Ancient Origins and Early Domestication

The story of the Messenger Bee begins in Gondwana, an ancient supercontinent formed 600 million years ago; here, all bees originate. First, there were stinging, predatory bees. Later, groups transitioned from predatory wasps to gentle pollinators, eventually bringing Apidae to life: the bumblebee family. This shift not only helped flowering plants flourish but also caught the attention of the fae, who saw potential in these industrious insects.1

Fae society, with its advanced magical knowledge and reverence for nature, began domesticating bees for various purposes—gardening, food production, and, notably, as simple messengers. Through complex rituals and magical engineering, the fae (under the elf, Canridamas) created the first Messenger Bees hundreds of thousands of years later, imbuing them with the ability to predict events and communicate through color-coded signals. These bees were integral to fae communities, acting as a living notification system and helping maintain the delicate balance between the fae, their environment, and control.

the Creation of Messenger Bees

Messenger Bees are a type of organism known as an AOS: an Animal of Superstition. AOS' are magically engineered animals linked to omens and foresight. They are the origins of superstitions, old wives' tales, and expressions. Some AOSes are linked to danger (Red AOS) or fortune (Green AOS), but Messenger Bees are generally inconsequential and part of everyday life, a Blue AOS. All Animals of Superstition are creations of ancient fae.

A product of advanced technology, Messenger Bees were experimental bumblebees programmed with new behaviors and organs, like a minor well; wells are organs responsible for AOS' supernatural characteristics and generate energy known as magic.

Minor AOSes are living tools generally used for three purposes:

1) Helping with repetitive or mundane tasks;

2) Communicating;

3) Generating and harvesting magical energy.

As creating an AOS consumed vast resources, took at least a century, and required great sacrifice, most AOSes are minor (having only diminutive magical potential energy); for many, the cost of moderate and major wells for more powerful creations was too high.

the Golden Age of Messenger Bees

During the height of fae civilization, Messenger Bees were a common sight in the lush, magical gardens of courts, kingdoms, and rings. They played crucial roles in daily life, from alerting fae of impending or upcoming weather changes to signaling the arrival of visitors. The bees' ability to foresee events and convey messages through their glowing patterns made them indispensable. Some fae altered the bees for further customization and privacy, programming unique color codes and signals.

Fae families took great pride in their apiaries, carefully tending to their bee colonies and teaching the next generation how to interpret the bees' messages and care for them. This era, often called the Golden Age of Messenger Bees, saw a harmonious coexistence between fae, bees, and nature.

Decline and Abandonment

As fae civilizations declined, Messenger Bee apiaries fell into disrepair, abandoned by a disappearing culture. The once-thriving bee colonies struggled to survive in the wild, facing predation from magic-eating creatures and environmental challenges.

Without the protection and care of their fae keepers, the Messenger Bees adapted by discarding their magical properties and relying more on their natural instincts. The Queen Bees retained their magical abilities but kept them hidden, ensuring the survival of their colonies in a hostile world.

Rediscovery and Bonding with Humans

In the millennium that followed, humans began to encounter Messenger Bees. At first, the bees' oddities puzzled and intrigued them. Through careful observation and interaction (and much time), humans slowly learned to understand and bond with these magical insects. The bees, sensing a new potential keeper, tested various human gatherings, eventually forming symbiotic relationships with those who showed respect and care.

Families throughout eastern North America became adept at attracting and keeping Messenger Bees. The bees brought significant benefits, such as improved crop yields and valuable weather predictions, fostering a deep connection between humans and the bees.

the Age of Superstition

By the 17th and 18th centuries, Messenger Bees were well-integrated into human society, especially among farming families and mountain folk. Manuals and almanacs included instructions on how to care for and interpret these magical bees' messages. However, as societal attitudes towards magic began to shift, the relationship with Messenger Bees took a darker turn.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a wave of anti-magic sentiment swept through many communities. Stories of malevolent spellcasters and dark magic fueled fears and led to widespread paranoia. Messenger Bees, with their supernatural abilities, became targets of suspicion and fear. They were unfairly associated with malicious creatures, like Wicks, and other dark forces; many believed that keeping these bees was a sign of nefarious intent.

the Burning of the Hives

The fear and hysteria surrounding magic culminated in the destruction of Messenger Bees and their keepers. Countless hives were destroyed in an attempt to root out perceived evil. Even loyal keepers were forced to part with or burn down their bees to avoid being ostracized or worse.

This period of intense persecution led to a significant decline in the Messenger Bee population. The few remaining colonies were without keepers in wild, unsettled land; their numbers dwindled as they struggled to survive without protection and as they encountered continued persecution by bee hunters.

Modern Times and Conservation Efforts

Efforts to rediscover and protect Messenger Bees have gained momentum in recent decades. Conservationists, folklorists, and cryptozoologists have documented sightings of wild Messenger Bees, primarily in West Virginia. The bees' unique abilities and historical significance have sparked renewed interest in their preservation.

Today, only a few kept hives exist, and wild Messenger Bees are a rare sight. Conservation programs aim to protect their habitats, educate the public about their importance, and encourage the creation of bee-friendly environments. The legacy of the Messenger Bee serves as a reminder of the harm fear and ignorance can cause.