FREQUENCY: Very Rare
NO. APPEARING: 1-3
ARMOR CLASS: 3
MOVE: 9'13"
HIT DICE: 5 + 4
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-16
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Tremor
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Animal
ALIGNMENT Neutral
SIZE: L (8'-10')
LEVEL/XP VALUE: V/275 + 6/hp

The jishin mushi, or earthquake beetle, is a species of giant beetle. It is scintillating blue-green in color
and covered with a hard carapace which hides its small wings. It prowls the temperate forests, looking for meat
which forms its main diet. It is particularly attracted to the scent of oxen and sometimes attacks the animals as
they work in the farmer's fields.

The jishin mushi attacks with its powerful mandibles, grasping its victims and dragging them back to the
security of the trees. Fortunately, a character can easily slip free of these mandibles as they are poorly designed
to clamp things. More dangerous are the thrumming tremors these creatures can create in the earth. By striking
their abdomens on the ground, the jishin mushi sends out a small tremor, weak at first, but growing in intensity
with repeated blows. On the first round, any creature within five feet of the jishin mushi must make a successful
saving throw vs. breath weapon or be knocked to the ground. On the second round, this extends to a 10-foot
radius. On the third round, the radius is 15 feet and those within five feet of the creature are thrown violently
about for 1d6 points of damage and lose the opportunity to make an attack that round. On the fourth round, the
radius is 20 feet and those within 10 feet take damage. On the fifth round the radii extend to 25 feet and 15 feet
respectively. Cracks in the earth begin to appear within five feet of the creature. On the sixth round the radii are
30 feet and 20 feet. Furthermore the area within 10 feet of the beetle suffers the effects of an earthquake spell.
At this point the jishin mushi takes to the air to avoid the consequences of its own deeds.

The ichor of the jishin mushi is greatly prized by incense makers, fetching as much as 2 tael for a flask.