Homebrew Anisopterans Species Details

Dwelling along the riversides deep within the forests and bayous are the Anisopterans, referred to fondly as dragonfly elves, these jolly folk are product of the collision of the Feywild and the Material plane

They are cheerful, resourceful and brave, carving out a life full of wonder and light amidst the dark and dangerous creatures of the wider moorlands

Insectoid Sylvans

Loosely resembling their Elven cousins, Anisopterans stand at an average of 5 feet tall with large clear insectoid wings stretching from the shoulder blades down to the lower leg. They possess small patches of brightly coloured scales commonly focusing around the cheekbones and shoulderblades, these colours commonly match the bright eyes of the dragonfly elves. 

Slight of frame as to assist in rapid flight, most antisopterans weigh an average of 115 pounds.

Whilst vibrant patterns naturally adorn their body, most Ansiopterans will dress in garb that helps camouflage themselves whilst outside of the safety of their villages, matching the greens and browns of their woodland homes, they wear light and breathable cloths, with gaps or buckled strap in the back to allow for free movement of their wings, but will adorn more colourful garb for home life and celebratory events, helping to link themselves to the vibrant fey ancestory that exists within them. They will often adorn themselves with handcrafted trinkets, usually simple necklaces and the like, embedded with reflective materials and colourful metals (sometimes a rarity in the more remote settlements)

 

Denizens of the Bayou

Forming communities deep within the various swamplands and creeks. Anisopterans dwell in somewhat ramshackle houses resting upon stilts, offset from the waters below. they form shanty towns wherever they go, offering trade and rest for travelers on their journeys through the forests. Some have even been known to form whole communities on the backs of great swamp turtles for safety following wherever their guardian may take them.

Used to spending large amounts of time in the air, they are slower than most folk on foot, but incredibly quick in flight, it is common to find an Anisopteran hovering a few inches off the floor and they are known to spend hours upon end in the sky without ever touching the floor, flitting from root to root of the mangrove trees, ever alert to the dangers that may rest beneath the waters surface. Most Anisopterans will only ever come to rest on the ground where they truly feel safe, or when they must rest for the night

Antisopterans are sometimes impolitely referred to as 'Skimmers' as they tend to spend their days dancing across the skies mere inches above the wetlands they live within, hunting with spears for the wildlife that lies beneath the surface. A primarily carnivorous race they possess multiple sets of canines and dine primarily on hunted fish and other amphibious creatures that inhabit their homelands.

Antisopterans have a deep respect for their homelands, understanding the danger that the animals that lie beneath the waters surface present to them, and that those who are unwise and dally too close to the waters in one place for too long, might find themselves the meal of one of the many amphibious residents of the bayou.

 Footloose and Fancy Free 

 Anisopterans are an odd bunch from an outsiders perspective, being similar to insectoid nickname in more than just appearance, fast talking and excitable, they will often change topic or become distracted easily making it sometimes difficult to hold a conversation with them, often to the annoyance of some of less patient folk, buzzing around hovering just off the floor zipping from place to place as they chatter

They commonly have a fondness for things of beauty, gathering various trinkets through trade and scavenging and adorning their more festive wear with it. Anisopterans have a deep love and fascination with light, their settlements are always well lit which when combined with their love of celebration means the festivals to celebrate the solstices are truly a spectacle to behold as they fill the sky with their dancing and merriment.

Despite living far from most civilization, they are fascinated with other cultures and a lone traveler passing through might find themselves overwhelmed by the bombardment of questions from an overeager townfolk. For those who those who venture forth from the riverside, new places (especially larger cities) are a veritable wonderland, and upon returning home will share all information they have learned, such as new recipes or crafting techniques, ensuring no trip to their homes will ever be quite the same.

Regardless of who crosses their paths Anisopterans will treat those they meet with respect, often trying to find the best in all they meet, and it takes a good bit of effort to get they to dislike you, meaning they can come of as well meaning but a tad over bearing

 

However despite their commonly cheerful exteriors, they can become quite serious under certain circumstances, they will always be wary of being submerged in the waters as getting their wings too wet prevents them from being able to fly which can leave them an ideal target for the things that live beneath the waters surface

Homelands

Anisopterans will enhabit any large enough body of water that doesn't flow too fast as to pose a danger, commonly dwelling along large lazy rivers deep within the forest, swamps and the larger marshes, hunting the fish with spears by diving down close to the water to catch their prey, they will also sometimes ferry travelers along certain stretches of the water, using their wings to propel skiffs along at rapid speeds

Most Anisopterans will cluster together in small groups carving out small communities amongst the wildlife, living in wooden huts on stilts along the river bed, which can stretch upwards into the trees and venture somewhat into the woods themselves, however these will always center around one large communal space where all gatherings will take place, be it for celebration or discussion of new trade routes, these are often connected by walkways only for the convenience of possible passing travelers

They are a communal people with their smaller size meaning that the whole community will vote on matters of importance, ensuring that the fairest outcome will occur 

Great Purpose

 Above all else Anisopterans place happiness above all else, and will spend their free time pursuing whatever might bring them the most joy, it is not uncommon for a few Anisopterans to leave the community altogether in search of adventure, but the twinge of sadness at a friend leaving will always be accompanied by the knowledge that their travels will lead them to greater joy in the future

Anisopterans Names

Anisopterans will commonly have short easily remembered names, consisting of one to two syllables, however they take great pride in being given a nickname by those they consider a friend and will often prefer it to be used over their given name by the friend who gave it to them

An Anisopteran of either gender may have one of these short names: Arlo, Bael, Bren, El, Flit, Ina, Jope, Mizdt, Ost, Pluck , Sen, Tam, or Quin. 

ANISOPTERAN BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds that are most appropriate for aniopterans include the outlander, the entertainer, and the sailor.

The small colonies of aniopterans are welcoming and happy, though few anisopterans will travel away from their home, those that do are often either rogues or dexterous fighters using their mobility and speed to stay safely out of harms reach, or bards, spreading joy through light and song.

Anisopterans Traits

As an anisopteran, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others, especially when considering the dangers the water poses. As a result, playing an anisopteran requires special consideration by your DM.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Darkvision

Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim Conditions. You can see in dim light within 45 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in Darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in Darkness, only shades of gray.

Hydrophilic wings

If a Anisopteran fully submerges their wings in water, they lose their ability to fly until they spend a short rest to fully dry their wings

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Anisopterans generally live to a maximum 100 an reach maturity at age 19

Alignment

Anisopterans rarely fall among the evil alignments and their carefree lifestyles mean they often fall towards the chaotic

Size

Anisopterans are about 5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 100 and 115 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Elven, and Sylvan.