Snallygaster

Snallygasters are creatures found in Appalachia.
==Background==
Experiments with recombinant strains of FEV at the West Tek research center in Appalachia produced numerous failed mutations, with two exceptions. The first of these was FEVS-006443 from October 14, 2077, a Phase 2 combination strain that combined traits that resembled a number of different species. The results were considered disturbing by the scientists but provided valuable insights as to the capability of recombinant FEV. Changes included a number of ocular organs along the enlarged upper torso, a second set of arms ending in clawed digits and a large sickle-shaped claw on each inner toe. The living, stable and functioning subject was sustaining itself normally (a major accomplishment for the program) and was planned for release in Huntersville after the subsequent experiment matured.West Tek research center terminal entries; advanced mutations lab terminal, Report: Test Subject AM52 The mutant was not returned to the area until January 3, 2078, when it escaped containment and the facility. The mutant procreated, leading to the emergence of snallygaster mutants across Appalachia.West Tek research center terminal entries; advanced mutations lab terminal, SPECIAL REPORT: CONTAINMENT BREACH
==Characteristics==
===Biology===
The snallygaster is a quadrupedal creature. It has two arms with three claws each, of which one is an opposable thumb, and two small limbs on the back of its body, which it usually uses to support itself while sitting. It has no proper face but has a mouth with a long tentacle-like tongue covered in acid and has multiple eyes along its back. A snallygaster will use its tongue like a whip up close and spit balls of acid at a range. The snallygaster has at least 40 eyes, two rows of teeth and thorns on its back. It has been described as being "a dragon-like demon that haunts an area outside of neighboring DC." They are easily recognizable from a distance, due to their signature clicking soundsWandering storyteller: "Maybe half a year ago at a campsite not far from here, I was cookin' up a delicious, brothy stew when I heard a disgusting clicking sound nearby. Now that vile sound, it grew and grew as the thing drew nearer."(Wandering storyteller's dialogue) and the thick, pungent odor they emit.Wandering storyteller: "Well, then I saw a shadowy, twisted figure just beyond the forest edge. There was an unmistakeable odor as a thick, pungent stench filled my nostrils."(Wandering storyteller's dialogue)
===Gameplay attributes===
Snallygasters are almost exclusively found around highly toxic or irradiated areas in groups of up to four. When provoked, they will spit a ball of toxic slime from the mouth, dealing poison damage. They will then run to the player character and use a melee attack, either scratching or hitting the player character with their tongue. When idle and having not spotted the player character yet, they can be heard making various grunting and snorting noises.
Snallygasters are immune to radiation damage and take 150% damage when struck in the head.
==Variants==
===Snallygaster===
===Fetid snallygaster===
===Bloody snallygaster===
A snallygaster with a dark red hide, giving it the appearance of being covered in blood.
===Glowing snallygaster===
A snallygaster which glows green following exposure to high levels of radiation.
===Scorched snallygaster===
A charred, fleshy snallygaster infected with the Scorched Plague. All regular snallygaster variants have a corresponding Scorched variant with the same stats, abilities and items. They may become Scorched when attacked by scorchbeasts or the scorchbeast queen, becoming allies with other Scorched creatures.
==Locations==
* Seven can always be found at the flooded trainyard.
*Three can always be found at Toxic Larry's Meat 'n Go.
* Two can always be found in Charleston between the Hornwright Industrial Headquarters and the Charleston Capitol Building.
* One is located at Federal Disposal Field HZ-21.
*Two often spawn at Pylon V-13.
* Three often spawn at Kiddie Corner Cabins.
* Can sometimes appear at Treetops.
* Can sometimes appear at the crashed vertibird behind Hemlock Holes.
* One is encountered in Vault 96 during A Satisfied Conscience.
==Notes==
* A more historic depiction of the snallygaster appears on the Season 12 scoreboard Rip Daring and the Cryptid Hunt, encircled around the compass rose.
* Prior to Patch 18, the snallygasters' toxic spit projectile would remain on the ground for a brief period of time. Although there was never a button prompt, activating the object would move the "snallygaster spit attack explosion" to the miscellaneous tab of the inventory.
** This item had a negative caps value.-1 or -2,147,483,648; depending on the patch When placed in a player vending machine, the cap value would default to the maximum caps sale value25,000 or 30,000; depending on the patch due to an underflow wrapping back around to the maximum value. Originally, it had an inspection model depicting green globules, but was set to have no preview model in an unknown patch prior to its removal. This item was considered a bug and has since been removed from the game.
==Appearances==
Snallygasters appear only .
==Behind the scenes==
* The snallygaster follows the idea established in other Fallout 76 monsters in that it is based on a local legend. However, the legend of the snallygaster is more within the area of Frederick County, Maryland, and it does not match its mythological counterpart as closely in appearance.
* The name snallygaster is derived from "schnelle geister," which is German for "quick spirits."
* The snallygaster concept art was an approach to create a very mutated creature, rather than a mythical horrifying beast.Ray Lederer: "Fallout 76 concept art I produced for the Snallygaster. It does not match the folklore version of this cryptid but I approached it in the same way the chupacabra is really just a boiled dog or whatever instead of a mythical horrifying beast. Although this guy is is pretty horrific in it's own right if I say so myself:)"(Ray Lederer's Instagram)
==Gallery==
WV State Capitol.png|E3 Trailer: Snallygaster at a nuked Charleston Capitol Building
Tales from the West Virginia Snallygaster.png|Tales from the West Virginia Hills
FO76 Season 12 Snallygaster.png|Depiction on Season 12 scoreboard
Snallygaster Shooting Club.png|A snallygaster at the Clarksburg Shooting Club
FO76 Ben Carnow snallygaster concept art.jpg|Concept art by Ben Carnow
Mounted snallygaster.png|Mounted snallygaster
FO76 Snally 1.png
FO76 Snally 2.png
FO76 Snally 3.png
FO76 Snally 4.png
FO76 Snally 5.png
FO76 Snally 6.png
FO76 Snally 7.png
FO76 Snally 8.png
FO76 Snally 9.png
FO76 Snally 10.png
==Video==
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==External links==
* Snallygaster spit attack explosion inspect preview
==References==
Category:Fallout 76 creatures
Category:Cryptids
es:Snallygaster
ru:Снеллигастер
uk:Снеллігастер
zh:鳥形龍