Neldoreth
Nestled to the south of Myrshi and bordering the Lost Sea, the Forests of Neldoreth are a vast expanse of ancient, mystical woodlands. Known for their breathtaking beauty and vibrant ecosystems, Neldoreth is blessed by the Green Lady, and its flora and fauna seem to pulse with life and magic. Often called "the Green Jewel of the South," these forests are a place of serenity for some and trepidation for others, as many who wander too far within report strange experiences and encounters with mythical beings.
Geography
The Forests of Neldoreth are a sprawling woodland of towering trees, lush undergrowth, and hidden glades. The landscape is varied, with dense, dark groves to the north and lighter, sun-dappled clearings towards the coast. Ancient oaks, silver birches, and trees with vibrant, jewel-toned foliage are common throughout, their trunks wrapped in vines and mosses of otherworldly colors.
Numerous rivers and streams snake their way through Neldoreth, creating small waterfalls, natural pools, and hidden springs. The forest floor is soft and alive with undergrowth, carpeted in ferns, wildflowers, and patches of bioluminescent fungi. The Siya River flows along the northern border, separating Neldoreth from the open plains of Myrshi, while in the south, the coastline provides both peaceful beaches and steep, forested cliffs overlooking the Lost Sea.
Numerous rivers and streams snake their way through Neldoreth, creating small waterfalls, natural pools, and hidden springs. The forest floor is soft and alive with undergrowth, carpeted in ferns, wildflowers, and patches of bioluminescent fungi. The Siya River flows along the northern border, separating Neldoreth from the open plains of Myrshi, while in the south, the coastline provides both peaceful beaches and steep, forested cliffs overlooking the Lost Sea.
Climate
Neldoreth’s climate is temperate and mild, with warm summers and cool, misty winters. Rainfall is frequent, ensuring the forest remains lush year-round, though it never becomes too harsh. Mist often gathers in the early mornings, giving the forest an ethereal, otherworldly quality, while in the fall, the forest transforms into a tapestry of reds, golds, and purples. Due to the blessings of the Green Lady, the region has a gentle, balanced climate that supports an impressive diversity of life.
Fauna & Flora
The Forests of Neldoreth are a paradise of biodiversity, home to countless species, both mundane and magical. The flora includes a wide variety of plants, from giant, ancient trees that seem to touch the sky to delicate, ground-covering flowers with petals that glisten like gemstones. Silver Willows, whose leaves shine under the moonlight, grow in abundance here, as do Eldervine Blossoms—a rare, pale-blue flower that is prized by alchemists for its healing properties. Other unique plants, like Glowcaps (bioluminescent mushrooms that emit a soft green light) and Vineveils (plants that form dense, curtain-like structures), add to the forest’s mystical ambiance.
The wildlife of Neldoreth is just as diverse. Moonstags—majestic, silver-furred deer with antlers that glimmer under starlight—are a common sight and are considered sacred creatures by the local people. Grove Panthers, sleek and stealthy, prowl the shadows of the deep woods, their dark fur allowing them to blend seamlessly with the forest floor. Other creatures include Emerald Foxes, Nighthawks (large, black-feathered birds with an eerie call), and the rare Silverscale Serpent, whose shimmering scales are said to enhance magical abilities.
Neldoreth is also home to many fey creatures. Dryads, tree-bound spirits who protect their wooded homes, can be found throughout the forest, while sprites and pixies play mischievous tricks on unwary travelers. Elementals, particularly earth and water variants, are known to dwell near sacred groves or hidden springs, serving as guardians of the forest’s most magical areas.
The wildlife of Neldoreth is just as diverse. Moonstags—majestic, silver-furred deer with antlers that glimmer under starlight—are a common sight and are considered sacred creatures by the local people. Grove Panthers, sleek and stealthy, prowl the shadows of the deep woods, their dark fur allowing them to blend seamlessly with the forest floor. Other creatures include Emerald Foxes, Nighthawks (large, black-feathered birds with an eerie call), and the rare Silverscale Serpent, whose shimmering scales are said to enhance magical abilities.
Neldoreth is also home to many fey creatures. Dryads, tree-bound spirits who protect their wooded homes, can be found throughout the forest, while sprites and pixies play mischievous tricks on unwary travelers. Elementals, particularly earth and water variants, are known to dwell near sacred groves or hidden springs, serving as guardians of the forest’s most magical areas.
History
Though the Forests of Neldoreth are remote and mystical, they are not untouched by politics and ambition. Several factions across the Bastion have vested interests in the forest’s resources and its magical potential.
The Circle of Verdant: As the foremost druidic order in the Bastion, the Circle of Verdant considers Neldoreth to be a sacred land. They work tirelessly to protect the forest from exploitation, conducting ancient rituals to honor the Green Lady and safeguard the forest’s balance. The Circle’s druids are known to be formidable protectors, often blending into the wilderness and striking from the shadows to deter intruders.
House Druaras: The noble family that claims dominion over Myrshi and its surrounding lands, House Druaras holds a deep respect for Neldoreth. They see the forest as a gift from the Green Lady and consider themselves its stewards. Though they maintain a light touch in the forest itself, House Druaras is vigilant against outside encroachment, and they often patrol the borders to prevent poaching and illegal logging.
The Order of the Weave: This scholarly and arcane organization is interested in the magical properties of Neldoreth’s flora, fauna, and unique energies. Although the Circle of Verdant is wary of their presence, the Order has a few small research outposts on the forest's periphery. Members of the Order tread carefully, respecting the forest's sacred status while quietly gathering knowledge about its arcane properties.
The Woodland Watch: A group of rangers and hunters who serve as protectors of Neldoreth and the surrounding lands. Unaffiliated with any noble house, they are a loosely organized but respected force in the Bastion. The Watch safeguards travelers, monitors the forest’s wildlife, and assists both the Circle of Verdant and House Druaras in keeping the forest’s secrets intact.
For the people of the Bastion, the Forests of Neldoreth are both a symbol of beauty and an enduring mystery. It is a place where the ancient magic of the world feels closest, where the Green Lady’s presence can be felt in every leaf and branch. Those who seek the secrets of Neldoreth must tread carefully, for while the forest can be welcoming, it can also be fiercely protective of its mysteries.
House Druaras: The noble family that claims dominion over Myrshi and its surrounding lands, House Druaras holds a deep respect for Neldoreth. They see the forest as a gift from the Green Lady and consider themselves its stewards. Though they maintain a light touch in the forest itself, House Druaras is vigilant against outside encroachment, and they often patrol the borders to prevent poaching and illegal logging.
The Order of the Weave: This scholarly and arcane organization is interested in the magical properties of Neldoreth’s flora, fauna, and unique energies. Although the Circle of Verdant is wary of their presence, the Order has a few small research outposts on the forest's periphery. Members of the Order tread carefully, respecting the forest's sacred status while quietly gathering knowledge about its arcane properties.
The Woodland Watch: A group of rangers and hunters who serve as protectors of Neldoreth and the surrounding lands. Unaffiliated with any noble house, they are a loosely organized but respected force in the Bastion. The Watch safeguards travelers, monitors the forest’s wildlife, and assists both the Circle of Verdant and House Druaras in keeping the forest’s secrets intact.
For the people of the Bastion, the Forests of Neldoreth are both a symbol of beauty and an enduring mystery. It is a place where the ancient magic of the world feels closest, where the Green Lady’s presence can be felt in every leaf and branch. Those who seek the secrets of Neldoreth must tread carefully, for while the forest can be welcoming, it can also be fiercely protective of its mysteries.
Tourism
The World Tree (Tisar'Aluve) is the most significant landmark of Neldoreth, a colossal tree said to be as old as the world itself. The tree marks the headquarters of the Circle of Verdant, and its roots run deep through the forest, intertwining with both the physical and magical realms of the Bastion.
The Heartwood Glade: The heart of Neldoreth, a sacred clearing where the largest and oldest trees in the forest grow. The glade is said to be the residence of the Green Lady herself, and those who enter often report feeling a profound sense of peace and connection with nature. The trees here have an ethereal glow, and it is believed that their roots are connected to every tree in Neldoreth, forming a mystical network.
The Cradle of Stars: A grove on the southern edge of Neldoreth, near the cliffs overlooking the Lost Sea. The Cradle of Stars is famous for its bioluminescent flora that lights up at night, creating an effect like a night sky on the forest floor. Legends say that one can glimpse visions of the future here if they are open to the forest's magic.
The Whispering Pool: A secluded spring deep within Neldoreth, where the waters are so clear that it is said you can see into other realms. The Whispering Pool is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking guidance from the Green Lady, as some claim to hear her voice in the gentle ripples of the water. The pool is fiercely protected by dryads and other forest spirits.
The Shrine of Myrshi: Located near the Siya River, this ancient stone shrine is dedicated to Myrshi, the legendary hero of House Druaras. Pilgrims from Myrshi’s Landing and beyond come to pay their respects, leaving offerings of flowers and trinkets at the shrine. Local tradition holds that any warrior who seeks guidance here will find their strength renewed.
The Heartwood Glade: The heart of Neldoreth, a sacred clearing where the largest and oldest trees in the forest grow. The glade is said to be the residence of the Green Lady herself, and those who enter often report feeling a profound sense of peace and connection with nature. The trees here have an ethereal glow, and it is believed that their roots are connected to every tree in Neldoreth, forming a mystical network.
The Cradle of Stars: A grove on the southern edge of Neldoreth, near the cliffs overlooking the Lost Sea. The Cradle of Stars is famous for its bioluminescent flora that lights up at night, creating an effect like a night sky on the forest floor. Legends say that one can glimpse visions of the future here if they are open to the forest's magic.
The Whispering Pool: A secluded spring deep within Neldoreth, where the waters are so clear that it is said you can see into other realms. The Whispering Pool is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking guidance from the Green Lady, as some claim to hear her voice in the gentle ripples of the water. The pool is fiercely protected by dryads and other forest spirits.
The Shrine of Myrshi: Located near the Siya River, this ancient stone shrine is dedicated to Myrshi, the legendary hero of House Druaras. Pilgrims from Myrshi’s Landing and beyond come to pay their respects, leaving offerings of flowers and trinkets at the shrine. Local tradition holds that any warrior who seeks guidance here will find their strength renewed.
Location under
Owning Organization
Comments