The Earthshaper Beetle
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c1/0e/f6 ... 5af528.jpgName: Earthshaper Beetle
Found Where: Deep Dethsiris jungles/mountains
Size: 8 feet in length, 5 feet from toe to shoulder
Description: Perhaps the first of its kind, or even something imagined by Gaea herself to serve as the sentinel of her jungles, the Earthshaper Beetle had lay hidden in the dense thicket beneath the earth in their extensive burrows that much resemble a cave entrance. An Earthshaper Beetle is a gentle giant for all intents and purposes, only showing their aggressiveness during mating and territorial disputes with other beetles, or fending off those that would consider them prey.
The Earthshaper Beetle is a very large beetle, with a curved horn that crowns its head, while two long horn-like protrusions jut forward from its chitinous plating above its head and curl around its spiky crown. Six insectoid legs give this armored beetle its propulsion, providing an ample gait much like a horse, or a short burst of speed when charging forward towards its antagonist. Their eyes are like that of any other insect. Compound style eyes that can see an incredible range of angles, colors, and quick to respond to sudden motion.
Its exoskeleton is considerably tough, and colorful. Their color ranges are within earthen colors such as greens and browns. The shells are thick, even by beetle standards as they have developed a means of protection from their once mortal predator of the past; the mephos. They once were able to fly, but the mephos had hunted them into the dense jungles where they remained grounded. Because of this, their wings grew useless, and over generations, eventually ceased to grow at all in favor of a thicker exoskeleton.
An Earthshaper Beetle is also extremely strong for its size. One could essentially topple a tree if it had enough space and speed, or even lift their competition over their bodies as a show of dominance. They even have the capability to move heavy stone and round boulder that easily could weigh three times their weight. This strength becomes evident when one notices their burrows accented with large stone and broken trees near what would normally look like any other cave.
Male Earthshaper Beetles are the more intimidating looking beetles as they possess the distinctive tri-horn appearance that they're best known for. The females have a much shorter horn style, almost non-existant in some cases and are usually the smaller of the two sexes, but that does not mean they are any less weaker than their male counterparts.
Abilities: Burrowing, climbing, and raw insect strength give the Earthshaper Beetle a unique presence in any situation. Once they start to charge, it is nigh impossible to stop them. They can crawl along vertical surfaces, but at a slower than normal pace. During their mating season, typically during the summer, the beetle releases a pheremone that attracts other beetles. During this time, their aggressive nature may take hold. Males may fight one another for dominance, in which case, it may prove wise to just let them fight each other.
Disadvantages: An Earthshaper Beetle that finds itself on its back is in serious trouble. They do not possess a means to right themselves upon their legs again, and may require the assistance of no less than 2 persons to attempt rolling them to their feet. They are also susceptible to being attacked from the rear as that is their only blindside.
Special: An Earthshaper Beetle that has been recently hatched may be tamed to become both a beast of burden, and as a land based mount. Their considerable strength in moving large boulders gives them excellent strength to haul heavy carts, or even able to roll boulders towards an enemy if in the right circumstances. They are herbivores, and can consume a cart of vegetation in a single sitting.
The beetle's lifespan ranges from 20-40 years, growing fully in the span of 6 months. An egg reaches larval stage in about a month, and the larval stage to young beetle another month, with the other 4 months as a molting and maturity period to represent their exoskeletons becoming tougher and tougher as they reach complete maturity.
In-Battle Only: The charging nature of the Earthshaper Beetle can provide their rider with a +5 to their damage roll due to the sheer strength and size of the beetle. The difficulty of controlling the beetle once it begins charging also only allows this charge ability to happen once every 3 rounds of combat. Their highly durable exoskeleton can also provide a +5 defense to physical attacks only while mounted.