Toa

Toa
Species
Homeland(s)	Metru Nui
Species Category	B
Size Category	Medium
Can Use Kanohi	Yes
BS01

Toa are the sworn protectors of the Matoran and the Great Spirit.

Overview

In a universe where mighty beings fight for power and innocent Matoran are too often caught in the middle, it falls on the Toa to restore order in a chaotic world. Granted incredible powers by the Great Spirit himself, they are the heroes and peace-keepers of Matoran society. Each Toa possesses a powerful Kanohi mask, and controls one of the elements of nature, as denoted by their colors. Together with a team of other Toa, they are given a goal to accomplish, and are guided on their way to victory (or an early death) by their Destiny.

With few exceptions, Toa begin their lives as Matoran villagers. While most Matoran are content to live their lives in the safety and comfort of their jobs, a destined few often yearn for a life of adventure. When they are needed by Destiny, fate will conspire to give them a Toa Stone, an object charged with Toa Power, which begins their transformation. As a Toa, they nearly double in height, gaining heavier armor and increased strength. Additionally, they gain powerful Toa Tools, through which they can channel their newfound elemental energies. Additionally, their worn mask is transformed into a Great form, although they may swap masks freely afterwards. If a Toa’s mask is knocked off, they lose a crucial source of energy, and become weakened and lethargic until it is replaced.

The Toa are beholden to two core ideals. Like the Matoran, they strive to follow the Three Virtues - Unity, Duty, and Destiny. These ideals are thought to have been given to them directly by the Great Spirit, and serve as guidelines not only for daily life, but also for the conduct of Toa. They are expected to be united in their pursuit of justice, to see their duty through to the bitter end, and act in accordance with their Destiny. While the Three Virtues are treated with reverence by most Toa, their guidance is not always sufficient to adjudicate the correct course of action - and so the Toa are bound by the Toa Code, an ancient set of rules which Toa must follow if they are to maintain their title in the eyes of those they defend. While it is unwritten by tradition, and varies slightly from region to region, nearly every variation of the oath mandates that Toa do not kill, they do not steal, and they do not put innocent lives at risk, doing everything in their power to promote the safety of the Matoran and the will of the Great Spirit.

If a Toa survives the trials of their quest and achieves their destiny, they may choose to give up the last of their Toa Power to accomplish a particular task, most frequently the creation of new Toa Stones or a major act of selfless healing. They then transform for the last time and become a Turaga: a wise elder who leads the Matoran, retaining only a fraction of their power over their element. Some Toa, however, choose to retain their Toa Power even after their destiny is complete, continuing to protect the Matoran as before. Many Toa die before they reach this point, their deaths unfortunate casualties in the greater quest to carry out the Great Spirit’s will.

In the Doronai Nui

See Toa/Doronai Nui

Known Toa Teams

In order to better carry out their duties, Toa often band together into Toa Teams (typically in groups of six, although teams can be larger or smaller as needed).

• Toa Cordak (now disbanded)
• Toa Amaja (now disbanded)
• Toa Rohonga (now disbanded)
• Toa Kartur
• Toa Hakiden
• Toa Hagah
• Toa Mangai (now disbanded)
• Toa Mata/Toa Nuva
• Toa Inika/Toa Mahri