BZP'S GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 2

[Voltex]

If your assumption is correct, he probably doesn't want us using them, which poses the question of what they're going to do if I and Nato (and anyone else able to do so) make more masks. They've already caused island-wide tremors... 

 

Aside from being guarded by Skull Warriors, I think it's safe to assume there were other magics helping to keep the vaults secure. So the tremors were most likely a result of overpowering those protections to break through.

 

This is all hypothetical, of course.

[Onaku]

Hypothetical coming from you?

[Voltex]

You can't be claiming that I would know for certain, would you?

 

Who do you think I am, the host or something? Good gravy, the nerve of you people.

[Trijhak]

I assume, being someone able to make masks, I had someone seal them with a Mask of Sealing, which was then destroyed so nobody would be able to unseal them. 

[Voxumo]

A mask of sealing? Really?

 

God I'm glad I didn't just make up masks for convenience.

"Ah yes, my newest creation, the Mask of Insta-death."

Edited February 8, 2017 by Vox

[Ta-metru_defender]

I have the Mask of Mask Making. Makes mask making much more mask-y. 

[Kaleidoscope Tekulo]

I have the Mask of dorks. All it seems to be able to do so far is summon Josh for some reason.

[Trijhak]

A mask of sealing? Really?

 

God I'm glad I didn't just make up masks for convenience.

"Ah yes, my newest creation, the Mask of Insta-death."

 

Well, it wasn't for convenience though, was it? A mask that has been known to literally kill quite a number of people isn't really something you seal away for 'convenience', and a Mask of Sealing has very limited uses compared to, say, a Mask of Strength. Honestly, what would you even use a Mask of Sealing for besides sealing important things away? Am I severely underestimating the use of being able to seal doors shut tight or something?

 

A Mask of Insta-death on the other hand probably instantly kills the user for being stupid enough to think it affects other people.

 

...maybe I should make a Mask of Insta-death and 'carelessly' hand it to people I dislike.

 

...and maybe I should also create a Mask of Not Stubbing Your Toe. 

[Onaku]

Don't forget a Mask of Not-Dying-Horribly-This-Season

[Trijhak]

Even better for you, how about a 'Mask of Onaku-Becomes-Immortal-Seven-Feet-Tall-And-Everyone-Loves-Onaku'?

[Burnmad]

Implying everyone doesn't already love Onaku?

 

-

[Ta-metru_defender]

I have the Mask of dorks. All it seems to be able to do so far is summon Josh for some reason.

Well that explains a lot.

[Dane-gerous]

Implying everyone doesn't already love Onaku?

 

-

I'm here.

[Nato G]

...the question of what they're going to do if I and Nato (and anyone else able to do so) make more masks. 

 

You mean when we make more masks. I already forged something Episode 1, and I've got more projects in mind.

[jed1ndy]

I was wondering if anyone was interested in me making house banners. These would be banners individualized for every house, with each house in a region being tied to a specific color set. If you do want me to make them, I want to make sure that everyone is happy with their house colors, especially those who are the only ones in their region.

 

Here's the colors as I've planned them out so far:

 

Aodh - Red & Gold

Ember - Red & Scarlet

Ash - Red & Silver

Coal - Red & Black

Kindle - Red & Azure

 

Boscage - Green & Yellow-Orange

Hinterland - Green & Pine Green

Briar - Green & Lime Green

Saryian - Green & Yellow

 

Rayne - Blue & Dark Blue

Vatten - Blue & Gold

Corruich - Blue & Sea Green

Conlectus - Blue & Yellow

Lurrun - Blue & Orange

Amphibionus - Blue & Silver

 

Greavesy - White & Light Blue

Rime - White & Gold

Nivis - White & Lime Green

Glacies - White & Navy Blue

Crustallus - White & Silver

Crustallum - White & Morning Blue

 

Raqmu - Brown & Chartreuse

Petros - Brown & Gold

Archean - Brown & Silver

Maran - Brown & Buff

Galum - Brown & White

Paerkenon - Brown & Field Drab

 

Sevoi - Purple & Silver

Zemlja - Purple & Black

Qendroj - Purple & Gold

 

 

As all the colors (besides the metallic ones) are unique, or some of those colors you may not be familiar with, you can see a comparison of all the colors here. All the houses are organized the same as the above list, so you don't have to worry about reading the Okotoan text.

 

As to what the banners would look like, Each would feature the house name, house motto, region symbol, and region patterns. If you're confused as to what that would look like, I already made an example of what the banner of my house, House Corruich:

 

 

 

 

For the houses that have metallic colors (gold or silver), I planned on doing a special metallic pattern; and the Mask Maker would get a special version of their region's banner with the symbol of the mask makers overlaid:

 

 

 

 

Like I said above, before I go through with this (if people want me to), I want to make sure everyone's happy with the color choices. If you aren't, let me know, and I'll change it.

Edited February 19, 2017 by Jed the Kingslayer

[Voxumo]

*Shrugs* I've got no objections, and as the only player of House Maran, I enjoy the colors.

[Voltex]

 

EPISODE ONE

“Secrets and Spies”

 

-ANCIENT CITY-

-HIS GRACE, PULSE VATTEN-

IC: Pulse (All), Lewa (All but Vision), Guardians (Meeting), Sisyphus (Meeting)

 

It was, as always, Toa Lewa who found him. The Toa of Jungle asked no questions, helping him to his feet in silence, for which Pulse was grateful.

 

“The Guardians are ready for you,” Lewa murmured, after helping Pulse into a seat at the forge. “If you need, I can delay the meeting until tomorrow?”

 

He shook his head, immediately cursing himself as he did so, for the action brought on a wave of dizziness. “No… no. I will… need your assistance to get to the Council Chambers. But there’s no need to delay. It was just… disorienting.”

 

“The Mask worked, then. You saw visions?”

 

“I did,” Pulse said, gripping the Toa’s arm tightly as Lewa helped him back to stand back up. They began to hobble across the room. “Mostly the same ones, I think. The ones I witnessed ten years ago… but more clearly, this time. There were extra details, or perhaps I simply missed them before. Some have already come to pass. Others… I can’t say. They’re still difficult to make sense of. The warning remained the same, though.”

 

“About the Hunter?”

 

“Yes.”

 

--

 

The Council Chambers remained the same as they had during the reign of Voxumo the Usurper – though in the years since, the banner representing the Earth Region had been returned to its proper place. The five Guardians sat around the round table; RG II Coal representing the Fire Region (and son of RG Coal, whom Pulse had… inadvertently killed ten years ago during the War for the Throne), Jed Corruich the Kingslayer representing the Water Region, Onaku Greavesy representing the Ice Region, Irteza Shah Galum representing the Stone Region, and now Kelotu Zemlja, the new representative of the Earth Region.

 

There were two empty seats at the table, which Pulse and Lewa both claimed.

 

“What’s on the table for this meeting?” Pulse asked.

 

“A number of things, your grace,” Lewa said, examining a report. “Lord Zatth Raqmu and Lord Dallior Qendroj have both, ah, been murdered, though the latter appears to have been a traitor. Lord Tekulo Briar has also vanished without a trace. Masks of Power have disappeared all over the island, including the Mask of Light and the Mask of Control. The Water Region reports that a city has risen from beneath the waves in the territory of House Rayne. A massive Titan with antlers has been sited across the island, as well as a mysterious figure clad in black and white armor, wearing a pure white Protector Mask.”

 

Pulse nodded, turning his attention to the Guardians. “A number of issues, then. I want your thoughts on them before we get to reports on the regions.”

 

The Kingslayer spoke first. “While I do regret the deaths of the two lords, I didn’t know either of them very well – nor can I say much regarding Lord Tekulo’s vanishing act. My little birds have done some investigating around the sunken city, however. They report that the black and white figure was present when it rose from the water, as was a Protector of House Rayne that I am unfamiliar with, named Tevant.”

 

“Tevant Rayne?” Pulse asked. “Whoever this person is… perhaps Lord Terrorsaur or Ser Purple might know them. If not, then House Rayne would appear to have forgotten a member. Continue investigating this, please.”

 

Jed nodded, while Onaku leaned forward, frowning. “You speak of a black and white figure? With a pure white Protector Mask?”

 

Pulse nodded.

 

Onaku sat back, looking troubled. “Perhaps we could send some troops to the Water Region to investigate the city?”

 

“The Kingslayer can send ten of his soldiers to do so,” Pulse said. “I may decide to visit the city in the future, but for now, that should be more than enough.”

 

“This city’s appearance is almost certainly tied into the island’s past,” Onaku mused. “I wonder if the deaths of Dallior and Zatth are related at all?”

 

The conversation ground to a halt when the floor of the chamber began to shake beneath them, the chairs and table trembling. Pulse felt something collapse deep below them, and a chill raced down his spine as he turned to Lewa with wide eyes.

 

“It’s the vaults. Lewa, assist me – I’m using the Mask again.”

 

Without waiting for a response, he closed his eyes and concentrated, losing himself to the Mask of Foresight once again…

 

--

 

A vault, reduced to rubble. A Skull Warrior destroyed-

 

The Mask of Creation, in the hands of an enormous Titan, with antlers growing out of their head-

 

The Mask of Time, its upper half, in the hands of a figure in black and white armor, crouching over the dying form of Ekimu-

 

-FIRE REGION-

-CHLOE SARYIAN-

IC: Chloe (All), TimeLord (Meeting), Smoke Monster (Meeting)

 

When Lord Burnmad had named her as the new Jungle Turaga, Chloe had assumed that her duties would be fairly minimal. After all, why else would someone from a minor house such as House Saryian be selected for such an honor, particularly with the remaining major houses of the former Jungle Region still on the edge of a possible rebellion?

 

As it turned, out, she might very well have to halt said rebellion. She had some idea of what Lord Burnmad had planned on his end, as despite the Fire Region Ruler’s best efforts, massive law initiatives to give rights to those discriminated against could never be kept secret. However, the fact remained that Lord Smoke Monster Boscage seemed to be loyal to House Hinterland to the point of idiocy… and TimeLord II Hinterland was possibly even worse than his father had been.

 

At least TimeLord I had been consistent, if still foolish. But TimeLord II would demand that they declare war on the Fire Region one moment and then decide that they should instead simply meet peacefully for tea the next.

 

Maintaining peace is already becoming more trouble than its worth, she thought sadly. If they provoke Lord Burnmad, there will be no hope for our region. I wish they could see that.

 

She turned to the door at the sound of a knock and opened it to reveal a Jungle Protector on the other side.

 

“You’ve been called for a meeting,” the Protector said. “TimeLord II wishes to gather before answering the summons of Lord Burnmad.”

 

Chloe sighed. “Of course he does. I’ll be right there.”

 

--

 

“You wish to go to the Ancient City?” Smoke Monster asked an hour later, during the meeting.

 

Chloe nodded. “I know you’ll need to make some sort of excuse for Lord Burnmad, but I feel developing some connections with the Guardians or the Mask Maker could help us to get back on our feet.”

 

“Good idea,” TimeLord II said, leaning forward. “You can see if Pulse will agree to a peaceful separation of Fire and Jungle!”

 

“You mean his grace,” Chloe corrected, wondering why she was bothering. “I can go then?”

 

“Yes,” Smoke Monster said. “Speak with the Mask Maker about the Mask of Control, if you can. These missing Masks of Power… it is worrying.”

 

“I agree,” TimeLord said, brows furrowing as he thought. “I think… ten troops, perhaps, to search the region. It will take them much longer, but there will be less for the Guardian’s birds to report on. Depending on what they find out, having that information to ourselves could prove useful.”

 

“We should take something with us to the meeting with Lord Burnmad,” Smoke Monster said. “A show of goodwill, as it were.”

 

At this, a look of excitement spread across TimeLord II’s face, and he turned to Chloe. “Tea! They will appreciate tea, I think. What do we have?”

 

Chloe stood, walking over to the cupboard and opening it.

 

How is it possible for this many different kinds of tea to exist? She wondered, eyeing them all apprehensively. I had no idea TimeLord was such a fan….

 

“What do we have?” TimeLord II repeated, sounding eager.

 

Chloe took a deep breath, and then: “Blueberry, Raspberry, Ginseng, Sleepy Time, Green Tea, Green Tea with Lemon, Green Tea with Lemon and Honey, Liver Disaster, Ginger with Honey, Ginger without Honey, Vanilla Almond, White Truffle Coconut, Chamomile, Blueberry Chamomile, Decaf Vanilla Walnut, Constant Comment, and Earl Grey.”

 

She glanced over her shoulder to see a rather dumbfounded look on Smoke Monster’s face, though TimeLord II was already deep in thought before he slowly replied, “Earl Grey, Ginseng, and Chamomile, I think.”

 

Nodding, Chloe grabbed the three boxes indicated and tossed them over. “I’d better be going, if I want to arrive at the Ancient City in a timely manner.”

 

TimeLord II nodded, his attention on the boxes as he examined them. Smoke Monster waved to her as she exited the room.

 

-ICE REGION-

-GENERAL NATO GREAVESY-

IC: Nato (All), Sisyphus (All), Ehksidian (Meeting), FF (Meeting), Kopaka (Meeting)

 

Nato entered the dining hall of House Crustallus, noticing that he was the last to arrive. Toa Kopaka shut the doors behind him before turning to face them, standing guard. Nato approached the table, inclining his head to the others.

 

“My lord,” he said to FF, before turning to Sisyphus and Ehksidian, both members of House Glacies. “Sisyphus, Ehksidian.”

 

“General Nato,” they both murmured.

 

As he sat down, Nato pulled several sheets out of his folder, sliding them across to the others. “The latest reports on our troops, according to my most recent orders. I am, of course, open to suggestions, though you must take note that I have managed to avoid forcing any quarreling houses to work together.”

 

“Looks good to me,” Ehksidian replied, shrugging. “I can’t say I’m too experienced in this area, though, so my advice wouldn’t be too great anyway.”

 

“These look good to me,” FF said.

 

When Sisyphus made no attempts to speak, Nato nodded and set his folder aside. “That was all from me for the moment.”

 

“My turn, then,” Ehksidian said. “I feel like it might be prudent to try contacting the Stone Region again, if only due to their strong connections with the Earth Region. Strengthening our relationship with Stone could help us out in the future – and if they refuse, the negotiations could allow us a window to gather additional intel. But if we could forge an alliance with them, well… the less allies the Earth Region has, the better it’ll be for us.”

 

“I’ll volunteer to travel to Stone for these negotiations,” Sisyphus said quietly.

 

“Should you go to Stone instead of me?” Ehksidian asked. “It might be wise to send a Diplomat first, but perhaps sending a wizened Turaga could benefit us more?”

 

Sisyphus shrugged. “Why not both of us? You can go officially, and it’ll give me a chance to follow and snoop around a bit.”

 

“If things were to go poorly, you’d both be dead,” Nato said, eyes narrowing.

 

“I don’t think that’s likely,” Sisyphus said, sounding unbothered. “We have a lot to offer them, and they must know that angering us would be unwise.”

 

FF coughed, though Nato thought it sounded distinctly like an attempt to cover up a laugh. The Ruler was serious, however, when he spoke: “You stay here, Sisyphus. Stone is neutral at best, and fanatically Pro-Faith at worst. The less of us possibly stuck there, the better.”

 

Looking somewhat uncomfortable, Ehksidian nodded. “I’ll go to Stone, then.”

 

“Borrow some troops from the reserves in House Crustallus,” Nato said. “I think twenty-five is enough for a diplomatic escort.”

 

“Very well,” Ehksidian said. “I’d like to speak with you privately once I return, if possible.”

 

“Assuming you don’t die horribly,” Nato muttered.

 

“I guess I’ll just stay here then,” Sisyphus said, looking frustrated.

 

Nato smirked. “Actually, I have some travelling for you, if you’re interested. Lord Terrorsaur sent me a message recently about a city rising from beneath the waves in his territory. If you’re up for it, I could send you to help investigate in my stead.

 

I trust Terrorsaur, but it’s been a long time. Too long for me to feel comfortable travelling all that way to investigate a city that, by all rights, should still be underwater.

 

“Fill me in on him,” Sisyphus said. “Is he trustworthy?”

 

“Ten years ago he and I plotted together, were betrayed together, were imprisoned together, escaped together, and… put to rest a particular nuisance together,” Nato answered. “He’s earned my trust.”

 

“I’ll think on it.”

 

“Is there anything else?” Nato asked, glancing over at FF. “If not, then I have other things to do.”

 

FF waved him away. “Very well. This meeting is adjourned.”

 

--

 

After returning to the Citadel within Rollor’s Reach, Nato immediately got to work in the privacy of his forge. Although it was not as large as the forge in the Ancient City (nor was it saturated with the ancient magic of the Mask Makers), it had served him well enough for the last ten years.

 

Until now, however, he had not attempted to forge a Mask of Power within.

 

He had been tempted, at first, to forge a new Mask of Speed. His old one had been crafted centuries before under the tutelage of Ekimu himself, and though he would never admit it, a part of Nato had been devastated when it had vanished from underneath his nose inside the Citadel itself.

 

Nato had never been one to give in to nostalgia, however. A Mask of Speed might be useful eventually, but a Mask of Illusions would be useful now – and so it was a Mask of Illusions that he had been busy crafting ever since his return to Okoto.

 

Having put the finishing touches on the Mask of Illusions, he lifted it close to his face for inspection, a small frown on his face. There were a few notable flaws on the mask, though he could not be certain if it was his own skill that was lacking (though it probably was) or if the lack of magic within the forge itself had any impact. After a few moments, he determined that the mask would work well enough, though it probably wouldn’t fool any of the Toa.

 

-EARTH REGION-

-LUROKA QENDROJ-

IC: All Players (All), Onua (All), Kulta (All)

 

Luroka entered the hall once more with Toa Onua right behind him, fighting not to let his frustration show on his face. His attempt to dig up the body of Dallior had failed spectacularly, and now he was under almost constant watch from the Skull Warriors.

 

Only Lord Toru, Underscore, and Portal were in the hall this time around, along with a single Skull Warrior.

 

“I was summoned?” he asked, approaching them.

 

“There you are! Finally,” Toru snapped, turning to Underscore. “To business, then. Underscore, you are to go to the Stone Region. Tell Lord ShadowVezon that if he seeks… revenge for a certain incident ten years ago, or wishes to otherwise rebel, we will provide him support every step of the way.”

 

A look of confusion spread across Underscore’s face. “With all due respect, my lord, isn’t that a task best suited for the Diplomat? Or we could simply send messengers. Besides, I need to maintain troop morale here in the region.”

 

“Troop morale?” Toru asked, scoffing. “Here is your morale boost: do as Commander Kulta has ordered, unless you think he should waste his time summoning you to tell you in person.”

 

Underscore shuddered and fell silent, nodding. Smirking, Toru turned to Luroka.

 

“You,” he said. “Your first duty as Diplomat is to journey to the Jungle Region, and arrange for an audience with TimeLord II. Make sure that he is on board with the Faith, and secure an alliance.”

 

Luroka glanced up at Onua before slowly replying, “with due respect, don’t you think it would be wise to forge some new alliances? Much of Okoto dislikes us because of the Faith. Perhaps we could try to ally ourselves with the Water Region?”

 

Lord Toru scowled at him, eyes narrowing in to a glare. “Water is under the command of a poison-happy, genocidal sociopath. So no. This is your first mission as Diplomat, by the orders of Kulta. You will complete it.”

 

“…yes sir.”

 

“I will be sending Portal here along with you,” Toru continued, “to… ensure everything goes smoothly. Isn’t that right, Portal?”

 

“Of course, my lord,” Portal said, nodding quickly. “I will accompany Luroka on the way to the Jungle Region. Any additional commands before we embark?”

 

“Sir,” Underscore said, ignoring the glare Portal shot at him for interrupting, “if I might re-iterate my question. Perhaps a messenger to the Stone Region would work better?”

 

Luroka flinched alongside both Portal and Underscore despite himself when Lord Toru whirled on the General, fury burning in his eyes.

 

“Are you deliberately trying to anger the Commander?” Toru hissed. “Think very carefully, Underscore.”

 

“N-no sir, n-not at all,” Underscore stammered, retreating a step back. “I was just asking for clarification.”

 

“The Commander wishes for you to attend to Lord ShadowVezon in person,” Toru said quietly, advancing on the General. “Tell me… what part of that is so difficult for you to understand?”

 

“None, sir, I’m sorry sir,” Underscore said. “I’ll get going right away.”

 

“Good!” Suddenly a smile was on Lord Toru’s face as he stepped back and turned towards the Skull Warrior. “Give the Commander the details of this meeting, would you?”

 

The Skull Warrior nodded – and a split second later, its dead eyes were gleaming red. Under Kulta’s control, it turned its gaze upon Luroka, who shuddered as it spoke in the Skull Grinder’s voice: “Tread carefully, Diplomat... lest you... dig up the wrong graves.”

 

-ANCIENT CITY-

-ONAKU GREAVESY-

IC: Onaku (All), Kelotu (All), Jed (Investigation), Pulse (Post-Jed)

 

After Pulse had activated the Mask of Foresight, he had described his vision to them. The Mask Maker had spoken of an antlered Titan with the Mask of Creation, and had started rambling about a destroyed vault that he assumed was the Vault of Creation.

 

Onaku was not planning on making any such assumptions – not when Pulse had also reported witnessing the Mask of Time in the hands of a black and white figure….

 

It can’t be him though, he thought to himself, as he trailed behind Jed and Kelotu, absentmindedly fingering the medallion hanging from his neck. An imposter, perhaps, or an admirer? Or just another Protector….

 

“I see something,” Kelotu said, pointing up ahead.

 

They had arrived at the vaults.

 

The first thing that Onaku noticed was that the entrance to the Vault of Creation was little more than rubble, with the head of its Skull Warrior guard sitting on top. The rest of the Skull Warrior’s body was nowhere to be seen, nor was the Mask of Power it had worn. The second thing Onaku noticed was that the Vault of Creation itself was pitch black, despite the hallway being well-lit with lightstones.

 

A quick glance down the hall showed that the Vault of Time was still guarded, though its Skull Warrior seemed agitated (not that Onaku could blame it, despite his dislike of the things). Still, though, appearances weren’t always everything….

 

“You there,” said Jed, disturbing Onaku’s train of thought and pointing to one of his guards. “Enter the vault.”

 

The guard nodded, hurriedly saluting the Kingslayer before stepped across the threshold and immediately vanishing. Onaku exchanged a worried glance with the other two Guardians before Jed spoke again, pointing to another guard. “Your turn, then.”

 

The second guard glared, but did not dare speak against the Kingslayer. They too stepped across the threshold and vanished instantly.

 

Kelotu smirked. “This is getting quite interesting.”

 

“Go to the Mask Maker. He needs to see this,” Onaku said, turning to one of his own guards. “Do so as quickly as you can.”

 

As his guard rushed off, Jed stepped towards the vault, eyeing the blackness warily before turning back to them. “I’m going in.”

 

Before Onaku or Kelotu could protest, the Kingslayer stepped into the vault – and vanished instantly, just like his guards.

 

“…Kingslayer?” Kelotu called. “You there?”

 

Nothing.

 

--

 

Pulse arrived a few moments later with Toa Lewa right behind him, just as Onaku had discovered that the same shadowy barrier was blocking access to the Vault of Time.

 

“Have you seen the Antlered Titan or the Black and White Protector?” Pulse asked.

 

“Neither, your grace,” Kelotu said.

 

“Your grace, the vaults have been compromised,” Onaku said. “Same barrier is blocking the Vault of Time as the Vault of Creation.”

 

Pulse cursed. “And you haven’t been able to speak with them?”

 

“Not after they crossed the barrier,” Kelotu said.

 

Pulse nodded, tapping his chin with a finger before turning to Lewa. “It’s risky, but perhaps we should try sending one more person through. Lewa?”

 

The Toa’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded. “So long as it is only one, your grace, and I must insist that you remain out here. Though I do wonder if, perhaps, there is no danger inside the vaults at all? Perhaps these barriers have been placed as a distraction for us, while the thieves escape elsewhere?”

 

“Very well,” the Mask Maker said, taking a deep breath. “Assist me, Lewa. I’m going to use the Mask of Foresight again.”

 

“Your grace, I am… not sure that would be wise….”

 

“I’m in agreement with Toa Lewa here, your grace,” Onaku said, stepping forward. “You’ve already used it twice today, and whether you’re feeling the effects or not, that has to be a huge mental strain. Let your mind rest. I will take some of my guards and enter the Vault of Creation, and if I don’t return… well, send Lord Nato my apologies.”

 

Before the Mask Maker, Lewa, or Kelotu could stop him, Onaku gestured for four of his guards to follow him, and he stepped across the barrier and into the Vault of Creation.

 

-WATER REGION-

-LORD TERRORSAUR RAYNE-

IC: Terrorsaur (All), Jed (All), Purple (City), Kit (City)

 

Lord Terrorsaur Rayne had summoned the Water Region’s Diplomat to accompany him to the city that had risen beneath the waves within his house’s territory. Upon arrival they found Ser Purple Rayne waiting for them… as well as a horde of Skull Spiders blocking access to the city’s gates.

 

“I thought they vanished after the war,” Kit Lurun murmured, looking troubled.

 

“They did,” Terrorsaur replied. “The Golden Mask of Skull Spiders went missing even before the Conquering of Jungle, and the Skull Spiders disappeared with it. That they are present here….”

 

The ‘is worrying’ did not need to be said.

 

Ser Purple pointed up to the top of the gates, where a spider the size of a Toa could be seen; the Golden Mask of Skull Spiders gleamed on its back. “Looks like we’ve found the mask. You think it’s hostile?”

 

Terrorsaur frowned. “I have heard of this creature… the Lord of Skull Spiders. It hasn’t been seen in hundreds of years. I thought it was dead.”

 

“Obviously you were wrong,” Purple said, grinning cheerfully. “So, what’s the plan?”

 

“We tread carefully,” Terrorsaur said.

 

Purple snorted. “Okay.”

 

Terrorsaur stepped forward cautiously, eyeing as many of the thousands of Skull Spiders as he could. It was clear that the Lord of Skull Spiders was watching them, though for now, the Skull Spiders appeared only wary, rather than hostile….

 

“We mean no harm,” he called, directing his words up to the Lord of Skull Spiders. “We wish only to investigate the city. May we pass?”

 

The Lord of Skull Spiders stared down at him impassively. Terrorsaur glanced over his shoulder at Purple, who had followed; the other Protector shrugged.

 

Wait…

 

Behind Kit, another Protector was approaching, one with dark blue armor. Leaving Purple to continue trying to communicate with the Lord of Skull Spiders, Terrorsaur approached the newcomer. They wore a strange blue mask, covering only the lower half of their face.

 

As the newcomer pulled him aside, Purple struck up a conversation with Kit, though Terrorsaur ignored them as he introduced himself, inclining his head respectfully. “Greetings. I am Lord Terrorsaur Rayne, Ruler of the Water Region.”

 

“I know who you are,” the stranger said, sounding impatient. “I am here to inform you that your presence here is useless... unless you happen to be an ally of the Knights, which I know you are not.”

 

Terrorsaur shifted in place. “We're just here to investigate, that's all. We’re just wondering why a city popped up in our lands.”

 

“The city is here because it needs to be here,” the stranger replied, in a tone that gave Terrorsaur the distinct impression that he was wasting their time. “Send a message to your paranoid friend in the Ice Region, Terrorsaur. Summon him to the city, and the Lord of Skull Spiders will allow him to enter.”

 

What does Nato have to do with anything? Terrorsaur wondered, even as he nodded and said, “understood.”

 

The stranger nodded, sticking their hand out. Terrorsaur shook it.

 

“I must leave now,” they said. “I have other business to attend to. But you may call me Tevant, should we meet again.”

 

“Then I will watch for that day,” Terrosaur promised. “I hope your business goes well.”

 

Tevant stared at him for a long moment before he replied, “thank you. I wish you good fortune in the wars to come.”

 

-STONE REGION-

-VINHEIM MARAN-

IC: Vinheim (All), Quin (PM Bits, Speech), ShadowVezon (Speech), Iaredios (Speech), Pohatu (Speech), Irteza Shah (All – PM Bits)

 

Vinheim Maran had been suspicious regarding the circumstances of Lord Zatth’s death for several days. So when the opportunity to begin investigating arose, he seized it with both hands – and that was why he was now seated within the barracks for the Stone Ruler’s personal guards. The two Protectors seated across from him had been members of Lord Zatth’s guard, and now served under Lord ShadowVezon.

 

“Did the Late Lord Zatth seem uneasy before his death? Nervous about anything, paranoid, etc. Essentially unlike himself?” he asked.

 

The two shared a glance.

 

“Oh, Lord Zatth?” one said. “May he rest in peace.”

 

“May he rest in peace,” said the other.

 

“He did seem kinda unlike himself, yeah,” the first continued. “Wasn’t getting along much with Earth, was he?”

 

“Not really, no. Overheard a few arguments with Earth representatives, I did. Seemed to be disagreeing about something. Not sure what it was though.”

 

“Yeah, not sure at all.”

 

“Seemed pretty fine before he died though, didn’t he? Nothing out of the ordinary eh?”

 

“Well, nothing other than his already out of the ordinary behaviour, at least. What with those disagreements with Earth and all?”

 

“Yeah, but even that he was okay with I thought. Getting help for it, I think.”

 

Vinheim took a moment to digest what they’d said before asking, “Getting help for it? What type of help and from whom?”

 

“Oh, from Lord ShadowVezon of course!” the first said. “He was a great help to Lord Zatth, acting as an intermediary between him and Earth once things got rough. I think he got help from Lord Dallior too, but… wasn’t Dallior named a traitor recently?”

 

“Yeah,” said the second. “Might not have been the best help after all. Maybe ol’ Zatth was a traitor too?”

 

“Well, at least ShadowVezon seems to be steering us back on the right track!”

 

“Right. It would make sense that he'd be receiving help from his nephew,” Vinheim mused. “Whom was the last person Lord Zatth spoke to before his death?”

 

“Lord ShadowVezon, of course!” the first guard said, as though it were obvious.

 

Vinheim nodded, standing to his feet. “Thank you. You’ve both been most helpful in this matter… just one final question, then. Who discovered Lord Zatth’s body?”

 

Both guards cringed, before the first spoke again. “Er, the guards on duty. They committed suicide two nights ago. Turns out they were lovers, and well… romance between guards isn’t allowed. Creates a conflict of interest.”

 

“They called for General Quin after finding the body,” said the second. “It was him who guessed poison, but of course he waited until Lord ShadowVezon arrived to confirm it.”

 

“Of course,” Vinheim said smoothly. “Thank you again.”

 

--

 

With this new information in mind, Vinheim made his way to the office where Lord Zatth had perished, to find it watched by two more guards.

 

“Greetings,” he said, approaching them. “I am Diplomat Vinheim Maran. I need to gain entrance into Lord Shadowvezon's study, as there is a pertinent trade document within that he informed me was located on the desk.”

 

The guards both gave him a rather odd look, with one commenting on how unusual it was for ShadowVezon to allow someone into his office when he wasn’t around – but Vinheim wasn’t going to complain, as they let him in anyway. The door was left open, though they seemed to trust him enough not to watch him….

 

They would regret that decision.

 

He walked over to the desk and pulled open a drawer that was slightly ajar, grabbing the folder within. A quick glance through told him that the papers inside were recordings of ShadowVezon’s dealings with both the Earth Region and the Faith.

 

“You done yet?” one of the guards growled, entering the room. “This isn’t a place to hang around in, you know!”

 

Smoothly nudging the drawer shut, Vinheim smiled and held up the folder. “Yes, actually. Just had to make sure it was the correct document. I’d hate to have to make a return trip. Thank you for your assistance.”

 

As he walked back towards his quarters, he examined the pages. As he reached the end, however, his shock froze him in place right outside of the gathering hall.

 

The page he was looking at was an order form for the deadliest poison available on the Water Region’s black market.

 

What have I stumbled across?

 

Sounds from the gathering hall caught his attention, and he poked his head inside to see ShadowVezon, who was apparently giving a speech.

 

“…am glad that you were all able to gather here today,” the current Ruler of Stone was saying. “Today, it is my pleasure to announce that the Stone Region will no longer rely on the Fire Region to purify our water supply!”

 

The crowd cheered.

 

“I, just like all of you, value our independence as a region,” ShadowVezon continued, raising his fist into the air. “For too long, we have been weak, and forced to survive on the goodwill of others. But I promise you, this is only the first of many steps that I will guide you on, until we can truly say that we are as strong as stone once more!”

 

The crowd continued to cheer, though Vinheim did not.

 

“I am thankful to the Fire Region for their continued aid these past ten years, despite our differences during the War for the Throne,” ShadowVezon declared. “I am also thankful to his grace, Pulse Vatten, for helping to arrange such a deal. But the Stone Region is strong! We have recovered, and we can now truly stand on our own! Relying on charity is no longer necessary. Together, we have rebuilt – and now it is time for a new era to begin!”

 

Only the first step? Vinheim wondered. Then what is step number two?

 

-FIRE REGION-

-LORD BURNMAD AODH-

IC: Burnmad (All), Tahu (All), RG (All – PM Bits), Unit (Meeting), Smoke Monster (Meeting), Sil (Meeting), TimeLord II (Meeting)

 

“Don’t look at me like that,” Burnmad snapped as he entered the meeting room to find Tahu already present and glaring at him. “You could at least explain why you’re angry with me first.”

 

The Toa of Fire sneered. “As if you don’t already know. Your new law is a waste of time and resources.”

 

“You mean the law that will enforce the rights of all Protectors in the region?” Burnmad asked.

 

Tahu growled at him. “You have created it to protect those Protectors of Jungle! They do not deserve it!”

 

“Attitudes like that are why I created the law in the first place,” Burnmad said, taking his seat at the head of the table. “I am a conqueror, Tahu, not a destroyer. Not if I can help it. The Jungle Region might no longer exist as an independent region, but that does not mean they must be wiped off of the map entirely. We will help them to rebuild – slowly – and integrate them into the Fire Region society, until our identity is all that they know.”

 

“You should not have done this, and you will pay for it, mark my words,” Tahu said, his glare only intensifying. “The Protectors of Fire will not stand for this, and the Protectors of Jungle will see it for what it is – weakness! A gap in your armor, one to be seized and taken advantage of!”

 

Burnmad’s voice was so cold that the Toa of Fire flinched when he spoke next: “If you continue to speak to me with disrespect, Toa, I might consider you a weakness… and I don’t think I need to remind you what happened to the last.”

 

The memory of Imrukii’s execution still brought him pleasure.

 

They were interrupted by the arrivals of Sil and Unit. The eyes of both flickered between Burnmad and Tahu before they silently took their seats, attempting to ignore the tense atmosphere in the room. They were soon joined by TimeLord II and Smoke Monster, who stopped short at the sight of the hostile glares before slowly entering, the former holding up a tray.

 

“I brought tea?”

 

As the tea was served, Burnmad began to speak. “I would like to begin by checking with you all to make sure that a certain point is clearly understood. Both halves of our region must remain at peace with each other, and maintain the current situation. Fire shall continue to play the part of the dominant conqueror, while Jungle will acknowledge their role as a submissive and defeated power.”

 

He waited for everyone else to nod before turning his gaze to TimeLord II specifically.

 

“Should this situation shift in any way, it will inevitably come to war… a war in which the Protectors of Fire would be forced to burn away each and every last piece of the Jungle Region and its people, as we so mercifully neglected to do at the end of the war.”

 

A look of anger flashed across TimeLord II’s face, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, and he nodded.

 

“To that end, I have written a new law,” Burnmad continued. “It will protect the Protectors of Jungle from crimes committed against them and their property. Consider it an olive branch. As long as your people remain passive, and you do everything in your power to keep them so, they will retain these basic liberties.”

 

“Thank you, my lord,” Smoke Monster said quietly.

 

“However,” Burnmad said, standing from his chair and looming over them as he leaned on the table, “should it ever seem that one of you is not doing all he can to retain the status quo, not only will he find himself replaced, but these privileges will be revoked. Am I understood?”

 

“Yes, my lord,” Smoke Monster said quickly.

 

“Yes,” TimeLord II said, scowling.

 

Tahu stepped forward. “Yes what?”

 

TimeLord II glared up at the Toa. “Yes, my lord.”

 

Satisfied that his point had been made, Burnmad sat back down and they got to business, discussing the details of rebuilding the Jungle Region as well as the new law before adjourning.

 

He would not forget the look on TimeLord II’s face, however.

 

Despite his efforts, the conflict between the two halves of the Fire Region was beginning to boil over.

 

I just hope the new initiative isn’t too little, too late.

 

-ANCIENT CITY-

-JED CORRUICH, THE KINGSLAYER-

IC: Jed (All), ?? (All), Onaku (From Entrance)

 

He stepped into the Vault of Creation, shuddering at the sensation of the barrier sliding off of him. The pedestal where the Mask of Creation had sat was nothing more than a pile of powder on the floor – where he also spotted both of his guards. A quick check revealed that both were alive, and simply unconscious.

 

The situation was becoming odder by the second.

 

The sound of footsteps on what sounded like gravel drew his attention to one of the vault’s walls – where there was now a hole that he could have sworn had not been there seconds before. He warily drew his sword out of its sheathe, so slowly that it did not make a sound, and stepped towards the hole.

 

Strange magics are at play here, he thought to himself, gripping the hilt of his sword in both hands. One vault entrance reduced to rubble, both vaults obscured by some sort of shadowy substance, holes appearing where there were none before, and my guards knocked unconscious without a scratch on them….

 

Jed resisted the urge to flinch back when he reached the opening and found a tunnel that led straight to the Vault of Time… with a figure clad in black and white armor approaching, the Mask of Time’s upper half in one of their hands (and a staff in the other). Their face was hidden underneath a black hood.

 

He stepped back, retreating to the other side of the vault. Though he did not change his stance, each muscle was tensed, ready for him to fly into motion if combat became necessary.

 

The figure stepped into the Vault of Creation, bright blue eyes gleaming at Jed from under the hood. The Mask of Time’s upper half was tucked away within the figure’s cloak, before they drew back the cloak’s hood with their now free hand. They wore a pure white Protector Mask, the likes of which Jed had never seen before.

 

I thought all Protector masks on Okoto were a blend. Always two colors in each one… even those who typically spit in the eyes of tradition keep to the old ways of the Masks.

 

Before Jed could speak – though whether he was going to demand the figure’s name, or that they return the Mask of Time, or the location of the Mask of Creation, he wasn’t sure – the figure broke the silence on their own, staring him in the eyes.

 

“Kingslayer.”

 

“Yes?”

 

The figure leaned on their staff, appearing curious. “What do you plan to do with me, Kingslayer? Will I find a knife in my back, by the orders of that liar on the throne, like the Usurper before me?”

 

Jed frowned. “What? I have no intention of killing you. I don’t even know you. Why do you think I would kill you?”

 

Behind the figure, the tunnel between the two vaults sealed itself, as if by magic. The figure looked at Jed with disdain, withdrawing the Mask of Time and waving it. “Please. I am stealing the Mask of Time, and my companion has already left with the Mask of Creation in their clutches. Despite the disgusting defense mechanisms in place, you cannot be completely absent of common sense. Is it not your job to stop me, in the name of Pulse Vatten, first of his name?”

 

Pulse’s name was almost spat. Whoever this figure was, the current Ruler of Okoto clearly did not rank very highly in their opinion.

 

“I mean... I do intend on stopping you,” Jed said slowly. “I may be 'the Kingslayer,' but slaying kings is not the only thing I do. Besides, what exactly do you have against his grace?”

 

“His grace,” the figure repeated, sneering, “is no Mask Maker. Nor was his father, or his father before him. No true Mask Maker has walked Okoto for centuries, Kingslayer… but we do now, and we do not appreciate being mocked. You will not be stopping me, Kingslayer. You will let me go, or you will join me. I shall leave the decision up to you.”

 

Despite his best efforts, Jed was struggling to keep up. Too much of what the figure was saying hinted at information that Jed was unaware of, and yet the figure almost seemed to be expecting him to understand. “What do you mean, not a Mask Maker?”

 

The look of disdain upon the figure’s face was enough to make him internally cringe. “He is like you, Kingslayer. Just another ordinary Okotoan. Mask Makers live long, longer than you can imagine, and the purest of magic runs through their veins.”

 

Again, Jed frowned, grip tightening on his sword. “So your objective is… to remove Pulse from the throne?”

 

The figure chuckled, though there was no amusement in the sound. They shook their head. “No. My objective is to prevent cataclysm.”

 

Before Jed could respond, they were joined by another person entering the vault through the barrier – Onaku’s guards both dropped to the floor immediately, but the Ice Guardian was left untouched as he cast his gaze around them.

 

“I should be honored,” the figure said, their tone mocking. “Two of the liar’s Guardians. The Kingslayer… and Onaku Greavesy.”

 

Onaku had scowled upon hearing the figure’s voice, before the Ice Guardian looked at him and froze. Onaku’s eyes briefly narrowed before widening in surprise, and he stumbled back in shock, recognition lighting up on his face.

 

“It is you,” he breathed. “Taka?”

 

END EPISODE ONE.

 

NOTES:

-Episode 2 now begins!

-If you made any moves in Episode 1 that were in progress when it ended (or for some reason made moves when the game was paused), send me a new PM to notify me, and those moves will be completed (unless there are in-game reasons for further delays).

-The IC tags denote which players can consider a POV section in the episode as something that their character knows about. Some might seem stranger than others… but all have their reasons.

-As of right now, I will tentatively schedule the end of Episode 2 for February 11^th, but if I feel like enough has occurred (like it did this round, since this beast is almost 7000 words), I will end it early.

 

EPISODE TWO BEGINS NOW!

[jed1ndy]

And so, episode 2 begins.

[Voltex]

And so, episode 2 begins.

 

Watch,

Listen,

and Remember.

[Nato G]

Greavesy - White & Silver

 

Hm, silver seems a bit fancy and regal for a house whose whole history revolves around sticking to the sidelines and committing to events as little as possible. 

 

I've sort of been imagining House Greavesy to use a more standard blue and white colourscheme, albeit with a very pale, faded blue. Although, I've also considered using green as a tertiary colour...

 

The first thing that Onaku noticed was that the entrance to the Vault of Creation was little more than rubble, with the head of its Skull Warrior guard sitting on top. The rest of the Skull Warrior’s body was nowhere to be seen, nor was the Mask of Power it had worn.

 

Well, that's one less of those monsters for us to destroy later. 

 

“Send a message to your paranoid friend in the Ice Region, Terrorsaur. Summon him to the city, and the Lord of Skull Spiders will allow him to enter.”

 

It's not paranoia when it's justified! Besides, I've got better things to do with my time than get bounced from one end of Okoto to the other chasing up every little mystery that happens to be happening. 

[Ta-metru_defender]

Well that's a regular novel.

[jed1ndy]

 

Greavesy - White & Silver

 

Hm, silver seems a bit fancy and regal for a house whose whole history revolves around sticking to the sidelines and committing to events as little as possible. 

 

I've sort of been imagining House Greavesy to use a more standard blue and white colourscheme, albeit with a very pale, faded blue. Although, I've also considered using green as a tertiary colour...

 

I've swapped your and Crustallus' colors, so now Crustallum's colors are more like a non-metallic version of Crustallus' rather than a darker version. I've also swapped the black and purple in the Earth Region colors based on Tex's request.

[Voltex]

 

 

Greavesy - White & Silver

 

Hm, silver seems a bit fancy and regal for a house whose whole history revolves around sticking to the sidelines and committing to events as little as possible. 

 

I've sort of been imagining House Greavesy to use a more standard blue and white colourscheme, albeit with a very pale, faded blue. Although, I've also considered using green as a tertiary colour...

 

I've swapped your and Crustallus' colors, so now Crustallum's colors are more like a non-metallic version of Crustallus' rather than a darker version. I've also swapped the black and purple in the Earth Region colors based on Tex's request.

 

 

BTW Mask Maker colors are Gold and Teal

 

(unrelated could you make a Mask Makers/Knights of Ekimu banner with those colors with the motto "We Watch, We Listen, and We Remember")

[Burnmad]

I like the color scheme for my house, Jed-- however, could the banners (or at least Aodh's in particular) be done as thin, horizontal images? That way, it'd actually fit in my sig along with the region banner. =P

 

-

[ToaTImeLord]

Hinterland needs to be dark green darker than the Jungle banner mask going into normal trans green.

[jed1ndy]

 

 

 

Greavesy - White & Silver

 

Hm, silver seems a bit fancy and regal for a house whose whole history revolves around sticking to the sidelines and committing to events as little as possible. 

 

I've sort of been imagining House Greavesy to use a more standard blue and white colourscheme, albeit with a very pale, faded blue. Although, I've also considered using green as a tertiary colour...

 

I've swapped your and Crustallus' colors, so now Crustallum's colors are more like a non-metallic version of Crustallus' rather than a darker version. I've also swapped the black and purple in the Earth Region colors based on Tex's request.

 

 

BTW Mask Maker colors are Gold and Teal

 

(unrelated could you make a Mask Makers/Knights of Ekimu banner with those colors with the motto "We Watch, We Listen, and We Remember")

 

Good to know! Here's the banner you wanted:

 

 

 

This'll probably be the last banner I'll finish today.

 

I like the color scheme for my house, Jed-- however, could the banners (or at least Aodh's in particular) be done as thin, horizontal images? That way, it'd actually fit in my sig along with the region banner. =P

 

-

 

Sure, I can! I'll make a full size version (along with every other region), but I'l make you a custom smaller version as well.

 

Hinterland needs to be dark green darker than the Jungle banner mask going into normal trans green.

I'm trying to keep all the regional banners stylistically consistent (like they came out of Okoto itself), so I don't know if I can fulfill your request for a mask; but if you want a darker green and normal green to be both of your region's colors, I can switch them out with House Briar, if that works with you.

Edited February 9, 2017 by Jed the Kingslayer

[ToaTImeLord]

I forgot to put the Mask colors part.

 

Do what your doing just with dark green and normal green writing.

[Nato G]

I've swapped your and Crustallus' colors, so now Crustallum's colors are more like a non-metallic version of Crustallus' rather than a darker version. 

 

That works. Thank you.

[Dane-gerous]

Hey, Jed, mind if I have a house galum banner?

[Trijhak]

That mysterious Protector really doesn't like me.

 

Well, that's... even more concerning to me, and I wouldn't be surprised if they led the Knights.

 

(Jed, could I have a House Vatten/Mask Maker banner, please?)

Edited February 9, 2017 by Mask Maker Pulse Vatten

[jed1ndy]

I'll try to make as many banners as I can so far. I may not be able to finish all the ones I have to make so far, but I can guarantee that those I don't get to today will be done by the weekend.

[Bonkle]

Hmm. And here I was thinking the tea was poison.

[Onaku]

It's worse than that. It's actual tea.

[Trijhak]

You did not just insult Tea, did you?

[Toru Nui]

Burnmad said, taking his seat at the head of the table. “I am a conqueror, Tahu, not a destroyer.”

Hogwash! Unsubstantiated fantasy!!! Lies! LIES!!! LIIIEEES!!!

[Voxumo]

Gotta agree with Toru here... Burning half a region to the ground, and by extension any usable resources it may have had, it hardly meets the qualifications for a conquerer. Maybe assimilate half of Okoto then we can talk of you being a conqueror Burnmad. Destroyer is a more proper term for what you did.

[Trijhak]

No, his predecessor was a destroyer.

 

Burnmad left a third of the Jungle. Which he then conquered.

 

His predecessor left nothing of the Earth.

[Kaleidoscope Tekulo]

Before this game ends there had better be a canon slumber party in one of the episodes.

[Burnmad]

 

 

Burnmad said, taking his seat at the head of the table. “I am a conqueror, Tahu, not a destroyer.”

Hogwash! Unsubstantiated fantasy!!! Lies! LIES!!! LIIIEEES!!!

1. That was my dear old daddy.

 

2. You're still breathing, are you not?

 

-

Edited February 9, 2017 by Fire Ruler Burnmad Aodh

[Onaku]

You did not just insult Tea, did you?