Beetle, Axe-horns
| Class: |
Realistic Beasts |
| Hab: |
Grasslands, woodlands, subterranean (by species) |
| Fre: |
Uncommon |
| Num: |
7-12 clusters of 6-36 |
| Lair: |
Nomadic |
| Size: |
Ankle-axer: 2'-3' long
Dwarf-dueler: 18'-12' long
Axe-knight: 20-30' long
|
| Move: |
Medium scurry; fly: well / OK / bumbling (by size) |
| Def: |
|
| Att: |
Hatchet / battleaxe / Joten (Giant) axe (by size) |
| Int: |
Barely |
| Spec: |
Rarely |
| Posns: |
Axes made in to weapons |
Axe-Horn Beetles
The axe-horn beetles live in communities. While feeding, the community of axe beetles will spread out over a wide range. Should danger threaten, those in the immediate area (6-36) cluster quickly together, forming an outward-facing ring, waggling their axe-horns in warning. By the time battle ensues, their more distant comrades will have gathered, waiting a short distance away. If beetle blood is spilled, up to a dozen times as may beetles will rally about, surrounding each foe with a storm of blades.
Beetles that have access to metals, whether from natural minerals or from nibbling crafted equipment, may incorporate the metals into their exoskeletons, for superior armoring and alluring metallicized gloss and superior "singing."
While the beetles can fly, they land a short ways from any danger; they rely upon their ground-gripping feet to provide leverage for their axe-blows.
The beetles' axes are quite baroque in form. This is important in their mating displays, as the fantastic forms let prospective mates identify partners of the proper species. During the mating season, the beetles quiver their wingcases, creating a thrilling drum-music.
Dwarves are known to take a liking to the fine forms of the beetles' axes; may a Dwarven smith has a collection, used as models for metalwork. Occasionally a beetle axe is made in to a true weapon for some metal-averse magic-wielder. Less known is that some ancient Dwarven drum rhythms are inspired the beetles' drumming.
Subtly different habitats support populations of different species of beetles. Body shapes are adapted to travel through different sorts of vegetation. Colors vary widely, as to exoskeleton and axe ornamentations; trophy heads are collectable.