Spites

Spites are traits present on different Wood Elves Lords and Heroes when recruited in campaign. They were introduced alongside the Wood Elves rework in The Twisted and the Twilight They can also be imbued by technologies or events such as the Gathering of the Ancients.

Description[]

A Spite's natural form is a glowing light, but they are capable of shapeshifting into other forms. There are as many different kinds of Spite as there are trees in the wood, each kind having different abilities and favoured shapes. Some appear as tiny Elves riding beetles or miniature, skeletal horses, others as beautiful winged humanoids or woodland animals with slightly unnatural features.

If treated well, Spites can be friendly, if mischievous. However, they are just as likely to be murderous and, well, spiteful, if the mood takes them. They are the essence of capriciousness. Only Elves and Wizards have any real hope of dealing with them, and even then the history of the Wood Elves is filled with instances in which Spites have turned on them or abandoned them in times of need.

Shortly after death, Spites dissolve. This has made it difficult for Old World scholars to study them, and they are considered a myth by most. They prefer to appear as winged figures or wooden people covered in thorns. Sometimes they appear to be riding animals or constructs, but these are just part of the Spites' shapeshifting ability.

Known as a Murder when in a group, Spites are vicious manifestations that take countless forms. Some have barbed, thorn-like limbs and razor sharp talons, others take the form of diminutive winged figures armed with tiny weapons. Some seem to be all teeth and talons, while others may hide their viciousness behind a facade of innocence and beauty. They hide within the cloaks of their hosts, or within the cracks and hollows of ancient Treemen, peeping out maliciously and ready to attack any who draw near.

Units[]

Traits[]

Annoyance of Netlings[]

Scurrying over their host with feverish abandon, Netlings snag the weapons of enemies that come too close with webs of magical filaments.

Lord[]

Campaign movement range: -10% (enemy armies in local province)
Passive ability: "Annoyance of Netlings"

Hero[]

Block Army action: Movement range is modified by an additional -15%
Passive ability: "Annoyance of Netlings"

Befuddlement of Mischiefs[]

The staring eyes and tattered wings of tiny, glowing Elves befuddle enemy minds, sending them into a sleep-like trance.

Ambush success chance: +20% (own army)
Ability: "Befuddlement of Mischiefs"

Blight of Terrors[]

Mirthfully looming out from their host, Terrors take on their most fearsome aspect to dampen the spirits of their horrified prey.

Lord[]

Enemy leadership: -5 (enemy armies in local province)
Ability: "Blight of Terrors"

Hero[]

Attribute: Causes Terror
Ability: "Blight of Terrors"

Cluster of Radiants[]

Radiants are sponges of magical energy, manifesting as little more than blurred shapes of pure light that beckon the Winds to their host.

Winds of Magic cost: +15% for all enemy spells (enemy armies in local province)
Passive ability: "Cluster of Radiants"

Lamentation of Despairs[]

The Despairs are among the most feared spites within Athel Loren, their arrival always foretelling imminent death.

Ward save: +10%
Ability: "Lamentation of Despairs"

Murder of Spites[]

Hiding out in their host's hollows are fiendish forms, ready to strike out at any who draw near.

Enables poison attacks
Weapon strength: +15%
Passive ability: "Murder of Spites"

Muster of Malevolents[]

Unleashed upon a foe, these aggressive manifestations of the forest are utilized for their needle-like arrows that inflict painful wounds from afar.