The Lickers (リッカー,rikkā?) is a result of a further mutation in Zombies infected with certain strains of t-Virus. This process is known as V-ACT. Lickers are noted for their large, exposed brains, lack of skin and eyes, extreme sensitivity to sound and their eponymous tongues.[1]
History
The Licker came into existence at some point after the Crimson Head Prototype 1's creation, when the V-ACT process was underground research. By 1998, they were undergoing research at the Raccoon City Underground Laboratory as potential bio-weapons. During the Raccoon City Destruction Incident, the creatures made their way to the Raccoon Police Station, which the Raccoon Police Department (RPD) officers encountered throughout the building. It was there that the name "Licker" was given by the officers, due to its incredibly long tongue which can kill or injure people at a distance especially when climbing along walls or ceilings. Also during the same outbreak, a potent variant of the t-virus infected the water supply at the Apple Inn hotel, creating a large number of the creatures.
In the 21st century, the Licker was reexamined by Tricell, who modified the creatures with further viral infections to create a more powerful weapon. These mass-produced replicas, the Licker β, was also employed by rebels in the Eastern Slav Republic to fight against the armies of Svetlana Belikova and were controlled using Plaga parasites.
