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Here's my first entry for the Flash Fire Character Design Contest! I chose to draw the Captain of the Guard, Jaller, who should need no further introduction. Click for full size I chose to illustrate him in the same style as a Macku drawing from a couple years back. I think I did a much better job with this drawing than with that one, of course. The pose is less simplistic and I tried to keep the lineart and coloring a lot cleaner.UPDATE: Here's my second entry, the venerable Turaga Vakama! Anyway, questions, comments, and criticism are encouraged! Not sure if I will stand much of a chance in this contest, but it's always great to have a motivation to keep drawing!
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Well, after a long period of working on this one, here it is, my entry for the latest Comedies Contest: Reign of Stupidity! This is (as the name implies) a BIONICLE spoof of the first two chapters of the story serial "Reign of Shadows." So, here goes! Reign of Stupidity A BIONICLE comedy by Me! Chapter Everything: The Only Chapter Vezon walked between worlds. Actually, this was untrue, thankfully. Walking between worlds had the nasty habit of causing most people to suffocate in the vacuum of space, and Vezon was obviously still alive. But still, something very weird was going on. One minute, he was in the sunshine, seeing Matoran and Dark Hunters working together to build a gigantic pie launcher, only to realize that Tava had eaten all of their ammunition. The next, he was in some place where a website called KanohiZoneTrionicle, or KZT, existed as a fansite for the story-based Mega Blocks line of "Trionicle," which was hugely popular. That last one would give him nightmares for weeks. How had this all happened? As far as Vezon could recall, he had found a huge pizza lying in the middle of the road on Destral, and since pizza was his favorite food, he had eaten it. But it turned out that someone had pranked him by hiding an Olmak in the pizza somehow. So now there was an Olmak stuck in Vezon's stomach that liked teleporting him to random dimensions for no particular reason. He still didn't quite know how long the effect lasted, or how to control it, or if people would come with him if he ate them. That would be interesting, he thought. After all, Makuta Teridax sure looks tasty... Somewhere else entirely, Tahu was pacing in a frustrated manor, trying his best not to burn stuff. He knew that if he did, Makuta's minions would probably find him, but the temptation was a bit too much for a comedy Tahu to handle. Finally, he just couldn't stand it any longer. "BURN STUFF!!1" he exclaimed noobishly as he set a nearby wall on fire. " " "Hey, watch where you point that thing! I'm feeling very frustrated!" shouted the manor he was pacing in. " " emoticonned Tahu. "Manors can talk?" "I can, and I'm frustrated! So keep it down!" said the frustrated manor. "Better yet, go outside!" "Fine, fine, let's go," Tahu told his group of random BIONICLE characters that were with him for some reason. He, Kopeke, Johmak, Krahka, Guardian, and Lariska were a bizarre group to be together if he ever saw one. As they emerged from the frustrated manor, he thought, They're not exactly Pohatu, Gali, Lewa, and Kopaka...but they'll have to do. "So, what exactly are we doing here?" asked Lariska. "When do we fight stuff?" "Fight what?" asked Johmak. "The sky? The ground? This comedy itself?" Tahu shrugged. "Well, there is a cache of random junk a bit south of here," he said. "Maybe there might be some weapons. Or at the very least, we can chuck the junk at the sky and hope it gives Makuta a stomach ache. What do you think, Kopeke?" " ... " ellipsed Kopeke. "I completely agree!" Guardian got up and wandered away from the group. He thought this whole thing was just pointless. Why couldn't Makuta just leave them all alone? Surely he had better things to do than watching his insides wander around his body trying to plan a revolution. Didn't he have important giant robot stuff to do? In his opinion, they should all just do nothing and wait for Makuta to get bored of watching his insides. Suddenly, a giant mouth opened in the ground and swallowed Guardian. "OM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM!" said the ground. Tahu and the others stood up and turned toward the spot where Guardian had been swallowed. "Oh, no, a Dark Hunter's been killed!" exclaimed Tahu. "You know, less than a story year ago, you'd be saying instead, "Good, a Dark Hunter's been killed!" Lariska pointed out. "Yeah, well, having your universe taken over by an insane Makuta tends to have that effect on people." Before anyone else could say anything more, a group of Exo-Toa randomly appeared out of nowhere and walked over to them. "Citizens of the Makutaverse," the lead machine began, "you are charged with--" "What? No, I thought it was supposed to be 'The Unimakuta,'" argued another Exo-Toa. "Master Teridax definitely said it was 'The Makutaverse,'" the first one said again. "No, 'Unimakuta!'" "'Makutaverse!' And that's final!" "O RLY?" "YA RLY!" Lariska just shook her head at the sight of the machines arguing. "This may turn out to be the stupidest revolution ever." * * * Axonn had been running for several years now. After he had appeared in a large desert, he started running to try and find Brutaka, who seemed to be screaming in pain. Or maybe just laughing. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference with that weirdo. But all this time, he had been doing nothing but running across the exact same landscape, without getting hungry or tired or anything. Just running, with Brutaka's continuous laughter or screaming always in the background. Normally, he would find the fact that this had all been going on for several years straight to be odd, but he figured it was just another hiatus of Lewa0111's. Being stuck in situations like this for years on end while Lewa0111 took his sweet time in updating his comedies was pretty typical. But then, something happened that wasn't at all typical for just another comedy hiatus. Completely out of nowhere, the sky cracked in half and deposited Axonn on a beach. He was, understandably, confused. The desert was completely gone. Wait, what? thought Axonn with a . Then he realized. Makuta was messing with his head. Again, for the 9,876,239,489,286,580,7q6,854th time that week. Figures. "Hey, Makuta!" Axonn shouted angrily to the sky. "If you can hear this, I'm coming to make you pay! That's the last time you mess with Axonn, the Liver Cell of your body!" "Actually," said some random Matoran from the Southern Continent, "Our village already called being liver cells." "Fine, then that's the last time you mess with Axonn, the Lung Cell of your body!" "Sorry, already taken," said Toa Iruini and a bunch of Le-Matoran. "FINE! Then that's the last time Makuta messes with Axonn, the SPLEEN CELL of his body!!" He waited expectantly, but no more random characters appeared. The Matoran from the Southern Continent just shrugged. "Nah, spleen's still open. You can be a spleen cell if you want, nobody else really wanted it." Axonn just sighed. "Then I am Axonn, the glorious axe-wielding Spleen Cell! Fear my...umm...spleen-ness! What does the spleen even do, anyway?" " " responded Iruini and all the Matoran. Back with Tahu, the Exo-Toa were still in the midst of a heated debate over whether the new universe was to be called "Makutaverse" or "Unimakuta." So far, they hadn't made much headway and had devolved into a stereotypical length-wasting comedy argument. "Unimakuta!" "Makutaverse!" "Unimakuta!" "Makutaverse!" ...Yeah. Exactly. At any rate, Tahu had decided to use their arguing to his advantage. The minute the argument turned into a cartoony fight between all of the Exo-Toa, Tahu would shout a third suggestion, "Unikutavermase." Then, when all of the Exo-Toa turned to fight him, he would slip out of the brawl and let them beat each other up while he and the rest of his team escaped in the ensuing chaos. Before he was able to put his plan into motion, however, the ground grew another mouth, only this time it swallowed the Exo-Toa instead! "Weird. Why did Makuta swallow his own workers?" asked Lariska."Because that wasn't Makuta!" exclaimed Tahu with a . "Look!" They peered into the newly opened mouth in the ground, and with a shout of "OM NOM NOM!" a figure leaped out of the hole. That figure was Onua. "Hey, Tahu!" Onua said. "I was just stopping by to demand why my name didn't pop up when you were thinking about the other Toa Nuva a bunch of paragraphs ago!" "Umm..." Tahu stammered. "Uh, er, umm...good timing on saving us from those arguing Exo-Toa!" he said, changing the subject. "So now what? We were thinking about finding that cache of random junk to the south before the Exo-Toa showed up and started arguing. Want to come with us? That way, there will still be six of us. Guardian got eaten." Onua shook his head. "Don't bother. The Rahkshi of Letter Control showed up and changed the cache of junk to a cafe of stunk. So unless you want to find stuff that smells horrible, there's no point." "Great, so, then what?" asked Lariska. "There are more Exo-Toa and Rahkshi where those came from." "Onu-Matoran!" said Onua. " " emoticonned the rest of the group.Onua shrugged. "Oh, don't mind me, I'm just saying random words. Muaka! Thornax! Pickle! Flashcards! Dinosaur! Rahaga! Slippers! Croutons!" "That's it!" crowed Tahu. "All we have to do is find an Onu-Matoran, and have him ride a Muaka with its mouth stuffed full of Thornaxes! Then, we lure all of the Rahkshi and Exo-Toa to the spot with pickle-flavored flashcards, their favorite food, and when they get there, a dinosaur wearing Rahaga slippers shows up and throws croutons at them! Awesome plan, Onua!" "Nah, I've got a better idea," Krahka, who had been ignored this entire time until now, said. "But I liked my plan! It was random and hilarious!" protested Tahu. "Don't worry. My plan involves lots of explosions." "Oh, okay then, let's go, what are we waiting for!?" Lewa's mission was confusing and made absolutely no sense. He was supposed to find Artakha and tell him to pour a coconut smoothie onto every Rahi on his island, which would somehow cause every Exo-Toa everywhere to spontaneously combust. Of course, it was Velika who had given him the mission, so that probably explained a lot. Even so, Lewa was now here on the island of Artakha to do that weird mission that Velika wanted him to do, but it seemed he was too late. Rahkshi were advancing on Artakha's fortress, far too many Rahkshi for Lewa to fight off on his own. He needed help. No, you don't need help, I'm fine, said Artakha in a cool italic font. "Hey, that's awesome-cool! I want an italic text-font too!" Sorry, I have italic font copyrighted. And Keetongu was taken prisoner by Makuta, so he can't get mad at me since he copyrighted copyrighting. "Aww, you super-powerful beings have all the fun-enjoyment!" Stop complaining, at least you got four different set versions of you released. I didn't even get one." "Well, that is true-correct, I like my set versions! But what should we do instead?" I know someone else who can help you. And he also has a cool font feature on his text. "How do I get there? I don't even know where he is-located!" By the power of random comedy warp portals. "What do you intend-mean?" asked Lewa, before a comedy warp portal appeared out of nowhere and sucked him in. "Hey, what just happened-occurred?" Lewa looked around. He was now facing a blank stone wall, which was fairly boring to look at. Behind him, he could feel something watching him, and he really didn't want to know what it was. Turn, said a voice in his head, with bold font this time. "Oh, come on! You get a cool-awesome font too!?" Yes, I do, because I am awesome. My name is Cthul--oops, I mean Tren Krom. And you have reached the end. "The end of what?" The end of your comedy. The end of this entire comedy. For this must be a single-post entry, and Lewa0111 is getting tired. "I'm puzzled-confused...what are you talking-speaking about?" The comedy is about to end. Like this: THE END And because I am Tren Krom, I am awesome enough to talk after the end of the comedy. Ha, ha! ~Lewa# Studios Lewa0111 Nuva
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Well folks, the second Comics contest has ended, and here we have the results! 1. Traitor by Soran [Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4]Topic 2. BIOCICLES ACTITON COMIC by Toa of Pumpkin [Page 1] 3. Strawberry Ice Cream by Uncle K. [Page 1, Page 2, Page 3] LEGO has generously donated an Iron Man and a Captain America minifigure as contest prizes. Soran will receive the minifigure of his choice, and Toa of Pumpkin will receive the other. Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to the other entrants for their excellent work! Also, thanks to Windrider for being a great co-host (again) and to Kakaru and 55555 for their work as assistants.
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Dang. Couldn't make it to the contest.I swear if I had about one more day...Anyway, this is basically what I was going to enter into the Comics Contest #1.It is based in Metru-Nui, and has nothing to do with my main comic series, V.3.I worked too hard on this comic to let it go to waste, so, even though I missedthe deadline mid-way of wrapping some panels up, I decided to just finish it anyway.Because at the point it didn't seem to matter as much at the time,the speech bubbles probably won't look too fantastic.The comic may seem oddly paced in the beginning due to thetime frame I tried getting this comic done in.---The Comic---Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8Part 9Part 10Part 11---Epilogue--- This comic took me pretty much the entire month given to plan out a story, put together the sprites needed,plan ahead as to how the comics going to look in the end, edit lighting, edit this and that,custom sprite some things myself...And at the last minute, add the actual dialogue n stuff.The comic turned out to be 12 parts total,so I'll be posting them daily.Hope you guys enjoy it.-V-
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After the forum's auto-close feature failed to work, the final poll is finally done and over. I don't think the extra nine hours had any impact on the outcome though.Congratulations to: Waves of the South - Toa Levacius ZehvorStrike from the Shadows - Zarayna: The Quiet LightAloft: Castle in the Sky - Pit: Arrow of LightOur three winners of the RPG contest can start at their leisure. Current RPGs will have about a week to wrap things up.Thanks to everyone who entered and participated, and congrats again to our winners!
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RPG Forum Text-Based RPG Contest 24Sorry for the delay, you can all blame Bricks Cascade and cross-country travel. Anyway, no theme for this contest, I think we'll pick that up next month!Here's how these contests work: [*]The contest will be run every three (3) months, or four (4) times a year.[*]All members are welcome to enter the contest.[*]Each member can only enter one (1) Text-based RPG entry.[*]The only exception to this is that BZPRPG and RPG Contest staff will not be permitted to make entries.[*]There will be three winners selected in every contest. [*]The winners will be the three RPGs with the most votes after one or more rounds of voting (depending on the number of entries).[*]Whether or not a given RPG wins or not, it will be allowed to run in future contests, with the below conditions and restrictions. [*]For and RPG that lost a contest, the creator must make an attempt to alter and improve their entry before entering it in the next contest.[*]If an RPG has won four (4) consecutive contests that it has entered, it can not enter the next four contests. It does not, however, have to be altered before being entered again after its break, although the creator can do so if they desire to.[*]Example: A RPG wins two contests in a row. It is not entered in the next contest. It is entered and wins the fourth and fifth contests. At this point it cannot be entered into the next four contests.[*]Other restrictions as a result of other rules or administrative action may prevent a member from submitting an RPG. [*]At the end of the three-month interval between contests, if an active RPG does not win again, it will be closed. [*]If a former winner wins again at a later date, the creator of the RPG can choose to continue in the old topic where they left off or start over again in a new topic.[*]If the creator or members of a winning RPG break the RPG forum rules, that RPG will be closed. [*]The next runner-up from the previous contest will be allowed to run for the remainder of the term.[*]The offending RPG will not be allowed to participate in the next contest.[*]This system is designed to be more fair than the TBRPG approval process has been in the past, so absolutely no complaining. TBRPG EntriesThe following is what determines a Text-Based RPG entry. The creator of each entry must provide at least: [*]A brief introduction to the RPG.[*]A description of the setting, the time and place the events occur.[*]A history of what has happened leading up to the current situation.[*]The characters and creatures involved. Does this take place in the canonical Bionicle Universe, or is this your own island with its own heroes and villains?[*]A description on how you plan to further to story. [*]Does it follow the actual Bionicle story or take place in a setting of your own creation?[*]Is there an outline on where you plan for it go?[*]Will the players be allowed to choose the direction the story takes?[*]Is there an ultimate goal or quest, or is it merely a world for members to inhabit?[*]Requirements for those wishing to participate in your RPG. [*]Will members be taking the role of existing characters or characters you have created?[*]Can they make their own characters? If so, what sort of restrictions will be placed on them?[*]What sort of equipment, masks, stats, etc will members get when they begin?[*]Rules determining how players will interact with the environment and other characters. [*]How will the winner of battles be determined?[*]How will members buy and upgrade their equipment?[*]Will members level up? How will they gain experience? The above information can be submitted however the creator prefers. It does not have to be delineated in this way, as long as it is all there.Contest ProceduresHow the contest is going to be run. Here is the format the contest will operate under: [*]Members will have three weeks to draft and submit entries.[*]Entries will be posted in the Contest Submission thread. Any entries posted elsewhere or PMed will be disregarded.[*]At the end of this period, no further entries will be accepted.[*]The entries will be grouped into as few polls as possible for the initial round of voting.[*]Each round of voting will last for two to three days (48-72 hours).[*]The format of subsequent rounds of voting will be determined depending on the number of entries.[*]The three entries with the most votes in the final round of voting will be declared the winners. Any questions can be posted in the Contest Rules Thread or PMed to Contest Host Black Six.NOTE - All current TBRPGs must be submitted as entries if they wish to continue running.Entries can be SUBMITTED from now until 11:59 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 26th.You can review other entries and discuss the reviews in the Review Topic.Please Note: You can now discuss reviews in the review topic in order to keep the main topic less cluttered.
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RPG Contest #24 Final PollView the contest thread here.View the full list of submissions here.Final Poll will run June 29 - 11:59 PM Eastern July 2.You can select THREE entries! Transformation - The LoraxWaves of the South - Toa Levacius ZehvorGoodbye Innocence - The One who is GoneStrike from the Shadows - Zarayna: The Quiet LightAgori Trail - Man with the HexThe Shifting Sands - Kal the GuardianSurrender Unto the Hive - Toa ZealokanAloft: Castle in the Sky - Pit: Arrow of Light
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Yo, this is my first comedy as well as my entry for the LSO Comedy Contest. It is a spoof of The Empire Strikes Back. It is not the full film, but instead the scene of Luke's and Darth Vader's battle on Cloud City.If there are any mistakes, or some parts you don't understand. LET ME KNOW. As I said, this is my first comedy, so C&C is very much needed.WARNING: I think I fixed it, but there might be some first-person here. It's mainly in third-person, however.ENJOY! LORD VAKAMA STRIKES BACK Tahu was raised into a dark room by a platform. The room was deathly quiet. Tahu glanced over to Death, who was sitting in a leather chair and nodded towards him for the silence. Death nodded back, gave a thumbs up and opened up a book titled, “Reaping Souls for Dummies.”A blast of steam escaped the pipes that circled around the large room. Besides Tahu and Death, the room was empty. Another blast of steam came from the wall. In the center of the room, a small pit sits, an evil, orange glow surrounds it. Out of nowhere, a Green Lantern lands and removes the orange light and leaves as fast as he came.Tahu shook his head as he moved toward a stairway leading up to a walkway, overlooking the pit. As he moved towards the stairway, his foot got caught on a pipe, tripping him, sending him face-first into the wall as a blast of steam shot out at the same time.“OW! BRAKAS!” Tahu swore as fell backwards, holding his mask. As he hit the ground, a dark laughter, followed by coughing was heard.Tahu glanced up, towards the walkway from his position on the ground.“Lord Vakama!” Tahu declared dramatically and pointed towards the short figure on the walkway.“The stupidity is strong with you. But you aren’t a complete fool yet.” Lord Vakama said confidently, as he pulled out a Lightstone from behind his back.“I will...uh...I will....will....”“Destroy me?”“No, I’m looking for a nicer word.”“Best me in combat?”“Yes, I will best you in combat!” Tahu shouted as he pulled his own Lightstone out from behind his back and leaped at Vakama.He failed utterly, as he was only able to roll over on the ground. Lord Vakama started laughing and wheezing as he slapped his knee.“I might be wrong! You might be a complete fool!” Lord Vakama roared in laughter.Tahu stood up quickly, cleaned his armor off and then leaped at Lord Vakama, Lightstone outstretched. Tahu misjudged his leap and flew over Lord Vakama and landed behind him. Lord Vakama lunged at Tahu with his Lightstone, but it was countered by Tahu.“You have learned much. I hope that muppet teacher of yours gets his stuffing pulled.” Lord Vakama growled as Tahu aimed a kick at his head.“You’ll find I’m full of surprises.” Tahu said proudly, “Watch this.”Tahu got down into a deep squat and leaped backwards, away from Lord Vakama. “How about that?” Tahu asked his enemy.Vakama smiled and jumped up into the air, spiraling towards the amazed Tahu. Before Tahu could do anything, Lord Vakama smacked him smartly across the face.“Ow.” Tahu muttered as he stepped backwards from Lord Vakama.He didn’t have any extra time to try to recover, because Lord Vakama was on him in a instant, swinging his Lightstone all over the place. Tahu blocked and dodged, as he attempted to get his own attack into the fray.Tahu launched a quick lunge at Lord Vakama’s head, but the attack was easily blocked. Lord Vakama saw his chance and poked Tahu in his side, making him toss his Lightstone into the air as he giggled. Lord Vakama poked him again, knocking Tahu down the stairway back onto the platform with the small pit.Tahu recovered in time to see Lord Vakama leaped at Tahu, aiming to cut him in half. Tahu rolled away into a crouch just as Lord Vakama landed.“Your destiny lies with me, Tahu. Hahil Husky knew this to be true.” Lord Vakama said he moved towards Tahu.“Fibber!” shouted Tahu as he backed away, “This is a children’s forum, you aren’t supposed to fib!”“I’m evil! I’m bad! It’s in the bloody script!” Lord Vakama roared as he charged Tahu.Tahu lost his balance and fell into the small pit. There was a rumble and steam flooded the pit and floated up to Lord Vakama.“Victory.....it smells like wet dog!” he declared with triumphal tone, wielding a raised fist.Lord Vakama turned away from the steam just as something shot upward out of the pit. Lord Vakama turned around and looked into the pit, then looked up. What did he see? He saw Tahu looking at him. Tahu, Tahu, what did he see? He saw Lord Vakama looking at him.“Impressive...most impressive.” said Lord Vakama as he watched Tahu jump down to the walkway. Tahu grabbed his Lightstone and raised it up.“Hahil Husky has taught you well. You have controlled your rage....now release your hate.” taunted Lord Vakama.Tahu began to retreat as Lord Vakama goaded him on. Tahu took a defensive position, as Lord Vakama swings hisLightstone at him. A quick Lightstone exchange and Tahu forced Lord Vakama back. Another exchange and Lord Vakama retreated. Tahu pressed forward, forcing Lord Vakama back farther.“Only your hatred can destroy me.” Lord Vakama declared.“Another fib.” sighed Tahu, “Really?”Lord Vakama was about to respond when he backed off the rim of the platform, falling into the outer rim of pipes and beyond. “I wasn’t finished!” Tahu screamed after Lord Vakama as he jumped down as well.*************************Tahu moved through a tunnellike.....tunnel. He had his Lightstone up and at the ready as he moved closer to the room at the end of the tunnel. He rounded the corner and moved towards a large window. His sight-seeing was cut short as Lord Vakama appeared. Out of nowhere.“How did you do that?” Tahu asked in disbelief.“I don’t really know..” Lord Vakama replied as looked around his surroundings.Tahu shook his head and charged Lord Vakama. All of a sudden a computer flew off the wall and came smashing towards him. Tahu turned and cut it in half. “How did you do that?!” Tahu exclaimed as he turned back to Lord Vakama. Lord Vakama merely shrugged. Before Tahu could say anything else, another computer came flying at him. Tahu cut that in half with ease as well. Suddenly, every computer on the walls came flying at him, battering him and forcing him back against the large window. A flash drive flew at Tahu and hit him in the chest, launching him out the window.************************Tahu rolled onto a gantry and stood up as Lord Vakama leaped out the window. They clashed their Lightstones together, forcing Tahu to back up.“You are beaten. It is useless to resist. Don't let yourself be destroyed as Hahil Husky did.” Lord Vakama declared as he sliced at Tahu.Tahu rolled sideways and stabbed at Lord Vakama, nicking him on the shoulder. Lord Vakama grunted but recovered quickly. With a terrified scream, Tahu took off down the gantry to the narrow end.Tahu realizing that he had nowhere to go, turned to face Lord Vakama. “Come at me, bro!” Tahu mocked.Lord Vakama growled and leaped at Tahu, bringing his Lightstone down on Tahu’s right wrist. However, Lord Vakama’s Lightstone broke in two over Tahu’s wrist. “Ha! You failed!” Tahu declared loudly, spitting all over Lord Vakama’s mask.Lord Vakama lifted a hand and cleaned his mask of the spit covering it. “I was afraid it would come to this.” Lord Vakama said as he pressed a button on his belt.A rope hit the floor, dangling from the darkness above. Both Tahu and Lord Vakama turned to watch, as the sound of someone or something sliding down the rope grew louder. A pair of shiny, black shoes first appeared, followed by cream khakis, a large, black suitcase and a blue shirt. The figure’s head appeared, a beaming, almost terrifying smile sat on it.“Hi, Billy Mays here, what do you need help with?” the figure asked Lord Vakama cheerfully, almost revoltingly.Lord Vakama sighed and pointed at Tahu. “I need you to remove his hand.”“No problem!” Billy Mays exclaimed cheerfully, as he opened the black suitcase. “With Oxy Clean’s new enriched formula, it’ll remove any stain or limb you need!”Billy Mays walked over to Tahu and stuck his hand into a jar of sizzling fluid. “Just watch, as within minutes, the chosen limb will be removed!”Tahu started screaming as his hand was slowly eaten away. “And, with the additional purchase of our travel case, any wounds will be sealed instantly, preventing infection!” Billy Mays narrated cheerfully to Lord Vakama as Tahu’s hand disappeared.Tahu stopped screaming as his limb-or limbless arm was lifted out of the liquid. “Just look, a clean, clear cut!” Billy Mays announced to Lord Vakama, who was looking rather disgusted with himself.“No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!” Tahu screamed as he gripped his arm.“Search your feelings, friend. You know it to be true.” Billy Mays responded, “And with the purchase of our lifetime warranty, you’ll get a free Billy Mays cookie cutter!”“No! No! No!” Tahu screamed as he jumped off the gantry, down towards his supposed doom.Lord Vakama and Billy Mays looked over the side of the gantry and watched Tahu fall into the unknown.“Hey, for 3 easy payments of 33 widgets, you can get a free rope to catch your falling friends or enemies!” Billy Mays said cheerfully.Lord Vakama sighed slowly and rubbed the sides of his forehead.THE ENDQuestions, complaints, comments?
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This MOC was initially built a few months ago. It had some major problems with its torso, but I liked it enough to use its design for a BZPRPG characters, Invictus. When this contest was announced, I took the opportunity to improve its design. ----- ----- Back Torso: Front / Back / Side Arm Leg WIP ----- Notes: The upper leg is custom-built to maintain the color layering, as this piece doesn't come in dark red.I'm too lazy to remove the Exo-Force stickers. Just pretend they're not there since you can't see them in the entry pic.Canonically his eyes and heartlight are blue, but they're green here because I don't have a blue Metru eye piece.Also canonically, he bears the Mark of Caring, which is difficult to explain...Removed because it doesn't make sense out of context.Play the BZPRPG 'cause it's awesome. Thoughts?
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Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the second Comics forum contest, Onomatopoetic Justice!In April, LEGO released the Super Heroes Movie Maker, an app that let you record the adventures of your favorite LEGO crime fighters. In recognition of this release, we're looking to see you try your hands at doing the same thing in a comic; for this contest, you will "film" a super hero action sequence. Your comics need not be frame-by-frame sequences, but they should flow rather like an animation.But that's not all! The Movie Maker does not record dialogue, so your comics won't have any, either. However, one of the staples of super hero comics and shows alike will be at your disposal: onomatopoeia, words made to represent sounds. To make your comics come alive, you can break out your best whams, bangs, and kapows!In summary, for this contest, you must create a super hero action sequence, using no text aside from sound effects. We look forward to seeing your work!Entry period:Entries will be accepted from June 1, 12:00 AM EDT until June 30, 11:59 PM EDT. This means you have approximately four weeks to complete your entry, so please plan accordingly!Unauthorized revisions will not be allowed after an entry has been submitted; if you need to fix something in your entry, please contact either -Windrider- or me.Entry form:Please fill this out and post it in this topic to enter your comic.Member name:Entry name:Entry URL:Optional:Thumbnail URL (highly recommended; more on this in "Entry requirements"):Entry topic:Entry requirements:All entries of all media will be accepted and will not be separated into categories. Entries of all lengths will be accepted, as well. There are, however, a few requirements to be followed.Entries must be LEGO-related. This is in compliance with the rules of the Comics forum; this is not a COT contest!Entries should not exceed 3 MB in file size per page. You are allowed to split your entry into multiple files/pages, but each must be less than 3 MB in size.Remember that if your image is above 500 kB in size, you should link to it in compliance with BZPower's global rules.Entries must be in GIF, JPEG, or PNG format. Your comic's presentation must be static, with one exception:Your comic may be presented as an animated GIF. This is a deviation from the previous contest's rules to allow entrants to better emulate the Movie Maker app if they so desire. Other forms of animation, such as SWF files, will not be allowed, as such entries would belong in the Music & Movies forum. It is highly recommended that you provide a 128x128 pixel crop or thumbnail that represents your comic. These will be displayed in the polls for flavor. For examples of past thumbnails, take a look at the last contest's polls. If you do not submit one, we will use the standard Brickshelf/Majhost thumbnail, and you might not like it!General rules:Failure to follow these rules may result in a disqualification.All BZPower Rules must be followed! If it would not be allowed in a post, it is not allowed in a comic.Only one entry per member.All entries must be your original work and cannot have been published on BZPower prior to your entering it.Entries may not be modified once posted unless you have instruction to do so to fix a rules violation, or if you have approval to correct a minor error. All such requests should be PMed to -Windrider- or me. The assistants, -Windrider-, and I will check all entry images against the ones submitted at the end of the entry period. On that note:No cheating! We will catch you if you modify your entry without approval. Cheating = disqualification = sad.No mass advertising your entry through PM or other means. PMs amongst you and your friends are fine, but nothing more. If you receive an unsolicited advertising PM, please report it.If you wish to advertise your entry, you may do so through your signature or blog, or, of course, by posting an entry topic. Please do follow the signature guidelines.Voting:Voting will take place in polls. We anticipate two rounds of voting for this contest:Preliminary voting should begin on July 1st and will end on July 3rd.Final voting should begin on July 4th and end on July 6th.Prizes:The prizes for this contest, graciously donated by LEGO, are an Iron Man minifigure and a Captain America minifigure, pictured hereThe 1st place winner will receive his or her choice of minifigure, and the 2nd place winner will receive the other.Hosts, assistants, and conduct:Your contest hosts are Ziko and -Windrider-.Your contest assistants are Kakaru and 55555.This topic will be left open for contest discussion, and while discussion is encouraged, we expect everyone to conduct him or herself professionally. That means no spamming, no flaming, no whining, etc. It could hurt your standing in the contest! Additionally, please do not try to "play moderator." If you have issues with someone's behavior, someone's entry, or anything, please do not post about it. You can PM any of the four of us, and we can sort things out privately.If you have any questions, feel free to PM any of the four of us, or simply post in this topic.Banners and such:Below are several contest banners that you can use. We encourage the submission of more banners, and we also encourage you to use these to advertise the contest! (40.4kb) [url="http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=5137"][img=http://www.majhost.com/gallery/Ziko/Banners/ComicContest/02/supermansig.png][/url]Transparent Superman (33.9kB)Compact Sig (7.5kB)Shout Bubble (10.6kB)
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RPG Contest #24 Preliminary Poll PotassiumView the contest thread here.View the full list of submissions here.Preliminary Polls will run June 27 - 11:59 PM Eastern June 29.You can select FOUR entries! Strike from the Shadows - Zarayna: The Quiet LightWaves of the South - Toa Levacius ZehvorMakutalypse - General Rocka's BaneKirse: City of the Great Beings - PyrrhonThe Shifting Sands - Kal the GuardianScourge - Mr. HouseFatal Error - Using Less VorexIt Takes Two - Toa Fanixe Withdrawn.Aloft: Castle in the Sky - Pit: Arrow of Light -
RPG Contest #24 Preliminary Poll WaterView the contest thread here.View the full list of submissions here.Preliminary Polls will run June 27 - 11:59 PM Eastern June 29.You can select FOUR entries! Dusk Coliseum - ZacaxDesolation - BelthnorTroubles of Dawn - Toatapio NuvaTransformation - The LoraxIsolation - KryzathSurrender Unto the Hive - Toa ZealokanGoodbye Innocence - The One who is GoneThe King's Game - Ace of SkullsAgori Trail - Man with the Hex
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RPG Forum Text-Based RPG Contest 24 SubmissionsAll RPG Contest 24 Entries should be posted here. They will be added to the list as we get around to it; don't fret if your entry isn't on the list immediately after you post it.You have until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, June 26th to submit entries.NOTICE: If there is a note by your entry saying that it does not meet the requirements, reread the Contest Rules and then send Black Six a PM if you are still not sure of what is wrong with your entry. You have until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, June 26th to edit your post and fix your entry.Also, please be sure to check out the RPG Contest Topic for important updates and announcements.You can review others' entries in the Review Topic. [*]Strike from the Shadows - Zarayna: The Quiet Light[*]Dusk Coliseum - Zacax[*]Waves of the South - Toa Levacius Zehvor[*]Desolation - Belthnor[*]Makutalypse - General Rocka's Bane[*]Troubles of Dawn - Toatapio Nuva[*]Kirse: City of the Great Beings - Pyrrhon[*]Transformation - The Lorax[*]The Shifting Sands - Kal the Guardian[*]Isolation - Kryzath[*]Scourge - Mr. House[*]Surrender Unto the Hive - Toa Zealokan[*]Fatal Error - Using Less Vorex[*]Goodbye Innocence - The One who is Gone[*]It Takes Two - Toa Fanixe[*]The King's Game - Ace of Skulls[*]Aloft: Castle in the Sky - Pit: Arrow of Light[*]Agori Trail - Man with the Hex[*]Title - AuthorTotal number of valid entries: 18NOTE: if you have an entry that is in violation of the rules and edit it to fit, please PM Black Six to notify the staff. Similarly, if you add a title to an untitled RPG, do the same. We are only human (well, okay, the jury's out on that) and are liable to miss the changes.
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RPG Forum Text-Based RPG Contest 24 ReviewsYou know the drill. Read the rules here. Submit entries here. Review entries and discuss reviews here.
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This is my entry in BBC contest 63. (I know, the name sucks.)FrontSideSideBackAs always, C&C appreciated.
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This'll be for the Bionicle entries only. Others to be found in another topic. Predictions of the Unpredicted Visions••••• Pleasant dreams, he said? No catch? Should’ve known better. Karzahni, that Vortixx was a random passerby. She should have realized that. She should’ve refused the offer.It looked like a normal Suletu. Kanohi of that type didn’t generally have side effects, except for the fact that secrets were generally spoiled on accident. Not too bad, and a generally useful mask.Problem was, some random Toa had come up to Fawae the other day and offered to give her this Suletu. He said it was specially forged to give the wearer pleasant dreams. That wasn’t too abnormal; after all, the art of slightly modifying masks in their forging was becoming rather common. The moment she handed him the widgets after she tested it, he was walking down the road again.All this ran through her mind in those last seconds.The night she bought the mask, she had returned from her patrol and greeted her team. A few had oohed and awed at the new mask, a few had said it was a waste, and the leader–Corus–seemed flat-out indifferent. Eventually, the Toa remaining in the camp fell fast asleep, with Fawae thinking of how good the following day would hopefully be.She and Corus were the only ones awake in camp. Her leader informed her that they were all either gathering supplies or switching patrols. The early dawn painted a beautiful sky. The Rahi of the morning created a peaceful noise. The surrounding foliage let off a sweet aroma. Corus offhandedly commented, “Great morning. Hope it will be just as great of a day.”Fawae awoke. The morning was picturesque. Corus glanced at her and offhandedly commented.She nodded and replied, “Yea–wait, didn’t you just say that?”“...No? You okay, Fawae?”“Um... yeah. Fine. Just... Déjà vu.”Corus shrugged and kept going about his work. The rest of the day was rather uneventful, but still peaceful and somewhat fun. Fawae found the coincidence that she had dreamed reality before it happened quite odd, but not anything to really be concerned about. That night she fell asleep while pondering the possibilities. “Oh well... Probably just a freak occurrence...”Running. Some kind of freakish monster had just consumed Corus, and now it was chasing the rest of the present team. Where had this come from? There wasn’t any warning!Fawae jumped from her sleeping pad. This time she was the second awake. One of her brothers was busy stoking the fire. Not that he really needed to, being a toa of fire. He just liked playing with fire, which the rest of the team found amusing.An explosion rang through her ears, accompanied by bloinding light and searing heat. When her vision cleared, Fawae saw a gigantic, freakish monster. She screamed for everyone to wake up, and they were quickly engaged in combat.It didn’t last long. The creature that had seemingly materialized from nothing was completely immune to elemental attacks; in fact, it seemed to become stronger with each blow received. Its maw clenched down upon two members of the team, but Corus wedged his quarterstaff between its crushing jaws just in time to save them.Then he was gone. That set them running. This freakish monster had just consumed Corus, and now it was chasing the rest of the present team. She tripped and fell. In a moment, she felt teeth, and then nothing.Fawae jolted awake, screaming. Her brothers leaped from their mats, asking what was wrong. After a few seconds of heavy breathing, she began to reply... and she couldn’t remember why she screamed. And Nothing Happened The Legends of Lhii ••••• “Lhii was surfing, like he did any time he wasn't guarding the village or sleeping. After all, his board and his spear were both the only things that felt natural to him... Well, his duty and love for his Koro were natural, too. Yet, you are smart enough to know what I mean, young Matoran.“Where was I? Ah yes! Lhii was surfing. The lava was especially fierce that day, and he was enjoying the thrilling ride between life and death. Now, I will not pardon lava surfing, and still discourage anyone from participating in it. Still, I will readily admit that that I got enjoyment from watching Lhii long ago...“Surfing, right. My mind seems to be wandering today. Anyways, Lhii caught an especially furious wave and went into a wild flip. I was scared, but only for a moment. He came magnificently back to the swiftly flowing magma below him. The bystanders cheered and clapped, and another Matoran that was surfing tried to outdo him. He tried to do a flashy move. Ended up flying off his board.“Time seemed to go in slow motion. The audience gasped. I gasped with them. Then, from seemingly nowhere, Lhii caught his foolish friend and safely transported the scared Matoran to shore. Needless to say, he gave up surfing for quite a while.“Back to Lhii, though. He decided to wrap up that day of lava surfing, and quickly the activity at the river dwindled. Most of the Matoran there were there to watch him anyways. And so the majority of them trickled back to Ta-Koro. Lhii, of course, immediately went to go on duty, even though he was told to take the day off. No one could keep the captain from his guard.“So he patrolled. Lhii went with two of the other guard members to perform the hourly rounds. They were about to check the cable leading to Ko-Wahi when Lhii noticed the cliff upon which they were standing was crumbling. He quickly dove to the side with one of the other Matoran. The other was able to jump out of harm’s way, or so he thought.“It was after the fact that the Matoran realized his dilemma. He jumped off the cliff directly onto the cable... and he was now swinging from the snapped cord, over the massive chasm below him! Needless to say, he was scared out of his wits! He was so shocked that he let go of his lifeline!“That would’ve been the end of him under normal circumstances. However, he was with the brilliant Lhii, a faithful friend in any situation! The brilliant little Matoran had seen the situation coming, and after getting up from his dive, he immediately leaned out, his left hand grasping a sure protrusion and his right reaching for his friend. His deft hand caught his friend’s ankle, and the third Matoran was able to pull them both back onto the ledge safely.“Hmm... what happened next? Oh yes! Lhii and his two friends quickly were able to retrieve the cable with long poles and hooks, and they tied it off so that nobody would accidentally use the broken cable. They went to get supplies, fixed it, and the rest of the day was uneventful.“Now, what is the point of this story? Nothing happened, you say? That’s exactly the point! Lhii was vigilant, and thus nothing happened that day! His acute observation, whether in a fun competition or a routine check, saved multiple lives! Learn from the example of Lhii and be ever vigilant, good Matoran.” Fight or Flight Flight ••••• Running, running, forever running. The beasts were always behind, ready to consume her. Why didn’t they tire, why was there no escape? Did Mata-Nui, the Great Spirits, or whoever was in control of the universe find it fit for her to eternally suffer like this? Did she commit some overwhelming sin that had gotten her banished to this Doom Viper’s pit, this Karzahni?She didn’t know, and she didn’t know why she didn’t know. She didn’t know how she could find these lost memories, either. She didn’t even know her name.She woke up one morning here, or at least she thought morning was the correct term. She had vocabulary jumbled in her mind, and she knew what a lot of it meant, or at least she assumed she did. She also thought she was in a cave, and that the cries of these terrible beasts sounded like ferocious, starving Muaka. The grunts sounded like furious Stone Apes. The hisses sounded like venomous, hunting Doom Vipers.But she couldn’t remember anything! She was a... Matoran. Of water, she thought, due to the blue armor she caught sight of in the brief light she entered every few hours. The beasts stopped when she entered these areas, staying out of sight. She thought she was safe. Then night fell, and she found herself fleeing again.She still didn’t know why. She didn’t have a clue. She just remembered... blood. Oil. Torn flesh, shattered machinery. Dying gasps. Cold laughs. Utter fear. Bright red eyes. Fire on the water surrounding the village. Darkness. She thought she had died...But she couldn’t remember anything. That was nothing. It was fragments of memory, not memories themselves. She remembered adrenaline pumping, fighting for her life. Against something. It was some beast, or maybe it was some sapient creature. She didn’t remember. She just knew that she couldn’t fight this time. She had to continue her flight, desperately hoping for a light at the end of this tunnel... A light that wouldn’t be from an impossibly tall, perfectly smooth shaft going straight into whiteness above.Fate... that was the word. Why had fate taken her here? What was fate, truly? Was it that she would run until her strength gave out, that her flight would end and she would be torn to shreds by these Rahi?Wait... was that light? She dared not hope. Yes, it was. It grew stronger. But it couldn’t be an escape. Was it? It seemed warm... unlike the previous rays. They were sterile, white. This was flickering, warm, orange.It was a... candle? A torch? Those were light devices. They provided fire. Fire was warm, flickering, life-giving. They meant someone was near. With one final push of her tired legs, the Matoran stumbled from the tunnel and into the light. Frosting Alternate Universe ••••• Vezon fell through the dimensional hole. Instead of gracefully planting his feet into the snow, he face-planted into it. He immediately began to slurp it up. Then he realized that it wasn’t snow, it was... sweet. Smooth. Even though he had no idea what it was, he kept slurping away.Then, once he had been sufficiently filled, the half-Skakdi stood and looked around himself. There was still plenty of the stuff, covering the mountains like it really was snow. The mountain itself, which he could feel now that he had eaten quite a bit of the substance, was squishy and porous. Shrugging, he dug some up, and popped it into his mouth.Again, sweet. Squishy. Delicious. He licked his lips and began trudging forth. He seemed to be in some kind of land of food... that looked exactly like Mt. Ihu. Interesting. The squishy white substance came down from the sky in little drops, coating everything. It was certainly stickier than snow, aside from being extremely delicious.Oh, there was Ko-Koro. Maybe the Matoran there could explain the odd weather. He liked it, but it would take forever to lick himself clean once he got out of it.When he got to the village, he saw the citizens going about their work... and they were all brown, as he saw if one scraped off the sticky substance. He walked up and, not saying anything, bit the head off one.Ignoring the ensuing panic, Vezon leaned against a red and white striped pole. Sweet, crunchy, with a little spice. This was definitely an interesting universe. He wondered what he would taste like, if he met himself. Shrugging, he strolled right on down the mountain, ignoring the screams and attacks. After all, the spears were made of something that broke rather easily and tasted quite delicious. The points were sharp, though they seemed to just be a hard version of the sticky stuff.Soon, he was on the Mangai. It was tightly packed, but once he hit it enough, the substance was very crumbly and bitter. Yet, it tasted good. Shrugging again, he continued. When he reached the river of lava... he dove in. Five seconds later, he was out of it, screaming in agony. His face, tongue, eyes, and everything else burned. Whatever it was spicy. Good, but spicy.This was a very strange dimension. Shrugging once more, he continued trekking on his merry way, tears still pouring from happiness and utter pain. Not Everything The Legacy ••••• Blood, dirt, sweat, grinding joints. Blurred blackness, muffled sounds. His enemy stood, the crowd jeered. Was this all Trymak’s training had come to? If Gelu were here, he’d be disgusted... and he would be cheering, too. However, he had, for some reason, opted out on watching the match. The Toa of ice grunted, rolling to the side right before his opponent’s blade would have pierced his shoulder.Oh, Spherus Magna had been reformed, and everyone was at peace, for the most part. Still, old habits die hard, and the gladiatorial matches, while slightly tamed, were a massive attraction and competition for all the villages. Atero had been rebuilt, and in the center was a massive arena. The rest was a massive, sprawling city, filled with residents of all the villages; each village had rebuilt itself in an easily accessible location and laid down a road to the central city.Society had quickly found itself to revolve, at least for entertainment purposes, around the tournaments. Every week the villages held their own tournaments for training and qualifying for the monthly tournaments in Atero. The top winners of these, in turn, participated in the yearly Heroes’ War. This had become the biggest event of Spherus Magna, and every ten years past champions were invited to return. If they chose, they could send another fighter in their place, training them personally for the whole year leading up to the event.Trymak was one of those students. Gelu, the champion of a Heroes’ War long ago, had chosen the spry Toa as his trainee. Instead of conventional training, they travelled as merchants around the world. At first, Trymak was disappointed and ready to leave Gelu, but he realized soon that their travels were more important than he thought. He didn’t fight daily, but Gelu entered him in whatever village’s match was happening when they were in town. He learned the fighting styles of everyone, and though at first he often lost, he quickly learned to think fast.This was the year of the Heroes’ War. Trymak had found himself in the second to last match and, after a vicious fight with a Glatorian of Tajun, he was placed into the final bracket. Now he faced the champion of Tesara, Gresh. He still entered into these tournaments, and constantly showed his skill in battle. Despite having been in the sport for centuries, the Glatorian was as energetic and strong as ever. He was, in fact, a very difficult opponent to face.This difficulty was becoming all too apparent. Trymak was, to say the least, getting his posterior handed to him. It was all he could do to not get bested in the first few seconds. Gresh seemed to be everywhere, not missing a step in his dance around the Toa of ice.Wiping blood from his lips, Trymak deflected Gresh’s blade with the grip of his war hammer. A rather unconventional choice of a weapon against a fast opponent, he knew. But I he could get one hit in, it would be over.Well, it was pointless. It wasn’t all about winning, it was about the experience. Thus, completely exhausted, Trymak threw up his hands and fell to his knees. Dirge Music ••••• Death and life. Both were facts of the world. Heroes came and went, villains were the same. The average Matoran lived the average life, worked his job, met with friends. This went onwards for centuries, until something brought him to his end, whence unfortunate circumstances caused his heart-light to blink out.The funeral dirge echoed eerily over the dunes of Po-Koro. It was only fitting that the death of the village’s greatest musician was honored by a full, solemn orchestra. Drusteph had been a pioneer on Mata Nui, introducing the island to music that they had never before heard. Whether he played the violin with a rock or composed a piano piece involving sawing the strings, he was a brilliant Matoran. He used water wheels to create electricity–without the help of a Toa!–which he channeled into oddly shaped instruments that created previously unheard sounds.This orchestra consisted of his friends, his followers, and his enemies. Yes, even those who were against his music. The ones who opposed Drusteph the most played most passionately at the ceremony of his death. He was their opponent, he was the one upon which they placed the blame of the wild actions of the day. Yet, in spite of their dislike, they could not say that the Matoran lacked skill.Drusteph was the life of Mata Nui, he was the power behind happiness. He brightened the days with his magical music, his sorcery of sonic and electric energy. He was simultaneously the Matoran that discovered unnatural electricity and the father of music using the energy. The orchestra’s piece, incorporating more somber elements of the music, reached its end, and not a dry eye was in the massive procession. Drusteph was laid with his first instrument in a mausoleum dedicated to his legacy. The carving around his coffin were ornate, filled with bright designs that he would have wanted. The funeral would have been almost too solemn for the hero of Po-Koro were it not for these cheerful designs.As the second orchestral piece began, the mood quickly brightened. Life was to keep going, and the music of Drusteph was still there. The distinct electronic noises echoed over the dunes, and though tears were still present, joy was felt in the hearts of the gathered Matoran. The music kept going after dusk, moving back to the village. Villagers from every Koro joined in the celebration of life, the song that was no longer a dirge, the music of Drusteph that was there, invigorating them and pushing them onwards.Well, feel free to comment on any or all of them. =3 In addition, my CoT topic is right here.
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Below is the entries list for the Flash Fiction Marathon Contest, divided up by theme. Entry #1: Member Name: Varkanax39Theme: VisionsStory: Vision of the Fall Vision of the Fall The city of Shadovar gleamed in the light of the rising sun as the brilliant hues of orange and red reflected off the pale, translucent mirror-glass. The massive buildings of the City of Mirrors and the tall, twisting spires were made all of the same reflective glass, which was shot through with tendrils of gold material.The Citadel at the heart of the city stood facing the mighty Pyramid of Glass, which was made entirely of opaque crystal harder than the most solid protosteel.Some said that this city had been built by the Ancients; the enigmatic beings that had left many constructs behind them and had once inhabited Shadovar before vanishing without a trace. Others said it was the work of even older forces, perhaps the Mindeaters or the Infinus themselves. In any event, the modern inhabitants of the city, Toa, Ix, and Elemental alike, did not know.But they all feared to approach the Last Spire, the obelisk that was home to the Seer. Even now, Seer stared through the translucent glass of the Spire, he shook his head, sighing at what he knew was to come in so short a time.His visions had warned him of these days, the last days of Arcaea. When everything would be torn apart, and the Elemental Kingdoms would become nothing more than a memory of what had been lost.Even now, the visions he seemed to whisper to him. He did not see the city as it was now, but as it would be soon. He saw the citadel of Arcaea against the backdrop of choking ash and brilliant flames, torn apart by brilliant displays of elemental power.The Seer watched as a dark, powerful Elemental, surrounded by a group of shadowy, hooded Ix, stand face to face with another Elemental, who had two Toa flanking him. They were locked in a battle on both the mental and physical level as they fought in both the aura field and with elemental power, blinding flashes of light detonating all around him.And at last, the Seer saw the end of Arcaea. The Twelve Elemental Kingdoms torn apart, dispersing on the wind into nothingness. Soon all that was left was a remnant of Shadovar, a broken, pitiful reminder of all that the City of Mirrors had once been.Then the sun of Shadovar itself was extinguished, and eternal darkness fell over the city.Silently, a being stepped from the darkness to stand beside the Seer. He wore a black cloak, like an Ix, but he was clearly not of their kin. One hand was gloved; the other was pale white and twisted.The being stared for a moment at the brilliant cityscape below in silence.“You have seen what is to come.” He whispered.It was a statement, not a question. The Seer nodded quietly. “Yes,” he whispered.“The end of an era,” said the hooded being. “The visions must come true, or the Dark One cannot be stopped.”The Seer knew that the being was correct. Every vision he’d seen with his Kanohi of Foresight had proven to come true. He had paid a price beyond comprehension for the legendary mask, and it had always served him well.“You know what you must do,” continued the hooded being. And though it pained the Seer to know his vision would come true, and though he knew he was passing judgment on the lives of far too many beings, he nodded quietly.“I shall do it,” he whispered as the visions of the destruction to come flooded his mind once more.Word Count: 598 Entry #2:Member Name: Zosia DarrTheme: Bionicle - VisionsStory: The Visionary ₪҉₪ "Get out,"Dispatched to the Northern Continent on Makuta Icarax's orders, Pridak had been granted jurisdiction over a small peninsula. What the Makuta had failed to mention, however, that the land's primary inhabitants were rocks and Rahi.Perhaps to lessen the sting of the slap to Pridak's ego, they'd dispatched a small herd of Matoran to go with him and serve as his staff.The Matoran ducked his head in compliance. "Sir,"Pridak sat down heavily on his stone work desk, knocking the scout's report tablets to the floor with a resounding clatter. He looked out the window of the shack that he was supposed to call a fortress. Instead of seeing the occasional boulder that littered the landscape, he saw Xia.The imposing skyline stabbed into the sky, reaching for the twin suns as though trying to dethrone them. Fire fueled the race to the heavens, new factories and foundries being created every day. Smoke and haze seeping from the buildings hung in the air, tasting like grandeur. The addicting sensation of success, production, and monopoly thrummed trough the streets, making the realm of the Vortixx truly unique and beautiful in the Universe.It wasn't only the landscape that made Xia enviable. It was the spirit of the inhabitants. They were forward thinking, always. Sharp minds formed the backbone of the population, while the perfect combination of ruthless and genius sat in the seat of authority. Manipulative, cunning, and clever, the Vortixx were at the very least admirable.And the beauty didn't end there. In his mind's eye, Pridak saw Xia's smog spreading across the world, turning everything to the same twisted beauty. Nothing in existence would be able to compare, of that Pridak was sure. It wasn't long before the sharp skyscrapers and strong fortresses of factories blotted out the suns completely.It was majesty.And one day, maybe not so far away, that envisioned majesty could become reality. Of course, Pridak would have to work for it. Dreaming could only get one so far. Naturally, he wanted to get out from under the thumb of the Brotherhood of Makuta. At the moment, Pridak thought that would be a bit pre-mature. He would establish his tiny dominion on this Northern Continent Peninsula for now. Pridak was not a Toa, but he did believe in destiny. He would lay low, and wait until the time destiny called for change. ₪҉₪ Word Count: 401 Entry #3: Member Name: PyrrhonTheme: VisionsStory: The StormThe chilling wind swept across the empty field like floating knives, forcing the small blades of grass downward. The storm was coming, I could sense it in the air. A small drop of liquid dripped down onto my face, slowly sliding towards the ground. The water dropped from the edge of my mask, falling down to the grass below. The rain had come, and with it, the storm drew closer and closer. The weather was a sign, a grim warning. I knew that he was coming, charging headlong into the future, and towards a destined fight. The storm, it was only part of what was coming towards the field. But I knew that the storm was the least of my worries.My mask had shown me this many days, many weeks ago. It had revealed to me what I did not wish to see. I had pierced into the future, seeing what would be... and there was no way I could change it, no way to stop it. But I knew I had to push that from my thoughts, to concentrate not on what I knew would happen, to prepare myself for what was coming. The Mask of Clairvoyance had at times been the greatest of blessings... now it was a curse. I had seen the future, and I would have given anything to have wiped those memories out of my mind. The storm was coming.How had it come to this? I wasn't even fully certain myself. I had had the vision before I even knew what it meant, Back then, it seemed impossible, unlikely to even be close to reality. But now the coldness I felt wasn't the storm. I had known what was going to happen, and I could have done nothing to stop it. My death had been written out before my eyes, the end of my own life playing out in my mind. And my mask could show me what was coming, but I could not stop it... what I had seen, it was going to happen... and nothing could change that.My thoughts were shattered by a clap of thunder as it sounded in the sky. The storm was here, I could feel it around me, throughout my entire being. The air and winds were no longer peaceful. The storm had come upon me as I knew it would. He would be here soon... and destiny would enact itself just as my mask had shown. Death was awaiting me, as clear in my mind as the flashing of lightning across the darkened sky. I didn't want it to end like this... but destiny could not be undone. I had seen it, and it would happen... I just wished that it could have been differently.I can do nothing about it, I have no choice but to fight. I can run no longer, destiny has placed me here, and here I shall face the future. Though it is futile and I know that I will not win, or even have a chance... I will fight as I have been destined. But I will not just surrender to death, I will not die easily. Destiny shall get its fight, but it will learn that a Toa never surrenders, even in the face of death.Words: 544 Entry #4: Member Name: Grimoire AlbastruTheme: VisionsStory: ContactFor the first time in countless millennia, the desolate silence of the cavern had been pierced by the arrival of one such noise that it had imagined it would never again hear since its very creation.I emerged into the cavern, the sounds of my heavy breath echoing against the walls. My name is Vezon. And though I had no true idea as to why I had arrived at such a curious location, I knew my duty was done. I had arrived.A distant voice had called me here from the very recesses of my shattered mind. Ever since I had left my old “allies” back in the lair of my birth, I had been egged on by the deep desire. This urge to press ever onwards. This need to travel somewhere, though with never a clue as to where or why. But now, here I was.And there stood my prize, waiting for me. The rivers of lava threw a meagre light upon the glistening ornament that rested upon a throne of rock. I knew that it was meant for me, and the voice approved, so I surged forward to claim it, my heavy footfalls creating vibrations that shot around me.But what I couldn’t have seen coming was that as soon as I laid my hands upon it and pulled it close to me, my already fragmented mind exploded. I tried to stifle a scream, but it tore through my mouth regardless. I threw myself to the ground and thrashed wildly like an injured Rahi. Images swam before me, faces I could not place, locations I might never live to see, scenes of which I could never have dreamed of. I slammed my eyelids shut as if I could escape this hideous torture, but it was to no avail, as all this resulted in was the ceasing of the war between reality and the visions that threated to tear through my own skull. And the visions had won.All before me was beautiful, yet all was terrifying. I knew now what I held, the Kanohi Ignika. A source of terrible, yet glorious power that could devastate the entire universe, or perhaps save it. It could fall armies or raise them from the ground. It had seen the beginning of the universe and it would remain to see it at the very end. And now it was mine. I cradled it in my arms as I screamed helplessly for whatever assistance the Great Beings might lend me.They offered no solace, but even as my mind unravelled at its last remaining seams, the voice that led me here whispered ever so softly, like a lover, “Let me show you.”And so I did. I felt my prize sink into my body, even as I beheld the worst of it. For following this example of power and horror, came visions even more sublime than any I had hitherto witnessed. For I saw the end of the world. I saw the fire in the sky, the fall of Metru Nui and the extinction of the very stars. I stood back and stared as the last breath of life was swept away in the hurricane that enveloped all I might ever have known.The sights receded eventually, but the damage had been done. Devastated, I rocked back and forth, sobbing gently. The back of my head seared with pain and the ghosts of those visions were alive in my mind. And as I lay, shivering and alone in that deep, dark, desolate cavern, slowly, I began to laugh.Word Count: 596 Entry #5: Member Name: Astris JanusTheme: VisionsStory: FatesToa Radeic sped through the chute system, using his powers over sound to block out any distractions. He checked the device on his wrist. “Twenty minutes,” he whispered.Time seemed to slow as he looked down, his eyes fixating on a Matoran being terrorised by a Visorak. He released a quick concussive blast, accounting for the change between liquid protodermis and air, and knocked the Visorak off its feet, allowing the Matoran to escape. Under any other circumstance, he would have gone down there and helped the Matoran more thoroughly, but the situation was dire… *** From the beginning, Radeic had the gift for seeing visions. Some would say gift, others would think it a curse. Radeic had mixed feelings. It had helped him before, seeing things that would happen and then being able to stop them, but sometimes the visions made no sense. This was a problem at first, leading Radeic to believe he was going mad, but that stopped once he acquired a Kanohi Rode. Now he could tell the difference between the true visions and the mere delusions. *** Radeic saw his stop, and cut through the chute, using soundwaves to cushion his descent. He landed next to a railing, over-looking a large gorge half full of silvery liquid. He checked the device again. Fifteen minutes. He checked that he had everything. The sword, the Kanoka, the scales, the venom, the torch, everything was here. He just needed one more thing… *** The last vision Radeic had seen was disturbing. At first, he wrote it off as another delusion, but it kept recurring and, with the use of his mask, he learned it to be the truth. He had panicked at first, but eventually managed to calm himself. He formulated a plan. The vision was terrifying, but it had shown him how to stop it.He just needed to collect some items; the sword said to be able to sunder protosteel walls with the merest slice; the scales of a Kanohi Dragon; a level 8 reconstruct at random Kanoka disk; venom from a Nui-Jaga; and an ever-lasting torch of legend.These items would be hard to find. But he had to try. He was more worried about what he had to do with the items, but that didn’t matter right now. Now he had to get them, because he only had one week left.One week until his island was destroyed. *** He looked over the railing. It was a long fall. Even with only ten minutes left, Radeic hesitated. All the items were strapped to him and he knew that had to do this, but still he hesitated. The outcome was still uncertain to him… *** One thing had plagued Radeic. Every time he saw the vision, the ending would change. There seemed to be two outcomes, one good and one bad. He tried to use his Rode to determine which result was true, but they were both the same. It would appear that he couldn’t see what the results of his actions might be. This was new to him. Occasionally, he would see what would happen if he didn’t follow the vision, and while that was bad, it seemed that if he did follow his visions, there was a chance that it would be worse.But he couldn’t worry about that now… *** Radeic wished he had thought about it before. He wasn’t sure what to do.He took a deep breath and calmed himself. He had to take the chance.“For the island,” he said, leaping into the energised protodermis below. ~~~ Words: 598 Entry #6: Member Name: Inferna FireswordTheme: VisionsTitle: In the Swirling Vapors (word count: 592)It was rare that a Makuta would hallucinate, and the idea of one attempting to do just that was almost unfathomable. Inconceivable, one might say.Yet, Makuta Hecate was planning to do just that.The Virus Master observed her locked private quarters once more, checking the array of ingredients she had. They were all exotic, but easily obtainable for someone like, as they were ingredients that she normally used for monster-making work. Taking them from the storehouses in Destral had provoked no questions.It was a good thing, too, because what she was about to do would definitely provoke questions, if anyone were to see her.The floor around her table, the lone virus vat that bubbled with the base potion, and she herself was ringed with a thin trail of salt. It felt somewhat silly to her, but the texts she had consulted for this sort of ritual had all advised the circle be placed around her workspace before beginning.As she was a novice – albeit a skeptical novice – she wasn’t taking any chances.Taking a breath, she solemnly began placing the ingredients into the bubbling liquid, waiting for the color to change before she added the next one. With each element that was put in, the fluid hissed, the high temperature quickly liquefying it all. By the time the last part was in the brew, it had turned a sickly green that smelled terrible: even the most vile of virus combinations didn’t smell as awful as this.Hecate tried not to gag as she spoke the formal words that preceded inhaling the vapors. “To the hunters of the dark realms, hear my call. I come with an appeal to you. Let my visions herald your coming and be the medium between my desires and yours.”She felt silly repeating the archaic chant, but went through it all, holding a black crystal of onyx in her hands in prayer. In the most reverent manner that she could, she leaned directly into the rising steam, and deeply inhaled the fumes.The reaction was immediate: the world blurred around her, and she was forced to stumble back and sink into her throne-like chair before she gracelessly fell onto her backside. Blackness welled up in her vision, but since Makuta couldn’t fall asleep, she remained awake, though she wasn’t completely sure of that fact. Things that seemed similar to the few dreams she’d had when she’d had a physical form were floating through her vision, making it hard to differentiate from reality.Then the voices came. One male, two female, they whispered in her ears, their shapes lurking in the corners of her eyes and vanishing when she tried to look at them directly.“We know,” the strongest female voice hissed. “We know what you desire. We will fulfill it.“You have the means to give us what we desire. Promise us that, and we will insure success in your endeavors.”A remainder of Hecate’s rational mind got her to speak. “Yes, but I would rather discuss this later. There isn’t privacy on Destral.”Hisses came from the other figures, but the stronger female voice silenced them before she spoke again. “Look for us in mirrors and the echoing places. We will wait.”Slowly, the visions ceased, and Hecate raised her head up again. The churning of her brew had stilled some time while she was gripped by visions, so all was quiet.Lowering her head down into her hands, she rested. And thought of the consequences making deals with the Nightborn could be. Entry #7: Member Name: YukikoTheme: VisionsStory: Wake (487 words)He was standing alone on the black sand. The air pressed down on him. It would storm soon, his aching limbs told him that. This was too real as always, this surreal place. But he waited. He had learned to wait. There was nothing else to do in this world beyond his control.“They are coming, Vakama.”Vakama looked up. “Toa Lhikan?”He couldn’t keep his surprise completely concealed. He had not seen the toa of fire for a very long time, in life or in his visions. And yet, here he was, his greatswords slung over his shoulder.“I am what you want to see, Vakama. The storm is coming, and you must learn to make out the truth through the rain.”Vakama said nothing after that. He leaned on his staff, following his old mentor’s eyes toward the mottled gray sky. The wind picked up speed, piercing through his armor. He shivered. The rumble of thunder grew steadily louder, until a flash of light pierced the air above them.Lighting should happen in a split second, but Vakama could swear that he saw the jagged arms of the bolt reaching down toward them to embrace Lhikan. He shielded his eyes as the spot where Lhikan stood blazed with light. He could make out nothing.When the light faded, there was only Lhikan’s golden hau, laying on the sand before him. The eye-holes of the mask blazed red, then green.“Turaga!”Vakama sat up in his pallet. He rubbed his hands over his face to clear the last shadows of sleep from his mind. That voice...it had been Jaller’s voice. But the Captain of the Guard was gone. Gone to the land of the dead, most likely never to return.Vakama had learned to accept his visions. After all, his people venerated him for it. No longer did others question his sanity when he told of his dreams. He was the noble Turaga Vakama, leader of the Ta-matoran.The things he saw in the fire, after all, were not incomprehensible. He stared at the now dead pot of coals in the center of his hut. When he was awake, he could make sense of it, turn it into real voices and figures and events. But in the unconscious territory of his dreams, his mind melded and twisted and dissolved. There were still some nights when he woke feeling cold all over; when he was not sure if he was awake at all.And those eyes. Red and then green. What did that mean? The Makuta? His eyes were red, and his poison turned the eyes green. But matoran could have green eyes as well. Then there was Jaller’s voice. It had sounded different. Almost…Older, Vakama thought. Like a toa’s.He sat up and began to tend to the coals, as the sun hid the dying stars from the sky. Entry #8: Member Name: DespairTheme: VisionsStory: The ObserversWord Count: 546In the time before time…I watched as the once-mighty planet shattered into pieces, and I watched as the robotic vessel the others called their home started its journey through the stars. I observed the many events that took place within that robot – that universe. From the first hesitant steps of the Matoran to the treachery and eventual downfall of the League of Six Kingdoms; I watched it all. The others also watched, but I had no idea what scenes they were forced to view or if they too suffered the same way I did. It was our duty to examine the history of that world, and for most of us it was a wearisome task. I was no exception to this, for I would often grow tired of observing what had already come to pass.Among our numbers were a few who, like myself, wished to get a glimpse of the future instead of this endless stream of age-old history. When we were not busy fulfilling our duties of examining the past (which, admittedly, was not very often), we would often debate on what the future would be like. You see, we only knew of one time: the past. The present was hidden to us, and the future was an eternal mystery to all. Although you could argue that we each had our own time that could be labeled as the present, I believe most of us would agree that that was nonsense. When we were created, we were forced to cast aside our own lives for the sake of something greater.Or at least that was what we had been told. I found that “something” to be infuriatingly vague, for it gave us no idea of what exactly we were sacrificing what others deemed so precious for. Was it for the Matoran, who lived carelessly happy lives down below? Was it for the future that we would never live to experience, trapped as we were in a bottomless pit of the past?I kept these thoughts to myself, but this was my reason for wanting to see what would come to be. I wanted to know that my sacrificing my own happiness and the similar sacrifices of the others would indeed come to bring about something worthwhile. Even in my heart, I couldn’t imagine what could possibly be worth all that I had endured. I could only label that future as “something”, for none of us knew what it was.That was what I hated about the visions; the future was hidden from even we who had more than earned the right to know it. In all the events I had seen unfold, good had always somehow managed to prevail. So why, when there were those suffering for the sakes of others, could nothing but misfortune come their way?I closed my eyes, hoping in desperation that it would block out the images rushing through my mind. I knew it wouldn’t; I had tried hundreds of times before now and it had never worked before. However, a person could always hope.For me, hope was all I had left. I had hope, not for the future, but to see the future.Visions of the past were all I lived for, and visions of the future were all I dreamed of. Entry #9:Member Name: fishers64Theme: VisionsStory: Between Cities (463 words)“Where are we?”“It’s a little hard to tell, seeing as it’s dark in here.”“Nuparu, aren’t you the guy who is supposed to be able to see in the dark?”“When Kongu can see in pitch black, I will too.”Kongu reached out a hand to his side. A wall. Curved like a tunnel. He felt his way along it, only to run into a solid obstacle. “Hey, watch where you’re going! You’re just like Kongu, always so clumsy!”“Thanks, Nuparu, I really appreciate that. Let’s see, we are in a dark tunnel…somewhere…”“Metru Nui. I mean, I see Metru Nui. Bright and happy, people are their jobs, happily talking with each other.”“Come on, dude, knock it off.”“No, seriously, I see Makuta rising up the Coliseum, energy pylons bending to his will…I see Visorak spiders now.”Kongu grabbed his friend’s arm. “You’re hyperventilating from too much time in the dark.”“The city is deserted, dark, and still.” Nuparu said as Kongu dragged him forward. “The Matoran! They are coming back! They are rebuilding!”“Yes, we all know this. The Turaga told us about it. We saw it before.”“I see the Order of Mata Nui! Building fortifications around the city! They sent us away on another mission – but we were different.”“How?”“I can’t explain.”“Look, we have to get out of this tunnel – it’s driving you bonkers. There is no ‘Order of Mata Nui’. We are Mata Nui’s servants.”“Something dark…rearranging the stars…”“There’s a light ahead. Come on, Nuparu.”“Smashing…trembling…darkness...gone. The Matoran left. Bright sunlight.”The two Toa emerged from the tunnel. Magnetic sheaths blinked, liquid protodermis dripping onto the stone below. Rahi scurried through nests of debris. The floor was painted with a fine layer of dust. The ceiling was a grim web of girders encased in Visorak webs and bits of still-intact stone and wires. Walking across a sagging bridge, Kongu saw dim lights of forges still burning. He ran, almost without thought, to the edge of the silver sea, grimy and murky. The Great Temple, cracking and falling in. The top spires of the Coliseum, falling, crushing homes and sculptures the crafters must have put hours into. A lone Gukko bird flapped over the abysmal scene, coming to rest at his feet. Dead.“No!” he shouted.* * *“Kongu, are you all right?”Kongu blinked. He was on the ground, leaning up against a tunnel. His memory returned – a Zyglak, clobbering him against the wall. Nuparu offered a hand up. Kongu ignored it and scrambled to his feet.“What’s with you?”“Just a little taste of Karzanhi.”“What?”“Look, we have a city to save, and we don’t have time for visions. Now let’s get moving.” Entry #10: Member Name: KumataTheme: VisionsStory: Doubt (596 words)Sunlight stained the sky with streaks of gold and violet. Below that colourful canvas stretched a barren plain; a desert that - even though Spherus Magna was reformed - remained as lifeless as ever. Upon it lay a vast figure of dark and rusting metal. That the final resting place of the Great Being’s robot creation (which for a time housed the spirit of Makuta Teridax) should be on such unwelcoming terrain was a curious quirk of fate.Overlooking this scene was a lone figure standing upon a rocky peak. Turaga Vakama’s robes flapped gently in the evening breeze.“So, here you are.”The Turaga of Fire turned, startled by the voice, and set eyes upon another, more aged Turaga of Fire coming up the slope.“Dume,” said Vakama, the surprise evident in his tone.Dume considered the younger Turaga. “What troubles you?”Vakama’s eyes dodged Dume’s gaze. “I am not troubled.” Dume said nothing, but continued to stare. For the next few moments Vakama was silent - then sighed wearily and turned away. “It is my visions.”Dume stepped forwards, joining Vakama’s side. “Something you have seen?”“No. It’s… the fact that I have them,” Vakama replied sadly. He paused before continuing. “I thought my visions were messages from the Great Spirit. I convinced myself that they were meant to guide me, that I was shown glimpses of terrible things so I may prevent them from happening. But now we know we were all part of that robot… now I understand. They weren’t messages after all - just products of my own malfunctioning mind. They were no guiding force; the Great Beings simply erred when they constructed me. All that effort to assure myself that I was sane, and in the end I really am crosswired.”“Vakama…” said the older Turaga kindly, “you are a fool.”Startled again, Vakama looked up. Dume elaborated. “I may not have witnessed your time as a Toa, but I have heard stories enough of how you wrestled with doubt during those days. Particularly how you overcame it. And now, centuries later, you disregard those crucial experiences? Only a fool does this.”“But this - it’s different now!” Vakama protested, an unusual desperation in his voice. “I thought my visions were meant to be. I thought they played some significant role in the course of my destiny! But they were only glitches, hallucinations-”“Answer this,” interrupted Dume sternly. “Did your visions provide insight that allowed you to help others?”“Yes, but-”“Were there times in your past where, had you not experienced visions, you would have failed your goals, your duty, even your destiny?”“I… yes, I… believe so.”“So. Whether these are visions or glitches is irrelevant. They supported your personal growth and - much as we were components in a larger robot - your visions and your acting on them were vital gears in the machinery of history. Without them we may never have reached this new paradise.” Dume placed a hand on his companion’s shoulder. “I understand that the revelation of what we were and the true nature of our universe is difficult to take in. But you must remember that it does not alter who were are. It would be a terrible thing for you to succumb to doubt after all your years of courage and wisdom.”Vakama’s only response was a gradual, grateful smile. Dume lowered his arm. The two Turaga stayed atop the peak for a while, looking wordlessly at the fallen giant. Then, without another word between them, they began their journey home. Entry #11: Member Name: ClickTheme: VisionsStory: Rock of AgesIt had fallen without warning in the middle of the night, nearly crushing Gekara on her way home, and neatly slicing a half off of Verius’s hut; luckily he wasn’t home. From a distance, it had a boring appearance, like any rock you might find at the edge of the Black Spike Mountains, but on closer inspection, became a powerful enigma for the inhabitants of New Atero. The entire boulder was covered in writing in an unknown language; the only pictogram of a stout little being with a triangular head and a disk in one hand. Once Solis Magna had risen, it revealed a large crowd of Matoran and Agori crowded around, torches slowly going out over their silent vigil.“Stand aside, villagers, stand aside!” A towering Glatorian of Fire broke the silence as he broke through the mob, wading up to the rock. A wizened old Turaga followed, and then a small Matoran of Ice.“What happened? What is this?” The Turaga immediately burst into questions, to which followed an explosion of stories and alibis, which were silenced with difficulty by the Glatorian. The Matoran was furiously taking notes on a small tablet. “Call on Nokama, she might be able to read this.” A flurry of motion and talking passed as a group of Matoran ran off to the north bringing the word. A hot hour passed before a light blue Turaga walked into the circle, villagers spreading to give her room. The group grew tense as they awaited something to happen, and Nokama furrowed her brow in intense concentration. After a few minutes passed by, she stood up in defeat and shook her head.“Mata Nui will not grant me a vision of its meaning. Perhaps, by knowing its past, we may be able to understand its purpose.” At those words, another group of Matoran broke off in search of a Toa, bringing back a Toa of Plasma wearing the Mask of Psychometry. As the orange being tried to break into the center, all eyes were on him, waiting to see the result.The Toa nervously glanced first at the crowd, and then at the Turaga, Glatorian, and Chronicler in the center. He tentatively reached for the stone, drew back for a moment, and then allowed the power of his mask to show its past to him. He first started shaking, and then his free arm started a spasm as elemental energy cracked through the air. His eyes widened, then his mouth gaped and a low moan escaped before he shot backwards into the crowd, smoking. The surprised villagers jumped back, and a few reached out to catch the limp Toa. All wide eyes were on the charred armor as one Matoran pronounced he was dead.“The vision must have been too much for him. This seemingly common rock may have an interesting history indeed,” said the first Turaga. At the sound of this, the Toa shook momentarily, and his heartlight flashed just long enough for one word to escape his sealed lips.“He…lp.”The pictogram flashed and a hairline crack grew from it, enveloping the whole stone until it collapsed in on itself in a shower of dust. After recovering from shock, the anxious crowd peered into the clearing hole.Inside was a rectangular pod with a clear covering, revealing a being like the one pictured on the stone. A disk flashed across as the being’s eyes opened, and the crowd saw a distant planet, split into seven elemental fragments and a race not unlike themselves…(589 words) Entry #12:Member Name: Legolover-361Theme: VisionsStory: Returned (600 words)Koi is gone.Just yesterday over the meal table, she had sat and talked with the rest of us — Eknosis, Rea, and me — had eaten her fill, had smiled in her withdrawn fashion at every joke told, her eyes glimmering under the candlelight. Now she is passed like a dream, her seat empty. Her name only comes heavily to my tongue.As I prod at my food, Eknosis asks me if I feel fine. Concern is in the Toa of Earth's eyes, but it seems thin as paper."I do," I respond, "but does—"Her name refuses to be uttered. Eknosis acquiesces. The remainder of the meal passes in silence.* * *Our dwelling is not overly large. It consists of four bedrooms, one per occupant; a dining room with a circular table and four seats; a kitchen; and a small living room whose bookshelf acts as a magnet for faint coatings of dust. Eknosis, being a Toa of Earth adorned with a Mask of Accuracy, does all the hunting required for sustenance; Rea, a Vortixx, cooks behind locked doors; and I, Ikara, remain in the library most of the day, scribbling on whatever paper I can acquire as I ponder philosophy.Koi would normally tidy the rooms, but with her absent, I go about the work myself. My subconscious mind recycles thoughts of the Toa of Water; my conscious mind expunges them as they surface.When I dust the last shelf in the living room, I light a candle with my fire powers and, under its flickering light, pore over a volume I have been reading for days. Reality, it suggests, is subjective. It's wistful to imagine death is a dream, but I need solace from something.* * *Solace, I lament, left with Eknosis.Night had fallen, and the Toa of Earth had failed to knock upon the door. For the first time in what seemed like millennia, I had felt a shard of fear pierce my heart. Eknosis is still unreturned.Rea is apathetic. Expecting sympathy from a Vortixx is folly, true, but could she really ignore the absence of our lifeblood?She says she will cook using leftovers. No utterance of Eknosis's name enters her speech, and I offer none in return.My reply is to nod and again open the book I had been reading: An Examination of "Reality", by K. Aria.* * *"Don't you leave," I finally say to Rea over dinner.She doesn't respond. Angrily, I repeat the question; she ignores me.Cold fear wraps around my heart. In panic, I round the table and grab her by the shoulders, yelling the question in her face. Finally, she snaps. The others aren't gone, she says; I am."No." Yes.She's hopeless. I stand up. "Forget you."She says I can't. "Stop bluffing," I challenge, but she denies the allegation. She asks: How could I possibly erase a part of myself?My subconscious mind screams under the sudden pressure of pain. Rea must feel it, for she cries in return that I must be a fool to have fallen for this dream.This... dream?The thought serves as a trigger. The candles in the living room are extinguished. Rea laughs as my existence is turned off as if by a switch. She pulls away — as does the rest of the dining room — whiplash yanks my head back hard enough for my neck to hurt—I awaken in the cruel grasp of a prison: walls of debris in a cold, dead universe. My Mask of Illusion dims, fading from bliss into dead weight.I am returned.I am broken. Entry #13:Member Name: TNTOSTheme: VisionsStory: The Curse of Vagueness (568 words)Kafor blinked and saw herself.No. That wasn’t it. Not exactly. She did see herself, but it was herself from the future. The Skakdi Seer watched as her future self battled a figure dressed in white robes. The being moved with the grace of a serpent; indeed there was something vaguely serpentine in his thin arms and legs that sent shivers up Kafor’s spine.Kafor wasn’t alone in this vision, however. She saw a black-and-green warrior fighting alongside her future self. She did not recognize his species at all. He was hunchbacked and hideous, with a round helmet with a protruding backside. He carried a sword and buzz saw shield, but he used them mostly for channeling shadow elemental energy.Who is that being? Who are we fighting? Kafor thought, but she really didn’t expect an answer. Her visions were always vague and this one was no different.It was then that Kafor sensed someone nearby. Glancing to the left, Kafor saw a Toa of Iron chained up (which she found ironic). She recognized him as Toa Nasis, a customer of hers, but she didn’t feel disturbed to see him in chains. She’d never liked him much anyway. She didn’t even bother theorize why he was here when she knew there wasn’t any point in speculating in these visions.Kafor turned her attention back to the fight. She saw her future self fire eye beams at the white-robed being, who ducked while at the same time with his arm blocking the shadow being’s sword. The white-robed being smirked and his face changed into a Kanohi Pakari. He slammed his fist into the shadow being’s face, sending Kafor’s future ally stumbling to the ground.Future Kafor gasped, but then the shadow being got back up and shook his head, as though he got punched in the face by unnaturally strong beings every day. The shadow being charged at the white-robed enemy again, swinging his sword. This time landing a hit on the enemy, cutting through his robes and revealing black armor underneath.Future Kafor shot more laser blasts at the white-robed enemy, which hit him in the chest. Kafor figured that should‘ve been a fatal blow, but the enemy merely staggered backwards and glanced down at the smoking hole in his chest. It looked as though the enemy’s innards were completely devoid of organs, similar to a robot’s anatomy.Then the enemy scowled and clapped his hands together, creating a sonic boom that Kafor couldn’t hear. She knew it was a sonic boom because her future self and her future ally clasped their hands over their audio receptors and reeled in agony. Kafor was glad she couldn’t hear it.The enemy ran at Future Kafor and her ally. Kafor blinked again and found herself lying rigid on her bed, staring up at the ceiling of her room. She cursed her vision for ending just then, but only halfheartedly. Her visions were always unclear and she hadn’t expected this one to be different.This one seemed more important than past visions, however, perhaps because it directly concerned her. Kafor only wished she knew when it was going to take place, if nothing else. She also wondered what Nasis had to do with it.Not much I can do about it, Kafor thought. Except, of course, wait. And, although I’ve become so good at it over the years, I hate waiting. Entry #14: Member name: Kal GrochiTheme: VisionsStory: Salvation (552 words.)Running. Jumping. Flying. He did all of these with ease.But there always seemed to be a hunger that he couldn’t appease.Life. Battle. Death. All these and more flashed before his eyes.But he couldn’t even see through the web of his own mind-created lies.A blinding light, there, at the end of the tunnel!But he couldn’t reach it, no, as his fate would tell.“Don’t worry, Vakama,” the resting red Toa said,“The Vahki and Makuta all seem to have fled.”Suddenly he turned, seeing weapons of destruction,Matoran reduced to a state where they could barely even function.He stepped back in fear, before realizing his mistake,Already he had resigned the Matoran to their fate.Suddenly, the vision broke, he recoiled from the sphere,Attempting to conquer his mind numbing fear.“Vakama!” Nokama called, “What did you see?”Vakama shook his head, trying from his mind to flee.“The Matoran, they’re in danger!” The distraught Toa cried,Seeing his friends go to sleep, their freedom denied.Nokama put a comforting hand on his shoulder,Though to Vakama, he only felt colder. *** Vakama sighed, sitting beneath the stars, having finished the small poem. He had yet to find Lihkan, let alone discover what he was to do with the Great Disks. He closed his eyes, thinking over his recent memory again. *** When he closed his eyes, he saw Lihkan. Chained, beaten, but his fiery will burned bright still. The elder Toa of Fire stared into Vakama’s eyes, his gaze piercing Vakama’s innermost thoughts.“Do not fail the Matoran,” he commanded, a dark laugh coming through in the background. “You’re their guardian now, Vakama, they need you. Do not lose hope, do not back down, and you will prevail.” Lhikan’s face contorted in pain, his back arching as a shadow whip burnt another bloody trail down his back.“Go, Vakama!” He commanded. “Do not tarry here, the Matoran need you!” The golden-armoured Toa of Fire let out a slight groan as he was struck again, fading from Vakama’s view, not hearing the desperate cries of the mask maker. *** “Vakama!” The Toa of Fire heard. “Vakama!” He stirred awake, his hand instantly reaching for his disk launcher, ready for battle…when he noticed it was just Nokama attempting to awaken him.“Another vision?” She asked, concerned. Vakama nodded, averting his eyes. Nokama sighed, banging her fist against the wall in frustration. Vakama stood, walking to the front of the small canyon where they were sheltered. He had a perfect view of the Coliseum.He pulled out two of the Great Disks, again, looking at them intensely. Suddenly, he felt an almost magnetic pull between the disks…normally he would resist this, to prevent any possible damage to the disks…but this time, he let them come together.He was surprised by the result. Instead of just bouncing against each other like normal disks might, they merged. He looked at them closely, pulling out the other four disks, one by one, and combining them all, applying a little of his element to make sure they merged well.He smiled, looking at the finished product. A burnished, golden-hued disk, almost with a majestic aura about it.“Nokama,” he said, a determined look on his face, “I think I’ve just found our salvation." Entry #15: Member Name: Danska: Shadow MasterTheme: VisionsStory: Ihiko's Terror (559 words)Ihiko sat alone in his hut, staring through the circular window as the fading light sunk below the horizon. He was visibly shaking beneath his mask, his mind filled with strange ideas he could not possibly know. Right in the middle of his work shift he had gained a sudden realisation of things he knew he had never seen and places he had never known. It was strange, to say the least, and disturbing for one so deeply concerned with facts and certainty as he.He had seen in his mind's eye the great Toa Heiran, first and greatest of all heroes, legend of the Five Isles and champion of the Drakooni Wastes. He had stood tall, power radiating from him in great waves of heat and flame. He held aloft his mighty sword, the sword that had delivered a thousand Matoran from greatest peril, and a thousand more who had never even heard his name. He stood alone in a great expanse of sky and sand, stretching in every direction further than the eye could see. It was a place Ihiko had never been, yet somehow it was as familiar as the shores of his homeland.Then, suddenly, the Toa's light began to fade. His armour darkened, seeming to lose its vitality and substance. Slowly it faded, until it was nothing more than ash in the wind. The hero of centuries, the Toa who came to be known as both the greatest warrior and greatest peacekeeper these people had ever known, was no more.It was obvious this vision was of the past. Ihiko knew, as all knew, that this mighty hero had died long ago in a far distant land, felled at last by the many evils he had long kept at bay. Ihiko knew not why he saw this, nor even that what he saw was true. He knew only that he had seen it - that heknew it - and this scared him. Neither logic nor reason could explain how this could come to be.But that was not the most disturbing thing. No, one fact weighed down on him heavier than any other. It was something he knew beyond any doubt. Something which filled him with great hope and great terror; with great joy and great sorrow. It was a simple fact, coupled with an equally simple observation. But he knew it would change everything.In the final moments before Heiran had vanished, Ihiko had glanced one more thing. One small, fleeting thing. As the great Toa's mask crumbled before him he saw, without any shadow of a doubt, a face he knew only too well. It was in that moment that he knew, this was more than a vision of the past. It was also a vision of the future. For the face he saw behind the mask, the face he had glimpsed so very briefly, was his.He knew, in that instant, what his destiny was. He knew where he had to go. He knew what he had to do. Like many before him, he must take up the mantle of Toa. He must wield the raw power of nature itself to protect his people from the evils that lay beyond their shores. He, Ihiko, must become the new protector of the Five Isles.He had never been more scared in his life.
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Warm-Up: Flash Fiction Marathon Today we have come to you with a unique form of contest: You are to run a marathon. A marathon of short stories, or, more appropriately, flash fiction pieces. For the next twelve (12) days there will be twelve (12) themes. And, also uniquely, this will be the first crossover contest including both COT and the Library.Sound like something you’re interested in? Then make sure you read the following: Contest Rules and Important Information [*]Each entry MUST be between 400-600 words. This is flash fiction.[*]One new theme will be given out each night. Each theme will be given out at Midnight, EST (hopefully; I have finals and graduation and other things next week), every night for 12 days[*]The contests will alternate between BIONICLE and COT. The first contest will be BIONICLE, the second will be COT, then going back to Bionicle and so on.[*]Bionicle entries may be human-Bionicle, if you wish. Just as long as they have some sort of relation to Bionicle. As usual, the story does not have to follow the canon storyline -- you may create your own characters, settings, etc., as long as in some way the story relates to Bionicle.[*]COT entries are not allowed to be Bionicle. That's what the Bionicle themes are for.[*]For each theme, contestants will have 48 hours to enter – so, if it’s a Bionicle theme, you will have until the next Bionicle theme is announced (as there will be a COT theme in between there) to enter your story.[*]After the 48-hour entry period, the entries will be placed in a poll for you – yes, you! – to decide the winner for the day; each winner will be receiving a small prize. At the end of all 12, the 12 winners will be pooled together and judged by judges for a final prize of greater monetary value.[*]It is very likely that an extra prize will be given for those who enter all 12 challenges, both COT and Bionicle.[*]Each winner for the 12 themes will receive a small prize, to be announced.[*]If you are going to post your stories, do so in the correct forum; COT stories belong in COT, Bionicle stories belong in the Short Stories section of the Library.[*]All entries must adhere to BZPower's rules and guidelines.[*]Your story must be new and never before posted on BZP. You can certainly have been working on your entry before this, but it must be posted on BZP after the start of the contest for it to be eligible.[*]Keep it PG-13-ish appropriate. So no gory descriptions, excessive violence, inappropriate content, et cetera.[*]You cannot edit your entry 30 minutes after it is posted. Once you post your story, you will have thirty minutes to edit it in order to make any formatting changes or to edit your story itself -- if you edit your entry post after that, your entry will be disqualified. PM me if you have to edit for story for some reason after 30 minutes before you do so.[*]If your story is not posted in this topic with the correct format, your entry will not be entered into the contest. [*]Do not use unnecessary formatting -- see more in the "How to Enter" section. How To Enter: There will be two main topics, one for Bionicle (this topic) and one in COT (which will be posted when the next theme begins); make sure you post your entry in the right one. If you are entering a COT theme, post in the COT topic.To enter, please use this form:Member Name:Theme:Word Count:Story:NOTE: Do NOT link to your story. It is fine if you wish to post it on BZPower, but for entering this contest, we ask that you post your story in this topic. Thanks!Furthermore, do NOT have any unnecessary coding when entering your stories. This means no color, not signoffs, no indents, etc. You may use italics, underline, etc. if it’s used for the body of your story, but please leave your posts as bare possible.And so, without further ado, I present to you: THEME #9: The Legacy As usual, any interpretation of the theme is valid, but it must be a BIONICLE story and it must adhere to the rules in the first post. Deadline: June 5th, 4:59 AM EST (keep in mind the time -- this is the night of the 4th, but at ~5am EST or ~2am PST, due to the late time that I am posting this theme) Theme #7 Alternate Universe As usual, any interpretation of the theme is valid, but it must be a BIONICLE story and it must adhere to the rules in the first post. Deadline: June 2nd, 11:59 AM EST Theme #5: Flight As usual, any interpretation of the theme is valid, but it must be a BIONICLE story , and it must adhere to the word count restriction posted above. Deadline: May 31th, 11:59 PM EST THEME #3 The Legends of Lhii As alluded to in the banner above, the second theme will be "The Legend of Lhii." Write a Legend of Lhii. One of the stories invented or adapted by Turaga Vakama and told to the Matoran of Mata Nui. See the BS01 article. This is a BIONICLE theme, and it must adhere to the word count restriction posted above. Deadline: May 29th, 2:59 AM EST (note: changing time limit to three hours later to compensate as I didn't post the theme until now) It is our honor and pleasure to host yet another contest for you. We wish you all the best of luck, and hope we receive as many entries as possible!Your hosts,Andrew (Velox)John (55555)
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Warm-Up: Flash Fiction Marathon [ Bionicle topic :: Entries Index] Today we have come to you with a unique form of contest: You are to run a marathon. A marathon of short stories, or, more appropriately, flash fiction pieces. For the next twelve (12) days there will be twelve (12) themes. And, also uniquely, this will be the first crossover contest including both COT and the Library.Sound like something you’re interested in? Then make sure you read the following: Contest Rules and Important Information [*]Each entry MUST be between 400-600 words. This is flash fiction.[*]One new theme will be given out each night. Each theme will be given out at Midnight, EST (hopefully; I have finals and graduation and other things next week), every night for 12 days[*]The contests will alternate between BIONICLE and COT. The first contest will be BIONICLE, the second will be COT, then going back to Bionicle and so on.[*]Bionicle entries may be human-Bionicle, if you wish. Just as long as they have some sort of relation to Bionicle. As usual, the story does not have to follow the canon storyline -- you may create your own characters, settings, etc., as long as in some way the story relates to Bionicle.[*]COT entries are not allowed to be Bionicle. That's what the Bionicle themes are for.[*]For each theme, contestants will have 48 hours to enter – so, if it’s a Bionicle theme, you will have until the next Bionicle theme is announced (as there will be a COT theme in between there) to enter your story.[*]After the 48-hour entry period, the entries will be placed in a poll for you – yes, you! – to decide the winner for the day; each winner will be receiving a small prize. At the end of all 12, the 12 winners will be pooled together and judged by judges for a final prize of greater monetary value.[*]It is very likely that an extra prize will be given for those who enter all 12 challenges, both COT and Bionicle.[*]Each winner for the 12 themes will receive a small prize, to be announced.[*]If you are going to post your stories, do so in the correct forum; COT stories belong in COT, Bionicle stories belong in the Short Stories section of the Library.[*]All entries must adhere to BZPower's rules and guidelines.[*]Your story must be new and never before posted on BZP. You can certainly have been working on your entry before this, but it must be posted on BZP after the start of the contest for it to be eligible.[*]Keep it PG-13-ish appropriate. So no overly gory descriptions, excessive violence, sexual content, inappropriate content, et cetera.[*]You cannot edit your entry 30 minutes after it is posted. Once you post your story, you will have thirty minutes to edit it in order to make any formatting changes or to edit your story itself -- if you edit your entry post after that, your entry will be disqualified. PM me if you have to edit for story for some reason after 30 minutes before you do so.[*]If your story is not posted in this topic with the correct format, your entry will not be entered into the contest.[*]Do not use unnecessary formatting -- see more in the "How to Enter" section. How To Enter: There will be two main topics, one for Bionicle ( here) and one in COT (this one); make sure you post your entry in the right one. If you are entering a Bionicle theme, post in the Bionicle topic, not this one.To enter, please use this form:Member Name:Theme:Word Count:Story:NOTE: Do NOT link to your story. It is fine if you wish to post it on BZPower, but for entering this contest, we ask that you post your story in this topic. Thanks!Furthermore, do NOT have any unnecessary coding when entering your stories. This means no color, not signoffs, no indents, etc. You may use italics, underline, etc. if it’s used for the body of your story, but please leave your posts as bare possible.And so, without further ado, I present to you: THEME #12:Preparation Any interpretation valid. Remember this is a COT Theme. Entries must comply with all rules posted in the first post. Sorry for the delay, banner will come later.Deadline:June 8th, 11:59 PM EST THEME #8:UltimatumYes, in the intrepid Velox's absence I'm announcing your theme. As usual, you may use the theme however you'd like. Remember that this is a COT theme, and your story must comply with the word count regulation.Deadline: June 3rd, 1:59 AM EST. THEME #6:Amor Omnia VincitAs usual, you may use the theme however you'd like. "Amor Omnia Vincit" is a famous latin phrase meaning "Love Conquers All." Remember that this is a COT theme, and your story must comply with the word count regulation.Deadline: June 1st, 1:59 AM EST. (banner forthcoming)THEME #4 The GameAny interpretation is valid. The only requirement is that this is a COT theme, and it must adhere to the word count restriction posted above.Deadline: May 30th, 11:59 PM ESTIt is our honor and pleasure to host yet another contest for you. We wish you all the best of luck, and hope we receive as many entries as possible!Your hosts,Andrew (Velox)John (55555)
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Well, I wasn't going to make one of these, but I need a topic for them to be reviewed by the SSCC. So. Aqui los están.VisionsShadow of the WindI stood on the lip of the crater, gazing down into the unfathomable darkness of its immeasurable depths. We were here. We had done it. A smile forming on my mask, I looked up, turning to my companions.But of the three, only one was present – Quintus. The sunlight glinted off his green armor, but something about the way it reflected was...wrong. I looked into his face, which bore a peculiar expression, a satisfied sort of smile that I couldn’t quite place. “Where are the others, Quintus?” I asked. My heart rate rose rapidly, though I wasn’t quite sure why.The world spun. I felt like I was hanging upside down for a split second and then as if I was falling and then-I stepped back in horror. In Quintus’ place hovered a dark form, a roiling mass of pure shadow. From its depths came a terrible sound – laughter, laughter in Quintus’ voice, the same laugh I had come to know so well from the easygoing Le-Toa. “You have done well, my friend.” The words echoed in my mind, the words in my friend’s voice, but not his voice. I got the feeling I should run, but my feet didn’t seem to want to listen. The mass of shadow seethed, a violent ripple passing through it, and a bolt of its substance flew from it, impossibly fast, and struck me in the chest-My eyes snapped open. I was breathing heavily, my heart racing. Quintus stood over me, a worried expression on his face. “You all right, man?” he asked. I nodded slowly. “Well, if you’re sure...” he shrugged. “Get some sleep. There’s still a few hours ‘til your watch.”I wanted to take his advice – badly. I was tired, extremely tired, and we had a long day tomorrow. But instead I rose. “Nah, that’s all right. I’ll take it from here.”Quintus looked at me curiously, then shrugged again. “If you say so.” Within a few moments, he was sound asleep.I gazed out over the clearing, looking upon the sleeping forms of my companions. The dream...could it really have been just that? My gaze fell upon Jotham. He had warned me, privately, of course, about taking Quintus with us. Maybe my imagination was just catching up with me, and I was subconsciously inventing things based on his warning?Yes. Yes, that must have been it. I sat back against the tree, settling myself in a comfortable position, preparing for the long wait ‘til morning.Legends of Lhii - This is the original version. 828 words.InstinctA ring of six torches, flickering in the darkness, encircles the group of Ta-Matoran, casting wavering pools of light upon the pit of sand at their center. The excited conversation of moments before has faded, and all eyes are fixed upon the hunched being leaning on his staff at one end of the slightly elliptical pit.Turaga Vakama taps his staff on the ground once, and the flames of the torches fal to glowing embers. He reaches into a small pouch at his side, withdrawing a single stone and casting it into the pit. The Matoran cannot see the details of the stone in the darkness, but they know it well. The Turaga’s ancient voice rings through the group, every word clear despite the softness of his tone. “You have heard many times the legends of Lhii, the greatest lavasurfer Ta-Koro has ever known.” Vakama pauses, and the Matoran wait expectantly. “But surfing is not all he was known for...” ⁂ Thwick, thwick, thwick, plink. The rock skipped across the water, sending ripples across the peaceful surface of the bay. Lhii glanced down and selected another rock, about the size of his hand, about half the width of his finger. In a well-practiced motion he drew back his arm and sent the stone flying with a flick of his wrist. Lhii liked it here, alone, in this peaceful bay, hidden from the outside world by the cliffs rising up on all sides, impassable save for a single trail of which Lhii alone knew. Out here he could think, something he never had the time or space for back in Ta-Koro. He chose another rock. Threw it. Thwick, thwick, thwick, plink.Crunch.Crunch? Lhii turned casually at the sound, mostly worried that he had been discovered and would have to find another hideout. But to his relief, no one was there. With a shrug, he chose another rock. Threw it. Thwick, thwick, thwick, plink.CRUNCH.Now that he hadn’t imagined. Lhii turned again and stood, grabbing his lavaboard as he did so. Someone – or something – was there, and he didn’t want to meet it unprepared. Cautiously, Lhii made his way for the narrow staircase of sorts that was a natural feature of the rock. An upward glance revealed nothing (not that he had expected it to), so he began to climb.He was about halfway up when he heard it again – CRUNCH! But it was followed by another sound, a muffled sort of cry, as though for help. Lhii quickened his pace.By the time he reached the top, the muffled cry was no longer muffled, nor was it a cry – it was a full-on scream. The crunches, too, were no longer crunches, but powerful reverberations Lhii could feel through the rock at his feet. A large formation of rock sat atop the ridge, and he dashed around it without second thought – he was moving on instinct now.The scene would have struck fear into any Matoran’s heart, and Lhii was no exception. A Muaka in mottled grey-and-brown armor stood before him, massive, the largest he had seen. It crouched menacingly, a snarl upon its maw, ready to pounce – but not on him. The Rahi took no notice of Lhii, intent as it was on the Ga-Matoran backed against the wall of rock, cowering in fear. Her screams had died; fear lodging all sound back in her throat.Lhii was afraid, yes. But this did not stop him. His pace never slowed as he dashed for the Rahi. Diving forward, he planted his lavaboard on the ground, and pushing off it into a perfect aerial roll landed on the beast’s back. The Muaka’s attention was on him now as it lunged back and forth, attempting to shake him off. But Lhii hung on.Lhii was positioned atop the Muaka’s neck at this point. In a swift motion, he split apart the two blades that made up his lavaboard and slammed the butt of one of them into the Rahi’s temple several times. It was a blow that would have crumpled a lesser Rahi instantaneously, but the Muaka barely seemed affected. Lhii looked down into its eyes and saw the expression he had hoped never to see again – the look of a creature driven to madness by the Makuta. There was but one way to end this.Lhii dropped the blade in his left hand and grabbed the edge of a plate of armor. As the Muaka skidded to a halt, Lhii let himself fall, slipping sideways off the Rahi’s neck, still holding tightly to its armor. An upward thrust, the flash of the blade in the sunlight-And everything was still. With a long, wistful glance at the body of the slain Rahi, Lhii retrieved his blades. Cleaned them. Formed them again into his lavaboard.He offered his hand to the Ga-Matoran as she rose unsteadily to her feet. Wordlessly, the two began the long trek back to Ga-Koro.Flight - Yeah, it sucks. I know.I Didn't Sign Up for ThisThe moment I stepped off the elevator to Le-Koro I knew something was wrong. The place, simply put, seemed abandoned – the usually lively Le-Matoran were nowhere to be seen; instead of their singing voices, the only sound was the whistle of the wind. All that remained to suggest they’d ever been there was a single flute, haphazardly discarded at the center of the square.I bent over and picked the instrument up, examining it. I lifted it to my lips, played a few notes-The Koro sprung to life, dozens of Matoran leaping from hiding places, regarding me curiously. Well, that was odd. At least-A droning hum filled the air, growing louder by the second, cutting off any chance at conversation. Turning, I saw what looked to be dark clouds billowing up in the distance, approaching rapidly. There was a flurry of movement as the Le-Matoran jumped to action, racing off in all directions. Some ran to the edge of the platform and – leaped off!?Dark forms swooped up from beneath the platform of the village – it took me a few moments to realize that these were Gukko, the Matoran’s mounts. I chuckled softly. Well, those vineswingers could try their crazy stunts if they wanted.One Matoran had remained behind, calling for my attention. I quickly ran over to him. Kongu, he said his name was. Evidently the Turaga had been taken by Nui-Rama, and the oversized bugs were now attacking the rest of them.“Good luck, then,” I said. “I wish I could help, but-”Kongu’s face broke into a grin. “Excellent, my friend! I myself am in want-need of a second!”It took me a moment to realize what he meant. “Ohh, no,” I protested. In my mind, Ta-Matoran belonged firmly planted on the ground. The air was for Matoran of that element.Kongu, however, would not be deterred. He whistled for his own mount and threw me atop it despite my protests – he was surprisingly strong for a Matoran of his build. “C’mon, firespitter!” he cried. “You can throw a disc, right?”“Well...yes.”“Well then, throw them! It’s no different than doing it from the ground, unless by ‘different’ you mean ‘better’.” He grinned wildly, and a smile involuntarily broke on my face as well. His enthusiasm was infectious.And then we were charging for the edge of the platform and leaping off and-Flying.In an instant, all my doubts evaporated – the sensation of flight, of soaring above the lowly earth...there is nothing like it.
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IF YOU HAVE EVER INTERED A PIZZA EATING CONTEST POST IN THIS TOPIC! -
2012 EDITION Phew, finally kicking this project into gear! First things first: "What are you guys doing?" You look in those pics of BrickFair or BrickFest and see those staffers in them snazzy BZPower staff shirts? Then you see the members wearing their rainbow of a wardrobe, looking all... yanno... normal? (Seriously, guys-- you're Lego fans from BZPower. You're not allowed to look normal.) And then you want to, if you ever go to one of these conventions, have some sort of uniformity to make y'all look all sharp and awesome? The aptly-named BZPower T-shirt Project is intended to address this and more! Imagine walking down the halls of the Tyson's Corner hotels in your lovely BZPower member's t-shirt, getting admiring oohs and ahhs from passerby as they dig your sexy and snazzy member's shirt, catching whiff of your lovely perfume or cologne (perfume and cologne sold separately). You can walk with pride and without a care in the world in your custom-made BZPower member's t-shirt. "Sounds epic. What do the shirts look like?" See, that's the thing. We don't know. We don't even have a design or even know what colour the shirts will be. Why? Because you guys get to design the shirts. Yes, not only will you get to wear the shirts, you will also take pride in a sense of artistic ownership of the designs on the garment. Imagine you walking down the hallway of the hotel again. "Oh, nice shirts!" a cute girl says in that carefree Southern accent. "Where'd ya get them?" "I [helped]* make them," you respond. "Oh, rad!" she says. She may even ask for your number. * added because we trust you will have some degree of decency and humility and not take all the credit. "So, how does this work?" We'll have a few days of spreading the word around, and I encourage you to link to this entry from your signature and blog, if you have one. After this PR period, I will start a contest here in this blog, also posting rules and stuff when we decide on them. Once the contest finishes, we will look at the entries and decide on the one we will use on the T-shirt. Then, voila! They will magically appear and be available at BrickFair this August. "Just BrickFair?" No! They'll also be available at BrickCon this fall, and depending if we have enough interest and a way of getting it done, they'll also be at other conventions in the US. Additionally, any carryovers will be made available at BrickFair AL next year. "I'm staff. Can I have one too, pweese?" Absolutely! You're all members, too. =D "I don't have any plans to go to any of those conventions. How can I still get a shirt?" Depending on your location and your desire to get a shirt, we may (or may not! haha!) be able to ship a shirt to you. =3 Comments, questions, concerns, and such go here. PS: Yes, I know I just blatantly copied and pasted this entry from 2010. Don't judge me.
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Flight The metal tube vibrated to the steady hum as the propellers outside tugged the airplane forward. It was claustrophobic for all the people inside, with dark confines rendered even shadowier than normal on account of the night, but while each one of them was sick of the movement and the snake’s abdomen they were in they all equally dreaded their freedom from their prison. Only the ruby light from a bulb that would signal their doom lit their tunnel, and it sickened them. “T-minus two minutes,” the squad leader announced. The private didn’t even nod -- none of the men did. It was understood already simply by the further paling of the faces. The sergeant simply stood by the door, watching the red light by it, waiting for the emerald spark he eagerly expected. He was the only one who wanted to get outside into the bustling wind and darkness, the only one who seemed bred for this very moment. “Up!” he commanded, and the soldiers unclipped their belts and rose to the order, standing in a jagged line. “Equipment check!” They all searched each other’s gear, a simple double tap on the other’s back the only sign of approval. Still no words were said. “One minute!” The door was opened up and the men shivered as the sudden gust of frigid air spilled into the cabin. Far below, only the glow of moonlight on the snowy banks of the Alps could be seen, making the landscape seem like a haunted floor of scattered white puzzle pieces on a dark abyss. The attack came suddenly and without notice. The plane flanking at the right of the squadron simply vanished in a wash of sparks and black smoke as it abruptly spun away to the distant ground. The men in the plane could not see it, but soon another plane was destroyed by a flak gun. Puffs of smoke filled the airspace as the land cannons fired their shells into the air to disrupt the march of the flight. The sergeant glared angrily at the red light, waiting for it to glow green to dispense of the troops. Impatiently, he gave the order. “Ready!” he barked for final preparation but obediently remained strict to protocol, not giving the go-ahead with a red light. Boom. The fuselage split in two, spilling the soldiers out like crumbs from a canister. They fluttered away, some of them pulling their tabs and releasing their parachutes. They disappeared from view, but the sergeant could hear the drone of another plane, a fighter. Someone was cleaning the mess up already. Blast it, he thought. He still clutched onto the handlebar, vaguely safe in the front cone of the plane as it tumbled down. He would die there. His men already did. He waited for the ground to slay him. The light never turned green, but all of the men in that plane flew that night.
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BZPower Q&A Contest #1: Answer Questioned, Topic Closed WINNERS! [ Final Poll | Original Contest Topic | Entries Index] Category #1: "I'm not sure what that has to do with it, but in MOST cases, the answer is maybe." First Place: Entry 1: "So will the prize actually be a "good question"?" Second Place: Entry 4: "Given that Bfahome's pet ferret is out of town this week, will the General Discussion forum be filled with boring topics that do not spur discussion?" Third Place: Entry 5: "I've heard rumors that Hapori Tohu's head grants wishes if you spin the gears counter-clockwise, so I was just wondering if members could get proto points by bribing him with cake?" Category #2: "There is a precedent, but we don't talk about that - so, yes, as long as it's not too large."First Place: Entry 5: "Is there a limit to the size of an ego on BZP?" Second Place Tie: Entry 1: "I noticed only half of Hapori Tohu's face was showing, so I was wondering if I could draw the other half and give him a sophisticated and glorious mustache?" Second Place Tie: Entry 2: "Am I allowed to keep a pet ferret in one of my blog's content blocks? I promise to feed him." Category #3: "He was joking. The rules clearly state that it is allowed in most cases; this one is uncertain."First Place: Entry 2: "Black Six recently said it would be a bad idea for him to pour Cola over the main BZP server computer. I am shocked and can only assume he was joking. Was he?" Second Place Tie: Entry 3: "I wanted to change my name to 666666, but 55555 said I would get in trouble for ripping him off. Is this true?" Second Place Tie: Entry 4: "I distinctly remember someone saying that it was allowed to send a PM to every staff member with nothing but a funny picture of a cat and the words 'Yo, dawg' on April Fool's Day. My question is: Are you absolutely sure that 'Yo, dawg' is the best thing you can put in it? I mean, can't I write 'LOL YOUR SO AWESOME'?" PrizesThanks to the awesomeness of -Windrider-, each first place winner will receive two Series 6 Minfig Packs. They will also have, along with the rest of the finalists, eternal fame and glory.Thank-yousI would like to thank Black Six and -Windrider- for approving this contest, and especially -Windrider- and his offer to host it along with 55555 and myself, as well as his donation of prizes.We would like to thank everyone who participated in this contest; we know it's not the usual type of contest we have here at BZPower, but we hope everyone had as much fun as we did.Please congratulate the winners here, and thank you all again for making this contest such a success,Velox-Windrider- 55555
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I have called you together today for a Purpose! Indeed, Three Purposes! First of all, to tell you that I am immensely fond of you all. I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. Secondly, to celebrate the unveiling of the Lego Lord of the Rings sets, which I hope all of you have had the pleasure to gaze upon. Thirdly, to make an A N N O U N C E M E N T.I rejoice to announce that we are hosting a Bionicle/LotR Short Story Contest!You think us mad? Perhaps you are right. Or Perhaps we are just that awesome. Anyway, welcome one and all, to Short Stories Contest #9: In The Darkness Bind Them Graphics credit to 55555 Theme: Write a Bionicle story and use a quote from Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit as an important part of your story.This means you can begin with a quote, end with a quote, or incorporate a quote into the body of your story. Furthermore, you may use other LotR references, but you must use a quote. Be sure to read the following:1) You may get your quote from either one of the books or the movies (directed by Peter Jackson) -- with a quick Google search you can find many quotes from both.2) Please have a general citation of your quote. If from the books, please list which chapter; if from the movies, please list what scene.3) You may modify the proper nouns in quotes. There are many good quotes that contain Tolkien characters, places, items, etc. These may be substituted for "Bionicle-friendly" nouns. For example, if the quote has "Mordor" in it, you can change that to "Destral" if you wish.4) As said, you may also use other LotR elements in your story (such as chapter titles for the title/theme of your story, and you may use more than one quote just as long as you do use one. Rest assured our Certified Nerdy judges will appreciate your efforts in this area. ——— How To Enter:The entry period lasts from February 13, 2012 (today) until March 11th at 11:59 PM PST.To enter, simply post a link to your entry in this topic using the following form:Member name:Entry name and link:Any entry PMed to me or not linked in this topic will be ignored – no exceptions.———Contest Rules: [*]All BZPower Rules and Guidelines apply.[*]Your story must be new and never before posted on BZP. You can certainly have been working on your entry before this, but it must be posted on BZP after the start of the contest for it to be eligible.[*]No plagiarizing! Your story must be your own work.[*]No cheating. Simple enough, yes? You don't get anywhere in life by cheating. Also, if you suspect someone of cheating, PM me. DO NOT post here.[*]Keep it PG-13 appropriate. So no gory descriptions, excessive violence, inappropriate content, et cetera.[*]Your story must be a short story. No epics here.[*]No flaming, bashing, or trolling! I shouldn't even have to say this at all, but if any of this occurs, you will be disqualified immediately.[*]You cannot edit your entry 30 minutes after it is posted. This is to 1) ensure that all judges read the same version of your story; and 2) make things more fair, as not everyone will get the same amount of critique as others. So, once you post your story, you will have thirty minutes to edit it in order to make any formatting changes or to edit your story itself -- after that, your entry will be disqualified. PM me if you have to edit for story for some reason after 30 minutes before you do so.[*]There is no minimum or maximum word count for this contest. Just be reasonable, please. Do remember that the judges have to read every story.[*]If your story is not posted in this topic with the correct format, your entry will not be entered into the contest. The contest hosts reserve the right to change, edit, or make exceptions to any of the rules. A violation of the rules will be judged on a case-by-case basis by contest staff. ——— Winner Selection Haven't gotten this set in stone yet, but expect something similar to that of SSC #8. ——— Prizes We really wanted prizes that were both Lego and LotR related, but the official sets aren't going to be released until the summer. Instead, we're going for the next best thing; the prizes will be customized LotR Minifigures courtesy of Nuju Metru ( seen here). The minifigs that will be provided are Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam. Someone will receive The Annotated Hobbit, and even more, awesome prizes are very probable. Big thanks to Nuju Metru for providing the customized figs, xccj for bribing him to do so, and for 55555 and Velox for The Annotated Hobbit. ——— FAQ Q: Does the title of our short story have to be a LotR quote as well? Or can it be whatever we want so long as we use a LotR quote in the story itself? A: The minimum LotR content in your story is one quote in the body or title. You're encouraged to do more than that. Q: Are we allowed to enter a songfic? A: Yes, songfics are fine. If the song is LotR / The Hobbit related, then it can count as your quote. Q: What if you don't know where quotes come from? A: You'll have to try to find it -- we need proof that it's from LotR/the Hobbit. If it is from the trailer, though, that's fine; just say so. Q: Where in the post should we put the citation? A: Citing it in the story body would most likely disturb the pace of the story. It is recommended to put it at the end. Q: What constitutes a quote? Does it have to be a full sentence? A phrase? A: A full sentence. Though if you really want to use part of a sentence, PM 55555 or Velox with it and we may make an exception. Other questions?If you have any questions about the contest not answered above, please post them in this topic. Chances are someone might have the same question, so if you post rather than PMing me, other members can read it the answer.First, however, look through this post to see if I've already addressed your question. But if you can't find an answer, or you think something is unclear, don't hesitate to post and ask about it!——— Contest Staff:Contest Hosts:55555VeloxContest Assistants:Xccj Tolkien ——— Far over the misty mountains coldTo dungeons deep and caverns oldWe must away ere break of dayTo seek the pale enchanted gold.The dwarves of yore made mightly spells,While hammers fell like ringing bellsIn places deep, where dark things sleep,In hollow halls beneath the fells. It is our pleasure to host another contest, and we hope you all enjoy it as well! Now get writing!
