Hornwood, Gortaurtillion
Pronunciation: gore-TAR-till-ion
Map Index: C-5
Location: Central Aorlan
Geography: The Forest of Hornwood, situated in the heart of Aorlan, stands as a vestige of a once sprawling primeval forest. While the humans of Arnheim call it Hornwood due to a preponderance of horned creatures living within it, the Valtauri elves of Dinbrethil know it by its old name, Gortaurtillion. This enchanted woodland sanctuary boasts mighty trees, remnants of the ancient primeval forest of Aortaur, where colossal oaks, towering chestnuts, and elegant birches stretch toward the sky. The forest is punctuated by meandering streams, serene glades, and rolling hills, with a central range of low mountains imbued with potent mystical enchantments.
Despite the encroachment of civilization, through sheer resolute strength and unwavering self-defense, Hornwood has managed to preserve its pristine beauty through the ages. Unique to Hornwood is the presence of a forestal, a mystical entity born of wood and vines, whose potent magic intertwines with the very essence of the forest. This guardian of nature's balance has crafted an array of guardians, many adorned with majestic horns, who's mission is to protect the woodland. Faeries of the enigmatic Unseelie Court also dwell here, fostering an accord between their ethereal kin and the forest's earthly residents.
Forest boundaries with the Kingdom of Arnheim are marked by a line of resplendent white birch trees. This accord of understanding has allowed for a relative peace, resulting in most humans being barred from entry, save for the Druids who have earned the forest's trust.
Amidst the ancient trees, a panoply of unique and enigmatic inhabitants reside, from primal forest creatures to extraordinary beings rooted in the flora. Within the mountainous heart of Hornwood, an enchantment of unparalleled strength resides, shielding outsiders from knowledge of its inner sanctum. While some exceptions exist, the forest remains largely inaccessible to humanoids.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: Valtauri
Minor Population: None
Climate: Hornwood's climate is temperate. Cold, snowy winters are followed by warm, somewhat dry summers create.
Wildlife:
Humanoids: The primary humanoids living in Hornwood are fae belonging to the Unseelie Court. These humanoids take a dim view of humans due to past interactions. The presence of humans within the forest causes alarm to the fae who believe their presence will cause the forest harm. The fae like to play cruel games with intruders, delaying them until more substantial help arrives.
Monsters: Large and dangerous creatures exist within the forest that will attack intruders on sight. Black huorns and treants will quickly react to any summons made by the fae for help.
History: Unyielding against time and cataclysm, the Forest of Hornwood remained untouched by the Great Cataclysm that reshaped the world. Its ancient trees, with their profound history as part of the great northern primal forest, serve as living relics, whispering secrets of forgotten ages to those who listen. Following the Great Cataclysm, a large migration of humans entered the Arn Valley. These new settlers quickly began cutting trees in the primal forest until it was no longer contiguous. At this point the forest spirits were aroused and the great forestal of Hornwood woke up from its long slumber and began to mobilize the defence of the forest. This finally ended in an accord with the Kingdom of Arnheim that delineated a boundary that both sides were not to cross.
Today: The Forest of Hornwood stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of nature, a realm where guardian spirits, ancient trees, and mystical beings entwine in a delicate dance, preserving the harmony between the primeval and the present. The forest is ever alert to intruders and will deal swiftly with any they find.
Map Index: C-5
Location: Central Aorlan
Geography: The Forest of Hornwood, situated in the heart of Aorlan, stands as a vestige of a once sprawling primeval forest. While the humans of Arnheim call it Hornwood due to a preponderance of horned creatures living within it, the Valtauri elves of Dinbrethil know it by its old name, Gortaurtillion. This enchanted woodland sanctuary boasts mighty trees, remnants of the ancient primeval forest of Aortaur, where colossal oaks, towering chestnuts, and elegant birches stretch toward the sky. The forest is punctuated by meandering streams, serene glades, and rolling hills, with a central range of low mountains imbued with potent mystical enchantments.
Despite the encroachment of civilization, through sheer resolute strength and unwavering self-defense, Hornwood has managed to preserve its pristine beauty through the ages. Unique to Hornwood is the presence of a forestal, a mystical entity born of wood and vines, whose potent magic intertwines with the very essence of the forest. This guardian of nature's balance has crafted an array of guardians, many adorned with majestic horns, who's mission is to protect the woodland. Faeries of the enigmatic Unseelie Court also dwell here, fostering an accord between their ethereal kin and the forest's earthly residents.
Forest boundaries with the Kingdom of Arnheim are marked by a line of resplendent white birch trees. This accord of understanding has allowed for a relative peace, resulting in most humans being barred from entry, save for the Druids who have earned the forest's trust.
Amidst the ancient trees, a panoply of unique and enigmatic inhabitants reside, from primal forest creatures to extraordinary beings rooted in the flora. Within the mountainous heart of Hornwood, an enchantment of unparalleled strength resides, shielding outsiders from knowledge of its inner sanctum. While some exceptions exist, the forest remains largely inaccessible to humanoids.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: Valtauri
Minor Population: None
Climate: Hornwood's climate is temperate. Cold, snowy winters are followed by warm, somewhat dry summers create.
Wildlife:
Humanoids: The primary humanoids living in Hornwood are fae belonging to the Unseelie Court. These humanoids take a dim view of humans due to past interactions. The presence of humans within the forest causes alarm to the fae who believe their presence will cause the forest harm. The fae like to play cruel games with intruders, delaying them until more substantial help arrives.
Monsters: Large and dangerous creatures exist within the forest that will attack intruders on sight. Black huorns and treants will quickly react to any summons made by the fae for help.
History: Unyielding against time and cataclysm, the Forest of Hornwood remained untouched by the Great Cataclysm that reshaped the world. Its ancient trees, with their profound history as part of the great northern primal forest, serve as living relics, whispering secrets of forgotten ages to those who listen. Following the Great Cataclysm, a large migration of humans entered the Arn Valley. These new settlers quickly began cutting trees in the primal forest until it was no longer contiguous. At this point the forest spirits were aroused and the great forestal of Hornwood woke up from its long slumber and began to mobilize the defence of the forest. This finally ended in an accord with the Kingdom of Arnheim that delineated a boundary that both sides were not to cross.
Today: The Forest of Hornwood stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of nature, a realm where guardian spirits, ancient trees, and mystical beings entwine in a delicate dance, preserving the harmony between the primeval and the present. The forest is ever alert to intruders and will deal swiftly with any they find.