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A year has passed since Fire Lord Zuko ascended the throne, and it seems like trouble is brewing between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom once more. The Fire Lord and the Avatar began the Harmony Restoration Movement to restore the Fire Nation Colonies to their pre-war state by bringing any Fire Nation nationals back home, but for many of the citizens — of mixed Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom … Read more ›

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An Equalist Query

seojin
Sept 17, 2012 22:55:36 GMT -6

Post by seojin on Sept 17, 2012 22:55:36 GMT -6

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Hello members of Tarp,

I had a question or two that I was hoping that you might be able to answer. According to the main banner, the timeline has shifted to be mid-Episode 4; with Amon stepping up his game. I'm presuming this to mean, at this time, Equalist characters are allowed to be created (though nothing too large going on yet). I've read various threads, but as some were created when the canon timeline was different, the opinion seems to vary on whether Equalist characters can be made. So, long explanation made short, would I be in the clear to attempt to make an Equalist character? (Perhaps a fairly fresh recruit, very much still learning how to punch, let alone chi-block...)

Second question, as tied with the first! I noticed that Air Acolytes were available to be made. This is great. I was wondering whether it would seem contradictory to make a character who is both an Air Acolyte, and an Equalist? I wanted to consult the members of TARP, as we don't know a lot about Air Acolytes. My presumption for this character would be that he or she was born in to the Acolytes (as there does seem to be some generation-ing going on) and has since joined the Equalists. It would indeed seem contradictory in my mind for an Equalist to voluntarily join the Air Acolytes. Long explanation made short; Person born in to Air Acolytes becoming an Equalist?

Third question, also tied to the first two. If someone became an Equalist, and was an Air Acolyte, would it seem rational that they 'leave' the Acolytes? So that said character who was created, rather than actively being an Air Acolyte AND an Equalist, would rather have formerly been an Air Acolyte?

I hope I've stated my questions without too much confusion! Feel free to ask for clarification! Hopefully I can get this all figured out and start roleplaying with this lovely community soon.

~
SeoJin
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Last edit by seojin: Sept 17, 2012 23:05:10 GMT -6

Post by A Long Display Name Here on Sept 17, 2012 23:04:33 GMT -6

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Equalist characters have been available since the reopening! If you could kindly direct me to where it gave you the impression that they might not be allowed, that would be great! I'll clarify whatever section it was so it's more accurate. Depending on your character's age and back story, you can have varying levels of Equalists. All we ask is that it should be kept in mind that there are more "supporters" than actual Equalists (ie: people trained in Chi-Blocking, allowed use of the electricity rods) in relation to the overall population of Republic CIty.

As to the second part of your question, I find it incredibly contradictory for someone to be a "former" Equalist turned Air Acolyte or vice versa. I suppose it's not impossible, but I disagree that someone born into the Acolyte way of life would even contemplate becoming an Equalist, because the Air Nomad teachings are about unity, patience, and celebration of differences.

For clarity purposes, I think it would be better for someone at a crossroads in their life to perhaps contemplate becoming one or the other — at their heart, the "message" of the Equalists and Acolytes/nomads are the same: balance and harmony in the universe; their methods are just different.

I hope this helps you out!
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Last edit: Sept 17, 2012 23:05:07 GMT -6
seojin
Sept 17, 2012 23:15:01 GMT -6

Post by seojin on Sept 17, 2012 23:15:01 GMT -6

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I looked back at the threads, and I completely misread it. It did state that the canon time-line was near Episode 2, but it did not block the creation of Equalists. If you would still like the link to this thread, I would be happy to provide it! I'll just go clean my glasses now... Hehe.

theavatarrp.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rpgdiscussion&action=display&thread=6790

Yes, the character I was contemplating would possibly be a fresh recruit, unlikely to know even how to properly punch! Chi-Blocking or weaponry would have to come later, and flow naturally from the progression of 'in-RP' events!

Mm, I was just making a supposition. It is slightly more difficult when what we have ultimately amounts to very little on the Air Acolytes. It was an idea that had randomly appeared in my head as I read through the various FAQs and information this site provides. Hence why I brought it in front of the all-knowing members of TARP! Consultation before permission or forgiveness! I would agree with these points now that you bring them to my attention. Short of an (overly melodramatic and cliché) life event; the mindset would not seem for inclination of both statuses!

However, this is a wonderful idea you propose of someone faced with a choice. Something traditional leading to Balance - Air Acolyte, versus Equalists who are fairly new, and have a large amount of propaganda floating about!

Thank you for all of your wonderful assistance, and for the idea to muse over!

~
SeoJin
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Post by A Long Display Name Here on Sept 17, 2012 23:19:10 GMT -6

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Oh, I guess I forgot to update that thread! Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Yes, I think it would be best to have someone at a crossroads; like I said, I don't think it's impossible, just very contradictory and unlikely. Until we know more about the Acolytes, I think it would be safer to err on the side of caution.

Another reason that I think we should stay away from it is that it would interfere with canon plot, at least logically. If someone on either side defected (so to speak) then their new affiliation would, logically speaking, have an insider's knowledge about the former affiliation. Since we don't see the Acolytes knowing anything about the Equalists secret ways, or the Equalists knowing anything about the hidden passages on the Temple grounds, then I think it's safe to say there are no defectors from either side.

You're welcome! I'm glad to help. Feel free to reply again or send me a PM if you have further questions.
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seojin
Sept 17, 2012 23:54:41 GMT -6 via the ProBoards App

Post by seojin on Sept 17, 2012 23:54:41 GMT -6

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That is a logical road-block and something I considered not long after my latest post. Without providing spoilers, it would definitely lead to complications as far as the canon plot is concerned.

Another thought about Air Acolytes; would they be bound by heritage? The only Air Acolytes we saw (if we use "traditional"/"steroleotypical" traits) appeared to be of Fire Nation descent. If anything, they appeared 'Air Nomad', but that obviously doesn't work! Would someone of mixed (though dominantly Water Tribe for example) descent be allowed to join the Air Acolytes? Just another thought I'm mulling over!

On an unrelated note; in both LoA and LoK, characters are used for writing. These seem to be Chinese Traditional Hanzi, Korean Hanja, or Japanese Kanji. (Bryke sometimes played fast and loose with the distinctions). As the more dominant system represented in LoK was Chinese Traditional Hanzi; would it be TARP appropriate to refer to a "character" as a Hanzi? (Yet another idea is said character running a struggling calligraphy school, therefore I thought it appropriate to ask.)

Thanks again. Someday my mind will have less questions!
~
SeoJin
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Post by A Long Display Name Here on Sept 18, 2012 0:04:57 GMT -6

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The only stipulation we have regarding Air Acolytes is that they must be non-benders. The airbending family and Korra aside, the only people we've seen bending on Temple grounds are the Order of the White Lotus guards accompanying Korra.

I think that Avatar writing is strictly Chinese, but I'm not sure seeing as I do not read Chinese - they very specifically (according to my AtLA artbook) had a specialist calligrapher on-hand to double-check the calligraphy and character-writing on the show. I would refrain from calling it 'Hanzi', because that is very specifically Chinese, which doesn't exist in the world. There's no need to make a distinction anyway, because universally everyone speaks one language in the Korra/Avatar universe.

We tend to be a little bit more lenient when referring to something like 'hanbok' or 'katana', but naming a specific type of writing for an incredibly specific language I think might be merging RL with Avatar-verse a little too much. :]
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seojin
Sept 18, 2012 0:22:54 GMT -6

Post by seojin on Sept 18, 2012 0:22:54 GMT -6

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Alright.

Well, I know for sure that the characters used for the Kyoshi Warriors were Japanese. 京 being Kyo, or capital. Such as in 東京 (Tokyo). 仕 being Shi, or warrior. Such as in 仕事 (Shigoto - Work). Other examples I would have to pour through, but it's not a debate therefore not worth the effort! :). I would definitely agree its 90% Chinese.

That sounds fine to me (though I have to chuckle at Bryke making the currency the Yuan, which is China's modern-day currency). Does the language or writing have an "Avatar" name? Should I simply refer to it with nondescript terms such as: "Bob wrote the character for air, and then lowered his brush to write the character for equality. A decision to be made." (Not an RP example).

What can I say, if my character is going to be running a calligraphy school rather than something "exciting" like being a ProBender, I want to be authentic. :)

Hopefully all my questions aren't causing you grief! I like to know before I dive! Personality trait!
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Last edit by seojin: Sept 18, 2012 8:50:03 GMT -6

Post by A Long Display Name Here on Sept 18, 2012 6:22:26 GMT -6

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Hm, I don't think those characters are supported by your mobile device ;x

But yeah, I would just use basic terms as you've described, just to keep it vague enough for everyone to understand. :] And don't worry about it! It's clear that you've read the FAQ and the rules, so I don't mind answering questions. :]
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Last edit: Sept 18, 2012 6:29:52 GMT -6
seojin
Sept 18, 2012 8:51:56 GMT -6

Post by seojin on Sept 18, 2012 8:51:56 GMT -6

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Hmm, it must have been a communication error between the mobile app and the website. I actually 'typed' them in (I speak Japanese, or well, several years of college at least, a major in fact!) rather than copy-pasting. So its definitely supported by my phone. However, I've come back and retyped them in with my computer, and that seems to have worked! Something I'll have to be mindful if I use characters in the future!

Alright, sounds wonderful to me. No more questions for now. Thanks again! :)
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Last edit by seojin: Sept 18, 2012 8:53:01 GMT -6

Post by A Long Display Name Here on Sept 18, 2012 12:59:52 GMT -6

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Yeah, this has happened once before, when the other profiles mod reviewed a profile I made that had some kanji in it from her phone. ^_^;' Not sure what's going on there, but I can't really fix it ;x

You're welcome! Since this is done, then, I am going to lock the thread. If something else comes to mind, feel free to create a new thread or send me a PM. :] Hope to see your character soon!
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