Games - Utwig

	Games - Utwig

The Utwig are a fictional race of beings featured in the sci-fi Star Control computer game series.

The Utwig are a race of fairly gloomy, yet sophisticated humanoids; they are mentors to the Supox and are the keepers of the Ultron device, which they believe provides happiness and enlightenment, the Supox think they traded a planets ransom for a device with a few flashing lights. Because of the color and apparent texture of the Utwig's skin, as well as the shape and relative size of their head and neck, it has been suggested by some Star Control aficionados that the Utwig were modelled on E.T.

"Mask-Etiquette" is the most interesting aspect of Utwig culture. Utwig can never show their faces, and are required to wear masks for as long as they live. There are thousands of these masks, designed for different activities, moods, festivals, ceremonies etc. This custom was born in their ancient violent past, when they finally came to the strange conclusion that a face, that expresses primal emotions, creates all their wars and violence. Therefore face must be hidden for all time in order for a culture to progress peacefully.

The destruction of the Ultron has sent the entire species into what appears to be manic-depression as well as resulting in the destruction of all masks except the Mask of Ultimate Embarrassment and Shame. In the ending credits its revealed that a dance, involving throwing the Ultron around destroyed it a second time, however the ending credits are not considered to be canonical, many species leave character as though the actors themselves were talking.

The Utwig, as can be seen from their ship are one of the most advanced species in the galaxy.

List of known masks

This is a list of the known masks used within the Utwig mask etiquette

Countenance of Stellar Representation
Domino of Unrivaled Merriment
Expression of Ultimate Gratitude
Facial Effigy of Remorse For Lost Comrades
Lewd Monocle
Mask of Confident and Lofty Posture
Mask of Gruelling but Necessary Activity
Mask of Natural Bodily Excretions
Mask of Rampant Jubilation and Jumping With Ecstatic Glee
Mask of Ultimate Embarrassment and Shame
Mask of Valor and Derring-Do
Veil of Flirtatious Prancing
Visage of Ceremonial Orations

The Utwig also are creating a Great Mask or Saintly Facade from a planetary body, to be used solely by The Captain to hide his "unsightly mug with distinction."

Utwig Jugger

Their ship, the Utwig Jugger, is considered a highly powerful ship, capable of taking even a Chmmr Avatar with little difficulty. Its main weapon is immensely effective, as it uses no energy at all and has a quick rate of fire. The secondary weapon is a shield that does eat energy, but will replenish whenever enemy projectiles hit it, thus allowing crafty players to be practically invincible if they "collect" enemy fire wisely. If the player is skilled enough, a single Jugger can eliminate the Sa-Matra's defenses on its own, taking aim at the barrier nodes and then quickly shielding itself when a homing fireball comes near, usually with the effect of a full battery recharge.

A Jugger captain's worst enemies are the Chenjesu Broodhome's Dogi (that will home in on the Jugger and drain the battery power, eventually disabling the shield) and the Androsynth Guardian, the comet form of which does not replenish the shield energy. Also, being hit by very weak, small projectiles usually doesn't regenerate the shield enough to be feasible.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Utwig ]

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