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 mode]]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 a beast mode in an artificial organic skin, integrating its natural 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.
==Organization==
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'.
[[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.
{{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]]"}}
[[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!}}
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 Maximal faction appears to have arisen as an Autobot subgroup at some point before the end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. In the year [[2035]], the Maximals and Autobots participated in the battle that followed immediately after the deaths of both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]; with command of the factions ceded to the [[Primal Council]], the conflict seemingly concluded when the [[Tripredacus Council]] voluntarily surrendered, allowing for the signing of a temporary ceasefire. The conflict gave rise to the development of [[protoform]] technology, which would form the basis for future Maximal colonization endeavors. {{storylink|Dawn of the Predacus}}
{{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]].}}
In the years that followed, the Maximals and Predacons grew in prominence and eventually eclipsing their respective progenitor races. At some point, the [[Great Upgrade]] occurred, which saw every Maximal and a handful of surviving Autobots downsize into fuel efficient bodies. Among them were the former Autobots [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], who became the first [[Maximal Elder]]s in what would later be known as the [[Maximal Imperium]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}
Despite the apparent ceasefire, war, in some fashion, would continue on between the new factions for some years; the Maximals were known to have set up "re-education centers" in their prisons. The Predacon [[BB]] was a "guest" of one such place, which severely traumatized him. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars: Sourcebook}} In the last days before the signing of the Pax Cybertronia, a group of Maximals led by [[Lio Convoy]] pursued [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] and a force of Predacons to the planet [[Gaea]], where they battled for control of the planet's [[Angolmois]] energy until Lio Convoy's group prevailed. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}} {{storylink|Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II cartoon}}
Following the official signing of the Pax Cybertronia, the Great War and its numerous minor conflicts were officially considered over. The Maximal Elders remained on guard for any attempts to violate this new peace and dispatched [[Big Convoy]] to take out the rogue dissident [[Magmatron]] when the Predcaon attempted to restart the war. In time, both governments established the [[Bi-Partate Committee for State Affairs]] to deal with inter-factional diplomacy; {{storylink|Beast Wars Sourcebook}} the Maximals maintained a standing law enforcement presence in the shape of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]], {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} and trained new recruits for their military arm in the [[Maximal Military Academy]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}
In these peaceful postwar years, the civilian branches of the Maximal government turned its attention to the stars, and focused on several long-range exploration and colonization missions. Many Maximals - some of them civilians looking for new adventures, others veterans of the Great War looking to start anew - volunteered for these missions, reduced to a [[protoform]] state for ease of interstellar transport. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}
Neither side was prepared for Megatron's attempt to change history by travelling back in time, and the Maximal Elders responded by dispatching [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his crew to chase the stolen ship through [[transwarp]] space. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} Not long afterwards, Magmatron would embark on his own scheme to pursue Megatron to prehistoric Earth; the Maximals responded by secretly inducting the Maximal double agent [[Razorbeast]] into his ranks. Hoping to raise an army from the [[stasis pod]]s left on prehistoric Earth with which to conquer Cybertron, Razorbeast managed to tamper with the [[shell program]] required to turn the protoforms and managed to raise an adhoc team of Maximals to counter Magamtron's plans. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars: The Gathering|The Gathering}} Both sides warred with one another until the rise of [[Shokaract]] and [[Unicron]]'s heralds threatened both sides. Both sides joined forces to defeat the menace on Cybertron, but the planet was left ravaged and defenseless by the battle, allowing Megatron - freshly returned from his defeat on Earth - to easily conquer the planet with hordes of [[Vehicon]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars: The Ascending|The Ascending}}
===Titan movie comics===
[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] identified [[Simon Furman]] as a Maximal whose alternate mode was a "strategically shaved ape." {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|#7's Star Screams}} According to [[Vector Prime]], Furman joined the Maximals because they had the better dental plan. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 16/6/2015}}
===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The Maximals were one of the two "Proto-races" created by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|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 [[Catching Fire|human fiction]]—instituted a series of [[Game]]s, 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}}
In the 24th century AC, thanks to the [[Resistance]], the [[Grand Uprising]] against the Builders began; three-quarters of Cybertron's Maximal population opted to join the burgeoning [[Resistance]] against the Builders. {{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 [[Tagon Height]]s, 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}}
Sometime in the thousand years after Unity Day, the Maximals were replaced by the [[Commandron]]s. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}
===Ask Vector Prime===
===Ask Vector Prime===
In some realities, the Maximals were founded by Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/08}} In other realities, the Maximals and Predacons were all [[Mutant (BW)|Mutant]]s. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/01}}
In [[Aurex 615.03 Epsilon|one particular universe]], the Beast Wars were fought in [[Alpha Q's universe]]; the Maximals involved in that conflict adopted strange alien [[beast mode]]s to cope with the peculiar conditions of each world. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/03}}
The legendary [[Hyperdrive]] inspired many Maximals who studied his bygone adventures. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/16}}
In [[Aurex 1104.30-JH Zeta|another timeline]], the Maximals and Predacons clashed on prehistoric Earth for control of Earth's [[Mini-Con]]s. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/13}} The Maximals pursued the Predacons to southern [[Mexico]] some 3000 years ago; their exploits were recorded by the native [[Natiltec]], who came to worship the aliens as animalistic gods. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}
===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
===''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}}
==Variations==
==Variations==
*'''[[Transmetal]]s''': When exposed to the exotic radiation produced by a [[quantum surge]] or a [[Super Energon]] explosion, some Maximals and Predacons develop a "mutated superstructure," granting them purely mechanical beast modes while their [[robot mode]]s take on additional organic traits. In most instances, Transmetals develop a tertiary "transport mode." Such robots are undetectable to [[Vok]] technology.
==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*'''[[Fuzor]]s''': An alternate evolution also stemming from said radiation, Fuzors possess a single [[beast mode]] based off two or more creatures, mashed together into a single chimeric form. Fuzors possess a degree of Transmetallization that also renders them invisible to Vok sensors.
*'''[[Mutant (BW)|Mutant]]'''s: When exposed to a [[transformation virus]], Fuzors may react to the infection by losing their robot form, instead developing the power to switch between two beast modes at will. Paranormal abilities such as telepathy frequently manifest.
==References==
<references />
*'''[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]]''': The power of the [[Transmetal driver]] has the ability to upgrade Cybertronian lifeform one step beyond the initial Transmetal mutation. Transmetal 2 Maximals are recognizable by their asymmetrical and frequently monstrous appearances, incorporating a patchwork of organic and mechanical components in both modes. In some instances, Transmetal 2 Transformers develop supernatural powers such as telekinesis or rapid healing.
*'''[[Technorganic]]s''': When [[reformatting|reformatted]] by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], Maximals become an entirely new type of being, one that merges true organic life with Cybertronian construction at the cellular level. Considered to be the "perfect" fusion of the mechanical and the technological, technorganics transform via fluid shapeshifting and manifest a variety of energy-based powers.
==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>
*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.
