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Transformers Roleplaying Game

2024-04-24T18:10:32Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Roles */

[[File:Transformers RPG Logo 2022.jpg|centre|500px]] 

[[File:Transformers Roleplaying Game cover art (Preorder).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Are you prepared for all of those shabby impersonations of beloved characters? ''Are you?'']]

The '''Transformers Roleplaying Game''' is a tabletop roleplaying game created by [[Renegade Game Studios]]. It was first teased in the summer of [[2020]] <ref>https://www.dicebreaker.com/universes/power-rangers/news/power-rangers-rpg-deckbuilder-announced</ref>, and officially announced on [[September 1]], [[2021]]. The game was digitally released on [[August 2]], [[2022]], followed by a physical release on [[October 11]].

The game sees players create their own [[Autobot]] characters and wage their battles to destroy the evil forces of the <s>Game Master</s> [[Decepticon]]s. (Or vice-versa!)

==Gameplay==
The ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' makes use of Renegade Game Studios' own ''Essence20'' system, which is also used in their other [[Hasbro]]-licensed games, including their ''[[Power Rangers (franchise)|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'', ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', and ''[[My Little Pony]]'' roleplaying games; as such, characters from the different games can theoretically be mixed and matched for crossover campaigns. Renegade has also noted that the game "lends itself to cinematic action and cooperative roleplaying experiences, by using a character's background along with mechanics to incorporate unique character flaws", as well as a "Story Point" system which will be rewarded to players for finishing missions, performing daring heroics, and roleplaying.

''Essence20'' uses a system based on the d20 (20-sided die) and what they call a "skill die", which ranges from a d2 to d20. By rolling these dice, a player must exceed the numerical difficulty of the task at hand to succeed. The finer points of this mechanic are designed to "[lead] to more chances for [critical successes] and more opportunities for great roleplaying incorporating them".

===Character creation===
Skills are based on Strength, Speed, Smarts, and Social, referred to as "the 4 S's". First level characters begin with 16 Essence Points—four of these points are automatically assigned based on the player's choice of Origin, Role, and Focus, while the remaining twelve may be allocated at the player's discretion.

When creating a new character, players may freely combine most Influences, Origins, and Roles at will. This provides players with an "amazing depth and breadth to the variety of characters [they] can create", <ref>https://renegadegamestudios.com/blog/introducing-the-essence20-roleplaying-system/</ref> and allows for some charmingly outlandish combinations.

====Influences====
Influences flesh out a character's backstory and provide players with inspiration for a character's personality, appearance, and traits—these include former professions such as "[[Gladiatorial combat|Gladiator]]", or "Refinery Laborer", personality traits like "Skeptic" and "Stargazer", or the presence of additional body augmentations, such as "Experiment" or "[[Binary bonding|Binary Bonded]]". These Influences may provide minor stat boosts or a chance to re-roll specific failed skill tests. Each Influence comes with several suggested Background Bonds, which players can select at will to add some additional flavor to their in-character roleplaying.

A player can take as many influences as they want; however, for every two Influences they select, they must choose a Flaw, which permanently impacts their character's stats or raises the chance of failing specific skill tests.

====Origins====
In the ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'', a character's Origin generally corresponds to a Cybertronian's [[alternate mode]] or physical construction. A character's Origin also determines factors such as their size, starting health pool, movement speed, and overall Essence Points distribution. The ''Core Rulebook'' features the first eight Origins listed here; subsequent sourcebooks have added at least one Origin each.

{{collist|2|

* '''Champions''' transform into sports cars, luxury sedans, and other such flashy vehicles, which gives them an edge in social scenarios. <ref name="CR">''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]]''</ref>
* '''Cutters''' transform into aquatic vehicles like boats or submarines, which lets them easily cross watery terrain or attack from unexpected angles. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Lookouts''' convert into inconspicuous vehicles or inanimate objects, and excel at espionage and reconnaissance. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Monoliths''' use heavy-duty alternate modes like trucks and vans to literally throw their weight around. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Outriders''' usually become off-road vehicles like SUVs. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Rainmakers''' specialize in firepower and often transform into military vehicles like tanks. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Seekers''' are nimble fighters who transform into jets and other high-speed air vehicles. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Supports''' take the form of practical vehicles like cranes, ambulances, or helicopters. Although they're not dedicated fighters, they can use their vehicle mode equipment as an extra weapon. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Pretenders''' are a unique group of Cybertronians capable of disguising themselves as organic creatures. <ref name="FG">''[[Field Guide to Action and Adventure]]''</ref>
* '''Armory Call''' characters become hand-held firearms or armor for other Transformers. <ref name="DD">''[[Decepticon Directive]]''</ref>
* '''Drones''' may have begun as mindless soldiers, but they've somehow developed independence and unique quirks that differentiate them from their [[Drone|mass-produced brethren]]. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Insecticons''' are tough fighters who become giant insects. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Mini-Cons''' are often partnered with larger Cybertronians. However, with the ''Decepticon Directive'' sourcebook, a player can choose to roleplay as an independent [[Mini-Con]]. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Monstrosities''' adopt [[beast mode]]s based on [[dragon]]s, [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaur]]s, and other fearsome creatures. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Salvaged''' Transformers, such as the [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]]s, can cobble together improvised weapons from whatever's at hand. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Chargers''' specialize in vehicle mode combat, using bulldozer blades and cowcatchers to flatten their foes. <ref name="EC">''[[The Enigma of Combination]]''</ref>
* '''Pillars''' protect their smaller comrades by drawing enemy aggression. <ref name="EC"/>
* '''Speakers''' boost morale and generate free Story Points on critical successes. <ref name="EC"/>
}}

====Roles====
The ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' offers nine distinct Roles, which correspond to an overall character "class" in a game like ''Dungeons and Dragons''. A player's chosen Role dictates some of their Essence Points allotments; additionally, each Role offers at least one unique way a player can use their Energon Points. Each Role is further subdivided into at least two distinct Focuses—for instance, a Transformer who takes the "Gunner" role must choose whether to specialize as a Gunslinger or Sharpshooter. Subsequent expansions have offered further Roles and individual Focuses within preexisting Roles.

Focuses are not locked behind faction affiliations; for instance, players wishing to roleplay as morally ambiguous Autobots are free to choose more destructive Focuses from the ''Decepticon Directive'' sourcebook.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 500px;" | Role
! scope="col" style="width: 1000px;" | Focuses
|-
| '''Analysts''' are information warfare specialists who can manipulate the game's Initiative-based combat order by boosting up allies or suppressing enemies.
|
* '''Manipulators''' disorient their foes with [[holographic projector|holo-projector]]s and [[electro-disrupter]]s. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Spec Ops''' use charisma and deception to gain an enemy's trust... then strike when their foes least expect it. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Corruptors''' fool their enemies through espionage and misdirection. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Inquisitors''' gain the information they need through interrogation and coercion.<ref name="DD"/>
* '''Hubs''' keep teammates connected by acting as a mobile communications center. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
|'''Field Commanders''' make everyone around them better—they can temporarily boost an ally's stats or inspire their teammates to take free actions.
|
* '''Ambassadors''' prefer to minimize casualties through negotiations, but will fight fiercely to protect non-combatants from harm. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Strategists''' combine their inspiring presence with clever tactics to control the flow of combat. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Masterminds''' lead from the rear, using cunning strategies to mislead and deceive their enemies. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Tyrants''' lean on their terrifying presence in combat to intimidate enemies into surrendering—and frighten allies into obedience. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Team Leaders''' lead by example, fighting alongside and supporting the 'bots under their command. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Gunners''' always have the right firearm for the job—whether they're sniping foes from afar, laying down a hail of close-range covering fire, or obliterating hard targets with heavy weapons.
|
* '''Gunslingers''' adapt to the changing battlefield by rapidly switching from one firearm to another. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Sharpshooters''' are long range fighters who rely on single, precise shots. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Cannonade''' Gunners deploy explosive munitions to blow their enemies to bits. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Triggerbots''' specialize in two-handed heavy weapons. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Cannoneers''' use heavy artillery to obliterate enemy cover. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Modemasters''' are well-rounded fighters with enhanced [[transformation]] abilities, who can take on extra [[alternate mode]]s or link up with a smaller [[Mini-Con]] partner. Unlike other Roles, Modemasters can choose how to allocate their Essence Score Points and Skills as they level up.

|
* '''Microlinked''' Transformers have formed a symbiotic partnership with a smaller [[Mini-Con]]; as they level up, they may pair up with an additional Mini-Con. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Triple Changers''' gain extra flexibility by choosing an additional Origin. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Mimics''' gradually gain Origins as they level up, until they cap out at [[Six Changer|six]]. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Minion Masters''' may control up to four Mini-Cons, and can gain additional Mini-Cons through General Perks. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Bonded Masters''' have been [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] with a smaller being, either a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], [[Powermaster]], or [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]. <ref name="EC"/>
* '''Component Ace''' Transformers lend additional expertise to a [[combiner]] team. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
|'''Scientists''' start with extra Energon Points, which they can use to heal and support their allies in and out of combat.
|
* '''Medical Officers''' patch up injured teammates and protect them from incoming damage. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Gadgeteers''' can augment their allies with advanced technology, jury-rig battlefield equipment, and take out enemy equipment. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Cyber Engineers''' apply various stat boosts by experimenting on themselves and their fellow Cybertronians. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Elementalists''' specialize in weaponry involving one particular element, such as fire, lasers, or acid. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Counsellors''' provide psychological support for allies... or prey upon the psychological problems of their enemies. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
|
'''Scouts''' excel at gathering intelligence, marking targets, and causing havoc behind enemy lines.
|
* '''Outriders''' rely on speed to evade their enemies. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Prowlers''' use stealth tactics and silenced weapons to ambush their opponents. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Demolitionists''' trip up foes and destroy buildings with booby traps and explosives. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Trackers''' pursue and isolate single targets across long distances. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Surveyors''' map out terrain, plan routes, and lay explosive traps. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Warriors''' are close-range fighters who specialize in melee combat. When a Warrior takes enough damage to be Defeated, they may choose to instead lose one of their limbs and fight on with a temporary stat loss.
|
* '''Sentinels''' emphasize defence and precision. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Wreckers''' prefer one-on-one combat. <ref name="CR"/>
* '''Brutes''' cut foes down to size with underhanded tactics. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Shredders''' work themselves into an unstoppable rage. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Pugilists''' pummel foes into submission with their fists. <ref name="EC"/>
|-
| '''Envoys''' prefer diplomacy over violence, and this wide perspective allows them to use another faction’s specific Faction Benefit in addition to their own.
|
* '''Alien Ambassadors''' specialize in translating languages and assisting beings from other planets, even those that don't share a common language with the party. <ref name="FG"/>
* '''Grid Psychics''' can telepathically tap into the power of the [[Morphin Grid]] to assist their allies in combat situations. <ref name="FG"/>
* '''Military Attaches''' are combat diplomats who can handle themselves in a fight. <ref name="FG"/>
|-
|'''Raiders''' take whatever they feel they're owed, through coercion, deception, or brute force.
|
* '''Acquisition Experts''' combine sticky fingers with hit-and-run tactics. <ref name="DD"/>
* '''Siegemasters''' use heavy weapons to bust bunkers and crack open fortifications. <ref name="DD"/>

|}

===Perks and levels===

All player characters begin with multiple Perks--these include universal perks that apply to all Cybertronians, faction-specific Perks for Autobots and Decepticons, Origin Benefits based on a character's Origin, and Perks based on their chosen Roles and Focuses. As they level up, characters gain additional Role and Focus Perks; at certain levels players may also select from a General Perk from a universal pool to further customize their character.

The ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' does not use an experience-based level system. Instead, levelling is left to the discretion of the GM, who may award the party the opportunity to level up at the end of an adventure or after a key encounter such as a boss fight.

==Game content==
===Sourcebooks===
* ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Core Rulebook]]'' — The first book to be released, which presents the basics of the gameplay and contains rules for character creation, mechanics for tools, equipment, weapons, and vehicles, all to be used while exploring the world of the Transformers along with your friends (as well as the GM). The ''Core Rulebook'' also includes material for the Game Master, such as guidelines for creating adventures and campaigns, and a dossier of famous and infamous Cybertronians to use as non-player characters. A starter-adventure, "[[Troubled Waters]]", is included in the book to help prepare players and the GM for what the game has to offer.
* ''[[Field Guide to Action and Adventure]]'' — A sourcebook meant to not only be used with the ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'', but also with the ''Power Rangers Roleplaying Game'' and the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]] Roleplaying Game''. The book offers new character options, as well as rules and tools for GMs to create crossover adventures between the aforementioned roleplaying games and new threats.
* ''[[Decepticon Directive]]'' — A sourcebook all about creating Decepticon characters and running a Decepticon campaign. The ''Decepticon Directive Sourcebook'' adds several new character options, including a new Role, many of which are also compatible with Autobot characters. Various Decepticon-themed settings, non-player characters, gear, and so forth are also included for GM usage, along with a new adventure scenario.
* ''[[The Enigma of Combination|Enigma of Combination]]'' — A sourcebook focusing on [[combiner]]s and [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] characters, along with several new Roles, Inspirations, and Focuses.

===Adventure scenarios===
Adventure scenarios are pre-written game modules that provide a full session's worth of content for players, including characters to interact with, branching story paths based on their choices, and plenty of enemy encounters to overcome.
*"[[Troubled Waters]]"
*"[[A Beacon of Hope]]"
*"[[Winner’s Cup]]" (''Play Renegade'' Season 1 adventure PDF)
*"[[The Time Is Now]]"
*"[[Memories and Salvation]]"
*"[[Cobra/Con Fusion]]" (cross-compatible with the ''G.I. Joe Roleplaying Game'')
*"[[Worlds Collide: Battle for the Multiverse]]"
*"[[The Great Energon Robbery]]"
*"[[Catch A Falling Starscream]]" (''Play Renegade'' Season 2 adventure PDF)

===Bonus material===
Additional pieces of material, such as stat blocks for new characters and items the GM can choose to implement, are available as part of [https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game-free-bonus-material/ a free "Bonus Material" download], which is set to be updated with new content as time goes on.
* [[Polarity gauntlet]] lore sheet.
* Potential plot hooks on how to implement everyone's favorite self-serving, backstabbing Decepticon, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], into a campaign.
* Game details and lore regarding the [[Hate Plague]].
* Pre-Generated character sheets for [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Eject (G1)|Eject]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]].

===Transformers Roleplaying Game Starter Bundle===
A beginner’s collection of books, PDFs, and Autobot branded accessories to get started in the basic gameplay.
* ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]]''
* ''[[A Beacon of Hope]]''
* ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]]'' (PDF)
* ''[[Winner’s Cup]]'' (''Play Renegade'' PDF)
* '''Fillable Character Sheet''' (PDF)
* '''Free Bonus Material''' (PDF)
* '''A Beacon of Hope - GM Screen'''
* '''Autobot Dice Set'''
* '''Autobot Dice Bag'''

==Accessories==
* '''Fillable PDF Character Sheet''' ([[August 2]], 2022)
: A fillable PDF file of a standard blank character sheet, to be used by the players. The sheet was released on the same day as the digital release of the ''Core Rulebook'', and is [https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game-fillable-pdf-character-sheet/ available as a free download] from Renegade's website.

* '''Character Journal''' ([[August 16]], 2022)
: An 80-page hardcover book designed for more detailed tracking of character information. The journal includes an expanded character sheet, prompts to assist with character building, cheat sheets and other guidelines for quick reference, and 40 pages of space intended for session note-taking.

[[File:Transformers RPG GM Screen Renegade Game Studios.jpg|thumb|right|350px|We have a feeling that the players won't be able to go all-out murderhobo on these NPCs...]]
* '''GM Screen''' ([[January 4]], 2023)
: A physical screen designed to hide the contents of the Game Master's side of the table from prying eyes. While the exterior features artwork of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], the inside of the screen features rules, lists, and reference tables for the GM's convenience. The screen also comes with a booklet containing the adventure scenario "[[A Beacon of Hope]]"; those who pre-ordered also received the PDF version of the adventure for free.

* '''Dice Bag''' ([[October 11]], 2022)
: A double-lined fabric dice bag bearing the Autobot insignia; a Decepticon variant is schedule for release in November 2023. It measures 6.25 inches x 8.5 inches flat, and features a locking drawstring clasp. Perfect for holding...

* '''Dice Set''' ([[October 11]], 2022)
: A full set of dice required for play, with the Autobot insignia appearing in place of the highest number on each die to instantly let you know when you roll a critical success. The set includes two d20, a d12, a d10, a d8, a d6, a d4, and a d2 coin. A Decepticon set is scheduled for a November 2023 release.

==Notes==
* [[FIRRIB|Frenzy is Red, Rumble is Blue (or both).]]
* When first announced it was implied that all of Renegade Game Studios' Hasbro-related releases would use a modified version of the rules for 5th edition ''Dungeons & Dragons'', managed by Hasbro subsidiary [[Wizards of the Coast]], but such plans seem to have been nixed when Renegade announced the creation of their own unique system — stating: “While we originally announced that these RPGs would be using the 5th Edition Open Game License, during development, it became clear that a custom system would allow fans to take better advantage of these unique worlds.” <ref>https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/22652204/power-rangers-g-i-joe-transformers-tabletop-rpg-release-date-price</ref>
* As with a lot of auxiliary Transformers merchandise, the ''TF:RPG'' makes heavy use of the [[Evergreen]] designs.
* Unusually for a mostly ''Generation 1'' inspired evergreen product, the ''TF:RPG'' makes a number of prominent references to 2001's [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|''Robots in Disguise'']] series. The [[Autobot Road]] (already a fairly obscure reference) is also referred to as the [[Global Space Bridge]], there's reference to the [[Black Pyramid]], and most apparent, enemy sheets for [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]].

{{--}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://renegadegamestudios.com Official website of Renegade Game Studios]
* [https://renegadegamestudios.com/blog/announcing-the-transformers-roleplaying-game/ Official announcement of the Transformers Roleplaying Game]

[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game| ]]

The Enigma of Combination

2024-04-24T08:18:36Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Errors */

{{disambig2|the sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]|the mystical artifact for which it's named|Enigma of Combination}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''The Enigma of Combination''
|prev=Decepticon Directive
|image= EnigmaOfCombinationSourcebookCover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by= [[Mercedes Acosta]], [[Joseph Blomquist]], [[Michael Bramnik]], [[John Curtin]], [[Chesley Oxendine]], [[David Schwartz]], [[Jim Sorenson]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]] & [[Diego Valdez]]
|date= March 26, 2024
|pagecount= 127
|price=$45.00 USD 
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-957311-15-9 
}}

'''''The Enigma of Combination''''' is an expansion sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It is currently planned for a digital and physical release on March 26, 2024.

The book contains rules for players to create Combiner characters and a multitude of new character influences, origins, and role focuses, as well as new potential allies and threats to pit against players.

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: The Sum Of Their Parts===
{{collist|2|
* What are Combiners?
* A Brief History of Combiners
* Combiners in the Modern Era
* Decepticon Combiner Data Files
* Autobot Combiner Data Files
}}

===Chapter 2: Combiner Characters===
{{collist|2|
* Influences
* Origins
* Role Focuses
* General Perks
* Combiner Rules
}}

===Chapter 3: Combiner Armory===
{{collist|2|
* Upscaling Weapons
* New Equipment Options
* New Other Equipment
* Cybertronian Artifacts
}}

===Chapter 4: Threats And Allies===

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combaticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Commandos'''<ref>Stats for [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Movor|Movor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Constructicons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
'''Predacons'''<ref>Stats for [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]}}
|}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
* The book opens with a transcribed lecture from [[Termagax]], the iconoclastic founder of the [[Decepticon]] movement from [[Transformers (2019 comic)|IDW's rebooted ''Transformers'' comic]]. The text notes that she's giving this lecture at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]; like in the IDW comics, she's evidently on civil terms with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots. She mentions mentoring the original six Constructicons many millennia ago, in reference to the "Constructicons Rising" arc of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]''.
* Attendees include [[Neo-Wheel]]—who flags up the existence of smaller combiners like [[Bumble]], certain [[Mini-Cassette|Recordicon]]s, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]], and his own [[Sixturbo|Turbo Team]]—[[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], who alludes to the existence of "[[double Targetmaster]]s" like himself, a Generation 1 incarnation of the [[Rescue Bot]] [[Boulder (RB)|Boulder]], and a [[human]] named [[General Blaze]], who originated in a very early draft of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* In her lecture, Termagax flags up [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as an example of a combiner team with multiple members—these substitute Constructicons include [[Gravedigger]], who originated in the ''[[Find Your Fate Junior]]'' books, [[Hightower (Classics)|Hightower]], from ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', and [[Buckethead]] and [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]] from ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''. She also mentions situations where Autobots have become part of the team; in addition to namedropping the ''Uprising'' roster of [[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]], [[Hauler]], and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], she also mentions [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], who filled in for the deceased [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] in the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
* While discussing unusual combiners, Termagax mentions the inhabitants of the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]], who debuted in ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'', and the [[Multiforce]] of [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]], using the name of the planet as it appeared in the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]] and ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II]]''.
* While discussing [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, Termagax notes that they are sometimes referred to as "Titanmasters", and that the [[Binary bonding|binary bond]] symbiosis can unlock all kinds of unusual superpowers, as was the case in the 2016 ''[[Titans Return (franchise)|Titans Return]]'' franchise.
* Termagax explains that [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s are more powerful than ordinary guns because they directly harness the [[spark]] energy of their larger partner, an idea that originated in the ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' story "[[Trigger Warnings]]".
* Other forms of combination alluded to, but not directly named, include [[Breast Animal|mechanimals who become armored chestplates]] or [[Action Master partner|helmets]], [[Brainmaster|full-sized robots capable of downloading themselves into a smaller unit]], [[Transtector|non-sentient robot bodies controlled by a single Headmaster]], and "[[mitotic spark]]s".
* Termagax alludes to an old rival who pushed the idea of "efficiency through self-sufficiency". This was the bio quote given to [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]'s [[Sideways (RID)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|''Robots in Disguise'' toy]]; Termagax mentions that he's since become a Headmaster, alluding to the more famous [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''.
* Excerpts lifted from [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s personal files feature mention of [[Needler (G1)|Needler]], Bombshell's [[Action Master partner]]. In these files, Bombshell ponders on the origins of combination technology; he notes that while some attribute its development to the [[Guardian Knight|Knights of Iacon]] or the [[Thirteen]], he believes that the first gestalt must have predated the universe itself, a "truly monstrous devil". His musings are evocative of [[Devil Z]], big bad of the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' anime, who sought to create the perfect fusion between humans and Transformers.
* An article written by [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] is noted to have been published in "Alt2day", a reference to the in-universe "[[ALTernity Today]]" newspaper from the ''AllSpark Almanac'' duology, which had an unofficial online edition hosted at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100716203345/http://alt2day.dyndns.org:80/index.html Alt2Day.com]. In it, Brainstorm investigates the existence of "ancient partnerships" analogous to the modern Headmaster process, and highlights the [[Battle of Aegiax]] as one such example: in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic, this was where [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] battled ancient Headmasters like [[Myskrion]]. The article also flags up "anomalies" in "G Nebula 88", in a seeming reference to the combining heroes and villains of ''Masterforce''... (but see "Errors" for more on that).
* A profile written from [[Vorath]]'s point of view namedrops [[Murk]] and [[Chasm]]; while these were originally robotic [[Titan Master]]s from the ''Titans Return'' line, they've been reimagined as organic [[Nebulan]]s who work for the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]].
* Vorath's narration connects the Enigma of Combination to [[Nexus Prime]], as is common for most interpretations of the relic. He notes, however, that some texts refer to him as "Nexus Maximus", his working name before it was changed for legal reasons.
* In his journal, Vorath contemplates the existence of various potential combiners; he is excited at the prospect of Mindwipe merging into a combiner called "[[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]]", as was the case in the [[2005 IDW continuity]]; on the other hand, he worries that a Dinobot combiner could be an [[Beast (G1)|uncontrollable beast]], or what might happen if the Autobots pooled their best and brightest into an unstoppable "[[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]" configuration.
* Narration from [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s point of view notes that he was locked away in a [[photonic crystal|photonic containment vessel]] during Devastator's first-ever deployment, evoking the epsode "[[Starscream's Brigade]]". He gloats that the Autobots were forced to rely on their [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s to hold the line—in addition to the well-known [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], he also namedrops [[Rails]], another character who originated in the aborted first draft of ''The Movie''. Other combiner teams alluded to include [[Landfill (RID)|Build King]] and the [[Dinoforce]].
* A letter from [[Hi-Q]] to [[Kari]] mentions the planets of [[Master (planet)|Dominus]], [[Gorlam Prime]], and [[Planet X (Animated)|Planet X]]; as well as fellow Nebulans [[Flintlock]], [[Galen]], [[Leinad]], [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]], and [[Llyra]].

===Trivia===
* This is the first ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' sourcebook to have writing by [[Jim Sorenson]], which goes some way to explaining the sheer density of deep-cut lore drops in the first chapter—particularly those referencing the first draft of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', which Sorenson was involved with uncovering.

===Errors===
* Vorath's journal alludes to anomalies in "G-Nebula 88". Assuming that this is meant to be a ''Masterforce'' reference, that should be "[[G Nebula 89|G-Nebula '''89''']]".
*In the Roles section of the book, a picture of [[Breacher (TF 2010)|Breacher]] is misidentified as [[Pyra Magna]], while on the previous page, a picture of Pyra Magna is misidentified as “Breecher”.
*Like the others in the series, this book is chock full of grammatical and spelling errors, but perhaps the most egregious is [[Aimless]]’s name being spelled as “Aimldeess” in the table of stat blocks sorted by Threat Level.
{{bookstub}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Enigma of Combination}}
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]

The Enigma of Combination

2024-04-24T08:16:44Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Errors */

{{disambig2|the sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]|the mystical artifact for which it's named|Enigma of Combination}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''The Enigma of Combination''
|prev=Decepticon Directive
|image= EnigmaOfCombinationSourcebookCover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by= [[Mercedes Acosta]], [[Joseph Blomquist]], [[Michael Bramnik]], [[John Curtin]], [[Chesley Oxendine]], [[David Schwartz]], [[Jim Sorenson]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]] & [[Diego Valdez]]
|date= March 26, 2024
|pagecount= 127
|price=$45.00 USD 
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-957311-15-9 
}}

'''''The Enigma of Combination''''' is an expansion sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It is currently planned for a digital and physical release on March 26, 2024.

The book contains rules for players to create Combiner characters and a multitude of new character influences, origins, and role focuses, as well as new potential allies and threats to pit against players.

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: The Sum Of Their Parts===
{{collist|2|
* What are Combiners?
* A Brief History of Combiners
* Combiners in the Modern Era
* Decepticon Combiner Data Files
* Autobot Combiner Data Files
}}

===Chapter 2: Combiner Characters===
{{collist|2|
* Influences
* Origins
* Role Focuses
* General Perks
* Combiner Rules
}}

===Chapter 3: Combiner Armory===
{{collist|2|
* Upscaling Weapons
* New Equipment Options
* New Other Equipment
* Cybertronian Artifacts
}}

===Chapter 4: Threats And Allies===

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combaticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Commandos'''<ref>Stats for [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Movor|Movor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Constructicons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
'''Predacons'''<ref>Stats for [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]}}
|}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
* The book opens with a transcribed lecture from [[Termagax]], the iconoclastic founder of the [[Decepticon]] movement from [[Transformers (2019 comic)|IDW's rebooted ''Transformers'' comic]]. The text notes that she's giving this lecture at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]; like in the IDW comics, she's evidently on civil terms with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots. She mentions mentoring the original six Constructicons many millennia ago, in reference to the "Constructicons Rising" arc of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]''.
* Attendees include [[Neo-Wheel]]—who flags up the existence of smaller combiners like [[Bumble]], certain [[Mini-Cassette|Recordicon]]s, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]], and his own [[Sixturbo|Turbo Team]]—[[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], who alludes to the existence of "[[double Targetmaster]]s" like himself, a Generation 1 incarnation of the [[Rescue Bot]] [[Boulder (RB)|Boulder]], and a [[human]] named [[General Blaze]], who originated in a very early draft of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* In her lecture, Termagax flags up [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as an example of a combiner team with multiple members—these substitute Constructicons include [[Gravedigger]], who originated in the ''[[Find Your Fate Junior]]'' books, [[Hightower (Classics)|Hightower]], from ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', and [[Buckethead]] and [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]] from ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''. She also mentions situations where Autobots have become part of the team; in addition to namedropping the ''Uprising'' roster of [[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]], [[Hauler]], and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], she also mentions [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], who filled in for the deceased [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] in the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
* While discussing unusual combiners, Termagax mentions the inhabitants of the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]], who debuted in ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'', and the [[Multiforce]] of [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]], using the name of the planet as it appeared in the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]] and ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II]]''.
* While discussing [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, Termagax notes that they are sometimes referred to as "Titanmasters", and that the [[Binary bonding|binary bond]] symbiosis can unlock all kinds of unusual superpowers, as was the case in the 2016 ''[[Titans Return (franchise)|Titans Return]]'' franchise.
* Termagax explains that [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s are more powerful than ordinary guns because they directly harness the [[spark]] energy of their larger partner, an idea that originated in the ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' story "[[Trigger Warnings]]".
* Other forms of combination alluded to, but not directly named, include [[Breast Animal|mechanimals who become armored chestplates]] or [[Action Master partner|helmets]], [[Brainmaster|full-sized robots capable of downloading themselves into a smaller unit]], [[Transtector|non-sentient robot bodies controlled by a single Headmaster]], and "[[mitotic spark]]s".
* Termagax alludes to an old rival who pushed the idea of "efficiency through self-sufficiency". This was the bio quote given to [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]'s [[Sideways (RID)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|''Robots in Disguise'' toy]]; Termagax mentions that he's since become a Headmaster, alluding to the more famous [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''.
* Excerpts lifted from [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s personal files feature mention of [[Needler (G1)|Needler]], Bombshell's [[Action Master partner]]. In these files, Bombshell ponders on the origins of combination technology; he notes that while some attribute its development to the [[Guardian Knight|Knights of Iacon]] or the [[Thirteen]], he believes that the first gestalt must have predated the universe itself, a "truly monstrous devil". His musings are evocative of [[Devil Z]], big bad of the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' anime, who sought to create the perfect fusion between humans and Transformers.
* An article written by [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] is noted to have been published in "Alt2day", a reference to the in-universe "[[ALTernity Today]]" newspaper from the ''AllSpark Almanac'' duology, which had an unofficial online edition hosted at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100716203345/http://alt2day.dyndns.org:80/index.html Alt2Day.com]. In it, Brainstorm investigates the existence of "ancient partnerships" analogous to the modern Headmaster process, and highlights the [[Battle of Aegiax]] as one such example: in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic, this was where [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] battled ancient Headmasters like [[Myskrion]]. The article also flags up "anomalies" in "G Nebula 88", in a seeming reference to the combining heroes and villains of ''Masterforce''... (but see "Errors" for more on that).
* A profile written from [[Vorath]]'s point of view namedrops [[Murk]] and [[Chasm]]; while these were originally robotic [[Titan Master]]s from the ''Titans Return'' line, they've been reimagined as organic [[Nebulan]]s who work for the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]].
* Vorath's narration connects the Enigma of Combination to [[Nexus Prime]], as is common for most interpretations of the relic. He notes, however, that some texts refer to him as "Nexus Maximus", his working name before it was changed for legal reasons.
* In his journal, Vorath contemplates the existence of various potential combiners; he is excited at the prospect of Mindwipe merging into a combiner called "[[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]]", as was the case in the [[2005 IDW continuity]]; on the other hand, he worries that a Dinobot combiner could be an [[Beast (G1)|uncontrollable beast]], or what might happen if the Autobots pooled their best and brightest into an unstoppable "[[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]" configuration.
* Narration from [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s point of view notes that he was locked away in a [[photonic crystal|photonic containment vessel]] during Devastator's first-ever deployment, evoking the epsode "[[Starscream's Brigade]]". He gloats that the Autobots were forced to rely on their [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s to hold the line—in addition to the well-known [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], he also namedrops [[Rails]], another character who originated in the aborted first draft of ''The Movie''. Other combiner teams alluded to include [[Landfill (RID)|Build King]] and the [[Dinoforce]].
* A letter from [[Hi-Q]] to [[Kari]] mentions the planets of [[Master (planet)|Dominus]], [[Gorlam Prime]], and [[Planet X (Animated)|Planet X]]; as well as fellow Nebulans [[Flintlock]], [[Galen]], [[Leinad]], [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]], and [[Llyra]].

===Trivia===
* This is the first ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' sourcebook to have writing by [[Jim Sorenson]], which goes some way to explaining the sheer density of deep-cut lore drops in the first chapter—particularly those referencing the first draft of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', which Sorenson was involved with uncovering.

===Errors===
* Vorath's journal alludes to anomalies in "G-Nebula 88". Assuming that this is meant to be a ''Masterforce'' reference, that should be "[[G Nebula 89|G-Nebula '''89''']]".
*In the Roles section of the book, a picture of [[Breacher (TF 2010)|Breacher]] is misidentified as [[Pyra Magna]], while on the previous page, a picture of Pyra Magna is misidentified as “Breecher”.
*Like the others in the series, this book is chock full of grammatical and spelling errors, but perhaps the most egregious is [[Aimless]]’s name being spelled as “Aimldeess”.
{{bookstub}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Enigma of Combination}}
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]

B.O.T. (episode)

2024-03-25T18:52:03Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* The surreal world of "B.O.T." */

{{featured}}
{| style="margin:0 1em 0 2em; padding:.5em; background:#f7f8ff; border:thin solid #aaa;display:block;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
|-
|''This article is about the worst episode of Transformers ever. For a list of other meanings, see [[B.O.T. (disambiguation)]].''
|}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=65
|next=The Transformers: The Movie
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=59
|prev2=Neverending Struggle
|next2=War Dawn (episode)
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=44
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|next3=Aerial Assault
|image=B.O.T.jpg
|caption=Smarter than a race of multimillion-year-old robots. ''Using Brawl's brain.''
|title="B.O.T."
|season=2
|season ep=49
|production code=#700-64
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|airdate=[[January 9]], 1986
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh3qgj4awtU
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''After Swindle sells the components of his fellow Combaticons, three kids get their hands on Brawl's brain, using it to make a robot.'''

Or...

'''Worst. Episode. Ever.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:BOT-Road.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Here we come...drivin' down the street...]]
The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] enter an unidentified city for no discernible reason, then all transform to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] for no discernible reason. While transforming, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] knocks over [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] for no discernible reason. Brawl expresses his displeasure for an obvious reason. They then drive (yes, even [[Vortex (G1)|the]] [[Blast Off (G1)|flyers]] ''drive'') about ten feet down the street and form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] for no discernible reason. He is immediately destroyed with a single shot by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (who's there for no discernible reason). Defensor just leaves the pile of parts alone and unsupervised, apparently not bothering to alert the other [[Autobot]]s or anything. This enables Swindle—who has somehow survived ''without a scratch'' the explosion that reduced all the other Combaticons to a pile of parts — to gather up the bits. No human authorities are involved either.

Swindle then visits the generically evil foreign guy "[[El Presidente]]" on his ship filled with weapons in order to buy parts to repair the Combaticons.

Meanwhile, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is running a simulation of his new [[orbit disruptor cannon]]. After [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] whines, Megatron explains that once the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] is knocked from orbit, they will use [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]'s new device to control the tides. They will then use this colossal power to flood a single canyon, creating "a limitless source of power". What?

At the [[Combaticons' headquarters]], El Presidente's men load up the weapons and more advanced computer systems from the wrecked robots, as apparently Swindle forgot about that whole "repair" thing. Swindle then leaves to take the remaining parts to a dump. Shortly after they all leave, [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] arrives, noting no one seems to be home. He discovers a piece of one of the Combaticons, then notices there's a trail of them. Confused, he asks Megatron what to do. Megatron calmly replies that he should perchance follow the trail of wreckage in order to discover where it may lead.

[[File:BOT-Luigi.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Giant turtles out to get him, creepy crabs are right behind.]]
Swindle arrives in a junkyard, where he threatens a junkyard worker before he starts to dump the leftovers. Starscream and Skywarp discover him in the act and capture him as he tries to escape. Back at the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], Soundwave installs a bomb in Swindle's head; he has 15 hours to reassemble the Combaticons before it goes off. Swindle takes the parts back from various mid-'80s evil foreign stereotypes and reassembles the team. However, they are unable to combine into Bruticus because Brawl's [[personality component]] is missing. Swindle is charged with getting the component back or the bomb will still go off.

Meanwhile, at [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]], [[Robbins|Mr. Robbins]]'s demonstration of a laser is sabotaged by two sociopathic students, [[Martin and Roland]], who boost the laser's power output so high it instantly burns a hole through steel. Rather than involve the authorities, Mr. Robbins threatens them with an "F" in his class if they don't win a blue ribbon at the science fair, and assigns [[Elise Presser]] to assist them for no discernible reason.

Outside, the two assholes meet the meek and spineless Elise. They realize a high-rise is on fire across the street, and witness the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] coming to the rescue (well, four of them; [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] blows two window-washers off their dangling rig with his downdraft—the bastard). This inspires them to build a robot for their project. The three rummage for parts in the same junkyard where Swindle dumped the Combaticons' leftover remains, and Elise discovers a random piece of machinery. They spend the night in the school's lab assembling their machine, and Martin dubs it "[[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]]". After several failures, Elise installs the random piece of machinery, which turns out to be Brawl's personality component. Naturally, Brawl-B.O.T. goes postal and starts trashing the place.

[[File:BOT-CompRoom.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Unbeknownst to all, the school was secretly funded by a hideously gargantuan Richie Rich.]]

Martin grabs the laser and fires, and B.O.T. runs off. The kids run to the school's preposterously-advanced computer lab, and use it to call the Protectobots. [[Teletraan I]] gets the SOS, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] sends [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] to investigate.

Swindle re-threatens the junkyard worker, who says that maybe some kids took the part Swindle is after. Swindle mutters "you better hope so"... then proceeds to rummage through the trash, seemingly instantly forgetting that whole "kids" angle.

The [[Autobot]]s arrive at the school. The kids seem disappointed that they didn't get the Protectobots, but quickly lead them to their runaway creation in the school's cafeteria. Brawl-B.O.T. knocks all three Autobots over with a single serving pan of corn on the cob (That high-school food, I tell ya, huh? Huh?), then deflects Gears's blaster-fire with a pot lid. Ironhide shoots molten lead at Brawl-B.O.T., but he leaps to grab a light fixture, avoiding the attack, and the now-weakened floor collapses under Ironhide. Brawl-B.O.T. runs for it, barricading the door out with remarkable speed, and heads for a seemingly abandoned building... as Swindle watches.

The Autobots follow, telling the kids to stay put. They enter the building, and find that Brawl-B.O.T. has taken an elevator thirty floors up. Ironhide wedges a stick into the doors, and the trio run up the stairs. Outside, the future serial killers grow instantly impatient, and drag Elise inside the building. They remove the stick, enter the elevator and head up.

A blast erupts ''behind'' the Autobots, and Ironhide orders them to shoot up. They shoot at absolutely ''nothing'', Ironhide declares they hit whatever it was, and they run right into Swindle. Meanwhile, the elevator has stopped. Roland is lifted up so he can open the emergency hatch, and discovers B.O.T. is trying to break the elevator cables.

[[File:BOT Defensor forcefield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|My force field's only good for 10 seconds — you've got a plan for after that, right Prime? ...Prime?]]

Sadly, B.O.T. is prevented from snapping the cables by an energy blast to the back. The Autobots pick themselves up, seemingly having been soundly thrashed by Swindle all by himself. They all run outside to witness Swindle driving away. Back at Decepticon headquarters, Brawl is restored and the bomb removed, and Bruticus is formed again.

At the school, Elise inspects the remnants of B.O.T. to find that the "funny component" is gone. Martin decides to hunt it down by reworking the machine that read B.O.T.'s "brain response" so it can track the signal. The three drive to the ocean, and Elise rewires B.O.T.'s speech synthesizer so it receives and decodes signals rather than creating them, letting them hear what Brawl hears. Megatron insists on a test-run of the cannon, and picks Autobot headquarters as the target. (Because it's in orbit, you see. Wait, no, it isn't.) The kids rush off to warn the Autobots, who send a signal to the [[Protectobots' headquarters]].

Having been properly forewarned, the Autobots apparently just sit around and wait for Megatron to set up his giant cannon, get his troops into position just outside their base, and for the Combaticons to assemble Bruticus before starting to defend themselves. Bruticus basically stumbles around until he falls apart. The Protectobots arrive and random fighting ensues.

[[File:Elisetape.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|This is the light-hearted, end-of-episode comedy beat. No, seriously.]]

Inside the base, the kids think they need to help, and Elise has a rare moment of spine. Using Teletraan I, she sends B.O.T. out into the battlefield on a beeline to the disruptor cannon. The Protectobots combine into Defensor and generate a force field, protecting about four other Autobots. The Decepticons wait until the force field wears off, then one shot blasts Defensor to pieces. Bruticus re-forms and tries to fire the cannon, but it turns and blasts Starscream and Soundwave instead. B.O.T. is working the cannon using a conveniently-placed control panel at the base, and causes it to explode by hitting the clearly-marked "overload" button, sending Bruticus flying away and forcing a Decepticon retreat.

Back inside, the Autobots thank the kids for their help and offer their apologies for the loss of their robot. Elise asks if they have any spare parts so they can try again... and Roland and Martin duct-tape her mouth shut and drag her away while the Autobots just watch... ''argh argh argh''...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (7)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (18)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (19)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (20)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (21)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (22)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (25)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (26)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (27)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (28)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (1)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (2)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (3)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (4)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (5)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (6)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (30)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (31)
|c3=
*[[El Presidente]] (8)
*[[Robbins]] (14)
*[[Martin and Roland|Roland]] (15)
*[[Martin and Roland|Martin]] (16)
*[[Elise Presser]] (17)

|c4=
*[[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:BOT Swindle grabbed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Until you can tell me what you mean by "brain" and "head", even you can't be trusted.]]
"Call sanitation. There's junk all over the street!"
:—'''Defensor''', leaving his mess for the humans to clean up. He's humanity's defender, not their maid.

"Megatron, I-I-I couldn't find Brawl's personality component! I didn't think it would ''matter''…"
:—'''Swindle'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s high opinion of his teammate.

[[File:BOT wet Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|You are so right.]]
"Here, munch a little lead!"
:—'''Ironhide''' just before spraying something that's not lead at B.O.T.

"This is so degrading."
:—'''Gears''' on being beaten by Brawl-B.O.T. Or he was talking about the episode itself?

"We should've just taken the 'F' in Science."
:—'''Martin''', not knowing that if they did, we probably would have been spared this horrendous episode.

"If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll melt you down for scrap [[tutonium]]!"
:—'''Megatron''' threatens Swindle with gibberish

==Notes==
{{quote|The episode "B.O.T." was one I always remembered from when I was young. But the thing is, I had just remembered the story focusing on Swindle selling off the other Combaticons, and I had totally mentally blocked out the whole school science project part of the story! Wow was I disappointed when I went back and watched that one!|[[Derrick J. Wyatt]]<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/interviews-27/derrick-wyatt-interview-166415/ ''Transformers Animated'' Art Director Derrick Wyatt interview at TFW2005.com]</ref>}}

===Continuity notes===
[[File:BOT Protectobot HQ exterior.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|E Cola. The cool, refreshing taste of uncooked pork.]]
*This episode establishes that the Combaticons have their [[Combaticons' headquarters|own separate base]], as do [[Protectobots' headquarters|the Protectobots]]. As this was the last episode before the jump to 2005, this is never touched on again.
*The billboard over the [[Protectobots' headquarters|Protectobots' urban headquarters]] seems to be advertising for [[E Cola]]. Mmmmmmm. Another advertisement for the beverage would appear years later in the Japanese series, ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'', in the episode "[[Heroism!! The Birth of Super Ginrai]]".
*Skywarp lives up to a little-used note in his bio, which states that he would be "useless without Megatron's supervision."
*Personality components make a second appearance. Unlike in "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]", they're a physical piece of metal hardware.
*"Soundwave's new device" is never seen, and aside from Megatron's indirect "soon we'll control the oceans" boast, is never referenced again after its original mention at the start of the episode.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Bruticus lives up to his bio's assertion that he has "a tendency to stand still if he is not told what to do," and as Megatron promised at the end of "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]", Bruticus is reprogrammed to obey only him.
**Starscream somehow snatches Jeep mode Swindle into the air while in jet mode.
**Groove can retract his wrist and fire liquid nitrogen out of it. It's a foamy pink stuff this time.
**Ironhide shoots some brown goopy stuff that he claims is lead out of his retracted wrist.
**Wheeljack's gyro-inhibitor is now an energy beam that can blow up missiles.

===Real-world references===
*"Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School" is a reference to {{w|Hawkeye Pierce|Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce}}, the character from ''{{w|M*A*S*H}}'' (who was also the inspiration for the [[Mini-Con]] [[Hawkeye]]'s bio).
*"We'll let the computer do the walking" refers to an ad slogan for the Yellow Pages — "Let your fingers do the walking!"
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**Sparking and clashing [[lightsaber]]s as Swindle zaps Brawl-B.O.T., and again as Soundwave restores Brawl's brain.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Argh.
[[File:BOT Bumblebee tries door.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Either Bumblebee's shrunk to the size of a human, or that's one humongous coffee pot on the counter to his left.]]
*The scenery in this episode is always ''huge''. In the opening scene, the five Combaticons are driving down a downtown street in a row (yes, ''even the fliers are driving on the ground'') with plenty of room. Humans are drawn tiny compared to the doors of their own buildings, and the Autobots fit easily inside human structures.
*The Combaticons get the wrong transformation sound effect (ascending pitch) when transforming to their vehicle modes.
*Swindle's vehicle mode is missing its Decepticon symbol as he gets stuck against Brawl.
*It's inherent to their color models, but the combination sequence makes it ''really obvious'' that Onslaught completely changes color from blue to white while transforming into Bruticus.
*The Bruticus scrap pile changes between shots; first it's a few scattered parts on the street, then it's a solid pile of them.
*Swindle pops out of the junk pile from beneath a yellow rectangle with wheels. The only yellow component on Bruticus is... Swindle.
*As Swindle drives past the guy with the radio on the docks, he's layered too far to the left and appears to be hovering above the road.
*When Swindle transforms to meet with El Presidente, his gun attaches to the side of his right arm. In the next shot, it's attached to the ''front'' of his arm (its usual, correct location.) Then in the next shot, it's on the ''left'' arm.
*In Megatron's simulation, Astrotrain is completely off-model — he's got no cockpit, his sides are purple instead of gray, he's got some kind of side vents that shouldn't be there, and his nosecone covers the entire front of his shuttle mode.
*Skywarp's voice is a bit off — much more nasally than usual.
*There is no indication as to what jet mode Starscream uses to capture jeep mode Swindle.
*Swindle's eyes aren't colored as he apologizes to the Russians. In the same shot, we suddenly hear the ticking-clock sound of the bomb in his head, when it has been silent till now. It will continue to pop up randomly until Swindle completes his mission.
*In the lineup shot of the Combaticons, Onslaught is the same height as everybody else, instead of being taller. Swindle's cannon is missing.
*When the teacher addresses Martin and Roland, his desk is visible behind him. The books that were on it — which were prominently burned through by the laser a moment earlier — have vanished.
*Roland's mouth moves when Martin says "Aw, come on" — especially noticeable since Roland then goes on to speak his own line in the same shot.
*As the Protectobots rush to the aid of a burning building, a voice is heard to say "Stay calm! We're coming up for you!" The staging of scene makes it appear that it's one of the vehicle-mode Protectobots who speaks the line, but it doesn't match any of the characters; the episode's script explains it's actually supposed to be coming from a fireman. The script calls for the line to be amplified by a bullhorn, but it is missing the necessary audio effects.
*While the kids are constructing B.O.T in the lab, Elise's glasses are clear instead of blue in one of the shots.
[[File:BrawlPersonalityComponent.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Brawl's brain. Brawl is apparently operated by a tiny dude who sits inside his head.]]
*Brawl's personality component changes design several times between shots. In its main establishing shot, it's drawn as some sort of real-world electrical monitoring device, complete with gauges and buttons.
*When Elise says "Maybe I wired the box in wrong," one of her legs is drawn way too short, almost as if she's missing her right thigh.
*When Mr. Robbins turned on the laser, it shot a continuous beam. When Martin uses it on B.O.T., it fires bolts.
*The first two times we see the Ark, it has two engines rather than three.
*The "SOS" Gears receives is written in numbers rather than letters and isn't aligned to match the angle of Teletraan I's screen. Also, Gears is sitting in a human-looking chair we've never seen before.
*After threatening the dude at the junkyard, Swindle turns to leave, walking toward... the fence. He starts to clear some junk out of his way, but then the scene ends and we never find out if he realizes he's not walking toward the exit.
*The kids create and lose B.O.T. in the middle of the night. When the Autobots reach the school, it's bright and sunny outside. If this ''isn't'' an animation error, then we are forced to assume that Brawl-B.O.T. spent several hours not doing much at all, staying inside the school the whole time, while the kids waited for the Autobots to arrive.
*Gears' mouth isn't moving for the end of his "hunk of junk" line.
*Ironhide towers over the door to the kitchen, yet he fits inside a moment later. Three Autobots fit in the stairwell of the condemned building.
*As he delivers the line, "Well if that don't fry my circuits," Ironhide's left shoulder is missing.
*As everyone runs out of the kitchen, Ironhide clips through the door frame.
[[File:BFPierce High School.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The first shot of the front of the school shows it with two arches, but when the group chases after B.O.T., it's one big rectangular opening. On a similar note, Gears describes the high school as a "one-level structure", but it's pretty clearly two stories.
*The design of the weapon Gears is using changes with every shot it's in, even though by this point, the [[generic Autobot laser pistol]] exists (and Ironhide uses it later in the episode).
*The empty building is, presumably, the burnt-out skyscraper from before.... but it's totally changed its appearance when B.O.T. takes refuge in it.
*The elevator in the condemned building has two rows of lights above it, but in the close-ups there's only one row (with 12 lights, far fewer than the thirty needed for the number of floors Bumblebee says are in the building).
*The top of Ironhide's torso is all red as he runs up the stairs, and again as he gives the order to stop firing. Most of it should be gray. (The same error happens ''again'' at Autobot Headquarters when the kids warn the Autobots about the disruptor attack.)
*The "shooting at nothing upstairs" bit might be attributed to animation/script mismatch. The animation puts the Autobots in a circular staircase so they are plainly shooting at the clearly-lit curved wall directly ahead of them. It's ''possible'' the writer intended them to be shooting up a straight staircase into darkness... but that's pure conjecture.
*"Boost me up" — Martin (or Roland, who can tell)'s mouth isn't moving.
*Starscream has blue eyes (instead of red) as Brawl's brain is restored.
*Swindle's cannon is back on the side of his arm (instead of the front) as Megatron throttles him.
*When Swindle stumbles back alongside the other Combaticons, Onslaught's forehead is colored yellow, like his visor.
*After he forms in Decepticon Headquarters, Bruticus's nose is colored the same red as his eyes, giving the effect of a visor.
*During a close-up, Elise's red VW Beetle becomes Swindle-colored (including a purple hood!), then changes back and remains red through the rest of the scene.
*As Ironhide is contacting the Protectobots, he turns away from the screen, at which point the top of his shoulder suddenly turns partially red.
*When the Protectobots receive the signal, the lit-up part appears off to the side of the rest of the display.
*In a long, slow zoom-in on Protectobot headquarters, we have plenty of time to see that the front facade has a central hallway carved into it. Then when it lifts up for them to drive out, the entrance is a normal door.
*When the Combaticons combine at the beginning of the final battle, the footage from their combination inside Decepticon Headquarters a few minutes before is reused, but flipped, so Vortex and Blast Off appear on the wrong sides.
*Optimus and the Autobots attack from a cliff, but a few seconds later Optimus is standing in front of the Ark.
*Wheeljack's [[gyro-inhibitor shell|gyro-inhibitor]] appears to fire out of the air next to his left ear. (Also, it's animated as some kind of energy wave instead of a shell-launched weapon; also also, it's not for shooting down missiles, but for destabilizing a robot's sense of balance.)
*It's not real clear who fired the missiles, either. Onslaught was the last guy we saw shooting, but he was shooting laser beams.
*As Megatron transforms into gun mode, his shoulder rest appears and disappears — as does Soundwave's Decepticon symbol.
*Hot Spot's guns use the Decepticon laser sound effect.
*Hot Spot shoots Soundwave (carrying gun mode Megatron), knocking him backwards into Brawl. In the next shot, Megatron transforms and lands nearby — and Brawl, who has already collapsed under Soundwave, comes flying in and lands on Megatron, with Soundwave nowhere to be seen.
*As the Protectobots transform to Defensor, a huge wave of energy is shown (for no real reason).
*Bruticus's gun disappears from his hand between shots as he runs to the cannon.
*As Megatron orders Bruticus to fire the disruptor, his waist controls are colored in reverse (blue on the left and red on the right). This is corrected a few seconds later.
*As B.O.T. gains control of the disruptor, Megatron is far to the right of the other Decepticons, but a few shots later Soundwave and Ramjet are right behind him.
*Just before Soundwave is hit, he randomly lifts his left leg in the air.
*When the kids are watching B.O.T. on Teletraan's screen, the disruptor is no longer pointing to the left as it was before, and B.O.T. — who is supposed to be working the controls ''behind'' it — is now visible in front of it.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] release of this episode has the following differences from the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:

*When asking Mr. Robbins about lasers, Martin is visible on-screen speaking his question. The original broadcast master instead used an alternate take where we don't see Martin asking his question, the shot instead cutting to and remaining on the teacher for the duration of Martin's line, possibly in an attempt to reduce the screentime of the students' recycled character designs (further details in The surreal world of "B.O.T."). This short sequence was not replaced with the as-broadcast footage for the [[Shout! Factory]] DVD release.
*During the final battle, there is a shot that shows a wall behind Megatron and Soundwave as they face down Hot Spot in the middle of the desert. For the broadcast episode, the error was removed by deleting the entire shot and replacing it with reused footage of Gears and Wheeljack taken from about twenty seconds earlier in the episode (when Gears instructs Wheeljack to use his gyro-inhibitor). The end result is that it appears Gears is shouting the line Hot Spot delivers from offscreen. This short sequence was also not replaced with the as-broadcast footage for the Shout! Factory DVD release.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Combaticon pyramid.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The Combaticons unveil their new routine as the Polyhex Cowbots cheerleaders.]]
[[File:BOT Orbit Disruptor Cannon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Megatron? Did you just build ''[[Masquerade|yet another]]'' [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|giant immobile cannon]]? Seriously dude?]]
[[File:BOT-Overload.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"I assure you, there is zero chance of this coming back to bite us!"]]
*''Argh''.
*In the opening scene, why didn't the Combaticons just combine into Bruticus right away, rather than transforming to vehicles, driving down the street for like two seconds, and ''then'' combining?
*Did Defensor really not see Swindle struggling out of the wreckage right in front of him?
*Swindle goes to El Presidente to ''buy'' parts to repair the other Combaticons. The next time we see them, he's ''sold'' the Combaticon parts. We can only presume that El Presidente made him a better offer than his original plan.
*As much fuss as Megatron makes over how much he wants Bruticus back, he sure doesn't act like it:
**Why does Megatron put a bomb in Swindle's head? If it goes off, he loses Bruticus for good.
**Why does Megatron have ''only'' Swindle go looking for the lost personality component?
**Fifteen hours seems like an impossibly tight deadline to track down dozens or hundreds of parts scattered ''all over the world'' (including the Middle East and Russia), retrieve them, reassemble them into complex high-tech robots, AND still have time left over to track down Brawl-B.O.T.
*How did Swindle know ''exactly'' where to find each and every Combaticon component across the globe once he sold them to ''El Presidente''?
*Why was Brawl’s personality component in the “leftover” pile deposited at the junkyard? You’d think unscrupulous foreign General guys would want to pay top dollar for the brain of one of the most sophisticated war machines Earth has ever seen, if only to reverse-engineer it.
*When Swindle goes to the Soviet Army base to get the parts back, the Red Army soldiers shooting at him have PPS submachine guns, which were fazed out by the 1960s. They should instead have either AK47 Assault Rifles (Caliber 7.62 x39mm) or the lighter caliber version they fielded the 1970s onward the AK74 Assault Rifle (Caliber 5.45 x 39mm).
*Just because Brawl is out of commission, the Combaticons have to form a robot-pyramid before becoming Bruticus. Why can't the other four just float up to their correct spots, like usual?
*The kids don't seem to recognize what Transformers are, but by this point in the series, they're internationally recognized, there are [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|holidays]] and [[Optimus Prime memorial|tributes to them]], etc. Despite this, they seem to instantly accept the existence of Transformers.
*Superhuman Elise:
**When B.O.T. is first activated, Elise is forcefully flung off the ladder by its arm. Somehow, she lands with only a soft thud and no real injuries.
*The Autobots seem to initially not understand what a high school is. This is in spite of the fact that they have been on Earth for a couple of years now and are friends with 3 school-aged humans, at least two of which (Carly and Chip) we ''know'' have a formal education.
*How did Swindle get above the Autobots on the way up? And how'd he get past them on the way down again?
*"Only Defensor can stand against Bruticus," says Optimus Prime... apparently forgetting that [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] did quite well against him just a few episodes back. And there's [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], too.
*Why did the Autobots do nothing while the Decepticons set up a gigantic cannon right outside their headquarters? They don't pop up and start shooting until the cannon is in place and Bruticus is assembled.
*The Autobots basically ''give up'' trying to beat the Decepticons, choosing to hide behind Defensor's force field. When the force field gives out, it would have been game over for the 'bots, if it weren't for Elise and the psycho twins.
*It's never really specified why Megatron specifically needs Bruticus to fire the cannon. If it's a size thing, he also has [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. The size thing is debatable because the cannon has a human-scaled control panel on it. Oy.
*On that note, the human-level control panel has a great big button clearly marked "Over Load" in English. Why did he install that?
**No, really, why?
*The disruptor cannon is supposed to be powerful enough to obliterate Autobot Headquarters and ''knock Earth's moon out of its orbit''. When it hits several of the Decepticons, it just knocks them into the air.
*Bruticus didn't notice B.O.T. fiddling with the controls right there in front of him?
*This episode was made.

===The surreal world of "B.O.T."===
*'''''Argh'''''.
[[File:BOT-ModelReuse.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Me an' my friends are Jem girls, especially Jimmy "The Legbreaker" Cianciulli!]]
[[File:Elpresidente.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"The medals? This one is for being evil. This one is for having an accent. This one, for beard-growing. This one, a reward for having the most medals."]]
*Mr. Robbins's class is made up of a ''very'' odd collection of students. The ''least'' odd are the two women who are just recolored character models of Jerrica and Kimber Benton from ''[[Jem]]'', [[Hasbro]]'s then-current cartoon-advertised foray into girls' fashion dolls. To the left of "Jerrica" is the recoloured character model of Ernie Sly, the henchman from the short-lived Sunbow series Bigfoot And The Muscle Machines. Towards the back, however, appear to be [[Auto-Bop|thugs in business suits.]]
*The classroom itself appears to be ''huge'' in the initial shot. And why don't the desks have table tops? Only one girl is taking notes, holding a bunch of paper in her lap. There are no backpacks to be seen. And as Roland and Martin walk out, there's only an arch in front of them (with no actual ''doors'' attached to it!).
*The class, by the way, lasts for about two minutes before the bell rings.
*"El Presidente" apparently just holds court on a docked ship in a port somewhere, selling missiles to whoever walks in the door.
*The teens completely fail to notice a hundred-story building that is almost completely engulfed in flames and surrounded by emergency vehicles until they hear somebody fifty stories up call for help.
*Groove claims to use liquid nitrogen to put out the fire. Liquid nitrogen evaporates at -198 °C (-320 °F), so it would completely boil away the second it hits the atmosphere.<ref>{{w|Liquid nitrogen}} at Wikipedia</ref> On top of that, liquid nitrogen is not pink. (In fairness, virtually ''no'' episode of the cartoon portrayed this accurately — see also "[[Divide and Conquer]]", "[[Quest for Survival]]", and "[[Triple Takeover]]".)
*Streetwise catches the two falling window-washers with his ''metal'' arms after they've fallen about fifty stories, and somehow they're not splattered all over him. [[Prime Target (episode)|Remember, kids:]] [[A Plague of Insecticons|If anything besides the ground]] [[War Dawn (episode)|breaks your fall,]] [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|you'll be just fine!]]
*Three high school kids can build a walking, fully articulated robot out of junk bits and Brawl's brain ''overnight'' that is ''stronger'' and ''smarter'' than the Autobots. (The latter would be a little more believable if it weren't for the "Brawl's brain" part.)
*"B.O.T." stands for '''B'''iotronic '''O'''perational '''T'''elecommunicator, as Martin spends several long minutes explaining to us. Even though this is supposed to describe what it does, at no point in the episode does B.O.T. ever communicate anything remotely, nor is he biomechanical.
*The high school's computer is astounding. It is exceedingly and hugely sci-fi in design, plus, how the kids were able to use it to send an SOS to the Autobots over the phone is... [[magic]] or something.
*Autobots are weaker than kitchenware: Gears carries a blaster that was made to injure or kill alien beings made entirely of metal, but it can't shoot through a pot lid.
*Similarly, B.O.T. somehow knocks over Gears, Ironhide and Bumblebee with a tray full of corn!
*Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School packs its hallways with some seriously heavy furniture — somehow it's heavy enough that Gears can't break through a stack of it.
*There is a fully functional elevator within a building that just suffered a ''massive'' fire. Shouldn't the power be shut off? Speaking of which, a wrecked building next to a high school seems like ''trouble''. Shouldn't it be boarded up, surrounded by security tape and guarded?
*The fully functional elevator appears to function well despite having a broken cable or two. Martin also spends an awfully long time just watching B.O.T. tearing up the cables.
*The speech synthesizer is "rewired" so that instead of "synthesizing and transmitting," it "receives and decodes". And this somehow lets the kids listen in on a conversation being held in the undersea Decepticon base... yeah, when this can almost be considered one of the episode's ''more'' plausible elements, something is very, very ''wrong''.
*The entire front of the Protectobots' headquarters just rotates up to let them depart. Wouldn't a simple garage door have sufficed? What if someone's walking down the sidewalk when this happens? ''Smack!''
*Apparently Roland and Martin carry duct tape around with them. Here, they use it to tape a girl's mouth shut. Who knows what they use it for the rest of the time!
*No, seriously, let’s linger on that for a bit. The Autobots, supposedly the good guys of the cartoon, watch two bullies duct tape a girl’s mouth and drag her off, and do nothing. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings?

===Trivia===
[[File:BOT MrRobbins.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|You think high school teachers get paid too much? This poor guy proves that you are so, so wrong.]]
[[File:Bot-episode-closingshot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|And on that jovial note, we end Season 2. See you in the theaters [[1986|this summer]], kids, where we'll all die [[The Transformers: The Movie|abrupt, violent deaths]]!]]
*'''''Argh'''''.
*This episode introduces the most loathsome ''Transformers'' characters ever, Roland and Martin. Boosting a laser to a level that could grievously injure or kill someone as a ''prank'', the misogynistic duct-taping of Elise's mouth and constantly dragging her places against her will, and a general smarmy smugness level that makes Starscream seem humble.
*This episode was lampooned at the [[BotCon 2006]] [[MSTF]] presentation, and as far as the writers are concerned, it is the single ''dumbest'' episode in the entirety of ''Transformers'' animation.
*It is also possibly the worst advertisement for the combiner teams possible. Bruticus is destroyed with ''a single shot'' from Defensor, and later stumbles around like a concussed baby as the Autobots shoot at him. Defensor's force field is rendered utterly pointless as the Decepticons just wait for it to run out (no more than 20 seconds), then he too is blasted to bits with ease.
**That being said, the early part of the episode is a great advertisement for Swindle individually and features some excellent character moments for him (including his rather humorous line about Brawl's missing personality component). Every cloud has a silver lining, eh?
*This is one of the most device-laden episodes, featuring no less than the [[orbit disruptor cannon]], "Soundwave's new device", the school's overpowered laser, a brain-bomb, Brawl's personality doohickey, the eponymous human-built robot, the kids' locator device, and the speech synthesizer.
*Production-wise, it seems a bit odd to have three Season One Autobots respond to the kids' SOS, rather than showcasing the brand-new combiner team who would otherwise seem to be the spotlight buy-my-toy characters of the episode (this is even flagged up in the episode itself, when the kids try to CALL the Protectobots for help!) The cause is presumably the same last-minute shoehorning that got the Protectobots into "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]".
*The original script's cast list for the episode notes that the "junkyard operator" is a spy, and that the only other thing we learn about him is that he gets taken away by the "Federal Authorities". Oh, and he has no lines.<ref>[[Metrodome]]'s Season 3 & 4 DVD set extras</ref> This bizarre plot twist obviously didn't make it into the final draft, but really, what's one more wad of nonsense at this point?
*This was the last episode of season two. Can you imagine if this was the last episode of ''The Transformers'' ever?
*Good God, I need a stiff drink.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French broadcast):'' "'''Les derniers exploits'''" ("The Latest Exploits")
:*''Title (European French DVD release):'' "'''B.O.T'''"
:*''Title (Canadian French broadcast):'' "'''Le B.O.T'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Giovani inventori'''" ("Young Inventors")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*"Biotronic Operational Telecommunicator" is translated as "Telecomunicatore Biotronico Operativo", but Martin still says that the first letters spells "B.O.T.", while it should be "T.B.O." (which would obviously loose the similarity to "bot").
::*Megatron's line: «Get off of me!» (talking to Brawl) is not present in this dub, so you can see him moving his mouth without saying anything.
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''B.O.T.'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bruticus no Fukkatsu'''" (ブルーティカスの復活, "The Revival of Bruticus")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5]], [[1986]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pàng Wá '''" (胖娃, "Fat Boy")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuga do Perigo'''" ("Escape from the Danger")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2003]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 8 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 15 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2007]] — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20211021062746/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/movie/movie.html Movie Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dXvA-K4yt7vI1HNg7RkZEZO2b1eIei6Q Episode dialogue script]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bot (episode)}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

The Enigma of Combination

2024-03-25T18:39:15Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Errors */

{{disambig2|the sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]|the mystical artifact for which it's named|Enigma of Combination}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''The Enigma of Combination Sourcebook''
|image= EnigmaOfCombinationSourcebookCover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by= [[Mercedes Acosta]], [[Joseph Blomquist]], [[Michael Bramnik]], [[John Curtin]], [[Chesley Oxendine]], [[David Schwartz]], [[Jim Sorenson]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]] & [[Diego Valdez]]
|date= March 26, 2024
|pagecount= 127
|price=$45.00 USD 
|next=
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-957311-15-9 
}}

'''''The Enigma of Combination''''' is an expansion sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It is currently planned for a digital and physical release on March 26, 2024.

The book contains rules for players to create Combiner characters and a multitude of new character influences, origins, and role focuses, as well as new potential allies and threats to pit against players.

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: The Sum Of Their Parts===
{{collist|2|
* What are Combiners?
* A Brief History of Combiners
* Combiners in the Modern Era
* Decepticon Combiner Data Files
* Autobot Combiner Data Files
}}

===Chapter 2: Combiner Characters===
{{collist|2|
* Influences
* Origins
* Role Focuses
* General Perks
* Combiner Rules
}}

===Chapter 3: Combiner Armory===
{{collist|2|
* Upscaling Weapons
* New Equipment Options
* New Other Equipment
* Cybertronian Artifacts
}}

===Chapter 4: Threats And Allies===

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combaticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Commandos'''<ref>Stats for [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Movor|Movor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Constructicons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
'''Predacons'''<ref>Stats for [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]}}
|}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
* The book opens with a transcribed lecture from [[Termagax]], the iconoclastic founder of the [[Decepticon]] movement from [[Transformers (2019 comic)|IDW's rebooted ''Transformers'' comic]]. The text notes that she's giving this lecture at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]; like in the IDW comics, she's evidently on civil terms with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots. She mentions mentoring the original six Constructicons many millennia ago, in reference to the "Constructicons Rising" arc of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]''.
* Attendees include [[Neo-Wheel]]—who flags up the existence of smaller combiners like [[Bumble]], certain [[Mini-Cassette|Recordicon]]s, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]], and his own [[Sixturbo|Turbo Team]]—[[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], who alludes to the existence of "[[double Targetmaster]]s" like himself, a Generation 1 incarnation of the [[Rescue Bot]] [[Boulder (RB)|Boulder]], and a [[human]] named [[General Blaze]], who originated in a very early draft of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* In her lecture, Termagax flags up [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as an example of a combiner team with multiple members—these substitute Constructicons include [[Gravedigger]], who originated in the ''[[Find Your Fate Junior]]'' books, [[Hightower (Classics)|Hightower]], from ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', and [[Buckethead]] and [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]] from ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''. She also mentions situations where Autobots have become part of the team; in addition to namedropping the ''Uprising'' roster of [[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]], [[Hauler]], and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], she also mentions [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], who filled in for the deceased [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] in the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
* While discussing unusual combiners, Termagax mentions the inhabitants of the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]], who debuted in ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'', and the [[Multiforce]] of [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]], using the name of the planet as it appeared in the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]] and ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II]]''.
* While discussing [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, Termagax notes that they are sometimes referred to as "Titanmasters", and that the [[Binary bonding|binary bond]] symbiosis can unlock all kinds of unusual superpowers, as was the case in the 2016 ''[[Titans Return (franchise)|Titans Return]]'' franchise.
* Termagax explains that [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s are more powerful than ordinary guns because they directly harness the [[spark]] energy of their larger partner, an idea that originated in the ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' story "[[Trigger Warnings]]".
* Other forms of combination alluded to, but not directly named, include [[Breast Animal|mechanimals who become armored chestplates]] or [[Action Master partner|helmets]], [[Brainmaster|full-sized robots capable of downloading themselves into a smaller unit]], [[Transtector|non-sentient robot bodies controlled by a single Headmaster]], and "[[mitotic spark]]s".
* Termagax alludes to an old rival who pushed the idea of "efficiency through self-sufficiency". This was the bio quote given to [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]'s [[Sideways (RID)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|''Robots in Disguise'' toy]]; Termagax mentions that he's since become a Headmaster, alluding to the more famous [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''.
* Excerpts lifted from [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s personal files feature mention of [[Needler (G1)|Needler]], Bombshell's [[Action Master partner]]. In these files, Bombshell ponders on the origins of combination technology; he notes that while some attribute its development to the [[Guardian Knight|Knights of Iacon]] or the [[Thirteen]], he believes that the first gestalt must have predated the universe itself, a "truly monstrous devil". His musings are evocative of [[Devil Z]], big bad of the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' anime, who sought to create the perfect fusion between humans and Transformers.
* An article written by [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] is noted to have been published in "Alt2day", a reference to the in-universe "[[ALTernity Today]]" newspaper from the ''AllSpark Almanac'' duology, which had an unofficial online edition hosted at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100716203345/http://alt2day.dyndns.org:80/index.html Alt2Day.com]. In it, Brainstorm investigates the existence of "ancient partnerships" analogous to the modern Headmaster process, and highlights the [[Battle of Aegiax]] as one such example: in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic, this was where [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] battled ancient Headmasters like [[Myskrion]]. The article also flags up "anomalies" in "G Nebula 88", in a seeming reference to the combining heroes and villains of ''Masterforce''... (but see "Errors" for more on that).
* A profile written from [[Vorath]]'s point of view namedrops [[Murk]] and [[Chasm]]; while these were originally robotic [[Titan Master]]s from the ''Titans Return'' line, they've been reimagined as organic [[Nebulan]]s who work for the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]].
* Vorath's narration connects the Enigma of Combination to [[Nexus Prime]], as is common for most interpretations of the relic. He notes, however, that some texts refer to him as "Nexus Maximus", his working name before it was changed for legal reasons.
* In his journal, Vorath contemplates the existence of various potential combiners; he is excited at the prospect of Mindwipe merging into a combiner called "[[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]]", as was the case in the [[2005 IDW continuity]]; on the other hand, he worries that a Dinobot combiner could be a [[Beast (G1)|uncontrollable beast]], or what might happen if the Autobots pooled their best and brightest into an unstoppable "[[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]" configuration.
* Narration from [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s point of view notes that he was locked away in a [[photonic crystal|photonic containment vessel]] during Devastator's first-ever deployment, evoking the epsode "[[Starscream's Brigade]]". He gloats that the Autobots were forced to rely on their [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s to hold the line—in addition to the well-known [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], he also namedrops [[Rails]], another character who originated in the aborted first draft of ''The Movie''. Other combiner teams alluded to include [[Landfill (RID)|Build King]] and the [[Dinoforce]].
* A letter from [[Hi-Q]] to [[Kari]] mentions the planets of [[Master (planet)|Dominus]], [[Gorlam Prime]], and [[Planet X (Animated)|Planet X]]; as well as fellow Nebulans [[Flintlock]], [[Galen]], [[Leinad]], [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]], and [[Llyra]].

===Trivia===
* This is the first ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' sourcebook to have writing by [[Jim Sorenson]], which goes some way to explaining the sheer density of deep-cut lore drops in the first chapter—particularly those referencing the first draft of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', which Sorenson was involved with uncovering.

===Errors===
* Vorath's journal alludes to anomalies in "G-Nebula 88". Assuming that this is meant to be a ''Masterforce'' reference, that should be "[[G Nebula 89|G-Nebula '''89''']]".
*In the Roles section from the book, a picture of [[Breacher (TF 2010)]] is misidentified as [[Pyra Magna]], while on the previous page, a picture of Pyra Magna is misidentified as “Breecher”.
{{bookstub}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]

The Enigma of Combination

2024-03-25T18:38:50Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Errors */

{{disambig2|the sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]|the mystical artifact for which it's named|Enigma of Combination}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''The Enigma of Combination Sourcebook''
|image= EnigmaOfCombinationSourcebookCover.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by= [[Mercedes Acosta]], [[Joseph Blomquist]], [[Michael Bramnik]], [[John Curtin]], [[Chesley Oxendine]], [[David Schwartz]], [[Jim Sorenson]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]] & [[Diego Valdez]]
|date= March 26, 2024
|pagecount= 127
|price=$45.00 USD 
|next=
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-957311-15-9 
}}

'''''The Enigma of Combination''''' is an expansion sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It is currently planned for a digital and physical release on March 26, 2024.

The book contains rules for players to create Combiner characters and a multitude of new character influences, origins, and role focuses, as well as new potential allies and threats to pit against players.

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: The Sum Of Their Parts===
{{collist|2|
* What are Combiners?
* A Brief History of Combiners
* Combiners in the Modern Era
* Decepticon Combiner Data Files
* Autobot Combiner Data Files
}}

===Chapter 2: Combiner Characters===
{{collist|2|
* Influences
* Origins
* Role Focuses
* General Perks
* Combiner Rules
}}

===Chapter 3: Combiner Armory===
{{collist|2|
* Upscaling Weapons
* New Equipment Options
* New Other Equipment
* Cybertronian Artifacts
}}

===Chapter 4: Threats And Allies===

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Combaticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Commandos'''<ref>Stats for [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Movor|Movor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Constructicons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)|Hook]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
'''Predacons'''<ref>Stats for [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] were included in the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook]].</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]}}
|}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
* The book opens with a transcribed lecture from [[Termagax]], the iconoclastic founder of the [[Decepticon]] movement from [[Transformers (2019 comic)|IDW's rebooted ''Transformers'' comic]]. The text notes that she's giving this lecture at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]; like in the IDW comics, she's evidently on civil terms with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots. She mentions mentoring the original six Constructicons many millennia ago, in reference to the "Constructicons Rising" arc of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]''.
* Attendees include [[Neo-Wheel]]—who flags up the existence of smaller combiners like [[Bumble]], certain [[Mini-Cassette|Recordicon]]s, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]], and his own [[Sixturbo|Turbo Team]]—[[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], who alludes to the existence of "[[double Targetmaster]]s" like himself, a Generation 1 incarnation of the [[Rescue Bot]] [[Boulder (RB)|Boulder]], and a [[human]] named [[General Blaze]], who originated in a very early draft of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* In her lecture, Termagax flags up [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as an example of a combiner team with multiple members—these substitute Constructicons include [[Gravedigger]], who originated in the ''[[Find Your Fate Junior]]'' books, [[Hightower (Classics)|Hightower]], from ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', and [[Buckethead]] and [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]] from ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''. She also mentions situations where Autobots have become part of the team; in addition to namedropping the ''Uprising'' roster of [[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]], [[Hauler]], and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], she also mentions [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], who filled in for the deceased [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] in the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
* While discussing unusual combiners, Termagax mentions the inhabitants of the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]], who debuted in ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'', and the [[Multiforce]] of [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]], using the name of the planet as it appeared in the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]] and ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II]]''.
* While discussing [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, Termagax notes that they are sometimes referred to as "Titanmasters", and that the [[Binary bonding|binary bond]] symbiosis can unlock all kinds of unusual superpowers, as was the case in the 2016 ''[[Titans Return (franchise)|Titans Return]]'' franchise.
* Termagax explains that [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s are more powerful than ordinary guns because they directly harness the [[spark]] energy of their larger partner, an idea that originated in the ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' story "[[Trigger Warnings]]".
* Other forms of combination alluded to, but not directly named, include [[Breast Animal|mechanimals who become armored chestplates]] or [[Action Master partner|helmets]], [[Brainmaster|full-sized robots capable of downloading themselves into a smaller unit]], [[Transtector|non-sentient robot bodies controlled by a single Headmaster]], and "[[mitotic spark]]s".
* Termagax alludes to an old rival who pushed the idea of "efficiency through self-sufficiency". This was the bio quote given to [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]'s [[Sideways (RID)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|''Robots in Disguise'' toy]]; Termagax mentions that he's since become a Headmaster, alluding to the more famous [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''.
* Excerpts lifted from [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s personal files feature mention of [[Needler (G1)|Needler]], Bombshell's [[Action Master partner]]. In these files, Bombshell ponders on the origins of combination technology; he notes that while some attribute its development to the [[Guardian Knight|Knights of Iacon]] or the [[Thirteen]], he believes that the first gestalt must have predated the universe itself, a "truly monstrous devil". His musings are evocative of [[Devil Z]], big bad of the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' anime, who sought to create the perfect fusion between humans and Transformers.
* An article written by [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] is noted to have been published in "Alt2day", a reference to the in-universe "[[ALTernity Today]]" newspaper from the ''AllSpark Almanac'' duology, which had an unofficial online edition hosted at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100716203345/http://alt2day.dyndns.org:80/index.html Alt2Day.com]. In it, Brainstorm investigates the existence of "ancient partnerships" analogous to the modern Headmaster process, and highlights the [[Battle of Aegiax]] as one such example: in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic, this was where [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] battled ancient Headmasters like [[Myskrion]]. The article also flags up "anomalies" in "G Nebula 88", in a seeming reference to the combining heroes and villains of ''Masterforce''... (but see "Errors" for more on that).
* A profile written from [[Vorath]]'s point of view namedrops [[Murk]] and [[Chasm]]; while these were originally robotic [[Titan Master]]s from the ''Titans Return'' line, they've been reimagined as organic [[Nebulan]]s who work for the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]].
* Vorath's narration connects the Enigma of Combination to [[Nexus Prime]], as is common for most interpretations of the relic. He notes, however, that some texts refer to him as "Nexus Maximus", his working name before it was changed for legal reasons.
* In his journal, Vorath contemplates the existence of various potential combiners; he is excited at the prospect of Mindwipe merging into a combiner called "[[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]]", as was the case in the [[2005 IDW continuity]]; on the other hand, he worries that a Dinobot combiner could be a [[Beast (G1)|uncontrollable beast]], or what might happen if the Autobots pooled their best and brightest into an unstoppable "[[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]" configuration.
* Narration from [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s point of view notes that he was locked away in a [[photonic crystal|photonic containment vessel]] during Devastator's first-ever deployment, evoking the epsode "[[Starscream's Brigade]]". He gloats that the Autobots were forced to rely on their [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s to hold the line—in addition to the well-known [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], he also namedrops [[Rails]], another character who originated in the aborted first draft of ''The Movie''. Other combiner teams alluded to include [[Landfill (RID)|Build King]] and the [[Dinoforce]].
* A letter from [[Hi-Q]] to [[Kari]] mentions the planets of [[Master (planet)|Dominus]], [[Gorlam Prime]], and [[Planet X (Animated)|Planet X]]; as well as fellow Nebulans [[Flintlock]], [[Galen]], [[Leinad]], [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]], and [[Llyra]].

===Trivia===
* This is the first ''Transformers Roleplaying Game'' sourcebook to have writing by [[Jim Sorenson]], which goes some way to explaining the sheer density of deep-cut lore drops in the first chapter—particularly those referencing the first draft of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', which Sorenson was involved with uncovering.

===Errors===
* Vorath's journal alludes to anomalies in "G-Nebula 88". Assuming that this is meant to be a ''Masterforce'' reference, that should be "[[G Nebula 89|G-Nebula '''89''']]".
*In the Roles section from the book, picture of [[Breacher (TF 2010)]] is misidentified as [[Pyra Magna]], while on the previous page, a picture of Pyra Magna is misidentified as “Breecher”.
{{bookstub}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]

Pyra Magna (G1)

2024-03-25T18:26:49Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Pyro|Pyra}}
:''Pyra Magna is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:PyraMagna-modelsheet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Paragon 'til death.]]

A tough, serious, thoughtful commander, '''Pyra Magna''' excels at making the hard choices and transforming challenges that would break others into advantages. Though she has been shaped by the hardships of the [[Rust Sea]], her true strength comes from deep within her Spark. Pyra Magna's soul burns with a powerful flame that fuels her absolute, relentless will to survive. Devout to the point of fanaticism and driven by her personal convictions, Pyra Magna places great faith in the [[Thirteen]] and their legacy—including the divine [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Pyra's piety, combined with her boundless ambition, have led her to wonder if, perhaps, ''she'' might be better off becoming the next bearer of that most sacred [[Autobot]] artifact.

As the leader of a group of [[Torchbearer]]s, her personal team of "Rust Renegades" from [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] are explorers who seek out Cybertronian artifacts for preservation. She is dedicated to her job and to the [[Mistress of Flame]]. Following the recovery of [[Enigma of Combination|one ancient artifact]], she gained the ability to [[combiner|combine]] with her teammates to form the goliath [[Victorion]]. Pyra Magna inspires extreme loyalty and dedication in those under her direct command, with [[Companion|some]] even adopting the same color scheme as Pyra in her honor.

Pyra's internal water system has been compromised by corrosive gasses. She utilizes this unfortunate circumstance to power her Corrosion Cannons, weapons that weaken enemy armor and jam up their gears.

{{bigquote|I exist to '''light''' the '''way'''. There's nothing wrong with wanting to light the entire '''galaxy.'''|Pyra Magna reflects|"[[New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===

:*''First Appearance:'' [[An Uneventful Night|''Transformers: Combiner Hunters'' #1]]

[[File:GhostStories-pyraanddustup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all. Infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee."]]

'''Pyra''' originally served under the previous incarnation of the Torchbearers, keeping the peace on [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] under the command of [[Praesidia Magna]], servants of the [[Mistress of Flame]] and disciples of the [[Way of Flame]]. Their adventures took them far and wide across their homeworld, and though other Torchbearers fell in the line of duty Pyra remained unswerving in her devotion to the lineage of the Primes. On one fateful excursion, she and the team travelled to the impoverished village of [[Parvus Oppidum]] on the request of Torchbearer fangirls [[Dust Up|Dustup]] and [[Jumpstream]]. The Torchbearers found themselves under assault by [[Maximal|mechanical beasts]], who killed both Praesidia and fellow Torchbearer [[Fastbreak (G1)|Fastbreak]]. Pyra herself came under attack by their leader, a massive winged monster, who threatened to drag her into a singularity that had appeared in the middle of the town; despite locking eyes with the creature, she passed out, and by the time she came to the fight had reduced the town to nothing and the attackers had vanished.

[[File:GhostStories-pyramagnavehiclemode.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Traumatized by her failure, Pyra suffered a series of nightmares where the monster recited an ancient poem from a Camien text as she repeatedly watched Praesidia die on the surface of a barren world. In the waking world, Pyra eventually struck up a friendship with [[Rust Dust]], who had been named after the same poem that now haunted her dreams. Eventually, she came to strike up a friendship with [[Rust Dust]], who had taken her name from the poem in the holy text known as the [[Light of the Forgefire]], and sought out the Mistress of Flame for guidance. The Mistress explained that she and Praesidia had once visited the planet [[Antilla]] together, though she was unable to explain why her friend had perished with the dead world in her mind. As Pyra continued to dream, however, she came to realize that the "black angel" who haunted her nightmares was none other than [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]], one of the legendary [[Thirteen]].

Pyra realized that, if Onyx fled while she was unconscious because he feared further confrontation, it meant that the [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] could not be the infallible figures depicted in Camien religion. Galvanized by these revelations, Pyra stepped up to take command of the Torchbearers, recruiting Jumpstream and Dust up into the team, and taking on the mantle of "Magna," ready to face the threat of the Primes, even if it meant blaspheming the will of the Mistress. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}}

Pyra Magna continued to lead the Torchbearers for many years, at one point helping out in the village where [[Aileron]] lived. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} Pyra Magna was present when [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] re-established contact with Caminus after millennia of isolation, and watched [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] set foot on Caminus, revealing the legendary [[Matrix of Leadership]] to the assembled crowd. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} The Mistress of Flame believed that Optimus was the incarnation of [[The Arisen]], the legendary thirteenth Prime; Pyra and her team considered the matter to be more complex. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}}

[[File:AnUneventfulNight-PyraMagnanowords.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Soon after Caminus joined the [[Council of Worlds]], The Torchbearers travelled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to search for the remains of [[Crystal City]]. While combing the [[Rust Sea]], Magna was alerted to a bunch of other Transformers entering the area. Curious, she ordered her team to investigate and fought [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] attacking [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]. Attacking ''a [[Cityspeaker]]''?! Windblade told them to leave it but an angry Pyra Magna ordered her team to intervene. She also tried to hold Windblade back when Arcee threatened to destroy some object, as she couldn't allow a Cityspeaker to risk herself for it, until that object turned out to be the legendary [[Enigma of Combination]]. One accident later, and Pyra Magna was part of a new combiner!

After a new and angry Victorion was convinced to stand down and separate, Magna apologized to Windblade for their brief rampage. She also apologized to Arcee, but told her not to call their new state an "abomination"; while she sympathised with Arcee's fear that people would be forced into becoming gestalts, she said they ''had'' become one and had the right to be "what we are". {{storylink|An Uneventful Night}}

The Torchbearers opted to remain in the Rust Sea for a time, still learning to control their new powers. The inhabitants of the wasteland soon learned to avoid them. On one occasion, Pyra Magna and her team appeared to scare off a group of zombified [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s. {{storylink|The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption}}

They remained in exile until [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]–seeking answers about what it ''truly'' meant to be a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], decided to visit the group. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} Merging into Victorion, the Torchbearers tested Optimus's physical and spiritual resolve. Optimus's agnosticism about the [[Matrix of Leadership]] prompted Victorion to lay claim to the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]; though Pyra believed that Optimus was ''not'' the legendary [[The Arisen|Thirteenth Prime]], the Torchbearers vowed to build Optimus into a worthy Prime anyway. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}}

[[File:OnceUponATimeOnEarth-killthehumans.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|It's always polite to ask permission.]]
Pyra Magna led the Torchbearers back to Iacon, where they combined and joined Starscream's forces in quelling a Decepticon riot at the space bridge. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} After Optimus declared [[Earth]] a member of the [[Council of Worlds]], the Torchbearers—still combined—took part in a skirmish against [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s splinter force of Decepticons, but had to fall back after [[China]] deployed its anti-Transformer weaponry. As the Autobots regrouped at [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]]'s old house, Pyra Magna argued with [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

As a show of good faith, the Autobots began patrolling impoverished and troubled regions around the world. Pyra Magna and the other Torchbearers defended a Middle Eastern girls' school from religious fanatics. The Torchbearers would later travel to the [[White House]] after Aileron went rogue, forming Victorion and extricating the Autobots from the White House lawn. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 2: Edge of the Earth|Edge of the Earth}} The Torchbearers participated in Optimus and Soundwave's joint operation on the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. Victorion was torn apart by Galvatron's planetwide Enigma of Combination, and her components were knocked unconscious. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}} By the time that the Torchbearers had regained consciousness, the fight had already moved offworld. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}} Pyra Magna led her team as they helped mop up the stragglers, {{storylink|White Light}} but were forced to combine again after the [[Earth Defense Command]] launched an attack on the exhausted Autobots. {{storylink|White Heat}}

[[File:Informed-PyraMagnaAndWindblade.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Pyra Manga.]]

The Earthbound Autobots continued to settle into [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], until [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] abruptly went dormant and stopped communicating with the Autobots. Pyra Magna and Soundwave called Windblade to Earth to see if her cityspeaking talents could help them pinpoint what had gone wrong. The trio worked for many days trying to diagnose each of the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]'s systems, but their search turned up nothing. {{storylink|Informed}} Soon, the Torchbearers were called into action to defend Arcee and [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] from [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] in [[Oregon]], using Victorion's gravity powers to harmlessly take down human aircraft in the wake of Soundwave's EMP attack. {{storylink|Concorde Hymn}}

Back at Autobot City, Pyra Magna's idle speculation about the state of Metrotitan allowed Windblade to correctly deduce that Metrotitan was merely ignoring them, waiting to speak to a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. Pyra Magna watched as Windblade merged her consciousness with the Titan's, and when Windblade's mind returned from [[Microspace|another dimension]] she and Pyra Magna requested help from Optimus Prime to save the ailing universe from a destructive [[Entropy Cloud|entropy cloud]]. {{storylink|Informed}} Days later, the [[Dire Wraith]]s and [[M.A.S.K.]] besieged Autobot City for the deposits of [[Ore-13]] beneath; although Victorion swung into action to defend the base from the monstrous [[Baron Karza]], she was forced to split into her components to deal with an army of Dire Wraiths and even the odds. {{storylink|Valley Forge}}

[[File:ToWalkAmongTheChosen-torchbearers.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

When the crisis had been dealt with, the Autobots and their allies—including some recently arrived colonists with religious aspirations—turned their attention back to stabilizing the increasingly volatile Earth. Following some peacekeeping in [[Mexico City]], Pyra Magna reported that a large spaceship of alien origin was approaching Earth. She and the Torchbearers accompanied Optimus Prime when they travelled to the [[Matterhorn]] and intercept the craft. There, she explained to Optimus that the Matrix's supernatural glow was merely a reaction to fragments of [[Ore-13]] in the mountain, not so subtly hinting that her true feelings that ''she'' shoud bear the Matrix. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 1: To Walk Among the Chosen|To Walk Among the Chosen}} The spacecraft, as it turned, out, was carrying a load of [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] refugees. Pyra Magna and her team formed Victorion while Optimus made diplomatic overtures to their leaders [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and [[Rum-Maj]]. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

A series of diplomatic roadblocks prevented Optimus Prime from carrying out his twin goals: helping the wandering Junkions rebuild their [[Junkion (planet)|shattered homeworld]] through the use of [[Ore-13]], and allowing Earth to join the Council of Worlds. To this end, he engineered a diplomatic crisis that would force the Council to bring Earth into their membership. When Pyra Magna overheard this—and Optimus telling Aileron that he placed no religious faith in the Matrix—Pyra punched Prime in his faceplate and accused him of manipulating the faith of others to further his own ends. Pyra recanted her earlier vow to help Optimus, reasserting that she, a true believer, should be holding the Matrix. The following morning, Pyra and the Torchbearers attended Prime's summit between humans, Cybertronians, and Junkions, which was interrupted when the Junkions sicced a school of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s on all assembled. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows}}

Though supremely dissatisfied by the way that Prime had managed the crisis, Pyra nevertheless led her Torchbearers into the fight by deploying Victorion and using her gravity powers to lay into the oncoming Junkions. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} The fighting came to a head before Optimus, realizing that he had overstepped his bounds as a Prime, successfully brokered a new peace between all sides and successfully convinced their enemies to lay down their arms. Autobots, Junkions, and Sharkticons alike relocated to the abandoned EDC base in the [[Marshall Islands|Bikini Atoll]] begin the construction of "[[Little Cybertron]]." Optimus, sensing the growing rift between them, appointed the Torchbearer to oversee construction in the hopes of giving the two some time apart. {{storylink|What It's Really Like}} As construction began, Pyra watched the city take shape with [[Slide]], who was still unable to forgive the Junkions for killing her [[twin]] [[Oiler]] in the recent battle. Pyra encouraged the young Transformer to question Optimus's judgement, noting that "true" Primes stood for justice. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}}

[[File:WhatItsReallyLike-PyraAndSlide.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

At some point, Pyra began communicating with [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], sending him data packets. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}}

Several days into the job, Pyra criticized [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] for spending more time playing with his dog [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] than helping with the construction work. Her criticisms caught the attention of [[Marissa Faireborn]]; sensing a kindred spirit, Pyra Magna invited Marissa to take a ride around the city with her to discuss recent events. After the Torchbearers helped some Junkions out of a pile of rubble, Pyra confessed that she was hoping to depose Optimus Prime so that she could take command and guide Earth towards a brighter future. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}} Not long after that, she approached Slide once again after the young [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisien]] had been left behind by her friends. Pyra reminded her that though everyone else had forgotten her pain, ''she'' hadn't. When Optimus decided to briefly withdraw from Earth in the face of mounting political opposition, he invited Pyra Magna to accompany him so they could talk out their differences. {{storylink|What It's Really Like}}

The pair travelled to [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]'s singularity in the heart of the Rust Sea, where they discussed their recent adventure and the nature of faith. Pyra listened to Prime's tale about how [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] came to join the Autobots. Pyra found the moral of Prime's tale too saccharine, and recounted her own story: the tale of Praesidia Magna's doomed expedition to Parvus Oppidum, and her own subsequent crisis of faith. Though Optimus was not a believer, he took Pyra's words at face value, and the two agreed to put their pasts behind them and face the future together. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} When the two made their way back to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], [[Aileron]] brought the news that Earth had finally chosen an ambassador to speak for them on the [[Council of Worlds]]. To pass the time until the [[United Nations]] finalized their choice, the two payed a visit to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] where he recounted the unification of the [[Thirteen]] Primes. After the tale concluded, the [[President of the United States]] called to reveal that Marissa Faireborn had been chosen. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

[[File:UnificationDayDawn-brightfuture.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

At the grand ceremony, Pyra flanked Optimus (and in [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]]'s opinion was totally winning on the red carpet) before the [[Iron Ring]] struck. {{storylink|First Strike issue 1|First Strike #1}} Pyra leapt right into battle, atomizing a contingent of [[Iron Grenadier]]s with her pick-axe. {{storylink|Unification Day: Dawn}}

Having survived the invasion, Pyra was approached by Arcee after [[Joe Colton]] had been brought to justice, looking to recruit the Torchbearer for a mission into the wilderness. Pyra declined, feeling a pressing need to return to Earth as a result of being part of a combiner. Before departing, Pyra asked Arcee about her relationship with Prowl, and his role among the Autobots, before wondering aloud whether Arcee, who had once fought alongside the Thirteen that Pyra worshipped, could fill that role and keep both her and Optimus in check. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} After exiting the Space Bridge, Pyra quickly excused herself and informed Prowl of the political rumblings on Earth and Cybertron before Prowl warned her about a group of [[Maximal|marauding bestial Cybertronians]]. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}}

[[File:SurfeitOfPrimes-torchbearers.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Once Optimus had returned to Earth, he oversaw the opening of an [[Ore-13]] mine in [[Kentucky]] to help deal with Cybertron's recent energy crisis. As he took the shipment through the Space Bridge, Pyra offered to take the [[Colonist Soldiers]] down to the mine to help them truly understand what Optimus was trying to accomplish on Earth. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} No sooner had they touched down did [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] receive a summons from Cybertron, prompting Pyra to remain on alert should the aid of the Torchbearers be needed. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}} No sooner had Soundwave departed to deal with the return of Onyx Prime and his beasts to Cybertron than did Metrotitan himself bridge to Cybertron, carrying the Torchbearers with him, only to be immediately felled by his fellow Titan [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 3: The Ground|The Ground}}

Believing that his forces had killed Metrotitan, Onyx Prime—now unmasked as the Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]—ordered his co-conspirator, [[Liege Maximo]], to lead his Maximals to the impact site and pick off the survivors. While Arcee held off the Maximals, Pyra and her fellow Torchbearers combined into Victorion to take on [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his religious faith reawakened in the face of the apocalypse, {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}} and were eventually able to crush their opponent under a fatal gravitational onslaught.

[[File:Unforgivable-noprime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
Pyra and the other Torchbearers stormed Metrotitan's still-functioning Space Bridge, intent on confronting Onyx Prime and rescuing [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]... only to learn the truth: "Onyx" had never existed, and the time-travelling Shockwave had used his identity as a convenient disguise as he orchestrated millnennia of Cybertronian history. Pyra realized that Shockwave had deliberately baited her to this spot; having cast Optimus Prime into the singularity that he controlled, Shockwave freed the minds of both Optimus and Bumblebee from [[infraspace]], allowing them to escape into the [[antespace]] that Pyra Magna was a part of, thanks to her time as Victorion. Despite their many differences, both Pyra and Optimus found a common purpose in stopping Shockwave, and Pyra was able to tackle Shockwave and rip his gun-arm off. Despite all three of them desiring to kill Shockwave, it was Pyra who realized that, in order to prove herself the right-thinking 'bot that she held herself to be, she would need to bring in the Decepticon scientist alive. Pyra thus delivered her prisoner to the care of the Council of Worlds, revealing to the assembled colonists that Shockwave had stripped all of Cybertronian history as a great lie. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}}

Some time later, Wheeljack was able to safely transfer Optimus and Bumblebee's consciousnesses out of antespace and back into their own bodies—though the incoming threat of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] meant that there was little time for her to acclimatize before all three boarded the ''[[Ark-Zero]]'' to rescue [[Elonia]], homeworld of [[Rom]] the [[Space Knight]], from the planet-eater. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} Piloting the ship through the mayhem, Pyra and Soundwave worked together to help triangulate the location of a signal that blocked Wheeljack's Space Bridge pylons, learning that it belonged to the long-lost Titan [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]]. Despite evacuating two thirds of the planet, however, they were ultimately unable to prevent the monster planet from devouring Elonia. {{storylink|Our Darkest}} On the way back to Cybertron, Pyra revealed that she had already been in contact with Prowl, who revealed that, based on his own estimations, Unicron would—after consuming [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]—move on to Pyra's homeworld of Caminus. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

[[File:StrangerEons-nomatterhowharditry.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"[http://i.pinimg.com/originals/b9/a3/6e/b9a36ea366570246184bab4b3e0afcc4.jpg And every boy...sooner or later...must put away his toys...and become '''a man'''!]"]]

As Optimus led what remained of the [[Autobot fleet]] to Caminus, to engage the endless Maximal hordes, Pyra, Aileron, and the Torchbearers helped coordinate evacuation efforts on the surface of the besieged planet, shrugging off the Mistress of Flame's repeated efforts to assure the fleeing Camiens to have faith—for Pyra's faith in any higher power had died with Metrotitan. Optimus and his forces were once again unable to defeat Unicron, and as Caminus fell so did the Mistress of Flame. Bequeathing her [[Forgehammer]] to Pyra, the Mistress gave her life to allow her people to flee through the Space Bridge to Cybertron. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} On Cybertron itself, Pyra mulled over the meaning of the artifact, before bitterly concluding that the Mistress had bequeathed the hammer to her as a final jab against her broken faith, and defiantly stabbed the weapon into the surface of Metroplex. {{storylink|Stranger Eons}}

The respite was short-lived; as Unicron approached Cybertron, intent on continuing his mission of extinction, Pyra Magna and the other Torchbearers were called into action by [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] as part of a final, do-or-die strike on the monster. As Victorion, the team pummeled their way through [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s mutated [[Decepticon Justice Division]], only to be themselves overpowered by the monstrous [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]], [[Stormclash]] ripped from the gestalt and killed, and Pyra herself badly wounded. {{storylink|Our Finest}} The defeated Torchbearers tumbled onto the hull of Bludgeon's flagship, where they remained even after Unicron's destruction of Cybertron as the battle spilled over onto Earth. {{storylink|Road's End}} As the D.V.D. appeared over Earth, the five watched as Bludgeon deployed Monstructor once more to take on the assembled forces of Earth, Elonia, and Cybertron. {{storylink|Assembly}} Bludgeon's ship soon peeled away from the fight to drop into Earth's atmosphere, pursued by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s and the [[Colonist Soldiers]]; from [[Mount Rushmore]], Soundwave's unleashing of the energies of the Enigma of Combination caused its energies to run amok, and Slide, a combiner herself, was inexorably drawn to the Torchbearers. Together, they were able to reform Victorion, with Slide standing in for Stormclash, and, teaming up with [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], the two successfully brought down Monstructor.

[[File:Post-MistressPyra.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

In the aftermath, Prime was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to destroy Unicron, the two dying together, as the combatants regrouped at the foot of Mount Rushmore. There, Pyra realized the true nature of the Mistress's token: faith was not what you told someone to believe, but could only come from within. Taking up the mantle of the new Mistress of Flame, Pyra invited Slide to join the Torchbearers, and the young Devisien tearfully acknowledged that they had both been wrong about Optimus Prime: the Autobot leader had never sought to lead them, but had merely hoped to build a better world for all. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

Some time later, Pyra Magna had yet to settle into her new role as the Mistress of Flame, helping to give advice to Cybertronians as the Transformers settled into life on their new homeworld of Earth, though her attempts to help [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] with their [[Chic Chips]] business were overshadowed by the more pressing issue of Prime's funeral. On Little Cybertron, Pyra, having finally come to understand the true nature of the Way of Flame, joined Windblade in presiding over the ceremony, interring Prime's mouthplate into the soil of his adopted homeworld. {{storylink|Post}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Pyra Magna, legendary for her escapades in the Rust Sea, was [[Magna Stampede]]'s great-aunt. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[The World In Your Eyes Part Three|''Transformers'' #3]] (referenced); [[War World: Awakenings|#26]] (full appearance)}}
Pyra Magna was one of the four [[Great General]]s who battled [[Exarchon]]'s forces during the [[War of the Threefold Spark]]. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|All Fall Down}} She soon developed a reputation for her ruthless, pragmatic approach to warfare, {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} an attitude that carried over to her "[[Companion]]s": an elite, highly trained strike force of fanatically loyal soldiers. {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

[[File:WeAreNotMeantToBeDarkness PyraMagnaBridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.4|]]
When [[Turmoil]] destroyed [[Neutronia]] and took a number of Cybertronians hostage, Pyra Magna and her Companions pursued the villain into space—at that point, however, the war had already ended, and [[Nominus Prime]] had announced his intentions to offer Turmoil and every other 'bot who had served Exarchon amnesty. Pyra deliberately flaunted the terms of this peace agreement to launch a frontal assault on Turmoil's getaway warship to rescue his prisoners, adamant that a monster like Turmoil didn't deserve amnesty; however, during the subsequent space battle, Turmoil's warship exploded and killed everyone aboard. {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}} One victim of the explosion was [[Paragon]]; his lover [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] swore vengeance against Pyra for going too far when she didn't have to. {{storylink|War World: Hunt|Hunt}}

After returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Pyra was arrested and imprisoned inside the [[White Tower]] detention complex, roused only from her stasis chamber periodically to remind her of what she'd done and why she was a prisoner. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|All Fall Down}} In wider Cybertronian society, Pyra Magna's sentence was a controversial one: while many agreed with the decision to lock her away, others, including the celebrated engineer-philosopher [[Termagax]], felt that she'd been justified in her actions. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Two}} Some even adopted her distinctive color scheme as a form of protest, including several ex-Companions like [[Jumpstream]] and [[Groundbreaker]]. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}} After Nominus passed the [[Matrix of Leadership]] on to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Sentinel upheld his predecessor's decision and refused to release her. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Two}}

During her two thousand kilocycles in prison, Sentinel assigned [[Froid]] to treat her during the rare instances when she was roused from stasis. The psychiatrist failed to make any substantial headway, and when Sentinel Prime worried that he was growing too close to his patient he ordered the sessions to stop. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} Froid would come to regard Pyra Magna as one of his four substantial failures. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Three}} Pyra herself believed that Sentinel was right to jail her; {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} war had turned her into a monster, and she began counting the days until another monster would rise up to strike her down for what she'd done. {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

[[File:WarWorldAwakenings PyraMagnaReleased.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9|]]
When the Ascenticons took down the [[Tether]], Megatron cited Pyra Magna's fate and refused to let himself share it. Elsewhere, Orion Pax tried appealing to Sentinel to have Pyra Magna released, due to her experience as the last of the Great Generals, which he felt could be used to fight the Rise quickly and decisively, but the Prime angrily refused. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|All Fall Down}}

After Megatron had taken command of the [[Senate]] and Orion Pax had become [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], the newly minted Prime, over protests in his ranks, ordered Pyra released, hoping to counter Megatron's Great General of [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] with one of his own. Her release overseen by [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] and [[Froid]], Magna had the White Tower's comms blockers shut off so she could summon [[Jumpstream]] to her. After being caught up on her subordinate's new paint, she ordered Jumpstream to gather the rest of the Companions. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}}

When Megatron offered to talk with Optimus Prime under the flag of a temporary truce, Pyra was skeptical and warned Optimus that Megatron likely had ulterior motives behind luring him to the middle of Iacon. She offered an alternative: send her to conduct the meeting remotely while Optimus gathered his forces and abandoned Iacon. Despite her convictions that Optimus would have to give in to his darker urges to decisively win this new war, Prime refused to accept this, and his idealism impressed the old soldier. During the meeting with her erstwhile compatriot [[Strika (BM)|Strika]], Pyra learned that the entire meeting had been arranged to organize her assassination; fortunately, Pyra had foreseen this and deployed Jumpstream and the other Companions to take out the Decepticons sent to kill her. Cyclonus finally faced off with the killer of his lover, but found himself unable to finally accomplish the deed. In the aftermath, Pyra told him that only he could decide where he went from this point, before leaving with the Companions to rejoin Optimus's forces. {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

Pyra Magna and the other opposing Megatron became Autobots, a united front exiled to [[Crystal City]]. They tried and failed to defend other fronts in the war, with Pyra Magna leading a controlled retreat in [[Protihex]] after giving up ground there. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Pyra Magna authorized [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to perform tests to improve her Companion Jumpstream's teleporting ability. She was concerned when Jumpstream went missing only to return from unknown skies, unconscious. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

[[File:SeaOfRustII PyraLeadsAttack.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7|]]
Optimus Prime wanted Pyra Magna to reach out to [[Termagax]], who apparently held the critical [[Enigma of Combination]]. Termagax had made Pyra Magna's release a ''cause celebre'' during her incarceration, making her one of the few people Termagax might open her doors towards. When [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] reported Termagax sighted by the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], Pyra Magna deployed the Companions and [[Firestar (G1)|Novastar]]'s strike team aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] to defend her from the [[Insecticon clone]] swarm sent by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|Sea of Rust I}} After the first wave was dealt with, Pyra Magna established a trench defense and snipers atop the [[House (building)|home]] of Termagax to prepare for incoming Decepticons. Termagax granted an audience with Pyra Magna, who acted as go-between before the arrival of Optimus Prime. Pyra Magna's defensive perimeter eliminated the [[Rainmaker]]s when they arrived, the predictable first strike of the Decepticons, and full trench warfare began. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust II|Sea of Rust II}} An unexpected element entered the fray when [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] returned and seized the Enigma with his teleporting ability. Jumpstream recovered around the same time and teleported to report to Pyra Magna. The Great General sent out Jumpstream to counter her fellow teleporter, but in the end, the Enigma fell into the Sea of Rust where nobody could claim it. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Enigmatic|Enigmatic}}

When the Decepticons launched a massive attack on Crystal City, Pyra Magna updated Optimus Prime on the evacuation of noncombatants from the city as they prepared to fight back. With the enemy breaking through their defenses and surging through the streets, Pyra stood alongside Optimus and their troops as the last line of defense. Fortunately, they had bought enough time for back-up to arrive in the form of [[Lodestar (Titan)|Lodestar]], who landed on the outskirts of the city to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|A Dust of Crystals}}

[[File:WarsEndPartTwo CompanionsArrive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|right|"Little fight in you... I like that."]]
After Lodestar and [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] managed to force negotiations, Pyra received a distress call from the [[Sonic Canyons]] made by the team sent there to investigate, excusing herself to handle it. {{storylink|The Landscape of Fear}} As she and her Companions traveled to the Canyons, observing the [[rust worm]]s eating the planet, Pyra mused about her place in this new time and war before ordering Jumpstream to not accompany the group, hoping to avert the potential future where her subordinate died in the Canyons. When the rest of them arrived, they found Exarchon's [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] incarnation fighting a Decepticon team led by [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} Exarchon pounced on Pyra in his dragon mode, but Jumpstream unexpectedly teleported in to save her commander, defying the orders to stay away. Exarchon retreated for the moment as Jumpstream warned that [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] was on his way. In the face of Exarchon's imminent threat, Pyra and Sixshot agreed to join their forces, despite the misgivings of some of their followers. [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]] warned them that [[Team Stream|his squad]] might have allied with Exarchon. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}}

[[File:FateOfCybertron-MagnusMagna.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
A solution to their problems arrived in the form of Megatron's data science team. They held a Titanspark contained with spark cage technology. The cage would serve to trap Exarchon's mitotic spark should he try to usurp the Titanspark, which [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]'s hypnosis would ensure. Pyra Magna's past sins weighed upon her, though, and she balked at the idea of sacrificing the spark of the last Titan as nothing more than disposable bait for Exarchon. It was Cyclonus who stepped forward and said, this time, the sacrifice of an innocent was necessary. A second strike was made, and Mindwipe implanted the impulse in Exarchon's mind to seize the Titanspark. he and Sixshot became occupied, though, and Pyra Magna found she could not bring herself to carry out the plan. Again, it was Cyclonus who grabbed the spark cage and brought it within Exarchon's range, trapping the Threefold Spark inside the Titanspark and the cage unit. Pyra Magna's uncertainty left her when she saw Sixshot reach for the Titanspark. She quickly destroyed the cage and the spark within it to prevent Megatron from getting his hands on an Exarchon-infused Titanspark. The War of the Threefold Spark was now officially over. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

Pyra Magna and the Companions reconnected with the Autobots, with Pyra directing Jumpstream to take an [[imploder]] that was threatening them out of play. As Optimus Prime prepared to lead his people away from Cybertron aboard the last ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. Pyra Magna and her fellow Great General Ultra Magnus fought side-by-side at [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]] while the ship prepped for launch, and those who opposed Megatron soon left Cybertron behind, making their way towards the adrift [[Winged Moon]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Fate of Cybertron|Fate of Cybertron}}

====Alternate future====
When Jumpstream was accidentally transported to an alternate future where Exarchon conquered Cybertron, she stumbled upon Pyra Magna and several others' severed heads impaled on pikes in the ground. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Pyra_MagnaEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Surprisingly one of the most convincing alt-modes in Earth Wars.... until she has to put out a fire.]]
A product of her environment, the forbidding Sea of Rust, Pyra Magna knows how to make hard choices, and how to turn adversity - in her case, a water system contaminated by corrosive gasses - to her advantage...
Her Corrosion Cannons can weaken the molecular structure of an enemy's armour and bring their gears to a grinding halt.
A great fire burns within Pyra Magna's Spark that powers her relentless will to survive. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Pyra Magna bio}}

Pyra Magna came to Earth before most of the other Torchbearers to help out in the cause on Earth and get the [[Fractal Map]].
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Lost Map Campaign}} {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Power Play Campaign}}

Pyra Magna and the Torchbearers were in the sector closest to Polyhex, when they went to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Dinobot Sludge. It wasn't until she found a broken cerebro shell that they knew who was behind the attack. Attempting to contact Autobot base about the missing Autobot, they were contacted by Drift, who told them the Dinobot is in fact named Slog, not Sludge.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Polyhex Saga}}

*'''Class:''' Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 1 star
*'''Weaponry:''' Pyra uses her cudgel (Bat'leth on a stick?) to attack defenses.
*'''Ability: Fire Rush:''' Rushes into combat and spreads fire along the way dealing some damage over a few seconds.
**'''Cost:'''4 ability points. +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:pyra-magna Pyra Magna at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Pyra Magna was a holy warrior dedicated to the Way of Flame and a devoted believer of the inherent sanctity of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]--anyone who questioned her righteousness would face the wrath of her corrosive water cannons. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}} She was the leader of the [[Torchbearer]]s, and could combine with them into the mighty [[Victorion]]. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}}

==Toys==
===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CombinerWarstoy-PyraMagna.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Yes, I am a normal firetruck that is not a robot. I do not have a large robot head where the bucket should be. That would be absurd and is not something that I have, no sir.]]
*'''Victorion''' (Collection Pack, [[2016]])
**''Accessories:'' Axe
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)|[[You]] (initial concept)}}

:''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Pyra Magna is a [[retool]] of Voyager Class [[Hot Spot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Hot Spot]] from the same toy line, with a new head, forearms, chestplate, and some different ladder-boom parts. She transforms into a fire truck resembling a modified Rosenbauer Panther 6x6, with a working ladder-boom. She can also form the torso to super-robot [[Victorion]], which officially also includes her teammates [[Stormclash#Generations|Stormclash]], [[Skyburst (G1)#Generations|Skyburst]], [[Dust Up#Generations|Dust Up]], [[Jumpstream#Generations|Jumpstream]], and [[Rust Dust#Generations|Rust Dust]], though in this mode she can also use any combination of ''Combiner Wars''-style limb-bots. Her axe forms the hilt of Victorion's sword.

:Many (if not all) samples of Pyra Magna come with [[Misassembly|misassembled]] knee struts. They are reversed on both legs, preventing her knee assemblies from locking in properly for robot mode. This issue was shared with [[Onslaught (G1)/toys#CWG2|''Generation 2'' Onslaught]]. In an undocumented feature also shared with Onslaught, the backs of her feet can flip out to provide better support, something absent from Hot Spot and [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generations|Inferno]], though unlike them, Victorion's head doesn't open into a bucket and sprayer, making it more obvious than others.

:Like the rest of her Torchbearers, Pyra Magna features Cybertronic tampographs on her vehicle mode, which reads "''If Cybertron''" on her right and "''Be your home''" on the left.

:Pyra Magna was only available as part of a Victorion box set, including a poster and a collector card based on the set's packaging art. The set was one of several so-called "Collection Packs" that were "online exclusives" in the United States, available from online retailers such as [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], and [[BigBadToyStore]] as well as the online stores of "big box" retailers such as [[Toys"R"Us]], [[Walmart]], [[Target]], and [[Kmart]]. In Hasbro's Asian markets such as Singapore and Taiwan, the set was available at general retail. In Australia, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Canada, was both sold at Toys"R"Us stores and available via Amazon Canada. In the United Kingdom, it was available via the UK Toys"R"Us website (but never sold in stores), whereas in Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiaries of [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and Carrefour, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés, supposedly also only available online.

:This version of the sculpt was also redecoed into ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' [[Megaempress#Toys|Megaempress]].
{{CWHotSpotMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*"Pyra magna" is (roughly translated) Latin for "great fire".
*In [[The Enigma of Combination]] sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]], a picture of [[Breacher (TF 2010)]] is misidentified as Pyra Magna, while on the previous page, a picture of Pyra Magna is misidentified as “Breecher”.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Pyra Magna''' (パイラマグナ ''Paira Maguna'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jù Yàn''' (巨焰, "Great Flame")

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Caminus]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Firefighters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Autobots]]
[[Category:Torchbearers]]

Breacher (TF 2010)

2024-03-25T18:24:16Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Notes */

{{faction|autobot|primusvanguard}}
{{disambig2|the live-action film series Autobot|the Generation 1 Autobot|Breacher (G1)}}
:''Breacher is an [[Autobot]] from the [[movie continuity family]] (via the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 Transformers toyline]]).''
[[File:breacher-uftu.jpg|thumb|right|400px|IS: On the beach. IS NOT: Gregory Peck.]]

'''Breacher''' is as comfortable in water as he is on land, which explains why he's friends with [[Sea Spray (TF 2010)|Sea Spray]]. Due to their operational flexibility, the "twin titans of tide and terra firma" often find themselves tasked with tracking down [[NEST]]'s enemies on the islands and coastlines of Earth—an example being the Decepticon [[Crankstart]], who is hiding somewhere on the east coast of [[Africa]].<ref>''Hunt for the Decepticons'' Scout Class Breacher packaging bio</ref>

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===''Unite for the Universe''===
Breacher, Sea Spray, and [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] were deployed to the islands of the [[Aegean Sea]] in a hunt for the origin of a [[Decepticon]] transmission picked up by NEST. Despite the fact that the Decepticon base responsible for the transmission was cloaked, the patrolling [[Skystalker (ROTF)|Skystalker]] tried to attack and sink Sea Spray and his passenger, tipping the Autobots off that they were close. After Sea Spray destabilized Skystalker with the blowback from his turbines, Breacher was able to shoot the Decepticon down. His victory was short-lived, however, as he was ambushed and gruesomely dispatched by [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 2|Bludgeon's Revenge}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Breacher was a member of the [[Blue Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. When the traitorous [[Straxus (G1)#Precursor World|Straxus twins]] unleashed a rage virus to destroy the corps from within, he was attacked by a [[Brainstorm (G1)#Precursor World|winged comrade]] and eventually slain in the ensuing brawl. Vanguard supreme leader [[Primus#The old universe|Primus]] later loaded the Warrior's lingering [[spark]] into his [[Golden Noah]] in an attempt to ferry his soul to the [[G1 World|next world]]. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}} Unfortunately, this did not work. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale|Finale}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2010)===
{{twoimages|File:TF2010-toy_Breacher.jpg|w1=300|File:JP-Breacher.jpg|w2=175|caption=This was not in the manual. (Left: Hasbro version, Right: TakaraTomy version)}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Breacher''' (Scout Class, [[2010]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AA-07'''
:*''Accessories:'' Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Hunt for the Decepticons'' toyline]], Breacher transforms into a {{w|SIBMAS}} AFSV-90 that can load onto Voyager Class [[Sea Spray (TF 2010)#Toys|Sea Spray]]. His cannon uses the [[C joint]] system, so it can be clipped onto multiple places on his robot mode, as well as on other figures with appropriate mounting points. (The [[instructions]] completely neglect to mention this, instead insisting on keeping the weapon attached to the vehicle roof mount in robot mode, thus keeping his weapon on his back even though he comes packed with the gun clipped onto his fist.) His arm-panels also utilize 3 mm clips, therefore they can be equipped with assorted C joint accessories. They can also be removed and used as shields as they too are attached to his wrists with C-joints.

:The Japanese release of Breacher uses a darker blue plastic and is packed using the infamous twisty "wire" ties, unlike the version released in Hasbro's markets that uses the newer paper-based ones.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' GDO [[Brawl (G1)#Generations|Brawl]] and would also have been used for the canceled ''Reveal the Shield'' [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)#Toys|Bodyblock]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Breacher/breacher.htm More information on Breacher at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Breacher was originally listed with the name "[[Groundshaker (disambiguation)|Groundshaker]]" by both Japanese hobby magazines and online stores that offered pre-orders for [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#Autobot Alliance|Autobot Alliance]]'' range. The toy's packaging, however, is more or less identical to that of his American counterpart, including the name, and the online listings were later changed accordingly.
*Breacher's alt mode could have also been based on that of [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]], another blue APC from the Micromaster series. This time, Breacher also shares Dropshot's characteristic double-barreled gun.
*According to [[Joe Kyde]], the ''Generations: Thrilling 30'' toy of [[Roller (G1)#Generations|Roller]] has a [[robot mode]] based on Breacher.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140717060411/http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/96686-generations-legends-targetmaster-moulds/ Kyde's response on an Allspark.com thread about the ''Thrilling 30'' Legends partners] (archived)</ref> Breacher, likewise, appears to be an homage to Roller as a blue six wheeled vehicle towed by a larger robot.
*In [[The Enigma of Combination]] sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]], a picture of Breacher is misidentified as Pyra Magna, while on the previous page, a picture of [[Pyra Magna]] is misidentified as “Breecher”.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Breacher''' (ブリーチャー ''Burīchā'')

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Blue Order]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Sea specialists]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]

Breacher (TF 2010)

2024-03-25T18:23:46Z

TrevorBBonkus: /* Notes */

{{faction|autobot|primusvanguard}}
{{disambig2|the live-action film series Autobot|the Generation 1 Autobot|Breacher (G1)}}
:''Breacher is an [[Autobot]] from the [[movie continuity family]] (via the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 Transformers toyline]]).''
[[File:breacher-uftu.jpg|thumb|right|400px|IS: On the beach. IS NOT: Gregory Peck.]]

'''Breacher''' is as comfortable in water as he is on land, which explains why he's friends with [[Sea Spray (TF 2010)|Sea Spray]]. Due to their operational flexibility, the "twin titans of tide and terra firma" often find themselves tasked with tracking down [[NEST]]'s enemies on the islands and coastlines of Earth—an example being the Decepticon [[Crankstart]], who is hiding somewhere on the east coast of [[Africa]].<ref>''Hunt for the Decepticons'' Scout Class Breacher packaging bio</ref>

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===''Unite for the Universe''===
Breacher, Sea Spray, and [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] were deployed to the islands of the [[Aegean Sea]] in a hunt for the origin of a [[Decepticon]] transmission picked up by NEST. Despite the fact that the Decepticon base responsible for the transmission was cloaked, the patrolling [[Skystalker (ROTF)|Skystalker]] tried to attack and sink Sea Spray and his passenger, tipping the Autobots off that they were close. After Sea Spray destabilized Skystalker with the blowback from his turbines, Breacher was able to shoot the Decepticon down. His victory was short-lived, however, as he was ambushed and gruesomely dispatched by [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]. {{storylink|Unite for the Universe issue 2|Bludgeon's Revenge}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Breacher was a member of the [[Blue Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. When the traitorous [[Straxus (G1)#Precursor World|Straxus twins]] unleashed a rage virus to destroy the corps from within, he was attacked by a [[Brainstorm (G1)#Precursor World|winged comrade]] and eventually slain in the ensuing brawl. Vanguard supreme leader [[Primus#The old universe|Primus]] later loaded the Warrior's lingering [[spark]] into his [[Golden Noah]] in an attempt to ferry his soul to the [[G1 World|next world]]. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}} Unfortunately, this did not work. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale|Finale}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2010)===
{{twoimages|File:TF2010-toy_Breacher.jpg|w1=300|File:JP-Breacher.jpg|w2=175|caption=This was not in the manual. (Left: Hasbro version, Right: TakaraTomy version)}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Breacher''' (Scout Class, [[2010]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AA-07'''
:*''Accessories:'' Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Hunt for the Decepticons'' toyline]], Breacher transforms into a {{w|SIBMAS}} AFSV-90 that can load onto Voyager Class [[Sea Spray (TF 2010)#Toys|Sea Spray]]. His cannon uses the [[C joint]] system, so it can be clipped onto multiple places on his robot mode, as well as on other figures with appropriate mounting points. (The [[instructions]] completely neglect to mention this, instead insisting on keeping the weapon attached to the vehicle roof mount in robot mode, thus keeping his weapon on his back even though he comes packed with the gun clipped onto his fist.) His arm-panels also utilize 3 mm clips, therefore they can be equipped with assorted C joint accessories. They can also be removed and used as shields as they too are attached to his wrists with C-joints.

:The Japanese release of Breacher uses a darker blue plastic and is packed using the infamous twisty "wire" ties, unlike the version released in Hasbro's markets that uses the newer paper-based ones.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' GDO [[Brawl (G1)#Generations|Brawl]] and would also have been used for the canceled ''Reveal the Shield'' [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)#Toys|Bodyblock]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Breacher/breacher.htm More information on Breacher at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Breacher was originally listed with the name "[[Groundshaker (disambiguation)|Groundshaker]]" by both Japanese hobby magazines and online stores that offered pre-orders for [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#Autobot Alliance|Autobot Alliance]]'' range. The toy's packaging, however, is more or less identical to that of his American counterpart, including the name, and the online listings were later changed accordingly.
*Breacher's alt mode could have also been based on that of [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]], another blue APC from the Micromaster series. This time, Breacher also shares Dropshot's characteristic double-barreled gun.
*According to [[Joe Kyde]], the ''Generations: Thrilling 30'' toy of [[Roller (G1)#Generations|Roller]] has a [[robot mode]] based on Breacher.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140717060411/http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/96686-generations-legends-targetmaster-moulds/ Kyde's response on an Allspark.com thread about the ''Thrilling 30'' Legends partners] (archived)</ref> Breacher, likewise, appears to be an homage to Roller as a blue six wheeled vehicle towed by a larger robot.
*In [[The Enigma of Combination]] sourcebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]], a picture of Breacher is misidentified as Pyra Magna, while on the previous page, a picture of Pyra Magna is misidentified as “Breecher”.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Breacher''' (ブリーチャー ''Burīchā'')

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Blue Order]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Sea specialists]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]