BIONIFIGHT INFINITE

[Eyru]

IC (Albrecht von Armbrüster)

 

The explanation takes no time at all,

and less to understand. I nod, and speak

but once: "I'll do as you have asked, and bring

this stone to you. But if I may, and if

your Grace allows, I'll ask one thing: what prize

awaits us once our group returns this Gem?"

[Voltex]

GM IC: THE QUEEN - QUEEN'S OFFICE

 

The reward I guarantee you is additional lives added onto your Infinite System counter, the Queen said, replying to Albrecht. That said, any weapons or other items we find on this quest I shall have no use for, outside of the gem itself. They shall be yours to keep.

[Not Quite Dead]

IC Ezezko - Queen's Office

The fancifully and rather pentatonic warrior gives you the Queen's explanation. Seems reasonable enough.

 

「I feel I should mention that, while I am not a psionics user in your world's shade or terms. My elemental affinity is one of the mind, so I should be able to mindmeld quite comfortably. It is a semi-common practice in my world, if I am understanding your description correctly.」

[Daniel the Finlander]

IC: Phazur (Commercial Sector)

 

As the various creatures ate food and filled their stomachs, an odd Matoran wielding an even stanger staff entered the hall. Immediately they decisively walked to the nearest merchandise stand and pushed it over. The loud thump and the clatter coming from the stall and various items falling on the floor gathered everyone's attention. "My fellow prisoners!" they shouted loudly with a voice that was neither male or female, and climbed on top of the toppled stand. "We have all been abducted and brought here to fight each other without our consent! Why do we allow this? They threaten our lives and are willing to make us suffer, but does that mean that we should bend the knee and obey those Brakas? NO!"

 

"But we cannot use direct force, for they have powers greater than ours.. But here is what I ask you to do, friends! When the next round begins, we shall all join.. But we will not fight! We refuse to entertain the organizers! We will all sit down and do nothing! WE REFUSE TO FIGHT! What can they do to us? They can't kill us, for they need us, so what's the worst they can do? Make us suffer? No pain is eternal! We will not yield until they are willing to negotiate, when they at least promise that we will not perish, that we can return to our homes and families soon, and that we can leave if we want to!" WE REFUSE TO FIGHT UNTIL THEY STOP TREATING US LIKE SLAVES!

 

Phazur wasn't a delusional fool: they knew that they were going to be punished or even die after this. But that's what they wanted. They would break the rules and refuse to fight until they would get to return back home or perish. They weren't afraid of death, for the Thirteenth realm awaited them, peaceful and eternal afterlife granted to all faithful priests. And besides, death is inevitable: it doesn't matter when it comes.

[Nato G]

IC: Xara - Commercial Sector. 

 

"How long do you guys think it'll be before one of the organisers kills that guy?" I asked the others, jabbing a thumb towards Phazur. 

[Wyrd Bid Ful Araed]

IC: "I came here from Ihu. That last fight was a little taste of home." Olari was just picking at the slice of cake Artorre had cut for her. It was debatable whether she was too melancholy to eat it or just didn't know what it was, "I am my village's sole protector against the unyielding menace of the Bohrok swarm. With me imprisoned here...I fear for my family and friends."

[Nato G]

IC: Dayeth - Training Sector. 

 

Her investigations of the lower hallways proving to be a waste of time, Dayeth stormed upstairs and eventually found herself in the training sector. She picked out a target at random and blasted them with Dark Fire, leaving it encased in a shell of blackened rime.

 

She strode forwards, taking her axe in both hands and swinging it sideways through the dummy's torso. The semi-frozen effigy shattered into multiple pieces, crashing all over the floor. "That was disappointing..." she looked around for something flesh and blood to destroy next.

 

OOC: Dayeth open for interaction. 

[Petewa]

IC: The Twi-Toa offered a hand to the cyborged matoran. "Skorm. I... Just arrived a while ago."

IC: Kopeyku

 

 

"Kopeyku, um," I scratch my head with my claw, "I apologize for having no hands to shake,"

[Click]

IC: Kopen - Queen's Office

 

So, it was an Infinity Gem. One of Psionics. But as much fun as it would be to make someone squirm mentally, she'd had enough of this prodding in her head.

 

"I don't need you in my head anymore," she stated. "And I don't need your protection. Drag me down there with your fancy mind powers if you like, because I'm not going any other way."

 

Her face was set. She was prepared for whatever the Queen wanted to throw at her for her insolence. This quest was ridiculous, even without her Royal Brakas.

[Keeper of Kraata]

IC: Skorm (Hallway)

 

Skorm moved his hand back to scratch his head. Great job on that, not being awkward. "You fight in the last round, or are you new like me?"

[Valendale]

IC: Cast-Food Court

 

Cast had just found what appeared to be something like a whole potato in his stew, when someone wearing a cloak over most of their body sat down across from him. The newcomer's tray was stacked high with food. Cast scolded himself mentally for not thinking to get that much food himself.

 

"You're one of the smart one's, you know.", Cast said, eating his own potato. It was delicious.

 

OOC: Talking to Shixahl.

[Burnmad]

IC - Artorre (Food Court):

 

Artorre sat, contemplative. "So you say you came from the mountain the arena was modeled after? Where is it located? Also, I haven't heard of these 'bow-rock' creatures you speak of, what are they like?"

 

IC - Shixahl (Food Court):

 

"Thank you," Shixahl replied, as he shot Cast a puzzled look. "I would, however, be able to better appreciate the compliment if I only knew what, exactly, incited it?"

 

This as he stuffed what equated to half of a chicken breast in his mouth. If Cast was watching, he may have been able to see the mouthful of fangs that would shortly tear it apart.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Colonel Roy Mustang

[Toru Nui]

IC: Navuru (Comfort Sector)

 

Coming out the other side of that surprisingly-longer-than-I-thought-it-would-be corridor, I find some sort of housing block, with rows upon rows of doors.

 

"I appear to have walked into a Ga-Metru music video."

 

OOC: Open for interaction.

[Voltex]

GM IC: THE QUEEN - QUEEN'S OFFICE

 

That is unfortunate, the Queen said to Kopen. You will come of your own accord, or I will begin docking lives from the Infinite System. This is not a battle you will win, Matoran - choose them more wisely. The only way you would stand a chance of winning against me would be to coerce the Host or the Enforcer to help you. 

 

She severed the connection as the door to the office vanished, leaving everyone - for the moment - trapped inside. The Queen next spoke to the group as a whole.

 

Are there any more questions, or shall we begin?

 

 

GM IC: ELITTRA - CAVE TUNNEL

 

With the lightning crackling in her palm lighting the way, Elittra continued on her way. The tunnel was slowly expanding, which both of the dragons would undoubtedly be happy about. There was just one problem... the ice on the walls.

 

"This definitely isn't the same cave I was in last time," she said, sounding worried.

[(Daedalus)]

IC: Von Worten (who is female)

 

I had done as directed by the Queen and mentally reiterated our task to Kopen and Ezezko. This Kopen seemed incredibly resistant to the Queen, a trait that, no doubt, had something to do with the scene the Queen had showed them earlier. Like many of us who were brought here to this tournament against our will, I was less than happy with the way things were turning out, but I saw no reason to resist from a position of weakness. If the time came, I might...

 

A leaf fell from above me and touched my cheek. I had no quarrel with the Queen (at the moment), and I thought it best to refrain from rebellious thoughts.

 

Something shifted in the room, and I glanced back. The door into the room had disappeared. The Queen's mind spoke to us again.

 

I brushed a tear from my eye. No. No questions.

[Constructelf]

IC: Lytrel

"No questions." Lytrel shifted in his seat, trying to not make eye contact with anybody in the room. This was gonna be a rough trip...

[Valendale]

IC: Cast-Food Court

 

"I'm just saying it's a good idea to eat like that. We never know when the next fight might start, so it's smart to stay full. I'd have something along those lines if I had thought of it. Come to think of it, I would have been eating well my whole life if I was preparing my own meals."

[Eyru]

IC (Albrecht von Armbrüster)

 

I nod; we all agree, except for her,

this girl who seems to think this battle's one

that she can win. The lesson I was taught

before all else is thus: you may be strong,

but choose your battles carefully and well.

The wisdom of my teacher stayed my hand

until I'd learned enough to slay him, break

his sword, and forge my bloody path alone.

His corpse now lies beneath the rocks of Dan,

but, all too easily, it might have been

my own, had I not learned to sit and wait.

[Click]

IC: Kopen - Queen's Office

 

She had worked with beings who wanted nothing more than her death. It was an... occupational hazard. There was a point where you've pushed too far, and the scales are dipping more in favor of killing you than your life's worth. To go beyond that point was just self-destructive.

 

But she did have one last question. She couldn't just back down like this. To do so would mean to forfeit all progress she had made, if it could be called that. "I've got one," she snarled. "Do you know what your biggest mistake was? Bringing me here. Back home, I had a semblance of respect. Here, I've got nothing to lose. Go on, dock a life. Take two while you're at it, and cut it out with all of these 'displays of power.'" She turned her head to face the now blank wall where the door had stood. It always paid to keep one eye on the exits, and she had sensed the wall going flat.

 

She turned back to the Queen, face still set. "Torture me with your powers. Leave me nothing but a husk. Show our lovely, pathetic audience who they are really dealing with, and just how much you want that Gem. Show them the monster who's going to sink her claws into it and gain all its power for just a few worthless lives."

[Chro]

"How long do you guys think it'll be before one of the organisers kills that guy?" I asked the others, jabbing a thumb towards Phazur. 

You have nooo idea.  

 

GM IC - THE HOST - UPPER HALLWAYS

 

The Host walked leisurely through the hallways towards the Commercial Sector. He knew a multitude of contestants were gathered there, and he was looking for one in particular - Vagust.

 

While it would have been simple to just summon the Toa to his office, the Host enjoyed interacting directly. And what better place to do that than the Cafeteria, the center of attention?

Edited February 16, 2015 by Anung Un Rama

[Constructelf]

IC: Lytrel

Lytrel's eyebrow twitched.

 

I know she has a good reason to be mad, but...

 

This is just like that one student that, that... What was his name again, I can't remember... Only fragments...

 

Her words rang true with Lytrel. But her attitude... Her attitude, her attitude, her attitude, attitude attitude attitudeattitudeattitude -

 

"Would you please calm your vitriol," Lytrel said suddenly in a rare moment of assertiveness. "Not only are you not doing yourself any favors, you're also forcing the rest of us to sit here listen to you and the Queen go back and forth; I for one do not want to hear that."

[Voltex]

GM IC: THE QUEEN - QUEEN'S OFFICE

 

You waste everyone's time, the Queen said. If you manage to survive this quest without my protection, then you will earn my respect. But make no mistake - I will not protect you from whatever defenses await us in the tunnels. 

 

As she spoke, the Queen stood and turned to the fireplace; it faded from view, revealing the exit to the room as it swung open. Outside was a small area that resembled the lower halls, except that there were walls where the open space should have been - and where the opposite wall should have been located, there was instead the entrance to a cave. The Queen remained by the exit, standing stiffly.

 

Let us begin our journey, then, she said. Psionics users, remain near me. Pooling our powers shall be easier done the closer our proximity is. Lytrel and Kopen shall scout ahead; do not go too far, for we do not know what will be waiting for us. Nocton and Ezezko shall form our rear guard. Xaeraz shall also keep close to me - there is a chance that Von Worten, Albrecht and I may need to focus solely on the mental plane, in which case we will require someone to physically defend us.

 

Go now.

[Daniel the Finlander]

IC: Phazur (Commercial Sector)
 
Soon after Phazur had finished their speech, one of the staff members entered the hall. They immediately jumped down from the toppled stall, and hoped that he had not noticed them. Phazur then waited, making sure that they weren't a centre of attention, slowly unsheathed their obsidian dagger and observed the cloaked gamemaker. They would wait for a perfect chance to attack. Phazur knew that attacking him would be suicidal, but they were certain that joyous afterlife awaited them, so it didn't matter. This cruel man would bleed.

 

OoC: Observing the Host

[Click]

IC: Kopen - Queen's Office

 

Kopen jumped up from her seat with a smug grin. She had won this round. She called the Queen's bluff. Whatever she had done worked, for now.

 

Still, the others didn't sound impressed. More... annoyed. For all her trouble, they only saw her as an insolent Matoran with a death wish. They were still on the Queen's side, somehow. That would have to change. She didn't realize the Queen would be putting herself in danger to get the stone, even if she was toward the back of the group. Maybe it would be a good time to make a move. Anything could go wrong in those tunnels.

 

Kopen ran off toward the new opening to take her position at the head. Scouting suited her, even without eyes. If this cave was dark, her echolocation would be ideal for picking out danger. She was small and agile, able to slip through the smaller crevices or through the group to report. This could be used to her advantage.

[otter]

IC - Vagust:

 

Vagust had been about to answer when some obviously insane fool started preaching, and then he saw the Host - the person that he was waiting on - walk into view. "Oh, possibly," he said, somewhat absentmindedly, standing up and walking over to the Host, leaving Zangah and Daltrahk eating behind him.

 

"You wanted to see me, correct?" he asked, once he was near enough to the Host to hold a conversation.

 

OOC: Talking with the Host

[fishers64]

IC(A.D.): "We can handle this." A.D. said. "You have two fire-breathing dragons on your tail. Surely we can take a little ice."

 

IC(Ismekne): Oh, knock it off preacher boy. Her mask split with a smile. You remind me of my old Turaga friend. All charm and no substance. I don't want to be associated with you, but maybe I can use you to my advantage later. Maybe. 

 

The fighter bit off another granola bar. The Host was going to make an announcement, so Ismekne decided to stick around and listen to whatever pathetic reward Vagust was going to get for his win. Then she was going to hit some training dummies to keep the arms in shape, and go for a run.

 

Of course, the reason I lost last time wasn't because of being out of shape, she thought. It was because of poor strategy and not being aggressive enough. Avoiding getting killed is nice, but I also have to work on actually killing.

Edited February 16, 2015 by fishers64

[Wyrd Bid Ful Araed]

IC: "Ihu is on an island that is over Metru Nui. So far above that Metru Nui's sky becomes its ground. And Bohrok are a plague." Olari's voice took on a notable tang of venom, "They're mechanoids, a little taller than a Matoran but much bulkier. Very rounded, to the point they curl up into a ball. They come in swarms of thousands, directed by the organic parasites called krana that live in their heads. There's six regular kinds, for fire, water, earth, stone, ice and acid, and six specialised Bohrok-Kal for magnetism, gravity, vacuum, electricity, plasma and sonics. The Kals are rarer but far smarter, so much more dangerous. The Matoran can hold their own against small companies of the Bohrok, but if they turn up in numbers or have a Kal with them then I have to intervene. I have to intervene a lot. We smash them up and melt down the pieces, but they just keep coming back, using whatever they can to rebuild themselves. Trying to fight a robot made of rocks and trees for the first time was...an interesting experience. But you get used to it eventually..."

 

She stopped toying with the food on her plate and looked at Artorre, "Is your story similar to Lekona's? You seem to know each other."

[Not Quite Dead]

IC Ezezko - ?

Well, now you knew the big robot's name. Nocton. 「Alright, guy. You got any fancy cybernetic implants or something of the like?」

[Xaeraz]

IC: Xaeraz returned to his chair to pick up his arm and reattach it with a kl-chunk. Giving it an experimental flex of both the elbow and claw, he engaged his Combat mode, letting his armblade slide into position once more and smoothing out his motions as he fell into line by the queen's side. He couldn't help but be a bit amused how he was actually taller than her by a good foot or so of height, not including the tops of his glider wing boxes. That thought was quickly quashed, however, as he knew the Queen would be monitoring everyone's thoughts through the psychic field she and the others were maintaining.

 

"K-kinda ironic," he joked to try and alleviate some tension, "that it looks like, like I'm the meat in, ah, this group."

[Samus Aran-Bounty Hunter]

IC: Zakaro (Table, Commercial Sector/Food Court)

 

The purple-masked warrior had been chewing when Artorre's question first came up, and now that people were responding he wasn't about to interrupt. Taking a slice of the cake, he quietly began to munch on that as well, watching Lekona and Artorre for their own answers. 

 

Zakaro

[Hunter Serge]

IC: Lekona - Food Court

 

"Yeah, I know of the Bohrok. I remember them all too well. Back when I was a Matoran, I lived on Mata-Nui." Lekona said. But if she's still on Mata-Nui and the Bohrok are still active...she's clearly from an alternate universe, like many here...but what could've gone so horribly wrong? "I know Artorre because we met up before the first round. Went into a cave with a matoran who has been in this tournament before, named Elittra. I'll explain that little journey in a bit, but first," Lekona responded to Olari, before turning to Zakaro, "What's your story?"

Edited February 16, 2015 by Hunter Serge

[Constructelf]

IC: Lytrel

Great.

 

Just, great.

 

Not only will I probably be the first person to kick the bucket, but I'm also stuck with this brat?

 

This is that chemistry class all over again, except all in one, uh, Matoran.

 

Ugh...

 

Nevertheless, Lytrel marched like a good soldier, spear at ready, bracing himself for whatever would come.

 

He really wanted a shield. Then he could be like that Toa who offerd him last round and tank those attacks. Right now though...

[Eyru]

IC (Albrecht von Armbrüster)

 

The tunnel's dark, but darkness holds no fear

for me. My mental pow'rs sweep ahead,

then back: it's empty for the first few feet.

Who knows what horrors lie in wait for us?

I cannot say, but hope for things both dark

and strong, that I might know a challenge or

a threat. No glory comes from living safe.

[Some Random Phrase]

IC Nocton:

Nocton had been standing the whole time, and now he looked at Ezezko. "Considering I am entirely cybernetic, your question is somewhat irrelevent. But to answer your meaning, I am equipped with an energy blaster with an explosive effect. Now I suggest we be going." He purposely left out the Black Fire effect of his sword. No point in telling a possible competitor all your powers. His gun reloaded, each barrel glowing briefly before settling into a more gentle orange glow. 

[Not Quite Dead]

IC Ezezko - ?

「Are you sentient?」

[Some Random Phrase]

IC Nocton:

"Are all these irrelevant questions really needed?" Nocton was beginning to get seriously ticked off by this guy.

[Not Quite Dead]

IC Ezezko - ?

「Perhaps, my apologies, but... I have never met a sentient robotic being before. My world does not have any form of non-organic intelligence.」

[Some Random Phrase]

IC Nocton:

Oh. It was simply a matter of curiosity. "If you must know, I  wasn't always this way."

[Space Urchin]

 

IC(Ismekne): The fighter woke up in her room. It felt so good to sleep. 

 

Well, okay. She had eaten before the fight, but she was feeling a bit peckish. That would do. She decided that she would grab a snack before going for a run. Then more sleep. Much more sleep. 

 

She put her weapon on her back and went to the commercial sector. Grabbing a fistful of granola bars and a sports drink, she spotted Zel'Sai and decided to sit at her table. 

 

OOC: Open for interaction.

 

OOC: Well... I'm late... So sorry about that, again. Starting tomorrow I hope to be much more active. Just... bear with me until then.

 

IC: Zel'Sai

Somewhat distractedly, Zel'Sai had ended up in the cafeteria, procuring sustenance for herself. Suddenly she realized that the other Water Toa from before had sat at her table and begun to eat granola bars. Then there was the one who tried giving a motivational resistance speech... which seemed to end in complete and utter failure. That wasn't surprising, really, Zel'Sai mused as she ate an unidentifyable... something. The Enforcer, which all of them had seen by now, seemed to be able to defeat anyone with a single stroke. The Queen and Host also seemed to be unbeatable, possessing various powerful abilities, most having to do with psionics. Speak of the devil, in came the Host. The one who had won the first battle began to speak with him.

"...What do you think they're talking about?" Zel'Sai whispered to Ismekne.

 

OOC: Zel'Sai in cafeteria, watching Host and speaking to Ismekne.

[Voltex]

GM IC: THE QUEEN'S QUEST

 

The Queen smoothly stepped in between Albrecht and Von Worten; the placement would make it easier for her to connect to both fighters mentally and direct their powers. As she did so, Xaeraz received a flash of amusement from her regarding his comment. As the group walked, the Queen slowly extended her powers out, searching for the power source; it still flickered far in the distance.

 

They would be walking for awhile.

 

It is possible that we may come across forks in the path, the Queen said, transmitting her thoughts to the entire group. And it is also possible that additional Infinite Gems might be located on these branches. If we do discover such a tunnel, I will leave the decision up to all of you as to whether we remain focused or gather additional tools and powers along the way.

 

OOC: Preferably, when said forks appear, you will all decide to explore; this is how I'm going to try and reward your characters with stuff that isn't just extra lives.

(But of course, the longer we adventure, the more tired we shall become)