The Whisperwood

Many in Gardsel consider the Termin the most dangerous of their neighbours. This, I believe, stems from a cautionary tale told where an entire company of imperial soldiers attempted to overcome their defenses during an attempted invasion by taking a path through the Whisperwood. Not a one of them made it out of the forest alive, and the common belief seems to be that the Termin were behind the event, but the truth is far more worrisome. While some Termin may harbour some ill will towards the Gardsel for their repeated attempts to take over Greycoast, under no circumstances would they enter the Whisperwood, knowing its dangers better than any. They describe the forest as not merely inhospitable, but actively hostile, to the point that they would rather import lumber from Allanse than brave even the fringe of the forest. I have never known a Termin express fear in any other circumstance, yet there is no denying that even mentioning the name of the Whisperwood fills them with dread. I have no doubt that their fear is well-founded, but I pray we never know what lurks in the forest that causes it.

Geography

The Whisperwood is a dark, dense forest south of Greycoast. Even from a distance, the thick, twisting branches and roots of the trees can be seen, and the large leaves at all heights further add to the oppressive atmosphere. Rumour has it that further into the forest, the roots completely cover the ground, and the leaves blot out the sun so well that nothing can be seen at all. The name comes from the sound of the south wind in Greycoast, as though hundreds of tiny voices are whispering. The wood borders Gardsel, though a short way south of its furthest reach it disappears behind the Nemian Mountains, and also Allanse. How far south it stretches is unknown, but it can certainly be seen from the Drumlins.

Fauna & Flora

Only three different species have been confirmed to be found in the Whisperwood. The first is the trees, which grow to vast girths and heights, and have a distinct grey tinge to their bark. A few brave groups of Termin have on occasion harvested smaller trees, but the roots often tangle, making it impossible to cut back the forest in this manner. The second is a bright red flower with vicious thorns, which we know was obtained from the Whisperwood by an Allanse noble and grown around the perimeter of his castle to defend it. Two gardeners were hired to tend to it, but the thorns proved too difficult a task for them to properly handle, and in a matter of months it had encased the castle walls completely, so for the safety of its inhabitants the entire plant was burned to the ground. The third is clearly Mythical in nature, with an overall appearance reminiscent of a northbear, but nearly twice the size and with long, snaking vines instead of fur. Specifics about this creature are unknown, for better or worse, as it has only been seen once, and then only as a corpse.

Type

Forest