Palm

IC: Pae - Ga-Wahi - Polzin's Mansion "Where can we find her."

IC: Pae - Ga-Wahi - Polzin's Mansion Pae was silent, still.

IC: Pae - Ga-Wahi - Polzin's Mansion Pae was silent.

IC: Pae - Ga-Wahi - Polzin's Mansion Pae turned to Jin and asked, "Results?"

IC: Dastana Arsix - Sado - Streets Arsix nearly slammed back Yuki's intrusion on instinct, but the quiet of her question allowed her to hesitate just enough to realize it was only a question. She stared at Yuki for what felt like an eternity before finally responding, :No.: Arsix turned heel and pushed herself up and began running, refusing to look back at the Vilda Toroshu she was leaving behind.

IC: Dastana Arsix - Sado - Streets :Jasik.: Oh Zuto Nui. :Sheika.: Was all she said. :I've been set up.: The usual icy fields of her mind were raging blizzards in Jasik's mind. She stood up behind her brother, waiting for her next move, waiting silently.

IC: Dastana Arsix - Sado - Streets They don't want me? For a moment, Arsix felt elated. It was only temporary. Sheika set her up. Even with the knowledge that Sheika was involved pointed even further to Arsix. This was one of the few times she wished Rayuke was here. She had to weigh her options again. Fortunately, she should be able to remain still on the ground where she was and seem to remain innocent... until the Umbraline's made it around the corner. Arsix took a deep breath and Willhammered towards Relisai, :When you said you expected somebody else, what did you mean?:

Utu Kotore: With Us

OOC: Suggested listening https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbrdx6nQQO4 IC: Utu Kotore - Tu-Koro I think I died on the walk over. I had for sure slipped into... something. It's hard to describe. I felt strange presences surrounding me. First they were soft, but before long - or whatever my perception of time had become - they were clearer. Strong shapes which reflected and contrasted my own geometry began to come over me. It was then when when I noticed I couldn't see, feel, or perceive anything any more. I was lucidly aware, yet entirely unaware of what had happened. I felt as if I no longer existed. I wasn't even afraid. I felt relieved. There was cold warmth, wrapping me in loving arms. Stroking my soul with care. "...still with us?" In the swirling dizzy blackness that had surrounded me, I heard Agni's voice like a siren, louder than anything I'd ever heard before. With a single soft breath, I jolted back to reality, feeling the pain I could never grow accustomed to. I could feel the dull pain in my torso, the wrenching of my lungs as they expanded and contracted. And most importantly, I could feel my tears; frozen underneath my eyes. I remained silent for a moment, eyes widening as one would to wake themselves up from a bad dream. I gave some semblance of a "Yes... I'm...". I was "still... here." wasn't I? In the last few steps, I had felt like life had already slipped away, even if my legs continued to move and my body continued to feel pain. I had - in the manner of a minute - lived an eternity of death. I wanted to give my head a shake. Who was I anyways? I was Utu Kotore! The last giant of Tu-Koro and the Mark Bearer of Fear! I'd bested Ta-Koro's guard, fought off Ga-Koro's guard while fighting Dorian, and not only that, but I returned from the grave; twice! God put me here because he was afraid to keep me there with him! I was invincible once. I was strong enough once. Once? What am I saying? I am strong enough. My name is Utu Kotore, and I'm strong enough to make it home. We lowered into the village border as I fought with all my might the desire to become shapeless again. I screamed as my fists began to bloody, covered in the life-force of my would-be killer. I roared gutturally my name, over and over again at death, 'not yet not' yet. Not yet. Not until I make it "h..." swallow, "home." to my dying-place. I could hear my name. It was in the wind of Tu-Koro's fallen, calling for my life amidst the ruinous village, and in the 'voice' of the shapeless death, beckoning me to die. I leaned towards the right to take the turn, hoping one of my comrades would get the message.

IC: Agrona - Ko-Koro - The Citadel "Elaborate a little more Kohra." I said.

IC: Akiri Kongu - Onu-Koro - Nuparu's Office "Proxy is wise," Kongu said, "Safer too. So long as such employees can not be traced to anybody other than themselves. At a moments notice we could cause the lives of every hostage to end."

IC: "Um, excuse me? Miss?" Standing behind Higashi, one finger raised as if she was about to ask a question, Zyla Dastana came to the sudden realization that years of working beside the firebrand-of-a-Dashi Daijuno had resulted in her apparently losing all sense of self-preservation. -Void IC: Arsix Dastana - Sado Arsix said nothing for now and instead barreled right towards the Hogo, hoping the distraction of the newcomer Dastana would allow her to knock the guard onto her rear-end. She dove with her shoulder.

Sorry for slow responses from me. I should catch up later tonight!

IC: Dastana Arsix - Sado - Near the Prison The Dastana had her own ideas about escape, but she decided not to say anything yet until they passed the Menti in front of them. As far as the warrior went, Arsix said nothing, hoping Relisai's plan to trick the Hogo guard would work. She wasn't disguised, and had left her own cloak at home so the faster the message moved through the city, the more likely they'd be caught. Arsix could feel her anxiety growing about the situation at hand.

IC: Arsix Dastana - Sado The Rora of the Dastana Republic looked out the caravan window and up at the prison walls. Coming to Sado was not the first thing on her list since she declared the clan’s leaving the Empire, but Sheika’s invitation was compelling. The content of the message was discreet, and details were left undefined. Arsix wondered if Sheika was in trouble. Just what she needed. Tensions between the Empire and the Republic might not have been as volatile as they were just weeks ago, but that didn’t mean Arsix wanted to deal with her Battlemaster in duress. She cursed inwardly. Jasik was the one who knew Sheika well. That woman was not somebody she wanted to be dealing with. Not since the party. Her intentions were not clear to the world at large, but Arsix and Jasik knew. They didn't need a mask to dissect the truth to know where her allegiance lied: With the fattest purse. Part of the danger was that while Sheika was employed by Arsix, Sheika still commanded the fleets herself. Of course, the twins could pull her funding for repairs and training, but it wouldn't matter. Sheika’s power goes to the next highest bidder, and Arsix would rather keep the woman close to her breast instead of sending her to some other Toroshu with a trigger finger or Zuto Nui forbid, Yumiwa. It was better than the alternative, but it certainly wasn’t ideal. Jasik had his own fears to deal with, but Arsix had them too. Political nightmare was no longer just an expression for Arsix. With a knock on the caravan door, it opened and inside stepped the Tajaar woman Sheika. “I see you got my message, Toroshu,” Sheika said coolly with a little bow, and a small smile on her lips, “Or should I say, Rora?” “Battlemaster Sheika,” Arsix began, “I did get your message, although it seems you left out why it is I was to come see you with such urgency.” Sheika sat fully upright again and gave a nod, “I will explain.” The Battlemaster turned and glanced out the window, “The Archipelago is in an unusual position. You may no longer belong to the Empire but without official word from Rora Yumiwa, you are in limbo,” Arsix mentally cringed at the mention of ‘you’, but let Sheika continue, “I’ll admit, when you declared secession instead of war, I was surprised. I thought the anger over your mother’s murder would have pressed you to exact revenge.” “My mother was not killed by a physical weapon. Yusanora died at the hands of a condition the Rora’s death caused,” Arsix said with ice in her voice, “I can’t fight conditions beyond my control.” “Very wise Arsix,” Sheika said, “I understand that like the Empire, you are in an interesting position yourself.” Arsix remained unblinking and said to Sheika dead-pan, “I’d prefer if you didn’t pretend I put myself there on my own.” “A condition beyond your control, yes,” Sheika was calm. Calmer than Arsix. Jasik should be here, “You’ve committed no crime, which Rayuke so kindly confirmed, and yet you are on the cusp of starting a civil war anyways.” “I’m glad you brought up responsibility Sheika. Many in the courts are asking,” Arsix said, leaning forward; on the offense, “If it wasn’t Jasik that killed the Rora, who was it? Nobody seems to know, even though everybody seems to have their own theories.” Sheika was quiet for a moment, the ever-present in-control smile she wore didn’t waver, and she responded calmly, “What do you think?” “What do I know would be a more apt question.” Sheika gave a chuckle and waved her hand, “Just like you said. Everybody has a theory.” Arsix sat back in her seat, and began looking out the window again. The pair was silent for a moment until Arsix looked back at the Battlemaster and said, “Why did you bring me here?” Sheika gave no physical response but said, “Where could we have a safer discussion than outfront the second most well guarded place in the Archipelago?” Arsix scowled and Sheika opened the door again and stepped outside. Arsix started to protest but was interrupted by two sounds: To Arsix’s left the door slamming, and to her right the prison wall exploding. Wide-eyed and shocked, Arsix could feel the heat surging forwards into her carriage. She quickly realized what was happening and kicked the space above the seat opposite her, “Go! Quickly!” Slam slam slamming her foot on the wall did nothing to hurry up the Soko trainers up front. Arsix was about to instead kick the door down to force her entourage forward, but before she could, somebody outside yanked it open, and two masked women tossed a Dasaka inside. "What is this? Some plot from that brat Yumiwah to get rid of me in private?" She turned her gaze to Arsix sitting across from her. Her scowl turned to a pleasant grin. Arsix pressed herself up against the seats and three realizations dawned on her: First, that her driver had abandoned her. And second, that the Dasaka in front of her was Toroshu Relisai of clan Vilda. And third, that Relisai was just broken out of prison and pushed into Arsix’s caravan. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was expecting someone else, and an exit a little less explosive. Regardless, it's a pleasure to meet you. I think it's best if we get of here, quickly, before her spoiled princess realizes what we've done." Arsix heart screamed in anger, and her mind began to race. This can’t be happening. This can not be happening. I’m being framed. I know exactly what this looks like. I’m going to be executed. This can’t be- No. It was happening. That was her reality. She took a deep breath and quickly began to do something about it. “Toroshu Relisai," she began, speaking quickly. Arsix was in too deep. To abandon the Toroshu would mean nothing to the hundreds of witnesses on the other side of the street at this point. “You are likely confused and disoriented,” Blast that Battlemaster, “And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit too,” She sat up and put her hand on the door, “But I need to go.” Arsix pushed open the door and jumped outside. Relisai poked her head out the door looking one way, then another. With a smile of satisfaction, she followed after Arsix as guards from the prison poured out into the street. "It'll be both our heads if either of us caught. I think I'll throw my lot with you, the richest Dasaka in the Empire." Arsix wanted to turn around and scream into Relisai’s face that she wasn’t responsible for this. But she couldn’t. Nothing would change which was already set into motion. Sheika had won, "Fine," Arsix said with sharpness on her tongue. She knew her chances of escaping would be higher if Relisai was there to help - or be used as a distraction if Arsix's hand was forced, "But you'll want to keep up." They began running, shouts and projectiles behind them. OOC: TL;DR Toroshu Relisai of the Vilda clan has just been broken out of prison by a certain somebody and her associates. Arsix has been set-up to look like she planned it. The pair are about to try their way through the city of Sado and it's up to other players to aid or help them. Where are Arsix and Relisai moving towards? They haven't figured that out yet! There will be rewards for a successful capture or escape. Happy hunting team. Companion GD post with some additional information:

Staff sponsored event occurring in Kentoku either tonight or tomorrow (Sado). Get your character there if you want to participate.

IC: Taoki - Kini-Nui Taoki looked like he was trying to anticipate strikes against him, even though he was quite far away from the action. After a moment, Taoki stumbled for his knives as Viloz started to chill things out.

IC: Utu Kotore - Ko-Wahi - The Outskirts of Tu-Koro I could hardly speak, but I forced myself to squeeze out words, “Coming back to life was a miracle,” I said to Cael, “But that doesn’t make it right,” I paused, “Dorian came back from death once before.” Step. “For the longest time I thought it was destiny which kept he and I to this world,” I looked Cael in the eye with resolute defeat, “But there’s nothing special about those who escape death. I was never more than who I decided to be. Dorian and I were given extra chances. Tell him not to squander his second like I did three.” Step. “Joske wants to be a part of this world in a big way. Tell him not to waste his time. I did exactly that.” Step.

I might suggest having the staff be powerless, but have the character insist in it's power. The most persuasive of characters can convince others of their power without actually having any. Just my two cents though. Up to you and staff.

IC: Utu - Ko-Wahi - The Drifts "We hurt Tuara," I said flatly, "The Mark Bearers forced her to to remain involved in our problems. If you see her again, tell her it shouldn't have happened." Was that an apology? I don't know. Maybe. I'm not one to say sorry. Just wasn't in me. "Cael," I said again as we crested the final hill above Tu-Koro, "You need... tell Dorian and Joske something."

IC: Tio - Kini-Nui I wanted to draw my weapon again, but I diverted to Kajak's judgement again. I instead spoke, "Explain."

Going home: I am home

IC: Tuara Drigton - Ko-Wahi Drifts "Hey Drigton!" The toa of fire didn’t look back. She only continued walking away silently. "You take care now, alright Tuara?" Tuara almost stopped. One second… two... She’d walked away from Agni and Cael once before, and while she’d become a very different person now, it still hurt. Just when Tuara thought she wouldn’t walk away, she had already failed. Utu would not be saved today. She felt powerless. ...three. Tuara Drigton stood still. For a moment she waited for herself to make some sort of decision in the howling wind and snow. She wanted to go with them, to see it through to the end. Tuara had risked her life to save Utu from Echelon before. Tuara also wanted to find Joske and put his face inside out for putting Dorian and her on this pointless mission, and then do it again for coming back and walking away from the very thing he was so strongly advocating months before. But above all, Tuara wanted to move on. It was time. She turned around to give Agni a nod before a gust of wind blew in between Tuara and the others a wall of snow. Step. I could see the village ahead of me now, hardly visible through the blizzard. The shapes in the snow were hardly recognizable, but I knew it was my home without a doubt. Step. I grew up in Tu-Koro with an abusive mother, a criminal father, a violent brother, and the only one of us with a conscious; my sister. I learned what it meant to be used, abused, and how to do the same to those around me. It was also there - which I only now realize - that I learned what it mean to be protected and watched over. It made me into the man I was today. Step. I made that place a ghost town. Step. Ironic that I was soon going to become a ghost in that town. “Agni,” I said too quietly. I tried again, hardly heard over the sound of the wind, “Agni.”

IC: Tio - Kini-Nui I placed my hand on my weapon and stepped forward, prepared to put myself between my team and the newcomer. I wanted to ask him who he was a priest for, but I stayed my tongue.