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{{Update|New Drifters were released, Drifter officers (Drifter siege), and Homefronts, and the Drifter Crisis in Tabbetzur}} | {{Update|New Drifters were released, Drifter officers (Drifter siege), and Homefronts, and the Drifter Crisis in Tabbetzur}} | ||
[[ | [[File:drifters.png|thumb|Apollo and Artemis Tyrannos, artwork of Drifters released with the expansion highlights]] | ||
The '''Drifters''' are a mysterious new faction that appeared in [[New Eden]] in early YC117 (2015). So far all attempts at communication with them have failed. | The '''Drifters''' are a mysterious new faction that appeared in [[New Eden]] in early YC117 (2015). So far all attempts at communication with them have failed. | ||
They are seen by most as invaders and after attacking the Amarr empire and killing empress Jamyl I, the Amarr empire declared war on them. The behavior, fighting tactics and capabilities of the Drifters have been changing continuously since their appearance, so be wary of any changes to the status described here. | They are seen by most as invaders and after attacking the Amarr empire and killing empress Jamyl I, the Amarr empire declared war on them. The behavior, fighting tactics and capabilities of the Drifters have been changing continuously since their appearance, so be wary of any changes to the status described here. | ||
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{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| | | [[File:logo faction drifters.png|Drifters]] | ||
| | | style="padding: 10px;" | '''Drifters''' | ||
Emerging from the ruins of the Sleeper civilization spread throughout Anoikis – otherwise known as 'W-space' – the Drifters represent a tremendous challenge and perhaps a dire threat to the empires and capsuleers alike. Seemingly the inheritors of a legacy left behind by some of the most ancient Jove, the Drifters are unafraid to wield tremendous power in response to any who get in their way. In this regard, the Drifters are a very different conundrum than the relatively benign presence that was the Jove Empire. | Emerging from the ruins of the Sleeper civilization spread throughout Anoikis – otherwise known as 'W-space' – the Drifters represent a tremendous challenge and perhaps a dire threat to the empires and capsuleers alike. Seemingly the inheritors of a legacy left behind by some of the most ancient Jove, the Drifters are unafraid to wield tremendous power in response to any who get in their way. In this regard, the Drifters are a very different conundrum than the relatively benign presence that was the Jove Empire. | ||
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{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| [[File:Logo faction drifters.png|96px|link=|Vigilant Tyrannos]] | |||
| | | style="padding:10px;" | '''Vigilant Tyrannos''' | ||
CONCORD intelligence reports indicate that Drifter military formations are operating under a single command structure represented by an enclave level organization with the designation 'Vigilant Tyrannos'. Despite monitoring the movements of ships broadcasting the identifier of this organization, no further information as to the motivation or goals of this force has been gleaned. | CONCORD intelligence reports indicate that Drifter military formations are operating under a single command structure represented by an enclave level organization with the designation 'Vigilant Tyrannos'. Despite monitoring the movements of ships broadcasting the identifier of this organization, no further information as to the motivation or goals of this force has been gleaned. | ||
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Little is known about the Drifters' ships, but so far capsuleers have encountered the following ships: | Little is known about the Drifters' ships, but so far capsuleers have encountered the following ships: | ||
===Drifter Battleship=== | === Drifter Battleship === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
| style="padding: 0;" | [[File:drifter_battleship.jpg|128px|Drifter Battleship]] | |||
| style="padding: 10px;" | CONCORD's analysis of this battleship has been hampered by its advanced hull and shielding. The propulsion system is unfamiliar but tentative theories have suggested that the vessel somehow directly interacts with the fabric of space-time while moving. The standard weapon systems of this ship appear to be semi-autonomous and effective against a range of targets. | |||
DED contact briefings suggest the free floating turrets are a secondary weapon, with an extremely dangerous primary weapon held in reserve against those this ship's commander considers a significant threat.<br> | DED contact briefings suggest the free floating turrets are a secondary weapon, with an extremely dangerous primary weapon held in reserve against those this ship's commander considers a significant threat.<br> | ||
Threat level: Critical | Threat level: Critical | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Drifter Cruiser=== | === Drifter Cruiser === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
| style="padding:0px;" | [[File:Drifter_cruiser.jpg|128px|Drifter Cruiser]] | |||
| style="padding: 10px;" | CONCORD's analysis of this cruiser has been hampered by its advanced hull and shielding. The propulsion system is unfamiliar but tentative theories have suggested that the vessel somehow directly interacts with the fabric of space-time while moving. The standard weapon systems of this ship appear to be semi-autonomous and effective against a range of targets. | |||
DED contact briefings suggest the free floating turrets are a secondary weapon, with a primary strike weapon held in reserve against those this ship's commander considers a significant threat.<br> | DED contact briefings suggest the free floating turrets are a secondary weapon, with a primary strike weapon held in reserve against those this ship's commander considers a significant threat.<br> | ||
Threat level: Critical | Threat level: Critical | ||
|} | |} | ||
Encounters with these ships have revealed several unique mechanics related to them alone. One such mechanic is that of an "overshield" - an additional layer of shielding colored blue on the targeting display. When this blue shield has been depleted, target locks on the Drifter break, in the manner of ECM. Many have also reported that the Drifters' weapons deal massive amounts of damage, difficult for any sub-capital ship to tank without a | Encounters with these ships have revealed several unique mechanics related to them alone. One such mechanic is that of an "overshield" - an additional layer of shielding colored blue on the targeting display. When this blue shield has been depleted, target locks on the Drifter break, in the manner of ECM. Many have also reported that the Drifters' weapons deal massive amounts of damage, difficult for any sub-capital ship to tank without a specialized fit. Even capital ships are not immune, with many carriers being lost to Drifters, many by players attempting to test their capabilities. Drifters drop blue loot and Antikythera Elements. | ||
There are 3 different types of Drifter battleships: | There are 3 different types of Drifter battleships: | ||
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* Finally the Arithmos type has no overshield or doomsday, but has a very strong tank, neuts with an impressive 200GJ/s and is warp core stabilized with 5 points. It can only be found in C5 and C6 wormholes, where it spawns in site escalations. It holds high-value loot, but does not despawn and will roam the system until destroyed. Spawning multiple Arithmos in a system affords interesting challenges and opportunities. | * Finally the Arithmos type has no overshield or doomsday, but has a very strong tank, neuts with an impressive 200GJ/s and is warp core stabilized with 5 points. It can only be found in C5 and C6 wormholes, where it spawns in site escalations. It holds high-value loot, but does not despawn and will roam the system until destroyed. Spawning multiple Arithmos in a system affords interesting challenges and opportunities. | ||
Drifter battleships can reach up to 3500m/s and do about 1300dps of omni damage with their standard Lux Kontos suspended weapon system. Their additional doomsday-like weapon that does about | Drifter battleships can reach up to 3500m/s and do about 1300dps of omni damage with their standard Lux Kontos suspended weapon system. Their additional doomsday-like weapon that does about 750,000 damage. | ||
Note that both the stats and the engagement tactics of Drifter ships have changed several times and can not be relied upon. | Note that both the stats and the engagement tactics of Drifter ships have changed several times and can not be relied upon. | ||
Detailed - but possibly outdated - stats can be found at [http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/item.php?type_id=34495 Drifter Battleship (chruker)]. | Detailed - but possibly outdated - stats can be found at [http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/item.php?type_id=34495 Drifter Battleship (chruker)]. | ||
===Autothysian Lancer=== | === Autothysian Lancer === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
{| class="wikitable | | style="padding: 0;" | [[File:Circadian_Seeker.jpg|128px|Circadian Seeker]] | ||
| | | style="padding: 10px;" | The Autothysian Lancer is a Drifter-allied drone with a similar base design to the Circadian Seekers but is much more dangerous, sporting an upgraded array of defenses and weapons. Though highly militarized in response to capsuleer resistance, the drone still explores New Eden with the mechanical indifference seen in previous, weaker variants. | ||
| | |||
|} | |} | ||
These appear to be cruiser sized scout drones that operate in groups of four or five and scan all installations and ships in New Eden. They appear in all systems that have Jove Observatories in them and are generally not hostile unless attacked. There are exceptions to this: if you're near a Jove Observatory or a [[Wormholes#Known_Space_to_Drifter_Wormholes|Drifter Wormhole]] and Autothysian Lancers or Drifter Battleships show up, they are likely to aggress you if you don't leave quickly. Once this happens, the drifters in that system can aggress you anywhere | These appear to be cruiser sized scout drones that operate in groups of four or five and scan all installations and ships in New Eden. They appear in all systems that have Jove Observatories in them and are generally not hostile unless attacked. There are exceptions to this: if you're near a Jove Observatory or a [[Wormholes#Known_Space_to_Drifter_Wormholes|Drifter Wormhole]] and Autothysian Lancers or Drifter Battleships show up, they are likely to aggress you if you don't leave quickly. Once this happens, the drifters in that system can aggress you anywhere<ref>EVE support: [https://support.eveonline.com/hc/en-us/articles/212103929-Autothysian-Lancers-and-Drifters Autothysian Lancers and Drifters]</ref> | ||
When engaged they usually warp in another wave of Autothysian Lancers but there is also a chance a drifter battleship will warp in. Note that they - unlike other NPCs - will pod players. | When engaged they usually warp in another wave of Autothysian Lancers but there is also a chance a drifter battleship will warp in. Note that they - unlike other NPCs - will pod players. | ||
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They do about 76dps (EM/Thermal) at ranges up to 100km, have about 10kHP with high resists (73%-85% shield resists, weakest is EM). Their max speed is 1240m/s and they try to orbit at 10km. | They do about 76dps (EM/Thermal) at ranges up to 100km, have about 10kHP with high resists (73%-85% shield resists, weakest is EM). Their max speed is 1240m/s and they try to orbit at 10km. | ||
Because of their sturdy tank but relatively moderate dps, they can e.g. be hunted in active tanked cruisers with short range weapons equipped with a web and a prop mod. | Because of their sturdy tank but relatively moderate dps, they can e.g. be hunted in active tanked cruisers with short range weapons equipped with a web and a prop mod. | ||
*Tip- Preliminary investigations show the Autothysian Lancers will continue to aggress you until they destroy a ship your character owns. If you accidentally engage them and survive the initial encounter board a cheap frigate and let them destroy it. Authothysian lancers cannot be scanned down but they can be attracted to your position if you enter within 50km of a Jove Observatory (only do this to sacrifice a ship). Once they destroy your ship that character will be cleared from aggressor status and you will no longer be targeted by roaming patrols. A frigate or larger ship is suggested as a corvette is not typically engaged by Autothysian lancers, even if your character is on their aggro table. | * Tip- Preliminary investigations show the Autothysian Lancers will continue to aggress you until they destroy a ship your character owns. If you accidentally engage them and survive the initial encounter board a cheap frigate and let them destroy it. Authothysian lancers cannot be scanned down but they can be attracted to your position if you enter within 50km of a Jove Observatory (only do this to sacrifice a ship). Once they destroy your ship that character will be cleared from aggressor status and you will no longer be targeted by roaming patrols. A frigate or larger ship is suggested as a corvette is not typically engaged by Autothysian lancers, even if your character is on their aggro table. | ||
Detailed statistics can be found at [http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/item.php?type_id=34337 Autothysian Lancer (Chruker)] | Detailed statistics can be found at [http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/item.php?type_id=34337 Autothysian Lancer (Chruker)] | ||
===Circadian Sleeper=== | === Circadian Sleeper === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
{| class="wikitable | | style="padding: 0;" | [[File:Circadian_Seeker.jpg|128px|Circadian Seeker]] | ||
| | | style="padding: 10px;" | The design of this Sleeper drone is unlike anything that has been seen to date. The drone explores with a mechanical indifference to the monotony of its task, executing each new maneuver with a flawless, unthinking precision. | ||
| | |||
|} | |} | ||
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Detailed statistics can be found at [http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/item.php?type_id=42692 Circadian Sleeper (Chruker)] | Detailed statistics can be found at [http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/item.php?type_id=42692 Circadian Sleeper (Chruker)] | ||
===Fighting Drifters=== | === Fighting Drifters === | ||
[[File:drifter-bb-under-attack.jpg|540px|thumb|Drifter battleship under attack by capsuleer fleet]] | [[File:drifter-bb-under-attack.jpg|540px|thumb|Drifter battleship under attack by capsuleer fleet]] | ||
There are currently 3 tactics to take down Apollo, Artemis, and Hikanta Drifter battleships including their possible Autothysian Lancer and sleeper support: | There are currently 3 tactics to take down Apollo, Artemis, and Hikanta Drifter battleships including their possible Autothysian Lancer and sleeper support: | ||
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* A swarm of cheap high burst dps ships (with webs) will take a Drifter down easily, but lose at least one ship in the process. | * A swarm of cheap high burst dps ships (with webs) will take a Drifter down easily, but lose at least one ship in the process. | ||
* Since the doomsday weapon has tracking and signature limits it is possible to survive the doomsday in a fast close orbit with a small signature radius. Often logistics ships with Halo implants are used. A fleet of 20-30 ships (dps cruisers with logistics, tracking disruption and webbing support) can take down a drifter in seconds with careful piloting and timing and (mostly) without losses. | * Since the doomsday weapon has tracking and signature limits it is possible to survive the doomsday in a fast close orbit with a small signature radius. Often logistics ships with Halo implants are used. A fleet of 20-30 ships (dps cruisers with logistics, tracking disruption and webbing support) can take down a drifter in seconds with careful piloting and timing and (mostly) without losses. | ||
<!-- | |||
For more details on (slightly outdated) ships and tactics see [ | For more details on (slightly outdated) ships and tactics see [https://dl.eve-files.com/media/1607/SeyCon5_04_-_Drifter_Hive_Doctrines.pdf Drifter Hive Doctrines : History and Evolution (pdf)] dead link? Error message: The specified key does not exist.--> | ||
There are groups organizing public fleets to run sites in wormholes: | There are groups organizing public fleets to run sites in wormholes: | ||
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== Drifters in Known Space == | == Drifters in Known Space == | ||
[[File:Jove Observatory-540x540.jpg|thumb|Jove Observatory]] | |||
[[File:Jove Observatory-540x540.jpg | |||
In a large number of k-space systems huge Jove Observatories can be found. They are visible on the Overview as a beacon. | In a large number of k-space systems huge Jove Observatories can be found. They are visible on the Overview as a beacon. | ||
These Observatories seem to have fallen into disrepair. k-space entries to Drifter Wormhole systems seem to only appear in systems with a Jove Observatory. | These Observatories seem to have fallen into disrepair. k-space entries to Drifter Wormhole systems seem to only appear in systems with a Jove Observatory. | ||
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The battleships and seekers seem to roam the system and guard the Jove Observatories and the Unidentified Wormhole sites, attacking any ships that get too close. | The battleships and seekers seem to roam the system and guard the Jove Observatories and the Unidentified Wormhole sites, attacking any ships that get too close. | ||
==Drifters in Pochven== | == Drifters in Pochven == | ||
{{Main|Triglavian Invasion special NPCs }} | {{Main|Triglavian Invasion special NPCs}} | ||
Drifters in [[Pochven]] differ in many ways to their K-Space counterparts. | Drifters in [[Pochven]] differ in many ways to their K-Space counterparts. There are currently six types of Drifters that have been encountered in Pochven. | ||
* Agreus Tyrannos (Drifter Scout Cruiser) | * Agreus Tyrannos (Drifter Scout Cruiser) | ||
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Reports have started arriving that Drifters are now roaming 0.0 security systems and are reinforcing and destroying Upwell structures.<br /> | Reports have started arriving that Drifters are now roaming 0.0 security systems and are reinforcing and destroying Upwell structures.<br /> | ||
Drfiters reinforcing a station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFoLs9dlg0 <br | Drfiters reinforcing a station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFoLs9dlg0 <br> | ||
Drifters destroying an Upwell jump gate: https://zkillboard.com/kill/77498342/ <br | Drifters destroying an Upwell jump gate: https://zkillboard.com/kill/77498342/ <br> | ||
== Drifters Wormhole Systems == | == Drifters Wormhole Systems == | ||
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=== Combat Anomalies === | === Combat Anomalies === | ||
Each Drifter wormhole contains five unique combat anomalies. They are visited and defended by regular Drifter patrols. More detailed information is available via [https://eve-files.com/media/1508/IKAME-Drifter-Hive-System-Anomalies.pdf Drifter Hive Systems Anomalies (pdf)]. All listed wormholes are of the violent type and not passable. | Each Drifter wormhole contains five unique combat anomalies. They are visited and defended by regular Drifter patrols. More detailed information is available via [https://eve-files.com/media/1508/IKAME-Drifter-Hive-System-Anomalies.pdf Drifter Hive Systems Anomalies (pdf)]. All listed wormholes are of the violent type and not passable. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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=== Hive Sites === | === Hive Sites === | ||
[[File:hive.jpg|thumb|Drifter Hive and support installations close to a shattered planet in a Redoubt wormhole.]] | |||
[[File:hive.jpg | |||
All Drifter wormholes contain a huge Drifter Hive protected by a sequence of deadspace pockets and connected via acceleration gates and warpable Rifts. The layout of these sites is slightly different in each of the 5 different Drifter wormholes, but the main rooms are the same. The entrance appears as a beacon on the overview under the name of the site, e.g. "Conflux". | All Drifter wormholes contain a huge Drifter Hive protected by a sequence of deadspace pockets and connected via acceleration gates and warpable Rifts. The layout of these sites is slightly different in each of the 5 different Drifter wormholes, but the main rooms are the same. The entrance appears as a beacon on the overview under the name of the site, e.g. "Conflux". | ||
[[File:drifter-nexus-s.jpg|540px | [[File:drifter-nexus-s.jpg|thumb|540px|Drifter Nexus: hundreds of huge bars with sparks flying between them. Their configuration has changed from a "sea urchin" to an S-shape since their first appearance months ago. An enormous semi-transparent blue sphere encompasses them all.]] | ||
# Entrance: Contains warp-in beacon. Warp at range is possible. The beacon is 50-80km from the acceleration gate. | # Entrance: Contains warp-in beacon. Warp at range is possible. The beacon is 50-80km from the acceleration gate. | ||
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== Drifter Incursions == | == Drifter Incursions == | ||
For a while there were also Drifter Incursions into high sec systems. | For a while there were also Drifter Incursions into high sec systems. | ||
Multiple Drifter battleships decimated Amarr navy task forces and some capsuleers engaged the Drifters as well. | Multiple Drifter battleships decimated Amarr navy task forces and some capsuleers engaged the Drifters as well. | ||
== Drifters in C5 and C6 wormholes == | == Drifters in C5 and C6 wormholes == | ||
Arithmos Tyrannos, also known as the Drifter Response Battleship, spawns at end of sleeper site escalations in C5 and C6 wormholes. He needs to be pointed (with at least 4 points of scramble strength) to keep him from warping away and his ship contains most of the value of the escalation. Arithmos Tyrannos does '''not''' use a doomsday weapon but has a lot of HP and heavy energy neutralizing. In the past, Arithmos Tyrannos was commonly killed by luring him into attacking an anti-capital fit Astrahus, however as of early 2020 this strategy is no longer viable as his targeting priorities were updated. However, his extremely large signature radius leaves him vulnerable to other anti-capital weaponry. | Arithmos Tyrannos<ref>EVE forum post from CCP Fozzie, [https://forums-archive.eveonline.com/topic/476010 announcing Arithmos Tyrannos]</ref>, also known as the Drifter Response Battleship, spawns at end of sleeper site escalations in C5 and C6 wormholes. He needs to be pointed (with at least 4 points of scramble strength) to keep him from warping away and his ship contains most of the value of the escalation. Arithmos Tyrannos does '''not''' use a doomsday weapon but has a lot of HP and heavy energy neutralizing. In the past, Arithmos Tyrannos was commonly killed by luring him into attacking an anti-capital fit Astrahus, however as of early 2020 this strategy is no longer viable as his targeting priorities were updated. However, his extremely large signature radius leaves him vulnerable to other anti-capital weaponry. | ||
[https://www.eveonline.com/news/view/patch-notes-version-22-02 | After an update in Jan 2025<ref>Patch notes: [https://www.eveonline.com/news/view/patch-notes-version-22-02 Version 22.02 Release 2025-01-16.1 - Wormhole Capital Escalations]</ref>, Arithmos can only be triggered by having a Capital ship on site when the DST is triggered. Failure to have a capital on site results in the Drifter Recon Battleship, piloted by Hyleus Tyrannos and is identical in behavior to the Drifter Response Battleship, with smaller stats and a smaller payout. | ||
== Related links == | == Related links == | ||
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* [https://eve-files.com/media/1507/Report-Drifter-Site-Overview.pdf Drifter Complexes Overview (pdf)] | * [https://eve-files.com/media/1507/Report-Drifter-Site-Overview.pdf Drifter Complexes Overview (pdf)] | ||
* [https://eve-files.com/media/1602/Drifter_Hive_Analysis_YC116-02-01.pdf Analysis of Materials Salvaged from Drifter Hives (pdf)] | * [https://eve-files.com/media/1602/Drifter_Hive_Analysis_YC116-02-01.pdf Analysis of Materials Salvaged from Drifter Hives (pdf)] | ||
* [ | <!--* [https://dl.eve-files.com/media/1607/SeyCon5_02_-_Amarr-Drifter_War.pdf Historical Review of The Amarr-Drifter War (pdf)] dead link? Error message: The specified key does not exist.--> | ||
* [ | <!--* [https://dl.eve-files.com/media/1607/SeyCon5_04_-_Drifter_Hive_Doctrines.pdf Drifter Hive Doctrines : History and Evolution (pdf)] dead link? Error message: The specified key does not exist.--> | ||
* [https://community.eveonline.com/news/news-channels/world-news/concord-assembly-lowers-alert-status-as-capsuleer-encounters-with-drifters-raise-questions/ CONCORD Assembly Lowers Alert Status as Capsuleer Encounters with "Drifters" Raise Questions ] | * [https://community.eveonline.com/news/news-channels/world-news/concord-assembly-lowers-alert-status-as-capsuleer-encounters-with-drifters-raise-questions/ CONCORD Assembly Lowers Alert Status as Capsuleer Encounters with "Drifters" Raise Questions ] | ||
* [https://forums-archive.eveonline.com/topic/405079 Unidentified Structures Uncloaked, Sightings of "Drifters"] | * [https://forums-archive.eveonline.com/topic/405079 Unidentified Structures Uncloaked, Sightings of "Drifters"] | ||
* [https://forums-archive.eveonline.com/message/5500228 Drifters - An Overview] | * [https://forums-archive.eveonline.com/message/5500228 Drifters - An Overview] | ||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||
== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
{| | {| | ||
| | |- style="vertical-align: top;" | ||
| [[File:drifters_design.jpg|thumb|Drifter Battleship concept art.]] | |||
| [[File:drifters_unidentified_structure.jpg|thumb|Unidentified Structure concept art.]] | |||
|} | |} | ||
{{FactionsNav}} | {{FactionsNav}} | ||
[[Category:Factions]] | [[Category:Factions]] | ||