Agarn Forests
Cruel and dark, harbouring little mercy for humanity...
Deep within the Riftlands where few humans venture, the Agarn Forests stretch for miles. However, do not be mistaken as these 'forests' are not likened to those found across much of Qerth. Some wonder if they are even forests at all for no trees reside here. In their place, a network of colossal fungi sprouts high into the twilight sky, harbouring a great many creatures beneath their canopy of purple, pink and red. A labyrinth of colour. In spite of the beauty, there is a darkness that lurks within the shadows of this realm and beasts warped beyond what humans even thought possible before discovering these lands.
Climate
Like the rest of the Riftlands that sprawl across Qerth, the Agarn Forests share a similar cold climate with an average temperature of 4°C. An unchanging temperature no matter the time of year or location. Whether the forest may border a frozen tundra or a hot desert, the climate of this alien world remains constant. Though despite this, precipitation does occur here and more frequently than in other Rift ecosystems. When the wind carries rain clouds over these forests, terrible thunderstorms erupt. It would seem these storms are amplified by the energy secreted by the Rifts birthing a hybrid monster known as Rift Storms. Events of great magnitude that beat down upon the land below with clouds of red and acidic rain. Though it would seem the life here has adapted to these storms with a thick, corrosion-resistant hide that can more easily defend against such rainfall...though the same cannot be said for humans and creatures adapted to other ecosystems beyond the Riftlands.'It is monsters like those that I fear most. No animal could even compare to the colossal cyclones that come hurtling out of those forests...I do wonder what devilry truly hides within its depths to birth such a beast...'
Ecosystem
Perhaps one of the most complex ecosystems in the known lands of Qerth, the Agarn Forests are home to an endless list of unique lifeforms ranging from animals to plants to fungi and even diseases. This hellscape is one of a peculiar nature and is no friend of mankind.Fungi
While many fungi species can be found within these forests, the most distinguishable and most well-known would be the Great Agarn. A colossal specimen that often reaches heights of one-hundred metres within just one century, which compared with many tree species, proves to be a rapid growth time. Within these trees, an assortment of native wildlife makes their homes due to the thick hyphae the tree sports. Furthermore, both plants and fungi also make their homes on and around these great behemoths as they make for a wonderful support structure. This can form a webbing of sorts between different Agarns which may further block out the already sparse sunlight.'It is said, his lordship once scaled the great Agarn Trees of the Riftlands in his youth...' '...Yes well, they also say Princess Laena of Aethria mated with Mermen on the shores of the Sapphire Straight...don't believe such folly sister'
Animals
From four-legged, winged beasts to horse-sized reptiles with the ability to camouflage, the Agarn Forest is a wild and wonderful ecosystem. Creatures range from colossal monsters to tiny birds but no matter their stature, each animal that resides here possesses a peculiar and fascinating nature. The Mutasaur for example. A quadrupedal lizard that lurks within the dark undergrowth of the forests feeding on whatever animals that may be small enough and unlucky enough to cross its path. Though a more intriguing feature can be found in the form of luminescent sacks used for mating rituals that sit on their necks illuminating the forest with vibrant purple light.Plants
Within the shadows of the giant fungi trees hide many a plant species and among these are the Stomach Plant, Leach Vines and the Krinik flower. The Krinik can only be described as magnificent. With leaves larger than dogs and a flower with a diameter equal to the height of the average human, there is no wonder it is widely viewed as a sacred plant in more than one culture. In colour, it is in contrast when compared to the rest of the Agarn Forest; luminescent, royal blue petals erupt from the head of the flower attracting pollinators such as the Giant Yta Wasp and Crested Jahmi Beetle which take its nectar, pollinating them in the process.Plagues, Diseases and Cures
While there are a great many reasons to fear the Agarn Forests, by far one of the more frightening would be the plethora of gruesome plagues transmitted via plants, fungi, and animals alike. One renowned disease feared by the people of Kishnjir is Yellowrot. A disease found in the Agarn Forests that border the southern expanses. Once contracted, the disease eats away at the flesh leaving yellow pus in the damaged skin and muscle. It has a death rate of 75% and typically affects the youth more with the only cure being sourced from the dripping nectar of the Krinik Flower. Furthermore, diseases have been noted to occur in certain plant species also, such as the poisonous Redleaf. Within this relatively tame-looking plant, black fungi grows known as Jabi Mould and if inhaled by humans can cause long-term breathing difficulties though when a Redleaf plant becomes infected, the symptoms are much worse with the stem oozing a viscous liquid with a foul stench.Indigenous Peoples
Though few inhabit these lands, there are pockets of indigenous people who have adapted to this harsh environment. One such example of this are the Karaiah Tribes found along the largest stretch of Agarn Forest along the west coast of Cenath. Here, the Karaiah people have adapted to build homes by hollowing out the thick trunks of the Great Agarns. They hunt with poison-tipped spears gathered typically from Redleaf leaves which are ground down into a fine paste to produce a lethal poison for their weapons. This poison has been regarded as one of the most deadly known to mankind.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
I've loved every article of yours that I've read. I look forward to each new one. Just thought I would let you know! :)
Thank you so much! I've noticed you're my first follower so it's wonderful to see people enjoying the work I've done.