The Ethereals were an ancient and possibly psionic species, they were proclaimed as "The Master Race", the rulers and founders of the ADVENT Coalition from the Vive'kijiik Universe, subjugating other worlds to bring into their dominion and uplifting the species, in a war that is coming to their reality that the Ethereals feared.
Biology and Appearance[]
Although Ethereals bipedal humanoids with four arms and two legs, they are the psionically gifted, appearing physically fragile, possibly due to extreme age or the energy requirements of their overdeveloped brains, their bodies have atrophied to an alarming degree. Some of The internal organs appear to be under-developed and the sensory organs, including the eyes, do not appear to function at all.
Despite being physically infirm, they are extremely resilient in combat and their devastating mental abilities can wipe out an entire XCOM squad or other forces in short order.
However, the Ethereal brain is very well developed and draws on a high proportion of the body's blood supply. It possesses awesome mental powers which allow for telepathic communication and telekinetic abilities. These telekinetic powers defy the laws of physics known by humans. Utilising said power, this physically malformed being that seems incapable of sustaining any life functions turn out to be the most dangerous species that X-COM forces faced during the First Alien War. Similar to high rank Sectoids, Ethereals can use Psi Attacks to demoralise soldiers in combat, or even take control of their minds. It is stated by Doctor Vahlen that they possess "an incredible pool of psionic energy"; this, combined with their high Defense, ability to reflect projectiles, and resistance to critical hits, strongly implies that their remarkable durability is a manifestation of their psionic powers, rather than the toughness of their physical bodies.
The Ethereals used a combination of mind control and forced evolution to subjugate and mold the numerous races that comprise the invasion. Many of the species that XCOM confronted were uplifted by the Ethereals and experimented on in order to create superior beings. Ultimately, they were all deemed failures and now serve as shock troops for subsequent invasions.
It was discovered that most branches of Ethereals have gained the forms that resemble phantoms and many tendrils coming from their backs, from which they can assert their influence. They also have an odd head which resembles a human central nervous system.
History[]
Culture and Society[]
Technology[]
Trivia[]
- The Alliance who fought the Ethereals often compared them to the Combine in some manner, they invade worlds, create genetically engineered creatures for military use and slavery, even subjugate worlds yet only differences the Ethereals have not reached the development of travelling to other worlds, the Alliance have considered them one of the potential threats and remained observed.