Besies

Besies were originally small white beetle with horns. They were not much larger than the size of a small coin and could be found in the Taunmere Woods in the center of Merida. They fed on rotting wood and plants and were harmless. That is until one very strange inventor, Lin Cendan from Meddivale, fell in love with the creature and began breeding them. Like any parent, he loved his children and he wanted them to grow and become more than they were. Unfortunately, he thought that meant he should help them in their evolution.

He began breeding them to be as large as the size of a babies' fist and he gave them wings to fly. He loved to have his Besie ride on his shoulder and flutter around his head while he walked. This was not thought to be a good thing and people generally kept away from him when he walked through town. Lin's wife was slow to appreciate the Besies, but came around when she realized that they could be sold as pets to people who needed protection when they traveled the roads on their own.

She began packing the Besie larvae in kits and selling them as pets that could also protect you from bandits and neer do wells. If you raised your own Besie from the kit it was extremely loyal and protective. A hand-raised Besie would sit on your shoulder and attack at your whistle. With its horns and flying speed, it could keep most troublemakers away. With its poisonous bite, the attackers would not live long enough to get away with your goods or do much but grab your arm.

Unfortunately, the Joint Council of Wizards and Inventors decreed that Besies were too dangerous to breed and they were outlawed. Lin was forced to stop his breeding program and his wife was forced shut down her mail order business.  A few of the mail order kits that were sent out were purchased by a gang member in Meddivale that did not have the same respect for the law.  As a result, Besies have been bred by underground breeders for many years.  They have been seen in cities throughout Merida.