Wood Elves

**Investigation: Wood Elf**

*by Erling Feuergeist*

> *“Admittedly, it took me a while to figure out the differences between what I would still consider an original Nature Elf and an actual own sub-species of said Nature Elves. Wood Elves are larger in numbers and seem to have reached a certain degree of evolution that distinguishes them rather explicitly. Socially, they tend to separate themselves more from other Elven species, showing pride within their solidarity. Some have developed a sense of superiority towards general Nature Elves, but not all Wood Elves I have met along the way share those views.*
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> *After centuries of living and thriving within forests, Wood Elves seem to be most comfortable building and living in canopies, and some place their homes into the trunks of large, dead but yet still standing trees. It so seems that their adaptation has parts of their skin changed to what one could mistake as wooden, yet it is only a pattern. Perhaps a way to be more camouflaged in their environment, giving Wood Elves not only a better way to hide from vicious beasts and curious outlanders but also higher chances during hunts.*
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> *Their hair comes in basic colors, like blond, brown and ashen yet always perfect condition, which leaves me less surprised to see a tradition of long hair and interesting braiding patterns being widely spread - amongst all genders. Generally, most Wood Elves can be seen as genderfluid. They simply do not seem to care about definitions, roles, and generic restrictions. It certainly shows in their choice of clothing as well. Feminine dresses, short skirts, masculine trousers - mostly in grass, moss and forest colors - are worn by anyone at any time.*
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> *Wood Elves are very resourceful and they only take from Nature what they require to survive. Most are not too keen on meat and have decided to nourish off vegetables and fruit. Agriculture and stock farming are strange and confusing in their eyes, as their surroundings give them all that they need without them having to stress to fill their stocks.*
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> *As a secluded species, Wood Elves are very protective of each other. They might welcome polite visitors, yet they would not welcome strangers into their very homes; and should a stranger get too close to another Wood Elf, he would find himself quickly surrounded by countless, sharp glances observing his every move. Though, once proven to be worthy and befriended, anyone could be welcome in a Wood Elf’s family, and would get to enjoy protection and loving care.*
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> *After being so at peace with their lives and having little to no desires to improve what is already so close to perfection, Wood Elves seem to have never delved into magic. Herbalists and Druids are very common amongst their kin but magic, especially of the arcane type, is rather frowned upon and some call magical arts ‘forceful change’, as an enemy of nature. Only very rarely would one observe what I recognized as Voodoo, strongly tied to religious beliefs, referring to nature ghosts and gods, and forest spirits.*
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> *In an environment which they are used to, Wood Elves are dangerous enemies to deal with. They move quickly through the treetops, their climbing skills are without a match, their archery and aim are impressive and their instincts are highly developed. What sets a Wood Elf off are masses of water. Heavy rainstorms have them flee into their treehouses, lighting has them panic and fire chases them away faster than anything else.“*
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