Looking for a monster

[Cicciograna]

Hello Playgrounders! Today I'm looking for some sort of "dire beetle", or something akin to it. Is there any such monster? Any source is viable (apart from Dragon magazines).

[some guy]

Hello Playgrounders! Today I'm looking for some sort of "dire beetle", or something akin to it. Is there any such monster? Any source is viable (apart from Dragon magazines).

Core 3.5 has (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/giantBombardierBeetle.htm) these (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/giantFireBeetle.htm) three (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/giantStagBeetle.htm).

Pathfinder has a lot more (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/vermin/beetle) freely available.

[NevinPL]

Monster Index from WotC website, has couple more. Two from MM3, one from SS, some epic one, and more. No dire though. You can always use "Fiendish creature" template, if you want to "buff" it.

[Invader]

Tauric also works well.

[The Viscount]

If you want to go really big, MMV has the Siege Beetle.

[Immabozo]

You made me think of this (http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-need-my-monster-by-noll-mcwilliam-3.html)

[Keld Denar]

Advanced Spellwarped Pseudonatural Bombardier Beetle
Size/Type: Medium Outsider Aberration (Augmented Vermin)
Hit Dice: 4d8+16 (36 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 19 (+8 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+7
Attack: Bite +7 melee (1d4+6)
Full Attack: Bite +7 melee (1d4+6)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Acid spray DC 16 Fort 2d4+4, 10' Cone
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., vermin traits, SR 15 Electricity Resistance 5, Acid Resistance 5, DR 5/Magic
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +2, Will +1
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 12, Con 18, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 9
Skills: Listen +5
Feats: Improved Initiative
Environment: Warm forests
Organization: Cluster (2-5) or click (6-11)
Challenge Rating: 3
Advancement: 3-4 HD (Medium); 5-6 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: —

Spell Absorption
Might: The spellwarped creature gains a +4 enhancement bonus on Str.

Agility: The spellwarped creature gains a +4 enhancement bonus on Dex.

Endurance: The spellwarped creature gains a +4 enhancement bonus on Con.

Life: The spellwarped creature gains temp HP equal to 5x the failed spell.

Speed: The spellwarped creature’s base speed increases by a number of feed equal to 5x the level of the failed spell.

Resistance: The spellwarped creature gains resistance 10 to one energy type (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic).

True Strike (Su): Once per day, a pseudonatural creature can gain a +20 insight bonus on a single attack roll. In addition, the creature suffers no miss chance against a target that has concealment or total concealment when making this attack.

Alternate Form (Su): As a standard action, a pseudonatural creature can take the form of a grotesque, tentacled mass (or another appropriately gruesome form, as determined by the DM). Despite the alien appearance, its abilities remain unchanged. Other creatures receive a –1 morale penalty on their attack rolls against a pseudonatural creature when it is in this alternate form.

I used them against my party once. 4 of them. EL7. Fantastic!