Raeys

This article was written by Redastrayzero. Please do not add to it without the writer's permission.

Raeys
Information
♫ — Better Find Out
Group	Toa Vandern
Species	Toa
Occupation	Courier (formerly)
Element	Fire
Powers	Fire-based
Kanohi	Kakama
Tools	Cordak Gunblade
Status	Alive
Location	Spherus Magna
Pronunciation	Rays

Raeys is a Toa of Fire residing in the Astray Alternate Universe. He serves as the leader of the Toa Vandern.

History

Early Life

Similarly to most other Matoran, Raeys began his life on Spherus Magna, where he helped in construction of the Matoran Universe. Following the completion of his task, Raeys was placed in the Northern Continent, along with other Matoran. Shortly after the launch of the Great Spirit Robot, Raeys gained true sentience due to Velika’s tampering with the Matoran Universe. Although he continued his original task, the Ta-Matoran was granted emotions and became self-aware.

Originally, Raeys worked as a trader in the Western Plains region. During the expansion of the League of Six Kingdoms 80,000 years ago, the continent was seized by the warlord Mantax, who was known to have marched his army through the region and established several strongholds, including Raeys' home. The Ta-Matoran was capable of fleeing; emboldened by the cruel treatment of his homeland, he joined a local rebellion. Raeys primarily served as a scout and courier during this time, working closely with various Toa and the Brotherhood of Makuta; notably the warriors Xaron and Daxos.

Following the downfall of the regime, Raeys would be gifted a ceremonial dagger along with a Tablet of Transit by Daxos as commendation for his skills. Incapable of returning to his regular life, the Matoran left his home, choosing to wander across the Northern Continent. During this time, Raeys used his skills as a courier, transporting goods or messages among communities. Due to the itinerant nature of his occupation and an innate wanderlust, Raeys developed a dislike for settling in one area for too long. Justifying the thought that excess travel would allow him to perform his job better, Raeys started living as a nomadic freelancer, drifting from island to island.

During these centuries, Raeys explored most of the Matoran Universe, eventually settling in Metru Nui shortly before the Toa-Dark Hunter War. Possessing a fierce independence, the Ta-Matoran was frequently harassed by Vahki squads, and developed a dislike for Dume's rule as a result. Raeys would continue to run his courier business, and developed an odd friendship with the Matoran Takua, due to their shared issues with the Vahki.

Prior to the Great Cataclysm, he was summoned to the Coliseum by Makuta Teridax, and was placed into a Matoran Sphere. Raeys would later be rescued by the Toa Metru and brought to Mata Nui.

Mata Nui

Raeys as a member of the Ta-Koro Guard on Mata Nui.

Like the rest of the Matoran, Raeys had his strength and size reduced by the prolonged confinement, along with the loss of his memory. Under Turaga Vakama's direction, he aided in the construction of Ta-Koro. Afterwards, Raeys joined the Ta-Koro Guard, primarily serving at the North March outpost.

Though the Guard was capable of holding off the hordes of infected Rahi, years of incessant assaults brought much hardship for Ta-Koro. Around the time that the Toa Mata arrived, the Ta-Matoran stationed at the North March were attacked by infected Rahi and easily defeated. Following this incident, Raeys was reassigned as a protector of the Ta-Suva.

During the Bohrok attack on Mata Nui, Raeys was instructed to help protect Ga-Koro. He later returned to Ta-Koro once the Bohrok were defeated. When the Ta-Suva came under attack by Tahnok-Kal, Raeys prepared to fight it off, but it managed to steal Tahu's Nuva Symbol. After the defeat of the Bohrok-Kal, Raeys was rebuilt into a more capable form, and celebrated Naming Day with his fellow Matoran.

With little danger to the Ta-Suva, Raeys would be reassigned once more, primarily protecting Ta-Koro's main gate. He was present during the island's Kohlii Tournament, where Jaller and Takua were tasked with searching for the fabled "Seventh Toa". Raeys was later evacuated alongside the other Ta-Matoran just before the Rahkshi destroyed Ta-Koro.

Return to Metru Nui

After Teridax's defeat, Raeys and his fellow villagers constructed boats in order to return to Metru Nui. When the Matoran arrived, they attempted to restore the ruined city over the period of several months. When the Toa Nuva disappeared, Raeys temporarily stopped his reconstruction efforts under the orders of Jaller. The Matoran hoped this strike would force the Turaga to reveal where the Toa Nuva had gone. Unlike the other Matoran; however, Raeys did not return to his work- being in the city awakened old memories, causing him to question his purpose and origins. Frequently experiencing brief flashes of his life prior to Mata Nui, Raeys became reclusive and distant from his peers. During this period, he would often explore Metru Nui's coasts and hidden passages.

When Metru Nui came under siege by the Brotherhood's legions of Rahkshi, Raeys was one of the Matoran to utilize the city's defenses and assisted in repelling the enemy forces. Though pushed to the brink by the Rahkshi hordes, the Matoran would ultimately be saved by the arrival of the Toa Nuva. Successfully defeating the Brotherhood, the denizens of Metru Nui held city-wide celebrations. During this celebration, Teridax revealed his takeover of the Matoran Universe, and invaded the city with a troop of Rahkshi once more.

Reign of Shadows

Using his knowledge of Metru Nui's hidden pathways, Raeys led a small group of his fellow residents to safety. Though briefly falling into despair, the group elected to rebel against Teridax's rule. Raeys' resistance group would primarily stick to small-scale disruptive tactics, owing to the sheer might of the Makuta's forces. To be written...

Later, the Great Spirit Robot was damaged heavily as a consequence of the Battle of Bara Magna. The inhabitants of the Matoran Universe, including Raeys, emigrated to Spherus Magna.

Spherus Magna

Upon exiting the Matoran Universe, Raeys aided in the construction of Atero Nui. Still struggling with his own self-doubts, the Ta-Matoran attempted to start fresh; establishing a courier business on the outskirts of the megacity. Briefly fitting into his new routine, Raeys would be approached by Jaller, offering the Matoran a job opportunity. Reluctantly agreeing, he was hired onto Ohri's expedition as a guard.

During the expedition's early travels, Raeys attempted to develop friendships with his fellow Matoran, but frequently faced tensions from Jaiiko, a Ko-Matoran explorer. This conflict would start as simple ideological differences, but became full-blown hostility when Jaiiko failed to protect fellow explorer Saetta during a Rahi attack.

The expedition would face several more trials, such as repeated, aggressive Rahi attacks; infighting amongst the various factions; and the sudden disappearance of two guides. After several weeks, the explorers arrived at the White Quartz Mountains, where the expedition had to briefly split up in search of progress. Raeys was paired up with Ohri, Jaiiko, Saetta, Arohni, Delgan, and Kavero; shortly afterwards, the group was attacked by multiple Vorox. Fleeing deeper into the mountains for safety, they discovered a deceased Toa and six Toa Stones hidden within a small cave. Upon touching one of the stones, Raeys was transformed into a Toa, along with his fellow Matoran.

Raeys as a Toa.

Formation of the Vandern

Upon their transformation, the group was almost immediately discovered by the Vorox, and were forced to fight for survival. During this battle, Raeys was capable of defeating several Vorox on his own, though struggled to activate his element. Jaiiko, using his elemental control over Ice, caused an avalanche, decisively ending the battle. Lacking direction, the rookie Toa ran deeper into the wilderness, hoping to lead the remaining Vorox away from the rest of the expedition. At this time, the group was formerly dubbed as the Toa Vandern by Ohri. Raeys was designated as the leader; privately, Ohri tasked him with ensuring the group's safety.

As the Vandern wandered across Spherus Magna, they attempted to make sense of their new abilities. Compared to his teammates, Raeys consistently struggled to effectively control his elemental powers, furthering his own negative self-image. Additionally, the Vandern frequently clashed with one another over strategies and ideals; Raeys failed to maintain the group's cohesion, owing to his inexperience with leadership. These issues came to a head where, while traveling through Bota Magna, Kavero's arrogant behavior put the team in danger. Following this, the group abandoned him and ultimately split apart.

The Vandern would each stumble upon a small village hidden in the jungle, where the pirate Vakavus and his crew stayed. During this time, the fledgling Toa would be trained in their abilities. Raeys in particular was mentored by Vakavus and Lewa in swordplay and elemental control, respectively.

Slowly gaining more familiarity with their abilities, the Vandern were then attacked by members of Velika's Empire, though they managed to defeat the Vorox by finally working together as a team. At this time, the Toa learned of their true destiny: to defeat the unknown Great Being and stop his conquest. With this information, the group decided to travel back to Atero Nui, planning to contact the Spherus Magna Council for aid and direction.

To be written...

Following a series of demoralizing defeats at the hands of the Batera and Daero, Raeys would undergo a severe bout of depression, seriously questioning his own worth and capabilities as a leader. Through support from his team and allies, the Toa faced his demons- returning to the field with a renewed purpose. Raeys' armor was revamped and he was gifted the Cordak Gunblade during this time.

Abilities and Traits

Raeys is known among his peers for his carefree attitude and good nature; however, this persona is merely an act that he feels he must keep up in order to hide his own perceived failures and traumas. Raeys is prone to depressive states, frequently struggling with low self-esteem and a negative self-image. Despite this, he is brave to the point of recklessness, willing to place himself in danger in order to protect others. This fearlessness often got him injured during his time as a Ta-Koro Guard.

As a Toa, Raeys would often compare himself to his predecessors, attempting to live up to their actions. Incapable of removing his emotional walls, Raeys struggled to connect to his teammates, harming his abilities as a leader. Later on in his career as a Toa, these faults lessened through communicating with the Vandern. While in combat, he often took on a stoic demeanor. Throughout his life, Raeys possessed a deep-seated determination, refusing to admit defeat even when it would be convenient.

As a Ta-Matoran, Raeys had inactive control over the Element of Fire and a partial resistance to heat. When he became a Toa, he gained full access to these powers, allowing him to create, manipulate, and absorb heat and fire.

Additionally, he has a quick grasp of both tactics and mathematics; Raeys has also developed a rudimentary understanding of swordplay.

Mask and Tools

Raeys with a claymore and shield.

Throughout his life, Raeys has worn a Kanohi Kakama. When he became a Toa, the mask granted him the power to move and run at amazing speed, though Raeys could not use it for very long due to his inexperience. He would later surpass this limit, utilizing his Kanohi to create an unpredictable fighting style.

At some point during his travels as a Matoran, he acquired a shortsword. This weapon was transformed into the Flame Sword, his primary Toa Tool. The longsword could channel his elemental powers, being capable of burning through most protosteel armor or simply casting a harsh light. As he was incapable of effectively channeling his element, Raeys was gifted a claymore and shield to fall back on during his training with Vakavus. The Toa would utilize both these tools until they were destroyed by Daero.

Raeys would later acquire the Cordak Gunblade. This weapon was a fusion between Cordak Blasters and traditional swords. It utilized its destructive ammo to increase the power of an attack. Raeys' elemental powers allowed him greater control over the explosive rounds, letting the Toa of Fire truly master the weapon in a way few could. He could create a targeted explosion as the weapon passed through an opponent, boosting his damage; or explode the round early, using the residual powder to form a defensive barrier.

During his time as a member of the Ta-Koro Guard, Raeys wielded the two-pronged spear and shield typical of the position.

Forms

Picture	Form
	Raeys as a Matoran.
	Raeys as a Toa.

• Raeys/Gallery

Trivia

• Raeys was originally conceived as a Matoran of Light; as such, his name is derived from the "rays" of the Sun.
• Raeys serves as Redastrayzero’s primary self-moc. Alongside Reikan, Raeys was designed to share certain flaws and vulnerabilities of his creator.
• Raeys’ design took inspiration from various sources, including Redastrayzero's favorite protagonists, the Gunbreaker job from Final Fantasy, and the Fighter class from Dungeons and Dragons.
  • Personality-wise, Raeys' main influences were Dante (Devil May Cry), Vash the Stampede (Trigun), and Spider-Man.
  • Meanwhile, his original Toa form was designed after Kamen Riders, particularly Ryuki, Wizard, and Den-O. Additionally, the chest armor was intended to invoke an upturned collar.
• Raeys’ Matoran form is based off of brandon.builds, turaga_maki, and IGU's respective Matoran builds.
  • Previously, it was based off of BobTheDoctor27’s Matoran revamp.

Appearances

• New Lands - First Appearance