Staircase to the Ignika

"There was a total of 777 of these steps, all leading down to a vast chamber. Inside that chamber was the fabled Mask of Life, an artifact so powerful even the mighty Brotherhood of Makuta had never dared try sieze it for themselves.

Zaktan, in his thoughts. (Legacy of Evil by Greg Farshtey p. 1)

The Kanohi Ignika, hidden away under Voya Nui by the Great Beings themselves, was located in the Chamber of Life. To ensure its safety from the unworthy, the two Great Beings who formed its chamber also created an immense staircase, filled with dangers.

777 steps

This staircase was rumored to have 777 steps, leading to chambers, each with its own dangers and guardians. Only three teams have been ever known to enter and come back alive: Toa Jovan's toa team, the Toa Inika, and the seven Piraka.

Toa Jovan's team entered to save Mata Nui, who had been weakened during the Matoran Civil War. This expidition resulted in the death of one member, who doned the mask the save the Great Spirit.

The Inika had come for the same reaosn. Taking up the quest the Toa Nuva had not been able to accomplish, they headed into the staircase to save Mata Nui's life. They were successful in retrieving the mask, which they unfortunately lost. In the end, though, they saved his life at the expense of Matoro's death.

The Piraka wanted to steal the Ignika for purely selfish reasons. Influenced by Makuta while they were looting his lair, they went to Voya Nui and inslaved its inhabitants using Makuta's "life energy". Though the vat with Makuta's energy was destroyed during Axonn's clash with Brutaka and the Matoran saved, the Piraka were able to reach the Chamber of Life, only to be defeated by Vezon and the Toa Inika.

Rooms

The Nightmare Zone- The first and possibly most dangerous room was the Nightmare Zone. These rooms replicated your worst nighmares: the Piraka faced Irnakk, a Skakdi legend, and the Toa Inika say themselves killing the Toa Nuva. Both passed the test.

The "Intention Test" Room- The next room was a test especially dangerous for the Piraka. It traps you within cylinders and gives you a choice; work with your comrades, or betray them. The Piraka failed, and escaped the consequence room only by swimming through a long, underwater tunnel.

The Hall of Sacrifice- Meanwhile, the Toa had to cross the Hall of Sacrifice. One among them had to willingly die for the others to pass. It was Matoro who volunteered, unknowingly fulfilling the Ignika's test. He was returned to life at the end of the hall.

Umbra's Chamber- In this room, two guardians were present: Umbra and Protodax. Umbra could travel at incredible speeds, and Protodax had a shrinking Zamor sphere launcher and the power to duplicate when struck. Umbra knocked out Protodax to engage to Inika himself, not expecting to be beaten himself.

Lava Chamber Gate- This room was a huge bridge spanning a river of lava. Here the Piraka ambushed and defeated the pursuing Inika.

Guardians

Guardian	Room	Powers and Weapons
Protodax	Umbra's Chamber	Zamor sphere turns enemies tiny Multiplies when struck
Umbra	Umbra's Chamber	Super speed Laser mode
Axonn	Voya Nui surface	Strength Axe
Brutaka	Voya Nui surface	Agility Double-bladed sword
Vezon	Chamber of Life	Absorbs kinetic energy Can see into the near future Immortal while in contact with Ignika
Fenrakk	Chamber of Life	Absorbs kinetic energy Strength
Kardas	Chamber of Life	Creates energy nonstop