Clay virus

BIOHAZARD 1.5
(Rejected BIOHAZARD/Resident Evil sequel)

The Clay Virus was the name used to refer to at least four viral strains developed during Umbrella's viral research.

The concept became obsolete with the involvement of Noboru Sugimura (Flagship) in the script of Resident Evil 2, and by the release of Resident Evil CODE:Veronica. The Progenitor virus replaced it and continued to evolve up until Resident Evil 5.

Morphology

The virus existed in four types: α (Alpha); βI and BII (Betas '1' and '2'); and ε (Epsilon).

The α-type was used to create the aquatic B.O.W. known as Neptune. The βI-type was used to create the canine Cerberus B.O.W., while the βII-type was used as a bonding agent to create the Hunter. The "ε"-strain was synonymous with the t-Virus that infected the Arklay Laboratory's staff.

Further notes

• The Clay Virus was, in the early development of the Resident Evil series, the equivalent to the Progenitor virus. The concept of the "Clay virus" was the brainchild of Kenichi Iwao.

• The initial concept remains in the series, but its name, history and characteristics were altered several times by Noboru Sugimura until its final form in Resident Evil 5.

• Information on the virus was released in the INSIDE OF BIO-HAZARD guidebook and its Directors Cut re-release. An accurate translation of this information can be found on Project Umbrella .

• Though it is not specific on how the Clay Virus got its namesake, its name overall hearkens to Chinese creation myths of the Jade Emperor, where it is said he created humanity out of clay. While leaving them out in the sun on the land to dry and come to life, some figures were exposed to rain, deforming them and upon coming to life, manifested disease and illness.

Bibliography

• Takeo, Sakamoto, ed (1997) (in Japanese). Inside of BIO-HAZARD. Famitsu. ISBN 4-89366-659-2.