Orphean

The Orpheans, also called the Orphe, are a race of xenoforms in Xenoblade Chronicles X. These humanoids have mantis-like heads and a generally insect-like body. They are known for their high intelligence, with the ability to think rationally in most situations, although they do communicate with something they call an Ovah regularly. While they have been reduced to just seven by the time the humans meet them, they are capable of reproducing quickly.
The Orpheans arrived along with the Ganglion, who used them in order to develop powerful weapons like the Almandal. Only five remained when they defected to seek help from the humans, however. They aren't capable of fighting themselves, but they do know how to create high-tech equipment, and their company, Orphean Technologies, is responsible for their weapons and armor.
==Characteristics==
Orpheans have mantis-like bodies, and typically dark skin tones. The clothes they wear tend to be more varied in color and seem to be part of their bodies, since they are born wearing them. All of them are male, initially.
Orpheans reproduce when Senirapa Water is applied to their bodies. Providing it to a dying Orphean allows them to divide into two bodies, while living Orphe can use the water to split new beings from themselves. The bodies are typically identical to the parent body.
That being said, their existence on Mira has altered their bodies, causing some of them to create "betaforms", versions of Orpheans that can even be female. Orphean betaforms tend to be more curious, and they don't believe they should follow the will of the Ovah. The betaforms seem to believe the forests of Noctilum are their home, despite the dangers. Nen'celeg states there may be some connection with that place and the origin of the Orphe.
==Story==
During the mission Rescue at the Ensconced Citadel, Julius sends Cross and their team on a mission to find the source of an SOS message sent from Suncatch Ravine in Noctilum. This message came from an Orphean named Kun'luarb, who has calculated that humans have a 51% chance of destroying the Ganglion and wish to side with the stronger force. With Chausson's approval, Julius welcomes the group to the city and promises to defend them in exchange for anti-Ganglion intelligence and assisting with the survey of Mira.
However, it's clear that their low population is an issue. The mission The Journey Begins details Kun'luarb's efforts to travel outside and seek a source of senirapa water. In Circle of Life, he manages to get some, but at the cost of his own life. The player helps him either bring the water over or find another water source for the Orpheans, and they manage to divide and grow in number.
==Lore==
* When the Orphe deserted from the Ganglion, one of them, Lan'cord, decides to side with the Ganglion instead. This causes the events of the missions Haywire! and The Little Rich Girl.
* According to Kon'luarb, the Orphean population formerly numbered 20 billion. He hopes that the Orpheans will reproduce until they reach that number again.
* The Orphean diet primarily consists of plants, and they consider them only as food with no other purpose. This sometimes causes issues with humans and the Tree Clan, who often work to take care of plants.
== In other languages ==
==Gallery==
Category:Species*Category:Lore (XCX)