Vespoda

### Physical Appearance

Vespoda stand between 1.3 to 2.3 meters, with females being typically larger than males. Their body is covered in a thick exoskeleton (they still have a regular one underneath) which helps support their multitude of limbs. Four insectoid wings enable a flight style similar to bees while their extra pair of forelimbs is primarily used for transporting objects. Across their centipede like segmented body they have further protrusions and spines. Their purpose is unclear. Vespoda possess a tail that can stretch and expand to be longer than their body. The stinger on the tip injects a toxin that can vary in effects. Broodmothers typically have a pair of pincers instead, in which case its their bite that injects their toxin. These dragons have three pairs of mandibles used primarily for chewing through tough carapace, as well as a pair of antenna. These let them pick up on pheromones other Vespoda release and leave, depending on strong emotions or as a warning.

### Coloration

Vespoda are typically any combination or red, yellow, brown, black, and white, but individuals can be born with other colors as well. The most common patterns for this subspecies are stripes and mottled calicos. Wing membranes can be opaque, despite their insectoid nature.

*For more information on how to design a Vespoda, go here.*

### Territory and Culture

Vespoda live on the southern part of the Broken Isles, inhabiting Loca Immota. Here they live in colonies reaching up to 100 members. They build these colonies by digging complex tunnel systems in the ground and often farm mushrooms or other fungi in the dark and damp chambers. Each colony has a strict social hierarchy where only the smartest and strongest emerge on top. Generally the highest ranks are occupied by females, as they're naturally stronger and more dominant than males. Surprisingly, these individuals tend to cooperate easily with each other and often take their role as guardians of the colony very seriously. They decide what the colony will do, who will mentor what hatchling, how much emphasis they should place on training warriors rather than workers. Wannabe usurpers are typically intimidated away or relegated to cleanup duty, a job dreaded by all. Different colonies generally tolerate each other and might even intermingle from time to time, but this can quickly change and turn into a rivalry or even an all out war, Most members within the colony have basic skills in all jobs but many choose to specialize in one particular area. This means that they're often assigned hatchlings to mentor on a one-on-one basis.

Amongst these jobs there is only one that cannot be chosen freely and cannot be changed. Broodmothers are exempt from their sisters' perpetual struggle for dominance and spend their whole lives within the colony, rarely ever seeing the sun. When an egg is laid within the colony its brought to the broodmother who looks after it. For example, they have specialized mandibles that allow them to scrape dirt and parasites off the eggs without damaging the shell. They have also been know to possess soft, fuzzy underbellies to help keep the brood warm. When the eggs hatch, she feeds the little Vespoda honey from her gums to help them grow fast and harden their exoskeleton. All hatchlings are raised this way until they reach 10 years of age at which point they're assigned a mentor. When a broodmother feels herself growing older, she'll choose a new child to take her place and feed her a slightly altered variation of her honey, causing her to undergo physical changes to fit the role better. Despite their importance, broodmothers generally have no say in the politics of the colony.

### Relationship with Patron

Like most islanders, the Vespoda are generally estranged from their patron, the Fallen. They speak of him in hushed whispers, build no temples or shrines. Some even say that the Vespoda make their homes below the ground so they may hide from his gaze and live their lives free of his influence.