Colliuaine Darach

Colliuaine Darach (pronounced col-ee-oo-in-ya dar-ach) is a huge lush forest of mainly oak trees Dawnward on the continent of Cuan covering the low rolling foothills of the Tur an Crùn (Crown's Tower) mountain range. Wide trunks of mature trees dominate the forest giving a great deal of space under the canopies; ample dappled sunlight and a nutritious leaf litter make for a vibrant and diverse undergrowth.
The only formal civilization within the confines of the forest is within the Forested Hills area to the crownward, though there are some more often traveled pathways to be found where hunters, foresters and traders navigate the land. Traders are often drawn to barter with members of the orcish tribe the Còinneach who circulate through the forest as the seasons' pass. The nomadic orc often find themselves in conflict, where semi-permanent hunting and forestry camps have been raised on their ancestral pathways. Politics and diplomacy often win out but there are some ugly rumours.
The only other permanent residents of the forest are the mysterious druids of The Ashen Circle, they can often be encountered but whilst they are civil they are very standoffish and not easily drawn into conversation beyond the basic and mundane.

Geography

A gentle undulating landscape, interspersed here and there by a few rocky crags and promontories which jut out of the thick canopy of leaves and rent by the occasional deep ravine.
Many small rivers run from the mountains through the forest and into the sea beyond; clean fresh water is in abundance and the river pools are teaming with fish. Flooding is common in late winter and early spring as the snowmelt swells the watercourses.
A mighty oak of prodigious size grows in the heart of the forest Coill'ri (King of the Forest). Coill'ri is now the home and is protected by the monastic sect of The Verdant Forest led by the mysterious and enigmatic Master Rowanheart.

Fauna & Flora

With the proliferation of foliage, so to does animal life abound; the treetops are alive with bird song, from the bright melodies of the tiny Dipping Tree Trumpeter to the baleful howl of the Greater Oak Owl.
Amongst and below the trunks and broad limbs is no less alive, though more silent for the most part. A plethora of deer, boar, rabbits, squirrels and other untold rodents live in the forest alongside their more scarce predators, lynx, bear wolverine and stoat. There are monstrous residents as well, fearsome owlbears, wolves, trolls are fairly common, though it when the forest suddenly goes deathly quiet that is most dangerous as that usually announces that a Hydra or even a Green Dragon is in the vicinity. Mischievous pixies can often be heard cackling with unrestrained laughter as people flee from illusions of incredibly dangerous creatures.

Natural Resources

Not extensively exploited as the natural order of the forest is strictly protected by the Còinneach.

• Timber

• Game

• Hides and Furs

• River Fish

Alternative Name(s)

Cuan's Lungs

Type

Forest, Temperate (Seasonal)

Included Locations

• Dearg Ballachan
• Forested Hills