Nightshade Hollow

Nightshade Hollow, hidden deep within the ominous Krynnwood Forest, is a place where perpetual twilight reigns. The sky remains a constant shade of dusky gray, casting long, eerie shadows that never lift. The air is thick with a sense of dread, and the once-vibrant village now lies in ruins, overgrown with dark, twisted vines and shadowy foliage. The streets, lined with crumbling buildings, are silent save for the occasional whisper of the wind and the distant howls of unseen creatures.
The legend of Nightshade Hollow's curse speaks of a time when the village was prosperous and thriving. This prosperity was shattered by the arrival of the Shadow Plague, a mysterious illness that drove villagers to madness with horrific visions. Desperate, the villagers sought the aid of the reclusive druids of Krynnwood Forest. When their pleas went unanswered, fear turned to rage, leading them to destroy sacred groves within the forest.
In retaliation, the druids cast a powerful curse upon Nightshade Hollow. The village was plunged into eternal twilight, its soil turned barren, and malevolent creatures began to emerge from the forest. The curse ensures that no light can pierce the gloom, and the villagers are forever trapped in a cycle of despair and terror, haunted by the restless spirits of their ancestors and the creatures that prowl the night.

History

Nightshade Hollow, once a prosperous village in the heart of Krynnwood Forest, is now a place shrouded in dark legend and eternal twilight. Founded in 4,470 of the Era of Shadows, it was established by settlers seeking refuge from the political strife of Shadowmarch's larger city-states. The village thrived for many years, benefiting from the fertile land and abundant resources provided by the forest. The community, known as Nightshaders, lived in harmony, celebrating vibrant festivals that honored the cycles of nature.
However, in 4,620, the Shadow Plague arrived, bringing devastation. The plague caused horrific visions and madness, leading the desperate villagers to seek help from the reclusive druids of Krynnwood Forest. When their pleas were ignored, fear and suspicion turned to anger, prompting the villagers to destroy parts of the sacred forest in an attempt to purge the perceived curse.
In retaliation, the druids cast a powerful curse on Nightshade Hollow in 4,624. The village was plunged into perpetual twilight, its soil turned barren, and malevolent creatures began to emerge from the forest. For over 200 years, as of 4,856, the village has been a desolate ruin, known by many as the Village of Eternal Night. The few remaining Nightshaders live in fear, haunted by the curse and the dark creatures that now inhabit their once-prosperous home.

Architecture

The architecture of Nightshade Hollow reflects its history and the dramatic shift from prosperity to ruin. Originally, the village featured charming, rustic buildings constructed from the sturdy timber of the surrounding Krynnwood Forest. The homes and structures were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of nature and village life, showcasing the villagers' close relationship with their environment. Thatch roofs and stone chimneys added to the quaint, picturesque charm of the settlement. Today, the village stands in stark contrast to its former glory. The once-sturdy wooden buildings are now decayed and crumbling, their walls covered in dark, twisted vines and ghost moss. Roofs have collapsed, leaving structures open to the elements and hastening their deterioration. The intricate carvings, once symbols of pride and craftsmanship, are now barely visible, worn away by time and neglect.
The central marketplace, once bustling with activity, is now a desolate expanse. Stalls and carts lie overturned and broken, and the cobblestone paths are cracked and overgrown. The village well, a vital source of water, is dry and surrounded by weeds, its stonework chipped and eroded.
Public buildings, such as the village hall and the small chapel, are in similarly dire condition. The village hall, once the center of governance and community gatherings, has partially collapsed, its interior filled with debris and shadows. The chapel, a place of solace and worship, is now a haunting ruin, with shattered stained-glass windows casting eerie patterns on the floor.
The few homes that remain standing are in various stages of decay. Some have caved-in roofs, while others have walls that lean precariously. Inside, remnants of furniture and personal belongings lie scattered and covered in dust, a poignant reminder of the lives once lived there.
Overall, the current state of Nightshade Hollow’s architecture is a testament to the village's tragic decline. The structures, now ghostly and forsaken, stand as silent witnesses to the curse that has gripped the village for over 200 years, embodying the despair and desolation that define this once-thriving community.

Geography

Nightshade Hollow is nestled deep within the dark and foreboding Krynnwood Forest. The village is surrounded by dense, towering trees, primarily shadow oaks and bloodthorns, which create a canopy that allows little sunlight to penetrate. This natural barrier contributes to the village's perpetual twilight, casting long, eerie shadows over the landscape.
The village itself is built around a central clearing, where the remnants of a once-thriving marketplace stand. The ground is uneven, with cobblestone paths now cracked and overgrown with dark, twisted vines and ghost moss. The air is thick with a perpetual mist that clings to the ground, adding to the sense of gloom and isolation.
To the north, the Krynnwood Forest becomes even denser, with the trees growing closer together and the underbrush thicker, making it nearly impassable. To the south, a small, stagnant stream, known as the Shadowbrook, winds its way through the village, its waters dark and sluggish. The stream is bordered by patches of nightshade flowers, which are as beautiful as they are deadly.
The eastern and western edges of the village are marked by steep, rocky outcrops, providing a natural barrier against intruders but also trapping the villagers in their cursed home. The oppressive geography of Nightshade Hollow, combined with the ever-present twilight, creates an atmosphere of perpetual dread and isolation.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
4624 ES

Founding Date

4470 ES

Alternative Name(s)

The Village of Eternal Night

Type

Village

Population

0

Inhabitant Demonym

Nightshaders