During The First Flowering, deep within the forests of Lindtilién, the first Lichenling was born, a manifestation of the World Tree's powerful life essence and the enchantment permeating the land.

Wondrous Origin

As if sensing the need for guardians who would preserve and protect its forests, the World Tree harnessed the ethereal energies of the Shimmer, combining them with the primeval force of the woodlands. The result was the Lichenling, beings who embody the essence of nature and serve as its silent custodians.

Society & Culture

The common saying, "A rolling stone gathers no moss," has been woven into the fabric of their society, adopted as a dogma highlighting the importance of deliberate growth, enduring tranquillity, and a deep-rooted connection to the place one calls home.

While the Lichenlings respect the courage and curiosity of those who explore the vast world beyond their mossy enclaves, they also recognise that such paths come with their sacrifices. The Lichenlings who decide to venture out as adventurers, thus becoming the 'rolling stones', risk forgoing the accumulation of moss – an essential symbol of age, wisdom, and prestige among their kin.

“Wisdom is equated with stillness, patience, and the passage of time.”

Moss, in the Lichenling society, isn't merely a physical attribute. It signifies the years spent absorbing the deep-seated wisdom that seeps from the forest floors, the myriad seasons weathered, and the countless tales woven into the silent whispers of the woods. This moss-covered wisdom, they believe, cannot be gained through fast-paced exploration or fleeting encounters.

Way of Life

Consequently, those Lichenlings who've spent their lives rolling from one adventure to another often find themselves slightly distanced from their more sedentary brethren upon their return. They are viewed as seeds that have yet to fully sprout, their experiences perceived as too transient, too inconsistent to nurture the moss of wisdom. This is particularly evident in their interactions with the Sproutlings, the young ones of the Lichenling society.

Mentorship

The elders, cloaked in lush, age-old moss, are considered the prime mentors for the Sproutlings. They pass on the stories of their lands, the wisdom of the woods, and the importance of cultivating patience. 

They emphasize the need for deep roots, for just as a tree cannot grow strong without a firm grip in the earth, a Lichenling cannot grow wise without a grounded bond with their homeland. The rolling stones, with their scarce moss and tales of far-off lands, are often deemed ill-suited to instill these values in the young, highlighting the unique cultural perspective of the Lichenlings towards growth, wisdom, and the passage of time.

Conclusion

As silent custodians of the nature blessed by the World Tree, the Lichenling possess a unique position and view as inhabitants of Eldwin. Their natural connection between the ancient magic of the realm and its celestial origin is deep-rooted in their culture, practices and society.

If you are welcomed among their kin, ready your ears and take a listen - for their wisdom knows no bounds, and their ways of life can give you much perspective on yours, even if they differ.

Take your time and listen,

Heikel

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