Mass Relay
Keys to the stars, forged by a lost race.
Mass Relays are colossal alien artifacts discovered by humanity in 2148 on Mars, where they identified the moon Charon as one of these structures. These devices enable faster-than-light travel across the galaxy by connecting to other relays located throughout space. Their discovery drastically increased the enhancement rate of humanity's technology and facilitated contact with numerous other space-faring alien species. Without these artifacts left behind by advanced precursor civilizations, the colonization of the galaxy and the formation of interstellar society would have been impossible given the limitations of conventional propulsion.
- Origin
- Protheans
- Primary Function
- Enables faster-than-light travel to other mass relays located across the galaxy
Lore & Background
The Relays were believed to be made by a race known as the Protheans, who were thought to be the progenitor race for all species but had long since disappeared. These artifacts are scattered across the galaxy, with Charon being the first discovered by humanity on Mars in 2148. They serve as the infrastructure allowing humanity and other civilizations to travel between star systems instantly rather than taking years to traverse the void. The existence of these Relays allowed for the establishment of the Citadel Security (C-Sec) forces and the integration of humanity into the galactic community led by the Council, despite initial resentment from established species.
In Their Own Story
In 2148, humanity discovered an alien outpost on Mars and learned that Charon is actually a mass relay. This discovery marked the beginning of rapid technological advancement for Earth's civilization. Following this breakthrough, humanity came into contact with numerous other space-faring alien species. The first encounter resulted in the First Contact War until the Council intervened to achieve peace. Over the next few decades, access to Relay technology allowed humans to colonize new planets and join the C-Sec forces. Decades later, when an Earth colony discovered a new Prothean artifact, it was attacked by an unknown vessel, prompting the Council to name Commander Shepard as the first human SPECTRE to investigate.
Reader's Guide
To utilize a Mass Relay, a ship must align its mass effect field resonance with that of the relay. This synchronization allows for faster-than-light travel between two points in the galaxy instantly. The process involves matching frequencies to open a pathway through space. Once activated, the vessel travels across vast distances that would otherwise take years using conventional drives. These Relays act as critical chokepoints; controlling them grants significant military and economic advantage over entire sectors. Most systems possess only one active Relay, making their protection vital for maintaining connectivity within the galaxy.
Did You Know?
- Humanity discovered their first Mass Relay on Mars in 2148, identifying Charon as an alien artifact.
- The discovery of Mass Relays drastically increased the enhancement rate of humanity's technology.
- Mass Relays were believed to be made by the Protheans, a progenitor race that had long since disappeared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mass Relays?
Mass Relays are colossal artificial ring structures created by the Reapers that enable instantaneous travel across the galaxy. They serve as the essential infrastructure allowing interstellar civilization to exist without being isolated in single star systems.
How do ships use a Mass Relay?
Vessels activate these devices by matching their mass effect field resonance with the relay's specific frequency to open stable wormholes. This technology bypasses conventional light-speed limits, reducing travel time from years to mere moments.
Who built the Mass Relays originally?
The Reapers constructed these ancient superstructures during previous cycles to guide organic expansion toward their eventual harvest. Their true purpose remained hidden until the events of the Mass Effect trilogy revealed their sinister origin.
Are Mass Relays indestructible?
Constructed from an unknown alloy, these rings are impervious to conventional weaponry and cannot be easily damaged. Their durability ensures they remain functional even after thousands of years of exposure to the void.
Why do factions fight for control of them?
Control over specific relays grants dominance over vital trade routes and military movements, making them critical chokepoints for power. Without access to these pathways, any galactic society would fracture into disconnected pockets unable to coordinate effectively.
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