Geography, Flora, and Fauna of The Red Forest

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Lindequalmë - The Red Forest

The largest single region of Althanas, Lindequalmë is also the most dangerous. Cursed by the Red Witch, Podë of the Forgotten, during the War of the Tap, Lindequalmë is located along the southern side of the country. It stretches from east to west for nearly three hundred miles and is approximately fifty miles at its largest north-to-south point. The blood-red leaves of this tainted forest press right up against the beaches of the southern shores of Raiaera, and there are only a few scattered villages within the forest itself. No elves or other civilized races live much deeper than two miles into the forest, due to the extremely hazardous nature of the plants and wildlife within the shadowy boughs of this evil place.

This forest is a den of all manner of foul and perilous creatures, from venomous serpents to voracious animals. Nearly every form of plant life within the forest is poisonous to all save the native forest-dwellers. As such, adventurers in the forest -- who are most likely either brave or deranged -- are highly advised to take their own food and water. More than a few species of flora are carnivorous -- actively seeking their prey. Several of these species contain venomous stingers, and most of them can down prey the size of a large horse.

Among all these perils are a few species so deadly and so potent that they warrant mentioning here. The first such species is usually plant-like in appearance. However, it is actually a predatory animal. It is known as a Dur'Taigen, and it is a shapeshifting wolf. One alone can change its form to look like a sapling, but more than one can combine their power to mask an entire pack as a gigantic oak or rowan. There is only one way to tell these trees from the normal vegetation. At their base will be a row of what appear to be large canine teeth. These teeth extend up the trunk for about two feet before stopping. Travelers are warned against approaching any but the smallest of these trees. Alone, the wolves pose no real threat. In larger numbers, however, these wolves can take down even a formidable opponent.

The Ruilserk, also called a blood vine, is about as thick as a forearm and has sharp thorns covering its side. At the base of every thorn is a small sucker which attaches to flesh, bores a hole through the skin, and begins to feast on the blood of its prey. The ones on the outskirts of the forest are small, usually much thinner and shorter than others, but once you penetrate the core of the forest one finds blood vines which can grow to be over twenty feet long. Luckily, they are deathly afraid of fire and can be easily beaten back with the simplest of fire charms.

But there are deadlier things than blood vines. One such species is the Fealotë, or Soul Blossom. It is so named because it has a venom which does not touch the body. Instead, the venom penetrates the very core of one's soul, eating it alive for nourishment. The Soul Flower stores the soul within a central fruit for six days after consumption, and for that period the soul can be recovered by slaying the plant. Once killed, any souls in the reservoir of the flower will be returned to their owners. Since you won't be able to move when soulless, you might want to travel with companions who can deal with the flower should it entrap you.

Adventuring has its rewards. Numerous Durklan ruins, full of all sorts of strange artifacts and exotic treasures, fill the area, and as one goes farther inside the discovery of treasure is more assured. Every type of tree, from Yew to Liviol, can be found within this forest, although even the purple Liviol will be stained a deep and abiding crimson.

These are only a few of the dangers and rewards that await those who venture into Lindequalmë. It would be wise for those who attempt to slay the beasts within these depths to write their last will and testament before entering, for their exit is not assured.

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