Tafu

OOC: If I'm reading his post correctly, Lev was saying that Quorvex recognized the Turaga from a long time ago. Also, I said that he was hoping for a chin strike, so he was aiming for his chin, not that he had made contact (I was also predicting what would logically happen). Trust me Burnmad (and Lev), I've played in a variety of RPGs over the years. "This ain't my first rodeo hombre." IC: Quorvex was able to hold on to his nightstick, only his feet were now dangling a few inches off the ground as the Toa held him in the air with the weapon. The agent was not amused. The look Sollin gave him didn't change his expression much. He still had all of his personal belongings and his limbs so he had no reason to continue the fight.At the same time though, he wasn't about to support the rogue in any of his lies. He would have to convice the Turaga on his own...Which very quickly fell apart. After the Turaga's command, Quorvex quickly fell to the ground as the rogue prepared to defend himself. Jumping to his feet, he grabbed Krash (again) and resumed his sprint to the library.

Kal Grochi: Why don't you make one Zyglak character who thinks that he is a Viking and is motivated by his ego and delusions of grandeur? I would think it would take much less work than trying to write a whole new RPG and Lev might be a bit more willing to approve such a character.

IC (Sakrinil): Qurovex was surprised by the latest development to say the least. The Turaga only caused something to click inside his memories, but he couldn't figure out what. However, he quickly realized that the librarian was giving him an opening.He quickly charged toward the Toa with his nightstick raised. The blow to the rogue's midsection had caused him to bend over, and Quorvex took hoped to land a nice underhand strike onto the Toa's chin.

IC (Sakrinil): Quorvex was able to smack the cobblestone away with his nightstick, but the impact immediately caused his hand to start stinging. So plan A didn't work; what else was new? However, he still had one more idea."Hey Krash," he yelled again, "I think our friend here could use a special present!" Preferably one wrapped in metal and topped with a lit fuse.IC (Sakrinil): The 'merchant' ship eventually sailed into port and Crentis took the time to double check his appearance. The last thing that he needed was for a stray bit of paint to cast suspicion his way. Once that was done, he called the ship's captain and officers together to review the plan. While the Prime was not captain, he was in charge of the operation for as long as they were on dry land.After a few minutes of discussion Crentis finally dismissed them, "You all know what do. Stay quiet, out of sight, and find as many members as possible."The plan was that half of the crew would stay with the ship 'unloading cargo' while the others, mostly matoran and one or two Primes, would go into the city to find Dragon members and spread the word that there was a way out. Crentis decided to head towards a tavern; he needed a drink and many recruits felt that the best place to hide was in any number of bars scattered across Sakrinil. They were also the first places that the authorities liked to check. Most faction members seemed to be very slow learners...

IC (Sakrinil): "Oh sure," Quorvex said, "I'm going to give you back my map which you had previously tried to steal. In a crowded tavern with several witnesses. Not going to happen."Of course, while the matoran investigator was talking a big game, he would be toast as soon as the Toa opened up with his elemental powers. He needed a distraction, but he wasn't about to leave Krash behind. It was at that point that the Ta-Matoran lost his grip on sanity and started doing handstands. Now he had an idea."Hey Krash," Quorvex said, "Do you still have any of your breath mints? I think our friend here could use one."

OOC: Burnmad: I can't tell if you're just being silly, so I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt. Lev used the time-skip so that we wouldn't have to spend ten pages describing the weeks' worth of travel time.IC (Unknown island): Lesvera sat just outside her tent, busily cleaning one of her daggers. It had taken her awhile to finally 'convince' the aggressive Rahi to leave, and it hadn't been very pretty. Some of the crew members were still debating on whether if the body of one particularly foolish Rahi could be used for food. She did have to give Keran some credit though: they hadn't encountered any pirates so far, to her disappointment.The mists shrouding the island unsettled her slightly. While she usually welcomed any chance to improve her stealth, she knew that her companions weren't very skilled in that area. The last thing that she wanted was to get an arrow in her neck because the rest of the party mistook her for some dangerous Rahi. There was also another problem with the island's particular quirk.Mist, in general, was just moisture and Lesvera could control easily. However the sheer volume of it on the island quickly drained her energy reserves, so she could only push the mists away up to a certain point. On the other hand, all of that moisture meant that she could recharge just as quickly, but it wouldn't be very effcient to maintain an ongoing cycle.For the moment, she waited for Alfon to assemble the group. Going out alone would be very counter-productive.IC (Approaching Sakrinil): Crentis watched as the Sakrinil slowly came into view. He hadn't been successful in finding a captain or a new crew for that matter, but the higher ups in the Vermillion Dragon had decided to give him a mission. He was now on a 'snatch' assignment; sail into one of the major cities, while disguised, and extract any faction members, or petty criminals, who had gotten themselves stuck there, but not actually arrested. Any other organization would probably call it a rescue mission, but the Dragon had never been very compassionate.For his part, Crentis was rather annoyed. Sure he was finally doing something, but the red parts of his armor were now a dark green, his hat and coat were gone, he could only carry one of his boarding axes. The worst however, was not being able to smile as often as he liked. He understood the necessity of the disguise, but he was a pirate; drawing attention to one's self was just as necessary sometimes.The Dragon ship that he rode on was often used for such missions as it looked like nothing more than a merchant ship. It was also never used for any combat role, whether it be raiding or harassing Coast Guard patrols. They would probably be able to slip into the docks just before they closed. Getting back at would be a problem later, but Crentis would have never agreed to the job if there wasn't a bit of fun involved.IC (Sakrinil): Quorvex felt the impact, lost his grip on Krash, and was barely able to protect his mask with his other arm as he fell to the ground. He quickly turned over and found the same rogue Toa standing over him. The agent kicked out towards the one of the Toa's legs and rolled backwards, back onto his feet. He wasn't sure if he had actually made contact with his strike or if the Toa had just moved out of the way.He pulled out his nightstick and observed his surroundings. The earth Toa was in front of him, Krash was on the ground, but the Great Library was only two blocks away. However, he had a feeling that this fight was going to be a lot tougher than his little skirmish with the Vortixx earlier.OOC: Of course Zakaro isn't here either, so we'll have to wait for him too...

IC (Sakrinil): "Well could you do me a favor and not tinker with that while you're carrying several bombs worth of gunpowder?" Quorvex asked in an unamused tone, "Even though you have been instructed to not carry it within city-limits without a supervisor."He was about to give Krash another speech about not performing certain actions that the Guild had instructed him to take when he noticed some movement on the rooftops behind him. It didn't take the agent long to recognize the figure on top of the buildings was a Toa; the same Toa that he had tripped back at the tavern. And he and the rogue had just made eye-contact."Run," Quorvex said bluntly. When Krash looked at him, confused, he grabbed the Ta-Matoran's arm and screamed, "Run!"He then started sprinting down the street, with Krash in tow.

IC (Sakrinil): As they walked, Quorvex now had time to realize what he had actually done. He had just tripped a Toa; granted the Toa had tried to steal his map, but simply meant that he was rogue. And likely very annoyed.As the Guild agent began to grow nervous, he ducked into several alleys and side-streets, hoping to throw off any potential pursures. After a short time, he stopped and waited to see if anyone besides Krash was following them. When nobody arrived, he turned to the Ta-Matoran, who had somehow been able to keep up with him the entire time."Alright, it's a straight shot to the Great Library from here so..." Quorvex paused when he noticed the pieces of metal that Krash was playing with."What are you doing?"

IC (Takea Tankards): "The Great Library," Quorvex replied, "After that I don't know, but we need to get moving."It was then that Sollin bumped into the matoran. In reply, the agent stuck his foot out just enough that it caught the Toa's leg and sent him crashing to the floor."Oh, I'm terribly sorry!" Quorvex explained as he bent down to 'assist' the Toa, "I need to more careful!"As he courched down, he quickly liberated his map before whispering, "I lived in this city far too long to fall for that old trick."Standing up once again, he motioned for Krash to follow him, and quickly dodged around the other patrons to get to the exit. He walked onto the street and began his journey to the library at a slightly faster pace than he normally would.

OOC: Thus, the whole point of an investigation. IC (Takea Tankards): "Aldarnin," Quorvex repeated, "Well, once again, thanks. Now I know where to look next. When the time comes, have a safe journey."It looked like he was going to have to visit the Great Library after all. If he couldn't find anything there it would be time to visit the Shimmering Palace. He wasn't about to go anywhere near a ship; not only was it technically outside his jurisdiction, he never liked sailing.As he prepared to exit the tavern he turned to Krash, "Come on. You're coming with me. I can't leave you unattended in a place like this."OOC: While I'm thinking about it: Lev, you do realize that not every NPC has to be killed, by PC or otherwise, right? I've read stories of GM's nearly giving themselves heart attacks while trying to convince their players of that fact.

OOC: Lev: I was thinking a Toa of Stone with a Great Komau, doing something similar, as well as leaving the crescent moon. Whether he was Midnight or not didn't matter. I started thinking mind control when you mentioned how Sarillia had secured her door with a really complicated lock. Of course I need more evidence before I can actually prove anything.IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex glanced at the guard and then back to Krash."Stay here," he said as if he was commanding a pet Rahi. He then walked back to the guard who was now pointing at various parts of the map. A crescent moon, three arrows...The agent smiled as he tried to visualize a much larger map of Yheyn and the surrounding area. The arrows could either be pointing at future hits or places that the thief had already visited. He knew that there were a few Guild members on some of the islands towards the south, and it would make sense for to not hear from them yet considering the distance. Either way, he now had a few more leads to follow."Well done my friend," Quorvex said as he pulled out a few widgets to pay for both their drinks. As he started to put away the list and map he paused."How rude of me! I almost forgot. My name is Quorvex." He then extended his hand in order to offer a handshake.

IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex rubbed the back of his head in frustration as he said, "You were supposed to hide them from your mentally disturbed alter ego and take two at a time when you weren't having an episode."He wanted to punch Krash in the mask, but instead, he grabbed his beer and swallowed half of it as he tried to calm himself down.Pausing for a few minutes and finally said, "Alright. What are you doing here? Was your store robbed as well? I haven't been able to read the entire list."

IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex rolled his eyes and growled as he hauled the Ta-Matoran to his feet."Krash," he began, not bothering to hide his annoyance but keeping his voice low, "Remember the last time I had to deal with you? You now, where you 'misplaced' several barrels of gunpowder and I had to go looking for them? Sarillia still isn't happy with you and I'm not exactly pleased myself."Quorvex then led the explosives merchant back toward the bar, so he could keep an eye on the guard."Now the doctors gave you something to help control these little episodes of yours, so I'm only going to ask this once, politely. Why haven't you taken it?"

IC (Takea Tankards): "Thanks," Quorvex said as he smiled.BANG."While you work that out, I'll go see who wants in..."Quorvex stepped out of the chair at the bar and moved towards the door. He pulled out his nightstick and tried to visualize what he would soon be facing. The thing slamming against the door couldn't be very strong; otherwise it would have broken in already. The matoran stood just across from the door, gently placing a hand on the handle, and lifting his stick above his head.After waiting a few seconds after one of the impacts, he threw open the door, took a step toward whatever was trying to get in... And was surprised when an orange and red matoran suddenly tripped inside.'Oh no, not you,' Quorvex thought as he put away his nightstick."Krash," he finally said, "What are you doing here?"

I will be asking for his name eventually, I just have to wait for the right moment in the conversation, probably near the end. At the very least, it should give him a few more hit points.

IC (Takea Tankards): "As a matter of fact," Quorvex said as he reached into his coat, "I happen to have-"Another loud bang came from the door. And another. And another.Quorvex glanced over at the bartender, who quickly shook his head. The agent shook his head in agreement as he glanced around the common room. What few other patrons there were, were also glancing at the door, some were reading weapons, but no one was going towards the door. He would open the door eventually, he had to leave eventually, but net yet."Anyway," Quorvex said as he pulled out several tablets, "I happen to have a list of the robbery victims here. And I think I have a map as well...*"He then pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment** and unfolded it on the bar in front of the guard.OOC: *Yeah, it's a stretch, but I'm not going to have this grind to a halt just because my character doesn't have a map. **Or insert any other organic material that just happens to not be paper. I'm sick of writing 'tablet' all of the time.

IC (Takea Tankards): Turaga being cooked? Now things were just getting weird. However, Quorvex was starting to notice a pattern; an 'invisible' thief stealing from beings in a position of authority. If the thefts and other incidents were connected, then it was beginning to look like one particular faction was involved; one that attracted crazy."Have you noticed any connection between the merchants that have been hit?" Quorvex asked as the beers arrived, "Were they all weapons merchants perhaps?"Then there was the sound of someone slamming into the door of the tavern."What was that?"

IC (Takea Tankards): Quorvex pulled out the small piece of wall that he had collected earlier. As he turned it around in his hands, he asked, "What exactly is Midnight? What are his powers supposed to be? What do the stories say about that?"This case was going to be difficult. Whoever was committing the thefts was using a local legend about an uncatchable thief. That discouraged the locals from trying too hard to find them and would throw off foreigners, who would simply be angry that the authorities weren't trying hard enough. Even he didn't like to put much stock into such legends, but he also knew that they originated from somewhere, whether it was a being, an object, or a place.He would try to get as much information from the guard as he could, but then he would have to find another store that had been robbed.

OOC: Well, I hope that we're thinking the same thing.IC (Sakrinil): "Eh, I try not dismiss really crazy ideas," Quorvex said, "Such a pair of matoran taking down a Vortixx who happens to be an experienced criminal."The pair finally made the short walk to Takea Tankards and Quorvex led his new friend over to the bar and ordered two drinks.As they waited for the beers, the Guild agent asked, "Now that I think about it, you just mentioned that you've worked as a guard for awhile. Have you ever heard any of the merchants talk about some character named Midnight?"

IC (Ship at sea): Lesvera turned to face Keran again as she said, "This ship is constantly soaked by liquid protodermis, the wood is coated with pitch in order to protect it from moisture, and there is no place to wash yourself. Everything here smells. Here there is only one entrance and exit and it's dark. It's not that I don't trust everyone on the ship, but old habits die hard."She then began to pack up her prototype dagger, as well as her tools and spare parts as she continued, "Now, I suggest that you find your own hammock and get some sleep. You'll need the energy since the captain will probably want you to help make the ship go just a little bit faster."OOC: That, and so Lev has a chance to do his time skip.

IC (Ship at sea): "We're sailing into unknown waters," Lesvera explained as she turned in her 'chair' to face Keran, "Far from any shipping lanes or Coast Guard patrols. By that definition, it will be a haven for pirates who wish to evade both the authorities and the Vermillion Dragon. While the majority of was Sarillia said was exaggereated at best, her concern of pirates was not."Turning back to her project she continued, "And yes, while I do not possess the knowledge to help sail a ship, I have made an extensive study of reports of pirate attacks and their methods, for my own personal reasons."IC (Sakrinil): "Well," Quorvex said with a slight laugh as he looked at the wound on his leg, "At least you should be seeing some hazard pay after this little incident."He placed a gentle hand on the guard's shoulder as he guided him to toward one of his preferred taverns; Takea Tankards incidentally. As they walked Quorvex took the time to ask, "Why would an economics major want to purchase a ship?"

OOC: I'm in a rush right now, so I'll have to reply to Half-Dragon later...IC (Sakrinil): Quorvex simply shurgged his shoulders and watched as both Toa started to walk away."Does seem a bit typical," the matoran replied, "We do all of the work and then they get all of the credit. Oh well. Drink? I still need to have a chat with you."

IC (Ship at sea): "Perhaps," Lesvera said as she put down the weapon again and then started to attach the springs, "The creatures we'll meet on this journey will be just as vicious. At least one of us will need to be able to match it."The robed Toa glanced over at Keran and noticed that he had a confused look on his mask."I mean pirates."Still confused.While, Keran couldn't see it, Lesvera rolled her eyes as she continued, "There are two types of pirates, thieves and murders. The thieves try to intimidate you, tell you to surrender so they can rob you without much fuss. If they can't scare you they try to kill. Murders don't bother with intimidation and go straight to the killing. And I can almost guarantee that we'll meet plenty of both."

OOC: I keep getting ninja'd. At least I think thats the right word...IC (Sakrinil): Quorvex was in a full sprint as he approached Vorasku. Assuming that the Vortixx would soon sit up, he gave a scream and launched himself into the air. Instead, the criminal's legs were suddenly encased in ice and the keys flew out of his reach.With Quorvex still flying through the air, he quickly passed over Voraksu, hit the ground and tumbled a few feet before coming to a stop on his back.A Toa of Air stood over him who said, "Good job.""Thanks," Quorvex said with a slight sneer. He then picked himself up and then walked over to the Fe-matoran guard in order to help him up as well.

IC (Sakrinil): 'Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,' Quorvex didn't think. He turned to see Vorasku knocking the matoran guard to the ground and now he appeared to be crawling to the key ring on the guard's belt.Gripping his nightstick, Quorvex ran back, but he wasn't sure if he could make it back in time. Vorasku could probably get to the keys before he got there, but he would have trouble unlocking the cuffs considering he had to twist his arms into odd angles to get to the keyholes. In fact, Quorvex didn't really know what he was going to do once he got there.