Emzee

This picture was taken at the Austin Java we went to after watching rappel down the W (it's a 38 story hotel/residential building in downtown Austin). Also cool that you're also going to RTX this year. I didn't think anyone also from BZP would be attending.

Okay, so she didn't sing Creeping in my Soul, but Rooster Teeth's Barbara Dunkelman does do the voice of Yang on RWBY. She's really nice and down to earth, even given the fact that she the RT community manager -- she's really good at what she does. Photo was taken just this afternoon.

Well, now I feel bad for convincing myself that something like this would never happen. Vrahno's an inspiration. Something with less effort would have also elicited a lot of praise, but he went above in beyond with the animation, the writing, and the styling of the characters. I'm glad BZP caught it so soon, and I hope to see it gain even more recognition. I don't think I've ever seen 3D art and animation like this mixed with the types of gags we'd see in the 2D MNOLG animations (the sweat drop part also got a chuckle from me). I also loved the movements during the battle sequences. They generally weren't the typical movements that the movies seemed to use over and over, and I was engaged through the whole thing. I'm no animation expert, so I can't give the full critique, but I personally don't find any faults with this short film. Fantastic work!

DEEVS! That explains the random craving for Starbucks. Happy birthday man!

IC: Wokiya – Ta-Koro; near hospital The intrepid reporter looked at her graze incredulously. It ran across the side and back of her calf, and it looked more grisly than it actually was. “Hardly. This is nothing; I'm a reporter, y'know,” Wokiya quipped, “But sure. I was planning to visit the hospital anyway. Memories can fade faster than you think, and we have to uncover the truth” She walked towards the Toa for a few steps before she stopped abruptly. “Treatment’s free, right?”

IC: Wokodin & Wokapu – Wokodin’s Hut “Very well. Another time, then,” Wokodin said, rising from his seat. Wokapu and Seria followed suit. “Before you go, my son, would you be able to deliver something for me?” Wokodin asked Wokapu in an untypically earnest tone. Wokapu looked back quizzically, “Just a delivery?” “Yes, I have a steady job here that requires much continued attendance, but you have the luxury of a free spirit. A trip to the white beaches of Ga-Koro was probably in your plans anyway,” Wokodin quipped. He turned around and walked over to an old oak desk in his office. A moment later, Wokodin returned with his hands full: one held an average-sized stone tablet, and the other was a sealed package that matched the dimensions of a tablet. Wokodin first handed Wokapu the exposed tablet. “This is my authorization to release a skiff that I own in Ostia to you and your group. It’s large enough that you should all fit comfortably. Just don’t attract anymore folks!” Wokodin chuckled, while Wokapu tried to hide a look of unease. One of us would have to stay, Wokapu thought as Ra’lhen appeared in his mind. His attention was drawn back to his father as he handed him the sealed package. It was wrapped in dark brown, analine leather, and the sign of the Sentinels was stamped into the wad of wax that lay over the opening flap. “This is extremely important. There are other copies, of course, but I would very much prefer it if I didn’t have to wrap a seal another one of these,” Wokodin said sternly, “Can I trust you to deliver this to its recipient safely?” Wokapu fought the urge to roll his eyes and respond as he was expected to, “Yes, sir” “Good!” Wokodin said jovially, “Go to the Marine HQ and say you’re looking for Vhisola. She was asking some questions of me, and this tablet holds my answers. The seal on that package should tell her all she needs to know about authenticity. Well, that and the fact that you take on my good looks” Wokodin chuckled heartily. “Thanks for the visit, my son. Please come back here once it is delivered, and let me know what Vhisola says.” Wokodin then looked to the two Toa, “It was a pleasure, Seria and Sucogu. I hope you enjoyed the tea!” West Po-Koro Wokapu was flustered. “Well, now is as good a time as ever to go find where Ra’lhen went. I might actually become worried for the guy now. We’d better see what Hewkii’s done with him” Wokapu then began heading back to the center of the town. While they walked, Wokapu began to make conversation with Sucogu again. “Let’s talk about Echelon some more,” Wokapu said, currently questioning his newfound duties as an errand boy. “What do you truly believe he’s capable of at this point? Do you believe he has the capacity to grow stronger? Or do you think there are others who may relate to his lack of sanity?”

This is awesome! I can't recommend the RPG Makers enough if creating your own adventures for others to enjoy is something you want to get into. Had it not been for the RPG Maker programs, I doubt that I would have the interest in game design that I have now. I just wish they were multiplatform.

Source: Amazing Deal on RPG Maker

IC: Sesseta – Dragon Hall Well, if that’s how my dear sister wants to play ball, then count me in. I could tell that Kuno was more than happy to see the “mild” annoyance of Nera – which wasn’t surprising to me at all. That still didn’t mean that I liked Kuno, but at least the boy had some semblance of honor – enough honor to treat the Toroshu’s Sister with some respect. Why yes, what you assumed is correct. Nera and I aren’t on the best terms, and honestly, I have trouble remembering the last time that wasn’t the case. Take that as a testament to the abrasiveness of my sister’s character; if there’s anyone who could hold animosity in the family, it would be the sibling who isn’t overseeing an entire clan. To explain such frigidity (cause by Zataka if I’m going to actually ask her why she still hold negative feelings to this day; what has been said and done over these past decades has been said and done), I’ve always assumed that it is simply that Nera sees family only as tools to be used for her benefit. I am no tool. If I do things, it will be because I am personally invested. Nera should learn to give before she tries to take. “I’m doing quite well, Kuno, and thank you for your compliment,” I replied in an uncharacteristically jovial tone. Kuno, Nera, Yuzio, and Ikori all knew dang well that my timbre was rehearsed, but that was only because they all knew me too well. To those who may have been listening, I was now the happiest of the Fursics to be at this party. That’s when I had heard another name being called from the entryway behind me. I looked to see Kuno’s eyes now fixated on the newest guest, and I turned around so that I could see myself. My face remained neutral, but mentally, I gasped: it was Nihi, the woman who made a rather embarrassing scene at the market. I had known that Nihi’s sermon was Kuno’s idea, and the fact that she had been invited by the Chojo, and somehow given access to a dress far beyond what a simple soldier could afford. Suffice to say, I was almost as concerned as my nephew. I could only imagine that the boy was feeling right now. “Why is she here?” I mused aloud, so softly that only Kuno, Yuzio, Ikori, and Nera could hear. Still, I remained cheerful. We were a family, and despite Nera’s wishes (or perhaps, in spite of them), we would act like one on this night.

IC: Wokiya – Ta-Koro Wokiya wasn’t liking her position at all. There was far too little she could see from around the corner of this burned out shop. Time to go, Wokiya thought. She backed away from the brick wall she was standing against and saw throngs of evacuees in the distance, heading for the main gate. She began walking across the almost steaming rock floors towards the gate. Then something else caught her attention from her new vantage point. It was the hospital (or at least, the main one). She'd be able to get stories from that patients there! Just then a backdraft from the nearby shop blew out the windows, sending shards of glass towards the Matoran. On reflect, the physically fit Matoran took out her twin axes and raised them over her, blocking most of the sharps. She winced as one or two pieces of glass grazed her legs. “Long period of uninterrupted chaos and only now I get wounded – I’d say that’s pretty good,” Wokiya said half-sardonically to herself. She realized that she probably should have been a lot happier than she was. At least she wasn’t, y’know, dead.

IC: Sesseta – Dragon Hall I bristled as one of the party goers neared me. “Pray forgive me,” I heard him say as he hastily walked off. I smiled graciously while killing any urge to roll my eyes. My basin patience in this particular corner was already running dry. Then, suddenly, my eyes stopped scanning the room and rested on one familiar Dasaka. Her back mostly turned from me, she was carrying two glasses of wine. I’ve seen her often enough to recognize her easily, and once Yuzio found what I was looking at, she recognized the Dasaka as well. Ikori, I thought, and wherever she is, my nephew is always close by. I was given no briefing on Kuno’s schedule, and honestly, I had not been aware in the fifteen minutes I had been here that the Fursic First Son had arrived already. Though to be fair, it’s not like I was particularly engrossed in seeking the boy out. But as Ikori neared her master I could see that Nera and Sheika had arrived as well. And my word! It looks like Kuno was strong-armed into coordinating his attire with his mommy. Their garments complimented each other, and even from a distance, one could still make out the faint Furisc red trim that my dress also had. I suppose we all have similar taste, I thought as I looked back down at my dress – faint dark blue patterns of scales lined the dress to match my head ornament. “Let’s not dally,” I said to Yuzio, knowing that she saw what I saw, “I would hate for them to think we arrived late” With that, I took a sip of wine and followed Ikori's trail across the hall, away from the wine fountain. I was barely halfway there before my family members made eye contact and Yuzio and I.

OOC: Reference: here's what Sesseta's masquerade headpiece looks like. IC: Sesseta – Dragon Hall Yuzio and I, flanked by two Fursic bodyguards, entered through the doors with as little fanfare as we could muster. I could tell we were successful because we had done the above about ten minutes ago and not a soul (besides the guards and receptionists, I’m sure) had yet noticed that the Fursic Toroshu’s sister had entered the hall. Perhaps the jewels that adorned by snake-themed mask were not glittering enough. What a shame. “Now that’s a spectacle right there,” I said to Yuzio, pointing to the wine fountain. Not nearly as many people seemed to be hovering around it as I felt should. “Quite a spectacle indeed,” Yuzio replied, “And perhaps folks in that corner of the hall will be less bothersome” “Honestly, this night has me feeling less easily bothered than normal,” I said. Now don’t get me wrong, I was currently surrounded by people that I hold a perfervid hatred for, and that was bound to cause some burning in the body, but it had been too long since we had a gathering like this, and in the recent times before the arrival of the Chaotic Six and discovery of Mata Nui, I had become bored. Plus, who knows? Maybe all the recent changes and discoveries have impacted the obsequious and single-minded Umbralines and their allies in a positive way. That was a joke. I calmly walked over to the fountain, and Yuzio followed me closely. The two bodyguards kept a comfortable distance away, but they were still relatively close. Once I was served a glass of wine, I stood staunchly against a wall and watched the slowly growing crowd. Looking at them reminded me a lot of saltine crackers, especially the aspect of them when they are dropped in water. I willed myself to try and avoid looking into whatever was behind their rehearsed visages and body movements. OOC: Open for that talky-talky stuff.

IC: Wokodin & Wokapu – Wokodin’s Home “Yes, of course,” Wokodin said, acknowledging both of Sucogu’s points. In less then a minute, Wokodin had returned from his kitchen (the only thing separating the kitchen from the living room was a tall granite counter) with three drinks for the guests. He set the tray of drinks on the coffee table and took a seat himself. “As you may have noticed from my insignia, I am a Sentinel,” Wokodin began, “During the Dark Time, I had spent my days accomplishing great feats and uncovering the strangest anomalies while taking up the occupation of freelance fighter and commander. I had even taken some time off to train a new group of Toa – something that I still do today. I’m more the glad to orate some of my adventures if you are so interested” “That would be fine, Wokodin, buttttt we didn’t plan to stay long,” Wokapu protested as respectfully as he could. He then shot Sucogu and Seria a quick and desperate don’t-do-it look in hopes that they wouldn't let Wokodin indulge himself yet again in another one of his wish fulfillment stories of the past.

IC: Wokodin – West Po-Koro “Wonderful,” Wokodin said, “I do not stay far from here. The walk will be effortless” Wokapu – Wokodin’s Home The walk to Wokodin’s house was uncomfortably silent, at least for Wokapu. He found himself more at a loss for words to his father than he had initially thought. Wokapu then remembered something: this was the part where Ra’lhen said he would be here. The entire reason for Ra’lhen joining Wokapu during his journey across the massive island of Mata Nui was for this very moment – and he was missing it! For a moment, Wokapu wondered if maybe Ra’lhen was been swiftly executed, and the gruesome thought made Wokapu shiver for a split second. Wokodin noticed his son’s unease and narrowed his eyes. Wokapu had changed little since he had last saw him. If anything, Wokapu had regressed to his lesser days, before he had become the inspiring entrepreneur who dwelled in Ko-Koro. Once the group of four were inside, Wokodin rigidly gestured to the sofa and love seat, placed on two joining sides of a marble coffee table. “Seria, Sucogu, would you care for anything in particular?” Wokodin offered, “I have tea, juice, and of course, lots of water” Ra’lhen – Sentinel Armory The Toa of Electricity sauntered up to the front desk, and handed the guard a note. All the while, he ignored the many pairs of eyes that were bearing down on him. “My name is Ra’lhen. I’ve been recruited my Hewkii to join the Sentinels,” Ra’lhen said, “Where am I to go to get fitted for new armor?” The guard looked up at Ra’lhen with stony and incisive eyes. Ra’lhen, emotionally exhausted from the day, simply returned the look. He was tired, and he admitted that he was a little bit bewildered. Now, he was just going through the motions. He knew that he wanted to do this with all of his heart… but right now his heart felt weak. “Down this hallway to your left,” the stout guard finally said. “Follow this gentlemen over here” A Toa wearing a Great Volitak stepped forward and motioned his head to the hallway. Once he began walking, Ra’lhen followed suit. OOC: Ra'lhen is open for interaction to anyone inside the armory.

IC: Sesseta – Sesseta’s Home (Pre-Party) Parties – you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Or in my case, both. It really depended on who you bumped into at these gatherings. Being who I was, I was required to play many roles, most of which were roles that I would prefer to not have to play. Not to mention that I would surely have to keep a closer watch over Kuno than usual. Time was running out for us to play our hand, and I would not stand around to watch him fail again. I stood erect, face perfectly stationary, as Yuzio, my handmaiden, gently and slowly rested my crystal masquerade mask over my Akaku. Indeed, rare times like these made me wish I had had the mostly unnecessary lenses removed. Their presence meant that this crystal snake masquerade mask had to be custom fitted. People would notice, most definitely. But to be fair, it is quite recherché for one to see an Akaku without the special lenses attached. There are sure to be others at the party who share my aesthetic predicament. Once the bejeweled masquerade mask was rested on my Akaku, my shoulders dropped and I relaxed. I was already wearing my shoulder-less indigo and silver dress that matched the dark blue crystals of my facial ornament. “I believe now is a good a time as ever to depart,” I said to Yuzio, beckoning her to step down from the stool she was standing on. “We may not be early, but I assuredly don’t want to be late” Within minutes, I had my silk silvery scarf wrapped around me as I sat comfortably in the transport. The trip to Sado would be just long enough for me to become dreadfully bored, so I picked up the latest news article and began reading.

IC: Wokodin & Wokapu – West Po-Koro "Oh, is he now?" replied the older Toa, eyebrow raised and grinning to one side of his face. "Yes, I suppose it is common for one to wish his son took more traits after him" "Her name's Seria, and this is Sucogu," Wokapu said, introducing the two Toa. "Just thought I'd visit -- and see if Wokiya was around" "Oh, Wokiya," Wokodin replied with a soft sigh and a chuckle, "It has been ages since I last saw her. Though it least she has the climate as somewhat of an excuse, albeit an invalid one" "I'm sorry," Wokapu replied on instinct, "I just felt it would be... safer to live in the wilderness for a little while" Wokodin's eyes narrowed, "You do realize what you just said, didn't you?" "Mere Rahi are in a different category from a Toa," Wokapu defended, though not with the confidence of a once-successful businessman. He then lowered his voice, "or a powerful organization" Wokodin's visage remained stony. After a tense silence, he warmed up and looked to Seria and Sucogu. "Why don't we all get out of this sun and head to my hut?" Wokodin offered, "There are nice, cool drinks to be had there"

That's correct. A link to a BZPRPG profile or Wiki article helps, but it isn't necessary.

Yes, I know you know. But now, everybody knows! Mata-Nui Daily Lavapool Inn Destroyed: An explosion has rocked one of the more fortified villages on Mata Nui today. Rubble and fighting now standing where the famous Lavapool Inn once stood. The Ta-Koro Guard was quickly dispatched and are securing the area now. Stay tuned for more updates.With the return of Wokiya comes the return of MND. Interested in helping establish what all characters should or shouldn't know? Sign your character up to be an MND reporter!* I don't expect much overlap with MNW and I actually don't expect many stories, period. MND is IC-news only and two characters having a witty barter or conversation isn't really going to get picked up unless, perhaps, the people are famous like the Maru, or the Akiri, or what have you (you can PM me for specifics, but chances are we can all pretty much guess which characters would be well-known in this RPG world. Also remember that stardom can fade really quickly). You can just PM me you character so that I have a record, and RP as you normally would. You would then just PM me stories that are expected to be common knowledge (preferably things your character has personally witnessed) on Mata Nui, ie, a famous gathering place being destroyed. * you don't have to have a reporter character. You can just PM me news like before, but I find Chronicler-types to be fun to write, and it makes the MND organization look less like ninjas, so I do recommend it.

OOC: Just getting my bearings again IC: Wokiya – Ta-Koro, south of the ruined Lavapool Inn Wokiya was a self-preserving Matoran, but she knew she couldn’t the stories she needed unless she was somewhat close to the now destroyed inn. She never did get a good look at the perpetrators. If nothing else, she would at least get accurate identifications of the attackers. She leaned against the wall of a shop, which sat about yards from the Inn. She peered pass the broken down walls to and prepare to chisel her sightings onto her tablet. Turn the island against these monsters, and find out just what the Karzahni happened with the Guard. Those were her two immediate goals, and she’d need as much information as she could gather in order to meet them.

IC: Ra’lhen – Akiri Hewkii’s Hut The solemn Toa nodded reverently. “You have my thanks, Akiri,” Ra’lhen said. With that, he departed from Hewkii’s hut. IC: Wokapu – West Po-Koro “Now, this! This is the mark of perfection!” Wokapu boasted. During the extended time of Ra’lhen’s meeting with Hewkii, Wokapu had managed to become engrossed in the surprisingly well-maintained greenery that was for sale in smaller shops in Po-Koro. Naturally, he had dragged companions Seria and Sucogu with him for his high-class touring of the Acacia and Orchid trees. While his two companions knew early on that only the price tags had truly raised Wokapu’s admiration of the greenery (the trees themselves didn’t look that great), they were, at least up to this point, content to follow him around. “And this one!” Wokapu exclaimed, “I… actually can’t pronounce the name of this one” Wokapu called out to one of the attendants, “Hey sir! What’s this one called?” “Wokapu!” an all-too-familiar gruff voice, probably carrying a hint of anger and annoyance as it always did, rang through the Toa of Air’s head. On instinct, Wokapu whirled around to the direction of the sound, quickly losing interest in engaging the attendant. Standing about three or four yards away was a tall, brawny Toa, wearing armor that matched Wokapu’s hue, but fell short of the glean of Wokapu’s ritzy and battle-averted armor. On the brown Toa’s head was the all too familiar Mask of Accuracy, with stern orange eyes resting behind it. “You make the treacherous journey to the Lost Village, only to gaze at flora?” the brown Toa growled with disappointment. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like you to meet Wokodin, my father,” Wokapu said to Seria and Sucogu, “He’s never respected the green like I have unfortunately,”

They really did. They kinda filled in what the comics and books failed to in my opinion. What's amazing is that I'm pretty sure Templar didn't even have to go that length. If I remember correctly I think I heard the MNOG was originally supposed to just be a simple little Flash game without that much story importance before the Legend of Mata Nui PC game got cancelled.

Never heard of that car before now, but I'll be on the lookout for this "megacar".

So I'm at my intermediate stop on my overseas trip to Dubai. Not a lot of interesting things at this little terminal. Apparently the airline I'm flying to Dubai only had one gate. So why Dubai? My sister lives and works there, so I decided to spend this year's vacation time visiting her. This stop wasn't originally part of the plan so of course, the parents are worried, but that's standby travel for you, and at least this option is, well, affordable. At any rate, I'm excited. Hope I remember to take and share some pictures.

I really like the color scheme you have here. I'm intrigued by the use of green for that sword. Why green? Besides that, it's a pretty cool looking MOC. It's something I can appreciate despite knowing nothing about Gundams.