Recurring Theme, Lore, or Symbolism
Entering the Eofwin Forest feels very much like visiting another world. This country is within Aorlis, but it is also part of an inefable "other."
Hawking, archery, and hunting are passions here, and wealthy folks from all over Aorlis establish hunting lodges here and set up private hunting preserves.
Fae Culture—Perhaps because of the old-growth forest, the legends of Others feel recent, and healthy respect for the Fae is still in action. Officially, the Church looks down on this, but clerics hedge their bets just as everyone else does.
Green-Man—In Eofwin, the Green Man isn’t merely an imp-like figure that is carved into the nooks, crannies, and screens of churches. He is a holdover of the old faith, but now devoid of most religious significance. Instead, he has thrived through local clothing styles and hair styles. Church admonitions against the Green Man have proven unsuccessful.
Arpethianism—The Arpethian Heresy, covered in more detail under Heresies, is a simmering pot here. Satisfaction with the orthodox Faith is not an Eofwin trait.
Local Creatures
BeRuk—Solitary BeRuk can be found in Eofwin, usually distant from human communities. Humans carefully avoid these creatures, and only the most foolhardy hunters will try to destroy them. BeRuk have no compunction against preying on humans, however.
Swan mays—See Vocations & Classes, Regional Professions
Others—The Others still come and go here through Faerie rings, but they jealously guard their privacy. Attempts to interact with them never end well. Humans guard against them with cold iron in their thresholds and window casements, and leave offerings of milk and honey for them.
Heroes & Monsters of Myth and Folklore
Diamondbark—Refer to Bestiary, Unique Beings. This awe-inspiring entity is an icon the locals hold dear
Historical Sites
Moonstone Dolmens: Found in Cairnmuir, this is a field of megalithic stones. Legend holds that these are Kui-kur ruins.
Labyrinth—This is an impressive set of prehistoric ridges arranged into an intentional labyrinth. Trees do not grow in this space. Legend says if you follow the Labyrinth in its entirety, you may either 1) commune with the ancestors, or 2) find yourself in another Labyrinth or similar locality somewhere in the region. The locals are protective of this landmark and do not share its location casually.
Well of Souls—With its location obscured by time, the well of souls has now fallen into folklore and myth. Its purpose likewise is obscured.
Magic on the Landscape
Faerie Rings—These occur where immense trees have been uprooted, and mushrooms grow around the trunk’s old perimeter. These spaces are unsafe, because they can serve as gates for marauding Others, or they can sometimes even make people who wander into them disappear forever. These rings are peppered throughout the entire country.
Material History
Holly from the older stands of Eofwin Forest, when cut down with a silver sickle, is reputed to be much more potent than from other places in the Aorlis.
Odd Competitions or Traditions
Eofwin natives delight in dancing around Maypoles. The maypole tradition is universal throughout Aorlis, but here is appears to have deeper meaning and multiple associations.
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