Thundertree - DM Version
The abandoned settlement of Thundertree.
Thundertree was a small village in the plains east of Neverwinter on the edge of the Neverwinter Wood. It was destroyed by 1451 DR.
The eruption of Mount Hotenow to the north once devastated Thundertree decades ago. As the city was wiped out, a plague of undead rose from the ashes and drove off any remaining survivors.
Demographics
None that can be described.
Industry & Trade
This small village supported itself by harvesting timber and shipping it downriver to Neverwinter and beyond.
Guilds and Factions
Thalos cult
Corrupters of the Tundertree. Summoned Ghortok, the Thunderboar via the tree.
Emerald Enclave
The Emerald Enclave monitors the town closely due to the nature of the Thundertree within.
History
During the founding of the village, Thundertree was defended from monsters by the hero Palien of Neverwinter, who would be honored with a statue in the town square.[6]
The village was the hometown of young Aribeth de Tylmarande who would later gain fame and infamy. At some point in her childhood, she managed to save Thundertree from a power-hungry wizard of Luskanm using her enchanted ring of the wood elves – a gift from Ansal Bloodshoulder. At some point later, the village came under attack by an orc raiding party, killing most of the inhabitants at the time, with Aribeth de Tylmarande surviving the massacre.[7]
When traveling across the North in the mid-to-late 14th century DR, Volothamp Geddarm did not get a chance to properly visit the village and so only briefly discussed it in his guidebook, Volo's Guide to the North.[8]
However, when Mount Hotenow erupted in the Year of Knowledge Unearthed, 1451 DR, it devastated the small town.[5] In the wake of the disaster, ash zombies drove off any who survived the eruption.[2] During this time, Thundertree lay in overgrown ruins, with many of its stone houses lacking roofs and lying open to the elements, though some remained mostly intact. It was disturbingly quiet.[5]
In the Year of the Ageless One, 1479 DR, the Ashmadai leader Favria set up camp in the ruins of Thundertree, living within a ruined inn's underground wine cellar. From there, she tracked activity in both Neverwinter and everywhere the Thayans employed their cult.[9]
By 1491 DR,[note 1] the zombies had crumbled to dust, but strange magic had turned the local flora into twig blights.[5]
Points of interest
"the" Thundertree
Backstory
Legend holds that Thundertree was not always the majestic giant it is today. Thousands of years ago, during the dawn of civilization in Faerûn, a powerful druid named Elowen discovered a sapling imbued with extraordinary potential. Elowen, seeking to create a guardian for the forest, performed an ancient and perilous ritual under a convergence of elemental forces: earth, water, fire, and air. The ritual bound the sapling with the essence of a mighty storm elemental, Thundara, granting it the name Thundertree. As centuries passed, Thundertree grew under the watchful eyes of the druids, absorbing the elemental energies of the storms that frequently ravaged the region. The tree became a living conduit for the primal forces of nature, its roots extending deep into the earth, connecting with hidden ley lines, and its branches reaching into the sky, touching the realm of the elements.Powers and Significance
Thundertree is more than a mere tree; it is a living nexus of elemental power. During storms, it channels lightning through its branches, discharging it safely into the ground, preventing wildfires and protecting the forest. The tree also exudes a calming aura that soothes wild animals and enhances the growth of nearby plants, making the surrounding area unusually verdant and teeming with life.Role in the Forgotten Realms
Thundertree plays a critical role in the balance of nature within Neverwinter Wood. It serves as a meeting place for druids and rangers, who gather under its vast canopy to conduct rituals and discuss matters of importance. The tree is also a beacon for those who respect nature, drawing adventurers seeking guidance, healing, or a deeper understanding of the natural world.Thalos Corruption
The cult of Thalos, led by Fheralai Stormsworn, has corrupted Thundertree. Currently, it harbors the beating heart of Ghortok, the Thunderboar. Gorthok can only be killed by destroying the heart of the beast, that has been embedded in the tree itself. Gorthok currently rumages the Neverwinter Woods creating chaos all around. The heart, and the tree itself, are currently defended by Grattz Everstorm - https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/118075095 - A paladin/fighter of Talos and a servant to Fheralai.Town Square
On the east side of town, the lane opens to form a small square. Several ruined buildings surround the square, but a larger, intact structure to the north looks like a barrack. One lane leads south, another heads southwest around the hill in the middle of the town, and a third way meanders north. In the middle of the square, leaning slightly, is a badly weathered wooden statue of a warrior clutching a spear and shield.Old Tower
On the east side of town, the lane opens to form a small square. Several ruined buildings surround the square, but a larger, intact structure to the north looks like a barrack. One lane leads south, another heads southwest around the hill in the middle of the town, and a third way meanders north. In the middle of the square, leaning slightly, is a badly weathered wooden statue of a warrior clutching a spear and shield.Climate
Affected by Mount Hotenow
Natural Resources
Thick woods and woodland area surrounding abandoned settlement.
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
RUINED SETTLEMENT
1451
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Comments