Kaynta Forest

It is serene and beautiful place, yet uncomfortably foreboding. The Kaynta Forest is the second largest contiguous coniferous forest, known as the Bristling Sea to locals of Central Bellome. It covers the majority of the Jianden Sub-continent , only breaking into taiga and tundra as it heads sufficiently far south. It is known that there are several cultures and peoples that call it home- the Ünegüi Orcs, the Yegena Zafi Elves- but it is viewed as a sea for good reason. The area is rife with history dating back millennia, but it is always a risk to enter. Those who make their home either within or across it are there for a reason.

- Professor Lilian Darche

Geography

A Large Coniferous Forest that dominates the majority of the Jianden Subcontinent, before giving way to true taiga and tundra in the South.It is split into two main regions, the Thanden Lowlands around the Aerdrie River in the west and the Ramthian Hills around the Gruumsh River in the East. The area is crisscrossed by small streams and large rivers, dotted by a handful of small to moderate size lakes littered throughout, which are all thought to be remnants of glacial activity during the Wars of Spirit. The region is known for having the perfect ambience of a calm quiet, revered by many for the peace of mind it can bring. The still and endless pine trees and the placid lakes are a sight that many an artist, a dragon, or both have come to witness and appreciate in the flesh. The region is also known to have a cooler temperature than expected for its latitude, and there is countless debate as to what exactly causes this, with a mix of mundane and magical reasons being considered.

Fauna & Flora

The wild and plant life of the forest vary greatly, from mundane to magical to more than that. During his travels, Volonthine 'Volo' Onyencho spent a great deal of time in the Kaynta Forest, as it is both nearby civilization, yet so unnerving and untamed that it served as a perfect area of true wilderness in which he could go about creating his Challenge Rating System. Volo explored the area with the approval of the Dragons that that oversaw the area during his time, and as such his notes offer an interesting look at its inhabitants way back when.

Volo's Rating: Kaynta Forest - 4

<1 : Lemurcoon

These scrappy mammalian creatures roam through the forest, relying on their notable green and grey speckled coloration and stripes to hide among the roots, trees, and shadows around them. Omnivorous scavengers, lemurcoons are clever and elusive, and provide a mischievous sense of levity to travelers as they move past.

1-4 : Owlbears

The magical amalgamation that has become widespread throughout the forests of the world has become a part of the ecosystem here as well, and fits in perfectly with the tone of the forest. They roam freely and although fairly rare, any traveler worth his salt will be prepared to see at least one and know how to act accordingly to their magically enhanced senses and strength.

5-8 : Dragonleaf Tree

Famed dragonleaf tree mark the unmistakable influence of the Draconic presence in the area. Sitting throughout the forest in several areas of strategic importance, Green Dragonleaf in particular have been created to serve as both sentry and first-responder to any invading force. Their various aura's are the perfect match for the aesthetic in the area as would be expected of our draconic masters.

9-12: Guardian Naga

The large reptilian creatures created by Lizardfolk Shamans are known to protect various rebel points of interest, and are quite formidable even against the forces of the Jiangjen they defend from. They are intelligent and generally are not known to be kind to Draconic forces they battle.

13-16:Yaoguai

The Forest, besides their Fey connection-or perhaps because of it- has a thinner border between the Prime Material and the Ethereal Planes. A such it is not uncommon to see various spirits in the woods, and the Yaoguai is one of the most fearsome. Large and beastly, it is a powerful force to be reckoned with and should not be engaged with unless completely prepared.

17-20:Ancient Leshen

Such a famously untamed wood would not be complete without reports of a wild Fey manifestation of that wilderness. A constant enemy of the area's Draconic Jiangjen, at least one Ancient Leshen stalks the forest and defends it from all outsiders, if not more.

>20 : Akupara

The Akupara is a legendary Titan, one of the few remaining titans of old. The massive turtle is a godlike figure to Tortles everywhere, and their holy city of Ta-Tatal rests upon its back. The Akupara has just entered the Forest from the Northwest , and is slowly making its way south. Even the draconic leadership have agreed to leave it be, as it would be too heavy an engagement to begin without adequate cause. It is unclear why it is heading for such a cold area and how it will live in such an environment, but its Tortle attendants are confident that all will be well.

Natural Resources

Besides the obvious source of lumber- and famously Kayntan Pine- The area is rife with the natural resoruces expected in such a large and pristine forest. It is a lesser known fact that there are numerous valuable ore deposits- zinc famously- in the area, although as always it is a large task to begin mining operations anywhere, and that goes the same here. Besides the obvious, the area is known to have the Gruumsh River Ley Line among many others cutting through it, and has a number of Terminals hidden within. It is known that a number Feywild Crossings exist in the region, and as such, various areas have a pronounced Fey presence. And of course, the abandoned fortresses and homes of various cultures that have attempted to settle and rule the forest dot the quiet wood as a testament to its perseverance, and as a temptation to all those who wish to plunder it.

Alternative Name(s)

The Bristling Sea

Type

Forest, Boreal (Coniferous)

Location under

Jianden Sub-continent

Included Locations

• Bradleburg

Related Plots

• The Bradley Family's Tale