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OOC: Big shout-out to @EmperorWhenua for helping to write this jam session. IC Kilo-M9 and Stannis | Taku, crew quarters: The Wanderer did not require much time to rest, not that there was much time to begin with. His recuperation was predictable for those who knew him a little: Meditation done cross-legged on the floor, eyes wide open yet unseeing, and gently humming to himself. He had done similar things on the surface of Po-Metru when the Taku first landed, when he fabled toa explored entire canyons with just his thoughts to carry him. Here, in the steel hull of the airship, his mindfulness served to attune his soul and calm his energies. Peace, he sometimes said when asked, was key to maintaining his faith. The unit known as Kilo would have found the toa like thus, sitting on the floor in one of the small quarters afforded to the usual crew of the airship. He seemed comically large for the space that was clearly designed for only one or two matoran to bunk uncomfortably and not a taller than average toa to use for his zen meditation. Stannis may not have been seeing his eyes, but he did know the unit was approaching and stirred only slightly in response to demonstrate he was not unaware. Sufficient resting time has likely passed. Checking status of Toa Stannis. Toa Stannis appears to still be asleep. Movement detected. Toa Stannis is awake. Preparing conversational avenues. Prioritizing mission critical inquiries. Fully recharged, the steel sentinel entered Stannis's cabin. At first the machine took slow soft steps so as to not stir the possibly sleeping warrior, until the toa's movement revealed his awareness of the machine. The machines movements relaxed as it attempted to fit into the far too small room, before settling halfway through the doorway. The same blank stare as always met the toa of stone as the machine began to speak. "If sufficient rest has been obtained, this unit has questions to ask." The old toa stirred slightly more, then, and slowly beckoned the robot nearer. There was not enough room for the two of them in the cramped space, but they could settle on the floor on opposite sides of the doorway between the two spaces. "You may ask," he said, a little gruffly. And then, almost as an afterthought, he said, "But first, tell me what am I to call you." The mechanical guardian lowered itself onto the floor to mirror Stannis. Its deep pre-programmed voice stated, "Citizen Pacification Unit K1R1 Kilo-M9. Short form, Kilo. You are Toa Stannis. Multiple archives records feature your name as a participant in notable events." "Yes, so I've come to understand," Stannis said. "Most of those records are even probably true." "This unit cannot verify historical accuracy of records. Multiple allies have described positive past encounters with you. Data indicates you are trustworthy. One query remains unknown. Mission critical discussion is higher priority. “This unit was performing analysis of device described in memory crystal. Using existing data, this unit attempted to simulate the result of six great discs being used in the machine at once. Simulation was unsuccessful. Unknown results are concerning." The machine paused a moment before continuing. "Specific simulation was selected due to existing data on great discs. Great discs were hidden by Toa Mangai in recent past followed by Turaga Dume requesting them. Neither disc that this unit and allies have obtained are useful combat abilities. If great discs are to be used in device, unknown variable must exist to increase desirability. Variable is unknown." Information dump complete. Asking mission critical inquiry. "Device was described as sabotaged according to memory crystal. What is the nature of the sabotage? Does device retain partial functionality, or is device completely disabled?" The Wanderer ruminated on the matter of Kilo's odes and earnest attempts at helping a bit before responding. While it was true that Kilo was a machine, and machines are bound to their directives, this Kralhi unit was doing something Stannis had not seen before: Connecting. Connecting with its allies, its acquaintances, even with its challenges, and was displaying a sort of intelligence he had not seen in any other of Nuparu's creations. Xian technology sometimes possessed some rudimentary cognitive abilities, but even their most recent generation models were still bio away from attempts at creating diplomatic pathways. Stannis was not sure what to make it of yet, and while he held a reservation about any automaton, even ones possibly imbued with even a hint of sentience by their creator Nuparu, he did realize that Kilo was making every effort to use as much of his processing power to aid the Matoran he came with. Furthermore, Kilo recognized Stannis as a trove of knowledge, and was seeking to understand what the Wanderer knew in hopes of using that knowledge to connect dots none of the truly living beings had thought of, yet. These were sufficient reasons for him to justify indulging the robot as much as he could. "I do not know for certain," Stannis admitted finally. "But the emotions your creator imbued in the given memory were of... resentment, of fear, and of despair. It felt to me he did not want the machine to work at all, but also gave opportunity for someone like Knichou to pick up where he left off, if that were truly Fate's path. Only a skilled engineer could be able to tell that something was missing and be able to fix it. What do you think, Kilo? The same man whose memories we read made you, after all." Accessing memories of the Creator... Scanning for interpersonal behavioral patterns... Memories of the Creator do not match description from memory crystal. This units memories must be outdated. Scanning for connections. After a brief moment of silence save the gears in the machine's head spinning a bit faster, there was a response. "The Creator did not hate people," the mechanical enforcer reminisced. "This unit has no memory of him displaying malice. Quality appears consistent with memory crystal self. The Creator seemed to have made this unit and additional Kralhi with good intentions. His concerns over ethical issues of the device continue this trend. Sabotage would likely be designed to reduce harm rather than seek vengeance. Device likely completely non-functional. Do you agree with this assessment?" The Wanderer was impressed but did not show it outwardly. "I do," Stannis said. "Nuparu was not sure the device he invented was what was best for the world and wasn't able to comfort himself if it was not. To that end, he made certain if it were to actually be used it would not be because he allowed it to be. That is what I believe." Logic analysis has been completed. Question was not directly answered, but analysis of behavioral patterns has produced the most likely situation. This unit is not familiar with this type of logical thinking. Will need to add new process to ProblemSolve.exe The protodermis protector gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Recommended action regarding device is mostly an ethical question. This unit is unable to properly process complex ethical issues. Assigning numerical values is impossible. Proper comparison can only be made against primary objectives. Objectives are too broad for most situations. Will leave questions of device use to allies. Other topics remain to discuss." "Alright, then ask," Stannis said matter-of-factly, keenly aware of the passing of time. "This unit has passively observed your body language since we've met," the machine explained as if it was a normal thing to do. "When observing this unit or when conversation topic is about machines such as the device or Usurpers, subtle aggression is noted in your voice and motions. This unit wonders if you have contempt for it and if so why that is. Logic would dictate that this unit shares similarities to your role as toa, so such aggression seems odd." Stannis hesitated again, but this time it was because he felt... caught, in a sense. If Kilo was capable of reading personality well enough to feel scorned, or somewhat like that, then it was evidence of some higher programming. The Wanderer was not used to this line of thinking—he believed machines were just that, and programmed to do their duties to the letter with utter inflexibility, and for them to consider their place in society and comprehend how others treated them, and furthermore attempt to understand that rationale, was unthinkable for the old man. "You are not like me," Stannis said, however. "You were created to enforce laws of matoran without remorse. Toa are called to serve the virtues of a god. We both protect, yes, but the way we do so is starkly different. Does this make sense to you?" he said. "Your logic is sound," the machine confirmed. "This unit agrees that restraint was not part of its programming. That remains true. However, this unit was not only programmed to uphold matoran laws. Even before the Betrayal, this unit had a primary objective to protect and serve the matoran. This objective is still in place and will remain so. Upholding the law is no longer possible for this unit as you might expect, and has been purged from objectives accordingly. All that remains is survival, efficiency, and protecting matoran." The mechanical enforcer gave the toa a moment to let its words register before continuing. "Did you choose to become a toa?" "I did not," Stannis replied in a thoughtful repose. "Mata Nui chose me to take the mantle, but I only took it when it was right. Tell me, Kilo, how do you determine how to fulfill your directive? And, what do you feel when you achieve it?" The robot answered immediately, "Objectives are to be completed as efficiently as possible. Initial method is selected for safety of matoran and efficiency, as well as this unit's survival. All are important considerations; situations where primary directives conflict will result in prioritization as needed. This unit met current allies while attempting to return them to work stations. After analyzing their goal to obtain disks and become toa, this unit concluded that creating more toa to replace Toa Mangai was more effective method to keep city population safe than returning a small group of citizens to work." Additional long-term goal is needed if current objective of creating toa is no longer available. Identifying possible long term goals... "Completed objectives are properly logged in system memory. Next objective is pursued. If one is not available, unit enters patrol mode identifying objectives to complete. 3 primary directives are incompletable by design: Dangers will always threaten matoran, inefficiency will always be present, this unit will always be at risk of destruction. Progress is always being made and will continue to be. Feelings are not part of this unit's programming." "So you have been helping the matoran because... you felt their creation as toa would be the most efficient way to protect matoran?" Stannis said, sounding honestly surprised at the realization. "That's actually quite brilliant. Now, realizing you are capable of creative thought, and further that you came to speak with me out of what I assume is a curiosity for my insights—and you must tell me if that is not the case—I want to ask something more of you." The Wanderer leaned in slightly. "Would your circuitry have come to the same conclusion of helping them with all your might to become toa regardless of who the matoran were? Regardless of their pasts, skills, personalities, and traits?" The Wanderer might have seen the machine tilt its head slightly, possibly from thought. It may have been a trick of the light though. Eventually, the mishmash of voices spoke again. "During initial contact, this unit came to this conclusion after learning their objective. Only prior information was ally Atamai's job, which was deemed irrelevant in situation. Unit has no memory of why it asked their objective. Had question not been asked, unit likely would have captured them and returned to work stations. Unit was nonetheless compelled to ask them." The mechanical enforcer paused again, gears spinning faster than before. "This unit cannot answer your question," it eventually admitted. "Insufficient data is available. As your explanation assisted with this unit's query, perhaps the information this unit has provided will assist you with determining an answer." "An answer to what?" The Wanderer's own voice echoed back to him. "Would your circuitry have come to the same conclusion of helping them with all your might to become toa regardless of who the matoran were? Regardless of their pasts, skills, personalities, and traits?" The old man's head shuddered slightly from the response. On a basic level he realized the Kralhi was largely incapable of speaking its own words and cobbled sentences from things it had heard before, but even then the turn of using his own words like that was jarring. Perhaps, he realized, it was because the Kralhi valued efficiency, and regurgitating words was simply an example of that efficiency. Nuparu was a truly wondrous man... "Perhaps. And perhaps not. But if you cannot explain your actions' origin then I'm afraid will not understand it any better than you. I will say, however, that if you would help any matoran who said they wanted to become toa, then that is a dangerous synapse indeed. Destiny... takes a person's heart into account, it weighs their intentions and seeks out those who embody the Virtues. You can't cheat fate. Programming, however, I fear, you can." Another voice spoke from the speaker inside the law enforcer's cranial unit. This was one Stannis recognized, though not from someone he had directly met. Rather, the voice matched the one he had heard in the memory prism just a few minutes ago. "The people of this city probably aren't ready for what is to come," Nuparu said. His voice sounded nervous, but there was an enthusiasm that The Wanderer hadn't heard before. "Even I have some doubts this project will work, but the chance to help assist the toa, even by indirectly providing support, is too great an opportunity to pass up. The construction has been a challenge, but I've done all I can to make you and your fellow units as effective as possible." The sounds of tinkering were heard before the voice continued. "People probably aren't going to trust you at first. You're unknown to them, and your purpose while well-intentioned isn't going to win people over. With any luck though, your actions will bring people to your side. People will learn to trust you. You don't have that issue though. You can trust people from the start with no bias, no problems. And if they let you down, you can respond as needed. But please don't forget that these people, no matter what they do or how many problems they cause, are under your protection. Try to trust them, and hope they'll learn to trust you in turn." The familiar tones of the machine's voice spoke once the recording had finished playing. "This unit does not judge matoran by anything except their actions, large and small. This unit does not claim to know how to select proper toa, but all data suggests that improper candidates would be stopped before they became out of control. This unit admits it is lacking in such regards. This unit is very familiar with its imperfections." "Indeed..." Stannis said in awe. "As am I." As an embodiment of stone, the Wanderer was a hard one to impress, and even then harder still to get a reaction from, and yet this robot of all things had accomplished it. No, Stannis realized, it was not Kilo per se as it was not in the robot's ability to forge its own destiny even though it was capable of remarkable levels of thought, but Nuparu, through the wonders of his inventive brain and incredible genius well ahead of his time, had created some automaton which Stannis truly admired. To him, Kilo was an embodiment of genius, conscience, and loyalty. And he remembered again that Kilo did not have to help the matoran companions. It indeed could have simply 'returned them to work functions' and be done with it. And yet, it did not. It, whether by design or corruption of code, asked, and in turn deemed the matoran's quest worth assisting. Kilo, despite his gaffes, was obviously a worthwhile ally, and his creator's words resonated with the old toa. Perhaps, he realized, he had been wrong about Kilo's kind. Perhaps he did not have to understand how they worked to simply... rely on them. "I trust you, Kilo," was all he said. Registering Toa Stannis as "ally" "This unit also trusts you, Toa Stannis," the machine reciprocated. "One final variable remains unknown about you. Analysis indicates you are the only being on this ship that knows the answer." "...What were you delivering to the archives that brought you to Metru Nui? What is in your satchel?" The matter of Stannis' closely-guarded backpack snapped his mind from its technology-marveling trance so quickly it nearly gave him whiplash. His rucksack's contents were one of the primary reasons he came to Metru Nui, after all, and the source of much of his caution if not blatant secrecy. He hesitated, thinking of what to say and not say. Only an instant before he said he trusted Kilo, and so quickly was he coming to terms with that statement's validity. The delivery had also been why he did not surrender to the vahki, for fear of having it fall in the wrong hands, or hands that belonged to a greater network that could be compromised or controlled. But Kilo was not a vahki, nor did he have the same negative traits as the clockwork automatons Stannis observed and detested; he was not compromised and had been steadfastly loyal to his original directive, which the Wanderer also noted. And so, he chose to share what he held so dear with the protodermis guardian. "In brief, what do the stories in your databank say I do?" Pulling up archives data. Scanning for keywords Stannis, Wanderer. Results found. Comparing with accounts from allies. "Archives data contains multiple results. Accounts vary. Majority of results suggest you travel around assisting matoran with solving problems. Some accounts contain records of actions but have no listed objective. Proficiency in combat is frequently mentioned. Far older records indicate a possible team, but accuracy cannot be verified. Similarities exist to fables of wandering travelers lending aid to the downtrodden. Overall, stories of you suggest an overall enigmatic existence, with a generally positive portrayal." Stannis nodded. "It is my goal to help and protect matoran, and I know matoran can be best helped by learning from the mistakes of the past. I'm a historian, so I journal where I wander. For an example, all the fronts of the Barraki war, dossiers on their leaders, military movements, Matoran enclaves and holdouts, and escape routes both used and unused. My rucksack contains intelligence to be used in taking the fight to the Six Kings' home turf. Nobody else knows this." "Logical to keep information secret. Lower chance of leaks. Why deliver to the archives rather than to city leadership or directly to military commanders? Logic does not compute." Stannis shrugged with his open hands. "Put simply, because that's where my friends who use the information are located. The government of Metru Nui is not interested in fighting an aggressive war, and in fact has done so much to cloister the city from the coming war. I do not trust them with my information at this time." "Response indicates you might want a more aggressive approach to the war, yet information has not been sent to commanders at the front. Perhaps more selective strikes are preferred?" "In a manner of speaking, yes, Kilo. Metru Nui is not prepared for the war and I am here to see that is changed, hopefully in time to make a difference, and if not then at least information will be there when the time comes. "We haven't the time to discuss matters of military strategy or philosophies of governance," he said, feeling that they had spoken enough at that point and showing it with a blunt, but not unfriendly, tone. "Perhaps another time. For now, content yourself with the knowledge of what I safeguard and that there is a plan in motion. Did you have any further questions for me?" All conversational objectives have been completed. Further direct communication is unnecessary. Planning for coliseum arrival is needed. The mechanical enforcer shook its head. "All inquiries have been answered. Conversation has been productive. Ship will arrive at Coliseum soon. Recommend meeting with the others before arrival." The machine gave a polite nod to the toa. "Thank you for giving this unit some of your time." "Thank you for asking," Stannis said as he slowly rose from his cross-legged pose. "It was good to get to know you." The two allies headed back towards the main hold of the ship, still fundamentally different, but with a newfound understanding of one another.

I definitely want Kaiju so I can play a Tahtorak and stomp on things. (and have rene @EmperorWhenua ride me into battle)

The old man and the robot Presented by Technicolor

IC: Jutori - The Taku "Oh. Okay." ... "Wait, wh--" @BULiK

Well, this sounds like it's shaping up to be a spectacular sequel, whichever path we take.

Six Kingdoms: Rebirth/Impact Thanks so much to those who filled out the Google Form regarding what you want to see next game and what you liked about SKE so far. Here are the things that have stuck out to me from those answers: Players wanted more time overall to explore their characters, the plots they create, and the world they inhabit. Players liked the level of violence in SKE, and the majority of players enjoyed darker themes with darker tones. Great Disk puzzles were a huge success! Players gave them a medium difficulty rating, which was the intended difficulty, and that the majority of players felt there was enough time to complete the puzzles. Players loved PVE overall, though less players reported enjoying PVP. This is interesting as it shows how players feel about collaborative storytelling during combat. Combat is where players can become hostile quickly and has been the main area of GM resolution during SKE. Players are interested in seeing player owned locations but don’t want to be forced to participate. Players are interested in kanoka crafting and mask making Players are interested in a suva mechanic, but are also worried about its functions Players want the power levels to stay the same, and want the next game to be Mad Max levels of chaos. The majority of players are planning on carrying a character over into the next game, and most also want to make a skakdi. Players liked the idea of mechs. With all these in mind, here is my spoiler free rough introduction for Impact/Rebirth. Please, please, please know that further feedback is appreciated! I want to know what you want. For example, Kaiju and mechs are options. Impact: After the final acts of SKE, players must forge and take artifacts to their resting place to fulfill the prophecy of the Red Star in an apocalyptic dark age. These resting places will be inside sacred temples filled with traps and puzzles to allow only the most determined and destined to reach the inner sanctums. While this quest occurs across an island called Zakaz, the surviving Barraki warlords and skakdi warrior tribes fight for resources, fortresses, and landmarks with their war machines and heartlight powered vehicles. Unknown to all, an ancient evil has awoken to claim the throne of the Dead God. Rebirth: After the final acts of SKE, players grapple with the awakening of the Dead God as their universe is forever changed. Players must travel to an island called Zakaz to find a way to save the universe locked deep inside sacred temples filled with traps and puzzles to allow only the most determined and destined to reach the inner sanctums. While this quest occurs, the surviving Barraki warlords and skakdi warrior tribes fight for resources, fortresses, and landmarks with their war machines and heartlight powered vehicles. Unknown to all, an ancient evil has awoken to rival the Dead God.

OOC: Thanks to EW for bunnying Knichou while I was busy. IC: Knichou, Metru Nui Airspace, Bridge of the Taku The ex-Ghost sat at the controls as all the Toa on the ship went back down the ladder to the cargo bay. All the matoran were now on the bridge, silent. Atamai was holding the great disk of Onu-Metru, staring into the distance as if deep in thought. Knichou had been thinking too. The group needed to gain control of Nuparu's device at all costs, and either prevent it's activation or deactivate the sabotage and use it for themselves. They didn't know how many other great disks were found, so they may not even get the chance to use the device will all great disks. That's not even mentioning the fact that they were only operating off a hunch that this device was in the Coliseum, and that they would be able to find it if it was. There was another elephant in the room; part of the reason that so many Matoran were looking for the great disks was to become Toa. This meant Dume had a supply of Toa stones somewhere that each of the matoran around Knichou wanted a piece of. The same went for any other matoran who found the other great disks. Finding this cache would help not only in giving the team more power to accomplish their first objective, but it would help them acquire control of the other great disks from any other groups they find. It didn't help that the one person who knew where both these objectives were was currently in the sights of the largest organization of assassins in the universe. This left only one option in Knichou's mind: The crew of the Taku were going to need to kidnap Turaga Dume. Knichou rested his head in his hands and sighed. When they got to the Coliseum, there wasn't going to be much time to plan, and they needed to be prepared now. Knichou already had a good idea of how to get one Toa inside, but they needed to get everyone inside and find Dume. Knichou kept the Taku in a steady climb, enabled the autopilot, and swiveled the captain's chair around to address those on the bridge. "I think I have a plan for what we need to do when we get to the coliseum - and I'll need all your help to pull it off. First thing's first - Jutori, could you grab the suitcase underneath my bunk - " Knichou said, pointing to the door to his quarters at the rear of the bridge. " - and Kanohi, could I take a look at your grappling gun?" OOC: @Harvali @Tarn

2066, the greatest assassin who ever lived, Aglaia Boleslava defends the motherland as a member of the Ursine Assault Squad. Her entire body is cybernetic, the result of one tragic miscalculation. more photos Once again, thanks to Grayson for helping to build this moc and letting me borrow the galidor and hockey pieces necessary to complete it.

IC: Rose - Coliseum Parade Grounds "I'd like that," she replied to Skyra. Rose took another look at the group of soldiers and felt...doubt? No, that couldn't be right, but as she stood there ready to face the League, something in her was telling her all the ways this could go wrong. All the ways they could fail. And what of her own judgement? If they did fail, it could very well be her own fault, all those lives lost... Rose imagined the warlords standing proud over rubble that was once Metru Nui, the bodies of civilians and her allies scattered at their feet, and a blood-red sky above them. It looked like her home...the destruction, the desecration, the horror... "Perhaps...one district at a time isn't such a good idea," Rose said. She pointed at Tekmo and Ardoku. "You two--head for Ga-Metru. If they go to the Sculpture Fields to do what I think they're doing, they'll head there too to blaspheme the Great Temple and destroy its Suva. Not only that, there's a protodermis purifier and Kanohi stored there." The Ta-Toa looked over at Oreius. "And where are you heading?" @Snelly@Onaku@Toru Nui@Eyru

IC: Rose - Coliseum Parade Grounds "Those sculptures are carved and maintained by the Matoran who live there--Matoran who will be in direct danger if the League goes there to destroy anything they can as an act of heresy, like they did to the Suva temple back on the island." Rose looked at the rest of the group. "If you believe there are higher priority districts, then speak up. We cannot afford to waste any more time while these vermin crawl around the city." @Snelly@Onaku@Toru Nui

They weren't awful sets, but they were underwhelming for a lot of people. I know longtime fans could probably pick out at least three things they'd change about each individual set. Classic color schemes, cosmetic decisions, weapon choices, etc. would have most likely struck the notes a little better.

OOC: @BULiK IC: Kanohi - the Taku “Um, sure,” Kanohi handed over his grappling gun, his face under his many masks a crimson tint, “I know it’s um, a bit crude, sorry.” As he handed his modified Volo Lutu Launcher over, he could hear some of the conversations being said in the ship, snatches. It was … the speakers said enough, even even if he was worthy of these powers, he definitely wouldn’t have the mental fortitude to use them. But Knichou was a Nynrah Ghost, he might be able to use those powers, whatever they were. …Kanohi might be a failure of a mask maker, but he still remembered the basics. He raised his hand, “Um, excuse me but um, the Great Disks we have, there um, I think they are Reconstruct at Random and Weaken? I think that Kanoka of those types could be forged together to make a mask of Illusions. So um, if we used only these Great Disks in the machine, would they gave those who used it the ability to make powerful illusions? If … if we can find noble folk with the mental fortitude to use those powers, they could maybe trap the League in illusions, not killing them but distracting them so they couldn’t hurt anyone else?” Then to the rest of the passengers he asked, “um, do you know what exactly is happening in the city right now? I … we have been pretty isolated out here recently, is the city okay? Where exactly is Dume? Will we need to worry about the Vahki?”

IC: Tugarak - Assembler's Village Tugarak marched forward, the metal legs of his Manas-class siege boxor thundering against the dusty ground of Po-Metru with every step. Behind him, a number of troops marched as well, wearing similar boxors of their own. They were member's of Carapar's tribe, as strong and brutal as the seas upon which they had traveled. They were armed with cordak cannons, electro-rockets, griffon gauntlets and other weapons. They had met very little resistance during their march, aside from that initial deployment of zadahk. He doubted that any of the locals, caught completely by surprise as they were, had either the will or they means to fight. The would respond well to the Question, now that the Great Spirit had shown fit to deny them their victory. He slowed the movement of his real legs, allowing the boxor to crawl to a stop. They had reached the center of the so-called Assembler's Village, where idolatrous craftsmen labored in service to the vices and delusions of Metru Nui's elite. His guards took their positions around him, forming a protective barrier. He would be well-protected from any potential counterattack. He removed his claw from the trigger of his boxor's main weapon, and entered in a quick succession of commands into his council. When he spoke, the matoran would here his speech in their native language, at a volume too high to ignore for miles around. He would also broadcast in a short-ranged radio transmission, in case any military personal or intrusive civilians were listening in. "Oh, people of Metru Nui!" his voiced boomed over the speakers. "Know now that the hour of judgement has arrived! You are now the subjects of his majesty, Lord Carapar, and of the glorious League of Six Kingdoms! We make the following demands of you; renounce your false faith. Renounce the false Turaga, Dume! Renounce all that has come before, so that a newer, greater future may be built!" He drew in a breath. "Know that we have no tolerance for disobedience. Those who reject our offer shall die!" IC:Amatarkonen - Troop Carrier (Army of Carapar) - @Dane Amatarkonen stood on the deck of the barge, watching as the city of Metru Nui unfolded below him. He wondered what Takadox's intention had been, sending him in the army of another Barraki. Had he grown suspicious of his intents? Was this mission intended to be his last? He hoped not. He did not want to think about what would happen to House Konan in his absence. He turned around, heading into the lower deck to check on the troops in the cargo bay. It was a large, dark, badly ventilated room, plagued with the scent of sweat and burning petrodermis. The Bruiser troops within snapped to attention at his sight, falling into two neat lines on either side of the door. They saluted him, awaiting any orders he might give. He was about to dismiss them, when he noticed a green-skinned skakdi standing in the corner. "You there," he called out to him. "Why are you not in formation?"

IC: Oreius | The Coliseum This was unexpected. The Barraki? Here? Oreius felt his stomach drop. Despite all their effort, despite all the blood spilled on too many beaches, the Barraki had somehow made their way to Metru Nui's shores. The Matoran were in mortal peril. They had to move quickly. As Brutaka barked orders, the Toa of Fire threw a few practice punches, getting used to the weight of the new armour that he had equipped on the journey back. The Matoran who suggested it—a nervous-looking Onu-Matoran—had said it would suit his fighting style well. Get in close, move fast, and do as much damage as possible. Each punch and kick was backed by the power of a Kanoka disk. Oreius missed the familiar weight of his swords, but for now, he would gladly test out this new armour on some Barraki soldiers. He would die before he allowed the city to fall.

Of course Bionicle's return would be nice, but I would also like to see Chima come back. It had potential, which needs to be tapped instead of being left to die. The theme could potentially undergo a soft reboot, which would focus on the world beyond Chima proper (which we saw at the end of the final episode). Many stories could be told in those lands, and focus may or may not be shifted back to the main "island" if need be. Anyway, now you have my thoughts on this.

IC, Kohara: Colisseum Kohara nodded. “Very wise answers, you two. I’m sure both of you would be excellent Toa. We’ll see what Turaga Dume thinks once we speak with him.” Shortly after, there was a loud ding. The trio and their Vahki escort stepped off the elevator. Kohara allowed the Vahki to lead the group to Dume’s office.

IC: Taja | The Coliseum Taja shrugged in response to Kohara's question. In all the excitement, she had forgotten about the reward promised those who retrieved the Great Disks. And, until a few short hours ago, she hadn't even considered that she would be one of them. Now, as the elevator rose, she realized she potentially had only minutes to reconcile herself to the idea of a drastic and permanent transformation. "If the Great Spirit wills it," she said carefully. "Then I'll obey."

IC: Ardoku - Coliseum Parade Grounds "Which district will you be headed?" Ardoku asked Rose and company, walking back out to the Parade Grounds equipped with a shiny new Hau, a satchel of kanoka around his shoulder, and a shoulder-mounted kanoka launcher in stand-by on his back. His sword's sheathe had been moved from his left hip to his right hip, allowing his left hand better access to it. "On the one hand, if we all stick together, we'd have a better chance of taking down the warlords... on the other hand, that would leave some districts vulnerable." While waiting for an answer, Ardoku's eyes drifted over to Tekmo, giving him a look wondering if the Bo-Toa wanted to pitch in. IC: Arkius - Morpheus Loud thunder followed the sky flashing bright with lightning as Vashni opened her eyes within Arkius’ mindscape. All around her was black and grey, rocks and earth as far as the eye could see.Towering in the distance were three monolithic formations of black stone and earth, each in a different direction and equally far from each other on the horizon. Another flash of white, another thunderous crackle, and Vashni could see someone sitting under a rock, shivering. Upon closer inspection, it looked like Arkius, but he was emaciated and muttering to himself, twitchy and neurotic, though he didn’t seem to have noticed her if he could see her at all. @Snelly

IC: Ardoku - Coliseum "I'm fine, brother. In any case, relocating us to the center of the city was strategically sound, we'll be able to deploy to each district at the same speed from here. Question is, who goes where?" Ardoku looked around at the soldiers near him, before looking back to Tekmo. "You know, I don't quite know why, but I've always prided myself on being able to defend myself without the power of my mask to aid me... but with my dominant arm in the condition it's in, that kind of pride may very well get me killed now. That... sentimentality... I must set it aside. I need a new Kanohi if I'm going to be of use out there." Heading off to the Coliseum Armoury, Ardoku looked back at his fellow soldiers. "I'm headed to the Armoury, if anyone else has business over there?" As luck would have it, a Great Hau was indeed in stock at the Armoury, and as Ardoku placed the colourless mask upon his face, he could feel his form re-energise as the mask took on the white colouration of his armour, as well as the familiar power of Shielding come to his senses. From behind this new mask, he looked upon his old, cracked Hau with a twinge of guilt to his eyes. "Could you keep this one safe for me? It has special meaning to me." While the clerk manning the Armoury nodded and stowed the cracked Kanohi away, Ardoku walked over to one of the weapon racks, picking up a kanoka launcher that had an additional mechanism attached, one which Ardoku soon realised was for mounting the launcher on the user's back. "A shoulder-mounted kanoka launcher... this could come in handy. Do you have a satchel at hand for kanoka?" IC: Okuo - Coliseum Okuo looked from his near-empty bowl of noodles to Kohara, back to his bowl of noodles, then back to Kohara, before his gaze then shifted away from Kohara into a thousand yard stare. He hadn't actually considered himself becoming a Toa, he just thought the sheer act of returning a Kanoka would be a way to contribute to the city's safety. But she was right. This was something Dume had announced. Retrieving a disk would be rewarded with ascension to toa-hood. But... was Okuo ready? He'd been a matoran all of his life. Which... well, most other Toa had been before they became Toa, granted, but at this point he was used to being small, agile, and lightweight. Certainly he didn't possess any elemental powers, but his ability to turn invisible had proven itself invaluable in making up that. Okuo shook his head, sighed, and shrugged. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't have enough toa stones for everyone turning in these disks. And really, I'm fine with others going ahead in my stead, I can handle myself as 'just' a matoran absolutely fine..."

IC: Brutaka | Metru-Nui The gold and blue titan watched over the soldiers waiting at the parade grounds of the Coliseum. He knew their names and faces after so long fighting the League on the sea, in the air, and in desperate struggles along rocky coastlines. The most recent conflict against Mantax’s troops had left him concerned by the extreme measures to which the Barraki’s own desecrated the temple ruins. He’d known Mantax to care about honor and death with glory, and now… Something changed. No, something snapped and Pridak was undoubtedly to blame. Even Pridak seemed more vicious these past few months. He did not remember any of the Barraki being so cruel and vile when they served with the Order. Yes, they held a longstanding secret close to their heartlights without being able to reveal it. But so did Brutaka. So did all of them. No matter how much they desired to breathe the words of truth, Axonn’s bond held their tongues firmly in place. Brutaka had once been tempted to join the Barraki, but now after all he’d seen he could barely believe they’d once broken bread. A vahki broke Brutaka’s thoughts on the past with a briefing. “Turaga Dume is missing, Coliseum is in lockdown. Assist in finding the missing Turaga. The League is reported to have arrived in Ko-Metru, splitting up and heading into different Metrus. Deploy your troops to their work functions.” “Shut up, send a matoran next time. I hate talking to technology,” Brutaka muttered as he pushed the vahki out of his sight and rose to walk down the bleachers of the akalini stands towards where Skyra performed her acrobatic flirtations. “Listen up,” Brutaka shouted as he got close. He watched several soldiers stiffen and turn at attention. He saw Iona in the back shoving the rock he’d given her back into a pocket, and for a brief moment his eyes locked with Orieus in the crowd of hungry haunted soldiers who’d seen too much horror already. “The League just showed up in Ko-Metru. They found a way in and are breaking into smaller factions, undoubtedly six -- one for each Metru. I don’t need to be a strategist to know the Barraki like to show off by claiming their spoils of war. Split up and assist the vahki in stopping the karz-forsaken zealots from destroying our home. I need a few to stay here with me and assist the vahki with this lockdown and finding Turaga Dume in the Coliseum. The rest of you spread out. If you find a Barraki, kill him for me. This world’s better off without them now.”

IC: Turaga Lhikan | Coliseum Prisons “Surrendered? Really, how delightful. That makes two of us.” Lhikan leaned forward against the bars of his cell, the energy field crackling a bit as he pressed against it. “I take it you’re a Dark Hunter. How goes things?” Lhikan pointed toward the ceiling as he talked. “Is the old man still kicking?” IC: Barraki | Ko-Metru, Underground warehouse Pridak looked down at Zaliyah. She stood hunched and ruined, and he rose elegant and powerful in his large warsuit. Extra armored plating wrapped around him, soft cushioning protecting him from bruising on the battlefield. Several armaments were attached at the shoulders, as well as on the wrists. The legs were recurve, and added plenty of height to his already tall form. A red tabard rested over the front of the warsuit, the rest white with gold trim befitting a king. On his face he wore the mask taken from an old man. Pridak would start a new creation, one unbridled by the fear of revealing the truths of life adrift. And yet Zaliyah questioned his judgement and preparedness. “Do I have a plan?” Pridak mused. He stared at her with cold eyes, then smiled a grin full of sharp serrated teeth through his new mask and laughed. His booming joy echoed down the length of the massive warehouse tunnel beneath Ko-Metru’s ice. “Yes, little hordika, I do. Allow me to explain.” Turning his warsuit back to the assembled warriors who’d just passed mios and habitable zones with a single step, Barraki Pridak revealed the collective plan of the Six Kingdoms’ endgame: “Welcome to Metru-Nui, the City of Legends. We’re here to make a new legend. Each of us Barraki has chosen a region of the city to liberate from the matoran blemish. Right now, we are beneath Ko-Metru, the land of icy towers and ignorant scholars who seek to predict the future with starlight rather than work together to create positive social change. I have claimed this region, I will make these people remember the present moment for generations.” Barraki Mantax stepped next to Pridak, naturally so large his head was level with Pridak’s despite the warsuit’s added height and armor. He wore no additional armor above the waist, opting instead for white warpaint and his maze of scars earned in battle. A translating matoran stood next to him, their eyes wide with fear but grateful to be alive. As Mantax’s voice boomed in his natural tongue, the matoran squeaked below him. “I will take the region of Earth, Onu-Metru. There they store many rahi, contained and abused for research. I will free them and kill them honorably.” Carapar joined in next, his warhorn strapped to his back and his armor freshly polished. The large yatagan blade at his side glittered with newly added jewels to the scabbard. In his left hand he carried the banner of his homeland. “They make hedonistic art and false idols in the deserts of Po-Metru. I will end this false worship and raise the banner of the true principles of science, art, and sensations of the only life we have.” Ehlek hopped on a crate to be at the same height as the other warriors, his hunched form otherwise hiding him from the crowd of onlooking warriors. He could see several of his people here today. It made him proud and grateful to have achieved so much together. “My people will go to the region of air and use our powers of electricity to destroy the carefully planned public transit system of magnetic chutes. You see these chutes will no longer be the main way to freely and efficiently navigate the island. While this may become a tactical disadvantage for us in the short term, in the long term it will delay the response of Metru-Nui’s --” “Ehlek, you’re rambling,” grumbled Takadox as he joined the Barraki at the head of the crowd. His translucent blue armor glittered with the red neon lighting of the triangularly shaped space. Instinctively, a large portion of the warriors assembled stared at their feet. Takadox sneered smugly. He loved the submission the very fear his presence encouraged. Fear led to power. “I am Takadox, and those who follow me will crush the heart of the matoran’s blind faith in the Great Liar Mata-Nui. We will go to Ga-Metru and tear their temple to the ground, stone by stone, and cast them into the sea.” Kalmah joined them, his back still a nightmare from the prayers he’d led back on the island of their fortress. He seemed unfazed by the pain. His armor, usually clean and orderly, glittered with rivulets of his own ichor. “I’ll burn them all.” The six factions within the League divided, rushing out in waves toward the surface. Mantax took his people through the streets of Ko-Metru toward the Archives of Onu-Metru, indiscriminately slaughtering as they went. The warcry of Mantax’s homeland echoed off the knowledge towers as they paved a line of conquest through the snow and ice. Carapar’s troops took over a chute station, then loaded into commandeered cargo barges and rushed through the magnetized current toward station 445 in Po-Metru. When they arrived, Carapar had every intention of destroying the station then moving toward the Assembler’s village to wipe out the creators of false idols. Takadox patted Leonn on the shoulder and gave him a stern look in his eyes as he passed toward the surface. “You did a good job, now why don’t you follow Carapar nice and close like we planned,” and in a whisper added, “and keep an eye on Amartakonen. Make sure he follows orders.” Then Takadox and his warriors rushed into the streets of Ko-Metru, making their way North around the Coliseum. In a few hours of pillaging apartments and crushing vahki charging hives they would arrive at the destination of the Great Temple. Takadox wondered if in the aftermath he should start a religion of fearful worship for himself. As Ehlek passed toward the streets of Ko-Metru and then toward the chute stations of Le-Metru, Pridak turned toward Zaliyah. “Follow Ehlek, he’s the overthinker. Seems like your style, little hordika.” After the electric barraki’s departure, Pridak turned to his army and said; “While Ko-Metru is my chosen region to liberate, there’s one more region in this city: the Coliseum. This region is the center of the city, of this pitiful resistance to truth, and home to the most vile individual in the universe. We will kill Dume. Cut the head of the snake off and it can no longer bite. And Mazor,” Pridak pointed toward the undead toa with a shoulder bag full of nightmare fuel, “you will stay close to me." And then the great Barraki warlords began the ending stages of their campaign against the matoran people. Those who surrendered their faith and accepted the new ways would be free to live. Those who didn’t became stars for Ko-Matoran to record, catalogue, and ignore to focus on other, brighter constellations of toa. OOC: Hello everyone! Metru-Nui's notification and response is coming ASAP. For Characters in the league, either follow the Barraki your character is aligned with or head to the region your want your character to destroy first. For Metru-Nui characters, I'll be writing a post to notify and help ease the transition towards the final battle for Metru-Nui! May the stars be ever in our favor.

Congrats @Snelly on page 41... Here's a teaser for next game:

Originally there were actually Four Toa during the early development process. Fire (Flame), Water (Hook), Earth (Claw) and Air (Axe). Then Ice (Blade) and Stone (Kick) got added to the team before Alastair Swinerton flipped open a English-Maori dictionary and the rest was history...

That makes no sense. It sounded that originally, in 2001, in Bionicle, that there were going to be seven Toa, but it’s just six due to story relevance. In 2003, we have Takanuva as the seventh Toa. Maybe Takanuva was going to appear in the 2001 storyline? It does explain why the Bionicle: Quest for the Toa and Mata Nui Online Game in 2001 focused on Takua, because of that and he turned into Takanuva in 2003, anyway. Just saying my theory about this rumor.

BZPRPG News and Announcements This is where the news items will be indexed for easy reference. Keep an eye on this post to keep yourselves up-to-date on updates regarding gameplay and events inside the RPG. New updates are decorated. Included is a player-run set of updates called the Mata Nui Weekly, run by Kughii, Dr. O, Voxumo, and Canis Lycaon. You can find more information about it here. Mata Nui Weekly 6/19 - 6/26 20146/11 - 6/18 20146/4 - 6/10 20145/28 - 6/3 20145/20 - 5/27 20145/13 - 5/20 20144/29 - 5/6 20144/22 - 4/29 20144/15 - 4/22 20144/8 - 4/15 20144/1 - 4/7 20143/24 - 4/1 20143/18 - 3/25 20143/11 - 3/18 2014 3/4 - 3/11 20142/25 - 3/2, 20142/18 - 2/25 20142/11 - 2/18 20142/4 - 2/11 20141/28 - 2/4 20141/1 - 1/7 2014Mata-Nui Daily Lavapool Inn Destroyed: An explosion has rocked one of the more fortified villages on Mata Nui today. Rubble and fighting now standing where the famous Lavapool Inn once stood. The Ta-Koro Guard was quickly dispatched and are securing the area now. Stay tuned for more updates.BZPRPG NEWS Piraka (sans Vezok) are mobilizing under Zaktan's leadership for something big. BZPRPG Announcements Hatachi (Kughii) is currently RPing Hewkii as Akiri of Po-Koro in Lloyd: The White Wolf's absenceUpdate: Lloyd has returned and is now in control of Hewkii. BZPRPG News Archive This is where the news items from past seasons will be linked for reference purposes. BZPRPG 2012BZPRPG 2013

New player? No problem! Go take a look at the BZPRPG Starter Topic for several resources designed for you, including an in-depth FAQ.