Elite Dangerous Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Type-9 Heavy

2017-12-21T00:53:12Z

213.1.227.226: Updated description with details of newer ships.

{{ShipInfobox
| image = Blaze-02.jpg
| manufacturer = Lakon Spaceways
| cost = 76,555,842
| topspeed = 131
| boostspeed = 201
| manoeuvrability = 0
| shields = 88
| armour = 864
| hullmass = 1,000
| cargocapacity = 220
| fuelcapacity = 64
| jumprange = 7.71
| utility = 4
| small = 2
| medium = 3
| large =
| huge =
| size1 =
| size2 = 1
| size3 = 2
| size4 = 2
| size5 = 1
| size6 = 1
| size7 = 1
| size8 = 1
| landingpad = Large
|dimensions = 117.4L - 115.3W - 33.2H|type = Freighter|maxjumprange = 20.36|masslock = 16|maxtopspeed = 150|maxboostspeed = 231}}
{{quote|The Type-9 Heavy is Lakon Spaceways large freighter class. This ship is built to transport large cargos, a job it does very well, but it doesn't stand up well in a fight, although adding a fighter bay improves its combat capability considerably - in the right hands!|In-Game Description}}

The '''Type-9 Heavy''' is a heavy freighter and is the largest of the four freighters manufactured by [[Lakon Spaceways]]. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 532T, the third largest of any ship available, behind only the [[Imperial Cutter]] and the [[Federal Corvette]]. However, as these 2 ships are much harder to acquire due to costs as well as the superpower rankings associated with them, wealthy traders usually have to choose between the Type-9 or the [[Anaconda]]. On paper the Type-9 is better, costing more than 70 million credits less than the Anaconda while having a higher maximum cargo capacity. However, the Anaconda has greater jump range than the Type-9, allowing it to better haul cargo to more distant destinations. Moreover, the Anaconda offers much better defensive and offensive capabilities, since it is significantly more maneuverable, is better armed, has better shield and is harder to be mass locked by other ships.

It is not recommended to engage in combat with the Type-9. It exhibits worse maneuverability and lower speed than any other ship in the game; it has extreme difficulty in shaking smaller [[ships]] from its blind spot (using a [[Fighter_Hangar|fighter hangar]] could help mitigate this shortcoming). It has five weapon [[hardpoint]]s to defend itself. Equipped with turrets, they can force enemy ships to operate with caution and give the Type-9 a chance to escape.

Many pilots have problems fitting through the entrance of [[Station]]s while they're first getting used to the Type 9, and it can, therefore, be very expensive for a new pilot to get used to. A [[Standard Docking Computer]] can be useful for players who have trouble docking this ship. It should also be noted that the type-9 heavy has better manueuverability when stopped; even though it isn't very useful in combat, it's handy for docking.

In December [[3303]], an ugpraded model known as the [[Type-10 Defender]] was released by Lakon Spaceways in a joint [[Alliance]] project to counter the [[Thargoids|Thargoid]] threat. This ship is more expensive though retains most of the Type-9's features, being based on the same frame.

It first appeared in the development diary videos and in some of the live streams done by [[Frontier Developments|Frontier]]. Later it appeared in the early Alpha stages and is one of the four ships that was in the first release of the Premium Beta.

==Purchase Locations==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1"
! System
! Station
! Date Seen
!Notes
|-
! LP 158-2 B
! Winne Ring
! Apr 1 2017
!
|-
|Shenich
|Wafer Terminal
|Feb 27, 2017
|10% Discount
|-
|HIP 6978
|Plucker Dock
|July 27, 2016
|15% discount
|-
|44 B Ophiuchi
|Feustel Gateway
|June 12, 2015
|
|-
| Abrog
| Thagard Ring
| Feb 7, 2015
|
|-
|LHS 1547
|Sharrington station
|May 4 2016
|15% discount
|-
| Afli
| Quetelet Dock
| Feb 15, 2015
|
|-
|Andhrimi
|Yurchikhin Station
|Jun 7, 2015
|
|-
| Apala
| Wilson City
| Version 1.03
|
|-
|Aptet
|Torricelli Port
|May 17, 2015
|
|-
|Arque
|Austen Town
|Oct 5, 2015
|
|-
|Asgaa
|Wheeler Horizons
|Apr 20, 2015
|
|-
|BD+11 2673
|Nagata City
|16-11-2015
|
|-
| Belalans
| Boscovish Ring
| Jan 5, 2015
|
|-
| Beta-1 Tucanae
| Adams Orbital
| Jan 3, 2015
|
|-
|Bhritzameno
|Feynman Terminal
|May 17, 2015
|
|-
|Biliri
|Fan City
|Aug 23, 2015
|
|-
|Cemiess
|Meech Dock
|Dez 01, 2015
|
|-
|Cemiess
|Shoemaker City
|Dec 30.2015
|
|-
| Chamunda
| Gidzenko Ring
| Mar 1, 2015
|
|-
|Chona
|Smoot Terminal
|Aug 17, 2015
|
|-
|Cubeo
|Medupe City
|June 27, 2016
|
|-
| Delphin
| Joliot-Curie Dock
| Gamma 1.05
|
|-
|Diaguandri
|Ray Gateway
|Oct 9, 2017
|15% discount
|-
| Dulos
| Wilson Ring
| Feb 15, 2015
|
|-
|Ellri
|Delucas Enterprise
|May 4, 2015
|
|-
|Eravate
|Cleve Hub
|Apr 22, 2015
|
|-
| Fawaol
| Sutter Hub
| Feb 24, 2015
|
|-
| FK5 2550
| Vela Ring
| Gamma 1.04
|
|-
|Freng
|Bear City
|Apr 03, 2016
|
|-
| Gliese 563.1
| Matteucci Ring
| Jul 23, 2015
|
|-
|Heverduduna
|Jacquard Orbital
|04-08-15
|
|-
| I Bootis
| Chango Dock
|
|
|-
|Imantana
|Brongniart Orbital
|Mar 25, 2017
|15% discount
|-
|Kats
|Truman Hub
|2015-08-20
|
|-
|Kaushpoos
|Neville Horizons
|Oct 28, 2015
|
|-
| Leesti
| George Lucas
| Dec 31, 2014
|
|-
| LFT 926
| Meredith City
| Dec 31, 2014
|
|-
| LHS 2764A
| Low Orbital
| Gamma 1.05
|
|-
|LHS 3447
|Dalton Gateway
|Aug 2, 2015
|
|-
| LP 102-320
| Shepard Hub
|
|-
|LTT 15574
|Haxel port
| Feb 4, 2017
|
|-
| LP 445-22
| Trevithick Horizons
| Jul 23, 2015
|
|-
| Mantxe
| De Sousa Ring
| Version 1.03
|
|-
|Okinura
|Fisher Terminal
|Feb 23, 2016
|
|-
| Panoi
| Garan Hub
| Feb 27, 2015
|
|-
|Phracani
|Lippisch Ring
|June 4, 2016
|
|-
|Ququve
|Smirnova Relay
|Oct 17, 2015
|
|-
| Qa'Wakana
| Carpini Terminal
| Feb 27, 2015
|
|-
|Quivira
|Godel Dock
|May 12, 2015
|
|-
|Sisii
|Tyson Gateway
|May 14, 2016
|15% discount
|-
| Sol
| Daedalus
| Mar 7, 2015
|
|-
|Sosolingati
|Murray Refinery
|June 11, 2015
|
|-
|Sugana
|Nowak Dock
|May 24, 2016
|15% discount
|-
| Tanmark
| Cassie-L-Peia
| Jan 2, 2014
|
|-
|Teaka
|Valdes Dock
|Jan 12, 2016
|
|-
|Tiolce
|Vo Terminal
|May 24, 2015
|
|-
|Tolians
|Kuo Dock
|Aug 11, 2015
|
|-
|Ualapalor
|Rochon Ring
|May 2, 2015
|
|-
|Vaka
|Zenbei Oribital
|
|
|-
|Wodiwodi
|Polansky City
|2017-30-08
|15% discount
|-
|Zhao Jin
|Wilson Ring
|Aug 18, 2015
|
|-
|BD+24 543
|Proteus Orbital
|June 20, 2016
|10% discount
|-
|Remines
|Bobko Hub
|November 12, 2016
|15% discount
|-
|HIP 13173
|Ryman Orbital
|July 12 2017
|
|}

=== Outfitting ===
{{main|Outfitting}}

All ships are highly customisable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Type-9 Heavy.

{| class="article-table" style="text-align: center;" border="1"
! style="text-align: center;" | Category
! style="text-align: center;" | Default System
! style="text-align: center;" | Default Rating
! style="text-align: center;" | Default Class
! style="text-align: center;" | Max Class
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Hardpoint|Small Hardpoint]]
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 1
|-
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 1
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Hardpoint|Medium Hardpoint]]
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 2
|-
| [[Pulse Laser]] (L) || F || 1 || 2
|-
| [[Pulse Laser]] (L) || F || 1 || 2
|-
| rowspan="4" | Utility Mount
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 0
|-
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 0
|-
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 0
|-
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 0
|-
| [[Bulkheads]]
| [[Lightweight Alloys]] || I || 1 || 8
|-
| Reactor Bay
| [[Power Plant]] || E || 6 || 6
|-
| Thrusters Mounting
| [[Thrusters]] || E || 7 || 7
|-
| Frame Shift Drive Housing
| [[Frame Shift Drive]] || E || 6 || 6
|-
| Environment Control
| [[Life Support]] || E || 5 || 5
|-
| Power Coupling
| [[Power Distributor]] || E || 6 || 6
|-
| Sensor Suite
| [[Sensors]] || E || 4 || 4
|-
| Fuel Store
| [[Fuel Tank]] [x64] || C || 6 || 6
|-
| rowspan="9" | [[Internal Compartment]]s
| [[Cargo Rack]] [x128] || E || 7 || 8
|-
| [[Cargo Rack]] [x64] || E || 6 || 7
|-
| [[Shield Generator]] || E || 6 || 6
|-
| [[Cargo Rack]] [x16] || E || 4 || 5
|-
| [[Cargo Rack]] [x8] || E || 3 || 4
|-
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 4
|-
| [[Cargo Rack]] [x4] || E || 2 || 3
|-
| ''Empty'' || -- || -- || 3
|-
| [[Discovery Scanner|BDS]] || E || 1 || 2
|}
*''(L) = Loaned''
*''[x#] = Capacity''
*''BDS = Basic Discovery Scanner''

==Videos==
<gallery>
Ship_Introducing_Type-9_Heavy_-_Elite_Dangerous_Short_cinematic_video
Elite_Dangerous_2.3_Beta_-_The_Grandaddy_Type-9_-_4K
</gallery>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
blaze-03.jpg
stars-02.jpg
145vLjx.jpg|Cockpit view
Peek of the week 26a.jpg|Interior concept
Trader.jpg|Exterior concept
Screenshot_0076.jpg|Type 9 with Tactical Ice paintwork
E-D T9H - Departing (Landing Gear deployed).jpg|T9H - inside Station
E-D T9H - Front Bottom View.jpg|T9H - Front Bottom View
E-D T9H - Front View (in full sunlight).jpg|T9H - Front in full light
E-D T9H - Top View from behind.jpg|T9H - Top down from behind
File:Type_9_door3.jpg
File:Bandicam-2016-03-28-00-28-51-071.jpg
File:Bandicam-2015-11-03-14-21-08-546.png |Type-9 in a nebula
T9onSurface.png|Type-9 Landed on planet surface with rover in foreground
File:Bandicam-2016-02-14-23-22-27-481.jpg
File:Bandicam-2016-03-17-18-06-10-568.jpg
File:Beached-whale.jpg |The rear of a Type-9 that has landed on a planetary body
File:Bandicam-2016-03-27-15-44-12-317.jpg |A Type-9 near a black hole
File:Bandicam-2016-04-23-23-42-38-696.jpg
bp-type9.png|Lakon Type-9 Heavy Blueprint
Type-9-Heavy-Cockpit.png|Type-9 Heavy cockpit
Type-9-Heavy-Walking-Pilot-Scale.png|Type-9 Heavy walking pilot scale
Type-9-Heavy-Cockpit-Top-View.png|Type-9 Heavy cockpit top view
Type-9-Heavy-Cockpit-Front.png|Type-9 Heavy cockpit front
</gallery>

{{ShipNavbox}}
{{ShipTypeNavbox}}
[[ru:Type 9. Heavy]]
[[Category:Freighter]]
[[Category:Lakon Spaceways]]
[[Category:Pilotable]]

Elite Universe

2017-09-29T00:43:56Z

213.1.227.226: Provided example of planetery energy harnessing in Sirius

[[File:Elite-Universe-Logo-Big.png|thumb|250px|Elite Universe logo]]

The '''Elite Universe''' is a term to describe the whole fictional universe of the [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]]. Every Elite game and media takes place in the same science fiction universe. There are some minor disparities such as timeline events.

== Dystopian Hard Sci-fi ==
The Elite Universe is a plausible extrapolation of what human life would be like in the distant future. Many aspects make it dystopian and hard science fiction, because it has a grounding in science-based fact or theory. It's not an unrealistic depiction of a utopia or near-perfect societies without conflict. The galactic superpowers Federation, Empire and Alliance are portrayed as imperfect. They're all flawed with good and bad aspects. There's not a clear group of "good guys" and "bad guys." It's kept rather ambiguous.

David Braben's core vision for what Elite really is from way back in the day is it's always been about you're a person in a real futuristic setting, not just a ship.<ref>David Braben's Core Vision explained by Sandro Sammarco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhsH5U7tz4A&t=68m04s</ref>

Freedom and the ability to blaze your own trail are fundamental aspect of the Elite Universe. Players can carve their own path in an open [[galaxy]].<ref>''https://www.elitedangerous.com/en/gameplay''</ref> Space is generally lawless with little to no regulations. Since the original [[Elite]] they left what to do and where to go entirely up to the player.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/oct/18/features.weekend</ref> Players can take control of their ship and do all kinds of [[roles]]. Free trade and economic activities are another fundamental aspect, because people need it to improve their socioeconomic status in the galaxy. This is done by players and the economy is simulated by the [[Background simulation]].

The timeline of the Elite Universe is a continuation of real life modern history. The [[Elite Dangerous Timeline]] takes place 1286 years in the future and moves at the same speed as real-life.

There's an emphasis on scientific accuracy which is sometimes subordinate to the gameplay experience. The setting is a full scale depiction of the Milky Way. It has a lot of hard science, with for the first time in gaming history, compose a very consistent model of the Milky Way galaxy and it's rich enough to plot the night sky.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOYhoFYIWmw</ref>

Technologically what sets the Elite Universe apart is the lack of ‘magical’ anti-gravity or [[gravity]] generators. Ships have no anti-gravity, nor do [[Outpost|outposts]] or [[station|stations]]. To move around requires pushing/pulling yourself, use thrusters or electromagnetic boots. Artificial gravity is created by centripetal force from rotation of (for example) a large space station.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/15od2s/i_am_david_braben_cocreator_of_elite_creator_of/c7qds39/</ref> There are no wizards (Jedi) with unscientific, supernatural abilities.

The aliens are truly alien in the Elite Universe. David Braben said "I'm dead-against the stance where the alien is just a human with a slightly wrinkly head, or pointy ears." "Thargoids, they are truly alien. They are based on differently chemistry, and a lot of effort went into making that chemistry right and plausible."<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref>

All these things make the Elite Universe more believable and realistic than other science-fiction universes.

=== Post-Apocalyptic ===
The Elite Universe is post-apocalyptic. World War 3 (2044-2055 AD) was the most destructive war waged on Earth. It brought much destruction and loss of life. The war was abandoned after over a decade. In the after-math, the dominant power was the [[United States of the Americas]]. Governments could not cope with the damage of war. Corporations stepped in and gradually rebuilt human civilization.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

In the 34th century, [[country|countries]] are historical entities that don't exist anymore. All remaining countries on [[Earth]] joined and dissolved into the Federation which was formed circa 2240 AD. People find it hard to imagine a time when people existed only on Earth with many disparate countries.<ref>https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/05-JUL-3301</ref><ref>Tourist Spot 0165 beacon near Earth</ref>

=== Corporations ===
Corporations gained a huge increase in influence and dominance over Earth's political landscape after World War 3. These ideologies influenced the Federation.

There are several super-rich and super-powerful [[corporations]] that sustain the colossal interstellar economies. Other smaller corporations are specialized in specific products and services. The companies and corporations built the galactic community.<ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref>

While corporations are not above the law, they have much authority over their employees, planets and star systems. The mega corporations rule unchecked over vast sections of the galaxy. They control countless subsidiary companies which gauge entire planets and star systems for resources and food. They produce goods which are essential for the survival of trillions of people in the galaxy. Corporate governments exist in the Federation, Empire, Alliance and Independent systems.<ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref><ref>In-game description</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

=== Lore ===
The official lore of the [[Elite Dangerous Role Playing Game]] gives an interesting insight into the Elite Universe. ''"Little has changed for those in the bottom of society since the old-[[Earth]]'s dark ages. The planet-spanning mega corporations employ entire nations and rule unchecked over vast sections of the galaxy. Weapons are readily available and people are inclined to shoot first. The general lawlessness of space, inequality, greed of the galactic elite, navigational hazards and fierce creatures on planets make it a dangerous galaxy."''<ref name=":0">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref><ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/</ref>

== Heritage ==
The heritage of the [[Elite Universe]] spans over 30 years. The [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]] began with the classic [[Elite]] in 1984. It was a genre defining, open world sandbox, space adventure, trading and combat simulator. Elite inspired the creation of many space games and new game genres such as the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series. It spawned the sequels [[Frontier: Elite II]] in 1993 and [[Frontier: First Encounters]] (Elite III) in 1995. These space sims attempted to simulate a realistic Milky Way [[galaxy]] and pioneered technical possibilities. Such as realistic star systems, seamless freeform interplanetary and atmospheric flight, landing on moving planets with realistic orbits and day/night cycles. For [[Elite Dangerous]], the developers have gone to great lengths to map and electronically recreate the Milky Way to scale to make the galaxy as realistic as possible.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_%28video_game%29</ref><ref>http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134644/the_replay_interviews_gary_penn.php</ref>

[[File:Evolution-of-the-Cobra-Ship-Elite-Universe.png|thumb|200px|Evolution of the Cobra in the Elite Universe]]

Many [[ships]] are named after snakes. This came about due to the wireframe models looking like snakeheads in the original [[Elite]]. The ship names have remained similar throughout the [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]]. In [[Elite Dangerous]] the classic ship models have been updated with lots of details.

The legendary [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]] has critically acclaimed, groundbreaking, space simulation video games which take place in the Elite Universe.

<gallery widths="140" position="center" columns="4" hideaddbutton="true" navigation="true">
Elite.jpg|[[Elite|Elite]] - 1984|link=Elite
Frontier_elite2_screenshot.gif|[[Frontier:_Elite_II|Frontier: Elite II]] - 1993|link=Frontier:_Elite_II
First encounters1 320.jpg|[[Frontier:_First_Encounters|Frontier: First Encounters]] (Elite III) - 1995|link=Frontier:_First_Encounters
elite_dangerous_beta_2-23.jpg|[[Elite_Dangerous|Elite Dangerous]] - 2014<br /> ⤷ ''[[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]] - Q4/2015''|link=Elite Dangerous
</gallery>

== Major Influences ==
[[File:Aulin-Enterprise-Station.png|thumb|200px|Orbis station]]

A major influence on the Elite Universe is the 1968 epic science-fiction film [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film) 2001: A Space Odyssey] produced by Stanley Kubrick. This is evident in the ringed [[Orbis]] station design and the [[Docking Computer|docking computer]] which plays the Blue Danube in the original Elite and Elite Dangerous.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/oct/18/features.weekend</ref> It's representative work of hard science fiction films. 2001 was made to be as scientifically correct as possible. Hence no sound in space, walking in zero-gravity with velcro-equiped shoes etc. The Elite Universe follows that ethos to a degree.

The [[Thargoids|Thargoid]] ships and [[Thargoid Surface Site|surface sites]] share similarities with the 1979 science-fiction horror film [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_(film) Alien] directed by Ridley Scott. The style seems to be influenced by the Swiss painter [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._R._Giger Hans Ruedi "H.R." Giger].

The [[Federation]] is an evolution from current Earth, rolled forward into the distant future. Federal politics has a lot of influence from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution United States Constitution].<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref> The [[United States of the Americas]] is the fictional predecessor of the Federation. The Americas implies that it's the totality of continents of North and South America. The Americas comprises most of the land in the Western Hemisphere on Earth.<ref>Tourist Spot 0165 beacon near Earth</ref>

The [[Empire]] is influenced by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Ancient Rome]. Slavery in the Empire is similar to slavery in Ancient Rome. Imperial slaves have rights like in Roman times. People would sign up for slavery to pay a debt. Imperial society is based on honor, like the Roman [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dignitas_(Roman_concept) Dignitas], or the Japanese [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido Bushido], even elements of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Empire British Empire], pre-WWI. It was shaming to do something that put people in a bad state. The poorhouses still happened, but sensibly, people were supposed to look after each other.<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref>

Galactic charts of space agencies like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA NASA] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Space_Agency ESA] were used to model the Milky Way galaxy.

== Societies ==

[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Official-Powerplay-Banner-Xavier-Henry.png|thumb|200px|Elite Dangerous Powerplay Banner]]

Societies in the Elite Universe can be very diverse, because star systems can have many different government types and customs. This is mostly the case in [[Alliance]] and independent systems where each system is governed independently with their own culture, values and government.

The [[Federation]] is less diverse than the Alliance due to having common values, regulations and government types among all their systems. The [[Empire]] is the least diverse due to having an imperial monarchy with more strict regulations.

=== Federation ===
In the [[Federation]], society is economically and socially corporatist. Social class is only determined by the 'haves' and 'have-nots'. Corruption is not unusual and people defend it shamelessly when caught as 'getting one over the system'. The working-class of the population is kept entranced by mass-entertainment and commercialism.

The Federation has the most densely human settled territories which makes it the biggest power. Its interstellar democracy has trillions of voters and is sustained by ancient bureaus.<ref>[https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref>

The corporations are the life-blood and backbone of the Federation.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref><ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref> They hold a very wide remit as to what they're permitted to do in the name of profit concerns. They control many aspects of life, politics and business within Federal space.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

The Constitution enshrines human rights and freedoms. It's the basis of Federal Law.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref> The Federation respects human life more than the Empire, but it's not as free as the Alliance.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x-kaGsHvv0</ref>

=== Empire ===
In the [[Empire]], society is based on a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patronage_in_ancient_Rome cliens] system like ancient Rome and strictly stratified. To move between strata requires money, patronage and influence. It has rampant nationalism and people like wealth projection. Wealthy and famous people find it an attractive place to live due to its high living standards, outlandishly wealthy companies, sophisticated technology and design.<ref>https://www.edrpg.co.uk/what-s-in-the-books</ref>

There's a dark underbelly of legalized slavery. Slaves perform work which machines would do in other parts of the universe. It's also a proponent of human-cloning. Few things are illegal, but much is frowned upon like narcotics.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref>

Imperials value both status and honour very highly. Whilst it is acceptable to flaunt wealth, treating people well is a question of honour - and this includes slaves. People would sell themselves into slavery to pay for a debt that cannot otherwise be cleared in order to restore their honour.<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref>

Imperial Law is enforced by [[Senators]] who themselves are above the law. They can order executions or even kill people themselves. They're rarely held accountable by the [[Emperor]].<ref>http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=f72c0f91b2</ref>

=== Alliance ===
The [[Alliance]] consists of independent systems who are militarily allied. It's governed by the Alliance Assembly. Each Alliance member state has a number of Council Members within the Alliance Assembly, based on the size of their respective populations. It functions as an arbitration body to establish common policies and treaties among Alliance systems, but it lacks any law making powers.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R8jZN2_tJU Tourist Spot 0113</ref>

There's much cultural and societal diversity among its members. It's much more diverse than the Federation and Empire. This makes political agreement difficult. Personal freedoms are inscribed in the Bill of Humans Rights.

Alliance systems and planets have the freedom to govern themselves independently.<ref>https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5593b9d49657bab1445913c1</ref> The flipside is there are also oppressive regimes on certain planets in Alliance space. Such as "on revolutionary Eranin the population are expected to perform in weekly parades celebrating their independence from the Federation, even while their leaders ‘redistribute’ the people’s wages into their own back pockets."<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>

== Social Classes ==
Trillions of people live in the Milky Way [[galaxy]]. They can be grouped into hierarchical social categories. This is what it's like in the 34th century:

=== Upper class ===
The vast wealth of the major [[factions]], which was built over centuries of commerce, attracts greed and powerful people who seek more of the same. [[Powers]] are powerful individuals or organizations who form the upper class of galactic society.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>

The richest people of the 21st century such as Bill Gates pale in comparison to the wealth and influence of Powers in the 34th century. For example [[Zemina Torval]] is preposterously rich due to her controlling stake in [[Mastopolos Mining]] and slavery. She owns many star systems and has a personal fleet of [[Majestic Class Interdictor|Majestic Class Interdictors]].<ref>http://galnetarchive.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-emperor-is-sick-man.html</ref> All the 21st century rich people combined would not come close to Zemina Torval's level of wealth.

=== Middle class ===
People in the middle of the social hierarchy, known as the middle-class, have gained tremendous freedom due to the affordability of space [[ships]] with faster-than-light travel. This has opened a galaxy of opportunities.<ref name=":0" />

=== Working class ===
These are people who generally earn little money with low-skilled manual labour. Little changed for those in the bottom of society since the Old-[[Earth]]'s dark ages. Some governments such as on [[Eranin]] exploit citizens with duties and redistribute people's wealth into their own pockets.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref> On the planet Zaonce, masses trade stocks for the planet-wide [[Bank of Zaonce]], selling high and buying low, but receive nothing of the gains they make.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>

== Kardashev Scale ==
The '''Kardashev scale''' measures a civilization's level of technological advancement based on the amount of energy a civilization is able to use for communication.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale</ref>
* '''Type I''' - a planetary civilization capable of utilizing all of the energy of a single planet. Earth, circa 2015, sits at 0.724 (circa 1960, 0.7), just under Type I.
* '''Type II''' - a stellar civilization is capable of utilizing all the energy of a star
* '''Type III''' - galactic civilization can control energy on the scale of the entire host galaxy

Type IV and V civilizations are thought to be too advanced by Nikolai Kardashev and may not be possible according to current scientific understanding. Other theorists like Michio Kaku, Robert Zubrin and Carl Sagan think it is possible.

* '''Type IV''' - a civilization that can control or use the entire universe. They can take on gargantuan, superhuman projects such as changing the structure of space-time.
* '''Type V '''- a civilization that can control or use a collection of universes. They are like gods, can jump between multiverses with the knowledge to manipulate the universe as they please.

== Type II Civilizations ==
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-OST-Sound-And-Essence-Art.png|thumb|400px|Elite Dangerous Art]]

Based on the Kardashev scale, we can determine how advanced a civilization really is depending on the amount of energy it uses and how much it could harvest for its own needs.

=== Humans ===
[[human|Humans]] are a Type II civilization in the Elite Universe. It's estimated to be around level 2.5 which is in between Type II and Type III. This is evident in the following human technological abilities and achievements in the 34th century:
* With the [[Frame Shift Drive]] humans can travel many times the speed of light between star systems.
* Humans can travel in a higher dimensional region known as [[Hyperspace]].
* [[corporations|Corporations]] control countless companies which farm, mine and use entire planets and star systems for resources and food. This is done to produce basic goods which trillions of people use for their survival. Corporations have the technological capability and actively harness the energy of entire [[Star Systems|star systems]]. A good example of this is the energy production from planet Lucifer which orbits [[Sirius|Sirius B]].
* With faster than light travel (FTL) being commonly available, Dyson spheres are inefficient compared with harnessing energy (and resource) at a smaller scale over more stars and systems.
* Humans were able to jump across the galaxy and between galaxies with modifications to the original hyperdrive. It used the fuel Quirium in the classic [[Elite]].<ref>https://www.drewwagar.com/lore/elite-dangerous-lore-hyperspace/</ref>
* The Middle-classes can afford spaceships like cars in the 20th century.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game</ref>
* Humans can travel to almost any point in the whole Milky Way galaxy on a mass scale
* Humans have the ability to harness power of thousands of star types in the [[galaxy]].
* Humans have expanded heavily on an interstellar level. Primarily in [[The Bubble]] and some other regions like [[Colonia]]. Human [[Settlement|settlements]] and [[Asteroid Base|asteroid bases]] are scattered in [[Deep Space|deep space]].
* Tens of thousands of systems have been colonized so far. Corporations rule over vast sections of the galaxy, much of that is uninhabited.
* There's the galactic infrastructure [[GalNet]]. It provides news, market pricing and a pilot communication system.
* Humans can use Holo-Me holograms to instantly join other ships with telepresence. This works throughout the galaxy.

Humans don't yet control or use the energy of the entire Milky Way galaxy which is a requirement for being a Type III civilization.

=== Guardians ===
The [[Guardians]] are a Type II civilization. This is based on the recovered knowledge of the [[Ancient Ruins]].

== Type III Civilizations ==

=== Thargoids ===
The alien [[Thargoids]] could be a Type III civilization. They're an intergalactic [[species]] and may exist in a parallel universe or spatial dimension. They've interdicted pilots in Hyperspace which is a higher-dimensional region. Maybe they control energy on the scale of their entire galaxy of origin.

Thargoids are not a Type IV civilization, because they don't control the universe. This is evident by their lack of control over the Milky Way galaxy.

== References ==
<references />[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Elite series]]
[[Category:Lore]]

Thargoid

2017-09-29T00:28:02Z

213.1.227.226: Expanded Technology text with details of Supercruise

[[File:Elite Dangerous Unknown Ship HD.png|thumb|250px|A Thargoid Interceptor in Elite: Dangerous]]
The '''Thargoids''' are an insectoid alien [[species]] who are said to originate outside of known space, perhaps existing in a parallel universe or spatial dimension. They are the one of two known living sapient species in the Milky Way [[galaxy]] (the other being [[Human|humans]]), although ruins and artefacts of [[Guardians|other species]] have been found and much of the galaxy remains unexplored.<ref>http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=38820#post38820</ref> Thargoids are reputed to be highly aggressive and seemingly rebuff all diplomatic overtures with unmitigated hostility.

==History==
=== First contact and conflict ===
[[File:Thargoid ship.gif|thumb|200px|A Thargoid ship in Frontier: First Encounters]]
The name "Thargoid" was coined by humans shortly after the first reported encounters with the aliens, which are believed to have occurred in 2849.<ref>Data taken from Tourist Spot Beacon 0184, Lave system</ref><ref name="DW">[https://www.drewwagar.com/lore/elite-dangerous-lore-the-thargoids/ Drewwagar.com: Elite Dangerous Lore: The Thargoids]</ref> In a blurred holo clip of one such encounter, some argued that the term "THARG" was visible on the hull of an alien ship, but this was never conclusively proven. Nevertheless, "Tharg" came to be associated with the aliens, and most commentators extended it to "Thargoid".<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/53se4s/first_thargoid_contact_22_beacon/</ref>

The events surrounding first contact with the Thargoids were mostly suppressed and forgotten, and by the 3300's the Thargoids themselves were generally regarded as fiction. According to [[Alliance]] [[Alliance Prime Minister|Prime Minister]] [[Edmund Mahon]], who is one of the few individuals with access to surviving records, the [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm]], or INRA, fought a war against the Thargoids and eventually secured victory by deploying a bioweapon against the aliens. The Thargoids retreated, and for many years it was believed they had been driven to extinction or even never truly existed at all.<ref name="EDP">[[Elite Dangerous: Premonition]]</ref>

In the course of the war, a number of Thargoid ships were captured by the [[Galactic Cooperative]], and later fell into the possession of the Alliance in the years after Galcop collapsed. By the 3270's, the Alliance was able to reverse-engineer Thargoid technology to produce the single most consequential hyperdrive innovation in centuries: the [[Frame Shift Drive]]. FSDs reduced travel times in [[Hyperspace]] from hours to mere seconds, opening the floodgates for human exploration and expansion. Due to the machinations of [[The Club]], however, the Alliance did not leverage FSD technology to gain superiority over the Federation and Empire; instead, the tech fell into the hands of [[Sirius Corporation]], which monopolized it and distributed it to all the powers and factions, ensuring no one gained an advantage. Afterward, [[The Club]] suppressed information about the Thargoids so that it became a myth among the public.<ref name="EDP"/>

=== Renewed activity ===
In early 3301, [[Unknown Artefact]]s were discovered among the cargoes of secret Federal convoys. Their discovery marked the first indication that Thargoids yet existed in the depths of space, though the Artefacts, as well as the similar [[Unknown Probe]]s that would be found orbiting ammonia worlds in 3302, would not be conclusively linked to the Thargoids until later. Some CMDRs believed that the Artefacts and Probes originated from an entirely unknown alien race, while others asserted that they were examples of experimental human technology. Disputes and speculation over the objects continued for months. [[Alien Structure]]s, or "Barnacles", were also discovered in 3302, but their even more pronounced organic appearance also stymied analysis.

On January 5, 3303, Commander DP Sayre reported the first known encounter with an [[Thargoid Interceptor|Unknown Ship]], which was later confirmed to be a type of Thargoid vessel and officially reclassified as a Thargoid Interceptor. The Unknown Ship interdicted the CMDR from [[hyperspace]] and apparently scanned him before departing to an untraceable destination. The acts of interdicting a target while in hyperspace and leaving an untraceable wake signature were both well beyond the capabilities of human technology. Previously, only the [[Alien Crash Site|wreckage of these ships]] had been documented.

Beginning April 11, 3303, reports surfaced of Unknown Ships apparently attacking [[Federation]] convoys. Upon dropping out of supercruise at the source of certain distress calls, Commanders arrived in a green, gaseous cloud and their ship was disabled. Multiple [[Federal Corvette]] wrecks, bearing luminescent green residue where they were damaged and with their crews apparently dead, were adrift in the cloud, and a single Unknown Ship could be seen jumping away. Presumably, the Unknown Ship destroyed all of the Corvettes on its own in each incident.

On June 2, 3303, CMDR Mobiusetti documented the first known interaction between an Unknown Ship and an [[Alien Structure]] on Pleiades Sector OI-T C3-7 A 6 at coordinates -42.77, -21.7. This confirmed suspicions that they were related.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8S-4Oq9Xvc</ref>

====Identification and escalation====
[[File:Thargoids-Return-Message.png|thumb|200px|CMDR Edward Lewis' message]]
On June 12, 3303, [[Professor Palin]] issued a request for scan and wake signature data from Unknown Ships to be delivered to Orcus Crag in Pleiades Sector OI-T c3-7. Palin compared the collected data to older Thargoid samples and confirmed that Unknown Ships were Thargoid in origin. Shortly afterward, [[Federation]] military forces seized Palin's research for transport to a Federal research facility, but the fleet never arrived at its destination.<ref name="Return">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5943ed6837e29c184d38b29b Galactic News: The Thargoids have Returned]</ref>

On June 13, wreckage was found with a transmitter which contained a recorded message:

''"This is an urgent message from Commander Edward Lewis. There are forces out there who do not want you to know the truth, but I have to make this public. I found a ship in HIP 17044. A Federal cap ship, shot to pieces. They were carrying the data the Feds stole from Professor Palin. The crew is dead, but they discovered something important about the Unknown Ships. There is a beacon in the wreckage broadcasting a message, over and over. It proves what we suspected. They are back. And the whole galaxy needs to know. The Thargoids have returned."''

[[File:Thargoid Attack Aftermath.png|thumb|200px|The destroyed Federal fleet]]

Two unnamed [[Farragut Battle Cruiser]]s were located at an [[Unregistered Comms Beacon]] approximately 11,000 ls in the direction of the Asterope system from planet 2 in the HIP 17044 system. The capital ships and an accompanying fleet of smaller Federal ships were all heavily damaged, their crews presumably dead, and adrift in the same green, gaseous cloud noted to be a signature of previous Unknown Ship attacks. A transmitter satellite was found among the debris. One Farragut was also discovered to be broadcasting a recording in Morse code in a small, 30-meter zone around its antenna array: "UNKNOWN VESSELS DETECTED. SERVER PURGE FAILED. SHIP ASSETS LIQUIDATED. PAYLOAD DESTROYED. SHIP STATUS LOST."<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/355713-Alien-archeology-and-other-mysteries-Thread-10-The-Canonn?s=7ddc1608a90a6581ce734397295c8a08&p=5611753&viewfull=1#post5611753 Frontier Forums: Alien archeology and other mysteries: Thread 10 - The Canonn]</ref>

Following the incident, on June 19, the leaders of the Federation, [[Empire]], and [[Alliance]] responded to the news that the aliens encountered in the Pleiades Nebula were Thargoids. President [[Zachary Hudson]] confirmed that the Federal military had been expanding in recent months in preparation for such a possibility. Emperor [[Arissa Lavigny-Duval]] urged calm and reminded the public that humanity had overcome seemingly insurmountable odds in the past. Prime Minister [[Edmund Mahon]] called for caution, arguing that it had not yet been proven that the destroyed Federal ships were the victims of Thargoid attacks, and that much could be learned from an advanced alien race like the Thargoids.<ref name="LeadersRespond">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5947bb8ef0522a25d9666976 Galactic News: Galactic Leaders Address Thargoid Discovery]</ref>

==== Thargoid Surface Sites ====
[[File:Thargoid_Surface_Site_above.png|thumb|200px|Thargoid Surface Site]]
Following the incident, CMDRs identified an unknown signal at a listening post in [[Maia]] this lead to heavily guarded relay posts. The final listening post had a Caesar Cypher encrypted location for the "nest". They traced it to planet B 1 C in HIP 19026. There, CMDR Lightningwing of [[The Canonn]] discovered the first known [[Thargoid Surface Site]].<ref name="Mystery">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jmzs7/a_mystery_is_afoot/ /r/EliteDangerous: A mystery is afoot]</ref><ref name="Found">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jnvjf/spoilers_mysterious_structures_found_by_cannon/ /r/EliteDangerous: (SPOILERS) Mysterious Structures Found By Cannon group]</ref>

==== Pleiades buildup and research efforts ====
In the wake of the earlier discoveries concerning the Thargoids, numerous state-sponsored and independent initiatives were launched to expand humanity's presence in the [[Pleiades Nebula]]. The Indra, a Wells-class Carrier [[Megaship]], was built and deployed by the [[Empire]] to HR 1185.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/595e07ff82824f10a91fc919 Galactic News: New Superpower Bases in the Pleiades]</ref> The [[Federation]] established Blackmount Orbital and Blackmount Habitation in HIP 17692 to monitor Thargoid activity.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/595e51e1478524147370660a Community Goal: New Federal Outpost]</ref> The [[Ocellus]] station The Oracle was relocated to Pleiades Sector IR-W d1-55 to serve as an independent hub for scientific research on the Thargoids.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59675dff6d63ab788e4904da Galactic News: New Research Centre at Thargoid Site]</ref> Abroin Universal Plc led a campaign to establish their own Thargoid research base in the Pleiades.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5970b899dc4a6940976694d7 Community Goal: Pleiades Research Outpost]</ref> The Federation, Empire, and [[Alliance]] jointly funded the creation of [[Aegis]], a research organization intended to pool the scientific expertise of the three superpowers to coordinate investigations of the Thargoids; Aegis deployed a station named Donar's Oak to Pleiades Sector IR-W d1-55.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59844fbe301ce614455222a1 Galactic News: Joint Superpower Initiative Announced]</ref> [[Sirius Corporation]] established two outposts in the Merope system, the station Reed's Rest and the surface port Omega Prospect.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/11-AUG-3303 Galactic News: Sirius Corporation Enters Merope]</ref>

On August 11, 3303, the Alliance launched a research initiative to build a range of state-of-the-art instruments to analyze various Thargoid materials, such as Unknown Ship Signatures and other objects recovered from Thargoid Surface Sites.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/598c793e3c5e0e1cf8555859 Community Goal: Alliance Research Initiative]</ref> The campaign was a success, but due to the nature of the research it would take some time for any results to be achieved.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5995b0d377678f36dc69b72f Galactic News: Alliance Campaign Concludes]</ref>

With events unfolding at a rapid pace, the superpowers had until recently struggled to formulate appropriate responses to the Thargoid situation. While Aegis' establishment suggested that the galaxy's leaders were beginning to address the issue, journalist Kelvin Masters offered a more frank analysis in an Imperial Herald article on August 25, 3303: "The barnacles seem to indicate that the Thargoids were in Maia and Merope long before we were. For all we know, humanity has expanded into what the Thargoids see as their territory. I have no interest in scaremongering, but my belief is that a Thargoid attack could be imminent – their behaviour certainly seems to suggest they are probing us for weaknesses."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/599e9f98c10d1126640e8902 Galactic News: The Thargoid Situation]</ref>

==== Enemies of the Federation ====
On September 15, 3303, Chief of Federal Security Admiral Aden Tanner announced that another Thargoid attack had recently occurred in Pleiades Sector IR-W D1-55 which resulted in the destruction of multiple Federal vessels, including one Farragut Battle Cruiser. While the motives for this attack were unknown, Admiral Tanner confirmed that the Thargoids were now officially considered enemies of the Federation. President Hudson gave Tanner full authority over the [[Federal Navy]] to deal with the Thargoid threat.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59bb9793d5777560b7216455 Galactic News: Federal Capital Ship Destroyed by Thargoids]</ref> Amid speculation that Federal forces had provoked the attack, the Federation insisted that black box data from the wreckage indicated no provocation on their part; this was confirmed by Aegis, which had also analyzed data from the attack.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59c3a0e02468d745a72f97a0 Galactic News: Federation Addresses Rumours]</ref>

The incident spurred all three superpowers to widen Aegis' remit to focus on both research and defence on September 21, 3303. The organization's budget was dramatically increased, and it recruited the [[Engineers]] [[Liz Ryder]] and [[Professor Palin]] to produce a new anti-Thargoid weapon and a scanner for Thargoid ships, respectively.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59c3a108ced3ff7f807f54b7 Galactic News: Aegis to Widen Remit]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59c3cb9dffff1a05c9770bdd Community Goal: Engineers Appeal for Thargoid Material]</ref>

=== The Return ===
==== Skirmishes and Discoveries ====
On [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons#The Return - v2.4|September 26, 3303]], independent pilots reported being attacked unprovoked by Thargoid Interceptors at Non-Human Signal Sources. At least one of these attacks, in which CMDR Relient Owl was the victim, occurred at a site with wreckage from an Imperial convoy, which was believed to have been destroyed by the Thargoid ship.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/72lzxb/so_i_just_got_killed_by_a_thargoid/ r/EliteDangerous: So I just got killed by a Thargoid]</ref> In addition, Interceptors have demonstrated extreme hostility against any [[Guardians|Guardian]] artefacts jettisoned in their vicinity, using their weapons to destroy them.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/72mjyw/they_seriously_dont_like_guardian_stuff_monkas/ r/EliteDangerous: They seriously don't like Guardian stuff monkaS]</ref> New [[Alien Structure]] sites have also been identified, with a greater concentration of the Structures and an octagonal formation that resembles a nascent [[Thargoid Surface Site]].<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/72wjsi/the_new_barnacle_site_grows_in_a_familiar/ r/EliteDangerous: The new barnacle site grows in a familiar pattern...credit to CMDR PinPiper]</ref>

[[Aegis]] released the [[AX Missile Rack]] and [[AX Xeno Scanner]] on September 28, 3303. These new devices allowed CMDRs to both scan Interceptors and successfully penetrate their defenses for the first time, a major milestone.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/731ex8/psa_ax_missile_rack_and_ax_xeno_scanner_now/ PSA: AX Missile Rack and AX Xeno Scanner Now Available]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/731oxn/thargoid_down_sdc/ Thargoid Down! - SDC!]</ref> However, it was also discovered that the Thargoids had begun attacking independent civilian vessels. A heavily-damaged [[Megaship]] identified as a Banner Class Bulk Cargo Ship was found in Pleiades Sector IR-W d1-55, near planet A 5, the victim of Thargoid aggression.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/72zzvw/spoiler_something_new_has_happened_in_pleiades/ Something new has happened in pleiades Sector IR-W D1-55..]</ref> To cap off a day filled with new developments, a [[Thargoid Scout|new type of alien ship]] with apparent links to the Thargoids was also discovered on planet A 3 A in the HIP 17125 system.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/733mmb/elite_dangerous_24_new_unknown_ship_crashed_hip/ r/EliteDangerous: Elite Dangerous 2.4 new Unknown Ship (crashed) Hip 17125 A 3 A -65.8193 | 48.8662]</ref>

== Biology ==
Thargoids are an insectoid species. Little is known about their physical appearance and biology. Their chemistry is carbon-based, but with ammonia as the solvent rather than water.<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref> If the rumors are true that they come from Ammonia-based planets then their physiology is drastically different from humans. For example, ammonia boils at -33 degrees C. Thargoids may well be acclimatised to temperatures far lower than humans.<ref>https://www.drewwagar.com/lore/elite-dangerous-lore-the-thargoids/</ref> They are presumed to be highly intelligent, more than the average human due to their superior technological capabilities. Descriptions based on encounters centuries ago have yet to be verified.

According to [[The Club]], what humans consider to be a singular Thargoid species actually consists of two distinct "dynasties": the Oresrians and the Klaxians. How Oresrians and Klaxians differ biologically, if at all, is unknown.<ref name="EDP"/>

==Society==
Not much information has been obtained about Thargoid society or culture. The only known fact is that the society is hive based, with no sense of close family. It is thought that the society is divided into colonies, possibly along the lines of ant colonies. The Oresrian and Klaxian dynasties may be two such colonies.<ref name="EDP"/>

Thargoids are thought to have a natural affinity with space, and with [[Hyperspace]] in particular. This is due to the fact that Thargoid warriors seem to spend a large amount of time in space. Naval pilots and crews report that the warships in the war zones are encountered on repeated occasions over a period of months often without respite.

Following the initial conflict between humans and Thargoids, the Oresrians and Klaxians apparently became embroiled in a civil war. Sometime before 3303, the Klaxians gained the upper hand and forced the Oresrians into a slow, continuous retreat across the galaxy, a retreat which will take them directly through human space. [[The Club]] has learned that the Oresrians plan to use human civilization as a "bullet shield" to occupy the Klaxians' attention while they escape deeper into space. This poses a potentially apocalyptic threat to humanity's survival.<ref name="EDP"/>

==Politics==
Nothing is known about internal Thargoid politics or government, or why the Oresrians and Klaxians have come into conflict.

Thargoid relations with other species, as far as what is currently known, was frighteningly simple: war. The Thargoid invasions usually seemed to be prompted by the need for either agricultural or mineral resources, rather than a sociological or anthropological need to expand or colonise. In fact, the animal life on an invaded world was largely ignored unless it poses a threat to Thargoids.

==Technology==
[[File:Thargoid-and-Diamondback-Ships.png|thumb|200px|Thargoid ship confronting a Diamondback Scout]]
Thargoid technology is vastly different from existing human technology. Not only are their ships currently invulnerable to conventional weapons, but they possess the ability to interdict human ships that are traveling through hyperspace, a feat previously believed to be impossible, as well as the ability to make untraceable hyperspace jumps and stymie any pursuers. Despite their advanced hyperspace capabilities, there is yet to be evidence of Thargoid ships moving in [[Supercruise]], perhaps suggesting they do not have short-range FTL abilities.

Thargoid weaponry has proven to be very powerful, resulting in numerous destroyed Federal and Imperial vessels, including capital ships. CMDRs who reported being attacked by [[Thargoid Interceptor]]s have noted they lost their ships very quickly under an onslaught of powerful missiles and [[Thargon]] drone swarms.

[[Alien Structure]]s, so-called "barnacles", are known to be related to the Thargoids and their ships. As the structures produce [[Meta-Alloys]], it is possible that Meta-Alloys are an important resource used by Thargoid Interceptors. After September 26, 3303, CMDRs reported sightings of larger fields of Alien Structures in a shape reminiscent of Thargoid Surface Sites, and are also patrolled by [[Scavenger]]s.

[[Thargoid Surface Site]]s demonstrate the Thargoids construct and utilize vast surface installations. Passive drone-like devices called Scavengers were first encountered at these locations.

[[Thargoid Sensor]]s and [[Thargoid Probe]]s were also confirmed to be related to Thargoids after it was discovered that carrying them allowed doors at Thargoid Surface Sites to open. The other functions of these objects remain an enigma, however. Thargoid Interceptors have been witnessed retrieving them after September 26, 3303.

It's unclear whether Thargoids are a Type II or [[Elite Universe#Type III Civilizations|Type III civilization]] based on the Kardashev scale. Their lack of control over the Milky Way galaxy indicates they are Type II. However, since Thargoids may originate from another galaxy, parallel universe, or spatial dimension they could be Type III.

==Notes==
*Initially, it was only confirmed that Thargoids would eventually make an appearance in Elite Dangerous, and the specifics of that encounter were unknown.<ref>http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=160991#post160991</ref><ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461411552/elite-dangerous/posts/377497#comment-2014816</ref><ref>https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=77358&p=1262252&viewfull=1#post1262252</ref>
*Frontier Development staff have previously commented that all Thargoids are female.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461411552/elite-dangerous/comments?cursor=2332567#comment-2332566</ref>
*David Braben hinted that should peace have ever been found with Thargoids, it would be a temporary measure.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461411552/elite-dangerous/comments?cursor=1970411#comment-1970410</ref>
*It has been rumoured that Thargoids could be capable of building large artificial structures which could possibly be on a scale with planets, and certainly large enough to negate a ship's warp ability.<ref>http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=85034#post85034</ref>

==Trivia==
*The name "Thargoid" is believed to have come from the regular skit ''Captain Kremmen'' performed by radio and TV personality Kenny Everett on both his radio shows and, in animated form, on TV.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Kremmen</ref> The animated skits show the Thargoids as a species of tall, transparent creatures who are part of a highly-wealthy monarchical society.<ref>http://youtu.be/pyjKPbkkW9k?t=2m26s</ref> It is assumed that their main source of income is profiting from the sale of natural resources taken from planets they have colonised stretching thousands of light years.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Elite_Dangerous_-_The_Return_2.4
The_Return_2.4_Announcement_-_Elite_Dangerous
Elite Dangerous Unknown Ship HD.png|A Thargoid Interceptor in Elite Dangerous
Thargoids-Return-Message.png|Thargoids Return message
Thargoid-and-Diamondback-Ships.png|Thargoid and Diamondback ships
Thargoid Attack Aftermath.png|The destroyed Federal fleet
Elite_Dangerous_-_Where_are_the_Thargoids?_(And_what_are_they?)
Unknown-Ships-Group-Thargoids.png|Thargoid Interceptors
Thargoid Surface Site above.png|A Thargoid Surface Site
Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|Thargoid Surface Site
Thargoid Surface Site Scavenger close.png|A Scavenger
The_Return_(Elite_Dangerous)
DISTANT STORMS - Does Humanity Now Stand On The Brink Of A 2nd Thargoid War?
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

{{Thargoids}}
[[Category:Lore]]
[[Category:Alien life]]
[[Category:Thargoids]]
[[Category:Species]]