Hiveling 

These human-sized (and larger) insectoid creatures are a scourge in the midwest and southwest. They are akin to the fire ant and the giant hornet, with their hive towers indicating a grave threat to the surrounding environs. They are known for their vicious claws, their incendiary venom, and powerful sorcery. Unfortunately, some have made their way to the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Hiveling infestations follow a similar pattern—the arrival of drones escorted by soldiers, followed by soldiers and sorcerous “viziers” sent to areas they deem problematic. The drones themselves seek out building materials for their hive towers and scavenge organic material for hive fodder. 

Iglesia explorers and Tougu inquisitors have discovered an advanced phase in Hiveling construction: the need for brains human-sized or larger for the building of a powerful psychic network. Infiltration of these hives has revealed dozens, if not hundreds, of brains harvested from survivor communities, scavenged corpses, and passers-by. Still semi-functional, these brains are believed to be integral to an infestation’s growth and eventual expansion. Communication and peaceful measures with the Hivelings have been met with silence or aggression, thus necessitating needful purgation of this invasive species whenever found in large enough quantities.