Trapped in a Map

[Toa Kovolta]

Gameplay Topic – Discussion Topic – Profile Topic

Before playing you must create a character, submit it to the discussion topic and have it approved.

 

Trapped in a Map

The Carver looked out his window at the crowd milling about in the market below. He carefully scanned the throng, checking out each Matoran, deciding which one he should choose. Finally, he settled on an Onu-Matoran with decorative gold shoulder armour.His choice made, the Carver activated his mask power. His eyes briefly glowed red as dozens upon dozens of names started to float above the heads of the Matoran in the crowd, visible only to the Carver. Silently, he sought out the Onu-Matoran’s among all the others. Finding it, he memorized it and bent down to write it down on the map carved into the tablet in front of him. The name flashed three times then dissolved into the stone.The Carver straightened and looked once more out the window. The Onu-Matoran, and his distinctive golden armour, was gone!

Story

You are a citizen of the Matoran Universe, or, at least, you were. Now you are the victim of someone known only as the Carver, a sinister Toa who likes to “play” with beings like you. Your new home is simply called the Map, because it is a map, carved into a tablet by the Carver, and you are trapped inside. Now you must find a way to escape, or forever live with your destiny carved out by the Carver…Now 2000 years before the Great Cataclysm that rocked the Matoran Universe, the Carver has been trapping people for over 1000 years. Time runs more slowly in the land of the Map however, and to those living there it has been more like 60,000. More and more beings are being trapped, causing many disturbances in the City. Most of those recently trapped aren’t quick to submit to the rule and ideology of the Worshippers. Conflicts are breaking out and the City Law Enforcers can’t handle them all. The City is on the verge of breaking up.Write about your characters’ struggle to survive in this rugged world and the challenges they face as they try to achieve their goals.

The Powers of the Map

- When someone's name is carved into the Map:----> The person's name is carved into the Map, this can be seen happening in the sky above the Map.----> The name flashes three times, both on the tablet and in the sky.----> The being then has a gut wrenching feeling as the world starts to spin and the start to disappear from where they are in the Matoran Universe.----> Their body slowly fades away and then slowly appears in the Map below where their name was carved.- Any living creature can be trapped in the Map.-The holder of the Map can observe and control life going on in the world of the Map.----> People are controlled by the holder by putting thoughts into their heads. The people being controlled know these thoughts are not their own, but they are obligated to act on them.- The "ground" beneath it continues to infinity. There is no other side of the Map.- The sky continues infinitely up, as do the space around the Map and its infinite cliff in each direction.- Gravity pulls down perpendicular to the Map everywhere.- There is a sun that creates night and day, by rotating around the Map at an angular axis (at night there are also distant stars, but there is no moon).----> It rises over the eastern cliffs and sets over the western cliffs.----> It is night when the sun is below the horizon of northern cliffs.

Factions

The WorshippersMostly made up of those who have been trapped in the Map the longest, they are the rulers of the City. They are so called, because they have given up on escape and believe that by worshipping the Carver, he will grant them an easier life in the Map. Many disagree with their way of thinking but must live under their rule because of their large sphere of influence. They control all distribution of food and water through the use of the City Law Enforcers.City Law EnforcersA sub-faction of the Worshippers, they are a large group of citizens, mostly big, tough ones, who keep order in the City according to the Worshippers’ rule. They either firmly believe in or have been convinced of the Worshippers’ ideology. Their two main tasks are to control the distribution of food and water throughout the city, and to subdue anyone who speaks out against the Worshippers’ Rule and the Carver, lest the Carver get angry. The Inquisition - Created by Toa Levacious Zehvor, Lead by VoebiusThe worst thing that a Disrupter can hear is the phrase, “The "Inquisition is coming!” By the time you hear that, it is already likely too late for you to have any chance of escape. Only the most dangerous and powerful of Disrupters have survived attacks by the Inquisition, another sub-faction of the Worshippers, under the command of High Inquisitor Voebius have been responsible for purging more enemies of the Carver (and a few innocents) than any other organization. Completely ruthless, led by zealotry and a thirst for blood, those in the Inquisition tend to be skilled combatants, fighting in small groups either on foot or mounted upon great beasts. They also tend to capture enemies alive and interrogate them, torturing them to death. When they actually kill, it’s a big and very public display – people left dead in the streets, buildings burned, and so forth. No one expects the Inquisition until it’s too late to escape.The DisruptersA small faction with no real leader or clear organization. Its members are ordinary citizens who don't agree with the Worshippers submissive ways. Their main goals consist of starting protests, riots and just general chaos wherever they can so they can cause misery to the Worshippers as they attempt to control the City. Armageddon - Created by Toa of Dancing, Lead by Water.Some believe that annoying the Worshipers is not enough. Some believe that the only way to escape is death and destruction. Those are the ones who make up Armageddon. A few members believe that the destruction of the map will cause them to reappear in the Matoran Universe. Many others believe that their purpose is to commit suicide in an act of murderous salvation, freeing everyone on the map by killing them. Some believe something in between those, with their drive being to save anyone else from ever being sucked into the playhouse of a disgruntled Toa. In any case, their common mission is to destroy the map and completely defy the Carver.Other FactionsFactions may be created by players. This is highly encouraged, it will increase the fun in the game. They do not need to be approved, but if I don’t like the direction one is going, I will ask it to disband.All The RestAll those characters who do not agree with the Worshippers, or just don’t care about what goes on in the City, and are not part of a player made faction.

Locations

The CityA big city that occupies the most of the Map. It is completely enclosed by a tall, sturdy wall. There is only one gate in this wall, and it has been sealed due to the outlying land being called unsafe. The City houses (almost) all the inhabitants of the Map, and is therefore very busy and crowded. It was partly built carved out by the carver, but as more and more people arrived in the map, the inhabitants started to build it up more to accommodate the influx in population. It is now approximately half the size of Metru Nui, an contains inhabitants that equal three quarters of it's population.The PalaceThe most prominent building in the City. It is the headquarters of the Worshippers. It is a large hexagonal building that is mazelike inside, and it rises high up over the surrounding buildings to look out over the whole city. It is surrounded by a low wall and is heavily guarded by the City Law Enforcers.The TempleThe second largest building in the city. It is a temple that has been dedicated to worshipping the Carver. It is a circular building consisting of one main floor and one turret. From above it looks a bit like the first letter of the Matoran alphabet, symbolizing that the Carver comes first above all else. Services are constantly being held in dedication to the Carver.The BarracksThe headquarters of the City Law Enforcers. A rectangular building located in the northeast corner of the city, this place crawls with the menacing figures. The basement consists of statis canisters where unlawful citizens are placed for certain amounts of time.The Royal GardensThe only gardens in the Map, as well as the only source of food. Workers cultivate this food and the Worshippers distribute it.The WellThe only source of water in the the City. Water is brought up from underground into the city via this well. Water can be gathered from here, but it is also distributed by the worshippers. Long lines can often be seen.The MarketThe busiest part of the City. Food and water is distributed from here. Venders gather from all over the City, trying to sell their goods, whatever they may be.The TunnelsA maze of tunnels under the surface of the Map, the entrance of which is just west of the Palace. Precious materials are mined from these tunnels, but many other beings and creatures roam these tunnels, and the entrance is not the only exit… However, it is important to note that at a certain point below ground the "earth/rock" becomes a mysterious substance which is immune to the elemental powers of Toa.The Outlying LandThe territory surrounding the city is flat and barren, inhabited mostly by Rahi. However, some beings who disagree with the ways of the Worshippers have found ways out of the city, in hopes of finding escape. It is deemed unsafe because the map is cracking and breaking around the edges.The Lake of LifeThe source of all water in the Map. It is a large lake in the northwestern corner of the Map. It’s water comes from underground and then flows off the edge of the Map through the two rivers: the River of Death and the River of Life.The Outcast TowersA group of tall structures in the southwest corner of the Map. They rise high above all other buildings in the Map, including the Palace and the Temple. They used to be the headquarters of the Worshippers, but were abandoned when the outlying land was deemed unsafe. Now they are mostly deserted, home only to rahi and rogue citizens.

Character Profiles

Who are you? Have you given up on escape and now worship the Carver? Or do you still resent the Carver for trapping you in the Map? Or perhaps you’ve just arrived in the Map and still don’t quite know what happened?Whoever you are, you must submit a profile of your character. Be sure to include a detailed description of your character. All profiles must be submitted in the following format:

[b]Name:[/b] [Bionicle sounding][b]Gender:[/b] [male / female][b]Species:[/b] [any species is acceptable (including your own) within reason. if you are a toa or matoran or etc. please indicate your element][b]Affiliation:[/b] [Worshippers / City Law Enforcers / Disrupters / Other / None][b]Trapped:[/b] [have you been trapped long, or have you just arrived][b]Weapons/Tools:[/b] [be reasonable][b]Powers:[/b] [any other powers, again be reasonable][b]Appearance:[/b] [brief description or picture][b]Bio:[/b] [anything of importance of your character’s personality, goals, life, etc.]

Profiles must be reviewed and approved by myself or another staff member, if a profile is incomplete or does not follow the rules, you will be asked to fix the problems before you can start playing. As well, players are only allowed to have three characters to start.

NPC’s

The following are profiles of the Non-Player Character, which will be controlled by myself throughout the game to help the plot move forward, and add challenges for your characters to face.Name: The CarverGender: MaleSpecies: Toa (Element unknown, assumed to be stone)Affiliation: NoneTrapped: Not Trapped, but the Trapper.Weapons/Tools: Carving tools and the Map.Powers: (Elemental Power of Stone?) Mask of Shinigamieyes Namevision, allows him to see a being’s name above their head. Can control anyone who resides in the Map.Appearance: Unknown.Bio: He was once betrayed by one of his fellow Toa and ever since has had a rotten view of the universe. He is constantly roaming the MU, trapping people in his map and having fun “playing” with them like dolls in a dollhouse.Now however, there too many people trapped in the Map, and he can monitor them all at all times of the day, so he mostly just spends his time keeping the leaders of the Worshippers in line.Name: CarmeraGender: FemaleSpecies: VortixxAffiliation: Leader of the WorshippersTrapped: One of the first ever trapped.Weapons/Tools: A laser pulse pistol that she keeps at her hip at all times.Powers: Manipulative and quick witted. Silver tongue.Appearance: Tall, with spiky black armour with blood red highlights.Bio: Carmera was once a black market businesswoman. She is the one who sold the Carver the special stone tablet that the Map is carved out of, but she got greedy when she found out just how powerful the tablet was and asked for more money, confronting and threatening the Carver. When the Carver refused, she shot him with her laser pistol. Before the bolt hit its mark, the Carver speedily carved her name into the Map. She and the laser pulse were transported to the mysterious world.She was determined to escape, but the powers of the Carver and the Map itself prevented it. The Carver was able to control her and anyone else in the Map like he was playing with little army men. She was a puppet and he was pulling the strings. The Carver used her to bring a kind of tyrannical order to the Map.Feeling defeated, and seemingly unable to take control of her own life, Carmera has simply fallen into place following the Carver’s rule and leading the Worshippers.

Rules

Rules and guidelines to be followed at all times during the game:- BZP standard rules and guidelines.- Respect the staff and the other players.- Use IC (In character) and OOC (Out of character) when posting in the game topic.---> A good habit for when using IC, would be to also state the character’s name, where they are, what they are doing, and other characters that may be nearby.---> eg. IC / the Carver / in his hut / carving into the Map:- Do not post in the game topic with just an OOC, post in the discussion topic instead.- When fighting other players be reasonable and take a hit once in a while.- Do not GodMod.- Do not kill other players.- Be reasonable when creating characters and in your IC posts.---> eg. No giving yourself super powerful Kanohi.---> eg. Don’t say you're at the Palace and then a second later you're at the Outcast Towers.---> eg. Don’t all of a sudden kill twenty NPC's.---> eg. etc.- Have fun! (Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by immediate banning! )Punishments:Please follow the rules so I do not have to use these.1. A warning.2. An injury or loss of a weapon or something. For example, loss of an arm.3. One character dies.4. All characters die, and player is banned for a week.5. Permanent Banning.Awards: I may give out extras throughout the game depending on how it goes. These would be things like extra characters and special items falling out of the sky.

Staff

As of right now, there is just myself.

Thanks

Thanks to all those who have supported, voted for, reviewed and provided suggestions for this RPG in the past. Your help is very much appreciated!

Edited July 7, 2013 by Toa Kovolta

[The Lorax]

IC (Koranga): Koranga stood on a balcony high up on the palace, nervously fingering his weapon’s sharp edge. He could see across most of the city from up here, making it a good spot for the city law enforcer to keep watch.

Looking out over the city, he could feel a little pain drifting up towards him, poking a tiny bit of tension into his muscles. The sources, however, were far away, and the beings were experiencing only mild discomfort. He needed something more, something that could really give him a rush. For now, however, he couldn’t do much to satisfy that hunger in himself, so he watched and waited, tense. If only he could see one misguided criminal from up here, if he had one, tiny excuse, he could scratch that itch.

IC (Dekuna): Dekuna moved stealthily through the tunnels underneath the City of the Map. Senses on high alert for any hint of danger and with weapons drawn (one could never be too careful with the Worshippers running things), he advanced towards his destination. He had arranged to meet another of the Disruptors here in five minutes’ time, and he didn’t want to be late. That would be unprofessional, and therefore unacceptable to the toa of sonics.

OOC: Anyone else feel free to be that Disruptor.

[Toa Kovolta]

IC / The Carver / Somewhere in the Matoran Universe:The Carver walked down the street of the small town in which he was currently residing. The people passing by paid him no heed. He was just another one of the rogues that frequented the town. He looked up to the sky. The clouds were dark, a storm was coming. He quickened his pace, he had no intention of being caught out in the rain.As he reached his destination a drop of water fell on his mask. Wiping it off he took the handle of the door to the tavern. The main room of the tavern was crowded with various species seeking shelter from the impending gale. He quickly glanced over the crowd, briefly eying a cloaked Toa seated at a table in the corner before turning to Onu-Matoran behind the counter. Flipping the barkeep a widget, he called for a drink.As he waited for the busy Matoran to fill the mug, the Carver leaned an elbow on the counter and glanced over at the corner again. There was something odd about that Toa. He silently triggered his mask power so he could discover the Toa's name. Unfortunately, too much of the mysterious person was hidden under the cloak for the mask to work. Disappointed, he picked up his newly poured drink, upended it over his mouth, and headed for the stairs.When he got to his room he could see out the window that the rain was already starting to come down hard. Keeling down, he pushed aside the small cot in the corner and lifted one of the stone floor tiles away. Underneath was his prize possession: a stone tablet with amazing powers. He'd bought it off a black-market Vortixx. She was a sly devil, but not as sly as the Carver. The Carver bought the stone for a steal, as the Vortixx had been unaware of its full potential. When she realized her mistake and tried to bully the Carver into paying more, he trapped her inside it.Taking the tablet over to a table, the Carver sat down and quietly admired his handiwork. An intricate map was carved into the face of the stone. Someone unaware of the stone's powers would probably think it a map of some unknown city somewhere in the Matoran Universe. In reality however, the Map itself was a world of its own, and many, many people live in that world, all trapped there by the Carver.The Carver rested his hands on the surface of the Map and closed his eyes. His mind slowly drifted as he began to observe the world he had created.IC / Carmera / The Palace:Carmera was in a foul mood.She had been woken in the middle of the night by sounds of a protest in the market. Some of the local trouble makers complaining about how they shouldn't have to worship the Carver, that Mata Nui was the only Great Spirit. The fools. They were too new to the Map to know just what the Carver was capable of. They didn't know the horrors of having thoughts that were not their own put in their head. The protesters had been quickly subdued thanks to the work of the loyal Law Enforcers, but it didn't make up for the lost sleep.Then she hadn't had time for her morning energizer, as she had been rushed off to the courtroom to testify against thug who had tried to jump her a few days back. He was also a fool. Thinking he could swing his club faster than she could fire her pistol.The Map was full of fools, and every day more fools were showing up. It made her so mad. Why did the Carver need so many people in his Map? It just made it that much harder for him to bend them to his will.As Carmera stormed down a long corridor of the Palace, a familiar sensation entered her mind. No, no, no, she she thought. Get out of my head!A though that was not her own then formulated in her head. Dance down the hallway.IC / The Carver / Somewhere in the Matoran Universe:The Carver chuckled to himself as his mind watched the black and red Vortixx do a pirouette.IC / Carmera / The Palace:Several people in adjoining rooms poked their heads out in confusion as they watched their leader ballet her way to the end of the hall. Carmera was not amused.Reaching the door to the balcony, she straightened her stature shaking off strange feeling of the Carver's mind control. She needed some fresh air. She opened the door and stepped out.Someone was already outside. They turned towards her at the sound of the door closing. When the person saw who it was they bowed their head slightly.She looked them up and down and recognized them as one of the enforcers who helped with the subduing of the protest in the night. "Good job this morning, soldier," she said.

 

 

OOC: You're up Lorax!

Edited June 30, 2013 by Toa Kovolta

[Grantaire]

IC - Dorcha - Marketplace (South Edge):

 

Night was characterized as the place for ambushes, disruptions and general sneakiness. Dorcha never could quite get with that: at night the guards were more alert, and there were more of them. That incredibly silly riot, crushed with ease showed that.

 

Now however, two much more relaxed guards were being lured right into his trap. The trap was where the first building next to the marketplace jutted out, blocking the view of the rest of the marketplace. The lure was sounds. He had grown accustomed to what sounds would draw a few Enforcers over and what would cause them to call for backup, or ignore him. A minor brawl was just the right thing. The two Enforcers, a Skakdi and a Toa rushed headlong, expecting to have to pull a few Matoran traders apart.

 

Instead there was nothing. They paused, confused, looking about in dismay. They never saw the chameleon being perching on the roof. Not when they arrived, and not when their energy faded from them. They slumped down, confused. Weak cries arose from their lips, but faded before they could be heard.

 

Dorcha dropped soundlessly from the roof, practically glowing with the strength he was receiving. He said nothing, just looked down on them as they twitched and grimaced. He did not move or deactivate his mask until they were still: even then he continued until there was not one ounce of life left within them.

 

Then and only then did he begin to ransack their possessions. Their purses were the first things he grabbed, then he looked over their weapons. His eye settled on a dirk one carried, and he lifted it up, appraising it.

 

OOC: Dorcha is open for interaction. Koranga maybe?

Edited June 30, 2013 by Grantaire

[The Lorax]

IC (Koranga): Koranga's cravings were interrupted when he accidentally cut his finger on the weapon's sharp edge. Mentally, he admonished himself for being careless, but he couldn't quite get himself to regret it. The tiny cut gave him a tiny spark of pain, which translated into a tiny spark of strength and joy. It was gone in an instant, small as it was, but he enjoyed it nonetheless.

 

He was interrupted again by the arrival of Carmera, the head Worshipper and, by extension, the chief of the City Law Enforcement. He worried, for a moment, that he might be in trouble. She certainly looked annoyed, and more than a bit tired, for so early in the morning. Had someone found... no they couldn't have.

 

"Lady Carmera" he said, bowing.

"Good job this morning, soldier," she said.

 

Oh, excellent, he thought. That mean he was safe. "You're welcome, my lady" he replied. "I get restless sometimes, so it's good to have a chance to stretch my muscles putting down these riots. If that comes with serving this city and our great Carver, then all the better."

 

His eyes drifted out over the city again as he talked, and he finally spotted what he had been seeking. A pair of guards rushed off to do something, though he couldn't quite see what because the corner of a building blocked his view. He tensed ready to leap into action, but sat still for just a moment to check before he did. Activating his mask, he copied the power of a subterranean worm, a large, blind rahi that navigated entirely by sound. His hearing increased tenfold, and a multitude of city sounds pressed themselves against his ears. He knew he shouldn't keep this power up for very long unless he wanted a king headache, so he quickly focused on the Enforcers' yells. It wasn't difficult, since they were loud and not too far away. He could still hear them as they rounded the building and... cut off? He blinked in surprise. Yes, sound from behind the building should have been muffled a little, but not stopped entirely.

 

A pair of weak cries reached his ears. The guards were in trouble. "Excuse me" he told Carmera. "But I think a pair of enforcers are in trouble. I'll get onto it before another riot can start."

So saying, he dropped the worm's power and vaulted off the balcony, dropping to the top of the wall below. He dashed along it, then leaped to the top of another building, filled with adrenaline and anticipation. Two more rooftops and he was on top of a building right where he had seen the enforcers disappear. It was, in fact, the very same building from which they had been ambushed. Looking down into the street below, he saw their bodies lying still, and a mottled grey-black being picking at their weapons, taking the time so see whether or not they were worth stealing. The fool. He was going to pay for this, whatever it was.

 

He crouched down on the rooftop in order to remain hidden and then peeked his mask over the edge, and activated it once again. This time he drew on the power of a rahi he had seen in Metru Nui during his short visit there: the phase dragon. He opened his mouth, sucking in air, and then released the breath as hard as he could. A withering torrent of flames sprang from his maw and shot downwards towards Dorcha. The heat didn't harm Koranga at all, though the flames did tickle his tongue a little. It was an odd sensation, though not entirely unpleasant.

[Falcon Lord]

IC (Koranga): Koranga stood on a balcony high up on the palace, nervously fingering his weapons sharp edge. He could see across most of the city from up here, making it a good spot for the city law enforcer to keep watch.[/size]Looking out over the city, he could feel a little pain drifting up towards him, poking a tiny bit of tension into his muscles. The sources, however, were far away, and the beings were experiencing only mild discomfort. He needed something more, something that could really give him a rush. For now, however, he couldnt do much to satisfy that hunger in himself, so he watched and waited, tense. If only he could see one misguided criminal from up here, if he had one, tiny excuse, he could scratch that itch.[/size][/size] IC (Dekuna): Dekuna moved stealthily through the tunnels underneath the City of the Map. Senses on high alert for any hint of danger and with weapons drawn (one could never be too careful with the Worshippers running things), he advanced towards his destination. He had arranged to meet another of the Disruptors here in five minutes time, and he didnt want to be late. That would be unprofessional, and therefore unacceptable to the toa of sonics.[/size][/size] OOC: Anyone else feel free to be that Disruptor.[/size]

OOC: I might as well be.IC (Takarik) : Takarik watched as Dekuna approached, "Good to see you're here, what was it you wanted to meet me about?" He said in a low voice. Edited June 30, 2013 by Falcon Lord

[The Lorax]

IC (Dekuna): "Takarik, good to see you" Dekuna said, his voice rather contradicting the sentiment in his words. It was hard and business-like, exactly like the toa of ice that Takarik had never quite been.

"I heard you had been scouting the new defenses on the Royal Gardens" the toa of sonics replied. "Since they upped security after the riots last week. Did you find anything interesting?"

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

Every time I step out of prison, my first breath is always the freshest. Six months locked away in your own head, floating in knock-out gas; who wouldn't love to take a gulp of air, no matter how many Enforcers have been sweating and coughing in it.

 

It's just the second breath that's the worst -- it reminds me with the subtlety of an anvil that I'm still stuck in this brown-tinted world, surrounded by complacent morons, arrogant spitfires and hopeless zealots. That I'm back to living through every moment of this little self-contained Karz, at the whims of the Carver with no respite unless I manage get incarcerated or killed.

 

What fun, right?

 

Biding time -- that's what I'm doing. That's what we're all doing. We're painting on brave faces, waving our banners as high as we can, and when no one's looking, hiding from our own crumbling psyches wherever we can. We drown ourselves in the next most potent drug we can find; blood, booze, sex, prison; waiting for some deus ex machina to come and strike down the Carver and free us all.

 

Sixty-thousand years is a long time to wait, though, and humanity is pretty impatient in such regards. I've barely stepped out of my cell, and I can feel the city's unravelling. It's palpable, sensorial. It's THE END IS NIGH scrawled across the outer walls of the Barracks. It's the cry of the Disrupter screaming against the Carver's self-proclaimed Artakha. The smell of an unlucky Worshipper's blood drying in the streets.

 

The sound of self-destruction.

 

The taste of chaos.

 

The cry for a solution.

 

My guards and I drink it all in like poison, and I hear one mutter something about accursed protesters. A numb echo of At least they've got the spirit to fight back fills my mind; a sentiment rudely interrupted by the file-wielding Matoran entering the scene. I flirt with the idea of joking that his presence marred the otherwise beautifully sterile marble hallways of the Palace, but I just don't have the energy for it.

 

Not having a Kanohi sucks.

 

"Enid Simul?" Short-tank asks, flipping open the folder, eyes sweeping over my lengthy record of encounters with the long arm of the law, "Charged with aiding and abetting the several protesters three months prior?"

 

Cue an affirmative and slightly grunt from one of my guards, followed by a nod of acceptance from Short-tank.

 

"Your parole hearing shall start immediately, Mr. Simul; make your way to the hearing room promptly."

 

OOC: That's your cue, Lev.

 

-Void

Edited June 30, 2013 by Dreadheart

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Judge Japudo

 

The courtroom wherein the elderly Turaga Japudo (though his official title was Judge) was seated firmly at the highest seat behind his podium, was quite the impressive display. Behind him was a massive image of the letter , the great symbol of the Carver which constantly bore down on everyone in the room. The Seven Commandments of Carmera, according to the legends given to her by the Carver directly, hung against the far wall as a testimony of what you were and were not allowed to do in the realms.

 

Unfortunately, a seven line legal code does not a legal code make. It was revised a few days later, after "Thou shalt not disobey the Carver" led to half the City Law Enforcement fighting against a Ba-Matoran stone mason and his army of loyalists who took those orders a bit too literally.

 

Admittedly, his attention was wandering a bit too far off as the Matoran before him drawled on and on about all of the horrible things that were being done by protestors out in the streets and how he went to a date with stained armor and on and on and on... "If Mata-Nui does exist, he'd have smited these Stone Apes centuries ago."

 

"Your honor, it's time for the parole hearing."

 

"Since when do they need a judge for a parole hearing?" Japudo thought to himself. Oh, right. Since he petitioned that judges perform parole hearings so they'd get bigger paychecks. And to make a slight power grab, he'd admit that as well. Still, it was a lot easier back in the old days...

 

"Alright, have him come on in." he said, waiting for the prisoner to come storming in (as they usually do) and plead his case.

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[Void Emissary]

IC: Endi -- Courtroom

 

Shuffling into the courtroom, hands shackled behind my back, mask-less, my back slightly hunched from months stuck in oblivion, I must have looked pretty pathetic. Not even my natural aura of breezy charm could've made me look any better to the assembled array of stony-faced Worshippers and Enforcers -- not that I wanted them to like my appearance or anything. But it would've been nice for their first impressions of me to be more along the lines of "Watch out for that guy" rather than "Poor little fool".

 

I was forced into a nice, uncomfortable chair as Short-tank starting talking to the Turaga in the judge's seat. "Your honour, we bring before you today; one, Endi Simul. He has been convicted of the aiding and abetting of protesters against the government, and charged with six months of imprisonment in the Stasis Containment Wards. Mr. Simul seeks parole today after having served three months of his six month term."

 

I'm not sure if it was the sneer on his voice as he mentioned me seeking parole, but I got the suspicion that Short-tank didn't see me as a caged Gukko, who needed to fly free and far. More like a plague-infested Stone Rat who should be put down immediately.

 

Not a bad idea, granted; but I think I'd rather test my chances of escaping the Map with my life, first.

 

-Void

[Falcon Lord]

IC (Takarik): Takarik looked around furtively, "No, I didn't find anything especially unusual. We need to set up a meeting of all the disruptors, maybe at one of the towers?"

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Judge Japudo

 

The judge assumed an upright and more imposing view. Three months ago... yes, he recognized this prisoner. Rather impressive work, this one did. It was in no small part of Japudo himself that his term had only been six months. The prosecution had desired two full years. Two years! In stasis! People went loopy after that long.

 

The only thing more dangerous to a Disrupter than Law Enforcement was an even crazier Disrupter. More dangerous to the people as well, and that was no good.

 

"Endi Simul, your psychological scans during stasis have met the required parameters of good mental behavior. While this is a good sign, you still must prove yourself to the Court. State your case."

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[Toa Kovolta]

IC / Carmera / The Palace / With Koranga:"Excuse me," said the enforcer. "But I think a pair of enforcers are in trouble. I'll get onto it before another riot can start.""Yes, very well," replied Carmera, "we don't want these things to continue getting out of control." The Tobduk leapt off the balcony, leaving Carmera alone. She let out a sigh as she leaned against the railing. Sometimes she wished she could leave her position of power and just live out in the outcast towers away from the stress of keeping the overfill city in line, but she knew the carver would never allow that. She gazed out across the city towards the foreboding towers in the distance. The morning sun reflected brightly off them from behind. There was a haze gathering above them, as if to signal that trouble was brewing. Dismissing the feeling, the Vortixx closed her eyes for a couple of minutes and let the fresh breeze wash over her. OOC: I'm curious lev, why an "A"?

[Wyrd Bid Ful Araed]

IC: The courtroom was unaware, but there was one more person listening in than there should have been. Taamaska had tuned the audio receptors of her suit into the proceedings so she could hear how the trial of Endi Simul was going. She felt like seeing he got to walk away from this one. So if they decided he had to go back into stasis, well, she'd just have to do something about that. For now though, she was content to let the Worshippers have their little charade

[The Lorax]

OOC: Because of this, I'm guessing.

 

The TempleThe second largest building in the city. It is a temple that has been dedicated to worshipping the Carver. It is a circular building consisting of one main floor and one turret. From above it looks a bit like the first letter of the Matoran alphabet, symbolizing that the Carver comes first above all else. Services are constantly being held in dedication to the Carver.

 

 

IC (Dekuna): That news was disappointing, but not unexpected. Still, the gardens were not of great importance in his plans. Worshipper movements in general were good to know - it helped one prepare, even if it looked like they were moving away from you. Dekuna was always prepared.

 

"Yes, I was thinking to organise one as well" he replied to the toa of ice. Riots and thefts are all very well, but if we want to break the Worshippers' hold on this city once and for all, we need to think bigger. I have some ideas, but we'll need everyone to be involved, and the more sharp minds we have working on this, the better it will go. Gather as many as you can and meet in the tallest tower at sundown tonight."

Edited June 30, 2013 by The Lorax

[Falcon Lord]

OOC: Because of this, I'm guessing.

The TempleThe second largest building in the city. It is a temple that has been dedicated to worshipping the Carver. It is a circular building consisting of one main floor and one turret. From above it looks a bit like the first letter of the Matoran alphabet, symbolizing that the Carver comes first above all else. Services are constantly being held in dedication to the Carver.

IC (Dekuna): That news was disappointing, but not unexpected. Still, the gardens were not of great importance in his plans. Worshipper movements in general were good to know - it helped one prepare, even if it looked like they were moving away from you. Dekuna was always prepared. "Yes, I was thinking to organise one as well" he replied to the toa of ice. Riots and thefts are all very well, but if we want to break the Worshippers' hold on this city once and for all, we need to think bigger. I have some ideas, but we'll need everyone to be involved, and the more sharp minds we have working on this, the better it will go. Gather as many as you can and meet in the tallest tower at sundown tonight."

IC (Takarik): "I will, stay safe Dekuna." Takarik says as he walks away.

[The Lorax]

IC (Dekuna): Dekuna listened to the other toa's footsteps fade away before he started moving himself. He went in the other direction, eventually coming to a place where the tunnel was lit by a small skylight, which opened onto one of the streets above. A metal grate covered the manhole, and through it, Dekuna could just see the tops of some buildings and, in the far distance, the city wall. He activated his mask, and the next second, he was standing on top of the wall. He didn't remain there for very long. Really, he was only there because it gave an excellent view of most of the city, and that made for a shorter trip. He decided on his next desination and teleported a second time, on his way to see a certain nameless toa of ice.

 

OOC: So, where exactly can I find Zayin?

 

IC (Hatann): Hatann looked up at the inside of the closed gate. It was quiet here, save for a couple of law enforcers patrolling on top of the wall, but even they were far away. Once, Hatann remembered, this had been one of the busiest spots in the city, with many beings moving back and forth through the gate between the Worshippers' towers and the main city. Now, it was hardly ever visited. The Skakdi didn't mind that at all.

 

He moved over towards one of the great pillars either side of the gate, and found an old, boarded-up doorway into what had once been a guardhouse, containing the mechanism to open and close the gate. There was a small gap between two of the boards, and pushed into that gap, so far back that nobody would see it if they didn't know it was there, was a stone tablet. Hatann pulled it out and held it up in a clawed hand. The Skakdi merc had just been hired.

 

Before the walltop guards could see him loitering, he turned and walked back into the city, towards the meeting place specified on the tablet.

 

OOC: Whoever that was who hired Hatann can now post where the meeting will take place and why they wanted a hired criminal.

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

OOC: So, where exactly can I find Zayin?

 

OOC: Here.

 

IC: Zayin / The City

 

In the western area of the city, in what remained of a partially burned down house, a Toa of Ice sat silently on a crumbling chair at an also crumbling table, drinking a cup of some iced beverage he had stolen earlier. The room was rather cold, and lit only by a lightstone hung from overhead - which showed the source of the chill. One of the City Law Enforcers, a simple Matoran, looked down at him from above. Or, they would if they were alive. At the moment, he was petrified against the ceiling and completely encased in ice, which kept them trapped there.

 

Zayin stared at the wall across from him. There were no windows in this room, only a door and a missing wall that was to his side, which faced the alleyway between his and the neighboring building.

 

He finished his drink, as he patted the wrapped up package that leaned against him.

 

He wondered how long it would take for the looters to haul out the chair.

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[Void Emissary]

IC: Endi -- Courtroom

 

Slowly, stubbornly, I raised my head to look at the judge. His face sparked a memory of heading down into the Wards -- must've been my judge then, too (Small world, right?). He was a remarkably average fellow for a Turaga, albeit with a fanciful Kanohi which resembled some hybrid of a Rode and Huna. I automatically assumed it was a Rode, given the setting and situation.

 

"Your...honour," I said, my tongue straining to pronounce each syllable, "The night...I was arrested...two terrified Matoran had...run into me...begged me to give them...shelter. I am a...Toa; it is my duty to protect...those weaker than me. How could I...refuse to help these...poor citizens?"

 

-Void

[The Lorax]

IC (Dekuna): Dekuna appeared in the doorway without transition, having teleported down from the top of a nearby building. Seeing Zayin inside, he gave a satisfied nod and entered. Seeing the frozen Matoran hanging from the roof, his satisfaction deepened. There was one more obstacle out of their way.

 

"Zayin" he said shortly.

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Zayin / The City

 

"Dekuna." he replied. He knew this one - a De-Toa, and a skilled one at that. To the point. So, too, would he be. "What news?"

 

IC: Japudo

 

"Yes, that's correct. And if I recall, one of those Matoran is serving twenty-one centuries now for a list of crimes including twelve counts of murder, nine counts of manslaughter, nineteen counts of arson, thirty seven counts of thievery, nine counts of public indecency, eight counts of vandalism, eleven counts of speaking against the Carver, and one count of j-walking. The one with which we caught him, mind you, after he tried escaping through your window."

 

A Matoran delivered him a clipboard, and he scanned over the files. Looking up, he said to the Matoran who had brought Endi in, "I see no evidence of his lying. But there are a few more questions."

 

He looked to the convict and asked, "Do you, Endi Simul hereby repent for your crimes against our Fair City?" His mask was on.

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

Edited July 1, 2013 by Toa Levacius Zehvor

[Toa of Dancing]

IC / Water Near the Well:

Water sat in the shade of a tree, unassuming and unrecognizable under a cloak. The cloak itself wasn't unusual, as many workers, beggars, enforcers, and lollygaggers were prone to wearing them when the artificial sun was high and the day abnormally hot - as it was this particular day. Thus, she was able to pass as an old cretin on the side of the road, chaff to be ignored by the wheat. That was exactly what the designer of Armageddon wanted, of course.

 

Though many failed to see her, she did not fail to see anyone. One particular being was on her mind, one by the name of Hataan. Her dealings with him before had varied in hostility; occasionally she had hired him to kill someone she especially hated at the moment, or to clear an area for work, or to even do some work himself. Today was one of those days where she had something special planned. Something very special indeed.

 

Ah, speak of the Piraka and he shall appear. There was the cheeky devil, making his way through an alley. She very carefully tapped the side of his head with two drops of water from her direction, so as to give indication of where she was. He'd most likely recognize her by that signal immediately. She hoped he wasn't bitter about their last encounter, whereupon she hastily had to smack him into a wall with a wave and run. Hopefully a few months and a job offer were good enough for him to kinda forgive and sort of forget.

[The Lorax]

IC (Dekuna): "I've called a meeting of the Disruptors, tonight at sundown in the tallest Outcast Tower. We are going to form a plan to take this city from the Worshippers. I thought you might want to be there."

 

IC (Hatann): Hatann felt a pair of small splashes against his jaw, and turned to see a toa of water disguised underneath a long, black cloak. She wasn't his favourite employer, though she definitely wasn't his worst, and she did pay well. Slowly, so as not to draw attention to the rendezvous, he moved over into a gap between buildings near to where she was. A few moments later, she followed him in.

 

"So, what is it this time?" he asked, straight to business.

[Falcon Lord]

IC (Takarik): Takarik quietly slipped through the city, sticking to the shadows, he had to get to the tallest outcast tower by sundown tonight. Takarik had to find other Disruptors and notify them of this meeting, he slipped back into the shadows.

[Toa of Dancing]

IC / Water Near the Well:

 

Water tossed her cloak onto a conveniently placed pile of rubble and turned to Hataan. "Afternoon Hat, how's hunting been going for you?" Without giving him a moment to respond, she launched forth, "So, new job for you. I need you to clear this area of filth - or at least cause a large distraction - so that I can plug the Well. Any help in getting the overall goal achieved after you've beaten the Karzahni out of the Worshipers will give you a hefty sum. Deal?"

[Falcon Lord]

IC (Takarik): Takarik stalked through the streets of the city looking for other Disruptors, "Soon I can finally escape this map and get back to the world that I left behind."OOC: Any Disruptor characters who have not been notified of the meeting may want to meet Takarik.

[Samus Aran-Bounty Hunter]

OOC: I'll take you up on that, Falcon. Lorax, my apologies, but this gets me into the game a little faster.

 

IC: Kratep (Streets)

A merchant stands at the side of a street, calling out his wares of canteens and other assorted containers. What looks to be a shadow flashes nearby, and then there's a tall, four armed figure taking a step or two up to the merchant, pulling out a hunk of raw metal. After looking it over, the sales-Matoran decides that it's a good deal and gives the figure a canteen. He takes it, smiles and nods, and is gone.

 

Next to Takarik, the shadows shift as Kratep slips out, body filling out as he escapes from the tight spaces he travels in. Taking up a pace about that of Takarik's, Kratep speaks.

"Ho there, comrade. What news do you bring?"

Zakaro

[Magnus Greel]

IC / Kaytana / The Royal Gardens:

 

By this hour of the day, cultivators were already stationing themselves in the Royal Gardens under the morning rays of sunlight. It was necessary to harvest the crops this early, so that the growing population could be fed each day, lest starvation overcome the people of the Carver.

 

The workers were, of course, weary from the constant labor at this time of day under their supervisor. One particular worker displayed his fatigue with a yawn and slow progress. While pausing for a moment in his toils, an ominous shadow loomed over him, bearing the spiked outline of a powerful form.

 

"A little tired this morning?" Kaytana asked, her eyes gleaming with dissatisfaction as the worker before her quickly whirled and straightened up out of fear. She leaned in close, her teeth bared. "No resting on the job!"

 

The Skakdi pushed him roughly to the ground with a sweep of her hand. The cultivator, having expected much worse, let out a sigh as he put himself together. However, as Kaytana walked away, she waved her crossbow-bearing hand; a bundle of vines hanging from a nearby plant lashed out toward the worker, violently whipping him, along with his surrounding peers, back into swifter action.

Edited July 1, 2013 by Magnus Greel

[Shadowhawk]

IC: [ Ferrin ] - The WellThe red-armored figure sat propped against a massive granite boulder in the full glaring heat of the sun, about ten feet off the path to the Well, whistling cheerfully. He wasn't a bad whistler, but the tune was one of those that's either really pleasant or really irritating, depending on the mood of the listener.Toa Ferrin knew it, and liked it. His restless yellow eyes glinted with humor as he watched the continual traffic of the city move past him, coming, going, coming, going... some with no water, some with, some scuffling to keep their place in line, some arguing with the handful of beings who seemed to be in charge of things. It was a blend of chaos and order, a slumbering riot, and all for water.Water.At the thought, his whistling cut off abruptly. He didn't mind water, and of course he had to drink it to stay alive... but if only it hadn't been so wet!That lead to a second, more pleasing thought: judging from what he'd seen of this new world in the three hours he'd been here, there was but a single source of the wretched fluid in the entire city.A grand place, indeed. And all those wooden houses, baking in the sun, dry as tinder, just waiting for the bite of flame...He chuckled softly, happily.The whistling started up again, a bit more ominous this time, with undercurrents of dark suspense.OOC:That'll do for an introduction, I reckon. Toa Ferrin, open for interaction.

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Zayin / City

 

"Interesting." he replied. "I may see you there."

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[Falcon Lord]

OOC: I'll take you up on that, Falcon. Lorax, my apologies, but this gets me into the game a little faster. IC: Kratep (Streets)A merchant stands at the side of a street, calling out his wares of canteens and other assorted containers. What looks to be a shadow flashes nearby, and then there's a tall, four armed figure taking a step or two up to the merchant, pulling out a hunk of raw metal. After looking it over, the sales-Matoran decides that it's a good deal and gives the figure a canteen. He takes it, smiles and nods, and is gone. Next to Takarik, the shadows shift as Kratep slips out, body filling out as he escapes from the tight spaces he travels in. Taking up a pace about that of Takarik's, Kratep speaks. "Ho there, comrade. What news do you bring?"Zakaro

IC: "Kratep, good to see you. Dekuna and I have set up a meeting of all the Disruptors in the tallest outcast tower. Be there tonight."

[Toa of Dancing]

OOC: If this is assuming too much/taking too much control of the Carver, I can definitely change it.

 

IC / Velatin the Wanderer Falling out of the Sky:

 

The Carver was at it again. Earlier in the day, a rude Vortixx had ran through him and, not even bothering to say sorry, kept running onwards. Of course he had gotten the name, and now he was in his room and able to go about business. The Carver carefully wrote the names, and soon enough got to Velatin. Why had that running guy been so rude? No matter, he was now to be trapped in the map and played with like the rest of his dolls.

 

Slowly, carefully, meticulously upon the sky of the map, the letters were carved:

 

The map was greeted by a loud scream as a brown and gray Vortixx fell and crashed on top of two very unfortunate Matoran. Very slowly Velatin rolled over, groaned, and pushed himself up with a staff. Then, popping his neck and fingers and flexing his leg muscles for a few seconds, he gathered in his surrounding. It was oddly bright for being at the bottom of a canyon, and in fact he couldn't see the cliff walls. That was odd.

 

Shrugging, he ran toward the towering walls. Maybe the angle at which he stood was just central enough to block vision of the cliffs. He didn't know. He just wanted to keep running and find it. Thus, ignoring the nearby building, he ran right through it and its occupants and kept going.

[Void Emissary]

IC: Endi -- Courtroom

 

Twenty-one centuries...poor Aro, was my first thought once the judge finished.

 

On the heels of that was, I should've done more to protect him and Merin.

 

And on the heels of that was, He never told me about the public indecency charges.

 

Gasping for breath between each clipped fragment of sentence, I answered. "I do regret...my actions that night...and the suffering they have caused...people of this city..."

 

...

 

Wanna know a secret?

 

I wasn't even lying.

 

Poor, poor Aro and Merin...what could I have done to protect you from this fate...

 

-Void

[Samus Aran-Bounty Hunter]

IC: Kratep (Streets)

"Ah, good. I'll be there. Mind if I stay with you until then?"

The being of Darkness' species gave the Toa beside him a grin. Safety in numbers, after all.

Zakaro

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Japudo

 

"And do you, Endi Simul, swear to uphold the highest of standards as a citizen, obeying the laws of our Fairy City, and speaking not against the name of the Carver, in favor of those who would work against him, or in favor of those who oppose the righteous laws of our city?"

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[Void Emissary]

IC: Endi -- Courtroom

 

"I swear to uphold...the highest standards...as a citizen, and to always...do what is right for this fair city...and her people."

 

-Void

[Falcon Lord]

IC: Kratep (Streets)"Ah, good. I'll be there. Mind if I stay with you until then?"The being of Darkness' species gave the Toa beside him a grin. Safety in numbers, after all. Zakaro

IC: "Yes, we might as well stay together. We should try and find more Disruptors and tell them of the meeting."

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Japudo / Court

 

Well, those weren't the right words. If Japudo wasn't trying to get this guy out of here, he might have made him say it over again. But as it was...

 

"Then the court has ruled to grant you parole. Your residency will be heavily supervised by Enforcers, and your possessions returned to you as you leave. You will be escorted to your home under heavy guard. If you refuse to comply with their demands or in any way violate the terms of your parole, you will be tried once more and sentenced to even further time in stasis with no parole."

 

Placing silence around his own ears, he slammed his gavel down with sonic force behind it, sending out the powerful resounding sound across the room that he was known for. "Dismissed."

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[The Lorax]

IC (Dekuna): The reply was no more than he had expected, but the flat, non-committal monotone still managed to annoy him. Zayin would turn up - he would bet on it - but he still insisted on being aloof and not actually giving a straight answer. It was no use pushing him for more (as the toa of sonics had learned on more than one occasion). He would just have to go with it.

 

"That's good to hear" he said as he turned to go. "Your skills will be most useful."

[Grantaire]

IC (Koranga):

 

A pair of weak cries reached his ears. The guards were in trouble. "Excuse me" he told Carmera. "But I think a pair of enforcers are in trouble. I'll get onto it before another riot can start."

So saying, he dropped the worm's power and vaulted off the balcony, dropping to the top of the wall below. He dashed along it, then leaped to the top of another building, filled with adrenaline and anticipation. Two more rooftops and he was on top of a building right where he had seen the enforcers disappear. It was, in fact, the very same building from which they had been ambushed. Looking down into the street below, he saw their bodies lying still, and a mottled grey-black being picking at their weapons, taking the time so see whether or not they were worth stealing. The fool. He was going to pay for this, whatever it was.

 

He crouched down on the rooftop in order to remain hidden and then peeked his mask over the edge, and activated it once again. This time he drew on the power of a rahi he had seen in Metru Nui during his short visit there: the phase dragon. He opened his mouth, sucking in air, and then released the breath as hard as he could. A withering torrent of flames sprang from his maw and shot downwards towards Dorcha. The heat didn't harm Koranga at all, though the flames did tickle his tongue a little. It was an odd sensation, though not entirely unpleasant.

 

 

IC - Dorcha - Marketplace (South Edge):

 

Dorcha's reflexes were the only thing that saved him. Even as he felt the blast of heat he whirled his shield up and into the flames. The blast stopped, flying back at the Enforcers. Not quite all of it, some was too wide for the shield and hit the ground around him, scorching the corpse mainly. He cursed himself for not muting his targets.

 

In that moment when all Koranga could see were rushing flames Dorcha took off, sprinting off down the street. At the same time his armor began to blend, enough to at least confuse anyone who looked at him. Even so his back seemed an inviting target...

 

OOC: Sorry for not replying before, was unable to get to a computer.