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Quintesson

2011-08-08T18:20:25Z

94.195.63.103:

{{factions|quintesson}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 alien race|their home planet which is called "Quintesson" in the Marvel Comic UK continuity|Quintessa}}

:''The Quintessons are a race from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Quint.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hahahaha—<br>—hahahahaha—<br>—–hahahahaha—<br>——hahahahahaha—<br>——–hahahahahaha!"]]
The '''Quintessons''' are a bizarre and ancient race of mechanoids, whose dark history and shadowy machinations are bound up with the history of the [[Transformer]]s, and connections with [[Primus]] and [[Unicron]]. They prefer subtle manipulation, scheming, and advanced technology over brute force, but if those don't work, they can fall back on the legion of deadly [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] and [[Allicon]]s at their command and a fleet of battle-ready [[Quintesson spacecraft|spaceships]] as well. However, the Quintessons themselves have zero fighting abilities and are absolute cowards if they have nothing to hide behind. For example, they are seen to be powerless against a Sharkticon revolt.

Quintessons are also known by the ''adorable'' racial slur 'squids'.<ref>"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"</ref>

{{quote|[We] are ''Quintessons''! ''Arrogance'' is our life’s blood, ''ambition'' is our food and drink, but most of all, ''hubris is the air we breathe!!''|[[Al-Badur]] dissin' his peeps|"[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]"}}

{{quote|Deceivers! Betrayers! Five-faced slime of the nebula!|[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on the Quintessons|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

== Types of Quintessons ==
[[Image:QuintessonTFMMarvel.jpg|right|180px|thumb|What? Death is for the guilty ones? You mean I've been doing this wrong the whole time?]]The Quintessons appear to be mostly (if not entirely) mechanical beings. They come in several distinct forms, some of which are identified by their place in the Quintessons' bizarre court system.

{{note|The names given are, when possible, taken directly from the character model sheets.}}

===Judges===
The most prominent and famous type of Quintesson, as well as the apparent "leaders" of the race, are the Judges, also referred to as the Imperial Magistrates. Judges have inverted, egg-shaped bodies which float on a beam of energy and possess wiry tentacles for physical manipulation, but their most distinctive physical characteristics are their five rotating faces. Each face represents a different aspect of the Quintesson, though for four of the five faces, there are conflicting accounts as to what each represents.

<gallery perrow="3">
Image:Quintessondeath.jpg|'''Death'''
Image:Qhead1.gif|'''Rage'''/Wrath
Image:Qhead2.gif|'''Laughter'''/War
Image:Qhead3.gif|'''Bitterness'''/Wisdom
Image:Qhead4.gif|'''Doubt'''/Judgment
</gallery>

{{note|The first names given above for the latter four faces come from Japanese ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]'' supplements. They are derived from the descriptions given of the faces in the original script for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]]''—an "angry face," a "smiling face," a "grimacing face" and a "suspicious face"—and the faces were [http://web.archive.org/web/20050206071549/http://hometown.aol.com/silverphoenix12/junkion.html specifically designed] by [[Floro Dery]] to represent these emotions. All the same, this information remained very little-known for a long time, leading to the second set of names being created for use in the 2004 publication, ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]''. The original names were also used for ''[[Transformers: The Ark|The Ark]]'', published by [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] in 2007.}}

In the original animated series, the Judges were all of the same size and were rarely named. (Then again, it was rare for ''any'' Quintesson to get an individual name.) Conversely, in the Marvel Comics continuity, Judges vary in size, including the massive [[Kledji]] and the smaller [[Sevax]]. The order of the faces in the ring varies from Judge to Judge (if not from shot to shot, ahem).

Named Judges include:
* [[Brinn]]
* [[Deliberata]]
* [[Derodomontatus]]
* [[Heirodyus]]
* [[Kledji]]
* [[Sevax]]

===Bailiffs===
[[Image:Quintbailiff anime.png|left|150px|thumb|None Shall Pass!]]
These snout-nosed creatures were seen serving as guards in the Quintessons' court.
{{-}}

===Executioners===
[[Image:QuintGate.gif|right|180px|thumb|Pokey, pokey!]]
This breed of Quintesson was first seen throwing the switch that dropped the unfortunate [[Arblus]] into the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] pit. They have also been called "Gatekeepers".

Named executioners include:
* [[Ghyrik]]
* [[In-Saba Nur]]
* [[Jolup]]
* [[Rexian]]
{{-}}

===Prosecutor===
[[Image:Inquisitor fugly.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Prosecutor and the seldom-seen "wizened" variant.]]
This variety of Quintesson is the second-most common type, often seen in positions of authority. They have also been called "Inquisitors". In court, they are the ones who ask for the Judges' verdicts and occasionally let the defendants say something in their defense, for all it matters.

Named prosecutors include:
* [[Krahulik]]
* [[Vashik]]
{{-}}

===Scientist===
[[Image:Quint scientist.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Yes, I have a question.]]
[[Image:Quint dweller.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I had to walk 15 miles in the snow to school!]]
Scientists are somewhat similar to the Prosecutors in construction, though they feature more bulbous heads and bearded, somewhat-more-human faces.

Named scientists include:
* [[Al-Badur]]
* [[Extempaxia]]
* [[Inquirata]]
* [[Mara-Al-Utha]]
{{-}}

===Other types===
[[Image:Quint two faced.jpg|right|125px|thumb|My tentacles are on fire!]]
The Judges are not the only Quintessons to have multiple faces, though the only known exception is the '''three-faced scientist''' who was the primary creator of the [[Trans-Organic]]s. One of his faces was grievously damaged, a scar left by the [[Dweller]], which he covered with a mask.

This scientist instigated a plan to get the [[Decepticon]]s to unwittingly release the trans-organics from their prisons deep within [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] so they would wipe out all Transformer life. The plan ultimately backfired; the Dweller killed the other trans-organics, and was launched into space by the [[Autobot]]s... where it smashed into the scientist's ship, which was en-route to Cybertron. Presumably, the scientist finally met his end as the Dweller drained the energy from the ship and everyone within it. {{storylink|The Dweller in the Depths}}

[[Image:Quint rentacops.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Game over, man! Game over!"]]
'''Security officers''' appear to have been an ancient model of Quintesson, and possibly the only kind with built-in offensive capabilities, some having one set of arm-tentacles replaced with over-sized blasters. These blasters availed them naught, however, against the Trans-Organic beasts. It is unknown if any of this model of Quintesson exist in "modern" times. {{storylink|The Dweller in the Depths}}

[[Image:Quint humanoid.jpg|right|150px|thumb|No one remembers we exist.]]
Non-bailiff, non-executioner '''Humanoid''' Quintessons are exceedingly rare. One accompanied [[Inquirata]] on his mission to use a [[Time Window]] to change Cybertron's history, stopping the slave revolt that drove the Quintessons off-planet. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

And then there's [[Mirdane]]. A rarity among Quintessons, in that he has a name, and that's ''it''. He has only ever been mentioned by others, never seen, so what body type he has/had is unknown. {{storylink|Madman's Paradise}} {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
{{-}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{quote|We Transformers have looked into the face of our creators... and seen the face of an enemy.|[[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

[[Image:FFOD2_Quintesson_court.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Believe it or not, you really do have better chances in Texas.]]
In ages long past, a cold and emotionless race of aliens called the Quintessons created two lines of sentient robots on a planet-sized factory known as [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. One was a line of robots designed for domestic duties and labor (known as [[Autobot]]s), and the other was a line designed for military use (known as [[Decepticon]]s). The Quintessons were exceptionally cruel to their creations, eventually leading to wide-spread rebellion, a rebellion started by the Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|A3]]. Forced to flee the planet, the Quintessons eventually settled on the small, twisted planet of [[Quintessa]], but fostered an undying hatred of all Transformers for millions of years. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

In 2005, they were shown to capture prisoners for trial and feeding to their army of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]. The mock trials held by the Quintesson Court seemed to have no purpose at all (except maybe for the Quintessons' amusement), as defendants were still immediately fed to the ravenous Sharkticons even when the Judge determined them to be innocent. However, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] managed to rescue the pair of Autobots the Quintessons had captured. Worse, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] inspired the Sharkticons to rebel... by stomping his foot on the ground and telling them to do so. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

One year (or possibly five years, depending on whom you ask) after the defeat of [[Unicron]], the Quintessons reappeared. They first sent a commando team of Sharkticons to abduct various Autobots (as well as [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], though that may have been unintentional). Upon capturing the 'bots, the Quintessons seemed more interested in interrogating their prisoners than feeding them to the Sharkticons. However, they eventually did find the captured Transformers to be guilty of the crime of... being Transformers. (Spike was guilty by association.) {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}}

After [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus]] and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] mounted a rescue for their captive friends, the Quintessons attempted to kill the would-be rescuers by destroying the entire planet of [[Quintessa]]. After this plan failed, the surviving Quintessons made an alliance with the newly revived [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to attack Cybertron (in return for the fictional [[Decepticon Matrix|Decepticon Matrix of Leadership]], which they made up because they needed to give him a reason not to kill them). {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

The Quintessons betrayed Galvatron almost immediately after the battle had been won, toggling a [[Large switch|switch]] which caused all Transformers the galaxy over literally to freeze where they stood. Luckily, Spike stopped the Quintessons before they had much of a chance to do anything. Despite their betrayal (and the fact that they almost killed him), Galvatron remained an ally (despite that he tried to kill them as well). {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

Later plots by the Quintessons were no less nefarious. A rogue Quintesson scientist abducted three Transformers and a [[Marissa Faireborn|human]] for behavioral study, a scheme that nearly killed the entire group after they drifted into a black hole. {{storylink|The Killing Jar}} Later, the Quintessons revived the deceased [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] in an attempt to lure all the Autobots into a trap and destroy them with a supernova. However, the Quintessons did not count upon Hot Rod forcing Optimus Prime to overcome his programming, nor Optimus Prime's ability to sacrifice himself to save the Autobots. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}} Later still, the Quintessons attempted to rewrite history by preventing their loss of Cybertron (which nearly resulted in the very fabric of Time being destroyed). {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

During the [[Hate Plague]] crisis, a single Quintesson was rescued from his infected Sharkticons by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], to restore life to the body of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} The Quintesson mentioned that his race had gone into hiding in the farthest reaches of the galaxy. The lone Quintesson's help in restoring Optimus Prime and several other Autobots was vital in curing the galaxy of the Hate Plague, but his race was never heard from again. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

====''Macrocosmic Seekers''====
The [[Seeker (United)|Seeker]], during the enslavement of Transformers, realized the potential for Transformer evolution and noted that rebellion was imminent. He was laughed at, but the Seeker got the last laugh when he left Cybertron before the rebellion and evolved beyond his Quintesson origins. {{Storylink|True Value of Treasure}}

====''Kiss Players''====
[[Image:KPMaximus2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Do cameos count as canon?]]
The [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]] [[Marissa Faireborn]], [[Atari Hitotonari]] and [[Shaoshao Li]], together with the [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]] [[Angela]], [[Star Dust]] and [[Zangetsu]], were traveling through time aboard [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]] when the space fortress suddenly went out of control.

[[Image:KPQuints.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This is all kinds of crazy.]]
The six found themselves on a strange, alien world in the year 2011. With their ship ensnared, they were herded by [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] to the Space Tribunal, where the Quintessons put them on trial for time-traveling without their permission.

When Shaoshao asked if being cute was a crime, the Quintessons threatened to charge her with contempt of court. Atari suggested using their Kiss Play abilities to transform into cute costumes and ask the "octopusses" nicely to let them go. But turning into a swimsuit-clad elementary school girl and asking the judge's permission to go to the potty only resulted in Atari and her friends being found "not guilty" and dropped into the Sharkticon pit below.

Rescued by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], they fled back to Brave Maximus and re-entered the time portal. Sucked into the maelstrom along with them, the Quintessons demanded that the process stop, saying that they were the last of their kind. But it was too late, and the aliens were trapped inside the hole in space-time.

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
Like those creepy little pilotfish that swarm behind sharks, snapping at stray scraps, the Quintessons were vile enforcers for [[Unicron]], savagely hunting down and picking off those who attempted to escape his maw.{{storylink|Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)#Issue .234|Transformers Universe}}

''In 2008, Quintesson scientists realized that their planet, Quintesson (not [[Quintessa]]), was threatened with destruction by a time rift that was caused by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]'s time-traveling.'' {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}

''Desperate for their race to survive, they launched a surprise attack on Autobot City, capturing it for themselves. Most of the Autobots were deactivated, except for [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], who was outside the city at the time of the attack, and [[Rewind]], [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] and [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], who were hidden inside [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s cassette compartment.''

''Using [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] as bait, the Quintessons captured the [[Creation Matrix]] from Rodimus, and he reverted to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]. Out of options, Hot Rod activated the core of Autobot City, a giant Autobot called [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who transformed and drove the Quintessons off but caused massive damage to the city in the process.''

''The Quintessons fled, but were ordered by Lord Kledji ''not'' to return to Quintesson, but to roam the stars instead to rebuild their forces and seek revenge on the Transformers, since their home planet was doomed beyond hope. How that went for them is unknown, but as they'd managed to cheese off most of the known metallic species by that point, it probably didn't go too well.'' {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
A Quintesson sent two [[Observer|aliens]] to spy on the Autobots and Decepticons, and download the contents of their databases. The two aliens were puzzled, but the Quintesson remained cagy about what the data was for. {{storylink|The Test (issue)|The Test}}

===Beast Machines===
The [[Maximal]] [[Beast Rider]] [[Che]] was encased in a unique Quintessian{{sic}} alloy found in the lower levels of Cybertron.<ref>Che's packaging bio</ref>

===Universe Featuring the Wreckers===

Out on the arm of the Orion Cluster, [[New Quintessa]] sat awaiting the [[Mutant (BW)|Mutant Beast]]s, Cybertronians without robot modes who had been dispatched by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] of [[Vector Sigma]] to regain what they had lost. [[Icebird]] believed they were on a sacred mission; in truth, it was a fool's errand. The Quintesson Supreme Imperial Magistrate [[Derodomontatus]] fed the Mutants to the Sharkticons before continuing his discussions with the free trader, [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]. Plans proceeded apace, as both the Mutants and the [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobot]]s were dealt with by this deadly alliance, and Cryotek assured Derodomontatus that the last Cybertronian team, the [[Wreckers]], would soon be extinguished as well. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

{{storylink|Disclosure}}
{{stub}}

The invasion of Cybertron soon began, and [[Snarl (BM)|Snarl]], [[Longhorn (BM)|Longhorn]] and [[Skydive (BM)|Skydive]] spotted Quintessons herding mass hordes of Sharkticons towards the Cybertronian settlements.

{{Note|The following is unofficial material for the intended script to the Wreckers #4, never published.}}

Derodomontatus cheered on the advancing troops with his fellow Quintessons, before proceeding with Cryotek and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] to complete his part of their bargain. The fighting intensified on the surface as [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] and the Dinobots arrived, shortly before the Wreckers returned to Cybertron as well. [[Primal Prime]] and [[Apelinq]] led a contingent after Cryotek and the Quintessons deeper into Cybertron's core. They arrived in time to see Cryotek had successfully mutated himself into a god-like being with the power of the [[Divine Light]]. {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}}

Derodomontatus, realizing the extent to which Cryotek had now surpassed the Quintessons, begged the free trader to remember their contract and honor it. In response, Cryotek sent his pet [[Chro]] to rip the Quintesson's faces off.

As their Imperial Magistrate faced a hostile takeover beneath the planet's surface, the Quintesson troops on open ground found their advancement equally stymied. Expecting the newly reformatted Cybertron to be filled with docile and disoriented cattle, the Quintessons were ill-prepared for the resistance they faced from all corners of the globe and all sectors of the populace. In [[Ankmor]], Judge [[Brinn]]'s patrol were stalked by the Maximal techno-organic, [[Night Viper]]. In a deserted city, a contingent led by Overseer [[Rexian]] were overcome by Decepticons criminals recently restored to their bodies. Overseer [[Vashik]] and [[In-Saba Nur]] assaulted the new Predacon capitol of [[Darkmount]] with predictable results, as Lord [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] squashed them beneath his heel ([[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] helped). Oh yes, and then there were ''Dinobots''. Admiral [[Krahulik]] was prepared to initiate orbital bombardment from the ''Paradigm'' hovering over [[Polyhex]] before [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] brought down the Quintesson warships as well. The Quintessons began to retreat in hordes, returning to their landing ships and launching out into space...right into the path of the planetary defense systems, recently brought back on-line.

All in all, the invasion of Cybertron was an unmitigated disaster. Judge [[Heirodyus]] watched the annihilation from New Quintessa with a mixture of horror and smugness, silently congratulating himself for escaping the fate of his brothers. He hadn't. The Mutant Beasts Icebird and [[Poison Bite]] had survived their dip in the Sharkticon pools, and returned imbued with the light of [[Primus]] himself. Heirodyus and the Quintessons were soon wiped from the surface of New Quintessa. Icebird assumed control of the planet, spreading the techno-organic plant life made from Cybertron's reformatting, and teaching the Sharkticons the ways of peace. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
The Quintessons were an alien race which appeared to conquer Cybertron at some point, but were driven off. However, they continued to maintain watch over Cybertron, eventually coming to manipulate the [[Council of Ancients]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] claimed this was the reason that he started the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}} This did not, however, stop him from making a deal with the Quintessons, who provided him with the [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]] and a bunch of [[Piranacon (Quintesson)|Piranacons]]. Knowing Megatron and the Quintessons, both were planning to betray each other when the time was right. {{storylink|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

Later, they prepped the [[Female Autobots]] for invading Cybertron. {{storylink|Unreleased Dreamwave issues|Generation One #11}}

{{note|Due to the bankruptcy of [[Dreamwave Productions]], the story ended before the Quintesson plot could be revealed.}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. The Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:Historyofcybertron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
When [[Serpent O.R.]] downloaded information on Cybertron's history from [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s databanks, he saw the Quintessons create the [[Trans-Organic|transorganics]] and the Transformers. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
A strange inscription of a Quintesson judge was present inside the ruins on planet [[LV-117]]. Through the cracks of the stone it was carved into, its eerie eyes glowed... {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie}}

Many years later, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] had managed to travel from LV-117 to [[LV-118]] on a [[Quintesson Cruiser|familiar screw-shaped ship]]. He claimed to have stolen it from someone, but didn't specify who. {{storylink|Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet}}

===''Animated'' cartoon===
300 million years ago, give or take, the Autobots, engaged in a major colonisation push, had border skirmishes with the Quintesson Pan-Galactic Co-Prosperity Sphere. This conflict ended the [[Age of Expansion]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

[[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] received his [[Sonic Jammer 3000]] from the Quintessons. According to him, they are nice folks that give you a good deal and all the oil you can drink. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

===Shattered Glass===
[[Image:Quintesson_aquarius.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Dude.]]

{{quote|We are all one or we are all gone.|[[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]]|[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]}}

This universe's Quintessons are an enigmatic and benevolent species holding sway over a large section of space known as the Quintesson Collective. They share technology and cooperate with many other species, whether organic, [[Technorganic|technorganic]] or mechanical, using culture as a unifying notion instead of evolutionary origins. They long ago perfected zero-point energy engines, food and parts replication technologies and advanced biomedics, allowing any individual to change features, organs and overall designs, eliminating such things as [[Exclusive|scarcity]], and thus material value, "mortality" and even the concept of "species". These technological advances are shared and freely available to all those who join their "ultra-species".

The Quintessons usually rely on [[Wikipedia:United Federation of Planets|cautious observation before making first contact]] with other unenlightened peoples, demanding years of study and careful cultural guidance before even considering allowing membership into the Collective. They rarely use direct means to steer a culture onto the enlightened path, but have been known to occasionally take [[Fortress Maximus (SG)|more direct action]] to protect their interests, doing the "dirty work" themselves. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass}}
{{-}}

===Aligned continuity===
The Quintessons attempted to enslave Cybertron once, but were defeated in a rebellion led by the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] member who became [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Sentinel Prime]], the one who oversaw Cybertron's [[Golden Age]]. Generations later [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Orion Pax]] said Sentinel and the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] had enslaved Cybertron with the [[caste system]] instead of having it forced on them by the Quintessons.

The cockpits in a [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s body are holdovers from the time of Quintesson dominance. ''{{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}''

==Notes==
* When asked about the Quintesson design in an interview, [[Floro Dery]] stated they were based on a cylindrical toy he designed at some point.<ref>http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery</ref>

* Although the reasoning behind finding people innocent and then sentencing them to death is presumably that it doesn't matter what the verdict is as you're screwed anyway, in no continuity has anyone ever been found "guilty" by the Quintessons, even in situations where they quite plainly are (such as when [[Mister Regan|the interrogator]] was accused of being an idiot in the UK-only framing sequence of "[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006]]"). Makes you wonder what would happen, doesn't it?

* In a Q&A, [[Simon Furman]] said he considered making the [[Magnificence]] a Quintesson artifact but changed his mind.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=5032 SIMON FURMAN - Q&A Nov/Dec 2008 at IDW Publishing Forums]</ref>

* The ''Animated'' Quintessons are just off-screen mentions, but as their empire's name is near-identical to [[Japan|Imperial Japan]]'s [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_East_Asia_Co-Prosperity_Sphere Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere], we can assume they're ''very nasty''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Quintessa-seijin''' (クインテッサ星人, "Planet Quintessa People")

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Quintessons The Quintessons' ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Generation 1 aliens]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 species]]
[[Category:Kiss Players]]
[[Category:Quintessons| ]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass species]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron]]

Transformer

2011-08-08T18:15:51Z

94.195.63.103: /* Origin */

{{disambig2|the living alien robots|the brand that they appear and are sold as toys in|Transformers brand}}
{{Disambigr|Transformers|other uses of Transformers|Transformers (disambiguation)}}
[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]
The '''Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:Sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|continuities]] in the vast [[multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to ''[[Transformation|transform]]'', to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populace.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings, there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''" and occasionally "'''Cybertronic'''").

{{bigquote|Many [[MYA|millions of years ago]], on the planet Cybertron, life existed. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]}}

==Origin==
[[Image:EdgeofExtinction-survivors.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Narration boxes don't lie!]]
{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but, of those that exist, the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' — Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears, levers and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] issue and then was promptly (and thankfully) ignored.
* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' — Created as [[Autobot|consumer goods]] and [[Decepticon|military hardware]] by the alien Quintessons, who employed Cybertron as a planet-sized factory. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Although well-known because of the cartoon's prominence, it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media, and when it is mentioned it is usually in the form of "[[retcon|corrections to the historic record]]" that place the involvement of the Quintessons as secondary to the role of Primus (see below). These retcons largely place the Quintessons as a race who attempted to enslave the Transformers.
* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' — Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman|Simon Furman's]] United Kingdom comics and then carried back to the later American Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every subsequent ''Transformers'' work/continuity except for an interlude from 2007 to 2010 — and a [[retcon]] created by the ''Transformers [[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' and [[Fun Publications]] ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to all Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future.
*'''[[Unicron Trilogy]]''' — After coming into being, Primus, a "unique digital entity", sent out digital mechanical beings into the furthest reaches of the [[galaxy]] as explorers in search of other life. These beings became known as Transformers. They settled on many worlds, one of which became known as Cybertron. {{storylink|First Encounter}} Cybertron was later revealed to be the body of Primus.
[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|left|150px|thumb|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' — In no continuity is this a proven back history for the Transformer race. It is mentioned as idle speculation by [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] fiction, who wonders if perhaps Transformers perhaps evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition he witnesses underway on [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Nightbeat}} The inhabitants of Gorlam Prime ''did'' turn into Transformers, albeit with [[Jhiaxus (G2)|outside prompting]], but then went on to independently rename their world... Cybertron. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}} In at least one alternate universe, a [[GoBots (franchise)|certain other race of transforming robotic lifeforms]] did indeed arise in such a fashion. In some continuities, Cybertron is known to have once been inhabited by organic life; in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', for example, Nightscream finds the fossilized remains of organic animals, which incidentally were startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. {{storylink|Survivor}} However, there is little or no implication that the Transformers ''evolved'' from these organics; there is more implication that whatever previous life was on Cybertron was instead swept aside by the Transformers or their forebears. The ''Kiss Players'' timeline states that [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|12,000,000,000 years ago]] Cybertron was a verdant planet in Japanese continuity.
* '''[[AllSpark|Cube Creationism]]''' — This origin was introduced in 2007 for the live-action movies and ''Transformers Animated''. Here, the cube-like AllSpark (much larger—though shrinkable—in the movie) mystically gave birth to the Transformers. It is not known by any of the Transformers who created it. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}} Unknown to the Transformers in the Movie-verse, the AllSpark created them as a worker race to seek out energy refills for it, and had created [[Thirteen original Transformers|a different race]] first. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}} Except then [[Seven Primes|those beings]] ''were'' Transformers. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}} {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 3}}
* '''Historical hybridization''' - In 2010, the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]] was launched, with one of its goals being to sensibly reconcile many of the more popular elements from prior franchises. [[Transformers: Exodus|The new story]] lists Primus as the ultimate creator of the Transformers, with the AllSpark being the physical mechanism he set up to generate them. The Quintessons invaded Cybertron in the ancient past and briefly trying to enslave and interfere with their development.

{{-}}

==Biology==
===Physical construction===
====Generation 1 Marvel Comics continuity====
Transformers are composed of a physical body and their programming. Their programming is encoded into a specialized component called a [[brain module]]. Given the resources and a means of assembly, Transformer bodies (including brain modules) can be designed and constructed by other Transformers.<ref>[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took over [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]] and assembled bodies for the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] there. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} [[Ark (G1)|The Ark]] created bodies for five 1985 [[Autobot Cars]]. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}</ref> Without programming, a Transformer body is a mindless drone. It is able to carry out pre-programmed straightforward missions, but that is about it.<ref>Shockwave sends Jetfire's body on such missions. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}</ref>

Transformer programming, however, cannot be created by Transformers. The [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] is able to infuse a Transformer brain module with programming, thus giving the Transformer personality and sentience.<ref>Shockwave describes the process of the Creation Matrix infusing prepared brain modules with data in detail. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] briefly describes the process, "Engineered by [[Grapple]], programmed for life by my Creation Matrix..." {{storylink|Command Performances!}}</ref> Programming on existing Transformers can be copied and stored externally on storage media.<ref>The "minds" of five Autobot Cars were copied and stored as engrams in a [[mind bank]] which are crystal containment vessels storing the minds as patterns of light. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} [[Ethan Zachary]] copied Optimus Prime's programming and stored it on a [[floppy disk]]. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}</ref> These stored minds can be used to infuse a new Transformer body with a new brain module with programming.<ref>{{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} {{storylink|People Power!}}</ref> The brain module (containing a Transformer's programming) can be extracted from the body and installed into other machinery, keeping the Transformer alive.<ref>{{storylink|Toy Soldiers!}}</ref>

====''Transformers: Prime''====
Transformers consist of a [[mind]] and body. A Transformer's mind can be transferred to another body using a [[cortical psychic patch]], where it is possible for two minds to occupy the same body. Without a mind, a Transformer body can be kept alive by artificial means, but it is then essentially without personality.<ref>{{storylink|Sick Mind}}</ref>

====In general====
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]
Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Generation 2'' comic books]] established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, presumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.

[[Image:Dino comparison Grimlock Megatron.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell".)

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', events led to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list, see: [[:Category:Transformer anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to suffer from some infamous ailments: [[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]], making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

====See also====
{{see|Ability}}

===Size===
[[Image:Sizes TFTM Unicron vs MF Browning.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two to eight times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robot]]s). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era. In the G1 cartoon, the sizes often shift from episode to episode, at times when they can be twice the average human height to that of being able to reach a four-story building. Several Japanese animations have the robots usually large enough for a number of human characters to fit in one hand.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners. But to be blunt, the usual sizes range from 20 feet to 40 feet.

====See also====
{{see|Scale}}
{{--}}

===Variance in form===
[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Unconventional limbs make [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] a slow typist.]]

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A [[Ravage (G1)|classic example]] of a non-humanoid Transformer.]]
[[Image:ROTF Voyager Demolishor.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A [[Demolishor (ROTF)|not-so-classic]] example.]]

While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1's]] [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|left|100px|thumb|[[Elita One|Elita 1]] - Boys 0]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus (G1)|Octus]]).

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformer]]s in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance).
{{-}}

===Energy===
[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg|left|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]
Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformers' only major need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the ability to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more commonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the [[Kiss Player|kisses of little girls]] in ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]''.

===See also===
For more information on Transformer biology see:
* '''[[New body]]'''
* '''[[Life cycle]]'''
* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF Emotion.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Transformers are [[Optimus Prime (G1)|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]
Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome (G1)|schools]] and [[Crankcase (G1)|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance (G1)|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}

In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic one-world autocracy centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and Commander-in-Chief (sometimes referred to as [[Supreme Commander]]); in the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor, while in Dreamwave's continuity they were chosen by a [[Council of Ancients]] and in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' by an [[Autobot High Council]]. This would make the Autobots an absolute monarchy.

By contrast, in the Marvel comic continuity, possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership, as it was more of a religious icon. Instead, Cybertron was ''previously'' an absolute monarchy under the [[Overlord (rank)|Overlords]]; however, later on, Cybertron became a multitude of autonomous city-states under their own governments with the last Overlord as a figurehead ruler, making it both a federation and a constitutional monarchy. During the war, Autobot Cybertron was governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders]] with the Prime as military commander-in-chief. [[Emirates]] existed but we're not sure how they're chosen or what they do.

In the IDW continuity, the planet is ruled by a [[Senate]], with each city-state having a subordinate council with lesser powers; [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|the current Prime]] was ''subordinate'' to the Senate and only ran the security forces. (This would make Cybertron a republic.)

The Decepticons, however, generally bowed only to the supremacy of the [[Decepticon leader|most powerful]] and normally had ''no'' mechanism for peaceful handover of power: a [[Decepticon Civil War]] often resulted. If the civil war began to seriously hamper the Autobot war effort, the opposing factions would agree to a diplomatic meeting called an [[Enclave]] to try the rare idea of ''talking out'' their differences. One (brief) exception was Marvel UK's [[Decepticon High Council]], a governing body that decided on the new Decepticon leader.

By the era of the Maximals and Predacons, the planet is dually ruled by [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] governments with separate jurisdictions; it's not fully clear how this worked. We know the Maximals are in charge of pretty much most of Cybertron, with a [[Predacon Alliance]] overseeing Predacon affairs and a [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]] bridging the gap: a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consociationalism consociational] government. There's a [[Maximal High Council|High Council]], but they're rarely talked about despite having legislative power (and it may be another term for the Elders). Most of the time, when talking about governments, the Transformers refer to the [[Maximal Elder|Maximal Council of Elders]] or the [[Tripredacus Council]] (what ''is'' it with Transformers and the word "council"?). Both of them are bodies of old Transformers (well, the former would have to be!) who appear to wield the ''real'' power in their respective factions, making this brave new peaceful Cybertron hamstrung by its past. [[Chain of Command|We're told]] that [[democracy]] is a Maximal tradition, indicating the Maximal's Councils are elected by the people.

The [[Go-Bots (toyline)|Transformers Go-Bots]] are ruled by the [[Go-Bot Council]], a triumvirate selected by unknown means. They have direct control over the Go-Bots military force, right down to personally selecting which Go-Bots are going to placed in a planetary garrison. Their primary concern seems to be "helping" other planets, which doesn't sound sinister at all...

In the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, the planet is governed by the [[Autobot High Council]] in the [[Metroplex (Animated)|Metroplex]]. The head of state is the [[Magnus]], an unelected position seemingly based on military rank, and the Council appears unable to depose a Magnus on their own. The Council itself is divided into civilian guilds on one side and military on the other, with security bodies like [[Cybertron Intelligence]] having a seat on the Council. How the civilian councilors are chosen is unknown.

The [[live-action film series]], the first Cybertronian civilization was ruled by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], with the [[Thirteen original Transformers|Thirteen Primes]] serving as the highest authority. The later Autobots ''had'' a co-leadership structure, control split between the Optimus and Megatron, who commanded the Science Division and Defence Force respectively. Optimus's proper title isn't said ("Prime" was a later addition to his name when he discovered he was the last of the Dynasty of Primes), though Megatron's position was [[Lord High Protector]]. There was a law-giving body called the [[High Council of Ancients]], who were respected but an outdated relic of an earlier time. Obviously, this didn't last long when the war started...

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", whereas the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority. After the Great War, the Maximals were ''banned'' from travelling to [[Earth|certain]] areas of the galaxy.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster (technology)|heads]], [[Targetmaster|weapons]], and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercores]]. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer in a dependent situation in the relationship.

[[Swindle (Animated)|Some]] [[Scorponok (G1)#IDW comics continuity|Decepticons]] [[Swindle (G1)|are]] known for making deals with other races, either to gain power through an alliance or for cold hard cash.

The Autobots have made diplomatic and military alliances with humanity in several continuities, most notably in having [[Autobot City]] built on Earth.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformer music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] have shown great interest in music, and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves making art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war, Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:
*'''[[Cybertronian Civil Wars]]'''
*'''[[Religion]]'''
*'''[[Transformer funerary practices]]'''
*'''[[Transformer economics]]'''
*'''[[Transformer furniture]]'''
*'''[[Transformer romance]]'''

==Toys==
{{main|Toy}}

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the [[franchise]] now known as [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]. The line has gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|sequel]] to the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 film's line]]. Nearly all the product sold in the line consists of actual Transformer figures; non-Transformer items such as bases, vehicles and accessories, while common in most boy-centric toy lines, have been fairly uncommon in the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Binaltech Asterisk]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Classics]]
[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]
[[Category:Generation 1 species]]
[[Category:Generation 2]]
[[Category:Kiss Players]]
[[Category:Micromaster]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Operation Combination]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise]]
[[Category:Species]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce]]
[[Category:The Headmasters]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]
[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:TransTech]]
[[Category:United]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Victory]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron]]
[[Category:Zone]]

Transformer

2011-08-08T18:10:17Z

94.195.63.103: /* Origin */

{{disambig2|the living alien robots|the brand that they appear and are sold as toys in|Transformers brand}}
{{Disambigr|Transformers|other uses of Transformers|Transformers (disambiguation)}}
[[Image:Bumblebeeg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], a Transformer, transforming. Savvy?]]
The '''Transformers''' are a species of [[wikipedia:Sentience|sentient]], living robotic beings (mostly) originating from the distant machine world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The stories of their lives, their histories, and most especially their wars have been chronicled across many different [[Continuity|continuities]] in the vast [[multiverse]].

The designation "Transformer" stems from the species' generally-shared ability to ''[[Transformation|transform]]'', to change their bodies at will, rearranging their component parts from a robotic primary mode (usually, but not always, humanoid) into an alternate form; generally vehicles, weapons, machinery, or animals. In some continuities this ability to transform is innate to all members of the species, in others it was a wartime innovation that was adopted by most, but not all, of the populace.

Although "Transformer" is the most common term for these beings, there are others, mainly "'''Cybertron'''" as a reference to ''any'' being whose origin traces back to the planet in question (the adjective form being the more frequently used "'''Cybertronian'''" and occasionally "'''Cybertronic'''").

{{bigquote|Many [[MYA|millions of years ago]], on the planet Cybertron, life existed. But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities.|[[Victor Caroli|A voice]] from beyond|[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]}}

==Origin==
[[Image:EdgeofExtinction-survivors.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Narration boxes don't lie!]]
{{quote|They '''were''' the dream--mechanical beings able to transform their bodies into vehicles, machinery and weapons; a last line of defense against the chaos bringer, '''Unicron'''! They '''are''' at war, heroic '''Autobot''' pitted against evil '''Decepticon''', both on their homeworld, the metal planet called '''Cybertron''', and here on our '''Earth'''. They '''are''' the galaxy's last hope, they '''are'''-- '''''TRANSFORMERS'''''|[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' comic]] introductory blurb}}

The origin of the Transformers species differs according to continuity, and not all continuities have given the race a specific stated origin at all, but, of those that exist, the most prominent are:

* '''[[Atechnogenesis]]''' — Spontaneous evolution from "naturally occurring gears, levers and pulleys" on Cybertron's surface. This rather questionable origin was given in the first [[Marvel Comics|Marvel Comic]] issue and then was promptly (and thankfully) ignored.
* '''[[Quintesson|Quintesson made]]''' — Created as [[Autobot|consumer goods]] and [[Decepticon|military hardware]] by the alien Quintessons, who employed Cybertron as a planet-sized factory. This was the origin given for the Transformers in the original Generation 1 cartoon. Although well-known because of the cartoon's prominence, it has been given relatively little attention in subsequent media, and when it is mentioned it is usually in the form of "[[retcon|corrections to the historic record]]" that place the involvement of the Quintessons as secondary to the role of Primus (see below). These retcons largely place the Quintessons as a race who attempted to enslave the Transformers.
* '''[[Primus|Primus created]]''' — Created by the god-like "Lord of the Light" Primus to carry on his age old battle with the "dark god" [[Unicron]]. This origin sprang from [[Simon Furman|Simon Furman's]] United Kingdom comics and then carried back to the later American Marvel books. It is also the origin that has been embraced and adopted by pretty much every subsequent ''Transformers'' work/continuity except for an interlude from 2007 to 2010 — and a [[retcon]] created by the ''Transformers [[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' and [[Fun Publications]] ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' comics and related fiction has unilaterally applied the Primus and Unicron backstory to all Transformers continuities in the Multiverse, past and future.
*'''[[Unicron Trilogy]]''' — After coming into being, Primus, a "unique digital entity", sent out digital mechanical beings into the furthest reaches of the [[galaxy]] as explorers in search of other life. These beings became known as Transformers. They settled on many worlds, one of which became known as Cybertron. {{storylink|First Encounter}} Cybertron was later revealed to be the body of Primus.
[[Image:CybertronFossil.jpg|left|150px|thumb|I ''was'' Batman.]]
* '''Biomechanical evolution''' — In no continuity is this a proven back history for the Transformer race. It is mentioned as idle speculation by [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] fiction, who wonders if perhaps Transformers perhaps evolved/upgraded (with or without external help) from biological beings to mechanical ones, in a similar manner to the transition he witnesses underway on [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Nightbeat}} The inhabitants of Gorlam Prime ''did'' turn into Transformers, albeit with [[Jhiaxus (G2)|outside prompting]], but then went on to independently rename their world... Cybertron. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}} In at least one alternate universe, a [[GoBots (franchise)|certain other race of transforming robotic lifeforms]] did indeed arise in such a fashion. In some continuities, Cybertron is known to have once been inhabited by organic life; in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', for example, Nightscream finds the fossilized remains of organic animals, which incidentally were startlingly similar to known Earthly life forms. {{storylink|Survivor}} However, there is little or no implication that the Transformers ''evolved'' from these organics; there is more implication that whatever previous life was on Cybertron was instead swept aside by the Transformers or their forebears. The ''Kiss Players'' timeline states that [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|12,000,000,000 years ago]] Cybertron was a verdant planet in Japanese continuity.
* '''[[AllSpark|Cube Creationism]]''' — This origin was introduced in 2007 for the live-action movies and ''Transformers Animated''. Here, the cube-like AllSpark (much larger—though shrinkable—in the movie) mystically gave birth to the Transformers. It is not known by any of the Transformers who created it. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}} Unknown to the Transformers in the Movie-verse, the AllSpark created them as a worker race to seek out energy refills for it, and had created [[Thirteen original Transformers|a different race]] first. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}} Except then [[Seven Primes|those beings]] ''were'' Transformers. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}} {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 3}}
* '''Historical hybridization''' - In 2010, the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]] was launched, with one of its goals being to sensibly reconcile many of the more popular elements from prior franchises. [[Transformers: Exodus|The new story]] lists Primus as the ultimate creator of the Transformers, with the AllSpark being the physical mechanism he set up to generate them, and the Quintessons having invaded Cybertron in the ancient past and briefly interfering with their development.

{{-}}

==Biology==
===Physical construction===
====Generation 1 Marvel Comics continuity====
Transformers are composed of a physical body and their programming. Their programming is encoded into a specialized component called a [[brain module]]. Given the resources and a means of assembly, Transformer bodies (including brain modules) can be designed and constructed by other Transformers.<ref>[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took over [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]] and assembled bodies for the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] there. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} [[Ark (G1)|The Ark]] created bodies for five 1985 [[Autobot Cars]]. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}</ref> Without programming, a Transformer body is a mindless drone. It is able to carry out pre-programmed straightforward missions, but that is about it.<ref>Shockwave sends Jetfire's body on such missions. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}</ref>

Transformer programming, however, cannot be created by Transformers. The [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] is able to infuse a Transformer brain module with programming, thus giving the Transformer personality and sentience.<ref>Shockwave describes the process of the Creation Matrix infusing prepared brain modules with data in detail. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] briefly describes the process, "Engineered by [[Grapple]], programmed for life by my Creation Matrix..." {{storylink|Command Performances!}}</ref> Programming on existing Transformers can be copied and stored externally on storage media.<ref>The "minds" of five Autobot Cars were copied and stored as engrams in a [[mind bank]] which are crystal containment vessels storing the minds as patterns of light. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} [[Ethan Zachary]] copied Optimus Prime's programming and stored it on a [[floppy disk]]. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}</ref> These stored minds can be used to infuse a new Transformer body with a new brain module with programming.<ref>{{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} {{storylink|People Power!}}</ref> The brain module (containing a Transformer's programming) can be extracted from the body and installed into other machinery, keeping the Transformer alive.<ref>{{storylink|Toy Soldiers!}}</ref>

====''Transformers: Prime''====
Transformers consist of a [[mind]] and body. A Transformer's mind can be transferred to another body using a [[cortical psychic patch]], where it is possible for two minds to occupy the same body. Without a mind, a Transformer body can be kept alive by artificial means, but it is then essentially without personality.<ref>{{storylink|Sick Mind}}</ref>

====In general====
[[Image:Spark.gif|left|100px|thumb|Sparks retail for $29.95 at [http://www.sharperimage.com/ Sharper Image]]]
Traditionally, Transformers are living, sentient, emotional, and fully-mechanical beings. Many continuities portray Transformer "life" as being granted by a soul-like [[spark]] residing within their mechanical frames.

The [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Generation 2'' comic books]] established that Transformers possess both "genetic material" (useful when [[Reproduction|"budding"]]) and a distinct cellular structure, presumably both of a somehow mechanical nature.

[[Image:Dino comparison Grimlock Megatron.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Original, or extra-fleshy.]]
By the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]] synthetic flesh had become increasingly incorporated into their construction, often to aid in disguise or survival on worlds inhabited by organic lifeforms. (A version of this technology had been introduced earlier with [[Pretender]] Transformers, though in that instance the synthetic flesh was a removable outer "shell".)

In the era of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', events led to true organics being infused into Transformers biology down to the cellular level, making them "[[technorganic]]" with an increased range of powers resulting. (The "[[ParasiTech]]" technology introduced in the Generation-1-based ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' series seems to have an organic component to it as well.)

Being mechanical creatures, Transformers possess a number of distinct mechanical parts that make up their anatomy. For a list, see: [[:Category:Transformer anatomy|Transformers Anatomy]].

Transformers are also known to suffer from some infamous ailments: [[:Category:Diseases|Transformers Diseases]].

First generation Transformers shared the same computational matrix as [[Vector Sigma]], making their power source compatible with the mega computer. Such Transformers are thus capable of reactivating the sleeping computer intelligence. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

====See also====
{{see|Ability}}

===Size===
[[Image:Sizes TFTM Unicron vs MF Browning.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Unicron is quite big, Browning is quite small. The contrast scares this poor little boy something mighty.]] Transformers are ''generally'' large in comparison to Earth lifeforms, (two to eight times the height of a human seems to be about average, though depictions vary wildly even for the same character), but a Transformer can be much, much smaller or much, much larger. There are some small enough to fit in a human's palm (see [[Browning]] and the [[Real Gear Robot]]s). While the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s are two groups whose size range is within normal human standards at a time when most Transformers are larger, human-sized appears to be the norm for Transformers altogether in the Beast Era. In the G1 cartoon, the sizes often shift from episode to episode, at times when they can be twice the average human height to that of being able to reach a four-story building. Several Japanese animations have the robots usually large enough for a number of human characters to fit in one hand.

The upper range of size can be a good deal larger, if you include planet-formers like [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] or even the colossal city-bots [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (the latter's gigantism depending on the continuity). In the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, the planet [[Gigantion]] is populated by both extremes: robots who tower over "normal"-sized Transformers, aided by their tiny Mini-Con partners. But to be blunt, the usual sizes range from 20 feet to 40 feet.

====See also====
{{see|Scale}}
{{--}}

===Variance in form===
[[Image:Scorponok-Annual.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Unconventional limbs make [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] a slow typist.]]

[[Image:Ravageboxart.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A [[Ravage (G1)|classic example]] of a non-humanoid Transformer.]]
[[Image:ROTF Voyager Demolishor.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A [[Demolishor (ROTF)|not-so-classic]] example.]]

While many Transformers possess a "humanoid" form with two arms, two legs and a head atop their torso, it is not uncommon at all for there to be extensive variations. Some Transformers do not have a "humanoid" mode at all, rather their "primary" form is that of an animal or vehicle. [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1's]] [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], for example, or the ''Beast Wars'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]].

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|left|100px|thumb|[[Elita One|Elita 1]] - Boys 0]]

Some have unconventional limbs, their hands (or whole arm) replaced with tools, claws, weapons, or some other form of manipulator (like a beast-mode's head!). Some Transformers' lower bodies feature digitigrade legs, or wheels/treads instead of feet, or no discernible separate legs at all. Some even have more (or less!) than the normal number of limbs altogether. This design style became much more common in the Beast Era (''Beast Wars'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and ''Beast Machines'' [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]], for example), and is also common among the Mini-Cons, but Generation 1 is not without its examples (like [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and [[Octus (G1)|Octus]]).

Transformers' faces also run the gamut of design, from looking like a metal human in a helmet, to faces that can only be described as robotic (again, like Generation 1 Shockwave, whose face consists of little more than a single glowing eye) or animalistic (again, the Beast Era). The Mini-Cons are also notable for more commonly having non-humanoid faces.

The existence and appearance of [[Female Transformer]]s in most continuities seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism to the species as well (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see [[Reproduction]] for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as more graceful of form and more rounded and curved in general, often with a more than passing resemblance to an attractive metal human female wearing armor and kibble. There are rare exceptions to this rule (notably [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Discharge]], though the latter is said to be wearing armor that obscures her true appearance).
{{-}}

===Energy===
[[Image:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg|left|thumb|Energon - the food, drink, and primary currency of Cybertron. (It's like if chocolate coins had a valid exchange rate...)]]
Unlike humans who need air and water as well as food, generally the Transformers' only major need to assure their continued functioning is fuel (though again, even this can vary depending on the fiction).

[[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] is the most common and preferred form of Transformer fuel, but other alternatives may be substituted if it is unavailable.

In the Marvel Comics Earth fuel needed to be treated with a special additive (invented by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to be made usable by Transformer life. In the Cartoon, on the other hand, human energy sources were converted into energon simply by being condensed inside Energon Cubes.

In the original cartoon the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] alone among Transformers seemed to be able to fuel themselves by ingesting organic matter, but by the Beast Era, the ability to ingest organic substances to supplement their fuel needs seems more commonplace.

The [[Action Master]] line introduced a new type of Transformer fuel called [[Nucleon]] which was extremely powerful but prone to unpredictable and destructive side-effects.

There are also even further examples of fuel, including [[Solitarium]] from the Japanese-exclusive [[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]] line of toys/FMV produced by Takara, and the [[Kiss Player|kisses of little girls]] in ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]''.

===See also===
For more information on Transformer biology see:
* '''[[New body]]'''
* '''[[Life cycle]]'''
* '''[[Reproduction]]'''

==Culture==
[[Image:WOTF Emotion.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Transformers are [[Optimus Prime (G1)|lovable]] [[Ariel|couples]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|peaceful creatures]], or [[Galvatron (G1)|omnicidal maniacs]].]]
Regardless of continuity, the most distinctive facet of Transformers society has been its near-continuous state of [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|planetary Civil War]]. The two major factions in these wars are the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s. The conflict is mostly defined by what each faction believes is the "destiny" of the Transformers: the Autobots believe in a peaceful society where Cybertron is a place of culture and justice, while the Decepticons believe in a "might makes right" philosophy where Cybertron would be the center of a [[Decepticon Empire|mighty empire]]. The fact that the vast majority of what we know about Transformers has been shaped by this constant, corrosive warfare should not be overlooked. What a theoretical Transformer society would be like in peacetime is mostly unknown, glimpsed mainly during its disintegration into war or via brief flashbacks and asides. That said, there are some things we do know.

===Sociology===
The Cybertronian society of wartime is portrayed as heavily polarized between Autobot and Decepticon. When there are neutrals they generally fare poorly, becoming victims of Decepticon abuse and destruction.

What little we know of the society before the war suggests it was stratified economically between "haves" (like the aristocratic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]) and [[Empties|have-nots]]. Other facets of society were similarly Earth-like with [[Needlenose|fads and fashions]], [[Chromedome (G1)|schools]] and [[Crankcase (G1)|lousy jobs]], [[Rook (Universe)|news]] [[Slamdance (G1)|media]] and so on.

===Politics===
{{main|Transformer government}}

In many continuities Transformers seem to prefer a non-democratic one-world autocracy centered around a single powerful hero-leader called a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], who serves as both Head of State and Commander-in-Chief (sometimes referred to as [[Supreme Commander]]); in the Generation 1 cartoon continuity the Autobots determine this leadership by possession of the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]] which is passed from each leader to his chosen successor, while in Dreamwave's continuity they were chosen by a [[Council of Ancients]] and in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' by an [[Autobot High Council]]. This would make the Autobots an absolute monarchy.

By contrast, in the Marvel comic continuity, possession of the Matrix does not denote political leadership, as it was more of a religious icon. Instead, Cybertron was ''previously'' an absolute monarchy under the [[Overlord (rank)|Overlords]]; however, later on, Cybertron became a multitude of autonomous city-states under their own governments with the last Overlord as a figurehead ruler, making it both a federation and a constitutional monarchy. During the war, Autobot Cybertron was governed by a [[Council of Autobot Elders]] with the Prime as military commander-in-chief. [[Emirates]] existed but we're not sure how they're chosen or what they do.

In the IDW continuity, the planet is ruled by a [[Senate]], with each city-state having a subordinate council with lesser powers; [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|the current Prime]] was ''subordinate'' to the Senate and only ran the security forces. (This would make Cybertron a republic.)

The Decepticons, however, generally bowed only to the supremacy of the [[Decepticon leader|most powerful]] and normally had ''no'' mechanism for peaceful handover of power: a [[Decepticon Civil War]] often resulted. If the civil war began to seriously hamper the Autobot war effort, the opposing factions would agree to a diplomatic meeting called an [[Enclave]] to try the rare idea of ''talking out'' their differences. One (brief) exception was Marvel UK's [[Decepticon High Council]], a governing body that decided on the new Decepticon leader.

By the era of the Maximals and Predacons, the planet is dually ruled by [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] governments with separate jurisdictions; it's not fully clear how this worked. We know the Maximals are in charge of pretty much most of Cybertron, with a [[Predacon Alliance]] overseeing Predacon affairs and a [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]] bridging the gap: a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consociationalism consociational] government. There's a [[Maximal High Council|High Council]], but they're rarely talked about despite having legislative power (and it may be another term for the Elders). Most of the time, when talking about governments, the Transformers refer to the [[Maximal Elder|Maximal Council of Elders]] or the [[Tripredacus Council]] (what ''is'' it with Transformers and the word "council"?). Both of them are bodies of old Transformers (well, the former would have to be!) who appear to wield the ''real'' power in their respective factions, making this brave new peaceful Cybertron hamstrung by its past. [[Chain of Command|We're told]] that [[democracy]] is a Maximal tradition, indicating the Maximal's Councils are elected by the people.

The [[Go-Bots (toyline)|Transformers Go-Bots]] are ruled by the [[Go-Bot Council]], a triumvirate selected by unknown means. They have direct control over the Go-Bots military force, right down to personally selecting which Go-Bots are going to placed in a planetary garrison. Their primary concern seems to be "helping" other planets, which doesn't sound sinister at all...

In the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, the planet is governed by the [[Autobot High Council]] in the [[Metroplex (Animated)|Metroplex]]. The head of state is the [[Magnus]], an unelected position seemingly based on military rank, and the Council appears unable to depose a Magnus on their own. The Council itself is divided into civilian guilds on one side and military on the other, with security bodies like [[Cybertron Intelligence]] having a seat on the Council. How the civilian councilors are chosen is unknown.

The [[live-action film series]], the first Cybertronian civilization was ruled by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], with the [[Thirteen original Transformers|Thirteen Primes]] serving as the highest authority. The later Autobots ''had'' a co-leadership structure, control split between the Optimus and Megatron, who commanded the Science Division and Defence Force respectively. Optimus's proper title isn't said ("Prime" was a later addition to his name when he discovered he was the last of the Dynasty of Primes), though Megatron's position was [[Lord High Protector]]. There was a law-giving body called the [[High Council of Ancients]], who were respected but an outdated relic of an earlier time. Obviously, this didn't last long when the war started...

===Interaction with other races===
The Civil Wars have resulted in the factions adopting radically different views of how to interact with other races. The Autobots, in the words of Optimus Prime, believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", whereas the Decepticons view other races, particularly organic lifeforms, as little more than slave labor or target practice. When arriving on a planet, the Autobots will usually attempt to contact the native species and warn them of the Decepticon threat, but sometimes they will remain hidden or outright discourage other lifeforms from participating, usually in an effort to better protect them. The Decepticons often make overt attacks on native species, but there are occasions when stealth has been a priority. After the Great War, the Maximals were ''banned'' from travelling to [[Earth|certain]] areas of the galaxy.

However, one unique method of interacting with other races is [[binary bonding]], a process where an organic lifeform will enter into a symbiotic relationship with a Transformer. Such lifeforms will serve as their [[Headmaster (technology)|heads]], [[Targetmaster|weapons]], and, in rare cases, their [[Powermaster|powercores]]. This process has met with mixed results, as it places the Transformer in a dependent situation in the relationship.

[[Swindle (Animated)|Some]] [[Scorponok (G1)#IDW comics continuity|Decepticons]] [[Swindle (G1)|are]] known for making deals with other races, either to gain power through an alliance or for cold hard cash.

The Autobots have made diplomatic and military alliances with humanity in several continuities, most notably in having [[Autobot City]] built on Earth.

===The Arts===
The Transformers have been shown to have a very active [[Transformer music|musical tradition]]. The [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] itself has an archive of 11 million traditional Cybertronian songs. Many Transformers such as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] have shown great interest in music, and [[Squawkbox]] is one prominent example of a Cybertronian musician.

Furthermore, sculpture seems to be one of the primary art forms of Cybertron, with many Transformers dedicated to it. One notable (and gruesome) school of sculpture, practiced by a startling number of Transformers involves making art out of the bodies of other Transformers. The [[Slogism]] movement is a part of this school.

Before the war, Cybertron also featured many marvels of architecture. See: [[Crystal City]]

===See also===
For more information on Transformer culture see:
*'''[[Cybertronian Civil Wars]]'''
*'''[[Religion]]'''
*'''[[Transformer funerary practices]]'''
*'''[[Transformer economics]]'''
*'''[[Transformer furniture]]'''
*'''[[Transformer romance]]'''

==Toys==
{{main|Toy}}

The Transformers were introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1984 with the [[franchise]] now known as [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]. The line has gone through numerous incarnations since, with the latest being the [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|sequel]] to the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 film's line]]. Nearly all the product sold in the line consists of actual Transformer figures; non-Transformer items such as bases, vehicles and accessories, while common in most boy-centric toy lines, have been fairly uncommon in the history of the [[Transformers brand]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo]]
[[Category:Binaltech Asterisk]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Classics]]
[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]
[[Category:Generation 1 species]]
[[Category:Generation 2]]
[[Category:Kiss Players]]
[[Category:Micromaster]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Operation Combination]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise]]
[[Category:Species]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce]]
[[Category:The Headmasters]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]
[[Category:Transformers| ]]
[[Category:TransTech]]
[[Category:United]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Victory]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron]]
[[Category:Zone]]