Nar Shaddaa

During the last hours of the day, Rumun went to working area of the imperial compound to use the workbenches that were available. He wanted to re-synchronize himself with his lightsaber kyber crystal. He also brought his toolkit.

The process to disassemble his lightsaber was delicate and there was no place for error. One mistake and he could damage the heart of his weapon. First he disassembled the mechanical parts of the saber with utmost care, piece by piece, until the kyber crystal could be retrieved.

With the crystal safely out of his lightsaber then he started to meditate and harmonize with the delicate gem. He reached into the darkside to power his thoughts and the crystal brightly shined in crimson red as the darkside surrounded it.

It was a success. The crystal was now more deeply attached to Rumun.

The duro then proceeded to re-assemble the saber.


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[OOC-Roll]

[D4 - LN] Modding Ilum Kyber Crystal - 1 Critical Rating; Dif Average; Adding Force; Mechanics: 3eA+2eD+1eF 1 success, 1 advantage, 1 Dark Side


Normal Lightsaber with crossguard. Ilum crystal (Quality Mod; -1 Decrease Critical Mod)
Damage: 6
Crit Rating: 1
Range: Engaged
Encum: 1
HP: 5 (2 Used)
Special: Defensive 1, Vicious 1, Breach 1, Sunder

Rumun wasn't the only Sith working in the night, as Shaisha finally gave some attention to the very first lightsaber she made. It had earned the right to carry the new crystal, and through meditation she attuned herself to the khyber-gem through the Dark Side.

As her senses focused together near the end, the lightsaber reassembled itself before her as the crystal shone with the power of the Force for a brief moment.

It was straining, after a long day, but well worth it.

The female pureblood grasped the now reassembled lightsaber in her hand and ignited it with a satisified smile.

"Amazing, is it not?" she commented... perhaps to herself, even?


---

D4 Modding the new Lorrdian crystal for Chwûq. Difficulty reduced by 2 because it's mah hilt!: 2eA+1eF+2eD 2 successes, 1 threat, 1 Dark Side

'' Indeed it is, Lady Vreysk '' Rumun bowed respectfully and observed Shaisha's lightsaber. '' Your lightsaber's kyber crystal is a special one, right? '' He asked politely as he observed his own lightsaber, looking for any imperfections before igniting it.

"Claimed from Lord Nemerosch after I defeated him," she confirmed with a nod.

The hilt moved elegantly in her hand with a practised ease as she moved it into the reverse grip of the Shien style to test out the new feel of the saber. She looked away from it and at the tall blue Sith.

"Rumun Gol, was it? Your name is one that is turning up with frequency after Korriban... it seems Darth Hoshi has benefited greatly from such a skilled and dutiful apprentice."

'' Impressive. Well, your contributions to the Kaggath earned you the right to such a powerful reward. '' He praised the female pureblood. Finally, Rumun ignited his lightsaber. Everything was working fine, the plasma blade was stable although it did change it's color to a more intense crimsom. The crossguard was also working fine.

Rumun gripped it into the low opening stance of Niman and made a few movements with it. Finally he deactivated the blade, satisfied. '' Everything is working fine. '' He said to himself. The duro then turned towards Shaisha.

'' I'm sorry my lady, yes I'm Rumun Gol. A pleasure to finally meet you. '' He bowed again. '' Well, my master indeed has benefited from my help but her actions are her own doing. You give me far more credit than I deserve, my lady. '' He humbly said.

Shaisha observed his form with some interest, taking note of his choice of style as well as how much he seemed to have grown since Korriban. The Duros hadn't been a noteworthy student in their class in terms of scores, but he had... changed considerably, it felt like.

"A pleasure to finally greet eachother properly then," she nodded. "Ziost is where I usually am, so your work there some months ago did not go unnoticed." The tall blue alien was awarded with a smile.

"You've been picking up the Niman style since the Academy? Funny, I had almost expected someone like you to choose the Soresu form instead."

'' Ah, yes. Ziost. That was an interesting assignment, dealing with all those imperial creditors and bankers for my master's campaign'' A smile formed on Rumun's face. '' Of course Section IX and Darth Vowrawn must known everything. I heard that your office was crucial in defeating some type of terrorist threat there. ''

Then he replied to Shai's question.

'' Not really. '' He shrugs. '' At the academy I never picked up a style that would fit me. When my master saw my skill, she was completely disappointed at the lack of proper training from the Academy and from my own lack of ability. So she taught me every style until we discovered that Niman was the one that I feel more comfortable and suit my needs. I lack the coordination needed for Makashi, nor I have the raw power for Shien/Djem So, I don't have the stamina and athletism for Ataru and taking all that in account I lack every skill needed for Juyo. Niman was the perfect choice.'' He commented.

'' But I do regard Soresu to be an interesting option. Perhaps in the future I will also train myself more deeply into it. You seem to be highly trained in form V, right?''

"Everything might be a stretch," she chuckled with mirth.

Listening to his experience with the styles, and the question directed at herself, she gave him a nod of confirmation. "Form V is the one I've been trained in exclusively, though I do draw some inspiration from Ataru for my own personal preferences. It was the preferred Form of my family and my mother was particularly adept in it."

"... Though the secret to Djem So isn't the raw power, it is to be unpredictable and cunning in combat. And when utilized by a master, the defense is quickly an offense. I've recently gotten the hang of redirecting the blaster shots of my opponent."

'' I see, quite a coincidence that I have also trained myself to deal with blaster fire. Although I suspect that your technique must be far superior to mine. I have only trained myself to simply reflect them '' Rumun nods '' Well, Niman use your inspiration, creativity and will to your advantage, that's why using the force is very important to a Niman practitioner. But because of its lack of specialization it is very difficult to defeat any other form with it.'' He commented '' Unless if you are Exar Kun of course...'' He chuckles.

'' Right now I have devised a technique that could grant me an advantage in battle but first I must train myself to improve my skill with the lightsaber. It doesn't matter if I could theoretically devise a plan if I cannot perform it practically.'' He adds. '' And I reforged my lightsaber from a dual-bladed to this single bladed one with a crossguard to better suit my needs.''

"Sensible. The dual-blade has its uses, though it is also unwieldy and possibly a liability in cramped conditions as it require more room to move with... some masters also say that the movements of a dual-blade eventually becomes monotonous and predictable to experienced combatants. Though it often catches the inexperienced unawares."

She smirked a little as she recalled her sparring match against Jo'ren. He was so far the best wielder of the dual-blade she had tested herself against.

"What sort of opposition do you find yourself most concerned about facing? Your training should focus on preparing yourself to combat your biggest weaknesses."

'' Right, the dual blade was more uncomfortable to me because of my height and besides a dual blade does not give me any more advantage to reach. But I do plan to extend the hilt of this lightsaber to have more grip and to adapt my combat style to my height. '' The 2.1 m duro said.

'' Well, my recent experience with the Kaggath have shown me that I need to put more effort in actual lightsaber combat. Lack of experience is in general my greatest weakness. Among other things...''

'' So if I must face a more experienced adversary, how could I win? Guess the answer is proper training and improvisation and a bit of luck...'' He said with a smile.

Being the only Duros she had had the chance to actually observe up-close, she just had to assume that being a giant was standard for the species. Almost as tall as a Muun, she noted, wondering if there were other similarities between the two species.

"Proper training is always one. Gaining experience is another. Did you observe the final battle of the Kaggath per chance?"

'' Unfortunately, I was severy wounded between a few sniper shots and dueling against a Djem So practitioner, which was cutted in half by Lord Rath like it was nothing...'' He chuckles. '' So no, I could not see the final battle against Lord Nemerosch'' He shrugs.

"Ah," a pity.

"I faced him along with Jo'ren Rath and Colonel Moraal. After I disarmed him, he fled out of our reach, thinking it made him safe - so I knocked him out with a grenade and he fell to his death. Not exactly something any of the Forms teach, but the philosophy of Shien was still in my mind as I did so; my attack was unexpected, thus effective. The Force is a powerful weapon, but sometimes mundane means is just as effective against other Force users who usually consider themselves above such."

Shaisha shrugged. "Though investing in some better armor might help you survive a little longer?"

'' Ingenious. '' Rumun nodded praising Shai. '' That's what I will try in the future, a bit of improvisation. I have seen so many warriors that are purely devoted to using only a lightsaber but ignore any other method, putting themselves at a disadvantage when faced with something else, like the force or normal weapons.''

'' It could. I have thought about buying an armor but credits are always scarse, I'm afraid. And I cannot loot some from someone else because of my height. It has to be a personalized armor.''

"Prepare for what you can, Gol." She gave him an appraising look. Rumun was around Jo'ren's size in height, but build... nah, they were nothing alike there.

"No luck on the gambling tables so far, huh? I might be willing to lend some aid, depending on what you need, in return for a favour."

'' Ha! Funny that you mention it. I have been playing sabacc at Solmillo's cantina every day since my arrival and I have not lost a single hand. But I enjoy playing mostly for entertainment not as a source of true income. I could ask from my master's own contacts but I do not wish to be over dependant on her to accomplish my goals.''

'' That being said, I do appreciate the offer but I must reject it. Thanks in any case, my lady'' He bowed respectfully. '' But if you need help from me, I will be glad to offer you some help if my skills are needed.'' He said.

"Hmm..." his refusal did pique her curiosity. "Now you leave me wondering if it is pride that makes you refuse, or fear that I might be unfair in my exchange."

'' Oh, no no no...'' He shakes his head. '' It is not that I don't trust your word, my Lady. Quite the contrary. But I do prefer to manage my own troubles without bothering others.'' He said with a smile. '' But I also know the extend of my own powers and allies are always welcome so perhaps I should consider your offer.''

"I can respect wanting to stand on your own two legs or overcoming difficulties on your own," she nodded.

"Though, a weak Sith is also the one who stands alone. Few Sith without any allies or contacts manage it very far... for all our reputation of backstabbing, we are remarkably social creatures with great interest in networking." Shaisha chuckled warmly.

'' I concur '' Rumun nods. '' I had a very similar conversation with lord Vil, son of Darth Xevious. The Sith Order has certain reputation of being full of backstabbers unsocial beings, but that far from the truth. The reality is that a sith without allies is a sith without power.''

"Vil?" She tilted her head slightly to the side. "Can't say I've had the pleasure of meeting any of Xevious' kids, or the man himself."

Xevious had a reputation for being super-paranoid, even by Sith standards, so Shaisha had decided to mostly stay clear of the guy. Especially since Vowrawn hadn't expressed any firm direction on the peace talks.

"Rubbing elbows with the children of a Dark Council-member, eh?" she grinned a little.

Rumun chuckles. '' Well, I don't think I made a good first impression. Clumsily I broke a crystal vase in his chambers but It would seem that he didn't care. ''

'' Fildon Vil seem to be a proud young man and rumours say he has a great potential for greatness.'' He adds.

"Greatness can be many things," Shaisha shrugs. "What sort of potential do you see in him yourself?"

'' Good family name, that can create connections easily inside the Sith Order and the Empire Bureaucracy. Boldness that can be tempered by wisdom. And if the rumours ae true, good fighting skills. '' He said.

'' I suppose those are skills that show potential. But I'm not a master so... it was just my impression'' He shrugs