Forest Spirit

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Athel Loren is inhabited by many strange and powerful beings, many as ancient as the forest itself. In spirit form, these creatures are insubstantial and may appear as nothing more than flickers of light, although they can take physical form at will. In times of need these spirits can bind themselves to fallen branches or the trunks of dead trees, changing their shape and form to resemble a powerful shell capable of routing enemies and aiding the armies of the Wood Elves. Once the battle is over the spirits will leave the dead trees and merge back into the forest. Like the rest of the forest, the forest spirits are Lethargic, slow and begin to hibernate during the long winter months.

Types of Forest Spirits

There are several types of Forest Spirits which can be itendified in varying levels as Treemen, Tree Kin, Spites and finally Dryads.

Treemen

A Treeman is the result of one of the most powerful forest spirits merging with a tree, the main exception from normal spirits is that these will actually inhabit living trees rather than dead trunks and branches. However, the decision to merge with a living tree is not one to be taken lightly, because once merged, the spirit may not leave the tree it has joined with. Only death may sever this powerful bond. Once merged, the will of the spirit shapes and reforms the tree, driving it to serve where an insubstansial spirit-body may not. Great arms and legs formed of branches materialise, roots and bark crash down to crush the enemies of the forest and gigantic mouths open up in its trunk to swallow those foolish enough to come too close.

Tree Kin

Illustration of a Tree Kin

Tree Kin are spirits that inhabit dead wood and trees, shaping it to their will. They are able to remain motionless for years, and are completley indistinguishable from normal lifeless trees from which they are formed, they however remain fully aware and are capable of ambushing an intruder with vicious speed, smiting him dead in less than a second. Dozens of Tree Kin are also drawn to the call of the Wild Hunt and follow in Orions wake every spring.

Spites

Spites are inherently magical creatures who attach themselves to particular areas or people. They may occasionally play tricks or malicious practical jokes on that person or residents of the area they are attached to. Should the person or area to which they are attached come into trouble, the Spites react violently, with a malicious streak that rivals creatures many times their size. They are capricious nature spirits that inhabit Athel Loren and possibly other forests within the Old World. They are mercurial and quick to direct their anger upon anyone who offends them. As they can change their appearance at will, Spites come in any number of sizes, shapes, and guises. In their purest form, Spites exist as small spheres of ghostly light.

Dryads

Dryads marching to defend Athel Loren

Dryads are mysterious and spiteful creatures which have no comprehension of compassion or mercy. They are utterly dedicated to their forest home and to harm the woods is to incur the wrath of these deadly forest-spirits. Dryads are able to shape-shift into different forms, often appearing similar to Elves. They are easily capable of beguiling and entrancing their victims with their false beauty and calm songs, drawing them deep into the forest where they swiftly transform into their war-aspect and mutilate their victims. Dryads often accompany the armies of Athel Loren and fight alongside the Wood Elves in vast numbers.

Notable Forest Spirits

Notable Treemen

  • Adanhu: Revered as the most ancient and knowledgeable of the treemen, Adanhu has been alive long before the Elves came to Athel Loren, and his advice is much sought after by the Elves.
  • Durthu: Terribly scarred by the axes of the Dwarfs, Durthu is one of the most powerfull and hatedriven creatures within Athel Loren. Even the Elves are weary of his presence.
  • Rhydysann: A secretive and mysterious treeman, Rhydysann is seldom seen by the Elves. Spending his time wandering the forest, looking after the many trees that compromise his home.
  • Coeddil: After having fought Morghur, this ancient treeman attacked the Elves and tried (unsuccesfully) to destroy the King's Glade. He has since been banished into the Wildwood.

Notable Tree Kin

  • Amadri Ironbark: Formerly an elf, he was slain by a group of Daemonettes who cursed him to never forget his pain. His spirit manifest itself in a Tree Kin and he now rules Arranoc, an area within Athel Loren.

Notable Dryads

  • Drycha: The great Branchwraith, she is openly hostile to the Wood Elves and has recently been in contact with Coeddil.

Sources

Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (6th Edition)

Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (8th Edition)