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For the overview of radscorpions throughout the Fallout series, see radscorpion. |
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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[]
Radscorpions are not only powerful, but also have a nasty venomous sting that can kill the player if not treated quickly. Since they are indigenous to desert environments, they do not mind the brightly lit environments and will attack the player in broad daylight.
Radscorpions can be seen burrowing into the ground from time to time, much like their pre-War cousins. These burrows are likely where they sleep and take refuge from the harsh external environment, like heat and sandstorms.
Radscorpions will usually attack head-on and then attempt to flank the player. Unlike other creatures, radscorpions lack a "weak point" that can be targeted for extra damage (such as a "head" for a headshot), which makes V.A.T.S. combat and firearms somewhat less effective against them. Radscorpions also take significantly reduced damage from any shots that hit their legs, such that even a critical hit from a high-powered weapon will only do minor damage.
Radscorpions can often send low level players running for the hills, since they can be difficult to get rid of without getting seriously injured or killed.
All radscorpions are affected by the Entomologist perk.
Variants[]
Radscorpion[]
The most common variety of radscorpion. These venomous predators seem to possess different speeds, some taking their time and others bolting at top speed. Their size ranges from that of a large dog to small livestock.
Name (Base ID) | Statistics | Behavior | Abilities | Items | ||||
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Radscorpion 00033b70 |
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Giant radscorpion[]
A much larger radscorpion with an equally more potent venom. These terrifying creatures can reach incredible sizes, ranging from livestock to a Corvega. The giant radscorpion is commonly encountered usually in the west and far south of the Capital Wasteland. It's not uncommon to see one turn from the player and back off, only to be joined by another and charge in again. In fact, they seem to operate in pairs most often, only preferring to attack alone when their partner is dead.
Name (Base ID) | Statistics | Behavior | Abilities | Items | ||||
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Giant radscorpion 0001cf9e |
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Albino radscorpion (Broken Steel)[]
Albino radscorpions are about the same size as a giant radscorpion, but instead of having a dark bluish grey appearance, they are pale white with pink joints and eyes. They deal out very high damage while taking very little themselves, while their stingers contain an extremely potent venom. They are exceptionally tough and have significantly more hit points than almost any other creature or non-player character in the game, surpassed only by a super mutant behemoth and General Jingwei. A unique trait about these radscorpions is the fact that they slowly regenerate health when exposed to direct sunlight.
Like regular radscorpions, they have no weak point, but their legs can be crippled to undermine their mobility; the dart gun is very useful in this regard, as it automatically cripples a target's legs with a hit anywhere on the body. Albino radscorpions are affected by the Entomologist perk. You can find an albino radscorpion anywhere giant radscorpions spawn. High level players may actually encounter more albino radscorpions than regular radscorpions. Albino radscorpions are one of the toughest creatures in the wasteland and should be fought at a distance.
Name (Base ID) | Statistics | Behavior | Abilities | Items | ||||
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Albino radscorpion xx00ad89 |
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Notes[]
- Targeting their stinger does not affect the ability to collect poison glands even if the kill shot depicts the stinger being blown off.
- It is possible to find a friendly giant radscorpion wandering the Wasteland, as part of a random encounter. It will attack raiders, creatures, and any other hostile characters it comes across. Companions, however, are likely to attack it. It may run away if wounded.
- Usually, one or more radscorpions will spawn just outside Regulator HQ and be attracted to the mooing of the brahmin outside. They usually target the weakest brahmin first, unless they spot you. This is quite common when fast traveling.
- An Enclave terminal states that giant radscorpions of this size are "just exaggerations made by the researchers".
- It is ironic that albino radscorpions will slowly heal in sunlight as most albino creatures are extremely sensitive to sunlight.
Appearances[]
Radscorpions appear in Fallout 3 and its add-ons Broken Steel and Mothership Zeta.
Bugs[]
- A glitch that seems to be especially frequent with giant radscorpion corpses is that they can become contorted and stretched out, sometimes spinning as well.
- The radscorpions are prone to slipping sideways into outdoor terrain, often rendering them very slow or even immobile. This seems to be aggravated by size; the larger the radscorpion the more likely it will tilt into the ground. Giant and albino varieties may slip entirely under the terrain, but instead of plummeting to their death, will scurry towards targets from beneath the ground. Radscorpions that have slipped through in this way seem to be unable to return to the surface, but will show up as threats on the radar. Many sunk in this fashion are unable to attack although larger types seem more able to.
- dart gun against two giant radscorpions (shooting a dart at one first and a second dart at the other one), the weakest one will disappear from sight while the other is still engaging. If you use the
- Much the like one of the bugs above (stating the radscorpions tilting) some of the radscorpions will be completely stuck inside the ground and cannot be seen unless using V.A.T.S..
Gallery[]
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
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.