High Forest

For many, the High Forest is a fragmented reminder of the former world - lush and green, teeming with life, ruled by dragons and giants. In many ways, this is still the way of the world here. So tread lightly, my new friends. - Vosh'ri

Notable Locations (Northwest Quadrant)

Darkmaiden's Leap

A small clearing with a large, flat-top stone in the center. The top of the stone bears the imprint of single footprint at the edge. Worshipers of Eilistraee, the drow goddess of many domains including beauty, song, dance, moonlight, swordplay, and hunting, revere the clearing as a pilgrimage site. These drow refer to themselves as Dark Dancers and work to build alliances with factions of the High Forest to differentiate themselves from the drow of the Underdark.

Ghostand

This small community of approximately 350 Tree Ghost Tribe Uthgardt barbarians sits aloft in a grove of oak trees not too far from the edge of the Grandfather Tree's outer rings. The community has grown in this location over the last 120 years since the tribe rediscovered the Grandfather Tree.

Grandfather Tree

Deep within the forest rises the ancient branches of the Grandfather Tree. More than three hundred and fifty feet tall, the Grandfather Tree spans a massive clearing in the center of the woods with a trunk of nearly fifty feet in diameter. Sacred for a number of reasons to various factions of the forest, the rolling hills surrounding the tree have long considered to be hallowed grounds. More than one treaty or agreement has been brokered in the shade of its branches. It is said the tree is protected by powerful spirits, Tree Ghosts, who defend it from any, regardless of intent, who draw closer than the inner circle of oak trees that form a ring around its massive trunk.

Lothen of the Silver Spires

Ancient ruins of a fallen realm of sun elves, the city has been used as a refuge for a number of different creatures and factions in the centuries since. Currently, it is occupied by orcs of the Tanglethorn tribe as well as remnants of the Hornedlord and Sharpspike tribes. Collectively, they are the largest remaining orc community within the High Forest. Many of the orcs practice druidic magic or are vicious rangers. The tribes gather and unite under their worship of Malar and have spent the last century converting the ruins into a shared warcamp with dedicated altars to the Beastlord built out of the elven ruins.

Olostin's Hold

Little more than a fortified keep on the edge of Turlang's Woods, the stronghold for humanity supports a small village of 200 community members as well as a stretch of farmers and ranchers extending further west along the road between Everlund and Yartar. The foresters have an agreement with parties of the High Forest to only harvest dead trees and not disturb the balance of the forest. The region has historically faced threats from trolls and other wandering monsters. Within the city walls, a simple allfaith shrine and a tavern called the Flaming Flagon can be found along with simple wares and craftsmen who provide tools of the local trade.

Orlgotha

Once a thriving community of gold elves, this city constructed in the canopy of the trees now lies near the edge of the thinned High Forest. It's beautiful architecture has now been mostly reclaimed by nature with vines and wildlife now overtaking and repurposing the arched walkways, spiral stairs, and remaining structures. One of the only features accessible beneath the canopy is the ancient Moon Glade, a circle of stones with ancient elvish scripts carved into them. It is said these stones acted as portals to similar glades in elvish realms across the continent.

Mhiilamniir

The ruins of an ancient elven capital city, now the lair of Chloracridara, an old green dragon that resides in a dilapidated tower dedicated to Corellon Larethian in the center of the ruins. Chloracridara sees herself as the ruler of the High Forest, but is simultaneously paranoid of leaving her treasure trove hidden within Mhiilamniir and thus is reclusive and uninvolved in the ongoings of the forest events.

Morndinvuddrrin

Dwarven ruins. Once a stronghold that represented the eastern reach of the dwarven realm of Besilmer, this fort now serves as a living tomb. Throughout the crumbling keep, the skeletal remains of dwarves continue toiling away at their tasks from the moment of their death; mining, smelting, training, and the like. The cause has long been lost to time.

Reitheillaethor

Former ruins of a wood elf village, serveral tribes of wood and moon elves have started the long process of rebuilding under the leadership of the Council of the Wood with the intent to extend their efforts to other ruins. Led by Morgwais Nightmeadow, the Council seeks to rebuild an ancient nation of elves that would bring together much of the High Forest under one banner.

Shadowtop Cathedral

An expansive, beautiful clearing within the High Forest with a dense canopy of Shadowtops allowing in only trickles and singular beams of light, creating a perpetual sense of twilight. A sacred meeting place for members of the Emerald Enclave as well as a pilgrimage site for Circle of the Moon druids who conduct rituals under the moonlight. The forest is surrounded by awakened trees and awakened shrubs that seek to obfuscate anyone trying to reach the clearing with ill intent.

Shilrua

Another ancient city of gold elves, this one a many-spired city build on the forest floor. Perpetual necrotic magic prevents any non-elves from entering the city. The effects of this spell can be visually perceived as a thin, translucent and iridescent film that seems to appear between the individual and the border of the city. Even from the exterior, one can observe a beautiful silver and gold mauesleum in the center of the city as well as a number of statues to elven figures that remain intact and unclaimed by the natural surroundings.

Turlang's Woods

The most recent growth of the High Forest, this grove of young trees was planted and overseen directly by Turlang with the hope that the forest edge would once again reach the Rauvin River, despite Everlund's invasive growth. The western most portion of the forest is agreed upon land for harvesting wood and the treant and foresters of Everlund had long worked in tandem to preserve the long-term health of the woods and provide for the city's needs. As one moves further east, the forest grows more dense and full of brambles and thickets, though there are also small clearings and natural ponds with lily pads lazily floating pocketed throughout the area. The deepest portions of the woods glow in evening light thanks to fungi planted by Turlang, including some not local to the High Forest.
Tensions between the treant and the city have escalated significantly with the recent and rapid expansion of harvesting due to the Arena's construction. Turlang initially resisted, peacefully and then violently, but was forced to give gound to the unwavering tide of industry and foresters. With a bitter resentment, Turlang has since turned his attention to care taking for the the forest in other ways. The increasingly xenophobic treant can now be found wandering between Hellgate Keep, the Grandfather Tree, and Shadowtop Cathedral, ensuring each remains protected from unwelcome, intrusive threats.

Type

Forest