2.h.i Abelhoa

Abelhoa (A-bey-o-ah)

This species of hymenoptera-like people have four membrane-like wings that they use to fly. A colony of Abelhoa is often led by an appointed Queen, who often speaks on the colony’s behalf with the other species of the communities they live in. They often follow Classist philosophy within their own society, but will often work as more of a Collectivism or Socialist philosophy when working with others.

Abelhoa focus on the well-being of their community over individual desires. They are often self-less and willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. They have a deep reverence for their cultural traditions and view their rituals as essential to survival. Despite this, their traditions often involve loud parties, colorful dances, and rhythmic droning.

Abelhoa caste system is lead by the Queen and Soldiers. Then there are the Worker classes, which handles crafting and farming. Finally there are the Merchant class, known as Wanderers, who often do not fit into the caste system within the colony and form alliances outside of it.

Soldiers

Every Abelhoa that qualifies as a soldier can be a queen, and they have the following features:

Hive Mind: This caste can send out messages to others near them telepathically, though they cannot read nor receive messages back as part of this ability.

Royal Flight: They can add flying to their actions and movement as a Plus Action.

Workers

Those that qualify as a Workers have:

Scent Trail: They can leave behind a pheromone trail to mark paths, convey messages and coordinate movements. Access to special maneuvers.

Limited Flight: As part of their move they can fly, but they must land before the round is over or they fall.

All Abelhoas

Natural Armor: Their chitinous exoskeletons grant them a Natural Armor of 4.

Sting Attack: They can use a natural weapon attack with a venomous sting.

Who are the players?

Players are most commonly Wanderers. Wanderers can come from either caste. Abelhoas are natural Leaders as Problem Solvers, especially if there are others who are part of the culture.

Culture

Growing up in a Colony means that you can navigate complex mazes without easily getting lost. You can understand pheromone trails, and can participate in coordinated movements with other Abelhoas. You are good at dancing, and gain a skill bonus to performances involving coordinated dancing. Abelhoas who don't grow up in a Colony culture, will miss out on these features, while even a Polvoa could learn how to understand a scent trail.

Read Scent Trail: You can smell and understand pheromone trails of Worker Abelhoas. If they use special maneuvers that can be joined up, you are able to join up with them.

Dancing Queen: Dance is a huge part of Abelhoa culture, and it has its own style. If you ever need to perform a dance that is part of the Abelhoa culture, you gain a bonus to your Performance skill for it. If its for a coordinated dance, you can follow along without issues.

Attribute increases: Blood increased, and any other of your choice.

Cultural Events

Pollen Dance

Before the beginning of the growing season, the Abelhoa teach the youngest of the colony the Pollen Dance. This ritual dance is a synchronized spectacle where the worker’s movements mimic that of bees as they gather pollen and nectar from imaginary flowers. The dance includes buzzing of wings and tapping.

Honey Harvest

Every year, the colony celebrates the Honey Harvest or Colheita de Mel. It’s a joyous event celebrating the culmination of all their labor for the season. They start a grand procession through the colony’s tunnels, led by the Queen and her Soldiers.Those who are born in the colony but are not Abelhoa themselves often dress up in colorful get ups to imitate the look of an Abelhoa. Abelhoa themselves are often covered in colored powder to differentiate different internal clans.The parade ends at a feast where the entire city is invited to indulge in honey flavored dishes, and to dance!

The Great Migration

Shortly after the Honey Harvest, several members of the colony are filled with an almost magical wanderlust. This irresistible desire, leads them outside of the colony, and city to seek out new things. This usually results in them finding new resources, locations for new colony expansions, or making new alliances for the colonies. This is where the Wanderers come from and often is when the colony produces the greatest amount of Problem Solvers.