XENO­MORPH XX121

Known by a variety of names, the horrifically bizarre alien Xenomorph XX121 is an endoparasitic lifeform with a unique life cycle. The alien shifts from egg to parasitic Facehugger to embryonic Chestburster to adult creature and beyond before beginning the cycle anew. While it has been classified inaccurately as either Invictus raptus or Linguafaeda acheronis by the few in the scientific community to have observed the alien and survived, recent research seems to indicate that Xenomorph XX121 is actually comprised of two separate species—the Facehugger (Manumala noxhydria) that inseminates a host, and the rapidly maturing Chestburster creature (Plagiarus praepotens) that results from that act—both operating together in a symbiotic relationship. Allegedly blind, the alien still has keen senses and can detect even the slightest movement. These biomechanoid creatures shed their cells and replace them with polarized silicon, essentially growing their own refractive armor. They have highly caustic concentrated acid for blood and deadly prehensile tails. Immensely strong in their adult forms, a Plagiarus Drone or Soldier can easily lift a man by the head and crush his skull in its hands.
As to their origins, no one can be certain. Some believe them to be biological weapons created by some bygone race, possibly the enigmatic and godlike Engineers, while others believe they are a naturally evolved species that the Engineers themselves worshipped. Some religious cults take that a step further, believing the aliens were sent here by God or gods to exact divine retribution on humanity for leaving our solar system and daring to enter the heavens. Still others believe that humanity had a hand in the creatures’ creation, and that they are a corporate experiment run amok. What is for certain is that they are dangerous to everyone. They are a parasitic plague that is working its way across the Frontier, and Weyland-Yutani, as well as other corporations, want to find a way to control and weaponize them for profit.

XENOMORPH XX121 SPECIAL ABILITIES

The special abilities described below are common to all varieties of Xenomorph XX121.

ACID SPLASH

When a Xenomorph XX121 is wounded some of its acid blood may splash on its attacker and anyone within ENGAGED range. Each type of Xenomorph inflicts a different level of acid splash damage. Only damage that draws blood causes an acid splash—hence a fire attack does not have this effect. The bigger the Xenomorph, and the more damage it has taken, the greater the splash.
The strength of an acid splash is based on the Acid Splash rating of the Xenomorph plus the amount of damage that the Xeno took from the attack, in Base Dice, with base Damage 1. Armor reduces the damage, but for each f rolled, its Armor Rating is reduced by one, as the acid eats through it. The acid blood will also affect the environment, and may splash nearby ammo and grenades, or burn through floors, wiring, a ship’s hull, and so on (at GM’s discretion).
The acid blood continues to burn after the initial splash. A victim who suffers damage from the initial splash suffers another attack each Round, at the start of the Round, just like for fire damage. However, the number of Base Dice rolled for the attack is halved (rounding fractions down) at the start of each new Round, as the acid is slowly used up. If at any point an acid attack roll fails to inflict any damage the acid has burned itself out and the acid effect is over.
If a victim is Broken by the acid splash, or suffers further acid splash damage when already Broken, they must make a Death Roll every Round until they either die or are saved by a MEDICAL AID roll.

SPRINT

All Xenomorph XX121 varieties except Stage I can, as a slow action, sprint as if having used two run actions—i.e., through two zones or from an adjacent zone directly into ENGAGED range of a target.

RESISTANCE TO VACUUM

The resilient physiology of Xenomorph XX121 offers it total protection against the vacuum of space. As such, the Xeno can act indefinitely in such an environment without suffering any ill effects.

FALLING

The Xenomorphs are beautifully adapted for climbing and jumping. As such, they can fall from great heights without suffering any damage. Falling damage taken by a Xenomorph is equal to the distance fallen in meters divided by 4 (rounding fractions down), reduced by Armor.

IMMUNE TO THE COLD

Cold temperatures seem to have no effect on a Xenomorph. Even the frigid gulf of space does not hinder them in any way.

RADIATION

Xenomorph XX121 has proven extremely resistant to all forms of radiation. They can suffer 10 Rads before feeling any ill effects—i.e. the first 10 points suffered are ignored from any radiation rolls).

NO RESPIRATION

For all intents and purposes, a Xenomorph does not need to breathe, at least, not in any way that has currently been observed.

NO HEAT SIGNATURE

Xenomorph XX121 does not register on infrared or thermographic sensors.

It’s important to note that different Xenomorph XX121 strains have different traits, and that the information provided here is based on the latest xenobiological information. As we study them more and advances in science are made, we will slowly begin to understand these creatures better, supplanting theory with fact.

— MU/TH/UR

by Martin Grip, Eelco Sebring, Gustaf Ekelund

by Martin Grip, Eelco Sebring, Gustaf Ekelund

Scientific Name

Invictus raptus or Linguafaeda acheronis

Related Myths

• G-435: RUMOR CONTROL