Giant hornet

Giant hornets were aggressive massive mutations of normal-sized hornets.

Description
Giant hornets were flying carnivorous insects with long bodies, a fell stinger, and an average wingspan of or more.

Behavior
Giant hornets were solitary but extremely aggressive insects, rarely encountered in groups. They always attacked on sight.

Fire had a weakening effect on these giant insects, and smoke was a repellent.

Combat
Giant hornets swooped down on their prey, pinning and holding a victim with their legs while repeatedly stabbing them with their poisonous stinger. The poison in the stinger caused 2–6 hours of paralyzation.

Fortunately, the hornets' buzzing was loud enough to be heard away in dungeon corridors and from half as far outside, preventing unexpected and stealthy attacks.

Ecology
They were carnivorous, just like their normal-sized relatives. Unlike bees, hornets did not lose their stingers and lives after an attack.

Habitats
The giant hornets' natural habitats were coniferous forests and, on occasion, underground caves.

In north Faerûn giant hornets could be found in Thar, the rimwood area of Cormanthor, the King's Forest of Cormyr, Mistledale, Shadowdale, and around the Pool of Yeven.

Beyond Faerun, giant hornets were known to inhabit various mountains and hills in Maztica. In east Zakhara, they could be found in the Grey Jungle. And in the Crowded Sea south of Zakhara, giant hornets could be found on the Djinni's Claws and Nada al-Hazan island chains.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Tantras • Waterdeep