Schemer's eyes narrowed. "Those widgets are funds, he claimed. "I'm not a killer. I only do recon, gather information, and deliver messages. Sometimes undercover in our villages, where larger beings stick out too much."

The De-Matoran watched Tameku put his bag down and seemed to relax a little. "I won't leave the Dark Hunters; that's my own choice," he said, "but thank you for your concern. We were supposed to avoid angering the guards on this mission. Someone ignoring the plan is the only reason I am tied up right now. Rest assured I would have talked my allies out of whatever they did down in the mine, if I was there with them."

---

Tameku
Absolutely, your profession is supposed to be your broadest set of skills.

Schemer's map is more properly filled in than Ferrin's hasty sketch. You notice a few locations that are positioned a little differently than what he drew from memory. In particular, there is at least one extra underground tunnel, and an entire village Ferrin didn't care to mention up north.

Click to enlarge.

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Thu 11 July 2019.

"Well, I suppose I better keep an eye open for the arrival of your colleagues then", Tameku told Schemer while walking back to the entrance to the mines, "But don't worry, I won't forget about our deal!"

Tameku will now wait for Ahkepo to bring him the antidote, Dhojom's guards arriving to escort the Dark Hunters out of the village and Disruptor and Frostbite arriving in the village.

The village

"You better not." Schemer seemed more anxious to leave than anything, but he had ceased struggling by the time Tameku left him.

Dhojom returned some time later, with a dozen crab-riding Matoran following him. "The captain of the guard is not back yet," he informed the ones around him, "but we've received word that their attempt to corner this 'Swordbreaker' fellow in the tunnels failed. The Dark Hunter managed to reach a side passage where his group had left a set of hover-bikes. The Steltian slipped past the guards and escaped, though I'm told they managed to land a hit or two before he did so."

"I will message the other villages and inform them to keep an eye out," he continued. "The rest of the vehicles will be brought back here soon. We have decided to keep them... unless the deal you struck with the Dark Hunters says otherwise, Green One?"

---

Ahkepo eventually returned with a small ampoule in his hands. He loosened the cap and showed Tameku a cloudy blue solution inside it. "Bula juice mixed with spices," the Onu-Matoran explained. "I didn't have any fitting medicine, so I had to get creative. It will give a small energy boost, while the powder simply masks the berry taste with its bitterness. That'll sell the illusion that this is a proper antitoxin."

He waited for Tameku to take the metal bottle.

---

At the lowest level of the great mine, the group of Matoran and Dark Hunters from underground had managed to make their way back without incident.

"Finally," grumbled Frostbite. He glanced upwards, to the edge of the layered mine far above. "Matoran waiting for us, of course," he remarked. "Remember that if anyone gets too close, the Nektann won't hesitate."

Realizing that not everyone could fit on the elevator without that happening, Turaga Zuhras offered to go first in order to defuse any potential misunderstandings with the villagers.

Just a few minutes later, they all found themselves standing in a plaza busy with murmuring Matoran and armed crab riders. The Dark Hunters dominated the crowd with their extra height, but despite the might expected of such beings there was no question that they were outnumbered in this situation.

"All right, we're here," exclaimed Frostbite to no one in particular. "Our hostage for curing my ally and free passage to the surface. Hurry it up."

---

Tameku
You receive a bottle of Fake Antitoxin. One dose.

Lutorian, Velike
Welcome back to the village.

Everyone
- Consider yourselves reunited. Gain 1 XP for the tales I'm sure you have to tell each other.
- The Dark Hunters expect swift action. Hard to say what they will decide to do otherwise...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:49, Fri 12 July 2019.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 648):

“I suppose your guard can take it from here Turaga-elder?”  The Le-Moran’s lock on the Nektann remained unyielding as he spoke.

Tameku thanked Ahkepo and took the Antidote.

When the Dark Hunters arrived, Tameku nodded to Lutorian and Velike, glad that they didn't get into any trouble. He also spared a glance for the mining robot, wondering if his companions had found the Makuta. The Dark Hunters quickly drew his attention again, however. Tameku held up the ampoule with the antidote so that they got a good look at it. "Here's your antidote!" Gesturing at the assembled Ussal riders, he added: "And this will be your escort to the surface. Don't worry, all they want is see you out of their tunnels, so as long as you behave yourselves and leave peacefully our deal will be honored."
"Now follow me so we can get this matter resolved. We'll exchange the hostage for the antidote at the village gates."

Passing Schemer, Tameku turned to the Dark Hunters once more: "Oh, there is a small change to the deal, though - you have to take him with you." He pointed at Schemer. "Your other friend fled, I'm told."

Unless anyone has to say anything else about it, Tameku will cut Schemer loose, then proceed to the gate to the tunnel leading into the jungle region to set up the exchange. I'll proceed from there.

"I should hope so," replied Turaga Zuhras. "Thank you for your assistance this far." The village elder cast a glance at the assembled Matoran, where several guards nodded and saluted him in response.

Meanwhile, Frostbite sneered at the sight of Schemer, but made no indication that he considered the deal broken. He simply scoffed: "Useless. Bring him over, then."

***

Arrangements proceeded without incident. Soon enough the three Dark Hunters - Frostbite, Disruptor, and Schemer - were standing with their backs to the village gate. A couple of Onu-Matoran stood ready to open it, with the rest of the guard assembled behind and around Turaga Zuhras, the Captain of the Guard, and the traveling Matoran who had helped them in the depths of the mine. Behind the Dark Hunters the Nektann still stood at the ready, though it had backed off just enough that the Matoran to perform the exchange wouldn't trigger its orders to shoot. Probably.

Frostbite extended his two upper hands - his right with its palm open to recieve the antidote, his left holding the Onu-Matoran hostage by the nape of the guardsman's armor.

"I will release him as soon as the gates are open and we know the antitoxin to be effective," said the Dark Hunter. "Then we leave."

Tameku nodded. "But we'll do it my way." He pointed at Frostbite. "You'll take that Nektann of yours and your hostage and get out into the tunnel - about fifty meters away from the gate will suffice. Your two companions will stay here.
"Once You're in position I'll give Disruptor the antidote. Once she's sure it has worked you'll release the hostage and let him walk back to us. When he has safely reached us we'll let Disruptor and Schemer join you. Then you'll be escorted to the surface by the guard."

"You'll have to trust my word on all this, but let me point out that we have no need for tricking you. Schemer could still be tied to a stake and not only could I have killed Disruptor in the mines, but the poison would kill her in an hour or two anyway."

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

This message was deleted by the player at 06:34, Sun 21 July 2019.

Frostbite deliberated for a moment. His face contorted into a pained grimace as he underwent some sort of internal struggle. "I don't think we can truly trust each other," he said, "So let's make this simple. Robot, new order: I will trade the Matoran in my hand for the capsule held by the Matoran in front of me. If these terms are broken or interfered with, open fire on the aggressor."

The Nektann sentry beeped in acknowledgement. The brutish Dark Hunter then lowered his Matoran hostage down to the ground and let go, allowing the Onu-Matoran to retreat into the crowd.

"Your turn," growled the Dark Hunter.

---

Deal accepted as-is, with the Nektann used as 'persuasion' for anyone trying to break it.

Tameku waited until the Matoran was past him, then placed the capsule with the antidote on the ground before him and backed away so that Frostbite could pick it up without getting close enough to snatch Tameku as his next hostage.

"Usually I say what a pleasure it was to make a deal with someone, but I think we both know that's not true in this case. I sincerely hope we never meet again."

"Open the gates and let them go! It's time they leave!"

Frostbite snatched the antidote from the floor thanklessly. He wasted no time in getting the container open and stuck it close to his Dark Hunter ally. Disruptor sniffed the liquid once with wrinkled brow, uncertain of its effects, but quickly emptied the container in one gulp nonetheless. Like the physician had promised, she appeared immediately quickened by the mixture.

"It works, I think," she stated, rising to her full height whilst flexing her claws. Meanwhile the gates were already swinging open, courtesy of the Matoran guards manning them.
"Great, we're off then," said Frostbite dismissively and brushed past her, heading for the tunnel. "I don't know if we'll meet again, little Matoran, but mark my words: I will remember your faces in case we do."
Schemer said nothing. The De-Matoran was trying to shelter himself from judgemental eyes by staying behind his larger companions.

The three Dark Hunters and their Nektann companion wandered off into the westward tunnel, with the village guards watching them until they vanished from sight. The Matoran crowd could breathe a sigh of relief, and began dispersing to clean up the plaza and to resume their normal duties.

Once Lutorian, Tameku, and Velike were left alone with the Turaga and his closest assistants, the three Matoran were presented with two strongboxes. Each box had a round slotted key resting on top of its flat rectangular lid.

"Despite being strangers, you were willing to place yourselves in danger to save me and the other villagers. Please accept this as a token of our gratitude." Zuhras unlocked the strongboxes, revealing their contents. Inside the first was a large collection of widgets. Inside the other was an assortment of tools and items. "I hope this will be of use to you," finished Zuhras, and offered the strongboxes to the group with a gesture of his open hand.

You have received a reward.

---

Everyone
The Dark Hunters have left without the item they came for. Gain 2 XP!

Turaga Zuhras also rewards you with 300 widgets each, and one of the following items (individual choice):
- A finely crafted melee weapon. (+1 to attack rolls.)
- A sturdy shield. (+1 defense if you manage a check to defend.)
- A piece of armor. (+1 defense to the applicable area.)
- A tool such as a firestaff, heatstone, drill, collapsible pole/ladder, etc.

Current situation
With the Dark Hunters gone, you are free to do as you wish. The Makuta is quietly observing the village. The artifact is still down there in the mine, near his lab.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:55, Tue 30 July 2019.

"I'm just glad we could help", Tameku stated, pocketing his share of Widgets with the quick efficiency of a seasoned merchant.

Tameku already had more potential weapons on him than he was comfortable with and wasn't a big fan of encumbering himself with armor or shields. Instead he took a look at the other things he was offered...

He also took back his Tools for Recordkeeping from Lutorian, now that he finally had the chance, and updated the map according to what he had seen on Schemer's map.

Is there a big backpack to be had? I wanna keep being able to loot everything :P If not, no problem, then I'll come up with something different.

Also - where did the metal cutting scissors end up which Tameku had handed the Turaga so he could free himself? Lost down in the mine during the fight? That would be totally fine, I'd just like to know.

Tameku
You can certainly have a backpack if that's what you want. :)

Did Zuhras keep the scissors with him? Hm, I dunno. Let's check.

19:32, Today: Game Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  Flip a coin. Even=yes, odd=no.

Sadly, no. We could perhaps roll to see if anyone else picked up discarded items from the sand, however, if you really feel you need it.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Wed 31 July 2019.

Tameku in the end selected a backpack and for starters stowed some of his less frequently used things in it while he kept the items he figured he'd use more often in his satchel.

"I know there is a lot to do in the village right now", Tameku told the Turaga, "But the main reason we went into the mines to search for you to begin with was that we needed to talk to you. Could we do so now in a quieter place? There might be a few... sensitive matters which I feel should be kept between us for the moment."

Don't worry about the scissors - I just wanted to know in case we revisit the mine at some point.

We can wait until Lutorian and(?) Velike have chosen their rewards until we continue. I'd want to talk to the Turaga next, if they have other plans we can also do something else first, though.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 656):

"We are honored Turaga, thank you for your gifts." Lutorian was slow to choose an item, he didn't want to be bogged down by heavy equipment.
Would the collapsable pole be sturdy enough to use as a simple staff weapon? If so I'll take it, I would also want to know what a fire staff even is.

"The Turaga must be busy Tameku, allow him to tend to his people first, perhaps we can discuss with him later, we have other business to attend to for the moment." He said firmly grabbing Tameku's shoulder in a friendly manner.

Tameku looked at Lutorian for a moment, then decided that perhaps it really was best if they talked among themselves first.

"We'll come by before we leave Parau Koro", he told the Turaga.

"You may come to my lodging then, if you wish to speak in private." Turaga Zuhras indicated a large, open doorway made of stone some distance away, near the back of the village. "It is just past the Assembly Hall."

He nodded in response to Lutorian's words. "The honor is mine. I was surprised to see such heavily armed Matoran come to my aid, but I am glad you did. The Dark Hunters may have done something reckless, was it not for your presence."

Zuhras scratched his chin in a contemplating manner. His green eyes remained on Lutorian. "There is one thing I have been wondering about, however: What were you doing all the way down in that section of the mine in the first place? It was sealed off on our way in."

What do you do?

---

Lutorian
The pole could certainly be used as a weapon.

A fire staff is Vakama's tool. The head of the staff can become very hot. As a Matoran and Toa he used a short one for his mask-making work; as a Turaga he carried one the length of a spear.

If you are interested in similar tools that were not explicitly listed, feel free to suggest one.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 662):

I'll take the pole

"Well, we had decided to split up to try and find you as soon as we could, the cable leading to you had snapped and left it unclear which way you were" the green Matoran explained while nervously scratching the top of his mask.

I assume I have to roll for this

Lutorian rolled 4 using 1d6 ((4))

"Be that as it may, the Dark Hunters were clearly not sure of where to go, and breaking through the barricade feels counter-intuitive when no one has clearly gone there in a long time, wouldn't you say?"

Zuhras let the Matoran take what they wished from the strongboxes in front of them, then had a guard remove the surplus of tools. He let the box that had contained money stay behind.

Meanwhile more Onu-Matoran were returning from their search of the tunnels. One small group was pushing some kind of bike-shaped hovercraft in front of them. It looked like a personal transport built for speed, unlike the more common cargo vessels used by craftsmen in Metru Nui.

The mining robot's head turned slowly to observe it.

---

Lutorian
Not sure if the Turaga buys it. Since you are using one of your skills, however, you may roll another dice and take the highest result. :)

Turaga Zuhras rolled 4 using 2d6. Contemplating the tunnel. [Skills: Lorekeeper of Earth]
Result: Zuhras -1 Social. Lutorian -1 Social. (4 left)

A Dark Hunter hoverbike has been retrieved.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 664):

Not sure if the Turaga buys it. Since you are using one of your skills, however, you may roll another dice and take the highest result. :)
Not sure what you're talking about, I don't have any skills related to talking to people, just enviroments

"I suppose you're right Turaga, we were being chased by an ever-ugly Jaga and had little time to think," Lutorian said with a little chuckle.

Let me know if you want a roll for that one since it is true.

The Turaga shrugged ever so slightly. "Perhaps the Jaga are growing bolder, and the tremors opened its nest. You went beyond the door. Did you find anything of interest? No Dark Hunters, I hope." His voice was curious, but not concerned or accusative. Yet both Matoran and Turaga knew what sort of chambers lay inside the stone vault.

---

Never mind the skill, I misread my notes!

In reply to Game Master (msg # 666):

"We didn't make it far before we heard the sounds of fighting, we turned back to provide assistance." The green Matoran cooly replied.

"There is not much to see down there anyway, I promise you. Abandoned chambers and old relics, that is all." The Turaga smiled wearily. "I suppose I should not be surprised it took you a lot of time to explore. That footbridge can be very long, depending on who crosses it. When you are alone in the dark, the whispers of the past will follow you, as they do everywhere, but even though they are audible only to those who know what to listen for, in the dark they will slip into your ear before you know it, and give you such pause that all else is for a moment forgotten."

Turaga Zuhras laughed disarmingly. His musings had taken a somber turn, and it was clear he was embarrassed about it.

"In any case, the relic should be safe in its hiding place, and the tunnel will be sealed once more. After all, we should remember the past, and respect it, but also not dwell too long on it. That way madness lies. Everything beyond that door belongs to the darkness now, and Great Spirit be willing, I think it best that he watches the place in our stead."

"It might perhaps be best if you only post guards at the entrance for now", Tameku threw in, "As it happens we'd like to talk about these elemental artifacts with you later. But first I'll have to bring my companions up to date about what I learned from the Dark Hunters. Excuse us for a moment."

In reply to Game Master (msg # 668):

"Thank you for your wisdom, Turaga," Lutorian Said with a nod.