Puzzlewood

The massive, untamed forest of Puzzlewood is nearly as large as a nation in itself. Populated by all manner of denizens who have chosen to live abide by nature rather than try to bend nature to their will. Any attempt to settle Puzzlewood has been met with aggressive and affective guerilla warfare. The only outsiders who have been and continue to be welcome in Puzzlewood are the halflings of Avoreen, who many folk of Puzzlewood banded together with to fight back an imperial incursion attempting to take Avoreen.
Countless legends and stories surround the forest, including tales of shapeshifters stealing imperial children and replacing them with changelings, and beautiful, ethereal dryads luring travelers into the wood, only for them never to be seen again. There are some individuals who might live in hermitage, but many denizens live in communal tribes.

Tribes of Puzzlewood
Whispering Leaves - Primarily composed of wood elves who are skilled in the art of stealth and tracking. They live deep within the heart of Puzzlewood and are known for their exceptional mastery of forest magics. This tribe played a significant role in the guerilla warfare tactics during the Battle of Heartstone Hill, using their ability to blend seamlessly into the environment to ambush and outmaneuver enemy forces. The Whispering Leaves is led by an ancient and wise elder, Thaelan Moonshadow, who is a master of both martial and magical arts.
Stoneclaws - A mixture of firbolgs who have made their homes among the rocky outcroppings and hidden caves of Puzzlewood. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, particularly in stone and woodcarving. During the Battle of Heartstone Hill, the Stoneclaws used their intimate knowledge of the terrain to create traps and choke points that slowed the advance of the invading forces. The leader of the Stoneclaws is a skilled stonecarver and shaman named Gromm Stoneheart.
Soaring Squirrels - Primarily composed of forest gnomes who live high up in the massive trees of Puzzlewood. They have a close bond with the flying squirrels that inhabit the forest and have developed gliding techniques inspired by these creatures. They are skilled in aerial reconnaissance, using their agility and keen eyesight to scout for potential threats and provide early warnings to their allies. During the Battle of Heartstone Hill, they provided support by rapidly moving through the treetops and disrupting enemy formations. The tribe's leader is an inventive and resourceful forest gnome named Fizzle Nutwhisker, who has a deep connection to the flying squirrels and can communicate with them fluently.
Moon Shadows - Made up of a diverse group of beings, including wood elves, fey creatures, and other forest-dwelling species. The Moon Shadows are known for their connection to the lunar cycle and the magic of the moon, which they harness in their rituals and spellcasting. They are also skilled healers and herbalists, having extensive knowledge of the plants and herbs that grow within Puzzlewood. The leader of the Moon Shadows Tribe is a wise and compassionate healer named Lunara.

Somber Hold
An imperial fort stationed in the far northern edge of Puzzlewood, meant to guard the region from naval attacks of the north. The fort is so named for its miserable location, as both the weather, the forest, and the mysterious creatures within are unwelcoming and harsh.

Yellowseed
Located deep within Puzzlewood, Yellowseed has become a tribal hub for trade and meeting for several reasons. Its central location within the vast forest makes it accessible to various tribes living throughout the forest, and the unique blend of vibrant foliage in the area creates a visually stunning and inviting atmosphere.
Yellowseed's layout is designed to encourage interaction and exchange between the tribes. There are large, open spaces for gatherings and ceremonies, as well as smaller, more intimate areas for one-on-one meetings or negotiations. The area also features several communal lodges and shelters that can accommodate visitors from different tribes during their stay. It is the location of the largest lake in the forest, the Whispering Spring.
The various tribes of Puzzlewood come to Yellowseed to share their knowledge, skills, and resources with one another. It is a place where new alliances are forged, and old friendships are strengthened. The spirit of cooperation and mutual respect pervades Yellowseed, making it a unique and essential part of life in Puzzlewood. It is also a place where conflict and disagreements are ideally solved peacefully.

Noteable features and locations of Yellowseed
The Meeting Tree - At the heart of Yellowseed stands an ancient tree of immense size and beauty. Known as the Great Meeting Tree, it is a symbol of unity among the tribes and serves as a gathering place for important discussions and ceremonies. Its branches stretch high into the sky, providing a natural canopy for those who gather beneath it.
The Vibrant Foliage - Yellowseed is named for its striking yellow, orange, and red foliage that creates a breathtaking tapestry of color throughout the area. This vivid display is particularly enchanting during sunrise and sunset when the light filters through the leaves, casting a warm and inviting glow over the settlement.
The Whispering Spring - A clear, tranquil pool fed by a gently cascading waterfall. The water in the pool is said to have curative properties and is believed to be a gift from the gods. Many tribes come to the Whispering Waters for purification rituals, healing, and spiritual rejuvenation. It is believed that meditating and gazing into the spring can provide clarity and guidance.
The Sacred Grove - A serene and secluded area within Yellowseed, where the trees form a natural amphitheater. The tribes use this space for ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual gatherings. The Sacred Grove is believed to be touched by the divine power of the Greenkeeper, as the trees seem to grow and intertwine in intricate patterns that form a canopy above, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
The Melding Lodge - A large, communal building that serves as a gathering place for the tribes during their visits to Yellowseed. The lodge is built from sturdy wood and has a central hearth that provides warmth and light. It is adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that tell the stories of the various tribes and their shared history.
The Gliding Canopy - An expansive network of wooden platforms and rope bridges that connect the treetops of Yellowseed. This unique feature allows the tribes to move effortlessly between the trees and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. The Gliding Canopy is especially popular among the Soaring Squirrel Tribe, who use it for both transportation and recreation.

Population: Unknown
Demographics: (Division unknown)
Elves
Firbolgs
Gnomes
Halflings
Aarkcocra
Tabaxi
Other races