Palm

Our Great Republic Post here detailing a bit more about the state of Kentoku, including a TL;DR underneath. As Ty said in his post prior to this one, feel free to assume your Dasakan characters (particularly Toroshu) are present in the War Room and play accordingly! Should be a fun time here on the Kentoku Archipelago going forwards! (Long live the Rora)

IC: Dastana Arsix, Crowned Rora of the Dastana Republic - Sado - The War Room Arsix looked up from the projected map spread across the council table to see Rayuke towering over the gathered assembly. Arsix let out her own smile at the sight of Rayuke, though not nearly as wide as Jasik's. Hers was much more grim, and tightly-lipped. Her eyebrows remained slightly raised above her cool relaxed eyes, giving her an appearance of control and serious purpose. The recently crowned Rora wore a tight fitting robe, somewhat similar to a military uniform in shape and form, bearing Dastana orange patterns along its buttoned front. Across her shoulders ran small silver snake-like patterns, occasionally spiraling outwards to hold very small twinkling white gems, like little branches bearing even smaller fruit. The crown she once wore had changed as well. Now, it was particularly simple in design, a single rounded silver headband, which seemed to turn nearly black in the right light. Arsix gave a subtle, yet respectful nod to the old Imperial Executioner and spoke aloud, wasting no time on pleasantries, turning her attention to all those gathered. "Let us begin." Sado lit up brighter than before, and Arsix gently placed the tips of her long fingers on the table surface and the room fell silent. "Sado is under our control, for now. The situation at the docks seems to have stabilized, and these Rahkshi have changed their strategy. With our troops pulling their focus away and to Odaiba, and with our greater fortifications at the edge of the island, they seem content to only harass our Menti from time to time. A welcome change, I believe we can agree." She looked up into the eyes of all present. Typically, in court, during the Before times, Arsix may have more carefully chosen her words. But now, with the newly titled Dastana Republic at the head of Dasakan military power, Arsix had become a lot more straight-forward, preferring to be direct in her order. As far as Sado was concerned, she would not mince words either. "I would not under any circumstance call Sado 'safe' at this stage, but we should at least have more room to breathe, collect ourselves, and properly organize the people and resources still here." "Oki remains completely quiet." The most western island lit up brightly. "There's been no word of any surviving Umbralines there, and what scouts we have sent report strange creatures never-before-seen walking its shores. A full force may be able to make headway there, but with little strategic power, I believe that for now we should only keep an eye on it. I personally find new infected Rahi to be concerning, and if leaving Oki alone is a mistake, I want to know as soon as possible. Our scouts will continue making regular excursions." "Iki," Arsix began, her chest rising in pride at the mention of her homeland. "Iki is secure, and nearly all engagement with Rahkshi has ended there, thanks to the commanders of the Dastana fleet." Arsix looked up at the Dastana guards lining the edges of the packed room, eyeing their newly acquired weapons - the Rahkshi staves. In truth, the operation to take back Iki was an incredibly serious blow to the Dastana forces, and stretched their resources considerably thin. The new weapons were hardly any consolation for the countless Dastana Menti buried or lost at sea, and put Arsix in a difficult position. There had yet to be serious questions of her position at the head of the Dasaka, but with much of her direct military strength now a pale reflection of what it was before the assault, she could more easily be opened up to threat of a challenger. Of all the members present, only Arsix and Jasik knew the true extent of the Dastana losses, and Arsix hoped to keep it that way. She gently waved her hand and continued. "For now, my people will prepare Iki as a possible fallback in the event Sado is lost." Arsix pointed at Odaiba next, the largest land-mass in the Archipelago. "With some land under control in Odaiba, we finally have some reprieve from our supply problem. The good news is we have now taken back some farm-land, and other important natural resource positions on the Western side of the island. The bad news is the fighting there is some of the worst we have seen since the enemy assault, and we take daily causalities." She shook her head, her bright eyes piercing the projected map. "And, the supplies we now have access to will not last forever. We will need to expand our campaign there until we have enough to feed our people. We will be organizing small strike teams to take carefully selected tactical battles, supporting the larger forces." Arsix looked up again from the table to see various faces murmuring to one another, some nodding, and others lost in thought. "Now, Kozu." Next, the island furthest east lit up too. "Kozu remains entirely dark. And with Menti scouting and fighting across Odaiba's western front, and the fact that it holds little tactical value to us at this stage, I believe we should leave it alone for now. Taking it will only become necessary in the long-term, if we want to take more of Odaiba's eastern side. Eventually, we'll likely reconsider this, but any serious forces there I believe to be a waste of good and able Menti sorely needed elsewhere." Arsix drew herself up again, standing at her full height, placing both hands behind her back. "Now," she began, regarding the rest of the room, "are there any questions?" OOC: Here's a little recap, for brevity's sake:

IC: N'ashka Akkataka - Irnakk's Tooth N'ashka's face betrayed no emotion. She wasn't expecting awe as she was certain to lose, no doubt. But if she could even deflect a single strike, that would be a success. "Here is fine, audience or not." N'ashka lifted the broadsword out of the stone street, brandishing it with both hands. She spun it, indicating she would use the flat end of her weapon, and would be no true threat to Tarrok. She stepped forwards, bringing up the blade as if to aim for an upwards strike from the left, but it was a feint. She spun her grip, and the blade followed suite, moving towards Tarrok's mid-section from the right instead. OOC: @Visaru

IC: Taoki - Ga-Koro - The Great Takea "The other ones came in some underwater machine. Maybe these ones are all sea-sick." Taoki sniffed. "I hate sailing. Makes my tummy just a little too upset."

OOC: @Visaru IC: N'ashka Akkataka - Irnakk's Tooth "I trust you have some skill then." N'ashka let out a little grin. Images flashed in her mind's eye - brandishing her weapon, leaping off her mount, cutting down anybody who would dare step in her path. She shook her head to herself. "You were right to say poorer, Tarrok. My family is gone now. My home and my money too. It would be disrespectful to ask for your service, but I do wish to ask you this." N'ashka took two steps back, opened her cloak, and brought her sword up into the air where the blade activated, pieces clicking into place until it revealed itself in its full form. Spinning it around deftly, she put it tip first to the ground. It hummed as it vibrated in the stone, ringing low and quiet. "I have my life, and my strength, if not my eyes. As far as I'm concerned there are only two directions left for me to take now. I take the life of the woman who took everything from me, or I die trying." She levelled her head to where she believed Tarrok still stood. "Would you spar with me?"

IC: Pae - Onu-Koro - ??? The moment Pae crouched down, he heard the sound of glass shatter behind him, and a single shard of light stone flashed through the air. The other two Matoran seemed taken off guard by this, one instinctively ducked while the other took aim again, attempting to fire. It was too late. A protosteel hammer flew through the air, guided by Pae's powers, and found itself removing the Matoran's jaw. He leapt into action, sprinting towards the pair. The first Matoran hastily pulled the trigger before taking aim, and the disk landed at Pae's feet, blasting him into the air, trailing dust and debris in his wake. This had gotten far too dangerous, and worse, noticeable. If Pae couldn't make it to the guarded room quickly, their criminal mark would be gone, and they'd be at square one again. This operation had taken days of planning, and even though Pae knew often it was best to cut their losses, he knew he and his companions were simply running out of options. He purged this thought, as he locked onto his target, taking aim while still flying, and whipped his second hammer forwards. There came a satisfying "thunk" as the hammer struck the mask of a Matoran, and a second, deeper "thump" as he landed feet first on his chest, knocking him to the ground, cracking ribs with his full weight and strength of his legs. Pae put out his hand towards the Matoran still standing, and drew the first hammer back to his palm, striking his target in the back of the skull, knocking him clean out. Pae heard the crashing of glass from outside, and more shouting. If the Ussalry was not already here, they would be on their way very shortly. The plan needed some serious acceleration, and immediately.

IC: N'ashka Akkataka - Irnakk's Tooth "Poorer indeed." N'ashka said through grit teeth, before letting out an indignant snort. She wasn't even certain what her next move was now. There weren't exactly many places for her to go. No friends or family to speak of outside of the now dead or disbanded horde. A complete reset to life, except without the gift of sight. She grumbled, feeling her fear begin to give way to further frustration again. "Tarrok, tell me. Was this crew of traders your own, or were you a hired man?" OOC: @Visaru

BZPRPG: Arc 3: Girl Boss Summer

IC: N'ashka Akkataka - Irnakk's Tooth "I didn't count from the beginning, I wouldn't know." She said in a bit of a cooler voice. N'ashka wasn't about to totally drop her guard, but the fact this voice had not yet attacked her, plus his calm tone, indicated at least he wasn't here to kill her. Unless of course he was toying with her. She let go of her rags, letting them drape over the blade and her hand, which still held the hilt. N'ashka was still on edge, but decided to try a different tactic. "I do not recognize your voice. What is your name?" OOC: @Visaru

OOC: @Visaru that's sick, let's do it! IC: N'ashka Akkataka - Irnakk's Tooth N'ashka froze, immediately placing a hand on the hilt of her collapsed broadsword, and using her free hand to reveal thus underneath her rags. The voice was deep and strong. She tried her best to show she was still a threat, and betray no fear in her expression. She had killed many Skakdi this large - if the direction of the voice was anything to go by - but the chances of her doing so on noise alone would be seriously difficult. She gave a huff and spoke sharply, "I won't beg, boy," she challenged. "If you've come to kill me, I won't go easily. You might learn a thing or two about death in the process." She listened as intently as she could, N'ashka truly didn't know how many people were with this person, if any at all. She grit her teeth, hoping if this person was dangerous that they were alone. There was no telling where an attack could come from.

IC: Pae - Onu-Koro - ??? Pae's protosteel hammers met their mark. Teeth and blood sprayed up into the air, a small geyser of gore, flying into the dim light of the hallway. Before the teeth even began to fall, Pae had stepped forward, gazing at the eyes of another Toa, still watching the blood in the air. With his Kakama, Pae jolted forwards, skidding past his target, hooking him in the kneecap with a strike of the hammer. The toothless (and now dead) Toa hit the ground with a loud thud, just before the second Toa dropped to his knees. Pae turned around, and before the being could gather his wits, he made one hard full-armed swing, sinking the head of a hammer into the back of his skull with a sickening crack. Quick, but too loud. Pae wasted no time moving. His green Kakama lit up, and he vanished down the hallway and around the corner, stopping in his tracks when three rather mean looking Matoran, holding enormous disk-launchers with explosive payloads, levelled the weapons at him. In a split second, he knew that even the Kakama would not get him there in time - at least not all of him - if those explosives went off. They were simply out of range. Fortunately, he - like the others - had studied the building layout well, and knew that just behind him, further down the hall there was a rather large window in perfect view of the building across the street, just a story below where Nika would be posted. Without skipping a beat, Pae crouched down and prepared to dodge whatever Matoran may be left standing.

IC: Tuara Drigton - Ta-Koro 'Tuara, Destroy this letter, once you've read it. I know you may not understand my behavior, or why I have placed my allegiance with people you've long considered your enemies. But I hope that given enough time and effort, that one day, you'll understand.' Tuara stepped inside the front door of her home and into the living room, closing it behind her with a soft click. Upon entering, she paused, her hand tightly gripping the door-knob as her eyes moved about the room. It was the first time since vacating the place eight weeks ago that she had been home, since it had been officially declared a crime scene, and thoroughly looked over by the Ta-Koro Guard. Eight weeks since she shattered every bottle of alcohol against the wall. Eight weeks since she hid a body for her brother Kitea. Eight weeks since she last spoke with Dorian- Tuara let out a hard exhale, realizing she had been holding her breath since stepping inside. She let go of the door knob, and set her eyes on Dorian's piano in the middle of the living room on the other side of the couch. She felt her hands begin to shake for a moment, as a wellspring of emotion within her began to swell, but she quickly turned away from the instrument and stepped to her right, into the kitchen. 'I wish I hadn't dragged you into this. I stayed away from you all these years because I knew my people were dangerous, and I didn't want you to get caught up in it all. But it seems you went and did that all by yourself anyways. It shouldn't exactly surprise me, but it did. Know this - I only came to you because I had no other choice. Believe me. I know that may be difficult considering I've kept my life a secret from you all these years.' Busying her hands to distract herself, she reached into the cabinet next to the sink and retrieved a glass. It was short and stocky with a crystalline pattern, and had been used countless times before, serving whiskey. The glass against her lips, the glass against his. The pair, watching each other drink. A hand reaching across the couch to rest on his leg. Dorian leaning over- Tuara purged these thoughts as well, and quickly put the glass under the tap, then up to her mouth, gulping down water. She breathed out, suddenly aware that her forehead had become beaded with sweat. These thoughts had not been purged at all, it seemed. The memories of her self-destructive alcoholic behavior had become entirely intertwined with fond memories, special moments throughout her life - even joyful ones. It made having quit eight weeks ago seem like only minutes sometimes. Eight weeks. 'I guess I just wanted to say I'm sorry-' A sound, from the living room. Tuara turned on her heel, heart pounding, her body immediately pumping with adrenaline. However, in the dim light of the home, all she could see was dust in the sunbeams of the small windows. Whatever the noise, it must have come from outside. She wiped the sweat off her forehead, looking down at the coffee table, a bundle of letters tied together with thin twine, and a Ta-Koro Guard seal stamped on the front. More letters from Kitea, written during his trial, now able to read them since his guilty verdict had been reached. 'and that one day, we can be brother and sister again. A family.' Putting Kitea away had become simple once Tuara had turned in his secret hand-written letter apologizing, and alluding to his work with other Makuta loyalists. She didn't regret it. At least, she thought so. But she knew that no matter what decision she had made, somebody was going to get hurt. Kitea had come to her at her lowest point, and when she was weak, manipulated her into... well. Tuara didn't want to think about the horrible crime she had committed. She scowled at the papers, reached down, and picked them up, staring at the lettering on the front, thinking back on what Kitea had written her once before. 'I'm not sure what's going to happen if the Guard finds out what we've done. I'm sure they won't let me see you anymore. I hope that's not true. If anybody can figure this out, it's you. I know it. - Kitea' Tuara's scowl deepened. What would she find inside? More manipulation no doubt. She swore she could still taste Kitea's poisonous words on the tip of her tongue. "God. I really do need a drink."

Hey gang, so in 2019 during some movement in the game again, and after Corv (@Vezok's Friend) and I closed up on Tuara and Agni for the arc, I commissioned him to make this illustration of Tuara:

The people need to know. I noticed we didn't mention Scrimblo in any of the topics actually. What gives?

IC: N'ashka Akkataka - Irnakk's Tooth N'ashka awoke to the feeling of clawed feet jabbing into her back. Wrapped up in what could hardly pass as a large rag, N'ashka rolled over, and tried to look up at the figure, shadowing her from the hot sun above the pair in an alleyway. But she did not see the figure, the sun, nor the alleyway. N'ashka could only see darkness, in all directions. She nearly jumped, before realizing she had awoken this way before, and N'ashka didn't like to be startled by the same thing twice. "Move, ya' hag. You're in my storage locker." "This is an alleyway." "How would you know? With ya' missing your eyes and all." The voice was quiet but dismissive. N'ashka, having only days ago lost her eyes to one Garsi warlord before hearing the death of her husband, her fellow wives, and her three beloved children, was no longer the great warrior “Ash;tak” (or “wife-of-the-blade”) as the other women called her: She was now a starving, blind, and tired street urchin, destined to live out the rest of her days in abject poverty. She rolled back over, curled up on the stony ground of the alleyway. The male voice grumbled, and then kicked her hard in the small of her back, just below her exposed spine. She let out a grunt, and felt something thin and sharp press against the back of her neck. The voice was much closer now, maybe just above her ears, much more intense then before. "I told ya' to move, hag. Now get." * * * * * N'ashka shuffled through the stony street, overwhelmed by the sounds of carts, footsteps, and growling voices coming and going. Irnakk's Tooth, where N'ashka was born and lived for years, seemed completely alien to her now. Afraid to even take regular steps, she hobbled along, one arm feeling in front of her for any obstacles or pedestrians. She fumed, feeling shame that she couldn't even walk through the streets, let alone defend herself against the Skakdi in the alley. There would have been a time - just days ago - when she would have broken his hand for daring to aim a weapon at her, but now things were different. Now, it took all her concentration just to find a firm wall on the other side of the street, where she leaned against it, feeling the subtle marks and weathering on the palm of her hand. With her free hand, she padded for her broadsword hilt, the blade collapsed and concealed on her hip. She breathed out hard, angry that she could no longer wield the thing. After a moment, she turned towards the sun, feeling the heat on her face, and began walking again, sliding a hand against the buildings as she went, cursing to herself, wishing that warlord Ipsudir Garsi's neck was in her clawed and bony hand instead of the rags she now clutched in fear. OOC: Open for interaction!

Name: Dastana Arsix, Crowned Rora of the Dastana Republic Gender: Female Species: Dasaka Alignment: The Dastana Republic, her family Caste and Clan: Rora, Dastana Appearance: Arsix's appearance (much like her twin brother Jasik) is one that strikes a strange balance between slightly intimidating and beautiful. She bears very handsome defined facial features with strong cheekbones and a sharp jaw-line. Her eyes are a brilliant bright blue, the only discernible feature between herself and her twin brother, who bears topaz orange eyes. With clear muscular definition underneath her robes, she is very fit, and has a shape to her which is both alluring and powerful. She stands proud with a good posture and a chin held high. As Crown Rora, Arsix wears a tight buttoned robe, similar to a military uniform, and always kept clean and pressed by her aides. Across her shoulders run small silver snake-like patterns, occasionally spiraling outwards to hold very small twinkling white gems, like little branches bearing even smaller fruit. She also wears a very simple featureless crown, a single rounded silver headband, which seems to turn nearly black in the right light. Arsix bears a deep dark blue color, with splashes of gold alongside to accent her overall shape. Mask: Kanohi Volitak, Mask of Stealth Weapon(s): A single dirk, ordained with crystalline patterns, exactly the same as her twin brother's blade. They are mostly ceremonial. Powers: Powers of near invisibility and silencing of own noise and effects (other than removing a shadow) via her Kanohi Volitak. Arsix is also a trained Mindarm, and is very skilled in the Willhammer discipline specifically. Personality: Arsix is confident, sharp-witted, and rarely uncomposed. In public facing life, any anger she may feel is hidden well, and only appears under a veil of harsh words. In private, particularly when it comes to family affairs, it is a bit of a different story. Since the invasion of Zataka’s forces, Arsix has continued to mature and has come into her own. Now, as the Rora of what remains of the Dasakan people in the Kentoku Archipelago, her sense of pride and duty has increased greatly. Arsix believes she alone can lead the Dasaka through the war with the Rahkshi, and is willing to do what it takes to ensure that she remains Rora to accomplish this. Biography: Groomed to become the Dastana matriarch, Arsix was raised in Iki alongside her inseparable twin brother, Jasik. As a very young girl, only a few years after learning to talk, she had already begun taking classes on etiquette, history, literature, and political strategy. Sometimes, the differences between the pair were so slight, that particularly lazy aides would mistake the two, and Jasik would often be dragged to these same classes instead. Eventually, Jasik was shipped away from Iki because it had become so problematic, and to begin his Menti training - sooner than is customary. Initially, Arsix refused to let him leave alone, but after enough coaxing from their mother, Yomiken, she stayed behind. Still, as “punishment”, Arsix refused to speak for days to her aides and teachers, frustrating them to no end, at least not until Arsix’s mother agreed to take a trip to Sado to see Jasik. Years later, Arsix and Jasik found themselves motherless, killed by an angry Dasakan citizen, after the Dastana family found themselves under great public scrutiny when Rora Yusanora was assassinated. Arsix quickly found herself no longer just a socialite and mouthpiece for the family, but the Toroshu, arbiter and leader. With Jasik by her side, Arsix seceded the Dastana clan from the Empire, officially declaring that the family and it’s loyal clans no longer recognized Rora Yumiwa’s authority. With the Umbraline family no longer present in the Archipelago, and the invasion of Zataka’s Rahkshi, the Dastana forces swept into Sado, allowing ships to flee, and fought off the brunt of the attack. After days of fighting, and as Sado began to stabilize and it became clear the Dastana held the majority of Dasaka military strength, Arsix declared herself Rora, the new leader of the Dastana Republic. Many families welcomed the centralization of the Dasakan people, but Arsix knows that some do not, and would wish to see themselves in her position instead. With death on seemingly every doorstep of the Archipelago, and a tumultuous political landscape, Arsix has become single-minded: To ensure victory at any cost. Weakness(es): Arsix is a capable fighter, even being physically stronger than her brother. However, her real skill rests in her abilities as a Willhammer and Mindarm. She is more likely to lose if fought physically. Name: Tuara Drigton Gender: Female Species: Toa Element: Ta (Fire) Alignment: Self, Ta-Koro and its people (Chaotic Good) Appearance: Uncannily and unbelievably gorgeous, Tuara’s armor is mostly red but ordained with black highlights, accenting her figure "...in all the right places". Her Pakari is rather smooth and fitted specifically for her. Tuara walks with an air of confidence that demands authority, and with purpose. She wears black fingerless gloves on her hands with a red stitched pattern on the edges. Her black and red belt hangs loosely on her waist, the round buckle in the center. On her back she has one medium-long staff with the head of a large hammer on the end. Illustration by @Vezok's Friend Mask: Red Pakari, Mask of Strength Weapon(s): A medium-long staff with a hammer-head on the end and a returning throwing disk. Powers: Element of Fire, mask power of Strength. Personality: Tuara can be a bit of a spit-fire when angry. Temperamental, as most Ta-Toa are, Tuara is known for her hot-headedness, although she isn’t one to jump into a situation without knowing what’s going on. Biography: Originally raised in Ta-Koro Tuara trained herself to fight at a young age as an outlet. She was generally well known and considered one of the more popular of her friends due to her quick wit and good looks. Tuara’s family all went missing when she was young, a case that remained unsolved. Tuara, distraught by the memories of her family in Ta-Koro left the fortress village, taking up residence in Le-Koro. There she worked and lived, and did her own private investigative work, occasionally employed by Kongu and the Gukko Force. It was here she refined her combative skills, and learned about judicial systems and forensic sciences. After some hundreds of years of this, Tuara packed up, and made her way back to Ta-Koro, returning home to continue her work and protect the weak. Tuara eventually became the Deputy of the Ta-Koro Guard. Jaller’s right hand woman, she was loved by the people of the village. However, over the years, the baggage of her escapades began to catch up to her, and turned to the bottle for comfort. She’s been declining ever since. Matters came to a head when it was revealed that Tuara’s long-lost older brother Kitea was alive again, and in Ta-Koro. He begged her to keep his existence a secret, and had turned to her after making what he described as a simple mistake - the murder of a Ta-Koro Guardsman. Tuara reluctantly hid the body, but felt mysteriously compelled to reveal Akiri Jaller of what she had done. At this, she decided Kitea and she should skip town immediately, but was not quick enough, when Agni, an old friend from the Guard and their shared adventures, and Dorian, her lover and fellow survivor of the Mark Bearer incident, confronted her at the gates with the rest of the Guard. Here, she gave in, and the siblings were taken into custody. After questioning, Dorian came to speak with her, revealing that Joske had been killed, and that he alone was heading to the Mangaia to finish what he started. After a curt discussion, Dorian left for his mission, not to be seen by Tuara again. After questioning, Tuara returned with Agni to Tuara and Dorian’s home, where she promptly removed each bottle of alcohol from the cabinet and one at a time sent each of them to their graves. Agni, witnessing this, and in helping her clean up, superheated the glass, which the pair turned into a small pendant as a reminder of her decision. Maybe this time, it’ll stick. Weakness(es): Tuara's a much less effective combatant while at range. The real danger is getting in range of her hammer, powered by the strength of her Pakari. Name: N’ashka Akkataka Gender: Female Species: Skakdi Element: Fa (Magnetism) Alignment: Self (Chaotic Neutral) Appearance: N’ashka is about average height and weight for a female Skakdi, bearing silver armor, with a very slight greenish tint to it, barely perceivable underneath the plethora of nicks, dents, and scratches. She has a stocky muscular build, and bears a tight-lipped grimace most of the time. Her eyes themselves have been taken out, leaving two scarred empty sockets, which she leaves uncovered. Her left hand is missing two long and bony fingers, leaving her with just her clawed thumb, pointer, and middle finger, once bit off by a warlord’s Muaka. The same Muaka is responsible for the long deep scars which start just below the shoulder, when she shoved her arm into the same Muaka’s mouth to retrieve her missing digits before her husband cleaved it’s head off. Mask: None Weapon(s): A two-handed broadsword that N’ashka is able to collapse down into a shape just larger than its own hilt, coloured a deep copper brown-red, made for easy concealment. Additionally, N’ashka’s upper incisors and lower canines are covered in a conductive metal, which when clamped down on hard enough send an electric shock into whatever her teeth are sunk inside. At first glance, they simply appear as somewhat effective replacement teeth. Powers: Element of Magnetism (if in conjunction with another Skakdi), and no vision powers, as her eyes have been cut out. Personality: A fine tactician in her time, but a bit of a brute otherwise, N’ashka is known for her brash but controlled leadership style, having directed troops in both large and smaller scale combats. Now, having grown older, and essentially retired from her and her husband’s conquests, she has grown a bit quieter and more reflective. Biography: N’ashka Akkataka grew up in Irnakk’s Tooth, and found work in a smithy, making and repairing weapons and armor. Eventually, she began taking on more responsibilities at the smithy, and as a teenager took to the road, delivering such goods. It was here she and her husband Lahkenn met, at the sharp tips of their weapons - he still at this time being a young simple raider. After their first altercation where half of both parties were killed, both groups spent days at a stalemate at the mouth of a well defended cave. N’ashka’s group and Lahkenn’s group eventually clashed in a climactic battle in the night, when N’ashka and the others had created a second exit further up the mountain-side, ambushing the enemy in their sleep. However, the battle ended with only N’ashka and Lahkenn left standing. Wounded, hungry, and exhausted, the pair made an unlikely and tense truce to escape the Northern Mountains together. Years later, N’ashka became Lahkenn’s armorer, as he amassed more and more followers, eventually building his own fort and becoming a self-proclaimed warlord. During this time N’askha became his first wife, and he began to involve her more directly in his work, often sending her as his representative or leading his men in war, becoming a full-fledged warrior and commander. At Lahkenn’s side, N’ashka participated in felling a great number of enemies, including personally defeating two enemy “warlords”. For a period of time, within the clan, N’ashka was known among the other women as the “Ash;tak”, which roughly translates to “wife-of-the-blade”. Eventually, on a particularly hot night just south of the Criebe:Luur river, Fort Lahkenn was razed to the ground by a rival warlord Ipsudir Garsi. She personally assaulted the fort, and came to defeat Lahkenn. N’ashka stepped in between them to defend Lahkenn, her fellow wives, and her three children. Ipsudir however, gained the upper hand and one at a time, took out her eyes with her own hands. Ipsudir, having incapacitated N’ashka, then moved onto Lahkenn. She did not hear him scream when the killing blow was struck, but she heard the shouts of rage from her three children, who too jumped into the fray and were quickly cut down. Ipsudir, having decided the crippled N’ashka was no longer a threat, allowed her to live - in suffering - and threw her out of the burning fort. Since then, N’ashka has been living on the streets of Irnakk’s Tooth with no family to speak of, and nothing to her name. Weakness(es): Being blinded, N’ashka relies on her other senses in combat, which she now avoids, but she isn’t totally defenseless. Name: Pae Gender: Male Species: Toa Element: Fe (Iron) Alignment: Self Description: Average height, extremely well toned. Pae's armor is mainly black, deep green accents line different parts of his armor. The look that he wears on his face is usually void of emotion, hardly practiced in expression. Mask: Kanohi Kakama, Mask of Speed Weapon(s): Two small proto-steel hammers designed to break and crush enemy bones and armor. Power(s): Elemental control over iron, speed Personality: Only saying something when it's worth being said, Pae is known for keeping his mouth shut and his ears open. The Toa of Iron tends to stay off to the side of things, observing before acting; whether it's a conversation or a battle. The few times he does speak, his voice cuts through the air like hot butter. Pae never will take an enemy head on if he can avoid it. Stealth and precision is his game. Biography: Pae was taught at a young age that the strong survive. Growing up in the slums of Xa-Koro without any family to speak of, Pae honed his skills until he had become an emotionless machine. Most of his childhood was spent learning to watch and predict the people around him. This practice conditioned the Toa to be at arms with his surroundings at all times. The man is so aware of himself that he's aware of each breath as he takes it. Each moment to blink is pre-planned by the constant clockwork of his head. He's always looked after only himself. Himself and one other person, the only person on Mata-Nui that he ever considered a form of family. He's righteously devoted to Kino Iho, a child-hood friend, somebody he has not seen since Ko-Koro first fell. Pae currently is working alongside two Vortixx, under special employment from Ishi-Polzin, having been promised something he has not shared as payment. It seems his companions, Jin and Nika are in a similar boat. The trio does not necessarily trust one another, but they do know that whatever it was they’ve been promised, it’s enough to throw themselves at it together. Even if it’s as unlikely as chasing the wind, there’s a chance. Rarely, is that enough for Pae, but maybe this time it will be. Weakness(es): Pae specializes in closing distance and making powerful calculated strikes up close. Keep him at a distance. Name: Chand Kura Gender: Female Species: Dasaka Alignment: Self, her direct family Description: Pink eyes, average height, Kura is slim, with strong arms and legs. Typically, over her light-blue and silver body, she wears light crystalline armor, custom fit to provide an emphasis of mobility. Around her neck she wears a beaded necklace. The beads are made from small round yonoki shells, a rare colourful creature found in deep volcanic rock. The necklace was gifted to her by her father whom she has never met. Mask: Kanohi Arthron, Mask of Sonar Weapon(s): A crystal knife with a carved wooden handle of deep-purple shade, smoothed and finished to fine sheen. Kura crafted the knife with her mother, who had begun teaching her crystal-smithing before she left home. Power(s): The ability to detect the location and approximate size of nearby beings with the Arthron. Additionally, Kura is well practiced in the Dragon’s Scale Menti discipline, able to cover portions of her body with hardened psionic energy to act as a shield. Personality: Kura is a young and impressionable Menti warrior. Although she is deeply spiritual (despite not being a Dragon’s Heart), she often comes across as brash and sometimes rude even. However, Kura is kind-hearted, and if possible, will aid others even to her own detriment. Biography: Kura's early life was spent with her Chand mother, living a nomadic lifestyle on Odaiba. Most days were spent riding Soko with the other children and learning some skills with crystal and cloth. One day, Kura found a necklace and part of a written letter, her mother kept secret. Kura learned it was a gift intended for her from her father - a Long. Hurt and confused by her mother’s stubborn secrecy on the topic, Kura with her Soko horse, Naiana, left her travelling family for the mountainous peaks. There, she began her training in the Dragon Scale discipline among predominantly Long peoples, hoping one day to find answers about who her father is, and why her mother refused to tell her anything about him. Of course, this was all before Odaiba opened up, and Zataka’s invasion of the Archipelago began. Weakness(es): Kura is often unwilling to step back from an important fight, if the stakes are high and if lives are on the line, and is less likely to make the call to run or abandon the combat. Name: Daudrin Gender: Male Species: Toa Element: Vo (Lightning) Alignment: Self (Chaotic Good) Appearance: Daudin is a little on the bulkier side, average height, and mostly wears deep blue and white armor. He usually walks with a slouch, and a protosteel toothpick in his mouth. Mask: Kanohi Sanok, Mask of Accuracy Weapon(s): A slightly larger than normal toothpick - made of protosteel. Powers: Element of Lightning, heightened accuracy Personality: Daudrin is a gruff, easy to entertain, but difficult to motivate Toa. Often called foolish or lazy, Daudrin would rather spend the rest of his days on Mata-Nui seeking out the simpler pleasures of life, instead of getting caught up in the foundation shaking events that seem to plague the island every few years. Biography: Daudrin grew up as a simple farmer in the grassy foothills of Ga-Wahi, tending mostly to Mahi. Eventually, he was kicked off the land for constantly dodging work, and spending his days sleeping in the sun. Unbothered, and suddenly untethered, Daudrin took the opportunity to visit various places on Mata-Nui, drink their finest drinks, meet their finest inhabitants, and never return home to his responsibilities. Weakness(es): Daudrin isn’t formally trained, and his combat style relies heavily on his use of his element.

Can't believe we're here! So many amazing memories, and now hopefully we are off to make more! Thanks for all your hard work staff, and for never truly abandoning the game. <3

Reading that post put the fury of a thousand suns into me. Why @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl? EDIT:

This definitely works, I hadn't considered the future-proofing. Could be tough later down the road, but at least I'll be able to develop a better association of the greater regions and where the smaller locations within them go. Looks good!

Any chance we could maybe see a fourth version which combines Regions + Locations? Would be nice to have it all together imo.

Let's GOOOOOOOOOO

Yeah, this do be looking rad. I still remember like 40 years ago when we made a big Google doc and the only thing we could really coherently say was "do Zakaz". Now look at us. Super excited to roll up with new characters this upcoming season.

Heyo! I went by MicroSnipe for quite some time. Most of the old guard are scattered to the winds, but there's a few still kicking around in my contacts here or there. What username did you go by originally?

I've been running a game under very similar circumstances (using the same Doronai Nui). None of my players know the lore, but they owned some Bionicles as kids - so there was some interest there. I've found the most success by talking to my players about what they want out of the game. Have a conversation about if they want more combat, more role-playing/story, and go from there. For story, my best advice is to help your players create characters with backgrounds and histories, and talk to them about their relationship to possible NPCs or other in-world organizations/places and go from there. Players are usually a little more invested in stuff their characters have direct involvement in, cause they want to affect how it works out. For instance, one of my players worked at a volunteer hospital in-game, so I made it so his village is dealing with a mysterious plague and have given the party opportunities to learn more about it and even make it directly affect the main conflict! Luckily, Bionicle is really rich with lore, so it's ripe for filling in the blanks with some interesting stuff. In terms of presenting the world to the players, I wouldn't treat it any different from any great story out there. Often it helps to makes sure your world seems real. Let the world change based on what your players say or do. Have NPCs that are doing something in their own lives. Give them reasons for doing those things. You might find something hooks your players interest and then run with that! I like the premise of going on a mission for Teridax, personally, but I would pitch the idea to your players. Maybe offer them a couple premises and see what bites! Kind of a rambly response, but I hope this helps!

IC: Calia - The Silver Sea - The Ripple, Airship I was lying down below deck, lost in thought, when the ship lurched and shuddered, shaking beneath my feet. I quickly righted myself and took a look at my surroundings. The lightstone lantern on the ceiling was swaying back and forth violently. Pushing myself off my perch, I went to reach for my trident, but before I could, the second impact struck. I nearly lost my footing, only stopping myself from hitting the floor by halting my fall against the room's wall. The trident clattered on the ground. I still wasn't use to this; feeling these things happen around me. Watching them, but not hearing them. Even a year after losing my hearing, I still felt a little out of my element in situations like these. The shaking was bad, but how bad was it? Were we about to lose control of the Ripple and crash into the Silver Sea? The League would never find our corpses to show to our families if we fell in. Even as a Toa of Water I wasn't really interested in getting obliterated by the impact. I might have been able to assess the damage better if I could hear it. But now, I relied on the rest of my senses to keep me sharp - like my anticipation of incoming vertigo. I tried shook the thought off. After a moment to steel myself against the wall, I picked my trident up off the floor and burst out the door, making my way up the steps to commotion on the deck. Visorak. I let out a huff and gripped my weapon tighter. OOC: Let's squash some bugs!