Editing WS:Greatwood (section)

==LIFE IN GREATWOOD FOREST==

Greatwood is a nation within a nation. Surrounded by Ambria on all sides (and felt by many Ambrians to be a part of their country), the [[WS:Elves|Elves]] nonetheless consider themselves to be an independent land, and conduct themselves accordingly. They are ruled by a King (Faldrin) and a Queen (Tiriel). Not only the Elves, but the nymphs, dryads, centaurs, and other forest creatures consider Faldrin and Tiriel to be their rulers.

The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] themselves are divided into two types. High [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are those who have been alive since the time of the one great forest, before the coming of man and the other races. Wood [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are the less lordly of the Elvish folk, born in the later years. Although Elvish society does not make any distinctions between the two types, the high [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are less numerous, and tend to be less concerned with day-to-day affairs. There are rumors of a secret citadel populated entirely by High Elves, but these rumors have never been confirmed. The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] live in complete harmony with the forest, cutting wood only from dead or dying trees, and cultivating small gardens beneath the boughs. The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are largely self-sufficient, and trade little with outsiders. The only group they trade in any quantity with are the Dwarves of the Drakor Mountains (from whom they receive what little metal ore they need for their weapons and jewelry). The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are familiar with the concept of money, but employ no currency within their borders.

The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] live in tree-top villages, which can hardly be seen from the ground, unless the [[WS:Elves|Elves]] desire it. Each community is nominally ruled by an elder, although the [[WS:Elves|Elves]] have little use for authority other than the King and Queen.

Despite the newly-opened borders, the [[WS:Elves|Elves]] still diligently patrol the wood. Any evil creatures found near Elvish territory are quickly dispatched. Ambrian woodmen and hunters found to be unduly damaging the forest or its wildlife are driven out. Consequently, most Ambrians consider the [[WS:Elves|Elves]] a strange, sometimes hostile force to be avoided if at all possible. Recent openness is beginning to change these prejudices, however.

The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are atheistic, worshipping nothing but ideals. Each subspecies worships a different ideal.

The [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are very fond of magic, and all are quite skilled in its use. Elven magic tends to have subtle and beautiful manifestations, usually working through forces of nature. [[WS:Elves|Elves]] are capable of more overt magic, but normally choose not to use it. Elven magical items are among the finest in the world, and are only rivalled by artifacts of ancient Celinad.