Blue Fanticule
MonsterDCC DE IA · p.67
Open source p.67Blue fanticule swarm
Atk swarming sting melee (1 plus poison)
SP sting all targets within 15’×15’ space, half damage from non-area attacks, poison (DC 7 Fort save or lose 1 Stamina, increasing difficulty), antivenin
The blue fanticule is a metallic blue, wasp-like insect native to the coastal mudflats near the ruins of Tustvold. These insects favor feeding on a variety of venomous arachnids, and their predation is of such means that they often build their hives in the eaves of homes and outbuildings where they are easily disturbed by the unwary. Wise publicans look for any sign of their presence to eliminate the beginnings of any such nest, though there are those of an entomological bent who collect such insects, allowing them to prosper in garden areas as an additional precaution against intrusion. Such colonies are well tended and often become acclimated to the presence of their keeper, no longer considering them a threat.
Unlike other insects of their relation, the blue fanticule does not give off a steady buzzing, but instead emits a pulsing chirrup when threatened, beating their wings together in a dread tattoo that coastal dwellers know all too well. Should the cerulean hornets perceive danger, the nest immediately disgorges the fullness of their number, forming a swarm filling the air with angry, stinging insects. The swarm will attack without fear or mercy and, once aroused, will sting every living thing within reach, pursuing perceived threats for distances of 100’ or more.
The blue fanticule’s sting leaves small weeping ulcers that erupt from the target’s flesh. While not particularly powerful, the effects (DC 7 Fort save or temporarily lose 1 point of Stamina) are cumulative. For each round of successful stings against a given target, the DC of the Fort save against
the poison increases by 1. Victims whose Stamina score is reduced to 0 enter anaphylactic shock, gasping for breath, going into convulsions, and dying within rounds. Stamina lost to fanticule stings is recovered at a rate of per hour.
The dried remains of a swarm of blue fanticules may be ground into an antivenin powder which has neutralizing properties when snorted. If used within one turn of having been poisoned, the powder allows the victim to roll a new Fortitude save with a +2d bonus. A swarm can be ground into enough powder to provide uses and requires a minimum of two hours and a successful DC 18 Handle Poison check to prepare.