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{{Creature
{{Creature
| image     = http://falxe.com/Elf%20Ranger.jpg
| image       = [[File:Elves - William OConnor.png|250px]]
| name     = Wood Elf
| caption      = Two wood elves, art by William O'Connor.
| alignment = {{Alignment grid|off|off|on|off|off|off|off|off|off}}
| name         =
| type     = [[Fey]] [[humanoid]]
| alt_spelling =  
| location = The [[Dalelands]], the [[Great Dale]], the [[High Forest]], the [[Northwest Faerûn|North]], [[Tethyr]], the [[Western Heartlands]]
| alignment   = Usually neutral
| subtype  = [[Elf]]
| type        = Humanoid
| subtype     = [[Elf]]
| first        = [[Supplement I: Greyhawk]]
| size        = Medium
| challenge3e = {{Frac|1|2}}
| refs3e      = {{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}
| patron deity = [[Corellon]], [[Rillifane Rallathil]], and the [[Seldarine]]
| vision      = [[Low-light vision]]{{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102, 104}}
| activecycle  =
| diet        =
| lifespan    =
| location    =
| language    = [[Languages#Elven|Elven]], [[Languages#Common|Common]]
| subraces    =
| climate      = Temperate{{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}
| terrain      = Forests{{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}
| height      =
| weight      =
| skincolor    = Copper, tan
| haircolor    = Black, blond, brown, copper red
| eyecolor    = Green, brown, hazel
| build        =  
}}
}}
'''Wood elves''' (also known as '''copper elves'''<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref> or '''Or'Tel'Quessir''') are the most populous of the [[elf|elven]] races. Wood elves see themselves guardians of the [[Tel-quessir]] forest homes that were largely abandoned after the [[Crown Wars]] and before the [[Retreat]], but unlike most Tel-quessir they do not view themselves as a people apart from the rest of [[Faerûn]].<ref name="RoF:45">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|45}}</ref>
'''Wood elves''' are the most populous of the [[elf|elven]] races. Wood elves see themselves as guardians of their forest homes, but unlike most elves they do not view themselves as a people apart from the rest of the world.{{csb|Races of Faerûn|45-47}}


==Ecology==
==Description==
[[File:Wood and sun elves.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''A sun elf  (top) and a wood elf shooting archery together.'']]
Wood elves have fair skin{{csb|MM1e|40}}{{csb|UA1e|10}} which is only "slightly darker in complexion than [[high elf|high elves]]".{{csb|MC1|}}{{csb|Player's Option: Skills & Powers|29}}{{csb|PHBR8|19}}
Hair of wood elves in the {{smallcaps|[[World of Greyhawk]]}}™ is typically yellow-blonde to coppery red.{{csb|MM1e|40}}{{csb|MC1|}}{{csb|UA1e|10}}{{csb|Player's Option: Skills & Powers|29}}{{csb|PHBR8|19}}{{csb|MM3e|87}}{{csb|LGG|8}}, although hues browns and blacks are also found.{{csb|PH5e|24}}


===Physical characteristics===
Eyes are usually light brown (which is the most common),{{csb|PHBR8}19}} light green, or hazel.{{csb|MM1e|40}}{{csb|UA1e|40}}{{csb|MC1}}{{csb|LGG|8}}  Bright green is not uncommon{{csb|PHBR8|19}}, and some cases of blue are known{{csb|Player's Option: Skills & Powers|29}}.  Hazel and blue are the least common, only being seen a handful of times in a generation.{{csb|PHBR8}19}}


Wood elves are easily identifiable by their coppery skin and green, brown, or hazel eyes. Wood elven hair is usually black or brown,<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref> although hues such as blond or copper red have also been observed. Wood elves tend to dress in simple clothes, similar to those of the [[moon elf|moon elves]] but not with fewer bold colors and a greater number of earth tones that blend into their natural surroundings. Accustomed to a harsh, naturalistic lifestyle, wood elves love to wear [[leather armor]], even when they are not under immediate threat. Wood elves are roughly identical to other elves in height and build, with males larger than females.<ref name="RoF:45">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|45}}</ref>
Wood elves are often stronger than other elves,{{csb|MM1e|40}}{{csb|UA1e|10}}{{csb|Player's Option: Skills & Powers|29}}{{csb|MC1}}{{csb|PHBR8|19}}{{csb|MM3e|87}} but are frequently less cerebral than grey elves, who put a greater value on education.{{csb|Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting third edition|15}}


Wood elves are often stronger than other Tel-quessir, including other elves, but are frequently less cerebral than the [[eladrin]], who put a greater value on education.<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref>
Clothing of wood elves is not as elaborate as other elven cultures (such as grey elves) and they favor simple outfits.  "Generally, males wear a blouselike shirt over close-fitting hose and soft boots or shoes, while females favor a frock with sash, or a blouse with an anklelength skirt. Hunting garments are typically in neutral colors like shades of brown, tailored for silent and easy movement."{{csb|LGG|9|}}  They wear earth-toned clothes in shades of brown, tan, russet, green{{csb|MC1|}}{{csb|Player's Option: Skills & Powers|29}}{{csb|MM3e|87}} and red{{csb|MM1e|40}} to blend in with their surroundings.{{csb|MC1|}}{{csb|PHBR8|19|}}{{csb|MM3e|87}}  Tan and russet are most common in autumn{{csb|PHBR8|19}} and winter finds sylvan elves wearing white leather so that they can hide in snow.{{csb|PHBR8|19}}


===Psychology===
Their cloaks, especially ones worn when traveling, are typically gray or gray-green,{{csb|LGG|9|}} green or greenish brown,{{csb|MM1e|40}}


As a people wood elves are largely seen as a calm and steady-headed people. Arousing strong emotions in wood elves is not something that is easily done, although many do have a strong aversion for large cities, having lost the passion for urbanization after the fall of [[Earlann]]. To wood elves, the trappings of civilization, including the mightiest of fortresses or tallest walls, are transient and impermanent things that will eventually be overcome by the long processes of nature. To many, this attitude seems condescending, weakening the bonds between wood elves and other races.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref> Additionally, wood elves can sometimes seem off-putting compared to other Tel-quessir, with a gruff manner that makes them less charismatic, in spite of their avowed compassion and humility.<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref>
==Personality==
As a people, wood elves are largely seen as calm and level-headed. Arousing strong emotions in wood elves is not something that is easily done, although many do have a strong aversion for large cities, having lost the passion for urbanization after the fall of [[Earlann]]. To wood elves, the trappings of civilization, including the mightiest of fortresses or tallest walls, are transient and impermanent things that are eventually be overcome by the long processes of nature. To many, this attitude seemed condescending, weakening the bonds between wood elves and other races.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}} Additionally, wood elves could sometimes seem off-putting compared to other Tel-quessir, with a gruff manner that made them less charismatic, despite their avowed compassion and humility.{{csb|Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting third edition|15}}


===Culture===
Wood elven romantic and sexual relationships are often polyamorous in nature, members of the race freely engaging or ceasing relations with new partners. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness are as a result viewed by the race as reasons for teasing or mockery. As a result of these perspectives on love, [[high elf|high elves]] often believed that any relationships engaged with wood elves are be destined to fail from the start.{{csb|The Summoning/Paperback 2001|?}}


Wood elves consider themselves the heirs of the ancient eladrin empires established prior to the Crown Wars, but they share few of the cultural characteristics that marked such early realms as [[Aryvandaar]] and [[Ilythiir]]. Although a proud people, wood elves feel that compassion is a great virtue than strength and wood elven realms are less concerned with expansion than they are with maintaining amiable relations with their neighbors.<ref name="RoF:45-6">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|45-6}}</ref> Wood elves are not nomadic, however, as is common amongst the [[wild elf|wild elves]] and instead are organized into scattered, carefully concealed villages united under a [[Wikipedia:Gerontocracy|gerontocratic]] hierarchy composed of village councils composed of the most distinguished families' eldest members. These councils are often advised by local [[druid]]s, whose influence plays no small part in wood elven politics and who frequently serve as the webbing that bind any number of villages together as one realm.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
==Culture==
Wood elves consider themselves the heirs of the ancient elven empires established in ancient times, but they share few of the cultural characteristics that marke such early realms as [[N]] and [[N]]. Although a proud people, wood elves feel compassion is a greater virtue than strength and wood elven realms are less concerned with expansion than they are with maintaining amiable relations with their neighbors.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}} Wood elves are not nomadic, however, as is common amongst the [[wild elf|wild elves]].  Instead they are 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 are often advised by local druids, whose influence plays no small part in wood elven politics and who frequently serve as the webbing that bound any number of villages together as one realm.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


Compared with other Tel-quessir, wood elves have a notable disinterest in the [[arcane magic|arcane arts]]. To a wood elf, the [[wizard]]'s [[spell]]s are little different from the mason's castle walls or the tiller's plow - a means of controlling the natural world, which is contrary to the common ethic of living in harmony with nature rather than trying to dominate it that so many wood elves espouse. As such, wood elven [[adventurer]]s are more likely to take on careers that do not require the use of arcane magic. In particular, many are drawn to the path of the [[fighter]], the [[ranger]], or the [[rogue]], relying on their natural-born skill to overcome obstacles. Compared with other Tel-quessir very few wood elves go on to be come [[spellsinger]]s or [[bladesinger]]s. The one major exception to the wood elven taboo on arcane magic are the [[arcane archer]]s, who count among their number several wood elves. Other wood elves, from more remote areas, are drawn to the ways of the [[barbarian]] while many religious wood elves become druids, with [[cleric]]s often seen in much the same light as wizards. Those wood elves who do become clerics might eventually become [[hierophant]]s. Many wood elven adventurers also became [[Harper]]s, prior to the organization's decline in the [[Era of Upheaval]].<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
Compared with other elves, wood elves have a notable disinterest in the arcane arts. To a wood elf, the wizard's spells are little different from the mason's castle walls or the tiller's plow—a means of controlling the natural world, which is contrary to the common ethic of living in harmony with nature rather than trying to dominate it. As such, wood elven adventurers are more likely to take on careers which do not require the use of arcane magic. In particular, many are drawn to the path of the fighter, ranger, or rogue, relying on their natural-born skill to overcome obstacles. Compared with other elves, very few wood elves go on to become spellsingers or bladesingers. The one major exception to the wood elven taboo on arcane magic are the arcane archers, who count many wood elves among them. Other wood elves from more remote areas are drawn to the ways of the barbarian while many religious wood elves become druids with clerics often seen in much the same light as wizards. Those wood elves who do become clerics might eventually become hierophants.


====Art and leisure====
===Art and Leisure===
Wood elves commonly feel that they are in harmony with their natural surroundings and an examination of their art helps to justify this belief. While wood elves do not wander like wild animals, as the wild elves do, wood elves do their best to make a minimal impact on their natural surroundings, a fact reflected in their architecture. Frequently, wood elven homes are made of natural fieldstone or carefully furnished wood but on occasion wood elves have been known to do without even these creature comforts, living in the limbs of mighty trees or sheltered caves, rejecting furniture or any possessions they cannot carry with them. So close do wood elven villages resemble their surroundings that [[human]]s have been known to wander through one without even noticing. Increased contact with other races since the end of the Retreat has caused some of these cultural practices to come into question, but for the large part, wood elves of today live much the same their ancestors did.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
Wood elves commonly feel they are in harmony with their natural surroundings and an examination of their art helps to justify this belief.{{cn}} While wood elves do not wander like wild animals as the wild elves do, wood elves do their best to have a minimal impact on their natural surroundings, a fact reflected in their architecture.{{cn}} Frequently, wood elven homes are made of natural fieldstone or carefully furnished wood, but on occasion wood elves are known to do without even these creature comforts, living in the limbs of mighty trees or sheltered caves, rejecting furniture or any possessions they could not carry with them. So close do wood elven villages resemble their surroundings, [[human]]s are occasionally known to wander through one without even noticing. Increased contact with other races ... caused some of these cultural practices to come into question, but for the large part the wood elves of the [X century] live much the same as their ancestors do.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


In keeping with their naturalistic inclination, wood elves are not particularly fine metalworkers and have no interest in developing any such skills. However, wood elves are among some of the world's finest carpenters and stoneworkers, masters in the crafting of [[bow]]s and [[arrow]]s as well as in leather tanning. Wood elves have even developed any number of specialized arrows, including those that fly further than usual as well as some that are used as signal devices. So carefully guarded are wood elven crafting secrets that even experienced fletchers from other races have difficulty emulating wood elven designs. Wood elven leather armor also often doubles as camouflage, disguising a wood elven hunter from potential enemies. Compared with wild elven designs, wood elven crafting often looks surprisingly elegant, although they are often made of the same materials and using similar methods, reflecting some of the difference between the two elven subraces.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
In keeping with their naturalistic inclination, wood elves are not particularly fine metalworkers and have little interest in developing any such skills. However, wood elves are among some of the world's finest carpenters and stoneworkers, masters in the crafting of bows and arrows as well as in leather tanning. Wood elves even developed several specialized arrows, including those that flew further than usual as well as some that are used as signal devices. So carefully guarded are wood elven crafting secrets, even experienced fletchers from other cultures have difficulty emulating wood elven designs. Wood elven leather armor also often doubles as camouflage, disguising a hunter from potential enemies. Compared to wild elven designs, wood elven crafting often looks surprisingly elegant, although they are often made of the same materials and used similar methods, reflecting some of the differences between the two elven subraces.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


While wood elves feel that is best to make a minimal impact on their surroundings, the race has no particular aversion to meat-eating and are passionate hunters. Many hours of the typical wood elf's life is spent on the hunt, which is both a practical activity and a pleasurable one. Most of the time that wood elves are not hunting they are enjoying themselves at ease within the highest branches of their forest homes. Wood elves do not, however, commonly keep pets, but instead form bonds with local wildlife in a manner similar to that of a ranger. Wood elves are particularly fond of [[mountain lion]]s, [[puma]]s, and [[leopard]]s.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
While wood elves felt it better to have a minimal impact on their surroundings, the race has no particular aversion to meat-eating and are passionate hunters. Many hours of a typical wood elf's life are spent on the hunt, which is both a practical activity and a pleasurable one. Most of the time that wood elves are not hunting they are enjoying themselves at ease within the highest branches of their forest homes. Wood elves do not, however, commonly keep pets, but instead formed bonds with local wildlife in a manner similar to those of a ranger. Wood elves are particularly fond of mountain [[lion]]s, [[puma]]s, and [[leopard]]s.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


====Magic and religion====
===Magic and Religion===
Wood elves are generally uncomfortable with most forms of magic, viewing wizards and other [[arcanist]]s with no small amount of distrust. Clerics and other [[divine spellcaster]]s fare little better in wood elven eyes, which see their prayers as a useless call to distant and alien gods. However, wood elves are largely at ease with the ways of the [[primal magic]] used by druids, barbarians, [[shaman]]s, and [[warden]]s, which they feel is the truest expression of supernatural power - or rather, a reflection of nature itself, used to protect the wilderness. However, wood elves are not completely adverse to arcane magic and wood elven [[bard]]s, [[sorcerer]]s, and wizards are far from unknown, although wood elves as a whole have no particular tradition of the Art.<ref name="RoF:47">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|47}}</ref>
Wood elves are generally uncomfortable with most forms of magic, viewing wizards and other arcane spellcasters with no small amount of distrust. Clerics and other divine spellcasters fared little better in wood elves' eyes, who saw their prayers as a useless call to distant and alien gods.{{cn}} However, wood elves are largely at ease with the ways of the primal magic used by druids, barbarians, and shamans, which they felt is the truest expression of supernatural power—or rather, a reflection of nature itself used to protect the wilderness.{{cn}} However, wood elves are not completely adverse to arcane magic and wood elven bards, sorcerers, and wizards are far from unknown, although wood elves as a whole have no particular tradition of the Art.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


Like other Tel-quessir, the wood elves largely worship the [[Seldarine]], but unlike their kin, they do not do so exclusively. Many wood elves have a special place in their heart for the [[god]]s [[Silvanus]] and [[Mielikki]], whose protection of the wilderness is something the wood elves themselves try to espouse. Among the elven gods, the wood elves most commonly worship [[Solonor Thelandira]] and [[Rillifane Rallathil]], who like Silvanus and Mielikki, have particular connections to the untamed wilderness. Solonor, as the god of archery, is perhaps the most popular god amongst the wood elves, who will sometimes invoke him as their protector and patron deity just prior to a battle.<ref name="RoF:47">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|47}}</ref>
Like other Tel-quessir, the wood elves largely worship the [[Seldarine]], but unlike their kin, they do not do so exclusively. Many wood elves has a special place in their heart for the gods [[X]] and [[Y]], whose protection of the wilderness is something the wood elves themselves tried to espouse. Among the elven gods, the wood elves most commonly worship [[Solonor Thelandira]] and [[Rillifane Rallathil]], who, like[X] and [X], have connections to the untamed wilderness. Solonor, as the god of archery, is perhaps the most popular god amongst the wood elves, who will sometimes invoke him as their protector and patron deity just prior to a battle.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


===Relations with other races===
==Relations with Other Races==
Although a proud people themselves, wood elves often feel their kindred too often put on an air of superiority and xenophobia which is ultimately detrimental. Wood elves look to the examples of the ancient elven empires and, seeing failure after failure, feel their aim should be compassion and humility, rather than political or military strength. Unlike many of their kin, wood elves feel their fates are inextricably tied to those of Oerth's other races and they make no effort to pull away or isolate themselves. Ironically, so reclusive are wood elven settlements that, despite their open nature, wood elves rarely actually see people from outside their race.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


Although a proud people themselves, wood elves often feel that their Tel-quessir kindred too often put on an air of superiority and xenophobia that is ultimately detrimental. Wood elves look to the examples of the ancient eladrin empires and, seeing failure after failure, feel that their aim should be compassion and humility, rather than political or military strength. Unlike many of their kin, wood elves feel that their fates are inextricably tied to that of Faerûn's other races and they make no effort to pull away or isolate themselves.<ref name="RoF:45">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|45}}</ref> Ironically, so reclusive are wood elven settlements that in spite of their open nature, wood elves rarely actually see people from outside their race.<ref name="RoF:47">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|47}}</ref>
Of all the [[humanoid]] races of Oerth, the ones most familiar with the wood elves are [[human]]s and [[dwarves]], who often live within the vicinity of the fey. Still, few humans or dwarves ever actually meet a wood elf and when they do it is often largely by chance. However, when meetings do occur, they are largely friendly and, like the moon elves, wood elves see themselves as allies and teachers of humanity, rather than as rivals.


Of all the [[humanoid]] races of Faerûn the ones most familiar with the wood elves are the humans and [[dwarf|dwarves]] native to the [[Northweset Faerûn|North]], who often live within the vicinity of the fey. Still, few humans or dwarves have ever actually met a wood elf and when they do it is often largely by chance. However, when meetings do occur they are largely friendly and like the [[moon elf|moon elven]] eladrin, wood elves see themselves as allies and teachers of humanity, rather than as rivals. Wood elves also have a long tradition of friendship with the [[shield dwarf|shield dwarves]] of [[Ammarindar]] dating back to the reign of Earlann, which has carried on into the present.<ref name="RoF:47">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|47}}</ref> Wood elves also feel a kinship with the sapient [[giant owl]]s, with whom they form a symbiotic relationship; in return for the elves acting as protectors for the owls, the birds of prey often act as advance scouts for wood elven warriors.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
Wood elves also felt a kinship with sapient [[giant owl]]s, with whom they formed a symbiotic relationship. In return for the elves acting as protectors for the owls, the birds of prey often acted as advance scouts for wood elven warriors.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


Gnomes and halflings are less frequent guests among the wood elves, but they are generally seen favorably. Conversely, wood elves, like most Tel-quessir, have a strong contempt for [[orc]]s, as well as for [[gnoll]]s, though their reasons are less about the ancient enmity between [[Corellon]] and [[Gruumsh]] and more out of the devastation that raiding parties often bring to the forests that wood elves hold dear.<ref name="RoF:47">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|47}}</ref>
[[Gnome]]s and [[halfling]]s are less frequent guests among the wood elves, but they are generally seen favorably. Conversely, wood elves, like most other elves, have a strong contempt for [[orc]]s, as well as for [[gnoll]]s, though their reasons are less about the ancient enmity between [[Corellon]] and [[Gruumsh]] and more out of the devastation that raiding parties often brought to the forests that wood elves held dear.{{csb|Races of Faerun|45}}


==History==
==History==


Wood elves are the last of the elven subraces to appear on Faerûn, though not through the same method as the other subraces. The wood elves are actually native to [[Faerûn]], the descendants of wild elves, moon elves, and [[sun elf|sun elves]] who decided to retreat to their deepest woodland sanctuaries after the last of the [[Crown Wars]]. Unlike the majority of the dispossessed survivors of the Crown Wars, who abandoned their homelands and went on to found new kingdoms elsewhere, the ancestors of the wood elves stuck to their ancestral holdings and swore to never wage war on their kin again. While not following the same path as the [[wild elves]], they formed tightly-knit, networked communities, leaving behind [[high magic]] and becoming closer to nature. It was from the interbreeding between these peoples that the wood elves emerged.<ref name="RoF:45">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|45}}</ref>
==Homelands==
 
Wood elves are the most common of the elves in [N] and could be found in many scattered groups across the continent. Many could be found in the [N]] ([N], and the old Elven Court itself), the [N], [N], the [N], the [[N Forest]], the [[N woodland]], and the [N].
In the eastern [[High Forest]] the wood elves founded the realm of Earlann around [[-4700 DR]]. There, they befriended the [[dwarves]] of [[Delzoun]] and later taught the [[Netherese]] about [[magic]], a decision they would later have reason to regret. Following the Netherese discovery of the [[Nether Scrolls]], Netheril blossomed into a mighty empire that soon overshadowed the elves who had helped it find its feet. The elves of Earlann were worried about this sudden rise in power and attempted to subtly check the humans' pride and expansionism for centuries. Their efforts would be undone when [[Karsus]] attempted to gain godhood and failed, causing the death of [[Mystryl]], the fall of Netheril,<ref name="RoF:45-46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref> and the eventual fall of the first empire of [[Illefarn]].<ref name="NWN2">{{Cite game/Neverwinter Nights 2}}</ref> Taking responsibility of Netheril's beleaguered people, the wood elves allowed many of the empire's refugees to settle in [[Ascalhorn]].<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
 
For a time, peace rained in Earlann but once again the folly of the nation's human allies would bring disaster. In [[882 DR]], a mass summoning of [[devil]]s by Ascalhorn's [[mage]]s would backfire, resulting in the conquest of the city by the [[fiend]]s. A year later, after a long struggle against the devils of Ascalhorn that severely weakened the nation, Earlann fell to a horde of conquering [[orc]]s.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>


Earlann was the last of its kind so far and no new wood elven nations have arisen since its fall, though attempts have been made. Instead, wood elves have largely kept to the lands they already inhabit, fortifying their position rather than expanding into new territories. The wood elves ignored the call of the Retreat, staying on the mainland to look after their small villages and protect their forests but with the Retreat over, they have emerged once more as a people devoted to protecting their native forests. Although some wood elves still dream of restoring Earlann they feel that they have learned their lessons and so seek to avoid the empire-building of their kindred or of humans, instead maintaining a strong, but largely non-aggressive, role in regional geopolitics.<ref name="RoF:46">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|46}}</ref>
== Publishing History ==
In '''first edition''', both subraces are separate. Wood elves are "sometimes called sylvan elves"{{csb|MM1e|40}}{{csb|UA1e|10}}, wild elves are "grugach", and each have their own stats.{{csb|UA1e|10}}


==Homelands==
In '''second edition''', "sylvan elves are often called" wood elves{{csb|PHBR8|19}} and vice versa.{{csb|Monstrous Manual|109}}{{csb|Player's Option: Skills & Powers|29}}  "The grugach are much like sylvan elves", but are more "savage".{{csb|PHBR8|26}}
[[Image:FRCS wood elf.png|thumb|left|''Armored male wood elf.'']]


Wood elves are the most common of the elves in Faerûn<ref name="RoF:45">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|45}}</ref> and can be found in many scattered groups across the continent. Many can be found in the [[Elven Court]]<ref name="PGtF:21">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerun|21}}</ref> (Semberholem, Tangled Trees, and the old Elven Court itself), the [[Great Dale]]<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref>, [[Tethyr]]<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref>, the [[Western Heartlands]]<ref name="FRCS:15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting|15}}</ref>, the [[Forest of Lethyr]]<ref name="PGtF:21">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerun|21}}</ref>, the [[High Forest]]<ref name="PGtF:21">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerun|21}}</ref>, and the [[Wealdath]]<ref name="PGtF:21">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerun|21}}</ref>.
In '''third edition''', wood elves are "also called sylvan elves", but wild elves (grugach) are not.{{csb|MM3e|104}} Each has its own subrace and has its own stats.


==Behind the scenes==
In '''fourth edition''', wood elves and wild elves are revised to become separate cultures of the single race known as "elves", with only Racial Feats distinguishing them.  The single "elf" race in the ''Player's Handbook'' is the "wood elf".{{cite dragon|405|4}} Grugach are not found in fourth edition.  Other elven subraces are categorized under other labels such as [[eladrin]] and [[X]].


Under 1st and 2nd Editions, [[Wild elf|wild elves]] and wood elves were considered to be one sub-race, the difference merely being one of naming, with ''wild elf'' being considered somewhat derogatory, much like calling a [[moon elf]], ''grey elf''. At this time, the entire race was often referred to Sylvan elves, as well as Copper elves and Green elves. The elven name for themselves was Sy'Tel'Quessir<ref name="C:EoE:19">{{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves|19}}</ref> and it is not entirely clear whether this continues to apply to both of the new sub-divisions, or only one and if so, which one. Given the earlier materials' physical descriptions, it would seem that the originally described sub-race is what is now under 3rd edition referred to as Wood elves.
In '''fifth edition''', the ''Player's Handbook'' consolidates both wood elves and wild elves in its description of wood elves—"this category includes the wild elves (grugach) of Greyhawk ... as well as the race called wood elves."{{csb|PH5e|24}} It only describes three elven subraces—dark elves ([[drow]]), high elves, and wood elves.


In 4th edition, wood elves and wild elves were revised once again to become separate cultures of the single race known as "elves." Other elven subraces were categorized under other labels.
===Gallery===
<gallery>
File:Elves-1e.png
File:Elf-3e.png
</gallery>


==References==
== References ==
===Notes===
=== Notes ===
{{refs}}
<references group="note" />
===Sources===
=== Citations ===
====Books====
<references />
*{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition}}
=== Bibliography ===
*{{Cite book/Races of Faerun}}
* [[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977. Item code TSR2009.
*{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerun}}
* [[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]]. ''Unearthed Arcana''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1986-1991. Item code TSR2017.
*{{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves}}
* [[Colin McComb|McComb, Colin]]. PHBR8 ''The Complete Book of Elves''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992. Item code TSR2131.
====Games====
* [[Monte Cook|Cook, Monte]], [[Jonathan Tweet]] and [[Skip Williams]]. ''Monster Manual''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 17755.
*{{Cite game/Neverwinter Nights 2}}
* [[Monte Cook|Cook, Monte]], [[Jonathan Tweet]] and [[Skip Williams]]. ''Player's Handbook''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 11550.
* [[Douglas Niles|Niles, Douglas]] and [[Dale A. Donovan]]. ''Player's Option: Skills & Powers''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996. Item code TSR2154.
{{FRwiki}}
{{index|title=Elf, valley%' OR Description LIKE '%Elf, sylvan%' OR Description LIKE '%Elf, wood}}




{{Elven subraces}}
[[Category: Creatures]]
[[Category:Wood elves| ]]
[[Category: Races]]
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category: Elves]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of chaotic good alignment]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the Dalelands]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the Great Dale]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the High Forest]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Northwest Faerûn]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Tethyr]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the Western Heartlands]]

Latest revision as of 06:24, 23 August 2024


Greyhawk Creature
Wood elf
Two wood elves, art by William O'Connor.
General information
Size:Medium
Alignment:Usually neutral
Type:Humanoid
Subtype:Elf
Patron deity:Corellon, Rillifane Rallathil, and the Seldarine
First appearance:Supplement I: Greyhawk

Wood elves are the most populous of the elven races. Wood elves see themselves as guardians of their forest homes, but unlike most elves they do not view themselves as a people apart from the rest of the world.[1]

Description

File:Wood and sun elves.jpg
A sun elf (top) and a wood elf shooting archery together.

Wood elves have fair skin[2][3] which is only "slightly darker in complexion than high elves".[4][5][6] Hair of wood elves in the World of Greyhawk™ is typically yellow-blonde to coppery red.[2][4][3][5][6][7][8], although hues browns and blacks are also found.[9]

Eyes are usually light brown (which is the most common),[10] light green, or hazel.[2][11][4][8] Bright green is not uncommon[6], and some cases of blue are known[5]. Hazel and blue are the least common, only being seen a handful of times in a generation.[10]

Wood elves are often stronger than other elves,[2][3][5][4][6][7] but are frequently less cerebral than grey elves, who put a greater value on education.[12]

Clothing of wood elves is not as elaborate as other elven cultures (such as grey elves) and they favor simple outfits. "Generally, males wear a blouselike shirt over close-fitting hose and soft boots or shoes, while females favor a frock with sash, or a blouse with an anklelength skirt. Hunting garments are typically in neutral colors like shades of brown, tailored for silent and easy movement."[13] They wear earth-toned clothes in shades of brown, tan, russet, green[4][5][7] and red[2] to blend in with their surroundings.[4][6][7] Tan and russet are most common in autumn[6] and winter finds sylvan elves wearing white leather so that they can hide in snow.[6]

Their cloaks, especially ones worn when traveling, are typically gray or gray-green,[13] green or greenish brown,[2]

Personality

As a people, wood elves are largely seen as calm and level-headed. Arousing strong emotions in wood elves is not something that is easily done, although many do have a strong aversion for large cities, having lost the passion for urbanization after the fall of Earlann. To wood elves, the trappings of civilization, including the mightiest of fortresses or tallest walls, are transient and impermanent things that are eventually be overcome by the long processes of nature. To many, this attitude seemed condescending, weakening the bonds between wood elves and other races.[14] Additionally, wood elves could sometimes seem off-putting compared to other Tel-quessir, with a gruff manner that made them less charismatic, despite their avowed compassion and humility.[12]

Wood elven romantic and sexual relationships are often polyamorous in nature, members of the race freely engaging or ceasing relations with new partners. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness are as a result viewed by the race as reasons for teasing or mockery. As a result of these perspectives on love, high elves often believed that any relationships engaged with wood elves are be destined to fail from the start.[15]

Culture

Wood elves consider themselves the heirs of the ancient elven empires established in ancient times, but they share few of the cultural characteristics that marke such early realms as N and N. Although a proud people, wood elves feel compassion is a greater virtue than strength and wood elven realms are less concerned with expansion than they are with maintaining amiable relations with their neighbors.[14] Wood elves are not nomadic, however, as is common amongst the wild elves. Instead they are 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 are often advised by local druids, whose influence plays no small part in wood elven politics and who frequently serve as the webbing that bound any number of villages together as one realm.[14]

Compared with other elves, wood elves have a notable disinterest in the arcane arts. To a wood elf, the wizard's spells are little different from the mason's castle walls or the tiller's plow—a means of controlling the natural world, which is contrary to the common ethic of living in harmony with nature rather than trying to dominate it. As such, wood elven adventurers are more likely to take on careers which do not require the use of arcane magic. In particular, many are drawn to the path of the fighter, ranger, or rogue, relying on their natural-born skill to overcome obstacles. Compared with other elves, very few wood elves go on to become spellsingers or bladesingers. The one major exception to the wood elven taboo on arcane magic are the arcane archers, who count many wood elves among them. Other wood elves from more remote areas are drawn to the ways of the barbarian while many religious wood elves become druids with clerics often seen in much the same light as wizards. Those wood elves who do become clerics might eventually become hierophants.

Art and Leisure

Wood elves commonly feel they are in harmony with their natural surroundings and an examination of their art helps to justify this belief.[citation needed] While wood elves do not wander like wild animals as the wild elves do, wood elves do their best to have a minimal impact on their natural surroundings, a fact reflected in their architecture.[citation needed] Frequently, wood elven homes are made of natural fieldstone or carefully furnished wood, but on occasion wood elves are known to do without even these creature comforts, living in the limbs of mighty trees or sheltered caves, rejecting furniture or any possessions they could not carry with them. So close do wood elven villages resemble their surroundings, humans are occasionally known to wander through one without even noticing. Increased contact with other races ... caused some of these cultural practices to come into question, but for the large part the wood elves of the [X century] live much the same as their ancestors do.[14]

In keeping with their naturalistic inclination, wood elves are not particularly fine metalworkers and have little interest in developing any such skills. However, wood elves are among some of the world's finest carpenters and stoneworkers, masters in the crafting of bows and arrows as well as in leather tanning. Wood elves even developed several specialized arrows, including those that flew further than usual as well as some that are used as signal devices. So carefully guarded are wood elven crafting secrets, even experienced fletchers from other cultures have difficulty emulating wood elven designs. Wood elven leather armor also often doubles as camouflage, disguising a hunter from potential enemies. Compared to wild elven designs, wood elven crafting often looks surprisingly elegant, although they are often made of the same materials and used similar methods, reflecting some of the differences between the two elven subraces.[14]

While wood elves felt it better to have a minimal impact on their surroundings, the race has no particular aversion to meat-eating and are passionate hunters. Many hours of a typical wood elf's life are spent on the hunt, which is both a practical activity and a pleasurable one. Most of the time that wood elves are not hunting they are enjoying themselves at ease within the highest branches of their forest homes. Wood elves do not, however, commonly keep pets, but instead formed bonds with local wildlife in a manner similar to those of a ranger. Wood elves are particularly fond of mountain lions, pumas, and leopards.[14]

Magic and Religion

Wood elves are generally uncomfortable with most forms of magic, viewing wizards and other arcane spellcasters with no small amount of distrust. Clerics and other divine spellcasters fared little better in wood elves' eyes, who saw their prayers as a useless call to distant and alien gods.[citation needed] However, wood elves are largely at ease with the ways of the primal magic used by druids, barbarians, and shamans, which they felt is the truest expression of supernatural power—or rather, a reflection of nature itself used to protect the wilderness.[citation needed] However, wood elves are not completely adverse to arcane magic and wood elven bards, sorcerers, and wizards are far from unknown, although wood elves as a whole have no particular tradition of the Art.[14]

Like other Tel-quessir, the wood elves largely worship the Seldarine, but unlike their kin, they do not do so exclusively. Many wood elves has a special place in their heart for the gods X and Y, whose protection of the wilderness is something the wood elves themselves tried to espouse. Among the elven gods, the wood elves most commonly worship Solonor Thelandira and Rillifane Rallathil, who, like[X] and [X], have connections to the untamed wilderness. Solonor, as the god of archery, is perhaps the most popular god amongst the wood elves, who will sometimes invoke him as their protector and patron deity just prior to a battle.[14]

Relations with Other Races

Although a proud people themselves, wood elves often feel their kindred too often put on an air of superiority and xenophobia which is ultimately detrimental. Wood elves look to the examples of the ancient elven empires and, seeing failure after failure, feel their aim should be compassion and humility, rather than political or military strength. Unlike many of their kin, wood elves feel their fates are inextricably tied to those of Oerth's other races and they make no effort to pull away or isolate themselves. Ironically, so reclusive are wood elven settlements that, despite their open nature, wood elves rarely actually see people from outside their race.[14]

Of all the humanoid races of Oerth, the ones most familiar with the wood elves are humans and dwarves, who often live within the vicinity of the fey. Still, few humans or dwarves ever actually meet a wood elf and when they do it is often largely by chance. However, when meetings do occur, they are largely friendly and, like the moon elves, wood elves see themselves as allies and teachers of humanity, rather than as rivals.

Wood elves also felt a kinship with sapient giant owls, with whom they formed a symbiotic relationship. In return for the elves acting as protectors for the owls, the birds of prey often acted as advance scouts for wood elven warriors.[14]

Gnomes and halflings are less frequent guests among the wood elves, but they are generally seen favorably. Conversely, wood elves, like most other elves, have a strong contempt for orcs, as well as for gnolls, though their reasons are less about the ancient enmity between Corellon and Gruumsh and more out of the devastation that raiding parties often brought to the forests that wood elves held dear.[14]

History

Homelands

Wood elves are the most common of the elves in [N] and could be found in many scattered groups across the continent. Many could be found in the [N]] ([N], and the old Elven Court itself), the [N], [N], the [N], the N Forest, the N woodland, and the [N].

Publishing History

In first edition, both subraces are separate. Wood elves are "sometimes called sylvan elves"[2][3], wild elves are "grugach", and each have their own stats.[3]

In second edition, "sylvan elves are often called" wood elves[6] and vice versa.[16][5] "The grugach are much like sylvan elves", but are more "savage".[17]

In third edition, wood elves are "also called sylvan elves", but wild elves (grugach) are not.[18] Each has its own subrace and has its own stats.

In fourth edition, wood elves and wild elves are revised to become separate cultures of the single race known as "elves", with only Racial Feats distinguishing them. The single "elf" race in the Player's Handbook is the "wood elf".[19] Grugach are not found in fourth edition. Other elven subraces are categorized under other labels such as eladrin and X.

In fifth edition, the Player's Handbook consolidates both wood elves and wild elves in its description of wood elves—"this category includes the wild elves (grugach) of Greyhawk ... as well as the race called wood elves."[9] It only describes three elven subraces—dark elves (drow), high elves, and wood elves.

References

Notes

Citations

  1. ↑ Races of Faerûn, p.45-47.
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g Monster Manual (1977), p.40.
  3. ↑ a b c d e Unearthed Arcana (1985), p.10.
  4. ↑ a b c d e f MC1 Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989).
  5. ↑ a b c d e f Player's Option: Skills & Powers (1996), p.29.
  6. ↑ a b c d e f g h PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves (1992), p.19.
  7. ↑ a b c d Monster Manual (Oct 2000), p.87.
  8. ↑ a b Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.8.
  9. ↑ a b Player's Handbook (2014), p.24.
  10. ↑ a b PHBR8}19.
  11. ↑ Unearthed Arcana (1985), p.40.
  12. ↑ a b Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting third edition, p.15.
  13. ↑ a b Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.9.
  14. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k Races of Faerun, p.45.
  15. ↑ The Summoning/Paperback 2001, p.?.
  16. ↑ Monstrous Manual (1993), p.109.
  17. ↑ PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves (1992), p.26.
  18. ↑ Monster Manual (Oct 2000), p.104.
  19. ↑ Dragon #405 (Nov 2011), p.4.

Bibliography


This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wood elf on the Forgotten Realms Wiki (view authors.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Elf, Valley Monster Reference SEE Valley Elf
Fnast Dringle Non-player character Elf, wood, Pre-gen [F4/M8], D1-2 Descent into the Depths of the Earth 21, 22
Glenola Oaktree Non-player character Male, Elf, wood, [War7/Rog8], 1992 TSR Trading Cards - Gold Set 357
Grenowin (Duke) Non-player character Male, Elf, sylvan, [3e M11/F2], From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess 40
Grenowin (Duke) Non-player character Male, Elf, sylvan, [3e M11/F2], Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 117
Grenowin (Duke) Non-player character Male, Elf, sylvan, [3e M11/F2], Living Greyhawk Journal #1 16
Grenowin (Duke) Non-player character Male, Elf, sylvan, [3e M11/F2], World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 39
Grenowin (Duke) Non-player character Male, Elf, sylvan, [3e M11/F2], World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 17
Katrin Non-player character Elf, wood, I9 Day of Al'Akbar 18
Lindarfin Lightbreeze Non-player character Male, Elf, wood, pre-gen [Clr6], Expedition to the Barrier Peaks: Original Adventures Reincarnated #03, D&D 5e 333
Rillifane Rallathil Non-player character Elf, wood, [C4], Dragon magazine #208 58
Rillifane Rallathil Non-player character Elf, wood, [C4], Ivid the Undying 79
Rillifane Rallathil Non-player character Elf, wood, [C4], Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e 112
Seenia Non-player character Elf, wood, [F6/M6/T6], Dragon magazine #056 20
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