Overview

On the western border of the Yaralon region sits a forest split in half. The eastern half of it lies within the Yaralon territory, with the western half in Volantan territory. The split between these two halves is the border between the two countries, with neither wishing to move it one way or the other. Bastards' Grove is the eastern half of the forest, and is a stark contrast to the Volantan forest. Whereas the Volantan forest is green, lush, flourishing, Bastards' Grove appears to be in a permanent state of death and decay. At least... to the outsider.

During the arcs of 102-103, the original founders of Yaralon, later known as the First Company, spotted Volantan forces moving through the forest that would go on to be called Bastards' Grove. Having recently been spurned shelter by Volanta, and knowing that the Eternal Empire had recently suffered a defeat, a single course of action came to mind. So, the First Company set into battle against the Volantan forces. The Volantans had superior numbers and equipment, but the Yari forces knew the lands they lived in. For two long arcs, the forces fought until the Yari triumphed. Following that battle, the Volantans named the forest Bastards' Grove to spite the Yari people, who took it as a compliment in the wake of their victory.

The forest itself is often unsettling to those who do not know it well. Many of the trees within it are twisted into humanoid shapes, often with clear, vivid 'faces' in them. Some believe the trees hold the souls of those who died during the battle of old, whereas others believe the trees are just as alive as people, and are attempting to communicate. The trees and other flora in the Grove often appear to be dead or dying, but that is far from the case. If anything, Bastards' Grove is the most flourish and lush region of the Yaralon territory. During the Dry Season, the trees' leaves are shades of brown and orange and yellow, as many are oft to do during autumn around Idalos. They are not dying and going into hibernation though, but rather are uniquely adapted during the dry season, varying from species to species. During the wet season though, most of these leaves fall, and regrow before wet season finishes.

The winds that whip through Bastards' Grove seem to always be a bit stronger than one would ever expect. Passing through the trees gives them an eerie moaning and wailing noises. Many, in error, believe these sounds to be of monsters, undead, or ghosts, and further support the rumors that Bastards' Grove is haunted. These strong winds do not ever seem to leave the forest, nor abate, always present, always strong and loud.

Bastards' Grove has several ponds, lakes, small rivers and streams as well. But all of them have one particularly unusual feature. All of the water within the forest is of a dark red hue, and a thicker consistency, leading many to believe it to not be water at all, but blood. Rather, it is a nutrient rich water, known as Bloodwater that is impervious to bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that lead to disease and illness. Every bit of the blood colored water in Bastards' Grove is safe to drink, provides the same nourishment as a full meal, and replenishes thirst for an entire day. The animals that live in the water have made adaptations to the lack of visibility that comes with it, but live full, healthy lives typically.

The animals in Bastards' Grove are varied just as widely as the flora. Tempered Fauna and Flora are extremely rare in this grove, as though something is either protecting or healing the forest from the Fractured Corruption. And while still dangerous, as it is a forest in Yaralon, much of the meat and plant life are edible. Foreigners tend to not even try though, put off by the eerie appearance of the forest as a whole, but native Yari recognize the grove as a lush paradise in disguise.

Map

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Link Map & Travel Times

1. The Fabled Door - A mysterious door and shrine to Cassion

Moderation

This is a self moderation location.