Toru Nui

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - The Best Defense Is a Good Fence Target was now upright against the fence. DEACTIVATE. Lutenus had to regain control for a moment, if only to ensure he did not inadvertently have his axe chop through the arena’s barrier and thus damage their host’s property. He swung his axe in a way that wouldn’t endanger the fence and probably wouldn’t seriously damage Lorqua. Probably. @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Big Mouth “Maybe he’s really, really ugly.” The fact that she was holding a conversation with the item was now becoming a bit of a problem. It made the Gatherers - and her - look weak. If not for Crucius’ explicit instructions, she would have had someone beat the attitude out of her several times over, if not do it herself. “You should pray I don’t find out what he looks like. Because the only way I’m allowed to see him is if you are dead or dying.” Oh #### she should not have said that- @a goose

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - Combustible Lemons Seizing the opportunity, Lutenus tried to run towards and pounce towards Lorqua, intent on forcing her to yield early. ACTIVATE. He wondered why the Great Beings made Thornax the way they were. Were they supposed to explode when they were overripe? What was the inspiration or necessity that made them? What use was there for combustible fruit? @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Somewhere, a Ta-Metruan Mask Maker Is Crying The Glatorian of Ice was visibly conflicted for a few moments as she weighed her options. “Very well, let me see what you have in stock. This would be purely for personal or ceremonial use of course, not the arena. Something so beautiful is undoubtedly rather delicate, and thus unsuited for combat.” She wanted to make this clear beforehand, in case Xani was hoping to gain free publicity by having a Glatorian of Iconox herself wear one of her masks in the Arena Tajun. She then paused before adding an addendum. “...Granted, I am far from delicate and beautiful, but that’s a noted exception.” She didn’t want either Xani nor Jeizmel to think she had just implied she thought of herself as ugly and had low self-esteem, you see. This wasn’t insecurity, not at all. @Daniel the Finlander @That Matoran with a Vahi IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Chasing a Ghost What was she babbling about? There were definitely no Great Beings in the Gatherers. Taldrix would like to think she’d know if- She hadn’t seen the Ghost. No one had, save Crucius and his flunkies. This pampered child, who was only valuable because of her position HAD! The brat knew more than SHE did! Unacceptable! Crucius said that she might be permitted to see him if something went wrong with the Aula Agoria. Was it worth jeopardising the item in question just to satiate her curiosity? Yes, yes, of course it was - but it wasn’t worth her own life, which might outlast her usefulness if the Ghost couldn’t get what they wanted out of her. And lives tended to end just after usefulness did, in her observation. And there was always the possibility that the desert had cooked the little maggot’s brain, and she had been seeing things that weren’t there. “If the new boss is secretly a Great Being, that’s his business.” The item was right about one thing at least - she didn’t know about the guy in charge, no point denying it. “Far more likely you just imagined it… as you are imagining plans of escape.” There was no point denying that, either. “Between the two, I’d say the Great Being one is more feasible.” @a goose

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - He’s Jumpy Lutenus, believing that the javelin was not supposed to miss, quickly jumped backwards, and fired his Thornax at Lorqua’s legs. @oncertainty @Techn0geist

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - Demo Mode Within, the man internally debated with the machine. It believed that continuing its charge was paramount. Lutenus now wasn’t so sure, having seen Lorqua’s unusual cybernetic arm - all but certainly another Celrys special. DEACTIVATE. “Oh, that’s rather good.” He said, beginning to walk in an anti-clockwise circle around Lorqua. “Is there anything else?” He hoped to induce her into counter-attacking. @oncertainty @Techn0geist

IC: Skrall (Skrall Convoy, East of Roxtus) - And Substitute My Own Skrall sighs. “Honour demands that Skrall speak truthfully, the poison of doubt already festers within this warrior, to great shame. But what does it matter, if pride in the Black Legion is this one’s swift end? It is infinitely preferable to the slow, more painful death of the self, betraying all that the Skrall are, and all that the Skrall can become. This one’s life means little…” He then grows more contemplative. “Though, there may be truth in this story, that the words of profligates should not go unheeded…” @a goose @BULiK @Vezok's Friend @Burnmad @Nato G @oncertainty

IC: Skrall (Skrall Convoy, East of Roxtus) - Literary Analysis “Then the survivor was saved by being the most resilient of the party, withstanding the various witchcrafts described - and witchcraft does exist, the power of the Sisters is known.” Skrall said all this as if it were obvious. “This tale is… more feasible, as it tells of greater struggles than the one told by the prisoner, who would have others believe that Skrall could be felled far more easily. How does one story prove another?” @a goose @BULiK @Vezok's Friend @Burnmad @Nato G @oncertainty

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - A Nice Trip The javelin did indeed, trip up Lutenus, but he started clambering up to his feet very quickly- @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Skrall (Skrall Convoy, East of Roxtus) - I Reject Your Reality “There will be no ‘wager.’ Do not disgrace the memory of the fallen with further falsehood.” @a goose @BULiK @Vezok's Friend @Burnmad @Nato G @oncertainty

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - CPU ACTIVATE. Lutenus charges Lorqua, training axe in hand- @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Skrall (Skrall Convoy, East of Roxtus) - That Liar Lies Skrall, defeated so easily? Impossible! Skrall’s mind was made, now - this prisoner was definitely false. “The prisoner lies - Skrall cannot be bested in such a fashion.” @BULiK @a goose @Vezok's Friend @Burnmad @Nato G @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Mystery Man What? Four eyes? Only Great Beings had those. She wasn’t referring to eyeglasses, was she? Cybernetic enhancements? Taldrix brushed this aside. “You’ve far more immediate concerns.” She then started glaring at the Skrall slave, to force him into leaving before she lost her temper. @a goose @Mel

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - And in the Green Corner… Oh, that was interesting… Lorqua considered herself Tesaran after all? Or was that purely for appearances’ sake? In any case, Lutenus waited for the signal from the referee to start… @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Sick Burn ‘Burning effigies’ - now, was that a metaphor, or did she think that was something Gatherers did? Best not to acknowledge it in any case. “A thousand apologies, O unknowable one. You were talking to me, asking me a question, so I assumed that you wanted to talk - but I see that was naïve of me, I am but a lowly Gatherer, beneath your attention. I will leave you to your busy schedule of not dying.” Taldrix then turned to leave, while also turning her attention to the Skrall item. “You - back in your pen, now.” @a goose @Mel

IC: Maxas (South-west of Atero, the Skrall River) - Nobody’s Gonna Say It Outright On his Kaxium, Maxas made a slow journey back to Tajun. He didn’t want that Iron Glatorian to see him. He knew there was something more to this - Ferrum goes dark, but one of their Glatorian is heading off to participate in the games as if nothing was wrong? No, Maxas was onto their little game… he didn’t know what that game was, but he’d find out, make no mistake… IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - Is That Marionette Real Enough Yet? “LUTENUS - of the Jungle Tribe.” He announced, as per Ahmoa’s instruction, as he stepped into the training arena. This wasn’t his first time doing this, but it was good that they had gone over the rules - standard stuff, no vital areas, no serious wounds. Fortunately, the device Celrys had installed in his brain knew when to hold back. Or, rather, he knew when to hold back, and thus so did the machine. He could tell they all thought he was mad. They feared his cybernetics, they feared the march of progress. It was understandable, they hadn’t seen what he had seen, didn’t know what he knew. It was the will of his Lord that he abandon the weakness of flesh for the purity of steel. This command had been relayed in unusual ways, to be sure, but since the Lord of Jungle was no longer on this material plane, it would have had to be. He’d replace his entire body with superior mechanical implements if he could, but such advances likely would not be made within his lifetime, and would be horrifically expensive, even for a long-serving Glatorian of prosperous villages such as Tesara. He brandished and examined the training axe in his hands. He would have to be in top condition for these Games. Iconox and Roxtus could not win, no matter the cost. @Techn0geist @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - That Light You Love Now Just Won’t Shine Right, so she was still firmly in the ‘pointless defiance’ stage of captivity. Good to know. Taldrix began scribbling that down, her expression switching back from mocking to clinical. “Pointless… defiance…” Well, maybe a little bit of mockery still remained. “To be clear, I was not speaking literally. It was all a metaphor for the relationship between us and you tribals. Your parents did teach you what metaphors are, didn’t they?” @a goose @Mel

IC: Skrall (Skrall Convoy, East of Roxtus) - The Enemy ‘Nothing is fast enough to kill a whole patrol and simply vanish into thin air.’ Nothing they knew of. Something was driving them south. Something they knew very little about. Or rather, the Warriors did. Did Special Operations and the Leaders know? If they didn’t, did the Sisters? There were rumours of course. Ghosts. Beasts. Machines. Shapeshifters. Even traitors, as unimaginable as that was. For Skrall to have failed in their duties as their prisoner had, that was understandable, if not forgivable. But for Skrall to turn on their own? This… If the prisoner had anything of value to say, he would have said it to his superiors, and if what he had to say was of value, it would have been heeded. Therefore he was deserving of his punishment. But something had slaughtered his comrades. Something that left only him behind. And if he truly knew nothing, then to blame him for the incident was useless. Therefore he was undeserving of his punishment. “Who are Skrall to believe, then?” He asked the prisoner. “Our superiors, or you?” It was not quite an accusation, but more of an explanation as to why they would not listen to him. @a goose @BULiK @Vezok's Friend @Burnmad @Nato G @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Broken Toys A dark chuckle briefly escapes the Gatherer’s throat. “Oh, if only. The real story behind this…” Taldrix pointed to the slave. “Thing, however, is a bit too… inappropriate, for such young ears.” She grins, mockingly. “You know when you got bored of whatever new toy daddy bought for you, so you threw it out and the poor kids played with it instead? This is that, except you are a lady Skrall, the toy is this loser,” she gestured to the slave again, “and I am one of the poor kids you used to turn your nose up at.” She gets a little closer to the bars of the young leader’s cell. “Not turning your nose up at me NOW, are you, kiddo?” @a goose @Mel

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - The Fruit of Our Labour “No need, I carry my own.” Lutenus held up his Thornax Launcher. “I would like a blunted axe or axe-equivalent, if you have any.” One didn’t need a cybernetic ocular prosthesis to see that these two Agori were afraid of them. No doubt something to do with that Iron Glatorian… or was it backwards superstition concerning his mechanical enhancements? He had not replaced his muscles - YET - so what was the problem, exactly? His cyber eye slowly looked over Mard and Ahmoa, making a faint clicking and whirring noise as it did so. Lutenus’ expression remained neutral. @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Clear as Crystal “You practise the art of crystal, you say? Did you craft that mask yourself?” Vraek asked, referring to Xani’s crystalline mask. “It’s… rather well done.” She was tempted to ask how much it cost to get one for herself, but if Xani wasn’t the crafter, that would be pointless. Besides - it would be far too garish and impractical in the arena. @Daniel the Finlander @That Matoran with a Vahi

IC: Lutenus (Outskirts of Atero, Training Ground) - I’d Rather Let the Machine Fight for Me “Funny you should say that - oh, one moment.” Lutenus’ response to Lorqua was cut off by the ground’s staff hailing them… the very same Agori who were accompanying the enigmatic Iron Glatorian back at the Red Star Inn. They were asking for payment. “Yes, of course.” Lutenus fished coins out of his pocket. “How much to rent a space for two for…” His cyborg eye whirred around in his socket as he contemplated how much time they’d stay there. “Ooh, let’s say, an hour or so?” @oncertainty @Techn0geist IC: Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Fanclub “A fan.” After all, as she had just finished explaining to Jeizmel, she couldn’t be her assistant on account of her banishment, however temporary it was. “I take it you are one as well?” @Daniel the Finlander @That Matoran with a Vahi

IC: Lutenus (Streets of Atero) - No Train, No Game “I do believe they have some small training areas available for rental. There’s one… this way.” Lutenus drew Lorqua to the training grounds owned by Mard and Ahmoa, not knowing that these were the same Agori that were with the enigmatic Iron Glatorian from earlier. @oncertainty @Techn0geist

IC: Lutenus and Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Wreckage “Vraek.” She corrected, insistently. “But yes, I will be representing Iconox. Would I be doing anything else?” What else could she do? Barbaric practices or not, the Ice Tribe were her people and her home. To abandon them was unthinkable. Elsewhere, Lutenus stepped out of the Red Star Inn, and back onto the street. “Hmmm… what do you say… you and I have a little sparring match before we depart for Tajun? To… reintegrate yourself with arena combat.” @Daniel the Finlander @That Matoran with a Vahi @oncertainty IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Stables) - Road Trip Skrall looked at the prisoner. He forcibly suppressed and quashed a treacherous feeling akin to pity. This creature was no longer Skrall, and must be treated as such, despite the semblance of honour he had regained in resisting them. Meanwhile, there were his brothers, Skrall without question, despite their myriad differences and their quarrels that would have brought shame to the Rock Tribe if an outsider or a higher-ranking tribesman beheld them. He finished loading the last of the supplies, and boarded one of the carriages. He wasn’t certain what possibility would be worse - the mind-numbing boredom of such a long journey in silence, or the return of this… infighting. @BULiK @a goose @Burnmad @Nato G @Vezok's Friend @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Rude to the Waiter Oh. This one. This worthless, pathetic wretch. She snatched the plate of food out of his hands with only a mildly contemptuous glare. “This is usually where I’d make a joke at the Skrall’s expense, but the one that just walked in should be quite sufficient. You can go now, unless there was anything else?” @Mel

IC: Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - Are You Inn or Out? “Thank you… I think.” The metal eye whirred as it spun around, as Lutenus began heading out of the inn, with Lorqua presumably following. “But to answer your question, no, I don’t believe there’s any reason to dally further - though it may still be some time before the caravans move in full force. I take it you’re prepared to fight in the arena once more, then?” @oncertainty IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Stables) - Instability in the Stables Oh for love of rock - what were they arguing about now? Actually, he didn’t care. “This bickering is pointless.” He blurted out, before deciding to stick with it. “This argument makes no sense.” Technically, now he was contributing to the very discord he was condemning, but only in the pursuit of ending it. “Skrall cannot appear to be divided in front of prisoners - certainly not when Skrall meet with the renegades and the southerners.” @a goose @BULiK @Nato G @Burnmad @Vezok's Friend @oncertainty IC: Xyde (Precipere, Somok’s Hut) - Fine, Be That Way, You Old #### “Nothing I’ve seen or heard of.” They’d like to know something so they too, could spitefully withhold it, but Xyde genuinely hadn’t seen or noticed anything unusual. Except… “Well, actually, I’ve noticed that people tend to make more metal bits than they used to, which raises medical complications - nothing WE need to be concerned with, of course.” @Nato G @Geardirector

IC: Maxas and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - He’s Who’s Father? “We’ll be seeing them again.” Lutenus murmured. “I know Celrys, as a… shall we say, repeat customer?” He indicated to his eye and the device jutting from his skull. “Perhaps I should ask him about his family… but that’s a secondary concern, next to the Games. Speaking of which - perhaps it’s best we make preparations to depart…” Maxas left the building. @oncertainty IC: Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Personable Assistance “‘Personal assistant’?” Vraek couldn’t quite suppress a chuckle at that. “No, no, I do not think that will be necessary…” She smiled, but then realised this might be interpreted as a refusal. “You can join me, of course, but not in any official capacity. I cannot refuse you, but… do try not to make a spectacle of it. It should be perfectly acceptable for you to accompany me to Tajun, but that does not guarantee no one will baselessly object.” Honour demanded she not turn this woman away… no matter how bad it would look to drag an outcast of her tribe around. “I’m afraid I haven’t booked anywhere in Atero to stay, I don’t plan to be here long. It will soon be time to leave Atero, in any case. We’ll have to wait for the caravans to get started… ” @That Matoran with a Vahi IC: Xyde (Precipere, Somok’s Hut) - Got Stuck in Traffic? Xyde slotted themself into a chair, just getting comfortable as Salwa arrived. “Righty then.” They were a little confused by the Head Scout’s fatigue, as well as her words. ‘Got held up’? By what? But anyway… “So, I got back in the middle of things, so could we go over the whole thing again? We’re off to Ferrum, I know, but did anything change while I was gone?” @Nato G @Geardirector

IC: Maxas and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - It’s a Conspiracy! Celrys? Who’s father? Clearly, the poor fool was out of sorts, which didn’t bode well for Ferrum. “Well, be seeing you, then.” Maxas was not close enough to the group to actually discern what was being said over the general hubbub, but whatever the Iron Glatorian just mumbled had caused some degree of confusion in the others - save one of the Jungle Glatorian, who was leaving as if nothing was wrong. He had absolutely no idea what any of this meant, but it was definitely a conspiracy, one no doubt positioned against him. Maybe not specifically him, but people like him in general. @Techn0geist @Snelly @oncertainty @Morgan Yu IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Stables) - He Wants to Feel Pretty Skrall was resisting, he was being restrained, everything was as it should be. Skrall sheathed his weapons and recommenced stocking up for the journey to Atero. He found a glass jar of red warpaint, sequestered away in the supplies as he sat them down. While he was certain nobody was looking, Skrall very quickly applied some to his helm and armour. @BULiK @Nato G @Vezok's Friend @oncertainty @Burnmad @a goose IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Babysitting Mouthy brat. We’ll see how long THAT lasts… Pretending to have not heard the item’s oh-so-clever remark, Taldrix contemptuously slid the food and water into the cell. “Room service.” @a goose IC: Xyde (Precipere, Outside Somok’s Hut) - Hurry Up and Wait “Salwa’s not here yet, is she?” Xyde said, a question more akin to a statement. “You don’t mind me waiting here for her too, do you boss?” @Nato G @Geardirector

IC: Maxas and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - Suspicion Oh, of course they knew each other - and it was clear that simply asking wasn’t going to work. “I see I’ve caught you at a bad time - perhaps we’ll speak later?” After all, he knew well where they were going… Maxas crept into the inn, took up a solitary booth near the entrance, and scanned the barroom for this Iron Glatorian Dornak spoke of… There. The feckless pawn of Vulcanus spoke true. This one was out and about in Atero while all contact with their tribe was lost? This was suspicious. An influx of Jungle Glatorian near them - what was that all about? @Snelly @oncertainty @Techn0geist @Morgan Yu IC: Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Impurity of Ice What?! A thousand curses! No - TEN thousand! How dare they- Restraining her anger, Vraek shifts focus to Jeizmel. “I… I am sorry. Truly. But there’s nothing I can do for you. Metus won’t listen to me… it seems nobody does.” Vraek added, bitterly - though this referred to her anti-cybernetic views. “This foolishness will pass, I promise. I trust you’ve found some refuge in the meantime?” @That Matoran with a Vahi IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Stables) - Resistance Is Mandatory Skrall and Skrall with an unusual physique was assisting. Food. Water. Spare armour and armaments. Repair tools for both carriage and occupants… Prisoner was resisting. Skrall calmly set down the box he was carrying, and drew his weapons. There was conflict over the appropriate course of action. Why? Was it not known? He knew why. He just did not like why. “Skrall must not relinquish Skrall’s weapons, but Skrall must still take them from Skrall, shield included.” He said, fully serious. “The renegades will take it from Skrall nonetheless, so it is best for Skrall to take it, so it need not be replaced, instead repurposed.” @oncertainty @Vezok's Friend @BULiK @a goose @Nato G @Burnmad IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold) - I’m Getting Takeout And then, Taldrix was alone. Like always. She visited the stores of the stronghold to get a measly sum of food and drink for their little quarantine patient, and then, with that in hand, went back to check on the Aula Agoria. She better not be dying already - that would be very inconsiderate. Perhaps… a little hit of Spice? Just before - no, not in front of her. Don’t want the item getting any ideas. @a goose IC: Xyde (Precipere, Outside Somok’s Hut) - Fooling Yourself Right then. Xyde finished up being sorry for themself and trudged over to Somok’s place. They hoped that this business with Ferrum wasn’t anything serious. It was unusual, yes, to lose all contact with one of the big five - Roxtus didn’t and would never count without a drastic change in management - but many smaller tribes often had to stop sending envoys for one reason or another. Maybe it was just they didn’t feel like sending envoys, or participating in the Games? No, no, something calamitous had happened, and whether they helped out or not, those Fire Tribe idiots would commit grievous crimes against logic and reason to blame Precipere for it. They hung outside the big boss hut, applying their distinct rhythmic knocking to the door. @Nato G @Geardirector

IC: Dornak and Maxas (Streets of Atero) - Prime Suspect Alright, Dornak just had to get to his Thornatus and then- “Off in a hurry, are we?” Spikit spit. “Maxas! I was, just, uh - well, I’d like to beat the rush to Tajun and-” It was then that Dornak realised the flaw with his plan - there was nothing in the direction he needed to go to head to Roxtus save Roxtus itself. Most people probably wouldn’t notice. Maxas was not ‘most people.’ “Good idea - Bone Hunters are more attracted to larger targets, being statistically likely to attain greater spoils. The idea that we’ll be safe in higher numbers is a lie spread around by the tribe rulers to preserve their alliance with the Hunters-” “Ah, yes, well-” Oh great, there was the possibility planted in his mind that he’d be attacked along the way. Or was Maxas right, and he wouldn’t get attacked if he went alone as opposed to in a group? After all, he and Maxas had arrived in Atero alone, somewhat, if they could count one another as company. “B-b-but, I’m a little concerned about the, uh, engineerical integrity of my vehicle.” “That’s not a word.” “What, integrity? I wholly agree with-” “And I can see your Thornatus from here.” Maxas pointed dramatically at the aforementioned vehicle. “It was in functional condition while you were travelling here, and logically should still be so.” “Uuuuh…” Lie, you idiot! Lie like you’ve never lied before, which in turn is ALSO a lie! “It’s not a… not an external problem, methinks. It keeps making these weird noises when I turn it on. You, uh, didn’t notice ‘cause of your own vehicle and all the noise that was making-” “Demonstrate.” “Huh?” “Demonstrate the issue with your vehicle. Make it play these ‘noises’ you mentioned.” “Ah. Aaaaaaaah. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…” Dornak’s mind raced for a solution. “Th-th-there’s an Iron Glatorian in the Red Star Inn!” “Hmmmm.” “Seriously! But he was kinda spooky so I wanna leave! That’s all! I didn’t tell you the truth because, er, I didn’t want you to think less of me!” “That isn’t possible.” Maxas replied, curtly. “We’ll see if what you say is correct…” He began traipsing cautiously, over to the inn. Dornak sighed in relief. He mounted the Thornatus, and… “Urgh.” people were definitely going to notice him going to Roxtus. Well then… the Skrall would just have to come to him then, weren’t they? Hopefully they’d be understanding about the whole situation and NOT use his body for Thornax practice. Hopefully. IC: Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - Primary Source Citation “Hmmm…” Lutenus contemplated this for a moment. “Yes, as you say, why not?” Well, the Iron Glatorian or the entourage of those who surrounded him had done something to frighten off that Fire Agori… but in any case. He raised from his seat, and began slowly trudging along to where they were sitting… @oncertainty @Techn0geist @Snelly @Morgan Yu IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Stables) - Red Eyes, Take Warning Eyes glowing red. Ominous. Could not explain why, merely an instinct. Skrall began ferrying supplies to the carriages they would be using. @BULiK @a goose @Burnmad @Vezok's Friend @Nato G @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - The Ghost With the Most “Right then.” Taldrix didn’t know to be intrigued or concerned at the prospect of actually meeting their illusive leader. How could someone seize control of a bunch of disorderly brigands and only be seen by a select few? What, precisely, did he have to hide? Disfigurement? Physical weakness? Was he not even an Agori, Glatorian, or even Skrall? She took the pass from Crucius. Hopefully Somnii would up and die soon, she couldn’t bear this anticipation. @a goose

IC: Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - Person of Interest “There’s an Iron Glatorian.” He explained, pointing in their direction. “Hmm… this may be significant. Of course, they might have been elsewhere when the calamity hit… something to keep an eye on. So to speak.” @oncertainty IC: Vraek (Streets of Atero) - Bearer of Bad News Vraek bit her tongue. There wasn’t much in the way of good news. “I’m afraid we’re still… dealing with the Bone Hunters.” Vraek spoke. “And taking their… merchandise.” She hissed, her contempt for the practice evident. “It’s not something I take pride in.” @That Matoran with a Vahi IC: Skrall (Roxtus, War Room, Outer Chamber) - Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s off to War We Go… Skrall was confused - they were to sell Skrall? If he abandoned his watch, then he must be punished. But… seeing him on the floor like that… to be sold to the Bone Hunters… Irrelevant. Tirveus was their leader, his thoughts were their actions. Failure cannot be tolerated. Weakness begets failure, weakness cannot be tolerated. Doubt begets weakness, doubt cannot be tolerated. So why were Skrall’s comrades all trying to undermine another with words and faces? Did this not show that they doubted each other? He knew why. He just did not like why. Of course, now he was doubting them in turn. This was unacceptable. He followed the scout. @a goose @BULiK @Burnmad @Vezok's Friend @Nato G @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - I Hate This Job “Yes.” Taldrix handed Crucius a blank page of parchment. At least Crucius understood the importance of her work, most Bone Hunters Gatherers likely weren’t smart enough for that. Most of them probably couldn’t even read. She’d rather not have to do all this. She’d rather still be doing her job and getting paid for it in Roxtus. But that wasn’t an option anymore. And if the only options were either die in the wastes, be treated like dirt in Atero or go about on a Rock Steed killing, robbing and enslaving those not strong or smart enough to resist them… really, was there an option? Was there any doubt at all where the only path to survival lay? Still, she’d rather not have to deal with a man like Crucius, nor try to keep someone like Somnii alive, who lucked into an easy lifestyle and gained total power over her people with scarcely a wrinkle on her face. No, she wasn’t jealous, what gave you that idea? There wasn’t much to be jealous of, presently… @a goose IC: Xyde (Precipere, Xyde’s Hut) - Rest and Recrimination Breathing a sigh of relief and exhaustion, Xyde exited the guardhouse, entered their hut, and lay face down on the bed while groaning. “Uuuuuurghhhhhh…” Let’s see: failed to have retrieved herbs and worried Somok for nothing, had a bad interaction with a Vulcanian on the way back, and was no doubt on their way to have yet more bad interactions with Vulcanians so they could potentially save Ferrumite lives. The Games season was not off to a good start for them, was it? @Nato G @Geardirector

IC: Dornak and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - I Spy, With My Robot Eye… “Very, very soon, I think - once the caravans start going. I don’t possess a vehicle of my own.” Well, in truth, he had been forbidden from operating his own vehicle following an incident several years ago - ‘a danger to himself and others,’ he believed the exact words were. It was time for Dornak to leave. He wasn’t wanted here, and he no longer wanted to be here. “Ah, I see I’ve upset you - I’ll leave, I’ll just-” He did indeed leave, powerwalking towards the exit. Lutenus noticed that Lorqua seemed a bit sceptical. “Personally, I believe going solo is more dangerous, given you’ll have no support if things do go wrong. It-” His attention was suddenly grabbed by a very nervous Fire Agori walking swiftly to the exit… And tracing his direction backwards, Lutenus spied an Iron Glatorian. “Hmmm…” The aperture of his cyber eye whirred as its telescopic zoom function activated, getting a closer look. “That’s interesting…” @oncertainty @Techn0geist @Snelly @Morgan Yu IC: Skrall (Roxtus, War Room) - You Can’t Fight in Here, This Is the War Room! Why was Leader Tirveus strangling Skrall? Had he failed or disgraced the Skrall? Not his place to question. @a goose @BULiK @Burnmad @Vezok's Friend @Nato G @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - Feed Her and Water Her and DON’T Take Her Out for Walks… Taldrix would like to think that Crucius wouldn’t need her help with making a fool of himself, but in truth, she would have to admit that Crucius was no fool - and only a fool would endeavour to fail him. This meant making sure Somnii kept ticking, but that shouldn’t be a concern. Just throw scraps of food and bowls of water at her every once in a while, job’s done. She’d have to mark these scraps and bowls in her notes, of course. “I’ll keep her in prime condition, not to worry.” She then took out her notes, specifically the one she had on record for deceased Gatherers and their manner of death. “Alright… Tera… died during spice hunt… body not recovered… cause of death… let’s say…” Spice. Her fingers trembled a little, causing a little inkblot smudge on the parchment. “Uh, how does ‘failure to properly dismount Rock Steed’ sound?” @a goose IC: Xyde (Precipere, Guardhouse) - Hello, Floor “Can I have a few moments as well?” Xyde piped up. “I’ll need to, uh, do things.” Things like lie down in their bed and wallow for a minute or so. Though maybe not the bed, necessarily. The floor of the guardhouse was looking pretty inviting right about now. @Nato G @Geardirector

IC: Dornak and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - Rush Hour “Dornak.” He said, abruptly. “I just, uh, heard about Ferrum, and I, uh, wondered if any of you knew what happened? If-if it’s a sensitive subject I-I can just… leave.” He offered, already sort of shuffling off his stool. Lutenus chuckled. “Oh yes - soon the caravans will be departing en masse south. That many Glatorian and armed Agori should deter any would-be attackers. Even Vorox know better. And if I’m wrong, well… nothing like a little live combat to prepare you for the arena. Going early to avoid the traffic sounds tempting, until you realise you’ll be going all alone.” @Techn0geist @Snelly @Morgan Yu @oncertainty IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Outside Barracks) - Measuring Contest Skrall joined Skrall, Skrall and Skrall as they exited the barracks and began making their way to speak with Leader Tirveus, catching sight of Skrall. He was not confident, especially not in the special operations class Skrall. Why did every conversation devolve into petty infighting, concealed or otherwise, in a contest to see who was the most Skrall of Skrall? He knew why. He just did not like why. There was something unusual about Skrall - the one with the unusual physique, which is what was unusual. Skrall were individuals united, there was room for deviation because there logically had to be. But this was different. Irrelevant - he was Skrall. You see, Skrall had not seen enough females in his life to be able to notice. @Burnmad @Vezok's Friend @Nato G @oncertainty IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - The Right Arm Well then. Perhaps the Ghost didn’t quite command the loyalty she had thought he did from Crucius. What was he up to? “As you say - and the second thing?” @a goose

IC: Dornak and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - Scheduling Conflicts “Q-q-quarantine?” Dornak repeated, nervously. “Us?” He also repeated, less nervously. “I-is there a… a plague?!” The Fire Agori was now more afraid of whatever was happening in Ferrum than angering this stranger, hence his further questioning. Meanwhile, Lutenus addressed Lorqua’s question. “I believe Vulcanus is set to handle it themselves - and given that I must be in Tajun fairly soon, there’s no room in my schedule to go see what’s happened down there for myself. You could go, of course, our arrangement is not yet set in stone, but as I say, the Fire Tribe should have it well in hand.” Should, anyway. @Techn0geist @Snelly @Morgan Yu @oncertainty IC: Skrall (Roxtus, Barracks) - Geography Lessons There was another Skrall there, who seemed to be studying the map intently. Iconox - technically could no longer be considered southern as it was now just west of the Skrall’s current stronghold in Roxtus. Head south-west to Elbow Peak and then north-west through the White Quartz Mountains. Tesara - two villages that fought as one. In the same path as Iconox, but continue heading south-west at Elbow Peak. Atero - the most unusual village, as it was not truly a village at all, Skrall did not know how to describe it, from what he had heard it belonged to all of the southerners, somehow. The geography of the Black Spike Mountains meant that one would have to head east out of Roxtus, and then follow the path of the Skrall River south-west. Vulcanus - they willingly made their home near a volcano? Head through Atero and continue to follow the Skrall River for a time, then head south. Ferrum - this one would prove perilous to reach, situated in the Iron Canyon, apparently difficult to traverse. How was any of this knowledge gained? He knew some of the southerners had made prior contact with them. Interrogation? Trade? Regardless. The curved path from Vulcanus around the volcano would minimise risk. Tajun - the first of the southern villages to host their Games. The obvious path was to head south from Tesara through the Dunes of Treason… but that area was also known to be perilous. Was this true? Could the word of the southerners be trusted in these regards? Should it even matter? At what point did caution become cowardice? There were other villages - but they were considered lesser by the southerners. It was unlikely that they would be selected to host the Games. May not even have the facilities to do so. Skrall was so wrapped in thought, he did not seem to notice the others near him. @Vezok's Friend @Nato G IC: Taldrix (Bone Hunter Stronghold, Outside Somnii’s Cell) - FAQ You, Crucius! Taldrix followed Crucius, only briefly turning back to look upon the item as she left. What precisely was going on? What had happened to the Iron village? What was the deal with keeping Somnii alive and anonymous? What did the Ghost want with her? Who was the Ghost? How fearsome was he, that he could keep someone like Crucius in line? Perhaps she’d find out? @a goose

IC: Dornak and Lutenus (Atero, Red Star Inn) - An Unexpected Answer OK, this had stopped being scary and was now getting ridiculous - what was their problem, exactly? “I just, uh - wondered, if you knew anything about… whatever happened to Ferrum?” Dornak inquired, hesitantly. General social anxiety aside, this was a sensitive topic. Both of Lutenus’ eyes widened at the mention of funding expeditions. “Of course - the recovery of Great Being technology should always be one of our priorities, when we can.” Recovering it before anyone else did, anyhow. Wondering what would be the best way to actually honour this promise, Lutenus asked another question. “I must say though, I wasn’t expecting that to be your condition. I take it you’re interested in the subject of Great Beings? I’m more of an Element Lord man, myself…” He trailed off, inviting Lorqua to speak further on the subject. @Techn0geist @Snelly @Morgan Yu @oncertainty