Tiger Beetle

Forum: Realms Of Black Lake - Tiger beetles measure about 4ft. long, and have a hard shell with striping that resembles the markings of a tiger. They are meat eaters, and usually prey on flies, and other small insects. They have on occasion been known to attack people, crushing them with their powerful mandibles. They do not usually care for the taste of human flesh, but for some unknown reason are quite fond of the flesh of elves.

The shell of these beetles is so hard a common spear, sword, axe, or similar weapon will do little to no damage. The tiger beetle's soft underbelly, legs, and face are its most vulnerable areas. The best way to kill a tiger beetle is to somehow manage to flip it over onto its back, thus exposing its soft underbelly.

The shells of these creatures fetch a fairly good price with those weapons makers who possess the skills and equipment to work with them. They armor that can be made from a tiger beetle's shell is comparable in strength to full plate, but has only a fraction of the weight. In weight, it's comparable to lightly-studded leather.