#spine06

[origsmocs]

A distant relative of the common Ussal, the Zakaz Spiny Crab is a species of rahi found on the island which gives it its name.

It is unclear if the many spikes and spines that cover its exoskeleton are an adaptation to its craggy homeland or are a result of deliberate genetic mutation, but they are used by the crab for defensive purposes.

More ominously, the claws of the crab seem to resemble a pair of decapitated Skakdi heads. This is also of dubious origin, and could either be camouflage into a land seeped in death or a threat display.

Skakdi often hunt these creatures when more threatening opponents aren’t available, but are not highly valued as trophy kills due to their slow and solitary lifestyle. A quite uninteresting adversary.

[galis-gock]

In the darkest depths of Mahri Nui...

A fierce ambush predator lurks. Matoran who don't learn to swim away from the light might never make it back alive.

The humongous teeth aren't what is feared...

It's the DEADLY LASER NOSTRILS you should be afraid of!!

The Bakan fish

(Check reblogs for bonus)

[malwarewolf-mocs]

Spine Moc 2/3: Steltan Manticore

Apart from an odd similarity to a certain Skakdi warlord, the Steltan Manticore is mainly regarded as a hostile, cunning, and repulsive Rahi known for stalking the city streets and docks of Stelt at night. Armed from all sides with more venomous spines, fangs, claws, and stingers than gladiator pit filled with Nui-Jaga and Doom Vipers, nearly every person on Stelt knows better than to cross this particular flat-faced cat’s path. These Rahi are agile, nearly silent, and specially equipped to hunt shallow-dwelling Ruki and Takea sharks.

And that’s build number two of the mocs I’ve made for this bash. Small Rahi are just one of those fun builds that doesn’t need to be super technically impressive to look good. Sure, maybe I could’ve used Nektann’s spine in a little more creative fashion, but it’s still is believable as the face-like head of a big cat.

[shoddygunpla]

Kurahk tries on a cute top she found at the thrift store. Turahk is always there to provide positive feedback.

[kopakaskoolkompanion]

Entry for @malwarewolf-mocs' #SPINE06 challenge! It's uh. A cuttlefish or something. Some form of cephalopod.

[malwarewolf-mocs]

Spine Moc 1/3: Raihno

This guy was kinda entertaining to build, and I was able to get a good amount of rotation and movement on him. His shoulders can even roll forward and back.

Long ago, before the Skakdi were transformed into a destructive breed of warring savages, they were once a simple people, creating, crafting, and repairing the Great Spirit much like their Matoran counterparts. They were scholars, architects, builders. Sitting at a humble forge at the island of Zakaz, there lived a reclusive but renowned blacksmith, a Skakdi of Iron named Raihno. This master craftsman was legendary for his understanding of metal, and could create mechanical tools and machines the workd had never seen at that time. The story of Raihno the craftsman lives on in other cultures, though time and obscurity has changed him to a Toa or Steltan noble at times. The Skakdi himself still creates, but the never ending war on Zakaz means his forge is constantly demolished.

[malwarewolf-mocs]

Spine Moc 4/3: Zakaz Stalker Fish

Covered in vicious barbed fins that tear through fishing nets, Stalker Fish are a menace to fishermen on Zakaz and considered a bit of a nuisance. They also have a nasty habit of electrocuting Ruki and Takea fish when they come too close, an attack that also stuns themselves and leaves them somewhat vulnerable, if only for a moment. The Stalker Fish is then free to swallow its prize or flee from a larger predator if it pleases.

Decided to get one more moc in for the build jam this year! I hope to get a couple more participants before the month is over. Also, this Rahi moc is kind of similar to one I made years ago, and I’m kind of considering making them a part of the same “family” of Rahi, like Gukko birds meaning Kewa, Kahu, and Gukko. Another older “stalker fish” below the cut.

[malwarewolf-mocs]

Spine Moc 3/3: Skorrin

The frontier of Bara-Magna is a harsh and unpredictable place, filled with all manner of unsavory creatures that could easily turn a Mahi herd and their shepherd into a three course meal. With Toa and Glatorian being relegated to duties akin to that of a militia around New Atero and other regions, the Agori and Matoran elected to find other hands to serve as protection for settlers in the wastes.

Skorrin was once a hard, ruthless war chief of a band of Skakdi, but the land he fought for is long since gone, and his warriors disbanded, many content in this peaceful new world to continue warring. Skorrin, for his part, tried to put his warrior’s energy elsewhere. And that is how he was given a job helping shepherds in the frontier.

There, in the many years he grew a special bond with one of the Po-Matoran shepherds, and found a new sense of serenity and solitude in the canyons and mountains of Bara-Magna.

And that’s three mocs! Thank you everyone who’s been participating in the moc bash, I hope you’re having as good a time as I am making these mocs! A bit about Skorrin himself, he was a character I made years ago (some of your may remember the Bat’leth Skakdi image from the Challenge post) and it felt prudent to bring him back. The horns were a fun addition, and he honestly seemed like the sort of character to have little bone claws sprouting all over his body. His friendship with my self-moc was a new idea though, but I like the idea of Post-2010 skakdi kind of falling into less bloodthirsty roles amongst the Matoran.