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== Thargoids ==
{{Main|Thargoids}}
'''Thargoids''' are an ancient race of ammonia-based aliens, who spend most of their time in [[Witchspace]]. They enter ourthe universeMilky Way to seed systems with their [[Thargoid Barnacle|Barnacles]], and periodically return to tend them for unknown reasons. These barnacles create [[Meta-Alloys]], a substance with incredible durability and material properties. Humanity's harvesting of these alloys has led to conflict between the two races, and as a result the Pilots Federation has placed hefty bounties on any confirmed kill.
== Thargoid Types ==
[[File:Thargon-Swarm.png|thumb|250px|Thargon Swarm]]
When attacked, Interceptors will deploy a swarm of '''Thargons'''; small, independent drones, capable of firing their own caustic projectiles. The most dangerous aspect of the swarm is its powerful '''phasing damage.''' While Interceptors do thea standard 10% of their damage through shields, Thargon Swarms have a much more potent effect, dealing nearly 100% of damage directly through shields onto the hull. ThisAs damagea isresult, multipliedshielded eventargets furtherwill bysuffer theextreme factamounts aof shieldhull hasdamage a larger anddue easier-to-hit hitbox.the Aphasing shieldeddamage, shipas willwell haveas a much more difficult time againstbeing a Thargonlarger swarmtarget thancompared an identicalto unshielded onevessels.
Even if thisthe powerfulswarm phasingcan damagebe is evadedavoided, therethey isalso anotherpossess dangera second capability. Swarms can also become 'agitated', at which point small groups of them will employ a suicide run, ramming into their target for massive damage to hull and modules. This can be crippling to unshielded vessels, but is more easily avoided. Agitation can only occur when the swarm flies ''over'' a target, initiatingcausing thethem to initiate a missiletop-down modeattack; the swarm can then be pacified by flying through it a second time. Naturally, this comes at the risk of taking damage from the agitated swarm. And of course, a shielded vessel will take heavy damage attempting to pacify an agitated swarm. Especially against larger shielded vessels, the Thargon Swarm can be the most devastating aspect of the fight. Thargoid Interceptors can also trigger this enraged state if a Heart has not been destroyed after 7 minutes, instantly regenerating the swarm after it is destroyed.
Additionally, Thargoid Interceptors will deploytrigger onean swarmenraged eachstate timeif a heartHeart ishas not been destroyed. Ifafter a7 swarm isminutes alreadyof deployedcombat, theyinstantly haveregenerating the abilityswarm toafter saveit up(oris 'bank')destroyed. oneRather swarmthan whenin asmall heart is destroyedgroups, immediatelythe deployingentire itThargon ifswarm thewill oldattempt swarmto iskamikaze killed.the Buttarget, howand dothis youcannot killbe themavoided inor the firstdisabled. place?
Interceptors will deploy one swarm each time a heart is destroyed. If a swarm is already deployed, the Interceptor will bank (up to 1) a swarm when a heart is destroyed, immediately deploying it if the old swarm is destroyed.
The only way to kill Swarms is via the experimental '''[[Remote Release Flak Launcher|Flak Launcher]]''' class 2 hardpoint. Players must fire and hold the trigger as the projectile moves towards the swarm, releasing it while inside the swarm to destroy some of the thargons. Notably, the position of each individual thargon does matter; detonating in the center of the swarm doesn't matter, if the swarm is in a ring formation far from the explosion. By contrast, the swarm can be destroyed extremely rapidly if the swarm is in a more dense formation. Learning swarm behavior is a major part of advanced AX combat. ▼
▲The only way to kill Swarms is via the experimental '''[[Remote Release Flak Launcher|Flak Launcher]]''' classClass 2 hardpoint , as Thargons are immune to [[Point Defence Turret|Point Defence Turrets]] (they will attempt to destroy the swarm, but will deal 0 damage if they hit). Players must fire and hold the trigger as the projectile moves towards the swarm, releasing it while inside the swarm to destroy some of the thargonsThargons. Notably, the position of each individual thargonThargon does matter; detonating in the center of the swarm doesn'tis matter,ineffective if the swarm is in a ring formation far from the explosion. By contrast, the swarm can be destroyed extremely rapidly if the swarm is in a more dense formation. Learning swarm behavior is a major part of advanced AX combat.
The swarm can take several different formations. Typically, smaller swarms will start in a 'spiral' formation, while larger swarms will tend to take a ring formation, or even worse, a larger ring that is only a single thargon thick, making it very difficult to damage. The swarm changes formations occasionally on its own, or whenever a player flies through the swarm; this can be a risky, but effective, way of changing the swarm to a more convenient formation. With luck and skill, swarms can be destroyed in only a few shots!
The easiest way to destroy the swarm is via the technique known colloquially as 'reverski'. The player should boost away, disable Flight Assist, and reverse their orientation so they are pointing backwards. The Swarm will give chase, but maintain a relatively stable position, allowing it to be targeted more easily, and destroyed. Once the swarm is destroyed, the player can move in and begin to focus on the Interceptor. This technique, however, is not as effective in situations with multiple targets(IE, multiple players or NPCS) for the Swarm to attack. In many cases, especially wing combat, it can be simpler and more practical to simply leave the swarm alive and focus on the interceptor, as the swarm will self-destruct once the mothership has been destroyed.
If the destruction of the swarm is absolutely required, there is an advanced technique that can be employed, taking advantage of the Swarm's targeting procedures. Upon being agitated, the swarm must move to at least 1.8km away from any enemies before it can switch to missile mode, and while it attempts to do so, it will often swap to a very easy-to-hit 'cone' formation. Using this knowledge to your advantage, a player can ''intentionally'' agitate a swarm, and then give chase, not allowing it to move further than 1.8km away. At this point, the player can fire point-blank shots into the swarm, generally destroying it in just a few rounds. Notably, however, this is a risky technique, as if the player fails to destroy the swarm, it will be in the highly dangerous state of agitation ''and'' be perfectly placed to destroy the player. This technique is often referred to as 'Painbeavering', for the player who first discovered and mastered its use.
===Lightning===
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