A WONDER FELL ON THE LISTENING BEES

Under those pleasant orchard trees,

And in their toil that summer day

Ever their murmuring seemed to say;

"Child, child, the grass is cool.

And the posies are waking to hear the song

Of the bird that swings by the shaded pool,

"Waiting for one that tarrieth long."

—Eugene Field, Telling the Bees

Deep in the forests of the Feywild, among dryads and treants, dwell the Anahlu, a race of insect-like humanoids. Some work together to create and maintain amazing golden structures of wax and wood to live within alongside their brothers and sisters. Others live a solitary life, gathering with others only when they wish to start a family. All are in tune with the untamed nature of the Feywild.

Slender and Fast

Built for agility, the general Anahlu population tends to be small and thin. They share many features with elves, such as high cheekbones, and long, pointed ears, but their nose is small and flat, their eyes are much larger, and antennae protrude from their forehead, just below their hairline. The hair on their head is blond, black, or brown, and generally matches the fur from other parts of their bodies.

Like an insect, they have segmented bodies. A winged thorax sits where a humanoid chest would be, and four thin arms protrude from the sides, ending in something akin to hands, if instead of five fingers, one had three claws. A thin waist connects the thorax to a striped, bulbous abdomen, which sits toward the rear, along with two legs. An Anahlu's abdomen produces a waxy substance, that they often use for building.

Most Anahlu dress practically, though their version of "practical" depends on their own colony's values. Drones, however, tend to care very much for elegance, and sometimes complicated fashion, in order to impress other Nobles.

The Hive

The most heavily forested areas in the Feywild are where Anahlu can commonly be found. Most larger colonies consider megaflora– giant, towering trees in particular, to be ideal locations to build. Anahlu on the whole do not like outsiders, especially large groups of them. If a single traveler, or a small group happens by, however, they are usually left alone.

Looking Ahead

Anahlu do not usually intend to ever leave their colony. But every now and again, there is sufficient reason to draw them away. You may find a scout, looking for new resources, or the best direction to expand in; a young queen, searching for the right place to build her colony; a solitary Anahlu, either by choice, tradition, or necessity, or even a simple worker who has gone astray, and been separated from they're people.

Regardless of how they came to be alone, they are competent explorers, who are fascinated by the world outside of the one they've grown up in. Colony Anahlu, social by nature, tend to be eager to find companions to share their experiences with. 

Anahlu Names

Being fairly easy to identify and talk about via pheromones, the Anahlu do not have typical names among their colony. However it is common for them to choose a name for themself, to be used when interacting with outsiders. These nicknames can be traits or skills they are proud of, or often, a favorite flower or plant.

For similar purposes, some queens choose a name for their colony, to aid outsiders in communication. These are usually short visual descriptions. However, many colonies go nameless.

• Nicknames: Drum, Arrow, Quick, Weaver, Charm, Tall, Clover, Rosemary, Daisy, Mint, Chive, Crocus, Solidago, Phlox, Sage, Milkweed, Basil, Hyssop, Cosmos.
• Colony Names: Golden Kingdom, Amber Palace, Hillwood, Shack, Wax Flats, Wood Chip.

Anahlu Species

Though many general characteristics are shared between species of Anahlu, they are all unique in their ambitions and temperments.

Apis:

The most numerous and organized Anahlu. The Apis are focused primarily on making their colony the absolute best, most beautiful, and most renowned that it can be. They have furry thoraxes, stomachs, and joints that they keep well groomed to ensure anyone on the outside can see plainly that they are the best of the best.

Bombus:

Covered with thick fur, save their faces and extremities, along with a curly mop of hair on their head, the Bombus live in significantly smaller, messier colonies. A colony numbers in the dozens, rather than hundreds, and they wish only to be happy and content with their family. Their living spaces are cramped and disheveled, but they're so furry and soft, that they're happy to be in close quarters with each other.

Andrena:

If you come across an Anahlu out on the road, it's likely to be an Andrena. These are a solitary people with no colony or queen, living much of their life either on their own, or among a few close friends, and family members. They look much like the Apis, but rather than golden hair and fur, their coloration is coppery. Instead of building their homes in trees, or the woods, they dig deep into the ground, settling into the cave networks they carve out for themselves.

Vespula:

Immediately identifiable by their minimal fur, and curved abdomens, the Vespula should generally be avoided. They are a territorial people, who value strength and deadliness– important traits for whenever the colony needs to expand. Though their numbers are smaller than that of the Apis, they often keep a larger territory, to ensure total safety of their clan.