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{{Creature
{{Creature
| image        = Dannae.jpg
| image        = [[File:Elves - William OConnor.png|250px]]
| caption      = [[Dannae]], a wood elf [[Justice of weald and woe]].
| caption      = Two wood elves, art by William O'Connor.
| name        = Wood Elf
| name        =  
| size5e      =  
| alt_spelling =  
| type5e      =
| alignment   = Usually neutral
| subtype5e   =  
| type        = Humanoid
| alignment5e  =  
| subtype      = [[Elf]]
| challenge5e  =
| first        = [[Supplement I: Greyhawk]]
| refs5e      =
| size        = Medium
| size4e      =
| origin4e    =
| type4e      =
| subtype4e    =
| alignment4e  =
| refs4e      =
| size3e      = Medium
| type3e      = [[Humanoid]]
| subtype3e    = [[Elf]]
| alignment3e  = Usually [[neutral]]
| challenge3e  = {{Frac|1|2}}
| challenge3e  = {{Frac|1|2}}
| refs3e      = <ref name="FRCS3e-p15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|15}}</ref><ref name="MMv.3.5-pp102,104">{{Cite book/Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}</ref>
| refs3e      = {{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}
| size2e      =
| patron deity = [[Corellon]], [[Rillifane Rallathil]], and the [[Seldarine]]
| alignment2e  =
| vision      = [[Low-light vision]]{{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102, 104}}
| refs2e      =
| size1e      =
| alignment1e  =
| refs1e      =
| patron deity =  
| vision      = [[Low-light vision]]<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" /><ref name="MMv.3.5-pp102,104" />
| activecycle  =  
| activecycle  =  
| diet        =  
| diet        =  
| lifespan    =  
| lifespan    =  
| location    = The [[Dalelands]], the [[Great Dale]], the [[High Forest]], the [[Northwest Faerûn|North]], [[Tethyr]], the [[Western Heartlands]]{{Fact}}
| location    =  
| language    = [[Elven language|Elven]], [[Common]]<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" />
| language    = [[Languages#Elven|Elven]], [[Languages#Common|Common]]
| subraces    =  
| subraces    =  
| climate      = Temperate<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" /><ref name="MMv.3.5-pp102,104" />
| climate      = Temperate{{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}
| terrain      = Forests<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" /><ref name="MMv.3.5-pp102,104" />
| terrain      = Forests{{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102,104}}
| height      =  
| height      =  
| length      =
| wingspan    =
| weight      =  
| weight      =  
| skincolor    = Copper, tan{{Fact}}
| skincolor    = Copper, tan
| haircolor    = Black, blond, brown, copper red{{Fact}}
| haircolor    = Black, blond, brown, copper red
| hairstyles  =
| eyecolor    = Green, brown, hazel
| feathers    =
| eyecolor    = Green, brown, hazel{{Fact}}
| build        =  
| build        =  
| distinctions = Physically strong, frail{{Fact}}
| based        =
| first        =
}}
}}
'''Wood elves''', also known as '''copper elves''',<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" /> or '''Or-tel-quessir''' were the most populous of the [[elf|elven]] races. Wood elves saw themselves as guardians of the [[Tel-quessir]] forest homes that were largely abandoned after the [[Crown Wars]] and before the [[Retreat]], but unlike most elves they did not view themselves as a people apart from the rest of [[Faerûn]].<ref name="RoF-p45">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|45-47}}</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}}


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:Wood and sun elves.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''A [[sun elf]] (top) and a wood elf shooting archery together.'']]
[[File:Wood and sun elves.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''A sun elf (top) and a wood elf shooting archery together.'']]
Wood elves were easily identifiable by their coppery skin and green, brown, or hazel eyes. Wood elven hair was usually black or brown,<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" /> although hues such as blond or copper red were also found. Wood elves tended to dress in simple clothes, similar to those of the [[moon elf|moon elves]] but with fewer bold colors and a greater number of earth tones that blended into their natural surroundings. Accustomed to a harsh, naturalistic lifestyle, wood elves loved to wear [[leather armor]], even when they were not under immediate threat. Wood elves were roughly identical to other elves in height and build, with males larger than females.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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}}


Wood elves were often stronger than other Tel-quessir, including other elves, but were frequently less cerebral than moon and [[sun elves]], who put a greater value on education.<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" />
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 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}}
 
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}}
 
Their cloaks, especially ones worn when traveling, are typically gray or gray-green,{{csb|LGG|9|}} green or greenish brown,{{csb|MM1e|40}}


==Personality==
==Personality==
As a people, wood elves were largely seen as calm and level-headed. Arousing strong emotions in wood elves was not something that was easily done, although many did 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, were transient and impermanent things that would eventually be overcome by the long processes of nature. To many, this attitude seemed condescending, weakening the bonds between wood elves and other races.<ref name="RoF-p45"/> 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.<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" />
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}}


Wood elven romantic and sexual relationships were often polyamorous in nature, members of the race freely engaging or ceasing relations with new partners. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness were 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 would be destined to fail from the start.<ref>{{Cite book/The Summoning|?}}</ref>
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|?}}


==Culture==
==Culture==
Wood elves considered themselves the heirs of the ancient elven empires established prior to the Crown Wars, but they shared few of the cultural characteristics that marked such early realms as [[Aryvandaar]] and [[Ilythiir]]. Although a proud people, wood elves felt that compassion was a greater virtue than strength and wood elven realms were less concerned with expansion than they were with maintaining amiable relations with their neighbors.<ref name="RoF-p45"/> Wood elves were not nomadic, however, as was common amongst the [[wild elf|wild elves]] and instead they were organized into scattered, carefully concealed villages united under a [[Wikipedia:Gerontocracy|gerontocratic]] hierarchy composed of village councils consisting of the most distinguished families' eldest members. These councils were often advised by local [[druid]]s, whose influence played no small part in wood elven politics and who frequently served as the webbing that bound any number of villages together as one realm.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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 had a notable disinterest in the [[arcane magic|arcane arts]]. To a wood elf, the [[wizard]]'s [[spell]]s were little different from the mason's castle walls or the tiller's plow—a means of controlling the natural world, which was contrary to the common ethic of living in harmony with nature rather than trying to dominate it that so many wood elves espoused. As such, wood elven [[adventurer]]s were more likely to take on careers that did not require the use of arcane magic. In particular, many were 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 went on to become [[spellsinger]]s or [[bladesinger]]s. The one major exception to the wood elven taboo on arcane magic was the [[arcane archer]]s, who counted among their number several wood elves. Other wood elves from more remote areas were drawn to the ways of the [[barbarian]] while many religious wood elves became druids with [[cleric]]s often seen in much the same light as wizards. Those wood elves who did become clerics might eventually become [[hierophant]]s. Many wood elven adventurers also became [[Harper]]s.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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 felt that they were in harmony with their natural surroundings and an examination of their art helped to justify this belief. While wood elves did not wander like wild animals as the wild elves did, wood elves did their best to have a minimal impact on their natural surroundings, a fact reflected in their architecture. Frequently, wood elven homes were made of natural fieldstone or carefully furnished wood, but on occasion wood elves were known to do without even these creature comforts, living in the limbs of mighty trees or sheltered caves, rejecting furniture or any possessions they couldn't carry with them. So close did wood elven villages resemble their surroundings that [[human]]s were occasionally known to wander through one without even noticing. Increased contact with other races since the end of the Retreat caused some of these cultural practices to come into question but for the large part the wood elves of the 14th century [[DR]] lived much the same as their ancestors did.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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 were not particularly fine metalworkers and had no interest in developing any such skills. However, wood elves were 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 even developed a number of specialized arrows, including those that flew further than usual as well as some that were used as signal devices. So carefully guarded were wood elven crafting secrets that even experienced fletchers from other races had difficulty emulating wood elven designs. Wood elven leather armor also often doubled as camouflage, disguising a wood elven hunter from potential enemies. Compared with wild elven designs, wood elven crafting often looked surprisingly elegant, although they were often made of the same materials and used similar methods, reflecting some of the differences between the two elven subraces.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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 felt it better to have a minimal impact on their surroundings, the race had no particular aversion to meat-eating and were passionate hunters. Many hours of a typical wood elf's life were spent on the hunt, which was both a practical activity and a pleasurable one. Most of the time that wood elves were not hunting they were enjoying themselves at ease within the highest branches of their forest homes. Wood elves did not, however, commonly keep pets, but instead formed bonds with local wildlife in a manner similar to those of a ranger. Wood elves were particularly fond of mountain [[lion]]s, [[puma]]s, and [[leopard]]s.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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 were generally uncomfortable with most forms of [[magic]], viewing wizards and other [[arcane spellcaster]]s with no small amount of distrust. Clerics and other [[divine spellcaster]]s fared little better in wood elven eyes, who saw their prayers as a useless call to distant and alien gods.{{Fact}} However, wood elves were largely at ease with the ways of the [[primal magic]] used by druids, barbarians, [[shaman]]s, and [[warden]]s, which they felt was the truest expression of supernatural power—or rather, a reflection of nature itself, used to protect the wilderness.{{Fact}} However, wood elves were not completely adverse to arcane magic and wood elven [[bard]]s, [[sorcerer]]s, and wizards were far from unknown, although wood elves as a whole had no particular tradition of the Art.<ref name="RoF-p45"/>
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 worshiped the [[Seldarine]], but unlike their kin, they did not do so exclusively. Many wood elves had a special place in their heart for the [[god]]s [[Silvanus]] and [[Mielikki]], whose protection of the wilderness was something the wood elves themselves tried to espouse. Among the elven gods, the wood elves most commonly worshiped [[Solonor Thelandira]] and [[Rillifane Rallathil]], who, like Silvanus and Mielikki, had particular connections to the untamed wilderness. Solonor, as the god of archery, was perhaps the most popular god amongst the wood elves, who would sometimes invoke him as their protector and patron deity just prior to a battle.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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 felt that their Tel-quessir kindred, such as the Ar-Tel-Quessir, too often put on an air of superiority and xenophobia that was ultimately detrimental. Wood elves looked to the examples of the ancient elven empires and, seeing failure after failure, felt that their aim should be compassion and humility, rather than political or military strength. Unlike many of their kin, wood elves felt that their fates were inextricably tied to those of Faerûn's other races and they made no effort to pull away or isolate themselves. Ironically, so reclusive were wood elven settlements that, despite their open nature, wood elves rarely actually saw people from outside their race.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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}}


Of all the [[humanoid]] races of Faerûn, the ones most familiar with the wood elves were the humans and [[dwarves]] native to the [[Northwest Faerûn|North]], who often lived within the vicinity of the fey. Still, few humans or dwarves had ever actually met a wood elf and when they did it was often largely by chance. However, when meetings did occur, they were largely friendly and, like the [[moon elves]], wood elves saw themselves as allies and teachers of humanity, rather than as rivals. Wood elves also had a long tradition of friendship with the [[shield dwarves]] of [[Ammarindar (kingdom)|Ammarindar]], dating back to the reign of Earlann, which carried on into the present.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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.


Wood elves also felt a kinship with the 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.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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}}


[[Gnome]]s and [[halfling]]s were less frequent guests among the wood elves, but they were generally seen favorably. Conversely, wood elves, like most Tel-quessir, had a strong contempt for [[orc]]s, as well as for [[gnoll]]s, though their reasons were 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.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
[[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==
[[File:High Forest.jpg|thumb|258px|Map of the High Forest.]]Wood elves were the last of the elven subraces to appear on [[Faerûn]], though not through the same method as the other subraces. The wood elves were actually native to Faerûn, the descendants of wild elves, moon elves, and 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-p45" />


In the eastern [[High Forest]], the wood elves founded the realm of Earlann around {{Yearlink|-4700}}. 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-p45" /> and the eventual fall of the first empire of [[Illefarn]].<ref name="NWN2">{{Cite game/Neverwinter Nights 2}}</ref> Taking responsibility for Netheril's beleaguered people, the wood elves allowed many of the empire's refugees to settle in [[Ascalhorn]].<ref name="RoF-p45" />
==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].


For a time, peace reigned in Earlann but once again the folly of the nation's human allies brought disaster. In [[882 DR]], a mass summoning of [[devil]]s by Ascalhorn's [[mage]]s backfired, 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-p45" />
== 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}}


Earlann was the last of its kind and no new wood elven nations arose since its fall, though attempts had been made before the mid–14th century DR. Instead, wood elves largely kept to the lands they already inhabited, 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. When the Retreat ended, they emerged once more as a people devoted to protecting their native forests. Although some wood elves still dreamt of restoring Earlann, they felt that they had learned their lessons and so sought to avoid the empire-building of their kin or of humans, instead maintaining a strong, but largely non-aggressive, role in regional geopolitics.<ref name="RoF-p45" />
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}}
 
==Homelands==
Wood elves were the most common of the elves in Faerûn<ref name="RoF-p45" /> and could be found in many scattered groups across the continent. Many could be found in the [[Elven Court]]<ref name="PGtF-p21">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerûn|21}}</ref> ([[Semberholme]], [[Tangled Trees]], and the old Elven Court itself), the [[Great Dale]], [[Tethyr]], the [[Western Heartlands]],<ref name="FRCS3e-p15" /> the [[Forest of Lethyr]], the [[High Forest]], and the [[Wealdath]].<ref name="PGtF-p21" />


==Appendix==
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 1st and 2nd editions, [[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 as sylvan elves, as well as copper elves and [[green elves]]. The elven name for themselves was Sy-Tel-Quessir<ref name="C.EoE-p19">{{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves|19}}</ref> and it was not entirely clear whether this continued 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 3rd edition referred to as "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.
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]].


The ''[[Player's Handbook 5th edition]]'' appears to further consolidate wood elves and wild elves in its description of their xenophobia, "In [[Faerûn]], wood elves (also called wild elves, green elves, or forest elves) are reclusive and distrusting of non-elves."<ref>{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|24}}</ref> However, it only lists three elven subraces—dark elves ([[drow]]), high elves, and wood elves—and future books may further divide the elven subraces.
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.


===Gallery===
===Gallery===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Elves.jpg|From left to right: a [[human]], a [[sun elf]], a wood elf, a [[moon elf]], a [[drow]], and a [[wild elf]].
File:Elves-1e.png
Tel-quessir races - Steve Prescott.jpg|From left to right: a [[drow]], a [[wild elf]], a [[sun elf]], a wood elf, and a [[moon elf]].
File:Elf-3e.png
157984_ElvenCity_ThomTenery.jpg|A wood elven city example.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Appearances===
== References ==
* ''[[Neverwinter Nights 2]]''
=== Notes ===
<references group="note" />
=== Citations ===
<references />
=== Bibliography ===
* [[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977. Item code TSR2009.
* [[Gary Gygax|Gygax, Gary]]. ''Unearthed Arcana''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1986-1991. Item code TSR2017.
* [[Colin McComb|McComb, Colin]]. PHBR8 ''The Complete Book of Elves''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992. Item code TSR2131.
* [[Monte Cook|Cook, Monte]], [[Jonathan Tweet]] and [[Skip Williams]]. ''Monster Manual''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 17755.
* [[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}}


===References===
{{Refs}}


===Connections===
[[Category: Creatures]]
{{Tel-quessir races}}
[[Category: Races]]
[[Category: Elves]]

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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