The steelback is a huge beetle-like creature with a highly reflective metallic shell covering the back. The large shell is an almost perfect hemisphere, supported less than a feet over the ground by 36 short mult-jointed legs. The head is usually drawn underneath the shell so that only the long, serrated mandibles are exposed. The mult-jointed legs makes it possible for this creature to move in almost every terrain.
Combat The steelback beetle's mandibles can deliver a very nasty bite. The retracted head can dash forewards to extend the reach of the mandibles by an additional 5 ft.
It is theoretically possible to turn the creature on it's back to expose the softer underbelly (AC 15) but the multi-jointed legs and the perfect hemisphere will turn the Steelback Beetle back in the normal position as a move-equivalent action.
Charge (Ex): The Steelback Beetle may use a full round action to execute a charge. The speed is increased to 60 ft.
Fire Subtype (Ex): Fire immunity, double damage from cold except on a successful save.
Immunities (Su): The steelback beetle is immune to electricity and poison.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the Steelback Beetle must hit with its bite attack. If it gets a hold it deals bite damage automatically each subsequent round.
Electricity Reflection (Su): The highly-reflective metallic shell of the steelback beetle may reflect any electricity spell or effect back on the caster. Bolts of lightning have a 50% chance to directed back at the caster and 50% it reflects in a random direction. Those in the area effect of a reflected bolt of lighting make saves as appropriate.
Trample (Ex): Instead of making a bite attack the Steelback Beetle may use its bulk to trample Large or smaller creatures for 2d12+5 points of damage. Opponents who do not make attacks of opportunity against the giant stag beetle can attempt a Reflex save (DC 23) to halve the damage.
In the Spheres Steelback Beetles are found almost exclusively on the planet of Radole. About the only likely hood of spacefarers coming across a steelback beetle in wildspace is aboard some spacefaring ark.
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©2002 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
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Steelback Beetle, © 1990 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
d20™ System, Conversion of Steelback Beetle ©2002,
Flits3 and edited by
Mark Doolan
Original Source: Lost Ships