List of X Universe races

This article is about the fictional species found within Egosoft's X Universe.

Relevance of fictional species in the X series

Since "", the first of the X series, the fictional X Universe has been home to a number of alien residents. Most have been present since the first game, however, several races and factions were introduced later, through the series' story-lines. Throughout the series, the games' races have had notable impacts on the plot, gameplay, and immersiveness of the X game series.

Plot Presentation

was variously criticised and praised for its "skimpy manual", intentionally designed to give the player minimal information on the game's alien universe.cite news |first=Michael E |last=Ryan |title=X: Beyond the Frontier |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/sim/10beyondthefrontier/review.html |work=GameSpot |publisher=GameSpot |date=2000-02-09 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ] " [The] manual gives nothing away. There are no histories of the six discordant races, no maps of the systems".cite news |first=Richie |last=Shoemaker |title=X - Beyond The Frontier |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3667 |work=PC Zone |publisher=Future Publishing Limited. |date=2001-08-13 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ] Consequently, the plot presentation, explanation of the universe, its economics and inhabitants, and even some basic game concepts is presented through interaction with the X-Universe's indigenous races. The player must learn autonomously from the alien universe.

This design decision led to one reviewer complaining "This means ... skip the dialogue, and have no idea what's going on, or ... sit through twenty minutes of inane conversation with a lizard creature who sounds vaguely like a snake speaking English from the bottom of a toilet."cite news |first=Christopher |last=Buecheler |title=X - Beyond The Frontier |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/xbeyond_a.shtm |work=GameSpy |publisher=GameSpy Industries |date=2000-03-17 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ] Another reviewer was more ambivalent, claiming "From the outset, the game is a voyage of discovery, thanks to the fact that the manual gives nothing away", while acknowledging an "unhealthy dose of frustration" along the way. IGN note that by presenting the game primarily through in-universe agents, "the game actually uses your complete ignorance of what's going on around you to add a sense of adventure and mystery to the tale"cite news |first=Trent C |last=Ward |coauthors=IGN Staff |title=X: Beyond the Frontier |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/164/164232p1.html |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |date=2000-03-06 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ] a presentation style PC Zone describes as "unique".

Since , Egosoft has frequently presented official instruction manual information through in-universe fictional frames, such as 'TerraCorp Pilot's Manual'. ["X²: The Threat" Manual. English. Available from [http://jarcas.dreamhosters.com/rdocs/X2_-_The_Threat_-_Manual_-_PC.pdf www.replacementdocs.com] ] "X³: Reunion" Manual (1.4 Update) English. Available from [http://www.egosoft.com/download/x3/patches_en.php?download=144 Egosoft's website] .]

Diversity

Unlike earlier games, such as Elite, where diverse locations across the universe traded identical goods, in the X series, goods are race specific. " [Each] race produces a number of specific products, many of which are unobtainable (and sometimes illegal) in other systems". This diversity makes it profitable for the player to explore new trade routes.In addition, each race has their own ships, add-ons and specialised weapons, that can only be bought in their stations. In "X³: Reunion", reputation becomes a factor. To purchase certain goods, the player will need to earn a race's trust. "If your rank is high enough, you should be able to buy some of the better gear they reserve only for their exclusive buddies. Use it or just continue buying it and selling it to others. It's up to you."

"Increasing your reputation will earn you access to additional missions, and it will also increase the likelihood that you'll become a target of fortune hunters or vengeance seekers. There are also dozens of ship upgrades to acquire, ranging from more powerful weapons and engine upgrades to equipment that will give you the ability to mine or collect organic samples ... since you're consistently getting accolades or tangible benefits for achievements, gameplay is addictive."cite news |author=Desslock |title=X2: The Threat (White Label) |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/sim/x2thethreat/review.html?page=2 |work=GameSpot |publisher=GameSpot |date=2003-12-22 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]

The Living Universe

As the X series developed, reviews tended to praise the games' open-ended sandbox mode over their linear story-lines. X games were compared favourably with games such as Morrowind and Grand Theft Autocite news |first=Tom |last=Chick |title=X2: The Threat (PC) |url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/x2-the-threat/6479p2.html |work=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |date=2003-12-16 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]

" [The] X series has never really been about the story. It’s been about empire building, combat, and trading, ... Egosoft is so aware of this fact that [in ] they give the player an option to forgo the plot experience altogether and simply be thrown into the universe to do as they please ... This is a welcome addition."

"Some sectors, like Boron space, are well-patrolled and good places to start out as a novice, but they lack the kind of bargains and action that a more advanced trader or combat jockey will enjoy. Others, like the Paranid sectors, provide more opportunities for traders in search of a great deal, but also numerous pirates looking to feast on those same traders ... There are also other traders, various policing forces, taxis, independent travelers, pirates (as already noted), and the Khaak and Xenon, two mysterious races who prefer reducing the rest of existence to interstellar rubble."cite news |first=Barry |last=Brenesal |title=X3: The Reunion |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/673/673886p1.html |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |date=2005-12-06 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]

pecies

Argon

The Argon are a human faction living in the X Universe. They are descended from Terrans, but have been living disconnected from Earth for over 800 years. They have colonised many worlds and formed a Federation that enjoys peaceful, profitable relations with other races.

In the late 21st Century, Earth started to colonise space. To aid them, Earth's Terrans created the "Terraformer": a kind of self-replicating spacecraft which would seek out new worlds and make them suitable for human colonisation. However, in 2146, following a software malfunction, the Terraformer turned. They quickly devastated Earth's defenseless colonies, and, within a year, were ready to "Terraform" Earth.A daring fleet, led by Nathan R. Gunne, engaged the Terraformer and managed to draw them away from Earth through a jumpgate which was then destroyed, trapping the Terraformer fleet, along with Gunne’s fleet, in the X Universe. Gunne's fleet escaped the Terraformer and later crash-landed on a planet in the sector now known as Argon Prime.

Over the centuries, the Argon forgot Earth. Historical references were lost or restricted, and even the legend of Earth may have been lost if not for the Goner sect.

By the time of ' ("X:BTF") the Argon are a powerful race within the X-Universe. In the events of X:BTF, with the help of Kyle William Brennan from Earth, they counter-attack the Terraformers, now known as the Xenon. The Argon Federation"' is democratic, with every city and space station/factory having its own senator. The leader of the Federation is known as the President, the holder of this position changes between games. Argon worlds range from desert planets to Earth-like worlds.

The Argon are long-term allies of the Boron and the two form the Foundation Guild. Although recently at peace with the Paranid, Split and Teladi, political disputes occasionally flare up into skirmishes.

Boron

The Boron are an aquatic, peace-loving race, whose alliance with the Argon Federation forms the X-Universe's Foundation Guild. They have colonised many worlds forming a Kingdom that enjoys peaceful relations with most races, although, due to their history, relations with the Split are often strained.

About 450 years before the events of , the Boron were discovered by Argon ships. They had been all but destroyed. The Split had attacked the Boron and, with the help of the Paranid, had devastated the Boron colonies. The Boron had been forced back to their home-sector. The Argon stepped in to help repel a Split assault on the Boron home-world, and officially entered the war.Between them, the Boron and Argon pushed back the Split, recapturing former Boron sectors. The Split eventually conceded the war. Upon victory, the Boron and Argon formed the permanent alliance which became the Foundation Guild.

By the time of the X Series, the Boron are a technologically advanced race, specialising in non-lethal weapons technology and propulsion technologies that can function in space and under water (seen in ). The Boron Kingdom have an elected government with a Constitutional monarchy, headed by Queen Atreus. Her daughter, Princess Menelaus, is heir.

The Boron, along with the Argon, form the Foundation Guild. The Boron are naturally peaceful but will defend themselves and their allies. The Boron have good relations with the Teladi, and Paranid, but distrust the Split. The Boron frequently fend off minor attacks by Split pilots and constantly develop technologies to deter them.

Kha’ak

The Kha'ak are an insectoid alien race, first appearing in "X²: The Threat" where they are the main antagonist. They have no allies, and are hostile to all races. As of "", there has been no communication from the Kha'ak.

The Kha'ak's first official sighting, is when they jump into the Argon sector President's End and devastate the sector. Subsequently, they appear randomly throughout the X Universe, attacking anything in sight. In their next major attack, the Kha’ak attempt to destroy the central planet in the Argon sector, Omicron Lyrae. This plan may be thwarted by the player (Julian Brennan) and allied forces.

Through "X³: Reunion" the reason for their attacks is revealed. They are an advanced race living outside the closed X Universe in asteroids rich in a material known as "Nividium". Some time in the past, a Paranid ship arrived within a Kha'ak sector and began to mine such Nividium-rich asteroids, prompting the Kha'ak to attack all races indiscriminately, since they saw no difference between alien races.

Information on the Kha'ak comes from Kyle Brennan - the player character from the original game. Kyle is captured by the Kha'ak shortly before the events of "X²: The Threat", and can be rescued in the final plot mission at Omicron Lyrae. After rescue, he remains in a coma. Brennan recovers during the plot of "X³: Reunion" and assists the Argon, providing insight into the Kha'ak.

The Kha'ak are advanced compared to other X Universe races. They use jump-drives which do not require a gate, allowing them to 'spawn' anywhere in a sector - an ability unique in the X Universe. Kha'ak ships appear as a cluster, with many ships joined together, and only breaking up to attack an enemy. They then swarm the enemy, attacking with many small fighters and a few larger ships. Kha'ak ships use a unique beam weapon.

Paranid

The Paranid are an industrious but secretive insectoid race. They have a closed society based around the religious worship of "Xaar". Paranid have three eyes which, they believe, endows them with unique insight - an occasional cause of tensions between them and "lesser" two-eyed beings. They are a founding member of the Profit Guild.

Around 450 years before the events of the first X game, the Paranid allied the Split in a campaign against the Boron. With their combined force, they razed the Boron Kingdom and drove the Boron to their home-sector. Their attack was finally halted by an Argon intervention over the Boron home-world. In the following years, their conquests were reversed and the Split and Paranid were driven from Boron space. Finally a peace treaty was agreed.The Argon Federation and the Boron Kingdom soon solidified their alliance into the Foundation Guild. The Paranid and Split subsequently formed the Profit Guild.

Paranid are physically strong, with an aptitude for science. They produce a number of high-tech goods - including weapons technology. They tolerate trade, but are culturally insular and do not encourage social contact with other races. Strangers are unwelcome in their sectors, and will typically be turned away. The Paranid Empire is theocratic, with each Paranid sector is ruled by a 'Priest Duke' in the name of the Pontifex Maximus Paranidia - the Empereror of all Paranid. The inner-workings of their political systems are not well understood.

The Paranid are long-term members of the Profit Guild, with the Teladi and Split. Although recently at peace with the Argon and Boron, their relations with the Argon often grow strained.

plit

The Split are a warlike, humanoid race, ruled by a single dominant family. Split society is comprised of distinct clans - or 'Families'. The Families are fiercely competitive, establishing hierarchy through might, hegemony, alliance and conspiracy. Even a dominant Family is never sacrosanct, as demonstrated when the formerly dominant 'Chin' were deposed by the 'Rhonkar'. The Split are a founding member of the Profit Guild. They share many contested borders with the Boron.

About 450 years before the events of "X: Beyond the Frontier", the Split attacked the Boron, destroying most Boron colonies and forcing them back to their home-world. The Argon Federation helped the Boron repel the Split attack on their home-world, saving the Boron, and officially entering the war themselves. The Paranid Empire sent ships to supplement Split warships in an attack on Argon Prime. The Split, and the allied Paranid, were overpowered by the Boron-Argon alliance, and eventually lost the war - now known as "the Boron Conflict".The Split and Paranid subsequently formed the Profit Guild.

Split are physically strong, and socially status-conscious. They tend toward aggression - as aptly demonstrated in their ship designs, which tend to be built around heavy weaponry, with defences added as an after-thought. Politically, they are dynastic. Within the Split Dynasty, each sector is ruled by a 'Family'. Each Split, by birth or allegiance, belongs to a certain family. One family is dominant. Minor families compete for status, favour, and resources, but all are loyal to the dominant family - for now, at least.

The Split are long-term members of the Profit Guild, with the Paranid and the Teladi. Although recently at peace with the Argon and Boron, their relations with the Boron are poor, and often lead to small scale skirmishes. In addition, the Split's use of the endangered "Markus Space Fly" in ship propulsion, is a continual point of conflict between them and the other races. Additionally, the Split are the only race to have had communication with the Xenon, a fact which has caused widespread distrust.

Teladi

The Teladi are a humanoid reptilian species. Their thirst for profit is renowned as most of their decisions as a species is based on the cost and possible return. They enjoy good relations with most races due to trade. They were the last species in the Community of Planets to develop space travel technology and start exploring the X Universe.

They are led by Chairman Ceo. The Teladi company is not a member of the Universe Transport Regulations group, so it is legal to buy, sell, and consume Space Weed and Space Fuel in Teladi sectors without police intervention. SQUASH mines are also tradable in their sectors. The Teladi are generally a peaceful race as provoking an attack may result in lost profit. The Teladi have long been linked to Pirate activity."X³: Reunion" Manual (1.4 Update) English. P90.]

The Teladi are driven by profit. As such, they need to protect their ships and cargo the best way possible while keeping a sizable cargo bay. Teladi transport ships usually have good shields and good turret defences, but are slow. ["X³: Reunion" Manual (1.4 Update) English. P91.] The Phased Shockwave Generator (PSG) is a joint development between Teladi and Paranid scientists. This weapon creates a wave of phased energy with a wide area of effect. It is particularly good as a missile defence and against small ships, making it a suitable defence weapon. It is excellent against Khaak clusters, since they consist of many weak ships close together. On a negative note, it is prone to hit friendly ships, too. ["X³: Reunion" Manual (1.4 Update) English. P76.]

Terran

The humans from the Sol System are called Terrans. They have joined the gate network several times in their history. The first instance connected them with a collection of sectors with no intelligent life present. Their creations, the Terraformers, destroyed several colonies and the resulting conflict climaxed with the destruction of the Earth gate, removing them from the network. Development of an experimental jumpdrive transported test pilots Kyle Brennan and Elena Kho into an inhabited collection of sectors.During the events of "X³: Reunion", a new gate arrived at Earth, reconnecting them.

Xenon

The Xenon are a plague on the X Universe, gaining a foothold where they can and attacking any ship which gets too close. They have no contact with any of the other races in the X Universe, although the Split have had contact in the past.

The Terrans are to blame for the existence of the Xenon. During the early stages of exploration of the gate system by Earth, Terraformer AI ships were sent to transform uninhabitable planets into planets like Earth, capable of supporting humans. Due to a software error the Terraformer fleet turned against its creators, destroying most colonies and ships in the X Universe. When the fight got to Earth, a few daring ships lead by Nathan R. Gunn managed to draw the remaining Terraformer fleet through the Earth jumpgate to the X Universe. The gate was then destroyed, trapping the Terraformers and Nathan R. Gunn’s fleet in the X Universe, with no return to Earth possible.

After establishment of the Argon—Nathan R. Gunn’s fleet's descendants—the Terraformers started an attack on several sectors in the X Universe. These attackers were named Xenon as they were unknown. Earth had been stripped from history, along with the stories of the Terraformers.

ohnen

First mentioned in "X³: Reunion", little is known of this race.

Factions

Several factons have formed between the many races of the X Universe. In the games some of these are seen as a single race which consists of several species.

Pirates

The pirates are a coalition of individuals from the Argon, Boron, Paranid, Split and Teladi, who take part in illegal activities such as smuggling and attacking freighters. They are considered enemies by all governments except the Teladi who freely trade with them. There are several sectors under pirate control and Pirate Bases hidden in sectors across the universe.

Yaki

The Yaki are a criminal organisation consisting of several species. They were introduced during the X3: Reunion plot as a gangster organisation. Outside of the plot they are a collection of ships that launch raids on other ships.

Goner

The Goner are a sect which originated on Argon Prime. Their purpose was to spread the good word from the book of truth, speaking of the holy Planet Earth which they believed to be the first homeworld of the Argon Civilisation. The majority of the Argon people and the Argon Government did not support the teachings. Several individuals from several species are supposed members of the sect. The reconnection of Earth to the gate network will no doubt give them much more leverage in the Argon Government

Terracorp

Terracorp is a corporation specialising is high tech goods. It was set up by Elena Kho and Kyle Brennan after they were stranded in the X Universe. They are based in the Argon sector, Home of Light. The jumpdrive is the only known piece of equipment for sale that is of Terracorp origin.

Foundation Guild

The Foundation Guild consists of the Argon Federation and Boron Kingdom. It was formed during the Boron Campaign where the Argon supported the Boron against the Split and Paranid.

Profit Guild

The Profit Guild was formed by the Paranid Empire and Split Dynasty to counter the rising Foundation Guild. The Teladi later joined.

Community of Planets

The Community of Planets is the collective term for the 5 dominant biological species, the Argon, Boron, Paranid, Split and Teladi. The Xenon are exempt as they do not abide to any government structure.

References