The reason i wanted to start this thread, is simple. I see alot of OT posts that elude to the individual factions culture and political views and motives. I felt it was about time, the community as a whole had a foundation to base its ideas off of when it came to SoaSE Vasari Lore. Not just abunch of rambling opinions, but something logical that could dismiss alot of the ludicrous ideas behind the Vasari and their behavior.
My personal belief, is that 10,000 yrs ago. The Vasari, which very well has been around conquering planets LONG before 10,000 yrs ago. Arent much for one on one contact with any other races. Long before their Exodus, they must of decided any land based attacks were illogical and too costly. By simply showing a reasonable amount of force (somekind of bombardment meant to only shock and awe the populace into the belief they were outgunned) from the safety of their ships. By doing this they could convince the "lesser races" to come under Vasari rule with little to no resistance. This meant little waste of resources when it came to races extremely inferior to their own. As well maximum production of any resources the planet might wield. With a whole planet of non Vasari slaves. This meant the Vasari as a whole was freed to continue their "beloved" conquest of the known galaxy.
While nothing is truly known about their History before 10,000 ago. An unfortunate result of being on the run for 10 millenia (have no clue what that would be called) The Vasari themselves may very well no longer have any solid history to go on. Only old and outdated logs that showed how powerful and mighty their race once was prior to the cataclysm that struck them at the beginning of their exodus. As well time honored traditions, that again, they may not truely know the meaning to but still continue to perform them out of fear of losing their heritage.
As Im not a developer, I cant really say much about what truely chased the Vasari from their Empire. What I can say is what logically it is not. It cant possibly be a virus of somesort. As any virus would be hard to spread from ship to ship with no actual physical or atmospheric interactions between ships. A big hint here is the recalling of the Dark Fleet to confront this unknown enemy. The entire Dark Fleet accept for one vessel disappeared entirely. This vessel returned heavily damaged (making it painfully obvious the enemy of somekind of humanoid species with ships and weapons) which rules out a virus.
Another idea may be that its a "space maddness" being that the Vasari for the most part aside from their homeworld resided in ships their entire lives (may not be entirely true) That a prolonged exposure to a lessened amount of gravity could cause some kindof pyschiatric issues is plausable. This "Space Maddened" Vasari may turn on their counterparts and attack without provocation. But again this logically couldnt be the answer. As the current generation of Vasari would have never made it to TEC held space. Theyve been on the run for 10,000 years and most likely the "space maddness" would have overtaken them long before they escaped their own Empire. As well another clue as to what this unknown enemy is not is the beacons left behind by the Vasari. Slowly going quiet, tells us that the enemy is of an intellegent design. And are either following the Vasari out of vengence or has a more logical reasoning to it. Following resources (very much like the Vasari would have) to continue its growth.
Now as to why the Vasari are now in a stalemate with the TEC and being smashed by the Advent.
Many people believe that the Vasari couldnt possibly stay the same over the course of 10,000 yrs even on the run. I agree, to a degree though. Take the real Human race for example. Many times throughout our existance, we have set our own selves back hundreds if not thousands of years. Simply cause we get arrogant or complacent. This may not be entirely true to the Vasari. But if they are of intellegent design, as they are intend to be. Then they have all the same shortcomings of a Human. Their emotions and stout belief in being supierior could very well be used against themselves. For the most part, the Vasari wouldnt be worried about great bounds and leaps in technology (aside from tech that could get them far far away from their pursuers) they were looking to start over. As well most technology would have been developed on land (trying to create a WMD onboard an Evacuator might not be the best of all ideas) which they wouldnt spend much time on. Being they had become used to life on a ship and they only wanted to stick around long enough to get their resources and haul ass.
When they fled from their Empire, their goal wasnt to fight whatever was after them. They surely believed there was nothing to do but run. Especially after their most prized fleet was lost to this unknown enemy. So instead of staying and dying like the rest, they fled. Which means they hoped they would be able to get away from what ever it is and reestablish themselves. They didnt want to fight this thing, The Vasari for all their Conquering had become fearful of anything that actually could hold its on in a fight with them. They were too used to the idea of swatting at other races like flies. Their arrogance and complacency was their undoing.
The Vasari while cocky and sometimes over enthralled with themselves, arent stupid and just by observing their technology shows their extreme levels of logic. They would have plotted a course for systems that were high in resources but most likely uninhabited. This would give them more time to gather the resources needed and take the fighting out of the equation. But conquering was in their blood so to speak. And werent foolish enough to allow their weapons to degrade or become nonfunctional. Especially if the unknown enemy was to catch up to them. Surely wether they liked it or not. They would have to fight it. And with the beacons going silent one by one. They knew this enemy was not going to stop until they were dead.
This is where the TEC come in. Humans are greedy, and money is on top of their lists of favorites. TO would have spanned out to as many systems rich in resources. Mostlikely ignoring the ones where more money would have been wasted then made. This set them on a collision course with the Vasari. The Vasari, wouldnt be looking for a fight. Their new objective is to gather and evade. And this would send them into systems where production of needed resources would have been higher. Totally ignoring the same systems the TO would have overlooked and eventually making contact with TO.
The Conquers in the Vasari would have immediately came out. Realizing they couldnt go around this new species. And actually be able to find sufficient amounts of metal and crystal needed to sustain their Exodus Fleet. They would have observed the TO before striking. Not making the same mistake they had 10,000 yrs prior they would have realized the TO was nothing more then a semi-peaceful economic civilization. And without actual battleships and frigates, the TO would be just another species to fall to the Vasari. As well this may very well boost the morale of the overall fleet, giving them the feeling that even 10,000 yrs on the run couldnt dull the Vasari's abilities to conquer. That surely played into the reasoning for the Vasari to play its cards and gamble it could conquer the TO before its pursuers could catch up.
But again the Overconfidence the Vasari had in themselves put them in a situation they couldnt just back out of. Once the fighting started their was no turning back. At first the Vasari swept the TO colonies with ease, but when actual Capital ships and actual cruisers and frigates confronted them. It quickly turned the tide. The Vasari have wasted too much effort and time in this war with the TEC. And backing off would leave them with no resources to get them back on the run.
And now with another highly developed race the Advent entering the picture. A race that is atleast 1000 yrs technologicly ahead of the TEC. As well their civilization is oriented towards war. The Vasari is now stuck in a three way war. And their pursuers are just on the horizon.
While the Devs may deny ever thinking of adding another race. Its quite obvious they did. The game itself talks about the Vasari's unknown enemy quickly catching up. Which means in a later expansion, this new race may be added.
But aside from my very long summary of the Vasari's motives and views in this game. Id like to hear from others as to what possibly could be a Out of touch Warrior race as the Vasari's culture and beliefs. I highly doubt they are religious, but it could answer the question of whats held them together for so long on the run. It might also answer why they feel so Superior to others and why they feel entitled to ruling all of known space. Please voice your opinions and please stick to the already written in stone lore of the games intro summaries of the three races. Id like this to stay logical and productive.
EDIT:
Vasari Summary from the Manuel
THE VASARI EMPIRE
The ancient Vasari Empire once ruled over countless worlds. Beginning at the galactic core, the empire expanded uniformily, and brought hundreds of alien races under its control. While most of the species the Vasari encountered were primitive and peacefully subjugated, more advanced civilizations were harshly enslaved. Once conquered, these species were integrated into Vasari society as "valued citizens," giving them minimal standing in the Empire. Each world was then locked down and ruled from vast orbital structures in order to minimize the chance of rebellion.
As with all empires, the Vasari civilization's fall began from within. Ten thousand years ago the inner worlds of the empire fell suddenly silent. Expecting nothing more than rebellion by the local species, a local wing of the Dark Fleet was sent to restore order, but no status reports were ever recieved. Soon three more planets fell silent off the communications grid, and while Internal Intelligence deliberated on the response of what could only be the work of traitors, several more worlds went dark - including the ancient Vasari homeworld.
The rate of expansion of this unknown enemy was astonishing, far exceeding even that of the entire Dark Fleet! As a last resort, the Dark Fleet Veerr brought the bulk of their forces back from the expansionary frontier for a blind assault on whatever was eating its way out of the empire's core worlds. When a single, heavily damaged warship from the Dark Fleet appeared out of phase space in orbit of a planet on the empire's perimeter, the inhabitants decided to board the ship. What they found were the remains of a once battle-hardened crew driven mad with fear.
In a rare act of autonomy, the colony made the decision to evacuate to a system far from the Empire. It would prove to be the last time they would ever see Vasari space. For the next 10,000 years the Vasari refugee fleet travelled from system to system, dropping warning beacons on their way, spending only enough time to replenish their resources before moving on. No matter how far the Vasari travel, their warning beacons fall silent; their unknown adversary continues its march toward their extermination.
EDIT:
SHIP TYPES
Jikara Navigator
As the Vasari continue their long trek through space, it‘s the Jakaras that lead the way to safety. However,the Jakara is also used for quick strikes against unsuspecting mining installations and houses strike teams that can be deployed to capture enemy assets. Should it encounter enemy forces alone in unknown space, its unique Phasic Cloaking device can be used to either hide and observe enemy maneuvers or to avoid weapons fire, thereby giving it a high survivability without any support from the Exodus Fleet.
Ravastra Skirmisher
Ravastra Skirmisher‘s combine speed with power to create a deadly close-range combat vessel. Heavily armored, the Ravastra can withstand a great deal of punishment for its size but is still nearly as nimble as the Jikara. Its ability to withstand punishment is further enhanced once it enters its Reintegration repair cycle, where both engines and weapon systems are shut down in order to quickly regenerate its hull. Given its high speed, survivability and relatively low resource cost, the Ravastra was also determined to be the most suited to striking deep into the enemy‘s fleet during combat in order to activate interference devices that restrict the use of antimatter.
Kanrak Assailant
Equipped with a long-range torpedo launcher, the Kanrak has been designed to eliminate both stationary and mobile targets from a safe distance. Depending on the importance of the target and the overall tactical situation, Kanrak commanders may decide to channel power from the ship‘s engine system into its missile‘s warhead, granting the vessel increased weapons range and an area of effect attack at the expense of mobility.
Karrastra Destructor
While of only minimal use in ship-to-ship combat, the Karrastra‘s true purpose lies in planetary bombardment which it accomplishes with ease. Not many Karrastra‘s were present in the original Exodus Fleet and almost none were constructed until over a year into the war with the Traders. Previous engagements at scheduled resource acquisition drops required next to no siege capabilities and no future need was anticipated. Production rates have increased dramatically since.
Junsurak Sentinel
Equipped with fore and aft anti-strikecraft phase missile launchers, the Junsurak is deceptively adept at dealing with both enemy squadrons and vessels. Not only are its missiles effectively impossible to outmaneuver, but they can also be upgraded to use the same area of effect Charged Missile technology of the Kanrak Assailant, allowing the Junsurak to clear dense clouds of enemy strikecraft at the cost of mobility.
Jarun Migrator
As one of the largest frigates known to exist, the Jarun safely ferries civilians critical to the survival of the Vasari species and experienced xeno administrators between the stars. The Jarun is extremely vulnerable to enemy attack and must be carefully guarded.
Lasurak Transporter
Light fighter and bomber support for Vasari fleets is provided by the Lasurak Transporter. Capable of fielding one squadron, the Lasurak is capable of launching its forces deeper into an enemy‘s gravity well than one might think, thanks to its relatively strong shields and structure.
Stilakus Subverter
Stilakus Subverters are best used in combination with other ships making use of phase missile technology. While only lightly armed themselves, the Stilakus‘ are equipped with powerful phase manipulator fields that have a twofold effect: The first is a weakening of enemy shields, greatly lowering their shield mitigation and making them more easily bypassed by phase missiles; the other is the ability to create a distortion field within the gravity well. This field allows the Stilakus to perform an in-grav phase jump, teleporting it towards an enemy target before it channels a disabling field of energy.
Serevun Overseer
The Serevun Overseer is an advanced ship of the Vasari fleet, that earns its name for two reasons: by being able to detect incoming starships and by protecting the fleet. When enemy ships are detected, a Serevun may decide to activate its Jump Degradation technology to delay the incoming forces. To protect the fleet during combat, the Serevun can manufacture and deploy Reactive Nanite Armor which forms a hardened armor layer around the target, with the added benefit of improved structural integrity. Many Overseers have been intentionally left behind in the wake of the Exodus Fleet as another attempt to serve as an early warning system, and potential delaying mechanism for the unknown threat. There has yet to be any reports aside from those that were placed prior to entering Trader Space.
Skarovas Enforcer
As the most powerful direct combat ship in the Vasari Empire before reaching capital ships, the Skarovas is armed and armored for a fight. Utilizing twin heavy plasma wave cannons, this heavy cruiser is able to destroy many enemy vessels before needing to withdraw. Like its smaller cousin, the Ravastra Skirmisher, the Skarovas support Reintegration technology and inertial fields that slow nearby targets, allowing Skarovas to keep enemies in range of their dual plasma wave cannons.
Kortul Devastator
Like many ships in the Vasari fleet, the Kortul doubles as both a warship and a home for the remnants of the empire. As the lead assault class vessel, the Kortul has a number of defensive system that grant it impressive survivability in battle, which combined with a full complement of heavy weapons make it a force to be reckoned with. In the days of the Empire, Kortuls formed the backbone of every Wing of the Dark Fleet, and while the Exodus Fleet pales in comparison, the Kortuls perform much the same function with one exception: they no longer carry Variments of shock troopers.
Skirantra Carrier
Nanotechnology is put to use in some form in nearly every Vasari design, but few utilize it as pervasively as Skirantra Carriers. Through some of their subsystems may be obsolete by Vasari standards, that makes them no less feared by fledgling civilizations. Large banks of Matter Compilers allow Skirantras to generate many varieties of nanites at a staggering rate, granting them enormous flexibility in how best to support allied forces.
Jarrasul Evacuator
The Jarrasul Evacutor is the largest capital ship known to exist in the galaxy and is truly a city in space. The Vasari rarely established surface colonies on occupied worlds, preferring instead to rule from orbit in these floating cities. The Jarrasul has been modified greatly during the exodus to serve the needs of the fleet. Its giant frontal maw can rip apart planets from orbit, inspiring both terror and utter destruction against its enemies.
Antorak Marauder
Despite a technological advantage, the Vasari Exodus Fleet strongly favors guerilla warfare tactics to make the most of its relatively few starships. Quickly blitzing unwary targets already softened by sabotage is a cornerstone of this strategy. The Antorak is perfectly suited for assisting in such a strike, boasting abilities to both incapacitate the enemy and swiftly bring in reinforcements.
Vulkoras Desolator
Few ships in the galaxy can match the destructive potential of the Vulkoras. Both enemy forces and planets alike quickly fall before its banks of heavy phase missile launchers and deployable siege batteries. Such offensive power comes at a price, however—the Vulkoras relies on supporting ships to deal with specific threats like strikecraft more so than any other Vasari capital ship.
