Yao Guai

Creatures & Mutants · Source: Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas - Honest Hearts, Fallout 4, Fallout 76

Yao guai — a name adapted by Chinese-American survivors from the Mandarin term for 'monster' or 'demon' — are mutated descendants of the American black bear (Ursus americanus). These creatures, transformed by radiation into apex predators of terrifying power, were named by the descendants of Chinese internment camp prisoners and POWs who survived the Great War and encountered these beasts in the northeastern wastes.

A mature yao guai stands approximately six to eight feet tall on its hind legs and can weigh well over 1,000 pounds. Their mutation has produced several notable changes from their pre-war ancestors: enhanced muscle density resulting in swiping attacks that can dismember a human in a single blow, thickened hide that provides resistance to small-arms fire, and significantly increased aggression — yao guai are fiercely territorial and will charge at any perceived threat without hesitation. Despite their bulk, they can achieve surprising bursts of speed that make escape difficult in open terrain.

Yao guai meat is highly prized, described by some wastelanders as superior to other game meats in both taste and nutritional value. Yao guai hide makes excellent leather for armor and clothing. The creatures are most common in the Capital Wasteland, the Commonwealth, and Zion Canyon, though populations exist across the continent. The Zion Canyon population is notably sacred to the Sorrows tribe, who view the yao guai as spiritual beings and will not hunt them without ritual purpose.

Tags: Mammal, Mutated, Apex Predator, Bear, Capital Wasteland, Radiation, Territorial