The Forest of Shadows

The Forest of Shadows is a region of forest within the domain of Darkon.

Overview

Also known as the Silva Umbrosa, the Forest of Shadows is one of Darkon's six regions, that in particular of west central and southern Darkon with the Rivalis found just within its northwestern frontier, Il Aluk lying just beyond its northern frontier, and Corvia found just beyond its eastern frontier. The surrounding regions are the Jagged Coast to the northwest, the Mistlands to the north, the Boglands to the northeast, and the Mountains of Misery to the east. The region passed into the control of Galf Kloggin, a wererat and bandit leader based in Rivalis, during the absence of Azalin Rex. As of 757 BC, he still lurks there even after Azalin's return, much to the chagrin of the Nartok Guard that patrols the forest with a warrant for his arrest.

The Forest has been described as a dark expanse of wilderlands, where the tree canopy prevents most sunlight from reaching the forest floor for a good percentage of the year. The Forest has long been the subject of various fanciful legends, such as the existence of ash-dappled unicorns or ghostly trees that walk. "S" notes the tale of a bell tower that emerged from the earth and meandered throughout the forest, only to collapse over the edge of some cliffs near Nartok in 693 BC. This story must refer to the Tower of Doom created by Baron Caidin as the means to overthrow Azalin. Caidin and his Tower of Doom were ultimately destroyed in a power struggle with Wort, the Tower landing at the base of Morrged's Leap. The remains of the bell tower still exist there to this day.

The Forest of Shadows holds several communities, including two major towns: Nartok and Rivalis. Creeana was a town of former importance until the rampage of the Whistling Fiend destroyed much of it in 580 BC. Today, Creena exists as a mere thorp, a shadow of its former self. Nonetheless, Creeana's future may be brighter as it has been chosen as a wayspot in the western extension of the upcoming Transumbra Road.

Inhabitants and Encounters in the Forest of Shadows

As previously mentioned, the halfling Galf Kloggin leads a group of bandits that has thus far survived the intervention of law enforcement.

Werewolves have been said to congregate during the full moon. "S" notes the existence of several standing stone circles. According to rumor, these circles serve as meeting spots for the werewolves to howl in adoration of the Wolf God- their songs captivating unfortunate passersby. Gennifer Weathermay-Foxgrove notes reports of a pack of afflicted werewolves lurking in this forest. Gennifer speculates they must all derive from the same lycanthropic "bloodline" and likely may not know each other in human form but are nonetheless unconsciously drawn together during their monthly wolf transformations.

In addition to the above threats, the Forest of Shadows is home to numerous giant spiders.

Locations in the Forest of Shadows

• Castle Avernus
• Creeana
• Malanuv
• Morrged's Leap
• Nartok
• Nartok Keep
• Rivalis

Chronology

• 580 BC: the Whistling Fiend levels much of Creeana, causing it to become mostly abandoned.
• 693 BC: Caidin's Tower of Doom plummets off of Morrged's Leap.
• 747 BC (approximately): Galf Kloggin begins bandit operations in the Forest of Shadows.
• 750 BC: Winter Solstice- The Requiem occurs, and Azalin Rex disappears in its wake. During the Shrouded Years, the Forest of Shadows falls under Galf Kloggin's dominance.
• 755 BC: Azalin returns, gaining control over the Forest along with the rest of Darkon.

Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue

		Ravenloft Third Edition Domains of Dread Requiem: The Grim Harvest - Necropolis Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume II
		Ravenloft Third Edition - p116 Domains of Dread - p33 Requiem: The Grim Harvest - Necropolis - p4 Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume II - pp13-14
		Requiem: The Grim Harvest - Poster Map Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume II - p12
		Forest of Shadows, The Forest of Shadows