BZPRPG - Kentoku Archipelago

[AuRon the champion]

Ic:

 

Jiyu nodded politely, and returned to searching for more books.

[They]

IC: Daikura Koga

 

Already Koga was becoming inured to the military life.  The sweaty smell of women rushing about their jobs with rigid precision in the upper decks and the engine room.  He had done his best to not wrinkle his nose and shy away from the saihoko, a class of being he'd never seen, much less smelled during an average work morning.  He knew they were important and likely had some regimented time for bathing, but he couldn't help feel slighted by being pressed amongst them.  Daikura was a prominent minor clan and such an insult on the mainland would be met with drastic consequences.  His soulsword had nearly flare to knife several of the sailors who'd bumped into him, until the words of Commodore Ayiwah counseled him against such course: his clan rank did not matter inside the Chisai Ryuu.  

 

"I'll take this one," Koga said innocently as he approached what seemed one of the larger, albeit by a few hairs of a faction, of the berths.  "Have the 'Hokos bring my things."

 

Maybe he wasn't as ready for military life as he'd thought.

 

OOC:  Gotta' play those royals right.  WOOT WOOT

Edited July 11, 2014 by Kughii

[Constructelf]

IC Asa

Asa had arrived in the medbay only to find that the drawers and cupboards had already been stocked with all the herbs she would need. "..." She at first chided herself for her faux pas, but then remembered that her basket could be used as a travel kit; what would happen if somebody got injured inland? Dropping her basket in the corner, she retrieved a pocket herbal guide and put it into the pocket of her bodysuit. She then assessed the collection of herbs that had been prestocked. "Well..."

[GSR]

"Plangori Soraya!" she greeted the Dashi, her face a mixture of smile and bemusement. "What are you doing here? I didn't think you were going on the expedition."

 

IC: Soraya [sado, the Chiisai Ryuu]

 

Soraya's eyes flicked up to the Dasaka's headband.  It took her a second to place it, but-

 

"Neither did I, Tazera," she said with a shrug.  Technically, she didn't necessarily think so even now, but half of making a sell is committing.  "But it's strange times, after all.  I'm just on my way up to have a few words with the lady in charge, actually - we might not be at the palace anymore, but believe me, the upper crust gets into all kinds of trouble if they don't listen to their washerwoman's advice.  'Specially on a big ol' sea trip like this."  Then pride poked her and she added, "Well, washerwoman, occasional seamstress, and dye-maker-and-seller.  Don't mean to misrepresent myself."

Edited July 11, 2014 by GSR

[Snelly]

IC: Arisaka

 

Being an Umbraline she pretty much had her choice of where she'd be bunking, she naturally chose the bunk that would get her as close as possible to the more important individuals on the vessel, the closer she was to them the easier she could protect them. Hopefully that wouldn't be needed while aboard the underwater vessel. 

 

Arisaka, ever the observer, couldn't help but notice the commotion centered around a Dasaka who just so happened to be named Nihi. By listening the the majority of the conversation Arisaka learned that the Dasaka was not on the list, but had apparently been promised a spot. How curious.

 

Arisaka decided to merely observe and not take action unless it was absolutely necessary. Though if needed she could forcibly remove the Dasaka.

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"I apologize for any inconvenience." A voice chimed from behind Arisaka. Sinshi had reached much the same conclusion was the other Umbraline; though not necessarily for the same reasons. She would rather be near the exit so she could respond quickly in the event of an emergency, though regrettably, the bottom bunk had already been claimed. So she took the top one, stowing her bag in the compartment near it.

 

The space wouldn't be an issue, nor would the new dynamic; unlike some, like a certain Daikura, she was not accustomed to being waited on. 

[Vezok's Friend]

IC (Ayiwah):

 

"The captain," a stern voice behind Nihi spoke up, "is right here." 

 

The door leading to the room between berthing and engineering had been opened and standing in it was the Commodore, a drenched Saihoko sailor standing behind her. She had alerted the nearest security Menti to the fact that an unauthorized Dasaka had forced her way aboard. Not to mention that the closed main hatch had puzzled the other sailors still bringing in supplies for the mission from the dock.

 

Immediately, the Commodore had sought out the Saihoko who had been standing watch outside and then made her way with her down to the lower deck. They had not even cast off the support struts the Ryuu rested on and already trouble was brewing. She wouldn't have any of that. The Saihoko's description had sounded familiar and as soon as she laid her eyes on her, she recognized the Menti.

 

Calling the look on Ayiwah's face icy was putting it mildly. Absolute zero seemed a more appropriate term. And it was even more scary how easy it came to her.

 

"Do you mind explaining why you boarded this ship without permission and attacked members of my crew?" 

 

A second of silence passed. Ayiwah broke it first. She wanted an answer and she was not about to allow to take her time coming up with excuses. 

 

"Eiyu Nihi, I asked you a question." she snapped. 

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"All due respect First Son Daikura, but the Saihoko around here have more important things to do than haul your stuff around."

 

Without waiting for a reprimand, I chucked the duffel bag into the corner of my new berth, flopping onto the mattress right after. The bed was hard, stiff, and already humid from the perspiration of sailors, but it was concrete proof of my presence on this expedition. As if the invoices I've racked up getting all these supplies weren't proof enough already. Idly, I imagined Zyla, my girl friday, here with me to enjoy it; she would've quietly and conscientiously chosen a berth over in the corner, so as not to offend anyone, whereas I immediately nabbed a spot by the exit. Here, I was smack dab in the middle of the royals, my presence a middle finger to their condescending empirical pretensions.

 

Plus, I was nearby to the only Dasaka I knew on this trip.

 

"So, Ms. Umbraline Arisaka," I said, pushing myself into a sitting position, "guess we're gonna be neighbours for this trip, aren't we?"

 

-Void

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"..."

 

Slurp.

 

"Okeeey."

[Observedhalo]

IC: Ahrusa

 

Ahrusa had been patrolling the submarine with the Comadore when they found a stowaway. Odviously a Menti, female in build. She recognized her instantly as the one who I stagnated the Markelace Debate, but never learned her name. As a member of the security forces, Ahrusa had known every name on the list, a list Nihi was not on. A breach of security is even more unacceptable after the assassination of the Rora, let alone an event of the magnitude.

 

"Ma'am, would you like me to escort this stowaway from the premises? We can't afford a breach in security, especially now of all times."

[25K Now!]

IC: Noshima

 

Moving the topic of mythology out of her mind, the Hogo Toroshu returned to what she had originally come to the library to do - search through the public records. While some would consider her actions strange in such a regard, Noshima cared not for their opinions. Her clan's own archives had been sorely lacking in any information, and as such she had to rely on alternate sources, starting with the library's own records.

 

She would find her someday.

 

And this was just a step in the right direction.

[Nuju Metru]

IC:

Confronted with Ayiwah's frigidity, and a crew member offering to escort her from the submarine, Nihi was very much aware of the dire turn her situation had taken. She'd run headfirst into the wall that was, she knew, composed of the consequences of her rashness. Pushing the Saihoko off the gangplank had been impulsive and thoughtless; Nihi was beginning to realize that no matter how often she told herself - when she was levelheaded, remembering her mistakes - that she'd never do anything so stupid again, she'd end up doing the wrong thing anyway the next time she was riled.

 

But she'd been justifiably riled; a Saihoko had told Nihi she had no business on the submarine. But she'd put up with the Chojo's party, she'd gone and stood around stupidly long enough to see her Empress die, hadn't she? It was her fair recompense - her right - to go on this voyage, like Yumiwa had said she would. That was the deal she'd made, and even if Rora Yumiwa was too important to remember to put her on a stupid list, Nihi meant to extract her payment. She, of all people, deserved to be on this voyage. She had scores to settle for her sister.

 

"I'm supposed to be on this vessel, ma'am," Nihi replied, avoiding Ayiwah's piercing eyes even though she was telling the truth. "I arrived late, and that was my fault; but when I got up the gangplank, she--" here Nihi directed a pointed glance at the glaring Saihoko "--stopped me, telling me I wasn't on the list. I informed her that Rora Yumiwa herself told me I would go on this journey, but she didn't believe me, and she tried to force me back down the gangplank. I lost my temper, and then I boarded the ship to find someone else - like you, ma'am - to present myself to."

[Franco]

IC: Kenchi liked today. There were no clouds in the sky, the streets were clean, and the sun's rays glittered off the towers of Sado. All as she intended.

 

The Rora's death wasn't her intention. It was far from the symmetry she liked; there were too many differing emotions in the wake of the killing and too many differences on either side of the divide between the dead empress and the new. As long as overall beauty was propagated, though, she'd be fine.

 

Of course, all the more reason to take fourteen bodyguards with one on a walk down the street. How could one construct pulchritude if one was dead? To prevent an untimely death, she'd enfolded herself in a circle of her most appealing soldiers. She did enjoy that aesthetic--simple, strong, and unending.

 

So thought the Roku Toroshu as she strode past the Towers of Knowledge.

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

*chewchewswallow*

"It's pretty good."

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

Higashi finished her bowl.

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

"Want dessert?"

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Nah, I'm fine."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

The other Hogo Menti chomped down on some ice-cream.

 

OOC: I sincerely hope Ice-cream exists here or I will cry

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Where in the name of Zut didya get that?"

[Geardirector]

IC: Vilda Mako (Chisai Ryuu)

 

As I busied myself with grabbing a bunk and stowing away the few belongings I had, I steeled myself for the inevitable reaction the avian on my shoulder would get to a particular article in my luggage.

 

"'Fraid it's gonna have to be that way, sweetie" I muttered, more to myself, as I put the bird cage on the only table in the vicinity, there wasn't anywhere to hang it from.

 

"This'll be your spot for the near future."

 

Kama chittered in protest, and jerked around when my hand got too close.

 

"I know, I know, I don't like it either" I admitted. Having to close my familiar in a cage was a daunting notion on every level, but rules were still rules, and Kama had a stronger spine than she'd strictly need for it.

 

"Just remember, soon, you'll be soaring through the skies of a completely new land, you'll be the first of your kind to ever go to Mata Nui, that's gotta be something, right?" I reassured Kama as I stroked her neck. Outwardly she remained flustered, but I could feel her spirits lift all the same.

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akonele

"Dunno."

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"I'm full already, so."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

"Okay."

*slurp*

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Howdya slurp an ice cream."

[Relapse]

IC: (Eiyu Rano)

 

Arriving late, the Chisai Ryuu's second Eiyu member stepped boldly to the docks, walking with a pride that overshadowed her shame. Carrying a simple travel pack, she moved in long strides, ignoring the cold stares and judgmental mutterings of the others. Rather, she walked into the ship with the rest of the crew, an apology prepared should she see the captain.

 

Settling on a bunk, she dropped her pack on the ground and sat down, keeping much to herself as a tinge of self-consciousness hurt her former confidence. Luckily, it seemed as though another matter had taken the attention of the captain. She elected to stay put and remain unnoticed.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Al the Chicken Man

[Snelly]

IC: Arisaka

 

"It is fine." Arisaka told Sinshi, well aware of who she was. Arisaka couldn't say she knew her personality, but she knew the faces of many of her fellow Umbralines. 

 

 

"So, Ms. Umbraline Arisaka," I said, pushing myself into a sitting position, "guess we're gonna be neighbours for this trip, aren't we?"

 

Then she showed up, her drinking buddy from the rather unfortunate party she'd been forced to attend, and witness the death of her Rora. Arisaka could endure many things, such as being stuck on a submarine crowded with people, but this was starting to become an actual challenge. 

 

Arisaka turned to look at Daijuno, forcing herself to give a small, but brief, smile. Probably the first smile she'd been forced to use that day, they didn't come easy for her, she saved them for when she wanted to at the very least not appear totally hostile. 

 

"Ah...Miss Dastana Daijuno, I didn't know you'd be on this voyage." It had admittedly surprised her. 

Edited July 12, 2014 by Princess Anna of Arendelle

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"Well, you know how it is. The commodore needed a quartermaster, I needed a vacation; it was a match made in heaven, really." I said, waving a hand airily as if to dismiss the thought. "Though I'm definitely glad to see you here; nice to have some Menti watching my back out there, in the wilderness."

 

-Void

[Snelly]

IC: Arisaka

 

"It is my job to keep everyone safe yes." Arisaka replied, trying not to look uncomfortable, the whole conversation thing was difficult when she wasn't drunk. 

[Ghosthands]

IC (Dakte)

 

Another male might have been affronted. Dakte quite obviously had apprehended the stowaway, and yet Ahrusa felt it necessary (the moment the Commodore appeared, no less) to effectively offer to 'take it from here'. It was as though he wasn't there.

 

But the Ageru man was well-used to such treatment. The Kentoku Archipelago was full of attention-seekers and opportunists who would leap on any opportunity to impose themselves over others and butter up superiors. He had stopped caring long ago.

 

"Commodore, ma'am," he said, in a tone that was level and reasonable (and an octave lower than anyone else in the corridor), "if you'll excuse the presumption, I would ask that you not dismiss this Menti's story out of hand. I believe there is a ring of truth to it."

 

 

"Plangori Soraya!" she greeted the Dashi, her face a mixture of smile and bemusement. "What are you doing here? I didn't think you were going on the expedition."

 

IC: Soraya [sado, the Chiisai Ryuu]

 

Soraya's eyes flicked up to the Dasaka's headband.  It took her a second to place it, but-

 

"Neither did I, Tazera," she said with a shrug.  Technically, she didn't necessarily think so even now, but half of making a sell is committing.  "But it's strange times, after all.  I'm just on my way up to have a few words with the lady in charge, actually - we might not be at the palace anymore, but believe me, the upper crust gets into all kinds of trouble if they don't listen to their washerwoman's advice.  'Specially on a big ol' sea trip like this."  Then pride poked her and she added, "Well, washerwoman, occasional seamstress, and dye-maker-and-seller.  Don't mean to misrepresent myself."

 

 

IC (Tazera)

 

"Of course," the Lieutenant replied. "I'll escort you to the Commodore right away."

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"And thank the Goddess for that," I said, grinning. "Not sure if you've ever seen my work with a dagger; I can barely cut a loaf of bread, let alone a living opponent."

 

-Void

[Snelly]

IC: Arisaka

 

"It takes the proper thrust." Arisaka showed the proper technique for cutting bread with her hands as she went into teacher mode.

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"Knives are inefficient." A second Umbraline voice chimed in, slipping out despite its owner's best efforts to keep it locked down. Mentally, she groaned; she'd been trying to be largely unnoticed, but when it came to weapons training... Completely impossible for her to avoid. "Small blade, limited reach. Hard to throw properly. Good for concealed weaponry, bad for open combat."

 

"Swords are nicer. Axes are okay, but they only have the one method of attack. Tend to require significant strength for proper use. Cutlasses are nice for naval use."

 

IC:

 

"I've been out here before." The Eiyu Menti said, joining the conversation with a much quieter voice. Kagesu wasn't usually one to take part in socialization anyway, and traveling without her other half just felt wrong. Combat disadvantage, too. Without her partner she had to either work with one of her compatriots, or handle both the support and offense roles by herself.

 

Not an enviable proposition.

 

"It's been a while, but the terrain was nice for training. Good cover, varied environmental factors."

Edited July 12, 2014 by Simon the Digger

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

I drew a dagger from my belt and mimicked Arisaka's motions, chuckling goodheartedly under my breath as I listened to another voice chime in about proper weaponry.

 

"Well, I'm very much a fan of concealed weaponry, Ms. Umbraline Sinshi; you don't find many clients by carrying around a claymore with you to business meetings. Or at least that's what I've been told."

 

-Void

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

The Menti shrugged. "Understandable. but I wouldn't go anywhere without my rapier. Different needs require different weapons, but even then, I'd rather invest in a sword cane."

[GSR]

IC (Tazera)

 

"Of course," the Lieutenant replied. "I'll escort you to the Commodore right away."

 

IC: Soraya [sado, the Chiisai Ryuu]

 

The Plangori shook her head.  "Not who I meant, actually.  Don't suppose you've seen Yu- the Rora around?"

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"Sword cane, eh?" I mumbled, setting my blade down on the mattress as I rubbed my chin pensively. "Now, why didn't I ever think of that?"

 

I smiled over at the Dasaka. "Why, thank you Sinshi. I'll be certain to invest in one once we reach land. Assuming, of course, that they have them over on the mysterious isle of Mata Nui."

 

-Void

[Krayzikk]

IC:

 

"You're welcome. As to whether they have them..." The Soulsword shrugged again. She seemed to be doing a lot of that lately, but given the subject matter, it wasn't very surprising. "Zuto Nui knows. I've heard differing rumors about the island, and frankly, I don't put much stock in the speculation. A real exploration has yet to happen."

"Which is, of course, why this expedition is setting out. And why I, and others, are here, in case the less savory rumors turn out to be true."

[Snelly]

IC: Arisaka

 

"The greatest weapon you can possess is yourself, when properly sharpened."

[The Mugbearer]

IC: Gaia [Chiisai Ryuu, infirmary]

 

She's been brought to the infirmary where she supposed to work now. Oh, being one of the few healers on the ship that goes to Mata Nui - a great responsibility! Gaia was glad that there was enough herbs to satisfy any of her desires, and she simply thought of her personal stock of healing items, including potions, ointments and even a small bottle of home-brewed balsam, as an addition to what was available. The balsam was very special: one of the strongest known to Dashi of Eiyu, and with a sweetest taste on the whole Kentoku. One sip is enough for a Dasaka to feel refreshed even after the most exhausting activities. The most precious possession in the whole Gaia's collection. She decided to keep her stock in her bag since they needed no special containment conditions. Now she just sat at one of the stools in the infirmary and followed Asa with her eyes, curious but a bit shy to talk.

Edited July 13, 2014 by The Mugbearer

[NorikSigma]

IC: Higashi

 

"Howdya slurp an ice cream."

IC: Akone

"Melted."

*chomp*