Kapokhed

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Kapokhed
Bukgu
Group	Dark Hunters (formerly) Order of Mata Nui
Powers	Petrification Rhotuka, mind shielding
Kanohi	Gebuk (briefly)
Tools	Electro-Blades, Rhotuka launcher (both confiscated)
Status	Alive
Location	Spherus Magna
Pronunciation	ka-POKE-hed

Kapokhed is a mutant Bukgu, former Dark Hunter, and honorary member of the Order of Mata Nui. Foretold as the destined user of the legendary Kanohi Gebuk, Mask of Desire, Kapokhed was instrumental in ending The Invasion and ensuring an era of peace for the survivors. After the war, he became known as Kapokhed, Savior of Spherus Magna.

Biography

Records suggest that Kapokhed once resided in Mazra Nui alongside his kind. However, a fateful exposure to Energized Protodermins left him mutated and devoid of memories. Now branded as a monster, his people banished him, compelling him to wander the universe until he found solace among the ranks of the Dark Hunters. His frequent partner on missions was a fellow Hunter codenamed "Frustrator."

Participating in the Toa/Dark Hunter conflict in Metru Nui, Kapokhed gained infamy for transforming fallen Toa into statues, which he scattered across the city streets as a macabre warning. During his time in Metru Nui, he stole an artifact known as the Gem of Destiny from the Onu-Metru Archives, unaware of its significance.

Kapokhed survived the Reign of Shadows and, along with other inhabitants of the Matoran Universe, migrated to Spherus Magna.

The Invasion

During the Invasion, Kapokhed's identity as the chosen wielder of the Kanohi Gebuk was publicly revealed. The Skakdi Deriahk sought The Shadowed One's assistance in recruiting Kapokhed to combat the Chorak invaders. Dispatched to a heavily fortified refuge, Kapokhed was met with hostility from unbriefed guards who attacked him on sight.

Enraged by their aggression, Kapokhed unleashed a destructive rampage, petrifying Turaga Koved. In response, Toa Kryehk confronted him, eventually rendering him unconscious. Subsequently, the legendary Kanohi Gebuk appeared and fused with Kapokhed, imparting knowledge of his true purpose. Determined to aid the resistance, he embarked on a journey to Metru Magna alongside his allies to rescue the Emir Vavakx of the Alpha Beings.

Upon reaching the Spherus Magna Council's headquarters, the group confronted Chorak King Cerverus. However, the building's self-destruct mechanism triggered, prompting an unexpected alliance with Cerverus and his Chorak forces to escape the imminent peril. In the outskirts of the headquarters, Kapokhed harnessed the power of the Kanohi Gebuk to establish a millennium of peace. However, Hantrek, the instigator of the explosion, appeared and gravely wounded Kapokhed before he could fulfill this wish. To restore Kapokhed, Kryehk sacrificed her Toa Power and reactivated the Mask of Wishes, obliterating Hantrek's physical form. Subsequently, the Kanohi Gebuk separated from Kapokhed, only to be seized by Makuta Pakark, who harbored intentions of its future use.

Post-war, Kapokhed played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Metru Magna. In recognition of his invaluable service, the Spherus Magna Council officially proclaimed him a hero and bestowed upon him the title of "Savior of Spherus Magna."

The Shadowed One endeavored to reclaim Kapokhed as a Dark Hunter, yet Kapokhed refused to return. The Order of Mata Nui interceded on his behalf, with Helryx declaring him an honorary member of the Order and issuing a stern warning against any hostile actions. Preferring to avert conflict with Metru Magna, The Shadowed One abandoned his threat.

Defunction

A millennium after The Invasion, the Order assigned Kapokhed as a guardian in a village led by Turaga Kryehk. Soon, a series of mysterious Matoran murders plagued the community. In response, Kryehk dispatched Kapokhed to seek assistance from Vavakx in Metru Magna. Upon arrival, he discovered Vavakx's absence but received an offer of aid from Veuy, Vavakx's second-in-command.

Returning to the village, Kapokhed and Veuy examined the bodies of the slain Matoran. Veuy determined that the perpetrator had "fed" on the victims' souls. Kryehk presented a clue — a dagger — which Veuy recognized as an ancient artifact. To unravel its significance, Veuy opted to consult a historian, accompanied by Kryehk, while Kapokhed remained to safeguard the village.

The tranquility of the village was abruptly shattered by an assailant named Boparok, who sought the Gem of Destiny in Kapokhed's possession. Though Veuy and Peduik came to his rescue, Boparok managed to flee with the Gem. Kapokhed later learned that the Gem of Destiny was one of the fabled Entropy Relics, objects steeped in spiritual significance.

Tracking Boparok into the forest, the group enlisted the aid of Makuta Zakkond, who led them to his cave. There, they discovered additional Matoran corpses. Boparok reappeared, aiming to seize the next relic: the Chain of Spirit. A skirmish ensued, during which Kryehk unearthed the hidden chain and unleashed dark pulses, paralyzing the combatants. To their astonishment, Kryehk revealed that she had been Makuta Pakark in disguise all along.

With the relics in Pakark's possession, he vanished, releasing Veuy and the others from their paralysis. The group confronted Boparok, who disclosed his true intentions — to thwart Pakark's schemes. Pakark intended to exploit the combined power of the relics and the Kanohi Gebuk to rewrite reality.

Returning to Metru Magna, Pakark conducted a ritual that involved sacrificing the real Kryehk to create a portal to the Spiritual Dimension. However, Veuy pursued him and destroyed the Kanohi Gebuk, effectively ending Pakark's plans.

Following the resolution of the threat, Kapokhed resumed his duties in the village, assuming temporary leadership until a new Turaga arrived to fill the position. Subsequently, Kapokhed vanished from public view entirely.

Rebellion

Contrary to popular belief, the Kanohi Gebuk managed to endure despite Veuy's apparent destruction of it. The mask maintained its connection with Kapokhed and subtly influenced his subsequent actions.

Moved by the injustices plaguing the kingdom of Xianori in Spherus Magna, Kapokhed felt compelled to intervene. His achievements had elevated him to a symbol of hope among the Bukgu outcasts within the kingdom, motivating him to seize the opportunity and assist them.

Thus, Kapokhed founded the Rebellion with the aim of liberating the lower class of Xianori from the oppression inflicted by the nobles. He enlisted the aid of Isale, a servant who represented the Archon Canrum in the Spherus Magna Council, and Nios, a former servant-turned-pariah, who became the general of the Rebellion's forces. The movement swiftly garnered a substantial following.

To initiate the Rebellion, Isale facilitated the infiltration of agents into the Great Depot at the Spherus Magna Council Headquarters, with the objective of stealing the Kanohi Ignika. However, their plans were thwarted when the alarms were triggered. Council President Turaga Tahu, accompanied by Veuy and Toa Nugru, journeyed to Xianori to interrogate Canrum regarding the theft, thereby complicating Kapokhed's plans.

Eventually, Nios issued a directive for the Rebellion to surge through the streets of Xianori, targeting the ruling elite for a massacre. Deriahk intervened to quell the chaos, but Kapokhed emerged victorious in their confrontation. Isale later arrived to report her failure in assassinating Canrum.

In the ensuing moments, Tahu, Veuy, and Canrum arrived at the scene alongside Nugru and a new ally, Diguxx. Deriahk attempted to reason with Kapokhed, but the rebellious leader remained resolute in his plans. A battle ensued between Nugru and Kapokhed, resulting in the defeat of the former. Deriahk then rallied his Chorak allies, successfully containing the Rebellion.

Amidst the chaos, Chorak Queen Lixis arrived, persuading Kapokhed about the fallacy of his path. Moved by her words, Kapokhed agreed to surrender. However, before he could do so, the essence of the Kanohi Gebuk materialized from within him, threatening Lixis's life. Deriahk courageously interposed himself, absorbing the fatal blow.

Finally, Diguxx and Veuy extracted the essence of the Mask of Wishes from Kapokhed, severing their connection permanently and liberating him from its influence.

With the Rebellion quelled, Kapokhed, Isale, and Nios faced capital punishment by Canrum. However, Turaga Tahu offered to take custody of the three rebels and sentenced them to imprisonment instead. Subsequently, they were escorted out of Xianori and incarcerated in Metru Magna.

Now emancipated from the Gebuk's sway, Kapokhed eventually expressed remorse for his actions. Despite protests advocating for his freedom, with many still regarding him as the Savior of Spherus Magna, Kapokhed remained confined.

Abilities and Traits

Due to the nature of his powers and the grim implications they carried, Kapokhed faced widespread contempt and fear from others. Over time, this treatment inflicted upon him deep-seated feelings of low self-worth, prompting him to embark on a profound introspective journey in search of his true purpose in life. To numb the pain of these inner struggles, Kapokhed often adopted an arrogant and aggressive demeanor, making ill-advised decisions in the process.

Beneath his icy exterior, however, Kapokhed harbors a profound longing for recognition, acknowledgment, and acceptance. Reluctant to offer apologies, he finds it difficult to admit his mistakes. In essence, Kapokhed is an individual who embodies rebellion at his core.

Powers

Kapokhed can manifest a Rhotuka that instantly petrifies living beings upon physical contact, transforming them into stone. This effect is permanent and can only be undone by Kapokhed himself, provided the sculpture remains intact.

As a member of the Order of Mata Nui, Kapokhed's mind is shielded against telepathic intrusion and mental attacks.

Mask and Tools

Kapokhed is equipped with four blades electrified by a potent electrical current. The Dark Hunters modified his jaws to incorporate a Rhotuka Launcher, allowing him to project his Petrification Rhotuka. However, subsequent to his capture and conviction by the Spherus Magna Council, these weapons were confiscated.

As fate would have it, Kapokhed briefly donned the fabled Kanohi Gebuk during the events of The Invasion, utilizing its powers to ensure a millennium of peace. As the designated user of the Kanohi Gebuk, Kapokhed alone possessed the capability to unlock its full potential. A spiritual bond existed between him and the mask, rendering their mutual destruction impossible. However, this connection has since been severed through the combined efforts of Veuy and Diguxx.

Gallery

Previous Iterations

Trivia

• Like most Dark Hunters, Kapokhed had a codename he was known as until his true identity became widespread knowledge after the events of The Invasion.
  • Only a handful of beings, such as Vilrohk, knew about his real identity before The Invasion.
• Along with Vilrohk, Kapokhed is one of the only MOCs from Diebeq that has Technic gear function.