Ecto

Ants. Specifically, Ant-People.

The Formicominid - or 'Antfolk' - exist in a world where humanity still exists, but the dirt is populated by more than just bugs. Formicominid look just like people - except tiny. With a spare set of black eyes tucked atop their head through their hair, antennae, and a black carapace exoskeleton that covers only their arms. The rest of their bodies is entirely human. They use rear backpacks that resemble the abdomen of an ant, and create massive colonies that rely on communal cooperation and absolute loyalty to their queen. Any outsiders or other Bugfolk are quickly dealt with accordingly - despite their size, Antfolk are incredibly strong and able to lift 50x their own body weight.

Ecto was never meant to be queen. Queen Maralith - of the Redline colony - a sprawling network of Antfolk engineering built into the side of a dirt mound in the woods - was killed by a human boy and one cruel stomp. This presented a succession crisis, as she had no daughters - but she did have a ward. A favorite. And in the chaos that followed, Ecto was elected to the role of queen of the Redline colony.

Despite being a boy.

Ecto was always a pretty boy. At the age of sixteen, he stands short and cute with beautiful yellow eyes and a pleasant, charmingly boyish face. His hair is tousled and messy, going down to his ears - a stark red color. Physically he's slim and lithe, with a boyish figure and charm. Due to mandatory exposure to royal jelly, Ecto has grown a pair of ant wings that sit on his back, able to lift him into the air at moment's notice. Ecto's antennae can release invisible pheromones that can heavily influence worker drones.

Ecto grew up as a meager worker drone, ignored by all - just another cog in the machine that is the Redline colony. He's well-versed in working with dirt and a natural hard worker and leader, despite his cutesy looks. He's also not afraid to get his claws dirty - fully prepared to wrestle with any other bugfolk that threaten his colony! Even though the Soldier class ants definitely wouldn't let him on the front lines anymore. Ecto is brave, optimistic, and EXUDES false confidence in every situation, hiding his anxiety under waves of happy-go-lucky enthusiasm.

He's certainly not stupid, either - Ecto knows that he has to present as a strong Queen to his colony, despite being:

A: Male B: Adorable C: A former worker drone elevated by luck and happenstance

Which means that Ecto really has his work cut out for him. His rule so far is characterized by cautious diplomacy, ambitious yet fruitful infrastructure and agricultural programs, and slow-moving societal upheavals - such as gasp worker rights. Keep in mind that the colony is not an absolute monarchy - the Inner Council's approval is required for big decisions. And they're stubborn, militant, and tradition-bound conservative. The Antfolk of Redline aren't much better - they themselves are xenophobic and quiescent. But they're all relatively loyal. The position of Queen has deep cultural and near-religious implications, and while they might not let Ecto do everything he'd like, outright harming the Queen is the deepest crime in Antfolk society imaginable.

In day-to-day life, Ecto is friendly, boyish, happy and pleasant to be around. He can get a little more serious when matters call for it, but generally speaking he's a nice person to be around and not one for pomp or circumstance, to the ire of his council. Ecto prefers to wear the standard pack and chitin worker armor he grew up with, but is often times forced to wear royal garments or tunics due to tradition.