Sparticus147

- DECEASED - Name: RipperDoc Dagrut Breed: Ko-Skakdi (Irnakk's Prized) Faction: Riggers Role: Fighter (Crucia) Brief Description: A once-renowned doctor upon the Rig, Dagrut had to go into hiding after a surgery upon a particularly noteworthy Skakdi captain ended in a disastrous failure (that and his underground business of sneakily taking parts from his patients while they were under, but that was for scientific betterment). Dagrut, at his full height, his menacingly tall by Skakdi standards, if a bit lopsided. This height is usually hidden by his hunched posture. Awkwardly-proportioned, he has a stout posture with mix-matched gangly limbs, literally so. Replacing his left hand from the elbow down is the hand of a Ta-Skakdi, while his left leg is that of a Po-Skak, making his body posture skewed toward his left. Dagrut most of the time wears a large tattered doctor coat that hides most of the self-inflicted scars from his surgeries and his true staggering height. He also keeps with him a stethoscope and surgical glasses for when detail matters. Powers - Elemental Power of Ice: Dagrut, like all Skakdi, has a latent elemental power, his being the elemental power of ice. Dragut is only able to access his elemental power when in physical content with another Skakdi. Dagrut’s association with ice gives him a resistance to the cold but he is vulnerable to extreme heat. Vision Power of Severing/Binding: Dagrut has the vision power of severing/binding. This allows him to sever anything upon a molecule level, leaving a clean and sealed wound in its place. In addition, he can also use his vision to fuse any two things together, create a perfect seal and even allow control of the attached object. Noted though, that anything attached with this vision power can only be used if it is replacing something else and that it'll only function as the replaced thing. So, to replace an arm with another arm, it'll work like a normal arm, but, to replace a leg with an arm, it'll only function as a leg. Though with practice and care, you could learn how to access additional functions or use the replacement for what it originally was meant to do. In addition, the power can only effectively work if both Dagrut and the subject is remaining relatively still. So, if he was to fire the beams at the feet of a running target, it would only really tickle at their heels while with a standing target he could bind their feet to the floor. Equipment - Surgical Tools: Dagrut always carries with himself his personal doctor case, the satchel filled to the brim with medical tools both outdated and modern (though the term torturer’s tool would be more appropriate for some of them). His list of tools also includes various embalming equipment and a few choice pieces he had been carrying about since his lab got raided. Hacksaw Blade: Dagrut’s favorite piece of surgical equipment is the large sword-like hacksaw that, although he would get far better cuts with his own vision power, prefers to use when he has the time to commit to proper surgery. Flaw: Although Dagrut has Crucia to thank for harboring him aboard her boat, he isn’t quite loyal enough to her to fight and give his life for her. Though he will help her in a fight, he won’t put himself in overt danger to do so, much more preferring waiting for the scrap to end so that he can collect whatever choice parts he can find and fixing up Crucia’s wounds.

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui, Bunker) She was about to say more to the once-Dark Hunter now NUVA, but didn't get the chance as Sidra quickly teleported away. And then, that was when she heard it, the kaiju's mournful cries. It was unlike anything she heard before; not bursting bombs or missiles, nor mortars shells and cannon rounds, or even gunfire and warrior cries. It was terror, anguish, and despair all in one and it made even her hardened Heartlight flicker with fight. But she still kept steady. Looking into the bunker towards the two mech pilots, Vulimai ordered out to them through the bellowing sound that echoed off the valley's walls. "Keep your mechs back! Not till the rains began to fall in earnest!" With her command given, she began to bolt back to Kini-Koro, where panic was very much starting to hold of the stricken citizens. Dashing towards the village, she noted the movement of the Taku at it hung low in the air above the village, her calling back to Knichou for a status update on his departure. Reaching the village in earnest, Vulimai shouts roused what panicking guards there were into attention and stopping any citizens in their place. Quickly she relayed her orders, not missing a beat or breath. "Citizens of Kini-Koro, the situation is being handled and you are not in immediate danger. Those of you who are willing to weather the passing storm, come and assist me and the guard with sealing homes and preparing to divert the rain waters downhill. Those of you who are afraid of the risk, grab whatever belongings you can and make your way to the Tobduk-Koro portal and wait on the other side for an all clear. Understood? Good, NOW MOVE!" Grabbing one of the nearby guards, she informed them to relay her order throughout the village as she herself began to gather guard Matoran and citizens alike as they began to work as quickly as they can on sealing homes and digging out channels to send the waters down hill, away from the village. If Irrnak wanted to rid them of his island, then the Skakdi god of nightmares will have to try better than this. OOC: @~Xemnas~ @pokemonlover360 @Eyru @BULiK IC: Tihun (Metru-Nui, Submerged Archives) He sighed once he reached the end of the tunnel. Of course it wasn't something he shouldn't have not expected, but it was still a nuisance that he was left with this dilemma of potential gain. Looking between the two perpendicular passages, he pondered which way to go before finally settling on a course. "What possible gain could I get on research on fish?!" He thought to himself as he turned down the left corridor, heading towards Sub-Level Seven and the Stasis Tube Repair Center. OOC: @Eyru IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) "Your domain? I do beg your pardon, but it’s not as if there are any 'keep out' signs-" For a brief moment, Apex' fury flared, her tail raising ever so slightly till Waveahk quickly interjecting and calming the situation as best he could. But still, a tenseness was in Apex' form and mind as her question still stood. But before she could press on any further, the worlds of the Zyglak rung out and struck the Aspect. "Forgive us, Great One. We mean you no danger or disrespect in coming to your lands. We seek only knowledge to help a friend in need, and we believe that knowledge to be beyond your swamps in the place called Kumu. We humbly ask permission to pass through your territory." Apex was stricken by the words, not stricken with rage, but rather surprise for very few seemed to recognize her might and significance, and even fewer seemed to react with such praise. Within Apex, her pride swelled as she rose from her defensive stance, her rising to her full height as she beamed with prideful might, her gaze slowly falling upon Irna. "You are granted my forgiveness Zyglak, as are your companions. You seek to past through my domain and to enter my birthplace of Kumu, to that land of death and despair? I see no qualms in allowing this passage, though I doubt you will find much in that shadow-strewn place..." She pondered for a few moments after she spoke, a curious thought peeking her mind. "...I am curious, have you found the remains of an odd creature, one more reminiscent of a suit of armor than the corpse of true living being? To give more details, it is vaguely reptilian, with a crest of spines and a disproportionate disparity between its upper and lower appendages. Have you seen anything of the sort?" OOC: @Void Emissary @Toru Nui @Keeper of Kraata @TL01 NUVA

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui, Bunker) Thankfully, this time her call went through, but the tone that responded only made her expression scrunch up in angered annoyance, her face flashing red with irritation. Just managing to keep herself from yelling back through the radio, she tried her best to calmly explain the situation to him...Of course, its pretty hard to be calm when someone picks up the radio like that. "First off, watch who you talk to with that tone." She said in a threatening tone, "Second off, I need you to get your rear end in the sky now. The Tahtorak is near Kini-Koro and I need a bead on its position." Irritated by Knichou's tone and having to deal with Sidra, she didn't give him a chance to respond before she hung up, focusing her attention on the NUVA. Sighing, she addressed Sidra as she responded to their pleas. "I have my doubts concerning what you are saying about It...but if you think you can keep it away from Kini-Koro, I suppose it might be worth a shot." What she said could have ended right than and there, but she added one more thing to the proposal, her tone making it obvious she won't budge on the matter. "But, after you're attempt, success or failure, assuming things don't go to Karzhani, you will let us at least take the Sphere to Nuju to at least examine." OOC: @BULiK @Gecko Greavesy IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) As Keitara, Irna, Tekmo, and Waveahk met each other once more, their voices faintly sounding out through the muffled jungle canopy, another voice joined them, like the sound of several Rahi being composited into ordinary speech. "Waveahk! What is it you have found?" Calling out, Apex broke through the nearby foliage, her full fearsome form on display as she noticed the gathering, her posture immediately dropping low in a defensive nature. "Interlopers, who are you to tread upon my domain?" She demanded. OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Toru Nui @Void Emissary @TL01 NUVA

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Koro) "And what makes you so certain you can turn it away? Like you said, its a three hundred foot tall force of nature, what possible power could you have in persuading it to go away? She said incredulously at the NUVA, who had earlier that day seemed so reluctant to cooperate yet now thought they knew what was best in the defense of her charges. "In addition, even if it does walk past, it is going to be a threat we will have to deal with sooner or later. The rains have only just now started falling, and that means there is still some distance between us and it, to strike now before the rainfall starts to pick up will ensure it is both far from Kini-Koro and that the village can avoid the worst of the storm." "So, I recommend you either watch yourself or make yourself useful. Now if you excuse me, I need to get a message out to that karzing brakas Toa Knichou. We need a bead on the Tahtorak's location." Once more, Vulimai attempted to contact Knichou, and this time, she wasn't going to be left on voicemail. OOC: @Gecko Greavesy @BULiK

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui Bunker) She attempted to call Knichou, but her call was ignored. 'That Karzing Brakas, I'll have to really chew him out later.' She thought as she shouted into the bunker, the tired sounds of Sidra coming over her shoulder, drawing the Commander's attention as she looked at the NUVA. "Respectfully speaking, this business is Kini-Koro's. If you think you can lure It away, be my guest, but I'm not going to hold back our best shots at taking it down till it is too late to act." OOC: @Gecko Greavesy

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui Temple) Just as Nuju was about to answer her question, he was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Stannis who Vulimai looked at with a curious optic, before brief fear and concern washed over them as he spoke. "Vulimai, a tahtorak is approaching your village." "BRAKAS! I'll be back for you Nuju," She said pointing a finger at them before turning towards Stannis, "And Toa Stannis, both me and Ostrox have questions for you, but that'll be later as well." And like that, she was already off at a full tilt, her armor sensing the fearful adrenaline rushing through her body as it adaptive to best maximize and enhance her speed as she made for one of the open bunkers where Kilo and Atamai had entered. But as she ran, she called out to the Kini-Koro radio, informing the operator that the village needs to be lockdown and readied for severe flooding, her deliberately opting to not share the source of this accursed rain. With that already underway as the villagers worked to minimize whatever harm the rains may bring, she then called Knichou. "Knichou! It's here, the Tahtorak is near Kini-Koro! I need you sky bound to pin down its local, I'm already on my way to inform Toa Atamai and Kilo NUVA! Over and out!" And with that final message sent, she at last reached the bunker, skidding to an abrupt stop as she shouted towards the two NUVA's and their mech. "TAHTORAK INBOUND!" OOC: @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @EmperorWhenua @Unreliable Narrator @pokemonlover360

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) She listened to the last of the conversation between Ostrox and Sidra, though she hardly felt worth it to interject to any degree as the NUVA's suggestion of trade was ridiculous, as what could Kini-Koro possibly offer in exchange for the sphere, let alone something they weren't already to offer. At last with the conversation reaching its end, Vulimai nearly stepped away completely, by Ostrox' caught her attention. Nodding her head in the direction he pointed, Vulimai confirmed to him that was Stannis' ship. Vulimai though didn't spare anymore time as she made her way towards the Kini-Nui temple, passing the two guards who stood there, the both of them stiffening in posture as she passed. Crossing the bridge, she reached the odd machine and the spectral Matoran who stood in front of it. Laying her hardened and tired gaze onto Nuju, she spoke crossing her arms. "Nuju...What do you know about the Krom Sphere?" OOC: @Eyru @Vezok's Friend IC: Tihun (Metru-Nui, Submerged Archives) Junk, JUNK, JUNK! That was all he had found over the past month. True, he found a few minor trinkets and baubles, a few spare disks, a couple of Kanohi of varying degrees, he even found the half-functional remains of a Hagah Plasma Cannon. But that was IT! Nothing he had found was anything of noteworthy significance and it infuriated him. He had worked for decades, Karz-Forsaken DECADES! to reach a point of significance back on Xia, and even if he was still treated only slightly above Muaka dung by his female peers, he was at least above the standard laborer-caste. But NOW! He had been relegated to menial work, sitting in the cramped confines of an accursed Matoran submarine, several bios underwater, forced to explore through the submerged tunnels of the Archives for something to finally give him a chance to rise up from the bottom. He had been exploring this particular stretch of tunnel for over an hour now, taking one of the large bore holes that led into the Archives and had taken a side-tunnel about thirty minutes ago, with him following this twisting tunnel with the lights of the Hydruka lighting up his path. Thankfully, he had yet to encounter any resistance from anything of note. Reaching another turn-off, he debated which way to go, till a crackle of noise came from the radio belt into his suit, and though the transmission could barely get through, he was able to make out enough of it to get the gist. They were evacuating. "Karz KARZ KARZ! This can't be karzing happening! I haven't even accomplished anything yet!" Tihun cried out in frustration, his suited hand pounding onto the console away from the main controls, he was angry not stupid. Taking a moment to breath several deep breaths, he eventually calmed down enough to think, his mind settling on an idea. "I'm not leaving till I find SOMETHIING! of value." And so, he continued down the tunnel he was in, hoping beyond hope he would be able to find what he needed to become recognized. OOC: @Eyru Huh? Yet another Vortixx scavenger.

- Character Profile - Name: Tihun Breed: Vortixx Faction: League of Six One Kingdom Brief Description: Tall and lean like most Vortixx, the only particular oddity with Tihun is his complexion, which unlike other Vortixx who are a sleek black color, he is instead a dark mottled brown color, truly an oddity that marked him even more inferior to other Vortixx other than him purely being just a small and weak male of his species. He is shorter than most Vortixx, only being half-a-head taller than the average Toa, with a scrawnier physique than most of his kind. In addition, he seems to constantly be sick to some degree, usually having a leaking nostril most of the time. At all times, Tihun wears a pressurized, air- and water-tight, self-sustaining life-support providing suit that encompasses his entire body. Personality: Snobbish and high-brow, Tihun considers himself to be above the common rabble. He is an intellectual and a self-proclaimed connoisseur, having worked hard for his once-station in life...which has now been taken away from him by the end of the world. A fact that incenses him with anger at how all of his efforts were ruined and lost. He is quick to offense and is unlikely to accept criticism, him personally thinking he is the smartest and most sophisticated person in any room, with a loathing for menial labor. Background: Disadvantage at conception, Tihun, through countless decades of work, sucking up, and extra labor, managed to eventually reach a point in his life where he could live comfortably on Xia. Unfortunately, his efforts were constantly either stolen or underappreciated, with the females of his species constantly seeing fit to tease and taunt him, forcing him to do their bidding. This continued till he at last had a chance, after sneaking a peak at some shipment orders for a trade negotiation, Tihun took the initiative and proceeded to conduct the trade deal with none other than the Barraki, who were constantly demanding more weapons to fuel their war on the Matoran. Reaching where the Barraki were currently gathered at Metru-Nui, he was caught in the crossfire as the world around him began to collapse, him miraculously surviving the Crash. Stripped of his former station and honors, he now works to build himself up to the top once more. Powers - Technomancy: Tihun, like most of his species, has an extensive and intensive understanding of technology and machinery in nearly all of its forms, him able to easily work with base materials to build objects to satisfy his own needs or modify pre-existing devices to do the same. Equipment - Kanohi Ruru, Mask of Night Vision: Tihun wears a great version of the Ruru. Wearing the mask, it allows Tihun to see in the dark as well as grants him a minor level of X-ray vision. In addition, the mask has been modified to grant telescopic vision, allowing him to extend his vision as well as a welder's visor. Environmental Suit: Tihun constantly wears a large and bulky environmental suit, the entire thing being completely air and water-tight, pressurized, and self-sustaining with in-built filters that can easily be replaced if needs be. The suit's outter and inner layers are made of a tough leather-like material made of a cross weave of high tension fibers and protodermic filaments, making the suits resistant to most minor cuts and scrapes, though a strong thrust could easily pierce the suit. The suits main view port is a metal-reinforced glass sphere that grants Tihun a 90* angle line of sight ahead of him, though he is forced to turn his body to look to side-to-side. The suit also minorly enhances his strength, reducing the strain on his own body while lifting or carrying, with the largest portions of it also being lightly plated. But, due to the design of the suit, it is relatively cumbersome, making movements semi-sluggish and limiting his overall speed. Technician's Toolkit: Tihun always carries within himself a set of tools perfectly fit for minor repairs or overt modifications, the only real limit being the materials and resources he has on hand. He always carries these items on his person within one of the numerous sealed pockets of his suit. Flaws - Frail Little Thing: Tihun was born both sickly and weak, him lacking in both physical strength and constitution. This has forced him to keep himself separated from the rest of the world through a sealed environmental suit, which both mildly enhances his strength and protects his body from disease. But, without the suit, he could be easily overpowered, with even a Po- or Onu-Matoran being able to overpower him, as well as him being prone to falling severely ill. Dirty Work is not for Leaders to Do!: Tihun is adverse to both filth and menial labor, with him easily being disgusted and deterred by excessive waste. He is also reluctant to doing any form of menial work himself, with him being more than insistent that others should do it instead of himself. - Vehicle Profile - ACR’s Name: The Hydruka ACR’s Faction: League of Six One Kingdom Pilot of ACR: Tihun Physical Description: The Hydruka is a submersible two-being vehicle capable of underwater exploration. Originally intended for the use of Matoran sea-explorer's, Tihun has since repaired and claimed the vessel as his own, regardless of the fact that he can only just manage to squeeze into with his suit and all. The vehicle has a very bulbous shape made from two spheroids, with it looking like it has a head where the cockpit is located. The vehicle propels itself through self-cycling protodermis thrusters with two large cylinders alongside its main body where fluid is taken in. Onboard Weapon Systems - Air Burst Launcher: The Hydruka is built with a singular Air Burst Launcher, the under-mounted weapon capable of firing condensed sphere's of air that burst in a concussive wave upon making contact with a surface. With fired at an aquatic creature, the bubble burst can momentarily disorient the creature by depriving it of water briefly and knocking it away, though the weapon is incapable of doing series harm. In addition, the weapon only has a limited number of charges, requiring it to surface or finding a source of air to refuel itself. Emergency Flares: Less of a weapon and more of a tool, the Hydruka is capable of releasing blinding flares through emergency ejection ports as well as ordinary flares. The flares are able to easily lighting up an entire cavernous space, and with the blinding flares, can distract and blind attacking predators. The only limitation is the flares need to be manually loaded each time they are used and the blinding flares are indiscriminate in who they effect.

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) Eventually, Detsu at last returned to Drukarus, bearing a list of all the bonded Skakdi warriors in attendance; their names, elements, and duties listed for the warlord to analyze and properly allocate for further training at a later date. With his soon-to-be-soldiers now given another to fight with, to hopefully grow into a capable pair of companions, there was only one last task he needed to do before he could begin planning his strategies for the siege; to organize this rabble into a proper legion, divided amongst its cohorts. By his command and following his lead, the Skakdi followed the warlord just outside of the fort, several dozen earthen rings covering the space before them, being arranged in a neat fashion. Turning back towards the assembled warriors, Drukarus explained in simple terms what he desired from them all. Companions of his choosing will fight against each other within the circles; to come out victorious, they must either knock out one of the two companions, or forcefully separate the opposing companions. Drukarus also made it obvious that any pair of companions that separate from each other willingly or go beyond the ring's perimeter, would be deemed as failures. He lastly said that this process would be done several time, till he could properly determine whomst amongst the Warskak were the most competent and who weren't. With the rules laid out, all of the Skakdi companions were assigned their rings and their opponents, and were sent to fight between themselves with Drukarus keeping his eye out as best he could, Detsu assisting the warlord as best they could as well. By the time the battles were done, nearly all of the Skakdi had fought, many doing so several times. All of them had been tested, except Drukarus himself, his second Detsu, and Krrenchk and Zekev, with the Po-Skak having been held back as to heal his fellows from their injuries. As the last Skakdi were tested and healed of their wounds, Drukarus silently stepped forwards, Detsu dutifully moving behind him, as they entered the nearest ring. Positioning himself on the far side of the circle, he turned back towards the assembled and battle-tested Skakdi, who were now watching with anticipation at the warlord as he spoke, his gaze fixing upon the two remaining untested Skaks. "Krrenchk, Zekev, you two have yet to be tested. Enter this ring and ready yourselves." OOC: @Kal the Guardian @NorikSigma @Conway

Minor question for the GM's. How big is the Fort Nektann Warskak in number? Is it a few dozen? Several dozen? A hundred? More than that? I want to know what I'm working with here.

IC: Zak-Yak (Underground, Somewhere near the Great Skull) It had been what felt like days since they first entered the underground, but as far as they knew, it could have been weeks, if not months, or even years! But in the end, that didn't matter at all, all that mattered was finding their Master, their friend, Providence. It was back when they first entered the underground back at the Ash Barrens they lost Providence, when their master chased after that subterranean Rahi that nabbed the tall blue one. Though the Mesi had been born and raised within the dark, the tunnels were still not their friends, and with a single wrong turn, they lost all trace of their friend and master. Ever since, they had been scouring the tunnels as best they could, trying to find their one and only friend, but it seemed their efforts were fruitless. 'They' believed master abandoned them, but 'Zak-Yak' and 'I' didn't believe them, with 'Zak-Yak' being too afraid to imagine a world without master and 'I' claiming that Providence wouldn't have just abandoned them like that. And so, they continued their search. Cautiously rounding another tunnel bend, their feet lightly clacking against the stone floor, they entered a small underground chamber. It was clearly of natural formation, but what was not natural, was the odd silver glow that filled the space. Covering nearly half the space, was a large shimmering pool of silver liquid, the substance giving off a soft glow as energy seemed to course through it, pin-prick drops of the substance dropping down from stalactites on the ceiling above the pool. It was an odd-sight, but it wasn't what they sought, what they sought was their master and so they turned to leave from whence they came. But before they could take another step, they were knocked to the ground as a tremor shook through the whole chamber, the clatter of rocks sounding out around them. As the very earth shook with apparent rage, the sound of cracking stone could be heard, as racing up and along the weakened stone faults formed, as more of that silver fluid began to pour through. Upon the floor, the Mesi cowered, their body beginning to shift from material to ethereal as all around them the cracks grew and grew, with more of the silver fluid gushing in, till eventually, the entire chamber collapsed upon them, drowning them in a deluge of the silver substance, their thoughts frantically shifting between the three voices. "Master! Zak-Yak needs you! Master left Us! He won't ever come back! No, Providence was our friend, he desecrated us with such love and care, he would have never left us...would he?" Across their body, they felt nothing but pain, as their collective minds lingered upon one thought...Providence. OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Eyru @Vezok's Friend

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) Vulimai only sighed disappointedly at what Sidra had just said, realization kicking in. Looking up towards Sidra, frustration no longer in her expression, she gestured towards Ostrox. "If I may for a brief moment, let me introduce you to Ostrox here. He's been a resident here in Kini-Koro for the past month now. Before then...he had served directly under Mantax, one of the Barraki, helped in the conquest and genocide of my people, and even bombed our village not but a week after we arrived here on orders of Pridak. And yet, here he is within Kini-Koro, free to walk as he please." "Why? Because any crimes he has committed were the crimes from a dead world ordered by dead leaders. And from the sounds of it, any crimes you may have committed were also under the orders of another. I don't care that you killed Dume, and if anything, given another circumstances, I would've appreciated having my own hands around his neck for his indifference to the League being practically outside the borders of Metru-Nui." "I don't care who or what you did in a past life, all I care about is the protection of my charges. And as it stands, Mata-Nui is a threat to not just them, but all of us. I would appreciate it if you allowed us the sphere so we can learn how to use it like Pridak originally intended, but I won't fight you, and that is not just because I can't fight you, not fairly at least. If you think Kini-Koro is a threat to you and your people, I'll respect that at least." Turning halfway away from the NUVA, Vulimai gestured for the Mantaxian to follow. "Come on Ostrox, you can go and ask Nuju what he knows of the sphere and how it works. I'll go and ask Toa Stannis what he knows on the subject as well." OOC: @Toru Nui @Nato the Traveler

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) It was the break of dawn when Drukarus called for nearly the entirety of the fort to call, as every single warrior within the fort now stood before him in mass gathering, many of them bearing scowling faces at being awoken so early. Within the central courtyard they were all amassed, Drukarus looking down upon them from a raised stone platform he had made for him with his appointed second standing to his right, Detsu. Looking over the grumbling mass, he tried his best to maintain a level expression. But like back at the dining hall, this many people in one place grated upon his mind, just the passive presence of each one present being a nuisance to him. It was this grating that had his dour expression break into a sneer at the rabble before him, before he clonked his maul to the ground, the sound catching the crowd's attention. “Line up in formation!” He commanded, many of the Skakdi momentarily confused by what he meant till he shouted it once again with even greater intensity and volume. “Line up in formation!” Doing as they are told, the Skakdi formed up into a noticeably rough looking formation, one that wouldn’t satisfy the warlord. Placing a hand upon Detsu’s shoulder, each of the Skakdi before him felt the weight of their own bodies spontaneously drag them down, with the weaker ones outright collapsing beneath it. “Straighten formation. NOW!” He commanded once more, the weight remaining as the Skakdi tightened their group, only lifting once he was satisfied. Though it wasn’t perfect, it would still have to do. Dismally, he continued on speaking. “Skakdi of Fort Nektann, as of today, this shall be your regular routine till we leave for Metru-Nui. You shall gather here at the break of dawn, line up in formation, listen to my commands and orders, and be sent out on your tasks...Do I make myself clear?” Some of the Skakdi mumbled out a ‘yes’, others nodded, some stayed silent. In response, he raised his hand and threatened once again to assert his element upon them, which led to a far more vigorous and unanimous answer to his command. ‘Good, they are already learning who they serve.’ “Good, my first proclamation as your war captain, is for each of you to find a Skakdi you can trust and fight with. They shall become your second, the one who shall fight by your side at all times...As Skakdi, our greatest weapon is one that takes the trust of another, and so, having my warriors able to use that weapon on demand will be essential for the upcoming battle.” “You two shall be inseparable, and I truly do mean that. If either myself or Detsu here catches you without your other half, there will be consequences for the both of you.” The Skakdi were left momentarily unsure of what to do, till with a gesture from Drukarus, they began to shift in line, trying to either find someone they knew and trusted, or simply find someone they didn’t just downright hate. Eventually each Skakdi found someone and settled back into an even rougher line than before, Drukarus lamenting at the sight before requesting Detsu to take names and solidify who is with whom. OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Conway @NorikSigma

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) "So you're telling me you intend to destroy the entire Protodermis moat that surrounds the head, while taking the sphere with you." She couldn't believe the audacity of the plan. Though the two didn't seem to get along, just how much Vulimai was seeing parallels with Knichou was startling and mind numbing. "If...If you are so certain that your plan will work, than why don't you leave the sphere just in case things do wrong...Or is there another reason that you yourself can't explain, let alone realize, that is keeping you from handing off the orb." She said, a suspicious eye upon the NUVA.

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) She wiped her hands across her face in frustration at the conversation at hand, her mentally reminding herself to kick Knichou the next time she see him. Groaning she responded, nearing her limits. "This isn't about keeping the sphere safe, this is about figuring out how to use it. Pridak had intended to use the sphere to kill Mata-Nui during the siege, with apparently Nuju helping him. Nuju is currently alive here in the valley, or whatever is left of him. If he can explain to us how to use the sphere, then we made be able to actually kill him. But, we need the sphere if he is going to show us, do you understand that?" Though she didn't intend it, the way she spoke in tone almost sounded like Vulimai was trying to lecture Sidra, like a sergeant explaining to a private why they can't just use give everyone a rocket launcher and call it a day.

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) "The only people who know about this plan is Ostrox, Toa Atamai, Toa Knichou, Toa Stannis, you, and me. No one else knows about this plan and those who do know, know to keep it secret as I have requested. I'm afraid of what sort of panic will occur if they learn about the full extent of his nature, and though I doubt they would come flocking to him if they did learn, I don't want to destroy the peace we have developed her." She said in rebuttal. "Also, the Untethered are undeniably Mata-Nui's doing, as Ostrox was there to see the Krom Sphere being handed off to Mata-Nui's..avatar." She said, a chill running up her spine from the mental image that the thing elicited.

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) As Sidra spoke, about the crimes of the Matoran of old, her optic twitched in irritation at yet another person she was going to have this inane argument with. Pressing a hand to her brow, she mumbled in sheer annoyance as she process what they had said. "I can't believe I'm going to have this argument twice in the same day. Do you not understand what you are saying here?You are actively refusing to cooperate on a matter that concerns all of us, just because the majority of this village is Matoran." She was flabbergasted at the situation at hand. "And what about the Matoran in Le-Metru Nuva? What makes you so sure they won't think the same thing? You are being both stubborn and a hypocrite, and Ostrox should agree with me considering we've had the exact same argument about the subject earlier this day." She said as she gestured to the Mantaxian on her side. OOC: @Toru Nui @Nato the Traveler @~Xemnas~

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) Vulimai's expression turned into one of stern annoyance at Sidra's refusal. "You underestimate both myself and my guards, as well as lack understanding of where my priorities dwell in the defense of this village. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but unlike the rest of this island, this place is both fertile and free of devastation, implying that neither the dangers of the swamp nor the Skakdi have reached this valley. We are hidden from outside dangers, unlike as you yourself have said about Le-Metru Nuva. If the Untethered have extended into the Fau Swamp, then it may be the first place to be hit once Mata-Nui at last makes a move." She said, emphasizing her point as she stared defiantly towards Sidra. "Besides, I am not requesting the sphere because I don't trust you can protect it. I'm requesting the sphere so that we can bring it to those who may know about it so that we can learn how to utilize it. We both want to be rid of Mata-Nui, keeping our potential key in his defeat out of the hands who can use it would be idiotic." OOC: @Toru Nui @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) Shaking a finger in recognition, she agreed with Ostrox. "Nuju might be our best bet, considering he might have the most intimate understanding, if not knowledge, of Mata-Nui's situation. It might also be worth asking Stannis, though I don't know the full extent of his knowledge, this may be something he could at least help us with. Which one do you wish to confront about this Ostrox?" She asked, looking up towards the Mantaxian for his personal opinion. But before they could give it, Sidra spoke, drawing the commander's attention. With a commanding, yet not aggressive tone, she spoke to the NUVA. "You may leave if you have other business Sidra NUVA, but I must insist that you relinquish the sphere into my custody. We have no reliable way of contacting you and we will most likely need it to further our efforts in eliminating Mata-Nui." OOC: @Toru Nui @Nato the Traveler @~Xemnas~

IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) She pondered the Steltian's suggestion for sever seconds before responding. "I could see if those infected by me could scour the swamp for any remains, but unlike Kuini-Rama, most aren't as...sapient. There is no guarantee they will do as I request or that they will know what I am asking of them. Though, I shall at least ask of the Rama-queen herself, to see if her children will aid us." Stiffening in her posture, turning almost statue-like in visage, her mind extended outwards as she focused upon her favored follower. ~~~ Her wings lightly buzzed as she sat atop her hive. The queens of the past were fearful and cowardly, afraid to leave their personal chambers, let alone the hive itself. But, that only led to their sight and vision to be limited, to be distant from the world beyond them. But not for herself, as she appreciated the chill air, the warmth of the setting sun, the sounds of the vast green. It was all her domain, and she felt no fear being out within it; though that sentiment did not extend out to her guards, who fretfully kept their senses on high alert. And then, the voice of the black beast penetrated her mind, souring the peaceful mood she was in. The beast's cold, fierce voice once more spoke inside her mind, causing her wings to shift uncomfortably. Her request was simple, though still odd like the last one. The black beast wanted her majesty to send off her children to find the remains of..something. Though the queen was given a name, it meant little, if nothing altogether. Not even the description of the something reminded her of any creature that dwells within the vast green. But even if she did not understand the request, it seemed to be an innocuous one, and one she quickly relayed to her hive. Whether they found any remains or not was another question, but to say she did not give her patron service would be a lie. ~~~ Shifted from her solid stance, her neck craned over towards Waveahk. "My command has been sent, though that does not mean we should simply dwell upon a response. Come, let us continue our search." OOC: @Toru Nui @Eyru Apex is requesting Kuini-Rama's hive to scour the swamp for the remains of a Rahkshi.

IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) "Well, I have the feeling that I already know this Taboo, I simply just don't remember it. But, when I looked upon the mural at the Suva, it seemed to cause the shroud over my mind to lift, but only partially." Apex explained as she hung in the crook of a tree, her neck extending upwards to look at a small nest of Fikou Spiders whom she was in the process of infecting. "But, the Rahkshi had to have been used prominently by my kindred, otherwise why would there have been that mural. Remains of these ancient warriors must exist somewhere across the Island, whether back in Kumu or within the swamp here. Maybe the remains of one could elucidate more knowledge, enough to breach the shroud in my mind to remember the rite." OOC: @Toru Nui IC: Vulimai (Kini-Nui) Taking note of Ostrox' reaction and the odd sphere within Sidra's hand, Vulimai's optics widened. "Wait a minute, is that what I think it is Ostrox? If Pridak was intending to use it to kill Mata-Nui, then maybe we could do the same. But...who would know how to use it?" She asked those present, pondering what Ostrox had told her about his encounter in the Codrex earlier. OOC: @Nato the Traveler @Toru Nui

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) "Indeed, for they are merely a rabble of raiders, opportunists and brutes. This will be no simple raid, it shall be a siege, one either won in one blow or many...We shall see which it'll be." Drukarus said with a stoic tone. He knew that a week of preparation was nowhere near the amount of time he would've wanted nor needed to ensure victory, and he feared that these Skakdi may be more resistant to his disciplinary efforts than the average Skak. But, he would still do what he saw was needed as to ensure both victory and his dominance. "I shall relay to you what I require of you Detsu soon, assuming you shall accept my offer. In the meantime...I shall leave the Warskak to prepare in its own way, but I shall warn you, at the light of first dawn tomorrow, everyone within this fortress shall begin the process of being molded in true soldiers." Drukarus stood there for a brief moment, to allow Detsu to say anything else if the elderly Skak felt so inclined. But if not, then Drukarus would have left and made his way to his hovel to wait till the morrow as he prepares in peace for the attack. OOC: @Conway

IC: Vulimai (Kini-Koro) "Commander," Vulimai said off-handedly, barely even registering what she said as a concerned look swept across her face at what Ostrox was insinuating. "And although Toa Knichou has a bit of an ego to him, I don't think he has one bordering on mania. Besides, I've made it clear that I'm only taking charge of the Matoran till someone capable enough is willing to step into office." Vulimai didn't wholeheartedly accept the Mantaxian's words at face value, leaving them purely as being the pessimistic ruminations of one who already expected the worst out of the Matoran people. Knichou wasn't a tyrant, at least he didn't have the bearings of one. Before she could think about Ostrox' words any further, the still booming voice of Atamai came from the Kaita mech she piloted. Looking up towards the titanic monolith, she called up to it as to better answer the NUVA's question. "The Krom Sphere, it is apparently some item that Pridak had intended to use to kill Mata-Nui, but instead, the League member tasked to carry the item gave it to Mata-Nui!" She shouted up, not sure how easily they could here her. OOC: @Toru Nui @Nato the Traveler @~Xemnas~

IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) Though my memory and knowledge of them is still shrouded, I believe I still hold a rough understanding of what they were." She said, as she began to explain what she knew about them, "They weren't machines, nor could you really call them a race. The Rahkshi's body were simply shells, meant to be inhabited by a Kraata worm which are merely an extension of an Aspect's will. Physically, they were lean with powerful legs though considerably short arms, they were also hunched, with a spined crest adorning their backs. Each Rahkshi held a unique power in addition to the power granted to it by its worm host and could channel said power through staves they wielded. Though I do not recall their primary function in relation to my kind, I can assume they were most likely weapons of sort, meant to protect their masters and strike down their foes." "Does that satisfy you?" She asked. OOC: @Toru Nui

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) "A matter of business that will determine whether our siege shall be a success or not." Drukarus said definitely, "I do not know whether you listen to them or not, but I made contact with this 'Gadunka' and decried over the radio that Fort Nektann requests a meeting with the leaders of the Rig. I intend to request an alliance with them, for in exchange of the use of their ships we shall offer them whatever resources we could spare." OOC: @Conway IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) With the mutated Steltian following after her, the two of them once more entered the dense bog that was the Fau Swamp, Apex keenly keeping herself out of the deep waters that have started to enveloped the lower regions of the island. OOC: @Toru Nui