Vortigaunt

A Vortigaunt offering guidance and aid beyond the Combine’s reach.

Vortigaunt are an alien species once enslaved by the Nihilanth and later pressed into servitude under the Combine. Gifted with natural energy manipulation and collective telepathy, they have been exploited as laborers, shock troops, and living conduits of power.

Free Vortigaunt

Vortigaunts on Earth embrace unity and resistance, wielding their abilities in defiance of oppression. Others remain shackled and forced to serve under Combine control.

Free Vortigaunts rely on their natural abilities in energy manipulation, healing, and telepathy to survive the wastelands and canals while avoiding Combine scrutiny. They aid allies when possible, using their gifts to endure hostile environments and waiting patiently for the right moment to strike.

Enslaved Vortigaunt

A Biotic cleans the factory floor under Civil Protection supervision.

Enslaved Vortigaunts, known as Biotics, live under absolute Combine control, with no possibility of resisting their bondage. Their days are consumed by menial labor meant to maintain city order and cleanliness. Tasks include collecting refuse, scrubbing floors, performing janitorial work, and the grim duty of disposing of human remains into incinerators. The most unlucky are forced into an even harsher fate, serving as living power conduits to fuel Combine technology.

During rare moments of downtime, their appetite and cultural interest in food often surface, allowing some to adapt and even cautiously socialize with humans. In certain cases, Biotics can be found in various kitchens throughout the cities, stretching rations and assisting in meal preparation as a way to compensate for their meager allotments.

Etiquette

• You are bound by the will of the Combine, and are severed from the Vortessence. Obey all direct orders given to you by Civil Protection and Overwatch. You are worth more alive than dead.
• Do not cause chaos or stir up trouble. This will only hasten your demise, or worse, condemn you to serve as a power conduit..
• Remember that, while ultimately you do wish to become free, your priority is the safety of yourself.
• It is imperative that you cooperate with the Combine to the best of your ability, your kind has existed long enough in bondage to understand that menial disobedience causes more harm than good in the long term.
• While ultimately, your loyalty belongs to the rest of your kin under ideal circumstances, it is more beneficial to all of your kin to survive under the yoke of the Combine, rather than die fighting a battle you have no hope of winning. One day, you know, your time will come.