Jump to content

a goose

Outstanding BZPower Citizens
  • Posts

    10,896
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    57

Everything posted by a goose

  1. IC: Tueris (Staff NPC; The Long Road to Ferrum) "Are you prepared to die?" One eye was cracked open, now; in the dim red light of the approaching dawn, it was becoming clear that the other was scarred. OOC: @Nato G @Burnmad @oncertainty @~Xemnas~
  2. IC: Tueris (Staff NPC; The Long Road to Ferrum) "No Agori." The gruff voice that came from the sleeping Fire Glatorian was a surprise to all, not least because his eyes were still closed. "The call was for warriors. You're not a warrior." OOC: Apologies for the wait, @Nato G @oncertainty @~Xemnas~ @Burnmad
  3. IC: Skrall (Roxtus Stables) "Not his weapons, his-" Skrall cringed as the female pinned their traitorous brother to the floor. "Dignity. When possible, I like to avoid pissing off prisoners; call it pragmatism." OOC: @Nato G (I'll have a Vulcanus reply up for other folks soon)
  4. IC: Skrall (Roxtus Stables) Skrall looked at their female compatriot with a mix of surprise and admiration. She was highly capable, then – seemingly far moreso than the others. Then, his train of thought was interrupted. "I request… clarification." Skrall stayed silent as Skrall spoke, waiting for the question; when it came, he was surprised for a second time in as many minutes. "Did Tirveus instruct you differently?" "No. My orders are exactly the same as yours. I'm just a little more aware of Skrall fallibility." OOC: @Nato G and Skrall
  5. OOC: Please experience with the recommended vibes. IC: Caana (Mashtet Fortress) Caana stood, solitary, atop the ramparts. The view offered her the ideal perspective for archery, and this was the justification she would have offered to any who questioned her. In truth, though, she was there to watch the fire rise. To watch her fire rise. Oh, Vazaria could contest her claim, and Caana would allow it; after all, she knew the truth, and she had no appetite for glory. But the vulture had been directionless before her arrival, acting at the whims of Rahkshi. In Caana's hands, Vazaria was a weapon, a fully-realised instrument of destruction – and with her guidance, Falki could become even more. Already, she could see the red glow amidst the trees; she inhaled deeply, savouring the smell of smoke. This was her first great achievement, the first proof of her theory – once the roar of the flames had subsided, the forest would fall silent for decades to come, perhaps even centuries. And somewhere out there, somewhere beyond her sight, the survivors were huddled on boats, watching their homes burn. Her unwitting disciples. Hambra, no doubt, was among them. The Ronin felt a pang of disappointment as she realised the Jahagir would never understand the gift Caana had given her. Hambra thought her just another Imperial, acting out mindless violence upon the world around her. She failed to see the vision behind it all. But then, hadn't Caana known from the start that it would be this way? This was the path she had chosen. This was the only way to save them, and they would hate her for it. There was one, though, who might understand – the one who had started it all, the catalyst of Caana's evolution. The first, truest expression of Dasakan potential. Caana looked out over the burning horizon, and wondered if the Rakumetsu Toroshu was watching.
  6. IC: (Staff NPC; The Long Road to Ferrum) It was the best landmark they had: the Arena Vulcanus. Out to the west, the cloudless sky was the colour of blood. Tueris watched as the desert began to swallow the sun, and waited. Raanu's instructions had been clear: the volunteers would meet at the arena, and leave before dawn. Tueris was to lead the expedition. It was not a choice anyone could have expected, but it made a certain sense; Ackar was the obvious pick, but he was Vulcanus' First Glatorian and the reigning Champion of the Grand Tournament. Tueris, on the other hand, was entirely expendable – the disgraced once-Second Glatorian who had killed an opponent in the arena and only barely avoided exile would not be missed. It was going on ten years now, but such a crime was hard to forget, and even harder to forgive. The irony, of course, was that everyone remembered Tueris name, and no one recalled that of the boy he had killed; such was the way of things, especially when people had been so enraged by his supposed escape from justice. Raanu had pitched this job to him as an opportunity for redemption. Tueris knew that the only thing awaiting him was an honourable death. He was glad for the opportunity. This was why he waited; he would rest here and wake before the sun rose, and he would greet the death-seekers who came to join him. As he prepared to sleep, he laid his pack down gently behind him, where no thief could reach it. Raanu had told him the technology within was beyond expensive: a piece of strange headgear, the same shades of red and darker-red as Tueris’ armour. A prototype, he said, that would be of vital importance to the mission. As Tueris closed his eyes, his swords were in his hands; he was a light-sleeper, and if anyone thought it wise to approach a sleeping giant, they would quickly learn the error of their ways. And so Tueris slept, and dreamt of a sleep that would last forever.
  7. IC: Caana (Mashtet Fortress) Caana cast her eyes over Falki and the Datsue, waiting for a reply to Vazaria’s question; when none was forthcoming, she turned her gaze back to the other Menti. “Farewell, Vazaria; may Zataka fan your flames.” OOC: @Nato G
  8. IC: Wolf (Atero; Red Star Inn) “Come east with me, first." The words came so quickly that they surprised Wolf herself; she knew, though, that this kindred wolf's cause was just, and had a strange feeling that their meeting was more than mere coincidence. If this was what the fates had in store, then so be it. "If we go to Iconox, it is possible we may never return. If the worst should come to pass, my people need to know what has become of me. More importantly, though…" Her new acquaintance seemed a little woozy – Wolf eyed her own drink, and decided that she, too, had perhaps had enough. She resisted the urge to take a swig, and cleared her throat again; talking at such length was beginning to take its toll. "I believe you should seek the guidance of our Elder. Moth's visions have saved my life, and those of the other Serrata, more than once; his wisdom could be key to our survival." IC: Somnii (Bone Hunter Stronghold; Somnii's Cell) Somnii looked up as she noticed the female Bone Hunter's return – this time, with food. She swallowed hard, and tried to hide that she was salivating. "No babysitter this time?" OOC: @Wotz @Toru Nui
  9. IC: Wolf (Atero; Red Star Inn) “I am Serrat.” She realised, after a moment, that she might need to elaborate; hesitantly, she cleared her throat. “My people live in hiding; it is up to me to bring home the resources they need to live.” Then her brow furrowed. “How soon must you go west?” OOC: @Wotz
  10. By sunfall, word had reached every major village: Vulcanus was calling for able-bodied Glatorian, to take the suicidal trek through Iron Canyon and discover Ferrum's fate. Vulcanus calls for aid.
  11. IC: Well, wasn't this just great. Not only was he back here, here in the sweltering, bloated corpse of industry, not only was he escorting an angry sonofabitch who could break his neck without snapping a sweat, not only was he losing money with every passing second – sure, he had money already, but he would have had more – no, not only that, but he had also been kicked out of the ****** room. Hey Metus, you're really bringing down the vibe in here, so ****** off, would you? Oh, quite agreed, Mr. Crotchety Old Dickwipe I Only Just Met. Metus, go fetch us a coffee, you useless sack of sh- It wasn't a word-for-word recounting. So what? The old man couldn't have given it straight if he tried – and, from what Metus' little birdies had gleaned, it would certainly seem he never had – which left Metus himself, the glorious narrator of his own consciousness, to theatrically cast off the thick veil of subtext. All for your benefit, of course. You're ****** welcome, you ungrateful swine. Maybe you want to know what actually happened, he thought accusatorily, accosting the fictive audience of his own imagining. I bet you're just as bored as I am, sitting out here while all the interesting stuff goes on inside. Probably thinking I'm a pretty pointless protagonist, not even getting to go where the action is. Au contraire, my friend. See, everything that happens in there has already been decided. So maybe you miss out on the conversation itself – and even there I'm doing you a favour, unless you're really that eager to hear Raanu drone on, in which case you're frankly beyond saving – but the important part? That all happened earlier. And you can bet I was there, making sure it all went my way. * * * * * "This is not what was agreed." "It's what's happening." The two Agori stood just inside the gates of the Stronghold, next to Metus' Thornatus. Crucius hefted a sack almost as tall as he was onto the back of the vehicle, without once making eye contact. "And there was no agreement; you made a demand. He's refusing it." As the Bone Hunter moved to board the vehicle, Metus stepped into his way. "I'm taking on a lot of risk here, the least your boss could do is- Good Lords, what is that stench?" "A gift for Raanu. Call it a peace offering." The 'gift' in question smelled – describing it generously – like rancid, sun-dried roadkill, grilled to perfection and then left to char a couple days longer for good luck, or perhaps to smoke out those few maggots that hadn't already sprouted wings and ****** off. "I'm sure he'll be delighted," the Ice Agori rebuffed, his nostrils wrinkling in disgust. "We're not done talking about this." "Yes, we are. Now, are you going to move, or will I have to move you?" Crucius flexed the pistons in his forearm; Metus stood aside. "Wise choice." "Have I ever mentioned how much I admire your negotiating strategy? You really have an aptitude for-" "Just. Drive." * * * * * Past the window, the lava continued to flow, and Raanu stood still. Before him, bathed in the soft orange glow of the meeting chamber, was the dark wood table; beyond it, the man with the metal arm, and upon it, the body of the girl he had called his niece, still clad in her orange armour, now blackened by the fires into which Crucius had cast her. Suddenly, and more acutely than ever before, Raanu truly felt old. Here he stood, having outlived two generations of Somnii’s family. Here he stood, looking down upon her corpse. “Please, cover her up.” “Very well.” With surprising delicacy, Crucius laid the white sheet over her once again; her wrist still poked out from beneath, and Raanu took it gently in his hand. As he tucked it away, his expression was at first inscrutable, and then steel. Out of sight, out of mind – there was business to attend to. “I imagine Metus told you why I summoned you here.” “Just about. Though I have to admit, I’m not really sure what your expedition to Ferrum has to do with me.” “Ideally? Very little.” He looked Crucius directly in the eyes. The Bone Hunter did not flinch away. “Iron Canyon is dangerous enough to traverse already, especially with these rumours of plague. I want your guarantee that the scouting party will be allowed to pass without any altercations with your people.” Crucius raised an eyebrow. “If you mean my clan, then I swear on my honour that they will not interfere. But ‘my people’ are Gatherers – they don’t answer to me, only to their own clan leaders.” “What about the Ghost? Do they answer to him?” Crucius blinked, and then smiled with lips pulled taut as an elastic band. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. There's no such thing as ghosts.” Raanu returned the smile, though his own was far more relaxed. “Nevermind, then. My mistake. Still, I’m sure you can contact the other leaders on my behalf – it would be an awful shame were violence to break out in the canyon. People might begin jumping to conclusions.” “Such as?” “Well, they may find themselves wondering whether the Bone Hunters had something to do with whatever has befallen Ferrum and her Tribe. Since you seem so intent on preventing us from reaching them.” The elastic snapped back into a smirk. “You’re not nearly as foolish as Metus made you out to be. I’ll do my best, but there’s no guarantees the other clans will fall in line.” “That’s all I can ask.” On instinct, Raanu extended his hand to shake Crucius’; cold metal embraced it, and he could not stop his face from falling as he realised the Bone Hunter could now pulverise his bones with hardly a thought. Crucius recognised the expression, and chuckled darkly as he released the elder’s hand. “Be seeing you, Raanu.” Lords, I certainly hope not. * * * * * Once Metus and Crucius were gone, Ackar and a stenographer were summoned to Raanu’s meeting chamber. By sunfall, word had reached every major village: Vulcanus was calling for able-bodied Glatorian, to take the suicidal trek through Iron Canyon and discover Ferrum’s fate. If they survived, they would be well-compensated; in the likely event that they did not, their family would receive the reward in their stead. Interested parties had two days to reach the Fire Tribe village and sign on.
  12. IC: Wolf (Atero; Red Star Inn) "Vengeance doesn't put food on the table." Wolf took another swig of gin. "I have no love for Hunters, but I do have responsibilities." IC: Crucius (Bone Hunter Stronghold) Crucius seemed set to say something else, when he was interrupted by the ringing of a bell; someone was at the gates. Metus had arrived. "Time for me to leave, then. Good luck; try not to disappoint me." He did not wait for a reply, and Taldrix was left alone. IC: Skrall (Stables) Skrall stood with folded arms, watching the proceedings with an expression that had gradually shifted from boredom to outright disapproval. "Let the man keep his shield; would you not wish your captors to extend the same dignity to you, in his position?" He looked then to the disgraced Skrall. "As for you, none of us will grant you an honourable death. Surrender your weapon before you debase yourself any further." IC: Somnii (Bone Hunter Stronghold; Somnii's Cell) The Bone Hunters were gone; with no small amount of concern, Somnii realised that she couldn't recall them leaving. A blackout of some kind, then. It was the first such incident she had been aware of – but then, her days were spent alone in a cell. How would she even have known? No. She couldn't allow herself to dwell on the progress of the disease; days had passed and yet she was still alive, still in possession of her faculties. That was more important. That meant she could still find a way out. OOC: @Wotz @Toru Nui @ skrall
  13. IC: Pirok (The Fowadi) He wanted to refuse the gift – he wanted to refuse it out of politeness, yes, but moreso because of the look in Rynekk's eyes. He did not believe Pirok would come back from this, and Pirok wanted to prove him wrong. ****** his charity, and ****** him. But that same look did not beggar disagreement, and Pirok knew in his heart that these Toa were right to doubt. Hesitantly, he took the hatchet. "I'm borrowing this," he promised, with as much confidence as he could muster. "When you return from your voyage, I'll be here to give it back to you." With that, he directed his attention to Praggos. "I won't burn the bodies – not without a thorough recording of them at the very least, and even then only if I don't believe I can return them to Ko-Koro. Aside from that… everything burns." The lie was shockingly easy to tell; he almost believed it himself. What Praggos did not need to know was that Pirok already had a contingency; if he could not take the bodies, then he would still take a trophy – the same trophy Echelon had taken all those years ago, when he first set foot in the limelight. "One last thing... tell me about the Matoran." OOC: @ fowadi folks, but primarily @Void Emissary and @otter
  14. IC: Crucius (Bone Hunter Stronghold) Crucius immediately set to writing a short series of instructions on the page, and then signed it. "If her condition suddenly deteriorates, or takes a steep downturn from the rate your notes suggest, you're going to have to inform the Ghost yourself. In that situation – and only in that situation – you show this to the guards at the Tower, and they'll let you pass." The old watchtower – increasingly known simply as 'the Tower' – had long been a fixture of the Stronghold. What generations ago had marked the border of their settlement now lay well within its bounds, in a remarkably well-preserved state. Its condition had only improved since the Ghost had begun uniting the Gatherer clans; its renovation appeared to be something of a pet project for Him and his most trusted disciples, and it was well-known by now that it was where He resided. Just what it was that He actually did in there, however, was as much a mystery as the man himself. IC: Skrall (Roxtus; Stables) "Three days' worth should be more than enough to get us to the Stronghold. And we all drive: take it in shifts. That's the fastest and safest way to get to where we're going." OOC: @Toru Nui@ skrall
  15. IC: Skrall (War Room; Outer Chamber) He glanced over his shoulder at the female, already moving on. His hope that these Skrall might fare better may have been misplaced, although the overconfident one had at least one survival skill most of Skrall's old unit had lacked. He made to follow the female, and spoke as he walked. "We will need one Spikit-drawn carriage at least, preferably two. I know already that any attempt to advise Atakus against a Rock Steed will fall on deaf ears, but the rest of us will need to travel further than a steed could safely carry us."
  16. IC: Skrall (War Room; Outer Chamber) His eyes narrowed. "You seem pretty confident in yourself, Skrall. You remind me of the men in my own unit. Are you familiar with what became of them?"
  17. IC: Skrall (War Room; Outer Chamber) Skrall sighed. "Moreso than you, I would wager. Is this all of you?" He examined the party – misfits and outcasts all, her most of all. Still, perhaps that could be to their benefit; the Wastelands were not kind to rigidity and traditionalism. It occurred to him quite suddenly that he had been staring at the female, and he quickly averted his eyes in shame. Her appearance seemed to stir something in him, a strange sensation somewhere in the pit of his stomach that made him feel uncomfortable and exposed. Perhaps this was an example of the Sisters' vaunted magicks. Either way, he would be glad to be rid of this motley crew; Skrall had enjoyed his solitary existence in Roxtus, beyond the watching eye of Tirveus and the mindlessness of the Legion. Loneliness suited him. OOC: @ skrall
  18. IC: Wolf (Atero; Red Star Inn) "Call me Wolf." A pause, then. This man was clearly broke, but if he had allies who weren't… "What takes you west?" IC: Crucius (Bone Hunter Stronghold) Crucius' eyebrow rose, and the faintest hint of a smirk played at the corner of his lips. Surprise was not a terribly common expression for him, and yet… His estimation of Taldrix was shifting by the moment. "Give her something slightly more heroic. A little self-sacrifice, perhaps – I'll leave the details to you. And try not to overcorrect with the AA; it's the effects of this disease that the Ghost is interested in, and he feels those will be best understood by making sure she is otherwise healthy. In fact..." His brow furrowed in consternation. "Do you have a blank page to hand?" OOC: @Wotz @Toru Nui
  19. IC: Crucius (Bone Hunter Stronghold) "The Ghost has tasked you with watching over the Aula Agoria in my absence. See to it that she is properly fed and watered, and record any changes in her condition." He stopped where he stood, and turned to look directly at Taldrix. "I put your name forward for this personally – few Gatherers are as fastidious as you, and it's my belief that you will fulfill this task admirably. Do not make a fool of me." IC: Skrall (Roxtus; War Room) A lone Skrall watched the procession seeking Tirveus with great interest, but made no move to join them. Not yet. OOC: @Toru Nui and @ skrall
  20. IC: Caana (Mashtet Fortress) "I believe the ideal targets are here, here, and here." Using her pen, she marked each spot with an X. "Dense foliage, meaning plenty of fuel, and each a good distance from expected response areas – not so close that they can douse it, and not far enough that they'll have time to dig a fireline. The strong coastal winds will work in our favour; by morning, the flames will have spread across the whole island. The wise will evacuate, and the unwise will die." OOC: @Nato G @Keeper of Kraata @Mel
  21. IC: Crucius (Bone Hunter Stronghold) "A messenger bird arrived from Vulcanus; Metus is coming here, and I will have to leave with him." Crucius did not sound particularly pleased with this development, particularly in regard to their visitor. "I need two things from you: first, you must record the death by misadventure of Tera, who perished yesterday during a spice hunt. Her body was not recovered." The cover-up was less than subtle – Taldrix had seen the Bone Hunter in question in the Stronghold just that morning. Tera was a member of Crucius' clan, one of those few to have actually seen the Ghost in person, and therefore something of a 'true believer' in His leadership. OOC: @Toru Nui
  22. I really liked Bara Magna as a setting, just Not necessarily what they did with it 'bara magna, only Cool' is the driving philosophy here
  23. IC: Wolf (Atero; Red Star Inn) "I have." She took another sip of her drink. "It is." Iconox was a place she preferred to avoid, the Bone Hunter presence from there to Gatherer's Ridge being disconcertingly strong. Even if her drinking companion couldn't, most Bone Hunters would recognise a Serrat on sight. "That where you escaped from?" OOC: @Wotz
  24. IC: Wolf (Atero; Red Star Inn) Wolf narrowed her eyes. "Not if I can help it." Not far from where they sat, she heard mention of Tajun; her gaze flicked toward the speakers. Multiple Glatorian already, and that ******able cab-driver. No need for her services. That woman would put escorts like Wolf out of business. IC: Crucius (Bone Hunter Fortress; Somnii's Cell) "Yes, in fact, though I would prefer not to discuss it here. Walk with me." He turned his back on the other two Agori, leaving the room without the slightest doubt he would be followed. OOC: @Wotz @Toru Nui
  25. IC: Caana (Mashtet Fortress) A warm smirk broke through Caana's previously stoic expression. There was a surprisingly deep satisfaction in this; not only to be on the precipice of seeing her plan made manifest, but to have won her allies to her side. Just hours ago, Vazaria had resented her leadership – now, she followed enthusiastically. This, then, was what it was to be a leader of women. In that moment, Caana felt made for it. "Excellent. Now we need only await the others."
×
×
  • Create New...