Matoran

Matoran
Species
Homeland(s)	Metru Nui
Species Category	A
Size Category	Small
Can Use Kanohi	No
BS01

Of all the species that inhabit the known universe, Matoran are by far the most common, the most industrious, and the most important to the will of the Great Spirit.

Overview

Matoran are found in nearly every location, from Metru Nui to the Southern Continent, and beyond. Everywhere they live, Matoran fulfill a diverse set of duties, ranging from simple herders and crafters to prestigious scholars and engineers. Individual Matoran are innately affiliated with an element, each of which manifests as a set of minor passive abilities. Their element is usually denoted by the colors of their armor and mask. Physically, Matoran do not have much in the way of either strength or stature, with most standing roughly four and a half feet tall. However, being mostly mechanical in nature, they are able to rebuild themselves to suit the needs of their environment.

Many Matoran live together in settlements where they are typically led by a Turaga, and protected by Toa; in the absence of either, Matoran will choose leaders from among themselves and defend themselves as necessary. Generally, Matoran are willing to live peacefully alongside other species; in normal situations, Matoran will typically trust and look up to Toa and Turaga. However, it is possible for those living in harsh and dangerous environments to have difficulty trusting any newcomers, no matter who they claim to be. The vast majority of Matoran follow the Three Virtues: Unity, Duty, and Destiny. Those who do not adhere to this code may find themselves branded as outcasts, labelled as selfish and untrustworthy.

All Matoran need to physically wear a Kanohi mask in order to function. If their mask is removed, a Matoran will immediately become weakened, and will fall into a coma within a few hours if their mask is not replaced. Reattaching a mask is the only way to awaken a Matoran from this state. The vast majority of Matoran masks are powerless, containing no special abilities; however, these masks do provide the minimum amount of energy to keep the Matoran conscious and active. Matoran are capable of wearing Great or Noble masks, and are able to sense the power within them, but they do not have the capability to access these abilities.

Certain Matoran are gifted with the innate ability to one day transform into a Toa. Though they contain the needed energy within themselves, their transformation must be catalyzed by a Toa Stone - any object that has been infused with an amount of Toa Power. There are a small number of other methods by which a Matoran can be transformed into a Toa; however, these have been documented only in exceedingly unusual and desperate circumstances, requiring the activation of safeguards designed to protect the health of the universe itself. Upon transforming into a Toa, a Matoran’s currently-worn mask will become a Great mask, and any tools that they had on their person can be transformed into Toa Tools.

In the Doronai Nui

See Matoran/Doronai Nui

Matoran Tribes

Primary Elements

The tribes associated with the six primary Elements are the most common, and can be found in most locations across the universe.

• Ta-Matoran are the Matoran of Fire, who have a natural resistance to heat.
• Ga-Matoran are the Matoran of Water, who are innately skilled at swimming and can hold their breath longer than other types of Matoran.
• Le-Matoran are the Matoran of Air, who are quick, agile, and able to climb almost tirelessly.
• Po-Matoran are the Matoran of Stone, who are stronger than other types of Matoran.
• Ko-Matoran are the Matoran of Ice, who have a natural resistance to cold.
• Onu-Matoran are the Matoran of Earth, who have limited night vision and better endurance than other types of Matoran.

Secondary Elements

The tribes associated with the secondary Elements are less common, with smaller populations found in more specific locations.

• De-Matoran are the Matoran of Sonics, who have incredibly sharp (and sensitive) hearing.
• Fe-Matoran are the Matoran of Iron, who have remarkable endurance and skill with metal-working.
• Fa-Matoran are the Matoran of Magnetism, who have an innate directional sense.
• Su-Matoran are the Matoran of Plasma, whose vision is protected from sources of bright light and take less damage from extreme heat.
• Vo-Matoran are the Matoran of Lightning, who have a natural resistance against electric shocks.
• Ba-Matoran are the Matoran of Gravity, who have a natural resistance to physical pressure and take less damage from long falls.
• Ce-Matoran are the Matoran of Psionics, whose minds are naturally shielded against intrusion.
• Bo-Matoran are the Matoran of Plantlife, who have an innate knowledge of the properties and attributes of plants.

Tertiary Elements

The tribes associated with the tertiary Elements are incredibly rare, found only in secret, highly-specific locations or created through unusual means.

• Av-Matoran are the Matoran of Light, who can see even in overwhelming brightness and have limited Light-based powers.
• Kra-Matoran are the Matoran of Shadow, who can see even in total darkness and have limited Shadow-based powers. When created artificially, they are referred to as Shadow Matoran and do not consider themselves a tribe. This tribe is not naturally-occurring in the prime universe.

Alternate Universe Elements

Alternate universes may contain tribes associated with elements that do not exist in the prime universe; those explored by Red Star Games are listed here.

• Aso-Matoran are the Matoran of Sand, who have improved reaction times and can move unhindered through desert environments.
• Vi-Matoran are the Matoran of Acid, who have a natural resistance to acidic substances.
• Matoran of Crystal
• Matoran of Kinetics