Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica

Chapter I: Playing Wood
Elf Characters
Op t i o n a l Ru l e : Ch i l d r e n o f t h e Go d s
Description: All Elves are able to sense the Winds of Magic. At
the GM’s discretion, this natural aptitude can be reflected by allowing
Elves the ability to use Magical Sense as a Basic Skill (see
WFRP pg. 89). The constant flow of magical energy also means
Elves are more resistant to diseases, gaining a +10% bonus to all
resistance tests. When an Elf fails any test to resist mutation they
automatically roll on Table 1.2: Curse of the Wilds (pg. 8).
Te m p e r a m e n t
Wood Elves are often perceived to be fickle and unpredictable
creatures, as likely to save a human trespasser as to kill them. In
truth, the Wood Elves’ spiritual attachment to the forest makes
them highly sensitive to the balance of nature. Each woodland
realm is its own unique environment with complex food chains
and delicate synergies between flora and fauna. In their roles as
defenders of the forests, the Asrai must evaluate every situation
in the context of the larger picture.
Wood Elves of Athel Loren have an almost symbiotic relationship
with their forest. If not for their constant vigilance, Athel
Loren’s oldest glades would be overrun with Chaos and the
surrounding lands would be ravaged by the unleashed power of
the corrupted forest. For this reason, these reclusive Elves are the
most hostile towards those who would defile the natural world.
Wood Elves from the Laurëlorn Forest retain many traditions of
their civilised High Elf kin and do not react as violently toward
trespassers as the Elves of Athel Loren. They are still generally
perceived as being highly secretive and aloof however.
Because of the Wood Elves’ overall suspicion of trespassers, all
initial contact with Wood Elf NPCs is penalised by a -10% Disposition
modifier to Fellowship-based Tests. This Disposition
penalty can be lifted after dialogue has been established.
Pe r s o n a l i t y
The belief in Yenlui, or balance, is central to the personality of
all Elves. To the Asrai, the nature gods Isha and Kurnous represent
the concept of Yenlui. The Wood Elves’ close connection
to the forests makes them particularly sensitive to the natural
order. They are prone to depression and anger when the forest is
despoiled, and are mirthful in times of peace.
Like all Elves, the Asrai constantly strive for perfection. This,
along with their longevity allows Wood Elves to master their
emotions, which can make them seem uncaring or cold. Even
the death of a Kin member will not provoke an instant reaction;
instead a Wood Elf’s sorrow is expressed gradually, through
poetry and song, at a time of their choosing. Wood Elves also
share their Ulthuan counterparts’ willingness to listen and have
a general “wait and see” attitude (unless of course the forest is
threatened), which can lead others to perceive them as an impassive,
ponderous race.
The Elves’ longevity also allows them to measure success differently
from more short-lived races. Crushing one’s enemies and
amassing riches are not considered worthwhile goals, because
power and wealth are ephemeral. Instead, Wood Elves channel
their efforts into art, craftsmanship, and personal enlightenment.
Th e Dr a g o n a n d t h e Be e s
A mighty Drake from Mountains Grey
To Athel Loren flew one day
And landing carelessly, by chance
He smashed a hive where Bees did dance.
Certain they’d slake their anger’s thirst, Revenge must be precisely aimed,
Or else his lungs with breath would burst, Or else you know not who’ll be lamed;
They danced their wardance on the air And anger’s arrow sent awry
Until he surfaced in despair.
Can make the one you love most cry;
Now filled with wrath, revenge they sought --
Against this Dragon torments wrought;
They flew around his mighty head
As from their spears the Dragon fled.
Again he took to fearful flight
Knowing he couldn’t win this fight,
Frantic to find a safer berth --
If water failed him, what of earth?
Isha had reaped the pain they’d sown
When vengeance’s mark was overthrown;
The Dragon crushed what Bees had built,
But it was Isha’s tears they spilled.
He tried to fight the torture’s swarm
But could not harm this buzzing storm;
Spying a lake the Dragon dived,
In water hoping to survive,
But Bees are clever folk, and knew
As they need air, so would he too.
Waiting, their anger did not cool
Against the foe within the pool;
To dig a cave in which to hide
He tore deep into Isha’s side;
By Bees pursued, he clawed the dirt;
The Mother, wounded, wept in hurt;
And hearing Isha’s piercing cry,
The Bees began to wonder why --
The Dragon ceased to tear the ground --
Their wrath and fear spent at that sound.
Though they made peace, still Isha weeps
From that deep wound in mountain steep;
Beneath the pines the Bees still sing
And Dragons know to fear their sting.
No longer do they build their halls
In open land, with waxen walls;
In hollow trunks and cloven stones
Their strongholds buzz with endless drones.
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