Yao Guai (Fallout 4)

Yao guai are a species of mutated bears that inhabit the Commonwealth and Far Harbor in 2287.

Background
The name comes from the Chinese term "yao guai" (妖怪), which translates to "monster" or "demon". The name was given to the creature by the descendants of the Chinese that were living in internment camps during the Great War.

Biology
The yao guai is a mutated bear of debatable origin species in the Commonwealth. Possibly mutated from the black bears native to the region, these yao guai are generally larger than their unmutated predecessors and are more aggressive. The physical build of the Commonwealth variant does not seem to drastically deviate from pre-War bears as much as the yao guai in the Capital Wasteland and Zion Canyon. Comparatively, they are overall less dog-like in their posture and movement, sport thicker patches of fur, and more body fat. Since their upper body, chest, and arms are not as massive, the Commonwealth yao guai have a more traditional bear-like posture and gait.

Gameplay attributes
Although generally found alone, yao guai exhibit a gentle, familial bond toward one another when found together, provided they do not feel threatened by the observer's presence. Yao guai will attack nearly any other creature or person they encounter, including deathclaws.

They seem to appear as often during the daytime as they do during the night time. This is a primary difference between the Commonwealth yao guai compared to the Capital Wasteland variants which are more nocturnal in nature.

These creatures also have the ability to cause, unlike their Capital Wasteland counterparts, the staggering effect on every of their attacks, even if the player character is quick enough to block them. For this reason, melee fighting against yao guai might be difficult, especially with slow weapons such as the super sledge, and if fighting against a group. Attacks must be properly timed, otherwise the player character might get stuck in the stagger effect, giving yao guai enough time to strike once again.

Stunted yao guai
Not as physically imposing as normal yao guai due to minor malformations, past injuries, or arrested development. As a result, they are less of a threat compared to other variants. Wherever they are found with another yao guai it is usually one with a similar affliction.

Yao guai
The typical form of a yao guai, they are stronger than their stunted counterparts and can prove a difficult fight for low level player characters due to their considerable strength and aggressive nature.

Yao guai ghoul
A ghoulified version of the yao guai, added to the game with the Far Harbor add-on. Its sensory organs seem to be heavily damaged due to radiation poisoning, age, and past injuries, as they have 7 less perception than their non-ghoulified variant.

Shaggy yao guai
Larger in size with longer, more shaggy fur than the average yao guai, these variants have greater resilience and more power behind their attacks.

Irradiated yao guai
This variant of yao guai was an addition included in Far Harbor.

Glowing yao guai
Similar looking to standard yao guai. However, it glows due to an excess of radiation absorbed by its body and is considerably tougher than its counterparts.

Albino yao guai
These yao guai are much lighter in coloration than a typical yao guai due to a genetic defect causing albinism. They are significantly tougher than their standard counterparts.

Rabid yao guai
The rabid yao guai is a yao guai that has been infected with Rabies or a similar illness. In appearance, it has red welts dominating its sides and face, giving it a diseased look. Despite its unhealthy appearance, it can prove to be a deadly adversary in combat.

Dusky yao guai
The deadliest yao guai variant in the Commonwealth, it has a darker coloration compared to typical yao guai. Additionally, it has more pronounced scars on its body. Sporting a large health pool and powerful attacks, it can be an issue for the player character at any level. Those unprepared for such an encounter can meet a swift death in just a few strikes.

Dusky yao guais level with the player and are therefore immune to the Animal Friend perk.

Pack yao guai
Found in a cage in Nuka-Town backstage, this Yao guai is kept by The Pack.

Locations

 * A yao guai encounter is quite uncommon on normal difficulty. In lower difficulty modes, they are usually found on the western side of the map around Fort Hagen or west of Diamond City. On Survival mode, yao guai can spawn on the outskirts of Concord.
 * Two yao guai spawn at the Fairline Hill Estates.
 * A yao guai may be found in Boston, in a small park along the road west-southwest of the Boston Bugle building and northwest of the Mass Fusion building, before the bridge crossing the river.
 * Two can be found at Rocky Narrows Park.
 * A yao guai may be found southeast of Gunners plaza near or in a small house.
 * A stunted yao guai may be encountered during the story campaign, in the quest Reunions. While following Dogmeat, one may appear.
 * A few yao guai can be found just north of Jamaica Plain.
 * Up to four corpses can be found in a small ravine northwest of coastal cottage, alongside a deathclaw.
 * A stunted yao guai can be found at the Vault 81 entrance.
 * A yao guai ghoul can be found near Zephyr Ridge Camp.
 * A yao guai can be found near Cranberry Island Bog.
 * A yao guai can be found on Huntress Island.
 * A dusky yao guai may spawn on an island north of Rayburn Point and north east of DiMA's cache. The island is recognisable by the red, upturned hull of a boat.
 * Three can be found outside the Nuka-World power plant.
 * A yao guai can be found fighting a gatorclaw in the bear cave.
 * Three can be found outside the Dunmore homestead.

Appearances
Yao guai appear in Fallout 4 and its add-ons Far Harbor and Nuka-World.

Яо-гай (Fallout 4)