Lambent Drudge Mutation v3

The Lambent Drudge was a Lambent creature that appeared on the surface of Sera in 16 A.E.Drudges are infected Locust Drones, in the next step of the Lambent evolution.
Encountered first near Hanover city, Drudges spawn from Lambent Stalks, and provide heavy support for Lambent Drones. Drudges are notable for their ability to mutate in the field, a unique ability that makes them extremely versatile and dangerous opponents.

Mutation 1 - HeadsnakeEdit

The Drudge's head surges upwards as its neck elongates, forming a thick serpent-like appendage. The head itself mutates into a gaping triangular mouth, which sprays a stream of Imulsion at close-medium range, causing significant damage (similar to the Scorcher flamethrower). This mutation renders the Drudge immune to all melee attacks, including the Chainsaw Bayonet. Get too close, and the player will be lifted up and torn to pieces.

■The Headsnake Mutation has Third-Phase attack: If the player concentrates fire on the Drudge's body, the Headsnake can detach and move rapidly across the ground, shooting flames from its mouth. This phase has very low health, but can catch unwary players offguard with its speed and ability to move unseen behind cover.


Mutation 2 - Arms

The Drudge's arms can mutate into grotesque, over-elongated limbs with giant claws. Greatly extending the Drudge's melee range, these arms are formidable at close-range and, like the Headsnake, remove the possibility of a beatdown or execution kill. The Arm Mutation is not limited to a close-range threat: the claws function as Imulsion cannons, which (like a miniaturized version of the Gunker's Imulsion attack) can easily cause knockdowns. Drudges with the Arm Mutation should be quickly engaged at medium range. if you get too close to a drudge, they will use their arms and rip you apart.

■The Mutated Arms can be individually targeted and blown off completely. The Drudge, can only attack at close range now. It should be killed at medium to close range


Mutation 3 - Leg Stalk

The final Drudge mutation sacrifices all mobility for the cover-busting advantage of height. The legs fuse together and form a trunk, which places the upper body on an unreachable pedestal above the battle. From this vantage point, the Drudge may continue to attack with the Hammerburst - or - mutate further to make an extremely deadly platform for the Arm or Headsnake mutations. Often polyps will be produced from the bottom of a drudge in this stage, catching players who aim for the drudge's head off guard. The Leg Stalk is infrequently seen in the first two Acts, but becomes commonplace later in the game