Free the Friendly Badger!

[Daniel Solus (old)]

It was well known that the members of Clan Solus tamed badgers. In fact it was part of their right of passage as young Mandalorians. Sent out into the wild to win the companionship of one of the feral Dire Badgers was a big step in becoming a full adult for members of that clan. Those who gained the companionship of one such Dire Badger earned a trusted companion for life.

The Dire Badgers were famed for their aggressive nature, sharp claws and sharper teeth. However, the badger of Daniel Solus was an exception to the rule, just like the man himself. Archie, the Dire Badger who had been rescued as a pup from a swarm of vultures by Daniel as a boy, was friendly and well mannered. That was how Daniel and his companion @Cressa Tall now found themselves in an interesting situation.

They had gone to the lands of Clan Eldar to bring them into the fold and rally them under Clan Solus. Daniel had brought Archie with him, as he did almost everywhere, but the badger had ideas of his own. The moment they had reached the settlement, Archie had run off to play with a group of local children. Such an event was not unusual for Daniel's companion badger so he thought nothing of it...until his meeting with the clan.

Though Clan Eldar and Clan Solus were technically allies from the war, Clan Eldar still wanted a show of strength from Clan Solus if they were to unite under their banner. It became apparent that they had taken Archie to a secure location and wanted Daniel and his companion to free the captured badger as a show of strength and ingenuity.

Worried for his longtime companion, Daniel and Cressa waited to hear the terms from Caln Eldar.

@Faster Than Light @Real Russian

 

[The Storyteller]

Word travels fast in the Mandalorian sector than one would think. It's not up for debate how much Clan Solus was a driving force in attacks against the two Sith Empires. It's was only a matter of time before Clan Solus would send an envoy to Clan Eldar and had a very good idea of why they would come. The speaker of Clan Eldar is away at this moment, Thonn Eldar would meet with their envoy; known as Daniel Solus, a Mandalorian Rally Master and Al’Verde. Clan Eldar doesn't have official Alor and Al’Verde so Thoon will have to do. Clan Eldar is a more democratic society but Thonn is an older and wisened man so his word carries weight.

The children were indeed playing with Daniel's companion badger Archie. He's a playful thing. The children found he can dance and was very friendly. Achie is very trusting of humans. Maybe too trusting..

But what Clan Solus was going to ask of the Eldar is not something to take lightly. Solus has plans to really some of the other clans under them. Although Solus has made great strides against the Empire, the Eldar need to make sure that Solus are truly worthy of becoming a House along the lines of Vizsla and Kryze. It's not just about being powerful and dealing blow after blow, but commanding respect and giving it in return.

Thonn Eldar, wearing his beskar'gam with Clan Eldar colors (Green and black) and helmet removed, resting in his left hand, would be in front the two Solusians he would raise. "Welcome friends." Thonn would speak in Mando'a, warmly greeting them at appoarch and would continue to speak the Mandalorian language to his fellow Mandalorians for here on out in this meeting . "Hope the journey over here was pleasant." the usual pleasantries. Thonn is in his forties, he's pretty good at reading people and he can see that Daniel seems worried by his subtle body language even through any armor.

"I know what you are here for. Clan Solus seeks to rally some of the clans under the symbol of the Badger. Solus and Eldar are good allies, we have some history together and a common goal against Sith. We will do this" Then there was a long pause, almost as if Thonn just unconditionally gave his support...

"...But..." There is a catch. "...You may have noticed that your badger companion is missing." Thonn would elaborate why. "We require one test before we will agree" And thus here he will lay out the terms. "You two will fight me inside the dueling ring. If you two win, we will follow Solus against the Sith." And now if they don't win. "And if you don't win, not only will we decline. But you will never see your badger friend again" the Eldar Mandalorian said with cold stoicism. With that declaration, that would change the whole tone of this meeting here after. Thonn doesn't mean anything mean-spirted, this is a test. This is not just a bid to win support or to see how good the Solus are in a fight against other Mandalorians, but it was made a lot more personal. How far will the Solus go to protect their symbol and his animal companion? Thonn has no doubt the Solus will accept this challenge. As an experienced and capable warrior despite his age (Level 2), he is always eager for a good battle. The two Mandalorians are younger than he is. They will see though.

Now what will it be?

@Lucid @Real Russian

 

[Cressa Solus]

Cressa has still couldn't recover from the failure on Bandomeer. Of course, Solus couldn't know, that there will be three of Imperial bastards ready to kill them. But annexing the whole city with only two persons seemed to be a strategical mistake. She and Cuyan could die there and as result do nothing. It could be a non-sense waste. If Souls has opted for such plans, they have to send a much bigger amount of warriors to conquer the land. That said, it doesn't say that Cressa has a fear of death, but die for nothing seems like a good reason to respect the unpleasant feeling. There is a fine line between bravery and imbecility and the woman try to use her fearless feature only when it seems wise. You only live once and you have to live your life in a way that entire Galaxy will remember you. Obviously, being excessively brave wouldn't help to achieve such a goal.

So to accelerate the process of recovering from the failure (and to self-affirmation), the woman from the clan Solus decided to help with negotiations. From her perspective, there was nothing dangerous since you don't have to kill or mangle people. Indeed, the deal was a relief for the brunette after the series of really tensed and deadly missions. The only thing she couldn't really get is why clans need to "merge" if they can just help each other? Is there was something that Cressa hasn't know about Mandalorian culture? Even though she was from Solus, she always was trying to help people from other clans. Cressa supposed, that she was pretty young and couldn't know everything about the Mandalorian preferring to do things which she can do good and hence doesn't know too much about the culture of Mandalore because she simply doesn't need it to do her job good. However, the story with Daniel's badger and the deed of the Thonn from the Eldar clan just make more questions which could be answered only by learning the culture. Since Cressa was primarily in Saxon clan and entered to Solus not so long ago, she doesn't know much about badgers and as such she doesn't have her own. Not yet. And considering her lifestyle it would be not easy since Cressa focused on making good contacts, money and helping Solus clan. Taming a Dire Badger doesn't fit really well in her schedule, but if the clan will insist - she will do.

"The badger for a cost of a couple of broken bones. Or even more... Seems a bit unequal price I think. But what the terms, Thonn? What about Beskar'gam and Besbe'trayce? If we about to fight fair, I'm proposing to fight without them". Replied Cressa on Mando'a with all her seriousness in a curious tone. Actually, she doesn't possess a real threat for Thonn because her fighting style was designed in the combination with ranged weapons and against armed foes with a lethal result for the last ones in most cases. She was a gunslinger after all and forced to compensate her defenseless in the close combat being armed. The situation with Thonn was absolutely different and represents a challenge. But she was ready to test her strength and to see how good her own martial art might be good against a skilled foe. The Eldar Mandalorian seems to has been him, otherwise, he wouldn't challenge the couple from Solus clan, doesn't he?

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

Requisite Grandiose Theme

"No armor, no weapons other than vibroblades," Daniel was enraged now, how dare they capture Archie. His badger buddy was kind and docile; he was not a threat. If they took him captive it was like capturing a baby and ransoming it back. He wondered if these people would be even worth the trouble of bringing under the Solus banner. It was no matter, he would kill this man and take Clan Eldar to fight under House Solus. "You captured my badger. If you want a fight, then you will fight me with the terms I have given...you have already shown cowardice once, when you took an innocent creature hostage.I will not let you do it again.

"Your life in payment for your cowardice."

Daniel didn't even wait for a response as he started removing his armor. Piles of plates, guns and assorted other tech lay in a pile on the ground. Unlike other Mandalorians he didn't consider his armor to be his soul. That was defined by his actions and his purpose; he could fight just as well with or without it, this self-important old man was about to learn that the hard way.

He left the lightsaber he had taken from the dead hand of the Sith at Bilbringi on top of the pile. It was an open threat.

Eventually he was down just to cloth pants and a shirt, naked vibrosword in one hand. A vibroknife hung from his waist. He brought the blade up in a salute then into low guard between his bent knees.

"Strip."

It was a command.

@Real Russian @Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

Thonn Eldar was really impressed with the bond the man had with his badger. As expected. The guy also commands such passion as well. Now to test the two in battle. The man's terms and more and agreeable, Thonn was skilled with all manner of blades. "I accept your conditions" Thonn had an impressed smile. Thonn wasn't afraid of possible death, no true Mandalorian is, but even if this is two vs one, Thonn was confident his skills and accumulated experience in battle would be more than enough to counterbalance that.

Thonn had his armor shed until he had nothing but a modest attire with a cloth tunic among other things. One thing that did catch Thonn's eye was that lightsaber at the top of the pile. Even though Daniel is young, he's defeated/killed a Sith, marking him as a warrior that shouldn't be underestimated, as expected of a Solus of course.

Before the fight would begin, Thonn would be stand 5 meters away from Daniel and Cressa in front of him, now ready for this fight. He would be wielding two vibroswords. He would assume a defensive stance, hands raised near shoulder-level with the swords angled to where they are crossing each other forming an X. The Eldar also has his left foot slightly forward as he is prepared to move and ready for the fight.

"Let the fight begin."

Spoiler: OOC

A reminder that normal pvp rules apply.

@Lucid @Real Russian

 

[Cressa Solus]

Daniel's anger was fully reasonable and if Cressa was being him, she would simply shot Thonn in the head. But the man knew that if they kill him now the couple will never get the location of Daniel's ratel and the Elder clan probably won't help Solus against the Empire. It was an unacceptable option. Wise step, old man. So in order to support her partner, the Flying Badger (Cressa's alias which she has got once her primary clan became Solus) stripped off her armor, the pair of the holsters with blasters and bowcaster as well, leaving only the leather jacket and leather pants on her. And this fact could be fine for the brunette girl, but vibro melee weapons in hands of Thann made her look frown. Should she miss one hit and the deep wound is guaranteed. And since the female Mandalorian couldn't claim herself as an experienced melee fighter, considering her opponent is quite dangerous in terms of skill, the risk of ending up heavily injured was high. Luckily, she brought her new weapon with her and basically it was her only hope to stand against the Eldar leader. Additional detail worth to note is that Cressa was without her Beskgar and therefore her movements should be a little faster and accurate now.

Her weapon was a collapsible staff made of durasteel. A quite easy, but heavy thing in terms of the way it works (just expands from two sides), yet powerful in hands of the real master. Because of this, she took a few lessons about wielding the two-sided weapons ensuring on how to use it (from the seller). With the mix of her own martial technique which was de-facto more defensive and hasn't been designed to be a full hand-to-hand art, the woman has solid chances to counter Thonn's attacks, although, in order to hit the old warrior, Cressa either has to be lucky or outperform herself. That is why she decided to let her partner initiate the battle and thus expose Thonn for the attack from Cressa's side because as the last one noted, Daniel supposed to be much more skilled close combat fighter than she is. He was the Rally Master after all. So she clicked on the staff handle button, expanding it with a distinct clanking sound, and started to spin the weapon in hands giving it good impact momentum. In order to connect it with Thonn's face or to parry his offensive in case the man pick Cressa as his first target.

And so the air was filled with the tension. The battle was about to start.

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

As the man took his stance and proclaimed the fight begun, Daniel was already moving. The dirt on the ground crunched under his boots as he moved around to the man's right side. With Cressa at a 90 degree angle to him and their opponent Daniel sprung. He closed the gap between himself and his opponent in two strides, his blade straight before him in his right hand. He didn't strike at the man's body, instead he allowed the flat of his blade to slide along the crossed swords of Thonn's defensive position.

When the middle of his blade was at the point where Thonn's two blades crossed he slammed his sword into the point where Thonn's blades crossed. His blows were strong, using the momentum of his spring. His strikes would send the flat of the Thonn's blades slamming into his chest and drive him back. As Daniel completed the second of his rapid blows to the man's blades, he pivoted bringing himself to face Thonn, swinging his blade through a follow-through crescent downwards across Thonn's torso.

@Real Russian @Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

The woman was fighting with a quarter staff, interesting.

Thonn had his eyes on the two Clan Solus members. The male Solusian Daniel wasted no time moving. As expected. Anyone with any insight into Daniel's psyche with the situation with his badger companion could have guessed that might happened. Thonn was already ready however.

Thonn wasn't going to just stand there and let Daniel do whatever he wants however. Thonn would ensure body turned that he is facing Daniel as he moved around to Thonn' right. As Daniel was coming in for his sword slide, Thonn would also take a sidestep diagonally backwards to his right before that could take place, wide enough that the blade would narrowly avoid hitting his arm as well. Although he is in his forties, his reflexes and speed are still something not to be underestimated. Because the slide missed it's intended target any follow up attacks he planned on doing after that aren't happening.

As Thonn was exiting his side step he would bend his body forward (thus lowering his profile and giving him more reach) as he would use his left handed sword to strike Daniel's left leg (Daniel would now be to Thonn's left). At worse Daniel could be removed a limb, at best he will have a nasty sword cut.

Thonn would still have his right handed blade readied as well. He is well aware that he is having to fight two people at once.


@Lucid @Real Russian

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

Daniel saw the man take a step back diagonally and start to bend forward. Daniel's initial plan had failed, but he wasn't stumped. No sooner had the man started to move than Daniel pivoted and jumped as Thonn's sword starting to come around for a slash at Daniel's leg. The young Mando jumped into a twisting roll over Thonn's bent form, placing a hand on the man's back to push him forwards still and off balance as Daniel rolled over his back. He wasn't quite quick enough though, the sword nicked his leg. It stung and bled, but was not nearly as serious as it could have been.

Dan landed hard on his feet behind Thonn, leg stinging where the man had cut him. He reversed his blade and stabbed at the man's falling form, turning around as he did so. It would be a difficult blow to dodge, off balance as he would be after the position he had got himself into. Daniel didn't doubt the man's prowess or reflexes though and hoped that Cressa would take advantage of Thonn being off balance to move in and attack with her staff.

@Real Russian @Faster Than Light

 

[Cressa Solus]

The woman patiently waited for her opportunity to strike as she watched as two men fighting with each other. She knew, that letting Daniel initiate the attack would wise choice and she wasn't wrong, even though the last one being injured. The Flying Badger hoped it won't affect his performance and he can continue to fight normally-ish. If it would be Cressa, she probably would end up with an amputated leg or even worse. Luckily, her co-Solus partner has provided her some time to analyze Thonn tactic and decide the optimal decision upon to where hit the Elder warrior and when the man is off of balance, sent right into Cressa's direction, the brunette resolved for the action.

Because the staff was designed as an impact weapon due to his form, being decently accelerated it could crash even a human skull. However, as Cressa was seeing, her attempt to hit Thonn face would result in the block and even though he was off of balance, he probably might strike in return and at this moment the woman couldn't be quick enough to parry Thonn hit. Instead, Solus decided to crash his kneecaps (or one of them) just because it was more difficult for him to block the low at the staff speed. With maimed patella, the man would still represent a threat if he manages to deal with horrible pain from the bone-crushing, but it would be much lower and less effective if Thonn would block the hit in his face where he might outperform Cressa and recover from the blocking way faster.

And so she twisted her body making her muscles tense and once Thonn was in the range of the staff, Cressa untwisted and with a single hand, carefully avoiding the possible stab by the Eldar sword with a side step to the opposite Thonn vector, had released the extended part of the staff right to the Thonn's patella with high speed with a sound tearing wind. That being said, the acceleration momentum might be quite fast which might result in a good impact. From the all possible tactics, this one was the safest and quite effective in case of a successful hit. But even if Cressa miss, she would be out of Thonn swords strike zone and can easily increase the distance between him and her.

 

[The Storyteller]

Even as Thonn landed the first blood of this fight, he was clearly able to see Daniel jump over him, pretty much being used a springboard. Probably over-extended more than he should have. Kudos for to Daniel for being able to think on his feet. The Eldar Being used like gave him a good stagger, but he knew there was a very obvious threat now behind him that needed dealt with. The woman was still in his primary line of sight, but because she decided to go for him as he was off balance, his kneecaps would be hit hard. Thonn could feel the pain as he would be reduced to kneeling by the impact of the staff but like any true Mandalorian, he will soldier through it.

Even though the pain and gritting of the teeth, Daniel was something that could not be ignored. As he was hit by the staff, he would swing his right handed blade and he would swing hard over towards Daniel as quickly as he could as the Solusian Rally Master would be grounded by now. Thonn's haphazard swing would threaten to cleave half-way through Daniel's waist area, putting him out of the fight unless he comes up with something quick to defend.

Right after that attack would be launched (and assuming that he was able to stop Daniel's stab from completing ), Thonn would have his left handed blade raised up in front of him to defend from any attacks from the woman and would be alternating between rotating his head to where he is looking just enough at what is behind him and at the Solusian woman.

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

Daniel was impressed by Thonn's endurance. The man had recovered well from being thrown so off balance by Daniel and then taking a blow to the knees from a durasteel rod. And still he managed to attack! Even on his knees Thonn was able to maneuver and launch a counter attack, messy and haphazard though it was, it was still enough to force Daniel to divert his blade down to block.

His slammed his blade against the Thonn's stopping it short of cleaving his waist. He with his right hand he kept the pressure on Thonn's blade, the odd angle of his arm and attack making it easy for Daniel to keep the blades locked. With his left hand, he snatched his vibroknife from his belt and slid it around and under Thonn's chin. Poised as he was with his left blade out front and his right blade held in lock, there was little he could do at such extreme close range from the angles that they were at.

With the knife held across Thonn's throat, Daniel looked him in the eyes. "Yield," he said in a voice of pure ice. "I did not come here to kill those who have always been friendly to Clan Solus. You have seen our strength and we have bettered yours. Return my badger and make good on your promise to have Clan Eldar join with us as we take the fight to the Empire and everything that has happened here today will be forgiven."

Daniel didn't remove the knife. He would slice Thonn's throat and forcibly take control of Clan Eldar if the man made any move other than to agree. It would be his right, it was his right after defeating the older man. However, it went against everything he stood for, everything he had planned for his people if he took the life of someone who was only trying to prove to his Clan that the people they would join with were strong.

@Faster Than Light @Real Russian

 

[Cressa Solus]

Softly saying, Cressa was impressed by the Thonn will not lesser than Daniel. In her imagination, Eldar's man ought to hit the ground of the improvised dojo with his face, but after her staff connected with Thonn's knees, the man continued to fight as nothing happened. Real warrior! His knees probably have seen much worse days if he able to sustain such pain or Cressa has simply doesn't apply enough power into the strike. But she was sure, the hit like she has just produced would result in the fall of anyone less trained and "thick skinned". Luckily, Daniel actions seemed about to end the battle. Hopefully.

After the woman performed the successful hit, she step away to the left side of Thonn making the distance from him. Watched as Thonn has changed to a kneeling position, the woman was about to produce one more blow upon the man back of the head, but Daniel was faster and in general, the brunette woman was glad. Her clanmate words have a sense and it seemed like Thonn was cornered. However, something was telling the woman, that battle isn't over. She was sure Thonn would figure something now to escape Daniel's threat and in order to prevent this, she stood behind Thonn back preparing her staff for a hit. If the Eldar leader goes try to counterattack, this time Cressa will hit his elbow in order to drop his swords. Actually, she could do it now, but because it's easy to break joints with the staff (since the staff is the tool of maiming), making Thonn a disabled man won't make much honor. A broken elbow is a thing which not easy to heal and woman knew it.

"Be wise, Thonn. Killing and maiming each other these days won't help anyone of clans and you have to know that.". The woman has only added in addition to Daniel's words.

 

[The Storyteller]

Well, he is beaten, Thonn couldn't deny it. With all his experience and skill, he was defeated by two younger people quickly. Perhaps he doesn't have it as these younger warriors do anymore. Heh. Thonn's hands would now be free of any swords, thanks to the efforts of Cressa, and he would have a knife at his throat couresty of Daniel after his attempt to cleave though his midsection didn't work. "I yield." Thonn would admit and then smile. Thon would slowly clap his hands, two times. This was a signal. As Thonn arranged, a group of Clan Eldar children - the same group of childern the Archie was playing with eariler - would be escorting Archie back to his owner; safe and sound and unharmed, letting him rejoin his owner. The truth was Thonn never really kidnapped it, but the children merely had lots of fun with the badger elsewhere.

If allowed to stand up, Thonn would. In any event then he would explain himself. "You two have fought very well today. I knew you two would. Forgive me for any alarm caused, but I just had to see it for myself. I can feel the passion, the righteous fury, how far you will go to protect your own symbols given form" referring to the badger. "I can see it. It will be the symbol of the badger that will lead the way towards us destroying the Sith and ensure the freedom of all Mandalorians." After a pause. "Clan Eldar will stand with House Solus." Thonn proclaimed.

@Lucid @Real Russian

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

The moment Thonn had said the word 'yield' Daniel sheathed his knife and lowered his sword, relieved. He had not wanted to kill the Eldar A'lor at all. That would have been bad for business and the Eldar had always been friendly to Solus. This was the way he had wanted things to go; the Eldar had already known how powerful Clan Solus was becoming and the fight had been a mere formality to seal the alliance. Daniel gave the man a genuine smile and went back to his armor, pulling it on piece by piece as Thonn spoke.

He was half way through pulling on his leg plates when he saw the group of children that Archie had been playing with. It seemed as though children nor badger had known what was going on. Daniel rushed to the small group, nearly tripping over his half equipped armor and scooped the animal up like a child. He nuzzled the creature happily and looked around. All looked happy and Archie was licking his chops in a contented way. They had fed his badger and let the animal play with the kids while the fight had gone on. Not that it mattered at this point, but Daniel idly wondered if this had been Thonn's plan all along.

Badger still in his arms (an impressive feat considering Archie's prodigious size), Daniel returned to Thonn.

"Thank you for not hurting him," he said, scratching the animal's back gently in his arms. "Like me, my badger is a bit different, he doesn't like to hurt people or get in trouble. It has been a privilege, Thonn."

Daniel turned to face the crowd that had gathered while the trio had been fighting. Still more were coming as news of the fight's conclusion spread through the settlement. Giving them time to gather, Daniel reequipped the rest of his armor and, finally, as he placed his helmet upon his head he turned to face the gathered people. Right then, he was exactly what he needed to be. A picture of Mandalorian strength not seen in many ages. It was a momentous occasion, the first step to uniting the Mandalorian people once again.

Together, and only together, would they be able to purge the stain of the Sith from galactic memory.

"TO WAR!!"

//Thread