Monsterpedia 6 - Giant Ant
Monsterpedia
Giant Ant
Monster Level - I
Soul Type - Composite
Intelligence - Animalistic
Strength - Slightly above human
Magic - Nil(?)
Rarity - Very Common
Giant Ants are a common annoyance. Growing about 3 feet long, these creatures often steal crops and kill livestock. However, unlike normal ants, they tend to come in smaller groups. Rarely do more than five gather outside a Labyrinth.
Much like normal ants, giant ants attack by biting someone and then spraying formic acid on the wound. It's important to remember both red and black giant ants have acid. While not often fatal, it's very painful and most people will be put out of commission for that fight. However, that only comes into play if they can bite their target. Their exoskeleton isn't as tough as one might think, and a properly armed human can easily kill them. Ant killing spears are common for farmers.
Giant ants form like all monsters and so do not require a queen. However giant ant queens have been encountered, along with advanced 'soldier' ants. Those monsters are quite different from their little allies and will be covered later.
The acid in giant ants is exactly the same formic acid that normal ants have! That means it's about as strong as lemon juice. Not too intimidating, but don't let it get into open wounds or your eyes!
Merge
Common Name : Dwarf
Benefits : Precision eyesight. Toughness
Weaknesses : Height Loss. Hair Sensitivity.
A very common merge, dwarves bear the name of a pre Fall fantasy race. Dwarves get a massive boost to their eyesight, allowing them to see small imperfections and tiny details that other humans would require magnifying equipment or a microscope to find. This is why many crafters and merchants who value precision choose dwarf merges. Especially engravers. A dragon might be powerful, but a lot of work requires dwarven precision.
Dwarves also tend to be tougher than humans. Their skin is more resistant to blows and cuts, while their bodies can shake off toxins easier. Which does mean it takes more alcohol to get a dwarf drunk.
For downsides dwarves tend to lose height, though they keep their muscle mass unlike elves leading to more stocky builds. They also get better sensory input from their hair. It seems this is related to the follicles giant ants use to navigate. Most people find it to be a nuisance, especially since it causes faster hair growth. Dwarves usually invest heavily in hair removal techniques, or give up and live with beards and hairy limbs.
Do not ever shave a dwarf! Their hairs are very sensitive and cutting them is quite annoying/painful. Dwarfen hair removal oils and creams come with anesthetics to reduce those issues.