Pinetrost Woods

"They appear out of the Pinetrost, that's all we know. But it's our job to venture in there, and put a stop to em." - Paladin Vindril, AoR 597, speaking to the Saviours of Barovia on the werewolf population within the Pinetrost Woods
The Pinetrost Woods is situated in central Atmora, and is the largest forest in the nearby region. Dwarfed only by the Ironwood Forest and the Sunrise Jungle in size, the Pinetrost stretches from the northern waters of the Cradle's Sea, to the edge of Pointcrest Plateau overlooking the Venerath Plains. Though many communities exist on the edge of the forest, none persist within, as the closely knit trees of pine make travel through the woods quite difficult. The Pinetrost is also known for it's high population of unnatural beasts, void-bound creatures such as werewolves and vampire.
Though few dare to travel through the trees, the Pinetrost still provides Atmora with ample resources, many of which are instrumental in the country's economy. The pine trees of these woods is logged consistently and used in the construction of much of Atmora's infrastructure. Much of the Pinetrost around areas like Pinedale and Trostpoint has been logged. Additionally, furs and other animal products are frequently harvested in these woods.

History

Creation

Because of it's location in the eastern region of Naneth, the Pinetrost was likely one of the first regions created by The Eres. It would have been a valuable resource to the Eldar Folk that first inhabited the area now known as Atmora. During the Age of Fire, the Pinetrost Woods would have served as a haven for those escaping Tiamat's tyrannical rule. It's likely the much of the woods would have burned in dragon-fire during this time, as the great beasts sought to capture those within.

Uprising of Dark Creatures

Beginning in the Age of Renewal, the Pinetrost Woods became increasingly occupied by large numbers of dark creatures, namely werewolves and vampires. With these creatures being native to The Void, many inhabitants in the area began to believe rumours that the Pinetrost contained a gateway to Kelemvor's realm.
In AoR 597, a group of adventurers, later known as the Saviours of Barovia, entered the Pinetrost Woods in search of a werewolf pack. They would return several weeks later, with the surviving members reporting that an entrance to the lost valley of Barovia laid within the woods. These rumours were later debunked by The Inquisition , the religious branch of Atmora's military.

Notable Locations

• Trostpoint: Trostpoint stands at the southern-most point of the Pinetrost Woods. It is a medium sized town, though slightly smaller than Pinedale to the northwest. This town is mostly used as a logging settlement, making the population consist mostly of a work force.

• Pinedale: Pinedale sits on the western edge of the Pinetrost, and is known as a hunting and logging town. This is one of the only points of civilized entry into the woods themselves, making the town quite popular with Atmora's hunters.

Basic Information

Type: Boreal Forest
Location: Central Atmora
Other Names: The Dark Woods, Forest of Needles
Notable Inhabitants: Abnormal amount of Unnatural Beasts, Death House (Formerly)