Slicer Beetle, Giant

This creature appears as a giant beetle with a triangular head and two long, razor sharp mandibles. Its body is black in color.

Slicer Beetle, Giant (CR 4)

Large Vermin
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +0
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet; Perception +0

Speed: 20 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 17, touch 9, flat-footed 17 (+8 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 37 (5d8+15)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +1
Immunity: mind-affecting effects

Offense

Melee: type +8 (2d8+9/19-20)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: vorpal bite

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
23 (+6)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	-	10 (+0)	9 (-1)

Base Attack Bonus: +3
CMB +10
CMD 20 (28 vs. Trip)

Feats: Improved Critical (bite)

Skills:

Languages:

Special Abilities

Vorpal Bite (Ex)

The mandibles of a slicer beetle are extremely sharp. It gains Improved Critical (bite) as a bonus feat. The mandibles can sever body parts from opponents. If a slicer beetle scores a natural 20 on its attack roll and confirms the critical hit, it severs one of the opponent's extremities (roll 1d6: 1-3 arm, 4-6 leg; 50% chance of either right or left).

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Forests
Organization: solitary or cluster (2-5)
Treasure: incidental


The slicer beetle closely resembles a large stag beetle and is often mistaken for such. However, the slicer beetle is more aggressive than the stag beetle. The creature dines on carrion, fresh meat, and leaves.

Stag beetles are about 10 feet long, but can grow to lengths of 20 feet or more. The slicer beetle attacks by biting with its mandibles. A critical hit by the slicer beetle has a chance of severing a foe's arm or leg.

Credit The Slicer Beetle originally appeared in the First Edition Monster Manual II (© TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1983) and is used by permission.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Gary Gygax.