Wood Elves
Deep in the southern woodlands, the Wood Elves have made their home. The Wood Elves, also called Green-Elves, separated from their elven brethren long ago, their skin color is often similar to humans, sometimes with highlights or entirely made up of green. They are among the shortest and most petite of the elves, similar to the Snow Elves of Mistvall. Their hair can be blonde, brown, red, chestnut, or auburn.
Unlike others, they do not have standard political entities but live in clans and bands in the territory of Elderspire. The most civilized Wood Elves live in the forest city of Sunhaven, dividing themselves into noble houses and ruling over the other wild races who inhabit the city. However, these city elves are a minority, the majority of Wood Elves prefer to live in the wilderness and castigate civilization as a betrayal of nature. Many Wood Elves savagely defend their forests from any outsider unlucky enough to get lost, roaming bands of elven warriors and skirmishers have been known to brutally purge who they consider invaders. As a culture, the Wood Elves are fiercely independent and deeply communal, often living in huge family, kin, or clan units amongst the trees or in groves. Wood Elves are generally looked at by the outside world with a mix of fear and fascination, a race somewhat alien but also similar enough to leave an outsider curious. Some Wood Elves do leave their homeland to seek a life outside, often becoming merchants or hunters in faraway places. They make excellent archers and skirmishers.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Sörell, Milreth, Ginegil, Larinthil, Adalthir, Desnia, Indraril, Kirsae, Syldreth, Minaeneth, Vlanilwen, Ardicia, Cirwedh, Anrethia, Ulanaril, Belyth, Drendriah,
Masculine names
Agarnor, Melthil, Berindil, Eradlas, Hagdras, Daelroth, Ervamir, Filring, Valiagoth, Malnagoth, Orbelor, Rithimir, Maenthir, Thurdras, Baethir, Aleriath, Celendir, Glaroth, Thorelor, Palichor, Mellmir, Derephor
Family names
Lumberthorn, Seedbranch, Timberwind, Elmwing, Riverwing, Sagewind, Rosebranch, Applebrook, Pinelake, Bluewood, Elmvale, Dusklock, Acornbrook, Sagestone, Nightrock, Ivymire, Mosswing, Forestwind, Duskthorn, Roselock
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Most Wood Elves speak Elven and Sylvan, it is actually rather uncommon to find one who can speak Common, mostly those with human parentage.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Wood Elves have not inherited much of the cultural heritage from the High Elves and that is done on purpose. Unlike their cousins, they shun hierarchy, civilization, and structure. Their culture is as wild and free as the forests they inhabit. Their culture is intensely egalitarian and fair to its own people and other inhabitants of their homeland. They take great care to take little influence from outside cultures.
Shared customary codes and values
The Bargain of Selethis is an ancient, unwritten pact that all elves of Elderspire abide by. The goddess was not certain about allowing the elves, a race who was known for civilization and settled life, to live in her wilderness, to give them permission to do so, she offered a bargain. The bargain states that the elves may live and thrive in the woodlands but they are not allowed to cut down the forests to build roads or buildings, though they are permitted to make treehouses, which they primarily do. As well, the elves must live on a strict meat diet, not harvesting the plant life for food.
Common Etiquette rules
They are quite suspicious of outsiders, however, if hosting one, they treat guests with remarkable dignity.
Art & Architecture
Wood Elves use their forested environment to make their homes, as such, their art and architecture are reflective of that. They live in treehouses connected by bridges. They have become masters of woodworking and woodcarving, Though they cannot chop trees down entirely, they are allowed to use the trees for building purposes as long as it remains in the ground. They use foliage and parts of animals for decorations. Artistically, they make excellent wooden murals depicting great events in their history. This extends to their dress as well, it is not unusual to see elves donning flower crowns or painting themselves with a material made from tree sap.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Wood Elves have no real concept of property. Their homes and possessions are often used by others of their race. Naturally, this causes issues when a Wood Elf leaves their homeland to live in a civilized society.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
On the first full month after a baby is born, parents will often have them taken to the Miracle Tree to pray for Selethis to bestow her blessings on the child. This ritual is also an opportunity for the parents to pledge the child's obedience to the Bargain of Selethis on their behalf.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When a Wood Elf dies, a family or clan member will usually leave their body somewhere away from their settlement, often high in a tree or in a grove. This way, their body can continue to be useful by potentially feeding an animal of the wilderness. The only remnant of them that is buried is the clothing they died in, often in unmarked graves, even for important people.
Common Taboos
Naturally, any use of the plantlife that breaks the Bargain of Selethis, no matter who did it or for what reason, is considered extremely offensive and cause for death.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Unlike most other elves, Wood Elves are quite egalitarian. They are both expected to provide for and defend the clan.
Courtship Ideals
When one elf wishes to charm another, it is customary to hunt a beast, the greater the beast the greater the impact. One will usually present a pelt or even a produced good crafted from the animal.
Relationship Ideals
Wood Elves expect a romantic couple to be incredibly close with each other and guarded to outsiders. Intimacy and privacy go hand in hand and are very valued. They are strictly monogamous and do not believe in divorce at all, even if one of them dies. As such, for two to get married, it's not something done casually, they should be soulmates before they enter such an important stage in life.
Major organizations
Wood Elves mainly live in Elderspire, the loose territory of wilderness in southern regions. In the city of Sunhaven, they constitute a plurality and are often found as quasi-nobles and administrators.
Encompassed species