Rhopalid (Race)

Ages ago, there was once a great wizard by the name of Arthropodus; a master transmuter wizard unrivaled in his trade. Arthropodus was known to be quite fond of his insect collection, which he kept in a special terrarium at the university at which he taught. As the world began to end around him, Arthropodus feared for the well-being of his beloved collection. He wanted to free them but was unsure if they would survive in such a harsh world without him, so in his final moments he bestowed his lifeforce to them granting them sentience. His newly awakened vermin saw their lifegiver in his final moments, and laid him to rest in the terrarium. Some vowed to stay and protect the terrarium and grave of their life giver, while the others followed Arthropodus' last wish and fled.

From these original vermin come the rhopalid, a bipedal butterfly-person. While not physically imposing, these butterfly people are lithe and inhumanly graceful. They often maintain good relations to their bee-brethren, the vespinites.

Rhopalid Lore

Personality

While not antisocial by any means, rhopalids are often solitary creatures by nature. They have carefree spirits and enjoy their personal freedoms, which often leads to nomadic or vagrant lifestyles. They don't live particularly long lives, and try to make the most of their time and experience new things. Due to their strong sense of self and chaotic natures, of the Arthropodian races they are the least likely to fall prey to hiveminds and are known to avoid cults.

Physical Description

Rhopalids are roughly elf-sized, standing around 5 feet in height. They are bipedal but do have an extra pair of vestigial hind legs which they rarely use for more than balance. They have a chitinous hide and sport small mandibles which are harmless, as well as two antennae that swivel atop their heads. While they have insectoid compound eyes, they do not bestow any special benefits aside from being mildly off-putting to non-insect races. The most prominent feature however is their pair of large, colorful, butterfly wings. No two rhopalids have exactly the same wing patterns, and they vary greatly in both coloration and design. Some have long tailed wings, while others are round. Some are splotched with many vibrant hues, while others are monochromatic. Rhopalids are often proud of their wings and take great care of them.

Relations

Rhopalids are usually on neutral terms with other Arthropodians, but often have a special connection to the bee-like vespinites. Elves in particular tend to admire their grace (or sometimes envy), but the two rarely have more than mere surface level interactions. Despite their similarities in ideals, their greatly differing life lengths means that their approaches to life vary to a degree neither find palatable.

Alignment

Most rhopalids tend to be chaotic neutral, with no strong emphasis towards good or evil. Their short lives tend to make them more concerned with their own lives rather than their impact on the world.

Rhopalid Lands

Most rhopalids are nomadic, and travel wherever their hearts take them (often favoring plains and forests). Many travel alone, but during mating season they are known to travel in large groups. The terrarium where the progenitor vermin originally hailed from is considered a holy land, but its location has been lost to the ages.

Religion

Rhopalids, like most Arthropodians, worship the great verminfather Arthropodus their creator. Those who do not are often shunned by their Arthropodian brothers and exiled from their communities.

Language

Rhopalids speak Undercommon and Common. Rhopalids often also pick up a smattering of other languages during their travel as well.

Names

Rhopalids tend to choose flower-themed names, often with accentuated S's or Z's

Example Names

• Serenity
• Allium
• Buddelia
• Dianthus

Rhopalid Racial Traits

• Type (Subtype): Monstrous Humanoid (Arthropodian)
• Abilities: +6 DEX, -2 CON, +2 CHA, +2 LCK
• Size: Medium
• Speed: A rhopalid's base land speed is 30 ft, and they also have a fly speed of 20 ft (Poor)
• Racial Skills: Rhopalids have a +4 racial bonus to Survival checks, and gain Speak Language as a racial skill.
• Special Qualities: A rhopalid has the following special qualities.
  • Darkvision out to 60ft
  • Fluttering Charge (Ex): While performing a flying charge, a rhopalid moves in an unpredictable pattern. They gain a +2 dodge bonus while charging if they are flying.
  • Multiple limbs: Despite having 4 legs, rhopalids gain no additional attacks and their lower set are too weak to walk on or support a heavier load.
• AC: +1 Natural Armor
• Automatic Languages: Common, Undercommon. Bonus Languages: Auran, Elven, Sylvan.
• Favored Class: A rhopalid's favored class is battle dancer
• Level Adjustment: +2

Vital Statistics

Arthropodians
Carabids - Hormigites - Lucanids - Rhopalids - Saturnids - Vespinites