jump: [ Home ]
|
|
|
|
The Aflock is a species of flying manta ray-like animal similar in morphology to the Boid. It has a yellow coloured body with a cream coloured
underside and six red eyes, three each on the front of the organism's pectoral fins. The skin of the Aflock is thin enough that its internal skeleton is
visible.
The Aflock is rare animal. Only one complete specimen of this creature has been collected, currently held in the Advanced Biological Research sector of Black Mesa. Information on the Aflock, including its diet, behaviour, and more, is limited. Due to the limited amount of data available on the Aflock, its affinities are controversial. Some scientists interpret it to be a subspecies of the Boid, while others argue that it is a Boid with a unique coat pattern. Others, still, argue that the Aflock is an entirely separate species, and that its similarities to the Boid are a case of convergent evolution. Further research on the Aflock specimen is currently pending approval from the Advanced Biological Research site administrator. |
|
The Alien Controller is a species of humanoid creature. While their affinity is still being researched, it is believed to be in
the same genus as the other sapient Xen creatures, the Alien Grunt (Xenotherium myrmex) and the Alien Slave (Xenotherium subservilia).
Distinguishing features of the Alien Controller include its vestigial third chest arm, three red eyes, a vertical mouth, wrinkled brown skin, and most
notably, a disproportionately large, rotund head that can peel back like a flower to reveal the creature's brain. Its brain features an unusual
prong-like structure. It is unknown if this structure is a natural part of the Alien Controller or an artificial implant.
The Alien Controller does not walk on the ground, but instead floats through the air. Most of the Alien Controller's body, excluding the head, appears to be extremely malnourished and underdeveloped. In particular, its legs offer little to no practical use to the Alien Controller, and are considered a vestigial structure. It is believed that the Alien Controller uses most of its energy to develop and maintain its large head, leaving the other parts of its body comparatively underdeveloped. How the Alien Controller gets its nourishment is unknown, as it has never been seen feeding. Alien Controllers are found within a very few localized areas of Xen, often living alongside Alien Grunts and Alien Slaves. They can attack by firing a ball of energy towards its target. How they materialize these balls of energy is unknown. |
|
The Alien Craft is a species of large, flying manta ray-like creature. They are characterised by their blue topside and brownish-yellow underside.
A sexually dimorphic species; male Alien Craft have only one tail, while female Alien Craft have two. Alien Craft are a matriarchal species; females are
larger than males and dominate them. Females communally raise their offspring with other females in small pods. Male Alien Craft live solitary lives,
only socialising with other members of their species during mating season.
Alien Craft are filter feeders, feeding exclusively on free-floating bacteria and microscopic organisms in Xen's atmosphere. They generally tend to fly aimlessly through Xen, only changing course when encountering other pods. Alien Craft share a symbiotic relationship with Boids. Boids often fly alongside Alien Craft for protection and to rest upon their tops. In exchange, the Boids eat dead/shedding skin off the Alien Craft. The removal of dead/shedding skin is especially important for infant Alien Craft, as they are constantly shedding their skin as they grow. |
|
The Alien Grunt (Xenotherium myrmex) is one of two confirmed species in the genus Xenotherium, alongside the Alien Slave
(Xenotherium subservilia). Distinctive features of the Alien Grunt include its bipedalism, extremely large build, hooved feet, red eyes,
backwards jointed legs, wrinkled brown skin, pincer-like hands, and vestigial third chest arm. They are always seen donning a blue-purple set of body
armour.
Unlike its close relative the Alien Slave, the Alien Grunt is an extremely aggressive creature, attacking anything it perceives as a threat either by mauling it, or by attacking it with a unique biological weapon attached to its right arm, informally known as the "Hivehand." It communicates through a series of grunts. The Alien Grunt's diet consists of any meat it can acquire, and it is one of the only Xenian organisms that actively hunts Bullsquid and Houndeyes. The body of the Alien Grunt is extremely unstable and falls apart over time. They have many open wounds exposing the muscle underneath. They are often the victim of necrosis and bacterial infections. The lifespan of an Alien Grunt is approximately ten years. The end of the Alien Grunt's lifespan is marked by the complete dissolution of its body, with its carcass quickly liquifying. Alien Controllers and Alien Slaves have been noted to cremate the carcasses of Alien Grunts, likely to prevent the spread of disease. |
|
The Alien Slave (Xenotherium subservilia) is one of two confirmed species in the genus Xenotherium, alongside the Alien
Grunt (Xenotherium myrmex). The Alien Slave is distinguished by bipedalism, a large red eye surrounded by a set of smaller eyes, wrinkled brown
skin, hooved feet, and a vestigial third chest arm. In addition, they are always seen donning jade green accessories on their wrists and neck. Whether
these accessories are simply jewelry, or serve another function, is unknown.
Alien Slaves are highly intelligent and social creatures. They can often be seen in small communities, communicating with each other in an as of yet undeciphered language. They are the least aggressive of the Xen creatures, often running away from or tolerating the presence of humans. While usually choosing to keep to themselves, there are unconfirmed reports of Alien Slaves seemingly attempting to speak with research personnel. Alien Slaves only attack humans when either provoked, or when in the presence of an Alien Grunt or Alien Controller. They attack by charging up a beam of electricity and shooting it at a target. At close range, they swipe at their target with their claws. Alien Slaves are omnivorous, eating a variety of meats and plants. They are the only Xen species known to cook their food. Their skins have similar open wounds to those of the Alien Grunts, but unlike them, they do not seem to suffer from any ailments. |
|
The Archer is a species of fish-like creature. It has thick scales with a striking orange and blue colouration, four blue coloured eyes, large
teeth, and a row of spikes running along its body.
Archers are found in abundance in Xen's waters. A carnivore, the thick scales of the Archer are an adaptation to withstand attacks from its primary prey, Leeches. Its spikes act as a deterrent to predators. If necessary, the Archer can launch a projectile to defend itself. The Archer acts as an important regulator of Leech populations. |
|
The Barnacle (Cirripedia donaldsonia) is a carnivorous species similar in appearance to Earth barnacles. Its most distinctive
feature is its long, sticky white tongue, which it uses to trap and pull its prey. It is named after its discoverer and first human victim, Dr. Louis
Donaldson.
Barnacles spend their entire lives completely stationary, sticking to ceilings and high up areas. They are most abundantly found in Xen's dark caverns and corridors, where they await to trap any creature that gets stuck on their tongue. Barnacles can eat almost anything they catch, and have been documented feeding on Houndeyes, Bullsquid, Headcrabs, and insectoids. Certain Barnacles even dip their tongues into the water to catch Leeches and Archers. Initial studies of the Barnacle struggled to determine its affinities with the rest of the Xen biota, beyond that it was an animal, until a 2000 study concluded that the Barnacle belongs to a stem-group that diverged from the rest of the Xen organisms early in Xen's evolutionary history. Barnacles have extraordinarily slow metabolisms. Analysis of the stomach contents of Barnacle specimens have returned fossil fragments up to 500 years old. As a result, Barnacles have been an indispensable tool in uncovering the evolutionary history of Xen, with researchers having found fossils fragments belonging to extant, extinct, and as of yet undescribed Xenian organisms. |
|
The Boid is a species of small, flying manta ray-like creature. They are distinguished by their flat bodies, multi-coloured wings, and eight red
eyes--four on their topside and four on their underside.
Boids engage in a unique flocking behaviour, following one "leader." When a leader is killed or wounded, another Boid takes their place. How the Boids choose who their next leader will be is still unknown. Boids are scavengers that feast upon carrion. Due to a recent outbreak of disease, most likely caused by a virus jumping hosts from another unidentified species, Boid populations have decreased to the point of warranting a vulnerable classification. |
|
The Bullsquid (Gastropolypus toxophlegmata) is a species of semi-aquatic animal. It is the only representative of the genus
Gastropolypus. It is a muscular, hairless, medium-to-large sized creature. It has a leopard print colouration on its topside and a cream-coloured
underside. Its most distinctive feature are the squid-like tentacles surroundings its mouth, which it uses to grapple other animals.
Bullsquids often patrol bodies of water in Xen, spending up to half of their life submerged. Bullsquids are polygynous; communities are composed of one dominant male and multiple mating females. A highly aggressive and territorial creature, Bullsquids will not hesitate to attack anything they deem to be encroaching on their territory, including other Bullsquid. At close range, the Bullsquid will either maul its victims or strike them with its powerful clawed tail. At long range, the Bullsquid spits a toxic substance. Bullsquids are ambush predators, hunting both in water and on land. In the water, they wait along shorelines and riverbanks until an animal comes sufficiently close to attack. Once they grab their prey, they will drag it back into the water to drown it. On land, they will attack their prey from a distance with their toxic spit, before running it down and mauling it. The Bullsquid shares a symbiotic relationship with the Houndeye, and often the two species will not only tolerate each other, but even cooperate with one another during hunts. |
|
The Charger is species of herbivorous hooved animal. Chargers are pale, hairless, bipedal, and have a hairy tuft at the tip of their tail. They
are sexually dimorphic; the heads of male Chargers are covered by a hard, red coloured domed structure, while females have moving flaps that cover their
face.
Chargers are native to the grasslands, savannahs, and forests of Xen. Chargers are social creatures that live in herds. They use headbutting as a defensive tool, a way to establish dominance, and as a way to attract mates. Both males and females engage in headbutting within their respective sexes to attract mates. The social hierarchy of a Charger herd usually consists of a top male/top female with her lambs, the second male/second female with her lambs, the third male/third female with her lambs, etc. Chargers feed upon a variety of Xen flora, including grasses, leaves, and certain types of flowers. They are usually the main prey of Houndeyes and Panther Eyes. |
|
The Chumtoad is a rare species of nocturnal toad-like amphibian. Chumtoads are small, purple coloured creatures with a singular large red eye and
long blue tongue. On land, they quickly hop over short distances, and can jump to great heights if the need arises. In the water, they are agile
swimmers, and can hold their breath for up to three hours before needing to resurface for air.
Low on the Xenian food chain, Chumtoads are preyed upon by practically every predatory species in Xen. In particular, they are often preyed upon by Bullsquids and Alien Grunts. Chumtoads spend most of their time hiding in dark aquatic caves, only venturing to the surface at night. An insectivore, their diet consists of Snarks and, formerly, Snapbugs. They use their long tongue to catch their prey from a distance. Overhunting from Bullsquids and Alien Grunts, alongside the loss of the Snapbug, has caused an alarming drop in Chumtoad populations, warranting classification as an endagered species. Conservation efforts by Black Mesa have focused on breeding Chumtoads in captivity before releasing them into the wild. |
|
The Flocking Floater is a species of floating organism. Its body has a bright orange colouration with blue spots on top of its head. On its back
is a wing-like structure that serves as a sail. It has a short proboscis on its front which acts as a sensory organ. Similar to the Alien Controller,
the Flocking Floater has a large bulbous head. The head is filled with a toxic gas that allows it to float.
Flocking Floaters are filter feeders, feeding upon microscopic airborne organisms in Xen's gas clouds. Usually passive, Flocking Floaters can shoot projectiles at an opponent when provoked. In addition, when a Flocking Floater is killed, the poisonous gasses stored within their head are released, affecting any organism in its proximity. Flocking Floaters emit an extremely strong, disagreeable odour. Flocking Floaters begin their life as small, pale, grub-like creature. The poisonous gasses of the Flocking Floater are present inside its body since birth, initially serving as a deterrent against predators. As the Flocking Floaters mature, the gas begins to serve the secondary function of allowing the animal to float. The Flocking Floater is an unusually intelligent creature, being comparable to that of a five year old human child. They demonstrate high cognitive function, are capable of reasoning, exhibit tool use, and can even be taught some basic human phrases. Flocking Floaters can recognise and remember human faces, holding grudges against those that have harmed them for years. |
|
The Gargantua is the largest species of terrestrial Xen animal, and the largest known Xen animal to ever exist. It has a thick blue-coloured
exoskeleton, pincer-like hands, one singular red eye, and two vestigial appendages below its trunk. The Gargantua can emit jets of fire from its hands.
Gargantuas usually inhabit large caves with tight corridors. Adult males usually share their home range either fully or partially with at least one other adult female. Gargantuas do not grow an exoskeleton until at least ten years of age, and they stay with their mothers until 15. The large size and tough exterior of the Gargantuas make them one of the only Xen organisms that routinely preys upon Kingpin and Tentacles. It occassionally attacks Xenotherium settlements. The affinities of the Gargantua have been a point of interest for researchers. Their anatomical similarities to the genus Xenotherium has led some researchers to believe that the Gargantua is a distant relative. Whether the Gargantua does share a common lineage with the Xenotherium genus, or whether the Gargantua's features are a product of convergent evolution, is still a matter of debate. Gargantuas have faced habitat loss from encroaching Xenotherium communities. Coupled with the Gargantua's long gestation duration, population numbers have not been able to adequately replace the immense losses, leaving the Gargantua critically endangered. |
|
The Headcrab is a species of crab-like creature. They are small, yellow animals which crawl upon four legs. Despite their small size, they can
leap very large distances. Their underside is covered by a large mouth with a small beak in the centre, which it uses to latch onto and parasitize a
human or humanoid host.
Headcrabs begin their lives as small, transclucent "baby Headcrabs". During this stage of their life, baby Headcrabs engage in cannibalism until growing into adult Headcrabs. During their non-parasitic stage of life, Headcrabs are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of Xenian flora and Xenian insects, such as Snarks. After successfully parasitizing and taking control of a host, Headcrabs switch to a carnivorous diet. After a Headcrab successfully parasitizes a host, they may mature into the final stage of their life cycle, coined the "Gonarch" stage. In this stage of their life, the Headcrab grows to an immense size, and gains a thick shell of armour. On its underside, a large sac grows, secreting a constant stream of baby Headcrabs. Mature Headcrabs are extremely protective of their young, and can launch an acidic substance to protect their offspring. Headcrabs are low on the Xenian food chain, and are often preyed upon by Bullsquid, Alien Slaves, and Houndeyes. They are also the most common form of sustenance for Barnacles. If a Headcrab senses danger, it can quickly burrow into the ground to hide. Some Headcrabs have been noted to spend up to an entire day burrowed. |
|
The Houndeye (Sonicanis myriops) is a species of canid-like animal. They are distinguished by tripedalism, blue tiger-like
stripes on their back, and a large, compound, insect-like eye covering most of their front.
Houndeyes inhabit the grasslands, shrublands, and savannahs of Xen. Houndeyes are social animals, usually living in family units of up to four members, led by a head male. Offspring may leave their pack once reaching sexual maturity. They exhibit highly advanced social behaviours, including howling, barking, and expressive body language. Houndeyes are efficient hunters, cooperatively hunting prey by surrounding it and incapacitating or killing it with a series of sonic shockwaves. Houndeyes are highly territorial creatures, and fights between rival packs are not uncommon. Fights between rival packs for territory are the leading cause of mortality for young Houndeyes. A carnivore, Houndeyes often prey upon medium sized game such as Chargers, as well as smaller animals such as Headcrabs. Houndeyes show extreme aversion to carrion, even if it is freshly deceased. During periods of drought, Houndeyes will drink the blood of their prey. The Houndeye shares a symbiotic relationship with the Bullsquid, and often the two species will not only tolerate each other, but even cooperate with one another during hunts. |
|
The Ichthyosaur (Xenotherus Icthycanthus) is a species of marine carnivore. They are the largest aquatic animal in Xen.
Ichthyosaurs are characterised by their large heads, long tails, sharp teeth, and two arms that end in a singular claw per arm. Ichthyosaurs are
warm-blooded, an adaptation that allows them to remain active in colder waters.
Ichthyosaurs inhabit the open oceans and deep dark waters of Xen. They are a highly migratory species, travelling between Xen's coasts, open oceans, and deep waters. An apex predator, the Ichthyosaur preys upon Xenian marine life, such as Archers, but have been documented ambushing terrestrial Xen animals if the opportunity arises. It also scavenges carcasses, including those of its own species. While generally solitary creatures, Ichthyosaurs gather in large numbers during their two-month mating season. Ichthyosaurs pups hatch from eggs and are left to fend for themselves. Juvenile Ichthyosaurs are often limited to shallow waters, and must feed upon Leeches and the corpses of deceased Ichthyosaurs that have floated to the surface. |
|
The Kingpin (Sactildiae nefariousium) is a species of large grub-like animal. They are one of the tallest terrestrial Xen species.
They are the sole extant member of the genus Sactildiae. They have a thick, worm-like tail, two arms that they use to drag themselves across the
ground, a massive head surrounded by four eyestalks, and a massive brain that fills most of their body. Kingpins have the largest brain of any Xen
species.
Kingpins inhabit the scattered savannahs and woodlands of Xen. They feed upon leaves, fruits, and flowers, which they browse at heights that most other Xen fauna cannot reach. Their massive brains grant them powerful psionic defences, leaving Gargantuas and Tentacles as their only predators. Female Kingpins live in herds of related females and their offspring, while males live in unrelated groups of two to three individuals. Their closest relative is an extinct species in the genus Sactildiae, which walked upon three chitenous legs. |
|
The Leech is a species of fish-like animal similar in morphology to European medicinal leeches. They are the smallest known Xenian aquatic
animal. They have a small, pale body with a darker tone on their ventral side, six eyes and a sharp tooth-like structure on the tip of their bottom jaw.
The range of the Leeches extends to almost every major body of water in Xen. Their preferred habitats are marshlands and muddy freshwater bodies with plentiful plant growth. A parasite, Leeches feed upon the blood and flesh of their hosts. The average adult can eat up to five times its body weight in a single feeding. Females can reproduce rapidly, laying eggs in clutches of up to 50 every week. Their main predator is the Archer. Due to their parasitic lifestyle and rapid reproductive cycle, Leeches can quickly become a destructive invasive species, especially in ecosystems previously devoid of Leeches. Studies have shown that Leeches can cause up to a 64% decrease in biodiversity when introduced to new ecosystems, leading to formation of temporary "Xen dead zones." Archers act as an important regulator of Leech populations. |
|
The Mr. Friendly is a species of two-toed, hooved animal. It has a long, flesh coloured body. Its legs are unevenly sized, the back legs are more
moderately-sized, while its front legs appear more like tentacles with a pair of sharp spikes on their ends. As a result, the organism is perpetually in
a downward slouched position. It has a pair of horn-like spurs on its front that keep its head upright. It crawls on the ground, and has been described
to move in an "awkward, shuffling manner." Partially blind, the Mr. Friendly relies heavily on its sense of smell and hearing.
Mr. Friendlies are native to the forests and prairies of Xen. During colder seasons, Mr. Friendlies hibernate in caves, hollow logs, and crevices. During this period of time, female Mr. Friendlies may give birth to their offspring. A scavenger, they primarily consume fresh carrion, though they can eat older carcasses without a problem. They have especially powerful jaws; after most of the soft tissue has been consumed, the Mr. Friendly will continue to eat the hide and bones until nothing is left. They have slow metabolisms, and can survive up to two weeks without eating after a meal. Mr. Friendlies are monogamous, forming life-long pairs. Males and females reunite yearly to mate. Mr. Friendlies that have not successfully reunited with their mate often show signs of stress, agitation, and refuse to eat for a period of days. |
|
The Panther Eye is a species of feline-like animal. It has a muscular body, a rounded head, a singular large red eye, and two fin-like structures
on its back. It is sexually dimorphic; males are larger and have a dark red coat, females are smaller and have a dark blue coat.
Panther Eyes usually inhabit the dense rainforests and wetlands of Xen. It is an apex predator, preying on medium-to-large sized game such as Chargers. It kills its prey by pinning it down and biting through the skull, delivering a fatal blow to its brain. It is nocturnal, most active at night and twilight. It is adept at climbing and swimming. Panther Eyes are largely solitary, stalk-and-ambush predators. The Panther Eye is threatened by habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and poaching from Xenotherium communities. |
|
The Protozoan is a floating blob-like creature. It is spherical. A faint, transparent, blue coloured outer layer encapsulates a smaller red
sphere.
Protozoan continuously orbit around one area, rarely deviating from their course. It is not hostile nor dangerous, and most other Xenian fauna ignore it. Whether or not the Protozoan can even be classified as an animal is a point of controversy. |
|
The Snap Bug is an insectoid which is extinct in the wild. It is a small, green creature with multiple spikes on its back. Its mouth can quickly
snap shut at a speed faster than a bullet. It was formerly found burrowing along coastal areas and riverbanks in Xen. Its last confirmed sighting was in
1999 and survives only in captivity. Reintroduction programs are currently pending approval.
It was formerly a common prey item of the Chumtoad. |
|
The Snark is a species of beetle-like insectoid. They are the most abundant insectoid in Xen. They have four legs, a thick dark red segmented
shell, a small beak, and one singular green eye. Their beaks are strong enough to chew through wood and clay. It is often considered a pest. Unchecked
population growth can very quickly lead to infestations.
Snarks are social and territorial. They live in nests containing one queen and multiple worker Snarks. Snarks prefer to nest in dark, cool, closed off environments with easy access to water. Female worker Snarks spend their entire lives in service of the Snark queen, feeding, grooming, and maintaining both her and the larvae. Male workers leave the nest once reaching sexual maturity to mate with queens of other nests. They communicate through a series of high-pitched squeaks and chirps. Snarks are decomposers, feeding on decaying organic matter. They are preyed upon by Headcrabs and Chumtoads. When threatened, the worker Snarks will leave the nest and rush down their intruders. They bounce around wildy, biting the intruder where ever they can. After 20 seconds, the Snarks will explode, spraying a burst of acid. If the queen is either killed or dies of natural causes, the youngest sexually mature female in the nest is crowned the new queen. |
|
The Stukabat is a species of bat-like creature. They have a mixed black, purple, and red colouration, large wings with claws, sharp teeth, and a
singular leg. Their upper jaw is connected to the top of their head by a bridge.
Stukabats are omnivorous, their diet includes fruits and insects such as Snarks. In addition, Stukabats practice hematophagy, feeding on the blood of Xen creatures. Stukabats usually approach their prey at night, using their sharp teeth to puncture the skin of their hosts and lap up their blood with its tongue. A nocturnal species, Stukabats usually spend the day roosting on the ceilings of caves and only head out at night. They are polygynous, one dominant male mates with and defends a group of females. Stukabats serve an important ecological role as seed dispersers. Their flight allows them to cover more ground than non-flying Xen creatures, spreading fruit seeds farther than any other species. |
|
The Tentacle (Hypersuctor sensitiva) is a species of large tentacle-like organism. It is characterised by its green colouration and
long segmented stalk supporting a head ending in a sharp pointed blade. On top of the head is a red eye. Below are a set of two small arms. Despite
having an eye, the Tentacle is completely blind, and instead relies on sounds and vibrations to react to its environment.
Tentacles grow in deep pits, spending their entire lives in one spot. When they sense a sound or vibration in their vicinity, they immediately and repeatedly begin to strike at the source. When they come into contact with their prey, they grab the creature and pull it into their pit, presumably to eat it. Their main prey is the kingpin, whose psionic defences are ineffective against the Tentacle, and whose slow speed leaves them vulnerable to being snatched. They are preyed upon by Gargantuas. Initial studies of Tentacles were controversial and struggled to determine their affinities with the rest of the Xen biota. More recent studies have interpreted them to belong to a stem group that diverged early in Xen's evolutionary history. |
|
|
|
|