Climate
Climate and Terrain: Subtropical climate throughout most of the southern portion of the land, with swampy land above it, and finally tropical forests for the northern eighth or so of the High Treefolk. Rainwater drains from the northern portion of the land, into the swamps, where it is stopped by a large hill feature, and the water gathers, and sits, forming swamps. The hill is about four feet higher than the land on the swamp side, but the only thing that makes it noteworthy is the fact that it is abnormally straight, for miles. The land is normal, with a few hills, and a few foothills at places, but no mountains. However, the oddest feature of the High Treefolk by far, is the location of the capitol city, Sylandral. Sylandral is based in a large (almost kilometer deep in the deepest places) crater, although it is not circular. Rather, it is oddly shaped. Stranger still, are dozens of tunnels that spread from the bottom, some of which connect throughout High Treefolk. Sylandral guards the secret of the tunnels closely, and collapses many. The largest tunnel by far is across the north part of the nation, where it causes a four foot jump in the ground, as if something pushed the whole earth up four feet or so. This tunnel is long, and stretches across the whole nation, and the treefolk do not collapse this one, as it would be nigh impossible. Legends state that long ago, a treefolk was born that emulated the spirit of Yggdrasil, the world tree. This treefolk grew so large, that when it finally departed, it left the crater that Sylandral now sits. Its roots made the system of tunnels stretching across the land. When it finally grew too large, legends state, it departed, causing earthquakes and destruction with each step into the ocean, where it now sleeps, still growing.
People
People and Customs: The people of the west are a nation of treefolk. The name comes from ent-like creatures, but the race itself is a mix of plant and human. Each treefolk is based off of a specific plant, or occasionally, a fungus. The ones that are tree-like are more well known, but flower, bush, and vine based treefolk are common as well. Parenting determines a general type, but two oaken treefolk can birth a birch treefolk. It is unusual, but occasionally a flower treefolk will be born of two trees, and similar occurrences. The people are kind, and merciful, but often lazy. The few productive ones are often artisans, and workers. Most the rest do farmwork, many using a natural talent for magic to cultivate crops. Many farmers possess Natural magic, as it is often hereditary, and it is logical to place those who can do the best in a field inside that field.
Culinary Habits, or simply, Food.:Most Treefolk are vegetarian, as quite a few cannot process meat at all. They are very skilled at agriculture, and have great variety of herbs, spices, plants, vegetables, and fruits to eat. Visitors often remark on the incredible amount of different foods treefolk cultivate with success. Meals often consist of many different dishes, from four to six for a normal, middle class family. It is not considered cannibalism for a corn-treefolk, for example, to eat corn.
Social Behavior: Treefolk are, as a people, very polite, and very kind. Insults, and heated arguments are uncommon, and hand gestures are rarely used. Treefolk often show their emotions on their face, and rarely hesitate to speak their opinion if possible.
Social Organization: Treefolk are rarely discriminatory against those with differing levels of wealth, and more often kind and generous with acquired wealth. There are three main social classes, but unless one looks for them, they are hard to notice. The military and law enforcement, are the smallest, followed by the artisans, lastly followed by the most populated, the workers and farmers. Workers and farmers make up about 75% of the population, followed by 23% as artisans, followed by another 1.5% in other groups that do not follow these classes, lastly about half a percent goes into military/law enforcement groups. These numbers only include employed. About fourteen percent of Treefolk are unemployed. However, the innate kindness of the race gives these groups enough to easily survive.
Government
The government of High Treefolk is a Meritocracy. They are led by the Chosen, and the High Council. The high council consists of five members:
One treefolk
One flowerfolk
One bushfolk
One fungusfolk
One representing all the minorities.
The Chosen is decided by popular vote from those who have mastered the examinations, and the reasoning is supposed to be:
Showing Great Valour and Skill in the areas of scholarly studies
Strength of heart and arm in battle
Silvered tongue in the art of diplomacy and politicks.
The current Chosen is named Ayliah Mercine, Star of the Morning. When addressed, many refer to her as "Chosen Ayliah, Star of the Morning.
The High Council: Also known as the Gathering of Glausae, Gathering is, as mentioned above, led by five members.
Dallat Marbaph, representative of the Trees, is an eight foot tall giant Sycamore treefolk. He is general of the Treefolk army in times of war. He is hard-headed and passionate.
"The Tree-representative must be strong of heart, loyal, and intelligent. He must show loyalty to the Nation above all, and Loyalty to the race as a secondary concern, and lastly, Loyalty to his subjects."
Tree-Folk are often the warriors, laborers, and artisans of Treefolk society.
The representative of the Flowers is a 5 time winner of The Treefolk Art show in the Springtime. Her name is Illyrie Eanirien, and she is a powerful mage. She uses spell-power to make her art more beautiful, and also has masterful skill of the harp and lute.
"The representative must show respect for the arts in all forms, show an appreciation of beauty, and a talent surpassing others in a form of art."
Flowerfolk are meant to be specialized in art of the visual, auditory, and culinary form.
The representative of the Bushes, Nimrie Idwan, is about five foot four, and takes the form of a blueberry-folk. Nimrie is the most accomplished diplomat in the entire land, and is a master at compromise.
"The representative of the Bush folk must be moderate, knowledgeable about the issues of the land, and be a master of diplomacy."
Bushfolk are often the most agreeable, and social Treefolk.
The representative of the Fungus, Achiem Elror, is the spymaster of the Kingdom as well as the representative of fungi. There is scarcely a whisper told that does not reach his ears, hardly a plot that does not find the ear of an informant.
"The Master of Fungus must be a knowledgeable sort, with allies and friends, and the skill and will to use them. He must place the government before himself, and must be willing to make any sacrifice for his or her people."
The fungus-folk are traditionally the rogues and thieves of Treefolk society.
The representative of the Other-Folk, the group that encompasses all the other forms of plant life, from the lowly grass, to the Venus Fly Trap, to the vine.
The current representative is Bardriss Leosa, an Ivy-Folk, a wise woman who studied fencing in Ealdurim and has skill in swords. She can manipulate vines around her, many of which grow from her body, into a storm of blades that few can withstand. She can effectively use twelve small blades at once.
"The Representative must be a conduit to the people, to the minorities of the Hight Treefolk. They must vote as the people would, fight with the treefolk, and die with the People."
The other-folk cannot be accurately summed up, as they are a mix of misfits.
Judicial System/Courts/Law System: The judicial system is heavily based on one concept deeply ingrained into every Treefolk's society: Mercy. Those guilty of crimes are given light sentences, at most. Even heavy crimes are usually in ideal conditions for a prisoner, and the jails of The Treefolk are widely regarded as some of the nicest and most humane in Mystria. Death Penalty is unheard of, although in cases of corruption, those guilty are often given life sentences. In less permanent situations, rehabilitation is usually the punishment. The Lord of Justice, an old Fig-Folk, by the name of Torvas Greenwood, is widely known as one of the kindest people known, and is known to be a pacifist. This generation of High Council members show the first time that the Lord of Justice was not seated on the Council. This is likely due to imminent war with unbidden on the thought of many Treefolk's mind, so they elected a general.
Name: Ayliah Mercine
Race: Treefolk
Sex: Female
Age: 27
Appearance: ( I.E Height, Weight, Hair, Eyes, Skin, Posture, and demeanor)40-70', lithe build, heavy hardwood. Brilliant green lobed leaves, and tough brown skin. Stands tall and proud, looks confident.
Biography: (Heredity,Social Class, Occupation, Level of Education, Home life) Born into upper classes, trained to be a scholar until ten or so, when she switched to training as a warrior. As a result, is very smart, and a very capable warrior. Ayliah went to a military academy, where she outshone all the others, in both academics, and in fighting, and in strategy. Her greatest triumph was against a small unbidden horde that had made its way into the tunnels beneath the capitol. Ayliah led the fight, her mace aglow, providing light for the rest of the treefolk to fight the horde. The fight lasted until the morning, and when the treefolk emerged victorious, many reported seeing a single star in the morning light, fading fast. The star finally vanished in the instant Ayliah fainted from fatigue, and she earned the name "Star of the Morning." From this encounter. She was later chosen to be the Chosen.
Religion: (You can be Atheist or choose one of the beforementioned Pantheon Gods as a patron God.) All the gods. Mostly Lirea
Main Weapon: Skilled, attacks will be more successful. A Mace, with silvered edges, and an ebony handle.
Offhand Weapon: Unskilled, attacks will have to be less successful: Shield, with a Bright Purple and Silver star on the front.
Armor: Chainmail and leather armor.
Stats:
You have 80 points to spend in the following stats
Speechcraft: (-1) 17
Discernment: (+1) 20
Strength: 20
Dexterity: (-1) 10
Fortitude: 17
Intelligence: (+1) 21
Magic: 3
95-62=33
Abilities: Healing Spells
Shield usage.
Psionic Weapon
Multidisciplinary weapon usage.
SPELLZ!
Spell Name: Phosphorescence
Spell description: Causes all surfaces in a large radius to be coated in a glowing powder. Ayliah can focus this on one item, and that item gains the combined light of all the area that would be coated. (Phosphorescent mold and such)
Discipline: Natural Spells
A Base Cost of casting the spell: Little energy, unless sustained.
Spell Magnitude: Not very powerful. The effect is similar to a candle, unless focused. Then it can be blindingly bright.
An area of effect: 20 meters.
A duration of spell: 1 minute, unless maintained. Then double energy cost, and go for another minute.
Cooldown: Ten minutes.
Spell Name: Hallucinations
Spell description: Causes targets in a large radius to suffer from LSD like effects. Pretty colors. (Caused by spores, technically)
Discipline: Natural
A Base Cost of casting the spell:VERY high energy.
Spell Magnitude: Powerful. Requires Fort higher than her Int to resist this.
An area of effect: 50 yards.
A duration of spell: 1-2 hours, depending on fortitude.
Spell Name: Detection
Spell description: Detects the flow of magic of all varieties around Ayliah. Tells the specific disciple of magic, and detects life. Detects if a subject can use magic, and general varieties. (Cherry would read as Natural, despite her ability to use Sorcery magic as well.) Does not detect race, health, age, etc. Just magic, and life. (Because life is a form of magic.)
Discipline: Wizardry
A Base Cost of casting the spell: Fatiguing, although while detecting, Ayliah cannot use normal sight. This is a significant disadvantage.
Spell Magnitude: Reasonably powerful. One can hide if they have more intelligence than Ayliah's, and more intelligence than they have magic. (Their magic would be too powerful to contain.)
An area of effect: Line of sight.
A duration of spell: 2 minutes.
Leader: Chosen Ayliah Mercine, Star of the Morning.
Gathering of Glausae:
Representative of Treefolk: General Dallat Marbaph
Representative of Flower-Folk: Illyrie Eanirien
Representative of Bush-Folk: Nimrie Idwan
Representative of Fungus-Folk: Spymaster Achiem Elror
Representative of the Other-Kin: Swordmaster Bardrick Leosa
