Scythe Bug
The Scythe Bug or Reaper Beetle is a giant sized beetle that inhabits most mountainous regions. The Scythe Beetle is name such for it's foremost appendages that are shaped like long scythe blades. The Scythe Beetle is a predator and will attack most man sized creatures. Normally one will encounter small swarms of such beetles, especially in the spring when they mate. Mating season can be dangerous as they will attack anything that has a blade-like object in it's hands. Thus, warriors with swords are usually "challenged" for mating rights by male Scythe Beetles. The Scythe Beetle attacks with it's two blade arms, waving them about in a wild fashion. They have no real skill, but are very strong and can cut a man in two if given the chance. Scythe Beetle are covered in a iridescent carapace that is several inches thick. The Scythe Beetle armor is equivalent to a full suit of plate armor in terms of protection. A scythe beetle is vulnerable to attacks to it's underside, if it is turned over the underbelly is much less armored than the top. While a Scythe Beetle is engaged in "mating rituals" it makes all sorts of clicking and screeching noises, the sounds are quite loud and will attract other Scythe Beetles to the location to vie for mating rights. If one is not quick to dispatch a group of Scythe Beetles they could have dozens on their hands in no time. The more beetles, the more noise, the more noise, the more beetles, a few have turned into a few hundred during the height of mating season.
Battle Tactics:
Scythe Beetles use their bladed arms in a clumsy fashion, flailing them about in front of them all the while clicking and screeching away. Once they kill an opponent they will usually feed until they are struck again, then they will attack. Scythe beetles can fly in a bumbling fashion, bumping into things and falling out of the sky for no apparent reason. Scythe Beetles will attack shiny objects with blades first and go down from there, thus a dwarf in leather armor wielding a hammer will be passed up in favor of the knight. As their smaller cousins, Scythe Beetles are incredibly strong and can tear through most nets and throw off captors with little difficulty.
Habitat:
Scythe Beetles inhabit lower mountainous regions and favor forested areas as well, always keeping near mountains. They are seldom encountered in winter when they dig boroughs to sleep through the cold. In the spring, they fill the sky in some areas fighting for mating rights and food.
Ecology:
Scythe Beetles are predators in the loosest sense of the word, they will attack things and lose interest. They are not skilled hunters or fighters. Many scavenge from other animals, taking their kills. Scythe Beetles can live for up to 20 years or so if the conditions are right. The females will lay 1000's of eggs but most never make it to maturity. The Male is what is normally encountered-the female is a bland looking creature about 1/4 the males size. Scythe Beetles are seasonal creatures, being most visible in spring and summer and hiding in the fall and winter.
Description:
Scythe Beetles are Iridescent green, blue and purple in color. They have a thick segmented carapace the cover most of their bodies. Their undersides are shiny black as well as their heads and eyes. Scythe Beetles have six legs and two blade appendages. The Blades are curved and a shiny black color as well. The Males are about three feet tall, four feet long and three feet wide; the females are a dull green and about 1/4 the size of the males.
Noteworthy:
The Blade-arms of they scythe beetle can be cured and turned into high quality curved swords. Some cultures will pay for Scythe Beetles alive for they use them in fighting games.