Lore:Mudcrab

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A mudcrab (Skyrim)

The Mudcrab (or Mud Crab) is a common variety of crab capable of camouflaging itself as a small rock. They can be found along every shore and waterway of Tamriel, and are also a common sight underground.[1] They are not typically aggressive unless cornered or provoked. However, if a mudcrab ever gets a taste of meat it becomes a hunter, and may be a threat to livestock.[2][3] Mudcrabs are usually not dangerous unless they swarm, as they rely solely on their pincers and burrowing abilities in combat.[4] Mudcrabs are capable of stripping a corpse down to its bones in days, which usually takes weeks for lesser crabs.[5] Some mudcrabs can grow to enormous sizes, and rare albino variants are known to exist.[6]

Although they are inquisitive by nature and can be kept as pets,[7] most citizens of Tamriel regard mudcrabs as disgusting vermin.[1] Mudcrabs have been characterized by certain fish enthusiasts as unhappy creatures, "dour and sunless like the soil in which they sleep".[8] Mudcrabs are prized for their sweet crab meat and legs, and their chitin is sometimes used in alchemy.[9][10]

The Ciphers of the Eye made several observations of mudcrabs kept in the Feral Gallery in Apocrypha. Due to their nature as social creatures, the Ciphers kept many mudcrabs together, and noted strange behaviors in the group in captivity. They noted a "strange form of dance display wherein they gather in a circle and sway rhythmically to either side". The observed mudcrabs would practice this dance several times a day. Their dancing would reduce observers to "incomprehensible raving messes".[11]

There have been cases where mudcrabs have shown humanoid levels of intelligence and the ability to speak,[12] and they were rumored to be in control of the town of Pelagiad.[13]

List of Mudcrab Species[edit]

Many different varieties of mudcrab exist; two known species are the Nibenay Mudcrab[14] and the Rufous Mudcrab.[7] Mudcrabs also have larger and more dangerous cousins, namely king mudcrabs and mudcrab titans, which can pose a danger to travelers.[15]

Dwarven Armored Mudcrab[edit]

Dwarven Armored Mudcrabs are a variant of Mudcrabs which have been specially outfitted with and fused to Dwarven metals. Only one is confirmed to have existed, having been found deep in Dwarven ruins in Markarth, which suggests that the Mudcrab had survived for some years within the ruins.[16]

Mudcrab of Eternal Doom[edit]

Mudcrabs of Eternal Doom are scuttling horrors which superficially resemble the mudcrabs of Tamriel, but which seemingly thrive in the scorching heat and relentless desolation of the Deadlands.[17] They have an embering, rocky shell, and are sometimes summoned to Tamriel.[18] It is unknown whether or not these crabs are Daedra.

Spectral Mud Crab[edit]

Spectral Mud Crabs (or Spectral Mudcrabs) are ghostly mudcrabs. It is unknown if they are truly ghosts, as they are said be very gentle compared to most hauntings.[19] They are known to hoard enchanted items. In addition to being found on Tamriel, Spectral Mudcrabs were once present in Gaiar Alata, a pocket realm of Oblivion that was destroyed in 3E 433.[1]

Three-Clawed Mudcrab[edit]

The Three-Clawed Mudcrab is a rare species of mudcrab found in Black Marsh.[20]

Wasten Coraldale Mudcrab[edit]

The Wasten Coraldale Mudcrab is an iridescent, blue species of mudcrab found on the island of Wasten Coraldale. They regard everything as a threat (even other mudcrabs), and were once considered a delicacy by the Maormer.[21]

Gallery[edit]

  • A mudcrab (Morrowind)

  • A mud crab (Oblivion)

  • A giant mudcrab (Oblivion)

  • A spectral mud crab (Oblivion)

  • Juvenile mudcrab (Skyrim)

  • A Dwarven Armored Mudcrab (Skyrim)

  • A mudcrab (ESO)

  • A Nibenay mudcrab (ESO)

  • A rufous mudcrab (ESO)

  • A giant mudcrab (ESO)

  • A Mudcrab of Eternal Doom (ESO)

  • A Wasten Coraldale Mudcrab (ESO)

  • A mudcrab (Legends)

  • An intelligent mudcrab merchant (Legends)

  • Crabber's charm (Skyrim)

Notes[edit]

  • The Brass Mudcrab is a type of fabricant, an artificial life form made of rust-resistant metal.[22] As such, it is not listed here.
  • Some naturalists believe the mudcrabs of Morrowind are related to the extinct Emperor Crab.[2]

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Mudcrabs in Oblivion
  2. ^ a b Neminda's dialogue in Morrowind
  3. ^ Mudcrab Pests quest in Morrowind
  4. ^ Mudcrab combat abilities in ESO
  5. ^ Corpse Preparation
  6. ^ The Path of Transcendence — Celedaen
  7. ^ a b Rufous Mudcrab pet description in ESO
  8. ^ Fish Out of Water — Swims-In-Deep-Water
  9. ^ Crab Meat in Morrowind
  10. ^ Mudcrab Chitin in Skyrim
  11. ^ Beasts of the Gallery
  12. ^ The Mudcrab Merchant in Morrowind
  13. ^ M'Aiq the Liar's dialogue in Morrowind
  14. ^ Nibenay Mudcrab pet description in ESO
  15. ^ Gudling the Rascal's dialogue in Morrowind
  16. ^ Dwarven Armored Mudcrab add-on
  17. ^ Mudcrab of Eternal Doom pet description in ESO
  18. ^ Appearance of the Mudcrab of Eternal Doom and the pet's summoning animation in ESO
  19. ^ Spectral Mudcrab pet in ESO
  20. ^ Keshu: The Rites of Maturity, Part 2 — Peek-Ereel, Friend and Confidant to Keshu the Black Fin
  21. ^ Wasten Coraldale Mudcrab pet description in ESO
  22. ^ Prodigious Brass Mudcrab description in ESO
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