Scorpses are scorpion-like entities known for their ability to remove the heads from corpses and use them to "speak" telepathically with Wanderers they encounter. Though primarily scavengers, these entities have also been known to hunt live Wanderer and bludgeon them to death using their club-like tails.
Description
Scorpses on average measure 2.7m tall and weighs as much as 58 kg, have 5 insect-like legs and a bony tail which they use to bludgeon Wanderers to death. They seem to be relatively intelligent when compared to many other entities; instead of hunting down prey, they will lurk nearby Wanderers for hours or even days as they wait for them to die, much like the way vultures of the Frontrooms do to individuals lost in the desert.
When these entities encounter the corpse of a deceased individual, they will proceed to decapitate it using their knife-like legs and then attach the skull it to the end of their skeletal tails. Once in possession of a human skull, Scorpses are able to project mental images into the minds of anyone within a 50 ft radius. These images will be composed from memories belonging to the decapitated head, but are used by the Scorpses to communicate through a vaguely understood pictographic language.
While in possession of the decapitated head, Scorpses seem to become even more intelligent, and will attempt to communicate with Wanderers, though exactly for what purpose is currently unknown. Scorpses will also use this ability to taunt or intimidate individuals by using specific memories it believes will disturb its targets enough for them to be temporarily distracted and open to attack. As the brain matter within the skull continues to decompose however, the entity will also begin to lose its enhanced intelligence until its unable to project telepathic images and is returned to its baseline intelligence. When this happens, Scorpses will proceed to seek out another corpse which they can decapitate and start the cycle over again.
Reports
"I don't what the heck it was, I'd never seen an entity like it. I watched from around the corner as it tore the guys head off and attached it to it's tail. The second those things connected, my mind was flooded with images, the memories of my now dead friend.. It was like it was trying to tell me something, it kept repeating the same 3 images: an image of me, an image of running, and.. my pals final memory of being decapitated.. thats when I ran for my life and didn't turn back.." ― 1st Reported Encounter
"Even though I knew there was no way it could break through the barricaded door, I was terrified. It mocked me by filling my mind with images and sounds of laughter, memories of doors being unlocked, opened, and it kept repeating the phrase "I know you're in there!" over and over. I'm just glad you guys got here when you did, or I would've been toast!" ― I.E.T.F. Interview with a Scorpse attack survivor