busy busy bzzz
I did not realize this until now, but I can tell you exactly who on my flist uses icons of shirtless guys on a regular basis. Huh.
In other news, the official Avatar site updated! About... I guess a mont ago, it had a bunch of neat info for the first four episodes. It's cpmpletely up to date now. I've been copy-pasting a lot of it to sort out later for the background guide for the Avatar RPG. To insure I can find it all quickly and for anyone else who wants to look, it's all under the cut. I wrote none of this. Nick.com did.
Annoyingly enough, none of this is from the first season specifically. I don't know if they did this for the first season, but if they did, it's not up anymore.
Catgators - This animal is a cross between a catfish and an alligator. Catgators are the bottom-feeders of the swamp - they'll eat anything they can get their teeth on. Although they seem like ferocious animals, they are actually pretty docile towards humans. To most people these catgators are considered an extremely ugly creature, but to the folks of the swamp these catgators are cute pets and have names like "Slim" and "Derby."
Elbow Leech - These large, blood sucking swamp insects seem to be everywhere in the swamp. The only thing they enjoy more than the humid weather of the swamp is the occasional passerby who they are sure to attach themselves to - in fact, it's hard to go anywhere in this mucky place without one sticking onto your elbow.
Baby Platypus Bear - Like its name suggests, this animal is half duck-billed platypus and half bear. Don't be fooled by its cute "duck" mode, though, because when it grows up it stands on its hind legs and is as ferocious as a bear. If you see a large den in the woods chances are it's the home of a platypus bear, so don't go in. And never stand between a mama platypus bear and its cub. The platypus bear is usually found inland, swimming in rivers and hunting for its favorite food - Se Tu fish.
Purple Pentapus - These are five-eyed, five-tentacled, little octopus-like creatures that live in the sewers of Omashu. Their tentacles have small suction cups that they use to grip on to the side of the sewer in order to eat algae and other sewer food. If you are unlucky enough to get one stuck on you, you will be covered in small, red, suction cup marks for hours.
Badgermoles - These giant animals are a cross between a badger and a mole. Badgermoles use Earthbending to make tunnels and travel underground, where they hunt for prey and live. Badgermoles were the first Earthbenders -- they are blind but they use their Earthbending to feel the ground and "see". A little known fact about the Badgermoles is their love for music -- if the right music is played, you can get a badger mole to do just about anything.
Wolfbats - These ferocious animals are a cross between a wolf and a bat. They are the size of a wolf but have wings and are able to fly - just like a bat. Wolfbats are native to the caves of the Earth Kingdom. They are territorial animals so if you ever hear their distinct howl it's best to turn back and not disturb them. Wolfbats are a nocturnal animal, only leaving the caves at night.
Ostrich-Horse - A cross between an ostrich and a horse, the Ostrich-Horse is an extremely useful animal to the people of the Earth Kingdom, especially the Earth Kingdom soldiers. Highly trained ostrich horses are even equipped with armor and used for battles by the Earth Kingdom armies.
This docile creature is a lot like our version of a horse, used for transportation and to carry supplies, etc. They can be equipped with a saddle and can be used to pull carriages, etc.
Komodo Rhinos - A large rhino/komodo dragon mix, they have three horns like a triceratops and a long whip-like tail. Outfitted with heavy armor around the face, they're used for pulling carts and carrying people, both for war and civilian purposes. The Rough Rhinos wouldn't have a name without them.
Turtle-ducks - This animal is a cross between a turtle and a duck. They live in ponds throughout the world, but they especially love the warm weather of the Fire Nation. They are both great fliers and great swimmers. These animals are especially cute when they are young but you better resist the urge to pet these adorable creatures - if you mess with them, their mother will be sure to bite you.
Hybrid Pigs - These are different types of pigs that the Lee family raises at their farm.
1. Wooly-pig - This is a cross between a pig and a sheep. These animals grow wool that can be used to make clothing, etc. Unfortunately, the wool gets quite muddy from all their rolling around in the muck.
2. Moo-Sow - This is a cross between a cow and a pig -- they produce a special and delicious pig-milk.
3. Pickens - These are a cross between a Pig and a chicken - they lay eggs and are also very delicious to eat.
4. Pigster - This is a cross between a pig and a rooster -- they make great alarm clocks.
Mongoose Dragons - This is an hybrid animal typical of the Avatar world -- it is a cross between a mongoose and a basilisk lizard -- only bigger. The Mongoose Dragons are large animals that are basically ridden like a horse - only Mongoose Dragons are much more versatile. Their quick, mongoose-like reflexes help them to dodge just about any attack, and their lizard-like abilities enable them to quickly crawl over just about any obstacle - even up walls. Riding this animal takes a little getting used to - especially when it stands on its hind legs, but it is well worth it. These animals are originally from the tropical jungles of the Fire Nation.
Saber-Tooth Moose-Lioness - This is the mother of the baby saber-tooth moose-lion. Standing at about the size of a large moose, these animals are extremely good fighters - their long teeth, long horns and ferocious attitude make them a formidable opponent. Although they look scary, for the most part saber-tooth moose-lions are friendly animals - that is, unless you stand in between a mother saber-tooth moose-lion and her cub, then these animals have been known to become quite violent. The saber-tooth moose-lion is native to the forests of the Southern Earth Kingdom.
Knowledge Seekers - Knowledge seekers are technically not animals, but rather spirits who resemble foxes. They assist Wan Shi Tong by collecting old books and parchments from around the world and delivering them to the library's archives. The Knowledge Seekers were also designed to help library patrons, so anyone who has questions about a library book can expect assistance from these little foxes. They may, however, expect a treat in return.
Singing Groundhogs - These little critters attract tourists from all over the Avatar world. As Aang demonstrates, these creatures have an innate musical ability and will respond to any musical note by singing a pitch-perfect response. Like ordinary groundhogs, they live in underground tunnels and feed off insects and roots. Don't go looking for them in the winter, though. Even singing groundhogs have to hibernate.
Buzzard-Wasps - Horrible, filthy flying monsters that live in caves they dig out of Si Wong Rock. While they primarily subsist on carrion and prefer not to hunt live game, they will attack if absolutely desperate for food or are provoked by something invading their home caves. In such cases they can be incredibly dangerous, as their beaks and talons are razor sharp. The females produce a sticky substance similar to honey that they feed to their young. Unlike honey, however, the substance is not palatable to humans, with a flavor described by some as resembling rotten penguin meat.
Swamp Skiff - These are small, canoe-like crafts that swamp folks use to travel around the swamp. The swamp folks use Waterbending to propel the skiffs and long poles to guide them through the waterways of the swamp. Swamp folks use these boats to hunt, fish, and travel around their watery environment.
White dragon bush - The white dragon bush is a unique looking and rare plant. The leaves of the white dragon bush are dried out and used to make valuable, delicious tea. This bush was once a common plant but soon disappeared because of over-collecting. The white dragon bush grows naturally in forested areas where there is an abundance of shade. Unfortunately, the white dragon bush resembles another plant, the poisonous white jade bush.
Fire Nation Trebuchet - These catapults are used by the Fire Nation to conduct long-range warfare. Manned by imposing, muscle-bound Trebuchet Operators and capable of launching flaming munitions over great distance, these catapults have become the scourge of city walls throughout the world of Avatar.
Large Earth Coins - These people-sized round coins are used as weapons by Earthbenders. Because they are made out of Earth, Earthbenders are able to bend them, spinning and rolling them at their opponents. Inspired from actual Earth Kingdom coins - these weapons are very useful on the battlefield. The coins can be lined up side by side to make a defensive (and mobile) wall or stacked to make an impromptu lookout tower. Skilled Earthbenders can use these coins as a vehicle and "ride" in the hole in the middle of the coins.
Tank Train - The tank-train is a Fire Nation engineering marvel - it is a cross between a tank and a train. By using the concept of their tanks and building upon it, the Fire Nation was able to make a vehicle powerful enough to go virtually anywhere and large enough to carry all sort of bad Fire Nation things. The tank-train is the size of a regular train and consists of several cars - the first car is the work-horse, it houses the engine of the vehicle which runs on coal and steam or Firebending. The tank-train can often be spotted from miles away because of the plumes of smoke bellowing from its engines. The first car also has a functional design - the sharp, armored front is used to cut a path through any obstacles. The next two cars are for hauling things - these cars can be added and removed when needed.
Sand-sailors - The main form of transportation used by the Sandbenders, sand-sailors look very similar to catamarans. They have runners that slide across the sand and sails to catch the wild, hot desert winds. The Sandbender pilots use their bending to help steer and propel the sailors. While not ideal for transporting large amounts of cargo or great numbers of people, the sand-sailors are agile, handle nimbly, and can traverse great expanses of desert wasteland quickly and with minimal effort.
Earth Kingdom Base - Under the command of General Fong, this impressive Earth Kingdom facility is hidden in an Earth Kingdom mountain range off the western coast. It is one of the few remaining strongholds for the Earth Kingdom in this part of the country and it is extremely important strategically if the Earth Kingdom ever wants to invade the Fire Nation.
This large, self-sufficient base is like a small city - it has barracks for the troops, guest quarters, a large infirmary to care for injured soldiers, a temple to pray, and even a recreation area for soldiers to relax.
Kiyoshi Island - Located in the South Sea, Kyoshi Island is part of the Earth Kingdom and is named for the Avatar who was born there 400 years ago, Avatar Kyoshi. Predominantly a fishing port, Kyoshi Island is a favorite stopping point for traders and travelers. Because it holds no significant military advantage and is home to only a few Earthbenders, the island remained untouched by the Fire Nation for 100 years - that is until Zuko attacked it last winter, looking for the Avatar. Kyoshi Island's citizens live scattered amongst several small villages around the island. Each village has a leader and a band of female Kyoshi warriors, both of whom serve and protect their citizens. In this episode, we find out how Kyoshi island was formed. Many years ago, the village where Kyoshi was born was located on a peninsula on the southwestern Earth Kingdom. In an effort to protect her village, Avatar Kyoshi decided to break off the peninsula from the mainland Earth kingdom. Using her bending abilities, Kyoshi separated the village from the main land. She moved the separated landmass into the middle of the ocean, creating Kyoshi island.
Chin Village - This small Earth Kingdom village is located at the Southwestern most tip of the Earth Kingdom. Along the coasts of the Chin Village are large cliffs, created hundreds of years ago after Avatar Kyoshi separated her village from the mainland. Chin village was named for Chin the great, an old village leader who was killed by Avatar Kyoshi. Even to this day, the people of Chin village honor their fallen leader when they celebrate what they call "Avatar Day" - a day that celebrates their hatred for the Avatar. This town is a wacky place with unusual laws and traditions.
Avatar Day Festival - This is a Chin village festival that celebrates the Avatar - that is, their hatred for the Avatar. According to Chin Village history, Avatar Kyoshi killed their (supposed) great leader, "Chin the Great" over three hundred years ago. So every year on the anniversary of Chin's death, the Chin village celebrates "Avatar Day" - to honor their great leader and to show their hatred for the Avatars. The Avatar Day festival is a lot like a parade with large paper floats, vendors selling deep-fried foods, and people celebrating. The hi-light of the celebration is when giant paper effigies of previous Avatars are paraded down the village and then lit on fire. After 370 years of celebrating like this, Avatar Day is finally changed. After Aang chases off the Rough Rhinos, the Chin village now celebrates a new Avatar Day - one that honors the Avatar and remembers the day that Avatar Aang saved Chin Village.
Gaoling - This is a large and very old Earth kingdom town. It is a well established place that has been around for many years. Located in the Southern Earth Kingdom, Gaoling has a variety of people living here - from the very rich to the very poor. But mostly Gaoling is filled with middle class people whose families have been living there for many generations. On the outskirts of the town are very large, very expensive estates where the richest people of the town live.
Earthbending Acadamy in Gaoling - This is Master Yu's Earthbending Academy. It is a large building with an outdoor courtyard in the middle. Before each class, Master Yu puts out different sized rocks in the courtyard for the students to Earthbend with. This large courtyard is an ideal place for the young Earthbenders to train -- here they can sling rocks around without accidentally hurting any passers-by. This Earthbending Academy is a fairly new place, having only been around for a few years.
The Fire Lord's Palace - Located in the heart of the Fire Nation, The Fire Lord's Royal Palace is the most recognizable structure in the Fire Nation. The Fire Lord's Palace is where the Fire Lord and the Royal family live. The Palace is located on a large, beautiful estate.
Inside, the palace is made up of enormous halls. Large tapestries line the walls. Fire-related images and moldings can be seen throughout the palace -- it is a truly powerful structure. The Palace has many different wings and many different rooms. The throne room is where the Fire Lord rules. The throne is on an elevated platform and sits high above any visitors. This is also the war planning room, where the Fire Lord sits with his generals to discuss planning and tactics for the war. There are bedrooms, guestrooms and even servant's quarters inside this enormous palace.
Deserted Town - This town is located in the mountainous area of the Southern Earth Kingdom. This is a boomtown that quickly came to be after rare and valuable metals were discovered in the nearby mines. In a very short amount of time, Earthbenders from all over the Earth Kingdom came here to mine for the valuable metals. For years this was a striving town that flourished with commerce. But after the mines dried up, people began to leave. It wasn't long before everyone was gone, leaving this place a deserted ghost town.
Riverside Clearing - This clearing is located in the Southern Earth kingdom, next to the Nan Shan River. The Nan Shan River is a small river that cuts through this part of the land. In some places, the river has a very strong current but in other places it is very calm and is the ideal place to take a bath - especially for a shedding air bison.
Earthbending Training - These are the various Earthbending exercises Toph uses to train Aang.
1. Stone carry maze run: In this exercise, Aang carries a heavy stone on his shoulders while running through an obstacle course. This exercise is designed to keep Aang grounded and train him to use the earth for balance.
2. Sand punching: In this exercise Aang punches into barrels filled with sand. This is supposed help Aang get a better "feel" for the Earth - but it can also be very painful if you do not use proper Earthbending.
3. Whack-a-rock: The "whack-a-rock" exercise is like our version of the "whack-a-mole" game. Toph Earthbends rocks, quickly popping them up and then back into the ground - at the same time, Aang tries to whack them.
4. Rock armor: In this training technique Toph covers herself in "Rock armor." While in rock armor, Toph acts as a live sparring dummy for Aang.
5. Sand sack throw:In this training exercise, Aang takes a stance and throws a sack of rocks from behind him up in the air, then moves forward and catches it.
These exercises are all designed to help Aang in different areas of Earthbending but in general, they are all used to make him more "rock-like."
Wan Shi Tong - Wan Shi Tong is the knowledge spirit of the Avatar world -- an ancient and powerful being who knows more than any human walking the earth. In fact, his name is a Mandarin Chinese phrase that literally means "He Who Knows 10,000 Things." In his physical form, Wan Shi Tong resembles a giant owl - the animal symbol of knowledge. And when angry, he transforms into a ferocious owl-dragon. He never misses a chance to learn a new fact, or to brag about his vast intelligence.
Sandbenders - These are Earthbenders who have adapted to life in the Si Wong Desert. Their skills differ greatly from those of ordinary Earthbenders. As their name indicates, sandbenders bend sand. They move quickly out in the desert, thanks to their specialized "sand-sailers". Since economic opportunities are limited in the desert, Sandbenders get by however they can. They've been known to scavenge for dead animals, or even steal from passing travelers at the nearby cantina.
Si Wong Desert - This place has the driest, hottest, most brutal climate of the Avatar world. Few can survive for long in this desert, let alone navigate through it. The desert is home to a few large predatory insects and a few scavenger birds, but it's mostly just miles and miles of barren sand. This might explain the desert's name, which literally means "Desert of the Dead".
Wan Shi Tong's Library - This ancient building is a much sought-after destination for many adventurers. While it was once a huge palatial structure, most of it is now buried underground - only its top most spire is visible from the desert.
Wan Shi Tong built the library several thousand years ago for the purpose of preserving all of the world's knowledge. With the help of his ‘knowledge seekers', he has managed to build quite a collection over the years, despite having an entire wing sabotaged by the Fire Nation. If you can't find a subject here, it probably doesn't exist.
Planetary Calendar Room - This impressive machine was built by Wan Shi Tong and his seekers using phosphorescent crystals, jade, brass, and other fine materials. Though it may seem like advanced technology, the planetary calendar works on gears and cogs like a watch. The ceiling is domed, like that of a planetarium, with "stars" projected from a crystal. The room uses its crystal-made stars, along with several rotating planets, to act as a kind of almanac - showing both recorded history and projected future planetary alignments.
Misty Palms Oasis - Located on the very edge of the Si Wong desert, this bustling cantina is always overflowing with traders and soldiers. The Misty Palms Oasis is the last place to buy or trade anything before crossing the desert, so many an adventurer can be found here stocking up on supplies. This is where Aang and the kids meet up with Professor Zei before heading into the desert to search for the spirit library.
The cantina's trademark is its selection of frozen beverages, created by a skilled bartender who dices the fruit with dual katanas. The ice is carved from a below-ground iceberg, which is still mostly preserved beneath the hot sand of the desert.
Si Wong Rock - A giant rock mesa that rises shockingly from the rolling dunes of the desert and looms imposingly over the landscape. It appears incredibly out of place in its surroundings, and Sandbender lore claims that it was dropped from the sky by the gods to prove their power and anger when humans stopped following the rules of their priests. Whatever its origin, the rock is the only landscape feature of note in the desert, and is thus used as a guidepost by the Sandbenders and any others who must navigate a trip through the Si Wong. In addition to its use as a visual landmark, the rock is composed of a metallic ore that makes it magnetic, which allows the Sandbenders to create compasses that work throughout the desert, giving them their coordinates in relation to the rock.
In other news, the official Avatar site updated! About... I guess a mont ago, it had a bunch of neat info for the first four episodes. It's cpmpletely up to date now. I've been copy-pasting a lot of it to sort out later for the background guide for the Avatar RPG. To insure I can find it all quickly and for anyone else who wants to look, it's all under the cut. I wrote none of this. Nick.com did.
Annoyingly enough, none of this is from the first season specifically. I don't know if they did this for the first season, but if they did, it's not up anymore.
Catgators - This animal is a cross between a catfish and an alligator. Catgators are the bottom-feeders of the swamp - they'll eat anything they can get their teeth on. Although they seem like ferocious animals, they are actually pretty docile towards humans. To most people these catgators are considered an extremely ugly creature, but to the folks of the swamp these catgators are cute pets and have names like "Slim" and "Derby."
Elbow Leech - These large, blood sucking swamp insects seem to be everywhere in the swamp. The only thing they enjoy more than the humid weather of the swamp is the occasional passerby who they are sure to attach themselves to - in fact, it's hard to go anywhere in this mucky place without one sticking onto your elbow.
Baby Platypus Bear - Like its name suggests, this animal is half duck-billed platypus and half bear. Don't be fooled by its cute "duck" mode, though, because when it grows up it stands on its hind legs and is as ferocious as a bear. If you see a large den in the woods chances are it's the home of a platypus bear, so don't go in. And never stand between a mama platypus bear and its cub. The platypus bear is usually found inland, swimming in rivers and hunting for its favorite food - Se Tu fish.
Purple Pentapus - These are five-eyed, five-tentacled, little octopus-like creatures that live in the sewers of Omashu. Their tentacles have small suction cups that they use to grip on to the side of the sewer in order to eat algae and other sewer food. If you are unlucky enough to get one stuck on you, you will be covered in small, red, suction cup marks for hours.
Badgermoles - These giant animals are a cross between a badger and a mole. Badgermoles use Earthbending to make tunnels and travel underground, where they hunt for prey and live. Badgermoles were the first Earthbenders -- they are blind but they use their Earthbending to feel the ground and "see". A little known fact about the Badgermoles is their love for music -- if the right music is played, you can get a badger mole to do just about anything.
Wolfbats - These ferocious animals are a cross between a wolf and a bat. They are the size of a wolf but have wings and are able to fly - just like a bat. Wolfbats are native to the caves of the Earth Kingdom. They are territorial animals so if you ever hear their distinct howl it's best to turn back and not disturb them. Wolfbats are a nocturnal animal, only leaving the caves at night.
Ostrich-Horse - A cross between an ostrich and a horse, the Ostrich-Horse is an extremely useful animal to the people of the Earth Kingdom, especially the Earth Kingdom soldiers. Highly trained ostrich horses are even equipped with armor and used for battles by the Earth Kingdom armies.
This docile creature is a lot like our version of a horse, used for transportation and to carry supplies, etc. They can be equipped with a saddle and can be used to pull carriages, etc.
Komodo Rhinos - A large rhino/komodo dragon mix, they have three horns like a triceratops and a long whip-like tail. Outfitted with heavy armor around the face, they're used for pulling carts and carrying people, both for war and civilian purposes. The Rough Rhinos wouldn't have a name without them.
Turtle-ducks - This animal is a cross between a turtle and a duck. They live in ponds throughout the world, but they especially love the warm weather of the Fire Nation. They are both great fliers and great swimmers. These animals are especially cute when they are young but you better resist the urge to pet these adorable creatures - if you mess with them, their mother will be sure to bite you.
Hybrid Pigs - These are different types of pigs that the Lee family raises at their farm.
1. Wooly-pig - This is a cross between a pig and a sheep. These animals grow wool that can be used to make clothing, etc. Unfortunately, the wool gets quite muddy from all their rolling around in the muck.
2. Moo-Sow - This is a cross between a cow and a pig -- they produce a special and delicious pig-milk.
3. Pickens - These are a cross between a Pig and a chicken - they lay eggs and are also very delicious to eat.
4. Pigster - This is a cross between a pig and a rooster -- they make great alarm clocks.
Mongoose Dragons - This is an hybrid animal typical of the Avatar world -- it is a cross between a mongoose and a basilisk lizard -- only bigger. The Mongoose Dragons are large animals that are basically ridden like a horse - only Mongoose Dragons are much more versatile. Their quick, mongoose-like reflexes help them to dodge just about any attack, and their lizard-like abilities enable them to quickly crawl over just about any obstacle - even up walls. Riding this animal takes a little getting used to - especially when it stands on its hind legs, but it is well worth it. These animals are originally from the tropical jungles of the Fire Nation.
Saber-Tooth Moose-Lioness - This is the mother of the baby saber-tooth moose-lion. Standing at about the size of a large moose, these animals are extremely good fighters - their long teeth, long horns and ferocious attitude make them a formidable opponent. Although they look scary, for the most part saber-tooth moose-lions are friendly animals - that is, unless you stand in between a mother saber-tooth moose-lion and her cub, then these animals have been known to become quite violent. The saber-tooth moose-lion is native to the forests of the Southern Earth Kingdom.
Knowledge Seekers - Knowledge seekers are technically not animals, but rather spirits who resemble foxes. They assist Wan Shi Tong by collecting old books and parchments from around the world and delivering them to the library's archives. The Knowledge Seekers were also designed to help library patrons, so anyone who has questions about a library book can expect assistance from these little foxes. They may, however, expect a treat in return.
Singing Groundhogs - These little critters attract tourists from all over the Avatar world. As Aang demonstrates, these creatures have an innate musical ability and will respond to any musical note by singing a pitch-perfect response. Like ordinary groundhogs, they live in underground tunnels and feed off insects and roots. Don't go looking for them in the winter, though. Even singing groundhogs have to hibernate.
Buzzard-Wasps - Horrible, filthy flying monsters that live in caves they dig out of Si Wong Rock. While they primarily subsist on carrion and prefer not to hunt live game, they will attack if absolutely desperate for food or are provoked by something invading their home caves. In such cases they can be incredibly dangerous, as their beaks and talons are razor sharp. The females produce a sticky substance similar to honey that they feed to their young. Unlike honey, however, the substance is not palatable to humans, with a flavor described by some as resembling rotten penguin meat.
Swamp Skiff - These are small, canoe-like crafts that swamp folks use to travel around the swamp. The swamp folks use Waterbending to propel the skiffs and long poles to guide them through the waterways of the swamp. Swamp folks use these boats to hunt, fish, and travel around their watery environment.
White dragon bush - The white dragon bush is a unique looking and rare plant. The leaves of the white dragon bush are dried out and used to make valuable, delicious tea. This bush was once a common plant but soon disappeared because of over-collecting. The white dragon bush grows naturally in forested areas where there is an abundance of shade. Unfortunately, the white dragon bush resembles another plant, the poisonous white jade bush.
Fire Nation Trebuchet - These catapults are used by the Fire Nation to conduct long-range warfare. Manned by imposing, muscle-bound Trebuchet Operators and capable of launching flaming munitions over great distance, these catapults have become the scourge of city walls throughout the world of Avatar.
Large Earth Coins - These people-sized round coins are used as weapons by Earthbenders. Because they are made out of Earth, Earthbenders are able to bend them, spinning and rolling them at their opponents. Inspired from actual Earth Kingdom coins - these weapons are very useful on the battlefield. The coins can be lined up side by side to make a defensive (and mobile) wall or stacked to make an impromptu lookout tower. Skilled Earthbenders can use these coins as a vehicle and "ride" in the hole in the middle of the coins.
Tank Train - The tank-train is a Fire Nation engineering marvel - it is a cross between a tank and a train. By using the concept of their tanks and building upon it, the Fire Nation was able to make a vehicle powerful enough to go virtually anywhere and large enough to carry all sort of bad Fire Nation things. The tank-train is the size of a regular train and consists of several cars - the first car is the work-horse, it houses the engine of the vehicle which runs on coal and steam or Firebending. The tank-train can often be spotted from miles away because of the plumes of smoke bellowing from its engines. The first car also has a functional design - the sharp, armored front is used to cut a path through any obstacles. The next two cars are for hauling things - these cars can be added and removed when needed.
Sand-sailors - The main form of transportation used by the Sandbenders, sand-sailors look very similar to catamarans. They have runners that slide across the sand and sails to catch the wild, hot desert winds. The Sandbender pilots use their bending to help steer and propel the sailors. While not ideal for transporting large amounts of cargo or great numbers of people, the sand-sailors are agile, handle nimbly, and can traverse great expanses of desert wasteland quickly and with minimal effort.
Earth Kingdom Base - Under the command of General Fong, this impressive Earth Kingdom facility is hidden in an Earth Kingdom mountain range off the western coast. It is one of the few remaining strongholds for the Earth Kingdom in this part of the country and it is extremely important strategically if the Earth Kingdom ever wants to invade the Fire Nation.
This large, self-sufficient base is like a small city - it has barracks for the troops, guest quarters, a large infirmary to care for injured soldiers, a temple to pray, and even a recreation area for soldiers to relax.
Kiyoshi Island - Located in the South Sea, Kyoshi Island is part of the Earth Kingdom and is named for the Avatar who was born there 400 years ago, Avatar Kyoshi. Predominantly a fishing port, Kyoshi Island is a favorite stopping point for traders and travelers. Because it holds no significant military advantage and is home to only a few Earthbenders, the island remained untouched by the Fire Nation for 100 years - that is until Zuko attacked it last winter, looking for the Avatar. Kyoshi Island's citizens live scattered amongst several small villages around the island. Each village has a leader and a band of female Kyoshi warriors, both of whom serve and protect their citizens. In this episode, we find out how Kyoshi island was formed. Many years ago, the village where Kyoshi was born was located on a peninsula on the southwestern Earth Kingdom. In an effort to protect her village, Avatar Kyoshi decided to break off the peninsula from the mainland Earth kingdom. Using her bending abilities, Kyoshi separated the village from the main land. She moved the separated landmass into the middle of the ocean, creating Kyoshi island.
Chin Village - This small Earth Kingdom village is located at the Southwestern most tip of the Earth Kingdom. Along the coasts of the Chin Village are large cliffs, created hundreds of years ago after Avatar Kyoshi separated her village from the mainland. Chin village was named for Chin the great, an old village leader who was killed by Avatar Kyoshi. Even to this day, the people of Chin village honor their fallen leader when they celebrate what they call "Avatar Day" - a day that celebrates their hatred for the Avatar. This town is a wacky place with unusual laws and traditions.
Avatar Day Festival - This is a Chin village festival that celebrates the Avatar - that is, their hatred for the Avatar. According to Chin Village history, Avatar Kyoshi killed their (supposed) great leader, "Chin the Great" over three hundred years ago. So every year on the anniversary of Chin's death, the Chin village celebrates "Avatar Day" - to honor their great leader and to show their hatred for the Avatars. The Avatar Day festival is a lot like a parade with large paper floats, vendors selling deep-fried foods, and people celebrating. The hi-light of the celebration is when giant paper effigies of previous Avatars are paraded down the village and then lit on fire. After 370 years of celebrating like this, Avatar Day is finally changed. After Aang chases off the Rough Rhinos, the Chin village now celebrates a new Avatar Day - one that honors the Avatar and remembers the day that Avatar Aang saved Chin Village.
Gaoling - This is a large and very old Earth kingdom town. It is a well established place that has been around for many years. Located in the Southern Earth Kingdom, Gaoling has a variety of people living here - from the very rich to the very poor. But mostly Gaoling is filled with middle class people whose families have been living there for many generations. On the outskirts of the town are very large, very expensive estates where the richest people of the town live.
Earthbending Acadamy in Gaoling - This is Master Yu's Earthbending Academy. It is a large building with an outdoor courtyard in the middle. Before each class, Master Yu puts out different sized rocks in the courtyard for the students to Earthbend with. This large courtyard is an ideal place for the young Earthbenders to train -- here they can sling rocks around without accidentally hurting any passers-by. This Earthbending Academy is a fairly new place, having only been around for a few years.
The Fire Lord's Palace - Located in the heart of the Fire Nation, The Fire Lord's Royal Palace is the most recognizable structure in the Fire Nation. The Fire Lord's Palace is where the Fire Lord and the Royal family live. The Palace is located on a large, beautiful estate.
Inside, the palace is made up of enormous halls. Large tapestries line the walls. Fire-related images and moldings can be seen throughout the palace -- it is a truly powerful structure. The Palace has many different wings and many different rooms. The throne room is where the Fire Lord rules. The throne is on an elevated platform and sits high above any visitors. This is also the war planning room, where the Fire Lord sits with his generals to discuss planning and tactics for the war. There are bedrooms, guestrooms and even servant's quarters inside this enormous palace.
Deserted Town - This town is located in the mountainous area of the Southern Earth Kingdom. This is a boomtown that quickly came to be after rare and valuable metals were discovered in the nearby mines. In a very short amount of time, Earthbenders from all over the Earth Kingdom came here to mine for the valuable metals. For years this was a striving town that flourished with commerce. But after the mines dried up, people began to leave. It wasn't long before everyone was gone, leaving this place a deserted ghost town.
Riverside Clearing - This clearing is located in the Southern Earth kingdom, next to the Nan Shan River. The Nan Shan River is a small river that cuts through this part of the land. In some places, the river has a very strong current but in other places it is very calm and is the ideal place to take a bath - especially for a shedding air bison.
Earthbending Training - These are the various Earthbending exercises Toph uses to train Aang.
1. Stone carry maze run: In this exercise, Aang carries a heavy stone on his shoulders while running through an obstacle course. This exercise is designed to keep Aang grounded and train him to use the earth for balance.
2. Sand punching: In this exercise Aang punches into barrels filled with sand. This is supposed help Aang get a better "feel" for the Earth - but it can also be very painful if you do not use proper Earthbending.
3. Whack-a-rock: The "whack-a-rock" exercise is like our version of the "whack-a-mole" game. Toph Earthbends rocks, quickly popping them up and then back into the ground - at the same time, Aang tries to whack them.
4. Rock armor: In this training technique Toph covers herself in "Rock armor." While in rock armor, Toph acts as a live sparring dummy for Aang.
5. Sand sack throw:In this training exercise, Aang takes a stance and throws a sack of rocks from behind him up in the air, then moves forward and catches it.
These exercises are all designed to help Aang in different areas of Earthbending but in general, they are all used to make him more "rock-like."
Wan Shi Tong - Wan Shi Tong is the knowledge spirit of the Avatar world -- an ancient and powerful being who knows more than any human walking the earth. In fact, his name is a Mandarin Chinese phrase that literally means "He Who Knows 10,000 Things." In his physical form, Wan Shi Tong resembles a giant owl - the animal symbol of knowledge. And when angry, he transforms into a ferocious owl-dragon. He never misses a chance to learn a new fact, or to brag about his vast intelligence.
Sandbenders - These are Earthbenders who have adapted to life in the Si Wong Desert. Their skills differ greatly from those of ordinary Earthbenders. As their name indicates, sandbenders bend sand. They move quickly out in the desert, thanks to their specialized "sand-sailers". Since economic opportunities are limited in the desert, Sandbenders get by however they can. They've been known to scavenge for dead animals, or even steal from passing travelers at the nearby cantina.
Si Wong Desert - This place has the driest, hottest, most brutal climate of the Avatar world. Few can survive for long in this desert, let alone navigate through it. The desert is home to a few large predatory insects and a few scavenger birds, but it's mostly just miles and miles of barren sand. This might explain the desert's name, which literally means "Desert of the Dead".
Wan Shi Tong's Library - This ancient building is a much sought-after destination for many adventurers. While it was once a huge palatial structure, most of it is now buried underground - only its top most spire is visible from the desert.
Wan Shi Tong built the library several thousand years ago for the purpose of preserving all of the world's knowledge. With the help of his ‘knowledge seekers', he has managed to build quite a collection over the years, despite having an entire wing sabotaged by the Fire Nation. If you can't find a subject here, it probably doesn't exist.
Planetary Calendar Room - This impressive machine was built by Wan Shi Tong and his seekers using phosphorescent crystals, jade, brass, and other fine materials. Though it may seem like advanced technology, the planetary calendar works on gears and cogs like a watch. The ceiling is domed, like that of a planetarium, with "stars" projected from a crystal. The room uses its crystal-made stars, along with several rotating planets, to act as a kind of almanac - showing both recorded history and projected future planetary alignments.
Misty Palms Oasis - Located on the very edge of the Si Wong desert, this bustling cantina is always overflowing with traders and soldiers. The Misty Palms Oasis is the last place to buy or trade anything before crossing the desert, so many an adventurer can be found here stocking up on supplies. This is where Aang and the kids meet up with Professor Zei before heading into the desert to search for the spirit library.
The cantina's trademark is its selection of frozen beverages, created by a skilled bartender who dices the fruit with dual katanas. The ice is carved from a below-ground iceberg, which is still mostly preserved beneath the hot sand of the desert.
Si Wong Rock - A giant rock mesa that rises shockingly from the rolling dunes of the desert and looms imposingly over the landscape. It appears incredibly out of place in its surroundings, and Sandbender lore claims that it was dropped from the sky by the gods to prove their power and anger when humans stopped following the rules of their priests. Whatever its origin, the rock is the only landscape feature of note in the desert, and is thus used as a guidepost by the Sandbenders and any others who must navigate a trip through the Si Wong. In addition to its use as a visual landmark, the rock is composed of a metallic ore that makes it magnetic, which allows the Sandbenders to create compasses that work throughout the desert, giving them their coordinates in relation to the rock.