The Schattenwald

While there may be a native name for the dark forest jungles of the eastern continent, the newcomers have taken to calling it the Schattenwald, or Shadow Forest. Few of the scouts who entered the forest returned, and most avoid the forest whenever possible. The forest is thick and overgrown, almost un-navigable. The dark undergrowth grows hungrily despite the scant light that reaches these thorn covered plants. Perhaps they gain sustenance elsewhere? Webs as thick as ropes hang in the trees, and one can hear the sounds of massive footfalls in the distance. None know what makes these, as the few who tried to find out have not returned.

The dominant native fauna of the Schattenwald are Frost-Tusks. A near relative of the Rocktusks of Ghur, these have been altered by time spent in the Everwinter. These beasts are exceptionally savage, and the signs of their passing are the frozen remains of whatever prey they bring down, the few frozen bones glistening with icy blood.

The native populations often try to train these beasts. These include feral tribes of humans, and roving bands of Ogors. However, the Schattenwald seems to aggressively stave off any attempts to colonize it. Building foundations sink into the loam, wood rots, and come morning whatever is still standing will look like something massive has chewed upon it.

The still air within this forest is warm and humid. The dense canopy lets very little light touch the forest floor, making it a welcome home for those who hunt in the dark. The forest undoubtedly contains masses of spiders, perhaps some as large as the dreaded Arachnarok Spiders. Forest webspinners skittle back and forth, dragging whatever prey they can to be consumed later. The husks of those drained by these arachnids can be found webbed throughout the woods like some form of warning to those who tread in its shadows.

Aelven Spirits are also seen in the woods. These are dark, cruel versions even by the standards of the Sylvaneth. Any who threaten their beloved groves are considered a threat, and their punishments can be cruel. Those who fall to their power will vanish, emerging having aged dozens of years, telling tales of being endlessly lost to wander. Others will slowly find themselves turning to wood, eventually growing roots and transforming fully into a tree, the only remnant of their former lives the image of their screaming faces, etched permanently into the bark.