Bark Scorpion

Bark scorpions are creatures found in the Mojave Wasteland 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 scorpion. 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.

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. They tend to appear in groups of 3-4. If encountered in numbers, they frequently try to surround their intended target. Bark scorpions blend perfectly during the day in the Mojave and can sometimes be mistaken for desert flora.

Gameplay attributes
While bark scorpion are physically weaker than their heavier-bodied cousins, their 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.

Although their low hit points may indicate otherwise, bark scorpions can potentially be dangerous, even for mid-level players if encountered in groups. This is because the effects of the venom stack and can lead to a rapid demise if the player is not carrying any antivenom. However, groups of scorpions are very rare (especially at low levels) and higher level players should be well-equipped to kill them in any case.

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.

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.

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 most possible first bark scorpion that can normally be encountered on the road to Goodsprings cemetery once the quest By a Campfire on the Trail is active.

Appearances
Bark scorpions appear in Fallout: New Vegas.