Plague Beetle «Nurglez»

Reported By: Unknown
Source: MM2

Role: _Error 410: Ecological Role Data Gone_ - The 'Roles in the World/Biome' information for this creature is missing. This data may have been permanently lost or was never recorded.
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)

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)

MS:

7

PS:

13

IN:

4

DX:

10

CH:

1

CN:

13

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.

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 and Healing: Behavior not recorded

Society: Anthropological studies incomplete