Stage-3 Infected: BEHEMOTH

Threat Level: ⚫ EXTREME
Infection Stage: Terminal
First Documented: Sector 9, Day 47
Specimens Recorded: 23 (confirmed), 40+ (unconfirmed)

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING

Stage-3 infected represent the most dangerous mutation of the quarantine zone pathogen. AVOID DIRECT ENGAGEMENT AT ALL COSTS. Lethal force authorization is AUTOMATIC. Retreat and request heavy armor support immediately upon visual confirmation.

Overview

"Behemoths" are the final stage of pathogen mutation, characterized by massive physical transformation and extreme aggression. These specimens are believed to be infected subjects who survived 30+ days post-infection, allowing the pathogen to completely rewrite their biological structure.

Physical Characteristics

Distinctive Features

• Bone Protrusions: Sharp bone spikes emerge from shoulders, spine, and head
• Enlarged Skull: Cranial cavity expanded, facial features distorted beyond recognition
• Muscular Hypertrophy: Arms and torso display grotesque muscle growth
• Vocalizations: Deep, guttural roars (110-130 dB) audible at 500m+

Threat Assessment

Combat Capability

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  THREAT MATRIX                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Strength:        ████████████ EXTREME  │
│  Speed:           ███████░░░░ HIGH      │
│  Durability:      █████████░░ CRITICAL  │
│  Intelligence:    ██░░░░░░░░░ MINIMAL   │
│  Detection Range: ████████░░░ HIGH      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Known Capabilities

• Extreme Strength: Can demolish concrete walls, flip vehicles
• Regeneration: Minor wounds heal within hours
• Acoustic Tracking: Detects sound sources up to 200m away
• Berserker Rage: Enters frenzied state when wounded (becomes faster, more aggressive)

Vulnerabilities

• Blind: Relies entirely on sound; silent movement can evade detection
• Slow Turns: Large mass limits agility
• Heat Signature: Body temperature 41-43°C makes thermal detection easy
• Headshots: Brain remains critical weak point despite enlarged skull

Behavioral Patterns

Territory

Behemoths establish "nests" in structurally sound buildings:

• Usually alone (solitary)
• Defend territory aggressively
• Range: ~1km radius
• Active 24/7 (no sleep pattern observed)

Hunting Method

1. Detection: Hears target (footsteps, voices, gunfire)
2. Pursuit: Charges directly toward sound source
3. Elimination: Uses brute force to destroy target
4. Feeding: Consumes flesh (including infected specimens)

Aggression Triggers

⚠️ GUARANTEED HOSTILE RESPONSE:

• Loud noises (gunfire, explosions, shouting)
• Physical contact
• Entering nest zone
• Presence of uninfected humans (can sense via pheromones)

Documented Incidents

Incident #B-001 "Warehouse Massacre"

Date: 2025-11-12
Location: Sector 9D, Warehouse Complex
Casualties: 12 KIA (entire Alpha Squad)
Outcome: Retreat ordered

Squad encountered single Behemoth specimen. Engaged with standard firearms (5.56mm). Target absorbed 40+ rounds before closing distance. Specimen eliminated squad in under 2 minutes. Survivor testimony: "It ripped through us like paper."
— After-Action Report

Incident #B-007 "Tank Victory"

Date: 2025-12-03
Location: Sector 7A, near Power Station
Result: SUCCESSFUL ELIMINATION
Method: M1 Abrams main gun (120mm APFSDS)

First confirmed kill of Behemoth using heavy armor. Direct hit to torso, specimen neutralized instantly. Recommend armor support as ONLY viable engagement strategy.
— Col. Harrison

Engagement Protocol

❌ DO NOT ENGAGE IF:

• Squad size < 10 personnel
• Lacking heavy weapons (.50 cal minimum)
• No armor support available
• Escape route not secured
• In enclosed space

✅ AUTHORIZED TACTICS:

1. Heavy Weapons Fire

   • .50 BMG (M2 Browning) - aimed at head
   • 40mm grenades (multiple impacts)
   • Anti-materiel rifles

2. Explosive Ordnance

   • Claymore mines (multiple, daisy-chained)
   • C4 charges (10+ kg recommended)
   • RPG/LAW rockets

3. Armor Support (PREFERRED)

   • Tank main gun
   • Bradley IFV 25mm cannon
   • Apache helicopter 30mm chaingun

Tactical Guidelines

IF encounter Behemoth:
  1. CEASE ALL NOISE immediately
  2. ACTIVATE emergency beacon (silent mode)
  3. RETREAT slowly and silently
  4. EVACUATE 500m minimum
  5. WAIT for armor support
  
DO NOT attempt direct engagement without authorization

Specimen Analysis

Autopsy Report #B-003

Date: 2025-12-10
Specimen: Behemoth neutralized by tank fire
Examiner: Dr. Marcus Webb

Key findings:

• Muscle tissue: 400% density increase vs. normal human
• Bone structure: Calcium deposits create armored exoskeleton
• Organs: Multiple redundant organs (2 hearts, 3 lungs observed)
• Brain: 50% size reduction, primarily hindbrain active
• Pathogen concentration: 10^12 CFU per gram (1000x higher than Stage-2)

Conclusion: Subject is biologically dead but animate. Pathogen has complete control of motor functions.

Known Nest Locations

⚠️ EXCLUSION ZONES: 1km radius around each nest

Survival Tips

If you hear a deep roar that makes your chest vibrate, you're already too close. RUN. SILENTLY.
— Survivor's Handbook

Emergency Procedures

1. Stop all movement
2. Control breathing (silent)
3. Wait 5 minutes (confirm no pursuit)
4. Retreat route: Walk on soft surfaces, avoid debris
5. Distance: Minimum 500m before resuming normal movement

Equipment Recommendations

• Suppressed firearms (avoid attracting attention)
• Soft-soled boots
• Emergency beacon (silent activation)
• Thermal grenades (distraction tool)

Field Notes

Lost three good soldiers to a Behemoth in Sector 9. We hit it with everything—rifles, grenades, even a .50 cal. It kept coming. Only stopped when we buried it under a building collapse. Don't fight these things. Just run.
— Sgt. Elena Torres

Related Intel

• Stage-1 Carriers
• Stage-2 Shriekers
• Sector 9 Exclusion Zone
• Heavy Weapons Protocols
• Emergency Extraction