Overview
View Statblock (Giant Mantidfly)
Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class: 12
Hit Points: 13 (3d8) 3d8
Speed:
20 ft
, fly: 60 ft
, climb: 20 ft
, can hover
Senses: Darkvision 80 ft., passive Perception 10
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Flyby. The giant mantidfly doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy's reach.
Actions
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d6 + 1) 2d6+1 slashing damage.
View Statblock (Giant Elephant Beetle)
Giant Elephant Beetle CR: 4
Huge beast, unaligned
Armor Class: 13
Hit Points: 76 (8d12 + 24) 8d12+24
Speed:
30 ft
, climb: 30 ft
Senses: Passive Perception 10
Challenge Rating: 4
Trampling Charge. If the elephant beetle moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Sure-Footed. The giant elephant beetle has advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws made against effects that would knock it prone.
Actions
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) 3d8+6 piercing damage.
View Statblock (Giant Scarab)
Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class: 12
Hit Points: 45 (6d10 + 12) 6d10+12
Speed:
30 ft
, climb: 30 ft
Skills: Athletics +2
Senses: Passive Perception 11
Challenge Rating: 2
Bundle-Pusher. If the giant scarab is able to use its back legs to push, it can push up to 2,640 lbs.
Actions
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) 2d8+5 piercing damage.
Several insects transformed by aether have been heavily domesticated, and it's now common to see them transporting Itharan travelers and among caravans, even alongside more mundane creatures such as camels and mules.
Giant mantidflies, while not related to mantises, have convergently evolved similar raptorial forelimbs that they use to grab prey. Giant mantidflies may not have much carrying capacity, but are highly valued as scouts and airship guards due to their versatile flying ability.
Giant elephant beetles are extremely effective pack beasts, capable of ferrying around multiple people like buses or transporting large amounts of heavy goods. They are employed especially in areas where
ngoubou are common, as despite their name, they do not trigger the ngoubou's elephant-rage.
Giant scarabs, while not as large as elephant beetles, are capable of ferrying even more weight by taking advantage of their dung-rolling instincts. If freight is packed in a shape that is either spherical or easily pushed, the giant scarab will stand on its front legs and push the freight with its back legs. Driving a giant scarab is a particularly challenging task, and the saddle must be moved from the scarab's thorax to its abdomen to accomodate this particular ability.
