The Sapphire Forest

The forest extends around 25,000 square km (~8,500 square miles) from the Westenra Valley in the north to the city of Nol Molduhr in the south. It covers both sides of the continent's cliffs that meet the ocean. Blocking most of the northern treeline is a small mountain range. There are small pathways through the mountains, but they are rarely traversed thanks to the native's defense points. Sapphire's Vein, the largest of the paths, is guarded by the Kingdom of Owenar through its military settlement, Fort Edgewick. From the mountain peaks, you can see a vast field of sapphire-colored leaves from end to end. Covering the entire landscape, one can only see what lies below. A vast network of animal life, hills, and vegetation is supplied by groundwater that flows in small waterways. The density of the forest makes travel difficult unless one knows the pathways. The trees remain close, cutting off space for outward movements. The majority of the forest after traversing the mountains is formed on flat land and very little elevation.

The Sapphire Forest is a lush and vibrant ecosystem characterized by its striking blue-hued flora and a diverse array of wildlife. The unique color of the vegetation, often attributed to a specific type of magically fire-resistant bioluminescent algae, Sapphire Algae, and the mineral content in the soil, creates a stunning landscape. The trees' canopy fully covers the sky, darkening the environment below, where only sheens of sunlight have managed to break through. This algae offers unique health benefits for various afflictions, including viral infections and pulmonary treatments, but it is considered challenging to dose due to the potential toxicity of Sapphire Algae. Too much of it can lead to a condition known as the Sapphire Blood Disease, where the victim's blood is slowly replaced with the algae. Most cases are permanent, as treatment involves replacing the entire blood supply. Apart from its aesthetic and medicinal value, its fire-resistant fluids repel fire to the point that it can fight forest fires.   Semi-deciduous trees, known simply as Sapphire Oaks, dominate the region's vegetation with this algae. The substance naturally seeks photosynthetic environments to sustain itself. The algae trapped below the branches on other foliage use the trees in a symbiotic relationship. The orchids specifically use this symbiosis to grow rich fruits like Blueberries and Viera Apples, which are consumed by the wildlife and the natives. The Serros Ferns contain earthy spices in their roots, commonly used in cooking for savory tastes. The Sapphire Algae channels sunlight to any other algae connected to it, allowing those below to photosynthesize without direct light, illuminating the dark forest with its beautiful, faint blue glow. Despite the Algae glowing most in the area below, many parts of the region are shrouded in darkness by concentrated battles and attacks. Due to the long growth period of the algae, the dark places become their own ecosystem for centuries. The most illuminated areas of the forest are where water is most concentrated. The pressure built from the groundwater spurts from the trees roots to create small ponds of drinkable water. Insects like Western Beetles, Dragonflies, and Ashworms sustain themselves in water and dark environments. They regularly absorb the algae, which is channeled into their blood. Their vast numbers give them an advantage against those of the higher food chain.     Due to the immense collection of Sapphire Algae, the wildlife have indulged in its nutrients through both vegetarian and carnivorous consumption. The local Westenra Deer consume so much of the foliage that they have become immune to its toxicity. The tips of their horns and eyes emit the same glow as the algae, giving them a distinct appearance. As a result, their features are sought after by poachers for their rare value and potential medicinal use. They serve essential roles in the ecosystems as their skill in traversing enormous obstacles helps them migrate and spread plant seeds through excrementation. The Sapphire Squirrels burrow deep in the trees to create nests. Their fur, covered in algae, gives off a subtle hue that serves as both a nutrient source and camouflage from predators. Their claws dig through the bark, allowing the roots of plants to easily traverse upwards. The forest birds, like the Blue Jay, the Salted-Beak Sparrow, and the Grey Raven, build their nests above the branches, closer to sunlight, while they scavenge for half-consumed fruits left over by others. The Blue jay is remarkably fast in flight, reaching speeds as high as 112 Kph (70 Mph). Using their speed to traverse vast distances above the treeline. The Salted-Beak Sparrow, who migrated from the Saline Sea Isles, can go even faster using their precise aerodynamic bodies to carry wind speeds up to 200 kph (124 Mph). Both birds use their speed to spread their nests, drop seeds more openly, and scatter the Sapphire Algae through dusting.   The Grey Raven is the most particular among them. Their feathers can magically blend in with the algae to quietly observe activity in the forest for easier scavenging of vegetables and animal carcasses. For all of these creatures, such scavenging, hiding, and movement are essential to protect them from the predators of the forest. Standing as a strong blancer of the ecosystem are the Sapphire Leaf Rangers. A collective of Humans and Harengon who hone their skills hunting prey and predator. Their numbers are unknown, but it is possibly somewhere in the hundreds of thousands. Their professional skills and knowledge protect the forest from invaders and maintain the ecosystem's delicate balance. They ensure their survival from imminent danger by building their encampments in hidden sections of the forest. Using the materials of the forest itself in their innovation. Their consumption of wildlife is microdosed with algae to help them filter the toxins. Ranging from social animals interacting with the natives to dangerous and wild creatures whose lethality is matched by their intellect.   Among the carnivorous species, the sapphire fox is the friendliest. Its feet are covered in Sapphire Alage from climbing the terrain, and its glowing blue eyes are from their prey. Its quick speed and climbing ability allow it to catch even the fastest flying birds. As highly sociable animals, they've become companions to the Harengon, who watched over the forests long before Humans came to Westenra. On the more deadlier side of the food chain is the forest bear, which regularly consumes fruits from the local orchids but has been known to attack other animals for food. They usually move in packs to protect their offspring from the more dangerous predators such as the moonlight wolves and the pale panthers. The moonlight wolves are natural climbers who migrate from all over the continent but are more commonly found in the Sapphire Forest. They are intelligent hunters who can signal attacks for their pack to better catch their prey off-guard. They can be seen traversing the mountain range in the north or moving silently through the darker parts of the forest. However, even in packs, they take great caution in the more enclosed regions where the blue light hardly illuminates. This is because the Pale Panters is their place of habitat. Independent hunters whose fangs and claws are sharp enough to cut through steel. They depend on darkness as they are highly sensitive to the light of Sapphire Algae. Their namesake is due to their pale white fur from lack of sunlight and lifeless black eyes that see in the dark. Given how little wildlife enters those dark regions, they have been known to hunt even neighboring offsprings of their species to survive. Even the natives take extreme caution when entering their habitats as their violent lifestyle makes them formidable and cold-blooded predators. The hunting of these predators is given a right of passage for the Sapphire Leaf Rangers as a title of skill and instinct. Another predator is the sonic spiders, who roam the forest but nest in the darker regions. These large spiders hunt small prey such as birds. They omit a sonic emitter that can imitate the sounds of others to lure prey and scare away predators. The apex predator of the forest is its original protectors, the Sapphire Dragons. They are rare and cannot reproduce, possibly being 11 left in the world, but sightings have been seen of them roaming the woods looking for an invader. The First-Born created these large bioluminescent sentries to act hostile towards any creature that harms the Sapphire Oak Trees. They are known to act hostile even to the Rangers who seek the same goal. Only the most heroic Rangers have been heard of taming the dragons. Despite their robotic nature, they possess a consciousness level similar to that of animals, enabling Beast Bond with the creature. They naturally, but slowly, secrete the Sapphire Alage that spawned the forest's ecosystem.

The Sapphire Forest boasts a distinct and enchanting climate, showcasing the fantasy elements that shape its surroundings. Unlike standard subtropical forests, this area is constantly illuminated by a soft, otherworldly glow from the abundant Sapphire Algae. This magical algae clings to the vegetation, casting a cool, blue bioluminescence that turns the undergrowth into a realm of eternal twilight. The solid blue canopy acts as a dense roof, enhancing this dim yet radiant atmosphere by filtering direct sunlight, thus creating a world filled with shadows and flickering light.   The climate of the Sapphire Forest is marked by steady warmth and high humidity. The thick canopy captures heat and moisture, creating an almost palpable heaviness in the air. The aquatic Sapphire Algae further intensifies this humidity by releasing water vapor, ensuring the forest remains consistently damp. Combined with the algae's fire resistance, forest fires are easily subdued. Filtered through the blue canopy, rainfall is frequent and soft, resembling a gentle drizzle rather than heavy downpours. The blue-tinted rain, aglow with the algae's light, amplifies the forest's surreal ambiance.   Nevertheless, the canopy harbors flaws. Damaged sections allow beams of direct sunlight to break through, producing striking contrasts between brightly lit glades and the dark shadowy areas where the algae's glow is the sole illumination. These microhabitats arise from the differing levels of light and moisture, creating distinct ecosystems within the forest. Conversely, shady spots with an overly dense canopy or sparse algae can be cold and dark, forming perilous pockets within the woods. The air is filled with algae's damp, metallic scent mingled with the sweet, overpowering fragrance of exotic plants. The unique climate of the Sapphire Forest, blending subtropical warmth with enchanting light, nurtures a delicate, captivating, and potentially hazardous ecosystem.

Name	Type	Description
Westenra Deer	Herbivorous Mammal	Variant species with sapphire-colored fur that consumes algae-enriched plants.
Sapphire Squirrels	Rodent	Blue highlighted critters that consume plant seeds from orchards.
Blue Jay	Herbivorous Bird	Blue-feathered birds that fly below the tree canopy.
Salted-Beak Sparrow	Herbivorous Bird	Aerodynamic black-feathered birds that soar above the tree canopy. Originating from the Saline Sea Isles
Grey Raven	Omnivorous Bird	Camoflauging scavengers with grey feathers.
Sapphire Fox	Omnivorous Mammal	Domesticated white foxes with Sapphire coloring in their legs.
Forest Bear	Omnivorous Mammal	Brown fur bears are found in packs in illuminated habitats.
Moonlight Wolves	Carnivorous Mammal	Migrating ash-fur wolves who travel in moonlit hours.
Pale Panthers	Carnivorous Mammal	Dark-habitating feline predator with pale fur, fully-black eyes, and a sensitivity to light.
Sonic Spiders	Magical Insect	Sound-emitting spiders with enlarged features.
Sapphire Dragons	Biomechanical Dragon	Artificial magic dragons that emit Sapphire Algae with bioluminescence.
Western Beetles	Insect	Black Beetles that consume Serros Ferns.
Dragonflies	Insect	Flying insects with long bodies and pollinating capabilities.
Ashworms	Insect	Soil-enriching worms with ash-grey coloring.
Sapphire Ants	Insect	Glowing blue ants that burrow inside Sapphire Oaks.
Stick Bug	Insect	Camoflauging bugs that consume Sapphire Ants.
Glowing Snake	Reptile	Sapphire-colored snakes that swim the forest ponds.
Biting Turtle	Reptile	Green turtles that consume Sapphire Algae in bodies of water.
Sapphire Frog	Amphibian	Glowing frogs that reproduce in the algae-rich waters.
Glistening Salamanders	Amphibian	Salamanders that cover themselves in algae make a distinct blue glittering.

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Name	Type	Description
Sapphire Oaks	Semi-Deciduous Trees	Trees with Sapphire Algae in their leaves and bark lines.
Serros Ferns	Vascular Plant	Symbiotic plants with wet algae create an illuminating glow.
Sapphire Orchids	Flowering Plant	Sybiotically bound on tree branches to produce flowers, Viera Apples, and Blueberries.
Sapphire Algae	Magical Plant	The central plant life of the ecosystem grows, illuminates, recycles, and can be turned into medicine. Most of the forest life depends on this despite its potential toxicity.
Peace Lily	Flower	Delicate white flowers grow in the dark regions of the forest.
Blue Marigolds	Flower	Bluish-gold and lush flowers that grow in spaces of pure sunlight open in tree canopies.
Spider Grass	Flower	Spider-like plant that spreads quickly through the soil bed. The most common vegetation other than the trees.
Sapphire Hearts	Flower	Hanging vines on tree branches that grow beautiful heart-shaped buds that glow brilliantly.

During the Age of Ancients, the First-Born ruled all of Ixala as wardens to life itself. In their wisdom, they created the loyal Dragons who made their home in the continent of Westenra. Gifted with world-shaping magic, they created the Sapphire Forest and many other unique landscapes. To protect it from danger, the First-Born created biomechanical sentries with the features of a dragon. Through their creation, the forest began to spread the Sapphire Algae. Their sheer numbers made it possible to cover the entire forest within a century. When the Harengon arrived, they maintained a neutral silence to honor the Sentry Dragons' protection. Never interrupting their movements and avoiding any sign of hostility. In gratitude, the First-Brood taught them how to survive and bond with the animals.
  Before the onset of the Dark Ages, the Harengon people lived a state of tranquility on the hilly slopes of the Southern Valley. This peace was shattered by the arrival of the conquering Fuxenarian Empire, which laid claim to the shores of Westenra. Without the protection of their creator, Ahem, many Harengon were forced to flee south, crossing the mountain wall and seeking refuge in the vast, subtropical expanse of the Sapphire Forest. It was here, surrounded by the forest's glowing, blue beauty, that their new beginning was nearly brought to a tragic end. The imperials pursued them, and in a moment of protective instinct for the natural landscape, the Harengon refugees fought back, defending the forest as if it were their own. Unable to establish a foothold, the empire resorted to remote bombardments, leaving indelible scars on the forest and driving the refugees into despair. From this hopelessness, a leader emerged. Venodat, a Harengon who had lived in the forest long before the conflict, rallied the natives and trained them into a formidable force. United in the year 217 of the Dark Ages, they became the Ceruleans, a collective dedicated to hunting any threat to the forest and ensuring the survival of the blue algae. Venodat’s famous oath, "honor the hunt, sustain the blue," became their guiding principle. Her prowess in battling the imperials earned her such fame that she was chosen to lead the greater Fuxenarian Rebellion, which ultimately ended the empire's global reign. Before her departure, her final wish was for the Ceruleans to live by her words, restoring the blue to the scarred regions and allowing it to bloom once more.
  In the wake of the Fuxenarian Empire's defeat, the Ceruleans organized the forest's defenses and honed their unique skills, developing advanced surveying techniques, mastering the toxicity of the algae through microdosing, and studying the flora and fauna. However, a new threat to their sovereignty soon emerged. The human refugees who colonized the continent of Westenra had, especially after the empire's fall, begun expanding their territories in conflict with one another. An additional escalating danger was the conquering and pillaging of the Salted Steel Tribe. They proved to be a challenge to the harengon as they attacked from land and sea. Even so, they held their ground, being the only tribe in Westenra not occupied by the raiders. When the grip of the Salted Steel Tribe fell, the unity of the harengon in Southern Valley with the human refugees within it created a steady peace in the north. To the south, the dwarves of Ninthiad pursued their travel within the forest to survey and gather resources. They did not act on this with force, but with pestering and bartering. The Ceruleans did not enjoy the constant unwanted visits and random trades, but they took the most out of it through the importation of tools, weapons, and camping supplies.
  When the Kingdom of Owenar was first established, its founding king, Utheos Owenar, saw the Sapphire Forest as a key to his expansionist dreams. Knowing the Rangers were isolationists, he attempted to parley alone, but when he failed to convince them to join his kingdom, he regretfully ordered a campaign to lay siege to the forest. For three years, the Kingdom laid siege to the mountains bordering the Sapphire Forest, but each attempt was met with failure and high casualties. The Ceruleans, with the aid of Wyrm-Singer Ocutulan and the bonded sapphire dragon, Gorn, held their defenses. Realizing he would only cause further damage, King Utheos called for a truce, establishing an annual token of peace to be delivered to the Rangers. This tradition endures to this day as a reminder of the honorable peace that once existed between the two factions. The truce laid the groundwork for a growing relationship between the factions. Some humans who shared the Rangers' protective ethos were welcomed into their ranks. This led to a more neutral, trade-focused bond with the Kingdom of Owenar. The final, powerful symbol of this newfound unity came with the marriage of Queen Lauren Owenar and Ranger Theodore Spidersbane. While many alliances are born of political necessity, theirs was a genuine bond that began when Lauren, still a princess, met Theodore during an annual peace offering to the Ceruleans. Their romance blossomed over time, and their marriage in the year 77 after the Dark Ages served as a powerful symbol, solidifying the pact that binds the kingdom to the Ceruleans.
  Centuries later, ambition would once again threaten this peace. King Baron Owenar, a distant successor to King Utheos, sought to expand the kingdom's territory by force. When Parliament denied his proposals to annex the Tempete Archipel and Ninthiad, he refused to accept their decision. His ambitions, fueled by the sheer power of Owenarian weapons, led him to assemble his army to invade the dwarven bridge city of Nol Molduhr. The Sapphire Rangers, however, refused to allow the armies to pass through the forest, fearing the inevitable conflict would cause irreparable harm. King Baron's obsession with conquest intensified, and he ordered his forces to push through, earning him the name "Baron the Cruel Fool." Four months into this misguided campaign, Prince Beyl Owenar, the heir to the throne, staged a coup. In a final, tragic confrontation, he defeated his father in the throne room and ascended to power. Ending the reign of the ambitious monarch. The invasion's aftermath raised tensions between humans and dwarves, with reports of discrimination against dwarven travelers becoming common. In an act of atonement, King Beyl spent years in diplomatic efforts, exchanging metals and food, and eventually concluded a treaty with the Dwarven Clans & the Ceruleans.
  Today, the Rangers continue their fight against the lingering effects of the past. The greatest threat is not a new empire, but the remnants of the old: pitch-black "dark regions," including the massive Great Scar, a testament to the Fuxenarian bombardments. Within these lightless areas, an ecosystem of wildlife, including the blind and aggressive Pale Panthers, has thrived, ensuring that the Rangers’ mission is far from over.