Appendix to AvP: Sins of the Father

by montaigne

Includes a fictional essay on the predators by a company researcher, some other miscellaneous stuff on the predators, a general introduction to the different species for the new reader, and my own AvP time-line including original ideas.

5. On weapons

On weapons

Wristblades – the Hunter's preferred weapon in close quarters combat, and along with the spear, one of the first weapons a warrior is trained to use. A hunter's speed and dexterity are very important when fighting with the wristblades. As most hunters are exceptionally fast, whether it be from constant conditioning or innate prowess, these blades, which measure anywhere from 12 to 36 inches, are one of the simplest and most effective weapons in the predator arsenal. The alien alloy used in their making can be treated to render it immune to the corrosive effects of xenomorph blood.

Spear – A simple weapon limited to thrusting and sometimes parrying, depending on the material used in its construction. The most common version is simple a larger version of the human weapon, with a wooden handle and diamond-shaped spearhead. The basic spear is not a very effective weapon against xenomorphs, as the handle is easily shattered or corroded. Furthermore xenomorphs are known to struggle for quite some time even after an eventually lethal impalement.

Combi-stick - An upgraded all-metal variant of the simple spear. It is retractable and extendable, employing a telescopic mechanism. The weapon is usually 3 feet long in its shortened state and 8 feet long when fully-extended. Near unbreakable and treated to withstand alien blood, the combi-stick's only weakness, like the spear, is its limitation as a thrusting weapon. Although rarer versions eject long slender blades for slashing, this combi-glaive is only used by the honored and higher ranks.

Naginata/glaive – Simply put, the most devastating melee weapon at a hunter's disposal. One strike with this weapon often results in an instant kill, even against the hard meat. At the very least, the victim of a strike will be missing a limb.

Scattergun – A rare weapon, whose use for hunting is still considered questionable by many clans. The gun fires a spray of hollow capsules, each containing a potent blue liquid that dissolves almost anything it touches. Similar to a shotgun in concept, but infinitely more deadly. One direct hit is enough to incapacitate a queen. Two will guarantee her death.

Other weapons and gear: spear gun (including explosive-tipped/wrist-mounted variants), shoulder cannon (including hand-held, wrist-mounted variants), plasma bazooka, shuriken, smart disc, net gun, EMP mine, laser mine, assorted traps, maul, whip, mask, body mesh, armor, wrist-computer, medi-kit