Sprites

Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: Nature Guardian Fae Entity
Sentience: Yes

Physical Description

Sprites are small, elusive nature spirits that serve as guardians of specific natural areas. They typically appear as tiny humanoid or humanoid-like figures, often only a few inches tall. They may have insect-like wings (resembling butterflies or dragonflies), plant-like features, or appearances that blend with their specific environment.

Sprites may have skin tones that match their environment (green for forest sprites, brown for earth sprites, colorful for flower sprites, etc.) and may be difficult to spot when they remain still. They are graceful and quick, able to move through natural environments with ease.

Personality

Sprites are protective, territorial, and deeply connected to their specific natural areas. They are generally benevolent toward those who respect nature and their domains, but can become hostile or mischievous if their areas are threatened.

Sprites are more numerous but individually less powerful than larger fae types. They value cooperation and may work in groups to enhance their abilities. They appreciate offerings of respect for nature, protection of their areas, and acts that benefit the natural world.

Location

Sprites are found in specific natural areas that they guard: - Groves (groups of trees or small forests) - Meadows (flower-filled grasslands) - Wilderness areas (untamed natural spaces) - Gardens (natural or wild gardens) - Specific plants or flowers (some sprites guard individual plants or small groups)

Each sprite is typically bound to a specific area, grove, meadow, or plant, and they rarely venture far from their domain. Sprites are more common in areas where nature is preserved and respected.

They may be encountered when travelers enter their guarded areas, during offerings or rituals honoring nature, or when their domains are threatened and they need to protect their areas.

Bond Tiers and Rewards

As a Druid's bond with a Sprite strengthens, they gain cumulative abilities and spells. Sprites are guardians of nature, granting powers of protection, growth, and communion with the natural world.

Tier 1: Initial Bond (Minimum Level 1)

Special Ability: Nature's Guardian You can speak with small beasts and plants. As an action, you can ask simple questions of them and receive responses (DM discretion).

Granted Spells: Entangle, Goodberry

Tier 2: Growing Bond

Special Ability: Plant Growth Once per short rest, you can cause plants in a 20-foot radius to grow rapidly, creating difficult terrain for enemies but not allies.

Granted Spells: Spike Growth, Barkskin

Tier 3: Strong Bond

Special Ability: Grove Protection You and allies within 10 feet gain +2 AC when standing in natural terrain (forests, grasslands, etc.).

Granted Spells: Speak with Plants, Plant Growth

Tier 4: Deep Bond

Special Ability: Verdant Communion Once per day, you can cast Speak with Plants or Plant Growth without expending a spell slot.

Granted Spells: Grasping Vine, Wall of Thorns

Spell Slot Bonuses

In addition to granted spells and special abilities, your Sprite patron grants bonus spell slots based on bond strength:

Tier 1: No bonus (baseline)
Tier 2: +1 spell slot at highest available level
Tier 3: +2 spell slots distributed across levels
Tier 4: +3 spell slots distributed across levels