136 rooms · levels 22–49
The path leaves the lowlands and climbs north into a high mountain range, the peaks rising on both sides of the trail. Wagon ruts and fresh footprints mark the dirt, so many and so recent that this must be a well used road. The mountains are mostly barren, with a few trees and other greenery scattered across their slopes, and the strong mountain wind chases the clouds from their faces. To the south, the path leads down out of the mountains.
The mountain path narrows as it turns east, deeper into the mountains, while to the south it leads back down the range. The wind blows lightly through the pass, and the few trees and shrubs that cling to the slopes sway softly in the breeze.
In the middle of the mountain pass, the paths converge on a crossroads. To the east, a path leads into a wilder-looking section of the mountains. Grass grows in tufts on the path, and it looks like it is less used than the other paths. The path to the north leads deeper into the mountains. This one looks well traveled. The mountains rise high up around and there are a few trees and shrubs dotting the mountainside. To the west, the path slopes down, making it look like it leads down the mountain slopes. A sign has been erected to one side of the crossroads.
Moving east, the path continues into the mountain wilderness. Squirrels chatter with anger and birds screech in annoyance at the intrusion into their mountain home. The path levels out here, no longer gaining altitude. The wilderness encroaches onto the path, and trees and shrubs become more apparent. To the west, through the trees, is the mountain crossroads.
Here the mountain path heads east, out of the mountains and into some rolling foothills, while to the west it climbs back up toward the crossroads. A few large oak trees dot the hills, and the grass is dried brown from the late summer sun. A thin film of dust covers the path, and the only tracks in it are those of a deer or a fox.
The foothills roll down into a small valley to the north, where a little town is nestled behind a wall. Smoke rises lazily from some of the huts at its far end. To the west, the path leads back up through the hills into the mountain range. The hills are dotted with dark green oak trees, and the air is full of the sounds of wildlife.
The path leads by a large wooden fence, which surrounds the town of Myhem Hill. Immediately to the east, a large iron gate is set into the wall. A large wooden signpost has been erected by the path in front of the town. The trail leads back to the south towards some brown rolling hills and a large mountain range. A putrid scent rises from the ground by the wall and in front of the gate. It seems that the inhabitants of the town have dug a ditch, and filled it with an icky, smelly brown liquid.
Within the walls of the town, a large iron gate has been set. It leads east into the town of Myhem Hill. Several ropes and chains suspend a drawbridge, that makes it possible to pass over the ditch to the west. Off in the distance, the majestic peaks of a barren mountain range offer a natural barrier of protection for this town. Nearby, the hills are dusty and brown.
Between the steep mountain slopes that rise high up into the sky, the path passes through a mountain pass. There are a few pine trees dotting the mountain side, and the wind roars through them. To the south, the path continues back into the mountains. The path through the pass turns to the east going further into the mountain range.
The rocky ground of the pass begins to change here: the pine trees grow more thickly together, and the shrubs have broader, greener leaves. The trail turns north and starts down from the mountain toward a valley. To the west, it leads back through the pass toward the crossroads.
The mountain path leads north down into a lush, green valley below. From this vantage point, the valley stretches a long way to the north and east. Fields of flowers grow profusely in the verdant green valley, blooming right up to the thick forest. Trees and shrubs grow right up to the path that leads north. To the south, the path winds back up into a mountain pass.
As the path drops onto the valley floor proper, there is a feeling of serenity and peace. The entrance to Unicorn Valley is quiet and still. The grass is green and soft, and it ripples and sways as the breeze blows lightly over it. The grassy fields stretch out to the north and east. Fragrant wildflowers bloom within the grass, giving a fresh floral scent to the air. To the south, a path leads up into the mountain range.
This main road through town, is very busy with traffic. It is a crossroads to the different parts of the town. To the north, old rundown-looking huts are stacked one upon the other in a haphazard way. To the east, a stone fountain flowing with water sits in the center of the street. The dusty road continues to the south, and also leads west, to the exit of town.
Ogres lumber up and down this dusty street, kicking up clouds of dust as they go about the hustle and bustle of the town. Shops line the street, and ogres shoulder their way in and out of them all day long. A strong, bitter odor drifts from the bar to the south. The street runs north toward the heart of town and west past the shacks of the street vendors, and a semi-paved street leads off to the east.
Upon entering this bar, it is apparent that it is a very busy and a bit of a trashy place. The bartender is busy filling tankard upon tankard of ale. A few dirty and sleazy barmaids serve the customers, most of which are ogre and half-ogres. There are odors of food and drink all around. The atmosphere is rowdy, and a thick layer of smoke makes the eyes water. Occasional fist fights break out, which the bartender quickly breaks up. There is a sign on the wall. The only exit is to the north and it leads back to the street.
This alley looks like it is used for trash dumping. Along the west side of the alley, the outer wall of the city connects here. Rotted bones, decaying cloth and other bits of unidentifiable filth are among the piles of trash and rubbish that is strewn all about. A few rats scurry about. To the east is the general store.
This place is not kept real clean or tidy, and it's a wonder that any customers come in here at all. The whole place is lined with rows and rows of shelving. Scattered on these shelves, in no particular order, are food, clothing, house-hold and some adventuring items. A few customers are digging through a sale bin, discarding unwanted items into a heap on the floor. The floor is cluttered with stuff and there are small bugs crawling around. Everything has a layer of dust and muck. To the north is an exit to the city street and to the west is an alleyway, a sort of a back door to the store. There is a sign on the wall listing prices.
A large sign swings about the door, it says Luga's Boarding House. There is a set of stairs leading to the rooms. A large window allows light into the room. An unlit lantern sits on the counter. To the north is a semi-paved street. There is a sign on the wall.
The dusty town street ends in a rough cul-de-sac here. There is not much on this street, except the town's boarding house. There is always traffic going in and out of Luga's Boarding House to the south. There are a few groups of ogres walking around, either looking for trouble, or hoping to stay out of it. Some children are playing alongside of the road, kicking a round wooden object up and down the street. To the west the city street continues.
Rough-hewn out of black granite, the stone fountain sits in the middle of the streets of the Myhem Hill. Using bold cuts along the black face of the rock, a sculptor has captured the primitive essence of the ogres within the stone. When the light catches it just right, a vague face can be seen on the carving. The water appears almost black, and it sits cold and still, within the basin. A few pebbles lie strewn about. Unwary pigeons perching upon the statue have become targets for a group of young ogre sharpshooters armed with slings.
Thick, sooty smoke hangs under the eaves of this converted stable. A hot oven sits in one corner. It is heated with glowing white coals, and a black pot holds some molten metal on the hearth near the flames. A large gray rock is in the center of the room, and it is marked with soot and nicks. The four walls of the makeshift smithy are made out of reeds, and they roll up to provide ventilation. Some nice swords are displayed on a wooden rack, and some knives can be seen behind a counter. Bits of steel are collected in a pile near the front entrance, and it looks like they will soon be converted into weapons for the ogres to buy.
Casting a darker shadow over the already graying city, a very tall wooden structure stands tall. It is over forty feet high with only one entrance to it. Looking out a small portal, each in a separate direction, four armored guards keep watch. There is a large metal bell with a rope attached to it hanging in the center of the watch tower. To the south is a semi-paved road.
As the street progresses through the town, it changes from dusty ground to a semi-paved street. There have been pieces of stone laid down and are now imbedded in the ground. The stones are not the same giving the street an uneven and unkempt look. There are better built wooden structures here on either side of the road. To the north is a watch tower. There are wooden barracks to the east. The stone fountain lies to the west and to the south is a semi-paved street.
The semi-paved street, imbedded with uneven stones, continues here to the north. There are some unidentifiable wooden structures lining the street. Dressed in torn leather and sporting mohawks, groups of half-ogres walk the streets looking for trouble. To the east, it appears that someone has a sense of decency, and has erected a well kept building.
The inside of this building is a pleasant surprise to visitors to Myhem Hill. This is the best maintained and kept building in the city. Thick rugs cover the floors. The building contains windows, which are all unbroken. There are many lovely pieces of wooden furniture in this room. To the west is a semi-paved street.
This is a very large wooden building. It is filled with rows and rows of bunk beds. At the foot of each set of beds are two trunks, each with a lock on it. There are lanterns hanging from the roof giving off a little light. There are many weapons and armor hanging along all the wall. This must be where the guards and troops stay. There are a few large males working in here. To the west is the semi-paved city street.
This large wooden building has very little in way of furnishings. Aligned horizontally throughout the room, are many rows of wooden benches. Toward the back of the room is an altar made of dense black stone. Tiny specks of silver reflect the candlelight of the black brazier that stands next to the altar. A black crooked dagger lies on the altar. It becomes obvious that ogres prefer a segregated society, as the worship hall is divided into a male section and the female and youngster section. There is a sign on the wall also stating that male-only services are available. On the walls, crude pictures of ogre myths are hung. Over them are various sayings of ogre philosophy. The worship hall opens up to the east to a row of rundown wooden huts.
As the city gate swings open, it reveals a small, dusty town atop a small hill. This is the entrance to the town of Myhem Hill. It is not necessarily the nicest town, nor the cleanest town, in the Dale, but its inhabitants seem to like it that way. Loud, raucous shouts of ogres talking with each other drifts over the town. Loud laughter comes from some of the old, wooden buildings. To the east is a dusty street, upon which many ogres and half-ogres travel about. The large iron gate swings shut to the west.
There is the normal everyday hustle and bustle of city life here. Along the streets, shacks and shanties make up places that ogres are doing business. Outside of these makeshift shops, a few street vendors are giving free enterprise a try. Several groups of young male ogres walk around in seemingly set territories. They look in the shops, harass the vendors and occasionally cause a bit of trouble. There is the laughter of children playing off in the distance. To the east is a dusty street and to the south is the general store.
There are many shabby wooden huts here. These huts have no doors. There is only a hole cut in the front side of the hut, giving access in and out of the inside of the huts. There seems to be mainly women and children living in this part of town. Hordes of young children are running around, yelling and screaming at the tops of their lungs. The young mothers look very tired and worn as they try to ride herd on their offspring. There is no sign of elder males of the ogre population. They must avoid this part of town. To the south is a dusty street. The worship hall lies to the west.
The green grass gives way and opens to a large field of lovely wildflowers. The ground is soft and springy underfoot. Many small animals run around chasing each other, stopping to rest among the flowers when they are tired. Bees buzz around and many birds fly above the wildflowers. The flowers give the field a soft sweet smell and their beauty is a wonder to behold. To the north is a field of grass. The field of flowers continues to the east.
Buttercups and daisies cover the field of flowers with golden yellow and white dots. Vines of morning glory and sprigs of wild heather add their blue and magenta hues to the colorful tableau. Birds chase gnats in the air, and bees fly tirelessly from flower to flower, gathering nectar and collecting pollen. There is such a restful and peaceful feeling in the air here. To the east and west are more fields of flowers.
A peaceful stillness envelops the field in silence. Even the cool breeze makes no sounds as it floats through the many beautiful flowers swaying in the grass. The air has a delightful floral fragrance, as the breeze picks up the scent of heather and other wildflowers growing abundantly all over the place. A warm feeling of peace and restfulness pervades the field, making it a good place to rest and renew the tired body and weary soul. The field of wildflowers continues to the west of this lovely quiet field of flowers. To the east is a stream that burbles quietly through the fields.
There is a crystal clear stream flowing here and some small fish swim in the shadows of the stream. The water looks cool and very refreshing. There are also a few trees and some bushes growing here. The trees shade some nice places to rest. A traveler's cup hangs on a stick near the stream, allowing a parched traveler a way to get a much needed drink. To the north is a large field and to the east is grasslands. To the west is a field of flowers.
As far as the eye can see, rolling hills of flowing grassland stretches out in all directions. The tall grass sways in the breeze, and the air is filled with the sweet fresh scent of grass and flowers. Small animals scurry about in the green grass, chasing each other and gathering food. A stream runs diagonally through the valley, flowing from the west to the north. The hills continue to the east, and far to the south are the mountains and the entrance into this valley.
A hawk circles lazily in the sky above the rolling hills of tall, flowing grassland. The tall grass sways in the breeze, rippling with the currents of air as it gently blows across the earth. The sounds of small mammals and birds are apparent here. The air smells of fresh, sweet grass and flowers. To the north and to the west are more grassy areas.
Bubbling up from an underground source, a crystal-clear pool flows here. It is surrounded by trees and berry bushes. The water looks very inviting and refreshing. A soft cool breeze blows by, barely making any ripples on the smooth, clear surface of the pool. Every once in a while, the water ripples, and rings of the ripple advance out from the center in even, concentric patterns. No fish swim in the pool. Small forest animals calmly walk up to the water's edge and take a drink from the pool. They proceed to eat the plump ripe berries, which have fallen off from the surrounding bushes. To the east is a forest clearing.
Parting the strands of leaves reveals a white trunk inside the willow tree. Stepping inside the folds of the trunk, reveals a large area inside the tree. The tree seems almost as old as the oldest parts of the forest. There is a sense of life and understanding here. The tree seems to understand the intricacies and fallacies of love and devotion. Outside to the east, the wind seems to whisper a sad tale, but it is hard to make it out from here. The willow opens itself up, and seems to show a way down into the darkness, going deeper into the roots of the tree.
The forest opens up into a small clearing here. Tiny shafts of light peek through the trees surrounding the clearing. There are small animals running here and the sounds of the forest seem very alive. To the east is a forest trail and to the west is a pool of water.
The trees rise up all around and grow very close together along this light forest trail. It runs north deeper into the forest, south to a field of flowers and west to a small clearing. Some light makes its way down through the branches, and small mushrooms and flowers grow all along the trail. Dew glistens on the tree trunks, a refreshing drink for a small forest dweller to lap up.
The trees rise up all around and they have grown tightly together, trying to block out all of the sunlight. A little bit of light does find its way down giving a soft but eerie glow to the small rugged trail. The breeze is quiet and still, making no sound in this part of the forest. The sounds of animals echo loudly in the area. Blue bonnets and lilies grow among the brown-capped mushrooms along the trail, which continues to the south. To the west is a large oak tree.
An enormous and very old oak tree proudly stands in the forest here. It has been here since the forest was only seedlings in the springtime of the world. Its branches are spread out on all sides, providing cool shade to all that stand under it. The tree is full of birds and small mammals. The ground around the tree is moist and very soft. Moss grows up the sides of the thick trunk and there are many flowers and herbs growing under its protective and loving branches. To the north is a stream and the trail continues to the east. There is another tree to the west.
Between the large, old oak tree and the open grasslands, is a small copse of trees. One tree stands out, being weathered and hollow, and it has many bees buzzing around it. A large hole is situated in the trunk, high up in the tree, and from it, thick yellowish sap drips down the trunk. Yellow-and-black bumble bees fly in and out of the hole, and swarm nearby in the branches. Within the copse, several flowering bushes grow.
Large rolling hills of grassland stretch out here. The grass ripples softly in the wind, like the surface of a green crystal lake, and the air is fresh with the smell of grass and flowers. Herds of deer, horses and other hoofed animals roam free across it. To the east is a copse of trees, to the west a stream, and to the south the grassland rolls on.
A stream flows through this meadow from the south-west and continues off to the northeast. The water is crystal clear, and appears to be cool and fresh. Some scattered oak and willow trees provide shade and a place to rest. To the south and east lie grassland and to the west is a large open field. There is an old dead log to the north.
Along the valley floor, sits a large field of grass. It stretches out for leagues to the west. The air is sweet with the scent of fresh grass. The grass grows about the height of a large halfling, and within it roam small animals and birds. A bevy of quail take off in flight as something startles them. Their hoots and trills rising above the sound of the blowing breeze. The gentle breeze flows through the field and the grass moves like ripples on a lake. To the east and south is a slow-moving stream.
A pair of hawks dance lazily with each other in the clear, blue sky above the valley floor. They gracefully glide on the air currents that ripple across the rolling fields of grass and wildflowers. The denizens of the field move about cautiously, hoping not to become lunch for the predatory birds. Bees buzz around the flowers gathering pollen. The valley floor stretches out to the east and it looks like more wildflowers grow to the west.
The valley floor stretches for leagues to the east and west. This lowest spot of the valley seems the ideal place for wildflowers to grow. The thick, rich dark soil smells acrid and pungent, and there are so many different varieties of flowers growing here. Wild red roses are mixed in with yellow and orange poppies. Blue bonnets and larkspur dot the field in blue. Brown-eyed susans and wild heather fill the air with a heady scent. A hummingbird darts from flower to flower, adding a sparkle of ruby, white and emerald to the colorful cornucopia of flowers.
The valley floor stretches from the east and encounters a lightly-wooded area to the west. The grass grows tall here, almost chest-high to a human. The air is thick with the smell of sweet grass. The wind blows fresh from atop the mountains that surround this verdant valley. The ground is moist and very rich in color and smell. To the east and south are fields of flowers. To the west is a dark forest path.
All around are various types of berry bushes. There are blueberry, blackberry, boysenberry and strawberry bushes here. The fruit is ripe and looks very juicy. The sweet smell of fresh berries is mouth watering, though almost a trifle overpowering. There are small animals eating off the bushes. Many berries lie on the ground just waiting to be picked up and eaten. To the north is more bushes and to the east is a trail through the forest.
Between an old, dead log in the forest, and a thicket of wild berry bushes, the forest grows tall. Within the trees is a worn trail, looking as if it is often used. The branches of the trees are grouped together to provide shade, having grown together over the years. There is a little bit of light finding its way through the trees. This seems to be a very nice part of the forest. Some deer tracks meander across the trail, and the squirrels chatter to one another as they scamper from tree to tree.
Within the thick, overgrown forest lies an old, dead log. It may once have been a mighty oak, but whether it was felled by human hands or by a storm can no longer be told. It is large and hollow, foliage has grown all over it, and inside are the traces of the many animals that have made it their home over the years. To the east is the front yard of a small log cabin, to the west a forest trail, and to the south the stream flows through its meadow.
There was a terrible attack here. The once beautiful cabin has had its porch ripped off, a swing lies shattered on the ground, and the ground has been trampled into a muddy mess.
The inside of the cabin has been ransacked. The fireplace is about to fall apart but there still is room for a small fire. There are remains of a table and chairs splintered next to a broken window. There is a crumbled rug in the middle of the floor, it has dark red stains on it. There is the door to the west and to the east.
Behind the small log cabin, a clear stream of running water hurries by. The brook is large enough to be a haven for good-size fish, and someone has been fishing it: sticks rigged with thin string and wooden hooks lie by the water, along with bits and pieces of fish left on the ground, as if someone or something was here only recently. The wind rustles through the trees. The back door of the cabin is to the west, and to the south the stream runs past a large old oak tree.
The rich fertile soil provides an excellent area for more berry bushes to grow. The vines are covered with ripe, sweet berries. The overpowering smell of fresh berries is everywhere. Some of the burgeoning fruit has fallen to the ground, where small animals rushing around eating it and gathering it to take back to their dens and homes. To the north is a grove of trees. The east leads to a path leading into another section of the forest. There are more berry bushes to the south.
The trail leads into a much darker and more overgrown part of the forest. Very little light reaches through the thick forest trees. The path here shows little sign of use except for some animal tracks. The path continues to the east. To the west are some berry bushes.
Travel along the path is difficult, as the forest tries to reclaim the path for its own. This path does not show much signs of use, and the branches of the pine trees grow thick over the path. The winds blows through the trees with an eerie sound. Occasionally, there is a crack and a crash, as a tree prunes itself by dropping a branch onto the forest floor. There are soft and deep sounds echoing through here. The path continues both to the east and to the west.
As the forest path continues through the forest, it still shows little sign of use. There are signs of animals using the path but not much else. The wind rustles in the trees here giving the area an eerie sound. To the north is a clearing and the path continues to the west.
The woods open up into a small clearing deep within the trees. The trees enclose it, and surround the clearing, leaving very little room for the path leading north. Bright orange, red and yellow monkey flowers grow in tall bushes - a favorite delicacy for the local deer population. Henna grows profusely, dying the ground a rich auburn wherever its red blooms touch the ground. The trees and bushes grow very close together, but there is a way to push past the bushes and go east into a lightly wooded area. To the west is a forest glen and the path continues to the south.
The forest has thinned out here giving way to a tranquil, secure, sparsely-wooded area. The grass moves softly in the cool breeze which flows through here. The trees offer some shade, but the trunks and branches are thin, only partially diffusing the sunlight. It is easy to see the small woodland animals scurrying through the trees. To the west is a woodland clearing.
The trees open up, revealing a tiny forest glen. The sky is open to the elements, including the sun, moon and rain. The natural setting is filled with small holly shrubs and deerweed, which blooms its fragrant scent in the spring, much to the delight of the rutting bucks. A set of antlers decays on the floor of the glen, where a 16-point stag has shed them for the season. There are some signs of erosion, as the recent rains have run off some of the topsoil in the glen. Even so, dandelions and lupine have taken root in the run-off, giving the soil the vital nutrients it needs. A small stump provides a place to rest in the shade. A clearing sits to the east of the glen, and the trees grow more thick to the west.
The deciduous trees give way to a grove of maple trees, that readily grow here. Many different varieties of maple have taken root. There are some small, shrub-like trees with a short trunk and very slender, upright branches. These are in full bloom, with greenish-yellow flowers. Other trees that grow here are a little larger and have more dense branches and leaves. These are also in bloom with bell-shaped, yellow flowers. The white bark of all of the maple trees is covered with a sticky sap. To the east is a glen and to the west, another type of grove is evident.
This area is filled with many varieties of pine trees. Some are small and bush-like, and they grow right next to the tall pines that grow way up out of sight. Pine cones literally cover the ground. Some of the young green cones growing on the trees are covered in a brown dust, indicating that they are in bloom. Birds fly around the branches, inadvertently pollinating the trees. Some of the small bushes have cones the size of a baby's fist. When the wind blows, tiny seeds fly out of the cone, and are carried away on the currents of air to grow in other parts of the forest. Squirrels run around from tree to tree, gathering the ripe pine nuts from the large cones at the treetops. The forest continues in all directions from here.
The grove is filled with evergreen cedar and young green oak trees. The cedar grows tightly together, and their branches interweave to form a dense thicket. These trees have grown together over the years, making it very hard to tell where one ends and another one begins. The oak trees struggle to keep their foothold in this grove, and are covered with nut-like fruits. Some are in full-bloom with white blossoms. The cedar branches rustle as small animals scurry through the dense growth. The grove continues to the east, and the woods become more dense to the north.
A rich, fruity smell is very strong in this grove. The trees have a short trunk of smooth, rich brown wood. The leaves grow into a dense crown of stout spreading branches, spiny-toothed leaves and cherries. This is a whole grove of cherry trees. The trees are in various stages of blooming. Some of the trees are covered with the delicate pink-white cherry blossoms, while others have small green fruit. Still others have bright red cherries. The ground is covered with half-eaten fruit, raw pits, and the digested remains of cherries and pits. The grove of trees continues to the north and south of here.
The trees in this grove are tall and large. Their many branches have entwined to form almost a canopy above the forest floor. The baobab trees often have several trunks with compact, rounded crowns, numerous small, whitish flowers in large cluster and bluish fruit. As if in defiance to any season, the trees here are in various stages of blooming. Some just have the yellowish-white flowers, while others grow the sweet, dark-blue berries. To the east and south are more groves of trees. The woods continue to the west.
This is a grove of large oak trees. The trees have short, stout trunks, many large and crooked branches and broad, rounded crowns. The small, dark-green leaves are spiny, and catch at fur, cloth and other bits of fluff that comes close to the branches. Tan acorns are hidden beneath the leaves. The ground is covered with the dark-gray caps of the small fruit, and with the hard-shelled acorns themselves. The animals of the forest love these trees, that they use for both food and shelter. The normal forest sounds seem muffled and soft here. Groves of trees grow off to the west, and there is a clearing to the east.
The trees thin out here, opening up into a forest clearing. Tall trees surround the clearing, sheltering it from view in the forest. Thick groves of trees grow to both the east and west, and a way can be made to them by pushing one's way slowly through the trees surrounding the clearing. Grass, some weeds and dandelions fill the clearing, that just seems to be a natural break in the forest. By day, the sun shines brightly here, warming the ground, and the clear blue sky is refreshing. Once in a while, a deer or other forest creature comes here to lie in the grass and feel the warmth of the sun. By night, the moon softly bathes the clearing in its silver light, and the stars seem so close.
This is a very beautiful grove. Forest creatures chatter, chirp and croon, a symphony of sound behind the beauty that grows here. Some large oak trees offer protection from the elements, and soft grass and lovely flowers grow all around. In the center of the grove is an old tree stump, around which mushrooms grow in many sizes and shapes. This would make a nice and safe place to rest. On the far side of the grove an overgrown thicket walls it in, and by pushing past the trees to the west, one can get back to a woodland clearing.
The path that winds through the wood here seems to be well-worn and frequently used. There are a few trees growing here. There are many shrubs growing along side the path and some have berries. The sounds of small animals can be heard off in the distance. To the east is a forest glen and to the south is a clearing.
This glen is full of flowers, herbs and some berry bushes. The large trees surrounding this glen give shade and homes to some of the woodland animals. Also here are some old dead tree trunks with moss and ferns growing out of them. To the west is the woodland path.
The woods here are very dark and very thick. It is difficult to move through here, but not impossible. Travel through the dense woods is slow, and they continue to the west. Some trees grow in a grove nearby to the south. There are many woodland sounds which echo here giving this area a spooky feel.
The woods are very thick here, the trees so close together that it is hard to move between them. The underbrush rustles with every step, and it seems to go on rustling even when no one is moving; no one can say what makes the sound. To the east, the woods open up into a grove of trees, and to the north a faint pathway leads deeper into the dense woods.
The pathway through the woods leads into another grove. Tall trees surround this grove, giving it protection from nature's elements. Flowers bloom in clusters about the grove and beneath some small shrubs, which gives this grove a gentle and calm look. There is a large willow tree in the middle of the grove, under which grows mushrooms and fragrant herbs. The willow tree is home to many birds and small animals. The path continues to the south through the dense woods.
This path through the dense, overgrown woods shows very little sign of use; it is barely noticeable under all the trees, bushes and thick grass. It is dark, and the sounds of the forest echo here, giving the place a spooky and eerie feeling. The pathway leads north into a grove and south back toward the grove of trees, and to the west the woods grow even more dense.
The trees and brush grow tightly together, and the upper branches block all the light from the forest floor. Darkwood brush and debris lie thick underfoot, and it is hard, slow work to travel here. Mysterious sounds echo through the trees, and the darkness and the moans give the woods an eerie and ominous feeling. The dense woods go on to the east, toward a grove of pines; to the west, an old path runs through the underbrush, and to the south the brush closes into a thicket.
The underbrush grows thickly here, forming a dense thicket. Tangled in with the plants are bones, fur, cloth and other things no longer recognizable. The smell of damp earth and acrid musk is very strong; this has been the den of something large for a long while. Very little light makes its way down, and the sounds of the forest cannot get through the brush. It is very still, almost too still. The only way out of the thicket is back to the north.
The dense woods open up into a lovely grove of cedar trees. Their aromatic, fresh scent makes these trees desirable for lining closets and trunks. The trees in this grove are large, with tapering and irregularly angled trunks and very narrow columnar crowns. They have very dark evergreen leaves and have tiny cones hanging from the ends of the resinous branches. They grow so thick that the only way back out is to the north.
Deep inside the forest, the trees grow thick together, and the woods come to a dead end just west of here, where the trees and underbrush have grown so tightly that they have become one. The feeling of being watched permeates the place. Luminous eyes peer out from the trunks, and sad, haunting hoots echo all around. A strong smell of cedar drifts in from a grove to the south, and to the east an old pathway can barely be made out through the woods.
The underbrush here is very thick and tightly woven together, making any movement very slow. The ground is moist, and the scent of wet earth and the musk of animals fills the air. The wind whistles through the tree tops with a lost and forlorn sound, and the underbrush rustles in answer, though what moves through it cannot be seen. To the east, an old path leads through the dense forest; to the west is the sweet scent of berries, and to the south the bushes grow into a deep thicket.
The underbrush grows thickly here, forming a deep thicket. The leaves of the surrounding plants are a deep, dark green, and they grow thick and tall, covering all the sides of the thicket. The soil is moist and gives off a musky, damp scent. No light makes its way down here. The only way out of the thicket is to the north to some thick underbrush. The sounds of the forest are a soft echo here. The only way out is back to the north to thick underbrush.
The smell of fruity berries is very strong here. There is an overgrowth of berry bushes here. These bushes have grown very tightly together, and it is hard to tell where one bush ends and another one begins. The fruit is in many stages of being ripe. Some are green. Others range from partially ripe, to just right, to too mushy. There are signs that animals use this area for feeding. To the north are dense woods and to the east is thick underbrush.
The trees and brush grow tightly together, and the upper branches block all the light from the forest floor. Brush and debris lie thick underfoot, and mysterious sounds echo through the trees. The woods grow lighter to the north. A secluded grove lies to the west, and to the south the brush gives way to thick berry bushes.
The woods are not as thick here. The trees have thinned out a bit, letting a little sunshine or moonlight through their tops, and many small plants and herbs grow beneath them. Woodland animals scurry about: a glimpse of a squirrel, a chipmunk or a rabbit, and then it is gone. Small pines with green needles and cones stand tall to the north, where the trees open into a clearing, and to the south the growth turns dense and dark.
Moss and vines cling to the immense cedars that line this secluded grove, deep in the woods. Some stray brambles of raspberry bushes cling to the forest floor. Small, white and yellow flowers bloom on the newer vines, while the sweet red berries grow on the older parts of the vine. A hollowed out tree trunk gives refuge to a ring of mushrooms that grow within it. A small gray rabbit with large brown eyes and big feet sits on the log, placidly looking about. The woods continue to the east.
A well used path meanders through the woods here and continues to the west. The light soil has been packed down hard from the foot traffic that moves through here. Many small bushes and plants grow along side of the path. The trees grow far enough apart to let in a fresh breeze and much light. Some of the trees are covered with the fur of shedding deer. The smell of sweet grass drifts in from the east.
A well used path meanders through the woods here and continues to the east. The light soil has been packed down hard from the foot traffic that moves through here. Ferns grow thick alongside the path, and their fronds lightly brush passersby. Light shines through the treetops. There is a sign posted here. To the west is a woodland glen.
This is a lovely woodland glen. The many trees surrounding it give shelter to numerous small woodland animals. There are many small bushes and flowers all through the glen. The glen is a rainbow of color from all the flowers growing here. The flowers move as if alive as a breeze flows by. To the east is a path and to the west is dense woodlands.
The trees grow thickly here and make travel very slow and laborious. Old gnarled roots try to trip small feet and wispy like branches slap at all who try to pass through here. The thick forest lets in little light and it is difficult to see what might be lurking ahead in the shadows. To the south is more dense woods and to the west is a large oak tree.
The woods here are thick and dense. Any movement is very difficult and slow. The darkness here is ominous and the sounds of forest are very spooky. Even with all this it is obvious that someone takes care of these woods. The trees are thick and grown closely together, but are neatly trimmed and pruned. To the north is dense woodlands and to the south is another wooded area. To the east is a woodland glen and to the west is a forest clearing.
The woods are not as thick and dense here. The trees and every other plant have been trimmed and pruned, and all of them show new growth, as if they enjoy the care they are given. Eastward, the trees stand nicely spaced in the light, home to many small animals. Animal sounds come from off in the distance. To the north are dense woodlands, and to the south is a path.
A path winds through the forest mainly in a north-south direction. Many footsteps in the plain dirt of the path indicate that it is a well used path. To the south, small saplings line the side of the path, and show the way into an old grove. Along the path, flowers and shrubs are aligned in neat rows. Someone has taken a great deal of care to maintain the order of the plants in this area.
The path opens up into a large grove. Along one side, there is a large sign posted. A sprig of ivy was planted at its foot and winds its way up the post; Rangers and Druids will recognize it as the famous Morning Glory, the vine that blooms blue and purple flowers in honor of the Dawn. To the west stands an unusually large willow tree, grown old and twisted so that several folds open along its trunk. Along the east side of the grove an herb garden is planted, and flowers grow profusely between the green, life-giving plants. A path leads north through the forest, and the trees grow more dense to the south.
Parting the strands of leaves that hang to the ground, reveals a small opening within the trunk. A slight breeze rustles the leaves, and they seem to tell the story of woe, from which the first weeping willow was brought into the world. A young man was simply not interested in relationships, and he ignored the women that tried to befriend him. A curse was placed upon him that would make him fall in love with the first person he saw. Before he met anyone, he knelt before a brook and saw his reflection. Falling immediately in love with his reflection, he was unable to be removed from the spot. But instead of allowing him to die, the gods changed him into a willow tree. To this day, the arms of the willow seek their beloved in the water near where they grow. A dark area opens up to the west inside of the tree.
The path ends here in a small forest clearing. Grasses and flowers thrive in the sunshine, and the remains of an old decomposed log feed a number of small bushes. The trees grow very thick on every other side, making it hard, if not impossible, to go any further. Bracket fungi grow out of the trunks on their north faces, like tiny shelves, and birds flit from branch to branch, chirping as they search for their next meal. A path leads back north to another clearing.
Traces of ash show that there was a fire in this clearing long ago. The grass has come back in stages, and the surrounding trees have grown new limbs. A thick copse of redwood saplings grows on the north side; redwood seeds are released from their cones only by intense heat, and so a new cycle is beginning here. To the east the woods become dense, but are still passable, and a path leads south into the forest.
Slipping inside one of the folds of the old oak gives access to the inside of the tree. The wind whistles through the leaves and the trunk, and it seems as though the tree is talking with the whispers of many voices. Touching the smooth bark of the inner walls floods the mind with images: a seed finding refuge in the warm dirt, soft rain bringing forth life, years of growing, seeing, learning and knowing, the painful strike of lightning that hollowed out the tree, and finally peace here in this grove, still living and observing. A dark area opens up to the west inside the tree. Through a crack to the north is a woodland grove, and a dense wood lies to the east.
Old oak trees ring this glen just north of the great oak tree, their trunks and branches entwined so that the only way out is back to the south. A peaceful silence permeates the place. Even the sun's harsh rays and the storm's fiercest rain are filtered through the canopy of oak leaves, and the ground is covered with a thick blanket of leaves and acorns. Thick moss grows abundantly, along with star-flowers that prefer the moist shade, and the suffused light bathes the glen in a surreal glow in which the dewdrops glisten like stars.
The stairs lead up into a quaint and simple home. A hammock of vines provides a simple sleeping area, and a wooden wall hides a dressing area. Within the dressing area are hung several robes of different colors. A yellow, white, green and brown robe currently hang on a twig that grows out of the wall. A carpet woven out of rushes covers the floor. An eating area includes a cupboard, a wash basin, and a table. A set of stairs spirals down from the other side of the hammock.
Magical green globes hang on the wall bathe the inside garden in soft light. Lush plants, that seem to have grown to twice their normal size grow profusely all around. The perfumed odor of lavender and gardenias and roses fill the air. At the center of the garden, backed by wooden rails and small shrubs, stone steps lead down. Approaching the stairs, the faint odor of animals and antiseptic can be smelled. Another set of wooden stairs spiral up along the west wall.
This is obviously a place where sick and wounded animals come to be healed. Along the walls are several beds filled with soft clover. The tree has grown some branches along one inside wall, and the druid has placed a few nests for the sick birds of the region. There seems to be an implied trust among the animals, that this is not a place to be aggressive. A wolf lies in a bed next to a fawn, and neither seems bothered by it. A table lines one wall, and neatly arranged on the shelves above it, are rows of bottles, bandages and herbs. A set of stairs leads down at the far end of the hospital.
The very walls inside the great old oak tree seem to move rhythmically, as if it were alive. A strange and magical energy pulses, causing the hair on one's arm to raise slightly and the skin tingles. A large opening leads east, and there is the smell of fresh air coming from that direction. There are stairs that seem to grow right out of the tree leading up.
This small earthen room is the cellar for the house. There are roots trail down from the ceiling and intertwine with each other. The light from the torch on the wall dances eerily about the room. There are a few oaken barrels stored here, some mushrooms grow upon the ground, and a few tools lie on the floor.
The inner bark within the folds of the willow tree is soft and smooth. A feeling of melancholy seems to permeate the area, and it is difficult to resist the overwhelming feeling to throw oneself to the ground and lie weeping in the cool, dark soil. Like a swan that only sings with its dying breath, the tree itself remains silent, emoting only woe and sadness, until the day that it can be united with its one true love. The wind longingly sighs through the folds in the trunk.
Along the bottom of the valley, lush green grass grows with abundance. Patches of clover grow between the rye and oat grasses, giving the open grassy field a patchwork appearance. To the west, the valley narrows and two boulders, that stand stark against the sky, seem to mark the entrance to another valley. The rocks seem to have a thick base, and then spiral to a point as they reach up to the sky.
The valley path winds slightly up through the green rolling hills that surround it. The trees and flowers bring joy to the heart, as they spread their branches of green and gold, red and blue over the hills, like a patch-work quilt. In the very air hangs a feeling of serenity, peace and innocence, brought back from a younger age, when the world was not so dark and pocked with evil. To the west, is a large grassy field. Far to the west, two long, pointed rocks seem to guard the entrance to another valley.
Through the natural low point between the hills runs a long, green valley, and a fairly wide path winds its way along it. Below the path, a large field of flowers makes a beautiful mosaic of color on the valley floor, and beyond it the forest rises dark and green. The path climbs east toward the field of flowers and runs west, back down the valley toward its entrance.
The trail opens up into a vast field of flowers. Poppies of red, daisies of yellow and white, and blue cornflowers carpet the field in a brilliant panorama of color. Worker bees, covered with pollen, move from flower to flower. A few hollowed out wooden stumps in the field serve as hives for the bees. The heady scent of the flowers overwhelms the senses.
The inside of the tree is neat and orderly. Everything seems to have its place. A gnarled wooden stick is by the front door. On the counter, next to a basin, there is one plate, and utensils, all neatly arranged. The rest of the room is filled with only functional items. There are no mirrors or pictures on the walls, and even the plants seem to grow out of the way. A set of stairs with a handrail, lead both up and down at the far end of the tree.
This is a small, private room up in the tree. A low bed sits by the window. On a night stand next to the bed, a brush, a comb and a soft cloth are laid in order. The branches of the tree seem to have unobtrusively grown around the room, giving the impression of protecting the occupant of the room. An old desk sits at the far side of the room. It is covered with dust.
The trees grow thickly here, making travel slow and laborious. Old gnarled roots try and trip small feet, and wispy branches slap at passersby. The dense forest lets in little light, and it's difficult to see what might be lurking in the shadows. A small animal scurries in the underbrush, but remains unseen from prying eyes. A sleepy hoot of an owl echoes in the thick silence of this dense forest. To the north, the trees seem to part away into a small grove. The trees grow a little less dense to the south, making movement there possible.
The trail opens up into a deep pool. Large granite boulders line the sides of this small canyon, allowing the natural clear rainwater to collect and fill into a pool. At the shallow end, some lily pads have grown, much to the delight of a family of frogs. Animal tracks lead up to the water's edge, indicating that the local fauna have also discovered this secret watering hole. Ferns and moss grow up on the boulders, making them treacherous to climb.
The trees do not grow as closely together in this section of the forest, making travel through them fairly easy. The trees are not that tall or thick, and are probably pretty young compared to some of the denser areas. A flock of birds is making a lot of noise to the south, and seem to be intent on stripping some berry bushes of their ripe fruit. To the east, the forest seems to come to an intersection.
The trees seem to grow more thickly together to the north, and less dense to the west. This seems like a transitional zone within the forest. To the south, sits a rather large tree. A deep thrumming vibration seems to resonate from inside the tree. Bits of bark and dirt are clumped on the ground beneath the tree. Several ribbons of sticky golden liquid ooze from the trunk of the tree and run down to the ground.
Through the forest winds a light forest trail and heads to the east. It seems well kept, although there is no sign that anyone has passed here recently. A few small cedars are mixed in with the dominant oak trees, and fill the trail with their distinct, woody scent. To the north, a break in the trees reveals a large granite rock, and there are frogs ribbiting and water trickling sounds coming from that direction. To the south, past the trees, grow the scrub oak and manzanita bushes.
The light forest trail ends here, at the eastern edge of the forest, coming from the west. The trees stand tall, and as the wind caresses their leaves, they talk to each other in hushed whispers. One tree tells of the blue jay nest in its upper branches, and another of a fox family that lives in a warm and cozy den beneath its roots. Another tells of lovers that lay beneath its branches when it was younger, and then remembers their betrayal over the years. To the south, a way can be made through the thick underbrush toward a large oak tree.
The forest seems to have parted, into a natural cleared area. Soft, green grass grows between the trees, and is kept at about foot level. A few hay bales have been set up at one side for arrow target practice. Straw dummies with monster faces painted on them hang from tree limbs. A trainer is moving them up and down with ropes, and a few young warriors are trying their hand at shooting the moving targets. At another side of the glen, an area is set aside for the training master to address his students. To the east, a number of large berry bushes are burgeoning with ripe berries. A small hut sits to the south.
The forest opens up to a thicket filled with bay-berry bushes. The bushes stand about chest-high to a man, and have dark green leaves the size of a hand. The twisting branches are covered with claw-size thorns that glisten. A number of birds fly about, feasting on the ripe berries. The ground is covered with half-eaten berries and seeds. Raspberry brambles intertwine themselves in the bayberries, and start to climb up some of the trees that lead north. To the west, there seems to be an encampment.
Fairly resonating with buzzing, the inside of the honey tree seems alive with activity. Worker bees and drones crawl in and out of rows and rows of honeycomb that hang from the inside of the tree overhead. Thick, sticky globs of golden honey drip down in rivulets from the center of the hive. Chunks of old wax have dropped to the bottom of the tree. The smell of raw honey is sickeningly sweet, and the bees are starting to become annoyed at the intrusion into their home.
Tapping into an underground water source, the bushes grow thick and lush in this part of the forest. The scrub oak and manzanita bushes grow so closely together, that it is hard for the trees to take root here. To the west is a large tree that seems to vibrate from the inside. A little to the north, the bushes recede and some trees grow again. It seems that a path leads north from there.
Standing tall and proud against the elements, the branches of a large oak tree stretch high into the sky in a joyous embrace of life. Giant acorns the size of small apples adorn the branches and lie scattered on the ground. An old scar made by an ax runs over part of the trunk, which has folded over and healed the wound; woodcutters cleared this ground long ago, and their rotting logs and stumps still lie about the oak. Lately someone has been reforesting it, planting saplings around the stumps and brambles to keep the soil from washing away, and a vague odor of fertilizer hangs in the air. To the north, the brush grows thick toward a forest trail. A grove of young oaks grows to the east, and to the south the sound of bubbling water comes from a pool.
The oak trees in this grove grow evenly spaced apart, as if someone planted them. They are fairly young, not yet bearing their first acorns. The ground is covered with a fine layer of sawdust, and no weeds dare grow here. A large, gnarled oak tree stands to the west, and to the south the trees grow together to frame the entrance to a forest dwelling.
The inside of the hut is cool, and smells of metal, oil and wood. Quivers are set upon a long wooden table, and a student, practiced in the art of fletching, is attaching feathers to the shaft of arrows. Only the feathers that have fallen off birds, or that birds have donated are used. Another student is carefully dulling the edges on some training swords. A chart hangs on the wall next to the entrance.
Large bushes grow in mass profusion all over this small section of the woods, and they have all but swallowed an old lumberjacks' clearing beside them, where a lone sapling still tries to stake its claim. The air is warmer here, and the mint-green leaves of the scrub oak reflect the light of the sun. A small animal trail meanders around and under the bushes, north toward a large honey tree and east into a grove of old oaks.
Growing tall and strong, the top branches of these old oak trees make a thick canopy of protection for this grove. Chittering squirrels dance an acrobatic ballet between the ground and the branches as they chase each other through the grove. Between the thick, gnarled trunks, the forest floor is blanketed with leaves, and moss grows thickly on the north sides of the trees. Eastward, the leaves have grown so thick that they cut off the path that once ran deeper into the forest. A lone blue jay swoops in from the bushes to the west, teasing the squirrels with raucous cries. Two gravestones rest on the forest floor.
Bubbling up from an underground source is a crystal-clear pool. It is surrounded by berry bushes and lovely oak and elm trees, and soft, lush green moss and tiny flowers grow all around it. Many small animals come to drink the water and rest here. This would be a lovely place to rest and enjoy a meal. To the north stands a large oak tree.
The grove leads into a dark entryway inside a large tree. Unlike other trees within the forest, this one is large enough for a person to live within, and it looks like someone has already taken up residence here. The entryway is neat and orderly. Some pegs inside the door way hold a few cloaks, and there are a few pegs upon which visitors can hang theirs. Small cubbyholes are set within the trunk to store other things. Beneath the stairs that lead up into the tree is a small alcove. It seems to contain a number of crates filled with books and papers. They haven't been looked at in a long time.
Lupine, larkspur and indian paintbrush dot the sides and floor of this tiny glen. Between the lush green leaves of the wild flowers, the glen is painted in dots of purple and blue, yellow and red, looking much like an unfinished Monet. Giant butterflies add movement to the colorful tableau as they flutter from flower to flower in an intricate and chaotic dance to which only they know the movements. To the south, the forest continues and a light wooded area grows to the east.
The path continues through the forest, reaching a crossroads here. A forest clearing, probably the result of either old forest fires or just progression seems to lie to the east. The floor of the forest next to the path is covered with thick, lush ferns, which seem to guard the way to a pool of water to the south. Fronds hang over the path, and lightly brush the soil from your boots as you pass through. To the north, the path opens up into a glen of wildflowers. And the woods take up again to the west.
The forest ends here in this small wooded glen. The rocks thrust up in all directions except to the east, boxing this glen on three sides. The forest floor is mostly dirt, and some grass grows between the trees. There seems to be very little activity here.
An underground spring bubbles up from the depths of the earth, creating a refreshing pool of water in the forest floor. Dark soil surrounds the pool, and hoof marks and paw prints can be seen all around the pool. Ferns grow thick all around, tender and fragile. Tiny salamanders slither in the dead leaves that have settled in the bottom of the pool, leaving trails of muddy water behind them. The tracks seem to lead from the crossroads of the dense forest to the north to the pool and back. The trees grow very thick in all around except to the north, making it hard, if not impossible to navigate in those directions.
The trees have spread out in this light, woodland area, making it very easy to pass through. Small pines, with limbs decorated in green needles and pine cones, stand tall and proud. They seem to grow more thickly to the east, leading off through hidden pine trails. Through the thin trunks of the pines to the west, is a glen filled with colorful wildflowers.
The pine trees have been cleared away from this section of the forest by loggers. Scabs of bark are strewn about, and a few discarded logs lie decaying, home to termites and wood borers. Wild mushrooms with flat, brown caps grow in clumps around the rotting wood. A rather large, rather round creature with thick, long pointed fur waddles about the clearing. The forest continues to the west, and to the south the light woodlands lead down into denser growth.
The pine trees give way to a hidden glen filled with birch trees. The soft, white bark of the trees peels back in layers. The spade shaped leaves flutter in the breeze, rustling like stacks of paper. A waterfall trickles down the canyon into the glen, bringing life to the trees that inhabit the area. A shrill cry from above harmonizes with the sounds of the leaves and the dripping water. A shadow moves overhead and then passes over the glen.
Shadowy formed curtains hang all around the room. Large soft black pillows of satin cover the floor. There is incense burning in the corners, slowly and softly wisping up. A ball of blue light floats near the ceiling, illuminating the room with a soft blue glow. There is an icy breeze that drifts across the room. Lie among the pillows and visit with the dark goddess.