Vespidian
"VESPIDIAN? THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH GIANT WASPS! JUST AS
AGGRESSIVE, but a lot bigger to boot. Still, provided you can
distinguish their meekly males, you can actually establish good
relations, as Vespidan are renowned builders. Don't try and take
advantage of them though, their female counterparts wouldn't
like that. And those they don't like usually die."
— Tordek, dwarf fighter and adventurer
The insectile race known as Vespidians were first created in the
fey wilds by Bralm, goddess of insects and productivity.
Originally in the shape of giant wasps, their mission was to
bring Bralm’s vision of order to the world. However, the fey wilds
began to transform the Vespidians to resemble the elves, fairies
and other fey, the changes becoming more apparent with each
generation. To prevent further “corruption” of her people, Bralm
brought them to the material plane in hopes they might serve
their purpose there. Establishing hives and their own culture,
the Vespidan still seek to do their creators purpose and bring
order to the world around them.
Insect and Fey Appearance
Vespidians appear as a fusion between wasps and elves
humanoid features. Each have four separate, chitin covered
arms that end in 3 fingered hands as well as two insect like legs
and feet. Many find their 5 separate human like eyes disturbing,
3 dotting across their foreheads, black and yellow in color. Their
fey aspects are apparent in their elvish faces and body, carrying
a strange beauty in all of their people. Their females tend to be
slightly taller and heavier than males on average.
Their skin is a light orange or yellow color. The only hair of a
Vespidian is on their head and a special ring of fluff around their
neck, the color of which can be from a pale white to a dark red
and many colors in between. They dress in flowing and loose
clothing, reminiscent of elvish and fey fashion.
Society
Vespidan society is built and relies on the instinctive dedication
to the good of the hive exhibited by every member. A single
Queen acts as the central authority in all matters of the hive.
Each of these Queens are in the unique position of being both
ruler and mother to most or all other members of the colony,
creating a loyalty of both respect and familial bond.
1
 The rest of the various activities of a hive are carried about by
Workers and a rare few Drones. Workers do activities together,
valuing coordination and teamwork over independence. Drones
are slightly more independent by nature, but still value
assistance and helping others highly. Those that drift away from
this identity and seek independence are at risk of being branded
as Hive-Broken.
The Queen and her Subjects
An active Queen will usually lay an egg about once a month or
when other vespidian die. All of these will be female workers,
the male drones only ever being laid when a Queen intends to
trade them to another hive as they reach maturity. Regardless of
which is laid, these eggs will hatch and reveal a pale, wingless
and stingerless baby, taken care of by the Queen herself or a
close servant. Each child are called Larva until about 4 years of
age when their skin finishes darkening to the yellowish color
and females gain their stingers.
After a Worker moves past the larva stage, they are
encouraged to explore the colony. They are raised communally
at that point, taught the basics of various tasks and are
encouraged to find whatever job they excel at. Once their wings
grow out they are considered adults, usually happening around
20 years of age. They are free to pursue whatever they wish,
only that it must benefit the hive in some way. They are loyal to
their hive, as it is their country and each individual a sister or
parent to them.
Drones are treated very differently. Viewed as weaker and
more like a valuable item, they are usually kept within the
Queens home, free to learn and study but heavily guarded as
well. When they reach adult hood they are usually traded in an
arranged marriage to another hive, given to the Queen in
exchange for a fortune. In their new hive they are seen more like
a royal treasure than an individual. Their more social nature and
weaker physique fits well to a life without hard work, but many
still explore to satisfy their curiosity.
2
In the occurrence that a Queen dies or is absent for multiple
years, a few Workers with rare characteristics may be
transformed by fey magics. This magic transforms them into
Queens, the residual of the transformation often sparking the
change in others with the potential to transform. Queens will
either be driven off by a stronger sibling or leave of their own
accord. By the end a new Queen will rule the hive. If either of
her parents still survive, they are removed from power and given
a position as a close councilor instead. The queen will then
begin negotiation to arrange a marriage with a nearby hives
drone, thus fully becoming the acting Queen.
Xenophobic and Cautious People
Vespidians' industrious helps them produce vast quantities of
wealth and unique advancements. The downside of this is that it
attracts thieves and other dangers that would loot the hive of its
own creations. This has led to vespidian becoming hostile and
xenophobic to other races, only slightly less so to worshipers of
Bralm. If a patrol or field worker sees any foreigners in their
lands they will often gather a group to return and kill or drive off
the intruder.
In order to avoid this one needs to find (and recognize) one of
the gregarious Drones. Far more curious, social and often in
positions of authority, a Drone can stave off the hostility of the
hive to converse and interact with other races. These sort of
encounters can lead to negotiations and treaties, in rare
instances leading to trade between Vespidian and another
nation. Drones often act as emissaries to such countries,
traveling with a large guard to nearby lands. This is the rare
instance that a hive will intentionally lay more drones as the
original is viewed as too valuable to possibly have injured,
captured or killed.
If these relations remain active and healthy for a long time a
country might earn the title of Hive-Friend, a promise to defend
them as if they were their own. However, should the interaction
sour and others are suspected of betrayal a Hive may engage in
a nearly endless campaign to wipe out the offender, a hatred
that can last centuries beyond the passing of the original
criminal and carry on to their descendents.
Religion
Vespidian primarily worship Bralm the Wasp Mother. She is
treated like their creator and the ultimate symbol of Vespidian
culture. Bralms tenants of productivity and the good of the
whole over the individual mesh perfectly with what Vespidians
value. Many become clerics to her, acting as servants within the
hive to bring divine help to any in need. These clerics also seek
to root out hive-broken, either helping return to the fold or
driving them out to prevent further corruption of others. A rare
few clerics may seek to depart from the hive, wishing to fulfill
their deities will and spread order to the world at large.
A hive that has had extensive interaction with another culture
may allow the worship of a few other gods. Vespidian are
normally drawn to gods of law and hard work, such as the
Dwarven god, Moradin the All Father. Hive-broken are some of
the few that may willingly worship a chaotic deity, embracing
the more self focused teachings as they adapt to being seperate
from their hive.
Hive-Broken
One of the most feared things for a vespid is to be labeled as
hive-broken. It is a title that means one sought personal gain
before the good of the hive. Normally individuals that seeks
personal benefit go unnoticed or have a blind eye turned
towards them, others not caring so long as they do not hurt or
limit the hive. It is when such activities begin to interfere with
the order and productivity of the hive that problems arise. Small
infractions may receive a warning or small punishment, while
something such as theft, the keeping of an important secret, or
unfair dealing with another vespid can instantly give someone
the title hive-broken.
Hive-broken are exiled or killed depending on the severity of
their damage to order and the hive. A rare few willingly leave
before such action is taken, wishing to further express their
independence free of limitation. All of them will go through a
painful transition, having to overcome their races natural tie to
their community and dependent living style. Many may try to
return to the hive and undergo the long process of rejoining.
Those that cannot return or refuse to often settle in nearby
towns and cities, seeking to settle in a new life.
Adventurers
A Vespidian adventurer is a rare thing but not impossible. Most
are those that joined a group to act as a smaller hive for them,
able to work closely and cooperatively with others.
Drones are the most likely to become adventurers. In hives
that deal closely with other nations, they might have been born
to act as an emissary and become hive-broken with their curious
and social natures drawing them towards these foreign cultures.
Others might be those that leave the hive to gather information
or magic to help improve the hive, wishing to return one day
laden with books and scrolls. Some others might have chafed
under the constant watch and protection they received, wishing
to flee and explore the world freely.
A worker is far less likely to leave the hive, but those that do
often excel within an adventuring party. They may be a cleric
that wishes to spread order and help those abused by unfair or
selfish treatment. Some Workers might be leaving to better their
craft and bring back a greater level of mastery than they had
before. Quite a few will leave for a short time on missions for
the hive, seeking to defeat potential threats or prevent the
intrusion of a dangerous force.
A Queen may have quite a few reasons to become an
adventurer. They may be the deposed siblings of another queen
when their mother died, left to wander and find their own way in
the world. A rare few could have left to seek experience on how
to become a better ruler, leaving a steward behind while they
experience the world and learn its condition. Some few may be
exploring to find another hive and accumulate the wealth
required to arrange a marriage with a Drone.
No mater the caste or reason, Vespidian always are reliable
allies to their party. Willing to aid others in their goals and
missions, Vespidian will do nearly anything for someone that
has proven a friend. They will always try and pursue their own
goals, but it is their nature to believe that the best way to
accomplish them is by helping others achieve their own.
Names
Vespid names are elven in origin, something they picked up
from their time within the fey wilds. A vespid takes the name of
their mother queen as their surname in situations where it is
needed. Queens usually discard their mother's name entirely
upon their advancement believing it no longer important to their
identity. Hive-broken often discard their mother's name as well,
out of shame, anger, or frustration, they are just as likely to
adopt a new name entirely, usually one based on whatever
culture in which they've grown comfortable.
Vespidan Traits
Your Vespidan character has the following racial traits.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. All Vespids reach maturity at 20, beyond this workers
live about as long as 75 years, drones as long as 350 years, and
workers that become queens can live as long as 750 years.
Alignment. Vespidan societies are invariably highly
structured and caste-based. They are almost always strongly
lawful and usually lawful neutral as the good of the hive
supersedes all other concerns. The exception are the hive-
broken who are still often lawful by upbringing, but can easily
stray into any form of thinking from there.
Size. Vespidian are usually about 4 feet tall and weigh ruffly
150 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your Walking Speed is 25 ft
Multiarmed. Vespidian are born with 4 arms, each of which
can be used independently like a normal arm.
Gliding wings. When you are falling from at least 10 feet
above the ground, you can choose to fall as if under the effects of
feather fall. In addition, you can move up to your walking speed
in any direction except upwards while falling this way. If an
upward wind is strong enough, you can use it to maintain or
gain altitude.
Carapace. Vespidian have thick chitinous plating on their
arms and legs. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 +
your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to
determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a
lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your
natural armor.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and
Elven.
3
 Drone Worker
Drones, the males of the species, are much more docile than the Workers stand about 4 feet on average with an athletic build.
other members. They largely resemble their female They are extremely loyal and quick to turn aggressive toward
counterparts but are frailer and lack female anatomy. Their hair perceived threats to the hive. Their hair and neck fluff tend
and neck fluff can be any color common to queens or workers. toward dark colors (black, brown, auburn, etc. With Auburn
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence and Charisma being the most common). They tend to wear simple, efficient
scores each increase by 1. Drones are nimble, intelligent and armor and wield light weapons and shields or ranged weapons.
gregarious, often curious about other races. Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution and Wisdom
Gregarious. You have proficiency in the Persuasion skill. scores each increase by 1. Vespidian Workers are agile, tough,
Drones are highly social and charming in their friendliness to and possess excellent instincts.
many other races. Talented Builder. Workers dedicate their lives towards their
Magic Savant. You know the Infestation cantrip. When you crafts. You are proficient with one artisan tool of your choice
reach 3rd level, you can cast the Animal Friendship spell as a and whenever you make a check with it you can add double your
2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so normal proficiency bonus.
when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can Sting. Your stinger is a natural weapon, which you can use to
cast the Misty Step spell once with this trait and regain the make an unarmed strike with. If you hit with it, you deal
ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier instead
spell casting ability for these spells. of bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. On a hit,
you may choose to inject the target with your venom, after which
Queen you must spend a short or long rest before you can use your
Queens are the natural leaders of vespid hive structure. They venom again. This venom causes the target to take 2d6 poison
are often stoic and regal, carrying themselves with lithe grace. damage, and it must make a Constitution saving throw (DC: 8 +
Their hair and neck fluff tend to be pale in color (Silver, blonde, your Proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier) On a failed
pale red, etc). Many become strong fighters or powerful mages. save, it is also poisoned until the start of your next turn. The
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength Score increases by 1, poison damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level,
and choose either your Wisdom or Charisma score to either and 5d6 at 16th level.
increase by 1. Vespidian Queens are graceful yet powerful, and
possess innate leadership skills.
Metamorphosis. When a Worker becomes a Queen they
undergo a rapid and dramatic transformation, increasing in
both size and strength. Queens can stand between 6 to 7 feet
tall and weigh about 250 to 300 pounds. Your size is Medium
and your walking speed is increased to 30 ft
Sting. Your stinger is a natural weapon, which you can use to
make an unarmed strike with. If you hit with it, you deal
piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier instead
of bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. On a hit,
you may choose to inject the target with your venom, after which
you must spend a short or long rest before you can use your
venom again. This venom causes the target to take 2d6 poison
damage, and it must make a Constitution saving throw (DC: 8 +
your Proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier) On a failed
save, it is also poisoned until the start of your next turn. The
poison damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level,
and 5d6 at 16th level.

4
Credits and Change List
Original Creator
The original version of this race was created by
NielsPeterDejong. The original version of this race can be found
on Reddit. He did amazing work and his version of this
document is what served as inspiration for the layout and
general formatting of this version.
Reason for Changes
The smallest change was going from Vespidan to Vespidian,
simply to make it easier to say. For other changes there are
three primary reason that this document has been changed for.
Balancing various mechanics
Changing Lore to better match Dungeons and Dragons
Make the document "Child Friendly"
The first reason for the changes was to balance the various
mechanics of the race. The original versions are substantially
stronger than any official race and as such needed various
alterations to bring them in line. To help reach a point of
reletavie balance the system Detect Balance was used, A well
respected community guide for homebrew. Dungeon Masters
are still encouraged to make appropriate changes as they see fit. Detect Balance Scores
The Second Reason for the changes was to help adjust the The following is a list of scores from the Detect Balance System
lore to better fit with a Dungeon and Dragons setting. The
original version of the lore had no glaring issues. However it Base Race: 17 points
used a Deity from the Pathfinder tabletop system named Ability Score Increase +1 (4 points)
Calistria, a goddess of Lust, Revenge, and Wasps. This deity was Multiarmed (6 points)
chaotic good, something that the original lore struggled to Gliding Wings (Feather Fall+) (4 points)
explain for a Lawful Neutral race. To help make these changes, Carapace (AC 13+Dex) (3 points)
the D&D Greyhawk setting deity named Bralm was used, a
goddess of Insects and Productivity whos symbol is a wasp Drone 30 Point Total
infront of a larger swarm. Both their dogma and alignment
better match the Vespidan's own. Ability Score Increase +2 (Cha & Int -1point)(7ponits)
The Third reason and my own personal driving motivation Standard Delayed Magic (6 points)
was to make the race "Child friendly". The original version of Proficiency in Persuasion (2 points)
this document contained many sexually suggestive images and 25 ft Walking Speed (-2 points)
various bits of lore that were not suitable for all audiences. To Worker 30 Point Total
make it more palitable to those that either uncomfortable with
or too young for such content. I have attempted to adjust Ability Score Increase +2 (8 points)
pictures and lore. All changes can become apparent as amateur Stinger (Breath Weapon-)(4 points)
when compared to the original, but serve their purpose. Tool Expertise (3 points)
25 feet Walking Speed (-2 points)
Resources Used Queen 31 point Total
In all of the above listed changes, I used many different
resources. Follow any of the links to find the information: Ability Score Increase +2 (8 points)
Medium Size increase (Multiarmed Synergy +2 points)
u/NielsPeterDejong original Version(warning, contains Stinger (Breath Weapon-) (4 points)
sexualy suggestive images and text)
Detect Balance by Eleazzaar According to Detect Balance, this race is on par with official
Most and least resisted damage Types releases. If you need to weaken the race, reducing their natural
Information on Bralm AC to 12 and removing the movement speed from Gliding wings
will drop all their scores to the average.
All artwork presented in this document was made by the
artists listed below:
This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan
User 12345 on Pivixpixiv.net/member.php?id=4467238 Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards.
LFP Commissions (Page 4) twitter.com/LFPtweets Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of
Madiblitz (Page 5) https://www.deviantart.com/madiblitz the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
 This document was lovingly created using GM
Binder.

If you would like to support the GM Binder developers,

consider joining our Patreon community.
WWW.GMBINDER.COM