"You are wiser than most. Indeed, the temple is my destination, but the journey to get there deepens the purpose of the visit."

The Matoran cocked his head ever so slightly, appearing interested in Velike's appearance while still conversing with Tameku. "These pilgrims you speak of, are they friends of yours? One wore designs much like our armored companion here. I met with them only in passing. The Matoran avoided my gaze and did not speak. The Vortixx was quite rude. It was sadly clear I would not be having any stimulating spiritual discussions with them.


Lutorian
Given it's simple-minded nature, it should be possible to lure the bug away using pretty much any conductive metal object, but this means it will get close.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:24, Mon 11 May 2020.

"A Vortixx was with them!?", Tameku repeated, trading worried glances with his companions. "Our friends are all Matoran. A Vortixx accompanying them likely means trouble... From what we know the Vortixx in question might even be a Dark Hunter. Parau Koro recently had problems with some of those and we heard one of their group was a Vortixx who set out on their own."

"Were it only the Matoran and a Vortixx, or did they also have one of these four-legged robots with them? How was the Vortixx equipped? How long since they passed you? And they were also headed for the temple?"

The Po-Matoran shrugged slowly and answered in an uncertain tone: "We met on this path about two hours back. They must have already been at the temple, and were on their way back. If you did not meet they must have climbed the glacier - I believe that should have taken them just beyond the visible ridge by now."

"There was a robot with four legs, yes, faithfully following one of the Matoran around like my Mahi follows me. The Vortixx walked with a staff of some kind, and carried little else that I could see. There was a Ta- and Ga-Matoran who looked better armored, both with blades at their side."

He smiled in a friendly manner. "They were quiet and reserved, but no one were being led along by force, if that's what you are asking. And if they were truly hunters of darkness, there should only be light to find at the temple."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:54, Mon 11 May 2020.

Tameku mulled this information over in his head for a moment.

"Would you reckon that Vortixx and her companions will still make it to the glacier village today?", Tameku asked the Po-Matoran, "And how safe is it to travel up to the village at night? Can Ussal handle that?

To Velike and Lutorian he said: "Despite what we've heard I'd like to take a look at that temple just in case. It's probably save to assume that that Vortixx and her companions - if they are indeed the researchers we're seeking - are heading for the glacier village and will spend the night there. So as long as we make it there before daybreak we shouldn't miss them."

The traveler shook his head. "That group won't make it before nightfall. Only a Ko-Matoran already familiar with the climb could manage that trip in the dark, given slippery paths and freezing wind. They should find shelter and make camp, then continue in the morning."

"I don't know about your Ussal. Riding them you could climb even the steepest ice wall without worry, but the sheer cold may still chill you to the bone. If you try, make sure you bring a source of heat, and find a pass where the wind is not howling through."

"Even better", Tameku said. "And how far is it to the temple still? Can we reach it before nightfall on our Ussal?"

In reply to Game Master (msg # 28):

"I..." Velike had begun to say, before pausing as a flare of... emotion of some kind flashed through his eyes and he asked, "Armour with designs like my own? A-are you certain? Did-did it perhaps look to have some  form of... reference to time on it? Something as simple as a circle of numbers as a design, or more complex like a piece of armour with a piece similar to a sun dial attached to it?" with a tone almost desperate sounding.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Wed 13 May 2020.

The Po-Matoran with the odd mask bowed his head gently in response to Velike's inquiry. "I am certain, my friend. The armor bore the design of a sun dial upon the breastplate, with strange mechanical functions that I had never seen before today. No artisan in my tribe makes such designs, but I recognized their distinct style the moment I laid eyes upon you."

"Perhaps it is destiny that you two shall meet. If that is the case, there is no need to hurry, for Mata Nui will see to it that you cross paths when the time is right."

He turned his face towards Tameku again. "It should not be much further now. Your crab steeds could reach the temple grounds in minutes, I imagine. You may go ahead if you wish, I don't mind taking my time."


What will you do?

---

Velike
[Myth knowledge (time-based)]: You can confirm that the Matoran of whom he speaks is indeed a member of your lost tribe, or at least someone who has witnessed their designs in the past.

Tameku turned to his two companions. "Guess it's time for a vote then. I propose we go to the temple first and get a quick look around, then double back and set up our camp for the night near the bottom of the path leading up the glacier. That way we should be capable of catching up to the Vortixx and her companions without problem tomorrow. While the chance is slim, keep also in mind that the Matoran with the Vortixx might not be the ones we seek and they might still be at the temple."

"Anyone against that course of action?"

In reply to Game Master (msg # 35):

"Th-there's another survivor." Velike choked out, his usual stoic countenance practically shattering in the wake of sheer, joyful relief that lit across his face as the Po-Matoran confirmed his suspicions. The surprise and relief seemed to nearly bring him to collapse as he suddenly slumped atop his Ussal, barely catching himself with his free arm, while the grip on his spear from the other visibly slackened.

"I-I-y-yes. Yes of course. The mission must come first. I-I have no objections to your plan, Tameku." Velike replied as he realized Tameku had spoken, quickly attempting to recover from his display of emotion as he pushed himself upright, straightening his posture, and gave a quick shake of his head as he tried to set his expression back into its usual stoicness.
(Though with even just a quick look it would be clear he'd far from succeeded in steeling his emotions. From his eyes to the slight shuddering of his jaw, his expression was far more emotional than usual.)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Thu 14 May 2020.

Lutorian had wandered off from the group, distracted by the lightning bug, he attempts to lure it away from its den by using the head of his grappling hook as bait and the rope attached to it to keep his distance, "just like a Muaka and a rope right?" he muttered to himself.

Velike
"Survivor?" The traveling Matoran reacted with curiosity. "Long-lost brethren, then. I'm sorry - if I had known, I would have asked them to look for you as well."


Lutorian
The Rahi became alerted to the metal, eyes glinting, while its antenna twitched for a moment before it leapt forwards, gliding on buzzing wings to land in front of Lutorian's hook. Once there it chittered to itself whilst running feeling legs over the object. Electric current appeared to flow freely at the contact points.

The lightning bug's burrow was left unguarded while it appreciated the new treasure.

---

You have an opening.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 39):

"Nay. Nay. There is no need for you to regret the past. Just to know that another from my island survived that beast's attack, much less that they are so close by, is more than enough, my friend." Velike replied, letting a relieved, thankful smile slip onto his face as he gave the Po-Matoran a grateful look.

"Besides, it's as you said, Destiny shall guide us to when Time has us meet again."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Thu 21 May 2020.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 39):

Lutorian cautiously moves towards the burrow to investigate its contents.

Lutorian
You can easily pick up the metal wire and a fistful of widgets - 36 widgets, to be precise.

By brushing aside some dirt you are also able to retrieve the meter tool. This technological device has several visible features:
* On the left side, a scope attached by a retractable wire next to a semi-circular gauge. It is unlabeled.
* In the middle, a central compass dial spins and is currently pointing roughly in the direction of the road you are traveling on.
* Barometers along the right side display air pressure indicating weather, altitude, and depth.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 42):

Lutorian leaves behind the wire and the widgets, but takes the tool, "just need to borrow this little friend, hope you don't mind" he said to himself softly, then he scatters 5 widgets towards the bug in order to distract it and retake his grappling hook, "Here's your fair trade little friend" he said with a small smile.

(Lutorian is ready to move on to the temple)

"So, everyone ready to get going again?", Tameku asked his friends after a sideways glance in Lutorian's direction.

"We'll probably see each other again, soon", he told the Po-Matoran, "But the three of us need to hurry on. May Mata Nui keep you safe on your chosen path."

After saying goodbye to the traveler, Tameku, Lutorian, and Velike continued down the wide valley road at the foot of the mountain. Only a few minutes later, having already lost sight of what lay behind them past a slight incline, the Matoran followed a curve in the road towards a narrower pass.

Lutorian's new device had begun making a faint ticking noise, which grew more rapid the closer they got to the temple. The leftmost meter's needle shivered near the bottom of the scale.

Just as the sun vanished fully beneath the horizon, they arrived at their destination: The Temple of the Elements. In the pass stood a grand stone gate very much like the one they had gone through earlier, and beyond it lay the temple grounds.

A flat stone floor was laid out in the center, surrounding a traditional statue of Mata Nui, the Great Spirit. Furrows were laid into the stone floor, each line beginning at the statue and flowing to a different part of the temple or adjacent areas. The base of the statue was raised a foot off the ground and adorned with a ring depicting the symbols of the elements.

Atop the base of the statue stood several small figurines depicting various beings of different species. There was no ceiling, allowing a clear view of the night sky. High above the red star shone brightly.

Encircling this area was a stone wall which isolated the temple from its natural surroundings. Wide square pillars divided the floor into natural sections. Each pillar appeared to hold something of interest: carvings, display pieces, sconces, and perhaps more.

The holy grounds were built from smooth chiseled stone slabs and felt ancient, covered as they were in thin cracks and dry vines obscuring old carvings and murals from the earliest known times in Matoran history. A few had been recently brushed clean of dust and growths. At least one mural wall also had an alcove set into it. The back wall of the alcove was marked with the elemental symbol of ice.

Open archways served as doors through the wall to adjacent parts of the temple grounds. These areas weren't as large as the central area, but still looked to hold more of the same features.


You have arrived a the temple. What do you do?


Lutorian
Your meter is reacting to something in the area.
[Tracking]: Someone have clearly been here recently, and have cleaned the vines off a select few things only. Based on tracks in the dust, the figurines have been moved around.

Tameku
[Observation]: At least one pillar has a furrow running up its side to the top of the pillar, and at least one furrow passes through a door out of sight.

Velike
[Myth knowledge (time-based)]: The ring of symbols includes even the more uncommon ones - light, shadow, and time. All of the symbols look like ornamental designs, not the simplified ones generally used.

Tameku climbed down from his Ussal, appraising the architecture. "Maybe not quite as grand as the Great Temple in Metru Nui, but impressive nontheless. We should look around for any signs of people or recent activity."

"What's that ticking noise, Lutorian? Any idea what that device is trying to tell us?"

Tameku let his gaze wander across the carvings, murals and other items displayed in the temple, in case something might stick out to him in some way. He also strained his audio receptors to maybe make out sounds caused by activity somewhere else in the complex.

Skills used: Observation, Judging Craftsmanship
Tameku rolled 6 using 3d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 3,6,4.  Scanning stuff on display.

Skills used: -
Tameku rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Listening.

One of the cleared murals showed Tameku three tall, bipedal beings with cloaks around them standing above six Matoran atop the shape of a mountain. Zig-zagging lightning was drawn from behind the three tall beings and down into each Matoran. Encircling this pictogram was another ring of elemental symbols.

Another nearby mural depicted a Matoran carrying an oval statuette with the simplified face of Mata Nui upon it. The Matoran had rays emanating like a halo from its mask. Upon closer inspection, many surfaces in the temple held similar statuettes, though they varied in style and craftsmanship, and just as many were of different designs.

One stood out from the rest: a large white totem of a Muaka resting upon its hind legs. It was easily visible in the dark thanks to its color, and laid sideways on the floor beneath the alcove bearing the symbol for ice.

In between the murals stood a slate with Matoran writing:

"United in duty, you fulfill your destiny. To those who carry out the Great Spirit's will, we bestow upon you our blessing."


Tameku
You find a mural referring to the temple's purpose, and a potentially special totem.

Between a stiff breeze and the intermittent sounds of various nocturnal birds, you are unable to make out any specific sounds.

Tameku looked for any clues on why the Muaka totem might be lying on the floor. At the same time, he racked his brains for if he had ever heard a legend that might fit the murals. He figured the stone the Matoran was holding could be a Toa Stone - he had heard of those, but never actually seen one - but otherwise...

"Hey Velike!", Tameku called over to the Ta-Matoran, "Any idea what exactly those murals might depict?"

Skills used: Observation
Tameku rolled 4 using 2d6, keeping the highest dice only with rolls of 4,3.  Totem - Looking for clues.

Skills used: -
Tameku rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Potential memory.



How large is the Muaka totem?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Thu 28 May 2020.

The totem is about the size of a Matoran's head, same as the one from the shrine where you first landed.

[Observation]: Also like the one you've seen before, this one would fit neatly into a socket in the alcove it's laying in front of.

If any of these carvings are Toa Stones, you don't recognize them as such on sight.

Tameku examined the Muaka totem a moment longer, then hoisted it up and placed it back where it seemed to belong.

Fits perfectly.

You feel cold.

In reply to Tameku (msg # 48):

"Hmmm... Potentially. Give me a moment, I need to try and recall what stories my island... had... But what I do know is that this... ring here is carved in a very... ornamental fashion. Not only that but it also possess the elemental symbols of Light, Shadow, and even Time... They are not ones oft used, and to be in something like this? There is clearly a level of importance to this place." Velike replied, first indicating the symbols he was speaking of on the ring before turning his full concentration on the murals Tameku was speaking of.
Letting out an inquisitive hum as he attempted to recall what he could

Velike rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5. Recalling the stories/legends his island had collected from whatever washed up upon shore for any that might seem familiar to the mural