Competition: [Vizsla] Hunting for Relics

Finished
[Vizsla] Hunting for Relics

You've received an encrypted message about the discovery of an ancient Mandalorian insignia found at an archaeological dig site on Umbara. The details are scant, and the source of the information appears to be someone among the outfit performing the dig. The report indicates that the team on site believes it to be associated with the Mandalorian Crusaders, the order of Mandalorians who were the first to venture into the galaxy in search of conquest. You have received a request from the Clan Summit to retrieve the insignia before it can be moved off-world, where they suspect the artifact will be sold to the highest bidder.

  • Site Location: Umbara
  • Site Details: The encampment is a practical, low-profile setup amidst the Umbara dig site, marked by weathered tents, a central command area, and vigilant guards, reflecting an efficient approach to their operations.
  • Leader of the expedition: Rennick Voss, a Duros flagged by the Aurora Collegium of Sciences as an underworld player in the game of black-market archaeology.
  • Forces present on location: Rennick has enlisted a crew of heavily armed mercenaries and smugglers to safeguard his interests. If you're discovered, be ready for a fight.

How do you acquire the Insignia and return it to Clan Vizsla where it belongs?

  • You may write as a main or alternate character.
  • You may also include a small strike team, whether this be other Vizsla characters (with their permission) or NPCs.
  • Fiction must be a minimum of 500 words, there is no maximum.
  • Grading will be based on the Fiction Grading Rubric, bonus points for ideas that can be used in future competition prompts.
  • be creative.
  • Please submit in .PDF, .DOCX, or .RTF or the textual submission box.
Competition Information
Organized by
Consul Ikarri Itinen
Running time
2023-11-12 until 2023-12-16 (about 1 month)
Target Unit
Clan Vizsla
Competition Type
Fiction
Awards
Third Level Crescents and Clusters of Ice as per VOICE guidelines
Participants
3 subscribers, of which 1 has participated.
Results
Member
High Inquisitor Hector Von Ricmore
Textual submission

*Raven Requiem* "Nite Owl" Edition

Hector Von Ricmore sat within the cockpit of his personal vessel, *Raven Requiem.* The ship had exited hyperspace in the Umbara system and slowly drifted towards Umbara. While the vessel lacked any electronic methods for disguising its signature, Hector had slowed the vessel down to reduce its emissions and made use of the vessels current dark color scheme to aid in repelling the eyes of most sentients.

Aboard the craft were 28 sentients including Hector. Each man and woman were garbed in dark gray armor and had been outfitted with Light Amplification goggles and a suppressed slugthrower in addition to their regular weaponry. These beings had mixed backgrounds. Some were Iron Legion soldiers. Others were Mandalorian and Non Mandalorian members of Vizsla. All had been chosen for their stealth capabilities and their professionalism. Despite their differences they would work together to accomplish the mission.

This group had a simple task. Acquire an ancient mandalorian insignia from an Umbara dig site. Vizsla intelligence claimed that the dig leader was a Duros named Renick Voss. He was known to be involved in black market archaeology trades. Voss could prove to be a useful asset and the group set out with the secondary objective of capturing him for Clan Vizsla.

The nature of the dig site as a black market zone made this mission a simple one. Without having to worry about innocent civilians the group merely had to ensure that Voss was not caught in the crossfire.

Hector landed his vessel and disembarked alongside his allies. Each turned on their low light amplification goggles. The 28 man strike force was divided into 4 groups of 7.

The teams separated; each approached the dig site from a different angle.

Hector’s team pushed forward towards the digsite. The planet of Umbara experienced no sunlight on its surface. The eternal night would aid the teams in approaching unseen.

The Kiffar held his slugthrower rifle in hand as he led the group from the front. His eyes caught sight of the slightest movement from the planet's surface. He raised his rifle, thumbing the fire selector switch to automatic, and let loose a torrent of suppressed shots at the tendril barrelling towards him.

Death’s embrace was one of the flora native to Umbara. It was a predatory plant that would lie in wait; grasping and strangeling sentients when the opportunity arose.

Hector’s allies joined him in firing on the plant, which soon ceased its struggles entirely.

“Umbara is filled with dangerous wildlife. Keep your eyes and ears open.” The Dark Jedi reminded the group. His allies nodded as the squad resumed their trek towards the dig site.

The various teams had arrived at the location. They began to stealthily take down roaming guards with their suppressed slugthrowers.

The unit came across Renick Voss. Before they could secure him a horde of animals flew towards them.

“Banshees fast and low!” A soldier called.

They abandoned their slugthrowers, pulling out blaster rifles and firing at the beasts.

Hector fired his slugthrower until the magazine ran out of ammo. Instead of reloading he held out his right hand, throwing arcs of lightning into the creatures.

With the beasts slain one of the troops fired a stun blast into Renick. The dealer had the artifact on his person.

With their objective complete the Vizsla force returned to Hector’s ship and headed home.

Placement
1st place