Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica

Chapter XI: Flora, Fauna
and Foes of the Forest
An im a l Ve n e r a t i o n
The Asrai venerate all animals great and small believing that
each displays a trait associated with an Elven virtue. These
virtues are said to be manifestations of a deity, who once upon
a time inhabited the body of an ancestor animal during The
Dreaming. These “fallen gods” are often associated with the
primary deities of the Wood Elf pantheon, so for example, bears
have the strength of Kurnous the god of the Hunt, owls have the
wisdom of Isha the Earth Goddess, and foxes have the cunning
of Loec the Trickster God.
Wood Elves who gain a reputation as champions are often
awarded an “animal name” to signify their divine virtue. For
example, the title “Hound of Winter” signifies service to one’s
Kinband or Kindred, as characterised by the steadfast comradeship
between a hound and a hunter. Animals of extraordinary
virtue are believed to be the ancestor spirits of departed Elven
champions, returning to aid the Asrai in the afterlife.
Fa b l e So n g s
Nature’s sacred harmonies can be learned by Wood Elves
listening closely to trees and animals. The whispering of leaves
actually contains magical songs that can be recited by Elves to
stir flora into motion and reveal hidden forest pathways. Animal
calls often carry secret messages of wisdom that are reinterpreted
as “fable songs” to teach young Elves about virtue.
Although most of these fable songs are not magical, they are
considered essential for Elven children to learn. Some fable
songs are in fact sacred evocations of the world’s mythical origins,
when “fallen gods” had the bodies of animals and walked
amongst Elves. The Asrai recognise these gods as the Brúidd,
whereas Asur scholars believe they were actually the Old Ones of
High Elf legend.
Fable songs encourage a healthy respect for the Brúidd in Wood
Elf children. Over the generations, forest spirit reverence has become
engrained in Asrai culture. Variants of the fable songs have
also been adapted by Bretonnian storytellers as faerie tales (or
“contes des fées”) to teach children about the ways of the Fay.
Ha w k s
Hawks make their nests at the forest’s edge just below the eyries
of their larger cousins, the Warhawks. These skilled predators are
known for their sense of justice, often aiding animals and Elves
who’ve been wronged somehow. Chaostainted
hawks cause problems for elves
by attacking their animal companions.
Sn a k e s
Source: Old World Bestiary, pg. 124
Snakes are rare in the Wood Elves’ chill forests, preferring
instead to dwell amongst rocks and tall grass. Snakes are considered
to be the cleverest of all animals because they propose
simple solutions to complex problems. Weeks after their advice
has been followed, however, snakes
sometimes shed their skins to reveal
themselves as messengers of Chaos.
Nembus
The Loren Brúidd spirit Nembus is a giant water serpent with
chameleon-like powers. In addition to changing colours, Nembus
can alter its appearance whenever someone looks away. In
the span of a minute, its feathered wings can become piscine fins
before disappearing altogether. Nembus devours men who swim
in Loren’s rivers and has been accused of serving Tzeentch.
Sm a l l Pr e d a t o r s
Families of foxes, otters, badgers, wildcats and ferrets can be
found in most forests.
Main Profile
- Small Predator Statistics -
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
30% 0% 23% 26% 51% 14% 22% 0%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
1 8 2 2 6 0 0 0
Sm a l l Ra p t o r s
Source: Old World Bestiary, pg. 124
Ow l s
Owls watch the forest for trespassers and
deliver warnings to Wood Elf mages. These
noble birds are capable of sensing evil intentions
before they’re acted out. Corrupted
owls are a major threat to Asrai communities,
because they know which Elves are prime
targets for subversion to the dark path.
Skills: Perception, Swim (Otter: +20), (Wildcat: Scale Sheer
Surface)
Talents: Keen Senses, Natural Weapons, (Fox: Savvy)
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Fo x e s
This cunning animal is both friend and foe
to the Asrai. Although foxes know the forest
paths well and help lost travellers on occasion,
they are also known for stealing food
from Elven gardens. Corrupted foxes use
their cunning to trick travellers into following