The Silent Bowers

The Silent Bowers refers to a substantial forest south of Skyhammer, immediately to the southeast of Vellanixhal. The western and northern edges are managed woodland, providing construction material for nearby towns and villages. The deeper forest grows wild. The name is also used for the unofficial settlement situated inside it.

History

The denseness of the deep forest proved an obstacle to clearing it of monsters, even when all of the surrounding area was managed by the Adventurers' Guilds. The existence of the 'Silent Bowers monster problem' was one of political issues that led to the Central Safe Zone Adventurers' Guild fracturing into their current, independent organisations instead of coalescing into a single, unified body as in the Coastal Safe Zone. It was only in 24AF (287BJ) that the resident monsters were finally confined to dungeons and designated wilderness adventure areas.

Settlement

In 41AA (43BJ), a group of elves moved into the forest, without sanction from any Adventurers' Guild. Retired adventurers sought out an isolated, peaceful place where they could enjoy nature away from urban centres and the Silent Bowers fit that particular bill. The settlement, spread out across most of the forest rather than gathered in a single location, has grown to several hundred people. Newcomers of any species are welcome, providing they abide by the prevailing ethos of the old-timers. As of yet, the Adventurers' Guilds have not responded to the existence of the settlement.

Fauna & Flora

The forest is made up primarily of deciduous species of tree, with occasional tall pines poking through the main canopy. Its oaks, in particular, are prized for use in building houses. The deeper forest has several rarer species in relative abundance, including Black Oaks and Ghost Mahogany. Harvesting of those rarer woods slowed down after the settlement appeared in the forest, and the residents seems to be managing growth of the valuable trees themselves to ensure they don't run out.
Besides the usual wolves and bears in the forest, friends to any humanoid that meets them, there are more unusual creatures such as Great Badgers and Griffins.
Based on the unusual species in the Silent Bowers, it seems likely that it was once part of the Forest of Lies. This implies that the Forest of Lies was even vaster than it is now.

Type

Forest

Location under

Central Safe Zone

Owning Organization

Adventurers' Guilds