Wildling

Breezefly the wildling, known for her insatiable curiosity, perched on a low-hanging branch, her wide green eyes scanning the forest floor below. Her small form was nearly lost among the leaves, her unruly hair sticking out in every direction like a burst of wildflowers. Breezefly’s fingers played with a shiny amulet she had discovered earlier that day, its runes glowing faintly under her touch. She couldn’t resist the pull of its magic, feeling it hum through her like a song from the Fey Wilds.
With a mischievous grin, she swung down from the branch and landed lightly on her feet, ready for her next adventure. A rustle in the bushes caught her attention, and without hesitation, she darted towards the sound. Breezefly lived for moments like this—every unexpected discovery, every hidden treasure, every trace of magic in the air. To her, the world was an endless playground of wonder, and she was its most eager explorer.

Wildlings are a race of mischievous and curious spirits with a strong connection to nature. Their chaotic nature and impulsive behavior make them both fascinating and unpredictable. Wildlings are most at home in places where the veil between the material world and the mystical Fey Wilds is thin, thriving amidst the untamed wilderness with a boundless sense of wonder.

Wiry Wanderers of the Wilds

Wildlings are small, wiry humanoids with slightly larger eyes and elongated ears, reminiscent of the Alantri. Standing around 2 to 3 feet tall, they resemble young human children in size. Their hair is unruly, often shooting out in many directions as if animated by an unseen breeze. Their skin ranges from light tan to dark olive, often adorned with floral designs that subtly shift with the seasons or glow faintly under moonlight. Despite their small stature, Wildlings possess a robust physique, with hair and nails that grow quickly and are notably thick.

Enigmatic Ancestry

The origins of Wildlings are mysterious and largely unknown, even to themselves. First appearing during the Age of Gods, they were found around the Great Groves as if born from nature itself. Some believe they were once fey creatures drawn into the material world when the veil between Tavomia and the Fey Wilds weakened. However, Wildlings do not dwell on their past; they live in the moment, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to experience the world around them.

Tribes of Ever-Changing Companions

Wildlings live in small, fluid communities that they call tribes. These tribes are not rigid in structure; a Wildling's tribe can be a traditional group of their kind, a village they’ve grown fond of, an adventuring party, or even a group of animals they decide to live alongside. For Wildlings, a tribe is less about kinship and more about shared experiences and companionship in the moment.
Their culture is characterized by spontaneity and a love for exploration. They have little regard for personal property and are known for their tendency to meddle with things out of curiosity, often leading to unintended chaos. Wildling tribes are egalitarian, with leadership often shifting according to needs or circumstances. Elders are valued for their wisdom and experience, while shamans serve as intermediaries between the tribe and the spirits of nature.

Curiosity-Driven Lives

Wildlings value freedom and spontaneity above all else. They form bonds based on mutual attraction and shared adventures, with little concern for formal commitments. Some relationships are fleeting, while others may last a lifetime, shaped by the Wildlings' ever-changing interests.
Their inherent curiosity often leads them to explore and experiment with their surroundings, sometimes resulting in trouble. This has led to a reputation for causing unintended disruptions, and the phrase “Must be a Wildling in the works!” is commonly used when something inexplicably breaks down.

Instinctual Ties to the Fey Wilds

Wildlings do not practice structured worship or organized religion, but they are deeply aware of the Fey Court and the ever-changing nature of the Fey Wilds. They recognize these forces as powerful and ancient influences on their world, but they do not seek their favor in traditional ways. Instead, their connection to the Fey Wilds is instinctual, a natural part of their being. They often leave small tokens of appreciation in places where they feel the presence of the Fey, but these are more like playful gestures than acts of devotion.
Wildlings are inherently aware of the Elder Fey. Though they do not worship or actively seek out these powerful beings, Wildlings can sense their presence and are subtly influenced by their power. This connection is not something Wildlings consciously recognize but rather a fundamental aspect of their being, a remnant of their origins as fey creatures. The influence of the Elder Fey is most evident in the Wildlings’ behavior, which ebbs and flows with the changing seasons and the shifting moods of the Fey Court.

Instincts of the Wild

Wildlings are defined by their sharp senses, quick reflexes, and a boundless sense of curiosity. They have a natural talent for noticing details that others might overlook, whether it’s a hidden path through the forest or a subtle change in their surroundings. This keen awareness, combined with their nimble movements, allows them to excel in environments that require stealth and agility. Wildlings are also known for their uncanny luck, often finding themselves escaping danger by the slimmest of margins or stumbling upon unexpected opportunities. Their playful and spontaneous nature makes them unpredictable companions, always ready for the next adventure and quick to adapt to any situation.

Adventurers of Boundless Wonder

Many Wildlings are drawn to the life of an adventurer by their endless curiosity and desire for new experiences. Some seek to uncover the mysteries of their origins, while others are driven by the thrill of exploration and discovery. Common backgrounds for Wildling adventurers include Outlander, Hermit, and Entertainer, reflecting their love for nature, solitude, and performance.
A Wildling might be motivated to adventure by the promise of encountering new wonders, from strange creatures and exotic locales to ancient ruins and forgotten magic. They see the world as a vast, uncharted wilderness, and every journey is a new opportunity to learn and grow.

Language and Naming

Wildlings do not have a traditional written language of their own. Instead, they communicate using a bizarre combination of all the sounds and languages they have been exposed to. This unique form of communication allows them to express themselves fully to one another, mixing bits of speech from various languages. While Wildlings are capable of learning to read and write if they choose, they often prefer to communicate through this eclectic language of sounds.
Despite this, Wildlings can understand the nuances of other languages, often picking up the most common ones in their environment. The language most commonly learned by Wildlings is Landrian (Common), as it is widely spoken in the regions they inhabit.
Wildlings have whimsical, nature-inspired names that reflect their chaotic and curious nature. They do not typically distinguish between male and female names and may change their names throughout their lives as they experience new things. Wildlings also have a tradition of adopting names based on their unique abilities or quirks.
Wildling Names: Leafwhisper, Sunspark, Mossfoot, Barkclimb, Riverdance, Dewdrop, Twiggle, Flickertongue, Thornprick, Breezefly.

Wildling Racial Traits

As a Wildling, you have the following racial traits.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Age. Wildlings mature quickly, reaching adulthood by age 12. They live up to 60 years, though their adventurous lifestyle often means they rarely reach that age.
Alignment. Wildlings are usually chaotic, valuing freedom and spontaneity over law and order.
Size. Wildlings are between 2 and 3 feet tall and have a slender build. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life in dim environments, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Fey Ancestry. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Brave Curiosity. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Wildling Awareness. You have proficiency in the Perception skill. Additionally, you have advantage on Perception checks to notice small details or minor changes in your environment.
Wildling Agility. You have proficiency in either the Stealth or Acrobatics skill (your choice).
Mimicry. You can mimic sounds you have heard, including voices. You have advantage on Charisma (Deception) checks made to impersonate the sounds or voices you have heard. This ability does not grant you the ability to read or write the language.
Nimble Escape. You can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Landrian (Common) and one other language of your choice that you have been exposed to.

Fleeting Fancies

Wildlings are known for their notoriously short attention spans, flitting from one fascination to the next with little regard for what came before. This whimsical nature often leaves them easily distracted, captivated by a shiny pebble or an unusual flower one moment, only to abandon it the next for a passing butterfly or a distant bird call. What was once the most precious discovery is quickly forgotten as a new wonder catches their eye.
This tendency can be both charming and frustrating to those around them. A Wildling might eagerly begin a task, only to wander off mid-way when something more interesting catches their attention. To a Wildling, the world is a constant parade of marvels, and each new sight or sound is an invitation to explore. While this makes them delightful companions, always ready to find joy in the simplest things, it also means they often need reminders to stay focused on the task at hand.

Seasons of Change

The Wildlings’ behavior mirrors the changing seasons, reflecting their deep connection to the natural world and the Fey Wilds. In spring, they burst with life, planting flowers and dancing in the rain, their spirits high with the blossoming of new growth. Summer brings boundless energy and playfulness, as Wildlings leap through the trees and revel in the warmth of the long days. Autumn finds them more contemplative, gathering colorful leaves and celebrating the beauty of the season’s turn. In winter, they grow quiet and introspective, huddling together in their burrows, sharing tales and dreams while the snow blankets the forest outside. Each season brings a new rhythm to the Wildlings' lives, guiding their actions and moods in tune with the world around them.

Playful Offerings

Wildlings are known for their whimsical tradition of leaving small tokens in places of natural beauty or power. These offerings—a perfectly round stone by a waterfall, a bright feather on a hilltop, or acorns arranged in a spiral at the foot of an ancient tree—are expressions of joy and gratitude. To a Wildling, these tokens are not religious offerings but gifts to the world, small gestures that acknowledge the magic in every corner of nature. They believe that all things, from the tiniest pebble to the grandest oak, hold a spark of magic, and by leaving these playful offerings, they share a piece of themselves with the land, leaving a mark of their presence in the ever-changing tapestry of life.

Curiosity Gone Awry

The insatiable curiosity of Wildlings often leads them into trouble, driven by a need to explore every mystery. This trait, endearing though it may be, can result in chaos when a Wildling’s meddling disrupts the ordinary course of events. They might dismantle a farmer’s plow to see how it works or mix up potions in an alchemist’s shop, causing unforeseen explosions or transformations. Such behavior has earned them a reputation in rural communities, where the phrase “Must be a Wildling in the works!” is uttered whenever something inexplicably breaks or goes awry. Despite the frustration they sometimes cause, it is hard to stay mad at these playful spirits for long, especially when they flash a mischievous grin and offer to "fix" the problem—often making things even more interesting in the process.

Wildlings of Rashira

Deep in the tangled jungles of Rashira, stories abound of Wildling tribes that are as fierce as the wilderness they inhabit. Unlike their playful kin, these Wildlings are said to be carnivorous, hunting anything that moves, including unsuspecting travelers who venture too far into the dense foliage. Embracing the primal aspects of their fey heritage, they are stealthy hunters, using their small size and agility to ambush prey with a surprising ferocity. Whether these tales are exaggerated or grounded in truth, they serve as a cautionary reminder that the Fey Wilds are not always friendly, and that Wildlings, like the forests they call home, can be unpredictable and wild.

Tales of the Wildlings

Among the many tales told of Wildlings, a few stand out as legendary. Sunblossom the Swift, a Wildling who could outrun the wind, once raced a storm across the plains and won, leaving a trail of blooming flowers in her wake. Then there are the Trickster Twins, Dewdrop and Raindance, whose clever illusions convinced a band of ogres that they were powerful forest spirits, saving their village through sheer cunning. These stories, whether factual or the fanciful imaginings of those who seek to understand the Wildlings’ capricious nature, capture the spirit of this unique race: quick-witted, daring, and always one step ahead of trouble.

What is a Tribe?

To a Wildling, the concept of a "tribe" is fluid and ever-changing, defined not by blood but by shared experience and companionship. A tribe might be a group of fellow Wildlings, a friendly village, an adventuring party, or even a pack of animals they’ve bonded with. For Wildlings, tribes are not permanent but temporary collections of relationships that shift with the winds of fate and fancy. This view allows them to move freely from one group to another, forging new connections and embracing new adventures with an open heart. For a Wildling, the world is full of potential tribes, each offering a new story, a new perspective, and a new place to call home—even if only for a little while.