Savage X-COM UFOPaedia Alien Lifeformss
Sectoid: Initial autopsy reports show vestigial organs and a simple structure body structure. However, there are significant cybernetic augmentations. Webbing between the fingers and feet suggests an aquatic origin. Our current hypotehsis is that these subsitute for the otherwise absent digestive system. Some form of energy transfer to allow biological functions to remain. The most advanced and complex implants are located in the creature's oversized brain. We have yet to deduce the function of them. Some form of remote control? Or an augmentation for intelligence?
We've recovered sectoids from several abduction sites across the world. Field reports have divided them into two 'types' thus far, regular soldiers who seem to be universally equipped with what we are calling plasma pistols, and 'leaders', who command the soldiers and are better armed. Furthermore, genetic testing has shown that all the soldiers encountered thus far are genetically identical; as are all the leaders. In other words, they're all clones; which explains the lack of a reproductive system. As of yet, we cannot yet determine if these species is entirely genetically engineered, or has modified themselves from some baseline in the past.
Field operatives have reported that the aliens have some form of telepathic ability, which visibly manifests as some form of purple energy around the creatures head when in use. It induces feelings of fear and terror or confusion. This is, of course, completely unknown to modern science. We'll need to acquire live aliens to even begin to attempt to understand how this works
Knid: A four legged small alien, the Knids resemble overgrown bugs or insects. Unlike sectoids, they don't seem to show any form of higher intelligence, and seem to act on a more instinctual level. Furthermore, they seem more 'natural' than the sectoids, lacking any obvious signs of genetic or cybernetic augmentation. It is hypothesized that they reproduce by eggs, but all of the specimens examined thus far would be classified as sterile females by the entomological definitions, though the species does not fully match the definitions of earth based insects.
They may serve a similar role to trained dogs to the aliens, though they seem more feral. They, however, have only ever been witnessed attacking humans or human technology; never anything alien. They seek out and voraciously devour anything nearby. The body, however, is poorly armored and easy to damage with ballistic weaponry. To compensate for that, the aliens only seem to field large packs of them.
Finally, the biochemistry of the Knid is incompatible with earth based biology. In other words, if left on their own on earth, they will starve to death while gorging themselves on whatever they find.
Cyberdisc
Codename: Enigma
So far, we've been unable to ascertain whether this is strictly a mechanical creation or a living organism. Based on our findings, it has an alternative biochemical system based on the silicon atom. Like carbon, silicon can create molecules that are sufficiently large to carry biological information, and since silicon has several chemical properties similar to carbon, it is possible this could be a new and completely alien life form, with respect to the specimens we've already encountered. Its internal mechanisms seem to operate like organs, giving it the ability to circulate plasma through its core systems, much in the same way blood flows through our bodies.
It can use this plasma to power a rather powerful energy beam. It also has access to a collection of a small plasma weapons, we believe them to be automatic, and what appears to be some form of mortar mounted inside of it.
Drone
Codename: Arachnid
The "drones" we've disassembled seems to have a singular purpose: to repair the alien technology, including its robotic counterparts. Although they act as robotic medics, and lack any kind of offensive weaponry, it seems that they can reconfigure their various tools to act as offensive devices. With this and several of the alien devices, I continue to be amazed by what their creators have been able to accomplish.
It may be theoretically possible to co-opt these for our usage, but it will require a more detailed understanding of how their computers work.
Floater
Codename: Crimson Cape
As frightening and vicious as this species is on the battlefield, it is hard not to feel some sympathy for them on the dissection table. The specimen has been subjected to extensive biomedical modifications, some of which were undoubtedly quite painful and intrusive. The combination of living tissue and mechanical components gives the creature the look of a cruel, half-finished experiment. Most of the subject's internal organs have been replaced with a mechanical life support system that mimics their original functionality.
A rather conventional propulsion system has been grafted onto the subjects torso, although the power cells supplying the necessary thrust are extremely advanced by our own standards. There are numerous neural implants broadly similar in design to the ones we’ve located inside of deceased sectoids, though the specifics vary. They’re cruder, and lack some of the more advanced components of the sectoids implants, suggesting that despite their toughness, this species is subservient to the sectoids.
Floaters occupy a more direct military role than sectoids on the battlefield. They're better armored, thanks to their implants, and typically carry higher powered weaponry. Plasma carbines are the default, and all Floaters are armed with plasma grenades; making for lethal threats. Coupled with their mobility, they can pose a threat from unexpected angles.
Unlike Sectoids, Floaters seem to be capable of vocal communication. We have yet to decode their language.
Viper
Codename: Serpent
This alien is of obvious reptilian origin. It shows clear signs of genetic and cybernetic modification from the baseline species, including the brain implants we've seen in all other species. The enhanced torso musculature allows for upright mobility, and the addition of two capable arms allows for the handling of traditional weaponry. If they get a human soldier in a clutch, they're capable of crushing them. Of the many aliens species our troops encounter in the field, I find the prospect of encountering an intelligent snake standing over 2 meters tall to be among the most disturbing.
The Viper has venemous glands in its chest that produce one of the most advanced neurotoxins we've seen. The Viper is somehow capable of adjusting the dosage and delivering it via either fangs or a aerosol spit; adjusting it to either lethal or nonlethal. Species barrier doesn't seem to apply, though vipers are immune to their own toxins. Viper's internals contain numerous backup and secondary organs, allowing them to often survive seemingly lethal blows.
Vipers are capable of human speech if taught for it.
Alien Hybrid
Codename: Syndicate
One of the more disturbing aliens we've encountered are human created hybrids. They appear to be humans with albinism, and oversized eyes that resemble a sectoid's. Hybrids typically use dark suits and sunglasses to conceal this in public. Internal analysis shows even more deviations, alien organs and cybernetics present inside. Judging by their DNA, they've had elements three or more alien species spliced into them. They are inhumanly tough and seemingly immune to pain. Judging by what we've found, studies on them have been ongoing for decades by human sympathizers.
Hybrids are significantly tougher than regular humans, and can often survive seemingly fatal blows, requiring multiple attacks to finish off. They act in an undercover role for Majestic-12 and the alien forces.
The most common Hybrids seen so far the so called Phase IIs, suggesting that there are more advanced ones being worked on or deployed by MJ-12.