Lady Takanuva

IC: Raika, Oki Sea Cave Right, thought Raika, easy for you to say. You're a warrior, if not in his prime then not long past it. I'm not built to fight, I'm built to run. Those two kills were luck and desperation. Coward I may be, but it's not like I ever had much of a choice. I'm a reed among sword blades. .: Fine. You'd just better not go getting us killed. I can look out for myself, but I can't keep us both alive in a fight. If we can find you a nice branch I can cut you a stave, and we may happen upon some dead warrior whose sword we can appropriate for you. I can't guarantee anything though. Not that I expect that will stop you. :. They paused, then added in a resigned voice: .: I just scouted this cave out a couple days ago, and happened to be preparing to properly clear it of potential dangerous inhabitants when I came across you. Generally I sleep lashed to a tree branch. I figured this would be a temporary stop of a day or so while you recovered. But you're either a fast healer or just plain stupid. And since I can't fix stupid, I guess I have to hope it's not the later. :. They stood, and began walking toward the cave entrance. When they neared the entrance, they paused for a moment, their hand resting on the sun-baked sandstone. .: ...Just keep in mind that some people don't want to die a noble death. I want to stay alive, and maybe get off this death pit someday. But I won't abandon you unless you give me reason to distrust you or you outright try and betray my trust. I get the word of a coward like me might not be worth much, but… you have mine. :. They were rambling now, but didn't really care. Anything to draw attention away from the fact that their hand was glued to the rock surface, their entire body trembling at the prospect of returning to the nightmare the outside world had become. But in the midst of that panic was a tiny kernel, a spark of hope. For the first time in years they weren't alone. This warrior would probably abandon them the second they learned of their past, but until then… they could almost kid themselves into believing they had finally, actually, made a friend. [OOC: @Keeper of Kraata]

IC: Karoru, Wait Oh No Oh Jeez Many, many people were having difficulty reacclimating to land. Just as many had noticed the hulking, imposingly-armored lady politely helping them to their feet. The third person she approached was more than happy to direct the pair toward the elusive Commandant. Karoru thanked the individual with a polite bow, and made a beeline for the pointed location. Ayiwah's handsome Naval coat was easy to spot several bio away. She seemed busy at the moment but, Karoru reasoned, would likely want to know if some dignitary was looking after the survival of a precious friend. Waiting politely for a break in her conversation, the heavily-armored Manti crashed one boot down and stood to ringing attention. "Marm! Humbly requesting confirmation of a member on our ship manifests, Commandant!" It was then that the face of the person Ayiwah had been speaking to came into focus. oh. oh no. OH S**T. [OOC: @EmperorWhenua @Ghosthands @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl @Void Emissary @Vezok's Friend]

IC: Karoru, Ga-Koro shore The warrior felt her heart break seeing the distress take hold of the figure before her. Karorou's protective instinct kicked into overdrive. Turning to face into the crowd, she spoke. "Not good with names, never have been. Commandant has the manifest, leastways it seemed that way. Come with me, we'll soon find out if your friend made it." [OOC: @Void Emissary]

IC: Raika, Oki Sea Cave The wiry ex-spy tensed at these words. .: Trust me, you don't want to go out there, not 'till you're fully recovered and with your weapon ready. There's… things… out there. :. Fear crept into their ideatalk. .: Things you haven't encountered before. :. They focused their mind. The image was there, clear as when the creature had them pinned to the ground, breath like rancid poison pouring across their mask. Red chitinous metal armor running in a fat tube, like a bloated snake, down the thing's back. The way it walked upright, not like a Dasaka, but hunched and shambling and very, very fast. Like a demon from nightmares. The barbed spines, the ruby-red spadelike feet. And the staff, that had smoked in their vision and filled their mind with the scent of fire. They'd fought two, thus far. The second was difficult to ambush, but not impossible with their particular set of skills. Its emerald armor had split with a toxic hiss, and even as the thing's blood had burned off their heated dagger blades it began to eat the thin layer of diamond-hard oxide from their surface. But the red one. The red creature was a nightmare, plucked from the Pit itself. This was the image they sent to Ahri. A snapshot, like their Mahstet carving, of a slavering, shrieking monster pinning a warrior who, despite their practice and tricks, was nothing but food to the ravening, howling beast. .: ...that's what's waiting out there. I don't know how many, I couldn't hope to count them in a land's age. But each is as deadly as that, at least. I won't stop you if you're determined to get us both killed, but I at least want to make sure you know what it is you're walking into, Ahri. :. [OOC: @Keeper of Kraata]

IC: Karoru The ornately armored swordswoman turned at the call. Her eyebrow raised behind her kakama. The Dasaka before her was resplendent in not only crystal fine enough to rival Karorou's own, but in an almost garish show of excess delicately inlaid, gossamer metal filigree. Subconsciously, Karorou felt her spine stiffen slightly. Someone who wore not just crystal, but metal? Were there clan royalty here already? "Yes, marm. It… well, we were besieged by creatures. Metal-armored, like serpents with arms and legs. An army, no, a horde of them. Stronger than anything we'd faced before. It was an unstoppable force, and we no longer have the power to be an immovable object." A small, brittle tone entered the warrior's voice. "We… we broke, marm. They wouldn't stop coming. There was no safe haven or further quarter we could give. As many as could escape piled on as many ships as we had. Not… not everyone could make it." Another pause, then as though a dam had broken a small sob wracked the warrior's jovial veneer. It was as though she were reliving something truly awful. "I'm sorry, marm. I should have stayed and bought more time. I… I thought I could be of use here, though. Never was much good to anyone back home, anyway." It could only have been a brief moment, but it seemed an eternity for Karoru to once more compose herself. "Glad to see you were already safe here, marm. Terribly sorry for the imposition. I'm sure it shan't happen again. Marm." [OOC: @Void Emissary]

IC: Karorou "Aye, Commodore. Stay safe." Karorou delivered a suitably snappy salute before wading once more into the crowd. Anybody who seemed too unsteady on their feet was offered a hand. As more and more ships made landfall the Menti found her attentions drawn every which way by new arrivals. She kept herself suitably busy for the time being, ensuring everybody was making their way safely to the shelters. [OOC: Karorou is once more open for interaction!]

IC: Raika Raika accepted their dagger back, but the moment they heard the name Kaetyo their stomach dropped to their feet. The panic from their trip back once more rose as they remembered the one who had calmly instructed them to do such an unspeakable act, who they had cursed for years before accepting the guilt themselves. Oh yes, they knew the name Kaetyo. But how could they explain it? 'Well, Ahri, when I was young the person whose name you remembered hired me to spy for her and erase the lives of the heads of two opposing families. Oh, you were there too. How's the Clan doing? Oops, bad question?' Yeah, right. Stealth or not, Raika couldn't take the soulsword in a proper fight they knew that. And those were definitely fighting words. Perhaps... Perhaps they didn't have all the information yet. Mahstet had fallen, and they recalled having a falling out with Kaetyo. Perhaps it would be better to probe the matter gently rather than revealing their most dangerous secret. .: I… I know of Kaetyo. She was the Torushu of a clan known as the Mahstet. I had the… privilege… of meeting her once.:. Pause. .:... It took me a while to remember, but she was not the only one I saw that day. There was a man there as well. A Firstborn, unless my memory is failing me. :. They watched their companion's eyes through the crystalline visor of their Volitak, on the lookout for any change that might betray memory, or the intent to attack. .: … a Soulsword, going by the name of Ahri. :. [OOC @Keeper of Kraata]

IC: Raika Unseen, Raika watched the Menti hobble his way to the back of the cave. They had doubled back, under cover of their mask and illusion, to see what actions the stranger took. He seemed struggling, clutching at his arm. The Dasaka sensed something familiar, like a whiff of ozone through the mental plane. So. It seemed that this individual was a soulsword. They knew also which arm they would use to conjure the spectral weapon as well. A Mahstet Soulsword. The pieces were fitting together, but something was missing. After some debate, Raika unsheathed one of their daggers and leaned it against the wall where the stranger had been sat, then turned and darted off. . . . Berries and tubers from along the shore, as well as some more recognizable fruits hanging from trees were stuffed into a crudely-woven reed satchel. After a suitable amount for a couple meals had been gathered, Raika returned to the shore. Searching around rocky, spray-soaked inlets, the tiny figure used their remaining dagger to pry up a number of smaller limpets and lever free two fat abalone more than double handspan in length. Moving out of the surf, Raika unwound their faded red scarf from around the satchel. Pausing a moment, they unfastened the tiny pocket cleverly sewn into the fabric's lining. Two objects fell into their hand. One, a tiny rough-carved figurine of blue stone shot through with pyrite, they returned after a moment's consideration. The other they held tenderly, almost lovingly, in their hand. It was a precious possession. A delicately detailed Mahstet carving, wrapped in delicate silk fabric. Unwinding the sheer coating, they allowed sunlight to play across the crystal-inset, intricately greebled surface. A face flashed across the portrait, turning to look toward the one holding the carving. As a flash of brilliant gold shone from the eyes, and the mouth opened in a huge grin, the motion of the figure reset. Tightness gripped Raika's heart, as it did every time they viewed the tiny treasure. Perhaps the last remaining fragment of a being they sincerely doubted was still alive. They allowed themself to spend a few minutes gazing at the face of their best friend, before wrapping the carving back in its silk covering. They'd been instructed to keep the face well-padded to prevent damage when- It fell into place like a boulder starting an avalanche. The proud faces in the throne room, lovely in that distant, regal way high-class members of the Clans often had. But among them had been another. The one who had suggested to their unseen benefactor that the carving remain covered when not being viewed. The firstborn son of the Mahstet clan. A soulsword named Ahri. Raika dashed as silently as they could back to the cave entrance. A Soulsword. A Mahstet. One who had been there when their family dealt with the strange, spectral mercenary known only as The Wraith. Had he known their voice? Would he connect the ideatalk of this scrawny, ragged survivor with the spy who had served the courts of many great Clans? If so, the moment Ahri regained his memory, he would be a liability. They had only survived this far through stealth and the careful cultivation of a fearsome persona. A Dasaka Willhammer who hid herself as a show of power, not an act of fear of those she served. Raika really wished they had kept their other dagger. It wasn't too identifiable, but as the Mahstet had provided the weapons as payment for services rendered it might still spark something. Dart in, catch him off guard, a swift strike at his armor's neck joint- Raika nearly dropped their satchel. They stood in the sand, unprotected save for their shell of invisibility, and trembled at the thought that had gone through their head. .: What was that? What was that? :. Where had that come from? He was weak, almost dead from hunger and dehydration. It wasn't like House Mahstet was in any position to hunt them down or blackmail them. They were both outcasts without a home to go back to. Bile rose in Raika's throat, and they imagined they felt the carving weighing on their neck like an albatross. No. They weren't a common killer. The only times they'd taken a life outside self-defense… it was for a good cause. They had been responsible. The pay had allowed them to survive. So why did those killings still haunt them? Why did they still hear the wail of a royal waking to find her wife dead, seemingly by Soulsword strike? It had been for the greater good…. right? They'd thrown up. They'd not even left the premises when the nausea had overcome their ability to run. They'd been retching and sobbing, wishing against logic that their cloak would fail and some guard would see them and spit them where they stood. They'd told the Wraith she could keep the blades. That they would serve her well. The wraith was grateful, in her smirking way. Raika had scoured the weapons for weeks , even building a fire against their better judgement to bake the weapons one fevered night. They still smelled the noble's lifeblood. Still heard the scream. Still saw their own face the day they returned to the ashes of their home, sobbing over a single scrap of red cloth. . . . Raika stepped into the mouth of the cave, one dagger held tightly in their hand. They'd scouted the entrance first under cloak to ensure an ambush had not been set. When their guilt-fueled paranoia had been satisfied, they had presented themselves as though just arriving. .: Hey. Menti. I've brought food, and I'll trade you half what I brought for my dagger back. :. A pause. .:...and, I think we need to have a talk. I may be wrong, but I think I know who you are. And if I am, you certainly won't be needing my dagger again. :. [OOC: @Keeper of Kraata]

IC: Karoru "Acknowledged, Commodore. I was just attempting to help some of my fellow passengers who seemed to have lost their land legs and… well, I'm not sure how we're going to be received here, so I felt it might be better to be where I could help protect some of the new arrivals if need be." She paused, then a little more uncertainly said "As for myself… If I may be forgiven for speaking plainly, I'm glad to have a chance to put to shore for a time at least. Though I feel that is the general consensus among the crew here. That being said, if I can be of any assistance to help smooth the arrival and help get our people settled in at this time, my blade is yours Commodore." [OOC sorry if I don't have the best grasp of protocol in these situations. @Vezok's Friend]

"Aye!" called the warrior upon hearing her name. Making sure the figure beside her had found their footing, she gently worked her way through the crowd, taking care not to catch any of the unsuspecting passengers on her armor. Once she had made it to the slightly imposing figure who had called to her, she snapped to attention. "Reporting, marm." she spoke, with the clipped professionalism of a guard trained since youth. Discretely, Karoru sized up the figure before her. She seemed to almost radiate professional, clipped efficiency. Her wiry but dangerous build was oddly familiar to the strong soulsword. A former flame perhaps? No, if that had been the case she would remember, right? The traditional pang of fear over her perceived dubious memory was distracting, but she did her best to recover. "How may I be of assistance, marm?" she asked. No sword either. Another Soulsword probably. Good. It might be unwise to wear weapons openly in such a cautious environment. They could hold off attackers if need be, but wouldn't draw too much attention otherwise. Oh, and she was almost definitely navy, with a uniform like that. Hopefully the rumors hadn't spread to her regiment as well. [OOC @Vezok's Friend]

Raika felt a stab through their chest as they listened to the Menti attempt to recall his past. He had fought, not run. How would he react to learn they had done the opposite? .: If you're from the clan I think this means you are, then you don't have a lot to worry about on that front at least. It sounds like you're recalling Clan Fursic's attack on Clan Mahstet. That was...:. They paused, considering their words carefully. .: ...That was some time ago. It seems like you've lost a good deal of memory. Hope it comes back soon. :. Feeling that this wasn't the kindest way to leave off, Raika continued. .: There aren't many Dasaka here at all, besides us. Likely, you washed up from a different island entirely. You're… well, not safe here, but you'll probably not need to fear any Fursic with a grudge hunting you down. :. After a short pause, the Warrior heard their voice again, softly in his head. .: It sounds like you gave a good account of yourself, at least. :. They spoke surprisingly gently, given their previous sardonic tones. But it wasn't long before the defenses snapped back up. .: Look, you must be exhausted and thirsty. Food won't be too hard to find, I can gather some if you promise not to go wandering off. As for water, I've stayed in this cave a couple of nights. It gets a bit dark, but there's a decent rock pool further in. Fresh water. Drink your fill, but believe me when I say you don't wanna leave this cave in your condition. But I ain't yer mommy. Once you're back on your feet we'll need to find you a weapon. Sadly this place has gone to the dogs.:. They paused, trembling slightly as their sore muscles were stretched. It was definitely their muscles, and not the prospect of heading out to face more of those things. They could usually avoid the creatures, but once or twice Raika had been forced into combat with one. They could still taste the almost preternatural fear they had felt as they'd fought, nearly sobbing in terror, for their life. .: I take that back. I'd much, much rather it had been dogs this place had gone to. Will you be okay if I leave you unsupervised for a bit? Sorry, one of us has to make sure we don't starve, ya know how it goes. And you're in no condition to go on a stroll after your beached takea impression. :. [OOC: @Keeper of Kraata]

Raika- Unexpected company The wiry fighter nearly jumped out of their armor as their companion stirred. Instinctively, they triggered their mask and snapped their mental screens into place. But it was too late now, wasn't it. The stranger had seen their face. Besides, hadn't they wanted a partner? A teammate to survive this island's horrors with? What a way to build trust. Reluctantly, they lifted their wards and were once more detectable to normal senses. .: Sorry about that. Guess you spooked me. ...To be honest, you're the first friendly face I've seen in a while. :. They looked their guest over. Strong, the build of a proper warrior. Like the people she'd trained with when she was younger. Seemed to be a male-presenting Dasaka too, but it never did to draw conclusions too quickly. Still, quite the rare catch if true. .:I'm…:. They paused. This was the moment. Give a nickname, a false alias. Nothing that could be traced back to you. But some small scrap of normalcy, of the Raika that far outlived the paranoia and cold dismissal of the Wraith, was more forceful. .: ...you can call me Raika. As for your name I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You seem familiar though. I take it this means you also don't remember why you washed up on the shore like so much harekeke? :.

Karoru: Disembarkment The warrior took her first steps off the ship's gang plank and felt her heavily-shod boots sink satisfyingly into the island's sand. She breathed in deeply, relishing the scent of ground and plants that interlaced the now all-too familiar tang of brine. The towering Soulsword began calling out to those on the craft, helping those who felt unsteady as they got their land legs back. She was particularly flustered when one slim Dasaka slipped and grabbed her arm for support, but on the whole she felt she had recovered well. The crew and passengers of the now all-too-small feeling ship made flyerline for their fellows as the other refugee ships from the ravaged lands of Kentoku discharged their precious cargo onto Naho Bay's awaiting sands. There was talk, there always was. Elders spoke to elders. Politics eventuated. Karoru had never cared for such things. At least in a fight you could usually tell who was stabbing you in the back. In politics sometimes you didn't know the knife was in you until you'd already bled out Still, the warrior said to herself as she considered one of the settlement's slight yet still intimidating guards, hopefully things would go well. The village past the defenses looked welcoming enough. With any luck she might find herself this very evening walking among the locals. She could grab something beyond ship's rations to eat and, who knows, maybe even find someone to share it with her… Karoru shook her head. Focus. Don't go daydreaming when you have people to look after. Lovey-dovey fantasies could wait until she was sure her fellow countrybeings had indeed found safe harbor here. Until then, she thought, shifting her armored form towards a Dashi seemingly still unsteady on their feet, you have a job to do. Keep them safe. And by Zuto Nui stop staring at the pretty guards and focus! [OOC: Karoru is open for interaction]

Raika, sand and surf. [Accompaniment: Depths of Meridia remix] A lone figure lay, stretched out on the sands of one of Oki's many beaches. The battle-wracked island had seen many arrivals as of late, as well as many, many bloody departures. But it seemed today would see an arrival. Slowly, jerkily, the prone form seemed to reach an arm upward, and almost motionlessly haul itself along the sand until it was clear of the tideline. After a short pause, the patch-armored warrior's head turned, and chest caved and raised until salty seawater flowed into the thirsty sands. After another brief lull, the upper half of the mysterious one's torso rose as though lifted, and the figure once more seemed to anomalously haul itself up the beach, heading towards the rocky coast and waiting jungle. . . . A slight figure collapsed, shuddering, against the wall of the cave. Where they had appeared from was not evident, though their exhaustion was clear. Sweat beaded from beneath sparse crystalline armor, and hot breath fogged the inside of an opalescent visor on the stranger's kanohi. The figure dragged themselves into a sitting position, and faced the near-lifeless form before them. They'd taken great risk in rescuing them, but they'd seen too much death in their last few weeks on the island. Not to mention that, after so much hostile company, the tiny glimmer that here might lie a potential ally in this nightmarish landscape, was too much to resist. They looked to the opening of the cave. Sand was scattered from their approach, but they had paused to disguise their tracks in the sand as they'd hauled their find to safety. Better to not be tracked. Better not to be seen at all, but some part of the stranger couldn't knowingly leave someone so helpless to die. Besides, there was something almost familiar about him. .: All right, then… :. Soundlessly, the words echoed in the unconscious mind of the mysterious warrior as his mysterious savoir drew two long crystal daggers and rested them, ready, at their sides. .: ….I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Mister Mystery has in store. I hope, for your sake, it isn't anything bad.:.

Raika. The Wanderer/The Wraith Gender: Feminine nonbinary (Uses she/her pronouns publically, but privately preferrs they/them pronouns but will accept using both interchangeably.) Mask: Kanohi Volitak, Great Mask of Stealth. Appearence: Raika is slightly shorter than average, and has a slim but wiry build. They are built more for speed and agility than sustained combat. They have a small bust, modestly-sized hips, long runner's legs and lanky arms. Beneath their mask's crystalline visor, they have a surprisingly soft pale indigo face with a patterning of violet markings. Their eyes are strikingly violet, rimmed by clockspring eyelashes. Their armor is more practical than ornamental: cut close to their body, but with room to maneuver. They thus far have never allowed themselves to be seen without it. Their colors are violet-indigo armor shot through with golden accents and golden protocrystal grieves. A tattered red scarf is wound around their neck, likewise never seen removed. Weapons: Raika's primary weapon of choice is a pair of protocrystal long daggers, each slightly longer than their lower arm, kept sheathed horizontally at their waist. Each contains a simple, sturdy mechanism which, when the handles are grasped, rams home a pair of heatstone cores which rapidly heat their blades. They additionally carry a protocrystal staff which is stored in two halves strapped across their back. Biography: Raika's past is kept close to their chest, spoken only to those they feel they can trust completely. What is known is that they began life in a small village in the mountains. When this settlement was later razed by marauders during a local civil war a young Raika escaped, carrying all she could of her people's history recorded in memetic script they were unable to read. As they had fled rather than fought, and feared being once more seen and treated as male once more, Raika became a ghost. What power they had turned inward, and they forged a cloak of will that would protect them from unwanted eyes. On that day, the Wraith was born. Since then, Raika has lived as both spy and assasin, hunter and hunted (but never caught. Yet). Abilities: In terms of combat their psionic abilities are mostly limited to stealth and misdirection, mainly erasing themself from a foe's perception through use of their mask primarily, and their abilities to prevent notice of any other traces. Their abilities do not grant them true "invisibility," rather in addition to the Volitak's cloaking they provide a sort of 'Somebody Else's Problem Field' which prevents people from noticing or paying attention to any signs of their presence. As if they were whispering 'I'm not here' into people's minds. While they are extremely good at compartmentalizing for this purpose and can even fight shielded, any other use of their powers (save speech) requires their full concentration, leaving them vulnerable to attack as they shift into the mental plane. Raika has been unable to speak since birth. First they learned to sign, which their best friend would translate for those who felt learning such a skill beneath them. Over time Raika learned and perfected directed Ideatalk. They communicate almost exclusively in this manner, selectively choosing who will hear their "voice." When speaking thusly they have similar speech quirks to someone with a more traditional voice. Additionally, they have learned and, to an extent, practiced a method to 'force' their voice into the minds of those not already open to the psionic planes, as rare as such an occurance might be in Kentokou, to ensure they can communicate even while hidden, without being at the mercy of one's knowledge of sign language. Personality: Raika is initially rude and recalcitrant, preferring to drive others off. This brusqueness is a front, however. In reality The Wanderer is very lonely, and most of all desires a team of friends to once more be amongst. But their fears over rejection due to their path in life and actions at their home leads them to be secretive around those they do not trust. But if that trust is earned, they are a steadfast and loyal companion, open about their feelings as much as she is able (though over the years their social skills have eroded somewhat.) Weaknesses: Raika depends on their powers and, come to that, hands to speak. They are also deathly afraid of fire after the sacking of their home. Additionally their loyalty can sometimes blind them to the flaws of one they care about. Additionally, they rely on their stealth to fight. Stripped of this, whether by directed countermeasure or a blow solid enough to snap their concentration, Raika lacks the brute strength to hold her own in extended melee combat. And while few would care to see Raika dead, the Wraith has gained her own enemies over the years. As a result, they try not to reveal themselves to strangers they do not trust. But if they do, such a person could have powerful leverage over the warrior. Hogo Karoru Gender: Female (she/her) Mask: Kanohi Kakama, Great Mask of Speed Appearence: Karoru stands a sturdy 1.7 Bio in height. Her chest and hips are curvaceous, though not so far as to be volumptuous. But beneath the curves lie tendons and muscles corded like braided protosteel cables. Her face is round and oft jovial, covered with a smattering of golden freckles. Her natural armor is augmented with cyan and gold plate armor over her body. The armor is still her ceremonail garb of old, and has weathered the tests of time and repeated punishment in battle admirably, still allowing the warrior to cut a daunting figure in her travels. Her voice is surprisingly lilting, with a slight sardonic drawl. Biography: Karoru remembers little of her early life. In childhood she suffered from lapses in memory, and was often sent to a Willhammer and family friend to help teach her to reinforce her thoughts and help her hold onto and retain newer memories. Once her mind had been fortified to her parents' satisfaction, she began rigorous training alongside those of royal guard candadicy, excelling in the Soulsword discipline. When the time came, she joined in service to a royal family as an honor guard. However, rumors began to spread about the legitimacy of this new guard as powers within the local clan began to shift. When the tables finally turned, the loyal warrior found herself without a place in the dining hall at all, framed as an accomplice in the coup and stripped of rank. At a low point in her life, the heartbroken warrior eventually found her way into the ranks of the Datsana. Here she found a new calling, and currenrly finds work wherever she can as a guard and loyal travelling companion to those who require protection on dangerous journeys. Abilities: Karorou is a Soulsword. Her weapon manifests as a broad, flat-bladed sword with a rear-facing spike composed of orange-gold fire. Her Kakama allows her to wield the blade as quick as a rapier in combat, though its size and heft still complicate such maneuvers to a great extent. Weaknesses: Inertia. Karoru's blade is still massive, and despite the speed with which she wields the weapon rapid changes in direction and subtle swordplay are tricky for her. Additionally given her background the guard does not fully trust her memories, and fears she may forget something important. Additionally, the warrior has an accute weakness for pretty women, or those who in general have a feminine tilt to them. This can sometimes... impair her better judgement. Nara Species: Ga-Matoran Gender: female (she/her) Mask: powerless noble Ruru Equipment: iStone, bo staff, diskette pistol. Generally stocks a healthy bunch of bamboo diskettes and several stralix-cored metal diskettes in case of dangerous rahi attack. Staff and launcher usually kept at her home unless she knows she'll be traveling or dealing with potentially dangerous people. The is always on her peraon, kept at full-charge as oft as possible. Appearence: Nara's armor is deep-blue marbled with silver in several areas. Her eyes are pale yellow-orange. She is of medium build, with toned arms and legs from daily activity. Personality: Nara is a relatively laid-back sort, taking life as it comes and working to adapt and make the best of each new situation. Her friendly attitude and the fact she's incredibly easy to amuse make her good and easily accepted company among more outgoing Matoran. Usually she finds work assisting various venders and market sales-Matoran in the center of Ga-Koro, but since the arrival of the Dasaka she has taken an interest in their new neighbors. These days she more often finds work as a cultural liason between the two sides, lubricating interactions otherwise tense with fear of cultural misstep and even in some cases acting as a sort of simple tour guide for Dasaka just arriving to the island. Needless to say, with the arrival of the fleet she has been finding herself *very* busy. Abilities: -Personable. Nara is extremely easy to talk to, and very open about herself and desires. People often confide in her. -Knowledgeable. Knows her home very well, and has worked hard to familiarize herself with the language, culture and customs of the Dasaka to allow her to more easily mediate/interact with people of the Kentoku. -Adaptable. Not easily thrown bu change, Nara dives head-first into new and challenging situations and somehow nearly always finds a way to thrive there. Weaknesses: Nara takes a "glass half full" view of life, and sometimes is too distracted by her rose-tinted glasses to see the ill intent of those in her personal life. She's been the subject of a couple of rough breakups and bad relationships as a result of people taking her trust for gullibility, but she tries not to let this bother her. Lainai, the Rimed Species: Mystix Gender: Feminine nonbinary (They/she) Element: Ice Appearance: Lainai is a wyveren with bluish-white, irridescant metal armor. A hit of deep violet is visible in their coloration, and when the sun reflects from their armor they shine with myriad refracted rainbows. Personality: Lainai is friendly, for a Mystix. Even so, their tone usually has an imperious note to it, and their patience is rather short at times. They are Mystix, and ancient as the eldest trees in the Le-Wahi jungle. Abilities: Lainai is a dragon of ice. Rime coats their scales when they wish to be less visible, or while hibernating. Their breath is cold enough to freeze water solid in a matter of seconds, though they can dial this back to prevent slaying any they speak to. Furthermore, they can use their abilities to keep themselves comfortable even in harsh conditions, though it will gradually deplete their energies. Weaknesses: -Fire: Extreme heat, or even prolonged exposure to moderate heat that depletes their powers, can be fatal to the crystalline Mystix. -Make an Entrance: Lainai is... not stealthy. Outside of their icemy home they stand out like, well... a shiny dragon. -Arrogance: Lainai is confident that there is no situation they cannot handle. This can make them... less-than-cautious... in situations where discretion is the better part of valor. [Additional note: Raika and Karoru's names were created using the matoran conlang created by outofgloom on Tumblr https://outofgloom.tumblr.com/post/641133222660603904/the-matoran-language-2021 ] [Raika's name breaks down as a combination of Ika, here referring to a spirit or one's essence, and Ra, denoting mystery or that which is invisible/unseen.] [Karoru's name breaks down as a combination of ru (solid substance/object, solidity (heterogenous); foundation, grounding) and karo (fuel, energy source), implying that her power is strong and reliable, as is her protection.] [Nara's name is a custom phrase, referring to calm waters, or waters safely and easily sailed.] Images below: Raika, Karoru, Nara

I'm not sure if it's courteous to ask as I'm not historically a member of the RPG, but... could I inquire about the Discord as well? I very much would like to participate in the next chapter and would like to stay abreast of things such as when character profile submissions open again and prepping for play.

Ic: Keitara (whoops) The Av-Toa looked more sheepish than a herd of mahi. With a thought, she called down the cloak and brightened her light globe. "Waveahk? Didn't expect to see you here as well! Wow, it's a proper reunion!" Shouldering her weapons, she looked to both, smiling. (OOC: @Void Emissary @Toru Nui @Keeper of Kraata

IC: Keitara (Uh oh) (Recommended listening: Deadly Flourish by Ghost Data.) Kei was immediately on guard. Her lance weighed heavy in her hand, and she slung her shield from her shoulder. Focusing herself, she bent light in a cocoon around the three, hiding them from view. It was a moment's thought to dampen her miniature sun to better disguise their movements. Sunset crimson glinting off of her toa tool's blade, she looked to Irna and Tekmo. "Both of you stay close. The bubble's not as big as I'd like." (ooc: @Void Emissary @Toru Nui

IC:Keitara (Dubiously directed) "Hmm…" said the Av-Toa, frowning in the direction Tekmo had pointed. Swamp vines and sickly trees blocked the view, but the path aas travelable and seemed, to her reckoning, about as good a way forward as their initial planned movement. "Well… It's a communal decision, but I don't foresee pursuit being too great an issue. Though as for the safety of travel…" She looked to the two and shrugged, "Best I can reckon I'm an engineer, not a navigator. My poetry's not that great either, come to that. Irna's a good tracker though, and Skorm knows Muaka's limits better than I ever will. I'm just here to belt things until they start whirring again, really." She was reluctant to mention her true desires, or the odd, half-remembered dreams that had been plaguing her. She wouldn't lie to Skorm or Irna, at least not knowingly, but Tekmo was less of a familiar face and the longer Kei was about in the world the more precious what few secrets she did have felt. "So… With any luck things should be moving again soon. I'll check in with IV and see if they have any updates or recommendations if Skorm hasn't already. Would you like me to bounce ahead and alert him that you're here?" (OOC @Void Emissary @Toru Nui

IC: Keitara (montage time) Kei stopped for a moment, hand resting against her cheek where Irna had kissed her. Then, warmth spreading through her like wildfire, the Av-Toa slung herself out of the Muaka and began her work. Allowing her intuition to take the wheel, the alleged ex-Ghost shifted the chassis' hard-mounts to the suspension, adjusted the craft's legs to move more easily across swampy terrain, and finally pulled a block of slick plastic from a pocket sewn into her cloak. Using infra-red light to heat the block, Kei made several impromptu gaskets around pistons and camshafts in hopes that intruding water would be deterred. Crossing her fingers, and squinting slightly in the fading daylight, she hauled herself once more, grease-stained and utterly contented, prepared to haul herself up into the Muaka's cabin. Her audio receptors picked up incoming voices. Grabbing her lance and shield from where she'd left them propped by the door, she dropped as silently as her frame allowed into the swamp water. Conjuring a globe of pale luminescence, she cast it upward and turned to face in the direction of the sound. Her eyebrows shot up, and she exclaimed "Irna! Welcome back." She waved to Tekmo, smiling. Wading as quickly as possible, she stowed her weapons across her back and made her way to the pair. "How was the journey? Are you both okay? Sorry for the light, I felt it was better than fighting with my vision impaired. Don't worry, it's harmless. I've been practicing." (OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Conway . Please let me know if I got anything incorrect or glossed over anything, I haven't been able to catch up yet but didn't want to leave you hanging...)

IC: Keirara (Flustered gal) A violet tinge crawled beneath Kei's kanohi as she stared pointedly at Orm. She still wasn't sure what to make of Skorm's entourage, especially how, well, forward the Shadow Toa could be. Yet… he was still part of Skorm. The aspects that in his combined form made the Twi-Toa charming and even outstanding in Kei's mind seemed exaggerated in his fragments' personalities. Also she was indeed very self-conscious of the fact that her crush's head (well, half of it at any rate) was resting in her lap and she couldn't decide if she wanted to stroke his head or clock him. She followed Irna's lead and politely extricated herself from beneath Orm, shooting Sko a slightly apologetic look as she did so. "Right. I'll get out there and strip the panels off. Glad to hear that you tw- three will be all right looking after yourselves as far as radiation goes. I'll… I guess I'll focus in on getting the Muaka repairs finished with Goofus and Gallant here. Just… be safe, Irna" (OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Conway

IC: Keitara (I'M WAKING UP/ I feel it in my bones/ enough to make my systems blow…) (Recommended Listening- Her Mortal Coil by Ghost Data) Kei lingered for a moment handing the shafts to Irna. The warrior seemed genuinely touched by the offering, which filled the diminutive Av-Toa's chest with forge-warmth. She turned around when Skorm mentioned their location. Closing her eyes, her newly honed senses almost let her taste the sharp tang of ionizing radiation in the area. Part of Kei was surprised that the energy had lingered so long in the area. Without physical fallout she'd expected it to have dissipated. How... interesting. And potentially disastrous for an unprotected warrior venturing into the exclusion zone. Kei was surprised by another thing: the energy wasn't painful. She felt uncomfortably warm, but nothing like the sickening burning of before. The ambient energy was, after all, only a high-frequency version of light. Perhaps when her body wasn't generating the toxin she was... resistant to it? Perhaps even slightly energized? But that didn't help Irna, and she didn't have a way of generating a healing Rhotuka on command. And while she might be able to draw the energy from her friend's body upon her return its vicious damage would already be done. "I can feel it, too." said Kei, knowing without asking that if she could sense it, the Twi-Toa before her must as well. "Not sure Irna treading through all this alone would be a good life decision. Fascinating though, really. Elemental energy itself must be lingering in this place. Like inside of a Toa Stone. If this procedure could be reproduced in a controlled setting then a thermal power source-" The engineer cut herself off, blushing slightly. "S-sorry. I... I know this is my problem. Um... Skorm, do you know if... well, I created this mess. Do you think I might be able to re-absorb any of it? Not that I'm keen to spend any more time on my back-" Kei's cheeks flushed wine-dark as she realized the unintended implications of this but she plowed on "but working in these conditions would be equally detrimental, unless you went Doublemint and we shoved Orm in here under a lead blanket. Also... I did this. This entire area is toxic because of my inexperienced blundering. And I promised that Turaga I'd do something about this." (OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Conway

IC: Keitara- Hates to see her go (Soundtrack- Nuclear Winter continues) The engineer looked to Irna. She felt a tightness in her chest, and bit back her knee-jerk response of insisting she accompany the warrior. Irna was a skilled hunter, and if any of them were to brave this swamp she would have the best chance of success. Also, she had the feeling Waveahk might kill either her or Skorm if they were the ones to show up. Her especially, given how she'd pumped the amphibious being full of countless milirems on their last encounter. After a pause, she said "Of course. But, um, if you do…" Reaching once more behind the seat, she drew forth a canvas-wrapped bundle. Unrolling it revealed a set of ten metal arrows and a small satchel. Each arrow had a groove carved from its barbed tip, and the ends held flights made of resin-stiffened canvas. "The bag of sand is to mix with your oil. I… thought that way you could fill the channels with it. Give them a bit more punch. They're not protosteel, but they should do a bit of damage against an armored opponent." As Keitara spoke she shifted her gaze to the side slightly. "I know I've spent most of my time helping Skorm with the Muaka. I felt… well, I wanted to do something for you as well." (OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Conway

IC- Keitara (hovering) The Av-Toa peeped over Skorm's shoulder like the dusk sun over the horizon. "How's everything handling?" she asked eagerly. She'd helped Skorm and IV with the repairs and was as eager as a youngling to see if the system was functioning properly. (OOC: @Conway @Keeper of Kraata

Recommended listening: Nuclear Winter by Ghost Data IC: Keitara (Giving thanks aboard the Muaka) Noticing the Zyglak warrior's discomfort, Kei reached a hand out and gently rested it on her biceps. "Irna… thank you. Thank you both for coming with me. I know… I know it was a big sacrifice to leave Metru-Koro. The fact that you're doing it in no small part on my account…" The engineer drifted off, staring at her electrum-shod feet. "I'm so grateful." Raising her gaze once more, there was a familiar glint of steel in Keitara's violet eyes. "Also… don't worry about the swamp. I'm not the same Toa I was the last time." Reaching to the side of her seat, Kei drew forth her lance. Before leaving Metru-Koro Kei had sought out just one item: a set of old forge hammers, soot blackened and heavily used. She'd spent two days straight at an impromptu forge cobbled together from sandstone and sea coal, heating and shaping the shattered remains of her beloved weapon. Her heart had twisted at the fused and shattered components that suggested the weapon had once been able to fold and convert between shapes. But the damage was too severe to repair. Salvaging what components she could for the capacitor bank, Kei beat and folded the splinters of the lance's shaft together. The protosteel was shot through with veins of faint gold from melted contacts, but she'd determined this was only a surface imperfection and didn't impact strength. Having her Toa tool repaired by her hand felt like she'd forged an anchor. She wasn't carrying a stranger's equipment, it bore her marks. She could recall every moment spent before that forge, working her creation, quenching it in the sea. The feeling of absolute pride as elemental light once more played along its length. For the first time since arriving on Zakaz she truly felt like a Toa. (OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Conway