Difference between revisions of "Wood Elves"

From Lord of the Craft
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Fixed up welves shit)
Line 13: Line 13:
 
| '''Race Tree''': Elf
 
| '''Race Tree''': Elf
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Weight''': 75 - 125lb
+
| '''Weight''': 110 - 160lb
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''Height''': 4'5 - 5'9 ft
+
| '''Height''': 4'5 - 6 ft  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''Eye Color''': Brown to green
+
| '''Eye Color''': Brown, green, black, yellow
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Hair Color''': Dark red to brown
+
| '''Hair Color''': Dark red to brown or black
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Culture''': Autocracy
+
| '''Culture''': Elective Monarchy
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Bonus profession''': Woodworker
 
| '''Bonus profession''': Woodworker
Line 46: Line 46:
  
 
== Physical Attributes ==
 
== Physical Attributes ==
[[File:HvSQep8.png]]
+
[[File:welves physical shit.png]]
  
Indeed, while most Wood Elves have tan or brownish skin, there are some who have traces of [[High Elves|High Elven]] heritage and have olive or rarely peach skin. Commonly, Wood Elves have either brown, blond, or red hair with green, black, or brown eyes.
+
Wood elves are more easily distinguished from their other elven cousins by their dark skin, this can range anywhere from a olive to cinnamon to a dark brown. Commonly, Wood Elves have either brown, black, or red hair with green, black, or brown eyes. Blonde hair and blue eyes are possible but rare.
  
 
Generally, Wood Elves prefer to wear clothing containing shades of brown, green, or other natural forest colors. Though they are by no means limited to those: as with bodily appearance, the Wood Elven individuality is omnipresent in what they choose to wear. Though functionality of clothing is considered, what is more important to Wood Elves is its feeling and form. It is not uncommon to see Wood Elves adorn very elaborate clothing for special occasions such as marriages, dinners, or gatherings with friends. To a Wood Elf, what you wear is indicative of your state of mind.
 
Generally, Wood Elves prefer to wear clothing containing shades of brown, green, or other natural forest colors. Though they are by no means limited to those: as with bodily appearance, the Wood Elven individuality is omnipresent in what they choose to wear. Though functionality of clothing is considered, what is more important to Wood Elves is its feeling and form. It is not uncommon to see Wood Elves adorn very elaborate clothing for special occasions such as marriages, dinners, or gatherings with friends. To a Wood Elf, what you wear is indicative of your state of mind.
  
 +
Wood elven clothing can be of any colour, but almost always reflects an aspect of nature. Yellows and oranges would match the subtle hues of a sunset, for example. Red clothes would match the bloom of a rose, and blue clothing would be deep and dark like the sea.
 +
 +
Many wood elves are painted with elaborate, colourful tattoos all over their body. These are called ilmyumier and they are the tribal tattoos which indicate which [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/137522-seeds-of-laurelin-ancient-traditions/ Seed] that wood elf belongs to.
 +
 +
A full guide on how to make your wood elf look lore appropriate can be found [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/149754-wood-elven-appearance-guide/ here].
  
 
== Other Attributes ==
 
== Other Attributes ==
Line 58: Line 63:
 
Furthermore, as one would expect from a race of excellent fletchers, the best archers in the world are most often Wood Elves. The bow is the preferred weapon of the race as the distance between their target allows the elves to make use of their speed and agility. In combat, a group of wood elves with bows can be deadly, as the nimble nature of the race grants them speed and long years of practice grants them deadly accuracy.
 
Furthermore, as one would expect from a race of excellent fletchers, the best archers in the world are most often Wood Elves. The bow is the preferred weapon of the race as the distance between their target allows the elves to make use of their speed and agility. In combat, a group of wood elves with bows can be deadly, as the nimble nature of the race grants them speed and long years of practice grants them deadly accuracy.
 
=== Aging ===
 
=== Aging ===
Elves develop very similarly to Humans for the first two decades, with both races reaching adulthood near the end of this time frame. Once this point is reached, physical advancement for an Elf slows down so much that it seems as if they aren't aging at all. Elves are also not burdened with the curse of mortality that is present in all Humans, leading to the oldest Elves having an age upwards of eight centuries. While they may be considered immortal by other races and even themselves, there have been cases of Elves dying of old age when they were older than 1000.
+
Elves develop very similarly to Humans for the first two decades, with both races reaching adulthood near the end of this time frame. Once this point is reached, physical advancement for an Elf slows down so much that it seems as if they aren't aging at all. Elves are also not burdened with the curse of mortality that is present in all Humans. Elves can live to be over a millennia old.
 
=== Curses ===
 
=== Curses ===
 
See: Curse of the [[Elves]].
 
See: Curse of the [[Elves]].
Line 77: Line 82:
  
 
== Culture ==
 
== Culture ==
Wood elves generally see themselves as the oldest and most natural (un-altered) sub-race of the elves. However, they do not look down on other sub-races and for the most part are happy to live among them.
+
Wood elven culture is built around two pillars, faith and family. Faith is represented with Aspectism- the religion of the wood elves. Family is represented by the Seeds, tribal clans of wood elves who trace their bloodlines back to their ancient nomadic ancestors, whose culture they emulate.
 +
 
 +
'''Faith - Aspectism'''
 +
 
 +
Aspectism is the largest religion in the Dominion of Malin, and among all elves as a whole. It centers around the worship of two gods of nature, Cerridwen and Cernunnos. Cerridwen being the gentle mother of life, and Cernunnos the fierce hunter and bringer of death. Together they form a balance, and are seen almost as deific parents by the wood elves, who often call them “the mother and the father”.  
  
The bulk of wood elves follow the old way, a nature-based and more conservative way of life. The wood elves have faced centuries of oppression and genocide from other races, and corruption and individualism within their own race. The old way is an attempt to bring the ancient, wood elven staples such as the Malin, the Aspects, and a reverence of nature back into wood elven culture to reform a coherent society with the same set of values.
+
Aspectism at its core is the belief that no creature or living being is greater than the wild. That it is the duty of all beings to live in harmony with nature and not seek to be better than it or conquer it. Being a race that has always been tied to nature and the wild, its not hard to understand why this religion, and the Aspects who are the gods of nature, are so important to the wood elves.
  
The old way is based off the following pillars:
+
'''Family - The Seeds'''
* To hold a reverence for the Aspects of nature, Cerridwen and Cernunnos, and live by their teachings.
 
* To recognize the natural balance the Aspect's created, the natural order of things, and live close to it.
 
* To never interfere, alter or bring imbalance to the Aspect's natural order.
 
  
Adding together all which is said in the Teachings of the Aspects, the Wood Elves as a whole are a generally tranquil and peaceful race. They care most about protecting their people, yet also act endearing and welcoming to the traveling outsider. Their respect for nature does not disallow them from doing things like chopping wood or harvesting grain, so long as they replant as much as they take.
+
A Seed is essentially a mix between a tribe, a clan, and a family. The wood elven state of Laureh’lin is driven by its Seeds, whose members constantly are in friendly competition with one another in displays of hunting prowess, wealth, and glory.
  
As with the Teachings, violence is avoided often at great cost by Wood Elves. They are not people who commonly start a bar-fight over an off-tasting drink, harbour a personal vendetta for someone due to a single insult, or persecute others for their race or beliefs. Force is only resorted to in the worst of circumstances, for example, when the lives of friends or loved ones are in danger. In war, every life a Wood Elf takes is a necessary evil. Indeed, right before battle, an often heard mantra is spoken in Elvish: "Blessed land, forgive this blood!" Those who are often forced into committing violence attempt to ease their minds with creative works. For this reason many of the greatest warriors of their race have been reputable artisans and imaginative minds as well.
+
Anyone can tell whether or not a wood elf belongs to a seed by whether or not their skin is tattooed. A tattoo on a wood-elf is called an ilmyumier and each Seed has its own unique design.
 +
 
 +
It is a common belief among wood elves that the ancient [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/136270-era-of-the-seeds-wood-elven-ancient-history/ Era of the Seeds] was the golden age of the wood elven people. In this time, it is said all wood elves were pure, living perfectly with nature and unchallenged in their piety to the Aspects. They lived nomadic lives in the deep forests and were said to be able to perform miracles, lost druidic arts, and cultivate trees soft as silk or hard as steel.
 +
 
 +
The nobility of Linandria today are all individuals who can trace their bloodlines back to the ancient Seeds. Seeds today are no longer nomadic but practice many of the old traditions, including close familial bonds with non-blood/adopted relatives, devout Aspectism, and the painting of ilmyumier (tribal tattoos). Each Seed has its own unique tribal tattoo with its own colour and design.
 +
 
 +
Any wood elf (or elf in general) living in Linandria worth his or her salt, seeks to join one of the Seeds living in Laureh’lin today.
  
 
=== Art ===
 
=== Art ===
For a race which has great skill in wielding bows, it is no surprise that the greatest fletchers are Wood Elves. The shaping of wood is a large part of the arts of the Wood Elves: some create great sculptures, others make large, ornate etched carvings, still others dedicate their knowledge to carpentry. Some are adept bards, for whimsical songs and tales are greatly enjoyed by Wood Elves.
+
The best woodworkers in the world are typically wood elves. Even weapons like swords and bows, while serving a utility purpose, are made intricately as works of art in Linandria.
 +
 
 +
Wood elven painting and sculptures are more naturalistic and often embody the core values of the people. For example, the massive wooden statues of the Aspects presiding over the main gate of Linandria are an example of the patience and prowess of wood elven sculptors.
 +
 
 +
The druids of Linandria (the Naelurir) are also great artists, weaving nature into wonderful shapes and colours. The very tree canopy of Linandria can be considered a work of art, shaped and grown by the druids.
  
 
=== Religion ===
 
=== Religion ===
Though there are some Wood Elves who choose not to have beliefs (and by the Wood Elf ideal they have every right not to), many of them who do choose to pray to the Aspects, Cernunnos and Cerridwen. This is due to the Aspect's prominent presence in the old way culture. A significant minority are religiously aligned to holy deities such as Aerial, Xan and Tahariae.
+
Religion is extremely important to the wood elves. As stated above, [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/145114-aspectism-the-wood-elven-faith/ Aspectism] is one of the two main pillars on which wood elven culture functions. Almost all wood elves, especially those who grew up in Laureh’lin, follow the Aspectist faith.
  
The Aspects are often featured in wood elven daily life. A hunter may say a prayer to Cernunnos, the Aspect of the hunt, to make his bow aim true. A farmer may call upon Cerridwen, Aspect of growth, to bring about a bountiful harvest. During marriage or childbirth, the Aspects are met with imploring prayer. A shortened example of a prayer a couple would make for their child would be: "Cerridwen make my child healthy, and grow into his adult years. Cernunnos grant his bow-arm strength so he may take down his prey."
+
The two key deities of Aspectism are the aenguls- Cerridwen and Cernunnos. They are considered gods by the wood elves and the ultimate caretakers of the sea, the sky, and all that lives. However, the Aspects are not attributed to the creation of the elves themselves.  
  
You can read more about Aspectism [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/145114-aspectism-the-wood-elven-faith/ here].
+
As Aspectism doctrine reads: The elves were thrown into this world by another deity (often believed to be the Creator in human canonist faith). They had no knowledge on how to survive and had no place in the natural ecosystem. The Aspects took pity upon this alien race and approached Malin, forefather of all elves. They gave [[Malin]] the gift of intelligence to spread among all his kin, on the promise that all his people worship the Aspects and live with utmost respect of the wilderness.
  
Wood Elves in general regard the [[Dryads]] with respect and admiration. They are the women of the Wood Elves who have given their quest for self-identity to nature itself. Female Wood Elves are not pressured socially to become Dryads by any means, and there is no stigma in refusing a Blossoming. If she chooses not to be a Dryad, it is not only her choice but her fate not to be one.
+
It is believed by many wood elves that Malin was the first [Druid Magic|druid].  
  
Druids, having the same faith towards the Aspects as Wood Elves do, are often treated with respect. Wood elven druids are held high in wood elven society and often called upon to perform sacred ceremonies such as weddings.
+
To this day, the wood elves still worship the Aspects, considering themselves the last true followers of Malin’s teachings. Primary places of worship are found in the form of quiet groves, with shrines to the Aspects and burning braziers in which sacrifices to them are thrown into.  
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
For many years the Wood Elves resided within the nation of [[Malinor]], the original nation of the elves.  This dissolved in [[Anthos]], however, and the wood elves had no true home of their own until the formation of [[Laureh'lin]] in [[Athera]]. [[Laureh'lin]] is currently included under the state of the [[Dominion of Malin]] with the signing of [[The Treaty of Laureh'lin]].
+
The wood elves began as a series of nomadic seeds, tribal groups who roamed around, practicing druidry, worshiping the aspects and painting themselves with tattoos, it is from these Seeds that modern wood elf culture is derived from.
 +
 
 +
The first true nation of the wood elves was of [[Malinor]], upon its dissolution, the wood elves lived under the yoke of the high elves until they rebelled and formed the nation of Laureh’lin.
 +
 
 +
Laureh’lin and its capital city, Linandria, is now part of the [[Dominion of Malin]] with the signing of [[The Treaty of Laureh'lin]].
  
To view a more extensive history of each nation, see the [[Malinor]] and [[Laureh'lin]] pages.
+
For full wood elven history, see: [[Laureh'lin]].  
  
 
=== Cities ===
 
=== Cities ===

Revision as of 05:17, 17 September 2016

none.png
Art by: Murdervish
Wood Elves
Race Tree: Elf
Weight: 110 - 160lb
Height: 4'5 - 6 ft
Eye Color: Brown, green, black, yellow
Hair Color: Dark red to brown or black
Culture: Elective Monarchy
Bonus profession: Woodworker
Racial Perks
+ Keen Eyes: Increased archery damage
+ Elven Agility: Increased passive speed
Professions Bonuses

+30% Breeder
+30% Woodworker
+20% Lumberjack
+20% Leatherworker
-20% Miner

The most diverse of the elven sub-races, the Wood Elves, also known as the Mali'ame, are a nimble, curious people. They are tolerant of other races, inviting elves of all kinds within their walls. The Wood Elves reside in the forests of Laureh'lin in the eastern islands of Vailor, having a close relationship with nature and a conservative lifestyle.

Physical Attributes

welves physical shit.png

Wood elves are more easily distinguished from their other elven cousins by their dark skin, this can range anywhere from a olive to cinnamon to a dark brown. Commonly, Wood Elves have either brown, black, or red hair with green, black, or brown eyes. Blonde hair and blue eyes are possible but rare.

Generally, Wood Elves prefer to wear clothing containing shades of brown, green, or other natural forest colors. Though they are by no means limited to those: as with bodily appearance, the Wood Elven individuality is omnipresent in what they choose to wear. Though functionality of clothing is considered, what is more important to Wood Elves is its feeling and form. It is not uncommon to see Wood Elves adorn very elaborate clothing for special occasions such as marriages, dinners, or gatherings with friends. To a Wood Elf, what you wear is indicative of your state of mind.

Wood elven clothing can be of any colour, but almost always reflects an aspect of nature. Yellows and oranges would match the subtle hues of a sunset, for example. Red clothes would match the bloom of a rose, and blue clothing would be deep and dark like the sea.

Many wood elves are painted with elaborate, colourful tattoos all over their body. These are called ilmyumier and they are the tribal tattoos which indicate which Seed that wood elf belongs to.

A full guide on how to make your wood elf look lore appropriate can be found here.

Other Attributes

In stature, Wood elves are generally the shortest among the elves, often shorter than the average human. Though, wood elves with high elven ancestry are known to be slightly taller. Often they are slim, yet not to the degree of High Elves and generally more physically fit. Wood Elves commonly have a natural gift for speed and agility.

Furthermore, as one would expect from a race of excellent fletchers, the best archers in the world are most often Wood Elves. The bow is the preferred weapon of the race as the distance between their target allows the elves to make use of their speed and agility. In combat, a group of wood elves with bows can be deadly, as the nimble nature of the race grants them speed and long years of practice grants them deadly accuracy.

Aging

Elves develop very similarly to Humans for the first two decades, with both races reaching adulthood near the end of this time frame. Once this point is reached, physical advancement for an Elf slows down so much that it seems as if they aren't aging at all. Elves are also not burdened with the curse of mortality that is present in all Humans. Elves can live to be over a millennia old.

Curses

See: Curse of the Elves.

Professions

Racial Profession: Woodworker

Learning Speed

  • +30% Breeder
  • +30% Woodworker
  • +20% Lumberjack
  • +20% Leatherworker
  • -20% Miner

Special Perks

+ Keen Eye: Increased Archery Damage

Culture

Wood elven culture is built around two pillars, faith and family. Faith is represented with Aspectism- the religion of the wood elves. Family is represented by the Seeds, tribal clans of wood elves who trace their bloodlines back to their ancient nomadic ancestors, whose culture they emulate.

Faith - Aspectism

Aspectism is the largest religion in the Dominion of Malin, and among all elves as a whole. It centers around the worship of two gods of nature, Cerridwen and Cernunnos. Cerridwen being the gentle mother of life, and Cernunnos the fierce hunter and bringer of death. Together they form a balance, and are seen almost as deific parents by the wood elves, who often call them “the mother and the father”.

Aspectism at its core is the belief that no creature or living being is greater than the wild. That it is the duty of all beings to live in harmony with nature and not seek to be better than it or conquer it. Being a race that has always been tied to nature and the wild, its not hard to understand why this religion, and the Aspects who are the gods of nature, are so important to the wood elves.

Family - The Seeds

A Seed is essentially a mix between a tribe, a clan, and a family. The wood elven state of Laureh’lin is driven by its Seeds, whose members constantly are in friendly competition with one another in displays of hunting prowess, wealth, and glory.

Anyone can tell whether or not a wood elf belongs to a seed by whether or not their skin is tattooed. A tattoo on a wood-elf is called an ilmyumier and each Seed has its own unique design.

It is a common belief among wood elves that the ancient Era of the Seeds was the golden age of the wood elven people. In this time, it is said all wood elves were pure, living perfectly with nature and unchallenged in their piety to the Aspects. They lived nomadic lives in the deep forests and were said to be able to perform miracles, lost druidic arts, and cultivate trees soft as silk or hard as steel.

The nobility of Linandria today are all individuals who can trace their bloodlines back to the ancient Seeds. Seeds today are no longer nomadic but practice many of the old traditions, including close familial bonds with non-blood/adopted relatives, devout Aspectism, and the painting of ilmyumier (tribal tattoos). Each Seed has its own unique tribal tattoo with its own colour and design.

Any wood elf (or elf in general) living in Linandria worth his or her salt, seeks to join one of the Seeds living in Laureh’lin today.

Art

The best woodworkers in the world are typically wood elves. Even weapons like swords and bows, while serving a utility purpose, are made intricately as works of art in Linandria.

Wood elven painting and sculptures are more naturalistic and often embody the core values of the people. For example, the massive wooden statues of the Aspects presiding over the main gate of Linandria are an example of the patience and prowess of wood elven sculptors.

The druids of Linandria (the Naelurir) are also great artists, weaving nature into wonderful shapes and colours. The very tree canopy of Linandria can be considered a work of art, shaped and grown by the druids.

Religion

Religion is extremely important to the wood elves. As stated above, Aspectism is one of the two main pillars on which wood elven culture functions. Almost all wood elves, especially those who grew up in Laureh’lin, follow the Aspectist faith.

The two key deities of Aspectism are the aenguls- Cerridwen and Cernunnos. They are considered gods by the wood elves and the ultimate caretakers of the sea, the sky, and all that lives. However, the Aspects are not attributed to the creation of the elves themselves.

As Aspectism doctrine reads: The elves were thrown into this world by another deity (often believed to be the Creator in human canonist faith). They had no knowledge on how to survive and had no place in the natural ecosystem. The Aspects took pity upon this alien race and approached Malin, forefather of all elves. They gave Malin the gift of intelligence to spread among all his kin, on the promise that all his people worship the Aspects and live with utmost respect of the wilderness.

It is believed by many wood elves that Malin was the first [Druid Magic|druid].

To this day, the wood elves still worship the Aspects, considering themselves the last true followers of Malin’s teachings. Primary places of worship are found in the form of quiet groves, with shrines to the Aspects and burning braziers in which sacrifices to them are thrown into.

History

The wood elves began as a series of nomadic seeds, tribal groups who roamed around, practicing druidry, worshiping the aspects and painting themselves with tattoos, it is from these Seeds that modern wood elf culture is derived from.

The first true nation of the wood elves was of Malinor, upon its dissolution, the wood elves lived under the yoke of the high elves until they rebelled and formed the nation of Laureh’lin.

Laureh’lin and its capital city, Linandria, is now part of the Dominion of Malin with the signing of The Treaty of Laureh'lin.

For full wood elven history, see: Laureh'lin.

Cities

Current

Previous

In chronological order...
Aegis

Asulon

Anthos

Fringe

  • Lin’ame (Fringe)

Thales

  • Lin’ame (Thales)

Athera

  • Leyulin
  • Cerulin

Vailor

Axios


Random Tidbits

  • The capital city of Vailor was named after the first city of the Elves, Laurelin.
  • The wood elves are tolerable of other races unlike their High Elven cousins and have a close relationship with the Dark Elves.
  • Did you know that many wood elves died in the Malinorian Crusades by the Order of the White Rose? You can read more about the order here.