Mirelurks

'Mirelurk' is a term used to describe a number of distinct, but seemingly co-dependent and oddly genetically compatible semi-aquatic species. Living in family groups of about 10-20 members, Mirelurks makes their nests in isolated, damp environments: flooded quarries, shipping yards, lakeside cabins, even a flooded war memorial out in the DC ruins. Mirelurks are also extremely territorial, and will kill anyone or anything that intrudes on their nest, then leave their remains in muddy refuse piles for later consumption or to feed to the hatchlings.

Despite being composed of varying distinct species, Mirelurks all seem to be perfectly able of coexistence, forming symbiotic relationships and can even interbreed, oddly enough. While the image that most often pops to mind is that of a mutated crab, Mirelurk sub-species also include lobsters, giant isopods, horseshoe crabs, and even snapping turtles.

Mirelurk Variants

Hatchlings: Freshly hatched from their egg clutches, the hatchlings will be guarded and tended to by the members of the family until fully grown. They're just as territorial as their fully adult family, but are more annoyances than actual threats.

Common Mirelurk: Descended mostly from various crab species, common Mirelurks are decapods, meaning they have eight legs, four of which are used for locomotion and the remaining four are used as arms, two smaller arms and two larger clawed arms. Their carapaces form a sturdy natural armor and can be difficult to kill unless you fire on their unprotected faces or soft underbelly.

Mirelurk Hunters: These mutants are descended from lobsters, with reddish-brown shells and flat, low-to-the-ground bodies. As their name implies, they hunt for food, usually in pairs. They have acidic spit as well as strong claws, making them far more challenging than their more common brethren.

Mirelurk Kings: The only Mirelurks without any kind of shell, what the Kings lack in armor they make up for in strength and agility. Fast, agile, and sharp webbed hands as well as having an amplified sonic blast, the King's are incredibly dangerous, with some even able to camouflage themselves by changing their skin color. While they resemble some form of amphibian, the presence of much smaller frogs and toads in Appalachia calls this into question.

Mirelurk Queen: Huge and horrific, the Mirelurk Queen is the largest of any species of Mirelurk. Similar to an Ant Queen (see "Insects" page for more deatails), any nest that has a Mirelurk Queen is dependent on her for reproduction. Tended to by the males in her nest, the Queen looks after the egg clutches as the females hunt and scavenge for food. If you destroy the egg clutches, she will frenzy and destroy anything in her path, Mirelurk or not. Despite resembling crabs, Mirelurk queens are actually Giant Isopods that have mutated into the size of a large house.

Lakelurks/Swamplurks: Descended from turtles rather than crustaceans, they make their homes in marshes or lakes, bipedal, with green skin and humanoid in appearance, it's easy to mistake them for some type of super mutant rather than a Mirelurk.

Mirelurk Trivia

Mirelurk meat is incredibly delicious, and several prospecting Wastelanders have attempted to capitalize on this to mixed success.

Adolescent Mirelurks haven't fully grown their shells yet, making them softer and less durable than the carapaces of their older brethren. Consequentially, these younger 'Lurks are referred to as 'Softshell Mirelurks'. And the uncreative naming train continues.

The most popular of Mirelurk meals is Mirelurk cake.

Mirelurk queens spit acid as well as have massive claws.

Mirelurk carapaces are extremely strong and can make decent makeshift settlement defensives.

Some Mirelurks in The Capital Wasteland walk on two legs instead of four.

Mirelurks like to burrow themselves in mud to ambush prey or intruders.

Mirelurk breeding season is a nightmare for anyone who lives close to one of their nests.

In Far Harbor, the settlement leader called 'The Captain' is decided by having a prospective captain kill a whole nest of Mirelurks as well as other semi-aquatic mutants and making a feast to celebrate.