Elkfolk

Elkfolk are a rare elk-like people found mostly in the Emerald Forest. Elkfolk date back to the early days of Pastoria when the fae-gods still walked amongst the Mortal Races. Unfortunately, because of their relatively small numbers and tendency to keep to themselves they have earned a reputation of being "uncivilized backwoods inbreeders."

Origin

The origin of the Elkfolk people is a contentious subject amongst scholars of Pastorian Natural History. Because of archaeological evidence, they are assumed to be at least as old as the Elves. However due to low numbers, and contradictory record keeping practices, both within different sub-cultures of Elkfolk and greater society, it is difficult to say if this is true. The Pastorian Family(general article) historical rulers of the Monarchy of Viridia, claimed for thousands of years that Elves were the first non-human race of the world, however many traditional Elkfolk legends tell a different story.
According to the Elkfolk, Manita the Great Spirit, came from another world of great plains and tall forests. Manita's world was invaded by cruel people and so they created their own world known as Elantor (Elantor is the traditional Elkfolk term for referring to the World known to us as Pastoria). When Manita created what is now known as the Emerald Forest, she created two Elkfolk to protect the forest from the cruelty she knew in The World Before.

Culture

Elkfolk live in small tribes throughout the Emerald Forest, with the largest of these tribes, the Aja including roughly 150 Elkfolk. Other prominent tribes include the Wapinow and the Channavey. These Elkfolk tribes are significant not only in their population sizes but also because they each a have an Ambassador serving the Monarchy of Viridia to help improve relations with the Elkfolk people. There are dozens of smaller Elkfolk tribes throughout the Emerald Forest that usually have a mixture of Aja, Wapinow, and Channavey cultural practices and familial traditions. Unfortunately, the claims of "inbred savage and cannibalistic" Elkfolk made by bigoted Viridians are, at least in part, based on actual accounts of an xenophobic and violent group of Elkfolk known as The Wendigo that have existed for thousands of years. They are known as heretical, dangerous, and evil amongst the other Elkfolk tribes. Accounts of attacks from The Wendigo have drastically increased since the construction of The Yellow Bridge, which increased traffic through the forest. Unfortunately, this information has been manipulated by hate groups to incite fear of all Elkfolk in the citizens of Viridia.

Anatomy

Manitober have 4 ft long Elk like bodies and tails with a humanlike torso and head rising from the front of their bodies. From their heads rise antlers. Antler sizes and shapes vary slightly among Manitober ethnic groups. Manitober stand between 6 ft and 7 ft tall from hoof to head (not including antlers)