Wodell are lanky, nimble humanoids typically found in the darkest parts of the deepest forests. They construct their villages high in the canopy and are masters of being unseen. Using guerilla tactics and wearing terrifying masks to frighten their enemies, Wodell are capable warriors, excellent scouts, and master hunters. Many clans exist, but each is connected to one of the four Prime clans: the Basswood clan, the Elm clan, the Willow clan, and the Yellow Poplar clan. Despite being separated into different clans, most Wodell regard and respect one another.
Almost animalistic, Wodell are a bit of an oddity. Adapting to the forests where they reside, Wodell physiology has evolved to better suit a life lived among the trees. Standing at full height, the average Wodell is around six feet tall. However, due to their digitigrade build, they are usually seen crouched.
With abnormally long arms and legs, a strong prehensile tail, claws in their fingers and toes, and retractable barbs located in their wrists, Wodell are masters of navigating throughout the treetops. They can scale trees in a blink and just as easily infiltrate most wooden structures.
Perhaps the strangest thing about Wodell is their oversized eyes and ears. Their ears are large and sensitive, allowing them to hear the slightest shift in the breeze on the leaves. Their eyes are so large in relation to their heads that they cannot move them independently and must turn their heads to shift their gaze. However, life among the trees has made them quite adept at seeing in the dark, and their field of vision is twice that of an average human.
Wodell believe in holistic spirituality. They see themselves as part of something greater than the individual and believe that all living things in nature are connected. These beliefs lead most Wodell to be deeply introspective and focus on integrating their mind, body, and spirit into every aspect of their daily lives. They do not acknowledge any forms of divinity but rather pray to the individual elements found in nature.
To Wodell, the clan is everything. Every breath and waking thought is focused on their clan's betterment and the greater good. Every Wodell is seen as equal, and all major decisions are voted on democratically. In the case of a stalemate, the clan defers to the judgment of the Marshall, who is recognized as the strongest hunter and the wisest member of the clan.
The most notable aspect of Wodell culture is their use of masks. When a young Wodell reaches adulthood, they participate in a mask ceremony. Using bark and mud as a base, other resources are gathered from the forest to fashion the mask that will become an extension of who they are. This mask identifies their clan, names their family, instills fear into their enemies, and tells their story. However, the most crucial reason for the mask is to hide their oversized eyes. From the day of their mask ceremony until the day they die, Wodell never stop perfecting their masks and are almost never seen without them.
Wodell are deep thinkers who choose their words carefully and tend to speak slowly. They are humble and kind and treat everyone they deem worthy as equals. They enjoy life and try to live every day to the fullest.
Medium
Each Wodell character begins with +1 to Dexterity.
The Chosen Trait for a Wodell is a selection made at the time the character is created. Each type of woodland clan makes its home in a specific set of trees in the deepest reaches of the woods. These trees and respective clans are integral to their way of life.
Basswood Clan
+1 to the Culture Skill Score
Elm Clan
+1 to the Marksmanship Skill Score
Willow Clan
+1 to the Survival Skill Score
Yellow Poplar Clan
+1 to the Woodcraft Skill Score
A Wodell character’s Movement Speed is standardly 10 ft. per action.
When determining the starting HP of a Wodell character, the rolled amount will always be added to 8 Base Hit Points.
A Wodell character’s Recovery Points is standardly +2 HP.
The Wodell Playable Species does not provide any menace for choosing it. The default value for a Wodell character’s Menace score is 0. Menace rules for equipment still apply.