Homebrew Dragonfly-folk Species Details

“I love to see the sunshine on the wings of the Dragonflies... there is magic in it.”```
                                                                                                ― Ama H.Vanniarachchy

Dragonfly-folk are a naturalistic race often seen foraging herbs, berries, and other magical plants to cure all ailments. While not inherently magical themselves, they have developed a deep relationship with Nature, are often able to perform basic chants to aid in creating their tonics, and find a magical path easy to "pick-up" so long as they have the necessary organic material. They live along magnificent lakes, ponds, and canals, where there is always shade from tall trees and the soft sound of running water to put any creature into a peaceful trance. Dragonfly-folk love the magic of healing, and feel a spiritual connection to art, music, poetry and pottery; these folks live a self-fulfilling lifestyle where creativity and happiness is prioritized above all.

Colorful and Graceful

The Dragon-fly folk are a humanoid race -- appearing primarily as extremely large dragonflies, reaching around 4-6 feet in height. They have humanoid legs with bug-like features, specifcally gently curved pieces of exoskeleton which stick out just below the back of the knee. Dragonfly-folk believe their bipedal nature is the result of Divine intervention; however, whether these new additions are a curse or a blessing is inconclusive. Outside of Dragonfly-folk, there is an additional belief they may have simply evolved. Additionally, Dragonfly-folk prefer their traditional form of movement, flying, and are often seen hovering next to their companions rather than standing.

Though their wings' coloration varies it is merely cosmetic and does not provide insight to the Dragonfly-folk's abilities. Some Dragonfly-folk dye their wings to match their style of combat/sociability, but it is not to be relied on. One could tell what area a Dragon-fly folk has come from as they tend to have a delicately pierced hole in the top of their upper right wing, signaling their family/tribe, similarly to a family crest. It is rare to see a Dragon-fly folk without this distinctive hole/branding as it is incredibly difficult to conceal, regrow, or be born and have your brand forgotten.

Life is Short: Value What is Had, Not What is Lost

Dragon-fly folk live about as long as Humans. Understanding their short lifespans, Dragonfly-folk seek their true purpose or meaning in life, often resulting in a dedication to healing or artistry. Dragonfly-folk are extremely lawful in nature, they have found peace within themselves for generations, and do not have any plans to change their ways. It is notable that this race does not fear death but rather welcomes it as necessary change.

Dragonfly-folk trust in the Universe to take them away when the time is right. They believe that the souls of the Elders are rebirthed back into the tribe, and with each generation there is even more knowledge and wisdom to learn. Many, upon seeing this, assume that this is an intensely organized religion, but ask any Dragonfly-folk and they will tell you it is merely a way of life, a philosophy.

Fresh Waters

Dragonfly-folk usually live in herds near any fresh water, if you come across one of these beauties they would be able to tell you where fresh water is within a 50km/31mile radius and diagnose your ailment nearly immediately. Typically, they live deep within forrests, hidden from civilizaton, with their tribes stretching about a mile along each side of a freshwater's bank.

Dragonfly-folk encountered outside their own lands are commonly traveling artists, potters, or healers. Many towns welcome in their medicinal expertise with open arms, especially if the town has recently been hit by a plague. This gentle race is quick to help the sick and don't expect much in return; however, many have found their skills useful and often feel indebted to the Dragonfly-folk.

Exploration and Adventure

Dragonfly-folk tend to not move around very much. They will go visit other tribes and often find their long term partners there but otherwise will stay within their own home. That being said, like many races, some do get the urge to explore or help other beyond their own. If you find a Dragonfly-folk outside of their tribe, they will often be stationed in an apothecary or selling their handmade trinkets in a town's Market.

GRACIOUS AND SEEKING

Dragonfly-folk tend to put high value on any living creature and accept most without question.

Dragonborns. “Dragonborns have been blessed by the universe. They deserve nothing but respect and we will always assist a Dragonborn when He needs it. We are honored to share the same plane and be allies with such a magnificent race.”

Humans. “Humans are people of great potential. They’re good folk, they can be at the very least, they learn well and it is clear they care for each other. They have proven to be tougher than they seem and thus provide great protection for us."

Grungs. “All of that hate, that misguided hate, it is frowned upon. They feast upon us like we are nothing. We can only wish that these...enemies, will one day see peace, until then, it is best we stay away.”

Dragonfly-folk Names

Dragonfly-folk are, unusually, not named by their parents at birth, instead they are called an endearing nickname (such as Spirit, Wisdom, etc.) It is when the Dragonfly-folk reach the age of 10, where they are assigned the firsthalf of their name by the Elders in a huge ceremony. When a Dragonfly-folk reaches the age of 20, they are asked to choose the second half of their name. The first half of the names are chosen specifically for each dragonfly, their likes, dislikes, and personality traits influence the decision. When they choose the second half of their name, it is merely for aesthetic purposes. Many Dragonfly-folk will go by the second half of their name when introducing themselves to other races, except for Dragonborns.

Child Names: Lacuna, Piscator, Artifex, Arbor, Aquam, Algar, Piscis, Figula, Sana (note: these are all nature or artistry related names that have been translated from English to Latin)

Adult names: Rivera, Daisy, Growlid, Hums, Chirp, Woosh, Magicka, Raltern, Yafir

Family Names (Common Translations - symbol pierced into wing): Siannodel (Moonbrook - moon), Nadee (River - wave), Taalaab (Pond - ripple), Machhalee (Fish - fish), Jaadoo (Enchanted - star), Svargeey (Celestial - sun), Kankad (Pebbles - rock), Sangeetakaar (Musicians - music note), Kavi (Poet - quill), Sangrahakartaon (Gatherers - bowl of fruit)

Note: Dragonfly-folk dont put too much thought into feminine/masculine names so choose whatever name sounds good and disregard gender of character if you please.

Dragonfly-folk Traits

Your Dragonfly-folk character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of thousands of years of what they believe to be reincarnation.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Dragonfly-folk live to about 80-90 years old on average, with few living past 100 (though there are no documented Dragonfly-folk living past 106). They mature at the same rate as Humans, though are typically more "mature" and dont go through much of a troubled teen phase.

Size

Dragonfly-folk range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Natural Healers

You have proficiency in the Medicine skill.

Fey Touched

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Trance

Dragonfly-folk don’t need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice since childhood. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Sylvan, and Glydarfon. Glydarfon uses the same alphabet as Elvish with a change to grammar and pronunciation, though typically an Elf can generally understand a Dragonfly-folk's written script and vise versa (think Romance languages). Dragonfly-folk literature is rich and varied, and their poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Glydarfon writings to their repertoires.

Flight/Glide

Dragonfly-folk prefer to utilize their wings rather than their legs. Because of this, they are skilled fliers and flying takes very little effort. All levels can hover, rather than stand, however Flying is a learned skill.

Level 1 - Ability to Glide but not Fly.
Level 3 - Gain ability to Fly, but with a speed of 30ft and distance of 90ft, once per minute.
Level 8  - Flying is improved and thus the speed increases to 35ft, the distance increases to 120ft, once per minute.
Level 12 - Flying is mastered, increase speed to 40ft and distance to unlimited unless restricted for other reasons.