Vesve Forest (VEZ-vee)
The Vesve is the largest forest in the Flanaess and is a crucial battleground in the balance of power in the north.
The largest hardwood forest in all the Flanaess is the Vesve (or High) Forest, crucial to the balance of power in the north. Iuz refuses to yield his claim to the woodlands, while Furyondy and the Highfolk support those within it who fend off evil forces. Nearly twenty thousand human woodsmen dwell here, their numbers swollen by good-hearted men willing to lay down their lives to contain Iuz's terrible villainy. These men are supported by sylvan and high elves numbering more than thirteen thousand. About six thousand gnomes and three thousand halflings support this force. Additionally, about eight hundred beastmen inhabit the peaceful northwestern reaches of the forest, though their origins are a matter of some curiosity; this region is farther north than they would usually inhabit, and their fur is darker and browner than most. The Treaty of Greyhawk established no clear borders within the Vesve Forest. Accordingly, warfare has plagued the woodland for much of the past decade. The elves currently hold the western and southwestern woods, while the northeastern lands are controlled by Iuz. The overlap between these areas is claimed by no one, being little more than heavily wooded killing fields inhabited by unaligned bands of nonhumans, as likely to fall upon the troops of Iuz as they are to slaughter their usual enemies. The forest provides abundant resources, such as a variety of excellent woods, plant resins for waterproofing, incenses, preservatives, and medical berries and herbs. Particularly noteworthy are the sticky secretions of fungi unique to the Vesve used in magical oils. These resources are crucial to the economic health of Highfolk, Furyondy, and Veluna. Those three states, with assistance from the Knights of the Hart, support the indigenous nonhumans and woodsmen with manpower and occasional funds. It is said, that the mysterious Blue Wizard, Philidor, has a fondness for the Vesve and its folk. Always he seems to possess some forewarning of the approach of humanoids and other enemies over considerable distances and has provided warning and aid to those settlements facing such danger. Whether this will prevent or merely slow the advance of Iuz into this great forest remains to be seen.
The vast expanse of the Vesve Forest
Type
Forest, Temperate (Seasonal)
Location in the Flanaess
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