Wood Elves

The Wood Elves, distant cousins of the High Elves, lived a disciplined and structured life in the great woodlands. The most common of all the Elven races, they were also the finest archers and foresters in the world. The Wood Elves studied and worshiped nature and considered themselves the protectors of the forests. The Elves were great hunters with both spear and bow but only killed animals for needed food. Wood Elves cared little for material things and preferred a simple life, though they held valor and courage very dear. Being mostly nomadic, only a few large Wood Elf communities existed; these communities surrounded magical herbs growths. Their strongest male warrior often ruled them, and this king had absolute power in the realms of politics and warfare. However, the oldest female of each tribe was named ElvenEye, and it was she who had complete control over the formatting of laws that dealt with day-to-day existence. The ElvenEye was also judge and jury in trials of criminal or civil injustices. Justice was quick and often harsh.

Wood Elves were often very religious, following the ways of Sorn, Canter, or Allanbay. They rarely entered the priesthood and sometimes had a human priest within their clan to oversee religious matters. Wood Elves were most often found in the Ear Vexia, Cear Vexia, and Mar Vexia forests. Though they usually worshiped Gods of good alignment, they commonly had a more neutral outlook on life. However, they tended to be singleminded and follow a idea or conviction to it's fullest. Deeds spoke out in this community. Wood Elven men had tattoos around their wrist and arms to signify their, or their forefather's, honorable deeds. These tattoos, called Bands of the Soul, were used to determine stature within their nomadic community.

The Elves of the Mar Vexia region were fine traders and have established caravan routes from ocean to ocean. They sometimes came into conflicts with their High Elf brothers over the slave trading that the Wood elves were occasionally involved. Wood elves did not commonly enslave people or use slaves, but they saw no problem in trading in them just as any other commodity. Some Wood elves worked as scouts for the Greystone, and Westwall Citystates.

The Elves of Cear Vexia Forest were said to be immortal, though it was commonly known that they could be killed in combat. Other Sages said that a magical pond existed within their realm, which held waters with powers of restoration and healing. Whatever the case, Warlords always saw Cear Vexia as a prime target. But the elves of Cear Vexia were apt at defending their home; only once was it captured and then only for a short period. Most Wood Elven Warriors came from Cear Vexia, often questing for 'Bands of the Soul'.