Homebrew Butterfly Species Details

“I have never imagined such beauty existed,” Rika said softly. The audience sat in stilled silence, mesmerized by the performance in front of them. The famous songstress Marissa was performing once again, her voice echoing throughout the city for all to hear. Flowers and bouquets littered the stage around her as she continues her rapturing melody, all eyes on her; no matter how many times she preformed, the audience could never get enough, her songs eased and seemingly healed the tensions and stresses of all the bugs within the kingdoms heart.

— Remora Austine, The Heart Beat of a Kingdom

These bugs, similar to Common bugs, can be found almost anywhere. Their beautiful wings define these bugs along with their generally good nature. Each Butterfly is unique in its own way, whether it be by the colour and shape of their wings, their personality or their skills. Butterflies love nature and magic, art and artistry, music and poetry, and the good things of the world.

Ethereal Beauty

With their unearthly grace and fine features, butterflies appear hauntingly beautiful to common bugs and members of many other races. They are slightly taller than common bugs on average, ranging from 5 feet tall to just over 6 feet. They are more slender than beetles, weighing only 40 to 120 pounds. Males and females are about the same height, and males are only marginally heavier than females.

Butterflies’ colouration encompasses the normal common bug range and also includes bodies in shades of copper, bronze, and almost a shimmering blue. Some have a white mask like face, while others have a face that matches their body colour; with eyes like pools of liquid obsidian, opal, or lapis, etc. Their hair, which many are prideful of is very silk like, ranging from starling blond to the darkest black straight to kinky. Butterflies have little to no facial hair, though fur around their neck and shoulders of males. What truly stands out however is their wings; ranging all along the colour spectrum with unique patterns. They favor elegant clothing in bright colors, and they enjoy simple yet lovely jewelry.

Charm and Beauty

Butterflies are one of the more glamourous and recognizable races out there. Their wings and hair being a dead giveaway to their race more often than not. Many bugs strive towards having the beauty of Butterflies, who are known for appearing forever youthful, often living a decade longer than the common bug. This rejuvenating attribute isn't only found in their looks. Butterflies seem to have the ability to health others within their presence, whether it be through their singing, a motivational speech, or performance. This ability making them very popular and desired by journeying, working and elderly bugs. 

Their captivating looks, healing abilities, and good nature, has led them to being welcomed into most kingdoms while also easily allowing them to get ahead of their competitors in whatever career they choose. This means it is much more likely to find a butterfly preforming within a city rather than fighting in the wilds. Though there are some who have found purpose in the adventuring life. They are more often amused than excited, and more likely to be curious than greedy. They tend to remain aloof and unfazed by petty happenstance. When pursuing a goal, however, whether adventuring on a mission or learning a new skill or art, butterflies can be focused and relentless. Most Butterflies choose to be entertainers, whether it be in the form of singing, acting or dancing.

Not So Delicate 

Being as elegant and gentle as they are, many bugs have begun to wrongly assume Butterflies to be fragile and in need of protection. Their intelligence also tends to be overshadowed by their appearance, which is a cause for frustration in many butterflies. While some may use as a way to take advantage of other bugs, some may become adventurers, cartographers or explorers as a way to prove their strength. Others decide to devote their life to the pursuit of justice and knowledge becoming politicians or archivists.

Most butterflies dwell above land in forest villages hidden among the trees or within the large bustling cities where an audience is always waiting a performance. Elves hunt game, gather food, and grow vegetables, and their skill and magic allow them to support themselves without the need for clearing and plowing land. They are talented artisans, crafting finely worked clothes and art objects. Their contact with outsiders is usually limited, though a few elves make a good living by trading crafted items for metals (which they have no interest in mining).

Butterflies encountered outside their own lands are commonly traveling minstrels, artists, or sages. Noble bugs compete for the services of butterfly instructors and performers.

Exploration and Adventure

Butterflies often desire to preform for and help other bugs however and wherever possible. For the vast majority, the fast pace of bug society is their desired residence. The anticipated and excited crowd; the gifts and luxuries granted to them make for a much easier and relaxed life. Some may desire more than that, wanting to leave the comfort of the city and end up adventuring out of wanderlust. The chance for exploration and discovery is a great break from the busy and noisy city life. Giving them the ability to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Giving butterflies a chance to also enjoy exercising their martial prowess or gaining greater magical power, and adventuring allows them to do so. Some might join with rebels fighting against oppression, and others might become champions of moral causes.

HAUGHTY BUT GRACIOUS

Although they can be haughty, elves are generally gracious even to those who fall short of their high expectations—which is most non-elves. Still, they can find good in just about anyone.

Mantis. “Mantis are harsh, aggressive bugs. But what they lack in humor, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their loyalty and strength is nothing to scoff at.”

Mosskin. “Mosskin are bugs of simple pleasures, and that is not a quality to scorn. They’re good folk, they care for each other and tend their gardens, and they have proven themselves tougher than they seem when the need arises.”

Common Bugs. “All that haste, their ambition and drive to accomplish something before their brief lives pass away— endeavors seem so futile sometimes. But then you look at what they have accomplished, and you have to appreciate their achievements. If only they could slow down and learn some refinement.”

Names

Butterflies have two stages of life, the youngling stage, and their metamorphosis (Maturity) phase. Butterflies are considered younglings until they fully go through their metamorphosis, and before this period they are called by child names.

On declaring maturity, an butterfly selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster might continue to use the child name. Each butterflies' adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male names and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendencies. In addition, every butterfly bears a family name, typically a combination of other Melodic words. Some butterflies traveling among common bugs translate their family names into Common, but others retain the Melodic version.

Child Names: Ara, Bryn, Del, Eryn, Faen, Innil, Lael, Mella, Naill, Naeris, Phann, Rael, Rinn, Sai, Syllin, Thia, Vall

Male Adult Names: Adran, Aelar, Aramil, Arannis, Aust, Beiro, Berrian, Carric, Enialis, Erdan, Erevan, Galinndan, Hadarai, Heian, Himo, Immeral, Ivellios, Laucian, Mindartis, Paelias, Peren, Quarion, Riardon, Rolen, Soveliss, Thamior, Tharivol, Theren, Varis

Female Adult Names: Adrie, Althaea, Anastrianna, Andraste, Antinua, Bethrynna, Birel, Caelynn, Drusilia, Enna, Felosial, Ielenia, Jelenneth, Keyleth, Leshanna, Lia, Meriele, Mialee, Naivara, Quelenna, Quillathe, Sariel, Shanairra, Shava, Silaqui, Theirastra, Thia, Vadania, Valanthe, Xanaphia

Family Names (Common Translations): Amakiir (Gemflower), Amastacia (Starflower), Galanodel (Moonwhisper), Holimion (Diamonddew), Ilphelkiir (Gemblossom), Liadon (Silverfrond), Meliamne (Oakenheel), Naïlo (Nightbreeze), Siannodel (Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal)

Butterfly Traits

Your butterfly character has a variety of natural abilities, due to your inherited abilities and years of training.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Although elves reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the elven understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. An elf typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.

Alignment

Butterflies love freedom, variety, and self-expression, so they lean strongly toward the gentler aspects of chaos. They value and protect others’ freedom as well as their own, and they are more often good than not. 

Size

Butterflies range from 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Stardom

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and blinded.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Melodic is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Butterfly literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Melodic ballads to their repertoires.

Flight

 You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Healing Presence

A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs. At Higher Levels: The Healing increases by 1d4 for every third level gained (1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th). You can do this once per long rest.

Charming Illusionist

Being the star that you are, you know the charm person and minor illusion cantrip.

Starting at 1st level, you are able to weave minor illusion once per day.

Once you reach 5th level, you can cast the charm person cantrip once with this trait as a 1st-level spell, and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.