Paxorak

Paxorak
Species
Homeland(s)	Mohra
Language(s)	Paxorak Matoric
Species Category	B+
Size Category	Medium 1.5 - 1.7 Bio
Can Use Kanohi	Yes (Great)
In the Doronai Nui	Yes
BS01

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 they are 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 made of chitin, which gives their appearance a slight reminiscence of a crab. While said carapace armor is resistant to physical attacks, it is also conductive, making them vulnerable to electricity and extreme temperatures. 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 how to access the powers of Noble Kanohi.

Paxorak speak standard Matoric, as well as their dialect, simply called "Paxorak".

Culture

Paxorak are the constituent species of Hakori, the southern-most kingdom. They are native to Mohra, and have settled several islands around their homeland, including Loyra, Varn, and Pauroga. While most Paxorak have a love for battle, they should not be generalized in this regard - Paxorak sailors, fishers, and artisians are also not uncommon, who keep day-to-day society running for the benefit of the smaller number of elites who sail abroad to pillage. Due to their incredible strength and endurance, those Paxorak that settle in northern regions often find work as warriors.

The Paxorak are widely known by their island neighbors as simple pirates, though that is not how they would describe themselves. They adhere to a code of honor, one that just so happen to permit plundering and raiding. Paxorak do not lie or cheat, and do not believe in ambushes, traps, or assassination, but rather the power of raw strength and skill.

As a society focused around combat, they hold a deep respect for the strongest and most capable warriors among them, and it is through that recognition of strength that their unity is forged. 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 overseen by higher-ranking Paxorak. 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 tends to be discouraged, though it is generally accepted that these things may happen in the heat of combat.

The Paxorak are divided into tribes held together by the respect for their chieftain's strength and achievements. As such, a chieftain is typically the most capable warrior of their tribe. The leadership of these tribes may be challenged by other Paxorak of the tribe, if they find their leader unfit through the same method as other disputes. While deceit and betrayal is rare among the Paxorak, generally speaking, Paxorak - especially their chieftains - tend to harbor a reluctance to following authority higher than their own. As such, the tribes and those settlements under them are fairly autonomous, and only direct pressure can force them to work together. 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 keep track of their constituents will find themselves rapidly losing 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.

While Paxorak tribes are led by chieftains, the whole of Mohra and Hakori are ruled by a High King, a mantle worn only by the strongest warrior. 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). A High King wields significant political power, similar to that the chieftains have influence over their settlements. They are 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.

Paxorak culture ascribes honor to evidence of physical hardship. As such, individuals will proudly display scars, cracked armor or carapaces, and other injuries as visible signs of their love for battle. To the Paxorak, a scar is proof of one's ability to survive in combat or other dangerous situations, showing that 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 have a deep respect for the arts of other cultures. When the pillagers return from their conquests with cargo holds filled with trophies and treasures from other lands, they use their spoils to furnish their elegant palaces, said to be the most magnificent structures in the southern reaches of the universe.

On the battlefield Paxorak approach brazenly and openly, confident in the protection granted by their carapaces. The war drums of Paxorak announce their presence before they can even be seen. Common Paxorak weaponry include broadswords, warhammers, flails, and crossbows.

Due to the location of their homeland, the Paxorak have become sworn enemies of the Zyglak, often encountering wandering bands of these savage beings which commonly originate from the southern islands. Because of their immunity to the Zyglak's disease - which the Paxorak boast is due to their incredible strength and resilience - they are widely considered to be a bulwark against the threat of Zyglak invasions to the rest of the universe. In their efforts to fend of the Zyglak, the Paxorak have allied with the Vanaki of Varn and Onekiri of Kozeni.

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. Uniquely among the power structures of the six kingdoms, the system of chieftains and High Kings has remained unchanged past the age of the Barraki, and since Carapar's disappearance there have been many High Kings who have risen and fallen - some have been strong warriors with long reigns, while others have proved ineffective and had comparatively short life expectancies.

In the Doronai Nui

This is reflective of the rules as presented in Version 0.9.1.2

Species Basics

Species Category	Size Category	Expertise Tokens	Path Point Calculation
B+	Medium	2	(Highest Mod)+1

Move Speeds
Walk	Swim	Fly	Climb
15ft/AP	5ft/AP	None	10ft/AP

Inventory Capacity
Natural IS	Sheaths	Quick Draw IS	Carry Weight
18	2	2	(Strength Score)*18

HP Resource Pool
Floor	Rate of Climb	Min. Roll	Natural Cap	Rest Recovery
50+CON	3d6+CON	9+CON	120+CON	12d4

Armor Slots
Head	Torso	Arms (2)	Legs (2)
1	2	1	1

Saving Throw Proficiencies
Fortitude	Reflex	Will
EX2	No	Yes

• Attribute Score Bonuses: At character creation, Paxorak may add +3 to their Constitution Score, a +2 to one other Attribute Score of their choice, and a +1 to any one other Attribute Score of their choice.
• Default Armor: A normal Paxorak will have a starting AC of 16 (Medium Arm and Leg Pieces, Heavy Torso Pieces, and a Medium Helmet). Paxorak can wear 2 Heavy Armor Pieces, or 1 Ultraheavy Armor Piece without meeting its Strength restrictions.
• Starting Gear: Paxorak begin play with two Weapons built in the Weapons System, one of which may be Heavy Grade 2. At Level 1, you have Proficiency with all Components that make up these Weapons.
• Subspecies and Clans: There are no major Paxorak subspecies. Occasionally warring Paxorak clans are rooted in ancient tribal traditions, but have very little effect on their mechanical play.

Minor Species Boons

• Language: Paxorak begin play with the ability to read, write, and speak Paxorak, as well as Standard Matoric.
• Tough to Crack: Any Armor you start the campaign with is considered your natural Armor, which is made from Chitin (see the Crafting Guide). Additionally, you gain DR all (excluding Electric, Heat, and Psionic)/X, where X is equal to your CON modifier.
• Mohranese Impact: All Paxorak deals additional damage on all Strike Actions equal to their CON mod.

Major Species Boons

• The Immobile Wall of the League: Your FFAC is equal to your AC total, regardless of your normal FFAC, unless your FFAC is higher than your normal AC. If the sum of your total AC is lower than (10 + your DEX modifier), your AC is instead (10 + your DEX modifier), even if you aren’t wearing any Armor Pieces or any worn Armor Pieces are destroyed. Additionally, you are Immune to Coup de Grace actions.
• The Warriors Renowned: For the purposes of wielding Heavy Weapons, Paxorak add their Constitution modifier to their Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence score for the purposes of wielding them. Additionally, Heavy Weapons of Grade 1 or lower are treated as Two-Handed Weapons, and Two-Handed Weapons as One-Handed.
• Fully Integrated: You cannot be disintegrated by normal means, and have a Resistance to Decay damage. This is in addition to the DR bestowed by Tough to Crack. Additionally, Paxorak ignore ASD from Decay damage.
• Kanohi Capable: You can wear and use Noble Kanohi. If you gain Proficiency in the Use Kanohi Skill, you can additionally wear Great Kanohi.

Special Restriction Notices

• Elementalist - Paxorak cannot use Elemental Powers, and therefore cannot access the Elementalist Supertype.

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.

In the Barranai Nui

Paxorak are present in the Barranai Nui in the form of Paxorak Bruisers.