Whitewing Beetle
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The whitewing beetle is a creature found rarely in the Melocazh Barrens. Known for their immense size, it has become local myth on the outskirts of the barrens that spotting one of these beetles means that the sands will creep forward faster for each one you spot. No one can confirm if this myth has any true backing, but a group of children claimed to see two before the sands swallowed their homes overnight. Could still be a coincidence.
These creatures are reminiscent of smaller beetles of similar shape and color which are native to Arsavela, though those of the Barrens come in far greater sizes, almost a concerning degree of larger. The Whitewing beetles of Arsavela are known to be no larger than a thumbnail in most cases, but ones from the Barrens have appeared in sizes larger than the average human's head, with reports claiming they have seen even larger.
These are not the only peculiar insectoid creature to be spotted emerging from the Barrens, or while traveling throughout, as different forms of spiders and scorpions have been exhibiting odd traits and changes in size. Some have grown larger, much like the beetles, while others have shrank, granting them stealth they once did not have. Some of these creatures have begun threatening travelers into the Barrens, who never seem to be prepared enough for their journeys.
In what is either a fortunate, or unfortunate circumstance, depending on your viewpoint, these beetles have been found to make an excellent food source, and their chitin an even better addition to armors and even some weapons. Their wings have grown to be extremely rigid, almost plate-like in nature, offering the beetles, and any who may make use of their parts, a strong form of protection against impacts of blunt force. Armor and food both, crafted from these beetles, is seldom sought after by anyone not presently traversing the desert.Want Secrets?
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I love that there is a little bit of story in each paragraph, mixed in there with the descriptions of the species' characteristics. From the opening bit about the children and the local my to the closing bit about the species' use as armor and food, you kept my attention the whole time and kept giving me new reasons to say, "Oh, interesting!"
Heh I'm glad to hear that my little bits and bobs were interesting! So many little snippets of information to expand upon in the future :)
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