More specifically, for a Grayhawk-world adventure, which forest is the most ancient, deep, and likely to have no denizens other than woodland and sylvan creatures? I'm looking for the forest where humanoids simply don't go, but fey and woodland creatures are common. Any suggestions? I'm also looking, if possible, for a forest without an extensive history explored in other adventures.
More specifically, for a Grayhawk-world adventure, which forest is the most ancient, deep, and likely to have no denizens other than woodland and sylvan creatures? I'm looking for the forest where humanoids simply don't go, but fey and woodland creatures are common. Any suggestions? I'm also looking, if possible, for a forest without an extensive history explored in other adventures.
Ashenvale,
Keep in mind I draw most of my GH material from Carl Sargent's 2nd Ed. stuff, I think for the major, larger forests the Gnarley is your best bet. Most of it is claimed by the kingdom of Celene, a mysterious, reclusive elven kingdom. Granted, its a huge forest and some parts are claimed by Greyhawk, Dyvers and Verbobonc, it is also considered a very ancient forest. I'm sure you could easily take a section of it that is unspoiled/undiscovered by the outside world. If you can, get yourself a copy of From the Ashes box set, it has a very detailed section on the Gnarley in the campaign book. Also, the Adri Forest in the Great Kingdom (or what's left of it) is also considered an ancient forest, with the deepest parts containing the remnants of a great elven civilization, but it was consumed by a terrible evil so I don't know if that's what you need. Still, it has some great info and adventure ideas and is detailed in Ivid the Undying, available in PDF format.
As for using a smaller forest...hmmm.... maybe the Axewood? It's mostly inhabited by fey, sylvan and woodland critters. I'd go with that.
Good luck!
Thanks Luz! Exceptionally helpful. If I ever find myself tumbling through a dimensional gate and stranded in the forests of the world of Greyhawk, you will be the first person I call on my cell phone.
By the way, how's the cell service over there?
I'm not sure, but it can't be any worse than the phone service I get here in Vancouver, Canada.
I'll stick to divination spells.
The Suss forest, which is a continuation of the Gnarley forest (the southern/eastern part) is very ancient, and contains very ancient ruins related to Tharizdun or some old evil civilization or cult that worshipped Tharizdun. That whole area of the forest is tainted by evil. Even the squirrels there are evil dark carnivorous squirrels, if I remember correctly.
Vesve?
Vesve?
I thought about suggesting the Vesve but I think Ashenvale was looking for something that hasn't been found by humanoids. Iuz's orcs have ravaged a lot of the Vesve since the GH wars. Dungeon #118 has a great high level dungeon that takes place in the Vesve called "Throne of Iuz" that uses a lot of his orc minions. Definately worth checking out.
Good point, Luz.
The Silverwood in the Duchy of Ulek is perhaps the most sylvan friendly and pristine forest in the Flanaess. It happens to be fairly centralized as well. There is not a lot of canon information on it outside of the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000, pp. 119, 141). Be sure to check this sourcebook first when considering other sources. Below is the combined results of a web search for details; I apologize to any author offended by my scavenging.
"The Silverwood is a smallish forestland that lies entirely in the confines of the southern reaches of the Duchy of Ulek between the Sheldomar and Kewl rivers. This wood is predominately inhabited by some 3000 (or 8000, depending on your source) sylvan elves, although the ancestral home of the High Elves is also in this area. A wonder to behold, the elven tree-cities are home to the clan chiefs. Some demi-humans, mostly gnomes and a few halflings, also live within the confines of these trees. Rather than rely on outside forces, the elves and gnomes patrol the Silverwood themselves.
"Certain trees, like the ipt and roanwood variety, which are greatly loved by elvenkind grow in abundance in this forest. The elves are said to nurture trees in unique ways, so that they take exquisite forms and are wholly disease-free. Its inhabitants prize these trees more highly than silver for they produce a delicious sap which is the source of a much-sought after elven mead.
"The Silverwood forest holds one of the main centers of the faith and is one of the main training grounds for priests and priestesses of Ehlonna, as well as the rangers associated with the faith. A similar center exists in the Axewood."
I am sure that additional details are available from the Duchy of Ulek Living Greyhawk Yahoo site (if it is still up). I hope that this helps.
Cheers
My vote is for "Menowood". It is described in the old Greyhawk Boxed Set (1983) as being basically devoid of any inhabitants, save for some treants and fey creatures. It is in the southeastern section of the Greyhawk map, west of the Vast Swamp, and near the kingdom of Sundii.
Second choice is the northern Burneal forest (south of the Land of Black Ice). Very cold and very uninhabited, but without much in the way of Fey folk, history, and is snow covered much of the year.
Second choice is the northern Burneal forest (south of the Land of Black Ice). Very cold and very uninhabited, but without much in the way of Fey folk, history, and is snow covered much of the year.
I'd go with that too, if by 'pristine' you mean devoid of (demi)humans, humanoids, monsters and any sign of civilization, and inhabited only by natural animals. Silverwood is an advanced elven civilization, so I don't think that qualifies. It's more akin to a living city park.
