Viridi Woods
It is a pleasant sight from a distance, but there seems to be a palpable malice when up close. Don't think I'll risk entry just yet.The Viridi Woods is a lush and green expanse that covers most of Visus Island. The trees grow large the further in one can go and it is said that the sea carries a blanket of fallen leaves away from the island during autumn. During most of Centrum's history, the streets drowned in the leaves that find their way to the settlement on strong winds much to the delight of the lighthearted. In recent years, what was once a great source of joy for those living on the island has become a fearful presence. The leaves that once drowned the streets in bright colors have grown dull and brittle, and seemingly piles up with malice. Animals that venture away from the treeline regard travelers and farmers with deadly eyes, seemingly awaiting any opportunity to pounce. As such, none dare venture into the woods unless in great need or on a fool's errand.
The Aggression
What Centrum Citizens call the "Aggression" is the forest's increasing hostility to any traveler trying to traverse it. The animals will attack with little provocation, and that the trees may attack as well. That assumes one can enter the woods without attracting the attention of the wolves who frequently prowl either within the wood-line or just outside it. They say that when nearing the treeline of the wood a sense of coldness seizes one's senses, a sign that the very will of Viridi has grown hateful. Many recall hearing the screams of a foolhardy traveler who sought to travel the woods alone. Because of this aggression, the Director's Council has moved to ban any travel through the woods. Most believe it is the will of the wood that has grown angry at the presence of Centrum and the trees its inhabitants have cut down for various uses. Others posit that some sort of necromancer or other evil being has taken residence in the woods and seeks to make the island their own. In truth, nobody knows why the Aggression came to be.The Mist of Viridi
The most curious feature of the Viridi Wood is the ever present fog, called the Mist of Viridi by locals. This fog appears as a light mist at the edge of the wood, and it becomes a blinding cloud towards the heart of the forest. The density of the wood's vegetation increases with the fog's density with vines, roots, and branches forming barricades. The fog itself seems to imbue one's mind with hallucinations of sight and sound meant to confuse and disturb, according to the few who have managed to return. Additionally, the survivors of the mist recall seeing terrible shapes in the fog that walk, crawl, skitter, or otherwise stalk potential victims. In short, the fog is the hostile will of the forest that is set against its perceived invaders. Survivors of this mist often tell of a mist-less glade that exists somewhere in the forest. While the travelers cannot recall much of their stay within this glade, they do remember walking through tall green grass and smelling flowers of various kinds. They even remember seeing an apple tree or two and that they slumbered peacefully beneath their branches. The survivors cannot remember how they left that glade and out of the forest, though many attempts and magics were attempted to assist recall. As for the mist itself, Centrum Director's Council has given the issue increasing priority over the years. The first sighting of the mist began several years after Centrum's founding.I've been saying all these years that the woods are not pleased with the city and that it will act. The wisps have just begun their terror.
The Moonless Wisps
On moonless nights, the Viridi Fog visits the city. Centrum locals tell tales of wispy features of the fog traveling the island's roads right up to the gates of Centrum proper. Lurking within these wisps, some swear they saw the very same shapes that were told by the woodland survivors. Sightings of these wisps usually coincide with disappearances discovered in the morning. Some people emerge from their homes the morning after such nights on the edge of insanity. This strange event is a recent occurrence. The first such reports began in 1275AGC. The number of people affected by the Moonless Wisps are few, but many fear the numbers are only going to grow as time goes on. So far the people affected are largely those who live in huts outside the walls of Centrum proper. Some fear that these events may not remain confined to the moonless night, and that those within the walls will not remain safe forever.Magic Deadzones
One would think that the Aggression would mean that the woods would bring some magic to bear, but this does not seem to be the case. Some mages detect that the number of magic deadzones is increasing, and the fields themselves are growing in size albeit slowly. None are sure what this portends. For now, magic may be used in most of the forest though many advise against it unless at utmost need.Geography
Two parts make up Viridi, one that occupies the eastern half of Visus, and a part that occupies the western half of Visus. The eastern half is the more mysterious of the two as few have ventured there due to the difficult terrain. The western half of Viridi is the more well known of the two halves, though many have observed a change for the worst as the Aggression takes hold.
The two woods are separated by the Complicatum Isthmus, which is located towards the middle of Visus Island.
Alternative Name(s)
Woods of Mist
Type
Woods
Location under
Owning Organization
Common Flora
- Poplar
- Oaks
- Cypress
- Ferns
- Wood sage
- Allium
- Igni Flower
- Acanthus Mollis
Common Fauna
- Deer
- Elk
- Badger
- Squirrel
- Fox
Typical Magic Fields
- Aero
- Igni
- Poison
- Freezing
- Aqua
Note(s) from the Archivists:
I swear Viridi's tree line has been getting denser and more gnarly. Archivist Theta Viridi's tree line has been getting denser and more gnarly. - Archivist Enna Just wanted to be sure. - Archivist ThetaRemove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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