Bards Rest Forest
In a land torn by perpetual war, a place of real peace is rare, not to mention difficult to find. Nevertheless, such a place exists on the south-eastern edge of Ashnoor, deep in the lands occupied by the Kingdom of Geldheim.
Sitting south of Argent’s Landing, and bordered on both sides by twin rivers, Bard’s Rest Forest enjoys an atmosphere of openness and welcome, with the only requirement of residence be that they somehow ‘give back’ to the community. Bard’s Rest Forest (as the name implies) is almost permanently home to a various collection of misfits and miscreants; acrobats, jugglers, minstrels, poets and thespians, and all others who perform under the nebulous title of “Bard”. Scattered among the eclectic cast of entertainers are always some Geldheimers of other professions, from those answering to a sacred calling, to those of a more physical profession, seeking an oasis away from the battlefront. Soldiers clad in armour are not a common sight, but have at times made an appearance, and are always welcome to lighten their load, and purse, at the tavern. The rarest sight in Bard’s Rest are the magic wielders, and when they do visit, they are always watched closely.
Sitting south of Argent’s Landing, and bordered on both sides by twin rivers, Bard’s Rest Forest enjoys an atmosphere of openness and welcome, with the only requirement of residence be that they somehow ‘give back’ to the community. Bard’s Rest Forest (as the name implies) is almost permanently home to a various collection of misfits and miscreants; acrobats, jugglers, minstrels, poets and thespians, and all others who perform under the nebulous title of “Bard”. Scattered among the eclectic cast of entertainers are always some Geldheimers of other professions, from those answering to a sacred calling, to those of a more physical profession, seeking an oasis away from the battlefront. Soldiers clad in armour are not a common sight, but have at times made an appearance, and are always welcome to lighten their load, and purse, at the tavern. The rarest sight in Bard’s Rest are the magic wielders, and when they do visit, they are always watched closely.
Geography
At the heart of the forest is a clearing, occupied at one end by a deceptively sturdy wooden shack, reinforced over the years to be more structurally sound, serving as an tavern. This tavern is governed by Mr Geoffrey Delsarté, a jolly, affable fellow, with a sunny disposition. The constantly revolving population are free to set up their tents and lean-tos among the surrounding trees, always taking care not to encroach on one another – at least not without invitation.
Less visible, though by no means less valid, is a network of platforms and rope bridges high in the canopy, expanding far beyond the edges of the clearing. Dotted sporadically, though strategically, along these platforms are small timber huts offering shelter from inclement weather, and cover from curious eyes.
Less visible, though by no means less valid, is a network of platforms and rope bridges high in the canopy, expanding far beyond the edges of the clearing. Dotted sporadically, though strategically, along these platforms are small timber huts offering shelter from inclement weather, and cover from curious eyes.
Ecosystem
The south facing coastal area is pleasant enough.
The region can be very warm in the Summer months, however winters are generally mild aside from the storms. The winter months are the usual storm season - Monsoonal winds and rain beating in land for days on end, at their absolute worst.
Usually just a distinct wet season that has some cooler weather.
The region can be very warm in the Summer months, however winters are generally mild aside from the storms. The winter months are the usual storm season - Monsoonal winds and rain beating in land for days on end, at their absolute worst.
Usually just a distinct wet season that has some cooler weather.
Ecosystem Cycles
The wet season (about three months usually) has not proven good for any kind of farmiing or fishing, given the violence of the storms. However, the rest of the year the conditions are excellent for growing crops, harvesting wild produce (in particular) and fishing in the local waters. Further inland, the forest is usually teeming with wildlife and a variety of wild vegetables, fruits and herbs are in plentiful supply most of the year round.
A wide variety of fruits in partcular seem to naturally thrive in these conditions. Locals in particular travelling no more than a day from home will often go empty handed and pick things along the way. Some food for nourishment and a few particular fruits that hydrate. Local knowledge is useful there.
Climate
Aside from out of character events and at times seasons, the seasonal cycles have reliably gone like this for generations...
Mild/warming up - hot (to extremely hot) - Mild/cooling - storms.
With each season being roughly three months long.
Mild/warming up - hot (to extremely hot) - Mild/cooling - storms.
With each season being roughly three months long.
History
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Bard’s Rest Forest is that nothing remarkable is remembered to have happened there. In collective memory, by some unspoken agreement, very little thievery or violence has ever taken place. All who enter acknowledge that it is a place to rest, regroup, and to share ideas, stories and songs. Almost all take sustenance at the tavern, with overconsumption met with laughter and good-natured mockery, rather than derision and malice.
The almost indolent appearance of Bard’s Rest however, is an illusion. The network of platforms and bridges were not always a feature, and only became so after certain events made them necessary. An unknown number of times since the settlement was begun, small groups of troublemakers have attempted to invade, or take over. Only once was it found inadequately defended. Once. After the initial attack, the Delsarté in charge took steps to ensure they were never caught unprepared again. Any subsequent attempt have been met with swift resistance, with the rest of the encampment, spread out as they are, being none the wiser.
It was some 40 years ago that the last notable trouble entered Bard’s Rest Forest. A small collection of young adults, high on their own power and self-importance, decided to test the peace of the utopian hamlet, challenging the residents and demanding exaltation. They very quickly learned that Bard’s Rest Forest was not as undefended as it appeared. The defensive force, overseen by Delsarté and led by his top men, swiftly neutralised the threat, removing the invaders and having them escorted, under guard, to Argent’s Landing for discipline. Stories were then circulated that the ‘attack’ was staged, and that anybody injured – or worse – was part of the display. This was the understood procedure for any incumbent threat and had been - and in fact still is – the understood procedure since the first threat to the area that inspired the highly effective defences that remain in place to this day.
The almost indolent appearance of Bard’s Rest however, is an illusion. The network of platforms and bridges were not always a feature, and only became so after certain events made them necessary. An unknown number of times since the settlement was begun, small groups of troublemakers have attempted to invade, or take over. Only once was it found inadequately defended. Once. After the initial attack, the Delsarté in charge took steps to ensure they were never caught unprepared again. Any subsequent attempt have been met with swift resistance, with the rest of the encampment, spread out as they are, being none the wiser.
It was some 40 years ago that the last notable trouble entered Bard’s Rest Forest. A small collection of young adults, high on their own power and self-importance, decided to test the peace of the utopian hamlet, challenging the residents and demanding exaltation. They very quickly learned that Bard’s Rest Forest was not as undefended as it appeared. The defensive force, overseen by Delsarté and led by his top men, swiftly neutralised the threat, removing the invaders and having them escorted, under guard, to Argent’s Landing for discipline. Stories were then circulated that the ‘attack’ was staged, and that anybody injured – or worse – was part of the display. This was the understood procedure for any incumbent threat and had been - and in fact still is – the understood procedure since the first threat to the area that inspired the highly effective defences that remain in place to this day.
Type
Forest
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Additional Rulers/Owners
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
