Wood Elves: Natural Forces

Wood Elves in the Warhammer universe are descended from the High Elves. They live in Athel Loren, a great forest in the lands inhabited by men. In millennia past, the high elves ventured out of Ulthuan, their home land in order to colonize the lands where men will settle down much later.

After colonizing the lands, the Elves lived in peace until a conflict with the Dwarves resulted in open war. The Dwarves, in order to gather resources and partly to annoy the nature-loving elves, began to raze Athel Loren. Some Elves rushed to the protection of the forest, living there and ambushing the Dwarves whenever the opportunity arose.

Unfortunately, the rest of the High Elves were defeated and began a retreat back to Ulthuan. When called to leave, those who have lived in Athel Loren felt reluctant to return to a land they felt no loyalty to. Having served as guardians of the forest, the Elves formed a strong bond with Athel Loren and thus chose to remain in its service. Over time, other creatures in the forest have grown to accept the Elves, although Athel Loren is yet to reveal all its secrets to the Elves.

The Wood Elves are not described as either good or evil. Much like the forest itself, they reflect the forces of nature: ever-changing and indefinable. There are times when they are as gentle as the mist, but there are also times when they can be as wrathful as a storm. Indeed, the two Elves who rule Athel Loren are possessed by deities who embody these two aspects of nature.

Wood Elves have able warriors willing to fight for Athel Loren. However, what makes them formidable is their ability to use the forest and call upon the Forest Spirits in order to protect their home. Indeed, many an invader have found themselves lost in Athel Loren, led along enchanted paths and emerge from the forest after a few years, after which they immediately age and die.

Wood Elves are a fascinating race, dedicated to the service and protection of Athel Loren and forming a symbiotic bond with the forest that is reflected in their very natures.