Ironclad Arenaea

Ironclad Arenaea (Japanese: 鉄鱗レーナクモ, Tetsurin Rēnakumo) are Deviants of Arenaea.

Physiology
Ironclad Arenaea have a gleaming silvery carapace with pastel blue scales. Their eyes and chest markings are light blue instead of red. Ironclad Arenaea are larger than normal Arenaea and have shield-like armblades. All Ironclad Arenaea use the male design.

Ecology
Ironclad Arenaea are high-level predators that continually patrol their territories in search of prey or potential threats. If they sense a disturbance in their territory, they will search for it until they find the problem and resolve it. Ironclad Arenaea warn smaller, non-prey monsters to leave their territory by scraping their armblades together. Researchers and Hunters are advised to listen for that scraping sound when exploring areas where Ironclad Arenaea are common. While Ironclad Arenaea are slow, they can move fast when they need to, and their energy blade attacks allow them to take down fast monsters like Kelbi and Yian Kut-Ku that would normally outrun them. Skilled Ironclad Arenaea can even take down monsters in flight.

Ironclad Arenaea are solitary creatures and rarely come into contact with other Arenaea. Contact typically results in a territorial standoff. Most conflicts are resolved without a fight, but if not, the Ironclad Arenaea typically wins.

Ironclad Arenaea are much stronger than normal Arenaea and can easily take on the predators that normally give regular Arenaea pause.

Behavior
An Ironclad Arenaea's tough armor and powerful aura give it a sense of invincibility, which further boosts its pride. They are prone to usurping and challenging other monsters on a whim, and often outright ignore weaker enemies. Due to their power and pride, Hunters need Special Permits to challenge them.

Abilities
The Ironclad's main adaptation is its extremely tough metallic carapace. Hardened by numerous battles, low-Sharpness weapons have trouble penetrating all but the chest. Its energy blades have the unique ability to deplete Sharpness and destroy one shot of loaded ammunition or Bow coating on hit. When its aura is active, Hunters in its range deal less raw damage but more element and status damage.

Habitat
Ironclad Arenaea inhabit the same locations as their normal versions.

Attacks
Slash

Ironclad Arenaea slashes with its left or right claw in an arc.

Double Kick

Ironclad Arenaea kicks out with its rear legs to attack those behind it.

Energy blade

Ironclad Arenaea swings its armblade to fling an energy blade. The tilt of the energy blade depends on the arm used. In rage mode, the energy blades inflict Dragonblight and reduce Sharpness or destroy ammunition unless that armblade is wounded. If exhausted, the energy blades do not reduce Sharpness or destroy ammunition.

Triple Blade Volley

Ironclad Arenaea swings both its arms quickly in succession before leaping back and swinging both arms out, flinging a huge energy blade.

Armblade Swing

Ironclad Arenaea brings down its armblade on the target. Inflicts bleeding if hit several times in succession.

Charging Slice

Rage mode only. Ironclad Arenaea charges at the target with its arms held in front. When it comes close to the target, it swings its arms out, releasing energy blades outward.

Pin

Ironclad Arenaea rears up on its hind legs and crashes down with its weight. If it succeeds, it then holds the helpless Hunter with one foot while slashing them with its armblade.

Hipcheck

Ironclad Arenaea turns to the side, lifts up its front legs, leans back, and slams its body forward. It will not fall over if exhausted.

Aura

Only used when in rage mode and at under half health. Ironclad Arenaea stands with its arms stretched out as its body surges with energy. Elemental damage and status power is increased and raw damage is reduced while in its radius.

Counter

Ironclad Arenaea quickly shields its front with its armblades. If the attack is deflected, Ironclad Arenaea brings down an armblade.

Super Energy Blade

Ironclad Arenaea's body glows bright blue and huge beams of energy emerge from its armblades. It leaps forward and slams its arms down, releasing a gigantic and devastating arc of energy. The aura immediately ends. Only used when the aura is about to expire.

Body Slam

G Rank only. Ironclad Arenaea takes a running start and then leaps up and onto the target.

Claw Combo

G rank only. Ironclad Arenaea swipes and slashes with its claws and armblades repeatedly before ending with the Triple Blade Volley.

Weapons

 * Great Sword: Adamant Blade/Ironclad Blade/Indomitable Blade
 * Long Sword: Adamant Saber/Ironclad Cutter/Indomitable Saber
 * Sword & Shield: Adamant Slasher/Ironclad Slasher/Indomitable Sword
 * Hammer: Adamant Crusher/Ironclad Smasher/Unstoppable Force
 * Lance: Adamant Lance/Ironclad Piercer/Indomitable Piercer
 * Gunlance: Adamant Burst/Ironclad Buster/Indomitable Burst
 * Charge Blade: Adamant Axe/Ironclad Stonewall/Indomitable Axe
 * Heavy Bowgun: Adamant Cannon/Ironclad Howitzer/Indomitable Artillery

Ironclad Arenaea weapons typically have very good Sharpness levels with slightly below-average raw, decent Dragon element, some positive Affinity, and a Defense boost. As Deviant weapons, they build Art Gauge faster and have no slots.

Compared to normal Arenaea weapons, their Dragon element is slightly lower but raw damage is slightly higher and length of each Sharpness gauge is much longer. It's mostly a matter of preference which one you wish to use.

G-Rank
Defense: 340-880

Elemental Resistances:
 * Fire -15
 * Water 0
 * Thunder -10
 * Ice +5
 * Dragon +20
 * Earth +10
 * Wind 0

Skills: Challenger +2, Focus, Ironclad Soul/True Ironclad Soul

G-Rank
Defense: 170-440

Elemental Resistances:
 * Fire -15
 * Water +5
 * Thunder -10
 * Ice +5
 * Dragon +20
 * Earth +10
 * Wind +5

Skills: Challenger +2, Focus, Ironclad Soul/True Ironclad Soul

Breakable Parts
Head - Left front whisker becomes unravelled and scar across lower left eye. Rewards Whiskers, Scales, or rare drops.

Chest - Large gash across chest, exposing white shell. Rewards Scales, Shells, or rare drops.

Armblade - Tattered edge. Rewards Armblades or Claws. Each arm yields one reward.

Skirt - Ripped and broken scales. Rewards Skirts or Scales.