Matoran
The Matoran were the first beings to be brought into existence by the Great Beings for the universe they were planning. They based their creation on the Agori, a preexisting species of similar stature. However, at that point, the Great Spirit Mata Nui had not yet been created, and thus the Matoran labored in darkness, unknowingly constructing Mata Nui and the world that would be theirs in the process.
The first type of Matoran was the Av-Matoran, starting with eccentric Takua. The Av-Matoran were created as prototypes with more powers and abilities than later types, including the ability to channel their innate Light powers, and a possible destiny to transform into Bohrok. Eventually, different types of Matoran were brought into being, smaller in overall stature and lacking the direct elemental powers of the Av-Matoran.
The purpose of the Matoran was to construct and work in the Matoran Universe. The Matoran were the creators of the cities and villages scattered across the Matoran universe, such as Artakha, Metru Nui and the Southern Continent. The Matoran did not inhabit the entire Matoran Universe, as there were other species of beings fulfilling various roles in other regions, but they did inhabit a vast majority of it.
One of the Great Beings disguised himself as a Matoran named Velika, in order to observe the inner workings of the Matoran Universe. He was responsible for the Matoran's development of true sapience and culture.
Matoran usually tended to live in groups by elements, and in areas with climates that best suited their preferences; for example, water-loving Ga-Matoran chose to live together near the seas of Ga-Wahi, while the heat-resistant Ta-Matoran chose to live together in fiery places like Ta-Wahi. In hostile places like Voya Nui, however, Matoran of different types often had to live in the same area, regardless of whether or not it suited their environmental preferences. Sometimes they also lived alongside other species, like on Stelt. In most cases, Matoran settlements were led by Turaga, but when no Turaga were around, the Matoran either chose an alternative (like the Matoran of Mahri Nui formed the Mahri Nui Council and the elected Leader of the Mahri Nui Council), or remained leaderless.
Natural and Artificial
Physically, Matoran are small in stature, but they are strong and very enduring at heart. They are dependent upon the wearing of their powerless Kanohi, without which they will weaken and be rendered comatose after a prolonged period of time. They do not, however, have the mental discipline needed to use the power of a Great or Noble Mask. Each Matoran has an innate connection to their given element, and can manifest the ability in a small way.
Matoran are required to eat to sustain their energy levels like an energy-bearing object such as a fruit, berry, or fish. In place of an organic heart, Matoran have an internal power plant containing their life force. They also have an organic set of lungs and muscles, among other organs. Matoran breathe oxygen and, like organic beings, they need to drink water or liquid protodermis in order to survive. They do not need to eat or sleep as much as their Agori counterparts, due to their partially mechanical nature. Matoran will not undergo physical aging as long as their mechanical components are maintained.
The Matoran vary in size and shape, depending on the region from which they originate. Their size can also be altered through various means; the stature of the Matoran of Mata Nui was diminished due to prolonged exposure inside the Matoran Spheres, while Karzahni's failed attempts to repair the Matoran of Voya Nui resulted in their diminishment. Both populations have since been restored to their original sizes - the Mata Nui Matoran through a rebuilding process, and the Mahri Nui Matoran through exposure to Pit Mutagen. Av-Matoran can also become larger than other Matoran when exposed to the energies of Karda Nui.
Matoran Traits
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1
Age. Matoran do not undergo aging as long as their mechanical bodies are maintained once a week
Alignment. Most Matoran are inherently inclined toward being good-natured, but can succumb to greed and desires for personal gain. Examples of this are Ahkmou, who attempted to betray the city of Metru Nui to the Dark Hunters for personal gain, and Vultraz, who killed an entire village to acquire a single lava-gem.
Size. Matoran are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 100 pounds. Your size is Small.
Kanohi Dependence. For each day you go without wearing your kanohi, you suffer one level of exhaustion.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Matoran
Subraces. Many different types of Matoran reside on Mata Nui and the greater Matoran Universe. For the sake of space in this document and a headache, only 6 are presented.
Ta-Matoran
Ta-Matoran were Matoran of Fire, and one of the six prevalent types of Matoran living on Metru Nui.
The color of Ta-Matoran armor varied in combinations of red, dark red, orange, yellow, or black. Their eyes were usually either yellow, greenish-yellow, or salmon in coloration.
Ta-Matoran of Metru Nui lived in Ta-Metru. Most worked as forgers, crafting useful tools and supplies such as precious Kanoka disks and Kanohi masks from purified protodermis heated into molten form. Mask-maker was one of the more coveted positions among Ta-Matoran, while most started out as toolmakers or factory workers. Most Ta-Matoran here avoided places like Le-Metru (which was altogether too cluttered and unorganized), and Ko-Metru (much too cold and unfriendly). Ta-Metru sent the majority of its products to Po-Metru, which needed massive amounts of disks and masks. The Ta-Matoran on Mata Nui were less isolated.
The main principles of Ta-Matoran life centered around diligence and responsibility. The main principles of Ta-Matoran life centered around diligence and responsibility. Other common characteristics included being quick to anger, quick to react, and great leaders when needed.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2
Tinker. You have proficiency with artisan's tools (tinker's tools). Using those tools, you can spend 1 hour and 10 gp worth of materials to construct a Tiny mechanical device (AC 5, 1 hp). The device ceases to function after 24 hours (unless you spend 1 hour repairing it to keep the device functioning), or when you use your action to dismantle it; at that time, you can reclaim the materials used to create it. You can have up to three such devices active at a time.
When you create a device, choose one of the following options:
Mechanical Toy. This toy is a mechanical animal, monster, or person, such as a frog, mouse, bird, dragon, or soldier. When placed on the ground, the toy moves 5 feet across the ground on each of your turns in a random direction. it makes noises as appropriate to the creature it represents.
Fire Starter. The device produces a miniature flame, which you can use to light a candle, torch, or campfire. Using the device requires an action.
Music Box. When opened, this music box plays a single song at a moderate volume. The box stops playing when it reaches the song's end or when it is c1osed.
Elemental Affinity. You contain a very minuscule amount of Elemental Fire Energy, providing you with resistance to fire damage.
Ga-Matoran
Ga-Matoran came in all shades of blue and sometimes silver, and generally had yellow or orange eyes. These water Matoran lived on the shores of the sea, so they had a sleeker build, better lung capacity, and other physical advantages for swimming.
All Ga-Matoran were female, whilst most of the other types were composed entirely of males. Most Ga-Matoran tended to be peaceful and friendly, though there were exceptions, such as Dalu. Ga-Matoran culture put the most value on the virtue of Unity and its principle of Purity. In Metru Nui, about half of the Ga-Matoran were teachers and most of the other half were students; the best were promoted to work on protodermis purification. On Mata Nui, they were mostly boaters and fisherwomen.
The Ga-Matoran tended to be very dedicated to honoring the Great Spirit and focused on Unity above all else. The only Matoran who generally visited Ga-Metru were Ko-Matoran.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2
Elemental Affinity. You contain a very minuscule amount of Elemental Water Energy, to the extent that you are a great swimmer, and can hold your breath longer than other Matoran. You gain a swim speed of 30 feet and can hold your breath up to a number of rounds equal to double your Constitution score
Ga-Matoran Insight. Your culture's natural inclination towards learning, teaching, and seeing what others cannot grants you the ability to roll an Insight or Perception skill check with advantage once per short rest.