Direpines

Named for the grove in which it was built, the city of Direpines is a holy druidic city that tolerates the travelers that move through it out of necessity. At the heart of Direpines lies the Needlenest, a grand temple dedicated to Bathyic druidism. Constructed from the stones of the Ghorralands themselves, the temple’s walls are adorned with a living tapestry of podzol, pine needles, and a rich collection of coniferous flora. Its moss-covered archways and vine-draped columns are home to countless birds and small woodland creatures, making it a living embodiment of the druidic belief in harmony with nature. The massive temple occupies a large area in the southern area of the city. This area is a place of quiet contemplation and deep spiritual connection, where the druids of the city come to meditate and commune with the divine.
Direpines, while a holy city, is not isolated from the world. The Travelers’ Path, a road that cuts through the city, was constructed at the behest of House Grange. This road is a necessary concession to the outside world, allowing trade and travel to flourish. However, it is a source of contention for many Ghorralandan druids who view it as an intrusion upon their sacred land. The influence of House Grange is felt throughout Direpines, though not always welcomed. Their push for connectivity with the broader world sits at odds with the druidic desire for preservation and isolation. The road serves as a physical reminder of this ongoing tension between progress and tradition.
Direpines' main industry revolves around hospitality and religion.

Demographics

Ancestry	%
Elf	41
Ghoran	19
Kashrishi	12
Leshy	8
Other	20

Government

While the town is owned by House Grange, the local druidic order barely recognizes their authority. The relationship is courteous, but fraught. The power structure in the town is quite flat, although most inhabitants would direct any visitor to the Abbott of Needlenest if they sought a leader.

Infrastructure

Well over three-quarters of the population live in treehouses that hug the trunks of the magnificent Direpines. These buildings are strung together by sturdy wooden bridges. Staircases encircle the trunks to allow the treetop residents access to the Traveler's Path.

Districts

Canopy Commons: This is the bustling heart of Direpines, where wooden pathways connect a network of communal platforms. The buildings here are woven from the wood of the Direpines themselves, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
Sylvan Spires: A district known for its towering treehouses that rise high above the forest floor. These structures are built around the trunks of the tallest trees, with spire-like rooftops that pierce the sky, offering breathtaking views of the grove and the expanse beyond it.
Verdant Veil: This district is shrouded in a perpetual mist that clings to the moss-covered treehouses. It’s a quieter, more secluded area, where the buildings are adorned with hanging gardens and bioluminescent plants that illuminate the pathways at night.
Rootbound Residences: Located closer to the forest floor, these buildings were sung from the massive roots of the Direpines. They feature intricate carvings that tell the history of Direpines, and their lower elevation makes them accessible to those who prefer to stay grounded.
Elder Enclave: Reserved for the wisest and most respected members of the community, this district’s buildings are ancient and revered, covered in centuries-old vines and decorated with symbols of the city’s druidic heritage.

Level 4 
LN Town 

Government Druidic circle, unruly fiefdom 
Religions Bathyic druidism 
Threats Foreign ideas, urban growth

The Needlenest

Founding Date

circa 12000 CP

Population

3400

Location under

Verda

Owning Organization

House Grange