Skaldwood is mentioned in the Guide to Korvosa as sacred to the Shoanti. Does anyone know why?
Also any idea where it is located ouside the gates? I like the woods just out side the North Bridge gate and to the left.
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I finally had a little free time, so here is my shot at a short look at Skaldwood.
Just across Northbridge, on the eastern shore of the Jeggare River upon a crescent shaped knoll stands a copse of trees. Each morning the suns first rays illuminate three score or so smoke plumes drifting lazily up into the purple sky from haphazardly scattered yurts on the slopes below. This is the Skaldwood, a reservation of sort, and home to the largest gathering of Shoanti south of the Stoval Plateau.
The exact population of the Skaldwood is unknown as the nomadic way of the Shoanti make for an ever changing population. However, at any given time a hundred or so adults occupy the wood. Most are Quah-less and of mix-heritage; half-orc being the most common. Unable to find social acceptance in neither Korvosa nor the Shoanti homelands these outcasts have managed to find some level of community and acceptance here in the Skaldwood.
The community itself is somewhat self-sufficient; however most of the adults try to find some form of labor within Korvosa, primarily in the Old Korvosa District. Common occupations are those requiring great strength such as dock workers, bouncers or armed guards, but many find their way into streetgangs or as hired thugs.
Life in Skaldwood is chaotic and self-policing. Only three rules are abided by those who live there. First, as per the treaty with Korvosa no one harbors fugitives. Second, the summit of the hill is off limits to everyone; and third, excavations of any depth greater that of a standard dagger are prohibited.
The reasons for the second and third rules are unknown; though there are many legends as to what may or may not be buried beneath Skaldwood. What is known is that each winter solstice a procession of Shoanti Shaman, escorted by several elite warriors descends from the Storval Plateau arriving two days before staying until two days following the solstice. They encamp upon the summit of the hill, and with sunrise on the day of the solstice much chanting, accompanied by the playing of traditional instruments, can be heard as far away as Old Korvosa; the ceremony continues until the sunrise the following day. The true purpose of the ceremony is unknown, however several prominent sages at the University of Korvosa believe the Shoanti are re-energizing ancient wards set centuries ago to protect whatever secret it is that lies below Skaldwood.