Egg
Holding this tiny, golden egg fills you with determination.
Hatchling
This iridescent grub seems to be in perpetual motion, from the moment it exits its burrow in the morning to the moment it returns at sundown. Scarab grubs split their time between gorging themselves on all manner of vegetation and trying to get the attention of creatures dozens of times their size. Usually, caring for a hatchling this energetic would be exhausting, but its zest for life seems to rub off on you. At times, taken suddenly by an indescribable restlesness and excitement, you feel emboldened to explore the deepest depths of Silva Forest or ask out an attractive classmate.
Adult
The silver and gold grub you once knew has matured into a regal creature several times its initial size. A red gem dots each side of its carapace, and two imposing horns- one spike rising from its shoulder armor and the other from its head- form a sort of claw which it uses to flip other scarabs. Your companion spends much of its time fighting; beetles of both sexes enjoy competition, and the black-and-gold males put on especially fierce competitions in mating season, their legs and silver-feathered wings flying wildly as they strain to remain upright. Unlike in the non-magical beetles of the tropics, fights between Hercules scarabs are not fatal. The defeated party can usually right itself using its various appendages, and if it cannot, the victor graciously assists it before leaving. Hercules scarabs seem to absentmindedly release their magic with unusual potency during battle, and you've often come suddenly to your senses in the middle of a cheering crowd watching your companion fight.
General
The rare union of a taijitu beetle and a scarab showcases a fascinating magical interaction: rather than possessing the fire magic of the scarab, the offspring of the two beetles possesses the emotion-influencing ability of the taijitu beetle, but altered to put a metaphorical fire in the heart of its target. Feelings such as courage, anger, curiosity and determination are this insect's specialty, and it is said that ancient armies were headed by phalanxes of hercules scarabs. Curiously, some evidence exists which suggests that the hercules scarab can perform and inspire great feats of strength, though the actual existence of this talent is questionable. Whether it lives up to its namesake or not, it is easily one of the more awe-inspiring insects; with its shining carapace, ethereal wings and imposing horns, it makes for quite the symbol of strength.
