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[[File:Thargoid | [[File:Thargoid Interceptors Group.png|thumb|300px|Thargoid Interceptors]] | ||
The '''Thargoids''' are a sapient, highly advanced insectoid [[species]] that have existed for millions of years. They are the only known extant spacefaring alien species in the Milky Way [[galaxy]]. Thargoids are belligerent and highly territorial. They rebuff most diplomatic overtures with unmitigated hostility. They are canonically very slow to adapt to tactical changes and evolution. They inhabit the galaxy and [[hyperspace]], but their origin is a mystery. | |||
In the distant past, the Thargoids instigated a [[Guardian-Thargoid War|war]] with 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 the rival species. | |||
The Thargoids and [[Human|humanity]] were embroiled in two wars. The [[First Thargoid War]] (3125-3151) 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]] began in 3303 (Over 152 years later) and rapidly escalated, disrupting dozens of systems across the [[Pleiades Nebula]], [[Witch Head Nebula]], [[Coalsack Nebula]], [[California Nebula]] and the [[Core Systems]]. Following the battle of [[HIP 22460]], [[Azimuth Biotech]] deployed the [[Anti-xeno superweapon|Proteus Wave]] which failed to cripple the Thargoid species in August 3308. The Thargoids responded by mobilizing invasion fleets via 8 [[Thargoid Maelstrom|Maelstroms]] that converged on the human inhabited [[Core Systems|bubble]]. It culminated with the invasion of [[Sol]] by the 8th [[Thargoid Titan|Titan Cocijo]]. The war caused billions of casualties.<ref name=":4">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6761bcd5e15c2584700ec739 Titan Cocijo Destroyed, Sol Liberated] - 18 DEC 3310 (2024) - Galnet</ref> It concluded with a human victory after the destruction of Cocijo on 18 Dec 3310.<ref name=":4" /> | |||
== Etymology == | |||
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 Wikipedia: 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 YouTube: Captain Kremmen - 1978 (Parts 1 and 2)]</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. | |||
==History== | |||
=== Origin === | |||
The Thargoids are an ancient, sapient, insectoid species of enigmatic origin. Data obtained from [[Ancient Obelisk]]s built by the [[Guardian]]s indicates that the Thargoids are several millions of years old, and likely a far older species than the Guardians.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":2">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5ab383f5b709787d505dd1a2 GalNet: Thargoid Revelations]</ref> Professor [[Cora Shaw]] of the [[Palin Institute]] concluded that they were an established spacefaring species long before they encountered the Guardians. They have an affinity for [[Ammonia World|ammonia-based worlds]]. This suggests they may have evolved in a harsh, low-temperature environment, which might explain their overdeveloped survival instincts and aggressive nature. The Thargoids are experts in bioengineering, so they may have augmented their own biology to a point where natural evolutionary processes are meaningless.<ref name="GOTT" /> | |||
= | 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. Thargoids can survive, maneuver, and reside inside [[hyperspace]]. This suggests that they might originate from there, or that they use hyperspace as a conduit from a dimensional plane that is separate from real space. Thus, the Thargoids may not just be extragalactic, but extra-universal.<ref name="GOTT">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5ac6383563e2f04e9a610f73 GalNet: Genesis of the Thargoids?]</ref> | ||
[[File: | === Guardian-Thargoid conflict === | ||
[[File:Barnacle large cluster.png|thumb|250px|Barnacles]] | |||
The Thargoids seeded a number of planets with [[Barnacles]] in what eventually became Guardian space 1 to 2 million years ago.<ref name=":3">[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Canonn Research: Guardians Codex 1/28 : Thargoid Log – Barnacle Seeding]</ref><ref name=":5" /> Several thousand years later, the Thargoids returned and discovered that the planets they had seeded were occupied by the Guardians. The Thargoids immediately [[Guardian-Thargoid War|launched an assault]], making no effort to communicate with the Guardians. This tallies with the Thargoids' behaviour in [[human]] space.<ref>[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Canonn Research: Guardians Codex 2/28 : Thargoid Log – The War Begins]</ref> | |||
After the beginning of the war with the Thargoids, the Guardians were forced to make a partial retreat. They were reluctant to take up arms with the Thargoids and kept communicating with them. Eventually, they gained enough understanding of the Thargoid language to communicate. It didn't benefit the Guardians much, because the Thargoids were determined to continue hostilities. The Guardians were forced to employ more aggressive methods to address the Thargoid threat.<ref name=":5">[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Canonn Research: Guardians Codex 3/28 : Thargoid Log - Unsuccessful Truce]</ref> The Guardians used drones, autonomous war machines that could target anything that utilised Thargoid engineering. Remarkably, Thargoid bio-mechanical technology was engineered to recognise anything of Guardian origin.<ref name=":1">[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Canonn Research: Guardians Codex 4/28 : Thargoid Log – The War Machine]</ref> | |||
It appears the Thargoids entered Guardian space unprepared for a protracted military campaign, and after facing a relentless onslaught from the Guardians' war machines they were forced to retreat.<ref>[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Canonn Research: Guardians Codex 5/28 : Thargoid Log – Victory]</ref> | |||
=== | === Contact with humanity === | ||
[[File:First-Thargoid-Encounter-3125.png|thumb|250px|First Thargoid encounter in 3125]] | |||
Officially, the first encounters between [[humans]] and Thargoids occurred around an [[Ammonia World|ammonia-based world]] in 3125,<ref name="GNTT">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/57ada8969657baeb6e876c6c GalNet: Galactic News: The Thargoids]</ref><ref name="DW">[https://canonn.science/lore/drewwagar-the-thargoids/ Canonn Research: Drew Wagar's Lore: The Thargoids]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX49v8zYutI YouTube: The Return 2.4 Announcement - Elite Dangerous]</ref> but unverified incidents involving similar ships were reported as early as the 2810s.<ref name="EE">''[[Elite Encounters RPG]]''</ref> | |||
[[ | Between the 2810s and 2840s, the [[Galactic Cooperative]] documented a significant number of ship disappearances in its space and near the [[Pleiades Nebula]]. Investigations found no evidence of foul-play, but the disappearances and hyperdrive malfunctions continued intermittently, stoking anxiety among pilots. In 2849, the first footage surfaced of one of these "encounters", with one blurry image appearing to show an alien ship with the word "THARG" on its hull. The media immediately coined the term "Thargoid" as a name for the aliens. However, no conclusive proof of the Thargoids' existence was obtained, and they faded into folklore.<ref name="EE" /><ref>Tourist Spot 0184, "First Thargoid Contact"</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/53se4s/first_thargoid_contact_22_beacon/ reddit: First Thargoid Contact - 2.2 Beacon]</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, forcing all remaining survivors to evacuate. 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> | ||
<gallery | === First Thargoid War === | ||
{{Main|First Thargoid War}} | |||
Centuries later in the early 3120s, new reports emerged of octagonal starships of unknown design and origin, as well as hyperdrive malfunctions. In 3123, GalCop discovered the wreckage of two ships in its space that had been destroyed by more powerful laser weapons than were known to exist at the time.<ref name="EE" /> In 3125, independent pilots claimed that they were being pulled out of [[hyperspace]] and attacked by octagonal ships. Those who survived the experience were convinced they had encountered an alien species, and named the aliens "Thargoids" after the 29th century incidents. As the news spread, leaked [[Federation|Federal]] intelligence reports indicated that the Thargoid attacks were likely provoked by human hostility; colonists in the Veliaze system had apparently come into contact with a Thargoid deputation and assaulted it out of ignorance shortly before the attacks began. Some years later, the Thargoids disappeared as mysteriously as they had arrived.<ref name="GNTT" /><ref name="EE" /> | |||
The events surrounding the first contact with the Thargoids were mostly suppressed and forgotten, and by the 3300s 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|''Elite Dangerous: Premonition'']]</ref> | |||
According to the logs of the [[megaship]] [[GCS Sarasvati]], the [[First Thargoid War]] ended in 3151. In the aftermath, the [[Galactic Cooperative]] set up a series of deep space monitoring stations, one of which was the GCS Sarasvati, to watch for a resurgent Thargoid threat. This initiative was called Project Equinox. However, by December 27, 3155, no Thargoid presence had been detected whatsoever and members of the project questioned its usefulness. By August 16, 3172, GalCop had become weakened and fractured, and Project Equinox was shut down. Unfortunately, this occurred just as project lead Dr. Cassandra Lockhart discovered that the Thargoids had been sowing the seeds for their future return all along, and her warnings were ignored.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/gcs-sarasvati-early-thargoid-lookout-megaship.380074/ Frontier Forums: GCS Sarasvati - early Thargoid lookout megaship]</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 3270s, 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 monopolised it and distributed it to all the powers and factions, ensuring no one gained an advantage. Afterwards, [[The Club]] suppressed information about the Thargoids so that it became a myth among the public.<ref name="EDP" /> | |||
===Second Thargoid War === | |||
{{Main|Second Thargoid War}} | |||
[[File:Thargoid-Sensor-in-Space.png|thumb|250px|An Unknown Artefact/Thargoid Sensor, harbinger of the Thargoids' return]] | |||
Humans began encountering signs of the Thargoids once again in early 3301 with the discovery of "[[Thargoid Sensor|Unknown Artefacts]]", strange devices of unknown origin found among the cargoes of secret [[Federation]] 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. [[Barnacles]] were also discovered in 3302 in the vicinity of the [[Pleiades Nebula]], but their even more pronounced organic appearance also stymied analysis. | |||
[[File:Thargoid Interceptors Group.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Cyclops Interceptors]] | |||
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 Commander 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. | |||
[[File:Thargoid_Attack_Aftermath.png|thumb|250px|The destroyed Federal fleet in HIP 17044]] | |||
Beginning in April, reports surfaced of Unknown Ships apparently attacking [[Federal Navy]] convoys in the Pleiades, although the mysterious vessels remained passive towards independent pilots. On June 12, 3303, [[Ishmael Palin|Professor Ishmael Palin]] issued a request for scan and wake signature data from Unknown Ships, which he compared to older Thargoid samples. Palin confirmed that Unknown Ships were Thargoid in origin. A Federal fleet seized Palin's research from Orcus Crag in Pleiades Sector OI-T c3-7, but was later found to have been destroyed by the Thargoids in the HIP 17044 system.<ref name="Return">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5943ed6837e29c184d38b29b GalNet: Galactic News: The Thargoids have Returned]</ref> | |||
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 another Federal fleet, 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, marking the formal start of mutual hostilities between humans and Thargoids. 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 GalNet: 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 the multinational xenological research group [[Aegis]], which had also analyzed data from the attack.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59c3a0e02468d745a72f97a0 GalNet: Galactic News: Federation Addresses Rumours]</ref> | |||
[[File:Station Attack The Oracle.png|thumb|250px|The Oracle in the aftermath of a Thargoid attack]] | |||
The Second Thargoid War entered a new phase on September 26, 3303, when independent pilots reported being attacked unprovoked by Thargoid Interceptors at [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s. The variant of Interceptor carrying out these attacks, as well as all prior interdictions, was named the 'Cyclops Interceptor'.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/72lzxb/so_i_just_got_killed_by_a_thargoid/ reddit: So I just got killed by a Thargoid]</ref><ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/59cd17dcf030a91ca721e243 GalNet: Galactic News: Further Thargoid Attacks]</ref> Aegis began producing various experimental AX modules to fight the Thargoids on an even footing, as conventional human weapons proved useless. The Thargoids responded by deploying a more powerful variant of the Interceptor, known as the 'Basilisk Interceptor', On 13 November 3303. The arrival of even more powerful Medusae Interceptors on December 14, 3303 was accompanied by crippling attacks on three [[Starport]]s in the Pleiades: Titan's Daughter in Taygeta, The Oracle in Pleiades Sector IR-W d1-55, and Liman Legacy in HIP 16753.<ref name="GSABT">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5a328aebaac37e273a5d4ea8 GalNet: Galactic News: Starports Attacked by Thargoids]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFLBnqxuATg YouTube: Commander Chronicles - Devastation - Elite Dangerous]</ref><ref name="Station Attack">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/7jqg5p/so_the_thargoids_attacked_a_station_images/?st=jb6b35m0&sh=f42ecad9 reddit: So the Thargoids(?) Attacked a Station. Images Courtesy of CMDR Bad_Player]</ref> | |||
[[File:Thargoid Scouts Beyond.jpg|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 civilization. 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 13, 3304, the megaship, [[The Gnosis]], flagship of the Canonn Interstellar Research Group, announced plans to jump into the permit-locked Cone Sector region for a four week tour. Despite a warning from [[Pilots Federation|The Pilots Federation]] about high concentrations of Thargoids inside the Sector, The Gnosis commenced the jump on September 6. The Gnosis was hyperdicted before it could reach its destination, and attacked by Scouts and Hydra Interceptors, a newly discovered variant of Interceptor that was stronger than the Medusae. The megaship managed to survive the attack, as pilots baited the Thargoids away using Meta-Alloys. | |||
[[File:Thargoid Orthrus Front 1.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Thargoid Orthrus Interceptor front]] | |||
On August 25, 3305, a fifth [[Thargoid Interceptor|Interceptor]] type designated the 'Orthrus Variant' was spotted by multiple pilots at the abandoned Palin Research Centre on Maia A 3 a.<ref name=":7">[https://www.sagittarius-eye.com/new-thargoid-variant-discovered/ New Thargoid Variant Discovered] - Sagittarius Eye - 26 August 3305</ref><ref name=":8" /> This variant did not engage in combat, and fled to hyperspace immediately upon being met by human ships.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> | |||
As of May 3307, the Second Thargoid War continued to rage in the core systems with no end in sight. While human pilots were able to hold their own against the Thargoids thanks to [[Guardian]]-human hybrid weapons and technologies developed by the [[Engineers|Engineer]] [[Ram Tah]], Thargoids ships still managed to overwhelm defence forces and strike stations. It was believed that the Thargoids viewed humanity's colonisation of the Pleiades as an encroachment on their territory, and their hyper-aggressive nature compelled them to respond with unceasing hostility, but this, as well as the Thargoids' ultimate goal, remained unconfirmed. | |||
===Escalation of Hostilities=== | |||
While Aegis continued to monitor Thargoid activity and coordinate with independent anti-xeno forces, public support and confidence in the organisation progressively waned as the years of conflict wore on. In addition to a number of operational failings (such as service interruptions with the Eagle Eye network), public attention was drawn away from the Thargoid conflict by a number of high-profile domestic incidents across inhabited space, such as the slew of assassinations by the [[League of Reparation]], the [[Nine Martyrs]] bombings by the [[Neo-Marlinist Liberation Army|NMLA]] during a galactic summit, and a succession crisis within the [[Federation]] caused by the introduction of the [[Proactive Detection Bureau]] (PDB). | |||
This tension began coming to a head in August of 3307 when the Aegis megaship [[Alexandria]] disappeared and was presumed lost with all hands following a hyperspace jump, after several days fleeing from Thargoid forces. 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 that 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 September 3307, an individual identifying themselves as [[Salvation]] (who had previously come to public attention due to his knowledge of historical research into both the Thargoids and Guardians by [[Azimuth Biochemicals]]) warned the galactic community that the Thargoids were preparing to attack the Cornsar system. This was not taken seriously given the system's distance from Thargoid territory and the lack of strategic targets. Aegis, due to its partial operational shutdown was unable to verify the report. Days later, the Thargoids indeed swarmed into the system, catching local authorities completely off-guard. Mysteriously however, the Thargoids made a sudden retreat from the system after several days of intense fighting, after which commanders found large numbers of crashed Thargoid crafts on the surface of local planets. This was proclaimed to be the work of an [[anti-xeno superweapon]] deployed by Salvation, which seemingly cleared the system in a single stroke. Salvation would go on to deploy anti-xeno weapons in other affected systems, further souring the public's view of Aegis and drawing approval of the new approach from the superpowers. | |||
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 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. | |||
In mid 3308, Tauris Mining Ventures formally rebranded as [[Azimuth Biotech]], confirming suspicions on how Salvation acquired such advanced knowledge of Guardian technology. Construction of the new anti-xeno superweapon (now dubbed the Proteus Wave) began construction within a [[Thargoid Surface Site|Thargoid Structure]] on moon 10 b of the HIP 22460 system. Despite public outcry about the numerous crimes Azimuth had committed over the centuries, the three superpowers and Sirius continued to back Salvation given the strategic significance of crippling the Thargoid fleet. All four factions contributed megaships, dreadnaughts and large amounts of manpower to the effort, as the vast quantities of Guardian materials imported to the system to construct the Proteus Wave drew ever larger swarms of Thargoids. | |||
On the 9th of August 3308, Azimuth Biotech deployed the Proteus Wave in HIP 22460, intending to cripple, if not outright eradicate, the Thargoids. The initial deployment was successful, with all Thargoid crafts in the system being disabled in a matter of moments. This quickly changed when an unknown energy surge of Thargoid origin began building in the Proteus Wave site. Within a minute a second detonation occurred, this time disabling all human technology and practically destroying all Guardian-based technology in the system. Moments later the Thargoids awoke and began attacking the now helpless human fleet with previously unseen aggression. | |||
As of mid-August 3308, HIP 22460 has been declared a Hazardous Environment, having been conquered by the Thargoids who aggressively track, pursue 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 Source|Rogue Signal Sources']], and determined to be converging on the core systems by 4 November 3308. | |||
[[File:Kingfisher rogue signal source taranis.png|thumb|Rogue Signal Source Taranis about to pass the recently destroyed Kingfisher megaship.|250x250px]] | |||
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, while 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 [[Thargoid Interceptor|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 '''–''' arrived 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. | |||
The Federation, Empire, Alliance, and Independence forces engage in combat with the Thargoids, in some cases liberating systems from their control. This is partly thanks to the development of enhanced anti-xeno weaponry from various Engineers, and the new AX-Stabiliser from Azimuth Biotech. Nevertheless, The Thargoids continue pushing into the core systems. By this point, millions have already been killed, and many more have been displaced. | |||
In December 3308, Professor Alba Tesreau called for Aegis to be reformed in order to fight the Thargoids, as more research is needed into research and defense projects against the Thargoids so that humanity can successfully repel them. | |||
By 20 January 3309, billions of people had already died in the war, with tens of systems having been completely obliterated. Professor Ishmael Palin and Ram Tah have collected strange artifacts from the Proteus Wave and Thargoid surface sites, working hard with other scientists to develop more countermeasures against the aliens. | |||
On the 13 February 3309, Aegis was 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 began testing a prototype version of a [[Caustic Sink Launcher]], designed to protect against the caustic environment within 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 Nebula and Witch Head Nebula. It's speculated that the Thargoids are trying to secure control of the Barnacle sites they created millennia ago. | |||
By April 3309, the Thargoid fleets occupied well over a thousand systems, and the conflict has no end in sight. | |||
On 9 May 3309, the [[Thargoid Pulse Neutraliser]] was 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 the 10 May, Aegis sent 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. | |||
[[File:Thargoid Titan.png|thumb|250x250px|Thargoid Titan]] | |||
The centers of each Maelstrom were revealed to contain a [[Thargoid Titan]], gigantic motherships which act as command centers for the Thargoids. These contain a vast quanitity 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 the area and attack all human craft on sight. | |||
These events came with the deployment of [[Thargoid Hunter|Thargoid Hunters]] (which were vessels designed to fight against humans), and drone attacks against ground troops. | |||
The first [[Thargoid Spire|Thargoid Spires]] were discovered on October 16, 3309. | |||
=== Titans === | |||
[[Thargoid Titan|Taranis]] was the first Titan to be destroyed by commanders on March 2, 3310,<ref name=":0">[https://x.com/EliteDangerous/status/1764002790194418151 A monumental victory for humanity! The first Titan, Taranis, has fallen!] - X - 2 March 2024</ref><ref>Titan Tanaris Boom (March 2, 2024) - https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1b4vu3f/titan_taranis_boom/</ref> one of the first of many major victories for humanity.<ref name=":0" /> Salvaging efforts occur after the impenetrable caustic cloud dissipates,<ref name=":0" /> which took several weeks to fully disappear. <gallery> | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Cinematic - The Thargoid War - Part II | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Cinematic - The Thargoid War | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Lore videos== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Thargoids, Part 1 | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Thargoids, Part 2 | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Thargoids, Part 3 | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Thargoids, Part 4 | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Thargoids, Part 5 | |||
File:The Thargoids - Elite Dangerous | |||
File:THE THARGOID - Hivemind | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Biology== | |||
Thargoids are an insectoid species (arthropod). Little is known about their civilization and origin. Descriptions based on encounters centuries ago have yet to be verified. | |||
=== INRA description === | |||
The former paramilitary organization [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm|INRA]] analyzed Thargoid specimens. The researchers made several discoveries which are published in the [[Codex]]. A Thargoid hive has 3 categories: queens, princesses and drones.<ref name=":9">Elite Dangerous Codex - Knowledge Base - The Thargoids</ref> | |||
==== Queens ==== | |||
The Queens are reproducers.<ref name=":9" /> They have extremely long lifespans of hundreds to thousands of years.<ref name=":9" /> They are at least as intelligent as [[human|humans]].<ref name=":9" /> The size of their neurocraniums might be an age indicator.<ref name=":9" /> | |||
==== Princesses ==== | |||
The Princesses are produced by Queens. They are a lower class in Thargoid hierarchy.<ref name=":9" /> The Princesses can only become queens if they produce their own drones.<ref name=":9" /> | |||
==== Drones ==== | |||
The drones have rudimentary intelligence and maintain a favorable environment for the hive.<ref name=":9" /> The Queens perceive drones as expendable, because they can be easily replaced.<ref name=":9" /> Thus the Queens don't care about losing drones.<ref name=":9" /> The drones have various shapes and sizes. Humans identified 4 drone types: [[Banshee]], [[Revenant]], [[Scavenger]] and [[Thargon]]. The drones are crucial, because they dedicate their lives to labour, security and combat to maintain the hive. | |||
==== Reproduction ==== | |||
The exact methods of Thargoid reproduction are unknown.<ref name=":9" /> The queens are believed to be single-sex.<ref name=":9" /> It is likely that the queens reproduce sexually with other queens to produce princesses.<ref name=":9" /> The princesses only become full queens when they've produced their own drones.<ref name=":9" /> They can also reproduce asexually to make drones.<ref name=":9" /> The asexual reproduction enables fast population growth.<ref name=":9" /> There is evidence that older drones are sometimes culled.<ref name=":9" /> | |||
=== Chemistry === | |||
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 rumors 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, compared to water's boiling point of 100°C. Thargoids may well be acclimatized 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. | |||
This indicates they may have evolved in a harsh, low-temperature environment, which might explain their overdeveloped survival instincts and aggressive nature. Since the Thargoids are experts in bioengineering, they could have augmented their own biology and superseded natural evolutionary processes.<ref name="GOTT" /> | |||
=== Ethology === | |||
The Thargoids possess incredibly advanced biomechanical technology and have existed for millions of years. However, canonically their rigid, instinctive nature makes them very resistant and slow to adapt to sudden changes in tactics and evolution. | |||
=== Organic vessels === | |||
==== Wreckage ==== | |||
[[File:Thargoid Scout Interior Sideview.jpg|thumb|250px|Thargoid Scout Interior Sideview]] | |||
The wreckages of [[Thargoid Scout|Thargoid Scouts]] and [[Thargoid Interceptor|Interceptors]] at [[Thargoid Titan|Titan graveyards]] show that these are organic vessels.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1hvcdmg/the_interior_of_a_scoot_thargoid/ The interior of a Scoot Thargoid] - Esaren_ - Reddit - 6 Jan 2025 </ref> The anatomy of a destroyed [[Thargoid Titan|Titan]] consists of organic [[commodities]] and [[materials]].<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1bglucv/dead_titan_materials/?rdt=36631 Dead Titan Materials] - 17 March 2024 - Elite Dangerous Reddit</ref> This proves that the Thargoid vessels are living creatures which are grown rather than assembled. Humans identified 4 ship types: [[Scout]], [[Thargoid Hunter|Hunter]], [[Thargoid Interceptor|Interceptor]] and [[Thargoid Titan|Titan]].<gallery> | |||
File:A Look At The Thargoid Wrecks | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== Klaxians and Oresrians === | |||
According to [[The Club]], what humans consider to be a singular Thargoid species actually consists of two distinct "dynasties": the Klaxians and Oresrians. It is unknown how the Klaxians and Oresrians differ biologically.<ref name="EDP" /> The Klaxians are hypothesized as the highly aggressive faction.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/y3hwni/in_the_2017_ed_novel_premonition_by_drew_wagar_it/ In the 2017 ED Novel "Premonition" by Drew Wagar, it describes the Oresrians as a relatively peaceful sect who fled the Violent Klaxian sect into human space. The Proteus Wave must have reached the Klaxians, and it is they who are sending the Stargoids against their new primary enemy: Humanity] - Reddit - 14 October 2022</ref> Some sources claim they are merely different political factions of the same species. However, it should be noted that all such information is second-hand, and should be viewed with some degree of skepticism.<ref>No mention of either Oresrians or Klaxians has been included in Elite: Dangerous. All references to these factions are specific to now-decanonized books and previous games.</ref> | |||
[[File:Thargoid Orthrus Ship.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Thargoid Interceptor Orthrus variant]] | |||
The Orthrus variant of a [[Thargoid Interceptor]] is speculated to be part of the Oresrian dynasty.<ref name=":8">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbld19ALPEQ Elite Dangerous Theory : Are the Alliance working with the Thargoids.] - Mattius - YouTube - 2 June 2021</ref> It was first spotted by pilots at a former small Palin Research Centre on "[[Maia]] A 3 a" on 25 August 3305.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7" /> The Orthrus variant has distinct yellow thorax markings around the cockpit and the edges of the petals. This loosely match the description given in [[The Dark Wheel]] novel.<ref name=":8" /> This description is about a Thargoid bio-form (ground-based lifeform).<ref name=":8" /> However, the Oresrians could apply these markings to their vessels to distinguish themselves from the Klaxians.<ref name=":8" /> It has no weapons nor swarm, but expels a caustic wake and activates a Guardian module decay field. The Orthrus disappeared after the [[Second Thargoid War]] ended. It will try to flee rather than attack you. This peaceful behavior is attributed to the Oresrians.<ref name=":8" /> | |||
==Society== | ==Society== | ||
[[File:Thargoid-and-Diamondback-Ships.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid ship confronting a Diamondback Scout]] | |||
There is little data about Thargoid society and culture. [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm|INRA]] researchers described their society to be organized in vast hives, with no sense of close family.<ref name=":9" /> The larger groups are thought to be overlapping hives.<ref name=":9" /> A hive has 3 categories: Queens, Princesses and Drones.<ref name=":9" /> It is thought that the society is divided into hives, possibly along the lines of ant colonies.<ref name=":9" /> The Klaxian and Oresrian dynasties may be two such hives.<ref name="EDP" /><ref name=":9" /> | |||
Thargoids are thought to have a natural affinity with space, and with | 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 in comparison to humans. Naval pilots and crews report that the warships in the war zones are encountered on repeated occasions over a period of several months often without respite. | ||
At some point, the Klaxian and Oresrian 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 civilization as a "bullet shield" to occupy the Klaxians' attention while they escaped deeper into space. This poses a potentially apocalyptic threat to humanity's survival.<ref name="EDP" /> | |||
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
Nothing is known about internal Thargoid politics. | [[File:Thargoid insignia.png|thumb|An insignia associated with the Thargoids]] | ||
Nothing is known about internal Thargoid politics or government, or why the Klaxians and Oresrians came into conflict. | |||
Thargoid relations with other species is frighteningly simple: war. The | 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 colonize, or simply for the fun of it. In fact, the animal life on an invaded world was largely ignored unless it posed a threat to Thargoids. | ||
The Thargoid | 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> | ||
==Technology== | ==Technology== | ||
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, with potentially limitless applications. 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 civilization]] based on the Kardashev scale. Their lack of control over the Milky Way indicates that they should be Type II. However, since Thargoids may originate from another galaxy, parallel [[universe]], or spatial dimension they could be considered Type III or even Type IV. | ||
The decoded [[Guardian]] logs reveal that Thargoids engineered their bio-mechanical technology to recognize 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" /> | |||
[[File:Thargoid-Spires-Meta-Alloys.jpg|thumb|250px|Thargoid Barnacles and Meta-Alloys]] | |||
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 utilized in both solid and liquid forms. Destroyed Thargoid ships vent a cloud of vaporized 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. | |||
== | ===Interstellar travel=== | ||
[[File:Thargoid-Wormhole.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid wormhole]] | |||
Thargoids 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 perform untraceable hyperspace jumps and stymie any pursuers. They are also capable of some form of supercruise, as they can be spotted in supercruise in Thargoid controlled systems near the surfaces of planets (orbital cruise), having an orange-ish tint to the light they emit instead of the normal blue from human ships. | |||
Thargoid ships can create stable wormholes to [[hyperspace]] (witch-space). This is used to travel astronomical distances in seconds and interdict vessels. Their ships also have the capability to 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" />. There appears to be an upper limit to the volume or mass of a thargoid craft that can enter Hyperspace however, as Titans (which are larger than any human space station) took several months tof travelling as Rogue Signal Sources to arrive in human space. | |||
== 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, as well as 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. | |||
According to recovered [[INRA]] logs, a [[Thargoid Titan]] vessel attacked the INRA base Carmichael Point in HIP 16824.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB36F-rLlkI YouTube: Elite: Dangerous: INRA Base Attacked By Thargoids]</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1" | |||
!Image | |||
!Name | |||
!Type | |||
!Variants | |||
!Size | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargoid-Scout-Regenerator.png|200px]] | |||
|[[Thargoid Scout|Scout]] | |||
|Explorer, multipurpose | |||
| | |||
* Berserker | |||
* Inciter | |||
* Marauder | |||
* Regenerator | |||
|Small | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargoid Hunter Glaive Front.jpg|200px]] | |||
|[[Thargoid Hunter|Hunter]] | |||
|Combat | |||
| | |||
* Glaive | |||
* Scythe | |||
|Medium | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargoid Interceptor Cyclops Front HD.png|200px]] | |||
|[[Thargoid Interceptor|Interceptor]] | |||
|Combat | |||
| | |||
* Basilisk | |||
* Cyclops | |||
* Hydra | |||
* Medusa | |||
* Orthrus | |||
|Large | |||
|- | |||
| [[File:Thargoid Titan 3310.png|200px]] | |||
|[[Thargoid Titan|Titan]] | |||
|Capital | |||
| | |||
* No variants | |||
|Huge | |||
|} | |||
==Thargoid Surface Sites== | |||
[[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site]] | |||
[[Thargoid Surface Site]]s demonstrate the Thargoids' ability to 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 centralized chamber. [[Thargoid Egg]]s can be found around and inside these sites. It is unknown what produces these eggs or what gestates inside them. | |||
[[File:Thargoid_Surface_Site_Scavenger_close.png|thumb|250px|Scavenger]] | |||
Passive drone-like devices called [[Scavenger]]s were first encountered at these locations. Analyses of Scavengers showed that they contain organic and mechanical elements such as [[Thargoid Organic Circuitry]]. This discovery led many to question whether the Scavengers were sentient creatures or simple mechanical drones created by the Thargoids as workers.<ref>[[Thargoid Organic Circuitry]] In-Game Description</ref> | |||
[[Thargoid Sensor]]s and [[Thargoid Probe]]s were confirmed to be related to Thargoids after it was discovered that carrying them allowed doors at Thargoid Surface Sites to open. Inserting a Thargoid Sensor, a Thargoid Probe, and a [[Thargoid Link]] into an Unknown Device caused it to activate and display a holographic star map, perhaps a visual representation of how Thargoids catalogued geographical data. The other functions of these objects remain an enigma, however. Thargoid Interceptors have been witnessed retrieving them from September 26, 3303 onward. | |||
==Drones == | |||
There are 4 biomechanical drone types that the Thargoids use for labour, security and combat. | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1" | |||
!Image | |||
!Name | |||
!Type | |||
!Notes | |||
!Size | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargoid Banshee Top.jpg|200px]] | |||
|[[Banshee]] | |||
|Combat | |||
|This drone patrols a [[Thargoid Spire]] for security. | |||
|Medium | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargoid Revenant 1.jpg|200px]] | |||
|[[Revenant]] | |||
|Combat | |||
|The Revenant patrols abandoned settlements in Thargoid territory. It is better armed and armored than a Banshee. | |||
|Medium | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargoid-Scavenger-Sideview.jpg|200px]] | |||
|[[Scavenger]] | |||
|Worker | |||
|This worker drone can be found at [[Thargoid Surface Site|Thargoid Surface Sites]]. | |||
|Medium | |||
|- | |||
|[[File:Thargon.jpg|200px]] | |||
| [[Thargon]] | |||
| Combat | |||
|A small attack drone that is deployed in a swarm by a [[Thargoid Interceptor]]. | |||
|Small | |||
|} | |||
== Barnacles & Spires== | |||
[[File:ED Thargoid Spires.jpg|thumb|250px|Thargoid Spires]] | |||
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> A [[Thargoid Barnacle Matrix]] can evolve into huge [[Thargoid Spire|Spire]] structures. | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - Exploring a Thargoid Spire Site | |||
</gallery> | |||
===Unclassified Thargoid Relic=== | |||
[[File:Unclassified Thargoid Relic.png|thumb|250x250px|Unclassified Thargoid Relic]] | |||
*Crashed Ship: HIP 17403 / A 4 a | |||
*Thargoid bases (light): MEL0 22 Sector ZU-P c5-1 / 4 a | |||
*Thargoid base (closer): HIP 14909 / 2 a | |||
==Territory== | |||
[[File:Thargoid-Activity-Map-Feb-3306.jpg|thumb|250px|Thargoid activity map, February 3306]] | |||
The Thargoids claim territory by seeding planets and moons with [[Thargoid Barnacle|Thargoid Barnacles]] to produce [[Meta-Alloys]] to support their activities. The [[Thargoid Barnacle Matrix]] can grow into a [[Thargoid Spire|Spire]]. 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. There are high concentrations of [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s. | |||
=== Active regions === | |||
The Thargoids are active in these regions:<ref name=":6">[https://wiki.antixenoinitiative.com/en/finding-thargoids Finding Thargoids] - Anti-Xeno Initiative Wiki - 6 Jan 2025</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1" | |||
|+ | |||
!Region | |||
!Specifics | |||
!Notes | |||
|- | |||
|[[California Nebula]] | |||
|~100ly around HIP 18390 | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|[[Coalsack Nebula]] | |||
|~60ly around Musca Dark Region PJ-P B6-1 | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|[[Pleiades Nebula]] | |||
|~175ly around Merop | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|[[Witch Head Nebula]] | |||
|~75ly around Witch Head Sector IR-W C1-9 | |||
| | |||
|} | |||
Source: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DhDTU3SLvmoNjBb_Ymy-S6RV1DsYztPRiULh1zR26lA/edit#gid=0 NHSS Survey Spreadsheet] | |||
=== Star systems === | |||
Thargoid activity is regularly observed in certain isolated systems: | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1" | |||
!System | |||
!Thargoid Sites | |||
!Notes | |||
|- | |||
|Col 70 Sector FY-N c21-3 | |||
|Unknown | |||
|Encrypted planetary survey data recorded by Thargoid Probes always contains info about that planet's distance from Col 70 Sector FY-N c21-3, implying that system is important to the Thargoids.<ref name="Canonn Probe" /> | |||
|- | |||
| Deciat | |||
|None | |||
|Invaded by the Thargoids in June 3304.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5b34b13246fe331e2f6ca222 GalNet: Thargoid Assault on the Deciat System]</ref> Despite the defeat of the invasion force, Non-Human Signal Sources remain plentiful years later. Currently the only location in the core systems with a long-term Thargoid presence. | |||
|- | |||
|Outotz ST-I d9-6 | |||
|At least two Thargoid Barnacle clusters, one Thargoid Surface Site | |||
|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> | |||
|} | |||
=== Thargoid Locations === | |||
Thargoids can be found in various locations, such as:<ref name=":6" /> | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1" | |||
|+ | |||
!Location type | |||
!Region | |||
|- | |||
|[[Hyperdiction]] | |||
|[[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]], [[Witch Head Nebula|Witch Head]] and [[Coalsack Nebula]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Megaship]] | |||
|[[Core Systems|Bubble]], [[Pleiades Nebula]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Non-Human Signal Source]] | |||
|[[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]], [[Witch Head Nebula|Witch Head]] and [[Coalsack Nebula]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Signal Source|Static Signal Source]] | |||
|[[Core Systems|Bubble]], [[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]], [[Witch Head Nebula|Witch Head]] and [[Coalsack Nebula]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Thargoid Surface Site]], [[Thargoid Spire]] | |||
|[[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]], [[Witch Head Nebula|Witch Head]] and [[Coalsack Nebula]] | |||
|} | |||
==Trivia== | |||
[[File:Evolution-of-the-Thargoids.png|thumb|250px|Evolution of the Thargoids]] | |||
*The Thargoids first appeared in the original ''[[Elite]]'' video game in 1984. | |||
*David Braben commented on the ''Elite Dangerous'' Kickstarter that should peace have ever been found with Thargoids, it would be a temporary measure, hinting at the Thargoids' eventual return in the game.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461411552/elite-dangerous/comments?cursor=1970411#comment-1970410 Kickstarter: Elite: Dangerous/Comments]</ref> | |||
==Videos== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Elite Dangerous- THE THARGOIDS CODEX | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - The Return 2.4 | |||
File:The Return 2.4 Announcement - Elite Dangerous | |||
File:The Return (Elite Dangerous) | |||
File:Elite Dangerous THARGOID 2.4 | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - Where are the Thargoids? (And what are they?) | |||
File:DISTANT STORMS - Does Humanity Now Stand On The Brink Of A 2nd Thargoid War? | |||
File:Elite Dangerous 2.4 Teaser - Frontier Expo 2017 | |||
File:Commander Chronicles Retaliation - Elite Dangerous | |||
File:Commander Chronicles Devastation - Elite Dangerous | |||
File:Commander Chronicles The Deal | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - The Proteus Wave Fires | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Cinematic - The Thargoids and the Guardians | |||
File:Deep in the Black - An Elite Dangerous Odyssey Series -Episode 6 - HIP22460 Thargoid Aftermath- (4K) | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Cinematic - The Thargoid War - Part II | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Cinematic - The Thargoid War | |||
File:The Complete Azimuth Saga (Elite Dangerous) | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Gallery== | |||
<gallery hideaddbutton="true"> | <gallery hideaddbutton="true"> | ||
Elite Dangerous Unknown Ship HD.png|A Thargoid Interceptor Cyclops Variant in ''Elite Dangerous'' | |||
Evolution-of-the-Thargoids.png|Evolution of the Thargoids | |||
First-Thargoid-Encounter-3125.png|An early Thargoid encounter circa 3125 | |||
Thargoids-Return-Message.png|Thargoids Return message | |||
Thargoid-and-Diamondback-Ships.png|Thargoid and Diamondback ships | |||
Thargoid Attack Aftermath.png|The destroyed Federal fleet | |||
Thargoid Interceptors Group.png|Thargoid Interceptors Group | |||
Thargoid-Scouts.png|Thargoid Scouts | |||
Thargoid.png|A crashed Thargoid Scout | |||
Thargoid Surface Site above.png|A Thargoid Surface Site | |||
Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|Thargoid Surface Site | |||
Thargoid Surface Site Scavenger close.png|A Scavenger | |||
Thargoid-Wormhole.png|Thargoid wormhole | |||
Thargoid Interceptor Basilisk Variant.png|A Thargoid Interceptor Basilisk Variant | |||
Thargoid Interceptor Basilisk Variant 2.png|A close-up of a Basilisk Variant | |||
Thargoid Interceptor Medusa Variant.png|A Thargoid Interceptor Medusa Variant | |||
Thargoid Interceptor Medusa Variant 2.png|A Medusa Variant with its petals extended | |||
Thargoid-Hydra-Interceptor.png|A Hydra Variant | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
{{Thargoids}} | |||
{{SpeciesNavbox}} | |||
[[ja:{{FULLPAGENAME}}]] | |||
[[ru:Таргоид]] | |||
[[Category:Lore]] | [[Category:Lore]] | ||
[[Category:Alien life]] | [[Category:Alien life]] | ||
[[Category:Thargoids]] | |||
[[Category:Species]] | |||