#boxor

           This new form of technology, able to interface with a Kraata’s life energy, almost like a reverse-engineered Mask of Power, would be able to change the face of Xian warfare. With advice and suggestion from Kratakal, Vortixx Industries dubbed the technology and machinery that could symbiotically function with a Kraata as ‘Exo-Toa’. The exact nature of the term Exo-Toa and its relation to the legendary Toa heroes of Okoto is currently unknown; That information comes from Kratakal himself, and suggests an alternate understanding of the term Toa that the Okotans are not aware of. Analyzing the name Exo-Toa would suggest that such machines are Exoskeletons for Toa… So then, why are they called ‘Toa’, when the machines clearly function on the energy of Kraata?

           A few more improvements on the interface, as well as streamlining, resulted in the first official ‘model’ of Exo-Toa, dubbed the Vortixx model after the company that invented them. The Vortixx-model of Exo-Toa was an instant hit and success in the arms industry, with various groups from Zakaz rushing to buy as many as they could afford in order to overwhelm their opponents. The Exo-Toa would not only be able to enhance the Kraata these organizations brought by making them more powerful, but would also run indefinitely on the very energy of said Kraata. In-turn, the power of Kraata would serve to fuel additional systems, weapons, and components of an Exo-Toa, multiplying the destructive capabilities of a Kraata greatly.

           As Exo-Toa models were purchased and used in combat, revolutionizing Xian warfare, knowledge on how to create them inevitably transmitted to others, such as the Nynrah Ghosts. Luckily, Vortixx Industries had foreseen this obvious outcome and filed for a patent on Exo-Toa technology, although the existence of bootlegs and alternate product models was going to happen regardless. Nevertheless, Vortixx Industries managed to secure a proper-hold on Exo-Toa technology, aiming to maintain a total monopoly. Kratakal, with his work done, resumed his usual business as usual of becoming a celebrity, occasionally selling more Kraata to buyers at even higher prices.

           Exo-Toa come in a variety of models. Each mech is designed to amplify the power of a Kraata, acting as an exo-skeleton for it; In turn, the Kraata acts as an energy source for the Exo-Toa, fueling any additional systems and features it may be equipped with. Exo-Toa can run indefinitely, at least until they are too damaged to operate, or until their Kraata power sources are no longer present. Exo-Toa lack any minds of their own, being controlled entirely by the Kraata within, and thus have about as much sentience and intelligence as any Kraata; It seems that Exo-Toa technology may have amplified the powers of a Kraata, but it has yet to do any favors for the intelligence of one. Current patches and research are being implemented to amend this issue, coupled with the help of complex computer-systems and interfaces from Artidax.

           Built specifically to be powered by and enhance Kraata, Exo-Toa themselves are completely incompatible with any other energy source. They are dependent on Life energy itself; Thus, it is not entirely out of the question to call them Xia’s own version of Life Automatons, able to bridge the gap between the power of Life itself and the material.

           Exo-Toa tend to come at massive prices, and maintenance on them is ideally bought from Vortixx Industries; However, aforementioned bootleg-parties are able to send in their own less-costly technicians to buyers, resulting in profit. While others are technically forbidden from replicating Exo-Toa technology, there is nothing in print that forbids them from repairing and occasionally even enhancing it. Vortixx Industries has attempted to remedy this loophole, but even if they were to succeed, the fact of the matter is that not many Xian corporations pay attention to the law anyway. Thus, it is common for Exo-Toa to be bought from Vortixx Industries, and for repair technicians to come from other companies. Additionally, the existence of bootleg models still exists, and many genuine Exo-Toa have been sold on the black market, either by buyers or those who have stolen them.

           As stated, Exo-Toa are utilized in warfare and combat, although more specific purposes can apply to certain models. Some models of Exo-Toa are meant to amplify just about any Kraata power, but others are built around specific abilities.

           Some models of Exo-Toa include;

Vortixx- The original and most common, built by the pioneer of Exo-Toa technology and named after it. Vortixx models are towering, bipedal mechs equipped with powerful shredding claws on one arm, and a rail-gun on the other that channels the energy of the Kraata within. Like any Exo-Toa, they are built with a wide-variety of sensors and input systems to maximize the perception of their Kraata pilots.

Boxor- These lumbering, squat machines are equipped with massive, powerful arms. Boxor-models are built with cockpits for Xians to operate and control them; Unlike other Exo-Toa models, they are designed to be completely controlled by someone else, with the Kraata functioning merely as a power-source and nothing else. Computer-programs and interfaces enable passengers to control the Boxor, and Boxors themselves can ‘attune’ to the soul of a pilot, and be programmed to respond only to specific souls. Boxor-models are meant for use in construction, mining, and other heavy-labor jobs, but they perfectly function as battle mechs if needed.

Va- Among the smaller model of Exo-Toa, the Va-model is capable of folding up into a sphere for storage, travel, and defensive purposes. Each is equipped with a powerful head that can rapidly ram forward, with a transparent yet durable chassis showing off the Kraata powering it within. Each Va stands bipedal and is equipped with a pair of shields, one on either hand, to fire at targets with and channel Kraata power. Vortixx-Industries has recently invested in a variant of Va-models with Bohrok coating and armor; These Bohrok Va are among the most expensive of Exo-Toa.

Gahl- These Exo-Toa have a raptor-like appearance, equipped with a tail-cannon. They are designed to be ridden by up to two Xian passengers, and their legs can fold away to activate levitating hover-technology. Built with rocket-boosters, they are the fastest Exo-Toa, save for those powered by Speed Kraata; However, with Speed Kraata, these mechanical steeds cannot be outpaced. For rockier terrain, Gahl models rely on their raptor legs to traverse. A variant of Gahl exists that has four legs and is equipped with heavier armor, as well as turbo-cannons and blades on its front.

Kralhi- These four-legged centaurs are equipped with flexible tails that can hurl energy-bubbles to trap in targets; These bubbles can then activate on the Kralhi’s will, transmitting the power of the Kraata remotely and into whatever is trapped within. Additionally, the Kralhi-model sports a pair of bladed-forelimbs that can heat up to increase cutting efficiency. The Kralhi-model is designed mainly for capturing targets and has occasionally been paired up with the Vahki.

Maxilos- These autonomous sentries have built-in gatling cannons on their shoulders. Each Maxilos has a Twin-Bladed Black Fire sword attached to one of its arms, capable of firing regular ammunition. Custom programs installed within the Maxilos enable faster-reflexes for the Kraata piloting it, and improved waist-articulation enables Maxilos-models to quickly turn around and aim at enemy targets.

Baterra- These are the smallest of all of the Exo-Toa models, about the size of a regular Xian. These white-armored assassins are designed with Stealth Kraata in mind; When controlled by them, Baterra can stack their pre-existing camouflage systems to be completely unnoticeable. Baterra are typically used for espionage, as well as covert stealth operations and assassinations. Each is armed with a pair of razor-sharp claws to pierce obstacles with.

Lerahk- These bipedal, silver-plated models have the most complex programming and AI of any Exo-Toa model. Equipped with a dual-ended staff that can fold up, the Lerahk’s staff is capable of transmitting the Kraata’s power through the tongs on either end. Serrated fins contribute to the aerodynamic capabities of a Lerahk’s flight mode. Powerful assistive programs, designed after analyzing the most skilled fighting styles, enable the Lerahk to fight with incredibly precise skills and reflexes, utilizing its staff both for melee as well as ranged purposes. Lerahk have small boosters on their backs, as well as hidden-wheels beneath their feet, to rapidly slide forward when fighting, and they can spin their staffs at rapid speeds. Lerahk-models are among the most expensive and advanced of any Exo-Toa, and are meant for use as body guards.