- Crump!
Notes
The vile Lancer Beetle is the only creature that actually seems to thrive with the growing corruption of Zao. In former times a nuisance at best, the Lancer Beetles almost doubled their size and multiplied their dangerousness beyond compare. Within a few years, the vermin became a veritable threat. Campaigns to eradicate this pest by both, the orcs and the lizards, failed to bring a lasting change to the Lancer Beetle population.
Not really a swarm insect, Lancer Beetles usually live in small colonies. For unknown reason though, at certain times, they unite to build enormous swarms to devastate whole areas with their ravenous hunger. Guided by an unseen force, they crawl together even from the most remote spots. Without an apparent leader or queen, they seem to share a unique instinct and will to devour and destroy. Usually such swarms are met with resistance by the natives, and sharp battles for survival are fought against such swarms. Often enough, such fights can be compared with an attempt to stop a river with bare hands though. The sheer number of the beetles ready to replace one of their slain kin seems endless. However, after a while, as suddenly as it has formed, the swarm dissolves.
Abilities
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Damage Taken From Elements
Location
Zao Wailing Widow Cave, Muggy Plains (during raid), Razachai, Northern Zao Plantations, Northern Brimstone Bug Cave, Chyllfroest.
Behaviour
Fights in close combat.
A lancer beetle attacks in melee range. A lancer beetle will retreat at 30 (7.5%, red) health.
Strategy
Standing diagonally using Koshei's Ancient Amulet will reduce damage. It is not recommended to hunt before reaching level 40.
Mage: They are easy to just block while healing but it is less of a waste to run them using Flame Strike. Druids should use an Ice Damage Rod and Sorcerers a Fire Damaging Wand. A Terra Set will reduce damage further.
Paladins: Should kill them quickly as their Poison Missile reduces Distance skill.
History
As of November 16, 2011, Lancer Beetles as well as other poison-causing creatures can no longer be convinced. This was to prevent PvP abuse whereby a player would trick another player into convincing creatures that would later frag low level characters with poison applied earlier. After enough kills the player would obtain a Red Skull and would lose all items belonging to them upon being killed. More can be read in the news article "Content Fixes".
Loot
- 0-130× Gold Coin (common)
- Lancer Beetle Shell (uncommon)
- Poisonous Slime (uncommon)
- Lump of Dirt (semi-rare)
- Beetle Necklace (rare)
- Small Amethyst (very rare)