Context

This creature is from the original, 1998/99 HλLF-LIFE video game. For more context you can refer to those two articles :


Background

  • Group Affiliation: NA.
  • Base Of Operations: Xen.
  • Length: 30’


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Powers and Abilities

The Alien Flier a.k.a. Manta is a living troop carrier, carrying up to one Alien Grunt or two Alien Slaves on its ventral surface for point insertion. It can also fire energy beams from those same ventral points when it is not carrying troops.


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, which subsequently invaded Black Mesa.

During the later stages of the invasion the flyers served as transports and ground support, dropping off alien troops at key locations and using their blasts on ground troops and incoming military troop transport planes.


Description

The alien flyer looks like a large manta ray with a metallic sheen to its skin.


Personality

The Manta flies overhead and drops Xen aliens into designated areas or patrols for other flying objects, which it attacks on sight.

The Alien Flyer is not very bright, and will blindly follow its orders regardless of circumstance. If under heavy fire, for example, it will still drop off its troops. It’s even possible to “hitch a ride” on low flying Mantas’ backs with them noticing or caring.


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

Manta

Dex: 04 Str: 09 Bod: 10 Motivation: Serve Nihilanth
Int: 01 Wil: 01 Min: 01 Occupation: Air Support/Troop Transport
Inf: 01 Aur: 01 Spi: 01 Resources {or Wealth}: N/A
Init: 006 HP: 000

Powers:
Cling: 09, Energy Blast: 12, Flight: 08, Growth: 05, Sealed Systems: 10

Bonuses and Limitations:

  • Cling is only used to carry troops (see Personality) (-2FC).
  • Energy Blast can only be used against targets below the Manta (-1FC).
  • Growth is Always On and added to STR listed above (Total Physical OV/RV is 2/15) (-1FC).

Drawbacks:
CIA (Follow orders of Xen superiors), SPR (No hands), Miscellaneous (Non-Sentient).

By Mark A. Ayen and Roy Cowan.

Source of Character: Half-Life PC Computer Game.