Friar Tuck

for 45 cents a day you can save this korero kill merror Also: when one of your PCs has killed four or five other PCs, it starts to lose its luster. In the end, it's a pretty cheap thrill unless you want to use it for long-term CD. -Tyler ^ this. I've killed about a dozen PC's over the course of my work and Tyler's right - it does lose it's luster after a while. Granted, its been a while since I've done it so I wouldn't mind knocking off a player or two, but yeah... generally after your first one it gets less exciting unless done right and with purpose

Not even. *sigh* Just because you have knowledge does not mean you have the skill. Being a "scientist" does not grant you the ability to USE the knowledge. Sure, Ghostie and myself could rattle off the molecular formula of any given metal or alloy, but if you at this very moment dropped us off seven hundred years ago in the dark ages there is no way we could re-produce 90% of what we know. We don't know the mining techniques, the metallurgy, refining, and smithing of these metals. Granted, a Fe-Toa can skip a bunch of that, but the core concept remains - you need to couple the knowledge with the skill and practice. (not to mention we'd probably be burned at the stake for "black magic" ) What I would suggest instead is a "Smithy" or "Forger" instead of "Scientist" for this scenario of a Fe-Toa. Hands-on practice and discovery with one's element is what's needed, not working in some lab.

Wait wait wait wait when did this happen and wh- Oh good, because Tuck's ruling made no sense. Let me clarify: I was also including knowledge of metals along with what was actually present. I mean we know iron, steel, copper, etc is in Mata-Nui land, so a Fe-Toa can create/manipulate those. Now more modern/exotic metals, say titanium, would be iffy. Sure, I suppose there is every chance it exists, but that is a fairly rarer and more modern metal so I don't think a Toa from Mata-Nui would know of its existence or how to manipulate it; this goes for more modern alloys as well. Science today has created a slew of interesting metals and alloys, but seeing as we are still mostly a pre-industrial society a Fe-Toa would not have knowledge and therefore use of those items, thus the term "MU metals". I am referring to the most basic and commonly-used metals. Sorry Silvan if my explanation was a bit... lacking. I just didn't want someone to read up on modern metallurgy and periodic table and decide to have a heyday

Alright then, I stand corrected; I did not know that you have a built-in balancing act and if that was part of the reason for the approval process then good. Again, I wasn't sure what exactly was going on so unless Nuju tells me otherwise what you just told me will override what I hypothesized how the mask worked. What I said about the Dasaka and your relationship with them is still the same. They do it naturally, you're artificial and "hacking" in thus my description. Make sense? No idea what that means. Is it Mata-Nuian or Kentokuian?

Can I get a ruling? That is not an approved mask, though after looking at your profile I see that it was approved by Nuju. Knowing Nuju he does not approve things like that without there being some type of limit, a give-and-take so to say. So I'll give you my opinion, but this is coming from someone who does not know what the conditions were for you to have that mask. So, on to your question(s): First of all, I don't think you would have that much ability with that mask. If you've taken the time to hone the ability with your team-mates, I would argue that your ability to read OTHER people's thoughts, especially project into the heads of others than your team would be more difficult. You have specialized for optimal teamwork, but that has to come at the cost of the inability to often "Ideatalk" to others. That's my view, which leads to your question- If you are projecting ANY thoughts, yes, they would be able to detect that smack-dab off the bat. You are doing it via mask, they do it naturally, so they have the one-up on you. You on the other hand would not be able to do it right away. Because your "Ideatalk" is artificial, you are in essence "hacking" into the mental plane and into their mental communications. It wouldn't be that difficult, it's not like there is a firewall on the whole Idealtalk network, but you're still doing it differently and will take at least a moment or more of effort. Once that link was established then yes it would be easy and vice-versa. Once you disconnect you will need to re-hack however. They can see you but you can't see them right away. And honestly I don't think they would see this in a good light. Curious at first no doubt seeing that you're not one of them, but once it becomes apparent that you can "listen in"... yeah, I'd lay low Of course this is player knowledge and NOT character knowledge. Of course! The process is not easy, but is IS possible. It depends on the presentation and how well they are designed/developed. I also know that Nuju is a prickler when it comes to approving things, so easier said than done Its up to the player(s) to create a compelling case and a well-thought-out species. ... Next question?

MU metals. So that means there are less overall metals to choose from, but you also gain access to metallic protodermis (and therefore Protosteel) which isn't from our world. It balances out that way. I can't say. It HAS been discussed by staff on occasion, so the request hasn't been forgotten. At this point though there hasn't been enough reason or a good opening to re-introduce it, so for now it just remains a memory of the past. The possibility IS there however, so I won't rule out that one day it might come back

Ok... that was three pages of me trying to keep up while you guys went 'round and 'round and 'round... If someone would be kind enough to compile the list of questions that HAVEN'T been answered I would be more than happy to lend my weight to it.

Does beating up criminals count as evil if you beat them hard enough? Probably not. Ok, now you're TRYING, and really hard may I add I don't think I need to answer that.

More or less. But don't get me wrong; I didn't say "island's moral code". I'm going off a much more general idea here, where things like murder, theft, lying, etc, are considered bad and evil acts. But yes, even if someone came from such a mythical place as you described and their actions caused negative results on the world then yes, that would be generally considered "evil" whereas positive actions would generally be considered "good". I am really simplifying this, but in the end that's the easiest way to deal with it. There needs to be a scale somewhere otherwise the whole convention fall apart, and from what I have seen Antidermis is a good distinguisher of it. But seeing as this is a staff-related item and powers usually granted by Nuju, you would have to take it up with him as to the details. That is a good question and I'm not sure. I don't think so, but I could be wrong. Just because Makuta is the symbol of all things evil it does not mean you can't be evil WITHOUT reverencing him There are plenty of evil characters that could care squat about Makuta and his minions.

This is how Nuju described it to me (since well Joske almost took a dose in the face): While not sentient, it seeks out the most efficient way to either corrupt or destroy so, if we go to the scale going backwards - If you're Evil, Antidermis sees opportunity to make you more useful (and therefore more powerful towards its goal of corruption and chaos) and at the cost of whatever inner light you have left (and possibly some sanity) it mutates you into something more... vile. - If you're more Neutral, it will seek to corrupt you and therefore turn your alignment TO evil. Cool powers not promised, but still potentially there since it is using it's energies to completely corrupt you since you weren't quite there yet. - If you're Good, and I mean like the high-and-mighty moral type where it cannot corrupt you (or at least not easily) then it will simply destroy you since it cannot turn you into something useful. And it's a very painful death as it literally destroys you from the inside out, melting you into a pile of... goo. Also, in this universe as much as there may be debate on the good/evil issue, we're still sticking to there is still some sense of absolutes in that regard, so even if you're character thinks he's doing good, but actually isn't, he is still doing evil as you described. The best I would say is that with and anti-hero/villain they lie more in the Neutral to Neutral-Evil category, so see above as to what would happen to them. In other words there IS a type of absolute scale and Antidermis does understand that. Whether your character does or not is up to you I would go by that unless another staffie with more intimate knowledge of the stuff says otherwise.

IC I stood there quiet, listening to Arsix. Listening as every wrong she had suffered come out and crash over me. Perhaps it wasn't in so many words or spoken directly, but the hatred was there. Hatred of how they and other like them were treated, the way innocents were ostracized, of the system itself. I needn't use my mask; the emotion in her voice was evidence enough despite her controlled and cool demeanor. Even as her feelings came crashing through as she verbally berated me the truth in her statements was not so easily dispelled. So this was the real view of those on the outside. "The blood of the past.... is on our ancestors." The silence in the room was startled slightly by my sudden change in subject as everyone blinked an then looked at me. Slowly I turned, stepping forward to retrieve my blade which still lying on the chair. "The system... and injustice they created... has bloodied their hands. The past... is on them." There was a whoosh as I swung the sword around, sliding it onto its sheath that was slung on my back. "The blood... on the streets today... is rightfully mine. I waited... too long, did... too little. You... are right, this is something I must... accept." Adjusting the straps and my armor I turned, my face a little more stern than usual. "But please hear and heed me Toroshu Arsix... the blood of the future will be yours." I closed my eyes and sigh, head drooping to the floor. "You represent... the animosity that has built up over the years, and instead of... trying to help solve it you will... break it completely. For good... or for ill. I understand the Empire... is not your responsibility. But you right now... have the high ground. You can choose... to try to change, prove... the caste system wrong. But instead... you will let it all burn. You will bear... the blame when this society is destroyed by... the hatred for each other when the... damage could have been lessened by... intervention now that eyes... have been opened. That is... if there is anyone left to... ponder it." I turned to face Jasik. "Thank you, yes... you may walk me out." I paused for just a moment. "I doubt anyone... in this room will survive the coming... firestorm. Thank you for at least... opening my eyes, to see this... conflict clearly. Though you needn't be so... pointed about it." I wasn't one to smile much, though to say a ghost of a sad grin wasn't there would be a lie.

Yes. Simply put this issue has been tip-toed around (and for VERY good reason), but as far as I'm concerned yes, there can/are/be biological families in this universe (or as much as biotic beings can), and yes, we prefer that we skip ahead to an appropriate age before posting children... should this ever happen. Please listen to Palm on this one guys. Case closed. Pls make canon. On another note, you know how Matoran have passive elemental abilities? Ta-Matoran have heat resistance, Po-Matoran are really strong, Fa-Matoran have super sense of direction, De-Matoran have painfully sensitive hearing, etc? Do Dashi have a passive elemental trait? It looks like it's Ideatalk, but I'm not sure. Pretty much. It's hard to have Psionic resistance when everyone in your world has it, so unless I'm corrected the Dashi "passive" ability is Ideatalk, which if you ask me is a pretty neat ability for a non-powered being.

IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. Loren- Ta-koro- Kohli Stadium I admit, I was fascinated to watch someone use their power in action. A fascination coming from someone who can't do it himself. He nodded at my request, the Toa of Sonics moving past me before settling on the steps outside. Feet set evenly apart, shoulders squared he began with measured breath. After a second or two it became calm and even, almost as if in a meditative trance. I watched as he bowed his head and closed his eyes, cutting off all distractions that he possibly could. Slowly, his hands came up on either side, as if trying to reach for the sky. For a second nothing happened, sitting there as still as a statue until, with a quick and controlled movement the hands came together in front of his chest. The clap that was produced was unusual... the pitch was completely wrong. Unnaturally high. It took a moment for me to deduce that he was probably actually using that an echolocation effect. Here I thought he was simply going to listen for it but instead... My thoughts drifted back as he let out a long, slow breath, the grey Toa turning to me, speaking quietly and confirming my hypothesis. "I'm a combat specialist; echolocation is far from my strong point. Still, it looks like your clear. Nothing flying around the area and if it was on the ground we would have spotted it by now." I nodded slowly, mulling over those words. I guess there was no way to absolutely confirm its proximity without it actually coming out into the open, but all things considered this was the best I was going to get. Besides, it only made logical sense that it would have left by now, especially after Skyra's blabbermouth. If his job was to find out more about me then it succeeded wildly. I guess you can't win them all... Reaching forward I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, brother, for that small favor. My apologies for dragging you around the Koro but my life is pretty complicated right now. You have correctly guessed my identity, but I am still at a loss for yours... ?" He looked at me for a second, as if deciding, before nodding. "Loren." he said quietly. "Appreciated." I looked out into the business district. "Like I said, I do have errands to run, I wasn't lying about that. You are more than welcome to join me if you wish to ask me questions, or if you really feel like reporting me to Angelus that's fine too; I plan on meeting with the guy soon enough anyway." I gave Loren a slight wink. "Him and I go way back. Though now it seems I don't have to hide my presence anymore... I guess Joske's officially back." With that statement I took in a deep breath of the burning, humid, ashy Ta-Koro air. Good to be back, I thought quietly to myself. Let's see, my shopping list - ah, right. To the forges! * * * "You want... what again?" I gave a silent sigh as I rolled my eyes. "Non-metallic armor. Armor with no metal. Defensive garments that do not include ferrous or otherwise silvery-shiny material. Can you do that?" The beefy Matoran forger leaned back with his arms crossed, using a toothpick to pick at his teeth. He eyed me warily, as if I was some dangerous individual coming to rob his shop. Or at least a crazy person. I guess I couldn't blame him; I mean this was an unu- "Unusual request to be sure." he finally said slowly, taking the words out of my thoughts. "Not to mention I'm not sure it would work. Why? What would be the advantages of it?" This time it my turn to lean back with arms crossed. "I dunno, you tell me; you're the master forger. What WOULD be the advantages of having such a type of armor? Say a layered linen armor?" It was at this point that I pulled out some paper with a few sketches on it. His eyes narrowed as he stared it down down, reading and contemplating my notes. He didn't look convinced at first, but slowly his toothpick moved less and less as the blacksmith pieced together my request. "Well, the obvious advantage is weight. No matter the type of metal this linen armor would be half the weight at worst seeing that it is nothing more than crossing layers of fabric and glue. Even a Kakama-wearing Toa could use this with a half-plate version at full speed and not feel weighed or slowed down. It would also be just as strong... yes," his eyes lit up as he began to see where I was going with this, "the multiple layers would act as an impact-absorption array, displacing blows probably better than metallic armor at a fraction of the weight and cost." He stroked his chin as I saw smoke coming out of his ears, his mind think furiously. "It could be easily made into sheets and then cut to whatever shape and size you wanted, doing more of an overlapping plate pattern for additional protection, absorption and strength. It would be virtually impenetrable to disks, and therefore easily shrug off any matter of blows from axes, swords, and spears. There would be disadvantages though... " he looked up to me. "I've heard of these 'gun' projectile weapons, and this would do squat to protect you from that." "My experience tells me that metal armor isn't much better in that regard." "True." he paused again. "Also any form of heat-based attacks would slice right through it. It could be laminated to help protect against it, but at the core this armor would be flammable." he gave me the once over. "Which for you would either be really bad, or if you're controlled enough, not a problem." Ta-Toa. Fire. Of course. "That's a risk I'm willing to take considering the advantages this gives me." "Myesss... " he mused, giving me the hairy eyebrow. "Say, you wouldn't happen to be going up against anyone with Magnetic or Iron powers now, would you?" A ghost of a smile played on my lips. "Well, let's just say I'm not paying you to speculate on what I plan on doing after you make this." Reaching into my pouch I pulled out a bag of widgets and dropped them on the table... the clanging from the sheer amount of them got his attention, eyes bulging, though to me it made me a little sad. That was the last of my money, the last of my earnings from my time as an athlete; after this I would be officially broke. But if he came through, absolutely worth it. "I understand the materials are relatively cheap; flax, sailcloth, glue, a good pair of shears, but as for the time... I hope this is enough to cover the cost of that service?" He picked up the bag, weighing it in his hand. He looked at me seriously. "Been a while since I've pulled an all-nighter, not as young as I used to be... but I think you make a very convincing point." He gave me a toothy grin. "I think I can grant overnight service, but I'll need your measurements." "Deal." I paused, almost forgetting something. "By the way, how small can you make a Patero launcher? Can it fit inside, say, a gauntlet?" He looked at me quizzically again. "Possssible," he spoke slowly through teeth, "but it would have no range, not much power, and wouldn't hold much of a cartridge." "I'm looking for point-blank." "Then yes, I could. Anything else special?" I waved a hand nonchalantly. "Oh, well, I could use a new semi-automatic disk-launcher; spring loaded disk magazine possibly?" "Doable." He raised an eyebrow. "Volo Lutu Launcher?" He gave me a grim smile. "You plan on taking on an army or what?" "Something like that. Hmmmmm, that should be it. Oh, throw in one of those glass lenses that can attach to masks" He promptly frowned and gave me the "Are you serious?" look. That face disappeared, however, once his gaze settled on that fat bag of cash. "Fine." His grudging acceptance was not lost on me. "You know, you are one fortunate kid, you know that? I don't usually go to all this extra trouble, even with the extra money." I laughed cheerfully, keeping the mood light. "Well, you could say I'm just lucky, I guess." "Indeed... " he eyed me suspiciously before crossing the store and flipping the OPEN sign the CLOSED. "Unless you have any other outrageous requests I'll be getting started on your armor. You can pick it up tomorrow, or when it's all dry, whichever comes first. Your measurements... " "On the paper." "Yes, right, well, thank you for your business and get outta here! Crazy Toa and their shenanigans... " He literally pushed me out and slammed the door behind me. I cocked my head, then grinned. Could have gone worse. Next stop: library and public records.

Because I'm a punny kind of guy I mean my initials are j/k. And I'm not joshing you. Yes, my life is a running gag. *sits back and watches as several heads promptly explode*

IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro; Kohli Stadium Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. "What are you running from...Toa Joske?" It was as though the words were beamed directly to my head, the sound so intense and focused it almost felt like it was going to pop my eardrums. In fact the last two words had a slight ring to them... as if the simple words had greater power for the plain fact that it was a name. My name. Clever detective. I took a moment to reflect on that simple question before answering in quiet tones. "Are you sure you're asking the right question? Perhaps instead of running from something I am running recklessly at something instead - just like one person's trash is another person's treasure, I may not running away but at. Every Toa has a job to do and it's our Duty to go and do it at the best of our ability, no matter where that lies." Another line of thought appeared in my head. "Or maybe a better question is why am I running at all? There come a time in someone's life that you can no longer run, no longer dodge or hide from one's Destiny. There comes a time when one must stand for what he believes, no matter what the cost or ramifications my be... even if that risks personal loss. Sometimes you can no longer run, but simply stand there and take it like a man." I brooded on that for a minute, mulling over my own words and the surprising wisdom they held. Sometimes I hated growing up. I stopped in the middle of the street with a sigh. "Or maybe I'm just trying to evade a Rahkshi of Camouflage until it either leaves or I can kill it before it finds out everything about me even as I reinvent myself as the individual I'm supposed to be, not the person everyone sees me as. I have enough things hanging over my head I don't need a spy watching my every move, learning my every secret-" I stopped mid-sentence, a realization flashing over me like a bolt of lightning. I whipped around and pointed at the Toa of Sonics, a slight grin on my face. "Hey, how attuned are you to your element? Like, for example, could you pick out a flying Rahkshi here in Ta-Koro? By the look on your face you seem unsure, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the probability of that is much higher than you think." My grin grew even wider as my mask began to glow slightly. OOC: I do believe that the chances of this succeeding are pretty good

Yes. You. Will. To prove the point some years ago I dredged up my first three month's worth of posts for all the world to see. It was embarrassing to be honest, but it made my point - everyone starts off simple and noob-ish, even the former/current greats. It takes time and practice, and maybe a little coaching from a more veteran player, but trust me ANYONE can become an excellent writer. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. Just start somewhere and keep practicing, learning, watching and reading others. You'll get there. Promise

What. What? YOU feel old? If I hear another utterance along these lines again I shall string you up by your toenails. Try playing since 2002. Try to remember and keep track off all that. Let me know how that works for you

IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro; Kohli Stadium Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. First I need to do some shopping. I swung out from the showers and nearly stopped: Mr. Kualsi was walking right at me. For a second the what I now realized was a Toa of Sonics ignored me before blinking rapidly and doing a double check as I calmly walked by. Sonics. Of course. He could hear me from across the Koro if he tried hard enough... couple that with the Mask of Quick-Travel and you have yourself a master tracker. Forget congratulations; give him a freaking medal. Or a promotion. Even as I thought that, another came from behind a dark corner. If this Toa, of whom I've never had any previous contact with before, could find me so easily, than what hope did I have in shaking my Rahkshi tail? It was a sombering thought. "You happen to look an awful lot like the guy I've been trying to catch up to for the past twenty minutes. You seem to have...changed somewhat though." Then again... "Awfully look like or actually is the guy you're looking for? Kinda two different scenarios, officer, if you ask me." I said nonchalantly, turning back slightly to smile genuinely at him. "Besides, if I may so sir, it would require someone of exceedingly high skill to change one's appearance enough in under twenty minutes. I am not such an individual." It was true enough. Even though I DID just do what I suggested was difficult, I was not trained in the art of disguise... nor quick-change artist. What I did was more or less peel off a coating, with dramatic effect. Still, I had to play along. "Please forgive my rush officer but I am in a slight hurry, so unless you have some sort of proof of identity or misdeed I would like to be on my way?" While I let him think on that for a moment I approached Jinn. Ah, good old Jinn. That ancient old Matoran, still clutching that mop head of his, tirelessly cleaning the halls of stadium in the never-ending battle against dirt and grime. I wouldn't say that the Head Janitor and myself were exactly "friends" back in the day, but you could chalk it up to an understanding due the nature of my past employment. Had to be the most recognizable guy in the whole complex, having been here since this place opened, probably still here when it fell down around his ears... and of course he'd attempt to clean it up. I was wondering if he was slowly becoming senile. "Hey, Jinn, I have a small favor to ask of you... " I bent down to his level, prepared to whisper in his ear, only to remember there was a Toa of Sonics not twenty feet away. So instead I reached into my gym bag and pulled out a notepad and a pen and scribbled a message on it before handing it to him. Taking a momentary break from his Crusade of Cleanliness he slowly read the note, head moving up and down as his old eyes traversed the words. He didn't say anything as he finished, merely nodding and folding the note, tucking it into a front pocket. His eyes however, those bulbs who had literally seen everything, we glowing a little brighter than usual now. "Plassse it in my offissse, sssssonny, and make sshhure to lock the door after ya!" His whistling voice trailed after me as I began to walk away, the shrill tone not nearly as annoying as I remembered. "It'sssss too valuable to be left unguarded. Have a nisssse day!" "Rather amiable today, isn't he?" I remarked dryly to no one in particular, though I admittedly threw it behind me to the Guardsman. It only took a moment to find his office, after which I entered solo, making sure to close the door behind me, knowing that Mr. Kualsi would be waiting for me outside. Setting down my gym bag I pulled out my disk launcher and with something of a sad reverence placed it on Jinn's desk. Vakama had given it to me as a dying gift, something to aid me in my quest and to compliment my powers, but now it really was dead weight. As special and ornate as it was I could no longer use some of its functions, whereas a normal one would more than suffice. Besides, it was too special, too much sentimental value to too many people for me to selfishly carry it around, so what I asked Jinn via that note was place this with the other exhibits in that trophy case... with the other valuables. It was only right. With a small sigh I let it go, slinging the bag over my shoulder again and exiting, keeping myself between the opening and the door before shutting it again, making sure the door was locked before I did. Sure enough that Toa of Sonics was there, gazing at me intently. Again to his credit I could not read his face, so I simply shrugged and made my way to the exit. "Think of anything yet?" Dangerous game to be sure, but at this point it would be a hard sell for him. If he stuck to the rooftops he could not make out any defining features of me or anything I was carrying; couple that with my color change as he admitted I looked similar, but still vastly different from the individual he was chasing earlier. My mask was pretty distinctive, but as far as I had seen yet only the Maru had unique, individual masks, so I could easily argue that there may be another Ta-Toa in the city with a similar mask; just because he hadn't seen a duplicate didn't mean others didn't exist. My sword was in its sheath, and the sheath itself was simple, plain, and in fact rather non-distinctive; you could go down to any blacksmith or leather shop and find this exact type or scabbard. Even the metal handle was fairly nondescript despite appearances; sturdy, elegant metal hilt, true, but in the end still a basic T-shaped crossbar with an unadorned ovular pommel. He couldn't peg me there. The only thing left was the launcher, but it was now safely hidden away in Jinn's office, not once visible to the officer and I had made sure he was still outside when I locked the door. Despite the mask's teleportation abilities it only worked with line of sight, and since Jinn's office door window was the frosted kind unless he either broke in or got the key he wouldn't ever see it again until the weapon was mounted on the wall later this week. At this point as far as I could see all he had was a circumstantial case, albeit a strong one. Besides, I didn't mind stringing along one of Angelus' best and finest. He would figure it out eventually, no doubt, but until he had the proof I'd mess with him a bit. Probably the last fun I was going to have for a while. I pushed the exit double doors wide open as I stepped outside into the thick, ashy air.

OOC: well played, Mr. Haven, well played... you figured out my line to you and was able to still track him; mostly Let's make this harder, shall we? Though I am interested to see how you'll be able to pinpoint exactly which vent/building he went into with all the ambient and loud noises around, let alone not get steam-cooked in the process, bwahaha! What's the current chapter called in Nuju's description... ah yes! The game is afoot! IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro; Kohli Stadium Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. Taking a moment I quietly reattached the grate, the last thing I wanted was either a custodial or maintenance employee to hear loud noises down here and investigate... though with the rumbling of the boilers I wasn't particularly concerned, but you never know. I needn't be worried however as I didn't see anyone as I left the basement and casually strolled out of the "restricted areas" and into the lower public levels of the stadium. As I did so a flood of memories came rushing back. My days as a Matoran. My reign as the Kohli Champion. Spending my entire day here every day practicing, training... reveling in it's glory. Earning every trophy and medal that was possible, then displaying it for everyone to- I had to shield my eyes for a moment as I turned a corner, the hall suddenly a lot brighter. Once my eyes adjusted I realized I was looking at a trophy case several bios long, filled to the brim with gold, silver, and other shiny metallic objects. Almost reverently I approached, gently placing my fingertips on the cool glass, gazing at what was held within. An ode to my former glory, to Team Ta-Koro and Captain Joske... and to my former hubris. There was enough precious metals in here to fund Ta-Koro for years if melted down... but I guess the sentimental value as well as the prestige and bragging rights of the fans kept these here. I shook my head, slowly walking away. As much as I hated to think it, many people still saw me as that: former sports superstar, haughty Kohli player, prideful and egotistic Matoran-turned-Toa who didn't appreciate things. It was true that my actions at Kini-Nui had spawned numerous tales and legends, but that simply just split the populous on how they viewed me. Arrogant or hero? No matter what I did I still couldn't shake that old bad reputation completely. It was time to wash myself cleanly of it. Literally. There were numerous individuals here, including a healthy number of Ta-Toa, so it made it easy for me to simply fit in as I made my way to the locker rooms, keeping an eye out for my Kulasi-wearing pursuer. Making my way to the farthest-most lockers I made a beeline to the one in the corner, and older, somewhat-rusted rectangle that apparently hadn't been used in a while. Year and a half to be exact. Reaching up I began twisting the combination lock, first seven, then moving right to three, then doing a complete rotation left back to six. 7-3-6. A personal reminder of the lifecycle of our species - a cycle I was no longer part of, no longer wielding elemental powers or even Toa Power. With a small *pop* the door swung open, revealing an old gym bag. Grabbing it I left the door open as I strode to the showers, not once seeing that Kulasi-wearing annoyance. Finding the farthest one I stripped myself of my armor, threw it into my backpack, exchanging it with a bottle and then grabbing a towel from the gym bag before turning on the water. I remembered these showers. They were a lot taller then... or at least they looked taller then. Within moments hot, steamy water came spewing out of the head as the air began to fog, the vapor quickly spreading and filling the entire shower room. I stood there for a moment, enjoying the heat. Heat. I may not technically be a Ta-Toa anymore, but I still enjoyed warmth, the hotter the better... lots of good memories. Cracking it up the max the water became scalding as the showers became nothing but white steam, but to me it was relaxing. I gave myself a moment to enjoy it a tad longer before attaching the bottle to the shower head, flipping open the nozzle, letting the contents mix with the water. Time to wash it off. At first there was no effect. But then slowly the water falling off me began to turn an off hue as if it was carrying something off me. I continued to stand there, arms outstretched as the water rolling off be went from clear to murky to bright red as on my body splotched began to appear, the water taking my "natural" color with it, reveal a much darker shade. My bright red hue, that obnoxious color that defined my flamboyant, self-interested demeanor, began to flow off my skin. That color, the one that everyone knew and saw me as, began to disappear. That hue, the one I had carried since birth, the old me... washed off, replaced with much more deeper, darker red. A more... distinguished color. It was time to finally separate myself from my old self. I went into Legend as one individual; I came out another... for better or for worse. I stood there, head back, eyes closed, arms out at a steam of reds, almost-browns, and gold all mixed together rolled off my body and swirled down the drain... * * * I stepped up to one of the sinks, draping the towel over my shoulders as I placed the gym bag at my feet. Rubbing off the steam I finally got a good look of myself. I was still red, but now a much more deep and rich dark red, bordering on the maroon side of the scale. There was also much more of me that was this new shade of red than before, my gold accents now a mixture of gold and dark brown, almost black, what little there was to be seen. My Kanohi Angitu remained gold, just like my old Kanohi Kakama, except that along the top edges it turned red like my body, as if I was had spiky red hair like some of the more organic life-forms seem to sport. But what interested me most was my physique. I had always been athletic, but also on the thin side of things, preferring speed over strength, and thus my body showed it. I was still lean and athletic, but I had more muscles than I remember. As if I had... filled out my frame. No longer on the skinny side but, oh what was the word I was looking for... average? Somewhere in the last year and a half body had moved to a more proportional size, probably due to the training and practice of swordplay and less on my Kakama. I couldn't say that I looked aged; if anything I perhaps looked a few years younger, but it did make me look distinguished, more mature perhaps? Overall it didn't look bad but it was enough that even I noticed that I looked... different. New physique, new colors, new mask... I really did look different. Obviously close friends would be able to pick me out after a double-take, but for everyone else on the street... I chuckled dryly. I was effectively unrecognizable, and not because I put on a disguise. This - this was the new me. The one that had been hiding under the old one for almost two years, only now able to come out. Even that Rahkshi would have a hard time finding me now... that is, IF it was still out there searching for me. I stroked my chin, actually liking the thinner lines of this Angitu over the wide place setting of the Kakama, not to mention the spikes on top. There was still a hint of that don't-stop go-getter personality showing; I wouldn't want to lose myself completely. I was still me even if my appearance had changed. I just hoped Cael liked it... not that I really had much a of a choice. No, there is ALWAYS a choice. I took in a sharp breath of air, exhaling through my nose; it was time to accept. It was time to get to work. Time to start preparing for war. Time to take back what was rightfully ours. Taking my signature launcher, old armor, towel, backpack, and other miscellaneous items I stuffed them in the gym back, strapping my sheathed sword to my waist as I slung the bag over my shoulder. With a serious face and a grim smile I left the showers, leaving behind who I once was, the old Joske who was now currently swirling and flushing down the Ta-Koro drains. First I need to do some shopping.

IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. The sound of rapid footsteps signaled pursuit, a silent sigh escaping my lips. Of course the Guard would show up to question Dorian about the fight, but I was hoping it would take them longer than that to show up. Clearly their reaction times and efficiency had improved. But how about their running? I whipped around a building, out of the corner of my eye I saw a short, stocky female Ta-Matoran trying to give chase. I had to give her full marks for attempting to keep up with me, but not only was I a Toa but also a former athlete. Simply put the chase didn't last long, losing my Matoran tail within a minute. I slowed down to catch my breath, resting my hands on my hips as I approached the business district- Ever so briefly, my mask glowed. I slowed down even more, this time more annoyed than anything else. The longer I wore this mask, the less it made sense. Every time I tried to consciously use it, I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. Yet, somehow, as if by magic, this thing would randomly glow as if in response to some unspoken stimuli right when I least expected it- As I was throwing my head back in frustration, right in the middle of my internal soliloquy, I saw something. Or more importantly, someone. Toa. On rooftop, almost behind me. Crouching. Black cloak. Body obscured. Kulasi. Well well well... The Guard apparently had reinforcements... the quick-traveling stealthy I-quietly-follow-you kind. I would need to congratulate Angelus and Jaller on their appointments of personnel. Granted, it COULD be a stalker or some mass-murderer seeing me as a delicious next target, but considering the last half-hour of my existence the coincidences were too much. If I was a betting man I would say that Toa was Guard. And normally I would bet that it would be nigh-impossible to lose him. But what this Toa didn't know was that my teacher was Kulasi-user. And that my former arch-foe could teleport between shadows. In which case I would take that bet and double-down on the fact that I could lose him. Ready, set- I took off like a bolt in a random direction, zig-zagging though a tight group of alleyways before diving head-long into the rush-hour crowd, melding into the masses. But I didn't stop there. Given enough time someone like myself could be singled out, so in those precious moments I used them to the max, finding one of those vents to the steam-tunnels entrances off in a shadowy back-corner. Yes, the SAME steam vents I used to break into the Guard Armory and "borrow" the sparker gauntlets and armor back when Tuara was Captain of the Guard. Honestly I never thought I would be using THESE things again. And this time my mask glowed faintly the entire time. Not enough to be seen at a distance, but enough that I noticed. I think I'm beginning to understand this mask... Maybe. Still, I was now left in the steam vents that very often shot superheated water and other scalding gasses though the metal pipes, and from the sound of it it was powering up such an event. If I got caught down here when that went off- Cue mask swap. In a fluid motion I changed out my new mask with my old Kakama, the old familiar feeling of it on my face as I could feel my body react to the feeling of fast. With a grim grin I activated it to full and like a comet I zoomed through the service tunnels, barely beating the next scheduled blast of steam... * * * Moments later I kicked off the grated cover, rolling up and onto a warm floor just as a blast of Toa-kabob rushed below me. As usual, too close... but I could not but help but allow myself a short hoot of victory out loud. Deep down there still was that adrenaline junkie in me, that part now satisfied for a bit as I brought myself back to the present. Sitting up I looked around, pleased that my knowledge of the vent system was still largely intact - I was in the basement level of the Kohli Stadium, sitting pretty in the boiler room beneath the arena floor. With a casual motion I switched the masks back, eyes narrowing as I plotted my next move. You won't be able to do that forever, you know. Once you change masks the other begins to stop working... some claim that it's possible to do two, I know Agni can, but I'm not sure if I'll be as lucky... even with my new mask. Still, you lost your pursuit - now what? I took in a slow breath, becoming a very serious Toa. My next move? To find me... the new me. Which is why I came here in the first place. To where my old identity was forged.

OOC: Uuuuuuugggg! I was hoping Tyler would post BEFORE this happened... Sorry kiddies, that's my cue. IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro, Guard residential district Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. It looked like Dorian was about to say something, but at that moment I heard noises downstairs, followed by the sound of footsteps walking upstairs. "Commander Daring," came the voice, sounding suspiciously similar to that Guard Officer he saw outside, "Is Mr. Shaddix in any condition to speak? And who was the Toa that brought him into this building?" "Right now I thing Dorian needs rest, though you can talk to me all you like." Out of the corner of my eye I say Skyra - who had been sitting in the doorframe, listening in - stand up and turn, addressing the individual. I froze, seeing that her mouth didn't completely close. Oh no, no no no, don't you dare- "The other Toa is Joske Nimil." I bit my lip to prevent myself from saying anything I would later regret. Skyra and her big mouth! That's now two! I couldn't reveal myself, not yet... ###### her! And that Rahkshi! When I had a moment I would give her a piece of my mind. A LARGE piece. I turned to Dorian, giving him a wink on a nod. "Hold that thought." I whispered, barely audible even to him. "I'll be back. Back door?" All he did was give me a knowing look and tilted his head towards the window. With a bob of acknowledgement I stepped towards the open window and with practiced ease slid myself out of it as Skyra unwittingly kept the officer busy. Without any fuss I gently landed, making my getaway without anyone else noticing. There were some other things I needed to do yet before I was willing to become publicly known again. Quietly I disappeared amongst the rows of street apartments...

Alright guys, I've done some updating on the player-run shops and locales! YAY! That said, some of the recent requests have not had all the information required. So for a review I will need: "Name" Type of establishment Location: Owner: (character) Player: Description: "Slogan/catchphrase if desired" See following example- "The Crucible" Mead hall, training area, winery, brewery. Location: Lush fields outside Ga-Koro Owner: Xilecki, Toa of Air Player: Ilyusha Blokfase Description: When traveling the outskirts of the Koro, if you find the grapes, grains, and beehives, there'll be a long, squat mead hall nearby, with added wings consisting of an armory and all the necessary items for a winery and brewery; in the smaller yard is a large wine press, the larger is a courtyard wrapped in a fence forming an almost-complete ring, extending from either side of the main hall's entrance. If there are any other places that need to be put down, or if current places need editing, please PM me.

IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro, Guard residential district Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. "Change it from 'best night I'll probably never have' to 'best night I'll never have', I'll call it even." I said with a slight smirk before I toasted in return, tilting my head back and slamming the shot. I surprised myself for being able to down it so easily, considering I didn't drink that often and even then it was more along the lines of wines than hard liquor. It was like fire going down my throat, but then again, I knew a thing or two about fire. With an "Ahhh" and a shake of the head I placed the shot glass down as I took a second to recover, pouring both of us another shot. "Yeah, sorry 'bout that, couldn't find an economical mount on such a short notice; maybe one day I'll get a sweet ride, but until then looks like you're walking off with me to fight evil like everyone else." I smiled genuinely and chuckled quietly before sighing. "At least you have a loft... a home, even if it is technically Tuara's. Ever since my transformation to a Toa I haven't had a home, the closest place being Cael's pad, but even then it was just merely a place for me to sleep while Angi trained the karz out of me. I'm sure there's a few of my things still there but I haven't had a real home in over two years... " I stared at my shot glass, as if somehow it was a crystal ball that would give me the answers to life and all it mysteries. "Really, I've had nothing since becoming a Toa. Sure, you may have a broken door, a busted piano, and some stains on the walls, but you have things. Nice things. People to hang with. Place to go. I don't know what's become of my old house and all the possessions that were in it, my original weapons and armor are missing or destroyed... karz, I don't even have elemental powers or Toa power anymore either. Whatever few possessions I have I've either begged, borrowed, savaged off the dead, or otherwise taken from individuals I've defeated in battle... " I trailed off for a moment before shaking my head, smiling weakly. "Look at me complaining! Yeah, I'll champion the thought that friends and relationships are worth more than any physical object, something I believe whole-heartedly, but don't apologize to me about the condition of your place. At least... at least you have a place to call home, even if it's currently trashed." I took a moment before I drank my shot, this time taking it more slowly. "So, Dor... now what? I mean for you. Clearly you're not a same person I interacted with before my... sudden departure, but it seems as though you haven't been able to completely shake those demons of yours either. I'm not a big fan of demons, both real and imagined." I didn't have to say it, but we both had our bouts with Heuani, so he knew what I meant with that and where I lead with the comment. There was a lot on my mind right now, especially considering all the new information I had recently learned, but I had also already committed to slowing down... and being a friend. "Is there... anything I can do to help?"

Kinda cool to see player characters as simple warriors or Guardsmen of their own hometown... like how currently there are several PC Ta-Koro Guardsmen cleaning up the mess we made A little divergent of recent GD discussion, but I just wanted to point that out. Good job guys

IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Koro, Guard residential district Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. Dorian, how many demons do you face? Dorian, how many shadows haunt you? Dorian, what is it like to be the bad guy, to be the one that hurts and kills because he can... and yet have a conscience? Dorian... how can can you live like this? How many demons do you have? As of today - one less. I sheathed my sword, began to walk forward in the slow-time silence of the aftermath... I'm so sorry I'm so sorry- I walked past the officer, past Skyra, past the gaping crowd, past the kneeling figure of Grokk... I'm so sorry- And I grabbing his trembling, bloodied, empty hand. No bloodied organ, no still-beating heart that I had heard he had done once before with the Bad Company. Empty. In the deafening silence I said nothing. Oh, I wanted to. A part of me wanted to go into a morality tirade about what the karz just happened, how two wrongs don't make a right, how everything here was something brought on yourself and you knew it. That this is the life you chose, the causation of your actions, whether done willingly or forced upon, yadda yadda yadda, hero-pose high road. On the other hand though there was another part that wanted to give him the firm nod, to place the hand on that shoulder and say with pride "Good Job!", to build him up after choosing to hold back. To not go all the way. To prove to him an everyone else around him that he was NOT the same Dorian Shaddix who we thought he was, prove that he had begun to change, proof that he could show restraint and remorse. That here was a guy who really understood and was making the effort, even at the cost of what he once thought was important, what defined him. Yet, I couldn't. I wouldn't. As much as both those responses were either right or justified, it wasn't what he needed. I had goofed this up once already. I blew my chance back in Le-Koro... and I had learned from the experience. He didn't need all that. He needed a friend. He stood there trembling, bloodied, bleeding, eyes red, just staring at me as I gripped his hand. Slowly I bent down and picked up the lighter. My lighter. The one I gave him in the Temple of Faith after that fateful exchange - now scratched and cracked, blood caked all over it, a little bit of fluid leaking out of the corner - the same one he had apparently held on to this entire time, I guess waiting for the right time to hand it back. It wasn't that time. I placed it in that hand, the bloodied, empty hand, and then one by one wrapped his fingers tightly around it until it was a balled fist. The look on his face was questioning, almost forlorn, as he staggered forward slightly from his injuries. With my other hand I caught him, only to bend down and with surprising ease pick him up. With one fluid motion I lifted him, maneuvering him over my shoulders in a fireman's carry as his limp body just hung there, too exhausted to say or do anything. I continued to remain silent as I turned towards his apartment, pausing only to look at Grokk. I didn't do so long, only a very brief handful of seconds, but it was enough. I didn't say anything, didn't do anything; didn't have to. All I did was stare him down, the same look I gave Heuani when I defeated that shadow Toa. The same look of someone who had his number, the look of someone who knew who the real victor was, the glare of an individual who was claiming something, protecting something. As ugly as it was Dorian came out on top, and if Grokk wanted any more he had to go through me. Dorian had made a conscience effort rise above the trash that this Skakdi represented, and I for one was not going to let the likes of him pull the former merc back down. With that I moved on. Moved on past the kneeling Skakdi, past the officer and Skyra, past the astonished crowds, down the street to where his apartment lay. I didn't care who saw me or what they thought; I was past that. I didn't care if news of this reached Angelus or even Jaller, I would deal with that and them then. I even didn't care about that cursed Rahkshi; there were other things more important. Like Dorian, getting him to his place. Getting his inside. Getting him to his bedroom, carrying him up those stairs. And with a final heave getting him on his bed. I helped get him up to a sitting position before leaving him for a moment, making my way to the bathroom and his medicine cabinet. I came back a minute later, having cleared the cabinet out, antiseptics and bandages in hand. I rarely was ever gifted the look of surprise on his face, so I took that look and stashed it away for posterity, for I was too busy to really savor it. I was too busy bandaging him. Granted, I'm not a doctor. But Cael was, in which over time I had picked up a few things, plus as a former athlete I was no stranger to injuries, so I knew how to patch someone up until more professional help arrived. One by one I attended to his injuries, one by one each cut, scrape, and bruise hidden under bright white gauze and linen, every so often the pain and sting of the antiseptic pulling a flinch out of him. i didn't know how long I was on that, but eventually I was done, bloodied wads of gauze and wrapper trash strewn across the floor. It would take some time even for him to recover from that, but at least now he was in no immediate danger of bleeding out, passing out, or infection. I left him once again to swing downstairs, gingerly stepping around the destroyed piano as I found that holy grail of his, the liquor cabinet. Swiping a bottle of bourbon and a pair of shot glasses later I re-appeared in his room, the guy having not moved a single muscle while I was gone. Slowly he looked up at me with black-and-blue eyes as I placed the bottle and glassware on the bedside table, pulling up a chair and sitting backwards on it, the backrest between the two of us. Without fanfare I opened the bottle and filled both shots, being careful to make sure he fully grasped it with his free hand before I let go. Taking the other one I raised it slightly before him, a grim smile on my face as I gave him a nod, finally speaking to him since the terrible battle ended. "To imperfection." My eyes however, those unnaturally-bright, piercing, and blue eyes, were exceptionally clear.