The Bloated Forest
"The creaking of wood and soft sound of flowing water are ever present within these woods. As if the trees themselves are groaning in pain from the gross contortions they are forced into. Also important note, do not stab the trees."
-Excerpt from a journal by a J. Waylan
Geography
This strange forest is located on the southern peninsula of Reevnic.The forest floor always has a thick layer of mud to it and is fairly flat throughout the woods. Though damp and humid, there is very little in the way of streams or bodies of water. Every now and then you can find a pool of standing water but it's usually isn't a good source to drink from. It is only a days travel from the forest's edge to the coastline of the @Forsaken Sea.
Fauna & Flora
The trees of this forest have drawn many a druid and researcher to its grounds. These interesting trees, which have been dubbed Bulba Trees, all have large boil like bumps which spread across their surfaces. The cause seems to be the overabundance of water they draw in from the fluid rich soil. These strange and unnatural looking bumps make the trees look sick and ill. However this does not appear to be the case. The bulba trees seem unaffected by the odd bulges and actually seem to benefit from them. They are able to ward off attempts to cut, chew, or otherwise penetrate their surface bark with a powerful jet of hot water or, if something attempts to cut directly into one of the bulges, an explosion of water and wood shrapnel. Because of the result of cutting into the bulges, it is obvious water is stored within them. Not much other flora grows within the forest, however there is an abundance of algae and fungi growing in the damp environment.
Because of the twisting nature of these sizable trees, there are a large amount of small animals which make their home within the forest. The humid nature of the forest also makes it a fantastic home for insects and reptiles who take advantage of the abundance of warmth and water. While no streams or pools of water exist on the ground of the forest, the bulba trees usually have at least a few pools of water trapped in their branches. Those animals who are unable to reach that high up take advantage of the trees unprotected roots. Water from the roots of the bulba trees flow out at a safe speed, allowing the surface dwelling creatures to drink heartily.
Natural Resources
While there is an amazing abundance of easy to obtain water, no one has successfully made a settlement within the forest. The wood of the bulba trees are practically impossible to harvest because of its defenses. While the soil is amazingly fertile, farming is unfeasible because the trees' root systems run far and deep into the ground. Even if removing the trees were practical. Finally, even travel of the woods is dangerous as the trees have a habit of spontaneously combusting if they gorge on to much water. The amount of trouble and dangers the bulba trees present has left this forest largely untouched by civilization.
Type
Forest
