Durnipia’s Laboratory Log

278 AMR, 15th of Skamdeig

Specimen 71: “Bursting Hive Soldier”

Continuing my series of studies regarding the Skordyre in Einar’s army, I have turned my attention to the methods by which the Queen engineers them as living bio-weapons—both for my own interest and for potential military applications in other genetic initiatives aligned with Einar’s cause.

Obtaining an intact post-mortem specimen of this subspecies for dissection proved exceedingly difficult. When I requested one that had expired in combat, I received dozens of melted fragments in lieu of a viable sample. Eventually, with the assistance of Specimen 62, this one was… persuaded… to submit to testing.

The most notable anatomical feature of the creature is its oversized, translucent abdomen. The structure contains nearly a hogshead of caustic orange liquid. When neural signals cease transmission between the creature’s brain and its nervous system, reflexive pulses involuntarily rupture the abdomen, releasing the fluid in a violent burst that coats all nearby combatants.1

My field medics report that these creatures display extraordinary ferocity and frequently lead charges into enemy formations, harassing front-line combatants. They appear to be bred to suppress all instincts of self-preservation, favoring a violent, explosive death for the sake of the hive.

1: Other Skordyre appear unaffected by this acid. Their natural defenses may offer insights for shielding Einar’s other soldiers from the acid’s effects. Further research required.

Bursting Hive Soldier is available in the Skordyre Soldiers Common Army Expansion!