Sprite

Sprites are small magical creatures that are physical manifestations of mana in the environment. They can be found wherever there is mana—that is, just about everywhere—and the number of sprites in an area are a reliable indicator of the local mana level.
Sprites act as caretakers of the environment. They rarely interact with humans or other sapient species, but they can be dangerous if provoked. Conversely, being helped by a sprite can be a great blessing.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sprites are small, never more than a few inches in size. Their shape is typically at least somewhat humanoid. They bear resemblance to things in the natural environment—insects, flowers, fungi, etc. Not all sprites resemble living things; some have elemental forms. Those that look relatively human appear feminine or androgynous, though they are in fact sexless.
As sprites consist purely of mana, they are not biological organisms. Their bodies are fully solid, however.

Biological Traits

Being made entirely of mana, sprites lack biological needs. They do not need to eat, drink, sleep, or breathe.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sprites do not reproduce in the traditional sense. Rather, they spontaneously appear wherever there is excess mana. Mana is constantly in flux, so when mana levels drop, they migrate or simply disappear.

Ecology and Habitats

Wherever there is mana, there are sprites. This is true even in the harshest of environments—deserts, volcanoes, the deep sea, and even on the moon.
Curiously, sprites in such environments are noticeably less human-like than elsewhere, and it has been speculated that sprites' humanoid features, like other aspects of their appearance, may be a reflection of the humanoid species around them.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Because sprites are the physical manifestations of mana, they behave according to the will of the mana itself. They are not individually sentient but do appear to display collective intelligence.

Lifespan

variable, likely indefinite

Average Height

1–4 in (2.5–10 cm)

Average Weight

weightless