Corpus Rahkshi

IC: Exxan.

"Saved by the bell," Exxan mused. The announcement had come through at just the right moment.

Giving the immature Rahkshi an angry stare, Exxan stormed out of the library, heading off in the same direction that the accuracy Rahkshi had gone - towards the gym.

IC:

Skia took the kick and continued falling back himself, gracefully rolling back up onto his feet, and quickly catching 256's hammer with the clawed end of his staff, something that would be much easier to use to disarm the other Rahkshi. At that moment, though, an announcement came through, and the Rahkshi of Hunger sighed.

"Well, I suppose we'll have to finish this later," he said, shrugging, as he let go of 256's hammer.

IC: Dodge-256

"Indeed." 256 looked around at the gathering crowd. "We might have to reset the gym; this doesn't look like assembly arrangement." Why did they use the gym for assemblies anyway? They should just build an auditorium.

IC: Even as 256 spoke the various obstacles and formations that had been present before simply melted away, the building absorbing them back into itself as it repaired a few small scars and dents from other fights. On one side of the room a small stage rose out of the ground like a whale breaching the surf. And onto that stage strode Suvok, his cybernetic foot making a distinctive tapping.

"Students. You are all here to learn. You are all here to make your Makuta proud. And today we have a little task in mind to help you achieve that. Participation is, as usual, voluntary but those who opt out may want to question why there are here if they are not going to take the opportunities we give them.

"This assignment, should you choose to accept it, will be a mock assassination. You will be given the name of another student in secret with the goal to injure them in such a way that, if they were a Toa, they would be dead. Actually killing your target student will be frowned upon. There are no restrictions on how you achieve your goal, be it by stealth, cunning or just brute force. What matters is merely the result. Those wishing to take part in this game, step forward onto the stage now."

OOC: hang on, you posted right as I did. Let me get this fixed up...

IC: Fall (Gymnasium)

Beneath her armor, Fall made whatever equivalent to a frown Rahkshi had. It had to be non-leathal, yet could kill a Toa. Very well then, she would have to think of something, and soon, before she was targeted. Unless, though, she waited for them... Why focus on just the target, when she could also take out her would be assassin? That would require quite a bit of caution for a while, but it could work. She stepped forward, already eyeing her peers suspiciously.

 

IC

 

"I'm fine."

 

More due to this rubber-like tendencies than any quick reaction, were he more trained he would've blocked the attack, sensed it coming and have been ready!

 

But he was still an amateur, so his precognition was sketchy at best. Caoutchouc accepts help up from the other Rahkshi, he seems vaguely familiar, he had probably seen him on campus someplace or another.

 

"...Wer, right?"

IC Vir:

Vir was so relieved the other Rahkshi was not upset that it took a moment for them to notice that their name had been mispronounced.

"Oh, I'm Vir, actually."

Vir looked the tan Rahkshi up and down: they had armored bands wwrapped around their arms and legs, and looked as ready for combat as any Rahkshi Vir had seen.

"Actually, I don't think I remember your name..."

 

IC

"I am Caoutchouc, I'm-"

The assignment announcement abruptly ended their conversation.

"Well, we'd better run. I don't want to be late if it is Tridax..."

IC: Exxan.

The vacuum Rahkshi was hesitant, but he forced himself into motion, and clambered up onto the stage. He was here to learn, and as much as he would love to spend the rest of his existence in the library, he knew that there were just some lessons that couldn't be learned in books.

He didn't like his chances of success in this assignment, but he had to try.

IC: Xara.

Xara moved, without so much as a moment's hesitation, up onto the stage, her strides purposeful, her gait graceful, her motions eerily serpentine. This was exactly the kind of thing she had been training for.

It was time to prove her worth...

IC Vir

Outside Library

Vir nodded to Caoutchouc and hurried after them in the direction of the gym, then fell back as the path converged with a main hall full of other students. As a result, Vir arrived in the gymnasium slightly late, but still caught the beginning of Suvok's main announcement. As they listened, Vir slowly tensed up in shock. This mock-murder game sounded frightening and dangerous in the extreme.

And yet...

And yet... what if Vir won?

They'd never tried to harm anyone before. Even when sparring Vir had always focused on blocking, not striking. But what if they could? What if they were good at it?

If Vir "killed" someone, other Rahkshi would think twice about bothering them. That much was certain.

Still scared out of their wits, yet clinging to this certainty, Vir joined the growing body of students on the stage.

IC: Glass

Oh boy. A chance to put his skills to the test. He didn't want to hurt another classmate, but it's not like they would be really hurt, right?

Without waiting, Glass stepped forward, face calm and composed.

IC: Dodge-256256

256 was ambivalent. 'Uh..."

IC: Green

Green, having dashed hear from the student dorms, had arrived just in time to hear the announcement. "Question," she asked, even as she kept onto the stage. "Will our targets be restricted to other participants in this assignment?"

IC Clockwork:

The Accuracy Rahkshi clambered onto the stage for two reasons: First, he was in a unique position to win, having both a knowledge of machinery and also being an Accuracy Rahkshi. His second reason was that his target might be that Kaulsirahk who had dropped mush on him.

IC: (Snakey)

Might as well...

The Kaulsirahk climbed onto the stage, before noticing two people he didn't want to meet next to him: the victim of his prank, and the stuck-up rahk who had ordered silence in the library earlier. He extended a hand to Exxan. "I'm Snake." he said, doing the rahkshi equivilant of a grin and avoiding the gaze of Clockwork behind him.

(deleted)

IC: Hashan.

Standing on the corner, he was trying out his blending in. All he had managed to do was make his hand into a small shrub.

When he heard the announcement, he walked to the gymnasium. Upon hearing the right words, he walked up to the stage and jumped up onto it.

IC: Dodge-256

256 finally elected to join. Xhe flew up onto the stage.

OOC: mobile post, so iffy format

IC

A chance to prove myself? Of course I'll accept! I step boldly onto the platform!

IC:

Shrugging, Skia stepped up onto the stage, staff in hand. He was absolutely ready to have a new assignment like this to alleviate the tedium of everyday school life.

IC: Chekquars (Gym)

The decision, for Chekquars, was a quick and easy one. This was a chance to prove himself, the time to show his plotting and scheming could transform into doing and succeeding! 

"I shall accept the challenge!" he proclaimed, leaping onto the stage and standing proudly. It seemed to be a varied bunch on stage, and a group that might pose difficulties. It all depended upon whom he was to assassinate, and perhaps whether or not his chain would be effective.

Zakaro

IC: Exxan.

"I'm Exxan," he replied to Snake. In the back of his mind, he knew he would have no qualms about bludgeoning him to "death". That was the consequence for disturbing the peace of Exxan's library sanctuary.

IC Phogen:

A rather bizarre looking Rahkshi with some... Interesting body modifications watched the stage intently. Now was not yet the time to act personally, but she quickly pulled out a pad and began furiously writing down descriptions of those in the contest. He mulled over the odds each contestant had. All seemed to have some sort of scheming in mind. Good. It would pay to be a cog in those machines. Perhaps switching machines might be an interesting notion. She also began to write down quickly estimated odds.

The one called Clockwork had good odds. He had relatively good hand to hand maneuvers on instinct. Chekquars had an unusual weapon and a bit of power, but more importantly, he was seeking minions. Convenient. The invulnerability rahkshi was malleable, but stupid. A bit too cocksure for Phogen's means. Exxan was a wild card. He could use the help, and would no doubt prove an invaluable ally, but it was a gamble to ally with the Vacuum rahkshi at his currently weakest point. But the malleability of mercy.... Almost intoxicating. Phogen continued to transcribe all of these thoughts on her paper, visible to any looking at him, but not so obvious that she would be noticed by the unawares. She needed to advertise his services, after all.

IC: Xara.

Standing up on the stage with the rest of the participants, waiting for Suvok's next words, Xara sized up her competition. Once she recieved her target, she would begin observing them specifically, but there was no harm in giving all of them the once-over.

After all, she had no idea which of them may be coming after her...

Chekquars seemed overconfident, a definite weakness. And that chain of his would work against him as well.

Skia was trickier to figure out. That staff of his was a decent weapon. Its length gave him equal reach to what Xara's own blades did.

Caoutchouc was no threat. He favoured close combat and martial arts. Even with his powers he wouldn't get past Xara's blades.

Dodge-256 would be a challenge. He/she/it's size made it somewhat weaker, but it also meant xhe was a smaller target. A managable threat, but not to be underestimated.

Hashan was barely worth her time. Arrogant, showy, and boastful. He'd be on the ground before the first words came out of his mouth.

Argun was a dangerous foe. His powers would make him more difficult to defeat, but not impossible. He also favoured hand-to-hand combat, so Xara had the advantage in that regard.

Snake wasn't a threat if he came after her, but he would prove to be a difficult target. He was known for running from trouble. But his powers were limited; he couldn't teleport far...

Clockwork was smart, but not the best fighter. He likely wouldn't pose a threat as a target, or if he hunted her, but she was wary of the possibility of him using ranged weaponry, where his powers would give him a clear-cut advantage.

Then there was Green. She was someone to be wary of. Skilled, sadistic, and completely lacking in empathy. She and Xara were kindred spirits in a way: both of them wanted to be the best. But there could only be one.

Unless, of course, they decided to join forces?

She continued her analysis. Glass was up here too. She knew he practiced with his powers often, and spent a lot of time reading things up in the library. He carried a fair few weapons, but did he know how to use them? Only time would tell.

Moving down the line, she noticed Vir. It was an enigma. A Rahkshi of Anger who was the exact opposite of how an anger Rahkshi should be. The question was whether this would continue. Would it remain submissive and weak, or would this assignment be the moment when Vir finally snapped?

Next came the Rahkshi who had gone up before her. Exxan, a Vacuum Rahkshi. His powers at this level were weak, and while he had some skills, he wasn't the best of fighters. Nowhere near the worst, though. Just... average. He did a lot of reading, so he was bound to know a few tricks.

Last was Fall, the first of the volunteers to step up onto the stage. A combat specialist, she was bigger and stronger where Xara was thinner and more agile. Out of all of the participants so far, Fall was the one Xara was most wary of.

But there was no need to fear. Xara didn't even know who her target would be.

Yet...

IC Phogen:

Noticing the one called Xara slowly swiveling her head, making analysis, Phogen began to feel a bit impressed. So many in this group were focused on strutting that they did not notice the strutting of others. But this one was different. Intriguing. Perhaps a future ally, or more likely, a future rival.

Snake's hunter would make for some prime customership. A teleporting opponent was best downed by numbers or traps, both of which Phogen was proficent in.

Fall was an interesting sort, but gave Phogen the impression of a Lieutenant rather than a leader. In combat, she would be tough to down. Generally something Phogen would stray from, but perhaps being on friendly terms would be adventageous. Maybe a lieutenant for Phogen? At this stage, that would be risky, but such matters had their appeal.

At this stage, Phogen had mapped out who he would accept and reject if approached for assistance. The rest would have to pitch. Still, a select few drew her attetion as someone to approach after this meeting abated. In idle wating, Phogen began drawing out the molecular structure of Energized Protodermis, at least the Pre-Disruption alchemic version that was available in the library. Perhaps a trip to the restricted section would be a useful price for her services.

IC: Hashan

Hashan, bored by the fact decided to look at the others he would be going up against.

All of them were either short, stocky, large or average sized. Nothing to special about them at all, and they would go down rather fast. The only ones that worried him slightly (even though he didn't think it per-say) were the ones who looked ready and were already sussing each-other out. those ones he would have to look out for.

He rested his back on the wall, satchel to the left-hand-side of him, arms crossed, head slightly low but alert, his classic pose, waiting out what would happen next.

IC: Squid

Squid was nervous. He had an idea of how to assassinate someone, but it would require a lot of planning and could easily go wrong. He was also very likely to become a target if he joined... but what if the general students could be targets as well? Squid raised his hand.

"Are non-participating students potential targets for the assassins?"

OOC: Looks like I'll follow the pattern

IC: (Snakey)

Now that he was on the stage, Snake got a good look at his opponents.

Exxan, the silence-ordering rahk from the library, seemed quiet, thoughtful and not too good with weapons from what he had seen of him from around school. There would come a time when all that reading payed for nothing.

Next was Clockwork, the victim of his prank earlier. Hopefully he would be angry enough to volunteer for "assassinating" Snake: like Exx, Clock spent too much time with books and too little with swords.

Glass was somewhat like Exx - a bit of a bookworm - but also had combat skill in almost equal measure. He would be a tough adversary.

Taciturn was like Glass - quiet and thoughtful, but still skilled in combat. The same caution applied to him.

Skia was strangely  peace-loving, and might therefore not be willing to try some of the more...inventive methods. 

Vir was a bit of a softy too - unlike most anger rahks, he was afraid of most things and completely un-aggressive. Snake had yet to see either Skia or Vir's combat ability.

Caoutchouc was another one who wouldn't be too fast to stab you. However, although he was somewhat low on intellect, he was a good fighter. Someone to watch out for in hand-to-hand combat, if it came to that.

From what Snake had seen of the dodge rahk opposite, he/she was a cold, calculating ####. Maybe a useful ally...

The other hunger rahk, who Snake believed was called Fall, was the polar opposite of Exx and Clock. From what Snake could tell, she was all proud, zealous brawn, but not much intellect. He should be able to outwit her.

Argun, another brawny and unintelligent rahk. He had seemed to fit into Skia and Vir's category before Snake had witnessed his nice-guy facade drop when someone insulted him. He would beat Snake in one-on-one combat.

Hashan was an arrogant ####. He could beat Snakey in a fight, but this was assassination. The Kaulsirahk doubted this brute would pose much of a threat, but only time would tell.

Xara, on the other hand, seemed like an excellent ally, if a little big-headed in her own way. She had got the balance between brain and brawn just right...

A nearby darkness rahk was, from Snake's experience, pretentious. He was also however, intelligent, and so would be harder to outwit than some of the others.

A sonics rahk who had just jumped onto the stage was a bit mysterious: Snake had only ever seen him/her once or twice, and he/she seemed a bit detached from reality. Further info needed for complete assessment.

Snake's train of thought was broken as a rahk in the gathering crowd asked a valid question that Snake himself had been pondering.

What about me? Snake was a fighter to an extent, and, more importantly, knew how to fight dirty. One of the best pieces of advice he had ever been given was this: "You don't earn any points in combat by playing by the rules. So don't."

Even so, he was, it had to be said, better at escaping than fighting. He would make a hard target, but would need to be stealthy in order to complete the task.

IC: An assembled horde of Rahkshi was a very noisy thing. Especially one that was chattering amongst itself in the raucous language the students had invented for themselves, all shrieks, hisses and guttural growls. So it said a lot for the respect given to Suvok that he only had to wave his hands a couple of times for silence to fall.

"To answer the most common question, no, students who have not volunteered to take part in this assignment will not be selected as targets. Because their daily lives are apparently so much more important than learning at this fine establishment, they will get to continue them with only my disappointment to disturb them." The drillmaster glared at the small minority of Rahkshi who had remained on the ground rather than walk up onto the stage. "Those who do wish to take part, form an orderly line, single file, and head for the exit. The Porters have taken your names and have allocated each of you a target. Once you reach the door, you will be told your victim."

True enough, there was a trio of the squat little mechanoids clustered at the door. Two had a pile of small leaves on which they were scrawling names, the other was standing statue-still at the door, waiting and ready to hand the inscriptions to the students as they passed. This game was soon to begin...

OOC: Last chance to get in on this. I currently have Fall, Exxan, Xara, Vir, Glass, Clockwork, Snake, Argun, Hashan, Dodge 256, Caoutchouc, Skia and Chekquars down for participation, if I've missed anyone or someone hasn't joined yet then better speak up now

IC: Green

"I'm participating. Please make a note of that."

IC: Squid

Squid responded as soon as Suvak had finished speaking.

"Well in that case, I got nothing to lose but nothing to gain if I don't participate," and he walked up onto the stage.

The other Rahkshi eyed the tiny Rahkshi with disbelief as he bravely walked up and stood among the others, some of which seemed twice his size.

IC: Omega

Omega joined the line, pushing 2 Rahkshi out of the way (squid and hashan) "I'm in." The great Rahkshi said.

IC: Squid

Squid eyed Omega. I'd love to take him down, he thought. He considered giving him a powerful shock but decided against it. His plan required stealth and lots of complicated planning that could easily go wrong.

IC: Omega

Hah. All the other Rahkshi will underestimate him. I know better. He thought to himself whilst eying up the other participants. 

IC: Hashan

As he was walking down with the others, a small brutish Rahkshi pushed his way past him and the imp.

"Hey!", he shouted at him.

"Next time watch your step!"

OOC: Okay, I'm not very good with comebacks. :S

Just pretend it was something along those lines only worse.

IC: Fall (Gymnasium)

Fall had been contemplating manners to pull off the mock assassinations (mostly combinations of dismemberment and caving in the torso of their chassis when they were alone) when further instructions came, and new Rahkshi joined at the last minute.

She wouldn't have to fear attacks from the entire academy, then. Just the selection on the stage. They were already eyeing each other up, searching for weaknesses and strengths. There were warriors and intellectuals on the stage, and some that she didn't feel fit into either. 

Suddenly, an outburst. Fall's head snapped towards the source. A large Rahkshi of Magnetism had shoved aside a smaller fellow by the name of Squid, and yellow-green Rahkshi called Hashan. The Shapeshifter was the source of the noise. Fall made no noise, waiting to see how the larger Rahkshi, Omega, would respond.

IC: Green

"SHUT UP, YOU HALFWITS." Green couldn't possibly tolerate these mongrels yapping amongst themselves, with the sound of their oh so horrific barking making Green's ears figuratively bleed. Such conditions should not have to be tolerated by her. Inwardly, she sighed; why did she have to share this institute of learning with these utter slobs? The fireflyers around her person began taking the form of a wing-like cloud behind her right shoulder as a display of aggression.

IC: Omega

Omega used his magnetism powers to pull Green to the ground slamming her face into the ground. "SHUT THE FRAG UP!"

IC: (Snakey)

Snake looked down to a commotion in the crowd and saw a larger rahk pushing aside Hashan and the rahk who had asked the question earlier (Squid, was it?). Hashan was an arrogant #### (as mention earlier) and he didn't really know Squid, but this brute looked worse than both. 

Just then, a rahk beside him shouted for the squabbling students to shut it. Green, was it? Anyway, he was liking this gal already. This tough lad though, the pusher, used his powers to slam Green to the ground. Nobody goes that far. 

Snake shifted to behind Omega, kicked him in the back, and shifted back onto the stage in a blink of an optic sensor, as if nothing had happened.

IC: Green

Green slammed into the floor.

YOU SHUT THE FRAGGING ###### UP, YOU PIECE OF ######!!!!!!!!!

Green was incensed. Her dignity had been compromised by this rageaholic. There was only one remediation. The swarm of fireflyers flew towards the Fa-Rahkshi, with a detachment of Kofo-Jaga and Hoto following behind.

IC: Omega

"**** YOU ALL YOU ****ING ****ARDS" Omega was so ****ed he did not notice the kick in his back. Omega charged at Green, pulling out his 2 axes and pushing away 2 of the rahi behind her using his magnetism powers. "I ****ING HATE YOU ALL YOU ARE ALL **** FOR BRAINED ****S"

IC

Others glanced at others on the stage, all eyeing the others eyeing themselves. Weighing their options, chances, good matchups, poor matchups and how things could play out.

The highly tactical and dutiful preparation for the assignment is broken up by a couple dumbasses fighting, fighting before the "go!" command and targets had been given mind you.