The Alien Drone, "Stage 4" Alien, is the most common adult form of the Alien species .
Between 7–8 feet in height and 14–16 feet long (including their tail), Aliens Drones are by far the most widespread caste of Aliens, acting as the species' principal offensive unit in combat situations. Among the roles carried out by Aliens Drones are the construction of Aliens Hives, the elimination of threats and the capture of potential hosts for reproduction.
As with many forms of the Aliens, the exact physical characteristics of the Alien Drone can vary; most obviously, the exact makeup of the creature's head carapace has been seen to differ between individuals, with both smooth and ridged examples observed. Other minor differences have also been noted. Aliens Drones are fast and reasonably tough, and equally capable of carrying out premeditated stealth attacks as well as engaging in savage close-quarters combat. Even in death the Alien Drone is dangerous, as its pressurized bloodstream will often cause it to burst apart if sufficiently damaged, drenching nearby enemies in acid blood. They are also capable of spitting cysts of this acid at their enemies.
Characteristics[]
- "The size of the Drones depends on the hosts they're born from. Humanoid ones are big." "How big?" "A hell of a lot bigger than us."
- ―Gabriel Cruz and Lewandowski (from Alien: Bloodlines)
Most Aliens Drones that have been encountered have been spawned from human hosts, and as such generally share their host's bipedal stature — although they are known to move equally well on all fours, particularly when climbing walls or ceilings or moving through enclosed spaces, tasks at which they are adept. They are extremely agile, capable of navigating through vents, up walls or across large areas swiftly and nimbly. They also have an astonishing leaping ability. After growing to its full adult height, the Drone typically dwarfs its host, standing at least 7 feet tall when born from a human. They are dark in color, typically black but often with shades of grey, blue or brown across their bodies. They are primarily encountered in offensive situations, being voracious predators possessing notable observational intellect and incredible strength, easily capable of restraining or subduing a physically adept human, lifting a person into the air with little effort, or even breaking down metal pressure doors when in groups. In fact, their physical strength is even rival to that of an adult Yautja. As well as their offensive role, Drones are said to fulfil a worker role within the Hive, building and tending to the nest.
The Drone's most distinguishing features are its cylindrical, elongated skull, often more pronounced than on other Xenomorph types. They also possess long, prehensile tails that can be used as a formidable weapon in and of themselves, be it as a blunt flail capable of hurling an average human through the air or as a stabbing weapon able to impale and even suspend a Yautja with little effort. The Drone's ability to spit acid some distance additionally gives it an ability to attack at a degree rage.
When a Drone is killed by weapons that cause massive physical trauma, its highly pressurized bloodstream often causes the creature to explode, showering the surrounding area with molecular acid. This has been seen to cause severe injury and even death to humans caught in such a blast. A similar effect has been seen when a Drone is set aflame, typically through the use of military-issue flamethrowers; the intense heat from prolonged burning can cause the creature to violently explode, which is most likely due to its already high-pressure circulatory system boiling within its body.
While the terms Drone or Warrior are typically used to refer to adult Xenomorphs born from a human host, technically speaking they can refer equally to any basic adult form of the species, including Runners or even Predaliens; these too can be considered "Drones" as they fulfill a similar role in the species' hierarchy, they are merely born from a different host and thus possess different traits as a result of the DNA reflex.