The Forest of Night
The Forest of Night is a once-proud and vibrant forest that now lies in eerie silence, its dense trees and tangled undergrowth shrouded in perpetual twilight. Long known for its haunting beauty and mystical aura, the forest is now under the exclusive dominion of the Elves and their enigmatic queen, Morganae, the Undying Queen. Once part of the Kingdom of Zoluren, the forest’s boundaries were redrawn as Zoluren's control over its lands waned. Morganae, the Queen of the Elves, seized this domain as her own, her influence extending into every corner of the Forest of Night. The once-thriving human settlements that skirted the forest now lie abandoned, their ruins consumed by the ever-expanding shadows of the trees, as the forest itself has become a living testament to her rule.
The forest's name, the Forest of Night, comes not from its physical appearance but from its essence. Beneath the canopy of ancient trees, the light rarely reaches the forest floor, casting it in an unnatural gloom. Though the forest’s beauty remains undeniable, it is a beauty that evokes a sense of foreboding and mystery. Few venture here, and those who do are often drawn in by the rumors of Morganae’s dark magic, the whispers of lost souls, and the eerie presence of creatures that thrive in the twilight. The Elves of the forest, now fiercely protective of their homeland, live in isolation, their culture and practices rooted in the long-held secrets of the forest’s depths. The Forest of Night has become a kingdom unto itself, separate from the world of men, a domain where only the most devoted of Morganae’s followers are allowed entry, and where the outside world rarely treads.
The forest's name, the Forest of Night, comes not from its physical appearance but from its essence. Beneath the canopy of ancient trees, the light rarely reaches the forest floor, casting it in an unnatural gloom. Though the forest’s beauty remains undeniable, it is a beauty that evokes a sense of foreboding and mystery. Few venture here, and those who do are often drawn in by the rumors of Morganae’s dark magic, the whispers of lost souls, and the eerie presence of creatures that thrive in the twilight. The Elves of the forest, now fiercely protective of their homeland, live in isolation, their culture and practices rooted in the long-held secrets of the forest’s depths. The Forest of Night has become a kingdom unto itself, separate from the world of men, a domain where only the most devoted of Morganae’s followers are allowed entry, and where the outside world rarely treads.
Geography
The Forest of Night is a sprawling and formidable expanse that stretches for miles, its boundaries difficult to define due to the thick and ever-expanding growth of ancient trees. The forest is divided into several distinct regions, each darker and more unsettling than the last. The outermost areas are thick with dense, gnarled trees whose twisted limbs seem to reach out like skeletal hands, and the underbrush is suffocating, with thorny vines and deep-rooted plants that make travel slow and perilous. The foliage is dark and muted, heavy with the presence of shadows even during the day. The canopy above is so dense that sunlight struggles to penetrate, creating a constant twilight-like atmosphere throughout the entire forest.
Deeper into the forest, the trees grow even larger and more imposing, their trunks covered in mosses and strange fungi that glow faintly in the dim light. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the silence here is oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant, unsettling hoot of nocturnal creatures. Many of these trees are of ancient origin, some towering so high that their tops are lost to the clouds, while others have roots so deep they seem to stretch into the very heart of the earth itself. In these depths, the forest's underbrush becomes even more twisted, with narrow, winding paths leading to dark clearings, where the air feels heavier, almost as though something is watching from the shadows.
The further one ventures, the more unnatural the landscape becomes. In some areas, the ground becomes soft and marshy, swallowing anything that steps too heavily into it. Hidden pools of stagnant water lie beneath the thick vegetation, their surfaces often cloaked in a layer of mist that never seems to lift. The deeper into the forest, the more the land seems to breathe with an ancient, malevolent life. There are whispers of deeper caverns or tunnels beneath the roots, though no one has ever returned to confirm them. The only true road through the forest is a long, winding path that has been cleared and maintained by the Elves of Morganae’s court, though even this route is fraught with danger, and travelers are rarely seen again once they venture too far into the heart of the land.
Deeper into the forest, the trees grow even larger and more imposing, their trunks covered in mosses and strange fungi that glow faintly in the dim light. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the silence here is oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant, unsettling hoot of nocturnal creatures. Many of these trees are of ancient origin, some towering so high that their tops are lost to the clouds, while others have roots so deep they seem to stretch into the very heart of the earth itself. In these depths, the forest's underbrush becomes even more twisted, with narrow, winding paths leading to dark clearings, where the air feels heavier, almost as though something is watching from the shadows.
The further one ventures, the more unnatural the landscape becomes. In some areas, the ground becomes soft and marshy, swallowing anything that steps too heavily into it. Hidden pools of stagnant water lie beneath the thick vegetation, their surfaces often cloaked in a layer of mist that never seems to lift. The deeper into the forest, the more the land seems to breathe with an ancient, malevolent life. There are whispers of deeper caverns or tunnels beneath the roots, though no one has ever returned to confirm them. The only true road through the forest is a long, winding path that has been cleared and maintained by the Elves of Morganae’s court, though even this route is fraught with danger, and travelers are rarely seen again once they venture too far into the heart of the land.
Localized Phenomena
The Forest of Night is a place where the boundary between the Material Plane, the Feywild, and the Shadowfell is alarmingly thin, a phenomenon that makes it an area of unpredictable and dangerous magic. In certain areas of the forest, the veil between these planes flickers and warps, allowing for accidental crossings and causing a dangerous melding of environments. Travelers who wander too deep may inadvertently stumble into one of these rifts, sometimes arriving in a strange, mirrored version of the forest pulled from the Shadowfell, or they might find themselves surrounded by vibrant, unnatural versions of the forest pulled from the Feywild.
The effects of the thinning veil can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying. In the Feywild’s influence, parts of the forest take on a dreamlike quality, where colors seem more vibrant, and the trees hum with a gentle, melodic resonance. Some areas of the forest appear to be frozen in time, filled with strange and ethereal creatures from the Feywild, such as mischievous pixies, capricious satyrs, and predatory fey beasts that often confuse and disorient those who enter. The air here is rich with fae magic, which can enchant, confuse, or disarm a visitor’s sense of reality, making time seem to stretch or contract without warning. Plants from the Feywild can occasionally burst into rapid growth, creating sudden and bizarre floral patterns, or they may disappear and reappear in the blink of an eye. Travelers might find themselves walking in circles, lost without even knowing why, as if the forest itself plays tricks on them.
In contrast, areas touched by the Shadowfell are dense with shadows that stretch unnaturally long, even in the daylight, casting an ever-present sense of dread. The trees here are darker, their bark like blackened stone, and the wildlife becomes more ominous and hostile. Spectral creatures from the Shadowfell wander these parts of the forest, such as shades, shadows, and the terrifyingly silent wraiths that are drawn to the living energy of mortals. The cold in these regions is oppressive, making the air feel thick and hard to breathe, while a persistent low hum fills the space—a reminder of the endless sorrow and despair that marks the Shadowfell. The forest’s boundary with the Shadowfell twists both the physical and emotional aspects of the forest, leaving behind lingering feelings of isolation, despair, and loss in its wake. Some of these planeswalkers might even feel their bodies subtly change or wither, as the Shadowfell leeches away vitality in quiet, unnoticed ways.
The interaction between these planes and the forest’s inherent magical nature leads to unpredictable phenomena. Creatures from all three planes have wandered into the forest, sometimes finding it an ideal hunting ground, while other times, it is simply a place of refuge. Fey creatures might see the forest as a place to escape from the harsh rules of their courts, and creatures from the Shadowfell may seek solace from their existential torment by dwelling in its deeper reaches. Occasionally, powerful beings from either plane may seek to assert control over portions of the forest, leading to conflicts that are beyond the understanding of mere mortals. Furthermore, the Elves of Morganae’s court have long guarded the thin veil, using their magic to prevent unwanted incursions and to maintain the stability of their land. However, there are still rifts in the forest that remain dangerously unstable, causing the surrounding areas to warp, twist, or change overnight. Travelers often find that the forest can change drastically within the span of just a few hours, and creatures from the various planes are often the only signs that something is wrong.
At the heart of the forest, where the veil is thinnest, the realm seems to merge all three planes into a chaotic, otherworldly landscape. This area, sometimes called the Twilight Veil, is a place where the rules of reality falter entirely. Time and space become muddled, creatures from the Feywild and the Shadowfell can coexist in an uneasy truce, and the laws of nature bend to the whims of the planes. Many Elven druids and scholars have dedicated their lives to understanding these fluctuations, and some have even entered the Twilight Veil in search of forbidden knowledge or powerful artifacts. However, very few ever return, and those that do are often changed beyond recognition—both physically and mentally. It is said that those who spend too much time in the Twilight Veil risk losing themselves entirely to the plane’s influence, becoming twisted versions of their former selves. This ongoing, magical struggle for balance shapes much of the forest's darker, more secretive nature, as well as the enigmatic role the forest plays in the broader geopolitical struggles of Kermoria.
The effects of the thinning veil can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying. In the Feywild’s influence, parts of the forest take on a dreamlike quality, where colors seem more vibrant, and the trees hum with a gentle, melodic resonance. Some areas of the forest appear to be frozen in time, filled with strange and ethereal creatures from the Feywild, such as mischievous pixies, capricious satyrs, and predatory fey beasts that often confuse and disorient those who enter. The air here is rich with fae magic, which can enchant, confuse, or disarm a visitor’s sense of reality, making time seem to stretch or contract without warning. Plants from the Feywild can occasionally burst into rapid growth, creating sudden and bizarre floral patterns, or they may disappear and reappear in the blink of an eye. Travelers might find themselves walking in circles, lost without even knowing why, as if the forest itself plays tricks on them.
In contrast, areas touched by the Shadowfell are dense with shadows that stretch unnaturally long, even in the daylight, casting an ever-present sense of dread. The trees here are darker, their bark like blackened stone, and the wildlife becomes more ominous and hostile. Spectral creatures from the Shadowfell wander these parts of the forest, such as shades, shadows, and the terrifyingly silent wraiths that are drawn to the living energy of mortals. The cold in these regions is oppressive, making the air feel thick and hard to breathe, while a persistent low hum fills the space—a reminder of the endless sorrow and despair that marks the Shadowfell. The forest’s boundary with the Shadowfell twists both the physical and emotional aspects of the forest, leaving behind lingering feelings of isolation, despair, and loss in its wake. Some of these planeswalkers might even feel their bodies subtly change or wither, as the Shadowfell leeches away vitality in quiet, unnoticed ways.
The interaction between these planes and the forest’s inherent magical nature leads to unpredictable phenomena. Creatures from all three planes have wandered into the forest, sometimes finding it an ideal hunting ground, while other times, it is simply a place of refuge. Fey creatures might see the forest as a place to escape from the harsh rules of their courts, and creatures from the Shadowfell may seek solace from their existential torment by dwelling in its deeper reaches. Occasionally, powerful beings from either plane may seek to assert control over portions of the forest, leading to conflicts that are beyond the understanding of mere mortals. Furthermore, the Elves of Morganae’s court have long guarded the thin veil, using their magic to prevent unwanted incursions and to maintain the stability of their land. However, there are still rifts in the forest that remain dangerously unstable, causing the surrounding areas to warp, twist, or change overnight. Travelers often find that the forest can change drastically within the span of just a few hours, and creatures from the various planes are often the only signs that something is wrong.
At the heart of the forest, where the veil is thinnest, the realm seems to merge all three planes into a chaotic, otherworldly landscape. This area, sometimes called the Twilight Veil, is a place where the rules of reality falter entirely. Time and space become muddled, creatures from the Feywild and the Shadowfell can coexist in an uneasy truce, and the laws of nature bend to the whims of the planes. Many Elven druids and scholars have dedicated their lives to understanding these fluctuations, and some have even entered the Twilight Veil in search of forbidden knowledge or powerful artifacts. However, very few ever return, and those that do are often changed beyond recognition—both physically and mentally. It is said that those who spend too much time in the Twilight Veil risk losing themselves entirely to the plane’s influence, becoming twisted versions of their former selves. This ongoing, magical struggle for balance shapes much of the forest's darker, more secretive nature, as well as the enigmatic role the forest plays in the broader geopolitical struggles of Kermoria.
Fauna & Flora
The Forest of Night is a place where nature flourishes in the most dangerous and otherworldly forms. The flora and fauna of this enigmatic realm are shaped by the thin veil between the Material Plane, the Feywild, and the Shadowfell. As a result, the forest is home to creatures and plants that defy natural order, often with a mystic or predatory edge. The trees are massive and twisted, their bark dark and gnarled, and their canopies perpetually shrouded in shadow, even during the day. There are some areas where the trees seem to pulse with magical energy, the leaves glittering faintly, as if alive with their own arcane vitality. These trees are often referred to as Lurking Oaks, with thick, twisted roots that seem to creep and move over the forest floor in search of fresh soil. The leaves of these trees are often used in Elven potions or rituals, believed to hold both protective and harmful properties depending on how they are prepared.
The ground is often covered by thick layers of moss and fungi that glow faintly with a soft, eerie light, as well as vines that twist in patterns both natural and unnatural. Gloombloom, a rare flower, grows only in the deepest corners of the forest, its petals imbued with fey magic that can be harnessed for powerful potions or enchanted blades. However, this plant is fiercely protected by the Fey creatures that roam the area, and anyone daring to harvest the flower without permission risks the wrath of these capricious beings. Murkroot, a type of mushroom, thrives in the shadowed places of the forest, and its potent spores can be ground into a powder that, when inhaled, allows one to see into the Shadowfell for a brief time, though the effects often drive those who partake mad.
Fauna in the Forest of Night is no less extraordinary. Wyverns and lesser drakes are common in the skies above the forest, their leathery wings creating an ever-present shadow over the land below. These winged predators hunt in packs, often swooping down on unsuspecting travelers or smaller beasts. The Nightwing Wyvern, as it’s known in the forest, is a particularly dangerous variant with obsidian scales that blend seamlessly into the forest’s dark canopy. These creatures are highly territorial, and their presence serves as both a warning and a challenge to any would-be adventurers daring to enter their domain. Despite their predatory nature, wyverns are known to share an uneasy truce with certain druidic circles, who have learned to coexist with them by offering them respect and tributes in the form of enchanted meats.
Then there is the legendary Odhossyn the Ferocious, a creature whose name still sends chills down the spines of the few who still remember the stories of his reign of terror. Odhossyn was a ferocious and ancient wyvern-like beast that once ruled the skies over the Forest of Night. Standing nearly 30 feet tall with obsidian-black scales, his wings were large enough to cast a shadow over entire villages. His massive claws could tear through stone, and his breath was said to ignite anything it touched. For centuries, Odhossyn’s lair was believed to be hidden somewhere deep within the forest, with his presence felt by every creature that lived there. However, the last confirmed sighting of him was over 300 years ago. Since then, he has become a myth, with most believing him to be dead, or that his lair was discovered and emptied by brave adventurers. Despite the passage of time, rumors persist of strange disturbances in the forest—unexplained tremors, odd howls on the wind, and the occasional unmarked beast showing signs of having been marked by Odhossyn’s presence. Some say the beast still lives, slumbering in the deepest shadows of the forest, waiting for the moment to awaken and reclaim his throne.
The shadow of Odhossyn lingers over the Forest of Night, and the ancient wyrm’s legacy continues to haunt the creatures who live there. The Forest of Night is a place where power is measured by both age and strength, and even the mightiest of creatures are held in check by the looming possibility that Odhossyn’s return is inevitable. Whether he is truly dead or simply dormant, the very idea of his return has kept the creatures of the forest, both fey and mortal, on edge. Those who enter the forest with designs to conquer or explore must contend not only with the flora and fauna that dwell there but also with the legacy of a dragon who once ruled it all.
The ground is often covered by thick layers of moss and fungi that glow faintly with a soft, eerie light, as well as vines that twist in patterns both natural and unnatural. Gloombloom, a rare flower, grows only in the deepest corners of the forest, its petals imbued with fey magic that can be harnessed for powerful potions or enchanted blades. However, this plant is fiercely protected by the Fey creatures that roam the area, and anyone daring to harvest the flower without permission risks the wrath of these capricious beings. Murkroot, a type of mushroom, thrives in the shadowed places of the forest, and its potent spores can be ground into a powder that, when inhaled, allows one to see into the Shadowfell for a brief time, though the effects often drive those who partake mad.
Fauna in the Forest of Night is no less extraordinary. Wyverns and lesser drakes are common in the skies above the forest, their leathery wings creating an ever-present shadow over the land below. These winged predators hunt in packs, often swooping down on unsuspecting travelers or smaller beasts. The Nightwing Wyvern, as it’s known in the forest, is a particularly dangerous variant with obsidian scales that blend seamlessly into the forest’s dark canopy. These creatures are highly territorial, and their presence serves as both a warning and a challenge to any would-be adventurers daring to enter their domain. Despite their predatory nature, wyverns are known to share an uneasy truce with certain druidic circles, who have learned to coexist with them by offering them respect and tributes in the form of enchanted meats.
Then there is the legendary Odhossyn the Ferocious, a creature whose name still sends chills down the spines of the few who still remember the stories of his reign of terror. Odhossyn was a ferocious and ancient wyvern-like beast that once ruled the skies over the Forest of Night. Standing nearly 30 feet tall with obsidian-black scales, his wings were large enough to cast a shadow over entire villages. His massive claws could tear through stone, and his breath was said to ignite anything it touched. For centuries, Odhossyn’s lair was believed to be hidden somewhere deep within the forest, with his presence felt by every creature that lived there. However, the last confirmed sighting of him was over 300 years ago. Since then, he has become a myth, with most believing him to be dead, or that his lair was discovered and emptied by brave adventurers. Despite the passage of time, rumors persist of strange disturbances in the forest—unexplained tremors, odd howls on the wind, and the occasional unmarked beast showing signs of having been marked by Odhossyn’s presence. Some say the beast still lives, slumbering in the deepest shadows of the forest, waiting for the moment to awaken and reclaim his throne.
The shadow of Odhossyn lingers over the Forest of Night, and the ancient wyrm’s legacy continues to haunt the creatures who live there. The Forest of Night is a place where power is measured by both age and strength, and even the mightiest of creatures are held in check by the looming possibility that Odhossyn’s return is inevitable. Whether he is truly dead or simply dormant, the very idea of his return has kept the creatures of the forest, both fey and mortal, on edge. Those who enter the forest with designs to conquer or explore must contend not only with the flora and fauna that dwell there but also with the legacy of a dragon who once ruled it all.
Type
Forest
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Inhabiting Species
Related Myths
Comments