Physical Description
Perhaps the oddest looking of available PC classes, larval entobians,
also known as “larvites,” can be likened to vaguely upright walking
caterpillars with thin and elongated limbs. All entobians have six
limbs; two arms and legs like most other humanoids, and a pair of mid-legs. Their arms end in three digit hands and their legs end in two clawed toes. An entobian’s mid-legs aid
in attack, balance, movement, and object manipulation, though these
appendages end only in very sharp points. While these limbs are sheathed
in rubbery chitin, the larvite’s body is fleshy and covered in coarse
hair.
The limbs and eyes of a larvite are almost universally darker than the
body, while their body color, hair color and hair distribution varies
greatly from individual to individual. Body and hair color is usually
bright and unnatural, sometimes even fluorescent in hue. Hair
distribution can be sparse, thick, or varied in density; sometimes
creating wild looking “hair styles.” Patterns of stripes and spots are
also quite common. Any color or combination is possible. Larvites have
silk glands on their lower abdomen that appear as a small pouch-like
protrusion.
Entobians exude an earthy smell that many compare to dying flowers; not terribly unpleasant, but not entirely desirable either. Their bristle-like
hair often causes those of mammalian backgrounds to have mild contact
allergies with it. An entobian who washes regularly can alleviate both
of these issues.
Metamorphosis Forms
Below is a brief description of the five different forms that the
larvite can take through the metamorphosis feats. Please see the
individual feats for more details.
Coleophite: The coleophite is the epitome of armored insect. They
typically look like large beetles; generally oblong or cylindrical in
shape. A pair of clear, membranous wings tuck neatly under their
carapace when not in use. They are usually glossy and smooth, with the
exception of lightly colored hair on their abdomens. Their shell is most
often brown or black, but any color is possible. Some even take on
metallic hues. Coleophites often have short antenna and over-sized
mandibles. Some even have elaborate horns on their heads which are
purely decorative. Coleophites will eat just about any food, being the
least picky eaters of the metamorphosis forms.
Eulite: The eulite takes on the nocturnal aspects of a moth. In addition
to moth-like wings and feathery antenna, the eulite develops a strong
bio-electric current. Eulites have thick bodies covered in fluffy fur.
Their overall color is typically earth-toned, with grey, brown, rust
red, and green hues being most common. Sometimes they will have subtle
patterns or spots on their otherwise monotone wings. Eulites are
omnivorous, but prefer nuts and grains.
Farfalite: Farfalites are by-far the most beautiful of the entobians. Being basically humanoid
butterflies, their wings can be any color of the rainbow and often have
intricate patterns, stripes, and spots. Their thin and wiry bodies are
usually solid and dark colors, though a few brightly polka-dotted
individuals have also been recorded. They are covered in a thin layer of
soft fur. A farfalite’s antennas are long and wispy, occasionally with
feather-like tufts at the ends. Their eyes are small compared to other
entobians, and can be any color. Farfalites are strict vegetarians, and
are very fond of fruit.
Moscanite: If the farfalite is the most comely of the entobians, the
moscanite is the least. It bears the visage of a
large fly; complete with two membranous wings and a chitinous body sparsely
covered in bristle-like
hairs. They most often have dark colors; brown and black being most
encountered. Metallic green and yellow highlights are also common among
this form. A moscanite’s bulging eyes are often bright primary colors.
Their mouths often drip foul acid, especially when they smell fresh
meat, their favorite food.
Matron: Matrons have no set look to them as each one is unique. They
blend the traits of any of those forms above, but do so each in their
own way. Often their forms mimic other known insects, though some may be
truly new designs. Matrons are most often distinguished by their larger
(Medium) size.
Ecology & Society
Larvites are sexually immature, and most remain in this state their
entire lives. Reproduction happens with only the most experienced
entobians who decide to undergo metamorphosis (by taking a metamorphosis
feat at higher levels). Until then, the larvite is effectively
genderless, though most are considered male because of their deep and
resonating voices.
Larvites hatch from a clutch of roughly 200 marble-sized eggs of various
colors. They grow from Diminutive caterpillars to Small-sized larvite
children in about 6 weeks, eating practically constantly during this
time. Larvites are omnivorous; they eat anything. By restricting their
diet, and through intense meditation, they can choose when and what they
metamorphosis into, provided they have endured enough trials and
tribulations beforehand. Larvite children, identical to larvite adults
in appearance, generally reach emotional and social maturity in about 14
years. Entobians live about a decade longer than humans
on average. While most entobians never gain the ability to lay
eggs—only the highest level entobians can—when they do, they can have
thousands of children in their lifetime.
The origin of the entobians is speculated to be the result of
environmental contamination from an arcane waste produced by a
particularly reclusive race of insectoid creatures that live in deep
underground hives. Of what little is known of this race, there is much
evidence that they are experimenting on creatures by implanting their
own biological components,
creating deadly insect hybrids. A byproduct of this partially
alchemical process is a purplish goo that is disposed of in great
quantity into an underground river. This river eventually leads to the
surface and into a fertile valley. There, insect life absorbed the waste
and became fundamentally altered, all producing tens of thousands of
offspring which became the first larvites. According to elves’ memory of
the event, the first larvites were only about one-foot tall.
Relations
Entobians share many personality qualities with humans;
they are creative, passionate, inventive, and they have a sense of
humor. Despite their appearance, their likable and relaxed demeanor can
be quite charming. They are excellent conversationalists, having strong
and rich voices that give many the feeling that they are wise and
intelligent. They enjoy conversing and interacting with all friendly
races, and are often quick to lend a helping hand. They forge strong and loyal friendships, and feel nearly all emotions that humans
do, with a few exceptions. Their nonjudgmental nature allows them to
get along with any of the core races that also maintain an open mind.
Ironically, their apparently familiar personalities cause their
differences to seem even starker when others become aware of them. The
most evident of which is that entobians have no sense of romance or
romantic love; even those that are sexually mature view the process as a
required duty rather than a pleasurable interaction. They also don’t
see the need to interact with others of their own kind, unless it’s a
matter of reproduction. Aside from their colossal nurseries, there are
no entobian cities or communities; entobians have no distinct cultures
or languages. They often find each other to be dreadfully boring.
Relations to Remarkable Races
Entobians are far less likely to judge races based on appearance than
most other races. Therefore they will often be seen in the company of a
motley sort. Their motivations drive them towards other races for
various reasons, usually involving conversation, entertainment, or
business. The philosophical xax and the depressing obitu are perfect
candidates for a lengthy conversation. The gifted muse and the
passionate kval will provide endless wonderment to an entobian.
Numistians know that entobians make loyal customers, who, once pleased,
will never fail to return.
Alignment and Religion
Entobians are often chaotic, and value their individual freedom
over the laws of society. Luckily they are also quite peaceful in their
pursuit of personal gain and seldom stoop to darker means. Therefore
entobians are usually chaotic good. However, any alignment of entobian has been encountered, and this is even more evident in those that choose metamorphosis.
Entobians have no deities of their own, but will often worship gods of freedom, nature, or pleasure. While not well suited to a life of piety, a few clerics and paladin entobians do exist. These rare individuals almost always choose metamorphosis as a way to further their spiritual journey.
Adventurers
Entobians adventure for many reasons, though there are three reasons
that are most common. First, entobians love nothing more in life than
creature comforts: food, drink, and song. They will travel far and wide
to amass enough wealth to afford a life of luxury and excess. Entobians
that seek this existence often live out their entire lives as fat and
happy larvites. The second reason for adventure is simply the love of
adventure itself. All entobians seem to be instilled with the desire to
experience new things, and thrive on the rush of adrenaline in the face
of great danger.
Lastly, some entobians feel a sense of duty to carry on the race, and
thus obtain enough world experience in order to master the meditations
required for metamorphosis. Some combination of the three is often
encountered, as well as strictly personal reasons common to other races;
revenge, greed, honor and glory.
Names
Drister, Drytun, Haldozan, Malowa, Miraopay, Morgnan, Pulequay, Telduuk, Tiibay, Vanuuz, Verduzi, Vesterban, Zimberbim
