Lepidon

Overview

Lepidons are sentient, intelligent beings who rarely use magic. They are "small moth bois" that communicate primarily through pheromones rather than speech. Only elder Lepidons occasionally learn to vocalize after years of interaction.

Biology

Species Description

Lepidons are moth-like insectoids standing approximately 33 inches tall and weighing around 6 pounds. They possess four arms, bipedal digitigrade legs, and wings spanning about 5 feet 3 inches. Their exoskeletons vary in color and pattern, with fur distribution differing among individuals. They typically have two antennae, though some possess larger additional sets extending past their knees. Females have abdomens twice the size of males.

Species Variation

Three main tribes exist, with numerous "lost tribes" and hybrids displaying notable differences in stature, physique, coloration, wing shape, and head structure.

Abilities

Lepidons can fly and carry approximately three times their body weight. They communicate through "sophisticated pheromones" and possess highly sensitive antennae for detecting odor variations. Males have larger, more perceptive antennae than females, aiding in tracking and predator avoidance.

Magic-bearing Lepidons live half as long and age twice as fast as their non-magical counterparts.

When injured, Lepidons molt more quickly. Limb and wing regeneration requires approximately two successful molts, with full restoration after a third molt (rolling D20 with DC 8 per session determines success).

Diet

Lepidons consume fruits, fungi, and animal flesh but lack teeth and jaw strength, requiring pre-ground bones. They fear fire but enjoy cooked food when offered by other races. They have a sweet tooth for hard candies, though these pose choking hazards if chewed.

Lifecycle & Reproduction

Life Cycle

Lepidons live an average of 5-7 years, maturing to adulthood within one year. Magic-bearing individuals live approximately 3 years. Development begins with a single egg wrapped in a cocoon with food provisions. After six months, the larva pupates and hatches as a sub-adult, requiring another year to reach full maturity.

Reproduction & Parenting

Females lay one egg annually and select mates carefully, as males provide cocoon food and silk. Both genders produce silk, with females producing twice as much as males. Males may possess a single head horn—larger horns indicate better hunting/gathering success and superior food quality for offspring. Horn growth depends on diet quality and falls off during famines.

Technology

Lepidons possess stone-age equivalent technology, utilizing self-produced building materials and crystal shards. Crystals are valued for their hardness, predictable fracture patterns, and luminescence.

Lepidon Silk/Plaster

Silk initially remains sticky and elastic but hardens into water-resistant plaster when dried. Males produce their body weight in silk every two years; females produce double. Shattered plaster is reclaimed and reintegrated into structures.

Armor & Protective Gear

Warriors wear lightweight plaster armor, sturdier than their exoskeletons. Occasionally, Lepidons craft protective equipment from other materials like large insect chitin.

Fishing Boats

Due to their love of fish and to prevent flight fatigue over water, Lepidons construct boats from branches bound with plaster and silk. They make fishing nets from plant fiber twine rather than silk.

Culture & Society

Lepidons organize into small groups with tribe-specific variations. All Lepidons share a love of shiny, glowing objects—valued for navigation during their active dusk and dawn hours when their eyes function optimally. Each individual favors crystal colors matching their eye color.

Lepidons build dwellings exclusively on underhangs and floating island undersides, constructed from cocoon material. Single dwellings may require multiple generations to complete.

Religion

Many Lepidons worship their moon, "Materlunae" or "Mother Moon." Originally moon-worshippers, they encountered a powerful Fey who declared herself divine. Her power grew through worship, and she granted collective prayers when a majority of worshippers prayed for the same outcome. Materlunae is currently sealed.

The Three Tribes

Seeker Tribe

Wings feature large eye spots. The most curious and outgoing, trading plaster and silk for shiny objects. Average stature with fluffy, sensitive antennae. Homes resemble small cocoons housing 1-3 individuals, often connected by bridge networks.

Hidden Tribe

Wings resemble leaves. The most reclusive, fleeing from approach and stealing rather than trading. Smaller than Seekers with less sensitive antennae. Build isolated, camouflaged dwellings.

Hunter Tribe

Wings resemble wasp wings. The only openly aggressive tribe, taking what they desire by force. Larger than other tribes. Construct large hive-like nests with multiple internal chambers. Hunters enslave members of other tribes as "silk slaves," tearing off their wings to prevent escape.