Bark scorpion

**Bark scorpions** are creatures found in the Mojave Wasteland and Zion Canyon in 2281.

## Background

Bark scorpions are a strain of radscorpion native to the Mojave Wasteland, which, as their name implies, mutated from North American Arizona bark scorpions. They are easily identified from other species of radscorpion by their light, yellow-brown carapace and the fact that they are much smaller than the larger radscorpion.

Despite being a species of radscorpion, they do not get along with their larger cousins, and are frequently preyed upon by them.

The Bark scorpions venom is deadly, as even one sting can kill.

## Characteristics

### Biology

Bark scorpions differ from radscorpions not only in size and coloration, but in attack methodology. Where radscorpions tend to engage a target the second they see it, bark scorpions tend to hang back and try to flank the player if at all possible. This is made worse by their tendency to jump short distances if they detect prey that's gotten too close in a hurry. If encountered in numbers, they frequently try to surround their intended target.

The coloration of the bark scorpion is perfect Mojave Desert camouflage during the day, making it easy to mistake them for a rock or some desert flora. They are often found in groups of 3-4, basking in sunny areas along highways and outside of towns.

### Gameplay attributes

While significantly weaker physically than their heavier-bodied cousins, the bark scorpion's venom is much more dangerous; it causes more damage over time, as well as blurred vision. Antivenom will negate the venom's effects; when the player is stung by a bark scorpion, the game will alert them with a message that they are feeling a little woozy.

## Variants

### Bark scorpion

The standard bark scorpion with all the characteristics mentioned above. These scorpions are commonly found around the Hidden Valley area, and in large groups around Scorpion Gulch. They are about the same size as normal radscorpions, and do a similar amount of damage.

* Dead Bark scorpion poison gland

### Bark scorpion hunter

Among bark scorpions, these are the larger and more aggressive individuals. They are generally found in the same areas as their smaller counterparts, and can be difficult to distinguish from regular bark scorpions, especially in the flurry of combat.

* Dead Bark scorpion poison gland

## Locations

Bark scorpions are primarily found in the desert of the Mojave Wasteland outside of buildings and off of main roads and on very rare occasions in abandoned buildings, such as a house in Nipton and a room in the El Rey Motel. They are also found scattered around Zion Canyon often inside and near buildings.

They can be infuriatingly hard to see due to their brown coloration and lower profile, but are particularly common in and around Hidden Valley, Scorpion Gulch, and around Nipton. They are many that spawn between Wolfhorn ranch and Hidden supply cave, near the unmarked Vipers hideout. This is where you will run across many bark scorpion hunters. The first bark scorpion that can normally be encountered is probably on the road to Goodsprings cemetery.

## Notes

* Bark scorpion poison glands can be sold for a considerably higher amount of caps than radscorpion poison glands.
* Bark scorpion poison glands are required to make the poisons Bleak Venom, Mother Darkness, and Silver Sting.
* Bark scorpions are used in a trap by the owner of the "Declaration of Vital Essence" house in Nipton, activated by a pressure plate in one of the bedrooms. The cage is initially locked and unwary players may be caught by surprise later.
* When the player fast-travels to Hidden Valley, some bark scorpions may spawn beside you.
* Bark scorpions may get stuck underneath the ground. If killed the body will disappear underground, and even bounce/thump around underground in a spasmodic glitch.

## Appearances

Bark scorpions appear in *Fallout: New Vegas*.

## References

1. ↑ Ulysses: *"{Thinking}Antivenom's helpful around the Mojave with the Bark Scorpions. Even one sting can kill you. {Beat}Tunneler bite can be just as bad."*

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