Profile
| Lifespan | 300-500 Years* |
| Population | Uncommon; ~20% of elven population |
| Natural Alignments | Chaotic, Neutral, Good |
| Favored Deity | Lugh |
| Natural Magic Pool | Medium-Strong |
| Special Abilities | Natural nature magic, quick healing factor |
| Thoughts on Other Races | Neutral or highly suspicious, depending on clan |
Wood Elves, sometimes referred to by their more archaic name Woad Elves, are a forest and nature dwelling elven race which is largely more secluded than their sister species. While they used to be common the continent across, most have been driven deep into overgrown Wealds and Jungles on account of humanity's recent surge in population (and with it, their deforestation and terraforming for farming purposes). It is rare to see a wood Elf outside of the forest, and even rarer to see one alone, as they are a very social and interconnected race.
Wood Elves have a natural-born inclination toward Nature magic, which allows them to not only conjure plants at will but to affect the life force of living inanimate things around them (primarily plants), and at higher levels, heal willing targets. Due to their life-giving magic, Wood Elves have an average Elf lifespan but are known occasionally to crust over with bark and become Spriggans or Ents as they age, and such individuals can live to a full millennium, at the risk of some or all memory of their prior life.
Despite there being strict laws and taboos against such, on rare occasion a Wood Elf has been known to go off the deep end and become an (as of yet unnamed) eco-terrorist, absorbing and destroying life rather than healing and promoting it.
Culture
Wood Elves are deeply religious, and one of the only races where atheism is directly frowned upon. their link to their patron god Lugh is strong, and they have a deep sense of purpose as guardians of living things, especially those which cannot protect or speak for themselves.
Wood Elf culture is very heavily focused on clan, family, and community. Next to nature, one of the most important things in a Wood Elf's life is their family and friends, who are seen as a network, much like tree roots or blood veins. The loss of a family member can at times be like the severing of a vital organ or limb, especially if that member is ex-communicated or corrupted.
It is not uncommon for Wood Elves to have companions who are not biologically related to them, but welcomed as a part of the family nonetheless. These companions can include but are not limited to other human/beast races, but also animal companions, who are seen as kin as well.
- Generally between 4-6' tall with pointed ears and long features (ranging from elegant and beautiful to gaunt and gangly).
- Hair is quite silky and usually straight and fine. Natural, woody colors like brown, black, sand, are very common for hair and eyes but other colors, especially green are possible as well.
- Very common for Elves to decorate their faces with intricate tattoos, which are regarded as unique and personal to the individual. Wood elves prefer to decorate their skin with natural, semi-permanent paints made from berries, roots, leaves, and other natural pigments. The rougher more organic look sets them apart from their other elven brethren, and the paint is often changed for highly symbolic and religious purposes like ceremonies, marriages, funerals, or promotions.
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