Tafu

IC (The Floating Widget): "I don't remember what the doctor called it," Quorvex said to Lalar as he gently placed the explosives on the deck, "All I know is that he's been like this for years. There's a special section in the Guild Agent handbook that explains what to do when Krash gets like this. Normally he would be assigned a more safer job, but no one else wants to handle explosives."After glancing around the ship he then said, "We'll let him have his fun, then we'll organize a scout party. We have a job to do after all..."

IC (The Floating Widget): "Have him jump in the ocean, but try to stay close to the ship," Quorvex said as he accepted the items, "The last thing I need is for you to get chewed in half by a Takea shark before we go anywhere. Also, don't go near the stairs. I have the impression that someone else is already here and I don't want to alert them to our presence."As he finished, he glanced back at the rising smoke. There were only a few things that could produce that much smoke and none of them were pleasant.

IC (The Floating Widget, off of Nibar): Quorvex noticed several of his expedition members were already on deck, including Krash. However, he quickly realized that his explosives expert had gone through the entire trip without an episode. Now he was obviously stressed and now Kitala and Lalar were starting to notice. He quickly approached them as he reviewed the standard protocol when dealing with a Krash episode."Alright Krash," Quorvex said as he held out a hand, "Give me the explosives. Slowly. You should know the drill by now."

OOC: Lev- No. What ever gave you that idea?IC (Nibar): As the ship began to approach Nibar, Quorvex had slipped below decks and had opened one of the mountain exploration kits. He was now in the process of stuffing the last few tools and rope into his backpack after putting on the harness and belt. He didn't know what they would encounter, but he wanted to be prepared all the same.When he finally returned to the main deck, he noticed two things; the flight of stone stairs and the column of smoke not far from it."And that's the direction that we need to head towards, isn't it?" Quorvex asked nobody in particular.

It doesn't really matter to me. I will say that even if we jump the Courthouse we might not hit the finale in time. I've had a very difficult time trying to find a chance to post and I think several other people are having a similar problem...

IC (Misty Island): Lesvera continued to stare at Alfon, then walked up and lightly slapped the side of his mask a few times."Hey 'Noble Leader', anyone home?" She asked, "I can understand the emotional breakdowns of our two Toa, but not you. Come on Alfon; are we staying or going?"IC (Takea Tankards): "Perfect," Quorvex said, "Let's get going. And don't forget any of your belongings."He stood and led the group out of the tavern and toward the Traders Guild Headquarters. When they finally reached the building's front door, Quorvex turned towards everyone again."Just so we're on the same page. We're going to talk to Sarillia so she can give us a ship. I'll probably do most of the talking, but if she asks anyone of you, we're hunting an everyday Toa with a mental disorder. No Great Being-like powers, no Legion Scepter, nothing to suggest that the legends about Midnight are real. Okay?"When everyone seemed to nod in agreement, he entered the building and climbed up the three flights of steps. When he saw the Po-Matoran secretary again, he put on his best smile and walked up to him."Good morning Rock-head! Go tell Sarillia that Quorvex is here with an update on the burglary cases."

OOC: Sorry guys. I meant to post last weekend, but a few projects sneaked up on me. We'll just assume that Darkon's character is there until he gets back.IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex eventually stood up before the assembled team."Alright," he began, "Now that everyone is here, I can give you all a short overview on what we'll be facing and what I hope to accomplish. Yesterday there was a string of mysterious thefts that were all tied to a white crescent moon melded into the wall. After some research I've learned that the symbol is connected to a legendary thief called Midnight. If you want a detailed account about her you should ask Toa Kitala, but the short version is that she is some sort of toa-like being who is charged with guarding the Legion Scepter.""Now, I can't say if she is real or not or if we'll find her when we explore Nibar and Dajon, but my hope that this is the work of some mentally unstable Toa who thinks that she's Midnight. If we do encounter the real Midnight, then my goal is to retrieve all of the stolen items and return home without getting someone killed. We'll also keep an eye out for the Legion Scepter or where it was once kept, since Midnight, real or not, will want to stay close to it.""As I told most of you, we'll sail for Nibar first and then Dajon if necessary. At the end of the expedition, you'll all be paid as per the standard rates and procedures of the Traders Guild. So, are there any questions? Does anyone want to back out?

Incorrect: It's been said multiple times that the RPG, in its entirety, has to take place underground.

Even though (as Vorex pointed out) the theme description lists reaching the surface as a possible objective? And the same person who wrote the description (I'm assuming. I could be horribly wrong) also posted that you're not supposed to reach the surface? I wasn't even planning on entering and I'm confused...Anyway, I can't wait to see what people will come up with.

IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex was about to reply to Krash when Lalar suddenly burst into the inn, desperatly looking for something."Well now we only need to wait for one more individual," Quorvex said to Krash, then turned toward the latest arrival, "Don't worry Toa Lalar, we weren't going to leave you behind. Once Senlisa, we can move on to the next step of the plan."

OOC: I appologize for taking so long to post guys. Homework took up most of my attention yesterday and today.IC (Takea Tankards): Wroyki? Something about the Prime seemed familiar to Quorvex, but his brain still wasn't functioning at 100% capacity. All he really saw was another volunteer who looked like he could fight."Well, if you're volunteering I'll add your name to the list," Quorvex said as he prepared to edit his report. It was then that Dralack arrived."No Dralack," he said, "You're not late. I think we're only waiting for Lalar and Senlisa now. Then I can give everyone a short overview of out 'quest'."

Burnmad IC: Kitala: Takea Tankards:"I didn't," Kitala answered. "Figured I wouldn't have enough time. I was correct." She looked at Krash. "Nice to meet you. I'm Kitala."IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex returned Krash's wave and pulled out his report to review it. He looked at the list of names for his team, glanced at the others gathered around the table, and then back at the list. Barely half of those he had recruited were there, but it was still early morning, there was still time."So who here is Kwor-Vex?"The matoran grumbled and turned to face the obnoxious questioner, "It's pronounced 'Quorvex' and I... I..."He recognized Cadrhon, but not the Pridak Prime."...and who might you be?"

OOC: Burnmad's post:IC: Kitala: Takea Tankards:Kitala finally reached Takea Tankards. She had decided to go back and pack a couple more books and a blowgun. She had become rather fascinated with them recently, and was getting rather good with it. Then again, she didn't find projectile weapons very difficult to use, considering she could nudge the projectiles in mid-air with her elemental powers.She walked into the bar. She sat down and, although she wasn't very thirsty, ordered a non-alcoholic beverage just to see the look on the barkeep's face. Noticing Tanika, she got up and sat by him. "Hello again," she said.IC (Sakrinil): As he felt his mind clear and his sense of direction return, Quorvex eventually found his way to a shop that specialized in rather cheap weapons. After much bartering and argument, he later walked out with five metal throwing discs and a special harness that held them on the outside of his backpack. The discs tried to mimic the famous Kanoka discs of Metru-nui, but they held no special powers and they were made from lower quality alloys. If he was lucky, he could kill a small rahi or knock someone's mask off, but for anything else, they would just be an annoyance. Quorvex figured that they would be a bit more accurate than just rocks.After some time, he arrived at Takea Tankards. After issuing a silent greeting to the bartender, he spotted Tanika, Kirala, and Krash and sat down at their table. As he approached, he failed to recognize the Yowrik 'clone'."Good, some of you are already here," Quorvex said, "Now we just have to wait for everyone else."

IC (Sakrinil): Quorvex awoke to the sun shining straight into his eyes. He groaned, pulled himself up and slowly looked around the room as his brain tried to function. He had stayed up late, didn't have time to get enough sleep, and the sun's rude wake-up call didn't help. He stumbled out of bed and hobbled over to his desk, grabbing his report and placing it in a wood folder. He then picked up his backpack and began tossing items into it; the folder, his map of the city with the crime scenes marked, parchment, quill, ink, and some other items he might find useful.As he put on his long-coat and pack, he realized that he didn't really have any ranged weapons. He made a mental note to stop at one of the local weapon shops to see if they had any metal throwing discs. After checking to make sure that he had his nightstick, coat, and pack, he locked his apartment door and walked out onto the streets. The fresh air helped push away some of the fog around his mind, but he was still sleepy. Hopefully, the walk would help him recover as he headed towards the general direction of Takea Tankards.

Considering Burnmad also has a character (along with Aiolos, whose player hasn't posted in awhile) talking with Yowrik and company, I hope that he decides to not take that course of action.And, uh, Lev, you can proceed with the game-wide time-skip now...

IC (Takea Tankards): "Then I'll let you two go your separate ways and prepare for the trip. Remember, we meet here first thing tomorrow morning," Quorvex said as he couldn't recall if he had already told them that bit of information. With that, he climbed down from his chair and stepped out onto the dark streets of Sakrinil. It was really late now, but he took comfort in the fact that he would be heading straight home. Too write several reports...After a prolonged walk with his short legs, he finally arrived at his apartment that also doubled as his office. Upon entering the tiny room, he took off his long-coat, hung it up on a wall peg and stepped over to his desk. He sat down and let out a deep sigh before pulling out parchment, ink, and a quill. The night wasn't over yet.He began by writing down everything he remembered from Aldarnin and the Turaga about the Midnight legend; who she was, what her goals were, her methods, the Legion Scepter, and the like. Once he was finished, titled it "Report 2: Summary of the Midnight legend" and then proceeded to work on his primary report and request form:

After investigating several crime scenes and seeking expert opinion at the Great Library, I have come to the conclusion that the culprit for this very recent and very short crime wave is a rogue Toa, female, and mentally unstable. This Toa is most likely able to control stone, has a mask that allows her to turn invisible, or some other stealth based power, and seems to believe that she is the legendary thief Midnight (see Report 2). Current evidence and lack of eye-witnesses accounts suggest that this Toa is not currently present in the city of Sakrinil.At the same time, this Toa also appears to have a desire to draw attention to herself and has set up her targets in order to lead others to her hideout (see Article 1[Quorvex's map]). Due to the standard margin of error in various map renderings, her base of operations is either Nibar, site of the Overlook Courthouse which houses several murals and artifacts related to the legendary Midnight, or Dajon, an unexplored island that may hold ruins that are important to Midnight.As this Toa thief has now fled the mainland, I hereby propose that an expedition be organized in order to track her down and retrieve the items that have been stolen. I have already taken the initiative of finding willing volunteers to assist me in the apprehension of the rogue Toa and have created a tentative list of items that will be required for this voyage (see Personnel List and Requisition Order). This expedition will not only allow the Traders Guild to earn recognition with the Southern Alliance and various Toa organizations, but also stack claims on both islands for natural resources and historical artifacts.

Guild members:-Krash-Dralack IlluNon-Guild members (Standard rate for volunteers):-Toa Kitala (Scholar, Midnight legend expert)-Toa Tanika (Body Guard)-Toa Lalar (Body Guard)-Cadrhon, Prime (Body Guard)-Senlisa, Vortixx (Body Guard)Items and personnel requested:- 1x Sailing Ship, outfitted for exploration with standard matoran crew (small chance of pirate attack)- 3x Sets of mountain exploration gear- 3x Sets of jungle exploration gear- 1x Set of survey gear- 1-2x Legal experts to organize resource claim forms- 1x extra crate of personal defense weapons (swords, daggers, etc.)- Foodstuffs for extended voyage- 1x Heavy-duty rahi transport cage (to help restrain Toa thief)After Quorvex finished writing, he skimmed over the pages and organized them into a neat stack. He felt uneasy about writing down the standard rate for volunteers; it was Guild-speak for really terrible pay. He, Krash, and Dralack would get slightly more, but not by much and that was because it was part of their jobs. To a certain extent at least. He wasn't sure if he had thought of everything for his requisition order, but at least Sarillia would probably help fill in anything else that was needed; seeing this expedition fail was not in her best interest.As he put away his writing supplies, the agent contemplated pack his backpack, chose not too and dropped into bed.OOC: I'd make a note of all of this Lev. Quorvex will be handing all of this over to Sarillia when he sees her again. I'll also add Yowrik's name once Quorvex meets at Takea Tankards the next morning.

IC (Yowrik's Villa): Crentis continued to smile. Already this was going better than his interview with Zenonia. Not only was the Toa eager, he didn't want to kill the old Prime outright. Progress."Oh trust me Hreik," Crentis said, "We've all started at your level of experience. But after a year or two of my tutelage and I can almost guarantee that you'll be just as capable as those that came before you. I bet even Yowrik here could help you."He then turned to the wheelchair-bound Prime, "What do you think? Still have the, uh... guts for one more adventure?"Crentis was originally going to say 'sea-legs' but decided against it. If he was going to recruit the old back-stabber, he could give a legitimate attempt rather than sabotage himself. It was after this that Krissuk and Aiolos suddenly walked into the room."And who in Artakha's shining name are you two?!" Crentis said with genuine surprise.

...but college is closing fast.

I'm in the same boat, which worries me since I've somehow managed to place myself in a leadership position in at least two groups. Even when I was trying not too...

IC (Yowrik's Villa): Crentis smiled slightly (he was still trying to maintain his 'disguise') and said, "You see Hreik, I've recently lost my ship and crew due to an unfortunate accident involving the ship's magazine. I'm trying to start over, but this incident has shown me that death is hovering over my shoulder. Few of the captains under the Dragon's banner are exactly... inspiring, and taking my secrets to the bottom of the ocean wouldn't be very productive.""So my offer is relatively simple Hreik; how would you feel about being captain of your own pirate ship, with me as first-mate?"

IC (Takea Tankards): "Well can you fight?" Quorvex asked, "Wait, you know what? If Dralack says that you'll be useful, then you're in. I don't particularly care at this time of night."Now turning to address both of them he said, "You're each limited to a backpack of personal items so I suggest that you go home and pack. We'll all meet here next morning where I'll get eveyone on the same page and then we'll head over to the Traders Guild headquarters to get a ship. Any questions?"

IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex looked quizzically at Senlisa, waiting for a response. She was well within earshot to hear his summary of the recent thefts and the voyage he was organizing."So," Quorvex said directly to Senlisa, "Are you interested? With the number of beings that I've recruited so far, we could probably sink a small island, but every little bit helps. You wouldn't happen to have any special skills would you?"

IC (Yowrik's Villa): Crentis nodded towards Cadrhon and then turned back to Hreik. This latest addition to the guest list was starting to make him nervous. He hadn't really heard of Cadrhon before and he didn't really strike him as a pirate. With the plan he was creating, this Prime would be creating a loose end that he didn't really have to deal with. For now he would see how things would develop."Alright Hreik," Crentis said, "Say what needs to be said, but keep in mind that I might have an offer for you."IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex nodded slowly as he glanced at Senlisa. There did seem to be something 'off' about the Vortixx and he was instantly nervous. However, he also noted that his repeated conversations with Sarillia had convinced him that all Vortixx were naturally manipulative and greedy. He knew how unrealistic this opinion was, but he hadn't encountered any individual that didn't fit his view, so it stuck.Granted, he didn't expect to encounter any serious danger on this trip, besides bad weather and large rahi. He seriously doubted that he would even find an image of the Legion Scepter let alone the real thing. For now, he silently waited for Senlisa's decision.OOC: Yes, I'm being deliberately ironic with my characters.

IC (Yowrik's Villa): While Crentis didn't turn to face Hreik, he did reply, "Don't worry about it. I didn't realize what kind of situation I was walking into; you just allowed me to skip ahead to the foregone conclusion. For future reference, Zenonia doesn't want to be associated with the Vermillion Dragon anymore. I learned that the hard way."However, Crentis smiled; Hreik seemed like the perfect rookie captain. Ambitious enough to want power, but smart enough to listen to someone with more experience. He just had to wait for the Toa to say his piece to Yowrik and then he could ask him.

Actually, the Darth Vader ornament came out last year, but this does seem to imply that they're planning on producing an extended series of these ornaments. And I'm happy about that. :)And Hallmark isn't confused; they do this all the time. My local Hallmark store set up their ornament display weeks ago...

IC (Yowirk's Villa): Crentis also followed Hreik into the drawing room, but didn't sit down. Instead, he took the time to study the miniature ships. He could easily recognize the types of ships on display (sloops, frigates, etc.), but he couldn't see any names. He wasn't sure if these were just chosen randomly, or if they a reminder of Yowirk's former fleet.He considered giving Hreik his offer of captaincy, but now he wanted to see if he could rope in Yowirk on his little quest as well. Nothing was going to be easy tonight.IC (Takea Tankards): "I was just about to ask if your friend wanted in as well," Quorvex said as he glanced at the Vortixx, "If you'll vouch for her, then I don't see any problem with her coming along."

OOC: Void- Opps. I just read through the profile topic and assumed that Dralack was wearing his outfit. Sorry about that.IC (Takea Tankards): "Quorvex," the matoran replied, "Investigative agent for the Yheyn Traders Guild. Now let's see if your name is here..."'Illu? Is that a special title or something?' Quorvex thought as he searched. He wasn't exactly surprised; after having to deal with individuals like Krash, he just assumed that every merchant was weird is some way."Ah, there you are," he said, "Shimmering Palace area? So that's why I didn't recognize you. Anyway, yes something is being done about the thief. From what has been gathered, she has fled to either Nibar or Dajon. I'll be seeing Sarillia tomorrow in order to have her loan a ship so that we can actually find Midnight. The thief. So again, are you interested in volunteering?"