Beetle

Beetles are among the most diverse and widespread insect groups in Helerin, inhabiting nearly every type of environment across the archipelago.
From the dense forests of Forbin to the dry deserts of Mar Mabon, beetles play crucial roles in the ecosystem, serving as pollinators, scavengers, and even predators. While most beetles are small and often go unnoticed, some grow to incredible sizes, like the massive Blackshell beetles that roam the wastelands. Among the most interesting and unique beetles are the luminescent Glimmershells, the mighty Battlehorn beetles, and the formidable Blackshell megafauna.

Physical Appearance

Beetles in Helerin vary greatly in size, color, and form. Smaller beetles are commonly seen with shiny exoskeletons in hues of green, blue, or brown, their bodies built to scavenge or burrow. The Glimmershell beetles of Remon are known for their dazzling, bioluminescent carapaces, which glow softly in the dark, while the robust Battlehorn beetles of Mar Miskun have impressive horn-like protrusions on their heads, used in displays of dominance. The Blackshells, towering at 12 feet tall and growing up to 20 feet in length, are giants compared to their smaller kin. Their thick, black chitinous exoskeletons are prized for making armor, and their massive mandibles are used to crush prey. Driftwood beetles, found along the coastlines of the Seynan Islands, are smaller and camouflaged, with bodies that blend seamlessly with the driftwood they inhabit.

Habitat

Beetles inhabit a wide variety of environments across Helerin, adapting to forests, plains, deserts, and coastal regions. Forest-dwelling beetles, like the Glimmershell, thrive in the cool, moist woodlands of Remon and Forbin, while desert beetles such as the Battlehorn and Blackshell have adapted to the extreme heat and arid conditions of Mar Mabon and Teros Minor. In wetter regions, such as the Festermere swamps of Teros Major, species like the Mireshell beetle can be found near decaying organic matter. Coastal species like the Driftwood beetles thrive among debris washed up on shorelines. Blackshells, being one of the largest species of beetles, prefer the rocky wastelands and desert regions of Mar Mabon’s Lost Coast, the Cape of Larramir in southern Remon, and Teros Minor, where they dominate their environment.

Behaviour

Beetles in Helerin display a wide range of behaviors depending on their species and environment. Many beetles are scavengers, feeding on decaying plant matter, dung, or dead animals. The Glimmershell beetles are nocturnal, using their glowing bodies to attract mates and communicate during the night. Battlehorn beetles engage in fierce battles for dominance, locking horns in combat, particularly during mating season. Driftwood beetles are more passive, spending much of their time hidden within the debris along the coastlines, emerging at dusk to feed. Blackshells, on the other hand, are solitary and highly aggressive. These giant beetles use their powerful mandibles to crush prey and defend their territory. Their larvae, which can reach up to six feet in length, burrow underground and feed on smaller creatures until they mature. While most beetles are harmless to people, Blackshells are a significant threat due to their size and predatory nature.

Geographic Distribution

Beetles are found throughout the realms of Helerin, though specific species are often unique to certain environments. Glimmershell beetles are primarily found in the forests of Remon and Forbin, lighting up the night with their soft glow. Battlehorn beetles thrive in the arid lands of Mar Miskun and the Gathoran Sands of Mar Mabon. Driftwood beetles are common along the coasts of the Seynan Islands, while Mireshell beetles are abundant in the swampy wetlands of Teros Major. The giant Blackshell beetles are restricted to the harsher desert and wasteland regions, particularly the Lost Coast of Mar Mabon, Teros Minor, and the rocky wastelands of southern Remon. While smaller beetle species are ubiquitous, found even in settlements and farmland, Blackshells are only encountered in remote, dangerous locations.

Interaction with People

Beetles are an integral part of life in Helerin, often valued for their role in maintaining soil health and controlling insect populations. Farmers appreciate the presence of scavenger beetles, while forest-dwellers admire the glowing beauty of Glimmershells. However, the larger and more aggressive beetles, such as the Battlehorn and Blackshell, are often considered nuisances or threats. Blackshells, in particular, are dangerous to travelers and caravans in the regions where they roam, and their tough chitin is highly prized for crafting armor. Beetle shells, especially those of the Glimmershell and Blackshell, are sought after by artisans and alchemists, with Blackshell chitin being used in the creation of armor, shields, and even weapons. Despite the occasional danger posed by larger species, beetles are essential to the natural balance of Helerin, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter and enriching the land.