Created page with "{{factions|maximal|maximalbm}} right|thumb|Woof woof! Arising from the ashes of the Great War, the '''Maximals''' are the descen..."
Arising from the ashes of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the '''Maximals''' are the descendants (at least in part) of the [[Autobot]]s, controlling [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. The [[Great Upgrade]] paved the way for the Maximals - and their counterpart race, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s - to arise, sporting downsized bodies for fuel efficiency and durability. In many ways, the Maximals share traits with their their Autobot ancestors; primarily a "civilian" race, the Maximals are committed to upholding the peaceful, democratic values of their forebears. All this said, they aren't perfect: they still have their [[Rattrap (BW)|jerks]], and Maximal science has occasionally resulted in the odd [[[Rampage (BW)|unethical scientific horrors]].
:''The Predacons are a faction from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Predacon symbol.png|thumb|You know they're evil because their icon could poke out an optic.]]
The most distinctive factor of both Maximal and Predacon physiology is their development of pseudo-organic [[beast mode]]s, allowing both sides to adopt [[alternate form]]s that blend in seamlessly with the organic lifeforms found elsewhere in the universe. This technology, an offshoot of earlier [[Pretender]] tech,<ref name="Departure"/> sheathes an [[alternate form]] in an artificial organic skin, integrating beast mode instincts directly into the Maximal form.
As the [[Maximal]]s arose to carry on the traditions of the [[Autobot]]s, so too did the '''Predacon''' evolve alongside them as descendants — at least in part — of the original [[Decepticon]]s. Like their counterparts, Predacons can easily be distinguished from their forebears by their small and fuel-efficient bodies, legacies of the [[Great Upgrade]] that led to the creation of the two factions. Something of an underclass on post-war Cybertron, Predacon society is a militaristic one that places emphasis on "survival of the fittest:" a cultural mindset that rewards ambition, conquest, and a certain level of treachery. By order of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], they exist as something of an underclass, appearing to be equals, but firmly under the [[Maximal]]s in the social order, which has led many Predacons to hold bitter grudges against the Maximals.
When Maximals take on beast modes, they tend to select mammals, birds or fish, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Occasionally, Maximals might choose to become [[Insectron|insects]], [[Cohrada|reptiles]], or [[Dinobot (BM)|dinosaurs]].
The Predacons are governed by the [[Tripredacus Council]]: a shadowy triad of mechanoids with a far-reaching agenda of their own — and though most Predacons chafe under the post-war conditions on Cybertron, the Council and its operatives seek to undermine the social and political progress of the Maximals.
{{quote|I'm a Maximal. I have to give peace a chance, no matter how unlikely it seems.|[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]|"[[Before the Storm]]"}}
The most distinctive factor of both Maximal and Predacon physiology is their development of pseudo-organic [[beast mode]]s, allowing both factions to adopt [[alternate mode]]s that seamlessly blend in with organic creatures found elsewhere in the galaxy. The ruthless attitude of Predacon society extends to the beast modes they usually take: traditionally, Predacons opt to become reptiles, dinosaurs, or invertebrates, though [[Shadow Panther|mammalian forms]] are not unheard of.
==History==
The adjective for "of or pertaining to the Predacons" is '''Predaconial''',<ref><tt>A [Maximal] strategic specialist, [[Stinkbomb]] is fascinated with the study of Predaconial psychology.</tt> — [http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/Stinkbomb/stinkbomb.htm Stinkbomb's Tech-Spec], 1999</ref> though it is ''extremely common'' to simply substitute 'Predacon'.
[[IDW Publishing|IDW]] continuity presents the Maximals as a splinter group of [[Autobot]]s, emerging during the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. 2016's "[[Dawn of the Predacus]]" comic depicts Maximals in full-sized [[guzzler]] bodies, fighting alongside their Autobot ancestors against the Decepticons and Predacons. The ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' places its versions of ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' in this pre-Pax Cybertronia era. Additionally, it indicates that Predacons (specifically BB) were being "re-educated" in Maximal prisons during the Great War.
{{quote|You do not know the Predacons. We—they ''live'' for the glory of conquest.|[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] to [[Tigatron (BW)|Tigatron]]|"[[Law of the Jungle]]"}}
At some point, possibly after the [[Pax Cybertronia]] had restored peace to Cybertron, the [[Maximal Upgrade]] program was introduced. The program emphasized fuel efficiency through downsizing. Many of the surviving Autobots eventually upgraded via bio-tech overhaul and cloistered themselves away, but some few stayed active in Cybertronian society to guide the emerging Maximal faction into the future. The [[Maximal Elder]]s locked away much information about the Great War (and especially the location of [[Earth]]) from the young population, fearing it would re-ignite old grudges or inspire [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurgents to rewrite history using [[transwarp]] technology.
==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
The theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], which set in motion the "Beast Wars", occurred approximately 300 years after the end of the Great War.
[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s forces were able to acquire the "[[bio-genetic morphing process]] that allowed for the ideal fusion between the organic and mechanical. Taking on the forms of [[Earth]]'s most vicious lifeforms, the technology allowed for the rise of the Predacons. {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}
{{note|Specific dating for this has been suggested in ancillary material, but in the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon itself this date is fairly indistinct, as there's no way to know exactly when the Great War ended.}}
[[Vector Prime]] claimed that in some realities, the Maximals were founded by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], who presumably survived the war. One such reality, ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'', depicts both the Maximals and Predacons as creations of the [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]]s, intended to carry on the Cybertronian race, only to be used by the Builders old Autobot-Decepticon war via the [[Games]] for their own endless amusement. The Maximals in particular took their name from Fortress Maximus, who had long ago ground into immobility, and from Maxima, the first Cybertronian given life by the Energon Matrix.
*[[Transmetal]]s—Beast-style Maximals hit by a Quantum surge have been shown to mutate in such a way that their physiology "reverses", so their "beast" forms take on mechanical properties while their "robot" forms become more organic. Often tertiary vehicular modes manifest. Such robots are undetectable to [[Vok]] technology.
*[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]]—Beast-style Maximals affected by the Vok's mysterious [[Transmetal driver]] became asymmetrical and monstrous in both forms, each of which incorporates mechanical and organic systems seemingly at random. These types of Maximals tend to possess odd extra "powers" such as healing or telekinesis.
*[[Technorganic]]s—When reformatted by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], beast form Maximals become an entirely new type of being, merging true organic life and Cybertronian technology in every cell of their being.
==Organization==
[[File:Bmmaximal.png|left|thumb|Beast Machines era insignia.]]
The [[Maximal Imperium]] was the state that the Maximals formed. The term "imperium" would imply an empire, though the Maximals have never displayed any militaristic-expansionist inclinations, something more in line with the Predacons. However, it might be speculated that their exploration programs, referenced in ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'', were a precursor to an expansion-minded colonization program.
The Maximal Imperium appeared to invest both legislative and executive power in a {{w|bicameral}} legislature, the Maximal Elders and the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]]. It is unknown what the relationship and division of powers were between the two legislatures, although it appears the Elders were the more senior legislature. Like their Autobot ancestors, the Maximals had a strong belief in [[democracy]], even going so far as to elect their military leaders when unable to communicate with the high command. This could cause problems when there was an even number of voters. Some evidence suggests that the Maximal Elders were more repressive and secretive than strictly necessary. Another powerful political body is the cross-factional [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]], whose appointed members include both Maximals and Predacons.
The Maximals are by nature peaceful, but the realities of the universe still compel them to have armed forces. An elite force of security enforcers, the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], was also established to help keep the peace. Another special group were the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s. Usually the highest rank is [[Supreme Commander]], awarded to Maximals of [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]] status, who are given an [[Energon Matrix]] linked to the [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer. The Supreme Commanders answer to the Maximal Elders, and there is some evidence to indicate that the Maximal Elders included former Supreme Commanders.
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==Maximal society==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
Not much is known about the Maximal-led, post-Great War Cybertron. There does appear to have been commerce ([[holo-chip]]s), entertainment ([[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]]), and industry.
The planetary capital is located in [[Cybertropolis]], a city built over the ruins of old [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. The planet is shared with the remainder of the defeated Predacon faction. Many Predacons feel they are living as second-class citizens under a repressive rule. There is some evidence to suggest that Predacon presence on the planet was minimal but this is not confirmed. Regardless, a relative "Cold War" style peace prevailed, with much distrust simmering on either side. Maximals enforced the peace by means of groups such as the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s and the [[Maximal Command Security Force]].
We know that the Maximals focused heavily on exploration. Exploration vessels, filled with [[stasis pod]]s containing newborn [[protoform]]s, would search out new planets and seed them with those protoforms, which would assume modes based on the native lifeforms and collect data. Post-war Cybertron experienced a visible boom in scientific and technological curiosity. Some of this curiosity, however, resulted in monsters such as the seemingly immortal and murderous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]].
==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
{{groupstub}}
====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
During the Quantum Cycle Upgrade, Maximals got rid of [[Stasis pod]]s and took to using built-in DNA scanners. {{storylink|Survivor}}
After Megatron's return to Cybertron, the Maximals were nearly wiped out to a 'bot by his Vehicons, who hunted them across the planet and extracted their Sparks, with Megatron taking the Council Citadel in Cybertropolis as his seat of power. {{storylink|Master of the House}} {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} When Megatron was thwarted by Optimus Primal, the Maximals were restored with new techno-organic forms. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future}}
{{groupstub}}
====Japanese cartoon continuity====
====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Beast Wars II'' cartoon=====
=====''Beast Wars II'' cartoon=====
{{groupstub}}
=====''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoon=====
=====''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoon=====
{{groupstub}}
====3H comics====
====3H comics====
The Maximals presumably took their name from the Maximal Upgrade, which was instituted after the end of the Great War and the signing of the Pax Cybertronia. Several prominent Autobots partook of the upgrade, including Rodimus Prime and Arcee. {{storylink|Departure}}
====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics====
====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics====
[[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''The War Within'' depicts a Maximal symbol in Cybertron's prehistory.
====''Descent into Evil''====
====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
The Maximals briefly continued the war, before the signing of the Pax Cybertronia. Lio Convoy and Galvatron fought on the planet Gaea during this conflict. In that time, the Maximals set up "re-education centers" in their prisons. [[BB]] was a "guest" of one such place, which severely traumatized him. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars: Sourcebook}}
{{note|The IDW Beast Wars continuity incorporates the events of ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' into a new canon that re-interprets events into a different timeline, placing both the ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' anime series — or, at least, events that roughly parallel those cartoons — as having happened ''before'' the events of the Canadian series. For more information, see [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)#Continuity|here]].}}
{{groupstub}}
===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Maximals existed alongside Autobots, Decepticons and Predacons in the 21st century AC. In the aftermath of the Earth/Cybertronian war, Maximal shepherds co-habited the plains of Uranus with Predacons. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}
===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The Maximals were one of the two "Proto-races" created by Fortress Maximus using the Energon Matrix he acquired from humanity, in the aftermath of the Great War, in the mid-21st century. {{storylink|Head Games}} They took their name from Maxima, "She Who Sang", basing their insignia on her luponoid steed. {{storylink|The Predacon Manifesto}} Smaller and more energy efficient than their precursors, the Maximals were initially used by the Builders of Cybertron to carry on the war in their stead, until it became clear this wasn't a possibility. The Maximals and Predacons inherited a ruined Cybertron ruled by a corrupt and selfish oligarchy, as the Builders oppressed their successors out of jealousy for their greater freedom of movement, making the proto-races second class citizens at best. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} Some Autobots surreptitiously had their Sparks installed into proto-race bodies, and were treated no better by the Builders. {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}} On what few extra-planetary ships there were that patrolled the [[Allowed Zone]], Maximals served as command officers, subservient to their Micromaster political officers, a tactic of the Builders to ensure the proto-races didn't start getting along, and that they remembered who was still in-charge. {{storylink|Intersectionality}} Not that Maximals and Predacons needed help disliking one another, as there was always low-level tension between both races at the best of times. {{storylink|Burning Bridges}} {{storylink|Trigger Warnings}} The Maximals were supposedly governed by the [[Maximal High Council]], but in practice the Council had little actual authority. {{storylink|Not All Megatrons}}
As a substitute for actual war, and as a way to further serve their pettiness, the Builders—inspired by human fiction—instituted a series of games, their most favored of which was gladiatorial combat, which any Maximal could be dragged into at any time, save those in the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], who were exempt. Unknown to the proto-races, these games were rigged, to make sure once again that neither Maximals or Predacons got along. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}}
===Ask Vector Prime===
In the 24th century AC, thanks to the [[Resistance]], an uprising against the Builders began, with many Maximals signing up in droves. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} Four years into the war, the reputable Darksyder Inc. introduced the Beast Upgrade to Cybertron, granting proto-formers much more energy efficient beast-modes. During this time, the Maximal High Council began seizing more and more control of their people from the Builders. {{storylink|Not All Megatrons}} Within a year of the Beast Upgrade's appearance, the Maximal High Council seized the Targan Heights, declaring it was now the Maximal Nation, and was neutral so long as they were left alone. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}} When the [[Vehicon Apocalypse]] kicked off, the High Council eventually voted to join with the Resistance to bring an end to the Builders. In the aftermath of the war, the Maximals became part of the newly formed Cybertronian Parliament. {{storylink|Derailment}}
===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
Somewhere in the thousand years after Unity Day, the Maximals were replaced by the [[Commandron]]s. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}
==Variations==
==Notes==
==Notes==
*The "Maximal" faction name came from a desperate attempt by [[Vincent D'Alleva]] to figure out a new protagonist name that would represent the animal Transformers, clear trademark checks and please the executive group. He combined the name of a scrapped ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' line, ''Manimals'', with the name of the car driven by the team marketing coordinator, a Nissan ''Maxima''. Manimals + Maxima = ''Maximals''. Ta-da!<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p1-2</ref>
===Foreign names===
*The Maximals was going to be in a season 3 episode [[Transformers: Prime]] as cowboys but was canceled.
You know they're evil because their icon could poke out an optic.
As the Maximals arose to carry on the traditions of the Autobots, so too did the Predacon evolve alongside them as descendants — at least in part — of the original Decepticons. Like their counterparts, Predacons can easily be distinguished from their forebears by their small and fuel-efficient bodies, legacies of the Great Upgrade that led to the creation of the two factions. Something of an underclass on post-war Cybertron, Predacon society is a militaristic one that places emphasis on "survival of the fittest:" a cultural mindset that rewards ambition, conquest, and a certain level of treachery. By order of the Pax Cybertronia, they exist as something of an underclass, appearing to be equals, but firmly under the Maximals in the social order, which has led many Predacons to hold bitter grudges against the Maximals.
The Predacons are governed by the Tripredacus Council: a shadowy triad of mechanoids with a far-reaching agenda of their own — and though most Predacons chafe under the post-war conditions on Cybertron, the Council and its operatives seek to undermine the social and political progress of the Maximals.
The most distinctive factor of both Maximal and Predacon physiology is their development of pseudo-organic beast modes, allowing both factions to adopt alternate modes that seamlessly blend in with organic creatures found elsewhere in the galaxy. The ruthless attitude of Predacon society extends to the beast modes they usually take: traditionally, Predacons opt to become reptiles, dinosaurs, or invertebrates, though mammalian forms are not unheard of.
The adjective for "of or pertaining to the Predacons" is Predaconial,[1] though it is extremely common to simply substitute 'Predacon'.
Megatron's forces were able to acquire the "bio-genetic morphing process that allowed for the ideal fusion between the organic and mechanical. Taking on the forms of Earth's most vicious lifeforms, the technology allowed for the rise of the Predacons. Optimus Primal vs Megatron!
The IDW Beast Wars continuity incorporates the events of Beast Wars and Beast Machines into a new canon that re-interprets events into a different timeline, placing both the Beast Wars II and Beast Wars Neo anime series — or, at least, events that roughly parallel those cartoons — as having happened before the events of the Canadian series. For more information, see here.
