The Petrified Forest

"Such a strange place, the petrified forest. Ancient proof of the hardiness of nature, and yet so eeriely quiet and morose. It's strange that the Temple of Vodite should be found there of all places." ~ Pius Terrin

The Petrified forest is a wonder of Glenerene, its beauty is unique in a way that some find disquieting. It plays home to the Temple of Living Stone and is best known for it's flora and near silent ambiance. The air of mystery and time is thick within the forest and often induces the feeling of just how fleeting society and life are.

Geography

Seemingly flat ground with a few streams and creeks, originating from the mountains beyond, running through it. The landscape is broken up by the long reaching roots of the leafless trees of petrified wood and the large boulders that seem almost carefully placed for rest stops during hikes.

Climate

Average temperatures tend to never dip below 41°F (5°C), and tend to stay above 50°F (10°C) for eight to twelve months a year. Four months a year though the temperatures typically stay above 64.4°F (18°C). The growing season typically happens in the winter half of the year as well.
With the lower levels of precipitation levels of around 400mm - 900mm. Snow and frost only occur rarely and summers typically are dry and hot lasting at least three months but possibly lasting up to seven.

Fauna & Flora

The ground is covered in low growing lichen and moss rather than grass and the trees are home to colonies of bioluminescent fungus, moss and lichens. Other flora includes some mediterranean vegetation such as waxy leaved bushes, though brush cover is not very high in the forest.
As for fauna, some small animals and birds have been observed scurrying through the forest or perched in the trees. However, for the most part the forest seems generally silent and near lifeless suggesting that most of the fauna may be nocturnal and elusive.

History

The forest is ancient and has been recorded in its current state since the beginning of recorded history. Not much is known of why the forest wound up in its petrified state. Though some presume that Vodite, God of Stone might have done so to mark the land as his own.

Tourism

Some adventurers and explorers consider it a necessary stop for those who wish to witness the wonders of Glenerenene. However, most of the tourism that the area receives is in the form of pilgrims and scholars wishing to visit the Temple of Living Stone.

by MykolaVoid (EtherianWorkshop) on NightCafe

Alternative Name(s)

Forest of Stone, Vodite's Forest, The Silent Forest

Type

Forest

Location under

Erela

Included Locations

• Temple of Living Stone