Formians

Formians are a sapient, eusocial insectoid race that appears in various fantasy settings, most notably in Dungeons & Dragons. They resemble upright ants or wasps with chitinous bodies and caste markings. Formian society is organized around a hive led by a queen; workers perform labor, soldiers defend the hive, and specialized castes, including psionic-priest or bureaucratic leaders, manage governance and policy. A defining feature is the hivemind-like linkage between the queen and her subjects, allowing telepathic communication, rapid coordination, and shared memories across the colony.

Reproduction and social structure are caste-based: the queen lays eggs that hatch into assigned castes, which then fulfill their roles within the hive. Common castes include workers and soldiers, with other roles emerging in various settings, such as leaders or psionic clergy. Formians typically exhibit lawful, regimented behavior and are frequently depicted as expansionist or mercantile, seeking resources, territory, or strategic advantages. While they are often portrayed as cautious and xenophobic, some formians form tentative alliances or engage in trade with other powers when it suits their long-term aims.

Ecology and habitats: Formian hives are usually subterranean, located in ruins, caves, or other sheltered underground environments. Hives are meticulously organized, with strict internal rules and surveillance to maintain order and efficiency. They may employ enslaved captives or forced labor to support the colony’s needs.

In role-playing games, formians function as intelligent, psionically capable adversaries or oddball allies. They commonly possess telepathy, mind-affecting abilities, and natural armor or weaponry, reflecting their hive-centric worldview. Formians have appeared across editions and campaigns as exemplars of organized, insectoid society and as plot catalysts involving resource control and interspecies diplomacy.