Spore carrier

Spore carriers are reanimated dead humans, colonized by beauveria mordicana, a mutated entomopathogenic fungus. They are creatures found in the Mojave Wasteland as well as Zion Canyon and Big MT in 2281.

Background
After the war, the scientists within Vault 22 conducted agricultural-based initiatives, with the goal of sustaining the Vault population with plants grown within its confines. Designed as a green Vault, people selected for populating it were dedicated to goals surrounding plant life and crop expansion. One of the experiments revolved around Beauveria mordicana, a fungus designed for pest control. The Vault scientists began experimentation, it became airborne. Fungal spores gradually spread through the Vault, infecting the population.

After several inhabitants became sick with a pronounced cough, scientists were confused and attempted to pinpoint the cause. The first confirmed infection and fatality was Dr. Harrison Peters. The subsequent reanimation of his corpse frightened and bewildered the scientists, who attempted to contain those who were ill. When exposed to B. Mordicana spores, the host is slowly overtaken by the fungus. The affliction kills within 10 to 20 days, but the pathogen within continues to thrive, causing reanimation to occur. In response to the outbreak, the remaining scientists attempted to eradicate those who had reanimated by releasing and then igniting gas in the lower levels of the Vault. This triggered a defensive reaction from the carriers, who attacked the scientists.

A group of Vault 22 survivors, numbering more than one hundred, organized an expedition to Zion Canyon in 2096. Many members of the group were infected by the Beauveria mordicana, and would eventually succumb to become spore carriers.

Spore carriers can also be found in the X-22 botanical garden in Big MT, the source of the Beauveria mordicana used in Vault 22's experiments. A unique spore carrier named Patient Zero, implied to be the first of its kind, still roams the facility.

Gameplay attributes
 Spore carriers are quick and use melee attacks. If they are not killed quickly, they explode and deal large amounts of damage, breaking limbs and giving a large dose of radiation. When they are hiding in vegetation, they are hard to spot and will not appear on the Courier's compass, nor be targeted via V.A.T.S. until they move.

However, their health meter will become visible if they are injured by an area-of-effect weapon, like a flamer or grenade, immediately revealing their presence. While a spore carrier is getting up or sleeping, attackers in sneak mode who manually attack the spore carrier will receive a critical.

Spore carrier
The most common of all spore carriers. They hide in vegetation.

Spore carrier brute
Spore carrier brutes are found in the same areas other spore carriers are found, with higher HP.

Spore carrier runt
Runts are the smallest and weakest of the spore carrier family.

Spore carrier savage
Savages are encountered rarely but are essentially a more dangerous form of spore carrier brutes.

Spore carrier beast (Honest Hearts)
The spore carrier beast is only found in Zion Canyon in the Honest Hearts add-on. They have the highest HP.

Spore carrier scavenger (Old World Blues)
This variant of spore carrier appears only in the Old World Blues add-on at the X-22 botanical garden.

Named spore carriers

 * Patient Zero
 * Harrison Peters

Appearances
Spore carriers appear in Fallout: New Vegas, and its add-ons Honest Hearts and Old World Blues.

Sounds

 * Hissing spore carrier
 * Conscious spore carrier