Floater (Fallout)

Floaters are unique mutants of unknown origins and known terrifying appearance.

Background
A likely offshoot of West Tek experiments on flatworms from 2075, floaters are unique creatures that were widely deployed alongside Unity forces, together with centaurs. Following the death of the Master, floaters became ubiquitous in the Central Valley in New California, preying on unwary travelers entering the regions. They are quite scarce elsewhere in the wasteland.

Biology
The floater is a large, soft-bodied invertebrate, named after the flotation sacs (frequently abbreviated to just float sac) that, contrary to its name, allows it to hover in the air. Noxious, flammable gases are generated by the creature's tissues, then stored in these large bladders, giving it its distinctive appearance. The sacs surround a mouth, which contains a tentacle terminating in a primitive, cross-shaped maw. When the floater attacks its prey, the maw is launched forwards, spiraling through the air and attempting to bite down on the target. The floater is fast, using its flexible tail to slither along the ground. Finally, they are oviparous, equipped with an ovipositor to lay eggs. Floaters lack any meaningful intelligence: Their rudimentary ganglia are enough for them to recognize prey and members of its pack, but they are unable to work together as a pack, simply swarming whatever target they come across. However, that simplicity also makes them tenacious and difficult to put down. Their one disadvantage is that the flotation gases are flammable, making energy and flame weapons highly effective against these combustible creatures.

Gameplay attributes
They are often found in groups with centaurs.

Floater
Floaters are durable creatures, and move very quickly due to their unique ability to hover. They often travel in groups with super mutants and centaurs, and can pose a great threat to anyone unprepared for combat.

Bloody floater
A floater that gorges on bodies, they are more aggressive and have slightly more health but other stats remain.

Nasty floater
If normal floaters are bad, then the nasty floaters are far worse. Even more durable and tenacious than their counterparts, they are indeed capable foes. Just like common floaters, they are very susceptible to fire, due to their flammable gasses.

Appearances
Floaters appear in Fallout and Fallout 2.

Behind the scenes
Floaters are the creation of Jason D. Anderson. Notably, the creature was known as the "Sphincter Monster" during development after Anderson had used a pornographic image for its mouth.

Gallery
Floater Wisielec Летун Літун 漂浮怪