Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

The White Pine Forest site just to the north west of the Fortress and dominates the skyline of that area. The pine trees here are densely packed together and soar up to 40ft into the sky. These huge trees are covered in snow and it would be more than forgivable for someone to believe that this is what gives them their name. However, the trees themselves are also unusual and beneath the bark the wood itself is completely white.

Of all the areas of Viden outside the Fortress, this is perhaps the most well-travelled one (which isn't saying a lot). The pathway from the Fortress to the Rangers Lodge is through the White Pine Forest and the area is known for many herbs and flowers. It has a thriving wildlife population, too, nurtured by the Rangers who keep a close eye on hunting here.

The White Pine Forest is unusual for a number of reasons, there are areas where there are trees which burn but do not get damaged, where bushes have unusual fruit and there are rumours of other, darker things. However, White Pine Forest has a number of paths which are safe and Rangers patrol the areas. There are, of course, hidden copses and babbling brooks, quiet places where few people go. There is also the odd cottage, nestled in the White Pine Forest, hidden from civilisation.

In terms of being survivable, those who stay on the paths and are prepared will find the White Pine Forest one of the least dangerous areas outside Viden Fortress, in terms of surviving in the wild. There are wild animals and they will attack but the trees give some insulation and shelter from the cold. That being said, here and there one might well come across the snow-covered bones of those who thought that entering any place in the wilds of Viden was easy and were quickly proved wrong.