Xenomorph Praetorian (Earth-5875)

"There was one big motherfucker, like twice the size of the others... That thing could really scream. I never heard anything like it."

- - Corporal Teresa Aquila

The Praetorian is a massive xenomorph coordinator and one of the final stages of the xenomorph's development. One of the largest xenomorph variants, reaching 10 feet, they resemble smaller versions of a Keymind and a Gravemind.

History
The Praetorian is a mobile coordinator, below a Proto-Keymind, and one of the final stages of the xenomorph development. The Praetorian's role is commanding lesser xenomorphs variants in the battlefield and protect its Proto-Keyminds, Keyminds, or Graveminds, in order to increase their intelligence, cooperation, and effectiveness. They are born when flood hives cannot be fully formed and the flood ought to remain mobile. During the flood's strength gathering, the Abomination assemble other flood around it for protection.

Appearance
"Voridus, Pavium. We are being overrun, some kind of giant xenomorph has appeared and..."

- - Anonymous Banished jiralhanae warrior before his death Praetorians have a distinguishable large head crest, not dissimilar to that of a Gravemind, which they use to ram enemies in charging attacks. Unlike Graveminds, Abominations are smaller and do not possess a second pair of arms on their chest. Like Graveminds and Keyminds, Praetorians have longer dorsal tubes in their back, and are black in color. They stand at over 10 feet tall, towering other flood variants in battle and even other large species, such as the sangheili and jiralhanae, though not as tall as the mgalekgolo. Despite their size, Abominations are as agile, deadly, and fast as their smaller counterparts, but are unable to crawl walls or walk quadrupedally.

Praetorians are extremely strong and versatile, with a thick skin that is capable of being bulletproof, which enables them to survive the injuries that would otherwise be fatal to other xenomorphs. They are capable of killing an entire squad of UNSC Marines, as well as Covenant unggoy, kig-yar, yanme'e, and huragok, and are an even match for sangheili, jiralhanae and mgalekgolo in close-quarters combat. They can also spit acid in large quantities compared to lesser xenomorph forms, and use their large claws and sharp tails to slash and stab their opponents.

Intelligence
As coordinators, Praetorians are smarter and even more cunning than typical xenomorphs, able to easily command others into battle and plan combat strategies in conjunction with Keyminds and Graveminds. As they are hulking and powerful, Praetorians do not resort to stealth tactics, simply attacking and leading other forces directly against the enemy. As personal lackeys of the Gravemind, Praetorians fight ferociously for the survival of the xenomorphs and their own safety. They are capable of giving a haunting screech that can summon Lurkers and Aggressors to their aid.