Blind Ones

Blind Ones
Attack(s):	Powerful strikes and claw swipes
Habitat:	The Institute, Sat-Com Center Novosibirsk
Derived from:	Presumably genetically engineered species of gorilla
Notable facts:	Completely blind, navigate using sound and smell Have psychic abilities Extremely strong and durable, able to endure numerous rounds and tear their prey to shreds

The Blind Ones (Russian: Слепыши) are a species of large, simian mutants who occupy the research Institute in Novosibirsk.

Overview

The blind ones closely resemble pre-war gorillas, except for their complete lack of eyes and almost completely deteriorated fur. Their lack of eyes means that they primarily rely on sound and smell to locate their prey. Blind ones are extremely strong and durable, able to kill any human or similar sized creature in seconds. They are the only surface mutants found in Novosibirsk, presumably because they are the only ones able to withstand the radiation levels. The blind ones have also developed an ability to telepathically communicate with each other. They are also able to do so with humans, since Artyom is able to understand them. This suggests a very high level of intelligence, comparable to the Librarians or even the Dark Ones. Though it is assumed that Artyom's hallucinations in the Institute are caused by extreme radiation exposure, it is possible that he is being psychically attacked by the blind ones. It may be that both of these factors are happening, since if Artyom stays for too long in a room with the blind ones, some sort of radiation "blowout" will occur. This "blowout" will disorient both Artyom and any of the blind ones caught in it, making them grab their heads and scream in confusion. While they are extremely territorial in the Institute, they appear to be less hostile while outside, as one can be seen walking away from Artyom when he is traveling to the Institute.

Tactics

When faced with a blind one, running is the last thing Artyom should do, since they will immediately know his location and give chase. Likewise, engaging one in combat is ill-advised, since it will take excessive gunfire to bring one down. The best option is to sneak around it. Keep in mind that a blind one will be able to sense Artyom if he is nearby, even if he is crouching, and will start following him, though it will not attack until he is close. At walking speed, it moves slightly faster than when Artyom is crouched, so it is best to hide behind walls and other objects if one wishes to escape unscathed. As they hunt by smell as well as sound, it is best to not loiter for long, and keep moving around them. Throwing decoys is an effective method for evading blind ones as they are easily distracted and/or tricked by them. If engaging in combat is necessary, some very effective weapons against The Blind-ones are the Helsing with explosive-tip arrows/bolts and molotov.

Quotes

"What is this?"- A Blind One questions Artyom during his first encounter with its kind.

"Come here, enough hiding!"- A Blind One tries to lure Artyom out of hiding.

"I know you're there!"

"Where are you?"- A Blind One searching for Artyom.

"Yes, food, yes..."

"I'll find you...soon."

"What noise? What thing?"

Gallery

Close up to a Blind One specimen

Facial Features of the Blind Ones resemble typical simians, apart from the lack of sensory organs/eyes.

Videos