Bzprpg - Ko-Wahi

[Toa Of Virtues]

IC (Nawal):"So it has been forgotton, but I don't know how long it has been since they were all alive. Everyone had been murdered there, and I have just returned to see it with my friend, Lathon."

[Constructelf]

IC: Vincente"Perhaps you could go ask someone in one of the taverns or the marketplace about this village," he said. "Yeah, I think you could go ask someone in the taverns or the inns; or you could even try looking in the Sanctum," he said as he walked off.

[The Lorax]

IC (Echelon)"It is a very specific request," Echelon replied, "and it may be no mean task to acquire, so naturally I will be willing to pay in whatever means is necessary. I want three balls of solid Protosteel, each one inch in diameter, flawless, and perfectly spherical. I'm sure you can understand why I would favour such items."OOC: I know this is a long shot, especially since I don't know what the status of Protosteel in the BZPRPG is

OOC: From what I gather, protosteel in the BZPRPG is rare, but not uncommon. There are more than a few characters running around with weapons/armour made of the stuff, and a knowledgeable toa of iron can produce it like any other metal.IC (Karemo and Kitano): "Excuse me for interrupting" Karemo rumbled, "But metal are mt area of expertise. You need not look so far for these itemsProtosteel is not something you see everyday, but it is being used more and more on this island. For one with the right knowledge and skills, it is not hard to come by".The toa of iron waved his hand with a flourish, holding his palm out to Echelon with his fingers spread. On the tips of his thumb, middle, and little fingers, balls of metal began to grow, swelling to the size and shape Echelon had specified. When they were complete, the detatched themselves from his digits, and remained, floating in the air between the two.

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)One of the spheres detached from the others, and floated over to Echelon's upturned palm. He raised it to his eye-level, where it hovered, while he probed it magnetically, searching for any flaws or weaknesses in the metal. After a few seconds, the other two floated over to join it, where they orbited one another gracefully. The surface of the metal was perfect and reflective, the Protosteel shining coldly in the glow if the Lightstones."Impressive," the Toa of Magnetism observed. "Not a single flaw, evenly compressed...your skills are worthy, Karemo. You have my thanks."Echelon concentrated for a few seconds, and the shrine's door opened. A Toa, blank-eyed and corpse-cold, entered."No doubt some of you are wondering why I would request such a gift," he said to the assembled beings. "Allow me to demonstrate."The three spheres were now orbiting above Echelon's cupped palm. Suddenly, he splayed his fingers, and one of the spheres shot with bullet-like speed at the undead Toa, right at its sternum.The ball of metal punched straight through the Toa's armoured chest, embedding itself in the stone wall behind it.

[25K Now!]

IC: [iegasa]"Impressive," commented Iegasa. "Although I believe I may have to fix the wall. Leaving it in such a state would be untidy no?"

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)Echelon walked over to the wall, and the sphere dropped into his hand, leaving a small, smooth hemispherical depression."My apologies for the dent," he said.The sphere rose once more, and rotated in the air. There was not a single scratch on it.

[25K Now!]

IC: [iegasa]"Do not worry," he replied. "It can be easily fixed."

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)"With respect, Iegasa," Echelon replied, "I do not worry about dents. I merely thought it courteous to mention."

[25K Now!]

IC: [iegasa]"I understand."

[Constructelf]

OOC: X-Men reference. I'm surprised nobody got that.IC: IraIra watched Echelon and his, well, balls. "That's a neat trick he has there," he thought. He wondered how he could stretch his own powers and in his mind began to formulate a master move.

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Kino Iho)Kino's eyes closed for a second taking in all the new information. It was amazing how all these various things had seemingly piled up. She could tell the Echelon was frustrated could only see her eyes and the general figure of her body through the cloak and clothing. As far as Ambrages went she didn't quite like him only because he managed to go by relatively unnoticed and therefore was a greater threat to her power than she would have liked. Also he had Xa-Koro so to speak. That could mean any number of things on how he was controlling it. Did he control property or did have investments in the gangs? Did the people love him, or was he universally hated and feared there."How exactly is Xa-Koro under you control?" Kino asked, intrigued but without a hint of venom. Jealousy ate away at her, but she managed to expertly not show it. Her body didn't tense up and her grey eyes only seemed to have an inquisitive look to them. Even if Ambrages didn't answer. "I have a plan of my own to provide this group with greater movement across this island and in the Koros but that would require some other men and women here becoming deep cover agents and is the reason why I need a really good thief, actually I need the best one. Does the Cultured Gentry have someone dependable in mind that could provide such services?"

[AuRon the champion]

IC: Suminaxe:"Impressive indeed. The gifts the Makuta bestows upon his faithful are truly grand."

[Visaru]

ICAlyo walked between the shining ice huts that lined the cobblestone street. Snow lightly drifted onto his shoulder- not because it actually was snowing, but due to the winds, which whipped up the frozen water off the roofs and into the air. Alyo dusted it off his shoulders and ran his hands over his glistening arms, brushing off any other unwanted particles. His beautiful, laquered armor couldn't stand that sort of thing.It was especially cold today, so the toa of fire walked quicker and faster than usual. He, unlike most inhabitants, had no resistance to the cold. It affected him just as much- more you could say. Most Toa of fire were used to extreme heat, not the opposite. Alyo didn't mind it though- it kept him awake, kept his blood flowing, giving him energy. It made him feel alive. He nodded a few times to passing Matoran and tossed a widget to a younger one. He knew most of them by name, and the others he had at least seen before; 150+ years working with people in one Koro would do that to you. Alyo liked to think he was well liked, but he really didn't know.He was rich; that was the important part.The toa of fire turned a corner and noticed a being he had never seen before (Vincente). One that looked very unfamilair, a bit out of place. Alyo didn't pay him much attention, for newcomers to the Koro were very common. Instead he gave a slight nod and a 'hello' before moving on down the street feeling full of confidence. On top of the world.

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: Ambages tensed a little as Ronk appeared in the shrine, but it was not a genuine nervousness. It was a show, a sham that only two other people in the room could pick up and appreciate, and that was only if they looked closely enough. The architect had a foul-inspired respect for the men, but he had the more for Ronkshou, mainly because of his rank. Ambages had to know who his partners were, and when one worked with the Makuta, one had to know who Makuta sent out to do his bidding. Ronk was one of those people and more powerful than Echelon. Ambages knew that much. His gaze faded away from Ronk as the latter saw him but not his dignity; despite his respect and feigned fear he did not lose stature.His mind was trying to work out why the Makuta would send Ronkshou to the assembly in the first place, but his concentration was redirected when Iho spoke. "How exactly is Xa-Koro under you control?" Kino asked, intrigued but without a hint of venom. Her body didn't tense up and her grey eyes only seemed to have an inquisitive look to them. "I have a plan of my own to provide this group with greater movement across this island and in the Koros but that would require some other men and women here becoming deep cover agents and is the reason why I need a really good thief, actually I need the best one. Does the Cultured Gentry have someone dependable in mind that could provide such services?"Ambages shook his head. "We offer services of supplies and materials, Kino," he explained, "not people -- that's up to other groups and consortiums. Even if we did have someone in mind for that kind of job, I only represent a percentage of the intellectual pool in the Gentry. What we can do, though, is help you find that perfect someone. But I have a better idea that can help us all: Let's exchange information right here and now. You tell me what your plan is and I'll tell you how I have Xa-Koro in my palm, and as a result I'll see how I can help you and everyone here will come the wiser from our conversation. I think that sounds fair."

[The Lorax]

IC (Karemo and Kitano): Karemo bowed his head in ackowledgement of Echelon's thanks, and then returned his attention to the conversation. It was his brother, however, who spoke up."That sounds agreeable" Kitano replied to the architect's proposal. "You've shared little enough information so far - only vague hints. If you finally want to open your mouth and speak plainly, go ahead. I am sure noone here will stop you."

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: "I am aware people would love to hear everything I have been withholding, Kitano," Ambages said. "It is the public exchange of information between Kino and I that demands... it's approval of," he said, jibing at Kino's ambiguous sexual orientation.

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Kino)Kino would liked to gut Ambrages right then and there for his insult, but he was worth so much more alive. So she did her best to remain passive at his insult."My plan was to make forgeries of badges that the various Guardsman carry around, along with the paperwork. To get a really good forgery you need the source, so basically what we need is the original badges and documentation. Along with that we need agents willing to stay in those organizations, to build up trust and then to use that trust. If anything it still will allow us to get past some guards initially. There are many possibilities those badges would allow us. Maybe you don't value subterfuge as highly as I do, but sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact. Especially in this situation." Kino replied. "Do you have anymore questions, more specifics you would like to know of Ambrages?" So Kino had given up one card, didn't mean she had more. Didn't mean Ambrages didn't have any either. Now she had two threats to her power. His "Wolf" jab was just a bluff. No one knew that she was The Wolf, their designs and build were completely different. Actually that wasn't completely, their build was relatively the same, but the clothing was different and the wolf never really hid the face that he was a Toa of Air. Where as Kino did.

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)Echelon watched the exchange between Ambages and Kino with interest. Secretly, he was pleased that Miss Iho was having her imagined authority threatened once again. Nevertheless, her plan seemed sound enough - if a little time-consuming and drawn-out."Your turn, Ambages," he said.

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Kino)She was able to catch Echelon look of interest to her plan. Time to up what was at stake, all the rewards that could be reaped by such a plan."I would assume that a member of the Cultured Gentry knows that certain things immediately pay out. While others are investments, investments you have to wait a bit to cash in. Kind of like my spy in the ILS. If we do want to attack them soon, while their defenses are still relatively weak then we must manage our time appropriately. If we can get those badges and paperwork while gathering equipment. We can place our most effective agents in those organizations. The benefits this would be almost too numerous to count."

[Flex Lord Splash]

IC (Nawal):"So it has been forgotton, but I don't know how long it has been since they were all alive. Everyone had been murdered there, and I have just returned to see it with my friend, Lathon."

IC: LathonLathon watched as the Toa they were speaking walked off. "What now?" he asked.

[Constructelf]

IC: VincenteVincente continued to walk off towards the marketplace when he saw a flash of green behind him. He pretended to trip and fall to get a good look at Nawal's companion when he saw him: Lathon. Now he could remember everything. He had been the leader of a group called the Skanohi under the alias of Zharuk Storukru. Or was that his real name? He didn't know. Getting up and walking towards the marketplace, he experienced a flashback. The village of Ihu-Koro had repeatedly refused to offer The Skanohi goods and he had come to the suspicion that the village was under the control of a rival mobster, Aakil K'raté. When his suspicions were confirmed, he sent the Skanohi to eliminate the village to remove a vital foothold of the Tattaglia criminal family. But then this meddler came in and slaughtered his forces! He had been watching the battle from the side using his Kanohi Huna that he had apparently lost in his fall off the island. Seeing this, he fled to Le-Wahi. "This is the toa that destroyed the reign of the Storukru family," he thought. "Still, I must keep calm. I can deal with him later." He continued towards the marketplace.OOC: That's my explanation for why the Skanohi destroyed Ihu-Koro: mafia politics.

Edited August 28, 2012 by Constructman

[Emzee]

IC (Echelon)OOC: I know this is a long shot, especially since I don't know what the status of Protosteel in the BZPRPG is

OOC: From what I gather, protosteel in the BZPRPG is rare, but not uncommon. There are more than a few characters running around with weapons/armour made of the stuff, and a knowledgeable toa of iron can produce it like any

OOC: That's the case in-game, but in most cases, protosteel requires staff approval. WIth that being the case, I'd say that giving Echelon protosteel, especially from me, would give an unfair advantage. Echelon is already rather powerful as he is. Let's just say those spheres are a dense metal -- not the indestructible stuff that is protosteel.IC: Ronkshou crossed his arms and watched the Makuta followers bicker. Normally, he would be interested in what the loyal followers were coming up with, but Ronkshou was a busy man, and all he needed was a comfirmed location."I believe there are a few obscure spots that transactions with Ahkmou can be made," Ronkshou said. He then picked up the map and pointed towards what he felt was the best transaction point."Do you agree to meet Ahkmou's company at this location in Xa-Koro?" Asked the Infected Toa.

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Zenix: Zenix looked at where Ronkshou was pointing and nodded. "That's fine with me. Does anyone object?"

[Ghosthands]

OOC: That works fine for me, and tbh it's what I was expecting. No need to edit; just retcon and say it's a dense alloy.IC (Echelon)Echelon nodded."I will accompany the party to Xa-Koro," he said. "I have business in the Islets in any event, and I should like to be present for the transaction and inspect the goods."

[Toa Of Virtues]

IC: LathonLathon watched as the Toa they were speaking walked off. "What now?" he asked.

"I was just asking someone if anyone knew about Ihu-Koro, he told me to go to a bar and ask. I don't know, somthing about that Toa makes me shudder"

[Flex Lord Splash]

IC: LathonLathon nodded, "Yeah I agree." he said. Suddenly he saw a flash of that same Toa, except he was wearing a Kanohi Huna. The flash in his mind ended as quickly as it came. Now he had no mask, was it possible it was the same Toa? Where had Lathon seen him before?

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: "Now you see? Everybody benefits from the exchange," Ambages said with arms outstretched in a sign of nonchalance in the negotiations. He ignored Echelon's remark, though."Xa-Koro is a city of lost and hopeless people. They lived most of their lives in a cesspool of despair, sleeping in slums and shacks on stilts, some even worse. They can't hope to rise up to the challenge of success and become true men an women of society -- for them, the darkness is all they know. I control Xa-Koro because of this.""So you strongarmed them into submission?" someone asked."No." His disdain for the hasty misconception was palpable. "I gave them hope. Even now a friend of mine is in the village, giving the denizens of the town what they so desire: A possibility of a new life. It is not charity, it is not a missions trip, but it is also not a conquest as you know it or a colonization attempt. In the end, the people of Xa-Koro will do what I command not because I forced them to or because I bribed them, but because I gave them what everyone else who went there failed to do. They will follow because they want to."In the meantime I have torn down the vestiges of their old life. Casinos ransacked, wealthy vermin smoked out, mobs and gangs either either assassinated or dissolved. I have my own boots on the ground, boots that are the finest in their line of work, and they have been doing a fine job. My control of Xa-Koro is ethereal, it is not something other people can take away from me, and it is something I can enforce." He gave a passing glance to Kino -- he knew what that woman wanted. He didn't have to see it in her eyes when he could taste it in her breath, in her words: She wanted to seize the city. Ambages made it clear he was there to stay.His attention turned to Ronk. His voice quivered a little when he spoke to the minion of the Makuta but he remained composed. "I can ensure that the meeting goes well and can also provide a base of operations for the followers of the Makuta." Then he swerved back to Kino."I notice you asked only for thieves when it is obvious that you need forgers, spies and charlatans all the same. I wonder, do you already have those positions filled? I don't need names -- just a yes or no."

[Constructelf]

IC: IraIra silently watched the current developments. He was reluctant to return to Xa-Koro as he was a wanted criminal there. But who would recognize him now? He was a changed man; both in personality and in appearance.IC: VincenteVincente hurried off. "Did he recognize me?" he thought frantically. Reaching the marketplace, he calmed down. He saw a couple of street performers playing music to the side; "No," he thought. He saw some people selling carvings; "No," hen thought. Then an idea came to him. "I'll never make it big selling small goods like these; I have to start big. But how?" He thought hard. "Most of the great mafians seemed to control large businesses. I need to start from the top. I'm going to start several businesses at once... Restaurants, yes. Steelworks, yes. Building companies, yes. I'm going to have to control several businesses at once. Casinos, weapon shops, pleasurehouses, anything that can turn a profit should be under my control. I'm also going to need help; I've got to find allies. After all, a mafia is family+business+organized crime. But I've also got to watch out for K'raté and the rest; where are they now?"

Edited August 28, 2012 by Constructman

[Ghosthands]

OOC: Wanted in Xa-Koro? Is there any such thing? XDIC (Echelon)Echelon listened intently to Ambages' tale. Most interesting. It would be highly useful to establish a power-base in Xa-Koro, and it seemed Ambages had already done most of the legwork. Good.The Necromancer's thoughts strayed. Soon...no, not yet. Things were still progressing far too slowly. Even with his little incentive...His attention moved back to the task at hand, and waited for Kino's answer.

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Zenix: Zenix's face remained emotionless. Not that anyone could see his face under his hood. He was silent as he listened to the story relayed upon the followers of Makuta by Ambages. Clearly, Ambages would become a useful ally. A very useful one, at that. His thoughts moved to that Kino person. Zenix was very suspicious of Kino's ulterior motives. What could he/she/it be planning? Zenix didn't know, but the Toa of Blackfire would have to confront Kino about it later. He quietly shook the thoughts out of his head and waited patiently to see what Kino would do next.

[Constructelf]

OOC: Well, I did burn down a tavern and then godmod my way out of there, so a very influential toa named Greed put a bounty on my head.IC: IraIra continued to listen to the developments. Best not to say anything

[Toa Of Virtues]

IC: LathonLathon nodded, "Yeah I agree." he said. Suddenly he saw a flash of that same Toa, except he was wearing a Kanohi Huna. The flash in his mind ended as quickly as it came. Now he had no mask, was it possible it was the same Toa? Where had Lathon seen him before?

IC (Nawal):"You OK there?" He asked Lathon, seeing him staring off into space.

[Emzee]

IC: Seba, Niici's Home

IC: The female Toa of Ice trudged through the snow on the rather lightweight day. No blizzards, just the calm, cool sun shining over her (though it was favoring the western cliffs pretty heavily). Niici preferred to walk to her house from the various gathering spots of the Cultured Gentry Executive board -- it was a common sense tactic used to keep her healthy. Niici walked up to her steps and opened the door. After slinging her handbag over the post, she walked into the living room where Seba was waiting with her favorite drink. She gingerly took it and whispered a "thanks" to the butler."Today was not too much trouble at all," Niici instinctively began talking about her day. It wasn't in her nature at first, but she quickly got into the habit after being declared the new Chief of Operations of the Cultured Gentry. She was the socialite now, and she had to act like it. "Everything is running smoothly. If our PR guy can bring back confirmation of the Windriders' agreement for a concert, we'll literally be in business," Niici said as she headed towards the kitchen. She wasn't sure if Seba was even listening or not.When she got to the cabinets on the top row, she opened the rightmost one and punched in the code. With a subtle click, Niici opened the safe. Inside was an herbal medicine which was a healthy light green color. Niici never wanted to depend on someone else for her medicine, not even Seba. Without a dosage every two days, Niici would become physically ill. Thus, Niici learned the ingredients and the skill to levigate the different herbs and make the medicine herself. After she fixed the solution, she turned around to face the living room, and her butler."So, how smooth and uneventful was your day?" asked Niici. IC: Ronkshou nodded and marked the spot on his map. Ahkmou and his crew was literally on the opposite side of the island, but if what Ambages and the others implied was true, then Xa-Koro would be the safest place for the transaction. "Very well," said the Infected Toa. He then pulled out a wooden slab and quickly carved something into it. He then tossed the thin, rectangular piece of wood to Echelon. "Meet Ahkmou's crew at that time," Ronkshou said, "It take some time for Ahkmou's crew to move their base from the canyon, but I believe this is best for everyone. That being said, try not to be late. You have a rather generous head start to Xa-Koro"With that, Ronkshou picked up his map (made from flax) and rolled it up."I must now head to Ahkmou and let him know of the time and location to send his goods. From now on, he is your contact person for future transactions. If there are any problems...", Ronkshou said, "... then handle it. Take care, and may the Darkness guide you to victory"With that, the Infected Toa returned the map to his backpack and walked down the aisle, leaving the shrine. Once outside, Ronkshou untied his (well-insulated from the cold) Kane-Ra and took off towards the north, where Ahkmou's band would be waiting. OOC: Ronkshou to Onu-Wahi...

[Krayzikk]

IC: Seba"Very. The usual tasks, sweeping, dusting, restocking the pantry." He smiled slightly. "I suppose having to devise an alternate route to the store was out of the ordinary. The usual path is still blocked off after those terrorists had their run of the place."Out of habit, he held his tray parallel to his side, tucked under his right arm. He noted that the wording of 'a concert', but didn't comment. "Well, I'm sure getting the Windriders to agree won't be an issue. After all, who in their right minds would turn down the Gentry?"

[Emzee]

IC: Niici chuckled."Well, the Windriders can certainly be prima donnas at times, but you're right. They'll have to agree," Niici said, "They need the money, and of course, the charity could definitely use the proceeds"The Toa of Ice then wondered if she ever actually told Seba about the concert. At any rate, it gave her another excuse to talk. "So... yeah. I brought up the idea of having a more inclusive fundraiser for the Cultured Gentry," Niici began rambling, "While the charity ball was a huge success, I don't think it helps our image. Having a concert that practically anyone can afford to go to should at least give us the same, if not more money, than our charity balls, and it improves our PR".Niici then shrugged. "That's it really. Once the terms are laid out and the contracts are signed, I'll be rather busy"

[Krayzikk]

IC: Seba"Ah, the late nights, and late night calls for one thing or another I see in my future." Seba said with false despair, and his ever present half-smile. "The situation sounds very much like a win for everyone concerned.""As usual, I suspect you've planned everything two steps ahead of the rest of us, and the concert factors into a bigger plan."

[BBBBalta]

OOC: The Horde from Kini-Nui.IC: The Horde trudged through the Drifts, eight splashes of color in the whitewashed world of Ko-Wahi making their way roughly east-northeast through the bone-chilling cold and all-consuming snow. The faint air of conversation about them was quickly smothered by the colorless blanket surrounding them from all sides - though there was certainly no one around for kio, this fact offered a certain measure of comfort as they discussed their plans."Once we find this shrine I'd say two of us should try to infiltrate it," Iraanus said. "Say we're there to worship the Makuta and a load of kane-ra dung like that. Then we can assess their numbers - assuming they've gathered more than the four we know about - as well as their defenses, supplies - anything else important. A shrine probably won't be well-defended, but you can never be too careful."

[Emzee]

IC: Niici gave a subtle grin."I suppose, assuming said plan is to get unbreakable support from the villagers that we will be assisting with the money we make. Oh, and become one of the most recognized figures on Mata Nui"Of course, that wasn't the true plan. The Cultured Gentry's clandestine motives were... less than moral, but Niici would never let Seba know that. The only real secret that Niici kept from the butler was the contents of a large, combination-locked file cabinet her in private quarters. When asked about it, Niici feigned shyness, but gave Seba a pretty clear hint. Niici had finished downing her herbal remedy and set her cup down on the counter. The Toa of Ice didn't really know what to do at first, but then she remembered the impending chaos that would ensue when this concert planning began. "I'm gonna go take a bath," Niici said, rising from the table and heading towards her private quarters, "Good talk"

[Krayzikk]

IC: SebaThe butler nodded. "Indeed. As usual, call if you need anything. Otherwise, I shall return to my work."He did just that, moving to clean an annoyoying patch of dust he spotted.

[Flex Lord Splash]

IC (Nawal):"You OK there?" He asked Lathon, seeing him staring off into space.

IC: LathonHe snapped out of it, "Yes... its just I've seen that Toa before, but I can't place it where." he said.