Mantis (Giant, Deadly)

I started writing this intro thinking about what other giant bugs there are in fantasy, and came to the realization that there aren't that many. Then I came to a second, more world-altering, conclusion that crustaceans are ALSO arthropods (alongside today's Mantis) and really had a minor crisis. From Shelob of Lord of the Rings fame to the common chull of The Stormlight Archives, big bugs are ever present—even more so in tabletop RPGs.

There are probably over a million ways to use a big bug in your game, so this one is pretty simple, but there are a few suggestions for these buggers (ha). Consider how both the Giant Mantis and the Deadly Mantis have great stealth capabilities for their perspective levels—make sure to incorporate that into their particular setting. A forest can feel much more dangerous when a bug the size of a cow appears as a simple log on the ground, only for it to leap up and try to rip your head off. Both Sudden Strike and Lunging Strike are great go-tos for such a thing.

Also consider that, while the statblocks for both are good for a lot of things out the gate, it may be appropriate to adapt your mantis to other kinds of environments, such as burrowing in a desert or swimming in a swamp. Having a deadly mantis fling a level-seven player thirty feet in the air can also teach a valuable lesson that in your world, there's always something bigger than the player!

However you slice it, use these whenever you feel like you need something a little more grounded to make the world feel dangerous. Just—uh—make sure you ask if any of your players are scared of giant bugs (or arthropods).

- Reece

Hook 1 (Max) - Pest Control

"The experiment might have... gotten out of hand, my lord." Magrus cowers before the scowling, well-dressed young man.

"How come? I thought you said everything was in perfect order. Was it not going as planned? Weren't you getting outstanding results, witch?"

Magus gulps. "Yes, that is most true, my lord. However, the bugs have... gotten bigger than expected. Started multiplying way too fast. We sent several squads in to cull the population, but all were wiped out."

"Sounds like a resounding success to me."

"Well, yes."

"So, what's the problem?"

"The bugs, sir, they've... escaped."

Silence befalls the room, uninterrupted. It lasts for a long moment before a distant scream can be heard through the walls.

"Fuck."

Hook 2 (Nemanja) - A Giant Mistake

The newest fad in court intrigue among the cloud giants of Flyholme Keep is assassination via giant mantises hidden in flower bouquets. It has almost become a ritual among the competing families to camouflage the giant insects among ever-increasingly elaborate exotic and exotic arrangements—some even lace their mandibles with poison for extra efficacy. Of course, as cliche as this method has become, the attempts on giant noble lives almost always fail. Instead, the true victims are the giants' human servants who are tasked with retrieving the insects in the first place.

Hook 3 - Using Your Degree

Vincent winced as Lillania applied the tourniquet to his leg. The wound was bound well, but would still need further attention.

"Oh, don't be a baby. It's better than bleeding out."

"I don't remember complaining."

"Just be lucky she didn't find you attractive. They eat the heads-"

"Yes, yes, they eat the heads of their partner after mating, very funny. I do have a degree in ecology, if you recall. Now help me up."

Vincent winced again as he shifted to a standing position. The mantis they'd been sent to handle was now a normal size again, no bigger than his fist. It rapped its scythe-like forelimb against the walls of its glass container. He was tempted to squash it, mostly out of malice. He sighed and picked up the container instead.

"Any progress on the other spell?"

"To talk to them?" Vincent asked, tapping his thumb on the container. "No, not yet. Every time I find a hint as to someone who knew it, they've either recently disappeared or are deceased. It doesn't seem to me like 'making animals bigger and angrier' is a great plan overall. There has to be more to it. I'm trying to recreate the spell from pieces I've been able to find, but whoever's behind this is thorough. The only leads we have are trapped inside the minds of our growing menagerie. As soon as I figure the spell out, I'll be a target too, though."

Lillania looked thoughtful for a moment. That was never a good sign. "We could just. Pretend you know it."

Vincent gave her a flat look. "And draw them out, with me acting as bait."

"You just said you'll be a target as soon as you can talk to the animals we've already captured anyway."

Vincent grimaced. "Yes, I suppose I did."