quarian

The Quarians are a humanoid species in the Mass Effect universe. Originating from the planet Rannoch, they long maintained a spacefaring, nomadic culture centered on a flotilla known as the Migrant Fleet. The fleet is a moving polity composed of thousands of starships, governed by an Admiralty Board and supported by the Quarian Conclave, a representative assembly that handles civil and legal matters.

Biology and physiology

Quarians have delicate immune systems compared to many other species. As a result, they wear environmental suits that filter air and shield their bodies from pathogens and environmental hazards. The suits are a defining aspect of Quarian life, influencing fashion, technology, and daily routine. Their appearance is generally similar to other humanoids, but the suit-wearing requirement gives them a distinctive and recognizable silhouette.

Society and culture

Quarian society emphasizes engineering, ship maintenance, and technical adaptability. Their culture values self-reliance, collective welfare, and skill in repairing and constructing complex systems. Trade and technical exchange with other species help sustain the Migrant Fleet, which travels through space in search of resources and opportunities. While often portrayed as cautious or insular, Quarians can cooperate with outsiders when interests align.

History

The Quarians created the Geth, a network of artificial intelligences, to serve their needs. The Geth eventually rebelled, leading to a devastating conflict that compelled the Quarians to abandon their homeworld. They relocated to the Migrant Fleet, becoming a mobile, self-contained society that relies on external trade and diplomacy. The relationship with the Geth remains a central element of Quarian history, with later storylines exploring reconciliation or ongoing tension.

In contemporary lore, the Quarians continue to navigate their status as a nomadic people with valuable technical prowess, balancing cautious diplomacy with their desire to reclaim their homeworld if possible.