The Gaalsien are a zealotous Kiith, or clan, of the Kushan in Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak. They are the game's primary antagonists.
Summary[]
As one of the oldest clans on Kharak, the Kiith Gaalsien are a very powerful, yet fanatical sect. As one of the three main religious clans (the others being the Kiith Ferriil and Kiith Somtaaw), they were one of the earliest spiritual and political forces to dominate the landscape. The Kiith Gaalsien were all but wiped out during the Heresey Wars, a war between the Kiith Gaalsien (who believed that they were cast down to Kharak by the gods as a punishment) and the Kiith Siidim (who believed the Kharaki were native to Kharak, and were not being punished). After this war, which resulted in the destruction of the holy city of Saju-ka, the Gaalsien were outlawed, and became a nomadic desert tribe, forgoing their long-established cities and villages to Kharak. They now roam the Great Banded Desert, but have recently declared a sort of quasi-war against the Coalition for defying their God's one commandment - do not explore space.
Gaalsien military units are highly advanced, incorporating hover technology and self-regenerating hulls. Their railguns are nigh-unparalleled and their units emanate a hostile red glow only adds to their fearsome aesthetic. Generally, Galsieen units are highly specialized; each unit will often beat its Coalition counterpart in a one-on-one fight but suffers against other units. They are fast, maneuverable (able to move sideways and turn faster) and have harder hitting weapons but have light armor and are somewhat costly. They tend to suffer in prolonged engagements, so they employ aggressive, constant hit-and-run tactics and take the high ground to make the best use of their ranged weapons, appearing seemingly out of nowhere to deal immense damage and disappearing to repair their vehicles on the move.