Sparticus147

Some more suggestions. Sand Pits: These dunes are home to various hidden tunnels and caverns inhabited by Shagrak Spawn and Mesi, be careful to not be caught in the sand pits and trapped within these dark domains. Malevolent Spirits: The region is haunted by the spirits of the loss. This leads to the whole area being incredibly unsettling, empty of most rahi, and filled with ominous and sinister sounds and sensation. Shallow scratches, distant wailing, muffled groans, odd bruises, and dark and at times, very revealing, whispers. War Torn: A battle is or has brewed recently within the area, picked corpses, scrapped vehicles, and slaughtered rahi surround the region. In addition, the odds of fighting those involved in such conflicts is a likelihood and should be something to watch out for. Protodermis Plagues: Droves of Untethered lurk throughout the area, consuming and assimilating all those they find. Semi-fluid corpses can be found throughout the region. Pools of toxic protodermis pool within the region and the terrain itself seems warped by their presence.

IC: Sala (The Air Suva) “Rahkshi.” From those words alone, Sala felt truly uncomfortable within his own frame. This feeling wasn't helped by the Kraata upon his neck seemingly having a spasming reaction to this word, like that of a Hapaka being asked, who's a good boy. Taking a moment to settle the worm down, Sala stared back at Sorilax and took note of the odd, distant look upon the Aspect's face, the taboo mark now upon his hand. Reaching up towards his companion and placing the hand of Dawnguard upon Sorilax's shoulder, Sala softly spoke to his friend and mentor, hoping to break him from his stupor. "Hey, uh Sorilax. Are you alright? I don't think I've seen you like this ever, not even when you spent nearly an entire day studying a new species of moss you found near Le-Metru Nuva..." "So, what's a..What you said? Sounds ominous. Or is it food?" Being reminded of the other member of the company, Sala looked back towards Nixie before returning his gaze towards Sorilax, worry lining his gaze. Although Sala was deeply concerned with his friend and ever so slightly disturbed by all this taboo business, the chronicler's natural curiosity slowly took over. "So..Um..Uh...Yeah, what was that you mentioned, concerning Kaita? And what are these Rahkshi you just mentioned? Is it related to the Aspects and the Taboos? Does it relate to these murals?" OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Sala (The Air Suva) As Sala investigated the Suva, from what he saw and could gleamed, Sala assumed as best he could with his cursory knowledge of the island's history, that what was inscribed upon the Suva was some historical record left her by the Matoran. Peering closely, thoughts and ideas quickly began streaming through the Su-Matoran's mind on what the pictographs ultimately meant. "So, It's probably easy to assume that the dark clouds are supposed to be Aspects, and the Rahi are under their control. Or what if, those were the original vessels of the Aspects. Maybe they were originally in the form of Rahi rather than the form that Sorilax has. But why would such a change in form occur? And if that is the case, did they look like Rahi, or did they possess them?" As Sala continued his examination, Sala's thoughts slowly began to come out in halting mutters, only faintly audible over the ambient sounds of the swamp. "And this next image, it is obviously the Toa of the island defending the Matoran and the island itself. So far so good, pretty easy to figure that I suppose. But what is with this next image? What are those, Skakdi? They remind me of Skakdi, but that doesn't make any sense. And the Skakdi, they almost look, Turaga-like in their visage. Maybe the next panel will help... Sala's train of thought continued to go off alongside his speaker, his mutters quickly became quiet mumbles, loud enough to potentially catch the attention of the other two residents within the chamber. And even if his mumbling didn't catch their attention, Sala's next verbal exclamation certainly would. "Now what is that suppose to mean?! What is this suppose to imply? That the Skakdi cursed the Toa, or is this supposed to be some kind of blessing? Why would Skakdi grant the Toa a boon if that what that is supposed to be? And if that is suppose to be a curse, where did the Skakdi get such power, is it something the Aspects of ol..." Sala's voice went silent as he peered at the eight pointed star. The sight of it, the way it was shaped and curved, the carving of it. It was...Alluring, something about it was both real and ethereal in all regards, something that Sala recognized and knew yet still couldn't discern from the deepest pits of his knowledge. Slowly, Sala's hand went up to reach for the odd sign. Before the rather intrusive mating call of that still yet to be name bird Rahi broke through the silence and brought Sala to his senses. "Of...Um, uh, hey Sorilax! What do you make of this?" Sala called out to his chronicling companion, hoping their second opinion would be of use. OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator

Are you implying that robots don't have equal rights? Of course a Matoran would say that, further League justification.

IC: Vulimai (The Keitara Inflatable???) "...It's..It's hard to imagine that this was where we used to live. The sky is...Steel." "Don't lose yourself yet Toa, we can spend time staring at...Mata-Nui back at Metru-Koro. Come on, let's go and meet up with Captain Knichou so we can get off this floating deathtrap before it sinks." Punctuating her final point, Vulimai pointed towards the edges of the large raft, as the energized protodermis of the lake, though slowly, was surely and certainly consuming and melting away at all of theirs's temporary sanctuary. Moving towards Knichou's landing spot, Vulimai hoping that the Toa of iron has a way off of this. OOC: @Toru Nui @BULiK IC: Sala (The Air Suva) As the two talked, Sala was glad that his intervention had saved the three of them at least a few hours from Sorilax's lecturing. Listening to Nixie, a few oddities came to his mind as she spoke. The Ga-Matoran seemed a bit flustered in their speech, almost a bit cross-wired some might say, but maybe that's just a constant with chroniclers, Sala certainly couldn't claim he wasn't the same way. But although they seemed a bit nervous, Sala couldn't see anything off with them and was inclined to trust them if not ask them a few personal question...Not at the moment of course. Directing his attention to Sorilax, Sala heard Sorilax's offer to Nixie and was for a moment, surprised about Sorilax mentioning the taboos. Sala wondered if mentioning their goals concerning such dark powers was worth it, but Sala quickly figured that mentioning the taboos couldn't cause any harm as it was unlikely that Nixie knew what they were or what their purpose was. Turning away from Nixie, Sala began to scan the nearby walls, scraping away moss and vines that grew on them in order to peer at whatever ancient hieroglyphs may lie beneath. "Yeah, it's nice we met someone else here who is willing to explore the unexplored. Speaking of which, what have you found out so far?" OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Sala (The Air Suva) "Uh, yes thank you, so...Who are you? Obviously you're not a local. All the locals have been trying to sting me, bite me, ride me, or drown me." As the Ga-Matoran finished her questioned, Sala looked over towards Sorilax and saw the same thoughtful look that loomed upon his face. And he knew that could only mean another lecture and now wasn't the particularly best time for it. Quickly stepping up in front of Sorilax, Sala quickly spoke before Sorilax could begin. "I'm Sala, this here is Sorilax. We were actually wondering the same thing..If your local that is. Sorilax hear had told me that some Matoran used to live here but I don't think we have met any. Speaking of introductions, who are you if you don't mind." OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Sala (The Air Suva) Stepping carefully towards the stone aperture, Sala peered at the stone walls that made up the ruins, trying his best to discern any clues upon whatever ancient lore this structure might contain. Pushing aside the brush and vines that was overgrown within the aperture, snagging and catching on the frame of Dawnguard, Sala stepped forth into the ruins as the sounds of an exotic rahi filled the air. "Hey Sorilax, do you know what that call is...Woah there." Staring down, Sala looked down into the gaping opening within the flooring of the open-aired chamber. And within it, saw the Ga-Matoran within. "Hey there! You alright?" Turning around towards the Aspect, Sala gestured for them to come closer and look. "Sorilax, can you use your arms to help get this them out of there. I think I might be able to reach with Avagah and the sword but it might be easier with your help." Crouching down and calling back down the hole, Sala hoped that the Matoran was well enough to reply. "Hey, my friend is going to help you to get out of there, do not worry!" OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Sala (The Fau Swamp) "Huh, that wasn't suppose to happen? Do you think they are native, is that normal for the natives?" Sala said, as Sorilax stepped past the Matoran and the front portion of Avagah closed back into position, encapsulating Sala in its protective frame. Moving up towards the ruins with Sorilax, Sala leaned in and looked deeply into the mess of a stone corridor before turning back towards the Aspect, satchel in hand. "Well, suppose the best thing we can do is go on ahead, if we find them again we can return their things and get this confusion out of the way. Come one." Stepping forth into the ruins, Sala lead the way with Sorilax hopefully coming along from behind. OOC: @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Drukarus (Irnakk's Tooth) Trailing behind the pair, Barius and Parnassus, Drukarus listened intently upon the words the two spoke, pondering upon each syllable the two spoke. "When we have reached the camp, my first order will be to celebrate my victory: The warband will drink and be merry this evening..." "Ah yes, a classic. Introduce your new reign of leadership by offering a great celebration Barius, get the soldiers in a good mood. Nearly all newly-made warlords I have met do this. It will certainly keep you from getting challenged for a day or two, Karz, maybe even a week at best if they really like you. But in the end, it still depends on your ability to lead to instill loyalty." "...the Tahtorak will have its fill of ruin wherever it pleases..." That caused Drukarus to stumble in his pace for a half second and to briefly pause in his pace as his mind began to race. "He can't be serious? To allow that thing, to simply run rampant. I know that, unfortunately, nothing will be able to hurt or even kill it. But to simply allow it to kill our kin, even if they don't serve you yet? What is the purpose in that warchief Barius?" "...and our guest will be honored as if he were one of our own." So engrossed in his thoughts Drukarus was, that it took him several moments to register Barius's words concerning him. And it took him several more moments before he moved back up towards the newly made warlord. "I am...Honored, that you have granted me such commandries so generously..." Drukarus paused for a few moments, internally debating with himself whether or not if it was even worth it to offer his opinion concerning the Tahtorak to Barius. Drukarus quickly dismissed such an idea, no way that this skakdi, no matter how kindly he may be presenting himself, will listen. Such a shame, those wasted lives. "...Thank you, warchief Barius, I am sure we will have much to talk about in time." OOC: @Burnmad @Nato the Traveler @Keeper of Kraata @Conway IC: Apex (The Fau Swamp) "I will aid you, Aspect, but do not think that I am your servant. Whatever we do, we do as equals." Apex simply bowed her head when Morangad said this, accepting his statement in earnest. "That is all I simply ask, as long as our goals are aligned, that is all I simply asked." Turning her head in the opposite direction of where the roar had came from, Apex looked back towards Morangad before gesturing in the direction she was facing. "Shall we continue then, Morangad?" OOC: @Burnmad @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Sala (The Fau Swamp) For two days the pair traveled through the swamps, first coming across the large flooded ravine. For nearly the entire morning, the pair was left stumped, trying their best to think of any way to bypass the vast putrid obstacle. The problem was solved when Sorilax remembered the last time he had come across the ravine and found an old route he had taken once before. Making their way through along the trail, Sala and Sorilax came upon what appeared to be two rival Nui-Jagas, seemingly fighting over territory. Not risking getting in the middle of these two venomous, large, and already severely irritated rahi, the two chroniclers took the time to study the pair, Sala and Sorilax correlating their knowledge concerning the rahi species and Sorilax pointing out minute differences between the two rahi and how the swamp's mutagens had affected the pair. There they sat and watched till eventually night came and the two Nui-Jagas parted...amicably? They at least parted in more or less one piece and with night upon them, the two made camp and rested. Upon the next day the pair continued their journey, eventually reaching a deep patch of marshland that the two were forced to trod through. Trudging through the waist deep bog water, the two were having a fairly good time considering everything, till lunging out of the water was a great bog snake, one much larger than an ordinary bog snake. Before either of them could react, the monstrous snake had already wrapped itself around Sorilax, its great crushing force just halted by the shadowy limbs instinctually formed by the aspect. Sorilax, slow to react from his timeless sense of perception, was left momentarily stunned in thought over how best to escape the current predicament he was in...Till a Rhotuka came flying in and blasted the bog snake in the back of the head, just before it dug its fangs into Sorilax's frame. As the Rhotuka flew, a quiet noise akin to that of blasting steam and crackling frost filled the space, the humid air that the Rhotuke passed through turned into a frosty trail of mist and ice. Upon impacting, the great searing heat that the Rhotuka was building up as it flew was released all at once, striking the serpent and leaving a branding mark upon its large head. A second past and then a blade was seen crashing down into the swampy water, cleaving the bog snake in twain and freeing Sorilax as its pieces fell into the water. Sorilax looked down at the pieces of the bog snake now floating in the murky water before looking back up at Sala. “Well, well, well, very good, ol’ chum! I will admit sudden action isn’t my forte and that Rahi certainly had me in a bind. Thank you very much indeed." "By the way, what did you do there with that strange power? That wasn’t from your Kraata, was it?” “Ye..Yeah, I think that was from the Rhotuka launcher. So that what my Rhotuka is then.” Sala said, as the launcher itself began to retract into its normal position. As Sala looked down towards the remains of the snake as it floated and sunk into the bog, a smile came across the Su-Matoran’s face at what he had just done. Protecting a friend. ~~~ With another days travel, at last, they had made it to their destination. A lone tower, nestled in between the thick canopy of the Fau Swamp. As the pair approached, Sala took notice of it's architecture. It was distinctly Matoran, not the architecture of Metru-Nui, but of Matoran villages that dwelled beyond the once city of legends. In fact, Sala thought the designs took particular resemblance to designs that Sala had found once before upon tablets deep within the old Archives. "Matoran architecture? Huh, I knew about the ruins and I think I remember Sorilax mentioning that Matoran used to live here, but I don't think he mentioned anything about the Matoran themselves making the ruins. I suppose it mak-" Sala's train of thought upon the design of the temple was interrupted as he saw a sight that he couldn't possibly image finding out here in the middle of the Fau Swamp. A Matoran, a Matoran of all people, out here in the middle of swamp with seemingly no one around to even protect them. As Sala stared and gawked at this individual, Sala's mind raced upon the possible reasons for why a Matoran would be here, trying to find any sort of logic in why they would be here. Till they spoke. “I shouldn’t have tried to impress her! Big mistake! I can’t even blog about it! I give up, this is ridiculous!” What! That made even less sense and left even fewer possibilities for why they were here. Karz! The remaining possibilities were descending into illogical possibilities for why they were here. But for whatever reason they were here, it didn't matter, for Sala at least took notice at just how loud the Ga-Matoran was being. And them throwing those rocks into the water, at this rate, they are going to catch the attention of something they don't want the attention of. Putting out a hand for Sorilax to wait just a second, Sala broke from the brush they were somewhat obscured by and began a casual pace towards the Matoran, which was more of a brisk pace within Avagah. As Sala approached, he called out to the Matoran, making sure to be loud enough for them to hear but not loud enough for anything else to potentially hear, "He..Hey there..Uh um, friend? What uh..What are you doing out here?" Stopping once he got halfway towards the Ga-Matoran, Sala activated the mechanism that controlled the latches for the ACR and raised the chestpiece and headpiece, revealing that Sala wasn't some sort of near black, toa-sized, long armed thing but was rather just a Su-Matoran. OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Kal the Guardian IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) "Look, this is no substitute for an actual parachute, it’s only worked for me once before. If you’re absolutely certain there’s no other option, then, uh… hold onto me. Again." "Well, does it look like I got an actual parachute?" Vulimai said this, finally reaching the Tekmo. Quickly stowing her halberd back onto her back, Vulimai with both her hands wrapped them around the Toa and began to hold on as tightly as she possibly could. But, just before the two of them made the plunge, Vulimai looked up towards the Toa, "If both of us survive this...I'm going to need to talk to you about something, maybe even get your help on it." OOC: @Toru Nui

IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) As Vulimai continued her climb, the Toa she had boarded with eventually came into sight. "I’M HERE! I’m here…There. Sure glad I don’t look stupid in this. Do you need to hang on to me, or have you got your own?" "WHAT DO YOU THINK?!" Honestly, there are times where Vulimai really had to question the merits and sensibilities of the Toa. OOC: @Toru Nui

IC: Uraborask (THE CUBE) As the skak spoke, Uraborask's attention was planted upon his rig, as his deductive vision went to work...And well, he couldn't honestly makes heads or tails of it. Although Gore's vision allowed him to see that certainly something had occurred to the truck, with a few obvious signs clueing him in on that the rig was nearly completely dissembled as far as he could tell and it was thoroughly cleaned, he couldn't tell what exactly happened. A begrudging sneer grew upon the skakdi's face, as Uraborask's realized that his own lack of technical and mechanical knowledge made any attempt to surmise sabotage or intentional mistakes in the vehicle's reconstruction near impossible without spending more time then he cared to waste. Turning towards Cravious, Uraborask simply said, "This will do. Know, I will return, and if anything goes wrong with this..." Uraborask leaned closely in, his monstrous size overshadowing the much smaller skak. "...I will return with more than just your request." Uraborask growled out, a threatening hint lining each word. Not caring to waste time or to listen to the skakdi's incessant speech, Uraborask took the keys from the skak and boarded the truck, driving out of the Cube and returning to his hut. Returning to his shack, Uraborask entered the shack, immediately being greeted Skrillix, before he grabbed what food remained, a few extra gilly suits and mesh, and a half-a-quiver extra arrows. Returning to the door, Uraborask paused as Skrillix's whimpers began to start. Turning back towards the Hapaka, Uraborask stood there, a sense of contention welling within him...Before he finally took the Hapaka and brought her with him to the truck, the two now heading off towards the South, to the Fau Swamp. OOC: @Kal the Guardian

IC: Apex (The Fau Swamp) "Oh, no..." "Oh, no indeed guide!" Apex roared towards Morangad, fear lining every inch of the sound she made. "Listen now and listen closely, what has just been spawned is a being of supreme power, one that I myself can only vaguely remember, but no matter, for it is distinct within my mind. What that was, was a Tahtorak. And if we are lucky, one of my kind has sole control over it, otherwise, this island is truly doomed if I am not able to reach my Grand Wish. If you care for this island and the flora and fauna upon it, you will, promise me your service, regardless of you giving me and offering or not." Apex stared hard and fiercely towards Morangad, trying her best to exhibit as much strength and power as she could muster, but the feeling of adrenaline flowing through her being was propelled by fear and desperation alone. Her wings were cowed, her ears low, her body brisling at the seams, every portion of Apex's body belied her fierceness with an animal level of instinctual fear, unbecoming for a being of her status. For a few moments Apex stood there, before finally allowing her wings to droop down alongside her head. A sidelong eye turning back towards Morangad. Although Apex was strong, she fully realized now that she couldn't, that she can't, achieve her goal by herself. And so, with a whisper like a mouse, "Ple..Please...Please help me." OOC: @Burnmad IC: Uraborask & Gore Fury (THE CUBE) “That was the noise of a Tahtorak being born. You might not want to go south if you don’t have to.” Gore heard the sound just as much as Cravious did, and he already knew what made it from his past experiences. "Yeah, I'll try not to do that, thanks for everything friend, we'll keep in touch I'm sure." Gore said, a slight sake and a quiver at the corner of his mouth being noticed upon Gore's usually cool and collected manner. Shuffling awkwardly away from Cravious, Gore made his way back to his beauty the Grillmeister. As Gore got into the driver's seat of his hot rod, his thoughts dwelt upon the knowledge of a Tahtorak being upon this island. Gore knew that Tahtorak's were tough and uncontrollable, but that wasn't the thing he focused on. Rather he focused on his attempts at cooking Tahtorak. It was always easy to get some after any particularly large skakdi clash, the main real problem being actually cooking the thing. From Gore's attempts, he found that Tahtorak meat was always particularly tough and somewhat tasteless, a tragedy really, but something that Gore hoped to one day overcome. Giving a final wave towards Cravious and his employees, Gore turned on his lean, mean, cooking machine and drove out of the Cube into the wastes, specifically, out towards the northern end, the name Fort Nektann being on Gore's list of tourist spots. ~~~ Out into the vast distance, Uraborask heard the birthing cries of the Tahtorak, the viciousness of it even being seen from the Rig, as the fierce and terrible glow of Irnakk's Tooth and the bellowing plume that came with it foretold the birth of such a monster. Truly, such a force of nature, such of tool of destruction, such a worthy prey. Uraborask recognized what such a monster could do to the balance of things, but he did not care, at the moment, all he wanted was its skull adorning his shack. That was all that encapsulated Uraborask's thoughts as he stared off towards the South, till a particularly loud, flaming red rig drove past him, breaking him from his stupor. "Oh right, my rig and the skakdi." Turning back towards the open garage door of the Cube, Uraborask entered it and scanned the room for the skakdi, Cravious. Finally spotting the skakdi, currently still working on Uraborask's rig, Uraborask began his approach, menacing and swift. OOC: @Kal the Guardian IC: Vulimai (The [Now Formerly] Wombat) Before Vulimai could have gotten a response from the Vortixx and the Skakdi, the ship shook as the now massive brute seemed to jumped off, further tearing into the structural foundations of the airship, but another thing was shaking the airship. As Vulimai began to step back, trying her best to return to the Toa she had boarded with, she felt as the girders and bars that held the remainder of the ship together began to bend and creak as their very shape was changed. Soon, the ship itself was bent into two pieces, and Vulimai was practically hanging by what supports she could grab, trying her best to climb up against the force of gravity. "TOA! WHERE ARE YOU!" Vulimai called out, hoping that the Toa of the green would hear her through the sound of rushing wind that came from the many gaping wounds upon the airship and the sounds of crashing protosteel. OOC: @Toru Nui

IC: Uraborask & Skrillix (Uraborask's Shack) * Hey there and good morning you cool skak-dudes and skak-ladies, let it be known that I, your god and savior, The Gadunka, has returned! Let me start with tellin' you all that it is currently a sheering ninety-one degrees out here at Rigger's Bay and that the water is boilin' and fish are fryin'! * Uraborask awoke to the blaring sounds of the radio hosts voice that came out of his old radio, startling Skrillix who had slept through the night on top of Uraborask's lap. * Now then, on with The News. For the local news on the Rig, it seems that wanna-be queen, Yumiwak, had up and left not too long ago with her crew and toadies in toe, hehehe! Best wishes they don't come back, still a few scores here for them to settle, ya dig! * Turning out onto the floor and off of his couch, Uraborask turned his head up as the light of the early sun filtered through his shaded windows and the smell of salt and sea floated in. Reaching up, Uraborask was about to turn off the radio when he heard the radio voice continue. * On top of that recent departure, a equally recent but long expected and worried for arrival has just showed! Cravious and his ever menacing ~Cuuube~ had just rolled back onto the shore as of last night! Debtors beware, for he is surely on the prowl for your widgets, and those contracts of his aren't doing ya any favors! * Uraborask scowled at the mention of the skakdi's name, he had forgotten of the job he had accepted and the easy bait the welp pulled over him. With his mood momentarily soured, Uraborask nearly did something to the radio that he would've regretted if it wasn't for the last bit of news he heard. * And the last bit of news that has skakdi talkin' is the dead skak found just outside of the Rig! This would be a normal occurrence for the violent Rig if it wasn't for the post that the poor headless sod was impaled on and the ominous sign and message that was hangin' on him! 'Beware the aspect Ulkarr and his realm to the west, Po-Koro.' No idea who this Ulkarr is or what a Po-Koro is for a matter of fact, but for any of you darin' skaks willin' to risk upsettin' an aspect, it sounds like there might be some good pickin's out west! * With that, a genuine smile washed across Uraborask's face. Being recoginized and appreciated for his work was something that Uraborask always liked. He probably would go up there and say he put it up there. But that would involve having to deal with the rest of the Rig. * Well, good raiding Riggers, this has been The Gadunka and RRN, Rigger's Radio Network, signin' off my beloved followers, till next time! * Absently listening to the last of the broadcast before it descended into the usual playlist for the Rig, Uraborask grabbed his usual gear, left a good amount of food and water for Skrillix, and left his shack home, making the long walk back towards the Rig, and towards the Cube. OOC: @Kal the Guardian And anyone else on the Rigger's Radio Network. IC: Gore Fury (THE CUBE) “Well if you need to learn about food here on Zakaz and someone won’t let you, I’ve got ways to ‘help’. But these Vahki enforcers, what were they trained for? Were they some type of well trained policing force?” "That's good to hear friend. As for the Vhaki, trained, I'd use the term built more like it, hehehe. At first, I just thought they were just a race that I never met before, but turns out, Metru-Nui didn't have any normal police, it had a police force of machines. Wild. For some reason though, the Vhaki seemed to like me, always at least two seemed to be keeping an eye on me. Wonder why? But these Vhaki were made of some strong stuff, they could climb, crawl, or walk, they could shoot kanokas out of their heads, and each one had a pair of powered staves...In case you were wondering." OOC: @Kal the Guardian Again. IC: Apex (The Fau Swamp) Taking a brief moment to settle herself, her wings pulling back, her stinger folding back in, and the shadowy tendrils that nearly began lashing out around her seeping back into her shadow. Apex turned her gaze towards the Morangad. Should she bother telling this being her past, would they understand her plight enough to offer their devotion to her cause? Apex wondered and pondered. The tone in this being's voice, the words he spoke, he too did not care for the skakdi...And perhaps, they too would be willing to join her in her cause. "This..Nektann! This skakdi was a leader among their depraved kind, an alpha you could say. In ages past, back when the forests to the East thrived on volcanic ash, when the mountains of the West bored ice and snow, when the bay of the North was pure and clean, when this Swamp was a lustrous jungle...I ruled as its Apex, at the peak of the food chain. I ensured its existence and balance...But then they came. With tooth, claw, and fury I tried to drive the skakdi back, but they. No. That one. Outsmarted me. That Nektann somehow learned of my true nature, and exploited my innate weakness to trap me. Only now have I been freed, and I now need strength to tear out his heartlight...Does that satisfy your curiosity?" Staring toward Morangad, waiting for an answer from him, Apex's attention was yanked towards the East, where, even through the thick canopy, Apex could tell that something was wrong at the great volcano. The swamp, normally abuzz with sound, fell silent, as a singular bellowing roar blasted across Zakaz. Although she did not recognized what produced the roar by the sound of it alone, she did know what it had to be, what it meant. Deep within Apex, she felt a feeling that she didn't feel so profoundly and strongly since her imprisonment. What Apex felt, was fear. "Tahtorak..." OOC: @Burnmad IC: Drukarus (Irnakk's Tooth) Drukarus forced his way through the dark passage that the skakdi made their way through. But as he ran out of the horrific pit and the monster being birthed from it, Drukarus's signs of age began to grip him, as he slowed ever so slightly as they continued to run, his breath growing more ragged and harsh. It was only when the entirety of the party had escaped the darkness that Drukarus dared rest though, as he leaned on his maul. Staring towards the roaring skakdi that is Barius, Drukarus knew that the skakdi would be eager to see his new warskak, and so, returning the maul to his back, Drukarus followed. OOC: @Keeper of Kraata @Nato the Traveler @Conway @Burnmad

IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) As the brute Poroka began to grow and tear through the airship's foundations, Vulimai was toss against the walls, and although she did her best to brace herself, not even her frame could stop the bruises that were sure to appear the next day. "HOW DARE YOU?! RETURN TO NORMAL SIZE SO I CAN FIGHT YOU PROPERLY!" "Might want to get your priorities in order there, bub! I doubt ship is going to stay together for much longer!" Righting herself and turning towards Tekmo, Vulimai grabbed the Toa by his shoulders, "Get a hold of yourself Toa, we still got a job to do and this brute just limited our options." Shoving her level five weakening disk into the Tekmo's hands, Vulimai pointed towards the aft end of the airship. "With this disk and your powers, you should be able to make quick work of this place." Trusting that Tekmo would get to work, Vulimai turned back towards the Skadki and the Vortixx. Pointing to Druu, Vulimai called out to the Ta-Skakdi, "You, I don't care if your League or otherwise, but this brute is about to bring this ship down. If you want to help us, join Toa Tekmo here and get to work on the aft end of the ship. You there, Vortixx, you got a keen eye I'm sure, help me find a way off of this death ship for us ALL." Although Vulimai was only around half the height, if not less, to the surrounding audience, she spoke with authority and determination, as a captain should, and she would not take no for an answer. OOC: @Eyru @Toru Nui @Onaku

IC: Drukarus (Irnakk's Tooth) As the very earth and walls of the cavernous crevice began to shake and the bellowing scent of ash and cinder filled the air, the gaping maw of the Nightmare Pit glowed with a sinister and malevolent fire and Drukarus was left to stand, facing this terrible display. "Was this what Marrow spoke of? Was this the Rite of the Tahtorak he had heard about?" Drukarus pondered on what he was witnessing. Back on old Zakaz, there were tales of great rahi, some large enough to wrap around the entire island, but this...This was different. This was tangible, this was happening right in front of him, right now. This wasn't some story or fable, this was an actual example of a force beyond the norm. And with it, came a genuine sense of dread that Drukarus couldn't even suppress from his own face. Looking down towards the kneeling Barius, Drukarus thought to himself whether or not he should end it now. It would be easy too. His injuries, his kneeling stature, the unexpectedness of it. Drukarus with one good swing down onto the skakdi's skull, and he would be dead. But that would not solve the problem with the monster that was being birthed before him, and so he held his urges to himself. "You heard him, let's none of us dawdle." The Aspects words, echoing the speech of Barius, broke the tension as Drukarus turned along with the rest of the warskak to escape the volcanic wrath that was occuring. But, hesitating for a brief second, Drukarus took a moment to look back and thought of the mesi he came here with. "What a waste." OOC: @Burnmad @Keeper of Kraata @Nato the Traveler @Conway IC: Apex (The Fau Swamp) Apex followed Morangad through the swamp, trusting this strange being, much to her own chagrin. Thankfully for this being, that more then once and over-eager Fikou spider, or patient swamp stalker had been averted from attacking the being by Apex's will. Apex needed this Morangad, and perhaps even, she could use this Morangad for more then just a guide to this new Fau Swamp. "May I ask what you hope to find?" Apex thought on this for a brief moment, she remembered great ruins, she remembered dark powers, and she remembered ancient rites. But Apex didn't remember the full facts, although the shadows of her mind have waned, those deep crevices within her memory were still darkened...And Apex was starting to think it was not simply because of her time imprisoned. "I seek the ruins. There I hope to find...Power, dark and great powers...Taboos! That what they were called. They were ancient powers that were left to be forgotten by time. But assuming the skakdi haven't just destroyed them yet, I do not think time has yet removed them from their foundations." As Apex's thoughts dwelled upon her memories before her imprisonment, they slowly made their way to that fateful day, and a singular word pierced her mind. As this name came to her mind, the log she had her clawed hand upon was shattered in two by her monstrous grip as she turned towards Morangad with a fierce, wrath filled, predatory glare. "Do you know...The Skakdi...Nektann!?" Apex uttered out through growls and barks. OOC: @Burnmad IC: Gore Fury (THE CUBE) Finishing the last of the paperwork and the fish, Gore let out a satisfied blerb of a beltch before Cravious had joined him and Sagacious at the table. “Now before you go, I have some questions about the technology level of this ‘Metru Nui’. What do you know of them? Did they have artificial intelligence? Could they fly?” "Huh, alrighty then friend. Metru-Nui, I gotta say, from Vortixxian trade cities, to Steltian elite capitals, I don't think I ever found a place as nice as Metru-Nui. Its clean, its modern, and it got great food. McTorans, Burger Toa, Whendi's all of it is great. On top of that, unlike other places, food places are actually businesses and not just local or family functionaries, it's capitalized and that's great...Except when you're trying to get into the kitchen with a bunch of matoran and trying to learn how they cook their food. Got thrown out of a few places by Vhaki enforcers for that." OOC: @Kal the Guardian IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) Looking at the situation as is, Vulimai recognized that she couldn't fight the brute before her. Vhaki, sure, this thing, never in a million years. What she needed to do, was to get past it and get to the helm and hope there was just Vhaki at the wheel...That was till the intercoms opened. "This is Toa Zaliyah of the League of Six Kingdoms, calling all vessels in the vicinity! The battle is over! The people of Metru-Koro have agreed to discuss terms! All ships, cease hostilities!" "A ceasefire? How could a ceasefire have occurred, either the other boarders have been very successful, or Sans decided to give the most heartfelt apology of his life. And the latter sounds like a joke he would say himself. Regardless, this fighting needs to stop." "Lay Down Your Arms! Lay Down Your Arms!" Vulimai began to call out to the combatants, as with her free hand, she readied to toss the level five Ta-Kanoka of weakness at anyone who didn't heed her words. OOC: @Eyru @Toru Nui @Onaku

IC: Sala (Le-Metru Nuva) When Sala arrived at the graves with Sorilax, Torch, and the new Toa Viltia, he was left genuinely speechless. Not out of any sense of shock or surprise, but simply because of the pain he felt as so many more lives were lost. Every part of Sala was tense, his body language being reflected by the ACR which he was within, as the hands of Second Skin crushed down upon themselves and every servo and motor seemed to be ready to go off. In fact, it seemed like only the faint hum of Second Skin was present, the natural ambience of the Fau Swamp seemingly ceasing its usual buzzing out of respect, even for these outsiders to its domain. Sala didn’t stay long, and silently refused to offer his usual prayer when asked by Sorilax. All that Sala wanted was to find someplace to be alone, and so, he returned to the elevator of Le-Metru Nuva and returned to the relative safety of the canopy. Searching through the huts, passing by Matoran and other citizens of the village, Sala found a storage shed to hide out in, the same one he had visited before starting his journey with Sorilax. Entering the shed, Sala finally released some of the tension he felt, enough to exit Second Skin. Freed from the confines of the ACR, Sala made his way towards the corner of the room, passing the same ceramic pots which he had used to gather the yellow Fau berries not too long ago. The musky scent of the swamp was present within the somewhat cramped and dank shed, the added sickly-sweet scent of berries and the crisp scent of cut plantlife adding to the humid atmosphere. And then, when he had at last situated himself within the corner of the storage room, the full weight of everything struck; Metru-Nui, Metru-Koro, Le-Metru Nuva. No place was safe, no place was without loss and pain, and Sala felt all the pain he had felt throughout the past week and more. Sala remembered himself and his fellow Matoran within Ta-Metru, preparing for whatever conflict was to come. He remembered the sudden confusion that swept across the city, the roars and battlecries of the League, the sudden gasp as every Matoran within the city bore sight of the horrific event that was occurring before them, before their final screams ran out. Sala remembered the desperation that swept throughout the Matoran, some attempting to flee, some attempting to fight, and some, simply too stunned to do anything as they were cut down. Sala remembered himself and several others making their way towards the Great Furnace, where already, several other Matoran foundry and vat workers were at work, trying to sabotage the various systems and pipeways of the Furnace, trying to bring the whole building down before the League, sprawling across Ta-Metru, could arrive. And just as the League, completely surrounding and already breaching the Great Furnace itself could do anything, the entirety of Ta-Metru grew to be flooded with the vast amounts of molten protodermis that was housed within the Metru. Sala remembered the sudden screams of the League soldiers as they came in, the sound being accompanied by the few screams of his fellow Matoran, those who couldn’t escape the downpour as it came. He remembered as those terrified screams were eventually drowned out by the cascading flow of molten death and the sounds of those swept away became gurgles and croaks. Sala remembered the horrific scent of burnt proto-shell and organics as they were melted down, molten protodermic-slag sweeping over and catching League and Matoran alike. And above all, Sala remembered the intensity of it, the heat and light of the protodermis as it rolled through the streets turning the dark night into day as it bored and ate its way through the streets. And that was what Sala remembered when he was in Metru-Koro, as the great blue-white spheres of energy streaked through the skies, bringing death and doom upon Metru-Koro. Metru-Koro, the thought of it brought an unsettling feeling into his gut as Sala curled up upon the floor of the shed, his silent and stifled sobs unheard to all others...Except for one. Upon the nape of Sala’s neck, a sensation could be felt, one in an attempt to be soothing one might say. As Sala started to register the feeling, he began to recognize the shimmering start-up that came with his new Kraata power, as if a protective field was starting to be formed around him. But as he took notice, the shimmering ceased and the motions of the Kraata receded back to normal. “What, was that? Was it trying to protect me again? To comfort me? Sorilax said they had only simple minds but...It is a part of me, does that mean it can feel what I feel?” Sala wondered to himself before another figure made their presence known to him. “Ah, there you are Sala, I was looking for you.” The Ta-Toa Torch said, taking a moment to take notice of Second Skin, standing inanimate near the door. “So, is this where this thing is going to be stored or..uhm…” Torch stood there for several odd seconds, taking note of the heavy feeling within the air, before approaching and taking a seat upon the floor next to the Su-Matoran. “Sala, are you alright? I know that look, I saw it once before when I found you in Ta-Metru and for sometime after we left.” Torch said, placing his arm around Sala to comfort him...Before pulling away slightly at the touch of the Kraata upon Sala’s neck. “Sala...What is that?” Torch uttered, worry lining his voice. “It's uh..uh..Kraata. I got it thanks to Sorilax. He used a ritual to implant it upon my neck, to help make sure that uh...uh…” Sala couldn’t finish his statement as the thought of Juno pierced back into his mind. Upon seeing Sala once again break into tears, Torch wrapped his arms around the Matoran comforting them as best he could. “It’s okay Sala, it’s okay. You don’t need to tell me the details, I’m sure it was the right choice.” “Ritual? What kind of ritual, and what is this Kraata business?” Torch wondered, momentarily distracted. Gently taking the Su-Matoran by the shoulders, Torch turned Sala to look at him in the optics. “Sala, I need you to know something.” “Yes.” Sala responded in between hics and sobs, “You are strong, real strong. I mean as a chronicler, you must’ve been all across our world and seen so much stuff, doesn’t that take its own kind of strength?” Torch said, giving the Matoran a comforting smile. “But, I don’t feel strong. I..I..I can’t do anything, nothing!” Sala said, casting his gaze back down, Torch immediately forcing the Matoran to look him back in the eyes. “Sala, Sala, look at me. You. Are. Strong. Say it with me. You. Are. Strong” “You, are strong?” Torch shook his head dismissively before looking back at Sala, “No no no, you are strong.” Sala looked back towards Torch, registration flashing across his eyes, “I am strong?” “Exactly, you just need to hold onto that strength, as tightly as you can and never let it go.” By then, Sala’s tears had dried away and he was once again on his feet with Torch leading him by the hand. “There you go. Well, if you’re all good and set, I got some business to do.” Sala nodded, as Torch headed off, a few questions upon his mind. As Sala stood there within the dimly lit shed, he turned towards Second Skin, “...hold onto that strength...and never let it go.” With that thought lingering within Sala’s head, he climbed into the ACR, and was greeted with that same sense of strength he first felt when he entered it. Within Second Skin, Sala felt strength, and he would never let it go. OOC: @Kal the Guardian IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) As the Kanoka flew, ready to strike at the large brute before her, one of the brute's serrated meat hooks for swords came into contact with it. As the Kanoka made contact, an immediate change began as the blade began to coalesce itself around the handle of itself, its form seemingly wrapping around itself as spikes, blades, and similar protrusions began to sprout from it, some of which began to dig into the brute's now trapped hand. As Vulimai saw this happened, she kept her eyes on the Kanoka, and with her will, guided the Kanoka to strike out near the bulkhead near the brute, causing a similar affect to a small portion of the wall. The newly formed protrusion on the ship's hull wasn't large enough to get in the way, but could be potentially dangerous if one was thrown onto it perhaps. Pulling out her halberd, Vulimai readied herself for whatever else might come. OOC: @Eyru @Toru Nui @Onaku IC: Gore Fury (THE CUBE) Awoken by the song of Dermis Turtles and the squawking of Fishing Birds, Gore got out of the relatively nice bunk that was offered to him last night. Slapping on his signature shades and flame-printed bowler shirt, Gore lazily made his way towards the kitchen, where upon he got himself the remaining plate of fish from last night. Sitting down at the nearby table, Gore used his heat vision to expertly reheat his food. About to dig in, Gore was interrupted when the Skakdi from last night who mentioned something about paperwork approached him. After offering the Skakdi if she wanted some of the fish, which was politely denied, Gore was pressed upon seemingly heaps of paperwork and was practically forced/guided through the process that forming a business deal had. All the while, Gore appreciated the fact that even reheated, his fish was really good. OOC: @Kal the Guardian

IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) Arriving on scene with Tekmo, Vulimai was greeted by the strange sight as well and was left momentarily unsure of what to do. Till... "Just in time! I'd appreciate a little help here with this gu- ARGH!" Thinking quickly, Vulimai took her best guess that the skakdi calling for help wasn't the one captaining the ship, and even if they were to attempt a betrayal by the time the fight is done, that would only be a problem after the fact. Making sure to keep close to the protection of Toa Tekmo, Vulimai lobbed her Ga-Kanoka of Reconstitution at the large brute assaulting the skakdi, intent on hitting at least its weapons if not the brute himself. OOC: @Onaku @Eyru @Toru Nui

IC: Sala (Fau Marshes) Once again the pair continued on their journey, at last reaching the outer marshes of the Fau Swamp once again. Making his way through the marsh, Sala was equal parts grateful that he was back in the marshes and not grateful to be back in the deadly marshed. The flourishing, yet soggy, nature of the swamp was a grateful change of pace from the bleak waste sand and ground. But each and every sound that came from the marshes was a potential predator on the prowl. But, Sala at least felt safe enough within Second Skin to not be too worried for what dwelled within the marsh. In fact, he remembered of the many plants and mushrooms and herbs that he and Sorilax had gathered for...Metru-Koro. Momentarily disheartened by the memory of the settlement and the battle, Sala tried his best to stay strong as he suggested to Sorilax that they should gather some of the useful plants they found when they left, and with Sorilax's help, they began gathering what plants they could find. Getting just out of sight of Sorilax in his endeavors, Sala found himself near a pond of murky water, the ground notably being too soft and thick to risk stepping forwards with Second Skin. Stepping forth out of Second Skin, Sala began to wade through the grasses and mud, keeping an eye out for any useful pieces of flora he could take back to Sorilax. That was when, in a stroke of universal coincidence, yet another giant Ghekula frog leapt from the water towards Sala. As the gaping maw of this frog came to grasp upon the seemingly helpless Su-Matoran. But, its maw was not met with the crushing of proto-shell and the tearing of muscle fibers, but rather, a semi-solid, statically vibrating, near-opaque field wrapped around Sala's form as Sala was left completely paralyze but practically indestructible. Sorilax, while gathering what shrooms he could find, turned his head and stood straight at an odd sound. What was that noise? It sounded like… maybe a Ghekula choking on something? Odd. He added the mushrooms he had picked with the others, looking around. Panic suddenly rose within him. Where was Sala? He twisted, looking about. No sign of him upon a cursory glance. The worst jumped into his mind. Sala had left Second Skin and was now dying due to Sorilax’s own ignorance. He rushed to the noise! And burst out laughing. “Bwahahaha!” he slapped his knee in mirth. Sala was stock still in a Ghekula’s mouth. But the best part, he was surrounded by his stasis field! The Ghekula kept trying to swallow him, but the unmoving nature of Sala’s power stopped it from doing so. What resulted was a Rahi gnawing on a near indestructible object and looking ridiculous. It was quite silly and Sorilax appreciated the gesture from Sala. What a unique way to liven the mood. Still, it wasn’t like Sala could do anything while in that state. Sorilax used a large shadow hand to pick up the Ghekula and another large shadow hand to pull Sala out of its mouth. The Ghekula struggled and squirmed but Sorilax kept a tight grip, moving it a far distance away before letting his shadows dissipate. Sorilax wagged a finger at Sala, “Very humorous. I quite enjoyed that little japer of yours. Glad to see you getting back to your old self.” Pausing for a moment, Sorilax added, “That was on purpose, correct? You are quite alright?” Flexing his limbs and facial servos as the stasis field around himself dissipated, Sala face went from fear, the look it was stuck on when he first started the stasis, then went to relief, and then annoyance. In a boubous display of irritation and anger, Sala called out more to himself and to the marshes around him rather than towards Sorilax, “You got to be kidding ME! That was the second, SECOND, time that I nearly got eaten by some big dumb Ghekula frog! Honestly, why are we here, Metru-Koro probably would’ve been safer than this.” Turning towards Sorilax, Sala finished ranting, replied to Sorilax. “Sorry for my outburst, but no, getting eaten wasn’t on purpose. The...Stasis field though? I..Don’t know if I did that or..It did.” Sorilax was taken aback, not sure how to respond. Things were worse with Sala than he had thought. He supposed the difference between them could be attributed to his unique mind as an Aspect. He cared less for those other than him, though he tried to overcome that. With the pain he still felt, he wondered if maybe he was making progress. Still, he couldn’t imagine Sala’s feelings nor did he have the experience to comfort him. He would have to settle on what he was used to: information. “I’d be very interested to hear about the first time. But maybe right now isn’t appropriate. As for the stasis field, the Kraata provides the power to you for you to use. Or so it appears based on my earlier testing. They do have primitive minds, so there is a chance it activated on its own. But I would guess that you somehow did it subconsciously, tapping into your power as a defense mechanism instinctively. Though as I said, I can’t prove either potentiality.” How to comfort him? Stay silent? Maybe not this time. “If you ever need to talk. About anything. I am here and available. I may not be able to respond appropriately, but know that I am glad you still live and that I too mourn for those lost and irretrievable.” He paused, “Shall we be on our way?” Sala looked up towards Sorilax, a range of thoughts and emotions passing through him as Sorilax spoke. Shame at letting his emotions get to him, sorrow at the reminder of those who passed, wonder at the theory concerning the Kraata. Taking a brief moment to center himself, Sala spoke up. “Thanks Sorilax, and it is okay sorry for losing my cool. You may be a little out of it when it comes to conversations sometimes but you do try your best. I appreciate it...So you say they have minds? Interesting, maybe we can learn more about them with me..having one. I’m not going to lie, it is still pretty weird, but..It’s nice knowing something is watching my back.” Hopping back into Second Skin and following along with Sorilax, the plentiful amount of useful plant materials in tow. “You know what, I have really been meaning to tell you that story though about my first encounter with a native Ghekula. So, it started like this, I was planning on copying something down for you, but I could not find any ink, so I…” And as Sala told his tale, a smile was on both Sala’s and Sorilax’s faces, a different reason for both beings to have one but one they both shared gladly. Through the marshes they went, over root and knoll, back towards their mutual home, of Le-Metru Nuva. OOC: @Kal the Guardian Co-Made with Kal

IC: Drukarus (Irnakk's Tooth) "My home?...I would hardly call the city that lies within that head my home, rather I'd call it a...Military failing. Not of my own fault though...I didn't spend long in there after the crash. I left as soon as I learned that my kind dwelled here...I believe those emissaries were sent by the skakdi known as Nektann." As Drukarus replied to the aspect, he couldn't help but notice the oddities amongst the warskak at the moment. Corrivalis, the odd being that he couldn't even guess at what kind of being it was, and Parnassus, the aspect was obviously not a skakdi, nor was it a toa, the dark shroud around them reminding Drukarus of the malevolence that had claimed over the one he had presumed to be Boss. Truly this place was home to some interesting and unique beings. But that wasn't all that Drukarus noticed, Drukarus took note of the limping injuries of Barius. The gut wound, only being sealed by a thinly cracked layer of ice. The fact that this skakdi was still able to stand, let alone walk, was truly an impressive display of their strength. This one would surely be a challenge if Drukarus was to challenge him for leadership, even if he gave the skakdi only a month to recover. OOC: @Burnmad @Keeper of Kraata @Unreliable Narrator @Conway @Nato the Traveler

IC: Drukarus (The Nightmare Pit) "So, that dome's got a body after all. It not survive the trip, or what?" Drukarus thought for a moment as he followed Barius and his crew. The imagine of that great, monolithic god of a machine, headless, lifeless, floating in the void, the great gaping scar at the neck of it, perhaps releasing the life-giving air within into the vastness of space. "Assuming the oceans of this world aren't monstrously deep...Then I'd assume it is still up there...Alongside the rest of my world...Besides, if it did land here, your home would have been destroyed as well I'm sure." OOC: @Burnmad @Unreliable Narrator @Conway @Nato the Traveler @Keeper of Kraata IC: Apex (Fau Swamp) "Very well, then. Let us begin; it will take some time to get there." "Then let us go now." Apex said as she began to slink back into the trees, taking care to not outpace the tiokaha nor to escape his sight. OOC: @Burnmad IC: Vulimai (The Wombat) Vulimai felt the impact just as did Toa Tekmo, the vines wrapped around her thankfully absorbing some of the blow making it so that the wind wasn't completely knocked out of her. Looking ahead through the spray of fire retardant, her kanohi nicely insulating her face from the mess, she turned her gaze to Tekmo to reply. "Ready as I'll ever be." OOC: @Toru Nui @Eyru IC: Gore Fury (The CUBE) Finishing his own piece of fish, Gore went out to bring in the Grillmeister and park it next to the nearly dissembled truck. Returning to the dining table, Gore took it upon himself to clean up the dishes and the mess he made within the kitchen, making sure to properly store the remaining filets and sauce in the fridge for whoever else may want to eat them. Finished with his clean up duty, Gore finished his night asking Asperity for a place he can sleep and went on to do exactly that, dreaming all night about his travels and the magnificent taste of food. OOC: @Kal the Guardian

IC: Drukarus (The Nightmare Pit) "Barius...I will remember that...And yes I suppose...I once dwelled upon an island known as Zakaz...It resided within the rest of the...Giant." Drukarus needs to be careful of what he says, to let slip the extant of his histories would surely trigger something with this Barius as to Drukarus's full goals. OOC: @Burnmad @Unreliable Narrator @Conway @Keeper of Kraata @Nato the Traveler IC: Apex (Morangad's Hut) "On one condition! You must swear to me that whatever you seek within the ruins will not harm this swamp, nor the life within it." As Morangad said that last statement, Apex let out a baying laugh and a harsh chuckle at the beings statement before turning her deep-socketed gaze towards the Morangad. "Oh, I assure you, everything I do is for this Swamp. In fact, my wish is to restore this island as a whole. Does this satisfy you?" OOC: @Burnmad

IC: Drukarus (The Nightmare Pit) Drukarus only nodded, he remembered what Marrow told him earlier and understood the mesi's reasoning, he just simply hoped that they met on good terms once again. Turning back towards Barius, who was now being attended to his new subordinates, Drukarus approached, picking up his maul and resting it over his shoulder. "I am Drukarus, who are you...And what should I refer to you as?" Drukarus knew that this was equal parts an opportunity, and a risk. With explanation, then perhaps this newly made ruler would appreciate Drukarus for his interference, enough to give him some form of boon. But perhaps, simply with context from Marrow's earlier statement, this skakdi would realize Drukarus's purpose and not even give him a chance, at which point...He would be most regretful for Marrow's leave. OOC: @Burnmad @Nato the Traveler @Unreliable Narrator @Keeper of Kraata @Conway

IC: Drukarus (The Nightmare Pit) Drukarus's gaze was broken from Barius when the words of Marrow protruded into his mind, turning and staring down towards the Mesi. Although Drukarus was momentarily crossed by the psuedo-skaks declaration of reckoning, Drukarus's sudden interference would have looked like an assault to an outside observer, granting the mesi an excusable offense as Drukarus coolly spoke to Marrow. "Actually...I think I intend to join them..." Drukarus thought long before continuing, longer than he normally does when he spoke, "...Are you to remain Marrow?" OOC: @Burnmad @Unreliable Narrator @Keeper of Kraata @Conway @Nato the Traveler

IC: Drukarus (The Nightmare Pit) Looking back up towards the edge where the skakdi combatants had taken their tumble, Drukarus was greeted by the sight of one of the onlookers helping up the skakdi he had thrown, the one he had assumed was not Boss. Being pulled out of the gaping pit, the newly victorious skakdi planted their gaze on him and Marrow. Recoginizing the unspoken challenge, Drukarus planted his maul, balancing its weight upon the head of it, and began a slow, methodical clap. "Congratulations on your newly won warskak. I will say, I can only imagine on the struggle that had occurred here." Although Drukarus said this with the intention of sounding sincere, Drukarus's normal, plaintative manner of speaking could come across as sarcastic to perhaps the wrong crowd. OOC: @Burnmad @Conway @Nato the Traveler @Unreliable Narrator @Keeper of Kraata