View source for Saga Guides/History of the Matoran Universe

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The following saga guide details the events that occurred within the [[Matoran Universe]] during its first 100,000 years.

== Creation of the Matoran Universe ==

Over one hundred thousand years ago, the [[Great Beings]] obtained a sample of [[Energized Protodermis]] from the core of their planet, [[Spherus Magna]]. After they managed to synthesize it, they began the creation of [[Mata Nui (Being)|Mata Nui]] on their home planet. Inside the [[Mata Nui Robot|massive body]] of Mata Nui, the Great Beings formed an immense system of subterranean Domes, later to be known as the [[Matoran Universe]]. This structure was built of the substance known as [[Protodermis]], which the Great Beings had synthesized some time earlier.

The first species the Great Beings made were the [[Matoran]], who were made unique amongst the other inhabitants of the universe. The first kind of Matoran brought into being were the [[Av-Matoran]], or Matoran of {{G|1|Light}}, soon followed by the creation of Matoran representing other natural elements. During this stage of the universe's construction, the Great Beings chose to create a creature of immense power who was called [[Tren Krom]]. Placing him in the core of the universe, they charged him with the task of sustaining life and energy throughout the newly formed domes. Soon, the Great Spirit Mata Nui was almost complete.

After the Matoran were brought into existence, the Great Beings created two kindred beings who were called [[Artakha (Being)|Artakha]] and [[Karzahni (Being)|Karzahni]] - now some of the most ancient beings in the Matoran Universe. One surviving legend tells of how they fought each other for possession of the [[Kanohi]] {{G|1|Mask of Creation}}, and how Artakha won the battle, leaving Karzahni the Kanohi [[Olisi]]—the Mask of Alternate Futures. Karzahni and his brother Artakha were then given specific duties to perform in the universe, and they both constructed realms where they were able to rule as they wished. Artakha made his a refuge for all good Matoran, a place where no darkness could enter (his realm was named [[Artakha (Location)|Artakha]], after him), but Karzahni made his realm a place where Matoran could come and be repaired when they were injured, and also where Matoran who did poor work were sent—a place which later became a realm of darkness and despair (it was named [[Karzahni (Location)|Karzahni]]). Both lands were later lost and forgotten, except in vague Matoran legend and myth.

At this time in history, legend recounts how the Matoran "labored in darkness" and lived in sorrow. Those workers who were efficient and capable were rewarded and sent to live in the realm of Artakha, called the Great Refuge, to work safely and happily in the light, while Matoran who were damaged or lazy were sent to the dark realm of Karzahni, where they were supposed to be repaired and taught to work better. Though it was Karzahni's task to repair these Matoran, he was not at all proficient at it. He failed to repair the Matoran correctly, so instead Karzahni simply rebuilt these Matoran into new forms. However, it was apparent that these re-constructed Matoran were weaker and looked hideous and deformed. To compensate for this, Karzahni gave them weapons to defend themselves. Disappointed by his horrible work, Karzahni refused to send them back to where they came from and instead sent them to the Southern Continent, or Mainland, where they lived their lives in seclusion. The [[Turaga]] of these lost Matoran in their respective homelands soon noticed that the Matoran they sent to Karzahni did not return, and, as such, they stopped sending Matoran to him. Frustrated by this lack of work, Karzahni became bitter and angry, blaming the Matoran for his failures, deluding himself into thinking that they were not destined to be repaired. Karzahni then held captive what Matoran he had left, enslaving them in order to fortify his own realm for his now sinister purposes, and awaiting any stray Matoran who might wander into his traps.

The Matoran Universe was at last filled, and the various lands were nearing completion as the Matoran colonized their homes across the continents and islands. It was at this time that the Av-Matoran entered into and colonized [[Karda Nui]], the Core of the Universe.

Around this pivotal point in history, the Great Beings forged the Kanohi [[Ignika]], the Mask of Life. Heated by undying fires and cooled in caverns of ice, the Mask of Life housed the power over all life in the universe, and its fate could shape the destiny of all the Great Beings' creations. As the Matoran labored throughout the universe, two Great Beings brought the Ignika down to the Southern Continent, where they hid it in secret, and where it was preserved safely for many ages beneath the volcano [[Mount Valmai]], guarded by the being called [[Umbra]], waiting for its destined wearer to arrive, and for its own destiny to be fulfilled.

A protecting force was needed to defend the Matoran from evil and violence. And thus, the organization called the [[Hand of Artakha]] was formed. Made up of various heroic and powerful beings, including the mighty [[Axonn]] and the weapons-master [[Hydraxon (Original)|Hydraxon]], this group stood for the principles of justice and courage later exemplified by {{G|1|Toa}}. Though many of the organization's agents never learned the location of Artakha, they were nevertheless beholden to the Great Beings who operated from the island.

When these things had been accomplished, the Great Beings set themselves to a new task—the founding of what was later to be called [[Metru Nui]], the City of Legends. The Great Beings laid the foundations for this focal point of the Matoran Universe and gave the Matoran the job of building the great city. It was at this time that the Great Beings created the first {{G|1|Toa}}, [[Helryx]], in Artakha and at last began the ancient process by which chosen Matoran could rise to the title of hero and fulfill their destinies as protectors of good in the universe. Helryx was sent to the partially constructed Metru Nui, where she assisted the Matoran in building. The first of the creatures called [[Rahi]]—sea creatures of immense size and power—were then created to inhabit the depths of the [[Silver Sea]]. These were followed by the creation of smaller and more unique Rahi, the first of which was later called the [[Pit War Tortoise]]. Tren Krom also created monstrous Rahi that came to inhabit the Tren Krom Peninsula.

During this period in Matoran prehistory, the Great Beings took some of the same substance from which they had formed the Matoran and used it to make a new form of life, later called [[krana]]. Fully organic in nature, they later served as the minds of the mechanical [[Bohrok]] swarms (which came into existence much later). A consequence of this act of creation was the formation of the [[Zyglak]] -hideous lizard-like creatures, embodying an evil nature in opposition to that of the Matoran (who are, in a way, kindred with them). Because of the wild, vicious nature of the Zyglak, the first Toa of [[Psionics]], [[Orde]], was deployed to tame them. His efforts backfired and made their temperament worse.

The Great Beings also began experimenting with [[Antidermis]], creating [[Kraata]]. One pool of Antidermis and several of Energized Protodermis were housed throughout the universe.

== The Coming of Mata Nui ==

The Great Beings programmed a number of sapient species and other creatures into Mata Nui. Although he remained unconscious, the Mata Nui program was activated. With the programming that the Great Beings had provided, the Mata Nui program created numerous sapient species to populate the universe.

Instead of building more Toa directly, the Great Beings arranged for the transformation of numerous Matoran such as Lesovikk and Jovan into Toa. Unlike prior Toa, who primarily acted independently, eight Toa banded together to form the first Toa team under the leadership of Lesovikk. As more and more Toa popped up, the idea of a Toa team became commonplace. Interestingly, although the Toa Mata were designed to be a functional Toa team long before the Toa Cordak organized, their construction was not finished soon enough to be the first active team, nor were they ever public figures even when they were. Around this time, the first Toa canisters were created. 

As construction on Metru Nui wrapped up, with the Toa proving far more successful as Mata Nui's enforcers than the Hand of Artakha, the Hand's leaders chose to begin disbanding the organization. In its place, Helryx formed the Order of Mata Nui under the supervision of the Great Beings. Many of its earliest members were individuals who assisted in the building of Artakha, Karzahni, and Metru Nui, and because of this they were able to build the island of Daxia themselves, without outside help from Matoran or others. Helryx and Hydraxon were among the Hand operatives that immediately switched over to the Order. Not every recruit from the Hand of Artakha was brought into the Order, however, and the Hand continued to exist until it was finally defunct 200 years after its creation. Members such as Shadow Stealer and Axonn went their own way, although Axonn was eventually brought into the Order.

Within days of the creation of the Order of Mata Nui, the Brotherhood of Makuta formed, organizing the Makuta species Mata Nui had brought into existence. Led by Makuta Miserix, they were tasked with the purpose of creating and modifying beings as needed and maintaining order in the universe. From the beginning, the Order of Mata Nui was wary of the Brotherhood. Due to the influence of the Great Beings, the creation of Rahkshi began in full through the mutation of Kraata. Certain Rahi such as Blade Burrowers and Visorak were programmed into the Makuta in advance by the Great Beings, although the Makuta were free to invent most Rahi that come into existence. The Makuta were supplied by Artakha with protosteel armor and masks that could shapeshift as they could. Makuta Miserix was given a Mask of Mutation owing to its relevance to the mission of the Brotherhood. Makuta Teridax was given of the Kanohi Kraahkan, which was originally forged on Artakha and given to the Brotherhood.

On Artakha, the pieces of the Toa Mata were fitted together, and the assembled Toa were delivered to Daxia for activation by the Order of Mata Nui. Upon their awakening, they were informed of their purpose and began training under the weapons-master Hydraxon in preparation for their ultimate purpose. Eventually {{G|1|Tahu}}, the leader of the team, and {{G|1|Kopaka}}, tired of being kept from the truth of their destinies, together sought out the first Toa, Helryx, demanding to be told the reason for their existence. Helryx then finally revealed to them their crucial purpose, telling them of the mysterious [[Codrex]], a giant, silver sphere created by the Great Beings in Karda Nui where their journey would begin. After the Toa Mata were trained, Hydraxon was deployed to the Pit.

As one of the latter creations to come about, the Great Beings created the Bahrag through Mata Nui. Bohrok were later formed through the evolution of Av-Matoran into inorganic life. They were then equipped with krana and set to rest in the Bohrok nests until they were needed. The Bohrok Va were also produced at this time. The Great Beings gave the Bahrag a means of creating krana that bypassed the use of Matoran and creation of Zyglak entirely, and the queens used that ever after.

As their first assignment, the Toa Mata were deployed by the Order of Mata Nui to eliminate the Avohkah infestation that had come about as a result of the preparations of the Av-Matoran in Karda Nui for Mata Nui's awakening. This battle waged for months before the Toa Mata were ultimately successful.

With the creation process complete, Tren Krom was removed from Karda Nui and imprisoned on a remote island and was lost to myth. The Great Beings finished the universe they had begun, and nearly all of them departed, perhaps forever. The Toa Mata were sealed in canisters in the Codrex and the Energy Storms began. Mata Nui was awakened and assumed full control over the universe.

However, not all the Great Beings departed the universe. One Great Being was curious about the inner workings of the robot, and transferred his consciousness into a Matoran body. He took the name [[Velika]] and began masquerading as a Po-Matoran in order to observe the universe's workings. He was responsible for the development of sapience and culture among the Matoran and other nanotech inhabitants of the universe.

== The League of Six Kingdoms ==

[[Image:Metru Nui.png|thumb|left|150px|Metru Nui, the City of Legends]]

Almost ninety-five millennia before the present time, the Great Spirit Mata Nui saw fit to appoint six new leaders who could rule the universe and keep peace while he remained focused on exploring and wandering the universe. These new leaders, named [[Pridak]], [[Kalmah]], [[Mantax]], [[Ehlek]], [[Carapar]], and [[Takadox]], gathered together six great armies and began a massive military campaign, conquering all before them, that would eventually form an empire spanning most of the known universe. They were called the [[Barraki]], meaning "warlords" in the [[Languages|Matoran Language]].

The campaign of the Barraki lasted for nearly a thousand years, and after that the six Barraki formed an alliance with one another called the [[League of Six Kingdoms]]. Led overall by Pridak, this league lasted for more than fourteen millennia before it was dissolved. As the Barraki exercised their power as some of the most prominent political and military figures in the universe, it became apparent that the methods they used to accomplish their goals were far from peaceful, and arose instead from a desire for the acquisition of wealth, tyrannical domination, and, yet more sinister, the overthrow of the Great Spirit himself. Their power ultimately corrupted them. Seeing what was happening to them, the Brotherhood quickly hired Takadox as a spy on the League. 

So it was that the supremacy and rule of the Barraki turned from the preservation of order to the domination of life. The Warlords spread their control across the universe, seizing all within their grasp, and ruling with cruel, iron fists. During this time, approximately the mid-point of the reign of the Warlords, the rulers of Metru Nui forged a trade agreement with the Barraki in exchange for sovereignty and freedom from the direct rule of the League. 

This totalitarian state of affairs continued for another seven millennia, until the Brotherhood of Makuta, under the leadership of the Makuta [[Miserix]], took matters into its own hands. They had heard from Takadox that the Barraki were planning to overthrow Mata Nui himself. The Brotherhood had cooperated with the League since its formation by Pridak, supplying Rahi to the kingdoms of the Barraki, but now the Warlords had gone too far. The limitless armies of the Brotherhood poured from their strongholds. Accompanied by the forces of the Toa and led by the powerful Makuta Teridax, the might of the Brotherhood overwhelmed the Barraki in a final surprise attack. Their armies defeated and driven away, the six Warlords were brought bound before Teridax. It was at this moment that the Barraki, pleading for their lives, revealed to the Makuta their ultimate desire to overthrow the Great Spirit. Teridax rejected their treasonous offers, and sentenced them to execution for their crimes against Mata Nui, but was going to spare Takadox for giving the Brotherhood such valuable information time and time again. But before this could take place, a strange being calling himself [[Botar]] appeared suddenly before the Makuta, wrapped the Barraki in bonds of energy, and vanished, taking the defeated Warlords with him to serve an unknown, eternal punishment. Teridax only later discovered the nature of this mysterious being: a member of the Order of Mata Nui, the secret servants of the Great Spirit's will. Botar had taken the Barraki to serve an eternal sentence in [[the Pit]], a prison to hold those judged irredeemable. Thus the Barraki faded from history, for a time, and although they were now forgotten, their ideas remained in the mind of Teridax, the first seeds of what was to one day become the darkest and most destructive plot in the history of the universe.

[[Gorast]] and [[Mutran]] were dispatched to clean up the League's fortress. While working on Kalmah's, Mutran noticed something very strange: the [[Blade Burrower]]s that he had created for Kalmah seemed to be making an endless map. Mutran would at one point in the future try to have a Toa wearing a Rau to try and find out what they are building, but the creatures themselves do not seem to know what they are making, only that they must.
 
== Creation of the Dark Hunters ==

On an island full of darkness, yet peaceful, the being later codenamed [[Ancient]] decided to rebel against the strict laws of his home, and began to do dirty work for the highest bidder. This series of rebellious doings quickly started a civil war.

After the war ended, [[The Shadowed One|another denizen]] on the island approached him with the idea of creating an organization doing just what Ancient had done: do dirty work for good pay. Thus, the idea of the [[Dark Hunters]], one of the most infamous organizations in history, was born.

The two discovered an island entitled [[Odina]], and forcibly removed its inhabitants. They built a heavily fortified base on the island. The group would quickly grow in number, consisting of groups of corrupted beings; rogue Toa, bestial tyrants, sadistic murderers, convicted criminals, insane wanderers, and anyone who was corrupt. This group became known as the Dark Hunters.

== The Great Disruption ==

A time of subdued chaos followed these momentous events. With the fall of the League of Six Kingdoms, one of the most powerful and influential forces in the universe, a vacuum of leadership was created. Strife, malcontent, and disorder spread across the lands, reaching into the very heart of Matoran civilization: Metru Nui itself. Thus, five hundred years after the defeat of the Barraki, the period known as the [[Great Disruption]] began. Heralded by the [[Matoran Civil War]], the Great Disruption marked a dark time for the universe. The war had began when the [[Po-Matoran]] and [[Ta-Matoran]] had arguments over trade and boundaries. The {{G|1|Stone}} Matoran later sank a barge to Ta-Metru. The [[Ga-Matoran]] and [[Onu-Matoran]] joined the {{G|1|Fire}} Matoran, while the [[Ko-Matoran]] and [[Le-Matoran]] aided the Po-Matoran. The Matoran ceased their labors in Metru Nui, the city descended into violence, and the Great Spirit Mata Nui was greatly weakened. For four hundred years this war raged, until, once again, the Brotherhood of Makuta intervened to remedy the situation. The forces of the Brotherhood—led yet again by the Makuta Teridax—quickly subdued the opposing sides in a violent conflict called the Archives Massacre, and captured the Matoran War Leaders, who then secretly vanished: sent away to the depths of the Pit for all eternity. The bloody methods employed by the Makuta, lacking any thought for the preservation of life, sparked enduring distrust between the Matoran and the Brotherhood. 

[[Image:Mount Valmai.PNG|thumb|left|150px|Mount Valmai]]

The consequences of the Great Disruption were far more widespread than anyone realized: the Great Spirit had been so greatly weakened by the events of the Civil War that he now neared death. So it was that a Toa of [[Magnetism]] called Jovan was charged with leading a group of his fellow Toa to the heart of the Southern Continent, to the raging volcano called Mount Valmai. Beneath the fiery mountain, Jovan and his team discovered a maze of passageways filled with a host of trials, and were tested time and again by the guardians of the mountain's secret. They proved themselves worthy, and at last came to the [[Chamber of Life]], in which waited the Kanohi Ignika, the Mask of Life. Placed there by the Great Beings long ages ago, the Ignika had waited for one destined to take and use it, and its bearer had come. The group of Toa took the Ignika from its chamber—those who were not destined to bear the mask suffering the consequences of touching it—and traveled even farther down beneath the surface of the Continent, eventually arriving in Karda Nui: the Core of the Universe. The Toa who was destined to wear the Ignika did so, fearfully and with regret in his heart, and was consumed by the energies of the Mask. His life energy was channeled through the mask and was used to replenish the life of the dying Great Spirit. The death of their fellow Toa and the fearful power of the Ignika shocked and terrified the remaining members of the group, who hurriedly returned the mask to its chamber and left in fear and awe. Only Jovan chose to stay. Giving up his power for the greater good and becoming a Turaga, he settled amongst the Matoran who lived near Mount Valmai. His destiny was fulfilled and the utter destruction of the universe averted.

[[Image:IgnikaEdited.png|thumb|right|150px|The Kanohi Ignika]]

== The Plan ==

Mutran was once again given a mission, this time making sure Tren Krom did not pose a threat to the universe. After arriving on his island, he was immediately taken and knowledge was forced out of Mutran's mind, but in the process, a bit of Tren Krom's knowledge was given to Mutran. Waking up on the rocky shore, Mutran sailed back to Destral. Then he shared his new knowledge with Teridax. He immediately called a convocation. 

All the Makuta on the island came to it. Teridax proclaimed that with this knowledge, the Makuta could take control of the universe. Miserix said that the idea put into action could destroy the universe, and that Teridax was trying to overthrow him. They took a vote: Teridax as leader, or Miserix. Some Makuta sided with Miserix, but more agreed with Teridax's idea. Seeing they were outnumbered, the Miserix supporters quickly mover to Teridax's side. [[Spiriah]] and [[Krika]] were ordered to kill Miserix. But neither of them had the heart. Spiriah left it to Krika, who managed to sneak Miserix onto [[Artidax]].

Over the course of the next year, Gorast and Icarax killed the Makuta who had sided with Miserix during the convocation.

== Transformation of the Skakdi ==

At this time, Spiriah realized that the [[Skakdi]] could be an army for the Brotherhood. So he used [[virus]]es to alter them, giving them special abilities, and elemental powers if they worked together. Spiriah decided to take a short leave, and left some [[Visorak (Rahi)|Visorak]] to maintain order on [[Zakaz|the island]]. However, the Skakdi turned against the spiders, and then themselves.

When Spiriah returned, he did so to what appeared to be a war zone. He was banished from the Brotherhood for killing a race, replacing them with horrible monsters who did nothing but destroy.

== [[Time Slip]] ==

Millennia later, the Order of Mata Nui hid several Av-Matoran all across the Matoran Universe. It was during this time that [[Takanuva|Takua]] was placed in Metru Nui, disguised as a Ta-Matoran. Mata Nui himself then erased the memories of the approximate six month period that it took the Order of Mata Nui to complete this task.

== Evolution of the Makuta ==

At some time, Makuta [[Bitil]] was in a conference with some fellow Makuta, and after being angered, threw his axe at the wall. When he tried to pick it up he found that, strangely, he could not move his body, and to their horror the other Makuta found that they too were unable to move. After regaining control of his body, Makuta [[Chirox]] took some of Kojol's armor off, discovering a greenish mist underneath, some of which Chirox took. After much testing, Chirox revealed that the Makuta had evolved, becoming a substance called [[Antidermis]]. He also told the assembled Makuta that if their armor was breached, the Antidermis could escape and spread out, causing the Makuta to die. Shortly after hearing this, Teridax ordered the [[Nynrah Ghosts]] to make stronger suits of armor to house their Antidermis.

At some later time, Mutran was wandering the halls in the [[Destral Fortress]] when he was stopped by an [[Exo-Toa]]. Mutran was then thrown down the hallway by the Exo-Toa, who revealed that he was in fact Makuta Chirox. Chirox went on to explain that because the Makuta were now energy, they could control a robot or being that is dead inside. He then fired a missile at Mutran, who subsequently walked over to the Exo-Toa and tore its arm off. Cursing Mutran in his mind, Chirox returned to his regular armor in another room.

== Turaga Dume and Toa Lhikan ==

Roughly 85,000 years after the creation of the universe, and 14,000 prior to the [[Great Cataclysm]], lone Turaga named [[Dume]] was named leader of the City of Legends. Dume is an experienced elder who had served as a Toa, even saving a Matoran named [[Lhikan]] and later ensuring he became a Toa. Dume ruled Metru Nui justly and wisely.

To the south, an organization of Toa were growing suspicious of the Brotherhood of Makuta. Taking [[Makoki Stone|a stone]], they carved important secret information detailing their members, fortress location, and other details. This stone was hidden in a heavily guarded fortress, unknowingly constructed near a [[Frostelus]] camp.

Learning of a treasure hidden in the fortress, the Shadowed One ordered a tall, winged Dark Hunter to obtain the stone. This Dark Hunter sold the information to the Skakdi [[Hakann]] who hired another Skakdi, [[Vezok]], to help him obtain it. The two scaled up the mountain, and after exposing Hakann to the guards as a distraction Vezok slipped past them easily. Making his way to the vault, he took the stone, though not before studying it and learning the information it contained. He escaped the fortress, successfully evading capture only to be caught by Ancient who knocked him out and captured him. Hakann escaped, but was captured by Dark Hunters soon after.

Soon after, the Frostelus attacked the fortress. A Toa told Lhikan to take the stone and escape, but it was too late. The stone was far from the island and his teammates were killed. Lhikan swore never to run away from anything ever again. 

== Attacks on Metru Nui ==

Under the leadership of Turaga Dume, Metru Nui became a center of innovation and invention. The [[Archives]] of [[Onu-Metru]], a massive museum and catalog of all known species and objects in the universe, were expanded and improved. New technologies, such as the [[Kanoka]] disks, were invented, along with improved methods for forging Kanohi. Security and peace were maintained with the invention of robotic order enforcement squads. The Matoran [[Nuparu]] was responsible for designing these police forces, first inventing the [[Kralhi]], who were later replaced by the more efficient [[Vahki]].

[[Image:Kralhi.PNG|thumb|left|150px|A Kralhi]]

The Dark Hunters, led by the mysterious being called the Shadowed One had grown in power and influence. Acting as mercenaries, thieves, and assassins, the Hunters were driven by their own greed, ambition, and thirst for power. And thus the thoughts of the Shadowed One were bent upon Metru Nui, the city of wealth and the seat of Matoran civilization. With this goal in mind, the first of the Dark Hunters' many attempts to rule the City of Legends came about. Three Hunters, [[Reidak]], Vezok, and [[Avak]], were sent to free a monstrous creature, known only as the [[Kanohi Dragon]], from a prison of ice far beneath the waters of the Silver Sea. Trapped there long ago after it had attacked the City of Legends for the first time, the beast had remained dormant for countless millennia. 

[[Image:Rahi Kanohi Dragon.png|thumb|right|150px|The Kanohi Dragon]]

But now, awakened from its ageless slumber, the enraged Dragon emerged from the depths in a blast of heat and flame. And sensing the energy radiating from the power sources of Metru Nui, it swam secretly toward the city, eventually burrowing its way up through the underground Archives. Wreathed in fire and smoke, the Kanohi Dragon emerged onto the surface in an explosion of flame and destruction to renew its long-delayed attack upon the city, wreaking havoc amongst the tall towers and buildings. Eventually the beast made its way into the [[Great Furnace]] of Ta-Metru, where it settled to rest and absorb the immense heat. Turaga Dume immediately sent out messages calling for help and summoned the [[Toa Mangai]] to confront the terrible monster. The Toa arrived just in time to save Turaga Dume from the three Dark Hunters, who were attempting to blackmail the Turaga into securing a base for them in the city. The Hunters escaped, leaving the Toa to confront the Kanohi Dragon alone. 

And after a long and tiring battle, they succeeded. The four Toa of Ice froze the Kanohi Dragon in an immense block of ice, putting a final end to its destruction. The subdued dragon was taken to the island of [[Xia]], where it was given to the [[Vortixx]] for imprisonment. The eleven Toa then decided to remain in the city to defend against the growing threat of the Dark Hunters.

During this time, a rash of inexplicable Matoran murders occurred in Metru Nui. At this time, Toa Lhikan, [[Nidhiki]] and [[Tuyet]] were the only Toa in the city, with the rest away on missions. All the victims were found with a tablet inscribed with the name ''Toa Tuyet''. Tuyet, the Toa of Water, responded to Lhikan's investigation by revealing that the Dark Hunters were pursuing her, believing that she possessed an artifact of great power - the [[Nui Stone]]. Tuyet denied having it, and also told Lhikan that they had blackmailed her into turning over the Nui Stone in a number of days or more Matoran would die. Each murder was a part of the countdown. The next day Lhikan and Nidhiki encountered and captured three Hunters. But despite their success, another Matoran was killed. Nidhiki realized that Tuyet was the murderer, and Lhikan immediately went to confront her. Tuyet then revealed that she did, in fact, possess the Nui Stone, and used its powers of [[Toa Power]] absorption to enhance her elemental abilities. She attacked Lhikan, intending to use her powers to set herself up as sole ruler of Metru Nui. Nidhiki and Lhikan were able to defeat her and Lhikan blasted the Stone with fire, destroying it. Tuyet was imprisoned, and, during her captivity, she was taken by the being called [[Botar]], who worked for the Order of Mata Nui. The Order placed her in a Toa-less alternate universe where she could be interrogated about the Nui Stone. The Order also took a Tuyet from another alternate universe and placed her in the Pit as a decoy. 

Around this period, many [[First Rahi|strange sea creatures]] suddenly arrived on Metru Nui. The Vahki led them to a cave below the Archives, where they were [[Underwater Rahi Study|studied in secret]] by the archivists [[Whenua]], [[Onepu]], and [[Mavrah]]. But the sea creatures grew restless, and damaged much of the Archives. Turaga Dume ordered them to be driven away, but the creatures fled the city, led by Mavrah, who had a great passion for the Rahi. 

== The Toa-Dark Hunter War ==

The Shadowed One, ruler of the Dark Hunters, had not lost his desire for the city and still wished to establish a base for his mercenary organization in Metru Nui. But Dume refused, knowing that the Dark Hunters were a sinister group.

[[Image:BW The Shadowed One.png|thumb|right|150px|The Shadowed One]]

Incensed at the failures of his attempts, the Shadowed One formed an army of his mercenaries and ordered them to descend upon the city. A great war broke out between the Toa and the Dark Hunters, with Toa Lhikan leading the forces of the Toa. The war was fought valiantly with many Toa giving their lives for Metru Nui, but the overwhelming numbers of the Dark Hunters eroded their numbers.

During this volatile time, a Dark Huntress named [[Lariska]] convinced Toa Nidhiki to betray his brothers and join the Dark Hunters. Nidhiki eventually gave in and struck a deal with Lariska, thinking he would soon be able to rule the city he had once protected. The traitorous Nidhiki now brought word to the remaining Toa that the Dark Hunters had established a base in a canyon in the region of Po-Metru. With one strike the war would be over. Led by Lhikan, the Toa entered this canyon, only to have the Dark Hunters ambush them. Lhikan had known of Nidhiki's betrayal and at his signal, hundreds of Toa rose from the tops of the canyon walls, surrounding the Dark Hunters. Lhikan let his enemies go, on the terms that they never return to Metru Nui and also that they take Nidhiki with them. As a Dark Hunter, Nidhiki trained Dark Hunters on the Dark Hunter's island base. It was here that he met [[Krekka]], a great hulking brutish Hunter. The Shadowed One soon partnered Krekka with Nidhiki, confident that Krekka would follow the Shadowed One's commands, whereas Nidhiki might betray him just as he had betrayed the Toa.

This partnership continued for a long while, both Hunters tolerating each other's company, until one day a stranger named [[Roodaka]] appeared on the Dark Hunter's island, seeking training from the Hunters. Nidhiki approached her, offering his talent in exchange for her help in freeing himself from the Hunters' grasp, for he had become weary of his life in the organization. Roodaka, being a dishonest and traitorous being, secretly used the report of Nidhiki's discontent to buy her training from the Shadowed One. But the leader of the Dark Hunters demanded more, telling her that Nidhiki had to be stripped of his dreams as a "Toa" once and for all. Roodaka then used her [[Rhotuka]] abilities on Nidhiki, mutating him into a hideous four-legged creature, bereft of his elemental powers and with no choice but to submit to the Dark Hunters' will. 

== Fall of the Toa Hagah ==
[[Image:Fohrok.PNG|thumb|right|150px|Toa Hagah Iruini and Norik escaping the fortress with the Avohkii]]
For many millennia, the [[Toa Hagah (Teridax)|Toa Hagah]] were tasked as Teridax's personal bodyguards. Tasked with protecting him from harm, the Toa Hagah believed they were performing an honorable deed. But about 300 years before the Great Cataclysm, [[Norik]]'s team of Toa Hagah discovered the truth, realizing that the Makuta had been responsible for the Raid on Artakha, held alliances with the Dark Hunters, commanded the Visorak Hordes, and oppressed the Matoran they were intended to protect. At once, the Toa Hagah launched a raid on the Brotherhood fortress at Destral where they stole the Avohkii and the Makoki stones, but not before four of the Hagah were captured by the ruthless Roodaka. These four were subsequently turned into "[[Rahaga]]", bestial creatures, by Roodaka and transferred to a Visorak fortress. Meanwhile, Toa Norik and [[Iruini]] escaped after narrowly beating Teridax in combat. They retreated from the fortress and Iruini nearly quit before Norik was able to talk him out of it. The pair located their captured, mutated comrades and freed them' however, in the process, the two Toa themselves were transformed into Rahaga. With the Avohkii, the Rahaga escaped, attacking the Visorak wherever they traveled and seeking out the mythical Keetongu. They ultimately arrived in Metru Nui and took refuge in the Archives.

With the treachery of the Brotherhood exposed, Teridax infected the Great Spirit with a virus, which would gradually render the Great Spirit comatose.

The Makuta began a covert genocide of all Toa of [[Iron]], afraid of the Toa's potential to damage their armor.

Continuing to enact his grand plan, Teridax imprisoned Turaga Dume, and impersonated him for a year and a half. He brought a Rahi, [[Nivawk]], to help him spy on the city. Teridax gradually called all the Toa away to secure sea gates, where they were killed by a hired Dark Hunter, [[Eliminator]]. Metru Nui's [[Chronicler]], [[Kodan]], was also killed on one of these missions. Teridax had also hired Nidhiki and Krekka, who helped him in various tasks in Metru Nui.

Eventually, only Toa Lhikan remained, and began to grow suspicious of "Turaga Dume". He began to make plans to bestow his [[Toa Power]] on six Matoran. Teridax anticipated this, and telepathically influenced Lhikan to pick six Matoran whom the stars did not say were destined to be Toa. However, this was a ploy executed by Mata Nui and his Order that resulted in Lhikan choosing the correct Matoran after all. These six would soon become the [[Toa Metru]] and save the heart Metru Nui from the [[Great Cataclysm|cataclysm]] to come.

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[[Category:Generation 1]]