Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica

Chapter II: Kindreds
Gl a m o u r w e a v e Ki n d r e d
Kindred of Yenayla
Al t e r Ki n d r e d
Kindred of Laith-Kourn
Some Elves develop such a deep spiritual link with the forest
that they attempt to mimic the wild animals, believing it to be
the truest way of understanding nature. These elves are known
as Alters, Shifters, or Wild kin because they adopt mannerisms
of forest creatures which makes them appear feral in the eyes of
other Wood Elves.
Members of Alter Kithbands are isolationistic to the extent
that they prefer not to mix even with their own kin. The trials
required to become an Alter kin are virtually unknown. It is
whispered amongst other Kindreds that some Alter kin have
been corrupted, because of their ability to change physical forms
at will. The name Laith-Kourn has evolved from a combination
of the Elven root word Lathain, meaning storm and wrath, and
the name of Kurnous, the Elven God of Beasts.
Careers: Apothecary (Herbalist), Hunter, Outlaw, Outlaw
Chief, Wildkin.
Kithband Talents: Beastfriend, Healer, Outlander, Shade,
Skinwalker.
Et e r n a l Ki n d r e d
Kindred of Selathoi
The bravest and noblest of warriors may enter an Eternal Kithband
after displaying skill upon the battlefield. These respected
veterans have proven themselves many times over and require no
trials to join the Kindred. Eternal Kithbands are often viewed
as unyielding and stubborn by younger Elves, which is perhaps
how the name Selathoi has evolved from the Elven root-word
Sarathai, meaning unyielding defiance.
Careers: Champion, Noble Lord, Veteran.
Kithband Talents: Blademaster, Eternal Guardian, Seer.
Gl a d e Ri d e r Ki n d r e d
Kindred of Sehenlu
Glade Riders are considered to be among the finest mounted
warriors in the Old World, capable of performing all manner
of seemingly reckless stunts beyond the ability of other races.
When a Wood Elf wishes to join a Glade Rider Kithband, they
must first prove their horsemanship and demonstrate a tight
bond with the steed by competing in a race. The name Sehenlu
has evolved from the Elven root-word Senhui, meaning
swiftness and accuracy. These are highly valued attributes which
allow Glade Riders to utilise hit-and-run tactics against their
enemies.
Careers: Envoy, Horse Archer, Messenger, Noble, Noble Lord,
Outrider.
Kithband Talents: Beastfriend, Hawk-Eye, Horsemaster.
The most committed devotees of Isha are known as Glamourweavers,
who act as emissaries between the Wood Elves and
the elder forest spirits. These priestesses forego their own needs
and desires in their dedication to maintaining balance within
the forests. Many Glamourweavers are reclusive hermit oracles
devoted to the divine trinity of Isha, Lileath and Morai-Heg.
The name Yenayla has evolved from the Elven root-word Yenlui,
meaning balance and harmony.
Careers: Anointed Priest (Isha), High Priest (Isha), and Priest
(Isha)
Kithband Talents: Glamourweaver, Dreamwalker, Treewalker,
Windtalker.
Sc o u t Ki n d r e d
Kindred of Arahain
Many Elves enjoy the thrill of the hunt but find the warrior
castes too regimented and aggressive. These individuals prefer
the freedom of scouting the forest for potential dangers. As a
rite of passage, aspiring Scout kin are tested in the use of the
bow. The applicant is expected to hit multiple targets at different
ranges while remaining hidden from view. The name Arahain
has evolved from the Elven root-word Arhain, meaning shadows,
night, stealth and secrets.
Careers: Hunter, Kithband Warrior, and Scout.
Kithband Talents: Forest-Walker, Hawk-Eye, Pathfinder.
Sp e l l s i n g e r Ki n d r e d
Kindred of Kel-Isha
The majority of Elves gifted in the art of magic receive basic
training from Spellsingers. Although young mages are not required
to join, only Spellsinger kin will be taught the advanced
secrets of magic.
Only devotees of Isha can enter a Spellsinger Kithband, and
only after completion of a trial to test the Elf’s character and
resolve. Initiation rites involve the retrieval of spell ingredients,
such as herbs and flowers, from a specific part of the forest. Prospective
Spellsingers must be wary of these trials, for sometimes
the test is actually a trick designed to measure their sensitivity
and patience.
A Spellsinger is expected to prioritise the wellbeing of the forest
above their own desires. If an aspirant harms the forest in
pursuit of success, they will be deemed a failure and rejected by
the Kindred. The name Kel-Isha has evolved from the Elven
root-word Quyl-Isha, meaning the tears of Isha, mercy and
endurance.
Careers: Apothecary (Herbalist), Astrologer, Envoy, Handmaiden,
Scribe, Student, Spellsinger, Spellweaver, Treesinger.
Kithband Talents: Beastfriend, Channeller, Healer, Seer.
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