Wylderkin

Gaea gave you life - do not let it be wasted.

When the Elfen fled during Exodus  from the Dro'zu (and their homes that now rejected them), it is said that a group of them sought refuge under the murky canopies of the forests of Toh’rakkar. Many considered it suicide, but these Elfen preferred their chances with the beasts of the deepwood over the serrated blades of the Dro'zu. Over days and nights, their numbers dwindled - dying one by one to ravenous predators, malevolent monsters and malady. Nearly vanquished by the abominations of the thickets, they reached a large clearing. It was here where they were renewed by the presence of Roothusk of Gaea, forgotten god and phantasmal worldtree. A deal was laid out before them by the massive tree-goddess - she would provide the Elfen safe haven from the outside world and teach them sorcery to defend themselves. In exchange, she required a token of their dedication to her; they would need to give up their connection to their Arctorian mother and thus Seyluna herself. The leader of these Elfen reluctantly accepted, not wishing to see more of his people lost. Roothusk of Gaea sealed the bargain, leeched the divinity from their souls and provided them asylum within the city atop her branches (now known as Iodin).
Millennia have gone by since these Elfen gave up the deific part of themselves, now going by the name Wylderkin and having long-forgotten much of their past. Most of what is known has been passed down generation to generation since the first Elf-kin came to Iodin, often retold and refined by Roothusk herself. One of the ever-present reminders of their origins as Elfen comes from the Wylderkin's inability to reproduce. To ensure their survival, Wylderkin perform a rite with Roothusk of Gaea, tossing aside the sorcerous power Roothusk bestowed upon them for the means to bear a child. The Wylder-people learn early in life that nothing comes without sacrifice.
Wylderkin are known to be a skeptical people. They do not trust easily, and their loyalty is hard-earned. A large portion of their population worships Roothusk of Gaea, especially within Iodin, but outside of the bastion their beliefs become less predictable. Wylderkin have a tendency to be proficient in the use of enchantments and sorcery, though there are always individuals whom break the mold.
The Wylderkin people are known to be excellent beast tamers and hunters. They are unsurprisingly competent survivors, enduring the dangers of the treacherous forests of Toh’rakkar for millennia. The Wylder-people however are not the most well-read - they are slow to learn new concepts and can have difficulties overcoming their primal survival instincts, affecting their decision making. They are however an extremely vigilant and loyal people and have a penchant to be forthright.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

As Elfen have no gender and do not reproduce, Roothusk of Gaea provides the Wylderkin a way to recreate in order to ensure her people continue to worship her and spread her Word. Any Wylderkin may give up the sorcerous powers imbued upon them by Roothusk of Gaea in order to bear a child; it is a show of devotion and sacrifice that allows the Wylderkin to endure (often these powers may be later regained through a show of devotion). Gestation lasts 2 weeks and is an extremely painful process.

Growth Rate & Stages

Wylderkin age quite slowly and have a fairy lengthy lifespan. The developing minds of the Wylder-people are quite similar, in that they learn things much more slowly than others - though their survival skills tend to sharpen quite quickly.

Ecology and Habitats

Most Wylderkin prefer to live in forests, jungles, woods, etc. Communion with nature is often important to these people. This is not to say that Wylderkin do not inhabit cities, bastions, etc. It is important to note however that Wylder-people often do not fall in line easily and may skirmish with local authorities more regularly than others.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Wylderkin are omnivores and require a fairly balanced diet. They are sometimes known for their larger than average appetites.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Attractive yet "savage" in facial appearance.  Wylderkin have a mystical glowing aura within their retinas ranging from greens to yellows to oranges.  Hair is often wiry and long.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Wylder-people can be found throughout all of Arcluminus but their population is most dense within the bastion of Iodin.

Average Intelligence

Wylderkin have an average intelligence.  They are often thought of as "cunning", less than "brilliant".

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Wylderkin have an extremely heightened sense of smell, able to track some scents from up to 1km away.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elfen

Lifespan

325 years

Average Height

5'9''

Average Weight

165lbs

Average Physique

Lean, lanky and fit, though there are always exceptions.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Wylderkin tend to have medium flesh tones.  They often use tattoos and ritual scarring to denote clans/tribes that they belong to.