The Tale of the Aiwha Pod (short story)

"The Tale of the Aiwha Pod" is a one-page Legends short story that was written by Ryan Kaufman. It was published in the Republic Commando official strategy guide, which was released on March 8, 2005. The story consists of a translation by Ryan Kaufman from the Kaminoan language to Basic, and is the tale of a Kaminoan deity Protas, the 'god-beast' of the seas of Kamino. Protas' rule of the seas is challenged first by a great titan named Melkorr, then an army of sentient kikla. Killing the challengers, Protas becomes arrogant and prevents an aiwha pod from migrating south. Realizing they must attack or die, the aiwha pod attacks and defeats Protas in a bloody battle.

As the story opens with the line "Translated from the Kaminoan by Ryan Kaufman" to credit the real-life author for the story, this places the author into the Star Wars universe. This makes Ryan Kaufman the only real-life person to have a character with the same name in Star Wars.

Plot summary
The story recounts the Kaminoan tale of the god-beast Protas and how he was defeated by a pod of aiwhas, as translated by Ryan Kaufman from the Kaminoan language into Galactic Basic Standard. Taking place before Kamino's second sun is formed, Protas is a mystical being who rules the oceans of Kamino, and his claim as the most powerful in the seas is challenged. A massive titan from the deep, Melkorr challenges Protas to battle for the claim of ruler. With a jaw full of sharp teeth and large pointed fins, he meets Protas on the underwater ridge of Thalina. Trying to use his size and power to overwhelm Protas, Melkorr battles for six days and nights. However, the god-beast uses his agility and speed to evade the titan's attacks, tiring Melkorr. Taking advantage of his exhaustion, Protas deals a killing blow, leaving the seas bloodied and feeding fish for an eon.

He is later challenged by sentient kikla, who believed that their large numbers would make up for the comparatively small size, and would be able to overwhelm him. Meeting them in the deep waters of the Ancient Trench, they fought for a month. Though legion in number, the kikla are divided in mind and argue amongst themselves, and leave only small wounds on the god-beast. In comparison, Protas is of a single mind, and slowly ate the kikla to maintain strength, and at the new moon, the last kikla is eaten and Protas is again victorious.

Becoming old and arrogant in his victories and power, he eventually comes across a pod of aiwha, who are swimming south to avoid the cold winter. Blocking their path, he refuses to let them to continue, and instructs them to return north, simply for his amusement. Knowing they will die if they turn back, they attack without warning, since they do not desire glory or fame. The aiwha combine the swarming tactics of the kikla with the powerful attacks of Melkorr, but cannot deal a killing blow through Protas' thick skin.

One aiwha, noticing Protas has briefly exposed the soft flesh of his throat, clamps onto the mystical being's throat in a sacrificial attempt to defeat him. Realising his dire position, Protas attempts to dislodge the aiwha, but it will not let go, allowing the rest of the aiwha to deal a final blow, ending the older god's life. The story is told as an explanation to why the aiwha rule the oceans, and are given respect by all the creatures of Kamino great and small, since they defeated Protas and brought peace to the seas.

Protas
Protas, the magical monster-god who rules the oceans of Kamino is challenged first by Melkorr, and later by an army of kikla swimmers. Defeating both challengers, he becomes arrogant, and prevents a pod of aiwha from migrating south for the Winter. Realizing they will die if the do not continue, the aiwha attack without warning, and through their combined efforts they end the rule of the god-beast.

Melkorr
Melkorr was a deep-water titan native to Kamino, who unsuccessfully challenged Protas as ruler of the seas. Battling for seven days at Thalina, Melkorr tired, allowing Protas to deal a final blow, which left the seas bloodied and the fish well-fed for an eon.

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 * Republic Commando: Prima Official Game Guide