Popular Post Votuko Posted July 17, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted July 17, 2015 Okay, this may be a coincidence or LEGO trolling. Or I may have found a cool thing. So I was reading the recently released excerpt from the first BIONICLE chapter book: Island of the Lost Masks, and what drew the attention of my ever-suspicious eyes was the band of rune-type symbols at the top of each page. They look like decoration, but I have read books where that "decoration" actually encodes a hidden message. Initially I was disappointed, because it turns out that although the bands on page 2 and 3 are different, the same bands repeat on subsequent pages in an alternating manner. So just a pattern that decorates the top of each double page spread? I was not convinced. Looking closer, I saw that that pattern split over two pages actually contains a shorter pattern, repeated five times. And that shorter pattern just happens to be a string of exactly twenty-six unique symbols. (The same number of symbols in the English alphabet.) To decorate the book, LEGO appears to have written out the Okoto alphabet five times across the top of each page. Perhaps it was the easiest way to form a pattern with assets they had already designed. Or maybe, further on in the book (or in the second book) the band does change, and contains a secret message encoded in the alphabet shown on the first few pages. I cannot access any later pages with the "view random page" button, but others can check. It may also be worth checking whether this possible alphabet allows the decoding of symbol strings shown in the animations and other art. I'm currently staring at the symbols on my Mask of Creation, but it's past my bedtime so I'll let others continue the investigation. (If someone could paste an image into this thread of the 26-symbol sequence for ease of viewing, that would be very helpful 'cause I don't know how to. ) 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aanchir Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 (edited) There's an imgur album where people have shared pages that they got in their preview. This includes some "random" pages that Amazon Prime members got. And it's clear in some of those images that this IS an alphabet. It is used to spell out names like Lewa, and in these sequences the letters can be identified from their resemblance to their Latin alphabet counterparts.Based on that, I can confirm that the sequence on page 2 begins with the letter B, then continues alphabetically until it reaches Z and flips back to A.I'll add an image/chart momentarily...EDIT: EDIT 2: imgur link removed on request EDIT 3: It's been brought to my attention that X and Y are probably transposed! No idea why the book would have them out of order, but switching them would make a lot more sense. Edited July 18, 2015 by Aanchir 10 Quote Latest MOC: PAIGE (Prototype Artificial Intelligence, Gynoid Expression) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishers64 Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Page 2 Page 3 I wish someone would come up with a cleaner chart. I hate squinting. 3 Quote Hero Factory RPG | Bionicle Mafia XXIX: Storyline & Theories Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IXRollOutIX Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 (edited) I dunno about that chart. Looks to me like it says "Makuta" on this page: http://imgur.com/a/9qy9M#40 EDIT: Actually. Looks like you skipped a couple letters. So I have no idea. SECOND EDIT: I think Makuta has enough letters in it that you can decipher the whole alphabet from that lineup. Find "K" and work forwards and back from that. There's a ton of similarities between the English/Latin letters and these Okotan(?) ones. Edited July 18, 2015 by IXRollOutIX 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobber Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 It literally took an afternoon to solve this, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Votuko Posted July 17, 2015 Author Share Posted July 17, 2015 (edited) Thanks Aanchir; I thought the letters might have been shifted one because of their resemblance to actual letters but didn't feel like speculating without later pages to check against. It saddens me slightly that so much of the book can be read early due to Amazon's stupid "random page" feature selecting from loads of pages, not just a handful. Perhaps you should consider removing that link, so that people find it easier to avoid the temptation to spoil it for themselves... Anyway, the symbols in the animations and on the Mask of Creation don't seem to match any on the alphabet. They are probably a simplified representation of Okoto writing, as there was not enough space / detail in the respective sources to fit actual alphabet characters. Edited July 18, 2015 by Votuko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doodleloot Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 That's pretty neat, I was hoping we'd get an actual alphabet sooner or later. Though none of these symbols seem to match the runes we've seen in the web series or concept art. Quote Hail Denmark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IXRollOutIX Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 (edited) Added it up myself, just to make sure. Haha. Edited July 17, 2015 by IXRollOutIX 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nidhiki of the Shadows Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Well. there we go folks. Okoto runes as alphabet CONFIRMED. I also like how similar the runes are to the Nuva symbols. They look very nice. I apologize for saying 2015 is just a watered down mess. This is great for worldbuilding and the fact that they are keeping some coded messages in the books is exciting! -NotS 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taria Pakari Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Now we wait for the inevitable font to be made. Not that that's a bad thing mind you, I'd very much like to have that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nidhiki of the Shadows Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Now we wait for the inevitable font to be made. Not that that's a bad thing mind you, I'd very much like to have that.Yeah, can't wait to use it as a smilie compilation like the old Bionicle alphabet... If BZPower decides to do that... which is kind of doubtful -NotS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taria Pakari Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Now we wait for the inevitable font to be made. Not that that's a bad thing mind you, I'd very much like to have that.Yeah, can't wait to use it as a smilie compilation like the old Bionicle alphabet... If BZPower decides to do that... which is kind of doubtful -NotS I meant as a font I can use on my computer, not a BZP font. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRRT Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Added it up myself, just to make sure. Haha.This is awesome! Based on the resemblance between the Latin characters and the Okotoan characters, it seems like the glyphs for <x> and <y> should be switched. Possibly a small error? 1 Quote BZP Blog: In a hole in the ground there lived... || A Matoran Dictionary, 2nd Edition (c. 2013) || Matoran Grammar: A Primer=====Tumblr: outofgloom.tumblr.com || Matoran Language Resources=====Brickshelf || Majhost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeb Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Added it up myself, just to make sure. Haha.This is awesome! Based on the resemblance between the Latin characters and the Okotoan characters, it seems like the glyphs for <x> and <y> should be switched. Possibly a small error? I'd say probably so. That supposed "y" looks WAY too much like an X, and likewise for the "x".Any clue as to what the Mask of Creation's symbols say? I tried to translate it but failed. Quote The artist formerly known as ŜﮞρЄЯ־GЄNіﮞŜ־CЯЄ▲Ŧ۞Я BBC#69 Entry: Roodaka - Master of Manipulation BFTGM entries: Zigben · Ventox · Deflecto “Hail Denmark.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aanchir Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) Added it up myself, just to make sure. Haha.This is awesome! Based on the resemblance between the Latin characters and the Okotoan characters, it seems like the glyphs for <x> and <y> should be switched. Possibly a small error? I'd say probably so. That supposed "y" looks WAY too much like an X, and likewise for the "x".Any clue as to what the Mask of Creation's symbols say? I tried to translate it but failed. It does not appear to be in the same language. Unless its symbols are, say, numbers instead of letters, or something like that. Good point about the letters X and Y apparently being switched! I've made a note of that places where I've posted my chart, though I'm not changing the chart until I can absolutely confirm it. Edited July 18, 2015 by Aanchir Quote Latest MOC: PAIGE (Prototype Artificial Intelligence, Gynoid Expression) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobber Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Added it up myself, just to make sure. Haha.Admins, can these be new 'emotes'? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster Nui Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Great find, Votuko! I should've studied it closer myself, but I assumed it was gibberish. I won't be making that mistake again. It's a good thing I ordered the book a few days ago with free shipping. It seems to offer a great reading experience by the looks of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cwog Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 This. Is. Brilliant! I can't wait for confirmation on this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSciFiGuy Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Awesome! Its great to have this tribal alphabet again! Its really making me feel like 01 Quote Bionicle: ANP aims to create narrated versions of all the Bionicle books, with voice actors for each character, and music taken from various media to enhance the story. Check here if you're interested in voicing a character, and here for the chapters that've already been released!Formerly: Tahu Nuva 3.0Looking for a Bionicle Beanie. Black one with the symbol on it. Contact me if you are willing to sell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakura Nuva Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) NO!NO!NOT AGAIN!I'm still working on my Matoran! -_-' Edited July 18, 2015 by Jakura Nuva 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McNugget Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) Just Recreated this in Pixel art form.EDIT: Edited July 18, 2015 by Dragon11603 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nidhiki of the Shadows Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Thanks for the clearer pixel art, Dragon11603! I can now clearly see the codified semblance to the English alphabet... Very reminiscent to how the old alphabet was depicted. Cool stuff! -NotS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unknown456 Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) (Turns out that this is just an entire coincidence and LEGO never meant for the runes to mean anything... ) But really though, props (does anyone even say 'props' anymore lol) to everyone who figured this out. It's really impressive that you managed to translate it (and even more so that you noticed it in the first place) Good Job! *Rubs hands togetherNow, lets go and learn a new language Edited July 18, 2015 by unknown456 2 Quote Forever remember the Podu R.I.P. Hahli, Lesovikk, and Ehlek. Died of Green Plastic Syndrome. Pridaddy will always be with us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toa Imrukii Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 FINALLY!!!! 2 Quote Quote: "Love has no fear, and no vengeance." | :i: | Andekas ⴳ A RUDE AWAKENING - A BIONICLE G1 Continuation and Video Game Project (ARTIST AND CONCEPTUALIST) | I am an ENFP, that is my Personality. Check Out Makuta Teridax: Reaper of Darkness | Check out my Taknuva Stars MOC | ⴳ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IXRollOutIX Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Just Recreated this in Pixel art form.EDIT: Looking at the characters more clearly, it's WAY more evident that X and Y are probably swapped in the order, for some reason. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemony Lepid Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Ah, yes, a new language! Spectacular! But on the mask of creation, the inscriptions are just gibberish, most likely just randomized runes made before the language. If this is the language. Also, this must be THE HARDEST THING TO WRITE IN. EVER. Well, unless you are carving it into stone of course... 1 Quote ~~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zidonaro Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Alphabet in Nuva symbols? I can totally dig that 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nidhiki of the Shadows Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Looking at the characters more clearly, it's WAY more evident that X and Y are probably swapped in the order, for some reason. Slight oversight I guess? If it is a mistake, I hope they rectify it in future novels. Else X will be swapped with Y for eternity. -NotS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToaDraco Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) This is really exciting and I love how much they look like Nuva symbols! Also, holy Mata Nui, that imgur link RollOut posted has every page of the first two books! I must avert my eyes, the temptation... Edited July 18, 2015 by ToaDraco Quote "Avengers? Fantastic Four? X-Dudes? They can all kiss my bony, flammable plastic."- Johnathan Blaze (Ghost Rider Vol 7 0.1) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nidhiki of the Shadows Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 This is really exciting and I love how much they look like Nuva symbols! Also, holy Mata Nui, that imgur link RollOut posted has every page of the first two books! I must avert my eyes, the temptation...Nah just about 30 pages of the first one. But it does reveal the end of the 2015 storyline, so huge spoiler warnings. But from the look of things, the second book will end up being an original story! -NotS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mailli Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 I have a feeling some of the other letters are switched around because at the moment they just don't seem to form a recognisable pattern, like in matoran.For example, Okoto D is a backwards C, and Okoto C looks more like a D because of it's similar to an O.It's the same with V and U, although they're so similar it hardly matters. The bit at the top somehow makes the symbol feel sharper, like a V.Also, this must be THE HARDEST THING TO WRITE IN. EVER. Well, unless you are carving it into stone of course...Or onto squared paper. Just use the squares as the outline of each character and draw the little inner symbol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masterchirox580 Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Added it up myself, just to make sure. Haha.This is awesome! Based on the resemblance between the Latin characters and the Okotoan characters, it seems like the glyphs for <x> and <y> should be switched. Possibly a small error? I'd say probably so. That supposed "y" looks WAY too much like an X, and likewise for the "x".Any clue as to what the Mask of Creation's symbols say? I tried to translate it but failed. It does not appear to be in the same language. Unless its symbols are, say, numbers instead of letters, or something like that. Good point about the letters X and Y apparently being switched! I've made a note of that places where I've posted my chart, though I'm not changing the chart until I can absolutely confirm it. I was able to see a G and an F on the MOC. Quote It's time to move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Votuko Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 I thought it would be very cool if the writing on the Mask of Creation was its G1-style Kanohi name written in the Okoto alphabet. Unfortunately, many of the symbols don't appear to match anything on the alphabet. For example, there is a symbol which is three horizontal lines, which could be an "m" on its side, but then the letters would have to be in an unconventional column format. Other symbols are harder to separate out because they are not in individual squares like the Okoto Alphabet letters.It was also pointed out a while back by somebody on another thread - credit to them - that the "writing" on the Mask of Creation is the exact same pattern as is written in the animations on the Prophesy wall, with some copy-pasting and mirroring here and there. So what we have appears to be a generic "rune strip" to imply writing, perhaps that is too small to read or that is in a more ancient language than modern "Okotoan".(Out of story; the Okoto Alphabet was either designed after the animations, or the symbols were deemed too complex to incorporate into the animations' simplified art style.) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Meta Knight Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Another Alphabet to memorize... Life has meaning again! Quote Stay vigilant, my friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jed1ndy Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) Hooray! Now I can have a decent, unique, BIONICLE-related sig! EDIT: If we're sharing custom made versions of the alphabet, here's mine (there are probably some errors, though): And here's the download for it. Edited July 19, 2015 by jed1ndy 4 Quote "The Kingslayer"Complete Okoto Alphabet + Okotoan Symbols | Infrared's Okoto Font | SDCC Semi-Live Coverage —————————BZPGOT S1 KILLS————————— Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IXRollOutIX Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Ooooh. That looks awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McNugget Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Hooray! Now I can have a decent, unique, BIONICLE-related sig!That one looks so much better than my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that guy Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 (edited) Not sure if anyone has noticed this yet, but it looks like the alphabet was also used in the BIONICLE mobile game that came out a while ago. Edited July 19, 2015 by that guy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunchyn Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Hooray! Now I can have a decent, unique, BIONICLE-related sig! EDIT: If we're sharing custom made versions of the alphabet, here's mine (there are probably some errors, though): And here's the download for it.Nice, I had no clue which font program would let me use images so I tried re-making your iteration on Fontstruct, some mistake due to the pixel nature of the program. It looks a lot similar to fonts made of symbols in the the game Journey. Preview: http://fontstruct.com/fontstructions/show/1169810 Quote "I could have been a Protector but then I took a stud to the feet." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McNugget Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 (edited) Made More. These are the ones I used for my sig and they're each about the same size as an emoticon.(Hint Hint Nudge Nudge Wink Wink) Edited July 30, 2015 by Dragon11603 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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