Thessia, Art of the Mass Effect Universe

Mass effect is hilarious

The fact that after the Thessia mission Shepard is upset and guilt-ridden.

The loss of Thessia, failing to get the needed part of the crucible, not being able to murder Kai leng. All of the loss and stress is finally catching up after one big hit.

Shepard feels like a total and complete failure, because the fate of trillions rest on her shoulders and according to Joker, she is more stressed than the BLITZ AND AKUZE and any mission with the Normandy before.

But you can just go back to the Citadel DLC and fuck around.

Biotic Flora and Fauna of Thessia**

TW: Arachnids

Thessia, the homeworld of the Asari, is so rich in Element Zero that it permeates all living beings that evolved there. This has resulted in many of the flora and fauna of Thessia exhibiting low-level biotic capabilities that are used for defense and hunting. There is some evidence to support the idea that very early Asari may have discovered the most basic uses of biotics through observing other Fauna affected by the high Eezo content of Thessia’s environment. The predominant theory, with the recent discovery of Prothean involvement in Asari evolution, is that the Protheans actively instructed the Asari in the use of biotics when they began to develop.

Biotic capabilities appear to occur more frequently in the fauna of Thessia, but there are also several notable examples of specific capabilities in the flora, and all life on Thessia seems to have some level of dependence on the presence of Eezo and biotic fields.

Examples of Biotic Fauna*:

Felis Acantho

While there are several subspecies of Felis Acantho—commonly known as Spined Panthers—they have enough biological similarity to group them together for the purposes of this article. In addition to short fur that helps these mid-sized wild cats thermoregulate, most of their bodies are also covered in sharp quills that provide protection from larger predators. Adult Spined Panthers range in size, typically weighing between 30 and 45 pounds, growing to 1-1.5 feet tall, with an average length from nose to tail of 30 inches. These wild cats are typically found in temperate or tropical grasslands, with the larger subspecies tending toward grasslands in which the average height of the grass is at least 24 inches.

In addition to the hunting methods more typical of Earth’s wild cats, Felis Acantho have a limited ability to create and manipulate biotic fields. Studies of their hunting patterns and behavior indicate that they locate and identify their favored prey—Rattus Maculosus—through a unique interaction of biotic fields. Unfortunately for the Spined Panther, this interaction of biotic fields also alerts the prey to their presence. To counteract this, they are able to produce small biotic fields similar to stasis fields. These fields do not completely halt the movement of the prey, but manipulate the mass of the air around the prey in such a way that they are slowed significantly. In order for this to work effectively, the Panther must react quickly to the presence of their prey, producing this slowing field before the prey has time to escape its range or use its own biotic defenses. 

Rattus Maculosus

Rattus Maculosus—the Spotted Rat—is a species of large rat, with an average length of 11 inches (including their tails, which are typically the longest part of their bodies), and weighing up to 2 pounds. They are easily distinguished by their colorful spots, which are frequently deep purples or blues against varying shades of grey. Thessian rats, like those of Earth, are adaptable creatures that can survive in nearly any environment, and as such, these rats can be found in almost any biome capable of sustaining plant life and water. Spotted rats live in shallow burrows and are omnivorous scavengers, primarily subsisting on carrion and edible flora.

The biotic capabilities of Rattus Maculosus appear to be entirely defensive in nature. They have the ability to detect biotic fields and identify whether those fields belong to a predator. Upon detecting the presence of a predator, Spotted Rats have the ability to produce a surprisingly strong barrier field. If done quickly enough, it can prevent the predator from using its own biotic abilities effectively. Additionally, like many other prey animals on Thessia, Rattus Maculosus have the ability to manipulate their own mass to increase their own speed, allowing them to move at nearly double their normal velocity and making them much more difficult to catch.

Hoplites Pedetes, Hyphantes Erythros, and Indagator Polypictus

Thessia is home to several hundred species of spider with biotic capabilities that tend to be similar across jumping, weaver, and ground spiders. As such, three primary common species are covered here.

Hoplites Pedetes—Armored Jumping Spiders—are large spiders, with bodies that tend to be disproportionately small in comparison to the length of their legs. The largest of these has grown to nearly 10 inches, with its legs being roughly 7 inches long and its body roughly 3 inches. These spiders vary in color, usually depending on their environment, and can be anything from dull browns and greys to vibrant blues and greens. Armored Jumping Spiders are named as such for the protruding growths on their legs that seem to imitate bracers or greaves. They are capable of manipulating biotic fields to increase the distance they are able to jump by nearly three times.

Hyphantes Erythros—Red Weavers—are small in comparison to Hoplites Pedetes, but perhaps more terrifying. Growing to a maximum size of 2 inches, with their legs comprising over half that size, Red Weavers are typically found in dense forest or jungle biomes. While most spiders tend to be solitary, Red Weavers live in communal webs and hunt in packs. Their biotic fields are so in tune with other members of their hunting packs that it allows them to work in concert so precisely that escape is impossible once caught in a web.

Indagator Polypictus—Many Painted Hunters—are solitary ground spiders, larger than Red Weavers and smaller than Armored Jumping Spiders at an average of 5 inches, with 3 inches of that being their legs. They come in a variety of colors, and much like Earth’s chameleon, are capable of adapting their coloration to their surroundings in order to camouflage themselves. When hunting, they are capable of producing small stasis fields to immobilize their prey for consumption.

Examples of Biotic Flora*:

Orchis Chortinos

Orchis Chortinos—Grass Orchids—are a species of Orchid that is most common in Tropical Grasslands, but can occasionally be found in other environments. They are called Grass Orchids not for the locations in which they are most common, but because their coloration tends toward similarity to the pale greens and blues of the majority of Thessia’s grass species. These orchids use low-level biotic fields to propagate, rather than relying on the planet’s fauna to pollinate. These low-level fields lift and carry pollen across great distances, and as such, Orchis Chortinos is one of the most common flowers on Thessia

Cephalotus Brevis

Cephalotus Brevis—Small-Headed Pitcher Plant—is a small pitcher plant which is primarily found in the jungle. They typically grow in triplets, and often several triplets will form a small community near ponds and other relatively stagnant bodies of water where there is a high population of insects. In addition to the beautiful variety of colors, these pitcher plants use extremely low-level biotic fields to create something that has been described as an inaudible hum that attracts the local insects to it.

Lilium Infectus

Lilium Infectus—Dyed Lilies—are a beautiful variety of Thessian lilies whose petals, no matter their color, have a tie-dyed appearance. While they do not exhibit any active biotic capabilities, Lilium Infectus have, for several centuries, been commercially cultivated for their high eezo content. Consumption of these lilies can provide slight boosts in biotic abilities, and as such, is common among the Asari. In non-Asari species, Dyed Lilies have been discovered to have some intoxicating effects, though it is possible to build a tolerance over time that negates these effects. Lilium Infectus is generally safe for consumption, and is most frequently sold in the form of a tea. It is, however, also a base ingredient necessary for the production of Red Sand, and is highly regulated commercially.

This is, of course, not a comprehensive list of Thessia’s biotic flora and fauna. It is simply meant to give a few broad stroke ideas as to the nature of the effects of Eezo on Thessia’s rich wildlife.

*Please note all common and scientific names are translated to Alliance Standard for the purposes of this article and are not necessarily a perfect reflection of what these species may be called by the Asari

**Brought to you by my inability to have a singular thought about biotics without immediately jumping down a rabbit hole

pick the planet/station you’d want to live on most if you were in the mass effect universe (no reapers AU)

The asari homeworld, Thessia, is the core of the largest economy in the Milky Way. The planet’s reserves of element zero are so vast that they affect its price galaxy-wide. Because life on Thessia evolved in an eezo-rich environment, the world is home to a wealth of both biotically active and eezo-resistant species. Travel to the planet is strictly controlled, but smuggling remains an issue.

And just like that, Thessia fell. So quickly, so... savagely. The reapers tore it apart while Cerberus took what they wanted and try as she might, Rynn Shepard couldn't stop them. Failure was new experience, but she would make it a harsh teacher. Never again. Not one more. The illusive man is going to pay. Kai Leng is going to pay. But right now, right here, in this moment, she lets it wash over her. She lost. And because she did, all of Asari kind lost as well. Those are the stakes.

May the goddess embrace you all.

[CRIME] Varren Puppy Mill Reduced to Ash

by Kolina Marsevus, Gevannis Gazette [Uanassis, PZITAK] A facility specializing in the breeding of exotic varren breeds has been destroyed, its management murdered, and its breed stock liquidated by unknown persons. No entity has yet claimed responsibility for the incident, though evidence left at the scene have led investigators to consider animal welfare as a potential motivating force. “It wasn’t exactly subtle,” said Arava Masclani, a lead investigator for the incident, when asked for comment. “Arsonists don’t typically cover a single computer terminal in fireproof material and label it as evidence before destroying everything around it.” Kassamer Kennels has been a decades-long source of controversy in the Uanassis community. The facility has been involved in the development of specialized varren strains through selective breeding since opening its doors 147 years ago, and is credited as instrumental in the development of both Maned Klarens- and Spotted Seber bloodlines primarily used as show breeds in urban Republic colonies. Kassamer has, however, been accused of engaging in disfiguring “brute-force” gene therapy to create new varren breeds, and Tuchanka-based geneticists have long claimed that the facilities have engaged in “inbreeding that should make any Thessian panic.” “Some of these varren can barely hold their heads up,” said Raik Vanor, a particularly outspoken critic of the facility. “Stubby limbs, collapsed snouts, underdeveloped spines…you’d think this was an ardat-yakshi research program, the way they’re bred.” These claims have, however, regularly been dismissed by Kassamer representatives. “Kassamer proudly maintains a decades-long ‘Excellent’ rating streak from the Kennel Club of the Republics, and are proud to invite real geneticists to inspect our facilities,” said founding member Urasi Kassamer in a direct-response video to Ms. Vanor a year before yesterday’s attack. “Qualified scientists shall always find our facilities immaculate, our breeders humane, and our product to be among the healthiest, most robust breeding stock in the entire galaxy.” Urasi Kassamer, 471, was one of the victims of yesterday’s attack. Surviving relatives of the Kassamer family have offered a reward for any information regarding the destruction of the eponymous facility. For more information, please consult this link.

"Lost" by @amandashepard

[Audio captions: "Today's top story: Thessia has officially fallen to the Reaper threat, following a failed attempt by Commander Shepard and the crew of the Normandy SR-2 to reach the planet in time. No word from Commander Shepard at this point, and the future of the fight against the Reapers remains ever uncertain."]

A little video I put together to practice my rusty render making skills, this was super fun to make!

Credits below:

Femshep model by KurauAmami

Shepard’s cabin model by AnnaShepard

Datapad model by Just-Jasper

Models posed by me in XNALara

Spaceship ambience sounds by nick121087

Voice acting, audio editing, and video editing done by me!

Please don’t repost this video, thank you!

Random headcanon:

Thessia’s pretty good at not having revolutions. Across most of recent history, they’ve just been eroding their upper castes’ actual power by altering the laws and making them pay tax, and letting them keep their heads and (unless they were really obnoxious) their titles.

So these days, most Thessian cultures are full of kindergarten teachers and middle managers who are technically the baron of something.

Was just talking to TIM and misread the subtitles- "the worlds not as gay as you thought" and then "there's nothing gay about that" and I'm literally dying oh god

Thessia, Art of the Mass Effect Universe

WIP Whenever

Got to thinking about Thessia mission after a discussion with @happychica earlier today, and this is part of the result.  Tweaking some of how it plays out so it makes more sense...

~~~

“Kaidan?”

Another sigh.  Kaidan opens his eyes and peers over.  Shepard waits.  In a voice flat with resignation, Kaidan asks, “You aren’t taking me, are you?”

Shepard catches one of Kaidan’s hands, lifting it to his cheek and holding it there for a moment.  “Not this time, no.”

Kaidan holds his gaze for a long moment before lowering it.  “Any…particular reason?”

Caleb pulls in a deep breath, but keeps Kaidan’s hand where it is.  “It’s not what you think, mo ghrá.”

“Mmm.  You say that, but…”

Turning his head, he brushes his lips against the inside of Kaidan’s wrist.  It silences his protest.  “I saw your face as we left Vancouver, Kaidan,” he reminds him steadily, quietly. “I saw the pain, the fear.”

Kaidan snorts and pulls away.  Shepard lets him go.  “I’m still capable of fighting, you know.”

He offers what he hopes is a reassuring smile.  “Always, mo ghrá.”  He inhales deeply.  “Have you seen the reports out of Thessia?”  It’s barely noticeable, but Kaidan flinches.  “Liara’s going to have to face that; her people, her family, her friends, her home.” A part of him hopes she’s made of sterner stuff now that she’s been acting as the Shadow Broker for almost two years.  Nothing is ever certain.  Without that certainty, he can’t risk it.  “You of all people know how that feels.”

“All the more reason I should be with you!”  Kaidan sits up and leans in until only a few inches separate them, eyes flaring with anger.  

“I’m taking Javik.  He’ll know how to push her –”

“Push her buttons, you mean!”

Lifting his hand to Kaidan’s cheek, Caleb shakes his head.  “He knows more about how to fight the reapers and how to motivate others to continue the fight than any of the rest of us.”  Sighing softly, he adds, “Please, don’t fight me on this.”

Under other circumstances, he knows Kaidan wouldn’t. He’s just as capable of understanding tactics as Caleb is.  Still, as close as they’ve become, especially of late, they more inseparable they’ve been in battle.  It isn’t difficult to understand why, either.  “What if…?”

Caleb slides his fingers over Kaidan’s lips.  “No ‘what ifs,’ remember?  I’m counting on you to help pick up the pieces after we come back.  She’s going to need us all at that point.”  He closes the distance until their foreheads touch.  “Just like you did.”

No argument. No brush off.  No,our situation was different.  Just resignation.

Temple of Athame

Credit to the writers, the fall of Thessia keeps chilling me to my soul...

Omg. Omgomgomg ... it is 4 am and I am freaking out over how big my fic is getting. There is too much that happens in this game everybody. I am going to be 100 years old before it's finished. 😭 *hyperventilating*

War Asset: Asari Engineers

The graceful, soaring spires common to asari architecture look deceptively delicate. But Thessia’s palaces, universities, and theaters have stood longer than most civilizations. Asari architectural engineers dispatched to the Crucible are testing the weapon’s construction to make sure it can withstand tremendous amounts of pressure. If built improperly, stress could tear the Crucible in half upon activation.