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 contains minute health benefits for many afflictions, such as viral infections and pulmonary treatments, but it is considered challenging to dose, as the Sapphire Algae is potentially toxic. 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 its roots used commonly 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. After they vanished, the Dark Ages conflicted with the Human settlers and the Fuxernarian Empire. The latter caused significant damage to the forest through constant bombardment, occupation of territories, and the killing of Sapphire Dragons. In light of these attacks, the Harengon united to a collective known as the Sapphire Leaf Rangers in 217 DA. The Rangers grew accustomed to Fuxenarian warfare and used that knowledge to repel the occupying forces through guerilla warfare.   When the Fuxenarian Empire fell, their next conflict rose from the united human tribes of the Kingdom of Owenar. The first King, Utheos Owenar, launched a conquest of the continent, and the Sapphire was his next goal. In 579 DA, the Kingdom invaded through the mountain ranges. At first, the Rangers lost ground until the Harengon Ranger Olutumal bonded with the Sapphire Dragon called Gorn. Their combined strength turned the tide and injured King Utheos. The latter of which would eventually kill him. After a neutral stance was made between the factions, many inspired humans sought residency as fellow Rangers. Eventually, their assimilation led to a mutual understanding with the Harengon. Leading to a marriage pact between Queen Lauren Owenar and the Ranger Theodore Spidersbane. The pact, made 77 years after the Dark Ages (ADA), ensures the Kingdom's aid in protecting the forest from outside threats, while the Rangers' skills are used to protect the capital.   Most of its time afterwards was peaceful until conflict with the Kingdom rose again under the rule of King Baron, or "Baron the Cruel Fool." His ambition to follow in his ancestor's conquest set his eyes on Nol Muldhur, the Dwarven City. The Rangers refused to act as a frontline against the dwarves as it would harm the forest. Before resistance would rise, the King's son, Beyl, slayed him to reestablish order in 299 ADA.   During the Second Salted Steel War in 979 ADA, the raiders of the Salted Steel Tribe attacked the western region of the forest in the hopes of gaining a foothold in the war. They climbed the western cliffs into the treelines and started destroying everything in their path. Having underestimated the forest's defense, they retreated after only a year of raids.   The forest remains peaceful as the Sapphire Leaf Rangers embrace their traditions and oath to protect the forest from all threats. Hoping for the day that the forest is fully restored after centuries of conflict and recovery. Guiding approved adventurers and traders across the dense forestation and balancing the beautiful ecosystem.