Shaja'Rajul

It is believed that the first Shaja'Rajul [Sha-Jaw Raw-Jool] was born from an elven ritual, combining a living elf into a tree in the feywild; However the true origin of these beings is a secret lost to the ages.
These magical creatures, in modern times, are born from secret enchanted trees or dark rituals in mist-shrouded lands.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A vaguely humanoid exterior, made from the bark and inner flesh of a tree.
Inside this wooden 'shell' is the corpse of a humanoid. This creature was sacrificed as part of creating the Shaja'Rajul, and becomes one with the creature.

Genetics and Reproduction

Shaja'Rajul are grown, not born.
The method of growing or making them is a closely guarded secret.

Biological Cycle

A Shaja'Rajul can live to be as old as 500 years, so long as it is not killed or otherwise destroyed.

Additional Information

Social Structure

These semi-sentient creatures do not have a culture or civilization.

Domestication

While they cannot be domesticated, in the traditional sense, these plants do faithfully serve whomever created them.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Traditionally used as guards, or sentries.

Average Intelligence

Dim, but nearly identical to humans.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Symbiotic and conjoined with a humanoid host.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Stone-Age.
Typically armed with a Magical club crafted from the same wood as it's tree of origin, as well as a thick, gnarled bark shield.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Understands the language spoken by it's creator, in addition to Sylvan.
Cannot Speak.

Common Myths and Legends

Myths hold that these strange living constructs were originally created by elves or other Faefolk within the Forest of Infinite Stars. The story says that an Elven lord entombed the body of his eldest son, who was attacked and nearly killed by a rival Fae lord, within a magical birch tree. This tree, through the vengeful will and strong magics of this Elven lord was combined with the young elf forever. This balefull combination of elf and sentient magical plant was then sent to slay the family of the lord that wronged the elf.

Scientific Name

Sahar Shajara

Lifespan

50 to 500 years

Average Height

5 to 12 ft.

Average Weight

300 to 900 lbs.