Artefact Site - Revision history

Magic9mushroom: per talk page

2025-03-21T10:53:04Z

per talk page

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:53, 21 March 2025
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	Artefact Sites are a 2-part mission. The seabed stage of the mission is fought in a series of underwater pyramids while the second level is fought in a ~~mazy~~ alien complex.		Artefact Sites are a 2-part mission. The seabed stage of the mission is fought in a series of underwater pyramids while the second level is fought in a (flooded) alien complex under the seafloor.

	As with ship and port attacks, Artefact Sites are announced instantaneously the moment they are generated on the map. The alert message describes them as alien "activity", but thereafter they are referred to as "Artefact sites".		As with ship and port attacks, Artefact Sites are announced instantaneously the moment they are generated on the map. The alert message describes them as alien "activity", but thereafter they are referred to as "Artefact sites".

Hermitifier: Synomium spelling

2021-10-17T18:37:51Z

Synomium spelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:37, 17 October 2021
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	Artefact Sites are often treated with the same urgency as Terror sites. Though lacking a civilian component, they are longer and more dangerous and have greater repercussions. Failure to attend to an Artefact Site can result in a very large -2,000 points while failure to destroy the artefact site is worth an instant -750 points.		Artefact Sites are often treated with the same urgency as Terror sites. Though lacking a civilian component, they are longer and more dangerous and have greater repercussions. Failure to attend to an Artefact Site can result in a very large -2,000 points while failure to destroy the artefact site is worth an instant -750 points.

	Though the penalties are great, so are the rewards. Destroying the ~~Synonium~~ Device alone is worth 750 victory points before adding in the mission score from equipment recovered and enemies defeated.		Though the penalties are great, so are the rewards. Destroying the Synomium Device alone is worth 750 victory points before adding in the mission score from equipment recovered and enemies defeated.

	While costly to ignore, it is possible to complete all the research and submarine construction necessary to embark upon the T'Leth mission without having to fight any Artefact site missions.		While costly to ignore, it is possible to complete all the research and submarine construction necessary to embark upon the T'Leth mission without having to fight any Artefact site missions.
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	Artefact sites are short-lived, typically lasting about 5 hours. Because of their their short durations and depths, you will not always have the luxury of arriving in ideal lighting conditions. As with other short-duration sites, Artefact Sites will remain on the map if targeted by at least one X-COM submarine after their operational duration has expired.		Artefact sites are short-lived, typically lasting about 5 hours. Because of their their short durations and depths, you will not always have the luxury of arriving in ideal lighting conditions. As with other short-duration sites, Artefact Sites will remain on the map if targeted by at least one X-COM submarine after their operational duration has expired.

	== ~~Synonium~~ Device ==		== Synomium Device ==

	The "Synomium Device" is the so called "Artefact". As explained in the mission text the Artefact Site is a revived communications site where the artefact acts as hub for the aliens' standard means communication: Molecular Control. Similar devices are present in alien colonies, presumably excavated from Artefact Sites and installed in the colonies to coordinate their operations via the MC network.		The "Synomium Device" is the so called "Artefact". As explained in the mission text the Artefact Site is a revived communications site where the artefact acts as hub for the aliens' standard means communication: Molecular Control. Similar devices are present in alien colonies, presumably excavated from Artefact Sites and installed in the colonies to coordinate their operations via the MC network.
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	The device can be destroyed by all weapons other than melee weapons.		The device can be destroyed by all weapons other than melee weapons.

	An Artefact Site and Alien Colony is officially declared as destroyed on the destruction of the ~~Synonium~~ Device, no matter what fate befalls the X-COM aquanauts after that.		An Artefact Site and Alien Colony is officially declared as destroyed on the destruction of the Synomium Device, no matter what fate befalls the X-COM aquanauts after that.

	===Finding the Device===		===Finding the Device===
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	<br clear = "all"/>		<br clear = "all"/>

	The ~~Synonium~~ Device is housed in a very distinct matte black hall with a central elevator shaft as depicted in the first image above. The second picture shows the chamber where the ~~Synonium~~ Device is stored on the upper-most level. The device itself is a pedestal with two rotating rings.		The Synomium Device is housed in a very distinct matte black hall with a central elevator shaft as depicted in the first image above. The second picture shows the chamber where the Synomium Device is stored on the upper-most level. The device itself is a pedestal with two rotating rings.

	Be warned that the black chamber is fiercely guarded by many Tentaculats and armed Aquatoids hiding in upper level cubbyholes.		Be warned that the black chamber is fiercely guarded by many Tentaculats and armed Aquatoids hiding in upper level cubbyholes.

Magic9mushroom: /* Alien Deployment */ noting spawn point effects on the amount of aliens

2019-12-18T08:23:04Z

Alien Deployment: noting spawn point effects on the amount of aliens

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 18 December 2019
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	==Alien Deployment==		==Alien Deployment==
			<table cellpadding="5">
	<table {{StdCenterTable}}>		<tr><td><table {{StdCenterTable}}>
	<caption><b>Alien Contact Site Mission (~~both parts~~)</b></caption>		<caption><b>Alien Contact Site Mission (part 1)</b></caption>
			<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>
			<th>Beg./Exp.</th>
			<th>Vet./Gen.</th>
			<th>Super.</th></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Tasoth Soldiers</td><td>4-7</td><td>5-8</td><td>6-9</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Tasoth Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Soldiers</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>''1-3'' (0-3)</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Squad Leaders</td><td>''1-3'' (0-3)</td><td>''1-3'' (0-3)</td><td>''2-4'' (0-4)</td><tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Hallucinoids</td><td>''1-3'' (0-3)</td><td>''1-3'' (0-3)</td><td>''1-3'' (0-3)</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Tentaculats</td><td>''2-10'' (0-10)</td><td>''4-12'' (0-9)</td><td>''6-14'' (0-6)</td></tr>
			<tr><th>Totals</th><td>''10-29'' (10-18)</td><td>''13-32'' (12-18)</td><td>''18-37'' (12-18)</td></tr>
			</table></td>
			<td><table {{StdCenterTable}}>
			<caption><b>Alien Contact Site Mission (part 2)</b></caption>
	<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>		<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>
	<th>Beg./Exp.</th>		<th>Beg./Exp.</th>
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	<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td><tr>		<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td><tr>
	<tr><td align="left">Hallucinoids</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>		<tr><td align="left">Hallucinoids</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>
	<tr><td align="left">Tentaculats</td><td>2-10</td><td>4-12</td><td>6-14</td></tr>		<tr><td align="left">Tentaculats</td><td>2-10</td><td>''4-12'' (2-12)</td><td>''6-14'' (0-14)</td></tr>
	<tr><th>Totals</th><td>10-29</td><td>13-32</td><td>18-37</td></tr>		<tr><th>Totals</th><td>10-29</td><td>''13-32'' (13-29)</td><td>''18-37'' (18-29)</td></tr>
	</table>		</table></td></table>

	*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).		*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).
	*~~Note that~~ in ~~part 1~~ of ~~an Artefact Site,~~ the ~~aliens are very likely~~ to ~~overflow their~~ spawn ~~points. As such, the Tentaculat and even Hallucinoid numbers~~ can be ~~significantly lower than shown here (as these aliens spawn last~~)~~; in extreme cases~~, ~~it is possible for no terror units whatsoever to~~ spawn~~. In the second stage~~, there are ~~many more spawn points~~, ~~so this is much less prominent~~.		*The numbers in italics are the amount of aliens the game attempts to spawn (as can be seen in UNITREF.DAT). However, both maps are rather short on alien spawn points (empirically, there are 12-18 in the first part, and 22-29 in the second). The numbers in brackets are the amounts that can actually appear.

	== Equipment Recovery ==		== Equipment Recovery ==

Magic9mushroom: /* Alien Activity Site Mission */ in-game name

2019-12-18T05:15:34Z

Alien Activity Site Mission: in-game name

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:15, 18 December 2019
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	== Alien ~~Activity~~ Site Mission ==		== Alien Contact Site Mission ==

	{{Ref Open \| title = Alien Activity Site (Seabed)}}		{{Ref Open \| title = Alien Activity Site (Seabed)}}
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	While costly to ignore, it is possible to complete all the research and submarine construction necessary to embark upon the T'Leth mission without having to fight any Artefact site missions.		While costly to ignore, it is possible to complete all the research and submarine construction necessary to embark upon the T'Leth mission without having to fight any Artefact site missions.

	Artefact sites are short-lived, typically lasting about 5 hours. Because of their their short durations and depths, you will not always have the luxury of arriving in ideal lighting conditions. As with other short-duration sites, Artefact Sites will remain on the map if targeted by at least one X-COM submarine after their operational duration has expired.		Artefact sites are short-lived, typically lasting about 5 hours. Because of their their short durations and depths, you will not always have the luxury of arriving in ideal lighting conditions. As with other short-duration sites, Artefact Sites will remain on the map if targeted by at least one X-COM submarine after their operational duration has expired.

	== Synonium Device ==		== Synonium Device ==

Magic9mushroom: /* Alien Deployment */

2019-12-17T12:54:15Z

Alien Deployment

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 17 December 2019
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	*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).		*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).
	*Note that in part 1 of an Artefact Site, the aliens are very likely to overflow their spawn points. As such, the Tentaculat and ~~perhaps~~ even Hallucinoid numbers can be significantly lower than shown here (as these aliens spawn last); in extreme cases, it is possible for no terror units whatsoever to spawn. In the second stage, there are many more spawn points, so this is much less prominent.		*Note that in part 1 of an Artefact Site, the aliens are very likely to overflow their spawn points. As such, the Tentaculat and even Hallucinoid numbers can be significantly lower than shown here (as these aliens spawn last); in extreme cases, it is possible for no terror units whatsoever to spawn. In the second stage, there are many more spawn points, so this is much less prominent.

	== Equipment Recovery ==		== Equipment Recovery ==

Magic9mushroom: /* Alien Deployment */

2019-12-17T12:25:30Z

Alien Deployment

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 17 December 2019
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	<table {{StdCenterTable}}>		<table {{StdCenterTable}}>
	<caption><b>Alien Contact Site Mission ~~part 1~~</b></caption>		<caption><b>Alien Contact Site Mission (both parts)</b></caption>
	<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>		<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>
	<th>Beg./Exp.</th>		<th>Beg./Exp.</th>
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	<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Soldiers</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>		<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Soldiers</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>
	<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td><tr>		<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td><tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Hallucinoids</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>
	<tr><td align="left">Tentaculats</td><td>2-10</td><td>4-12</td><td>6-14</td></tr>		<tr><td align="left">Tentaculats</td><td>2-10</td><td>4-12</td><td>6-14</td></tr>
	~~<tr><td align="left">Hallucinoids</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>~~
	<tr><th>Totals</th><td>10-29</td><td>13-32</td><td>18-37</td></tr>		<tr><th>Totals</th><td>10-29</td><td>13-32</td><td>18-37</td></tr>
	</table>		</table>

	*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).		*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).
			*Note that in part 1 of an Artefact Site, the aliens are very likely to overflow their spawn points. As such, the Tentaculat and perhaps even Hallucinoid numbers can be significantly lower than shown here (as these aliens spawn last); in extreme cases, it is possible for no terror units whatsoever to spawn. In the second stage, there are many more spawn points, so this is much less prominent.

	== Equipment Recovery ==		== Equipment Recovery ==

Magic9mushroom: /* Alien Deployment */ derp

2019-12-17T08:28:50Z

Alien Deployment: derp

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:28, 17 December 2019
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	<table {{StdCenterTable}}>		<table {{StdCenterTable}}>
	<caption><b>Alien ~~Colony~~ part 1</b></caption>		<caption><b>Alien Contact Site Mission part 1</b></caption>
	<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>		<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>
	<th>Beg./Exp.</th>		<th>Beg./Exp.</th>

Magic9mushroom: /* Enemies encountered */ alien roster

2019-12-17T08:21:21Z

Enemies encountered: alien roster

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:21, 17 December 2019
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	\|}		\|}

	==~~Enemies encountered~~==		==Alien Deployment==

	~~(Note, factual data of crew formation and weapon setups needed from the executable needed to complete this section)~~		<table {{StdCenterTable}}>
			<caption><b>Alien Colony part 1</b></caption>
			<tr {{StdDescTable_Heading}}><th align="left">Rank</th>
			<th>Beg./Exp.</th>
			<th>Vet./Gen.</th>
			<th>Super.</th></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Tasoth Soldiers</td><td>4-7</td><td>5-8</td><td>6-9</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Tasoth Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Soldiers</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Aquatoid Squad Leaders</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>2-4</td><tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Tentaculats</td><td>2-10</td><td>4-12</td><td>6-14</td></tr>
			<tr><td align="left">Hallucinoids</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td><td>1-3</td></tr>
			<tr><th>Totals</th><td>10-29</td><td>13-32</td><td>18-37</td></tr>
			</table>

	~~Typical aliens defending Artefact sites include Tasoths, Tentaculats, Aquatoids,~~ and ~~Hallucinoids~~.		*This table is generated by taking a Mixed Crew Battleship and adding 0-2 to each rank that exists (i.e., all except Commander).

	~~In particular~~, ~~there may be a large number of Tentaculats on the lower level (as many as 10 have been reported~~)~~. A recent mission on Superhuman had 44 aliens present, though some were XCom agents turned to zombies. Up to 20 aliens can be expected per mission part~~.

	== Equipment Recovery ==		== Equipment Recovery ==

Magic9mushroom: /* Mission structure */ typo

2015-04-15T12:02:45Z

Mission structure: typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 15 April 2015
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	==Mission structure==		==Mission structure==

	The mission itself is a 2-part assignment. The first part is on the seafloor with green pyramid buildings. The objective here is to get to the site entrance or kill all the aliens) The site entrance is in a long, thin pyramid with only 1 floor. The pyramids are quite large, spanning 3 floors and with many "windows" cut into the walls. Be watchful of snipers from many elevated angles.		The mission itself is a 2-part assignment. The first part is on the seafloor with green pyramid buildings. The objective here is to get to the site entrance (or kill all the aliens). The site entrance is in a long, thin pyramid with only 1 floor. The pyramids are quite large, spanning 3 floors and with many "windows" cut into the walls. Be watchful of snipers from many elevated angles.

	The second part is inside a 4-floor structure. There will be two randomly placed XCOM spawn points on the top floor (L3). However, some team members may be placed at any level including L0. L0 is the main floor and connects to the shaft leading to the Synomium Device. The Synomium Device is located on L3, and you must go up the shaft to get to it. Destruction of the device will complete the mission. Your team can then leave, clear the site. If your team is defeated after destroying the device, the site will still be treated as having been cleared.		The second part is inside a 4-floor structure. There will be two randomly placed XCOM spawn points on the top floor (L3). However, some team members may be placed at any level including L0. L0 is the main floor and connects to the shaft leading to the Synomium Device. The Synomium Device is located on L3, and you must go up the shaft to get to it. Destruction of the device will complete the mission. Your team can then leave, clear the site. If your team is defeated after destroying the device, the site will still be treated as having been cleared.

NKF: Also added note about the 12 sites. Not 10.

2012-06-06T10:23:42Z

Also added note about the 12 sites. Not 10.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:23, 6 June 2012
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	== Alien Activity Site Mission ==		== Alien Activity Site Mission ==

	{{Ref Open}}		{{Ref Open \| title = Alien Activity Site (Seabed)}}
	~~'''Seabed'''~~		This mission is a raid on a freshly activated Alien communications site. There are 2 levels to the site, the seabed with its Alien pyramids and a hidden Alien complex.
	~~<p style="text-indent:1em;">''"~~This mission is a raid on a freshly activated Alien communications site. There are 2 levels to the site, the seabed with its Alien pyramids and a hidden Alien complex.~~"''</p>~~		{{Ref Close \| source = X-COM Terror From The Deep Artefact Site Seabed assault mission briefing}}
	{{Ref Close \| ~~Source:~~ X-COM Terror From The Deep Artefact Site Seabed assault ~~message~~}}


	{{Ref Open}}		{{Ref Open\| title = Alien Acitivty Site (Alien Complex)}}
	~~'''Alien Complex'''~~		Having negotiated the Alien structures and entered the complex the mission goals are clear. Penetrate the heart of the Alien facility and destroy the Synomium Molecular Control Device to complete the mission.
	~~<p style="text-indent:1em;">''"~~Having negotiated the Alien structures and entered the complex the mission goals are clear. Penetrate the heart of the Alien facility and destroy the Synomium Molecular Control Device to complete the mission.~~"''</p>~~		{{Ref Close \| source = X-COM Terror From The Deep Artefact Site Alien Complex assault mission briefing}}
	{{Ref Close \| ~~Source:~~ X-COM Terror From The Deep Artefact Site Alien Complex assault ~~message~~}}


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	As with ship and port attacks, Artefact Sites are announced instantaneously the moment they are generated on the map. The alert message describes them as alien "activity", but thereafter they are referred to as "Artefact sites".		As with ship and port attacks, Artefact Sites are announced instantaneously the moment they are generated on the map. The alert message describes them as alien "activity", but thereafter they are referred to as "Artefact sites".

	Artefact Sites start to appear some months into the game as an alternative to the various types of terror sites. ~~Though~~ the ~~information taken from interrogations suggests that there are 8~~ Artefact ~~Sites~~, ~~more than 8 sites can be generated~~.		Artefact Sites start to appear some months into the game as an alternative to the various types of terror sites. After the 12th Artefact Site, they will revert to standard terror missions.

	Artefact Sites are often treated with the same urgency as Terror sites. Though lacking a civilian component, they are longer and more dangerous and have greater repercussions. Failure to attend to an Artefact Site can result in a very large -2,000 points while failure to destroy the artefact site is worth an instant -750 points.		Artefact Sites are often treated with the same urgency as Terror sites. Though lacking a civilian component, they are longer and more dangerous and have greater repercussions. Failure to attend to an Artefact Site can result in a very large -2,000 points while failure to destroy the artefact site is worth an instant -750 points.