Balete Elves

 In the islands, a balete tree is regarded as a nexus or house for spirits. Amidst their massive trunks and twisting vines, several nature spirits choose to dwell and watch the mortal realm. When Bathala first finished crafting the islands, many curious spirits living in these balete trees began to take note of the thriving world around them. Eager to partake in this wonderful creation, these spirits formed mortal bodies of their own, becoming the first elves of the islands.    While elves of other kinds have come to the islands in the centuries since, the native elves of the island are still closer to spirits incarnate than to 'true' elves, in a similar way to how the Eladrin are creatures of the Feywild given form. Though they can take any mortal form they wish, a balete elf typically has plant roots—akin to that of a balete tree—growing throughout their hair.   The following traits and features are gained in addition to the core Elvish traits and features.   Ability Score Increase.  Your Wisdom score increases by 1.    Verdant Intuition.  When you make an Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check, you can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the ability check.   Spirit of Nature.  You know the druidcraft cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the entangle spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the barkskin spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest 

Languages. Common, Elvish