Know Your Enemy: Scorpions

[Tolero]

It's time for another Monster for Monday! The feature creature this week is an iconic part of Xen'drik culture... Click here (http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Scorpion) to read about scorpions!

[hityawithastick]

Ah, ze scorpion, silent predator of ze Xen'Drik. :)

[VonBek]

"I heard a rumor that deep within the jungle dwells a scorpion the size of an airship."

Tease.

[Edwinge]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

[KingOfCheese]

There are few things more pleasant in this game than the sound of roasting and popping scorps in a wall of fire.

[hityawithastick]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?


Get your logic out of my computer game!

[Doxmaster]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

Red shirt guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwyMB19q7ms

[Edwinge]

I'm not trying to be anal or point out an inconsistency, I'm genuinely curious as to how they do it. Is it an ability inherit in their bloodline (like a dragonmark type thing)? or perhaps a divine ability granted to them by Vulkoor? Something else entirely? Could player drow ever get a similar ability to influence scorpions? :)

[NeutronStar]

Scorpions?

Really?

:rolleyes:

[Memnir]

Scorpions?

Really?

:rolleyes:Why not?
They're easily one of the most over-used/Dev-crutch critter types in the game. Might as well memorialize it. (next week... Meet the Ooze!)


I just wish that there had been some attempt to justify their inexplicable burrowing. :rolleyes:

[NeutronStar]

Why not?


Because there are so damned many more interesting monsters in DDO.

I'd love to know more about Flesh Renders, Fire Reavers, and Ice Flensers. These creatures don't appear in any of the WotC publications (as near as I can tell) so I'd love to hear some details about them.

[TreknaQudane]

I'm not trying to be anal or point out an inconsistency, I'm genuinely curious as to how they do it. Is it an ability inherit in their bloodline (like a dragonmark type thing)? or perhaps a divine ability granted to them by Vulkoor? Something else entirely? Could player drow ever get a similar ability to influence scorpions? :)

You have a mindless creature.

Traditional Mind Affecting spells don't work on it.

So using magic you give it rudimentary golem-like 'intelligence' which are also mindless but can follow very basic commands.. very basic.

[Memnir]

Because there are so damned many more interesting monsters in DDO.

I'd love to know more about Flesh Renders, Fire Reavers, and Ice Flensers. These creatures don't appear in any of the WotC publications (as near as I can tell) so I'd love to hear some details about them.I agree... it'd be wonderful to hear more about the cooler monsters in DDO. But Scorps are what they know about, so Scorps are what they'll talk about. I mean, after the Kobold, I no-BS wondered if Scorpions would be far off. They weren't. That's why I spoiler'd next week's entry as the Ooze. Or maybe it'll be Zombies. Either way. Go with what ya know, right?

I was just surprised that the first featured monster was Frost Giants, tell the truth.

[Ganolyn]

Could player drow ever get a similar ability to influence scorpions? :)

No, but any Ranger can waste some Action Points and stop them in their tracks for awhile.

[Tolero]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

Scorpions and drow have a close relationship, and there are also strong religious/ritual ties. You can see this in a lot of their shrines and ritual items. Ever noticed the big wierd hook-shaped structure with the red ball at the end that you find in a lot of drow-ish architecture? There are also tons of carapace-inspired furnishings and altars. It stands to reason that the drow have their ways... whether through Vulkoor or other ways unknown to those outside their tribes.

[Tolero]

...Could player drow ever get a similar ability to influence scorpions? :)

You know we do have "follower of Vulkoor" in the enhancement lines... and I'm sure there could be other scorpion-flavored benefits for drow players that would be fun. I'll put a bug in Genasi and Eladrin's ear (zing!)

[Tolero]

Because there are so damned many more interesting monsters in DDO.

I'd love to know more about Flesh Renders, Fire Reavers, and Ice Flensers. These creatures don't appear in any of the WotC publications (as near as I can tell) so I'd love to hear some details about them.

One at a time, those are coming ;) I have to save the special stuff for birthday time!

And to be fair to the scorpion - they are an important monster for DDO players to know about! Especially players coming from other D&D backgrounds. The scorpion + drow relationship is as iconic to Xen'drik lore as the spider + drow relationship is to the Underdark (speaking of which, we'll get to Scorrow later). As I recall, one of the WotC Eberron stories even describes a drow character having a spiritual encounter with a scorpion avatar (the details of which I won't spoil here).

[learst]

You know we do have "follower of Vulkoor" in the enhancement lines... and I'm sure there could be other scorpion-flavored benefits for drow players that would be fun. I'll put a bug in Genasi and Eladrin's ear (zing!)

Heh, my drow favoured soul would definitely appreciate this!

[QuantumFX]

Scorpions and drow have a close relationship, and there are also strong religious/ritual ties. You can see this in a lot of their shrines and ritual items. Ever noticed the big wierd hook-shaped structure with the red ball at the end that you find in a lot of drow-ish architecture? There are also tons of carapace-inspired furnishings and altars. It stands to reason that the drow have their ways... whether through Vulkoor or other ways unknown to those outside their tribes.

Ranger Vermin Empathy (http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Enhancement:Ranger_Vermin_Empathy)

Of course if you *really* wanted to do something constructive you could get Eladrin to make Ranger Vermin Empathy and Ranger Elemental Empathy work with the Improved Wild Empathy feat. And while you’re doing that you could remind him that he thought giving rangers access to the Faster Sneaking line was a good idea and is long overdue in DDO.

[nibel]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

Scorpion trainers. We have some in real life too, for movies and such.

Also, it's too late to point out that all scorpions in game have the wrong number of legs (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=287062)?

[Missing_Minds]

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

The Volkour have their ways.

As for this weeks selection... ewwww...

[Bladedge]

Because there are so damned many more interesting monsters in DDO.

I'd love to know more about Flesh Renders, Fire Reavers, and Ice Flensers. These creatures don't appear in any of the WotC publications (as near as I can tell) so I'd love to hear some details about them.

From what I remember from posts long ago Flesh Renders, Fire Reavers, and Ice Flensers can't be found in WotC books as they were created by Turbine for DDO.

[rest]

So did you forget all about this weekly feature until 8pm? :p

[NeutronStar]

From what I remember from posts long ago Flesh Renders, Fire Reavers, and Ice Flensers can't be found in WotC books as they were created by Turbine for DDO.

Thanks, you have proven my point. This is precisely why the DDO people should tell us more about them!

[phillymiket]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/1373/drowandscorpions.jpg

[sephiroth1084]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?
Keywords are your friend.

There are spells specifically designed to affect things like vermin. Certainly the clerics, wizards and sorcerers of a race whose culture is so thoroughly entwine with scorpions would be able to find ways of accomplishing such a task.

[VonBek]

I'm sure there could be other scorpion-flavored benefits for drow players that would be fun. I'll put a bug in Genasi and Eladrin's ear (zing!)

That would be good, Thanks!

[sirgog]

Mentioned their fast attack speed, and the curse some of them have on Epic.

[Zaodon]

It's time for another Monster for Monday! The feature creature this week is an iconic part of Xen'drik culture... Click here (http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Scorpion) to read about scorpions!

Any word on fixes to scorpions?

And in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, just paralyze one, and see what happens. I wish I could move and attack while paralyzed like scorpions do !

[Rydin_Dirtay]

And while you’re doing that you could remind him that he thought giving rangers access to the Faster Sneaking line was a good idea and is long overdue in DDO.

Props to you for mentioning that. It is overdue.

[AZgreentea]

As I recall, one of the WotC Eberron stories even describes a drow character having a spiritual encounter with a scorpion avatar (the details of which I won't spoil here).
If you are referring to Xu's encounter with the Vulkor Avatar then I know which novel you are refering too. Its part of the Dreaming Dark series by Keith Baker.

[krissonofpark]

As a Follower of Vulkoor my Cleric fully appreciates this information on Scorpions and thanks you.

But since he reveres Scorpions and his Faith uses the Scorpion as a symbol, he would like to know why the feeling is not mutual and has had to kill a number of them in self-defence.

[Tolero]

Any word on fixes to scorpions?

And in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, just paralyze one, and see what happens. I wish I could move and attack while paralyzed like scorpions do !

The powers of Vulkoor are mighty indeed... Torc has been going back and forth with those pesky scorpions on this issue =/ every time he has them pinned down, they find a new way to wiggle free

[TigrisMorte]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

first, "many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells" does not state "cannot be affected by mind-influencing spell".

second, "ensorcelled" != "mind-influencing tricks or spells"

third, are you suggesting we dissect some drow to see if they have a special "control scorpion" gland? That's just mean, but I was going to chop them up any way, so...

[TigrisMorte]

You have a mindless creature.

Traditional Mind Affecting spells don't work on it.

So using magic you give it rudimentary golem-like 'intelligence' which are also mindless but can follow very basic commands.. very basic.

they lay a pheromone trail that tricks their territorial instincts
or
It's magic! Hey look over there!!! ------------------------------------------------------------> :eek:

[Riggs]

I bet taking away the ability to burrow at full running speed would solve some of those issues.

So why again do every level of scorpions have the ability to burrow through all materials up to solid rock at full speed? Since when did they become Xorn or have earth elemental powers that DDO elementals dont even have.

Since it is obviously a buggy ability - treat it like a raid - take it away until further notice.

Since a raid with that much exploiting would be shut down 3 days after launched. Just saying.

[Chaosprism]

I'd be in favor of enhancing scorpions burrowing into a semi-teleport ability.

First of all they need to know what surfaces they can burrow into so there needs to be some sort of way for them to tell that from the MAP.

I dont want them burrowing into solid stone (unless they're special ones that can do that)

Being able to go through a locked door should be easy for a scorp.

Oh yes..

we're missing the BIG burrowers in this game, like purple worms, umber hulks, remorhaz ones that deform their environment.

[Missing_Minds]

So why again do every level of scorpions have the ability to burrow through all materials up to solid rock at full speed? Since when did they become Xorn or have earth elemental powers that DDO elementals dont even have.

That is because they are not burrowing. They are phase shifting. Watch wraiths and shadows. Same exact thing game wise. This is why they can "burrow" through bridges and trees without issue.

And why scorps bug so much. It is because they fixed shadows and wraith. They don't phase out of existence constantly anymore. Right?
The simple fix is that once the phasing is completed, they can not use that power again for 20 seconds. Problem solved to be able to hit the dmn things.

I find epic cratos annoying because he's got so many hit points it is just a beat down of bordem. With wraiths, lets say Dreaming Darkness 2nd quest where you are trying to get the.. iris? (some focal gem, I forget what it is called) that one wraith/shadow/dream lard (yes, lard) just phases in and out constantly. You wiff air just praying you can get in A swing, yes just one hit, before he phases out to attempt to flank you. It makes the fight 5 times longer than it should be.

[Janth]

I have a question. The article states that a scorpion, "as a near-mindless creature, it cannot be affected by many of the mind-influencing tricks or spells that would thwart other monsters."

Then later it says that Drow "use ensorcelled scorpions as guards, wards, and traps against the intrusion of would-be heroes."

If scorpions cannot be affected by mind-influencing spells then how do the drow ensorcel them?

I wanted to point out that player Drow Paladins can already summon scorps:
http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Enhancement:Vulkoor's_Avatar

[adamkatt]

Watch out for the invisible scorp that can still hit you, over and over and ... oh wait thats fixed right?