Thargoid: Difference between revisions

[[File:Unknown-Ships-Group-Thargoids.png|thumb|300px|Thargoid Interceptors]]

The '''Thargoids''' are an intelligent, highly advanced insectoid [[species]] that have existed for millions of years. They are the only known extant spacefaring species in the Milky Way [[galaxy]] other than [[Human|humanity]].<ref>http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=38820#post38820</ref> Thargoids are highly territorial and seemingly rebuff all diplomatic overtures with unmitigated hostility, but are also known to be extremely slow to adapt.

At some point in the distant past, the Thargoids instigated a [[Guardian-Thargoid War|war]] with another intelligent species called the [[Guardian]]s over territory.<ref name=":5" /> Although the Guardians eventually prevailed, the Thargoids only opted to retreat because they were unprepared for a protracted campaign against a rival civilisation. Thargoids and humanity have been embroiled in two wars. The [[First Thargoid War|first conflict]] occurred between 3125 and 3151, and is believed to have ended in a human victory with the [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm]]'s successful deployment of the [[mycoid]] bio-weapon. The [[Second Thargoid War|second, ongoing conflict]] began in 3303 and has been rapidly escalating with no resolution in sight, disrupting dozens of systems across the [[Pleiades Nebula]], [[Witch Head Nebula]], [[Coalsack Nebula]], [[California Nebula]], and the [[Core Systems|core systems]].

Following the battle of [[HIP 22460]] and the deployment of the [[Anti-xeno superweapon|Proteus Wave]] by [[Azimuth Biotech]] (an attempt to cripple the Thargoid race) in August of 3308, the Thargoids mobilised a full [[Thargoid Maelstrom|invasion fleet]], that converged on the human inhabited [[Core Systems|bubble]] later that year.

The location of the Thargoid homeworld, if such a place exists, is unknown. Professor Shaw continued to speculate that it might be somewhere beyond known space or on the other side of the Milky Way [[galaxy]]. Alternatively, the Thargoids may have become a nomadic species, existing entirely in space or within fabricated hives. It is possible they journeyed across millions of light years, from [[Andromeda]] or beyond, like a swarm of locusts seeking fresh crops to consume. Since Thargoid vessels can hover in [[hyperspace]], it suggests that they could originate from there, or that they may use hyperspace as a conduit from a dimensional plane entirely separate from real space. Thus, the Thargoids may not just be extragalactic in origin, but extra-universal.<ref name="GOTT">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5ac6383563e2f04e9a610f73 GalNet: Genesis of the Thargoids?]</ref>

In 3111, a planetary survey team led by Professor [[Penelope Carver]] and contracted by [[Azimuth Biochemicals]] of Chukchan discovered [[Thargoid Barnacle]]s and a [[Alien Crash Site|crashed]] [[Thargoid Interceptor]] on the surface of the third planet of the Musca Dark Region PJ-P b6-1 system, near the [[Coalsack Nebula]]. Azimuth diverted a [[megaship]], the [[Adamastor]], to retrieve Carver's team and the alien samples, but the vessel was forced to depart prematurely when the survey team's base, [[Geological Survey 23B]], apparently came under attack. However, Azimuth's personnel were unprepared for one object which was recovered from the crashed Interceptor and speculated to be the pilot or control system; the object emitted a deluge of signals that interfered with human technology, causing malfunctions in the Adamastor's hyperdrive despite attempts to contain it. As the ship passed through HIP 69200, its hyperdrive failed and more fighting broke out, and any survivors evacuated. The Adamastor consequently never reached its original destination, an undisclosed secure facility operated by Azimuth, and its autopilot steered it on an emergency return course to Chukchan at sublight speed, a journey that was not completed until 3306.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-stones.557446/page-2#post-8770066 Frontier Forums: "The Stones", post #24]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/jkbz2p/crashed_sidewinder_in_system_hip_69200_logs/ reddit: Crashed Sidewinder in system HIP 69200. Logs linked to the "Ghost ship"]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5f9aabdbc0aca338d54b3b26 GalNet: 'Ghost Ship' Arrives in Chukchan System]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/jkeowd/secrets_of_the_adamastor_chukchan_local_news/ reddit: Secrets of the Adamastor (Chukchan local news article)]</ref><ref name="Adamastor Log">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-stones.557446/page-2#post-8770151 Frontier Forums: "The Stones", post #36]</ref>

[[File:Unknown-Ships-Group-Thargoids.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Cyclops Interceptors]]

[[File:Thargoid Scouts 3.1.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Scouts]]

Over the course of 3304, the Thargoids continued to attack stations in a weekly cycle and also picked off remote [[settlement]]s, resulting in tens of thousands of human casualties. Initially, only stations in and around the [[Pleiades Nebula]], the Thargoids' beachhead, that were hosting Aegis research labs were targeted; at the time, the labs were analyzing Thargoid Sensors and Probes in an effort to decrypt Thargoid territorial data. The attacks steadily moved towards the [[Core Systems|core systems]], however, and on February 15, 3304, Gaiman Dock in 49 Arietis and Weyn Dock in 64 Arietis were hit, marking the Thargoids' arrival in the outer fringe of the heart of human civilisation. Sightings and encounters with hostile [[Thargoid Scout]]s followed, as well as attacks on stations with no association with Aegis. In response to this crisis, Aegis unveiled a new initiative on March 9 called [[Eagle Eye]] which used an array of six [[installation]]s to intercept and analyze Thargoid transmissions to determine their next probable targets. Independent pilots were able to concentrate their efforts in defence of the targeted systems and prevent many attacks from occurring.

On August 25, 3305, a fifth interceptor type designated the 'Orthrus Variant' was spotted by multiple pilots at the abandoned Palin Research Centre on Maia A 3 a. This variant did not engage in combat, and fled to hyperspace immediately upon being met by human ships.

This tension began coming to a head in August of 3307 when the Aegis mega ship the [[Alexandria]] disappeared and was presumed lost with all hands following a hyperspace jump, after several days fleeing from Thargoid forces. The Alexandria had recently been the recipient of a large quantity of [[Guardian]] technology (following a successful collection drive with independent pilots) and it was speculated this concentration of materials from the Thargoid's ancient enemies drove their hostility. This resulted in a public inquiry into Aegis that suspended many of their day-to-day operations.

In January of 3308 Aegis was dealt a death blow by the [[Paul Baumann|Baumann Report]], published at the conclusion of the independent inquiry. The Federation, Empire and Alliance all moved to create their own anti-xeno defence forces while contributing funds previously reserved for Aegis to Salvation and his corporate partners, Taurus Mining Ventures. Despite this there was some disquiet following the engineer Ram Tah's discovery that Salvation's anti-xeno superweapon was based on data and technology from the Azimuth Biochemicals ship the [[Proteus]], and that the long defunct company had engaged in unethical research as a subcontractor for [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm|INRA]], perfecting the [[Mycoid|Mycoid virus]]. Concerns were raised that the superweapons were actively drawing Thargoids into systems they were constructed in, needlessly endangering lives. Salvation claimed he was working towards the next generation of his superweapon, one which could seemingly eliminate the Thargoid threat once and for all. During this time many officers and pilots from the Federal, Sirius and Imperial Navies, as well as the [[Alliance Defence Force]], began resigning their commissions to join Salvation's cause

Later that month it was revealed that Azimuth Biochemicals had survived in some form and were responsible for the disappearance of the Alexandria and the theft of its cargo. Azimuth had also been implicated in horrific experiments to interface captured test subjects with Thargoid crafts. The pleas of former Aegis head-researchers to reform their organisation fell on deaf ears however, as the superpowers had determined Salvation's methods were far more effective strategically. Aegis was formally shut down on January 18, 3308, with its military and xenological research responsibilities assumed by the superpowers' navies and universities. Full demobilisation of Aegis's staff, ships, and resources was expected to take several months to complete.

As of mid-August 3308, HIP 22460 has been declared a Hazardous Environment, having been conquered by the Thargoids who aggressively track, persue and destroy any human vessel in the system. The Proteus Wave (still active and visible from high-orbit around moon 10 b) has become the site of a major, unidentified anomaly. Guardian technology brought into the system rapidly degrades to the point of non-functionality, while human systems appear to glitch constantly in either [[Supercruise]] or normal space. Numerous debris fields from the massacre of the human fleet dot the system, along with the wrecks of [[Megaship|megaships]] and Federal and Imperial capital ships. Salvation has disappeared (presumed dead) and Azimuth Biotech has confirmed all engineers of the Proteus Wave have been slain. The superpowers and Sirius have been focused on the withdrawal of their forces and there is no longer a united front against the Thargoids, leading many to speculate the attempt to end the Second Thargoid War has instead escalated it to new heights.

 

on August 25 3308, independent rescue teams confirmed that Salvation was killed during the HIP 22460 incident, having been present on The Bright Sentinel when the Proteus Wave activated, and the subsequent destruction of the megaship.

Throughout September and October 3308, independent explorers began tracking eight mysterious anomalies which were travelling at speeds faster than light. They were named 'Rogue Signal Sources', and determined to be converging on the core systems by 4 November 3308.  

The Federation cracking down on Thargoid worshipping cults has fueled xeno-peace movements with the Thargoids, believing that coexistence with the species is possible, and conflict can be averted with diplomacy. On 17 November 3308, a Xeno-Peace mission is launched, where the Kingfisher megaship is to travel to Hyades Sector YO-Q b5-1, and attempt to make contact with Taranis, the Rogue Signal Source that would be the first to arrive at the core systems, which is also expected to pass through Hyades Sector YO-Q b5-1. The mission was ultimately a failure, and the Kingfisher was destroyed by Thargoid ships.

On 29 November 3308, Taranis arrived at the Hyades Sector FB-N b7-6 system, deploying a huge number of Thargoids to invade surrounding systems in a huge escalation of the war, destroying starports, settlements, and outposts, and killing hundreds of thousands of people. Many systems are completely conquered, with stations abandoned. Taranis itself is revealed to be a large corrosive nebulae-like cloud, containing Caustic Generators and patrolling Interceptors, as well as disabling all Guardian-based weaponry within its 100 km wide radius. The core remains a mystery, and any approaching ships are blasted back with a very strong Thargoid Pulse released from the center. The Orthrus Interceptor returns, having rarely been seen in the past. It is speculated that they are some sort of scouting vessel, gathering data for the Thargoids without participating in any combat. When engaged, the Orthrus releases a shutdown field before jumping away, leaving behind a caustic trail as it moves.

By 16 December 3308, the remaining Maelstroms; Indra, Leigong, Cocijo, Oya, Thor, Rajin, and Hadad, arrive at the core systems, each deploying Thargoid fleets to invade and conquer surrounding systems. All Thargoid vessels (including Interceptors) are now completely hostile to human ships, interdicting and destroying any ships passing through conquered systems.

In December 3308, Professor Alba Tesreau calls for Aegis to be reformed in order to fight the Thargoids, as more research is needed into research and defence projects against the Thargoids so that humanity can successfully repel them.

On 13 February 3309, Aegis is reformed by the Alliance, Federation, and the Empire in order to ensure more cooperation, and increase research and development of anti-xeno weaponry. They begin researching into countermeasures against the Maelstrom caustic cloud. By 20 February they begin testing a prototype version of a [[Caustic Sink Launcher]], designed to protect against the caustic environment witthin the Maelstrom.

By the end of February, a total of 634 systems have been overrun by the Thargoids, while only 61 systems have been liberated by humanity from Thargoid control. Fierce fighting also broke out in the enclaves in the California and Witch Head Nebulas, speculated that the Thargoids are trying to secure control of the Barnacle sites they created millennia ago.

By April 3309, The Thargoid fleets occupy well over a thousand systems, with no end in sight to the conflict.

On 9 May 3309, the [[Thargoid Pulse Neutraliser]] is released to independent ships, being able to successfully negate the Thargoid Pulse released from the center of the Maelstrom. Combined with the Caustic Sink Launcher, it is now possible to successfully penetrate into the core of the Maelstrom. On 10 May, Aegis sends armed ships equipped with Thargoid Pulse Neutralisers into each Maelstrom, on a mission to gather as much tactical and environmental data as possible about the Thargoids.

The centers of each Maelstrom is revealed to contain a [[Thargoid Titan]], gigantic motherships which act as command centers for the Thargoids. These contain lots of Interceptors and Scouts, which are deployed to invade human star systems. The surroundings of the Thargoid Titans are permanently surrounded by a caustic cloud, protecting the center from intruders. The caustic cloud is kept replenished by the Caustic Generators, while Interceptors patrol around the area and attack any human on sight.

[[Thargoid Barnacle|Thargoid Spires]] were discovered on October 16, 3309.

[[Thargoid Titan|Tanaris]] was the first Titan to be destroyed by commanders on March 2, 3310.<ref name=":0">A monumental victory for humanity! The first Titan, Taranis, has fallen! -https://twitter.com/EliteDangerous/status/1764002790194418151 (March 2, 2024)</ref><ref>Titan Tanaris Boom (March 2, 2024) -  https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1b4vu3f/titan_taranis_boom/</ref> It's a major victory for humanity.<ref name=":0" /> Salvaging efforts occur after the impenetrable caustic cloud dissipates.<ref name=":0" />

Thargoids are an insectoid species. Little is known about their physical appearance and biology, and descriptions based on encounters centuries ago have yet to be verified. Their chemistry is carbon-based, but with ammonia as the solvent rather than water.<ref>[https://archive.li/r1cmc Rolling Stone: 'Elite' Creator on Sci-Fi, Politics and His Studio's Next Big Thing], through archive.today</ref> If the rumours are true that they come from [[Ammonia World|Ammonia-based planets]] then their physiology is drastically different from humans. For example, ammonia boils at -33°C. Thargoids may well be acclimatised to temperatures far lower than humans.<ref name="DW" /> They are presumed to be highly intelligent, more than the average human due to their superior technological capabilities.

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" />

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.

At some point, the Oresrian and Klaxian dynasties became embroiled in a civil war. Prior to 3303, the Klaxians gained the upper hand in this conflict 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 planned to use human civilisation 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" />   

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, anthropological need to expand or colonise, or simply for the fun of it. In fact, the animal life on an invaded world was largely ignored unless it poses a threat to Thargoids.

The above one-sided view has come under severe criticism lately; human Thargoid advocates are pointing out that the actions taken by the Thargoids have always been purely defensive in spite of their obvious technological capability. Conflict has typically arisen from other races (first Guardians, lately humans) moving into territory with existing Thargoid sites and seedings (see Barnacles), stealing and destroying Thargoid property.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/they-arent-here-to-kill-us-an-overly-long-analysis-of-thargoid-behaviour.610643/ Frontier Forums: They aren't here to kill us (an overly-long analysis of Thargoid behaviour)]</ref>

Thargoid technology is extremely advanced and predicated on a unique melding of organic and inorganic components. [[INRA]] chief scientist [[Bexley Prince]] asserted that Thargoid technology is far ahead of humans. Understanding it could open up all kinds of possibilities. The applications are potentially limitless. His logs were found at the INRA base Hollis Gateway.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/75axlh/inra_planetary_base_found_on_hermitage_4_a/ reddit: INRA Planetary Base found on Hermitage 4 A]</ref>

It is unclear whether Thargoids are a Type II or [[Elite Universe#Type III Civilizations|Type III civilisation]] 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.

The decoded [[Guardian]] logs reveal that Thargoids engineered their bio-mechanical technology to recognise anything of Guardian origin during the Guardian-Thargoid conflict. Millions of years after the conflict, Thargoid devices and ships still react aggressively to the presence of Guardian technology.<ref name=":1" />

The Thargoids construct most of their structures and ships using [[Meta-Alloys]], [[Thargoid Resin]], and [[Thargoid Biological Matter]]. The Meta-Alloys serve as a base that provides structural integrity and counters the caustic effects of the versatile Resin, which is utilised in both solid and liquid forms. Destroyed Thargoid ships vent a cloud of the vaporised form of the Resin, which is highly corrosive. The Biological Matter's purpose in Thargoid structures is unknown, but it might be used as an analogue to wiring and electronic systems in human ships and serve as the "nerves" of a Thargoid vessel.

Thargoids possess the ability to interdict human ships that are travelling 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 no evidence of Thargoid ships moving in [[Supercruise]], perhaps suggesting they do not have short-range FTL capabilities.

Thargoid ships can create stable wormholes to [[hyperspace]] (witch-space). This is used to travel astronomical distances in seconds and interdict vessels. Their vessels can hover in hyperspace so they may be comfortable with residing in this higher dimensional region.<ref>[https://www.sharoma.com/frontierverse/thargoids.htm Sharoma: Thargoids]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/7b3eyk/elite_dangerous_another_inra_base_found_linked_to/ reddit: Elite: Dangerous: Another INRA Base Found, Linked To Hyperdrive Research]

</ref><ref name="DW" /><ref name="GOTT" />

===Ships===

The [[Thargoid Interceptor]] has intricate technological and biological elements<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/medusa-tissue-sample-tissue-sample-prices.395094/ Frontier Forums: Medusa Tissue Sample, Tissue Sample Prices]</ref> such as [[Thargoid Heart]]s which can repair hull damage. [[Thargoid Scout]]s lack these Hearts and are vulnerable to conventional human weapons, but the Regenerator variant of the Scout can remotely repair damage to other Thargoid ships.

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

===Thargoid Surface Sites===

[[Thargoid Surface Site]]s demonstrate the Thargoids can construct vast structures. The purpose of these sites is unknown, but the interiors of several have been found to contain machines classified as Unknown Devices in a centralised chamber. [[Thargoid Egg]]s can be found around and inside these sites. It is unknown what produces these eggs or what gestates inside them.

=== Barnacles ===

The Thargoids seed planets with organic structures called [[Thargoid Barnacle|Barnacles]], which extract resources from a [[Planets|planet]] and convert them into [[Meta-Alloys]]. This is an essential ingredient in the creation of Thargoid ships and technologies. The seeding of a region with Barnacles is a precursor to a future Thargoid invasion and occupation.<ref name=":3" /> From September 26, 3303 on, CMDRs reported sightings of larger fields of so-called "Barnacle forests", sprawling clusters of multiple Barnacles in a shape vaguely reminiscent of Thargoid Surface Sites. Some of these clusters were patrolled by Scavengers.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/alien-archeology-and-other-mysteries-thread-10-the-canonn.355713/page-496#post-5952184 Frontier Forums: Alien archeology and other mysteries: Thread 10 - The Canonn, post #9,914]</ref> The Barnacles can evolve into huge [[Thargoid Spire|Spire]] structures.

* Crashed Ship: HIP 17403 / A 4 a

The Thargoids claim territory by seeding planets and moons with Thargoid Barnacles to produce Meta-Alloys to support their activities in the area. They have an affinity for systems with [[Ammonia World]]s that are in or near [[nebulae]]. To date, the [[Pleiades Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/599e9f98c10d1126640e8902 GalNet: Galactic News: The Thargoid Situation]</ref> [[Witch Head Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5d3987933b46cd389a76fa13 GalNet: Thargoids Defend Meta-Alloy Sources]</ref> [[Coalsack Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fa9414b90105502c940b29e GalNet: 'Ghost Ship' Leads Alliance to New Resources]</ref> [[California Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/609d356236963173f4177e37 GalNet: Mass Thargoid Strike – Emergency Declared]</ref> and two large [[Permits|permit]]-locked regions in the Col 70 Sector of the [[Spirograph Nebula]]<ref name="Canonn Probe">[https://canonn.science/codex/unknown-probe/ Canonn Research: The Thargoid Probe]</ref> and the Cone Sector of the [[Sanguineous Rim]]<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b86af3f5efed618853e99c3 GalNet: New Thargoid Interceptor Encountered]</ref> have been identified as Thargoid territories, and have high concentrations of [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s.

{{clr}}

Thargoid activity is also regularly observed in or believed to occur in certain isolated systems:

{| class="article-table"

! Thargoid Sites

|Unknown  

|Deciat

| Discovered in September 3304 after [[The Gnosis]] was hyperdicted and prevented from jumping to the Cone Sector; also has an Ammonia World.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b8fbf113bbf4567ff6e1c22 GalNet: Gnosis Stranded]</ref>

==Notes==

File:The Epic HISTORY of the Thargoids - Elite- Dangerous

Unknown-Ships-Group-Thargoids.png|Thargoid Interceptors