Ultronomicon - User contributions [en]

VUX

2014-03-20T12:51:42Z

TaintedMustard: /* General */

{{RaceBox|name=VUX|image=VuxComm.png|caption=A Very Ugly Xenoform|homeworld=[[Beta Luyten I]]|coordinates=433.3 : 168.7|organizations=[[Ur-Quan Hierarchy]] ([[Battle Thrall]])|ship=[[Intruder]]}}

==General==
The '''VUX''' hail from the [[Luyten]] constellation, though their [[Sphere of Influence]] also extends to the nearby [[List of constellations|constellations]]. To an [[Earthling]], a VUX resembles a bipedal, one-eyed cross between a hideous green octopus and a banana slug, with a snout like an anteater and a rigid, or possibly nonexistent, neck.{{ref|1}} As a species native to a low-light [[List of planet types#Redux (Reduction)|Redux World]], the VUX's single eye is sensitive to wide-spectrum electromagnetic radiation. Appearance is all-important to them; they are most often seen wearing well-decorated uniforms and sitting at a rather ornate command console, and they do indeed spend a great deal of their time adorning themselves. In addition, the VUX are a bigoted lot, judging entire races off their appearance alone. The VUX mindset is also characterized by a strong sense of duty. Another highlight of this species is their translation technology, possibly the most advanced in our region of space (except maybe for the [[Ur-Quan]] with their [[Talking Pet]]s).

==History==
Much of VUX history is not known due to the VUX's staunch unwillingness to communicate with other races. However, the events in the recent two wars are common knowledge to many species. Prior to the [[Great War]], the only other race with any knowledge of the VUX were the [[Yehat]]. At the beginning of hostilities between the Alliance and the Hierarchy, the VUX and their enormous starship fleet seemingly kept to themselves. The first official contact between the [[Alliance of Free Stars]] and the VUX occurred when a [[Human]] captain, [[Jeffry L. Rand]], encountered an [[Intruder]] squadron in VUX space. Many historians regard the encounter, termed "[[The Insult]]", as the single biggest mistake the Humans committed during the war. Captain Rand opened communications with a VUX commander, and when the commander appeared on the viewscreen, Rand made a disparaging remark to one of his officers about the VUX commander's appearance, unaware that the advanced VUX translator devices were already operating and relayed these words to the VUX captain. The VUX were incredibly offended, and cut off communications there and then. It is possible that Rand's comment is also the reason why "VUX" is sometimes treated as an acronym for "Very Ugly Xenoform."

With the Alliance's diplomats scrambling to atone for The Insult and to convince the VUX to join the efforts against the [[Ur-Quan Kzer-Za|Ur-Quan]] forces, the Ur-Quan themselves seized upon this confusion and delay and promptly subjugated the VUX. The VUX chose to become [[Battle Thrall]]s, and their Intruder fleets under the command of [[Admiral ZEX]] played an important part in the Hierarchy's eventual victory over the Alliance. Shortly afterwards, the [[Ur-Quan]] were pulled into the renewed [[Doctrinal Conflict]] against the [[Kohr-ah]], and the VUX were left to their own designs. They seemingly did little other than patiently wait for the return of their masters.

During [[Star Control II]], the VUX are steadfastly uncooperative, despite [[The Captain]]'s attempts to remain polite and reasonable with them. The VUX are known to cite Rand's insult and their subordination to the Ur-Quan for their reasons why they refuse to listen to The Captain's requests for diplomacy; however, after The Captain persistently attempts to reason with the VUX, one of their commanders eventually snaps out of sheer frustration and admits that the VUX's ''real'' reason for hating humanity is that they find the appearance of a Human to be so horrible that they are simply unable to tolerate it and feel the need to regurgitate uncontrollably whenever they set their eye on one.

Despite the VUX as a whole refusing to listen to reason, they do on occasion direct The Captain to speak with [[Admiral ZEX]], who had been exiled from VUX society after the Great War was over, for the reason that ZEX, in his own words, "enjoys" humans. Unlike the other VUX, ZEX is very cooperative with The Captain, if in a somewhat overbearing and uncomfortable manner. ZEX has been keeping a menagerie of various monstrous beasts from around the galaxy that he considers to be beautiful - yet one beast has eluded him and his men, much to his frustration. The Captain strikes a deal with ZEX; if he could recover the [[VUX Beast]], then ZEX would give his cryogenically frozen [[Shofixti Maidens]] to The Captain in exchange. The deal is done; however, ZEX attempts to betray The Captain, as it was really The Captain himself that ZEX wants to put in his menagerie of beasts. The VUX Beast manages to break free from its holding cell however and goes on a rampage that eventually results in ZEX's death, allowing The Captain to retrieve the [[Shofixti Maidens]] from the menagerie on the planet surface.

==Culture and Society==
In VUX culture, concepts of appearance and fashion are of paramount importance. To their eyes a lifeform as bizarre looking as a Human is a new dimension in horrifying ugliness, a monster. Despite all of their clearly bigoted views towards other races, the VUX claim that they are an open-minded, rational species, which shows the narcissistic, high image they have of themselves. Any deviants from this norm are punished; [[Admiral ZEX]], in spite of his importance, was exiled to [[Alpha Cerenkov]] due to a secret, taboo fetish for monstrous beasts and Humans (though this exile was euphemistically referred to as "luxurious retirement").

==Relations with other races==
===Humans===
The VUX hate the humans with a passion, due to both the VUX's inability to withstand the Humans' staggering ugliness, and Captain Rand's [[The Insult|Insult]]. The Captain actually found out that it is the former reason which takes precedence, and the latter was merely a cover story to take away some of the embarrassment from the former, which even the VUX themselves realize is unreasonable and immature.

===Orz===
The VUX encountered the [[Orz]] early after they had entered this dimension, coinciding with the disappearance of the [[Androsynth]]. The VUX managed to anger the Orz by asking too much about what had happened to the Androsynth, prompting the Orz to attack. In The Captain's conversations with the Orz, they refer to the VUX as *silly cows*, which is known as a term for someone they will attempt to kill on sight.

===Syreen===
Perhaps also due to visible similarities to Humans, the VUX have also known to be hostile towards the [[Syreen]]. The Syreen fleet, composed mainly of habitat starships, was attacked several times by VUX raiders as they traversed space looking for a new home. In an attempt to save themselves, the Syreen maneuvered their fleet into Human space and had little choice but to join the [[Alliance]].

===Yehat===
The [[Yehat]] were the first Alliance member with any knowledge of the VUX. They consider the VUX to be "grotesque monsters", "an effete and bigoted race", "unworthy prey", with the exception of Admiral ZEX, whom they praise for his military genius.

==Known individuals==
*[[DAX]]
*[[YAX]]
*[[ZEX]]

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}''The VUX state, "Now if you don't mind, stop nodding your head like that. We VUX do not share this range of motion and it appears as though your neck is broken and you are a jabbering corpse. Ugh."''

[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:VUX]]

Probe

2014-03-19T18:30:24Z

TaintedMustard: /* Tactical Overview */

__NOTOC__
[[Image:Notext_VR_probe.png‎|thumb|306px|Fan-made image by VileRancour.]]
The [[Slylandro]] purchased their first '''2418-B: Remote Self-Replicating Robot Explorer Probe''' from the [[Melnorme]] for exploration purposes, with the intent to use it for making peaceful contact with other races. Since it had the ability to replicate itself, they modified its [[#Programming|program code]] so that replication became its overriding first priority.

The repercussions of this foolhardy action were grave. The probes not only attempted to break friendly ships into component pieces for use in replication, but also multiplied at a geometric rate, becoming a severe hazard to any [[HyperSpace]] traveler. Both the [[Thraddash]] and the [[Zoq-Fot-Pik]] have encountered the malfunctioning probes, and have deduced at least the general direction of the source of the probes. The Captain also had a brief but fatal run-in with a probe a few days before first reaching [[Sol]]. Captain [[I. Burton]] was killed in the attack, but strangely, the probe merely disabled the [[Tobermoon]] before departing.

[[The Captain]] is able to put a stop to this hazard when he makes contact with the Slylandro. When they learn what has happened, they give The Captain a code that will cause probes to self-destruct in case he encounters one. This is necessary since, unlike the out-of-stock catalog item 2419, the probes do not have a recall transmitter. The probes however are programmed to return to their point of origin after ten replications. When apprised of the situation, the Slylandro will reprogram the probes that eventually return to roam our region of space broadcasting the [[Slylandro Probe Self-Destruct Code|self-destruct code]] on a HyperWave hailing frequency, which causes a swift decline in their numbers.

==Propulsion==
Unlike any other ship, the Probe is always in motion, constantly scooping up the interstellar hydrogen as fuel for its internal reactors. Pressing the thruster immediately reverses the Probe's direction. The control scheme is tricky to learn, but the advantages of having such a nimble ship should not be overlooked.

Another unique trait is that the Probe's "crew" is impervious to the [[Syreen]] [[Penetrator]]'s secondary attack. This even contrasts the only other robotic race, the [[Mmrnmhrm]], whose crew is affected by the Syreen Song.

==Armament==
===Primary===
When attacking, the Probe discharges several bolts of lightning directed at its target. The lightning discharge was not designed to be used as a weapon. However, due to their skewed priorities, they attempt to break down the target into "consumable" particles, instead of attacking it with their defensive missile batteries (which are never used in-game). The lightning is very short-ranged, which makes for a difficult learning curve when coupled with the Probe's unorthodox controls.

===Secondary===
Unlike most vessels, the probe does not generate its own fuel. Instead, it uses its secondary armament to break down nearby asteroids into raw materials which it then feeds into its combat batteries. One asteroid contains enough raw materials to completely replenish a probe's energy reserves.

==Tactical Overview==
Given the difficulty in mastering the controls, relatively few players spend the time to become proficient with this ship. The primary fighting technique employed by pilots of this ship seems to be: close in, evade incoming fire, empty the combat batteries, then zip off to find an asteroid in order to replenish the batteries. Repeat.

A common mistake made by novice pilots when fighting the Probe is to constantly evade it, even when its battery power is empty.

With its unconventional and erratic movements, the probe is able to dodge things such as the [[Cruiser]]'s missiles and the [[Pkunk]] [[Fury]]'s "death blossom" easily.

==Miscellaneous==
===Programming===
The Probe's internal set of instructions (according to the Slylandro) is reproduced here:
SCAN (for targets, as defined in Target List).
IF (no current target).
THEN (select New target from Current Targets list, using specified priorities).
IF (Current Position is AT Current Target).
THEN (Set Current Behavior to New Behavior, based on Behavior Priority Settings).
PERFORM (Current Behavior).
The Probe uses the following datatables:
TARGET LIST (with associated Target Priority).
Space Vessel (5).
Transmission Source (4).
Astronomical Anomaly (3).
Planet Bearing Life Signature (2).
Raw Replication Materials (1).
PROBE BEHAVIORS (With assigned priorities).
Communicate (5).
Record Data (4).
Analyze Data (3).
Seek Replication Materials (999).
Move to Current Target (1).

It is the skewed priority of the 'Seek Replication Materials' behavior that led to the Probe's unnatural hostility.

{{ShipBox|image=Probe_icon.png|link=probe|race=[[Slylandro]]|crew=12|value=17|batt=20|regen=0|primary=Lightning|prim-cost=2|prim-rate=17|secondary=Energize|sec-cost=regenerates 20|sec-rate=20|speed=60|turn=0.5|accel=60|mass=1}}

[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Slylandro]]

Probe

2014-03-19T18:29:03Z

TaintedMustard:

__NOTOC__
[[Image:Notext_VR_probe.png‎|thumb|306px|Fan-made image by VileRancour.]]
The [[Slylandro]] purchased their first '''2418-B: Remote Self-Replicating Robot Explorer Probe''' from the [[Melnorme]] for exploration purposes, with the intent to use it for making peaceful contact with other races. Since it had the ability to replicate itself, they modified its [[#Programming|program code]] so that replication became its overriding first priority.

The repercussions of this foolhardy action were grave. The probes not only attempted to break friendly ships into component pieces for use in replication, but also multiplied at a geometric rate, becoming a severe hazard to any [[HyperSpace]] traveler. Both the [[Thraddash]] and the [[Zoq-Fot-Pik]] have encountered the malfunctioning probes, and have deduced at least the general direction of the source of the probes. The Captain also had a brief but fatal run-in with a probe a few days before first reaching [[Sol]]. Captain [[I. Burton]] was killed in the attack, but strangely, the probe merely disabled the [[Tobermoon]] before departing.

[[The Captain]] is able to put a stop to this hazard when he makes contact with the Slylandro. When they learn what has happened, they give The Captain a code that will cause probes to self-destruct in case he encounters one. This is necessary since, unlike the out-of-stock catalog item 2419, the probes do not have a recall transmitter. The probes however are programmed to return to their point of origin after ten replications. When apprised of the situation, the Slylandro will reprogram the probes that eventually return to roam our region of space broadcasting the [[Slylandro Probe Self-Destruct Code|self-destruct code]] on a HyperWave hailing frequency, which causes a swift decline in their numbers.

==Propulsion==
Unlike any other ship, the Probe is always in motion, constantly scooping up the interstellar hydrogen as fuel for its internal reactors. Pressing the thruster immediately reverses the Probe's direction. The control scheme is tricky to learn, but the advantages of having such a nimble ship should not be overlooked.

Another unique trait is that the Probe's "crew" is impervious to the [[Syreen]] [[Penetrator]]'s secondary attack. This even contrasts the only other robotic race, the [[Mmrnmhrm]], whose crew is affected by the Syreen Song.

==Armament==
===Primary===
When attacking, the Probe discharges several bolts of lightning directed at its target. The lightning discharge was not designed to be used as a weapon. However, due to their skewed priorities, they attempt to break down the target into "consumable" particles, instead of attacking it with their defensive missile batteries (which are never used in-game). The lightning is very short-ranged, which makes for a difficult learning curve when coupled with the Probe's unorthodox controls.

===Secondary===
Unlike most vessels, the probe does not generate its own fuel. Instead, it uses its secondary armament to break down nearby asteroids into raw materials which it then feeds into its combat batteries. One asteroid contains enough raw materials to completely replenish a probe's energy reserves.

==Tactical Overview==
Given the difficulty in mastering the controls, relatively few players spend the time to become proficient with this ship. The primary fighting technique employed by pilots of this ship seems to be: close in, evade incoming fire, empty the combat batteries, then zip off to find an asteroid in order to replenish the batteries. Repeat.

A common mistake made by novice pilots when fighting the Probe is to constantly evade it, even when it its battery power is empty.

With its unconventional and erratic movements, the probe is able to dodge things such as the [[Cruiser]]'s missiles and the [[Pkunk]] [[Fury]] "death blossom" easily.

==Miscellaneous==
===Programming===
The Probe's internal set of instructions (according to the Slylandro) is reproduced here:
SCAN (for targets, as defined in Target List).
IF (no current target).
THEN (select New target from Current Targets list, using specified priorities).
IF (Current Position is AT Current Target).
THEN (Set Current Behavior to New Behavior, based on Behavior Priority Settings).
PERFORM (Current Behavior).
The Probe uses the following datatables:
TARGET LIST (with associated Target Priority).
Space Vessel (5).
Transmission Source (4).
Astronomical Anomaly (3).
Planet Bearing Life Signature (2).
Raw Replication Materials (1).
PROBE BEHAVIORS (With assigned priorities).
Communicate (5).
Record Data (4).
Analyze Data (3).
Seek Replication Materials (999).
Move to Current Target (1).

It is the skewed priority of the 'Seek Replication Materials' behavior that led to the Probe's unnatural hostility.

{{ShipBox|image=Probe_icon.png|link=probe|race=[[Slylandro]]|crew=12|value=17|batt=20|regen=0|primary=Lightning|prim-cost=2|prim-rate=17|secondary=Energize|sec-cost=regenerates 20|sec-rate=20|speed=60|turn=0.5|accel=60|mass=1}}

[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Slylandro]]

Intruder

2014-03-16T06:24:33Z

TaintedMustard: /* Additional */

__NOTOC__
[[Image:Star_control_i_VUX_intruder_databank.png|thumb|306px|Starship Databank Entry]]
The [[VUX]] '''Intruder''' is mighty, yet sluggish. The VUX compensate for their limited mobility by deploying biological limpet parasites to slow down enemy vessels. They also possess precise hyperspace instruments which allow the Intruder to warp into TrueSpace and arrive very close to a given target, performing surprise attacks often to devastating effect. The Intruder's stasis-pulse battery has huge capacity but a slow rate of recovery. This ship benefits from a small outline, often making it a difficult target to hit.

==Propulsion==
The Intruder is slow and unmaneuverable. Fortunately, its rate of acceleration is enough to get some good speed from a [[gravity whip]] maneuver. Beyond that, VUX captains depend on their limpet armament to compensate for the Intruder's lack of mobility.

==Armament==
===Primary===
Intruders are armed with a powerful gigawatt laser that can slice through the hull of any ship in a matter of moments. The laser's modest range and rapid energy consumption demand accuracy and foresight in order for it to be used effectively, however. This weapon sputters pitifully when fired with a depleted battery.

===Secondary===
The other weapon carried aboard the Intruder is the "limpet", which launches into space encased within a protective cocoon and propels itself toward an enemy vessel. Upon nearing a target, the cocoon cracks, releasing the limpet to clamp down upon the enemy vessel's hull. While no crew are harmed when a limpet attaches, the combination of inflicted damage and added mass reduces a starship's mobility. Only after battle can a damaged ship remove any offending limpets. The VUX are able to mass-produce and deploy this bio-weapon with ease; the energy requirements of this subsystem are therefore minimal.

===Additional===
When the Intruder warps into combat, it arrives very close to its opponent. The impact of this varies. An Intruder may surprise and eliminate the enemy almost immediately. In other instances, the VUX's initial facing angle may point directly opposite of its adversary, allowing the enemy an easy escape from the Intruder. Note that the Intruder's warp-in ability is disabled during The Ur-Quan Master's main game and occurs only within the "Super Melee" combat simulator. This often makes an encounter with an Intruder in the single-player campaign a trivial engagement.

==Tactical Overview==
* The Intruder's characteristic close range arrival can best be taken advantage of against stationary targets. An opposing craft that is already in motion as the Intruder appears will usually escape before the Intruder can take advantage of the situation. A VUX warp-in is most devastating during the first bout of a battle where both ships enter the arena simultaneously and begin combat at a complete stop.

* The Intruder is so slow that chasing after the enemy tends to be futile, even self-destructive. By default, Intruder pilots should instead fly defensively, laying down curtains of limpets in their wake. Warp-in ambushes and gravity whip maneuvers are both big exceptions to this, momentarily enabling effective offense.

* A popular tactic with the Intruder is to gradually coat the enemy ship with so many limpets that they are effectively immobile, then close in from behind and finish them off. A well-executed gravity whip which crosses in front of the target's flight path can greatly assist with this approach.

* Limpets vary in usefulness depending upon opponent. For instance, non-inertial spacecraft (the [[Skiff]], [[Probe]], and blazer form of the [[Guardian]]) are much less impeded by limpets than every other ship. A ring of [[Avatar]] ZapSats will easily dispatch any number of limpets, if present. Limpets slip right through the shield systems of the [[Jugger]] and [[Terminator]], which makes the Intruder a serious threat to both ships.

* Ships with long-range weapons--particularly homing weapons--are the bane of the Intruder, being able to pound the Intruder to scrap metal from far outside the laser's range. An Intruder must either quickly eliminate such enemies at point-blank range or ensnare them with limpets and finish them off.

==Minutiae==

These are the exact effects an individual limpet has on a ship's mobility when it affixes:{{ref|1}}

*Turn delay increases by 1 up to a limit of 255.
*Acceleration delay increases by 1 up to a limit of 255.
*Acceleration increment decreases by 1 down to a limit of 4.
*Top speed = Old top speed * (New acceleration increment / Old acceleration increment).
*If a ship's acceleration increment is already at 4 or less, top speed will be set to 8.

==Notes and references==

{{note|1}}''From [http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=4424.0 this] forum thread. For an explanation of the affected properties, see [[Table of ship properties#Explanation of properties|this page]].''

{{ShipBox|image=Intruder_icon.png|link=intruder|race=[[VUX]]|crew=20|value=12|batt=40|regen=0.111|primary=Gigawatt Laser|prim-cost=1|prim-rate=0|secondary=Limpets|sec-cost=2|sec-rate=7|speed=21|turn=0.142|accel=1.4|mass=6}}

[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:VUX]]