BZPRPG - Ko-Wahi

[25K Now!]

IC: Iniega

 

"I'll do that," agreed the Toa of Water, before redirecting her attentions to Arankhe. "Um, what are the things you're really good at?"

[SnowyAegis]

IC:Arankhe

She looked down for a moment, before looking at Four.

"Using my size to be intimidating, breaking things; usually some form of criminal, and using maps."

[Snelly]

IC:

 

"I'll come with you Krayn, I might be able to notice something with my element." I said, before looking at Arankhe.

 

"You could come with us, or look around for 'work' and see if you can find out anything of interest, your choice really."

Edited August 28, 2015 by Leonard Bones McCoy

[Silvan Haven]

Kale Ironshaper "Sen"- Ko-koro- Aggressors Base

 

IC: "I would suggest that you and Rynekk go and update our maps  while we check out the Sanctum."

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

The Su-Skakdi turned her head in response to Veteran's call. She was currently slapping Detrix in the face repeatedly in hopes to revive him from his drunken stupor. She gave up and dropped his limp form to the floor, beginning to walk away. He muttered something indecipherable as she did so.

 

The sun was blinding as she stepped outside once again. Veteran was standing a ways away with a pair of visitors. The first was a vortixx with varying armor colors, and the other a female Toa who wore red and black armor. Her icy blue eyes gleamed challengingly, with an air of dominance that Zero immediately disliked.

 

Despite this negative first impression, Zero approached them with her head held high.

 

"How may I be of service?" she inquired.

IC:

 

Initial impression: surprisingly attractive for a Skakdi.

 

But that is an observation for another time.

 

Svelt frame but obvious musculature indicates an emphasis on speed and agility rather than brute strength, and I note that as a possible advantage for myself in combat. Eyes are red, slightly glazed; possibly myopic or another possible eye defect, but I doubt that anyone so high in command of this place ... however sorry it may be. Her weaponry is of the standard fare, and I see no reason to fear a combative end to our discourse.

 

I will, however, see what information I can muster diplomatically.

 

"I am curious as to the nature of this locale's administration," I say, keeping my voice flat and dispassionate. "The cable cars have not been known to be staffed in quite a long time, nor by such a large number of workers ... or ones armed as yourself."

 

Kale Ironshaper "Sen"- Ko-koro- Aggressors Base

 

IC: "I would suggest that you and Rynekk go and update our maps  while we check out the Sanctum."

 

IC:

 

"Sounds good to me," the aforementioned Toa said, his hood still up, even though among friends and allies. "Just so long as Arankhe can keep up."

 

His hood was still up, but the hint of a smile might have been seen underneath it.

 

-Void

[SnowyAegis]

IC:Arankhe

Being a Cry-Lesterin, she could see well in the dark. She totally saw it.

"I can certainly try. Sounds good to me."

[soularin]

IC:

 

A pause. Zero gave the woman a once over, studying every detail. She was quite menacing, standing almost a whole head taller than the Su-Skakdi. Due to her complexion, Zero assumed she was a Toa of Fire. Her body was sinewy and powerful, clearly honed to its highest degree of performance. Her cold eyes were dangerously malicious, and her lips slightly upturned, as if she were recalling a cruel joke. She was beautiful in a raw, matured sort of way. Her expression was fixed and judgmental, seemingly scrutinizing Zero's every move. 

 

The female Skakdi's voice was smooth and unwavering. She told the truth, in hopes that it would appease the Toa's doubts.

 

"We are here on the account of Ihu-Koro. Due to the fact that Ko-Koro is now under the control of Makuta-worshippers, we have been placed here to defend the border and provide safe passage for those traveling between Ta and Ihu-Koro. For security purposes, there is a small toll fee now. I apologize for any inconvenience, but these are the new regulations."

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"Well, that settles that," Rynekk glanced over at Arankhe once more while lightly rubbing the jawline of his Mask of Speed -- you can sure as frick try, kid -- before settling his gaze back on Kale. "I'll take the sketchbook and we can head out."

 

IC:

 

"How would a toll keep this place secure?" I ask. "If the Necromancer's forces hold Ko-Koro, they will undoubtedly hold Ko-Koro's coffers as well."

 

-Void

[soularin]

IC:

 

"Because the forces of darkness tend to hold onto their riches tighter than a mother holds a child, especially when faced with paying the opposing side."

 

Zero raised an eyebrow. The woman's stature didn't seem to intimidate her in the slightest. 

 

"Listen, we need to make a profit somehow. I'm sure you are well aware that mercenaries don't take on jobs from the kindness of their hearts. Those are the rules, so either abide by them, or take a longer route around to reach your destination."

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"And what is this toll?" I query.

 

-Void

[soularin]

IC:

 

"Just a few widgets, ma'am." Zero replied, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "That little fellow over there can help you out."

 

She motioned to Kain, who was sitting a ways off in his place at the toll booth, staring blankly off into space. The poor Matoran was still seemingly a bit traumatized from the Patero attack.

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

I regard the mentioned man for a moment, then return my gaze back to the leader.

 

"This little fellow appears as capable of helping me in a transaction as a pile of small stones would be in quenching my thirst," I say. "But you seem more ... able, if I may say. Perhaps you would be so kind as give me a tour of this facility here? I admit that it has been long since I've visited the cable cars."

 

-Void

[soularin]

IC:

 

Zero was slightly surprised by this request. Most people didn't take much interest in the actual building. Just a few weeks ago they had used the extra rooms to house the refugees from Ko-Koro, but other than that most people didn't stay the night, or even ask for a tour of the outpost. 

 

"Why yes, I'd be happy to." she responded, after a lengthy pause. "Right this way."

 

She led the Ta-Toa across the courtyard, and towards the side door that led to the left wing of the outpost. The sentry tower loomed above, the highest vantage point of the building. It was octagonal in shape, and equipped with eight arched window openings near its domed roof to provide 360 degree sight.  

 

"That up there is the sentry tower." She pointed briefly at it before opening the door and leading the woman inside to the mess hall, bar, and kitchen area. 

Edited August 29, 2015 by Requiem

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost Bar.

 

He glanced up briefly as the door opened, but seeing that it was Zero, he resumed haggling with Yeri for another drink. 

[Timageness]

IC: Xhalia - Obsidian Outpost (Tour)

Staying rather silent as she did so, the Vortixx proceeded to follow the pair, partially in order to obtain a better sense of the outpost's layout for herself and mostly just to get away from the nasty weather outside.

Edited August 31, 2015 by Timageness

[25K Now!]

IC: Iniega

 

"So everybody knows what we need to do then?" said the Toa of Water, shifting slightly closer to the fire. "Anything else we might need to know?"

[Krayzikk]

IC:

"Yeah." Krayn stated, pulling the cloak back around his shoulders and adjusting the patch covering his eye. "If everyone's not back here in two hours, I assume the worst. And then Echelon has a bad day."

[Silvan Haven]

Kale Ironshaper "Sen"- Ko-koro- Aggressors Base

 

IC:"I would suggest adding another hour onto that time limit." Kale said as he handed Rynekk one of the maps and a charcoal stick. "The Sanctum is a large place and it is going to take a while to check it out."

[Snelly]

IC:

 

"Three hours sounds fine." I said with a nod. "It doesn't hurt if we end up with more time than we need." 

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

Zero was slightly surprised by this request. Most people didn't take much interest in the actual building. Just a few weeks ago they had used the extra rooms to house the refugees from Ko-Koro, but other than that most people didn't stay the night, or even ask for a tour of the outpost. 

 

"Why yes, I'd be happy to." she responded, after a lengthy pause. "Right this way."

 

She led the Ta-Toa across the courtyard, and towards the side door that led to the left wing of the outpost. The sentry tower loomed above, the highest vantage point of the building. It was octagonal in shape, and equipped with eight arched window openings near its domed roof to provide 360 degree sight.  

 

"That up there is the sentry tower." She pointed briefly at it before opening the door and leading the woman inside to the mess hall, bar, and kitchen area. 

 

IC:

 

​"Remarkable architecture," I say, taking in these surroundings with a Guardswoman's eye. "Surprising that you managed to erect such a structure so quickly after Ko-Koro's conquering."

 

IC:

 

"And if anyone gets captured," Rynekk said, slipping the book and the stick in an inside pocket of his cloak, "keep up your facade for as long as possible. We'll need all the time we can get if that happens."

 

-Void

[Krayzikk]

IC:

"Adding an hour is fine by me."

[SnowyAegis]

IC:Arankhe

She thought for just a moment. "Very well."

[Silvan Haven]

Kale Ironshaper "Sen"- Ko-koro- Aggressors Base

 

IC: "Well then. Everybody knows their jobs and the time limit. let's try to make it through the first day at least without being discovered, I could never show my face in Po-koro again"

 

One last buckle fastened and he was out the door.

[soularin]

IC:

 

 

Sensing a hint of suspicion in her words, Zero proceeded to clarify. 

 

"That would be quite a feat indeed," she said, chuckling, "But alas, that is not the case. The outpost has been here under the control of Ihu-Koro for some time now. My coworkers and I moved in here only recently to boost up security."

 

She continued with the tour, noticing that the silver-eyed Vortixx had tagged along for ride as well, although still remained a safe distance behind them. 

 

"So this is the main dining area." She motioned to the three long banquet tables that occupied the room. "Unfortunately, our cook had to take leave for a while, so we are not on a fixed meal schedule at the moment."

 

Zero moved on to the next section of the room, her gait steady and professional as usual.

 

"This here is the bar. That handsome fellow over there is Draygon, whom I believe you met earlier." she motioned to him. She then motioned to the Lesterin. "And that there is our beloved bartender and drink specialist, Yeri." 

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost Bar.

 

"Handsome?" he scoffed, squinting at Zero with his one good eye, "I karzin' wish." 

[soularin]

IC:

 

 

"What I mean to say is that you've aged well, ya old fussbudget."

 

She gave him a pat on the head as she lead the group onward towards the staircase, and up into the watchtower.

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost Bar.

 

"She's gettin' crazier every day," he said to Yeri. 

[Eyru]

IC (Oreius Maru, Inu)

 

The Toa of Fire sank down, back against the icy wall, and closed his eyes.

 

The chill of the ice at his back cleared his thoughts, like a breath of wind through smoke. He allowed himself to relax for just a moment, to savour the clarity. He had been too long in Ko-Koro; this village was hardly his favourite in the best of times, and this was not one of those times. He had spent the last days wandering, speaking as little as possible, tracing the village's strengths and weaknesses with razor eyes. Though he had done his best to blend in with the crowd, to walk with the gait of a mercenary and speak with the guttural growl of a smuggler, he knew he was being watched.

 

They all were. The men and women of this new-found city of thieves were all under the gaze of a single Toa and his circle of accomplices; like ants under a glass, they lived and breathed and ate and drank only as he allowed. It took Oreius less than a day to realize this. The name of Echelon was on every tongue; it lingered in the air like the faint scent of some hidden rot. Even these beings who lived by no rules and under no rule were content to allow this. If the city was to be taken back, they could not count on turning these mercenaries with money or promises: the Necromancer had already bought them.

 

He hoped Korero would return soon. The two Maru had taken on the task of reconnaissance together, and this hut was their meeting place. It had been abandoned at some point during the siege of the Koro, and thoroughly looted after. No windows. One door. Clustered with several other similar huts, there was less danger of being discovered here than anywhere else in the forsaken city.

 

Still, it was not entirely safe. Oreius pulled his hood back on, obscuring everything but his gleaming eyes.

[Nato G]

IC: Ryza - Ko-Wahi Coastline.

 

"This place is a dump!" she called out to her brother as she approached where the Wayward Wind was moored. "Let's get out of this frozen wasteland and head somewhere else."

[Snelly]

IC:

 

I tightened my coat a bit as I reluctantly stood up and walked away from the fire. My body would have prefered to have stayed by the fire all day, but we had work to do. I glanced at Four and Krayn.

 

"Ready to go?"

[Void Emissary]

Kale Ironshaper "Sen"- Ko-koro- Aggressors Base

 

IC: "Well then. Everybody knows their jobs and the time limit. let's try to make it through the first day at least without being discovered, I could never show my face in Po-koro again"

 

One last buckle fastened and he was out the door.

 

IC:

 

"He doesn't waste time, does he?"

 

The smile was apparent in Rynekk's voice, even as he adjusted the hood of his cloak until the shadows hid his face even further. One hand reached for his belt, checking for the axe and the hatchet, and he glanced over to his massive, armoured companions.

 

"Well, can't let him beat us," the Toa said. "I'd never be able to show my face in Po-Koro."

 

IC:

 

 

"What I mean to say is that you've aged well, ya old fussbudget."

 

She gave him a pat on the head as she lead the group onward towards the staircase, and up into the watchtower.

 

IC:

 

I follow her, hands clasped behind my back.

 

"Draygon, Yeri ... like all beings, you're underlings are in possession of names," I say. "Can we say the same of you?"

 

-Void

[soularin]

OOC: sorry, no formatting. mobile post

 

IC:

 

"Oh! My apologies for not introducing myself sooner." She stopped on the staircase and turned to look down upon her two guests.

 

"I am Zero." she said with a pleasant smile. "And you are?"

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

"Derison," I say.

 

-Void

[Timageness]

IC: Xhalia - Obsidian Outpost (Tour)

"Xhalia," she said politely. "I was actually up here just a little while ago, back when I was still making my way towards Ihu, that is, and ended up having a rather pleasant conversation with one of your other employees during my stay as well."

She paused for a moment, trying to recall the other Vortixx's name.

"I believe he introduced himself as Minnorak."

 

IC: Celphrithia, Dravennica, and Shredder - Ko-Koro (Sanctum Steps)

Obtaining a fairly large bag of widgets, the Ko-Toa tucked them away inside of her armor, resolving to count out the exact numbe later.

This will definitely go a long way in seeing my plans come to fruition. I still require a sample of Antidermis, of course, and I'll obviously need to convince others to join my cause, but all in due time...

[soularin]

IC:

 

She regarded them each in turn as they introduced themselves. Zero wasn't one to pry, and understood that keeping things brief when it came to unfamiliar situations and introductions was the norm for most islanders these days. 

 

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." she said, continuing on her way up the stairs. 

 

"And Xhalia, I'm afraid that Minnorak is out at the moment. I'm not sure how long you were planning to stay, but he should be back within a few days time if you were hoping to see him again."

 

She smiled. Enforcer usually wasn't the best when it came to making friends. It took a special kind of warmth and kindness to crack through his cold exterior.

 

Finally, they reached the top of the staircase. The stone floor was cool underfoot as she crossed the room and threw open the shutters on one of the windows. Beautiful, pale light flooded the space with brilliance. 

 

"This is the watchtower, also referred to as the sentry tower." She began throwing the other shutters open, one at a time, until light shone through all eight. "You can see a lot from up here." 

 

She leaned against a sill and crossed her arms, her head turning to look out into the snow-covered world beyond. 

Edited September 5, 2015 by Requiem

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

I lean against the sills of one of these windows, peering out into the distance of the Tren-Krom Break.

 

"Impressive," I tell her, glancing back to Zero. "I pity those worshippers of Makuta who attempt to take this place."

 

-Void

[Krayzikk]

IC:

"I am." Krayn answered, taking a moment to draw his cloak tighter around him and put his eyepatch back on. "Four?"

[25K Now!]

IC: Iniega

 

"I am," she replied, pulling away from the fire.

[Snelly]

IC:

 

I looked back at the fire one last time, feeling reluctant to be leaving it's warmth. Then I turned back towards the exit, it was time to get this mission started. Without another word we left our new hideout, heading out into the twisted version of Ko-koro that was under Echelon's rule. It had become as cold and uninviting as the region the city dwelt in, but I acted indifferent towards it. As far as everyone around us was concerned, we were mercenaries, rogues, or outlaws, just like them. It was in our best interest to keep up appearances, even when it sickened us to do so. There was still a sense of order in the city, the new guards, most likely hand picked by the Nightfall, made sure of that. But of course they turned a blind eye to most crime, as long as it wasn't too disruptive or interfering with the majority's activities. I hadn't seen anyone get murdered just yet, but I was almost expecting it to happen. 

 

Regardless, it was best to be on your guard. "Reminds me of Xa-koro, don't ya think?" 

[Vezok's Friend]

OOC: Finally getting on with this. Had to split it into two parts though, it's a bit too much to finish in one go.

 

IC (Kohra/ Traveler):

 

Her eyes narrowed in the silence of the sanctum, staring down the architect in front of her. Her slitted, purple pupils sharpened to scalpel-points, as if to vivisect him by those means alone. She kept envisioning that mental image a little longer. Ambages, for his part, took the wordless examination in stride, outwardly as stoic and cold as the room he was in. Inwardly, he knew the situation he was in was dire. Despite what records might say, in practice he owned nothing in Ko-Koro anymore. Neither house nor title.

 

"Coming here was a mistake you should not have made." the Vortixx said. "I had expected someone of your reputation to be a little...wiser. But that will make humbling you all the more enjoyable."

 

The little figure was really quite unimpressive in appearance, but those looks were deceiving. Behind the exterior was a mind that aspired to more than just riches, from what rumours she had heard. Just the type of Matoran that she despised. Was he a threat? Perhaps not at this moment, but unless they did something about it, he could become one. Even if his means had been severely curtailed by the occupation of the village, he still had connections that might come into play. Not mercenaries, though: Those whose loyalty he had simply bought would know by now that no more money would be flowing in their direction. That left those who allied with him for ideological reasons. And from personal experience, Kohra knew they were by far more devoted to their ideals than any sellsword. That left only one task. One she would take great pleasure in. Kohra reclined in her seat, smiling smugly.

 

"You are neither an ally to our cause, nor do you have anything to bargain with. You may not oppose us openly, but just you trying to make an arrangement with us shows how desperate you are to strengthen your position and play nice with whoever you need to, to achieve your goals. Unfortunately for you it is obvious that they differ significantly from ours. And one so used to being in power such as yourself will inevitably become a nuisance. And that is simply something to be avoided. Any secrets you may have hidden will either be found out in time, or not. It doesn't matter. If it is any consolation to you, perhaps you have managed one final deception and the former inhabitants will mourn the loss of their absentee leader, rather than seeing the real you. Once you were a spider in a web with its centre in this very room, yet you chose to leave it and in doing so you left your village wide open. And now, your lair has become ours. And as the saying goes: This town isn't big enough for the both of us."

 

Somewhere in the chill air, the sound of a crimson droplet falling from one of the defaced walls, cut through the near-perfect silence. It might as well have been the sound of guillotine slicing down. There was no way out. Ambages twitched, trying to lift his hands and point at her, but before he could execute the movement, he found himself several inches off the floor, in the grip of a telekinetic hold. The Vortixx slowly got up, savouring the architect's facial expression as she approached him. The fingers of her clawed left slowly moving in rhythmic patterns. He knew what was going to happen next.

 

"Wait."

 

The dark figure had seemingly come out of nowhere. Of course, that was not the truth, she realized, as she saw what must have been a Kanohi Volitak on the intruder's face, poking out from underneath the hood obscuring his face, and felt a gust of air blowing over her. An infiltrator, Toa of air most likely, and one with an obvious agenda. Her clawed arm tingled and twitched. Around the two of them, other Legacy members moved closer, ready to attack.

 

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." he said. His voice had an undertone to it, like the rustling of dead leaves.

 

"And I should listen to you because...? I hope your theatrics were not meant to impress." Kohra replied.

 

The dark Toa did not react to the mocking words. He was keeping his eyes trained on the Vortixx, while also watching and using his element to monitor the other beings forming up around him.

 

"If you want Ambages, you will have to go through me first."

 

Kohra scoffed, someone else chuckled. "You're his bodyguard?"

 

"Hardly. But my masters have an arrangement with the architect which requires him being...alive. If you spare him now, they will reward you with the means to raise an army that will gain you more than just one village."

 

Kohra's eyes stayed trained on the two figures in front of her. If their new arrival was just trying to save Ambages and his own skin, they were hopelessly outnumbered. If he was speaking the truth...well, it might at least be worth hearing them out before flaying them alive. She looked to the others, trying to gauge whether they approved or not.

Edited September 8, 2015 by Vezok's Friend