The word “Elf” is a derogative term Humans use to denote these beings. Hundreds of generations later, Humans still belittle the Elves because of some century-old quarrel. Terraiu, “ones with earth”, is the factual term they use to name their people. The Terraiu have a unique gift on this earth: they can manipulate the Energy to amplify the growth of grass, plant and tree. They may do so with moderation, for every time they apply this gift, the target relieves a bit of Energy of its own. This exchange causes the Terrai to take on certain aspects of its target, such as bark-skin or leaf-ears.

In acknowledgement of this, balance with nature is paramount in Terras culture, even dictating laws to moderate the usage of their abilities. Some splinter factions of Terraiu, however, pay little to no heed to these laws.

One day, four curious young Terraiu went far south to explore the dense and uncharted mountain forests. They smelled a charred scent as they moved further and further, until they encountered vast plains of scorched earth. The sound of clanging metal against wood filled they skies and their eyes perceived small red creatures with big noses that tore down their beloved trees. Frightened by the gratuitous and seemingly meaningless violence against nature, they fled back from where they came.

The young Terraiu hastened to their elders and told their stories. Immediately a host of warrior Terraiu were sent south to deal with the intruders. Battles ensued and soon these Goblins were driven back. But the victory was short-lived, for the Goblins returned with a greater host and pushed the Terraiu back in turn. Many battles were fought, and the line of battle was pushed back and forth, until a Terrai overheard a rabble of Goblins while he was scouting. He heard the Goblins proclaim their superiority by the measure of their noses. This new insight proved golden. The next morning the Goblins found their lifeless kin, their noses removed from their faces. The reddish creatures lost all taste for battle, and the Terraiu managed to drive them from the lines of battle, all the way to the roots of the mountain from where they had come.

An age-old rivalry between two races was kindled that day, and it has been this way ever since.

Before Humans came together and built great cities of stone, there were three families of farmers. These farmers lived near a grand forest edge, and cultivated the rich soil near its border. The affinity these Humans had for anything that grew was astounding. Some even say they could manipulate the Energy to make crops, plants and trees grow. Many generations later, they lived in harmony with nature, and their crops had flourished. Then a patriarch asked for resources to build a walled city. The farmers never had need of walls, because they lived a sheltered life of harmony. They obliged, however, for the relationship with the neighbouring family had always been a strong one.

But after some time, they wanted more and more, and their greed had grown beyond any measure. The crops had no time to rest, and they became exhausted. Always in tune with nature, the farmers’ families agreed to cease any supplies, to let nature heal. They worked night and day to take care of the wounded soil. On the fourth day of the healing, an armoured force marched upon the farms, and all three families were pushed deep into the forests. Barely escaping with their own lives, they watched the sky turn blood red as their cottages and homes burned under the night sky.

They fled into the woods seeking refuge and a new home.