Spathi
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Template:Infobox Star Control race The Spathi are a fictional race of beings featured in the sci-fi Star Control computer game series.
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Physiology and psychology
Of all creatures familiar to humans, the Spathi are most similar to Earth mollusks. Although many compare them to squid, notably the Captain in Star Control II, they are much closer to shellfish.
Spathi familial units are large, often numbering in the ten thousands, with only one female parent. They receive only a small amount of attention from their parent, and it is rare to be referred to directly by name.
The Spathi are complete and utter cowards. As a result they are easily bullied into doing things against their will. They fear everything, and are said to be more afraid of what they can't see than what they can. Dialogue with Spathi is often rife with references to "monsters" and the supposed "Ultimate Evil," which is rather mysterious to all but the Spathi themselves, and whose proof of nefarious intent is the fact that it lurks outside their most sensitive scanners...
The Spathi are notorious for misremembering names, such as those of star systems or the correct name of humans (which they refer to as "hunams.")
History
All Spathi technology was developed as a response to fear. For example, the Spathi developed starflight to get off their planet and away from creatures who desired their flesh. They resided for a time on Spathiwa's moon because they feared the "Evil Ones," nonsentient and mostly harmless rodents that had taken up residence on Spathiwa.
The Spathi were defeated by the Ur-Quan and, due to an Umgah trick, became battle thralls, much to their chagrin, and were forced to fight against the Alliance of Free Stars. They encased themselves in an Ur-Quan slave shield on their own after the humans exterminated the "Evil Ones" for them.
Notable Spathi
In the Star Control games, Spathi captain Fwiffo residing in Pluto in the Sol system plays a small but significant role, also being one of the only significant individual personnel mentioned in the games. Notably, Fwiffo is the only Spathi seen in Star Control II to pronounce correctly the word "Human" (the rest mispronounce it by saying "Hunam").
Additionally, Earth Starbase Commander Hayes divulges a tale about the Black Spathi Squadron:
- "I once heard a rumor, though I don't believe it myself, that a rogue band of courageous Spathi broke away from the main starfleet, painted their ships black with bright red stripes... and formed the 'Black Spathi Squadron', dedicated to performing brave and hostile deeds."
Combat
The Spathi ship is called the Eluder, although it was initially referred to as the Discriminator in SC1. Its main weapon is a medium range projectile attack with a quick rate of fire. Its special is called the Backward Utilized Tracking Torpedo, or B.U.T.T., and is a medium-range homing weapon that is highly effective against large, slow-moving ships.
Quotes
- Your behavior makes clear the very slight distinction between bravery and suicidal stupidity.
- We will await your return with great anticipation. Simultaneously, we will prepare a short, poignant eulogy to mourn your demise.
- Hello, Hunam! What would you like to threaten me about today?
- Don't feel bad about being a coward. It's natural.
- How go your foolishly courageous efforts to save the galaxy?