Intiss

Created by Theomachomai.

Intiss are humanoid insects who live in communal hive societies. They have a mild natural psychic ability, which they use to communicate with other members of their race in the narrow, twisting subterranean burrows of their cities. Some may become exceptionally powerful psychics. As Intiss value cooperation and tend to be far better at it than members of more individualistic races, their societes are bastions of scientific and magical research, although outsiders are only permitted after proving their trustworthiness to the hive - a process which can take decades. Vissae in Vrann is a notable exception, allowing goblins and other humanoid visitors for the purpose of trade and study, but the burrows are policed by powerful psychic warriors.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Intiss have a hard exoskeleton which may appear in a variety of colors, from red-brown to yellow to black. They have bulging eyes, chitinous mouthparts, and a vestigial second pair of arms which may be used to hold objects but not to attack. Their bodies look unnaturally spindly to other humanoids, and they are indeed weak, but they are fast and intelligent, especially in numbers.

Biological Traits

+2 Dex, +2 Int, -4 Con; size Small; speed 30; mindlink 1/day; hypercognition 1/day; swarming (up to two members of this race can share the same square at the same time, and if two members of this race that are occupying the same square attack the same foe, they are considered to be flanking that foe as if they were in two opposite squares darkvision 60.

Genetics and Reproduction

Intiss lay eggs which are fertilized and incubated by queens. Any intiss can become a queen; thanks to advancements in hormonal sciences, the necessary biological changes are controllable. In most hives, the original "parents" of eggs are not tracked, and all larvae are raised communally.

Growth Rate & Stages

They have a larval stage, during which they are cared for by the entire community. After reaching adulthood, they will continue to molt and grow throughout their lives.

Ecology and Habitats

Intiss are quite adaptable to both wet and dry environments, but they do not tend to deal well with cold. Technology has allowed them to move much farther north than their historic range.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Intiss are most common Vrann, but live almost anywhere in the world.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Intiss can use mindlink once per day, or at will with other Intiss. With at least two other people, they can also use hypercognition once per day while using mindlink. They have darkvision (60 feet).

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Intiss society recognizes at least five genders, sometimes more depending on the individual hive, and progressive hives do not object to those who blur boundaries between them.

Relationship Ideals

Monogamy is considered an unusual lifestyle among the Intiss, who tend to have either many intimate relationships or none at all.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Intiss