Bugs Please? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Bugs Please? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Arganis
05-12-06, 03:58 PM I'm trying to develop a collection of bug-like outsiders (lawful) who are under hive-like control of an insectoid demon. So far the inspiration is just not flowing. I've only got two.

This assassin type is a medium-sized outsider with a +1 Chitin Bastard Sword (also called a plagueblade). The Plagueblade is completely black and has no face. It is actually a mass of flies around an infected body. It emits a 30' fear-effect that results in Shaken. Within 5 feet, the swarm of flies that surround it force a fortitude save against Nausea. Anyone can use a Plagueblade's sword (which also grants the ability to Summon Swarm 1/day) but only in the hands of a Plagueblade does it inflict insect-rot on injury.

This colossal insect resembles a beetle, except that its legs are not traditionally slender. Instead, they are thick and plated. The most remarkable part of this bug is that due to gaseous glands and vents along its thorax, it has the power of flight (20ft, clumsy, but can hover). The Unnamed Bug never touches the ground.

Thousands of insects dwell in its shell and within its body, and its entire physiology is riddled with large passages in which other Bugs dwell. The Unnamed Bug can fold its legs beneath it, lining up the plates to create a shell. When in this state, the only access to the inside of the bug is from below, between its feet, which can fold together to close even that entrance.

Because of its size and awkwardness, thousands of hunter-insects (which I have not figured out yet) scour the land around and beneath it, bringing food to mouth-feed the creature. When the Unnamed Bug is not floating beyond the walls of an enemy city, with swarms and legions pouring forth from its innards, it is hovering in the wilderness being fed.

It has two enormous antennae (70 feet in length) and three bulbous eyes on a head that is dwarfed by the rest of its body. It is through these antennae that a hive mind is established between all Bugs within a mile of the Unnamed Bug.

Obviously the Unnamed Bug is fairly derivative of the Zerg Overlord. I realize this and have come to peace with it, but that is where I want the similarities to end, or at least become less blatant.

I have no idea where to start in terms of the rest of the Bugs. I should be going for various "roles" I suppose, but I'm trying to avoid the stereotypical. I wonder if I need some kind of insect to feed the Unnamed Bug, or if that should simply be the task of ALL un-occupied Bugs under the Unnamed's control. I also can't bring myself to imagine the BBEG Bug, or any Lieutenants thereof. It feels like every idea I come up with is too much like something I've seen before.

Anyone got any scary bug ideas?

:help:

Please and thank you!
Shaggy_Shaggs
05-12-06, 04:17 PM Have you considered modifying the Entomanothrope (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20040614x) template to apply it to outsiders, and any other differences necessary to get the feel and function you want? What with the rather large selection of vermin and outsiders to base combinations on, you could probably come up with a combination to suit any caste role you need.

Marut/monstrous spider warrior caste, anyone?
Lazzmaniandevil
05-12-06, 05:03 PM One of my creations might interest you... it's a medium humanoid race, but you could probably decide to make them outsiders without too many modifications ...

They are called roachians (http://www.bullonide.com/dnd/roachian.pdf)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Arganis 05-12-06, 03:58 PM	I'm trying to develop a collection of bug-like outsiders (lawful) who are under hive-like control of an insectoid demon. So far the inspiration is just not flowing. I've only got two. This assassin type is a medium-sized outsider with a +1 Chitin Bastard Sword (also called a plagueblade). The Plagueblade is completely black and has no face. It is actually a mass of flies around an infected body. It emits a 30' fear-effect that results in Shaken. Within 5 feet, the swarm of flies that surround it force a fortitude save against Nausea. Anyone can use a Plagueblade's sword (which also grants the ability to Summon Swarm 1/day) but only in the hands of a Plagueblade does it inflict insect-rot on injury. This colossal insect resembles a beetle, except that its legs are not traditionally slender. Instead, they are thick and plated. The most remarkable part of this bug is that due to gaseous glands and vents along its thorax, it has the power of flight (20ft, clumsy, but can hover). The Unnamed Bug never touches the ground. Thousands of insects dwell in its shell and within its body, and its entire physiology is riddled with large passages in which other Bugs dwell. The Unnamed Bug can fold its legs beneath it, lining up the plates to create a shell. When in this state, the only access to the inside of the bug is from below, between its feet, which can fold together to close even that entrance. Because of its size and awkwardness, thousands of hunter-insects (which I have not figured out yet) scour the land around and beneath it, bringing food to mouth-feed the creature. When the Unnamed Bug is not floating beyond the walls of an enemy city, with swarms and legions pouring forth from its innards, it is hovering in the wilderness being fed. It has two enormous antennae (70 feet in length) and three bulbous eyes on a head that is dwarfed by the rest of its body. It is through these antennae that a hive mind is established between all Bugs within a mile of the Unnamed Bug. Obviously the Unnamed Bug is fairly derivative of the Zerg Overlord. I realize this and have come to peace with it, but that is where I want the similarities to end, or at least become less blatant. I have no idea where to start in terms of the rest of the Bugs. I should be going for various "roles" I suppose, but I'm trying to avoid the stereotypical. I wonder if I need some kind of insect to feed the Unnamed Bug, or if that should simply be the task of ALL un-occupied Bugs under the Unnamed's control. I also can't bring myself to imagine the BBEG Bug, or any Lieutenants thereof. It feels like every idea I come up with is too much like something I've seen before. Anyone got any scary bug ideas? :help: Please and thank you!
Shaggy_Shaggs 05-12-06, 04:17 PM	Have you considered modifying the Entomanothrope (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20040614x) template to apply it to outsiders, and any other differences necessary to get the feel and function you want? What with the rather large selection of vermin and outsiders to base combinations on, you could probably come up with a combination to suit any caste role you need. Marut/monstrous spider warrior caste, anyone?
Lazzmaniandevil 05-12-06, 05:03 PM	One of my creations might interest you... it's a medium humanoid race, but you could probably decide to make them outsiders without too many modifications ... They are called roachians (http://www.bullonide.com/dnd/roachian.pdf)