Paxorak

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Paxorak
Species
Homeland(s)	Mohra

Paxorak are the boisterous and sturdy species of the Barraki warlord Carapar, and the primary constituent species of Hakori. Endowed with great strength and natural shell-like armor, they are often pirates or warriors.

List of Members

• Carapar
• Hanrai
• Urprar

Purpose

One of the reasons for the Great Beings' design of the Paxorak are as a countermeasure to the Zyglak.

Traits

Paxorak are bulky, Toa-sized beings, though they are typically slightly shorter. They possess immense strength and endurance - being capable of lifting over twice their own weight - though not quite at the level of the Steltian Kumopak. Despite their brutish appearance, the Paxorak are highly intelligent (something often underestimated by foes). While the Paxorak do not possess any notable powers, they are immune to the protodermis-eating virus of the Zyglak.

The most notable feature of the Paxorak physique is their remarkably thick shell-like armor, making their appearance slightly reminiscent of a crab. Said carapace armor is made of chitin, and resistant to physical attacks. However, it is also conductive, making them vulnerable to heat and electricity. The armor also grants the Paxorak resistance to disintegration. However, certain powerful means, such as Tren Krom's disintegration power, are still able to destroy even a Paxorak. The carapace does not heal naturally.

Though they do not need to wear masks, Paxorak are capable of accessing the powers of Great Kanohi masks. However, many Paxorak only learn to access Noble Kanohi.

Culture

Paxorak are the constituent species of Hakori, the southern-most kingdom. They have settled several islands around their homeland of Mohra, including Loyra, Varn, and Pauroga.

The Paxorak are known by many as pirates, though that is not how they would describe themselves. They live by a code of honor, one that just so happen to permit plundering and raiding. Paxorak culture ascribes honor to evidence of physical hardship. As such, they often display cracks in their armor and other injuries as signs of their love for battle.

Serious disputes, whether between a leader and a subordinate, or two Paxorak of equal rank, are most commonly settled through unarmed one-to-one combat as outlined by the code of honor. As such, a Paxorak does not question a superior unless they believe they can prove their own strength greater. Weapons are rarely used to settle grudges, and are reserved for war, genuine self-defense, or rituals. To use a weapon against a less than deserving foe is considered to be a stain on one's honor. As Paxorak put it, "blades are dulled on a friend's armor." Killing one's allies is also discouraged, to it is generally accepted that these things may happen in the heat of combat.

Most Paxorak hold a deep respect towards the strongest and most capable warriors among them, and it is through that recognition of strength that their unity is forged. They are divided into tribes held together by the respect for their chieftain's strength and achievements. As such, they are typically the strongest warrior of the tribe. The leadership of these tribes may be challenged by other Paxorak of the tribe, if they find their leader unfit. The tribes and those settlements under them are fairly autonomous, and reluctant to follow higher authorities. The most common way for a chieftain to ensure loyalty is to regularly visit the various holdings and settlements that are sworn to them, ensuring that any insubordination is swiftly quelled. Leaders who fail to do this will rapidly lose influence over their tribe - or worse. In times of war, Paxorak tribes may band together in temporary alliances, which quickly evaporate as soon as the mutual enemy is defeated.

Mohra and Hakori are ruled by a High King, the strongest warrior of Hakori. The High King is determined through ritual one-on-one combat with the previous High King (or a tournament, if the High King has perished). The High King has influence over the chieftains, much like the chieftains have influence of their settlements.

To the Paxorak, a scar is proof of one's ability to survive in combat or other dangerous situations, showing they have stood against mighty foes and endured all that was brought to bear. Some Paxorak will go as far as to rework their armor to show particularly impressive markings, or engage in scarification rituals to sear intricate patterns into their carapaces. These displays are viewed with respect, as they are clear proof that the individual is willing endure any pain in pursuit of greater glory. Paxorak chieftians will often be covered from head to foot in old wounds and faded scars, showing anyone who dare stand against them that they are an accomplished leader who has withstood far worse than what a discontented warrior or rebellious newcomer can bring.

The Paxorak are sworn enemies of the Zyglak, who originate from the southern islands. In their efforts to fend of the Zyglak, the Paxorak have allied with the Vanaki of Varn and Onekiri of Kozeni.

While most Paxorak have a love for battle, Paxorak sailors, fishers, and artisians are also not uncommon. Most Paxorak are involved in keeping the day-to-day society running, while a relatively small elite are those sail abroad to pillage. Due to their incredible strength and endurance, those Paxorak that settle in northern regions often find work as warriors.

The pillagers will often return from their conquests with trophies and treasures from other lands, which they use to furnish their palaces, said to be the most magnificent structures in the southern reaches of the universe. The Paxorak have a deep respect for the arts of other cultures.

A strong tradition of oral tales chronicles the exploits of legendary pirates from the past, and their battles against Toa, Zyglak, or other enemies.

History

It is believed Carapar was the first High King of Mohra. Since Carapar's disappearance there have been many High Kings who have risen and fallen.

In the Doronai Nui

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Doronai Nui Blurb

NOTE: This is an exact copy of the blurb as presented in the Doronai Nui. Do not modify.

The Paxorak, the people of the Barraki warlord Carapar and the main constituent species of the Kingdom of Hakori, are endowed with great strength and natural shell-like armor. Their carapaces are remarkably thick, rendering them highly resistant to direct physical attack; however, by the same token, the Paxorak are rendered more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and high voltages. While the Paxorak may possess a hulking, brutish appearance, their mental faculties should not be underestimated - for example, just like the other Prime species, they are fully capable of using Kanohi (often to the surprise of an unprepared foe).

The Paxorak are native to the island of Mohra, occupying many islands throughout the last dome before the Southern Islands. They are widely known by their island neighbors as simple pirates; although this is not an inaccurate description, the Paxorak also adhere to a code of honor, living by laws that just so happen to also permit plundering and raiding. Paxorak culture ascribes honor to evidence of physical hardship; individuals will proudly display scars, cracked armor or carapaces, and other injuries as visible signs of their love for battle. As a society focused around combat, they hold a deep respect for the strongest and most capable warriors among them - although it would be a mistake to generalize them in this regard. There are many Paxorak artists and sailors, and even simple fishers, who keep day-to-day society running for the benefit of the smaller number of elites who sail abroad to pillage. When they return with cargo holds filled with trophies of conquest and Matoran treasures, they use their spoils to furnish their elegant palaces, which are said to be some of the most magnificent structures in the southern reaches of the universe. A strong tradition of oral tales chronicles the exploits of legendary pirates from the past, and their battles against Toa, Zyglak, or other enemies.

Generally speaking, Paxorak - especially their chieftains - tend to harbor a reluctance to follow authority higher than their own. Paxorak settlements are often highly autonomous, and only direct pressure can force them to work together. In times of war, Paxorak tribes may however form temporary alliances that are later rescinded as soon as their mutual enemy is defeated. The most common way for a chieftain to ensure loyalty is to regularly visit the various holdings and settlements that are sworn to them, ensuring that any insubordination is swiftly quelled, as it is by recognition of their own strength and achievements that they maintain their rule. Leaders who fail to keep track of their constituents will usually find their political influence waning rapidly - or worse.

While Paxorak tribes are led by individual chieftains, the mantle of Mohra's High King is worn only by the strongest warrior, decided upon through a ritual challenge of one-on-one combat with the previous High King. This title has roots reaching back to the earliest days of the universe, as the first being to hold the position was none other than the Barraki Carapar himself. Uniquely among the power structures of the Barraki, the system of chieftains and High Kings has survived ever since Carapar’s disappearance, and remains unchanged to this day. Many High Kings have risen and fallen over the universe’s long history; some have been strong warriors with long reigns, while others have proved ineffective and had comparatively short life expectancies. A High King wields significant political power, being one of the very few entities under which the disparate tribes of Mohra will begrudgingly unite in the face of a significant threat. Most will never have cause to convene the full power of Mohra, but those few who do will have a nigh-unstoppable army at their disposal.

Due to the location of their homeland, the Paxorak have become the sworn enemies of the Zyglak, often encountering wandering bands of these savage beings which commonly originate from the island chains further south. Curiously, the Paxorak appear to be immune to the organic protodermis-eating disease carried by the Zyglak, which constitutes a death sentence for nearly all other species; naturally, they boast that this is due to their incredible strength and resilience. Because of this unusual capability, they are widely considered to be a bulwark against the threat of Zyglak invasions to the rest of the universe.

Behind the Scenes

Originally called Axopakar (later changed due to conflation with the mask by the same name), the Paxorak are designed to serve as the species of Barraki Carapar. Their culture draws heavy influence from vikings and pirates, and to a lesser extent, the cardinal sin of gluttony. Their tough armor and incredible strength is maintained from Carapar's mutated form, though both of these aspects are amplified by the mutations.

The alliance between the Paxorak, Vanaki, and Onekiri is to some extent inspired by valkyries of norse mythology.

The Paxorak were orignally going to have an ability to chemically change the color of their armor to a limited extent, providing a means of partial camouflage. This ability was inspired by certain real-life crab species, but was ultimately cut.