Sergei Rahkmaninoff

IC: Vlad / Gym Maze

Thankfully, Diode had the foresight to wait in the first place Vlad would think to look - the intersection they'd just been at. "Hey, ve're back. Are you okay?" he asked the VIP.

Hey Wielder, good to have you back!
 
I think you should recall that Scorp and I are the GMs now (Timageness stepped down). Glass beat Exxan to win Thurisaz' tournament, and now Icarax is running a VIP game assignment in the Gym. The Rebellion is in an uneasy alliance with the Hand of Spiriah after fending off a mysterious group of Toa. A small group gathered in the courtyard telling stories is probably a good bet for interaction, although Lucid probably wouldn't approve of munching on flowers. That's a pretty cursory rundown but things have been slow lately.
 
We also have a Discord now! If you're interested, it's probably a pretty good place to chat and catch up.

Maybe it's just hard to tell from a photo but I'm having a hard time registering that sword, the color mixing seems kinda messy. I quite like the foot-wheel conversion and dynamite bandolier though!

Flickr

"Euclid's Elements is certainly one of the greatest books ever written, and one of the most perfect monuments of the Greek intellect."
- Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy, p. 211

My entry in the preliminary round of the 2018 Bio-Cup on Flickr! I was set from the start on offering something entirely original. After a days or two muddling through various unsatisfying 'elements' from alchemy, technology, and science, I suddenly recalled the Greek mathematician Euclid's authorship of the landmark geometry textbook entitled Elements, and knew I would depict him. In a Bionicle twist, he now wields Geometry powers in addition to his trademark compass and straightedge! I look forward to your thoughts, hope you enjoy, and wish my fellow participants good luck in the Bio-Cup!

IC: Jayar / Forest of Kaam

"Alright." Jayar gave a circumspect nod as he took a guarded step forward, and turned to his group. "It would be good if you three get a chance to clean your wounds and rest," he pointed out to Fang, Shield, and Snake. "And Era, you could discretely signal them if something went awry, I'm sure," he suggested. It was far from an ideal arrangement, but the weary and forsaken rebellion would have to settle for a balance under these antagonistic circumstances.

* * *

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"The stars know I am Lucid," answered the rainbow Rahk, taking Morpheme's hand... but not exactly for a handshake. Rather, she began to inspects its lines and contours, seeking indications of fated futures. "Ah," she murmured, "Something looks... inspiring...?"

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

Delightfully, this tale was told in poetry. Lucid began to clap when Morpheme finished her performance. "Excellent verse," she decided. "Did you compose it?"

IC: Thurisaz / Gym Maze

Thurisaz would have loved to help take down a Muaka but the hapless predicaments of Aerahk and Tube meant that would have to wait. "Paladin, help Aerahk!" he shouted, as the Rahkshi of Chameleon rolled to scramble from the landing hounds, daggers in hand. The crimson champion himself rushed with swift bounding strides to Tube's defense, planting the end of his trident on the ground for power and control as he launched a furiously elegant flying kick at the stymied Rahi's shoulder.

* * *

IC: Vlad / Gym Maze

"Vell, ve haven't had much choice," Vlad pointed out. "Anyvays, let's try catch up to Diode unt Helkyrie." He began to walk cautiously back down the stairs, alert for any noises that might indicate either teammates or opponents. Although he supposed they'd know if Diode had been taken out...

* * *

IC: Jayar / Forest of Kaam

Time to rest up in apparent safety would be great - Jayar knew most of the party still had lingering injuries - but being split up was unsettling. Especially considering that Reach's choice of Flack and Peek implied a potentially painful interrogation. He glanced heavily at Era and Fang, doubting either was more enthusiastic about it than he was. "What do you need to talk to her alone for?" he inquired of Reach reasonably.

I really like the name and inspiration, being an ancient Greece enthusiast!

 

I particularly like the weapon and custom head. Nice job!

 

Good to hear! I almost had Adrasteia wielding two daggers, until on a whim I tried giving her a trident from another moc. Thatt looked way better, so I made her a staff of her own. I think it really paid off.

She's really cute! I love her shoes! Her weapon and head also feel very creative. If there is one thing that bothers me, it's the silver shells on the shoulders. Most of the other silver parts of the model are more heavily textured so it's a little weird seeing such a big, smooth space in that color. If they were Earth Blue like the upper legs they'd probably feel like they belong more, although I know that 5 module shells don't come in Earth Blue yet.

Thanks for the feedback! I would definitely like to figure out a better texture for the shoulders - I want to keep them silver to maintain an armored appearance, but I agree that the texture needs balancing. I just need to figure out how to do so without losing the shaping.

Flickr

Legend describes the agent of fate's punishment for arrogance, whose power is derived from her opponents' pride...

This one started with the name, unusually enough for me (an alias for Nemesis, ancient Greek goddess of punishment for hubris.) Somehow that inspired me and this came out. But anyways, I'd love to hear your C&C, and hope you enjoy!

IC: Shark / Hallway

Kri might not find the handshake entirely disappointing; Shark offered it, in part, to test her response to pain. His powerful hand clenched uncomfortably around hers, just shy of damaging, although perhaps that was just the intense handshake of a powerful but taciturn Rahkshi unaccustomed but enthused with the gesture. "Sure," he answered amenably. "There's not much room in the Gym though, is there? Maybe we should try some classroom, or outside."

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

The sleepy one's story had been fascinating. Now the confusion Rahk was offering another tale. "I'll always be up for another story," she assured her. "Well, other than during a thunderstorm under a crescent moon. But those are rare."

IC: Shark / Hallway

That wasn't the grin of someone coerced or intimidated. So enduring the pain was entirely her own preference... That injury specifically, or any? "That's entirely valid," he agreed with an understanding nod. "Anyways, I'm Shark," he introduced himself, extending his powerful right hand for a handshake. "If you ever need a sparring partner or something, feel free to ask."

* * *

IC: Gaever / Forge

Gaever stood her ground against the modest gust. It was clear this was very difficult for Phantom.

And... it probably wasn't worth it. She had wanted to test her friend's power. Not her resolve or obedience.

"I... suppose that's enough," she conceded apologetically, disappointed in herself for having distressed her friend.

IC: Vlad / Gym Maze

"Makes sense," Vlad murmured, continuing. They were getting close now, and the more of the crystal they took off, the easier it seemed to be to get under or into the remainder. At last, with a quiet but satisfying crack, the last large shard snapped clear, and Garrotte's legs were freed. "Finally," Vlad breathed.

* * *

IC: Shark / Hallway

Kri's peculiar response intrigued Shark further. Clearly she was entirely aware of her injury, yet, she was averse to any concern or care to it. Perhaps the one to inflict it had threatened her with worse should she seek treatment or help. Or it could be self-inflicted, some peculiar test, ritual, study... even hobby. He would like to find out, he suspected the knowledge would be... useful.

"I only want to ensure you have access to whatever sort of injury treatment you require," the imposing Prefect responded calmly.

* * *

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

Lucid turned her attention to Milk with an eager smile. "Go ahead," she offered encouragingly.

Really excited to participate, and to see what everyone comes up with!

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"I'll tell one, then," Lucid nodded, thinking for a moment.

"Long ago, there was a Matoran musician whose songs were so beautiful that even the stones were moved by them. One day, her closest companion was sent away to the realm of Karzahni. So she followed on that dread path, hoping that somehow she could rescue her friend."

"Before long, she came upon a powerful barrier, whether created to protect Karzahni from the world, or the world from Karzahni, I do not know. Despairing that her path was blocked, she began to sing and play a mournful song. So moving was her lament that the rocks upon the path hurled themselves at the barrier in a frightful deluge, smashing it open. Taking heart, she pressed on into the dread realm, until she was confronted by a horrific monster guarding the way. Once more she began to sing, and the stones of the land flung themselves at the beast, battering it aside so she could continue. Finally, she came before Karzahni himself, and entreated him to release her friend. The dark ruler, of course, refused. So she began once more to play, but he immediately snatched her instrument and shattered it upon the ground. Yet the stones flung themselves at him in a rage anyways, belaying the tyrant for long enough that she could grab her friend and flee the dreaded realm."

"Finally, breathless, they reached safety outside Karzahni's realm. Suddenly, a Toa appeared to them, clad in brown and wearing a Volitak. 'You did wonderfully,' he told them, 'Karzahni would certainly have noticed me had it not seemed to him that this was some myth, and it was your music moving the stones.' The Matoran nodded, dumbfounded, and returned to live in their idyllic village once more. The Toa continued his odd adventures with great success, and became renowned in the universe as a master spy and strategist - testament to the power of making things seem as they are not, and knowing when they are not as they seem."

Lucid shrugged. "Or something like that, anyways."

Thanks guys!

I definitely see what you're saying about the lower arms. While there aren't a lot of options in orange, I'll contemplate the glove option that Rassilon mentioned to try smooth things.

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

That seemed to have been a letdown. "I may know other tales you have not heard, though, if you'd like to hear them," she offered to Revenge and the rest.

* * *

IC: Shark / Hallways

Silently patrolling the halls, Shark came upon another Rahkshi of Silence wandering aimlessly. This was not altogether unusual, many students could think of no better use for their time. What was peculiar was that this one looked to have been stabbed repeatedly in the left forearm, and yet seemed completely unperturbed by the injury. "Are you alright?" the Prefect protector asked Kri, approaching with calm concern.

Flickr

Lady Tsetnia was a powerful noblewoman from a thriving realm, until a strange virus corrupted the land's inhabitants. She alone among the ruling class adapted rapidly from opulence to ordeal, emerging from her arduous escape awakened to her newfound tenacity, latent talent with blasters, and a calling as a bounty hunter.

Man, it's been too long hasn't it? Thankfully I've got lots of time to build and post things over the summer. This one started with me contemplating that a Skull Trap could resemble a tattered dress, and everything pretty much flew together from there. The custom mask was commissioned from Modalt. Enjoy!

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"I haven't either," Lucid lamented. "Legend says its hallowed lines hid the truth about the universe, but sadly it seems to have been lost to time as far as I can tell... I was hoping one as learned as yourself might recognize it."

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

Lucid nodded, impressed. "It may be," she agreed. "There is much truth to legends that is often overlooked... Have you read the legend of Toa Denshu?"

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"Yes, something like that..." Lucid agreed. "The question is, where does that come from? What is it made of?" She tapped her head thoughtfully. "As for the day of the week, how can you be sure the world did not come into being in its current state this morning? Maybe it's actually never been Tuesday before."

IC: Thurisaz / Gym Maze

An unexpected ambush - from Rahi! "Thurisaz, at your service," the nimble noble answered Sim, alert and already whirling toward the paws now pounding toward him. Even as Tube lunged to his defense, he leveled his trident above his minion's shoulder at the inbound hound to fire a fierce fist of crimson-flaming kinetic energy crashing toward the Rahi's head. "Looks like we'll be fighting together right away!"

Aerahk, on the roof above, was less well prepared for a sudden attack, especially one leaving even his stealth no longer possible nor advantageous. When perceived his twin attackers he leapt furiously from his hiding spot away from them with a surprised cry, dodging one only to have the others' teeth close around his forearm. Daggers already tightly clutched, he stabbed at its eye with his free hand as he stumbled into the open by Torc and Sim. "Rahi - watch out!" he warned his (hopefully) new brothers-in-arms.

* * *

IC: Jayar / Forest of Kaam

Jayar was less immediately dismissive (perhaps as usual.) "One of the Rahkshi we traveled with split from us a while ago," he offered, considering Xara, "but they wouldn't have come in this direction. And the two others separated from us in that fight would probably have stayed together," he replied, considering the single finger.

* * *

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"None of the most interesting questions have answers," Lucid answered sagely. "Who built the universe? What is consciousness? Was yesterday Tuesday? There are no straight answers to any of these ancient questions, yet great value in their contemplation."

* * *

IC: Gaever / The Forge

The mechanist hesitated, maybe this was silly. It was... no, no it wasn't. Not in this fierce world. She wanted to be confident that Phantom could protect herself. She needed, then, to feel the winds herself.

"I will be all right," she assured Phantom. "This is a safe, clear area. I just think this would be the most effective test."

* * *

IC: Vlad / Gym Maze

"I vonder if it's possible to create a solution zat vould quickly dissolve zis crystal or somethink," Vlad mused, as the slow extraction proceeded. He had encountered more than a few Rahkshi with odd predilections for chemicals and science in his time at the school. "It vould be useful for you to keep on you for vhen zis happens."

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"A thoughtful response," Lucid replied with a satisfied nod. "Remember it, as you learn." Sitting before the entire group, she asked, "So, what are your names?"

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

Lucid had been watching Revenge and Danger idly. "New one, tell me," she asked Danger amiably, "which is greater: The earth? Or the sea?"

* * *

IC: Vlad / Gym Maze

"Oh, right..." That did make more sense. Following Garrotte's gesture, the luminous Vorahk went to grab the gleaming weapon, and returned it to Garrotte's grasp. "Zat should help," he remarked, beginning again to chip carefully at the crystal still trapping her.

* * *

IC: Gaever / Forge

"Yes, very good!" Gaever agreed, enthusiastic and proud. Seeing Phantom demonstrate some means of defending herself was reassuring. In the world they lived in, the world of Rahkshi, it was all to necessary...

She could conceive of one more test, actually, that would satisfy her even more completely. In truth, it grew as much from curiosity as concern, but she did feel that it truly was the most effective test. She hesitated a moment, sizing up her surroundings, and took a few steps over to a relatively dull and open patch of ground.

"One more experiment," she suggested, bracing herself, unsure of how uncertain she should be. "If you feel comfortable... direct the winds at me."

* * *

IC: Thurisaz / Gym Maze

"Oh, most certainly," Thurisaz assured Tube. "As soon as we have grouped, we charge to battle. Your patience will be rewarded."

He looked up at the rooftops, where Sim, summoned by Luffy, seemed to be moving sluggishly back toward the group. "Cooperation benefits all of us, you've really nothing to fear," he called encouragingly. It should be plainly evident, really, that this was no trick or trap; his team, cohesive under his leadership, could easily have overpowered their disunited opposite if his goal had been to do so. Not to mention Aerahk, sneaking unnoticed along the rooftops behind Sim, camouflaged and stealthy.

IC: Lucid / Courtyard

"I sailed wandering across summer skies lit by distant suns," Lucid began, "retracing stories of the past in sunlit forests, on shining mountains, at rivers' ends. The strength to relay memories of soft colored sunlight and an alternate view received me. Then at last I awoke refreshed."