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This article is about the Databank. You may be looking for Dialogue or Data Boxes.

The Databank is the encyclopedia of entries that are visible on the encyclopedia of the PDA.

Advanced Theories

Alien Eggs

Alien Eggs

<poem>Evidence suggests that a substantial number, if not all of the local species reproduce through egg-laying. Eggs can be found resting on the seafloor, buried beneath detritus, or even wedged into cracks in the rock.

Different species likely favor different biomes as their nesting grounds. Eggs discovered in the wild are in some form of natural stasis, likely awaiting ideal conditions in which to hatch, or the delivery of some vital enzyme which will kick start the process.

It is impossible to calculate the species of the egg from the exterior, however it may be possible to stimulate a hatching response if an egg is relocated to a suitable alien containment unit.</poem>

Source: Pick up Alien Egg

Specimen with Symptoms of Infection

<poem>This organism is displaying signs of a bacterial infection.

- Bright green blisters are forming networks around the infection sites
- Pathology suggests a waterborne bacterium capable of penetrating the body through the skin and respiratory system
- Underlying indications of genetic mutation and aggressive behavior
- The bacterium itself is unlike any so far recorded in human exploration

WARNING: May be contagious. Avoid. Do not under any circumstances consume the flesh.</poem>

Source: Scan Infected Fauna

Blueprints

Equipment


Air Pumps
<poem>Air pumps can be used to pipe breathable air to a remote location. - The base-attached airpump can be built at a compatible habitat, and will source oxygen directly from the habitat's oxygen generator - The floating airpump must have access to breathable air, and be floating on the water's surface - Pumps must be connected to a pipe chain to function</poem>
Source: Unlocked by default

Handheld Scanner

<poem>The essential science and survival tool, the scanner can be used to add new blueprints to memory, and analyze unknown entities.

It emits electromagnetic radiation in the specified direction, which is reflected by the environment and then analyzed to determine the physical make-up of the targeted object. It has four primary functions.

Blueprint Adquisition:
Record the physical parameters of scanned technologies to add their blueprints to the PDA databank. These blueprints may then be constructed at the appropriate fabricator. The scanner is also equipped to break down damaged and otherwise useless devices into their base metals for salvage purposes.

Organism Analysis:
The scanner will attempt to match scanned organisms against the onboard database. If no match is found then the species will be assigned an easy-to-remember name, and a new databank entry will be created. Your PDA's AI will also attempt to synthesize theories on behavioral tendencies and evolutionary origins where possible, as well as deliver assessments on how best to approach them.

Medical Analysis:
Scanning any living organism will display basic information on their state of health on the scanner's HUD. This information will be limited without access to a network database.

Self-Scan:
The user may run a self-scan to determine their own physical well-being. The scanner will search for foreign bacteria and other signs of ill-health, and compare with available data to provide a diagnosis.

'The Alterra Spectroscope Scanner - Understanding the world so you don't have to.'</poem>

Source: Unlocked by default

Radiation Suit

<poem>This suit fully protects against the effects of radiation during land, sea and space exploration.

- Safety rated up to 400 Sv/hr
- Cross-compatible with all AEP suit functionality
- Sleek

'The Radiation Suit: A necessary precaution in a post-MAD world.'</poem>

Source: Unlocked after Aurora's explosion.

Repair Tool

<poem>The repair tool can be targeted at any common device - control panels, habitat modules, radios etc. - to stitch wires and seams back together at the atomic level. All good technicians keep one of these under their pillow.

Most people don't care why it works, just that it saved their life that one time - but in case you're curious, it combines scanner and fabricator technologies to determine the proper specifications for the targeted object, and then rearranges the available physical material to match the original specs.

'The Alterra Repair Tool: Get your fix.'</poem>

Source: Unlocked by default

Time Capsule

<poem>These sturdy containers are designed to store written and photographic evidence for later retrieval, in addition to a number of small items. Time capsules are often fabricated by marooned survivors seeking either to aid those who find themselves in the same predicament in the future, or to leave evidence of their plight which may be found long after their bodies have disintegrated.

Most emergency escape vehicles are equipped with a time capsule by default, usually found in the cockpit, and be jettisoned on take off. Alterra requests time capsules be stocked with tools and resources which will aid those who may discover them in the future.</poem>

Source: Scan Time Capsule

Habitat Instalation

Aquarium

<poem>The aquarium is designed to hold and sustain up to eight small aquatic organisms, and fits inside a regular multipurpose habitat room.

Aquatic creatures make up 70% of all known species, making the aquarium a commonly deployed tool in many exploratory operations. It is just as often used to house livestock for later consumption as it is to hold specimens for xeno research. An automated environment regulation system means there's no need to feed or care for your subjects.

NB Due to its size the regular aquarium is not rated for breeding applications, and creatures are highly unlikely to mate. Construct a full size alien containment unit for this purpose.</poem>

Source: Unlocked by default

Fabricator

<poem>Fabrication technology is the power to rearrange matter at the atomic level. It was the catalyst behind the great expansion, and remains the backbone of the modern world.

Fabricators come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common are small enough to be wall-mounted, and are used for everything from constructing everyday implements to cooking dinner. It is common today for households to keep a store of generic base materials on hand for any eventuality.</poem>

Source: Unlocked by default

Habitat Builder

<poem>The Alterra handheld habitat builder has been an essential tool of xenoscientists, colonists and emergency relief crews across 11 different trans-govs for more than 50 years.

- Habitat modules are hermetically sealed from the outside environment
- Build on land, underwater, or in a vacuum
- Habitats can be enhanced to become long-term homes, remote research stations, defensive outposts and more

Quick Start Guide:
1. Select the basic compartment from the builder menu and place it somewhere opportune
2. Add a hatch to access the compartment
3. Build a solar panel to power the habitat's oxygen generator
4. Construct useful interior modules like radios, rechargers and storage solutions

Primary habitat systems like oxygen generation and flood control, as well as modules like the fabricator draw power and will not function without it. Additional compartments reduce overall hull integrity, depending on the external pressure.

'Quick-Build Habitats: A home far, far away from home.'</poem>

Source: Unlocked by default


Solar Panel
<poem>Solar power is the most prevalent power source in the galaxy, and so it is no accident that the standard solar panel is the default means of powering a habitat. A power source is a requirement of habitat oxygen generators and other onboard modules. - Provides limited power for small outposts and survival habitats - May be mounted on or near the habitat itself, or placed remotely and connected via power transmitters - Power rate relative to sunlight exposure</poem>
Source: Unlocked by default

Vehicles


Mobile Vehicle Bay
<poem>The mobile vehicle bay is a deployable station equipped with fabrication drones, designed to construct small research and exploration vehicles from raw materials. It is a common tool in almost all industrial, scientific and colonization operations.</poem>
Source: Unlocked by default

Seaglide

<poem>The seaglide is a personal transportation device designed for use in oceanic environments.

- Capable of speeds of up to 36km/h in standing water
- Displays basic topographical data for aid in charting cave systems
- Replaceable battery
- Keep fingers clear of propeller

'The Seaglide: Anything that moves faster underwater is probably trying to eat you.'</poem>

Source: Scan Seaglide Fragments

Geological Data

4546B Environment Scan

<poem>- Category 3 Ocean planet

- Oxygen/Nitrogen Atmosphere
- Extensive biodiversity

Safety Warnings:
- May support leviathan class predators
- Water contaminated with high levels of foreign bacteria
- Planet is beyond federation space, rescue unlikely

It is not recommended to explore this environment without hazardous material suits and extensive support apparatus.</poem>

Source: Repair Lifepod 5

Limestone Outcrop

<poem>These unusual geological structures often form around titanium and copper deposits, and are distinct to this planet. Closer analysis reveals the stone around the metal has been hardened against erosion, but the mechanism remains unknown.

Assessment: Titanium and copper source</poem>

Source: Scan Limestone Outcrop

Sandstone Outcrop

<poem>These common, porous outcrops seem to form around small amounts of precious metals, or otherwise these metals are part of a sedimentary buildup over time.

Assessment: Lead, silver and gold source</poem>

Source: Scan Sandstone Outcrop

Scattered Wreckage

<poem>Analysis confirms this wreckage is from the Aurora.

Outer layers of the material have oxidized, suggesting it has been heated to over 1200 Celsius. This pattern is consistent with hull disintegration during atmospheric entry.

Salvage of intact portions of Alterra vessels is prohibited at legal, moral and technical levels, however scraps such as these may be reclaimed for their titanium content at any Alterra fabricator.</poem>

Source: Scan Metal Salvage

Indigenous Lifeforms

Coral


Brain Coral
<poem>A permanent, growing colony of microscopic organisms. This coral species has adapted to filter carbon dioxide from the environment, using the carbon to build the colony, and expelling the oxygen from specialized exhaust funnels. It is quite hardy, suggesting samples from a mature specimen could be grown artificially. Assessment: Air tanks are equipped to siphon oxygen from the water where possible</poem>
Source: Scan Brain Coral

Coral Shell Plate

<poem>This variant of coral has adapted to survive in close proximity to other corals, filtering nutrients from the water and sharing them via a spore-like substance which grows around the base.

Assessment: No practical applications discovered</poem>

Source: Scan Coral Shell Plate

Giant Coral Tubes

<poem>The variety of coral formations on 4546B appear to be different solutions to the same problem of maximizing water and nutrient flow throughout the colony. These particular variants funnel water down a tube, filtering nutrients as they pass. Their size suggests they have been highly successful.

Assessment: Coral tube samples are rich in calcium, exploitable in bleach fabrication</poem>

Source: Scan Giant Coral Tubes

Table Coral

<poem>Each disk is an individual colony of microorganisms, filtering nutrients from the water.

Growth patterns indicate the colonies are in direct competition for positions with superior current or light. Unlike other coral species its structure is malleable, softly pulsating as it pumps nutrients to its extremities, and only turning rigid when it senses physical assault.

The jewel-like nodes in the surface are concentrated build-ups of rare minerals the coral is unable to process.

Assessment: Exploitable in computer chip fabrication</poem>

Source: Scan Table Coral

Fauna

Carnivores

Biter

<poem>Vicious, pack-hunting predator. 94% muscle, 4% connective tissue, 2% brain. Indiscriminate when hungry. Almost always hungry.

1. Specialized Olfactory Antenna:
Employed in detection of bodily fluids in the water at impressive range.

2. Secondary Pair of Eyes:
Likely dedicated to detecting the peripheral movement of larger predators, and hungry members of its own species.

3. Overdeveloped Tail Fin:
Favors out-pacing and outnumbering their prey over individual maneuverability. Calculations suggest creatures up to 100x the biter's body weight could succumb to a focused assault by a pack of ten.

Assessment: Avoid packs - Try not to bleed</poem>

Source: Scan Biter

Crashfish

<poem>This unusual species has developed an emergency defense mechanism based on mutually assured destruction.

1. Forward-mounted Eye:
Enables the creature to identify and track potential predators.

2. Sulfur Plant:
The sulfur plant has evolved to feed on sulfuric compounds secreted by the crashfish, which makes its nest within its leaves. Stronger, more protective plants provide superior nesting grounds, which in turn provide the plant with more nutrients from larger crashfish.

3. Defense Mechanism:
Concentrations of sulfur build up in the organism over time. If the crashfish collides with something at sufficient speed the spikes on its torso are impacted, triggering an explosive chemical reaction.

Assessment: Equip stasis rifle, repulsion cannon or similar before approaching shallow caves</poem>

Source: Scan Crashfish

Mesmer

<poem>Small, carnivorous lifeform with a unique hunting mechanism that enables it to hypnotize its foes.

1. Outer Wings:
The mesmer swims using a number of wings which can be angled up and forwards on approaching its prey. Tiny lenses on the surface can be tilted independently to create mesmerizing patterns which flood the victim's brain with enticing messages, interpreted in whatever form is most convincing by the target.

2. Outer Shell:
The mesmer can open the jawlike recess in its protective outer shell in order to [ERROR463] share its beauty... Do not resist...

Assessment: Draw closer</poem>

Source: Scan Mesmer

Sand Shark

<poem>A powerful, medium-sized predator that burrows into the sand and ambushes its prey from below. As with many predators it may be possible to temporarily distract sand sharks by feeding any hungry specimens that draw close.

1. Forward Dorsal Fin:
The unusual location of this fin suggests a purpose unrelated to movement through the water. It may be employed in shifting sand beneath the surface, or in mating rituals, or may simply be an evolutionary dead end.

2. Segmented Exoskeleton:
Thick armor plating renders the sand shark almost immune to attack from above. While it is capable of impressive acceleration its exoskeleton prevents it from changing direction quickly. The sand shark is thus a perfectly-designed ambush hunter, but ill-suited to sustained pursuits.

3. Feet:
Ill-designed for ambulation. Likely used to disturb the surface of the sand so the lifeform can burrow into the ground.

Assessment: Avoid - Be vigilant for ambush in sandy biomes</poem>

Source: Scan Sand Shark

Stalker

<poem>A streamlined predator encountered in the kelp forests in wait of prey leaving the safety of the shallows to feed. The stalker likely carved out its evolutionary niche at the sweet spot between speed and size millions of years ago, and may be one of the oldest species on the planet.

The stalker appears to be attracted to titanium deposits, which tends to sharpen and put stress on its teeth.

As with many predators, it may be possible to temporarily distract hungry stalkers by feeding them.

1. Teeth:
The stalker's teeth are unusually hard, and fast-growing. Its elongated snout can deliver huge biting pressure to larger attackers, while also being used to reach small herbivores seeking refuge amongst the rocks.

2. Night-vision:
Retinal layering on the eyeball suggests adaptation for night-time hunting.

3. Dorsal Ridges:
These ridges can be moved independently to deliver superior maneuverability.

4. Pelvic Fins:
Long and powerful, the stalker has evolved to hunt the fastest of prey.

Assessment: Stalker teeth may have applications in enameled glass fabrication</poem>

Source: Scan Stalker

Stalker Teeth

<poem>Extended analysis of acquired dental samples has been completed. Samples matched to species designated 'stalker'.

Stalker teeth exhibit extraordinary lightness and strength, and contain only trace amounts of calcium. The edges show signs of wear, and are studded with metal flakes, providing evidence that the stalkers chew on metal deposits in order to sharpen their teeth.

Assessment: Applications as a natural substrate in enameled glass fabrication</poem>

Source: Scan Stalker Teeth

Herbivores - Large

Gasopod

<poem>A slow-moving lifeform, and one of the larger herbivores on the planet. Providing a substantial meal to would-be predators, the gasopod protects its domain by filling the surrounding water with poisonous and corrosive pods whose contents dissolve even synthetic fibers.

1. Filtration System:
Thick, non-reactive skin and multiple gill layers render this creature impervious to the noxious acid clouds it produces.

2. Algae Gland:
A bulbous, sack-like appendage on the rear end. A luminescent yellow algae grows inside the sack and produces the poisonous compound. Abdominal muscles can contract, causing the algae gland to emit the noxious compound into the surrounding water.

3. Large Pelvic Fins:
Capable of powerful movement through the water when moving in small herds.

4. Behavior:
Gasopods appear to be social in nature, and may even use their emissions in their relationship rituals. Their audible calls are likely signifiers of nearby threats, or food sources.

Assessment: Approach with caution - Acidic pods may be retrieved and re-purposed</poem>

Source: Scan Gasopod

Rabbit Ray

<poem>A herbivorous aquatic lifeform, rabbit rays appear to live serene and solitary lives, with few predators, a natural sense of curiosity and awesomely poisonous flesh.

1. Ears:
Twin orange appendages mounted on the head sense vibration in the water.

2. Undulating Wings:
Markedly similar method of transportation to that of earth rays. Zero genetic resemblance detected, suggesting these two species independently developed similar solutions to their environmental circumstances.

Evidence indicates its large, side-facing eyes are relatively recent adaptations. It is likely there are related ray species in other environmental biomes on the planet.

Assessment: Inedible but harmless</poem>

Source: Scan Rabbit Ray

Herbivores - Small

Bladderfish

<poem>This unusual herbivore appears to be mostly defenseless, and bears little resemblance to the other lifeforms around it.

1. Semi-permeable Bladder:
The bladderfish is able to filter air and seawater into its body cavity through a unique membrane which surrounds its spine like a bladder. This allows it to remove and consume organic particulate caught on the way, and adjust its buoyancy.

2. Open-ended Vascular Tubing:
Can be angled and contracted to pump out water and achieve low-velocity, guided propulsion.

Largely oblivious to threats, and practically immobile at night, its only identified defense mechanism is that it's composed almost entirely of water, air and cartilage.

Assessment: Edible (oxygen may be retrieved from the bladder and added to tanks on consumption); membrane has applications as a natural water filter</poem>

Source: Scan Bladderfish

Boomerang

<poem>A herbivore encountered in large numbers, found to frequent shallow waters and move in schools.

1. Serrated Teeth:
Suggests adaptation for grinding corals other herbivores are unable to digest.

2. Twin-fins:
Unusually, this species' two fins are a cartilaginous extension of its skeleton. They are less prone to damage and provide superior propulsion, but are also harder to grow back. The bright blue tips are in fact the ends of its digestive tract, where the luminescence of the corals it consumes is most focused.

Most active during daylight hours, and prone to flee on approach, the boomerang can more easily be observed at night when its luminescence gives it away and it seeks the shelter of the seabed.

Assessment: Edible</poem>

Source: Scan Boomerang

Garryfish

<poem>Slow-moving and curious herbivore, camouflage indicates adaptation for evasive behavior on the ocean floor.

1. Eye Stalks:
May be beneficial when watching for predators from hiding places amongst the coral.

2. Behavior:
More active during daylight hours, but slow and docile at all times, the garryfish's survival depends on a combination of camouflage, and predators who can get a more filling meal elsewhere.

Assessment: Edible</poem>

Source: Scan Garryfish

Holefish

<poem>A very small herbivore found in low numbers, often around cave system entrances where their skin coloration blends into the background.

1. Bored-out Tail Fin:
By manipulating the size and shape of the hole in its tail it can perform unpredictable maneuvers.

2. Size:
Smaller than most other herbivores, presumably due to lack of vegetation in low-light environments.

Assessment: Edible</poem>

Source: Scan Holefish

Hoopfish

<poem>Small, school-mentality prey fish with a unique method of propulsion, and a distant relative of the bladderfish.

1. Antennae:
Rather than swimming, this lifeform uses the fine green antennae which encircle its body to alter the composition of the water in front of it, allowing it to 'sail' into the low density space created.

2. Purple/Green Coloration:
May be a camouflage adaptation for mid-range light wavelengths, possibly indicating the hoopfish is more active at dawn and dusk.

3. Behavior:
While schools of hoopfish will form periodically and evade predators en masse, this behavior is more social than it is defensive, and lone hoopfish are often found hunting for food and displaying generally curious behavior.

Assessment: Edible</poem>

Source: Scan Hoopfish

Hoverfish

<poem>A small, cautious herbivore, commonly found in kelp-rich environments.

1. Charged Footpads:
Six unique limb appendages feature charged pads capable of ionizing the surrounding water. The hoverfish uses this ability to maintain its position against the current as it feeds from kelp and lichen.

Assessment: Edible</poem>

Source: Scan Hoverfish

Peeper

<poem>A fast prey fish encountered in shallow waters and rich in protein.

1. Developed, Side-facing Eyes:
Capable of discerning colors not just in shallows waters but in a variety of lighting conditions. It is also able to close its eyelids, thus preventing light from reflecting off the lenses and rendering the peeper almost invisible to night time predators.

2. Powerful Fins:
This species has evolved powerful fins which enable rapid acceleration in still water, and the ability to leap meters into the air to avoid pursuers.

3. Beak:
Likely used to break down corals and tough vegetation. An unusually large nasal cavity serves no obvious purpose, and appears to be specially evolved to detect a single, specific enzyme. Nothing encountered on the planet so far produces a matching odor.

4. Expulsion Tubes:
The tubes attached to the peeper's torso are connected directly to its stomach and gills, and appear to be designed to expel its contents on demand. Purpose unclear.

While the peeper is well adapted to survive in shallow waters, a number of its features serve no discernible purpose. It would appear to be just as well suited to survive in deeper waters, and is somewhat more intelligent than the usual small herbivore.

Assessment: Edible (high calorie count), further research required</poem>

Source: Scan Peeper

Reginald

<poem>A small herbivore, and a distant relative of the common peeper, sharing that species' well-developed, side-facing eyes; approximate size; and body profile.

1. Coloration:
Dull green coloration for deep water camouflage. Luminescent tail coloration likely part of mating behavior.

2. Diet:
Filters algae and other plant material from the water via four gill-like, forward-facing orifices.

Assessment: Edible (high calorie count)</poem>

Source: Scan Reginald

Spadefish

<poem>A medium-sized herbivore found in deeper waters.

1. Single Eye:
Observed swimming near to the seabed from where it can keep its one eye on predators in the water above it.

2. Mottled-green Coloration:
Commonly encountered in plant-rich environments, the spadefish is well-adapted to hide amongst the vegetation.

3. Behavior:
Spadefish tend to move in loose shoals, and despite their low speed will take necessary measures to avoid confirmed predators.

Assessment: Edible</poem>

Source: Scan Spadefish

Leviathans

Reefback Leviathan

<poem>This vast lifeform is in excess of 30m long and has been designated leviathan class. Fortunately it feeds exclusively on plankton-like lifeforms in the water.

1. Chitinous Shell:
Most of the lifeform's topside and some of its underside is protected by a thick, layered exoskeleton. This suggests an evolutionary path quite different from other organisms on 4546B, most of which are vertebrate in nature. The reefback species has likely been able to grow far larger than other herbivores because anything large enough to break through its shell has long since gone extinct.

2. Enzyme Pods:
Similar in appearance to the algae glands of the gasopod, these organs on the reefback's underside serve some unknown purpose in its digestive system, and are capable of expelling small quantities of stomach enzymes into the surrounding waters.

3. Local Microcosm:
An array of different barnacle and plant species grow on the reefback's shell, thrusting their roots into ancient scars in the chitin, and taking advantage of their mobility to avoid predation. Nonetheless reefbacks

will often be pursued by the faster, hungrier herbivores, and thus this leviathan species is a mobile microcosm worthy of years of study in itself.

4. Lifecycle:
Reefbacks's lifespans likely extend through many centuries, should they survive their initial growth cycle. For the first few decades their smaller size would make them vulnerable to carnivorous leviathans. Sociable, seen traveling in small pods and communicating by an echoing call, behavior is consistent with low-level sentience.

Assessment: Harbors plants, small fish and metal-rich barnacles</poem>

Source: Scan Reefback Leviathan

Scavengers & Parasites

Floater

<poem>Two species living in symbiosis, which attach to and attempt to feed on any objects they come into contact with.

1. Dominant Lifeform:
The pink main body and inner suction jaw is the dominant creature. Once attached to an organism or other stable surface it will attempt to leech nutrients in order to grow.

2. Microorganism Membrane:
The outer, gel-like substance is a mesh of microorganisms capable of forming a sealed vacuum around the creature's jaws.

3. Helium Buffer:
A thin layer of helium is stored within the outer membrane, providing buoyancy to the floater and anything it is attached to.

Assessment: May aid in flotation of sunken objects</poem>

Source: Scan Floater

Shuttlebug

<poem>A common scavenger at the base of the food chain.

1. Mouth Parts:
Small enough to be of little threat to most organisms, this creature is clearly adapted to feed on the waste products of the ecosystem around it.

2. Three Mandibles:
Used to orient themselves when drifting, and to filter through detritus on cave floors.

3. Three Legs:
High strength muscles can propel the lifeform great distances through the water, as well as ambulating them across the sea floor.

Assessment: Necessary waste recycler - Presence may indicate nearby cave systems</poem>

Source: Scan Shuttlebug

Flora

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Source: