_{Forward by Pakaru, member of the Expeditionary Guild}



The word "Rahi" is Matoran, meaning "not us". The term Rahi is used to refer to the various creatures of the Matoran Universe. Like Matoran and the various species in the universe, Rahi are biomechanical in nature. They primarily function on instinct, and have no balance of Light and Shadow like the sapient races of the Matoran Universe. As such, their main motivations are food, water, territory, and shelter.

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While most Matoran would categorize certain species of wildlife as Rahi, they are so biologically different from Rahi that they simply cannot be classified as Rahi. These creatures exist throughout the Matoran Universe, and coexist with Rahi in different ecosystems. These creatures are mostly organic in nature, and are capable of reproduction through one means or another. Species like fish make for a good source of food for Matoran and other species, sapient or not.

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Many species of Rahi call the island of Avsa Nui home. Some are unique to the region, while other species have been encountered by Matoran and other races throughout the Matoran Universe. It's quite notable that some species of Rahi are incredibly aggressive, and should be avoided at all costs. A major goal of the Expeditionary Guild is to discover what species of Rahi are endemic to Avsa Nui, and prepare Expeditionary Guild members for encountering them in the wild.

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There are many species of Rahi throughout the Matoran Universe, and some species have been tamed by Matoran-or other races-for one purpose or another. Beasts of burden, livestock, mounts to travel far and wide... the list goes on. As of this moment, the Matoran of Ora-Koro have only tamed a small number of species found on the island, though the Turaga hope to find species of Rahi that can be useful to Ora-Koro.

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• Callidus Fox
• Gallulisk
• Velocilope
• Avsa Raptor
• Mukau
• Peal Condor
• Rock Ape
• Kadinoko
• Forest Mantis

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These small canine Rahi tend to be quite shy and elusive. They hunt small Rahi, including rodents and birds, though they will also scavenge meals from larger carnivores. They are curious and playful creatures, and have been observed in pairs or small groups frolicking and play-fighting. When approached by Matoran, they tend to flee, though it's usually to a distance to safely observe the Matoran. If a Callidus fox is curious or brave enough, they may approach the Matoran to observe them. Matoran have managed to befriend a small number of these Rahi. Tamed Callidus foxes are stalwart and loyal companions, even if their playfulness sometimes leads them to get in trouble.

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A close relative of the Pokawi. These fowl live in a variety of habitats, and have adapted different behaviors in each one. The Gallulisk has a snake-like tail that ends in a stinger. This stinger can deliver a venom strong enough to paralyze creatures larger than the Gallulisk. This venom targets non-vital muscles and systems, meaning that those stung are still alive and capable of seeing and hearing everything around them. For this reason, predators give these fowl a wide berth, and only attack a flock if starving.

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These deer-like Rahi are, in fact, reptiles. They are found in forests and grasslands. Herds living in grasslands tend to be quite large, ranging between ten and thirty members; on the other hand, groups living in forests tend to be small, usually no more than seven strong. They use their speed and agility to avoid predators, but when presented with no other option, they will use their antlers and powerful beak to defend themselves.

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Closely related to the Hikaki, Avsa Raptors are powerful predators that normally inhabit deserts and volcanoes. Like Hikaki, they can breathe fire, and have powerful claws. Unlike Hikaki, they have horns and bladed tails, as well as jaws powerful enough to crush rocks. They are incredibly territorial, and will chase intruders from their territory with incredible intimidation displays. Though most at home in hot climates, they occasionally wander into forested or coastal areas.

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A large bovine Rahi that lives in herds in grasslands. Mukau are normally placid unless provoked, to the point that a Matoran can usually walk right up to one and touch it. That being said, their horns aren't just for show, and they will use them to deal with predators and settle disputes between individuals.

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Birds of prey related to the Lava Hawk, their name comes from their distinctive call, which sounds like a bell ringing. They are widespread on Avsa Nui, owing to the fact that they specialize in feeding on both dead wildlife and rotting fruit. They will often follow large, predatory Rahi from above, hoping to scavenge anything that they don't eat. Their wings and talons are razor-sharp, and their pecks are powerful enough to damage a Matoran's Kanohi mask.

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These powerful Rahi are close relatives of the Lava Ape. Unlike Lava Apes, they are incredibly shy and nomadic, preferring to avoid direct confrontation if at all possible; if they have no other option, they will defend themselves, using their massive strength to tear boulders from the ground and hurl them at enemies. They live in small groups, which is protected by the alpha individual.

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An odd snake Rahi with a stout body. Despite their rotund appearance, they are able to hop and glide short distances thanks to a pair of small wings. Unlike most snakes they make a distinctive squeaking noise. On most occasions, they are rarely seen. However, once every seven years, Kadinoko swarm in the hundreds in the area around Ora-Koro. There are multiple theories as to why this event occurs, but none have been proven so far.

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A close relative of the Metru Mantis, Forest Mantis are large, predatory insect Rahi that will eat almost anything they can catch. As their name implies, they hide in the underbrush, preferring to find a spot near a watering hole or a game trail and patiently waiting to ambush prey. Their bladed forearms are not only incredibly powerful, the barbs on the inside of the blades can inject a venom that makes prey drowsy and easier to consume.

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