Special Race: Eldross

Eldross: An offshoot of the Eldari race, the Eldross are almost as old. They originated from the Forest of Harodiel, once a lush and vibrant forest full of life. However, the dragon Onyxus destroyed Harodiel during the Second Age, wiping out almost all of the Eldross in the process before he was killed by Dalrodir Shor, a battle that also claimed Shor’s life. As a result, the remaining Eldross now only number around a hundred. The Eldari sheltered their surviving cousins, allowing them to live in the many forests of Endaron, which they preferred to the bustling metropolis of Gilderan. The remnants of the Eldross offered their skills to the Eternal Watch, although some few did travel further afield, joining the Order of the Sun or offering their services to the mercenary guilds in the Free Lands, who always had use for an Eldross scout or two.

In terms of physical appearance, the Eldross look very similar to their Eldari kin, with a few differences. They stand slightly shorter than Eldari, with green eyes instead of yellow, and darker skin. The Eldross are usually quite proficient with bows, and can also wield swords with some skill, though not as well as the Eldari. However, the Eldross’ real strength lies in their attunement to nature, and their ability to call on magic from the very land around them. Eldross do not sleep in the conventional sense. Rather, they slip into a trance-like state, using the power of nature to rejuvenate while also remaining aware of their surroundings, as if awake. They also possess an Animal Companion that is bonded to them at birth, and takes the form of a staff when the Eldross is in combat, acting as a focus for their powers. Particularly powerful Eldross are able to take on an animal form of their own, a more powerful version of their companion, sometimes even being able to manifest a hybrid form that is on par with an Elite-level Eldari.

Eldross' are nature-attuned beings, whose abilities focus on the freedom and randomness of nature. They gain the ability to transform into an animal, and later a hybrid form. An Eldross has an animal companion, which they communicate with like another person. Every Animal Companion is born at the same time as their master, and they mature at the same rate. So an Eldross with a wolf Companion would be born, and then receive his wolf pup. The Eldross would grow into adulthood, and his wolf pup would become an adult wolf. Then, when the Eldross and his Companion reach full maturity, a ritual would be performed, permanently bonding the Eldross with his Companion. This ritual is known as The Sealing. The Companion would then become his weapon, taking the form of a powerful Staff. The Eldross can channel his power through his Staff to defend himself. When the Eldross gains even more experience fighting alongside his Companion, he can perform the Empowerment ritual, allowing him to take the form of his Animal, albeit a supremely powerful version.

Wild Empathy
Through their Goddess and creator, Lia, the Eldross possess a special connection to the wilds of Asmir. They have an instinct for the "feel" of a certain area, by reading the essence of the flora, knowing when an area "feels wrong". They also have a special connection to the beasts of the world, allowing them to detect the intent and mood of a creature and react accordingly. Various wild beasts, such as Vultani Ligers or Endaron Elks, that are normally peaceful but then turn territorial if intruded upon will allow an Eldross to approach. However, some creatures are just naturally aggressive or malicious, such as Vultani Basilisks, Fenrocs or Blackspire Wyverns.

Animal Companion
This is the animal bonded with the baby Eldross. It can be any common, non-magical land animal, but nothing bigger than a tiger. Choose this animal wisely, as it dictates your later forms and cannot be changed after creation. The animal is physically identical to others of its species, but it possesses much higher intelligence, to the point that it can converse perfectly with its Eldross and understand complex commands.

Staff
When combat arises, an Eldross' Animal Companion transforms into a powerful Staff. All Eldross with any kind of power wield a Staff. The Staff is key to their power, as the Eldross cannot use their powers or their Hybrid Form without it.

Animal Form and Enhanced Senses
An Eldross who has completed the Empowerment Ritual for their Staff can eventually gain access to an Animal Form. Each Eldross' Animal Form is a representation of their Animal Companion. Also worth noting is that an Eldross in their Animal Form possesses the same traits and abilities as their Animal Companion, but is vastly superior in each one. Another product of the Empowerment ritual is that the Eldross' senses are enhanced, depending on the species of their Companion. For example, an Eldross with a Companion from a feline species would gain enhanced low-light vision and hearing, whereas a canine Companion would grant enhanced hearing too, but not to the same degree as a feline Companion, as well as a formidable sense of smell.
Unlocked at R-1.

Hybrid Form
Eventually once an Eldross gains enough power they can transform into a hybrid form consisting of their humanoid form and animal form. This is their most powerful form, and they gain new powers when using it. The Eldross also gains +1 boosts to Strength, Speed, Agility and Durability in this form. Unlocked at E-1.