Ecology of Hivers

Grendelspawn, Urban Arcana

Nomenclature: abeil, dromite, formian, grendelspawn, ittakken, kreen, hivebrood, swarm drone, thriae, verminoid
Description: giant intelligent insects with humanoid features that live in massive colonies where every member serves a purpose

The hivers are hive minded insectoids reminiscent of ants, bees, hornets, mantises and termites. Hivers are divided into castes based on what role they serve in the hive.

There are a variety of castes with variable body types. Some castes are fixed, while others may change. Some are the size of sheep, others the size of elephants. Some have wings, some don't. Some are bipedal, others quadrupedal like centaurs. Some are comfortable moving on six, four or two depending on circumstances. Some castes have more or less humanoid appearances.

Formians, Forgotten Foes

All castes except reproductives are sterile and genderless. The majority of the population are sterile females, with a minority of fertile males and females responsible for reproduction.

Castes generally fall into one of a few necessary roles. The labor castes perform the vital functions of foraging, farming, construction and maintenance of the hive. The reproductive castes are responsible for all reproduction. The military castes are responsible for identifying and defending against any threats to the hive. The ruling castes serve as overseers or diplomats.

Abeil, Monster Manual II (3e)

Some hives have learned to hide their insectoid appearances behind pleasing illusions in order to smooth relations with other species, or breeding specialist castes with attractive humanoid features. This is probably what gave rise to the creepy fetishistic myth of sexy bee women called "thriae" abducting males of other races for reproduction (ref. Pathfinder Bestiary 3).

Hivers are expansionists, yet quite willing to adopt members of other races into their hives after brainwashing them. Conscripts are treated no differently than hivers of the same capacity. Sometimes hybrid offspring are born to interracial couplings. These are named "anzien" (ref. Children of the Planes).

Some hives have developed a disturbing method of physically converting other races into members of the hive. These "swarm drones" reproduce by stinging humanoids, injecting a concoction that converts them into hybrids (ref. Legends & Lairs: Twisted Lore).

Detailed breakdown of castes

The following is based on the structure of real eusocial arthropods and eschews the popular conventions about hive minds, hive queens, hive drones, etc. No castes are responsible for both ruling and reproduction.

Brain Bug, Starship Troopers

The worker caste (aka vassal) fulfills all labor and civilian duties. Workers are divided into many sub-castes: constructor, forager, larder, and nurse are the most common. Constructors secrete resin, dig tunnels and build hive structures. Foragers farm, gather crops and hunt game. Larders store food within their expanded stomachs, regurgitating for other members whenever needed. Nurses care for and feed larvae.

The warrior caste (aka centurion, soldier) defends the hive from threats. It is divided into sub-castes based on assignment and weaponry: militia, direct assault, support, scouting, praetorian guard, etc.

Geonosian Queen/Breeder, Star Wars

The reproductive caste is responsible for reproduction: it is divided into drones (aka kings) and queens. Drones inseminate queens. Queens sit immobile and produce eggs in their bloated egg sacs. Contrary to popular belief, they play no role in ruling the hive.

The ruling caste is responsible for directing the priorities and progress of the hive. It is divided into sub-castes like taskmasters, myrmidons, and monarchs. Contrary to popular belief, they are sterile and play no role in reproduction.