Elderwood

Amid the sprawling vastness of the continent, the Elderwood stands timeless—its boundaries stretching from the sun-kissed western coast to the bustling edge of the heartlands in the east. Spanning a range of climates, the forest bridges the warm embrace of temperate zones and the richness of subtropical growth, forming a living tapestry of nature’s majesty.   To the unknowing eye, the Elderwood might appear as an unbroken sea of green. But within its depths, it conceals countless mysteries. Whispers among adventurers speak of places where trees sing in ancient tongues and groves where moonlight turns the underbrush into a shimmering sea. The deeper one ventures, the more the forest seems to change—revealing hidden glades, vanishing trails, and shadowed nooks untouched by time.   Nestled like a hidden jewel in the Elderwood’s western reaches lies Elderglow Basin, a vast shimmering inland lake. Its calm waters reflect the bounty of life that thrives around it. Along its shores, a scattering of human villages have taken root, eking out a quiet harmony with the enigmatic woods. Fisherfolk here tell tales of luminescent fish whose glow paints constellations across the lake’s surface each night.   While some lakeside settlements have united under the banner of the Westhaven Settlements, aiming for shared strength and purpose, others hold fast to their independence. Their stories, like the forest itself, are woven from threads of resilience, quiet mystery, and deep-rooted connection. Travellers often seek these villages as sanctuaries, finding comfort in the warmth of their hearths and the wisdom of their elders.   The Elderwood is more than just trees and tales—it is alive with wondrous creatures, both magical and mundane. Crescenthorn Stags, with antlers that shimmer like starlight, roam the glades. Forest Drifters, barely seen, melt into the foliage, betrayed only by a soft rustle in the leaves. Luminthroat Warblers fill the dawn with song, while the silent Nebula Owl watches from the shadowed boughs above.   The Elderwood remains a testament to nature’s eternal allure—a place where the old world still breathes, whispering its secrets to those patient enough to listen. Kingdoms may rise and fall beyond its fringes, but within its bounds, time seems to slow… if not stand still.