Celadon Forest

A vast and ancient temperate deciduous woodland, the Celadon Forest stretches across both the Duchy of Urnst and the Kingdom of Nyrond, divided by the mighty Nesser River. Despite its location, much of the forest remains unclaimed, with only portions overseen by local powers.

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Governance & Protectors

• Royal Pathwardens – The Duchy of Urnst maintains some authority over the northern portion west of the Nesser, patrolled by this elite order of rangers.
• Council of the Thorn – A secretive group of humanoid druids, they safeguard the southern forests west of the Nesser, ensuring its sanctity remains undisturbed.

Ecology

The Celadon is home to majestic oaks and elms, towering ancient sentinels that have stood for centuries. It is whispered that Keoghtom’s ointment—a legendary alchemical remedy—owes its origins to rare herbs found only within these woods.

Inhabitants

• Guardians of the Wild – Treants, elves, and sylvan beings fiercely protect the trees, ensuring no live wood is cut without consequence.
• East of the Nesser: The heart of the forest harbors 800 wood elves, 200 wild elves, 2,500 high elves, 5,000 human woodsmen, and 400 wood giants.
• West of the Nesser: Tribes of gnolls, kobolds, orcs, and goblinoids dwell here, yet surprisingly, many seem to respect the woodland, perhaps due to the Council of the Thorn’s influence.

Landmarks & Settlements

• Stalwart Pines – The only known ranger school in the Flanaess, where humans and half-elves train to defend the forest.
• Dedermont’s Keep – A palisaded manor house, built in 563 CY, serves as the Royal Pathwardens’ headquarters, located south of Nellix.
• Thorn’s Circle – A druidic stone ring deep in the forest, a sacred site where the Council of the Thorn gathers.
• Copperstead – A remote village hidden within the forest, now a stronghold of the Defenders of Celadon, a resistance force against Nyrondese rule.
• Star Haunt – An ancient Oeridian castle, long since fallen into ruin and now infested with undead, lurking 30 miles south of Copperstead.
• Lair of Lakaradermaz – The remains of a green dragon’s den, its master slain in 571 CY by a combined force of the Royal Pathwardens and Council of the Thorn.

Conflict & Unrest

Though Duke Karll of Urnst enjoys strong relations with the elves and woodsmen of the western Celadon, tensions run high in Nyrond. The reign of Duke Bastrayne, former baron of Woodwych, saw aggressive logging operations, leading to a fierce anti-Nyrond rebellion. While the new king has given hope to the forest folk, the new baroness of Woodwych appears just as ruthless as her predecessor.

Skirmishes & Rebellion

• When talk failed, the Celadon folk resorted to force, driving out Nyrondese loggers.
• In retaliation, the Baronial Guard and militia launched raids, slaughtering elves and woodsmen.
• Now, open warfare grips the Celadon, with forest defenders striking back at militias and outlaws.
• The Defenders of Celadon, operating from Copperstead, include elves, woodsmen, and defectors from the Baronial Guard, carrying out coordinated strikes against Woodwych’s forces.
• The Brothers of the Bronze, militant warriors among them, debate the ethics of such violence, with some urging peace while others demand blood.
• Grugach raiders among the wood elves, alongside voadkyn allies, have attacked human settlements, blurring the line between defense and vengeance.

A Rift Between Allies

Long-time loyalty to Nyrond is beginning to fracture. Some among the Celadon folk are petitioning Duke Jalken Lorinar of Urnst for a formal alliance, a move that could forever sever their historic ties to Nyrond.

For the woodsmen who once fought in Nyrond’s wars, this bitter betrayal cuts deep.

To outsiders, the Celadon Forest is a realm of towering trees and untamed wilderness. But to those who dwell within, it is a battleground, a home, and a cause worth dying for.