Ghabat Alqurud (ɡəˈbat əlˈqurud)

One of the most mysterious locations in the the Sabaen Archipelago is the Ghabat Alqurud, also known as the Monkey Forest of Vipa. This small stretch of woods is a Wild Place, and those who wander into it return with tales to boggle the imagination, if they return at all.

The forest is named for the monkeys that live there, who are varied and numerous. Troops of monkeys can be seen perched in the trees near the edges of the Ghabat Alqurud, watching anyone who approaches. Once a visitor comes within a few hundred feet, the monkeys set up a great clamor of hooting and screeching that spreads until it seems like every creature in the region has joined into the noise. Many people choose to veer away from the forest at this point.

Those who persist in approaching will be pelted with thrown objects as soon as they are within range. This barrage starts with only a few items, mostly small rocks and rotting fruit, but quickly escalates to a constant hail that includes anything the monkeys might be able to throw, including their own feces. This serves to drive off all but the most determined, who must endure the assault until they are finally beneath the forest canopy.

At this point, the forest will suddenly become silent and still. The monkeys perched in the trees will stare at the intruder, but without a single sound or movement. Many people find this to be more unnerving than anything previous, and more than one has fled from the silence when they were able to endure the attack.

For those who do not run away, the interior of the forest is cool and dark. Several paths twist through the forest, disappearing into the green-tinted gloom. When following the trails, it is wise to be alert as the monkeys have constructed a series of ever-more elaborate booby-traps. The remains of those who have fallen into these traps are hung in the trees of the forest, and sway gently despite the lack of any breeze.

The journey into the woods takes much longer than it should, covering miles of space that cannot be accounted for by the size of the forest itself. Most of the paths twist back on themselves and simply exit the forest again somewhere along the border. The wanderer will know they have left the Ghabat Alqurud when the monkeys' barrage resumes, along with the screaming. Oddly, only those who have exited the forest can hear the clamor. Their companions could stand only a few feet away and hear nothing.

One path does not simply exit the forest. It is said to lead to a great temple of stone, which is built around a sacred spring. For those who find the temple, drinking from the spring will grant a wish, whatever their heart desires. This miracle does not seem to have any limits to what it can be, although some think that the temple will only appear for those whose wishes it wants to grant.

Type

Forest

Location under

Vipa

Geographic Details

Location: Southeastern Region
Latitude: 5.33 degrees North
Longitude: 30.5 degrees East
Area: 12.6 sq mi