Adult Male
Name: unnamed
Species: Western Oriental Scorpion
Birthday: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Owner: uaron
Element: Neutral 
When their carapaces harden, oriental scorpions become more independent, and will hunt for the meat they crave. Their venom as adults weakens from the destructive nature of the venom they had as hatchlings. It has the curious effect of appearing to alter the vision of other insects, sending them stumbling into obstacles in their path, and makes them easy prey for the scorpion. These scorpions come in bright colors depending on their gender, and this makes it easy for them to hide against the bright skin of squashes and pomegranates that they choose to consume if they cannot find prey. They eat these desert-growing fruits to glean moisture in dry climates, and will stay near areas where these fruits grow during the day, even when living at the Keep. These creatures are well understood by magi save for one curious thing. Under moonlight, patterns emerge on their bodies. These patterns are unique from individual to individual, and some magi believe they can be used as identification, like fingerprints. Others believe the patterns convey information about the life of the scorpion or its travels. This theory is supported by the findings that the patterns on scorpions encountered in the deserts differ widely from those found on scorpions raised at the Keep.
Oriental scorpions are found in dry, desert areas, especially the vast deserts of Etain and the warm regions of Voltar, where they make their homes in desert sands. During the day they stay belowground, digging tunnels and subsisting on the scarce moisture that can be found there. However, at night they emerge to bathe in the moonlight under a clear sky. While the purpose of this behavior is unclear, the moonlight will reveal curling patterns on their bodies. Unwary travelers often disturb their tunnels. Luckily, the venom of these creatures is harmless to humans, and the effect is actually welcome. While the sting burns, it will enhance the eyesight of whoever suffers it, and the effects vary depending on night or day. In the bright light of the sun, while the scorpion's bodies are plainer, the sting will sharpen vision, so that even the most nearsighted magi can read without spectacles. If stung while the moonlight reveals the scorpion's bright swirls, the venom's effect will result in enhanced night vision. This makes oriental scorpions valuable to magi who wish to travel at night. Of course, this also makes these creatures valued to footpads and thieves, and the venom of a scorpion that was exposed to moonlight goes for a lot of money on the black market.
Sprite art: Lazuli (adult) | Description: Raneth