Yao Guai

Yao guai are the mutated descendants of the American black bear. These vicious creatures are found in Appalachia, the Capital Wasteland, the Commonwealth, the Island and Zion Canyon.

Background
 Named by descendants of those held in Chinese internment camps before the Great War, yao guai are mutated American black bears and one of the more vicious creatures of the wasteland, sporting razor sharp claws and teeth, and a nasty temperament.

Characteristics
 Yao guai are large, mutated ursines that are descended from the bears that lived across America before the Great War. They are able to reproduce, as evidenced by the presence of cubs and some have extended lifespans, such as the pre-War circus bear, Ruzka. Wild yao guai will attack nearly any other animals or people they encounter, including deathclaws. Despite this, yao guai exhibit a gentle, familial bond toward one another when found together and can even be domesticated.   Yao guai may be hunted for their meat and hides. Yao guai may be prepared into ribs and roasts. Yao guai remains may be kept as trophies, trinkets or used as materials to make exotic weapons, such as Bear arm or She's Embrace.

Yao guai


A common adult yao guai.

Yao guai cub


A younger specimen of the mutant bear.

Giant yao guai


Larger versions of yao guai.

Behind the scenes
 
 * In Mandarin, yāo guài (妖怪) translates as "monster" or "demon." In Chinese mythology, "yao guai" are usually physical manifestations of the spirits of mistreated animals or fallen divine animals.
 * The black bear from which the yao guai mutated is the official state mammal of West Virginia.