Bukgu

The Bukgu is one of the six main species created by Mata Nui, former residents of Mazra Nui, and current residents of Xianori.

History
The Bukgu were created by Mata Nui as part of a collection of six main species. They were also manipulated by the Great Beings.

The Bukgu settled in the island of Mazra Nui, establishing an efficient maritime trade center: the Port of Mazra Nui. From early in the history of the Matoran Universe, the Bukgu gained a reputation as business experts, forming privileged trading treaties with Metru Nui and Xia.

As predestined, a member of this species, Carapar, later became a Barraki, ruler of the Matoran Universe. For Mazra Nui's elite it would have been preferable for a yellow-eyed member, the most prestigious in their society, to have been chosen for the role, but they tolerated the outcome. Some created the rumor that Carapar was yellow-eyed to avoid controversy in Mazra Nui.

When the protectors of the island, the Toa Mazra, self-proclaimed themselves as non-official leaders of Mazra Nui, the Bukgu ruled against them. However, only several years later were they able to regain control of the island when the team dissolved.

Shortly afterwards, the League of the Six Kingdoms also wanted to impose its control towards Mazra Nui, and the Bukgu declared war to Carapar, whom they considered a traitor. Carapar finally made peace with the Bukgu and gave them an 'offering' of food; however, the food was poisoned and, weakened, the Bukgu could not resist when the Barraki conquered the island. Mazra Nui regained independence when the Barraki disappeared.

The Bukgu who survived the reign of Teridax migrated to Spherus Magna, but refused to join the unified society. Together with the Vortixx, they founded their own kingdom, Xianori, which eventually became governed by the Bukgu Canrum.

A low-class member of this species, Kapokhed, stands out for having become the destined user of the legendary Kanohi Gebuk and the "Savior of Spherus Magna." This led to the Bukgu elite losing its control over the lower class wthat, inspired by the history of Kapokhed, began to question their situation. Kapokhed took the opportunity to form the Xianori Rebellion and disrupt the Bukgu caste system. The Rebellion devastated the nobility of Xianori and razed the kingdom, forever changing Bukgu society.

Abilities and Traits
Bukgu are a race of insect-reptilian beings slightly lower than the average Toa, with plate armor that is practically indestructible. The natural color of these armors ranges from gunmetal to silver, but this does not prevent some Bukgu from customizing their armor to the color they desire.

All the Bukgu have a pair of big eyes, whose color used to define the social class of each individual. These eyes have some ability to see through hidden objects and beings.

The Bukgu can access the powers of a Great Kanohi; however, the use of masks or any headwear is not socially accepted, as these could conceal the color of the eyes.

Society
In the Matoran Universe, the Bukgu were reputed as experts in business affairs and were known for managing the Port of Mazra Nui, one of the most important trading centers in the universe. As a species, they are proud and ethnocentrists, but try to stay hospitable in front of other races so as not to lose business opportunities.

Before the Rebellion, the Bukgu managed a well-defined caste system, attributing prestige to the color of the eyes. The yellow-eyed individuals were at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the red-eyed, then the blue-eyed, and finally the green-eyed:


 * The Bukgu with yellow eyes were royalty, and typically exercised as rulers or held the highest rank in business.
 * The members of red eyes were the nobility; they used to be part of the retinue of a ruler, to be administrators in businesses, or to act as agents of the law.
 * The Blue-eyed Bukgu were ordinary citizens; they were able to get paid jobs, and also made up the bulk of the armies.
 * Green-eyed individuals were unpaid (but respected) servants for any of the higher castes.

The Bukgu with green eyes and blue eyes used "Messere" or "Madam" to adress to someone of a superior caste.

There are rare cases of Bukgu with orange or purple eyes, which were not considered within the caste system; they were believed to be a threat to social order, so they were completely rejected and condemned to live in the shadow of the rich and powerful. These Bukgu usually chose to live far from their society or they resorted to crime to survive.

Among the Bukgu, robbery is a capital crime.

Examples

 * Canrum (deceased)
 * Carapar
 * Isale
 * Kapokhed
 * Xetic
 * Zirnitra (deceased)
 * Unknown member of the species, whose body was possessed by Makuta Degrogak.