Thargoid: Difference between revisions

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


At some point in the distant past, the Thargoids instigated a [[Guardian-Thargoid War|war]] with another intelligent species called the [[Guardian]]s over territory.<ref name=":0">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/81bhy0/guardians_vs_thargoid_war_confirmed/ Guardian Codex 3 Decrypted. Thargoid Log - Unsuccessful Truce]</ref> Although the Guardians eventually prevailed, the Thargoids only opted to retreat because they were unprepared for a protracted campaign against a rival civilization. Thargoids and humanity have been embroiled in two wars. The [[First Thargoid War|first conflict]] occurred between 3125 and 3151, and is believed to have ended in a human victory with the [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm]]'s successful deployment of the [[mycoid]] bio-weapon. The [[Second Thargoid War|second, ongoing conflict]] began in 3303 and has been rapidly escalating with no resolution in sight, disrupting dozens of systems across the [[Pleiades Nebula]], [[Witch Head Nebula]], [[Coalsack Nebula]], and the [[Core Systems]].
At some point in the distant past, the Thargoids instigated a [[Guardian-Thargoid War|war]] with another intelligent species called the [[Guardian]]s over territory.<ref name=":0">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/81bhy0/guardians_vs_thargoid_war_confirmed/ Guardian Codex 3 Decrypted. Thargoid Log - Unsuccessful Truce]</ref> Although the Guardians eventually prevailed, the Thargoids only opted to retreat because they were unprepared for a protracted campaign against a rival civilization. Thargoids and humanity have been embroiled in two wars. The [[First Thargoid War|first conflict]] occurred between 3125 and 3151, and is believed to have ended in a human victory with the [[Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm]]'s successful deployment of the [[mycoid]] bio-weapon. The [[Second Thargoid War|second, ongoing conflict]] began in 3303 and has been rapidly escalating with no resolution in sight, disrupting dozens of systems across the [[Pleiades Nebula]], [[Witch Head Nebula]], [[Coalsack Nebula]], [[California Nebula]], and the [[Core Systems]].


==History==
==History==
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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.
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 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.
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 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 ==
[[File:Thargoid-Concept-Art-Rumored.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid concept art rumored]]
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 World|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 World|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.


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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 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.
[[Thargoid Surface Site]]s demonstrate the Thargoids can construct vast structures. The purpose of these sites is unknown, but the interiors of several have been found to contain machines classified as Unknown Devices in a 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 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>
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 from September 26, 3303 onward.


===Barnacles===
===Barnacles===
The Thargoids seed planets with organic structures called [[Barnacles]], which extract resources from a [[Planets|planet]] and transform 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>[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Guardian Codex 1/28 : Thargoid Log – Barnacle Seeding]</ref>
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>[https://canonn.science/codex/guardians-codex/ Guardian Codex 1/28 : Thargoid Log – Barnacle Seeding]</ref> 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/showthread.php/355713-Alien-archeology-and-other-mysteries-Thread-10-The-Canonn?p=5952184&viewfull=1#post5952184</ref>
 
After September 26, 3303, CMDRs reported sightings of larger fields of so-called "Barnacle forests" in a shape reminiscent of Thargoid Surface Sites. Some of these clusters were patrolled by Scavengers.<ref>https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/355713-Alien-archeology-and-other-mysteries-Thread-10-The-Canonn?p=5952184&viewfull=1#post5952184</ref>


==Territory==
==Territory==
[[File:Thargoid-Activity-Map-Feb-3306.jpg|thumb|250px|Thargoid activity map, February 3306]]
[[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 Barnacles to produce Meta-Alloys to support their activities in the area. They have an affinity for systems with [[Ammonia World]]s that are in or near [[nebulae]]. To date, the [[Pleiades Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/599e9f98c10d1126640e8902 GalNet: Galactic News: The Thargoid Situation]</ref> [[Witch Head Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5d3987933b46cd389a76fa13 GalNet: Thargoids Defend Meta-Alloy Sources]</ref> [[Coalsack Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fa9414b90105502c940b29e GalNet: 'Ghost Ship' Leads Alliance to New Resources]</ref> 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 Group: The Thargoid Probe]</ref> and the Cone Sector of the [[Sanguineous Rim]]<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b86af3f5efed618853e99c3 GalNet: New Thargoid Interceptor Encountered]</ref> have been identified as Thargoid territories, and have high concentrations of [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s.
The Thargoids claim territory by seeding planets and moons with Thargoid Barnacles to produce Meta-Alloys to support their activities in the area. They have an affinity for systems with [[Ammonia World]]s that are in or near [[nebulae]]. To date, the [[Pleiades Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/599e9f98c10d1126640e8902 GalNet: Galactic News: The Thargoid Situation]</ref> [[Witch Head Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5d3987933b46cd389a76fa13 GalNet: Thargoids Defend Meta-Alloy Sources]</ref> [[Coalsack Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5fa9414b90105502c940b29e GalNet: 'Ghost Ship' Leads Alliance to New Resources]</ref> [[California Nebula]],<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/609d356236963173f4177e37 GalNet: Mass Thargoid Strike – Emergency Declared]</ref> and two large [[Permits|permit]]-locked regions in the Col 70 Sector of the [[Spirograph Nebula]]<ref name="Canonn Probe">[https://canonn.science/codex/unknown-probe/ Canonn Research Group: The Thargoid Probe]</ref> and the Cone Sector of the [[Sanguineous Rim]]<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b86af3f5efed618853e99c3 GalNet: New Thargoid Interceptor Encountered]</ref> have been identified as Thargoid territories, and have high concentrations of [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s.
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