Player Character Races: Root Elf

Root Elf

Faerie type: Plant spirit
size: 1 and half foot tall

Root Elves are spirits that inhabit root-based plant-life such as root vegetables, magic root herbs and other similar plants that grow wholly or partly below ground. They are neither good nor evil spirits but are capable of being both kind and cruel depending on how others treat them. They spend much of their time below ground and are very knowledgeable about the magical properties of herbs and plants.

Physical description:
 
Their appearance varies depending on what kind of root plant their spirit has inhabited – these can be things such as potatoes, onions, carrots, radishes or turnips. They sometimes have animal features such as long furry or hairy ears and can also have the characteristics of earth dwelling animals such as mole-like whiskers or claws that they use for burrowing. They also tend not to be as physically attractive as Flower Elves and can look quite misshapen or even ugly. They are often covered in dirt or mud but this doesn’t bother them and they would be very offended if anyone told them to have a wash.

Core abilities and skills:

• Control root-based plant life (e.g. to entangle and restrain enemies)

• Speak with plants and animals that live underground (e.g. moles, worms etc.)

• Mole-like claws that they can use for burrowing underground and also as weapons against enemies

• Herblore (the ability to make magic potions and ointments)

• Hide from enemies by disguising itself as a vegetable or plant

• Exceptional night vision 
• Start with one magic spell and weapon skill

Dark Elf Counterpart: Dark Root Elf/Moss Creature  

If a Root Elf becomes an evil Dark Elf, then it will transform into a Dark Root Elf or ‘Moss Creature’. These loathsome Faerie Folk lose all of their magic and become slaves to an unquenchable hunger that compels them to kill and eat other Faerie Folk, animals and in some cases even humans. It is thought that they need to feed in this way to regenerate them selves, as they are terribly diseased and in a continual state of decomposition, like rotting vegetables. However, they are extremely strong and retain a humanoid Elf form and appearance but are extremely ugly. 

They usually live in a woodland cave, in a disused barn or a place used for compost heaps. Sometimes they take pleasure in spreading disease in a farmer’s field or vegetable garden, destroying crops or causing livestock to become sick. Sometimes a number of Moss Creatures will join together and form one larger humanoid creature that resembles a man covered in rotting filth. Some humans refer to them as ‘Ghouls’ as they are usually seen in graveyards or other places associated with the dead.

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