Fairy Wasps

An Original Species by aaaZesty

Fairy Wasps are minor sprites of the earth, relying on a number of alchemical metals to sustain their mystical needs, with bismuth as their primary source of power. They create small gemstones within their colonies as reserves and as trade items, bargaining with people for tasty food, gossip, and pieces of knowledge.
These beings of mimicry can be found just about anywhere these days, finding their way from their traditional field homes into towns and cities. Generally held in good reputation in their interactions with said people, Fairy Wasps have been mentioned here and there in folk tales for a very long time, often as dealers in baubles and treats, and sometimes as guardian spirits of hives.Quick Navigation;

Physiology

To be noted;
Though it would be very difficult to do so in actuality, these Fairy Wasps are not to be mistaken for the taxonomic group of animals also known as fairy wasps, more often referred to as fairy flies. The fairy fly animal (members of the Mymaridae and Mymarommatidae families) are minuscule to microscopic parasitoid wasps, so extremely different to the Fairy Wasp fae, who can make themselves no smaller than a few centimetres in height. But it still should be said, in case one was unaware of the existence of one of the two groups, or that there is indeed a distinction between them at all (since one is far more likely to have read about the microscopic fairy wasp than seen one in person), or if one was expecting to learn about those instead.

Appearance and Senses
Fairy Wasps appear as generally humanoid beings, with a varying degree of insect-like traits depending on the individual, but always with a chitinous head and thorax 'tail'. Most of their body is covered in a thin layer of fur-like setae (which will be referred to as just fur from here on) that thickens into a mane around the neck, and underside of the thorax, sometimes growing denser on the arms and legs if they live in a colder climate. At their resting size, they typically stand around 20 to 30cm, and construct their homes accordingly, so is considered their natural state.Their heads have five eyes (two large compound eyes, and three small ocelli), two antennae positioned behind the eyes, and mandible jaws that can deliver a powerful bite. The shape of the compound eyes can be notched or rounded, give near-360 degree vision, and see parts of the ultraviolet spectrum (though the ocelli are for seeing arcane 'light'). Their antennae detect scents, temperature changes and movement in the air, and are also used to express emotions through particular positioning. As for what acts as their ears is unknown, but they have a very similar hearing range to people, if a little less sensitive to lower frequencies.The rest of their body is much more humanoid, lacking any obvious insect traits, with an insulating layer of fat over their core body to help conserve heat. Their arms and shoulders are extremely human, but their hands are rather odd and are one of very few original traits to the species, having only 3 fingers (including the thumb) and no nails or claws.
The legs are clearly based off digitigrade vertebrates, but the feet are vaguely similar to tarantula 'paws' with their long, thin claws and a false paw pad made of extremely dense and stiff fur. The dew claws either side of the main two toes are more of a mammalian trait, though, continuing their trend of hybridized features.Certain features can vary dramatically between individuals, primarily their colours and patterns, their thorax tails, and finer details such as the grain of their manes. These differences seem random (as they cannot be attributed to genetics), but can be consciously influenced by a Fairy Wasp over time. In particular, their 'tails' are often derived from many different kinds of insects, not just wasps- dragonflies, moths, mantises, centipedes, and earwigs just to name a few.

Internal Anatomy
Unfortunately, almost nothing is known about the inner workings of a Fairy Wasp, as their bodies evaporate immediately upon death, making autopsies impossible. No one has ever X-rayed one, and interview attempts were fruitless, so studies are left with only observation and guesswork.
Based on the overall structure of their bodies and how they move, an internal skeleton can at least be confidently assumed, though the chitin on their head might overtake the place of a skull proper. It is possible that there are more exoskeletal pieces hidden beneath their fur, giving the appearance or illusion of an endoskeleton in places (such as on the shins), similar to moth and bee exoskeletons that grow thick fuzzy coats on top of their chitin.They likely have a brain or equivalent significant organ in their skulls, as head trauma is just as significant to them as to animals, and also a stomach, considering their appetites. The presence of lungs is debatable (they seem merely annoyed if submerged in water and have not been seen making bubbles), as is a heart, though they do have hemolymph (insect blood) that runs a vibrant turquoise, and still require oxygen. This blood, however, does also rapidly lose colour and nature once bled, eventually drying into a fine and pure copper dust with no organic or magic compounds. This trait of blood drying into metallic powder is shared across nearly all fae kind (the precise metal or mineral left behind differing by variety), and is what was historically sold as "fairy dust"- the trade and procurement of now heavily restricted.Perhaps one of the most controversial topics of this matter is where these organs would be located; one would expect the main body to house them, seeing as that’s where those sort of things are in a humanoid, and their bodies are (outwardly) more humanoid than bug, but we are discussing something that is neither of those things.What specifically drives the centre of this debate is their tails, which look and act more like a thorax, a body part that in insects is the primary location of major organs, such as the heart, stomach, and lungs (or their equivalents). So if Fairy Wasps do have lungs, then would they be within the chest like a mammal, or the thorax like an insect?

Life Cycle
No one knows how Fairy Wasps come to be, but they do grow from an undeveloped child-like form into mature adults.
Youth begin as comically small balls of fur, known as spawn or spores depending on the region, with nothing but their heads and thin little legs sticking out. Spawn are fiercely protected, kept deep within the safety of the colony until they mature, however they can rarely be found outside of colonies as 'Wildlings'. Usually the result of tragedy and chaos, they rarely survive on their own, and will sometimes find refuge in peoples homes. These fortunate few are often adopted by the residents, and might gather together with other wildlings once matured to restart their lives.Groups of them affectionately called 'buzzes' after the intense vibrating they can collectively cause to get adults attention or simply cause havoc. While they're still small enough, they will bury into the manes of caretakers to hide, sleep, stay warm, and most importantly, bite. Spawn have quite the taste for blood and very little self control, so are very keen to let adults know when their jaws are strong enough to cut into flesh; because of this, spawn are also called fleas as an insult when they are misbehaving. The term is also used among adults to call someone childish, reckless, or physically aggressive for no reason.
As they develop, more and more of the body will appear out of the fur until it covers nothing but their necks, becoming the characteristic mane.How long it takes for a Fairy Wasp to mature, and how long each stage of growth lasts isn't clear, and may even pause at certain stages before conditions are met to continue growing. One might spend several years in the 'furball' stages while same-aged peers develop further towards adults, then suddenly jump forward in mere weeks for one reason or another.
They are said to be extremely vulnerable to 'corrupting forces' at younger ages, and are allegedly more powerful than they look- or at least, have more potential than they can control. While we were unable to learn of any specifics of these things, one can imagine the difficulties of raising a tiny magical creature that doesn't yet know its own abilities or strengths- mundane children are challenging enough as it is.
Once matured, it's unknown how long Fairy Wasps live for. It seems to at least be longer than a human lifespan, typically reaching perhaps a hundred to a hundred and fifty years, but they also don't visually age after maturing. A Fairy Wasp at the beginning of its adult life looks almost identical a century later, if maybe a little larger in height (but slighter in body mass).

Afflictions and Illnesses
Most ailments of the Fairy Wasp are derived from that of their physical and magical needs; subject to starvation, being deprived of sleep or oxygen, physical exhaustion and over-exertion, deficiencies in minerals and various nutrients, so on so forth. All of the usual problems inherit to having a physical body.Additionally to those afflictions of the body, there is also those seeking to prey upon it; parasites. Certain varieties of lesser fae have been known to steal into their hives to feed off their stores of magic, and more general parasitic manifestations counting Fairy Wasps among their prey. Some have complained of mites and fleas (though might actually be in reference to their spawn), and many express disdain towards mundane parasitic species such as mosquitoes and fleas.They have a complete immunity to organic disease, but are still bothered by its presence. Anything caused by infections of bacteria, virus, or fungus have never been found in them, giving credence to the idea that Fairy Wasps are not made of cells, giving nothing for those organic assailants to attack in the first place.Other conditions that effect them often stem from troubles during their youth and development, from weaker magical abilities to physical deformations. Injury, neglect, and high levels of stress almost always result in long term issues, which if addressed early on, can be managed and mitigated to functionally inconsequential levels.

Diet
Fairy Wasps’ are sustained by a combination of minerals and meat, and so are generally considered obligate carnivores. Nearly all plant matter is toxic or distasteful to them, but have adapted some tolerances in order to process the humanoid foods that they greatly covet; namely garlic, onion, chives, and other members of the Allium family that are often used as seasonings. Also fortunately for them, being earth spirits, they have no adverse reaction to salt, unlike the majority of their fae kin.Favourite foods include cured meats, any preparation of eggs, strong cheeses, and salted butter. Dairy products, however, are more of a treat than a proper food item, susceptible to over-indulging and becoming nauseous. Alcohol is also especially potent to them, and very few Fairy Wasps enjoy it, so it is rarely sought out.When people are not around for trading (or thieving), then generally they will hunt for grubs, small mammals, and the occasional fish. When hunting, they go alone, and target low-risk prey that doesn’t take too much effort to catch and kill. A Fairy Wasp doesn’t need to eat much, and fairly in-often, comfortably going several days without eating organics.Their consumption of minerals is to address their mystic needs, collecting reserves of their favoured elements as crystalline formations within their colonies. The most prized among these elements is bismuth and silver, supplemented by the more common elements of tin and lead when the aforementioned are scarce. How exactly these elements serve their arcane abilities is unknown, but their need for minerals is much more vital than meat, replenishing their supply generally every other day.

Magic and Relations to Alchemy

All Fairy Wasps have innate magical abilities over earthen forces; which, being known for also acting as a vessel or conduit for other elements of magic, can become practiced in various other arcane schools. Most often these powers manifest in the manipulation of soft earth materials, such as dust, sand, dirt and the like, but multiple Fairy Wasps working together can exert themselves over stronger, and greater materials.Their magic is generally used defensively or as a tool, often storing some powdered materials in their manes as a weapon (deadly silica dust being a popular choice). Mud and wet sand can be used to create traps or to cover themselves as camouflage, and they can expedite the erosion of stone to create more sand and dust; a useful ability in itself to cause landslides, made building foundations crumble away, or loosen rocky debris.
Gemstones are often used to create stores of energy, or to channel and amplify their abilities, growing small crystals within their colonies, causing their burrows to appear rather geode-like as it grows larger and older. The gems themselves aren't magical in nature (though are sometimes processed into explicitly magic objects) and double as valuable trade items, if the colony is producing excess.These powers apply to concrete or other artificial stones and gems as well, an unusual trait for fae which tend to lack power over unnatural things. There is a taboo among them when it comes to using manmade gemstones instead of colony-grown ones, though, and many disapprove of them (particularly those from more traditional regions).What makes their otherwise minor magic abilities stand out is their use and dependence on many alchemically significant metals; most notable and mysterious, bismuth. Bismuth as an alchemical metal is rather unremarkable, holding no known relationship with any major celestial bodies, or primordial elements, generally used as a catalyst or stepping point for other, more powerful metals. Even chemically it has little use on its own, generally being made into alloys or compounds beforehand, and while it does have an unprecedented long atomic decay, that is little more than trivia.Yet Fairy Wasps clearly gain something from the metal, greatly depending on the consumption of it to fuel themselves. Any other metals they consume will be as temporary substitutes, or in combination with bismuth to enhance certain abilities associated with the other metal (silver, tin, arsenic, and lead being known supplements). Prolonged or excessive consumption of these other metals will have adverse effects on their health.

Beyond these specific abilities, they also utilize a number of generic fae magics, namely ones of illusions and transformations.
While they lack any true form-changing abilities (unable to turn into other beings or creatures) they can change their size at will, appearing anywhere between 8 or so centimeters tall, to heights more comparable to people, around 1 and a half meters. The exact mechanisms behind this size change is unknown, but seems to be a true physical change as they will occupy the space that they appear to be in, and are affected somewhat by laws of physics. Thermodynamics seems to be the main afflicting law, as many Fairy Wasps complain about the cold more often when at smaller sizes.It should be noted that you will never see a Fairy Wasp change sizes- as in, one will always make sure it is out of sight before doing so; whether out of necessity or to simply toy with people is unknown, but the behaviour is so consistent and strictly practiced, it's hard to tell.They also have access to a pseudo-teleport, in the form of illusory copies they can create and swap places with seamlessly, but is evidently a highly expensive 'spell'; the number of copies and frequency they can do this is limited by their energy reserves, and are drained quickly from it. A typical Fairy Wasp seems to only be able to create 2 copies at a time, in addition to their true selves.The copies are always identical in appearance to the true Fairy Wasp, including their current size, but act independently (not copying actions), and they can see and hear through the copies without needing to swap places with them. The distance a copy can be made from them seems to be a combination of line-of-sight and physical distance. Unseen areas can be reached with use of reflective surfaces like mirrors, but a Fairy Wasp cannot cross an entire landscape in an instant just because it can see the horizon (or travel to the moon when it is in the sky- a rather widespread joke among their kind).What the limit actually is for this teleportation is unknown, but seems to be up to or less than thirty meters; a decent distance, but still quite reasonable. It could also be limited by their energy reserves, same as creating the copies, which raises several implications (and questions) for the rules their magic functions by.

Advanced Theories

Historical Presence
Fairy Wasps have had a faint, but easily followed presence in human history, appearing here and there in many folk tales and fables, but what about before human history? Before humans existed? Fae beings have been around long, long before us and while some varieties arose in response to human activity, Fairy Wasps do not seem dependent on anything made or done by humans, so would logically be one of these ancient 'species'.Fossil evidence is, unfortunately, out of the question- even if indirect evidence exists, like a nest or some kind of imprint, they would be near impossible to recognise to the untrained. The most popular idea is that before people, they took on a much more insectoid appearance, imitating wasps more intensely. This idea is based on descriptions from the oldest known records not entirely matching up with present day Fairy Wasps, and the (supposed) features of their relatives.This also raises the question of what they could have looked like before there were even wasps, and if they even existed before wasps. We will likely never have answers to these sorts of questions, but they are interesting to ask nonetheless.

Relations with Mundane Wasps
The exact extent or nature of Fairy Wasps' connections to actual wasps is unclear, something that has been long misunderstood and improperly assumed to be grander than the evident truth.
They do not guard their hives or practice husbandry with them, nor compete with and harbour ill feelings towards them. Some species of solitary wasps are known to be kept as pets by Fairy Wasps, though referring to them as ‘pets’ may be a bit of a stretch; these tamed wasps are more like stray cats that have simply grown accustomed to their Fairy Wasp caretaker, free to come and go as they please, having learned that they can go to them for food and safety when desired.
But we have yet to address one glaring question of the Fairy Wasps existence; why wasps? If these are beings of imitation, then logically they could appear as anything they please, yet are evidently locked into this form, save for some minor features and details. Some think that they appear like wasps because they live like them, creating nests and colonies, occupying the same niche as their mundane counterparts; a sort of case of convergent evolution, in a way.
Others suggest that Fairy Wasps are but one expression of a much larger, collective group of insect-mimicking fae, that all kinds of them are indeed one and the same 'species'; that their behavioural differences are a matter of culture, forms influenced by the different minerals and magic they prefer. It certainly isn't an impossibility; Fairy Wasps which are starved of minerals will begin to denature, as it were, loosing composure in their physical forms and perhaps slowly returning to a more primordial, unattuned state. But at the same time, this idea seems very unlikely, as we would expect more overlap between physiology, behaviours, and abilities in different groups if that were the case.
While Fairy Wasps do have a tradition of oral histories, it is lacking any clues to these more ancient mysteries, and without fossil evidence the answer is likely lost to time. Some have entertained the idea of attempting to ask certain ancient individuals that were once Fairy Wasps of these topics, but those kinds of fae are far too dangerous to interact with for such a trivial matter (or for any matter, really).

Building a Fairy Wasp Character

Here are some ideas and tips for creating a Fairy Wasp OC. While by no means a rule set, this can help give you an idea of the average Fairy Wasps personality, life, and relationships, as well as what creates exceptions to the norm and the circumstances and hardships that may befall one.


Personality And Behaviours
Fairy Wasps are cautious and intensely secretive by nature, closely guarding all personal information and any potentially dangerous knowledge that could threaten them or things they hold dear. They aren't timid, though, often reveling in the soft torment they cause others in being coy with their secrets (such as researchers trying to determine whether they have bones or not-).
Typically they are not partial to violence or threats, reserving aggression for extreme situations, and allowing others to lead or initiate interactions, responding to conversation in kind. The mood of those around them is very influential; a Fairy Wasp will NOT be the mediator of an argument. They're far more likely to make the situation worse...
Ultimately, a Fairy Wasp will seek to gain knowledge, and give none- how they do so varies greatly between individual, and situation. Their copycat tendancies remain true in conversation and interactions, for better or worse.


Naming Conventions
All fae have many different names; the most precious and valuable to them being their true names, which would give one great power over them. Fairy Wasps are no different, and this is often their most closely guarded secret, so none could say what a Fairy Wasps true name would be like.
Instead, they choose alias to protect themselves without having to be complete strangers, usually after objects, animals or ideas that have taken their fancy.
Popular nicknames include things like Thread, Pin, Nymph, Knit, Speck, Pebble, Twig, Flake, so on so forth. The choice of name can be greatly influenced by their environment (such as a city-going Wasp choosing a name pertaining to wires or buildings), and be one of many that they give to different people depending on their mood or liking.


Lifestyles
Fairy Wasps prefer a life of comfort and safety, relying on trade and eavesdropping on gossip to learn new things instead of experiencing the dangerous world for themselves. Generally, a Fairy Wasp will not wander far from home willingly, or will only do so under confidence of their safety (such as under the protection of more powerful companions or alongside equally cowardly friends).
Not to say there isn't the ambitious dreamer here and there- typically young aspiring Wasps seeking to build their own new colony, and rarer though better-known adventurous spirits seeking to attain especially rare knowledge to barter with later. It should be noted though that they don't hold much value in the importance of a piece of knowledge, just that it is not well known (even if the two often overlap).
Conversely, a Fairy Wasp forced away from its home is a frantic and intense thing, doing whatever it deems necessary to return. If said home was destroyed or otherwise cannot be returned to, the Fairy Wasp may fall to despair or anger, exposing it to a very significant and dangerous risk of transformation; or should it withstand the stress, may find or create a new home and colony.


Family, Friends, and Enemies
Fairy Wasp families aren't exactly comparable to the blood relations of animals and people, but they do still sort themselves into analogous roles and refer to themselves and each other as such when people are around to see or hear of it.
Fairy Wasps of similar age or experience will call each other siblings, those that taught them the essentials their parents, and likewise ones that they nurtured their children.
As for friends and acquaintances, unknown Fairy Wasps are often met with cold caution, a learned apprehension from tales of more powerful, and more dangerous kinds of fae in disguise. Any other form of fae is treated with disdain, for that matter.
To people, they are almost always much friendlier, especially those living close to their colonies. It is highly recommended to sustain these goodwilled introductions as inciting the ire of a Fairy Wasp means earning it from their whole colony- and being on the wrong side of any fae creature is a very, very bad idea. Even more so for cooperative social ones.
People that become close friends with a Fairy Wasp often gain privilege to slightly more sensitive information about and from them, as well as a more earnest, vulnerable side to their natures.
Make an enemy of one, though, and you will be facing the darker and sinister sides of their magics. Yes, Fairy Wasps are minor earth sprites, therefore not as threatening as stronger fae beings aligned in more volatile elements; but they are by no means weak or incapable, and the ground is inescapable to those without wings.


Gender, Sex, and Romance
Being technically inorganic beings, Fairy Wasps themselves have no biological sexes, and haven't given much in the way of hints or clues to fae sexes, so are largely presumed to be an ungendered species. The personas they build for themselves will often present as gendered, however, once again imitating ideas and behaviours that they enjoy.
Broadly speaking, Fairy Wasps would fall under the asexual umbrella by virtue of not having any genitalia, favourability varying by individuals (when concerning mixed species relationships). Though, it is rather counterintuitive to assign any labels of sexuality to them when the matter of Fairy Wasp reproduction is a complete mystery, more accurately being of unknown sexuality in most contexts. Any sexual activities they do engage in is always for pleasure; and, as far as we know, cannot become pregnant or impregnate others (again, on account of the lack of reproductive organs).
Romantically, partnerships with other Fairy Wasps is far more common than with any other fae folk or peoples. Romantic relationships themselves aren't as stressed upon or valued as intensely as they are in human cultures, as the typical pressures associated with partnerships are not present in Fairy Wasps' lives. This sentiment can create friction in mixed species partnerships, especially if a Fairy Wasps' partner is strongly monogamous (as casual polyamory is quite common), or if the partner does not feel like feelings are being appropriately reciprocated by their Fairy Wasp partner.

Synopsis

A (not very) brief breakdown of the information and points in this document. While these lists don't cover everything and leave out a lot of the nuance and arguments from the original text, it should cover everything important for a basic understanding of these creatures. Enjoy!Physiology;

Magic and Relations to Alchemy;

Advanced Theories;

FEL ACULEA

Fel Aculea are dark transformations of Fairy Wasps subjected to immense misery, anger, or corrupting forces. Power-hungry, violent, manipulative creatures, they possess a far greater strength in their magic and bodies than ordinary Fairy Wasps, and have a much greater willing to use it. They are well known to disguise themselves as their lesser kin to appear less threatening, tricking prey into lowering their guard; the main reason Fairy Wasps have great distrust and apprehension towards any unusually strong individuals.Though confirmed sightings are rare, and actual documentation near non-existent, they are quite consistently described as enormous, many-limbed and many-winged monstrosities. They are said to have sharp, hooked claws on their fingertips, chitinous armoured bodies, and stand twice as tall as a man in their natural form. Usually they are depicted with four arms and six wings, though sometimes are shown with more of each. Their necks and chests are covered in a thick mane, much like their weaker kin, but often shown as spikier, bristlier, and stiffer than a Fairy Wasps.Fel Aculea are also known to be one of the sources of wildlings; supposedly, Fel Aculea will create a single, ordinary child, and cast it out to the open world to meet its fate. Widely believed to be involuntary, the fact that the Fel Aculea does not immediately and outright destroy its sole offspring suggests a lingering emotional attachment or instinct that is otherwise completely absent. Because of this, many think that Fel-born Wildlings' are the final trace of the sprite they once were being discarded from the Fel Aculea's spirit; perhaps even the original soul being given a second chance.

The rest is speculation and rumours, unconfirmed stories from oral histories or secondhand tales. As such, this information should be taken with a grain of salt at best.They may not only come from Fairy Wasps, but possibly also ordinary wasps that have suffered great torment and cruelty, namely queens which have lost their colony to sickness or attacks (this may also simply be wives tales made to discourage children from toying with hives).
Some also claim that a Fairy Wasp which lives simply for too long will eventually transform into a Fel Aculea, regardless of life experience.When disguised, they will have a number of small tells; the wiser the Fel Aculea, the more subtle. Details such as antennae positions, mandible shapes, whether or not they can hide their wings, the presence of their claws, and even the luster of their carapace are said to be the things to look for.In addition to taking the form of Fairy Wasps, they are also said to be able to disguise themselves as ordinary hornets, some saying they will be oddly large, others saying they will have brightly coloured exoskeletons, and some saying they will still have additional wings.
There is even the occasional story of them having human disguises, though there aren't enough instances of this story to glean any consistent or useful details. Some attribute this to not enough people surviving such encounters to tell the tale.Any tales including them often have them making deals with characters, only to swiftly and brutally betray them regardless of the moral standing of the other (be it a protagonist or antagonist), seeking only to better themselves with no regard to the costs which befall others.Often they are said to be able to outright control swarms of insects, typically wasps and hornets, but many stories including ants, bees, termites. Sometimes locust swarms are blamed on them, but never have direct evidence or connections.

How one could defeat or overcome a Fel Aculea, should you come face-to-face with one, is woefully unclear. The safest bet would be to turn to iron as defense, and purely going off Fairy Wasps toxic aversion to plants, use of herbs may be effective, but salt is likely pointless given, again, Fairy Wasps tolerance of it. Trying to appease one might work as a short-term solution, and then sneaking away to either escape it or find help, but that may be a riskier tactic as they are infamously petty and possessive. Encountering the same one again later would likely send it into a rage at the sight of its lost prey.Actively engaging in a partnership or alliance with one is extremely inadvisable, if fables are anything to go off of- again, Fel Aculea seek only to further their own powers and goals, and hold no qualms with betraying and harming others to do so. Even if ones goals were to align with each other temporarily, these creatures would see to it that you would remain in their servitude until your death.No matter how clever you may think you are, or powerful, or better, a Fel Aculea will always find a way to win. In saying this, we know that there will also always be someone who thinks that they are the exception, that they will be the one to figure out their weakness or learn how to trap and use one of these fae. To which we simply make one request; do try to get a clear picture before it kills you.