Sprite
Sprites are the most mysterious and little-known creatures of all of Thanna. Ethereal, but powerful, these creatures are both revered and feared for their ability to lead travellers astray or directly into danger.
There are three known varieties of Sprite in the The Umbral Forest. The Wisp, the Phantom, and the Shade. All three varieties are small, humanoid creatures with wings, though they can shift their corporeal form.
Wisps
Wisps are the most common type of Sprite found in The Umbral Forest. They are small, delicate creatures with gossamer wings. They are often seen flitting about in the forest, darting between the trees. Wisps feed on the nectar of flowers and the energy of sunlight. They have also been known to fool travellers into following them, believing they are a distant lantern and a return to safety. There are those who believe the wisps intend to kill travellers this way, by leading them into deep waters, or spider lairs.Shades
Shades are a rare type of Sprite. They are larger than wisps and have transparent wings. Phantoms are shy creatures that avoid contact with humans. They live in isolated areas of the Umbral Forest and feed on insects and small animals. In many ways they are opposite to the Wisps, as they are able to cast a shadow on the weary traveller, plunging them into a darkness that even the brightest lamp cannot penetrate. Many a traveller has lost their way in this manner.Phantoms
Phantoms are the rarest type of Sprite. There are many who still do not believe in their existence. Far more sophisticated than merely light or dark, the Phantom Sprite possesses powerful magic which allows them to take on the form of that which the traveller fears most. But since so many creatures within the Umbral Forest are the stuff of nightmares, it is often impossible to tell if the Giant Spider or Werewolf stood before you, is the real thing or merely the phantom sprite. It also matters little, as the fate of the traveller will be the same, regardless.Defence & Protection
Though there are many peddlers and cunning men who would have you believe their amulets and potions will protect you from the magic of the sprites, the only true protection is to never give up your True Name. True Names become a magical embodiment of the identity of an individual, and as such can be used by malevolent sprites to control them. The Red Riders famously provide each of their members with a 'Blood Name' to prevent any magical force, such as the sprites, from gaining power over their members in the Umbral Forest.Basic Information
Biological Traits
The Sprites of the Umbral Forest are creatures of magic. As such, they possess a number of magical abilities.
Shifting: The Sprites have the ability to shift their corporeal form. This allows them to take on the form of other creatures, or even inanimate objects.
Invisibility: The Sprites can render themselves invisible to human eyes. They can also make themselves visible if they so choose.
Flight: The Sprites have wings that allow them to fly. They are also able to hover in the air for long periods of time.
Shadow Casting: The Shades are able to cast a shadow on the ground, which can plunge a traveller into darkness.
Phantom Form: The Phantoms have the ability to take on the form of that which the traveller fears most.
Growth Rate & Stages
The life cycle of a Sprite is relatively short. They are born as eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larvae then transform into nymphs. Nymphs mature into adults after about 5-10 years.
After a Sprite dies, their bodies dissolve into magic and they are reborn as eggs.
As creatures of magic, Sprites do not age in the same way that humans do. They do not experience the same physical changes that humans do as they grow older. Instead, they remain in their youthful form for their entire lives. This means that a Sprite can live for hundreds, or even thousands of years if they are not killed.
Ecology and Habitats
The Umbral Forest and the The Ice Mountains are the only natural habitats of the Sprite. They are creatures of magic and as such, they are drawn to places where magic is strong. The Umbral Forest is one such place.
The Sprites make their homes in the trees of the Umbral forest. They build small nests of twigs and leaves high up in the branches. The Sprites are very shy creatures and do not like to be seen by humans. As such, they are most active at night, when they can fly about without being seen.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The diet of a Sprite consists mainly of insects and small animals. However, they have also been known to feed on the nectar of flowers and the energy of sunlight.
Biological Cycle
Sprite eggs are small and round, about the size of a human thumb. They are usually a pale blue or white colour.
Larvae are small, wingless creatures that resemble grubs. They are white or translucent in colour.
Nymphs are the juvenile form of the Sprite. They have wings, but they are not yet fully developed. They are about the size of a human child.
Adults are fully grown Sprites. They have large, gossamer wings and can appear to be the size of a human adult or as small as a pinprick.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The Sprites of the Umbral Forest are not exploited by humans. However, their magic is sometimes used in ceremonial rituals and their eggs are sometimes used in magical potions.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Umbral Forest is located in the northern part of the country of Thanna. It is a dark, forbidding place, filled with magical creatures. The Sprites are just one of the many creatures that make their home in the Umbral Forest.
The forest is a dangerous place for humans, as it is easy to get lost in the darkness. The Sprites often take advantage of this by leading travellers astray. Many humans have met their end in the Umbral Forest, never to be seen again.
Average Intelligence
The Sprites are a highly intelligent species. They have been known to use their magic to create elaborate illusions and trick humans.
However, they are also very shy and reclusive. As such, they seldom interact with humans and are not well-known for their charisma.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Sprite has excellent eyesight and can see in both light and darkness. They also have keen hearing and can detect the slightest sound.
Sprites are able to perceive the world around them in a different way to humans. They can sense the presence of magic and feel the flow of energy in the world. This allows them to avoid danger and find food.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Sprites have a number of cultural traditions that they observe.
One such tradition is the "dance of the sprites". This is a ritual in which the Sprites fly about in a circle, creating a tornado of leaves and twigs. This tornado is said to represent the cycle of life and death.
The Sprites also have a number of magical symbols that they use in their ceremonies. These symbols are said to represent the elements of nature, such as fire, water, earth and air.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Sprites are shy creatures that avoid contact with humans. They live in small groups in isolated areas of the Umbral forest.
The Sprites are not a particularly social species. However, they do have certain ceremonies and rituals that they perform in order to communicate with each other and with the natural world around them.
Common Taboos
The Sprites have a number of taboos that they observe. One such taboo is the prohibition of entering the human world. This is because the Sprites believe that humans are unclean and that they will bring disease and death to the forest.
Another taboo is the eating of meat. The Sprites believe that meat is unclean and that it will make them sick.
The Sprites also have a number of taboos regarding their magic. One such taboo is the use of their magic for evil purposes. This is because the Sprites believe that their magic should only be used for good. However, 'good' and 'evil' are entirely subjective.
Common Myths and Legends
There are a number of myths and legends surrounding the Sprites. One such legend is that the Sprites are the souls of those who have died in the Umbral Forest.
Another legend is that the Sprites are the children of the god and goddess of the forest.
The most popular legend is that the Sprites are the guardians of the forest. This is because they are said to have the ability to control the weather and the plants.
It is also believed that the Sprites can grant wishes to those who are pure of heart.
The Sprites are also said to be able to foretell the future. This is because they are attuned to the natural world and can sense changes that are coming.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Sprites are a shy and reclusive species that avoid contact with humans.
The Sprites have a number of magical abilities that they use in order to protect themselves from humans. These include their ability to shift their form, to become invisible, and to cast shadows.
They will become hostile if they feel threatened by humans. They will also become hostile if humans attempt to enter their territory without permission.
The Sprites are also known to interact with other magical creatures, such as fairies, goblins and trolls. However, these interactions are rare and usually only take place in the forest.
These nocturnal sprites
Shall for your sport approach their dread abodes
Scientific Name
Aether Aeshna Umbrosa
Lifespan
Unknown
Average Height
Unknown
Average Weight
Unknown
Average Length
Unknown
Geographic Distribution
Discovered by
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