The Heartwood

The Heartwood: The Ancient Grove

Deeper into the forest lies the Heartwood, an ancient grove dominated by towering oaks and chestnuts that have stood for centuries. The trees here are massive, their trunks gnarled and twisted, with roots that snake across the ground like the veins of the earth. This part of the forest is quiet, almost reverent, with a sense of being watched by unseen eyes.

Trees: Primarily giant oaks, chestnuts, and elms, with thick, moss-covered bark. The canopy is dense, casting deep shadows even on the brightest days.

Flora: The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of moss, interspersed with patches of Maiden’s Lace and clusters of fungi growing in the shade. Wyrmwood shrubs and patches of foxglove are common along the darker paths.

Features: The Heartwood is home to several small lakes, their waters dark and still, reflecting the twisted branches above. Some of these lakes are said to be enchanted, with mysterious ripples forming despite the absence of wind.

The Heartwood is the ancient, beating heart of the Gloomwood Forest, a place where the oldest and most powerful magic resides. The Heartwood is a dense, dark wood where the trees tower impossibly high, their thick trunks nearly blocking out the sky, casting the area into an eternal twilight. The ground is covered in soft, spongy moss that muffles footsteps, and the air is heavy with the scent of earth, old wood, and the faint undertone of magic. Here, the whispers of ancient spirits echo, speaking of forgotten secrets and lost times.

Terrain

The Heartwood is marked by a contrast of terrain that varies from shadowy groves to hidden clearings, where the canopy is thin enough to allow moonlight or sunlight to break through. There are several key features that make the Heartwood unique:

Twisted Groves and Gloomy Clearings: As the forest’s corruption spreads, several areas within the Heartwood have become warped, including groves where the trees’ branches curl unnaturally and the ground becomes thick with sticky, blackened soil. These areas are dangerous, filled with sentient flora that will trap unwary travelers in their thorned vines or consume them in twisted roots. The once-protected spaces have now become breeding grounds for corruption.

Flora

Flora in the Heartwood varies from the ever-present fungi and moss to more dangerous, corrupt plants. The trees themselves are ancient and massive, and many of the plants here have evolved to survive in a twilight ecosystem with very little sunlight.

• Ghost Orchid (Arcane, Medicinal): The Ghost Orchid is rare in the Heartwood but grows in hidden groves close to the Great Elder Tree. It blooms only under the light of a full moon, its petals a translucent white, glowing faintly in the dark. It is said to enhance magical abilities, especially those related to spirit magic and divination. Its petals are carefully harvested by those skilled enough to find it, used in potions that heal both physical and spiritual wounds.
  Uses: The petals of the Ghost Orchid are used in powerful healing salves and potions that can cure even the most grievous wounds. It is also believed to enhance magical abilities, particularly those related to divination and moon magic.
  Collection: Ghost Orchids are rare and bloom only during lunar eclipses. They must be picked gently, without disturbing the roots, as damaging the plant is said to anger the forest spirits.
• Sun’s Tear Blossom (Medicinal, Arcane): A golden flower that blooms in very specific areas of the Heartwood where sunlight barely breaks through the thick canopy. The petals of the Sun’s Tear have great healing power, known to cure ailments that cannot be treated by ordinary herbs. It is rumored to be a gift from the old gods, and it shines faintly in the moonlight, making it both beautiful and incredibly valuable.
  Uses: The petals of the Sun’s Tear are incredibly potent, used in potions that can cure any disease, break curses, and even temporarily restore sight to the blind. The flower is a symbol of hope and healing, often sought as a last resort for the gravely ill.
  Collection: Finding a Sun’s Tear Blossom is a quest in itself. It only blooms for a few hours each year, and the glade where it grows is protected by the forest’s guardians, including the Great White Stag.
• Thornbriar (Corrupted, Poisonous): The Heartwood is home to some of the darkest flora, and Thornbriar is one of the most dangerous. These large, thorny bushes are found in areas where the corruption has taken root. Their red thorns are sharp and coated in a poisonous sap that causes severe pain and paralysis. Even the leaves of the Thornbriar can induce hallucinations in those who inhale their scent. These plants are used by dark witches and warlocks for creating curses and poisons.
• Widow’s Veil (Corrupted, Poisonous): A creeping vine that thrives in the deepest parts of the Heartwood. It feeds on the dark energy that seeps into the land, and its black flowers are known to induce nightmares and madness in those who come too close. The vines release toxic spores that can cloud the mind, leading travelers astray into the corrupted sections of the forest.
  Uses: Widow’s Veil is deadly poisonous, used in crafting lethal potions and poisons. Its sap can be distilled into a powerful hallucinogenic draught, known for inducing vivid nightmares.
  Collection: The vine must be harvested with gloves, as even touching the leaves can cause a rash and dizziness. It’s often sought after by dark alchemists and witches practicing forbidden arts.
• Silverleaf Ferns: These ferns have long, silvery leaves that shimmer in the twilight of the Heartwood. They are prized by herbalists for their calming properties, often used in teas to soothe nerves and induce restful sleep. Though the ferns are common in the deeper parts of the Heartwood, their magic has been slowly corrupted by the dark entity, causing them to lose their potency.
• Bloodwort (Poisonous, Arcane): Bloodwort grows near the edge of the Whispering Lakes. It has tall, dark red stalks and blood-red flowers. Used in dark rituals and curses, the sap of Bloodwort is extremely toxic and can paralyze a person or even stop their heart if ingested in large quantities. It is often used by witches who follow the darker paths of magic.

Fauna

The fauna in the Heartwood is equally mysterious, with both majestic creatures and dark, corrupted beasts that roam the ancient forests. The deep-rooted magic of the Heartwood attracts a variety of both natural and supernatural creatures.

• The Great White Stag: This magnificent creature roams the deeper, untouched parts of the Heartwood. Its antlers glow faintly with a silvery light, and its coat shimmers like moonlight. The Great White Stag is a symbol of purity, freedom, and the forest’s ancient power. Few have ever seen it, but those who do are said to be blessed with visions of the past and the future.
• The Shadow Wolves: These wolves are the largest of their kind in the forest, their fur a dark black that blends seamlessly into the shadows. They are not common and prefer the untouched parts of the Heartwood. It is believed that the Shadow Wolves are guardians of the sacred areas of the forest, keeping unwanted visitors at bay.
• Moonlight Owls: These owls are incredibly rare and are believed to be the protectors of the Heartwood. Their feathers shimmer in the light, giving them an ethereal, glowing appearance. It is said that if a Moonlight Owl flies over you, it brings protection from the dark forces that lurk within the Heartwood.
• Gloomhounds: These twisted, black-furred creatures now haunt the dark corners of the Heartwood. Their eyes glow with an eerie red light, and they are incredibly dangerous. These creatures were once wolves, but they have become corrupted by the dark entity’s influence, turning them into brutal hunters. They are often seen in packs, prowling the deeper parts of the forest.
• Lurking Shadows: These shadowy creatures are a product of the dark magic that has pervaded the Heartwood. They appear as fleeting shapes in the darkness, moving in and out of sight. Lurking Shadows are not physical beings but are composed of pure shadow. They can possess weaker animals or even humans, manipulating them to carry out the will of the dark entity.
• Thornback Deer
  Description: The Thornback deer are a common sight in the Ravenswood, named for the ridged, thorn-like protrusions along their spines. They are known for their swift, silent movements and make for challenging but rewarding hunts.
  Corrupted Variant: Corrupted Thornback deer have sickly, darkened eyes and their antlers are covered in a black, tar-like substance. They are drawn to the darkest parts of the forest, where they gather in eerie, silent herds, standing motionless like twisted statues.

Other Notable Phenomena

• Time Distortions: The Heartwood is one of the areas in the forest where time behaves erratically. Some travelers have reported that an hour spent in the Heartwood can feel like days or that they wander into the forest and find themselves returning to the same spot over and over again, unable to leave. These distortions are a result of the dark entity’s influence and its ability to manipulate the flow of time itself.
• Spirit Whispers: Throughout the Heartwood, there are places where the veil between the living world and the spirit world is thin. The whispers of spirits can be heard at the edges of the Whispering Lakes, around the Great Elder Tree, and in certain secluded glades. These spirits are often the ancestors of the forest’s inhabitants, and their whispers can offer guidance or warnings to those who listen closely. However, the darker forces at play sometimes twist these whispers, leading the unwary astray.

The Heartwood is both the forest's greatest treasure and its greatest danger, as it is home to the forest's oldest, most potent powers and its darkest, most malevolent forces. Though it is a place of immense beauty, it is also a place where the balance between light and dark is constantly in flux. Those who venture into the Heartwood must be prepared for both its wonders and its horrors.

The Witches' Home: The Hollow Haven

Location: Deep within the heart of the Gloomwood, far from the village and hidden from the untrained eye.

Description: The once tranquil home of the three witches, now showing signs of the growing corruption. The house is partially hidden by the thick forest, surrounded by a lush garden that is now overrun with creeping vines and dark flowers. The once vibrant medicinal plants now struggle to thrive, twisted by the dark entity’s influence. The pond near the house, once clear and full of vibrant life, is now clouded and murky, its waters reflective of Isolde’s growing corruption.

Selene's Influence: The garden around the home is a place of tranquility and order, reflecting Selene’s sense of balance and fairness. Everything grows in harmony, and the air here always feels calm, as if the world itself is in alignment.

Agatha's Influence: The trees and plants nearest to the house are ancient and wise, with gnarled branches that seem to move with purpose. Agatha’s magic infuses the area with a sense of history and protection. Moss-covered stones and mushrooms grow in symbiotic patterns, reminding all who pass that wisdom comes with time.

Isolde's Influence (before her corruption): Isolde’s fiery passion could be seen in the bright, exotic flowers and plants that grew in abundance near the house. Before the darkening, these plants bloomed vibrantly, giving life and color to the surroundings without overpowering the balance.

Notable Features:

The Mirror Pool: A small, still pond near the home, where the witches would commune with the spirits of the forest. The surface of the water is so clear it reflects the sky perfectly, often used in their rituals to see beyond the physical world.

The Stone Circle: Just beyond the house lies a circle of standing stones, each carved with runes from ancient times. This is where the sisters performed their most powerful rituals, using the natural magic of the forest to maintain balance.

The Whispering Lakes

Location: In the southern part of the forest, hidden deep within the trees.

Description:

The Whispering Lakes are a series of three connected lakes, each smaller than the last, fed by an underground spring. The water here is crystal clear, and the surface is often so still it seems like glass. In the early mornings, the lakes are often covered with a thin veil of mist that swirls gently in the wind, and the water reflects the canopy of the trees perfectly. It was said that if you listened closely to the wind as it blew across the water, you could hear the voices of the forest spirits whispering secrets.

Selene's Influence:

The lakes were a place of balance and reflection, used by Selene to connect with the natural world. She would often come here to meditate, and the water was known for its healing properties. Villagers occasionally ventured to the lakes for purification rituals or to gather the rare silverleaf herb that grew along the shores.

Notable Features:

The Silverleaf Groves

Surrounding the lakes are small groves of silverleaf trees, whose leaves shimmer with an ethereal glow. The leaves are known for their healing properties, but they are rare and difficult to find. Only those in tune with the forest’s magic can locate them easily.

The Glimmerstone:

On the shore of the largest lake lies a large glimmerstone, a smooth boulder that reflects the light of the moon. It is said that when the moon is full, the stone glows with a soft silver light, and those who touch it are blessed with clear dreams.

Current State:

The Whispering Lakes, once places of reflection and peace, have become ominous and foreboding. The waters are no longer clear; instead, they are tinged with a dark, inky substance. The mist that once swirled gently across the surface now clings thickly to the banks, obscuring everything around it. The lakes have become haunted, with strange shadowy figures seen moving beneath the water.

The Glimmerstone has lost its shine, no longer glowing with moonlight. Instead, it now pulses faintly with a dark energy, and those who touch it are plagued with nightmares.

The Silverleaf Trees surrounding the lakes have begun to wither, their leaves turning black and falling to the ground. Only a few remain untouched, their silvery glow a faint resistance to the encroaching darkness.

However the very central grove around the largest lake is still under Selene’s Lingering Influence. Though Selene has been weakened, these trees still resist the corruption. The trees here continue to grow, though their leaves glow with less intensity than before. Selene’s magic of balance remains in the soil, keeping these groves alive despite the darkening around them.

Manifestation of Resistance:

The central Silverleaf Trees remain bright even in the darkest parts of the forest, their leaves acting as natural wards against the shadow. Those who meditate in this grove feel a sense of calm and clarity, though it is fleeting. The healing properties of the silverleaf plants are still potent, though harder to find.

The Great White Stag

Description: The Great White Stag is a majestic, almost mythical creature. Its coat is pure white, shimmering like fresh snow even in the gloom of the forest. Its antlers are massive, like the branches of an ancient tree, covered in silver lichen. It moves with a grace and silence that defies its size.

Behavior: The Great White Stag is a symbol of the old spirits of the forest. It is said that seeing the stag brings good fortune, but to harm it is to curse oneself. The villagers believe the stag knows the ancient paths of the forest and can traverse even the darkest parts untouched by the corruption.

Rumors: Some say the stag is a guardian, sent by the Moonbound Spirits to watch over the forest. It’s whispered that the stag’s blood holds potent magical properties, capable of healing even the deepest wounds, but no one has dared to hunt it.

The Great Elder Tree

Location: Near the northern edge of the forest, far from the village and near the mountains.

Description:

The Great Elder Tree is a colossal tree, towering above all others in the Gloomwood. Its trunk is so wide that it would take a dozen people holding hands to encircle it. The tree’s bark is deep brown, almost black, and its branches spread far and wide, creating a dense canopy that shades the forest floor for hundreds of feet around. The tree is believed to be the oldest living thing in the forest, perhaps even older than the witches themselves.

Agatha’s Influence:

The Great Elder Tree is a symbol of Agatha’s wisdom and ancient power. She often visited the tree to commune with the spirit of the forest, a primordial force tied to the tree’s roots. The tree was known to be a source of knowledge and protection for those who sought its counsel.

Notable Features:

The Elder’s Roots:

The tree’s roots extend far underground, creating a network of tunnels and caves beneath the forest floor. These roots are said to hold the memories of the forest, and those who meditate beneath the tree can sometimes hear whispers of the past.

The Tree of Seasons:

The Great Elder Tree’s most notable trait is that it reflects all four seasons at once—one part of the tree is in constant bloom, while another is bare with falling leaves, another in full greenery, and the final part with snow-dusted branches. It represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Current State:

The Great Elder Tree, a symbol of the ancient magic of the forest, resists the corruption more than any other landmark, thanks to Agatha’s influence. Though the bark has begun to darken and some of the surrounding roots have withered, the tree itself still stands strong. The leaves that represent the cycle of the seasons still turn, though with less vibrancy than before.

The Elder’s Roots remain untouched by the dark magic, and the tunnels beneath the tree are still places of safety. Agatha’s magic has slowed the spread of corruption here, and the tree remains a beacon of hope in the otherwise darkened forest. The spirits tied to the tree still whisper their ancient wisdom, though they are growing fainter.

The Seasonal Leaves now glow faintly with Agatha’s protective magic, especially in the winter and spring sections. These leaves act as natural wards, preventing the darkness from fully consuming the tree.

Agatha’s Influence:

The Great Elder Tree is the strongest symbol of resistance in the forest. Agatha’s ancient magic is deeply tied to the tree, and she has worked tirelessly to protect it from the darkening forces. Her magic flows through the roots and into the ground, slowing the spread of corruption and keeping the tree alive. The cracks in the bark have begun to heal, and the leaves still turn with the seasons, a sign that the tree’s connection to the natural cycle has not been severed.

Manifestation of Resistance:

Around the tree, warding runes carved by Agatha glow faintly at night, creating a barrier that the darkness struggles to penetrate. Animals and plants near the tree remain untouched by the corruption, and the spirits connected to the tree still whisper their ancient wisdom, though their voices are growing weaker.

The Mistwalkers (Heartwood – The Last Guardians of the Elder Tree)

Feral elves of the Heartwood

Description: Unlike the warrior clans, the Mistwalkers are secluded guardians who dwell around the Great Elder Tree in the Heartwood. They are mystics, bound to the last remnants of the forest’s old power, and they rarely engage in war—but when they do, they strike like ghosts from the mist, disappearing before their enemies even know what happened.

• Hostility Towards Humans: Minimal. They avoid conflict but do not tolerate destruction of sacred places.
• Allegiance to the Witches: Agatha. They are her only true allies, and though they fear she is fighting a losing battle, they still offer her guidance.
• Famous Mistwalkers:
• Eldrin of the Silver Veil – A shaman who remembers the elder spirits by name.
• Liriel Nightshade – A warrior who walks between the worlds, vanishing into the mist like a fading dream.

The Gloamshades (Heartwood – The Elders of the Glade Shadows)

Description: The Gloamshades are an ancient, reclusive people who dwell in the deepest glades, where the light of the sun is dim and filtered, casting eternal twilight over the land. They are keepers of old knowledge, whispering of forgotten spirits and secrets buried beneath the roots.

Unlike most feral elves, they wear long, dark cloaks and carry wooden staffs, marking them as ritualists rather than warriors. However, those who threaten their land will face their silent assassins, hidden among the trees.

• Hostility Towards Humans: Minimal. They see humans as short-lived fools, not worthy of hate, but will eradicate them without hesitation if they step into their sacred groves.
• Allegiance to the Witches: Strong ties to Agatha. They are her most trusted informants, helping to maintain the last pockets of unspoiled forest.
• Notable Figures:
• Kaelas the Root-Keeper – A master of rituals who speaks to trees as though they were living elders.
• Velia the Shadewalker – A spy who moves unseen, her presence felt only as a whisper in the wind.