Stalwart Abolisher Jasper Dunlap has had more than his fair share of encounters with this loathsome creature. The chupacabra is well-known among the pioneers of the West as a capricious, tenacious predator of livestock, particularly when it comes to goats. Packs of these murderous beasts can eliminate an entire herd within minutes, leaving only a few thoroughly gnawed bones in their wake. In times of want, the chupacabra has been known to actually stalk any vaquero unlucky enough to be traveling alone amidst the wastelands of the American desert. Fortunately, one can be alerted to the presence of chupacabras by their ferociously powerful scent, which is reminiscent of curdled milk and manure.
Here are some images taken during the last stages of the recent upgrade to Jasper’s gear. I moved his samurai-inspired wooden armor to the front to better balance the weight overall. The hoses and tanks have been reattached with more rigidity. Most other attachment points have been reworked for better reliability and convention-proofing. The jacob’s ladder-esque brass antennae on the back were also added in this round, along with a few other smaller details.
Dr. Torque created this pair of plasma pistols at Jasper’s request. These unique weapons can affect both spiritual and physical foes with equal ferocity.
To keep from encumbering Jasper with an over-abundance of gear on his back, each pistol carries a miniature version of the Emeraldic Energy Extrapolator, which in turn powers each plasma containment sphere. The excess power generated by the Emeraldic Energy Extrapolators is fed back through braided hoses to a small boiler and converted to steam. This steam is, in turn, stored under pressure in the cannisters on Jasper’s back.
The pistols can be switched from plasma to steam power and back, depending on the type of adversary that is encountered. Japser’s heavy leather gauntlets protect his forearms from any errant steam or plasma discharges.
Jasper has a special fondness for his plasma pistols, and often can be seen brandishing them with great pride.
Jasper Dunlap of New Mexico territory is the descendent of earlier settlers, the first people who came west. He inherited his family ranch and planned to breed and raise the finest herd of horses in the West, but such was not meant to be. His entire herd was found one morning, torn apart by something much more vicious than a coyote or cougar. Jasper eventually tracked down the culprits: a pack of chupacabras. Though outnumbered ten to one, Jasper charged into the pack, unloading his twin Colt six shooters into the beasts. Out of ammo and still facing three savage chupacabras, Jasper pulled his trusty Bowie knife from his boot and finished the job hand-to-hand.
His ranch ruined, he began roaming the Rocky Mountains and Pacific coast, tracking down other creatures of darkness so that no one else would have to suffer his fate. He developed quite a reputation as a fierce fighter with an ability to face down creatures that horrified other men.
Jasper gained international fame after the semi-autobiographical book, The Fantastical True-Life Story of Jasper Dunlap, Sasquatch Slayer Extraordinaire.
Last but not least, we have Jasper Dunlap to round out the Apparition Abolishers. This concludes the portraits that will appear on the upcoming poster that will be available (from us) at the MidSouthCon in Memphis.
Next week will be the first look at the poster, although I might post some progress or comp shots of it this week. Stay tuned to find out!!!
