Flutterby

The Flutterby is a species of Faerim that in its native form, looks very much like a beautiful butterfly, or more accurately, a swarm of butterflies. When encountered in its native habitat - sunny meadows filled with flowers in remote areas, like the Southern Wilds, most would pay little attention, seeing nothing less common than a swarm of butterflies flitting here and there, as if they were dancing together in the air. But its likeness to a swarm of butterfiles is where the similarity ends. In fact, the "swarm of butterflies" is actually a single creature. When it so desires, the members of the swarm are able to join together, transforming into a single creature with the appearance of another creature or object.   Being a species of Faerim, a flutterby is deceptive, using illusion and trickery to protect its habitat from invaders. Depending on its target, the flutterby might take the form of an enemy, a helpless or prey animal, a small child, or other pitiful or attractive object - even a pile of gold coins - to lure the flutterby's victim into a trap, such as a copse of Wax Rose trees. Once incapacitated, the flutterby transforms again into its individual members, which often proceed to eat the helpless victim, bite by tiny bite. Orkrim are often trapped by flutterbys taking the appearance of an Elvirim engrossed in its surroundings, unaware of approaching danger. The Orkrim, ironically, are the ones unaware of the danger of the flutterby.   The Southmarch Rangers, through unfortunate experience, know of the dangers of flutterbys, and have learned to become wary of the incongruous appearance of comely maidens, helpless puppies and kittens, or other things that tug at one's heart in unlikely places.