Miru Eldain

​Although wood elves (as Miru-Eldain are often called) are descended from the same stock as the other Eldain, they are far more primitive than their kin. Their lives are geared toward the simple matter of survival in the woodlands, rather than enjoyment. Yet Miru Eldain find that this life, more than anything else, gives them their greatest pleasure. Not for them the sophistication of art and delicate music. They prefer a simpler life. Their music is that of wind through leaves, the howl of wolves, and the cries of birds. Their art - in the form of tattoos - is inspired by the everchanging cycle of seasons.Wood Eldain, by their very nature, seem more prone to violence than their civilized cousins. Their muscles are larger, their complexions more florid. They have yellow to coppery-red hair, which contrasts with their lightly tanned skin. Their eyes are generally light brown, although bright green is not uncommon. Hazel or blue eyes are exceptionally rare, cropping up only two to ten times in an entire generation. The superstitious wood Eldain believe that twins who have blue or hazel eyes are an omen of good fortune for both the twins and wood Eldain as a whole. Thus far, they have not been disappointed.

Wood elf clothing is much less gaudy than one would normally expect from an elf. The focus of their clothing is to allow the wearer to blend with the woods easily. A typical outfit is dark brown and green, or tan and russet in fall. Winter finds Miru Eldain wearing white leather so that they can hide in snow.

About once every five years, these Eldain indulge in a festival of art and music more material than the ephemera of nature. When the summer solstice arrives, the nomadic tribes gather in the center of the forest. For half a moon, the tribes celebrate the turning of the Seldanqith, wherein the constellations of the Seldarine are obscured by the northern lights. They claim that the Green Father comes to earth during this time to celebrate in the revels of their children. Wood elf celebrations involve oak wine, bonfires, dancing to wooden drums, and singing. The carousing is primitive, even savage, but fiercely exciting to them. Their every instinct is aroused, taking them back to the roots of nature.

Wood Eldain are often described as wild and temperamental. This is true to the extent that these Eldain are a very emotional people. They live with their hearts, not their minds as do the Hurin. Whatever they feel, they know it is the right answer. Logic plays little part in their lives, for logic cannot save one from the charging boar or the falling tree. Intuition and strength are all that counts in the Sebaste.

Miru Eldain are an independent folk and do not lightly brook intruders into their forests. Anyone, even another elf, who even draws near to a wood elf encampment (within three miles) will have a constant, unseen escort of at least two wood Eldain (possibly more) until the intruder leaves the area. Unless the camp is directly threatened, the wood Eldain will leave the intruder strictly alone. Twenty-five percent of the time wood Eldain will allow trespassers to know that they are being watched. Wood Eldain consider all of the Southern Sebaste as their territory and have allied with no man, Sebastite or Appollonian. Above all else, they wish to drive every human form their wooded domain.

If those encroaching the encampment draw too near and evince hostile intent, the wood Eldain have no compunctions about utterly destroying them. Wood Eldain are extraordinarily reclusive—even more so than Hurin-Eldain. They have no wish to let others expose them or their lifestyle to the harsh scrutiny of the civilized world. Therefore, they may even destroy those who bear the wood Eldain no particular ill will. They feel this is the only way to ensure their lives and privacy.

Although they are of elven descent, wood Eldain tend toward total neutrality. This is not out of any inherent evil, but only out of a desire to be left alone. They do not care about the proceedings in the outer world; only when such acts impact their realm do the wood Eldain take interest. Even then, that interest is only in removing the nuisance and in returning to the wildlands as quickly as possible. Only other Eldain can break their solitude without suffering potential death.

Miru Eldain associate more often with the animals of the forest than with any other beings. They have giant owls guarding their tent homes or, rarely, giant lynxes. Their isolationist tendencies have corrupted the only racial language they know (Elvish however, some do learn the languages of various creatures of the forest.

Wood Eldain are probably the least friendly of all the surface Eldain. While Hurin are quite arrogant, they at least will not casually kill intruders. However, it should be remembered that wood Eldain are not evil; they simply value their solitude above all else.​

Special Advantages

Miru Eldain have an instinctive, natural connection to the land. Their skills in dealing with the woodland are surpassed only by rangers, whose bonds with the forests are legendary.Miru Eldain easily befriend natural woodland creatures. Unlike rangers, however, wood Eldain can only perform this trick with woodland creatures; against a desert lion, they must be as careful as any other being.

With the natural creatures of the woodlands, the wood Eldain' power is especially useful. Unless the animal is already hostile, Miru Eldain can automatically shift its reaction by two categories. This ability applies only to natural forest creatures. It is not a charm spell and cannot be used to enthrall creatures of the forest. Creatures friendly to the elf will not accompany him unless persuaded somehow. The ability does not work on monsters.​

Infravision, 60 ft.

Special Disadvantages

Because of their primitive lifestyle, wood Eldain have no special abilities with secret doors. They have no experience with this sort of door and do not gain the typical bonus for finding them.

Above all, wood Eldain never try to leave their forests. They withdrew into the woods to escape the outer world, and whenever they leave they rediscover why they withdrew in the first place. Wood Eldain take a dim view of those who try to forcibly remove them.

In general, wood Eldain are unfriendly and unhelpful. Any wood elf PC who is friendly to people he or she has just met (within the past five years or so) should be docked experience points for bad role-playing.

Finally, wood Eldain have an aversion to most settings that are not of the woods. They hate the sea (although they can travel on lakes) and will not willingly board a seagoing ship. They hate the underground and become claustrophobic beneath the soil.

These Eldain are even worse in the cities and lands of other races, including those of other Eldain. Miru Eldain regard cities as a perversion. They cannot deal with technology and civilization, for it was civilization that drove the wood Eldain into their isolation.​

Also Known As

Sylvan Elf, Winde Elf

Government Type

Local matriarch ​

Known Strongholds

None ​

Known Clans

Miru al Lothenar, Miru al Geffron​

Homeland

​Southern Sebaste ​

Known Alliances

None ​

Trade Expertise

None ​

Ability Score Adjustments

Because their lives are spent in constant exertion, wood Eldain are stronger than other Eldain. However, they are less sociable because of their upbringing. They have bonuses of +1 to Strength and Dexterity and penalties of –1 to Constitution and Charisma. ​

Languages Spoken

​Miru Elvish,Anaar Elvish, centaur, pixie, dryad, treant, and other woodland creatures. Wood Eldain only rarely learn common; they are trying to keep humans and others away from their woods, and they think learning those languages would just encourage visitors to their realm. ​

Racial Enmities

None

Life Expectancy

300-700 yrs.