Beetle, Giant

All beetles are basically unintelligent and always hungry. They feed on virtually any form of organic material, including other sorts of beetles. They taste by means of their antennae or feelers; if the substance is organic, the beetle then proceeds to grasp it with its mandibles, crush it up, and eat it. Because of this thorough grinding, nothing actually consumed by giant beetles can be revived in any manner short of a wish. Beetles do not hear or see well, relying primarily on taste and feel.

Giant Bombardier Beetle

Neutral Man-sized Monster (insect) (4 ft. long)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 4 (Base 4)

Hit Points 13 (HD 2+2; 2d8+4)

Move 9"

Poison 14, Petrify 15, Wand 16, Breath 17, Spell 17

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 16

Melee bite (2d6)

Special Attacks acid cloud; Hits As normal

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level III

Acid Cloud. (major, 1 segment) The bombardier beetle can violently spray a reeking cloud of vaporous acid from it's rear section every three rounds as a major action. The cloud is 10 feet in diameter and all caught within take 3d4 acid damage (no save). Additionally, all within a 20 foot radius have a chance of being stunned and/or deafened (no save)—01-20: stunned for 2d4 rounds then deafened for 2d4 rounds; 21-40: deafened for 2d6 rounds; 41-00: no effect; The beetle cannot expel an acid cloud more than twice per 8 hours.

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

This beetle is usually found in wooded areas above ground. It feeds on offal and carrion primarily, gathering huge heaps of such material in which to lay its eggs. If this beetle is attacked or disturbed, there is a 50% chance each melee round that it will turn its rear towards its attacker(s) and fire off a cloud of reeking, reddish acidic vapor from its abdomen.

Giant Boring Beetle

Neutral Large Monster (insect) (9 ft. long)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 3 (Base 3)

Hit Points 22 (HD 5; 5d8)

Move 6"

Poison 13, Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 15

Melee bite (5d4)

Special Attacks none; Hits As +1

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level IV

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

These beetles favor rotting wood and similar organic material upon which to feed, so they are usually found inside huge trees or in unused tunnel complexes underground. In the latter areas they will grow molds, slimes and fungi substances for food, starting such cultures on various forms of decaying vegetable and animal matter and wastes. These creatures are individually not of much greater intelligence than others of their kind, but it is rumored that groups develop a communal intelligence which generates a level of consciousness and reasoning ability approximating that of the human brain ("average" Intelligence).

Giant Death Watch Beetle

Neutral Large Monster (insect) (8 ft. long)

Surprise others 50% if camouflaged as part of the terrain; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 3 (Base 3)

Hit Points 40 (HD 9; 9d8)

Move 12"

Poison 13 (8), Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 12

Melee bite (3d4)

Special Attacks death vibrations; Hits As +3

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level VII

Camouflage. The death watch beetle can glue elements of the surrounding terrain to it's carapace giving it a 50% chance of surprising others. Otherwise (5% chance), the beetle has glued the carapace of another giant beetle to it's shell appearing initially as if it were another type of giant beetle.

Death Vibrations. (major, 10 segments) Before attacking, the creature will produce a gong-like noise by clicking it's carapace. If the beetle has surprised it's victims (using it's camouflage), the sound appears diffused and comes from everywhere (others have a 10% of spotting the beetle making the clicking). Once 10 segments of clicking have occurred, all living creatures within a 30 foot radius must make a Death save vs. Poison or die (success means the creature takes 5d4 damage). If the beetle is damaged during the time it is creating the vibrations, it will stop the clicking and will change its action to attack.

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

This monstrous insect is found in temperate regions. It is particularly dreaded as it often disguises itself. These disguises range from wearing carapaces of other giant beetles to sticking rubbish to itself with a glue of earth and saliva. Although commonly encountered outdoors, death watch beetles of the giant sort have also been known to invade subterranean areas in search of food.

As a death watch moves frequently in search of food, it is unlikely that it will have treasure, other than an incidental item possibly stuck upon its back as camouflage. Even if a beetle stays in one locale for an extended period (10% chance) only the treasure carried by victims slain by the monster will be in the area.

Giant Fire Beetle

Neutral Small Monster (insect) (2½ ft. long)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 4

Hit Points 6 (HD 1+2; 1d8+2)

Move 12"

Poison 16 (14), Petrify 17, Wand 18, Breath 20, Spell 19

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 18

Melee bite (2d4)

Special Attacks none; Hits As normal

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level I

Light. Fire beetles have two glands above their eyes and one near the back of their abdomen which give off a red glow. For this reason they are highly prized by miners and adventurers, as this luminosity will persist for from 1d6 days after the glands are removed from the beetle. The light shed illuminates a 10 ft. radius.

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

The smallest of the giant beetles, they nevertheless are capable of delivering serious damage with their powerful mandibles. They are found both above and below ground, being primarily nocturnal.

Giant Rhinoceros Beetle

Neutral Large Monster (insect) (12 ft. long plus 6 ft. horn)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 2 (Base 2)

Hit Points 54 (HD 12; 12d8)

Move 6"

Poison 11 (7), Petrify 12, Wand 13, Breath 13, Spell 14

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 9

Melee horn (2d8) and bite (3d6)

Special Attacks none; Hits As +4

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level VII

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

This monster inhabits tropical and subtropical jungles. They roam these regions searching for fruits and vegetation, crushing anything in their paths. The horn of a giant rhinoceros beetle extends about 6 ft.

Giant Slicer Beetle

Neutral Large Monster (insect) (10 ft. long)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 3 (Base 3)

Hit Points 27 (HD 6; 6d8)

Move 6"

Poison 13 (11), Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 13

Melee bite (2d8)

Special Attacks dismembering bite; Hits As +1

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level V

Dismembering Bite. A bite that hits with a natural roll of 19 or 20 will slice off a limb. On a d10—1-2: leg, left; 3-4: arm, left; 5-6: leg, right; 7-8: arm, right; Losing a leg drops the victims movement rate to 1" and the effect of losing an arm will result in loss of attack or use of a shield depending upon the arm lost. After the loss of a limb, the victim is stunned for 10 segments and will fall prone if a leg was lost.

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

The slicer beetle is similar to a stag beetle but does not have horns. Its mandibles are razor-sharp.

If the battle is going against the slicer beetle, it will grab any food conveniently available (i.e., lost limbs) and flee. Its lair usually contains many bones and 1d6 types of normal weaponry. The lair may also contain magical weapons (25% chance) or magical boots (10% chance; 90% chance of being a single boot). However, if a pair of boots or gauntlets is present, the pair is probably not matched (only a 5% chance of being matched). Attempts at identifying an unmatched set will give standard (but false) results.

Giant Stag Beetle

Neutral Large Monster (insect) (10 ft. long plus 8 ft. long horns)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 3 (Base 3)

Hit Points 31 (HD 7; 7d8)

Move 6"

Poison 13 (10), Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 13

Melee 2 horns (1d10/1d10) and bite (4d4)

Special Attacks none; Hits As +2

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level VI

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

These woodland dwelling beetles are very fond of grains and similar growing crops, so they will sometimes become highly pestiferous and raid cultivated lands. Like other beetles, they have poor sight and hearing, but they will fight if attacked, or attack if they encounter organic material they consider food. The giant stag beetle’s two horns are usually not less than 8 ft. long.

Giant Water Beetle

Neutral Large Monster (aquatic, insect) (6+ ft. long)

Surprise normal; Senses insect senses

Armor Class 3 (Base 3)

Hit Points 18 (HD 4; 4d8)

Move 3", swim 12"

Poison 14 (11), Petrify 15, Wand 16, Breath 17, Spell 17

Special Defenses mindless

Weakness mindless

Magic Resistance standard

To Hit AC 0: 15

Melee bite (3d6)

Special Attacks none; Hits As normal

Base Morale 50%

Intelligence non-

Languages none

Level III

Mindless. This creature is immune to mind-affecting magic. Mindless creatures make saving throws as if they were half of their listed hit dice with the exception of poison or death magic saves. The creature will use tactics instinctively, normally attacking the nearest opponent (or if several, one picked at random). Unless attacked by more than one opponent, it then attacks the same creature until it's prey drops—then it uses one round of coup de grace attacks before beginning to consume it (unless the description notes a different behavior). Otherwise, a mindless creature will attack the same opponent until it is damaged in melee by another opponent. The creature will then attack the opponent that last damaged it until it drops as noted above. Mindless creatures will only attack those not in melee unless all creatures in melee have dropped and are not moving. If a mindless creature has a special attack not related to it's melee weapons, it will use that attack if it rolls under 51% in any new round unless the description of the creature notes otherwise. Area attacks will target melee range creatures first and any creatures outside of melee range will be incidental (simplest placement to hit melee combatants or, if necessary, random placement of the ability). Some mindless creatures will have a preference in terms of prey (for example, attacking smaller creatures first) and this must be assessed when determining the creature's actions. Mindless creatures do not use regular rules for morale. A mindless creature always has a flat 50% for morale and begins checking for morale once it has reached under 50% of its hit points in damage unless the description states otherwise. A mindless creature cannot communicate with creatures not of it's type (and even then only at a very basic level; e.g. Threat Perceived, Food, etc.), has no languages, and has an Intelligence Rating of "Non-" (effectively "0").

The giant water beetle is found only in fresh water of not less than 30 feet deep. As they are voracious eaters, they prey upon virtually any form of animal but will eat almost anything. Slow and ponderous on land, they move very quickly in water. Giant water beetles hunt food by scent and vibration.

ENCOUNTERS

Levels Fire. I. Bombardier/Boring/Water. III.; Slicer. V.; Stag. VI.; Death Watch/Rhino. VII.

Frequency. Bombardier/Boring/Fire/Stag. Common; Rhino. Uncommon; Slicer. Rare; Death Watch. Very Rare. In Lair Bombardier/Fire/Rhino/Stag/Water. nil; Boring. 40%; Death Watch. 10%; Slicer. 25%

Number Appearing. Bombardier. 3-12; Boring. 3-18; Death Watch. 1; Fire. 3-12; Slicer. 1-3; Stag. 2-12; (Fire. Level I. 1d4; Boring. Level III. 1d3)

Environment. Temperate and sub-tropical, uninhabited/wilderness areas (Bombardier/Death Watch/Fire/Stag. forest); Temperate and sub-tropical, inhabited and/or patrolled areas (Bombardier/Fire/Stag. plain, scrub, forest; Bombardier/Fire/Slicer. hills); Underground (Fire. Level I.; Boring. Level III.); Underwater, fresh water (Water. deep)

Treasure Type. Bombardier/Death Watch/Fire/Rhino/Stag/Water. nil; Boring. C, R, S, T; Slicer. See description;

Experience. Bombardier. XP 114 (or 75+3 per h.p.); Boring. XP 200 (or 90+5 per h.p.); Death Watch. XP 1,780 (or 1,300+12 per h.p.); Fire. XP 24 (or 12+2 per h.p.); Rhino. XP 3,014 (or 2,150+16 per h.p.); Slicer. XP 562 (or 400+6 per h.p.); Stag. XP 648 (or 400+8 per h.p.); Water. XP 132 (or 60+4 per h.p.)