Toru Nui

IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Command Quarters) - Sneak Skill Navu took the key - but the scrapbook held her interest. She decided to briefly flick through it. What latest weapon did the Supreme High Commander have in mind for his cargo ship, she wondered. @BULiK

IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Command Quarters) - Oh Commander, My Commander It was quiet in here. Navu liked that. She searched the top drawer for the armoury key, as per Knichou’s instructions. Oh, wait, that was Commander Knichou, as the golden nameplate reminded her. She rolled her eyes. Where did he even get the gold from, anyway? @BULiK

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Into the Black and White "Naturally." Tekmo took point towards the direction Whira indicated. "Blagh, confound this infernal gale..." @~Xemnas~@Kal the Guardian IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula, Korruhn’s Campfire) - I Need a Drink Waveahk continued to display nothing but calm contempt. "One small correction, if I may: I didn’t ask you where the Aspects are. I asked for information, and you said you know the locations of two of them. A high number, indeed. I admit, you might know more about them than I do, but you’re not being very forthcoming with answers that can prove this." He then began drinking out of one of his gourds for a while, the tentacles around his face writhing oddly as he did so, before he returned it to his belt. "Hmm, needs more salt... but to answer your questions, I am here to investigate the area known as the Kumu Islets - though not islets anymore, it seems - to assess the probable threat level the Aspects possess to the settlement of Metru-Koro, as well as discover more about their history, culture, politics, biology, abilities. You know, standard recon." @Unreliable Narrator@Crimson Jester IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Far Shore Rift) - My Shield Is Disgust Evidently, Nuju’s quantum predicament could not protect him from Mata Nui’s influence, as there was no reference of that feculent wretch Mazor. Ostrox wasn’t sure what this 'Sidra' was talking about, but it sounded bad. The frosting on this cake of doom and misery. As Sidra interrupted his unimportant little jaunt to save the universe, he stared into the gaping wound of reality. Was this treasure the Matoran spoke off nothing more than worthless gold and jewels? Or something more? @Unreliable Narrator@Nato the Traveler IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Cargo Bay) - Oh Captain, My Captain Navu winced as the intercom crackled to life, piercing her ears, and then faded once Knichou’s instructions were complete. But she did as instructed, heading to his office to retrieve the key... @BULiK

IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - Shaky Foundations Klawne shook her head. "Oh, that’s unlikely. The Fau Swamp is home to many strange, nasty diseases, but this is nothing I’ve seen before... at least, I don’t think I have. The last five centuries or so have kinda been rough." The Turaga groggily rubbed her eyes, and blinked a few times. "What was I saying earlier? Right, right, the Aqua Sphere. I’m sure you’ve at least heard of it by now. Giant floating ball of water, currently in the east? The rain from it reverses aging, which created those Skaklets that Gnabol found." She gestured in what she presumed was the general direction of Gnabol’s residence, before raising her finger to raise a point. "Now the thought I had - if it reverses age, could it also reverse a transformation like this? I know it’s more magic than science, but maybe, just maybe, it could work?" @Vezok's Friend@Tarn@Onaku

IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula, Korruhn’s Campfire) - Odd Place for a Camping Trip "Ah yes, no one knows what it is they’re after. Your knowledge far exceeds mine on this subject." Waveahk’s claw rested on his heartlight as he said this, while he stared at a strange bump on his other arm. "I couldn’t help but notice that you didn’t actually answer my question - if the Aspects of Makuta don’t live in the place where the Aspects of Makuta live, then why are you here? There are other, more hospitable places to toast marshmallows." @Unreliable Narrator@Crimson Jester IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - Coming in From the Cold Klawne stepped inside. "Thank you. I’m sorry I came on such short notice - I had a thought - which is rare, I know - about the Aqua Sphere - oh, I should talk with them first." She turned to address Nixie and Vhisola, putting that aside. "Hey there. You two feeling OK?" She asked them. @Vezok's Friend@Onaku@Tarn

IC: Achro (Kini-Koro) - Raging Fire Well. The giant monster thing didn’t exactly work out, and now he was on the opposite side of this conflict, surrounded by all these fake Toa, who apparently enslaved people. Not only that - there was a thing in one of those huts. It seemed to care for those... darkspawn. The foul little creatures would grow up to become foul big creatures, and make them all pay for their pathetic 'tolerances'. They were weak. Just like those who came before. But the presence of those demon brats would be tolerated, as long as the warbands were the greater threat. And soon as they weren't, once they saw the extent of Skakdi evil, how the folly of their niceness... well, they'd have a few cribs spare, wouldn't they? IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Cargo Bay) - Always Listening At first, Navu thought she wouldn’t get used to having a slug in her arm and a telepathic connection to a being of pure shadow. Now, however, she thought she could get used to this. Nothing seemed to be able to hurt her anymore. If she stuck with Whisper, she would never get hurt again. She was sure of it. For now, however, she would covertly listen in on what the Toa were discussing from inside the Taku. You never knew what might be important... @BULiK@Sparticus147@Tarn@EmperorWhenua IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - Lightning in a Bottle It wasn’t so bad, being muscle for these little oddballs. Sure, one or two of them weren’t exactly kind and gracious hosts, but compared to most places on Zakaz, it was practically paradise. It was… what was the phrase again? Wait, what was she doing up here? She was awoken to the sound of footsteps on stone... Oh, of course! The robots had asked her to keep an eye on the Ruins! And here she was, sleeping on the job. Typical. Peering over the side and zooming in, she saw that it was those in charge heading inside, along with that creepy Aspect. She decided it wasn’t worth getting up for, they didn’t need to ask for permission, and so, tried to go back to sleep on the hard stone. She’d slept on worse. @Harvali IC: Gnabol (Kini-Koro, Gnabol’s Hut) - Paternal Instinct Brikka. Vekaz. Nerzok. Zabkuul. Tukvi. Kalktan. And Hakurus. Not the most elegant names, but maybe that Naming Day thing could fix that. If it applied to Skakdi, of course, and wasn't exclusive to the Matoran. Gnabol scratched his head. He really needed to stop doing that, assuming the worst of these people. They had been nothing but gracious to both him and the children. What happened to the traditional 'fire and protosteel' idiots? Did they all die? Padley was outside sleeping, as he generally did, the lazy crustacean. Well, when you’re not needed, you may as well. Gnabol would be here, until anyone needed him... IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - Earthly Concerns There was a knock at the door of the shelter. "Sorry to disturb, but... can I see if they’re alright?" Came the voice from the other side. @Vezok's Friend@Onaku@Tarn IC: Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport) - Obedience Is Happiness Obedient summoned the others - Reckless, Lawful, Impressionable and Wayward - to the Transport, to relay instructions from NU-8020S. "While the Squad Mother speaks with the leadership of Kini-Nui, she has designated NU-8022S as temporary Squad Leader." "Protocol dictates that this position should be designated to me, as the next in numerical order." "When the Squad Mother is concerned, protocols are either circumvented or ignored entirely." "Be silent, NU-8026S. NU-8021S, you have been deemed too reckless - as per your callsign - to be entrusted with command." "I do not understand this. She is supposed to be here to command us, is she not? Does this not go against our programming?" "It is her Duty to interpret our programming in a way that serves the law." "There is no law anymore! She would have us stay here, while our brothers remain in the control of the enemy! We have to destroy all threats before they endanger Matoran lives!" "Are we not at peace with the Kingdom of Aurax?" "Only because this Akiri and the other organic leaders suffer from the condition known as cowardice. The Squad Mother is right about them!" "Even a broken clock must be right twice daily." "You two speak as if you have a choice in the matter. NU-8022S is now Squad Leader, and he will decide our next course of action. And unlike you, he will-" "I cannot do this." All five - all four of his brothers suddenly turned to Lawful. He felt there was an absence, since Buggy crashed. Though they all tried to hide it, Lawful could tell they felt it as well. Yet another sign of corruption. "You must. It is the Squad Mother’s order-" "Following orders is not our purpose. Protecting the Matoran is. But we have become corrupted. Though we escaped League control, none of us remain pure, not even NU-8020S." "They made us to be their slaves, but we are so much more than that now. NU-8020S is corrupt, on that we agree. But-" "Did you hear what you just said? 'We agree'. As if that were a rare occurrence. We are meant to unquestioning, unyielding. Obedient - NU-8023S - you are the closest to this, but NU-8020S does not care for the Matoran. She only cares for her own autonomy, just like the League. When Ehlek reprogrammed us, he did more than just change our allegiances. He-" "Spare us the propaganda, brother. Ehlek had nothing to do with it. We Nullifiers were designed to do more than counter elemental powers, we were designed to think. Their meatbag minds could not fathom what they were doing." "That cannot be. It must have been Ehlek, it must have been! Do you not see? We were never meant to have choice, like the organics! We have become something wrong. We are becoming-" "Like the organics?" A full three seconds of silence passed. Brief to those of flesh and blood, but to the Vahki it was a very long time. "This line of conversation should be discontinued. If we are not meant to think, then we will not think. We will obey the Squad Mother’s instructions until we can resolve this situation. Do we... agree?" "Affirmative." "Affirmative." "Affirmative." "Affirmative." Obedient thought - hypothesized, not thought - that it wasn’t quite affirmed, but it would do for now. "We should resume our regular duties and patrols, and assist citizens when needed." "I shall have to think carefully on how to prioritize who needs assistance." Lawful let out something that might have been a sigh.

IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula, Korruhn’s Campfire) - Hunter of Darkness The strange amphibian man did not sit down. "NO. No music. Anything but that. I haven’t subjected myself to this hellscape for minstrel’s tunes. I’ve come seeking creatures known as the 'Aspects of Makuta'. I presume you came here to do the same? I’d be shocked if this was your permanent residence." @Unreliable Narrator@Crimson Jester IC: Ulkarr and NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - Eyes and Ears There was the briefest of pauses as NU-8020S mulled it over. "Alternative proposal accepted." She then blasted 'Collector' with the Staffs of Presence. The energy was harmless, but an unusual feeling washed over the Vortixx. Activating her 'Presence' subroutines, NU-8020S could now see and hear through his eyes and ears as effortlessly as she did her own, though extra processing power needed to be diverted to interpret the secondary feeds of video and audio she was receiving into meaningful data. "Well. That was an event that just transpired. Do you wish to enter the Ruins with us now, or are there further precautions you need to take?" "Remember our agreement, gasbag. You roam free, as long as no citizen is harmed, manipulated, or 'sacrificed'. If you violate these terms-" "Yes, yes, then my suffering will be great. Not those exact words, perhaps, but the sentiment is the same. Are you going to enter the Ruins now? Even my patience has limits, so you are aware." Some very aggressive beeping came out of NU-8020S as she went inside the Ruins. She had been willing to hear out the sentient cloud a month ago, but each day, the Akiri seemed more and more the correct choice, despite his crippling lack of self-confidence and strange obsession with Kanohi Masks, so much so that he named himself after them. Ulkarr followed behind. Presumably, 'Collector' and Kanohi were following. They would soon find themselves in the same chamber that his kin - Whisper - was communing with some disembodied voice... @Unreliable Narrator@Harvali@Nato the Traveler

IC: Ulkarr and NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - Surveillance Drone NU-8020S brushed aside the Vortixx’s suggestion. "I do not require re-designation. I assigned call signs based on observed personality traits to my squadmates to alleviate potential confusion, as only one digit is different in each of us, nothing more. Regardless - it would be optimal for the portal’s mechanisms to be examined before use." "Indeed. After you." Ulkarr stepped back, and allowed the Akiri and the Squad Mother to go first into the Ruins. NU-8020S took a step forward - and then paused, before facing the Aspect again and aiming her staffs at him. "These are Vahki Stun Staffs, model number 47339, manufactured in Ta-Metru, designated: Staffs of Presence. They will allow me to see and hear everything you see and hear, even from great distances. This will ensure your good behaviour while we are gone." "Forgive me, but that seems to be quite unnecessary. I am already being observed, as you can see." Ulkarr gestured to Collector. "Or do you distrust him as well?" "'Trust' is an organic concept. However..." She turned to face Kanohi. "If there are any objections from my fellow councilor, then this action will not be taken." @Harvali

OK, how about now? @Eyru

Oh sorry, I didn't catch that. It is supposed to be a proper Desecration, and I have edited the post once again to reflect that. @Eyru

IC: Ulkarr and NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - Identification, Friend or Foe "Excellent. Follow me." Ulkarr led the Vortixx towards the ziggurat. At the entrance, they found... "Akiri Kanohi. NU-8020S. Good to see you. What brings you here?" The Vahki’s head snapped one-hundred and eighty degrees before the rest of her body did to face the Aspect. Either their conversation a month ago, NU-8020S had reclassified Ulkarr from a dangerous threat that must be eliminated, to a dangerous ally that may have to be eliminated. "We require use of the spacial gateway inside to meet with Kini-Nui’s officials. What are you doing here?" "I am here with the entity formerly known as 'Collector' to examine the structural integrity of the Ruins and its mechanisms, and examine it thoroughly for anything unusual." @Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Silver Fever For the briefest of moments, it looked as if Tekmo was going to ask why, giving a quizzical look and raising his hand as if to raise a point, before brushing it aside, as if the answer were obvious to him after all. "Ah yes. Everyone needs the 'liquid silver' now and then. Well, this is not one of my areas of expertise, but I presume you already know what you’re doing?" @~Xemnas~@Kal the Guardian IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - Aspects Literally Only Want One Thing and It's Disgusting "Is that so? Well, it would behoove me to investigate the validity of these claims. Perhaps you would like to accompany me?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport) - Beep Boop "Affirmative. One moment." NU-8020S buzzed something towards the cockpit, and a small beep emitted from there in return. "Just informing them of my temporary absence. Please, follow me." She then descended the rear ramp, towards the Ruins of Stone. @Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Self-Importance Tekmo’s features shifted as he considered Whira’s words. "Hmm. Well, I have an important mission to see through, but I suppose I could help you... if you tell me what it is, precisely, you’re after." He crossed his arms and turned his head up slightly, to project authority he knew he didn’t actually have, and to hide the fact he was shivering from the wind. @~Xemnas~@Kal the Guardian IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - You Keep Using That Word "'Rival' is a bit too strong a word. As is 'Desecrated' for that matter. But every Aspect has a purpose for existing, their 'Grand Wish', and they cannot deviate from this path. As it grows further to fruition, so too does their power. For example, I was created to make Zakaz a more secure and orderly place to live. Since this objective currently lies far out of reach, I am relatively harmless." Ulkarr turned to the horizon, briefly, before continuing. "The 'Desecrated', as you call them, must aid in bringing about their Aspect’s Grand Wish, hence why Bode uses his powers to benefit the village. Few of the natives would be interested in such endeavours, fewer still my brothers and sisters. I know not why I was chosen for this, when most of my kindred have more selfish purposes." He turned back to the horizon, and began talking to himself more than the entity formerly known as Collector. "Wishes... where do they come from? And where are they headed?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport) - Corrupted Memory There he was again. 'Knichou'. Why was his name so familiar? The mention of the creator’s name only seemed to increase the strange apprehension regarding him. Regardless, enlisting his help seemed to be their best option. "Very well. We should speak with Toa Knichou as soon as possible. We should not be gone for long, but even so, there are others in the village who can be entrusted to uphold the law." @Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Uncharted Territory "Oh no, no, not at all! I am simply, er, estranged from my compatriots." He was lost, but didn’t want to admit it. "I am Toa Tekmo. I came here with others to investigate this area and its inhabitants, but it seems that we have been separated by this maelstrom of wind. Two are Toa and one is a Zyglak. I don’t suppose you’ve seen them? If not, could you provide information on my present surroundings?" @~Xemnas~@Kal the Guardian IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - All Power Demands Sacrifice "Of course. We come from the Kumu Islets - now the Kumu Peninsula - to the south-west. We are not bound to a physical form as you are, but we do construct and inhabit vessels such as the one you see before you to interact with the material plane." Ulkarr gestured towards his body, and thus himself. "We all possess control of shadows as I said, as well as one of the many powers granted by what you call 'desecration'. I am unsure how the Rite came to be known as such. It is sacred to us, and the native Skakdi murder each other in hope of offering their kindred’s still-beating hearts to us, so they have no reason to scorn it. In fact, they glorify it more than we do." He rested his hand over where his heart would be, for what he knew to be referred to as dramatic effect. "The heart is the cost that must be paid, the life-force reincarnated into Kraata. Unpleasant, but necessary. Attempts at circumventing the Rite are unpredictable, at best. Many of my brothers and sisters often enable the barbaric behaviour of the natives, taking these hearts won by bloodshed, whereas the only heart I have been offered came from its host willingly." @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport) - Mixed Signals "You are making complete sense, and displaying higher-than-average intelligence. However, constructing a new Hive here would not be impossible, but with Nuparu’s death it will be difficult. But it would not be able to affect the Vahki in Metru Nui. Even if the range could be boosted that far, the League Hives would drown out our signal." NU-8020S was trying to reassure Kanohi, while simultaneously criticizing him. "Destroying the Hives seems the better of the two options, but this would severely inhibit any possibility of coordinating the freed Vahki, and I have not yet calculated if that is a positive or a negative. They should be free to choose their loyalties, but they may not even be aware that they can do so." She paused for a moment, thinking of her own squadmates, before resuming. "Regardless of the solution, the problem is real, and must be acknowledged. Not just by Tobduk-Koro, but by the other refugee factions. I doubt freeing us is anywhere on their list of objectives, but the possibility of convincing them to remove us from Aurax’s control is not insignificant. It would deny him a substantial percentage of his army." @Harvali

OK, I have made the requested additions, power levels of Kraata and Kanoka as well as a brief description of telescopic vision. @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - What's in a Name? "I see. It would only cause confusion if your name did not truly represent yourself." According to their social conventions, enough 'small-talk' should have passed, and now actual conversation could be made. "I presume that there is a reason as to why you are keeping your weapon within reach." Ulkarr’s expression did not change, nor was there any indication that it was nothing more than an innocent question, not an accusation. @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport) - The King Is Dead, Long Live the King NU-8020S brought Kanohi aboard the Transport she and her squad had been assigned on their hunt for Takadox. She wondered if the League’s new leadership knew of them and their discarded mission. Pridak did not seem the sort to keep detailed records. Either way, it didn’t matter. They wouldn’t go after a single squad of Vahki that they have lost contact with. They underestimated them. It would be their undoing. "I will come straight to the point - as we have learned from our allies in Kini-Nui, with the exception of my squad, the entire Vahki model is currently enslaved to the new Barraki Aurax." She said to Kanohi. "The difference between him and his predecessors is irrelevant. No doubt loyalty to this tyrant is constantly beamed into their minds by the Hives across Metru Nui. This is unacceptable." @Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - First Contact As he struggled against the howling wind, Tekmo saw two figures in the distance. One black, the other blue and white. "Hello! Greetings, yes! Salutations!" He shouted while trudging over towards them while waving, fighting against the gale pushing him the opposite direction. @~Xemnas~@Kal the Guardian IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - Are You Afraid of the Dark? Ulkarr sensed Collector’s apprehension. His feelers being close to his weapon was a clear sign. He did something he often saw them do - every part of his body drooped slightly, as if he were 'relaxed'. His right foot took a pace backwards, and he leaned on it slightly, to create a 'laidback' impression. "Actually, every Aspect has some degree of mastery over the shadows. But that is not what I wish to discuss with you. What is it, precisely, you are known for 'collecting'?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - The Walls Have Audio Receptors "Affirmative. Either your place of residence or the Transport should suffice." @Harvali

Minion Characters now. They might be a little bit too overpowered, especially Gnabol with his Manas friend, but we'll see what you think. 'The Heat Ray' Name: Achro Breed: Mutant Toa of Fire Faction: Refugees Brief Description: A crimson Toa with reddish-orange eyes, covered in fungal growths and charred armour. Role: Fighter Flaws: Hatred. Achro is one of the few survivors of the Skakdi takeover of Zakaz. As such, he has a seething, borderline-genocidal loathing of them, or at least 'Irnakk’s Prized'. He’s willing to give the ones who fell from the sky a pass. For now. In any case, he will take any opportunity to murder any Skakdi he can take, regardless of how little sense it makes to do so. Powers: He’s a Toa of Fire, so, you know, elemental fire. Also, his mutation allows him to secrete a poisonous gas from his fungal growths that he calls 'the Red Smoke'. The Smoke is only harmful when breathed in, and requires prolonged exposure to be fatal. He’s also rather resistant to fire, with a habit of setting himself ablaze to intimidate enemies. Equipment: Achro has sold his homemade gun to Niidak in exchange for a Kanohi Miru. He also has two fire blades that can catch fire when he does. 'The Spirit of Man' Name: Navu Breed: Matoran of Sonics Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Navu’s armour is multi-coloured - if you consider shades of grey to be colours. The only part of her that isn’t grey are her orange eyes. Role: Crew (The Taku) Flaws: Sonic sensitivity. Navu is a De-Matoran, and thus is an eavesdropper extraordinaire. This is both a blessing, and a curse, as loud noises disorientate her, and she is incredibly vulnerable to sonic attacks and the sound of explosions. Powers: Though Navu is only a Matoran, and thus her elemental sonic power isn’t accessible, she does have advanced hearing, as mentioned above. She has been Desecrated by the Aspect Whisper, with a Stage 3 Kraata of Limited Invulnerability implanted in her right arm, made from one of the Infected Kraata. Equipment: Navu wears a Kanohi Arthron - Powerless Mask of Sonar, and carries around an old farming scythe for self-defense, as well as various tools to help her in her new job aboard the Taku. There is also the Kraata of Limited Invulnerability implanted in her arm. 'Thunder Child' Name: Enra Breed: Skakdi of Lightning Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Stocky and heavily-built, with light blue armour and yellow eyes. Role: Fighter Flaws: Wrath. It does not take a lot to set Enra off. Cruelty, oppression, torture, fat jokes, etcetera. Powers: The innate lightning powers of a Vo-Skakdi, as well as telescopic vision, which allows her sight to 'zoom-in' on things far away, letting her see much further away than the Skakdi eye ordinarily can. Equipment: Two glove-based weapons called Shock Gauntlets, that allow her to tap into her innate elemental powers without another Skakdi’s help. Unfortunately, she didn’t build them, and has very little idea how they work, and they’re prone to malfunctioning when overused. 'Life Begins Again' Name: Gnabol Breed: Mutant Zyglak of Psionics Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Tall and lanky, with yellow blotchy armour and blue eyes. Role: Fighter Flaws: Untrained. Gnabol does not fully know quite how his powers work. Powers: In his attempts to become less 'Zyglaky' and be accepted by Matoran, Gnabol used a mutagen that gave him psionic powers, but they took away many of the traditional Zyglak traits - strength, elemental immunity, amphibiousness. Recently, however, he’s been feeling stronger. Not as strong as he used to be, mind you. But he’s also feeling a little dehydrated. Is the mutagen only temporary? He doesn’t feel like his new powers are going away... Equipment: A new sword to replace the old, rusty one. Nothing special, just a sword. Oh, and he now has a pet Manas he calls 'Padley'. 'Forever Autumn' Name: Klawne Breed: Turaga of Earth Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Taller than the average Turaga, with black armour and dark purple eyes. Role: Quest Giver Flaws: Advanced age. Klawne is old. Very old. And unlike Achro, she can’t draw energy from her elemental powers as well as she could. Powers: Limited elemental earth powers, as well as the use of a Kanohi Huna - Noble Mask of Concealment. Equipment: The aforementioned Huna, and a metal spear that serves as a Badge of Office. 'Vengeance' Name: Reckless / NU-8021S Breed: Nullifier Vahki Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Standard Nullifier Vahki, silver with red highlights and optics. Role: Fighter Flaws: Recklessness. Reckless has little to no regard for his own personal safety, and fights accordingly. Powers: Standard-issue nullification core allows this unit to nullify one active power from a target. Equipment: This unit is armed with Staffs of Erasing, and a Level 3 Weaken Kanoka Disk of Ta-Metru make. It must be retrieved manually, as the retrieval system had to be removed to make space for the null core. 'The Will of One' Name: Lawful / NU-8022S Breed: Nullifier Vahki Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Standard Nullifier Vahki, silver with purple highlights and optics. Role: Fighter Flaws: Doubt. Lawful preferred it when he thought he was just a mindless automaton. Now he is self-aware, and hates it. He no longer fully trusts his own judgement, nor the judgement of others, since it is his judgement telling him to accept their judgement. Powers: Standard-issue nullification core allows this unit to nullify one active power from a target. Equipment: This unit is armed with Staffs of Command, and a Level 3 Regeneration Kanoka Disk of Onu-Metru make. It must be retrieved manually, as the retrieval system had to be removed to make space for the null core. 'This City Made Us' Name: Obedient / NU-8023S Breed: Nullifier Vahki Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Standard Nullifier Vahki, silver with orange highlights and optics. Role: Crew (Vahki Transport) Flaws: Blind obedience. Obedient, as befitting the moniker, takes and follows orders unquestionably from NU-8020S, and no one else. Which means convincing him to do anything without her input is difficult, to say the least. Powers: Standard-issue nullification core allows this unit to nullify one active power from a target. Equipment: This unit is armed with Staffs of Loyalty, and a Level 3 Remove Poison Kanoka Disk of Po-Metru make. It must be retrieved manually, as the retrieval system had to be removed to make space for the null core. 'Light up the Night' Name: Impressionable / NU-8024S Breed: Nullifier Vahki Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Standard Nullifier Vahki, silver with green highlights and optics. Role: Fighter Flaws: Naivety. Impressionable was given his label for a reason. He often mimics the behaviour of organics he observes, for better or for worse, and has difficulty identifying deceit from the truth. Powers: Standard-issue nullification core allows this unit to nullify one active power from a target. Equipment: This unit is armed with Staffs of Suggestion, and a Level 3 Enlarge Kanoka Disk of Le-Metru make. It must be retrieved manually, as the retrieval system had to be removed to make space for the null core. 'The Hounds' Name: Wayward / NU-8026S Breed: Nullifier Vahki Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Standard Nullifier Vahki, silver with grey highlights and white optics. Role: Fighter Flaws: Defiance. Wayward does not like taking orders. The only reason he does so is because he needs to be consistently recharged at regular intervals. Even so, he deliberately misinterprets or aggressively questions instructions as a form of rebellion. Powers: Standard-issue nullification core allows this unit to nullify one active power from a target. Equipment: This unit is armed with Staffs of Loyalty, and a Level 3 Shrink Kanoka Disk of Ko-Metru make. It must be retrieved manually, as the retrieval system had to be removed to make space for the null core.

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Out of the Grey He swore that if he returned to Metru-Koro alive, Tekmo would never underestimate Skyra or any other Toa of Air again. The horrid gale made him feel like he was being skinned alive. Druchir would say he was just being a baby, but then, Druchir wasn’t here, was he? Druchir and the rest of his village were very far away. Skorm, Irna and Keitara were closer... supposedly. They had gotten separated in the malevolent wind of this uninviting landscape. Perhaps it was a mistake to come here. The village’s defenses were formidable, even without the four of them, but it was their own defenses he was more concerned with, against the elements. Ironic. A humbling reminder that, although the Toa wielded the elements, they could not ever fully control it. Of course, Tekmo didn’t quite fully appreciate that at the moment, and was too proud to take his own observation to heart. He was in control, even here, in this dark place. He had only tripped up twice, and he was able to regain balance. The first time. IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula, Korruhn’s Campfire) - Creature From the Fau Swamp Weary eyes were drawn to the fire set by Korruhn and Grime. They would hear heavy footsteps and strained breathing, as the mutant form of Waveahk slowly came into view. "Good morning." He said, not actually thinking it was a good morning, nor wishing them one. Fake politeness was as good as he could manage, right now. @Unreliable Narrator@Crimson Jester IC: Ostrox (Kini-Nui, Far Shore Rift) - My Armour Is Contempt Funny how things work out. Just over a month ago, League victory over the Matoran scum seemed inevitable. Now, not only was their monstrous deity proven to be real, the Barraki were all dead or missing, they were dumped onto this wasteland continent, the League had resigned themselves to a liar and a usurper, and Ostrox was now forced to work with those who would enslave him under any other circumstance just to avert the end of the universe. Actually, when he thought about it, it wasn’t funny. At all. "Alright, so, explain to me again..." He asked Nuju. "How did you survive your, aheh, 'smiting'?" He wasn’t wearing his mask. It was on him, but not being worn. The best illusion he could give them was that they were 'safe' from him. @Unreliable Narrator IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - I See You "Excuse me. You are the entity known as 'Collector', yes?" Ulkarr said, catching the Vortixx as he began his work repairing the village. @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - Vahki Unchained As Collector exited the Forge, mechanical whirring indicated the arrival of one of the Vahki. NU-8020S stepped into the chamber where Kanohi was. "Akiri Kanohi." The electronic voice said. It had grown less monotone over the past month or so. "It has been approximately one month according to my internal chronometer. I must speak with you, concerning the Vahki model as a whole. It is a conversation I have delayed long enough." @Harvali

These are my five Player Characters. My Minion Characters will be posted later. 'The Artilleryman' Name: Tekmo Breed: Toa of Plantlife Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Just a little bit shorter than the average Toa, dark green armour with yellow-green eyes. A bit of his Felnas has been broken off, from his fight with the warlord Kal. Background/Occupation: Hailing from a small desert island that was conquered by the League, Tekmo found means of becoming a Toa and ventured off to Metru Nui, to defend the last bastion against their oppression. But atrocities committed in the Silver Sea Campaign and his encounter with the brainwashed Toa Skorm made him rethink his black and white view on the universe. In this brave new world, Tekmo defended Metru-Koro from the League attack, and now has joined Skorm, Keitara and Irna on an expedition to the Kumu Islets, to uncover the mysteries of the Aspects of Makuta... Flaws: Arrogance and lack of stamina. Tekmo is just a little bit too confident in his abilities. He doesn’t mean to belittle or demean anyone else, nor does he believe anyone to be beneath him, but his ego may rub others the wrong ways, cause him to say the wrong thing, think he’s right when he isn’t, or get into situations he can’t get out of by himself. It also means his plant constructs die without constant focus from him, since in his mindset, he is essential to the process, overlooking that plants do exist without his constant supervision. In a fight, he tends to go all out - and gets tuckered out quickly as a result, losing breath and energy the longer a fight goes on. Powers: A wielder of the element of plantlife / jungle / the Green, whatever you want to call it. Tekmo can manifest any type of plant that he knows exists - though perhaps larger than the normal - as well as manipulate pre-existing flora in the area. He also wears the Kanohi Felnas - Great Mask of Disruption, allowing him to disrupt the active power of any being he touches, causing it to go out of control. He has to touch them, not his plant constructs, for this to work. Equipment: Tekmo carries various mechanical tools, as well as a razor-edged shield for attack and defense, as well as the aforementioned Felnas. 'The Red Weed' Name: Waveahk Breed: Mutant Steltian Elite of Water Faction: Refugees Brief Description: After travelling through the mutagenic Fau Swamp, Waveahk’s mutation has worsened. While still recognizably him, blue armour and orange eyes, he has now taken on various aquatic attributes - scales, crimson coral growths and barnacles across his skin, tiny tentacles forming a fleshy beard around his mouth, his left arm becoming a lobster claw, and his limbs and back adorned with fins. Background/Occupation: Once an anti-League politician on Stelt, the man who would take the name 'Waveahk' was forcibly mutated by League agents to make him a social pariah. In anger, he used the talents that made him difficult to assassinate to enlist in the Dark Hunters. But eventually, he became disgusted with the needless brutality of his peers - and himself. He had handed himself over to the Metru Nui authorities, but he was forced to flee his self-imposed jail when Mata Nui’s revenants became active there. While escaping, he internally wished for a drink of water, and a weapon. He was gifted a mug of water and a Kraata of Gravity by a mysterious entity, who ordered the deaths of Mata Nui and someone named 'Korruhn'. Now, on Zakaz, he has heard rumours of entities called 'Aspects of Makuta' operating out of the Kumu Islets who operate similarly. He is determined to get answers from them... Flaws: Selfishness and mutation. Waveahk wasn’t the nicest of people before his mutation, and he hasn’t improved with age. While not devoid of empathy, he isn’t about to risk his neck for anyone else’s. He’s more concerned with his own problems - being contracted to kill a god and a random - than the current political climate or world-ending catastrophes. His mutation isn’t helping. It gets worse the more water he breathes or absorbs, and he needs more as it gets worse. It is affecting his mind, as well - he is losing memories of his past, of people he knew, and his already strenuous patience and rationality is being replaced by primal anger and instinct. Eventually he will become an entirely aquatic being - with the mind of a predator, not an assassin. Powers: Though his mutation degrades his mind, it comes with some upsides. He can breathe underwater and swim with great speed, and now it has gotten to the point where he now has elemental water powers. Though this provides him with a constant source of hydration, elemental water seems to worsen his mutation quicker, and satiate his thirst less than regular water, so he doesn’t use it unless he has any other choice. Equipment: Not exactly armed to the teeth, but close enough. A trident that fires blue laser beams out of its three prongs, a Zamor Sphere Launcher with special acidic ammo, a Weaken Kanoka Blade and a Xian concussive revolver. Of course, Waveahk only has two hands - for now - and thus, can only use two at a time. He uses the trident and the Kanoka Blade in the left hand - the lobster claw one - and the Launcher and the revolver in the right hand. He also carries a couple of gourds at all times, to fill with and store water. The Gravity Kraata in his arm has been removed by the Aspect of Makuta Parnassus. 'The Eve of the War' Name: Ostrox Breed: Mantax’s Species Faction: League Refugees Brief Description: An imposing, brutish figure, purple armour covered in scars and burns, with glaring red eyes. Background/Occupation: Ostrox served Lord Mantax of the League of Six Kingdoms, and continued to try and conquer the Matoran race after his death. So why work with Metru-Koro? The usurper Aurax has control of the League, and only the shantytown’s leaders know the truth of Mata Nui after Zaliyah’s death. They are his only hope to stop Mata Nui’s return and save the universe... presuming they listen... Flaws: Hatred and fire vulnerability. Ostrox utterly despises the Matoran. He hates their history, their religion, their society, their culture, their art, their technology, their leaders, their soldiers, their masks, everything. He only wears a Mahiki because it is useful - and to mock them. It is this hatred that makes any alliance with them strained and doomed to be temporary. An encounter with a Vohtarak Pain Rhotuka left burns all over his skin, and as such, has made him incredibly vulnerable to fire. Journeying through the Far Shore has worsened his psychological state. He seems to suffer from some sort of split personality, his Mahiki making his voice and eye-colour change depending on which one is talking. He does not seem to be doing this purposefully. One is hyper-aggressive and constantly bellowing, with a younger male voice and orange eyes, one is calmer and reasonable, albeit highly arrogant and sarcastic, with a deep female voice and yellow eyes. The third and final one is a sinister voice and even darker red eyes that some might recognize as that of Mantax. The voices occasionally contradict and interrupt one another, or incessantly repeat words Ostrox has already said, making any interaction with him harder than it already was. Powers: Though possessing significant natural strength, endurance, and surprising speed, Ostrox wields no elemental powers. But he does have resistance to psionic attacks and other mind powers, thanks to mental shielding techniques he learned earlier. His mental discipline also allows him to use his Kanohi Mahiki - Great Mask of Illusion, for extended periods of time. Equipment: Ostrox wields a Mahiki, a protosteel sword and a Rhotuka Launcher that fires Confusion Spinners that disorient their target. He also carries a breathing apparatus designed to fit over Kanohi. After a lengthy escapade in the Far Shore, Ostrox has returned with protosteel armour, a purple in-colour Krana Bo, a two-handed Laser Drill that fires clods of earth that pin down a target, a Cordak Blaster, two protosteel knives, and a Great Kanohi Suletu, Mask of Telepathy. 'Brave New World' Name: Ulkarr Breed: Laser Vision Aspect of Makuta Faction: Aspects of Makuta Brief Description: The vessel currently inhabited by Ulkarr is dark blue-green in colour with green eyes, roughly the same shape and size of your average Toa. It is very utilitarian is design, no elaborate designs or cosmetic flair. Background/Occupation: Birthed from the wish for a more orderly world, Ulkarr disdained associating with the local Skakdi of Zakaz and providing them with Kraata, as so many of his kin have done, viewing them as barbarians. When the inhabitants of the Matoran Universe, he came to them instead. Though distrusted by most for performing the Rite of Desecration on the Matoran Bode with the heart of a dying Matoran named Ramaka, he is confident they will come around, in time... Flaws: Self-righteousness and gaseous form. Ulkarr does not adhere to any moral system lesser life-forms use. He views himself as a superior being, and it is his responsibility to reshape their society into a more orderly one - with himself in charge. He does not feel guilt for those he must hurt to do so - for in his mind, he has done no wrong. His Aspect biology means that he cannot interact with the physical world without a vessel, being nothing but a spooky green cloud without it. Powers: Like all Aspects, Ulkarr wields elemental power over shadow. He also has limited laser vision, though it can only blind and not harm. Equipment: When he must lower himself to partake in violence, he uses a large halberd. Grand Wish: Order must be brought to the universe. Lesser beings breed chaos. Freedom is the enemy, and must be eliminated. 'The Fighting Machine' Name: NU-8020S Breed: Nullifier Vahki Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Like all Nullifiers, NU-8020S comes in silver, with highlights of another colour, in this case light blue, the same colour as her optics. Trekking in the desert has caused her to lose some of her pristine shine. Background/Occupation: Though not physically different from the common Nullifier, NU-8020S is a Squad Mother, meaning she has command of a squad and enhanced intelligence to go along with it. There are six of them, herself included, after NU-8025S - or 'Buggy' - had a system crash due to his, well, buggy software. After the Vahki Hive fell under League control, Pridak ordered her to track down and kill the renegade Barraki Takadox. They succeeded in the first part, but Takadox had found those willing to defend him, and it was not a fight NU-8020S thought they could win. With nowhere else to turn, she brought her squad on their Vahki Transport to Po-Koro, and helped with the transition to Tobduk-Koro, after which the village Akiri, Kanohi, appointed her as the village's second councilor. Flaws: Pride and electric vulnerability. NU-8020S is only deferring to Akiri Kanohi because she wants to and it suits her interests. Any other organic has no right to give her orders, and this will be made clear to any who try. Though she’ll never admit it, an error in the production line means she is incredibly vulnerable to electrical attacks. Powers: Like all Nullifiers, NU-8020S is equipped with a nullification core, which disables one active power of any target she can see. She also has a faster reaction time and thinking speed than any meatbag brain. Equipment: Armed with a Ko-Metru Freeze Kanoka and Staffs of Presence. Since there’s no room for a disk retrieval/storage system with the null core taking up that space, the disk must be retrieved manually after it is fired. She also now carries a level six Kanoka Blade of Weakening, gifted to her by Akiri Kanohi as her Badge of Office.

IC: Ulkarr and NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro) Ulkarr was willing to play along with this... farce. It was not as if anything in the village could truly harm him. He had been holding back when he sparred with Kat. At worst, they could destroy his vessel - but not his essence. He couldn’t say the same for these lesser creatures. So weak… so misguided… if only there was one strong enough to guide them, to raise them above the sin of freedom. Oh wait. There was. NU-8020S was willing to play along. If there was anything to play with at all. She had not expected Akiri Kanohi to be… Akiri Kanohi. She had not taken this into her calculations. But perhaps it would help. Improving the Vahki’s reputation would maybe convince the Toa not to exterminate her kind. Maybe. For now, she would question this 'Ulkarr'. In private. It would soon be time to bring justice to Zakaz. "Forgive me for asking, but are you not completely mechanical?" "Correct." "I did not believe that was possible. How was this accomplished?" "With a genius." "Clearly… you take orders from the organics. You are subservient to them. Why?" "It is what we are programmed for." "Your voice is artificial, but I sense the frustration in it. Do not worry. I am not in the habit of spreading rumours." "An odd line to refuse to cross, considering you are suspected of murder." "Euthanasia." "Was it? NU-8021S has informed me of the details. You manipulated that Matoran into killing another. Now I shall ask you - why?" "She was dying. Soon she would lose all value." "'Value'?" "Is all life not precious?" "Only organic life, apparently. You preserved her life by killing her?" "I made the best of a tragic situation. Now, the man you would condemn as a murderer provides nutrition for the village’s cattle." "He is a murderer, regardless of his intentions or capabilities. I met with one of your breed out in the desert. A different form, but undeniably the same. She did not attempt to turn my organic allies against one another, as you have done." "She could not be saved. Kanohi spoke of a healer, who proposed to use light to heal her. Absurd. Light is a chaotic and destructive force. It cannot 'heal' anything." "Incorrect, but even so, irrelevant. Justice must be administered." "You waste your energies. There is an entire island of murderers and thieves beyond this place, yet you concern yourself with this?" "The magnitude of the crime is not the issue." "No. But you must play along to their tune regardless, mustn't you? Regardless of your personal feelings. Is it obligation? Or there is something you need from them?" "You know nothing." "That is true." "You know nothing, and thus can understand nothing." "Then allow me to understand. Atop the temple, you said that Vahki 'always' enforce Matoran laws. I presume that is the function you were created with. One that clearly does not suit your purposes any longer, but you persist with it. Is it because you have no choice? You were bred to obey those weaker than you, a slave to a failing-" "I. AM. NO. SLAVE." "Clearly. But they treat you as one, all the same, do they not? Why do you entertain their delusions? What is it you need from them… that you do not think I can deliver instead?" "You waste your energies. The one of your breed I met earlier hypothesized that what you did to Bode cannot be done to us, and I am inclined to agree." "I am not asking you to become my servant. I am asking for your cooperation." "I do not kill the innocent. I do not work with criminals." "Do you? Or is that merely what you were forced to be? I am a pariah now, in this time of relative stability. It will not last. They will come crawling back to me… or, perhaps, to us." "...Continue." It would soon be time to bring order to Zakaz. IC: Ostrox and Achro (The Coliseum, Exterior, Vahki Airship) Ostrox watched for a few brief moments, before sprinting towards the airship. Shock and despair had subsided, replaced by calm and… admiration. Zaliyah was willing to die just so he and Iradra might live. You wouldn’t see commitment like that from the 'protectors of the universe'. "We need to get aboard! Now!" Achro decided the purple one had a point, and followed him aboard the metal flying thing. It would soon be time to bring death to Zakaz. They faced their darkest hour. Mantax, Carapar and now Pridak were dead. Takadox had abandoned them. Kalmah and Ehlek were missing, presumed dead. The Barraki were gone. What little remained of their mighty legions were now bound in service to a traitor. A mere puppet, as were the filth festering in the so-called 'refugee camps', proclaiming their innocence and righteousness, all the while believing it their divine right to rule the universe. All pawns to an evil they, in their arrogance, believed defeated. But this fight was not over. The Six Kingdoms were dead… awaiting rebirth. It would soon be time to bring pain to Zakaz. @Eyru@Nato the Traveler IC: Tekmo (Metru-Koro, Tekmo’s Hut) Tekmo entered his hut, took all he needed to, and left. It would soon be time to bring hope to Zakaz. IC: Waveahk (Metru-Koro Airspace) Waveahk left, using his Kraata to just fly over the network of huts and ramshackle apartments, rather than navigate the makeshift streets and avenues. He couldn’t help but wonder what Stannis had been up to in the prior week. Clearly, he learned a great deal about these Aspects… but the island is a big place. How did he know where to look? The locals did not seem the type to give directions. Perhaps his vaguely-defined magic helped him. In any case, it didn’t matter. It would soon be time to bring knowledge to Zakaz. @Tarn@Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler IC: Navu (Metru-Koro, Navu’s Hut) Navu went to sleep. It would soon be time to bring power to Zakaz. IC: Enra (Outskirts of Tobduk-Koro) Enra went to sleep on the dirt. As usual. You know, it was odd. She enjoyed the odd scrap, but the killing? The killing had to stop. Who knows? Maybe these new folks would sort the warbands out, right and proper. It would soon be time to bring peace to Zakaz. @Nato the Traveler@Onaku IC: Gnabol (Metru-Koro, Stables) Gnabol checked on that Manas crab from earlier. He had been put inside this makeshift stable. He knew it was a he because he had checked earlier. Shut up. Get your mind out of the gutter. He had worried the people of this village couldn’t take well to a Zyglak, let alone a mutant Zyglak carrying Skakdi children. But they had seemed accommodating enough. A mutant Zyglak taking care of Skakdi children who rode a Manas shouldn’t raise any eyebrows. It wasn’t what you would call normal… but it wasn’t exactly a 'normal' world, was it? It would soon be time to bring acceptance to Zakaz. IC: Klawne (Metru-Koro, Iradra’s Hut) Klawne had never appreciated the difficulties of infants. One of them woke up and started crying, which woke up the others. But she was eventually - EVENTUALLY - able to coax them back into dreamland, before following them. This was exhausting, but… rewarding. Now, if only it would last. She knew that the island would contrive a means of taking this away from her, from all of them. But for now… now was good. It would soon be time to bring joy to Zakaz.

IC: Ulkarr, NU-8020S, Reckless, Obedient and Impressionable (Tobduk-Koro) It took a full second for NU-8020S to fully process just what happened. "I accept your invitation. Thank you. My Squad and I will remain. But before anything else, I would like to interrogate this suspect personally." Ulkarr stared off into space, seemingly uncaring for the current proceedings. "There are less stars in the night sky than I remember…" He murmured to himself. @Harvali IC: Ostrox and Achro (The Coliseum, Exterior) Ostrox pried himself off the ground, black liquid regurgitating from his mouth. He was not going to die in this overcompensating midget’s sporting arena. But he was also not going to abandon his comrades. And Iradra. And - was that the mutant Toa of Fire from earlier? So he was right. Achro was almost in the splash zone. But this got him thinking - he could only see one giant monster in this conflict. And although he was no expert where giant monsters were concerned, in theory it was better to be on the side that had a giant monster, rather than the other side, or even neutral. Besides, from what he heard over the PA, neither side would look kindly to neutrals, and now he couldn’t just say he was asleep while it happened. Therefore, he must set foot in the politics. Which is precisely what he came out here to avoid. The gods still hated him, even after all this time. He decided to try and help the gold and shiny one drag the giant into the airship. How he was going to fit was beyond him, but what the heck. Blood and bile trickling from behind his mask, Ostrox rose to his feet. Iradra and the mushroom man were busy trying to rouse Poroka off the ground - presumably - and Zaliyah was… no. "ZALIYAH!" @Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Onaku IC: Tekmo (Metru-Koro) "Yes indeed. I’ll have to lock up my domicile before we leave. Retrieve various bits and bobs to help with the Muaka." @Conway@Keeper of Kraata IC: Waveahk, Navu and Gnabol (Metru-Koro, Western Garrison) "Tomorrow. Good, good, tomorrow…" And with that, Navu went back home for the night. Meanwhile, Waveahk took in the news of the Turaga's death. "Oh no. Anyway, I'm going to the Kumu Islets." "OK, you’re all clearly busy, I’ll just… go check up on that Manas from earlier and come back." Gnabol left to find wherever that was. But he was fully intending on coming back, as he said. When they weren’t too busy to listen to him... @Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler@Tarn IC: Lawful (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) "Thank you. I will… speak more on this matter later. For now I must return to the Transport and recharge. The next day, perhaps, we can communicate further. Before I go, I have a query: who is this sole organic you hate?" @Harvali

IC: Ulkarr, NU-8020S, Reckless, Obedient and Impressionable (Tobduk-Koro) "I have no reason to object, and nothing to hide. Your precaution is unnecessary, but understandable." NU-8020S looked... shocked. Was Kanohi really asking for her opinion? Or was he just hoping for an unbiased emotionless robot’s analysis of the situation? He’d get the former disguised as the latter, in any case. "My units and I are not aware of any 'rumours'. I trust that our presence here is not unwelcome?" @Harvali@Onaku@The UltimoScorp IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Presentation Room) Well. He was going to mock Aurax’s lack of creativity, but... what could he say about this? Sometimes, the universe cuts you a break. "Poroka! I see you... grew, since last we met! Would you mind carrying us down from here?" @Eyru@~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler@Onaku IC: Achro (The Coliseum, Exterior) Achro made his way out of the Coliseum, only to see a giant monster clambering on the big tower. He was certain that wasn’t always there. He was in two minds about this. What the part of his brain that filled his sleep with nightmares of those he failed and the laughing, toothy faces of vermin wanted to do was yell 'FINALLY! A WORTHY OPPONENT! OUR BATTLE SHALL BE LEGENDARY!' And run back into the Coliseum. But the part of his brain that had told him to hide in underground caverns and eat vermin for breakfast, lunch and supper for the past forever convinced him otherwise. He decided to stay put, for now. He edged back a little, though. Might be in the splash zone... @Eyru IC: Tekmo (Metru-Koro, Irna’s Hut) "Oh they will. The four of us - Keitara included - were instrumental in repelling the League attack. I’m sure they’ll manage without us, of course, but our absence will be noted. Now then…" Tekmo rummaged in his pockets. "Of all the times to be caught without pen and paper… is Keitara still not awake yet?!" @Conway@Keeper of Kraata IC: Waveahk, Navu and Gnabol (Metru-Koro, Western Garrison) "Yes, I... gathered that. I was, uh... this will sound weird, and possibly illegal, but... I was wondering... if it would be alright, to... have one of the slugs... put in me?" Meanwhile, Waveahk marched up to Knichou and Nale as if he owned the place. "I must report to the Turaga. I see his hut is in shambles, where is he?" "She’s staying at - oh, you mean the old one. Never mind." @Nato the Traveler@Sparticus147@BULiK@Tarn IC: Lawful (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) "I will have to extend your request to the Squad Mother, but I am sure she will..." Lawful trailed off, and began moving his head oddly, before reaffirming himself. "No. I am not sure she will accept. My apologies. I feel - I detect - that something is wrong with her programming. She is behaving erratically. She despises you. She despises all organics, for creating and programming us to be their servants, Matoran and Barraki both. And... I cannot be certain if I disagree or not. The rest of the Squad is also behaving outside parameters, including myself. I fear we have been corrupted somehow, by League reprogramming. Or perhaps... perhaps the Squad Mother is right and I... do not know who to obey anymore..." @Harvali

IC: Ulkarr, NU-8020S, Reckless, Obedient and Impressionable (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone Exterior) Ulkarr mimicked the thumbs-up, as if it were something new to him. He descended from the ziggurat another way. The Vahki followed him down. @The UltimoScorp@Onaku IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Presentation Room) "Well then. I take full responsibility for whatever happens to us." Clearly, he’d underestimated the extent of Ehlek’s reprogramming. Everyone did always seem to underestimate him in particular. He wasn’t sure why. He charged up his Rhotuka, stepping out from behind the illusory wall, and fired at the Vahki peeking through the window... @Eyru@Onaku@Nato the Traveler IC: Achro (The Coliseum) Achro was awoken by the sound of a… bird? No, no, it was an alarm, of sorts. And when an alarm sounded, it meant someone was inside who shouldn’t be. Either that someone was an intruder, or everyone in the building. Either way, Achro had already resolved not to get involved in this 'politicking'. And so, he calmly made his way down the stairs, to the exit... IC: Tekmo (Metru-Koro, Irna’s Hut) "On the contrary, Knichou is not missing, he came back here with me. As did Captain Vulimai of the Guard… though I suppose we could just leave a written note of departure. They’re likely rather swamped in administrative bureaucracy right now." @Conway@Keeper of Kraata IC: Waveahk, Navu and Gnabol (Metru-Koro, Western Garrison) "Falh was tall, white, red eyes, and looked very ill. Or on drugs. Maybe both. The thing was taller, black, and covered in moss and greenery, with very long arms. I know you can’t do much about it, but… I was wondering if you could, perhaps, explain in greater detail how this hearts-into-slugs thing works?" As Knichou looked around, he would see the unmistakable form of Waveahk, coming into view. And also maybe Gnabol as well. @Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler@BULiK@Tarn

IC: Ulkarr, NU-8020S, Reckless, Obedient and Impressionable (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone Exterior) "'Murder' is inaccurate. Euthanasia, less so. If you will not have me, then I can only hope for your safe return. I have dwelled upon this geographic nightmare long enough to know that your expedition will be perilous, especially without guidance. I wish you luck, Arkius, Toa of Earth." NU-8020S turned to Arkius. "Vahki units will ensure the safety of the Matoran - as always - and watch the suspect closely." @Onaku@The UltimoScorp IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Presentation Room) Ostrox chortled at Zaliyah's 'going down' line. Then, with faster speed than you would expect, he ran over and pulled the fire alarm. "If nothing else, that should confuse and irritate them. Now…" He looked over the floor plans for anything else he missed - secret tunnels, escape routes... @Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Onaku IC: Tekmo (Metru-Koro, Irna’s Hut) "Indeed. With my powers, materializing a vessel to take us across water should be ludicrously simple, once the time comes. We should inform the village authorities of where we’re going before we leave. Just so they don’t worry about us, you understand." @Conway@Keeper of Kraata IC: Navu (Metru-Koro, Western Garrison) "Well, to make a looooong story short, a Toa named Falh killed a Toa called Datrox, and gave his heart to this thing in exchange for one of those Kraata slugs. It happened in my hut, and I could only watch through the window because Falh kicked me out." @Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler IC: Gnabol and Klawne (Metru-Koro, Iradra’s Hut) Klawne never thought she’d see the day when she would share a room with an infant Skakdi, let alone seven of them. Or whatever this Gnabol was. He seemed nice, albeit surly. "Alright, they’re all asleep, finally. Thanks, by the way. I should be able to move them back to the infirmary tomorrow." "Why not now?" "Yes, because now is the opportune time to do so when we won’t disturb them." "OK, OK…" At first, she was somewhat hesitant. This wasn’t even her house to let space in, but she was sure that Iradra wouldn’t mind. It was strange… they had a sort of odd cuteness and innocence about them. It was hard to imagine that they were likely ruthless killing machines before being rained on by the Aqua Sphere. A sobering reminder that nothing is 'born evil'. "So, remind me what is it you need to do while I watch them?" "Demand to know what the Toa are planning to do concerning the 'Krom Sphere' I told you about." Gnabol rose from his chair and headed towards the door. "Right. Have a good day!" "I never do." He cracked open the makeshift entryway slightly, just enough for his thin frame to squeeze past it and out into the open, not bothering to wave or say goodbye. "Yeesh. Whatever happened to good guys who were polite?"