Ask a dozen people what the Deep Forests are, and one can expect at least half a dozen different answers. But the general consensus is clear: The depths of dangerous forests, where few dare to thread. According to some, even
Tarot Monsters will not venture into them. There live things that even monsters fear.
Not every large forest is considered a Deep Forest. Many are still fairly explored, with nothing special in the areas where people usually, or never, come. They might have predators, but people understand those places and can survive there. But there are forests that make people shudder, where only few dare to travel past a certain point. It's not something they can see, but a feeling of dread that overcomes them.
The Church considers Deep Forests to be mere superstitions. Their priests stress the people to be careful in the wild, but rebuff any stories about these threats. What rumours actually come with some form of evidence, they denounce as Tarot Monsters. It is not clear whether they do not believe the stories, or simply do not want to believe them.
Academy Research
Investigations by
The Academy have revealed there is truth to these frights. While a lot of normal animals live in the Deep Forests, it appears many animals are more vicious deep into these areas. Entire species change their instincts, to fit with the hostile environment. There are even rare cases of animals, or even plantlife, with different characteristics and even Tarot abilities.
The Academy keeps their research a well-protected secret. Rather that nobles consider peasants merely superstitious, and secretly share the same superstitions, than that they try to weaponize what lies within the Deep Forests. They have even scaled back their research, to not drop any hints. However, they still investigate slowly and steadily. Unlike a lot of their research, this specific branch is kept a secret from the Church as well.
Part of the results so far are that Deep Forests differ greatly from each other. In some, predators are stronger and more vicious. In others, plantlife is extremely dangerous. There are even places where herbivores defend themselves with Tarot manifestations. In two cases, it appears living trees will gladly devour animals. Research continues, with extreme care.
Even the trees are carnivorous? Eep! Really interesting that the Church dismisses this as superstition though.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
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