Magworth Hollows
History
The Magworth Hollows cavern system naturally developed within the mountainside surrounding Mount Halidale. Despite the proximity to an active volcano, the caverns were relatively safe, albeit very humid. During the worst of the Sidian Bog's weather, the Order of Nymphs took shelter within the higher portions of the caverns. This kept them out of the floodplain and away from the severe lightning storms that rolled through. One particular cave within the system became a place of worship to these druids as well as followers of the nature goddess, Alene.
It was known to these groups as the Crooked Tree Cave. Aptly named, a large, twisted tree had grown in the cave. It reached out through a hole in the cavern ceiling, providing it with enough sunlight to thrive and give life to other forms of vegetation. Crooked Tree Cave was a comfortably warm and sheltered forest. When the storms would pass through, the rain would fall from the tree and down into a small waterway that wrapped around it partially before disappearing further into the caverns.
After Mount Halidale's eruption, many survivors fled into the Magworth Hollows, hoping they could find safety within the Crooked Tree Cave. Unfortunately, the violent eruption damaged much of the cavern system, including the only known entrance to their place of worship. Once the wetlands turned to harsh desert, the Magworth Hollows was largely forgotten about. Entrances into the cavern system were hidden beneath piles of sands or caved in on themselves over time.
As of present day, local druids have managed to dig their way into the Magworth Hollows and reach the Crooked Tree Cave. While the tree that was once the center of worship for many people still stood, it was left scarred by the eruption. It no longer bears leaves and its branches are cracked and scorched by burns from the ensuing lightning storms that followed Mount Halidale's eruption. Despite its mangled appearance though, the life that thrived alongside it so long ago still remains. Smaller trees and herbs were protected from the worst of the eruption because of the Crooked Tree.
Tourism
Travel to the Magworth Hollows is prohibited and any known entrances aren't public knowledge currently. Crooked Tree Cave is considered a site of historical significance and as such, travelers and tourists are forbidden from entering it. The cavern system is tended to by a few different groups of druids and scholars. They're working together to preserve the life left within the Crooked Tree Cave.
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