I recently decided to binge all of the TTV Gen 3 Podcasts (I’ve been putting it off cause I was worried it would take forever but it was actually super easy) and in episode 247 the concept for Mangai’s City States really got me interested in fleshing out cities will a similar naming scheme. Such a naming scheme may be repetitive, and I couldn’t come up with concepts for all the villages, but this is a start. I have to say I finished the list just as I got to the podcast where they actually talked about worldbuiding, and have changed a few things to keep in-tune with that (for example I changed Sultan of Sand to Merchant King) but it may not totally add up.
Here is a link to my original Google Doc which contains links to Biosector01 to emphasize some of the things I simply allude too: BIONICLE Gen 3 Cities - Google Docs
Ta-Koro: Suspended over a blazing volcano The Fortress of Fire is impregnable. Only with the captain of guard’s express permission can you enter. It’s ashen spires stretch to the smokey sky and it’s windows burn like the heart of its populous. This militarian capital of Mangai is where the strongest and bravest Matoran of Fire gather their forces to plan battle tactics and island going-ons. The center keep is the Mangaians’ last resort in times of dire need.
Ta-Voya: Situated on the obsidian coast that separates Mangai from the sea The Burning Dungeon is an ancient prison built with a complex expanse of labyrinthian underground tunnels. It’s black walls have long held the most destructive and dangerous villains in Matoran history and no-one has ever escaped its depths. In recent years the dungeons have run empty save the starved corpses of its past inhabitants, but the city-complex above remains intact, overseen by a twisted lighthouse and a brilliant tactician.
Ga-Koro: At the heart of Naho lies an ancient cannon with strong connection to the spirit of water. Each day its sandy walls are filled to the brim by high tide and it’s coral-covered walls spring to life with the fauna of the sea. The Nahoans of the area have adapted to their dramatic environment by creating huts that rise and lower with the water level. The natural beauty of the area attracts villagers from all around the island to watch the Naho capital’s gentle coexistence with an otherwise destructive properties of the world, and the Naho government takes pride in this tourism.
Ga-Wahi: Climbing up the mountain range separating the Naho and Mangai kingdoms lays The Fishing Colony. A small and simple town, these lilypad built huts are home to a great secret. Nixie the Ageless, the most powerful seer in all the land. Legends say that gazing Nixie’s telescope lets one view their future with great clarity, but whether or not the prophecy comes true is up to the user’s own action, and often trying to change the future will only solidify its occurrence.
Ga-Voya: Long ago a militaristic Nahoan tribe disagreed with their government’s peaceful properties and choose to set off on their own. The navy converted their battleships into gigantic mobile huts, capable of combining and separating to increase combat ability. Since those ancient times The Floating City has rejoined the Naho empire and while it remains the Naho’s primary combative force, its overall aggression has dwindled. The city now spends its time patrolling the islands coast, renting out its segments as fishing teams and colonies.
Ga-Mahri: Hidden deep below the sea off the coast of Artaka lies a grand Underwater City of glass and gold. An educational and scientific epicenter, Ga-Mahri is home to the greatest religious and creative minds of Naho kind. Secluded from the outside world, the Nahoans of this town view themselves as pure and dignified, unlike their sister villages who dare to mingle with the outside world. The Nahoan presence as peacekeepers is considered necessary by the confined town, who would rather watch the world burn then let their people get involved.
Le-Koro: The Marbled City in the clouds, the capital of Kanae is Artakha’s navigation hub. By studying the stars and mapping the land. All deliveries and transport missions are overseen by the cities higher ups, who watch the island below with eagle-eyes and a wish for interconnectability. The regulation of society and lawful influence is much stronger here then the rest of Kanae, and arts are centered more on time-consuming masterpieces then music and fun.
Le-Metru: Among the floating cities of Kanae rests The Land of Windmills. Huts stacked upon each-other in haphazard patterns and peaked with great windmills. The messy town takes pride in its industrialization, automating everything from the grinding of grain to the construction of Gukko saddles. Exports of this town are of the highest quality and have brewed jealousy even among the Kanae higher-ups, and their Gukko are the fastest around.
Le-Wahi: Once an outer city of Ihu, The Cable-Car Town was purchased by Kanae to provide easy access between the mountains of Ihu and the jungles of Tiro The upercity is a stone relic of the past, while the lower is a collection of wooden shacks. The city prides itself in the breeding and taming of various Rahi, most notably the mighty Gukko Birds.
Le-Mahri: With its beautiful view over the entirety of Artakha, Le-Mahri is considered The Great Retreat of the Matoran. Newlywed couples, important political figures, and the islands strongest warriors often visit the villages great hotels and show stages for relaxation and escape. The Kanaeans of the village spend their time in the performing arts, from clowns to musicians to playwrights they entertain the populous and encourage fun among the people.
Le-Karda: Long ago Le-Karda was a proud and prosperous city built on Artakha’s floating islands. Over the years the Kanaeans of the city multiplied and an immense rate and build their towers and spires to the sky. One day the weight of the village on top grew too much for the island below, and the village came crashing down into Artakha’s gentle surface, embedding it’s ruins deep in the ground. As the city splintered apart, lighter chunks were flung to the wind and found themselves deep in the jungle, out of reach of the Matoran of Earth. Le-Karda’s ruins were long though lost, until a band of Earth, Stone, and Wind Matoran discovered it deep underground. The village is now home to a secret society, unknown to the Artakhan governments, however the majority of its population are Matoran of Earth, which has lead to further overgrowth in The Fallen City.
Po-Koro: Jutting out of the hazy deserts of Motara is the great City of Color. It’s tall blue and gold spires shimmer in the blazing sun, attracting traders from around the island to its dusty streets and busy bazars. Everything a Matoran could ever want can be bought here, under the Merchant King’s careful watch. The city prides itself in its artistic works, from poetry to carpets, creativity is key to the capital’s financial success.
Po-Metru: Just on the horizon from Po-Koro lies the Dull City of Po-Metru. While its climbing spires and brilliant architecture match its nearby sister, it’s sandstone walls have long remained unpainted and unloved. The crafters and carvers of this city-state have long been underpaid for the goods they provide Po-Koro, and hostility has long brewed in its streets toward the capital’s extravagant nature.
Po-Wahi: The Canyon of Unending Whispers was once a great query for Motara’s mining operations, and has since taken a life of its own. Its bright orange and pink walls are carved with a series of towers and huts that house the most patient and caring of Motarans. The large field in the village’s center has since become home to the works of it’s carving populous, giant statues that hide herds of Mahi. This relaxing retreat is an oasis of peace in a desert of danger.
Po-Mahri: Once a trading outpost of Po-Koro, Po-Mahri has taken a life of its own. This oceanside Trading Port became such an epicenter of commerce that its once Motaran centric population has become an even mix of all Matoran. Cultures from all over the island mix and mingle on it’s cobbled streets and its flags fly colors from all around. It is one of the few villages in which inter-element relationships are not considered Taboo.
Po-Karda: The Great Mine of Motara has long been a center of commerce. It’s deep tunnels are home to the seclusive and outcast. The calmer of Motaran, the more inventive of Tiroan, and the peaceful of Mangai. It’s quiet expanse is filled with few homes, and the villagers live together in large barracks. The people of Po-Karda are close-knit and kind, and consider each other more important than their kingdoms.
Onu-Koro: The Great Tree of Tiro is one of the most expensive cities on all of Artakha. The city is split in two, it’s upper level consist of a series of treetop buildings, camouflaged with the wood and leaves. It’s lower level is hidden deep underground, consisting of giant ziggurats within an immense cavern. Nature has spread across its many great structures, as its people encourage life in all forms and welcome the overgrowth with open arms.
Onu-Wahi: Along the border of the Tiro jungle lays a wide expanse of fertile farmland. The sparse wooden huts of this area house the best farmers on Artakha, who use their skill and Ussal pets to till and grow everything from wheat to berries. Without the work of Onu-Wahi the Matoran of Artakha would surely starve, and the more militarian societies are well aware of this weakness.
Onu-Karda: Thrust into the mountainside of Ihu is The Great Fortress of Tiro. A huge and fortified chamber, Onu-Karda was built with the intent of holding all of Artakha’s Matoran. Its inhabitants are considered outcasts by Tiroan standards, due to their habit of keeping plant life and nature out of the echoing structure. Mangai has long wished to posses the chamber and the other villages fear what would happen if it fell into the wrong hands.
Ko-Koro-Metru: Ko-Koro was once a simple ocean side city built from the fallen craft of Ihu. As technology advanced and ambition grew the Matoran of Ice choose to move their wooden shacks high into the mountains nearby the proud city of Ko-Metru. Over the years The Twin City-States have merged into one, creating a giant castle complex with bricks frozen together in an act of unity and strength. The Humans rarely let Matoran of other tribes within their walls, and the inner workings of the city remain a mystery.
Ko-Wahi: The Ko-Wahi canyon is the only path through the treacherous Ihu mountains. Its sporadic homes are carved into the ice itself and run all along the pass’s length. It’s people are secluded yet violent, and while they usually keep to the shadows any word of danger could lead to a deadly ambush. Some say the only reason Mangai keeps up good terms with Ihu is to keep the trade pass open, and the other villages agree with this business mentality toward The Ambush Canyon.
Ko-Voya: The Blizzard Peak lies at the top of the tallest mountain in Ihu’s range. Up in the skies the secluded Ihuans of this region find themselves in constant peril as constant storms of snow, ice, and lightning pelt it’s fortified sides. The inhabitants of Ko-Voya rarely travel from their treacherous home and some say the village is but a myth. The inhabitants of Ko-Voya, however, have legends of a different City in the Storms.
Ko-Karda: The Silent Village of Ko-Karda rests on the border of Ihu and Mangai. It’s inhabitants hold peace and quiet in high value and rarely engage in island politics or even speak to each other. Travel through the village is rarely acknowledged, and it’s people are unfortified for war. The Ihu kings have long feared this peaceful mentality will be the village’s downfall.
Av-Koro: The Brothers City was the first village to be built on Artakha and was home to the islands gods. The ancient land was home to many experiments of the islands guardians and its great hexagonal pillars have long collected dust. During the Brother’s clash long ago the city was destroyed and now lays in ruins, but they say its depths hide a great secret.
Kraa-Koro: Once the city of Av-Metru, Kraa-Koro was buried deep beneath Av-Koro. Home to Makuta, the ancient city of darkness is home to the legendary fortress of Mangaia. For centuries Mangaia was used as the final resting place for Toa heroes, whose corpses were brought into its depths by Rahi influenced by the Gods. While the Toa’s burial has since faded into legend, to this day the Matoran use it to lay their great elites and leaders to rest. Little do the Matoran know what Makuta was working on deep in the catacombs, nor that after being freed from statis he will resume his dark work.
Av-Wahi: Ekimu’s homeland, Av-Wahi lies on a mountain top overlooking Av-Koro. Its fantastical structures are laced with ornate gold that is said to ■■■■■ and bend to create great works of art. It’s now abandoned facilities are full of Ekimu’s many creations and some say it’s where the first Kanohi Masks were made.
Av-Voya: Nestled in the canyons around Av-Koro, Av-Voya is in constant chaos. The poisonous air drifting through its streets cause the local wildlife to go mad with power and lust for destruction. The waters of its rivers mutate those who enter into terrifying monstrosities, some say this reflects the visions of its Ancient Ruler.
Av-Karda: Deep below the center of Artakha, Av-Karda is the birthplace of the Elemental Gods. The spherical room is evenly divided among the elements, and it fuels the elemental magics of the land. They say only one Matoran has ever been in its depths, and few are aware he is still amount them.
Unplanned Cities:
Ta-Metru
Ta-Wahi
Ta-Mahri
Ta-Karda
Ga-Metru
Ga-Karda
Le-Voya
Po-Voya
Onu-Metru
Onu-Voya
Onu-Mahri
Ko-Mahri
Av-Mahri
Locations of the Fragments of Time:
The Great Lava Lake: The Great Lava Lake of Mangai was once a great spot for lava-surfing and Matoran sport. One day a strange beast made of Lava emerged from the lake’s fiery depths and droe the Mangaians out. No-one knows where this monster came from or what its purpose is, but it seems intent on guarding a small island in lake’s center.
Kantai’s Castle: Kantai was once a proud Turaga of Ko-Koro, but as his people’s focus became militarian he fled into the outlands and built his own mighty castle. He lived for years in isolation, teaching those brave and enduring enough to see him the ways of patience and balance. When he refused to pay the King’s taxes, the military was sent to siege his castle, despite outrage from the populous. While Matoran island-wide clamoured to let the Turaga live, the Ihuan guard stayed strong, and Kantai starved to death in his castle. All that’s left of Kantai’s home is a few ice-coated pillars and plazas, but Matoran (mostly Water and Earth) continue to bring offerings to his final resting place.
The Flooded Temple: Once a place of worship for the village of Ga-Mahri, The Flooded Temple has been claimed by the sea. Its grandiose halls are filled with the salty sea, and its depths hide many legendary riches.
The Star Sanctuary: The Star Sanctuary was once a temple of worship in Le-Karda used to praise and study the stars. When the city fell and burst the chunk containing the temple was shot deep into to Tiro jungle. Few still visit the ruins, but some say it holds a great treasure.
Midak’s Hut: Once a crystal mining colony, the workers of this mine were driven out by an invasion of Kofo-Jaga. After the locations abandonment a plucky farmer named Midak purchased the land and drove out the Kofo-Jaga, converting it into his own Ussal farm. Midak has since left to work in the fields of Onu-Wahi, but his homestead still stands deep below.
Kerato’s Tomb: Long ago the eccentric Merchant King Kerato ran the village of Po-Koro with a self-righteous nature. When he passed the people of Motara built a great tomb for him on the city limits, filled with danger and traps to protect his resting place.