Savage Grove
The Savage Grove is a primal, untamed forest that has remained unchanged since the cataclysmic Realmshatter, which destroyed the once-vast Sea of Trees, leaving behind this wild and unforgiving landscape. It is a place of raw, natural power, where towering ancient trees create a canopy so dense that sunlight barely pierces through. The forest floor is covered in thick underbrush, teeming with dangerous creatures, including massive predators and ancient lizards that have roamed the Grove for millennia. The constant sound of growls, roars, and the rustle of leaves echoes throughout the forest, creating an atmosphere of constant danger.
Despite the perilous environment, the Forest Gnomes and Kobolds have thrived here. Using their natural agility and cunning, they move easily through the underbrush, avoiding the predators that stalk the land. Together, they have built a safe haven deep within the Savage Grove, a settlement they hope to one day name Drakrarroth. This settlement is a marvel of survival and resourcefulness, blending seamlessly into the wild surroundings.
The Savage Grove is not only a haven for beasts but also a place of legend. It is said that the forest itself is alive, shifting and changing in response to an ancient magic hidden deep within its heart. Many have tried to seek this magic, but only the brave—or foolish—venture into the depths, and even fewer return.
Points of Interest
Drakrarroth
Drakrarroth is the hidden settlement of the Kobolds and Forest Gnomes, nestled deep within the Savage Grove. Using natural camouflage and their knowledge of the land, the inhabitants have built a safe and secure haven amidst the dangers of the forest. The homes are constructed in hollowed-out trees or dug into the earth, blending into the surroundings and making them nearly invisible to the predators that roam the land. The settlement is fortified with traps and hidden tunnels, allowing the residents to escape or defend themselves when necessary.
While still in its early stages, Drakrarroth is rapidly growing, and its residents are hopeful it will soon be recognized as an official settlement. The Forest Gnomes contribute their knowledge of the land and magic, while the Kobolds provide their resourcefulness and craftsmanship. Together, they have built a community that thrives despite the dangers that surround them.
The Howling Ravine
A deep, jagged gorge that cuts through the heart of the Savage Grove, the Howling Ravine is named for the eerie, haunting sounds that echo through its depths. The ravine is filled with dense fog, and the walls are covered in ancient, twisted vines. It is said that the ravine was formed during the Realmshatter, and some believe it to be the resting place of a long-forgotten, slumbering beast. The Kobolds and Forest Gnomes avoid this place, as the mists are known to disorient and confuse those who enter, leading many to become lost forever.
However, brave explorers are drawn to the ravine by rumors of powerful, ancient relics hidden within its depths, though none have been confirmed.
The Gloomfang Den
Deep within the forest lies the Gloomfang Den, a network of underground tunnels and caves that serve as the lair of the Gloomfangs—a pack of terrifying, massive black-furred predators with glowing eyes. The Gloomfangs are one of the most feared creatures in the Savage Grove, known for their incredible speed, strength, and ability to hunt in complete silence. The den is a forbidden area for the inhabitants of Drakrarroth, and few dare to even come close to the entrance.
The den is also rumored to be home to strange glowing fungi that possess unique alchemical properties, though gathering them is a deadly endeavor.
The Ancient Heart
At the center of the Savage Grove lies the Ancient Heart, a massive, ancient tree that stands taller than any other in the forest. Its bark is twisted and gnarled, and its leaves glow with a faint, ethereal light. The tree is said to be the source of the forest's ancient magic, and it is believed to have existed long before the Realmshatter. The Ancient Heart is revered by both the Forest Gnomes and Kobolds, and it is considered a sacred place, though none dare approach it without a very good reason.
Legends say that those who touch the tree are granted a glimpse of the forest’s true nature and may even gain a deeper connection to the primal forces of nature. However, the tree is fiercely protected by the spirits of the forest and the ancient creatures that dwell nearby.
Razorback Plains
On the outskirts of the Savage Grove lies the Razorback Plains, a treacherous expanse of open ground where massive, spiked beasts known as Razorbacks roam. These enormous, boar-like creatures have thick hides covered in sharp spines, and they are known to be extremely aggressive. The plains are one of the few open areas in the Savage Grove, but they are just as dangerous as the forest itself. The Kobolds and Forest Gnomes often hunt in the plains for food and materials, but they must be extremely cautious, as even the smallest misstep can provoke a deadly attack from a Razorback.
The plains are also home to strange, spiked plants that grow in abundance, their thorns filled with toxic sap. Despite the dangers, the Razorback Plains provide essential resources for the residents of Drakrarroth, and many young hunters see it as a rite of passage to venture out into the plains and return with a successful kill.
The Grove of Eternal Wild
In the heart of the untamed Savage Grove, there exists a vast citadel known as the Grove of Eternal Wilds, a temple dedicated to Melora. Rather than a traditional stone structure, the citadel is a colossal living tree, its bark as hard as ironwood and its branches towering high into the canopy above. This sacred tree, known as the Elderheart, has been shaped over centuries by druids and nature’s magic to form halls, chambers, and walkways within its immense trunk. The Grove of Eternal Wilds is an awe-inspiring testament to Melora’s dominion over nature, representing the perfect blend of wilderness and sanctuary.
The Wildheart Conclave gathers here to perform powerful rituals, often calling upon the forces of nature to defend the balance of the natural world. Within the temple, there are chambers where the winds howl through hollowed branches, creating haunting melodies, and where waterfalls cascade down natural rock formations, forming serene pools for meditation. The Elderheart also houses sacred groves for rare plants and animals, protected under Melora’s watchful eye. Worshippers often leave offerings of foraged herbs, pelts, and carved wooden tokens, seeking the Wildmother’s blessing for protection, growth, and renewal. The Grove of Eternal Wilds stands as a fortress for those dedicated to preserving the wild beauty of the land, an unwavering symbol of Melora’s enduring strength.
Shrine of the Moonlit Gate
Nestled deep within the Savage Grove, far from the bustling cities, is the Shrine of the Moonlit Gate, a humble yet profound place of worship dedicated to Atheros. This shrine is hidden within a grove of ancient, towering trees, their branches forming a natural arch that mirrors the symbolic gate between life and death. A single, weathered stone altar sits beneath the arch, draped in vines and lit only by the pale glow of the moon, which filters through the canopy above. It is said that on nights when the moon is full, the boundary between the mortal realm and the afterlife is at its thinnest here, and those seeking solace may feel the presence of their departed loved ones.
Travelers, wanderers, and those in mourning often stumble upon the shrine by chance, leaving behind small offerings of flowers, candles, or even locks of hair as tributes to Atheros. The shrine is tended by wandering Eclipse Wardens, who ensure that the altar remains undisturbed and that the offerings left by visitors are honored in nightly rituals. Locals believe that those who visit the Moonlit Gate under the right conditions may receive a vision of their lost loved ones, guided by Atheros himself, to offer final words or grant peace to the grieving.
The Savage Grove is a land where the forces of nature reign supreme, untamed and unforgiving. Yet, in the midst of this dangerous wilderness, the Kobolds and Forest Gnomes have found a way to survive and thrive. With their cunning and deep knowledge of the land, they have carved out a place for themselves in this savage world, creating a community that stands as a testament to their resilience. For those who dare to enter the Savage Grove, danger lurks around every corner, but so do ancient mysteries and untold wonders.
Geography
The grove is filled with lots of sequoias and other large plants that fill the underbrush and hide the beasts that prowl within.
Localized Phenomena
Dinosaurs;
History
The Savage Grove was part of the hugely expansive wood know as the Sea of Leaves, after the cataclysmic breaking of Realmshatter which destroyed the forestscape leaving only the savage grove. The savage grove has remained unchanged over time, leaving beasts and ancient lizards to stalk the undergrowth in the land.
The races that have thrived their are the forest gnomes and the Kobolds, where they are able to move about the underbrush with ease avoiding lots of terrible dangers that arise from there.
The Kobolds have thrived that they have developed a safehaven of sorts with the help of the forest gnomes that they hope will become a named settlement; Drakrarroth.
The Savage Grove is a dense, untamed forest teeming with primal energy, where towering ancient trees stretch toward the sky, their canopies casting deep shadows over the land below. The forest is home to a vast array of wild beasts and fearsome dinosaurs, making it one of the most dangerous regions in the world. Massive predators prowl the underbrush, while herds of enormous herbivores thunder through the forest floor, creating a constant sense of movement and life.
The air is thick with the sounds of roaring creatures, rustling leaves, and the distant calls of predators marking their territory. The Savage Grove is ruled by nature in its rawest form, where the strongest survive and the weak become prey. Few outsiders dare to venture into the forest, as the unrelenting wilderness offers little mercy to those who are unprepared.
Legends tell of ancient magic hidden deep within the heart of the Grove, drawing not only beasts but those brave (or foolish) enough to seek it. The forest is said to shift and change, guided by a mysterious force that makes navigation treacherous, ensuring that only the worthy ever leave its depths alive.
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