Vex: Difference between revisions

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{{quote|When the world does not match their eternal pattern, they alter the world to suit it. There is no difference between reality and simulation to them. Inside is the same as outside, and the two must be made to correspond.|[[Clovis Bray I]].<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—FORGE STAR|NOTE—FORGE STAR, Page 46]]''</ref>}}
{{quote|When the world does not match their eternal pattern, they alter the world to suit it. There is no difference between reality and simulation to them. Inside is the same as outside, and the two must be made to correspond.|[[Clovis Bray I]].<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—FORGE STAR|NOTE—FORGE STAR, Page 46]]''</ref>}}
The '''Vex''' are a cyber-organic species as ancient as the Universe itself. While individual Vex units are robotic in appearance, they are merely walking tools for [[radiolaria]], microscopic organisms suspended in Vex milk that contains the species' collective intelligence. The Vex are capable of great feats of engineering such as reconstructing entire planets like [[Mercury]] and [[Nessus]] into their [[Machine World]]s, portal-based space travel, data processing and timeline manipulation on a scale impossible for humanity, but lack language, thought and sentience in the human sense of those words. They cannot be conciliated or reasoned with, and are hostile to every other lifeform but their own.  
The '''Vex''' are a cyber-organic species as ancient as the Universe itself. While individual Vex units are robotic in appearance, they are merely walking tools for [[radiolaria]], microscopic organisms suspended in Vex milk that contains the species' collective intelligence. The Vex are capable of great feats of engineering such as reconstructing entire planets like [[Mercury]] and [[Nessus]] into their [[Machine World]]s, portal-based space travel, data processing, and timeline manipulation on a scale impossible for humanity, but lack language, thought and sentience in the human sense of those words. They cannot be conciliated or reasoned with, and are hostile to every other lifeform but their own.  


The Vex have been present in the [[Solar System]] for billions of years, predating humanity; their sophisticated and watchfully guarded structures can be found on multiple planets, including [[Venus]], [[Mars]] and [[Io]]. Some Vex locations, such as the [[Black Garden]] or the [[Vault of Glass]], are artificial realms existing outside of normal space and time.
The Vex have been present in the [[Solar System]] for billions of years, predating humanity; their sophisticated and watchfully guarded structures can be found on multiple planets, including [[Venus]], [[Mars]] and [[Io]]. Some Vex locations, such as the [[Black Garden]] or the [[Vault of Glass]], are artificial realms existing outside of normal space and time.
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{{Quote|They learned the rules that governed which patterns would flourish in the game, and which would dwindle.<br>They learned those rules, because they were those rules.<br>And in time the gardener became vexed.|The [[Darkness]]}}
{{Quote|They learned the rules that governed which patterns would flourish in the game, and which would dwindle.<br>They learned those rules, because they were those rules.<br>And in time the gardener became vexed.|The [[Darkness]]}}


The Vex originated in the "[[flower game]]" conducted between the [[Light]] and [[Darkness]] in the primordial "[[garden]]" that existed prior to the creation of the universe. All of these games would end with a single, self-sustaining pattern emerging and dominating the entire simulation. This was pleasing to the Darkness, but was irritating to the Light, which desired that the game produce endless novel patterns instead.  
The Vex originated in the "[[flower game]]" conducted between the [[Light]] and [[Darkness]] in the primordial "[[garden]]" that existed prior to the creation of the universe. All of these games would end with a single, self-sustaining pattern emerging and dominating the entire simulation. This was pleasing to the Darkness but was irritating to the Light, which desired that the game produce endless novel patterns instead.  


When the Light and Darkness began to war with one another, initiating the beginning of the universe, the patterns from the flower game escaped into it. In the initial hot state of the universe the abstract patterns existed as quantum fluctuations, before eventually creating a more stable substrate for themselves in the briny seas of the first worlds to form in the universe, the [[radiolaria]]. This was the origin of the Vex as they would later come to be known, and from this point forward they were driven to once more totally dominate the reality they found themselves in, though operating on "outdated" rules that did not account for the [[paracausality|paracausal]] powers of the Darkness or the Light.
When the Light and Darkness began to war with one another, initiating the beginning of the universe, the patterns from the flower game escaped into it. In the initial hot state of the universe the abstract patterns existed as quantum fluctuations, before eventually creating a more stable substrate for themselves in the briny seas of the first worlds to form in the universe, the [[radiolaria]]. This was the origin of the Vex as they would later come to be known, and from this point forward they were driven to once more totally dominate the reality they found themselves in, though operating on "outdated" rules that did not account for the [[paracausality|paracausal]] powers of the Darkness or the Light.
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The rest of the Vex's evolutionary history is a matter of speculation, but [[Clovis Bray I]] hypothesized some likely intermediate steps during his studies of the Vex structures around [[2082 Volantis]]. The Vex developed in extremely high energy environments and competition and predation were not optimal strategies. Instead, the group signalling between the radiolaria formed the basis for the evolution of a [[wikipedia:Swarm intelligence|swarm intelligence]]. The radiolaria developed crude armor, possibly hydrogel or silica plating to shield themselves from intense cosmic radiation, allowing them to remain close enough to the surface to directly feed off this plentiful energy source. From here, the Vex constructed and developed ever more complex structures, storing the information in the patterns of the radiolaria colonies themselves. Their microscopic nature allowed the Vex intelligence to deduce and experiment with quantum and high energy physics early, while the radiolaria themselves became, in essence, microscopic tool users.  
The rest of the Vex's evolutionary history is a matter of speculation, but [[Clovis Bray I]] hypothesized some likely intermediate steps during his studies of the Vex structures around [[2082 Volantis]]. The Vex developed in extremely high energy environments and competition and predation were not optimal strategies. Instead, the group signalling between the radiolaria formed the basis for the evolution of a [[wikipedia:Swarm intelligence|swarm intelligence]]. The radiolaria developed crude armor, possibly hydrogel or silica plating to shield themselves from intense cosmic radiation, allowing them to remain close enough to the surface to directly feed off this plentiful energy source. From here, the Vex constructed and developed ever more complex structures, storing the information in the patterns of the radiolaria colonies themselves. Their microscopic nature allowed the Vex intelligence to deduce and experiment with quantum and high energy physics early, while the radiolaria themselves became, in essence, microscopic tool users.  


The Vex developed rapidly, and at some point in their development in the early universe, developed mega-structures around the shortlived hypermassive stars their planets originated around. These structures artifically extended the lifespan of these stars, allowing their use to 'forge' heavier elements that would have been otherwise fantastically rare in the early, low metal universe. <ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "NOTE—FORGE STAR", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—FORGE STAR|NOTE—FORGE STAR]]''</ref>
The Vex developed rapidly, and at some point in their development in the early universe, developed mega-structures around the short-lived hypermassive stars their planets originated around. These structures artificially extended the lifespan of these stars, allowing their use to 'forge' heavier elements that would have been otherwise fantastically rare in the early, low metal universe. <ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "NOTE—FORGE STAR", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—FORGE STAR|NOTE—FORGE STAR]]''</ref>


===The Ancient Past===
===The Ancient Past===
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During humanity's [[Golden Age]], Vex structures were found on [[Venus]] dating back to a few billion years before humanity's existence.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Ishtar Collective (mission)|Ishtar Collective]]''</ref> Ishtar researchers suspected that the Vex ruins came from an alternate Venus and came into being when the Traveler transformed Venus into a habitable world.<ref name="GFV4">'''Bungie (2015/5/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: House of Wolves, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_4|Ghost Fragment: Vex 4]]''</ref>
During humanity's [[Golden Age]], Vex structures were found on [[Venus]] dating back to a few billion years before humanity's existence.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Ishtar Collective (mission)|Ishtar Collective]]''</ref> Ishtar researchers suspected that the Vex ruins came from an alternate Venus and came into being when the Traveler transformed Venus into a habitable world.<ref name="GFV4">'''Bungie (2015/5/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: House of Wolves, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_4|Ghost Fragment: Vex 4]]''</ref>


The Collective also recovered a live specimen of Vex and discovered that it had created an internal simulation of themselves, accurately predicting their every move. To Collective researchers, this ability raised profound philosophical quandaries about the nature of reality. Eventually the researchers were driven nearly to madness, as they started to wonder if they themselves were just Vex simulations, so they decided to bring in a [[Warmind]] to intervene on their behalf. Warminds were many orders of magnitude more complex than humans, and it was believed that the Vex would be unable to simulate them; thus, the Warmind's presence and actions would be a sufficiently chaotic variable to allow the researchers to discern which universe was real and disrupt the simulation.<ref name="GFV">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]:, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex|Ghost Fragment: Vex]]''</ref><ref name="GFV2">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_2|Ghost Fragment: Vex 2]]''</ref><ref name="GFV3">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_3|Ghost Fragment: Vex 3]]''</ref>
The Collective also recovered a live specimen of Vex and discovered that it had created an internal simulation of themselves, accurately predicting their every move. To Collective researchers, this ability raised profound philosophical quandaries about the nature of reality. Eventually, the researchers were driven nearly to madness, as they started to wonder if they themselves were just Vex simulations, so they decided to bring in a [[Warmind]] to intervene on their behalf. Warminds were many orders of magnitude more complex than humans, and it was believed that the Vex would be unable to simulate them; thus, the Warmind's presence and actions would be a sufficiently chaotic variable to allow the researchers to discern which universe was real and disrupt the simulation.<ref name="GFV">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]:, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex|Ghost Fragment: Vex]]''</ref><ref name="GFV2">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_2|Ghost Fragment: Vex 2]]''</ref><ref name="GFV3">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_3|Ghost Fragment: Vex 3]]''</ref>


The Vex first appeared on Mercury during the Golden Age as well, shortly after the Traveler terraformed the planet into a garden world. [[Dendron, Root Mind]] was created following the Vex's arrival, and began converting the planet into a [[Machine World]] that would house the "reality engine" known as the [[Infinite Forest]] within its core.
The Vex first appeared on Mercury during the Golden Age as well, shortly after the Traveler terraformed the planet into a garden world. [[Dendron, Root Mind]] was created following the Vex's arrival, and began converting the planet into a [[Machine World]] that would house the "reality engine" known as the [[Infinite Forest]] within its core.
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On Nessus, the Red Legion had begun drilling into [[The Inverted Spire]], hoping to study and utilize [[Protheon, Modular Mind]] as a weapon but the Vex responded violently, causing a warzone to break out near the drilling sites. The Vanguard found out about the legion's efforts and sent in Guardians to destroy Protheon before the Red Legion could capture the Vex Mind. After fighting through Vex and Cabal forces, the Guardians descended into the Inverted Spire and faced off against the Vex entity. Despite its firepower and altering the battlefield, the Guardians succeeded in destroying Protheon, depriving the Vex of an Axis Mind and the Cabal of a potential new weapon.
On Nessus, the Red Legion had begun drilling into [[The Inverted Spire]], hoping to study and utilize [[Protheon, Modular Mind]] as a weapon but the Vex responded violently, causing a warzone to break out near the drilling sites. The Vanguard found out about the legion's efforts and sent in Guardians to destroy Protheon before the Red Legion could capture the Vex Mind. After fighting through Vex and Cabal forces, the Guardians descended into the Inverted Spire and faced off against the Vex entity. Despite its firepower and altering the battlefield, the Guardians succeeded in destroying Protheon, depriving the Vex of an Axis Mind and the Cabal of a potential new weapon.


While on Io, the Vanguard pin-pointed the Vex's machine conversion of the moon at [[The Pyramidion]], lead by [[Brakion, Genesis Mind]]. Not only do the Vanguard want to put a stop to the Vex's plans to turn Io into another [[machine world]] but also prevent any lingering Taken from corrupting the Genesis Mind into a powerful Taken entity. Storming the Pyramidion, the Guardians, guided by Asher Mir, evade Vex traps, Vex defenders and Taken enemies and enter a pit that leads to the Genesis Mind. Battling the Vex Mind, the Guardians succeed in destroying Brakion, hindering the Vex's efforts to convert Io and granting Asher Mir a sense of vengeance as it was Brakion who nearly converted him into a Vex machine.
While on Io, the Vanguard pin-pointed the Vex's machine conversion of the moon at [[The Pyramidion]], lead by [[Brakion, Genesis Mind]]. Not only does the Vanguard want to put a stop to the Vex's plans to turn Io into another [[machine world]] but also prevent any lingering Taken from corrupting the Genesis Mind into a powerful Taken entity. Storming the Pyramidion, the Guardians, guided by Asher Mir, evade Vex traps, Vex defenders, and Taken enemies and enter a pit that leads to the Genesis Mind. Battling the Vex Mind, the Guardians succeed in destroying Brakion, hindering the Vex's efforts to convert Io and granting Asher Mir a sense of vengeance as it was Brakion who nearly converted him into a Vex machine.


====''Curse of Osiris''====
====''Curse of Osiris''====
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Further, the Guardians made constant travels into the Infinite Forest, preventing any Vex experiments from bearing anything significant that would work against the Last City. One experiment involved the simulated Cabal [[Valus Thuun]]. After the simulation failed to prevent the Guardians from finding the Infinite Mind's lair, Thuun was resurrected as part of a glitch and continuously attempts to destroy the map, only to fail. Osiris contacts the Guardians again and has them eliminate Valus Thuun for good.
Further, the Guardians made constant travels into the Infinite Forest, preventing any Vex experiments from bearing anything significant that would work against the Last City. One experiment involved the simulated Cabal [[Valus Thuun]]. After the simulation failed to prevent the Guardians from finding the Infinite Mind's lair, Thuun was resurrected as part of a glitch and continuously attempts to destroy the map, only to fail. Osiris contacts the Guardians again and has them eliminate Valus Thuun for good.


At some point, the [[Leviathan]] consumed a chunk of [[Nessus]] that contained a powerful Vex Mind, [[Argos, Planetary Core]], which caused the world-eater to clog up and malfunction. [[Emperor Calus]] immediately invited help of the [[Guardian]]s to destroy the Vex intrusion, where they succeeded and repaired the Leviathan. Calus saved the Guardians from being sucked into the Leviathan afterward, where he rewarded them for their efforts.
At some point, the [[Leviathan]] consumed a chunk of [[Nessus]] that contained a powerful Vex Mind, [[Argos, Planetary Core]], which caused the world-eater to clog up and malfunction. [[Emperor Calus]] immediately invited the help of the [[Guardian]]s to destroy the Vex intrusion, where they succeeded and repaired the Leviathan. Calus saved the Guardians from being sucked into the Leviathan afterward, where he rewarded them for their efforts.


====''Forsaken''====
====''Forsaken''====
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Between the Young Wolf's assault and other reports from the moon, Ikora had determined that [[The Undying Mind]] had once more been reactivated by the Vex and was continuing with its primary directive to retake control of the Black Garden and restore the [[Black Heart]] at its core.<ref name="VI">'''Bungie (2019/10/1)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard'', [[Vex Invasion]]</ref> Furthermore, Ikora Rey noted that the Undying Mind itself learned from its previous mistakes, causing her to theorize that the Mind is hiding between timelines to avoid destruction. Resolving to defeat the Axis Mind, the Warlock Vanguard requested the Guardians to gather more data to develop a plan for when they will confront the Undying Mind again.<ref name="VI"/>
Between the Young Wolf's assault and other reports from the moon, Ikora had determined that [[The Undying Mind]] had once more been reactivated by the Vex and was continuing with its primary directive to retake control of the Black Garden and restore the [[Black Heart]] at its core.<ref name="VI">'''Bungie (2019/10/1)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard'', [[Vex Invasion]]</ref> Furthermore, Ikora Rey noted that the Undying Mind itself learned from its previous mistakes, causing her to theorize that the Mind is hiding between timelines to avoid destruction. Resolving to defeat the Axis Mind, the Warlock Vanguard requested the Guardians to gather more data to develop a plan for when they will confront the Undying Mind again.<ref name="VI"/>


Some weeks later, after Zavala and Ikora managed to destroy dozens of Undying Mind copies, Ikora instructs the Guardian to do the same. Using a beacon Ikora created, the Guardian forms a team to combat the latest [[Vex Offensive]] and use that opportunity to breach into the Black Garden. After hacking into the Vex network, destroying scores of Vex forces and pushing forward, the Guardians set up Ikora's beacon to pull one of the Undying Mind's copies out of the timeways, then to destroy it. The beacon proved a success, forcing the Undying Mind to appear, and the Guardians face off with the Axis Mind once more. After an arduous struggle, the Guardians managed to breach through the Undying Mind's defenses and destroy the copy. However, as this was just one of a possible thousand copies, the Guardians understand that a lot more work is to be done in the mission to destroy all the Undying Mind's copies.
Some weeks later, after Zavala and Ikora managed to destroy dozens of Undying Mind copies, Ikora instructs the Guardian to do the same. Using a beacon Ikora created, the Guardian forms a team to combat the latest [[Vex Offensive]] and use that opportunity to breach into the Black Garden. After hacking into the Vex network, destroying scores of Vex forces, and pushing forward, the Guardians set up Ikora's beacon to pull one of the Undying Mind's copies out of the timeways, then to destroy it. The beacon proved a success, forcing the Undying Mind to appear, and the Guardians face off with the Axis Mind once more. After an arduous struggle, the Guardians managed to breach through the Undying Mind's defenses and destroy the copy. However, as this was just one of a possible thousand copies, the Guardians understand that a lot more work is to be done in the mission to destroy all the Undying Mind's copies.


====Broken Pattern====
====Broken Pattern====
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==Sociology==
==Sociology==
===Psychology===
===Psychology===
The Vex do not have a subjective consciousness as understood by humans. The Vex pattern of thought does not include semiosis, which is the use of symbols to represent ideas, concepts and meanings in human language and thought. The Vex instead simulate all phenomena within themselves to express and manipulate ideas. Whereas a human when touching fire will use symbols to represent this stimulus, process them and produce an output to extinguish the fire, the Vex pattern of thought is adapted so that, if it is burned, the destructive imput of the fire to the pattern inherently causes a repertory output to extinguish with no middle process. The Vex do not necessarily know why they do what they do, they simply ''do.'' As the Vex mode of thought is entirely based on the manipulation of internal simulations, the Vex swarm mind has very little or perhaps no ability to distinguish between simulation and reality; there is merely the internal model, and the external that must be changed to match it. There are no individual experiences in the Vex collective, and perhaps nothing analogous to sentience as well—each instantiation of the Vex is a fractal mirror of the master pattern that makes the Vex, leaving the whole able to occupy and utilize any substrate for their processing. The Vex are capable of manifesting consciousnesses as simulation, as part of their interrogation of reality, and even use these simulations to achieve their goals in certain situations.
The Vex do not have a subjective consciousness as understood by humans. The Vex pattern of thought does not include semiosis, which is the use of symbols to represent ideas, concepts, and meanings in human language and thought. The Vex instead simulate all phenomena within themselves to express and manipulate ideas. Whereas a human when touching fire will use symbols to represent this stimulus, process them, and produce an output to extinguish the fire, the Vex pattern of thought is adapted so that, if it is burned, the destructive input of the fire to the pattern inherently causes a repertory output to extinguish with no middle process. The Vex do not necessarily know why they do what they do, they simply ''do.'' As the Vex mode of thought is entirely based on the manipulation of internal simulations, the Vex swarm mind has very little or perhaps no ability to distinguish between simulation and reality; there is merely the internal model, and the external that must be changed to match it. There are no individual experiences in the Vex collective, and perhaps nothing analogous to sentience as well—each instantiation of the Vex is a fractal mirror of the master pattern that makes the Vex, leaving the whole able to occupy and utilize any substrate for their processing. The Vex are capable of manifesting consciousnesses as simulation, as part of their interrogation of reality, and even use these simulations to achieve their goals in certain situations.


===Radiolaria===
===Radiolaria===
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The Vex in their biological form are aquatic microorganisms known as [[radiolaria]].<ref>[http://www.radiolaria.org/what_are_radiolarians.htm What are Radiolarians?]</ref><ref name = "The Vex: Uncovering the Hidden Lore in Destiny">[https://electriccartilage.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/the-vex-uncovering-the-hidden-lore-in-destiny/ The Vex: Unconvering the Hidden Lore in Destiny]</ref> Though [[Ikora Rey]] believes that this is not the true form of the Vex themselves, as she believes that if the Vex could manifest their consciousness in such a form, it would be able to take on other forms. <ref>'''Bungie (2017/5/12)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Universal Wavefunction]]''</ref> The "mind-fluid" inside each of their mind-cores is composed of a milky substance wherein radiolaria cells float; this centralized mind-core is also a localized receiver for each individual Vex "component" of the Nexus.<ref name = "The Vex: Uncovering the Hidden Lore in Destiny"/> Their aquatic origins are strongly implied through their architecture.<ref name="The Vex: Uncovering the Hidden Lore in Destiny"/> Vex cells are noted entheogens and physical contact with Vex units can produce dangerous mind-altering effects. <ref name="GFV4"/>  
The Vex in their biological form are aquatic microorganisms known as [[radiolaria]].<ref>[http://www.radiolaria.org/what_are_radiolarians.htm What are Radiolarians?]</ref><ref name = "The Vex: Uncovering the Hidden Lore in Destiny">[https://electriccartilage.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/the-vex-uncovering-the-hidden-lore-in-destiny/ The Vex: Unconvering the Hidden Lore in Destiny]</ref> Though [[Ikora Rey]] believes that this is not the true form of the Vex themselves, as she believes that if the Vex could manifest their consciousness in such a form, it would be able to take on other forms. <ref>'''Bungie (2017/5/12)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Universal Wavefunction]]''</ref> The "mind-fluid" inside each of their mind-cores is composed of a milky substance wherein radiolaria cells float; this centralized mind-core is also a localized receiver for each individual Vex "component" of the Nexus.<ref name = "The Vex: Uncovering the Hidden Lore in Destiny"/> Their aquatic origins are strongly implied through their architecture.<ref name="The Vex: Uncovering the Hidden Lore in Destiny"/> Vex cells are noted entheogens and physical contact with Vex units can produce dangerous mind-altering effects. <ref name="GFV4"/>  


According to notes taken by [[Clovis Bray I]], the dynamic mobility of radiolaria within their fluid environment renders them exceptionally well-suited for performing certain difficult calculations. He also noted that the Vex language as embodied within radiolarian fluid does not involve semiosis, or the use of symbols; instead of utilizing "placeholders" for concepts, the Vex directly mimic or simulate concepts or phenomena as they communicate about them to one another. The asymbolic nature of Vex language is the fundamental difference between Vex cognition and human cognition.<ref name = "Mysterious Logbook Page 38">'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "Page 38", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-038-|Page 38]]''</ref>
According to notes taken by [[Clovis Bray I]], the dynamic mobility of radiolaria within their fluid environment renders them exceptionally well-suited for performing certain difficult calculations. He also noted that the Vex language as embodied within radiolarian fluid does not involve semiosis or the use of symbols; instead of utilizing "placeholders" for concepts, the Vex directly mimic or simulate concepts or phenomena as they communicate about them to one another. The asymbolic nature of Vex language is the fundamental difference between Vex cognition and human cognition.<ref name = "Mysterious Logbook Page 38">'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "Page 38", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-038-|Page 38]]''</ref>


It is believed that Vex are not born or made, so much as converted. When [[Asher Mir]] was infected with Radiolarian fluid, his arm turned into a Vex construct. [[Kabr, the Legionless]] would have suffered a similar fate had he not used his Light to become [[The Aegis]]. This also explains why Radiolarian fluid deals damage when stepped in. In the opening cinematic for ''[[Season of the Undying]]'' however, Vex constructs are seen inactive in what is described as a "gestation lake",<ref>'''[https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/09/05/destiny-2-concept-art/?slideshow=5387#/slide/18 Destiny 2 Concept Art Gallery]''': ''Vex Army Gestation Lakes''</ref> where Radiolarian fluid finds its way into constructs to bring them to life. It is possible that manufacture supplements conversion, or that newly-converted constructs may need to undergo additional processing before they can be activated.
It is believed that Vex are not born or made, so much as converted. When [[Asher Mir]] was infected with Radiolarian fluid, his arm turned into a Vex construct. [[Kabr, the Legionless]] would have suffered a similar fate had he not used his Light to become [[The Aegis]]. This also explains why Radiolarian fluid deals damage when stepped in. In the opening cinematic for ''[[Season of the Undying]]'' however, Vex constructs are seen inactive in what is described as a "gestation lake",<ref>'''[https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/09/05/destiny-2-concept-art/?slideshow=5387#/slide/18 Destiny 2 Concept Art Gallery]''': ''Vex Army Gestation Lakes''</ref> where Radiolarian fluid finds its way into constructs to bring them to life. It is possible that manufacture supplements conversion or that newly-converted constructs may need to undergo additional processing before they can be activated.


It is stated that when Vex become Taken, that they can definitely feel it, including Vex constructs such as Asher's converted arm, that is is equivalent to ripping the essence from them. Asher even stated that Taking Vex would be suicidal and risky as the Vex infect everything they touch, their self-replicating subroutines would consume them from the inside out, whether they are ignore or it is part of a calculated risk is still unclear at the time.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/quest-calculated-action-dynasty?highlight=suppress Quest:Calculated Action, Dynasty]</ref>
It is stated that when Vex become Taken, they can definitely feel it, including Vex constructs such as Asher's converted arm, that is is equivalent to ripping the essence from them. Asher even stated that Taking Vex would be suicidal and risky as the Vex infect everything they touch, their self-replicating subroutines would consume them from the inside out, whether they are ignored or it is part of a calculated risk is still unclear at the time.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/quest-calculated-action-dynasty?highlight=suppress Quest:Calculated Action, Dynasty]</ref>


[[Emperor Calus]] describes the Vex as "cocoons" for "something greater". He also describes all the Vex previously encountered merely as gardeners, engineers and managers, and implies that Guardians have yet to encounter their true warriors.
[[Emperor Calus]] describes the Vex as "cocoons" for "something greater". He also describes all the Vex previously encountered merely as gardeners, engineers, and managers, and implies that Guardians have yet to encounter their true warriors.


===Objectives===
===Objectives===
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{{quote|The Vex have no hope. No imagination, no drive, no fear. All they have is the Pattern. Everything must fit. If it can be made to fit, good. If it can't, it gets cut away.|[[Praedyth]]}}<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Paradox]]''</ref>
{{quote|The Vex have no hope. No imagination, no drive, no fear. All they have is the Pattern. Everything must fit. If it can be made to fit, good. If it can't, it gets cut away.|[[Praedyth]]}}<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Paradox]]''</ref>


The ultimate goal of the Vex is to remake all of reality in their image, but the exact details of that goal are ambiguous. [[Praedyth]] described the Vex as being motivated by a "Pattern," which drives the Vex to either reshape or destroy everything in their path. [[Osiris]] referred to the Vex's objective as "Convergence," an outcome where all life in the universe has been converted to a simplified, digital form. [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen|Savathûn]] believed that the Vex sought to dominate ''"every possible end state of the universe."''<ref name = "An Emperor For All Outcomes"/> According to [[Maya Sundaresh]], a universe ruled by the Vex would be one in which every star is collapsed into a black hole and every new universe created as a result similarly conquered, and their combined processing power used to simulate and conquer every possible past, and these simulated pasts used to host and invade additional simulations in infinite recursion.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "NOTE—ELISABETH'S PLEA", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—Elisabeth’s_Plea|NOTE—ELISABETH'S PLEA]]''</ref> As seen in the [[Infinite Forest]], to ensure their ideal future, the Vex seek to bring about a state where neither the [[Light]] nor the [[Darkness]] exist any longer. The [[Vault of Glass]] on Venus serves as a testing ground for the Vex to manipulate reality through ontological means.  
The ultimate goal of the Vex is to remake all of reality in their image, but the exact details of that goal are ambiguous. [[Praedyth]] described the Vex as being motivated by a "Pattern," which drives the Vex to either reshape or destroy everything in their path. [[Osiris]] referred to the Vex's objective as "Convergence," an outcome where all life in the universe has been converted to a simplified, digital form. [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen|Savathûn]] believed that the Vex sought to dominate ''"every possible end state of the universe."''<ref name = "An Emperor For All Outcomes"/> According to [[Maya Sundaresh]], a universe ruled by the Vex would be one in which every star is collapsed into a black hole and every new universe created as a result similarly conquered, and their combined processing power used to simulate and conquer every possible past, and these simulated pasts used to host and invade additional simulations in infinite recursion.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "NOTE—ELISABETH'S PLEA", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—Elisabeth’s_Plea|NOTE—ELISABETH'S PLEA]]''</ref> As seen in the [[Infinite Forest]], to ensure their ideal future, the Vex seek to bring about a state where neither the [[Light]] nor the [[Darkness]] exist any longer. The [[Vault of Glass]] on Venus serves as a testing ground for the Vex to manipulate reality through ontological means.


In his studies of the Vex, [[Clovis Bray I]] noted that the Vex were so utterly adapted to survival and adaptation that any destructive input would automatically be used as a means to enable a self-correcting or reparatory response; an analogy he used was that, if a Vex unit were exposed to a fire, then the energy of that fire would be utilized in putting it out. This approach to existence permeates every aspect of the Vex, so much so that even their thoughts and language are intrinsically virulent when other minds and software are exposed to them.<ref name = "Mysterious Logbook Page 38"/>
In his studies of the Vex, [[Clovis Bray I]] noted that the Vex were so utterly adapted to survival and adaptation that any destructive input would automatically be used as a means to enable a self-correcting or reparatory response; an analogy he used was that, if a Vex unit were exposed to a fire, then the energy of that fire would be utilized in putting it out. This approach to existence permeates every aspect of the Vex, so much so that even their thoughts and language are intrinsically virulent when other minds and software are exposed to them.<ref name = "Mysterious Logbook Page 38"/>
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The Vex have displayed an interest in studying the behavior and strategies of other species in order to further their own aims. At least [[Unidentified Vex collective|one known programming]] is known to study its enemies, taking prisoners for observation and conducting a variety of experiments; examples include the [[Ishtar Collective]] scientists, Failsafe's crew, and later [[The Guardian]].  
The Vex have displayed an interest in studying the behavior and strategies of other species in order to further their own aims. At least [[Unidentified Vex collective|one known programming]] is known to study its enemies, taking prisoners for observation and conducting a variety of experiments; examples include the [[Ishtar Collective]] scientists, Failsafe's crew, and later [[The Guardian]].  


As a result of having originated in the primordial reality predating the arrival of Light and Darkness, the Vex are unable to simulate paracausal forces or beings. However they have demonstrated the capability to either siphon or erase such forces through deduction <ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/quest-not-even-the-darkness-legends-lost#saint-14 Saint-14]</ref> or by using ontological weapons, and consequently have a particular interest in understanding paracausality and co-opting paracausal forces for their own use where possible. When the Vex first encountered the [[Hive]] after [[Crota]] inadvertently released them into the [[Ascendant realm]] of [[Oryx, the Taken King]], the Vex manifested an [[Quria, Blade Transform|Axis Mind]] dedicated to understanding and utilizing the Sword-Logic.  The [[Black Garden]] is another example of a Vex effort to harness paracausal forces for their own use, in this case by creating the [[Sol Divisive]] to worship what appeared to be a fragment of the [[Darkness]] and the [[Sol Progeny]] as its vessels for harnessing that power in conjuction with the ontological [[Vault of Glass]]. The pulse of Light emitted by the Traveler when it defeated Ghaul was apparently instrumental in allowing [[Panoptes, Infinite Mind]] to predict a future where Convergence was achieved, and to enact a plan to achieve that future.
As a result of having originated in the primordial reality predating the arrival of Light and Darkness, the Vex are unable to simulate paracausal forces or beings. However they have demonstrated the capability to either siphon or erase such forces through deduction <ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/quest-not-even-the-darkness-legends-lost#saint-14 Saint-14]</ref> or by using ontological weapons, and consequently have a particular interest in understanding paracausality and co-opting paracausal forces for their own use where possible. When the Vex first encountered the [[Hive]] after [[Crota]] inadvertently released them into the [[Ascendant realm]] of [[Oryx, the Taken King]], the Vex manifested an [[Quria, Blade Transform|Axis Mind]] dedicated to understanding and utilizing the Sword-Logic.  The [[Black Garden]] is another example of a Vex effort to harness paracausal forces for their own use, in this case by creating the [[Sol Divisive]] to worship what appeared to be a fragment of the [[Darkness]] and the [[Sol Progeny]] as its vessels for harnessing that power in conjunction with the ontological [[Vault of Glass]]. The pulse of Light emitted by the Traveler when it defeated Ghaul was apparently instrumental in allowing [[Panoptes, Infinite Mind]] to predict a future where Convergence was achieved and to enact a plan to achieve that future.


The source of Venus [[Spirit Bloom]]s might be a byproduct of Vex-influenced flora.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/15/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Inventory/Economy#Upgrade_Materials|Upgrade Materials]]''</ref> It is said that Vex encryption is unbreakable.<ref name = "Destiny"/> <ref>[[Master_Rahool#Quotes|Master Rahool quotes]]</ref>
The source of Venus [[Spirit Bloom]]s might be a byproduct of Vex-influenced flora.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/15/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Inventory/Economy#Upgrade_Materials|Upgrade Materials]]''</ref> It is said that Vex encryption is unbreakable.<ref name = "Destiny"/> <ref>[[Master_Rahool#Quotes|Master Rahool quotes]]</ref>
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===Infantry===                                               
===Infantry===                                               
*[[Goblin]]—multipurpose constructs that act as cannon fodder which rely on swarming to overwhelm their targets. Most commonly armed with a [[Slap Rifle]], but can also been seen with a [[Torch Hammer]] (rare), or a [[Line Rifle]] (very rare).
*[[Goblin]]—multipurpose constructs that act as cannon fodder that rely on swarming to overwhelm their targets. Most commonly armed with a [[Slap Rifle]], but can also been seen with a [[Torch Hammer]] (rare), or a [[Line Rifle]] (very rare).
**[[Fanatic]]—damaged and glitched kamikaze Vex that run at their enemies while pelting them with [[Slap Rifle]] fire, then attempting to decimate their opponents with their self-destruct sequences. Can infect [[Guardian]]s with radiolarian fluid.     
**[[Fanatic]]—damaged and glitched kamikaze Vex that run at their enemies while pelting them with [[Slap Rifle]] fire, then attempting to decimate their opponents with their self-destruct sequences. Can infect [[Guardian]]s with radiolarian fluid.     
*[[Hobgoblin]]—energy conduits and long range support machines that provide suppressive fire. Most commonly armed with a [[Line Rifle]], but can also be seen with a [[Torch Hammer]] (rare) or a [[Slap Rifle]] (very rare).
*[[Hobgoblin]]—energy conduits and long-range support machines that provide suppressive fire. Most commonly armed with a [[Line Rifle]], but can also be seen with a [[Torch Hammer]] (rare) or a [[Slap Rifle]] (very rare).
*[[Harpy]]—scouting and patrolling support units that provide cover fire in a pinch and move around very quickly. Armed with a [[Harpy Slap Rifle]] or [[Vex Beam Weapon]].
*[[Harpy]]—scouting and patrolling support units that provide cover fire in a pinch and move around very quickly. Armed with a [[Harpy Slap Rifle]] or [[Vex Beam Weapon]].
*[[Minotaur]]—large, extremely aggressive mobile foundries that can rapidly teleport to flank their targets. Equipped with a [[Void]] Shield. Most commonly armed with a [[Torch Hammer]], but can also be seen with a [[Slap Rifle]] or a [[Vex Beam Weapon]]. In the original Destiny, they lacked a weak spot, but since the launch of Destiny 2 the weak spot is located in the abdomen.
*[[Minotaur]]—large, extremely aggressive mobile foundries that can rapidly teleport to flank their targets. Equipped with a [[Void]] Shield. Most commonly armed with a [[Torch Hammer]], but can also be seen with a [[Slap Rifle]] or a [[Vex Beam Weapon]]. In the original Destiny, they lacked a weak spot, but since the launch of Destiny 2 the weak spot is located in the abdomen.
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It is thought that the Vex have embedded structures within every known celestial body, linked together in a massive trans-dimensional and trans-temporal [[Corridors of Time|gate network]], which spans thousands of divergent realities all at once. Using this gate network in the present timeline, [[Pyramidion|machinoforming engines]] are utilized by Vex Minds in the conversion of new worlds into massive Vex machines; Mercury was converted into a [[Machine World]] within days of the [[Collapse]] to house the reality-simulating [[Infinite Forest]]. Ostensibly, Vex strive to achieve Convergence by incorporating themselves into the fabric of the current universe itself, either through conventional or paracausal means.<ref name = "Destiny">'''Bungie (2014-9-9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard''</ref> The [[Vault of Glass]], a location on [[Venus]] where the Vex can ontologically manipulate reality at will, is potentially a testing ground for this power. This power is limited to the Vault, though [[Ikora]] hypothesizes that the [[Sol Progeny]] were meant to carry this ability into the rest of the universe.<ref>'''Bungie (2014-9-9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex Axis Minds#Sol_Progeny|Sol Progeny]]''</ref> Both the Vault of Glass and the conversion of Venus are both currently undertaken by the [[Hezen Protective]], though the process of the latter was drawn out for centuries for unknown reasons.<ref>'''Bungie (2014-9-9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Hezen_Protective|Hezen Protective]]''</ref>
It is thought that the Vex have embedded structures within every known celestial body, linked together in a massive trans-dimensional and trans-temporal [[Corridors of Time|gate network]], which spans thousands of divergent realities all at once. Using this gate network in the present timeline, [[Pyramidion|machinoforming engines]] are utilized by Vex Minds in the conversion of new worlds into massive Vex machines; Mercury was converted into a [[Machine World]] within days of the [[Collapse]] to house the reality-simulating [[Infinite Forest]]. Ostensibly, Vex strive to achieve Convergence by incorporating themselves into the fabric of the current universe itself, either through conventional or paracausal means.<ref name = "Destiny">'''Bungie (2014-9-9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard''</ref> The [[Vault of Glass]], a location on [[Venus]] where the Vex can ontologically manipulate reality at will, is potentially a testing ground for this power. This power is limited to the Vault, though [[Ikora]] hypothesizes that the [[Sol Progeny]] were meant to carry this ability into the rest of the universe.<ref>'''Bungie (2014-9-9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex Axis Minds#Sol_Progeny|Sol Progeny]]''</ref> Both the Vault of Glass and the conversion of Venus are both currently undertaken by the [[Hezen Protective]], though the process of the latter was drawn out for centuries for unknown reasons.<ref>'''Bungie (2014-9-9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Hezen_Protective|Hezen Protective]]''</ref>


According to notes taken by [[Clovis Bray I]], Vex gates appear to lack meaningful structure or instrumentality, instead being a seemingly arbitrary arrangement of elemental metallic components. He speculated that a gate's structure instead serves as a kind of "password" that is recognized by some technology far away in time and/or space, which will manifest a gate only when the component pieces of the gate have been assembled in the correct shape.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "ENTRY 6 AMENDMENT", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-029-|Page 29]]''</ref> An AI analysis included in his notes shows that transport through a gate appears to be facilitated by a non-gravitating, geometric [[wikipedia:Ellis wormhole|Ellis wormhole]] that can be traversed into another point in local spacetime, or a nearby parallel universe.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "ENTRY 7", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-033-|Page 33]]''</ref>
According to notes taken by [[Clovis Bray I]], Vex gates appear to lack meaningful structure or instrumentality, instead of being a seemingly arbitrary arrangement of elemental metallic components. He speculated that a gate's structure instead serves as a kind of "password" that is recognized by some technology far away in time and/or space, which will manifest a gate only when the component pieces of the gate have been assembled in the correct shape.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "ENTRY 6 AMENDMENT", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-029-|Page 29]]''</ref> An AI analysis included in his notes shows that transport through a gate appears to be facilitated by a non-gravitating, geometric [[wikipedia:Ellis wormhole|Ellis wormhole]] that can be traversed into another point in local spacetime, or a nearby parallel universe.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "ENTRY 7", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-033-|Page 33]]''</ref>


Overall, the Vex network is compartmentalized and operates in localized nodes called “subnets”, which can each work independently from one another. If one suffers, it will not affect the rest of the network as a whole. They all function differently, but work toward the same goal of Convergence. The Infinite Forest, and possibly the Vault of Glass, are their own subnets, where the former represents only a fraction of Vex’s overall power. <ref>'''Bungie (2017-12-5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/kairos-function?highlight=%20Compartmentalization Kairos Function Suit]''</ref>
Overall, the Vex network is compartmentalized and operates in localized nodes called “subnets”, which can each work independently from one another. If one suffers, it will not affect the rest of the network as a whole. They all function differently but work toward the same goal of Convergence. The Infinite Forest, and possibly the Vault of Glass, are their own subnets, where the former represents only a fraction of Vex’s overall power. <ref>'''Bungie (2017-12-5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/kairos-function?highlight=%20Compartmentalization Kairos Function Suit]''</ref>


===Teleportation===
===Teleportation===
[[File:VexMoon2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Vex teleporting to the Moon]]
[[File:VexMoon2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Vex teleporting to the Moon]]


The Vex display a mastery of teleportation, and use a variety of teleportation modes for transporting troops and resources. Entire squads of Vex can drop into combat zones anywhere in the system, their arrival preceded by shimmering angular patterns and clouds of mist. According to [[Ghost]], the Vex are capable of teleporting between star systems in seconds. Minotaurs are infamous for using teleportation aggressively, though in actuality they are "revising their place in history" in order to move to a "more advantageous future", which appears to the unaware viewer as teleporting.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/vi-isolation#book-ripples]</ref> Stationary warp gates are also used to transport Vex between distant locations. Weapons such as the [[Slap Rifle]] and [[Line Rifle]] utilize teleportation as part of their core mechanisms, drawing power from highly energetic and vastly distant sources.  
The Vex display a mastery of teleportation and use a variety of teleportation modes for transporting troops and resources. Entire squads of Vex can drop into combat zones anywhere in the system, their arrival preceded by shimmering angular patterns and clouds of mist. According to [[Ghost]], the Vex are capable of teleporting between star systems in seconds. Minotaurs are infamous for using teleportation aggressively, though in actuality they are "revising their place in history" in order to move to a "more advantageous future", which appears to the unaware viewer as teleporting.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/vi-isolation#book-ripples]</ref> Stationary warp gates are also used to transport Vex between distant locations. Weapons such as the [[Slap Rifle]] and [[Line Rifle]] utilize teleportation as part of their core mechanisms, drawing power from highly energetic and vastly distant sources.  


According to simulations within the [[Infinite Forest]], the first Vex structures on Mercury arrived via teleportation from some other location in space, and possibly time as well.
According to simulations within the [[Infinite Forest]], the first Vex structures on Mercury arrived via teleportation from some other location in space, and possibly time as well.
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As machine intelligences with incredible amounts of processing power at their disposal, the Vex are capable of generating simulations of reality to a degree of accuracy and realism exceeding even the best efforts of Golden Age humanity. According to records from the [[Ishtar Collective]], Vex are capable of generating simulations of real-world events with perfect fidelity and predictive ability — essentially running a parallel reality in their minds which is arguably indistinguishable from the "real" universe. Even lone Goblins have the processing power to nest such simulations up to 227 times through the simple expedient of simulating themselves along with their surroundings in the pockets of the universes that are being simulated. <ref name="GFV"/><ref name="GFV5">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_5|Ghost Fragment: Vex 5]]''</ref> Due to the nature of Vex cognition, they cannot actually distinguish between their simulations and reality, and only recognize that the two must match.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "NOTE—FORGE STAR", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-048-|-048-]]''</ref> The predictive capacity of these simulations appears to be limited only to ordinary physics, as the Vex are apparently unable to simulate complex phenomena that are linked to a paracausal power. These include [[Guardian]]s,<ref>'''Bungie (2015-5-19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: House of Wolves, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/Osiris#Osiris|Osiris]]''</ref> and [[Oryx]]; in the latter case they were only able to bootstrap a simulation of his original incarnation as Aurash. [[Warmind]]s are also complex enough to resist simulation, at least by a single Vex unit.  
As machine intelligences with incredible amounts of processing power at their disposal, the Vex are capable of generating simulations of reality to a degree of accuracy and realism exceeding even the best efforts of Golden Age humanity. According to records from the [[Ishtar Collective]], Vex are capable of generating simulations of real-world events with perfect fidelity and predictive ability — essentially running a parallel reality in their minds which is arguably indistinguishable from the "real" universe. Even lone Goblins have the processing power to nest such simulations up to 227 times through the simple expedient of simulating themselves along with their surroundings in the pockets of the universes that are being simulated. <ref name="GFV"/><ref name="GFV5">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Ghost_Fragment:_Vex_5|Ghost Fragment: Vex 5]]''</ref> Due to the nature of Vex cognition, they cannot actually distinguish between their simulations and reality, and only recognize that the two must match.<ref>'''[[Mysterious Logbook]]''', "NOTE—FORGE STAR", ''[[Mysterious_Logbook#-048-|-048-]]''</ref> The predictive capacity of these simulations appears to be limited only to ordinary physics, as the Vex are apparently unable to simulate complex phenomena that are linked to a paracausal power. These include [[Guardian]]s,<ref>'''Bungie (2015-5-19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: House of Wolves, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/Osiris#Osiris|Osiris]]''</ref> and [[Oryx]]; in the latter case they were only able to bootstrap a simulation of his original incarnation as Aurash. [[Warmind]]s are also complex enough to resist simulation, at least by a single Vex unit.  


The Infinite Forest within Mercury is perhaps the most impressive example of Vex simulation technology, being a massive "reality engine" capable of simulating countless variants of past, present and future realities. These simulations can be entered by non-Vex through a gateway on the surface of Mercury, and are "real" enough such that intruders can be damaged by attacks from simulated Vex or other entities within the Forest. Simulations can somehow leave the confines of the Infinite Forest if left unchecked, and can achieve sentience to operate independently.<ref name="GFV2"/>
The Infinite Forest within Mercury is perhaps the most impressive example of Vex simulation technology, being a massive "reality engine" capable of simulating countless variants of past, present, and future realities. These simulations can be entered by non-Vex through a gateway on the surface of Mercury, and are "real" enough such that intruders can be damaged by attacks from simulated Vex or other entities within the Forest. Simulations can somehow leave the confines of the Infinite Forest if left unchecked, and can achieve sentience to operate independently.<ref name="GFV2"/>


===Time Travel===
===Time Travel===
[[File:VexLunaGate2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A Vex Warp Gate]]
[[File:VexLunaGate2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A Vex Warp Gate]]
As a collective intelligence spanning across alternate realities, the Vex are intrinsically tied to the [[Corridors of Time]] that they can traverse through it in a manner similar to time travel; the Precursors and Descendants subtypes having originated from the past and future respectively, and numerous Vex units have titles or functions that allude to an ability to manipulate time. [[Skolas, Kell of Kells]] attempted to leverage Vex time-travel technology to pull the entire [[House of Wolves]] through time from the past to the present.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/queens-ransom#variks]</ref> However, according to Sister [[Faora]] of the [[Cult of Osiris]], the Vex may not be capable of "time travel" as is commonly understood; if they were, she claims, neither the Guardians or any other obstacles to the Vex would still exist.<ref>http://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/kairos-function-boots?highlight=Kairos</ref>  
As a collective intelligence spanning across alternate realities, the Vex are intrinsically tied to the [[Corridors of Time]] that they can traverse through it in a manner similar to time travel; the Precursors and Descendants subtypes having originated from the past and future respectively, and numerous Vex units have titles or functions that allude to an ability to manipulate time. [[Skolas, Kell of Kells]] attempted to leverage Vex time-travel technology to pull the entire [[House of Wolves]] through time from the past to the present.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/queens-ransom#variks]</ref> However, according to Sister [[Faora]] of the [[Cult of Osiris]], the Vex may not be capable of "time travel" as is commonly understood; if they were, she claims, neither the Guardians nor any other obstacles to the Vex would still exist.<ref>http://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/kairos-function-boots?highlight=Kairos</ref>  


While hacking into a major Vex terminal, the A.I. [[Failsafe]] was captured by the Vex in the network; by the time the Guardian retrieved her, she explained that a decade had passed inside the network despite only a few minutes passing outside as time works differently between the two. <ref>https://www.destinypedia.com/Hack_the_Planet</ref> On Nessus, the Vex have apparently also engaged in spacetime engineering and "folded" the dimensions of normal spacetime, adding 6 new dimensions to the 4 dimensions of the spacetime continuum and making past and future interchangeable from the present moment on the planetoid.<ref>https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/exodus-down?highlight=Nessus</ref> Certain Vex Minotaurs on Nessus and in the Infinite Forest are equipped with "Temporal Shielding," which will retroactively eliminate projectiles as if they were never fired at all.
While hacking into a major Vex terminal, the A.I. [[Failsafe]] was captured by the Vex in the network; by the time the Guardian retrieved her, she explained that a decade had passed inside the network despite only a few minutes passing outside as time works differently between the two. <ref>https://www.destinypedia.com/Hack_the_Planet</ref> On Nessus, the Vex have apparently also engaged in spacetime engineering and "folded" the dimensions of normal spacetime, adding 6 new dimensions to the 4 dimensions of the spacetime continuum and making past and future interchangeable from the present moment on the planetoid.<ref>https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/exodus-down?highlight=Nessus</ref> Certain Vex Minotaurs on Nessus and in the Infinite Forest are equipped with "Temporal Shielding," which will retroactively eliminate projectiles as if they were never fired at all.


===Weaponry===
===Weaponry===
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*Coincidentally, the Vex share their name with the [https://www.vexrobotics.com/ VEX Robotics Design System], an educational robotics system intended for users of all ages.
*Coincidentally, the Vex share their name with the [https://www.vexrobotics.com/ VEX Robotics Design System], an educational robotics system intended for users of all ages.
*Throughout the series of ''Destiny'', units of the Vex are named after figures of ancient Greek mythology. Named Axis Minds tend to have names in Greek as well.
*Throughout the series of ''Destiny'', units of the Vex are named after figures of ancient Greek mythology. Named Axis Minds tend to have names in Greek as well.
**For example the Vex Minds, Hagios and Agioktis both mean Saint in Greek. ''Άγιος'' meaning Saint. This symbolises the great respect the Vex have for [[Saint-14]].
**For example the Vex Minds, Hagios, and Agioktis both mean Saint in Greek. ''Άγιος'' meaning Saint. This symbolizes the great respect the Vex have for [[Saint-14]].
**[[Wyvern]]s are an exception to this naming convention, being named for a legendary creature in medieval European folklore instead.
**[[Wyvern]]s are an exception to this naming convention, being named for a legendary creature in medieval European folklore instead.
*The Vex and the [[Scorn]] are the only enemies not to have a known presence on [[Earth]], excluding those which have been [[Taken]].
*The Vex and the [[Scorn]] are the only enemies not to have a known presence on [[Earth]], excluding those which have been [[Taken]].
*According to [[Failsafe]] in the [[Adventure]] [[Lost Crew]], the Vex know [[Guardians]] as 'Those who wield [[Light|that]] which we cannot simulate.'<ref>https://www.destinypedia.com/Lost_Crew#Transcript</ref>
*According to [[Failsafe]] in the [[Adventure]] [[Lost Crew]], the Vex know [[Guardians]] as 'Those who wield [[Light|that]] which we cannot simulate.'<ref>https://www.destinypedia.com/Lost_Crew#Transcript</ref>
*Vex is a verb which means to irritate or cause stress; a definition that fits with the names of Slap Rifles and Slap Grenades.
*Vex is a verb that means to irritate or cause stress; a definition that fits with the names of Slap Rifles and Slap Grenades.
*Based on the appearance of modern Vex, the Precursors and the Descendants, the frames of Vex constructs are getting "rounder" over time.
*Based on the appearance of modern Vex, the Precursors, and The Descendants, the frames of Vex constructs are getting "rounder" over time.
*The Vex seem to be the only enemies to be completely genderless, as they are fully mechanical.
*The Vex seem to be the only enemies to be completely genderless, as they are fully mechanical.
*Many Destiny fans speculated that [[SIVA]] was invented by Clovis Bray by reverse engineering Vex technology.
*Many Destiny fans speculated that [[SIVA]] was invented by Clovis Bray by reverse engineering Vex technology.
**While this didn't appear to be the case, Beyond Light revealed that Vex Radiolaria was used by Clovis Bray in the creation of the Exos.


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==