Wood Elf

Overview:

Wood Elves, known as Holzvolk in their native tongue, are a subrace of elves that inhabit the dense forests and verdant woodlands of Asiendal. Distinguished by their close connection to nature and their unparalleled skills in archery, tracking, and forestry, the Wood Elves are both revered and respected throughout the kingdom. Their deep-rooted traditions and unique lifestyle make them one of the most fascinating elven subraces in Asiendal.

Physical Characteristics:

Wood Elves tend to have more rugged and earthy features compared to their High Elf kin. Their skin tones range from light tan to deep brown, often with subtle green or bronze undertones that help them blend into their natural surroundings. Their hair is typically shades of brown, black, or auburn, though some are born with hair as green as the leaves in spring. Eyes of Wood Elves are sharp and vibrant, often reflecting the colors of the forest—greens, browns, and sometimes a piercing gold.

• Height: 5'4" to 6'2" (1.63 to 1.88 meters)
• Build: Slender yet muscular, with a lithe and agile form
• Skin Tones: Tan to deep brown, with green or bronze undertones
• Hair Colors: Brown, black, auburn, and occasionally green
• Eye Colors: Green, brown, gold, amber

Culture and Society:

Wood Elven society is deeply intertwined with the natural world. They view themselves as guardians of the forests, responsible for maintaining the delicate balance between nature and civilization. This belief is reflected in every aspect of their culture, from their architecture to their spiritual practices.

Community and Clan Structure:

Wood Elves live in close-knit communities known as Groves, often led by a chieftain or council of elders. Each Grove is a self-sufficient unit, with its members sharing responsibilities such as hunting, gathering, and protecting their territory. Despite their autonomy, Groves maintain strong alliances with each other, forming a vast network of interconnected communities across the forests of Asiendal.

Spiritual Beliefs:

The Wood Elves revere nature in all its forms, worshiping deities associated with the forests, animals, and the seasons. They believe that every tree, river, and creature possesses a spirit that must be respected. Rituals and festivals are a central part of their spiritual life, celebrating the cycles of nature and the harmony of life. The most sacred sites are ancient trees known as Lifetrees, which are believed to be the physical manifestations of the gods.

Traditions and Festivals:

Wood Elves celebrate numerous festivals that coincide with the changing of the seasons. These include the Festival of Rebirth in spring, the Great Hunt in autumn, and the Winter Solstice Gathering. These events are marked by feasting, music, dance, and rituals that honor the natural world and reinforce the bonds within and between Groves.

Art and Craftsmanship:

Wood Elves are master craftsmen, particularly skilled in working with wood, bone, and natural fibers. Their weapons, tools, and ornaments are both functional and beautifully crafted, often adorned with intricate carvings and natural motifs. They are also known for their music, which often incorporates the sounds of the forest, such as bird calls and the rustling of leaves.
Skills and Abilities: Wood Elves are renowned for their abilities as hunters, archers, and trackers. Their innate connection to the forest gives them several unique advantages in these areas:
Archery: Wood Elves are unmatched in their skill with the bow. Their keen eyesight and steady hands allow them to hit targets with incredible precision, even from great distances.
Stealth and Camouflage: Wood Elves can move silently and blend into their surroundings with ease. This ability makes them exceptional scouts and ambushers.
Tracking: Wood Elves are experts at tracking both animals and people through the wilderness. They can follow the faintest of trails and are often employed as guides or trackers by other races.
Survival: Wood Elves are adept at living off the land, capable of finding food, water, and shelter in even the most inhospitable environments.

Relations with Other Races:

Wood Elves maintain generally positive relations with other races, particularly those who share their respect for nature. They have strong ties with other elven subraces, such as the High Elves, and often serve as intermediaries between the forests and the broader world. However, they are wary of those who would exploit or harm the natural world, and they can be fiercely protective of their territories.
High Elves: A relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. High Elves often rely on Wood Elves for their expertise in wilderness survival and protection of the forests.
Asiendalians: Relatively good relations with the asiendalians. Wood Elves are friendly with those who respect nature and its ways. They mainly focus on Begierdeland but the Asiendalian Kingdom is an ally to them as well.
Dwarves: Though they respect the craftsmanship of the Dwarves, Wood Elves are often suspicious of their mining activities, which can disrupt the balance of nature.

Conclusion:

The Wood Elves of Asiendal are a proud and ancient people, deeply connected to the natural world and committed to its preservation. Their skills in archery, tracking, and survival make them formidable allies and fearsome opponents. As guardians of the forests, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between civilization and nature in Asiendal. Through their traditions, craftsmanship, and spiritual beliefs, Wood Elves continue to thrive, ensuring that their way of life endures for generations to come.

Encompassed species

• Elves

Related Organizations

• Kingdom of Asiendal
• Königreich von Begierdeland

Related Locations

• Aurien
• Pracht
• Wald der Tiefe
• Wälder
• Weltenbaum