Content Warning: The following document is lifted directly as-is (with censorship of strong language) and consists of content written for a M-Rated video game.
Minor profanity and light discussion of mature themes and violence are contained in some entries. 
MUTANT MENAGERIE
A comprehensive wasteland bestiary by renowned radiozoologist Dell Lincoln
FOREWORD:
Hey there, esteemed reader! In this guide, you'll find a comprehensive list of all the majestic mutants and abominable aberrations this side of the toxic blue sea. Mutant Menagerie is a series that is intended to inform and educate first-and-foremost. It is also, however, meant to double as a survival guide for any that may frequently find themselves on the business end of any particularly nasty set of fangs or claws. My hope for you, reader, is that this book may both aid in enlightening you as to the many wondrous creatures that wander our scorched countryside, and serve you well in your presumed pursuit of longevity in a wasteland that is - to be certain - NOT stacking the odds of survival in our favor! All information compiled herein was gathered by myself - Dell Lincoln - during my 30-odd years of field research in this wild wasteland.
Over the decades, I've seen both coasts and most of the dusty landscape sandwiched in between. I've found myself face-to-face with some of the most dastardly varmints you ever could imagine, and wear a fair number of unshapely scars as a result! All of this - my life's work, as it were - I have done gladly in the hopes that you, reader, may sleep more safely and soundly with this book in your hands. I intend to arm you with this comprehensive creature encyclopedia, because any glimpse out the nearest window will display the true power of knowledge. I know the sentiment is hardly academic and may seem a tad pretentious, but I have met many fine folk across the wastes - and few of them have it easy. This book is me doing my part. In turn, I hope it will help you do yours.
- Dell Lincoln
CONTENTS
VOL I
Entry 02: Bloatflies
Entry 03: Bloodbugs
Entry 04: Boombugs
Entry 05: Brahmin
Entry 06: Foxes
Entry 07: Hounds
Entry 08: Iguanas
Entry 09: Leeches
Entry 10: Radcoons
Entry 11: Raddlers
Entry 12: Radroaches
Entry 13: Radstags
Entry 14: Radtoads
Entry 15: Rats
VOL II
Entry 16: Wild Boar
Entry 17: Deathclaws
Entry 18: Dolphins
Entry 19: Hellcats
Entry 20: Honeybeasts and Mutant Bees
Entry 21: Mirelurk Family
Entry 22: Opossums
Entry 23: Screech Owls
Entry 24: Pheasants
Entry 25: Ravagers
Entry 26: Radhorners
Entry 27: Radscorpions
Entry 28: River Rats
Entry 29: Ghoul Sharks
Entry 30: Skunks
VOL III
Entry 31: Donkeys
Entry 32: Flatworm Floaters
Entry 33: Gargoyles
Entry 34: Radgers
Entry 35: Radstorks
Entry 36: Radrachnids
Entry 37: Mutant Squids
Entry 38: Squirrels
Entry 39: Stingwings
Entry 40: Stinkbugs
Entry 41: Turkeys and Thrashers
Entry 42: Waterfowl
Entry 43: Ghoul Whales
Entry 44: Yao Guai
Entry 45: Wanamingos
VOL IV
Entry 46: Anglers
Entry 47: Barbers
Entry 48: Barracudas
Entry 49: Baskers
Entry 50: Bobtails
Entry 51: Devil Rays
Entry 52: Fog Crawlers
Entry 53: Giant Crawdads
Entry 54: Gulpers
Entry 55: Hermit Crabs
Entry 56: Rad Jellies
Entry 57: Krakens
Entry 58: Manowar Floaters
Entry 59: Rad Chickens
Entry 60: Radhammers
Entry 61: Rad Rabbits
Entry 62: Sea Turtles
Entry 63: Ticks
Entry 64: Wendigos
VOL V
Entry 65: Ants
Entry 66: Bloodworms
Entry 67: Brahmiluffs
Entry 68: Cave Crickets
Entry 69: Dart Frogs
Entry 70: Elephants
Entry 71: Empaladors
Entry 72: Gatorclaws and Crocodilians
Entry 73: Gazelles
Entry 74: Giraffes
Entry 75: Ghoulrillas
Entry 76: Hyenas
Entry 77: Mingos
Entry 78: Monitors
Entry 79: Nightunters
Entry 80: Mutant Piranhas
Entry 81: Rad-Parrots
Entry 82: Zebras
VOLUME I
Humor me, if you would. Imagine that the world catches on fire - by no fault of your own. And as a result, you and the rest of your species are cursed with jagged bone spurs and twisted spines jutting out from every inch of your bodies - rending your flesh incessantly forever and always. This, dear reader, was the tragic fate of the beaver. They must be in pain - just all the damn time.
ENTRY 01: BEAVERS
Full Breakdown:
The American beaver is a large, herbivorous, semi-aquaticrodent commonly found across most of continental the United States. Aside from the notable addition of protruding spikes and bone spurs littering their brittle bodies, beavers haven't seen many drastic anatomical changes since the Great War. These water-loving, wood-eating rascals roam the shores of lakes and rivers, avoiding any-and-all contact with humans and predators. When threatened, beavers will usually scurry into the underbrush or plunge themselves into the water. When cornered, however, they may instead attempt to strike out at their assailants before fleeing for safety. So if you endeavor to bag one of these lumber munchers, watch your hands!
If you think the most annoying iteration of a fly is onethat insists on ceaselessly buzzing around your noggin on a hot, sweaty summer
afternoon... just wait until you encounter one of these nasty buggers.
ENTRY 02: BLOATFLIES
Full Breakdown:
Bloatflies are one of the most common pests in post-War America - and one of the most loathsome ones. Despite the nomenclature's clear reference to pre-War botflies, the ancestry of the bloatfly has actually been narrowed to either the tabanus biting horse fly or the common housefly - with the former theory possessing more evidence than the latter.
As the name implies, bloatflies are swollen, bulbous mutants with sickly green carapaces. To compensate for their builds, they possess a unique gland that allows them to maintain an impressive flight speed and relative balance despite their drastic size increase. If the image conjured in your head resembles something akin to a chemmed-out bumblebee, you're right on the money.
Before the war, horse flies were largely scavengers. Bloatflies, on the contrary, are aggressive predators first - but will swarm and feed on corpses if the opportunity arises. Their methodology for feeding is also drastically different from their pre-War predecessors. Instead, bloatflies possess an engorged stinger and abdomen full of gestating pupae. When it locates prey, the bloatfly will fire larvae from its stinger, which will attach onto and tear into the target - distributing a neurotoxin which is capable of incapacitating prey. The powerful neurotoxin can immobilize prey many times the bloatfly's size, but is noticeably inert on humans and only causes minor necrosis near the wound. Bloatflies rarely fling a single weaponized larva at their targets, however, so a sustained assault from one or more of these ravenous reavers can still prove quite deadly to humans.
Bloatflies prefer to inhabit particularly toxic environments - like cesspits of radioactive waste. They are quite capable, however, of making homes out of pretty much any environment or biome. Beware of any odd, round protrusions clinging to trees or walls, as bloatflies are quite good at blending in with their surroundings.
While the idea of being peppered with spine-riddled maggots from a distance by a pack of balloon-shaped buggers may be a horrifying one, fret not. Bloatflies are easily dealt with either with small arms or a large swatter. The main threat in the wild arises when a large group of feral bloatflies get the drop on their prey. Being surrounded by a pack of hungry bloatflies can escalate into a deadly scenario very quickly. Their fast-but-clunky flight patterns make it difficult to get a clear shot on a bloatfly, so shotguns are the preferred method for nailing them down. Bloatflies like to get close to their prey, and severely lack any real sense of self-preservation. This, combined with their ravenous and harshly territorial nature, can provide a crucial opportunity for taking out these bottom-heavy blighters. Take cover or side-step the maggots, wait for a bloatfly to get close, then blow 'em away.
I won't lie, it's a bit personal with these ones. I guess you could say we have bad blood. Okay I admit it, that one really sucked. I'm just coping with cheap puns because these ones really bug me.
I don't regret what I've done here today.
ENTRY 03: BLOODBUGS
Full Breakdown:
Bloodbugs are giant, mutant marsh mosquitoes that plague the post-War wasteland. Like their pre-War ancestors, bloodbugs possess six long, double-jointed limbs, one pair of finely veined wings, an expandable sac to hold blood, and a long, pointed proboscis that extends from between two compound eyes. They grow to around the size of a dog, and usually possess a muddy or pinkish coloration. These flying, mutated insects attack in swarms, surrounding and piercing their prey with a needle like proboscis and feeding on their blood.
Bloodbugs are capable predators - attacking by stabbing their long proboscis into their prey. They're known to grapple with their prey when they attack - subduing them before piercing them with the proboscis. If threatened, they may spit irradiated blood back at their attacker as a form of self-defense. Bloodbugs represent a simple-to-intermediate threat in the wasteland, and most experienced wastelanders can dispatch a small swarm without too much of an issue. Like other mutant insects, they only represent a major threat to larger prey if they can either successfully ambush them, or attack in large numbers. While they may not be a problem if you see them coming, getting caught or cornered in an enclosed space with a swarm of bloodbugs can lead to a quick, bone-dry death.
I've never been a fan of ladybugs. We used to get a lot of the un-mutied Asian ones in my childhood home. They'd have a habit of crawling up into the walls and stinking up the place with their pheromones. They'd also actively endeavor to dive bomb my poor, ten-year-old head during my late-night, lamp side journaling sessions - which didn't help to brighten my opinion of them. I guess I didn't realize how lucky I actually was back then - since it turns out most of the blighters explode nowadays. At least the big ones are kind of cute - once you get over the fact that they're walking IED's with an inoperable case of blood lust.
ENTRY 04: BOOMBUGS
Full Breakdown:
Colorful crimson powder kegs skittering through the wastes - beelining for either their next meal, or their final resting place. Meet the boombugs -- you're going to hate them. Indeed, the ladybugs of post-War America have grown much larger - and much more volatile - in the wake of the Great War. They may not seem like much at first, but these buggers are 50 shades of ornery. They move fast, possess a tough outer shell, pack a mean bite, and have a bloody surprise in store for anyone that manages to batter and beat 'em to a pulp. Truly living up to their name, boombugs have a nasty habit of exploding upon experiencing significant bodily trauma - producing a cloud of exoskeletal shrapnel and caustic viscera as a result.
According to some old BOS archives an inside contact was able to, er, 'lend' me, these mutants originated in the Midwest - primarily the Great Lakes Region. Not long after the bombs dropped, either. They were smaller then, and were actually used as ordinance by some extra-crazy region rats. And to my more skeptical readers, it's also worth noting that I happened upon some Enclave field research entries at a derelict outpost in western Maryland - which also validated these admittedly outrageous claims. And apparently this method can still be effective today with smaller, juvenile boombugs - leading some wasteland warriors to foster boombug larvae as a means of producing "weaponized" boombugs. I've even happened upon boombug larvae myself in a few different junktown markets during my travels.
Now, bear in mind that these six-legged hand grenades are at their worst when on the way out, with one boombug's demise often triggering a chain reaction of multiple boombugs firing off at once. So be sure to get some distance whenever one or more of these bad beetles looks like they're about to shed their mortal coil. Ironically, I've found shotguns to be the most effective tool for dispatching these critters. Cluster 'em up, pump the biggest one full of buckshot, and let physics do the rest. The most effective way, however, may also be the most dangerous. Be careful not to lose a limb or three.
You know 'em, you love 'em, and none of us could live without 'em. They're the cornerstone of our post-apocalyptic civilization!
ENTRY 05: BRAHMIN
Full Breakdown:
Brahmin are mutant cows descended from the American offshoot of Brahman cattle - a breed originally from India. Brahmin are characterized by their two-heads, toasty red hide, large udders, and - in the case of bulls - large horns and four testicles (seriously.) They also possess a whopping eight stomach compartments - essentially making them bottomless pits on four legs. Although it's quite rare, some brahmin can be born with a single head - a trait which is, ironically enough, seen by some wastelanders as a "mutation."
Brahmin are raised throughout the wastes of post-War America as common sources of meat, milk, hide, fertilizer, and physical labor. They are not only an integral part of farming and settlement life, but also of the trade and supply caravans that connect them. Nearly all caravans, from small, independent supply caravans to massive conglomerates like the Crimson Caravan Trading Company, utilize pack brahmin to transport goods and cargo.
Herds of wild brahmin can be found roaming across the U.S., where they are known to forage on dead, dirty vegetation and not much else. Wild brahmin will go for extended periods without water, as the crimson cattle are quite capable of surviving with very little hydration. While some wild brahmin can go mad and will attack anything that comes too close, most are relatively docile.
Foxes. They're... well, they've seen better days.
ENTRY 06: FOXES
Full Breakdown:
The red fox is a small, primarily carnivorous mammal that feeds on rodents, varmints, reptiles, birds, and other small prey animals. Though they prefer a carnivory diet, they are omnivores capable of consuming both fruit and vegetable matter. The foxes of our wasteland today appear quite irradiated and lack much of their fur. Despite this, there is no evidence of any extreme mutation due to exposure. Most of the physical deformities that cause the fox to appear balding and emaciated are attributed to minor long-term mutations from frequent and consistent generational exposure to gamma radiation - a factor that is common in most animals throughout post-War America. Despite their fragile appearance, foxes are fast and agile. In fact, they are prone to bolting whenever a potential threat makes itself known.
If you can lock down a good shot, you won't find a varmint in the wastes with consistently higher quality meat on their bones. Foxes are as good eating as it gets out here, so bag 'em if you can. Just be sure to avoid the deformed bits if you aren't keen on having your dinner with a side dose of Radaway.
The hounds of the wasteland usually catch a bad rep. In reality, most of 'em are just crispier variations on the canines we all know and love. Some wasteland legends, however, spin yarns of massive, menacing mutant wolves. Some claim these veritable nightmares resemble hyenas, others say they're bulky beasts like the Yao Guai, but most agree that they at-least loosely resemble wolves. Now, what they don't tell you is that they're downright scoundrels that like to hunt men for sport - but that's why you have me.
ENTRY 07: HOUNDS
COYOTES
Full Breakdown:
Coyotes are canines native to North America. They are closely related to wolves, though they're smaller in comparison. Coyotes are primarily carnivorous - and their diets tend to consist of anything smaller than them. They're cautious critters to by nature and will usually avoid larger prey. Packs of coyotes, or coyotes intermingled with packs of hounds, are much more than willing to engage with larger prey.
The coyotes of the wasteland are unmutated. They're fast, agile, and a tad feisty, but they go down quite easily. The real danger with coyotes occurs when they are part of a larger beast pack. Their speed makes them useful for running down prey, while the wolves or mongrels of the pack inflict the real damage. In general, I'd say you should dispatch any coyotes in a pack from a distance if you have the element of surprise. This makes dealing with the real troublemakers in a pack much easier. Otherwise, just take down the bigger, badder canines in a pack and let the cowardly coyotes scatter themselves to the wind.
MONGRELS
Full Breakdown:
The species known colloquially as mongrels originally mutated from domesticated dogs in the years following the Great War. And even despite their malevolent, ghoulish appearance, they act in a manner nearly identical to their unmutated counterparts. The negative reputation that accompanies mongrels is likely due to the current epidemic of wild mongrels plaguing the wastes of post-War America today. When your only exposure to a species has been only through the wildest, most feral variants of that species, I believe inherent bias is certain to follow. And while wild mongrel packs are certainly a menace to wastelanders, all evidence points to mongrels being neither better nor worse than unmutated canines - both in terms of temperament and habitual behavior.
Mongrels can be domesticated and trained in the same way that regular dogs can. Raiders, mercenaries, and common wastelanders alike have all tamed mongrels for their own specific needs. Despite their grotesque mutations, mongrels are no less inhibited than any other canine. They can perform numerous practical tasks or simply provide companionship. In my travels, I've found that militaristic groups and factions are more likely to adopt mongrels - opting to use them as guards or attack hounds. The cynical side of myself can't help but see this as yet another example of the stereotyping of the mongrel species as nothing more than violent, feral mutants.
Now, as I stated before, wild mongrels can be quite the menace - as any feral canine can be. Large packs of mongrels are known to also ingratiate other hounds as well - such as wolves or coyotes. In such a pack, mongrels tend to make up the bulk of a fighting force. Despite their ghoulish, emaciated appearance, mongrels are quite strong. If you find yourself on the business end of a carnivorous canine's... well, canines, I recommend finding higher ground if you can. Mongrels like to circle and surround their prey, so denying them such territorial advantages can really stack the odds in your favor. Additionally, if you can get the drop on a pack, I recommend planting traps or explosives. Mines, bear traps, tripwires - anything of that variety will do. Mongrels tend to charge immediately and remain clustered until they reach their prey, so a field full of booby traps is perfect for breaking up the pack's structure. Feral mongrels are quite reckless, so don't count on the stragglers cuttin' and runnin'. Bring spare shotgun ammo and sharpen that machete, because a pack of vicious mongrels will often fight 'til the last hound.
MUTANT HOUNDS
Full Breakdown:
Mutant hounds are canines that have undergone serious mutations due to exposure to the forced evolutionary virus. They are massive, green, and muscular - just like their humanoid super mutant counterparts. Mutant hounds tend to be loyal companions to their super mutant masters, and act similarly under them to trained regular canines. I've heard claims from various wastelanders that mutant hounds can be tamed and domesticated, but all evidence from these sources was anecdotal at best. I must be clear here, I have never personally encountered a mutant hound domesticated by humans in my travels, and I am nowhere near an effective enough wasteland whisperer to try taming one of these brutes myself. I do not personally recommend that you attempt it, either.
Mutant hounds are almost always seen in league with super mutants - generally in packs of three or less. Feral or rogue mutant hounds can sometimes be spotted in the wild as well. Like other canines, they may join ranks with other hounds and form mixed packs. Under either set of circumstances, mutant hounds represent a monumental threat. They possess supernatural strength, unrivaled speed and durability, and rows of jutting, radioactive teeth. One mutant hound is easily a match for a group of experienced hunters. Among a group of attackers, mutant hounds act as both effective scouts and devastating frontliners. Their powerful mutant vocal cords can produce an ear-shattering howl that alerts all nearby bad actors of incoming trouble. Taking all this into consideration, a mutant hound should be dispatched first and fast. I recommend either a long-range, high-caliber rifle or an automatic assault weapon with a large magazine. Because when it comes to hulking beasts like mutant hounds, overwhelming and oppressive force is the name of the game.
WOLVES
Full Breakdown:
Wolves are large, carnivorous canines native to North America. The wolves of the wasteland appear very similar to their pre-War counterparts. And while some wolves are indeed unmutated, many have been mutated by environmental factors - though these mutations are rarely visible on their external anatomy. A mutant wolf is tougher and visibly more comfortable amidst the radioactive environment they call home. They are agile, strong, and can be highly aggressive when provoked.
Wolves operate in packs, a behavior consistent with their pre-War counterparts. Many wolves found throughout the wasteland will join up with other canines - such as mongrels or coyotes. In such groups, wolves tend to represent one of the most significant threats. They hit hard, are excellent at flanking prey, and almost never back down in a fight. If dealing with a pack of mixed hounds, I recommend always dealing with the wolves first. If dealing with an entire pack of wolves, I recommend either a damn good plan or an incredibly powerful firearm. Wolves are particularly durable foes, so taking on many of them at once can be a suicidal endeavor. You may wish to lure wolves away from the larger pack and deal with them individually. Laying out multiple layers of traps can also prove effective. Lastly, when all else fails, bring backup. A decent hunting party may be necessary for clearing out a den of particularly feral mutant wolves.
WASTEWOLVES
Full Breakdown:
The earliest sightings of wastewolves, from what most can tell, originate in the Capital Wasteland - that is, the region around Washington D.C. These early sightings are from the immediate years after the bombs fell and vary greatly. There were also similar tales of a "Blue Devil" from the Appalachian wilds and surrounding regions during roughly the same time period. To be clear, the details on this particular mutant are scarce, but there are notable similarities from what I've seen to wastewolves - and notable differences. Wastewolf sightings pre-date Blue Devil mutant sightings by nearly two decades, but the Blue Devil has existed as a cryptid in the American cultural zeitgeist since before the Great War - whereas wastewolves post-date the apocalypse definitively. As for whether the two mutants are one-and-the-same or entirely different species, I simply cannot say for certain.
Since these early warnings, many throughout the inland areas of the continental United States have reported sightings of heavily mutated wolves - capable of moving on two legs or all fours and attacking with unrivaled speed and ferocity. Many traveling caravans have given detailed accounts of attacks by packs of feral hounds and wolves - led by large, wolflike super predators. These firsthand accounts also all share another commonality - a haunting, mournful howl ringing out just before an attack. But for years, these mutants were perceived as largely mythological by wastelanders -- not unlike deathclaws, wendigos, and wanamingos. My personal findings, however, are that myths don't leave you with permanent nerve damage and a rather nasty, claw-shaped scar across your upper torso - so let's get into the facts.
The truth behind these stories is that wastewolves are considerably rare and reclusive mutants. No one is exactly certain what causes this mutation in wolves, either. They could be the product of FEV experimentation, or they could simply be the product of immense radiation exposure - the glowing ones of mutant canines, as it were. Some of my contemporaries even believe that there may be a genetic factor in play with this mutation. Whatever the cause, wastewolves are de facto leaders of whatever pack they integrate themselves into. Their intelligence, though animalistic, appears to be greater than that of dogs or wolves. This, combined with their size advantage, allows them to bully packs of similar mutants into organized raiding parties. One or more wastewolves - when left unchecked - can be a major problem for towns and settlements. Overall, it may be best to purge these mutants wherever you find them.
My advice to you when dealing with wastewolves is simple - prioritize the wastewolf. Pull out the biggest gun you've got and unload it into 'em. They're the mirelurk kings of the canine world, and will keep the morale, resolve, and coordination of their underlings high until they are dealt with. If you want to break the resolve of a pack and scatter the hounds to the wind, blow the wastewolf's ugly f---ing mug off directly in front of all of 'em.
How can the waste folk not feel bad for skewering 'em on sticks? They never did nothin' to nobody! I almost sympathize with old Iguana Bob for putting us on the sticks instead. Although to be fair, he did also put actual iguanas on sticks. Maybe he was just a terrible person in general. This story truly has no heroes.
ENTRY 08: WASTELAND IGUANAS
Full Breakdown:
Wasteland iguanas are infamous little critters throughout post-war America. Before the War, they were a herbivorous lizard commonly found throughout Central and South America. They were also a common household pet in the States. And today, like the other jailbroken pet animals post-War America, they now wander the wastes in droves. Since they're such a common food source, some traders and butchers have attempted to disguise certain, far-more-questionable meats as iguana. One such case - that of "Iguana Bob" Frazier - became a cautionary tale that has echoed through the ages. As the story goes, the man was a meat vendor in the American Southwest who got a little too liberal with his ingredients. He'd chop human flesh into chunks and sell them as "iguana skewers". Unfortunately for Bob, this peculiar meal item inevitably aroused suspicion. And caused many iguana salesmen to skewer the poor bastards whole to negate any confusion.
Today, the tale of Iguana Bob has given wasteland iguana meat a bad name in much of the US. The NCR-centralized "Son of Bob's Iguana Bits" franchise also didn't do much to assuage suspicions. No idea if they're still around today - given the state of decline back in Shady since the fall of the old capital. Despite the rumors of cannibalism, however, iguana meat is actually a fair-quality food source. Wasteland Iguanas are highly docile reptiles that are found nearly everywhere. Thanks to certain, radiation-induced adaptations, iguanas have taken to the wasteland much more naturally than many other exotic animals. Their scales are thicker and denser due to calcification. This minor mutation acts as a sort of insulation, allowing the cold-blooded iguanas to better preserve body heat and properly hibernate even in the more extreme climate regions of the wasteland. So, if you can verify its identity, don't sleep on that iguana meat.
You won't catch me eating 'em though. Some things are just too damn adorable to kill.
Frankly, I've always found it both shocking and impressive how leeches, despite all the odds, managed to get even more repugnant!
ENTRY 09: LEECHES
Full Breakdown:
Leeches are a scourge in the wasteland's wetlands and swamps. These big bloodsuckers are quick, slippery, and incredibly aggressive - attacking anything that moves. A Leech can use the blood it drains from its victims to restore its own vitality. This miraculous, mutagenic healing factor is still not fully understood in its entirety. What is understood is that this mutation also causes them to crave blood much more than unmutied Leeches.
A working hypothesis among my colleagues is that perhaps, without a constant supply of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood, the suckers would instead begin to deteriorate. The idea here being that the healing factor of leeches may be a sort of Ouroboros effect, rapidly corroding the leech's constitution were they unable to sustain their appetite. Another hypothesis, which I personally lean towards further, is simply that their mutations are metabolism-based - ramping up of their general sense of hunger and burning energy as quickly as it is consumed. Either way, if this mutation were better understood, some of my associates believe it could be a gateway to enhancing our own natural healing factor as well. Now, wouldn't that be something? No need to jam stimpaks into our broken bodies on a near-daily basis!
The Leech's vicious bite, regenerative capabilities, ceaseless appetite mean that these sluggers are despised and/or feared by every other occupant of the wasteland. Since they almost always travel in packs, I recommend only taking them on if you have plenty of spare ammunition on-hand, and your gun is equipped with a very large magazine. One leech is a problem, but a bed of leeches - that may very well be the LAST problem you ever have.
They're headstrong, reckless trash eaters that will try to attack damn near anything and everything in their path. The key word here, as you'll learn, is try. Almost everything in the wasteland uses the radcoons as their chew toy. And honestly, I'd feel bad for them if they weren't clearly just living their best lives.
ENTRY 10: RADCOONS
Full Breakdown:
The radcoon is one of the most notorious varmints in the wastes. Radiation has caused heavy amounts of fur loss across the body, giving them their iconic "skinned alive" look. These little troublemakers are an unwieldy combination of small stature, an enormous appetite for nearly anything, and a bad attitude. The result is one of the most unique creatures in the wasteland. A shin-high varmint that'll attempt to run down a deathclaw as if it were a lowly radroach.
It's unlikely for a band of these mischievous little miscreants to pose any real threat to a competent wastelander, but you really have to respect them for having the tenacity to try. Once that fleeting feeling fades, however, just give one of them a good thump with something heavy - and watch the pack scatter off into the underbrush to rethink their plans. Such is the way of the radcoon -- a personality far too strong for its tiny, shriveled body.
In all my years and travels, I've never met creatures more aggressive than post-war serpents. From the mutant vipers of the Southwest to raddlers of the East, all of 'em are just so angry. So gosh-darn angry, in fact, that they may just convince you that you deserve it!
ENTRY 11: RADDLERS
Full Breakdown:
Raddlers mutated from the common timber rattlesnake found throughout eastern North America. As they increased in size, the potency of their venom faded, while every other physical attribute strengthened significantly. Raddlers are fast, frantic predators -- kicking up dirt and debris as they aggressively scramble after prey. And to be entirely clear, "fast" is not only the operative word in my prior sentence, but a vast understatement. Raddlers are entirely muscle, and can propel themselves along the ground with inertia comparable to very few other apex mutants in the wastes.
Although they're damn quick and particularly hard to spot in tall grass or underbrush, most raddlers give themselves away with their loud, rattling tales and the inordinate amount of dust they kick up while on the move. If you can manage to spot the dust trail of one from a distance, I recommend either sniping it from afar or subjecting it to a category-five bullet storm with an automatic weapon. They may seem tough, but they're better at heavy-hitting than they are at taking hits. Put 'em down before they become a problem. Oh, and if all else fails, just remember that these death ropes can't open doors.
Among those in my domain of study which I find hard to love, we have these. Gross, dirty, ravenous abominations that repulse every fiber of my being. Still, it could be worse. At least they go down easy.
ENTRY 12: RADROACHES
Full Breakdown:
The great American cockroaches of the wastes are colloquially referred to as radroaches or giant cockroaches. They are, as the latter moniker suggests, giant versions of the pre-war species that have been mutated by atomic radiation. That isn't to say unmutated variations don't exist. On the contrary, they are quite common throughout the post-war wastes of the United States.
The radroaches of the wasteland look like normal cockroaches, save for the fact that they've mutated to the size of a domestic cat. Although they are winged, radroaches are incapable of flight. Some theorize that these wings may be used for interspecies communication - though I'd take such claims with a hefty grain of salt. Radroaches are commonly found in the dark, damp, or irradiated parts of the wasteland - such as old ruins, subterranean environments or facilities, and sewer systems. As such, they proved an occasional pest in certain Vaults when much of humanity was still stuck underground.
Radroaches can usually be found in fairly large numbers - which prove their greatest advantage. They primarily feed on waste or carrion but will also prey on isolated living creatures. Radroaches can be territorial and rather aggressive, but not very harmful. Overall, they are generally little more than a nuisance to wastelanders, and can be easily dispatched with a blunt object or even bare hands. Radroach innards are useful in the treatment of radiation poisoning and are widely used by wasteland tribals for this purpose. Their meat is also edible in the technical sense of the word, but is usually only consumed for the sake of survival.
If you need my advice in dealing with radroaches, you may not be the sort that should be exploring the wasteland in the first place.
Ah yes, the humble radstag. Absolutely all-around ugly, overly loud, utterly dramatic, and completely pathetic. Damn good eatin', though!
ENTRY 13: RADSTAGS
Full Breakdown:
Radstags are hideous, two-headed mutants descended from wild deer - as their name implies. Both heads are able to act independently of each other - similar to the brahmin. These dicephalic deer are, funnily enough, also hexapedal herbivores - possessing two underdeveloped legs on their chests. These limbs hang limp and are largely unused - unlike their heads. Their bodies have suffered significant hair loss, and what hair is left is muted in color. Juvenile radstags still have most of their hair, and have a significantly healthier saturation to their coats than adults. Older and larger radstags also tend to have more visible mutations and signs of radiation damage.
Overall, radstags are downright cowardly for the most part, and are likely to run at the first sign of danger. Occasionally, however, a more feral or mutated radstag will emerge among a local population. These variations - of which there is a diverse array - can prove deadly opponents in combat. One close look at a radstag is usually all it takes to identify a dangerous radstag. If it's covered in cysts and pustules, glowing with radiation, or - God forbid - possesses long vampiric fangs, you're not dealing with a member of the regular, skittish brood.
Radstags are a major food source among wastelanders and mutants alike and are hunted by nearly everyone - from survivalists to raiders. They tend to wander the wastes in herds of four or more. Their high population numbers make it easy to sustainably hunt them throughout the wasteland's various ecosystems. Since the number of dedicated deer hunters has declined significantly since the War, it's on all of us to pick up the slack and do our part in preventing radstag overpopulation.
There are few things that can hit as hard or take as much of a pounding as these big, warty bastards. If you see one in the wild, I'd recommend just booking it on outta there. Unless you have military-grade firepower or a swath of heavily armed backup on hand, there ain't any winning that fight. Sure, no amphibian has any right to be that big. But you most likely won't be the one to set 'em straight.
ENTRY 14: RADTOADS
Full Breakdown:
Radtoads were one of the first creatures to mutate in the years following the Great War. They weren't much back then, only standing at roughly the same height as a human child. They were nasty little gremlins with teeth, eyes, and arms everywhere they shouldn't be, but only represented an intermediate threat. As the centuries passed, however, their mutations developed further - causing the creatures to succumb to a particularly potent case of radiation-induced gigantism. Today, the radtoad is a hulking, aberrant mass of eyes and appendages. These slimy behemoths are found throughout the wasteland - taking to most climates and biomes. Engaging one of these juggernauts in combat usually requires either a very big gun, a nigh-impenetrable suit of power armor, or - ideally - both.
My personal advice, though? If you HAVE to engage one of these abominable amphibians in combat: grab the highest caliber rifle you can find, post up on higher ground, and deliver a nice, f----off payload right into the center-mass of their fiendish forehead from a distance. Work smarter, not harder, people!
In the deep, dark places of the wasteland, one can always count on the company of rodents. They come in all shapes and sizes - all of which are disturbing. I will give my best attempt at breaking down the various Rodentia of the wastes, but you'd do best to just consider 'em all one big, angry, disgusting family.
ENTRY 15: RATS
MOLE RATS
Full Breakdown:
Mole rats are large, mutated rodents of particularly odd origin. They are much larger than the pre-war naked mole-rats to which they bear strong resemblance and, possibly, DNA. The definitive origins of mole-rats are shrouded in mystery - with theories ranging from desert mole rats that have mutated from heavy radiation exposure, to the gene-splicing of Kodiak bears with maladjusted lab rats. Of these, the prevailing theory is that these sand eaters avoided the direct impact of the blasts during the Great War through burrowing, but were mutated by exposure to the subsequent radiation of the post-War nuclear fallout.
Mole rats can range in size from that of a small cat to the size of a large dog - perhaps even bigger. They are equipped with sharp claws and even sharper teeth. Most mole rats are feral predators - attacking and viscerally shredding whatever they can get their hands on. Most run-in packs of a dozen or less, but will sometimes join large hordes consisting of not-only mole rats, but other mutant rodents like rad-rats and cave rats. Despite their innately hostile nature and low brain activity, these rodents can actually be domesticated. In fact, some wastelanders have even been known to train them and keep them as pets.
CAVE RATS
Full Breakdown:
Cave rats are the toughest members of the rat family. Like pig rats and mole rats, their presence in the wasteland dates all the way back to the early days of the apocalypse. Also, like mole rats, these giant monsters are capable of quickly burrowing through the earth to catch their prey off-guard. The T-Rexes of vermin, cave rats possess unnaturally large heads with powerful jaws and rows of razor-sharp teeth. Of all the rats, these ones are capable of the most damage. They may not be comparably as tank-like as the particularly dense pig rat, but their raw power more than makes up for any disparity. After all, the best defense is always a good offense - and those jaws are about as offensive as it gets!
PIG RATS
Full Breakdown:
Pig rats are the exact reason shotguns were invented - the ones you have to look out for in a rat pack. These bruisers can really take a beating and will most likely charge to the front of a fight. Since they eat ammunition for breakfast, they may allow other comparably squishier rats an easy opening if you're not careful. As the name suggests, pig rats are a hybrid species of rat and pig. They've been present in the wasteland since the early days after the bombs fell and share similar origins to mole rats. Beware - the larger, tougher pig rats may sport tusks, and can pack a serious, piercing-punch if they choose to charge.
RAD-RATS
Full Breakdown:
Rad-rats are the result of the North American rat population being tainted by the radioactive fallout from the onslaught of atomic warfare. Rad-rats are larger and much less hairy than their pre-war cousins. They possess pale skin, large front teeth, and cold, hazy eyes. Unlike the documented "giant rats" of the wasteland, this variation of mutant rat possesses a much higher amount of radioactivity. Their bite, any lacerations derived from their claws, or even simply direct exposure to the mutant in certain cases, will inflict a large amount of radiation exposure to the victim.
Rad-rats are aggressive creatures - like most mutant rodents. Unlike mole rats, rad-rats cannot easily burrow. Instead, their tactics in combat boil down to taking their enemies head-on with little fanfare. They are surprisingly resistant to ballistic damage, and they tend to roam in small packs. Even a small group of rad-rats can easily overwhelm prey much larger than themselves - the contrast of their unsuspecting appearance and their impressive power and resilience proving a vital tool in catching their targets off-guard. As such, under-equipped wastelanders or unsuspecting raiders often prove an easy meal for rad-rats. When met with sufficient firepower and the proper amount of caution, however, rad-rats are significantly less of a threat.
RAD-SHREWS
Full Breakdown:
These ones may be quite small, but they pull their weight in a fight. They move fast, attack in quick-succession, and possess the same potently poisonous bite as other rats. Little more than mutated common shrews, these nibblers will attempt to swarm and overwhelm you while your attention is focused on the larger, more-immediately-threatening rats.
VOLUME II
There was once a time where you wouldn't have found this beast in the continental United States in any form - mutated or otherwise! The folly of man has always been the belief that we could advance our own agendas without any lasting effect on the environment. Even before the bombs fell, invasive species were spreading throughout much of the country, well-beyond their intended boundaries. This was a major concern for those that cared about our fragile pre-War ecosystems - which wasn't very many people. Now, in the case of the invasive wild boar, radiation has made things even worse. And in my humble opinion, anything that can stab you a dozen times by only goring you once is just too damn pointy.
ENTRY 16: WILD BOAR
Full Breakdown:
Invasive species tend to be more resilient in times of crisis than those native to the ecosystem. Such is the case with the Eurasian boar. Before the bombs dropped, they were a suid native to much of Eurasia and North Africa, but had been introduced to the Americas and Oceania. The species was one of the widest-ranging mammals in the world, as well as the most widespread suiform. They were a highly adaptable and destructive invasive species capable of damaging ecosystems as well as native flora and fauna. They had an omnivorous diet, and the variety in their choice of food was comparable to humans. All this is to say, the pre-War wild boar was already quite formidable.
The wild boar responded to total atomic annihilation by growing two sizes larger and sprouting more than a few extra pairs of tusks. These beasts are found in most biomes throughout the wasteland, but are most commonly located in wetlands and woodlands. Wild boars are easily agitated and highly territorial, meaning it's best to keep a wide berth if you don't want to provoke a fight. Cross into their considerably large personal bubble, and you're sure to regret it.
Wild Boar are particularly reckless for what they are, and will charge a straight line right into hell itself. Being the large targets that they are, I recommend simple, sustained fire and well-timed evasive maneuvers to take the burly bastards down.
There exists within our collective zeitgeist no other mutant that so thoroughly and universally evokes terror across the wasteland. Indeed, what was once simply viewed as the product of urban myth, has since become recognized as something very, very real. Today, we regard them as harbingers of death, looming high above us atop the food chain. What most people DON'T know about them, however, is that they are monsters of our own making - and intentionally so, at that.
ENTRY 17: DEATHCLAWS
Full Breakdown:
Deathclaws are monstrous, genetically engineered reptiles that were created before the Great War of 2077. They were intentionally and meticulously developed by our United States military. Their original intent was to create a bioweapon capable of replacing humans during close-combat search-and-destroy missions. They were meant to be cost-effective killers, and were the product of combining the genetic stock of various animals with Jackson's Chameleon. Of course, it wasn't just gene splicing that produced the modern deathclaw. The secret ingredient to this super predator soup was FEV - the same technology that created the super mutants we know today.
Interestingly enough, I haven't been able to find enough information to confirm who "perfected" the deathclaw species using this Forced Evolutionary Virus. While there are numerous sources that confirm the presence of the FEV in deathclaws, there is conflicting information as to the attribution. Some historical references credit the Master and his super mutant army, while others imply the Enclave may be responsible. It is clear that both factions have experimented on post-War deathclaws with FEV at some point, however. The conjecture present in this topic conflates the exact timeline as to when and how the deathclaw species - as we know it today, specifically - was created. My admittedly baseless hunch is that their creation was all the pre-War military's doing - from start to finish. Regardless of the exact timeline and semantics surrounding it, deathclaws would inevitably escape into the wasteland and fulfill their destiny as the ultimate scourge of the wasteland.
Now, from what I've read of the Resource Wars, trench warfare was a common form of engagement. I cannot imagine what these things would've done to Chinese combatants in such close-quarters spaces. And when you do get a chance to observe the mighty deathclaw, you can certainly see how these things were designed to excel in trenches, bunkers, and enclosed arenas. According to my research, though, deathclaws were never deployed in warfare by the military. Indeed, it would seem the bombs got to us first. Since then, however, they have been weaponized by various factions (primarily the Enclave) in faction warfare. Deathclaws are susceptible to domestication technology and beta wave emitters, and some even claim talented wasteland whisperers can domesticate them. If I had to present a reason for this, I'd say their exceptional susceptibility to weaponization is quite literally coded in their DNA. You won't catch me trying to tame one of them big ornery bastards, though!
Deathclaws bear very little resemblance to Jackson's Chameleons. Instead, they are massive, primarily bipedal mutants - giving them a very saurian silhouette. Their bipedal quality was a deliberate choice - as bipedalism raises the head and provides a greater field of vision. This also freed their upper limbs - which were fashioned into extremely dangerous weapons. Each possesses long, razor-sharp claws that average longer than the forearm of an adult human adorn each arm - the trait that landed these nightmares their name.
Deathclaws aren't as fast as other quadrupedal animals when utilizing their primary state of movement, but they are generally faster than other land mutants when running on all fours. The downright rippling musculature of the deathclaw provides them with unparalleled strength, agility, and resilience in combat. The deathclaw's strength and maneuverability is further magnified by their trademark claws. Their hands not only possess opposable thumbs, but also have an additional two fingers coded into the genome. All-in-all, these five-fingered razor mittens are capable of fully- bisecting an unarmored human in a single swipe.
The darkened hide of a deathclaw is nigh-impossible to penetrate with blunt force or edged weapons. The horns, spikes, and scales that are scattered across their bodies often resemble natural armor plating, which bullets often fail to pierce. And speaking of the former, deathclaws' heads are almost always crowned with a massive pair of horns - giving them a devilish appearance. These horns are also utilized in combat, and are perfect for goring prey or simply knocking them off kilter. If that isn't enough, they also have powerful square jaws lined with rows of spear-shaped teeth - ideal for tearing away flesh and crushing bone with ease.
Other relevant features of the deathclaw include their long, powerful tails that aid in balancing these bipedal behemoths, giant feet with curling talons for unrivaled dexterity and centering, and even the possible presence of adaptive, color-changing "chameleon" scales. Admittedly, the most prominent features of the deathclaw can be difficult to succinctly describe in detail. This is due to the fact that deathclaws have a high level of variability in their appearance. In fact, the physicality of deathclaws has historically displayed more diversity than the majority of mutants present in our wasteland today. And many of these traits, like the aforementioned chameleon skin, are practical in their applications. Hell, I even heard a tale or two about a subspecies of deathclaws that were covered in hair! As always though, take such claims with a grain of salt.
Wild deathclaws are primarily pack animals. Their communal groups are governed by the most powerful male and female in the pack. They are also fiercely territorial - and suffer no trespassers. And while deathclaws usually settle away from civilization, this behavior does become a problem on the rare occasions when they do move into human-settled areas. Deathclaws are death-defyingly stubborn occupants, so clearing out a nest of deathclaws requires the death of both ruling deathclaws. If either survives, a successor to the fallen pack leader will be chosen, and the deathclaws will endure. And if you've ever seen a deathclaw patriarch or matriarch, you understand just how insane such an undertaking would be. As such, most wastelanders would be wise to just relinquish lost territory to the deathclaws and move on.
While the deathclaw's susceptibility to domestication may imply otherwise, they are uniquely intelligent mutants. They can communicate with each other using their pitched, rhythmic growls and emotive body language. Due to their ability to communicate and resolve conflicts, physical disputes between deathclaws cohabitating within the same pack are extremely rare. I've only ever witnessed violence between deathclaws due to territorial disputes. This exceptional level of animal intelligence is just the tip of the iceberg, though. The Enclave of the American Southwest once created highly intelligent deathclaws created through genetic engineering with FEV. These deathclaws had intelligence rivaling adolescent humans, and were capable of mimicking human voices like parrots. And from what I understand, they were largely non-violent. Unfortunately, I am uncertain as to whether any intelligent deathclaws are still around today. From what I heard, their existence was a troubled one - marred by the prejudice and persecution that plagues all intelligent mutants.
Deathclaws will build their nests in dark, secluded areas. They construct nests from a myriad of available objects - such as rocks, leaves, twigs, and even the bones of past victims. The eggs of a deathclaw are particularly hardy. They are quite large, weigh up to 12 pounds, possess exceptionally durable shells, and have a remarkably long shelf life for both food preparation and incubation. A deathclaw egg can be removed from a nest, exposed to the elements for days, and still hatch a healthy juvenile upon its return to a state of incubation. They are also considered a delicacy in many parts of the wasteland, with deathclaw omelets being a staple of high-end post-apocalyptic cuisine.
In combat, the ferocity and resilience of deathclaws have earned them equal amounts of respect, fear, and renown in the eyes of even the hardiest wastelanders. Their natural constitution is unmatched, allowing them to take a real pounding on the battlefield. They are especially resistant to energy weapons, and their natural dexterity and reflexive nature makes taking them on in melee combat a suicidal endeavor. Using their five-fingered hands, they will grab and grapple with particularly slippery opponents. They can turn on a dime, close quickly when sprinting on all fours, and are experts at using their momentum to enhance the force behind their claw, ramming, or bite attacks. Even a trained wasteland warrior in reinforced power armor is rarely a match for a pouncing deathclaw. There really isn't any easy or ideal way to take on a deathclaw in one-on-one combat - let alone a pack of the damn things. More militaristic groups are generally contracted to deal with deathclaws - and even such groups struggle with the task.
Now, there ARE several tricks you can use to exploit a deathclaw in battle. Their underbellies are their weakest bodily regions, and sustained ballistic fire to that region would make quick work of the beasts. Deathclaws are skilled at protecting this area, however, so you have to choose your shots carefully. The head of the deathclaw - more particularly the eyes - is a reliable second target, and is useful for staggering deathclaws and throwing off their center of balance. Lastly, the legs of a deathclaw are its most powerful tool. If their legs are crippled, their maneuverability and combat capabilities are drastically reduced. They are unable to leap at targets, cannot quickly close distances, and can't effectively jump or climb vertical surfaces. High caliber firearms and/or heavy explosives are quite effective at piercing their thick, armored lower limbs and rendering them immobile. I also recommend always engaging deathclaws in power armor. They may be able to batter and fold those tin cans like they're made of paper mache, but it's better than being instantly vivisected by the surgical precision of those finger scythes!
Now, if you somehow were able to take down one or more deathclaws, harvest EVERYTHING. Their hides, hands, meat, eggs, all of it. Preserved eggs are valuable for selling or cooking, and ruined eggs can still be broken down into valuable components. Deathclaw hides are exceptionally durable and are great for reinforcing lighter armor or crafting ballistic padding. Their clawed hands can be made into deadly weapons with very little effort. Finally, their meat roasts into some of the heartiest and protein-rich slabs you've ever eaten! A deathclaw steak is, truly, the dinner of champions.
As a final disclaimer, that last paragraph may come off as some sort of call-to-action. It is not. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, make a habit of deathclaw hunting. You'd have to be the meanest son of a bitch in the wastes to last a week in that line of work. Choose life - find a different path.
You know, sometimes I miss the good ol' days. For example, I miss when dolphins were playful and mischievous critters that evoked awe from onlookers, and not hideous mutant abominations brimming with razor-sharp teeth. Sure, I wasn't actually around for the good ol' days, but a man can dream!
ENTRY 18: MUTANT DOLPHINS
Full Breakdown:
Their bloated, rotting corpses line the beaches of New England -- a reminder of the terrifying, toothy nightmares that lurk just below the ocean's surface. The dolphin is an aquatic mammal that is widespread throughout much of our planet's oceans. Before the War, they were known to be intelligent and social marine animals. Groups of dolphins, called pods, varied in size based on the location and species of the dolphin. Members were known to form strong social bonds - perpetuated by their above-average intelligence enabling advanced qualities like the ability to cooperate, scheme, and grieve. They were effective predators, feeding on many species of smaller marine life in their ecosystems. Overall, they were considered a wonder of the ocean, and were beloved by many before the bombs dropped.
Mutant dolphins are much more imposing than the bottlenose dolphins from which they are descended. They resemble a menacing fusion of a shark, an Amazon River dolphin, and a beluga whale. While dolphins were always skilled predators, the mutant variation also possesses a more general sense of aggression than their predecessors. Though not as innately hostile as some other aquatic mutants, mutant dolphins are highly territorial. As such, they are known to attack just about anything that carelessly trespasses into their pod's territory. These are very clearly not the cheerful and seemingly friendly pre-War dolphins you may have read about in your local abandoned library.
Some coastal wastelanders attempt to hunt pods of mutant dolphins for their meat and blubber - both of which are quite valuable resources. However, this is an unreasonably dangerous career choice in my opinion. Personally, I recommend you treat these oceanic mammals with caution -- and do your best to avoid lingering in their waters.
I'm conflicted over these ones. I love cats, I hate horns. I wanna pet their wicked fur coats, they wanna sink their fangs into my throat. I really can't decide where I land with these beasties. In the end, all I can confidently conclude is that they're just further proof that we all died when the bombs dropped, and this is just literal hell.
ENTRY 19: HELLCATS
Full Breakdown:
Hellcats mutated from the red lynx, more commonly referred to as the American bobcat. These pointy prowlers roam the fringes of the wasteland, keeping as far away from civilization - ruined or otherwise - as possible. These incredibly-rare kitty cats get their names from the curved horns that protrude from their head and back.
In the wild, hellcats are just as likely to attack on sight as they are to flee. And when they do choose violence, they pack a real wallop. Many a starry-eyed hunter, eager to bag one of these fiendish felines, have instead found themselves an easy meal. Beware, hellcats tend to start off small, but can grow to be huge - even by post-apocalypse standards. In such cases, careful preparation and use of terrain is key. Stack the odds in your favor, always make the first move, and never let a hellcat close the distance.
The first time I encountered one of these monstrosities in the wild, I cannot deny that I was utterly shaken. I looked to my friend and colleague - a career hunter of the ornerier mutant nightmares that stalk the wasteland. We were deep in the underbrush of a scorched Pennsylvania wood, near the old Appalachian Trail. Isolated, far from any towns or settlements. I asked him exactly what it was I beheld, and he met me with a snide grin stretched across his face. With no small amount of smugness, he remarked, "Well Dell, you're the mutant expert here - you tell me!" I took a second look at the hulking mass of abominable insect that lumbered through the charred, skeletal remains of the forest. Here, in its element, it was something akin to a demon residing over its personal circle of Hell. "Death," I said. "Death slathered in radioactive honey!"
ENTRY 20: HONEYBEASTS AND MUTANT BEES
Full Breakdown:
The honeybee of prewar America has had a heck of a time since the end of the world. Losing its flight capabilities and bloating into monstrous, slow-moving masses of honeycomb and fury, the apocalypse certainly did these queen bees dirty. While they may seem slow and lumbering, these devious divas are capable of surprising bursts of speed when they charge. And, as one might suspect with something carrying around such mass, a head-on collision with one of these behemoths is likely to knock your lights straight out. Their brightly colored exoskeletons are as durable as they look - and they look nigh-impenetrable.
Additionally, in what is certainly an unfortunate twist of fate for anything that's not a honeybeast, these considerably massive mutant bees are also guarded by swarms of much smaller mutant bees - who rely on the massive hive on the honeybeast's back for survival. Sometimes, a mutant bee which isn't a queen may also grow to an inordinate size. These flying monstrosities - referred to as spitter bees - will lob acidic, radioactive honey at anything that threatens their queen.
Taking on one of these vile Valkyries requires careful preparation, and the understanding that they're rarely alone. And despite the risks, some do try - believe it or not. Their honey is a delicacy that is said to be second to none (once treated with the prerequisite amount of radiation scrubbing, of course.) Honeybeasts also produce a substance called "Royal Jelly" that is particularly useful to wasteland artisans. Additionally, some may instead pursue the rare, beloved mutant plant known as honeybeast bush. This mutant offshoot of butterfly weed is, as the name suggests, favored for pollination by honeybeasts and mutant bees. It is also a delicacy used in wasteland cuisine. It doesn't take a genius to connect these dots. So rather than risk life and limb in the pursuit of a gosh-darn flower, I recommend using these giant, orange beacons as a sign of where NOT to go - and just leave such tasks to someone much dumber and crazier than you.
Mirelurks are the scourge of New England. If you're anywhere near the coastline, you've likely had to deal with one-or-more members of the mirelurk family. The term "mirelurk" is a sort of catchall for many of the various mutant aquatic species found along the Eastern Seaboard, although this is not as straightforward as it sounds. There are many oceanic marine mutants, but only a specific collection of species - which share a deep, complex, and at times hierarchical level of symbiosis - qualify as true mirelurks. Each of these species has their own label and role within the wider mirelurk family. And just about all of them are cursed and reviled by damn near every wastelander that relies on aquaculture for survival.
ENTRY 21: MIRELURK FAMILY
Mirelurks (Crabs)
Full Breakdown:
Mirelurks are arguably one of the first mutants ever to emerge. It is widely accepted by my colleagues and I that mirelurks are the result of widespread pollution of our environment by the old mega-corporations - such as Poseidon Energy and General Atomics. Although they were much smaller back then, evidence points to the progenitor mirelurks mutating during this pre-War era of significant pollution. Despite the best efforts of environmentalist organizations, our old-world civilization turned a blind eye to the rapid growth of crustaceans as a direct result of toxic and radioactive waste. When the bombs finally dropped, it was the final ingredient needed for the mutagenic melting pot that was our world's oceans to bubble over. What crawled out was the infamous blue bullies we know today.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about mirelurks is that they aren't descended from a single crab species. Standard mirelurk crabs were found to contain phylum markers from both the Atlantic horseshoe crab and Atlantic blue crab. Equally interesting, there are numerous accounts that mirelurks have a sensitivity to white noise. Among wastelanders, mirelurks occupy a peculiarly nuanced role. While they are largely detested as a nuisance, their meat is considered a delicacy. Some wastelanders have even tried to trap and domesticate mirelurks as a sustainable food source - to varying levels of success. I personally see this to be playing with fire, since a mirelurk outbreak can level entire settlements - even fortified ones. Mirelurk nests are highly versatile, and an infestation can occur in nearly any environment where shallow water is present.
Mirelurks sport a large, round shell that covers most of their body. Scylla serrata horrendus, as the species has been dubbed, are nearly bulletproof when tucked away under the safety of their outer shells. And when in danger, they'll instinctively lower their heads to avoid bodily trauma. They hunt using their sense of smell, and their eyesight has been observed to be quite poor in comparison. Their large claws are used to catch, disable, and/or immobilize their prey. Use of these appendages, however, often requires a mirelurk to expose itself from underneath its shell - allowing a clear line to its face, torso, and legs. Most wastelanders that live near coastal waters know to go for a mirelurks legs and face during these circumstances, which makes the common mirelurk crab a bit of an ineffective predator towards humans. This can be offset, however, by the fact that the common mirelurk crab is rarely alone. On the contrary, dealing with mirelurks tends to fall under the category of a military operation. Many faction grunts or soldiers of fortune will recount military campaigns against mirelurks in very much the same manner that one would describe traditional human warfare. Whether it be a testament to their hardy nature or sheer reprehensibility I cannot say, but it would seem mirelurks are one of the few species of mutants capable of the very human act of warfare.
An important final tidbit to keep in mind about mirelurks is just how susceptible to mutation they are. Mirelurks are the result of various mutagenic influences, and these catalysts can change based on region. I've encountered bipedal mirelurks, mirelurks infused with nuka-cola quantum, others still that've been infested with parasites or mutant plants, and many other varieties. Some of these mirelurks have been given unique names based on these specific mutations - like the swamplurks of the American South or the freshwater lakelurks of the Southwest. You never truly know what to expect with these crazy crustaceans.
MIRELURK HATCHLINGS
Full Breakdown:
Hatchlings closely resemble their horseshoe crab ancestors. These oversized water mites make a habit of bursting from tucked-away mirelurk nests when you least expect it. Truly though, they aren't much of a threat - even in swarms. They are an important part of coastal commerce, however. Fish racks lined with mirelurk spawn are a common sight in fishing towns throughout the East Coast. Many wastelanders rely on juvenile mirelurks as a food source and/or major export - since mirelurk meat is held in such high regard. The eggs themselves are quite a prize as well, making mirelurk nests a treasure trove for particularly gutsy scavengers.
If that's not your style, just stick to fishing. There's plenty of the damn things mucking up our nation's waters.
MIRELURK HUNTERS
Full Breakdown:
Mirelurk hunters are a unique breed of mutant lobster that lives symbiotically alongside other mirelurks. From what we can tell, mirelurk hunters are some of the most aggressive actors in the mirelurk family. Their exoskeletons lack the same, chitinous protection as regular mirelurks, but their sheer aggression and bag of tricks more than make up for it. These excitable luxury entrees will exercise their fury by either regurgitating a slew of toxic, caustic spit or by brawling up close using their big, meaty front claws. When all else fails, they may simply elect to use their strength of mass and ram their prey with all its exoskeletal might.
In my studies, I couldn't help but notice the similarity in both tactics and combat effectiveness of mirelurk hunters to the other eight-legged, toxic titans of the wasteland - radscorpions. While this is likely coincidental, the similarities present in the two apex predators mean that similar tactics may be employed to deal with either predator. Just as with the radscorpion, go for the legs and follow up with the face (more specifically, the parts of the face not covered in dense carapace.)
MIRELURK KINGS
Full Breakdown:
From what I can tell, there are at least two distinct species of mutant that claim the role of mirelurk king. Both appear semi-humanoid but are not descended from human DNA. The first species of mirelurk king is a species of reptilian - which stands upright and bipedal. These mirelurk kings share some visual similarities to turtles, but their ultimate origins are unknown. The second mirelurk king species - and the one which is most common in New England - is the amphibious mirelurk king. These mirelurk kings can move and stand either as bipeds or quadrupeds, and are overall less humanoid than their reptilian counterparts. They are covered in fins and spikes - including a spiked "crown" which adorns their kingly heads. Amphibious mirelurk kings vaguely resemble frogs, but their full origins are unknown. My personal hypothesis is that both types of mirelurk kings are the product of multiple species rather than a singular mutant animal. This is reinforced by the presence of both gills and lungs in both mirelurk king species - allowing each to breathe both air and water.
Regardless of type or origin, mirelurk kings share commonalities in role and combat tactics. Mirelurk kings command and control lesser mirelurks - either through intimidation or symbiosis. They share the rank of top dog among mirelurks with mirelurk queens. And, to my knowledge, the two stand on equal footing - despite mirelurk queens being significantly larger. Mirelurk kings display no evolutionary link to other mirelurks, and seem to display a nominally higher level of intelligence. Mirelurk kings can also emit a unique sonic screech that absolutely shreds the senses of the king's victim. They may also elect to shred their prey with their teeth and claws, which also distribute a particularly potent poison. In addition to their other strange and unique abilities, mirelurk kings can even momentarily cloak themselves - becoming almost invisible for short bursts of time.
The mirelurk king is one of the strangest mutants out there, and is also one of the true titans of the wasteland. They, along with other horrors like deathclaws, represent the most dangerous threats the post-apocalyptic world has to offer. A fight with a mirelurk king is always a fight for your life. And when they call upon other mirelurks to aid them in combat... Well, that's a good time to pick up praying as your new hobby.
MIRELURK QUEENS
Full Breakdown:
As rare as it is terrifying, the dreaded mirelurk queen is one of the most terrifying mutants to disgrace the wasteland. They are, technically, mirelurk crabs - although they've certainly had time to grow. Mirelurk queens are the subjects of a severe case of mutant gigantism - not entirely dissimilar in scope to that of super mutant behemoths. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the average mirelurk queen is the size of a building. Like mirelurk hunters, they can spit toxic acid at their foes - but in much larger and more dangerous amounts than their lobster brethren. And as one might expect of a hulking mass of pincers, mandibles, and other unsavory appendages, mirelurk queens are also devastating in close combat. A single mirelurk queen can take on large groups of armed and armored humans with relative ease.
Mirelurk queens produce young at rapid rates. A single mirelurk queen can not only spontaneously spew out hatchlings in combat, but can construct an entire infestation of mirelurk nests in a short amount of time. There have been many occasions where coastal settlements suddenly fall silent, only for it to be discovered that a mirelurk queen just emerged from the ocean one day and did 'em in. If you challenge one on its own turf, they are likely to respond to such a disturbance with a mighty roar - calling all other mirelurks in the area to their aid. And, like mirelurk kings, they are quite capable of commanding lesser mirelurks in battle.
If you're dealing with a mirelurk queen, bring an army. Unless you're some kind of wasteland messiah, there's no way you're going to take one on with anything short of a certified, bonafide military force.
RIVERLURKS
Full Breakdown:
If you hear a low, rumbling growl near the water's edge - ready your weapon and back away from the shoreline. Riverlurks, sometimes called catfish mirelurks, are mutated bipedal channel catfish that stalk the lakes and rivers of post-War America. They habitually lurk along the bottoms of murky waterways - scavenging and hunting what they can from the muck-laden depths. But, should a disturbance on the surface catch their eye, all that changes. These ravenous river runners will come bursting out of the water in a full sprint to confront whatever draws their attention. Riverlurks can survive for hours - perhaps days - on land before needing to resubmerge. This allows them to terrorize both ecosystems equally.
Most consider riverlurks to be just another flavor of mirelurk. Despite being a different species of animal entirely, they often congregate and hunt in the same waters - with little signs of mutual hostility present. Riverlurks also share a symbiotic relationship with ravagers. Their vibrative growls and violent thrashing upon the water's surface when pursuing prey often alert the greedy little piranhas to threats or feeding opportunities they wouldn't otherwise notice. What's worse, riverlurks generally hunt in pairs or even larger schools. If an unlucky wastelander makes the mistake of agitating a riverlurk in populated waters, they may find themselves subject to a feeding frenzy of all manner of aquatic beasties in seconds.
Riverlurks are predators that rely on the element of surprise and - if all else fails - strength in numbers. Taking them on in open combat isn't difficult if you don't let them stack the deck in their favor. Lure 'em out of the water one-by-one, find some high ground, and pick 'em off. Taking the initiative makes all the difference. Or just line the shoreline with mines. That's pretty effective too - or so I've heard.
SEALURKS
Full Breakdown:
What happened to the many, many Atlantic red crabs that scuttled across the deep-sea floor before the War, you ask? Well, the sealurk is here to provide all the answers! Generally considered another breed of mirelurk, sealurks are smaller, typically crimson- or blue-colored crustaceans that roam the surf looking for scraps and easy meals. Like other mirelurks, sealurks are not descended from a single species of crustacean. They share the Atlantic blue crab ancestry of other mirelurks, but the dividing factor is the overwhelming presence of Atlantic red crab DNA.
Unlike their bigger, horseshoe crab-descended brethren, sealurks are more cautious when engaging potential prey. If one keeps an open eye, they can spot a hungry sealurk slowly approaching from the surf. This means you should always have an opportunity to either move out of the way or strike first. Their shells are denser and more durable than that of standard mirelurks, but they are overall weaker in the strength department. A well-placed shot beneath their scarlet shields should make quick work of 'em.
Sometimes things that are harmless can look menacing. It's not their fault, really. The radiation just has a sick, twisted sense of humor when it comes to these things. Such is the case with the opossum. They may be harmless, but I don't want 'em anywhere near me. It DEFINITELY has something to do with those extra heads, and how they all seem to smile at the same time...
ENTRY 22: OPOSSUMS
Full Breakdown:
Opossums are a common species of marsupial found throughout the Americas. They haven't changed much since the Great War - excluding the presence of many extra appendages. Like radcoons, they are primarily scavengers. Unlike radcoons, they aren't likely to make it your problem. Their diet consists of just about anything they can swallow. Opossums in the wasteland have been found with stomachs full of the kind of junk and trash that no critter could possibly digest. This has led some of my contemporaries to wonder if these opossums may have somehow lost their sense of dietary impulse control. Perhaps whatever biological inhibitor which would normally prevent animals from consuming inedible garbage was somehow lost. The brain is not my field of expertise - so I shan't speculate further. Regardless, opossums are quite harmless - despite their horrific appearance.
Their multi-pronged tails, peculiarly enough, are thought to be a lucky charm among rural wastelanders. Consuming one is thought to bring good fortune - if you can stomach it. I, personally, would never.
Tiny, featherless nightmares scurrying through the underbrush. Always just out of sight, always singing their haunting tune. And to be frank, the little blighters' beak music always freaks me out.
ENTRY 23: SCREECH OWLS
Full Breakdown:
The eastern screech is but a tiny little critter - found commonly throughout the Eastern regions of post-War America and Mexico. As with many other birds, they have suffered extreme feather loss in the wake of total atomic annihilation. As such, screech owls been reduced to flightless little wanderers - scurrying through the underbrush as they fill the petrified nuclear autumn woods with their special brand of soft, melancholy music. Screech owls are opportunistic predators, hunting the smaller varmints and critters of the charred forest floor. They often make their nests in dead, hollow trees - which the flightless post-War screech owl can access with ease.
The few feathers that these critters retain tend to be hardy and resilient. For this reason, they are valued by artisans much more than that of other birds. As a result, screech owls are often hunted by collectors. I recommend just leaving screech owls alone, personally. Not much meat on 'em, so they're hardly a survival essential. Screech owls can be found all over the East Coast and Midwest, and you'll certainly hear them before you see them.
When I was a youngster, my old Pa would make a habit of hunting our food rather than buying it in town. My favorite days were those when he'd manage to track down a quail, pheasant, or rad chicken. Oh, the smells that would fill the cabin as they roasted over our fireplace. You know, I ate a full breakfast before sitting down to write this and yet suddenly, I'm positively famished.
ENTRY 24: PHEASANTS
Full Breakdown:
The common pheasant was a European import before the War. Due to their popularity both to both hunters and breeders, they were a species of bird that was introduced worldwide. Their ability to meld with a myriad of climates aided them in taking to a swath of ecosystems across the globe. Today, pheasants are wasteland rarities that are often found far from civilization or pre-War ruins. Though they appear irradiated and partially featherless (a commonality shared among many post war bird species,) their meat quality is actually immaculate. For this reason, they are prized by hunters and chefs alike as a delicacy worth trekking to the ends of the wasteland to find.
Pheasants tend to roam the northwestern forests of the Commonwealth, where the underbrush remains thick and human foot traffic low. They spook easy, so I recommend taking them out from a distance so as to not risk letting your meal disappear into the shrubbery - never to be seen again.
This here is why you don't go for leisurely swims in the wasteland.
ENTRY 25: RAVAGERS
Full Breakdown:
Ravagers are a breed of large, razor-toothed mutant fish that roam both fresh and brackish waters. These ferocious carnivores are infamous for tearing through entire aquatic ecosystems, devouring anything-and-everything in their path. Though many wastelanders equate ravagers to giant piranhas, research conducted on deceased specimens suggests that they actually owe their origins to the common black crappie. The black crappie was a small, common panfish before the War - popular with fisherman in the United States. Good luck fitting one in a skillet nowadays.
There's also mounting evidence to suggest that this mutation originated in the Midwest - namely within the Ohio, Illinois, and/or Mississippi Rivers. I'd recommend taking this claim with a grain of salt, though, since the extent of this evidence is a backlog of firsthand accounts and primary sources from the early days after the Great War, and a rough population study of ravagers by an old colleague of mine. This study concluded that the aforementioned river systems were where the populations were highest by a significant margin.
Also according to this study, ravagers infest most freshwater river systems throughout the Midwestern United States, stretches of the East Coast and New England, and even much of the South. They cannot, however, reach ecosystems that are not connected to wider waterways without the aid of flash flooding or external interference factors. As such, isolated ponds and lakes generally do not have established ravager populations. Experienced survivalists understand that when crossing the major rivers of the wasteland, finding a sturdy bridge is very much a matter of life and death.
Not so 'crappie' anymore, eh? Well, if you need to deal with a ravager - or god forbid a school - I recommend luring the bastards in with fresh prey, and using something long and pointy to kabob the f---ers. And yes, you could always elect to just prime some dynamite instead - but as a biologist and an ambassador for what remains of our freshwater ecosystems, I implore you: do not. Lastly, I recommend cleaning and harvesting ravagers for their meat when possible. Like their ancestors, they make for quite a delicious, refreshing, and energizing meal. Just make sure they're dead before you put 'em under the knife, assuming you want to keep all your digits attached and intact.
They can't be comfortable living like that, can they? Those legs are liable to snap under the weight of brisk autumn breeze! I say it's better to just put ole Black Phillip out of his crispy, irradiated misery.
ENTRY 26: RADHORNERS
Full Breakdown:
The billy goat was commonly found throughout the Commonwealth as livestock before the War. Like their cousins, the burly bighorners of the Southwest and the elusive sheepsquatches of the Midwest, radhorners have seen drastic mutations in the time since the bombs fell. Radhorners resemble shambling, burnt corpses - in a way not so dissimilar to feral ghouls. Despite their malevolent and haunting appearance and the possible accompaniment of a few extra, grotesque heads, wild radhorners are harmless - and will flee in fear if provoked.
A radhorner's milk is almost as coveted as that of the brahmin, though radhorners are much harder to train as livestock than the latter. Like their bighorner cousins, they have proven quite resistant to domestication. As such, the easiest way to attain this delicacy is, as always, through force.
So it's time to once again discuss one of the big ones. One of the true legends of the wasteland. I will do my best to cover these eight-legged nightmares with objective clarity, but keep in mind the history here is both deep and storied. There are few others that match the caliber and mythic quality of the radscorpion, and we will surely cover them in time as well!
ENTRY 27: RADSCORPIONS
Full Breakdown:
Radscorpions are large, mutant scorpions commonly found in-and-around abandoned structures and are practically ubiquitous across the post-War United States. The most common type of radscorpions originate from the North American Emperor scorpion, which were prolific in many pet stores and homes. They've since mutated to become much larger, faster, and more venomous than their pre-War counterparts.
Common radscorpions generally share a similar appearance. However, many sub-populations of unique radscorpions exist - such as the bark scorpion - a strain of radscorpion native to the American Southwest. As the name suggests, those critters mutated from the North American striped bark scorpions, and are much smaller than their larger, more violent cousins.
In combat, radscorpions sport highly venomous stingers, the ability to burrow underground and traverse long distances in seconds, two sets of powerful pincers, and near-bulletproof exoskeletons. They're extremely aggressive, and will use their full bag of tricks when dealing with prey or threats. They are more than capable of dishing out a lethal amount of bodily trauma in seconds. With their impressive running speed and burrowing abilities, retreating from an encounter is often all-but impossible. Their only weak spot is their facial region, which is quite small and unexposed. In short, a charging radscorpion usually has the odds stacked in its favor. If caught in an ambush by one or more radscorpions, death is quite a likely possibility. Entire caravans have been lost to these apex super predators, so caution is heavily advised when engaging them in combat.
If you find yourself on the business end of a radscorpion's stinger, my best advice is to use either a shotgun, flamethrower, or any shredding or drilling implement - such as a ripper or chainsaw. Going for the legs or the stinger can be a good way to gimp and slow these monsters, but it's incredibly difficult to fully disable them. Additionally, despite the ever-present threat of a radscorpion's piercing sting, various antidotes have been derived from their strong, mutated venom. I recommend brewing some up, or just buying some if you can find a dealer.
Radscorpions, if you dare to hunt them, are a veritable treasure-trove of useful resources. Their meat quality is fantastic and their eggs are a prized delicacy. If you're somehow not a fan of omelets, their stingers and venom also prove to be valuable components. Lastly, their chitin can be harvested and broken down into useful materials - or simply sold.
I would never recommend actively hunting them, though. Not unless you're somehow as legendary as they are.
Muskrats have always been some of my favorite animals. I mean, they're literally just big, sniffly fuzzballs! And the Commonwealth's river rats are just more to love. Just take one look at them - they're adorable! At least until you remember that radiation has made them virtually indestructible.
ENTRY 28: RIVER RATS
Full Breakdown:
When the bombs dropped, the muskrats won the lottery. Radiation transformed these small, waterfront rodents into bloated, bulbous mutants with thick skin and thicker skulls. River rats shuffle along the shorelines of freshwater lakes, ponds, and - of course - rivers.
River rats are fairly docile critters, despite their imposing size, and usually only attack when provoked. A pack of angry river rats can be a serious force to be reckoned with, and most may wish to simply let these plump mud mice be. These robust rodents are primarily piscivores - preferring fish, mollusks, and crustaceans - but may also feed on any insects that cross their path. Since this diet includes creatures like boombugs, bloatflies, and mirelurks - healthy river rat populations are seen as a great safeguard for post-apocalyptic ecosystems against mirelurk and mutant bug infestations.
Ahh, yes, the ghoul shark. Because salty rads and toxic, mutagenic waste aren't potent enough reasons to avoid swimming, apparently.
ENTRY 29: GHOUL SHARKS
Full Breakdown:
Ghoul sharks are the eldritch, man-eating, marine monsters from your nightmares. They skulk the radioactive waters of our oceans - ready to tear apart anything they can get their jagged teeth on. No one knows for certain which species, singular or plural, of shark evolved into the wicked, vile ghoul sharks we know today. Although, many of my colleagues hypothesize that the most common, crimson-colored ghoul sharks originated from the shortfin mako sharks commonly found in New England's Atlantic waters. The two largest varieties, however, bear a vague resemblance to the white shark and smooth hammerhead, respectively.
The ghoul sharks that rule the sea are also significantly more bloodthirsty than their pre-War predecessors. Whether a result of increased appetite, aggression, or both is not yet fully understood. Regardless, any creature that enters their domain can expect to be ripped to shreds in seconds by these mutant horrors. Oftentimes they will go so far as to follow prey all the way to the shoreline, and remain in the area for extended periods afterward.
My personal advice for dealing with ghoul sharks is simple - stay out of the damn water. Seriously, no matter how bad things are on land, the situation in the water is always nominally worse. Stay on dry land. If you need to kill one, harpoon it from the shore. There is never a good reason to ever meet a ghoul shark in their domain, so just don't do it!
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I can personally confirm that these light bulbs with legs are still fully capable of making you smell like the ass-end of a radtoad. And it DOESN'T wash out of clothes, either.
ENTRY 30: SKUNKS
Full Breakdown:
The Skunks of the wasteland are a strange phenomenon. They have maintained all of their fur and do not sport any additional anatomical features or differences. However, they do possess a bright, radioactive glow that gives them an otherworldly appearance. Skunks in the wasteland are both rare and incredibly fast, bolting off into the sunset at the slightest hint of trouble.
As one might imagine, skunks are highly sought-after by career hunters in the wasteland. And for craftsmen that work with radioactive or mutagenic materials, a skunk is a prime specimen rich with valuable plunder.
VOLUME III
I always saw a certain amount of nobility in this humble ol' beast. Sure, they may be rambunctious and ornery bastards sometimes, but they've been faithful companions to humans since long before the biblical years. And they've stayed right by our side even after the world's ending. And what do they get for all that loyalty in the end? Sidelined. Cast aside in favor of a two-headed cow. Tragic.
ENTRY 31: DONKEYS
Full Breakdown:
The domestic donkey is a hoofed mammal in the family Equidae, the same family as the horse. They are beasts of burden and companions to humans. In fact, they have been around in some form or another for millennia. They were there when we built the pyramids, they were there when we blew up the world, and they're still around today.
Although donkeys survived the Great War of 2077, they have grown less popular in the following centuries. Their value to humans has dwindled since the advent of the brahmin, which has proven to excel at nearly every task where donkeys were traditionally employed. Still, some farms and caravans occasionally utilize donkeys as labor animals, while other wastelanders may just keep them around as pets.
There's not really much else to say here. If you've ever been to any junktowns or trade hubs, you've probably seen a few of 'em. Toss some oats their way and show some appreciation towards the original beast of burden!
When you think of the word "mutant," this is probably one of the first things that come to mind. Floaters and centaurs may just be the most mutant-ey mutants out there. Various extra parts, odd sacs and pustules all over, and gooey discolored flesh. Honestly, if you looked up the word mutant in any pre-War encyclopedia, these nasties are probably pictured right there on the page next to it.
ENTRY 32: FLATWORM FLOATERS
Full Breakdown:
Flatworm Floaters are mysterious creatures born from experimentation with the Forced Evolutionary Virus. They are large, soft-bodied invertebrates, with flotation sacs that allow them to hover in the air. They are widely deployed alongside super mutant forces, often together with centaurs and/or mutant hounds. Flatworm floaters exist in sparse populations throughout the wasteland, save for the Southwest (especially New California) and Appalachia - where they are quite common. While most flatworm floaters share similar origins, they come in a variety of different appearances.
The anatomy of the average flatworm floater is odd and abstract. Their primary mouth comprises a majority of the top of the creature's disk-like "head." Surrounded by sharp teeth, the funnel-shaped aperture can be radially opened or closed. A smaller mouth, denoted the fore mouth, appears as a slit running from the bottom brim of the head into the gaping primary mouth. The long, flat body of a flatworm floater does vaguely resemble its primary predecessor.
Despite this awkward and uncoordinated appearance, flatworm floaters are remarkably fast. Aided by flotation sacs located beneath on the underside of the creature's head, they can use their flexible bodies to hover along the ground and propel themselves through the air. Noxious, flammable gases are generated by the creature and stored in their flotation bladders, giving the creature its distinctive appearance and ability to hover. They come in various sizes and dangle along the underside of the mouth. These flammable sacs are capable of rupturing under extreme physical duress. When this occurs, the flotation sac violently expands and explodes, leaving a lingering mess of fire and viscera for a short duration.
In place of a brain, flatworm floaters have a rudimentary ganglion inside the bow of their heads. The pathways are sufficient for the critters to recognize prey and members of their pack, but leave them unable to work in cohesion. Floaters often haphazardly swarm any target in sight, making them tenacious adversaries despite their relative simplicity. This often puts them on the frontlines of any battle - an aspect that can be exploited. Flatworm floaters have either acidic-based, incendiary-based, or radiation-based capabilities, and will fling corresponding projectiles at their targets when they attack.
As you've probably guessed, my advice for dealing with flatworm floaters involves setting 'em off. If you find 'em alongside a band of super mutants, I recommend detonating them with a powerful energy weapon from afar. Wait until they wander near other mutants, and set those gas sacs ablaze! If facing flatworm floaters head-on, use caution. They are reckless and will gladly get in close when pursuing threats. I don't need to tell you that setting off one of these flying fuel canisters in close-quarters is terrible for your life expectancy.
The pus sacs and flotation sacs of flatworm floaters can be harvested either as a source of components or to be weaponized and used as improvised explosives, respectively. In fact, flatworm floaters are a great source of valuable nuclear material in general.
In the wasteland, there is nigh steeper a sinking feeling than that which accompanies an encounter with one of the most horrifying things you've ever seen - save for one. Nay, that spot is reserved for the moment you learn that there's even bigger, badder counterparts out there. Now, given the context, you may think we're about to talk about the bigger, badder thing. No. On the absolute contrary in fact. I'm about to teach you about an aberrant nightmare from the darkest depths of radioactive hell. I've seen these vampiric titans overwhelm radscorpions and even deathclaws. They're the arbiters of death within their domain. They're also the runts of the litter - the weak link in the family. Welcome to the bottom of the food chain, everyone. We never really had a chance.
ENTRY 33: GARGOYLES
Full Breakdown:
Gargoyles, also occasionally referred to as radbats, are the incredibly rare mutant scourge of the the wasteland's dead zones. They are cousins of the larger, much more dangerous scorchbeast of Appalachia - sharing very similar origins despite the geographical disparity. Both creatures, as bad luck would have it, mutated from highly-irradiated bats. While scorchbeasts were further exploited by one of the various offshoots of the nefarious faction we know as the Enclave, gargoyles owe their form entirely to heavy radioactivity of deadly radiation zones like the Commonwealth's Glowing Sea.
Gargoyles are almost vaguely humanoid in appearance. In fact, they can both stand and move bipedally or quadrupedally. Most cannot, however, fly. As radiation-induced gigantism took hold, the gargoyle's wings became vestigial. Also a result of these mutations, their sonic abilities became nominally more effective. A gargoyle can unleash a sonic screech that both sunders prey and propels heavy radiation in their direction. This is possible because of the inherent radioactivity of gargoyles, which allows the bursts of air they exhale when screeching to be saturated with a powerful dose of radiation - similar to a highly mutagenic sneeze of sorts.
Today, gargoyles are a top predator in the wasteland - even without the extended mutations found in their bigger, battier brothers. They may not be the baddest of the bats, but they have earned a place as a legendary heavy hitter in their own right. They haunt the most dangerous and alien regions of the wasteland, only venturing beyond on rare occasions. Most wastelanders will never lay eyes upon a gargoyle. Those who do may very well not live to regret it.
If you ever find yourself in circumstances where you may actually come across such a vile beast, you may be beyond my aid in general. I have only ventured into the Glowing Sea and other similar locations a grand total of three times. And upon doing so, I merely did my best to keep a low profile. To my knowledge, gargoyles don't have any immediate weaknesses. If you get locked into mortal combat with one, you may just have to brute force the damn thing. Although if you're tough enough to survive in the dusty mutant warzones they call home, you may just have a chance.
A final note to you crazies that've read this far with a straight face. If you somehow manage to kill a gargoyle, you'll find their flesh is largely ionized and their skeleton has become denser in structure and fraught with crystalline growths and spurs. Yes, just about every single piece of these absolute aberrations is worth its weight in gold. Dice it all up, leave nothing behind.
Not every ill-tempered mutant has our nuclear holocaust to blame for their current predicament. Some of them were mean bastards even before we painted it all black. They're just a bit more effective nowadays.
ENTRY 34: RADGERS
Full Breakdown:
Radgers are large mutant badgers that inhabit the post-apocalyptic wastes of North America. Their predecessor, the American badger, was a mean little mammal built with defense in mind. Thick fur, loose skin, broad muscles, sharp claws, and a mean set of chompers made them a hard critter to catch or contain. And today's radgers have all that and the kitchen sink. They're bigger, broader, and sharper in all the wrong places. Radgers tend to be the biggest varmints you'll find - larger even than most mole rats or mutant dogs. They do still heavily resemble their pre-War counterparts, although they are considerably rougher and more ragged in their outer appearance.
While not innately hostile, radgers are highly territorial and will attack if any trespassers don't heed their very loud and clear warnings. Radgers can hit fairly hard - even for their size - and are incredibly aggressive if provoked. They aren't the toughest mutants around by a long shot, but they can still take and dish out a fair amount of punishment before they drop. Radgers are usually only a problem when they go poking around towns and settlements. A radger infestation can prove a mighty difficult problem for a homesteader to solve, and daddy's old coach gun simply ain't gonna be able to get the job done.
If you find yourself in a scenario wherein you need to deal with a radger, use their size against them. Gigantism has caused the radger to be slower than its pre-War counterpart where it counts. It's quite easy to outmaneuver them and defend against their attacks now that they can't scurry between your ankles. So, keep it moving, put obstacles between yourself and the radger, and whittle it down with bullets. They may be mean, but they aren't nearly on the same level as a yao guai or a deathclaw, so they're only a serious threat if you underestimate them. With all that said, I wouldn't recommend quarreling with a radger if you can avoid it. As large varmints, they aren't particularly prized by hunters or collectors, so hunting them ain't necessarily worth the effort. Radgers prefer to be left alone, and you're better off just obliging.
Of all the awful gifts the Great War bestowed upon us, these radioactive raptors are certainly one of the weirdest. I'll be honest, I'm not a fan. Sure, they mostly keep their distance. But they got that wild look in their eyes. They're always watching you, easing their way closer, just looking for an opportunity. And that crazy machine gun thumping sound they make? I hear it in my nightmares. They do got some real pretty feathers on 'em, though.
ENTRY 35: RADSTORKS
Full Breakdown:
Radstorks are large, bipedal mutant birds that stand taller than the average human. As the name suggests, they likely mutated from local wood stork populations. Physically, they resemble an unholy combination of a prehistoric terror bird and an African shoebill. Their plumage coloration tends towards a mix of pink and black, while their bodies are usually sickly gray or washed-out pink in color. Unlike many other birds in the wasteland, radstorks have maintained a majority of their feathers - enough to retain their flight capabilities. Despite this, they tend to spend most of their time on ground-level. Their powerful legs allow them to be effective sprinters, which comes in handy when running down prey.
Radstorks tend to live, roam, and hunt in packs. They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on both smaller mutants, fish and marine creatures, and larger, more abominable mutants - if the opportunity arises. Radstorks are cautious creatures, and won't immediately attack unless surprised or disturbed. They also tend to strike only when the odds are in their favor. They prefer to slowly approach and surround threats, then burst into a full charge to overwhelm their adversary. This isn't to say that radstorks aren't dangerous when caught off-guard, though. A cornered radstork will fight like hell to survive, and their strength and agility make them a force to be reckoned with.
Radstorks are equally as likely to make their homes near old towns and ruins as they are to establish them in the wilderness. These oddballs have a penchant for hanging upside down from trees, old power pylons, and other high surfaces. The radstork is not sleeping in this position, mind you. Rather, they do this to rest and better observe their environment - a peculiar adaptation also found in many species of owls. And they WILL attack if you wander too close. Radstorks are highly territorial, especially when it comes to nesting grounds. It is always important to exercise caution when near a radstork or a radstork nest. This includes empty nests when you cannot verify for certain that it has been completely abandoned. It is entirely possible that one or more radstorks may be just out of sight nearby. Packs of radstorks may establish multiple nests in proximity to each other and will guard these nests with their lives. Radstork nests are very large, and are usually made from an assortment of logs and branches. They have a tendency to build nests on elevated surfaces, but may also elect to build them on flat ground if no such platforms are available. If you see an odd effigy of tree branches and driftwood atop a random silo, chimney, or tower, you've likely stumbled upon a radstork nest.
If you find yourself in a position where you need to deal with one or more radstorks, My advice is relatively simple. Keep your distance and don't allow yourself to get surrounded. Radstorks move fast and hit hard, but they aren't particularly durable. Everything from sustained small arms fire to a heaping helping of buckshot should be capable of getting the job done. The danger arises when a pack of radstorks closes the gap and gangs up on you. If such circumstances arise, finding higher ground may act as a momentary reprieve. Since radstorks do not immediately attack on sight, I recommend you take the time to position yourself advantageously. And if you find yourself victorious, be sure not to let a single damn thing go to waste. Radstorks are valued highly by hunters, and scavengers love to plunder their nests whenever possible. Everything on 'em, from their dense beaks to their coarse feathers, are useful to craftsmen. Their high-quality meat and giant pink eggs make for fantastic eating. In fact, radstorks are quite literally the largest source of poultry in New England. Oh, and if you can't reach a radstork nest, just shoot it. There's a good chance whatever goods are hiding within will come tumbling down when the nest crumbles.
Alright, let's be clear. You're not gonna like this one. You're gonna read through this, and you're gonna walk away more depressed and uncomfortable than you already were. I get it, I do. They've got far too many legs and a pulsating, semi-gelatinous membrane backpack that may or may not consist of brain matter. And, on top of all that, they like to cover old ruins and overpasses with long, slimy webs. None of this is fun. But this is the world we live in, folks! If you wanna survive, you need to be prepared to face what's out there.
ENTRY 36: RADRACHNIDS
Full Breakdown:
Radrachnids are some of the most loathsome critters in the wasteland. These skittering brainiacs originally mutated from the brown recluse spider. Since then, they've adopted a much more grotesque - and vaguely psychedelic - appearance. Radrachnids tend to live in reclusive packs or hives throughout the wasteland. These groups will often build their nests in remote ruins, and have a particular fondness for abandoned highway overpasses. This is likely due to the elevation and lack of predators, but more research is needed on my part before a conclusion is finalized.
The large webs and round, pale eggs that litter their stomping grounds can be a helpful visual aid in tipping off the more observant wastelander to their presence. Picking a fight with a pack of radrachnids is no small task, but the rewards are often worth the risk for more proficient hunters. Everything from their eggs and silk to the chitin and spinneret glands off their bodies can be used or sold. If a hunter or group of hunters can cull and strip-clean a full hive, they'll usually make out like bandits. Though best avoided if unprepared, it may be worth noting the location of a radrachnid nest for plundering at a later date!
If you want my advice for taking them down, my best recommendation is to attempt to outmaneuver them and wear 'em down with sustained fire. Radrachnids tend to be slower than other similar mutants - like radscorpions - so if you can find clever ways to keep out of their reach while chipping away at their outer-shell, you may just find yourself victorious.
You know, some people think I only study mutants. In actuality, I have toiled many long hours away pouring through old academic texts and science journals to gain a better understanding of the animal kingdom as it existed before the bombs dropped. In many ways, they're not so different from what we have today. But in some key ways, things were just simpler. For example, did you know that apparently it WASN'T normal for a critter's brains to be on the outside?!
ENTRY 37: MUTANT SQUIDS
Full Breakdown:
The Atlantic Ocean plays host to many strange and terrible mutants that will forever play starring roles in my nightmares. Among them are a species of mutant squids with lumpy, squishy, brain-like exteriors. They are known to roam the coastal waters of New England, and areas of the wider east coast. Thought to have mutated from either the shortfin or longfin species of squid commonly found in New England, the Commonwealth's giant mutant squids are odd and skittish beasts. You may think you see the shape of one in the water one second, only to blink and find murky emptiness the next. It's anyone's guess as to the reliability of your eyesight.
In the Commonwealth, there were rumors of an underground vault that housed an intelligent mutant squid. Apparently, it sat somewhere off the coast of Boston, around 20 leagues under the sea. Now, I don't know about all that, and I've personally never surveyed these mutant brain squids displaying any signs of sentience. I must admit though, with everything I've seen and heard about Vault-Tec and their vault experiments - let's just say stranger things have transpired at their behest. Another tale I heard in the region consisted of a colossal mutant squid equipped with countless tentacles and even a few human legs - which had attacked a local settlement. Never saw its corpse for myself, though.
The more common, unintelligent mutant squids of the Atlantic are a source of very valuable materials if you can take one down, and their meat is considered to be a delicacy among New Englanders. They are also partial to deep-ocean trenches, meaning finding them can be almost as difficult as hunting them.
It astonishes me that squirrels are a go-to wasteland food source. I've tried to nab a few in my day, but damn - those things are fast!
ENTRY 38: SQUIRRELS
Full Breakdown:
Squirrels, also called radsquirrels by some, have retained their size in correlation to pre-War squirrels. They have suffered total hair loss, however, and now possess malformed, bulbous eyes. They are as common today as they were before the War, and constitute a major food source throughout the wastelands of America. The squirrels of the wasteland are also known for one primary trait in particular - their speed. Spook 'em, and they'll be gone in the blink of an eye!
I shouldn't have to tell you that roasted squirrel on a stick is a classic staple of wasteland cuisine. And if you can get your hands on one of these critters, I highly recommend it.
It's always a tragedy to me when a harmless, wonderful creature is corrupted into something terrible due to our mistakes. Scorpionflies were malevolent only in name before the War, and now we've been cursed with one of the worst predatory insects the wasteland has ever seen.
ENTRY 39: STINGWINGS
Full Breakdown:
Stingwings are scorpionflies mutated by radiation after the Great War. They're the fiercest of all flying insects in New England, and utilize a stinger that dispenses a deadly, disorienting venom. They are known to build large clusters of nests on the ground and on walls. The nests themselves ooze a bright yellow sap akin to honey. When these nests are approached, Stingwings will furiously defend them from potential threats.
Stingwings usually hunt in swarms - pairing their numbers, erratic flight patterns, and venomous stingers together to make for a deadly onslaught. They're fond of circling and dive-bombing prey - jabbing a target and then backing off to let their venom do most of the heavy lifting. Stingwings are fragile but agile, and can be taken down in relatively few shots - provided you can line up those shots. In my humble opinion, you may be better off using a blunt or bladed weapon instead and simply batting away at them when they get too close.
For particularly daring hunters, stingwings are a source of quality meat. Their barbs are also harvested for their venom. I personally wouldn't make a habit out of raiding their nests, though.
Apparently, there was never a time when these things weren't a nuisance of some kind. An invasive species from across the pond, they eventually spread across the entirety of the United States during the 21st century. The bombs didn't even slow them down. They also became one of the biggest, baddest bugs in the wasteland. Because sometimes life just isn't fair.
ENTRY 40: STINKBUGS
Full Breakdown:
Somehow, despite the incredibly low bar, the stinkbug managed to make itself even less desirable than its pre-War counterpart. An invasive species in America before the Great War of 2077, stinkbugs managed to not only survive exterminators AND the end of the world, but to fully infest the United States. Stinkbugs tend to stay out of the way and live primarily as shadow-lurking scavengers and corpse eaters, but they can be fierce predators if they're hungry. As for habitat, stinkbugs are found everywhere, but prefer to hole up in old ruins - where they're known to hibernate and... err, congregate.
Stinkbugs tend to grow bigger than most other bugs, are quite radioactive, possess a venomous bite, and can take a serious punch to boot. These walking biohazards can be tricky to face in combat, due large-in-part to the ramifications of being exposed to such an unsanitary critter. If you know you might be facing stinkbugs, pack some extra Radaway and Antibiotics alongside your usual medical supplies. You'll be saving yourself from a real headache (often literally so) down the road.
My personal recommendation when dealing with a stinkbug is to either kill it fast or keep your distance. Stinkbugs won't always attack unless you get close, so I recommend taking advantage of proximity to prepare an ideal killzone. Mines are also an excellent fallback for ensuring the contaminated little critters never make it over to you.
Turkeys. A cornerstone of American culture and cuisine. Well, everything really worked out for them in the end, didn't it?
ENTRY 41: TURKEYS AND THRASHERS
Full Breakdown:
The wild turkey of North America was a large bird native to the States. It couldn't have been more significant to the cultural zeitgeist, and was the central entrée of the pre-War holiday known as Thanksgiving. In the wake of the world's ending, turkey populations couldn't be doing better. Though most have suffered minor mutations over the years, the two-centuries-long dark age that followed total atomic annihilation has allowed turkey populations to grow in the wild almost entirely unchecked. And while some may fall prey to mutants and the odd wastelander, thriving groups of turkeys can be found roaming all over the wasteland.
Turkeys have plenty of meat on 'em, making them a prime target for hunting. Beware though, turkeys are often accompanied by thrashers - large mutant turkeys. Thrashers are both capable predators, fiercely territorial. and incredibly defensive of their brood. While they aren't quite as dangerous as larger avians like the radstork, they can still give you a real bad day if you aren't cautious, and packs of them can easily wipe out entire human encampments. But, if you need a way to keep you and yours fed out in the wilderness, picking off a few strays from a turkey flock is sure produce the results you need. So don't despair, if they can thrive in this radioactive mess, so can you!
The Commonwealth is full of flightless water birds. They weren't flightless before, from what I'm told, but it's hard to take to the skies with the majority of your wings clipped by gamma radiation. I suppose that happens when you spend most of your life in or around heavily irradiated water.
ENTRY 42: WATERFOWL
DUCKS
Full Breakdown:
Ducks haven't seen their waterside lives change much in the centuries following the Great War. Generations of heavy radiation have caused many of these wasteland waterfowl to suffer significant feather loss, resulting in the loss of their flight capabilities. Those that can still do so maintain annual migration patterns, while those that cannot are forced to remain region-locked year-round. They make ideal prey for both hunters and predatory mutants.
GEESE
Full Breakdown:
Geese are found throughout the wasteland - primarily near freshwater. Many geese, like other waterfowl, have experienced severe feather loss due to their extended exposure to highly irradiated water sources - rendering them flightless. In the wake of the Great War, the Canada goose also experienced a particularly severe mutation - additional heads. Two additional heads, to be exact. Geese tend to act exactly like their pre-War counterparts - needless aggression and all. Despite their bad attitude, geese aren't any sort of a threat. More the opposite, rather, in that they act as a good source of meat for any hungry predator or wastelander.
LOONS
Full Breakdown:
The Common Loon is iconic for the eerie, echoing song it produces. Like other waterfowl of post-War America, many loons have experienced significant feather loss and loss of flight. Ironically, their remaining plumage constitutes the primary reason why they are hunted. Even flightless loons have retained more feathers than other species of irradiated waterfowl. The haunting call of the loon can be heard throughout the Commonwealth's wetlands - matching the ominous nature of such wild, untamed wildernesses.
Legends lurk in the oceans of our scorched Earth. Things far greater than myth could postulate, I can personally confirm. Ghoul whales are one of those things, and their size is only rivaled by their majesty!
ENTRY 43: GHOUL WHALES
Full Breakdown:
There are murmurs throughout New England of gigantic, ominous creatures that stalk the depths of the post-War Atlantic. These "Ghoul Whales" as they're called, are said to be true sea monsters - wreaking havoc across the coast and swallowing ships that dare stray from the relative safety of the shallows. In reality, the mutant whales of New England are largely docile - only attacking if provoked and/or agitated. Their ghastly appearance, however, cannot be overstated. Now, don't get me wrong, there are horrors lurking within the world's radioactive oceans - things straight from our eldritch nightmares. And THOSE mutant monstrosities will certainly attempt to wreak havoc on trespassers and swallow passing ships, but ghoul whales most likely aren't the perpetrators of such atrocities.
I have personally observed pods of blue, humpback, sei, and sperm ghoul whales during my time along the East Coast. Humpbacks, similar to before the War, are the most common species. This is followed by sperm and sei ghoul whales, with the mighty blue ghoul whales being among the rarest. All display visible mutations, but most exhibit the same behaviors and patterns as before the War. Most travel the ocean in groups called pods. Their diets consist of either plankton and small fish or cephalopods and other marine wildlife - depending on the species. Sperm ghoul whales, for example, are predatory whales, while blue ghoul whales are filter feeders.
There is a famous urban legend associated with these mammoth mammals in the Commonwealth. A legendary "blue ghoul whale" is said to stalk the Boston Harbor - perhaps with nefarious intent. To be clear, when the locals say blue, it is unclear to me whether the intent is to describe a blue whale in terms of species or in terms of coloration. Regardless, the mythical "Ol' Peg," as it's been dubbed, has been the subject of many coastal campfire stories amongst Commonwealth natives. While it's too important to Commonwealth culture not to mention, it is important to note that these stories are, at this point in time, unsubstantiated.
Ironically, the role of the yao guai - and the reactions they evoke from unlucky travelers that stumble upon them, hasn't altered much since the War. This is likely due to the fact that bears have always been incredibly imposing beasts - regardless of the presence of mutations. The only major change I can personally think of is that yao guai all-but entirely lack the cuteness factor of their ancestors. It seems ol' Atom above has decided that it's "Oops, all menace!" from here on out.
ENTRY 44: YAO GUAI
Full Breakdown:
The yao guai is a mutated American black bear. Their name was coined by the descendents of those held in Chinese internment camps in America before the Great War. In this way, the connotation of this name - which translates to "monster" - is just as indicative of the sins of our ancestors as it is the mutant abomination it references. Yao guai are larger, more ferocious, and significantly more feral than their pre-War predecessors. These irradiated ursines are visibly ghoulish - often appearing both more emaciated and, paradoxically, far more muscular and broad than the regular black bear. They are often observed lacking patches of hair and covered with signs of radiation damage. Their skin can appear almost fried by radiation - in such a way that resembles feral ghouls. The sounds that yao guai make are also scratchier and more guttural than unmutated bears in such a way that, again, resembles the ghoulification found in irradiated humans.
Yao guai are infamous predators in the wasteland. They're particularly vicious, even compared to other mutants. These hulking masses of muscle, teeth, and claws will maul anything that dares to enter their habitat to shreds and ribbons. In fact, most yao guai attacks can be attributed to their nasty attitude getting the better of them when a trespasser crosses into their territory. Yao guai are as hard to kill as their broad build and dense hides imply - and they hit even harder. When engaged, a yao guai will throw the bulk of its considerable mass at a target to maximize the force behind its attacks. The result is a mutant that hits harder and with more fury than most other mutants - including deathclaws. They're also fast enough to run down most prey with ease, and will do so should one attempt to escape its wrath. If going toe-to-toe with a particularly ornery yao guai, the best way to garner a fighting chance at survival is to encase yourself in a suit of fortified and reinforced power armor. That's it. Anything less, and you're likely to involuntarily violate the most important rule of camping: don't feed the bears.
Despite their inherent feral ferocity, yao guai are quite gentle towards others of their species with whom they share familial ties - implying their inherent ghoulification hasn't left them entirely feral. In fact, some wastelanders are even able to domestic yao guai - although this is an incredibly rare feat. So if I were you, I wouldn't bother trying to command one of these burly behemoths to heel.
Okay, this one's gonna take some explaining - and it may well sound like a tall tale at times. We're about to take a deep dive into wasteland history, but it'll be worth it. Remember what we discuss here if ever you find yourself in one of the deep, dark, and remote places of our world. In deep, cavernous ruins or anywhere where the air crackles with palpable radiation. Any place that's cold, dark, damp, and toxic. Because it's in these terrible places that time forgot where one may encounter the subject of this entry. I implore you to carry on with the knowledge that the things I am about to describe are very real. And while there may not be many of them left, it would only ever take one to wipe entire populations off the map.
ENTRY 45: WANAMINGOS
Full Breakdown:
Since the Great War, legends spread across the wastes that alien and otherworldly horrors lurked in the deepest reaches of the world -- super predators on par with the mighty deathclaw. Largely referred to as "aliens" for decades following the apocalypse, this urban legend was finally given a name in Redding, California - about 40 years back. As the story goes there was a gold mine being operated by the locals known as the Great Wanamingo Mine. It was quite profitable for a time, until something big and particularly nasty decided to invade and infest the mine. Details here were scattered, but apparently the slaves working the mine (yeah, it was one of THOSE operations unfortunately) were forced to detonate their repository of dynamite just to escape. From that point on, the mine was closed off indefinitely. Reports on the exact appearance of the invading monsters were scattered and incongruent. Big, smelly, fangs, tentacles - those sorts of vague labels. It wasn't until anyone up to the task of actually clearing out the mine came along, that we'd get a clearer description.
Now, by this point the name "Wanamingo" was becoming the catchall for these creatures. The mine full of these killing machines was somehow (I assume using an unparalleled amount of firepower) cleared out by an individual I could only manage to identify as the 'Chosen One' - whatever that means. Regardless, In the aftermath, the corpses of these wanamingos were strewn about the mine. And, in the following days, this carrion was inspected by fellow academics, who discovered these particulars to be subjects of FEV experimentation. Not only that, but they theorized that these wanamingos were actually created before the Great War. Some of these scientists hypothesized that they had been engineered with a biological clock that would prevent further breeding beyond a specific generation. Unfortunately, this theory proved as preposterous in reality as it was on paper. In the following years, there was a serious effort by various specialists on the West Coast to hunt down any remaining wanamingos.
This effort by my predecessors yielded some very useful insight on the odd, alien wanamingos. The anatomy of these creatures was understood to be vaguely reptilian, but analogous to no living pre- or post-War animal. Rather, they are massive, bipedal, possess long tentacles instead of arms, and have a giant, flytrap-like mouth lined with teeth - itself encased in a protective, near-bulletproof shell. There are no eyes or sensory features visible on wanamingos, but their senses and faculties are not hindered in any way that implies sensory deprivation. They were described as hyper-aggressive and largely unintelligent. However, they were capable of some level of herd logic - or perhaps even a hivemind mentality.
The comparison to another famous wasteland titan is obvious here. Wanamingos share a lot in common with deathclaws. It's even believed that they may be part of the same program that spawned the deathclaw. It is entirely possible that wanamingos were biological weapons designed by the military or, perhaps, the Enclave. The physicality of the wanamingo certainly does resemble something that would be devastating in trench warfare, so I'm inclined to agree with such points-of-view. And while almost none of this 40-odd years-worth of research comes with a conclusive seal of finality, it sheds more light on these odd mutants than anything else we have.
In recent years, wanamingos have become rarer and rarer across the wasteland. Modern reports ascribe a number of mutations, anatomical variations, and adaptations. For example, there have been reports of "mutant wanamingos" that are able to thrive outside of their subterranean habitats - so long as visibility is low and terrential radioactivity is high. Some are said to have lost their trademark tentacles entirely, while others are said to have even more than is described in the old primary sources. There is a lot of speculation here, and I have done my own field research when I can, but these mutants are very hard to observe in any capacity that could be even remotely described as safe. They are still out there, though. I have seen them from a distance, and heard their haunting calls echoing out across the wastes. The more I investigate the curious case of the wanamingo, the more I find their original title to be far more fitting.
So, remember what you've learned here today. And, if you ever hear an otherworldly howl while exploring the darkest depths of the wasteland - run. Regroup, collect yourself, and ask a very valuable question - are you truly capable of confronting the terrors that may be lurking out there?
VOLUME IV
What are they? They look like fish, but also frogs, and additionally... something else? Just what in the hell are these things?! I'm sorry, this may not be very scholarly of me I admit, but it just rustles my darn feathers. These things have been lurking around the East Coast and parts of the Midwest for how long now? Decades? Centuries even? And no one has ever bothered to perform any sort of deep dive into their lineage or origins? Am I the only one bothered by this? Well, I'm about to make it your problem too. Let's get into it.
ENTRY 46: ANGLERS
Full Breakdown:
Anglers are large, amphibious, quadrupedal mutants with elongated limbs, a vaguely fishlike head, and sharp claws. Their bodies are covered in dense scales, barnacles, and bony growths which line their backs and limbs. Their aforementioned heads resemble a cross between a frog and an anglerfish, complete with a bioluminescent "lure" hanging from their head which resembles the latter's illicium. This lure also closely resembles the swamp plant known as lure weed. Anglers are hyper-aggressive ambush predators. They are usually found living in swamps, rivers, or along the coast where lure weed is present, sometimes hiding under the surface to ambush prey. They have been observed populating freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water systems.
The origins of anglers are a mystery. They may be, potentially, either mutant anglerfish or frogs. The latter is the theory with the most evidence, given that the proportions, features, and habitat of the angler greatly reflect that of frogs. Additionally, some mutant frog species found throughout the wasteland also possess similarly elongated limbs, sharp, jutting teeth, and bioluminescent/bioelectrogenetic traits - pointing to a possible relation between the species.
Regardless of the animal of origin, very little is actually known regarding how anglers mutated into existence either. Some allude to Far Harbor's mysterious, radioactive Fog as the source, but their presence in other parts of post-War America makes it unlikely that the Fog is the only source of this mutation. It may also be the case that these mutants are one of the many mutants spawned from the contaminated, radioactive Atlantic. Or it may even be that - assuming the frog theory holds water - anglers are an advanced mutation of wasteland frogs stemming from consistent, prolonged exposure to radiation or toxic waste. All of this is, of course, speculative and to be taken with a grain of salt. In truth, we may never truly know what exactly anglers are - or how they came to be. Such is the case for many mutants that emerged in the more remote recesses of the wasteland.
What we DO know is that anglers are a very real threat in combat. To say that these overgrown frogfish can take a beating is a gross understatement. They are incredibly resilient and durable creatures, capable of taking sustained fire from military-grade ballistics in stride. Additionally, the angler has a nasty trick up its sleeve - the ability to regurgitate, ignite, and launch flaming blobs of mucus at its prey. This grotesque and terrifying tactic allows anglers to whittle down threats at range - meaning you may well find yourself forced into a shootout with one of these monstrosities. Worse still, is the angler's bite. Their massive jutting jaws and razor-sharp teeth aren't just for show. To add insult to injury, anglers will also propel themselves with their long, muscular hind legs towards their adversary - putting an immense amount of force behind that aforementioned bite.
So, one must ask themselves, how do you kill the damned things? My advice? Either take them head-on with heavy weaponry, or pound away at them from a distance with something a little more high caliber. They have a remarkable resilience to energy weaponry, so don't bother with lasers or plasma. Additionally, ensure you keep your distance, stick to cover, and stay mobile. An angler never yields an easy fight, especially if there's more than one. In the end, it's all about wearing them down. Also, watch where you step - those globs of mucus continue to burn for a hot minute after they make landfall.
For anyone crazy enough to hunt them, anglers will provide meat of the highest quality as a reward for your efforts.
Watch your back if you decide to go swimming in murky shallows or old reefs. These bad balloons plan to trim more than a little off the top.
ENTRY 47: BARBERS
Full Breakdown:
Barbers are mutant octopi that sport barbs and stingers across their whole bodies. While they are smaller and less threatening than other aquatic mutants mano a mano, a shoal of barbers can be a deadly threat. Covered in spikes and armed with a razor-sharp tail stinger, they will jab and stab away at their prey until there's little left but bloody ribbons. Anatomically, barbers share quite a few commonalities with floaters. The inflatable float sacs on their heads allow barbers to easily adjust their altitude in the water while propelling themselves forward with their powerful tentacles. They are not, however, capable of floating above the water's surface, nor can they survive on dry land.
Fast and often found in swarms, they embody the very definition of the phrase 'death by a thousand cuts'. Barbers especially love to hide in old wreckage, underwater caves, or submerged ruins. As such, large groups of these gruesome gasbags can usually be found around sunken ships. They can survive in brackish waters and even temporarily in freshwater systems, so they may show up in unexpected areas. Flood zones near the coast can become infested with barbers - especially during hurricane season. This combined with their penchant for submerged structures means they often come into contact with coastal wastelanders.
Barbers are more of a nuisance to be avoided than anything else. They also make a decent catch for a hungry fisherman - just make sure you get all the barbs out when cleaning 'em! Like mirelurks and other common marine mutants, barbers are an essential part of coastal economies - with cephalopod meat in general being a very valuable export. And luckily for fishermen, a barber on dry land isn't nearly as effective at defending itself from a quick finisher with a decent swatter or a sturdy pole hook.
Quick and agile, tearing through the waves like a speeding bullet. Long, smiling jaws lined with razor-sharp teeth. And they may even come with a few extra heads. What's not to love?
ENTRY 48: BARRACUDAS
Full Breakdown:
The barracuda was a large, predatory, ray-finned fish known for its fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior. Originally, they were opportunistic predators and scavengers. They'd live solitary lives in our world's oceans, existing throughout much of the world and consisting of many, many different species. They'd either feed on fish (including some as big as themselves) or follow larger predators and feed on their scraps. You'd primarily find them stalking large schools of prey fish, glittering a chromatic silver beneath the waves.
Today, mutant barracudas are dangerous predators found commonly near the equator and sparsely in northern waters, such as New England. They fill much more of an ambush predator role in our post-War ecosystems and possess a heightened sense of aggression. Sporting a myriad of heads lined with teeth and a streamlined body built for speed, the barracuda is a top tier hit-and-run predator. They are known to strike from nowhere - shooting out from the murky depths to rip their prey to shreds. They aren't very durable, though, and tend to go down easy in a battle of attrition. So, when a hungry barracuda jumps you, your best defense will always be a good offense. Or to just stay out of the water. Seriously, why do people ever go in the water?
These odd little aliens may be scavengers at heart, but they got a mean bite if you push 'em.
ENTRY 49: BASKERS
Full Breakdown:
From what we can tell, baskers mutated from one of the many species of bottom feeder fish that prowled the Atlantic Ocean floor before the War. They also vaguely resemble the monkfish of the North Atlantic, but do not exhibit similar behaviors to such ambush predators. Nearly unrecognizable from whatever spawned them, baskers prowl the sea floor eating anything they stumble upon.
In the coastal shallows, baskers pose a real threat to anything that blunders through the water without looking. This is because while they are primarily bottom feeding, their massive, jagged teeth and powerful jaws can really do some dirty work when provoked. Many a wastelander has ventured out on a clamming run only to return short a few toes - or even a whole leg! Baskers do not like anything venturing into their personal bubble whatsoever. Get too close, and you'll find yourself in an unexpected fight for your life!
Ah, these spooky little squidlings. They'd be cute if they didn't look like the severed head of an ancient, evil deity.
ENTRY 50: BOBTAILS
Full Breakdown:
Bobtails are mutant cephalopods that flutter through the surf of the North Atlantic. They are thought to have mutated from either bobtail squids, cuttlefish, or umbrella octopuses. These bouncy little cephalopodlings bob to-and-fro in the shallows, hunting for smaller prey. Bobtails are a quality food source for both humans and aquatic predators. They're also really damn haunting up-close. They're also really damn adorable up-close. I'm conflicted.
There's not much else to say about these ones. They're just harmless little cephalopods. Well, harmless to anything bigger than them, at least.
[/spoiler]
Stingrays used to be beautiful and well-respected animals. Especially the mighty manta ray. They were truly the angels of the ocean. Not in behavior, mind you, but in majesty. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Now we're stuck with grotesque, toothy eyeball monsters. I suppose that's just how it goes nowadays.
ENTRY 51: DEVIL RAYS
Full Breakdown:
Manta rays were large stingrays that roamed our world's oceans before the Great War. They were some of the largest rays, known for both their majesty and their wide array of behaviors and associations with other marine life. They were a complex and beautiful marine animal - true aliens of the depths.
The devil rays we know today mutated from pre-War manta rays. Now considerably less graceful and much more eldritch, these feral sea kites prowl the open waters of the ocean, ever vigilant for prey they can rip to shreds. Deviations from their original anatomy include a single, cloudy, cyclopean eye in the center of their heads and jagged, jutting teeth protruding from their mouths. Their stingers have the capacity to deliver a potent poison and potentially open deep wounds in their targets. Their leathery skin is famously durable, so much so that it is prized by collectors.
Though durable, devil rays can be brought to heel with a relatively minimal amount of firepower. So long as one doesn't catch you far from shore in open water, they don't present as high a threat as marine super predators like the ghoul shark. If you catch or slay a devil ray, don't leave the hide behind. If properly treated, their skin can make very viable protection for a skilled hunter. Their stingers are also sometimes weaponized by particularly crafty wastelanders.
Imagine the mighty deathclaw. Now, imagine something that EATS deathclaws. A predator to the biggest, baddest monsters the wasteland spits out. Ultimately, this was a pointless exercise - because they already exist outside the confines of your imagination. They're called fog crawlers, and you'd better pray you never meet one.
ENTRY 52: FOG CRAWLERS
Fog crawlers are giant mutant crustaceans - an unfortunate result of radiation corrupting Atlantic shrimp populations. They inhabit coastal regions and islands, predominantly with low cloud and fog banks - which they use to hunt. Their crawling, shambling gait lets them move through the surf or into woodlands with ease, but swiftly accelerate to pounce on prey. These monsters tend to be solitary beasts, stalking isolated but verdant regions as apex super predators. They are also known to make deep, booming vocalizations as an indicator of their presence.
According to the locals of Far Harbor, the local fog crawlers rarely leave the Island's "Deep Fog," and are one of the most tenacious monstrosities found within its hazy depths. Even the mightiest of mutants, such as deathclaws, tend to steer clear of these shambling nightmares. Among the various horrors of the Deep Fog, fog crawlers reign supreme. They're large, towering brutes that pack one hell of a punch - literally shaking the earth beneath them with each mighty blow. Their outer shells are as tough as the plating on one of those old military APCs, and those scuttling shrimp legs are much faster than they look.
If you need to take down a fog crawler, pull out all the stops. Spare no expense. Power armor, heavy weapons, explosives - bring it all. Tear into them with everything you've got and give them absolutely no room to breathe or recover. A fog crawler is one of the most dangerous mutants in all of post-War America - never forget that.
When it comes to crustaceans, there really is something in the water. Thankfully, these ones are far less aggressive than the mirelurks. And they don't seem to particularly identify with 'em, either. Still, I'd hate to be on the business end of those pinchers.
ENTRY 53: GIANT CRAWDADS
Full Breakdown:
Like other mutant crustaceans, toxic chemicals and nuclear waste in the water supply caused the crayfish of the wasteland to grow to massive sizes. Unlike mirelurks, however, these freshwater lobsters aren't interested in making you lunch. Largely, they just want to be left alone. In fact, they exhibit similar habits and behaviors to their pre-War counterparts. They hunt aquatic critters smaller than them, shelter beneath large rocks on occasion, and defend themselves when necessary using those nasty pincers of theirs. But if you grant them their wish and let them be, you won't have any issue with 'em.
Should you choose to poke and prod at them instead, you might find that they have the strength and fortitude of crustaceans twice their size.
I've run across quite a few of these things in my time. And let me just tell you, I have never seen the lights knocked out on someone so quick as the time I saw a raider take a direct ramming from one of these. It was an instant. No scream, no shouts of pain, just wet thud and the sound of a lifeless, broken body crumbling into the earth. That, alone, is absolutely terrifying. It then proceeded to swallow the poor bastard entirely whole - which was an entirely different sort of alarming.
ENTRY 54: GULPERS
Full Breakdown:
Gulpers are mutant salamanders that have grown exponentially in size. Gulpers resemble giant variations on their pre-War counterparts, but typically stand bipedal and tend to run on their hind legs. While most look like some variation of bog-standard salamander, they are a deceptively diverse species. In fact, I once saw a particularly abominable one back West that resembled the pre-War axolotl.
Evidence points to gulpers being the product of both radioactive fallout from the Great War and subsequent, persistent radiation exposure. They're found throughout the wastes of post-War America, and tend to occupy floodlands, swamps, and bogs. Radioactive hotbeds in such environments, such as Far Harbor's highly irradiated Deep Fog, can cause gulpers to congregate and spawn en masse. Interestingly, gulpers grow consistently throughout their entire lives, meaning the biggest, toughest gulpers are also the oldest.
Gulpers are effective ambush predators, either hanging on and dropping down from trees or bursting from the shallows upon unsuspecting prey. They are aggressive, resilient, and quick. Their primary method of attack is to ram and headbutt their targets. Due to their immense size, gulpers hit like a freight train when they collide with their prey. Gulpers also have regenerative capabilities, making it tough to bring them down and keep them down. If you have to take on gulpers, never give them a fair fight. Outmaneuver them, find higher ground, or give them a wide berth and establish distance before opening fire on them. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't afford yourself any of these tactical advantages, either invest in a nice, shiny suit of power armor or - if all else fails - go for the legs.
Lastly, if you find yourself on a gulper hunt, don't skip on the innards. They are the key ingredient in a damn fine stew that the residents of Far Harbor call "Gulper Slurry." Additionally, on the rare occasion that you come across a brightly colored gulper with a particularly acidic bite - its venom will make a brew unlike anything you've ever had. You're welcome.
See, here's the thing about the ocean - post-War, specifically. All those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad abominations they used to write about in old world literature? You know, the types of things whose existence would drive men mad, because how can something so awful be allowed to exist? Yeah, so the thing about the ocean is that all those things actually exist in the ocean. I've seen a lot of them. I've even met the crazy bastards that study them, and they are - in fact - quite mad. Now, here's the thing about the thing, right? Those eldritch abominations that lurk just below the waves - prowling the murky, abyssal depths of our radioactive seas? Sometimes, they just up and decide to leave the ocean. Sometimes they set up shop on dry land.
ENTRY 55: HERMIT CRABS
Full Breakdown:
Hermit crabs resemble a gargantuan equivalency of their unmutated pre-War ancestors. Towering over any human, hermit crabs are far too large to protect their vulnerable abdomen with an empty gastropod shell. Instead, they use wrecked vehicles to facilitate their ambush hunting style. Hermit crabs occupy a special place in the nightmares of post-War New England natives. Since they are a relative rarity throughout the wasteland, and the hulking crustaceans blend in so well within their environment, knowledge of their existence is not nearly as widespread as it should be. Still, many know and fear these coastal mimics. Their ability to travel inland and remain stationary for long periods means that these behemoths can burst forth when and where you'd least expect it.
When it comes to dealing with hermit crabs, the smartest way is to just learn what to look for and avoid them. See an old truck or van with both a gaping hole in its chassis and an interior overflowing with dirt and trash? Yes? Then stay the hell away. See an unusually stretched out trash can lying on its side, packed tight with garbage? You guessed it, back up and leave. If you find yourself in a hermit crab ambush, do not stand your ground. Just retreat. Though they may seem imposing, hermit crabs are quite slow. A brisk jog is all it takes to give these back-heavy bruisers the slip.
If you - for some reason beyond my comprehension - WANT to take on a hermit crab, I advise you to bring plenty of ammunition. These oversized aquarium props are nigh-indestructible. Engage them in a wide-open space. If they advance, you retreat. You do not, under any circumstance, want to take a hit from one of these behemoths. The crushing power behind their massive front claws is enough to flatten any man, so just keep a steady retreat and maintain sustained fire on the exposed half of the hermit crab's body. Eventually, after a more-than wasteful expenditure of ammunition, they'll go down.
Hermit crabs do, in fact, carry a lot inside their "shells". Their vans are usually filled with valuable goods - from useful resources to arms and armor. They also have a strange and mysterious affinity for garden gnomes - for reasons that are as-of-yet unknown. Lastly, their meat quality is some of the best that you'll find in post-War America - almost worth the immense amount of effort it takes to reach it.
There are still wonders in our caustic, irradiated oceans. Among these few remaining flecks of beauty, we have this marvel of post-apocalyptic nature! And a considerably deadly one at that - under the wrong circumstances.
ENTRY 56: RAD JELLIES
Full Breakdown:
Rad jellies are moon jellyfish that've soaked up far too many rads. Their glow is so bright, they can usually be seen from the shore. Though they're docile creatures, they won't hesitate to share their vast stockpile of radiation with you. So pack that Rad-X if you plan to go Rad Jelly spotting!
Well, here we are again folks. Today we're talking about another one of the true wasteland titans. These ones start off reasonable enough, but trust me - the fully-grown ones are absolute nightmares. And don't even get me started on the sounds they make.
ENTRY 57: KRAKENS
Full Breakdown:
The kraken is one of the most dangerous creatures to crawl forth from the depths of the Atlantic. A creature of humble beginnings, the kraken is theorized to have mutated from either the common octopus or the Atlantic pygmy octopus - with the latter being the leading theory (and the one I, myself subscribe to.) On par with the deadliest nightmares of the ocean depths, the kraken is a truly massive cephalopod covered in natural, chitinous armor plating. Their natural armor may be the result of mirelurk-like mutations wherein the DNA of multiple animals found themselves intertwined. Such mutations became common in the ocean due to the toxic pollution caused by megacorporations before the War. In truth though, we cannot verify the reach of the pre-War pollution that caused the mirelurk family to emerge. So while the evidence has not been gathered just yet, it's quite possible that many mutants like the kraken may also owe some of their mutations to this ecological disaster.
In addition to its size advantage and armored shell, the kraken also possesses bladelike barbs on its tentacles, immense physical strength, and the ability to spend days on land without needing to submerge. It is as efficient a land predator as it is in the sea. It will hunt all manner of creatures and mutants, but does prefer prey equal to its size or smaller. While krakens are not known to quarrel with mirelurks if they are not actively hunting, they will battle other mega mutants for territory. I've witnessed krakens come to blow with other veritable titans - such as radtoads and fog crawlers. They are one of the true horrors of the Atlantic, and as such the Kraken constitutes a foe fit for the mightiest of wasteland warriors.
Much like the other most dangerous mutants out there, avoid confrontation if you can. The echoing, droning call of a kraken can be heard from quite far away, so avoiding them can be done effectively. Beware, though - krakens are highly effective at placing ambushes. They will submerge in shallows or camouflage themselves amidst mud and rocks along beaches, waiting patiently and motionlessly for prey to approach. While a kraken is not as durable as, say, a fog crawler, they are absolutely bullies in close quarters. If a kraken gets the drop on you, there may not be much you can do to save yourself.
The first time I saw one of these, I truly thought I was going insane. Floaters in general are just the worst. I mean, first flatworms, then lampreys, and now the jellyfish?! Radiation has gone too far.
ENTRY 58: MANOWAR FLOATERS
Full Breakdown:
These floaters are the result of beached manowar jellyfish being exposed to Far Harbor's mysterious Fog. The unique conditions of this mutation mean that manowar floaters are rare mutants - scarcely seen outside of the Deep Fog. Due to their strange blue glow, harbormen often mistake them for wisps or ghosts in the Fog. The truth, however, is far more tangible - and terrifying.
Manowar Floaters are electrogenetic mutants, and will give their prey a stunning zap if they can get the drop on 'em. They can float in the air and swim underwater, making them capable hunters in all environments. They aren't particularly sturdy critters, though, so a well-armed individual with good aim should be able to prevent themselves from being deep fried.
The definition of pathetic. A good livestock animal though - if you can catch 'em and keep 'em alive, that is.
ENTRY 59: RAD CHICKENS
Full Breakdown:
Centuries of exposure to high radiation levels have taken their toll on the chicken populations of post-War America. The bird's wings, as well as their plumage, have atrophied almost to the point of nonexistence. Blisters, pustules, and weblike gashes in the skin mar most of their bodies.
Rad chickens are completely docile and pose no threat whatsoever. In fact, they're fairly cowardly and will flee whenever they spot a potential threat.
It seems the horrific interspecies mutations that occurred in the marine critters encompassing the mirelurk family didn't stop with them. Indeed, there are many other horrific amalgamations of marine wildlife out there. Let this be a lesson folks - a cautionary tale if you will. Don't pollute our world's oceans. I realize that the damage is done, and the moral of this story may no longer be relevant, but we can always keep it from getting WORSE, right?
ENTRY 60: RADHAMMERS
Full Breakdown:
Though ghoul sharks are the primary mutation found in most major shark species from what we can tell, sometimes there are other anomalies. The nature of the deep ocean is unpredictable, and the abominations it spits out often defy nature. One such monstrosity is the radhammer. Radhammers are bipedal shark-crustacean hybrids, and quite possibly one of the oddest mutations ever documented.
Typically, radhammers are incredibly rare. They can be found throughout the bulk of the East Coast - and presumably the wider Atlantic. In recent years, though, something about Far Harbor has drawn dozens of these eldritch terrors from the ocean. Today, The Island is home to an unnervingly large radhammer population. Most dwell within the Deep Fog, where they compete with fog crawlers, krakens, wendigos, and other horrors for territory. It's unknown what has caused radhammer populations to swarm in this secluded region off the coast of Maine, but I personally hypothesize the Fog itself plays a crucial role in some way.
Back where I come from, we'd call 'em fast food!
ENTRY 61: RAD RABBITS
Full Breakdown:
Rad rabbits are, as their name implies, irradiated rabbits. They are almost identical to regular rabbits, with a few exceptions. They are lacking much of their fur, possess boils and blisters on much of their bodies, and have small horns protruding from their heads. Rad rabbits are entirely non-threatening and will flee when threatened. They're fast and agile, and as such are quite proficient at escaping predators and hunters.
Their meat is good, although they tend to lean towards the skin-and-bone department when it comes to quantity of said meat.
I've seen many, many radioactive oddities in my day. And I must admit, most multi-headed mutants aren't this adorable.
ENTRY 62: SEA TURTLES
Full Breakdown:
Sea Turtles made a fierce comeback after the Great War. Once an endangered species, populations are now more stable than ever. Plus, now they have three heads! Sea Turtles act as a vital food source for oceanic predators and super-predators. Along the New England coast, one can expect to find leatherback, green, Kemp's ridley, and loggerhead sea turtles. Many of their unique identifiers are still clearly visible, making it easy to tell the various species apart.
If you really want to hunt such gentle, loving creatures, aim for the heads or fins - their shells are heavily resistant to ballistics. It's not hard to hit the mark though - since they tend to be quite docile. They won't flee from humans unless provoked. So basically, killing one makes you a total jerk.
Growing up, these were one of the most common nuisances we'd encounter. The damned things were always crawling out of the woods and trying to squeeze their way into our cabin. So, I can tell you, the good news is they can't hide under your clothes anymore. The bad news is that Lyme disease is the LEAST of your worries.
ENTRY 63: TICKS
Full Breakdown:
Mutant ticks are essentially large, bloated versions of the pre-War parasites from which they owe their lineage. While unmutated ticks were a threat because they'd hide somewhere on their prey's body while sucking their blood (and possibly administering nasty diseases in the process,) today's ticks are too large to practice the same habits. Instead, they are aggressive little eight-legged predators. Ticks will attempt to attack and subdue prey before sucking them dry, but still often rely on the element of surprise to do so.
Though they are small, it's better not to underestimate ticks. These buggers are a combination of the worst traits of other arthropods. Like leeches, these crafty little arachnids tend to slowly regenerate their vitality in a fight - fed by their adversary's crimson nectar. They also have a high likelihood of exploding on death, not dissimilar to boombugs. The final trick up the tick's sleeve is its surprising durability when compared to other similar critters. They're also just plain disgusting.
If you spot one of these repulsive bloodsuckers in the wild, serve it a lead salad with a healthy side of extreme prejudice. Like boombugs, shotguns tend to perform best against them.
Nothing, real or imaginary, haunts the nightmares of wastelanders quite like this one. A tall, gaunt horror capable of great feats of speed and strength, these creatures are the true boogeymen of the wasteland. Death awaits anyone foolish enough to fight, and a torturous existence awaits anyone loathsome enough to become them. They are one of the blackest mirrors in the wasteland - a very real monument to both mankind's mistakes and inherent malice.
ENTRY 64: WENDIGOS
Full Breakdown:
A creature of mysterious origin, wendigos are confirmed to have mutated from humans. No one knows exactly what causes a regular human being to become one of these heinous aberrations, but it's been proven that cannibalism somehow plays a crucial role in the transformation. Wendigos are known to occasionally live amongst, and possibly even command, packs of feral ghouls. This has led some to theorize that the Wendigo mutation may actually be a rare form of ghoulification. Wendigos are found throughout much of the continental United States and possibly beyond. But to be clear, their exact ecology is ultimately unknown - due to the rarity and reclusive nature of the species.
The Wendigo is quite possibly the most terrifying mutant to prowl the wastes of post-War America. They are tall, pale humanoids with sunken eyes and long, razor sharp claws. They possess elongated limbs, jutting and pointed teeth, and an enlarged skull. They can run on two legs or skitter quite effectively on all fours. While they are entirely feral, some wendigos may adorn themselves with odd accessories. Examples of this include mutant or animal skulls, simple necklaces or jewelry, or articles of old clothing. It is unknown why some wendigos do this, but some postulate that their addled minds may be attempting to express some dormant fragment of their humanity. As always, take such hypotheses with a grain of salt.
Wendigos are a devastating force on the post-apocalyptic battlefield. The earth-shattering screech they emit can sunder a fully-grown human instantly, while a single strike from their clawed, malformed hands will produce a similarly violent result on the largest mutants. They're also incredibly dexterous, can briefly cloak themselves in times of distress, and possess a potent poison. Many also tend to be heavily radioactive, meaning that just being in the vicinity of the creature is a safety hazard. Wendigos also regenerate from radiation exposure, similar to ghouls and the mythical wanamingo. In summation, wendigos are top contenders for the title of most dangerous creature in the wasteland. Even if it can't win a fight, it'll raise absolute hell as it goes down swinging. And don't even get me started on the wendigo colossi...
...But that's a tale for another day.
VOLUME V
They've always been annoying little imperialists, but now instead of stealing your food, they're likely to abscond with YOU.
ENTRY 65: ANTS
Full Breakdown:
Ants are a downright scourge found throughout most of the wasteland. Most of these abominable arthropods descend from the order Hymenoptera, family Formicidae, and genus Camponotus. Extended exposure to large levels of radiation have caused ants to grow much larger in size. Some are giant, standing comparably to radscorpions in size, while others are more comparable to radroaches. Some glow with palpable radiation, while others still breathe actual f---ing fire. There are even some smaller, flight-capable variants of ants that are known to swarm like angry hornets when threatened.
There are many variations of ants, each of which assume different roles in the wider colony. Forager ants will scour the wastes for food opportunities, and constitute the weakest of the ants. Worker ants gather food and perform labor, while soldier ants defend the colony and take threats head-on. Finally, the ant queen acts as the controlling force for the colony. Without her, the hive will shrivel up and likely expire. Thankfully for the ants, a giant ant queen is massive and all-but impossible to take down. With the support of the hive, these behemoths are an absolute force of nature.
The ants of Nuka-World are smaller than the giant ants found throughout much of the wasteland. They can be found around their nest mounds, either patrolling outside, hiding within, or sitting on top of the nest itself. These ants are generally found in colonies consisting of both flying and normal ants. They only really pose a threat to wastelanders if they can 'em off-guard. Avoiding their mounds whenever you spot them is generally a way to ensure such outcomes are avoided.
Are you ready to adopt a new, crippling fear? As one above, are you ready to worry about the so that lurks below? Well, I can personally attest to the visceral fear one will experience when a pack of these rapscallions bursts out of the earth and swarms your dainty little ankles. And sure, they aren't particularly tough, but that's not the point. The point is, mutant nightmares swim through the earth just beneath our feet - and that's just wrong. And they should feel bad about it.
ENTRY 66: BLOODWORMS
Full Breakdown:
Originally a small aquatic species that would typically be found on the bottom of shallow marine waters, the mutant bloodworms of New England slowly migrated from the Atlantic onto dry land. Now, they can be found anywhere from coastal beaches to dusty desert wastes. The average adult bloodworm can be as long as an adult human is tall. They have jutting spines that protrude from their backs, and a four-pronged jaw of grotesque, toothy mandibles.
Despite their total change in form and adaptation to new habitats, they retain the burrowing capabilities of their pre-War counterparts. Their four jaws have become adept at plowing through the tough terrain of the wasteland. The larvae of bloodworms will inhabit and feed on the corpses of larger prey - such as brahmin - where they can safely gestate and grow in safe, disgusting isolation. If anything comes close to one of these bulging corpses, bloodworm larvae will burst out and attack.
Adult bloodworms attack their prey by burrowing towards their targets at high speeds. Predictably, their mandibles are their primary weapon, so they tend to attack with a mixture of lunges and bites. They also possess a potent venom, but not one so deadly as that of other predators like radscorpions. They aren't particularly durable, and will expire after experiencing minimal bodily trauma. Overall, their threat level is minimal, and they are most effective as ambush predators.
As one final note, bloodworms - even before the war - were seen as remarkable biologically for their ability to develop copper in their teeth. This mechanism allowed them to be effective burrowers, and has carried over to their mutant forms as well. So, if you're in the market for one of the most useful resources in the wasteland, look no further than bloodworms - especially those that still persist near oceanic environments.
These ones are very angsty for no good reason. Seriously, they'll choose violence every time.
ENTRY 67: BRAHMILUFFS
Full Breakdown:
The brahmiluff is a two-headed mutant buffalo that bears a close resemblance to the brahmin. They possess large ears, smooth hide, and a diverse array of horns. They also generally lack udders, especially the swollen and bulbous ones frequent in the brahmin species. Most of the brahmiluffs found in Nuka-World appear to have mutated from African buffalo, which were likely a staple of the local zoo before the War. Overall, these Safari Adventure escapees are much less dilapidated in appearance than their brahmin cousins, but are also much more aggressive.
Indeed, there are few things meaner than a wild brahmiluff. If they so much as catch a whiff of a human or some other critter on the air, the herd will stampede directly for 'em. They CAN be handled and domesticated, and even trained to wear a pack like caravan brahmin, but this is far from a common occurrence.
Although brahmiluffs are mean and hardy, they tend to act as prey for many of the Park's predators. Gatorclaws, bloodworms, mutant piranhas, and more are all known to prey on brahmiluffs. If you encounter one though, do not underestimate them. They are, in fact, two-headed buffalo. And they will, in fact, fight like a two-headed buffalo.
Now, I know what you're thinking. A cricket, really? Mister Lincoln, you honestly expect me to believe that a cricket can constitute a deadly threat in the wasteland? And to that, I have two things to say. First, check your tone - you'll catch far more flies with honey! Second, you clearly haven't seen a giant, horned cricket cave in the reinforced chest of a T-51 set - much to the extreme anguish and dismay of the occupant turtled within. I have. So shush up, and let's begin.
ENTRY 68: CAVE CRICKETS
Full Breakdown:
Cave crickets are much larger than their pre-War counterparts. These carnivorous, dog-sized hell hoppers will attack anything in sight. Their washed-out coloration allows them to easily blend into the wasteland environment they now call home. The primary way to detect any cave crickets lying in wait is to listen for the "chirping" sounds they make while stationary in their dens.
cave crickets attack using their sharp mandibles and a jutting horn that protrudes from the center of their head. They are remarkably resistant to ballistics and energy weapons alike, and hit like a truck. They are largely fearless, reckless, and willing to propel themselves towards prey with their powerful back legs - making it easy for these critters to close the gap in a fight. And as for their prey, cave crickets will actively target prey many times their size - often coming out on top.
The best way to deal with these homicidal hoppers in combat is to cripple their legs - which will significantly reduce a cave cricket's movement speed. Without the ability to close in on its prey, the cave cricket will become a drastically inepter predator. Just don't get caught with your pants down by a whole gaggle of the damn things. For that, I have no advice aside from using your precious remaining seconds to finalize your will and testament.
So cute, so colorful, so... vaguely horrifying.
ENTRY 69: DART FROGS
Full Breakdown:
The Dart Frogs of Nuka-World are much larger than their pre-War counterparts. Escapees from Safari Adventure, radiation has left them with elongated limbs and morphed proportions. Their iconic, colorful appearance remains intact, as does their potent venom. As such, they are often harvested by the Park's raider gangs for their venom.
Huge, pointy, and covered in calcified, leathery hide. Maybe don't try your luck with these earth shakers. Seriously, I've seen what just one of these things can do to an entire party of raiders. It ain't pretty.
ENTRY 70: ELEPHANTS
Full Breakdown:
Before the War, African bush elephants were the largest land-mammal on earth. Nowadays? Well, that's a bit more uncertain. Elephants look nearly identical to their pre-War counterparts, but have clearly been affected by radiation. Their hide is pinkish and covered in boils, and the largest and oldest among them may sport a few extra pairs of tusks. Other than that, they are essentially the same animal as before the bombs fell.
These irradiated monstrosities are the definition of large and in charge. Like many other mutants roaming Nuka-World, the elephants of the Park were originally crammed into Safari Adventure before the bombs fell. Either someone liberated them in the chaos, or they merely escaped captivity themselves. They mostly mind their own, but they pack one heck of a wallop if you manage to tick 'em off! Give them no trouble, and you shall receive none.
I have seen a few of these in my day, and you never quite get used to 'em. A nightmare-inducing collection of muscle, teeth, and eyes that absolutely makes my skin crawl. I remember seeing one unlucky individual at the Nuka-World Park on the business end of one of these monsters, and not a single person raised an arm or batted an eye. They were screamin' and a-hollerin' and kicking up all manner of dirt and dust just trying to get away - but no one bothered stepping up. One of the nearby raiders was even laughing as that poor fella was torn apart and devoured. And it wasn't of a maniacal sort, more so the type of belly laugh that comes roaring out after you hear a real good joke. Whereupon I made my disgust clear, and the man claimed that this is just what happens when the slaves demand their freedom. They'd get turned loose, exactly as they asked, and they wouldn't make it thirty steps outta town before something turns 'em into a chew toy. I turned to another one of the raiders and asked him exactly what that thing was out there. She slowly set down this herbal concoction she had been rolling into an old pamphlet, flashed a big, cheesy-yellow smile in my direction, and sang out a single word: "empalador." She then made a gesture with her hands that mimicked the way the beast's toothy jaws would clamp down on prey.
I may be a humanist and an optimist, but I cannot help but wish the worst upon all raiders that walk this charred earth.
ENTRY 71: EMPALADORS
Full Breakdown:
Empaladors are big cats that have mutated beyond surface-level recognition. Indeed, it is not even fully understood which big cats mutated into empaladors. They could've been lions, tigers, or some other exotic big cat that escaped from local zoos. Alternatively, they could also owe their origins to indigenous big cats - like the North American cougar. Any or all of the possibilities are possible, and there is evidence to support each hypothesis. Physically, empaladors are only vaguely catlike in appearance. They are large, quadrupedal mammals that lack most of their fur and whiskers, are bulging with muscles, and possess oversized, jutting jaws. Their massive maws are filled with spearlike teeth - hence their name. Their head shape is also entirely disfigured, as their ears and nose are notably missing, giving them an almost-skeletal appearance. Another notable oddity of the empalador's head is the presence of three eyes on either side of their head - totaling in six functional eyes. It is unclear if any of these features hinder or help the empalador as a predator, but they are effective carnivores regardless.
Empaladors are very rare, but are distributed widely throughout the wastes. They are most commonly found in the deep wildernesses of the wasteland - far from occupied towns and settlements. Old national parks and nature preserves tend to be prime habitats for empaladors. They may occasionally choose to make their home in old city ruins if the area is largely abandoned. They do not normally establish habitats by humans or other large mutants that may compete with them for food. Exceptions occur only when humans tempt or feed empaladors - which is an action I do not advise. From what I've seen of empaladors, they appear to be largely solitary hunters. They are cautious when it comes to establishing territory, but fearless and ruthless when threatened. While empaladors may not immediately attack at a distance, they are a hyper-aggressive super predator, and will attack anything that lets it creep too close. Empaladors do seem to prefer attacking prey or opponents when they have their guard down, but are largely capable of holding their own against much larger adversaries.
In most circumstances, I would not recommend going anywhere near an empalador. I realize they are not a sight often seen, and one's immediate instinct may be to attempt a closer look at such a rare beast. However, I strongly advise against such reckless courses of action. The more time you spend near an empalador, the more comfortable it is going to be with the idea of ripping you apart limb from limb. Those teeth are used exactly as advertised - impaling prey with an immense amount of biting force. If you find yourself hunted by an empalador, my best advice is to seek higher ground or enclosed spaces that they cannot reach. Empaladors are durable monstrosities, and they will take a serious pummeling before they finally drop. If you have the privilege of preparation, I recommend arming yourself with power armor before seeking out a fight with an empalador. Otherwise, you're likely to end up as a human-sized chew toy.
It sure would be nice to not have to worry about prehistoric reptiles everywhere you go. Apparently, before the War, the ecology of crocodilians was much more reasonable.
ENTRY 72: GATORCLAWS AND CROCODILIANS
GATORCLAWS
Full Breakdown:
The gatorclaw is a unique, possibly experimental mutant found in Nuka-World. According to the locals, gatorclaws are a cross between the American alligator and the deathclaw. How this is possible I do not know, especially since I've never encountered any similar deathclaw species throughout my travels. Still, it's quite clear that gatorclaws are not related to other mutant crocodilians that I have encountered. Nor do they match any of the many deathclaw variants I've encountered. My current hypothesis is their origins in the Park may have something to do with whatever government-funded project was going on within Safari Adventure. I have found a few notes and holotapes alluding to various secretive operations in Nuka-World, and I'm willing to bet the answers to this mystery are somewhere within Safari Adventure. It's overrun with the damn things though, so I am unable to pursue such leads.
Gatorclaws move and act similar to deathclaws, but are slightly smaller and significantly less powerful. They are particularly ravenous, and seem to be straining Park's ecosystems and posing a major threat to the human occupants. The strategy for taking down a gatorclaw is the same as that for a deathclaw. Aim for the head or stomach for maximum damage, and cripple the legs to gain some distance.
SWAMPJAWS
Full Breakdown:
The South is rife variations on mutant crocodilians - many of which are descended from the American alligator. Nuclear war wreaks havoc on a planet's atmosphere, and the dings the Earth's ozone layer took allowed for drastic changes in climate across the wastes. This is true even near the equator, where these changes are a bit more subtle. The year-round heat increase in such regions has made it possible for cold-blooded critters to migrate far from their traditional habitats. The swampjaw is no exception.
Like the gatorclaws of Nuka-World and the snapjaws of Florida, swampjaws are large, heavily mutated American alligators. Their bodily mutations, combined with the changes in climate, have allowed these mutants to be at-home throughout the various wetlands of the American South. Swampjaws and similar mutants are found throughout the southern states - as far south as Georgia and Alabama and as far north as Kentucky and parts of Maryland. They favor freshwater ecosystems, and tend to relegate their populations to swamps, bogs, and mires - hence their name.
Swampjaws are generally larger than Deathclaws, but were not engineered to be efficient hunter-killers like them. In fact, they often struggle to compete with the deathclaws for territory. As such, the largest swampjaw populations are found where deathclaws are not. As deathclaws continue to spread across nearly all parts of post-War America, the future does not bode well for mutants that occupy the same ecological niche. It's likely that swampjaws will be driven to endangerment or extinction in the coming decades and centuries due to this slow invasion. For now, however, they remain a very potent threat throughout the South.
The ones in my old picture books looked far more graceful. This is beyond disappointing...
ENTRY 73: GAZELLES
Full Breakdown:
The gazelle was one of many antelope species in the genus Gazella. They were swift, herbivorous mammals native to the continent of Africa. In fact, they could run in bursts of speed as high as 60 miles-per-hour! For those who were not educated on the old measurement systems, that's real damn fast.
The gazelles of Nuka-World are mutated versions of the pre-War animal of the same name. After two centuries of exposure to radiation, the gazelle has mutated and grown one additional head and two additional legs, similar to radstags. Their extra legs are too short to touch the ground, and their eyes are obscured swollen flesh and barely visible. Not a very pretty sight, to be certain.
Gazelles are found roaming all around Nuka-World, but most often near the Safari Adventure exhibit. They are usually found in small herds of three or four. They're quite cowardly, and will scurry away as soon as they detect a threat of any kind. They're also far more docile than radstags, and will remain passive and unalarmed in the presence of humans.
Gazelles are the most common prey animal in the Park. They are an invaluable food source, feeding most of Nuka-World's mutant predators and the human occupants alike.
Before the Great War, this was the tallest land animal on the planet. I always thought they were remarkable animals, but I never thought I'd ever meet one. Honestly that was pretty naive of me, considering there were plenty of zoos in America before the bombs dropped. Turns out, there's exotic animals all over the damned place! Horned kangaroos in the Southwest, mutant komodos in the Midwest - it's a downright nuclear safari out there!
ENTRY 74: GIRAFFES
Full Breakdown:
The giraffes of Nuka-World are relatively unchanged from their African pre-War ancestors. They're still the same long-necked herbivores we've all read about. In fact, other than the obvious radiation damage, these gentle giants practice very-much the same lifestyle as they did 200 years ago.
Like other animals in the Nuka-World, giraffes originally escaped from Safari Adventure during the chaos of the Great War. Today, the raiders of the Park hunt these teetering towers for their fur and meat. This is true especially for the Pack, who are keen on the unique, spotted fur pattern giraffes are known to sport.
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While these ones are quite massive and malevolent in appearance, they may in fact just be the friendliest mutants in Nuka-World. Nicer than most of the locals, even.
ENTRY 75: GHOULRILLAS
Full Breakdown:
Gorillas were herbivorous, predominantly ground-dwelling great apes indigenous to the tropical forests of equatorial Africa. The genus Gorilla was divided into two species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, and multiple subspecies. The DNA of gorillas was known to be very similar to that of humans. In fact, they were one of our closest living relatives! They were also the largest living primates!
Ghoulrillas are pre-War gorillas from the Safari Adventure attraction in Nuka-World that have undergone minor ghoulification. Ghoulrillas maintain a very similar appearance to their predecessors. However, they possess scabs, scratches, and other signs of radiation damage located around the body, with scraps of fur missing as well. Their faces are rough and worn, with many ghoulish, skinless patches. The eyes of a ghoulrilla are very dark - so much so that it almost appears as though the pupils are missing.
Ghoulrillas are passive beasts by nature, and will usually only attack if provoked. The rare exception occurs if a ghoulrilla goes feral, wherein it will become much more territorial and aggressive. Ghoulrillas can also be domesticated. The raiders of the Park are known to capture and train ghoulrillas to fight - usually employing them in their arenas.
There's nothing worse than wandering a wasteland trail at night and hearing the echoing sound of cackling in the distance. In the darkness, you never really can place their location, or derive how much time you may have before they strike. And, worst of all, when they do strike, they always seem to come from every goddamn direction. Truly, the wasteland is a magical place.
ENTRY 76: HYENAS
Full Breakdown:
Hyenas are predatory critters from the continent of Africa. Before the War, hyenas were a unique and vital component of most African ecosystems. They display behaviors, traits, and adaptations similar to canines, but are actually more closely related to felines. They were also well-known in pre-War pop-culture for the cackling sounds they were known to emit.
After the bombs fell, these giggly gremlins escaped from Safari Adventure at Nuka-World and now run amok across the Park. They're fast - really damn fast - but also quite cowardly compared to other similar carnivorous mutants. A pack of them can certainly overwhelm you, and should be treated with caution, but they're really at their most dangerous when they run with other predators. Sometimes they can be seen with wild dogs or wolves, acting as fast-moving reinforcements to tougher types of hounds.
Sometimes I'm just not a fan of the nicknames people give our fellow denizens of the wasteland. I'm no linguistic genius myself, but some name changes just seem sort of arbitrary to me. And for the life of me, I don't rightly know why the Florida folk dropped the first part of this critter's name. I mean, how'd they like it if we just called 'em "Oridians?"
ENTRY 77: MINGOS
Full Breakdown:
Mingos are heavily irradiated American Flamingos that have escaped from Safari Adventure. At a first glance, they look very much like regular ole flamingos. Upon further inspection, however, various changes to their anatomy can be observed - such as an extra set of eyes.
Despite their somewhat haunting appearance, Mingos are no threat to anyone. In fact, they are usually hunted by the raiders of Nuka-World for sport.
About 15 years back, I was traveling through the Belt with a local trade caravan. My intent was to conduct some field research on a species of mutant komodo dragon - if you can believe it - which supposedly resided in the Midwest. I was younger and a good bit more lively then. And as such, I was willing to take up with just about anyone who offered me a warm fire and fine conversation. I even met my first fan during that expedition! Ah, the memories. Imagine my surprise and the absolute burst of nostalgia when I happened upon Nuka-World's mutated monitor lizards for the first time! A splittin' image of those lizards I sought out so very long ago! And what a mighty sight they are to behold - from a distance, exclusively.
ENTRY 78: MONITORS
Full Breakdown:
Monitors are massive reptilian juggernauts that used to reside in the Park's Safari Adventure attraction before the War. Radiation has caused a rather extreme case of mutant gigantism in the anatomy of these exotic beauties. I cannot be certain of the full extent of their gigantism, but I have seen multiple monitors that are larger than the mighty yao guai. Monitor lizards were effective active-pursuit predators with an extremely high metabolism, and these attributes are not lost on the monitors of the Park. There were roughly 80 or so species of monitor lizard before the Great War. It would indeed seem that these mutant monitors encompass multiple species. As such, there are a variety of scale patterns on display from the few monitors I have observed. Many appear to be descended from Nile monitor and Asian water monitor, while a few others that I have inspected bear close resemblance to the Bengal monitor. Some, more brutish monitors sport jutting spines as a result of their mutations.
The unmutated monitor lizards of yore originally hail from the continents of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Today, the monitors of the wasteland would be considered an invasive species. My findings are that - at least here in Nuka-World, monitors meld quite well into the ecosystem. There doesn't seem to be any major inhibition on the local populations of native mutants. I am unsure, personally, as to the exact ecological range this species of mutant has managed to inhabit in the last 200 years, however. For the safety of wandering wastelanders, let's hope these fork-tongued fiends decided to keep it close to home.
My advice for anyone encountering a monitor is to keep your distance. Monitors are some of the largest predators I have ever observed. They have high energy, are extremely durable, and their saliva appears to be both radioactive and corrosive. All this is to say that monitors are absolute tanks that hit hard, can absorb a military-grade beating, and have a toothy bite that is as likely to split you in two as it is to drop you hours after the fact. If I were to put these bruisers up against some of the other wasteland titans I've encountered, these bad boys may be top-five material. So, if you spy one sunning itself in the distance, just let it be. If fate doesn't grant you that option, however, go knives-out. Break out the best tool in your kit, aim for the head or legs, and pray for a miracle. If you somehow manage to survive, I imagine the meat, hide, salivary glands, and possibly even the organs may all either fetch high prices or provide practical uses. If you drop such a pristine predator - I'd have to say that's a 'waste not, want not' kind of scenario.
You know, I'm noticing a recurring motif out in the wasteland. If I had a bottlecap for each time I ran into a mutant species of mammal that's been spliced with a rattlesnake, I'd have at-least two caps. And while I'm aware that's not a whole lot, it's just odd that it has occurred twice.
ENTRY 79: NIGHTHUNTERS
Full Breakdown:
A rare and dangerous mutant, nighthunters are an unholy union of rattlesnake and big cat. These vaguely serpentine cougars are beasts of unknown origin. According to Nuka-World's current occupants, nighthunters just showed up one day - similar to gatorclaws. Regardless of origin, these apex predators stalk the hills and wilds around the park - largely electing to avoid most urban areas of Nuka-World.
When they engage potential prey, they use both their powerful bite and potent poison to wear down their victims. Most raiders tend to avoid nighthunters if they can, but occasional ambushes in the foothills have proven to be an unavoidable fixture of life in the Park. They are indeed one of the tougher and stealthier predators you'll find out there. If you have to fight one, flip the script. Get the drop on a nighthunter before it sees you. Aim for the head and try to maintain the high ground. They're tough, but they ain't invincible.
Well, I hate this. And I may never enjoy swimming again.
ENTRY 80: MUTANT PIRANHAS
Full Breakdown:
Mutant piranha are carnivorous fish that mutated from various species of pre-War piranha. They bear a very close resemblance to their predecessors, but are much larger and more ravenous in comparison. So far, I have found mutant piranha that resemble the red-bellied piranha, black piranha, piraya piranha, and a few other common species. They are invasive, originally indigenous to South America. They are exclusively freshwater fish, and were known to populate regional lakes, river systems, and reservoirs before the War. Some species did occasionally find their way into some freshwater bodies in the southern USA. These instances were rare, and they were not considered to be a consistent invasive species, although it was speculated that they had the potential to invade entire water systems.
Mutant piranhas, like pre-War piranhas, are omnivorous. They are habitual ambush predators, hiding in underwater vegetation and ambushing prey that passes by. When necessary, however, they will widen their dietary habits extensively - including the consumption of plant material. Piranhas were also infamous for swarming prey and inciting feeding frenzies - a trait their mutant counterparts also possess. Mutant piranhas are incredibly aggressive, and will swarm prey when the opportunity presents itself. As omnivores, they also compete with various native species for food - and tend to win. In my observations, the freshwater systems where mutant piranhas are found are usually dominated by them. Exceptions to this rule occur when other species that are capable of competing with or predating on mutant piranhas are present. Examples of such species include mirelurks, riverlurks, and/or ravagers.
Now, to be clear, you're not likely to encounter mutant piranhas very often. In my travels, I have only found some in isolated locales like Nuka-World and some moderate populations down in Texas and the Deep South. With that said, I recommend wiping these damn ankle biters out wherever you find them. Since they're nowhere near as widespread as ravagers or mirelurks, it's best to nip this invasion in the bud. Mutant piranha populations are usually sourced locally - from zoos, aquariums, or pet shops that fell into disrepair and ruin during the Great War. This means that while they are localized to isolated waterways, their extended presence in floodplains could facilitate their expansion into wider waterways throughout the wasteland. So, if you stumble upon an infested pond or lake, harpoon 'em, shoot 'em, overfish 'em, or do whatever you can to clear 'em out. Just be careful to mitigate damage to the wider ecosystem when doing so.
Oh, and most importantly, be careful whenever you decide to go swimming in the wasteland - even under the best of circumstances. You never truly know what's out there!
I really like these ones. They bring some much-needed color into this dour world.
ENTRY 81: RAD-PARROTS
Full Breakdown:
Rad-Parrots are mutated Amazon parrots that escaped from Safari Adventure during the Great War. Though the majority of their feathers have been lost, those that remain can come in an array of vibrant colors. These tiny, irradiated husks tend to keep to their own, wandering the park in a rather aimless fashion. Since they lack the proper plumage for flight, rad-parrots tend to fall prey to the Park's many, many predators rather easily.
Ah, yes - the wild and majestic zebra. What color are they, really?
ENTRY 82: ZEBRAS
Full Breakdown:
Zebras were African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There were three species of zebra: the Grévy's zebra, the plains zebra, and the mountain zebra. Zebras shared the genus Equus with horses and donkeys, the latter of which you may have encountered during your time in the wasteland.
The zebras of Nuka-World are escapees from Safari Adventure, like most of the other exotic creatures in Nuka-World. They wander the dusty old amusement park in small groups, feeding on whatever vegetation they can find. Aside from minor radiation damage, zebras are largely unchanged since the Great War. Many of the raiders hunt them for food or sport, while many of the Park's predators target the creature as a food source. They can be found far-and-wide throughout Nuka-World.
Zebras are largely docile critters. Some of the Park's occupants even domesticate them. In fact, I have even seen a pack zebra or two in my day - if you can believe it!
