Mythwood
Mythwood, a town hidden deep in the western forests of Shatterbleak, is a place of mystery and legend. Its population is unknown, and stories of its existence are passed down like myths. Protected by the enchanted forest and known for crafting rare and magical gemstones, the town remains elusive and cloaked in secrecy. Many who seek it never find it, and those who do often leave changed by the encounter.
Demographics
Elusive and mysterious, the inhabitants are rumored to be primarily elves, though some stories speak of half-elves and other magical beings. The one consistent detail is that all wear a unique, vivid green gem that symbolizes their connection to the enchanted forest. These gems are said to be powerful, yet no outsider has ever possessed one.
Government
The governing structure is as unknown as the town itself. Some believe the people are ruled by a council of druids or a singular, ancient figure whose wisdom and magic guide the town's affairs. Others suggest that the forest itself chooses its leaders, giving them power through nature's blessing.
Defences
The natural world itself forms Mythwood’s defenses. Enchanted forests, dense mists, and invisible magical barriers protect the town from unwanted visitors. Few who seek Mythwood ever find it, and those who stumble upon it by chance are said to either never return or be forever changed.
Industry & Trade
Mythwood’s primary industry is the crafting and sale of exquisite, enchanted jewelry. Only the most skilled jewelers are allowed to sell their wares outside the town, and the process of acquiring one of their pieces is shrouded in mystery. Trade happens on a case-by-case basis, with the inhabitants determining whether or not a traveler is worthy of receiving their treasures.
Infrastructure
The town’s infrastructure is equally mysterious, though most agree it is built to harmonize with the surrounding forest. Trees seem to grow into homes, and pathways vanish into the mist. The buildings are hidden among the towering trees, making them appear as though they’re part of the natural landscape.
Districts
There are no formal districts, but it is said the town revolves around three mystical centers:
The Jewelers’ Quarter: A place where the famed gem artisans work in secrecy. Only a few outsiders have ever seen this quarter, and fewer still have lived to describe it.
The Sacred Grove: A rumored center of spiritual power, where the guardian spirits of the forest are believed to reside. This is where important rituals are performed, but no one outside of Mythwood knows its true location.
The Emerald Canopy: The dense forest surrounding the town that seems alive with its own consciousness, where trees and magic intertwine. Some say it is a protective force, keeping the town hidden from the world.
Assets
Mythwood's greatest asset is its unrivaled craftsmanship in rare and enchanted jewelry. The people of Mythwood are known for their gem-cutting and enchanting skills, producing magical artifacts that are highly sought after by wealthy buyers and collectors throughout Paradysium. It is said that each piece contains a fragment of the forest's magic, giving it unique properties.
Guilds and Factions
Mythwood has no known formal guilds, but there are whispered rumors of secret orders within the town:
The Circle of Jewels: A group of master artisans who guard the secrets of gem crafting and enchantment. They are believed to be the ones responsible for imbuing the gems with magic.
The Forest Wardens: An ancient order said to be protectors of the Sacred Grove and the forest itself. They patrol the woods and ensure that no harm comes to their home, though their numbers are unknown.
History
Mythwood’s history is largely unknown, a patchwork of myths and stories passed down by word of mouth. Some say it was founded by elves who fled the fall of Lumispire, while others claim it is much older, with roots in the ancient magics of the world. Whatever its true origin, it remains hidden and untouched by the conflicts of the world around it.
Points of interest
The Gemstone Gardens: A legendary location within Mythwood where gemstones grow naturally from the earth, supposedly nurtured by the magic of the forest.
The Tree of Whispers: An ancient tree that is said to hold the voices of the town’s ancestors. Locals claim that if you stand beneath its boughs, you can hear their secrets.
Architecture
Mythwood's architecture is a seamless blend of nature and craftsmanship. Homes and buildings are carved directly into trees or hidden beneath moss-covered roots. There is no clear separation between nature and the town, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to discern where the forest ends and the town begins.
Geography
Mythwood is deep within the westernmost forests of Shatterbleak, in a region largely unexplored by outsiders. The area is known for its thick trees, overgrown pathways, and hidden groves that seem to shift and change, disorienting travelers who attempt to venture too far.
Climate
Mythwood’s climate is cool and temperate, with frequent mists and rain that give the town an ethereal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The dense canopy of trees keeps the town shaded, and sunlight filters through in dappled patterns.
Natural Resources
The enchanted gemstones found in Mythwood are its greatest resource. The forest itself also provides a bounty of herbs, magical plants, and rare woods that are used by the locals for their crafts and rituals. The deep magic within the forest seems to imbue everything it touches with otherworldly qualities.
Founding Date
Unknown, as no historical records exist regarding the town's origin. Some myths say it has existed since before written history in the Ancient Reach.
Type
Town
Population
Unknown. No one can agree on the exact number of inhabitants. Some believe there are only a few hundred, while others claim the forest is home to thousands. The people of Mythwood blend with their surroundings, making it impossible to tell how many truly
Owner/Ruler
