Not really an update; just a codex for all those unfamiliar with Sins of a Solar Empire. (I made up quite a lot of it though since the game isn't much for story.
Since I doubt the Advent has a Codex or equivalent; this will be written by the Citadel Council. As such there are likely gaps in what they know about the Advent and Vasari (Really just me failing to come up with something as of yet.)Also this will mostly be public information that the Advent are willing to share. I'll add to it every time I post chapter and I'll leave this as the very last chapter. For pictures please reference the Sins of a Solar Empire's wikia or just google it. Remember Google is your friend.
This is just very basic information that will hopefully give you readers an idea of what I'm talking about. (Meaning that I just rushed through most of this; so if anyone that plays SoaSE sees some errors please PM me or mention it in a review and I'll fix it.) I'll update this as I go along with the story. Though I did leave some mistakes there on purpose seeing as it is the Citadel writing this and that have only seen the Titans in action.
The Unity of the Advent
The Advent
The Advent is a highly advanced psychic civilization. As they are a reclusive people; little information is known about their culture and society aside from what they have publicly released.
Collectively the whole of the Advent are called the "Unity". As benefitting the name; all Advent are psychically linked with one another though privacy is still possible as Advent can close their minds from others. While it may seem that what one Advent knows, every other will also know; that is incorrect. Individual minds cannot be read by another member of the Unity and organizations within the Unity can choose to share only within themselves.
Coalescences
The Advent is split into nine separate groups called Coalescences. These are led by the most psionically powerful Advent within their respective groups. While they operate independently of each other they all pursue the betterment of the Advent with their own methods. The majority of the information on these Coalescences is obtained from the few traders permitted to operate within Advent space.
Each of the Coalescence possesses its own military and economy but due to the Unity; they are easily capable of uniting together at a moment's notice with shocking efficiency.
Raesaedia Sect: Supposedly the most militant of the Coalescences. From the few conversations held within the Advent world of Sanctuary; it was them that had forwarded the motion to attack the Citadel.
Rolus Solbane: N/A
Voice of Senar: One of the two Coalescences that is open to trade. While they are militarily the weakest of the Advent; they are still capable of matching a single Council member race in terms of power. From what has been observed of them; they claim to be the wealthiest of the Coalescences. (This claim has not been substantiated and should not be considered true until proven otherwise.)
Xon Precept: The only other Coalescences that is willing to trade with the Citadel. This is the most well-known of the Coalescences due to their role in first contact with the Citadel and their assistance with the evacuation of the Drell from Rakhana.
Ast Eternal: N/A
Cult of Celebri: While this particular Coalescence has had little contact with the Citadel aside from the disastrous first contact; they are a constant presence in the Terminus Systems. Small fleets bearing their emblem have been spotted numerous times around the borders of Citadel space and throughout Terminus space. While they have made no hostile move against anyone; they are a constant threat as they demonstrated their strength when they intercepted a Batarian slaver fleet and defeated them with ease. Their reasons for being within Terminus space are still unknown though it is rumoured that the Queen of Omega has been in contact with this mysterious group.
Hand of Illus: While the Raesaedia Sect is the most militant; the Hand of Illus is still more numerous in than it. This is attributed to the fact that the Hand appears to be the best at constructing vessels within the Advent. Two of the five monstrous titan ships used in the One-Day War with the Citadel belonged to them; a testament to their strength.
Prophets of Zei: According to the few lucky enough to be trading with the Advent; they are the smallest of the nine Coalescences. Despite this they are potentially the most powerful politically as the produce the most Scryers. While it is dubious that they are capable of seeing into the future; with the array of 'impossible' feats that the Advent have shown it is not likely they are overstating their powers.
Psi Order Zealots: N/A
Culture
Aside from the fact that Psionics play a large part in Advent culture; there is no available knowledge at all about this subject.
Biology
The Advent shares a shocking similar biology with the Asari. While the Advent are unwilling to share details of their biology with Citadel scientists; as a result of the biological experimentation they have used to come about with their psionics, they have provided us with a very 'basic' outline.
Unlike the Asari; their skin is pale white and they have hair that grows on various parts of the body, most notably the head. Furthermore they have two genders unlike how the Asari are asexual.
While they do not live as long as Asari; the average Advent is expected to live up to four centuries of age; making them one of the longer lived known species.
Advent Planets
Avallonis
The homeworld of the Advent. It is here that the nine Coalescences that lead the Advent reside and make their decisions. While described as the jewel of the Advent; they are very close-lipped about its exact location to the point that even pictures of it are not shared with us. This is likely the result of being exiled off it by the Trade Order and the Unity has likely developed paranoia about losing their homeworld again. As such it is unlikely that we will ever see the 'jewel' of the Advent.
Sanctuary
This is the only planet that the Advent controls that connects to the Mass Relay system. It is a remarkably beautiful world; with Advent architecture built in harmony with the local environment. As the only trade node between the Citadel and Advent; it is a powerful economic centre.
Though the Vasari technically shares the planet with the Advent; they appear to be content with maintaining their Orkuslus Starbase above the planet. While the Advent dominates the planet; it is the Vasari that controls space.
As of now; only one of the three Mass Relays are available for Citadel vessels to use. The other two leads to unknown locations as the Advent has failed to inform us of where the partner relays are though it is suspected that both lead to Terminus Space. While some may question whether the Advent have broken Citadel law by carelessly opening Mass Relays; it is unlikely that even the Turians would be eager to try and punish them over it.
It should be noted that there are always two fleets that orbit the planet at all times; one belonging the Advent and the other to the Vasari Conclaves. While they are only present for 'protection' there are those who whisper that the Advent are preparing to finish off the Citadel.
Advent Military
Like most information about the Advent; there is very little that is known of their military capabilities except that they are stronger than the Citadel. While the Advent has been kind enough to inform us about their fleet designations; we have no inkling on the capabilities of their vessels. That what they consider a corvette would register as a Frigate by our standards says a lot about their arsenal. Furthermore their entire armory appears to be composed of direct energy weapons leading the Citadel to play catch up to try and match the Advent.
Advent Fleet
(Note: The listed capabilities are only speculations provided to us by military analysers. Furthermore ship size designations will be from the Advent view as to avoid confusion. If needed to compare sizes then simply 'up' the classifications of the vessel. Eg: An Advent Frigate would be a Cruiser by our standards.)
Acolyte Corvette: An Advent corvette vessel. Composed of a single thin and long main hub; it is attached to two larger 'wings' on each side that contains the majority of its weapons. It is a small quick hybrid ship designed to act as a screen for the larger more powerful vessels.
Seeker Vessel: As per its name; the Seeker vessels is the scout frigate of the Advent built for scouting out enemy positions and returning before it can be detected.
Disciple Vessel: The main combat frigate of the Advent that is peculiar in shape as it resembles the Mass Relays. It is seen to be the most common vessel of the Advent and is likely a front line combat vessel.
Illuminate Vessel: Aside from the fact that it carries three obvious weapon ports; there is no information on what else the vessel is capable of.
Purge Vessel: A crescent shaped Advent frigate. It has one main one main cannon at the very centre of the Crescent though it is not known what the vessel is designed for. Though the name suggests it is used for the mass destruction of enemies.
Defense Vessel: A support frigate of the Advent. It has several turrets strategically placed across its form which suggests it is designed to combat smaller attack crafts instead of actual vessels.
Missionary Vessel: The largest frigate of the Advent and would be considered a dreadnaught by our standards. It serves as a personnel transport vessel for the Advent and they were used heavily by the Xon Precept to evacuate the Drell.
Aeria Drone Host: The light 'carrier' of the Advent. Capable of carrying several squadrons of fighters and bombers; it is a support ship of the Advent. While it possesses no weapons of its own; the sheer number of attack craft within the vessel is enough to make it a dangerous foe. With its introduction; the Turian's have been trying to replicate the 'carrier' of the Advent.
Iconus Guardian: A large cruiser of the Advent that does not appear suited for warfare. It possesses no weapons yet as it is classified as a support ship; it has abilities that make it capable of warfare. It is speculated that it is a shield generator that can project a massive shield to protect nearby vessels.
Domina Subjugator: Another Advent cruiser with unknown capabilities. Though since Advent ship names give reflects their abilities; it is possible that the Domina Subjugator uses the psionics of the Advent on their enemies.
Destra Crusader: The heavy cruiser of the Advent. From the abundance of armaments attached to it; it is reasonable to assume that this is a dedicated combat vessel of the Advent.
Solanus Adjudicator: The strangest of the Advent's cruisers. It is a star in appearance; yet there is nothing that can hint to what it is capable of. It is suggested that the tips of the star are in fact armaments therefore making the vessel capable of firing five powerful lasers at once.
Herald Envoy: This is the diplomatic cruiser of the Advent. With no weapons at all; the vessel is dedicated solely to diplomacy.
Radiance Battleship: The equivalent of a dreadnought in design; yet nearly twice the size of the dreadnoughts we are accustomed to. While none have yet to be seen by Citadel races; they are without doubt there somewhere within Advent space
Revelation Battlecruiser: Despite the name it is without doubt one of the most powerful vessels the Advent possesses. Larger than even the Radiance Battleship; it is likely to be another of the Advent's front line combat vessels.
Precognition Mothership: While it is not a support or combat vessel; the Precognition Mothership is one of the most useful vessels of the Advent. Instead of being combat based; it is instead designed to serve as a base of operations and troop carrier for the Advent. Like the Missionary Vessels; these were used to aid with the evacuation of the Drell.
Halycon Carrier: This vessel is not too different to the Radiance Batteship. Though unlike the Radiance; the Halycon is the largest carrier within the Advent. Like the Aeria Drone Host; the Halycon can hold massive swarms of attack craft on board making it a fearsome support vessel.
Discord Battleship: Another direct combat vessel of the Advent. Comparable with the Radiance Battleship; its 'mouth' seems to be the centre of its most powerful attacks.
Titans
These are the largest vessels in the known galaxy. There are two known designs of the Titan though it is rumoured that the Advent possesses a third design. The exact number of them the Advent possesses is unknown but there were six that attacked the Citadel in the One Day War. While not as big as the Citadel; they are both far higher than the Citadel making them a fearsome sight. Both have been noted to possess the ability to assume control of the minds of others.
Eradica Titan: The more peculiar of the two known types. It is nearly humanoid in shape with several wings extending to all four corners. It is the large plate hovering unsupported above it that fascinates scientists. While it is likely held in place by Advent psionics; the plate itself appears to be the main weapon of the Titan. Though how it fires is beyond our understanding and understanding it has been set as the goal of many researchers.
Coronata Titan: The other of the two known types. Like its sibling; it is also humanoid in shape though the Coronata resembles a coffin more than anything else. It has a huge ring attached to its neck it is unlikely that is for just aesthetics. The Coronata appears to have been the most psionically powerful of the two titans; though whether psionic strength is determined by the ship itself or the crew is still to be determined.
Advent Ranks
There has yet to be any demonstration of the ground forces of the Advent; though it is speculated to be as powerful as their fleet. However the ranks of the Advent are available though they are not willing to share any detailed information of equipment or tactics.
Acolytes: The rank and file soldiers of the Advent. They make up the bulk of their forces and resemble Quarians in their choice of attire; with plain white cloth hoods alongside dark silver armour and mask. All wear a white sash that will have emblems sown in to show their allegiances to the Advent and their Coalescence. They are not limited to the ground as they also make up the majority of the crews of the Advent fleet.
Acolytes with special psionics are assigned to departments suited to their skillset. For example Acolytes skilled in telekinesis are placed on board Aeria Drone Hosts as Anima to remotely pilot drones.
Zealots: The psionic based soldiers of the Advent; composed of Acolytes with special talent in psionics. Unlike the mainstay of Acolytes; Zealots use their psionics as their main weapon. Whether this means overwhelming the minds of a enemy or using telekinesis to crush them; they supplement their weapons with their dangerous psionics.
Cultists: The heavy infantry of the Advent. They are composed of Acolytes who have shown great personal submission to the Unity. They are unafraid of death and are more than willing to soak up attacks to allow their comrades to advance. As such they are equipped with the strongest shields and heavier weapons compared to what the average Acolytes wield.
Templar: An elite soldier of the Advent. Picked from the best of the Acolytes; Templars are trusted to lead a squad of Acolytes to complete missions. Though they dress similar to the Acolytes; their hoods are decorated to mark their rank. Likewise their white sash will have a blue border alongside their emblems.
High Templar: While their official role isn't specified; they are likely the equivalent of the Council's Spectres. Often assigned as body guards to the high ranking leaders and sent on the most dangerous missions; they are have trained themselves brutally to be the best of the Advent. Unlike the Acolytes and Templars; their hoods and sash will be the customary blue the Advent wear. Though if they are sent on missions outside guarding ranking officials; then they are permitted to wear whatever they choose for the mission as long as they complete the objective.
Apostle: A ranking officer within the Advent; often the officers of platoons of Acolytes and Templars or the captain of minor vessels.
High Apostle: A senior officer of the Advent. They are charged assigned with several Apostles as subordinates on the ground or are captains of capital and cruiser class ships. The best of them are honoured with the right to captain a Titan, the pride of the Advent.
Deacon: The second highest rank an officer of the Advent can progress to. Entrusted to lead their Advent's war efforts; they are made up of only the best of the High Apostles and Apostles. As such; only the most experienced and talented can ever hope of reaching the position of a Deacon. They individually command fleets and armies and have thousands of Acolytes under them.
Arch-Deacon: The direct superiors of Deacons. There are only nine Arch-Deacons at a time with all the Coalescences possessing one each. While a Deacon commands an army or fleet; Arch-Deacons have overall command of all the military forces of their respective Coalescence.
Executor of War: This position is only filled when the entirety of the Advent must engage in total war. With nine separate military leaders; the Advent would not be able to make decisive decisions without debating with each other first. As such one of the Arch-Deacon's must take up the role of the Executor of War. The Executer is chosen with only one meeting as whoever gains the most votes will take up the position, regardless of whether he received the majority or not. There are only three methods in which an Executor of War can leave his position: the war is won in which case they can resume their duties as an Arch-Deacon, the approval of all remaining Arch-Deacons to replace the Executor, and death.
Vasari Conclaves
The Vasari is the long-time allies of the Advent. As their territory lies beyond Advent territory; there had been limited interaction between them and the Citadel. The few attempt of diplomacy has been met with hostility from the aliens due to Councillor Sparatus's comment on the Leviathan Wars. As combatants within the war alongside the Advent; they did not take his comment well and this has affected relations with them.
Biology
As all talks with them have been through computer messages; there are no images of the Vasari.
(Note: We are talking with the Advent to provide pictures that we can study. We will update as soon as we receive it.)
Vasari Military
Nothing yet is to be known of the Vasari; though as the supposed equals of the Advent it is likely they possess a military that is comparable to the Unity of the Advent.
Culture
N/A
Government
N/A