Wood Elves

Wood elves, also known as copper elves, or Or-tel-quessir in the old tongue, were the most populous of the elven races. Wood elves saw themselves as guardians of the Great Dale and the High Forests that were largely abandoned after the Great Passage. The term Or-tel-quessir is a branch of Tel-quessir which refers to a number a number of closely related, long-lived fey races commonly known as elves. The term “elves” now acknowledged to be technically inaccurate, and is more of an umbrella term for multiple sub-races of elves. A small number of the Tel-quessir consider themselves as one larger elvish culture, since they all share a common history, language, and culture. The First Elves, the first Tel-quessir, were once one race, generally assumed to have been the eladrin or high elves.

The term Sylvan elf or Sy-tel-quessir, referred to either two cultures of woodland-based elf:

Wild elf. A tribal and reclusive society opposed to civilization living in the deep hearts of forests.

Wood elf. A society that had abandoned civilization, preferring the ancient elven forest as their home.

A simple way of organizing the, sometimes confusing, language and labels behind the Tel-quessir (Elves) is as follows: Wood Elves and Wild Elves are both Sylvan Elves, but only Wood Elves are called copper elves. They, as well as Drow and High-Elves, with a number of other elvish subraces, exist under the umbrella term of Elf. The reason for these labels exists beyond what ones looks like, but what sub-culture or identity they belong to. Each sub-race of Elf uses their unique moniker to quickly give others a glimpse into their cultural beliefs and traditions, beyond what appearance they may carry. The Wood Elves are no different, a species of coppery skinned, green, brown, or hazel-eyed Elf accustomed to a harsh, naturalistic lifestyle. The pioneers, explorers, pathfinders, and protectors of the High Forests, one of which is the Ardeep Forest in the Lord’s Alliance. The Wood Elves carry with them, the weight of their people’s culture which they try to keep desperately alive in a slowly industrialized world.

Origins

Wood elves were one of the first elven subraces to appear on Faerun. Descendants of ancestral wild elves, moon elves, and sun elves who retreated to their deepest woodland sanctuaries during the Tyranny of Dragons. Unlike the majority of the dispossessed survivors of the Great Fire, who abandoned their homelands and went on to found new kingdoms elsewhere, the first wood elves born from the divine High Forests of the Seldarine, native to the lands they occupied, stuck to their ancestral homes. As time went on, the first, greater Wood Elf tribes would separate and formed tightly knit, loosely-networked communities, leaving behind high magic and becoming closer to nature. This became known as 'the Great Passage'.

Culture

Although a proud people, wood elves felt that compassion was a greater virtue than strength and early Wood Elf colonies were less concerned with expansion than they were with maintaining amiable relations with their neighbors. Wood Elves were not always nomadic, however, as was common amongst Wild Elves. Wood elves instead were organized into scattered, carefully concealed villages united under a gerontocratic hierarchy composed of village councils consisting of the most distinguished families' eldest members. These councils were often advised by local druids, whose influence played no small part in Wood elf politics and who frequently served as the webbing that bound any number of villages together as one. Wood Elf adventurers were more likely to take on careers that relied on their natural-born skill to overcome obstacles. In particular, many were drawn to the path of the Fighter, the Ranger, or the Rogue. Other wood elves from more remote areas were drawn to the ways of the Barbarian while many religious Wood Elves became Druids with Clerics often seen in much the same light as Wizards. Wood Elves were a naturally adventurous people, drawn to careers and lives where they could best display, improve, and sharpen their natural skills.

Food

In Wood Elf culture, food is presented as something to be enjoyed. ‘Tarin-bahadir’ which translates to “that which is to be enjoyed,” presents a way to understand everyday elvish food culture as well as the complexities of cultural identity and interaction with other cultures of the realm. Thanks in large part to the religious and cultural importance of hunting, gathering, and providing, Wood elf food culture is a place where food appears plentiful, and the aesthetic possibilities for consumption are staggering. Food in Wood Elf culture is an identity marker of caste, class, family, kinship, tribe affiliation, lineage, and sub-ethnicity/culture. One can tell a lot by their host family or cook’s identity through the way in which they season, cook, and present the meal, even more than what is actually cooked. Food culture across the realm, no matter the race, is shaped by climate, land, and access to natural resources.

In Yros’sidian Wood Elf families, long-grained rice is a powerful symbol of both hunger and want, as well as fertility. Until the late 1500s, only the wealthy ate rice, and most others consumed millet and cereal grains. The powerful symbolism of rice as a sign of fertility for many tribes makes it an integral part of marriage rites. Welcoming a new bride or groom to the family home includes having them kick over a measure of rice to indicate that they bring love and prosperity. A traditional test of a worthy son or daughter-in-law is their ability to wash the rice properly and to gauge the right amount of water to use for cooking.

When a multi-dish meal is served on a large platter in south-western Yros’sidia, the serving utensil is usually a banana leaf, or a short-handled spatula made of polished wood for purity. In either case, there are various small bowls for each dish. This kind of meal is called a ‘hamp’kir’ and is named for the platter on which it is served. The meal is eaten first with a sweet, usually sweetened sticky-bread or pudding, followed by all the dishes served simultaneously and mixed together with the rice, based on the eater’s discretion. The meal ends with fresh fruit followed by savory yogurt, which is thought to cool the body. Festival meals usually end with a sticky, nutty caramel folded into a banana leaf, sometimes seasoned with regional spices.

Art and Leisure

Wood Elves commonly felt that they were in harmony with their natural surroundings and an examination of their art helped to justify this belief. They did their best to have a minimal impact on their natural surroundings, a fact reflected in their architecture. Wood Elf homes were made of natural fieldstone or carefully furnished wood, but on occasion wood elves were known to do without even these creature comforts, living in the limbs of mighty trees or sheltered caves, rejecting furniture or any possessions they couldn't carry with them. Other races were occasionally known to wander through a Wood Elf home without even noticing. Increased contact with other races since the end of the Great Fire caused some of these cultural practices to come into question. While Wood Elves felt it better to have a minimal impact on their surroundings, the race had no particular aversion to meat-eating and were passionate hunters. Many hours of a typical Wood Elf's life were spent on the hunt, which was both a practical activity and a pleasurable one. Most of the time that Wood Elves were not hunting they were enjoying themselves at ease within the highest branches of their forest homes. Wood Elves did not, however, commonly keep pets, but instead formed bonds with local wildlife in a manner similar to those of a druidic shaman.

Unique Dialect

The Yo’rai, were a mixed culture of dark and light-brown skinned human, elves, and half-elves indigenous to the warm, humid Yros’sidia territory of the Western Heartlands. The mixing of cultures resulted in a cohesion of language with elements of southern common-dialect and sylvan. The unique language eventually became known as Yrossan, after the Yo’rai people of the Yros’sidia territory. Elvish and Common-speaking humanoids, can sometimes pick up trace words in Yrossan dialect.

Wood Elf Names

Most Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults on their ‘day of declaration’, a little after the hundredth birthday. Before this period, they are often called by child names. On declaring adulthood, an Elf selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster might continue to use the child name. Each Elf’s adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male names and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendencies. In addition, every Elf bears a family name, typically a combination of other Elvish words. Some Elves traveling among humans translate their family names into Common, but others retain the Elvish version. Child Names: Ara, Bryn, Del, Eryn, Faen, Innil, Lael, Mella, Naill, Naeris, Phann, Rael, Rinn, Sai, Syllin, Thia, Vall

Male Adult Names: Aelar, Aramil, Arannis, Aust, Berrian, Carric, Enialis, Erevan, Galinndan, Hadarai, Heian, Laucian, Mindartis, Paelias, Peren, Soveliss, Thamior, Tharivol, Theren

Female Adult Names: Althaea, Anastrianna, Andraste, Antinua, Bethrynna, Caelynn, Drusilia, Enna, Felosial, Ielenia, Jelenneth, Keyleth, Meriele, Mialee, Naivara, Quelenna, Sariel, Shava, Silaqui, Theirastra, Thia, Valanthe

Family Names (Common Translations): Amakiir (Gemflower), Amastacia (Starflower), Galanodel (Moonwhisper), Holimion (Diamonddew), Ilphelkiir (Gemblossom), Liadon (Silverfrond), Meliamne (Oakenheel), Naïlo (Nightbreeze), Siannodel (Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal)

Religion

Like other Tel-quessir, the Wood Elves largely worshiped the Seldarine, and like their kin, they did so exclusively. Among the Elven Gods, the Wood Elves most commonly worshiped Corellon Larethian and Solonor Thelandira. Solonor, as the god of archery, was perhaps the most popular god amongst the Wood Elves, who would sometimes invoke him as their protector and patron deity just prior to a battle. Corellon Larethian was the leader the Seldarine, and held titles such as Creator of the Elves and the Protector. Corellon is the patron god of all Elves, hailed as their creator and preserver. It remains a superstitious belief that to worship another pantheon long-term meant leaving the Seldarine’s blessed light, and therefore invoked bad omens upon a Wood Elf village.

Native Displacement

Beginning roughly around the mid to late 1300s, industrial cities and settlements began claiming lands and expanding, birthing the first nations of the “civilized” world. It was no surprise to the first Wood Elves, that these new nations turned their eyes to wide swaths of, seemingly, untouched forests. The early greater forests of Faerun would be cleared and razed, and their precious wood and underground resources used to fuel the expansion of new nations. Similar to the displacement of the Goliath tribes on the continent of Eberron, the Wood Elves were physically (if not outright killed on the spot) displaced from their natural homes. Land deals would go in favor of the nations, as acres of land were undersold, and the “relocation” of smaller Wood Elf tribes was to land where the soil was un-fit for farming and settling. In the event of any resistance, regardless of how hard one tribe prayed, or how many attempted to fight back, the first nations of Humans and Dwarves would pave a swath of blood so great, any future resistance was unheard of. Lest a tribe wanted scorched earth beneath their feet. Even the High Elves, who worshipped the very same pantheon and held the same cultural values, traded in any common ground they had with Wood Elves, in favor of expansion. In the first days of the founding of the Lord’s Alliance, there existed a great cultural divide between the Wood Elves and High Elves. To the Wood Elves, the High Elves represent industry, civilization, a people who had forgotten their roots. The High Elves were the oppressors and were no better than dictators. To High Elves, the Wood Elves were dirt-eating savages wearing termite-infested wooden armor and rotten leather satchels. The Wood Elves represented old-fashioned, dying traditions and a stubborn need to remain in the past. By the late 1500s, approximately 700,000 Wood Elves had been displaced from their native homes, forced to either integrate into large cities and colonies, or salvaged what land remained. Currently, less than twenty recognized Wood Elf clans remain, and even less than that still reside on the native land their ancestors first settled. Most of the surviving indigenous natives went on to form the Free Folk.

The Free Folk

Formed in the mid-late 1500s, the Free Folk are a union of nomadic and native Wood Elf clans from across the continent of Faerun. When it became clear that the safety and preservation of natives and their homes were the last thing on leaders' minds, a group of the remaining Wood Elf claims came together and agreed to form a council. This council began to bombard the largest nations of the Lord’s Alliance with accusations of mistreatment and outright genocide. Civil rights violations were cast around in every letter that was written. Protests were held. Leaders had members of the Free Folk showing up to open forums, courthouses, and even their front doors. It was because of the Free Folk that the Native Preservation Act was drawn up and signed by the Humans, Dwarves, and High Elves. An impressively large document that labeled the remaining native Wood Elf clans, and their land, as protected, and untouchable by any future nation. But the damage had been done. The Free Folk today continue to try and rebuild and salvage what’s left of their people, while fighting for the rights of all native species across Faerun.

Traditions and Stories

A Copper for Your Thoughts

While seen more in older, more traditional households, it’s said to be impolite for children to leave without first notifying their parent or guardian. The adult would give them permission to do so as well as a copper coin to keep on their person for good luck, or in case of a rare financial emergency in which one copper would suffice. This practice comes from the first elves who worked with copper upon discovering metal-work. Copper was in such abundance and was so widely used in crafting, that it was assigned monetary value, and became the first form of currency. The value of copper dropped significantly with the introduction of silver, gold, and platinum currency, but old-fashioned households continue to observe its cultural significance. They said that as long as you had even a single copper in your pocket, you could eat or find shelter. The gesture is seen more as a form of good luck and a reminder to appreciate that you may have at least one copper more, than those less fortunate.

Children of the Forest

There is the dwindling hope that the first wood elf clans would reunite under a single banner and rebuild the first great, divine tribe. These early hunters and nomads were known as the Children of the Forest, followers and direct descendants of the Seldarine. The sylvan terminology for this belief and its followers has been lost to time, and is known only to those who practice and keep its memory alive between generations.

Formal Table Manners

Once a large meal is prepared, it is common practice for the host to serve all guests before serving themselves, or waiting until all guests have served themselves. It is incredibly rude and disrespectful to slurp your meal or talk with your mouth full, since in the early days of hunter-gathering, food was a gift from the Gods and the hunting, killing, preparation, and consumption of said gifts should always be sacred.

Giving Back

It is common to set aside a small bowl before every meal, and for the host to place a small portion of the meal into the bowl as an offering to the Seldarine. It is seen and giving back what was made possible through the gifts of the forests. The wheat, spices, meats, and vegetation given to the realm by the Seldarine.

Second Longest Ranged Kill

Formed leader of Clan Amyl, Galadriel Alderheart hold's the record for the second longest recorded non-magical ranged kill at 300 yards (900 feet). This was done with a longbow through the open window of a naval fort Galadriel and her clan had been tasked with protecting. When ship-bound pirates opened fire on the fort and ordered for the occupants' surrender, Galadriel notched a single arrow, took aim, and shot the fleet's captain through the heart. The kill was confirmed by both sides of the conflict, and was later measured by scholars once the lead ship was completely abandoned in fear due to the supernatural shot. Galadriel original held the record for the longest ranged kill, but was dethroned by Goliath marksman Sven Sheatheshield.

Holidays

Yenearsira

The first day of winter and the Elven new year. A day of rebirth. Yenearsira marks the end of the death that autumn brings. On this day, the elves believe the earth is purified while she lies underneath her blanket of snow. Even in those regions where the sun doesn't rise and the snow lies eternally across the land, Yenearsira is seen as the changing of the old year into the new. Elves honor this holy day by spending the day in the company of each other or alone in quiet meditation in the day. They quietly discuss the past and share their thoughts on the future. In the afternoon, Elves observe the human practice of Wintershield, by ushering in the new year with feasting and drinking senselessly.

Sik'lohir

Translated in common to ‘Springrite’. The first day of spring and a week of romance and song. Although winter is seen as the turning point of the year, first day of spring, represents a time of fertility among the elves, who spend this season engaged in the pursuits of new relationships, romance, and song. A time to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts, and find love. Elves spend the week around the holiday, dancing and singing, involved in nothing but merriment.

On the final day of Sik'lohir, a large festival known as Bhath-Calin, or ‘the Festival of Colors’, is held. During this playful cultural festival, participants throw colored water solution or colored powder at one another on the festival grounds. Visitors to homes are first teased with colors, then served with Elvish delicacies such as desserts and tea. The festival is a time to enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter, while perhaps finding your sweetheart in the mist of color. After the festival, participants clean the site, go home to bathe, put on clean clothes, and visit friends and family. This is the time of year when most couples bond in marriage or announce that they are promised/engaged.