Glyphid Locust
The ubiquitous swarmers of the Glyphid hive that overwhelm Dwarves by sheer numbers and speed.
The Glyphid Locust is the most ubiquitous hostile creature encountered by Dwarves on Hoxxes IV. These small, insectoid entities serve as the basic infantry of the alien ecosystem, appearing in nearly every mission type and biome. They are characterized by their rapid movement patterns and tendency to attack in overwhelming numbers rather than individual strength. Despite their low health pool, Locusts represent a significant nuisance due to their ability to swarm from hidden crevices or ceilings. They force teams to maintain constant vigilance while mining or completing objectives, acting as the primary source of attrition damage for unprepared squads.
- Type
- Hostile Creature
- Affiliation
- Glyphid Swarm
- Habitat
- Hoxxes IV Caves
- Aggression
- Opportunistic Swarmer
- Primary Attack
- Leap and Bite
- Status
- Active Threat
Lore & Background
Within the complex hierarchy of Hoxxes IV's subterranean ecosystem, the Locust occupies a role similar to worker drones or grunts. They are rarely seen alone, usually accompanying larger predators like Praetorians or Menders during deeper incursions into the hive network. Their biology is adapted for speed and reproduction rather than durability, allowing them to replenish their numbers quickly after losses. Dwarven records suggest that Locusts are drawn to vibration and light, which explains why they frequently ambush mining teams operating heavy machinery. They function as a living barrier, testing the resolve of intruders before larger threats engage. Over time, Dwarves have learned that clearing out nests of these creatures prevents more dangerous Glyphids from spawning or reinforcing in the area.
In Their Own Story
The drill bit screamed against the rock, shaking dust loose into the gloom. Then came the skittering—tiny claws clicking on stone, multiplying by the second. From the shadows above, they dropped like rain. Green eyes reflected the miner's headlamp as dozens of Locusts launched themselves from stalactites. The Dwarf raised his rifle, but there were too many to track. They bounced off the walls, gaining momentum before slamming into armor plates with chitinous force. It wasn't about killing; it was about surviving the swarm.
Reader's Guide
The Glyphid Locust serves as the foundational infantry of the alien ecosystem on Hoxxes IV. These small, chitinous creatures are ubiquitous across all cave biomes, acting as the first line of harassment against intruding Dwarves. Their primary tactic involves leaping from crevices or ceilings to latch onto targets with a biting attack. Individually weak, their true danger lies in coordination and volume. They often emerge in massive waves during mining operations or when alerted by noise. While they lack heavy armor compared to larger Glyphids, their speed allows them to flank teams quickly. Dwarves learn early that ignoring the Locusts leads to being overwhelmed. Their lifecycle remains largely unknown, but they appear to be disposable units within the hive structure. Eliminating them is usually a priority for team stability, as their constant pressure can disrupt mining or objective completion. Despite their simplicity, they remain a persistent threat throughout a Dwarf's career on the planet.
Did You Know?
- Locusts are often the first enemy type new Dwarves encounter during tutorial missions.
- They attack primarily by jumping at targets from above or behind to latch on.
- Their bodies leave a distinct green biological residue upon death in many biomes.
- They frequently coordinate with larger Glyphid units during advanced mission tiers.