Suneater Scorpion

The Suneater Scorpion is a large denizen of the Taris Desert.

Anatomy

The giant scorpion has a carapace with eight legs, two pedipalps with pincers, and two pairs of eyes. The segmented tail contains venom glands and terminates with a sting. The size of the Suneater's sting leads most direct punctures to be fatal, however even if only grazed, the scorpion's poison is fatal if untreated. Most grown adults can hold out for two days; they will suffer from fevers and hallucinations. 
The exoskeleton of the Suneater is unique in that it absorbs heat from the desert sun and retains it in the outer layer; if the outer layer exceeds the temperature of heat it can contain, it will automatically expel it in the form of a fireball. The belly is the thinnest section, and it is more reflective than absorptive.

Diet and Habits

It is indiscriminately omnivorous- it will eat anything in its path, although like its smaller cousins, it does have a food storage organ and low metabolic rate.
The Suneater's exoskeleton makes it more suitable for day time activity. As the temperature drops in the evening, it will burrow down into the sand to sleep, the retained heat warming it through the night. 

Inter-species Relationships

This scorpion is deeply revered by the Tarin. They hunt it to consume its meat, and ceremonially its power, and to obtain it's exskeleton. Spiritual leaders use a distilled version of the venom to harness its hallucinogenic properties. The venom, in the hands of the less savory, may be sold as a narcotic- this is a severe crime among the Tarin.
The exoskeleton retains its properties even after death; it is harvested by Tarin for several uses. Shields allow the hunters to more effectively fight the Suneaters as they can in turn absorb and redirect fireballs from the beast. Highly practiced Tarin have also managed to fashion and use arrowheads of the material that when timed precisely will ignite on impact. There are practical uses for the shell as well. They are used as a heat source and cooking implement as wood is extremely scarce (and camel dung smells awful). The shell is heated during the day and will radiate heat through the night. It can be quite dangerous, as if it is overheated, it will expel a fireball.

Geographic Distribution

• Taris Desert