Ok, so a sprite to me is kind of like the goblin version of the fey. Their Diminutive, but otherwise just a 1/3 creature that after the PCs get 2nd level is crying out for some re-skinning.
I'm no good at re-skinning. I freely admit I troll these boards for monster variants. But one tiny aspect of the sprite got me thinking. Sprites have a power of Illumination so they can be like Tinkerbell, but essentially this is an at will Light cantrip right? Well, what other cantrips could you sub in?
Introducing: the Springdrench Sprite!
In place of illumination, the Springdrench are a maudlin bunch of shadow-fey constantly followed by tiny stormclouds. Now this isn't a curse and these creatures can control the effect to lessen it or even turn it off when they need to. However when their storms are really pouring they can drench a 20' burst from themselves in a round and extinguish non-magical fires. Their constantly soaked body gets rid of the typical DR but replaces it with Fire Resistance 5.
What other sprites can you think of?
Just thought of another one, along the same lines: Quartet Sprites
Rather than Illumination these Quartets constantly emit the sounds of other sprites accompanying them. In general it sounds like four other sprites sputtering along with the original, but they can reduce these extra noises down to nothing if they so choose. This is a nice defense mechanism to ward off predators by making them think a whole band of sprites are about instead of just one.
Qartets then swap out Color Spray for Ventriliquism, keep Daze but then also gain Message in place of Dancing Lights. Quartets are the voices of the woodland fey. Their revels are heard but rarely seen.
The Graveborn Sprites
Fey spirits who mingle amid graves and wild burials, the Graveborn exude a strange darkness in place of their forest counterparts.
They are larger than their cousins (gain the Giant and Advanced templates), favoring close quarters assault to parlor tricks. The Graveborn hasten death, constantly emiting an ebbing mist of shadowy darkness that disrupts the living (Bleed in place of Luminous). Their touch brings lethargy and fatigue (Touch of Fatigue instead of Daze) and they are able to mark their prey (Arcane Mark instead of Dancing Lights) which they then cause to illuminate when their dark vision falls upon it (Detect Magic instead of Detect Evil).
Some of the Graveborn go on to become accomplished Magi. These abominations of their kind defy all the conventions of the fey and become Parriahs among all others save the Graveborn. A trio of these cretures, working in tandem can garner greater powers like a witches coven. These powers include creating areas of darkness, firing off bolts of necromantic enervation (Ray of Enfeeblement) and animating corpses they can then command.
Springdrench
This lithe, diminutive creature looks like a waterlogged humanoid fluttering on wispy, mothlike wings; its features are fluid and curved.
Sprite
CR 1/3
XP 135
CN Diminutive fey
Init +3; Senses Blindsense, low-light vision; Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 17, touch 17, flat-footed 14 (+3 Dex, +4 size)
hp 3 (1d6)
Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +2
Resist fire 5
OFFENSE
Speed 15 ft., fly 60 ft. (perfect)
Melee shortsword +0 (1d2-4/19-20)
Ranged shortbow +7 (1d2-4)
Space 1 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +5)
Constant—endure elements
At will—create water, scoop
1/day—hydraulic push (CMB +5), obscuring mist
STATISTICS
Str 3, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 10
Base Atk +0; CMB -1; CMD 5
Feats Alertness
Skills Escape Artist +15, Fly +21, Perception +6, Sense Motive +2, Stealth +19
Languages Common, Sylvan
SQ drench
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Drench (Su)
A Springdrench naturally sheds misting rain out to a 20’ burst from itself. A Springdrench can control the intensity of the rain as a swift action, reducing it to the level of a drip or even ceasing its drench entirely if it wishes.
The Springdrench Sprites are the minions of rainfall, delivering water to the plants and helping tend the gardens of the limitless wilds. Their presence is easily detected, though most only notice their rainfall and not the actual creature within.
These mercurial beings prefer to remain hidden from view, like most of their cousins. However like luminous sprites they have a fierce dislike for those who despoil the wilderness, especially by fire. A tribe of these creatures, once enraged, have been known to cause streams and small rivers to flood, just to sate their anger.
Springdrench however do not seek out danger. Unlike many fey they are not curious interlopers in the affairs of other humanoids. These beings prefer the solitude of the wilds where their work can continue uninterrupted. They tend to follow certain patterns though their resilience to the elements allows them to work year round. In the winter months their rainfall turns to thin, wet snow and frost coats their skin, while during the summer months they often unleash their deepest torrents all at once, then drift into slumber for days.
Farmers might try to lure the Springdrenchies out of the woods in time of drought. Maybe raindances amuse them. I can see an adventure where the farmers hire the party to stop an evil wizard from hunting them.
Major thread res here but I got inspired from another thread and thought I'd take another swing.
Doomngloom Sprite
These poor fey are the result of a faerie curse ages ago. Its said that the first of their kind was a beautiful princess who flaunted her charms before the fey court. A jealous faerie witch placed an eternal curse on her and her kin. Now they wander in pitiful sorrow.
The Doomngloom sprites are forever surrounded by the mocking of their own kind. Strange shapes hover and warp through the air around them. These unnerving figments actually help protect the sprites; their presence wards off attacks which may have otherwise hurt them.
The canny fey have turned their curse to a malicious advantage over the centuries. Like their cousins the mites these poor creatures can inflict their doom on others forcing visions into the minds and souls of their victims.
In game terms these fey replace Dancing Lights and Daze with the Doom spell which they can use at will. They also replace Luminous with a constant aura of Haunted Fey Aspect so they have a constant DR 1/-
They keep Color Spray 1/day and their CR shifts to 1/2.
I like your springdrench sprites a lot. Two thumbs up.