The Hydroblades

The Hydroblades were the paired Toa ToolsToa ToolsToa Tools were the implements every Toa carried as channels for elemental power and as physical fighting gear, with each tool specific to a wielder's element and form. of NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras., Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. of Water, drawn from the Toa SuvaToa SuvaThe shrine where six Matoran became Toa Metru by placing their stones and receiving their power. at the Great TempleGreat Temple SquidA massive predatory Rahi of the deep channels beneath Metru Nui, known for twelve beak-tipped arms and a crushing central maw. at the moment six Ga-MatoranGa-MatoranThe Water-element Matoran of Ga-Metru and Ga-Koro, a female Matoran type, who filled the schools of Metru Nui and crewed the boats of the Mata Nui coast., Ta-MatoranTa-MatoranThe Fire-element Matoran of Ta-Metru and Ta-Koro, forgers of masks and Kanoka, lava farmers, and the standing core of the Ta-Koro Guard during the war for Mata Nui., Le-MatoranLe-MatoranGreen-powered Matoran obsessed with thrills and transport. They're basically Bionicle's daredevils., Po-MatoranPo-MatoranThe Stone-element Matoran of Po-Metru and Po-Koro, carvers and quarry workers, the most athletic of the Matoran types and the population behind the Kohlii and Akilini circuits., Onu-MatoranOnu-MatoranEarth-wielding Matoran of the deep who adapted to darkness and built the Matoran Universe's defensive cavalry., and Ko-MatoranKo-MatoranIce Matoran who were quiet scholars and star-watchers, built to survive the frozen peaks of Ko-Wahi. placed their Toa StonesToa StonesSmall stones charged with a portion of a Toa's power, used to awaken the dormant Toa Power within a destined Matoran and elevate them into a Toa. into the SuvaSuvaSuva were the sacred shrines of Matoran civilisation, holding Toa Stones, Kanohi, and Nuva symbols across Mata Nui, Metru Nui, and beyond. and were transformed. The blades were a four-function instrument in a single matched pair, capable of channeling NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras.'s elemental Water, pulling her through the ProtodermisProtodermis LabsThe Ga-Metru research facility where Ga-Matoran scholars first documented the destiny rule governing energized protodermis transformations. canals of Ga-MetruGa-MetruGa-Metru is a district of Metru Nui, home to the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh. at speed, and deflecting attacks when spun on their extending cords. (BIONICLE Adventures 4: Legends of Metru Nui; BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui)

Construction and four-function design#

The Hydroblades were built as a matched pair rather than as a single weapon. Two blades were carried together, and the working configuration assumed both would be drawn in tandem. On first taking them from the Toa SuvaToa SuvaThe shrine where six Matoran became Toa Metru by placing their stones and receiving their power., NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. remarked on their perfect balance. (BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui)

The first function was elemental channeling. The blades were the focusing instrument through which NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. directed her elemental Water power, the same role the Toa ToolsToa ToolsToa Tools were the implements every Toa carried as channels for elemental power and as physical fighting gear, with each tool specific to a wielder's element and form. of every other Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. performed for their respective elements. The second was mobility. The blades pulled NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. through the liquid ProtodermisProtodermis LabsThe Ga-Metru research facility where Ga-Matoran scholars first documented the destiny rule governing energized protodermis transformations. of the canal system, on the surface or below it, the waterborne answer to the Chute SystemThe Chute SystemThe magnetised liquid Protodermis transit network of Metru Nui, controlled from Le-Metru's Moto-Hub and carrying Matoran, cargo, and Rahi across the city. overland. The third was defence: with their cords extended into flexible cables, the blades could be spun to form a shield. They also served as plain melee weapons. (BIONICLE Adventures 1: Mystery of Metru Nui; BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui)

Place among the Toa Metru tools#

The Hydroblades belonged to the standard armament of the Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety., the six Toa ToolsToa ToolsToa Tools were the implements every Toa carried as channels for elemental power and as physical fighting gear, with each tool specific to a wielder's element and form. drawn from the Toa SuvaToa SuvaThe shrine where six Matoran became Toa Metru by placing their stones and receiving their power. at the Great TempleGreat Temple SquidA massive predatory Rahi of the deep channels beneath Metru Nui, known for twelve beak-tipped arms and a crushing central maw. the moment the six MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. chosen by LhikanLhikanToa of Fire, leader of the Toa Mangai, and the last Toa of Metru Nui, who surrendered his Toa Power to create the Toa Metru and died defending Vakama. placed their Toa StonesToa StonesSmall stones charged with a portion of a Toa's power, used to awaken the dormant Toa Power within a destined Matoran and elevate them into a Toa. into the SuvaSuvaSuva were the sacred shrines of Matoran civilisation, holding Toa Stones, Kanohi, and Nuva symbols across Mata Nui, Metru Nui, and beyond. and were transformed. VakamaVakamaA Ta-Metru maskmaker transformed into the Toa Metru of Fire, leader of his team through the Visorak war, and Turaga of Ta-Koro for a thousand years. drew a Disk LauncherVakama's Disk LauncherVakama's Disk Launcher was the oversized Kanoka launcher he chose as his Toa Tool on Metru Nui, which also worked as a flight pack until the Shadowed One wrecked it. that doubled as a jetpack. MatauMatauA former Le-Metru test driver who became a Toa Metru, Matau wielded air, illusion, and shape-shifting before sacrificing his Toa power to wake the sleeping Matoran. drew two Aero SlicersAero SlicersThe Toa Tools wielded by Toa Metru Matau, capable of channeling Air, serving as melee blades, and doubling as glider wings and rotors for flight.. OnewaOnewaOnewa served as Toa Metru of Stone, led Po-Koro through the Dark Time, and constructed the Metru Nui statue honoring the fallen Toa Mahri Matoro. drew two Proto PitonsProto PitonsOnewa's Stone-channeling climbing tools that transformed through his metamorphoses from Toa Metru to Toa Hordika to Turaga.. WhenuaWhenuaToa Metru of Earth and later Turaga of Onu-Koro, formerly an Onu-Metru archivist whose career in the Archives shaped his role across the rescue of Metru Nui and the long residency on Mata Nui. drew two Earthshock DrillsEarthshock DrillsThe earthshock drills were Toa Metru Whenua's paired Toa Tools, which could dig as shovels, drills or a jackhammer and made an ear-splitting noise when spun.. NujuNujuNuju served as a Ko-Metru seer, Toa Metru of Ice, and Turaga of Ko-Koro who spoke only in bird calls translated by Matoro. drew two Crystal SpikesCrystal SpikesThe Crystal Spikes were the paired Toa Tools of Toa Metru Nuju, used to channel his Ice powers, to climb the Knowledge Towers and even as snowshoes.. NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. drew the two Hydroblades, the Water-element entry in the standard six-tool set the Great TempleGreat Temple SquidA massive predatory Rahi of the deep channels beneath Metru Nui, known for twelve beak-tipped arms and a crushing central maw. had reserved for the transformation. (BIONICLE Adventures 4: Legends of Metru Nui; BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui)

Several of the six tools suited their bearers' old lives. VakamaVakamaA Ta-Metru maskmaker transformed into the Toa Metru of Fire, leader of his team through the Visorak war, and Turaga of Ta-Koro for a thousand years., a Ta-Metru mask maker and disk thrower, took a launcher that felt familiar. MatauMatauA former Le-Metru test driver who became a Toa Metru, Matau wielded air, illusion, and shape-shifting before sacrificing his Toa power to wake the sleeping Matoran.'s Aero SlicersAero SlicersThe Toa Tools wielded by Toa Metru Matau, capable of channeling Air, serving as melee blades, and doubling as glider wings and rotors for flight. doubled as glider wings, OnewaOnewaOnewa served as Toa Metru of Stone, led Po-Koro through the Dark Time, and constructed the Metru Nui statue honoring the fallen Toa Mahri Matoro.'s pitons as carving hammers and climbing hooks. NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras.'s Hydroblades fitted Ga-MetruGa-MetruGa-Metru is a district of Metru Nui, home to the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh., the metru of canals, schools, and the Great TempleGreat Temple SquidA massive predatory Rahi of the deep channels beneath Metru Nui, known for twelve beak-tipped arms and a crushing central maw. itself. (BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui; BIONICLE Adventures 4: Legends of Metru Nui)

The ProtodermisProtodermisThe engineered substance building the Matoran Universe, protodermis exists in countless refined states from mundane metal to diamond-hard crystal to the destruction-or-transformation force of energized form. canals and the speed mode#

The mobility function of the Hydroblades was the function that distinguished them most clearly from the surface-only Toa ToolsToa ToolsToa Tools were the implements every Toa carried as channels for elemental power and as physical fighting gear, with each tool specific to a wielder's element and form. of the other Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety.. Ga-MetruGa-MetruGa-Metru is a district of Metru Nui, home to the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh. was the metru of canals, and the long-distance travel pattern of a Ga-MatoranGa-MatoranThe Water-element Matoran of Ga-Metru and Ga-Koro, a female Matoran type, who filled the schools of Metru Nui and crewed the boats of the Mata Nui coast. was a swim through liquid ProtodermisProtodermis LabsThe Ga-Metru research facility where Ga-Matoran scholars first documented the destiny rule governing energized protodermis transformations. rather than a run across dry ground. The Hydroblades took that pattern and sped it up, pulling NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. through the canal system faster than she could swim alone. (BIONICLE Adventures 1: Mystery of Metru Nui)

The same speed mode operated outside the canals as well. When NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. dived to recover one of the Great Disks hidden beneath the waters near the Great Temple, the blades made her far more at home underwater than any MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body.. In mobility terms they worked like a private Chute SystemThe Chute SystemThe magnetised liquid Protodermis transit network of Metru Nui, controlled from Le-Metru's Moto-Hub and carrying Matoran, cargo, and Rahi across the city., with the drive mounted on the swimmer rather than on the city. (BIONICLE Adventures 1: Mystery of Metru Nui)

The grappling-hook function and the chute reversal#

The grappling-hook function was the function the Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. called on at the moment the Chute SystemThe Chute SystemThe magnetised liquid Protodermis transit network of Metru Nui, controlled from Le-Metru's Moto-Hub and carrying Matoran, cargo, and Rahi across the city. itself turned against them. The Dark HuntersThe Dark HuntersA band of mercenaries and thieves founded on Odina by the Shadowed One and Ancient, hired out across the Matoran Universe, and left a battered ruin by the time Teridax ruled the universe. NidhikiNidhikiOnce a guardian of Metru Nui, Nidhiki traded his Toa honor for Dark Hunter gold and paid the price. and KrekkaKrekka's SpeciesKrekka's species, informally called bruisers, were a heavily built lower class of Stelt's hierarchy employed as guards, servants and labourers. had taken control of a main ChuteChute: the Transport Tubes of Metru NuiA Chute was a pipe of liquid protodermis held together by a magnetic field, used across Metru Nui to carry Matoran, cargo, and Rahi. The system was run by the Le-Matoran, wrecked in the Great Cataclysm and repaired when the city was restored. Station and coerced the operator KonguKonguKongu captained Le-Koro's Gukko Force before lightning from the red star turned him into a Toa of Air, who later served among the Toa Mahri. into reversing the flow of the chutes while NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras., VakamaVakamaA Ta-Metru maskmaker transformed into the Toa Metru of Fire, leader of his team through the Visorak war, and Turaga of Ta-Koro for a thousand years., and MatauMatauA former Le-Metru test driver who became a Toa Metru, Matau wielded air, illusion, and shape-shifting before sacrificing his Toa power to wake the sleeping Matoran. were inside one of the lines. The three ToaThe Toa: Heroes of the Matoran UniverseThe Toa were biomechanical guardians sworn to protect the Matoran, bound by a strict code and defined by sacrifice across every age of the universe. careened out of control as the reversed flow carried them the wrong way. (BIONICLE Adventures 4: Legends of Metru Nui)

NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. dug the Hydroblades into the chute itself, and the other two ToaThe Toa: Heroes of the Matoran UniverseThe Toa were biomechanical guardians sworn to protect the Matoran, bound by a strict code and defined by sacrifice across every age of the universe. linked onto her. MatauMatauA former Le-Metru test driver who became a Toa Metru, Matau wielded air, illusion, and shape-shifting before sacrificing his Toa power to wake the sleeping Matoran., arms free in the configuration that followed, drew one of his Aero SlicersAero SlicersThe Toa Tools wielded by Toa Metru Matau, capable of channeling Air, serving as melee blades, and doubling as glider wings and rotors for flight. and carved a hole in the bottom of the chute through which the three ToaThe Toa: Heroes of the Matoran UniverseThe Toa were biomechanical guardians sworn to protect the Matoran, bound by a strict code and defined by sacrifice across every age of the universe. dropped before a runaway freight container could crush them inside the line. It is the clearest moment in the story where the Hydroblades kept three Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. alive. (BIONICLE Adventures 4: Legends of Metru Nui)

Combat profile and the transformation into Fin BarbsFin BarbsNokama's dual-pronged Toa Tools that charged her Rhotuka and vanished when she reverted to Toa Metru.#

In combat the Hydroblades offered edge and defence. With the cords extended, a spinning blade made a shield between Nokama and an incoming attack, and the elemental Water channelled through them let her choose between a cutting strike and an elemental blast. (BIONICLE 2: Legends of Metru Nui; Toa Metru Nokama)

The Hydroblades did not survive NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras.'s mutation into a Toa HordikaToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. in their original form. When the Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety. returned to Metru NuiMetru NuiThe city beneath Mata Nui functions as the Great Spirit's brain, housing the Matoran whose labor keeps the god alive. on the rescue of the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body., the entire team was injected with Hordika VenomHordika VenomThe toxin used by the Visorak to mutate captured prey into Hordika, the feral half-Rahi state that transformed the Toa Metru into the Toa Hordika in the webs above Metru Nui. and began to transform into half-beast, half-Toa forms. The Hydroblades transformed into the Fin BarbsFin BarbsNokama's dual-pronged Toa Tools that charged her Rhotuka and vanished when she reverted to Toa Metru., a related but distinct tool used for underwater climbing and digging and for charging NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras.'s water RhotukaRhotukaRhotuka were wheels of pure energy generated by living beings, shaped by the user's nature, and launched through natural or artificial launchers. spinner. Their tops could retract so a harpoon of water on a liquid cable could be fired from the base. The barbs were lost when NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. was transformed back into a Toa MetruToa Metru and Toa HordikaSix Matoran elevated by Lhikan to save their city, mutated by Visorak venom, and restored in time to deliver the population to safety., and the Hydroblades returned to her hands in their original form. (BIONICLE 3: Web of Shadows; Toa Hordika Nokama)

The end of the tool#

When NokamaNokamaNokama served as Toa Metru of Water, endured the Hordika mutation, and led Ga-Koro and later Ga-Metru as Turaga through three eras. made the final transformation of her career and became a TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities., later of Ga-KoroThe Ga-Koro BridgeThe walkways of Ga-Koro linked the floating Ga-Matoran village to the shore of Ga-Wahi, and the main causeway was where the village fought off the Pahrak swarm in the Bohrok invasion., she set the Hydroblades aside and carried a trident instead. Little of her elemental power remained after she gave up her Toa PowerToa PowerThe fundamental energy of a Toa, depleted when destiny's fulfilled and transferable through specially prepared stones.. The matched pair that had cut through the ProtodermisProtodermis LabsThe Ga-Metru research facility where Ga-Matoran scholars first documented the destiny rule governing energized protodermis transformations. canals of Ga-MetruGa-MetruGa-Metru is a district of Metru Nui, home to the Ga-Matoran and the Bordakh. and arrested the runaway chute on the morning of the Dark HunterThe Dark HuntersA band of mercenaries and thieves founded on Odina by the Shadowed One and Ancient, hired out across the Matoran Universe, and left a battered ruin by the time Teridax ruled the universe. operation was not carried again by any ToaThe Toa: Heroes of the Matoran UniverseThe Toa were biomechanical guardians sworn to protect the Matoran, bound by a strict code and defined by sacrifice across every age of the universe. of Water in the Matoran UniverseMatoran UniverseA civilization of biomechanical beings living inside a colossal robot, destroyed when Teridax seized control.. (BIONICLE 3: Web of Shadows)