Barnacle
Context
This creature is from the original, 1998/99 HλLF-LIFE video game. For more context you can refer to those two articles :
Background
- Base Of Operations: Xen.
- Size: About 4’ high and 3’ in diameter at the base.
Powers and Abilities
Barnacles hang from the ceiling, letting their long tongue dangle. When prey stumbles into it, the Barnacle Grapples them and they are drawn rapidly (velocity in DC Heroes RPG terms – five minus weight APs) towards the Barnacle’s mouth.
When the victim reaches the Barnacle, the Barnacle chews him up (Claws Power).
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History
The Black Mesa complex is a private high-tech research installation (with strong ties to the U.S. government) located somewhere in the American Southwest. An accident in the Anomalous Materials Lab caused a dimensional breach into the world known as Xen.
Among the creatures to come through the breach were the Barnacles. The Barnacles favor damp locations with high ceilings. They instinctively drop their tongues where they might be missed, like at the ends of ducts or among cables hanging from the ceiling.
Description
Large red tapered tubes hanging from the ceiling. Each has a long gray tongue that it lowers to just above the floor to snag prey.
Personality
Even less than a headcrab.
DC Universe History
This would be a moderate-level threat to the Earth, probably a good challenge for Young Justice or a similarly-powered team. It might be a good solo challenge for Batman.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Barnacle
| Dex: 01 | Str: 05 | Bod: 02 | Motivation: Nihilist |
| Int: 01 | Wil: 01 | Min: 01 | Occupation: Mindless Predator |
| Inf: 01 | Aur: 00 | Spi: 01 | Resources {or Wealth}: NA |
| Init: 003 | HP: 010 |
Powers:
Claws: 11, Cling: 07, Sealed Systems: 05, Stretching: 04
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Stretching works only downward.
- Stretching can only be used to grab an opponent with the Barnacle’s tongue (Grapple) and bring them up to the Barnacle’s mouth (Claws Power).
Skills:
Martial artist (AV): 03, Military Science (Camouflage): 03
Advantages:
Iron Nerves.
Drawbacks:
Misc: Nonsentient, Misc: Can only move very slowly (about 0 APs per minute).
Helper(s): Half-Life Official Strategy Guide, Sébastien Andrivet.
Source of Character: Half-Life PC Action Game.