Alien Invader Study


ArtTheMBoardMoth

 

Posted

The following is a report filed by the hero Repulse.

The Extradimensionl Alien Invaders

I, like all other heroes in Paragon, were taken aback by the sudden invasion by these extradimensional aliens throughout the city. While we were alert to the rise of aetheric energies, and were not too surprised to see some Rikti forces out and about, these new aliens are truly a shock. During the recent days of nearly constant fighting, I have made notes and examinations of these creatures. What follows are my findings and theories.

The Portals

First, I want to examine the extradimensional portals used by the aliens. Constructs of aetheric energy, these glowing, white circles have appeared in all zones of the city. Although some of the aliens can fly, the portals are never more than a foot or two off of the ground. Over the past several days, the portals have appeared in locations that, to us, make no particular sense. Some have formed in the heart of urban areas, while others arrive in remote locales of no discernable strategic value. The portals seem to open repeatedly in the same spots. Either the aliens are determined to take these points, or these are locations where the dimensional barriers are at the weakest, and thus easier to penetrate with the portals. Further research is required.

It is of importance to note that the portals cannot be used by us. This means either....1) They are geared for the aliens use only. 2) They are one way. Or 3) They require some trigger that we lack.

Although made of energy, the portals have proven to be harmed by just about anything. Energy blasts, melee weapons, even bare fists. It is my theory that physical disruptions to a portal's energy matrix eventually cause it to collapse. This is good, as we lack any other means of closing them once they open.

The Eyeballs

First among the aliens themselves are the "eyeballs," so nicknamed by every hero in Paragon, though I have heard references to "beholders" and "cacodemons." Some heroes play too many video games. Ahem.

Literally giant floating eyeballs, approximately 6 feet in diameter, sometimes larger, these aliens are, from what we have seen so are, the field leaders. Most of their forms are covered in a hard, spiky, chitin, providing a natural armor. They fly under their own power. Perhaps air sacs or telekinesis?

Offensively, the eyeballs can emit blazing blasts of energy from their pupils. These blasts, aside from being harmful, also possess a paralytic effect (thankfully temporary). Additionally, the eyeballs can "whip" themselves about to release and launch their chitinous spikes in a wide spray. My own battlesuit's armor can attest to these spikes from it's numerous dents and scratches.

I have noted a heirarchy among the eyeballs, largely denoted by eye color. Those with yellow irises I name "Overseers," and they seem to be in charge, leading invasion forces. Next come the "Observers," with blue irises. They appear to act as lieutenants. Finally come the "Watchers," with green irises, who protect and serve the higher-ups, and take command of the "Brutes," if deprived of Overseers or Observers.

Please excuse the names. The eyeball/vision theme seems to work well.

No noted form of communication among the eyeballs. Telepathy, perhaps? Maybe our own mentalists can 'tap in?'

The Brutes

Named because of their brutish, ape-like builds, these humanoids seem to be the bodyguards and foot soldiers for the eyeballs. Their bluish-purple hides are tough and sinewy, and they possess spike-like growths of bone over much of their bodies. their right arms end in a large bulb, covered in bone spikes, which they use as melee weapons. Strong and enduring, they are clearly built for combat, but don't seem to be great thinkers.

Most freakishly, their heads are nothing more than a singly large eye. Are all creatures from their dimension like this? Eye color varies, and again, seems to run along a heirarchy of some sort. There are clear combat leaders among them, and some with healing abilities. Like the eyeballs, they have no verbal communication that anyone has noted. Again, telepathy?

The Brutes can also emit energy blasts from their eyes, but thankfully lack the paralytic effect of the eyeballs.

In Closing

Portal occurances are on the rise, and the invasion forces are growing larger. This whole...thing...is still gearing up, I'm afraid. I wonder if there are other types of aliens to come? We shall see, I suppose.

Anyway, I should return to action, now that my armor is repaired. No rest for the righteous, I guess.

Respectfully submitted,
Repulse


 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
Some heroes play too many video games

[/ QUOTE ] Bit of a nitpick, but beholders are from D&D, whichrather predates any video games you are likely to be thinking of.


 

Posted

Yes, I know. I was just aiming for a joke.


 

Posted

Considering the whole Paragon Times newspaper/comic book thing, and the fact that this is a report, I thought I might throw a couple errors your way, for your sake. Constructive criticism, I swear it. I'm not actually a nitpick for grammar unless I'm trying to help.

The Extradimensionl Alien Invaders

[ QUOTE ]
I, like all other heroes in Paragon, were taken aback by...

[/ QUOTE ]
"I, like all other heroes in Paragon, was* taken aback by..."

The Portals

discernible*
hierarchy*

[ QUOTE ]
This means either....1) They are geared for the aliens use only. 2) They are one way. Or 3) They require some trigger that we lack.

[/ QUOTE ]
"This means that 1) they* are geared for the alien's* use only, 2) they* are one-way* portals, or 3) they* require some trigger that we lack."
Can't use either if there's three possibilities.

The Eyeballs

[ QUOTE ]
Literally giant floating eyeballs, approximately 6 feet in diameter, sometimes larger, these aliens are, from what we have seen so are, the field leaders.

[/ QUOTE ]
"Literally giant floating eyeballs, approximately six* feet in diameter, sometimes larger, these aliens are, from what we have seen so far*, the field leaders."

[ QUOTE ]
Most of their forms are covered in a hard, spiky, chitin, providing...

[/ QUOTE ]
"Most of their forms are covered in a hard, spiky chitin, providing..."

[ QUOTE ]
My own battlesuit's armor can attest to these spikes from it's numerous dents and scratches.

[/ QUOTE ]
"My own battlesuit's armor can attest to these spikes from its* numerous dents and scratches."

The Brutes

hierarchy*

[ QUOTE ]
Named because of their brutish, ape-like builds...

[/ QUOTE ]
Either:
- "So named because of their brutish, ape-like builds..."
Or:
- "Named for their brutish, ape-like builds..."

[ QUOTE ]
their right arms end in a large bulb, covered in bone spikes.

[/ QUOTE ]
Just capitalize.

[ QUOTE ]
Strong and enduring, they are clearly built for combat...

[/ QUOTE ]
enduring-
1. Lasting; continuing; durable: a novel of enduring interest.
2. Long-suffering; patient
Unless you meant durable, that word just seems odd there.

In Closing

occurrence*


Also, you might care to note that the eyeballs can see through stealth effects and possibly invisibility (I haven't checked inviso yet, just stealth).


This is likely incomplete, just a few things I wanted to note. Probably some errors in my own text, excluding corrections.
Good luck.