When the children of Latariana sound the horn for battle, the very forest answers their call. Roots erupt from the earth in a peal of thunder while limbs crack and sway as if in a gale. Moss, leaves, and flowers shift and fall and bloom again with the movements of living trees. What once appeared an old knot suddenly glows with living green light as the will of the forest awakens.
The Loremasters sing of the first sentient trees of the Aymhelin awakening shortly after the arrival of the elves, roused from the slumber of newborns by the most ancient songs of the Latari. The elves stirred some unknown joy in the mysterious hearts of the forest, giving movement to the roots and boughs and trunks of the woods. The elves became enamored of these Finwalyn, or forest children, whose beauty instilled in the Latari hope that not all was lost after their fall.
Some say the Elves use arcane, ritualistic magic to animate huge Deepwood trees. Others claim that the trees achieved mobility on their own, a byproduct from millennia of magic being cast across the Aymhelin. No matter their origin, the trees of the Aymhelin are potent allies. Scions are young, only a few centuries old perhaps, and often accompany the Latari Elves when battle must be done outside the great forest. Though not as powerful as Forest Guardians, these trees can ensnare foes to make them easy targets for Elven archers.
The Aymhelin Scions’ thick bark is strong enough to withstand weapons of steel, stones, and bone. The many limbs and roots of the Aymhelin Scions offer them the unique ability to catch any enemy who gets too close, cutting off their hope of escape. The Scions’ strength comes from their arcane link to the environment.
During times of great need, Elven wealdcallers will expedite the process of the Scions’ awakenings by singing songs of movement and the dawn. On their first steps after awakening, the Scions’ power is erratic as they grow wild and unchecked. Over the course of ages, these saplings will mature into lumbering giants of great of strength and size, and even greater of prowess in battle.
Should the forces of darkness choose to threaten the Latari, they had best be prepared to confront the fury of nature itself. When Aymhelin Scions arise to defend their Elven brothers and sisters, nothing can stand in the way of their victory!
References
- Realms of Terrinoth
- Runewars Miniatures Game