Alderwos

See also Woodwose.

The Alderwos (alt. Elderwose, Alderwose, Aelderwos, literally "Old Men") were a race of ancient proto-men created by Frae and A'a.

Creation
The Alderwose were created by Frae sometime around Year 20. By Year 100, they had already been taught to speak and were forming crude societies. Many agree that teaching them to speak was a bad decision.

Physiology
Alderwose were slightly smaller than modern men, standing on average five feet high. They walked fully erect, bore hair on much of their bodies, wore clothing, and used tools. Most had dark bronze to brown skin and thick black hair. Notably, their large eyes were largely white.

Language
The Alderwose had a relatively complex language, which is the basis for much magic. Aside from incantations, it is not spoken in the second age, but remains in several places in the form of runes. These runes are said to bear magical properties. Runes are also used by dwarfs and gnomes, though, and those runes have no magical properties.

Demise
The Alderwose were eventually transformed into men, dwarfs, and elfs, and their offspring. By the end of the First Age, no Alderwose were believed to still exist.