Emzee

Nothing screams ENDGAME like that Kini Nui chapter

The sounds of Vakama and Jaller talking remind me of the Legend of Mata Nui PC game. I guess that style of speech was going to be a legit thing and not just part of a game. This is a really great find. It's awesome to come across lost gems like this.

Updates from my end: Mata Nui Weekly is current now on the Index page.Also, I'll be travelling internationally next week. Even if I do get enough time set aside for the internet, I probably won't be spending that time RPing. I'm actually working on (or trying to find time to work on) more plot stuff for the immediate future so between that and everything else, you may not see too much from me, posting wise. I haven't listened to the podcast yet, I think something like that deserves a spot on the Index. I want almost anything that'll keep the players informed.I expect to be back in the swing of things around May 17. That's a longggggg time. D: I can't be the only one who mixes up March and May.

@GSR: One of these days I might work up the never to try that. @HH yeah before i didn't care because I had no idea how troublesome it would make processes like this. @V1P2 I'm a software engineer and even I was having trouble so yeah, I get how you feel. @fisher64 I actually used to prefer gmail as it seemed more modern, but I use both interchangeably so often that I now really like both equally @Tekulo yeah I was actually an early adopter when it first came out, but yeah. Over time I just realized I didn't have much use for it. Until now.

Or is getting a separate google+ page / youtube account a lot more complex than it needs to be? I felt like I was going around in circles, turns out there's an option right there on the left side of google+ Well, between website, youtube, and google+ page, I'm poised to begin marketing Power Lies Beneath when the time comes. Man, that took a lot longer than it needed too. *Also there might be another google account floating about now...

Awesome ET, congratulations! One good thing about Austin is that it's not a terribly large city like Houston, Dallas or San Antonio. A drive out into the country isn't that long. I actually used an apartment locator when I moved to Austin because yeah, apartment hunting is not exactly fun, especially in a hot market like Austin. She'll do research for you and you can spend a day visiting all of the prospects -- there should be enough to make a decision when its all over. I still have her contact information, if you want it, feel free to PM me. You can also PM me about any other Austin question too, though I might not know as much as Pat yet. I will admit that making friends outside of work is extremely hard no matter where you go, so I also suggest using Meetup.com as a resource. It has helped me a little bit. Who are all these Texan BZPer's I have not known about? Agh?! Thank you, ET, for getting a job down here. I feel a lot less lonely now XPYeah you got Flaredrick, TNTOS, myself, and (hopefully) ET for starters. Other people sometimes forget that there's a significant BZP presence down here.

The MNOG has to be my pick -- it was a fantastic introduction to the franchise, and it did a much better job at shaping the then-mysterious Bionicle world then later games. Looking back now, the game does look rather cheap looking, but that really just proves that you don't need flashy graphics (bloom *shudders*) to provide an immersive world.

OOC: I’m still busy so I’ll do introspective in a later post. I’ll at least respond to this offer that so I can free up Hewkii. IC: Ra’lhen – Akiri Hewkii’s Hut The Toa, having momentarily retreated into his own self-loathing psyche, listened just close enough to catch the offer to join the Sentinels. Ra’lhen rose from his chair, eyes fixed on Hewkii. “To leave this village when there is so much that I could contribute would be cowardly, even with my particular circumstances,” Ra’lhen said, “I accept your offer.”

OOC: I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen. Finally introducing staff char #2 IC: Wokiya – Ta-Koro Town Square The young Ga-Matoran had flattened herself against the brick wall behind her, tablet in one hand and chisel in the other. She had travelled here the day before in search for a story, but this time, it would seem that she was not careful enough in what she wished for. Her large, auburn, Kane-Ra-skin purse had been brutally flung from her side by the explosion, and its many of its contents were not scattered amongst the chaos. Her light blue garments had stood out in the surrounding hues of red and black, but now they had sported many black burn spots and tears. The Matoran dutifully rose to her feet only to feel a light but noticeable pain on her left arm. She looked, and sighed and relief to see that it was only a scrape. “I think I’ll live through that,” Wokiya said softly to herself. Among the contents scattered across the rocky floor of the village were Wokiya’s twin axes. Wasting no time, Wokiya bolted first to her purse and slung her tablet and chisel into it. She then darted right and headed into the stampede of panicking villagers, occasionally shoving some out the way so that she could quickly get to her prized weapons. It was less than a minute before Wokiya arrived at the first axe, and she quickly knelt down to pick it up. Then, abruptly, she felt a solid force hit her from the right side, and the small Ga-Matoran immediately found herself on her side, knocked over from the pushes and shoves of other, larger villagers. She looked and saw a male Vortixx as the likely assailant, but Wokiya decided this time to let it go. She grabbed the first axe and placed it into her purse. Alright, where’s the second one, Wokiya thought as she rose back to her feet. She turned about 30 degrees to her right and immediately caught the familiar glimmer of her 2nd deep blue axe. Just then, Wokiya felt another force, this time from a running Ta-Matoran, a burly man who carried a young child Matoran under each arm. Again, the petite Matoran of Water had lost her footing. An instant later, Wokiya rose again with a visage of anger. She pushed two other Matoran out of the way before making it to her second axe and picking it up. That took a lot more effort than it should have, Wokiya thought angrily. The reporter then took a moment to look at her surroundings: chaos, suffering, and fear. This was all within a village known across the island for its military force, even during the times before the fall of the First Toa. At that moment, Wokiya had discovered her next story.

IC: Ra’lhen – Akiri Hewkii’s Hut High adrenaline seemed to protect Ra’lhen from most of the dizziness that other transports suffered, but even he felt disoriented by the two trips. However, any physical uneasiness was quickly offset by the sight of Hewkii’s presence. Ra’lhen didn’t know what to say. Before him stood the fearless leader of Po-Koro, holding up the many burdens of the withdrawn village with all of his wit and strength. Ra’lhen lacked a clear memory of exactly when he last saw the former Kolhii star, but he could only imagine the heavy pain that Hewkii was forced to carry for long years to come. He did remember that Hafu was more than just a carver and sculptor though. Hafu was Hewkii’s best friend. And standing in the doorway beside the Toa Maru of Air was the man who contributed to his untimely demise. Of course, that wasn’t true. Deep within the recesses of Ra’lhen’s mind, in the small chamber where logic reigned supreme, he knew that it wasn’t him that helped Vidar, Echelon, and many others kill Hafu. Heck, the whole point of the tablet that sat firmly in Ra’lhen’s right hand was to prove this. However, the eyes and the memories of what those eyes have seen can both be so much more persuasive then hearsay, even if the hearsay came from the great and honored Toa-Protector of Po-Koro. How would Hewkii respond to the sight of Ra’lhen? What would he say even after Korero’s vouch and Stannis’s note? Would emotion and resentment get the better of him? Ra’lhen thought about if the roles were reversed and his heart began to sink. Who could forgive someone who killed your best friend? The blue and red Toa struggled to raise his eyes to Hewkii’s, but the Toa forced himself to speak regardless. “Akiri Hewkii, my name is Ra’lhen. The monster who once shared my image is no more. I’ve come with this tablet, which bears an important inscription from Toa Stannis himself,” Ra’lhen said, finally looking at Hewkii once he finished that sentence. He then raised his right arm and held out the tablet, “Would you care to read it?” IC: Wokapu – Po-Koro Bazaar “You and me both,” Wokapu replied to Seria. An instant later, Sucogu, Ra’lhen and Korero appeared, only for the latter two to be whisked away again. Wokapu thought about leading the group to Hewkii’s hut, and making sure that Ra’lhen was protected from any harsh judgement that might be set upon him. Even with Stannis’s note and Korero’s presence, pardoning the man who – when last seen in Po-Koro – helped kill the most famous sculptor on Mata Nui who was also Turaha Onewa’s Left Hand and a very good personal friend of Hewkii’s. When Wokapu considered all of that, it seemed clear; this would be a hard sell. However, there was something different about Stannis. His words, without being intimidating or antagonizing, had an effect on what people felt. He carried with him so much conviction that it translated into authority. Finally, Wokapu decided to just take a number from Stannis and let Destiny do its thing for once. “I started this journey so that I could meet my father, Wokodin,” Wokapu said to Seria and Sucogu, “I think Ra’lhen will be fine, so let’s go meet my father. We have some things to talk about” With that, the group started on their way, and on cue, Wokapu moved towards the new addition to the group: Sucogu. “So Sucogu, what’s your story?” Wokapu asked with a great tone of curiosity and interest, “Have you been hunting down folks like Echelon for awhile now, or has this just been a recent venture?”

IC: Ra'lhen - Onu-Koro Marketplace "Thank you Stannis," Ra'lhen said, "I wish you victory on your next adventure!" The Toa then looked to Sucogu, "Looks like we're up. I've never been teleported before so this'll be interesting"

Happy birthday Jen! It's always awesome to have a weekend birthday. Hope you're taking advantage of it.

Here's a link to the RPG forum rules mentioned by Hubert Well, that makes it easy. Tag team! (Topic closed)

Maybe have a Bohrok in there (how that would work for such a small set I have no idea), or perhaps Kiina instead of Gresh and then just make Nektann green. Besides that, I really can't think any possible improvements. They more or less got the most important of the characters over the series.

Nice work! It's great to see Templar-inspired work like this. Many have tried, with mixed results, but this series is the best yet. Something to think about while working on the next installment is perhaps make the characters move a little smoother and faster. There were some short instances where nothing appeared to be happening, which is fine if said instances are short enough. But if people notice that there's a pause here and there, then said pause should probably be a little shorter. I noticed this most in the fight sequence with Kopaka.

IC: Ra’lhen – Onu-Koro Marketplace Ra’lhen couldn’t help but chuckle when he could’ve sworn he saw an utterly horrified expression on Wokapu’s face the micro-instant before he seemingly vaporized into thin air. “I can only imagine how entertaining that mask power can be,” Ra’lhen said, “`Lots of monetary potential too,’ said Wokapu”.

IC: Wokapu – Po-Koro Bazaar The world spun violently the first couple seconds after the bright white flash faded away. Wokapu’s eyes had long since adjusted into the peaceful and non-stimulating dimness of Onu-Koro, but now, between the heat, the brightness, and the unexpected sensation of traveling miles in the blink of an eye, the Toa of Air opted to not move a muscle – instead waiting for his world to stop spinning. “Um, thanks,” squeaked Wokapu, “… for the heads up” One could almost see the spiral shapes that rolled within Wokapu’s irises.

I remember when you first told me about this project -- Onua looks awesome! Honestly the first thing I noticed was definitely the dark teal on the arms. They match the eyes well and add a good splash of color. I also like how the feet are more like what you would expect from an Earth Toa. Nice work!

OOC: Jam session between EW and I. Enjoy! IC: Once Stannis and Ra'lhen were separated from the group and in a quiet corner between two huts, the Maru spoke. His tone was casual, though there was no denying Stannis sought not just to smooth the past but also understand it, the toa before him in particular. “So,” he said and nodded at Ra'lhen's body, “this is who you truly are. What can you tell me of Ra'lhen?” Ra’lhen’s expression remained welcoming but plain. The fact that he had to talk once more about the thing he used to be annoyed him more than he had expected. However, Ra’lhen had promised Wokapu that this would be easy, that he would be more than prepared to reassure and maybe even befriend those who had once feared or hated him. He would just have to push his irrational feelings aside for the moment. “Well, first and foremost, I consider myself a close friend of Wokapu – one of the few he has, unfortunately,” the Vo-Toa replied with weight in his voice, “He and I have a lot of history together, but given everything that has happened, we both sometimes struggle to remember everything. Nonetheless, just as I was in the very first days after the First Toa fell, I am a hero just trying to make this island the paradise it’s supposed to be” Ra’lhen wasn’t sure how much Stannis needed, but he would leave the door open for questions anyway. “I suppose you actually want to know what happened. Where the monster that many likely still see me as first came from?” “Only if you wish to share it,” Stannis said impassively. Everything about his personality seemed set in stone, from the pitch of his voice to the rigidity of his muscles and from the even glow in his eyes to the steadfast march forward. Nevertheless, despite all that, Stannis was not cold—he never had been. When he was still a Pa-Matoran he could melt ice by touching it, and as a Toa, even though destiny swapped him elements, he retained that empathetic kindness. He desired to understand Ra'lhen, not dissect him, and so would not ask for anything the Toa didn't want to part with. “I can only imagine what it was like to be trapped inside. “But no. I want to know who Ra'lhen was before he was... claimed by another soul. I want to know the real you.” “Well, originally, I was just like any other hardworking Matoran. As much as I hate to say it, much of who I am now is defined by what I experienced in my weeks as a Toa before I took my team to Mangaia that fateful day. I’ll have to start from the beginning,” Ra’lhen said. He rested his hands behind his back as he began to tell his story. The Vo-Toa shrugged, “I’ve always been the one that people went to when they needed help, or strength, or to just feel a little bit more confident in themselves. And more importantly, I enjoyed being that person. It baffled me when I met another Matoran who just stood by, seemingly paralyzed with fear of saying to another Matoran ‘hey, don’t worry – you’re doing great’. Maybe they didn’t realize that saying that really did make the person they said it to do a lot better” Ra’lhen paused for a short moment, “I remember the day that I learned that the First Toa had failed their quest. I think most of us who are over a certain age remember the pain from the news that came to all the villages. Only a few days later – as you may know – other Matoran transformed into Toa. Then one day, I too, for whatever reason was chosen and transformed via methods that I don’t quite remember myself. It’s odd, really. That event itself escapes me but the events around it are crystal clear” Ra’lhen continued as he saw Stannis listen intently, visibly absorbing each word that exited Ra’lhen’s mouth. “Almost like clockwork, Toa began grouping and forming into teams. Some Toa were friends as Matoran, and kept their bonds by forming a team. I, on the other hand, was the only Matoran from my large circle of friends who was chosen by Mata Nui to become a Toa. Back then, every Toa was more or less expected to give up their former lifestyle and join with others in the fight against the Makuta. But with no one else to take up the mantle of Toa with me, I wandered alone, with no Toa tools and limited experience with my mask of shielding – until another Toa approached me” The red and blue Toa’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly when he said his next words. “His name is Wokodin, a Toa of Stone, and Wokapu’s father. This was a man who had a strong sense of leadership, even though sometimes his tactics seemed lacking. He recruited me to be a part of a Toa team that he would train. He promised me and the other members that we would be the ones to defeat the Makuta. He made us believe that it was our destiny. But as you obviously know, that was far from the truth. Once I accepted Wokodin’s offer, he gave me a beautiful and strong broad sword and introduced me to the other five Toa. Wokapu was among them, and it was while training that we became friends” Ra’lhen chuckled, “Wokapu isn’t exactly the Toa type, as you might have guessed. In the beginning, he really struggled using his katana swords and mastering his fighting maneuvers. He also wasn't the most perceptive. I was the one who helped him and motivated him while his father would just berate him” Ralhen continued, “Long story short. Wokapu, I, and four other Toa went to Mangaia to confront the Master of Shadows himself. Stupid I know, but we were convinced to go by Wokodin, who had taught us everything we knew about being Toa, and we simply didn’t know better. To this day I’m still baffled that Wokodin didn’t even know better. I remember earlier that day when he said he didn’t want Wokapu to come with us. But I had Wokapu come with Mangaia anyway because I saw more potential in him than his father did. “But anyway – we were outmatched. We didn’t even make it to the presence of Makuta himself. We were overpowered by his Rahkshi – creatures that we all thought were just myths to scare the young ones. To spare my friends and brothers in arms, I stayed behind while buying time for the other Toa of escape. “I should have been killed by those Rahkshi but… I wasn’t. I suppose the rest is history” Stannis took the story and soaked it in like dry mud flats in absorb rain. Ra'lhen was speaking the truth, the proof was all there: His facial expressions, his withdrawing gaze, his clenching fist at reliving the mission into the Mangaia, his protective glance in Wokapu's direction, they all hinted at his true emotions and regrets, and such things could not be masked. And so Stannis, after waiting a moment after Ra'lhen's story, reached out and placed the palm of his hand on Ra's heartlight. “I hear you. I believe you. I bless you,” he almost chanted religiously as though granting a benediction on a talisman. “And I hold no anger from the battle in the alps. I am assured that was not you.” When Ra’lhen accepted Stannis’s blessing, he couldn’t explain it, but it vaguely felt like an aching heart. As the Toa’s face began to feel hot, Ra’lhen took deep breaths to calm himself down. “Thank you,” Ra’lhen said, his voice sincere but also tense from his almost choking hold over his emotion. The Toa’s face was almost in pain now. “Though, the other being you worked with. What of him?” Stannis asked. When he heard Stannis’s next question, it helped to quell Ra’lhen’s guilt over a blessing that he was sure he didn’t deserve, but it also gave way to a different guilt. “You mean Vidar?” Ra’lhen responded, “Well… last I remember of him, he was writing on the grass in front of the Kini Nui and babbling nonsense after Toa Joske disintegrated the Parakuka that was attached to the his back. I’m still not sure how Vidar survived for even a moment, but I have no idea what happened to him” Ra’lhen rubbed his left arm. Vidar was yet another dark mark on Ra’lhen’s own history – on the level of the attempted murder of Stannis’s company and the conspiracy against Hafu, which led to his death. “Then he is also finished.” The Makuta's inner circle had grown smaller since the dark one's fall; it seemed all that was left was Echelon. Stannis would bring the topic up as a mission for the assembled Maru, assuming they would be gathering soon. Ending the circle's menace was a priority for Stannis even though he almost brushed aside the report of Echelon to assuage any worries others had; one step at a time, he reasoned. “I wish I could go with you to Po-Koro,” he admitted, “though as you understand now, Destiny often pulls different ways than your mind wants. I want to get to know you better, Ra'lhen, and look forward to when we cross paths again. And while I can't be there when you meet Wokodin again, I can help with something else: “Po-Koro knows and vilifies The Other Guy all too well and your appearance is... not all that well disguised. They will recognize you, maybe even riot against unless now-Akiri Hewkii is made aware that you are not That Guy anymore.” Stannis sighed and almost breathed a stone tablet into his hand, bearing flawlessly grooved words. "This stone bears your pardon. But before we go our ways... it's only right that you have the opportunity to ask me whatever you choose.” Ra’lhen took the stone, and looked back up at Stannis, giving a thank-you nod. “I can’t thank you enough Stannis,” Ra’lhen said. He paused to gather his words for a moment before asking his questions. “I saw you talking to that Earth Toa before, giving him guidance,” Ra’lhen said. He then sighed, “I don’t know else to ask this, but… I still bear the scars from my captivity in darkness. I want to return back to how I was before I was enslaved… but I don’t know if I ever can” Ra’lhen looked at Stannis square in the face, “What you do you think was Destiny’s plan? Does ‘she’ choose those who will be built up and those who will be torn down? I just… I don’t know what to think anymore. The Three Virtues used to be in my core, but now I feel like they’ve betrayed me” “No, they haven't betrayed you.” He cracked a slight grin. “Antrim taught me to see the Virtues as people. Duty is an ever-vigilant warrior, mighty with armour and arms, and Destiny is a fair maiden who flits in and out of dreams. The Virtues are still with you so long as you believe in the Great Spirit, Ra'lhen, all you have to do is believe. You've been away for so long I can understand why everything feels so cold, but you've regained your light. “Destiny did bring you this way, though, I'm sure of it. Why?” He shrugged widely. “We can never know. She oft works in mysterious ways and I'm convinced she sometimes has a sense of humour. But every step is a life's lesson, and every lesson grants a nugget of wisdom. Take what you've learned and don't squander it but make it a tool for what is good. Maybe this Wokodin can benefit from your journey's journal,” he offered. Ra’lhen didn’t speak for a moment while he soaked in Stannis’s words. “Thank you, Stannis,” Ra’lhen said with a warm smile and light slap of Stanni’s upper arm, “That’s just what I needed” Stannis bowed his head humbly. “My honour. When you are in Po-Koro, give the tablet to Hewkii. He will heed its words. Come and let's ensure it.” Turning back towards the group he pointed at Korero to get his attention. “Brother, listen closely: I need you to take these people to Po-Koro. Everyone should go to the bazaar, but Ra'lhen needs to be delivered into Akiri Hewkii's presence. Vouch for him and this tablet I made. Anything otherwise and the village will riot against him. I would go and be the advocate... but if I went I'm sure the koro would make me regret leaving them again,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “Oreius and I will be here.” OOC: GH, if I'm correct, you'll be moving Wokapu, Ra'lhen, Seria, and Sucogu to Po-Koro. IC: Wokapu - Onu-Koro Marletplace "No worries!" Wokapu said with a grin, "Just that in my time before becoming an intrepid adventurer, I was once an entrepreneur who ran a rather large mining guild. Quite a successful one too, but I sold it to someone who later tried to kill me. My Life 101" Wokapu then heard Stannis mention something to Korero about Po-Koro. Ra'lhen was back in our fold too, holding a stone tablet with words that looked official carved onto it. Wokapu then turned to Korero, "So I guess you're taking us to Po-Koro instead" Wokapu said, unaware of Korero's mask power, "Looking forward to the journey!"

IC: Sesseta – Back room of Sesseta’s house in Kozu; the next day I stood before a grandiose chalkboard, decorated with dust and scribbles of plan after plan – all connected to enigmas and research. No – regrettably, penmanship was never one of my top specialties. Writing within the mind was easy, and to spread its words to the public only required a tongue – an instrument that was fairly close to the mind. But for an unknown reason, the acts of transferring my intricate diction down my arm, through my hand, and into my piece of chalk came bound with impedance to where the words came out alright, but none of the careful movements that came with good handwriting did. I found this odd considering my earlier espionage days required a high level of subtle, artful movements – even within the fingers. Though to be fair, this mess I look at on my chalkboard could also be a subconscious ploy of obstruction. Quite an eerie feeling to have a brain that is smarter than you are – so to speak. After a few minutes of looking over the diagrams and words which littered across the chalkboard, I sighed, placed the piece of chalk down on the ledge, and reached instead for the eraser. I would need to change a large portion of this plan. I could see now that I would need more time, if I were called upon to step in upon Kuno’s failure. And, of course, the boy would fail. He always struggled with the intricate details of how people work. Simple things, he could pull off just fine. Subtle persuasion would be understandably challenging. We’re talking about the ability to intimately perceive not just the person you’re persuading, but that person’s peers, enemies, or anyone said person interacts with. An idea must be so strong that will spread like a virus, and that requires knowing what every person involved will do given a set of variables. Such skill and knowledge takes much contemplation, research, and charisma – more of it than what Kuno possesses. Of course, Zuto Nui knows how long Nera will tolerate his blunderings before calling me in. The pride of Nera saying to herself that her own son accomplished this feat, and not merely her younger sister, is likely worth the cost. *KNOCK* *KNOCK* I whirled around facing the door as I was thrown out of my deep thought. For a planning room, one might have been surprised at how neat and organized everything around me was. Papers were not stacked, but filed and locked away. All chalk pieces were lined up by color and sitting inside one of the drawers on the oak desk that stood directly in between me and the door. All of the books that I owned were stacked on shelves sitting on both walls to the sides of me, and the only prominent feature of the stone wall that I was facing was the featureless door. In a continuous motion, I grabbed the lone white chalk piece and the eraser from the ledge of the chalkboard and spun the board down, so that my work was now upside-down and facing the crystal wall behind me. I set the eraser and chalk within a second drawer and called out to whom I assumed was Yuzio, my Herupa handmaiden. Yuzio was a young woman of average height and petite build. Despite all the chores that she would do, the Dasaka was still not quite as physically active as me. In all fairness, I would be most interested in meeting a Dasaka my age who was as physically active as me. The navy blue mask that she wore matched the shape of the chōjo’s mask, and her armor was generally all navy blue with some gold highlights around her chest and shoulder armor. “Who is it?” I asked. Even though I was pretty sure it was Yuzio, I was always sure to verify beforehand, analyzing the sound of timbre of her voice (I was especially aware of just how my handmaiden sounded). “Yuzio, ma’am,” the familiar voice of my handmaiden responded, “I have been asked to deliver this note to you” I walked around the desk, slapping my hands together to get some of the chalk off of them. After quickly unlocking the door, I opened it to see Yuzio standing with a note that I instantly recognized as one coming from Sado. “Interesting,” I noted, taking the note from Yuzio. Wasting no time, I opened the seal and read the inscription: *•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*• [OMG IMAGINE ALL THE GREAT AND FANCY DECORATIONS THAT ARE NOT ACTUALLY HERE] •*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•* By the command of Her Imperial Highness the Chōjo, Umbraline Yumiwa The presence of your person and a guest is cordially requested for a festive night of refreshment and conviviality in the Dragon Hall of the Imperial Palace on the second day following the full moon. This note permits admittance. Addendum: Please dress in masquerade. *•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*• [iF A PRINCE HAS NO LAND BUT A REALLLLLY NICE SWORD IS HE STILL A GOOD MATCH?] •*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•* “Hmm,” I pondered out loud. This party would be happening soon. I wondered if I would be able to conference with Nera before then. This could turn into a great opportunity, but only if we planned ahead. I naturally assumed that she and Kuno had also received invites – surely they were already cooking some something intricate. “There will be a party at the Imperial Palace on the second day following the full moon,” I said to Yuzio, handing back the note, “Please make sure my schedule remains clear for that time. That will be all” “Yes, Sesseta. Thank you” Yuzio said. She did a bow before turning around and walking back down the stone hallway.

The Bionicle RPG forum rules are little a hard to read at the moment, but, yeah -- unfortunately members cannot start their own RPGs without staff permission. Permission is generally only granted to winners of quarterly RPG contests. You should consider entering one if you want to run an RPG. You can check out this topic to air some of your ideas around. Topic closed.

IC: Wokapu and Ra’lhen – Onu-Koro Marketplace “I think he should be a Turaga. He's already wise,” Seria whispered to Wokapu. “Oh yeah,” Wokapu whispered back in assent, “I’d love to be able to think how he thinks – but only for a day though. I, for one, like my impulsively scattered thoughts. They helped me run a mining company way back in the day. Did I ever tell you that?” Seria wasn’t listening, as she had had her attention drawn to the awkward energy that emanated from where Ra’lhen and the Toa Maru of Air stood and talked. “Let me guess, those two are also Maru. But why talk about Ra'l's past? Won't he be...what's the word...oh I just forgot it.” She whispered again to Wokapu. “Assuming we're on the same wavelength... yyyyeeah," Wokapu whispered back, "That Toa of Air’s walking through a field of Nui Jaga,” “But I'd like to say,” Wokapu and Seria heard the Toa of Air say, “that I don't blame you for anything that happened when you...weren't yourself.” A warm but diluted smile crept onto Ra’lhen face. “Thanks man,” Ra’lhen said, giving a hearty pat to Korero’s upper right arm, “You’re alright” The Toa of Lightning still felt uneasy, but he could tell that Korero had meant what he said – he wasn’t just being nice out of fear or something like that. Maybe that’s what Ra’lhen needed? Just someone to tell him those very words over and over, every single day. “I don't blame you for anything that happened when you... weren't yourself.” “I don't blame you … you... weren't yourself.” “I don't blame you...” “Well, that wasn’t so bad now was it?” Wokapu said, chuckling. Stannis sauntered up to Wokapu and Ra'lhen to give them the bad news: “Unfortunately, something's come up, so I won't be able to go with you to Po-Koro.” Figures, Wokapu thought. He wondered how they’d ever make it to Po-Koro now. He decided to ask Stannis for possible alternatives, “Then how do you suggest we get to Po-Koro? Should we find another guide?” “No,” Stannis said and glanced quickly to the Toa Maru of Air. “As it happens an even faster method has just come up” “Well, that works for me I guess,” Wokapu said. He never liked it when plans changed like this, but then again, being able to go on any sort of journey with the leader of the Toa Maru is generally kind of a fleeting privilege anyway. The Toa of Air supposed he should just be grateful for the opportunity. “But first, Ra'lhen, I'd like to finally talk with you for a moment," Stannis proposed before gesturing to the side. “Right,” Ra’lhen said, remembering their conversation from before. They made their way away from the throng of travelers, “Let’s talk”

put me in coach

IC: Sesseta – Local Café in Kozu It’s calming to see even a little bit of consistency, even if the source of that is our beloved sunset, I thought as I sat at my usual small wooden table for two (occupied only by me, of course). Naturally, the workers at this café knew me, and every few days, I would visit this little shop to calm my nerves and recharge my psyche. A glass of cabernet rested as still as death to my right, and I began to enter deep thought once again. Perhaps I should go ahead and introduce myself. I am Sesseta, the younger sister of old Nera, the wise and incisive Toroshu and Matriarch of the Fursic clan. Quite a chess master, that old lady; but what most fear of her is her tranquil fury. I supposed I should too, but to be honest, once you've read the same horror novel enough times you start to notice all the plot holes. So much time had passed since Kuno had left for Sado to enact our plan, and unsurprisingly, the fledgling yet plodding First Son never returned once. While I would not claim to know Kuno as well as his own mother, anyone could have figured that the boy had become avoidant precisely because he had made no progress. It seemed to be how he commonly responded to failure. The natural consequence of this was always Kuno figuratively being dragged off by the ear by my dear older sister for another scolding session. As entertaining as that may sound, it really has become a bore over the years. It’s disappointing, yes, but hardly a shame. After all, Kuno isn’t merely the best we’ve got, he’s all we’ve got, and sometimes I fear that Nera forgets this. That or she remembers it all too well and flashes back to it every time she sees what all she has to work with. Me though? I’m an optimist; I see the best in people and try to get people to see the best in themselves. The ones with confidence are the easiest to perceive. As the bottom of the sun between to protrude into the oceanic horizon, I took another sip of wine. The cheese and grapes that once graced my porcelain dish had long been enjoyed, leaving only crumbs and stems. Everyone’s focus now was on the sunset, and I too joined the other patrons in the shared joy of the sight. Watching the sunset doesn’t have the effect on me that it used to, but it’s quite a feat for even me to remain immune to the twilight. The next several moments consisted of only silence and awe, and as quickly as the sunset began, it had ended. The show was over. As I took the last two sips from my wine glass, my thoughts shifted to Nera, who was no doubt badgering the First Son while I sat here in enjoying the cool summer breezes that would usher in the night. I pondered for a moment what exactly my sister hoped accomplish by going to Sado – all she is doing is confirming what he already know, and massaging her own deservedly large ego by believing she can talk competence into Kuno. I used to believe that was possible, but now, I prefer to capitalize on incompetence. Guide my pawns to the squares that they would choose themselves – so that I won't have to guide at all. It is said that you can draw a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink. I say, that you surely can if you choose the right horse – the horse that wants to drink. I rose from my chair and politely bid adieu to the few who recognized me – despite being a close relative of the Fursic Matriarch, I took pride in my ability to remain relatively unsung. Obscurity gave me more freedom, a fact all too well-known by my fellow Fursic clan members. As I left the café, my escort and handmaiden – Yuzio – waited patiently. I nodded to her, giving her the signal that our next destination was home. I decided that I would be enjoying a second glass of cabernet once I arrived home. I'm feeling thirsty tonight.