PtahWithin 1318 Popular Post Share Posted March 25, 2013 The Wood Elves Appearance The most diverse of the elven subraces, the Wood Elves are a nimble, curious people. Their diversity stems from past history of taking in 'Cross Elves', Elves who are descendants of two different subraces. Indeed, while most Wood Elves have tan or brownish skin, there are some who have traces of High Elven heritage and have olive or rarely peach skin. Commonly, Wood Elves have either brown, blond or red hair with green, black, or brown eyes. But again, some may possess descendant traits of High Elves or Dark elves: this coupled with the unique Wood Elven individuality and willingness to alter their own forms lead to a great diversity within the race. Yet, as a whole, the average Wood Elf remains brown-skinned. Generally, Wood Elves prefer to wear clothing containing shades of brown, green, or other natural forest colors. Though they are by no means limited to those: as with bodily appearance, the Wood Elven individuality is omnipresent in what they choose to wear. Though functionality of clothing is considered, what is more thought of by Wood Elves is the feeling and form of it. It is not uncommon to see Wood Elves adorn very elaborate clothing for special occasions such as marriages, dinners or gatherings with friends. To a Wood Elf, what you wear is indicative of your state of mind. Ideals Of all the Elven bloodlines, it is the Wood Elves who follow the example of Malin the closest. Indeed, the Wood Elf ideal is summarized in what are known as the Teachings of Malin, sayings which are attributed as having been once said by Malin himself: Protecting the young "In a forest, a sapling is to be protected the greatest. Be to the child as the gentle breeze and as the generous rain is to the sapling." Abhorrence of unnecessary violence "Blood spilt within the forest leaves a dire stain on the grass." Accepting the fact that at times, force is necessary "Should water not stop a fire in the woods, the trees themselves must make the right to their lives." Kindness and charity to others "To others, be as the grass that softens the landing of a falling leaf." Respect for the beliefs of others "Do not be so dismissive to the beliefs of another branch - both of you stem from the same trunk." Questing for self-identity "Let the wind carry you as a seed, all the while seek a place of your own to be rooted." Curiosity to explore the new, the strange "All things wither - grow to see as much as you can." Beliefs Though there are some Wood Elves who choose not to believe (and by the Wood Elf ideal they have every right not to), many of them see Malin as not just a historical figure, but one to be revered and his footsteps followed. Many Wood Elves believe that Malin was guided by the Aspects, and so treat Druids with great respect. Such Elves often consult Druids for personal advice or to hear their opinions on ethical or moral issues. Indeed, weddings between Wood Elves are often conducted by a high-ranking Druid. Some Wood Elves take respect of the Druids a step further and worship the Aspects themselves. Wood Elves in general regard the Dryads with similar respect and admiration that they afford to Druids. They are the women of the Wood Elves who have given their quest for self-identity to nature itself. Female Wood Elves are not pressured socially to become Dryads by any means, and there is no stigma in refusing a Blossoming. If she chooses not to be a Dryad, it is not only her choice but her fate not to be one. General Personality Adding together all which is said in the Teachings of Malin, the Wood Elves as a whole are a generally tranquil and peaceful race. They care most to protect their people, yet often act endearing and welcoming to the traveling outsider. Their respect for nature does not disallow them from doing things like chopping wood or harvesting grain, so long as as much as planted as is taken. As with the Teachings, violence is avoided often at great cost by Wood Elves. They are not people who commonly start a bar-fight over an off-tasting drink, manufacture a personal vendetta for someone due to a single insult, or persecute others for their beliefs or race. Force is only resorted to in the worst of circumstances, when the lives of friends or loved ones are in danger for example. In war, every life a Wood Elf takes is a necessary evil. Indeed right before battle, an often heard mantra is spoken in Elvish: "Blessed land, forgive this blood!" Those who often are forced into committing violence attempt to ease their minds with creative works. For this reason many of the greatest warriors of their race have been reputable artisans and imaginative minds as well. Physical AttributesIn stature, they stand at generally human heights, from 5'3" to 5'9", though there are some of High Elven Ancestry that can be taller. Often they are slim, yet not to the degree of High Elves and mostly are more physically fit. The combat distance offered by a bow fits well with the common agility and speed of a Wood Elf, and so is their preferred weapon. Arts and SkillsFor a race which has great skill in wielding bows, it is no surprise that the greatest fletchers are Wood Elves. The shaping of wood is a large part of the arts of the Wood Elves: some create great sculptures; others make large, ornate etched carvings; still others dedicate their knowledge to carpentry. Some are adept bards, for whimsical songs and tales are greatly enjoyed by Wood Elves. In the Teachings of Malin, the quest for self-purpose is considered a great undertaking, and so much thought must be put into what a Wood Elf shall dedicate centuries to doing. Shall you be the ranger, and connect yourself to the wilderness through adversity and survival? Shall you be the craftsman, and give your life to the making of objects and art? Shall you be the poet, the writer, the bard, and weave words to make the beauty in your mind known to others? Or shall you be something else entirely? To a Wood Elf, this is always the choice of the individual - never another. 36 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leave me alone 993 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Very well done. Might actually make a wood elf because of this 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ĔṀĔŔĨĨČĶ 519 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Very good, +1 without a doubt! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdwhisperer 1173 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Needs more redheads. Really though, this is fantastic and fits wood elves perfectly. Elorna approves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
everblue2er101 905 Share Posted March 25, 2013 You might want to mention the Dryads in here somewhere. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt011011 166 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Good job Ptah! Just the picture alone makes me want to become a wood elf again! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PtahWithin 1318 Author Share Posted March 25, 2013 You might want to mention the Dryads in here somewhere. Are they an integral part of Wood Elven culture and society? Though yes, I can find a place to put them in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hex37 734 Share Posted March 25, 2013 I'm loving this so far. Keep working on it, and best of luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
everblue2er101 905 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Not integral, no, but all female Wood Elves feel the call of Dryadism at some point in their lives and only female Wood Elves can be Dryads. I think it's worth mentioning because of this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CosmicWhaleShark 2484 Share Posted March 25, 2013 So fantastic. Now I know why you've been creeping around Malinor. You've been doing research, haven't you? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leave me alone 993 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Definitely not going to make a character based on that picture. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunsorrow 6 Share Posted March 25, 2013 This is helpful. ^^ Thanks for the post and I can't wait to read the rest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supremacy 3357 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Specify a height range, perhaps 6"1 to 6"4? Simply so we avoid the traditional (and lore incorrect) 7ft elf? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PtahWithin 1318 Author Share Posted March 25, 2013 Not integral, no, but all female Wood Elves feel the call of Dryadism at some point in their lives and only female Wood Elves can be Dryads. I think it's worth mentioning because of this. Very well, I shall find a place for that. So fantastic. Now I know why you've been creeping around Malinor. You've been doing research, haven't you? Indeed! I engineered this in such a way as to not discredit any existing Wood Elves. I have been interviewing several Wood Elves as well. Specify a height range, perhaps 6"1 to 6"4? Simply so we avoid the traditional (and lore incorrect) 7ft elf? I shall do so in time, when I add more to each section. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAssFrog 15 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Well written, it was good of you to do this, we needed some more wood elf lore. A definite +1 from me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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