Apoc Scorpion

With the occurrence of the Event, Apoc Earth has seen the rise and fall of countless thousands of animal species in a relatively short time. Many species that can trace their evolution back millions of years to prehistoric times have continued to thrive in the harsh, ever changing world of Apoc Earth. However, some creatures have remained virtually unchanged, but adapting nonetheless to the new and dangerous environs. Once such example of this is the Apoc Scorpion.

Taxonomically, the Apoc Scorpion is very similar to its smaller cousins, many of which are still found across the globe. The first and most obvious difference is the Apoc Scorpions' tremendous size. Adolescents range in size from 10 to 15 ft. in length, 3 to 4 ft. wide across the abdomen, and weighing in at roughly 2,500 to 3000 lbs. Adults can reach monstrous sizes, reaching 60 to 70 ft. in length, 8 to 10 ft. wide across the abdomen, and weighing in at several tons. Rumors persist among the Churl tribes of the Arabian Peninsula that they are used as war mounts to devastating effect.

Apoc Scorpions are covered in hard, spiky plating that is resilient to all but the strongest of attacks. They boast much larger and stronger pincers that can crush steel, and have snapped human bodies in two with an ease that few beasts can boast. And finally, the Apoc Scorpion boasts not just one but rather three tails, each tipped with a stinger. Each stinger possesses a different type of venom. While venom will vary slightly from species to species, the venom has the same basic effects.

For example, most Apoc Scorpions typically possess a stinger that contains necrotic venom; with necrosis becoming apparent mere seconds after the sting is inflicted. Another stinger will usually carry a paralyzing venom that can inflict full paralysis and death in minutes if stung around the chest cavity. The third stinger contains venom that will usually vary according to species. The Apoc Scorpions of the Middle East tend to favor anti-coagulating venom, which when coupled with the sheer size of their stingers, can lead to death in seconds. Apoc Scorpions of North America usually carry dangerous corrosive venom that can degrade metal if the dose is large enough. If stung in the abdomen or neck, death is usually instantaneous as the size of the wound is usually enough to slay all but the strongest of individuals. To date, there are no known anti-venoms for Apoc Scorpion stings. If stung in one of the limbs, amputation is usually the safest way to prevent the venom from spreading to the abdomen. Oddly enough, the Apoc Scorpion retains an unusual and lesser-known quality of it's lesser kin: that of glowing beneath a black light.

Apoc Scorpions prefer dry, arid environments; where water is scarce and there are plenty of low, dark caves and pits to shelter in. The Apoc Scorpion can be found in three major environs. They are one of the apex predators in the deserts of the Middle East, with a smaller and stockier breed found in what was once Pakistan and Afghanistan, the larger breeds thriving from pre-Event Persia and down into the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt, and slightly smaller but far more venomous breed in the deserts of North Africa.

Apoc Scorpions are the bane of the IDF, which have come to view humans as a food source. As an ambush hunter, several hundreds are claimed each year to Apoc Scorpion predation. If patrolling soldiers manage to either escape or kill the attacking predator, they usually kill any soldiers who receive a sting out of mercy, sparing their comrades from an admittedly quick but agonizingly painful death. A breed of Apoc Scorpion can be found in the Gobi Desert, but little is known about it since it is very reclusive. The North American species, which is thankfully confined to the deserts of Mexico and the North American Southwest, uses highly corrosive venom that can supposedly melt a Klik Tripod in minutes.

There are many fears and taboos related to the Apoc Scorpion and its venom. Several Churl tribes revere the Apoc Scorpion, and many warriors claim it as a totem beast. A few tribes have even gone through tremendous risk to obtain large quantities of Apoc Scorpion venom to line arrows and weapons, giving them an extra edge in combat.

Tactics: Apoc Scorpions are ambush predators, favoring lightning fast strikes from cover. Many prefer large, deep, dry caves for lairs, to which they will drag their prey for consumption. Apoc Scorpions usually lead off with a series of stinger attacks, followed by its massive pincers attacking anything within range. Encounters with Apoc Scorpions are not usually drawn out affairs, with either the scorpion killing everything it encounters or fleeing when the prey proves too strong to take down quickly. When engaging an Apoc Scorpion, it is best to do so from range. Its armor is very resilient, so high power ammunition or strong spells are best.