Anland Forest

Located on the eastern side of Nylmthemar, Anland Forest stretches between the capital of Umyinaes and the city Kl Serin. Anland Forest was named after an ancient elven warrior who, legends tell, had resided within the forest for much of his life. Fabled archer Anland Arawynn was told to have regrown a large majority of the forest after a devastating natural disaster had torn the area apart. With the return of the trees and other flora, soon the animals returned, and then so did the people.

Under the watchful guidance of Anland, the forest's resources were used to build the beginning of what would later become the capital city, though it would not become that until centuries later. Once the legendary archer had passed from unrecorded causes, he was said to have been buried among the trees so that he may forever rest with the forest he'd cared for. Though the exact location of his grave is unknown, locals claim it to be the ground beneath the tallest tree. Naturally, locals also leave gifts yearly on the memorial of his death, and have named the tree Arawynn Ata, or Arawynn the Second.

Geography

Though placed between two sprawling coastlines, the forest comprises of very little area that would be considered tropical. Comprising of mostly coniferous species, Anland would likely align underneath the description of a boreal forest, though maples, oaks, and birch trees are still widely present. The closer to the sea, the more sparse the forest comes, until it eventually ceases altogether.

On the southwestern side of the forest lies a small mountain known simply as Amel Earon, Ally Mountain, as it resides so closely to Anland that the locals joke that they must be close friends. Just east of the mountain is a freshwater lake, Nympia Aear, that spans quite the distance. Small villages reside up and down this lake's shore as it is often regarded as the easiest place to gather fresh, unsalted water between cities. Of course, rivers, creeks, and streams do reside up and down the eastern side of the continent as well, but the themarian elves seem to be inexplicably drawn to the area.

Fauna & Flora

The nickname "Anfaug Aldarnost" does not come unprompted, as this forest is home to numerous packs of wolves. Of course, many other species of animals live within its boundaries as well, and plenty of them as large populations of prey species is necessary to maintain the wolves' hunger. It's rather difficult to stroll through Anland without encountering deer, elk, wild boars, or even some antelope species. In the more mountainous areas, rams and giant lizards can be found. The wolves aren't without competition, however, as many other predatory species reside within the forest. Bears, wildcats, and other canids often contest with the wolves for food. As for creatures of less impressive size, small rodents and avians are a constant throughout Anland. So are innumerable insect species. Reptiles and amphibians are quite common as well, and areas with water are full of fish.

Though, standard non-magical creatures aren't the only ones to call the area home. It's widely believed that the surplus of magical beings within Nylmthemar is one of the biggest reasons the elves have such an affinity with magic. As elves live so closely with nature, it is only fair to assume that they would also have a close connection to these beings. The exact number of magical species on the continent is largely unrecorded, though, according to the themarian elves, that is not due to a lack of presence.

Natural Resources

Obviously, as a forest, timber is readily available. Of course, the amount of wood allowed to be taken within a period is strongly regulated and controlled by the elves, especially due to the significance of the area. Though, as previously mentioned, trees are not the only thing is large supply within Anland.

Due to the high population of fish, the local villages often trade back and forth with the nearby capital city as the freshwater species are often in high demand in more coastal areas like Umyineas. They also are able to trade pelts, meats, and other such items from animals found within the forest. Magical items are also sourced often from Anland, though those sorts of trades usually do not involve the themarians, aside from regulations.

Alternative Name(s)

Anfaug Aldarnost

Type

Forest

Characters in Location

• Carric Naïlo