Information <:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>

[Adno]

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<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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Subject Species: The Vortigaunt

Designated unit term: BIOTIC / POLITICAL CONSCRIPT




Physical Appearance:
The Vortigaunts have a somewhat human-like appearance, walking on two legs with knees that bend backward, and their feet look like large hooves. Their bodies are covered in tough, leathery skin, usually a grayish-brown color.

They have long arms that reach past their hips, each ending in two sharp claws. One unusual feature is an extra arm sticking out from their chest, which seems to be used for feeding. Their bellies have four nipples and a belly button.

Vortigaunts walk hunched over with a strong neck and a head shaped like an oval. On their heads, there's a big eye in the middle surrounded by three smaller ones. They have tubes on the sides of their heads that act as noses that pulsate as they smell things in the air. Their mouth is right under their face and has sharp teeth. When they make sounds, their mouth moves, showing off those sharp teeth, and they make clicks, hisses, and other strange noises.

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The "Vortigaunt":

The "Vortigaunt" as they refer to themselves as, are extraterrestial lifeforms that made their way on earth through the cataclysmic event that was the Resonance Cascade at the Black Mesa Research Facility. This event served as a catalyst, tearing open the fabric of space-time and bridging the gap between Earth and the alien world of Xen.

While their arrival was not entirely of their own volition, the violence and disruption around the globe that they have inadvertently caused indeed was of their own will. It served humanity a first example of the dangers of our instincts. We made the perfect prey and the Vortigaunts bloodlust quickly drove them to terrorize our local communities, cowardly avoiding larger human encounters.



What makes Vortigaunts equally evil?
The Vortessence holds a special place in Vortigaunt culture, almost like a god to them. It's this powerful force that they believe guides them and gives them their amazing abilities. But our researchers at Amaria Industries have found something interesting about it.

Contrary to their divine image, research from Amaria Industries suggests that Vortigaunts' powers stem from a scientific source: electromagnetic waves. These waves serve as a binding force among them, influencing their thoughts and actions. This interconnectedness, while initially fascinating, reveals a troubling truth.

The very essence that grants Vortigaunts their extraordinary abilities also harbors a potential for malevolence. Like a domino effect, if one Vortigaunt succumbs to negative impulses, it can trigger a cascade of similar behavior among others. In essence, their collective consciousness can amplify not just benevolence, but also darker inclinations.

This realization prompts reflection on our own nature. Are we, too, susceptible to unseen influences that sway our moral compass? The Vortigaunts' plight serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to confront the shadows within ourselves and strive for moral autonomy.

As we delve deeper into the complexities of the Vortessence, we are reminded that knowledge is a double-edged sword. While it illuminates, it also exposes the depths of our vulnerabilities. In this pursuit of understanding lies the potential for enlightenment, yet also the risk of confronting uncomfortable truths about our own capacity for good and evil.

Illustration showing the source of the Electromagnetic waves that the Vortigaunts refer to as "The Vortessence"

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OOC Note: This document is more of a scientific/propagandist view of the Vortigaunts from the Combines eyes, but it still contains a bit of lore and knowledge.​

 

[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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A Deeper Dive into the Vortessence​

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In this part, we will discuss the various abilities gifted to the Vortigaunt by the Vortessence that you need to be wary of.
As discussed in the previous page, yes, the "Vortessence" is a construct built by "electromagnetic waves," although how the Vortigaunt harnessed this ability remains a mystery.

We can only speculate as to how the Vortigaunt learned these abilities.
Although the utilization of their energies has been characterized by a ritualistic act, the Vortigaunt hums at a low-pitched frequency and makes a specific hand gesture before a green aura embarks on their claws.

Our scientists at Amaria Industries refer to this process as "invocation of primordial energies." It happens when the vortigaunt attracts energies surrounding it to themselves, concentrating their flow into their claws, and as more energy is stored within their claws, it begins to illuminate a light of a green hue right before it is discharged at their target.

That is at least one explanation of the Vortigaunt's interesting abilities, yet many more exist that we are seeking a scientific explanation for.

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<:: COMBATIVE ::>​

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The combative aspect of the Vortessence that you need to be wary of!

Vortessence is a type of energy that is possible to be utilized in a variety of ways, such as explosive discharges of energy that are most of the time lethal to humans.

Below are two known attacks used by the Vortigaunt.



1. Lightning bolt: The most common form of utilizing the Vortessence by a Vortigaunt. The Vortigaunt is capable of manipulating the Vortessence to send a powerful bolt of electricity. The Vortigaunt usually does this by leaning forward, taking their arms to the sides next to their waist as a green hue embarks them, before extending them forward side by side, aimed at their target as the energy is thrown out of their claws into it.



2. Shockwave: A powerful wave of energy capable of stunning those in its way. The process of calling the energies is similar to the Lightning Bolt, but as the energy is gathered and the green hue embarks on a vortigaunt's claws, they stretch them up above their heads before smashing them down at the ground, releasing the energy all at once in a destructive reaction.

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<:: BLUE ENERGY ::>​

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A useful aspect of the Vortessence.

When the flow of energy is kept stable and in some ways "harmonical" by the Vortigaunt, then the Vortessence can be transmitted to electrical objects to be used as a source of energy to keep them running!



In this state, the Vortessence is characterized by a slim blue beam, emitting bigger outbursts of energy as it is transmitted in portions from its host to another object.

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<:: FREQUENCY DISRUPTING ::>​

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It's been noted by our scientists that when the energies of the Vortessence interact with other electromagnetic waves in a certain way, it causes them to scatter. For example, when a Vortigaunt uses its powers near a radio, it worsens its signal, lowering the quality of its audio if not cutting it as a whole.



What's been found interesting about this?

When a heavily sedated Vortigaunt began uttering something in it's native tongue during the process of its shackling, it tampered with the signal of a radio of one of the Civil Protection units, the same way that the Vortal Energies would!



This leads to the theory that, when the Vortigaunt are speaking in their native tongues, their words are laced with bits of vortal energy.


[I allow you to get creative with the Vortessence powers as long as it is not op and is based around electricity/Electromagnetic waves or simply what is shown in the canon of hl2]

 

[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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BIOTICS - A sign of progress​

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The Next time you see a so-called Biotic strolling about on the streets of our City, do not fear! We are long past the days when humanity crumbled and feared the shadows. These alien creatures, once our enemies with no familiarity with civilization, have also been noticed by our benefactors. Possessing a glimmer of self-conscience, they have been offered a second chance at ascension over their animal-like instincts.

For some, it may seem unfair, for they have destroyed our cities and slaughtered our people!
But if we went back in time, reflected on our history, we too beared the burden of our instincts, slowly fighting back against it to where we proudly walk as a civilized society today, with our primitive urges still dwelling somewere in our minds, tempting us to go back to our old ways.
What I'm doing here is comparing our past situation to the current state of Biotics.

Evolution of the Biotic species has not been as kind to them as it has been to us; their native environment has forced them to adapt in a way still beyond our understanding.
The so-called "Vortessence", influences their thoughts, possibly creating a hierarchy similar to one presented in ant colonies.
As an example, when an unshackled Vortigaunt becomes aggressive, it'll set off a chain reaction with the Vortigaunts nearby, influencing their emotions and thoughts and turning them to act aggressively as well.
And so, instead of engaging in senseless slaughter, like the Vortigaunt did upon their arrival on earth, our Benefactors had reached their hands out to them and gathered their best scientists to construct restricting chains, which surpress the effects of the Vortessence.

While the Vortessence was fought and defeated by our Benefactors, the Biotics still carry the burden of their instincts, which stand undefeated; it is it that tempts them to escape civilization, a world once unfamiliar to them.


<:: IF A BIOTIC POSES ANY DESIRES TO ESCAPE SOCIETY, REPORT THEM TO THE CIVIL PROTECTION SO THAT THEY CAN BE SUBJECTED TO A "BEHAVIOR CORRECTION" ::>

To prevent Biotics from escaping the Civil Protection and posing any significant threat, a decision has been made to pierce hooks through their ankles, a solution which to some may appeal as unethical, but it was neccessary and for the Biotics own good.

And so, in this way, the Biotics had been deemed worthy enough to be introduced to our Urban centers, working hard as our servants to prove themselves that they are trustworthy and willing to progress.

 

[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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< BIOTIC RACES >​

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Vortigaunts come in a variety of different skin colours, which they developed through different living conditions on their homeworlds.
[ For Vort players: You do not need to model your Vortigaunt after what I wrote here, I'm just giving a bit lore and ideas. ]


1. The Common Vortigaunt

Biotic Registry: 1,200,000

Preferred Habitat: With high humidity, warm


Usually found to be most "connected" to the Vortessence and least capable of being civilized.

They are the perfect hunters, with strong legs capable of running 65 km/h, somewhat nocturnal vision, and a perfect sense of distinguishing different smells.



Having a mindset that relies on the Vortessence for guidance, they are driven to live in clans, cooperating with each other like an ant colony.

The Vortessence filled their minds with tribalistic ideals; they engaged in rituals and crafted religious symbols of spiritual significance.



A lot of their clans perform rather like religious cults, each of them with a different perception and philosophy of the Vortessence; their ideals vary.

A great connection to the Vortessence causes them to be the most excellent at using this energy out of all the other races.

For the purpose of weaving this energy, they have also had to develop great endurance, perfect for using the Vortessence for prolonged amounts of time.

While these Vortigaunts usually prefer to spend time with their own race, there have been lots of cases where they accept other Vortigaunt races into their clans, integrating them as one of their own despite their differences.

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2. The Greys - The Lesser Vortigaunt

Biotic Registry: 150 000

Prefered Habitat: Dark and Cold


Also known as the "Cave Goblins," the Greys are Vortigaunts with a grayish skin color, possibly adapted to an environment compromised mainly of caves.



The "Greys" have been reported to be weaker in muscle strength and less sociable than other Vortigaunts, making them the "Shy Vortigaunt.".

While they are still a lot stronger and faster than humans, they have a bit less muscle strength than other Vortigaunts.

A large portion of this race suffers from a low light adaptation, causing them to have reduced eyesight for longer distances, although they can see perfectly in darker areas.

To make up for a smaller amount of muscle tissue, they've got a great sense of smell and hearing, often exceeding other Vortigaunts.

Having evolved in an environment with stable temperatures, they may have adaptations to conserve energy since their metabolic rates are often lower in these stable conditions.

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3. The "Wastelanders" - The Desert Vortigaunt

Biotic Registry: 400 000

Preferred habitat: Dry and Warm

Discovered and properly integrated into the Biotic Registry two years after the Era of Ascension began. Have been found migrating in large groups towards warmer areas of the earth. Many individuals of this race have been reported to wear makeshift cloaks, possibly pointing to the fact that they are less susceptible to lower temperatures.

They have been reported to better withstand prolonged periods of time under higher temperatures than other vortigaunts due to having their bodies covered in scales that reflect sunlight.
They earned their title when a city scanner spotted a clan of these vortigaunts scavenging a junkyard.
They are reported to have been carrying out large amounts of shiny metals, to be later used as decorations for their living den.
They are the most sociable out of all the other Vortigaunts, often sharing their living space with up to 10 other of their kin and partaking in organized group hunting.
They have highly efficient kidneys and produce dry feces; this is a side effect of evolving in an environment similar to Earth's deserts. It is a way of preserving fluid in their organisms.

BURROWING - An interesting behavior of the Vortigaunts is exclusive to this race. Burrowing is when a vortigaunt burrows themselves into the ground, fully covering their body. They do this as a sort of camouflage when stalking their prey or simply to rest unbothered.

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4. The "Greenies" - The Forest Vortigaunt

Biotic Registry: 800 000

Preferred Habitat: With high humidity, warm

They are not very different from the Common Vortigaunt, except for a darker shade of green in their skin color, and are believed to be less reliant on the Vortessence guiding them.

These kinds of Vortigaunts specialize in camouflage and mimicry, often using the Vortessence as an aid in this field of expertise.

Just like their common counterparts, they have great climbing and agility skills, quick adaptability to change, and, unlike their counterparts, are great swimmers with huge lung capability.

They are natural competitors, competing with their kin or other species for dominance or resources such as sustenance.
They do this by challenging them to a spoken debate, a tournament, or even a clash.

 

[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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BIOTIC LIFECYCLE​

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<:: YOUNGLINGS ::>

Vortigaunts spanning from ages 0 to 500 have been born into slavery under the Nihilanths rule without any true experience of freedom.
Because of their underdeveloped connections to the Vortessence, they are less susceptible to it, making the civilization of young Vortigaunts the most capeable.
Young vortigaunts are really curious creatures, with an urge to discover and learn. Younglings have large amounts of energy, which often results in them being careless.

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<:: ADULTS ::>
Vortigaunts spanning from ages 500–1500 are a generation of Vortigaunts that have also been born on Xen.
For a time after their arrival on Xen, Vortigaunts lived free in larger populations, inhabiting the caves of the Flying Islands, before being enslaved and put into labor by the Nihilanth and his army.
Upon reaching adulthood, their althetic prowess and connection to the Vortessence have been fully developed. It is usually celebrated in tribes with an initiation ritual.
At this age, Vortigaunts become more independent and emotionally hardened.

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<:: ELDERS ::>


Spanning from ages 1500 to 2000, a large number of Vortigaunt Elders have been born on their homeworld but have been forced to escape it to Xen before even reaching adulthood for unknown reasons.



As a vortigaunt's connections in the vortessence expand over time, it begins using much more of its stamina for long amounts of time. While they can use the Vortessence for much longer periods of time than younger Vortigaunts, their athletic condition and skin begin to worsen. Skin damage may appear, such as wrinkles; their bodies may begin to ache; and they'll have much less physical strength.

They are often chosen as leaders of clans/tribes.

Do not mistake this for weakness; despite weaker athletic abilities, the deepened connection to the Vortessence still makes them extremely dangerous.

While not observed in all Elders, upon reaching such an old age a mutation can appear which will turn their eye colour to Purple or Blue.

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<:: GREAT ELDERS ::>
<:: [Information Classified] ::>
2000-3000
Born and raised on their Homeworld.

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[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABSE ::>​

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VORTIGESE​

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Vortigese is the native language of the Vortigaunts, it has two uses, the main one is that it is used for communication between Vortigaunts.
The second is that invoking the Vortessence of Vortigese can also be useful in manifesting greater amounts of Vortal energy.
Our scientists have observed many words in Vortigese containing the letter G.
Vortessence uses a special style of communication that Vortigaunts call "Flux-Shifting" which involves speaking certain words at different pitches and tones, because of this, no other creature than a Vortigaunt can speak Vortigese.

The inability to speak Vortigese has been referred to by the Vortigaunts as having "Impaired Vortal Chords".

Due to the “Flux-Shifting” of the Vortigese, it is more difficult for a Vortigaunt to deceive another of its kin, the “Different tonations and pitches” of earlier said sentences often carry emotional meaning into words spoken by a Vortigaunt through the Flux-Shifting, it usually takes a lot of concentration and focus for a Vortigaunt to lie to another in Vortigese.

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Symbol usually affiliated with the Vortessence by the Vortigaunt.​

 

[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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MANAGING YOUR BIOTIC!

Here you shall learn your basics in managing your Biotic unit to ensure proper working order.​

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1. Dismantling of the shackles -

To make sure your Biotics head doesn't *Pop!* off, you've got to dismantle it's shackles and put grease oil on the areas they're tightly attached to, such process will be listed below.



1. Collar Deactivation
Once you've got your subdued and safely held in place, you can begin the first step. To Deactivate the collar, normally you've got to request for dispatch to remotely turn off the EMI Device and detach the clamps on the collars bottom, but sometimes the Dispatch can get quite busy and be unable to respond, which is when you've got to take matters into your own hands!

First, you'd need to overload the EMI Device with Energy, causing it's plugs to pop out and shut it down, which will cause the Vortessence that was being held up by the device at that moment to be discharged into the Biotics body, neutralizing it for a period of time.

After turning off the EMI Device you've got about 5 Minutes to take the Collar off and plug it's energy back in before Dispatch is notified. If it is turned back on and it can't take the Vortessence to power itself, you've got about 10 Minutes before the Battery runs out of energy and dispatch is notified.


2. Gauntlet dismantlement
During this process, you must remain very careful as to not damage the Biotics hand. To remove the Gaunlets you need to first unscrew the two bolts on each gaunlets base, then you've got to carefully slide the gaunlet back as there's a piece of thin magnesium plate embedded deep within the back of it's hand.

The Gaunlets do not posses any security measures.

The Crotch part of he shackles are detached in a similar way as the Gaunlets, with clamps attached to their thighs instead of a plate embedded in them.

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2. Shackle checkup

The parasites calling themselves the "Free Vortigaunt", after seeing the horrific effects of human science outside of our Benefactors jurisdiction will change their views and craft themselves fake shackles that by design imitate the true ones.

They will infiltrate our homes and sell out information to other parasites and terrorists who will use it to harm you.

To prevent such event, you've got to regularly check your Biotics shackles to make sure they are not a parasite.
To differentiate real shackles from fake ones you've got to perform a series of tests, which include

1. Checking the texture
2. The Sound made by the metal plate when knocked on with a stunstick
3. Response to sulfuric acid. When sulfuric acid is dropped on the plate, it should immediately leave dark-brown stains.
(In-lore you can do this via three rolls.)

4. Or you can just simply use a city camera or a city scanner which will ping the Collars signal repeater to see if it's active.

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3. Biotic nourishment

Like everything, your worker needs fuel to keep functioning, which is why after a well-performed task you need to reward your biotic unit with a Workforce coupon which he can use to recieve a complimentary meal.

Biotic Complimentary Meals - "Rations" - Usually include

-One Energy Gel packet
-One Protein nutrient block
-One Fiber enriched bar
-Mineral Supplement Capsule
-1500ml of Hydration solution.

In terms of exemplary rewards you can offer your Biotic some different kind of CMB Branded food that is not included within their Complimentary meals, or perhaps just an additional Workforce coupon.

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4. Biotic Duty

Certain types of labour that Biotic unit's are designated to perform.




-1. Battery charging


Sometimes we do our Biotics a little favor, and we extract some of the gathered-up Vortessence energy from their bodies after undergoing a prolonged state of labor.

Such a procedure is done by placing a Biotic into a Combine Pod that's connected to a battery charging station. You place as many batteries as there are slots within the charging station and activate the pod via a terminal or dispatch.

If in proper working order, you should hear the Biotic chant in its native tongue, as Vortessence is extracted from it. You should also notice green sparks of electricity travel through the cables as the Vortessence is transmitted into the batteries.

After undergoing such a procedure, a part of the Biotic's brain will be numbed due to continuous usage of the Vortessence, which also quickly drains their stamina, which will cause the Biotic to behave as under the influence of alcohol.



-2. Clean-up duty


Often considered as the main type of labor for the Biotics is clean-up duty.

Biotic units are often seen carrying a broom, which is used to sweep and' keep our streets clean.

Upon discovering larger pieces of trash, or ones that are made out of valuable material, the Biotic is to hand them over to a Civil Worker in exchange for rewards, depending on how useful the junk is.

It is also encouraged for business owners to exercise their rights, and instead of tidying up their establishment by themselves, they call a Biotic unit to do it for them.

In more unfortunate times, Biotics are also the ones tasked with the disposal of corpses, as they suffer fewer psychological effects.




-3. Assistant duty
Any department within the city can appoint a Biotic unit as their servant



-4. Maintenance duty

While the Civil Workers Union is primarily focused on developing our industry, Biotic unit's make sure our Cities are tidied up and standing.

Biotics are often tasked with "Blue collar" jobs which include: plumbing, gardening, painting, renovating, etc. All of these jobs are useful to preservation of an appealing living environment

 

[Adno]

<:: BIOTIC DATABASE ::>​

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RITUALISTIC PRACTICES
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Newly captured Biotics tend to have a hard time assimilating themselves into the Civil populace, and will attempt to practice their old cultural traditions.
When saying the word; "Culture" or "Traditions" the Civilised populace will think of values that their nations were built upon, values, some of which those people can be proud of today.

Don't let the feelings of nostalgia guide you off the path of reaching the stars. Humanities old ways had been built by savagery and bloodshed caused directly by our instincts, which tell us to accomplish nothing more than what is neccessary to survive.

These Ritualistic practices mislead the Vortigaunt off the right path, leading them to worship false deities and deny progress, which is why you must help them, report such malevolent actions to the Civil Protection, so that they can set them back on the right path.