The Plague Crawler was one of the first prototype t-virus B.O.W.s to be developed during initial experiment phases with the virus on animals, based on several different types of insects. Due to its status as a prototype, it has no development code. 1 2 3
History
The Plague Crawler was first developed by Dr. James Marcus as a B.O.W. test specimen, and it represents the first attempt by Marcus to create products using the DNA of multiple creatures. The Plague Crawler is created by combining the genes from different types of insects and then administering the t-virus and is the first known B.O.W. to utilize gene splicing. However, the insect-based B.O.W. has a major defect which is its very low intelligence and difficulty to control, making it unsuitable for use on a battlefield and in heavy combat situations-- a fault which is apparent with virtually all arthropod-based B.O.W.s. Afterwards, Umbrella discontinued research and development on the Plague Crawler and ordered for all specimens to be destroyed. 4
However, not all Plague Crawler specimens were destroyed at the Umbrella Research Center. Some specimens managed to survive within the facility and formed colonies away from the eyes of their creators, where they bred at a frightening rate. By July 23,1998, countless specimens could be found lurking in the training facility. It is assumed that most of them were destroyed in the destruction of the training facility the next morning.
Some specimens somehow escaped destruction, and were sold as low-cost B.O.W.s. They were later purchased by Javier Hidalgo. It is unknown where exactly these particular specimens came from.
Attributes
Like other arthropods a characteristic of the t-virus can be seen in their large size. The Plague Crawler can grow to about 2 meters in length, and its two forelimbs which resemble pincers are fatal weapons to its prey. A Plague Crawler will attack using these large weapons, and will in some cases lunge violently at its prey. Its natural carapace provides some protection against small-arms fire, but it is vulnerable to more high-caliber weapons. They are carnivorous and prefer to live in wet and dark places, usually hanging on ceilings. When they sense prey, they quickly leap down and pounce on their prey in order to catch them, attacking with their appendages. 5
Footnotes
- 1. Plague Crawler Notes
- 2. biohazard 0 Kaitai Shinsho (Page 064)
- 3. INSIDE OF BIOHAZARD THE DARKSIDE CHRONICLES (Page 061)
- 4. biohazard archives (Page 199)
- 5. BIOHAZARD THE DARKSIDE CHRONICLES Official Guidebook (Page 046)