Editing Wilders (section)

== The Aspect of Forest ==
 
Wilders in the aspect of FOREST are thoughtful in their decision-making: one should think long and carefully to identify the action that will bring the desired result the soonest.  They are also greedy: the end result is usually power and the decision should be made in solitude and without consideration for emotion. They are above all ruthless: once a decision is made, the ensuing strike should be lightning fast.  
 
After all, if a matter is well-thought in advance, there is never need for reconsideration. 
 
It should be noted that once made, a decision can be in place for many years. A person who hurts a snake today receives the same judgement as the person who hurt a snake a hundred years ago.  (Ophidia is also known as the Serpent of Earth, she has the form of a snake and all snakes are considered to be her servants, none may be harmed.)
 
Some of the most ardent forest wilders consciously train increasing their resistance to poison by letting the serpents bite them.
 
=== Skoggans ===
 
Skoggans are found throughout the northern forests and while stationary, they blend in perfectly with the forest. So the tree standing in the forest might be a skoggan, so too can be the leaves that cover an open grove, or a fern, or a rock boulder near a path. When woken, all skoggans are often grumpy and sometimes hungry. 
 
Their size tends to be large, but they generally do not pose a great threat to the moving hiker, as they are slow in both movement and mind.  The sleeping hiker might not fare as well.  (Or perhaps it is a slumbering skoggan!)
 
=== Nagas ===
 
The Nagas are similar to the snake-people found in the Icesus outworld - their upper body is that of a human (usually female), and the lower body is that of a snake.  They can slither along the forest floor or use their arms and tail to move through the upper canopy.  When stationary, they will typically or wrap themselves around trees (or branches) or rocks, and adjust their skin colour to match.  
 
Nagas are known as tool makers, though they do not work with metal - their tools and weapons are made from wood, stone and bone. 
 
They have a great fondness for warm human flesh, they will ambush travellers and shoot them with arrows dipped in snake venom so as to paralyze the victim rather than killing it directly.  They do not have a pure hatred of humans though, there are many tales that say the Nagas appreciate the people in the forest who recognize their serpent voice, and will help those who can call on them for aid.
 
=== Ophidia ===
 
Ophidia, also known as the Serpent of Earth, is an ancient and enormous serpent living in a snake temple amidst a lush and vibrant forest guarded by a large herd of intelligent snakes not found in the physical world. The temple is a complex labyrinth with numerous entry points from the surrounding forest, and an over-adventurous traveller can quickly become an uninvited guest. While she is a creature of solitude and hibernates for much of the year she rouses from her sleep quickly that she might prey on temple intruders, often falling back to her sleep while still in the labyrinth. 
 
Ophidia does wake regularly to attend ceremonies organized by the Nagas - these festivities are usually held in the temple but they may be located through the forest.
 
Travellers tell of other times when she wakes and enters the forest in order to deal with those who break the peace of the forest (or harm the snakes). It is said that the power of the Great Serpent's eyes is so great that if an adventurer makes the mistake of meeting her gaze, he will permanently forget his past and all that he is. If she is feeling merciful towards his companions she will grant him a swift death within a very few minutes. Rarely does she feel merciful. 
 
Spiritually the Serpent of Earth is always awake and actively guiding her followers especially in their worship of her. She is jealous and quick to anger if her followers stray in their worship. 
She is fond of both animal and human sacrifice, but her favorite gifts are the precious stones excavated from the earth's crust.