Monster: Empressbug

Empressbug
Armour Class: 4
Hit Dice: 3*
Move: 120' (40')
climb 120' (40')
fly 150' (50')
Attacks: 1 bite
Damage: 1-10 (special)
No. Appearing: 1 (1-2)
Save As: F3
Morale: 10
Treasure Type: Nil
Alignment: Neutral
XP Value: 50

The empressbug is -- predictably -- a mammoth, monstrous ladybug. Appearing to be lacquered in black and brilliant ruby or burnt amber (and of course spotted with more black), the empressbug is equally at home in primeval forests, overgrown jungles, untended garden labyrinths and dank crawling dungeons. All it needs is suitable prey -- and though other giant creepy-crawlies are preferred, an empressbug will eat just about anything that moves.

An empressbug attacks by biting, inflicting 1-10 hit points of damage with its bladed mandibles. If an empressbug inflicts five or more hit points of damage it has successfully grasped its prey and maintains its grip, continuously chewing away for an automatic 1-10 hit points of damage per round until the subject is devoured or escapes. A Strength check at a -4 penalty is required to escape the empressbug's gnawing.

It is entirely possible for adventurers -- already contending with giant centipedes and the like -- to be inadvertently aided by the trundling arrival of a hungry empressbug.