Sprite (creature)

Sprites were the warrior relatives of pixies. They were fierce defenders of good wherever they dwelt, and were also firm judges of other creatures' hearts and intentions.

The term "sprite" actually had two meanings: the first meant the specific race of tiny warriors, while the second use referred to the group of tiny, insect-featured fey that the specific kind belonged to.

Description
Sprites resembled tiny, elven-featured fey with insect-like wings. They were about tall.

Personality
Sprites were flighty and found most other creatures too serious. However, they also despised evil.

Because of their austerity and zealous attitude against evil, sprites were considered overly sullen and harsh by other fey. Unlike pixies, they did not care to engage in fun activities or adorn themselves. However, they were excellent judges of character, and could always sense another creature's real nature and emotions. They were quick to ally with good-natured creatures, and would come to their aid even at unexpected times.

Abilities
Like other fey, sprites possessed several innate magical powers: they could become invisible at will and could detect good or evil from away.

Sprites were expert brewers of toxins, poisons, and antidotes. In particular, they favored a potent sleep poison with which they coated their arrows. They usually harvested the ingredients for these toxins in forests, even venturing into dangerous areas to find them, but were not above stealing some from hags' gardens if extremely necessary.

Society
Sprites made their homes by meadows and glades deep within thriving forests. They were omnivorous creatures who, unlike most of their kin, were mainly active during the day.

Sprites kept an eye on other small sprite-like fey, either to protect them or to know who to invite to their gatherings. They were also known to associate with druids and the occasional ranger.

Sprites' villages could also found inside the trunks of trees or treants. They allowed no trespassers, and were quick to judge the moral character of persisting invaders.

Appearances

 * "Into the Nest of Vipers", Dungeon #75