Xen Overview
DM: None
A Realm Between Worlds:
Rather than being a planet or an artificial structure, all of Xen consists of asteroid-like "islands" floating within a nebular void. Xen is notable for having somewhat reduced gravity compared to other realms; however, given that Xen is composed of low mass asteroids, it is surprising that there is any appreciable gravitational pull at all, let alone a pull strong enough to retain an atmosphere breathable by mortals. It is possible that, given that Xen resides in another dimension or universe, the entire void contains a breathable atmosphere. Another strange feature is that gravity is always directed downwards, rather than towards the asteroids, so that one can actually fall off an asteroid into the void below. Light also behaves oddly in Xen, there are multiple sources for light in the border world, either through glowing clouds of gas or (in some cases) what seems to be a star or some other stellar body. The Xen asteroids are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, forming a complex ecosystem. Although resident in Xen at the time of the Black Mesa Incident, no living organisms are native to Xen, so all species present must have originated from somewhere else. Water tends to be reddish or green in color. Some species, such as Barnacles, Bullsquid, Headcrabs, and Houndeyes appear to occupy niches similar to various carnivorous terrestrial animals (albeit with unusual anatomical or physiological features). Various harmless animals also exist in Xen. Seen frequently in Xen are Boids who glide seemingly without effort through the void. A large floating harmless amoeba-like organism which "sings" like a bird may be seen all throughout Xen and can be seen flying in flocks, emitting resonant calls. A few creatures that appear in Xen are difficult to categorize as either fauna or flora due to their unusual appearance. Stationary bio-luminescent stalks appear in large numbers throughout Xen and will retract when approached. The much larger and extremely aggressive (but rarely encountered) Hydras pose a major hazard to those who wander near their pits. There are also bizarre tree-like structures dotted around the landscape, which may be juvenile or even separate species of Hydra. The "Butchertrees" sway gently and appear harmless when observed from a distance, but stab viciously at any creature that enters their immediate vicinity.
Xen Map
Xen "Year"
6734 XSTXen Contents
| Inhabitants | Locations |
Excluded Inhabitants:
Vortessian:
The Nihilanth
Vortigaunts - Overseers - Rays
Alient Grunts - Gargantuas
Factions:
The Combine - Race X