Spore carrier

Beauveria Mordicana, commonly known as spore carriers, are creatures found in the Mojave Wasteland in 2281.

Background
Spore carriers are humans who had been exposed to an entomopathogenic fungus, B. Mordicana. It was developed to colonize the bodies of common pests. Once it has fully colonized a host body, the host technically dies, but the body continues to move by means of the fungal colonies within it. In this manner the fungus moves amongst more of its prey, occasionally spraying spores in a radius around the host body, infecting all who come near it. Its drawbacks include the time it takes to kill prey (10-20 days) and its limited effectiveness when dealing with unsocial pests.

After the War, whether through radiation, accidental airborne FEV exposure or controlled FEV exposure as part of the Vault Behavioral Project, B. Mordicana has evolved to affect humans. The inhabitants of Vault 22 were exposed, and those of them who left the Vault spread the fungus as far as Zion Canyon, where spore carriers pose a problem even today. It seems that the spread of the green fungus happens over time, as the doctor who first performed an autopsy noticed nothing wrong externally with the first infected victim.

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 player's compass nor be targeted via V.A.T.S. until they get up.

Walking right past unexplored vegetation might result in an unpleasant scare. Spore carriers are also known for sneaking up on the player. However, the player will see their health meter if he hits them with an area weapon like a flamer or grenade, immediately informing you of their presence. Weapons that use fire (such as the flamer) or weapons with large spreads (such as the riot shotgun) are extremely effective against them.

Upon detecting the player, the spore carrier will raise themselves out of the large growth of vegetation where they hide and will let off a growl in a similar manner to that of feral ghouls, but with greater ferocity and louder.

While a spore carrier is getting up or sleeping, players in sneak mode who manually attack the spore carrier will get a Sneak Attack Critical. Combined with a decently powerful weapon, such preemptive strikes can often kill the spore carrier before it ever becomes a need for concern.

Spore carrier
The most common of all spore carriers. They hide in vegetation and attack anyone tripping over them.

Spore carrier beast
The Spore carrier beast is only found in Zion Valley in the Honest Hearts add-on. They are stronger than any of the other spore carriers and are often found around Spore Plants.

Spore carrier brute
Spore carrier brutes are found in the same areas other spore carriers are found, and usually tend to act the same. However, these brutes tend to be more aggressive, and are tougher and larger than normal spore carriers.

Spore carrier runt
Runts are the smallest and weakest of the spore carrier family. However, they are still quite fast and may overwhelm an unaware, low-leveled player.

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

Appearances
Spore carriers appear in Fallout: New Vegas, the Honest Hearts add-on and are expected to appear in the upcoming add-on Old World Blues.

Behind the scenes

 * Beauveria is a genus of fungi typically known to parasitically infect insects. Beauveria Mordicana seems similar in effects to the endomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps unilateralis, which assumes control of the infected organism's immune system and continues to grow post-mortem.

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