Who Wants to be a Warlord?

[Grug]

The day of battle had finally arrived on Gamorr. Grug had spent the last few days getting prepared for the tournament. His clan lacked a Warlord so the Matriarch was holding this grand tournament to choose her partner. While Grug had little interest in personally gaining the fame or position, he did have interest in keeping his people safe from the awful candidates trying to get to the top. His Jedi training had taught him that the right thing to do was to set these people on a good path as best he could. As their leader he could even take some of them off world to assist in his Jedi efforts. First, he had to win.

"Jubba, be safe!" He warned his friend who would watch rather than compete.

A large circular arena had been hastily constructed out of sheets of metal, wood, and even some chunks of mud. The entire thing was just an open mud pit for war. Grug and other warriors would be placed along the 'wall' and when the Matriarch banged the drums battle would begin. This first round was a free for all fight. The Matriarch would carefully watch to see which four fighters did the best. Those four, out of the original 20, would then be paired off to fight one on one. Winners would fight for the championship. All Grug had to do was impress her and he would move on to the next round.

Grug wore his usual set up. His lightsaber and vibrochoppa would start in his hands already in prep for the battle, but the lightsaber would not be ignited yet. Blasters were against the tournament rules so he had left it with Jubba. His dueling armor was mostly covered by ragged clothing but otherwise that's all he had for protection. The Gamorrean was ready for battle.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Mortal Combat
​

Twenty contestants.

Twenty Gamorreans ready for battle.

Truly such a sight would be monstrous, terrifying, to anyone but another Gamorrean? It didn't matter though as only Gamorreans and their allies would witness this. This was their tournament and while it may not be as flashy as the Gauntlet the Sith held, it was still of great importance to the clan.

The bell was rung and combat began.

Not everyone was out to get Grug... thought more than a fair few were. Grug was a Jedi and so he was something of a focus for the rest of the Gamorrean warriors here.

Three warriors broke away from the mad melee to focus on Grug. One of them charges straight down the middle with his vibro-axe at the ready, ready to swing it down from overhead to slice into Grug. The second one stood behind the first, slightly to the left, and had three throwing spears, one of which he sent flying at Grug from that angle just as the first one was attacking with his axe.

The third one began to edge round to the right of Grug, just getting himself into a position with his sword and shield combo.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Battle was where Grug belonged. He grew up in this mess before becoming a Jedi, so he understood what he had to do. The Jedi told Grug that killing was not the first choice. The Gamorreans fought to the death. In this arena he was a Gamorrean and he would respect their culture. That said, he would use his special abilities to win and show off. A fellow Jedi who wasn't Jubba might see it as horrifying but this was not a dark act for Grug. This was just the way of life on Gamorr and he would help bring light to it by winning this tournament.

The one throwing the spears likely did not care about the safety of the one attacking Grug with his axe. This made Grug's life easier. He blocked the incoming axe with his vibrochoppa but only pretended to struggle in the melee lock. His other hand with the lightsaber lifted a couple of fingers to subtly redirect the thrown spear into the back of his opponent. It would be devastating and distracting if it didn't kill him. Grug would then step to his left and release the melee lock to swing the choppa at his enemy's neck. A quick end to whatever pain he would feel was most merciful.

"Come, fight Grug!" He grunted at the one with the sword and shield, but keeping an eye on the spear thrower.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Mortal Combat
​

Gamorrean combat was brutal and it was, at the end of the day, completely without care for the lives of others. So while the spear thrower was a little bit surprised that his spear had instead impaled and killed a different Gamorrean...? He didn't much care. The whole point was to be the last one standing if possible after all.

Last four technically but it was easier to be a winner if everyone else was dead.

The Gamorrean with the sword and shield eyed the lightsaber warily. His shield would hold against a few strikes from the chopper but against a lightsaber?

He wasn't so sure... but it probably could!

It could not - but he didn't have to know that right now.

Instead he charged in with his sword in his right hand stabbing out at Grug's ribs on the left side while the shield was ready to block attacks in the left hand. The spear thrower threw another spear aimed from Grug's right side as he was dealing with the attacker from the right.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Grug's first opponent went down but not really to his own overt attack. He knew it would take more to truly impress the Matriarch and move ahead. A brave Gamorrean with a basic sword and shield decided to come for Grug as well with absolute confidence. He was almost impressed if it were not foolish. The lightsaber ignited with a single flick of the switch as the large foe charged. Another spear was coming in as well. A Jedi would have no issue here either.

A loud pig-like squeal escaped from Grug as he lunged to his left while swinging the lightsaber to either remove the sword entirely or block it if the blade could resist the hot blade of plasma. Meanwhile, his lunge caused the spear to fly into the wall rather than his any targets. The vibro choppa in his right hand would not lash out, but instead he would lift a pair of fingers to try to yank the spear thrower into the back or close to the back of the swordsman.

"Big Matriarch choose Grug, you give up!" He grunted at them after performing his actions.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

​

Grug's lightsaber was a not altogether secret advantage he held in this contest, especially against the swordsman that swung against him now. A basic blade was all he held, though others in the pack might have deadlier weapons, his was a metal no match for the searing plasma of Grug's jedi weapon that cut through the blade in a flash, meaning the Gamorreans attack would never reach his target.

The rather filthy being now looked down at his now disarmed hand with visible confusion. This wasn't how he expected it to go. No matter, it was time to fight dirty then. Tossing aside his shield he lowered his body and made to tackle Grug's middle, get him on the ground. It wouldn't be perfect though. Grugs force pull yanked the spear thrower straight into his back, sending the pair crashing toward Grug. The weight of the pair would easily send Grug down unless he could find a way to move. Though with little distance between them, he wouldn't have much time.

Outside of this, the melee in the arena continued as brutally as it had begun, with another five squealing their last as choppas were swung and shields bashed. The numbers were thinning fast, with stronger fighters remaining.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Squeals of victory and squeals of death filled the arena as the fighting was getting closer to an end. Not all of the losers would die, and not all of the living would win. Grug had to do more than survive, but so far he was showing he was a good fighter. When the swordsman gave up and tried to come at a charge, there was an easy choice to make. A lightsaber would slice through a fat Gamorrean like butter. Grug quickly positioned the blade straight on and as the two piled on top of him, he would pierce through them.

"Ow. Get off!" He would grunt from beneath them as their insides would likely be oozing onto him.

Now the fight wouldn't be over if both of these were slain. He would quickly push his way out and survey the battlefield. More fighting had to be done before the next round. Grug felt he had made a good impression but whoever came next would need to be a good show. The Matriarch likely already picked Grug if he survived the rest, and he wasn't going to risk that by playing it safe. He wanted to dominate and show the Jedi way to his people.

@Nightfall096

 

[The Storyteller]

​

And such an opportunity for glory would present itself. From out of the crowd a gamorrean seemed to fly through the air, a cry of pain along with it as they crashed into the ground, clutching their chest in pain. Though so far Grug had made strong headway in appearing the strongest fighter, he was not the only one.

A new challenger had emerged.

From within the melee emerged a hulking figure of a Gamorrean, a foot taller, and wider than most, with a cracked helmet covering his face, he was a true monster on the field, and had been the primary foe for many on the far side of the arena. And he knew Grug was a threat the moment he approached the larger fight.

"Aye Boi, you think you can take me, Brakka the mighty?!" He called across the field. A vibro-spear in one hand, a net in the other, he gutted another Gamorrean even as he stood their, calling out to Grug. Pulling his weapons close, he readied himself to charge at his enemy, and squish him like he had the rest.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Now this would be the fight Grug needed. It would likely, by his count of the field, be the last one he needed. Brakka the mighty sure was big, but Grug didn't mind. He liked the idea of a tough opponent. Grug squared off with the mighty Brakka in preparation of the charge. In a show of good faith, and confidence, he tossed his lightsaber to one side. There would be no need for that weapon here. A Gamorrean warrior did not need technology to win. Grug then tossed his vibro-choppa to the other side. A Jedi did not need a weapon to win. Grug only needed his bare hands and the force. He would show that even unarmed he was the best fighter here. That would surely impress the Matriarch into choosing him.

"Yes. With no weapons." He grunted loudly, flexing his flabby arms before slapping his fat belly as a taunt for Brakka to charge him.

All the while, Grug was pooling the force deep within. He also sucked in some air to his stomach to make a powerful belch. Combined, the two would make the Gamorrean Jedi's signature move: the force burp. His enemy had not charged yet so he would wait until it began. For now, Grug was building up a powerful belch of the force that would topple any enemy. It would likely not be a fatal blast, but it would certainly be a painful hit. Excitement grew as he waited to unveil this move against a foe like Brakka.

@Nightfall096

 

[The Storyteller]

Brakka weren't no fool. At least, he didn't think he was a fool, and he supposed that was good enough. He'd heard of Jedi and their magic, and he wasn't about to let it get the better of him. Not infront of the matriach. So then, without those same powers, he'd have to use his brain.

And his muscles.

Bit of both.

With a roar and a stamp, he lowered his head and ran, but he wouldn't be the first thing to hit Grug. With his left hand he'd spin the net at Grugs feet, while with his right he tossed the spear at Grug's belly, ready to hit a moment after his foes feet were tied up.

It would hopefully distract this challenger, giving him something to focus on before his body arrived to deliver the pain. Only then would he crash into him with his weight, ready to smash him with all his weight and power.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Gas and force combined in Grug's maw as he could no longer hold back what he had built up. As the net left Brakka's hand, so the Force propelled burp escaped from the Gamorrean Jedi. It was more push than smell, for this time, and it roared to life with a deep belch. A tube of energy flew forwards and would intercept the net to send it flying back to sender. On top of that, the energy would reach Brakka himself shortly to toss him back. Grug did not get as much time to build up energy as he wanted, but it should still stop the charge from coming.

A spear being thrown was now a common sight for Grug. It resisted the energy a bit better than the net could so he would have to deal with it still. Rather than stop his own burp power short, he lowered his shoulder into the hit to let his armor take the brunt of the attack. It would sting and cause a slight step back, but he would not need to step aside or stop his own attack. So long as the charging Brakka was toppled by the push he would begin charging ahead and pull the spear out of his shoulder to be the sting behind his own charge. His aim would be for the gut if Brakka didn't stand up in time or the head if he did.

@Nightfall096

 

[The Storyteller]

A hit!

A partial one at least, and not one he'd get a whole lot of time to enjoy the success of, because Grug could unleash a belch like no other he'd seen, and he felt and smelt it in seconds. The net met him first, the lightweight thing sent tumbling through the air back at his own legs. But he wasn't going to fall for that, not at all.

With a hop from his heavy legs he cleared the net as it skidded into the ground, only for himself to be smacked back down to earth by the force of Grug's gas. It was something Brakka was simaltaneously impressed and angered by, and the thwack to the back of his head didn't do wonders for him either.

But, that wouldn't be enough to finish the hulking brute, and Grug clearly knew that, going to charge him. But as Brakka laid on his back, thrown backwards by the force of the blast, he threw out his left arm quick, and snatched up the net that lay limp on the ground by him. As Grug got close he'd whip the net up and use it to ensnare the spear and throw it across Grug's body to point away from him, hopefully with enough force to make him move a little with it, meaning he could start to get up to Grug's right as he was pulled left.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

Grug was impressed with his own force gas attack. It was something he had practiced and tried to perfect but not had a chance to truly use yet. Brakka went down like a hunk of bricks and the Jedi thought he had it in the bag. His spear was coming in hot for a belly shot. When the net tangled the spear, Grug was yanked off course slightly to the left but he was still within range to fight this monster. Grug made sure that while Brakka was attempting to get up there would be no easy path. His hands worked to untangle the spear by shaking it and pulling at the net while his right foot delivered a powerful blow to Brakka's legs mid movement to stand up.

"On ground. You lose. Yield or is Die. Have choice." He would grunt as long as the kick worked to drop the beast back down.

Once the spear was freed he would make sure to keep the pointy end towards his opponent. If more fighting was to come he would not be afraid to pierce his foe with a lethal strike. Grug was a Gamorrean warrior as much as he was a Jedi. This trip had proved as much. The Jedi inside of him hoped Brakka yielded while the warrior wanted to deliver the next blow.

@Nightfall096

 

[The Storyteller]

While Grug's kick connected, it wouldn't be enough to bring him down alone. As Brakka felt his leg buckle slightly, he planted his right fist into the ground to steady himself, and threw his left arm up from underneath inside Grug's grip to push his arm, and force the spear away from pointing at his body, opening up Grug's own belly to attack as Brakka hauled himself back onto his feet.

Assuming he made it back up, he'd use his right hand to deliver a blow directly into Grug's belly, and blech right back at him.

It wouldn't be a force blast, but is would be a gas Grug wouldn't soon forget either.

The rest of the Gamorrean melee descended further into violence and insanity, someone in the crowd swearing they saw an eyeball pierced with a tusk. But the matriarch paid no attention to the few who still survived and battled over there. All eyes were on the Grug and Brakka, in a fight the likes of which Gamorr had not seen in decades.

@Cazar

 

[Grug]

The Jedi within would be appeased by attempting to offer mercy. Grug felt a bit of a release now that this enemy clearly would never give up. A slight grunt escaped as he braced for the punch to the gut. He stepped back as it came to lessen the impact as well and quickly used this moment to bring the spear back in for a force enhanced swing. Even if the point of the spear did not hit and even if Brakka tried to block the spear handle, it would cut through like a vibroblade. Enhancing the weapon through the force would be taxing, but it would never be expected by the brute.

Grug almost enjoyed the counter belch. It was primitive, smelly, and beautiful. If not for the fact they were killing each other right now, Brakka would make a good warrior friend for Grug. Instead Brakka would be a stepping stone to bring a new age to this clan. A Jedi ruler could influence this Gamorrean clan to take better steps, maybe even leave Gamorr if it couldn't be changed as a whole.

@Nightfall096

 

[The Storyteller]

For a moment Brakka felt victory. As his punch connected he believed himself to be taking back the advantage from this magician he faced.

And then he felt nothing.

Nothing, before a searing burn in his arm, his flesh tearing, cut through quick as Grug whipped the vibro-spear down onto his arm and cut it off in one fell swoop. His size would do him little good now, only making him a bigger target. And then he realised, this, this was a new feeling,

"Agh! What is- Pain? I think this is what pain feels like!" he let out with a cry, his voice weaker than it had been before. For such a mighty gamorrean to be brought so low, it was a shame he wouldn't forget.

Nor a feat the matriach would forget neither.

As dust cleared and the last trio of fighters remained standing, the crowd took a moment of silence. A rare thing ever on Gamorr. Before the Matriach stood, her voice carrying across the arena,

"All hail the remaining victors!" her eyes lingered on Grug. There was no doubt his show of skill had curried great favour this day,

"Leave the arena now, and rest. You've earned it!" she procaimed, seizing up a mug of ale in a salute to the fighters, the crowd joining her in a cry as she did so. There was still battles to be fought in this competition, more for the fans to lap up. And as all left the arena, all that could be heard was the quiet sobs of Brakka, mourning his lost victory.

And arm. He also mourned the lost arm.

Alot.

@Cazar


/Endthread