Races
From Complete Mass Effect
Here you will find information on the different races inhabiting the Mass Effect universe.
[edit] Sentient Species
[edit] The Asari Republics
Main Article: asari
The asari are the most widespread race in Citadel space, and were the first to species to utilize Prothean technology. They discovered the Citadel Station. The asari are monosexual, and their features are very similar to those of human females; tall, slender and well-proportioned.
The asari are fairly centrist in diplomacy, often trying to find the middle ground in politics. The asari are a true democracy, with no proper government.
By far, the asari are the most influential race in Citadel space, possessing the largest galactic economy and a well-established diplomatic reputation. Despite their vast influence, the asari have a rather small military presence. However, their soldiers are well-armed and very skilled, excelling in the use of biotic powers.
[edit] The Batarian Hegemony
Main Article: batarians
Batarians have four eyes; two inner eyes and two outer eyes. This race was competing with humanity for control of the Skyllian Verge in 2165, largely through proxy wars fought on their behalf by sponsored criminals and slavers. their government is highly jealous and controlling, and so only checked information goes in or out of batarian space.
[edit] The Courts of Dekuun (elcor)
Main Article:elcor
The elcor have huge bodies and seem to walk on all four limbs (two arms and two legs), but they retain the capability to use their two front arms, while the elcor are territorial, they have no interest in aggressive expansion.
They follow the recommendations of their Elders, who spend years poring over ancient records of the system of laws. They are incapable of making spur-of-the-moment decisions, and rely on sophisticated virtually intelligent combat systems.
The elcor economy is small, but extremely well-developed. They do not need to trade for any resource - they have all they require to supply their own needs, and trade only finished goods. [1]
[edit] Geth
Main Article: geth
The geth are humanoid race of networked AIs that reside in the Veil, not far from the Terminus Systems, that have been seen in bipedal, humanoid configurations as well as multiple quadrupedal configurations of various sizes (From the small geth Stalkers to the rather large geth Colossus). Created 300 years ago by the quarians to be laborers and tools of war, the geth began questioning their masters as to their purpose and origins. The quarians, believing that the geth were becoming self-aware and realizing the potential threat they would pose then attempted to deactivate the geth, resulting in a war in which the geth prevailed.
The geth's Rebellion was an example of the dangers that had already led to legal, systematic repression of artificial intelligences in galactic society and the existence of the geth is a grave reminder of those dangers.
[edit] The Illuminated Primacy (hanar)
Main Article: hanar
The hanar are a race of translucent beings around three meters tall and resemble Earth jellyfish.
They have an extreme cultural obsession with politeness and proper speech. The hanar individual has two names: a "soul name" and a "face name". They refer to themselves as "This one" or "It" when speaking to anyone except close friends and family.
Hanar view the Protheans as mythological figures, the "Enkindlers".
[edit] The Keepers
Main Article: keepers
It is unsure what the keepers really are. Some theories insist that the keepers were created by the Protheans. But the Prothean VI, Vigil, said that this was untrue, and that the keepers were most likely the first race to inhabit the citadel before the Reapers came through and turned them into the mindless biological androids that they are. Continuing to lurk around the citadel, and work on the citadel. They are said to activate the citadel when the Reapers send them the signal, allowing Reaper ships to come through and take over the Galaxy.
The keepers are kept in the Citadel for maintenance reasons. As the Citadel is not entirely understood, the keepers are needed to make basic repairs. This fits in with the Reapers' plans of preventing complete understanding of the Mass Effect technology.
It is currently impossible to communicate with the keepers. Whenever a keeper is taken into custody for study, the keeper "self-destructs". An acid is released inside the body, turning it into a puddle of proteins and minerals in less than a minute.[2][3]
[edit] Krogan
Main Article: krogan
The krogan are a species of large reptilian bipeds native to the planet Tuchanka. The krogan thrived on this unforgiving planet and became more technologically advanced, particularly in weaponry. Their once thriving numbers are now significantly reduced because of a war with the turians. A genophage was activated by the turians, although some believe this was ordered by the council. This genetic punishment prevents krogans from reproducing.
[edit] Protheans
Main Article: Protheans Protheans is the name given to the mysterious alien race that is believed to have created the advanced technology scattered throughout the galaxy. They left few clues as to who they were before they went extinct. They are credited as the creators of the mass relay technology and the Citadel Station.
The following information includes plot spoilers.
During the last cycle of the Reapers, a small collection of Prothean scientists and colonists working on Ilos attempted to hide from the Reapers by entering stasis. The VI that was meant to watch over them, Vigil, was to wake them once the threat of the Reapers had passed. In order to conserve energy, however, Vigil was forced to shut down the life support of all but the brightest of the Prothean scientists. When it was sure that the Reapers had returned to dark space, the scientists were awakened. They constructed the conduit Mass Relay as a means to travel to the Citadel and stop the cycle of extinction.
[edit] Quarians
Main Article: quarians
The quarians are humanoid aliens looked down upon by many species for creating the geth 300 years ago. The geth were supposed to be a rudimentary AI used for manual labor, but they rebelled against the quarians and drove their creators into exile. Now the quarians wander the galaxy in a flotilla of salvaged ships, secondhand vessels and recycled technology. The quarians also dress themselves in these recycled materials.
See also:
[edit] Rachni
Main Article: rachni
A race of intelligent space-faring insects eradicated by the krogan.
[edit] The Salarian Union
Main Article: salarian
The salarians are a bug-eyed,reptilian species, They are intelligent race and their troops generally take the role of non-combat professions. The salarian culture and military believes in the idea of a preemptive strike.
There government is made up of millions of secluded female dynasts, who make policies among themselves with little input from males, The salarian military believes in the idea of a preemptive strike. The salarian economy is the smallest of the three Council races, but produces bleeding-edge technology
[edit] The Systems Alliance (humanity)
Main Article: Systems Alliance
Humanity has only been about of the galactic stage for the last twenty-six years, since 2157 A.D. Prior to it's discovery by the galactic community, humanity divided as it was in the early 21st century. Faster-than-light travel only become possible after the discovery of a ancient alien structure on Mars in 2148 AD. Using the faster-than-light vessels, humanity further explored their solar system and made a startling discovery.
Charon, the moon of Pluto, was in fact a mass relay. Scientists knew they existed since the library of information found at the bunker on Mars made references to them. These devices finally gave humanity the ability to reach beyond their own solar system and truly explore the galaxy.
Their first contact with another intelligent species brought war to humanity on the new frontier. The species, the turians, felt provoked by another species "invading" their space. The war became know as the First Contact War. It only lasted months and ended with the intervention of the Citadel Council. At the conclusion of the war, only six hundred and twenty-three human lives were lost with slightly more turian casualties. Some turians felt betrayed and saw the humans getting no punishment. It should be noted that the Treaty of Farixen, which the Alliance signed to gain an embassy on the Citadel, restricts their number of dreadnought-mass warships (currently 6 with one under construction) to 1/5th that of the turian fleet. Sometime in 2183 the Alliance became a leader in the Citadel and joined the Citadel Council.
[edit] Thorians (Species 37)
The thorians are a rare and ancient plant species which have evolved over eons to become powerful sentient beings with telepathic and cloning powers. A thorian uses its abilities to convert others to its will, slowly transforming them into horrific plant-based zombies. Often they will choose certain individuals to clone as its voice and protector. Keeping the original beings in specialized pods, they develop the copies within their primary bodies. The thorians suspend themselves with powerful root-like tendrils which keep them off the ground. It seems that this species has been able to develop so far because they have survived multiple galactic incursions of the Reapers. Referencing themselves as "The Old Growth", they view themselves as Gods for their abilities to endure and control. Commander Shepard will encounter a particularly powerful thorian on Feros.
[edit] The Turian Hierarchy
Main Article: turian
The turians are a race of bird-like people having a genetic code based on dextro-amino acids, they are brave and skilled warriors, although not quickly spurred to combat. The turians will never willingly leave one of their own behind.
Though they were the last of the Citadel races to join the Council, they are generally regarded as the most progressive. Their culture is based on a hierarchical meritocracy, so changes are quickly accepted by the leadership and then adopted by the rest of their society.
Turians embrace the concept of total war. They will not fight a skirmish or battle on a small scale.
[edit] The Vol Protectorate
Main Article: volus
A heavy-set species that relies on special suits and breathers to survive off their methane-based home planet. This species thrives on its economic base and draws most of its galactic influence from its wealth.
[edit] Non-Sentient / Semi-Sentient Species
Aside from the numerous space-faring sentient species of the galaxy, there are also a number of non-sentient or semi-sentient ones which roam the life-supporting planets of known space. They are listed here.
[edit] Gas Bags
Gas Bags (unofficial name) are a species of benign non-sentient creatures native to the planet Eden Prime. Around 5 feet in length (from foot to top of gas pod), these odd animals have a number of protuberant gas-filled sacs growing out of their core body structures. These pods allow the creature to float gently along from place to place. Dangling from their underbellies are four legs and four rear tendrils, each varying in length. It can be assumed that these legs are used to catch prey in shallow swamps and ponds were they congregate in groups. Its front can be designated by the neckless head attached to the main body of the animal; it has no visible mouth so a means of consumption is still unknown. It does, however, have five red eyes, three large ones and two smaller ones above. Extremely delicate, gas bags will explode if any one of their numerous gas-filled pods are punctured.
[edit] Giant Ground Beetles
This large ground dwelling species of insect is also native to Ontarom where they live as family groups in deep crevasses and valleys. They have thick purplish-blue carapaces and beady eyes with a number of short, stubby legs. Whether or not they can fly is debatable, but it has been confirmed that they raise their young, as infant beetles have been seen living amongst the family groups.
[edit] Pod Crabs
Pod Crabs (unofficial name) are a mostly benign species of non-sentient creatures native to the planet Virmire. Standing about 6 to seven 7 feet in height, these massive grey flat-headed crustaceans walk on three sturdy arms, each ending in hard points possibly used to impale prey found in the shallow beaches and estuaries along the coasts. These creatures seem to be solitary, traveling and living alone, suggesting that mating is a one-time occurrence among this species.
[edit] Shifty Looking Cows
This strange unnamed quadrupedal species is either native to Nodacrux or Ontarom, it is not certain which as they appear on both. It is likely some space-faring race is responsible for this odd coincidence. Resembling the lepticids and litopterns of ancient Earth, these mammals roam the grassy plains, grazing and wandering as a herd. They are seen both in low valleys and on high plateaus so their habitat range would seem to vary. One unique feature of this species are its two multi-fingered arms which appear to be opposable. This suggests higher intelligence as free hands means an ability to manipulate its surroundings. These creatures are also confirmed kleptomaniacs and are known to steal credits right out of the pockets of unwary explorers who come upon these curious animals.
[edit] Strange Monkeys
These as of yet unnamed primates are native to the planet Eletania, and seem to be specially conditioned to live on this world with its algae-rich atmoshpere. These creatures live together in isolated tribes dotting the numerous valleys of this young garden planet. Possessing an innate curiosity, they are known to quickly disassemble and make off with debris from any ship, pod, or probe which happens to land here. Their most notable physical features are their long tails which end in a distinctive tuft of fur and their faces, which, instead of a mouth, have a long tube with membranous feelers instead of a tongue. Presumably, the purpose of these feelers is not only to "taste" the algae-rich air, but also to collect said airborne plant life and then eat it as a primary means of consumption. Whether or not they have an alternate food source is unknown and unlikely, as their evolution seems to have specifically designated to eat algae, not unlike the ant-eater of earth. These strange monkeys are encountered in a retrevial sidequest given by Admiral Hacket if you happen to enter Eletania's system at any point during the game.
[edit] Thresher Maws
Main Article: thresher maws
Thresher Maws appear on a number of planets across the Galaxy, preferring, it seems, to live in areas that are dry and arid rather than anywhere that supports abundant amounts of life. Thresher Maws spit acid over long distances as a ranged attack, and maul anyone who gets too close to their claws. Thresher maws live underground, springing up to attack. No thresher maw has ever been confirmed dead, as they retreat underground whenever critically wounded.
[edit] Varren
Main Article: varren
Varren are a ferocious dog like animal that once only inhabited the krogan home world of Tuchanka. Like everything from Tuchanka, varren are violent, clannish and carnivores. Varren are known to habit many planets, and it is believed that this is due to the fact that as the krogans ventured the Galaxy, so did a nest of varren. Wherever a krogan has set foot, there is more than likely to be a varren population.
[edit] References
- ↑ http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/mass-effect/825047p6.html
- ↑ Mass Effect: Revelation by Drew Karpyshyn ISBN: 978-0-345-49816-8
- ↑ http://au.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/mass-effect/825047p8.html
Mass Effect: Revelation by Drew Karpyshyn ISBN: 978-0-345-49816-8
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