HOME | DD

Description
One of my newer MOCs, Araluus was inspired by the ancient Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl and, to a lesser extent, ancient Greece's Heracles (Hercules). He's described as an entity of myth and legend by numerous civilizations within the Matoran Universe. His name was suggested by my good buddy, ChickenBond.

Biography:
Though vague, the few legends that give testimony to Araluus' origins state he was one of various guardians sent down from Paradise by the Great Beings. The Great Beings charged Araluus with the task of safeguarding the first Matoran villagers, who were working to prepare the world for the Great Spirit Mata Nui's eventual awakening. As the Matoran labored in the darkness, Araluus fought many a battle in their defense, protecting them from the numerous threats that stalked the early universe, such as Zyglak hordes and fearsome beasts.

The legends also say that, at some point, Araluus took on a companion, a Spiked Stalker Cat named Nysha, who helped him during his many adventures.

In the tales, Araluus and Nysha would go on to have countless adventures, sparking numerous legends concerning them originating from various locations, which had varying levels influence over several Matoran and non-Matoran civilizations; in many places, Araluus is considered a great warrior and a selfless hero, while in others he is seen as a malevolent destroyer.

Whether Araluus and Nysha actually existed is a hotly debated topic in schools and academies; the majority of historians and experts believe Araluus was nothing more than a legend conceived by a primitive culture. Some, however, think that he truly existed, or was at least based on a true warrior.

Abilities & Traits:
Though the exact extent of Araluus' capabilities has been blurred by the various legends concerning him, a number of abilities have remained constant: One example is unleashing bolts of searing, flame-like energy capable of burning through solid protodermis. He is also said to have possessed keen, almost animal-like senses.

Another constant ability of Araluus' is his extreme strength and durability. Though his level of strength fluctuates from tale to tale, his power is said to be matched by only the mightiest of warriors; one legend claims he was able to single-handedly wrestle a healthy Manas crab into submission. Similar folktales state he could move as fast as the wind, and was amazingly gifted in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay.

Araluus is also known to have possessed the ability of flight, thanks to his powerful, bird-like wings, and was supposed to have been an amazing sight in the air. Because of his mastery of flight, it was often believed Araluus possessed a mystic connection to the suns and skies themselves.

Tools:
According to the legends, Araluus' favorite weapon in combat was a sword-like club known as the Spiked Maquahuitl Club. Both a bludgeoning and a slashing tool, the club's thorn-like blades and spikes were made of an incredibly strong, glass-like stone that was as durable as any modern form of protosteel. The club could also focus Araluus' energy blasts, and automatically returned to him after being thrown.

Another tool Araluus utilized was a Warblade Spear, which served as an effective throwing and melee weapon. His helmet, crafted from an early form of Protosteel, gave him the ability to mentally scan a limited area, allowing him to detect other beings nearby. He also carried a hidden dagger as a weapon of last resort.

Apart from his artificial tools, Araluus was also equipped with sharp claws and a powerful tail, while the metallic feathers adorning his wings could allegedly withstand immense heat.

Description
One of my newer MOCs, Araluus was inspired by the ancient Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl and, to a lesser extent, ancient Greece's Heracles (Hercules). He's described as an entity of myth and legend by numerous civilizations within the Matoran Universe. His name was suggested by my good buddy, ChickenBond.

Biography:
Though vague, the few legends that give testimony to Araluus' origins state he was one of various guardians sent down from Paradise by the Great Beings. The Great Beings charged Araluus with the task of safeguarding the first Matoran villagers, who were working to prepare the world for the Great Spirit Mata Nui's eventual awakening. As the Matoran labored in the darkness, Araluus fought many a battle in their defense, protecting them from the numerous threats that stalked the early universe, such as Zyglak hordes and fearsome beasts.

The legends also say that, at some point, Araluus took on a companion, a Spiked Stalker Cat named Nysha, who helped him during his many adventures.

In the tales, Araluus and Nysha would go on to have countless adventures, sparking numerous legends concerning them originating from various locations, which had varying levels influence over several Matoran and non-Matoran civilizations; in many places, Araluus is considered a great warrior and a selfless hero, while in others he is seen as a malevolent destroyer.

Whether Araluus and Nysha actually existed is a hotly debated topic in schools and academies; the majority of historians and experts believe Araluus was nothing more than a legend conceived by a primitive culture. Some, however, think that he truly existed, or was at least based on a true warrior.

Abilities & Traits:
Though the exact extent of Araluus' capabilities has been blurred by the various legends concerning him, a number of abilities have remained constant: One example is unleashing bolts of searing, flame-like energy capable of burning through solid protodermis. He is also said to have possessed keen, almost animal-like senses.

Another constant ability of Araluus' is his extreme strength and durability. Though his level of strength fluctuates from tale to tale, his power is said to be matched by only the mightiest of warriors; one legend claims he was able to single-handedly wrestle a healthy Manas crab into submission. Similar folktales state he could move as fast as the wind, and was amazingly gifted in hand-to-hand combat and swordplay.

Araluus is also known to have possessed the ability of flight, thanks to his powerful, bird-like wings, and was supposed to have been an amazing sight in the air. Because of his mastery of flight, it was often believed Araluus possessed a mystic connection to the suns and skies themselves.

Tools:
According to the legends, Araluus' favorite weapon in combat was a sword-like club known as the Spiked Maquahuitl Club. Both a bludgeoning and a slashing tool, the club's thorn-like blades and spikes were made of an incredibly strong, glass-like stone that was as durable as any modern form of protosteel. The club could also focus Araluus' energy blasts, and automatically returned to him after being thrown.

Another tool Araluus utilized was a Warblade Spear, which served as an effective throwing and melee weapon. His helmet, crafted from an early form of Protosteel, gave him the ability to mentally scan a limited area, allowing him to detect other beings nearby. He also carried a hidden dagger as a weapon of last resort.

Apart from his artificial tools, Araluus was also equipped with sharp claws and a powerful tail, while the metallic feathers adorning his wings could allegedly withstand immense heat.