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| Background
information |
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| Gnarley
Forest |
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| Background |
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| Parts of this legendary forest have
been, until its' recent liberation, claimed by Celene, Greyhawk,
Dyvers, and Verbobonc. However, the inhabitants of these woodlands are
free-spirited folk, so no formal government is ever likely to hold sway
as long as there are deep woods to shelter resisters. The forest is
home to many fierce creatures as well, and many humanoid bands rove
about seeking to murder and loot. These invaders work their way up from
the Pomarj, through the Suss and Welkwood. Some come via the
mountains and hills from the north. A place of wooded glades and peaceable hillfolk, gnomes and elves, but also great danger, the Gnarley Forest is an exciting adventuring milieu. The Gnarley Forest is an ancient forest full of immense trees. In most places, the tree canopy blocks out most light, resulting in little ground vegetation, making the forest floor easy to walk. These areas are almost like parkland, save for the presence of much rotted timber and trees felled by age or storm scattered across the ground. To the west, a great central swath of the forest consists of wooded hill land, where the eastern spur of the Kron Hills enters the Gnarley. Tree cover here is rather less dense and there are many secluded, fertile glades and valleys. The hills rise gently, with long, stretching undulations growing steeper as they rise to the west. The Gnarley hills have fairly poor mineral resources in the area, although a handful of mines within 20 miles or so of Namburil yield chrysoberyls and peridots, together with some fine quartz and tiger eye agates. Most of the superior gems are found in the west. The Gnarley is surpassingly old. In its deepest recesses, treants and hostile lyrannikin repel those not of the fores themselves. There is an almost tangible aura of magic in such places, and the faerie folk and elves here do not welcome intruders, no matter what their intentions. Likwise, some buried secrets in the Gnarley are of great antiquity, and right with the history of Oerik- and, not rarely, redolent of its greatest evils to boot. As of 592 CY, the Free and Independent City of Dyvers has established the Gnarley Protectorate. In order that the forest be not rent asunder from the many powers seeking to influence or control it, Dyvers now funds several mercenary companies to police the woods. Their purpose is twofold- patrol to keep the inhabitants safe from marauding humanoids, and keeping any power outside the wood at bay. The Gnarley, or such portions as desire it, is free for trade from all places. There will be no more localized spheres of authority. Dyvers has done this not only to open new trade routes but also release the forest from grasping powers, as the city freed itself from Furyondy's oppression. Foremost among the mercenaries are the Gnarleymen, who ensure that even the patrols treat the forest with respect. Although Dyvers is currently footing the bill for the entire operation, any power is welcome to contribute to keep the Gnarley free. |