Yanar

Whether delicate forest dryads or hardened oak like, the race of Yanar represent nature to its fullest; physical manifestations of a world very much alive and breathing. First appearing after the defeat of Beheseal and his invading demons, the Yanar have maintained a love of nature and their goddess Estel throughout the ages. Caring only for the well-being and preservation of nature, Yanar as a whole have rarely gone to war over any cause other than a threat against their lands and groves. To this day they prefer peaceful seclusion in small clans or tribes deep within the jungles of Daendroc, keeping a watchful eye on their borders as they maintain their loyal vigil over Estel. Despite their reclusive existence however, the reach of the Void touches even them in the form of a dangerous disease that risks wiping out all Yanar.

Origins

The exact origins of the Yanar are unclear, but they first appeared during the rising of the Shadow Elves, corrupted by the demons that had bled into Aloria from the Void. Prompted to action against the evil forces attempting to seal Estel away, the Nenya, emissaries from the goddess that took the form of massive trees, brought the first Yanar into existence. They were soon sent out to warn the Elves against the dangers of the power struggle left between Emperor Mudui’s children, these warnings however, fell on deaf and prideful ears. Ignored, the Yanar could do nothing but listen to the forests and grieve as Estel was captured and imprisoned by the Shadow Elves, followed by the systematic destruction of nearly all Nenya and the collapse of the Elven Empire.

As a People

Healers

While some Yanar stayed near the outskirts, determined to bring the scattering Elves back to their ancient druidic ways of communing with nature, most turned back into the forests and jungles of Aloria. With the power of their goddess locked away, the Yanar lost their purpose and shepherd. Instead, the Yanar started tending to the land around them, resulting in many Yanar groves appearing on often ruined and sacked Elven groves. Peaceful and gentle, the Yanar used their knowledge of the land around them for beneficial purposes, unlocking the secrets to healing properties of many plants and flowers. Yanar soon became renowned for their skills in healing, but their new found powers proved fruitless as the Shadow Elves struck once again.

Hunted

Determined to corrupt the land and nature itself, the Shadow Elves began a campaign to destroy the natural flora and fauna of Daendroc. Deep in their accursed circles, Shadow Elf alchemists devised a corrupting disease that targeted the Yanar and groves around them in particular. The disease first struck on the Shadow Isles off the western coast of Daendroc. The entire Yanar population was wiped out on the islands, resulting on the free hand of the Shadow Elves moving towards the mainland. The mildew like disease now called Erysphali, killed many more Yanar as many tried to help their brethren affected, and were they themselves infected.

Caught between the spreading disease, the Orc destruction of the forests, and the more recent human colonization of Daendroc, the Yanar were forced to flee further and further in the forest. Their fate seemed sealed, withering away as a sub note in history and to disappear into myth as suddenly as they had appeared in Aloria.

Resurgence

It wasn’t until the Lothar Elves made an appearance that the Yanar slowly emerged back into view, world-wary and more protective of the remnants of nature than ever. Most Yanar chose to continue their secluded and solitary lives, steadfast in the worship of Estel and their lives living amongst nature. A few however, began seeking the communities of other races. The Lothar Elves especially, sympathetic to the plight of the nature loving beings, helped restore many of the groves and forests around northern Daendroc, resulting in an eventual increase of the Yanar population and strengthened relations between the two races.

The Yanar Now

Today, the Yanar still generally prefer their own secluded clans and tribes, tucked deep within forests and jungles. Being the very representation of nature in flesh, Yanar still hold the goddess of nature Estel, called “Faith” in the common tongue, in high esteem and adoration, often expressing their love by choosing a large home tree to base their clans around and protecting their chosen land. Some Yanar choose to live in swamps and foggy forests, protecting all forms of nature and animal life. Others still have left their homes to settle into human and elven communities, desperate to escape the powdery mildew poisoning that continues to wreak havoc on the population of Yanar as a whole, despite the help of the Lothar. Nearly all Yanar however, remain connected to their lost goddess in some way, and one day hope for the return of Estel, and the restoration of the nature forever lost in Aloria.

Subraces of Yanar

• Plant Yanar: Though humanoid in appearance, most Yanars are easily recognizable by their very unique and unmistakable features. Referred to as the Plant Yanar, they are more akin to walking plants than humans, boasting hardened, bark-like skin and leafy hair threaded with branches. Others still have grown characteristics that make them resemble flowers, delicately silken petals and leaves compromising most of their outer body. The most common sub-race of Yanar, they are as wild and varied as nature is, and their connection to Estel as children of the Nenya remain clear and proud on their features.
• Nymphs: Even more humanoid than the Plant Yanar, the Forest Nymphs, often referred to as “Faeries” by humans, more often than not look entirely human in appearance, though with some obvious, plant-like features that still identify them as Yanar. From vines growing right from their flesh, to flowers blooming out of their hands, some Nymphs may even have wings, delicate wisps of thin vines and silken petals. This sub-race of Nymphs, though rarer within the race of Yanar, are actually the most commonly seen, as they are the most willing to venture outside of their forests into human communities, being more easily accepted due to their relatively human appearances.
• Poison Yanar: Though called to form by Estel and raised above the humble plant, Yanar are still connected to nature, and do not fall free of the ancient threats posed to Estel. Poison, or Corrupted, Yanar are those of the race who have been successfully corrupted by the Shadow Elves, either through an individual encounter, or as an unfortunate consequence of the area under their protection becoming corrupted or polluted. Most shown signs of poisoning through their plant characteristics, usually wilted or dead rather than vibrant and healthy. Poison Yanar are extremely rare, as many of them usually die off due to the corruption – however, a small percentage embrace their new found corruption, turning to hurting the land instead of nurturing it. Considered akin to a human possessed by a demon, active and vigorous Poison Yanar are shunned by all other Yanar for having cast aside their duties to nature and Estel.
• Winter Yanar: With the misconception of nature taking a full leave of absence during the cold months, it is understandable how surprised the first humans were to lay eyes on the Winter Yanar. Colder and frost-like, these Yanar often have blue or frost-tinged features, deciduous bark and leaves, and the pale hints of winter plants plants growing from them. Unlike their warmer cousins, the Winter Yanar are the most active during the cold months, keeping care of the forests while they hibernate, and nurturing the plants that grow in winter. They are also mainly responsible for waking up the sleeping forests for spring, for which they too remain active and awake, despite their affinity for the cold.
• Root Yanar: Root Yanar resemble large roots, often living in caves and underground. The Root Yanar are the most reclusive of all Yanar, most of them don’t speak, going as far as to ignore other sentience to continue tending to the roots of trees and plants.