The Murmuring Pines
In the Western Elucian Region, is an expansive forest where the trees seem almost sentient, their soft whispers carrying through the Mists. The trees unintelligible communication, their murmurs, are rumored to influence thoughts or reveal secrets to those who listen closely. Nestled within the Pines, The Silvered Lakes gleam, their surfaces mirror-like, reflecting the twilight sky and the ethereal beauty of the surrounding lands. The Murmuring Pines conceal eco-villages built within the trees, minimizing the ecological footprint and fostering a deep connection between the inhabitants and the forest. Among the most significant locations within the Murmuring Pines is The Vault of Echoes, an ancient archive hidden deep within the forest and protected by powerful illusions. It serves as a repository for lost knowledge and forbidden spells, guarded by magical constructs and enshrouded in secrecy.
Geography
Aproximetly a 200 square mile area, The Murmuring Pines are distinguished by their towering pine trees, some of which are ancient enough to have witnessed the earliest days of Elucia. The forest floor is carpeted with a thick layer of needles, softening the steps of those who tread its paths. Gentle hills roll beneath the canopy, punctuated by clearings that house serene ponds, lakes, and springs, believed by many to be blessed by Vespera herself.
To the east the woods gradually ascend into the lower slopes of the Celestial Peaks, with the terrain becoming steeper and the trees sparser. Here, hidden grottos and caves punctuate the landscape, serving as sanctuaries for myriad magical creatures. Streams fed by mountain runoff meander through the forest, their water pure and invigorating.
Localized Phenomena
For the longest time, scholars on Elucia had various therories on the mystery of the Pines whispers. From natural phenomena like the leaves of the trees causing the sound when wind was blowing through. To the whispers being the words of Vespera herself. That was until The Second Breakthrough of Mistweaving happened in the year 301 AE. With advancements in the understanding of The Mists of Vespera, most scholars now agree that the murmuring of the Pines has a direct connection to the memory storing properties of the Mists. The murmuring is thought to be nothing more than a regurgetation of mimicked sounds taken from the memories of the Mists.
Climate
The climate in the Murmuring Pines is cool, ranging from 23°F (-5°C) in winter to 68°F (20°C) in summer. Extra Mist rolls in from the surrounding areas, particularly in the mornings and late evenings. The Mist interacts with the natural magic of the place, occasionally giving rise to visions and phenomena that are both beautiful and bewildering.
Fauna & Flora
The Murmuring Pines are also home to an unusual variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to this area, thriving in its enchanted environment. The luminescent mosses and nocturnal blooms that illuminate the woods at night are a sight to behold, attracting naturalists and poets alike.
Flora of note:
- Whispering Moss
- Neutral: Barkbound Bear
- Hostile: Pine Shade
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