Before You Watch “The Legend Of Korra”

In Defense of the Elemental System & Energybending

So I’ve seen and heard many people describe the magic system in Avatar as being based in the four classical elements. While this isn’t an inaccurate description of the show, the word “classical” has a very strong Western cannotation (Greco-Roman, to be specific). I’d like to make the argument that the elemental system in ATLA is far more Eastern than people give it credit for.

The concept of dividing the physical world into water, earth, fire, and air is just as much Ancient Indian in origin as it is Ancient Greek. Additionally, the existence of a fifth element that represents the absence of the physical or a world beyond the physical— which is often translated as “void” or “space”— is present in both Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.

This “void” concept is acknowledged in ATLA through the existence of energybending, an ability granted to our hero after coming into contact with a primordial being who existed before the four elements system. Whereas the other bending arts focus on overcoming obstacles using the physical world (elements), energybending allows one to subdue the enemy by looking beyond the physical and taking away the ego-driven brute force that lies within the opponent.

A solution steeped in a Buddhist conception of the world.

Like what I’m doing? Tips always appreciated, never expected. ^_^

https://ko-fi.com/atlaculture

Oma and Shu are not a Myth

When the Legend of Korra came out, it introduced many points that seem to contradict the original lore.  Because of this, there has been a lot of confusion on what is the true origin of bending is.  However, even though korra suggest many things, it can not overturn physical evidence.  

Not hating on Super Carlin Brothers or Hello Furture Me, but people seem to overlook the fact that we have corpses to prove they existed.  

Updated Element chart with explanations and a new watermark.  

Romantic Moments vs Romantic Intent: A Shipping problem

If you are a fan of animation/ anime, then you are probably familiar with the term “Shipping” or “Relation-shipping”.  This is basically when you think two characters should be a couple and you “ship” them.   As an Avatar: the Last Airbender fan, I am well aware of ships such as Zutara or Kataang.  However, it’s very common for shippers to ignore “Romantic Intent”.  Romantic Intent is when the characters are romantically interested in each other; this can be one sided or mutual.  Romantic moments might lead to romantic intent, but the two aren’t mutually exclusive.  

Being in a romantic situation (taking someone to dinner, hanging out with them, or giving them gifts) does not mean their intentions are romantic.  They could just be a really good friend, or they might be a relative.  For example, my sister and I did a lot of things together in High School, so many people assumed that we were dating.  

Why I bring this up is because many shippers ship characters purely because “they look cute together”, or “they have so much in common”, or “I would love to see these two become a couple.”  However, in their zeal shippers often forget that these characters might have their own desire and aspirations.  These aren’t dolls to make do what ever you like.   

Second, there’s often a huge amount of entitlement that comes with shipping, which I think is kinda funny.  Whether Jill ends up with Bobby or Max, isn’t your decision to make.  Stories are fun, and speculation is fun, but we the readers are really only outsiders looking into someone else’s story.  

And even though these are just fictional characters, we can’t force someone to fall in love with someone else.  

Avatar: Is Roku to blame for the War?

When something goes wrong in the world, people have a tendency to blame others; especially those in power.  In the United States for example, it's very common for people to blame the president for current problems, regardless on whether or not he/ she has any actual control over the problem.  

Likewise, people in the world of ATLA tend to blame the Avatar when something goes wrong.

The fire nation attacks; blame the Avatar.

People get hurt in a war; blame the Avatar.

Can't solve your own problems; blame the Avatar.

The Avatar's mission is to bring balance to the world.  However, the Avatar did not create the world's problems, and is ultimately not responsible for the actions of other people.

Like the janitor for the world, the Avatar cleans up messes and helps bring order to the world, but more often than not the janitor is blamed for the mess existing in the first place.  The irony is that if people cleaned up their own messes, there would be no need of a Janitor.

This brings me to the subject of Avatar Roku.  Many Avatar fans blame Roku for the 100 yr war, and Roku even blames himself.  

But is it really Roku's fault?  

Roku grew up in the Fire Nation with his best friend Sozin, eventually finding out he was the Avatar, and traveling across the world.  When Roku returned to the Fire Nation, Sozin told Roku his plans for world conquest which Roku immediately rejected.  Later, Sozin invaded Earth Kingdom territory for which Roku confronted and defeated Sozin.  Roku had given Sozin two warnings, and there would not be a third.  However, as soon as Roku died, Sozin renewed his plans for global domination.

Although fans and Roku himself blame him for the war, I can not fault him.  Roku saw a problem and did something about it.  He was decisive.   

Just because his wasn't able to prevent a war, doesn't mean he caused the War nor is he responsible for the actions of other.  (Sozin's an adult.  And can be responsible for his own actions.) 

Roku's actions were natural and reasonable.  Plus, most people don't think of murder as their first solution to everything.

(Seriously, execution isn't the only way to solve problems.)

On a similar note, companies do "preventative measures" to keep people safe.  However, people will still get hurt because no rules or regulations can protect stupid people from themselves.

The Avatar isn't some perfect person who can perfectly solve every problem.  (Say that 5 times fast).  They are a human being who is doing the best they can.  

Bionicle

Where Wisdom and Valor fail, all that remains is faith.  And it can overcome all

When Pokemon Go first started I wanted to be an NPC.  I walk my dogs at least three times every day and people would be able to challenge me just like a NPC trainer in the games.  I would only use Cat/ Dog Pokemon, and which Pokemon I used would depend on which dog I was walking.  Unfortunately, Pokemon Battles weren't available in those early days, so over time I set my sights on a different goal.   I decided to become a gym leader who used Cat, Dog, and Fox Pokemon.  Anyone who beat me would get "the beast badge", which looks like a fusion of the three legendary Beasts.  

POKEMON GO:  My Issues with Mega evolution and how to fix them.

1)  Mega Raids need to be more accessible:   Mega Pokemon are Very powerful in raids and can be difficult to beat if you live rurally or don't have a strong Pokemon Go community.  Many players can't do 5 star raids because of the same problems.  Mega Pokemon should be lowered to the level of 4 star raids, rather than having a second 5 star raid boss.   

 2) Mega Pokemon should be tailored to help defeat the legendaries:  

Mega Pokemon should help players defeat the incumbent Legendary.  For example, have a water mega featured when Moltres returns to raids.  This will help players and encourage them to use Mega Pokemon.  However, this becomes very difficult if Mega Pokemon are just as hard to beat as a Legendary.  Once again, Mega Pokemon should be a 4 star raid or lower.   

 3)  Un-Mega Pokemon aren't as special as you think:   

Yes Megas are cool and powerful, but you don't get to catch Megas from a Mega raid.  Un-Mega Pokemon such as Charizard and co. aren't very valuable by themselves, and were in 3 or 4 star raids.  Yes, we're raiding from Mega candy, but I still think the Megas should kept at the same levels is their counterparts.  So once again, Megas as 4* raids.   Also, since they already got rid of 4* raids, it would fill a niche that I think people will miss.   

 4)  Re-evolving is Too expensive:

The price to unlock a mega evolution is pretty steep, but I think it's "ok" for now.  However, It is still very expensive to re-mega a Pokemon.    Aside from the initial cost, Mega Pokemon cost a lot to maintain and players will quickly run out of mega energy.  It takes 1-2 Mega Raids to re-Mega a Pokemon, which makes them very hard to use.  Plus, with the end of summer, many people won't have the time to stock up on mega energy.   5)  Megas are seasonal:Also, It's very likely that there will different Megas featured for each month(s).  This means that players will run out of energy and won't be able to mega that Pokemon at all.  After a certain amount of time, the Mega will be useless.  Plus, with how difficult Mega Raids are, you can't just run out and do them like a 1 or 2 star raid, they would require planning which takes time.  And since Mega Raids are difficult, it will be very hard to stock up on mega energy.   

 6)  Change the requirements to Re-Mega evolve: Megas shouldn't need energy 

to re-evolve, but should use a cool down or "Walking Requirement".  A walking requirement is much better because most players can do it and it encourages people to stay healthy.   Otherwise, re-evolution cost should be severally reduced.  Like I said before, Megas are likely to be seasonal and most players won't be able to stores lots of energy.   

 7)  Where is the "Best Buddy" discount?: 

 Many players speculated that there would be a discount for "Best Buddies", but that does not appear to be the case.  

8)  There have to be alternate ways to get Mega Energy:  

Megas are likely to be seasonal, so we need alternate means to refuel our Megas.  More mega energy could be gotten from quests, berries, or walking with your best buddy.  Mega energy should be easier to get than candy, because candy creates a permanent change (i.e. evolution or lvl up) while mega energy only causes a temporary change.  

9)  Mega Rare Candy:  

Just like "Rare Candy", we should have rare mega energy that can be used for any mega.  This could be used as a weekly rewards or such.  

10)  More time to invite people to raids:  

Inviting people to raids is wonderful, but it can be difficult.  After you invite a friend, they usually only have a minute to respond.  This isn't enough time for most friends to notice, react and decide if they want to join.  Plus, technical errors make in harder to invite people and waste valuable time.   There needs to be an option for a longer lobby time.  

11)  Can't see how any people are in a distance raid:  

When I'm invited to a raid, I am unable to see how many people are already there.  So I often waste my raid pass on fights I can't win.  The Solution is Simple:  Let us see how many people are joining a raid no matter where you are.

12)  Return raid pass if you fail:  

Just like with the Team Rocket Radar, you should only use your raid pass if you win.  Many people won't even attempt a raid because they are afraid of loosing their pass for the day.  No one wants to waste their stuff.   

 These Raid Problems affect Mega Raids as well as so they should also be considered.  

In summary, I think Mega Evolution can be improved by:   

Decrease Mega raids to the level of a 4 star raid.  

Decrease Re-evolve cost with increased.

Decrease Mega candy cost for Re-evolution or remove it entirely.  

Make walking the main requirement to Re-evolve Megas.  

Alternate ways of making mega energy.  Such as berries, rare mega energy, quests, or walking with your buddy.  

Have the option for a longer Raid lobby.  

Return raid pass if you fail.  

Another magic circle for Avatar the Last Airbender.   I’m a huge fan of both Avatar: the last Airbender and Cardcaptors.   I’ve always really like Li’s compass for finding the Clow Cards, so I redesigned it to find the next avatar.