Turaga

Turaga
Species
Homeland(s)	Metru Nui
Species Category	A+
Size Category	Small
Can Use Kanohi	Yes (Noble only)
BS01

Turaga are the guiding lights of Matoran society.

Overview

Serving as elders and leaders, Turaga can be found wherever there are settlements of Matoran, from the largest continents to the smallest islands. They assume the role of trusted guides, using their great wisdom to protect and improve the lives of the Matoran they govern. Turaga are dispensers of knowledge, settlers of disputes, mentors to the weak, and keepers of history wherever they go.

Nearly every Turaga was once a powerful Toa warrior. Once they have completed their Destiny and relinquished their Toa Power, a Toa oftentimes has little left to do as a warrior; at this point, they transform into a Turaga. By convention, they are then expected to find a community of Matoran to guide and to lead with their experience, although this practice is not universal. If the Turaga so desires, they may choose to dedicate themselves to administrative careers, scholarly works, or the interpretation of the will of the Great Spirit, among other paths.

If a Turaga chooses to assume leadership over a Matoran settlement, they will generally be trusted with nearly all significant decisions in the community. They are assumed to have accumulated great wisdom about the ways of the world in their travels, and frequently guide their subjects in the teachings of the Great Spirit. They work alongside younger Toa who protect their subjects, and often oversee the creation of new Toa from promising villagers when necessary.

Turaga are typically peaceful beings, although they are entirely capable of self-defense, and will direct their efforts in the interest of protecting the Matoran. Turaga frequently converse with their counterparts in other settlements, and work to secure the safety of Matoran everywhere through cooperation. The High Turaga of Metru Nui has traditionally assumed the role of “first among equals” in this regard.

Like Toa, a Turaga can remain conscious without a Kanohi mask, but would be significantly weakened without it. Additionally, while Great Masks are too powerful for them to activate, they are still capable of utilizing the powers of Noble Masks. All Turaga are also capable of using a greatly diminished amount of their elemental power. They are shorter and physically weaker than their previous forms as Toa, standing roughly four and a half feet tall; however, their strength is still greater than that of a Matoran.

Individual Turaga are innately affiliated with one of the elements, each of which manifests as both a set of passive abilities and a small degree of elemental control. This affiliation is denoted by the colors of their armor and Kanohi mask. When a Toa transforms into a Turaga, their currently-worn mask will become a Noble mask, and their Toa Tools will become a Badge of Office, typically in the form of a staff.

In the Doronai Nui

See Turaga/Doronai Nui