Cerberus

Cerberus (Code Number: MA-39) was the code-name for a B.O.W. (Bio Organic Weapon) series utilizing dog breeds as the base, developed by the Umbrella Corporation through administration of the t-virus and rewriting the host's DNA. By applying the social nature the original dog possessed, tactical use was possible and the Cerberus entered the most successful category in test subjects which used animals as the hosts. It is distinct from the "Zombie Dog", although their characteristics are similar. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

History

The Cerberus series was created with the βI-strain of the t-virus during the second stage of the "t-Virus Project" advanced at the Arklay Laboratory. Initially, military-trained Doberman pinschers were chosen as the base organisms, as their prior training made them easier to control. Subsequently, they displayed resounding capabilities in combat, were capable of following commands and displayed a higher resistance to the necrotic effects of the virus than human hosts. These attributes made it one of the company's most successful B.O.W. experiments.

Although clone production with the code number MA-39 was carried out for the model that used the Doberman pinscher as the base organism, variations using other dog breeds were also planned and deployment of the Cerberus series together in various intended uses were considered. By May 1998, a test on practical use as a pack was carried out in the courtyard of the Arklay Laboratory. However, as a result of the virus leak accident on May 11, many subjects escaped from the facility and became wild in the surrounding forest. 8

Among the bizarre murder cases which occurred in the outskirts of Raccoon City, roughly more than half of the cases were committed by the escaped Cerberus specimens. Prior to the accident, the research team had planned to experimentally administer the t-virus to various other dog breeds, such as the Saint Bernard. However, these experiments were halted due to the accident and the Doberman pinscher breed has become synonymous with the "Cerberus" B.O.W.

Attributes

Cerberus' features were at a degree similar to rather large dogs, but its muscular strength, durability, jumping range, agility, speed and combative instincts were strengthened by the virus. Like most mammals subjected to the t-virus, decomposition of the outer skin and flesh was remarkable and exposed the creature's ribs. In addition, because the virus' necrotic effect on the brain removed any sense of fear, its tolerance for pain and especially gunshots was higher than common military dogs and it would attack relentlessly and ferociously until it killed its opponent.

The greatest feature of the Cerberus is its ability to harness coordinated activity with others of its kind. If a Cerberus was trained, it could be made to act on several commands at once. Its weapons were its speed, sharp nails and fangs. Its primary attack pattern would be running around a target to disrupt and disorientate them, and then pounce with their entire body weight and push down the weakened opponent and tear at its throat. When more than one Cerberus deal with a single target, they cooperate and commence attacking in waves, attacking in sequence without providing the target an opportunity to rest.

A large number of subjects developed severe ocular degeneration, and in many cases, were rendered virtually blind as the eyeballs literally began to putrefy. However, its keen sense of smell and acute hearing remained virtually unchanged, if not improved. In combat situations, if the objective was to clear a small area, Cerberus was considered a successful product model with a low, cheap production cost that sufficiently met the requirements of a B.O.W.

However, without prior training, its excessive aggressiveness posed a problem as it would make it very difficult to control. As its virus-induced heightened metabolism made it constantly hungry, the resulting killing impulse made it nearly impossible to secure. This problem could be observed in the "Zombie Dog", but was solved by the researchers through the method of using only dogs which had already received extensive military training prior to infection.

(as only the "Cerberus" model based on the Doberman pinscher has been documented, the above-mentioned may not relate to other breeds)

Etymology

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. BIO HAZARD Directors Cut -Inside of BIO HAZARD- (Page 045)
3. 3. biohazard 0 Kaitai Shinsho (Page 056)
4. 4. biohazard Kaitai Shinsho (Page 062)
5. 5. BIOHAZARD 3 LAST ESCAPE Official Guidebook - Fulfillment Of Her Escape (Page 148)
6. 6. BIOHAZARD UMBRELLA CHRONICLES Official Guidebook (Page 038)
7. 7. biohazard archives (Page 180-181)
8. 8. Animal Keeper's Diary