Thargoid

File:Thargoid ship.gif

A Thargoid ship in Frontier: First Encounters

The Thargoids are an insectoid alien race who are said to originate outside of known space, perhaps existing in a parallel universe or spacial dimension.  Thargoids are the one of two known sapient species in the galaxy (the other being human), although artifacts of other races have been found. Of course a lot of the galaxy remains unexplored so there may be races not yet discovered, but we should expect them to be quite rare.

They are very hostile and aggressive and have not been interested in diplomatic relations to date. It has been rumoured that Thargoids could be capable of building large artificial structures which could possibly be on a scale with planets, and certainly large enough to negate a ship's warp ability.

Certain events in Frontier: First Encounters have indicated that there may be another side to Thargoids; in prior conflicts, they have shown some anomalous behavior that does not entirely match with their popular image as relentless killing machines. At some point, a Commander Jameson may or may not have interacted with them, and may or may not have chosen to provide them with the vaccine to a genetically-engineered bacterium that attacked critical materials in their hyperdrives, preventing the construction of interstellar vehicles. If not, and if they appear in Dangerous regardless, then it can be assumed they developed a countermeasure on their own.

Frontier Development staff have previously commented that all Thargoids are female. David Braben hinted that should peace have ever been found with Thargoids, it would be a temporary measure.

It is not known what role they will take in Elite: Dangerous in their final incarnation, initially though they will be limited to encounters , but we can be sure they will be there.

Appearance

The common Thargoid warrior is a dark chitin-covered insect measuring just over 7 feet / 2 metres in height. They have six limbs, two of which are dedicated walking limbs (legs). The remaining four limbs have jointed hands each possessing three digits, one of which is an opposable thumb.

The head is a triangular ovoid in shape, with prominent faceted eyes mounted to the front. In general, the overall impression is similar to that of a praying mantis. There are two short antennae that protrude from the top of the head. The mouth is on the underside of the front point of the triangular head, and is relatively small. It is surrounded to two strong mandibles. The neck is very short but thick and sturdy, and can rotate 60 degrees.

The body of a Thargoid is segmented into two distinct sections. The upper segment is approximately egg-shaped with a slight distension at the upper end just below the junction to the neck and head; this is where the upper limbs join the body. The lower segment is a tapered oval that arcs slightly towards the rear and forms a rounded point. The junction of these two segments is a heavily muscled narrow waist which the Thargoid can twist to approximately 100 degrees.

The lower four limbs are attached to the lower body segment. The lowest pair, or the traditional legs, are attached just above the point where the segment begins to bend rearwards. These legs have knee joints and ankle joint, and are terminated with clawed appendages. The ankles allow the Thargoid to use the lowest part of the limb as feet, providing stability and agility when standing erect. These legs are also double jointed at the knees. The middle pair of limbs are primarily used as manipulating limbs, but are also seen as propelling limbs when a Thargoid is running. These limbs are jointed at elbow and wrist, and end in clawed hands. There are four digits, including an opposable thumb, and these are clawed. The claws are short and horny. These legs are usually held folded against the front of the body.

The upper limbs are dedicated manipulatory limbs. These are jointed at the elbows and wrists. The elbow is jointed to the rear, similar to human arms. The hands end in four clawed digits, one of which is an opposable thumb. These digits are more flexible and agile than the ones on the middle limbs.

Thargoids can walk erect on the hind legs, but have been seen to drop to four legs when running, using the middle limbs in addition to the rear legs.

Not much is known about the internal workings of Thargoid anatomy. Dissection of specimens have revealed the presence of several organs analogous to humans, as well as some that are common in insectoid races. Oresrian medical personnel have verified the presence of respiratory and circulatory organs as well as the digestive organs and system. They have also identified several glands such as excretory, pheromonal and communication glands (most insectoid communication is a hybrid of aural and pheromone methods). The fabled 'fear glands' thought to be removed from Thargoid warriors are thought to be located in the upper thorax, where scar tissue has been found. No notable reproductive organs have been found in specimens, leading scientists to theorize that there must be a separate phenotype of Thargoid that is responsible for the reproductive act.

Society

Not much information has been obtained about Thargoid society or culture. The only known fact is that the society is hive based, with no sense of close family. It is thought that the society is divided into colonies, possibly along the lines of ant colonies.

Thargoids are thought to have a natural affinity with space, and with witchspace in particular. This is due to the fact that Thargoid warriors seem to spend a large amount of time in space. Naval pilots and crews report that the warships in the war zones are encountered on repeated occasions over a period of months often without respite.

Based on the study of some wrecked ships, Thargoids as a race seem to have a very spartan approach to furnishing and belongings. Crew quarters are practically devoid of possessions other than those necessary for military crew. All belongings are functional and necessary.

Politics

Nothing is known about internal Thargoid politics.

Thargoid relations with other races is frighteningly simple: war. The three largest organisations in Galaxy 1 are all at war with the Thargoid race, and they are constantly under threat of planetary invasion.

The Thargoid invasions usually seem to be prompted by the need for either agricultural or mineral resources, rather than a sociological or anthropological need to expand or colonise. In fact, the animal life on an invaded world is largely ignored unless it poses a threat to Thargoids.

Technology

Thargoid technology is vastly different and in many ways far superior to established GalCop technology. The warships have no visible form of propulsion, neither from vented emissions nor engine exhausts, yet they are manoeuvrable and agile.

The Thargoids are also superior in the use of advanced AI and remote craft, an area in which GalCop is sadly behind.

Other fields of technology that the Thargoids are in advance of GalCop, include metallurgy, biogenetics, physics and weapons tech. Their hyperdrives and shield technologies are also superior.

Origins of name

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.

The animated skits show the Thargoids as a race of tall, transparent creatures who are part of a highly-wealthy monarchical society. It is assumed that their main source of income is profiting from the sale of natural resources taken from planets they have colonised stretching billions of light years.