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List of X Universe races
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This article is about the fictional species and factions found within Egosoft's X game series. Since X: Beyond the Frontier, the first of the X series, the fictional X Universe has been home to a number of alien species and factions. Most have been present since the first game, however, several races and factions were introduced later, through the series' storylines. Species Argon Federation The Argon are a fictional human race in the X computer game series developed by Egosoft. They are descended from Terrans, but have been living disconnected from Earth for over 800 years. They have colonised many diverse worlds and formed a Federation that enjoys relatively peaceful, profitable relations with other races. Their capital is located in Argon Prime. 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. In the late 21st Century, Earth had begun to colonise space. To aid them, the Terrans created a fleet of terraforming drones to modify hostile planet environments into a habitable state for human colonisation. However, in 2146, following a software malfunction, the terraformers turned against their creators, and quickly overran and destroyed Earth's defenseless colonies, and, within a year, were ready to "Terraform" Earth. A small fleet, led by Captain Nathan R. Gunne, engaged the Terraformers and managed to draw them away from Earth through a jumpgate, which was immediately destroyed afterwards, trapping both the Terraformer fleet, and Gunne's fleet, within the . Gunne's fleet were able to escape the Terraformers, and later crash-landed on a planet not too dissimilar from Earth, which is now known as Argon Prime, and founded the Argon Federation. Over the centuries, the Argon forgot about Earth. Political reforms made all history of Earth restricted or lost to time, however the memory and legend of Earth may have been lost if it weren't for the Goner sect. By the time of X: Beyond the Frontier (X:BTF) the Argon are a powerful race within the . In the events of X:BTF, they lead the counter-attack with help from stranded Earth pilot Kyle Brennan against the Terraformers, now known as the Xenon. The Argon are long-term allies of the Boron Kingdom, and the two races form the Foundation Guild. Although recently at peace with the Paranid Empire and Split Dynasty, diplomatic disputes occasionally flare up into skirmishes. Argon ships and technology Argon ships are considered the most well-rounded ships in the X universe. Their designs are partially inspired by the Boron Kingdom, however they do not share the peaceful nature of the Boron, meaning their ships may mount more aggressive weapons such as the Mass Driver, which completely ignores shields. The Mass Driver was developed according to some very old re-discovered documents. It's performance was so impressive, the Split Dynasty paid enormous fees for the designs so they could manufacture it as well. With the development of the M3 class Nova heavy fighter to replace the aging Elite, the Argon were the first race to incorporate turrets on fighters. They also have technologically advanced shipyards, allowing the construction of increased shield capabilities and enhanced engine performance. In the past, the other races were able to laugh at the Elite, however today it is a very different story. Although the Nova is one of the slowest M3 fighters, it carries enough firepower to silence any comparable challenger or critics. Similar upgrades were incorporated in the M4 class Buster interceptor, and the newly introduced M6 class Centaur corvette, while the Elite has since been re-designed and re-introduced to service as a next-generation M4 class fighter. Boron Kingdom The Boron are a fictional alien race in the X computer game series developed by Egosoft. They are aquatic creatures which have become one of the most technically advanced races in the X universe. They have had constant conflicts with the Split Dynasty since the end of the Boron Campaign with skirmishes on the Split-Boron border. Their home sector is Kingdom End, located North-West of Argon Prime on the galactic map. The Boron Kingdom have an elected government and a Royal Family, headed by Queen Atreus, with her daughter Princess Menelaus is the heir apparent after the death of her husband, King Rolk, in a space cruiser accident. The Boron are peaceful by nature but will defend themselves or fight in wars for the well being of themselves and their allies. They constantly have to repel minor attacks by Split pilots but they have developed many technologies to repel them. The Boron were found by Argon Federation ships searching for Xenon sectors about 450 years before the events of X: Beyond the Frontier. The Split Dynasty had destroyed most of the Boron colonies, forcing them back to Kingdom End. The Argon helped repel an attack on the Boron home-world and officially entered the war themselves. The Paranid Empire sent ships to supplement Split Dynasty warships in an attack on Argon Prime. This war is now known as The Boron Conflict. After The Boron Conflict, the Boron allied themselves with the Argon Federation and the two races formed the Foundation Guild. In response to this, the Paranid Empire and the Split Dynasty formed the Profit Guild, and accepted the Teladi Company at a later date. The Boron have had no direct contact with the Xenon, however they are well aware of their presence from their alliance with the Argon. Boron ships and technology Boron ships are designed to function both in the vacuum of space and under water, though this is only seen in X2: The Threat. Due to their peaceful nature, they specialise in defensive technologies, such as shielding, speed and non-destructive weapons like the Ion Disruptor, which can strip shields off a ship whilst doing negligible damage to the hull, destroying systems, equipment and weapons in the process. In the past, the Boron have worked very closely with Argon ship designers, even though their aggressive nature was never fully understood by the Boron. The constant threat from the Split Dynasty has also forced more ship designs to move away from their peaceful nature. Advancements in Ion weaponry and propulsion has seen a decrease in Split raids. When comparing Boron ships to their Argon counterparts, they are very similar, if less shielding. Paranid Empire The Paranid are a fictional insectoid culture in the X computer game series by Egosoft. They have a closed society based around the religious worship of "Xaar". Paranid have three eyes which, they believe, endows them with unique insight - and occasional cause of tensions between them and "lesser" two-eyed beings. They are a founding member of the Profit Guild. Their home planet resides in Paranid Prime. Around 450 years before the events of X: Beyond the Frontier (X:BTF), the Paranid were allies with the Split Dynasty in a campaign against the Boron Kingdom. With their combined force, they razed the Boron Kingdom and drove the Boron back to their home-sector, Kingdom End. Their attack was finally halted by an Argon intervention over the Boron homeworld. 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 Empire and Split Dynasty subsequently formed the Profit Guild, though there have still been many disagreements between the two races. Paranid are physically strong, with an aptitude for science. They produce a number of high-tech goods, particularly including weapons technology. They tolerate trade with the other "lower life" races, 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, making it virtually impossible to befriend or even understand them. Non-Paranids are also forbidden to settle or live within Paranid colonies. This attitude has earned them a nickname: Paranoid. The Paranid Empire is theocratic, with each Paranid sector is ruled by a 'Priest Duke' in the name of the Pontifex Maximus Paranidia - the Emperor of all Paranid. The inner-workings of their political systems are not well understood. The Paranid are founding members of the Profit Guild, with the Teladi Company and the Split Dynasty. Although recently at peace with the Argon Federation and Boron Kingdom, their relations with the Argon often grow strained, especially after the appearance of the , with trade being the only real contact between the two races. Paranid ships and technology The Paranid have always known how to make good combat ships, having the best fighter classes within the Commonwealth of Planets. However, their designs have little imagination and are purely functional, discarding most comforts. However, if you're looking for a ship that'll remain intact after a heavy fire fight, a Paranid ship would be an excellent choice. Paranid ship classes are named after figures from Greek Mythology. Paranid engineers were responsible for the creation of the Phased Shockwave Generator, and Fragmentation Bomb Launcher, having a much wider area of effect than standard lasers, but gives an increased chance of friendly fire incidents. The Paranid were forced to sell their designs for the Particle Accelerator Cannon to other races during a recession, which was rumoured to be caused by the small cargo bays in their transport ships. Since this embarrassment, the Paranid secret service has since prohibited the future sales of weapon designs to other races. Split Dynasty The Split are a fictional warlike, humanoid race in the X computer game series by Egosoft. Split society is composed of distinct clans, or Families. Each family is fiercely competitive, establishing hierarchy through might, hegemony, alliance and conspiracy. No family is sacrosanct, as demonstrated when the formerly dominant 'Chin' family were overthrown by the 'Rhonkar' between X: Beyond the Frontier and X2: The Threat. Their home planet is situated in Family Pride. About 450 years before the events of X: Beyond the Frontier, the Split Dynasty, with back up from the Paranid Empire, attacked the Boron Kingdom, destroying most Boron colonies and pushing them back to their homeworld of Kingdom End. The Argon Federation came to the aid of the Boron Kingdom, repelling Split attacks, and officially entered the war themselves. The Paranid Empire then launched a retaliatory attack against the Argon home sector, Argon Prime. Eventually, the Split Dynasty and Paranid Empire were overpowered, and conceded defeat in what was later to be known as The Boron Conflict. To this day, they still control large sections of former Boron Kingdom space. The Split are physically strong, and very social status conscious. Their ships reflect their aggressive nature, which tend to be built around heavy weaponry, with defenses added only as an after-thought. Politically, the Split are dynastic, with each sector ruled by a dominant Family. Each Split, either through birth or allegiance, belong to a certain family. Minor families compete for status, favour, and resources, but ultimately all are loyal to the dominant family - For now, at least. The Split are founding members of the Profit Guild, with the Teladi Company and the Paranid Empire. Although recently at peace with the Argon Federation and Boron Kingdom, relations are still very strained with the Boron, leading to skirmishes flaring up on the borders. Split ships and technology The split are of the firm belief of "If you can't eliminate your enemy with the first shot, get a bigger weapon or get more support". They are impatient, and have an insatiable need to be the first to join any conflict. With these beliefs, their ships usually carry powerful weapons and fast engines, but hold little in the way of shielding and defenses. In one particular project, shields were retro fitted as they were left out of the original design. The engineers still complain, citing the missed opportunity to fit the ship with more weaponry. Despite this, Split ships are known to be some of the best combat ships, if you're willing to go in to battle with weaker shields. Split ships are also still known to take use of the Markus Spacefly to power their engines. This is seen as abuse by all other races, although this has not stopped the Split. It was with extreme reluctance at first by Split traders to fit Ion Disruptors to their ships, but was later discovered they could be used to hunt for Markus Spaceflys. Teladi Company The Teladi are a fictional reptilian, humanoid race in the X computer game series by Egosoft. Everything the Teladi do is driven towards the cost and possible return. Most of the other races within the X universe view them as greedy and lazy, and some even consider them stupid, though this is mostly from those who have never traded with them. Because of this mentality, they enjoy good relations with most races, as war would generally cause damage to their profits. They were also the last species in the Community of Planets to develop space travel technology. The Teladi Company is led by a Chairman, with the current chairman being 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. Due to their liberal view of trade regulations, the Teladi Company has long been linked to Pirate activity. The Teladi are a member of the Profit Guild, along with the Paranid Empire and Split Dynasty, although they are not a founding member. Due to their reptilian nature, the Teladi are also the only species to be entirely female. The Teladi home world resides in the sector Seizewell. Teladi ships and technology The skill of a Teladi is not their ability to sell water to a Boron, as claimed by some, but the ability to adapt anything they can lay their claws on. They rarely develop technology themselves, preferring to trade it with the other races, which makes many of their ships to either perform or appear outdated. Their ships are therefore slower than most other races, but come with a wide spectrum of upgrades, larger cargo spaces, heavier shields and greater turret coverage. Although they prefer to trade than develop, the Teladi did work with Paranid Empire scientists to create the Phased Shockwave Generator. This weapon creates a wave of phased energy with a wide area of effect, making it very efficient at missile defense and clusters that have just broken apart, but is however known for the high risk of friendly fire. This, combined with their greater turret coverage, gives Teladi ships strong defensive capabilities, allowing them to better protect their profits and assets. Xenon The Xenon are a fictional AI-race in the X computer game series by Egosoft. They are the only non-biological race within the X universe, being descendants of the Terraformer fleet sent out from Earth by the Terrans, which are self-replicating AI ships. They are a plague unto the X universe, and are somewhat of an enigma to the Community of Planets. They have no contact with any other race, though there are rumours of the Split Dynasty having made contact with them in the past. They do not use any known currency, and have no apparent interest in technology or trade with other races. They have no known home planet, despite many attempts to locate one, and the size of the territory they control is unclear. Possible Xenon sectors are marked with a question mark, and a warning given to any who dare try to enter that space. The Terrans are to blame for the creation of the Xenon. During early exploration of the gate system by Earth vessels, Terraforming ships were sent to the planets discovered to create habitable environments. A software malfunction turned the Terraformers against their creators, destroying most colonies and ships within the known universe. When the Terraformers attacked Earth, a captain named Nathan R. Gunne led the remaining Terraformer vessels through a jump gate into the X universe, which was destroyed after the last ships had left, trapping Nathan R. Gunne and the Terraformers within the gate network with no possible return to Earth. Over time, the Terraformers evolved and adapted to their situation, however it is unknown if they retain their original function to terraform, or if they're now purely for seek and destroy. Whatever their function today, they still are mostly known for their actions of shooting first and not bothering to ask questions later. Xenon ships and technology Xenon ships are very aggressive, with their only apparent directive being "If it moves, shoot it down". Most Xenon ships are fast, heavily armoured and well protected. Due to their Artificial intelligence nature, they do not have any passenger ships. However, transport of materials within Xenon sectors is not yet known. Most weaponry is found to be replicated Commonwealth of Planets technology. However, the Xenon have somehow been able to develop gateless jump drives, similar to the one developed on the X-perimental Shuttle that brought Kyle Brennan to the X universe in X: Beyond the Frontier. Khaak The Khaak are a fictional insectoid race in the X computer game series by Egosoft. The Khaak first appeared in X2: The Threat, where they were the main antagonists. They have no allies, and are hostile to all races. As of today, there has been no communication from the Khaak. They are a Hive-Minded society, where the individual exists to serve the hive. Each and every Khaak will sacrifice their life without question or hesitation. Their first official appearance was during a sudden and unprecedented attack in the Argon Federation sector, President's End, completely eradicating the sector. The next major Khaak offensive was against another Argon Federation sector, Omicron Lyrae, using an M0 Mothership sized vessel in an attempt to destroy the planet. This offensive was thwarted by the Argon Federation navy, with help from the Julian Brennan and allies. In the events of X3: Reunion, the reason for their attacks is revealed. They are an advanced race living outside of the X universe's closed gate network, living in and around asteroids rich in the resource known as Nividium. Some time in the past, a ship from the Paranid Empire arrived in a Khaak sector, and began mining the Nividium-rich asteroids. This prompted a retaliatory attack from the Khaak, attacking indescriminantly, since they saw no difference between the alien races. This information is revealed by Kyle Brennan, the original player character in X: Beyond the Frontier. During X2: The Threat, he is captured by the Khaak after examining a Nividium-rich asteroid in Nyana's Hideout, which was where the legendary ship, the AP Gunner, was later discovered. He is rescued during the attack on Omycron Lyrae, and remains in a coma until mid-way through X3: Reunion. Khaak ships and technology The Khaak are highly advanced compared to the other X universe races. They use gate-less jumpdrives, similar to the one developed on the X-perimental shuttle that brought Kyle Brennan to the X universe in X: Beyond the Frontier. However, their smaller ships do not contain individual jump drives, but rather, link up into clusters to jump, which breaks up before attacking. Once the cluster breaks apart into individual ships, they then swarm the enemy with multiple small fighters and few larger ones. The main Khaak weapon is unique to the other races, they use emitter are mounted on scout ships, on larger ships from the Interceptors up to their newly discovered Corvettes, and larger emitters are mounted on their capital ships, with each subsequent weapon having longer range and more hitting power. A Super Kyon Emitter is mentioned to be in place on the M0 class ship; capable of ripping apart capital craft in mere seconds, and is supposedly to be used to break apart even planets, as we see in the attack on Omicron Lyrae (though thwarted by the player). Because the Khaak employ beam weapons, they rarely miss, making missile attacks extremely hard unless swarm missiles are used. Terrans The Terrans are a fictional human race in the X computer game series developed by Egosoft. The Terrans are the inhabitants of Earth and the Solar System. They are a technologically advanced race, and although they are genetically identical to the Argon, they are highly suspicious of all other races, including the Argon. They have been connected to the X universe's gate system in the past, however have remained isolated since the Terraformer War which almost destroyed Earth. The Terrans are responsible for the creation of the Xenon. When the Terrans originally joined the X universe's gate system, they sent a fleet of terraforming drones to create habitable environments for human colonisation. However, a software malfunction turned the Terraformers against the Terrans, attacking and destroying the human colonies, and within a year, launched an attack on Earth to "Terraform" it. A captain named Nathan R. Gunne engaged the Terraformers, and led them through Earth's jumpgate that connected the Terrans to the X universe. Once the Terraformers were led through the gate, it was immediately destroyed, trapping the Terraformers and Nathan R. Gunne's fleet within the X universe, preventing any return to Earth. Hundreds of years later, the Terrans developed a gate-less jump drive system, which was fitted to the X-perimental Shuttle. This was piloted by Kyle Brennan, the main player character of X: Beyond the Frontier. During a malfunction, the X-perimental shuttle mis-jumped and stranded Kyle Brennan in the Teladi home sector Seizewell. After managing to repair his ship, establish contact with the Argon Federation, and befriend the Goners Kyle was able to convince the Commonwealth of Planets to lead an offensive against the Xenon. After destroying the Xenon's M0 class ship, he founded Terracorp, using the funds of the company to develop the Jumpdrive and Transporter Device in a hope of finding some way back to Earth. During the events of X3: Reunion, a Paranid Empire experiment in jumpgate building in the sector Heretic's End, which was hijacked by Julian Brennan, Kyle Brennan and a Goner named Thomas, led to the re-connection of Earth to the X universe. This prompted the Terrans to believe a Terraformer attack was imminent, sending multiple warships through the gate to protect Earth from any possible threat. While the gate was being reconnected, the launched a third offensive in to Commonwealth of Planets space, however the arrival of the Terran fleet in Heretic's End brought a quick defeat to the Kha'ak fleet. In the time between X3: Reunion and X3: Terran Conflict, the Terrans had annexed Heretic's End from the Paranid Empire with little contest, and moved the jumpgate from Earth orbit to the Asteroid Belt to better prevent any unauthorised ships from entering Earth orbit. During the events of X3: Terran Conflict, the Terrans are attacked within the Solar System for the first time since the Terraformer War by the Xenon, the evolutionary descendants of the Terraformers. This prompts an investigation into the Commonwealth of Planets, and during a patrol through Argon Federation space, original Terraformer ships are encountered. The Terrans believe that these ships are being manufactured somewhere within the Commonwealth of Planets, which is later found to be done by the Family Zyarth of the Split Dynasty. When a Family Zyarth scientist is captured, he reveales that one of the original Terraformer creators, Winters, had survived the war, and was manipulating the Xenon from a lost Terran colony, Aldrin. When the Terrans jump to Aldrin, it is revealed that a single Terraformer CPU, DECA, ship did not have the disastrous software malfunction that other Terraformer CPU ships received, however this was being manipulated by Winters against the Aldrin colonists will. DECA is re-captured, however Winters escapes. Later, the Terrans re develop the technology to create jump gates, and link the systems once lost to the Terraformer War back to the Solar System, prompting a new age of rediscovery and expansion. Terran ships and technology The Terran space forces are divided in to two parts: The United Space Command (USC), and the AGI Task Force (ATF). While the USC does the bulk of the defence against outside threats, the ATF specialise in the defense against and prevention of development of Artificial Intelligence, lest they produce another entity like the Xenon. USC ships are usually fast, well armed, however have mediocre shielding, whereas ATF ships have all the strengths of Terran ships, plus heavier shielding, and are considered some of the deadliest ships within the X universe. While USC ships are purchasable from Terran shipyards, ATF ships are not, and cannot be captured unless boarded. Terran weapons tend to focus more on all-round performance, compared to Commonwealth of Planets weapons which are more role focused. The main weapons to the terrans are the Electro-Magnetic Plasma Cannon, Matter/Anti-Matter Launchers, Starburst Shockwave Cannons and Point Singularity Projectors, all having equivalents to Commonwealth technology, but are usually superior in every way, making Terran ships highly dangerous to their opponents . It is quite difficult to gain access to Terran technology, however if you can, most weaponry is incompatible with non-terran vessels. Sohnen The Sohnen, First make an appearance in the novel Farnham's Legend. Little is revealed about the Sohnen, even with the later small role in X3: Reunion . All is revealed, is that they work for the ancients, the builders of the gate system. Factions Several factions 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 Civilization. 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 in 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 after 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. 
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