Welcome, Reader! If you reading this, that means you have a hunger for knowledge of the great Texan Wasteland. That, or you a raider simply lookking for anything of use. Either or, this small collection of knowledge can help you survive in this unforgiving waste. And what better way to begin a story of the Wasteland, than giving a detailed look at the unique and extremely dangerous creatures only found here?
Here in Texas, several of the native animals may have evolved or mutated differently than elsewhere in the great United States. This chapter is to help understand, defend, and maybe even tame these irradiated beasts.
One of the most dangerous creatures known is the deadly Horned-Toad Deathclaw, commonly called the Deathhorn. Most Deathhorns are near identical to the many Deathclaws of America, with the exception of their strong, armor-like thorns along the back and sides. As well, these thorns can be removed and used as projectiles by the Deathhorns. Luckily, these thorns, even if thrown at high velocities, only cause a very minimal amount of damage, only being dangerous in any of the major vital points of the body. Due to the rarity of the Texas Horned-Toad prior the War, these Deathhorns are in a fairly slim supply. Do not think this is an allowance to be careless. They are still extremely territorial and very intelligent, in some instances even setting traps for other creatures and people. As with all Deathclaw-like animals, these animals cannot be tamed or domesticated.
Prior to the War, Texas was a borderline breeding ground for several different species of snakes, some of which have grown and adapted to their new, nuclear homes. These creatures are called The Basilisks. Basilisks, unlike their fantasy counterpart, cannot kill you simply by looking you straight in the eyes. Although, if you DO happen to be looking a Basilisk in the eyes, you will most likely be dead very soon, as they are extremely fast in both movement and attack, the bites injecting a very concentrated form of radiation into the blood stream. The most common Basilisks are the Texas Coral Basilisk, the Western Cottonmouth Basilisk, and the most dangerous, the Rattler Basilisk.
The Texas Coral Basilisk is the most common, seen in over ninety-percent of Texas. The Coral Basilisk is identified by its black, red, and yellow rings. Unlike the old saying, no matter what order the colored rings are in, this snake can, and will, kill Jack.
The Western Basilisk is the second most common and the smallest of the Basilisk family. The Western has a coloration of a grey-brown with dark, almost black splotches at even intervals.
The Rattler Basilisk is the least common, and most dangerous, of the Basilisks. These Basilisks are unique in the fact that, throughout their mutations, have kept the loud rattle on the end of the tail. This rattle is very loud and able to echo nearly two miles away and draws in more Basilisks. This species of Basilisk also has a unique ability to spit the concentrated radiation up to twenty feet away by using a special organ in it's mouth.
The Basilisk family is a very hostile animal that is not below attacking for no reason. Similar to the Deathhorns, none of the Basilisk species can be tamed or domesticated. Keep yourself safe and stay away from the most dense location of the species: South Dallas, New Arlington, and The Collision Sight.
Think you were scared of spiders before? Guess again dear reader, for this section is about an irradiated species only found here in the Ol' Lone Star State: The Radspider. The Radspider is special as it is a species mixture of the Brown Recluse Spider, making their bite even more deadly, and the Bold Jumping Spider, giving them the ability to jump nearly one hundred feet. Thankfully, these Radspiders are still extremely useful if they can be captured*. The silk taken from these arachnids can be used as an equally effective substitute for rope. Take caution, as the Radspider is almost if not more territorial than the Deathhorns.
*Note: These cannot be tamed nor domesticated. Captured is the most effective word for this explanation. Take very, very thought out actions for capturing.
Moving away from the most deadly and dangerous of Texas creatures, this bottom most section is to give details of the less violent and possibly tamable, only for the most daring, animals of the Wastes.
The first one we will be talking about is the extremely popular Brahmin Steers. The Brahmin Steer is seen as a normal Brahmin, except they have very large horns and used in Texas' most famous activities: the rodeo. Wild Steer are extremely common, barely being less than twenty per mile. The Steer is not a naturally hostile animal, but they will fight to protect their lives and other members of it's herd. These animals are some of the most easily tamed and domesticated animals of the Wastes.
*Side note: The Brahmin Steer is said to give the best meat of any creature in the Texan Wastes, even if prepared by a rookie.
Take note, this section is on the non-violent and domesticated animals. We said nothing about not having a bad smell. These mutated skunks, aptly called Stink Bombers or simply Bombers, are wolf sized skunks and aren't exactly the best smelling things out there. They are territorial, yet will not attack if not provoked. Bombers are quite easily domesticated-although, who would want to, right? You would be surprised, dear reader. Being very territorial, these animals make amazing guard animals. Take caution if you do fight these, as the spray they emit, not only being very stink, is very radioactive. Do not get behind Bombers.
A common pet of the Texan Wastes is the very cuddly* and adorable Radcoon. These Great Dane sized rodents are simple scavengers that will follow survivors and mingle around settlements if food is available in any way, shape, or form. They will slowly adapt to being a pet if they are hand fed or given fresh food by a survivor. Strange enough, these animals take a liking to Ghouls the most, and will even protect Feral Ghouls in some cases.
*Note: For nuclear, irradiated raccoon's, they hold extremely fluffy and soft fur. It's like petting a cloud.
Do you remember playing with those little pillbugs that would roll into a ball as a child? Neither do we, but we do remember the Rollers. Rollers are pillbugs that have grown to the size of the common Brahmin and are considered the 'tanks of the Wastes'. These insects have very hard shells that are near invulnerable and make very good armor... if they can be killed. Rollers are an extremely slow bug, yet, when in their ball form, can move at speeds exceeding fifty miles per hour! Don't try to go against this thing in a foot race.
The last unique animal on the list is the great Armoreddillo. The Armoreddillo is a pack animal mostly used by caravan owners and travelling survivors. The body of the Armoreddillo is strong enough to withstand fifteen seconds impact from a minigun head on before even showing any damage. This makes the Armoreddillo a must have for any and all survivors that care to go anywhere. The only issue with them is that Armoreddilloes are very scarce, only being active in the central parts of Ft. Fort Worth and the outer most areas of The Collision Point. Although it is a hassle to get one, Armoreddilloes are a must.
Congratulations! You now have a basic knowledge of the dangerous and domesticated creatures of the Ol' Lone Star State. All of us at the Live I-75 Station hope you've taken this book to heart and mind. Until next time, this was the Book Master, wishing you a great day out in the Wastelands.