Treefolk

Treefolk are massive, lumbering people, akin to living trees. They tend to live very long lives—hundreds of years, though records exist of some living for thousands—and have a reputation for being wise and learned. They are less social creatures, preferring to live alone or in small kin groups, keeping to the forests they tend and grow. Treefolk are huge, standing 10-14 feet tall. They look like mobile trees, long bark covered bodies striding through the woods, as their crown of leaves reaches to the skies.

Ent by Darkdarius

Basic Information

Anatomy

Their plant-based form dictates their anatomy. Seedlings of evergreen trees adapt needles and cones. Seedlings of deciduous trees adapt leaves and nuts, as applicable. Seedlings of non-tree species are rare, but possible.

Growth Rate & Stages

Seeds and seedlings: the youngest of treefolk are non-sapient trees, shrubs, and bushes; born of natural plants. They are not true treefolk, without the outside influence of an eldest treefolk.
Awakened: eldest treefolk may enhance natural plants with their essence. Such affected plants gain increased vivacity. In cases where the essences of multiple eldest mix, this plant rises as a treefolk, and becomes a wanderer.
Wanderers: the form of the treefolk alters from the nature of their individual plant species to a humanoid structure: two leg/roots, two arm/branches, a discernible face (nose optional), and a crown of leafy "hair". Treefolk spend most of their lives in this mobile stage. To outsiders, it would appear that there are no other stages.
Eldest: when a wanderer has spend a significant amount of time in contemplation, they may take root in the soil. For some, this is a deliberate choice to end their wandering. For others, this is instead the result of spending too much time in introspection, and the distinct separation of thought and bodily autonomy. Humanoid features recess, and the treefolk takes on the appearance of a standard member of it's species, though several times the natural scale. Azoth Trees, as they are now called, have the capacity to pass shards of life, memories, and will to the plants that surround where it has taken root. It may also utilize wanderers to pass it's essence to farther fields.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Treefolk needs resemble those of the plant they were seeded as. All stages utilize photosynthesis, preferring long rests with exposure to the sun. Many wanderers will plant their roots in the evening to draw in soil nutrients and water. Excess nutrients and water are stored within internal caches, to enable travel in areas where this would be more scarce. This process is similar to sleep in other humanoid races, but the mind of the treefolk is fully cognizant. External stimuli are muted, and the mind wanders in contemplation.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Practical or literal naming convention: a primary skill [Waterbearer, Shade, Tank], or a particular ideal [Hope, Growth, Sage]. Rarely overlaps with local racial naming conventions when seeded in populations of non-treefolk.

History

Treefolk are said to be as old as the first seeds. They have tended the forests since the first trees. While rarely the drivers of large-scale change, they observe all.

Lifespan

Wanderers: 400 years

Average Height

10-14 feet