The Wood Elves, known as the Asrai in some tales, or as the Fay Folk of Athel Loren, are a reclusive, secretive, and highly isolationist race of Elves that have long ago voluntarily split off from the rest of their kin, preferring instead to live out their lives in Nature's embrace beneath the enchanted forested canopy of Athel Loren. However, other conclaves are known to exist, such as the Eonir of Laurelorn.

 

From these mystical realms, the Wood Elves have learnt to dwell in concord with the seasons and the weave of life and death that binds all living things together. They are the defenders of the forest, guardians of all things natural and pure. For millennia, the Wood Elves have lived in this state of harmony, lying in wait, and hidden from the prying eyes of the wider World.

 

Yet times have changed since that ancient age, and the Wood Elves realize that the fate of Athel Loren is now tied to that of other lands.

Though they do not seek to act as the world’s protectors as do the High Elves, nor enthrone themselves as its rulers as do the Dark Elves, there are those times when the will of Orion, and Ariel, the King, and Queen in the Woods, must shape the fortunes of those that live beyond the boundary of their homelands.

 

As such, the Wood Elves have spent their entire existence bent solely on the preservation of their forested realms, to ensure that it persist throughout the ages and to protect their demi-god rulers from all harms.  It is for this cause that they fight, for no land endures long if it cannot take up arms against those that wish it harm. The waking woodlands of Athel Loren have endured for many thousands of years,  as the watchful eyes of her protectors continue their loyal vigilance.

 

The image links above give information on Asrai creatures and beasts.