Menmonds

Menmonds are a fictional species appearing in the "Chronicles of Aeridor" series of fantasy novels by author Elara Vance. They are depicted as a subterranean, insectoid race with a hive-like social structure. Physically, Menmonds are described as having chitinous exoskeletons, multiple limbs, and compound eyes. They are known for their impressive engineering and mining capabilities, having constructed vast underground cities and intricate tunnel networks.

The Menmonds are typically portrayed as a pragmatic and industrious people, focused on the survival and prosperity of their collective. Their society is often depicted as being ruled by a queen or a council of elders, with individual Menmonds fulfilling specific roles within the hive. While generally not inherently aggressive, they are fiercely protective of their territory and resources. Their interactions with other races in Aeridor vary throughout the series, ranging from cautious neutrality to outright conflict, often driven by misunderstandings or resource disputes. Their technology, while different from surface dwellers, is advanced in its own right, particularly in areas of construction, resource extraction, and defense. They are a significant, though often unseen, force within the world of Aeridor.