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Blog Entries posted by Click

  1. Click

    Simplifying the Species List

    By Click,

    BS01's Unnamed Species List has a ridiculous number of sapient species in the MU. Many of them were first mentioned in the bios of the Barraki, OoMN, and DH and simply waved off as their own unique species. But for several years, it's been my fascination to condense this list into as few species as possible based on similar physical traits, powers, or histories. Many of the inconsistencies are easily explained by mutations or technology, or simply interspecies variations. Just as Matoran and Skakdi have elemental subspecies, many of these other species could be divided up in new ways. But before you go critiquing my decisions, please give the FAQs a read, as they address many of the common concerns.
    This blog entry is the product of three different revisions of this list, primarily my research but also that of others noted below. With the rearranging of the forums, I wanted to make sure to post it somewhere safe for mine and other's reference. Also I'm using Spoiler tags for ease of reading without really being sure that's okay, so let me know if it's not...
     
    Canon  
    Barraki
    Other
     
    To be reclassified as Rahi  
    FAQs  
  2. Click
    So, I wanted to share some of the write-ups I've done for some of my Bionicle alternate universes. Many of these originate from my Bionifight characters, though some are combination of concepts I've had in my head for years.
     
    Next up is the cyberpunk world of Mindscape. This is an old concept for an RPG/epic that I never really got past a short story. It quickly became the home of an old self-MOC, Dailus, and my Transistor expy, Tou.
     

    Mindscape



    Mata Nui was dead, to begin with. Just the slightest hesitation, and Karda Nui was sealed off forever. The Toa Mahri returned to Metru Nui defeated, only to be met by a crowd of angry Matoran. The one who had failed them was stoned and left on the beach with the now useless Mask of Life. Overnight, the body and mask vanished, but the Matoran had bigger problems to worry about.



    The Toa were doing what they could to preserve the universe, but it was only a matter of time before everything crumbled. Fortunately, there was an alternate solution. One Matoran had discovered a control panel of sorts far beneath the Coliseum. It was linked to a vast archive of data, large enough to store the digital minds of the Matoran until better arrangements could be made. The Toa elected to remain behind away from the resentment of the Matoran to repair the universe.



    But as the Matoran fled into this archive, they found much more than storage. An entire world constructed from data opened before their eyes, and they began building a new life in this Mindscape. That is, until a new figure revealed himself. Makuta Teridax had already found his way into the Mindscape as Mata Nui was dying, but he was unable to stop the virus he had created. The Great Spirit had died, and all the Makuta’s plans with him. He was trapped in the archive, but he was still determined to rule the Matoran. He enslaved their minds, forcing them to construct new monuments to him alone. With the Toa gone, the tiny pockets of resistance stood no chance against the Makuta and the armies of their friends.



    And then, one Matoran arrived. A Matoran of Iron who managed to escape the Makuta’s clutches and find one of the small resistance forces. And this one had discovered a Toa protocol. By absorbing this data into himself, the Fe-Matoran could access his Toa power in the Mindscape universe. But it wasn’t enough. The Makuta defeated him, only to watch him become a Turaga before his eyes. New Toa Stones had been placed around the universe, guarded by intricate traps and riddles to prevent the unworthy from having access. And six new Toa were born. These six were able to defeat the Makuta once and for all, and a new age of prosperity spread through the Mindscape.



    But outside, things were not as peaceful. The Toa had fallen back to Metru Nui, forced to watch as their universe crumbled in the wake of Mata Nui’s death. It was all they could do to preserve the archive. Eventually, they began calling the Matoran back to tell them the plan had failed, and they needed to go somewhere safe. But the Matoran had made a discovery, searching through the vast libraries of data in the Mindscape. The archive was, in fact, the mind of Mata Nui. Through a combined effort of Toa and Matoran, the life support systems of the GSR were rebooted without Mata Nui’s guidance, and what was left of the universe was saved.



    New discoveries were made within the Mindscape, and new Toa were brought into being with new elements specifically configured to restore the universe. Toa of Data and Energy, even Energized Protodermis, were created to maintain the balance. Some continued living within the Mindscape, searching for new information on the purpose of their Great Spirit and new technologies to help those who remained outside.



    Gradually, Toa and Matoran working together put the pieces of the GSR back together and established a new society where Toa, Skakdi, Vortixx, and the many other races of the Matoran Universe lived together in what could be said to be peace. The great technologies learned inside Mata Nui’s mind lead to a wave of advancement far beyond anything seen before in the MU. New beings could be created as easily as Kanohi for any job required of them.



    But these synthetic creations grew to despise their origins. At first, they would strike from the shadows, disrupting the order their “natural” counterparts had worked so hard to create. Then they banded together in societies and cults, aimed to bring about the destruction of the universe for a new order. Their efforts grew bolder and bolder, and then they captured the factories they had been produced in. They began churning out a new form of life, one that only existed to destroy. The Toa desperately tried to stop them as the time for the Reformation of Spherus Magna approached again, and only succeeded at great cost.



    The combined efforts of the inhabitants succeeded in staving off the synthetics and awakening the GSR to fulfill its destiny. At last, it rose from the waters of Aqua Magna and returned to the planet of its origins to restore the devastation brought about by the Shattering. But though Spherus Magna became a living planet again, the inhabitants of the GSR did not dare to leave their home, as they had enough to salvage within.


     

    Notable Inhabitants:



    Dailus



    Tou



    Kindred


  3. Click
    Alright, so I'm working on a new Bionicle RPG Concept set in the Virseverse, and one of the main features is the introduction of something I like to call "Specialized Elements."
     
    For a quick review, in the Virseverse, the six basic types of Toa and Matoran were created for the sole purpose of attempting to repair a fragile Spherus Magna (no GSR was ever built), an attempt which utterly failed. In the resulting Shattering, the Great Beings were taken from the planet before they could perfect their creations. The Native Glatorian and Agori fought with the new Biomechs for control of the few resources remaining on Bara Magna.
     
    While the war went on and in the years of uneasy peace after it ended, Toa began discovering the potential within themselves to manipulate sub-elements, and with training they could replace their default element with a new "Specialized Element," giving them greater strength or dexterity with a single material in place of the versatility of a default element.
     
    This training was not easy. Changing an element is not just a decision, it's an entire change of character. It's difficult to master light without also purifying oneself, and one cannot control the darker elements without embracing their corruption. Each element has its own facets to understand, and they can vary from person to person.
     
     
    Though the combinations of elements are practically limitless, below is an example chart I compiled from just about every canon and fanon element I could find. This is not a strict guideline, but merely suggestions and examples of how the specialization may progress.
     
    Key:
    Specialized elements are formed via combinations of traits from two or three basic elements, shown in the chart above (some elements rearranged) or by the text color. For example, Silver can be formed from Fire > Stone (Magma) > Ice (Silver).
    Elements on the chart are also ranked according to their difficulty to master, with one dot being quite simple (with even the possibility of skipping "steps") while four dot elements are nigh impossible. Most canon secondary elements are one dot.
    Five dot/bolded elements are legendary and unable to be controlled by any one Toa.
    Italic elements are immoral and can be more difficult for moral Toa to learn.
    Some elements also have notes to the side explaining them more clearly.

    ····· Creation - The Core Element

    Subelements of Fire · Magma - The Element of Refinement
         ··· Mercury - Liquid metal
         · Iron
         ··· Steel - A harder, more durable metal
         ·· Silver - An elementally conductive metal
         ··· Gold - An untarnishable yet weak metal
         ·· Obsidian - Rigid and sharpened stone
     
    · Clay
         · Ceramics - A material relatively weak in large structures but can hold a very fine edge
     
    ··· Protodermis - Control of Pure Protodermic Metal and its Liquid Forms
         ···· Energized Protodermis - Some other will fights for control of this powerful element
     
    ···· Energy - Energy is impossible to master in its purest form. Those who try find themselves falling into one of its subelements.
         · Plasma
         · Magnetism
         · Data - Manipulation of Computer Code
         ····· Time
         · Electricity
         ·· Kinetics - Control of Momentum and Motion
     
    · Steam
         ·· Smoke


    Subelements of Stone · Magma - The Element of Refinement
         ··· Mercury - Liquid metal
         · Iron
         ··· Steel - A harder, more durable metal
         ·· Silver - An elementally conductive metal
         ··· Gold - An untarnishable yet weak metal
         ·· Obsidian - Rigid and sharpened stone
     
    ·· Sand
         · Glass
         · Sandstone
         ··· Dust - Seemingly harmless, skilled users are able to suffocate/hypnotize victims and create lifelike illusions
         ·· Dry Quicksand
         ·· Quicksand
     
    · Crystal - The Element of Purity
         ···· Light
         · Iron
         ···· Diamond - The most durable element
     
    ·· Erosion - The Element of Corruption
         · Combustion - A more explosive subelement of fire
         ·· Rust
         ···· Disease
         ·· Poison


    Subelements of Earth · Clay
         · Ceramics - A material relatively weak in large structures but can hold a very fine edge
     
    ·· Sand
         · Glass
         · Sandstone
         ··· Dust - Seemingly harmless, skilled users are able to suffocate/hypnotize victims and create lifelike illusions
         ·· Dry Quicksand
         ·· Quicksand
     
    ····· Life
         ···· Animation - Animation and control of inanimate objects. Can tend to develop wills of their own.
         ··· Bone
         ··· Blood
         ··· Flesh
         ·· Psionics
         · Plantlife
     
    · Mud - The Element of Industry
         ··· Plastic - A flexible yet durable element.
         ·· Rubber
         ·· Cement - Control of cement in liquid form, can be solidified at will.
         ··· Paper
         · Cloth
         · Oil


    Subelements of Ice ··· Protodermis - Control of Pure Protodermic Metal and its Liquid Forms
         ···· Energized Protodermis - Some other will fights for control of this powerful element
     
    · Crystal - The Element of Purity
         ···· Light
         · Iron
         ···· Diamond - The most durable element
     
    ···East Wind - The Element of Destruction
         ·· Darkness
         ··· Void
         · Gravity
         ··· Radiation - Various types can, over time, create heat, fatigue, or sickness. More useful for detection and enhanced vision.
         · Vacuum
         · Sonics
     
    · Slush - Control of frigid yet still liquid water
         ·· Permafrost - A compacted and reinforced earth element
         ·· Frost - A delicate subelement of ice focused more on display than damage, can be destructive in large quantities.


    Subelements of Air ···· Energy - Energy is impossible to master in its purest form. Those who try find themselves falling into one of its subelements.
         · Plasma
         · Magnetism
         · Data - Manipulation of Computer Code
         ····· Time
         · Electricity
         ·· Kinetics - Control of Momentum and Motion
     
    ····· Life
         ···· Animation - Animation and control of inanimate objects. Can tend to develop wills of their own.
         ··· Bone
         ··· Blood
         ··· Flesh
         ·· Psionics
         · Plantlife
     
    ···East Wind - The Element of Destruction
         ·· Darkness
         ··· Void
         · Gravity
         ··· Radiation - Various types can, over time, create heat, fatigue, or sickness. More useful for detection and enhanced vision.
         · Vacuum
         · Sonics
     
    ·· Weather Control - Only slight manipulation of existing weather. Creation comes with subelements.
         ··· Earthquake
         ·· Hail
         ·· Cyclone
         ·· Rain


    Subelements of Water · Steam
         ·· Smoke
     
    ·· Erosion - The Element of Corruption
         · Combustion - A more explosive subelement of fire
         ·· Rust
         ···· Disease
         ·· Poison
     
    · Mud - The Element of Industry
         ··· Plastic - A flexible yet durable element.
         ·· Rubber
         ·· Cement - Control of cement in liquid form, can be solidified at will.
         ··· Paper
         · Cloth
         · Oil
     
    · Slush - Control of frigid yet still liquid water
         ·· Permafrost - A compacted and reinforced earth element
         ·· Frost - A delicate subelement of ice focused more on display than damage, can be destructive in large quantities.
     
    ·· Weather Control - Only slight manipulation of existing weather. Creation comes with subelements.
         ··· Earthquake
         ·· Hail
         ·· Cyclone
         ·· Rain

  4. Click

    Commissions!

    By Click,

    I've been promising this for a long time, but I think it's probably best to just jump right in and see how it goes for now. I'm kind of new to this, but I'm trying to choose prices that seem reasonable. Examples of each are linked.
     
    Sketch - $5 per character (I'll clean it up)
     
    Colored Sketch - $10 per character
    Art Markers
    Digital
    Digital Shaded - $15 per character
    Digital Shaded+ - $20 per character
     
    Vector Icons - $7-10 depending on complexity
    Will also do character art
     
    As of right now, I am NOT taking 3D commissions. As much as I'd love to, they take up a lot of my time and I'm still trying to wrap up a few. Maybe sometime in the future.
     
    Commission Rules
    I'm primarily a Lego/Bionicle artist, and so that's mostly what I expect here. However, if you want me to try something new, I'm open to it. Sci Fi, Fantasy, Design,Illustration, Logos, Gaming, whatever. However, I will not be doing anything with nudity, sexual themes, vulgarity, etc.
    Send me a DA Note, a Tumblr Ask, BZPower PM, or FlickrMail with everything I'll need to know about your commission. Reference images, descriptions, colors, medium, posing, etc. The more you write, the better I can represent what you have in mind.
    Keep in mind that I have other things to do in my life, and as much as I would love to draw all day, these commissions can take time. Sorry. If I start feeling swamped, I'll close commissions down again.
    I reserve the right to adjust pricing based on the amount of time required. Basically, if you want me to draw a full mural with lots of intricate details for $5, we need to talk.
    After the commission is complete, I'll provide payment information. Paypal is preferred.

  5. Click

    Here it Comes...

    By Click,

    Just a bit of a "For Your Information," I opened a certain letter today. Starting on August 5th, I won't be available for a whole two years. Call it an "Extended Service Vacation" if you will. I will be among the people of Berlin, Germany and the surrounding regions, working hard and performing service. Though it's a bit of an adjustment, I'm actually really excited. I've been studying German for the past four years and I can't wait to use it. And who knows, I might happen to knock on the door of an old friend of mine...
     
    No need to get worried yet. I still have a few good months of posting to get in first. Hopefully I can wrap things up over in Bionicle RPG.
     
    So, feel free to ask questions below, and I'll do my best to answer them within BZPower's Rules and Guidelines. And if you happen to see a guy in a black suit with a nametag walking around in a few months, give him some consideration.
  6. Click
    So, I wanted to share some of the write-ups I've done for some of my Bionicle alternate universes. Many of these originate from my Bionifight characters, though some are combination of concepts I've had in my head for years.
     
    The Warpath universe originated from a short story of mine I always planned to turn into an epic, but never got around to (story of my life...). Basically, it all started with the Toa Mata's original... misgivings about each other, and then it all got out of hand.
     

    Warpath


    The island of Mata Nui was once a paradise - until the entity known as Makuta arrived, transforming it into a land of darkness and evil. The natives, called Tohunga and their leaders, the Turaga, have waited and hoped for the heroes who would conquer Makuta and save their home...
     
    What they found was something different entirely. Six mighty heroes, known as Toa, have arrived on Mata Nui. But they are broken, twisted by the Makuta's shadows. They have lost all concept of Unity. Their initial encounters only brought conflict, and they soon even the villages were unsafe from the war that was about to ensue.
     
    Friends fought against friends as the Matoran went to battle, led by their Toa heroes. Some Turaga disapproved, but it was too late to stop it now. Others joined in the strategy, eagerly reviving old rivalries and resentments.
     
    But over hundreds of years, the conflict grew tiresome, even for the Toa. First, Onu-Koro grew dark and silent. Then Ko-Koro, cold and abandoned. Even the great fires of Ta-Koro dimmed and died. The Matoran were escaping somewhere, but only the Turaga could explain. And so it was time to tell the legends of Metru Nui, the time when they were great Toa, fighting their own inner battles. But the Turaga's wisdom came too late. The villages were separated, easy prey for the Makuta's minions...
  7. Click
    So, I wanted to share some of the write-ups I've done for some of my Bionicle alternate universes. Many of these originate from my Bionifight characters, though some are combination of concepts I've had in my head for years.
     
    The Halkenverse is actually Xaeraz's concept, and he has his own blog entry detailing the other islands. Basically, each island has its own -punk theme, from Steampunk to Cookpunk. Metru Nui is Dieselpunk, a land powered by internal combustion. After I wrote up my character, the dishonorable Lady Dajik, Xaeraz gave me permission to expand on the island. So, here you go:
     

    Halkenverse – Metru Nui



    “Metru Nui is easily distinguished from other islands from the cloud of smog that hangs over it at all times. The city is notably dieselpunk, from its gas-spewing dirigibles floating lazily through the black clouds, to its hot rod racing cars vomiting pitch colored clouds as they roar through the streets.”


     

    A new revolution swept through the island of Metru Nui: Diesel power. New forms of Protodermis were discovered that could be used within internal combustion engines. Compared to the nuclear or steam power of other islands, to the Matoran, it seemed to have the power they needed. It certainly provided a good bit of satisfaction to hear their engines roar and watch as smoke and sparks poured from their exhaust.



    Society revolved around the internal combustion engine. Everything, from the Great Furnace to household appliances, was powered by these devices. And gradually, the twin suns became blocked by a filthy cloud of smog. Pollution poured forth from the factories, destroying the pure waterways of Ga-Metru. Many of the natives pushed further and further away from the center of the city until they left entirely or learned to adapt to their new home.



    In their place, new, hardier elements moved in:



    In Ta-Metru, the Ka-Matoran of Combustion, black and dark red/orange Matoran of Fire with a bit more flare.



    The acidic element of the Hy-Matoran, with toxic green/blue and yellow armor was far better suited to the choked waterways of Ga-Metru.



    With clean air virtually banished, Co-Matoran of Smoke, in sand green and grey, moved into Le-Metru and turned its forests into the filthiest and densest sea of factories in the island.



    As the demand for stone sculpture dropped dramatically in exchange for the smudged metal of art and manufacturing, the Po-Metru sculpture fields were overrun with smelteries manned by the silver and sand blue Be-Matoran of Steel.



    Even the deepest levels of the Archives were not protected from the contamination, and the durable Cao-Matoran of Rubber, in light grey and brown, moved in to fill the now desolate tunnels.



    The pure Knowledge Towers of Ko-Metru lost their luster, and the frozen tundras thawed in the heat of thousands of combustion engines. The perfect place for the Vi-Matoran of Glass, in tan and blue.



    And with this new industry rose up new methods of transportation, both for goods and passengers. Enormous blimps drifted through the air, delivering supplies to other Metrus. Smoke-belching racers roared through the hazy lower districts on illegal circuits. Down there, the smog is so thick that Vahki can hardly see law-breakers, let alone pursue them, and it takes a courageous, or foolhardy, driver to brave the clouds and the deadly modifications of the other racers.



    Metal, once shining and pure, but rapidly corroded and smudged, is the style. Silvery gilding on the edges of Kanohi and armor became common. Masks are generally sealed to the face and fitted with filter vents and glass eyepieces to keep as much smoke out as possible. Dress in dull grey or brown fabrics have become ubiquitous, their only decoration dull buttons or patches.


     

    Notable Inhabitants:



    The Lady Dajik



    Azgis


  8. Click
    The thing I hate most about G2 is the complete lack of any backstory of the island. So far, the only story material we have are the brief blurbs on each Toa and Protector on Lego.com and the videos, which doesn't provide much. Of all of the villagers on all of Okoto, the only one with some hint of characterization is the Protector of Fire. This is precisely why everyone loves MNOLG so much. It gave a look into the lives of the everyday villagers, the ones who fished or sailed or sold or who could fight off the Rahi just fine without the Toa's help. The Toa weren't the only heroes of the story, fighting for some villagers smacked in only to have something to fight for.
     
    So I've been thinking about it a bit in my course of drawing and building characters. What exactly could this character's personality be like? Let's start with the Protectors. Of course, this is all my own headcanon and is in no way official, but until we get something clearer, I'm treating it as canon.
     
    Protectors: These elite villagers of Okoto are called to be guardians of their people and culture. Each Protector is chosen from the family of the previous, typically the first born, though special circumstances have occurred in the past. When the current Protector reaches a certain age, they select their successor and pass on their mask and weapons in a grand ceremony attended by the whole island. Their names are replaced by their title, a show of their commitment to leave their previous life and turn towards their people. Each mask was crafted from sacred materials by Ekimu himself, distinguishing them from the typical villager masks.
     
    Protector of Fire: One of the most experienced Protectors, the Protector of Fire has seen much of the world. He has been fighting for his village for decades, always looking for the time when the Masters would come to liberate them forever. He has searched every prophesy and is filled with much ancient wisdom. In battle, he is fierce and unrelenting. His large frame is surprisingly agile, able to twist around enemy blows, yet deliver punishing strikes with his swords, just like his element.
    His Mask of Fire was forged from crystals found in the heart of the Okoto volcanoes. It is rare to see one come to the surface of the lava, and rarer still to obtain it. It is said the very essence of fire is captured within those fractals, a power the Protector of Fire uses to great effect. His flame swords are mounted on swiveling handles, allowing him to twirl them around in combat to redouble the force of his strikes. A slow spin is usually enough to frighten away the creatures that lurk in the dark, but when Skull Spiders come to battle, they are met with the white-hot blades as they whirl in blazing tornadoes in his hands.
     
    Protector of Earth: The eldest of the current Protectors, the Protector of Earth is brash and loud. His rumbling voice is often heard echoing through the caverns of the Earth Region. Despite his... rough personality, his devotion to his people is unquestionable. He is always at the forefront of every battle, blasting away with his chest cannon or shredding through opponents with his drill. When the village is at peace, he can often be found in the mines, digging away alongside his fellows.
    The Protector of Earth's drill, armor, and mask are formed from the rarest of Okoto's gems, a hardy and lustrous purple stone found only in the deepest caverns. Some have questioned if they bury themselves there, pushing away from unworthy hands with powers of Earth. If his launcher ever runs out of energy, he has throwing knives in ready supply and has become quite adept at their use.
     
    Protector of Stone: Though rarely seen in his home village, his skills with his staff are not to be questioned. Since the current Protector of Stone was instated, not a single Skull Spider has been seen within the village boundaries, though occasionally a villager will stumble upon an old carcass, killed in one blow with his deadly accuracy. When he can be found, he barely speaks, and only then in a hoarse whisper.
    The Mask of Stone was forged from the purest sand caught in a rare phenomenon: arcs of pure energy that cut across the Stone Region's deserts. Perhaps it is caused by the heat, but many affirm it is some ancient magic of the land. His staff-mounted elemental sandstone blaster is effective at close and long range. The long energy prongs, formed of the same energy that created his mask, are able to slice through most substances, though he rarely needs to use them.
     
    Protector of Ice: No one expected her sudden calling to be the next Protector of Ice, least of all herself. Even before taking on the mantle, she was shy and unsure of herself. Her aim with anything was shaky, her carving skills were cringe-worthy, and she couldn't seem to manage to get anywhere without falling on the ice. Her new responsibility has helped little. Though her new weapons make things slightly easier, she can't help but feel she was the worst possible villager for the job. Perhaps her purpose will only be apparent in time.
    Truly, it is only her weapons that give her hope of success, for it is difficult to fail with enchanted ice at your side. Legends say the mask, ice blade, and shield appeared from the ice at Ekimu's approach. They are bitterly cold to the touch and show no signs of melting even after generations of use.
     
    Protector of Jungle: The fastest gal in the land; Brynn was known as a messenger long before she took up the title of Protector of Jungle. She knows half the island like the back of her hand, and the other half well enough to get a message to anyone. Some of the other Protectors claim she shirks her duty to her people in favor of exploring the island or socializing, but whenever there is an attack, the Protector of Jungle is always there, appearing as if from the jungle itself.
    Her Mask of Jungle is carved from the sacred wood of the Jungle Region's Spirit Trees. These great monoliths are said to twist the junglearound them, only allowing those who are worthy to approach. This same ability to control the greenery is contained in her mask, and its wise guidance whispers to her through the vines trailing from her form. Her bow, the weapon of every Protector of Jungle, at first appears to be merely a tangle of vines and thorns, but with the assistance of her power, it is able to fire straight and true with greater power than any crafted before or since.
    (Yes, this was inspired by Bynn the Breaker from Bastion, as well as gk733 on DA)
     
    Protector of Water: The newest of the current line of Protectors and by far the youngest. She almost seems too youthful and naive to possibly save anyone, but she has proven herself a prodigy in swimming and combat. Her new tools only enhance her already great skill. She would be a formidable force to reckon with if she could just stay focused. Far too many times she has swam off to explore the sea floor, only to return to find a battle had been fought and won without her. Though she is young, the people can only forgive her curiosity so many times.
    On closer inspection, one would find her seemingly solid mask ripples softly. Its entire shape is formed by water, held together by some unknown power. The villagers had watched Ekimu as he walked through them wordlessly and stood at the shore as if waiting. Then, the Mask of Water washed up to him on a wave, and he handed it to the first Protector of Water. Her torpedo launcher and turbines pull her through the water at seemingly impossible speeds, and she had grown accustomed to using the new weapons.
  9. Click

    Art to MOC Contest!

    By Click,

    On the fifth day of Christmas,
    This random guy on the internet gave to you:
    A five itemed list!
    Four follower celebrations,
    Three-scoped Akaku,
    Two contest submissions,
    AND ONE GREAT BIG ART TO MOC CHALLENGE!
     
    The time has come for me to announce a MOC challenge! The theme is to build a MOC based on the image above. Just do your best to capture this in MOC form (disclaimer: I had no pieces in mind while drawing most of this, and I acknowledge that your MOCs will not be perfect, just do your best). Quick Bio:
     
    Shortly after becoming a Toa of Plantlife, Kibori was banished from his village (probably because they were jealous), and he learned better than anyone to become one with his element in the surrounding forests. He wears a modified Organic Rau with a scope (based on a wood knot) to be able to commune with the trees, and later the Matoran when he forgot their language.
     
    So, rules (because everyone loves them):
    1. There will be no solidly enforced System-Constraction ratio, though this is a Bionicle MOC competition, so keep your creation looking like a Bionicle MOC (I guess 50% would kind of be a limit, huh?)
    2. No modified parts please. I'm only saying this out of fairness, though if you manage to 3D print or otherwise create an awesome version of his mask, I might accept that.
    3. Interpretation is not only valid, but encouraged. You want a fall-colored Toa of Plantlife, feel free! Maybe tan, lime, and pink suits your fancy. Also totally acceptable. I left him lineart for a reason. Also, designing a Toa Tool will be part of the contest!
    4. The contest will be judged in three categories with three separate prizes: accuracy to original drawing, awesomeness (still has to be somewhat accurate, part usage will be taken into account), and best Toa Tool. Go nuts.
    5. Keep it clean, keep it civil. I think you guys have spent enough time on the internet to know what I mean.
    6. To submit your entry, tag me in the photo and/or post a link in this post. The post is also open for questions, concerns, comments, etc. I'll read all of it.
    7. Entries are due by, let's say, January 31st at midnight, EST. Depending on number of entries and other factors, I hold the right to extend the deadline.
    8. I also hold the right to add to this list of rules should I deem fit. Probably shouldn't happen, but just to be safe.
     
    There was a bit of interest into the idea before, so I hope to get some awesome entries! You should have plenty of time (and Christmas break), so get building (and/or Bricklink ordering). Remember, January 31st is the deadline! I'm still working on a fair way to judge the contest, but I'm sure we'll have it figured out by the time we get there.
     
    WAIT! I almost forgot: PRIZES! The best part of any contest! Winners of each category (awesomeness, accuracy, Toa Tool) will receive an art piece based on a MOC of their choice (or I guess something else if you really want it, but probably a MOC). The art will be sketched, colored, and shaded by yours truly. Sample of my work.
  10. Click
    Wow, I need to use this blog more often.
     
    So, one thing that's interesting about me is my main interests come in waves. Maybe for a few weeks I'll pound out drawing after drawing of Bionicle and a few MOCs alongside, and then the next few I'll never leave Minecraft redstoning and building, and then the next will just be sci-fi in general. I don't know, it's weird. Anyways, my current focus is good old LU, Lego Universe to those who missed the beauty of it. I've been looking at videos and doing sketches trying to relive the memories, but it never quite cuts it, does it? I was thinking the same thing last July (another LU wave of interest) when I discovered Nexus Adventures, a fan project to create a game based on LU with new worlds, new factions, and new adventures. It also gave me a chance to live those dreams we all probably had of contributing my own little bit to the game.
     
    I've been working on and off as primarily a texture designer, and I've designed the Nexus Force logo and those of the factions, as well as the Expeditioners (based on the Venture League) Falconer kit. It's come a ways from the initial concept, with some powers and a 3D model and texture for the first rank on the Nexus Adventures page. It's pretty cool to see something you've designed come to fruition.
     
    This time, though, I want to give you guys that same opportunity. Currently, Nexus Adventures is running a contest to get some ideas for the next Faction Kits. All you have to do is go to the Contest Page, create a topic, and submit an image (drawn or LDD render) or description of your kit idea, and you're entered in the contest. The winners will (most likely) be put in game with textures and models designed by me and the rest of the NA staff. Sound cool? What are you waiting for?
     
    And let me just say that this isn't just another one of those fan projects like B:NG that sounded cool and got a burst of activity, then died. They've been working on this thing for years now, slowly pushing out updates, and they even have working Alphas in progress if you want to try it out. They could use some help though, so if anyone knows how to model in Blender, code, or create textures, you should join!
  11. Click

    100 Followers on Flickr

    By Click,

    Well. This is awkward. Apparently, PayPal automatically renewed my BZP Premier Membership, though I don't recall telling it to do that. Guess I'm sticking around for a while, giving Premier another chance.
     
    Anyways, yesterday, I just hit 100 followers on Flickr. It's my biggest achievement since 20 faves on one photo, and I'm throwing a bit of a party to celebrate all the great people who like what I built. Feel free to come on over to my Photostream and get in on the festivities! I'm not quite done yet, and I have some little extra things for my followers coming up!
     
    My Photostream
     
    EDIT: Just put up my new icon design, plus a opportunity to get a new design of your own! Just leave a comment over there about what you'd like, and I can get it to you!
  12. Click

    My Thoughts on Premier

    By Click,

    So, I guess this is my last entry. My premier membership is expiring soon, and so I thought I'd give you guys my thoughts, and explain why this is my last entry.
     
    When I bought Premier three months ago, it was always just as a test, just to see if it was something I'd continue. It was cheap, and I thought it was great to give back to the community that I've been a part of for... what, five years? The perks sounded fun at first, but here I am, three months later, and the only one I really used was the blog, and that was only occasionally. I guess I'm not all that much of a Blogger, and I just used it when I had something to post. So, to wrap it up, here's my thoughts:
     
    Pros:
    - Give back to the site we all love and keep them running for a while longer.
    - Access to polls, blogs, G&T, etc. (if you're into that kind of thing and have an idea of it)
    - Group PMs (only did it once)
    - Ability to help others who aren't Premier with games, group PMs, etc.
     
    Cons:
    - If you're like me, you won't use most of the perks and it doesn't feel any different.
    - If so, you might as well just use that Donate button.
     
    In theory, it's a great thing, and I had a hard time really coming up with Cons. I just didn't notice or use most of the perks. Maybe there could be something else that's more fun, like custom profile pages (just a banner and some new buttons would be fine), new custom post options, or access to a special forum (though I'm not sure what just premier members would talk about. I guess they could discuss the membership and what could be better). I don't know, what do you guys think?
     
    And just a quick reminder, if you're a fan of LU or ever wanted to design your own Minifig armor, check out my previous entry for more information on how you can get your design into a fan-made LU game!
  13. Click
    Well, after seeing how cheap Premier Membership is (especially with the sale), I thought I'd buy just a 3-Month membership and try it out. Just to see if the perks are worth it. I never really thought I have to get Premier, but I've been lurking on this site long enough without supporting much anyways.
     
    And since that's a really short blog post, I figured I'd post some of my other projects I'm working on.
     
    My Flickr page has been rather active lately with all my MOCs for Brickfair, but don't expect it to be like that all the time. After all, a good portion of my collection is now probably halfway across the country (well, maybe not even a good portion) on its way to Virginia. Among the MOCs I'm sending I've got "Toa" Irohka, my huge Mech suit and finalist for BBCC #68, three MOCs for the Karda Nui theme (good old Lewa and Tanma revamp and Krika revamp), the Chronicler's Co. (now featured on the front page), and a few other odds and ends I'm proud of. All in all, that's a lot of plastic to be sending across country. I hope to get some pictures as I can't make it myself.
     
    I've had a Deviantart account for little over a year (I've already had two BZP members say "how did you hide this?") that I am just getting to posting things. Currently, I'm alternating between Bionicle/Lego and non-Bionicle/Lego (because I have a lot more of the former ), and I've got a bit on there. I've got vector art, charcoal, and sketches, so if you're interested in any of that or you just want to see what I'm up to artistically, feel free to check it out.
     
    And that's about it. I'll keep posting on my Deviantart, hopefully MOC a bit more and fill my display shelf back up, and probably use this blog while I've got it. Thanks for reading!
  14. Click
    So, I wanted to share some of the write-ups I've done for some of my Bionicle alternate universes. Many of these originate from my Bionifight characters, though some are combination of concepts I've had in my head for years.
     
    The Glaiverse was my attempt to create a new and original universe, though I can't say I succeeded. Though I really like the idea of Elementals, it's not exactly a new and original concept. But I made a few characters I liked, so there we go.
     

    Glaiverse



    With the Shattering rapidly approaching, the Great Beings began constructing the Great Spirit Robot and filling it with new life. Not with a life of metal and muscle, but of energy. They used their great knowledge of fusing intelligence with the elements to create a much more suitable guardian for their universe.



    This first form of life became known as the Matoran. Their bodies are made up of a crystalline energy reserve surrounding the Core, the center of their life force and intelligence. Each Matoran had a unique perspective and color designation to enable them to collectively solve any problems that may arise in the massive robot.



    But the Matoran were fragile, and any number of things may attack. And so the Great Beings created the Elementals, a larger, more powerful race with the same core, but with bodies made of solid, liquid, or plasma materials they could bend to their wills. Each elemental was unique in power and intelligence, and new elemental could be created by exposing the Matoran to special energies.



    The third form of life became known as the Makuta. Their gaseous forms encompassed those elements the Elementals lacked, yet had to be contained within a suit of armor. They were well suited to being the creators of whatever new life would be required in the universe.



    With the universe filled with life, Mata Nui was able to turn to his studies of the other worlds. But the Makuta grew jealous of what they saw as the “privileged” position of the Matoran. While they were confined to the fruitless and unnecessary labors of creation while the Matoran were concerned with the vital workings of Mata Nui. They began to attack, first alone, then together with the armies of their creations behind them. Matoran were falling by the dozens.



    And so the Elementals bound together to combat this unexpected threat. Within their organization, they could choose the elements best suited to the threat. And it seemed to be working, for a time. And then the Makuta learned new ways of predicting the Elemental’s strategies and countering them. The Elementals began to fall at a worrying rate. Only the most powerful or most intelligent continued to survive. And it soon became apparent the only way to preserve the Matoran would be to kill the Makuta.


     

    Notable Inhabitants:



    Glaive



    Weaver



    Buckler



    Vigil


  15. Click
    So, I wanted to share some of the write-ups I've done for some of my Bionicle alternate universes. Many of these originate from my Bionifight characters, though some are combination of concepts I've had in my head for years.
     
    This universe has its beginnings in developing my self-MOC, Toa Onuku. At one point, he is captured by Bohrok and became The Builder, the engineer who rebuilt the Bohrok. And yet, in another universe, he took it a step further.
     

    Bohrok Conquering Universe



    When the Bohrok first arrived on Mata Nui, they seemed an unstoppable scourge, bent on destruction of everything the Matoran held dear. Slowly though, the Toa began to gain ground, capturing and destroying Bohrok by the dozens. It seemed victory was still achievable.



    Then something happened not even the Makuta could have expected. The Bohrok got bigger. Their cleaning instruments were rebuilt into deadly weapons of warfare. They gained new abilities, thicker armor, and greater protection for their Krana. The Toa were turned back again and again at the risk of losing their lives. And eventually, they fell, one by one, now slaves to the monsters they had fought. The Koros were helpless against the onslaught, and they too were captured and enslaved.



    The only explanation for this sudden turn of events was a mysterious figure. Perhaps he could have once been a Toa, but no longer. His dark, hulking form was a patchwork of shattered Bohrok carapaces and limbs. Maddened green eyes flared out from behind a fleshy Krana. His name had been forgotten, and now he was only known as “The Builder.”



    Using his vast knowledge of engineering, The Builder had refitted the Bohrok for far more than their original purpose. Each unit was nearly twice as large as before, constructed with near-impenetrable armor. Reconstructed Va units were stored within their backs with a ready supply of Krana if theirs was removed or fired. Each came with a new host of abilities:



    The Tahnok are one of the largest of the new Bohrok, plated in heat-resistant protosteel. Their twin flamethrower shields fire streams of searing plasma. At the tip of their head lies an elemental charge, an explosive device charged from ambient elemental ability to be released at once on contact.



    The water jets of the Gahlok are powerful enough to tear through most armor. Their forms have been streamlined and installed with propulsion systems for underwater speeds exceeding Gali herself. Their barbed tusks quickly capture and remove any living threats to their dominion.



    The bladed Lehvak race through the jungles of Le-Wahi, shredding anything in their path with sharp claws, spines, and acid jets.



    The Nuhvok are the heaviest and most powerful of the swarms. Their large feet are equipped with treads for rapid all-terrain travel, and their shields fire blasts of pure energy to destroy even the toughest materials. Their heads are equipped with shredding drills to tear through rock and foe alike.



    The Panrak’s wheeled feet give them impressive speed over the barren deserts of Po-Wahi, and their powerful cannon shields vaporize anything they come across.



    With this great power behind them, the Bohrok swiftly cleansed Mata Nui and turned to the rest of the universe. Those that could not be assimilated were destroyed.


     

    Notable inhabitants:



    Alternate Builder


  16. Click
    So, I wanted to share some of the write-ups I've done for some of my Bionicle alternate universes. Many of these originate from my Bionifight characters, though some are combination of concepts I've had in my head for years.
     
    First up is the Virseverse, the post-apocalyptic home of Toa Virse, Toa Idegoh, and a few other profiles I didn't get around to submitting:
     

    Virseverse



    Energized Protodermis had been discovered within Spherus Magna. A great war had begun, but the Great Beings knew that was not to be the end of it. Their planet was dying, and they would go to whatever lengths they could to preserve it. They brought into being a new race of beings, called the Matoran, as well as their Toa forms, to repair the planet. These beings wielded elemental abilities suited for the work, including Energized Protodermis, but in the end, it simply wasn’t enough. The Great Beings’ meddling only exacerbated the impending Shattering. The planet fractured, and the multitudes of new fragments were flung into orbit, including the Great Being fortress. They were helpless to attempt to repair the damage now.
    The largest fragment was a barren wasteland, Bara Magna. Resources were scarce, especially for the large population of Glatorian and Agori sharing with the new Toa and Matoran. The Agori saw the Great Beings’ constructs as worthless automatons, and strove to keep the resources to themselves. But over time, the Matoran had gained sentience, and with it, a will to live. A desperate war broke out over what little remained on the planet. Glatorian wielded their weapons from the Core War, and Toa their elemental abilities. Just when it seemed a stalemate could be reached, a Great Being invention was discovered that would turn the tides to one side or the other. Raids, sabotage, and ambushes were becoming increasingly common, and fighters fell by the hundreds.
    After centuries of warfare, there just were not enough combatants to continue fighting. What resources they had were nearly destroyed in the war. An uneasy peace was established, only out of necessity to keep themselves alive. Civilization broke into tiny settlements and countless wanderers who sought to dig up what they could.
    The Great Beings had faded into a memory. And then they faded into myth and religion. A pantheon of Great Beings sprang up among the survivors, with each settlement declaring their own patron. The people were certain the Great Beings were still watching over them from their fortress in the sky, sending gifts and guidance. The remaining artifacts of the inventors were prized as sacred relics, whether they continued to work or not.
    It was during these years of peace that the Toa turned to new ways of manipulating their elements. Some became masters of the elements they had been given. Others learned new subelements through years of training. Some examples of these derivative elements can be found on this chart. The training was often accompanied by a change of ideals, a complete transformation from a war-ravaged Toa to a noble guardian.
    And then a Glatorian party discovered a new relic. One powerful enough to destroy all of the remaining Matoran and Toa. The temptation was too good to resist. But it had its side effects. The already war torn and weakened planet was obliterated under the blow. Many Glatorian and Agori had found shelter, but the Toa were not so lucky. Only tiny pockets of life remained, a handful of scattered Toa and Matoran. Gradually, they found each other, travelling for miles across the rocks that remained. And then they began to rebuild, unaware of the Glatorian’s treachery. As far as they were concerned, this was a smiting from the Great Beings, who had grown ashamed of their creation’s willingness to destroy, and thus were destroyed in turn.
    Though the Toa made a noble effort to rebuild the land for the Matoran they watched over, the biomechanical creations began to wear down and fall. With no Great Beings to restore their numbers, and no methods of reproduction, the Agori got their wish: a shattered, barren planet all to themselves.
     
    Notable Inhabitants:
    Virse
    The Matoran
    Idegoh
    Ahote


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