Wildling

The Wildlings, or Forest hounds, are wolven shapeshifters known to work as a sort of immune system for the Greater Wood. Wildlings possess two forms which can very slightly between genders. Males normally more akin to humans while females take on the likeness of their elven cousins. however both can shapeshift in to their wolven form at will if it pleases them. While none can say which is the Wildling's true form. The species furthers its dimorphism as the females tend to remain in their wolven form more often then their male counterparts.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

A Wildling has two forms; a single human/elven form and its wolven form. However they possess golden, amber, or brilliant blue eyes that carry over in both of their forms. In the Wildling's humanoid forms, the species tends to lean on the slender side of both humans and elves, yet their skin tone varies very little between dark and light browns. In their wolven forms, they are covered with a downy coat of fur that is normally tailored to allow them to blend into their native environments, although exotic coloration is possible.

Genetics and Reproduction

this species not reproduce in the same way any other sapient species does on Namir as they are born sterile. the reason that these shapeshifters are called Children of Namir is because they are created from the energies of the crystal veins, and given form by Ni'Yeven or Life-barer trees found only in the deepest reaches of the Greater Wood.

Growth Rate & Stages

Like the other races of Namir. who's growth goes through several stages of infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The Wildlings develop in a similar manner with some key differences.
Birth
The Ni'Yeven Trees found within the heart of the Great Wood are the corner stones of the region's beliefs and traditions. Upon death if the individuals life was deemed worthy by the Ancients. The bodies will be placed within the fruits of the trees. As an act of returning the individual's souls back to the world's soul. The body is then repaired, and restructured due to the exposure to the aetherial energies of the crystals, and a new soul is born.
Dependency
Wildlings are born as adolescence as the substance within the fruit has the ability to cure even age. They begin with a general knowledge of speech, and motor functions for the previous occupant their body. However the nuances of everyday life are lost to them, and often their bestial instincts will overtake their reasoning. It is due to this nature that they have a dependency stage as the newborns must be educated on their new bodies. This education is typically carried out by the Tree-Kin or other Wildlings, but it is not unheard of for them to be raised by other mortals.
Adulthood
Wildlings are known as the immune system of the Greater Wood. Therefore upon reaching a since of Independence they engage in the defense of the forest; often times to protect nature from itself. Hunting down an invasive species that threatens extinction of another, and tending to the many natural disasters that plague the Wood.

Additional Information

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

While there are magics that can replicate the Wildlings bestial transformations. What makes this species truly unique is their relationship with the forest of Namir. The Ni'Yeven Trees only root near the crystal growths of the world veins. feeding off the energies of Namir itself. Their trunks are broad with low hanging branches much akin to willow tree. In addition do to the nature of the crystals the trees produces an over sized bulbous fruit that contains a substance the denizens call "Liquid Sunlight". The liquid has healing properties that surpass known medicines. With the ability to mend the most grevice wounds, and the deadliest of diseases. However upon being exposed to the envionment outside of the fruits membrane it loses its potancy.

As the substance within the fruit acts as a medium between the world known to mortals, and the aether of the crystalline network. The fruit bared by the Life-giver Trees has two functions. One given by the societies that live around them and the other of a symbiotic nature. The first of which is to be use as a tomb for those who devoted their entire lives to the sacred duties of the forest, or for those who died defending it. As a part of the common belief that the souls will return to the energies from which they came. The second and primary function of the trees are to be the womb from the Wildling species. From the bodies of the dead, and the life giving energies of the crystals a new life is born in the form of a Wildling.

Lifespan

Varies

Average Height

Male - (5 ft – 6 ft. 6 in.)
Female - (5 ft. 6 in. – 6 ft. 4 in.)

Average Weight

Male - (120 – 185 lbs.)
Female - (116 – 158 lbs.)