Palm

IC: Pae "We always do," Pae let the words linger for a moment as they approached the head-quarters. Pae quickly realized that it wasn't too long ago that Echelon had sent him to this very village to break Kohra free from prison. He thought he was saving lives by walking away, and instead Echelon had gone ahead and done it anyways. Now Echelon and that same woman were in Ko-Koro undoing the work Pae had done. He turned to look at Korzaa and check the streets and surroundings again - rooftops, alleys, small crowds, under signage - all was clear.

IC: Pae Pae nodded, turning to Korzaa and signalling for her to follow. As the three began walking, Pae said quietly, "I didn't know you were in Ta-Koro. Or anywhere," he began, "I would've looked for you, but my immediate attention was needed elsewhere."

IC: Arsix Dastana Arsix thought about this silently for a moment. On one hand, she was on a schedule today. There was much to take care of in the next few days. But on the other, this trade agreement is about establishing relationships. What would mother do? She'd leave. She'd go home, and she'd consider the situation resolved. "I'd be happy to take a tour."

IC: Taoki With the sound of little footsteps and mumblings, Taoki slammed open the back door to the Takea and skittered around the side - arms full of equipment. He almost slipped off his feet upon rounding the corner, "Let's go! Why are you guys standing around?"

Hi everybody! Sorry to have taken so long on the Gukko Force front, but we're back in business! And there's some good news. We're winning.

IC: Gukko Force NPC'S All was going according to plan. From the various beings taking on the bugs directly to the Force pushing back any that get through to be crushed by another enemy, the Force began to see a change in battle: The bugs were becoming fewer! Two guards were sent on their Gukko's, flying low through the trees, "Keep pushing!" they yelled, "Push onward!"

I'm waiting to play a Matoran character that is my own because I'm not ready for it yet I don't think. I mean. Attack Kongu and I'll be learning on the spot. Do it and die.

I don't mean to sound stupid, but I don't know what the point you're making actually is.

Yeah Tuara started as a stock character like that. Then I thought about it critically and was like "um no that's dumb". But now I don't play her as much cause she's locked down right now and also because being in a relationship with Dorian kind of makes things about Dorian. Ain't nothing wrong with being with Dor (actually a great number of their dynamics are unhealthy and messed up) but I'm making the decision to break away from his adventures a bit so Tuara can be cultivated more as a character again. Point is, it's really easy to fall into that trap even once you've tried to define the character in other ways. Also, watch out criminals cause the Tuara coming up will be looking for you and busting your face inside out. Or something.

Yeah I should've clarified. Also this idea actually opens up a massive place of untapped character stuffs. I can just imagine the possibilities! I might actually have to do this. Yeah but being a female or male in Kentoku changes nothing about gameplay except how other characters treat you and whether or not you can own a clan. Not exactly constricting stuff. And even then, you can do things differently. You can fight the power (row row) so to speak. Real talk, the other races are sort of accidentally skewed because not a lot of us make female born characters. Also, other than fitting the sexes of Toa of psionics, I feel like the forced sex was also a bit of nudge to make female characters because there's not a lot coming from us the players on that front.

IC: Pae Pae gave the smallest semblance of a smile and stepped in to give Kino a strong hug. To anybody it would have seemed insignificant, but to Kino it would speak volumes. However, Pae quickly got down to business. There would be time for pleasantries and catching up later, for now, Korzaa needed to be taken off the streets. He spoke close to her ear in and a hushed voice, "This is the captain of Ko-Koro's guard. Her village has been destroyed. Me and some comrades kidnapped her to save her life. We need help from a larger organization," Pae pulled back, "Is the guard trustworthy?"

I'm steering very, very clear of this. Not touching it with a ten foot pole. someone else is going to do it for me and i'm not getting involved Oh? OK??? Then choose to make a female character???? Making a Dasaka character doesn't force you to dice-roll. It's only if you want to try and make a male. Also I've never understood this argument. I mean, I can understand the importance of asserting your freedom on a larger scale., which is pretty important. But this is a game and pretty insignificant. By this argument, we shouldn't make characters with only certain allowed masks (although yes I understand that there's a lot more choices from masks, but you should see my point) because you don't really get to pick as freely an option. Also, sex and gender identity are an important part of a character only if you choose to make it so. You're creating a character! You are their mind, body, and soul, and you make their choices for them. You make them speak how you want them to make you speak. You're virtually god (a god that doesn't break any rules laid out by the staffers). What's an important aspect of a character is up to you: Ironically, your choice. I see so many people use the whole "it'll change things" argument when creating characters of certain genders, and while I think it's a decent argument for Dasaka culture because gender-roles are actually a huge part of their culture, but oh my god if I hear that same argument in play of Mata-Nui characters I'm going to have a heart attack and die where I sit. But in the end again, it's up to you.

There's a lot to be said about the first draft or idea for a character usually not being the best. If we always just used the first ideas that came to mind, or the first ideas that accumulated, we probably wouldn't have the best characters around. Usually, a first draft of something isn't very good compared to a second draft. I could go into the psychology of change and how we usually prefer the original of something - no matter how good or bad it is - compared to a second or rehash, similar to how we usually trust the information we hear from the first source we hear it over another but I won't. To me it just seems sort of... counter-productive to put away ideas just because you can't use them right off the bat. But hey, that's just me. At the end of the day we're all different people and we all play and write differently and that's just a-ok.

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix's eyes began to swallow up the room, entrapping the attention of those present and becoming hotter until she finally shouted, "Then tell me what I should do!" Her calm posture had not changed, but the expression on her face was clearly angry, "I know things aren't going to change overnight." Arsix said, suddenly quiet, "This is the best I can do." She turned to Iolatra and finished, "If you don't want that document, rip it up. If you don't want our business then I won't force it on you."

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix was silent for a moment while she eyed Mahane. Her cool blue eyes seemed entirely undisturbed by the outburst. Internally there was a part of her that burned hotly ever since her mother's death - and here it was being stoked, "No," she said finally, "Anger should be heard, not kept secret." The Toroshu paused for a few seconds, letting the silence do some talking for her, "The bottom line is this, Hokomaster: I want to a better future for this archipelago. And out of all the potential futures I see, none of them include a world where your people are beaten and spat upon by myself or any other Dasaka. As far as I'm concerned, a future where that is the case is not a better future."

Hey guys, first of all, my final exams are done! I'll finish catching up in Le and responding accordingly with Kongu's return! I do have a question for everybody though: There hasn't been a great deal of interaction, and though I know a lot of people have reasons for staying out of it, I'm curious: What would get you to play (or more likely to play) more in the Kentoku location?

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix turned her attention to the Sokomaster, who up until now had remained silently off to the side. The Toroshu glanced to Iolatra who was clearly giving Mahane a look. However, Arsix responded with little hesitation, "We're desirous of plenty of things, Sokomaster Mahane," she began, "My clanspeople are some of the most looked down upon people in the capital when in actuality we're some of the most innovative and brilliant business people or inventors," she turned her full attention to Mahane. "I may have been born into a royal family, and I may wear my wealth but those things only go so far. Weapons are practical," with a curt pause Arsix explained, "I can't use the garb I wear to defend myself and my name will only do do much to protect me from harm. Besides," the Dastana slowed slightly, "I'm always seeking to improve what I can."

Arsix: Business

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix gave a satisfied smile, "Both," her eyes returned to Iolatra as she continued, "Your people have skills that no others in the capital seem to have. I've seen some of the goods myself years ago and I was as impressed as I was jealous. However my mother never seemed particularly interested much like the rest of my clan." Arsix said, "I'm talking about weapons of course." She motioned to the single guard that had accompanied her inside, "As you can see, these metals and armors well good, are not as high of quality as what your people craft. Despite your standing in the caste, anybody with any sense can clearly see that," Arsix spoke very business-like and cordially. This was one of the first things she learned to do - other than hold back desires to cull her brother in the crib - and was almost second nature to her, "Bottom line, Iolatra, is that I'd like to replace the tools we have with tools of your making; we'll pay you well of course. Additionally, I'm seeking to improve trade between our peoples as I am with other families of the Empire. If you will conduct business with me on this venture, I can pass word to the rest of my clan," Arsix unbuttoned the clasp on her royal jacket and reached inside, producing a paper, "A declaration to the Dastana that they must not refuse your people business," she handed Iolatra the parchment and with a smile she said, "Barring any bad deals of course." Arsix let this hang in the air. Most women in the Empire refuse to conduct any sorts of business with Taajar women and have since the nomads were forced to adopt the caste system long ago. The few traders that worked at all with the people of Odaiba were Dastana women, but even they flipped between trading and refusing. Arsix knew this idea was certainly unorthodox and would get quite a bit of animosity from nobles back home, but for both clans, it meant reliable trade which was exactly what Arsix and her brother were looking for.

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix gave a nod, "Grand Executioner Rayuke tested us and found that Jasik - and myself - had nothing to do with the late Rora's demise," her voice slowed, "Unfortunately, Rayuke did not perform his interrogation until after our mother was killed in response to Jasik's alleged crime," Arsix smiled sadly before continuing, "But yes, Jasik is well." She straightened up, "I'm pleased to hear of improvements amongst your clan this year. Many women in the capital don't tend to notice, but being the Toroshu of a clan known for our economics, I try to keep an eye out for business opportunities outside of the capital," Arsix's famous eyes moved about others in the room, "In fact that is part of the reason I wished to speak with your cousin - I come with a proposed trading agreement."

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix gave another bow, "Dastana Arsix, Toroshu of Clan Dastana," upon rising she continued, "I hoped Toroshu Sanavysh would be here today. Nonetheless, I am pleased to make your acquaintance Iolatra. I hope you and your family are well?"

IC: Dastana Arsix Arsix and her entourage were greeted by handmaidens in before the House. She gave a respectful bow to the women that came out to her and said plainly, "I've come to request audience with an Angavur representative. Is she able to see me?"

I think that's perfectly fair. It's really tough to get into a new cultural setting. Especially when there's so few characters that still exist there. The more there was, and the less afraid people were of trying to world-build on things that haven't been fully fleshed out, the less rigid and difficult to get into the topic would be. The place has a TON of potential, but people just don't care about it. Which is to be expected - all things considered. Another big issue with the topic is that the only "important" characters were ones that were already given positions of high power. That being said, speaking as the Toroshu player of the Dastana (with partner in crime Tyler), the events we're planning are really trying to focus on two things. The players will affect the outcome of events almost entirely The world the events occupy will be explored more in order to improve upon the lack of world-buildingBut yeah, when it comes down to it it's really each to their own.

This really says my own thoughts on the manner. Most people don't draw things the way they do intentionally. This isn't always a problem, but in the longest term it can lead to minor issues that contribute to larger problems that already exist. Really, you shouldn't fault an artist for how they portray things. That being said, if it's brought up to them and they refuse to acknowledge the potential issue then there's an active issue at hand instead of a passive one. I've always considered this as something worth faulting somebody for. For example, if somebody tweets at somebody about racists jokes being made, and the person that makes the joke responds with an equally unkind gesture, they've gone from being passive to active and should certainly be faulted for their rude indifference: Somebody pointed out something they could use to improve themselves, and instead they were aggressively defensive. Honestly, I'm at least half decent with an artist saying "I understand the concern, and I can't promise how I deal with what I've already portrayed to be different, but I'll keep this in mind for future works" instead of being aggressively defensive. It at least means that there's semblance of improvement in the future. I'm not sure. I think that it's best to try and educate first and then wait for judgement upon hearing or reading a response. Ask for an artist's thoughts on the matter too maybe? This way the artist can look at things critically and maybe do some research as to how they portray work being important or not. Personally, I think that in humanized art of Bionicle, drawing from a variety of ethnic groups is good. The world is vast and diverse and so are the characters! It only makes logical sense that the humanized characters would reflect that. Also, this whole argument of "social justice warrioring" is really starting to bore me. It's good not to be overzealous over a variety of issues - especially ones that require great discussion between peoples - but I see no issue with looking at work critically and caring about the things you discover. A better argument would be to debunk what the so-called "sjw" is trying to say instead of just dismissing it entirely without doing your own research or looking things up on your own.

Real talk? You guys are going to want to have some stuff in Kentoku if you don't already because those events we talked about happening in the summer? They're coming soon...