The Seven Kin of Marenwae
Keywords:
MARENWAE-KIN, MARENWAE_KIN, WOOD-ELF, WOOD-ELVES
Oak Kin - The oak being the oldest tree in the forests and by far the largest, the Oak Kin carry the weight of the history of their people on their shoulders. It is because of this that they are considered the storytellers of the Marenwae people, passing on the legends and traditions to each new generation. They are often more serious than other Marenwaes, and at times prone to long stretches of solitude. Oak Kin are primarily warriors, though the occasional mageborn can be found. Most have very dark brown skin and vibrant green eyes.
Birch Kin - Those born to the Birch Kin are the most ethereal of the Marenwaes, with a tendency towards white skin and hair, and extremely pale colored eyes. With very few exceptions, they have strong mystical powers, and are often gripped with terrifying visions, which, if the Marenwae is left untrained to handle such things, can be permanently crippling, or even deadly. They have ties to the dead, and can be called upon to communicate with deceased ancestors and other spirits. Birch Kin are primarily priests and occasionally druids. They are extraordinarily rare, and the smallest of the Seven Tribes.
Rowan Kin - If an errant fireball goes whizzing past your head, followed by an "oops" from somewhere in the forest, chances are it was a Rowan Kin. Though nearly all are mageborn, their magical abilities take many years to tame due to the large amount of wild magic inherent in their kind. This, coupled with an insatiable curiosity about everything they encounter, often leads to situations where they find themselves apologizing. Their magical strengths are focused in the realms of earth and fire, and many go the route of elemental magic. Though their skin is dark, it has a burgundy tinge to it from the red rowan berries, and their hair will retain much of its red color through the different seasons.
Ash Kin - The eyes in the forest that are never seen, but always felt, usually belong to a member of the Ash Kin. Known for being incredibly skilled rangers and trackers, nearly all become waywatchers, scouts and Ilterendi. So great is their talent at finding their way through the forests, and hiding among them where necessary, that even another Marenwae may have difficulty finding one that does not wish to be found. Consequently, they have a stronger and slightly thicker build than other Kin, and while they are most often friendly, their moods can be as temperamental as the weather. Ash Kin have skin the color of rich milk chocolate, with crystal clear, sky blue eyes.
Yew Kin - Also rare among Marenwaes, though not so much as the Birch, those born to the Yew Kin follow the path of the shaman and healer. Marenwaes of all Kin give Elders of the Yew immense respect, and other Elders often consult them in times of difficulty. Though they can seem tough on the outside, and perhaps even cold at times, they are truly the most compassionate of the Marenwaes, going to great lengths to save the lives of whoever has been put in their care. They are unfailingly fair and non-judgmental towards everyone they meet, but a Yew Kin betrayed is an enemy whose wrath few could survive. With eyes that change colors from green to blue, or even grey, depending on their mood, Yew Kin have been described as the most enchanting of all Marenwaes.
Willow Kin - Perhaps the most like brownies and sprites, Willow Kin are the trickster spirits of the Marenwae people. They are smaller and thinner in build than most other Kin, with large eyes and a larger smile. Willows are innately magical, and it is unusual to find one that does not have very strong mageborn talents, particularly with the elements of air and water. Fond of riddles and jokes alike, Willow Kin are also known for being entertainers, and their outgoing nature means they will talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. If you hear giggling, and find your belt missing and your sword replaced by a twig, chances are good there is a Willow nearby.
Alder Kin - The least specialized of all the Marenwae Kin, Alders are often considered to be Jacks of all trades: good at everything, but only very rarely mastering any particular skill or art. They are an easy-going sort, and seem to get along with everyone, thus making them excellent mediators in times of conflict. Alders vary in height, weight and build more than any of the other Kin, but all share the same coffee and cream colored skin, lighter than any save the Birch. Every once in a great while, an Alder child will be born with black mark in the shape of a feather on its forehead.