Wood-Elf nation in the western mainland of Central Drimea.
Confederacy. Each individual city or town within the confederacy governs itself, but all contribute to the Taesi Conclave federation that promotes the common good of all member states. Conditions and attitudes toward the central government vary from place to place within the confederacy.
The major settlements in the Taesi Forest are:
- Anyi Taesi
- Thilat Taesi
- Fala Taesi
- Nora
- Allanar
Druidic Lifestyle
For the elves of the Taesi forest, nature exists in a precarious balance. The four elements that make up a world — air, earth, fire, and water — must remain in equilibrium. If one element were to gain power over the others, the world could be destroyed, drawn into one of the elemental planes and broken apart into its component elements. Thus, the Taesi oppose cults of Elemental Evil and others who promote one element to the exclusion of others. They are also concerned with the delicate ecological balance that sustains plant and animal life, and the need for civilized folk to live in harmony with nature, not in opposition to it. The Wood-Elves accept that which is cruel in nature, and they hate that which is unnatural, including aberrations and undead (such as zombies and vampires). Druids sometimes lead raids against such creatures, especially when the monsters encroach on the druids’ territory. Taesi clans are often found guarding sacred sites or watching over regions of unspoiled nature. But when a significant danger arises, threatening nature’s balance or the lands they protect, druids take on a more active role in combating the threat.
A Taesi society is mostly hunters and gatherers. Each clan has their own druid circle.
Equilibrium
A Taesi druid makes two pilgrimages in their lifetime.
The first is called "Nefanor" - the first journey - an entrance ritual where the pilgrims walk deep into the Tanigrey Valley to seek Badjir, God of Nature for his blessing.
"Nythaluna" - the last journey - is undertaken by druids nearing the end of their lives. Again, the Taesi makes a pilgrimage to the Tanigrey Valley and seeks out Khroma, God of the Forest, who gives the pilgrim a seed of reincarnation. With this seed the druid wanders to the place of his choice, plants it in his chest and lies down in "Aluna" - the dreamless sleep. From the dead body of the sleeping now a tree grows which leads the soul of the druid to their new form.
The Taesi call these trees "Jaana" and they are considered sacred. To cut down a Jaana is a sin and punishable by banishment.
Professions
- Observer - Watching the borders, travelers, potential dangers to the forest equilibrium.
- Ranger - Hunting & gathering of food, protection of endagered species, decimation of overpopulated species.
- Druid - Healing, guiding, teaching, communicating with spirits & nature.
- Sentry - Guarding the cities and borders. Dealing with intruders, bandits and monsters.
- Auxiliary - Homekeeping and maintenance of cities and towns. Cooking, cleaning, nursing, crafting, supporting, ...
Cultural Pecularities
- Bone Bread - Wood Elves don't grow wheat, but they try to utilize every piece of a hunted animal. Bone bread is made out of the bones of animals. It does not taste especially good and it's usually a little grainy, but inventive Elves sometimes mix fruits or vegetables into them.
- Meditation Circles instead of Bedrooms - Elves do not need sleep, so they have no use for a bedroom. They usually have a completely minimalistic room with just a few plants where they meditate for a few hours a day.