Ghosthands

IC (Ageru Tazera) [Bridge of the Chiisai Ryuu] Tazera was frozen in place. Her eyes were wide, face taut with barely-contained emotion, equal parts horror and rage. The quandary before her should have been easy. The calculus of Order was clear: the life of one Menti was of little importance compared to the Chiisai Ryuu, a vessel of singular value both practical and symbolic. To give her up to some base thief, on this day of all days, when what remained of the Dasaka Empire had arrived beaten and bedraggled on foreign shores, exiled from its own homeland...it was unconscionable. One soldier was not worth the jewel of the fleet. Any commanding officer worth her salt would make this decision in a heartbeat. They would pay the price and pay it gladly, for the sake of the Empire. And yet, as she stared at the rogue Toa and Inzu's limp form in his grip, Tazera found that she could not. She looked at Inzu and saw not a pawn on the board, but a woman she knew. Not only as a subordinate, but as a person. Not only her dedication to her duties and her skills as a Menti, but also the cadence of her humour, the sound of her laugh. She knew Inzu would have had no qualms risking her life to defend the fleet, but this was not the same. The choice was not Inzu's, but hers. She asked herself if she could make that choice...and knew the answer. And in that moment Tazera knew she had been beaten. She struggled to loosen a jaw clenched tight. Her throat felt dry. "I will...relay...your demands," she managed in a half-choked voice, slow and halting, "...to my superiors." She raised a hand to her temple, as much to quell the pounding in her head as to focus her Ideatalk. Forgive me, Aya. The Lieutenant concentrated, and sent her words across the mental plane once more. :Commodore...: Though strong enough to reach Ayiwah on the dock, Tazera's mental transmission was unmistakably shaky, carrying flickers of anger, fear and shame despite her best efforts to suppress them. :The intruder has...taken Dastana Inzu hostage. He is demanding the Ryuu. In return for her life.: IC The decks of the Yukanna were a flurry of movement. With the Chiisai Ryuu now chained to the warship and held at surface-level, the Navy had restored access to and from the submersible. Koso had met Aeragot on his way from the bridge and escorted the Toa to the now-open hatch, just in time to see a number of Menti rappelling down from the Yukanna to secure the sub. At their head was a purple-armoured male, emerald cape and haori rippling behind him as he dropped ropeless. His fall was slowed at the last moment by an unseen force. Even as their feet hit the crystal hull, Lieutenant Tazera's voice echoed through the mental plane. It was only one word — :WAIT!: — but it was laced with desperate urgency. While the other Menti were still exchanging glances, the purple-armoured male was already disappearing through the hatch. OOC: @Razgriz @Vezok's Friend @oncertainty @Umbraline Yumiwa

IC (Ageru Kilanya) [Fort Kizuno, Odaiba] "Yes...and no," Kilanya replied. "The energy of the Soul is not of the physical world, and the world resists it. It can only exist within a space we maintain by the strength of our will; without that, it dissipates. That space is your Soulsword. Its shape is a boundary, between the mental and the physical." The boundary between Soul and World. The edge that cuts reality. "By attempting to 'mould' it, you have been reshaping that boundary while it already contains your power. This makes it unstable. Instead you must define the boundary first, in its entirety. You must know its every facet, hold it in your mind, and impose it on the world. Then you may fill it with your Soul, and so forge your Sword." She shook her head, looking down at the well-trodden dirt of the training ground. "These concepts are difficult to express in mere words, and more difficult still to understand from them alone. But..." She raised her one-eyed gaze to meet Shiki's once more. "...there is another way they might be shared. If you are willing."

IC (Ageru Tazera) [Bridge of the Chiisai Ryuu] Tazera watched Aeragot leave the bridge and breathed a silent sigh of relief. That was one less complication to deal with. Although she had to admit, the Toa's efforts to defuse the situation had probably been what was needed. Thanks to him, the intruder had been talked down and would soon be in Marine custody, with no further damage done to the Ryuu's bridge or the febrile diplomatic situation. It seemed this whole debacle was finally drawing to a— Then she felt it. A faint tingling on the skin. A sense of dryness, a charge in the air. A hint of metal on the tongue, like the taste of a dry thunderstorm. She'd felt these sensations before, only a little while ago, and what they presaged was bad news indeed. The Lieutenant wheeled around to see Rudra looking directly at her, as Inzu reached out to bind his proffered hands. The Toa was smiling. Too late, Tazera's warning thundered through the mental plane. :WAIT—:

IC (Ageru Kilanya) [Fort Kizuno, Odaiba] A frown of concern and perplexment creased Kilanya's features as Shiki demonstrated her summoning. Her words described the right process, but they were little more than a mantra, and her body language told a different story. Kilanya could see the strain on her face, the tension in her neck and jaw. What ought to be calm focus was instead a struggle. Her consternation only increased when the young Menti's Soulsword began to manifest. Kilanya watched with bemusement as the psionic energy began to warp, wrench, compact over itself. The roiling, shuddering mass gradually elongated and became more defined in shape until, at last, it had been coerced into the form of a sword. "Done." Its design was decidedly archaic, Kilanya noted. That was unusual: most trainee Soulswords began by emulating the bokken they were familiar with, then graduated to the shape of a typical modern katana. That Shiki was going out of her way to emulate an ancient sword was not a problem in itself, certainly not when compared to the flaws already evident in her summoning process, but it was curious nonetheless, and Kilanya couldn't help but wonder whether this hinted towards the source of the young Menti's difficulties. "Hmm," she mused. "I can see two issues here. One is obvious and should be simple enough to correct. The other...I am unsure. It's difficult to tell, from the outside looking in." The Toroshu knelt, settling into seiza herself opposite Shiki. "First things first. Your process of shaping is improper — it's no wonder you find yourself with a brittle blade. Your material here is your very Soul, and from what I can see, you are trying to force it into shape. In so doing, you are fighting your own Self, and your blade will be imbued with that tension. That makes it brittle; that is why it shatters. "So do not try to force it. Remember, you are not forging a physical sword: the energy of the Soul is not metal to be hammered or crystal to be carved. Rather, it is like water. You must let it flow. First define the shape, the mould, and then allow your Soul to fill it."

IC (Ageru Kilanya) [Fort Kizuno, Odaiba] "No," Kilanya said. "It is not the same for everyone. Quite the opposite: each Soulsword is as unique as the soul that births it. It is an emanation of the Self; the art of the Soulsword is to reach into the heart of one's being, and forge of it a weapon. It cannot be learned by rote from another, as you have learned your drills. It requires...connection, between Mind and Soul. One must know the Self from which one is drawing." Kilanya's face and tone softened gradually as she spoke, as she settled into the rhythm of sharing well-worn knowledge: half a recitation of the Tenshuu-ryu philosophies, half an expression of deeply personal experience. "I realise this may not be of much help," she continued, with a small, rueful smile. "Words cannot fully convey the truth of what you must do, but they are a starting point. So: describe to me, if you can, the process of calling forth your blade. Not what you have been told to do, but what you think, what you feel, when you try to summon."

IC (Ageru Tazera) [Bridge of the Chiisai Ryuu] Tazera nodded slowly, careful to keep her eyes on Rudra as she did. Those raised hands might indicate surrender, but chances were they were also ready to fire off lightning bolts the moment she let her guard down. "Unlike you, I believe he came here in good faith. So yes, I'll choose to overlook his unauthorised incursion onto this vessel." She sent a quick Ideatalk to her subordinate. :Inzu, secure the prisoner.: :Yes, ma'am.: The Menti stepped forward, taking a length of sailor's rope from her waist and approaching Rudra cautiously. Tazera turned to Aeragot. "As far as I'm concerned, you're free to go. Although I can't speak for the Marines; they may want to question you as a witness. Whatever the case may be, I'd ask that you leave the ship immediately." OOC: @Razgriz @oncertainty

IC (Ageru Kilanya) [Fort Kizuno, Odaiba] Kilanya had smiled at Shiki's thoughtless words before, but not so this time. Though the young Menti was facing away and could not see the stony expression on her Toroshu's face, the aura of her disapproval was tangible enough. The leader of the Ageru was not a humourless person, but the Rahkshi were as far from a laughing matter to her as anything could be. Such jokes were the luxury of those who had not seen what the monsters were truly capable of, who had not watched them slaughter Dashi and Menti alike, who had not had to pry their own life from the jaws of death at these demons' vicious hands. Perhaps, if they were somehow victorious, the day would someday come when she herself could laugh and joke about the Rahkshi in the comfort of peace and safety. But for now, their very name was a lodestone for her hatred, fear, rage, and grief. The young Menti stopped her drills, and turned. With her single eye, Kilanya met and held her gaze intently. "Good," she said simply. Her tone was not frosty, but her voice seemed hard as iron nonetheless. "And?"

IC (Lohkar) [The Dancing Crab, Ostia] Lohkar settled back in his seat with a broad, self-satisfied smile and swigged happily from his tankard. Now this was the power of delegation. He got all the fun of the initial meet-and-greet, got to leverage the trademark Cap'n Lohkar charisma and make sure the prospective deck-swabbers knew who they were dealing with, and then Yasurek would take over for all the boring "are you in any way suited to joining a pirate crew" bollocks. Good ol' Yasurek. The lad was almost tediously dependable. He'd practically begged Lohkar to let him interview the applicants — though whether that was out of an ingrained Ko-Matoran obsession with paperwork (previously a foreign concept aboard the 'Vika), or a simple instinct of self-preservation (i.e. making sure his captain wasn't going to hire anyone criminally insane or dangerously incompetent), Lohkar couldn't tell. Either way, this was a truly elegant solution to the twin problems of not getting bored and not hiring anyone who would blow up the ship. He shifted his legs (still resting up on the table) into a slightly more comfortable position, and took another swig of rum, silently toasting productivity. OOC: @pokemonlover360 @Visaru @Snelly @Void Emissary

IC (Ageru Kilanya) [Fort Kizuno, Odaiba] A subtle smile flitted across Kilanya's face as the young Menti replied brusquely to her question. She didn't begrudge the girl her apparent disrespectfulness; it was clear she was focused intently on her training, everything else on autopilot, her words instinctive rather than considered. That was good: clearly Shiki was applying herself diligently, much as she had been in her repair work when she'd first seen her. Whatever the young Menti's problems stemmed from, it was not laziness or lack of effort. Kilanya nodded, watching. "Your form is good," she remarked. "A little stiff, perhaps, but you've learned the motions well, and you show speed and precision. This will serve you well." There was more to it than that. To Kilanya's seasoned eye, it was clear that despite Shiki's mastery of her exercises, they were still just that: exercises. They were tasks to be memorised, rules to be obeyed, not yet internalised as a part of herself, of her personal armoury of techniques. She could see it in the momentary pauses between strings: there was a beat, a reset, between the predetermined end of one set of kata and the start of the next. Though she had learned them well, each sequence did not flow into the next. They were not yet part of a greater whole, the unbroken cycle of the practised warrior. She did not tell Shiki this; there would be little to be gained from the telling. That skill could only come with time and experience. Better to give her credit for what she was doing well, and then address the more immediate issue.

IC (Vrinak the Broker) [The Warrens] The Broker was seated in a comfortably-upholstered chair, its twin placed opposite for Ispudir's usage. He smiled up at his guest as she entered, lounging nonchalantly back in his seat, cigar in hand. "Here we understand the respect a Warlord is due," he replied in his usual baritone purr, inclining his head in greeting. "It's always a pleasure to host one of my most valued customers." The room itself was little more than a cave, a chamber hewn from the bare rock, but its contents were appropriately lavish for entertaining a guest of Warlord Garsi's stature. Ornate lamps filled the room with a warm orange glow; patterned rugs softened the cold stone floor. Couches had been placed behind Ipsudir's seat for the use of her entourage (if they so chose), and a long table nearby held all manner of delicacies: ripe fruit from the Spineless Bay, bottles of fine Seprillian alcohol, cases of Vrinak's signature cigars, and more. It went without saying that they were all of the finest quality. "And of course, you and your men are most welcome to any refreshment" — he gestured to the long table and its goods — "you may desire." The Broker's men lined the outside of the room and the entrance — just enough of them to subtly outnumber Ispudir's, but no more. They stood with carefully neutral stances and expressions, watching the Warlord and her men carefully. Each was visibly armed; again, just enough so to remind all those present that the Broker was a well-protected man, especially within his own base of operations. "So," Vrinak continued, locking eyes with his guest and taking a draw from his cigar, "what can I do for you today, Lady Garsi?" OOC: @Mel @Visaru @Geardirector

I'll let those involved in other interactions answer for themselves, but for my part, Clan Ageru is the main force holding the line against Makuta's forces on Odaiba. They've been pushed back to a foothold near Sado, controlling barely enough land to feed the remaining Dasaka population in the Archipelago, and under constant threat of attack by Rahkshi and infected Rahi. Kilanya, leader of the Ageru, is one of the few Toroshu who chose to remain behind during the evacuation. She currently commands the Dasaka forces on Odaiba from Fort Kizuno, an old fortress situated near the front line. The war has been brutal, and the Dasaka have sustained heavy losses, but Kilanya nonetheless stands and fights among her troops to bolster morale. Right now, Kilanya has just returned to Kizuno from the war council on Sado, and is overseeing a training session at the fort. For the moment, there is a lull in the fighting and reinforcements from Clan Dastana (now the ruling clan of Kentoku) are expected, but who knows how long things will stay quiet? If you'd like to have your character be one of the Menti defending Odaiba, they'd be most welcome. They wouldn't have to be an Ageru, by the way: the invasion has shaken up the usual order of things, and Kilanya's forces are made up of Menti of all stripes.

IC (Lohkar) [The Dancing Crab, Ostia] Lohkar, meanwhile, didn't so much as flinch at the sudden appearance of the assassin-turned-sailor. He gave her a nod and grin in greeting and turned his attention back to Verak. "Thought you were lookin' different some'ow," he remarked. "What's the story?" OOC: @Visaru @Snelly @Void Emissary

IC (Lohkar) [The Dancing Crab, Ostia] "Dunno if I'd say dire need," Lohkar replied with a smirk. "But aye, you'd be welcome aboard. Long as you don't make yourself too much of a liability." He took another swig. "I seem to remember you bein' one o' the few people around who can make me look cautious an' prudent." OOC: @Visaru @Void Emissary

IC (Lohkar) [The Dancing Crab, Ostia] Lohkar squinted briefly at the newcomer, then grinned in recognition. "Oh it's you!" he exclaimed. "Virok! No...Vekar...? Wait!" One finger shot up, as if to silence any corrections. "It'll come to me." ... "Verak-" "VERAK! Well, the other Verak. Just as well — never did like the first one." He raised his flagon in greeting. "Good to see ya, mate! What brings you to this charming den of iniquity?" The reclining captain took a glug of rum and raised an eyebrow conspiratorially. "Heard the good news?" OOC: @Visaru @Void Emissary

IC (Lohkar) [The Dancing Crab, Ostia] Gunner's look was answered with a lazy grin. "It's an investment, mate, an investment. When 'ave I ever steered us wrong, eh?"

IC (Syrik) [Echelon's Lair] The air was heavy with tension as Kreigero took the proffered bundle of medical supplies, the glacial cave quiet save for the faint drip and gurgle of meltwater. With the handover completed, Syrik smiled and returned the Matoran's nod, though that sharp glint never left his eyes. "Well, then." He stepped back to his previous spot near Aerus and the door, and turned back to the travellers once more. He looked slowly to each of them in turn, one last time. "Safe journey," he said. His tone was superficially sincere, but it carried the faintest undertones of both amusement and threat. "Be careful out there." OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @~Xemnas~ @Goose

IC (Ageru Tazera) [Bridge of the Chiisai Ryuu] Military composure be ****ed, Tazera would have rolled her eyes if it hadn't meant taking them off the two Toa. She settled for pursing her lips tight in frustration instead. Had she not made it clear that she was trying to arrest the thief, not kill him? Even in the face of his absolute refusal to abandon his attempted hijacking? Was the black-armoured Toa so gullible that he was falling prey to such obvious manipulation by this charlatan? Was the threat of execution such anathema to the locals that it had deafened him to everything else she'd said? Or was he deliberately misunderstanding her for reasons of his own, perhaps to justify throwing in his lot with this 'Rudra'? "I have no intention of executing him," she said, exercising heroic levels of restraint to keep her words slow and level, giving each its full weight. "My intention is to detain him and turn him over to the Ga-Koronan authorities. He will be tried by your people, and under your laws. Is this acceptable to you?" Perhaps she was giving the Toa too much credit, taking his words in good faith and assuming he would listen to reason. She hoped she wasn't. OOC: @oncertainty @Razgriz @Vezok's Friend No worries! It's been a busy time for most of us.

IC (Syrik) [Echelon's Lair] Silence reigned again for a moment as Savrehn became the new target of Syrik's unblinking stare. Then the Toa smiled, and nodded. "That's good to hear," he said. "I was worried for a moment there." He stepped forward towards the closest of the Matoran and held out the roll of bandages and vial of disinfectant. "Here."

IC (Syrik) [Echelon's Lair] Silence hung heavy in the frigid air. Whether Syrik was expecting Kreigero to elaborate, or keeping quiet for some other reason of his own, the others could only guess at. His gaze remained locked with the Ko-Matoran's. The faint not-quite-smile did not waver until he spoke again. "And...is he all right?"

IC (Ageru Kilanya) [Fort Kizuno, Odaiba] The afternoon passed quickly; Kilanya's sweep of the fort was thorough but uneventful, showing the defences to be in an acceptable state and the supply stocks at satisfactory levels. Returning to the command chambers near the top of the donjon, she received updates from various aides as to the status of the Odaiba foothold in her absence: Rahkshi activity levels, safety and efficiency of supply routes, condition of outer defensive emplacements... By the time the setting sun had begun to paint the clouds in pink and gold, she was at last fully appraised of everything and free to inspect the training session where she expected to find young Shiki. The Kizuno training ground was not the Yards, where classes were meticulously grouped by experience, talent and specialisation; they had neither the numbers nor the time for that. A rough delineation by Discipline was the most the overworked instructors could manage: here a group of Sighteyes conjuring the particular decoys that had been found effective against Rahkshi, there a squad of Mindarms lifting boulders and hurling spears. Sitting meditating in a circle, the Willhammers were the smallest group, since their Discipline had shown itself to be more a liability than an asset against this alien foe. There were even a number of Dashi volunteers, practicing spear drills in unison with lengths of bamboo standing in for yari. Kilanya stopped by each group in turn, offering praise or correction where warranted, and generally making her presence felt. Unsurprisingly given the large Ageru presence, the Soulswords were the largest group. They were also the ones Kilanya spent the most time with: here she could give practical demonstrations as well as feedback. As she walked slowly between the lines of practicing swordswomen, she stopped here and there to illustrate proper form for the many Tenshuu-ryu sword techniques, and spar briefly with some of the more advanced learners. She thought — or hoped — that the trainees were imbued with a new energy and diligence after receiving instruction directly from their Toroshu. It was the least she could do to prepare them for the unforgiving battlefield Odaiba had become. Eventually she reached the young Menti she'd met earlier in the day. She approached with the same commander's gait as before: tightly controlled steps, back straight, hands clasped behind her. "Shiki," she said, greeting her with a small nod. "How goes your practice?" OOC: @Razgriz

IC (Syrik) [Echelon's Lair] The Toa grinned. "Good plan." Together, the newly-acquainted partners traversed the corridors back towards the entrance. Syrik waved open the magnetic door once more, and stepped out, medical supplies in hand. If he was relieved or surprised to find the three Matoran were still there, he didn't show it. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long," he said amiably. Although... The Toa's eyes swept around the ice cave, then settled on Kreigero. He tilted his head a little to one side, a quizzical hint of a smile hovering over his lips. "Your Hapaka's gone." OOC: @Goose @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @Tarn

IC (Vrinak the Broker) [The Warrens] Tabakk smoke wisped and coiled in the lantern glow of the Broker's private study, deep in the Warrens. Vrinak sat at a broad wooden desk stacked with papers and logbooks, cigar in hand, perusing a letter. It had arrived that morning from one of his agents: she had made contact with the estranged Nakihl Kalzok, who claimed to have discovered a pristine archive and tomb of the ancient Lesterin, and was offering its contents in return for bankrolling the excavation and access to the information contained within. Quite a claim, and quite a favourable deal, if he was telling the truth — which the agent claimed to be sure he was, though the Broker had reason to doubt her objectivity in this particular case. Fortunately, for verification, the letter came with sketches detailing a memory crystal the contact had retrieved, and a smaller fragment. The Nakihl the Broker kept in his employ had analysed it and assured him it was genuine. All well, then. Vrinak pulled pen and paper from a drawer and swiftly scrivened his reply. I accept your offer. I will have an excavation team and escort ready within a week, together with the necessary equipment and supplies. Come to the Warrens and you may lead them to the location. I look forward to doing business with you. - V. A second letter he addressed directly to the agent who had relayed the Nakihl's offer. Good find. I'm pleased. But don't think your history with this man has escaped my notice. Make sure it doesn't cloud your judgment. The Broker sealed both missives and held them out towards his majordomo. The Kaiakan dutifully stepped forward, took the letters, and left the study to send them on their way north. He returned soon after, with news: "Warlord Garsi has arrived, sir." "Ah, yes," the Broker said approvingly, taking one more tug on his cigar before stubbing it out and rising to his feet. "I take it she's being shown to the usual receiving chamber." "Of course, sir," the Kaiakan replied, fetching his master's coat from where it hung on a nearby stand and holding it out for him to don. "She will be waiting for you there." "Very good," the Broker purred, smiling. Few items in his schedule were as likely to be interesting or lucrative as a meeting with a warlord. ____________ Ipsudir was met by a group of Broker's men of similarly diverse makeup to those who had escorted them from the canyon opening to an entrance to the Warrens proper, Skakdi and Lesterin standing side-by-side. One Skakdi stepped forward as they approached, and bowed. "Warlord Garsi," he addressed her respectfully. "The Broker is honoured by your visit, as always. Please, follow me." There was, of course, no request that she or her entourage give up their weapons as they entered the Broker's underground domain. Cautious as he was, Vrinak knew better than to so gravely insult a warlord with such a demand. Besides, the risk was low enough: despite her ferocity, Ipsudir was one of the more prudent of her peers, and plenty of his own men would be present and just as well-armed as their guests. Mutually assured destruction was the Skakdi way, after all. OOC: @NorikSigma @Mel

Word is spreading on Mata Nui. The Infernavika has made port in Ostia, and her captain has a revelation to share: he knows the location of Zakaz, and is preparing to sail there in the near future. He's more than happy to offer passage aboard his ship, and will provide the location to any captains wishing to make the voyage personally (all for a reasonable price, of course). If you have a character on Mata Nui you'd like to send to the Zakaz region, this is your chance. Also, the 'Vika is a little short-staffed at present, so Lohkar is actively recruiting new crewmembers. If you have a sailor, scallywag or swashbuckler who's looking for some adventure, they'd be most welcome. Lohkar's going back to his piratical roots, and plunder awaits on the seas of Zakaz. To get in on any of the above action, just head on down to Ostia and find Captain Lohkar at the Dancing Crab tavern. Alternatively, if you'd like to skip the introductions and avoid getting bogged down in Meetings™, feel free to shoot me a PM and we can have your character aboard the ship after the voyage has begun. The distance between Mata Nui and Zakaz is considerable, so the bulk of the voyage(s) will most likely take place during one of the traditional mid-arc timeskips, as and when that happens. But rest assured, this will be the start of cross-pollination between the BZPRPG's oldest locale and its newest. Now...bring me that horizon.

OOC: Taking advantage of the current moment to timeskip things forward for the 'Vika. IC (Lohkar) [The Infernavika, Ostia] Today would be a rare treat for the ship-watchers of Ostia. From the casual onlooker to the dedicated enthusiast, the departure of the Fowadi in all her refitted glory was a long-awaited spectacle for the denizens of the port town's dockyards. So imagine their surprise and delight when, scarcely an hour later, the more eagle-eyed among them identified a distant approaching vessel as the other contender for Mata Nui's most famous ship. Tall and sleek in the Lesterin style, triple-masted, carved from red Khacha wood, the Infernavika was an unmistakable sight even before she was close enough to make out her figurehead (the eponymous firebird) and nameplate. Racing across Leva Bay with all the speed for which she was renowned, she cut through the glittering water with the grace and power of a Takea. Her snow-white sails were furled one by one as she neared the port, gradually slowing her approach to a gentle glide, until her crew dropped anchor and leapt with ropes to secure her to the dock. Her main-mast flew a Ga-Koronan privateer flag, though it was evident from mutterings among some of the more lawfully-minded folk present that not everybody was convinced by the crew's heel-face turn of recent times. The gangplank was slid out and secured, and Captain Lohkar came striding across to equal parts cheers and jeers from those around, all of which were answered with the same roguish grin. "Good to see ya all too!" With the ship docked, Lohkar and his crew set to work. Some, coordinated by Gunner, began the process of scouting out, purchasing and loading the various goods that would be needed for their voyage. Others, glad of any excuse to frequent the port's bars and taverns, began a nonetheless equally important task: spreading rumours. A sign posted on a noticeboard here, an easily-overheard conversation there, a whisper and a widget slipped to the right person...word travels fast on an island where people wear the Kakama and Kualsi, and soon it would reach not just every corner of Ostia, but each of the six Koro and everywhere in-between. The word was that Captain Lohkar was back in town, and this time he had the motherload: he knew the location of the islands of Zakaz and Seprilli, home to the Skakdi and Lesterin peoples and full of opportunity for those bold enough to grasp it. The Infernavika would soon be setting sail to make the long and difficult voyage to those distant lands, and was offering passage aboard to any willing to pay. Not only this, the location itself was also for sale to any who wished to make the journey themselves. And lastly, Lohkar was once again recruiting. Ostensibly this was all legitimate enterprise and the Infernavika was nowadays toeing the legal line, but to the right ears, there would be an implication that the Infernavika's activities in Zakazian waters might be of a more piratical nature... *** Lohkar sat in the private back room of the Dancing Crab, generally accepted as Ostia's liveliest and seediest tavern, legs up and lazily crossed on the table in front of him. "And now," he murmured over a mug of the house rum, "we wait."

IC (Lohkar) [The Infernavika, off the Po-Wahi coast] A pause. "Karz. I can't believe we've never thought o' that before."