Cruel Wood
The Cruel Wood is a deciduous forest found on Pathriam in the Tritos Dominion.
Located between the Trident and the Voris rivers, the woods are comprised of towering oaks and fruit trees. Sections of the forest are boggy, becoming impassable in the rainy seasons. A large sect of druids resides deep within, purposefully making their home as uninhabitable as possible.
The area was referred to as the Drakewood for centuries until it gained its new name in the late 5,000s. Before the change, a dragon known as Scaborous the Pure ruled over much of the region and used the forest as its lair. A structure called the Red Keep exists in the western portion of the wood. The keep has changed ownership and function many times over the years.
Recently wild dogs have begun to overrun the forest, raised by a large population of gnolls. Ground game has become scarce but birds and snakes are still plentiful. Since the end of the Demon War rumors have spread in the surrounding territory of a demonic presence inside the forest.
Location
Tritos Dominion Associated Articles
The Red Keep, The Trident, Voris River
Associated Adventures
The Red Keep Adventure
Tritos Dominion Associated Articles
The Red Keep, The Trident, Voris River
Associated Adventures
The Red Keep Adventure
Lairing in the Cruel Wood
Every villain needs a place to rest your head. The Cruel Wood is deeply shadowed, with a dark nature linked to magical creatures, including dragons, kobolds, gnolls, and demons. What dwells inside are isolated beings, seeking the quiet and hidden. A dense forest, its twisting paths provide natural defenses, while the influence of ancient power attracts those who seek it. The Red Keep, a dragon lair from long ago, harbors exiles, drawn to the small underground bastion of Oldtown. Secure inside the keep, the Civil Legion and other authorities avoid entering.
Cruel Wood Map
A Dragon’s Domain
The Red Keep was originally designed as a resting place for dragons, built by the second Sovereign Sage, Maltavoris. Its structure, magic, and defenses were all crafted to enhance the natural power of draconic visitors. Over time, the keep has become infused with the Essence of its residents, absorbing large portions of their energy. Scabourous the Pure, an ancient red dragon, was the most notable resident of the Red Keep. During his reign, Scabourous used the keep as both his lair and seat of power, with his influence leaving a lasting imprint. The magic he wielded sept into the land, and long after his rule traces of his strength remain. Defenses and wards placed on the keep still hold, drawing on that which Scaborous left behind.
Lair Effects
In addition to standard lair effects in the Monster Manual, a dragon’s presence brings:
- Occasional fire elementals.
- Enhanced fire magic.
- Sudden droughts.
A Place of Power
While the Red Keep was the original spark of power in the Cruel Wood, the impact has spread. These effects make the area an ideal place for creatures seeking a hidden and fortified lair. The forest adapts to whoever holds power. Currently, Smolderthorn the Reclaimer's presence dominates the area. The land reacts to his magic, with tremors, fissures, and bursts of heat appearing throughout. When a dragon is not present, the woods are torn between demonic influence, lingering from the Demon War, and druids who live on the northern side. Spontaneous alchemical interactions, overgrown or hostile plant life, and invasive oozes are common in dank and boggy spots. Along trails, points of wild magic draw creatures like Essencebane to absorb what they have found. Shifting dynamics lead to a place of unpredictability. Warnings against entering the area are posted along the rivers, and residents of the Tritos Dominion know to take the long way around.
More details about the Red Keep and its power can be found in Part Five: The Red Keep or Keeping the Keep from The Red Keep Adventure
Beware spoilers!
For anyone looking to play in the adventure its best to let these mysteries remain secret a little while longer.
Current Residents
Smolderthorn the Reclaimer
An adult red dragon currently claims the Cruel Wood as his lair. His presence has reshaped the region, amplifying the natural hazards and magical effects left behind by Scabourous the Pure. Smolderthorn has broken away from the Covenant and is determined to take back his birthright. The land will know his dominance, and be under dragon rule once again.
Demonic Influence
Since the defeat of the Demon Lord Lucca, demons have hidden in the darkest parts of the Cruel Wood. The infernal incursions here are a persistent threat to mortals in the region. Blighted scars spread from their manipulations, creating patches of brittle and dying land. Rumors speak of a demonic gate sequestered somewhere inside the forest, spreading corruption.
Druid Grove
Centaurs control much of the northern wood, sheltering within their druid grove. They are the longest-tenured residents of the area and are highly territorial. Hostile toward outsiders, they’ve shaped the forest to suit their needs. No one understands the current state of the Cruel Wood better than they do, as they can alter its weather and atmosphere at will. The effects of a druid grove, such as rolling fog, awakened undergrowth, and nature guardians surround their perimeter. Connected as they are, the druids are capable of calling on elemental powers. Fire is most common and highly amplified by the power of the Red Keep.
Kobolds
Drawn by Smolderthorn’s presence, kobolds have been trickling into the Cruel Wood, though many perish before reaching the Red Keep. Those that survive establish their intentions to protect the dragon’s lair. Tribes are starting to form, though they remain disorganized for now.
Effects. Pit traps, snares, falling trees.Gnolls
The demons have been using gnolls as their foot soldiers, relying on their brutal nature and numbers. Driven mad by the demonic influence, the gnolls are breeding packs of wild dogs, unleashing them on travelers and settlements near the wood.
Effects. Increased attacks on nearby villages, overrun hunting grounds.