Today is August the 15th, the birthday of the Bionicle: Technorealm AU Project.

This date was chosen by me and  not by accident.

On August the 15th 2009 a Russian-based Forum RPG was created that was called “Technorealm”.

It was based on a small novel I attempted to write at the moment, a Novel called “Journey of Takanuva - Technorealm” (Странствия Таканувы - Техномир) that was a fan-fictional extension of the journey Takanuva, Toa of Light, have attempted in order to reach the Toa Nuva in the Heart of the Matoran Universe.

The spark of inspiration for the novel came from the animated movie called “Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shambala,” which followed Edward Elric from the first FMA show through the Gates of Truth which acted as a gateway between Amestris and our world where Alchemy was never a superpower. It never worked, and the word belonged to the technological progress. A realm of technology. A Technorealm.

Just like Edward Elric, Takanuva was supposed to discover that his Elemental Powers no longer work in this new version of Metru Nui, the City of Legend, and struggle to return home without the help of it.

The Novel was never finished, and scrapped eventually, as it gave way to a new, more exciting form of fictional media: text-based roleplaying game.

For years me and Demi were maintaining the storyline of Technorealm practically alone, with occasional help of others who came and go. Many things changed. Technorealm evolved.

It have become more than just a mashup of BIONICLE and that one FMA movie.

There are dozens of media references, adopted ideas, things that were inspired by others’ works of fiction, including such big titles as Warhammer 40.000, Mass Effect, Deus Ex, The Elder Scrolls, you name it.

It has become more than a novel. More than an RPG. It has become our child. Our collective creation.

And so many years later, Technorealm is as good as ever! With a group of loyal fans the worldbuilding continues. With a small party of devoted players, we have a Roleplaying segment still going on, even if the old forums are abandoned forever!

This project means a lot to me. Really, it does. And I couldn’t have gotten this far without Demi, or any of those who decided to commit their time and effort into it.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all!

And happy birthday Technorealm.

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Since it’s birthday, it’s customary to give birthday presents. And believe me when I tell you this, Technorealm’s gonna receive some sweet b-day presents today. Stay tuned to the Technorealm blog. <3