ZippyWharrgarbl

IC: Armani - New Atero

She returned the salute. "For New Atero."

Then, she climbed on board, and flew at speed for the creature. She had fought creatures from the Chasm before, and this seemed to resemble one of those beasts, but none of them were as large, and none had made it this close to the city. She didn't like what that could mean.

It was a bit risky to ram from the get-go, since the beasts could be sticky and such. She could see another pilot, shooting at the thing's legs, and so she fired upon the rough approximation of the beast's face and tried to have it turn to follow her as she flew by. This, hopefully, would offset its balance so it would fall away from rather than towards the city.

Matilda - ???

Where?

She stumbled over dunes that shifted, rising and falling like waves, heading for something she couldn't think of the name for. She had to get there.

She fell, tumbling end over end over end over end over end over end over end over end over end over end over end

The ground was hard

It shifted

Hands clawed at her face, neck, pulled her down by her every extremity

She fought but the hands were melting into her until it was useless to fight what was now her

She sunk

~

IC: Matilda - Matilda's Residence, Tesara

Matilda woke with a jolt, clutching her chest, eyes wide and lungs panting hot air between her clenched teeth. Nightmare. That was all it was. Her hand fumbled for her nightstand. She touched the lamp, felt things stirring in the dark, reconsidered, and grabbed a small bottle instead. She shook out a few tablets and downed them, forcing her eyes closed as she swallowed, waiting. She had a fast metabolism, it never took all that long to feel better, but it felt like an eternity before the whispers died out and the feeling of being watched simmered to acceptable levels. It was then that she turned on her lamp.

She'd been trying to get her sleep schedule back to diurnal hours. She'd had a couple jobs that had thrown her back into old nocturnal habits. She didn't mind it all that much, but that's not how things worked up here; people worked mostly in the day, they were out and about, markets were open. At that thought, her stomach growled.

She noted the state of the sky outside as she got out of bed and stretched. Night. Well, she tried. She went for her pantry, yawning, and found some leftovers from lunch. It wasn't much, but she wasn't in the mood to make something else right now. She cleaned the plate and placed it on the growing pile next to her sink. That was something she'd have to see to. Or bribe a certain Zesk into doing for her.

As she stared at the pile of kitchenware, she tried to think if Garuda had mentioned going anywhere today. Typically, if she wasn't racing around Tesara, she was visiting her friends below Tesara. If she left the area, she usually let Matilda know beforehand so she wouldn't worry. Since she couldn't hear anyone yelling or cursing outside, she figured the sands below were her best bet.

She packed some simple finger foods into a bag and dressed herself for the day- she went for her armour, too, since taking chances in the wastelands was a pretty good way to end up dead- and headed out after shoving her tail under her armour. As she locked her door, she saw her vehicle out of the corner of her eye. Someone had painted, in large, brightly coloured letters, the words "DADDY ISSUES", right along the sides of it.

She closed her eyes and counted to ten. It was too early- late?- too soon after waking up to deal with this. She walked over and loaded up the basket, trying not to look at it or how the paint was already dry and would be a pain to get rid of did they really have to use a colour that couldn't be painted over easily she had better things to do with her time.

She could, of course, wait until Garuda got back and instead get rid of the words before she would have to fly anywhere with the ship. That would save her some dignity. If she wasn't out of paint remover. She grunted with a scowl. But, she supposed, if she flew at night, no one would notice, and she could send Garuda for paint remover on the way back to save her the trouble.

Attempting to look as if she didn't really care about the graffiti, she simply tried to put it out of her mind as she headed for Garuda's usual meeting spot.

New profile. I'm gonna fill the RPG with giant women

~

Name: Matilda (yeah it’s not to the Latin naming scheme Bara Magna has but it means ‘Strength in Battle’ which is a very Malum thing to name a child)

Species: Glatorian, mostly

Gender: She/Her

Powers:

-      Matilda has incredible strength, well beyond that of a normal Glatorian.

-      She has a good many voice-based abilities, like decent mimicry, singing, and throwing her voice.

-      She’s inherited her father’s liability for hallucinations and breaks from reality. She’s currently medicated for it, in the form of tablets she needs to take.

-      She has the buffest tail to match the rest of her buff physique.

Gear:

-      Giant claws with attachments for swords, Thornax launchers, etc. She can attach these, they don’t just pop out of the things a la Inspector Gadget

-      Machete knife hidden in holster in boot

-      Firework gun in holster in other boot

-      Bandanna (worn around neck)

-      Spare bandannas

-      A whole gosh darn bandanna collection

-      Sizeable backpack for sizeable meals

-      Medication

-      Clothes, hopefully

-      Glatorian armour

Personal Aircraft: Trash of the Desert, though Ehksidian some individuals refer to it as “Daddy Issues”, much to Matilda’s chagrin.

Allegiance/Role: Currently works as a ranger/guard/courier, largely on Tesara but prone to travel due to her job.

Appearance: Physically large and muscular, Matilda is tall even for a Glatorian and has piercing pink-red eyes, along with orange skin. Her hair is a curly mess of black locks; she regretfully cuts it short to reduce upkeep on it, the world being as it is. Her armour bears some resemblance to her father’s. When not working, she wears shirts that show off her massive biceps and big, fearsome-looking boots with shorts or trousers, depending on the weather. She always wears a bandanna around her neck because she’s just cool like that, and will resist any efforts to remove it. She does have a Vorox tail, but she often hides it in her clothes or armour. It’s not exactly a close-guarded secret, to be clear, but it saves her a lot of sideways glances and snide comments.

Personality: Matilda, like Malum, has a very short fuse and a very hot temper. Also like her father, she is loudly prideful of her abilities and herself. She has a lot of questions about what happened to her father and she hopes something up in civilisation can help her answer this question one day. She has a lot of passion in her and will dedicate herself fully to a cause she believes in. She is loyal to her father’s tribe and to anyone who earns her trust.

Bio:

Matilda, the daughter of the exile Malum and an unknown Bota Magna Vorox, lived much of her life on the surface of Bara Magna with her father, navigating the difficult terrain with their tribe of Vorox and Zesk. One day, while she was out investigating some strange tracks, she returned to their tribe to find Malum had gone missing. She took the mantle as chieftain for a while, waiting for his return and searching for him, but eventually gave up her title to seek answers in civilised society. She travelled to Tesara to begin her search, but still keeps close ties with her tribe.

She currently works as a ranger, carrying important messages or guarding cargo. With her experience in the Wastes, she is also an experienced guide for the planet’s surface, taking eccentric archaeologists and overexcited explorers and guarding them from the perils of the sands.

She performs songs on occasion, if an opportunity arises, but doesn’t do so in any official or career-wise extent.

~

Name: Trash of the Desert (I went on BS01 and found random parts of out of context Malum quotes until I found a good vehicle name)

Model: Axalara

Weaponry: Two Hagah Plasma Cannons, able to be aimed, one facing front and one facing back to give full coverage.

Customisation: The bomb bay has been modified to act instead as a very small cargo bay. It is big enough for some larger packages, or even a Zesk in a sleeping bag. It has a teleportation device attached to it, and so if the ship is destroyed, both the pilot and a large, internally cushioned metal box that serves as a “shell” for the goods being transported are flung out. The box is key for the teleportation, and so if Matilda wanted to rig it back into a bomb bay, the contents would not be able to teleport upon the ship’s destruction.

Appearance: The ship is sandy tan, with crimson decals on the underside/lower half. This helps to camouflage it if it is resting in the dunes. The tan part, that is. The crimson decals don’t help with that, but are positioned to not be seen from above.

IC: Kororia - One Remaining Friend

She turned to her fellow Rahkshi who had stayed. "I hope they'll be all right!"

IC: Rorohiko - Markets, Capstone

"It's no trouble," he assured them- though Karanta didn't seem to need assuring. "I've got the money for it. I earn a decent amount from royalties and custom commissions. So, really, you don't have to feel bad or anything."

~

IC: Armani - Landing in New Atero

True to her word, she touched down close to the fight- close enough that she had seen the creature attacking the city, and the risk posed by the imminent falling of the wall. She quickly set about removing 042 from her ship's side.

"Evacuate everyone away from the walls," she instructed 042, her voice taking on a more authoritative tone. "If no one else has been alerted, raise the alarm at a guard station. And by the Great Beings, keep yourself safe."

IC: Rorohiko - SHOPPING SPREE WITH THE NERD CREW

He smiled. "Cool. I think the markets should be just over that way."

He pointed, and then started walking towards the markets, though he made sure the others were following him before he got very far.

IC: Kororia - Concerned

She noticed her guide's discomfort, and turned back to Fate and her other new friend, looking worried. "Do you guys know where the doctor is? My friend's been showing me around and he is very sick!"

IC: Armani - Outside New Atero

With her foot on her ship and a tremendous pull, she secured 042 to her ship. "That is a good decision, fellow Guard. Hang on as best you can. I'll free you in the city near the flare."

She nodded to her companion, and then climbed in the pilot's seat. With the flick of a few switches, she was off, flying quickly towards New Atero.

~

IC: Rorohiko - Capstone

"It's no trouble, really. I've got enough to spare. How about, for now, I just pay for anything you two might want here? So long as it's not, you know, illegal to have back home or anything. I can give you a... I guess it'd be a tip? I can give you a tip too, if you'd like."

IC: Kororia - With Friends

She nodded eagerly. "Uh huh! I just started today!"

IC: XPlode and GyRotor - Legendary

"Indeed," said XPlode, to Blink. He slid his optics to look at his new pilot, even as he boarded the ship proper. He walked over, a little impressed. Whoever this person was, they were keeping their cool. They were either very confident, or very stupid. Or both.

He leaned around the chair, and was surprised by what he saw. He was expecting a costume made to look exactly like Rotor with a Hero Core. The resemblance was there, of course, but some of the details puzzled him. The propeller was there, that was a good start, and the chassis had a very close resemblance. However, this "Rotor" had an actual mouth, rather than a screen. His fingers glided over the controls as he kept his eyes trained on the console. His Hero Core shone; it was no fake, he was sure of that.

The fake Rotor looked up at him, and behind the forced annoyance he saw a spark of fear.

He smiled.

"I do believe I asked you to stay put, Rotor," he said. "But, it seems you returned with no harm done."

"Whaddaya take me for?" the HeRotor snapped. My, this one had done his homework. It was a very good impression.

"Someone who listens, clearly," he replied. "Set course for the coordinates, would you, chum?"

HeRotor nodded and turned back to the console. XPlode settled into a seat and strapped himself in. He was slightly concerned about Real Rotor, but he was sure he was fine. He sent a message enquiring about his wellbeing, just in case, though with no details about the current situation.

XPlode glanced to Blink. "I do wonder what's taking our companion Morphos so long to return."

IC: Armani - Making New Additions To Her Vehicle

"Your dedication is admirable, citizen," she said, beginning the task of tying her companion to the side of the ship. "And I certainly understand your feelings. But there would be no honour lost in an injured guard staying out of a fight, and I cannot promise that I will be able to protect you- though I will try, of course. You are injured, and you will be vulnerable. I not anyone else will think less of you for finding help for yourself instead, or assisting with tending to the wounded, if it is needed. Besides, as you may have noticed, my ship is designed for ramming opponents. You would likely not fare well between THESE Guns and an adversary, and so I will not be able to perform this manoeuvre if necessary."

She paused in her knot-tying to place a hand on the being's shoulder. "Everyone wishes to be a hero, fellow Guard. We all want to fight for our home. But there are people who will need your help on the ground, people who are hurt or need help getting to safety. Even simply being able to calm the citizens and assure them the situation is under control will help. Think deeply about what is wise for your wellbeing- from what I could see, you cannot walk at speed, but if you must, you can help with the wounded or with calming the citizens. Are you sure you want to stay tied to the ship?"

~

IC: Rorohiko - NERD CREW On The Move

"Ah, shoot," said Rorohiko, missing Fifteen's jolt as he rustled in his bag. "Sorry, I completely forgot. It's not fair for you guys to have to help me for free. Usually guards are hired for this, but I dunno if anyone's paying you and I'd hate to make you follow me around without being paid."

IC: Armani - The Wastes Near New Atero

She grinned over her shoulder, and noted that the being appeared to be fully mechanical, as far as she could see. Certainly, their injuries to their legs had no flesh components to them. She tactfully moved her hand from the first aid kit to her toolbox.

"I'll certainly give you a ride back, fellow Guardsman! I was simply out here for fresh air after a shift. Before we leave, I can perform some patch repairs if necessary-" Her attention was drawn by the flare, burning in the sky like a star. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and then she said to her companion, "Will you be able to last the ride back? There's an emergency situation. I can tie you to the side of the ship, but time is of the essence."

She reached into her ship for a rope. "If you cannot wait, I can assist you with patch repairs for the ride home. But if you can, I will just drop you off inside the city."

~

IC: Rorohiko - Time Out Table, Capstone

He ceased his comforting pats of solidarity, too. "Thank goodness. My arm was getting tired. I guess we should head over to the markets, then? I don't think they'll be closed. To be fair, I'm not sure when they do close, but... yeah."

He jerked a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of aforementioned markets.

OOC: I'd post as Rorohiko but then I'd probably have to have him stop patting Fifteen's back and we can't do that until Xaril joins in.

~

IC: Armani - With 042

Armani did not need to call over the sound of the engine. Her natural voice was entirely capable of slicing through the maelstrom of battle like a javelin; one engine was not enough to even put a dent in the clarity.

"Greetings!" she said cheerfully, dismounting. She hadn't really gotten a good look at the stranger yet; she was busying herself with finding something in her vehicle. "I am Lieutenant Armani, and I certainly am from the New Atero Guard! Are you in need of a lift, citizen?"

~

OOC: I was originally going to have her be the very model of a modern major general but apparently that is a ridiculously high rank and also not part of the ranking system Nato is using, from offsite questions I have asked on the topic. Also I wasn't sure if Coconut Fanatic would have 042 know Armani, so he can decide whether or not they know each other.

OOC: I was halfway through this when Nato posted so I'm gonna do a timeskip midway through my post

IC: Armani - Tower of Mistakes

She saluted smartly once more. "It was an honour to meet you, Your Spikiness, and an honour to serve New Atero on this endeavour. If you have any need of me again, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope to see you again."

She turned, and headed out the door and down the stairs, greeting the being at the door and Bai Bai as she passed.

~

IC: Armani - It's Night Now

After her departure from The Tower, she had decided to go for a ride. The night air was cool and crisp, and it was good to get out to the openness of the desert every now and again. She was about to head back from her impromptu patrol when she saw something- a figure, limping towards the city. She immediately went to land beside them- it could be a trap, she was aware, but she was also aware she was close to the city and also a giant woman with equally giant fists with which to wield weapons. Or become weapons. Either was fine by her.

OOC: She's landed beside 042. I couldn't just leave him out there! D:

IC: Kororia - An Inescapable Attractor Of Friendship

"Hi Fate! I like your name- oh!" In trying to escape walk right by her, the newcomer had accidentally pushed her a little. She turned with a bright smile nonetheless. "Hello!"

IC: Armani - Tower of Mistakes

"Very well." She caught his glance. Well, if he was implying what she thought he was, it was very kind of Branar to speak to the pilot's next of kin. She was no entry level guard herself, but the captain of the guard himself coming to give the news would be a very good gesture.

She continued, "No doubt most of us will know this, but I will say it for those who may not: if anyone here feels they were affected by the tragedy that occurred today, I would recommend seeking counselling. Of course, this was a secret test of a prototype and so you cannot speak of the intricacies of the event, but I am sure that we are all wise enough to be able to leave out details such as the nature of the craft, or the reason for being at the crash site. Seeking help is no crime, nor is it something to feel ashamed of; this was a very traumatic event to have witnessed, or even be in close proximity to."

IC: Kororia - With Friend

"You're welcome!" She gave a little squeak of glee. "What's your name? I don't know if you heard me before, but my name's Kororia. I just started today!"

IC: Kororia - With Friend

She glowed with glee and pride. "It's a scarf! You wrap it around your neck and it keeps your neck warm and cosy."

She held it out further for them to take.

OOC: I really wanted it to be him screaming from the rooftop :c

~

IC: XPlode - Vilain Friend Ship

XPlode laughed again. "Oh, yes, I'm sure. And then, if things do not go to plan- or you decide you want a greater share of the pay- you simply run to the authorities with your little ruse and expect us to play along. No, I think I will pass on your tempting offer."

With that, he started heading for the ship, still chuckling. He really wanted to see this fake Rotor for himself, now. He wanted to see the Hero who had the absolute nerve to be able to wander onto his ship and claim to be someone XPlode was close to. He wondered if it would be a familiar face. He wasn't sure if he could keep a straight face if he was going to walk in and make eye contact with Stormer in a Rotor costume.

He was fairly sure it wasn't a cosplayer by now. It was a possibility, but he was pretty sure it would take a very particular mix of bravery and stupidity to pull this stunt, and that mix was something most Heroes seemed to have in spades.

~

IC: GyRotor - Internal Screaming Intensifies

He saw XPlode start to walk towards the ship and hid his shaking hands by re-running system checks. Well, this was it. He couldn't fly out, XPlode would be blocking the exit and there wasn't enough room to properly fly in the first place, so he was going to have to try and run for it, and maybe take XPlode by surprise enough to push by, over, or under him.

Well, if he died here, he wouldn't have to deal with the chewing out from Plume. There was that.

"Finally," he said to Blink, rolling his optics.

IC: Kororia - Wherein Fate Is Granted A Boon

She took her bag off her back to pull a crocheted scarf from it. It was soft and warm, with an alternating stripe pattern. She held it up proudly for the other Rahkshi to see.

"My Dad showed me how to make things with yarn," she said brightly. "You can have this one if you want! I can always make more- I brought all my yarn making stuff. Do you like it?"

OOC: Who doesn't post from a mobile

IC: Kororia - Making A Friend

"Ooh! It looks really good!" She bounced on her heels. "My Mum made mine, kind of. Mum makes weapons sometimes, but she doesn't make all of hers. Dad makes all sorts of different things. He shows me how to make things too! Do you wanna see something I made?"

IC: Armani - Tower Of Mistakes

She nodded. "It was incredibly tragic. Will you be needing someone to visit their next of kin? It is not often a task many people willingly take. I can do it myself to take that burden off another's hands, if need be."

IC: Kororia - Making Friends

"That's really cool! What other things do you make?"

She was really liking this place so far. Everyone was so nice! And she already had something in common with this Rahkshi- she liked to make things, too. it made her wonder if there was a whole arts and crafts club here.

IC: Armani - Proud Of Bai Bai

She beamed at Bai Bai, lifting her hand to pat Bai Bai's shoulder as she went by. She was very happy for her friend. When she left, Armani stood at attention facing Hakkzan and the rest of the group once more.

IC: Kororia - With New Friend

"Wow, you made it? It's really nice! I like to make things too. Mum showed me some stuff about making metal things, but I'm not very good at it yet, and the fire you need was very hot and dangerous so Mum had to do that part a lot. Did your parents teach you, too?"