Verdantswathe, The

Hmmmm, yes, Arborians. Always a... pleasure to be around.

Never mind, here we go then.

The Verdantswathe.

Geography

Within the lands of Sulamynen there lies a broad belt of ages-old forest called The Verdantswathe; a mass of trees lying towards the South of the nation before it ascends as the Silverspire Mountains.

Seemingly consisting of massive deciduous trees that never shed their leaves regardless of the season, it is lousy, or rather teeming with such life as forests are prone to teem with. This is the ancestral home of the Arborians, claim the Arborians, those diminutive tree-dwelling creatures who revere nature, alcohol and hanging upside down by their tails.

This is by far the oldest forest in Sulamynen and perhaps in the Northern hemisphere, rivalling the Forests of Wyoness for longevity. In fact, there is a myth that it was seeded from the Wyoness ages ago and that the roots of both entwine deep within Aeon. Of course the Arborians vehemently refute this, stating adamantly the Verdantswathe is entirely their creation and that any similarity to Wyoness is purely because wood all looks the same to the layman. I have to admit I rather enjoy repeating this to any Arborians that come my way, their reaction is fun!

Whatever the truth, there are more than a few surprises hidden away within its secluded depths, some of which I may touch upon in due course.

Continuing with geographical reality, the Brightstar is the main river of significance with its source high in the Jackal's Teeth Mountains to the South and termination in Sulatas to the North, by way of The Windbreaker Woods and the Arborians there.

The Verdantswathe bisects Sulamynen from Arniche, Minstrel's Mouth and Gullsport on the West coast to Spur protecting the Eastern coastline, and reaches as far North as Star's Crossing with Portperhon at it's most Southerly limit.

Population

Arborians make up the largest single racial component of The Verdantswathe with many settlements of varying sizes peppering the forest. Humans and Dwarves are a significant element with Hedgemere and Avians not uncommon.

Greenbough is the largest city, the capital of the Verdantswathe and the Arborian realms. It is as old as the forest, with the true skills of the forest folk easily seen as the massive trees forming the structure of the city are not mere platforms built upon, but are habitable structures in their own right, having been shaped and coaxed over centuries.

The largest tree, a vast Mountain Ash called "The Root" lies at the centre of Greenbough and accomodates the primary administrative functions within The Evergreen Palace. This includes the living areas for the family of the Arbormaster, advisors and household retainers as well as housing the functioning elements of a palace. The crowning feature is the grand Canopy Hall, the meeting and dining hall for dignitaries when there are any, and the general populace once a month.

It is an important tradition for the Arbormasters to host a meal for everyone living in Greenbough on that monthly basis; with a sizeable population this continues over many evenings.

Radiating out from The Root are slightly smaller but no less impressive trees connected by walkways of interwoven boughs. These trees harbour such elements as:

• the Temple of Sweetwater with Priests of The Fellowship of the Open Palm
• the Swinging Limb, an Inn of good standing
• the Forestwatch barracks and main offices
• the office of Four Sheets, the distillers of the Grinning Imp liquor
• the Gnarly Bough merchant's emporium.

Industries which may carry some intrinsic risk to the forest are understandably located in open areas away from the main heart of the city, organisations such as smiths and the Four Sheets distillery.

Trade

Greenbough is at the end of the Brighstar Road and on the Brightstar River so trade opportunities tend to be concnetrated along that corridor rather than reliant upon passing through.

There are unique items that are more widely sought after though, such as potent medicinal herbs and the shimmering wood of the Aurora tree.

Proximity to the Silverspire Mountains also provides raw materials from mineworks such as stone, minerals and ores which are then worked and crafted in ways specific to the Verdantswathe.

Myth and Misconception

Arborians love a tale, a song, story or poem about anything; the more removed from reality the better. They also have a weakness for alcohol. Perhaps there is a correlation between the two?

Their society thrives on possibilities; what is around the next tree or over the next hill. In fact, from my observations they do experience a drive or compulsion to explore when they reach the second third of their lives, when they become warriors and wanderers. If they survive the adventure, they return home with yet more to add to the collective consciousness, the lumpy soup of real and imagined all stewed together.

But yes, lurking at the bottom of that broth, if you stir it just right, is a juicy morsel that might float to the surface.

One tasty nugget is the myth of Bela Blueteeth and Bluteeth Glade which supposedly lies deep in the Eastern forest, an area restricted to anyone. The Arborians take this very seriously as it is an inherant part of their foundation folklore.

More bland gobbets though include myths about ever-burning trees, philosophising elementals, a lost tribe of Minotaur, Hollow Grass and Angry Apples, The Seducing Willow and many, many more fantastical forays into fable.

But by all means, chase whichever cloud you wish to dream upon, no doubt some Arborian composition will spur you on.

A fair wind and quick wits!

Iaro Gaunt

by Mark Robertson - CC3

Location

South Sulamynen

Capital

Greenbough

Capital City Locations of Interest

The Evergreen Palace

The Temple of Sweetwater

The Swinging Limb Inn

The Gnarly Bough Store

The Forestwatch Office and Barracks

The Four Sheets Distillery Office

Geography

Verdantswathe Forest

Brightstar River

Jackal's Teeth Mountains

Silverspire Mountains

Bluteeth Glade

Population

Arborians

Humans

Dwarves

Hedgemere

Avians

Significant Figures

Arbormaster: Nettle Fox

Advicellor Senior: Juniper Badger

Forestwatch General: Fern Trout

Trade

timber mining animal hides indigenous woodland vegetation medicinal herbs
Grinning Imp liquor

Important Myths

Bela Blueteeth - Warper of Substance

by Qimono - Pixabay

The Verdantswathe with the Silverspire Mountains rising beyond.

Type

Forest