Hybrid as a playable race soon?

[Bloody Wolf]

Leave your opinion & ideas here
No fighting
No complain about terran opness

 

[Dr Super Good]

Too little is known about the Hybrid for any sort of race to be created. Heart of the Swarm failed to deliver the promise of new types of Hybrid and instead buffed the existing Archon based Hybrid. This could possibly mean there are and only ever will be 2 types of Hybrid.

There is the Hybrid Reaver. It is clearly based around the Ultralisk as far as combat goes but with enhanced mobility, agility and capabilities given to it by Protoss. In other words it is a Zealot/Ultralisk cross. The reason an Ultralisk was used as the base is they are apparently the ultimate evolutionary creation of the Zerg swarm, which is why they are the most damaging and toughest Zerg unit. Like Ultralisks, Hybrid Reavers cause huge splash melee damage and have various charge and regeneration based abilities. These Hybrids have limited to no psionic capabilities so have no shield.

The other kind of Hybrid is the Hybrid Destroyer/Dominator. Both are based on the Protoss, specifically the Archon form, but are enhanced with Zerg toughness characteristics (again, probably from the Ultralisk) solving the weak flesh problem Archons have and also boosting their Psyonic capabilities far beyond that of any Archon. Both types are physically the same next to a slight change in scale so it can be assumed that the difference relates to their combat psionic specialization. Destroyers focus on using Psyonic power in a destructive way, much like standard Archons and are not shown to do much else next to shoot lethal rays of lightning at opponents. Dominators focus on using their Psyonic power in a more indirect supporting way, like Dark Archons, although they still remain highly dangerous in combat. Dominators are extremely dangerous to other Psyonic creatures as they can produce lethal amounts of Psyonic interference, killing the victim from several hundred meters away without ever engaging in combat. Kerrigan was nearly killed by several such creatures in the Skygeirr laboratory and she is the most powerful Zerg and one of the most powerful psionic beings known in existence.

The Hybrid Dominator shows the ability to replicate itself permanently in the campaign. It is unclear if these are meant to be limits to the ability that are not included in the implementation. In any case this means Hybrids probably are capable of self-replicating over time.

Hybrids also seem to be semi-immortal and can be resurrected like WarCraft III heroes. Maar, the only named Hybrid so far, showed this trait in Wings of Liberty where he could use a source to resurrect himself time and time again.

Amon's plan for the Hybrid is to destroy all other life. In Wings of Liberty he was shown controlling both Protoss and Zerg. Many Protoss worship Amon as a god already so no convincing is required for the Hybrid to use their stuff. The Zerg Swarm was his creation and his Hybrid can substitute any brood mother or queen effortlessly (unless they are loyal to a certain queen, which is why Kerrigan had to live). The Hybrid themselves interface directly with Amon and would have no problem building and using Xelnaga constructions.

As the Hybrid are designed to purge existence of other life, it is assumed they just hijack Zerg and Protoss bases as required until the purging is complete in which case they get them to self-destruct as obsolete models. Any Xelnaga structures built and used would be at Amon's orders and would either give them a tactical advantage or help convert existence to the Void. Such buildings are probably able to be constructed on demand form nothingness and do not need sophisticated assembly. The devices themselves are unlikely to produce any combat capable units and might at most serve to replicate or resurrect Hybrid.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Well Maar was able to ressurrect because he was harvesting the energy the prisioners and if you search on youtube you will find that on the race selection screen blizzard is planning to add the hybrid race. Its a little hard to find it but you should be able to find it if you search for "starcraft 2 hybrid as a playable race" since it worked for me

 

[Dr Super Good]

Well Maar was able to ressurrect because he was harvesting the energy the prisioners

Which is not much different from draining energy from a Xelnaga artefact. Seeing how Amon knows how such things work, there will be little problem making some kind of resurrection structure.

if you search on youtube you will find that on the race selection screen blizzard is planning to add the hybrid race. Its a little hard to find it but you should be able to find it if you search for "starcraft 2 hybrid as a playable race" since it worked for me

There is no Hybrid race in the data editor. The fact the game supports races other than the standard 3 is an improvement over the release version of StarCraft II where custom races were ignored completely and removing races always removed the first choice from the list even if the race removed was the last. Hybrid being a selection might have been a placeholder for testing the system. What is more likely is that the Hybrid was there for campaign purposes so that the Hybrid controlling player could be known as the race "Hybrid" for lore purposes. The fact remains that in the campaign data there is no trace of the "Hybrid" race.

The Hybrid race may had originated from when Blizzard promised to expand Hybrid lore with "many new types of "Hybrid" back in the early days of HotS development. This clearly failed and instead they chose to recycle existing Hybrid. The Skygeirr labs was used to explain how Hybrid were created.

If Hybrid are added as a race in LotV then do not expect a full melee race. Even the most simple Hybrid can kill many of the strongest units in the game. The Hybrid inherently are meant to be considerably stronger than both the Zerg swarm and the Protoss as they combine the best attributes of the best from both sides. A Hybrid race would be the same as having the Terrans in WarCraft universe, sending Battleships the size of towns and capable of faster than light travel against some birds and dragons. There is no way to make them balanced as Amon, their creator, is meant to posses god like power and even the combined forces of Terran, Zerg and Protoss will struggle to stop him destroying all existence in LotV.

The big question we must ask is "What was Narud/Duran?". The campaign describes it as an ancient shape shifter who had existed for millions of years. It clearly was Amon's most trusted servant (or at least one of them). It could alter his form at will to any humanoid. As far as combat goes it possessed teleportation capabilities and a pair of built in plasma blades which were used to impale and effortlessly lift Kerrigan up into the air. It was also considerably weaker than the Hybrid, with Kerrigan being able to kill it with a single impaling from her wings and it had no Psyonic range attack that tried to destroy her mind. On death, no blood was shed and the body was left in its last form. We can only assume that it was some kind of Xelnaga machine, probably designed for reconnaissance by the Xelnaga so as not to arouse suspicion with the primitive races they examined (it could blend in flawlessly and was strong enough to not be killed by internal strife). A Bi-directional connection meant it possessed both full Xelnaga knowledge (as Duran showed by making Hybrid) and could feedback progress to their master.

It is assumed that all Hybrid draw their power from the Void. Seeing as how melee units like the Dark Templar and Void Ray also do this and are among the most damaging units in the game, it can be assumed that all Hybrid possess immense damage capabilities.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Well i guess we can only hope that blizzard wont fuck up
But try to imagine if the hybrids were available to play just like the other races, what would they look like aside from the destroyer and reaver (structures, techtree, units, etc)

 

[Dr Super Good]

Structures, various Xelnaga buildings like a resurrection alter, a resource magnet (which harvests all nearby minerals automatically) and an automatic gas extractor. Only a single building that is used to warp/summon in additional Hybrid. Void towers which act like over charged Void Rays but are stationary and longer ranged. All structures are shielded and regenerate hp and shield quickly when out of combat.

As the Hybrid are already perfect, there are no upgrades for them. As the Xelnaga buildings are highly developed already, there are no upgrades for them. The Hybrid have no need of flying units as Dominators/Destroyers already can fly, travel through space and teleport. Reavers probably cannot fly but instead are warped in on demand by Destroyers/Dominators.

Basically they would be totally rigged. Anything less than that and the entire Hybrid threat of Amon would become a joke, especially after how strong they appeared in the campaign.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

All structures are shielded and regenerate hp and shield quickly when out of combat.

shields are okay but i dont think regenerating structures would be implemented

 

[Dr Super Good]

The Protoss structures are meant to self regenerate according to Stetman's research in WoL. He said that the Protoss material is designed to be helpful, and will repair nearby machines and boost energy output. All Protoss buildings (especially Pylons) are made of this material. Maybe the regeneration rate is so low that it can be ignored during a fight. Maybe it is only missing for reasons of balance.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Now that you mention it i remember him saying something about that on wings of liberty

But still a hybrid race would be cool on the next expasion, blizzard may try to pull it out again since they know that would draw alot of attention

And maybe the probes use this material to repair structures when they are damaged but they give it a little "boost" for a quick fix

 

[Dr Super Good]

The problem is that ultimately the Hybrid are meant to be rigged. Each Hybrid is meant to be a major effort to kill and almost boss like, not something that dozens die to due to your Colossus firing at it (like Zerglings and Marines).

If a race were made, it would completely rune that awesome feel about them.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Thats true only if the next campaign they find a lesser type of hybrid or they manage to weaken then via a xel'naga artifact but like you said it would take away the awesomeness from the hybrids

 

[Rui]

Narud's power seemed channeled to him from outside rather than being his own, but the question is whether or not he was a hybrid himself — the odds don't seem to point that way. Because if they were, the same rules could apply to them.

Either way, Blizzard managed to come up with three more or less balanced tech trees (the same doesn't quite hold, or is not as apparent, in Wc3), StarCraft is probably the RTS that can combine faction diversity and balance the best (to the point of being as popular as it is on Korea), so I doubt they'll go on doing experimentations with it and risk screwing the game.

 

[Dr Super Good]

Narud's power seemed channeled to him from outside rather than being his own

Yes, but he still possessed a pair of blades that he used to impale Kerrigan with. They looked similar to the blades used by Zealots so he might be Protoss in origin. Or should I say, the Protoss Zealots use technology designed by the Xelnaga for beings like Narud? A lot of the technology used by the Protoss is Xelnaga in origin and seeing how intelligent some of the Protoss robots are it is entirely possible that Narud was a shape shifting robot which is so advanced that it can be classed as a being.

The fact remains that his powers were considerably less than the Hybrid so he clearly was not Hybrid himself. A single dominator has enough psionic capability to destroy Kerrigan's mind if she remains in range too long and requires an army to take down. Reavers seem the weakest Hybrid but that is probably because they are designed more as tanks for Hybrid Dominators/Destroyers rather than as all powerful units.

Narud had to channel power from Xelnaga artefacts to hold off Kerrigan's psionic beam.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Narud's blades look alot Zeratul's dark psionic blade so i kinda go with you
Also the dark voice physical structure reminds me of the Taldarim protoss which makes me think the Taldarim are more connected to the xel naga than we actually think

 

[Dr Super Good]

Also the dark voice physical structure reminds me of the Taldarim protoss which makes me think the Taldarim are more connected to the xel naga than we actually think

Amon is represented as the god of the Void to many protoss (he clearly draws his power from it). Dark Protoss worship the void and so many of them worship Amon. This is why the Dark Protoss were helping fight off Kerrigan at the side of Narud and various Hybrid.

Most of the Protoss technology was given by the Xelnaga so it is understandable that many things they use will be similar to what the Xelnaga use. The Xelnaga were considerably more smart than the Protoss, which is why only a construct of theirs like Narud/Duran with full access to Amon's knowledge could produce Hybrid while both the Zerg Swarm under the Overmind and Dark Protoss that worship Amon (both of which he had control over) were not able to make the Hybrid for him.

Amon is no nice guy. It is highly likely he deliberately killed most (if not all) Xelnaga. In fact, Zeratul helping Kerrigan was because other Xelnaga (ones he serves) messaged him to do so to try and stop Amon's plan. Kerrigan is the proverbial spanner in the works and the only way to prevent him taking control of the Zerg and consuming the Universe with the Void. Even without the Zerg Swarm at his command, he is a force to be reckoned with as he possesses Knowledge and Power unmatched by any of the races.

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Well thats what we should expect from a "god" but moving on.
Do you think Duran well re appear (tossing the probability that narud is duran aside) on the next expansion? If i remember, Blizzard never mentioned that Duran would show himself again and we can assume Duran is a similar entity to Narud but he had this green aura/glow/energy around him wich reminds me of the dark energies that the dark templars have

Im curious because apparently you know ALOT more about the lore than i do (and i hope i am not bugging you with dumb questions it would be embarrassing )

 

[Dr Super Good]

tossing the probability that narud is duran aside

Probability? Blizzard already has said that Narud and Duran are the same person. He was an ancient shape shifter who has probably been many important beings in the past and up to no good for millions of years.

Seeing how powerful Amon is it is quite likely he will resurrect him, or at least build a replacement. Although Duran/Narud could be considered obsolete now since Amon can no longer hide or needs to hide his plan. Maybe Amon will create some really powerful Hybrids in his place as he needs muscle and not some shape shifter who can be impaled to death.

and we can assume Duran is a similar entity to Narud but he had this green aura/glow/energy around him wich reminds me of the dark energies that the dark templars have

He only had that aura because he was being fed Xelnaga power from the ruins. When he fought Kerrigan melee that all vanished and he was able to perform perfect shape shifting.

 

[Rui]

(...) A lot of the technology used by the Protoss is Xelnaga in origin and seeing how intelligent some of the Protoss robots are it is entirely possible that Narud was a shape shifting robot which is so advanced that it can be classed as a being.
(...)

Replicants

 

[Bloody Wolf]

Replicants

Literally lol

 

[Weigazod]

In order to make the third one, i doubt that Blizzard will leave the hydrid with just two types. Amon may have a little fun with the human DNA and make another hydrid. Look at the case of the zerg, Abathur sees terran as inferior life form. However, as he commends about the Aberration "Sequences sloppy. Yet... effective."

There is a chance that Amon can see some use of the human DNA and make use of it. This is a possibility.

About the storyline, Amon will use any possible force to stop the three races united, he may use Niadra to raise more conflict between the zerg and the protoss. Make some shape shifters to put the relationship between the protoss and terran in a stressful state. Currently, after the last appearance of Zeratul, we can be sure that he is considered crime of the protoss for helping Kerrigan, so he will not be able to do anything if Amon pull the string.

Amon may be a fallen one but he is powerful and wicked one as much as old Mengsk, thing are in front of you now. However, the third episode is about the protoss so we can expect the zerg and terran will stay out of and hold the line while the protoss do the fight.

One thing needs to be noted, if Amon a being that is "older than the universe" (i still don't know if this is a metaphor to show how powerful Amon is or his actual ages) then he can do what Narud can do, resurrect other Xel'naga and make them serve him. May be some hydrid of the Xel'naga and other races? Only Amon knows as he chose his next movement.

 

[Dr Super Good]

Amon may have a little fun with the human DNA and make another hydrid.

He already did as the campaign showed. Problem is the free will of humans does not make obedient servants. Both Protoss and the Zerg swarm have no inherit free will as a psionic link joins all members together. Kerrigan and her primal form was the first Zerg swarm member to have fully free will (as she was inherently human) and this trait she is passing into the swarm. The Protoss Templar undergo procedures to separate themselves from the Psyonic connection and thus obtain free will. Dark Templars do this by embracing the void (the source of Amons power) which is why Zeratul is likely the only being who knows how to stop Amon.

Hybrid inherit the zerg loyalty, where they only serve Amon. Hybrid also inherit the Protoss shared mind, they work effortlessly together as a single unit, the will of Amon.

What is worse is that each Hybrid can act as a Queen and thus control the Zerg Swarm. However since Kerrigan is the undisputed queen of the Zerg, this is no longer possible as the Zerg will only be loyal to her (which is why it was important she survived, as otherwise Amon would use the Zerg as another weapon in his arsenal).

 

[Weigazod]

He already did as the campaign showed. Problem is the free will of humans does not make obedient servants. Both Protoss and the Zerg swarm have no inherit free will as a psionic link joins all members together. Kerrigan and her primal form was the first Zerg swarm member to have fully free will (as she was inherently human) and this trait she is passing into the swarm. The Protoss Templar undergo procedures to separate themselves from the Psyonic connection and thus obtain free will. Dark Templars do this by embracing the void (the source of Amons power) which is why Zeratul is likely the only being who knows how to stop Amon.

Hybrid inherit the zerg loyalty, where they only serve Amon. Hybrid also inherit the Protoss shared mind, they work effortlessly together as a single unit, the will of Amon.

What is worse is that each Hybrid can act as a Queen and thus control the Zerg Swarm. However since Kerrigan is the undisputed queen of the Zerg, this is no longer possible as the Zerg will only be loyal to her (which is why it was important she survived, as otherwise Amon would use the Zerg as another weapon in his arsenal).

Human are impure, complicated, diversified beings. These creature are driven by their own will, own ambition. They can sell their souls to the devil if they have to. Anything is possible and Amon knows that. Amon as any beings that are considered wicked will use this small potential and turn this into reality. Nothing is certain.

Furthermore, some parts of the Swarm and the protoss, the human (UED) are still out there, unaware of Amon. Amon can use them.

The storyline is written by human, influenced by human ideas. Blizzard will do anything for their profits. There is nothing we can sure about and no possibility should be took out.

 

[Dr Super Good]

Amon as any beings that are considered wicked will use this small potential and turn this into reality. Nothing is certain.

He has no need for such being as he already has perfection in his eyes.

some parts of the Swarm

Except if they get in range of Kerrigan they defect to her as she is Queen of the Swarm. This is why Amon wanted her dead as he cannot use the Zerg as long as she is around.

the human (UED)

Powerful as they may be with technology and weapons far beyond that seen by the Terrans (and probably even the Protoss) in StarCraft II, they were apparently no match for Amon. They are un-manipulate-able by Amon as they fought until the end according to the Overmind.

Amon already owns many miscellaneous Taldarim Protoss factions. They willing exposed themselves to experimentation to form the Hybrid.

 

[Weigazod]

The vision of the Overmind states nothing but a conclusion to the great war between the human and Amon. In that war, who know how many human beings betray their race for their own survival. The fragile creaturea, human are easy to be manipulated, fear drives them mad and the pitiful will of living turns them into the most miserable creatures. Amon has use this characteristic and make a faster slaughter on Earth.


Now my good man, you sound exactly like Amon himself. Perfection in every aspects, deny any possibly false predictions. Exactly like that fallen Xel'naga, who may have collected all essence and refuse all. I hope change do not stop on you 'cause that the key to exist.

If i believe in your prediction, the next episode of starcraft 2 's quite boring to me.

"no possibility should be took out"

Well, i will follow my own opinion and keep the doubtful look at all possibilities including yours.

 

[Dr Super Good]

who know how many human beings betray their race for their own survival.

None as the UEF believed that humans were gods and that anything else was impure.

The fragile creaturea, human are easy to be manipulated, fear drives them mad and the pitiful will of living turns them into the most miserable creatures.

Not the UEF as they eradicated such individuals in a great purging. Anyone found to be less than pure human was killed or sent away to die. The Terran in SC2 were all criminals sent away (why crime is a major problem?).

So you know, ghost like abilities are meant to be common throughout the UEF with virtually every commander having them.

. Amon has use this characteristic and make a faster slaughter on Earth.

The UEF probably would have kept fighting until the last person. As Amon had the endless Zerg to kill them it was no problem. Now he does not have the Zerg so he will have to be more personal about destroying stuff.

If i believe in your prediction, the next episode of starcraft 2 's quite boring to me.

It will feature all 3 races in the final mission, that is certain.

 

[Weigazod]

None as the UEF believed that humans were gods and that anything else was impure.


Not the UEF as they eradicated such individuals in a great purging. Anyone found to be less than pure human was killed or sent away to die. The Terran in SC2 were all criminals sent away (why crime is a major problem?).

Sound like something human will do to me. Let's hope we can digest the third without regret of bringing it into our PC in the first place.