Difference between revisions of "Ethereal (EU2012)"

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m (Changed ethereal text from cannot kill drained target to can kill drained targets)
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{{Ref Open | title = Ethereal Interrogation}}[[Image:Ethereal 2 (EU2012).png|right|thumb|Ethereal]]
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This creature, clearly a member of the alien leadership caste responsible for this invasion, presented us with an extremely risky and difficult interrogation prospect. Despite our previous experience in safeguarding the facility from the potential effects of the...abilities... exhibited by the psionic alien species, this captive's power exceeded the previously established limits of our testing. Much of the information we were able to discern from this creature was cryptic at best, as it made every effort to resist even our most invasive procedures during the interrogation. However, the experimental imaging equipment we had been using to monitor the alien's brain activity did reveal a very unusual pattern of neural activity that we believe is closely tied to the creature's "power." This information should prove useful in reducing the time required for our research in variety of fields.
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{{Ref Close | source = XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) Research Archives}}
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{{Ref Open | title = Ethereal Autopsy}}[[Image:Ethereal 3 (EU2012).png|right|thumb| Autopsy]]
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This specimen appears to be at the top of the alien hierarchy, and for good reason. As we've noted in the field, its physical form is not suited for combat by any means. Their bodies actually appear to be quite frail, with evidence of atrophy and muscular degeneration having occurred over an extended period of time. This is not surprising, as initial radiocarbon dating indicates this particular creature could be... several thousand years old. Unlike the other specimens we've examined, there is little to indicate that it was genetically enhanced, at least not with the same ambition as the others. Strangely enough, we have uncovered similarities between the "Ethereal" brain and that of the Sectoid Commander. Both show the same enhanced synaptic connections, confirming our suspicion that this is the likely source of their power. These Ethereals appear to have an incredible pool of psionic energy at their disposal...more than anything we've previously encountered, which helps to explain why the other species are subordinate to them. The Unit Analysis View should provide additional information about this creature's combat capabilities in the field.
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{{Ref Close | source = XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) Research Archives}}
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The Ethereals are some of, if not '''the''' most powerful alien creatures you will ever encounter in the game. These ancient aliens are the true masterminds behind the alien invasion. They are humanoid in form and possess four arms. While they are physically quite frail the Ethereals have the greatest psionic abilities seen in the entire game, using them to obliterate the minds and bodies of your squad.
 
The Ethereals are some of, if not '''the''' most powerful alien creatures you will ever encounter in the game. These ancient aliens are the true masterminds behind the alien invasion. They are humanoid in form and possess four arms. While they are physically quite frail the Ethereals have the greatest psionic abilities seen in the entire game, using them to obliterate the minds and bodies of your squad.
  
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You will only find Ethereals in UFO assaults or on the final mission. They prefer to send their underlings such as [[Muton (EU2012)|Mutons]] to do their dirty work.
 
You will only find Ethereals in UFO assaults or on the final mission. They prefer to send their underlings such as [[Muton (EU2012)|Mutons]] to do their dirty work.
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== Tactical Advice ==
 
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When you face these ancient aliens prepare for a very tough fight. Do not expect SHIVs to be immune to them. Ethereals can use pure psionic force against their foes instead of purely mind centered attacks. These attacks actually do more damage to SHIVs than to regular humans as SHIVs have no Will to defend them.
 
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Ethereals are entirely absent from the game until you assault the Overseer UFO, at which point they will always be found at the helm of a UFO. You will only ever face one Ethereal at a time and they will never wander from their spawn positions until provoked. This gives you ample time to prepare for the fight beforehand, like by using Psionic Inspiration and other beneficial abilities before engaging the Ethereal. Just be sure you have neutralised any other wandering aliens before attacking them. Make sure everyone has a full weapon and a meaningful turn to work with. When you discover the Ethereal you should take control of the Muton Elites guarding it if possible, they make useful fodder units and provide a fair bit of firepower against the Ethereal. Because of their low Will the Ethereal will often Psi-Lance a mind controlled Muton in preference to attacking one of your soldiers.
 
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To be able to successfully use Psionics against an Ethereal you will need a soldier with a ''very'' high Will rating, which can achieved through the use of [[Psi Armor (EU2012)|Psi Armor]], [[Mind Shield (EU2012)|Mind Shields]], and/or the '''Psi Inspiration'''/'''Combat Drugs''' abilities, otherwise it has a very high chance to fail. With some or all of those it can be possible to mind control an Ethereal, which is required for the "Xavier" Achievement. Given the difficulty and preparation required, using psionics on Ethereals is impractical for purposes other than the achievement.
 
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All Ethereals have a chance to reflect shots back at the attacker, fortunately for much less than the weapon's normal damage.
 
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A squad at full capacity shooting at the Ethereal will often be enough to bring it down in one turn, though if you're unlucky on reflects it can survive even that.
 
  
 
== Ethereal ==
 
== Ethereal ==
 
{{Unit Stat Box (EU2012)
 
{{Unit Stat Box (EU2012)
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|picture=[[File:2012-10-14 00005.jpg|200px]]
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|picture=[[File:Ethereal (EU2012).png|150px]]
 
|hp=20/20/20/25
 
|hp=20/20/20/25
 
|aim=N/A
 
|aim=N/A
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|move=12
 
|move=12
 
}}
 
}}
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These Ethereals are often seen commanding UFOs. Exercise extreme caution wherever these red robed fiends may be present. Heed the advice given above to bring them down.
 
  
 
'''Abilities:'''
 
'''Abilities:'''
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* Ethereals explode upon death, dealing damage to all units within a fairly small radius.
 
* Ethereals explode upon death, dealing damage to all units within a fairly small radius.
  
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== Uber Ethereal ==
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== See Also ==
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{{Unit Stat Box (EU2012)
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* [[Uber Ethereal (EU2012)|Uber Ethereal]] - Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
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|picture=[[File:Высший Эфириал.jpg|right|thumb]]
 
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|hp=25/25/25/30
 
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|aim=N/A
 
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|defense=40
 
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|will=150
 
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|move=12
 
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}}
 
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This Ethereal commands the entire Alien Armada. He essentially has the same powers as regular Ethereals but the large stat bonuses he gains make him a formidable foe.
 
  
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The Uber Ethereal is only encountered during the final mission.
 
  
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'''Abilities:'''
 
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* '''Psi Lance''': Offensive Psi ability that deals more damage if the target fails a will challenge.
 
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* '''Mindfray''', offensive psionic ability that causes damage and lowers will/mobility/aim.
 
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* Can '''Mind Control'''.
 
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* '''Psi Drain''': Drains up to 5 hitpoints worth of health from a friendly organic target. Cannot kill target(Can be used on mind-linked targets such as mind controlled squaddie)
 
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* '''Rift''', a powerful AoE attack that inflicts more damage if they fail a will challenge. It has the potential to do from 4 damage (if resisted) to 20+ (SHIV, since they have no will to resist.) Rift will persist on the map for one turn and damage anything that enters.
 
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* Chance to reflect physical projectiles back at the attacker. Reflected attacks deal reduced damage. This has a higher probability of occurring with the Uber Ethereal than regular ones.
 
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* High Will; resistant to psionic attacks.
 
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* The Uber Ethereal is immune to Mind Control but not Psi Panic or Mindfray.
 
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* Ethereals explode upon death, dealing damage to all units within a fairly small radius.
 
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* Should the Uber Ethereal die all remaining aliens die, mind controlled soldiers are released and the game ends in humanity's victory.
 
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== External Links ==
 
 
{{Aliens (EU2012)}}
 
{{Aliens (EU2012)}}
  
 
[[Category: Enemy Unknown (2012)]]
 
[[Category: Enemy Unknown (2012)]]
 
[[Category: Aliens (EU2012)]]
 
[[Category: Aliens (EU2012)]]

Revision as of 00:51, 28 July 2013

Ethereal Interrogation
Ethereal

This creature, clearly a member of the alien leadership caste responsible for this invasion, presented us with an extremely risky and difficult interrogation prospect. Despite our previous experience in safeguarding the facility from the potential effects of the...abilities... exhibited by the psionic alien species, this captive's power exceeded the previously established limits of our testing. Much of the information we were able to discern from this creature was cryptic at best, as it made every effort to resist even our most invasive procedures during the interrogation. However, the experimental imaging equipment we had been using to monitor the alien's brain activity did reveal a very unusual pattern of neural activity that we believe is closely tied to the creature's "power." This information should prove useful in reducing the time required for our research in variety of fields.

Source: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) Research Archives
Ethereal Autopsy
Autopsy

This specimen appears to be at the top of the alien hierarchy, and for good reason. As we've noted in the field, its physical form is not suited for combat by any means. Their bodies actually appear to be quite frail, with evidence of atrophy and muscular degeneration having occurred over an extended period of time. This is not surprising, as initial radiocarbon dating indicates this particular creature could be... several thousand years old. Unlike the other specimens we've examined, there is little to indicate that it was genetically enhanced, at least not with the same ambition as the others. Strangely enough, we have uncovered similarities between the "Ethereal" brain and that of the Sectoid Commander. Both show the same enhanced synaptic connections, confirming our suspicion that this is the likely source of their power. These Ethereals appear to have an incredible pool of psionic energy at their disposal...more than anything we've previously encountered, which helps to explain why the other species are subordinate to them. The Unit Analysis View should provide additional information about this creature's combat capabilities in the field.

Source: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) Research Archives

The Ethereals are some of, if not the most powerful alien creatures you will ever encounter in the game. These ancient aliens are the true masterminds behind the alien invasion. They are humanoid in form and possess four arms. While they are physically quite frail the Ethereals have the greatest psionic abilities seen in the entire game, using them to obliterate the minds and bodies of your squad.

Dr. Vahlen identifies a specimen to be centuries old. Despite this Ethereals actually have a ton of health. (20 hit points in total on Classic and below.) Do not expect them to turn into a pile of dust when you shoot them.

You will only find Ethereals in UFO assaults or on the final mission. They prefer to send their underlings such as Mutons to do their dirty work.

Ethereal

Ethereal (EU2012).png
1st Appearance {{{appears}}}
HP 20/20/20/25
Aim N/A
Defense 40
Will 120
Movement 12
Easy/Normal/Classic/Impossible


Abilities:

  • Psi Lance: Offensive Psi ability that deals more damage if the target fails a will challenge.
  • Mindfray, offensive psionic ability that causes damage and lowers will/mobility/aim.
  • Can Mind Control.
  • Psi Drain: Drains up to 5 hitpoints worth of health from a friendly organic target. Can kill target(Can be used on mind-linked targets such as mind controlled squaddie)
  • Rift, a powerful AoE attack that inflicts more damage if they fail a will challenge. It has the potential to do from 4 damage (if resisted) to 20+ (SHIV, since they have no will to resist.) Rift will persist on the map for one turn and damage anything that enters.
  • Chance to reflect physical projectiles back at the attacker. The reflected attack deals reduced damage.
  • High Will; resistant to psionic attacks.
  • Ethereals explode upon death, dealing damage to all units within a fairly small radius.

See Also


Head red 2.png XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012): Aliens
Aliens:Sectoid • Floater • Thin Man • Outsider • Muton • Chryssalid • Zombie • Sectoid Commander • Cyberdisc • Heavy Floater • Berserker • Sectopod • Drone • Muton Elite • Ethereal • Uber Ethereal (*Spoilers*) • Mechtoid (EW DLC) • Seeker (EW DLC)
Alien Corpses:Sectoid Corpse • Floater Corpse • Thin Man Corpse • Muton Corpse • Chryssalid Corpse • Drone Wreck • Cyberdisc Wreck • Sectoid Commander Corpse • Heavy Floater Corpse • Berserker Corpse • Muton Elite Corpse • Sectopod Wreck • Ethereal Corpse • Seeker Wreck (EW DLC) • Mechtoid Core (EW DLC)
Data:Overview of Aliens • Alien Stats • Alien Objectives • Alien Deployment
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