NoReturnPoint

So I know that you guys just had an RPG contest, but I wanted to gage the response to this idea. I've only got the basic intro written, but I thought I'd go ahead and put it out there for peer review: Wish You Were Here It was a night to remember. Ra-Metruian citizens had gathered in masses for the one-night-only performance of Balso and co.; masters of element manipulation who combined their elemental powers in a performance that encompassed dance, sparring, gymnastics, and special effects. Their entertainment style was so unique, it had inspired a category all it’s own: the art of the toa-dance. Matoran of all walks of life had scrounged their savings for weeks to attend the once in a lifetime event. The show had not disappointed. The troupe had already spent two hours retelling the ancient tale of the fall of Makuta, yet none of those watching had even considered leaving. Finally, the curtain had fallen, giving the audience a short intermission to stretch and speculate about the next act. The crowd chattered excitedly, waiting for the curtain to rise and reveal the next act: a three-way “battle” between three toa kaita. Suddenly, a bell rang, and the curtain rose to reveal- -nothing. Absolutely nothing. No one was there. The toa had vanished, completely and utterly gone. For days afterward, the sudden disappearance of Balso and co. was the talk of the town. An official investigation was launched by the Ra-Metru security force; which led nowhere. It wasn’t a kidnapping; all of the performers’ belongings had disappeared with them, and they had seemed to know they would disappear. Most had made up wills for their remaining possessions in the last month. But why had they disappeared? Where did they go? These questions were left unanswered; as one by one, Toa of all types began to disappear…

IC (Wheryu): "Very true," Wheryu replied, ducking under a gnarled limb as he made for the bridge that would take them towards the Bright-Star. "In my biased opinion, the most appreciation for the arts. So how long have you been here?" OOC: How long would you say it'd take for us to get there? -NRP

Hey, guys, I had a thought: What if Stannis brought a whole new "Mata Nui" to the original world when he banished Makuta? Would that fulfill the terms of the mask? That would explain the islands, the Dasaka, and everything else. -NRP

OOC: That's what happens when you consume 6 cups of coffee while on painkillers and with a splitting headache xP For future reference (a.k.a. until my head clears), it's Wheryu. IC (Wheryu): "The Bright-Star inn it is, then; Mr. Haitao," Wheryu replied, with a slight chuckle as he added, "Though I might have to use you as a crutch before we get there." He began to stroll in the general direction of the Bright star, and threw an ice-breaker over his shoulder as he began to walk. "So what brings you to Le-koro? Our carefree dispositions don't exactly attract many serious thinkers, much less Ko-koronians."

, I can A friend and I used to pass notes in matoran in class. It's too bad we never got caught -NRP

Agreed.

Ok, another newbie question here I'm not usually a bandwagon jumper, but since I'm new to this, and it'd help me gain experience in RPG writing by playing with more experienced players; are there any large groups-taverns-places of high interaction at all times- that I could join? -NRP

That is my answer to you, Mr. IHodor. That, and the fact that the age of the culture is irrelevant to the argument. the realness versus un-realness is the point of the argument. Edit: In my focus on your point, I didn't see what you did there till now. Nice, and none taken *Sigh* only a few posts into a new forum, and I'm back in debate club. except that it's completely and utterly ridiculous to compare a fandom of a product without any real impact on... anything really, to what's probably one of the most intriguing cultures on Earth. This would be like comparing the culture around Tolkien fans to Rome. Sure, they share some common ground, but it's ultimately dragging down something to the level of a bunch of nerds who talk about elves and if the guy would've liked Peter Jackson's adaptations (the answer being 'no', most likely, Tolkien hated the BBC audio adaption of LotR for 'getting the voices wrong'). I don't believe so, sir. Both the Japanese system of life and the Bionicle fandom have traditions, beliefs, and unspoken rules; both have a dedicated following. My general rule is: If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck; no matter how old or young the duck is, or what colors of feathers it has There may be different species, but they're still ducks. -NRP

IC (Whryu): The toa of air got up stiffly, popping his neck and loosening his muscles before walking over. He walked across the platform, and stood next to the other toa, examining the artwork. It's an amazing piece, Whryu thought, looking over the excellent shadowing and defined lines that almost seemed to bring out color in the piece, despite the fact that it was done in pencil. "I would like this gift very much, but not without some sort of recompense for the obvious care you put into into it. What would you accept, Mr.-" -NRP

Something that always fascinates me is, whenever someone makes a positive or negative statement about culture, you can usually find a valid opinion that states the opposite, to some extent. If someone answers, "yes", to this, then my gut reaction would to consider the alternative; all old cultures began young, and new culture-forming does not arbitrarily stop at any point. On the other hand, if someone answers, "no", then I would object that the longer a culture is around, the deeper significance it may take to the lives of those in it. Now you're identifying with your very ancestors, and that is intensely meaningful. So, I don't think it's a simple question. Maybe you didn't mean it to be, just giving my two cents. I don't know whom you are quoting, me or Mr. TPA, but since you quoted in my font color, I'll assume it's me. And I agree with you, although cultures can mean more or less to you depending upon how it affects your life. Bionicle means a lot to me, and so it's culture impacts me strongly. However, my hereditary culture is Scotch-Irish, yet it doesn't affect me since my interaction with it is limited (I live in America). Like you said, you say one thing, I think the other automatically This conversation is more about human nature than Ninjago -NRP

IC (Whryu): Still not moving his head, Whyru spoke, minutely twisting his head to get a better look at the body of the figure that had emerged from behind the sketchbook. He seemed about Whyru's height, with a small build. He seemed to be an artisan, and Whyru would guess a good one at that. "The name's Whyru," he said. "Can I please move now, I'd rather not walk hunchback for the rest of the day." -NRP

So far as that goes, then, I defer to both of your judgment and memory about the ripoffs. In that case, then, Mr. Bonesii and Ms. SC I move back to my first question, and the point I made at the bottom of my last post. That is my answer to you, Mr. IHodor. That, and the fact that the age of the culture is irrelevant to the argument. the realness versus un-realness is the point of the argument. Edit: In my focus on your point, I didn't see what you did there till now. Nice, and none taken *Sigh* only a few posts into a new forum, and I'm back in debate club. I don't know how to say this so you'll understand. I've tried time, and time, and time again to tell you. Whether or not they were intentionally offensive, if they did something wrong, it is not wrong to call them out on it. You said as much yourself (after you didnt say so yourself). The line, whether intentionally or not, mangles Japanese culture in numerous ways, and it is perfectly fine to call Lego out on it. And I do agree with that point, Ms. SC, but I add that this is your prerogative. You are offended, and chose to be so for the reasons you have given. I am not. So when it comes down to the bottom line, it's a personal decision by each and every person, and cannot be determined by someone else for you. I refer to sumiki's and bonesii's excellent arguments. -NRP

Ms. SC, I believe my 2nd point still stands, although it should be rephrased. Should I take the Chinese ripoffs as an insult to Bionicle fans and the Bionicle culture? As to your second point, I don't see how it could be an insult, since the comparison is about "real-ness" versus "un-real-ness" As far as the Bionicle fan culture goes (just look at BZPower's bionicle discussion history ), Bionicle is "real," and the Chinese versions are "un-real," since they carry neither the storylines nor the powers of the original characters. I might add, however, that some of the stuff being debated here is making people offended, and I think there's a point there to be made. I am choosing whether or not to be offended, the choice is not made for me. Whether someone is offended or not is a choice, not an absolute. There's a reason that we use the phrases "no offense meant" and "none taken." -NRP

I'm new to BZPower, and I realize that I'm walking on eggshells, so I'm just going to ask a couple questions: 1. I don't feel like the question of "Who's offended?" has been answered, so I'm going to add my voice to those whom have asked the question. I'm a huge fan of Japanese culture. I am a brown belt in a mostly traditional Judo dojo, I love the Japanese culture, and I have Japanese friends (friends I might add who enjoy ninjago). I'm not offended, I think it's humorous; because it's not meant to be a representation of Japanese culture. If it were, I would be truly offended. 2. So should I take the Chinese offense of creating BIONICLE ripoffs as a racial slur to Americans, since it misrepresents the BIONICLE culture? And with that, I respectfully withdraw (unless someone addresses me directly). -NRP

IC (Wheryu): Wheryu started, surprised by the cold, sharp voice that broke through his reverie. He almost shifted, but then thought better of it. Better to pacify an ash bear with honey rather than poking it with a spear, thought the toa of air, a faint smirk spreading across his mouth. He did open his eyes and peered at the hitherto unseen toa of ice. Or at least tried to. The being currently had his face in a sketchbook. "As you wish," Wheryu said bemusedly. "Although I reserve the right to twitch." -NRP

Thanks, Requiem! I appreciate it. -NRP

IC (Wheryu): It's going to be another average morning, Wheru thought, looking up from the stubborn fingermarks he had been trying to work off his blade for the past 15 minutes. This morning had gone on uneventfully, much like the other days that had accompanied it before. Wheryu had woken up, dressed, and then began to workout till his muscles tightened up. After a short breakfast, he had resumed his morning work, practicing sword drills till he could no longer bear the weight of the blades in his hands. Another short break, then he had begun his routine cleaning and oiling of equipment. Well, not completely uneventful, Wheryu reminded himself. He had been traveling for the past three weeks across the coast of Mata Nui, taking a long, scenic route across the island. He had gone halfway around the island by now, and by his estimates, he was bound to reach the tall trees and platformed cities of Le-koro by mid-afternoon. It had been too long since he had seen her verdant forests and her architecturally astounding treetop villages. Ok, I might be romanticizing a bit there. He finished his cleaning and suited up, chafing a bit at the heat of the armor he was wearing. In any case, It'll be good to get into the shade again, he thought. He could just begin to make out the individual trees in the forest before him, and by afternoon, he had reached the city. After getting through the usual security check from the guards manning the treetop elevators, he had reached Le-koro. He sat down against one of the trees, and took it all in. Wheryu loved Le-koro. Maybe it was a bit biased, since this was a toa of air's territory, but Wheryu knew it was more than that. Le-koro is a place where nothing stands still for long. Whether you went to the marketplace or the matoran huts; the town square or the taverns; Le-koro seemed to be in a state of constant movement. Which seems appropriate for a city built on growing and moving trees, Wheru thought. He closed his eyes, felt the wind brush his mask, and smiled. Life is good.

Name: Wheryu Far'grit Gender: Male Species: Toa Element: Air Mask: Somewhat stereotypically, Wheryu wears the Kanohi Kadin, the mask of flight. Appearance: Wheryu is not an imposing figure. Standing at a short 5' 10", with the physique of a parkour player; he would never stand out in a crowd. The only 2 outstanding features noticeable to the casual observer would be his eyes and his armor. Wheryu's eyes are a peculiar strain of turquoise-grey. Depending upon the lighting and angle, his eye color can range anywhere between a periwinkle blue and a forest green. However, his armor is what stands out the most. Plated, medium-green with an overlapping pattern of short plate segments, and with a background of dark brown leather; it would be unremarkable, if not for it's condition and artistry. Although the plating shows obvious wear, it has obviously been well maintained. If that wasn't remarkable enough, the armor is beautiful, with leaf patterns impressed into the make of the armor. At one point, the impressed cracks had been filled with a brass or gold substance, but has now faded, and what patches are left seem to be a small reminder of previous grandeur. Weaponry: Like his armor, Wheryu's weapons are both ancient and well-maintained, though a bit more practical than his attire. Wheryu wields two razor-thin sabers, hand forged in a (OOC: Damascus Steel-like) wave-like pattern that indicates the quality of the make of the blades. both are held within durable leather sheaths at Wheryu's waist. The only other piece of weaponry carried by the hero is a ceremonial dagger, mounted at the back of his belt. Personality: Wheryu is a thinker in all he does, whether in combat, or in conversation. Though he's not exactly a lively companion, Wheryu's ability to relate to others has made him an easy person to get along with, and in happier moments he has been known to make quick-witted jabs and puns at the words of others. His natural tendency around others is to be a gentle smart-alek, always making smart remarks that in other circumstances might be cutting, but always delivered in such a way as to pull a chuckle from everyone at the table, even from the person or persons he's poking fun at. When something's on his mind, though, he transforms into a muttering, pacing whirlwind, full of focused energy. When in this focused state, he loses his charm, and can be quite abrupt. Traits: When Wheryu is thinking, he tends to pace, play with objects in his hands, tap his feet, or talk to himself. He is very disciplined, maintaining his physique much like he maintains his armor. Skills: Wheryu is first a contemplative, and second a hunter. His contemplative nature extends to his skills. He is a master tactician, both in 1-on-1 fighting and in games of chess. He has mastered several forms of acrobatic sword fighting, though he can also classically duel. His greatest skills show themselves in problems of deduction and tracking, and he excels at both. Weaknesses: Despite appearances, Wheryu is by no means an introvert, and can be very concerned about others' opinions. This desire can emerge in the form of a slight paranoia about what others are saying and may turn others off. Also, while Wheryu's agility and dexterity are by no means lacking, he is not fast, and can prefer brute force to extreme finesse. History: To be revealed in ongoing story.

Is this the proper place to search for interaction? Or would I do that OOC in the koros? Thank you for the tip, BTW -NRP

Hello, peoples of various nations, tongues, and peoples! My name is (what my profile says), and I'm brand new to the site. I've had some previous experience with written RPGs before, and I've read your rule list, but this far into the game, and with this many characters, I thought I'd ask your advice on how I should start out (as far as suggestions about writing, character creation, and elemental limitations go). Would anyone be willing to give me some tips? Thank you, -NRP