Cerberus

The "Cerberus" was a B.O.W. developed by Umbrella Corporation by administering the t-virus to the Doberman pinscher. The goal of this project was to amplify the endurance and ferocity of the base species while retaining its ability to follow direct commands. The Cerberus that escaped from the Arklay Laboratory during the subsequent security breakdown greatly accelerated the spreading of the t-virus throughout Raccoon City. 1 Further encounters with infected canines in Raccoon City and other locations such as Rockfort Island are often mistaken as Cerberus when in fact they are irregular mutants called a "Zombie Dog". 2 3 4 5 6

History

Despite its isolated location deep within the Arklay Mountains, there had always been a danger that Umbrella’s hidden research facilities might be inadvertently discovered. The land surrounding the site had always been a popular destination for local tourists, including hikers, campers, horseback riders, and other various nature enthusiasts. In order to keep out prying eyes, Umbrella employed the use of several highly trained Doberman Pinscher sentry dogs. They were to provide the first line of defense, and were tasked with guarding the facilities against unwanted or unexpected guests. All Doberman specimens involved in the development of the "Cerberus" were first class dogs which had received military training, and were administered the t-virus in order to enhance their toughness and combat abilities. 

On May 11, 1998, the t-virus was leaked throughout the entire Arklay facility, and all remaining sentry dogs were subsequently exposed. Research was indefinitely postponed while the outbreak was contained, but the quarantine failed leaving the Cerberus project unfinished. On May 14, several of the dogs managed to break free of their confines. 7 Quickly forming into packs, they soon began scouring the heavily wooded Arklay Mountains in search of prey. The consequent maulings would become among the first indirect reports on the Arklay outbreak, and the infected guard dogs contributed at over half of the reported murders. During the S.T.A.R.S. investigation into the murders, all remaining Cerberus specimens within the Arklay Laboratory were released to gather live combat data against the S.T.A.R.S. teams, killing at least three members in the end; Edward Dewey, Kevin Dooley and Joseph Frost.

The Cerberus is a cheap but effective product that sufficiently meets the requirements for a B.O.W., despite its faults. It is one of Umbrella's successful t-virus experiments. 

Attributes

Following infection, the Pinschers begin exhibiting signs of uncontrollable hunger and are prone to fits of unprovoked aggression. Their physical condition deteriorates rapidly, and the outer layers of the epidermis begin to decompose and slough-off. Flaps of tattered skin and wet fur hang from raw muscular tissue and exposed bone. A large number of subjects develop severe ocular degeneration, and in many cases, are rendered virtually blind as the eyeballs literally begin to putrefy. Their keen sense of smell and acute hearing remain virtually unchanged if not improved.

Like most mammal-based B.O.W.s developed with the t-virus, the Cerberus acts aggressive due to its uncontrollable hunger caused by an increase metabolism. Unlike the slow "Zombie" creature, these dogs have very high speed, agility, jumping range and maintain their natural habit of attacking as a pack, with their paralysed pain sensations contributing to their extremely high level of endurance and vitality. If the objective is to clear a small area, they are considered very effective B.O.W.s as they also cost very little to produce. However, their main problem is their high aggressiveness, which makes them very difficult to control due to them being hungry all the time, the resulting killing impulse making them impossible to secure.

Etymology

Designated by the development code of MA-39 by Umbrella, it was dubbed the “Cerberus” by research personnel. According to Greek mythology, Cerberus (or Kerberos) was a monstrous three-headed hound which resided on the far side of the river Acheron and was employed by Hades, the god of the underworld, to guard the entrance to the portal of death. This “demon of the pit” allowed the restless spirits of the dead to enter, but never leave. “Omnes relinquite spes, o vos intrantes.” (“Abandon all hope ye who enter here.”) 

Footnotes

1. 1. Cerberus Notes
2. 2. biohazard 0 Kaitai Shinsho (Page 056)
3. 3. biohazard Kaitai Shinsho (Page 062)
4. 4. BIOHAZARD 3 LAST ESCAPE Official Guidebook - Fulfilment Of Her Escape (Page 138)
5. 5. BIOHAZARD UMBRELLA CHRONICLES Official Guidebook (Page 038)
6. 6. biohazard archives (Page 180-181)
7. 7. The Keeper's Diary