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[[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>[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Guardian 1/28 : Thargoid Log – Barnacle Seeding]</ref><ref name=":0" /> Several thousand years later the Thargoids returned and discovered that the planets they had seeded were occupied by the Guardians. The Thargoids immediately 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/ 2/28 : Thargoid Log – The War Begins]</ref>
[[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>[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Guardian 1/28 : Thargoid Log – Barnacle Seeding]</ref><ref name=":0" /> Several thousand years later the Thargoids returned and discovered that the planets they had seeded were occupied by the Guardians. The Thargoids immediately 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/ 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.<ref name=":0" /> The Guardians were forced to employ more aggressive methods to address the Thargoid threat.<ref name=":5">[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Guardian Codex 3 Decrypted. 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/ 4/28 : Thargoid Log – The War Machine]</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.<ref name=":0" /> The Guardians were forced to employ more aggressive methods to address the Thargoid threat.<ref name=":5">[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Guardian Codex 3 Decrypted. 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/ 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/ 5/28 : Thargoid Log – Victory]</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/ 5/28 : Thargoid Log – Victory]</ref>
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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" />
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 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]]</ref>
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]]</ref>


According to the logs of the [[Megaship]] GCS Sarasvati, the original war with the Thargoids 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/showthread.php/380074-GCS-Sarasvati-early-Thargoid-lookout-megaship?p=5961637&viewfull=1#post5961637 Frontier Forums: GCS Sarasvati - early Thargoid lookout megaship]</ref>
According to the logs of the [[Megaship]] GCS Sarasvati, the original war with the Thargoids 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/showthread.php/380074-GCS-Sarasvati-early-Thargoid-lookout-megaship?p=5961637&viewfull=1#post5961637 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 monopolized it and distributed it to all the powers and factions, ensuring no one gained an advantage. Afterward, [[The Club]] suppressed information about the Thargoids so that it became a myth among the public.<ref name="EDP" />
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 monopolized 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 ===
=== Second Thargoid War ===
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[[File:Thargoid Scouts 3.1.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Scouts]]
[[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]], 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 defense of the targeted systems and prevent many attacks from occurring.
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]], 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.


As of September 3304, 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 defense forces and strike stations. It was believed that the Thargoids viewed humanity's colonization 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.
As of September 3304, 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 colonization 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.


== Biology ==
== Biology ==
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>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref> If the rumors are true that they come from [[Ammonia Planet|Ammonia-based planets]] then their physiology is drastically different from humans. For example, ammonia boils at -33 degrees C. Thargoids may well be acclimatised to temperatures far lower than humans.<ref>https://www.drewwagar.com/lore/elite-dangerous-lore-the-thargoids/</ref> They are presumed to be highly intelligent, more than the average human due to their superior technological capabilities.
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>http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/elite-dangerous-creator-talks-sci-fi-politics-and-whats-next-w492781</ref> If the rumours are true that they come from [[Ammonia Planet|Ammonia-based planets]] then their physiology is drastically different from humans. For example, ammonia boils at -33 degrees C. Thargoids may well be acclimatised to temperatures far lower than humans.<ref>https://www.drewwagar.com/lore/elite-dangerous-lore-the-thargoids/</ref> They are presumed to be highly intelligent, more than the average human due to their superior technological capabilities.


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" />
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" />
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===Interstellar travel===
===Interstellar travel===
[[File:Thargoid-Wormhole.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid wormhole]]
[[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 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.
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</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/7b3eyk/elite_dangerous_another_inra_base_found_linked_to/ /r/EliteDangerous: Elite: Dangerous: Another INRA Base Found, Linked To Hyperdrive Research]
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</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/7b3eyk/elite_dangerous_another_inra_base_found_linked_to/ /r/EliteDangerous: Elite: Dangerous: Another INRA Base Found, Linked To Hyperdrive Research]
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===Thargoid Surface Sites===
===Thargoid Surface Sites===
[[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site]]
[[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site]]
[[Thargoid Surface Site]]s demonstrate the Thargoids construct vast surface installations. The purpose of these sites are 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.
[[Thargoid Surface Site]]s demonstrate the Thargoids construct vast surface installations. 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]]
[[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 contains 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>
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 after September 26, 3303.
[[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 after September 26, 3303.