Plague Beetle «Nurglez»

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Creature Metadata

Reported By
Unknown
Source
MM2
Role
_Record Incompletion Notice: Role in Ecosystem Not Specified_ - This creature's database entry is incomplete. The field may have been omitted during data entry.
Base Stock
Scarab Beetle
MCC Stat Block
Nurglez 'Plague Beetle' (2d10 (11)): Init +2; atk bite melee +2 (1d10+1); AC 13; HD 3D7 hp 12 each; MV 8' or Fly 23' ; 1d20; SV Fort +1, Ref +0, Will -1
Mutations
Chameleon powers; Poison- disease-carrying bacteria (see below)

Combat & Physical Stats

Number Appearing
2d10
Morale
4
Hit Dice
HD 3D7
Armor
3 (AC 13)
Size
Medium 1m
Movement
MV 8' or Fly 23'
Attack
Bite melee +2 (1d10+1)

Ability Scores

MS:
7
PS:
13
IN:
4
DX:
10
CH:
1
CN:
13

Ecology & Logistics

Frequency
Rare
Organization
Unknown
Activity Cycle
Unknown
Diet
Carnivore
Habitat
Any except deadlands
Tech Level
0 - 0
Artifacts
Unknown

Description (Initial Observations): The plague beetle is a giant scarab. It is 1 meter long and has almost perfect chameleon abilities (in fact, it can not turn it off). It is a scavenger that uses disease to kill its food (like a Komodo dragon). They are not violent, and will only use the disease when their food supply is in major decline.

Behavior & Society

Reactions
No known interactions
Behavior
Plague beetles run from violence, only attacking if defending food. If they encounter weak or massed animals, they emit the bacteria they kill with. It is released via spiracles in a cloud 15 meters in diameter. This cloud leaves a residue that lasts 4-5 days. Those in the cloud must make a Con check (at -2). Failure means death in 2-5 days. Each beetle can emit this cloud twice per day. Healers can cure this disease fairly easily- all they need is access to "standard" medicines (GMs decision).Plague beetles live in small egalitarian groups. When they attack a town, each beetle picks a suitable target - inns, taverns, granaries, town halls, and other places where people or food is concentrated. Then each uses the bacteria to wipe out most of the town. After the survivors flee, the Beetles feast. They then go back to scavenging in the wilds, if possible.GMs are urged to use this critter sparingly, as you can depopulate large areas with these!
Repair & Healing
Behavior not recorded
Society
Anthropological studies incomplete

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