xbari

Xbari is a term used primarily in speculative fiction and related online discussions to denote a fictional class of beings, artifacts, or concepts that recur across multiple works. The term has no single canonical definition; its meaning varies by author and fan community.

Etymology: The etymology of xbari is not standardized. It appears in online fan fiction and role-playing contexts and is used as a flexible proper noun without a fixed linguistic origin across different narratives.

In fiction: In many stories, xbari refers to an advanced civilization or species known for intelligence and techno-biological integration, with distinctive starships and habitats. Other narratives present xbari as a technology or network—such as a decentralized artificial intelligence protocol or data-sharing mesh—used by various civilizations to coordinate exploration and diplomacy. Because the term is employed differently, there is no universal portrayal of xbari.

In usage and reception: In fan communities, xbari often serves as a placeholder name for alien cultures, fictional technologies, or faction labels within games or fan-made universes. Some authors have incorporated xbari into cross-work canon or collaborative worldbuilding, while others treat it as a standalone concept within a single work.

See also: speculative fiction tropes, science fiction worldbuilding, artificial intelligence in fiction.