Shaladare
The Basics
One of two forest provinces in the Basin, Shaladare is one of the more magical places in the Realm. The barrier between the worlds is relatively weaker here, and even before the Eye fell, it was possible to find a small number of magical and fantastical creatures living in the wood. The Wood is ruled by the Lady Rhiannon, who some call the Handmaiden of the Enchantress of the Silver River. Whether that is true, or just a matter of convenience used to describe a complex and nuanced relationship is uncertain, but the two powerful women are obviously close allies and often work to support one another, even if only indirectly. The Lady Rhiannon played a pivotal role in the Great War, forming a legion of SkyKnights (Lochai Verdona) and giving Candle’Bre her first effective air force. More than one hundred knights trained to ride Shadow Cats captured from the ether. Glorious beasts whose grace and power are unmatched, they played an important role in the defeat of the Dark God. It is said that the Lady Rhiannon’s physical health is directly tied to the health of the woods she protects. Stories abound that during the Great War, something happened (mana leech infestation) that did tremendous damage to the woods, and nearly killed Rhiannon. The woods were restored and the Lady’s health along with it via powerful magic woven together by a Wizard of renown known only as Flinx whose current whereabouts are unknown. Little is known about the magical forest. It is not estimated to be home to many people, and as far as can be determined, Lady Rhiannon relies on the Lochai Verdona (100 SkyKnights) and a company of some 300 woodsmen, supported by a few Wardens and Beast Masters to secure her holdings. In more recent times, there are also rumors that a small population of Wood Elves now calls the place home, though if this is true they are almost certainly not many in number and only a handful have ever been seen elsewhere in the Basin.Political Situation
By and large, the humans of the Basin leave Shaladare to its own devices, though in times of great need, emissaries from various territories will journey to Shaladare seeking aid from Rhiannon. Unfortunately, the Orcish hordes are not so respectful and in recent times, there has been evidence on an increase in Orcish incursions and parts of the forest have been reported burning or being felled to provide raw materials for the Orcish war machine. There are even some rumors that the Haaradis have a hand in these doings. Being highly magical themselves, Shaladare is certainly a territory they would love to control. Even so, the Lady Rhiannon has not reached out to any of the other leaders of the Basin for aid, so either she feels confident in her ability to handle these incursions, or she does not believe that any leader would answer her call for aid if she made one. As with so many other places in the Basin these days, Shaladare is basically a blank spot on the map.Prominent People & Places
Other than a small town in the center of the wood (exact location known only to a handful of people besides the residents themselves), there are no prominent locations in the forest, though the forest itself serves as one. There are rumors, of course. Rumors that previous Kings of Candle’Bre entrusted great treasures to the Lady of the Wood, but this is mere speculation. No one has any hard proof of anything.Plot Threads
As with the North Spur, it would be difficult to imagine setting an entire campaign in Shaladare, but as a side stop or even a multi-session adventure, exploring the magical forest and perhaps even gaining an audience with the Lady Rhiannon would make an exquisite addition to most any campaign.
Geography
Enchanted Forest
Population
Unknown
Held By
Lady Rhiannon (Independent)
Enchanted Forest
Population
Unknown
Held By
Lady Rhiannon (Independent)
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