Ultronomicon - User contributions [en]

Orz

2007-06-14T07:02:44Z

Kyth: /* Description */ - Orz is 'Them'

{{RaceBox|name=Orz|image=OrzComm.png|caption=Orz *fingers*|homeworld=[[Gamma Vulpeculae I]]|coordinates=371.3 : 253.7|organizations=[[New Alliance of Free Stars]] (optional)|ship=[[Nemesis]]}}
The '''Orz''' are — is — an alien species/projections of an extradimensional entity 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]], the Orz happily joined with the [[New Alliance of Free Stars]] and provided its powerful [[Nemesis]] starship designs to aid in the Second War.

==Description==

Orz appear as gill-breathers who resemble yellow parrotfishes with eyestalks, though it is not known if this is their actual true form. 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, Orz explain that the Arilou are from *above* and that Orz is from [[*Below*|*below*]]. The precise meaning of this explanation is still up to debate, although the Arilou make it clear that the Orz are not from [[QuasiSpace]]. Since *above* appears to refer to QuasiSpace, *below* would then likely refer to another, similar dimension located, however, on the "other side" of [[HyperSpace]] and [[TrueSpace]].

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]], the being that 'snagged'{{ref|1}} the Androsynth{{ref|2}}. 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*. 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==

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. It is possible that the [[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.

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.

===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 enough about the Androsynth is enough reason for the Orz to attack you.

===Arilou Lalee'lay===
Dialogs 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 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 as the Taalo playground, where the Taalo "are making *Time jokes*". 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==
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 Androsyth 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.

The Orz is/are a part of [[They|Them]] as confirmed in the recent chat{{ref|2}}.

===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 dialogs however, it is made clear that they don't actually know that. However, a reliable source explicitly asserts that the Androsynth were indeed "snagged" by the Orz entity{{ref|1}}.

===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.

===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.

===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 did the Orz to the Androsynth.

===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.

''See also'': [[Eta Vulpeculae II#Theories for the destruction of the cities|Theories for the destruction of the cities]]

==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

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}''[[Fred Ford|Fred]] and [[Paul Reiche III|Paul]], when asked about the Androsynth's fate in a 1998 [[TFB chat protocols|chat]], stated that the human clones "were snagged by the entity who/which projected its fingers into our dimension (which looked to us as the Orz.)"''

{{note|2}}''[[Paul Reiche III|Paul]] confirmed that "The Orz is part of Them, the projection of Them into TrueSpace" in the 2007 [[TFB chat protocols|chat]] when asked for clarification regarding the Orz.''

[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Orz| ]]
[[Category:Game Characters]]

Orz

2007-06-14T00:17:22Z

Kyth: Orz clarification

{{RaceBox|name=Orz|image=OrzComm.png|caption=Orz *fingers*|homeworld=[[Gamma Vulpeculae I]]|coordinates=371.3 : 253.7|organizations=[[New Alliance of Free Stars]] (optional)|ship=[[Nemesis]]}}
The '''Orz''' are — is — an alien species/projections of an extradimensional entity 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]], the Orz happily joined with the [[New Alliance of Free Stars]] and provided its powerful [[Nemesis]] starship designs to aid in the Second War.

==Description==

Orz appear as gill-breathers who resemble yellow parrotfishes with eyestalks, though it is not known if this is their actual true form. 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, Orz explain that the Arilou are from *above* and that Orz is from [[*Below*|*below*]]. The precise meaning of this explanation is still up to debate, although the Arilou make it clear that the Orz are not from [[QuasiSpace]]. Since *above* appears to refer to QuasiSpace, *below* would then likely refer to another, similar dimension located, however, on the "other side" of [[HyperSpace]] and [[TrueSpace]].

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. 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*. 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==

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. It is possible that the [[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.

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.

===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 enough about the Androsynth is enough reason for the Orz to attack you.

===Arilou Lalee'lay===
Dialogs 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 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 as the Taalo playground, where the Taalo "are making *Time jokes*". 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==
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 Androsyth 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.

The Orz is/are a part of [[They|Them]] as confirmed in the recent chat{{ref|2}}.

===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 dialogs however, it is made clear that they don't actually know that. However, a reliable source explicitly asserts that the Androsynth were indeed "snagged" by the Orz entity{{ref|1}}.

===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.

===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.

===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 did the Orz to the Androsynth.

===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.

''See also'': [[Eta Vulpeculae II#Theories for the destruction of the cities|Theories for the destruction of the cities]]

==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

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}''[[Fred Ford|Fred]] and [[Paul Reiche III|Paul]], when asked about the Androsynth's fate in a 1998 [[TFB chat protocols|chat]], stated that the human clones "were snagged by the entity who/which projected its fingers into our dimension (which looked to us as the Orz.)"''

{{note|2}}''[[Paul Reiche III|Paul]] confirmed that "The Orz is part of Them, the projection of Them into TrueSpace" in the 2007 [[TFB chat protocols|chat]] when asked for clarification regarding the Orz.''

[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Orz| ]]
[[Category:Game Characters]]

X-Form

2007-06-01T19:12:14Z

Kyth: /* Tactical Overview */

__NOTOC__
[[Image:Star_control_i_x-form_databank.png|thumb|Starship Databank Entry]]

Flexibility is the key to survival. The robotic [[Mmrnmhrm]] understood this concept, as proven by their agreement to join the [[Chenjesu]] in their "Process", but their warships have integrated this concept wholly and fully. The Mmrnmhrm '''X-Form''', also known as the Mmrnmhrm '''Transformer''', could quickly transform from the slow but powerful X-Wing form to the quick stinging Y-Wing form.

==Navigation==
===X-Wing===
The X-Wing form has the dubious honor of being the slowest ship in the game, even slower than the [[VUX]] [[Intruder]]. However, while terribly slow, the X-Wing form has an excellent turning rate, allowing it to quickly bring its formidable weaponry to bear upon its opponents.

===Y-Wing===
The quick Y-Wing form relies on the concept of "If you can’t hit me, you can’t kill me". One of the fastest ships in the galaxy, the Y-Wing form is only somewhat hampered by its slow turn-rate. In this form, the ship can quite effectively evade enemy shots if flown by a skilled pilot.

==Armament==
===Primary===
====X-Wing====
The X-Wing form is equipped with a powerful twin-laser array that deal enormous damage at a short range. This weapon rapidly depletes the modest energy store of the Transformer, so use the laser array with care.

====Y-Wing====
The Y-Wing form uses long-range twin missile launchers with fair tracking systems. While the missiles cause little damage individually, their range when correctly mixed with the Y-Wing form’s immense speed can slowly demolish a ship, causing slow but constant attritional damage from a safe distance. Being able to outrun most ships, the Y-Wing form is vital to winning any battle.

===Secondary===
The secondary ability of the Transformer is to switch between the X-Wing and Y-Wing modes. This is a fairly intensive process, and will fully deplete the combat batteries of the Transformer.

== Tactical Overview ==
When piloted skillfully the Transformer can prove a lethal adversary to most ships, either by attrition or by short and deadly laser-blast. An experienced pilot can use the flexibility of the versatile Transformer to overcome most ships.

Strong Against: Nearly every ship not listed below.

Weak Against: The [[Chmmr]] [[Avatar]], with its zap-sats able to neutralize the Y-Wing form's missiles, a more powerful laser with greater range than the X-Wing form, is deadly to the Transformer, leaving little choice but attempting a suicide-run with its lasers hot. The [[Kohr-Ah]] [[Marauder]] can effectively lay mines which the slow-turning Y-Wing form can hardly evade. [[Chenjesu]] [[Broodhome]] Crystaline Shots can do the same but it takes a good aim. The [[Yehat]] [[Terminator]]’s shield turns it into a major adversary. An unwary pilot can find the Earthling [[Cruiser]] rather deadly too. The [[Androsynth]] [[Guardian]] in blazer form can outrun and easily out maneuver the Y-Wing, making it difficult to avoid a costly collision and forcing the X-form to rely on its short range X-Wing lasers. Finally, the [[Ilwrath]] [[Avenger]], with its cloaking device, can render the Y-Wing form's tracking missiles almost useless and force the Transformer into a deadly close-range exchange.

An effective tactical use of the X-Form's Transformation Capability combines the rotational ability of the X-Wing Form with the speed and tracking missiles of the Y-Wing Form. To begin with, accelerate away from the enemy whilst in Y-Wing Form. Once you have distance, switch to the X-Wing Form and spin around. Let your accumulated speed and inertia from the Y-Wing Form carry you as you recharge batteries and then transform back into Y-Wing Form to launch a volley of tracking missiles. As you are facing your foe, you can easily get in 2-3 good hits where both missiles will strike their target. Make adjustments to angle and zoom away before your enemy gets in range to fire their weapons!

[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Mmrnmhrm]]