Scorpion

Scorpion
General information
Status	Thriving
Biology
Diet	carnivorous
Symmetry	Bilateral
Lifespan	Varies by species
Miscellaneous

Scorpions are common arachnids found predominantly within the dry regions of Erudite. They are also extremely adaptable, and they can be found in both warm and cold weather areas.

Common scorpions are also considered a delicacy in the Leir region, especially among the Notios.

Appearance

Scorpions vary in size by species. The unifying traits consist of a set of pincers and a stinger tail. The high oxygen levels of Erudite allow for scorpions to grow to large sizes making them a foe that can pose a threat to travelers. They vary in color by region ranging from brown to dark red.

Behavior

Scorpions generally do not attack others unless provoked. Some of the larger species are capable of being tamed and being used as mounts or siege engines.

While scorpions are generally considered solitary hunters, the scorpions native to Leir are unique in that they are colonial in nature. They form hives in underground caverns and sinkholes, clustering around ekati ore to feed off their ambient energies. They are far more hostile than common scorpions and are extremely territorial, especially around the queen of their hive.

Subspecies

• Common scorpion - A small scorpion. They are the size of a human hand. They are often considered a delicacy by the Hegaska, and their poison is often used in both anti-venom and weaponry.
• Giant scorpion - A large scorpion that stands six meters. They tend to have spotted patterns for extra camouflage.
• Rock scorpion - A close relative to the metal scorpion that can be found in mountainous areas. They are considered a hazard for miners, but they often hold valuable ore within them. Rock Scorpions are typically not venomous, but their tail can be used as a bludgeon or even a rudimentary pickaxe to mine through rock.
• Metal scorpion - Native to cold regions, metal scorpions have exoskeletons that can be made of a variety of different materials from iron to mithril. They are thought to have been the result of an ancient magical experiment gone wrong. Metal scorpion hides are sometimes used to create armor.
• Elemental scorpions - These scorpion subspecies have magical abilities to defend themselves from predators and to catch prey. Their stingers are made of ekati.
  • Fire Scorpion - A scorpion capable of shooting fire from its stinger.
  • Ice Scorpion - A scorpion that can fire concentrated beam of ice to freeze its prey.
  • Lightning Scorpion - A scorpion that can use its stinger as a lightning rod to charge itself then fire blasts of electricity.
  • Blink Scorpion - A type of scorpion that can uses aether magic to teleport short distances to catch its prey by surprise.
  • Moss Scorpion - Tend to be found around sources of water where they camouflage themselves as mossy rocks.
• Behemoth scorpion - The largest known species of scorpion on Erudite, they can live for thousands of years by hiding buried in the sand. Waking one up is considered a terrible mistake.

Unique scorpions

• Selkis - A scorpion goddess once worshipped by Gammel. Thought to have been a magically-enhanced Behemoth scorpion. Instead of venom, Selkis produced healing elixir.