Grenbel Woods

Grenbel Woods is a sprawling, ancient forest located north of the Scar and east of a shimmering lake. On the western shore of the lake lies the town of Bammery Falls, while the eastern side is dominated by this wild woodland. Home to the Grugach elves, a more primal and isolated branch of elvenkind, the woods have grown increasingly untamed, expanding each fall as the influence of the goddess stone's lost technology weakens.

Geography

The forest is dense, with towering trees and overgrown paths. The land slopes gently toward the lake, and hidden clearings break up the forest canopy. A mix of verdant hills and dense woodlands, with several streams feeding into the nearby lake. The forest’s heart is considered sacred by the Grugach, with ancient standing stones marking key ritual sites.

Ecosystem

Grenbel Woods boasts a diverse ecosystem, where nature thrives untamed. The forest is a delicate balance of predator and prey, with the elves playing an integral role in maintaining this natural order. The dense canopy creates pockets of darkness, which help nurture rare mosses and fungi.

Localized Phenomena

Autumnal Expansion: During the fall, the forest seems to grow, pushing its boundaries further. Some believe this phenomenon is linked to the loss of the goddess Stone's technological power in the region. The trees extend their reach, overtaking abandoned roads and encroaching on nearby settlements.
Whispering Winds: Throughout the forest, especially at dusk, eerie whispers can be heard in the wind, which many attribute to the spirits of the forest and the ancient rites of the Grugach elves.

Fauna & Flora

Flora: Towering oaks, ash, and silverleaf trees dominate the landscape. Beneath the canopy, wildflowers, creeping vines, and glowing mosses flourish. Rare herbs with potent magical properties are said to grow in the forest’s deeper, more secluded areas.
Fauna: Grenbel Woods is home to many creatures, including great stags, dire wolves, and owlbears. The Grugach elves have developed a symbiotic relationship with the wildlife, often riding giant elk or using trained hawks for hunting.

History

Grenbel Woods was once part of an even larger forest that stretched across the northern region of the continent. The Grugach elves, an isolated and primal branch of elvenkind, have lived here for millennia. They believe the woods are sacred and that their ancestors, whom they refer to as the Elders of the Wild, carved out the natural balance of the forest with the help of ancient spirits.
Before the modern age, Grenbel was both feared and revered by the surrounding peoples. Only the bravest druids and hunters dared enter, seeking the favor of the Grugach or the forest's spirits. The elves maintained a delicate, symbiotic relationship with the wildlife, guiding the natural order of the forest with rituals passed down through generations.
When the neighboring regions embraced technological advancements brought forth by the goddess Stone’s influence, Grenbel Woods remained largely unaffected. While settlements like Bammery Falls flourished, the Grugach resisted these changes. They viewed the mechanical and magical devices as corruptions of the natural order, breaking the sacred connection between the land and its inhabitants.
For centuries, the elves remained in isolation, watching as technology spread across the continent. As cities grew and forests shrank, the Grugach defended Grenbel with increasing hostility, allowing no outsiders to enter without paying a heavy price. Grugach warriors, skilled in natural magic and guerrilla tactics, became legendary, blending into the trees and striking down those who attempted to defile their sacred homeland.
When the technology tied to the goddess Stone began to falter, the Grugach saw this as a sign from their ancient spirits. The weakening of technological influence emboldened the elves to reclaim more land, especially during the autumn months when their strength and magic seemed to reach its peak. With the changing of the seasons, the forest itself responded—trees grew taller and more ancient, paths became overgrown, and the woods spread slowly beyond their traditional borders. The elves, driven by their belief that nature was reclaiming what was rightfully theirs, began a series of expansions. Their territory grew, pushing the boundaries of nearby settlements and engulfing roads once used for trade. These expansions have made Grenbel Woods more formidable and untamed than ever before, and some believe the forest's relentless growth may eventually consume Bammery Falls and other nearby towns.
Today, Grenbel Woods is both a symbol of beauty and danger. The Grugach elves, more reclusive and primal than ever, are fiercely protective of their homeland, and their expansion into surrounding lands has sparked concern. Bammery Falls and other settlements near the forest have faced increasing difficulties with trade routes being overgrown or attacked by aggressive wildlife, possibly driven by the elves' magic. Rumors suggest that the Grugach are preparing for something greater—a return to the old ways, where nature rules supreme and technology is fully purged from the land. However, others believe that the forest's growth is unnatural, a sign of something far more dangerous lurking within—perhaps an ancient power awoken by the Scar or a primal force once forgotten.

Tourism

Tourists are rare, as the Grugach elves fiercely protect the woods. Those who venture into Grenbel Woods do so at great peril, with few returning unscathed. Some adventurers, however, are drawn by tales of hidden treasures, forgotten ruins, and rare magical herbs. The beauty of the forest itself, particularly the ethereal light during dawn and dusk, also attracts daring travelers.