The Meta Knight

I don't think LEGO intended patriarchy here (I think it was just poor word choice), but this is very illogical. Who holds a position should be based on merit. If a female (or male for that matter) is prevented from having a position even though she's the better choice, that's not "just culture". And I'd say it's evil... I don't see how it couldn't be. Not the worst kind of evil in all existence, but that doesn't make something not evil/wrong. Asserting that it isn't evil doesn't change this, Meta. That's a fallacy called elephant hurling, or bald assertion. To be clear, I don't have a problem with the idea of "a patriarch", as long as "a matriarch" is possible too. But I'm presuming this isn't what you mean by patriarchy here. The term "inherently" is intended to denote the fact that it's not evil in itself, although it can often have evil causes/results. In my earlier post, I stated what you said here: that if they decline a female ruler in favor of a male ruler just for the sake of tradition and regardless of actual potential for a good leader, then it is kinda evil. When I said that wasn't evil either, I was meaning to say that it's not on the same level of bad as what some people have compared it to thus far, and I'm not defending such actions, I'm merely stating that patriarchy isn't evil in itself. And you're right: the choosing of a male leader without taking anything into consideration but tradition is bad. What I said was that people are making too big a deal out of patriarchy here. And I don't believe it's just a patriarchy either. Sorry if it sounded like that. :r:

I really do think you people are making far too big a deal out of patriarchy. Once again, it isn't inherently evil. It's just culture. That being said, I'm not sure why people are assuming that it's a "strict patriarchy." Nowhere thus far has it been stated that there's no such thing as a female ruler in the Protectors' society. Even if all the leader protectors turn out to be male, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a strict patriarchal government. Last point I want to make is, like many others have here stated, that this toy line is marketed to boys. If girls want to get into it, then that's fine. They'll just have to put up with the male majority. Don't get me wrong here. I can very easily get into a female character if she's pulled off right. And that's not to say we won't have any strong female characters at all. (we already have Gali.) I'm simply saying that a lot of young boys will have trouble getting into a female character, therefore, Lego can't risk making a 50:50 ratio in Bionicle, or even a 40:60 ratio. For those of you to whom this matters, I'm afraid you're just gonna have to get over it. Not to sound harsh, but that's just the way things are. Please let the next post be more on-topic.

It doesn't sound immoral to me, and I'm pretty well learned regarding the concept of morality. I suppose (like any Great Mask) it all depends on how you use it and to what ends. The likely reason it's considered immoral to Toa is it has more bad uses than good, and therefore shouldn't be used in place of a potentially more useful masks. Think about it. A Great Garai could be used to prevent a falling pillar from crushing a group of Matoran, and a Great Akaku could be used to find a Matoran who got himself lost in the drifts, but a Great Shelek couldn't really do a whole lot in similar situations. It might be used to deafen an angry Muaka while a Matoran escapes the beast unnoticed, but that's about it. Also take the Code of Chivalry into account. Let's say a Toa got into a duel with a Makuta. The only things they are aloud to utilize in said duel (hypothetically) are their elemental powers, weapons, and Masks. The Makuta uses his Great Shelek to deafen his opponent while he sneaks up behind him. Not only would a sneak attack be bad in said situation, but the use of his Shelek to null one of his opponents chief senses would be considerably amoral. In that regard, even the Crast could be considered immoral, whereas a more generic Kanohi such as a Garai could be used to lift stones and fling them at the Toa's opponent, which would probably be OK. Also in that regard, the Toa could use his Garai to simply lift the Makuta and throw him into the distance, which could be considered immoral in that regard as well, again supporting my original statement that it's all about how a Great Mask is used, not what the Mask is.

I saw one of these yesterday too... Poor Gali. Or lucky I suppose depending on your point of view ...I think we need to change the subject. Have the elder Protectors received names yet? I don't think they have. (correct me if I'm wrong.) I think we could all agree that it would be kinda dumb if all the Protectors on the island were simply named 'Protector.' I know it's been said that the only returning characters will be the Toa and the Makuta, but what do you think of the remote possibility of the elder Protectors being named after the 2001 Turaga? (i.e. the elder Protector of Fire's name is Vakama) I personally think that would be a really cool idea. It would give so much nostalgia. (except Nokama might end up a dude... ) Just a theory though. I don't actually expect this to be the case.

In fairness, this looks like an alien. Plus, the Shelek that Chirox used was mutated to match his bat-like appearance. 'Twas more of a joke, although my mind did kinda skip over the mutated part....

You should use this (a scaled-down version) as your signature. XD Deserts and snowy mountains can be right next to each other. I do agree with you in that it doesn't really matter, though.

Have any of you stopped to consider the actual appearance of a Great Shelek? It looks like a vampire's face. I wouldn't want to use that if I were a Toa. (a non-traditionally crafted version aside, but just the regular version of the mask itself was probably super rare, so I doubt there were many of those around)

I see your point with Lewa, but regardless of your analogies, I could never see Kopaka as a woman. I just can't. Although I've never been one to complain about gender distribution, I do agree we need more strong female characters in media, but I don't really see how or why you would need to portray male characters as female just because you think they should be. Don't take that as having a harsh tone. :e: But if you really feel like you have to in order to enjoy the story, then go ahead by all means.

I can see it now....

I don't see the face on Mata Nui. I know it's supposed to be there, but I've never been able to make it out...

Back on topic Does anybody think this means the no romance rule is out? How many of you think this is a good thing? Who do you think should end up with who? Do you think it would be awkward if Tahu ended up with Gali given the fact that she's his "sister"? What do you think of the possibility of the Toa being actual biological siblings? (which would rule out the afore mentioned question (most likely)) If they are biological siblings, then who are their parents? Please don't attempt to answer all these questions at once.

I'm confused. Does tran even count as gay? (honest question) EDIT: forgive me, Bonesiii, I posted this before I saw your intervention.

Two gay people can't make biological children.... I have difficulty explaining this to some people at times.... not to be rude, but...

Personally, I don't think they should shirk anything in gen 2. It should be a priority to add more content. So far, that's what Lego seems to be doing.

gonna stay vague for the kids, but i don't think that ever stopped them before, to be honest. Oh come on people. Name ONE toy line like this that has EVER been mildly implicit about such things. :e:

I could be reading this wrong, but I'm pretty sure what you just said was "there is nothing inherently bad about a system than puts men before women". You're not necessarily getting what I'm saying. As Alyska said, it isn't evil in itself. But let's say if an elder Protector's firstborn daughter shows strong leadership skills and a more keen interest in ruling, while his firstborn son proves to be lazy and has no interest in ruling at all, but the elder Protector chooses the son anyway just for the sake of tradition, then there is a problem. It's not necessarily the the elder Protector's initial decision that's evil, (even if it is just stupid,) it's more what will come of that decision that's evil.

Minecraft. I'm still into that.

I'm sure another Mask of Creation is the one thing the Great Beings made sure the Mask couldn't show someone how to make. It makes sense. Biosector01, comrade, did YOU actually read it? I quote: It's like this: I buy one of the new 2015 sets, but I don't know how to put it together. So, I use the mask, and it gives me mental instructions. Later, when i go to build the same set again for whatever reason, I now know how to build it, so I run the instructions through the mask and it does it for me. It works on a much greater scale in-story. Let's say Artakha built one set of Adaptive Armor, using instructions provided by the mask. Once he knew hows it was done, he would use the mask again to create the remaining five sets from thin air, getting the job done much more quickly. If you don't know how to build it, the mask will tell you. If you know how to build it, the mask will do it for you. See? Here's my take on this situation: NONE of you read the BS01 article. Behold the (arguably) unquestionable answer to the initial question straight from the BS01 article: I assume, of course, that 'only' means just them, not even the wearer of the Mask of Creation itself. Once again, it would make sense if the Great Beings made sure the MoC couldn't be used to make a copy of itself to prevent multiple copies of the Mask just floating around the MU.

I don't see your point. Patriarchy isn't inherently evil. Plus, I'm sure if a father Protector deemed his son unworthy, he could just as easily select somebody from the tribe who stands out as worthy to him. I doubt it's as rigid as you're making it out to be. And even if it is, that doesn't necessarily make it evil. I don't think they'll all be male. But I'm sure a lot of them will be... :l: :e:

better yet, why not have all six tribes be mixed-gender? (of course this is all without canon confirmation....) That would be desirable. But I'm kinda at the same time hoping (for reasons concerning nostalgia) that they keep the main Protectors gender ratios the same as before. But it would be desirable for them to make the gender ratio 1:1 for the Protectors as a species. Of course, it would be desirable to have the individual tribes be of mixed genders. Not only do I want them to be, but I also couldn't see it any other way at this point. But as for the main Protectors, (the elders/leaders acting as mentors to the individual Toa,) I really think it's best in the end that their genders are the same as their respective Toa. P.S. Don't be offended. I'm entitled to an opinion, as is everyone That was the only plot filler that really got on my nerves. I'm glad they're (supposedly) changing it.

Thx! It's good to know I did good on the color scheme, which was my main concern. I wasn't really concerned about the photography at all though. Looks like I got my anxieties mixed up! Looking at the main photo now, I see your point. It's a shame I can't retake it.

I know that. I'm merely contrasting them with the Matoran. I honestly like the idea. I think this is a change in the right direction on the part of Lego. Plus, I don't recall (on a whim) anything in gen one about the Agori dying, whereas it's implied that there is a reason for the Protectors to pass on their masks and legends throughout the generations, which implies death exists for them.

The Bionicle Website has been updated today, including a little bit of hints about the upcoming story in the descriptions, including this little tidbit from the description of The Region of Fire: And, slightly more notably, this one from the Protector of Fire's bio: Passed down through the generations and from father to son? This either means there's some SERIOUS typos on the website, or the more likely reason: unlike the Matoran of old, the Protectors can [biologically] reproduce and probably also die from natural causes/age. Is there anything wrong with this theory/fact? Or is there another logical explanation? Discuss! Here's some linkage proof. And a bit more for the in-denial.

This is SOOO HYPE!!! Probably, & I think "no one" has mentioned this because it's the conclusion everyone reaches in less than a second? Although just because something reproduces doesn't exactly prohibit it being bio-mechanical; maybe nanobots build themselves at a matching rate & dictate development or are otherwise in a symbiotic(-ish) relationship? I don't particularly expect that to be given as a reason, but hey; it's not necessarily impossible within G2's world from what we know thus far? The islanders could very well just reproduce by building new invididuals or something. In that case the builder of an invididual could be considered their parent. Thing is, we just don't know yet. Exactly. (Although instead of: "conclusion" I should have had "thought"; & instead of "reaches" I should have had "has".) I honestly like the idea of the protectors being more 'biological' than 'mechanical' in that they biologically reproduce (not confirmed) and die naturally (also not confirmed) as opposed to the Matoran just living forever. P.S. I know that bio-mechanical basically means living machine, but how does that necessarily restrict them to not being able to biologically reproduce or die? I know the Agori/Glatorian could biologically reproduce, but could somebody further clarify on the definition of 'bio-mechanical' in that regard? Back on the subject of the updated website. I think the "edits" were more like a rough draft.

Well, here it is everybody! It's finally complete! Azad the Usurper and his ferocious insectoid steed, Namtar the Destroyer! Here's the official feedback topic! I was gonna put this up before I entered him in the contest to get feedback ahead of time, but I was to lazy to. Here's the pics, as well as facts, such as equipment and powers, and backstory. Tell me what ya'll think! Main Pic: http://i.imgur.com/B8YGJje.jpg?1 Just Azad: http://i.imgur.com/XCC0ia6.jpg Azad Without Weapons: http://i.imgur.com/P1Yf0Va.jpg?1 Just Namtar: http://i.imgur.com/l0SXJzV.jpg Namtar's Wings: http://i.imgur.com/r8Fx2j6.jpg?1 Goals: To find the rarest and most powerful masks and use them to conquer all peoples. Titles: Azad calls himself "The Great Mask Hunter," while others call him "Azad the Usurper." Namtar is always associated with Azad in folklore and legends, and is known as "Namtar the Destroyer" Azad's Powers/Tools/Weapons/Mask: The Power of Magnetism, The Power of Psionics, Electro-Blade, The Shield of Masks, The Great Mask of Storms (and the many rare Great Masks he keeps on the Shield of Masks.) Namtar's Abilities: Plasma Spit, Super Jump, Sonic Slash, the ability to break an opponent's concentration Status: Traveling the world, hunting rare Masks (duh) Summary: Azad travels the world searching for rare masks to add to his collection, which he keeps on the Shield of Masks, and rides atop Namtar, a giant mantis-like creature with the power to outrun, out-swim, and out-hunt any creature in existence, commonly referred to by Azad as "The Ultimate Creature." Azad also wields the power of Magnetism, which he channels through his Electro-Blade, has weak Psychic abilities, and wields the Great Mask of Storms, a rare, ill-gotten Mask which gives him the power to control the weather at will. Namtar is extremely fast, can "skit" across vast bodies of water, and can use use his large wings and strong hind-legs to Super Jump, his signature move, allowing him to travel large distances in relatively short amounts of time. This makes him ideal for Azad's "hobby." Namtar is also extremely proficient in combat, having three long and sharp claws on each foot, including his front feet, which he uses more like hands, and having the ability to spit hot plasma from his mouth. He also has a stinger on the back of his abdomen complete with a strong paralyzing poison capable of stunning a Toa cold for twenty-four hours, but he rarely ever uses it, instead preferring to use his immense speed and front claws to shred opponents, or his strong hind-claws, which he can use to grasp and lift even creatures larger than himself. Backstory Summary: Long ago, on an undisclosed island, Azad and his brother, Murdak, were the guardians of the City of Asdin, a city built almost entirely of solid electrum. Azad, who was known then as Gilzak, wielded the Power of Magnetism, while Murdak wielded the Power of Psionics. Gilzak was responsible for the study of biology, which he intended to use to improve the conditions of the island's inhabitants. Murdak was a mechanic responsible for inventing and developing machines to assist in the inhabitant's daily lives. It was decided by Anzar, the ruler of the City of Asdin, that whichever of the brothers could improve the lives of the inhabitants of the City and the island as a whole more than the other would be given the Treasure of Asdin, The Mask of Storms. Gilzak wanted the mask desperately, but the study of biology proved tedious and it took a while to find something of use through it, whereas the machines Murdak built were easy and simple to construct, yet surprisingly innovative. Murdak constructed advanced machines of unparalleled usefulness, such as massive stone railways that connected portions of the City, large robotic tanks that tilled and harvested fields, and mechanical elevators that lifted anything or anyone to the top of one the many tall electrum towers built throughout the city. In the end, all that Gilzak made were the Zin, a short, yet strong race of reptilian creatures designed to serve the islands inhabitants unquestioningly. Of course, Murdak won the mask, which he took enthusiastically. Gilzak wouldn't stand for it though. He went to Anzar and pleaded to him, saying the Zin could do anything that Murdak's machines could, but Anzar said it wasn't the brothers' abilities he was testing; it was their hearts. Then, in a fit of rage, Gilzak killed Anzar. After he killed him, he was terrified of what his brother would do if ever he found out, so he used his vast knowledge of biology to build a clone of Anzar. The clone, however, was not like the real Anzar; It was just a puppet Gilzak used to control the city, and the first thing he did was order his puppet to take the Mask of Storms from Murdak and give it to him. Murdak was reluctant at first, but he trusted the greater wisdom of Anzar and gave the mask to his brother. But the mask wasn't enough for Gilzak. He decided he wanted all masks. It was then that he began on his greatest creation. He took one of the small, mantis-like creatures that were common on the island and spliced it's genes, combining traits from various powerful monsters he had studied, in order to create "The Ultimate Creature." He put a biological "switch" in it's brain, the same "switch" he had put in Anzar's clone and in the Zin, so that it would only listen to him. But by this time, Murdak had discovered the murder of Anzar and Gilzak's schemes, and went to his laboratory with a band of soldiers to confront him. Gilzak was at his workbench when Murdak came down the stairs with his soldiers. Gilzak turned to face him. "Well hello there, beloved brother!" he said in an insane voice; by this time Gilzak had become mad with his schemes. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be," said Murdak. "By this time, I'd say the term "brother" is in question. Just come with us. You have my word you will not be harmed if you step forward with your hands in front of you." "Hah!" Gilzak cackled sarcastically. "You really think those chains can hold me? I could tear out of those in my sleep. Just a small magnetic field powerful enough is all it would take..." "I never would've expected you to try... why didn't you just tell me what happened with Anzar? I'm sure we could have worked something out. I would've forgiven you." "Hah! HAha! AHAHAHAHAHAHAA!" Now Gilzak's laughter sounded more maniacal than ever. "Do you honestly expect me to believe that? You are far more naive than I first perceived. You would've had me executed and you KNOW IT!! And of course you could expect me to stay in those bonds if I let you put them on me willingly. But do youexpect me to just let you? Hah! Never has any Guardian of Asdin ever been so stupid!" This last remark gave Murdak a look of surprise, like he thought he knew his brother, but suddenly realized he didn't at all. "Enough nonsense! Just step forward and end this now! Don't make me use force! Never should a Guardian of Asdin have to turn his power on his own brother." "You think you can so easily intimidate ME?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! This is TRULY amusing! You are powerless against me! ... I suggest you surrender now." Suddenly, Gilzak waved his arm downward, and an iron lever hanging on the wall moved down with it. Murdak started as if he expected a bolt of energy to come flying at him, but was surprised when nothing readily apparent happened. "What happened?" said Murdak, still bewildered. "Oh... Nothing TOO serious... I just... turned all the Zin in the City over to MY control!" "What!? But how?!" "Through a basic telepathic link. It's actually quite simple. I developed it by studying YOUR brain. Don't believe me?" Right as he said this, a squad of Zin entered through the stairs and surrounded Murdak and his squad. Murdak at first looked astonished. Then he gathered himself and used his Psychic power to freeze the neurons of the Zin, paralyzing them. "Now it's time, brother. No more of this! Just come with me now and you'll be shown mercy!" said Murdak. Gilzak just stared at him ruefully. Some time passed as the two brothers just stared into each other's eyes, not saying anything. Then, just as Murdak made to say something, the entire lab began to shake. Gilzak laughed and said, "It is time! Hah! I win! Behold my ULTIMATE CREATION!!" A large, mantis-like creature suddenly burst out of a large tank behind Gilzak. The creature quickly approached Gilzak. Murdak made to pull him out of the creatures wake, but stopped short when the creature crouched with it's head bowed and Gilzak mounted it. "Behold the Ultimate Creature! Behold Namtar!! Now I am UNSTOPPABLE!! MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!" "What is this madness!?" said Murdak as he realized his Psychic power had no effect on Namtar. "Hah! Remember: I know how that powerful brain of yours works. I'll save you the disappointment: there isn't any way you can stop me!" As he finished speaking, Namtar swung it's arm and flung Murdak against the wall, breaking his concentration. The squad of Zin then unfroze and began to fire their weapons at the soldiers. The soldiers were quickly defeated. "Do you surrender now?" said Gilzak. "Perhaps this will convince you of your defeat...." As he spoke, another squad of Zin entered the lab bringing with them several unarmed civilians. They all looked terrified. The Zin pointed their weapons at them. "NO!!" cried Murdak, now beginning to realize his mistake. He stretched his arm out to freeze the Zin, but nothing happened. " ...How?" "Well... I guess you din't hear me when I said I know how your brain works. Let me rephrase that: Namtar suppresses your power! Your totally helpless!" Murdak soon surrendered and was imprisoned in a living cage, where he was studied by his own brother until his escape five years later. By that time, Gilzak had taken control of the City of Asdin and the whole island using the force of his Zin army, and not to mention Namtar. Now that the island was his, the next stage of his plan could be acted out. He had studied the Great Masks during his earlier years, which is what originally kindled his desire for the Mask of Storms. But the Mask of Storms was a trivial prize to him; he had much higher goals: Legendary Masks such as the Mask of Time and the Mask of Creation were what he really desired. This is why he created Namtar: to assist in traveling the world in search of all rare Masks of Power, and to provide the brute force necessary to gain them. Unfortunately, something occurred that he had not planned. His brother had escaped. If his brother found him, he perceived that Murdak would seek revenge or justice. He knew his brother would feel responsible for the chaos he would cause. His whole plan could be ruined if his brother found him, even with Namtar's power at his command. So, to prevent his brother from finding him, he spliced his own genes and altered his own figure. He was now taller, stronger, more agile, and, to be safe from his brother, he also gave himself the Power of Psionics. Giving himself that power didn't prove too difficult after years of studying his brother. Last of all, he changed his name to Azad. He then left the island in charge of his Zin minions, and began his hunt for the Masks of Power, which he would use in addition to his vast armies and the raw power of Namtar to conquer all peoples. He is said to be roaming the world to this very day, still seeking rare Masks to add to his Shield of Masks. What became of his brother Murdak none can say. My main concerns are the color scheme balancing as well as some bare-ish looking places mostly on Namtar, But what do ya'll think?