Ancestry: Vespidae
In deep jungle caverns, highly territorial clans of giant hornets craft nested cities of of honeycomb. Until recently, their life was cyclical and stable for much of their history. However, when spellcasters came to their caves, the Vespidae were forced to interact with power they had never seen before. Spies were sent to study the spellcasters as they worked. By the time the spellcasters left, the Vespidae clans had learned enough about magic to practice it themselves. The Vespidae empire began to expand with their newfound power, growing up towards the surface where they made contact with other peoples. The Vespidae have gained a newfound curiosity in other nations, and have not yet determined their opinion on any of them.
Vespidae appear to be giant-sized hornets, wasps, or honeybees capable of walking both upright and on all fours. They have antennae, insectoid wings, and large black eyes. Their bodies are either orange, green, or yellow, and have black stripes.
Vespidae Traits
Ability Score Increase. One ability score of your choice increases by 2, and another by 1, to a maximum of 20.
Age. Vespidae reach maturity around their mid teens and live slightly less than a century.
Alignment. Vespidae have a strong sense of hierarchy and duty, and enjoy structured socieities. They tend towards lawful alignments.
Creature Type. You are a Monstrosity.
Size. Vespidae stand around 6 foot tall at their body's apex. Your size is Large.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Vespidae Flight. Because of your wings, you have a 30 foot flying speed. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing medium or heavy armor.
Sting. Your stinger is a natural weapon, which counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. You add your Constitution modifier, instead of your Strength modifier, to the attack and damage rolls when you attack with this sting. It deals 1d4 Piercing damage on a hit.
Spider Climb. You have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. In addition, at 9th level, you can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving your hands free.
Languages. You can speak Common and one other language of your choice.
Heritage: Honey Clan
Vespidae of the Honey Clan are distantly related to honeybees. They cultivate flowers to produce a surplus of honey, which they trade to other peoples.
Honey Clan members appear fuzzier than other Vespidae, and are generally smaller.
Hiveweaver. You know the Mending cantrip. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.
Honeystrike. As a bonus action, you can apply honey to one weapon you are holding if you have a hand free. The next time you hit a creature with this weapon before the end of your next turn, the target's speed is reduced by 10 feet until the end of its next turn.
Once you use this feature, you must complete a short or long rest to do so again.
Heritage: Stinger Clan
The Stinger Clan Vespidae appear closer to wasps and hornets. They are more warlike than other Vespidae and extremely protective of their hives.
Stinger Clan members have a hardened exoskeleton, and have much larger stingers than other Vespidae.
Poisonous Sting. When you hit a creature with your Sting, you can attempt to poison it. The target must succeed a Constitution saving throw, where the DC equals 8 + your Proficiency Bonus + your Constitution modifier. On a failed save, the target becomes Poisoned for the next minute. Creatures can repeat this save at the end of their turns, ending the effect on themselves on a success.
Once you use this feature, you must complete a short or long rest to do so again.