 | This is a lore summary, presenting intradiegetic or in-universe information about the subject. For game characteristics and similar data, consult the table on the right. |
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Radiation has mutated the common Emperor Scorpion into the deadly Radscorpion, one of the Wasteland's fiercest predators. Beware its claws and poisoned stinger.
”— Fallout 4 loading screenRadscorpions (a portmanteau of radiation and scorpion[1][2]) are a type of mutated arthropod common across the former United States wasteland.
Background[]
Radscorpion[]
One of the most common pests across the wasteland, most radscorpions encountered across the wasteland are highly mutated, giant descendants of the Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) native to West Africa. Imported and bred in large numbers due to their popularity as a pet,[3] the once docile creatures evolved into aggressive nocturnal predators with a venomous sting, ranging in size between a sofa and car. Unlike most venomous species, whose venom becomes diluted the larger they become, the radscorpions' only became more potent.[4] The venom is essentially a powerful neurotoxin, acting on potassium and calcium channels, which combined with their strength allows radscorpions to incapacitate and kill large prey.[5] Packs of radscorpions are known to be a threat to livestock and even humans, especially in situations where antivenom is in short supply.[6]
Due to its high tolerance for different climate conditions, radscorpions have spread across the North American continent, thriving in climates as diverse as the arid New California and temperate Commonwealth. Even blasted, irradiated expanses like the Capital Wasteland are comfortable enough for radscorpion populations. Their ability to burrow beneath the ground and hide under rocks or similar debris certainly helped its spread, allowing the tough arthropod to protect itself against adverse environmental conditions.[7] Their color acts as natural camouflage in many environments. In fact, radscorpions exhibit a diverse range of exoskeleton colorations, ranging from copper brown, through pale gray and blue, to black. Albino radscorpions are also known to exist and the few that are not killed early on in their life usually become one of the most dangerous predators in the wasteland.[8]
When encountered, radscorpions are notable for their aggressive behavior and relentless pursuit of prey. The venom sac and stinger are a particular threat, as the radscorpion will always try to attack with it first, incapacitating its prey, and follow up with powerful pincer strikes to deliver the killing blows. Their thick exoskeleton offer good protection, capable of withstanding even firearms and attacks with melee weapons.[9]
Radscorpions are frequently hunted by wastelanders, both to control their population and to procure their body parts. The potent venom in their sacs can be processed into a potent antivenom with rudimentary medical skills[4] or diluted for use as an exotic food ingredient,[10] and while their flesh and eggs can be cooked to make a variety of dishes, including steaks, omelettes, radscorpion en croute or steamed radscorpion tails in drawn butter.[11]
Bark scorpion[]
A mutated striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) commonly found in the southwest regions of the North American continent, this creature experienced the same kind of radiation-induced mutation as its distant cousin. It is larger, faster, and its venom is several orders of magnitude more powerful as a result. Like the scorpion it is descended from, the bark scorpion primarily aims to incapacitate its prey with its powerful venom, rather than use its claws for the purpose. The venom is known to cause strong nausea, dizziness, and damage to internal organs, rapidly incapacitating – potentially killing – large prey such as humans.[12][13]
It is also a very social animal, living and hunting in larger packs, perhaps as a survival mechanism.[14] Bark scorpions are significantly smaller, weaker, and less armored than the mutated Emperor scorpion; as an invasive species, the latter commonly prey on bark scorpions whenever their territories overlap.[15]
Emperor radscorpion variants[]
Small radscorpion[]
Juvenile radscorpions are weaker and their venom is less powerful. They are usually encountered as part of larger scorpion packs.
In one instance, a juvenile radscorpion has been genetically engineered and imbued with dramatically heightened intelligence. The Professor's radscorpion was one of a kind, found in Broken Hills.
Radscorpion[]
The mature radscorpion is the most common type encountered across the wasteland. Depending on the environment, their behavior can deviate between populations, as can their coloration, ranging from copper brown to black. The one common denominator is that they are a common pest and threat to human habitation.
Giant radscorpion[]
A very old radscorpion that survived long enough to reach the size of a large brahmin or even a pre-War Corvega. They frequently bond with another old individual to hunt. As each giant radscorpion is extremely strong, well armored, and has venom even more potent than that of a regular scorpion, they are frequently the hunter, rather than the hunted.
Albino radscorpion[]
Albino radsorpions suffer from a congenital disorder that manifests as a lack of carapace pigment. If an albino radscorpions survives into adulthood despite complications resulting from this disorder, it typically becomes one of the most dangerous predators across the wasteland, capable of going toe to toe with deathclaws and sentry bots.
Radscorpion queen[]
The term queen is used to refer to giant radscorpions that are the heads of radscorpion packs in the Mojave Wasteland. They are the largest and most resilient of their kind, large enough to fill an entire room.
Bark scorpion variants[]
Bark scorpion[]
The adult bark scorpion is distinguished by its small size and mottled, brownish carapace. Unlike the Emperor scorpion, these attack by flanking their prey and stinging with their incredibly potent venom. Their light weight also allows them to jump short distances, closing in for the kill with surprising agility.
Bark scorpion hunter[]
Hunters are older bark scorpions, distinguished by their size and heightened aggression. They are typically more resilient and their venom is more damaging. Hunters usually work in tandem with their younger brethren.
Other variants[]
 | The following is based on Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel and has not been confirmed by canon sources. |
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Glowing radscorpion[]
A heavily mutated radscorpion found in the Carbon crater and the ruined portions of the Vault near Carbon, Texas. Long term exposure to radiation resulted in their bodies absorbing it and starting to glow, in a process similar to that of a glowing one. Glowing radscorpions are distinguished by their pale brown color and a green aura visible even in daylight. Any attacks by the radscorpion irradiate the victim on contact, and the buildup of radioactive heat inside the creature tends to result in green smoke seeping through cracks in the armor once it's disposed of.
Spitting radscorpion[]
Another variety of radscorpion found in the Carbon crater and the ruined portions of the Vault near Carbon, Texas. This particular breed evolved the ability to spit radioactive venom at great ranges. Their claws tend to be severely underdeveloped, used mostly for eating, shielding its head, and self-defence only in an emergency. They are distinguished by their yellow-green coloration with red markings on the back and head.
Gigantic radscorpion[]
A singular radscorpion found in the Carbon crater near Carbon, Texas, the gigantic radscorpion grew to the size of a semi-trailer as a result of intense radiation and favorable environment of the crater. It is an apex predator, equipped with massive claws that are both potent weapons capable of reaching distant targets and effective shields against any incoming damage, including firearms. The deadly stinger and thick carapace complete the ensemble. The gigantic radscorpion has two weaknesses, however: It has a single red eye in the center of its head and exposed limbs supporting its massive claws. Determined foes can exploit these to cripple and eventually kill this unique creature.
| End of information based on Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. |
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Behind the scenes[]
- A similar breed of mutated scorpions also appears in the 1977 post-apocalyptic movie Damnation Alley, which was one of many sources of inspiration for the very first Fallout.
- Radscorpions were originally meant to be a result of radiation and FEV exposure, but this idea was since scrapped.[16]
Gallery[]
Radscorpion in Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
Radscorpion in Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
Radscorpion from Fallout d20
Fallout 3 concept art.
See also[]
References
- ↑ Shark Club comedian: "{6000}{}{Radscorpions?}"
"{6001}{}{What's so rad about them?}"
Casino patron: "{6002}{}{It's short for RADIATION, asshole.}"
"{6003}{}{Who are these people that think mutated scorpions...}"
"{6004}{}{Are so rad?}"
Casino patron: "{6005}{}{You suck!}"
"{6006}{}{}"
(NcComedi.msg) - ↑ Fallout script description: "radscorp.int; Radiation Scorpions near Shady Sands"
(SCRIPTS.LST (Fallout)) - ↑ Tenpenny Tower terminals; Exploration Database, Radscorpions
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Vault Dweller: "{145}{}{What do you know about Radscorpions?}"
Razlo: "{153}{}{Not too much. They seem to be extremely large versions of the north American Emperor scorpion. Contrary to my medical knowledge, their poison has grown more potent, not diluted, as I would expect. Seth has been hunting them, which helps some of my tests.}"
Razlo: "{154}{}{And how such a large creature can even be possible by natural evolution, or even radiation induced mutation is beyond me.}"
The Vault Dweller: "{157}{}{Anything else?}"
Razlo: "{158}{}{They seem to be sensitive to light. Nocturnal. If I could get a sample of their poison, especially the venom production sac located in their tail, I could create an anti-venom.}"
(RAZLO.MSG) - ↑ Enclave field terminals; Enclave Field Research Terminal, Field Entry: Large Scorpion: "Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Scorpiones
Family: Scorpionidae
Genus: Pandinus
Based on research, it first glance appears to be an enlarged Pandinus Imperator, but further testing is required to make a more precise identification. The subject's vesicle has mutated to match its enlarged hypodermic aculeus and the neurotoxin now acts on the potassium and calcium channels. Captive subject was hostile and should be considered a minor threat, though they could prove a problem in larger numbers. Anecdotal reports of specimens even larger than those we have observed exist, but it is likely that such reports are exaggerations." - ↑ Aradesh: "{196}{Ara_28}{Oh my yes. Great packs of Rad Scorpions are killing our herds. We don't know where they're from, and no matter how many we kill, there's always more!}"
The Vault Dweller: "{197}{}{Go on.}"
Aradesh: "{198}{Ara_28a}{And now the monsters are attacking my people! Razlo is trying to find a cure for their poison, but I'm not sure how it goes.}"
(ARADESH.MSG) - ↑ The radscorpion encounters in Fallout 4 and Fallout Shelter.
- ↑ Varieties of radscorpion colorations across the Fallout series.
- ↑ Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "Radiation has mutated the common Emperor Scorpion into the deadly Radscorpion, one of the Wasteland's fiercest predators. Beware its claws and poisoned stinger."
- ↑ Ruby's casserole
- ↑ See respective articles for references.
- ↑ Use of bark scorpion poison in bleak venom, Mother Darkness, and Silver Sting poisons.
- ↑ The Courier: "Any more recipes.. or histories... you can teach?"
Ulysses: "Antivenom's helpful around the Mojave with the Bark Scorpions. Even one sting can kill you. Tunneler bite can be just as bad. My tribe, Twisted Hairs, had a better way than Antivenom, if you act fast. Snakebite Tourniquet - cuts off the venom, no need to scavenge glands and blood. Or drink that mess. Part of the reason we wore our hair like we did, like I do now. Here's some for the road - trick to making it's not hard. Get bit, hook and twist it. Fast as blinking, doesn't give poison time to sink in."
(Ulysses' dialogue) - ↑ Appearance and behavior of the bark scorpion in Fallout: New Vegas
- ↑ Scorpion behavior in Fallout: New Vegas.
- ↑ Fallout Bible 1
Fallout Bible 0: "3. Are the radscorpions a product of the FEV virus? When you talk to the doctor, Razlo, in Shady Sands, he tells you that they were once American Emperor Scorpions but that he has no idea how they mutated because radiation alone couldn't have done it. For that matter, what about all of the other creatures of the wasteland? Which ones have been mutated by FEV and which ones haven't? Maybe in the bestiary each creature could have a stat that shows it's level of FEV infection."
"Answer:- The radscorpions are a result of a combination of radiation and the FEV virus, and Razlo in Shady Sands is correct - they were originally Emperor Scorpions that have grown... big.
- FEV-Infected Critters in the wasteland include almost all the ones you've seen in F1 and F2:
Mantises.
Most species of rats.
Gecko lizards.
Brahmin
Scorpions
Ants
Various varieties of plants, including the Venus Flytrap.
Rumor has it some dogs were affected, but no one's seen any, so for now that's just rumor. Of course, the centaurs are a mash of human, dog, and various other parts... but hey, who knows how that mutation came about. Grey was probably messing around in one of his labs. - Creatures not mutated by FEV probably did not survive the aftermath of the Great War, with the possible exception of cockroaches... and perhaps normal ants, though there are FEV-infected versions of these species.
- No one knows where those bird noises in Vault City came from.
- I'll try to include a chart of FEV-infected creatures in future additions as well as other critters that you may not have seen in F1 and F2. Most likely a great majority of insects were affected (they tend to breed much faster, and their mutations tend to become evident pretty quickly as the generations advance), possibly beetles, some spiders, cockroaches, and other creatures."
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