Difference between revisions of "Orz"

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The '''Orz''' are — or perhaps "is" — an alien species first encountered by [[The Captain]] in the space near where the [[Androsynth]] had been known to reside.  Despite a notable distaste for the human-derived Androsynth and for the mysterious [[Arilou]], Orz happily joined with the [[New Alliance of Free Stars]] and provided its powerful [[Nemesis]] starship designs to aid in the Second War.
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{{RaceBoxPurple
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|name=Orz
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|image=[[File:OrzComm.png]]
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|caption=Orz *fingers*
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|homeworld=[[Gamma Vulpeculae I]]
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|coordinates=371.3 : 253.7
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|organizations=[[New Alliance of Free Stars]] [[Neutral|(optional)]]
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|ship=[[Nemesis]]
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}}
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 +
The '''Orz''' (pronounced {{IPA|/ɒz/}} or {{IPA|/oɹz/}}) are — is — an alien species/projections of an extradimensional entity first encountered by [[The Captain]] in former [[Androsynth]] space.  Despite a notable distaste for the human-derived Androsynth and for the mysterious [[Arilou]], the Orz would happily join with the [[New Alliance of Free Stars]] and provide [[the Captain]] with their powerful [[Nemesis]] starship designs, if desired.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
  
Orz appear as gill-breathers who resemble yellow parrotfishes with eyestalks, though it is not known if this is their actual true form. It is likely that Orz come from another dimension, and when asked about their origins, Orz explain that the [[Arilou]] are from *above* and that Orz is from *below*. The precise meaning of this explanation is still up to debate, although the Arilou make it clear that Orz is not from [[QuasiSpace]].
+
Orz appear as gill-breathers who resemble yellow parrotfishes with eyestalks, though it is not known if this is their actual true form (or if such terms are actually applicable to them). Direct conversation with Orz, despite the translation difficulties, usually leads to the conclusion that the Orz come from another dimension; additionally the [[Arilou]] describe the Orz as "dimensional travellers." When asked about their origins, the Orz explain that, though both the Arilou and the Orz are from the *outside*, the Arilou are from *above* while the Orz are from [[*Below*|*below*]]. The precise meaning of this explanation is still up to debate. There are three possible interpretations — if *above* refers to QuasiSpace, *below* would then likely refer to another, similar dimension located on the "other side" of [[HyperSpace]] and [[TrueSpace]]; if *outside* refers to QuasiSpace, then *above* and *below* might be regions of QuasiSpace; *above* and *below* may also stand for an obscure characteristic of the Orz in contrast to Arilou.
  
There has been some discussion that Orz as it is seen in normal space is actually a projection of some higher-dimensional being studying our reality. Orz refers to what is seen of itself in the known dimensions as its *fingers* and explains that it is not like other races who are *many bubbles*. Additionally, Orz always refers to itself in the singular third person, although whether this is another quirk of Orz's odd speech pattern or a reference to its possible true form is unclear.
+
There has been some discussion — confirmed by [[Fred Ford]] and [[Paul Reiche III]] — that the Orz as they are seen in normal space are actually a projection of some higher-dimensional being, namely [[They|Them]].{{ref|1}} The Orz-entity refers to what is seen of itself in the known dimensions as its *fingers* and explains that it is not like other races who are *many bubbles*. In essence, all Orz may be multiple manifestations of ''the same creature''. The Orz sometimes refer to themselves in the singular third person, although whether this is another quirk of the Orz's odd speech pattern or a reference to their true essence is unclear.
  
 
==Origin==
 
==Origin==
  
Orz is a newcomer to [[TrueSpace]], that appeared suddenly in the vicinity of the Vulpeculae constellation, the adopted homeworlds of the [[Androsynth]]. As the Androsynth vanished about the same time Orz arrived, it is reasonable to think that Orz did something to them, but asking Orz about the subject infuriates it.  It is possible that the [[Dimensional Fatigue]] Experiments that were being performed by the Androsynth (and apparently the [[Taalo]] before them) may have been what brought the constellation to Orz's attention.
+
The Orz are a newcomer to [[TrueSpace]] that appeared suddenly in the vicinity of the [[Vulpeculae]] constellation, the adopted homeworlds of the [[Androsynth]]. As the Androsynth vanished about the same time the Orz arrived, it is reasonable to think that the Orz did something to them, but asking the Orz about the subject infuriates them. The [[Melnorme]] and the [[Spathi]] state that the Orz caused the Androsynth disappearance, but both admit that this is their belief and not an actual certainty. Based on comments from the [[Arilou]], it is possible that the [[Inter-Dimensional Fatigue]] experiments that were being performed by the Androsynth (and perhaps the [[Taalo]] before them) brought the Vulpeculae constellation to the Orz's attention.
 +
 
 +
[[Image:orz_captain.png|right|110px|Orz Nemesis captain]]
 +
Just where the Orz resided before arriving in the area of Vulpeculae is unknown. The Orz indicate that they like TrueSpace and even prefer it over their origin dimension and are now in the process of fully moving into TrueSpace.  They also denote that they have no intention of returning at any time to their original home.
 +
 
 +
==Relations with other races==
 +
Only a few of the races in Star Control II mention the Orz at all. This is not surprising as they appear to be new in TrueSpace. The relations that they do have are as mysterious as the Orz themselves.
  
Just where Orz resided before arriving in the area of Vulpeculae is unknown. Orz does indicate that it likes TrueSpace, and it even prefers TrueSpace over where it came from, so it is in the process of moving itself to TrueSpace completely.
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===Androsynth===
 +
The appearance of the Orz coincided with the disappearance of the Androsynth from the same location. In fact, both the Arilou and the Orz themselves suggest that it was the [[Dimensional Fatigue|IDF]] research of the Androsynth which enabled the Orz to come to TrueSpace.
 +
 
 +
Whether the Orz themselves were the cause for the disappearance of the Androsynth is the subject of a lot of speculation. Evidence for it exists, but is very circumstantial. Whatever their involvement, asking too much about the Androsynth is enough reason for the Orz to attack you.
 +
 
 +
===Arilou Lalee'lay===
 +
Dialogues with both the Arilou and Orz suggest that they have had contact outside of TrueSpace. The Orz do not like the Arilou very much, and complain that the Arilou are always "*jumping in front*". Conversely, the Arilou warn not to trust the Orz, as they are dangerous.
 +
 
 +
===Melnorme===
 +
The Melnorme know of the existence of the Orz, and that they appeared when the Androsynth disappeared. Whether they've met them in person is unclear. While there is a Melnorme trader in Orz space, the Orz never mention Melnorme.
 +
 
 +
===Spathi===
 +
The Spathi also mention that the Orz entered this space when the Androsynth disappeared. They think that they are creepy and warn against an alliance. This is all based on their own speculation though, and arguably the Spathi would object to an alliance with almost any race on this basis. Whether they have met the Orz in person or only heard about them from descriptions is unclear.
 +
 
 +
===Taalo===
 +
The Orz mention the Taalo on several occasions. They seem to have been in contact over a longer period of time. According to the Orz, the Taalo have fled TrueSpace to [[*Pretty Space*]], to which the Orz can also go. The Orz refer to [[Delta Vulpeculae II-C]] as the Taalo *playground*, where the Taalo "are making *Time jokes*", and the Orz *chase* the Taalo and *play* with them. The Orz consider the Taalo to be better *campers* than the Humans. As the Orz language isn't very clear, it may be that this is all in the past though.
 +
 
 +
===VUX===
 +
The Orz briefly mention the VUX, as being "*silly cows*" for asking too many questions about the Androsynth, which prompted the Orz to attack the VUX. (*silly cows* are races disliked by Orz)
  
 
==Theories==
 
==Theories==
 +
There are various theories to explain the various mysteries surrounding the Orz.
 +
 +
===The Orz are [[They|Them]]===
 +
There are theories that the Orz are in fact the ghost-like creatures that the Androsynth IDF researchers (and [[Bukowski]], probably) ran into. They are mostly based on the fact that ''They'' were coming into this world just before the Androsynth disappeared, which was when the Orz appeared. Even when accepting that the timing of the appearance of the Orz is not a coincidence, they do not have to be ''Them''. The Orz could have detected the Androsynth in the same way as ''They'' did.
 +
 +
It has been confirmed (in the 2007 [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|chat]]) that the Orz is/are a part of Them, or rather the projection of Them into TrueSpace.
  
The following is unproven in game and not completely accepted by the community.
+
===The Orz killed the Androsynth===
 +
This is based again on the timing of the appearance of the Orz and the disappearance of the Androsynth, combined with the fact that the Orz refuse to talk about the Androsynth. If this is true, then the Orz would be responsible for the violent land war that wiped out the Androsynth civilization. This is suggested by both the Melnorme and the Spathi. In the same dialogues however, it is made clear that they don't actually know that. A reliable source explicitly asserts that the Androsynth were indeed "snagged" by the Orz entity.{{ref|2}}
  
Orz is a single being that exists in another dimension. The TrueSpace entities perceived by the other races are projections of this being that give the appearance of individual life forms. They live, they die, they might even breed, but they are only *fingers* of the one entity called Orz.
+
===The Orz are altered Androsynth===
 +
This theory is a variation of the idea that the Orz are responsible for the disappearance of the Androsynth. In this theory, "snagged" is interpreted as meaning some kind of infection or possession that transformed the Androsynth into the Orz. Usually this theory is proposed as a way to explain the mysterious lack of Androsynth corpses in the ruins of their city. The [[Arilou]] description of malignant, parasitic creatures from Beyond (''Them'') and reference to the Androsynth and Orz as an example are also usually taken as evidence of this theory.
  
Orz is in some kind of long term and (mostly) non-violent conflict with the Arilou. The nature and exact purpose of this conflict are unknown. The Arilou are known to be long-term and loyal allies (or at least protectors or mentors) to the [[Syreen]] and [[Humans]], and to a lesser extent the [[Androsynth]]. They seem to believe that these races have a destiny that makes them very important to the Arilou race. This is not part of the Arilou/Orz conflict however. Even though Orz destroyed the Androsynth, he will readily assist [[The Captain]] in battling the [[Ur-Quan]]. The destruction of the Androsynth seems to be motivated entirely by their [[Dimensional Fatigue]] Experiments. This may have been seen by Orz as a threat, possibly a gateway to whatever dimension Orz inhabits.
+
===The Orz are protecting races by killing those who ask too many questions about the Androsynth===
 +
This reflects the remarks made by the Arilou about parasites from beyond that can detect you when you show yourself. If you reject the theory that the Orz killed the Androsynth, this would provide an alternative explanation that connects 'Them', the disappearance of the Androsynth, and the Orz. In this case, the Orz, like the Arilou, would be attempting to keep TrueSpace races ignorant of and thus invisible to the extradimensional parasites. This theory has been shown to be false in the 2007 [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|IRC chat]] with [[Toys for Bob]] (see [[#The Orz are Them|The Orz are Them]]).
  
It may also be possible that *above* and *below* refer not to ''where'' the Arilou and Orz originate, but to ''when'' they originate.
+
===The Orz snagged the Androsynth to protect them from [[They|Them]]===
 +
This one is a variation of the theory previously presented, that also explains what the Orz did to the Androsynth.
 +
However, this appears to contradict the Arilou's statements that the Orz are dangerous and not to be trusted. This theory has been shown to be false in the 2007 [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|IRC chat]] with [[Toys for Bob]] (see [[#The Orz are Them|The Orz are Them]]).
 +
 
 +
===The Orz seek to take advantage of indigenous races in some undefined way===
 +
The Orz say they dislike the Arilou because they are "jumping in front." The Arilou claim to have changed humans to protect them from the "parasites" that would like to find them. It may be that the Orz want space and races that the Arilou do not control as these would be easier to conquer or manipulate.
  
 
==Translating Orz Communications==
 
==Translating Orz Communications==
 +
{{main|Orz communications}}
 +
The translation computer aboard [[The Flagship]] is not able to accurately translate many of the words the Orz are using. While in most cases the meaning can be approximated from the context, an exact translation is usually highly speculative
  
Translating Orz speech is problematic at best. Even the most sophisticated and powerful translators can't fully process its bizarre alien language, having to use many lingual best-fits in conversation. These are marked in text by surrounding the word with asterisks (*).
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==Notes and references==
 
+
{{note|1}}{{IRC2007}}
* *camper* — starfaring or sentient races? an individual or species who is liked by Orz? — "Happy *campers* are the best."
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::23:55 <+Cap`n`Kyth> One thing I've wondered - is Orz the same as 'Them', or is Orz "competing" with 'Them' over the Androsynth (like food?), or protecting the Androsynth from 'Them' - by *pulling* the Androsynth away before 'They' can find the Androsynth again?<br>
* *frumple* &mdash; to become, or the state of being angry or sad or violent &mdash; "Do not ask about [the Androsyth].  You make me *frumple*."
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::23:57 <+PR3> The Orz is part of Them, the projection of Them into TrueSpace.
* *dance* &mdash; combat &mdash; "I am *frumple*. It is *dancing*."
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{{note|2}}{{IRC1998}}
* *party* &mdash; alliance? conversation? opportunities for *dancing*? If *dance* means combat or battle, then *party* might well mean war. &mdash; "Better *parties* in *the middle* for sure!".
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::<LordR-man> Fwiffo- What really happened to the Androsynth in sc2?<br>
* *playground* &mdash; Orz gives the coordinates of Delta Vulpeculae as the location of *playground*. The significance of this star system to Orz is unknown, although it is inside the general area that they occupy.
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::<Fwiffo> In regards to the Androsynth: They were snagged by the entity who/which projected its fingers into our dimension (which looked to us as the Orz.)
* *sad animal* &mdash; one who is disliked by the Orz &mdash; "The Kohr-Ah are *sad animals*."
 
* *above* &mdash; where the Arilou come from, [[QuasiSpace]]
 
* *below* &mdash; where Orz comes from
 
* *the middle* &mdash; not *above* or *below*, between *above* and *below*?, this dimension (ie, [[TrueSpace]])?
 
* *fingers* &mdash; an "individual" Orz; see *many bubbles*
 
* *many bubbles* &mdash; the numerous distinct individuals of a species, or possibly organic cells &mdash; "Orz is not *many bubbles*, Orz is *fingers*."
 
* *sticky* &mdash; unable to move between dimensions.
 
  
 
[[Category:Races]]
 
[[Category:Races]]
 +
[[Category:Orz| ]]
 +
[[Category:Game Characters]]

Latest revision as of 14:47, 23 September 2021

Orz
OrzComm.png
Orz *fingers*
Homeworld: Gamma Vulpeculae I
Coordinates: 371.3 : 253.7
Member of: New Alliance of Free Stars (optional)
Ship: Nemesis

The Orz (pronounced /ɒz/? or /oɹz/?) are — is — an alien species/projections of an extradimensional entity first encountered by The Captain in former Androsynth space. Despite a notable distaste for the human-derived Androsynth and for the mysterious Arilou, the Orz would happily join with the New Alliance of Free Stars and provide the Captain with their powerful Nemesis starship designs, if desired.

Description[edit]

Orz appear as gill-breathers who resemble yellow parrotfishes with eyestalks, though it is not known if this is their actual true form (or if such terms are actually applicable to them). Direct conversation with Orz, despite the translation difficulties, usually leads to the conclusion that the Orz come from another dimension; additionally the Arilou describe the Orz as "dimensional travellers." When asked about their origins, the Orz explain that, though both the Arilou and the Orz are from the *outside*, the Arilou are from *above* while the Orz are from *below*. The precise meaning of this explanation is still up to debate. There are three possible interpretations — if *above* refers to QuasiSpace, *below* would then likely refer to another, similar dimension located on the "other side" of HyperSpace and TrueSpace; if *outside* refers to QuasiSpace, then *above* and *below* might be regions of QuasiSpace; *above* and *below* may also stand for an obscure characteristic of the Orz in contrast to Arilou.

There has been some discussion — confirmed by Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III — that the Orz as they are seen in normal space are actually a projection of some higher-dimensional being, namely Them.1 The Orz-entity refers to what is seen of itself in the known dimensions as its *fingers* and explains that it is not like other races who are *many bubbles*. In essence, all Orz may be multiple manifestations of the same creature. The Orz sometimes refer to themselves in the singular third person, although whether this is another quirk of the Orz's odd speech pattern or a reference to their true essence is unclear.

Origin[edit]

The Orz are a newcomer to TrueSpace that appeared suddenly in the vicinity of the Vulpeculae constellation, the adopted homeworlds of the Androsynth. As the Androsynth vanished about the same time the Orz arrived, it is reasonable to think that the Orz did something to them, but asking the Orz about the subject infuriates them. The Melnorme and the Spathi state that the Orz caused the Androsynth disappearance, but both admit that this is their belief and not an actual certainty. Based on comments from the Arilou, it is possible that the Inter-Dimensional Fatigue experiments that were being performed by the Androsynth (and perhaps the Taalo before them) brought the Vulpeculae constellation to the Orz's attention.

Orz Nemesis captain

Just where the Orz resided before arriving in the area of Vulpeculae is unknown. The Orz indicate that they like TrueSpace and even prefer it over their origin dimension and are now in the process of fully moving into TrueSpace. They also denote that they have no intention of returning at any time to their original home.

Relations with other races[edit]

Only a few of the races in Star Control II mention the Orz at all. This is not surprising as they appear to be new in TrueSpace. The relations that they do have are as mysterious as the Orz themselves.

Androsynth[edit]

The appearance of the Orz coincided with the disappearance of the Androsynth from the same location. In fact, both the Arilou and the Orz themselves suggest that it was the IDF research of the Androsynth which enabled the Orz to come to TrueSpace.

Whether the Orz themselves were the cause for the disappearance of the Androsynth is the subject of a lot of speculation. Evidence for it exists, but is very circumstantial. Whatever their involvement, asking too much about the Androsynth is enough reason for the Orz to attack you.

Arilou Lalee'lay[edit]

Dialogues with both the Arilou and Orz suggest that they have had contact outside of TrueSpace. The Orz do not like the Arilou very much, and complain that the Arilou are always "*jumping in front*". Conversely, the Arilou warn not to trust the Orz, as they are dangerous.

Melnorme[edit]

The Melnorme know of the existence of the Orz, and that they appeared when the Androsynth disappeared. Whether they've met them in person is unclear. While there is a Melnorme trader in Orz space, the Orz never mention Melnorme.

Spathi[edit]

The Spathi also mention that the Orz entered this space when the Androsynth disappeared. They think that they are creepy and warn against an alliance. This is all based on their own speculation though, and arguably the Spathi would object to an alliance with almost any race on this basis. Whether they have met the Orz in person or only heard about them from descriptions is unclear.

Taalo[edit]

The Orz mention the Taalo on several occasions. They seem to have been in contact over a longer period of time. According to the Orz, the Taalo have fled TrueSpace to *Pretty Space*, to which the Orz can also go. The Orz refer to Delta Vulpeculae II-C as the Taalo *playground*, where the Taalo "are making *Time jokes*", and the Orz *chase* the Taalo and *play* with them. The Orz consider the Taalo to be better *campers* than the Humans. As the Orz language isn't very clear, it may be that this is all in the past though.

VUX[edit]

The Orz briefly mention the VUX, as being "*silly cows*" for asking too many questions about the Androsynth, which prompted the Orz to attack the VUX. (*silly cows* are races disliked by Orz)

Theories[edit]

There are various theories to explain the various mysteries surrounding the Orz.

The Orz are Them[edit]

There are theories that the Orz are in fact the ghost-like creatures that the Androsynth IDF researchers (and Bukowski, probably) ran into. They are mostly based on the fact that They were coming into this world just before the Androsynth disappeared, which was when the Orz appeared. Even when accepting that the timing of the appearance of the Orz is not a coincidence, they do not have to be Them. The Orz could have detected the Androsynth in the same way as They did.

It has been confirmed (in the 2007 chat) that the Orz is/are a part of Them, or rather the projection of Them into TrueSpace.

The Orz killed the Androsynth[edit]

This is based again on the timing of the appearance of the Orz and the disappearance of the Androsynth, combined with the fact that the Orz refuse to talk about the Androsynth. If this is true, then the Orz would be responsible for the violent land war that wiped out the Androsynth civilization. This is suggested by both the Melnorme and the Spathi. In the same dialogues however, it is made clear that they don't actually know that. A reliable source explicitly asserts that the Androsynth were indeed "snagged" by the Orz entity.2

The Orz are altered Androsynth[edit]

This theory is a variation of the idea that the Orz are responsible for the disappearance of the Androsynth. In this theory, "snagged" is interpreted as meaning some kind of infection or possession that transformed the Androsynth into the Orz. Usually this theory is proposed as a way to explain the mysterious lack of Androsynth corpses in the ruins of their city. The Arilou description of malignant, parasitic creatures from Beyond (Them) and reference to the Androsynth and Orz as an example are also usually taken as evidence of this theory.

The Orz are protecting races by killing those who ask too many questions about the Androsynth[edit]

This reflects the remarks made by the Arilou about parasites from beyond that can detect you when you show yourself. If you reject the theory that the Orz killed the Androsynth, this would provide an alternative explanation that connects 'Them', the disappearance of the Androsynth, and the Orz. In this case, the Orz, like the Arilou, would be attempting to keep TrueSpace races ignorant of and thus invisible to the extradimensional parasites. This theory has been shown to be false in the 2007 IRC chat with Toys for Bob (see The Orz are Them).

The Orz snagged the Androsynth to protect them from Them[edit]

This one is a variation of the theory previously presented, that also explains what the Orz did to the Androsynth. However, this appears to contradict the Arilou's statements that the Orz are dangerous and not to be trusted. This theory has been shown to be false in the 2007 IRC chat with Toys for Bob (see The Orz are Them).

The Orz seek to take advantage of indigenous races in some undefined way[edit]

The Orz say they dislike the Arilou because they are "jumping in front." The Arilou claim to have changed humans to protect them from the "parasites" that would like to find them. It may be that the Orz want space and races that the Arilou do not control as these would be easier to conquer or manipulate.

Translating Orz Communications[edit]

Main article: Orz communications

The translation computer aboard The Flagship is not able to accurately translate many of the words the Orz are using. While in most cases the meaning can be approximated from the context, an exact translation is usually highly speculative

Notes and references[edit]

1From the 2007 IRC chat with Toys for Bob (robot is Fred Ford, PR3 is Paul Reiche III):
23:55 <+Cap`n`Kyth> One thing I've wondered - is Orz the same as 'Them', or is Orz "competing" with 'Them' over the Androsynth (like food?), or protecting the Androsynth from 'Them' - by *pulling* the Androsynth away before 'They' can find the Androsynth again?
23:57 <+PR3> The Orz is part of Them, the projection of Them into TrueSpace.
2From the 1998 IRC chat with Toys for Bob (Fwiffo is both Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III here):
<LordR-man> Fwiffo- What really happened to the Androsynth in sc2?
<Fwiffo> In regards to the Androsynth: They were snagged by the entity who/which projected its fingers into our dimension (which looked to us as the Orz.)