The Ulvenwald
Covering most of Respite, this haunted wood is the home of werewolves, wayward spirits, witch huts, strange creature hybrids, and all manner of monsters that go bump in the night. The Ulvenwald represents everything the citizens of the Cursed Lands fear. While relatively traversable during the day, it becomes distressingly easy to become lost once one steps off the paths & roads. The roads themselves were built by the Giants during their occupation of Respite in the 3rd Age, imbued with rune magic to counteract the lingering corruption of the Dragon Tyrant from the previous era. With the upkeep and preservation by the Rose Kingdoms, these main roads remain the safest areas in the Ulvenwald. Anyone who ventures away on their own or is still in the woods after nightfall is at the mercy of their worst nightmares.
Owing to the infamous cursed magics that have taken root in the very heart of the Mortal Lands, many of the creatures within the woods are unique. Hippogriffs, half-horse & half-bird, Griffins, half-lion & half-bird, Owlbears, half-bird & half bear, Jackalopes, half-deer & half-rabbit, Cockatrice, half-bird & half snake, Tatzelwurms, half-snake & half-rodent, and many more unique hybrids that fall under the blanket category of "Kimaera". These hybrids are not necesarrily malevolent, but should be given a wide berth lest they feel the need to defend their territories.
Geography
Thick forest covering approximately 80% of the Mortal Lands. The trees grow tall, their leaves thick, and as they age they tend to grow more and more crooked. Stray too deep and one starts seeing monsters, whether they're actuall there or not.
A small spattering of mountains near the heart of the woods, most notably Capashen's Crest, the highest peak of Respite, where Rose Monarch Castiel Capashen gathered champions from each Rose Clan to draw out and defeat the Banefire Dragon that had terrorized Respite for almost a decade.
To the east are crystal lakes belonging to the members of the Harvest Moon Coven. A word to the wise, if you come to a lake big enough that you can't see the other side, make haste and don't get comfortable.
To the north are the snow-covered forests and tundra where the Soulswatch are stationed, standing ever-vigilant against Giant invasions from the far north. The good news is that most of the creatures in the north are considerable less aggressive to intruders. The bad news is that the weather makes up for the difference in danger.
Localized Phenomena
Werewolves, Ghosts, Hybrids, Kimaera, and Monsters
Climate
Cold, Dark, Quiet
Natural Resources
The largest forest on the plane
Tourism
Tourists should stick to the villages & cities
Alternative Name(s)
The Haunted Wood, Respite's Curse
Location under
Included Organizations
Additional Rulers/Owners
Contested By
Characters in Location
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