CHASE SABRE DUEL- Dak vs. Xeth

THE SET-UP: Both good and bad guys have split up to pursue various leads in the Galaxy. In this part of the story, the Light and Dark siders have come to the infamous world Nar Shadda, centre of Hutt space, searching for Kir Ascar (real name Mal Sannan), erstwhile powerful Force adept and, more importantly, the only man who knows trhe location of the Mausoleum the Dark Siders seek. He has come to Nar Shadda seeking refuge The Dark Siders come to get that information, the Jedi come to apprehend Ascar- whom they wants words with- and to stop the Dark Siders getting that information. The Dark Siders have met Ascar already, the Light Siders will soon catch up with him, but Kuylen's agents now come to kill their opponents. Catching them at the star port, the Dark Siders are outnumbered- but rather than delay their already overdue mission, the Jedi leave two of their number to fight, and the other two continue with the mission. In this fight, Geonosian Xeth fights big reptillian Arnian Dak. Interesting!

HOW THIS WORKS: GK's first fight so here is the reminder.

The duellists take it in turns to attack each other. The attacker describes his attack and then the defender describes his defence. One person will succeed- a decision I make based on the skill of the fighters, the quality and appropriateness of their post, and a small random factor.

The winner of the round scores a point, and then the attacker and defender swap places. Aside from taunts, no other moves can be made except the single move or countermove you make each round! If a round is drawn, the attacker wins

First to five points wins the duel, but like in tennis you must win by two clear points. The amount of points by which you win a duel dictates what happens to the loser- a two point loss is a superficial wound, more is losing a limb, a five point win kills your opponent outright. Regardless, you cannot pursue a defeated opponent no matter what; if you lose a duel (and survive) you can always escape.

At the start of any round, either combatant may try to flee.

ANALYSIS: The weirdest fight yet; small, nimble, bug-like Xeth versus big, powerful, reptile Dak. The style contrast will be extreme. But, fast as Xeth may be, Dak is the better duellist. There is not a great deal in it, though, so your posting counts for much.

This is a time limited duel. Unlike other time limited duels, there is no limit on the rounds that can be fought. This game is ending soon. If the duel is not over by the time the game ends, it will be cut short.

Dak attacks and so goes first.

Score: Dak- 0, Xeth- 0

Dak to attack.

I attack with one 'sabre ignited, slashing downward towards Xeth's face with my right blade.

Xeth flips out his lightsaber quickly and holds it over his head, blocking easily. He parries away the blow and then nimbly jumps over the Arnian.

"Ah, an Arnian. Always such an angry species, intent on bringing honor to their name by killing the innocent..."

"You'll pay for that remark, insect. Striking down a Jedi will bring much honor, even if it is a piteous bug."

Your sabres clash with your early exchange of blows complimenting your exchnage of words. But Xeth is having to expend more effort to stay mobile to avoid Dak's swordplay, giving Dak more time to think... Xeth knows he will have to take the initiative.

Round drawn. Goes with attacker.

Score: Dak- 1, Xeth- 0.

Xeth to attack.

Xeth charges forwards and aims some swift blows for Dak's legs, but he then feints and tries to cut Dak in half up the middle.

I use my right 'sabre to block the low blows, then seeing his real plan, ignite my left to block the other blow.

Dak meets your blows evenly, Xeth. There is no question of you beating this being's strength to push aside his guard, and he seems to be meeting you for swordplay too! Soon he finds an opportunity to strike again between your blows...

Score: Dak- 2, Xeth- 0.

Dak to attack.

There is a loud rumbling noise as Arazi's nearby ship takes off... the blowback from the blast-off, even with hi-tech Star Wars engines, washes over all of you fighting here, causing the equivalent of a strong wind that could easily unbalance you...

I feint a horizontal blow to Xeth's neck with my right 'sabre, then suddenly twist around and make a backwards stab behind my back at stomach level with my left. While twisting, I move into a position facing away from the ship, intending for the backwash to catch the Geonosian's wings when he faces me.

BB - Apologies. Using the same 'puter as Rex here has it's disadvantages. 🙄

(Xeth's wings are basically gone, Dak. Nothing there to help me fly, only glide VERY small distances. Besides, they're under my robes.)

Xeth ducks easily under the Arnian's blow to his neck, and takes advantage of his small size to flip to the right. He continues flipping until he is behind the Arnian, also facing away from the ship.

Hmm, the nippy bastard's mobility makes a bit of a mockery of your feints, Dak. Whilst not trying to meet your blows he gets easily out of your reach, and he makes his flip over you, ready to strike at your behind...

Score: Dak- 2, Xeth- 1

Xeth to attack.

Xeth swings out his sonic blaster and aims shots at Dak's feet, and then switches to his lightsaber and leaps for the Arnian's back as he tries to dodge them, swinging for his mid-section or his spinal chord.

I jump to the side, flipping in midair to dodge the sonic wave as I swing my 'sabres back over my shoulders into a cross to protect my back.

As ever, it is very awkward to draw and use a gun in a sabre fight... Dak can dodge the shot easily and blocks Xeth's follow-up blows exactly as planned. He is hten at leisure to strike again.

Score: Dak- 3, Xeth- 1

Dak to attack

(Damn, I'm not doing so good. First fight where I'm by myself rather than with Mah or Gundy...)

Xeth hops back a little, trying to get away from Dak, but not run from him. He holds his lightsaber at the ready.

"You are powerful, Arnian. It is a shame that you could not see the Light when you discovered your powers."

"It is a shame you are too weak to realize your true potential, bug."

I run at him, batting aside his 'sabre with my right as I thrust with my left.

Xeth throws himself backwards and into a roll, and then springs to his feet, leaping over Dak and behind him.

"Being bug, I am fast and agile. You are big and slow, but powerful. Come to the Light-Side, the Jedi will help you sift through your thoughts. It is a more peaceful life."

I am angered by such talk. I channel my anger, increasing my power within the Force.

"You pitiful fool. Why would I choose to lessen my power? To have a Jedi go through my mind? My thought are clear, you wretched weakling. Or perhaps I shall give up my power for peace, you say? I shall have peace when I slay you..."

Problem is, Dak, if he won;t meet your blade your strength is of no use as he simply nips out of your way... you feel your frustration and anger rising as Xeth avoids your blows and is ready to try and re-gain the initiative (which, ironically, is harder for him- looks like attacking is actually more difficult this battle than defending!)

Score: Dak- 3, Xeth- 2

Xeth to attack.