The Iphik
Pheromones, pheromones, pheromones. The iphik are here, and they're talking about you behind your back right in front of you. These ant-inspired bugfolk are a fresh new monstrous race and are ready to infest your campaign!
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Iphik
The iphik are a race of insectoid humanoids that live in large, hive-like nests. They favor warm and dry environments, though they have been known to all but thrive in temperate and tropical climates as well. Iphik are split into three major castes within the nest - the drones that make up the majority of its population, the overseers that act as defenders, coordinators, and enforcers, and the queen that births larvae and guides the nest, determining its goals.
The Silent Chorus. The seemingly perfect order of an iphik nest stems from their pheromones, which are used to enable their complex means of communication. These unseen chemicals, which they refer to as the 'Silent Chorus’, not only convey the emotional state of the iphik emitting them, but they also exert a level of influence over others. This natural influence helps to cement the order of the castes, ensuring efficient rule in a nest of any size. These pheromones have a reduced effect upon non-iphik species, but generally result in a stronger sense of empathy when communicating with an iphik.
A nest without a queen can last for years or even decades if a strong core of overseers keeps order, eventually collapsing due only to outside interference or an inability to produce new offspring. Iphik drones that remain away from their nests long enough, becoming divorced from the Silent Chorus and its influence, can become what are known as the Nestless. Given enough time, the personality of a Nestless can flourish as an individual. Though Nestless can be welcomed back into the nest, few would take the opportunity.
Strange Minds. Iphik perceive the world through sight, sound, and smell like most other creatures. Unlike most other creatures however, the iphik mind blends all of these senses together, causing them to draw only small distinctions between how something ‘smells’, how it ‘sounds’, and how it ‘looks’. This can make communication between iphik and non-iphik confusing, but it also grants them a unique perspective on many things. Most other humanoid races find the iphik inscrutable and strange, but those that are able to communicate meaningfully with them can learn much from spending time in the nest.
The iphik can communicate vocally, though they prefer to communicate through a combination of vocalizations, gestures, touches, and pheromones whenever possible. The minutiae of iphik communication can be lost even on outsiders who interact with them often, and most humanoid senses cannot consciously detect the pheromones they give off. This alien nature can lead to unnecessary hostilities and antagonism towards the iphik from outside cultures.
Iphik queens are the only members of the nest with a definitive gender identity, with iphik drones and overseers rarely adopting them due to the collectivist nature of their species and their physiological asexuality. The Nestless will sometimes adopt a gender identity if they become part of a non-iphik society or adopt a non-iphik culture, while others retain a genderless existence due to preference.
Fragmented Homogeneity. The iphik demonstrate homogeneity within the nest, as most members prefer to look to the queen and her overseers to determine their purpose, goals, aspirations, and roles. This uniformity does not necessarily extend across the entirety of the iphik species, though, as it is not uncommon for two nests to have differing or even directly opposed goals depending on the desires of their respective queens. One may be content to extract food and other resources from the land around them in order to create a peaceful and prosperous life for its people, while another could be more concerned with creating new nests in order to form a defensive alliance amongst them. Others may value religious or artistic pursuits, and still others may attack and steal from outsiders, or even avoid contact with outsiders completely.
Due to the lack of species-wide uniformity, many outsiders wrongly view the iphik as unpredictable. They can rarely tell the difference at a glance - or sometimes even after long interactions - between members of one nest and another, and iphik themselves are not often inclined to clarify such misunderstandings.
Strong Together. Due to its small stature, an individual drone is rarely a threat - but iphik are rarely encountered individually. Most live in artificial nests, either underground or in above-ground structures. Much of their architecture is simplistic and functional, created using iphik saliva to mold earth and occasionally using clays and minerals to reinforce the Nest’s inner and outer lining. Little regard is given for personal space or property within a Nest, especially between members of a particular caste.
Though the iphik are not a hive mind, they rarely experience internal discord. The Silent Chorus influences the moods of a nest such that members rarely have need to question a queen's desires. Though the queen does not have absolute control over her subjects, it is rare indeed that a queen ever actually fails to compel them to agree with her. Much of iphik interaction is highly emotional, as overseers employ inspirational tactics just as often as they chastise the drones that they lead. Some overseers even resort to outright hostility or abuse, which can be just as effective at motivating underlings. The iphik are, ultimately, individuals connected by social and biochemical bonds.
Iphik Bonding. At times, it is necessary for an individual to become a member of a new nest. Due to the intimate ways in which iphik live and the pervasive role that their pheromones play in the organization of a nest, this is no simple task - if an iphik wishes to join a new Nest, it must undergo a bonding ritual with that nest’s queen. This ritual involves a highly intimate exchange of pheromone-laced saliva, and is most often undertaken to bring an overseer into the service of a new queen. This is not necessarily a voluntary process, and it therefore serves as a core element of warfare between two hostile iphik nests. An iphik that is bonded to a new queen does not lose their memories or personality, remaining much the same as any other member of the nest in terms of free will and personal desires; rather, they usually adopt their new home with newfound and wholehearted purpose.
This bond can be extended to a non-iphik humanoid, though doing requires ritualistic preparation. This ritual includes consumption of carefully made brews, iphik saliva, and guidance from an iphik spiritual leader, the whole of which takes twenty four hours of constant attention. Due to this drawn-out process, it is impossible to form a bond in this way with an unwilling participant. Once a non-iphik humanoid has bonded with an iphik queen, they become a Nest-Bonded, a passionate advocate that will work to benefit her nest in whatever ways they can. The Nest-Bonded change in subtle but defining ways, developing senses compatible with the iphik language and way of life and always retaining a connection to their queen. Though they retain their free will, the queen holds an undeniable sway over her Nest-Bonded.
Iphik Drone
Small in stature, drones are dedicated workers that achieve strength in numbers and are rarely found alone. Drones serve in a variety of roles, reporting to an overseer either directly or through other drones in a chain of organization that eventually reaches the nest’s queen.
Smarter than one might expect, a drone’s natural versatility often demands that they not only leave the safety of the nest to hunt, scout, and gather, but also to engage in diplomacy and trade, or in dire times, strike out in conflict. While away from the influences of overseers, drones must act upon their own guidance, working together to complete their task so they may return home as quickly as possible. Iphik drones range in height from just under to just over 4 feet tall. They possess a diminutive secondary set of arms that can be used for simple tasks and climbing.
Iphik Overseer
Overseers are born into the role of coordinators and enforcers. They are raised to preserve the nest, serve the queen, and judiciously lead the drones beneath them. Overseers train in a variety of leadership tasks, serving as bodyguards for their queen, commanders and tacticians during combat, labor organizers during construction and resource collection, and even stand in as rulers when a queen is otherwise unavailable.
Larger than drones, iphik overseers are taller than most other humanoids and stand at 7-and-a-half to eight-and-a-half feet tall. They have four fully functioning arms and broad, sturdy figures.
Iphik Queen
An iphik nest is organized around its queen. A nest cannot form without a queen to act as its center, and as such female iphik are extremely uncommon. Any queen that produces one or more daughters, called fledgling queens, will dedicate a fair amount of time to their care, upbringing, training, and preparation to leave the nest and found their own. Whenever a fledgling queen leaves the nest, she is accompanied by a small, elite escort of overseers and specialist drones.
Sometimes, a fledgling queen will find a nest that has lost its queen and is slowly spiraling towards death. If she can convince them to accept her, this dying nest may take her as their new queen, undertaking the bonding process with the nest’s overseers in order to enforce her new rulership. Drones need not take part in this process, as the new queen will be more than capable of exerting her will through the overseer caste, and iphik drones will prefer the order and stability that a queen provides over the alternative; the slow death of their nest through lack of new offspring.
Iphik queens tower over their subjects, ranging from 12 to 14 feet in height, with fledgling queens usually reaching at least 8 feet tall at maturity. While tall, they are more slender than overseers, possessing long limbs and angular features.
Iphik Drone
Small humanoid (iphik), lawful neutral
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 22 (5d6 + 5)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR 14 (+2)
DEX 12 (+1)
CON 13 (+1)
INT 14 (+2)
WIS 9 (-1)
CHA 8 (-1)
Skills Animal Handling +1, Athletics +4, Perception +3, Persuasion +1
Damage Vulnerabilities cold
Damage Resistances psychic
Senses blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Iphik
Challenge 1⁄2 (100 XP)
Entwined Senses. The iphik cannot use its blindsight if it is blinded or deafened.
Supplementary Arms. The iphik can take the Use an Object action as a bonus action and has advantage on Strength checks and saving throws.
Actions
Light Hammer. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
Reactions
Nest Defense. When an ally of the iphik is damaged by an attack or missed with an attack, the iphik makes a melee attack against the attacking creature.
Variant: Drone Soldier
Drones that serve as scouts, hunters, diplomats, and laborers will rarely be equipped with anything more lethal than a tool, such as a hammer or a sling comfortably tied around a limb.
Sometimes, however, a nest might wish to equip their drones for proper fighting. An iphik drone soldier wielding a shield (AC 17) and a spear has a challenge rating of 1 (200 XP) and the following additional action options:
Spear. Melee or Ranged Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Iphik Overseer
Medium humanoid (iphik), lawful neutral
Armor Class 17 (natural armor, shield)
Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 45)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR 17 (+3)
DEX 12 (+1)
CON 16 (+3)
INT 13 (+1)
WIS 12 (+1)
CHA 15 (+2)
Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +6
Skills Animal Handling +4, Athletics +6, Intimidation +5, Perception +7, Persuasion +5
Damage Vulnerabilities cold
Damage Resistances psychic
Condition Immunities frightened
Senses blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Iphik
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Entwined Senses. The iphik cannot use its blindsight if it is blinded or deafened.
Overseer’s Grasp. The iphik can attempt to grapple a creature as a bonus action. When the iphik attempts to grapple a creature, it can attempt to grapple a second creature making a separate grapple check against each creature.
Supplementary Arms. The iphik can take the Use an Object action as a bonus action and has advantage on Strength checks and saving throws.
The Silent Chorus. Any other iphik within 30 feet of the iphik has advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.
Actions
Multiattack. The iphik makes three melee weapon attacks.
Pike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.
Maul. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Reactions
Nest Defense. When an ally of the iphik is damaged by an attack or missed with an attack, the iphik makes a melee attack against the attacking creature.
Variants: Iphik Spellcasters
Some iphik can learn to wield magic. Through exposure to outsiders, arcane knowledge is passed along through the nest. Iphik spellcasters have a natural aptitude towards enchantment and illusion magic, with their influential pheromones and unique perspective bolstering their ability to innovate in each school respectively. Iphik magic is a combination of academic understanding and iphik biology, blending the two together in a way that is best represented through Innate Spellcasting.
Some overseers practice magic to better defend the nest. They seek to improve the capabilities of the drones under their command, debilitate the enemy, and fortify defenses. An iphik overseer spellcaster has the following trait:
Innate Spellcasting. The overseer’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: create bonfire, mold earth, thaumaturgy
1/day each: bless, cause fear, command, darkness, earthbind, enlarge/reduce
Some queens learn to weave spells laced with their powerful pheromones. These spells project magical effects over the sense of others. An iphik queen spellcaster has a challenge rating of 11 (7,200 XP) and the following trait:
Innate Spellcasting. The queen’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: minor illusion, spare the dying, thaumaturgy
3/day each: charm person, command, darkness, sleep, suggestion, zone of truth
1/day each: charm monster, compulsion, fear, haste, synaptic static
Iphik Queen
Large humanoid (iphik), lawful neutral
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 225 (30d10 + 60)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft., fly 40 ft.
STR 17 (+3)
DEX 16 (+3)
CON 14 (+2)
INT 15 (+2)
WIS 14 (+2)
CHA 18 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6, Cha +8
Skills Animal Handling +6, Athletics +7, Insight +6, Perception +10, Persuasion +8
Damage Vulnerabilities cold
Damage Resistances psychic
Condition Immunities frightened
Senses blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 20
Languages Common, Iphik
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Entwined Senses. The iphik cannot use its blindsight if it is blinded or deafened.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the iphik fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Long Limbs. The queen adds 5 feet to her reach with melee attacks.
Supplementary Arms. The iphik can take the Use an Object action as a bonus action and has advantage on Strength checks and saving throws.
The Silent Conductor. Any other iphik within 120 feet of the iphik has advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws and is immune to being frightened.
Actions
Multiattack. The iphik makes two melee weapon attacks.
Pike. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) piercing damage.
Concentrated Pheromones. Each within 60 feet of the iphik must make a DC 16 Charisma saving throw or be charmed by her for 24 hours. A creature that is hostile to the iphik has advantage on this saving throw.
Whenever a charmed creature takes damage, that creature can repeat the saving throw. On a successful saving throw, the creature is immune to the iphik's Concentrated Pheromones for 24 hours.
Instill Fear. Each creature within 10 feet of the iphik must make a DC 16 Charisma saving throw or be frightened until the end of her next turn.
Queen’s Edict. The iphik spends one minute exchanging pheromone-laced saliva with a willing humanoid, imparting her will upon that humanoid for up to a year's time. If the command can be completed in a shorter time, the effect ends when the task is finished. The iphik and the target humanoid can agree on a given command before taking this action. If they do so and the iphik attempts to impart any other command, the effect fails.
The target humanoid becomes charmed by the iphik for one year. While the humanoid is charmed in this way, the iphik may give it a single command that the humanoid is emotionally compelled to follow. If the target humanoid acts in a manner directly counter to the agreed upon command, it immediately becomes overwhelmed with grief and guilt, leaving it paralyzed for 1 hour. This effect cannot occur more than once each day.
Legendary Actions
Flight. The iphik moves up to her movement. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks.
Grasp. The iphik attempts to grapple a target within 10 feet of her.
Many-Armed. The iphik makes a melee attack against any creature of her choice within 10 feet of her.
Printer-Safe: