Pasari-niml

Pasari-niml, or mants, were vicious insect-like creatures found in Zakhara, the Land of Fate.

Description
These creatures appeared to be large ants measuring 4—6 inches (10—15 cm) in length. Their face was roughly demihuman in appearance with twisted features exemplifying their malevolence. The facial skin was usually wrinkled and brown. They were capable of using tools with their front legs.

Combat
The sight of a pack of pasari-niml was enough to shock many creatures into immobility or flight. Pasari-niml attempted to swarm opponents or burrow beneath them to create a pitfall. Their strong teeth were even able to work holes into armor and expose the soft flesh beneath. Noble pasari-niml communicated well with their warriors during attacks to create a coordinated effort.

Mants carried darts and knives to use against opponents. They were immune to all spells from the charm or enchantment school of magic.

Habitat/Society
Pasari-niml lived in large colonies containing warriors, nobles, and a single calipha. Colonies were made underground or within the walls of buildings. They preferred to hunt at night. The colony grew as the calipha laid eggs, which took three weeks to hatch. If a new calipha hatched, she would be carried to a new location miles away to begin a separate colony.

Pasari-niml communicated through telepathy if they were within a mile of their calipha.

The calipha was actively worshiped by the members of her colony. The pasari-niml honored her by carving her face wherever they were able.

Ecology
Given by the need to feed their calipha, these creatures preyed upon anything they could catch. The calipha consumed some of the food herself, but regurgitated the rest to feed her workers and nobles. If the calipha died, the remaining pasari-niml perished within days.

Caliphas
Caliphas were the rulers of pasari-niml colonies. They were worshiped by the members of their colony. Their sole purpose was to eat and reproduce. A calipha face and head was that of a beautiful woman with feathery antennae. Sadly, this glimpse of beauty was marred by their bulbous worm-like body. Caliphas were mostly immobile and could not use tools. They were much larger than regular mants, growing roughly one foot per year.