Depenwood, The Eternal Boreal
Expanding south and westwards out from the dangers of the Nor'wood Basin, the lands that make up the western region of the Durolian continent, known as Depenwood, are in many ways the jewel of Durol. The vast forests, massive and thick, their variety astounding. Food is everywhere in this land of plenty, the woodlands having been cultivated for a dozen, or more elven generations both before and then after the Sundering to heal them again, to be almost as if a giant garden. No traveller through these lands will ever want for a meal, for wild produce, and therefore by virtue of plentiful food, wild game, are everywhere. Fruit and nut bearing trees make up a lopsided percentage of the forests here, and wild vegetables like onions, leeks, carrots, turnips and more grow plentiful indeed. It is a place of plenty, of easy survival but fulfilling life. That does not mean however, that it does not have its dangers. Its winters, though shorter than their Suranthi neighbors, lack none of the sheer force to them. The plentiful food also sees plentiful wildlife of all kinds, and attracts other sorts of dangerous creatures as well. Such is the price to be paid for such food security as exists here. Its wide rivers, many streams and creeks speak to the ancient will that shaped this land of plenty, the this boreal forest of food, a project so big it is almost unfathomable. However this is not to say wandering the wilderness in Depenwood does not possess risks. Swamps, bogs, stretches of strange, twisted, and forgotten forest do exist, and within these areas, many are the dangers.
Geography
Depenwood is known as the eternal boreal due to the fact that it does still experience some harsh winters, as a temperate climate, its winters last around five months. Though the term boreal inspires the imagery of thick, lush, and perhaps dark and cool forests, this is but one of the many sorts of biomes within. It is the dominant one, but within that you will find lush lowlands along the rivers and lakes, dominated by thick undergrowth and semi aquatic species. Further out you will come upon thick woodlands, where deer, moose, wolves, bears and all the sorts of wildlife one might expect to find in a typical 'temperate forest' would live. Tall trees, shaded canopy, and the undergrowth is quite limited to areas where there are gaps within the canopy, which are lacking.
However further to the north and west, the Tuskwood, though it gets its name from the impressive boar population in the region, is also known for its monstrous redwoods, ancient oaks and other such massive long lived trees. These redwoods hint at a truth of the Depen, the magick within, the magick that exists here. Heartwoods, ancient places where forest and elf have lived in harmony, the forests themselves growing to accomdate homes, businesses, and city structures. These places of power mark the land, and mark the ancient history of Depenwood, and are even tied to the founding of the Magisterium.
But furthermore, beyond woodlands, there are great swaths of swamp and marshland within the Depenwood, these thick overgrown dark places, where solid ground and murky overgrown pools of water are almost identical to the eye, places where entirely different ecosystems and unique species thrive. These swamplands though dangerous are also a marvel all their own, well worth exploration for those bold and competent enough to do so. All of this, as one travels further south, eventually gives way to the agricultural heartland of all of the Durolian continent, the Wyel'cawly Plains. This windswept pairie, though home to many small farming communities and a great deal of farmland, hosts again, its own unique ecosystem, which mixes and meshes with the others at the edges, the transitional regions in the terrain, creating strange unique subclimates in those thin bands. It is a marvelous place, so full of life, even out into the Sea of Sails, and the large mountainous islands off the southern coast, another completely unique biome. The massive jutting peaks of the Crystalline Spires scream to the heart of the wandering spirit, and the volcano known as Firbolg'avik's Forge stands as an open challenge to those of the boldest, bravest, and most adventurous persuasion, the lands around it thick with dangers, but potentially thick with great long lost rewards, given the ancient tales of the mighty creature that once held dominion here.
However further to the north and west, the Tuskwood, though it gets its name from the impressive boar population in the region, is also known for its monstrous redwoods, ancient oaks and other such massive long lived trees. These redwoods hint at a truth of the Depen, the magick within, the magick that exists here. Heartwoods, ancient places where forest and elf have lived in harmony, the forests themselves growing to accomdate homes, businesses, and city structures. These places of power mark the land, and mark the ancient history of Depenwood, and are even tied to the founding of the Magisterium.
But furthermore, beyond woodlands, there are great swaths of swamp and marshland within the Depenwood, these thick overgrown dark places, where solid ground and murky overgrown pools of water are almost identical to the eye, places where entirely different ecosystems and unique species thrive. These swamplands though dangerous are also a marvel all their own, well worth exploration for those bold and competent enough to do so. All of this, as one travels further south, eventually gives way to the agricultural heartland of all of the Durolian continent, the Wyel'cawly Plains. This windswept pairie, though home to many small farming communities and a great deal of farmland, hosts again, its own unique ecosystem, which mixes and meshes with the others at the edges, the transitional regions in the terrain, creating strange unique subclimates in those thin bands. It is a marvelous place, so full of life, even out into the Sea of Sails, and the large mountainous islands off the southern coast, another completely unique biome. The massive jutting peaks of the Crystalline Spires scream to the heart of the wandering spirit, and the volcano known as Firbolg'avik's Forge stands as an open challenge to those of the boldest, bravest, and most adventurous persuasion, the lands around it thick with dangers, but potentially thick with great long lost rewards, given the ancient tales of the mighty creature that once held dominion here.
Ecosystem
Within Depenwood, one will find a wide variety of ecosystems both unique and intersecting, as should be expected given its wide variety of biomes and climates. Depenwood shares many of the creatures that make up life in its biome with Suranth, many migratory species crossing the Nor'wood Basin to winter in the lands of the Depen. Caribou all across the northernmost woodlands, game birds across the country, wolf packs following the caribou and more. You will find all manner of smaller creature all about the lands here as well. Foxes, minks, rabbits, hares, otters and beavers near rivers and lakes, the lists go on and on. However you will also find some hardier reptilian and amphious species here, which Suranth mostly lacks. These few species dominate the swampiest regions, though can be found all about rivers and lakes as well. Mostly small, though some, like the steel-jaw snapping turtle, can pack quite a wallop should you upset them. They get their name from their ability to bit through even mild steel.
Deer, both white-tail and spotted variety, along with elk, are dominate herbivores of notable size. Brown and black bears rule the predatory spheres for the most part on land, though wolves, lynx, bobcat and of course puma all do quite well in their respective habitats.
Within the waters of Depenwood, like all of Durol, you will find a plethora of strange foreign plants and creatures, a seemingly infinite variety of species in a complex web like ecosystem. Off the west coast, the islands here a breeding ground for sea lions, see a lot of shark activity throughout the summer and fall months. This is from one species in particular, the great white shark. Massive aquatic predators, these beasts are terrifying for their sheer killing capability, and are generally to be avoided and treated with great respect. However they are not the dominant aquatic predator. Once again, showing the adaptibility of the species, the orca, also known as the killer whale, rules the oceans here. The deeper waters too, besides of course the strange monstrous creatures of varied shape and form that earn the moniker 'leviathans'.
Though they share many such things, including an apex aquatic predator, Depenwood is fundamentally different. Those whom have such hobbies have documented the differences in wildlife behavior, seeing the orca as the boldest example. The orca in Suranth hunt well anything foolish enough to enter their domain, seeming impressive generalists. But those that patrol the coastal waters of Depenwood seem specialized, eating naught but fish, aquatic birds and, interestingly enough, sharks and dolphins. They don't hunt seals or sea lions, despite the plentifulness of that option, they won't even hunt moose that graze on aquatic plant life off the rocky northwest coastlines like orca in Suranth will do. They seem to have a more specialized diet. They won't scavenge or eat other whales, despite their moniker, and thus no whaling industry ever really took hold in Depenwood like it did in Suranth, because the peoples here lacked that same advantage.
This is true across the board, showing a level of culturalism that many (humans especially) would not suspect wild animals capable of. However the truth of nature, as those of the Depenwood well know, is far more complex than most minds could ever hope to fully comprehend.
Deer, both white-tail and spotted variety, along with elk, are dominate herbivores of notable size. Brown and black bears rule the predatory spheres for the most part on land, though wolves, lynx, bobcat and of course puma all do quite well in their respective habitats.
Within the waters of Depenwood, like all of Durol, you will find a plethora of strange foreign plants and creatures, a seemingly infinite variety of species in a complex web like ecosystem. Off the west coast, the islands here a breeding ground for sea lions, see a lot of shark activity throughout the summer and fall months. This is from one species in particular, the great white shark. Massive aquatic predators, these beasts are terrifying for their sheer killing capability, and are generally to be avoided and treated with great respect. However they are not the dominant aquatic predator. Once again, showing the adaptibility of the species, the orca, also known as the killer whale, rules the oceans here. The deeper waters too, besides of course the strange monstrous creatures of varied shape and form that earn the moniker 'leviathans'.
Though they share many such things, including an apex aquatic predator, Depenwood is fundamentally different. Those whom have such hobbies have documented the differences in wildlife behavior, seeing the orca as the boldest example. The orca in Suranth hunt well anything foolish enough to enter their domain, seeming impressive generalists. But those that patrol the coastal waters of Depenwood seem specialized, eating naught but fish, aquatic birds and, interestingly enough, sharks and dolphins. They don't hunt seals or sea lions, despite the plentifulness of that option, they won't even hunt moose that graze on aquatic plant life off the rocky northwest coastlines like orca in Suranth will do. They seem to have a more specialized diet. They won't scavenge or eat other whales, despite their moniker, and thus no whaling industry ever really took hold in Depenwood like it did in Suranth, because the peoples here lacked that same advantage.
This is true across the board, showing a level of culturalism that many (humans especially) would not suspect wild animals capable of. However the truth of nature, as those of the Depenwood well know, is far more complex than most minds could ever hope to fully comprehend.
Ecosystem Cycles
Continent of Durol as a part of the Continent of Durol, please refer to that entry for its ecosystem cycles.
Fauna & Flora
To describe the sheer variety of flora and fauna would take many many paragraphs, and though it is a menagerie worth exploring, that is not entirely the purpose of this tome. But one can expect a dominant theme within the plant life. It will very often, easily fifty to sixty percent of the time, bear some form of edible fruit, root, nut, seed, stalk, sap, or otherwise. Apple, pear, plum, walnut, maple, hazelnut, cherry, and more for the sorts of trees one will find most often. Berry bushes of every variety; blueberries, elderberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and so on. Wild grapes, and even tomatoes. Carrots, turnips, onions, leeks, and more grow plentiful, wild and easy to harvest. Very few are the plants that do not offer some sort of sustenance should one be in need.
This sheer volume of easily accessible food, and the obvious volume of vegetation would imply, correctly, that there is a glut, a plentifulness here for wildlife, and that observation would be correct. Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and hares and all other sort of small mammal one might imagine thriving in such a temperate, food rich enviroment can be found here, along with larger deer, elk, moose and more. Equally, a wide and plentiful variety of birds, from woodpeckers to jays to cardinals to hawks, falcons, eagles, sparrows. Ducks, geese, swans, all manner of fish, small reptile and crustacean dominate the waters. There are rattlesnakes, water moccassins, racer snakes and more. Toads, frogs, and salamanders. Beyond that foxes, minks, badgers, turtles, and more. Coyotes, gophers, prairie dogs. The variety can seem endless, if you take the whole of the nation into account. But naturally many of the creatures listed above and the others, like wolves, black and brown bears, or lynx, bobcats and pumas have their preferences of biomes.
This sheer volume of easily accessible food, and the obvious volume of vegetation would imply, correctly, that there is a glut, a plentifulness here for wildlife, and that observation would be correct. Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and hares and all other sort of small mammal one might imagine thriving in such a temperate, food rich enviroment can be found here, along with larger deer, elk, moose and more. Equally, a wide and plentiful variety of birds, from woodpeckers to jays to cardinals to hawks, falcons, eagles, sparrows. Ducks, geese, swans, all manner of fish, small reptile and crustacean dominate the waters. There are rattlesnakes, water moccassins, racer snakes and more. Toads, frogs, and salamanders. Beyond that foxes, minks, badgers, turtles, and more. Coyotes, gophers, prairie dogs. The variety can seem endless, if you take the whole of the nation into account. But naturally many of the creatures listed above and the others, like wolves, black and brown bears, or lynx, bobcats and pumas have their preferences of biomes.
"Because of this wide ranging and amazing variety noted above, discussing all the ecological cycles and interactions here is a bit beyond the scope of a mere world atlas, even for one such as myself, hoping to give a bit of a tour and informational aide to travelers besides mere maps and statistics. Just know that in my travels, I would say that though all of the continent of Durol has a wide ranging and oft surprising biodiversity, the nation I would credit with the widest and most intricate and varied biodiversity would be without a doubt Depenwood."
Mar'elin Du'ristic, Grandmaster Cartographer
Natural Resources
Like most of Durol, Depenwood has a plethora of natural resources, mostly of course, of a produce nature. However there is a surprisingly healthy variety of resources in the region that are harvest and traded by the people whom live here;
- Raw Produce of all kinds
- Medicinal ingredients in raw from, and various curatives, lotions, salves, powders and more in regards to medicine
- Softwood and hardwood lumber
- Paper and pulps
- Plant based fabrics
- Pelts, leathers, and preserved meats
- Wines, jams, fruit preserves and other such goods
- Salmon, tuna and other fish and crustaceans
- Marble and Granite
- Manna Gems and Jewels
History
Depenwood is a rich land and nation when it comes to its histories, and yes, the plural is necessary. Each of the tribes have an oral history tradition and the land itself has a deep and storied history, with many scars, many healed injuries, and a cultural tapestry that is deep both naturally and socially. This is the birthplace of our current understanding of the arcane arts after the Sundering, the eight tribes here, the Wylde Elves and their own unique connections to the Aether and the elements themselves, coming to understand what had occurred, and forging what would eventually become the Magisterium we know of today. Though more settled and less 'wild' perhaps than Suranth, that is a close thing. Like all of Valerick since the Sundering, there exists many dangers natural and beyond natural. These dangers however tell of another part of history, and though they should be guarded against, they should also be understood. For much like Suranth, the Sundering fundamentally altered the climate, and the very terrain of Depenwood, likely greatly. In truth we will never likely fully understand the effects the Sundering had upon our world. Like Suranth, Depenwood still bears deep scars, but unlike its northern neighbor, it has had longer to heal them, and wears them less obviously. That does not mean they are not present and will not make their presence felt, however. In the forgotten regions of Depenwood, one can only imagine the dangers, but also the treasures of ages long forgotten that may be found. Ruins, forgotten treasures, like anywhere on Valerick, there are all manner of possibilities, but all manners of dangers to such explorations, should you choose to undertake them.
Tourism
Depenwood attracts notably less, but still a large enough number, of the adventurous sorts, and why wouldn't it. Forgotten peaks, lost woodlands that might have swallowed entire ancient cities holding all manner of secrets and treasures? Its enough to make the inner adventurer in any of us tingle. Stories of strange and wonderous creatures, things defying explanation? All curiosities that would make any adventurer or wanna be Exemplari sort giddy with anticipation.
Beyond that Depenwood sees its share of magickal and scholarly tourism. Given that it is the birthplace of what would eventually become the founding structure of the Magisterium, there are many reasons both magick and history inclined that some would wish to visit and to learn. However Depenwood is also well known as a learned nation, a nation of farmers, mages and craftsfolk, but also of philosphers, astronomers, historians and more. It is a place where classical educations thrive, with many institutions where one can learn all manner of subjects, and perhaps spend an entire lifetime in the pursuit of, and consuming knowledge. So academic sorts of all bents and walks of life whom can manage to find there way to Depenwood and one of the cities or heartwood cities within the country are another common more long term sort of 'tourism'
Beyond that Depenwood sees its share of magickal and scholarly tourism. Given that it is the birthplace of what would eventually become the founding structure of the Magisterium, there are many reasons both magick and history inclined that some would wish to visit and to learn. However Depenwood is also well known as a learned nation, a nation of farmers, mages and craftsfolk, but also of philosphers, astronomers, historians and more. It is a place where classical educations thrive, with many institutions where one can learn all manner of subjects, and perhaps spend an entire lifetime in the pursuit of, and consuming knowledge. So academic sorts of all bents and walks of life whom can manage to find there way to Depenwood and one of the cities or heartwood cities within the country are another common more long term sort of 'tourism'
Maps
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Depenwood, the Endless Boreal
A map of the nation of Depenwood.
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Inhabiting Species
I do need some artwork for this though, which is on the to do list. But I'm please I've gotten it written :D