Grovekin

Grovekin are plant-based humanoids believed to be among Solaris' oldest inhabitants. Their bodies, composed of entwined vines, roots, and verdant skin, vary in evolution—some possess human-like features while others retain plantlike elements such as leaves, bark, or blossoms. Usually peace-loving and deeply attuned to nature, Grovekin excel in agriculture, hunting, healing, and protective magic, always seeking harmonious solutions to conflict.

Origins

Unlike most sentient races on Solaris, Grovekin emerged naturally from the planet's flora rather than through the Builders' hyper-evolutionary nanites. Their earliest communities flourished in the Hinterfall Jungle, where they developed a profound symbiotic relationship with the surrounding ecosystem. The Grovekin's history took a tragic turn when the Black Empire drove them from their homeland, forcing them to scatter across Solaris. Their most dramatic transformation occurred following the Black Empire's fall, when Princess Yasmine led her people to reclaim the Blasted Region. Under her guidance, they transformed the devastated landscape into the lush Wildlands and themselves into the more aggressive Awakened, a profound shift from their traditionally peaceful nature.

Photosynthesis

Grovekin harness sunlight to replenish their energy and enhance their abilities. Prolonged exposure to sunlight not only restores their vitality but also strengthens their connection to nature, amplifying their natural magic and resilience. This ability allows them to thrive in outdoor environments and remain active for extended periods without conventional sustenance. The Awakened of the Wildlands have developed particularly potent photosynthetic capabilities, channeling the intense energy of direct sunlight into accelerated growth and healing.

Entangling Vines

Grovekin can manipulate their vine-like appendages to entangle and immobilize opponents. These vines grow rapidly and wrap around targets, restricting movement and leaving them vulnerable to further attacks. Additionally, the vines can drain energy, weakening their victim's strength and hindering magical abilities. This capability has been dramatically enhanced among the Awakened, whose aggressive vegetation has overtaken entire regions of the Wildlands, including the ruins of Vegonaar City.

Nature's Embrace

Grovekin can call upon the power of nature to heal themselves and their allies. By channeling the life force of plants and the surrounding environment, they mend wounds, cure ailments, and dispel harmful toxins. This ability can restore vitality during battle or provide long-term healing and protection from environmental hazards. The Awakened have developed a more aggressive variation of this ability, rapidly accelerating plant growth to reclaim territories and transform environments to suit their needs, as demonstrated in their complete restoration of the Blasted Region.

Regions & Relations

Grovekin populations are primarily concentrated in the Wildlands, which they transformed from the desolate Blasted Region into a lush paradise under Queen Yasmine's leadership. Smaller communities exist in the Osperian Forest and Thunderwing Stronghold, where they found sanctuary after being driven from the Hinterfall Jungle. The diverse proto-Grovekin discovered in The World Below represent an entirely separate branch of their species. The Awakened maintain an isolationist stance, hostile toward former allies and extremely aggressive toward remnants of the Black Empire. Traditional Grovekin maintain strong alliances with Beastkin and Dragonkin, sharing respect for natural spaces. Their relationship with Solarians is complex—historically positive but strained by the Awakened's increasingly xenophobic behavior.

Class Affinities

Grovekin excel as Mages, their natural connection to life energy giving them exceptional control over nature magic and healing spells. Many also become Hunters, using their affinity with the natural world to track prey and move unseen through vegetation. Traditional Grovekin who value protection often become Knights, using their entangling abilities to control battlefields and protect allies. Among the Awakened, many have embraced the Warrior path, channeling their newfound aggression into devastating combat techniques that combine physical strength with rapid plant growth.

Magical Affinities

Nature magic flows effortlessly through Grovekin, allowing them to communicate with plants and accelerate growth with unprecedented precision. Many develop strong affinity for Water magic, drawing on its life-giving properties to enhance their healing capabilities. Traditional Grovekin often cultivate Earth magic, connecting to the stability and endurance of soil and stone. The more aggressive Awakened have developed surprising affinity for Shadow magic, using it to enhance their already formidable control over plant life in darkness and to conceal their presence in the dense vegetation of the Wildlands.

Professional Pursuits

Grovekin naturally gravitate toward trades that connect them to the natural world. Many become Crafters, creating beautiful and functional items from living plants without harming them. Traditional Grovekin often serve as Healers, using their natural abilities to promote recovery and wellness. Those with particular connection to the flow of natural energy sometimes become Enchanters, infusing objects with nature's vitality. Among the Awakened, many have developed as Explorers, mapping the territories beyond the Wildlands for potential expansion or threats. In the Wildlands, some Grovekin have become specialized Sigilists, developing unique inscriptions that accelerate plant growth and transformation.