Barraki
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The Barraki are a group of conquerers in LEGO BIONICLE storyline. While they were defeated and banished some time ago, their prison was flooded and they escaped into the surrounding area; they also evolved characteristics of sea monsters in order to survive. The term "Barraki" is the Matoran word for "warlord".[1]
[edit] Barraki Facts
The Barraki were banished to the Pit around 80,000 years ago by Botar, as the Order of Mata Nui considered their crimes irredeemable (these crimes had no connection to the Great Disruption that occurred in Metru Nui at the same time). Before their banishment, they had also made enemies of both the Toa and the Brotherhood of Makuta, and now want revenge on both groups.[2]
The Barraki originally commanded armies; Pridak's included Matoran criminals, ex-Dark Hunters, and other outcasts; "thieves, murderers, traitors, and liars". The other Barraki's armies at the time were similar to Pridak's, but in the present day each one has new armies that are different from one another's.[3]
Series writer Greg Farshtey has said that "The Barraki are warlords. Warlords are brutal when they need to be, but overall, practical. They won't hesitate to kill you if they would benefit by it or they have no use for you. If they won't benefit by it, it is a pointless expenditure of energy and a waste of resources. Barraki think in military terms."[4]
Unlike most groups in Bionicle, the Barraki are not all the same race. Since the Pit is currently a watery location, the Barraki have evolved into forms with aquatic appearances and the ability to breathe underwater (though one of them had this ability even before his imprisonment). However, they are not native to the sea.[5]
The Barraki have fewer powers than the Piraka do, and prefer to rely on their own wits and strength. While they may be able to use Kanohi Masks, they look down on those who rely on them and weaken when their masks are removed.[6]
The Barraki have claimed the Ignika Mask of Life after it retreated underwater, and those who have held it have become cursed. However, they think little of the curse, believing there is little it could do to add to their suffering.[7]
[edit] Bios
The following bios were found on Amazon.de and translated to English. Their accuracy has not been confirmed by any official source as of yet.[8] One thing that has been confirmed is that they are generally based on different sea creatures.[9]
Kalmah: "Kalmah captures his enemies with his long tentacles and suction cups. He has got three eyes and five tentacles on the back of his head. With those he is able to sense every movement going on behind his back." Kalmah is based on a squid, thus his name may be a play on the word "calamari".
Takadox: "Takadox is taller and more horrific than all other Barakki. He lurks in a little rocky cave which glows in the dark. When somebody passes by he strikes with blinding speed." Takadox is similar to a mantis - strangely, perhaps more of a praying mantis than a mantis shrimp.
Ehlek: "With his long, thin limbs and his armorless body, Ehlek seems to be a lighter opponent, but this is deceptive! With his green spikes he produces an electrical charge, which sends currents of lightning and can paralyze his opponents." Ehlek's features are based on that of electric eels, thus his name may be a play on the word "eel".
Carapar: "Carapar's body is twice as wide as it is long. With his long arms and giant claws, he is able to master any obstacle. His thick armor makes him almost invulnerable – only electric powers have a chance against him." Carapar is very crab-like, thus his name may be a play on the word "carapace", another name for a shell.
Mantax: "Mantax lurks for his enemies in the darkness and then attacks them from behind. He is equipped with a thick armor, poisonous red stingers and mighty pincers." As his name suggests, Mantax is like a manta ray.
Pridak: "Pridak likes to float calmly over his unsuspecting victims before he strikes with lightning speed. Even the hardest armor is no problem for his razor-sharp teeth. Pridak is known for his sudden rage." Pridak has a certain resemblance to a shark or possibly a pirana. The red stuff around his mouth might possibly be the blood of his prey, similar to how real sharks' mouths are bloody from feeding, thus his name may be a play on the word "pirana", another killer fish. [10]
A description of the Barraki's crossbow-like weapons, called "Polyp Launchers",[11] has also been found: "Each Barraki is equipped with a polyp launcher, a built and strong centrifuge for alive - and hungry - polyps, which suck the life energy from the target objects." However, Greg Farshtey has disproved part of this description, saying that the words "polyp" and "centrifuge" do not accurately describe the ammunition and weapon, respectively.[12] An English advertisement has been found that lists this item as "Squid Ammo".[13]
[edit] References
General information comes from the Bionicle Legends book series; see List of Bionicle media.
- ^ Tiny Bit on 2007 at BZPower forums, post #1
- ^ Official Greg Discussion p. 216 post #6474; p. 217 posts #6496 and 6500; p. 218 posts #6519 and 6531
- ^ Official Greg Discussion p. 218 post #6519; p. 221 post #6615
- ^ Official Greg Discussion p. 218 post #6518
- ^ Official Greg Discussion p. 213, post #6377; p. 217 post #6496; p. 221 posts #6607 and 6617
- ^ Official Greg Discussion p. 217 post #6496; p. 218 post #6518
- ^ Official Greg Discussion p. 223, post #6665
- ^ 2007 Set Descriptions Translated and Sixth Barraki Bio Found! articles at BZPower
- ^ Sealife counterparts given in Official Greg Discussion p. 224, post #6708
- ^ Pridak's Face at BZPower forums, post #1
- ^ Listed as "Polypenwerfer", which translates to "Polyp Thrower" in English. "Launcher" is used instead of "Thrower" based on previous Bionicle weaponry.
- ^ Polyp Thrower p. 1 at BZPower forums, post #1; p. 2 post #52
- ^ Small 2007 Sets Appearing Somewhere at BZPower
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