[✗] [Creature Lore] Cimex Volubilem

[Chimeraof1999 1187]

 

Cimex Volubilem

[Rolling Bugs]

[Art made by RedSlug]

Description

The Rolling Bug is a large, isopod-like creature that stems from the family of the Pill Bugs [Armadillidium vulgare]. These creatures are quite large in their appearance, being five to seven feet long and their

weight being around four hundred to eight hundred pounds depending on their sex, these bugs have the same length and weight of an average Brown Bear. These creatures have a thick and hardened shell that is accustomed onto their back, and a small armored head at the very front. The Rolling Bugs are fitted with several legs that are branched out from underneath the armored shell, but they are able to retract back into itself. These creatures, although large, are extremely docile and seem to have a knack for wandering into places with vast amounts of plant growth. They tend to roam in groups of a minimum of four, accompanied by their litter or by themselves. 

 

When threatened, these creatures are able to roll up into a ball, able to stay within that ball up to Twenty-Four hours before it releases itself. If the creature is persisted and continuously threatened, it will

bury itself into nearby soil or underneath rocks to blend itself or to hide itself from whomever or whatever is pursuing or threatening it. These creatures are shy, yet extremely social creatures, often pursuing situations with curiosity; Similar to a child. The Rolling Bugs often tend to nest within damp areas nearby running water or underneath soil within burrows or rocks. When in the process of conception for their young, they will become protective, yet not hostile to approaching parties or creatures; Instead, it will use its shell to cover the nesting area. The eggs are described as soft and translucent, and reek of chemical residue.

 

The average lifespan of a Rolling Bug persists to Forty Years, depending on their diet and their ecosystem.

 

Origin

With the rise of advancing species within Aevos, the Rolling Bugs began to appear when natural predators began to die out within the regions of the Dark Forest. Through rapid generational growth, the

Rolling Bugs began to grow overtime as the forest began to slowly intricate a stable ecosystem, the growth of the Rolling Bugs ceased at the size they are known for today. These massive isopods are similar to their ancestors and genetic cousins within the ocean surrounding Aevos, yet these crustaceans still seem to enjoy their presence on land. 

 

Taming

Due to how social these creatures are and their knack for wandering into either non-populated or populated areas of forest or overgrowth, they have a tendency to be very curious and very unbothered by

other creatures unless threatened or provoked otherwise. To tame a Rolling Bug is quite simple:

- An abundance of shrubbery, berries or overgrowth is to be provided within the subject's hands, their scent should not be masked. 

- Approaching subjects should NOT approach from behind or in their blind spots; Only from the front. 

- When approaching, put the shrubbery in their hands and pull palms out. 

- Stop at a safe distance [To be able to identify if in nesting phase]

- Wait a few minutes for them to approach and stand completely idle until otherwise.

- If they are to approach, they will go for the shrubbery: DO NOT BE ALARMED, they will not eat your hands.

- If they do not approach, attempt later.

- When approached by the Rolling Bug, speak softly with a low tone.

- If the shrubbery is consumed, hold out your palms closer and wait until they engage with their mandibles.

 

When fully tamed, these creatures can be ridden similar to horses, requiring reins for communication and controlling and a comfortable seating area to be able to ride the creature properly. Due to their

social nature, they will either constantly bother or walk with you, or will need another rolling bug or companion to accompany it. The Rolling Bug will not require attention to hygiene, as it tends to clean itself with the mud or ecosystem provided in its habitat. Rolling Bugs should not be kept in a pen or stable unless it is offered freedom outside of it. If its owner were to leave for long amounts of time, the Rolling Bugs will become upset and develop possible detachment issues, leading to health problems or mental problems down the line.

 

Abilities

 

Curl & Roll

The only notable Trait / Ability for these social creatures are their abilities to roll when threatened. When they are attacked or when danger lurks nearby, the Rolling Bugs are able to curl into a ball and

gate themselves from attacks from outside sources. Their shell is similar to steel in protection, but provides no other benefits besides protection. If a Rolling Bug were to die, their shell would lose the proper blood supply and can be rendered useless when removed or received as a hide, they are not able to be used for combat and can only be served as accessories. When nearby a hill or ledge, these creatures are able to let out their mandibles or legs to push themselves into a direction. Often or not, they can end up into caves or cracks and become stuck, meeting a death by crushing, asphyxiation or starvation. 

 

When rolling down a steep hill, depending on the trajectory or the weight, they are able to smash through objects loosened or weakened. Examples range from old ruins, walls of buildings, trees, and even

rocks. If they go too fast or end up hitting a not-so-weak wall, they will break their shells or even mortally injury themselves which leads to an untimely demise. When they roll themselves, people and animals can go with them or even be thrown into their path and meet a fate similar to a bolder rolling down a ledge. 

Out of Character Secession & Redlines

 

Purpose

The purpose of this creature in LOTC is to provide a nice, bug-like companion for those to itch their brains to the fact that they can ride a Giant Roly-Poly. I believed it could've been a fun and quirky, yet

nice species to add to LOTC's already dark, yet fantastic Bestiary; As well as another creature to be able to ride or mount onto.

 

 

Spoiler

Redlines

• Rolling Bugs cannot be used in combat scenarios and are to act as ONLY MOUNTS or role-play creatures.
• You can own more than one Rolling Bugs.
• Rolling Bugs must be found in their role-play designated areas [Dark Forests]
• Rolling Bugs can be killed but nothing is of worth.
• Incubation of the eggs take about three to four days OOCLY.
• Only a few eggs can be taken [Up to 3] when interacting with a nest.
• Rolling Bugs are Player and ST Event Creatures.
• Rolling Bugs must be provided a suitable area to live within, and will not last long if kept inside or away from interaction.
• Rolling Bugs can be tamed after birth or in the wild.

[wytch 870]

they actually did it, amazing +1

[_AzureLexi 766]

Don't even need to read this it's giant rolly pollies +1

[tasty_cheesecake 2298]

[Islamadon 9158]

This lore has been denied.

Veto'd due to potential for lore bloat. There are already Dwarven Cave Beetles and Stilt Striders that you can use to similar effect.