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After a long break from MOCing, I swung back into things for The Legend Continues contest currently running, and this is my entry into the Building Division. Since the premise of the contest is to build something we would have loved to see in G2, but didn't end up getting, I thought of how much character was given to G1 by the iconic Rahi, and how G2 was lacking in official depictions of wildlife. What better way to remedy this than to create an updated version of the set which gave us some of the most iconic of all G1's Rahi: the Master Builder Set? There are a handful of changes between my version and the official set from G1. Firstly, I didn't rework all of the Rahi (due to a lack of parts), however all of my versions were built simultaneously as opposed to the original set only having the parts to build one or maybe two at a time. The creatures themselves have seen some changes, but I believe it's easy enough to identify which is meant to be which, though it's easier in some cases than in others. Of course, since the contest demands a single photo as the entry, I made a group shot of the creatures to be the actual entry picture, but I'll show them off individually to greater detail in this thread. I imposed a few rules upon myself for this build: keep the color scheme true to the original Master Builder Set, and only use parts that were actively produced and used by Lego during the run of G2. Actually, all but two sets used in building these were Bionicle G2 sets. First of all, the entry pic: You can see all of my G2 animals in this shot out in the sun, but it's true that many of the details are lost. Sun-Belly Roo (Fusa) Sun-Belly Roos inhabit the Region of Stone, and are found in the rolling deserts that cover much of it. As pack animals, the Roos live in large families, and are extremely territorial. They ferociously fight off even far larger predators with their strong punches. The Villagers of Stone have grown close to the Roos, and many of the nomadic tribes still practice a rite of adulthood where a young villager must venture out into the desert, track down a Roo, provoke it into a fight and tame it. When tamed, the Roos will become extremely attached and loyal to their masters, and the two will share the bond for life. Builder's note: I fiddled with the function of this one for quite a while. I first tried whipping up something using those pinhole gear-with-technic-axle parts from the Creature sets, but ended up going with a gearbox instead. Blood-Tooth Cobra (Kuna) The Blood-Tooth Cobra is most frequently found in the humid thicket of the Region of Jungle, but also appear in the Region of Fire. Though small, these snakes are incredibly nimble and quick to attack. They can be stealthy if they wish, however when threatened, they can feign combusting and bursting into flames to scare off predators. If this doesn't work, or if they are startled, they lunge forward to strike with the fangs they got their name for. Blood-tooth venom causes the sensation of burning, and is extremely painful. Builder's note: This started with me looking at Skull Scorpio's function and thinking how cool it would be for a snake. In the end I almost rebuild Scorpio's mechanism entirely, but the principle remains. Red lightsaber for authenticity. Ashen Drake (Hikaki) The Ashen Drakes are extremely rare dragons found around the mountains of the Region of Fire. These noble beasts struggle with an ill reputation among the villagers of other regions, however the Villagers of Fire know that the Drakes are not aggressive or feral. An ancient legend tells the tale of an apprentice who betrayed and struck down the Protector of Fire at the time in order to take his place. This usurper then took his warriors to tame the Drakes. Only the other apprentice knew what truly happened, and instead of coming with chains, he turned to the Drakes with humble plea. The dragons helped him defeat the evil Protector, and this was the only time a Villager ever rode a Drake into battle. Builder's note: While the Hikaki was supposed to be a dragon/lizard, I decided to go all dragon here with bigger wings. This is is lighter on function and more for show, but the gearbox is there and functional. Burnsting (Hoto) While most beasts on Okoto are given elegant and descriptive names, these pests are merely known for the nuisance they cause. Present across the island in massive numbers, the Burnstings swarm during the warm season. While not particularly dangerous, their sting does give a slight sensation of burning, followed by itchiness. They are drawn to heat, light, bright colors and sweet smells. Builder's note: I just knew I had to use Skull Grinder's staff spike as a stinger. Fire-Glass Spider (Fikou) The Fire-Glass Spider is just one of many variants of Glass Spider found across the island. Each breed of glass spider only differs in color and what climate they are adapted to. The Fire-Glass resides in the Region of Fire, along with the Ash-Glass (Transparent Grey) and the Magma-Glass (Transparent Red). Glass Spiders are easily identifiable due to being entirely translucent. They are harmless and peaceful, though relatively large for insects. Though they usually steer clear of urban areas, a recent fad saw an increase in demand for them as pets, though most elders are certain the craze will pass. Builder's note: This guy resembles the original the most out of the lot! Shore Turtle (Hoi) The tiny shore turtle is one of the most unfortunate animals on Okoto. They are found across the coastline of the entire island, but are most numerous in the Region of Water. The Shore Turtles are slow, meek, defenseless creatures who for some baffling reason have soft shells, making them extremely easy prey to catch. The Shore Turtle population, however, is maintained by a curious mechanism. Not only do they have the quickest breeding rate of all Okotoan animals, but the predators have learned that an adult Shore Turtle is as easy to catch as a young one, but provides more food. Therefore, the even more vulnerable younglings are rarely killed, meaning the vast majority of Shore Turtles live to reach breeding age, leaving behind potentially hundreds of offspring before being inevitably eaten. Okoto Fishing Bird (Taku) Incorrectly named for reasons lost to time, the Okoto Fishing Bird doesn't actually fish - it is the primary predator of the Shore Turtles, and can be found in abundant numbers wherever the turtles are. The brightly colored feathers of this avian are highly sought after by Okotoan tailors. Fishing Birds come in a vast array of colors, ranging from red-orange-yellow-gold specimens through greenish-yellowish ones all the way to blue and purple ones. Rock-Crusher Crab (Ussal) The most obvious feature of the Rock-Crushers, found along the coast of the Region of Stone, are their fearsome looking pincers which can grind up any boulder, given the time. That said, you'll likely be aware of one of these crabs before you see it, since they are constantly clapping the pincers together, even when not working rock. In spite of this, they are entirely harmless and avoid Villagers when possible. An odd trait of the Rock-Crushers is that they instinctively carve the same motif out of any rock they find - a large humanoid statue, legs set in a slight split with both arms stretched out in either direction. This tendency has puzzled Okotoan scholars for centuries, though they agree that the symbol has been associated with Life in ancient literature. Builder's note: I knew that the Ussal had to be among the few Rahi I remake, and the shadow traps lend themselves as pincers even if the original Ussal didn't have them (built, at least). Bone-Horn Rhino (Vako) Bone-Horns are rarely encountered by Villagers, since these beasts prefer solitude, but whenever a fateful meeting takes place, the villager is often left worse for wear. Highly aggressive, these Rhinos possess a massive horn protruding from their heads, out of a small skull with two tiny, deep-set yellow eyes. Their horn is often used to fashion weaponry for the most elite hunters, who carry said weapon as a token of achievement as much as for practical purposes. Builder's note: I was really running out of parts at this point... More images: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2irmy1 As always, feedback and criticism are always welcome!- 8 replies
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- legend continues
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Ekimu's emotions were mixed as he stood in his forge, looking at an incomplete set of masks lying on a table. Three of the six Uniter masks he had forged sat before him: the masks of Fire, Ice, and Earth. Shortly after his return from the Black Volcano they had been brought to him by their respective Elemental Creatures; the other three would be delivered shortly. Portions of the masks that had previously been silver had changed to a sickly yellow-green. A quick comparison with fragments of the Beast Masks had confirmed Ekimu's suspicions: the colors were nearly identical. Reasoning that the taint had something to do with the Elemental Beasts' powers, Ekimu hoped that he would be able to cleanse the masks, but if he was not then it would be best to keep them here. However his old friend Agil-who had reappeared following the banishment of Makuta-had brought an additional mask to him. Though parts of it had changed in color from green to red, Ekimu recognized the artifact from legend: Umarak's Hunter Mask. What had caused its change he couldn't say, though Umarak's transformation or demise seemed the likeliest answers. The question of the masks and the thoughts of Umarak's monstrous final form made Ekimu think of one adventure in which he had played no part. It had come after the Protectors had found opportunity to tally the Okotans for the first time since the Skull Spider invasion. Though many had been freed after the demise of the Lord of Skull Spiders, a sizeable number remained missing. With no means of tracing them, there was only one source of information available to the heroes of Okoto: Skull Basher, the only Skull Raider who had not been trapped underground. Still bereft of his Bull Skull Mask, heavily restrained, and surrounded by all six Toa and Protectors, the Skull Basher had been informed by Ekimu of the fall of his people. The Wise Master had then offered Kulta's lieutenant leniency in exchange for information on the missing Okotans. Whether the horned monster truly desired a new chance at life, or had decided Makuta deserved none of his loyalty after leaving him imprisoned, he had agreed. As such, Ekimu had granted him back his mask so that the Toa would not have to carry their "guide." Ekimu had elected to stay behind and help watch over the City of the Mask Makers with a guard made up of recruits from the various regions. The Toa were instead accompanied by all six Protectors; Harvali, the spear-carrying archaeologist; Melea, the Stone Tribe woman whose family the Toa had previously aided; and the unlikely addition of four children with a vested interest in the captives. These were Bingzak, the Jungle child taken in by Nilkuu; Ako and Oda, Melea's nephews whose father was among the missing; and Narmoto's son Balta, who hoped to find his lost mother. The four youths had pleaded so earnestly to join the expedition that their elders had agreed, on condition of their promise of strict obedience. The party soon reached their destination, deep in the Region of Ice: a fearful ruin known as the Place of Shadow. Here, as Harvali informed the Toa, ancient Okotans had dared to tamper with combinations of multiple Elemental Powers and in so doing opened a rift to the Shadow Realm. That ancient portal had long ago closed, but not before bringing a plague of shadows to Okoto that had forever altered their way of life and led to the passing of the sacred code only broken since by Makuta. Where once Okotans had been as tall as the Toa themselves, those who had survived the plague had been reduced in stature, and ever afterwards their descendants had remained so. Many of the ancients who had perished by the disease had later been those reanimated by Makuta to serve his twisted ends. Unfortunately, upon entering the Place of Shadow the group found not only traces of the passing of the captured Okotans, but were attacked by two foes the Toa had never expected to see again: one of the Skull Scorpios they had evicted from the Ancient City, and an elite Skull Warrior who had briefly claimed Kopaka's Golden Mask of Ice. The beasts struck quickly and retreated with their Skull Basher, leaving the heroes with little choice but to follow them. And so they made their way into the darkness, where they encountered three monstrous foes... Kopaka's shield shuddered as twin axe and sword blades slammed into it, testing even the powerful energy barrier. He had thought Skull Basher a hideous creature when they had first encountered the Skull Raider in the Ancient City, but the being now attacking him was even more horrifying. It had the Skull Basher's massive frame, Bull Skull Mask, and long horns, and wielded both of the warrior's axes; however, it had an additional set of arms that wielded blades like those of Skull Slicer. The remainder of the beast was a mixture of elements from Basher, Slicer, and the Skull Warriors, with green, orange, and blue bones and claws. Before the monster-whom Kopaka had unconsciously named Skull Crusher-could strike again, he was bulled aside by Onua, who swung his hammer at the towering enemy. However, that mighty weapon was blocked by the strength of all of Skull Crusher's arms, which even Onua could not overcome, and deflected. The weapon flew out of Onua's hands and hit the ground nearby, splitting back into Onua's Turbo Shovelers. Fortunately, Onua was spared a similar fate when Skull Crusher roared in pain, having been struck from behind by Lewa's Battle Axes. A short distance away, the other three Toa were occupied with a similarly nightmarish figure resembling the Skull Grinder. However, this beast appeared to wear the Mask of Creation and have pieces of Ekimu's armor added to his own, with bony legs resembling those of the Skull Scorpios emerging from his back. In place of Kulta's Mask Stealer Staff he carried a monstrous double-bladed axe in his right hand, while the other hand held a weapon with an axe-blade on one end and a sword blade on the other. Ekimu had warned the Toa that such a being was what Skull Grinder might have become had he not been defeated, and even given the monster a name: Kulta-Kal. With a roar, Kulta-Kal swung his larger weapon at Gali, who handily blocked it with her trident. He then attempted to swing his other blade at her only to have it blocked by Tahu's Fire Blades. Pohatu then struck from behind, driving his small blade in Kulta-Kal's side and producing a roar. However, the beast was not so easily felled, and swung around to engage Pohatu with such fury that Gali and Tahu had to run after him to prevent him from slaying their brother. Compared with these foes, one might have thought the Protectors had it easy-were it not for the fact that they were facing a Skull Scorpio. Sending Harvali and Melea to find a hiding place with the children, they faced off with the beast. Nilkuu fired his Sandstone Blaster again and again, though even his skill brought little harm to the foe; Skull Scorpios were well known as desert menaces who would pursue prey even through sandstorms. Fortunately he was far from alone, with Narmoto and Izotor pouring their firepower into the foe as well. The three were scattered as the Scorpio struck with its tail, and then quickly whirled and leaped upon Vizuna, who had been trying to get in closer for a point blank shot with his Flame Bow. His weapon was knocked from his hand and sent skidding across the stone floor, coming to a halt at the feet of Korgot. Fear for the Protector of Jungle and rage at the Skull Scorpio for daring to harm him filled her. However, Korgot had lent her launcher and throwing knives to Melea and her nephews, leaving her without a ranged weapon. Thinking quickly, she snatched up the Flame Bow and then hurled her Star Drill, yelling as she did so. "Vizuna, catch!" Already alerted to the incoming projectile by his Sensor Tail, Vizuna rolled himself into perfect position to catch it. Activating the weapon, he drove it into the Skull Scorpio's mask, causing the creature to rear up to evade the attack. It proved a foolish move, as the action got the Scorpio far enough away from Vizuna that Korgot didn't have to worry about hitting him. She thus opened up with the Flame Bow, sending bolts of green energy slamming into the monster. The creature might still have managed to overcome the attack and come after her, but a massive blast of water came flying in to strike it as well, and it collapsed into a pile of bones. Getting to his feet with a sigh of relief, Vizuna handed Korgot her Star Drill as she handed back his Flame Bow; their hands touched on both weapons, and the pair smiled at each other before each relinquished the other's weapon. "Seems that cross weapons training was a good idea after all-nice shooting Korgot. And you too, Kivoda, though I'm surprised you took so long." "It was a little hard to get into a good position with my Turbines," Kivoda replied. Nilkuu raised an eyebrow as he stepped over the Scorpio's remains. "Didn't you decide not to bring those along the next time we went climbing?" "We knew we were heading into a cave network," Kivoda retorted. "There was a chance-and still is-that we could run into underground water in these ruins, and if that happens these things could come in very useful." Before any further comments could be made, a pair of loud noises reached the ears of the Protectors, who turned just in time to see the fall of Skull Crusher and the false Kulta-Kal. Kopaka and Lewa had entangled Skull Crusher’s weapons on either side, leaving him wide open for Onua to hit him with Turbo Shoveler assisted double punch. Kulta-Kal, on the other hand, had fallen victim to an elemental assault, with Pohatu and Tahu combining their powers to cover him in lava, which Gali then cooled into stone by hitting it with a stream of Water. Just as the Protectors were preparing to congratulate the heroes, the forms of the fallen titans shimmered and transformed into pure shadow. These two masses oozed away from the Toa, leaving behind the lifeless forms of Skull Basher and another Skull Scorpio. With frightening speed the living darkness made its way deeper into the ruins, traveling in the same direction in which Harvali, Melea, and the children had gone. Without a word the heroes charged after them, though Pohatu and Lewa were prevented from flying by the close confines of the ruins. The corridor down which they ran soon opened up into a large chamber, and despite their urgency the Toa slowed to survey the awe-inspiring sight. Seven other doorways led off from the chamber, each with an Okotan rune above the door and a carved Okotan figure standing beside it. Pohatu recognized one of the figures, which had also appeared in sculptures at the Shrine of Stone where he had obtained his golden mask. These, then, were the ancient Mask Makers who had long ago attempted to create masks that utilized more than one Elemental Power...and in so doing, brought about the plague of shadows. Curiously, though each rune seemed to be indicative of a different one of Okoto's elements, there were seven, not six, and the figure above the seventh door-the only one currently open-wore Ekimu's Mask of Creation. However, the Toa and Protectors had no time to ponder these mysteries, for they had spotted their quarry. The two shadows had now become six, and had formed a ring around a trio of Okotans at the center of the chamber. Harvali, Balta, and Bingzak were standing back to back, with Harvali's gaze darting rapidly around to keep track of the shadows. Just when it seemed the shadows might take action, however, they were struck by blasts of Fire and Sand as Narmoto and Nilkuu charged in, astonishing their comrades with their ferocity. Driven back by the Elemental onslaught, each shadow retreated towards a different door, leaving only the curious seventh one unblocked. Then, as the heroes watched, the six other doorways opened, and each shadow began to change shape. In mere seconds they stood tall, strong, and armored, with their forms taking on color and definition. Much to the astonishment of the Toa, they recognized these new beings as themselves, but clad in unfamiliar armor and masks decorated with the same runes as the door before which each stood. The Shadow Tahu carried a pair of lethal-looking crystalline swords; Shadow Kopaka held a sword with two crystal blades and a launcher similar to Izotor's; Shadow Lewa wielded tonfa with metal or crystal blades at either end; Shadow Gali stood with a crystal spear; Shadow Pohatu's weapon was a flail with a crystalline blade; and Shadow Onua possessed a hammer that had a drill for one head and a launcher for the other. "Follow us if you dare, Toa! Come and see the power that could be yours if you would side with Makuta and not his prideful fool of a brother!" With this eerie challenge, spoken in unison, complete, each Shadow Toa retreated into their respective doorway. The Toa and Protectors waited a moment, wishing to be sure they were not going to return, before going to where Harvali and her two charges waited. Narmoto had knelt and hugged Balta to him, while Nilkuu had put a comforting hand on Bingzak's shoulder before turning to Harvali. "Are you all alright?" The obvious urgency and concern in his voice surprised the Toa, who failed to notice the tinge of red that came to Harvali's face behind her mask; Korgot was more astute and gave Vizuna a nudge that soon had him smiling as she was. The archaeologist finally managed to thank the Protector of Stone for his gallant action; her failure to thank Narmoto as well went unheeded. She then explained that Balta and Bingzak had stopped back with her to help her investigate the carvings in the chamber while Melea and her nephews went on ahead to search for the missing prisoners. They had taken the corridor marked by the statue of Heremus, a direct ancestor of Ekimu and Makuta's from whom Ekimu had inherited the Mask of Creation; this door, with it's anvil and hammer rune, signified the Element of Light. Harvali's trio had been examining the statue of Velika of Stone when the shadows had come upon them. "Now it seems those fiends have fled into the the Elemental Chambers, places where the ancient Mask Makers gathered Elemental Crystals from each Region in order to harness their power." Looking to each doorway, the Toa saw that Harvali spoke the truth, for through each portal was visible an environment resembling each Elemental Region. Rock and lava, ice and snow, dense jungle, a vast lake, desert sand, and a dim cavern greeted their eyes. "We must pursue them, or they will cause more trouble," Gali remarked. "But the armor they wore...those weapons...can we stand against them?" Izotor smiled reassuringly up at the Toa, then moved to Kopaka. "Makuta is a clever trickster-he has clad his creations in imitations of equipment that Master Ekimu has told me he intends to forge for you, noble Toa. I doubt you will have much more trouble with them than with the 'Kulta-Kal' we fought further back in the ruins. But to be certain, we shall gladly lend your our arms for your battle." Though Izotor hadn't shared this suggestion with his comrades, they were all quick to agree with the sense of it. Kopaka quickly place his shield on his back while the Protector fixed his own to the Toa's spear, before handing his launcher to the Toa as well. Narmoto fixed his own launcher to Tahu's shoulder, just as he wore it; he then joined his Flame Swords into a claw-like weapon. This Tahu took in his left hand, while joining his own Golden Swords into a double-bladed weapon and throwing the Lava Surfboard through the Door of Fire onto the lava in preparation to ride it. Vizuna handed Lewa his Flame Bow, while Nilkuu passed Pohatu the Sandstone Blaster after he had mounted the Stormerangs to his feet to create the Jetarangs. Onua joined the Turbo Shovelers back into the Earthquake Hammer and then took the Star Drill, though he was surprised when Korgot removed her shoulder armor and added it to his own. Kivoda offered Gali his launcher, but the pair realized it was rather small for her use; Gali solved this by splitting her trident and attaching the Shark Fins to either side of Kivoda's weapon. The Power Harpoon was then fixed to her back, and Kivoda then attached his Turbines to her shoulders; he stepped back to admire the sight before looking over at Nilkuu, who scowled. "You don't have to look so smug about being right." And so, with quick words of farewell, the Toa passed through the doors in search of their foes. The Protectors, after learning that Harvali had completed her studies of the chamber, opted to travel through the Door of Light to see if they could find Melea, Ako, Oda, and the Okotans they had all been searching for. They hadn't gone far when they heard a sound that filled them all with dread-the sound of a launcher being fired and Okotan voices yelling. Without a word they raced towards the sound, with Harvali and Nilkuu hanging back slightly to keep an eye on Bingzak and Balta. Emerging from the corridor, the Protectors realized that Makuta and his minions had clearly altered the ruins to suit their own purposes. Certainly, the ancient Mask Makers would never have caused the Door of Light to lead to what was unmistakably a dungeon. Numerous barred cells were visible, and inside them the group could see Okotans in various ill conditions. However, the greatest horror was the sight of Melea, Ako, and Oda backing away from a monstrous figure that dwarfed even Kulta-Kal and Skull Crusher. The creature's legs, which were oddly short considering its great size, ended in three-clawed feet and were decorated with spiked armor. It's torso was a hideous mismatch, with green ribs falling beneath fiery muscle and sickly green and black armor. The arms were bulky and covered in glowing growths or armor, and ended in long savage claws of black and red or white and green. From the thick shoulders emerged a head with a twisted golden mask set above a gaping jaw, with a pair of massive tusks or horns emerging from either side of it's head. Melea was fighting gamely, using the launcher Korgot had lent her to pelt the beast with energy blasts; however, the massive figure shrugged off the blasts as though they were raindrops. To Narmoto's shock, it then set four of it's six claws aflame and swiped at Melea, forcing her back. It then stomped a foot, and Korgot felt the power of Earth at work as the floor beneath their feet cracked and buckled. Melea stumbled, and the creature advanced on her to the outrage of her nephews, who ran to her aid. "Leave our aunt alone!" Ako followed up his shout with a slash of one of Korgot's throwing daggers, while Oda employed his own borrowed blade from the other side. The beast responded by blasting them back with streams of water so that they hit the walls; the shadows of the dungeon then seized hold of them. The boys continue to struggle, with Oda calling out as well. "Just wait 'til we get free, you monster!" "Perhaps lending the Toa our weapons was not the wisest course," Narmoto muttered. "If I may, friend Narmoto, I believe we still command weapons that will serve: the Elements themselves," Kivoda replied. As before, the Protectors understood unconsciously what their comrade intended, and quickly moved to form a ring around the massive beast. Seeing them coming, the creature unleashed a wall of flames that Kivoda quickly extinguished, blasts of water that Narmoto vaporized, and boulders that Nilkuu shattered. Tentacles of Shadow lashed out at them as well, only to be shattered by blasts of Ice or entangled themselves by Vizuna's vines. Korgot then used her Earth power on the already unstable floor to trap the monster's feet. Now in position, the Protectors moved on to the next phase of their plan: unleashing pure Elemental fury against their adversary. From six different directions they struck, with streams of Fire, Ice, Jungle power, and Water flying through the air to converge on the monster. Not to be left out, Nilkuu and Korgot channeled their powers through the floor, creating fissures and waves of rock that slammed into the enemy's legs. For a few brief seconds the creature held firm against the onslaught: then it was consumed by blinding light, which faded to reveal the blackened form of the Skull Warrior the heroes had encountered earlier. The Skull Warrior's body crumbled to reveal a sickening form: a scorpion, much smaller that the Skull Scorpios and even Ketar, Creature of Stone, but with a sickly green and black shell and a single glowing red eye. Melea shuddered as she beheld the creature and recognized it for what it was. Many were the tales told of its more noble brethren, but the ones about it were spoken rarely and with dread. "Jaga, Creature of Shadow!" With a hiss Jaga fled, moving so swiftly and being so quickly enveloped by the Shadow to which it belonged that the Protectors couldn't even think of seizing it. As such, they contented themselves with smashing open the many cell doors while Harvali, Balta, and Bingzak helped Melea and her nephews to their feet. However, the boys of Fire and Stone were soon distracted as a pair of familiar figures emerged from the crowd, with Balta being the first to voice his recognition. "MAMA!" In seconds Balta and his parents were locked in an embrace, the often stern Protector of Fire gently embracing his wife. Ako and Oda had flung their arms around their father, while Melea began lecturing her brother with mock severity about going off and leaving her to handle his children. However, young Bingzak could not share in their joy, as he looked around to every face in the crowd but could see no sign of his lost parents. At last he looked to the nearest freed prisoner, a woman of the Ice Tribe. "My name is Bingzak...do you know what became of my parents?" "Oh child," the woman said, her eyes filling with sorrow. "We were all forced here by the Skull Spiders, and were pressured to pledge our allegiance to Makuta. Those few who accepted were stung by Jaga and became Okotans of Shadow, and disappeared to join Makuta's hordes in the Shadow Realm. But many adamantly refused no matter how badly they were beaten or starved, even though they had been here for some time. These were eventually put to death...and your parents were among them." Bingzak's eyes filled with tears, his long unspoken hopes now forever dashed. Before he could begin to weep, however, he felt a strong hand descend on each of his shoulders. To one side of him stood Nilkuu; to the other Harvali. Wordlessly they walked with him, leading the way as the Protectors and other Okotans made their way back towards the main chamber. As they emerged into it, however, they found that one last obstacle impeded their mission. The Toa and Shadow Toa had emerged from the Elemental Chambers: four of the latter lay groaning on the floor while Tahu and Kopaka were still fighting desperately. Some victory had been enjoyed, it seemed, for the Shadow Lewa and Shadow Onua were not to be seen. However, the remaining four had unleashed a new tactic, melding their substances together so that there were now two of them. One was mostly the Shadow Tahu but carried a shield and weapon that resembled the chest armor and flail of Shadow Pohatu; fiery blades emerged from either elbow, and two more hung from its back like wings. The other was mostly Shadow Kopaka, but its sword and launcher had merged together, and it had strange armor on it's back that resembled Shadow Gali's and a curious sword held in a reverse grip in it's left hand. "Protectors, to your Toa!" This came from Izotor, who stepped forward alongside Narmoto while Vizuna and the others rushed to their fallen compatriots. The two Protectors whose Toa still stood concentrated what strength remained to them and reached out to Kopaka and Tahu, linking their Protector Masks to the Golden Masks worn by the two champions. Though all four were weak from battle, the effect was more than merely a boost to the Toa. Their energies were almost immediately replenished, and then enhanced, with the power being such that they began to shine with it. Both Toa grew broader and thicker in their chests, as though their bodies needed extra room to accommodate their heightened energies. Tahu's Golden Sword attached to his back, while his Lava Surfboard split in two and came into his hands held in a reverse grip, with Narmoto's own swords attaching to the handles to become additional blades. Kopaka's shield came away from his back and attached to new growths on his shoulders to become wings. His spear found a place on his back, with with his hands he now gripped Izotor's weapon as the Protector did in battle. Izotor's shield allowed Kopaka to deflect the blasts from his foe's launcher, and he then opened fire with his own to blast the Shadow Kopaka's bladed launcher from his grasp. He then used the shield to parry Shadow Kopaka's remaining weapon before slicing through his adversary with a single blow; the monstrous Toa became a cloud of Shadow that dissipated like smoke. The Shadow Tahu fared little better, as it's shield was barely able to deflect the blasts from Narmoto's launcher where it still sat on Tahu's shoulder as he charged. One swing, and then another, of the Lava Surfboard blades rid the false Toa of both weapon and shield, and before it could reach for another weapon Tahu had slashed again, this time using Narmoto's blades. With their foes defeated, Tahu and Kopaka returned to their normal forms, and turned around to see their fellow heroes getting to their feet. Gratefully the Protectors accepted their weapons back from the heroes, who thanked them for their kindness in the lone. However, while Tahu and Kopaka still felt renewed, Narmoto and Izotor were drained from the effort of strengthening them and the other Toa and Protectors weren't in much better shape. As such, the Masters of Fire and Ice led the way as the Okotan survivors made their way out of the Place of Shadow. Emerging from the Place of Shadow, Tahu and Kopaka made one final exercise of their powers to bring down the ruin. This course had been suggested by the freed Okotans and agreed upon by the entire rescue party, including Harvali. Doing so, they knew, would not heal the pain it had caused nor bring back the fallen-but at least now the darkness within the place would be buried, and along with it the hated Creature of Shadow. And thus, with their task accomplished and their foes defeated, the party gladly followed Balta's counsel: "Let's go home." Ekimu smiled as he thought how the heroes had indeed come home, and celebrated the victory and its accompanying loss. They had soon had more cause for celebration, for Nilkuu and Harvali, who had grown closer ever since their adventures beneath the Ancient City, had decided to wed, and to adopt Bingzak as their son.The Mask Maker chuckled as he thought of the wedding, and how Nilkuu and Harvali had thrown their tokens of union, believed to identify the next pair of Okotans to be married. The emblems had been aimed towards Vizuna and Korgot, only to be caught by Izotor and Melea instead. However, Ekimu grew grim again as he regarded the masks that lay before him. Umarak's, in particular, reminded him of the Protectors' description of the colossus from Makuta's dungeon. Only now, after seeing the Destroyer and the Shadow Horde in action, did Ekimu see that his brother had been giving them a taste of what had been to come: an amalgam of the horrors he intended to unleash upon them. And he knew that, though Makuta's power to touch the world of light had been weakened by his defeat at the hands of the Toa, the Master of Shadows still lurked within his prison. "I imagine that you can hear me, brother-yes, I call you brother still, in memory of the bond we once shared. Your plans have failed, and your minions-whether revealed for what they were or cloaked in your shadow-have been defeated. Perhaps even now you scheme as to how you might find some other means of escaping the Shadow Realm. I do not believe that such exists-but if it does, and you find it, know that I will be waiting for you. If it must be so, the Toa of Light will walk Okoto again...and other heroes will always stand to defy you, even if I fall. "For that is the way...of the Bionicle..." Well guys, here it is: my entry to the The Legend Continues. I apologize if it's a bit wordy-I have more experience writing epics than short stories, and I have a tendency to expound a bit more than is probably necessary. I did go through it several times to get it trimmed down, so hopefully it won't be that tedious of a read. I did pack a lot into here: addressed a number of G2 canonicity issues with regards to both writing and unused models/set pieces/artwork, made some references to the much beloved (by me anyway) Revenge of the Skull Spiders, and threw in some G1 references with a little shipping on the side. Hope you enjoy and think it's worth your vote.
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Legend Continues: Makuta's Bargain Down dark halls and twisted steps, they take me to the one called Kulta. As we journey, I see crevices and catacombs covered in webs that dangle in the stale air. Spiders made of skull and bone crawl around the walls. The creatures that escort me wear armour that is frail and patchy, their bones exposed to the harshest of elements. Their walk is limp and their backs are hunched, they have earned the name we gave them: Skull Raiders. They are old and wretched, but I do not shudder, I show no fear. My breath is calm, my step is steady. My arms are folded behind my back, not in chains or captivity, but in confidence; I am above these infernal creatures, I am more than these broken shells. Besides, they couldn’t chain me even if they wanted to. Everything is under my control. My escorts bring me into a large cavern carved into the rock. It is aglow with the orange of flame, mixed with the black of darkness. They lead me down a path lit by candle posts. All around hang hundreds upon thousands of skull raiders, cheering and screeching as they raise both club and sword. Their screams pierce my ears, but I do not waiver. I will have what I desire. At the centre of the room, he sits on his throne made of bone and claw. Kulta, the Death Bringer. His armour burning orange and metallic grey. From his head grow two large horns made of bone. In his left hand he holds his axe, while with his right he supports his slouching body by the knee, his head held low. “You think you can step into my domain and pass judgement?!” his voice bellows with rage throughout the throne room. Two of his warriors force me to my knees as he raises his head to meet my gaze. “Warriors!” He lifts himself off of his throne, hands held high to address the crowd. “Brothers! Here before us stands he who banished us from the mainland of Okoto!” The raiders begin to boo and spit as they flail their weapons in disgust. Kulta continues: “While we sought the masks of power as our birth right, both he and his brother rebuked us and forced us into these very mountains, cursing us with these wretched forms, never to die but to always age! And we will never forget the name of he who cursed us! Of he who denied us our birth right, the Great Masks of Power! Forever we will never forget his name, Makuta, Mask Hoarder and killer of our clan mates!” “MURDERER!” The crowds cry out. “Butcher! Death to the Mask Hoarder!” Kulta lowers his axe in the direction of my head, his teeth grinning through the gaps in his mask. “Kill him!” He commands. The raiders obey swiftly, swinging blade and axe towards my head. But I do not flinch. Concentrating, I activate my mask, calling all but Kulta to fall under my control. The raiders halt their attack, dropping their weapons stunned. Kulta stares at his men with perplexity. “I said KILL HIM!” He yells. His men give no reply. “You dare disobey?!” “Your men shall no longer serve you, oh Kulta the Great,” I mock. “Soon, you all shall call me master.” “You DARE?!” He rushes me with his tall axe in one hand curled over his left shoulder, a loud roar in his voice. His movement is quick. As he swings his axe on a horizontal slice, I swiftly duck so his blade moves over my head. I must keep his forces dazed while also evading his attacks. “I have felled even the mightiest of champions!” Kulta readies himself for an overhead slice. I quickly jump aside, narrowly missing his axe which hits the ground with a heavy clang. “I do not hunger, I know not of age!” He reaches with his free hand to grab me. I evade, but he is too swift to counter. He grabs me by the back and lifts me high off the ground. “I will show you the might of my power!” He slams my body into the ground several times before stepping over my back, laughing as if he has achieved victory. Oh, how little he truly knows. In truth, I found the experience just as entertaining. As he cackles, I begin to join in. Surely enough, my laughter out-grows his, and he is once again perplexed. “You laugh in the face of your own defeat?” He queries, head tilted. “You think you have power,” I laugh. “You think you are mighty?” The shadows begin to move. The light from the torches began to flicker and fade. The air begins to rumble and the earth shake. I laugh all the more methodically as I sink myself into the shadows. I release the skull raiders from my control. I want them all to see. I want them all to understand. As the raiders gain conscience, many begin to panic and flee. But they won’t make it far. At my command, the shadows bring them back to the throne room. I toy with some, letting them get a small glimpse of escape before dragging them back into the dark. Kulta simply stands there in the throne room; still, watching. Suddenly, with a large shadow hand, I grab his body, lifting him into the air. I do the same with his raiders, hanging them upside down in shadowy cocoons. I emerge above Kulta from the darkness, a path of burning blackness sustaining me above the ground. I look down into his old, red eyes. It pleases me to see him like this; bewildered and afraid. I smile. “Well, Slayer of Champions, he-who-knows-not-hunger-nor-age,” I relish this moment. “What say you of my power?” I send my shadows inside him, through his eyes and mouth. I enter his mind and begin to toy with his thoughts as he cries in pain. “STO-*cough*-OP!” He screams. “PLEASE STOP! I-ngh-beg of you! You are most powerful! YOU ARE MOST POWERFUL!” I recall my shadows from his mind. “Swear your allegiance to me,” I command. “SWEAR TO ME!” “I swear!” He cries. “Our allegiance is yours!” I smile as I walk back into the shadow. “I look forward to hearing from you soon,” I say before I disappear. As I go, I drop Kulta and his army to the ground. Through the shadows, I emerge behind The Great Forge in the City of Mask Makers, where my assistant waits to meet me. Her name is Roodaka, her armour his cast in black and Teal, while her eyes glow red. “My liege,” She says with a smile. “Did you meeting go as planned? Do the skull raiders bow?” “They do,” I reply with an equally pleased smile as we enter a hidden passage into the forge. “There’s one last thing I need. Did the materials arrive as scheduled?” “The shattered gold came just as you ordered, Makuta,” She replies. “Excellent. And what of my brother?” “Ekimu suspects nothing.” “Then we are on schedule,” I say as the door closes behind us.
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This is the entry list for the art division of The Legend Continues. Placement on this list does not guarantee entry into the contest, however; entries may be disqualified at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ironat >>> Legendary Toa Tahu 2. Disty says hi >>> Tahnok, Scarab of Fire 3. Haecceity >>> Master Of Light >>> Topic 4. ToaSmily >>> The Mask Collectors 5. Matau228 >>> Rightful Place 6. Infrared >>> Makuta, Master of Nothing >>> Topic 7. prpldragon >>> Sons of Makuta- Bionicle G2 Rahkshi 8. TuragaNuva >>> United Through Time 9. Boxer502 >>> Art Cover - Turn of Fate 10. ZippyWharrgarbl >>> All I Wanted Was For Makuta To Be Free Of The Mask Of Ultimate Power's Influence And Reunite With His Brother, Why Did They Shove Him In A Hole Instead 11. Demitsorou >>> Wairuha, Uniter of Storms 12. Toa Imrukii >>> Dark Skies, Bright Stars >>> Topic 13. Dex88 >>> Old secret Laboratory on Okoto 14. Crunchyn >>> The Brothers Corrupted 15. Wazdakka >>> Exo-Toa 16. TL01 NUVA >>> Tahu Nuva- Spirit of Flame 17. The Venom >>> Tahu and Ikir: Year Three 18. ar9914 >>> Shadow Toa 19. Pomegranate >>> Tapestry of Time >>> Topic 20. Uncle K. >>> An Axe to Grind 21. Illustrious Var >>> The Great Battle 22. Nukaya >>> Hahli's back! >>> Topic 23. harroonthegoyo >>> the four dimensional framework analyzer featured in A Treatise on Protodermis 1st Edition
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This is the entry list for the building division of The Legend Continues. Placement on this list does not guarantee entry into the contest, however; entries may be disqualified at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Krisha >>> Uxar, Creature of Jungle Concept 2. Sergei Rahkmaninoff >>> Ultimate Being >>> Topic 3. Disty says hi >>> Poison Beast (G2 Lerahk) 4. Toa Imrukii >>> Mildara, The Ocean Plesiosaur >>> Topic 5. IvanisIvan >>> Kurahk the engulfer 6. Haecceity >>> Ultimate Dume: Corrupted Protector >>> Topic 7. Pohaturon >>> Bionicle G2 Master Builder Set 8. Genericon >>> Anrak, Servant of Makuta 9. djmona >>> Alternative Creature of Jungle (Weapon) 10. Eharm27 >>> Fernus the Incinerator 11. Eljay: Toa of Mangosteen >>> Makuta - Mask Maker's Return 12. TimelyManner >>> Cyborg Rilos 13. Boxer502 >>> Ahkmou - Toa of Shadow 14. DeeVee >>> Ekimu: Master of Creation 15. TuragaNuva >>> Bingzak, Toa of Time 16. Cocoa >>> Karzahni: Master of Madness >>> Topic 17. exxtrooper >>> Guardian of Shadows 18. Sparkytron >>> Kulta Kal and the Skeleton Army >>> Topic 19. CeziuM >>> Nuurakh - Forge Overseer >>> Topic 20. Mesonak >>> Makuta: The Mask Hoarder 21. Rockmonster2000 >>> Vetr-jotunn, Elemental Spirit of Ice 22. Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) >>> Takua of the Tribe of Light 23. Spiffy247 >>> Warlord Makuta - Corrupted Mask Maker >>> Topic 24. CCC >>> Concept Tahu and Sword Ikir >>> Topic 25. 55555 >>> Tesseract Turbo 26. The Venom >>> G2 Mata-Nui: Titan of Life 27. Ziontyro Metalhead >>> Protectors and Givers of Comfort >>> Topic 28. harroonthegoyo >>> Four Dimensional Framework Analyzer (Used to observe future of small objects) >>> Topic
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This is the entry list for the writing division of The Legend Continues. Placement on this list does not guarantee entry into the contest, however; entries may be disqualified at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Pohaturon >>> The Legend Continues - Of Druids and Shadow 2. Bionic Kasai >>> Bionicle: Mask of Imitation 3. RWallace >>> The First and the Last 4. Genericon >>> Makutas Bargain 5. Lab Member 0579 >>> Second Star 6. Gzstg >>> Pohatu 7. Matau228 >>> Mythology in the G2 Universe 8. capMARVELOUS >>> The Legend Continues- Assimilate 9. Disty says hi >>> The Conspiracy 10. Pereki >>> No More Shadows 11. Wiriamu >>> The Legend Continues: Shadows of Past and Future 12. Oonie >>> The Legend Continues: Umarak of the Shadow 13. Constraction_Deva >>> Realm of Shadow 14. Boxer502 >>> Boxer502 - Bionicle:Turn of Fate 15. JTH_Studios >>> Journey's End 16. Alexander123 >>> The Tragedy of Makuta 17. SPIRIT >>> Clinging to the Bones 18. Master Inika >>> Return to the Underworld: The Protectors' Mission 19. markyman20 >>> Vezon's Visit 20. TuragaNuva >>> Heroes of Legend 21. Kookie >>> A Simpler Time 22. PeabodySam >>> Gresh - Gladiator of Jungle 23. harroonthegoyo >>> A Treatise on Protodermis Preview 24. Ptah >>> The Great Hunt 25. Ziontyro Metalhead >>> Makuta's jealousy. 26. SkullKid >>> The End of Time 27. Jonathan Juan >>> The Dreaming Dead 28. Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) >>> Bionicle: Journey to Zero
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Makuta’s line, “Today I take my rightful place among the gods," from JTO hints at a bigger mythology in the G2 universe, such as multiple deities and possibly a different creation story. Here's my take on what that could be... The Great Beings It is said that long ago, before history, in “the time before time,” there was the void. And though it was a void, inside of it was life. Not life as you or I know it, mind you, bound to the material plane, where things are born and die. This was pure life. Unending, unyielding. Those with this life were the first gods, the Great Beings. They were great in their knowledge, knowing all that could be and all that would come, and were mighty in their power. They could create whatever their hearts desired, and lived happily for an eternity. But they grew tired of their existence. “What is the point of life,” the Great beings said, “If we always know what will happen? By merely knowing, we have experienced everything imaginable.” So the Great Beings cast away their knowledge of the future into a box. They crafted armor out of pure light and put it on one of their own, giving him the box to guard so that no one could open it. They called him "Great Spirit," and named the warrior “Mata’nui,” meaning “The warrior that holds destiny, the champion among us” in their tongue. This is how the Great Spirit Mata’Nui, came to be. Tren Krom, the Corrupt The Great Beings, now relieved of their burden, returned to their old ways, creating great worlds for them to enjoy. But one Great Being, finding that his worlds were no longer as as beautiful as the others, went out to take the knowledge of the future back from Mata'Nui, so as to have something that made himself special compared to the rest. So he befriended the Great Spirit Mata’Nui, and they became so close that many began to call them brothers. Mata'Nui, while gladdened to have such a friend, still would not let the Great Being open the box. Driven by his envy, the Great Being began to plot the death of Mata’Nui. The Great Being fashioned a sword for himself of pure shadow, so as to be able to pierce Mata'Nui’s armor. He came to Mata'Nui with the blade, saying “Brother, I have finally been able to something beautiful. We must celebrate!” The celebration lasted a thousand years, for all had come know of this Great Being’s struggles, and rejoiced for him. When the celebration ended, all but the one Great Being slept. He crept to where Mata’Nui was sleeping, whispering, “It is good that you are sleeping, brother, for awake this would have been agony.” And so the Great Being ran Mata’nui through with the sword, sending him into an eternal slumber. The Great took the box from Mata’nui’s lifeless arms and opened it, staring into the bottomless pit of knowledge. But the sheer amount knowledge was not meant for one person alone, and so he was driven mad by it. When the other Great Beings awoke, they were distraught at what one of their own had done, and mourned Mata’nui. Finding the evil Great Being, they cursed him, naming him “Tren Krom,” meaning “the corrupt, the one who brings suffering and misery,” and transformed him into a hideous creature, so that anyone searching for his knowledge would be driven mad themselves. They fashioned a prison for him out of a rock, melding his flesh with it, and created a deep ocean to sink it in. This is how the Great Ocean and Tren Krom came to be. Artakha, the Uniter (”Commentary” by Takua, a chronicler-in-training) The Great Beings closed the box again, forging a great chain to hold it shut. (You’d think for a people called “Great Beings,” they’d have done that in the first place, wouldn’t you?) This was when everything was new, young one. They didn’t think that anyone- (But you just said that they knew everything before they put their knowledge in a box! Wouldn’t they have known to put a chain on it before they made it? And how do you put knowledge in a box?) It’s a story, young one, one that has been passed down for eons. Some of the story has probably been changed, or mistranslated… Anyway, they called upon one of the greatest creators among them to forge the chains. Now, he had seen how easily the Shadow Blade had cut through Mata’Nui’s armor, and decided that light alone was not strong enough to hold the box closed. So he began to forge the links of the chain from the elements. “Forge-worker,” The other Great Beings said, “Why do you forge the chain from the elements, and not from pure light as we did the armor? Surely they cannot be strong enough!” And they took some of the elements and crushed them, casting them into the Great Ocean, forming the land. “Ah, my siblings, but try to break the chain I have formed.” He challenged them. And try as they might, none of them could break the chain he had forged. For separate, the elements were weak. Together, nothing could have broken them. (But how did he make a chain out of fire or water, and how did the Great Beings break them? They aren’t solid!) It’s… symbolic. Hush, now, and listen. To finish his creation, he took some of Mata’Nui’s armor and spun it into thread, weaving light through each of the links. He wrapped the chain around the box, sealing it. And so they called him “Artakha,” meaning “The uniter, the one who builds,” and gave him the box to guard, until such a time as Mata’Nui returned. This is how the Great Spirit Artakha and the Land came to be. Karzahni, the Dutiful Now, as death was not permanent for the Great Beings, someone was needed to stay with Mata’Nui until he awoke. This duty fell upon a mask-maker, one who had considered Tren Krom a friend, and so felt obligated to right his wrongdoing. He was given the Shadowed Blade to use against all that might harm Mata’Nui as he slept. For a thousand years, this Great Being sat beside the sleeping Mata’Nui, neither sleeping nor eating so as to be with Mata’nui when he woke. At the end of the thousand years, the Great Being felt his strength waning. Tired of waiting, he asked for another Great Being to take his place, only for a year while he rested. “Brother,” they said, “We are busy with our creations. Surely he will wake up soon.” So the Great Being, angry at the other’s refusal to help, waited another thousand years for Mata’Nui to wake up. Again, he called for another to take his place, this time for only a month. “It is your duty, what if Mata’Nui wakes while you sleep?” And so the Great Being sat for another thousand years, angry at his people. Finally, he called for Artakha, asking him to take his place for one single day. “I understand your pain, Mask-maker,” said Artakha, “But I, too, must protect my charge; I cannot help you, but I will sit with you.” The Great Being, though unhappy he could not get rest, rejoiced in Artakha’s company, and the two sat together for another thousand years, neither of them sleeping nor eating. At the end of the thousand years, Mata’Nui finally woke up. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself alone, save for the Great Being and Artahka. Mata’Nui praised the Great Being for his dutiful nature. But the Great Being looked away bitterly, saying “I am honored by your praise, Great Spirit, but I do not deserve it. I was tired of my duty, and hated it.” Mata’Nui laughed. “You could have left at any time, abandoning your duty, but you did not! Is that not worthy of praise?” And so they called the Great Being “Karza,” or “He who does what is difficult, the one who perseveres.” And so Karza finally rested, watched over by his friends. This is how The Great Spirit Karza, and thus the Three Great Spirits of Virtue came to be. Artahka the Uniter, Karza the Dutiful, and Mata’Nui, the one who holds Destiny. The War of Creation Now there came a time when each Great Being strove to create their own world, one which they could rule as they saw fit. Most beautiful among the worlds was the one made from Tren Krom’s Prison and the discarded elements, located in the center of all creation. Naturally, as all of the Great Beings had taken part in this world’s creation, and each one claimed that it was theirs. Artahka saw the divide beginning to form among the Great Beings, and said, “Siblings, why do you quarrel over this world? Do you not remember that one of our own, though disgraced and mad, sleeps beneath it’s waves? Would it not be better to make another world to enjoy?” But the Great Beings ignored the Uniter, and did not stop their fighting. Their petty arguments soon grew into a great war, spanning all of creation. Worlds began being fashioned and used as weapons, or as battlegrounds for the Great Beings, and many more were destroyed, save for the center world. Mata’Nui became greatly troubled by this, and swore to end the fighting by whatever means he could. So he joined the battle himself, not with swords or spears, but wielding two gleaming shields in each hand. He would step out onto the battlefield, blocking both side’s blows until they were too exhausted to continue the fight. Mata’Nui, still standing strong, would say to them, “Siblings, do not quarrel over the center world. It is a prison to our brother, who is disgraced, and it has only brought misfortune to our people.” But the Great Beings ignored the One Who Holds Destiny, and did not stop their fighting. The war became so great and wide-spread that there was no Great Being left who did not wield a sword and use it against their siblings. Only the Great Spirits of Virtue refused to fight. Now Karza was still angry at his people for their unwillingness to help, and became enraged at their petty war, and so decided to end the fighting himself. So Karza yelled out to his people, warning “Siblings, stop your quarrel over the center world! It is a prison to our brother, Tren Krom, and like him, it brings suffering and misery! If you do not, the center world will be destroyed.” But the Great Beings ignored the Dutiful, and did not stop their fighting. So Karza took his brother Artahka’s forge tools and his own sword and used their destructive power against the center world. The land shattered, and parted the sea, letting Tren Krom, the Corrupt, see the war for a brief moment. The Mad Great Being laughed, yelling out “This is what I saw! A war to destroy all of creation! You are the cause of my madness!” With the center world’s beauty destroyed and Tren Krom’s prison weakened, the Great Beings no longer wished for control of the center world. Karza, still angry with his people, said to them “See now what your actions have done? To stop your war, I had to destroy what you sought, weakened our brother’s prison, so that none would want it!” And so the Great Beings stopped their war, and more was added to Karza’s name, becoming Karzahni, which now meant ”He who does what is difficult, the one who brings destruction, the jailer of the disgraced.” Karzahni, knowing that while it did stop the war, his actions also threatened to release Tren Krom from his prison, and so he banished himself to the remains of the center world to ensure that Tren Krom never escaped. He built a jail under the ocean around Tren Krom’s prison, with the intent to house the most dangerous outcasts in creation. His brothers, the other two Great Spirits, noticed his determination to fix his mistakes and began living on the land above, caring for what little of nature remained and rebuilding the world. This is how the Three Great Spirits became the Guardian Deities of our world; Karzahni, the Dutiful, guarding The Pit; Artahka, the Uniter, guiding the Island city of Tekoa; Mata’Nui, He who holds Destiny, watching over the Island of Okoto.
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Gallery Its corrupting influence over Makuta severed and its status unknown, the Mask of Ultimate Power no longer seemed a threat to the peace of Okoto. But the loss of its servant was only a setback. With its dark power over the elements, the forbidden mask created a fearsome body for itself. Now the Ultimate Being walks Okoto unsuspected, preparing for revenge upon its inhabitants... My entry in The Legend Continues. One of my favorite G2 theories was that the Big Bad was in fact not Makuta but the Mask of Ultimate Power. Combined with the Ultimate Mask concepts in The Art of Bionicle (page 42), it was fairly clear to me that I should build something along those lines. The shooter does work, and in addition there's a linkage function to swing the arms back and forth. (Also, in case anyone is curious, the glowing eyes are accomplished during photography with merely a laser pointer - no third-party lights or photoediting.) I look forward to your feedback, and hope you enjoy!
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“Ugh…” Slowly, Jaller pushed himself up off the ground. He blinked, but his sight remained blurry. Standing up, he reached out for something to balance himself with and grabbed hold of a tree branch. “Why am I so dizzy?” He was starting to see more clearly now. Oddly, however, he couldn’t help but feel everything looked…smaller. Assuming he must not be recovering as fast as he thought, he put a hand to his head. But the hand that responded to his command didn’t look familiar. “Huh?” Jaller looked down at himself. His body had changed completely, now at least twice as tall as he had been before and looking much more muscular, covered in red and gold armor with cyan lines that started at his extremities and all ran back to meet at the center of his chest. There was also a weight on his back, like he was carrying something. “I look like…Toa Tahu.” That was when he remembered. He and the others had been driven to the edge of a cliff by the Enforcers, outnumbered and overpowered. Just before they moved in, Jaller remembered looking up at the sky, and seeing a flash from the six stars that represented the Toa. He remembered bolts of lightning shooting out, striking them all, a sudden rush of energy, and then…nothing. Wait, where are the others? Setting the mystery of his appearance aside for the moment, Jaller spun and surveyed the forest clearing, nearly tripping over his new limbs in the process. Walking a short distance, he came upon a river cutting through the trees. Someone was crouched on its bank, someone with a similar build to him but with dark blue and white armor. The metal plating sported the same cyan lines, and she carried a sword with a hook on its tip. Though she didn’t exactly look familiar, Jaller had an idea of who it might be. “Hahli?” he asked tentatively. She looked up at him. “…Jaller? Is that you?” Smiling, she stood, stuffing a few seashells into her bag as she did. “I’m glad to see you’re okay.” “What’re those shells for?” “These? For trading. There’s someone back at the City who can use these, and if I can grab a few more and handful of seaweed she should be able to make something really useful!” Jaller sighed. Yep. Only Hahli would collect materials so obsessively. “Anyway,” Jaller said, “let’s track down the others and see if we can get back to the City. Maybe someone there can explain what’s going on.” As Hahli nodded in response, they heard a twig snap. A moment later, they heard another. She drew her sword, meanwhile Jaller reached for his back to find out what he was carrying. There were two weapons there, with guards made of jagged gold and blades that looked like crimson tongues of flame. He tried to find a good stance with them, but soon a voice could be heard over the sound of snapping, one Jaller thought he recognized. “…doesn’t make any sense! They’re specifically programmed not to harm villagers, didn’t look damaged in any way. I mean, even if they were somehow damaged, there are safeguards in place to prevent exactly this! Oh, how in the world did this happen?!” Jaller and Hahli moved forward to find the source: a tall, broad-shouldered being encased in black armor that bore cyan lines identical to the ones on their armors, with a small, plain-looking metal cylinder mounted on one wrist. He stopped when he saw them, and for a moment they just stared at each other. “I’m guessing that’s you, Nuparu?” Jaller asked. Nuparu looked between the two of them. “…Jaller…Hahli. Right. I suppose it would be stranger if I was the only one affected.” “What happened, Nuparu?” Hahli asked. “Why were those Enforcers chasing us?” Nuparu threw his arms wide. “That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out! When I built the Enforcers, I programmed them never to harm a villager—well, barring certain very extreme circumstances—and added at least two dozen safety protocols to prevent them from even considering violating that directive. They should have self-destructed before they started firing at us!” “Take it easy,” Jaller said. “We’ll figure this out later. For now, let’s just find the others.” Continuing to grumble to himself, Nuparu nonetheless fell into step behind the two of them as they went deeper into the forest. Angry shouting drew their attention, bringing them to where a large being with brown and gunmetal armor was slowly making his way up a tree. The shouting, however, was coming from further up, where someone in green armor was wedged between two branches. “Hurry it up! When you said you were going to help, I figured you’d actually be of some help!” The climber grinned. “I am helping, Kongu. But it’d be too easy if I just jumped up there and knocked you loose—it takes a lot more precision this way, and by taking my time it’ll help me build up some greater stamina.” “And what if those Enforcers come back, huh? What then? You gonna ask them to wait politely while you continue stamina-building? Think they’ll go for that, Hewkii?” Jaller tried not to smile as he called, “Hewkii!” The brown armored one turned. “Please, just get him down. We shouldn’t waste time.” “Jaller?” Kongu asked, craning his neck. “Is that you? Finally someone with sense! Hey, you heard him: get me down from here!” Sighing heavily, Hewkii dropped to the ground and produced his weapon, a long chain with a large metal sphere at either end. After spinning one end for a few seconds, he yanked and sent it flying at the branches clamped around Kongu, splintering them instantly and causing his friend to fall out of the tree with a loud thud. “…Gee, thanks,” Kongu mumbled as he dusted himself off. “At least I got practice with this new weapon,” Hewkii said, mostly to himself. “Yeah, good for you. And it looks like the three of you got something? Huh. Seems like whoever did whatever to us didn’t see fit to give little old me a weapon of my own.” The tree continued shaking, and soon another object fell out of its branches. Kongu turned to see something resembling the Elemental Blasters of the Protectors, only enlarged and lengthened into a cannon about the same size as him, and with the addition of a second handle under the barrel to provide better grip. For a time he just stood there, his expression frozen in surprise as he stared at the weapon. Finally looking upward, he whispered, “Thank you.” Jaller shook his head. He noticed Hahli picking some berries behind him, so he tapped her on the shoulder to let her know they were moving on—she caught up faster than Kongu, who took a while to figure out how to properly lift his cannon and refused to accept any more help from Hewkii. After a few minutes the trees began to thin. Coming closer to the edge of the forest, they could spot movement nearby and slowed in caution. Jaller prepared to draw his swords as he strafed around a tree to get a better look: it was someone with white armor similar to theirs, with the same cyan pattern, though a bit shorter than any of them, and he carried two small shields on his arms. He was currently producing an odd series of whistles and clicks, and a bird sitting on a nearby branch was mimicking the sounds back at him. “That’s Matoro, for sure,” Jaller said. Matoro turned sharply as they came into view. After whistling to the bird once more, he said, “Hello, everyone. At least, I’m assuming it’s you. It’s a bit hard to be sure.” Jaller greeted Matoro and then looked past him. The plains continued on a short way before turning to foothills, and behind that the mountains steadily rose. Pointing, he said, “The City of the Mask Makers should be that way, if I’m not mistaken. Let’s get home and start figuring out just what’s happened to us.” “And what’s happened to the Enforcers,” Hahli said. “Right,” Nuparu said through gritted teeth. “If I tear one of those malfunctioning units apart I should get a pretty good idea.” As they began to move, the bird Matoro had been talking to started to squawk and flap its wings, causing the Ice villager to take notice. The creature flew away, and he said, “Um, I think we should—“ He was cut off as a blast of energy struck the ground nearby, kicking up a thick cloud of dirt and knocking the six off their feet. Nuparu was the first to get up—he traced the blast’s trajectory and glared at the foothills, spotting something glowing. Attached to a metal base with eight small legs was a gigantic red gun, its barrel composed of several connected plates of thick armor with green light pulsing from its depths. “It’s an Artillery Model Enforcer!” he shouted. “Darn, that’s malfunctioning too?! Take cover!” The Enforcer glowed brighter as it prepared another shot. The villagers scrambled back into the forest, and when the next blast hit they were well clear of the impact. “What’s our best chance, Nuparu?” Jaller asked. “Any one of us could disable it if we got close enough, but therein lies the trick. We’d be sitting ducks if we tried to approach it!” Kongu hefted his weapon. “I mean…I could just take it out from right here? I’m sure this thing can match its range.” “Are you sure you know how to use that?” Jaller asked. “Point and shoot. How complicated could it be?” Not waiting for approval, Kongu went to find a better position. Before he could, however, something struck him in the leg, making him crumple and lose his grip on the cannon. The others spun to see three forms moving towards them. Each was made entirely of black and white metal, with a pulsing orange crystal at the center of their broad torso, and had a sleek, narrow head with a vaguely insectoid look. The machines had three long multi-jointed legs, and mounted where their left arm should have been was a rifle that crackled with electricity. The only arm they had was oversized and heavily armored, ending in four flexible claws that were currently being used to uproot the trees that stood in the automata’s way. “Infantry Model Enforcers,” Matoro identified. He shrank behind his shields, and some of the others followed his lead. Jaller set a hand on Kongu’s shoulder. “Can you move?” Kongu watched his leg as he tested it. Slowly, he got upright, saying, “I…actually feel fine. The stun only lasted a few seconds. Think they’re running low on power?” One of the Enforcers moved forward, swinging its massive arm towards him. Jaller parried the strike with both of his swords while Kongu scrambled back. Above them, a flash and the sound of tree branches breaking notified the team that the Artillery Model hadn’t given up on them yet. “Kongu, we’re still counting on you to take that one out,” Jaller said as he repelled the Infantry. “Matoro, you go with him and make sure he doesn’t get shot from behind.” Hesitantly, Matoro nodded. Kongu lifted his cannon and said, “Yeah, getting shot once in a day is enough for me. C’mon, pal.” As they retreated, one of the Infantry fired another stun bolt at Kongu—leaping forward, Matoro caught it on his shield, and the two of them quickened their pace as their allies moved to form a line. The machine in front of Jaller seemed to regard him curiously as its companions advanced. “Nuparu, if you have any advice, this is the time,” the Fire villager said. “Hmm…what are we now, 6 feet, 7?” Nuparu held a hand above his eyes and squinted. “Yeah, that should work. Okay, aim for the top of the chest!” The Enforcer before Jaller pushed its claws together and lengthened them into a single long blade. It slashed, and Jaller barely had time to block. While he was distracted, it shot him with its stun gun, making him fall to his knees, and then reared back to swing again. However, Jaller regained his bearings near-instantly. Rolling out of the way, he sprang up and made a high swing, missing the target Nuparu had indicated but dealing a solid hit to the machine’s face. As Hewkii and Hahli engaged the other two, the latter asked, “Is that their weak point?” “Essentially,” Nuparu replied, edging away. “If enough pressure is applied there, it’ll trigger a mechanism that ejects their power cores, rendering them inactive.” “Not exactly sporting,” Hewkii said. He dodged the Enforcer’s attack and threw a punch, snapping the barrel off of its stun gun. Taking a moment to duck, he reached up as its arm passed over him and pulled, flipping it over. The Enforcer’s legs twisted and quickly got it back on its feet. Rather than pressing his advantage, Hewkii hung back and let the Enforcer balance itself. Hahli swung her sword blindly, managing to push the Enforcer back. A stun bolt sailed past her and went on until it struck Nuparu. Narrowly blocking a swipe, she shouted, “You could lend a hand, you know!” “I’m an engineer, not a fighter!” Nuparu replied, rubbing his numb shoulder. “Well you’ll have to adapt! You’ve got a weapon, so use it!” Nuparu grumbled as he looked over the cylinder on his wrist. “Mmm…doesn’t have a trigger…no buttons…how do you use this?” Hahli made a clean cut through the arm of the Enforcer she was dueling, prompting it to put some distance between them. She watched it closely, but suddenly something bumped into her from behind—Jaller had backed up without realizing she was there, and in a second they were both stunned. “Darn it,” Jaller said. “Sorry about that.” “No, it’s—“ Hahli started, cutting herself off to pull Jaller out of the way of another bolt. Meanwhile, Kongu and Matoro had found a ridge to hide behind to initiate their assault on the Artillery Model Enforcer. Matoro kept an eye on the forest just in case, while Kongu alternated between ducking behind the natural barrier and springing up to unload as many shots as he could. Each time he pulled the cannon’s trigger, its barrel began to rotate ferociously, letting off green-hued energy blasts faster than he could count. To his credit, his aim was excellent, but the Artillery Model’s armor was designed to take quite a bit of punishment and keep returning the favor. Progress was ultimately rather slow. “Shoot,” Kongu said as he ducked again. The ridge rattled as a shot hit it, shaking loose a layer of dust that floated over him. “How’s a guy to enjoy his shiny new Cannon O’ Death if the target refuses to actually die?” “W-Well, it seems to be working.” “But it’s taking forever! Aren’t you getting impatient?” “I don’t think I’d say that.” “Okay, just me. I’m gonna get closer.” Matoro jumped. “What?! But that’s dangerous, and unnecessary! It’ll shoot you for sure!” Kongu was already peering over the ridge, trying to pick out the best path. “Making sure it doesn’t is your job, remember?” “My shields can’t block those artillery blasts!” Another blast rocked their hiding spot, and then Kongu leapt into action. “Don’t worry, I believe in you!” Frantically, Matoro sprinted after him. Back in the forest, Jaller and Hahli were still staying low to avoid stun bolts while Hewkii grappled with his chosen foe. Apparently forgotten by the Enforcers, Nuparu continued to poke at his weapon, trying to figure out how it worked. In frustration he grabbed it and pulled, but after it moved back a few inches he heard a click, and the cylinder immediately shot back to its initial position and began to emit a whine. Yellow energy began to gather at the end above his hand. “Oh,” he said. “Um, okay, then do I just…?” He spun and pointed at the Enforcers. Nothing happened. “Then maybe…” He tried pulling the weapon again only to find it was locked in place. When he clenched his fist, however, an orb of yellow energy launched through the air, landing a few meters behind his targets. “Ah, I missed.” The moment the orb hit the ground, it burst into a brilliant explosion of light that reduced at least a dozen trees to ash, the shockwaves enough to knock the two Enforcers attacking Jaller and Hahli off of their feet. Nuparu’s eyed widened as he processed the event. “…How interesting.” Hahli wasted no time marveling. She charged at the nearest Enforcer and thrust her blade, the tip piercing straight through the armor beneath its neck and causing its whole body to stiffen. The plating down its chest slid apart suddenly, and its core was unceremoniously dumped onto the forest floor. Hahli pulled back and watched the Enforcer warily—it remained frozen in place, the light gone from its eyes. Jaller, however, took a little more time getting up. The Enforcer was on him in seconds and swung its arm, sending him sprawling. Hahli turned to help, but the Enforcer spun and aimed its stun gun, delaying her aid. Gripping his swords tightly, Jaller glared up at the Enforcer as it readied its own blade, a powerful rage boiling up from within him. As it swung down, he swung up. Before their blades met, Jaller’s mask glowed faintly, followed by his sword. The Enforcer’s blade snapped in two as a wave of flame and electricity surged forth from Jaller’s weapon, searing off the machine’s head and arcing high into the sky above. The four villagers stared in disbelief as the sparking, charred remains of the disabled Enforcer staggered to the ground. What just happened? Jaller wondered as he gazed at his sword. Unfortunately for Hewkii, the final Enforcer wasn’t as easily distracted by the display. With a powerful uppercut, it flung the Stone villager across the clearing, and then took a cautious step forward. “Stay back!” Nuparu warned, pulling on his weapon. Hahli and Jaller ran in the opposite direction as the Enforcer faced Nuparu, and before it could formulate a plan of attack, an explosive sphere reduced it to scrap. Hewkii groaned as he sat up. “Hey, that one was mine!” “And you probably could have beaten it by now if you’d gone for the weak point,” Hahli replied. “You didn’t even use your weapon—were you even trying?” “Of course I was! I just wanted to put a little extra challenge in it is all.” Hahli sighed and shook her head. Stooping next to the defeated Enforcer, she picked up its core and stuffed it into her bag, along with a moss-covered rock that was lying nearby. Jaller stored his swords and approached Nuparu. “Any new insight?” he asked. The inventor shrugged. “Not at the moment. Hey, what was that, when you…” “I don’t know.” Jaller looked into the sky for a moment. “But...wait. Where are Kongu and Matoro?” The four of them ran out of the forest to find their friends running over open field in the general direction of the Artillery Model, weaving back and forth as fast as they could to avoid the energy blasts being hurled towards them. Kongu answered each of the Enforcer’s shots with a few rounds of his own, but then quickly got moving again, while Matoro served mainly as a distraction. “What are they doing?!” Hahli exclaimed. “They’re going to get themselves killed!” Jaller pointed a sword at the Enforcer, hoping he could duplicate the electric flamethrower from before. All he got was a faint sizzle. The Enforcer let off another shot, barely missing Kongu; the Jungle villager prepared to retaliate, but his foot caught on a rock in his path, and he fell flat with his cannon pinning him under its enormous weight. “Kongu!” Nuparu shouted. He ran forward and began charging his weapon, but he wasn’t sure he could launch it far enough to be helpful. Hewkii, Hahli, and Jaller were right behind him, though they had even less of an idea of what to do. As Kongu struggled to free himself, the Enforcer took note of his vulnerability and prepared another shot. Energy shone along the length of its barrel as it swiveled around, and with a futile grunt, Kongu braced himself. In all of this, nobody, not even the Enforcer, was paying attention to Matoro. Being the closest to the living gun, he realized he was the one with the best chance to save Kongu. Without thinking much more, he dropped one shield, grabbed the other with both hands, and spun around a few times before hurling it with all his might. The flung shield whizzed through the air towards the Enforcer, and ultimately lodged itself in the cannon’s deadly maw. The firing sequence had already begun, but with the barrel stopped, the energy had nowhere to go. With a terrible roar, the Enforcer’s gun barrel exploded into shrapnel. Matoro fell to his knees and let out a loud breath. From where he lay, Kongu glanced at Matoro. Slowly, he grinned, and said, “And you said your shields wouldn’t be of any use against the thing.” *** The six villagers stood silently in the Temple of Creation. Before them, Ekimu sat at his workbench, carving details into a newly-made mask. Upon returning to the City they had been brought to the Mask Maker and explained what had happened, and now, they waited patiently for his response. Setting down the mask, Ekimu looked up at the ceiling. “I see…then it seems things are worse than I feared.” He stood and faced them. “First of all, as for your antagonists, you should know that it is not an isolated incident. I have begun to hear of Enforcers going rogue in every Region.” Nuparu tensed. “But that…it still doesn’t make any sense! They were built for the sole purpose of protecting villagers! The cores weren’t damaged, their processors were fine, every safeguard should still be functioning! Mask Maker, I swear I did everything—“ Ekimu held up a hand. “I know this is not your fault, Nuparu. But whatever the case, something must be done about this crisis…and it would seem you six have been selected.” “Selected?” Jaller repeated. “Selected by whom?” Chuckling, Ekimu said, “Isn’t it obvious? You have been selected by the Toa to act in their stead.” Everyone exchanged glances. Kongu rolled his eyes. “It has been only four years since the Toa left us. Since it takes the planets one thousand years to align, they will be unable to help us deal with any new threats that may arise in the meantime—even were we to use the Mask of Time again, it could take years, perhaps decades to bring their arrival. But they would not simply leave us without the means to defend ourselves.” Pointing at the six, he went on, “You said lightning fell from the Toa’s stars, and transformed you. That bolt ignited something deep within each of you, bringing out a power you did not know you possessed. The Toa have foreseen an impending disaster, and they have granted their power to you so that you may stop it.” “You’re saying that we have the power of the Toa now?” Hahli asked. “…Jaller did summon fire…” Jaller shifted. “Maybe, but it wasn’t like Tahu’s fire. It was flame and electricity together—I’ve never heard of him doing that.” “Is it so surprising that the lightning that transformed you is with you still?” Ekimu asked. “You are a different kind of Toa, created to face a different problem. You may need these different abilities in order to succeed.” Hewkii flexed one arm, feeling his new strength. “So this is the power of the Toa! Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go be heroes!” “But…what exactly are we supposed to do?” Matoro asked. Hewkii opened his mouth to speak, but found he was at a loss. He sheepishly turned to Ekimu. “For the time being, I believe you should each return to your home Regions,” the Mask Maker advised. “Your Protectors can assist you in learning to control the Elemental Power at your disposal, and more importantly, you must keep your villages safe from the Enforcers. And, once the Protectors feel you are ready…you will undergo a trial to achieve even greater power.” “Golden masks, probably?” Kongu asked. When Ekimu nodded, he muttered, “Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same.” “I will investigate this matter more closely,” Ekimu said. “Were these simply random malfunctions, we wouldn’t need Toa. I suspect something far more dangerous is behind these rogue machines…” Ekimu held out his hands, and looked at the new Toa one by one. “Jaller, Star of Fire. Hahli, Star of Water. Hewkii, Star of Stone. Kongu, Star of Jungle. Nuparu, Star of Earth. And Matoro, Star of Ice. You have inherited the mantle of the Toa, and it now falls to you to master the power you have been given and use it to protect your home. I have faith that you will face your task with great courage and perseverance. Best of luck.” Satisfied, the Toa took their leave. On his way out of the Temple, Jaller stopped in front of a sheet of metal, noticing his reflection. He still had trouble recognizing that it was really him. …Is it? He reached out, pressing his hand against the image. Ekimu says we’ve become Toa. Are we still the people we used to be…or have we really become the Toa? Am I still Jaller? Or has Jaller been replaced by Tahu? He wondered what his friends would think when they saw him. As he thought of them, it reminded him of the Enforcers, and that even those in the Region of Fire were going rogue. Pulling away, Jaller continued on his way out of the Temple. Either way, it’s up to me to keep them safe. And I’m going to make sure that I do.
-
In the time before time, long before the fall of the Mask Makers and the coming of the Toa, the mythical island of Okoto was beset by a foe the island would rue for millennia. Fate – or destiny – would have it that the events of a distant past would shape an uncertain future. Like so many other great legends, this one begins on a beach. - Of Druids and Shadow Poaruu was spending his afternoon with the one task he found no enjoyment in – fishing. As a cook, it was a necessary part of his duty to the village, but one he despised nonetheless. “How could anyone find this to be relaxing?” – He thought. He’s hardly collected enough fish for the evening’s feast, which was to mark the Rite of Initiation for the new elder. Nothing as fancy as the Rite of Empowerment of a new Protector for the whole region, but a marked day still. Poaruu was snapped out of his worries about running out of time by a sight he hasn’t seen in months. A gargantuan body burst from the water, far out at sea. He recognized it instantly: Akida, primal aspect of Water. She often swam around the whole island, popping up off the shores of each region. However today, instead of a majestic flip, the body of the great whale slapped back into the water unnaturally. Then he heard it – cries of agony. Wading into the water as far as he dared, he noted something strange about the creature, but couldn’t pin it down. The waves were carrying her ashore. His mind raced. “We need the Druid!” – He thought and turned to run into the village. By the time he got back, the aspect was already washed up. Now, he could see what seemed so peculiar from afar, and up close, it was terrifying. Jagged weapons, the likes of which he has never seen, jutted from the body of the mighty beast. The rustle of leaves – there were no trees in the region of Stone – indicated help has arrived. For a moment, seemingly out of nowhere, a handful of plants sprouted nearby and a tall figure arose. He towered far above Poaruu, clad in brown robes. Strong legs carried the barked body licked with a touch of green here and there. But the most notable feature of the newcomer were his antlers, glorious and intimidating. “Druid Umarak, you are here!” – He called out. The druid rushed to Akida, and began stroking her face. “Quickly, remove those foul things!” – He commanded Poaruu, pointing at the foreign weapons. Akida was heaving, but other noises escaped her mouth as well. After Poaruu, with much difficulty, took out the pair of what now turned out to be spears, Umarak moved to the wounds and held out his hands. His palms began to glow green, and the wounds began to seal right before Poaruu’s eyes. Soon, Akida was breathing easier. “Who could have done this?” – The cook asked, but the druid hushed him. Seemingly Umarak was listening to Akida. “Of course, the Druid is the only one who understands the great Aspects”. Finally, Umarak turned to Poaruu with much concern in his eyes. “I must meet the protectors at once.” – He said. “What is wrong?” – The cook asked. Umarak’s response filled him with a new kind of fear – the fear of the uncertain. “Those who did this came from beyond the sea.” Soon, the Druid had gathered the protectors and brought them to Poaruu’s village. With the help of his magics, Umarak could bring the leaders of Okotoan society with him across great distances with great haste, and all were assembled by eve. “Are you sure of what the aspect said to you?” – Taito, surprisingly hot-headed for one hailing from the region of Ice, demanded of him at the onset of the council. “You are not one to question my words, nor that of the Aspect.” – His response was stern. “I have healed her wounds by then, pain could not have compelled her.” The protectors were uneasy, faced with an issue no literature nor legend has prepared them for. “How is this even possible? How could something come from beyond the sea?” – The protector of Fire pleaded. “Never have we sailed beyond eyesight of Okoto. It may be so that other islands exist as well.” – The protector of Water added. “Druid, what did Akida tell you of these attackers?” – Ihan, protector of the Jungle turned to Umarak. “Only things that could trouble us further. They sail upon ships of metal, rougher and harder than with what the Mask Makers work. They are as tall as I. Beyond this, she merely repeated a single word I do not recognize: Kulta.” – He said. “Kulta? A name perhaps?” – Ihan asked back. “If so, it will go down in history as a hated one. The meeting was interrupted by the sound of a guard’s horn, after which a winded villager burst into the hut. “Protectors! Druid! Ships are approaching, hundreds! They are not of any region we know!” – He spat between gasps. Poaruu was so preoccupied with the events earlier that day that he could barely focus on his cooking. Umarak’s words haunted him, and he couldn’t but shake the curiosity as to what went on behind the closed doors of the emergency council. “I should be in there. I saw her!” – He thought, annoyed. Commotion outside tore him from his thoughts. As he stepped outside, he was almost knocked over by a trio of guards rushing towards the shore. “It can’t be Skull Spiders, the annual culling was not a fortnight ago… and they’re running to the shore!” – He started after them. Nearing the beach, he opted to scale one of the village walls for a better vantage point, and the vista that played out before him was unlike anything he ever saw. Countless ships were moments away from making landfall, and all the guards were lined up on the beach. The Druid and the Protectors were among them. Soon, the first ship – large, sporting black sails and an oversized ram on its stem. Off the railings jumped a large, albeit spindly figure. Its hardened leathery skin was covered by rough armor, its face obscured by a mask most frightening, crowned with two horns jutting forward. He walked towards the assembled guards, followed by many similar beings – among them devilish creatures led on chains, not unlike the scorpions of Poaruu’s home region. Umarak started ahead to meet the leader of the invaders head on. “Who are you to encroach upon our peaceful lands, to hurt one of our revered aspects?” – He shouted. The being walked uncomfortably close to the Druid, staring him in the eye. “Kulta.” – He said, as if to mock Umarak. “And what is it you are here for?” – The druid did not flinch. “Conquest.” Next, everything happened too fast. Before Poaruu knew what happened, the horde of invaders charged the guards. Umarak grappled with Kulta before disappearing in a puff of leaves and spiriting away the gathered protectors as well. The attackers tore through the guards within moments, and smoke had already filled the night sky. He rushed to street level, around him screams and shouting. He tried running in the opposite direction, but the invaders were already spread out in the village. The stench of death had begun to spread, and turning a corner Poaruu was met with a sight so gruesome as to prompt him to turn around. Against his better judgement, instinct drove him to the shore where he found Akida not half a day ago. Only the imprint of the glorious being was left in the sand. He waded into the waves once more, not knowing what to do, when a head popped up above the surface nearby. It was smaller – about half the size of what it was before – but could not be mistaken: Akida was here. She emitted a series of chirping sounds and sped towards Poaruu. Passing him and turning back, she swam up right next to him and offered a flipper. He understood. Grabbing it, he glanced back at his village one last time, and she began to swim. --- “I, Umarak, Druid of Okoto, am about to do something I swore to forever avoid. Five years ago, the warlord Kulta and his horde of Titans invaded the region of Stone. Since then, they have managed to poison our revered Aspects, causing them to weaken to a state my powers cannot heal. Alone, they are no longer powerful. In my possession is an ancient Mask of Power that I had hoped to keep locked away for eternity, but it seems that in our darkest hour, sin is our only salvation.”– The Final Testament of the Druid Poaruu was keeping watch on the battlements of the City of the Mask Makers. The city was the last bastion of Okotoan resistance save for a few small pockets scattered in the remote regions of the island. He had managed to survive five years of bloodshed. It was five years ago that he cooked his last true meal, and ever since, he was forced to fight. All of the protectors have perished with no clear line of succession. The only battles which do not end in defeat are those where the Druid is present, however the Titans attack on many fronts. Umarak has organised the few survivors into a half-decent army, but they are far outmatched and outnumbered by the trained murderers they face. Even after all this time, they learned very little of them – they know now that their world, a globe, is home to several islands. Kulta and his horde have been traveling from island to island, fighting the locals each time. His people have fashioned armor from the bones of their victims as a fear tactic, even using the corpses of Skull Spiders as masks. Umarak had recently returned to the City, warning the defenders that Kulta was preparing for a final assault to complete his “glorious victory”. “There has been enough killing.” – He said. “I will permit this no longer.” The defenders were on edge ever since, not understanding. “If he could put an end to this, why hasn’t he before?” – Many asked. Ever since, he had cradled an odd object, obscured by cloth. Poaruu sensed a slight shake. It began to grow stronger and rhythmic. “They’re here.” – He thought with dread. From between the ridges of the mountains high flowed, like a sick river, the horde. Their marching shook the earth, chanting smuggled fear into hearts thought to be steeled. They were near the walls when Umarak opened the Gate of the Anvil and strode out alone. “If you come to offer surrender, you waste your breath, Druid.” – Kulta spat the last word mockingly. “We come only for death.” – He finished. “If it is death that you invoke, death is what you shall receive!” – Umarak shouted. He removed the cloth and held high in the air a Mask of Power, much unlike the Mask of Healing he wore now. It was uniform black, seemingly swallowing all light, and yet jagged with sinister features. “The Mask of Death. The forbidden mask.” – He thought. “I wish I needn’t bear this burden.” – He removed his own and replaced it with the black mask. He immediately felt weak and nauseated, his muscles gave way and he collapsed. Kulta began to laugh a terrifying laugh, and his soldiers joined in. But soon the cackle had gone on too long, and the other Titans fell silent in confusion. Kulta continued his hysterical cacophony, then staggered. His laugh faltered, and almost immediately was replaced by a shrill scream. Before the eyes of Poaruu and the other defenders, their most hated enemy fell to his knees as his flesh burned away seemingly on its own. Soon, the confused Titans followed suit, their screams tearing up the sky itself as they were seared away where they stood. Nought but their bones remained moments later, collapsed in distorted positions. Umarak didn’t rise for many minutes. His body was smoking slightly, and his armor hissed as rain began to fall upon it. He rose to a seated position and remained like that even longer. When he opened his eyes, he was startled even though he knew the price of using the mask. Red spike sprouted from his arms, the his bark-like skin charred to black, green flesh turned sickly. He looked down into the puddle that had accumulated before him – the mask had cracked from the strain of being used on so many opponents. Dark power leaked from its surface, clouding the vision of the Druid – former Druid. “Even if the vows are broken and the mask used, it may only happen once. After death is unleashed, there remains only… shadow.” – He recited the teachings. Soon, the behavioral changes will manifest, then he will be drawn to the dark corners of the world. The gates of the city were opened, and the defenders slowly walked out. Among them was the elder they had all sworn to protect – the old Mask Maker. Umarak approached the procession in spite of the now fearful looks he received. “What have you done, Druid?” – The Mask Maker’s voice was also tainted by fear. “I know the weight of my actions and accept them. I will retreat into exile. The people of Okoto must persevere without a Druid.” – He said. “I am old, Umarak – what will we do come another crisis? The line of the Protectors has been broken, I am near the dusk of my life and even you leave us now?” – He pleaded. “Any who were strong enough to survive this war are worthy of the title of protector. As for your successor… look to the region of Ice. I discovered the heir of the Anvil long ago, he is safe. Ekimu is his name, you must search for him and bring him to the city.” – Umarak replied. “What of the aspects?” – The elder persisted. “They are diminished and in hiding until… until the coming of the six.” – The Druid hushed his voice. The Mask Maker had no more questions, so Umarak looked at the gathered Okotoans one last time, then left. Poaruu was among those who saw him disappear into the woods. “Where is he going?” – He asked aloud. “Into shadow…” – The Mask Maker replied solemnly. --- Strong claws gripped the trunk of the tree surely. An armored arm kept the body upright, half-hanging while the other shielded eyes from the hated glare of the sun. He dropped to the ground, and headed to the river. Passing by a tree with marks left by smaller claws, he walked down to the stream. The sand had been disturbed recently. Something drank here. “Ah, yes…” A nibbled fruit lay nearby. He strode over, picked it up and lifted it to his face. The hunter had caught a scent.
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- legend continues
- contest entry
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The Legend Continues - Art Division Once again, Bionicle has taken a bow and disappeared behind the curtain. It was awesome to see it return, definitely, but it's no secret there was meant to be just a little bit more. In fact, you can get a glimpse of what could have been thanks to The Art of LEGO BIONICLE. It's full of gorgeous artwork of the people, places, and things that made up the second generation, as well as what could have been. We're very grateful to LEGO for putting this book together for the fans. But it doesn't exist solely as a PDF. Oh no. BZPower has several very beautiful and 100% tangible books we want to put in your hands. You won't find this in any bookstore; only 100 copies have been printed. It's a rare piece of Bionicle memorabilia, and it can be yours. How? One of the ways you can win a book is by whipping up some art of something you would have liked to see in G2 Bionicle. Put your own spin on one of the concepts showcased in the book. Show us a showdown between the forces of good and their next adversaries. Breathe life into an Okotan landscape, or somewhere new. A picture could be worth a brand-new book! ------------------------- You have from now until Tuesday, June 13 at 11:59 PM EDT to submit your entries. To submit your entries, just use this handy form. Only one entry per person per category, please. ------------------------- Voting: Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. ------------------------- Rules: 1) Entries may not have been posted on BZPower prior to the start of the contest. It can be posted anywhere else before the contest, but it must never have been seen before on BZPower. Once entered, entries cannot be modified: you're committed to what you've entered. If you withdraw your entry, you cannot enter again that contest. If your entry is disqualified, you cannot enter again that contest. 2) A variety of media are permitted, such as drawing, painting, and modelling. Other media are allowed at the discretion of the contest hosts. 3) Keep it clean, keep it civil. No flaming, no whining. Unsporting conduct will just get you disqualified. 4) Campaigning for votes (mass-PMing, etc), using multiple accounts to skew voting, and sundry other methods of cheating are only going to end in tears for you. Trust us: we'll know when you're doing it. --------------------------------------- Prizes: First place will receive a physical copy of The Art of LEGO Bionicle and their choice of 71316 Umarak the Destroyer or 71311 Kopaka and Melum - Unity Set. Second place will receive their choice of an Uniter Toa and their matching Creature. Third place will receive their choice of 71313 Lava Beast, 71314 Storm Beast, or 71315 Quake Beast. Thanks to LEGO for providing the prizes! --------------------------------------- Contest Hosts: Tufi Piyufi Black Six Well, what are you waiting for? Keep Bionicle going!
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The Legend Continues - Building Division Once again, Bionicle has taken a bow and disappeared behind the curtain. It was awesome to see it return, definitely, but it's no secret there was meant to be just a little bit more. In fact, you can get a glimpse of what could have been thanks to The Art of LEGO BIONICLE. It's full of gorgeous artwork of the people, places, and things that made up the second generation, as well as what could have been. We're very grateful to LEGO for putting this book together for the fans. But it doesn't exist solely as a PDF. Oh no. BZPower has several very beautiful and 100% tangible books we want to put in your hands. You won't find this in any bookstore; only 100 copies have been printed. It's a rare piece of Bionicle memorabilia, and it can be yours. How? One of the ways you can win a book is by building something you would have liked to see in G2 Bionicle. Do you like a concept you see in the book? Go ahead and build it. Got your own ideas for how the third year should have gone? Put those pieces together. You're a set designer for a day, and we can't wait to see what you've got for Bionicle! ------------------------- You have from now until Tuesday, June 13 at 11:59 PM EDT to submit your entries. To submit your entries, just use this handy form. Only one entry per person per category, please. ------------------------- Voting: Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. ------------------------- Rules: 1) Entries may not have been posted on BZPower prior to the start of the contest. It can be posted anywhere else before the contest, but it must never have been seen before on BZPower. Once entered, entries cannot be modified: you're committed to what you've entered. If you withdraw your entry, you cannot enter again that contest. If your entry is disqualified, you cannot enter again that contest. 2) Painted parts, non-LEGO parts, and parts edited in Photoshop are not permitted and will disqualify you. All other LEGO pieces are permitted, but the entry must be at least 75% Bionicle/Hero Factory/Technic. You may use a modified or third-party mask for your entry in this contest, but all other pieces must be official LEGO pieces. 3) Keep it clean, keep it civil. No flaming, no whining. Unsporting conduct will just get you disqualified. 4) Campaigning for votes (mass-PMing, etc), using multiple accounts to skew voting, and sundry other methods of cheating are only going to end in tears for you. Trust us: we'll know when you're doing it. --------------------------------------- Prizes: First place will receive a physical copy of The Art of LEGO Bionicle and their choice of 71316 Umarak the Destroyer or 71311 Kopaka and Melum - Unity Set. Second place will receive their choice of an Uniter Toa and their matching Creature. Third place will receive their choice of 71313 Lava Beast, 71314 Storm Beast, or 71315 Quake Beast. Thanks to LEGO for providing the prizes! --------------------------------------- Contest Hosts: Tufi Piyufi Black Six Well, what are you waiting for? Keep Bionicle going!
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The Legend Continues - Writing Division Once again, Bionicle has taken a bow and disappeared behind the curtain. It was awesome to see it return, definitely, but it's no secret there was meant to be just a little bit more. In fact, you can get a glimpse of what could have been thanks to The Art of LEGO BIONICLE. It's full of gorgeous artwork of the people, places, and things that made up the second generation, as well as what could have been. We're very grateful to LEGO for putting this book together for the fans. But it doesn't exist solely as a PDF. Oh no. BZPower has several very beautiful and 100% tangible books we want to put in your hands. You won't find this in any bookstore; only 100 copies have been printed. It's a rare piece of Bionicle memorabilia, and it can be yours. How? One of the ways you can win a book is by writing something you would have liked to see in G2 Bionicle. Fill in a gap in the story that's been bugging you for ages. Fill in the gap at the end and tell us what comes next. We're looking for backstories, continuations, comedies, dramas, and all things in between. Write the right story, and you could have a book at the end of this contest! ------------------------- You have from now until Tuesday, June 13 at 11:59 PM EDT to submit your entries. To submit your entries, just use this handy form. Only one entry per person per category, please. ------------------------- Voting: Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. ------------------------- Rules: 1) Entries may not have been posted on BZPower prior to the start of the contest. It can be posted anywhere else before the contest, but it must never have been seen before on BZPower. Once entered, entries cannot be modified: you're committed to what you've entered. If you withdraw your entry, you cannot enter again that contest. If your entry is disqualified, you cannot enter again that contest. 2) There is no minimum or maximum word count to your entry, but remember: you'll want the voters to read your entry before they vote! 3) Keep it clean, keep it civil. No flaming, no whining. Unsporting conduct will just get you disqualified. 4) Campaigning for votes (mass-PMing, etc), using multiple accounts to skew voting, and sundry other methods of cheating are only going to end in tears for you. Trust us: we'll know when you're doing it. --------------------------------------- Prizes: First place will receive a physical copy of The Art of LEGO Bionicle and their choice of 71316 Umarak the Destroyer or 71311 Kopaka and Melum - Unity Set. Second place will receive their choice of an Uniter Toa and their matching Creature. Third place will receive their choice of 71313 Lava Beast, 71314 Storm Beast, or 71315 Quake Beast. Thanks to LEGO for providing the prizes! --------------------------------------- Contest Hosts: Tufi Piyufi Black Six Well, what are you waiting for? Keep Bionicle going!
