The Dark Forest
"A menagerie of nightmares, all packed into a grove filled with hostile intent. What more could I ask for?"
Cicero, The God Merchant.
The Dark Forest is the dimension the Salamander exists in. Whatever the reason for it's existence, the topic of the location's lethality is bound to come up. But before that, how does one end up in the Dark Forest?
Entering the Dark Forest is one of the easiest things to do, and almost always done by accident. The only requirements is that someone becomes lost in a forest of sufficient age and size at night time. During this time, the lost traveler may find themselves encountering creatures or plants that shouldn't exist, and are almost certainly out to kill them. If they're lucky, they'll see a purple fire in the distance, and make it within that light before they die.
So now we've explained that, why is the Dark Forest such a hostile location? Let's talk about the Dark Forest Entity. Currently, it has no name, but acts as a directing force for the creatures within the Dark Forest. It also enforces the supposed laws of the Dark Forest. Good luck figuring out what those are. From what we know, the Dark Forest Entity knows where everything inside it is, and directs creatures to attack intruders. How exactly it chooses which creature to attack a person isn't known. To date however, almost every intruder has had a run in with some form of monster or monsters.
But what ARE these monsters? Well, it turns out they're all from stories. Lost stories, new stories, gentle and cruel stories. Every story the Salamander tells leads to the death of those trying to reach it. And now we understand why the Salamander is so lonely, for it's only joy in life is not only isolating it but also murdering those who would help it.
The Dark Forest is a cruel trap. A zoo conceived to contain every monster and malcontent from every type of story imaginable, all led by a malicious intelligence that would like for nothing more than to see every intruder obliterated. Woe upon you who enters it. And good luck finding the way out.
Over time the Dark Forest has begun to change. Monster attacks became less frequent, but far deadlier. The various Cinders that were created by Zephnos' original actions begin to stake a claim on sections, giving rise to entire new biomes. The Guardians, once stupid and easy to direct, now follow their own rules and can almost be bargained with. And above, the Dark Forest's moon glimmers for the first time since Zephnos ate it so long ago.
Purpose / Function
The purpose of the Dark Forest is currently in question, as there doesn't seem to be one. Some wonder if that lack of purpose is the actual reason for it existing, just to spite a universe that says it's impossible. Whatever the reason may be, the Dark Forest exists in a natural state of form without function.
Alterations
The Dark Forest is constantly moving it's landmarks around, seemingly on a nightly basis. Locations, elevation and creatures will shift at night, making it extremely dangerous to be out during this time.
Alternative Names
None
Included Locations
Owner
Characters in Location
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