The fact that homelessness is controversial tells you everything you need to know about conservatives.

Get booped idiots.

Krama, Toa of Twilight

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Eighth lesson: To hone your inner light, you must accept your inner shadow. To control your inner shadow, you must remember your inner light.

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T: What are you looking over there for? V: I'm… reading what you wrote. The beginning of it anyways. T: By all means. I could use an editor I think. V: … T: … V: … Few regrets, hm? T: Few. Not none. V: … How is Krama doing, turaga? T: I… believe he is improving. Slowly. Did you get any results back from the Ghosts on his protodermis sample? V: Nothing that's useful. All they can say is that he has less light left than the others. They haven't figured out how much yet. T: As if we didn't know that already. V: How exactly is he improving? Is his mental state more stable? T: Like I said, slowly. I think the new thoughts he's been dealing with since the procedure frighten him. But it's hard to tell with the way he expresses his emotions being so muted now. V: And his elemental powers? Has he regained some control of them? T: No. V: … T: … V: Is that thing you were telling me about with his mask still happening? T: Yes… It's strange. We focus on practicing his kanohi use most of the time because I think it's grounding for him. To still have at least one toa-like thing he can do. But the things he can do with that mask… V: You've worked with the first Toa Nuva, aren't you accustomed to strong kanohi powers? T: Even Artahka's kanohi Nuva don't match the level of power that that toa seems to be able to draw forth from a simple great mask. V: … Turaga, that kind of power with a Komau- T: I know. Sometimes I fear it will become dangerous enough that he'll turn away from even this in fear of what he might be capable of. V: Maybe we should get him a different mask to use. Something more positive. T: I've tried that. It doesn't even work with a different Komau. It has to be the one he's worn all his life. V: Really? Why? T: … I don't know. I've examined the mask in and out and it's unchanged. It's just a normal kanohi. V: … T: … V: The others worry about him, Turaga. T: I know. V: They try not to show it, but I can tell. They… they were expecting him to lead them. T: He did. He led them in his bravery, in being the first to undergo our… V: Our experiment. T: … V: Turaga, the future students that you're writing this chronicle for… do you plan to have them all drain some of their light? Once we're sure the process is perfected? T: … No, I think not. For certain we've seen that the procedure grants great power… V: … Control over two elements alone is incredible, let alone two of the most powerful… T: Yes, but to change oneself in such a way… I do not intend to push that upon anyone. The students may come and they may learn our ways, just as you learned them from me. There's no need for them to undergo such a drastic change. Unless they… seek to make such a sacrifice of their own volition, and with an understanding of what it means. V: Like these ones did. T: Yes. These students are… a very special team. I am not sure I can ever be grateful enough to their commitment to this project, even knowing what they risked. V: They did gain great power, turaga. T: And a heavy burden of duty. You know that. V: Yes. T: … V: … I should go to bed. Training will be hard tomorrow. T: As always. V: Yes. T: Goodnight, Viama. V: Goodnight, Turaga Tanma.

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Rapaka, Toa of Twilight

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Seventh lesson: Some say that it is right and honorable to take your enemies in a fair fight, face to face. This is untrue. Those who wish to do evil will never fight fair, and when the fate of innocents is on the line you shouldn't either. Seek every advantage you can. If you're smart and lucky, your enemy will never have a chance to strike back.

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T: And Rapaka? V: We don't need to worry about him. He's coming along well. T: I would have thought you'd have similar concerns with him as you do with Takoa. V: … I did at first. But what makes me worried about Takoa is that his preference of tactics seems to be driven by bloodlust. Rapaka is more… practical. He understands that killing is only ever a means to a greater end, and one that should be taken only as a last resort. T: … And striking from afar is simply the most effective way to kill. V: Yes. But the launcher he chose isn't just useful for that. He seems to have chosen it with utility in mind, it can handle all kinds of special purpose ammunition. T: Good, good. That's a relief to hear. V: I don't mean to imply he isn't interested in his own skills though. He does seem to genuinely enjoy shooting. T: We should talk to the Ghosts about upgrading his equipment. And perhaps get him a sanok? V: … I don't think he needs it, turaga. He can hit a shadow leech at 600 bio. He does better with the volitak.

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Bramuni, Toa of Twilight

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Sixth lesson: Hone your body. Do not rely on the natural strength of a toa's form alone. Even your weaknesses can become advantages if you learn how to use them.

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T: Do you want me to talk to Bramuni as well about his lack of a weapon? V: … That's another situation entirely. I'm fairly certain a toa tool would just slow him down. T: I thought so myself, watching how he navigated your little obstacle course during training the other day. V: He's a terrifyingly effective martial artist. I don't envy the others when they spar him. T: We need to get him some better opponents so as not to slow his advancement. V: … T: I know that look. What's on your mind? V: I'm just surprised a toa of light of all things can operate so well with his condition. T: You know as well as I do that he wouldn't appreciate your pity. V: I know, but don't you ever think about it either? That he's never experienced his own element? T: Our element is far deeper than color and shape, Viama. You know that. Bramuni learned that far earlier than most, and that deeper understanding gives him strength. V: That's true. T: Besides, I get the feeling that being blind from creation has helped him feel more at home with the new powers we've given him as well.

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(Custom foot parts modeled by @tropinui)

Geivola, Toa of Twilight

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Fifth lesson: Every person wears many masks, whether they know it or not. Choose masks that are useful to you and learn how to use them. Remember that your intangible, personal masks are every bit as powerful as the ones forged from kanoka, and they can't be taken away from you.

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T: Speaking of overenthusiasm… How is Geivola getting on? I was a bit surprised at how gregarious she was compared to the others when she first came to us. V: It actually serves her very well considering how she wants to specialize. T: Do tell. V: She's shown by far the most interest in the manipulation and deception aspects of her training. She wants to be a spy. The social infiltrator type. T: Ah. How is she at it? V: Honestly? Incredible. T: Good. You know, I always thought that was the poorest developed aspect of my techniques. Never was much of a social butterfly myself. I'll be glad to see how she can improve on it. V: … I'm worried about her, turaga. T: Why? V: Ever since the procedure she's been almost too eager at the idea of infiltrating groups full of dangerous people with nothing but her kanohi and her acting skills. Which is all well and good, she's an excellent mask user, but she hasn't chosen any with combat-viable powers. She's a decent elementalist, not fantastic. Without a toa tool of any kind… T: You're worried she'll have no way to protect herself in the event that she's found out. V: … You're the one who told me that martyrdom is almost always foolish and ineffective. T: There's a difference between martyrdom and reckless bravery, Viama. V: Could you please just talk to her? Convince her to at least carry a dagger? T: I'll have a chat with her.

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Maizun, Toa of Twilight

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Fourth lesson: Our element's greatest strength is the ability to make ourselves unseen, whether by changing our colors to blend in or simply bending light around ourselves to turn invisible altogether. This is the foundation of what I have to teach, but you must push this principle beyond your elemental powers. Learn how to be quiet and how to move from place to place without detection. Remain hidden from your enemy as much as possible. To achieve this, you must be fast and flexible. Be ready to react with fluidity to whatever situation you find yourself in, and the enemy will never know your next move.

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T: How about Maizun? She seems enthusiastic in a better way. V: Oh yes, extremely. T: What is that supposed to mean. V: She's just a tiring student sometimes. Funny thing, she almost never shuts up about your old teacher. She has a great admiration of the stories and legends about him. T: Oh? V: A great, great admiration. T: … Ah. V: Yes. T: No wonder she looks like that. V: She's constantly pushing her acrobatic skills to emulate him. T: Well, that's not a bad thing. Truth be told, Lewa could have truly excelled at our arts… if only he learned to be a bit quieter and more focused. V: That shouldn't be a problem with Maizun. She's serious when it counts.

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Takoa, Toa of Twilight

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Third lesson: Do not treat death lightly. Do not martyr yourself needlessly, and do not kill thoughtlessly. You must take a life only when it is absolutely necessary. But when it is absolutely necessary, do not hesitate or falter.

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T: And what of Takoa? He is also skilled with his weapons, is he not? V: He's nearly Tolme's opposite. T: … You sound concerned. I thought he was progressing well. V: Oh, he's taken to his elemental powers excellently. And he knows how to use the blades. I'm just… unsure of his motivations, given where his keenest interest seems to lie. T: I see. V: I was concerned at the very beginning when he chose his new toa tools. There's not many ways you can use those things nonlethally. T: Have you confronted him about these concerns? In private? V: Not yet, turaga. T: Make sure he understands the seriousness of these things. Tell him that by focusing on these parts of your teachings so acutely, he either drastically limits his usefulness or risks falling into shadow. V: And if he still doesn't branch out? T: It will be a shame he's holding himself back, but if he insists on specializing the day may indeed come when we need an assassin on call.

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Tolme, Toa of Twilight

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Second lesson: those who walk in the light are your allies. Do not disrespect them or dismiss them. Help them whenever you can. But do not reveal to them all that you are.

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V: Well, to start with, I can tell you we don't have much to worry about with Tolme. T: She's the model apprentice, then? V: Easily. T: I was concerned when she came to us that her experience with a more conventional fighting style would make it difficult for her to adjust to the curriculum. V: It doesn't. She's been quick to learn our techniques. T: And I've noticed she still keeps up practice with her glaive in her own time? V: Yes. And her understanding of her light powers is quite strong for a toa her age. T: And the other side? V: … She's learning. Slower than some of the others. She's… hesitant to push herself in that direction for fear of harming the others. T: Mm… She has a collaborative mindset, then. V: Very. T: Good. I think she would do well as a mole in the stronghold, once she's fully trained. We will always need a channel to coordinate our efforts with what the council is up to. V: My thoughts as well. She'll barely need to try to pose as a conventional toa.

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Viama Nuva, Toa of Light

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First lesson: act only after careful thought, comport yourself with honor, and always remember the true purpose of your task. If you have access to this volume, I trust you have already committed to joining our coalition, and are already here beginning your training. Which hopefully means you have already met Grandmaster Viama. Rest assured you are in good hands. Viama was once my apprentice, but she has long since become a full-fledged toa, and she has centuries of experience to impart to you. I know of no other being with more self control and discipline, or a greater sense of that which is right, that which is wrong, and that which is necessary. There is no person that I trust more with the leadership of this school.

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V: Oh, please. T: What? V: You flatter me far too much in that passage, turaga. T: Nonsense. You of all people should know that I never say a word I do not mean. V: You should tell them it's only because I had a good teacher. T: Enough of this. I'm done writing for the day. Now sit. Tell me how it's been working with the students.

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ARTAHKA OS BOOT SEQUENCE… PASSWORD ACCEPTED. PORTABLE MULTILOCK DATA CORE 5inf8943i5 ACCESS GRANTED. LOADING log_231.de log_231.de //: BEGIN PLAYBACK

V: Turaga? T: Come in. Has training for the day finished? V: Yes. T: Just a moment, Let me finish writing this bit.

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As I look back upon my long life, I know that not all would agree with my path. Least of all some of those whom I have held dearest to my own heartlight. But I will not apologize, and although I cannot say I have no regrets, I will say I have few. This is not a memoir. But I thought it fitting to record a brief explanation of my mind's landscape as I sit to write these words. Forgive me if they are clumsy. I am no chronicler. But this must be done. I have always done what must be done. Only what must be done. From my days as a matoran, this was the case. And travelling into my life as a toa. Times were peacable then, and I had good teachers and good friends. But I realized that some of the things I taught myself to do, the ways I taught myself to fight, the details I taught myself to notice, they would not have taught me. They thought them odd. Out of place, I suppose, with what a toa is supposed to be. I imagine, if you are reading this, that you are too young to remember the days in which the Order of Mata Nui betrayed us. I hope for your sake that you do not remember. Though few trusted the order much or thought of them very warmly, their foolishness was still a crushing blow in the hearts and minds of many. Of course, they only thought they were doing what was right. Though they knew it not, they were simply an order without purpose after the fall of the great titan. They refused to change. To adjust their understanding of what must be done. My heartlight holds no warmth for the Order. And yet in their absence I felt a hole. A missing piece. For on one matter they were correct: there will always be that which must be done. The strictures of the toa code cannot be relied upon to solve every problem. And there will always be a need for those with the resolve to walk a path on the edge of shadow. It was with this in mind that I knew I must train even harder and be ready. And it is with this in mind that I have begun what I expect to be my life's work as a turaga. If you are truly ready to walk this path with me, then in this volume I hope you will find guidance that is helpful to you. The great beings must have had a sense of humor when they designed us, for it is our element that is better suited than any other to the techniques of subterfuge, deception, and manipulation. This is not an easy life. By learning what I have to teach, you are taking on the responsibility to sully yourself with shadow when doing so is necessary to defend those who walk in the light. You must be committed. You must remember the three virtues and hold them close in a way that few others will agree with. I trust you understand these things, but do not read further until you are ready. When you do, though, welcome to the Order of Twilight. Turaga Tanma

Ussal Nui

Aqua Magna, c. 100,000 AGR

The surface portion of Meki Nui's Onu Wahi is a vast expanse of unsettled grassy moorland, dotted with rocks and crags that hide entrances to the underground. It's said that somewhere out on these plains, the queen of the wild Ussal herds holds her serene court.

Moctober 2022, Day 25

Rohdama

Bara Magna, c. 2060 AGR

"Here."

"Hm? What is this?"

"It's a Mahiki. Put it on."

"... You are not serious."

"... What, you got a problem with that?"

"This mask is not my style. Not my kind of power. I will stick with my Pakari. Much more befitting me."

"You're going to need the Mahiki. Put it on already."

"But I am the muscle, yes? My job here is to beat the shit out of the troopers and the vahki, yes? Why should I need these illusions? If someone comes close, I make him go unconscious. The rest of you are the ones doing the sneaking and the stealing."

"If things go wrong, you beat people up. And before we even get to the place where we might need you to beat some people up, first we have to make it through several kios worth of city that's crawling with vahki and security cams, and we cannot afford to be noticed. You are a very obviously non-standard toa of fire who is somehow bigger than a glatorian, and we're about to walk you into a place full of nothing but toa of air, every one of which has a rank, serial number, metru-approved cyber enhancements, and an identical mask and sword. You're wearing the Ignika-damned Mahiki."

Moctober 2022, day 24

New Atero Ussal Crab

Aqua Magna, c. 100,000 AGR

Named for the ancient Bara Magnan city in which they were first raised, these rahi are still an essential part of modern matagori life, and just as beloved as their pre-rejoining forbearers ever were. The villagers of Meki Nui raise them mostly as pets and beasts of burden, but ussal racing is a popular sport in the underground portion of the village, and the most dedicated villagers take great care in raising and keeping their pedigree racing crabs.

Moctober 2022, day 23

Hey everybody. Been a while.

I'm not doing moctober this year, but although I wiped out of last year's there are a few mocs left over from it that I made and shared with a discord server I'm on, but never posted here. I'm gonna see if I can get those uploaded so y'all can see them. And then maybe I'll be posting even more backlogged mocs from ages ago or making new ones. We'll see how things go :)

Timendus

Bara Magna, c. 2060 AGR

"If you wanna crack open a cyberthornax this nasty, you’re gonna need a real top notch e-driller. I know a guy. Timendus. he’s got the frag ordinance you need to grizzle this kolhii ball. The only thing about him is he's kinda, uuuuh..."

"He's a coward."

"... Yeah. That."

Moctober 2022, day 22

Silat Nui Mukau

Aqua Magna, c. 100,000 AGR

Originating from a completely different island in the blue sea of Aqua Magna, this larger and heftier model of an ancient rahi is a dependable livestock, much beloved by the farmers of Meki-Nui.

Moctober 2022, day 21