Forbidden Woods Region

The Forbidden Woods is a remnant of ancient times, where magic flowed through the very air of the continent that would become Covaveil. Ancient magic weilded by the fey here is potent and powerful. Many myths and legends have found their way out of the forest. Travelers who survive their journey through the woods tell of monsters, and magical beings. Some return with minds so rattled that they claim they had met Kaine, the God of the Hunt, or Fang, the God of Beasts.

Those that call the forest home are often seperated from the outside world. Most news comes in from the King's Garden in the City of Ruin, or from Feygrove in Covaguard. Historically, only fey related creatures have been able to enter and leave the woods freely–only those who do not have fey blood may have their mind altered or changed when they leave, or may never return.

No explorerers or cartographers have ever been able to map the forest. It is advised to not go into the forest at all.

Those within the Forbidden Woods did not participate in the Stellaris War. After the war, they were accused of harboring Rasha's inner circle, and the Ruin Rangers threatened to torch King's Garden in the City of Ruin, and the Forbidden Woods themselves.

Geography

Flora

The flora and plantlife with the forest is completely unique to itself, and the biome is found no where else on the continent. Those that have tried to propagate the flora outside of the region have failed–not even the most powerful druids can force the plants to grow elsewhere. The region has various unique trees and flowers. While many things are edible, and have intresting effects, it is ill-advised to try anything within the region out of caution for one's health, and bodily autonomy.

Ancient Spiritoak

Most famous of the trees is the Ancient Spiritoak. Outside of the region, massive stumps and root networks have been found where these trees used to exist in a long distant past. Now these magical trees only grow in the Forbidden Woods. Scraping the thin bark from the branches, and drying out the strips like one would dry cinnamon creates a spice that reminds those that consume it of a dessert from their childhood. This spice is often used at Faerie's Treat in Covaguard to enhance the flavors of their baked goods. The spice can also be mixed with medicinal herbs and inhaled with smoke to create a hallucinogenic effect. When brewed in water it releases a pain relieving property similar to opioids. Wisps, fey lights, and other glowing creatures are attracted to these trees.

Wispflowers

Wispflowers are rare within the Forbidden Woods. These flowers have been possessed by a wisp, and often grow where remains have rotted away or been buried under the earth. They glow various shades of light blue. These flowers are incredibly poisonous despite their addicting and nostalgic scent.

Fauna

Some of the continents most magical, powerful, and rare creatures find their home here. Many endagered species that are found no where else in the world hide within these woods. The trade of Forbidden Woods fauna is illegal in all parts of Covaveil, but that hasn't stopped poachers and so-called beast-tamers. Most famous are the Feycrow, Vulpis, Hummingmice, Displacer Beast, Owlbear, Faerie Dragon, Pseudodragon, Dire Wolf, and Shadow Mastiff. All are hunted by the Hunter King.

Feycrow

Feycrows are little sparrow sized corvids. They often resemble their larger counterparts, crows, but they have patterns that resemble magpies, raven, and other corvids. They are incredibly intelligent. They eat little flowers and nuts that litter the forest floor. They are often sought after by animal collectors. These little corvids can be befriended. Some say that if one feeds a feycrow, they will lead you out of the Forbidden Woods. However, there is inconclusive evidence and contradicting stories about them to be certain.

Vulpis

A fox which has grown the wings of a bird. Travelers have often said they can hear their playful yelling echo through the forest. They often hunt Feycrows and Hummingmice. Hunters often head into the woods to try and claim their feathers and pelts...few return.

Hummingmice

Hummingmice are cute little iridescent feathered creatures which feed on the nectar of flowers and fruits. They zip through the air and make little squeaking noises when they are happy. Their main predator is the sly Vulpis. They are often pets for young fey in the Fey City.

Full Creature List:

Barghest
Black Bear
Blink Dog
Blood Hawk
Boggle
Brown Bear
Constrictor Snake
Corpse Flower
Darkling
Dire Wolf
Displacer Beast
Drider
Dryad
Eidolon
Elk
Ettercap
Faerie Dragon
Flail Snail
Flying Snake
Ghost
Giant Spiders
Giant Weasel
Giant Badger
Griffon
Guard drake
Harpy
Hippogriff
Invisible Stalker
Jackalwere
Kenku
Lycanthropes
Meelock
Nagpa
Needle Blight
Owlbear
Panthers
Tigers
Pixie Boar
Pseudodragon
Quickling
Shadow Mastiff
Sprite
Stirge
Vine Blight
Wood Woad
Worg

Demographics

The Forbidden Woods is home to a diverse population, with approximately 65% of its inhabitants belonging to the Fey and 35% being Humanoids. Species such as Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Eladrin, and Aasimar are entirely absent from the demographic breakdown of the region.

Fey Population (65%)

The Fey make up the majority of the population, their presence deeply intertwined with the Woods’ natural magic. Among them:

Fairies (50%) – The ruling species of the forest. They control all, and only they are allowed within the Fey Court.
Satyrs (25%) – Joyous revelers and intermediaries, they form tight-knit communities within the forest.
Centaurs (20%) – Beings of the Beast, they are only welcome here if they wish to fall under the Hunt's gaze, becoming the hunter instead of the hunted.
Changelings (5%) – Most changelings exist outside of the Forbidden Woods. The children they replace make up about 50% of the humanoid population for the forest.

Humanoid Population (35%)

The Forest's Humanoid inhabitants are highly varied, with no presence of Humans, Elves (drow, eladrin high, and wood elves), Dwarves, or Aasimar. Of this percentage, 50% are a result of a changeling switch. Among the most notable groups are:

Minotaurs (18%)
Yuan-ti (17%)
Kenku (12%)
Tabaxi (10%)
Aarakocra (9%)
Bugbear (8%)
Firbolg (7%)
Harengon (6%)
Kobold (5%)
Tiefling (4%)
Gnomes & Halflings (4%)

Other Inhabitants

There are scattered reports of devils and demons lurking within the Forbidden Woods, though their presence remains largely hidden.

Culture

The culture of the Forbidden Woods outside of the Fey City is all about survival. The cultural center of the Forbidden Woods is the Fey City. For more information, see article: Fey City.

Non-Fey beings are considered prey for the Hunter King and his band to track. This includes people, sentient, and non-sentient creatures.

Cities

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