CTD-Satyrian Autopsy

[Ancalagon]

Read it, and if you like it, I'll keep working on it.

 

Some would say that the best description of an Ethereal is that it's all skin and bones. Even this statement, however would be an exaggeration of it's physical health. The Ethereal has very little bone mass, very little muscle mass, and the skin is so thin and fragile that almost anything can damage it. It's digestive system is also so pitiful that it can only absorb pre-digested food. Even the heart and lungs aren't very well developed. Our scientists were entirely baffled when they began to dissect it. It seemed that such a being should not be capable of existing on this planet. Soon, however – after discovering the highly developed brain and complex blood and nervous systems from the heart to the brain – it was clear that this creature relied primarily on it's brain for survival. This lead our scientists to believe that the Ethereals have telekinetic powers which allow them to pump blood to their brains, and to support their bodies, not only keeping them alive but allowing them to fly. Scientists still have no explanation as to how or why Ethereals are capable of telekinesis. Luckily, according to our scientists, the ethereals' telekinetic powers will probably not affect anything farther than a foot away from their bodies, meaning that they will not significantly effect the outcome of a battle. However, scientists believe that a brain as powerful as an ethereal's could possibly interfere with, and even send messages to, human brains from a distance.

 

The robes that were removed from the Ethereal are assumed to have been used for protection. Scientists also believe that they may have been used to increase the ethereal's stature in the eyes of both friend and foe.

Edited November 6, 2003 by Ancalagon

[Deimos]

Nice. I take it you saw the concept and the model then

[Judge_Deadd]

At last! I know what these robes are for!!!

[Breunor]

I agree with the robe, it's used for physical intimidation of aliens that consider physical prowess important. Perhaps you could word the flying ability as levitation, limited by the 1 foot range. This prevents them from flying around like the floaters, which the term "flying" invokes for me at least. You might also note that while the robes conceal the levitation, the lack of footwear and total lack of callouses(sp?) on their feet would suggest levitation as well.

 

Keep up the good work!

[mikker]

I have a great fluff text for it!

 

 

"ewwwww thats disgusting!" ~Newly assigned X-com scientist

[Ancalagon]

Here it is.

It's in rtf form, since I didn't want to waste space.

 

EDIT: And I forgot to atach it . . . -_-

Ethereal.rtf

Edited November 7, 2003 by Ancalagon

[Cpl. Facehugger]

"Even this statement, however would be an exchaggeration of its physical health"

 

You may want to change it to something like this: However, even this statement would be an exchaggeration of its physical health, or lack thereof.

[SupSuper]

i think u spell it exaggeration

[Cpl. Facehugger]

Spell Schmell! I don't have my built in spell checker!

But you guys got the gist of it right?

[Ancalagon]

"Even this statement, however would be an exchaggeration of its physical health"

 

You may want to change it to something like this: However, even this statement would be an exchaggeration of its physical health, or lack thereof.

Actually, both are gramatically correct. I'll add on the "lack thereof" bit. I'll consider your other proposal.

[Ancalagon]

I added the new grammar change and put it on the forum here since noone was downloading my file.

 

Some would say that the best description of an Ethereal is that it's all skin and bones. However, even this statement would be an exaggeration of it's physical health, or lack thereof. The Ethereal has very little bone mass, very little muscle mass, and the skin is so thin and fragile that almost anything can damage it. It's digestive system is also so pitiful that it can only absorb pre-digested food. Even the heart and lungs aren't very well developed. "Ewwww that's disgusting, let's start dissecting it!" - newly assigned x-corps scientist.

 

This young scientist's words immediately became the new motto for the x-corps science department. However, our scientists were entirely baffled when they began the dissection. It seemed that such a being should not be capable of existing on this planet. Soon, however – after discovering the highly developed brain and complex blood and nervous systems from the heart to the brain – it was clear that this creature relied primarily on it's brain for survival. This lead our scientists to believe that the Ethereals have telekinetic powers which allow them to pump blood to their brains, and to support their bodies, not only keeping them alive but allowing them to levitate themselves. This belief is only furthered by the lack of both footwear and calluses on the feat, meaning that they must not have walked

 

Scientists still have no explanation as to how or why Ethereals are capable of telekinesis. Luckily, according to our scientists, the Ethereals' telekinetic powers will probably not affect anything farther than a foot away from their bodies, meaning that they will not significantly effect the outcome of a battle. However, scientists believe that a brain as powerful as an ethereal's could possibly interfere with, and even send messages to, human brains from a distance. The robes that were removed from the Ethereal are assumed to have been used for protection. Scientists also believe that they may have been used to increase the ethereal's stature in the eyes of both friend and foe.

[mikker]

"Ewwww that's disgusting, let's start dissecting it!" - newly assigned x-corps scientist.

 

hahahahah! that really sounds great!

 

Scientists still have no explanation as to how or why Ethereals are capable of telekinesis. Luckily, according to our scientists, the Ethereals' telekinetic powers will probably not affect anything farther than a foot away from their bodies, meaning that they will not significantly effect the outcome of a battle. However, scientists believe that a brain as powerful as an ethereal's could possibly interfere with, and even send messages to, human brains from a distance. The robes that were removed from the Ethereal are assumed to have been used for protection. Scientists also believe that they may have been used to increase the ethereal's stature in the eyes of both friend and foe.

 

that was really a good ending, love it! though it may be a bit drastical to revial the "send messages to human brains" in it.

[Raven Squad]

IMO scientist world is used too often, but in other wise i like it. Especially that young scientist comment . Maybe u could replace scientist with research deparment or something like that. Edited November 22, 2003 by Raven Squad

[Ancalagon]

that was really a good ending, love it! though it may be a bit drastical to revial the "send messages to human brains" in it.

Please clarify this statement. Revial is not a word and I don't think you ment revile either. Also, drastical (drastic?) isn't a word either. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.

 

Anyway, I updated the draft saved on my computer, but I won't post it as it was only a one word change. Here is the affected piece though:

"Even the heart and lungs aren't very well developed. "Ewwww that's disgusting, let's start dissecting it!" - newly assigned x-corps scientist.

 

This young scientist's words immediately became the new motto for the x-corps research department. However, our scientists were entirely baffled when they began the dissection."

[Puasonen]

I guess this has been discussed somewhere else but IIRC, in the original x-com ethereals DID walk when their feet hit the ground. At least there was a walking sound and the robe moved in their feet like they were walking.

Well it's not a big deal but if aliens are "modified" to different actions:

- floaters for flying

- mutons for heavy warfare

- etc..

Why did they make legs to ethereals if they can't walk with them?

[X-Clu-Zif]

It's true they did walk, but then again maybe it's just easier to program if everyone walks... I mean even the xcoms with flying suits walked...

 

BTW shouldn't you use less time units flying in a suit designed for it, than walking...

[Ancalagon]

I was thinking maybe they evolved or somehow developed superior brain power and so neglected their other body parts, although that would be more of a live ethereal ctd thing

[mikker]

that was really a good ending, love it! though it may be a bit drastical to revial the "send messages to human brains" in it.

Please clarify this statement. Revial is not a word and I don't think you ment revile either. Also, drastical (drastic?) isn't a word either. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.

was that so hard to understand?

 

i ment don't show the viewers that they can mind control.

 

sorry if it arnt perfectly english, but just because its spelled wrong doesnt mean that it doesnt give any sence at all.

 

 

and if you had problems with that one, it would be because i missed a ' in doesn't.

[Breunor]

that was really a good ending, love it! though it may be a bit drastical to revial the "send messages to human brains" in it.

Please clarify this statement. Revial is not a word and I don't think you ment revile either. Also, drastical (drastic?) isn't a word either. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.

I think mikker meant, it may be a bit drastic to reveal the fact that ethereals have telepathic/mind control powers in this entry. Sorry I missed your posting, I updated the asset list to include your text. The entry is looking good, once you have an updated version finalized I'll update the linked file as well.

[Ancalagon]

Sorry mikker, it was actually the "revial" part that confused me. Now I see that you meant "reveal" (dang! it was only one letter off too). I'll remove the send messages to but it should probably be included in live ethereal ctd.

[Breunor]

The other reason the Ammonites have weak limbs is because they started out as aquatic squid-like creatures, then became land dwellers for a relatively short time, and then go into space. I think it would be easy to say the planet they find is smaller than earth, so gravity is less and their muscles atrophy from the lack of weight. Coming back to earth, they are not strong enough to get around without telekinetic assistance.

[Anthraxus]

EDIT: PLEASE NOTE THE XENOCIDE NAMES HAVE NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET FOR EVERY ITEM OR UNIT IN THE GAME, REFERENCES TO NAMES WHICH ARE THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF ATARI OR OTHER COMPANIES BY INDIVIDUAL PROJECT MEMBERS IS NOT CONDONED BY THE PROJECT AND THE PROJECT DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH ACTIONS. INDIVIDUALS SHOULD REFER TO ENTRY NAMES AGREED TO BY THE PROJECT, AND IF SUCH A NAME DOES NOT YET EXIST THEY SHOULD USE A SUBSTITUTE IN [bRACKETS]. THANKS!

 

Here is what I have so far. More to come this evening.

 

----------------------------------------------------------

 

Common Name: Satyrian

Scientific Name: Xenoornis Cyberum Sapiens

Species Name: Char-Kara

 

This unusual specimen provided many fascinating observances on advanced cybernetic implants. The creature is extremely light weight, yet durable, with bones and joints that are able to withstand tremendous torsion pressures and crushing weights. The bones are made of a complex carbon lattice that has proven extremely resistant to breaking and fractures. The skin is extremely thin and oddly perforated by small “gills” allowing oxygen absorbtion directly through the skin. This translucent epidermis is what gives the [Floater] its pinkish color. It’s musculature is very tightly woven bundles of muscle fiber interlaced with alien alloy fibers. The alloy fibers appear to bolster the strength of the tendons and ligaments, as well as the binding of the limbs at the joints. The major organs have been removed and replaced with a complex life support/levitation device. There are several other cybernetic interfaces that serve unknown functions. There are a few organic organs that it is believe relate to purification of the blood/oxygen mix, and appear to also help maintain balance and equilibrium during high speed maneuvers.

Edited February 24, 2004 by Breunor

[Robo Dojo 58]

eww... What kind of planet could that thing grow on?

[Anthraxus]

Presumably small, low gravity world with an extremly aggresive food chain. With the skin and internal oxygen filters, it could probably be assumed that even the plants had active spore-based attacks, or there was some other aerial borne hazard.

[Anthraxus]

Here ya go . Ephasizing the evil of the Overmind in new and different ways.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Common Name: [Floater]

Scientific Name: [Xenoornis Cyberum Sapiens]

Species Name: [Char-Kara]

 

This unusual specimen provided many fascinating observances on advanced cybernetic implants. The creature is extremely lightweight, yet durable, with bones and joints that are able to withstand tremendous torsion pressures and crushing weights. The bones are made of a complex carbon lattice that has proven extremely resistant to breaking and fractures. The skin is extremely thin and oddly perforated by small “gills” allowing oxygen absorption directly through the skin. This translucent epidermis is what gives the [Floater] its pinkish color. Its musculature is very tightly woven bundles of muscle fiber interlaced with alien alloy fibers. The alloy fibers appear to bolster the strength of the tendons and ligaments, as well as the binding of the limbs at the joints. The arrangement of the musculature appears consistent with Terran norms for high-speed runners, therefore the [floater] was likely extremely quick even before the addition of the levitation device. The major organs have been removed and replaced with a complex life support/levitation device. There are several other cybernetic interfaces that serve unknown functions. There are a few organic organs that it is believe relate to purification of the blood/oxygen mix, help maintain balance and equilibrium during high speed maneuvers, and perform digestion. This intense filtration system would probably render the [floater] immune to smoke and gas inhalation effects.

There is ample evidence of severe surgical trauma, and of general system deterioration. It is the hypothesis of the Research & Development department that the alien’s system, optimized as it is for a low G environment, suffers severe deterioration under the increased pressures of earth. Without the unique skeletal structure and cybernetic reinforcements of the major muscle masses, the [floater] would most likely be crushed under its own weight on Earth. This system deterioration leads to the necessary replacement of vital organs on a semi-regular basis. How the [floater] can withstand the trauma of these operations is unknown, though the progressing nervous system damage probably renders the [floater] almost completely insensitive to pain. Fortunately for [Xcorp] personnel the cybernetic organs are as fragile as normal organic organs, especially at the connection points with the rest of the system. This renders [floaters] very susceptible to internal damage.

 

“What could make a race so unsuited for our planet, want it so bad?” – Dr. Connors, following the [floater] autopsy.

floater_autopsy.rtf

[MagicAndy]

creature is extremely lightweight, yet durable

 

Like a tent, or my rucksack!

[Anthraxus]

Exactly like your tent MA. I'm sure you are as anxious to crawl inside the floater as he is for you get there.

[MagicAndy]

to clarify the point of the joke, "lightweight but durable", sounds like the technical description of an technical object rather than a creature.

 

What about :

 

"the creature has bones which are made of a complex carbon lattice in a honeycomb configuration similar to a bird's. This construction has resulted in a skeletal structure which is lightweight while, at the same time, durable: bones and joints have been proven extremly resistant to breaking and fractures"

 

?

 

 

EDIT: Spelling

Edited January 30, 2004 by MagicAndy

[Anthraxus]

Ok. I agree that your exposition sounds better. I've updated the rtf, but will wait a day or so for further comments before I upload again.

[Anthraxus]

Here is the updated version. I've tweaked things a little to conform more to model concept that we have now.

floater_autopsy.rtf

[MagicAndy]

looks good

 

one thing though:

 

The skin is extremely thin and oddly perforated by small “gills” allowing oxygen absorption directly through the skin

 

The repetition of the word "skin" sounds odd.

 

how about:

 

"The skin is extremely thin and oddly perforated by small “gills” allowing oxygen to be directly absorbed from the atmosphere."

[Guest Azrael]

SATYRIAN AUTOPSY

X-Net://Pegasus.net/Alien/Autopsies/Satyrian

 

This unusual specimen provided many fascinating observances on advanced cybernetic implants. The creature is extremely lightweight, yet strong, with bones and joints able to withstand tremendous pressures and crushing weights. The Alien’s skeletal structure is made of a complex carbon lattice in a honeycomb configuration similar to a bird's. This construction has resulted in a skeletal structure that is lightweight while, at the same time, durable: bones and joints have been proven extremely resistant to breaking and fractures.

 

The skin is extremely thin and oddly perforated by small “gills”, allowing oxygen absorption directly from the atmosphere. This translucent epidermis is what gives the Satyrian its white-pinkish color. This system does not function at peak efficiency on Earth due to its increased gravity in comparison to the one this creature seems best suited for; this causes the Satyrian’s veins to expand and become more visible, and its skin to become pale.

 

Its musculature is very tightly woven bundles of muscle fiber interlaced with Alien Composites fibers. The Composite fibers appear to bolster the strength of the tendons and ligaments, as well as the binding of the limbs at the joints. The arrangement of the musculature appears consistent with terran norms for high-speed runners; therefore the Satyrian was likely to be extremely quick even before the addition of the levitation device.

 

The major organs have been removed and replaced with a complex life support/levitation device. There are several other cybernetic interfaces that serve unknown functions. The few biological organs are believed to relate to purification of the blood/oxygen mix, help maintain balance and equilibrium during high speed maneuvers, and perform digestion. This intense filtration system would probably render the Satyrian immune to smoke and gas inhalation effects.

 

There is ample evidence of severe surgical trauma and general system deterioration. It is the hypothesis of the Research Division that the Alien’s system, optimized as it is for a low G environment, suffers severe deterioration under the increased pressures of earth. Without the unique skeletal structure and cybernetic reinforcements of the major muscle masses, the Satyrian would most likely be crushed under its own weight on Earth. This system deterioration leads to the necessary replacement of vital organs on a semi-regular basis. How the Satyrian can withstand the trauma of these operations is unknown, though the progressive nervous system damage probably renders the Satyrian almost completely insensitive to pain.

 

Fortunately for X-Corps personnel, the cybernetic organs are considerably more fragile than its organic counterparts, especially at the connection points with the rest of the system. This renders the Satyrian very susceptible to internal damage.

 

“What could make a species that’s so unsuited for our planet want it so badly?”

– Dr. Connors, immediately following the Satryian autopsy.