Ussalry

The Ussalry was Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came.'s branch of the Mata Nui MilitaryMata Nui MilitaryA decentralized network of village militias defended the island of Mata Nui through the eras of Rahi unrest, the Bohrok War, and the Rahkshi incursions., a paramilitary force formed to defend against MakutaMakutaA glossary entry distinguishing the three referents of the word Makuta: the species, the individual Teridax, and the title held by every Brotherhood member.-aligned RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. during the Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years. era. Its defining feature was simple. Its members rode Ussal crabsUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor.. Alongside the Ta-Koro GuardTa-Koro GuardThe Ta-Koro Guard was the largest standing Matoran fighting force on Mata Nui, captained by Jaller and active from the early Rahi conflicts through the return to Metru Nui. and the Gukko ForceGukko ForceLe-Matoran aerial cavalry that defended their treetop home during the Matoran-Rahi War., the Ussalry was one of the three largest branches of the island's defense.

Composition and equipment#

The Ussal crabUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor. was a six-legged RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. originally domesticated as a beast of burden in Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came.. UssalUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor. could move through tunnels, haul loads, and carry a MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. rider. Onu-MatoranOnu-MatoranEarth-wielding Matoran of the deep who adapted to darkness and built the Matoran Universe's defensive cavalry. already used them for daily transport and mining work, so adapting them for combat was a small step. By the late Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years. era, the Ussalry was a recognized branch of the island's military with a defined commander and a standard kit.

That kit consisted of bamboo disks, pickaxes, and lightstoneLightstoneGlowing crystals that powered Onu-Koro's mines and revealed secrets beneath Mata Nui.-spears. Bamboo disks were the standard low-yield projectile across the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. villages. Pickaxes were everyday Onu-MatoranOnu-MatoranEarth-wielding Matoran of the deep who adapted to darkness and built the Matoran Universe's defensive cavalry. mining tools repurposed for combat. LightstoneLightstoneGlowing crystals that powered Onu-Koro's mines and revealed secrets beneath Mata Nui.-spears used the glowing crystals that lit Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came.'s tunnels as the working end of a thrust weapon. The whole loadout drew from existing village industry. No new weapons had to be forged. The unit's distinguishing asset was its mounts.

Command structure#

The rank of High Commander of the Ussalry, also called Captain of the Ussalry, led Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came.'s branch of the Mata Nui MilitaryMata Nui MilitaryA decentralized network of village militias defended the island of Mata Nui through the eras of Rahi unrest, the Bohrok War, and the Rahkshi incursions.. The role's duty was to lead Ussalry regiments into battle. The only known holder of this position was OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna..

The High Commander did not have control over Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came.'s surface ground forces. That responsibility fell to TuragaTuragaFormer Toa who fulfilled their destiny and transformed into leaders. Turaga wield Noble Kanohi masks and weakened elemental powers, guiding their communities. 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.. OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna.'s authority was specifically over the mounted, mobile arm of the village's defense, not its broader military or civic operations. The separation kept cavalry command and village governance in clearly distinct lanes within the same village, an arrangement uncommon in Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years.-era records.

Known members#

The unit's documented roster comprised OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna. as leader, with TaipuTaipuTaipu is a black and tan Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who resides on Spherus Magna. A miner by trade, he wields a pickaxe and wears the Kanohi Pakari., NuparuNuparuAn Onu-Matoran engineer from Metru Nui who built the Boxor and rose to become a Toa of Earth despite no warrior destiny., DamekDamekDamek was a purple and black Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who wore a Miru. He served as a Boxor pilot and guard on Mata Nui and as an Archive Guard in Metru Nui, and later resided on Spherus Magna., and KajKajKaj is a purple and black Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth, serving as a member of the Onu-Koro Guard and as a Lightstone Miner. He wears a Kanohi Huna and resides on Spherus Magna. as fellow members. All rode UssalUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor. crabs and used bamboo disks, pickaxes, and lightstone-spears in battle.

DamekDamekDamek was a purple and black Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who wore a Miru. He served as a Boxor pilot and guard on Mata Nui and as an Archive Guard in Metru Nui, and later resided on Spherus Magna. worked and lived in Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came. as a miner and member of the Ussalry. During the BohrokBohrokHive-minded mechanical creatures designed to reshape worlds, the Bohrok represent a threat the Toa Mata never expected. invasion, he helped NuparuNuparuAn Onu-Matoran engineer from Metru Nui who built the Boxor and rose to become a Toa of Earth despite no warrior destiny. drive BoxorBoxorBuilt by Nuparu from a salvaged Gahlok shell, the Boxor was the first Matoran-engineered combat machine and a key resistance asset against the Bohrok swarms. machines against the NuhvokNuhvokThe earth-dwelling Bohrok whose rigid nature made them dangerously predictable. in Le-KoroLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax. and the PahrakPahrakStone-aligned Bohrok swarm units that forced the Toa Mata to realize they couldn't win through isolated victories. in Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax., before a PahrakPahrakStone-aligned Bohrok swarm units that forced the Toa Mata to realize they couldn't win through isolated victories. threw him and NuparuNuparuAn Onu-Matoran engineer from Metru Nui who built the Boxor and rose to become a Toa of Earth despite no warrior destiny. into the water. His miner-turned-soldier path was the typical Ussalry recruit pattern. Onu-MatoranOnu-MatoranEarth-wielding Matoran of the deep who adapted to darkness and built the Matoran Universe's defensive cavalry. held underground jobs, and the Ussalry drew on that workforce when fighting was needed.

NuparuNuparuAn Onu-Matoran engineer from Metru Nui who built the Boxor and rose to become a Toa of Earth despite no warrior destiny. later became one of the Toa InikaToa Inika and Toa MahriSix ordinary Matoran transformed by lightning from the Red Star into heroes who ultimately revived the Great Spirit itself., and then a Toa MahriToa Mahri: The Toa Who Saved the UniverseThe Toa Mahri were the water breathing form of the sixth Toa team, transformed by the Mask of Life on the way down to the drowned city of Mahri Nui. They fought the Barraki for the mask and recovered it at the cost of one of their own. after the Mask of LifeThe Mask of Life (Kanohi Ignika), explainedA failsafe forged by the Great Beings to recharge a god. It curses everyone who touches it, and by the end of Bionicle it had learned how to be a hero. transformed his team. Before that path, his Ussalry service included the BoxorBoxorBuilt by Nuparu from a salvaged Gahlok shell, the Boxor was the first Matoran-engineered combat machine and a key resistance asset against the Bohrok swarms. campaign alongside DamekDamekDamek was a purple and black Onu-Matoran of the element of Earth who wore a Miru. He served as a Boxor pilot and guard on Mata Nui and as an Archive Guard in Metru Nui, and later resided on Spherus Magna. and his role at the Battle of Kini-NuiThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile the Toa Mata descended into Mangaia to confront Makuta Teridax, six Matoran with bamboo disks held the temple gate that was their only way back.. Most of his combat experience as a MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. came through this unit.

At the Battle of Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress.#

The Ussalry's most direct recorded combat engagement took place at the Battle of Kini-NuiThe Battle of Kini-NuiWhile the Toa Mata descended into Mangaia to confront Makuta Teridax, six Matoran with bamboo disks held the temple gate that was their only way back.. The 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. Mata had prepared to descend to MangaiaMangaiaThe hidden stronghold of Teridax beneath the island of Mata Nui, containing Energized Protodermis and connected to the Bohrok Nest. to confront MakutaMakuta (Species)Shadowy Antidermis beings and the Brotherhood's elite, Makuta commanded darkness and shaped the Matoran Universe's fate. TeridaxTeridaxTeridax orchestrated a thousand-year scheme that ended with him occupying the Great Spirit Robot itself before his death on Bara Magna. and needed Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. defended in their absence, since the RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. would attempt to protect their master. The defense fell to a coalition of MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. from across the villages.

During the battle, the Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came. Ussalry dug through the ground to the surface and engaged, alongside the Le-KoroLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax. GukkoGukkoA large, swift bird-like Rahi domesticated by the Le-Matoran as the mount of the Gukko Force, the second-largest Matoran military unit on Mata Nui. Force led by KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri. and the Ta-KoroTa-KoroTa-Koro was a settlement located in Ta-Wahi, home to the Ta-Matoran, Tahu, and Vakama, and formerly connected to Teridax. The settlement was ultimately destroyed. Guard. After the battle, TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. regained consciousness and was informed by OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna. that strange events were occurring in Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came., which sent the ChroniclerChroniclerThe Matoran role of recording history and Toa deeds through word and carving, held by figures like Takua and Hahli. onward with PewkuPewkuPewku is an Ussal, a species of Rahi crab associated with the Onu-Matoran, native to Metru Nui and later found on Spherus Magna. Originally blue and orange-yellow in coloration, Pewku molted to a burnt orange, silver, and brown coloring. Legs and claws served as Pewku's primary tools..

The Battle of Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress. was the largest single conflict involving the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. of Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years.. Three of its participants, JallerJallerJaller served as Captain of the Ta-Koro Guard, led the Toa Inika to Voya Nui, and commanded the Toa Mahri through the recovery of the Mask of Life., KonguKonguKongu commanded Le-Koro's Gukko Force before a strike from the Kanohi Ignika transformed him into a Toa of Air who later served among the Toa Mahri., and TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light., later became Toa themselves. The Ussalry's emergence from the tunnels at the right moment helped hold the line while the Toa Mata fought below.

Joint operation with the Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax. Defense Force#

During the Bohrok WarBohrok WarThe 2002 swarm that nearly destroyed Mata Nui when Teridax triggered the Bohrok's awakening ahead of schedule., GahlokGahlokWater-element Bohrok swarms that flooded Mata Nui's aquatic zones with relentless purpose. drove KerasKerasLarge coral crab Rahi native to the ocean of Ga-Metru and the reefs of Ga-Wahi, briefly tamed during the Bohrok War and later conscripted by Carapar. crabs out of the ocean and onto the beaches near Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax.. Ussalry volunteers traveled to Ga-KoroGa-KoroGa-Koro is a village on the island of Mata Nui, inhabited by the Ga-Matoran and associated with both Nokama and Gali. The settlement was formerly under the power of Teridax. to help the Ga-Koro Defense ForceGa-Koro Defense ForceThe Ga-Matoran militia that patrolled Ga-Wahi with bamboo poles, motorized boats, and tamed Keras, and held the village during the Bohrok War. tame several KerasKerasLarge coral crab Rahi native to the ocean of Ga-Metru and the reefs of Ga-Wahi, briefly tamed during the Bohrok War and later conscripted by Carapar. for use against the BohrokBohrokHive-minded mechanical creatures designed to reshape worlds, the Bohrok represent a threat the Toa Mata never expected.. The tamed KerasKerasLarge coral crab Rahi native to the ocean of Ga-Metru and the reefs of Ga-Wahi, briefly tamed during the Bohrok War and later conscripted by Carapar. were fitted with riding plates on their backs. After the war, the KerasKerasLarge coral crab Rahi native to the ocean of Ga-Metru and the reefs of Ga-Wahi, briefly tamed during the Bohrok War and later conscripted by Carapar. were released and fed Ruki FishRuki FishCommon aquatic Rahi caught in Ga-Koro and traded across Mata Nui as food and commerce. as repayment.

The operation showed how the Mata Nui MilitaryMata Nui MilitaryA decentralized network of village militias defended the island of Mata Nui through the eras of Rahi unrest, the Bohrok War, and the Rahkshi incursions. actually functioned. Coordination across villages happened through specific subject-matter experts rather than through a unified command. The Ussalry knew how to work with mounted RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts.. The Ga-Koro Defense ForceGa-Koro Defense ForceThe Ga-Matoran militia that patrolled Ga-Wahi with bamboo poles, motorized boats, and tamed Keras, and held the village during the Bohrok War. needed mounts on short notice. The two groups synchronized through direct knowledge transfer.

In civilian life#

The Ussalry was not a standing professional army. It comprised Onu-MatoranOnu-MatoranEarth-wielding Matoran of the deep who adapted to darkness and built the Matoran Universe's defensive cavalry. with day jobs, mounted on RahiRahiThe Rahi were the biomechanical wildlife of the Matoran Universe, built largely by the Brotherhood of Makuta, ranging from background fauna to engineered war beasts. they already used for those day jobs, organized under OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna. when fighting was needed and stood down again when it was not. OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna. himself ran a stand bearing UssalUssalSix-legged crustacean Rahi domesticated across Metru Nui and Mata Nui for cargo, mining, and sport. Backbone of Matoran labor.-related branding, including a tin labeled USSAL WAX, and served as the messenger who alerted TakuaTakuaAn Av-Matoran hidden on Mata Nui as a Ta-Matoran, who gathered the Toa Stones, served as Chronicler, and ultimately accepted the Avohkii to become Takanuva, the Toa of Light. to the strange events in Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came. after Kini-NuiKini-NuiThe most sacred temple on Mata Nui, ironically built directly above Teridax's fortress..

The same pattern held for the Gukko ForceGukko ForceLe-Matoran aerial cavalry that defended their treetop home during the Matoran-Rahi War. in Le-KoroLe-KoroLe-Koro is a village situated within Le-Wahi, inhabited by the Le-Matoran and home to Turaga Matau and Toa Lewa. The settlement was once held under the control of Teridax. and, to a lesser extent, the Ta-KoroTa-KoroTa-Koro was a settlement located in Ta-Wahi, home to the Ta-Matoran, Tahu, and Vakama, and formerly connected to Teridax. The settlement was ultimately destroyed. Guard. Mata NuiMata Nui (Location)An island created by accident on the Great Spirit's face, home to the Matoran for a thousand years.'s defenses worked because MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body. could pivot quickly between civilian and combat roles, not because any of the three branches kept a permanent military footing.

After the Mata Nui era#

Past the Bohrok-KalBohrok-KalSix elite Bohrok designed to free the imprisoned Bahrag, they nearly defeated the Toa Nuva before the Toa turned their own powers against them. crisis and the MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body.'s eventual return to Metru NuiMetru NuiThe city beneath Mata Nui functions as the Great Spirit's brain, housing the Matoran whose labor keeps the god alive., the Ussalry's organizational presence fades from primary sources. OnepuOnepuOnepu is an Onu-Matoran and the High Commander of the Ussalry, bearing a Pakari and wearing the purple and black colors of his kind. Connected to the element of Earth, he resides on Spherus Magna. remained an Onu-MatoranOnu-MatoranEarth-wielding Matoran of the deep who adapted to darkness and built the Matoran Universe's defensive cavalry. of note across later events, and passing references occur in encyclopedia listings, but no large-scale Ussalry operation is recorded after the Mata NuiMata Nui: Great Spirit of the Matoran UniverseBuilt by the Great Beings as a biomechanical guardian, betrayed by Teridax, and returned in a smaller form to reshape Spherus Magna. period. The MatoranMatoranThe most abundant species in the Matoran Universe, chosen by Mata Nui to inhabit and maintain his cosmic body.'s circumstances had changed once they were back on Metru NuiMetru NuiThe city beneath Mata Nui functions as the Great Spirit's brain, housing the Matoran whose labor keeps the god alive. and later on Spherus MagnaSpherus MagnaA desert world of ancient conflict that became the merger point of the Matoran Universe and Bionicle's true endpoint.. The mounted-tunnel defense model had been tied to Onu-KoroOnu-KoroOnu-Koro was the earth engineers' city, where underground isolation created one of Mata Nui's most self-sufficient settlements, until the Bohrok came.'s specific terrain. Spherus MagnaSpherus MagnaA desert world of ancient conflict that became the merger point of the Matoran Universe and Bionicle's true endpoint. was open country, not underground.

The Ussalry remained a tightly defined unit with named members, a named leader, a recognizable kit, and a single major battle on its record. That record is the substance of its history.