Imp Swarm

Imp Swarm
Nessian Schism Sol Collective Descendants
Statistics
Species:	Vex
Collectives:	Sol Collective Nessian Schism Descendants Sol Divisive
Functions:	Combat Unit/Decomposer
Combat information
Weapon(s):	Arc Emitter
Abilities:	Flight Rapid Movement Berserk Mode Imp Switch

Imp Swarms are a Vex combat unit first encountered on Kepler.

Overview

An Imp Swarm consists of six small flying Vex units, with one larger unit commanding five smaller units that hover around it. Each individual unit has a spherical core with four floating fins and six pointed arthropod-like limbs emerging from its underside.

Imp Swarms first appeared on Kepler and are relatively rare, only appearing in Portal activities such as Battlegrounds and certain areas of Kepler on Patrol. Their appearances in activities prior to The Edge of Fate's release, such as the opening of Battleground: Delve, are non-canon.

Gameplay

Imp Swarms function much like Shanks as fragile mid-to-close range pestering tools, though tend to be more aggressive than Shanks. They fire a consistent low fire rate Arc Emitter. Each smaller unit is able to be destroyed after sustaining any amount of damage, while the lead unit has the same durability as its lesser units, but has a damage resistance that makes its health similar to a Minotaur. However, it loses damage resistance per each lesser unit destroyed until it is just as vulnerable as the rest. If the lesser units are destroyed, the lead one unfolds and goes into its berserk mode, exposing its Radiolaria core and flaring out its fins. It then charges the attacker in an attempt to get as close as possible.

If the main unit is destroyed, all the lesser units go into berserk mode called the Imp Switch, diving at the attacker to self destructing similarly to Seekers. Destroying the Imp Swarm leader with an attack that causes an explosion such as with an ability with ignition or an explosive weapon like Necrochasm or a Rocket Launcher can destroy the main unit and all of its lesser ones at the same time or close enough to cancel the Imp Switch attack before it can even start.

Trivia

• According to Vanguard reports, Imp units also come equipped with Matter Deconstructors and Carbon-edged claws. This is because Imps function as decomposers, breaking down organic and inorganic material and using it to grow the swarm. They are capable of attacking enemies as large as Fallen Brigs, pursuing and harassing them to weaken them, and creating sub-frames with alarming speed. One particular Swarm, that refers to itself as "Vast", reportedly ambushes Guardians to consume their Ghosts.
• A leading theory speculates that the Imp swarm is one singular entity, ungoverned by a Mind. Preliminary tests suggest that each Radiolaria within an Imp is copied from a host or core body believed to be housed in the central Imp frame.
• According to one Hidden operative, Imps may keep portions of themselves hidden away from the main swarm.
• Like most Vex, Imps are named after a mythical creature; imps are small fairies or demons often described as troublesome and mischievous more than seriously threatening or dangerous.
• Only the lead unit of a Imp Swarm is labeled while the lesser units are not labeled. However, lesser units share the lead unit's killcam except for when they berserk.

Gallery

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  A berserk core unit of an Imp Swarm

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  An Imp Swarm's Imp Switch attack

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  The remains of an Imp Swarm

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  A berserk core unit of a Sol Collective Imp Swarm

List of appearances

• Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate (First appearance)
  • Reclamation