NESHI

The Neshi, commonly known among ExoHumans as Needleflies, are small blood-feeding insects found throughout the humid forests, marshlands, and river valleys of the Asari Region. Known among the Honga Tribes as the “Shiny Air Dancers,” they received their native name from the shimmering reflections created by their translucent wings whenever they pass through the perpetual twilight of the Habitual Belt.

Neshi feed on the blood of most mammals and other large warm-blooded creatures found on VOI 700 D. While individually harmless, they are infamous for their relentless swarming behavior and are considered one of the most irritating aspects of travel through the tropical regions of Asari.

A widespread frontier superstition claims that Neshi never sting Native Tribes and feed exclusively on outsiders. Although no scientific study has ever confirmed this belief, countless settlers insist they have witnessed it firsthand.

• Size: 4–6 mm
• Color: Dark gray body with a blue-green abdomen after feeding
• Wings: Thin, translucent wings that reflect ambient twilight
• Proboscis: Long needle-like feeding organ

• Shimmering Wings: Their wings produce brief flashes of reflected light when flying through sunlight, lantern light, or bioluminescent vegetation
• Heat Tracking: Highly sensitive to body heat and perspiration
• Chemical Detection: Capable of detecting mammalian scent trails over considerable distances

• Armor Class (AC): 11
• Hit Points (HP): 1 (per individual)
• Speed: 5 ft. (land), 35 ft. (flying)

• Blood Bite: 1 piercing damage plus minor irritation

• Swarm Assault: When encountered in large groups, creatures must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or suffer disadvantage on Perception checks for 10 minutes due to distraction and constant irritation
• Heat Sense: Advantage on locating warm-blooded creatures within 30 feet
• Twilight Flash: Their wings occasionally create brief flashes of reflected light, making large swarms visible from a distance

• Diet: Blood from mammals, reptiles, and large amphibians
• Social Structure: Large swarms ranging from dozens to several thousand individuals
• Activity Pattern: Most active during warm, humid periods and after rainfall

• Swarm Defense: Large numbers overwhelm potential threats through constant harassment
• Canopy Shelter: Retreat into dense foliage during heavy winds or storms
• Heat Pursuit: Follow scent and body heat trails through the forest

• Breeding Grounds: Stagnant pools, flooded roots, and slow-moving streams
• Egg Count: Several hundred eggs per breeding cycle
• Larval Stage: Aquatic filter-feeders that consume algae and organic debris
• Lifespan: Approximately 2–3 weeks

Among the Honga, the Neshi are considered symbols of persistence and adaptation. Their traditional name, “Shiny Air Dancers,” refers to the way their wings catch and scatter the dim light of the Habitual Belt.

Several Honga oral traditions claim that the insects avoid Native blood entirely. Whether this belief is based on observation, coincidence, or cultural mythology remains unknown.

ExoHuman settlers, meanwhile, typically describe the creatures using far less flattering terminology.

Neshi are best used as environmental obstacles rather than direct combat threats:

• Travel Hazard: Swarms can increase tension during long wilderness journeys
• Tracking Consequence: Large groups may reveal the presence of travelers through visible swarming activity
• Atmospheric Detail: Their constant buzzing helps emphasize the oppressive humidity of tropical regions
• Camp Disruption: Poorly protected camps may suffer sleepless nights due to persistent swarms

* VOI 700 D * Habitual Belt * Asari * Tropical Forest * Honga Tribes * Known Wildlife of Asari

Known Predators:

* Flutterwing * Glowfrogs * Arawi