Alia of AGL

Yeah, the retail release, whether on disc or on Steam, only includes the launcher on first install with the launcher installing the newest game data from the then-active official servers on boot. If you don't have an existing installation from when the official servers were online, you have to obtain a copy of the final revision (version 1.64) of the game (preferably an "unpacked" copy) online. You can easily find copies of the complete client archived from prominent community members with a quick online search.

Trying to log in but the game hangs on login for a few seconds and eventually gives the "could not sign you in" screen. The server URL is set up in the client properly, and I've been running the game locally for a while so I know that the client works fine.

Oh, hi, I'm the user that used to go by AceGreenLegend. Sorry, I haven't spent much time on the forums in years, and I only found your fic today-- gosh, that's a long while- As it has been quite a while since the exchange event, I really had no expectations going into the story, but it's quite an interesting mystery about a post-apocalyptic Metru Nui. It's cool to make a designated Vahki into an individual character, so Ahurei is a welcome OC for the story!

Hmm... my prompt is extremely vague, but I believe I have a good idea for a story within those loose guidelines. I hope the lucky BZPer enjoys what's in store!

Hi, I'm looking for an old promo video from 2009. It was a segment uploaded to the Lego website (and I believe it was temporarily available in the assortment of Lego videos on Comcast's On-Demand service around the time) to promote Lego Club Meetings. The only reason I remember something so obscure was because I was in it, and I only today remembered this during the greater part of a decade. This meeting was in a Massachusetts Lego store around mid-09, by the time we only had the first trailer for The Legend Reborn using footage that was re-shot (re-animated?) in the final movie, as I vividly remember mentioning my hype for the movie to Scott (the Lego Club TV host) while waiting for the store to open and the cameras to roll. I used the Wayback Machine to locate the page on the Lego website it was hosted on, with the headline "LEGO® Club TV Visits a LEGO Club Meeting!", but the Flash Player embed is broken. I was able to find archived Lego Club TV videos on YouTube but not the video in question. Does anyone have a mirror of the video or could point me in the right direction of an archive that could contain it?

Here's hoping... I was wondering what was going to happen with participants that didn't hold up their end of the exchange, and I think they've handled it (and the handful of other tweaks from last year, such as giving a more convenient time-frame for writing and submitting) pretty well. I have a feeling that this year's exchange will go really well!

Submitted my form yesterday. I don't remember too much of what I filled in last year, but I want to try writing something different from what I ended up doing then. Either way, I hope I can make something special for my match!

Another Knight's Kingdom would be a pleasant move, especially with those details you mentioned. In terms of keeping costs reasonable... If I had to guess, and this is being conservative on the costs: Small Creature / Dragon Child: $10 USD (Includes small action feature) Archer / Generic Knight: $15 USD (Possibly includes spring-shooter in place of action feature) Named Knight: $20 USD (Includes action feature) Noble / Princess: $20 (Includes cloth pieces) Named Knight with Horse: $40 USD (Includes action feature on knight, horse is just posable) (Store-exclusive bundle) Duel: $40 USD (Two Named Knights) Large Creature / Dragon: $50 USD (Includes action feature, possibly some projectile for breath attacks) (Store-exclusive bundle) Joust: $80 USD (Two Named Knights with Horses) When we incorporate the "conflict in a box" philosophy that was used from Invasion from Below through Bionicle G2, costs raise substantially. Unless there would be a similar common enemy with less than 15 pieces that can be packaged with every knight, the only real source of adding the conflict is with the store two-packs, which would simply have the same price as two individual figures (unless there was a minor exclusion to reduce costs, a la Kopaka and Melum Unity Set). Things get out of hand fast, but at the same time, Ninjago sets typically fall between $10-120 USD, so as long as there's something to make the entry level margin, there's new material to rekindle the CCBS fire, and it's marketed well, it could work fine. I feel like the generic knights are very necessary for the theme to stay afloat, as they function as mid-entry-level-range sets and fill a similar purpose to army building as Star Wars Battle Packs, as well as providing a somewhat convenient source for new decorative parts for MOCists or relapsing fans.

I've been giving this some thought for a while... 1. Brand-new IP. While I would enjoy some Bionicle (or even Hero Factory or Throwbots) nostalgia, I want to see Lego impress me with something original. 2. 2D-animated cartoon. Admittedly, I'm not a big fan of modern 2D children's cartoons, the "sausage-mouth" style that dominates Cartoon Network is just plain unappealing to me, but I've seen some interesting rt styles and designs here and there from poking around animation fans, such as a poster for an indie cartoon titled "Outrun Express," so an aesthetic that is sleek yet mechanical (or organic with defined segments, like what I've seen of classic Ben 10) would fit CCBS naturally. 3. Functions Ahoy! One thing Bionicle G2 did absolutely right in my eyes were the gear functions, especially in how they were incorporating them in smaller sets like the Creatures by the end. When figures I collect are highly detailed and accurate or have amazing articulation, two things constraction have issues with at a small scale, the last thing you can do is make it a functional toy with a fun build 4. Less bipeds, more variety. A complaint I head as a kid about Bionicle G1 from my peers is that they're basically the same toy in six colors. While that became less and less the case, especially starting at 2007 and growing more and more with unique builds for the 2016 Bionicle sets, admittedly they're still the same thing we've seen over and over since the start: a humanoid. If they didn't interest you in 2001, they probably won't interest you in 2018. Again, the Creatures did something right in spicing up variety (though not to the fullest, since one pair were winged creatures and another pair looked the same even with different functions), tapping into some of the Rahi and Throwbot magic. While I don't think bipeds should be dropped entirely (I think having three or so humanoid protagonists would be okay for the purpose of audience surrogates), I don't want it to be like Star Wars constraction where my choice over which set to buy comes down to analyzing which sets break from the status quo and casting a deciding vote by my preference of character. 5. Price scaling. When was the last time there was a constraction set under $10 USD? Don't get me wrong, CCBS has done wonders for expanding the "impulse" category of constraction in terms of scale, but it's inflated the bar for entry as well. Heck, with Bionicle G2 over and only Star Wars left, the entry-level price for constraction is $25 USD! Sure, we can get into currency inflation and the shifting prices of oil, but that benchmark was reserved only for titan sets in 2006, and now it's the minimum? There should be entry-level sets at the $5 mark, and if CCBS simply is too expensive to achieve that, they should pull a Mixels and make simple figures out of System balljoints. While that could seem too distant from the main figures, this could be an opportunity to create cohesion by incorporating more System parts into mainstream constraction sets, like Evergrey brought up. 6. Gender balance. Lego's constraction IPs (and even a lot of their System IPs, yeesh) rely on a single token girl as part of the team. With the current success of the push for female protagonists (especially in action settings) in gaming but especially in cinema, I think it's long past due to have more girls leading constraction. 7. More organic CCBS pieces. Okay, so this is something in part to a response to point 6 but also something that's desperately needed for existing CCBS. Most shells and armor pieces look distinctly robotic, even if sleek. While there have been strides to make more fitting armor pieces for human characters, such as the new leg armor pieces in Star Wars, there are two fields that have yet to have a meaningful update since CCBS's inception: feet and hands. While we do have some alternate foot molds, they're all more beastly and not like a realistic shoe. Worse, we've had only one hand mold for CCBS (two if you count the creature hands from Ben 10), which looks mechanical, and it's been printed in flesh colors for human hands! While constraction generally works best emulating robots, armor, and technology-heavy characters, there needs to be a push for better part diversity. Why did I say this tied to point 6? Well... 8. Failing having a gender-neutral constraction theme, make a female-oriented one. Kind of like how Lyichir brought up buildable Elves characters, there's a market Lego hasn't fully reached into - while constraction started off as buildable action figures, with how their scale is growing, I think it's prime time they invested in using it to develop dolls. To break away from the robotic aesthetic constraction has had since inception, there would need to be quite a few sleeker pieces, possibly including fully-molded human forearms (before people freak out and cry Galidor, they went and made bony limbs without any points to build off of for Bionicle G2, doing the same with skin can't hurt). The only remaining hurdle I can think of it that the majority of dolls aimed at young girls have individual strands of hair... and I don't see Lego doing anything other than molded hair. (Though even at that, introducing standardized humanoid constraction faces, helmets, and hair would be a blessing to the wider community.) Okay, with that out of the way, I might as well jot down my ideas for licensed themes: Realistically could happen: - RWBY. It's already action-based, has a bunch of female characters, and has some basis in technology. Weapons could be made of existing parts or some new molds and new cloth pieces could accommodate the need for skirts. Plus, Star Wars constraction has proved that stylized human heads work better in CCBS than realistic ones, so the anime-esque design could work niecely. - Mega Man. While this would require some new molds for the distinct boot and gauntlet shape shared among the Classic and X series, the vast majority of the characters are in sleek mechanical suits that cover their whole body or robots themselves, so the existing CCBS aesthetic wouldn't clash much. Won't happen but I'd still enjoy: - Dragon Ball. This series would be natural for sets with action features, but hardly any characters have mechanical aspects of their designs or props, making it difficult to visually make the jump (aside from the head molds, as stated earlier). - Hyperdimension Neptunia. I remind you that this is in the "Won't happen" category; unfortunately the character designs can be provocative and the series is no stranger to sexual themes, but some of the CPU designs have a slightly mechanical look that could possibly turn out good in CCBS.

You see, I was contemplating this point. I'm not demanding for the set promised. I'm more concerned over the general lack of communication. As I posted previously, there's still a lot of loose ends. People haven't posted or received stories, I don't know if the turnout of people enrolled was of a scope that this is a tradition BZP would like to continue, and the forum has been pretty quiet for a while. There's the phrase that "patience is a virtue." Unfortunately, I've seen so many projects that had such great enthusiasm at their start, but when the higher-ups slowly didn't communicate, it all crumbled. I'm afraid that this lull period is a sign that there's less passion behind this, and as a result, may not be a tradition deemed woth repeating. That being said, I could be wrong. Most of my time on BZPower has just been keeping up to date with the news articles, I don't participate in the forums too often and I'm not quite a part of the culture that surrounds the Short Stories area. This delay in event beginnings and endings may be normal, I simply don't know what to expect. This is new for me. The last thing I intend is to come off as irritating and a nuisance. I just care about how this event has been going on for everyone involved, participants, runners, and others behind the scenes. I’m glad that members like Torran feel very satisfied with the results. Members like Scrubbish and ReeseEH seem anxious about the final end of the event, possibly more participants are afraid to speak up for the exact reason you brought up. Being quiet is the polite course of action, though without thorough communication from both sides, people can gain incorrect assumptions and nobody will be happy.

It is now well over a month since the end date...

Speaking of, what of those who still haven't posted stories? Have you received updates from them? If people are waiting on them, they should be informed that their story will arrive later or not at all. According to the index, at least two participants have sent fanfics but have yet to receive and three people have received fanfics but have not sent any. At the time of this update, it's been over two weeks since the entry period ended. What next? Has the exchange been an overall success?

“And that makes three.” Axonn stood atop the tallest peak of the latest Southern Island that bent to his will. He made a mental note to return to this vista, as it provided both a clean view of the island as well as a glimmer of his previous conquests on the horizon. Looking down on his current territory, he contemplated if it had a name prior to his arrival. The Zyglak he tore through to reach this view offered no words in the Matoran language to confirm one. The warrior’s life of conquest started months ago. After the Hand of Artakha was disbanded, he exercised his power by invading cities and other territories with packs of Energy Hounds. Many of the inhabitants of these realms were Zyglak, leading the rare neighboring Matoran islands to see Axonn as something of a savior to be feared, though Axonn knew in his heart that this was only a bonus to his true motivation… “Having second thoughts?” Axonn turned to face the source of the voice, a maskless being with blades mounted on his shoulders and arms. The figure’s clawed fingers twitched across the blades mounted on his arm, but Axonn knew it wasn’t a sign of malcontent. “There’s nothing to strike your fancy here, Hydraxon.” Axonn plunged his weapon into the ground. “I could say the same to you. Isn’t seizing such minor locations boring? They can’t be much of a challenge with your power.” “If you’re trying to flatter me, you’re failing miserably.” Axonn sighed. “Cut the small talk. What are you here for?” “I’m here for you, of course.” Hydraxon stopped tapping his blades. “Helryx wishes your presence at Daxia to join the Order of Mata Nui.” With only slight effort, Axonn’s Kanohi Rode verified that Hydraxon’s given intention was correct. However, just because it was the truth didn’t mean that Axonn had to like it. “This is sounding like the Hand all over again. It’s foolish of her to think that it will work a second time.” Axonn lifted his weapon and turned away. “She has not forgotten its sins. Neither have I. We’ve decided to learn from the past instead of retreating like you have.” Axonn paused. “Retreating?” Hydraxon crossed his arms. “Yes, retreating. Fleeing from the repercussions of your actions with your tail between your legs like some wayward Kikanalo and nuzzling yourself away in the wilds. Beneath that brutish exterior, you, Axonn, are a coward.” Axonn swung his free hand to grab Hydraxon’s head, but the bladed warrior leaped downhill out of range. “Get off my island.” Axonn growled. “Where has that spark of nobility gone? Your dedication to the Great Spirit?” Hydraxon called out. “Look at you now, lashing out in violence when your defense is too weak. Absolutely pitiful.” Holding his axe with both of his hands, Axonn charged. Racing down the mountain surface, he swung his weapon with added momentum towards his opponent. Before it could land on its target, a silver blur slammed into his from his left side. Despite being winded, Axonn plunged his protosteel axe into the mountain to give him stability. Once he regained focus, he identified his attacker as an Energy Hound. “Stand down!” Axonn shouted to the Rahi. The raging beast did not listen to its master. With a howl, five other Energy Hounds gathered and lunged for Axonn. He twisted his axe, slamming one hound away downhill with a flat edge. One beast followed up to attack his exposed side, but he stunned it with an energy blast. “You! You turned my Rahi against me?” Axonn shouted at Hydraxon. To his surprise, Hydraxon was launching his back blades at a rogue pack as well. “No! This was not my doing!” Hydraxon grunted. “You must have overworked them! They weren’t made for conquest!” “If they were angry at me specifically, why would they be attacking you?” Axonn gave his third attacker a cut down its spine. “Energy Hounds should be able to distinguish me specifically!” “Then it’s… neither of us?” Hydraxon telepathically summoned his back blades to strike again. Axonn trapped his fourth opponent in a small stasis field, swiping it uphill with a blow of his axe. The rogue leader leaped into the air and extended its claws out to snatch his mask, but was intercepted by a projectile from downhill. The source of the shot was unfamiliar to Axonn – a launcher with six barrels that had an unfinished look reminiscent of a design prototype, held by Hydraxon. Out of the corner of his eye, Axonn spotted one final Energy Hound. With a roar, he lifted his axe to deliver a shattering blow. “Halt!” Hydraxon shouted to his former colleague. The hound growled, but didn’t take advantage of Axonn’s pause. Its legs stood firm in what appeared to be a defensive stance. Confused at its behavior, he looked behind it to see the Energy Hound he cut along the spine. Hydraxon approached the guardian and placed his hand on its head. The beast calmed down and closed its eyes. “The strong do not have to constantly use their power, nor do they have to fear it.” Hydraxon spoke to Axonn, though kept his eyes on the hound. After tracing the Matoran letter ‘S’ with his finger between its eyes, the bladed warrior stood back up. “Instead, they can learn to use it to protect.” Axonn gently lowered his weapon, placing it on the grassy cliff. “It’s time to stop running.” Hydraxon called out to the axe-wielder. “We can make a greater difference in this world when we’re willing to learn.” Axonn sighed. “Take me to Daxia.” Axonn placed his hand on Hydraxon’s shoulder. “What will you do with that hound? It seems to prefer you quite a bit over me, friend.” Hydraxon looked back at the Energy Hound. “I’ll take it as a personal assistant. None of these Energy Hounds have names… so I believe it deserves one. Spinax.” -- Apologies for not getting this up sooner, finals and other IRL obligations caused me to miss the second check-in and kept me from posting until now. Sorry for the wait, but I hope you enjoy how it turned out.

A bit late here, but what's the difference between the two Heroes demo CDs?

A gift-with-purchase set focused on adult fans... How about a revival of the Lego Legends label with reprint minifigs of original Lego characters? Sort of like how we've had collectable minifig reprint packs, but instead of for generic archetypes, they'd be for defined Lego veterans. Let's say four minifigs - like a Johnny Thunder, a Dash Justice, an Agent Chase, and a Nexus Astronaut? Their part molds still exist or have been minorly modernized, so the risk on the manufacturing side is decreased. If not, a small build of Grand Admiral Thrawn's office with the minifigure of the same name keeps it modernly relevant with Star Wars Rebels and uses an adult fan-favorite character.