Protoforms

Protoforms (プロトフォーム, Purotofōmu) are part of the Cybertronian's life cycle. They are given life by the either of the three things: the AllSpark, the Well of the Great Sparks, or the mega-computer Vector Sigma. Once they are brought to life, they are required to scan a vehicle that would be natural for the caste they were placed in (though the Covenant of Primus implies that they are born with certain altmodes).

A Cybertronian protoform are like a human's skeleton, consist of an unspecified, free-flowing, metallic matter layered over basic robotic systems. In their long deep space travel, Cybertronians may revert to their protoform state in order to conserve energy in stasis. This can help with conserving energy and body through space travels.

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Protoforms are created from "proto-matter", mined from Cybertron's Sonic Canyons. In their pre-life state, they resemble featureless grey mannequins, and are stored in pods that line the walls of the secret Matrix Chamber hidden in the dojo of their assigned protectors, the venerable Autobot Cyber-Ninja Corps. Customarily, prior to being brought on line, protoforms are placed into "moulds", pre-built robot shells, which their proto-matter expands to fill. Following this, either the AllSpark, the Well of the Great Sparks, or the mega-computer Vector Sigma is used to bestow them with a spark. It is possible, however, to forego the use of a mould and place a spark in a protoform directly. The same basic moulds can be used for multiple protoforms, leading to similarities in body-type and transformation schemes; the 65356-9292-346 type is particularly popular and widely-used. Where humans would describe themselves as being "born", Transformers are "protoformed". Additionally, "protoform" is sometimes used pejoratively in Cybertronian society as a mocking name for the young or inexperienced.