Gray Lancer

Small beast, unaligned

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	11 (+0)	18 (+4)	1 (-5)	12 (+1)	3 (-4)

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 30 (4d6 + 16)
Speed 20 ft., climb 15 ft., fly 30 ft.
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages –
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Special Traits

• Distraction. The gray lancer can use a bonus action to lift up its carapace. The intricate patterns have a hypnotic effect on animals and humanoids. Each creature that can see its carapace must make a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on any attacks against the gray lancer until the end of their next turn.
• Poisonous Mandibles. When it makes a successful bite attack, the gray lancer can use a bonus action to inject poison into the wound. An affected creature must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.

Actions

• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage, and see above.
• Horn. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage.

Tactics

A gray lancer is a ferocious fighter, never giving up until either it or its opponent is dead. The insect usually charges into combat attempting to gore its opponent with its massive horn. If the enemy still stands after the initial attack, then it falls back to its secondary tactic, trying to poison the opponent with its bite. In desperation, it will lift its carapace in an attempt to distract the opponent and then either flee or attack with its horn again.

Description

The size of a small dog, this beetle is a shiny gray with an intricate black swirls on its carapace, each a unique pattern. Above its head is a single spiky growth of its exoskeleton, a horn facing forward like a knight’s lance. It is found in forested regions, but it is most common in jungles.

Fighting Bugs. Lancers are very aggressive, a trait that causes some folk to have them battle while onlookers bet on the outcome. Such individuals are normally kept in cages, often with their wings clipped or even plucked to prevent them from flying away.

Keepers of the Past. Druids teach local tribes to respect and honor gray lancers, believing them to be mirrors to the past, their beautiful back patterns telling fantastic stories from long ago. Many druids claim to know the secrets of interpreting a gray lancer’s carapace pattern, and these individuals are always in demand as sages and storytellers.