Fortune's Forest (fôrCHən's fôrəst)
Covering half of Eldinien, Fortune's Forest is one of the empire's most utilized resource with lumber production. Woodhauls make their way hauling piles of lumber from McScrute's Timber Mill, through the King's Road from Ammerdon Outpost north of the forest, to Brynharde on the outskirts south of the forest. Between the Brynharde Patrol, the woodhauls, adventurers travelling, and merchant carriages, the King's Road is fairly busy during the day, but during the night few travel due to fear of being robbed or attacked by a creature of the night. A few villages are scattered along the way, with the residents keeping mostly to themselves in the forest.
King's Road
| Stretching into the horizen, the wide compacted dirt road known as the King's Road is the only road that runs through Fortune's Forest. An ocassional squirrel or rodent runs across as birds can be heard chirping further in the woods, and the smell of pine and fir cling to the air. |
The King's Road is a compacted dirt trail leading from Ammerdon Outpost to Brynharde, with a fork in between going around Shimmering Mountain before joining up again. The road includes two temples, multiple small farms and ranches, three towns, and the ruins of Az'Kalee's Tower along the journey. The road is patrolled by the Brynharde Patrol during the day, with the patrol going clockwise around the mountain. It takes one week for the patrol to make it's way from Brynharde to Ammerdon Outpost and back, with a day's stay in the town.
The road is also busy during the day from woodhauls, merchants, peddlers, adventurers, travellers, various other folk. During the night those wishing to stay away from danger and violence tend to hide off the road within the woods somewhere. During the night, creatures are more liable to enter the road, while wrong doers also go about their business.
Ammerdon Outpost
A trading town north of the forest, Ammerdon Outpost is the only safe way of travel into the Xios continent. With the NGX luring adventurers, along with McScrute's Timber Mill exporting lumber and Vindelle's Berries attracting travellers, the town is quite the busy place.
Stiltsburrough
| Travelling up the King's Road, an open field appears ahead with a single building surrounded by various market stands. A placard hanging over the door reads "Stiltsburrough's Rest", and a stable sits beside the inn. |
The small village of Stiltsburrough is a day's travel away from Ammerdon Outpost, and is more of campground than a village. The locals gather around during the day from distant cottages to provide goods and service from market stands, and an inn for travelers to stay is the only solid building around. A small open field allows adventurers or travellers without coin to spend the night if they choose, but no protection is offered.
Batendale
| The sound of metal on stone can be heard as you approach a fair size town filled with wooden adobes. The chaotic organization of houses placed everywhere and small shops scattered in between are hard to organize, and the only thing discernable is the merchant square filled with market stands and carriages. |
A prospering mining town, Batendale has been digging into the Spine of Xios to make profit and provide for the town. The majority of the population are miners or explorers looking to go within the mines hoping for loot. There is a merchant square set up for the town to get most of its needs, as well as a few ranches.
Almsville
| A quiet peaceful looking village within a meadow, the thatched roof houses made of red clay and stone are placed neatly beside each other in organized rows with white picket fences and well kept yards. The local inn reading "The Arbor's Branch" has a welcoming look about it, as the locals smile warmly at passing travellers. |
A small town located near the ruins of Az'Kalee's Tower, Almsville is a quaint town with little to offer besides an inn for travellers to stay, and a few artisans to help with tattered and worn gear. Most of the locals are either farmers or hunters, with a few artisans to deal with the odds and ends of the village.
Factions & Guilds
Fortune's Eyes Guild (FED) - Not much is known about the members of Fortune's Eyes, other than the fact that they deal with the black market, and they are notorious for their powerful divination magic. There is a saying behind Fortune's Eyes, "See the eyes twice, you're caught in their vice". They only reveal themselves if they want to, and nobody knows the location of their guild except the members. Nobody wants to talk about the guild, at least not in public, lest the eyes catch them talking ill of the guild. See Fortune's Eyes for more information.Kingdom of Eldinien (KoE) - The Kingdom of Eldinien faction has little to no interaction with Fortune's Forest, but has deep ties with the Grand City of Brynehard. The NGX goes through the KoE ambassador in Brynharde, who calls upon the Lord of Brynharde should the need arise. None of the KoE faction has step foot within Fortune's Forest since the last war ended 50 years ago. See Kingdom of Eldinien for more information.
Geography
Fortune's Forest is a coniferous forest with patches of sunlight passing through the scattered trees. The flattened dirt road is on even ground, with a combination of flat terrain and rolling hills throughout. To the west lies the Sea of Calamity, and Turtle Lake occupies the east side. The King's Road travels through the forest, forking off and connecting again after wrapping around Shimmering Mountain. The Fountain of Eldath is a famous waterfall that is said to have magical properties, but a magical barrier makes it hard to find.
Shimmering Mountain. Known for it's legend of hosting the ancient gold dragon Glimzvordhmir, this tall mountain's peak can be seen from the far edges of the Eldinien Highland.
Fountain of Eldath. Hidden within the forest lies a grand waterfall known as the Fountain of Eldath. Travelers who claimed to have found the waterfall have proclaimed that they have been blessed by the goddess Eldath herself, along with a prophecy to fulfill.
Natural Landmarks
Shimmering Mountain. Known for it's legend of hosting the ancient gold dragon Glimzvordhmir, this tall mountain's peak can be seen from the far edges of the Eldinien Highland.
Fountain of Eldath. Hidden within the forest lies a grand waterfall known as the Fountain of Eldath. Travelers who claimed to have found the waterfall have proclaimed that they have been blessed by the goddess Eldath herself, along with a prophecy to fulfill.
Fauna & Flora
Fortune's Forest is home to an abundant of food sources, from wildlife to the plants that grow all around. One who is well versed in exploring the forest will have no trouble finding and providing meals and drink for themselves and their party, but that does not mean that it will not go uncontested. The forest can also hide dangers such as bandits, predatory beasts, and other encounters that may be fatal to the unprepared traveler. Listed below are some of the plants and meats you can find throughout the forest.
Uncommon Creatures - alseids, axe beaks, centaurs, dire wolves, eagles, ettercaps, faerie dragons, giant badgers, giant boars, giant elk, giant spiders, giant wolf spiders, pixies, satyrs, sprites
Rare Creatures - ala, blood hawks, children of the briar, crimson drakes, dryads, duskthrob dryads, displacer beasts, elementals, giant eagles, phase spiders, treants, unicorns
Uncommon Flora - stonefruit, watermelons, wild peppers
Rare Flora - healing herbs, fortune's bloom, moonflowers
Fauna
Common Creatures - ankhegs, awakened shrubs, awakened trees, badgers, bats, bears, blights, boars, deer, elk, frogs, fungi, horses, owls, rats, ravens, spiders, wolvesUncommon Creatures - alseids, axe beaks, centaurs, dire wolves, eagles, ettercaps, faerie dragons, giant badgers, giant boars, giant elk, giant spiders, giant wolf spiders, pixies, satyrs, sprites
Rare Creatures - ala, blood hawks, children of the briar, crimson drakes, dryads, duskthrob dryads, displacer beasts, elementals, giant eagles, phase spiders, treants, unicorns
Flora
Common Flora - acorns, berries, herbs & spices, mushrooms, wild rootsUncommon Flora - stonefruit, watermelons, wild peppers
Rare Flora - healing herbs, fortune's bloom, moonflowers
Natural Resources
Water
Turtle Lake provides fresh water for Fortune's Forest, with rivers and underground springs reaching out to the Sea of Calamity.Timber
With the forest abundant in coniferous trees, there is always a supply of timber provided by the Scrute Timbers company. Almost all of Eldinien's timber comes from Fortune's Forest, and you'll see wagons carrying loads all the way to Dumbeldeen in the Eyeless Desert.Minerals
The Spine of Xios provides an abundant source of mineral deposits that include Æther ore, platinum, gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Although only a small portion of the mountains are in Fortune's Forest, the Batendale Mines take full advantage of what they can get.Agriculture
Due to the salt from the sea, the acidity from the trees, and the rocky mountain on the border, Fortune's Forest gets most of its grains and vegetables from outside sources. The main source of local food would be the fauna that is hunted in the forest, and there are a few farmers who breed livestock for food. There is an unusual variety of berries known as vind berries (discovered by Crom Vindelle) that tends to only grow in Fortune's Forest soil that makes an excellent quality of wine.History
Cradle of Elysium
Now known as Fortune's Forest, the Cradle of Elysium once wrapped around the entire coastline of Xios. It was a piece of Elysium brought from the outer planes for all to enjoy, but over time the forest was consumed by mortal needs. For over three hundred years the forest has been exploited, until only a fraction of what it once was. Now the magic it once held is hanging on by a thread, trying to keep what ties it has with Elysium.Fountain of Eldath
A grand waterfall in the middle of Fortune's Forest, the Fountain of Eldath has been around since the creation of Xios. A natural gateway for Eldath to travel between Elysium and Xios, the portal has all but been sealed due to the lack of magical link between the forest and Elysium. With a magical barrier preventing all but the most strong willed of creatures from going through, the waterfall has become elusive to almost all of Xios.Shimmering Mountain
Glimzvordhmir was a young gold dragon growing up watching the creation of Xios. Eldath saw the dragon watching from a distance, and when the land was done offered him a place in her land. A mountain rose in the Cradle of Eldath as a nest for Glimzvordhmir, and the mountain was named Shimmering Mountain. Between dwarves, goblins, gnomes, kobolds, and every other creature that was capable of digging trying to find the treasure of Glimzvordhmir, the mountain became riddled with tunnels that host hostile creatures, have booby traps, and lead to collapsed dead ends.Turtle Lake
The famous Turtle Lake has been known to provide freshwater to almost all the west half of Xios. The rain collected from the lake runs through a course of rivers before leading into the Sea of Calamity. There is an old legend that says an ancient giant turtle provides the lake with fresh water through its magic, one of Eldath's avatars providing the land with nutrients.Ammerdorinian
A once thriving city of Eldinien reduced to rubble, the mystery of what happened to Ammerdorinian still remains. Some believe that it was the result of them finding out too much about the Order of Eldath, while others speculate it was the aboleth from the Sea of Calamity coming to claim its territory. Whatever the reason, the ruins now lay about as Ammerdon Outpost builts from where the once grand city stood.Az'Kalee's Tower
Once a renowned wizard of Eldinien, Eldwin Az'Kalee had a grand tower built in Fortune's Forest as a research outpost. The research conducted there created wondrous things for Eldiniens before the time of calamities using clockwork technology, from flying machines to clockwork sentries and watches. Because his inventions were infused with magic, the Æther atmosphere rendered all of his inventions useless, and nowadays you'll see ancient trinkets with the Az'Kalee engraving being used as collectables or museum pieces.Rumors & Legends
Eldath's Avatar
Though the waterfall known as the Fountain of Eldath may appear like any typical geographic landmark, there have been stories of those who have seen an avatar of Eldath, Goddess of Peace in the form of a giant stone golem shaped in her image. The story is those who reach the waterfall and have the heart of a hero are graced with the avatar and blessed by the goddess. A *prophecy is recited to them, but the sheer omnipotence of the avatar rendered their memory of such a thing useless. Perhaps one day a hero with enough tenacity and resolve will be able to recall the prophecy."Legends say that those with the resolve of a hero are able to see Eldath's avatar at the Fountain of Eldath. Oh what I wouldn't give to see a glimpse of her beauty, it would be the chance of a lifetime!"
- Belle, daughter of Gaston Bijhobee
* refer to The Great Circle Prophecy for more details.
Fortune's Eyes
Everyone in Xios has heard about the elusive Fortune's Eyes faction, but very little is known about them. Some say they're nomads who wonder from land to land in order to be kept secret, while others say they have a secret base hidden within Fortune's Forest. Regardless of the case, a member of the Eyes will only be seen if they want to be seen, and associating with them has been said to be the equivalent of making a deal with the devil."I once saw a member of Fortune's Eye. They jumped from shadow to shadow never making a sound, the next thing I know I have a knife underneath my chin inching towards my neck. If they need to kill, they certainly can, but I ain't never heard of them doing murder, only reconnaissance and information exchance."
- guardsman of Brynharde
The Treasure of Shimmering Mountain
Shimmering Mountain is one of the main attractions of Ammerdon, tempting adventurers all over the world to try and claim the grand treasure rumored to be near the top. Locals farmers complain about their livestock missing despite having precautions against wolves and other predators. A local traveler will come into town now and again ranting on about claiming to see the fabled ancient golden dragon flying above the peak of the mountain."If I didn't sees it with my own two eyeballs, I'dve never believed it! But what else do you know has wings the size of a village? I'm telling you it's gonna come after us and kill us all!"
- ranting traveler along King's Road
Legend of the Andrenjinyi
Upon many of the artifacts recovered from the Ruins of Az'Kalee was his journal which he kept records of various experiments and expeditions. One of these expeditions led him to encounter an andrenjinyi within Fortune's Forest. The entry suggests that he made an exchange with it in order to aid his research, and that was the last entry found within the journal. Theories were speculated about how the andrenjinyi might have killed the wizard for intruding, and that to this day it still lurks somewhere within the forest."I've been in these woods for quite sometime, and I ain't never come across no giant snake, especially not one that glitters that's for sure."
- local hunter of Ammerdon
"You're heading out into Fortune's Forest? I would advise you keep to the King's Road, unless you're looking for a death wish from the dangers out there. Stick with us, and we'll get you through the forest safely."
Random Forest Encounters (Roll 1d20)
1. A flutter of butterflies floats in an open meadow. Any creature that attemps to pass through makes a Constitution saving throw DC10. A failed save makes the creature unable to tell whether an illusion is real or not for the next hour. The creature sees an illusion of a flock of cockatrices chasing after them. The illusions are treated as real to the creature, though there are no petrification effects. The butterflies disappear after one creature has failed the saving throw.
2. A Wisdom (Perception) check DC18 reveals the sound of a campfire in the distance. Upon arrival, the party notices two centaurs arguing over who's campfire this could be as they snuff out the fire. The campfire is poorly made with 3 ripped sleeping bags on the ground. The centaurs believe it to be the party's, and express their anger. The culprits are three young Tieflings hoping to be adventurers, hiding up in the trees.
3. The party hears a voice telepathically talking to them. A couatl is communicating with them to find out the intention of each adventurer. If the couatl is intrigued by the party's motivation, it will give them a secret or some advice about the quest they are on. If they are currently not on a quest, the couatl will inquire about their free time.
4. A Wisdom (Perception) check DC12 will reveal that the party is being stalked by a pack of wolves from a distance. The wolves will not come out to engage, and if the party attempts to get closer the pack will move further away, keeping their distance. They leave after an hour of following the party.
5. A campfire that seems to be abandoned can be seen in the distance. A trap has been rigged to capture any intruders with a net that springs upwards from the ground. The campfire belongs to an adventuring party currently off to fill their waterskins at a nearby river. There is a unique weapon with the brand name "Az'Kalee" engraved on it sitting next to the fire.
6. A random PC will be caught in a trap made by a dryad. The dryad will come out of her tree apologetic for the PC being caught. She'll explain the trap was meant for another pair of adventurers that have been going around setting fires to trees for fun. The dryad has lived in these trees for decades, and wishes for the adventurers to be stopped.
7. A Wisdom (Survival) check DC12 reveals a set of large footprints, followed by several medium footprints. The footprints lead to a group of hunters getting ready to trap a displacer beast hoping to sell it for a high price in the black market. The displacer beast has a collar with a tag on it that says "Percy, property of Brux"
8. A small twister suddenly begins to form within the forest. A Wisdom (Arcana) check DC12 reveals the formation of an air elemental, but the process is not quite complete yet. A Wisdom (Perception) check DC18 reveals 3 Fortune's Eyes members hiding in the folliage attempting to capture the air elemental at the right moment. The members will not engage the PCs, and will flee if pursued, but will remember the PCs faces for sabotaging their capture.
9. The road ahead seems to have strands of webbing scattered around the ground, along with an overturned carriage and trails of blood leading into the woods. The trail of blood dies off into the bushes, and the carriage seems has already been looted by someone previously.
10. The PCs suddenly smell a sweet aroma and make a Wisdom saving throw DC15. A failed results in the PC falling succumb to a stupor spell that lasts up to an hour. A faerie dragon familiar is hiding in the trees spraying a stupor gas to any incoming adventurer. His master, a satyr in posession of a barrel of ale, is looking for a party to drink with, and is hoping his familiar will bring him guests.
11. A massive group of fungi has taken hold of a single tree within the forest. Eliminating the fungi reveals the tree to be a treant who thanks you for ridding of the pesky fungi on it. The treant rewards the party each with a goodberry.
12-13. A flock of fauna found in the forest are found frollicking about. A group of hunters stalks them getting ready to make their attack. A Wisdom (Perception) DC15 reveals a level 6 human male Druid within the flock ready to protect them from any hunters.
14. A Wisdom (Perception) DC10 reveals a giant bear with three cubs wondering about in the forest looking for berries. The giant bear is able to communicate telepathically with Brux FateSeer, and they keep in touch about anything of interest.
15. The remains of what appears to be a woodhaul are scattered about the road. An Intelligence (Investigation) DC 12 reveals large claw marks on parts of the vehicle belonging to an owlbear. There are no traces of a worker in sight.
16. The party is being watched by a small group of pixies. They will flee if engaged, but will throw their voices with minor illusion attempting to lure the party back out of the forest. If the pixies are discovered, they will be impressed with the party's skills and inquire as to the party's destination. The pixies will help if able until there is any sign of danger or another party in sight, and will flee in fear of discovery. If a PC says "thank you" to a pixie, a verbal contract will be made where the PC becomes the owner of the pixie, who becomes a familiar. This is seen as taboo by the other pixies.
17 The sound of a wounded animal can be heard in the distance. The sound is coming from a crimson drake mimicing a wounded animal in attempt to catch its prey. The crimson drake is hiding within a tree and can be found with a Wisdom (Perception) DC16.
18. The party comes across a pond that faintly glows different shades of colors. A Wisdom (Arcana) DC15 reveals this pond to have been recently effected by the magic of a unicorn. Drinking a flask of the water restores HP to full, and the water is able to be stored for up to an hour before the effect ends.
19. The party discovers a campfire in the distance. A Wisdom (Perception) DC15 reveals a group of sprites about to ambush a gnoll raiding party currently asleep at the campfire.
It does not appear like the sprites are going to succeed.
20. A small grove opens up within the woods allowing ample sunslight (or moonlight) to shine through. A group of druids with dryads, centaurs, giant fauna, and one unicorn are around a runic circle on the ground with a 10ft radius. The circle is writen in druidic that says "Return to Nature" over and over, and the runes are glowing blue. Allowing the ritual to complete fills the grove with awakened trees and treants that begin to spread into the forest helping other trees and folliage grow.
- Torval H., lieutenant of Brynharde Patrol
Type
Forest, Boreal (Coniferous)
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Related Plots
Random Forest Encounters (Roll 1d20)
1. A flutter of butterflies floats in an open meadow. Any creature that attemps to pass through makes a Constitution saving throw DC10. A failed save makes the creature unable to tell whether an illusion is real or not for the next hour. The creature sees an illusion of a flock of cockatrices chasing after them. The illusions are treated as real to the creature, though there are no petrification effects. The butterflies disappear after one creature has failed the saving throw.
2. A Wisdom (Perception) check DC18 reveals the sound of a campfire in the distance. Upon arrival, the party notices two centaurs arguing over who's campfire this could be as they snuff out the fire. The campfire is poorly made with 3 ripped sleeping bags on the ground. The centaurs believe it to be the party's, and express their anger. The culprits are three young Tieflings hoping to be adventurers, hiding up in the trees.
3. The party hears a voice telepathically talking to them. A couatl is communicating with them to find out the intention of each adventurer. If the couatl is intrigued by the party's motivation, it will give them a secret or some advice about the quest they are on. If they are currently not on a quest, the couatl will inquire about their free time.
4. A Wisdom (Perception) check DC12 will reveal that the party is being stalked by a pack of wolves from a distance. The wolves will not come out to engage, and if the party attempts to get closer the pack will move further away, keeping their distance. They leave after an hour of following the party.
5. A campfire that seems to be abandoned can be seen in the distance. A trap has been rigged to capture any intruders with a net that springs upwards from the ground. The campfire belongs to an adventuring party currently off to fill their waterskins at a nearby river. There is a unique weapon with the brand name "Az'Kalee" engraved on it sitting next to the fire.
6. A random PC will be caught in a trap made by a dryad. The dryad will come out of her tree apologetic for the PC being caught. She'll explain the trap was meant for another pair of adventurers that have been going around setting fires to trees for fun. The dryad has lived in these trees for decades, and wishes for the adventurers to be stopped.
7. A Wisdom (Survival) check DC12 reveals a set of large footprints, followed by several medium footprints. The footprints lead to a group of hunters getting ready to trap a displacer beast hoping to sell it for a high price in the black market. The displacer beast has a collar with a tag on it that says "Percy, property of Brux"
8. A small twister suddenly begins to form within the forest. A Wisdom (Arcana) check DC12 reveals the formation of an air elemental, but the process is not quite complete yet. A Wisdom (Perception) check DC18 reveals 3 Fortune's Eyes members hiding in the folliage attempting to capture the air elemental at the right moment. The members will not engage the PCs, and will flee if pursued, but will remember the PCs faces for sabotaging their capture.
9. The road ahead seems to have strands of webbing scattered around the ground, along with an overturned carriage and trails of blood leading into the woods. The trail of blood dies off into the bushes, and the carriage seems has already been looted by someone previously.
10. The PCs suddenly smell a sweet aroma and make a Wisdom saving throw DC15. A failed results in the PC falling succumb to a stupor spell that lasts up to an hour. A faerie dragon familiar is hiding in the trees spraying a stupor gas to any incoming adventurer. His master, a satyr in posession of a barrel of ale, is looking for a party to drink with, and is hoping his familiar will bring him guests.
11. A massive group of fungi has taken hold of a single tree within the forest. Eliminating the fungi reveals the tree to be a treant who thanks you for ridding of the pesky fungi on it. The treant rewards the party each with a goodberry.
12-13. A flock of fauna found in the forest are found frollicking about. A group of hunters stalks them getting ready to make their attack. A Wisdom (Perception) DC15 reveals a level 6 human male Druid within the flock ready to protect them from any hunters.
14. A Wisdom (Perception) DC10 reveals a giant bear with three cubs wondering about in the forest looking for berries. The giant bear is able to communicate telepathically with Brux FateSeer, and they keep in touch about anything of interest.
15. The remains of what appears to be a woodhaul are scattered about the road. An Intelligence (Investigation) DC 12 reveals large claw marks on parts of the vehicle belonging to an owlbear. There are no traces of a worker in sight.
16. The party is being watched by a small group of pixies. They will flee if engaged, but will throw their voices with minor illusion attempting to lure the party back out of the forest. If the pixies are discovered, they will be impressed with the party's skills and inquire as to the party's destination. The pixies will help if able until there is any sign of danger or another party in sight, and will flee in fear of discovery. If a PC says "thank you" to a pixie, a verbal contract will be made where the PC becomes the owner of the pixie, who becomes a familiar. This is seen as taboo by the other pixies.
17 The sound of a wounded animal can be heard in the distance. The sound is coming from a crimson drake mimicing a wounded animal in attempt to catch its prey. The crimson drake is hiding within a tree and can be found with a Wisdom (Perception) DC16.
18. The party comes across a pond that faintly glows different shades of colors. A Wisdom (Arcana) DC15 reveals this pond to have been recently effected by the magic of a unicorn. Drinking a flask of the water restores HP to full, and the water is able to be stored for up to an hour before the effect ends.
19. The party discovers a campfire in the distance. A Wisdom (Perception) DC15 reveals a group of sprites about to ambush a gnoll raiding party currently asleep at the campfire.
It does not appear like the sprites are going to succeed.
20. A small grove opens up within the woods allowing ample sunslight (or moonlight) to shine through. A group of druids with dryads, centaurs, giant fauna, and one unicorn are around a runic circle on the ground with a 10ft radius. The circle is writen in druidic that says "Return to Nature" over and over, and the runes are glowing blue. Allowing the ritual to complete fills the grove with awakened trees and treants that begin to spread into the forest helping other trees and folliage grow.
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