Megapede

Because of its size, the megapede is very capable of defending itself in combat. It can attack in one of three ways. First, it can use up to five of its legs to attack. A megapede can also use its tremendous, venomous jaws and bite its victim. Lastly it has its powerful psionic abilities to disintegrate or detonate it victims as well as camouflage and mental attacks.

The megapedes of Athas are, with the exceptions of the Dragon and Nightmare Beasts, the most dangerous feature of travelling across the deserts of this harsh world. Because of their sheer size, megapedes cannot normally hide their presence. Most, however, live beneath the sands of the desert, only surfacing to feed on unfortunate passers-by. Herds of erdlus and even kanks are among the favorite foods of megapedes, though they often survive on vegetation alone for weeks on end. When a megapede is ready to lay eggs, it will find an isolated area, if possible in the rocky barrens of the Tablelands, and begin to make a cocoon in which to place its eggs. Up to three eggs can be placed within one cocoon, which often reaches near 60 feet in length. A cocoon will remain for four to five weeks before bearing young megapedes. At birth, a megapede is 20 to 30 feet long, growing to its full size within three months after birth. While not especially protective of its cocoon, a megapede which has laid eggs will fight off any creature which threatens them, mostly out of instinct.

The claws of a megapede can be used as arrow/quarrel heads of a very effective nature. Also, the poison sacs of a megapede can be removed from the creature and saved. The venom within remains potent for about one month, after which time it dries up and becomes worthless.