Talk:Airbending

Section
Shouldn't there be a section of Enhanced Airbending? Airbending is stronger during the fall/autumn, that's also when most Airbenders are born. Omnibender 19:45, 3 February 2008 (UTC)

is it? i dont remember anyone saying that it was, the only bending that would likely to be more powerful during a season is firebending in summer (because its hotter and more heat + more sun) and waterbending in winter (because it is darker more and therefore the moon is in the open more)

Each bending art has its own season, and each one is stronger during it, never mind that, it was a comment from when I hadn't even joined the Wikia, while confirmed by creators, it's just that, and it's already mentioned. Actually many IP comments in the Wikia are mine. Omnibender 23:09, 23 July 2008 (UTC)

I don't think that the idea of more Airbenders being born is valid, since all Air Nomads were born Airbenders anyway due to their increased spirituality. --AlexielSolarin 19:59, 27 April 2009 (UTC)

survivors
didn't an interveiw with the creater say that there where more airbenders that escaped?


 * If there was such an interview, the fandom would have dissected the interview and speculated until they had a migraine. Omnibender 22:32, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

Pure Expression of Airbending??
Every kind of bending has a special and unique technique like Lightning for firebending, Metalbending or Magnitism for Earthbending and Healing for Waterbending. So what's the Pure Expression for Airbending? Making Vacuumes?Zero 08:51, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

Not necessarily the purer expression, just an alternate usage of bending that is more complex than the regular use. Vacuum could be, I hoped that Bryke would introduce a sub-skill for Airbending a while ago, but it was in vain. The closest thing was soundbending, the whistle thing in Tales of Ba Sing Se. In the TCG, there are a couple cards which are Airbending moves that use sound, but the game is canon. Omnibender 19:13, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

Soundbending would both be sweet and make sense. However, as it is, Airbending is in my opinion the weakest of all elements.

The thing which makes Airbending weak is the Air Nomad philosophy. I think of a thousand gruesome things doable with Airbending, and I'm not talking about the standard "remove the air from someones lungs" thing. Look at The Desert, Aang killed that animal with Airbending and showed no remorse. Omnibender 19:39, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

No Bending is weaker then the other though the elements each have opposites. Fire: Water. Air: Earth. The Power depends solely upon the skill and strength of the bender him/herself. Stated by the creators of the show themselves. Monk Gyatso's skeleton was seen surrounded by dozens of Fire Nation Soldiers showing that he was exceptionally powerful to over come so many firebenders when they had their bending enhaced by the comet.Zero 20:08, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

I didn't mean weak as in no Airbender would win a battle, I meant it as not battle suited, damaging. Omnibender 20:31, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

There is more to bending than battle. The Original Benders all used their bending in order to interact with the world. No bending is weak in battle either. Tornados, Hurricanes and other devastating techniques can be found within airbending as well. Do not judge solely on battle strength alone. It is the inginuity of the bender that counts not the bending. Example: Monk Gyatso, was overwhelmed by two factors: The number of opponents and the power of the comet, yet he was so strong that he defeated/killed many many of his opponents.Zero 20:41, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

I'm sure that if a capable Airbender (not counting Aang) would fight, they would be successful, your example of Gyatso, he fought the Firebenders, they died, which means someone (most likely Gyatso) killed them. Gyatso was able to put aside the Air Nomad philosophy of not harming living beings, even if to protect his home and friends, and that's what made it possible for him to defeat the Fire Nation soldiers. Omnibender 21:11, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

I do not think the air nomad culture was one of absolute pacifism. I think they were allowed to defend themselves though they would try to stall using deadly force for as long as nessesary. By the way lets get back to the topic of discussion. Soundbending in my opinion is the pure expression of airbending. Airbenders would be able to manipulate the wavelength, amplitude, frequency and other properties of sound using their airbending. Thus giving way to a devastating technique that could utilize sound to break almost anything (using resonance) and render humans unconcious or dead when the techique is properly used. I think the Air Nomads phylosiphy of nonconflict stems from the very destructive power of the air.Zero 22:12, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

It is a possibility. Applying knowledges of physics, there are bendings that are possible to more than one Bending Art. Example: Lightbending. Considering the electromagnetic wave nature of light, all four bendings can lightbend. Airbenders can change the density of the air, therefore changing its refraction index, making the air bend the light that goes through it. Waterbenders could do the same thing to water vapor in the air. Earthbenders would need something like crystal dust to do the same thing, and Firebenders do the same thing as Airbenders, but instead of using the pressure of the air to change its refraction index, they'd use the temperature. Flying is also possible with all four bendings. I actually made a list of possible bendings starting from the four main bendings. Omnibender 22:56, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

Oww. My head hurts. (Sorry. Couldnt resist. But you're right. However Soundbending is demonstrated in the show as well as flight via firebending but what youve told is mostly not.)Zero 23:26, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

I know, I like to see how bending could go if backed up by science. I have one word for you: far. Omnibender 23:35, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

Haha. All too true buddy. By the way I like your attitude. Maybe you should consider joining the comunity. Just Sign up its free.Zero 23:39, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

I think I will, I started coming here just for info, but then I started adding something here, correction grammar and spelling there, adding templates... I even started some pages (Healing and Metalbending for example). Omnibender 23:44, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

I'd like to point out that Guru Pathik in "The Guru" pointed out that the separation of the four elements is only an illusion formed by the human mind, which I think pertains to this argument, but I'll get to that in a moment. Certainly, there are specialized sub-categories of the elements in the Avatar universe, such as metalbending, lightning generation and healing, but that is what they are, sub-categories. Iroh was referring to the complete peace of mind when he was speaking to Zuko about lightning generation, whereas most other Firebending at the time drew on any emotion (typically rage and anger) that one could manifest. In that way, lightning generation is the clarity of thought, the logical side of Firebending. Now, with that in mind, when one talks about the "pure expressions", that's just a choice of wording by one person, not an actual existing type of bending. In regard to the separation of the elements, it was brought up that there are many types of bending that overlap, which fits with what the Guru had to say. So, to say that there is a "pure expression" of an element is to suggest that the elements are separate, when really, the types of subset bendings that were brought up to try to find a pure form are nothing more than exploring the element more in-depth than normal. Iroh's lightning redirection skill is technically Firebending, but it is based in the idea of Waterbending, an example of the elements being related, if not in physical application, then in spirit. I hope that makes sense in trying to find a "pure form" of Airbending. --AlexielSolarin 08:23, 27 April 2009 (UTC)

So, a "pure expression" of Airbending may be more the Airbender's closest physical representation of the metaphorical/philosophical "essence" of Air, rather than some kind of special technique. Is that what you're saying? It sounds similar to how Firebending is not necessarily supposed to be about rage, but about "drive." Zuko and Aang got closer to Fire, not as a martial art, but as a philosophical concept after their encounter with the dragons. So a "pure expression" of Airbending might be the same thing? Again I ask, is that what you're saying? Puragus Talk 22:52, 27 April 2009 (UTC)

No. I'm saying that the term "pure expression" is a semantic choice, not an actual "essence" or whatever. The context of pure expression (and it has only ever been used that once in the series) was that lightning generation was pure in the sense that it didn't rely on any emotion at all, which was hard to do for Firebenders due to the art of Firebending's reliance on emotional power. So, there really is no "pure expression" of any elemental bending art, really.--AlexielSolarin 05:22, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

But they specified it as a "pure expression" therefore it is a "pure expression". BTW why are you saying this again? - Zero - Talk 11:59, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

The reason I felt the need to say it again was because you all seem to be missing a huge point, which is that you're all getting bogged down in the idea that because of a difference in semantics, you're assuming that all the bending arts have a "pure" form when all you are citing are simply alternate forms of the bending arts, which Lightning Generation is. What Uncle was describing was the form of Firebending that occurs when one is at a very sterile and calm state of mind, not that it is any more pure than the other forms of Firebending. At no point in the rest of the series has there been any hint that there is a "pure expression" of any of the other three elements and their bending arts, and as stated in the series, the spirituality of the Avatar world is based in the fact that the elements are not pure, but in fact different parts of the same whole. Besides, as I said earlier, the "pure expression" that Uncle speaks of is just that, an expression, it's not an actual pure power of Firebending, which I think is where you are being confused. You're seeming to want to tie "expression" and "power" together, when the two are not connected at all. Lightning Generation is an alternate bending power/style that Firebenders are able to perform, whereas the lack of emotion, the mental purity, is the expression, the clarity of thought, which is needed to even have the potential to be able to pull off the power, which one could have but still not be able to generate lightning without the knowledge to apply it. Regular Firebending uses various expressions of mental state and emotional state to pull off the various techniques and skills that Firebending provides, the expression does not perfectly equate to the powers the Firebenders are able to use. Not sure if you understand where I'm coming from now, but that's my position on it, there is no evidence of any other pure powers of the other bendings, so there really isn't any as far as the series is concerned. --AlexielSolarin 02:48, 12 May 2009 (UTC)

I think that soundbending is not only plausible as an airbending sub-skill, but it is one. There seems to be a lot of argument over the scene in "the Firebending Masters" where Aang calls for help. I think that he really was using soundbending because of the fact that Zuko's hair seemed to blow to the left nad the sound of rushing air is distinctly heard. While the idea is that it is just for 'artistic liberty', it seems that soundbending is very real. Consider how many times Aang has used airbending for comical effect. It seems very minor and sometimes shows that typical manga-styled humor, complete with exaggerated facial features, but it is undeniably airbending. One example is in "the Boy in the Iceberg" where Aang very subtely yet clearly draws his staff out of Sokka's hands with airbending. - Momo@appa

Can I just ask a question? What exactly defines an 'alternate style' and how does it differ from a 'special technique'? I'm kinda new to this website but on wikipedia it mentions that the special techniques for Water, Earth, Fire and Airbending are healing/bloodbending/plantbending, sand/metalbending/earth-sight, lightening/blue fire and flying/air-scooter respectively. But on avatar wiki, you guys call all of those except flying and the air-scooter 'alternate styles'. Maybe airbending does have an 'alternate style' then and the seperation of 'special techniques' and 'alternate style' was a big mistake. Your thoughts? - Aangstaff.

The two are up to a point somewhat interchangeable, for example, both sandbending and metalbending are considered special techniques and alternative styles due to their difference to regular earthbending, but we list metalbending in its own section because it is the most different style, it's the one with most differences. In Firebending however, we don't list blue fire as an alternative style because all in all, it's still just fire, the different color being due to Azula's personality and "I must excel" mentality. In Waterbending, plant and blood are specialized forms, but it's still controlling water, healing on the other hand uses water as a catalyst for something else. We don't list anything as an alternate style for air cause everything seen so far is not different enough to make it stand out, the one possible exception being soundbending, which while confirmed as something different in the TCG (which in turn isn't canon), has never been specifically confirmed to be it in the examples given in the page. I'm not sure this is the best explanation I can give, but I hope it was good enough. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 20:33, 20 May 2009 (UTC)

Okay I think I understand most of what you are saying but wouldn't an alternate style be something that clearly seperates one form of bending from everything else? So for example airbending can be used for things like combat and self-defense as well as manipulating the environment to an extent making it very similar to the other bending arts. Specifically though, airbending is the only art that can promote full flight without some sort of unique circumstance (i.e. like Sozin's Comet giving firebenders flight). Isn't that a very different form of bending? I mean, when you think about it metalbending is just earthbending of the earth that exists in smaller amounts, right? It's not like healing or lightning which is completely different from usual waterbending and firebending, is it? I think flight should be an alternate style for airbending considering that it's just bending air in a different way like sand/metalbending is bending earth in a different way. The writers could have just restricted airbending to just creating air attacks and defenses but instead, flying was decided almost like a bonus power. - Aangstaff


 * Soundbending is not the "pure expression" of Airbending. Airbending does not have a subset. Neither is flying. All of these are just manipulations of air. None of them do something remotely unique related to air. Lightning is not quite fire. healing is not quite Waterbending. Metalbending is not quite Earthbending. But "soundbending" (which isn't even an official name) is just bending the air to allow sound to travel further unimpeded. Flying is manipulating air currents. Let me finish by repeating: There is no subset of Airbending. Wjxhuang,  the 888th Avatar  {Talk} 11:04, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

This whole sub-set idea wasn’t actually stated in the show and there was no actual reference to airbending lacking a sub-set. The term sub-set/alternate style is very subjective. Why is metalbending considered so different from earthbending? As you see in “the Guru”, Toph uses her ‘earth-sight’ to ‘see’ the tiny fragments of soil/rock or whatever you want to call it. She is not bending the metal itself, but these fragments of earth inside the metal. So why can’t airbending’s sub-set be flight, the air-scooter or sound amplification? The latter does exist, most agree on that. - Aangstaff

If this guy is who I think it is then he just committed a variation of sock-puppetry. Is that allowed? - Zero - Talk 13:30, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

It is him (58.106.198.136) he's giving out false names and changing them over different sections. That's definitely a variation of sock-puppetry. - Zero - Talk 13:32, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

Okay, I just want to say Zero that I did not intend on decieving you or anyone else on this wiki. I was just trying out some different names to see which one I'd like to stick with and I've made up my mind (see signiture) - so I apologize for the confusion. I wasn't "sock-puppetering" or anything like that. I don't want to have to come on this site and start arguments so I answered your requests by signing up officially. Now all of that aside, how about responding to the line of argument I left as 'Aangstaff'?--Yin&amp;Yang 04:27, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

Hey 888, you mentioned healing for waterbending being entirely different to actual waterbending thereby making it a sub-skill (this I can understand). So why on earth does that place plantbending and bloodbending on the list of sub-skills when all they really are, are the manipulating water in living organisms? Their isn't any other way of describing these two skills than that.--Yin&amp;Yang 05:07, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

Now that's more like it. Welcome to the club. Anyways Plantbending and Bloodbending require an extremely high level of skill in order to execute them due to the delicacy required to not kill the organism by extracting the water accidentally. As such they are special techniques, like Toph's Metalbending. That and the show has categorised them as special techniques. - Zero - Talk 05:11, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

Sorry, I don't remember anyone saying in the show anything that confirms the existance of the term "sub-set" (which I think is what you were meaning to say in your last comment instead of 'special technique' which is what airbending flight, soundbending and the air scooter are grouped under in this wiki). Neither is there any evidence that suggests that bloodbending and plantbending must be performed with caution to prevent killing the organism. Let me know where in the series this is stated so that I can double-check.--Yin&amp;Yang 09:09, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

I'm not 100% sure of it, but I remember reading either the term or something similar in the entries of those bendings in nick.com, but I do remember the bloodbending entry is in the Southern Raiders episode and that Yue bending plants had something to do with enlightenment under the tree. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 20:05, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

Hold up, I'm a little confused. Omnibender, are you refering to what I asked Zero or something else? What is that thing about Yue bending plants? She doesn't show any waterbending abilities until she becomes the moon spirit and even then she doesn't bend plants!--Yin&amp;Yang 01:56, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

He meant to say Hue and mixed it up with Yue. Anyways. The techniques can still be categorized as special techniques due to their rarity of use and abilities. That's why. - Zero - Talk 10:24, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

Yeah, I meant Hue, it just so happens that the "Y" key is very close to the "H" key. Mea culpa. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 18:15, 24 May 2009 (UTC)


 * I know this is an old argument, but there was no semantic... Lightning _IS_ a pure expression of firebending. Iroh clearly states that lightning "...is the pure expression of firebending". He explains that firebending essentially is supposed to be lightning, but that emotions and a firebenders drive augments it into fire. If the drive or emotion wasn't there, positive and negative energy is separated, then to become balanced it crashes towards each other and forms lightning. You cannot command it, just guide it. Trying to guide or command the energies with your drive instead creates fire. 24.91.72.168 21:01, September 2, 2009 (UTC)

I have to disagree. I think you're reading a little too closely into Iroh's speech. Remember that firebending was originally learned from the dragons, who are considered the ultimate firebenders, and that in the Firebending Masters, it is very clear that they bend fire, not lightning. Furthermore, Aang and Zuko learn from the dragons that firebending does not come from rage, but from drive. Drive is the original source of all firebending. Similarly, firebending is specifically strengthened by the sun, and the sun is not made of lightning. So I don't think that all firebending is supposed to be lightning. They are just seperate styles of the same form of bending. Irock818 19:17, February 21, 2010 (UTC)

Mastering Airbending
I think we should add something about how you have to make a technique to master air (along with actually mastering it) and once you master it, you get your arrow. I just don't know where that should go though.Joeyaa 12:50, 19 August 2008 (UTC)

I'm pretty sure it has been mentioned, isn't it? Omnibender 00:00, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

Now that I look closely it says the arrow, but nothing about making their own move/attack...Joeyaa 00:03, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

Actually the Airbenders were required to master a number of tiers of airbending (31 or something, I'm not sure) and make one original move to get their arrow. Aang had mastered all of the tiers except one. He only got his arrows prematurely because he made his own move: The Air Scooter. Zero - Talk 08:09, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

Wasn't it mastering the 36 levels or making a new move? I remember reading in the scroll thingy that Aang got up to 35th level, but got the arrow because of the air scooter. This is confusing. Omnibender 22:00, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

That's it. It was mastering the 36 tiers and making a new move! Aang only earned his Arrows prematurely because he had made his own move: The Air Scooter and had mastered 35 tiers, one short of the full 36. (Also being the Avatar probably helped as the elders were the ones who conferred the title of master and they knew of Aang's status and destiny before Aang did.) It Airbenders probably usually make their own move after mastering their element's 36 tiers. As evidenced when Aang tells his friends that he made the Air Scooter up himself and one of them exclaimed: Wow! Zero - Talk 13:16, 21 August 2008 (UTC)

Avatar Level Airbending?
I think that also an Airbending-Master could make an Air-sphere.

And a tornado. I think "Avatar-Level" implies that it's what an Avatar does with the Avatar State. Everything else is just "Master-Level". Should I reorganize? Puragus - Talk 18:05, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

Aang once bended an Air Sphere without the Avatar State in The Swamp, however he was unable to stabalize it without the added power of the Avatar State. If it werent for the Tornado, the Air Sphere would have stayed but with the Avatar State even the Tornado would'nt have been able to break it. Just thought this info might help you guys decide. - Zero - Talk 06:39, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

Image Idea
I think I have an idea for the main image. In the show opener, when Katara says "air" and it shows Aang (or Gyatso) airbending, we have that picture on the top of the article. I'm going to suggest the same thing for all four element articles. Alex101313 14:05, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

I think that would be a rather bland for a main image. Omnibender - Talk 14:24, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

Possibly, but it would make sense. Alex101313 14:36, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

Too boring. I think the pics used right now are perfect. There's a saying: "If its not broken dont fix it". - Zero - Talk 07:18, 20 October 2008 (UTC)

Main Image
I don't know about it, I've grown used with the other one, and it kinda looks more dynamic than this one, at least to me. Omnibender - Talk 21:14, 28 October 2008 (UTC)

I don't think the other one looks very dynamic. I always thought it was a little hard to tell what was going on. This one's more clear, because it's front-and-center, at least in my opinion. Puragus - Talk 04:25, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

I honestly don't like either one, something a little more simple that easily demonstrates it at first glance. Joey - Talk 04:39, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

I dont like this one. Why not the one in which Avatar Yangchen is shown creating great gusts of wind or maybe the one in which Aang bends a Tornado in the Western Air Temple. - Zero - Talk 07:37, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Yes I like the idea of something powerful. Alex101313 20:13, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

If we're going for "something powerful" on this one, we'll have to go for it on the other bending pages too. Omnibender - Talk 21:02, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

The one here is powerful, it's right before he freezes lava. But we can change it if people strongly dislike it. Puragus - Talk 21:41, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

I personally don't strongly dislike it, it's just it might not be good enough in this case. Alex101313 22:10, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

What makes you think its not good enough? Does it not show the bending form clearly? Puragus - Talk 22:17, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

It does, but this form of airbending is not typical. In fact I have only seen it used a few times in the series. However, if you want we can include the image on the article. And like I said, I like the idea of something powerful. This is powerful but we only know that because we know what happens next; he freezes magma. Alex101313 22:32, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure what you mean by "form of airbending". It doesn't look any different from any other kind of Airbending I've seen. Anyway, we don't need powerful pics for Bending pages, do we? The Firebending one is just a man holding flames. Puragus - Talk 22:38, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Meaning this type was drawn from his mouth but I'm not exactly sure what its called. And I just think it would be more interesting to have something powerful on the main images, and then we can include this image under a specific type which its perfect for. But by all means, don't take this the wrong way, this image is not at all boring or anything of that nature. Alex101313 22:47, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Yes! This would be perfect for breath of wind! Alex101313 22:48, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

And let me make this clear: I'm not at all opposed to the idea of changing this image if everyone thinks we should, I just want something clear and dynamic, like on the other bending pages, although I do like the image there is now. If it seems like I'm being zealous, I apologize, I'm just trying to work out a criteria with everybody.

Now, in response to Alex: this technique looks like it's being used with the mouth and arms, not just Breath of Wind, but what does it matter, as long as it's Airbending? Puragus - Talk 22:55, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Alright that makes sense I agree with you on that. So I would like to see some input from other users/admins and see if they oppose this image or not. Alex101313 23:51, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

this image is not so great. instead there is a better image of airbending that is simple (not yangchen type) which i think is great as it shows air as well. check it out:http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/File:Airbend_001.png Bloodbender 12:23, December 28, 2009 (UTC)

I see no reason to change the main image, as you can see, there was a talk about it, but it died out, so it seems people were ok with the current image. You can try calling another discusssion if you want. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 19:26, December 31, 2009 (UTC)

The main image is the avatar in akward position. I mean I guess I can forgive the avatar part (although hes not 100 percent airbender) because the others are extinct, but hes bent over backwards, you can't see his tatoos and it is very hard to interperate what he's even doing. - Fireprince

Cloudbending
Cloudbending should be a purely water art. Didn't the swamp water benders use that to provide fog cover for the invasion fleet. Ang was able to collect the cloud in the desert via water bending. I think cloud bending is a purely water art.Rayfire 05:16, 21 December 2008 (UTC)


 * No, clouds are made of water and air. See Episode 14 The Fortuneteller. 888th Avatar - Talk - Contributions 09:45, 21 December 2008 (UTC)


 * Yeah, it's kind of a dual territory, much like mud is to Waterbenders and Earthbenders. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 13:57, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

And that is precisely the reason why this has been mentioned in both the Waterbending and Airbending Articles. 16:20, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I have to agree that its both Water and Air bending, though it is intirely plusable that one air bender is able to bend a cloud on their own and vise vursa

Amplification
Well it is a form of Airbending just as Metalbending and Sandbending are forms of Earthbending. - Zero - Talk 16:28, 16 February 2009 (UTC)
 * But those have actual combat potential, amplification doesn't have the same feel as the other alternative styles. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 16:52, 16 February 2009 (UTC)


 * I'm inclined to agree with that. The 888th Avatar (Talk) 23:02, 16 February 2009 (UTC)

However Aang has demonstrated the technique at least once and at most twice. So what if it has not been used in combat? Airbenders prefer not to use their bending in combat anyways, remember? - Zero - Talk 07:53, 17 February 2009 (UTC)


 * Nah. I consider it to just be Airbending. It doesn't have the same differences to the base art as do Metalbending and Lightning. The 888th Avatar (Talk) 08:02, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

What about Sandbending? Besides it is slightly different. It bends the Sound. - Zero - Talk 14:06, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

If the bending of sound had enough difference, I'd consider it, but he's just using it to scream louder, we've seen Aang using breathe attacks, that ammount of air doesn't come from his lungs. If they ever show him creating an unnatural sound (by unnatural, I mean it's not his voice, not some object he's using or the sound of wind), or otherwise decreasing or muffling a sound, then I'll change my mind. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 16:58, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

Very well. But I still think we should mention it even if it has been used to increase Aang's voice's volume only. - Zero - Talk 05:45, 18 February 2009 (UTC)

You mean in the infobox or in the article? Cause it's in the article already. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 18:03, 18 February 2009 (UTC)

Infobox, of course. - Zero - Talk 03:50, 19 February 2009 (UTC)

Perhaps the amplification comes from bending air rather than bending sound. Sound is just the oscillation of energy transmitting through a medium of either liquid, solid or gas, and one can change how one perceives sound by changing the composition of those mediums. It is within an Airbender's means to alter the density and composition of air in order to travel at high speeds and perform huge vertical leaps, so perhaps Aang can alter the composition of air to amplify the sound he is producing. However, I think that what is being used as an example for this (Aang's shouting in The Firebending Masters, am I right?) was mainly for comic effect, not actual bending. --AlexielSolarin 20:11, 27 April 2009 (UTC)

We already know that. - Zero - Talk 06:35, 20 May 2009 (UTC)

I have to disagree with AlexieSolarin a little. I think that the scene in the 'Firebending Masters' was not just for comical effect. Think about how many times Aang has used airbending to do something funny e.g. huge sneezes that often blow something or someone away. Each time this happens, you always see visual and audio representations of airbending so maybe when Aang was calling for help he really was soundbending - you could see Zuko's hair blow and squint just a little while hearing that airbending rushing sound. - PrinceZuko

Well, what's it going to be? I think amplification is definitely present in that scene and it should be included as a sub-skill of airbending or "pure expression". Why not? Even if the characters don't particularly speak of it, it doen't mean that it does not exist. It is obvious that Aang used this move at least twice now so why not add it to the mix?Yin&amp;Yang 15:02, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Air Wake
Why is it called air WAKE?Frosty Earth 09:22, 1 March 2009 (UTC)


 * No idea. Do you have a better name? The 888th Avatar  (Talk) 09:50, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Uh haha no I don't. But what does the word wake mean when reffereing to that type of attack?Frosty Earth 09:42, 7 March 2009 (UTC)

Maybe Air Body? Dcasawang1 - Talk - Contributions 20:10, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Air Tackle would be better, after all the air is tackling Zuko as though a person would tackle another. - Zero - Talk

'Air Wake' is actually a good name for this move. I hope you don't think it has something to do with "waking up", right? Think about that expression: It was lying in his/her wake. It's kind of like what is left behind or traces of something that used to be there. In this case, it's the shape of Aang's body that is left behind or in Zuko's case, smacked into him.

Air Wake does sound appropriet after you siad that.... though it does need an explanation *sheepishly* I was kinda confused when I came across the words 'air wake'

Icon
Icon of Airbending? Or it is not necessary here? Dcasawang1 - Talk - Contributions 21:30, 6 March 2009 (UTC)


 * Nah, it's not needed, clicking on it only leads back to the same page anyway...! The 888th Avatar  (Talk) 23:38, 6 March 2009 (UTC)

Speculation
Should we allow the recently added speculation to stay? The 888th Avatar (Talk) 09:04, 14 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Nope. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 16:09, 14 March 2009 (UTC)

Sky Bison(s)?
I was just wondering - since Aang always refers to Appa's species as the "Sky Bison", why are there some instances of the word "Sky Bisons" in the wiki? Shouldn't the term for the Sky Bison be what the canon show calls them? And for those who might argue for Bisons, the word "bisons" doesn't exist, Bison is singular and plural, like "fishes" isn't the plural for fish. Possibly change them? --AlexielSolarin 08:28, 27 April 2009 (UTC)


 * Simple spelling error. Feel free to correct any that you find. The 888th Avatar  (Talk) 08:45, 27 April 2009 (UTC)

36 Tiers
I read about this 36 tiers in the article and that an airbender become a master when he mastered all 36 tiers or creates sth. new. So my question is what are these 36 tiers? --Sahiro 12:27, 13 May 2009 (UTC)


 * I don't think we've been given any details, but there's speculation about it. Wjxhuang,  the 888th Avatar  {Talk} 22:12, 13 May 2009 (UTC)

I’d say they are just the different levels of progression through the bending discipline, of I’m correct in remembering it was briefly explained in one of the nick comics Kataanger 13:53, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

I believe the guy's asking for a detailed description of each tier. - Zero - Talk 13:55, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

Well unfortunately for him there is currently no such detail about the 36 tiers as of yet, at least I dont think so Kataanger 13:59, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

That's what 888 said. And you're right. There isn't that much detail on it. - Zero - Talk 14:05, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

true Kataanger 14:06, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

I still wonder though, what the 36th tier must have been, it must be something important, or else why waste story space stating the fact that Aang didn't complete it. It's a weird coincidence that Aang, the only Airbender in the show, has never completed this Tier and there has never been any special sub-skill associated with Airbending. Perhaps this Tier encompasses the sub-skill and we have never seen it because Aang has never mastered it. Lordzuko 22:47, 29 Sep 2009

Image Size
If we're reducing the number of images, then I think we can use the standard 250px size. The whole reason we made them smaller was to reduce clutter, but that's not a problem anymore. Plus, we should move them so they're not all on one side like that. Puragus Talk 19:18, 12 June 2009 (UTC)


 * In here we have been discussing changing the standard 250px size to 200px. I made those changes based on that consensus. Feel free to join in. As for alternating image left and right, IMO I think that is only necessary when images trample on each other, which is not the case here. ―  T hailog  19:34, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

No offense, but I think it's necessary to have alternating images for aesthetic reasons. The way it is now, in my opinion, looks terrible. Having them alternate gives the article a more "even" look, even if they don't trample on each other. Puragus Talk 19:39, 12 June 2009 (UTC)


 * None taken. If this were any other article, I'd agree, but it's a page which consists mainly of lists:

"Name: definition"

"Name: definition"

"Name: definition"


 * I think it looks ugly to have images displayed on the left, before the term and definition. Though if you insist, don't let me stop you. ―  T hailog  20:19, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

You may have a point there. I've left a detailed response here, but that was before I read your response, so I may have to modify my view. I still think larger images can be better, but we'll have to come up with something that works. I think it's obvious that different pages have different needs as far as images go. (BTW, I'm curious; your username, is it a Gargoyles reference?) Puragus  Talk 20:33, 12 June 2009 (UTC)


 * I agree that each case must be judged on its own merits. (And yup :D ) ―  T hailog  20:37, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

Aang DID hit Ozai with Air
Omnibender continues to edit war with me about this, but there can be no doubt now. In the image we see Ozai using Firebending to fly. Before the brunt of Aang's wind attack has even reached him it has blown out his fire and has begun pushing him back. He is pinned, buffeted for a fraction of a second, bounced off the rock and sent flying by Aang's force. The power of the wind continues and blows an ancient rock tower down as though it were a mere pillar of salt. --Cirriusly! 20:28, September 2, 2009 (UTC)

If you actually read my edit summaries, you'll see that I said that at the most, the attack brazed him, if the full force of the attack had hit him, Ozai would have been in no shape to fight, I do agree that the attack hit him now, but not that he received the full blow. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 21:10, September 2, 2009 (UTC)


 * Oh, no, no, no. You're not getting off that easy. You said Aang's attack missed, which it didn't. Is it really that hard for you to admit you were wrong? =) Also, considering this image, the section of that page must be changed. When something is proven it's no longer up to consensus, and the attack genuinely didn't miss, so that line in there stating that it did is a lie. Thirdly, this is a cartoon show, it's not real life. When Aang used Airbending on him the first time at the beginning of the episode, the way Ozai was scrapped on the ground and slammed back first into the base of that rock formation in reality would've flayed and cut his skin, he would've had broken or twisted bones, possibly given him a concussion, paralysis even. --Cirriusly! 21:33, September 2, 2009 (UTC)


 * My exact words were "if Ozai had been hit, he'd be in worse shape than the pillars, at the very most, the attack grazed him, if you wish to discuss this further, I suggest taking the matter to the talk page". I conceded that the attack hit him, but I won't concede that it did with its full force. The attack in question was clearly much stronger than the first airbending attack. The text has already been changed as well. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 22:09, September 2, 2009 (UTC)


 * The wording you were insisting on that said Aang's attack missed ("...Though the attack missed its target...") is what I'm getting at.
 * That wind's gotta be blowing about 500 miles per hours, or more. I think you might be right; because Ozai was pushed back by yielding wind before the full force of the attack was upon him (pic 2, the stationary air yielding to the much stronger jet), this might've reduced the blow he ended up taking. This doesn't mean that Aang's attack was weak, just that Ozai got lucky because of fluid mechanics -- assuming that when this scene was being made they were trying to follow the laws of physics and that I understand at least this much of them and my guesses are correct but idk. Still, how he was hit and the speed at which he was hit is at least similar to being hit by a bus and the fact that he (apparently) had no broken bones should be proof that the artists didn't do a good job of showing his injuries as they would be in our world, maybe they thought it was all violent enough, but you'd have to take that up with them. --Cirriusly! 02:03, September 3, 2009 (UTC)
 * Characters only get hurt if it suits the plot, as we've seen Ozai didn't have a scratch on him despite everything that happened in that battle, yet Hakoda was very injured during the Invasion from a much lesser attack. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 17:09, September 3, 2009 (UTC)
 * Exactly, so your statement that "the attack didn't hit Ozai with its full force" is inaccurate, too. We see he was hit with the attack directly and in fact did get almost the full force of it, but for whatever reasons the creative directors unrealistically showed relatively little damage being done to Ozai in spite of how devastating Aang's attack was (seriously, he ought to have the WORST case of whiplash from that!), but that's just what I think. --Cirriusly! 20:30, September 3, 2009 (UTC)

Quotes
When was it decided that we'd use quotes in Bending Art articles again? Or any other article that doesn't use quotes for that matter? I don't remember that discussion. Omnibender - Talk - Contributions 15:56, September 8, 2009 (UTC)


 * It wasn't. Some new user added the quote. Kai  -  Talk  16:10, September 8, 2009 (UTC)


 * Damn it. This user added quotes everywhere where he wasn't supposed to be. Kai  -  Talk  16:22, September 8, 2009 (UTC)

Spirituality and Airbending
In the paragraph about the Avatar Relics there is a parenthetical comment at the end which is not quite correct. (This same test is used by Tibetan Buddhist monks when a reincarnated Dalai Lama is expected.) 

The test is not used only to find the reincarnated the Dalai Lama but any of the Lamas of that faith. There is only one Dalai Lama who is, to use a rough approximation, equivalent to the Pope. There are several Lamas who would be more like Cardinals. There is a documentary, Unmistaken Child wherein Lama Geshe Konchog dies and his disciple, Tenzin Zopa, undertakes the task of finding his reincarnation. An astrologer was consulted so the search was not entirely blind but still, he was a year and a half traveling around Nepal and northern India with a handful of rosaries, one belonging to his master. Finally in Tsum Valley he came to a village that was signicant because Konchong had spent some years in his youth meditating in a cave above the village. There was a boy there the right age, the clues the astrologer had given fit, and he chose the Lama's rosary when presented a choice. His parents commented that even as a toddler -- he was three when discovered -- he wanted to be taken up the slope to the cave.

Zopa consulted with the Lama who was in charge of the region. He agreed the boy warranted further testing so he and his parents traveled to Kathmandu where he was presented to three or four Lamas. They questioned him further then tested him with four each of three different items, bells, rods, and rosaries, used in their rituals. By now he was four so he could talk reasonably well and each time he chose the ones Konchog had used. A letter was sent to the Dalai Lama in India saying the Lamas agreed the reincarnation had been found. The reply was positive so off the kid -- with his parents -- went to be presented to the Dalai. Further testing, not shown, was done and he agreed the child was the embodiment of Konchog.

The parents were then asked if they wanted to give up their son to be raised by the monastary. They agreed, but there was a heart-wrenching scene where his mother, quite proud of the direction her son's life was taking, was also sad that she would not be seeing him much any more. I found the film fascinating.

DesertDog (talk &bull; contribs) 16:27, November 25, 2010 (UTC)DesertDog

Airbending picture change.
I really think it should be this: http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/katara1077/AVATAR/aang/gifs/air.gif

It shows Airbending at it's best, and gives a nice form view of it. The Crystal Bender - 21:44, December 17, 2010 (UTC)

Comments
As some might already know, I love animated gifs, and that one is amazing. Unfortunately, the admins are a bit hesitant with using animated files just because it risks copyright :/