Vortigaunts (taxonomic designation: Xenotherium subservilia, or "Subservient Alien Beast”, formerly known as Alien Slaves, are sapient aliens. Their native homeworld is Xen, from where they were enslaved by the Combine and then forced to lead an invasion of Golmar Earth following the Black Mesa Incident, under the direction of the Nihilanth. Following the death of the latter, they have as a species chosen to ally themselves with the Earth Freedom Fighters in its bid to overthrow the Combine rule of Golmar Earth.
Earning their freedom, they became the founding members of the Human-Vortigaunt Federation, and then the Alliance of Nations following the events of the First Multiverse War to defeat the Combine.
History[]
Long before the Black Mesa Incident, the Vortigaunts' homeworld was invaded by the Combine Empire, forcing the survivors of the invasion to flee to Xen. When the Black Mesa Incident occurred, their master, a being known as the Nihilanth, viewed the rift that opened as a chance to escape, and directed the Vortigaunts to invade Golmar Earth.
Following the death of the Nihilanth, the Vortigaunts had chosen to ally themselves with the human-led Resistance in their bid to overthrow the Combine rule of Earth.
Biology[]
Vortigaunts appear somewhat humanoid, standing upright with two legs and two arms, which they can use in a quadruped stance to cover large distances. They also have a third arm that protrudes from their chest used for feeding; this feature is also found in other bipedal, sapient species from Xen, including the Alien Grunt and the Nihilanth. This similarity, along with other shared features such as red eyes and digitigrade legs, suggests a common ancestry with other intelligent Xen life forms. Most Vortigaunts use their green energy through this third arm.
Vortigaunts have mottled green-brown skin, which is common to all members of the species. Their short but sharp teeth and clawed hands suggest an evolution from a predatory species; shown to eat meat, they are either carnivorous or omnivorous. Vortigaunts have a hunched posture with their heads at shoulder level, and their faces have three smaller eyes surrounding a dominant large eye with a maroon sclera, a heterochromic red-yellow iris, and a yellow pupil; however, their large red eye is surrounded by five smaller ones instead. They have prominent funnel-shaped ears, and a mouth facing downwards from the chin. Vortigaunts appear slightly different. Instead of each hand ending in only two digits, they gain an opposable thumb. Their feet, previously a single hoof-like claw, now appear more avian with three clawed digits. Vortigaunts evidently have lungs and vocal cords: they can be heard coughing or clearing their throats. Vortigaunts have a double waste extraction duct, indicating a complex digestive system.
Vortigaunts appear mammalian, with double mammary ducts on each side of their chest and a navel in the lower abdomen suggesting an umbilical cord during fetal development. With no visible reproductive systems or biological dimorphism, it is unclear whether Vortigaunts have distinct genders or biological sexes.
Throughout halfway during the Uprising, the Vortigaunts learn to speak fluent English, albeit with a strangely archaic vocabulary, a slight speech impediment when using S's and R's and using "the" when describing people (for example, "The Freeman" instead of simply "Freeman.)
Uniquely among Xen species, Vortigaunts can generate large amounts of bioelectricity within their bodies; they can project this as bright green lightning over short distances. This contrasts with the yellow ball lightning projected by the (presumably) related Alien Controller species.
Culture and Society[]
Vortigaunts are very intelligent and social beings. They can be seen in pairs or groups, and are capable of developing intelligent strategies. When faced with a superior enemy, Vortigaunts will often retreat, and if possible, group together with other Vortigaunts to form a stronger force.
Vortigaunts display a material culture full of art and creativity, capable of weaving, pottery, painting, sculpting, and cooking (for themselves and others); some individuals even make references to songs and poetry. Their material culture makes repeated use of triangles, which form the basic shapes of artwork and even furniture. However, these crafts, simple or otherwise, are not their only skill: Vortigaunts can easily operate highly complex domestic and foreign technology.
With the exception of Uriah, Vortigaunts reject any form of clothing regardless of social context and are largely unaffected by external temperature changes. Religion in Vortigaunt culture is unclear but their frequent references to the 'Vortessence' and 'the All in One' may indicate some form of supernatural belief system.
Brief glimpses into the Vortigaunt culture can be gained by occasional speeches given by them. Vortigaunts were enslaved by the Nihilanth and used as workers and drone soldiers. Vortigaunts were oppressed by Alien Grunt overseers who administer brutal beatings; they can also be telepathically enslaved by Alien Controllers. Vortigaunts released from both forms of slavery exhibit symptoms of severe trauma. Based on comments by the All-Knowing Vortigaunt, it seems that the species has endured slavery for many generations by the Combine ("We have endured these chafing bonds for eons, yet a single moment of further servitude seems intolerable!" as he says) and enforced servitude appears to have formed the bedrock of Vortigaunt history and culture up to the events prior to the Seven Hour War, Vortigaunts make occasional references to their species' culture.
Language[]
The Vortigaunts possess a native communication system known as "flow-state." This method appears to include a language with auditory components resembling human speech, alongside a sensory component unique to their species. However, flow-state cannot be understood by "those whose vortical inputs are impaired," referring to humans and other species lacking this sensory ability. The Vortigaunts frequently utter a phrase that sounds like "Ur-talla-tag;" this expression has never been defined in human terms.
Following Gilman Earth's occupation, the Vortigaunts aligned themselves with the Resistance. In doing so, they learned human languages, mostly English, German and French, etc.
When speaking to humans, the Vortigaunts use a distinct manner of expression, with archaic vocabulary and syntax evocative of an older, antiquated literary style and philosophical, resembling Shakespearean phrases and peculiar grammar. Combined with their unique speech patterns, this gives them a distinctive form of communication highlighting both their alien nature and their accumulated wisdom.
Vortigaunt in the Multiverse[]
Known Vortigaunts[]
- The All-Knowing Vortigaunt (Resistance member)
- Gary (Resistance member)
- R-4913 (Nihilanth slave)
- Sweepy (Resistance member)
- Uriah (Resistance scientist)
- The Victory Mine Vortigaunt (Resistance member)
- The Vortigaunt Shepherd (Resistance member)
- X-8973 (Nihilanth slave)
Gallery[]
