Meet the Hostiles - Magna Crab
DOCUMENT ID: UNION-RECMAN-0655U.4462 Department of Environmental Services, Union Corporation Confidential - For Union Training Use Only
Magna Crab
Common Name: Crab
Scientific Name: Crabus Alotomus
Height: ~4m
Weight: ~362kg (800 lbs)
Bio
While normally not an aggressive creature in other zones, the Magna Crab of Silica Flats is extremely territorial and easily roused to violent behavior. This is thought to be due to competition with the Scorps of the area, which forces the crab into a constant state of conflict.
Using their large claw as a hammer, the crab is capable of devastating attacks. Gigantic yet agile, it is to be feared and respected, even though it can come across as docile and innocent when unaware of human presence.
Excellent scavengers, due to the harsh existence they must survive in, the diet of the Magna Crab primarily consists of carrion of weaker species. This can change, however, according to availability and circumstance.
Collectively, the Magna Crabs of an area will follow one singular Alpha (Alpha Magna), who is generally the oldest or largest of the bunch. This Alpha will often have to fight for his life to retain dominance over a specific region.
This mentality is unique to the Magna Crab, which generally makes them the most interesting of the crabs wandering the wastelands. Other species of crab, such as the Bottom Feeder are free of hierarchy, which gives them a much more random and less-defined pattern of action. It is these crabs which brave further inland than the Magna.
Statistically, Magna Crabs are responsible for more than 130 deaths a year, and twice that many injuries.
Identifying the Magna Crab
Researchers have gone to great lengths to uncover the lifestyle of these dangerous, yet majestic omnivores. This has led to the discovery of multiple Alpha Magna across the wasteland zones.
Data has indicated the Alpha is more often than not, larger than the other crabs it surrounds. Scars and scuffs upon its armor are generally tip-offs to the Alpha, who will defend its title from challengers up to 3 to 4 times a week. This constant state of battle readiness leaves the Alpha Magna in an aggravated and easy-to-provoke condition, further identifying him from the “Magna Lesser.”
Combating the Magna Crab
Though the Magna Crab (and generally any other crab) should be given a wide berth, confrontation may become inevitable out in the field.
It is wise to keep this foe at a distance, and avoid close-quarters-combat at any cost. Should the crab close in, it is advised to attack the eyes or legs and then retreat back to a safe fighting distance. Firearms prove effective against the natural armor of the creature, and resorting to melee weapons to break through this armor can be an exercise in futility.
Close Encounters of the Magna Kind
In his early years of environmental and wildlife research, the legendary and ill-fated researcher Alvin Grimstone would chance upon a large congregation of Magna Crab by the Barrier Inlet, between Myriad's Channels and Silica Flats.
This is an excerpt from his holoblog recorded during that experience:
“We have stumbled upon a den of Magna Crab, in search of the equipment and provisions absconded from our campsite last night. It would seem, we have not found our thieves, but rather simple creatures, really."
Grimstone: "You will notice the Magna Lesser do not pay much attention to me, or my crew. Here, they idly feast upon whatever they can findooOHHHH! Good grief! Look at the size of that thing! FLEE! OUT OF MY WAY, BARRY!"
Barry: "Alvinnn!"
[man grunting, falling]
[heavy breathing and footsteps]
[panting]
Grimstone: "Barry was a good man, he shall be missed. That is science for you!"
Barry: "Sirrr!" [weakly in the distance]
Grimstone: "Ahh, Barry. A great man. A true scientist!"
[gradual slow breathing]
Grimstone: "Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to advance our search in a different direction, rather than retreat. Discretion is the better part of valor, I've always said! Truly wondrous creatures, the Magna Crabs...”
