MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Transmetal 2

2012-03-31T23:56:04Z

67.85.23.180: /* Toys */

[[Image:Transmetals2_Logo.jpg|center|350px|]]

[[Image:Dinobot2provinggrounds.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Pose!]]

A '''Transmetal 2''' (alternately '''Transmetal II'''; plural '''Transmetals 2''') is a [[Transformer]] who has been mutated to a more advanced degree than the [[Transmetal]]s during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. Where Transmetals are marked by a mode-based inversion of biological and mechanical elements, Transmetals 2 have had those elements blended in equal parts between both modes, the result being an asymmetrical, patchwork jumble that is frequently rather monstrous.

Some Transmetals 2 exhibit a degree of "supernatural" power, such as rapid healing or telekinesis. Additionally, being a Transmetal 2 seems to provide a temporary resistance to the full effects of [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Transformation virus|virus]], but at the cost of losing one's Transmetallization.

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
Transmetals 2 were the result of Megatron's cloning experiments, a hyper-aggressive breed of warriors with advanced strength and speed but also more savage impulses. Some were Predacons and some were Maximals, but all struggled to control their own violent tendencies.<ref>Transmetal 2 packaging blurb</ref>

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Ba transmetal2.JPG|left|175px|thumb|This lasted five episodes. Then Megatron got his new invention all over it.]]

Only Cheetor, [[Dinobot II]], and Blackarachnia were explicitly described as Transmetals 2. Each of them was altered by an enigmatic piece of Vok technology known as the "[[Transmetal driver]]", which appeared in Megatron's possession without explanation. Despite lacking the vehicle modes of the previous Transmetals, Transmetal-2-ness was generally viewed as an enviable upgrade. Cheetor, Blackarachnia and Dinobot II all displayed some degree of "supernatural" powers, the use of which was signified by conspicuous glows in their sparks and/or eyes: Cheetor showed vague visionary tendencies {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} (which, admittedly, had happened before), enhanced healing abilities, and telekinesis; {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}} Blackarachnia demonstrated telekinesis; {{storylink|Master Blaster}} and Dinobot II showed enhanced healing (although this could also be attributed to him sharing a piece of [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]'s nigh-immortal [[spark]]). {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[Image:Megs tm2.JPG|right|175px|thumb|"Optimal Megatron" didn't roll off the tongue.]]

{{note|Despite there being no overt involvement of the Transmetal Driver in the fiction, Megatron's dragon-form and [[Tigerhawk]] were sold as a Transmetal 2 toys. While Tigerhawk definitely had extraordinary powers, this could be explained as the result of his unique origin as the "ultimate weapon" of the Vok; Megatron's only enhanced powers seemed to be an ability to breathe fire and ice, which might have been inherent in his mode of choice and were not shown to be involved with any supernatural glowing spark powers. [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]'s [[3H Productions|3H]] [[bio]]<ref>[http://botcon.com/archive/story/characters/cryotek.html Cryotek's 3H bio]</ref> described Megatron and Cryotek as Transmetals II. But "Optimal Optimus", who was upgraded in the same fashion (one body holding two sparks), was sold as a vanilla Transmetal.}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Machines'' cartoon===
[[Image:Devolvinggas in-action.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Well, that was fun.]]

When the Maximals returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and encountered Megatron's [[Transformation virus|virus]], both the Transmetals and Transmetals 2 among them had a strange reaction. Rather than become instantly paralyzed, as apparently happened to the majority of Cybertronians exposed, they simply lost their Transmetallization. Primal, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Blackarachnia reverted to their pre-Transmetal beast modes. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} They were able to stay mobile, though glitching and amnesic, while Rhinox and Silverbolt immediately succumbed to paralysis. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent}}

When the escaped Maximals recovered via [[reformatting]] and fought their way to [[Council Citadel|Megatron's citadel]], they found him still a Transmetal 2, though he fervently sought to rid himself of his organic elements. He was concealed within a bulky control suit, but in moments of rage he would fall out of it and transform seemingly uncontrollably into dragon mode. {{storylink|Master of the House}} This body was eventually obliterated in a [[Key to Vector Sigma|doomsday]] [[Plasma energy|storm]], {{storylink|End of the Line}} but its biological and mechanical elements were somehow made manifest in [[Noble|Savage/Noble]] and the [[Grand Mal]]. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}
{{-}}

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
[[Image:3H Spittor Sonar.jpg|right|thumb|250px|]]
[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] was reborn in a Transmetal 2 body. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}}

[[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]], {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}} [[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]], and [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]] {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}} were obtained by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] from stasis pods left behind and were Transmetals 2.

===Ain't No Rat===
[[Optimus Minor]] was a Transmetal 2. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}} How is unknown.

===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
[[Ramulus]], [[Optimus Minor]], {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1}} [[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]], [[Stinkbomb]], [[Prowl II|Prowl]], [[Night Glider]], [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]], {{storylink|The Gathering issue 2}} and [[Scarem]] {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4}} were Transmetals 2, despite only existing as [[Protoform|protoforms]] beforehand. Ravage was reborn into a Transmetal 2 body. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3}} Why they are Transmetals 2 is not known.

==Toys==
'''Transmetals 2''' (1999)
[[Image:BWtoy-OptimusMinor.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Optimus Minor]]
*''Basic''
**[[Night Glider]]
**[[Optimus Minor]]
**[[Scarem]]
**[[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]]
**[[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]]
**[[Stinkbomb]]

[[Image:TripredacusAgent toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Tripredacus Agent aka Ravage]]
*''Deluxe''
**[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]]
**[[Dinobot II|Dinobot]]
**[[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]]
**[[Jawbreaker]]
**[[Prowl II|Prowl]]
**[[Ramulus]]
**[[Ravage (G1)/toys|Tripredacus Agent]] (Walmart Exclusive, 2001)
**[[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]]

[[Image:BWdragonmegs toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Transmetal 2 Megatron]]
*''Mega''
**[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]
**[[Cybershark]]

*''Ultra''
**[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]]
**[[Tigerhawk]]
{{-}}
[[Image:Crosssell-transmetal2.jpg|right|450px|thumb|Asymmetry the line!]]

:The Transmetals 2 were sold at multiple price points as the dominant subline of ''Beast Wars'' in 1999. Like their predecessors the Transmetals, they feature [[vacuum metallizing]] as a dominant aesthetic feature, but their designs are more irregular and patchwork, featuring skeletal elements and lacking the smooth contours of the Transmetals.

:Unlike the Transmetals, most Transmetals 2 did not have a third mode. Only the largest Transmetal 2 toys, Tigerhawk and Megatron, were designed to have more than two modes, but Megatron's was never featured in the cartoon and Tigerhawk's was dropped entirely even from the toy. Neither vehicle mode was especially well-implemented.

:Early on in the release of Transmetal 2 toys, the packaging used a Roman numeral "II", but a [[Variant|running change]] in the packaging was made to the Arabic number "2", which is generally considered the "correct" spelling of the term.

==Notes==
* The packaging blurb that described the Transmetals 2 as "infused with ultra-aggressive tendencies that they must struggle to control" was reinforced in more than one toy bio, including Megatron's. Beyond Cheetor's first proper transformation in "Feral Scream", this was never in evidence in the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, but it may have been a factor in ''Beast Machines'': As mentioned above, Megatron displayed the strange tendency to convert to dragon mode (apparently against his own will) when enraged.
* Several Transmetal 2 characters, including Optimus Minor, Sonar, Scarem and Tigerhawk, appear to have an oddball ability to acquire more limbs in their robot modes by shifting around a few parts. Though this might not normally be noteworthy, as several characters from the beast era have animal limbs going all over the place due to complex transformation schemes, there is evidence that this was a conscious decision from the designers: Scarem, Sonar and Tigerhawk are all portrayed as having their extra limbs deployed in their packaging art, and Optimus Minor's multiple limbs having nothing to do with his transformation. In any case however, this feature was never portrayed in fiction for any of these characters.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars subgroups]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2| ]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Maximal

2011-12-11T07:39:34Z

67.85.23.180:

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm}}
:''The Maximals are a faction from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:Maximal symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|Woof woof!]]
Arising from the ashes of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the '''Maximals''' are the descendants (at least in part) of the [[Autobot]]s, controlling [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the [[Pax Cybertronia]].

When taking on a beast mode, Maximals tend to choose either a mammal, bird, or some form of [[Cybershark|under]][[Depth Charge (BW)|sea]] [[Claw Jaw|life]]; with the exception of [[Botanica]], who takes the form of a sentient plant.

==History==
The exact origin of the Maximals has never been fully explained, nor has the time of their emergence as a faction. [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''The War Within'' depicts a Maximal symbol in Cybertron's prehistory, and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' references Maximal and Predacon conflict before the Pax Cybertronia (thus before the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]). The ''Sourcebook'' also seems to place its versions of ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' in this pre-Pax Cybertronia era. Additionally it indicates that Predacons (specifically BB) were being "re-educated" in Maximal prisons during the Great War.

At some point, possibly after the [[Pax Cybertronia]] had restored peace to Cybertron, the [[Maximal Upgrade]] program was introduced. The program emphasized fuel efficiency through downsizing. Many of the surviving Autobots eventually upgraded via bio-tech overhaul and cloistered themselves away, but some few stayed active in Cybertronian society to guide the emerging Maximal faction into the future. The [[Maximal Elder]]s locked away much information about the Great War (and especially the location of [[Earth]]) from the young population, fearing it would re-ignite old grudges or inspire [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurgents to rewrite history using [[transwarp]] technology.

The theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], which set in motion the "Beast Wars," occurred approximately 300 years after the end of the Great War.

'''Note:''' ''Specific dating for this has been suggested in ancillary material, but in the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon itself this date is fairly indistinct, as 1) there's no way to know when exactly the Great War ended, and 2) it's not clear if those are Cybertronian or Earth years.''

==Physiology==
The Maximals retained many similarities to their Autobot ancestors, and many of the Autobots who underwent the [[Great Upgrade]] basically took on smaller, newer versions of their old bodies. The downsized Maximal body was apparently intended mainly for better fuel efficiency and greater durability. There has been some hinting that this was an offshoot of [[Micromaster]] technology, which had a similar goal.<ref name="Departure">[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] states that the [[Maximal Upgrade Program]] will include a Bio-Tech overhaul , the magnification of latent abilities and additional fuel savings making upgraded mechs at least ten times more efficient on page 6 of [[Departure]]. The language is intentionally evocative of [[Pretender]] and [[Micromaster]] technology.</ref> As was the case with the Autobots before them, Maximal robot modes frequently lack a robot-form flight option, unless a flight mechanism is specifically included or unless the Maximal has an airborne [[alternate mode]].

The greatest and most common innovation of the Maximal era is the development of pseudo-organic Beast Forms, which allow Maximal alternate modes to blend in seamlessly with the organic lifeforms found elsewhere in the universe. This technology, an offshoot of earlier [[Pretender]] tech,<ref name="Departure"/> sheathes the Maximal's alternate form in an artificial organic "skin" and integrates the beast modes instincts into the Maximal's form. While still primarily using [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for fuel, such Maximals have been shown to be able to eat food like organic creatures, though it is unknown if they require such food to survive or merely as an alternate energy source. The beast mode instincts are integrated to such a degree that they have been able to dominate — if not override — [[Circuits|logic circuits]] on occasion. When Maximals take beast modes, they tend to favor mammals, birds, and fish, though this is not a hard-and-fast rule.

At the time of the theft of the Golden Disk, the technology to adopt such forms was reliant on external mechanisms situated in [[stasis pod]]s and [[CR chamber]]s. They were mainly used for explorers and military personnel, while the general Maximal population retained classic mechanical body forms. Some time after the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] and [[Darksyde]] left the planet, an upgrade was instituted that incorporated [[DNA scanner]]s and the ability to adopt beast forms directly into the mechanical-style bodies of the general populace. This move suggests a likely intent to increase exploration or colonization programs in the near future. In all likelihood the subsequent planetary conquest by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] derailed these plans.

===Variations===
*[[Transmetal]]s - Beast-style Maximals hit by a Quantum surge have been shown to mutate in such a way that their physiology "reverses", so their "beast" forms take on mechanical properties while their "robot" forms become more organic. Often tertiary vehicular modes manifest. Such robots are undetectable to [[Vok]] technology.

*[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] - Beast-style maximals affected by the Vok's mysterious [[Transmetal driver]] became asymmetrical and monstrous in both forms, each of which incorporates mechanical and organic systems seemingly at random. These types of Maximals tend to possess odd extra "powers" such as healing or telekinesis.

*[[Technorganic]]s - When reformatted by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], beast form Maximals become an entirely new type of being, merging true organic life and Cybertronian technology in every cell of their being.

==Organization==
[[Image:Bmmaximal.png|left|180px|thumb|Beast Machines era insignia. Whether this was also the pre-Beast Wars Maximal symbol (similar to the Predacons) is unknown.]]
The [[Maximal Imperium]] was the state that the Maximals formed. The term "imperium" would imply an empire, though the Maximals have never displayed any militaristic-expansionist inclinations, something more in line with the Predacons. However, it might be speculated that their exploration programs, referenced in ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'', were a precursor to an expansion-minded colonization program.

The Maximal Imperium appeared to invest both legislative and executive power in a [[wikipedia:Bicameral|bicameral]] legislature, the Maximal Elders and the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. It is unknown what the relationship and division of powers were between the two legislatures, although it appears the Elders were the more senior legislature. Like their Autobot ancestors, the Maximals had a strong belief in [[democracy]], even going so far as to elect their military leaders when unable to communicate with the high command. This could cause problems when there was an even number of voters. Some evidence suggests that the Maximal Elders were more repressive and secretive than strictly necessary. Another powerful political body is the cross-factional [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]], whose appointed members include both Maximals and Predacons.

The Maximals are by nature peaceful, but the realities of the universe still compel them to have armed forces. An elite force of security enforcers, the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], was also established to help keep the peace. Another special group were the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s. Usually the highest rank is [[Supreme Commander]], awarded to Maximals of [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]] status, who are given an [[Energon Matrix]] linked to the [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer. The Supreme Commanders answer to the Maximal Elders, and there is some evidence to indicate that the Maximal Elders included former Supreme Commanders.
{{-}}

==Maximal society==
Not much is known about the Maximal-led, post-Great War Cybertron. There does appear to have been commerce ([[holo-chip]]s), entertainment ([[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]]), and industry.

The planetary capital is located in [[Cybertropolis]], a city built over the ruins of old [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. The planet is shared with the remainder of the defeated Predacon faction. Many Predacons feel they are living as second-class citizens under a repressive rule. There is some evidence to suggest that Predacon presence on the planet was minimal but this is not confirmed. Regardless, a relative "Cold War" style peace prevailed, with much distrust simmering on either side. Maximals enforced the peace by means of groups such as the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s and the [[Maximal Command Security Force]].

We know that the Maximals focused heavily on exploration. Exploration vessels, filled with [[stasis pod]]s containing newborn [[protoform]]s, would search out new planets and seed them with those protoforms, which would assume modes based on the native lifeforms and collect data. Post-war Cybertron experienced a visible boom in scientific and technological curiosity. Some of this curiosity, however, resulted in monsters such as the seemingly immortal and murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]].

==Notes==
*The "Maximal" faction name came from a desperate attempt by [[Vinnie D'Alleva]] to figure out a new protagonist name that would represent the animal Transformers, clear trademark checks and please the executive group. He combined the name of a scrapped [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] line, ''Manimals'', with the name of the car driven by the team marketing coordinator, a Nissan ''Maxima''. Manimals + Maxima = ''Maximals''. Ta-da!<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p1-2</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cybertron''' (サイバトロン ''Saibatoron'')
*''Latvian:'' '''Maksimāļi'''
*''Polish:'' '''Maksimale''' ("Maximals")

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Maximals| ]]
[[Category:Timelines]]
[[Category:TransTech]]

Maximal

2011-12-11T07:39:03Z

67.85.23.180:

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm}}
:''The Maximals are a faction from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:Maximal symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|Woof woof!]]
Arising from the ashes of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the '''Maximals''' are the descendants (at least in part) of the [[Autobot]]s, controlling [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the [[Pax Cybertronia]].

When taking on a beast mode, Maximals tend to choose either a mammal, bird, or some form of [[Cybershark|under]][[Depth Charge|sea]] [[Claw Jaw|life]]; with the exception of [[Botanica]], who takes the form of a sentient plant.

==History==
The exact origin of the Maximals has never been fully explained, nor has the time of their emergence as a faction. [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''The War Within'' depicts a Maximal symbol in Cybertron's prehistory, and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' references Maximal and Predacon conflict before the Pax Cybertronia (thus before the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]). The ''Sourcebook'' also seems to place its versions of ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' in this pre-Pax Cybertronia era. Additionally it indicates that Predacons (specifically BB) were being "re-educated" in Maximal prisons during the Great War.

At some point, possibly after the [[Pax Cybertronia]] had restored peace to Cybertron, the [[Maximal Upgrade]] program was introduced. The program emphasized fuel efficiency through downsizing. Many of the surviving Autobots eventually upgraded via bio-tech overhaul and cloistered themselves away, but some few stayed active in Cybertronian society to guide the emerging Maximal faction into the future. The [[Maximal Elder]]s locked away much information about the Great War (and especially the location of [[Earth]]) from the young population, fearing it would re-ignite old grudges or inspire [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurgents to rewrite history using [[transwarp]] technology.

The theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], which set in motion the "Beast Wars," occurred approximately 300 years after the end of the Great War.

'''Note:''' ''Specific dating for this has been suggested in ancillary material, but in the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon itself this date is fairly indistinct, as 1) there's no way to know when exactly the Great War ended, and 2) it's not clear if those are Cybertronian or Earth years.''

==Physiology==
The Maximals retained many similarities to their Autobot ancestors, and many of the Autobots who underwent the [[Great Upgrade]] basically took on smaller, newer versions of their old bodies. The downsized Maximal body was apparently intended mainly for better fuel efficiency and greater durability. There has been some hinting that this was an offshoot of [[Micromaster]] technology, which had a similar goal.<ref name="Departure">[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] states that the [[Maximal Upgrade Program]] will include a Bio-Tech overhaul , the magnification of latent abilities and additional fuel savings making upgraded mechs at least ten times more efficient on page 6 of [[Departure]]. The language is intentionally evocative of [[Pretender]] and [[Micromaster]] technology.</ref> As was the case with the Autobots before them, Maximal robot modes frequently lack a robot-form flight option, unless a flight mechanism is specifically included or unless the Maximal has an airborne [[alternate mode]].

The greatest and most common innovation of the Maximal era is the development of pseudo-organic Beast Forms, which allow Maximal alternate modes to blend in seamlessly with the organic lifeforms found elsewhere in the universe. This technology, an offshoot of earlier [[Pretender]] tech,<ref name="Departure"/> sheathes the Maximal's alternate form in an artificial organic "skin" and integrates the beast modes instincts into the Maximal's form. While still primarily using [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for fuel, such Maximals have been shown to be able to eat food like organic creatures, though it is unknown if they require such food to survive or merely as an alternate energy source. The beast mode instincts are integrated to such a degree that they have been able to dominate — if not override — [[Circuits|logic circuits]] on occasion. When Maximals take beast modes, they tend to favor mammals, birds, and fish, though this is not a hard-and-fast rule.

At the time of the theft of the Golden Disk, the technology to adopt such forms was reliant on external mechanisms situated in [[stasis pod]]s and [[CR chamber]]s. They were mainly used for explorers and military personnel, while the general Maximal population retained classic mechanical body forms. Some time after the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] and [[Darksyde]] left the planet, an upgrade was instituted that incorporated [[DNA scanner]]s and the ability to adopt beast forms directly into the mechanical-style bodies of the general populace. This move suggests a likely intent to increase exploration or colonization programs in the near future. In all likelihood the subsequent planetary conquest by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] derailed these plans.

===Variations===
*[[Transmetal]]s - Beast-style Maximals hit by a Quantum surge have been shown to mutate in such a way that their physiology "reverses", so their "beast" forms take on mechanical properties while their "robot" forms become more organic. Often tertiary vehicular modes manifest. Such robots are undetectable to [[Vok]] technology.

*[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] - Beast-style maximals affected by the Vok's mysterious [[Transmetal driver]] became asymmetrical and monstrous in both forms, each of which incorporates mechanical and organic systems seemingly at random. These types of Maximals tend to possess odd extra "powers" such as healing or telekinesis.

*[[Technorganic]]s - When reformatted by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], beast form Maximals become an entirely new type of being, merging true organic life and Cybertronian technology in every cell of their being.

==Organization==
[[Image:Bmmaximal.png|left|180px|thumb|Beast Machines era insignia. Whether this was also the pre-Beast Wars Maximal symbol (similar to the Predacons) is unknown.]]
The [[Maximal Imperium]] was the state that the Maximals formed. The term "imperium" would imply an empire, though the Maximals have never displayed any militaristic-expansionist inclinations, something more in line with the Predacons. However, it might be speculated that their exploration programs, referenced in ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'', were a precursor to an expansion-minded colonization program.

The Maximal Imperium appeared to invest both legislative and executive power in a [[wikipedia:Bicameral|bicameral]] legislature, the Maximal Elders and the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. It is unknown what the relationship and division of powers were between the two legislatures, although it appears the Elders were the more senior legislature. Like their Autobot ancestors, the Maximals had a strong belief in [[democracy]], even going so far as to elect their military leaders when unable to communicate with the high command. This could cause problems when there was an even number of voters. Some evidence suggests that the Maximal Elders were more repressive and secretive than strictly necessary. Another powerful political body is the cross-factional [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]], whose appointed members include both Maximals and Predacons.

The Maximals are by nature peaceful, but the realities of the universe still compel them to have armed forces. An elite force of security enforcers, the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], was also established to help keep the peace. Another special group were the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s. Usually the highest rank is [[Supreme Commander]], awarded to Maximals of [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]] status, who are given an [[Energon Matrix]] linked to the [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer. The Supreme Commanders answer to the Maximal Elders, and there is some evidence to indicate that the Maximal Elders included former Supreme Commanders.
{{-}}

==Maximal society==
Not much is known about the Maximal-led, post-Great War Cybertron. There does appear to have been commerce ([[holo-chip]]s), entertainment ([[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]]), and industry.

The planetary capital is located in [[Cybertropolis]], a city built over the ruins of old [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. The planet is shared with the remainder of the defeated Predacon faction. Many Predacons feel they are living as second-class citizens under a repressive rule. There is some evidence to suggest that Predacon presence on the planet was minimal but this is not confirmed. Regardless, a relative "Cold War" style peace prevailed, with much distrust simmering on either side. Maximals enforced the peace by means of groups such as the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s and the [[Maximal Command Security Force]].

We know that the Maximals focused heavily on exploration. Exploration vessels, filled with [[stasis pod]]s containing newborn [[protoform]]s, would search out new planets and seed them with those protoforms, which would assume modes based on the native lifeforms and collect data. Post-war Cybertron experienced a visible boom in scientific and technological curiosity. Some of this curiosity, however, resulted in monsters such as the seemingly immortal and murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]].

==Notes==
*The "Maximal" faction name came from a desperate attempt by [[Vinnie D'Alleva]] to figure out a new protagonist name that would represent the animal Transformers, clear trademark checks and please the executive group. He combined the name of a scrapped [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] line, ''Manimals'', with the name of the car driven by the team marketing coordinator, a Nissan ''Maxima''. Manimals + Maxima = ''Maximals''. Ta-da!<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p1-2</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cybertron''' (サイバトロン ''Saibatoron'')
*''Latvian:'' '''Maksimāļi'''
*''Polish:'' '''Maksimale''' ("Maximals")

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Maximals| ]]
[[Category:Timelines]]
[[Category:TransTech]]

Maximal

2011-12-11T07:38:33Z

67.85.23.180:

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm}}
:''The Maximals are a faction from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:Maximal symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|Woof woof!]]
Arising from the ashes of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the '''Maximals''' are the descendants (at least in part) of the [[Autobot]]s, controlling [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the [[Pax Cybertronia]].

When taking on a beast mode, Maximals tend to choose either a mammal, bird, or some form of [[Cybershark|under]][[Depth Charge|sea]] [[Claw Jaw|life]] beast modes, with the exception of [[Botanica]], who takes the form of a sentient plant.

==History==
The exact origin of the Maximals has never been fully explained, nor has the time of their emergence as a faction. [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''The War Within'' depicts a Maximal symbol in Cybertron's prehistory, and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' references Maximal and Predacon conflict before the Pax Cybertronia (thus before the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]). The ''Sourcebook'' also seems to place its versions of ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' in this pre-Pax Cybertronia era. Additionally it indicates that Predacons (specifically BB) were being "re-educated" in Maximal prisons during the Great War.

At some point, possibly after the [[Pax Cybertronia]] had restored peace to Cybertron, the [[Maximal Upgrade]] program was introduced. The program emphasized fuel efficiency through downsizing. Many of the surviving Autobots eventually upgraded via bio-tech overhaul and cloistered themselves away, but some few stayed active in Cybertronian society to guide the emerging Maximal faction into the future. The [[Maximal Elder]]s locked away much information about the Great War (and especially the location of [[Earth]]) from the young population, fearing it would re-ignite old grudges or inspire [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurgents to rewrite history using [[transwarp]] technology.

The theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], which set in motion the "Beast Wars," occurred approximately 300 years after the end of the Great War.

'''Note:''' ''Specific dating for this has been suggested in ancillary material, but in the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon itself this date is fairly indistinct, as 1) there's no way to know when exactly the Great War ended, and 2) it's not clear if those are Cybertronian or Earth years.''

==Physiology==
The Maximals retained many similarities to their Autobot ancestors, and many of the Autobots who underwent the [[Great Upgrade]] basically took on smaller, newer versions of their old bodies. The downsized Maximal body was apparently intended mainly for better fuel efficiency and greater durability. There has been some hinting that this was an offshoot of [[Micromaster]] technology, which had a similar goal.<ref name="Departure">[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] states that the [[Maximal Upgrade Program]] will include a Bio-Tech overhaul , the magnification of latent abilities and additional fuel savings making upgraded mechs at least ten times more efficient on page 6 of [[Departure]]. The language is intentionally evocative of [[Pretender]] and [[Micromaster]] technology.</ref> As was the case with the Autobots before them, Maximal robot modes frequently lack a robot-form flight option, unless a flight mechanism is specifically included or unless the Maximal has an airborne [[alternate mode]].

The greatest and most common innovation of the Maximal era is the development of pseudo-organic Beast Forms, which allow Maximal alternate modes to blend in seamlessly with the organic lifeforms found elsewhere in the universe. This technology, an offshoot of earlier [[Pretender]] tech,<ref name="Departure"/> sheathes the Maximal's alternate form in an artificial organic "skin" and integrates the beast modes instincts into the Maximal's form. While still primarily using [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for fuel, such Maximals have been shown to be able to eat food like organic creatures, though it is unknown if they require such food to survive or merely as an alternate energy source. The beast mode instincts are integrated to such a degree that they have been able to dominate — if not override — [[Circuits|logic circuits]] on occasion. When Maximals take beast modes, they tend to favor mammals, birds, and fish, though this is not a hard-and-fast rule.

At the time of the theft of the Golden Disk, the technology to adopt such forms was reliant on external mechanisms situated in [[stasis pod]]s and [[CR chamber]]s. They were mainly used for explorers and military personnel, while the general Maximal population retained classic mechanical body forms. Some time after the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] and [[Darksyde]] left the planet, an upgrade was instituted that incorporated [[DNA scanner]]s and the ability to adopt beast forms directly into the mechanical-style bodies of the general populace. This move suggests a likely intent to increase exploration or colonization programs in the near future. In all likelihood the subsequent planetary conquest by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] derailed these plans.

===Variations===
*[[Transmetal]]s - Beast-style Maximals hit by a Quantum surge have been shown to mutate in such a way that their physiology "reverses", so their "beast" forms take on mechanical properties while their "robot" forms become more organic. Often tertiary vehicular modes manifest. Such robots are undetectable to [[Vok]] technology.

*[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] - Beast-style maximals affected by the Vok's mysterious [[Transmetal driver]] became asymmetrical and monstrous in both forms, each of which incorporates mechanical and organic systems seemingly at random. These types of Maximals tend to possess odd extra "powers" such as healing or telekinesis.

*[[Technorganic]]s - When reformatted by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], beast form Maximals become an entirely new type of being, merging true organic life and Cybertronian technology in every cell of their being.

==Organization==
[[Image:Bmmaximal.png|left|180px|thumb|Beast Machines era insignia. Whether this was also the pre-Beast Wars Maximal symbol (similar to the Predacons) is unknown.]]
The [[Maximal Imperium]] was the state that the Maximals formed. The term "imperium" would imply an empire, though the Maximals have never displayed any militaristic-expansionist inclinations, something more in line with the Predacons. However, it might be speculated that their exploration programs, referenced in ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'', were a precursor to an expansion-minded colonization program.

The Maximal Imperium appeared to invest both legislative and executive power in a [[wikipedia:Bicameral|bicameral]] legislature, the Maximal Elders and the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. It is unknown what the relationship and division of powers were between the two legislatures, although it appears the Elders were the more senior legislature. Like their Autobot ancestors, the Maximals had a strong belief in [[democracy]], even going so far as to elect their military leaders when unable to communicate with the high command. This could cause problems when there was an even number of voters. Some evidence suggests that the Maximal Elders were more repressive and secretive than strictly necessary. Another powerful political body is the cross-factional [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]], whose appointed members include both Maximals and Predacons.

The Maximals are by nature peaceful, but the realities of the universe still compel them to have armed forces. An elite force of security enforcers, the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], was also established to help keep the peace. Another special group were the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s. Usually the highest rank is [[Supreme Commander]], awarded to Maximals of [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]] status, who are given an [[Energon Matrix]] linked to the [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer. The Supreme Commanders answer to the Maximal Elders, and there is some evidence to indicate that the Maximal Elders included former Supreme Commanders.
{{-}}

==Maximal society==
Not much is known about the Maximal-led, post-Great War Cybertron. There does appear to have been commerce ([[holo-chip]]s), entertainment ([[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]]), and industry.

The planetary capital is located in [[Cybertropolis]], a city built over the ruins of old [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. The planet is shared with the remainder of the defeated Predacon faction. Many Predacons feel they are living as second-class citizens under a repressive rule. There is some evidence to suggest that Predacon presence on the planet was minimal but this is not confirmed. Regardless, a relative "Cold War" style peace prevailed, with much distrust simmering on either side. Maximals enforced the peace by means of groups such as the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s and the [[Maximal Command Security Force]].

We know that the Maximals focused heavily on exploration. Exploration vessels, filled with [[stasis pod]]s containing newborn [[protoform]]s, would search out new planets and seed them with those protoforms, which would assume modes based on the native lifeforms and collect data. Post-war Cybertron experienced a visible boom in scientific and technological curiosity. Some of this curiosity, however, resulted in monsters such as the seemingly immortal and murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]].

==Notes==
*The "Maximal" faction name came from a desperate attempt by [[Vinnie D'Alleva]] to figure out a new protagonist name that would represent the animal Transformers, clear trademark checks and please the executive group. He combined the name of a scrapped [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] line, ''Manimals'', with the name of the car driven by the team marketing coordinator, a Nissan ''Maxima''. Manimals + Maxima = ''Maximals''. Ta-da!<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p1-2</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cybertron''' (サイバトロン ''Saibatoron'')
*''Latvian:'' '''Maksimāļi'''
*''Polish:'' '''Maksimale''' ("Maximals")

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Maximals| ]]
[[Category:Timelines]]
[[Category:TransTech]]

Maximal

2011-12-11T07:36:48Z

67.85.23.180:

{{factions|maximal|maximalbm}}
:''The Maximals are a faction from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:Maximal symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|Woof woof!]]
Arising from the ashes of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the '''Maximals''' are the descendants (at least in part) of the [[Autobot]]s, controlling [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the [[Pax Cybertronia]].

When taking on a beast mode, Maximals tend to choose either a mammalian, avian, or some form of [[Depth Charge|sea]] [[Claw Jaw|life]] beast modes, with the exception of [[Botanica]], who takes the form of a sentient plant.

==History==
The exact origin of the Maximals has never been fully explained, nor has the time of their emergence as a faction. [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''The War Within'' depicts a Maximal symbol in Cybertron's prehistory, and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' references Maximal and Predacon conflict before the Pax Cybertronia (thus before the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]). The ''Sourcebook'' also seems to place its versions of ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' in this pre-Pax Cybertronia era. Additionally it indicates that Predacons (specifically BB) were being "re-educated" in Maximal prisons during the Great War.

At some point, possibly after the [[Pax Cybertronia]] had restored peace to Cybertron, the [[Maximal Upgrade]] program was introduced. The program emphasized fuel efficiency through downsizing. Many of the surviving Autobots eventually upgraded via bio-tech overhaul and cloistered themselves away, but some few stayed active in Cybertronian society to guide the emerging Maximal faction into the future. The [[Maximal Elder]]s locked away much information about the Great War (and especially the location of [[Earth]]) from the young population, fearing it would re-ignite old grudges or inspire [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurgents to rewrite history using [[transwarp]] technology.

The theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], which set in motion the "Beast Wars," occurred approximately 300 years after the end of the Great War.

'''Note:''' ''Specific dating for this has been suggested in ancillary material, but in the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon itself this date is fairly indistinct, as 1) there's no way to know when exactly the Great War ended, and 2) it's not clear if those are Cybertronian or Earth years.''

==Physiology==
The Maximals retained many similarities to their Autobot ancestors, and many of the Autobots who underwent the [[Great Upgrade]] basically took on smaller, newer versions of their old bodies. The downsized Maximal body was apparently intended mainly for better fuel efficiency and greater durability. There has been some hinting that this was an offshoot of [[Micromaster]] technology, which had a similar goal.<ref name="Departure">[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] states that the [[Maximal Upgrade Program]] will include a Bio-Tech overhaul , the magnification of latent abilities and additional fuel savings making upgraded mechs at least ten times more efficient on page 6 of [[Departure]]. The language is intentionally evocative of [[Pretender]] and [[Micromaster]] technology.</ref> As was the case with the Autobots before them, Maximal robot modes frequently lack a robot-form flight option, unless a flight mechanism is specifically included or unless the Maximal has an airborne [[alternate mode]].

The greatest and most common innovation of the Maximal era is the development of pseudo-organic Beast Forms, which allow Maximal alternate modes to blend in seamlessly with the organic lifeforms found elsewhere in the universe. This technology, an offshoot of earlier [[Pretender]] tech,<ref name="Departure"/> sheathes the Maximal's alternate form in an artificial organic "skin" and integrates the beast modes instincts into the Maximal's form. While still primarily using [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for fuel, such Maximals have been shown to be able to eat food like organic creatures, though it is unknown if they require such food to survive or merely as an alternate energy source. The beast mode instincts are integrated to such a degree that they have been able to dominate — if not override — [[Circuits|logic circuits]] on occasion. When Maximals take beast modes, they tend to favor mammals, birds, and fish, though this is not a hard-and-fast rule.

At the time of the theft of the Golden Disk, the technology to adopt such forms was reliant on external mechanisms situated in [[stasis pod]]s and [[CR chamber]]s. They were mainly used for explorers and military personnel, while the general Maximal population retained classic mechanical body forms. Some time after the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] and [[Darksyde]] left the planet, an upgrade was instituted that incorporated [[DNA scanner]]s and the ability to adopt beast forms directly into the mechanical-style bodies of the general populace. This move suggests a likely intent to increase exploration or colonization programs in the near future. In all likelihood the subsequent planetary conquest by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] derailed these plans.

===Variations===
*[[Transmetal]]s - Beast-style Maximals hit by a Quantum surge have been shown to mutate in such a way that their physiology "reverses", so their "beast" forms take on mechanical properties while their "robot" forms become more organic. Often tertiary vehicular modes manifest. Such robots are undetectable to [[Vok]] technology.

*[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] - Beast-style maximals affected by the Vok's mysterious [[Transmetal driver]] became asymmetrical and monstrous in both forms, each of which incorporates mechanical and organic systems seemingly at random. These types of Maximals tend to possess odd extra "powers" such as healing or telekinesis.

*[[Technorganic]]s - When reformatted by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], beast form Maximals become an entirely new type of being, merging true organic life and Cybertronian technology in every cell of their being.

==Organization==
[[Image:Bmmaximal.png|left|180px|thumb|Beast Machines era insignia. Whether this was also the pre-Beast Wars Maximal symbol (similar to the Predacons) is unknown.]]
The [[Maximal Imperium]] was the state that the Maximals formed. The term "imperium" would imply an empire, though the Maximals have never displayed any militaristic-expansionist inclinations, something more in line with the Predacons. However, it might be speculated that their exploration programs, referenced in ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'', were a precursor to an expansion-minded colonization program.

The Maximal Imperium appeared to invest both legislative and executive power in a [[wikipedia:Bicameral|bicameral]] legislature, the Maximal Elders and the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. It is unknown what the relationship and division of powers were between the two legislatures, although it appears the Elders were the more senior legislature. Like their Autobot ancestors, the Maximals had a strong belief in [[democracy]], even going so far as to elect their military leaders when unable to communicate with the high command. This could cause problems when there was an even number of voters. Some evidence suggests that the Maximal Elders were more repressive and secretive than strictly necessary. Another powerful political body is the cross-factional [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]], whose appointed members include both Maximals and Predacons.

The Maximals are by nature peaceful, but the realities of the universe still compel them to have armed forces. An elite force of security enforcers, the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], was also established to help keep the peace. Another special group were the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s. Usually the highest rank is [[Supreme Commander]], awarded to Maximals of [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]] status, who are given an [[Energon Matrix]] linked to the [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer. The Supreme Commanders answer to the Maximal Elders, and there is some evidence to indicate that the Maximal Elders included former Supreme Commanders.
{{-}}

==Maximal society==
Not much is known about the Maximal-led, post-Great War Cybertron. There does appear to have been commerce ([[holo-chip]]s), entertainment ([[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]]), and industry.

The planetary capital is located in [[Cybertropolis]], a city built over the ruins of old [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. The planet is shared with the remainder of the defeated Predacon faction. Many Predacons feel they are living as second-class citizens under a repressive rule. There is some evidence to suggest that Predacon presence on the planet was minimal but this is not confirmed. Regardless, a relative "Cold War" style peace prevailed, with much distrust simmering on either side. Maximals enforced the peace by means of groups such as the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s and the [[Maximal Command Security Force]].

We know that the Maximals focused heavily on exploration. Exploration vessels, filled with [[stasis pod]]s containing newborn [[protoform]]s, would search out new planets and seed them with those protoforms, which would assume modes based on the native lifeforms and collect data. Post-war Cybertron experienced a visible boom in scientific and technological curiosity. Some of this curiosity, however, resulted in monsters such as the seemingly immortal and murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]].

==Notes==
*The "Maximal" faction name came from a desperate attempt by [[Vinnie D'Alleva]] to figure out a new protagonist name that would represent the animal Transformers, clear trademark checks and please the executive group. He combined the name of a scrapped [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] line, ''Manimals'', with the name of the car driven by the team marketing coordinator, a Nissan ''Maxima''. Manimals + Maxima = ''Maximals''. Ta-da!<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p1-2</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cybertron''' (サイバトロン ''Saibatoron'')
*''Latvian:'' '''Maksimāļi'''
*''Polish:'' '''Maksimale''' ("Maximals")

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Maximals| ]]
[[Category:Timelines]]
[[Category:TransTech]]

Predacon (BW)

2011-12-11T07:36:27Z

67.85.23.180:

{{factions|predacon|{{factions/icons|custom=Timelines_Predacon_Symbol.png|cSize=33px|cLink=Predacon (BW)|cPretty=Predacon}}}}
{{disambig3|Predacon}}
:''The Predacons are a faction from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] continuity.''

[[Image:Predacon symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|You know they're evil. Their icon could poke out an optic.]]
Arising from the ashes of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the '''Predacons''' are, at least in part, descendants of the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. Some sources suggest that they were born from what remained of the original five [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. By order of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], they exist as something of an underclass, appearing to be equals, but firmly under the [[Maximal|Maximals]] in the social order. This has led many Predacons to hold bitter grudges against the Maximals.

When Predacons take beast modes, they tend to be dinosaurs, reptiles, anphibians, and arthropods; [[Ravage (G1)|although this is not a definite rule]].

The adjective for "of or pertaining to the Predacons" is '''Predaconial'''<ref><tt>A [Maximal] strategic specialist, [[Stinkbomb]] is fascinated with the study of Predaconial psychology.</tt> — [http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/Stinkbomb/stinkbomb.htm Stinkbomb's Tech-Spec], 1999</ref>, though it is ''extremely common'' to simply substitute 'Predacon'.

{{quote|You do not know the Predacons. We—they ''live'' for the glory of conquest.|[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] to [[Tigatron]]|"[[Law of the Jungle]]"}}

== Origin ==
We do not know the origin of the Predacons beyond the fact that they are descendants of the Decepticons, at least in part. They were in existence and at war with the [[Maximal]]s prior to the signing of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], at which time most laid down their arms but a few went rogue.

Different continuities present differing, sometimes conflicting accounts. One account says that [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] founded the Predacons ([[Predacon (G1)|reusing his old team's name]]) after the Decepticons' defeat, and that they took the fight to Cybertron and could have won if the [[Tripredacus Council]] hadn't stolen control for themselves. {{storylink|BotCon 2009|Timelines Razorclaw's bio card}} Others have the Predacons and Decepticons co-existing for a time. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} {{storylink|Descent into Evil}} {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}} When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] was in a bad mood, he's said the Predacons came ''after'' the Great War. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

In at least one [[Micro-continuity]] the Predacons existed as far back as the 1990s, operating on human inhabited Earth under ''a'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}} {{storylink|Tarantulas (BW)#Toy Bio|Tarantulas toy bio}} It has been recorded that their way of life was to prosper or perish, and their leader swore they'd do this by driving the Maximals into extinction! {{storylink|Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Megatron (1996) bio}} Of course, this may be [[Maximal Elder]] propaganda.

== Organization ==
The Predacons, although apparently governed by an organization known as the [[Predacon Alliance]], appear to be a rather splintered faction. One of the major ruling bodies is the [[Tripredacus Council]], but it is possible they represent only one political voice within the Alliance. As Predacons are known to look down on a [[Democracy|democratic]] system of governance and appear able to accept power plays and treachery if it ''succeeds'' {{storylink|Master Blaster}}, Predacon government can be assumed as autocratic and based on whoever can hold on to power successfully.

The Tripredacus Council keeps its followers pacified under the Pax Cybertronia with the promise of a slow, sly return to power, whispering of a long-term plan to overthrow the Maximals when the time is right. A number of Predacons have expressed dissatisfaction with this approach, leading renegades such as [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]], and [[Magmatron]] to recruit private armies of followers and, either covertly or overtly, strike out against the Maximals on their own. Nearly all known Beast Wars-era Predacons tend to fall within the arms of these criminal renegade militias, with the exceptions of [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], with the [[Predacon Secret Police]], and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], a Covert Agent who reported directly to the Tripredacus Council. (Tarantulas was a direct agent too but this appears to have been just ''him'', rather than standard for officers) It is unknown whether the Predacons have any sort of official standing army or defense force other than the internal Secret Police and the Covert Agent secret service.

In one continuity, following the [[Great Reformatting]], a revived Predacon force under Razorclaw (along with Divebomb and the descendants of Headstrong, Rampage, and Tantrum) was preparing for war. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

In another continuity, thousands of years after Beast Machines, the Predacons have been shown to be actively at war with the Maximals across the galaxy {{storylink|Autorollers Roll Out!}} {{storylink|Big Convoy, Move Out}} and have an [[Dead End (BWN)|official army with a military academy]]. The top military rank at this time is "[[Emperor of Destruction]]", and any governing force beyond that is unknown.

{{note|Originally, the Japanese Beast Wars animes weren't in the far future; they've since been retconned there.}}

Oddly enough, all the Predacons in Beast Wars II (apart from Galvatron, of course) have vehicle modes rather than beast modes, but the Japanese never heard of Vehicons then, so... it doesn't matter.

== Society ==

We don't know much about the Predacons' general lifestyle. All evidence suggests a very militant warrior culture, with power grabs endemic. This is even enshrined for some in an [[Dinobot (BW)|honour system]], where seizing control by force if you think you could do a better job was seen as an honourable, proper act. Predacon honour also put great stock in bravery in battle, a glorious end, and paying off your debts. The fact that the honour system allows for treachery has left Maximals confused. We do not know how widespread this honour system actually ''is'', as the majority of Beast Wars (admittedly criminal renegade) combatants were happy to ignore it.

A number of Predacons are scientists. Academic knowledge and expertise seems respected as long as you can also fight; if you can't, [[Fractyl|you get looked down on]].

Some Predacons have gone for more esoteric skills, such as [[Saberback|magic]].

Unsurprisingly, Predacon society has a strong criminal element. Both [[Crazybolt|individual thieves]] and organised gangs are known. Some gangsters, such as [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], have become hideously powerful and bold enough to attack the Maximal government.

== Social status ==

The exact social status of the Predacons appears to be a second-class one, but there's no specifics. Megatron has referred to the Maximals as ''ruling'' the Predacons on several occasions {{storylink|Code of Hero}} and once, in a melodramatic moment, said that they were slaves. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} Dinobot, meanwhile, thinks little of Maximal justice {{storylink|The Probe}} and believes that the Maximals use [[Maximal Torture Chamber|torture devices]] on Predacons. {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

Some Maximals, like [[Optimus Primal]], consider there to be a long-standing peace between the two races, apparently unaware of Predacon frustrations. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Optimus has also been willing to offer a hand of friendship {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}} or show respect {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} to individual Predacons. Many of the ''other'' Maximals we've seen, by contrast, appear to view the ''entirety'' of the Predacon population as inherently untrustworthy and dangerous (especially if that Maximal is [[Rattrap]]). Maximal soldiers on Cybertron have expressed ''enjoyment'' in finally being allowed to beat up on insurgent Predacons. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 2}}

That all said, the Predacons co-run the important governing body, the [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars: The Gathering|The Gathering}}

== Bases of operation ==
It is even unknown where exactly the Predacons are based.

The Tripredacus Council holds meetings aboard a space station, [[Predacon Command Outpost One]].

While one would presume the Predacons also had some sort of presence on Cybertron itself, there's evidence to the contrary. After the Beast Warriors' return to Cybertron following the events of Beast Wars, [[Optimus Primal]], Megatron, and others refer frequently to the missing population as Maximals only. This seems to suggest that they expected the number of Predacons on the planet to be negligible, if not zero. The only notable mention of Predacons in the series comes when [[Rattrap]] wonders what the murderous [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] would have been like if he'd been reformatted from a Predacon instead of the Maximal [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]].

{{note|In real life terms the Predacons were excluded from the ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' show and toy line for fear of confusing children with a third faction. ''Beast Machines'' story editor and head writer [[Robert N. Skir]] suggests in his FAQ pages that the Predacons suffered the same fate as the Maximals, though that leaves their absence rather odd.}}

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Destron''' (デストロン ''Desutoron'')
*''Dutch:'' '''Predator''' (toyline)
*''French:'' '''Predator''' (France toyline), '''Prédator''' (Canada)
*''German:'' '''Predator''' (toyline)
*''Latvian:'' '''Predakoni'''
*''Polish:'' '''Predatony'''

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons| ]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II Predacons| ]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo Predacons| ]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Predacons| Predacon (BW)]]