| Deathclaw | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Binomen | Unknown | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Average height | 10 ft. | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sentience | Sentient | ||
| Sapience | Non-Sapient to Sapient (varies by subspecies) | ||
| Aggressivity | Extreme | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Habitat | Irradiated desert | ||
| Diet | Carnivore | ||
| Lifespan | Unknown | ||
| Subspecies | Hairy, Talking, Experimental | ||
| Status | Least Concern | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | Fallout | ||
Deathclaws are Jackson's Chameleons modified with the DNA of other species.
Overview[]
Deathclaws were created by the U.S. military to replace human soldiers in close-combat situations. They are strong, quick, and vicious. Due to mutation, normal deathclaws have lost their camouflage ability. They attack using their razor sharp claws, hence the name.
Deathclaws have a pack-based social structure. They are led by an alpha male who is the only one allowed to mate. Referred to as Matriarchs, females are typically larger than males. Only one Matriarch is 'pack mother' at a time, with another female taking over if she dies. Deathclaw eggs are green in color, as well as being covered in green slime.
Subspecies[]
Talking Deathclaws[]
In the year 2235 A.D., the remnants of the U.S. government known as the Enclave captured several deathclaws and exposed them to the Forced Evolutionary Virus. This greatly expanded their intelligence; although they lacked vocal cords, they evolved the ability to speak much like a parrot does, with varying degrees of eloquence and complexity. Most individuals were only as intelligent as an eight year old, while some were as intelligent as a normal adult. Nearly all talking deathclaws were exterminated by the Enclave; they are believed to be extinct.
Hairy Deathclaws[]
Native to the remains of the American midwest, these deathclaws have evolved fur as an adaptation to the colder environment. They also have six horns as opposed to two. Hairy deathclaws are sapient and can speak, much like the talking deathclaws; it is unknown how they developed this ability without being exposed to the F.E.V.
Experimental Deathclaws[]
These deathclaws were modified by the Vault-Tec Corporation using advanced technology, radiation, and the F.E.V. The new subspecies became much stronger, in addition to developing larger spikes and a type of exosekeleton. They are also blind and most likely hunt by scent and sound. Experimental deathclaws grow larger as they age due to F.E.V. exposure. Their eggs look like piles of flesh about the size of a human.