Harvali

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Collector shivered, the staff’s power was … unnerving. They had the sense someone stared at them from just out of sight, no matter which way they looked. They swallowed, still this would be useful, if they did get desecrated, or gain a desecrated mask, an Aspect might be able to see through their optics anyways. Might as well experience it temporarily, see if it would be bearable.

As they started after Councilor NU and Ulkarr, the Vortixx overheard Kanohi whisper quietly. “Thank you.” Collector averted their gaze from Kanohi, though their face contorted into a smile. Almost immediately they flinched, they still lacked finesse in smiling.

Kanohi followed along, nodding to himself. If he had doubts about the offer he planned to give Collector, sorry, the Vortixx soon to be formerly known as Collector, those thoughts were diminishing quickly. The Vortixx was still a bit unsettling in behavior, but Kanohi wasn’t exactly the picture of mental health either.

As they walked in Collector’s optics zeroed in on Whisper. It … this could have been an opportunity, but now it might prove annoying. Now that Collector’s sense had been hacked, perhaps they should not speak as freely as they would have liked. That would be … frustrating. 

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi let out a tightly held sign, “That’s a relief, I was just discussing fears that the ruins’ portal might one day stop functioning. It would be good to know if it’s in working order. Do you think you could investigate that specifically?”

Collector nodded, though they seemed … fidgety. They did not match Kanohi’s gaze, and kept their hand stimming against their blade. Still they swallowed and said, “I will do my best, Akiri. I know how important this portal is. And with the ruin so close to the Koro…”

”Is something wrong?”

”I … I have changed a lot. I … did not realize it as much as now.” Earlier they were so driven to power, they abandoned their courier job, shoved their goods on the first stranger they saw in the quest for power. Now they … they were more thoughtful. Maybe less selfish. It was strange.

”…You have changed. You know, in Matoran custom, if you do something great, undergo a great change, you can earn a new name. Kanohi wasn’t the name I was born with either. I think your deeds in the flood more than qualifies, if you would like it.” 

”I … would like that. I will think of a name. But, offer the chance to the Vahki too. Individually. They did more. And they were less … self-centered.” They looked away, wincing at the thought of their selfish joy in the flood, excited to be saving lives, regardless of how many died. Monster.

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi followed after NU. This … it was not fortunate that the Vahki were slaves of the league, but it was … it meant he would be speaking to Vulimai and Knichou. And if he was already speaking to them, about social issues, it might be easier to bring up one of Kanohi’s concerns. Not that they had done something wrong, just, he wanted to offer his perspective on a matter that fell under Vulimai’s jurisdiction. Just, make sure it was said.

Collector paused, thinking it over. “I … I had not intended to, but that might be for the best. I fear the Ruins may have been damaged over the millennia, the affect it had on Toa Arkius … he seemed more aggressive, more hostile. And he was not meant to be empowered at all, there was a leak when the machine activated.”

”If the ruins are unstable, all of the Koro may be at risk. Likewise the secrets the temple contains may have been damaged. I admit I do not understand the mechanisms of the temple, but I have knowledge of technology, and as of today I have my own Kiril. The mask should let me repair the temple, if there is a danger.”

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi winced, “I must admit, I-I still worry that one day the portals will stop working. Collector, the Vortixx with the Kanoka Blade of Freezing, seems to believe the ruins may have suffered damage over the last millennia. Such as that Arkius may have been empowered by a leak in the machinery of the Ruin of Stone. If that part of the NUVA door was damaged, the portal’s mechanisms might be damaged too. And maybe one day the wear and tear causes them to break.”

He sighed, “still, I suppose we cannot rely on the radio tower for something like this. And time, too much has been wasted already. Should we go now?”

Elsewhere, Collector shook their head, “To bring order to this land? You have a difficult wish. Though not impossible I suppose, this village is pretty stable now, Kini-Nui is as well, and Bode’s shepherding have helped.”

It was funny, something in his wording, Collector was unskilled with people, but it was almost like Ulkarr did not know why it was his Grand Wish. And where wishes came from, was he implying that the Aspects were born to fulfill the wishes of other beings.

Maybe there was one who wished to turn Vortixx into Toa.

Collector fingered their Kanoka Blade, still, the Desecrated are compelled to fill out the Aspect’s Grand Wish. That might be dangerous. If they feel compelled to serve, and they chose an cruel Aspect, or one with a dangerous wish, they would be a slave forced to commit terrible acts. And given that rumors said Whisper could possess Vulimai, who has a desecrated mask, it was troubling.

They needed to find out more about Whisper, as an individual. And well, there was a Toa who would know her better than most. 

The Vortixx bowed and said, “Thank you for the information. I have much to think about. In turn, I do not know if this would interest you, but I have heard rumors that there are secrets in the ruins of the island, secrets that can make an Aspect stronger. If one such secret can be found in the Stone Ruins, I believe no one has claimed it yet.” They tilted their gaze towards the temple that overlooked Tobduk-Koro.

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi nodded, “you … you are right, Commander Vulimai will need to know. There is something else. I don’t know how much you know of Toa Knichou’s past, but he was a Nynrah Ghost, one of the last. And when he and I met he…”

The Matoran trailed off, before snapping to attention, “s-sorry, just, that was a long time ago. Well, it seems that way. But Knichou had been with Nuparu when he was assassinated, and he was able to recover some of the records of Nuparu. And given his … creativity … it seems likely he could build a Hive from scratch, or disrupt the Hives. If he wishes to.”

Kanohi said no more, hoping NU understood. Both Councilors knew of the Mask of Creation, it had been a minor point of contention in the past between Tobduk-Koro and Kini-Koro. Namely because it could be used to build better defenses for Tobduk-Koro, and of the two villages, Tobduk-Koro was the front line. Literally. 

Elsewhere Collector nodded and said, “ I knew some of that, your rival Whisper has been busy. That is part of what concerns me, I do not know much of the nature of your kind’s Grand Wishes. What exactly are they? And what do they mean for the Desecrated?”

Collector did not know what Ulkarr’s Grand Wish was, but they knew Whisper’s. Or rather, they had heard the rumors. That she wanted to be a mortal, to live and die. That wish was, they knew they projected on others a lot, but part of that wish appealed to Collector. Not dying, but wanted to be apart of the living. To belong.

They also knew a large chunk of the Matoran had their masks desecrated by her. And those masks gave the Matoran … abilities. Advanced abilities. And one of those abilities in particular they needed. Desperately. They … they could not trust the NUVA doors, at least not until more research had been made. But Desecration through masks had happened on a mass scale in Kini-Koro as well as for a few in Tobduk-Koro. And from that, one could poll and study the effects more thoroughly. 

OOC: @Toru Nui

SK4 is just the survivors of SKA riffing on SKE in a movie theater, as Tren Krom has trapped them outside of linear time and is forcing them to watch the old rpg topics. 

In our defense, you named the game Apocalypse. I at least was hedging my bets that something is left afterwards. 

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Collector glanced at their hand, “Sorry, I had not noticed. The blade as I said produces enough cold to freeze water, and the lofting cold can be … calming to me.” They paused, thinking, “Our meeting might be fortuitous. I do not know much of the Aspects. Perhaps you could inform me of some of the details of your breed? And the costs of desecration.”

Kanohi felt his heartlight flutter, and slid to the ground. “O-of course, it’s obvious. My apologies, I should have known. I should have thought of that. They are still s-slaves. That … that should not continue.” He rubbed his head, drumming his mask.

Fool, he should have known. For every grain of wisdom and understanding Kanohi had gained, his ignorance still dwarfed his realizations. He … he needed to remember this, as a Matoran he had privileges that no Vahki or Vortixx knew. And no matter how well he meant, he still was unaware.

But still, the fact was that while the Vahki had to be freed, if Tobduk-Koro attacked the ruins of the city, there could be war. And Kanohi could not brave that, could not risk more deaths. S-so many are dead. S-so many. He was … he was a coward. Karzahni, lives were on the line!

Finally he looked up and said, “I … I had thought too small previously, but I did have a plan I was going to propose, to send a small group to scavenge the outskirts of the flooded remains of Metru-Nui, and salvage some of the tech of the sunken Vahki hives, so a hive could be built here. But, perhaps that team could instead try to liberate the remaining hives of the city, and free the Vahki? Break Aurax’s control over them? I … forgive me if I speak nonsense, I am not very skilled at advanced technology.”

OOC: @Toru Nui

Hope this is okay, I was not sure if this would push the limits of a Matoran minion. I think think this fits all existing rules though, though the elemental detail I am unsure of. Thought I should try as the village could use more existing guards, don’t want a repeat of last game where a hundred PCs were made to protect Po-Koro as a reaction into it being invaded. Just for reference, this is not a priority character that needs quick approval, just figured I would have their profile ready to go just in case. 

• Name: Avka
• Breed: Desecrate Av-Matoran
• Faction: Whisper, Tobduk-Koro
• Brief Description: color changing Matoran with a discolored rusted olive green Noble Mask of Speed, whose color they cannot change. They wear a muted brown hood to hide their mask when they are being stealthy. 
• Role: Fighter
• Flaw: a bit arrogant towards other Matoran since as an Av-Matoran they naturally have abilities closer to a Toa than other breed of Matoran. Their new powers from their desecration has only fed into this. They often dismiss the contributes other Matoran can make in a fight, only considering desecrated Matoran and Av-Matoran useful.
• Powers: As Avka’s mask is Desecrated by a Stage two Kraata of Laser Vision, their eyes can brightly glow, and they can focus the light of their eyes to temporarily blind foes. They also have limited power over elemental Light, letting them fire bolts of Light energy. Additionally their desecration has blended their elemental Light bolts with a secondary element of Fire, letting them singe whatever they hit with their bolts, as well as start fires.
• Breed quirk: As an Av-Matoran, Avka can bend the light around their body in order to make their armor appear to be different colors. They can use this instinctually, and use it mostly as a simple camouflage to stealthily guard Tobduk-Koro.  
• Equipment: Avka has two knives carved from the hooked horns of a Mahi. They also possess a level one disk of Weakening, but no disk launcher.

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Collector paused, tickling their hilt as they muttered, “That … that is the question, is it not?” They rubbed the back of their head and spoke louder, “In all honesty, I did not intend that to be my name. I was trying to think of one, I got as far as ‘Ko’ but no further. A Matoran assumed I meant ‘collector,’ and the name stuck. I do not know if it still fits.” It had once, they had sought to collect friends, to possess friendships. But now, they worried the idea of ‘collecting’ people like they were objects was part of what made them a pariah.

They shook their head, “I have bounced some ideas around in my head. I still wish to keep Ko in my name, the closest thing I possess to an element is my Kanoka Blade of Freezing. It’s not true Ice, but it is comforting.” They twirled their fingers around the hilt, their finger brushing against it.

Kanohi nodded and said, “We can meet in the transport. It’s closer and I … still haven’t really settled into my home yet,” he rubbed the back of his head, jiggling his many masks. He stretched before moving to follow NU to her office.

OOC: @Toru Nui

Hey mods, just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to sort through all our characters, and to be patient with all our questions. It is appreciated. Take care of yourselves, okay? 

OOC: plan changed

IC Mahrika - The Suva of Fire

Mahrika flailed under the sword, seemingly not yet noticed by Ollem. Ugh, fool, she should have known that sword was too heavy, she was shriveled for a Matoran, and even for a healthy Matoran this would be an ordeal. She breathed heavy, trying to slid out from underneath the sword, but try as she might she failed to get loose,

But as she continued to struggle, she began to feel a sensation on her chassis. She strained to look at her torso, and before her optics noticed a gripping oily secretion venting out of the components of her frame. The sword oozed and slid on the oil, and with widening optics Mahrika wiggled, slipping and squeezing out from under the sword.

The Ga-Matoran stared at her torso, she was no longer venting lubricant, but the oily goo did not fade from her chassis. She paused, pressing her palm against it, this … there was indeed an oily film there. What … what was happening to her?

”Vokarda?” She whispered, before gripping the azure sword again. She stumbled as she heaved it upright, staggering and swaying under its weight. But then she felt … changes. Her balance seemed to shift, parts of her body grew slightly heavier. Her arms seemed to widen slightly, and her hands grew harsher groves. With strain she lifted the sword off the ground, and attempted to swing it in both hands.

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad so I learned Mahrika reached stage three.

Uuuuuugh. My minion character submission doubled itself too. Can someone delete the duplicate, along with the duplicate Gameplay topic post?

Figured he could fit the Minion Role

• Name: Bode
• Breed: Desecrated De-Matoran
• Faction: Ulkarr, Tobduk-Koro
• Brief Description: Gray and Dark Gray Matoran with a Mask of Elemental Energy, dressed in a cloak made of woven plant fibers and a wooden staff
• Role: Quest Giver who acts as a passive shepherd of Mahi when not offering information
• Flaw: Guilt-ridden by the murder of Ramaka and terrified that the fall of Po-Koro may have been related to his actions. Bad memory because of his trauma. Also is constantly under guard for his murder.
• Powers: As Bode is Desecrated by a Stage One Kraata of Plant Life, he can grow weeds with every step he takes. He uses this to feed his flock of Mahi, keeping the grazing fields of Tobduk-Koro full. He also can telepathically communicate with his Master Ulkarr, letting him learn rumors to share with the village and his Master.
• Breed quirk: As a De-Matoran, Bode has an enhanced sense of hearing, letting him hear whispers and far off sounds. This makes him useful in learning gossip and secrets to offer PCs. It also means he can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises.
• Equipment: Bode has a wooden staff with no powers, which he uses to support his weight. He has a whistle to corral Mahi, and wears a cloak made of fibers from the weeds he creates. He has a sleeping bag made of plant fiber as well, to sleep by his flock.

Site issues made me double post, apologies. Is there a way to delete the duplicate?

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi nodded as his fellow Councilor approached, drawing his Kiril Staff to lean on. “Okay. Do you want us to leave the Forge to discuss it?” There were a few Matoran of Plasma working around them to make disks of Weakening and Regeneration, one even forging Jutlin and Kiril. He did not know if she would not want to around them. The Matoran could be … ignorant. Often willfully so.

Kanohi suspected he knew what Nu would want. It had weighed on him too. He could be wrong, never was good at reading people. But it was clear that few Vahki were left, less than ten in the villages. Certain Matoran were more organic, they could replenish their number without machines. But the Vahki, the only way more of them could be born, is for them to be built.

He feared that the village did not have the most resources, they had a small Protodermis mine and some industry, but their capabilities were limited compared to the Metru-Nui of old. Disks of Regeneration and Weakening were all that Tobduk-Koro was capable of making, the best disk makers had died during the Impact. Similarly most disks were currently thrown by hand, making the disk launchers took resources and only a few engineers could make them, it was almost a specialty job. Still, the two villages and the ice outpost had enough defenses for now, they could maybe afford to build other things.

And if not, Kanohi had a rough idea. 

Elsewhere, Collector turned towards Ulkarr. “I am … yes” Their name had weighed on them recently, they suspected they would change it sooner than later. But, for now they were Collector. As they eyed the Aspect their finger tickled their Kanoka Blade. It would do little against Ulkarr, they knew that, but they … it was calming, in its way.

Kanohi seemed to understand that. It was … ever since the flood, Kanohi and Collector had … it was hard to explain, but Kanohi approached Collector more often of his own free will. Like it was less of a chore. Collector did not know why however, Collector had failed Po-Koro, if anything Kanohi should hate them more.

As they twirled their finger around their Kanoka Blade’s handle they asked, “You are Ulkarr, correct? The Aspect with mastery over the shadows?” Whisper has shadow powers as well, but Ulkarr was the only Aspect Collector knew of who could bring shadows to life, instantly create an army to match any horde. At the same time, from what Collector knew, Ulkarr knew far fewer Rites than Whisper. He could not take the heartlights from Rahi and make them Kraata, nor desecrate masks. Whisper had never killed a person to desecrate another, even before she knew the rites she did not sacrifice a life, though her loophole had been extreme. All of that made her a bit more appealing.

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi nodded as his fellow Councilor approached, drawing his Kiril Staff to lean on. “Okay. Do you want us to leave the Forge to discuss it?” There were a few Matoran of Plasma working around them to make disks of Weakening and Regeneration, one even forging Jutlin and Kiril. He did not know if she would not want to around them. The Matoran could be … ignorant. Often willfully so.

Kanohi suspected he knew what Nu would want. It had weighed on him too. He could be wrong, never was good at reading people. But it was clear that few Vahki were left, less than ten in the villages. Certain Matoran were more organic, they could replenish their number without machines. But the Vahki, the only way more of them could be born, is for them to be built.

He feared that the village did not have the most resources, they had a small Protodermis mine and some industry, but their capabilities were limited compared to the Metru-Nui of old. Disks of Regeneration and Weakening were all that Tobduk-Koro was capable of making, the best disk makers had died during the Impact. Similarly most disks were currently thrown by hand, making the disk launchers took resources and only a few engineers could make them, it was almost a specialty job. Still, the two villages and the ice outpost had enough defenses for now, they could maybe afford to build other things.

And if not, Kanohi had a rough idea. 

Elsewhere, Collector turned towards Ulkarr. “I am … yes” Their name had weighed on them recently, they suspected they would change it sooner than later. But, for now they were Collector. As they eyed the Aspect their finger tickled their Kanoka Blade. It would do little against Ulkarr, they knew that, but they … it was calming, in its way.

Kanohi seemed to understand that. It was … ever since the flood, Kanohi and Collector had … it was hard to explain, but Kanohi approached Collector more often of his own free will. Like it was less of a chore. Collector did not know why however, Collector had failed Po-Koro, if anything Kanohi should hate them more.

As they twirled their finger around their Kanoka Blade’s handle they asked, “You are Ulkarr, correct? The Aspect with mastery over the shadows?” Whisper has shadow powers as well, but Ulkarr was the only Aspect Collector knew of who could bring shadows to life, instantly create an army to match any horde. At the same time, from what Collector knew, Ulkarr knew far fewer Rites than Whisper. He could not take the heartlights from Rahi and make them Kraata, nor desecrate masks. Whisper had never killed a person to desecrate another, even before she knew the rites she did not sacrifice a life, though her loophole had been extreme. All of that made her a bit more appealing.

OOC: @Toru Nui

Just curious, does some residue purified EP remain there?

For those wondering, the sword (still in its scabbard) falling on her is totally an excuse for Mahrika to adapt so she can’t get trapped by being pinned. Look, it’s been ages since she got to Stage two. Least I can do is actually use that power. 

IC Mahrika - The Suva of Fire

Mahrika winced she … was not exactly the strongest Matoran, though she had gotten a lot more exercise since the head impacted her world. She shook her head though as Ollem worked, he was brilliant at puzzles, at seemed like every time a puzzle had been solved by the group, he had been the only to complete it. The only times she really seemed to contribute was regarding the culture of her people, and even then her memory was shaky.

As Ollem worked with frightening speed she tried to make a joke, “I better be able to lift it, you have the brains of our t— group, the least I can do is be the brawn.” She winced almost called them a trio, and while she trusted Ollem, she didn’t know if that would change if he realized exactly how many Matoran there were in this group. Still she walked over to the sword and attempted to lift it … and it promptly fell on top of her, pinning her.

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad don’t worry, I have a plan. 

IC Kanohi and  “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi slammed the hammer down, pounding against the disk. Or what had been a disk. He … he was terrified. He had never been able to forge a truly powerful disk, this one had been forged by Sucordak. But even still, he was a better disk maker than he was a mask maker.

Collector’s arms held his hands, steadying him. “I am sorry, this was selfish,” the Vortixx offered, “You have enough troubles to deal with in this village. I can find another mask maker to forge me a mask.”

”N-no,” Kanohi said, hammering again, “W-we had a deal. You finished my telescopic lens, I will build you a mask. And besides it’s … it’s easier than being Akiri. And I have done this before. I … I was never good at it, but it reminds me of Okoto. And a Kiril is easier than a Hau.” The Matoran always wanted Masks of Shielding in Okoto, to be closer to Mata-Nui.

Collector kept holding to Kanohi as he hammered. Neither brought up the obvious, there were few mask makers in Tobduk-Koro, and Tobduk-Koro was the main hub of disk forging and mask making in the three villages. And those mask makers here, they would not consider a Vortixx a priority. They would explain it with ‘Vortixx don’t need masks to live,’ which was true enough. But at the same time, Kanohi had begun to suspect there was more to it.

As he hammered the Kiril took shape, this … this was easier than the methods he used in Okoto. More like forging a disk. Speaking of which Kanohi spoke up, “b-back into the forge, six seconds.” Collector nodded and picked up and pair of tongs, lifting the incomplete disk into the Forge. They wanted, before pulling it back to Kanohi. The hammering resumed.

The cross-wired Matoran hammered, shaping the metal. “A-are you going to go to Whisper?” Kanohi asked suddenly, “it would be your ch-choice, I just am c-curious.” In the last month the Aspect had been busy, desecrating masks and offering them to Matoran. Each desecrated mask gave the Matoran the power of a slug-like Kraata, and Av-Matoran who received the mask got even more, their bolts of light suddenly produced a secondary element, like fire or air.

Collector winced at the question, “Her Kraata came from Rahi, no one was harmed making them. And it would be nice to be immune to my Kanoka Blade. And I … it seems a safer power.” At least safer than the NUVA doors at least. They … they were still wary. Arkius had not been seen for a month, busy navigating the labyrinth for the Earth Ruins.

”W-well I won’t object. J-just be careful.”

”I will. I plan to speak with her first, make sure she is trustworthy. Especially since … she likely could possess me in exchange for the desecrated mask.” Collector looked away, and Kanohi said nothing, just continued to hammer.

Finally Kanohi stopped, and said, “it’s ready.” Collector looked down and shakily picked up the Noble Kiril. It had been difficult for Kanohi to get a level seven disk, Councilor or not. And there was no way way he could get a level eight one. Still, Collector was more than satisfied.

Collector hooked the mask to their reptilian face, and immediately felt a humming in their skull. Not a bad sort of humming, more like a bike springing to life after months of trying to repair it. It was no nagging headache, no it was satisfying, and a relief. 

The Vortixx extended their hand and focused on a broken firestaff. Immediately the snapped tool snapped back into place, it’s torn components restitching together. Before their optics it stood mended, good as new.

”Thank you, Councilor Kanohi,” Collector said warmly, stroking the mask with one hand as their second tickled the handle of their Kanoka Blade.

”Y-you can just call me Kanohi,” the cross-wired Councilor answered, before wincing, “and um, there is something else we should discuss.”

”What do you need?” Collector said excitedly, their face contorting under their new mask in their best emulation of a a smile.

”Y-you know what, it can wait,” Kanohi forced a grin, “go out and enjoy your new mask. Th-that can be an order.” Collector dipped their head low and all but scrambled out of the Forge of Vakama, ready to use their new mask to help the Matoran of the Three Villages. 

OOC: figured I should start with how Collector got their new mask. Also, Collector is going to be wandering Tobduk-Koro repairing things, so feel free to interact with them. Currently waiting to do Mahrika. 

Cool concept for using elements, I will have to keep it in mind if a PC of mine gets elemental powers. Related, here’s hoping Mahrika and Ollem get the chance to use the Ruins of Water’s NUVA Door. We solved it, might be good to get the main reward out of it. 

On another note, sorry I have not posted yet. Trying to figure out the current setup for the villages.

I pronounce is basically as “Murcia” too, though maybe I tend towards a bit more like “ Mary Ka.”

If it’s alright to ask, why was Mahrika not approved but Collector and Kanohi were? What needs changing in her bio?