The Forest of Jewels

"In a single, deafening voice, all of nature rises up to tell you one thing: No"

~ Krowen Valharrow, Lord of Moongleam Tower, regarding anti-magic fields

The Forest of Jewels is a small stretch of woodland located east of Waterdeep, famous for the anti-magic field that surrounds it. This field prevents any spells from being cast within its vicinity, is capable of suspending curses and enchantments, and can even shield a target from divination magic as long as the target remains within the forest. The field also temporarily removes the properties of magical items, although it does not interfere with the effects of potions.
The forest used to be a common place for the nobles of Waterdeep to duel, as there could be no magical trickery or illusion to grant either combatant an advantage, or disguise the duel's true winner. In fact, the very name 'Forest of Jewels' is actually a corruption of the forest's original name, the 'Forest of Duels', a reference to this practice.
The forest only contains a single dwelling, a log-cabin belonging to the gnomish alchemist Argo Cobblelob. For several years, Argo was entrusted with protecting the legendary sword Frostbrand from would-be thieves, as the weapon would be immune to any sort of divination magic while stashed in the gnome's cabin. Unfortunately, the weapon was indeed stolen in 3019 JR, although Argo was not harmed in the break-in.
As many travellers have remarked, the soil found in the Forest of Jewels can appear rather moist, as the forest floor is constantly being fed by a number of underground tributaries that run on from the Brandywine River, which entirely flanks the forest's eastern side. Some folk believe that this natural phenomenon is linked in some way to the forest's peculiar properties, but this has never been confirmed.

Alternative Name(s)

The Forest of Duels

Type

Forest