Savage Menagerie: Lectric Bug

No. Enc.: 1d6 (1d12)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: Fly: 120' (40')
Armor Class: 5
Hit Dice: 1
Attacks: 1
Damage: 4d6
Save: L1
Morale: 10
Hoard Class: None

The lectric bug is a mutated form of the common lightning bug/firefly. It is about 2 inches in length and, other than the increase in size, the beetle looks pretty much the same as it did in the distant past with one exception; the softly glowing lower abdomen found in today's lightning bug has been mutated into an electricity-generating organ. The glass-clear abdomen flickers and arcs with stored power, plainly visible in the darkness.

Lectric bugs are peaceful herbivores and are not normally aggressive. They will not normally seek out and attack a victim. Where the bug is dangerous, however, is that they emit a shattering Tesla-coil-like arc of power once every 30 seconds or so. This pulse of electrical energy - used to signal a mate - will inflict 4d6 damage to anyone within 50 feet of the lectric bug. Contact with a lectric bug will also cause an electrical pulse. Metal weapons, armor, and the like will conduct this spark of energy, so swatting one with a metallic object is a poor idea. In fact, if a party sees a swarm of lectric bugs in the distance, it's best to just steer clear of them.

Lectric bugs can be caught and stored in an insulated container (glass works well). Some experts can safely harness the energy emitted by a lectric bug to run various devices and machines. However, more than one "expert" has been electrocuted in the attempt.

Mutations: energy ray (electricity)