The Drudge are a race of annunaki-human hybrids created from the genetic makeup of Prometheus[1]. They were initially thought to be a race of extraterrestrial beings that were invading Washington, D.C. for unknown reasons during the events of The Conduit. During the events of Conduit 2, some Drudge, known as Free Drudge, break away from and rebel against Trust control, forming their own language and culture.
History
The Drudge were created by John Adams using Prometheus's DNA for the purpose of faking an extraterrestrial invasion of Washington D.C. Adams used the Drudge invasion in order to convince President Charles Thompson, believing that Adams and The Trust could avert the crisis, to sign over executive control of the United States to Adams. At the beginning of The Conduit, The Drudge are thought to be extraterrestrials, though near the end of the campaign, their true origin is revealed.
Free Drudge
A Free Drudge Drone
Since the Drudge were created using Prometheus's DNA, Adams used Prometheus's body in order to control them. Following the events of The Conduit when Michael Ford destroys Prometheus's body, Adams loses control over the Drudge. While some Drudge decide to stay and fight with the Trust, others break free and rebel against their former masters, forming their own language and culture. These Drudge are known as Free Drudge.
Breeds
Two Drudge Invaders.
The Drudge appear in many different forms throughout the game. There are the adult forms, such as Drones, Scarabs, Skimmers, and Mites (the hatchlings that are thought to grow into them). There are also giant four-legged creatures known as Invaders.
Drones
Drones are the standard infantry of The Drudge. They always carry Strike Rifles, and sometimes throw radiation grenades. They usually attack in groups.
Skimmers
Skimmer.
Skimmers are a flying adult variation. They are smaller than Drones, but larger than Mites, and carry a Shrieker. They are always flying, and are never seen walking on the ground.
Scarabs
Scarab concept art.
Scarabs are the strongest of the Drudge infantry. They are larger than Drones, and much stronger. Due to their powerful exo-skeletons, there are many shots needed to kill them. Also, they carry a Hive Cannon, which makes them even more powerful. A variation of the Scarabs are the Storm Scarabs, which look the same as normal Scarabs, except for the fact that they don't use weapons, and the ASE is needed to make them completely visible and tangible.
Mites
Tear-Mites.
Mites are the smallest and weakest of The Drudge forces. They are divided into:
- Med-Mites are the only species in the game that are able to heal their allies by just being around them. They can even heal themselves, but cannot revive themselves or anyone else. They carry a Warp Pistol.
- Para-Mites are worm-like creatures that are able to fly, and are never seen on ground. They only attack by poking the player and use no weapons, as they have no arms.
- Tear-Mites are bipedal, have two arms with a large claw on each one, and large spikes on their back. They always try to slash the player with their claws. They don't carry any weapons.
- Therm-Mites look very similar to Tear-Mites, except that these are orange-colored. They will try to approach the player by rolling to him/her and explode.
Invaders
Invaders are giant quadrupedal creatures who are the most powerful Drudge form. They can create a small swarm of Para-Mites, and can fire shots similar to those of the Shrieker. They act as bosses. An invader's melee attack is one of the most damaging attacks of the game.
Conduits
The Drudge invade Washington D.C. through use of conduits. Conduits are portals that Drudge forces come out of. They are found on many missions. If the player does not destroy these conduits, more Drudge will keep emerging. The largest Conduit found in the game is seen in the first level and the eighth level, where a major battle pursues. Towards the end of The Conduit, it is discovered that the Drudge forces are being deployed through the conduits from The Trust's base of operations.
Trivia
- The definition of the word "drudge" is: "A person who does tedious, menial, or unpleasant work."[2]