ASPIS

Considered mysterious by humans, aspis are seldom encountered in populated lands unless raiding for food. They commonly live in small groups, tending to their own business and only occasionally dealing with outsiders. Few people can report of ever meeting one of these creatures, and the existence of larvae and cows is only rumor. These must exist, however, as they are necessary for the survival of the race.

Drones are 6-ft long and appear to be giant weevils. They have an extremely long proboscis and multifaceted eyes. Their diet consists of vegetable matter and meat. Blood is a preferred drink amongst them.

Aspis drone are the adult males of the nest and perform all functions dealing with the outside world. These creatures lack individual identity even to the point of not having personal names. They are fanatically loyal to a single cow and will defend her to the death.

Fierce warriors, they are capable of using all weapons but bows, and can fashion items they need with skill. Although they prefer to travel on all six legs, in combat they will stand on their hind legs, using the other four to wield two weapons and two shields (making them armor class 2).

They are immune to electrical and cold attacks and will only take ½ damage from fire-based attacks.

Aspis drones speak their own language and 5% will be able to speak Common. They do not have a written language per se, but may communicate in a similar manner by using subtle scents and perfumes.

Larva 3 HD (2-ft)—AC 6, HD 3, hp 14, THAC0 16, Saves 14/15/16/17/17, XP 50 + 3/hp

Larva 4 HD (2½-ft)—AC 6, HD 4, hp 18, THAC0 15, Saves 14/15/16/17/17, XP 85 + 4/hp

Larva 5 HD (3-ft)—AC 6, HD 5, hp 23, THAC0 15, Hits as +1, Saves 13/14/15/16/16, XP 130 + 5/hp

Cow. Unlike other larvae who harden their skins and metamorphose into drones, the cows retain their larval form, becoming huge and bloated females, 10-ft to 15-ft in length. Their sole purpose in life is to lay eggs for the nest. They are sluggish creatures, but their large size makes their bite dangerous. 

In addition, their skin exudes a milky acidic slime that will eat through metal or wood in 1 round and will burn exposed flesh for 1-8 points of damage each round until washed off.

Aspis larvae are the offspring of the nest. Ranging anywhere from 1½-ft to 3-ft in length, they resemble fat, white grubs. They are blind and deaf but can locate and identify other creatures through vibrations and scent. They have voracious appetites and require an almost constant supply of food. They are most commonly found in hatcheries maintained by the drones—usually pits of rotting materials in which the larvae swim or burrow and feed. Occasionally the drones will select one larva and feed and treat it in such a way that it will not develop along normal lines, but will instead become an aspis cow.

Aspis lairs are found underground and consist of sloping tunnels bored through soft rock or dirt. A lair or nest will consist of 1-3 egg chambers, 2-4 graneries, 1-6 grub hatcheries, and a central chamber. The tunnels are commonly about 4-ft high and will be well defended by traps and guards. The grub hatcheries will contain 1-10 larvae each. Only one cow will be found in any nest. There is a 10% chance that 10-100 giant ants will share the nest with the aspis.