Autobot Matrix of Leadership
The Autobot Matrix of Leadership was an ancient artifact held by the Autobots. Its origins are unknown, but it apparently has a connection to Unicron and possibly his creator Primacron's assistant. It is also connected in some way to the Quintessons, as a Quintesson was one of the earliest recorded minds in its database.
The Matrix is a repository of knowledge, containing the sum memories and wisdom of all the Autobot leaders (collectively known as the Ancient Autobots). In addition, its vast knowledge gives it vast power, making it prized as an energy source. An Autobot who installs the Matrix gains greatly boosted strength and wisdom. Wielders of the Matrix can be subjected to visions of the past, present, and future as the Matrix deems it necessary. The Matrix can only be opened, and its full energies released, by an Autobot leader destined to hold it, not by any other Autobot or any Decepticon. However, it can held by any Transformer, even Decepticons. (A Decepticon, Scourge, was even able to channel its power, but doing so hideously twisted his body and mind.) Known holders of the Matrix have included Alpha Trion, Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and Rodimus Prime.
The Matrix was used to destroy Unicron when he attacked Cybertron, and its energies were temporarily exhausted by Optimus Prime in order to wipe out the Hate Plague. Despite that, it still held some influence, directing Optimus' actions regarding Nebulos.
