 | For the overview of radscorpions throughout the Fallout series, see radscorpion. |
|---|
Radscorpion | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Radscorpions (a portmanteau of radiation and scorpion[1][2]) are a type of mutated arthropod common across the former United States wasteland.
Background[]
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]
Characteristics[]
Biology[]
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]
Gameplay attributes[]
A radscorpion is the first creature encountered by the player, in the Carbon warehouse. The normal radscorpion and the glowing variant are not very dangerous, but the spitting radscorpion may deal great damage, especially if they attack with hordes of other radscorpions. Large giant radscorpions appeared at first like a boss in the Carbon warehouse, and a semi-boss after in the Carbon crater.
Radscorpions will usually attack from the front first and then try to flank the player. They are fast and difficult to escape, especially in horde. It is easier to fight in cleared areas, they will have the advantage in steep areas.
Variants[]
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.
Statistics[]
- HP: 40-80
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.
Statistics[]
- Attack: 4-8 (claws) / 12-25 (radioactive venom)
Large giant 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.
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.