Lord Admiral Helden Ravensdorn

Its incredible...! Stupendous! Superb! VERY nicely done, Boney! :-D

Yeah, Vezons bad Gollum impression was kinda grating on me. I guess the real difference is is that you, and Greg, and the Target Audience see Toa as a the police force of the BIONICLE universe, whereas I see the Toa as the SPARTAN II's of the BIONICLE universe. Observe this Halo 2 trailer: A short, 30-second commercial aired during the superbowl, yet it demonstrates a perfect insight into the power and depth of events surrounding the Master Chief character. The scope of the events that surround him are staggeringly epic. In the Halo universe, he is humanities last hope. THAT is the kind of story I see the Toa placed in. THAT is what I see the Toa as. (for the record, to the best of my knowlage, only 33 SPARTAN II's made it to full combat standing. Most died in combat, and in suitably epic ways.)

No... I'd rather a character with some gorram CHARACTER then some bland poorly executed stereotypical quirks...

Oh, I understand their "traits"... but they still dont have any real esscence of their origional Tohunga characters (Those, after all, were made by Templar) and they dont have any real STRENGTH of character. Just like when you're painting a picture or writing a story, when you develop characters you need to think, "Strong! Bold!" Vakama's moods and Tahu's rage distinguished their characters. If you make characters with weak traits and without strong character *caugh*Inika*Caugh* they turn out rather boring.

I understand where you're coming from. I did not explain that here. This is why I said this: I already have the reasoning behind all of that thouroughly thought out and taken care of. I simply have yet to write it out properly. If I get some time soon, I probably will write it out (I've already discussed it thouroughly with Ikki here via MSN Messanger). Needless to say I will clear up the Hagah/Inika matter right now by saying that I think the name "Hagah" is a really lame name for a Toa team and that the name "Inika" is a really good name for a Toa team despite the fact that the actual 2006 Toa Inika team was inordinately bland. Furthermore, I will stick by the origional 2001 reason the Toa were summoned to Mata-Nui: To defeat the darkness. This is exactly the point I was trying to make. These Toa are no longer mighty nor are they epic. They are, as you have said, cops. If confronted by a reasonably powerful foe, they can get polished off with ease. What kind of heroes are these? What kind of story does that make? Toa should be heroes, not grunts. The Toa in my 'verse are epic beings who's every action effect the future of the entire world. The sheer scope of the events that surrounds them is immense. The thought of a Toa being created for the sole purpose of saving a Matoran from a Rahi stampede and then dying off is appalling. This is where I would like to bring up another point of mine: Characters. When you have a force of 300 Toa fighting, they lose all sense of character. Combine this with Gregs bland stereotypical "hero" personalities for the Toa and you've lost any individuality our "heroes" have. If you want to make a truly epic clash of fantasy characters, you should'nt NEED 300 element-weilding, mask-bearing Toa. Lastly... While I will agree with you on them being Gold - nothing save LoMN has even come close to the awesomeness of the origional MNOLG for example - I do not like the thought of Takua being a Toa or a Matoran of Light. Perhaps the thing that made him so intruiging was the fact that it seemed that he was a Tohunga WITHOUT a destiny - A wanderer, a traveler, an adventuruer. As Vakama said, he was a Tohunga who stood among the Toa as a hero of Mata-Nui. It seems a discredit to his character that he was simply fated to do all these great things and then become a Toa. Takua is the Chronicler... Period.

Actualy, the current swords are cutlasses. These new swords appear to be scimitars, or some manner of very heavy-bladed wakisashi.

Nay, Grevious, I shall not quit Bionicle soon, because I no-longer " live in " the official BIONICLE 'Verse anymore. I work in my own version of the Bionicle 'Verse. Here is a quick and not very in depth summary of the way I have laid out my Toa teams: In my 'Verse, there have been 4 Toa teams. The Toa Valan, which you know as Hagah, were the first, and with them was Takanuva. After they sacrificed their powers sealing Makuta and his minions in the Void, they used what little power remained them to create three new Toa - Lhikan, Dume and Nidhiki. Dume became the Turaga of Metru Nui, and Nidhiki betrayed Metru Nui and was in turn cast into the Warp by Lhikan. When Nidhiki and Krekka returned, Lhikan sacrificed his power to create the Toa Metru. After the Great Cataclysm, Metru-Nui was destroyed by the Bohrok and reborn as Mata-Nui. A thousand years later Takua summoned the Toa Inika (mata/olda), and shortly thereafter, Takua found the 7th Toa (who was an independant and new character, NOT him). Now, I fully understand that the official storyline needs new Toa sets every year to sell. My little 'Verse here doesnt, and I have taken full advantage of that. The point is, however, that, as Ikki said, there was no real need for THREE THOUSAND Toa. The Toa were origionally portrayed as epic figures upon which the future of the BIONICLE world hinged. Now, as Ikki said, we have Toa standing sentry and getting killed by Piraka eyebeams. Oh, feel the epicness. So, I shall continue to go on developing and playing in my own personal 'Verse. All I can say is that I am immensly dissapointed in what Greg Farshtey has done with Bionicle. It is, in my opinion, a disgrace to the LEGO name. Shoddy sets with small numbers of gigantic duplo-esque parts beause its what the "Target Audience" wants, the emphasis on weapons because of the "TA", and perhaps above all the immensly lame "violence". As KMOI draws on Avatar for reference, I will now draw on the anime series Bleach for reference. The characters there are immensly powerful, but their powers are INTERESTING and usually counter-balancing, so one can have a truly interesting and entertaining fight between characters. Furthermore, when they fight, they're usually giving it their all. Theres a fair bit of blood and the surroundings almost always get destroyed. Now lets look at Greg Farshteys battles. We have a lame Gollum-Clone named Vezon picking up a Toa and knocking him headfirst into a wall. We have Toa capable of blasting things into atoms or using their protodermis zamors to destroy things that arent destined to mutate. Not only are these powers so straightforward and overpowering their bland, but the only reason Greg can come up with for them not instantly vaporizing everything in their path is that "Toa dont kill". So its really an issue of politeness. So, while Greg wants to talk about it being a "dark universe" with "powerful and violent" villians, the actual combat comes out disgustingly lame. In esscence, now do the Toa not only LOOK like power rangers, their battles have about the same charm. Just my 0.03...

wewt ^_^

Indeed you will, but for now, its still WIP. Im working on finishing sorting out my giant tub of unsorted LEGOs. When thats done, i'll have my full collection at my disposal and I can finish the Alcatani :)

The Crew of the Spanish Privateer Alcatani From Left to Right: Name:Enton Rank: Cabin Boy, Sharpshooter, Seaman History: A boy of 15 years of age and cabin boy to Pirazzo Miragliano, it was in the Battle of Urnves Cape when the Alcatani was sent, by order of Spain, to protect the fledgling colony of Urnves from the native Islanders, that he demonstrated his skill with a gun. Although they had engaged the armada of rag-tag rafts and canoes that were inbound for the Cape at long range and destroyed most of them, the winds befouled them caught them aback. A lone catamaran, pulled by oars and dead ahead of them began pulling away, and looked as though it would surely make the Cape and attack the defenseless colony. Seizing a rifle from a gun rack, Enton leapt to the bow and drew a bead on the Islander cheiftan sitting in a magnificent chair framed by torches atop the catamaran. With one shot, the cheiftan was dead. Grabbing the only remaining rifle, he fired once more and cut the pole holding one of the torches up. The torch fell to the deck of the catamaran and caught it afire. Within minutes, the Catamaran had burned away completely, and no sign of its crew was found. The Alcatani proceeded to crush the rest of the Islander armada and protect the colony of Urnves. Name: Rekove "the Mallet" Rank: Seaman, Cannon Gunner History: Brother of Druther, Rekove has been a seaman all his life, and usually plies his coopers skills with whatever ship he happens to be serving on. He has an entire lifes experience worth of seamanship behind him, but for the right price he'll just as soon slip poision into the barrels he mends. Name:Druther "the Hook" Rank: Seaman History: Brother of Rekove, Druther has been a seaman all his life, and usually plies his rigging skills with whatever ship he happens to be serving on. He has an entire lifes experience worth of seamanship behind him, but for the right price he'll just as soon cut the rigging he applies. Name: Arem Viasque Rank: Second Luitenant, Gunnery Captain History: Nothing is more dear to Arem then his precious guns. It is said he is the best shot with a cannon in the entirety of the Archipalego. A gunsmiths apprentice as a lad, he came to the Archipalego when his master died and plied his wares as a maker of fine cannon. When the town he was operating in was ransacked by pirates and his equipment destroyed, he joined the crew of the first friendly vessel to appear, which happened to be the Alcatani. Pirazzo quickly recognized his skill with the big guns and promoted him to Gunnery Captain. Name: Achtia Samos Rank: First Luitenant History: At first meeting, Achtia may seem cold, arrogant, and aloof, but those who know him know that this is little more then a mask for the consummate professional seamen that is Achtia Samos. It is he who makes sure the ship remains in tip-top shape at all times. A member of the lower noble Spanish family of Samos, his career in the navy was brought to ruins when one of his siblings disgraced the family name. So great was Achtias skill and knowlage of seamanship that not only did Pirazzo know of him through reputation but, when Achtia was sent to shore as a disgraced officer, he sought him out personally and hired him as first mate. Achtia now seeks to wash away the stain on the Samos family name through great deeds. Name: Pirazzo Miragliano Rank: Captain History: IN PROGRESS Name: Erik Northwind Rank: First and Only Petty Officer, Gunnery Captain History: A sea dog of great infamy, Erik Northwind has been a companion of Pirazzo's for over twenty years. They first met when Erik was nothing but a pressed hand aboard the vessel Baldemaro where Pirazzo was of midshipman standings. Since then, Erik Northwind has made a name for himself as a freelance sea dog. Many captains would pay good gold to have him aboard, if only for his disciplinary skills. He can strike fear into the most pigheaded of men and turn the most cowardly crew into bold warriors. Perhaps only he can truly appreciate the fact that now his golden day his over, and he's moving on in his years. He sought out Pirazzo and signed on with his crew because he sees the opportunity for a few last grand escapades, and perhaps a chance to go out with a bang. Name: Skut Rank: Quartermaster History: An extremely talented quartermaster, Skut worked for the East India Trading Company until he lost his eye from a boarding action taken against his ship by Pirates off Nysia Sound. Skut lost his eye defending the wheel from them, and it was from his iron will at the wheel that the ship escaped as, even after the loss of his eye and wounded in a dozen places across his body, he continued to steer the ship, eventually tricking the pirates into running aground atop a shoal. While his actions were brought to the attention of the lords of the East India Trading Company, and he was given a conciderable reward, the loss of his eye led to his dischargement from the employment of the EITC. When he wound up with all his money spent as a seamen for hire in Port Navodole, he was snapped up by Pirazzo Miragliano. Name: Hewor Shyden Rank: Seaman, Cannon Gunner History: Not much is known of Hewor Shyden. He is extremely secretive about his past, and gives the distinct impression that he's on the run from something. The oddest thing about this is that, in day-to-day life aboard ship, Hewor acts like a man afraid of nothing, performing the most daring and dangerous of tasks with undaunted courage. He has no real friends aboard and his prescence is a bit unsettling. Pirazzo believes that something greater may yet come of him, and seems to be the only person aboard without any qualms about Hewor. Name: Belaper Odani Rank: Surgeon History: Despite his young age, Belaper was at one time one of the most talented surgeons in Port Cochraine. Was, that is, until, for unknown reasons, he fell from grace and fled the Port aboard a fishing sloop. It is known that he has peddled his skills about the Archipalego for the past three years until ending up in Port Novadole, at which point he signed on with the crew of the Alcatani. He is noted for retaining a top hat as a symbol of his former standing, as well as his swordsmanship with a most unusual weapon - a Katana. As with Hewor, it is unknown what lurks in his past, but it is likely that his ghosts may yet come to haunt him. Name: Tok Draisban Rank: Cannon Gunner, Seaman History: An upbeat and energetic seaman, it seems as though no situation is too grim for Tok. At times, his optomisim can grate on the other members of the crew, but all aboard know that if you want a steady hand and a clear mind backing you up, Tok is the man to call. He was selected personally by Pirazzo for his optomistic nature and clear head in battle. Unlike the rest of the crew, Tok never touches spirits, and seems to live for the experience. He can often be found hanging off the foremast, the spray whipping about him. Name: Uskir Iteld Rank: Seamen, Cannon Gunner, Harpoonist History: A Scottsman retired from the Whaling trade, Uskir is perhaps best known for his skills as a cook. He believes in a full belly and a bottle of rum at his side. Usually he can be found below decks cooking meals and taking care of the powder magazine. Rowdy and rambunctious, the rest of the crew often has to put up with the notes of his many songs drifting up from below. In battle, his whaling experience comes to the fore, as he is fast, steady, and fights with unparralelled fury. He is most respected for single handedly saving the ship when the ship fell victim to an enemy boarding action. Just as the deck seemed lost, he charged up from below, holding a great keg of powder over his head with a lit fuse burning into it. Hurling it over the heads of his assailiants, it landed on the deck of the Pirate ship and exploded, tearing the side out of the vessel and the beating heart from the courage of their attackers. Leading a bonzai charge into the midste of their assailaints, the enemy was broken and the ship saved. Since there seemed to be some interest in the crew of my WIP Ship, the Alcatani, I thought I would make a thread dedicated to them. Since the Alcatani has such a small crew and is my first and only Pirate ship (i've owned the hull for almost exactly 7 years), I thought I would try to give its crew some serious character. I went through and specifically selected the head, torso, legs, and gear for each pirate to give them their own feel, look, and tell their own little story. My plan was was that as my fleet expands, i'd replace them with proper Conquistador-helmeted Spaniards and spread the figs from the origional crew (those that dont get killed...) through the various ships and follow their "careers". As such, I have given each minifig his own background. This is the only crew I plan on doing this with, since this ship is very special :) EDIT: Gimme a day or two and i'll have pictures up of each individual fig...

My headlamp is a top-end L.L. Bean one... I think it cost about $30. Im sure you could get them for cheaper, though.

Now, now, I think you're just seeing Phes everywhere ;) That minifig head is NOT Phes

Im with ZCerberus! GO FORTH AND GET HEADLAMPS!

But... but the castle! Its a castle that can serve as a castle! Not those crappy rehashes of that origional pre-morcia KK castle that had 2 brick high walls! Its a real CASTLE! Plus, the minifigs arent wearing gigantic green/purple/red/blue barrels on their heads.

*shrug* PotC inspired me to make the jump from Castle to Pirates, so I do believe I owe everything - Pirates of the Archipalego, my WIP MoCs, my participation in the EB Pirates community - to it :P

Ahhh! You're right! Phes, whatever were you doing in those overalls? :P Anyhoo, been meaning to reply to this topic since yesterday, so 'ere we go.... Aye, I know ye said ye did, I was simply statin' m' plans for 'em :) This crew will probably be transferred over to a proper pirate ship sometime in the future. Anyhoo, the darkness is because I was using it at nighttime in my room with only my table lamp on. The camcorder has a flash, but I had it turned off at the time. Hopefully, when I take my next set, itll be outside during the day :P Interestingly enough, I just got a headlamp for christmas! That thing is a *lifesaver*... And I may just use it for lighting purposees, too - Good suggestion! On the discussion of organizational bins, I have recently upgraded my normal bricks out of their giant bin and into these: I got them across the street at a Dollar General for $6 each. Each drawer holds normal bricks by color except for the bottom right drawer that holds brown, sand, green and gray. For the past seven years I have utilized empty and cleaned out butter tubs to sort the rest of my legos: I plan on going across the street today and picking up three more of those big white ones to replace these, though - My collection is kind of outgrowing them :-/ But, they've served me well. I sort the rest of my collection in the following categories: Odd Peices: All slanted, rounded, or otherwise odd bricks -sorted by color Flat Peices: All peices that arent as tall as full bricks - sorted by size Vehicle Accesories: Anything relating to vehicles, from spacecraft to submarines House and Yard Accesories: Anything related to building buildings, from castles to flower gardens. - sorted by size

Heres my in depth reply... *Sigh* Rather then re-write and re-word everything, I'll just simply state that KMOI's last few posts have pretty much summed up all of my issues and arguments with Bionicle 2007. Some would say, "Well, if you hate it so much, why are you still talking about it?". The reason for that is is that I spent from 2001 to early 2006 playing with pretty much nothing but my Bionicle collection. My normal Legos took a second place to them, for Bobs sake. I have been a collector and a fan of BIONICLE since, quite literally, its absolute very beggining. BIONICLE is a very dear fantasy world to me, and is a fantasy world i've been a part of from late childhood into my current teenagerdom. This is why I feel so wounded at what Greg Farshtey has done to BIONICLE. No, KMOI, there arent millions of Toa - GregF confirmed that at one time, only a mere Three Thousand Toa existed. The origional story tagline was "Six Heroes. One Destiny." Now its "Three Thousand Heroes. No Particular Destiny, or, indeed, Purpose." I still love Bionicle. I am still buying up sets from 2001-2005. Im still playing out my own story with the Toa Metru. But I mean it when I say that 2007 is, IMHO, a barren wasteland; it has been violated of all that made it Bionicle. The heroes are stiff superhero stereotypes, the action is normal super-hero-grade bland violence, the world is now vast and nonsensical, ruled by a comic book writer with delusions of granduer. - Helden

*looks* I cant see a ship...?

... Soooo Can I buy some of your Bounty Boats? :-D

*shrug* As a closet castle fan (Most of my Minifig gear is castle related, and it shows through on my pirates...) its all good wif me :) Bout six months back I made the jump from Castle to Pirates - I simply dont have the resources or the space to make big castles with armies to man them. Pirate ships with scallywag crews, though... ;)

Ye know, that be exactly the set I thought of when I saw that...

Promotional Image of 2007 Castle stuff: With a little bit of adaption, those skellies would make REALLY good undead Pirates. It looks like the swords the undead are carrying could be used as Pirate cutlassses, and with a little adaption im thinking that Castle could be turned into a fort - as for the evil fortress on the left, well, we all know classic Lego pirates love stuff with skulls on it :) What say you?

How is it that they can make stunningly cool prototypes and completely suck sets?

Ten billion blue blistering barnacles in a thundering typhoon! Whatever do you need that many redcoats for? 0_O And to think I'm only looking for about a dozen or so.. :-/

*shrug* Go ahead and move it if it really makes you happy :P @Cerberus: Aye, I know - I'm just lacking the conquistador figures to make a proper Spanish crew. Someday, though, i'll buy 'em and man her properly :P