The Chaurus Hunter is what a chaurus becomes at the end of its life, added to Skyrim with Dawnguard. As the larval stage ends, the insect seals itself into a chrysalis and lies motionless for days. Then the adult tears its way out: a winged, mantis-like predator with two spiked forelimbs, a stinging tail and the same poisonous spit as its younger form. The Falmer keep chaurus as tamed beasts, so wherever they live, Hunters are rarely far away.
These are the strongest members of the chaurus family. Their wings make them quick and agile in the air, which is a nasty surprise if you are used to the slow, scuttling larvae.
Variants
| Variant | Level | Health | Soul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaurus Hunter Fledgling | 16 | 375 | Common |
| Chaurus Hunter | 32 | 636 | Greater |
The Fledgling is a younger, weaker Hunter. It looks rather like a giant wasp and flies in erratic circles around its target, alternating between a melee sting and spat poison, both of which deal poison damage.
Where to find them
Look for them in caves and ruins shared by Falmer and chaurus, with Blackreach being one of the best-known examples. Hunters often wait inside large pods or chrysalises. A chrysalis opens when you strike it with a weapon or a shout, hit it with a ranged attack, or simply walk too close.
Notes
- With a high Sneak skill you may spot a Hunter crouched inside an open chrysalis and slip past without waking it.
- Both the Hunter and the Fledgling are immune to paralysis.
- Although the creature has two antennae, you can only harvest one.
- There is a unique kill move against Chaurus Hunters: the wounded insect drops to the ground and the Dragonborn finishes it with a heavy stomp.
- A loading screen in Dawnguard describes the transformation from chaurus to Hunter.
