![]() ![]() Similarly to real barnacles, they typically occur in groups or colonies. However, although the creatures do not demonstrate any intelligence in hunting, they possess an uncanny ability to attach themselves to ceilings overlooking thoroughfares frequented by potential prey, although some do seem to hide in corners far away from routes used by prey the logical explanation for this is that Barnacles in less adequate conditions die out, while luckier creatures flourish. They do not appear to possess any degree of intelligence - instead of actively hunting prey, they feed by reacting to external stimulus, in the form of animals which come into contact with the Barnacles' tongue. Behavior and skillsīarnacles are relatively simple creatures. ![]() The name "Cirripedia donaldsonia" comes from its discoverer and first victim, Black Mesa scientist Louis Donaldson. In addition - Half Life: Opposing Force has an organic weapon, the Barnacle Grapple which acts as a grappling hook and can be used to attach the player to spores found across the map. Earthly barnacles use mobile larval stages and ocean currents to reach new growing areas it is likely that Xen Barnacles use a similar means to spread. In Opposing Force, a scientist refers to removing a Barnacle from its "point of gestation." This suggests that a Barnacle will spend its entire life attached to the spot where it was born. ![]() When killed, Barnacles turn inside out and disgorge skulls, bones, and other remains of recently consumed victims, along with their own greenish digestive juices, giving the impression the Barnacle is vomiting, and the tongue retracts somewhat. (However, in Half-Life: Day One, four hits are required, which will be a fatal move for the player.) In any game, attacking a Barnacle which is high up with a crowbar is generally a bad idea, as the player will take fall damage as well as the Barnacle's attack. The Barnacles are weak against the crowbar, which in both games kills them in a single hit. They are most easily dispatched from a distance, although players who become ensnared by its tongue are usually able to kill them before being consumed. Curiously, while many Barnacles can be found infesting the Black Mesa Research Facility, few are encountered on Xen.īarnacles are relatively weak when compared to most enemies: 4-5 shots from a 9mm pistol will kill them. Although Barnacles can be found in a wide array of environments, they seem to prefer damp areas. If the Barnacle is killed, the cilia/setae are permanently deactivated also, which is why dead Barnacle tongues are not sticky.īarnacles attach themselves to ceilings or the undersides of overhangs, from which they lower their sticky tongues. By this model, when potential prey comes in contact with the tongue, the Barnacle feels it and directs the cilia/setae to activate into their adhesive form, and conversely to deactivate into their normal relaxed form if the prey turns out to be unsuitable. The ability to turn their tongue's stickiness on and off at will suggests that the Barnacle tongue adhesive is actually formed by cilia or setae (tiny hairs or bristles, as on a gecko's foot) rather than a sticky chemical. Upon attempting to consume these items, the Barnacle will find them unpalatable and release them. On its tongue is a very strong natural adhesive (such as cilia/setae) that can bond to whatever it comes in contact with.īarnacles cannot differentiate between living and inorganic items that become stuck to their tongues, and can be tricked into hauling in barrels, pallets and other debris commonly found in their vicinity. The Barnacle uses its "tongue" to snare and lift prey items the appendage is strong enough to support the weight of an adult human. A Barnacle is little more than a large mouth full of two rows of sharp teeth, with a long string-like appendage dangling out of its maw. ![]()
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