| “ | We have solid evidence that the Illuminate have an extremely powerful nano-fusion device that can destroy an entire planet. Could you imagine the cry of millions if even one of these devices are used? | „ |
| ~ Ship's C.O in Helldivers |
The Illuminate are one of the main antagonists in the Helldivers series.
They are an advanced race of aliens with unparalleled technology who simply sought peace. However, years of war against the Federation of Super Earth has led to their defeat and subsequently what remains of their race has been banished for good, until the Second Galactic War, where they decided to invade Super Earth settlements, abducting and transforming its human citizens into brainwashed fodders for the Illuminate.
Overview[]
The Illuminate are a species of aliens originally inhabiting the south quadrant of the galaxy. They are insanely advanced in their technology, and were in the stars long before humanity, existing millennia before humanity took to the stars for the first time. Originally, they were an aquatic species of fish with electric like glands in their skin, which to this day still slightly sting when making physical contact with them.
Originally, the Illuminate kept to themselves, simply wishing to advance their technology in peace. After encountering humanity, they sought to make peace with the fledgling race and open trade amongst the two races. Humanity however envied their technology and sought it for themselves.
History[]
| “ | The Illuminate went down the path of electricity in the same way we did from rocks to bullets. | „ |
| ~ Super Earth |
First Contact with Humanity[]
The Illuminate were first encountered by Humanity in the 21st century when their space craft was sighted on the edge of Super Earth's space. Originally, it was viewed as a folktale by humanity, however Illuminate eventually made first contact with humanity. The Illuminate sought peace with them, and figured the two races could learn much from each other.
Super Earth however envied such powerful technology. They first sought to declare war on them immediately, but doing this so soon would be viewed as unjustified. Super Earth then framed the Illuminate for harboring "weapons of mass destruction", while in reality, they did not have any at all. Super Earth used this as a justified reason for a preemptive strike. Thus, they declared war on the Illuminate.
First Galactic War[]
The Illuminate were quite offended when humanity chose to declare war on them. Doing what they could, the Illuminate fought back against Super Earth. Not only did they defend their worlds from this unjust assault, they launched assaults on humanity in retaliation. Despite their best efforts, Super Earth ultimately won the First Galactic War, and the Illuminate were pushed back and lost most of their territory.
Super Earth forced the Illuminate into a peace treaty on their terms. This treaty would force the Illuminate into no longer producing weapons or hosting any sort of armed forces. Humanity then began to use their tech for their own means, making better FTL technology and their own weapons of mass destruction. Outraged by their technology being used in such an awful manner, the Illuminate rallied and declared war again seeking vengeance against Super Earth for the slaughter of their people and defilement of their tech. This cycle continued for the entirety of the First Galactic War.
Eventually, the Illuminate were defeated for good; they were mostly exterminated, with their remnants being sent to the fringes of the galaxy.
Aftermath[]
After the end of the First Galactic War, Super Earth used the tech of the Illuminate for their own gains. They invented better FTL travel devices to get across the stars in moments and eventually made their own weapons of mass destruction, hypocritically using them as they falsely accused the Illuminate of doing.
Second Galactic War[]
| “ | The Illuminate have returned, yet their autocratic intentions remain shrouded in mystery. | „ |
| ~ Democracy Officer Blood. Helldivers 2 |
For years it was assumed that the Illuminate were completely eradicated and rendered 100% destroyed as stated by Super Earth propaganda. However, this proved not to be the case. For 100 years the Illuminate were in hiding, plotting their vengeance against Super Earth for the genocide committed against them.
As the war raged on against the Terminids and the Automatons, mass disappearances were taking place in the southern quadrant of the galaxy. It was only when the Illuminate returned that the horrific reality of these kidnappings became apparent. The Illuminate had been kidnapping Super Earth citizens and converting them into "The Voteless", horrific Illuminate-Human Hybrids. Now seeking vengeance, they use these horrific hybrids to wage war against Super Earth once more.
Society[]
Illuminate society is structured similarly to a technocracy, with the wisest and most experienced taking the stage as the heads of the government. The Illuminate value technology and knowledge above all, seemingly to a fanatically level. In their society, learning is absolutely mandatory. Should an Illuminate member fail to learn at an acceptable rate they shall be sentenced to becoming an outcast. Outcasts are given no armor, basic weaponry, and cloaking fields, and are sent to die in combat as atonement.
Should an illuminate manage to prove themselves, be it through advanced studies or military service, they can be come an illusionist. Illusionists are some of the leaders of society, and are able to physically manifest walls in combat. Further advancements can result in becoming a council member, and taking center stage in developing illuminate society.
Technology[]
| “ | The amount of technology we are going to receive will accelerate our technology tenfold and allow us to create peacekeeping devices that have the power to destroy entire planets! | „ |
| ~ Dr. Henk Ploeg, PhD |
The technology possessed by the Illuminate makes humanity pale in comparison. The Illuminate have insanely advanced robotics, ranging from their scout observers, to the tremendously powerful Great Eye. They can develop floating structures and other technology, as seen by the chairs the Illusionists and Council Members sit upon.
It is not truly known if the Illuminate actually hold world ending devices, or if this is merely propaganda to justify Super Earth's war against them. Whenever a system capital is defended against the Illuminate it is claimed that a powerful nano fusion bomb was being prepared for deployment by the Illuminate. It is possible they do possess such things, but they are not as willing to use them as Super Earth portrays.
Gallery[]
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 Villains
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Federation of Super Earth Enemy Factions Crossovers | ||