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Changes: Praetorian

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(Six is a Praetorian for all of a second in a cutscene, not really notable)
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{{Quote|There was one big motherfucker, like twice the size of the others... That thing could really scream. I never heard anything like it.|Cpl. '''[[Teresa "Tequila" Aquila|Tequila]]''', regarding a Praetorian (from {{AVP2010}})}}{{Species Infobox
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{{Cleanup}}{{Quote|There was one big motherfucker, like twice the size of the others... That thing could really scream. I never heard anything like it.|Cpl. '''[[Teresa "Tequila" Aquila|Tequila]]''', regarding a Praetorian (from {{AVP2010}})}}
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{{Infobox Species
 
|image = [[File:Praetorian.png|300px]]
  
|image = [[File:Praetorian.png|300px]]
 
|imagecaption = A Praetorian on [[BG-386]].
  
|imagecaption = A Praetorian on [[BG-386]].
 
|name = Praetorian
  
|name = Praetorian
 
|homeworld = Potentially any planet
  
|homeworld = Potentially any planet
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|height = 10'+
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|height = About 10' (3.04 m)
 
|weight =
 
|weight =
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|distinctions = Head crest, can summon fellow Xenomorphs
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|distinctions =*Head crest
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*Large size
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*Can summon other Aliens
 
|affiliation={{Xeno}}
  
|affiliation={{Xeno}}
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|skincolor = Black}}
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|skincolor = Black
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|notable = [[Specimen 6]]}}
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The '''Praetorian''' is one of the final stages in the {{Xeno}} life cycle, and arguably the most common and widely-acknowledged form of Xenomorph to emerge from the numerous expanded universe castes. Praetorians serve as guards to their [[Hive]]'s [[Queen (caste)|Queen]] and unlike other Xenomorph types Praetorians rarely operate outside their Hive grounds. They are among the largest and most powerful Xenomorph strains. Visually, Praetorians resemble a Queen, though smaller in size (although they are still far larger than typical Xenomorphs), typically standing at least 10 feet tall.
  
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The '''Praetorian''', also known as the '''Royal Guard''',<ref name="AVPArcade">{{cite game|title=[[Alien vs. Predator (1994 arcade game)|Alien vs. Predator]]|year=[[1994]]|developer=Capcom|platform=Arcade}}</ref> was one of the final stages in the traditional [[Xenomorph life cycle|life cycle]] of the [[Xenomorph XX121 (Alien)|Xenomorph XX121]] species. Praetorians were created when a hive population reached over 300 individuals, and served as [[Queen (caste)|Queen]] or [[Empress]]' Royal Guard and army commanders.<ref name="RPG312">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=312|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref> Unlike other Xenomorph types, Praetorians rarely operated outside their Hive grounds. Visually, Praetorians resembled a Queen, though they were smaller in size but still far larger than typical Xenomorphs, typically standing at least ten feet tall.
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With the possible exception of the [[Predalien (Earth)|Predalien]] in {{AVP2}}, Praetorians have not been seen on film but have regularly been encountered in the expanded universe, first appearing in the 1999 video game ''[[Aliens versus Predator (1999 video game)|Aliens versus Predator]]''. They have gone on to be a staple feature of the numerous various video games based on the [[Alien vs. Predator (franchise)|''Alien vs. Predator'' universe]].
  
   
 
==Characteristics==
  
==Characteristics==
  +
{{Quote|Size of a goddamn truck!|Sergeant '''[[Alejandra Herrera]]''' assessing the motion tracker profile of an incoming Praetorian (from ''[[Aliens: Fireteam Elite]]'')}}
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A Praetorian's most distinguishing feature is its large head crest, similar to that of a Queen, which they will often employ to ram targets in a charging attack. Unlike Queens, however, Praetorians do not possess a second pair of arms on their chest. Like Queens, their dorsal tubes are typically longer and end in a sharp point when compared to other Xenomorphs that possess these appendages. Praetorians are dark in color, typically black but sometimes black-blue, and stand over 10 feet tall, towering over their fellow Xenomorphs on the battlefield.<ref name="AVP2010">{{cite video|title='{{AVP2010}}'|medium=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360|publisher=Rebellion|date=2010}}</ref> Despite this size, they are almost as fast and agile as their smaller Xenomorph siblings, although Praetorians seem to remain in a permanent bipedal position, and owing to their bulk, they cannot scale walls or ceilings.
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A Praetorian's most distinguishing feature was its large head crest, similar to that of a Queen, which they would often employ to ram targets in a charging attack. Unlike Queens, however, Praetorians did not possess a second pair of arms on their chest, and their jaws, filled with metallic teeth, were comparable to lower Xenomorph castes. Like Queens, Praetorians typically possessed longer [[dorsal spines]] that ended in a sharp point when compared to other Xenomorphs that possessed these appendages. Praetorians were dark in color, typically black but sometimes black-blue and stood over 10 feet tall, towering over their fellow Xenomorphs on the battlefield.<ref name="AVP2010">{{cite game|title=[[Aliens vs. Predator (2010 video game)|Aliens vs. Predator]]|year=[[2010]]|developer=[[Rebellion Developments|Rebellion]]|publisher=[[SEGA]]|platform=Microsoft Windows}}</ref> Despite this size, they were almost as fast and agile as their smaller Xenomorph siblings, although Praetorians seemed to remain in a permanent bipedal position, and owing to their bulk, they were unable to scale walls or ceilings.
   
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As is befitting of their size, Praetorians are incredibly strong and their thick skin, known to be bulletproof in some cases, enables them to shrug off damage that would be terminal several times over to most other Xenomorph castes. They are capable of defeating entire squads of human [[United States Colonial Marine Corps|Marines]] single-handed and are even a match for [[Yautja (Predator)|Predators]] in close-quarters combat. Praetorians can spit [[Xenomorph blood|acid]] in far larger quantities than other Xenomorphs, and will also use their claws and long blade-tipped tails as slashing and stabbing weapons, making them deadly at any range.<ref name="AVP2010" /> In {{AVP2010}}, the Praetorian's upper jaw protrudes slightly, giving them an overbite.
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As was befitting of their size, Praetorians were incredibly strong and their thick skin, known to be bulletproof in some cases, enabled them to shrug off damage that would be terminal several times over to most other Xenomorph castes. They were capable of defeating entire squads of human [[United States Colonial Marine Corps|Marines]] single-handedly and were even a match for {{Pred}} in close-quarters combat. Praetorians could spit [[Xenomorph blood|acid]] in far larger quantities than other Xenomorphs, and could also use their claws and long blade-tipped tails as slashing and stabbing weapons, making them deadly at any range.<ref name="AVP2010" />
   
 
===Intelligence===
  
===Intelligence===
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Praetorians are smarter and more cunning than typical Xenomorphs. However, owing their size and strength, Praetorians simply have no need for stealth and tactical movement in most cases and will simply attack targets directly. Owing to their role in protecting the Queen herself, they will ferociously combat any threats without concern for their own safety or survival, making them dangerous opponents. Despite this, some Praetorians have been known to emit a deafening screech that will summon additional Warriors to their aid; the Praetorian itself will then hold back while the lowly Warriors attack the target.<ref name="AVP2010" />
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Praetorians were smarter and more cunning than typical Xenomorphs. However, owing to their size and strength, Praetorians simply had no need for stealth and tactical movement in most cases and would attack targets directly. Owing to their role in protecting the Queen herself, they would ferociously combat any threats without concern for their own safety or survival, making them dangerous opponents. Due to their role as army commanders, Praetorians were known to emit a deafening screech to summon additional Xenomorphs to their aid.<ref name="AVP2010" /> It was said that killing a Praetorian would temporarily disorient the Xenomorphs it coordinated.<ref name="RPG312">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=312|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref>
   
 
==Creation==
  
==Creation==
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There is much speculation on how Praetorians come into being. Arguably the most widely accepted origin is that they evolve from [[Warrior]]s.<ref name="AVP2010" /> The exact manner and cause of this evolution are unclear, although one stated possibility is that the change occurs when the [[Queen (caste)|Queen]] selects a Warrior from her brood to become a Praetorian. The chosen Warrior would begin to produce a pheromone that would cause the rest of the Hive to turn against and attack it.<ref name="AVP2001">{{cite video|title='''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]'''|medium=Microsoft Windows|publisher=Monolith Productions|date=2001}}</ref> This process would result in the deaths of most such individuals. However, for those that survived and escaped, the ordeal would serve to strengthen the individual. Now away from the Hive, the pheromone would begin to initiate physical changes in the individual, causing them to grow into the Praetorian form.<ref name="AVP2001" /> Once the change was complete, the pheromone would cease to be produced and the new Praetorian would return to their Hive and take their place beside their Queen. [[Specimen 6]] is seen briefly as a Praetorian at the conclusion of {{AVP2010}}, before molting into a Queen. There is evidence in-game that Specimen 6 was originally intended to be a Praetorian for at least some of the playable Alien campaign, although this was ultimately dropped.
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When a [[Hive]] grows over 300 individuals, the [[Queen (caste)|Queen]] chooses adult Xenomorphs from her brood to become Praetorians, the chosen are fed by Workers with [[Royal Jelly]] until the transformation take place.<ref name="RPG312">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=312|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref> During the transformation chosen Xenomorphs would begin to produce a pheromone that would cause the rest of the Hive to turn against and attack it.<ref name="AVP2 TXT">''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]'' - [[Aliens versus Predator 2 text logs|text log]]</ref> This process would result in the deaths of most such individuals, but for those that survived and escaped, the ordeal would serve to strengthen the individual. Now away from the Hive, the pheromone would begin to initiate physical changes in the individual, causing them to grow into the Praetorian form.<ref name="AVP2 TXT" /> Once the change was complete, the pheromone would cease to be produced and the new Praetorian would return to their Hive and take their place beside their Queen. [[File:Royal Guard.png|thumb|220x220px]]
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=== Royal Guard ===
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Some sources state that there is an intermediary stage between chosen Xenomorphs and full Praetorians, known as Royal Guards, a name which is also used to describe fully grown Praetorians. The Royal Guards are very similar to Praetorians but are smaller and weaker, have a less developed crest, and show more [[Warrior]]-like features in the shape of their carapace, tail, and overall [[mesoskeleton]].<ref>[https://shop.prodosgames.com/home/380-alien-praetorian.html| Alien Praetorian UniCast]</ref> For this reason, it is possible that the Royal Guard merely represents a stage of molting for juvenile Praetorians as their bodies change from an adult Xenomorph to a fully grown hyperadult Praetorian and is not a separate caste or evolutionary stage.
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It is also possible that the Praetorian could be an intermediate stage in a Queen's growth cycle. As a Queen molts from its [[Chestburster]] stage, it may mid-metamorphose into a Praetorian, only fully changing into a Queen later depending on whether another Queen is already present. Some sources, meanwhile, simply depict Praetorians as being created from birth by [[Praetorian Facehugger]]s, similar to the Queen in {{A3}}.
  
   
 
===Hosts===
  
===Hosts===
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It was debated whether a Praetorian will adopt genetic traits from its host as with most other Xenomorph castes, but this unlikely the case as only Drones can evolve into Praetorians.<ref name="RPG312">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=312|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref> The [[Crusher]]<ref name="ACM">{{cite game|title=[[Aliens: Colonial Marines (2013 video game)|Aliens: Colonial Marines]]|year=[[2013]]|developer=[[Gearbox Software]]|publisher=[[SEGA]]|platform=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360}}</ref> is considered to be the "Praetorian form" of a [[Runner]] Xenomorph and the product of a Royal Jelly force-fed Xenomorph [[Sentry]], the "middle stage" between a Runner and Crusher.<ref name="RPG312">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=312|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref>
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It is further debated whether a Praetorian will adopt genetic traits from its host, as with most other Xenomorph castes. To date, every Praetorian seen has looked the same, although it is impossible to say for sure whether all were birthed from the same species of host. If Praetorians evolve from lower castes, as is commonly stated, it seems likely that a Praetorian evolved from a [[Runner]] Xenomorph (which is essentially a quadrupedal [[Drone]]) would differ from a Praetorian spawned from a human Drone/Warrior. Indeed, it has been theorized that the [[Crusher]] from {{ACM}} is in fact a Praetorian evolved from a Runner, as it shares distinct similarities with both.<ref name="ACM">{{cite video|title='{{ACM}}'|medium=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360|publisher=Gearbox Software|date=2013}}</ref>
  
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However, if Praetorians are created from birth through Praetorian Facehuggers, it would be equally possible for the resultant creature to have no special variance based on the genetic makeup of its host. This is shown to be the case in the video game ''[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]'', where Praetorians are said to be pure Xenomorphs that do not alter their appearance based on the host creature's form, and will therefore always look the same.
  
   
 
===Evolution===
  
===Evolution===
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Similar to how Praetorians are said to evolve from lower castes, if a Hive lose its Queen, a Praetorian would molt into a new one so the hive can be preserved and not claimed by another hive<ref name="RPG312">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=312|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref>, however, if the transformation doesn't occur the hive is taken over and the former Queen's eggs and Praetorians are eliminated.<ref name="RPG315">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=315|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref>
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Similar to how Praetorians are said to evolve from Warriors, Praetorians themselves are often said to evolve into Queens. In the video game ''Aliens vs. Predator'', Specimen 6 ultimately evolved into a Queen from the Praetorian stage.
  
   
  +
[[Specimen 6]] is an example of a presented transformation process, during its journey on [[BG-386]], which it started as a Warrior; it absorbed a great quantity of Royal Jelly and molted into a Praetorian. Later in a [[Weyland-Yutani Corporation|Weyland-Yutani]] transport, it was seen molting into a Queen, as its [[The Matriarch|Matriarch]] died at the hands of [[Rookie]].<ref name="AVP2010" />
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==Appearances==
  
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Praetorians are among the rarer castes of Xenomorph, and due to their tendency to remain inside the Hive, they are not often encountered by outside forces.
  
   
  +
Praetorians were also known to evolve into massive assault castes known as [[Ravager|Ravagers]] or support castes designed to transport Facehuggers known as Carriers at the behest of their Queen.<ref>{{Cite game|title=[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]|year=[[2003]]|developer=[[Electronic Arts|EA Games]]|publisher=[[Fox Interactive]]}}</ref> Under certain circumstances, Praetorians could molt and evolve into [[Palatine|Palatines]], Queen-sized Xenomorphs and the personal protectors of the [[Queen Mother]].<ref name="RPG314">{{cite book|author=[[Andrew E. C. Gaska]]|title=[[Alien: The Roleplaying Game]]|page=314|year=[[2019]]|publisher=[[Free League Publishing]]}}</ref> Only five Palatines ever existed at a given time.<ref>{{Cite comic|title=[[Aliens: Genocide]]|date=[[1991]]|publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]]}}</ref>
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===''Aliens versus Predator''===
  
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The Praetorian first appears in ''[[Aliens versus Predator (1999 video game)|Aliens versus Predator]]''. Praetorians are fought in the Marine level "Tyrargo" and the Predator levels "Vaults", "Fury 161" and "Caverns". They are also seen in Skirmish mode/Cooperative mode.
  
   
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==Behind the scenes==
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===''Aliens versus Predator 2''===
  
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*The name Praetorian is derived from the Latin word ''praetor'', the title given to certain high-ranking officials. The Roman Praetorian Guard were the personal bodyguards of Roman emperors.
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According to ''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]'', the Praetorian is the next step in a Warrior's life cycle. It is a larger, bulkier version of the standard Alien, with a head crest similar to that of the [[Queen (caste)|Queen]]. They are the second most durable of the playable Xenomorph types (the first being the Queen), but are also slower than usual and lack the useful pouncing and wall-crawling abilities of other forms; however this was considered non-canonical.
  
  ⚫
*Praetorians constitute two of the seven "boss" characters in the video game {{AVP2010}} (designated by an on-screen bar showing their health during the player's battle with them). The others are [[Wolf (BG-386)|Wolf]], the [[The Matriarch|Matriarch]], an [[Unnamed Young Blood Predator (BG-386)|unnamed Predator]], [[Karl Bishop Weyland]], and the [[The Abomination|Abomination]]. The Praetorians are notable in that they are the only boss character to be fought in more than one of the game's three campaigns — both [[Rookie]] and [[Dark]] fight a boss battle with a Praetorian. In fact, the Rookie fights a further two Praetorians near the end of the Marine campaign, after his initial boss battle with one, although these latter two are not considered bosses.
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**Specimen 6 herself was originally intended to be a Praetorian for at least some of the playable Alien campaign, although this was ultimately dropped; although 6 gains a Praetorian shadow and appearance beginning in the Jungle mission.
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*The Predalien in {{AVP2}} is speculated to be a Praetorian, and is considered a "Young Queen" by the film's directors.{{Cite}}
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*Although never outright stated as such in the actual comics, concept art of the Defiance Alien from ''[[Aliens: Defiance]]'' makes mention of the creature being a Praetorian.
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*The Praetorian's physical appearance in {{AFE}} arguably marks it as its first 'canonical' appearance within the [[Alien (franchise)|''Alien'' franchise]], despite the caste existing many years prior.
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*Praetorians seemingly share several traits with the way real-life clownfish operate in terms of social structure. Clownfish live in groups led by the largest member (who is always female), the second-largest (always male) being the second in command, and all other members (always male) being of equal rank regardless of size. If the female dies, the male matures into a female, and the largest younger member matures into a male. It is unknown whether the writers were aware of this when the Xenomorph Praetorian was first conceived.
   
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==Appearances==
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Praetorians are confronted in the Marine levels "A Long Detour", "Loose Ends" and "Savior", and in the Predator levels "Hunt", "Old Debts" and "Trophy". In the ''[[Aliens versus Predator 2: Primal Hunt|Primal Hunt]]'' expansion pack, Praetorians are encountered in the Corporate levels "Severance" and "Zeta Site" and the Predator level "Legend".
  
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*''[[Aliens: Rogue]]''/[[Aliens: Rogue (novel)|novel]]
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*''[[Alien vs. Predator (1994 arcade game)|Alien vs. Predator]]'' (1994 arcade game)
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===''Aliens versus Predator: Extinction''===
  
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*{{AVP1999}}
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Praetorians appeared again in ''[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]'', where they are created from Praetorian Eggs, from which come [[Praetorian Facehugger]]s. They had 750 hit points, were available on every level, and could morph into larger and more dangerous Aliens in later levels.
  
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*''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]''/''[[Aliens versus Predator 2: Primal Hunt|Primal Hunt]]''
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*''[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]''
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From level 5 onwards, they can be molted into powerful [[Ravager]] and [[Carrier]] strains.
  
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*{{AVP2010}}
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*''[[AVP: Evolution]]''
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===''Aliens vs. Predator''===
  
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*''[[AvP: The Hunt Begins]]''
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In {{AVP2010}}, a Praetorian and several [[Warrior]]s (summoned by the Praetorian's screeches) ambush [[Dark]] in an ancient Yautja [[Combat Arena]]. Despite this, the Predator was able to kill the Warriors and the Praetorian in single combat. The Predator's [[Spartan|overseer]] remarks on the rarity of encountering the "higher echelons" of the Xenomorph hierarchy, suggesting that Praetorians are fairly uncommon. During the fight, the Praetorian demonstrated the ability to spit acid from two chambers in its mouth, causing twice the damage of a [[Drone]]'s normal acid attack. It is also seen to produce a deafening scream which summons Warriors to its aid, an ability that Corporal [[Teresa "Tequila" Aquila|Tequila]] witnessed first-hand when she was captured and cocooned. [[Rookie]], another Marine, also encountered at least three Praetorians on [[BG-386]]: one in the Weyland-Yutani labs and two more on the bridge leading to the Predator [[Pyramid]]. Upon being captured by [[Karl Bishop Weyland]]'s men, [[Specimen 6]] also transformed into a Praetorian and killed the crew of a cargo ship before nesting and molting into a new Queen.
  
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*''[[Aliens: Defiance]]''
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*''[[Aliens: Defiance - Extravehicular]]''
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Praetorians also appear in the game's Survival mode, starting at around wave 6. The Praetorian is a [[Aliens vs. Predator multiplayer skins|multiplayer skin]], unlocked when players reach Rank 19. For gameplay reasons, the Praetorians in Survival and multiplayer modes are the same size as regular Drones or Warriors, although in Survival they are significantly tougher than the standard castes.
  
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*''[[Aliens: Phalanx]]''
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*{{AFE}}
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===''AVP: Evolution''===
  
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*''[[Blood and Honor]]''
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In {{AVPEvo}} the Alien player can buy the Praetorians head, body, and tail with enough Xeno Points. When playing as a Praetorian you can climb on walls like other Aliens, but your movement speed is reduced. For gameplay reasons, player-controlled Praetorians are the same size as regular Drones.
  
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*''[[First Hunt]]''
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*''[[Another Mother]]''
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Super Predator controlled Praetorians are confronted in the Predator level "Power Out" and the Predator side mission "Spin Blade".
  
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*''[[Alien: Colony War]]''
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*''[[Alien: Icarus]]''
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==Trivia==
  
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*''[[Aliens: Dark Descent]]''
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*The name Praetorian is derived from the Latin word ''praetor'', the title given to certain high-ranking officials. The Roman Praetorian Guard were the personal bodyguards of Roman emperors.
  
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*Praetorians constitute one of the six "boss" characters in the video game {{AVP2010}} (designated by an on-screen bar showing their health during the player's battle with them). The others are [[Wolf (BG-386)|Wolf]], the [[The Matriarch|Matriarch]], an [[Unnamed Young Blood Predator (BG-386)|unnamed Predator]], [[Karl Bishop Weyland]] and the [[The Abomination|Abomination]]. The Praetorians are notable in that they are the only boss character to be fought in more than one of the game's three campaigns — both [[Rookie]] and [[Dark]] fight a boss battle with a Praetorian. In fact, the Rookie fights a further two Praetorians near the end of the Marine campaign, after his initial boss battle with one, although these latter two are not considered bosses.
  
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*Due to a Praetorian's head crest resembling that of a Queen, they are occasionally mistaken by some for Queens.
  
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*The Predalien in [[Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem]] is speculated to be a Praetorian.
  
   
 
==Gallery==
  
==Gallery==
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<gallery>
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<gallery widths="185">
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AVP ROYALGUARD STAND.gif|A Royal Guard/Praetorian in the ''[[Alien vs. Predator (1994 arcade game)|Alien vs. Predator]]'' arcade game.
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Praetorian Skin.png|The Praetorian multiplayer skin in {{AVP2010}}
  
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1995157-praetorian.jpg|A Praetorian in AVP2.
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Avp 2000 praetorian.jpg|A Praetorian in the 1999 game {{AVP1999}}.
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avp evolutiob praetorian.jpg|A Praetorian in {{AVPEvo}}
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1995157-praetorian.jpg|A Praetorian in ''[[Aliens versus Predator 2]]''.
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-43-12.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
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Praetorian upgrade by sl 8426-d92sor0.png|A Praetorian in ''[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]''
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KtorianPraetorian.png|[[K-Series]] Praetorian.
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-43-20.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
  
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-43-30.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
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Praetorian egg by sl 8426-d92soqp.png|A Praetorian egg ''Aliens versus Predator: Extinction''.
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-43-33.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
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AVPPSPPraetorian.png|Praetorian eating a corpse in AVPR PSP game.
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-43-58.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
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Praetorian Skin.png|The Praetorian multiplayer skin in {{AVP2010}}.
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AvP2010-03-0603-04-08-16.jpg|Rookie fights a Praetorian in ''Aliens vs. Predator''.
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-44-06.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
  
  ⚫
Normal praetorian1.jpg|A Praetorian in ''Aliens vs. Predator'' multiplayer; compare its smaller size with the singleplayer version in the previous image.
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Screenshot_2013-05-10-09-45-02.png|The Praetorian as seen in ''AVP: Evolution''
  
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AvP2010-03-0603-04-08-16.jpg|Rookie fights a Praetorian in ''Aliens vs. Predator''
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Avp evolutiob praetorian.jpg|A Praetorian in {{AVPEvo}}.
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Screenshot 2013-05-10-09-43-12.png|Ditto.
⚫
normal_praetorian1.jpg|A Praetorian in ''Aliens vs. Predator'' multiplayer; compare its smaller size with the singleplayer version in the previous image
  
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Screenshot 2013-05-10-09-43-20.png
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Screenshot 2013-05-10-09-43-33.png
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Fireteam Praetorian.png|Promotional screenshot of a Praetorian from ''[[Aliens: Fireteam]]'' (note the tan carapace).
  +
DmhexTeUUAApBkn.jpg|Concept art of the Xenomorph from ''[[Aliens: Defiance]]''.
  +
TJPraetorian.jpg|Ditto.
  +
Trco153.jpg|The ''Aliens: Defiance'' Alien.
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T1rco155.jpg|Ditto.
  +
ADPrae.jpg
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Avp-alien-royal-guard.jpg|[[Prodos Games]] figure of a Royal Guard.
  +
Alien-praetorian.jpg|Prodos Games figure of a Praetorian.
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
  +
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==See also==
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*[[Palatine]] - a larger guard that protects the [[Queen Mother]].
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*[[Carrier]] - an evolved Praetorian that can fling [[Facehugger|Facehuggers]] at enemies.
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*[[Ravager]] - an evolved Praetorian for heavy combat.
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
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[[Category:Xenomorph variants]]
  
[[Category:Xenomorph variants]]
 
[[Category:Aliens featured in video games]]
  
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"There was one big motherfucker, like twice the size of the others... That thing could really scream. I never heard anything like it."
―Cpl. Tequila, regarding a Praetorian (from Aliens vs. Predator)


The Praetorian, also known as the Royal Guard,[1] was one of the final stages in the traditional life cycle of the Xenomorph XX121 species. Praetorians were created when a hive population reached over 300 individuals, and served as Queen or Empress' Royal Guard and army commanders.[2] Unlike other Xenomorph types, Praetorians rarely operated outside their Hive grounds. Visually, Praetorians resembled a Queen, though they were smaller in size but still far larger than typical Xenomorphs, typically standing at least ten feet tall.

Characteristics

"Size of a goddamn truck!"
―Sergeant Alejandra Herrera assessing the motion tracker profile of an incoming Praetorian (from Aliens: Fireteam Elite)

A Praetorian's most distinguishing feature was its large head crest, similar to that of a Queen, which they would often employ to ram targets in a charging attack. Unlike Queens, however, Praetorians did not possess a second pair of arms on their chest, and their jaws, filled with metallic teeth, were comparable to lower Xenomorph castes. Like Queens, Praetorians typically possessed longer dorsal spines that ended in a sharp point when compared to other Xenomorphs that possessed these appendages. Praetorians were dark in color, typically black but sometimes black-blue and stood over 10 feet tall, towering over their fellow Xenomorphs on the battlefield.[3] Despite this size, they were almost as fast and agile as their smaller Xenomorph siblings, although Praetorians seemed to remain in a permanent bipedal position, and owing to their bulk, they were unable to scale walls or ceilings.

As was befitting of their size, Praetorians were incredibly strong and their thick skin, known to be bulletproof in some cases, enabled them to shrug off damage that would be terminal several times over to most other Xenomorph castes. They were capable of defeating entire squads of human Marines single-handedly and were even a match for Yautja in close-quarters combat. Praetorians could spit acid in far larger quantities than other Xenomorphs, and could also use their claws and long blade-tipped tails as slashing and stabbing weapons, making them deadly at any range.[3]

Intelligence

Praetorians were smarter and more cunning than typical Xenomorphs. However, owing to their size and strength, Praetorians simply had no need for stealth and tactical movement in most cases and would attack targets directly. Owing to their role in protecting the Queen herself, they would ferociously combat any threats without concern for their own safety or survival, making them dangerous opponents. Due to their role as army commanders, Praetorians were known to emit a deafening screech to summon additional Xenomorphs to their aid.[3] It was said that killing a Praetorian would temporarily disorient the Xenomorphs it coordinated.[2]

Creation

When a Hive grows over 300 individuals, the Queen chooses adult Xenomorphs from her brood to become Praetorians, the chosen are fed by Workers with Royal Jelly until the transformation take place.[2] During the transformation chosen Xenomorphs would begin to produce a pheromone that would cause the rest of the Hive to turn against and attack it.[4] This process would result in the deaths of most such individuals, but for those that survived and escaped, the ordeal would serve to strengthen the individual. Now away from the Hive, the pheromone would begin to initiate physical changes in the individual, causing them to grow into the Praetorian form.[4] Once the change was complete, the pheromone would cease to be produced and the new Praetorian would return to their Hive and take their place beside their Queen.

Royal Guard

Royal Guard

Some sources state that there is an intermediary stage between chosen Xenomorphs and full Praetorians, known as Royal Guards, a name which is also used to describe fully grown Praetorians. The Royal Guards are very similar to Praetorians but are smaller and weaker, have a less developed crest, and show more Warrior-like features in the shape of their carapace, tail, and overall mesoskeleton.[5] For this reason, it is possible that the Royal Guard merely represents a stage of molting for juvenile Praetorians as their bodies change from an adult Xenomorph to a fully grown hyperadult Praetorian and is not a separate caste or evolutionary stage.

Hosts

It was debated whether a Praetorian will adopt genetic traits from its host as with most other Xenomorph castes, but this unlikely the case as only Drones can evolve into Praetorians.[2] The Crusher[6] is considered to be the "Praetorian form" of a Runner Xenomorph and the product of a Royal Jelly force-fed Xenomorph Sentry, the "middle stage" between a Runner and Crusher.[2]

Evolution

Similar to how Praetorians are said to evolve from lower castes, if a Hive lose its Queen, a Praetorian would molt into a new one so the hive can be preserved and not claimed by another hive[2], however, if the transformation doesn't occur the hive is taken over and the former Queen's eggs and Praetorians are eliminated.[7]

Specimen 6 is an example of a presented transformation process, during its journey on BG-386, which it started as a Warrior; it absorbed a great quantity of Royal Jelly and molted into a Praetorian. Later in a Weyland-Yutani transport, it was seen molting into a Queen, as its Matriarch died at the hands of Rookie.[3]

Praetorians were also known to evolve into massive assault castes known as Ravagers or support castes designed to transport Facehuggers known as Carriers at the behest of their Queen.[8] Under certain circumstances, Praetorians could molt and evolve into Palatines, Queen-sized Xenomorphs and the personal protectors of the Queen Mother.[9] Only five Palatines ever existed at a given time.[10]

Behind the scenes

  • The name Praetorian is derived from the Latin word praetor, the title given to certain high-ranking officials. The Roman Praetorian Guard were the personal bodyguards of Roman emperors.
  • Praetorians constitute two of the seven "boss" characters in the video game Aliens vs. Predator (designated by an on-screen bar showing their health during the player's battle with them). The others are Wolf, the Matriarch, an unnamed Predator, Karl Bishop Weyland, and the Abomination. The Praetorians are notable in that they are the only boss character to be fought in more than one of the game's three campaigns — both Rookie and Dark fight a boss battle with a Praetorian. In fact, the Rookie fights a further two Praetorians near the end of the Marine campaign, after his initial boss battle with one, although these latter two are not considered bosses.
    • Specimen 6 herself was originally intended to be a Praetorian for at least some of the playable Alien campaign, although this was ultimately dropped; although 6 gains a Praetorian shadow and appearance beginning in the Jungle mission.
  • The Predalien in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem is speculated to be a Praetorian, and is considered a "Young Queen" by the film's directors.[citation needed]
  • Although never outright stated as such in the actual comics, concept art of the Defiance Alien from Aliens: Defiance makes mention of the creature being a Praetorian.
  • The Praetorian's physical appearance in Aliens: Fireteam Elite arguably marks it as its first 'canonical' appearance within the Alien franchise, despite the caste existing many years prior.
  • Praetorians seemingly share several traits with the way real-life clownfish operate in terms of social structure. Clownfish live in groups led by the largest member (who is always female), the second-largest (always male) being the second in command, and all other members (always male) being of equal rank regardless of size. If the female dies, the male matures into a female, and the largest younger member matures into a male. It is unknown whether the writers were aware of this when the Xenomorph Praetorian was first conceived.

Appearances

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ Alien vs. Predator, Arcade version, Capcom, 1994.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Andrew E. C. Gaska. Alien: The Roleplaying Game, p. 312 (2019), Free League Publishing.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Aliens vs. Predator, Microsoft Windows version, Rebellion, 2010.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Aliens versus Predator 2 - text log
  5. ↑ Alien Praetorian UniCast
  6. ↑ Aliens: Colonial Marines, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 version, Gearbox Software, 2013.
  7. ↑ Andrew E. C. Gaska. Alien: The Roleplaying Game, p. 315 (2019), Free League Publishing.
  8. ↑ Aliens versus Predator: Extinction, EA Games, 2003.
  9. ↑ Andrew E. C. Gaska. Alien: The Roleplaying Game, p. 314 (2019), Free League Publishing.
  10. ↑ Aliens: Genocide (1991), Dark Horse Comics.
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