamy cream atop her cappuccino. A star in the air.

In one of several major cities of the planet’s ecumenopolis, the Valtilda Mall was nearly a city all on its own. Like one it had the more affordable areas and the ones catering to the rich. Clerks casting gracious smiles while waving the less prosperous away.

The shopping center was so vast that an entire section was all in open air where anyone could mingle no matter their money. Great trees with golden boughs dotted green grass checkered with white pavement. Cas sat at an outside table wasting her thoughts on all these things while she waited on a friend.

The cantina was on the other side of the street but she didn’t pay it much mind, just watching the people in between, having elected to extend her visitation to a cafe for once in a blue moon. Of course, Estaria’s moon isn’t blue. Not from the surface anyway. Or is it?

Zaia should be arriving any minute to help make sense of things. She would not see some Mandalorian in full armor sipping cappuccino with a pinky extended. Cas had come tailored in black boots, green pants and a red poncho with the gold sun of her clan serving as a brooch.

She was under cover, that being the umbrella erected from the table to shade from the sun, but just as much had a mind to appear casual while gathering intel on her next hunt. Her partner would soon learn of it.

@Sicadorito

 

[Zaia Krodas]

Zaia should have been used to this by now, but the numerous heads she turned as she made her way down the street were making her wonder if wearing her armor over here was a good idea, especially since she was supposed to be blending in with the crowd. It wasn’t the first time she’d had such a thought. But wearing anything else would go against everything I was taught.

Deciding to focus on something else instead, she marveled at the decorations as she walked. Estaria was beautiful, she’d give it that. It was a shame that she and Cas were here for something other than hunting for the best clothing or jewelry the sellers had to offer, but she supposed that what they were going to be doing was shopping too, in a way.

Speaking of Cas, Zaia spotted her friend enjoying a cappuccino underneath an umbrella from across the cantina. It looked like she was wearing the same red poncho and pin that she’d been wearing the day they’d met. A lot had changed since then.

“How’s the coffee?” Zaia asked as she slid into the seat next to Cas and pulled off her helmet.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Cas saw Zaia coming from a mile away, give or take, considering she stuck out like a sore thumb in a typically not very Mandalorian crowd. Then again, there were at least few of those in the vicinity besides these two; and a number of people had since come to appreciate that not every Mandalorian in a mean helmet was going to start firing rockets out of nowhere. Some of us are just…well…Mandalorians out shopping.

“Cinnamony.” Cas felt her brows frown. “That a word? It is now. Have a seat.” She teased after Zaia already found one. “Want a cup? Or you more of a macchiato Mando?” This time the frown found her lips. “Not sure if those two words belong in the same sentence but here we are and this coffee beats the freighter’s and I’m going to stop talking now how are you?”

Cas used the time of shut up to slurp on her cappuccino. She was glad to have it in a big wide cup the way she was sipping away.

It had been a minute since the two women had last sat down together. Cas had her fair share of experiences but most were mundane, mainly repair-this and purchase-that and be back home in time for vodka. Not you. The stars await Zaia Krodas like a mural yet to be painted.

@Sicadorito

 

[Zaia Krodas]

"Macchiato Mando. I like that, actually,” Zaia said with a grin. “I’m good though, thanks. I’m all pumped up already.” She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair, enjoying the calmness of the moment. It had been a while since she’d last had time to relax, and though she was technically on a job at the moment, it couldn’t hurt to wind down for a bit.

After listening to Cas ramble on about the coffee and her word choice(and somehow not run out of breath while she was at it), Zaia brushed off a piece of lint from her leggings.

“I’m doing alright. Still alive and kicking,” she said as she browsed through the crowd which had gathered in front of the cantina. It looked like there was someone doing some tricks near the entrance, and her suspicions were confirmed when she was able to get a glimpse of a twi-lek girl expertly balancing a plate and a cup on her finger. A round of applause sounded afterwards, followed by the clattering of coins as they were given to the girl.

“I should have thought of that earlier. Joined a circus or something,” Zaia muttered, running a hand through her hair. “So much easier than job-hopping all over the place. I would have gotten free transportation!”

@Die Shize

 

[Adenn Rytt]

Out of the entire rim, Estaria looked the most out of place. Beautiful streets cobbled with fine granites and glazed tiles. Decorative buildings and avenues of Shops and little cafes.
"Metropolitan" was the word that kept running through his head and straight out of Etr's mouth. He was wearing a poncho over his armor though the helmet he wore caught some attention. He ignored rubber neckers, these fancy city Dwellers had probably never seen a Mando, or his old and dusty Poncho offended them in their fine silkery and Tailored suits.
"It's been a year on and you still haven't quite lost that fish-out-of-water look, Boy"
Etr Kept looking around, taking in the Megalopolis, finally speaking only when he saw a cantina;
"Would we be able to stop in and get something to eat? I'm a little hungry."
It was getting on in the day and adenn himself could use a cup of caf. He nodded and the two entered the restaurant.

 

[Etr Wyara]

The cantina was about on par with the rest of what I'd seen so far on Estaria. It was very well lit though full, The Owner shook his head at the two. Between my Oil Stained Shirt and Adenn's Dusty, torn poncho he asked us to go and sit outside. Though he was polite, there was a bit of Tone in his voice that said we were unwelcome, like stray dogs or beggers.
"Why don't you go and sit out with your Mando friend. She's right outside."
The man said politely, adenn nodded and went out to sit under the umbrellas. I immediately began looking around until I saw the mandalorian the Cantina owner was referring to! She had taken off her helmet and was talking to another woman very casually and he assumed they were perhaps friends or a well known client. She was particularly pretty, and out of want to respect another Mandalorian I called over a waiter and bought them both a coffee.
"Would you happen to have the credits for that, sir?"
The waiter asked somewhat condescendingly, I nodded and took out my wallet, Giving enough for the coffee and a small tip for him as well. He nodded anded left to prepare them a second round of what they were already having.

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Cas followed Zaia’s gaze toward the performer, though she focused less on the Twi’lek and more on the plate and cup. That’s gotta be glass through and through. You had to be skilled as much as confident in your skill to do what this gal was doing. Hmm. Maybe that should go in the book.

“You and me both,” she raised her cup as though it had alcohol in it, trying to picture herself as a juggler. Nope. Acrobat or strongman though. Maybe Zaia could be a trapezist. Rancor tamer? She had the build for either and perhaps the skill. “Then again, we did join this universe the day we came screaming into it, so there’s your circus.”

“Here's your drinks,” called the waiter at some point later.

“I ordered drinks?” Cas queried while ogling a freshly steaming cappuccino sprinkled with cinnamon.

“Your friend did,” the waiter pointed.

Cas turned to glimpse her ‘friend’ who proved to be another Mandalorian in black and gold. Orar? Or someone who knows me in my other skin?

Cas waved Black Gold over along with the blond kid. “You know these two?” She asked Zaia. “Oh well. We’re about to.”

@Sicadorito @Timmen

 

[Zaia Krodas]

Zaia shook her head in amusement at Cas’s comment. “You’re right on that one.” The galaxy was a wild circus indeed. You never know what tricks someone has up their sleeve. She sighed and leaned back in her chair again before catching sight of a waiter running over with two drinks. She glanced over at Cas, her eyebrows raised.

“Are you really having that much all by yourself?” Zaia asked incredulously. “I could never.”

However, it seemed that it hadn’t been Cas who’d ordered the drinks. And, it turned out that one of the drinks was for her. After thanking the waiter for her drink, she followed Casany’s gaze when the waiter pointed at their supposed friend who’d placed the order. A Mandalorian clad in black and gold, as well as a boy. The man’s son, perhaps?

“Nope. I guess we are.” She sat up in her chair and took a sip of her coffee, giving the other Mando and the boy a smile to let them know that one, she was friendly, and two, thanks for the coffee.

@Timmen @Die Shize

 

[Adenn Rytt]

Adenn hadn't expected Meeting other Mandalorians on Estaria. He certainly never thought that Etr of all people would buy them a drink... they waved them over and smiled.
"We'll boy, it's best not to keep ladies waiting."
Adenn rose, but Etr seemed glued to his seat
"We-we are really going over there huh?"
Etr Looked flushed, Nervous even. He gave a Shy wave. Adenn rolled his eyes slightly in his helmet, slapping the boys back to snap him out of his thought
"They don't bite... usually."
Etr laughed at that, rising up out of his chair, the two walked over. And as they approached Adenn removed his helmet, smiling in his broken grin and scarred face.
"It's good to meet you both. My Name is Adenn Rytt and this is Etr, My Foundling and apprentice."
He motioned for Etr to Have a seat as he took one as well. He examined the woman in the red for a moment.
"It seems we have not one but two Mando'ade to associate with."
He pointed at the Golden sun broche
"Clan Praxor I know of. And That strong stance is a dead give away."
He leaned back in his chair, smiling a bit.

 

[Etr Wyara]

Nervous as I was I went over, the feeling seemed to leave as we drew closer to the two. Once we sat down, Adenn made the introductions and I sat silently, Observing the pair. Adenn leaned back in his chair, confident in his discovery of The identity of the one in Red. I had been reading into the book we had on other clans but assumed I hadn't gotten that far. There was a moment of silence which I broke
"So what brings you ladies to Estaria, other than the Coffee and good company"

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Cas took in that scarred face as though she was looking at scratched stone, rough and rugged, and she wasn’t shy about smiling to show it. A warrior. A man. And not shy about taking his helmet off either.

The boy was a whole different story, one that Cas and Zaia would probably enjoy hearing about. He looked like he was thirteen years old but didn’t much look like the man beside him. Hair’s too blond. But those eyes…

There was something about the boy’s eyes that made Cas stare. Grey and grim, far too tired for a kid. That story was probably an interesting one too. Maybe the pair had come to this table for no other reason than for storytelling?

Adenn Rytt. That name did not sound like it was Coalition. Upon joining the Orar’da’yadr she had made it a purpose to learn the clans. The two Mandalorians did not know each other then, nor Zaia most likely, but Adenn recognized Praxor even if not the other way around.

Cas tilted her head, inclined to hear what else this man might know. “Apparently my clan and sigil are more known than I realize,” she smiled. It made sense. Laren Vano. Kotii Solus. Akaan Salyr. Anvil. Huttball. The Orar’da’yadr’.

It was just a matter of time before somebody was able to pick out the gold sun, whether the head above it was hidden beneath a helmet or the face was as exposed as Cas felt this very moment while staring into the sky.

@Sicadorito @Timmen

 

[Zaia Krodas]

Zaia couldn’t help but find the kid adorable as he gave her and Cas a shy wave from his seat across the street. As the pair made their way over and the man took off his helmet, she had the feeling that there was more to their story than simply father and foundling. She was surprised to see that Adenn didn’t seem to mind taking off his helmet when meeting strangers for the first time. Whenever she’d gone out with members of her own clan, they’d always made sure whoever they were talking to had no idea whose face was underneath the helmet. Then again, it wasn’t like Zaia was extremely cautious in that regard either.

“Pleasure to meet you too.” She grinned when Adenn recognized Cas’s sigil, and playfully nudged the woman sitting beside her. “See, others do know your clan. You have quite the reputation.”

When the boy asked about their reason for being here, Zaia took a sip of coffee before responding. “We have a job to do. Doesn’t look like it, but there is one,” she said, giving him a wink. “By the way, I’ll have to pay you back for this coffee somehow. How about this— after we finish the job, I’ll get you whatever you want from this place? If there’s one thing I can’t do, it’s take something without paying for it.”

@Timmen @Die Shize

 

[Adenn Rytt]

The two mysterious women were perfectly happy To tell their plans but he had missed their names. Whether intentionally or Accidentally didn't matter. The two seemed friendly enough, it would have been just as simple to have ignored Etr's drinks. The Mando in the armor began to tease her friendly lightly.
"Oh yes."
Adenn nodded at Casany's Remarks.
"Clan Praxor, Fellow Nomads like Clan Rytt. We have had a dealing a time or or two. Whether by Combat or trade, your Clan was recorded by mine though it was 2 generations ago by my records when last our two clans interacted. Sign of the Golden sun, recorded as making good steel If I recall correctly."
He turned to @Zaia Krodas and looked at her as she spoke, Talking in her words before giving a sly grin. The Boy next to him seemed to blush at the wink. His mouth slightly ajar at her invitation
Not much of a man yet. Adenn thought
"My Foundling needs more practical Experience, If you need a hand we'd be happy to assist you for the experience. The reason why we originally came ended up falling through anyhow.... I'm sorry I don't seem to have caught your names"

 

[Etr Wyara]

I couldn't help but blush...
"I'd be happy to take you up on that offer... "
When Adenn had mentioned joining them for some more experience I couldn't help but agree.
"Yeah I mean I don't even have real armor yet since we haven't found a proper armorer... It would be good to put some of the training I've had to practical use."
My voice seemed to Cracked on the last part of the sentence which I quickly Cleared my throat to try and recover.
"We would really appreciate the opportunity if you'd be up to it."

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Reputation. Cas chewed on Zaia's choice word. It should have meant something. It means everything. Maybe it once did. It has to. A Mandalorian clan is bound by honor, and honor is meaningless if it is not known.

Dismissing such folly, she all but gulped down her cappuccino. Zaia’s speech brought her back to attention. A job. That’s why I’m here. That’s why we’re here. To get the job done. Yet Rytt brought Praxor right back down memory lane.

Could he see how she was looking at him? How enthralled she was at his meager words? There was no escaping it. It was not every day that someone else spoke of Clan Praxor, even among their own people, and who should care? Their Alor did not. Yet, this man's family had once dealt with hers. Clan Praxor. Clan Rytt. Is that not what it is all for?

Cas was at a loss for words, so foolishly so, but spared some embarrassment as Adenn moved on to the other side of the table. She was alert once more and, if she didn’t stay so, would pull her eyes out through the back of her head.

“Casany Praxor,” she announced. “When suited up, those who don’t see the sun call me Anvil. And this young lady beside me is No-Katana.” Cas nodded in Zaia’s general direction, snickering. “Kidding. I’ll leave the introduction to her.”

That name spoken, Cas looked from man to boy but saw two men. “A Mandalorian in need is a Mandalorian indeed. Our people did not conquer survival or survive conquest by staying solo, and that rule remains unchanged to this day, as unchanged as strength and honor.”

Cas was sometimes accused of being difficult to read and right now was likely no different. She had switched from sentimentality to jocularity and now intensity. She was Casany Praxor speaking for the Mandalorians and at this table there were four.

“Foundling,” she drove her two eyes into Etr’s like daggers for him to seize. “Ever been bounty hunting?” She grinned.

@Sicadorito @Timmen

 

[Adenn Rytt]

Vigor was a good word to describe Casany. She reminded him of Sarad.. The thought of her came rushing back from years before. Before he was forced to run the Gauntlet. Before he left his clan and Before the day he discovered he was the second to last Rytt in all existence. Before he knew that the one who he loved so had marched into the howling dark of the Manda. He kept his face stern, and like some kind of Bitter medicine he swallowed the thought of her. When he had silenced his own emotions he started to pick up on the Mando's, she was yearning. Desiring for something though he could not tell what but there was Great emotion with her and he began to feel her sorrowful melancholy though he thought perhaps it was his own trying to resurface.
"Well said. You're a Mandalorian of true virtue and well spoken.. You do us a Great honor, Casany. As Alor of Clan Rytt, I pledge you our service unto death or capture in completing this task of yours."
He now placed a long, Silk bag on the table. He untied it and removed the Grimscar from it and began to tie the sword onto his belt. He rolled the bag and placed it into a pouch On his side.He caught a glimpse of it in her eyes before they shot at Etr like Daggers. They were penetrating and the boy seemed to straighten and returned her gaze as best he could

"Yes Ma'am! And I will do what it takes to capture the quarry!"

@Die Shize @Sicadorito

 

[Zaia Krodas]

“No-katana?” Zaia rolled her eyes at Casany’s snicker, then elbowed her. “I’m Zaia. You can call me Zai, or whatever. I don’t care.” Introductions complete, she sat back as she listened to Cas’s speech about the Mandalorians. It was remarkably similar to what she’d said to her that day in the cantina, and she smiled. The galaxy could use more of her friend’s wisdom.

Adenn seemed to like what Cas said too, and to her surprise he even pledged them his service, taking out his sword and putting it to his belt. It was a nice-looking one too, she thought as she admired it. Of course, as Alor, it only made sense for him to have some of the best gear. It was far better than anything she had on her, at least.

She was brought back to the present when Etr spoke up following Cas’s piercing gaze in his direction. She knew all too well how that felt. “You might just become the next Boba Fett with that kind of determination, Etr,” she said with a grin. “They’ll have to watch out for you.”

The kid was brave, she’d give him that, but she’d have to see how he held up when it came to the action, she mused as she looked over him. She had little doubt that he’d be able to hold his own though. If there was anything she’d learned in the past few years, it was that age, especially for Mandalorians, had little to do with how one did in combat.

@Timmen @Die Shize

 

[Etr Wyara]

“You might just become the next Boba Fett with that kind of determination, Etr,”
Zaia said, sitting across from me at the small table. This was a sincere boost to my own esteem and I received a Quick image in my head of myself sitting on the Throne in Boba's palace.
"Then that is what I'll aspire to become,Zai!"
I said a small pounding of my fist on on table. Adenn seemed pleased at that. He gazed over at me, a small and satisfied smirk on his face. I turned to the others
"So who are we hunting?"

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music IC

There the man was offering his sword, or rather himself as one, but, even if only for the task at hand, Cas had no intention of holding it. This one is meant for more than me. She already had a sword and it was nameless.

Cas nudged Zaia with her elbow just then, gesturing toward Adenn’s ‘katana’ with a knowing smile before looking at its owner. “Your honor is mine, Adenn of Clan Rytt. Your service shall not be soiled. Who knows, maybe on the way we can spar our blades.”

She was as serious as seriously wanting to think about anything else than the idea that she was a Mandalorian of true virtue. Well spoken, perhaps, but then he hasn’t met Anvil yet.

What was going on? Why did such praise, where Mandalorians give glory to one another, suddenly make her so uncomfortable?

Cas gave a stern nod to the young man at the table, though curved lips betrayed it. “Boba Fett, is it? Well we certainly have our beginner’s training on bounty hunting cut out for us then.” Good thing I’m writing a book on it.

"So who are we hunting?"

“That’s the million credit question, vod,” Cas credited Etr. Repositioning their coffee cups to make some more room, the sword having nearly spilled hers, she laid down her datapad and tapped into the photos library. “Our bounty is from a private party. This is the target.”

Spoiler: Bounty Target

She let them take in the details, such as they were, while she focused on her cappuccino. Upon gathering that something was amiss given the reactions of her companions, Cas cleared her throat and quickly swiped a finger across the datapad.

“Nope, nope, that’s not the booty—bounty—butt—but this is.”

Spoiler: Bounty Target - For Real This Time

Thankful of whatever that was now being over, she made sure the next image was the appropriate one. Gotta also make sure I sort those karking photos out.

“Our paycheck is this vicious son of a whore—literally, I hear.” Cas stole a glance at Etr before moving on. “He runs a prostitution ring downtown. Not much else but he’s got 5S backing him up so remains untouched.” She was sure there was some additional support from certain law enforcement officials looking the other way. There always is.

“That also means his compound is quite a place to breach. I was confident in Zaia and myself getting the job done. With Adenn Rytt and Boba Fett, well, this Besilisk is gonna cry blood and we'll be there to drink it.” Cas grinned and was proud of it.

@Sicadorito @Timmen

 

[Adenn Rytt]

"We can spar any time"
Adenn said with a sly Grin and a quick wink. Flirting aside, It had been some time since he had dueled with anyone who knew how to use a blade.. Etr was coming along nicely but needed more refinement and even then he was years away from being worthy of being considered an adept swordsman.. Adenn focused in on the target, the huntress' erm... entertainment being left aside.. the actual target seemed much harder to get at.
"The Five are a tough nut to Crack. If you want to bring this one in alive and not In pieces from being blown apart by our space craft we will need a way in."
Adenn thought for a moment
"Now if we get a slicer Droid we might be able to gain access into the sewers. Alternatively, if you want to go in we could get some detonator and.."
Adenn trailed off, Etr had raised his hand silently and sat while Adenn had been speaking. He lowered it once he got the tables attention

@Die Shize
@Sicadorito