Skamkell Wood
The Skamkell Wood stretches across the southern tip of the Isle of Hrafnel, south of the Northlander port town of Linnormr. This dense and ancient forest is a place of deep mystery and untamed beauty, with towering trees and thick underbrush that create a shadowy canopy even during the brightest days. The wood has long been regarded with a mixture of awe and caution by the people of Hrafnel, as it is steeped in Northlander legend and known for its eerie atmosphere.
The forest is largely untouched by human hands, with only a few well-trodden paths cutting through its heart. Within its depths, the air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the silence is often broken only by the occasional rustling of wildlife or the distant call of a bird. However, many who venture too far into Skamkell Wood speak of strange occurrences—disembodied whispers on the wind, flickering lights that appear and disappear in the distance, and shadows that seem to move of their own accord.
Skamkell Wood is said to be home to ancient spirits and fey creatures, some of whom have roamed the forest since long before the arrival of the Northlanders. While the forest provides valuable timber and game for the nearby settlements, it is treated with great respect, and locals rarely stray from the established paths. The Northlanders of Linnormr and the surrounding areas often leave small offerings at the forest’s edge, hoping to appease the spirits that are believed to dwell within.
The deeper parts of the wood are largely unexplored, with stories passed down through generations about hidden glades, ancient ruins, and dangerous creatures that lurk in the darkest corners. There are even legends of forgotten portals to other realms, tied to the fey or the old gods, which add to the wood’s mystique.
Despite its dangers, Skamkell Wood remains an important resource for the people of Hrafnel, and its wild beauty is respected by all who live near it. The forest stands as a testament to the untamed nature of the southern tip of the isle, where the land itself seems to be alive with ancient magic and the whispers of long-forgotten tales.