Oravo (Mantis)

The Mantis or Oravo people are somewhat reclusive and each is their own being, in that they are similar to the Beetles. Each works on what they want, when they want.

Drones: Like other insects that have drones, Mantis drones are just human, or larger, sized mantises. However, because Mantis aren't hive minded the drones are more like companions and pets while still used as beasts of burden when needed. Docile when left alone when called upon to fight they fast and lash out with they sharp natural blades at the end of their arms. Each Mantis Elite normally has at least one Drone companion.

Elites: Elite Mantises average around 5-6 feet tall depending on gender, with females being larger than males. It should be said now that Elite females don't eat the heads of their mates afterwards. Four armed like most other insects, Mantises sometimes have the familiar blades at the end of their lower arms, in which case they are kept folded against the chest unless needed. Manties have spines running up their forearms as well, these can fold flat against their flesh when not in use, and are typically used as a last resort in a fight. Typical Mantis see every other race as a puzzle to solve and new things intrigue them, to the point they'll stop a fight to ask questions, they are the scholars of the insects.

Elite Mantis are generally happy to keep to themselves, they are all typically loners, only coming together to mate and start families. But relationships aren't forever as once the offspring are grown typically the parents drift apart to find new mates.

All Mantis can use magic and are capable mages, more is explained about their magic below.

Social Structure: Mantis, like Beetles, have a loose social structure. They have no classes, no true leaders and group decisions are rarely needed as the Mantis tend to leave each other alone unless working together on something or to mate. Even in a Mantis village the streets are usually sparsely populated as they are inside or working somewhere isolated outside on magic. As mentioned, a mated pair of Mantis Elites will stay together to raise the young until the young on old enough to be on their own, at which point the couple separate. In rare instances, a couple will stay together for longer periods, or forever, more so if the magic they work on compliment each other.

Mantis are the scholars of the insects, researching medicine and magic and history of their people and even the other insects. It's not unusual for a Mantis to be in Ant or Wasp colony or hive to help with healing where the others lack, or studying and researching and furthering the knowledge that the insects have of themselves. Where as other insects don't write much of their history down, or even keep track, the Mantis are the ones keeping tabs on everything, having large archives dedicated to storing this information. For they, above all other insects, believe that knowledge is power.

Magic and Combat: Mantis magic is the strongest and most diverse among the insect clans and hives, they are capable of casting of varying degrees. But even the worst among them make most human mages look like novices, such is their skill and dedication to their craft. Some chose to focus in one or two schools of magic, while others will practice a wide range for variety. Still some of the most dedicated Mantis will have the willpower and the magical clout to master almost all of the schools of magic. These Mantises are, among their own kind, are known as Virtuose, they are a rare thing among the Mantis, but when they appear they are a powerful force on a battlefield.

Mantis prefer to keep at range, using other insects as shields more or less, and sling their magic from the backlines. However, Virtuose have been known to walk the frontlines using their powerful magics to shield and protect their allies and do grave damage to their enemies. If forced to fight up close Mantis will rely on swords and shields and if desperate their own biological weapons, but they don't train much in the martial arts.