Fern Leaf Forest

The Fern Leaf Forest lies at the northernmost reaches of the Isles, between the shadowed wilderness of Frostfire Forest and the towering Crescent Mountain Range. Here, the air is thick with the scent of pine and rich earth, and the ground is blanketed with lush moss and ferns that thrive in the cool, mist-laden air. Evergreen trees stretch upward their deep greens mingling with the rich browns of ancient redwoods. The forest seems timeless, its colors a symphony of mossy greens, piney hues, and the vibrant reds of the wood, creating a mysterious yet serene atmosphere. Soft rays of light filter through the dense canopy, where ferns unfurl like delicate green lace.

Fern Leaf Forest begins to the east of the Crescent Mountain Range, stretching all the way to the surrounding oceans. This northern expanse is often frigid, with long winters, but the forest offers shelter and sustenance, allowing Mycorzhans to access some of the glacial mountain plants from this side of the Isles. The forest begins as a scattering of evergreen trees that grow denser, taller, and closer together the farther north one travels. Tall and ancient redwoods and giant sequoias form a huge canopy that protects the forest floor from the winds and snow. Beneath their boughs is a dense underbrush of various berries and ferns as far as the eye can see.

The Border with Frostfire Forest

The forest's northern edge ends abruptly at the Lantern Glow River, marking the border between Mycorzha and the ominous Frostfire Forest. Just past this river the evergreen trees loom impossibly high, and the underbrush becomes a dense, tall thicket of thorns forming an impenetrable wall. The shadows all seem darker and almost feel as though they are alive. Those who stare into the Frostfire Forest across the river report a chilling sensation, an uncanny feeling of being watched. Locals warn that the woods beyond are not to be trusted.

Seasonal Life and the Darkwood Port

During the warmer months, many journey to Fern Leaf Forest to forage for fiddle head ferns or favorite berries that prefer the cold weather. Some nomadic clans migrate between here and Luna Valley nearby, leaving to the Valley for the winter months to hibernate. The trees here grow quickly, and so it became a major source of lumber on the Isles, giving rise to the building of the Darkwood Port. Clans help to cut and process lumber, leaving it at the port, where trade is then overseen by Wynn, a stoic moose who remains here year-round. Few others stay through the winter, despite the abundant fish in the river and berries in the underbrush, for it is said that in the deep cold the shadows of the Frostfire Forest grow too long and begin to stretch across the river's supposed safety.

Dialect

Speech here is almost melodic, with a sing-song quality from the rising and falling tones. Vowels are long and rounded, while some consonants are softened or swallowed, causing words to blend together. Double negatives are often used for emphasis, such as "you didn't see nothing".

Spirituality

The sense of foreboding from the sight of the Frostfire Forest plays deeply into the beliefs here. There is a general fear of the dark, and a belief that the Isles are more a harsh judgement than a guide. When you look into the bark of a tree and see what looks to be a face the creatures up here will tell you that the Isles punished that one by turning them into a tree for taking too much when they foraged. The Mysts which can create dense fogs are considered best when far away from view.

Art

Art here is made of intricate interlacing designs creating a rich ornamentation of fluid curves. These designs often stand against a plain or minimalist backdrop, further highlighting their detail with the use of negative space. Carpentry is the predominant art form, with art carved into ships, building posts, or tools.

Holidays

Those who reside up here celebrate the Lantern Glow marking the season in addition to the major holidays.

Common Activities and Interests

Soaking in the hot springs, cold plunge swims in the river, and wood carving are part of the way of life here.