Greenfolk

The **Greenfolk** are a race native to Rathnir and Eldham, though are extremely uncommon to see in both worlds. Comprised of pure plant matter, the Greenfolk originate from a small, distant island destroyed eons ago.

## Biology and Appearance

Then Greenfolk are sentient beings comprised entirely of plant matter. Their lifestyle and somewhat magical biological origins cause their lifespan to average ~500 years, reaching adulthood at age 50. As with most plants, Greenfolk find it necessary to live in climates which support their ability to grow and survive, thus are rarely seen living in deserts, or snowy areas. They are relatively humanoid in physical appearance, but possess no nose, as they absorb smells through their entire body. Similar to most plants, Greenfolk have male and female genders, but are incompatible with most species, given their plant-based existence. As Greenfolk age, they are known to grow in size when living in perfect growth conditions, and due to their advanced aging, can often grow to be over 10 ft.

## History

### Origins

The Greenfolk hailed from a small, isolated island, far from the grasp of Rathnir's or Eldham's cube of influence, called Beanoa. Beanoa was an island mainly comprised of two sentient species. The Greenfolk, and the Redfolk.

The Greenfolk's historic rivals on Beanoa, the Redfolk were small, angry creatures who dwelled underground and had fiery red skin. Early on in the Island's history, the two species spent decades fighting for supremacy over the island, and more importantly, it's resources. The Greenfolk were an extremely righteous species, believing that the plants and life that inhabited Beanoa needed to be protected and respected; especially given they themselves were comprised of the same plant matter they were protecting. The Redfolk on the other hand were a quickly industrializing people, focused on the advancement of their technology over all else.

Regardless of which species was truly in the right, the island began to suffer because of it. The fighting led to mass starvation and both the Redfolk and the Greenfolk began to die off in droves. However, what happened next has been debated as both fact, and folktale.

On one particularly clear morning, it was said that local clerics summoned the gods to drive out the Redfolk from their caves, and rid Beanoa of their scourge. Soon, the island was engulfed in a wave taller than the highest trees. In a swift motion, the entire island, and all it's inhabitants were swallowed into the sea.

### Escape from Beanoa

Following the catastrophe on Beanoa, the inhabitants of the island were swept into the sea. While most of the Redfolk drowned, the Greenfolk on the other hand, survived. Due to their biological makeup of plant matter, most Greenfolk who were washed away managed to survive by feeding off the sun's rays. Due to their long lifespan, some Greenfolk spent centuries floating throughout the seas and oceans, never seeing land again; whiles others managed to reach new lands, and new homes, including in Rathnir and Eldham.

### Arrival in Rathnir and Eldham

The Greenfolk are said to have first been recorded in Rathnir over 150 years ago, and in Eldham ~100. However, due to their small existence on the continents, combined with their incompatibility with most other species, they have seen little population growth in the time they've been there. It is unknown how far their now destroyed home lies from these lands, but it is known the original Greenfolk who landed on Rathnir and Eldham are of generations past the destruction of Beanoa.

## Culture

### Names

Greenfolk traditions for naming have been lost to time, but often adopt nicknames they recieve in their youth as names. Family names are uncommon for Greenfolk, but have been known to adopt surnames of their own choice in accordance with traditions based on where they live.

### Folklore

The Greenfolk hold the preservation of nature above all else, they believe that their gift of life must be repaid by growing nature. This can include breeding animals, planting trees, and growing crops. It is considered extremely honourable in Greenfolk culture to be a farmer, or nomadic traveler who lives off the land. Farmers are considered honourable due to their preservation of nature/life through both the planting/replanting of crops, and the feeding of lifeforms. Nomads on the other hand, are considered honourable for reducing reliance on aspects of life harmful to nature such as living in cities, which requires a great deal of harm to the environment for gathering building resources. It is uncommon for Greenfolk to become warriors as it is not traditionally held in high regard in their culture, but some have been known to adopt the profession following their arrival in Rathnir and Eldham.

### Rituals

As they are, at their core, plants, Greenfolk do not possess societal rituals as most humanoids would. Upon the death of a Greenfolk, they simply return themselves to nature to decompose over time, rather than be buried.