Beetles[1][2] are small insect Creatures of Grimm created by Salem that have the unique ability to siphon Maiden powers. One was used by Cinder Fall in "Beginning of the End".
Appearance[]
Beetles are a small black insect with white carapace, elytron containing typical red Grimm markings, and four red eyes. They are smaller than Cinder's palm and is the smallest Grimm seen so far.
Its pincers are shaped like Cinder's tattoo.[3]
Powers and Abilities[]
A Beetle was first seen when it was summoned by Cinder using a white glove adorned with the emblem of Salem.
The Beetle showed a unique ability to transfer powers from the target to the holder, as shown when Cinder used it to absorb the Maiden powers from Amber. However Qrow Branwen severed the connection before the transfer was complete. It is unknown what would have happened if it was finished.
After the transfer, the Beetle, along with the glove, dissolved into Cinder's hand. Amber is rendered in a coma following the transfer, gains facial scars and nearly killing her, only being kept alive through life support.
In RWBY: Arrowfell, Beetles are shown to be capable of walking across walls and ceilings. Without a holder, their only method of attack in the game is by self-destructing, which releases four red projectiles in the ordinal directions of their enemies.
History[]
In "Beginning of the End" Cinder, Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black attack Amber. After they incapacitate her, Cinder takes a glove out of her pouch and slides it onto her right hand. Cinder then puts her outstretched hand in front of Amber's face.
What appears to be a red portal forms in the palm of her hand, and a Beetle emerges from the portal. The creature then squirts a black tar-like substance onto Amber's face. Strands of the substance create a physical connection between Amber and the glove, along which Amber's power appears to be transferred to Cinder. As this occurs, the black substance and the glove begin to emit a golden glow, and a large swirling black and red mass appears below Amber.
However, before the transfer could be completed, Qrow Branwen unexpectedly appears and severs the connection with a slash from Harbinger. After the connection is broken, the glove and the insect dissolve into Cinder's arm. A black tattoo then appears on Cinder's back after the glove disappears. Since the connection was severed before completion, Cinder only possessed an incomplete part of Amber's powers, leaving Cinder with what she describes as an "emptiness and burning hunger". Amber is left in a comatose state following the transfer, gains facial scars and is only kept alive through life support.
During the events of RWBY: Arrowfell, numerous Beetles are seen throughout Atlas, where they are fought by Team RWBY as regular enemies.
Trivia[]
- The Beetle was set to make an appearance in RWBY: Amity Arena, only to be made an unused unit due and instead be replaced with a Death Stalker unit.
- Salem wears a ring on her right hand that resembles the Beetle.
References[]
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