Bees
The Bees Get a Bit Quirky when Magical
"Beekeeping is a dangerous business for a knight. We're just too damn colorful, you see. One look and the bees immediately assume you're a big walking flower; next thing you know you're swept off your feet and slowly but surely hauled off towards the nearest hive. Now, if I had a mark for everytime I had to chase 'em down and save my companion, Strawberry, well, I reckon I might actually pay taxes for once!
Welcome to Bees, Berries, and Brews! Could I interest you in some honey- Oh, hello Calico! Hope your travels've been treatin you well!"
N
ot to be confused with regular bees. This entry of the handbook is an assortment of unique bee species affected by fae bullshit, or maybe it was draconic, I don't actually remember. Believe it or not draconic is a possibility, most people just assume it turns animals into killing machines like the Runeclaw but it's more like a catch all term for "has dragon blood and thus can use magic in a unique way".
Imagine a grove full of flowers and about a dozen trees, now imagine each tree has what looks like a bunch of open-concept nests, and then fill that image with bees all flying around doing bee things. That's one hive. It's all the same colony. Like some kind of big bee marketplace.
Then again this might not describe all the types of hives you might encounter, but it's the same general idea. Beekeeping for these species is less about managing a handful of colonies and more about becoming a sort of bee rancher, a rancher of bees. I'm actually good friends with one, he's a Bee Knight so rest assured the info is coming from a reliable source, consider this an intro-course to bee farming.
Rune Bees
Oniran's Honeybee. Big, fluffy, gentle, and an ability to use magic as both a tool and a defense. Every bee has a matching rune inscribed on their head from birth, and, depending on their role in the hive, can use spells such as arcane bolt, ignite, shield, and even the ability to stimulate plant growth.
They usually grow to about the size of an adult's clenched fist and are generally harmless aside from the occasional zap or burn if they feel threatened.
Rune bees are connected via arcane link centered on the queen. The queen's rune acts as a beacon for the bees to travel to and from as well as relay information, and were actually inspiration for spells such as charm, message, and a handful of summoning spells.
The honey itself is generally sweet and compliments toast or coffee very well, but its true value comes from its magical properties. It's a potent base for salves as well as potions if you don't mind drinking thick liquids. If the bees have access to Ethleone's Grace the resulting honey can have minor healing abilities.
Sweetpot Bees
These are the most docile species. Known and named for their distinctive ability to swell their abdomens up to triple the size with honey. Because of their preference for fruits the honey itself is actually jam like. By all accounts this makes no sense.
You won't find a colony of Sweetpots due to their vulnerability. Instead these bees will seek out other colonies to join in a sort of symbiotic relationship in exchange for shelter and protection.
Mason Bees
The bodies of Mason Bees are pretty much identical to rock. They form their hives underground and into the sides of hills and cliffs while using the excavated dirt and clay as material for constructing their shelter.
They come in two forms, this one in particular is a worker with one specific purpose, to scout for food and defend the hive. When the colony is threatened they'll fly above the threat and drop down onto whatever part looks vulnerable, since they're rocks, this is usually the head.
They're not usually bothered by passing travelers but will quickly go on the defense at the slightest hint of hostility. To be honest, you should probably wear a helmet for these.
Chisel Bees
At first glance you might not even know these were bees. Having traded flight for a sturdier build and pointed head, these ones are responsible for burrowing and actual honey making. They do the burrow thing by aggressively headbutting the dirt and stone. I guess it works well enough for them.
Strangely enough Mason bee honey is actually savory. This also doesn't make sense. None of these bees make sense. I'm not gonna question it so you shouldn't either. Their honey is pretty much just gelled broth.
Best Practices
In addition to the normal beekeeping practices, these are things to keep in mind when raising these species in particular.
Bigger Bees; Bigger Predators
It's highly recommended that either you or a companion be proficient in some form of combat should you commit to the ranching of these bees. Due to the size and vulnerability of the hives it is no doubt that predators will consider the honey an easy bounty, not just regular ones like badgers, raccoons, kobolds, or goblins, big predators, like bears, trolls, and bigger badgers.
Recognize and accept the fact that you are now responsible for what amounts to a keep. But it's not a responsibility that goes unreciprocated. Apparently if you do a good job the queen might even recognize you as an ally to the colony and try to defend you as well. So there's that.
Chilling Them Out
There are a variety of methods for pacifying the bees once the honey is ready to collect. Smoke is still somewhat affective on the Sweetpots, but won't do anything to the rocks and runes. It'd be wiser to use a weak, non-damaging magic to apply some status on them. Bee's go-to is to have Strawberry cast a low level Gust of Weed. Frost-style spells are also useful in this regard.
Diverse Palettes
An experienced bee rancher is an experienced gardener and orchardist as well. A diverse assortment of fruits and flowers will ensure happy, healthy bees and a variety of unique honey flavors. The Sweetpots benefit from this especially since they'll almost exclusively harvest fruit for their jams.
During the Winter
The biggest concern for the winter is making sure enough food is stockpiled. In colder climates the Rune bees will actually cast Ignite in the center of their colony so as long as the bonfire remains lit they should be fine on that front.
The rocks can remain well insulated while underground but will slow down and eventually drop to the ground when outdoors, they'll be fine with a little warmth so be sure to check for any strays around the hive.
As per usual the Sweetpots, being the most vulnerable, will adapt to the rest of the colony. As long as the jam doesn't freeze and weigh them down they'll be just fine.
Useful Equipment
It's a bit unconventional but a Dungeoneer's Gauntlet inscribed with a spell for pacifying the bees goes a long way. It removes the need for actually knowing how to use magic. When you feel you're ready to fully commit to bee ranching you can upgrade to the Honeycomb Gauntlet
When starting out you'd be wise to invest in some form of protection, Bee's recommendation is a quality suit of either Mosshide or Plantmail. If a full suit is hard to obtain, just prioritize your head and arms.
For Runes in particular, access to some sort of Beacon spell is invaluable for gathering all the bees in case of danger. If you've got the coin you can invest in a magic item that perfectly mimics the queen.
Honeycomb Gauntlet
A medium sized plated gauntlet with a blue metal, a hexagonal motif, and a fuzzy inner lining. A staple for the aspiring bee rancher.
Rarity
- Rare
Type
- Magical Armor
Association
- Knights
Common Price
- 150gm
Additional Notes
- As a passive, this will ensure the bees see you not only as an ally, but as a friend.
- Equipping will also grant you the spell Hive's Convergence, allowing you to summon bees to fight by your side.
All the art is made by me unless labled otherwise!
Ooh magic bees! This article is so creative! I love all the different types of bees, as well as the illustrations that go alongside them. I, too, would love to be a bee rancher :D
Thank you!