Wasp

With a sharp stinger that can sometimes be poisonous wasps are usually thought of as a pest. They have large wings that allow them to keep up with fleeing first-circle aislings. The Suomi farmers keep a hive of wasps near their fields to keep out other bugs. A wasp primarily eats other bugs, including mantises, which could ruin their crops and grape fields. Wasps also eat fruits and plant nectar. Wasps typically live together in a hive that can be made out of wood or mud.

The wasps found near fields are usually harmless, while the large wasps out in East Woodlands and Shinewood tend to be more aggressive. While a wasp’s sting may only be a small ache, they are known not to stop stinging until their target is dead.

Wasps produce a wax that is frequently sought after by mundanes. This wax is used for various crafting, including candles. This is the primary reason wasps are killed, and by the same token, why they have become so aggressive.

Wasps sometimes make a meal out of bees or a beehive. When this happens they will carry back any salvaged honey to their own hive. The honey is incredibly rich and useful so mundanes will pay premium to get it. Rarely, wasps will drop honey when killed by an aisling. This honey isn’t actually made by the wasp, rather it is what has been taken from a bee. It is very unlikely that you will ever run into a honey bee during your travels.

East Woodlands - Wasp

Besides farms and fields in small towns, wasps can be found in the Enchanted Gardens, Wasteland, and beginning paths in East Woodlands. They are very common in these areas, and quick to pick a fight with any aisling who happens to pass through.

During a firework celebration King Bruce announced that Areini, the Tagor Pet Shop owner would be randomly giving away pet wasps. ((Pet Wasps were given away at random to registered characters who spoke with Areini between June 30th and July 5th, 2006. There is presently no other way to get this pet. ))

Shinewood - Green Wasp

The green wasp is found only in the Shinewood Forest. They prefer the warm climate and large trees that are typical for the area. This breed of wasp can grow much larger and stronger than the ones found in East Woodlands and can be more difficult to tame. Green wasps are solitary, and you will not often find them harvesting food together, nor storing it in a hive; because of this, it is very unlikely you will find one with wax or honey.

Green wasps can be purchased from a breeder for a relatively low price ((290 kruna, from the Kruna Shop)).

Capturing a Wasp

The method of catching wasps is based more on their size than on breed. There are two preferred methods, one for smaller wasps, and one for larger ones.

Smaller wasps can be caught with a simple jar and a piece of thick parchment or thin board made of wood. Wait until the small wasp lands on a flat surface, such as a table or the ground and quickly set the open jar with the open end down, over the wasp, effectively capturing it inside the jar. Wedge the parchment or piece of wood under the jar and slide it through to the other end.

If the wasp is still on the ground when you are sliding it through, gently prod it with the wood or parchment until it either steps up on it or flies up into the jar. Once the wood or parchment is covering the end slowly tip the jar up, keeping your hand over the covered entrance so it doesn’t fall off, until it is in the upright position. Your wasp has now been caught! Just make sure you secure the lid and poke some holes in it so the wasp can get air.

Larger wasps can be a bit trickier because they have more potential of hurting you. You will need a thickly laced net and something to keep the wasp in until it can be tamed. Use the net to catch the wasp, and carefully, but quickly, encourage it into your container.

Other Facts

Wasps are attracted to sweet-smelling food. Always keep an eye out for them when you are making jam or if you have a cherry pie cooling on the windowsill.

Taming Your Wasp

Insects can’t really be tamed, at least not in the same sense as a hyena or even a dog. The key is to acclimate them to aislings, making them less likely to strike, and give them a reason to stay near you – something sweet will do the trick!