On October 14th the NBZP was rebooted due to an update to the forums. The biggest changes of the new RPG are the removal of Xa-Kuta, and the more sandbox style play.
==Bzprpg 2011: Mata-Nui The Story==
In the time before time, the Great Spirit descended from the heavens, carrying we, the ones called Matoran, to this island paradise. We were separate and without purpose, so the Great Spirit blessed us with three virtues: unity, duty, and destiny. We embraced these gifts and, in gratitude, we named our island home Mata-Nui, after the Great Spirit himself.
But our happiness was not to last. Mata-Nui's brother, Makuta, was jealous of these honors and betrayed him. Makuta cast a spell over Mata-Nui, who fell into a deep slumber. Makuta's power dominated the land, as fields withered away, sunlight grew cold, and ancient values were forgotten.
Still, all hope was not lost. Legends told of six mighty heroes, the Toa, who would arrive to save Mata-Nui. Time would reveal that these were not simply myths – for the Toa did appear on the shores of the island. They arrived with no memory, no knowledge of one another – but they pledged to defend Mata-Nui and its people against the darkness. Tahu, Toa of Fire. Onua, Toa of Earth. Gali, Toa of Water. Lewa, Toa of Air. Pohatu, Toa of Stone. And Kopaka, Toa of Ice. Great warriors with great power, drawn from the very elements themselves. Together, they were six heros with one destiny: to defeat Makuta and save Mata-Nui. These heroes were infallible.
Or so we thought.
As was their destiny, when all the masks of power were found, and their powers perfected, they descended into the Makuta's lair to confront the Master of Shadows himself, to free the Matoran of his power and awaken Mata-Nui. They disappeared into the temple of Kini-Nui… and never returned. Somehow, even the combined powers of the six Toa were not enough to defeat him. Makuta was too strong. After the Toa's disappearance, there was nothing to prevent the Master of Shadow from taking back the island; the Makuta was free to unleash his shadows once more. And unleash them…
He did.
The land and beasts were once again his. The rahi of the island, from the flying Nui-Rama to the crawling Mana were enslaved to Makuta's will by infected masks. But Makuta awakened even darker things to serve his will, as well. Terrifying and demonic creatures known as Rahkshi, spawn of the Master of Shadows himself, appeared, possessing the same qualities and powers of their creator - including his characteristic lack of mercy.
This was over a hundred years ago.
The Matoran of Mata Nui live still in fear. Many Toa have since come into being; the ailing Great Spirit has created hero after hero, but none so far have had the power or the strength of will to topple Makuta. Foreign races have washed up on the shores of the island, none able to remember from where they came. Only the fragile trust between the Koros has been enough to stave off Makuta's forces... but Unity is a virtue that is steadily losing its vitality. Duty is a dull pain that too many live under.
The virtue of Destiny, however, has not run its full course. There is a new prophesy in the stars, one that brings hope to the Matoran: the rise of a new set of heroes, ones that will defeat the mighty Makuta, and save Mata-Nui. This is difficult to believe however as the Master of Shadow's hold on the island is nearly complete, his forces growing in number and force by the day.
This is where my tale ends, ours meet, and yours starts, Adventurer. Who will you be? Are you a hero, a foretold one has come to fulfill the original six's destiny? Or are you a servant of the Makuta, working to make his hold complete?
Your actions will reveal all.
Removal of Xa-Kuta
Friar Tuck stated the reason for the removal of Xa-Kuta as follows: "It was too advanced for Mata Nui. The technology, social structuring, and urban/futuristic attitudes that the existence of Xa-Kuta fostered were bad for the spirit of the island of Mata Nui. We wanted to recreate the innocence, the simplicity, and the charm of the first years of BIONICLE. Xa-Kuta was doing the very opposite. As such, it is gone. It never happened - Xa-Kuta was never a part of the story."
New Style of Play
On October 18th Friar Tuck posted the following allowing for an alternative to the Sandbox-Style
Second-Option RPing.
Ok, so we all know that this is a sandbox-style RPG, where most of heroes, villains, and events are player-driven with Staff oversight mo make sure the rules are followed and everyone plays fair. This is due to the overwhelming requests over the years, so knock yourselves out. There is however a significant portion of you who want to have some sort of over-arching canon-like story, something to drive this game in a certain direction and who want to be involved in THAT kind of RPing.
I will give you several warning ahead of time: it will not be easy. A lot will require digging, both in-game AND research out-of-game in regards to canon to figure out; I will give only the bare minimum of requirements, nothing more. You guys want to figure out Makuta's game plan? Well, you're going to have to earn it. This is where the Staff Quests come in: they are the best way (but NOT guaranteed) to either get a major push, clue, or item that will help unravel this mystery. And in the rar-aherrm, I mean quite possible case of someone figuring it all out, it needs be be done in sequence...
Which means it will take a while. Oh yeah, one other thing - if you choose to do this "second-option" RPing instead of the massive free-for-all, there is another condition that will apply. Some of you-
May die.
But that is a chance - I - am willing to take.
*thunderous applause*
If you decide to pursue this option, you need to know going in your character may not come out alive. For every adventure there is a risk, and that is one of many things that might befall your character. The rewards however are well worth the risk, trust me
That should be all the updates for now. If you have questions about any of the above now would be the time to ask.