Currently Tameku is still on the floor of the cavern. Tameku will wait until the Dark Hunters have climbed the stairs and all Matoran have rearmed themselves with their disks, then use his Ussal to climb up the wall and enter the tunnel ahead of the Dark Hunters. He will ride directly to the village, trying to find whoever is in command of the guard there.

"It sounds as if Tameku has control of the stage, even so, let's open the gate and assist him," Lutorian said as he backed away from the door.

In reply to Lutorian (msg # 622):

"I... Yes. Yes. I agree with your plans. It is a much more honourable choice to lend our hands in better assuring the success of Tameku's plan, rather than leaving it up to unchanged fate while we search for an artifact we can always head back for later." Velike replied.

In reply to Velike (msg # 623):

“Then it is decided fire spitter” Lutorian spoke softly as he sorted through his disk and picked out Freeze.
“Be ready” the green Matoran said pulling the lever to open the door.

In reply to Lutorian (msg # 624):

"Yes, so it is." Velike replied, keeping his disk launcher readied. Reconstitute disk loaded.

In the sand chamber

Upon the lever being pulled by Lutorian, the great door swung open to reveal the scene taking place in the sand chamber to the two Matoran and their companion. At the same time, those in the chamber became aware of the new arrivals. Though the two Dark Hunters were too distracted by the village guards - and Tameku climbing the wall on top of his borrowed Ussal crab - to notice the low noise immediately, their Nektann robot aimed its electronic eye at them. Clearly it was in surveillance mode, ready to act if the situation matched the instructions it had been given.

Compared to the guards - only now able to move in to retrieve their throwing disks - the Ta- and Le-Matoran were well-armed with their newfound disk launchers. Thanks to their bright colors they stood out among the other beings present in the chamber. Behind them, the mining robot containing Makuta Zeselix's spirit silently observed the scene. Clearly, he was not in a hurry to reveal himself to the group gathered before them.

"Turaga..." began an Onu-Matoran, but caught himself when he realized he had just given away a potential advantage.

The most brutish-looking being near the top of the stairs turned his head in their direction immediately. "Don't get any ideas," Frostbite said loudly. His warning was clear: "Honor the deal."

What do you do?

---

A few minutes later.

In the village

The crab carried Tameku swiftly through the tunnel. The gas from before had been vented completely, and no more rumbling occured on the way back. The lone rider did not pass any other Matoran on the way. It was not until the Bo-Matoran reached the village that he could confirm the reason why:: The settlement was in chaos, with the ground cracked and torn up in several locations. Workers from the mine had begun reparing the damage, crushing or raising fallen stones and filling gaps with gravel and dirt.

At least two guards were laying down, their weapons and armor shattered to pieces. It looked like they had been engaged in combat, and lost soundly. One merchant was tending to them, while most of the others had fled elsewhere in a haste. A few other Matoran from the guard were left, trying to rear their panicked steeds while workers from the mine watched them with concern. Some of them looked wounded as well, though not as severly. The village gates were closed, with armed Matoran looking outwards past each of the barricades that Tameku could see.

Near the village square, close to the Archives where he had last been spotted, the De-Matoran who called himself Amthrin was tied up to a metal pole, struggling to no avail to free himself. His steltian companion was gone.

What do you do?

---

Lutorian, Velike
You arrive in the sand chamber. Tameku just left, the Dark Hunters are at the top of the stairs near the tunnel, and a few guards are scattered around there and on the sand below. Turaga Zuhras is also present. You likely have the advantage, as the Dark Hunters look weary and outnumbered. It may be wise not to underestimate them, however, since the Nektann is still active.

Tameku
The quake from earlier hit the village as well. The Dark Hunter group leader appears to have fled town, with the village guard gone to secure the area and chase him down. Amthrin is currently a captive.

Tameku rode up to the nearest guard, not bothering to dismount. So far everything in the village seemed more or less under control, so before he hadn't taken care of what he came here to do there was no point in getting involved otherwise.
"Who's in charge here and where can I find them?", he inquired in his most authorative tone, "Turaga Zuras sent me!"

One of the Matoran nearby raised his hand and came forward to meet Tameku. "That would be me. I'm Dhojom, overseer of everyday affairs. Glad to hear the Turaga is still alive." He coughed once, and continued: "If you seek the captain of the guard, however, that would be Weno. He's out in the tunnels right now, hunting the Hunter. As for the chief prospector, that's Nehkmotti. You may have passed him on the way in?"

What do you do?

"Name's Tameku", Tameku replied, sighing inwardly. Why could nothing ever be simple? "I need to find a healer quickly, one who knows about plants - don't worry, the Turaga is fine. And then you better tell me what exactly happened here with the Dark Hunters - because two more with a Nektann are hopefully on their way here and I just might be able to get them to leave peacefully. For now."

Dhojom made sure to heed Tameku's words at once, and sent an assistant to find someone with the right know-how of medicinal plants. While waiting for them to return, the overseer explained the events that had transpired recently.

"The missing workers returned a while ago and told us of what was going on," he said. "The guards immediately went to confront the Dark Hunter in charge. Him and that traitorous Matoran were about to leave with a stack of tablets from our archives, but the Captain wished to apprehend them both and trade hostages to save the Turaga. That... could have gone better."

"From what I hear, the steltian pulled out a jagged blade and waved it at a guardsman - it blasted him with some kind of shattering power. The Hunters were running for the exit before we understood what had happened. At the same time the tremors started. Some Matoran stayed calm enough to raise their weapons in the middle of the chaos, but their spears snapped in half when they crossed that sword's path. We managed to capture the De-Matoran, at least, but he doesn't appear important enough for the Dark Hunters to care."

"I wanted to go save the Turaga immediately, but Weno insisted that they capture the escaped one first, so we could have proper leverage over the Dark Hunters in the mine."

At this time, the Onu-Matoran that had left returned with another in tow, who was carrying a satchel with various tools inside. The tools were partially wrapped in a clean piece of cloth which matched the sandy grey color of the Matoran's faded Kanohi Akaku. "Greetings," said the specialist. "I am Parau-Koro's physician, mender, and micro-technician. My name is Ahkepo. I was told I am needed somewhere?"

---

Ahkepo has the profession [Physician] and possesses the following skills that may be of use to you: [Medicinal knowledge], [Gears and pistons], [Precision worker], [Treating Rahi damage]

"Where exactly is the Steltian presumed to be at the moment?", Tameku asked Dhojom, "Outside the village, I gather? If so, which way did he take?"

Tameku wasn't sure if he trusted a healer who wasn't a Bo- or at least a Ga- or Ko-Matoran, but decided to give Ahkepo a chance. Digging in his satchel, he produced the one intact jungle fruit he'd been hanging on to and handed it to the physician.

"I picked this up on the road between Lebotu Koro and Parau Koro", Tameku explained, "All I know about this particular kind of fruit is that Gafna love it and that the juice is analgetic, however. Let's say I... convinced one of the Dark Hunters who'll arrive here from the mines shortly that I poisoned her with this juice.
"Did I actually poison her?"

"He ran for the southern exit," replied Dhojom, indicating the gates located in that direction. "That's where most of them arrived from, too. That tunnel bends east and surfaces near the mountain pass that Ko-Matoran travelers use. You simply have to leave the path at the crossroads to make it almost impossible to find you among the rocky terrain. Hopefully the riders catch him while he's still confined to the underground."

Meanwhile, Ahkepo had taken the fruit from Tameku and turned it in his hands. "No, it's not a poisonous species," he said, "though I imagine it could act as an irritant too, if you got it in your eyes or an untreated wound. We only use it now and then when a mine worker pulls a muscle and needs to cool down." He tossed the fruit back to its owner with a gentle underhand throw. "If you need to keep up the ruse, I could supply you with some real poison."

"Uh... no need for any real poisons", Tameku assured the physician, "On the contrary, I've promised these Dark Hunters an antidote in exchange for their hostage. So, could you mix something harmless up that would feel convincing through the analgetic effect of the fruit juice? It needs to be ready once the Dark Hunters arrive here."

"Which brings me to the next thing - Dhojom, could you get half a dozen guards with throwing disks together that can escort the Dark Hunters from the village to the surface? Preferably through the tunnel leading into the jungle region? The deal says they'll keep their hostage until they are outside the village gates, then we'll give them the antidote in exchange for the hostage, then they'll have free passage to the surface."

Glancing over at Amthrin/Schemer, Tameku thoughtfully asked Ahkepo: "Do you perchance have some kind of sleeping drought? I don't trust a hostage who can fight back. I'm gonna ask our tied up friend a few questions first, though, I think. Do you want to accompany me, Dhojom? I might need your knowledge of the area."

Unless one of the two other Matoran has something else significant to say at the moment, Tameku will apporach Amthrin.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 626):

Lutorian scanned across the cavern gathering the status of the few Onu-Matoran and pausing on the dark hunters before locking gaze with the Nektann.

Their numbers may give them an edge, however, this was not his guard to command and he did not want to create lasting conflict for these Matoran.
He shot a glance at the nearest Onu-Matoran "Explain the situation, where is the Bo-Matoran."

Village

"Treating a fake poison is easy," mused Ahkepo, and retrieved a metal capsule from his bag. "I'll simply fill this with an inert liquid/powder mixture and have the Dark Hunter drink it. Are you sure you don't want me to fill it with real poison? It's a great opportunity." The Matoran could tell his suggestion wasn't appreciated, yet he pressed on. "Incidentally," he continued, "the same substance would keep the, ahem, hostage from fighting back as well. A knock-out is not required for the kind of repairs I do, so I don't have anything on hand that can do the job without causing internal damage. Sorry."

Ignoring the words that were coming from Ahkepo, Dhojom informed Tameku that his request should be easy to fulfill. "I will recall our gate guards for now, they are not needed when the threat is already here," he said.

As Tameku soon realized, Amthrin was not happy with his current predicament. The De-Matoran refused to keep struggling, but just the same the metal wires used to bind him refused to yield. "You." He scowled at the approaching Bo-Matoran, recognizing Tameku from earlier.

---

Underground

"These two are Dark Hunters," replied the Onu-Matoran that Lutorian had asked, "here to kidnap the Turaga and take our artifact. Some of the workers told us. When we arrived there was already a scuffle going on, but we've worked out some kind of deal. The Bo-Matoran you speak of just left for the village to ensure there is no trouble, though I don't know if the situation up above has calmed down yet. When we left there were Dark Hunters causing trouble there as well."

Due to the tense situation with the Nektann, the guardsman had not locked his arm into throwing position yet. He waited nervously to see if Lutorian would use his own weapon or not.

"I am sure you know about the artifact already, considering where you have just been," said Turaga Zuhras in a low voice. His wisened green eyes narrowed behind the black Kanohi Arthron whilst he tried to discern the intentions of these strange Matoran. Lutorian was not someone he had met before, and Velike looked unique even among Ta-Matoran due to the foreign design of his armor.

On the ledge up above, the mole-like Dark Hunter said something to her ally that was too low to be heard. Frostbite grunted affirmatively and took a step towards the tunnel. "No more delays," he snarled, but the glance he shot back towards the opened gateway betrayed his interest in staying and delving deeper immediately.

This body does not allow me to fight directly, said the telepathic voice of the Makuta in their heads, but if you allow me an opportunity I will take full advantage of my more subtle powers.

---

Tameku
There is no sleep-inducing medicine available here and now, but there will be guards who may assist you. Amthrin appears safely tied up for now.

Lutorian
Frostbite is about to change your tactical situation by leaving the sand chamber. Will you take advantage of your current position, look for an opening during the trip, put your trust in Tameku's unspoken plan once you reach the village, or perhaps turn your back on the group and go elsewhere?

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:14, Mon 24 June 2019.

"I don't think a dead Dark Hunter would be to our benefit", Tameku told the physician, "They'd just have more of a reason to reduce this village to rubble. If you could temporarily drug our hostage into a state in which he can't cause us any trouble later that would be appreciated, though.
"Once you have the fake-antidote mixed best give it to me. I started bargaining with the Dark Hunters, I best see it through to the end."

To Dhojom, Tameku said: "Keep at least someone as a lookout at the gates, though. For all I know there are two more Dark Hunters around somewhere and I'd rather not have them paying us a surprise visit."

---

Approaching Amthrin, Tameku spread his arms wide and put on a smile. "Hey, Amthrin - or should I call you Schemer? I ran into your pals Frostbite and Disruptor down in the mines. Nice fellows! I'd love to meet your friends Swordbreaker, Lancer and Overseer, too, but from what I've heard they're also in a bit of a pinch at the moment." Tameku dropped his smile, moved in close to Amthrin and lowered his voice conspiratively: "You know, the Matoran here are not happy about your people abducting their Turaga. They even blame you for the Earthquake. The only thing holding them back from killing you all is the fact that some of your team are quite dangerous and not yet their captives. Swordbreaker can't hide in the tunnels forever, though, especially since the Matoran here know them far better than he does. And Disruptor and Frostbite took enough of a beating down below that it should be easy to overpower them with all the Matoran here in the village.
"So what about a deal? I'll make sure that all of you get safe passage out of these tunnels and in exchange we'll have a little chat about your mission on this island and what you found out in the local archives. Dont't worry, I won't tell your teammates about it, so better be quick before they come here and see us talking."

Skills used: Persuasiveness, Knowledge of how to deal with different species
Tameku rolled 5 using 3d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 2,4,5.  Persuading Amthrin.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 635):

"Ever-quick then! Before I strike you with my disk!" Lutorian spoke authoritatively, his eyes narrowing to a glare.

Village

"I will see what I can do," Ahkepo replied, before leaving for his dwelling. Tameku could hear the Onu-Matoran mumbling to himself about what compounds would be best to use for his mixture.

Dhojom confirmed Tameku's concerns by informing him again of the Dark Hunters that had left prior to their arrival. "They should be long gone by now," he said, "but I can't shake the feeling that they may return if they hear of what has happened. Be careful about what you tell strangers. That Matoran we took prisoner may not be the only informant they have."

---

Upon taunting him, Tameku found that Amthrin still had some bluster left in him. "I don't need your help, leaf-eater," he spat. "It's easy to tell none of you are truly willing to kill, otherwise I'd be dead already."

Even though the De-Matoran sounded angry he was clearly not in a position where he held any serious leverage. For this reason the Dark Hunter recruit appeared willing to let some information slip in an effort to save his own skin.

"Our leader won't be hiding," he said. "Swordbreaker is faster than he looks, and very skilled at defending himself. He's more than capable of collapsing a tunnel behind him too, if need be. He will be well on his way to rendezvous with Lancer in the desert before any guards have a chance to catch up with him." Amthrin seemed certain of this statement. He neglected to comment on Frostbite and Disruptor, who had not been lucky enough to get away yet. A look in the De-Matoran's eye told Tameku that Amthrin was restraining himself from asking about them.

"If your friends blame me for a natural disaster," he continued, "then they must be dimmer than the lights in the mine. It's easy to make the quakes stop, anyway: Just allow us to take the artifact and I guarantee you there won't be any more rumbling. We have a special type of carrying case back on the ship that will keep the power of the artifacts contained until the time is right. You didn't think we would be setting sail with them counting down to our doom, did you? We aren't crazy."

Amthrin glanced away to gather his thoughts, then returned his cold blue gaze to Tameku. "What do you need to know? The archives held information about each artifact, where they are - or used to be, at least - and how to activate them. Vague legends concerning an evil being trying to steal the artifacts, leading to them being hidden away. There was an old slab warning of disasters and whatever if they are misused, too."

Amthrin shrugged as much as he could given his restraints. "The Dark Hunters won't concern themselves with what happens to some remote island, but the powers hidden here really are something... Those stones sound as powerful as the mythical Toa of old. It should be clear why The Shadowed One wishes to secure them."

"The mission is simple: Do whatever it takes to secure the artifacts, and get as many Skakdi on our side as possible. The Dark Hunters are strong, but many consider the war on Metru Nui to be shortsighted. Taking the city without some weapon to match the Toa simply isn't realistic. My destroyed home village can attest to them being terrifying forces of nature."


"Is this all you wished to know? Can I go now?"

---

The mine

"Just try it," snarled Frostbite, but did as instructed. Proceeding through the tunnel with hostage in one arm and Disruptor leaning on the other for support, the four-armed Dark Hunter could clearly tell that he was mostly defenseless against attacks from a disk launcher.

The two parties of Matoran and Dark Hunters could both feel the tension as they walked through the long tunnel leading back out of the mine. Frostbite was still carrying the weight of the two beings hanging onto him, and the giant was getting rather fed up with it. Each time he had to shift his arms to better support his mole-like ally and his Onu-Matoran hostage, his grunts became more frustrated. "I swear, I'm getting you that antidote only so the Shadowed One won't punish me for losing a Hunter to a stubby little Matoran, of all things. Blazes, for being a scrawny tin-can of a Rahi freak you are getting real heavy."

"Exerting myself will only make the poison circulate quicker," hissed Disruptor in response. "The numbness is going away, but my head is still spinning. I can't tell if it's getting worse or not, so I'm not taking any chances."

Meanwhile the Nektann followed the pair closely, tinkering along on sharp legs while the unblinking camera eye stayed precisely focused on the Matoran behind them. Lutorian knew that he would have to contend with the Nektann if any hostilities erupted. With so many Matoran, however... surely the robot couldn't possibly stop all of them.

Seeing as there was no chance of hurrying past the Dark Hunters, the remaining Ussal crab rider had taken his place in the back of the line, so as to not block the vision of those on foot. "I estimate we'll be in the village in about ten minutes," he whispered to Lutorian and the Turaga in front of him. "When we left to assist you, the entire guard was scrambling to apprehend the leader of these guys. I have no idea what awaits us up there."

Next to them, the Makuta still pretended to be nothing more than a silent mining robot, though occasionally its eye flickered red whenever its inhabitant scanned his surroundings.

Soon, they would all arrive at the village...


How do you wish to proceed?

---

Tameku
- Ahkepo will bring you a fake anti-toxin in a little while, along with what else he is able to procure.
- Dhojom has gone to follow your suggestion in preparation for the Dark Hunters arriving.
- Amthrin will tell you whatever you wish to know in the hope that you honor your promise of letting him go.

Lutorian
You still hold the advantage over the two Dark Hunters, so the status quo is likely to stay the same for the duration of the trip. If you have anything you wish to do while still in the mine, please tell me. If not, you may assume that you arrive in the village when you make your next post, and that any information about the situation that became available to Tameku will be available to you as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:25, Tue 09 July 2019.

Tameku thoughtfully tapped the chin of his mask. "I saw you with an entire pile of tablets earlier, so I suppose you must have written down a digest of all the important information you found to take with you. Probably not just once, too, but multiple times, so your team can split up with everyone having the information... Did you have such a document? Where is it now?"

"You mentioned a group of researchers with some kind of device that you were looking for when we met originally. What exactly is the true connection between you Dark Hunters and them?"

Skills used: Persuasiveness, Knowledge of how to deal with different species
Tameku rolled 5 using 3d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 4,5,5.  Getting information about the document (if it exists).


Skills used: Persuasiveness, Knowledge of how to deal with different species
Tameku rolled 4 using 3d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 4,4,4.  Getting information about the archeologists.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Tue 09 July 2019.

Village

"We didn't have time to transcribe all the information we found," said Schemer, "but I did take notes. There's a backpack left somewhere around here; look inside. As for Swordbreaker... he wished to just take the whole stack of tablets and bring it with us." Schemer rolled his eyes at this. "He didn't carry any tablets at all when he ran, but steltians have a good memory, he says. Probably knows the artifact locations by heart, at least roughly."

Tameku's question about the group of researchers made the gray Dark Hunter sigh. "There is no connection. As far as I know those Matoran are just researchers working on a study, though we speculated if they were hired by someone with a deeper motive. The scanner device they carry can detect elemental power and a bunch of other energy types over long distances. That sounded very useful, so we decided to get our hands on it if we could. I told you it was stolen in the hopes that you would help me retrieve it, since I was tasked with doing so."

Schemer appeared to be in some discomfort as he wiggled uncomfortably against his bonds. "Look, I've told you more than I should already, but not so much that the others can hold it against me. If I give you the research and my weapon, will you at least let me have the rest of my belongings?"


How do you respond?

---

Tameku
- First roll: Critical success. Schemer's notes list all the artifact locations, and contains his private scribbles as well. You'll get the details a bit later.
- Second roll: Success. You now know what the device does.

12:00, Today: Game Master, for the NPC Schemer (Amthrin), rolled 6 using 2d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 1,6.  Asking to keep his stuff. (Skill: Opportunist).
Result: Say yes, or lose 2 Social HP. (4 dmg vs Tameku's 2 def)

In reply to Game Master (msg # 638):

“Then it keeps getting bad-worse” Lutorian whispered back to the Matoran.
“Lets just hope we get there before anything happens” he commented in a hushed tone.

"I'm not robbing you", Tameku pointently told Schemer, "I'm not a thief like you Dark Hunters. See me keeping your notes as part of a deal. I don't care about your throwing disk. Still - it feels like it would be in the interest of the locals if I take a look at all of your belongings before handing them back to you, don't you think?"

Tameku looked around for the aforementioned backpack to take a look inside.

Tameku is assuming all of Schemer's belongings are inside the backpack, so regarding the social confrontation it's a "Yes" if Schemer wanted to prevent Tameku searching him directly. It's not a "Yes" yet otherwise.

Do I have to roll for finding the backpack and/ or its contents?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:27, Wed 10 July 2019.

The mine

"We didn't see anyone else on the way down, at least," replied the Onu-Matoran to Lutorian. "Of course, often it only takes a single Dark Hunter to be a problem."

Once we get out of here, sounded the Makuta's voice in Lutorian and Velike's heads, I may have leave your side for a little while. I am still weak from many years of imprisonment. I need to locate a source of energy, and some machine parts, so I may use them to strengthen this fragile body...

By this time, the party had reached the final stretch of tunnels that would soon take them up to the mine's exit.


Lutorian
The Makuta wishes to strengthen his body. You could bring him resources if you want, to help him speed up the process.

---

Village

"Look all you like, I don't mind" grumbled Schemer, in a tone that suggested he minded very much. Tameku found the backpack where it was left, next to a whole stack of tablets from the archives.

The backpack contained several items one would expect from a self-sufficient traveler. The rest were items more practical for the Dark Hunter's mission. There was a map and compass, plus binoculars. Next to them sat a knife, the kind that could be useful as both a tool and a weapon. A capsule-shaped canister stood upright off to the side. It bore a Bo-Matoran symbol and was of a size any Matoran could grip with one hand. When it moved it felt like liquid was sloshing around inside.

Near the bottom of the backpack sat a large amount of widgets wrapped in cloth. Secured to the bag with a string was Schemer's token of passage for the Dark Hunter organization. Tameku couldn't tell exactly how many widgets there were, but with a rough estimate he could guess at there being several hundred.

The backpack's content was arranged in a very neat and tidy fashion, and standing behind the other items an upright position were two metal plates with research notes seared into their surface. The etching tool used to do so was stuck down the side of the pack.


Tameku
You do not need to roll to find the backpack, since you were told where it is. Take the -2 Soc.HP, however, since Schemer doesn't like what you are doing. If you run out in this situation, he'll likely stop cooperating.

- [Botany]: You recognize the canister as one used for extracts, usually energy boosters for those expecting Rahi fights or simply a long journey.
- [Judging craftsmanship]: The Dark Hunter token bears a design that is deliberately complex. Impostors would find it very hard to make a forgery of one.
- The etching tool is a writing implement reminiscent of a soldering iron.
- The two sheets of compiled notes are posted below.

These are Schemer's research notes.

Transcribed from an older stone tablet.

FIRE		In the shrine at the end of crater bridge. Keeps the volcano calm.
WATER	        In the sunken ocean dome. Water pressure helps it charge.
AIR		At the top of storm peak. Controls the weather. Walk the wind.
EARTH	        In the deepest vault. Absorbs and stills seismic energy.
STONE	        Hidden in the great monument. Keeps the stone from eroding.
ICE		Kept in the glacial cave. Stills the blizzards.
PLASMA	        Secure in the vault of ash. Its power wards off intruders.
GRAVITY	        Stuck into the cliffside in the vertical land. Impossible to move.
MAGNETISM	Hidden in the tech lab. Keeps everything in place.
LIGHTNING	At the top of storm peak. Draws in lightning.
SONICS	        Kept in the silent vault. Lets us work in peace.
IRON		Kept in the great lab. Used to create great designs.
THE GREEN	Hidden in jungle grove. Keeps the area alive despite storms.
PSIONICS	Rests in the meditation shrine. Let it calm your mind.
LIGHT		Scattered across the universe. Gives everyone light, and hope.
SHADOW	        Lost in its own darkness. Let it sleep eternal.

---

Schemer's private notes.

- The Psionics artifact is secured. Found in shrine near our landing. Appears weak - maybe we missed something? Texts make the rest sound stronger, better protected. No resistance from Matoran. Odd.
- The entire volcano is an elemental site. It may erupt if the artifact is taken. Find the vault containing Plasma first? Is Frostbite needed here?
- Found some writing about a guardian in the water. It may still be alive.
- There’s a single ancient map that has some kind of box shape drawn beneath Storm Peak. Air and Lightning artifacts may be on top of a hidden chamber? Look for signs of something important up there.
- Earth is in the Seismic Cavern. Tunnel map is very vague, but shows some big door, and a pit with a pillar that holds the thing.
- The great monument is on the map, in the desert. Spotted a Skakdi camp around it on the way in with the ship. Work out a deal with them first maybe?
- Too many caves to search for Ice. The villagers must know which one. Seems like the Ko-Matoran keep Sonics too.
- Gravity is used for something (?) up in the northern mountains. See map. Documents make it sound like taking the artifact will tear the village off the map. Are we allowed to call that shot? Contact TSO.
- Magnetism is in "a lab". Could be anywhere. Must be really really old given ancient-looking writing. Let’s search each village we visit, and come back to this one when we know more. → Also check the Great Temple?
- Iron is not in a lab, it is in the vault of the desert fortress. DO NOT ENTER. DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE TURAGA. No interaction until the time is right. Full team only!!
- The Green stone location is inaccurate. Someone took it years ago. Lost in the jungle somewhere. We’ll need the scanner device for this, or more people at least.
- There are no Light or Shadow Artifacts. No names, no descriptions, nothing. There are no Toa of this kind. It’s all just legends. No point in looking for them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:04, Thu 11 July 2019.

"Ah, very good!" Tameku quickly scanned the tablets, then put them into his own satchel. Then he briefly took a look at the map to see if anything interesting might be marked on it which wasn't on the map his group had. Unfortunately that map was currently with Lutorian, so he couldn't compare directly and had to rely on his memory.

Having finished, Tameku began putting everything back into the backpack, although he paused while weighing the Widget bundle in his hand. "You know, I'm almost jealous of you having that many Widgets. But only almost. I imagine getting them involved robbing, hurting or maybe even killing someone originally?" Eyeing the Dark Hunter token strapped to the bag, Tameku added: "You should really consider changing your profession. Maybe you won't get rich, but at least it should spare you from being tied to poles by angry Matoran. But I imagine your employer isn't really a fan of people leaving, is he?"

Having packed everything (minus the two note tablets he kept) back into the backpack, Tameku let it drop so that it spilled part of its contents again. "Now it will look like someone from the village deliberately searched your things to retrieve your notes", he explained, "I recommend telling your friends that story. When Disruptor and Frostbite arrive I'll cut you loose and you can retrieve your stuff. Consider it a courtesy you owe the next being who gets into your team's clutches."

Skills used: Merchant, Observation
Tameku rolled 5 using 3d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 5,5,5.  Noticing differences on the map.
(If I remember correctly I can use my profession as a skill, too? Since Tameku is a traveling merchant I imagine he has seen a lot of maps and knows what to look for)