Dark Forest East

Recommended Area Level:  21
Creator(s):               dentin


Many years ago, a well-travelled road led eastward out of Ralnoth, winding
its way through the forest.  This road served as the main route between
Ralnoth and several small villages in the CandleWood valley and along the
base of the Ash mountains.  The road also provided access to the only nearby
pass through the Ash mountains, allowing trade with Hartmur and the far
eastern lands.

In recent years, a darkness has fallen upon the eastern edge of the forest.

Over time, trade from the east has gradually slowed to a stop as more often
than not traders would mysteriously disappear while in the forest.  The few
who have entered the forest and returned alive tell tales of vicious
unnatural creatures that now roam the woods.  Traders from the east have not
been seen in Ralnoth in over a year, and news from the east is only brought
back by the occasional adventurer.

Every year it seems that the darkness in and around the forest grows. Every
year, the edge of the dark forest creeps forward a little farther, and the
trunks of once healthy trees shrivel and slowly turn black with the advance.
Ralnoth's magic users and clerics have only recently seen this as a threat
and began working to determine the cause.