Mantis

The only known natives of Serropa, The Mantis are warlike bug creatures that live in the Sky Islands.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mantis resemble a praying mantis, but about four to five feet tall.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mantis require a protein-rich diet that usually consists of small flying creatures caught by hand or livestock raised for slaughter.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mantis are mainly found in the Sky Islands and in other locations scattered around Serropa.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Many common mantis names have their origins in words pertaining to the sky; E.G. Stella, Celene, Luna.

Average Technological Level

Because of their isolation, mantis are positively medieval when compared to Anthro-Rodentia. Their most advanced structures are fortresses made from stone, and the mantis have very few weapons owing to the fact that their claws usually do the job just fine. The most advanced of mantis technology is arguably the Mantis Glider.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Most mantis give themselves personalized body paint to distinguish themselves from each other; more complex patterns typically denote a higher station, with the most articulate being reserved for monarchs and their kindred. The most popular designs among higher-ups depict stars, clouds, and other sky-related imagery.

Common Taboos

To most mantis, the sky is sacred. Conversely, the ground is unclean. To the layman, this means little other than looking wistfully up at the sky, wishing for better wings. For the elite, this means going out of your way to never touch the ground. Mantis Gliders are often thought to have been developed for this specific purpose.
Similarly, it's not uncommon for a mantis to have a fear of the underground or confined spaces where you don't have a view of the sky.

History

The Mantis have lived virtually undisturbed on Serropa for thousands of years. Their first contact with another sapient species was when the Dark Tribe made their exodus to Serropa during the the Old Wars. They have had vitually no contact with the outside world before or since. As such, their science and culture has developed independently of the Anthro-Rodentia.

Common Myths and Legends

One popular story among the mantis tells of how the Avidians stole the power of flight from the mantis long ago. It is most certainly utter fabrication, most likely written long ago by a mantis that was jealous of Avidian's greater capacity for flight. Nevertheless, generations of past Mantis children have been taught that, perhaps if they catch a bird, they can steal the power back for themselves.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Mantis have no special like of or aversion to other communities. However, most visitors to mantis communities are put off by their carnivorous nature. Mantis aren't put off at the sight of blood and are known to eat their meals raw. this can leave detrimental impression if, say, a prominent mantis leader were to invite an anthro-rodentia ambassador to dinner.
Mantis have a long history of strife with the Avidians. If you get a mantis and an avid in a room together, expect some hard stares. Best case scenario, they get over it after a few minutes of getting to know one another. Worst case scenario, one of them gets murdered on sight.

Origin/Ancestry

Forest Mantis, Mud Mantis

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

4 - 5 feet

Average Length

6 - 5 feet

Related Ethnicities

• Forest Mantis
• Mud Mantis

Mantis

Ability Score Increase +2 Con +1 Str

Size Medium

Speed 30ft

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Mantis Claws Instead of hands, the mantis sport long claw-like forearms, having the following effects:

• You have disadvantage on ranged weapon attacks made with weapons that do not have the 'thrown' property.
• Your unarmed strikes deal 1d4 slashing damage instead of their normal damage.

Limited Flight Mantis have a set of insectoid wings under their carapace that they can use to propel themselves mid-flight. Your jump height and distance is doubled, and you can fall twice as far before incurring falling damage.

Languages. Common, Mantis