What are Bugkin?[]
The Bugkin are a race that have existed for centuries previously believed to be no more than mindless monsters. Despite this belief from the surface world they are in fact not- they have a rather intricate culture and are very sentient and intelligent. While called 'Bugkin' they are not strictly speaking insects, such as Beezling the bee.
As recently as possibly two hundred years ago, many Bugkin were enslaved to a hive mind, this was changed by Parizz Ite, who became Queen after freeing the Bugkin people. They reside under the surface of the world, within the vast and deep caves of the Underdark.
The Bugkin lore was created by Miss Universe.
Culture[]
Bugkin function in a strict hierarchy not determined technically by birth or relation though related to such. Bugkin are valued entirely for their ability to perform tasks that further the collective. This 'strength' does not have to be physical and in fact often isn't. Intellect, ingenuity, or just unique abilities all have value as long as you can put them to good use for the Bugkin race overall. For example, Vevina is valued by many for her Transmutation abilities, and Beezling for his scientific knowledge and his ability to create Royal Honey- a prized and incredibly nutritious food source. Those who are not strong enough die, this is simply seen as the natural order of things.
Above all they are loyal to the Queen, and being of use not only to the collective but especially to the Queen is of the utmost importance to the Bugkin. Betraying the Queen is considered the ultimate heresy, and disrespecting her is as high an offense. This is because Parizz is the only thing preventing Bugkin from being susceptible to control by Hive Minds. She gave them their ability to have free will, and a rogue Bugkin does not have this protection. Rogue Bugkin could attempt to subjugate others under a Hive Mind once more. So they are hated.
The relations between Bugkin and the Surface World, specifically with humans, is incredibly strained obviously. Given that Bugkin were not considered a true sentient race until very recently- and even then the information of this is not very widespread and is often disregarded by racists, and the fact that Bugkin regularly in the past attacked human settlements, it is understandable. Vevina is one of the only Bugkin who seek to better this relationship, understanding both sides are acting not out of true universal malice but rather out of a lack of understanding. As such she uses her Transmutation magic to take a humanoid form, and is currently attending Ascension Academy.
There are a large number of Bugkin colonies / hives, being the equivalent of cities for them. They are spread out either very far from populated regions of the Surface, or nestled deep in the Underdark where they can be secluded. A hive being discovered would surely result in attack from the violent and vile surface dwellers after all, so going undetected is for the best. Bugkin, primarily living in the Deep Underdark, are often in conflict with the Dwarves and Drow, and the other denizens of these depths both sapient and monstrous. These conflicts are so fierce, that often their hatred of Dwarves comes second only to their hatred of Humans.
Day of Uniting[]
The Day of Uniting is basically the only holiday Bugkin celebrate. It is a festival to commemorate and remember the day that the Queen, Parizz Ite, broke the Bugkin free of their hiveminds and united them together as one people under one banner. It is celebrated around the end of June every year, when all able Bugkin gather in one place and play their music together. Millions of Bugkin gather for the festival every year.
Blood Thistle[]
Vev showing a Blood Thistle to Victor
A delicacy created by Mosquito Bugkin as a dessert, this dish is made of multiple hollow bone 'branches'. The bones are then hung upside down and blood is poured through the bones where it slowly drains and coagulates at the tips in globules. These globules are hard on the outside but juicy on the inside and when blown on they burst, consistently releasing a strong blood scent. Thanks to her enzymes Vevina can create this dessert without the help of the mosquitoes, and she used Stark Zephyr and other species' blood to create some for Augusta Anders, however due to various incidents delaying the blood picnic for months she instead presented the dessert to Victor Heinrich as a possible future product for trade deals between the Bugkin and Vampires. Despite their name and appearance, the Thistle is not in fact a plant- it is simply shaped like one.
Types of Bugkin[]
Not much is known specifically about the various types of Bugkin, but they number in the millions of species, all with their own subtle differences. Most of the nuisance that Humans place on categorizing and naming of every subspecies of real bug however doesn't really apply, as Bugkin just refer to them all as the umbrella term, such as 'spider' or 'butterfly'. Because of how little information there is, what is known is presented more as notes than full descriptions.
- Spiders - Spiders seem to hold a high place in Bugkin society, given the Queen is a Spider. They often serve as spies, and collectors and organizers of information.
- Dragonflies - Dragonflies are valued and renowned for their speed in flight, and are often because of this somewhat egocentric and flashy, flaunting their ability whenever they can.
- Butterflies - Butterflies are skilled artists, and are also capable of charming magic.
- Parasites - Parasites in general, regardless of species, are typically hunted down due to their nature. The few who survive or are allowed to are very special however. The term is used as an insult towards one who can't survive on their own, but the Queen Parizz Ite took her name to own that insult. How this plays into Bugkin culture currently is unknown.
- Mantises - Mantises are clerics and monks, leaders of religious affairs involving the Queen- who is their goddess.
- Moths - Moths are still fascinated by lamps, flames, and lights in general.
- Mosquitos - Mosquitoes serve as chefs for Bugkin, coming up with new ways to prepare and serve blood.
- Beetles - Beetles have a very honorable and tradition-bound culture, often serving as honor guards. They bear many similarities to romanticized portrayals of Samurai.
- Bees - Bees hold a high place in Bugkin society, because the roles they fulfil are vital. Bees are the producers of Honey, an invaluable food source, and they serve as surgeons and doctors for the Bugkin.
Known Bugkin[]
- Parizz Ite: The Queen of the Bugkin.
- Vevina Ciseris: Princess, Sister to the Queen, Cadet at Ascension Academy and Surface Emissary for the Bugkin.
- Beezling: Scientist and Genetic Engineer, caretaker of Vevina and producer of Royal Honey.
- Sir Webbington: A Spider Bugkin who tormented the Erie Drakes in the past, giving them a lasting fear of Bugkin.
- Chi'etle: A Beetle Bugkin, formerly part of the honor guard of a diplomat. When his comrades, their charge, and the Ant Colony they were sent to speak with were all slaughtered, he self-exiled to a valley near Ascension Academy.
- Knei'del: A Bee Bugkin and Chief Surgeon at the Beehive near Milrhiw.
- Khelsk'tun: A Bee Bugkin and Head Guard at the Beehive near Milrhiw.
Bugkin Dictionary[]
Standard Communication[]
- E: Yes
- Aom: No
- Ki'fisk: Thank you
- Auran: Hello, stranger.
- Kiran: Hello/Goodbye, my acquaintance
- Fha'heut: Hello/Goodbye one that is precious to me
Racial Indicators[]
- Shi: Human
- Sho: Elf
- Oke (Oak): Orc
- Fanh: Vampire
Positive Connotation/Special[]
- Se'irei-n: Bond of true trust
- Tru'sch: Profound trust
- Ka'h(gh)a: Pretty
- Ra'ha: Honor
- Fha'han: The one I chose/Love/Mate
- Faun'tu-aun: Precious enemy/rival
- Cumann: Love and companionship between friends
- Yuanfen: Fated relationship or destiny
Negative Connotation[]
- Ei'(race): Stupid (race)
- Kah'lak: Charms
- Kah'hask: Traitor
- Ski'raaaaaAaah: Stress/Emotionally Exhausted
- HhhhAAAss (a deep, rumbling hiss): "Respect/Fear me, I am a big threat"
- This should only be used fights that one is sure to win
Miscellaneous[]
- Chi'ei: Teeth
- (race)Harra'gh: (I am) the Princess' pet
Trivia[]
- Bugkin have a weakness to alcohol, which inhibits them fully even in small amounts. This was discovered by Chipz, and when news of this reached Beezling and the Queen he was rewarded greatly with a massive shipment of Royal Honey- the most valuable resource the Bugkin have to offer.
- A purposely hidden fact about the Bugkin is that all Bugkin have a severe weakness to any form of charming magic unless within an unknown (to us) proximity to their Queen, Parizz Ite, in which case the charming magic becomes ineffective. Even an amateur at charming magic can easily have a Bugkin at their beck and call. It is currently unknown if it would work on Parizz, but good luck getting to her to even try.
- It is unknown if the Enlarge Insect works on every Bugkin, but it was proven to work on Vevina, to which she lost her free will to whoever cast the spell. Terrifying.
- Silver does not work on every Bugkin, only Vevina.
- Bugkin names tend to be layered puns- for example Vevina's birth name, Spideris Ite, is a mix of Spider, Spy, Heiress, and Parasite to harken back to her sister the Queen's name. Or more obviously, Beezling. Because he is a bee.
- Spider Bugkin get drunk off of coffee, like other races do with alcohol.
- Elves apparently taste delicious to Bugkin- but not as delicious as Vampires, which are said to be addictingly good. This is problematic because consuming Vampire blood can cause one to turn into a Ghoul.
Gallery[]
