Sprites
Dozens of colourful apple-sized orbs of light float, bob, and weave through the branches of massive trees that serve as homes to the tiny fae as well as the usual woodland animals. Knots high up in the trees have been hollowed-out and decorated with ornate, brightly coloured doors where the sprites live. The canopy of leaves and branches are meticulously groomed to create awnings, porches, and pathways for the tiny luminous folk who live there.
As one of the most numerous types of fae across Allegri and Kriio, sprites are generally seen as good omens and will sometimes lead lost travelers to food or shelter. They care for the plants and animals around their homes and several wellknown circles of sprites live within miles of many Allegran settlements. Generally, sprites love spending time with humans, elves, and other kindly humanoids but will not be driven from their homes or allow malicious behaviour if they can stop it.
Anatomy & Appearance
Sprites are tiny humanoids with vibrant insectile wings, similar to the common dragonfly. They rarely stand over three inches tall with both male and female sprites favouring being lean and do not generally carry much excess fat on their bodies, especially the women who notably do not have breasts. Women are generally thinner than men, with narrower waists that widen at the hips.
Most sprites have jewel-toned skin that shimmers in bright light, generally hues of green and emerald or leaning towards earthtones and yellows. The full spectrum of colours can be seen in a sprite community, with each subspecies of sprite favouring a different series of colour ranges in their skin tones, eye, and hair colour.
Sigil of the Primis by Michael Thomas
Wings
Sprites are born with two small ovular lumps between their shoulderblades. Over the course of their first six months, they grow and unfurl into two sets of iridescent wings with veins and cells similar to those of a dragonfly. When in rapid motion, such as during flight, their wings radiate a strong light that matches the overall coloration of the individual sprite.
This glow is strong enough to hide the sprite within, causing them to appear as a floating orb of coloured light. Busy colonies of sprites can illuminate the undersides of forest canopies and are plainly visible from below.
Elemental Affinity
The vast majority of sprites have an innate connection to plantlife and their forest homes. This is how most people identify the little green sprites, but in truth there are four other types of sprite with uncommon abilities and more direct control of the Elements. Less than one in a hundred sprites are born with an elemental bond but the birth of such a child is always greeted with a massive celebration that can last days or even weeks.
- Nisps, Fire Sprites
- Nixies, Water Sprites
- Pixies, Air Sprites
- Pooka, Earth Sprites
Nisps
The rarest subspecies of sprite, Nisps are aligned with Elemental Fire. They continuously generate tiny flames on their wings and radiate a gentle heat. Generally outgoing and charismatic, nisps often find themselves in leadership roles within a community. Of all sprites, nisps may be the first to accidentally hurt someone because of an impulsive choice, but they are also the most likely to defend a friend or their community when threatened.
Nixies
As water fae, nixies love natural springs, rivers, and wilderness with beautiful waterfalls. These sprites have vibrant cyan skin and slightly translucent membranes between their fingers and toes. Their ability to manipulate liquid is incredibly helpful to all sprite communities. Innately tied to Elemental Water, nixies are just as likely to lead a lost traveler to water as they are to hide water from them. Nixies often take their jokes too far and can even be unintentionally cruel.
Pixies
Wispy and light as air, pixies are a subspecies of sprite that can create refreshing breezes and gusts of wind. Innately tied to Elemental Air, pixies are the most playful of all sprites and any sprite seen roaming far from their community is likely a pixie.
Pooka
The shy but curious pooka are known for prefering the comforts of their own tree homes or burrows. Their ties to Elemental Earth are obvious in their comparatively dark and dull natural colours.
Average Intelligence
Being tiny does not mean being stupid. Sprites are as intelligent as the average human adolesent, usually showing a lack of self-control and foresight but able to recognize right from wrong, assess dangerous situations, and learn from their mistakes. Most sprites have a hedonistic streak and employ their natural botanical skills to ferment berries and enjoy alcohol but don't knowingly allow such pastimes to interfere with their safety or the wellbeing of others. Known for being clever, sprites not only love puzzles and riddles, but excel at problem-solving compared to many larger creatures.
Reproduction & Growth
One of the few fae species that reproduce biologically, sprites enjoy sexual activity and male/female couples can produce offspring, regardless of subspecies. An unusual aspect of this reproduction is that two same-element parents could portenially produce a child of a different subspecies than the parents. Although sprites are an immortal race, they have a very brief gestation that only lasts roughly two months before giving birth to a child. From birth, sprites mature relatively quickly compared to many mortal species, especially given their longevity. Infants grow into children within six month of birth, requiring a lot of supervision and guidance to keep them from trouble. After their first year, young sprites become the responsibility of the community, rather than just the biological parents. By second third year sprites reach physical maturity, similar to a fourteen year old human.
Civilization & Culture
Naming Traditions
Similar to many other types of fae, sprites enjoy naming themselves after natural elements. Specifically, sprites tend to favour the names of flowers - especially ones with colourful petals. Most sprites choose their own names once they've reached independance during their second year but some formalize nicknames or never choose a proper name.
Sigil of the Primis by Michael Thomas
Comments