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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=": | At some point in the distant past, the Thargoids instigated a [[Guardian-Thargoid War|war]] with another intelligent species called the [[Guardian]]s over territory.<ref name=":5" /> Although the Guardians eventually prevailed, the Thargoids only opted to retreat because they were unprepared for a protracted campaign against a rival 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]]. | ||
Following the battle of [[HIP 22460]] and the deployment of the [[Anti-xeno superweapon|Proteus Wave]] by [[Azimuth Biotech]] (an attempt to cripple the Thargoid race) in August of 3308, the Thargoids mobilised a full [[Thargoid Maelstrom|invasion fleet]], that converged on the human inhabited [[Core Systems| | Following the battle of [[HIP 22460]] and the deployment of the [[Anti-xeno superweapon|Proteus Wave]] by [[Azimuth Biotech]] (an attempt to cripple the Thargoid race) in August of 3308, the Thargoids mobilised a full [[Thargoid Maelstrom|invasion fleet]], that converged on the human inhabited [[Core Systems|Bubble]] later that year. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
=== Origin === | === 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=": | 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. Since Thargoid vessels can hover in [[hyperspace]], it suggests that they could originate from there, or that they may use hyperspace as a conduit from a dimensional plane entirely separate from real space. Thus, the Thargoids may not just be extragalactic in origin, but extra-universal.<ref name="GOTT">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5ac6383563e2f04e9a610f73 GalNet: Genesis of the Thargoids?]</ref> | The location of the Thargoid homeworld, if such a place exists, is unknown. Professor Shaw continued to speculate that it might be somewhere beyond known space or on the other side of the Milky Way [[galaxy]]. Alternatively, the Thargoids may have become a nomadic species, existing entirely in space or within fabricated hives. It is possible they journeyed across millions of light years, from [[Andromeda]] or beyond, like a swarm of locusts seeking fresh crops to consume. Since Thargoid vessels can hover in [[hyperspace]], it suggests that they could originate from there, or that they may use hyperspace as a conduit from a dimensional plane entirely separate from real space. Thus, the Thargoids may not just be extragalactic in origin, but extra-universal.<ref name="GOTT">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5ac6383563e2f04e9a610f73 GalNet: Genesis of the Thargoids?]</ref> | ||
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=== Guardian-Thargoid conflict === | === Guardian-Thargoid conflict === | ||
[[File:Barnacle large cluster.png|thumb|250px|Barnacles]] | [[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=": | 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. | 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> | 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> | ||
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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 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> | 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/ | 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 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" /> | 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 === | ||
{{Main|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]] | [[File:Thargoid-Sensor-in-Space.png|thumb|250px|An Unknown Artefact/Thargoid Sensor, harbinger of the Thargoids' return]] | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
On August 25, 3305, a fifth interceptor type designated the 'Orthrus Variant' was spotted by multiple pilots at the abandoned Palin Research Centre on Maia A 3 | On August 25, 3305, a fifth interceptor type designated the 'Orthrus Variant' was spotted by multiple pilots at the abandoned Palin Research Centre on Maia A 3 a. This variant did not engage in combat, and fled to hyperspace immediately upon being met by human ships. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
=== Escalation of Hostilities === | ===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). | 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). | ||
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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 defense 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 Defense Force, began resigning their commissions to join Salvation's cause | 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 defense 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 Defense Force, began resigning their commissions to join Salvation's cause | ||
Later that month it was revealed that Azimuth Biochemicals had survived in some form and were responsible for the disappearance of the Alexandria and the theft of | Later that month it was revealed that Azimuth Biochemicals had survived in some form and were responsible for the disappearance of the Alexandria and the theft of its cargo. Azimuth had also been implicated in horrific experiments to interface captured test subjects with Thargoid crafts. The pleas of former Aegis head-researchers to reform their organisation fell on death 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 planet 10b 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. | 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 planet 10b 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. | ||
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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. | The Federation cracking down on Thargoid worshipping cults has fueled xeno-peace movements with the Thargoids, believing that coexistence with the species is possible, and conflict can be averted with diplomacy. On 17 November 3308, a Xeno-Peace mission is launched, where the Kingfisher megaship is to travel to Hyades Sector YO-Q b5-1, and attempt to make contact with Taranis, the Rogue Signal Source that would be the first to arrive at the Core Systems, which is also expected to pass through Hyades Sector YO-Q b5-1. The mission was ultimately a failure, and the Kingfisher was destroyed by Thargoid ships. | ||
On 29 November 3308, Taranis arrived at the Hyades Sector FB-N b7-6 system, deploying a huge number of Thargoids to invade surrounding systems in a huge escalation of the war, destroying starports, settlements, and outposts, and killing hundreds of thousands of people. Many systems are completely conquered, with stations abandoned. Taranis itself is revealed to be a large corrosive nebulae-like cloud, containing Caustic Generators and patrolling Interceptors, as well as disabling all guardian-based weaponry within | On 29 November 3308, Taranis arrived at the Hyades Sector FB-N b7-6 system, deploying a huge number of Thargoids to invade surrounding systems in a huge escalation of the war, destroying starports, settlements, and outposts, and killing hundreds of thousands of people. Many systems are completely conquered, with stations abandoned. Taranis itself is revealed to be a large corrosive nebulae-like cloud, containing Caustic Generators and patrolling Interceptors, as well as disabling all guardian-based weaponry within its 100 km wide radius. The core remains a mystery, and any approaching ships are blasted back with a very strong Thargoid Pulse released from the center. The Orthrus Interceptor returns, having rarely been seen in the past. It is speculated that they are some sort of scouting vessel, gathering data for the Thargoids without participating in any combat. When engaged, the Orthrus releases a shutdown field before jumping away, leaving behind a caustic trail as it moves. | ||
By 16 December 3308, the remaining Maelstroms; Indra, Leigong, Cocijo, Oya, Thor, Rajin, and Hadad, arrive at the core systems, each deploying Thargoid fleets to invade and conquer surrounding systems. All Thargoid vessels (including Interceptors) are now completely hostile to human ships, interdicting and destroying any ships passing through conquered systems. | By 16 December 3308, the remaining Maelstroms; Indra, Leigong, Cocijo, Oya, Thor, Rajin, and Hadad, arrive at the core systems, each deploying Thargoid fleets to invade and conquer surrounding systems. All Thargoid vessels (including Interceptors) are now completely hostile to human ships, interdicting and destroying any ships passing through conquered systems. | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
== 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>[ | Thargoids are an insectoid species. Little is known about their physical appearance and biology, and descriptions based on encounters centuries ago have yet to be verified. Their chemistry is carbon-based, but with ammonia as the solvent rather than water.<ref>[https://archive.li/r1cmc Rolling Stone: 'Elite' Creator on Sci-Fi, Politics and His Studio's Next Big Thing], through archive.today</ref> If the rumours are true that they come from [[Ammonia World|Ammonia-based planets]] then their physiology is drastically different from humans. For example, ammonia boils at -33 degrees C. Thargoids may well be acclimatised to temperatures far lower than humans.<ref name="DW" /> They are presumed to be highly intelligent, more than the average human due to their superior technological capabilities. | ||
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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Thargoid relations with other species, as far as what is currently known, was frighteningly simple: war. The Thargoid invasions usually seemed to be prompted by the need for either agricultural or mineral resources, rather than a sociological, anthropological need to expand or colonise, or simply for the fun of it. In fact, the animal life on an invaded world was largely ignored unless it poses a threat to Thargoids. | Thargoid relations with other species, as far as what is currently known, was frighteningly simple: war. The Thargoid invasions usually seemed to be prompted by the need for either agricultural or mineral resources, rather than a sociological, anthropological need to expand or colonise, or simply for the fun of it. In fact, the animal life on an invaded world was largely ignored unless it poses a threat to Thargoids. | ||
The above one-sided view has come under severe criticism lately; human Thargoid advocates are pointing out that the actions taken by the Thargoids have always been purely defensive in spite of their obvious technological capability. Conflict has typically arisen from other races (first Guardians, lately humans) moving into territory with existing Thargoid sites and seedings (see Barnacles), stealing and destroying Thargoid property.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/they-arent-here-to-kill-us-an-overly-long-analysis-of-thargoid-behaviour.610643/ | 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== | ||
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===Ships=== | ===Ships=== | ||
The [[Thargoid Interceptor]] has intricate technological and biological elements<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/ | The [[Thargoid Interceptor]] has intricate technological and biological elements<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/medusa-tissue-sample-tissue-sample-prices.395094/ Frontier Forums: Medusa Tissue Sample, Tissue Sample Prices]</ref> such as [[Thargoid Heart]]s which can repair hull damage. [[Thargoid Scout]]s lack these Hearts and are vulnerable to conventional human weapons, but the Regenerator variant of the Scout can remotely repair damage to other Thargoid ships. | ||
Thargoid ship-based weaponry has proven to be very powerful, resulting in numerous destroyed Federal and Imperial vessels, including capital ships. Commanders who reported being attacked by Thargoid Interceptors have noted they lost their ships very quickly under an onslaught of powerful missiles and [[Thargon]] drone swarms. | Thargoid ship-based weaponry has proven to be very powerful, resulting in numerous destroyed Federal and Imperial vessels, including capital ships. Commanders who reported being attacked by Thargoid Interceptors have noted they lost their ships very quickly under an onslaught of powerful missiles and [[Thargon]] drone swarms. | ||
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[[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. | [[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 [[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/ | 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> | ||
=== Unclassified Thargoid Relic === | ===Unclassified Thargoid Relic=== | ||
[[File:Unclassified Thargoid Relic.png|thumb|250x250px|Unclassified Thargoid Relic]] | [[File:Unclassified Thargoid Relic.png|thumb|250x250px|Unclassified Thargoid Relic]] | ||
* Crashed Ship: HIP 17403 / | * Crashed Ship: HIP 17403 / A 4 a | ||
* Thargoid bases (light): MEL0 22 Sector ZU-P | *Thargoid bases (light): MEL0 22 Sector ZU-P c5-1 / 4 a | ||
* Thargoid base (closer) HIP 14909 | *Thargoid base (closer): HIP 14909 / 2 a | ||
==Territory== | ==Territory== | ||
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{| class="article-table" | {| class="article-table" | ||
! System | !System | ||
! Thargoid Sites | ! Thargoid Sites | ||
! Notes | !Notes | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Col 70 Sector FY-N c21-3 | |Col 70 Sector FY-N c21-3 | ||
|Unknown | |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" /> | |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" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|Outotz ST-I d9-6 | |Outotz ST-I d9-6 | ||
|At least two Thargoid Barnacle clusters, one Thargoid Surface Site | |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> | | Discovered in September 3304 after [[The Gnosis]] was hyperdicted and prevented from jumping to the Cone Sector; also has an Ammonia World.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5b8fbf113bbf4567ff6e1c22 GalNet: Gnosis Stranded]</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Notes == | ==Notes== | ||
[[File:Evolution-of-the-Thargoids.png|thumb|250px|Evolution of the Thargoids]] | [[File:Evolution-of-the-Thargoids.png|thumb|250px|Evolution of the Thargoids]] | ||
*The Thargoids first appeared in the original ''[[Elite]]'' video game in 1984. | *The Thargoids first appeared in the original ''[[Elite]]'' video game in 1984. | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*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. | * 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. | ||
*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> | *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> | ||