Shasalvian

Shasalvians were a mammalian species inhabiting the northernmost island in the western Southern Island Chain.

History
Shortly after the successful departure of the Great Spirit Robot from Spherus Magna, Mata Nui became somewhat overeager with the creation of new species to serve additional functions, resulting in the plethora of different species that would come to inhabit the Matoran Universe. The Shasalvian species was one such creation.

Mata Nui made the Shasalvians with the hope that they would clean out the Southern Islands, civilize them, and bring the backwards islands up to speed like the rest of the Universe. The Shasalvians set about early on mobilizing to do just that.

However, before they could set out on their crusade, Velika tampered with the sapient species of the universe. The Shasalvians forgot entirely their mission, and they instead demobilized and began settling down for a relatively peaceful existence. However, when the Shasalvian warlord known as Mantax rose to assume power in the universe, he reversed the demobilization and had the Shasalvians serve him in his army or as support. Mantax maintained his rule over the Shasalvian home island, even when fellow Barraki warlord, Carapar gained influence over much of the northern Southern Island region.

After the decline of the League of Six Kingdoms, the Shasalvians demobilized for the last time and instead took on jobs as shippers and communication correspondents. Shasalvians transported goods, exchanged information, and relayed communication throughout the universe. While the the use of avian Rahi to send messages largely took over the communication business, (especially secret communication), they remained very active in shipping.

The Kromivians have since abandoned the Great Spirit Robot after it was rendered uninhabitable.

Abilities and Traits
In their early days, Shasalvians would’ve best served as soldiers; they were bred for service reconquering the Southern Islands for Mata Nui and would’ve had a homeland more than capable of supporting such expeditions. However, after Velika’s tampering, the Shasalvians completely forgot their intended missions to the south. They would move on to become excellent shippers and sailors, messengers, and news informants throughout the universe.

Known Shasalvians

 * Mantax

Trivia

 * The name Shasalvian is based on the term Shasal, which is the name for Mantax’s race in Klaanon. Klaanon is the product of the Finnish Bionicle community Bio-Klaani.
 * The image in the infobox was taken by Vagra Nui Tales.