Wood Elves

Appearance

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The most diverse of the elven sub-races, the Wood Elves, also knows as Mali'ame, are a nimble, curious people. Indeed, while most Wood Elves have tan or brownish skin, there are some who have traces of 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.

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.

Ideals

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.

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.

The old way is based off the following pillars: 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.

Beliefs

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.

The Aspects often feature prominently 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 pray."

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.

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.

General Personality

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.

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.

Physical 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.

Arts and Skills

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.

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.

Notable Wood Elves

Phaedrus Lli'Hileia/Phaedrus'Yar Second commander of the Elberu'cinhir, Phaedrus was one of the most influential commanders among the wood elves. Leading their forces during the Bloc war during the Fringe, the wood elven military soon grew to be one of the finest among all elves during that time. During Athera, after having enough of the Mali'aheral oppression, he led a revolt against the Aherals. One genocide later, Phaedrus had seized the high elven city and forced a majority of the high elves into hiding. He also formed the state of Laureh'lin, which still stands to this day. Phaedrus later left the wood elves and joined the Orcs, soon becoming the first ever Elven Rex.

Elorna Lli'Hileia sdfgjm.png Originally appointed as a Luminary of the town of Laenniel by Artimec Camoryn, Elorna's influence grew until she became the Tilruir (servant) of the Wood Elves in the Fringe, under Haelun'ors Silver Law. While many 'lesser' elves grew more and more discontent with their lot under the High Elves' oppressive regime, Elorna opted to take the route of patience and negotiation to improve their lives. Ultimately, her husband Phaedrus led a rebellion to topple Haelun'or, and she helped. She stepped down shortly after the founding of Leyulin, but remains an influential figure in wood elven society to this day.

Dwyn Tinuvial external image OQtaSNs.png

The direct sucessor of Artimec Camoryn after he resigned from his position as luminary of war, Dwyn began his political rise in Leanniel, leading the town's guard force, the Gladewatchers, with his passed down position. In Thales he began the first splinter of elves fed up with Haelun'ors rule, but was quick to swear under them for peace. Upon the founding of Leyulin he assumed the position of the Chancellor of Trade, eventually retiring after the war with Haelun'or. A shrewd diplomat and a clever tradesperson, Dwyn is known for his outgoing and friendly nature.

Artimec Camoryn sdjhjfg.png

Artimec is Laureh'lins current Legislator, and one of the Chancellors. He made his beginnings in a mages guild known as the Arcane Delvers, as head of the militant faction known as Mageshields. He rose in power, gaining positions in Malinor's low council. He founded the town of Laenniel in 1433 in an attempt to reform and rebirth the wood elven people. His plan worked and planted the seeds of cultural and ethnic identity in Wood Elves for decades to come. He is one of the most commonly associated names with the wood elven people to this day.