Artekus Vekk
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EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS I FOOKED UP THE TIMELINE.
| Artekus Vekk | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Biographical Information | |||
| Homeworld: | Corellia | ||
| Name: | Artekus Vekk | ||
| Species: | Human | ||
| Birth Year | 3,679 BBY / 28 BTC | ||
| Physical Description | |||
| Gender: | Male | ||
| Skin Color: | White | ||
| Height: | 6'2" | ||
| Weight: | Unknown | ||
| Eye Color: | Blue | ||
| Age: | 28 | ||
| Personal Information | |||
| Professions: | |||
| Marital Status: | Unknown | ||
| Specialization: |
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| Weapon: |
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| Ship: |
Carnivore II | ||
| Companion(s): |
Vanus Dolor (past) | ||
| Residency: |
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| Political Information | |||
| Alignment: | Neutral | ||
| Opposed Affiliation: | None | ||
| Current Affiliation: |
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| Guild: | Agents of the E.P.O.C.H | ||
Artekus Vekk is an infamous bounty hunter who operated during the Great Galactic War.
Contents |
Appearance
Physically, Artekus is 6'2", of a muscular build, with short dark hair and has light blue eyes. He has a distinctive scar running from the right side of his right eye that runs down his cheek.
Biography
Early Years
Childhood
Born on Corellia in the year 3,679 BBY, Artekus Vekk's childhood was spent in the Blue Sector of [Coronet City]. From a reasonably early age he worked behind the scenes in his parents cantina, cleaning glasses and doing any other task his father set for him. Whilst popular with off-worlders visiting the city, the cantina made little profit and unbeknownst to Vekk his father was in serious debt to the local crime boss; Soren Vash. No longer could his father maintain the weekly payments to Soren so the crime boss sent his thugs to deal with a now redundant asset. The thugs smashed their way into the cantina and killed his parents. Now an orphan, Vekk evaded his parents killers and fled from the scene. From the end of the street, hidden, he watched as his childhood home burned to the ground. This made him cynical, cold hearted and ruthless. He swore vengeance.
Angry, confused and with little choice open to him, he enlisted in the [Republic military].
Military Career
At the age of 16 Artekus joined the Republic military, which had been combating the Sith for almost 20 years in the [Great Galactic War]. During training he was noted as having ruthless and efficient combat skills which would serve him during the war and his future career. Over the next 5 years he honed his skills in combat with the Sith, fighting in several major conflicts on the outer rim.
On one particular mission, Artekus and his regiment were garrisoned on the world of Ord Mantell. Their main objective was to prepare for amd repel any Sith incursion, as Republic Spies had hinted on the probability of an attack.
Meeting with Skursir
In the canteen, Artekus came across the leader or a Commando squad, the Trandoshan Skursir. Artekus was intrigued by the idea of becoming a Republic Commando as he felt his talents were wasted in the basic infantry. During their meeting, it was found that they shared a similar mindset, and on sharing his philosophy, Artekus revealed he felt that the Republic were on the losing side of the war and that even the government of Ord Mantell were corrupt with no concern for the general population. Skursir was quite taken aback but his mind understood and agreed with what Artekus was saying.
Artekus and Skursir spoke again, between shifts and in the canteen, fast becoming good friends. It was only three days after the arrival of Skursir that the Sith Strike Force arrived. Its plan was to take out the main Republic base on Ord Mantell, following that, reinforcements would arrive and the rest of the world would be easy to take over. Firstly, the base was bombed, though thanks to the base's shield generators, the only casualty was an outside patrol. Then, the ground attack force came, led by a Sith Lord and supported by walkers. Defence was composed of the entire stationed regiment and armour division along with Skursir's commando unit.
There were, however, two entrances to the base, the main one, and a secondary escape route. Both however, were being assaulted and the Republic forces were outnumbered, even with a couple of heavy walkers. With most of the force defending the main entrance, Skursir's squad as well as Artekus' were left to the secondary one. It was not long before Sith Troopers had worked their way into the base and destroyed the shield generator. The Republic was losing ground, but the two squads were immovable. Barrages from bombers started to level the base while Sith infantry poured through the gates. Losses on both sides were high. Eventually, it was only Artekus and Skursir defending the entrance, but holding fast, giving each other covering fire when they needed to reload or attracting attention when the other needed some heat to be taken off.
Republic reinforcements came from behind the strike force, surprising them and turning the tide of the battle with a pincer tactic. Just then, the commanding Sith Lord made an appearance himself at the secondary route, hoping for it to be empty as so able to catch the Republic squads off guard. He was met by Skursir who had been trained how to deal with Sith force users. Though his rifle was sliced in two, he drew his cortosis vibrosword and engaged the enemy. Artekus was surprised by the turn of events and unsure how to respond kept his distance waiting for an opening. Outclassed by the skilled Sith Lord, Skursir was fighting a losing battle, thrown to the floor and with all his might, using his sword to shield himself. At that point, Artekus saw an opening, carefully aimed, and pulled the trigger releasing a shot into the back of the Sith's skull.
With the battle won, the Sith were too weary to send reinforcements, and so abandoned their initial assault, Ord Mantell was safe, for now. Artekus had one last talk with Skursir before he was redeployed to , in which the he admitted that he would soon desert the Republic Army in order to put his skills to better use as a Mercenary or Bounty Hunter. As a friend, Artekus offered to Skursir to come with him and so they could work together as they had done before. Skursir refused, he was loyal to the republic and the war. With that, Skursir left, though Artekus' offer and ideals would remain with him until he himself would desert. Unbeknownst to either, many years later they would meet again...
Deserting
Artekus grew dissatisfied with his superiors. That coupled with the fact the war effort on the Republics part seemed hopeless, he deserted. Whilst stationed on Sluis Van he made his move, in the dead of night he left his station and made for the nearest space port; killing 6 [Sluissi] guards, and 2 Republic soldiers along the way, he also shot a protocol droid for good measure. He departed in a stolen freighter and upon checking the pre-logged space routes saved in the ships navigation computer he made course for Nar Shaddaa. Minutes after entering hyperspace, the Sith fleet arrived and the [Battle of Sluis Van] began.
On the Run
Suspecting that Republic authorities may try to pursue him, Artekus chose Nar Shaddaa as his destination for its lawless reputation hoping to lay low for a while. He sold the stolen Republic freighter for a reasonable price but the thing that was most valuable, Artekus kept. Upon searching the cargo hold he found various weapons and standard equipment issued to Republic soldiers. What stood out was the lone set of armour, donning the armour and some weapons he headed into the city in search of somewhere to stay for awhile.
Artekus used the credits from the sale of the freighter to buy a small apartment in the Corellian Sector, some better weapons and special equipment as he hoped to lend his services as a mercenary further down the line. On the 9th day since his arrival, he headed to the Burning Deck Cantina. Before he could arrive however he came under attack from a Rodian bounty hunter, after a brief gunfight the Rodian lay on the ground shot through both kneecaps. With the condition the he would be left alive the Rodian divulged that Republic officials had placed a bounty on his head to be brought back for trial, now with the information he wanted - he killed the Rodian. Over the next 3 months, 8 other bounty hunters had attempted to capture him and all were killed.
One of Nar Shadaa's most prominent crime bosses, Gredda the Hutt, was now aware of Artekus. Having killed 3 of Gredda's favoured agents the furious Hutt decided to take matters into his own hands and sent his best bounty hunter, the Trandoshan Skaarak , with the order to kill him. Artekus had developed a network of informants around Nar Shadaa in order to find out if any bounty hunters planned a move against him. When he heard one of the most famous bounty hunters in the sector was after him, he decided to become the hunter.
Battle with Skaarak
Discovering from his agents the suspected location of Skaarak, Artekus found the bounty hunters ship The Carnivore docked in a hanger in the moons Red Sector. While Skaarak was away enjoying the 'entertainment' not taking his new prey very seriously, Artekus set his trap.
Skaarak arrived in the hanger and only his keen sense of smell saved him, he activated his personal shield as the explosive charge detonated. Skaarak was sent flying through the air by the blast his shield almost destroyed but his body otherwise undamaged. Artekus emerged with his carbine aimed at the Trandoshan and opened fire, what little power remained in Skaarak's shield bought him enough time to reach cover. Now the Trandoshan returned fire and shot the carbine from Artekus' hands. Rolling into cover, he drew his pistols and shot a canister behind Skaarak which exploded, engulfing the area in flames. Still wary, Artekus approached the site of his foes apparent demise. He looked behind the cargo containers to find nothing but scorched ground. Before He could turn and shoot, Skaarak charged from behind the containers with a roar and his blade drawn. Artekus quickly jumped aside but not quick enough and received a slash on his face that narrowly missed his eye. Skaarak followed up with a kick that sent Artekus through the air. He quickly got back on his feet as Skaarak charged with his sword help high for the killing blow, quicker than the Trandoshan could've expected, Artekus quickly twirled aside and in one quick movement cut Skaarak's throat with the blade concealed in his right gauntlet. The Trandoshan appeared to keep running past Artekus before falling flat on his face.
Artekus entered Skaarak's former ship and and decided to contact the Trandoshans former employer, Gredda to put an end to things. When a hologram of Artekus appeared before Gredda instead of Skaarak, the Hutt was astounded. Before Artekus could issue any threats, Gredda - not wanting to waste any more resources trying to kill him - made him an offer. Gredda would pay for his services as a bounty hunter and as a peace offering he would make the bounty disappear and Artekus would also get to keep Skaarak's old ship, The Carnivore. Gredda also mentioned other clients who could use Artekus' skills; The Sith.
Life as a Bounty Hunter
For almost 6 years Artekus earned a reputation as an excellent and deadly bounty hunter. Successfully completing contracts for Gredda, other criminal organisations, the Sith and even some law agency's, he amassed a fortune in bounties. His contracts ranged from killing crime bosses, assassinating politicians, sabotage, capturing criminals and even facing several Jedi in combat, learning their techniques and becoming experienced at killing them.
During this period he returned to Corellia to exact revenge on Soren Vash who had murdered his parents some 10 years before, he arrived at the criminals headquarters still based in Coronet City. It emerged there was now a bounty on the head of the crime lord so he would get a nice bonus besides revenge. He used a grapple hook from an adjacent building reach the uppermost level of Sorens building. Disabling security systems a incapacitating several guards, Artekus now had access to Soren's personal chambers he stealthily entered. Soren was at his desk when he saw Artekus, after a brief exchange of works it emerged Soren didn't even remember the incident. Enraged, Artekus threw him out of the window and watched as he fell 150 floors to his death.
Through Gredda, Artekus was put in contact with a Sith Lord named Lord Amlok, the Chagrian Sith Lord assigned Artekus high paying assignments on behalf of the Sith Emperor's Dark Council of which he was a member. He was tasked with neutralising Republic generals, Jedi Commanders and sabotaging vital structures before Sith invasions. Much to the ire of Artekus who preferred to work alone, he was given an assignment with Lord Amlok's apprentice, Vanus Dolor.
Working With Vanus Dolor
Artekus and the Sith warrior were sent to Coruscant to destroy a key munitions factory in the industrial district of the planet. Stealthily making their way planet side, they arrived at the colossal facility. Their objective was to overload the buildings main power core making the sabotage seem like an accident. The pair made their way inside the factory avoiding security patrols and disabling security systems as they went. Nearing the center of the facility, Vanus sensed a minor disturbance in the force and Artekus could also sense something wasn't right.
As they reached the core chamber the attack came, Republic Commando's opened fire from multiple positions around the room and two Jedi emerged from concealed positions. Vanus activated his lighsaber deflecting laser shots back at the attackers and moved to engage one of the Jedi. As soon as the attack came, Artekus had immediately activated his jetpack to reach the upper level, letting rip with his carbine on full auto he blasted three commando's into oblivion and threw a concussive grenade at another group across the other side of the room. He flew over to the other side but before he could finish the other commando's one of the Jedi intercepted him, casting his carbine aside he drew the twin cortosis daggers from his belt and defended from the Jedi's attack.
Vanus was still duelling the Jedi on the level below, Malok was a brilliant swordsman but so was his foe who it now appeared was a Jedi weapon master. Equally matched, lighsabers sparking quickly against each other the Jedi used the force to hurl the young Sith warrior through the air and into the wall, the Jedi jumped through the air to make the killing blow but was hit mid flight by a blast of force lightening from Vanus. Artekus moved quickly against the Jedi he was fighting, the Jedi was young and his movements were sloppy so he knew it would be over quickly. Parrying a blow he spun low and swept the Jedi from his feet and plunged one of his daggers into his chest. Before he could savour his victory he heard the click of weapons behind him and turned to see the remaining 4 Republic troopers with weapons aimed ready for the killing shot. A shadow shot up from beside the troopers and with a red flash felled the troopers in one elegant roll. With the threat eliminated, the core was overloaded and Artekus along with Vanus made a speedy retreat to The Carnivore.
From that point on Artekus began to work alone again for the most part and his contracts from the Sith were steadily declining so he looked for new employers, he had heard of "The Mysterious Falleen" who ran an organisation that would pay well for his services but before he could try to contact the Fallen he got a new message from Lord Amlok to over see the extraction of an unknown artifact from a hidden dig site on Yavin 4, he would be paired with Vanus once again.
Mission to Yavin 4
Artekus and Vanus travelled in The Carnivore to the dig site in the middle of the jungle very close to the edge of a large cliff. The site was guarded by Sith soldiers and a handful of Sith marauders overseeing the slave labour used to excavate the ruins. Sith archaeologists were also present. Although Artekus was sure whatever he was here to recover must be of great import to the Sith Emperor in order to send him and Vanus to make sure it reached safe hands. He walked around the site, assessing the area when he heard and angry shout and gunfire. He readied his carbine and ran round the tent to investigate the source of the commotion. He was shocked to see Vanus cutting down Sith soldiers, he had a young woman behind him who it appeared he was trying to protect. The Sith marauders charged towards Vanus with lightsabers ignited and Artekus watched with awe and bewilderment as Vanus cut each of them down. The remaining soldiers firing wildly in their attempt to bring Vanus down killed most of the slave workers with their reckless gunfire.
Duel with Vanus
Vanus had slain most of the soldiers and returned to woman near the entrance to the ruins and Artekus heard him release a cry of anguish. The woman he tried to protect had been hit in the crossfire and was dead. Artekus approached slowly blaster raised, aimed at the Sith warriors head before he could fire, Vanus leapt into the air with a roar brought his saber down towards Artekus. Dodging the initial attack, Artekus drew his duelling daggers and tried to defend against the Sith's onslaught. For 10 minutes they fought drawing nearer to the cliff and Artekus realised he couldn't win against this superior melee fighter so pulled a stunning move by drawing a pistol mid melee and shooting the lighsaber from the Sith's hands. Before Artekus could fire the killing shot he was hurled through the air by the force and over the edge of the cliff. He fell for some 50 meters before using his grapple hook to stop his fall. By the time he reached the top of the cliff again the remaining archaeologists had been slaughtered, Vanus and the artifact was gone and so was his ship. Using one of the Sith shuttles, Artekus got off world and contacted Lord Amlok.
Upon hearing what occurred at the excavation site Lord Amlok was pleased. He revealed that he engineered the whole event as Vanus' final test forcing him to truly embrace the darkside before granting him the title of Sith Master. He also revealed the woman Vanus tried to protect was his twin sister before he was taken by Lord Amlok to be trained as a Sith. This was to be the last time Artekus would see the Sith Lord alive.
[tile to come]
TBC...
Personality
The murder of his parents shaped and scarred his life forever, resulting in a man who never went anywhere without his armor and weapons. He paid close attention to all details and double-checked his surroundings to calculate the best option to solve a problem. He is very cunning, ruthless and has a dark sense of humour. When he is in search of a bounty he will determinedly use whatever means possible to bring down his target but will always try to avoid the killing of innocents unless necessary.
Equipment
Skilled in the use of most conventional weapons, Artekus is both an excellent shot and proficient hand-to-hand combatant. He is known to favour daggers or short blades for melee weapons. For firearms, he favours high powered laser carbines and dual wielding Bothan Needlers in close combat situations. He typically wears light armour of unknown manufacture. The armour contains an in-built com link and a portable scanner system. Besides his standard equipment, Artekus often utilises a large variety of hi-tech equipment dependant on the situation such as jet packs, a Bio-scanner, a Universal Jammer, a Com-scan and Electrobinoculars to name but a few.
Artekus also has two cybernetic implants he had installed, the Advanced Combat System implant and a Sensory implant.
Vehicles
At the start of his bounty hunting career, Artekus used a modified freighter named The Carnivore that he 'inherited' from the bounty hunter Skaarak. However after several years the ship was stolen by a Sith Lord and it emerged was destroyed shortly after. Not long after the loss of his old ship, he purchased a new ship and after modifying it to his specification he dubbed it Carnivore II.
Artekus was also known to use a Speeder bike.
