Baneswood
Baneswood:
Notorious for the fearsome creatures that emerge once Day bids the trees good-night, Baneswood is a massive forest said to be cursed years and years ago by a bitter witch who felt unrightfully scorned. Here, monsters are a reality, and each night's survival depends on being resourceful and quick-witted. To fight to live, to stand in darkness despite the unearthly shrieks that sail through the night—those who choose to reside in this forest are arguably seen as some of the bravest...
Classified by how deep they live in the clutches of the gangly trees that colonize the vast expanse of the forest, the denizens of Baneswood simply refer to themselves as "Woods Folk" and "Forest Folk." Rumors say that the current locals were descendants of those too stubborn to leave once the Curse was brought down upon the forest and seeped deep into its dark soil. The inhabitants themselves, as they are currently known, are down-to-earth and agreeable, choosing to take advantage of what the forest has to offer instead of contemptuously shunning Baneswood and its resources due to the danger it allows to run rampant.
Baneswood is comprised of a network of smaller villages scattered throughout its land, though more so closer to the borders. While the notion of living on one's own isn't uncommonly acted upon, both Woods Folk and Forest Folk acknowledge that there's safety in numbers and security in a community. Despite its treacherous terrain, its inhabitants continue to thrive by accomplishing a majority of their work in the protection of the Sun's rays. That being said, creatures of Banewswood survive through foraging, trading, and guiding travelers safely through the forest.
During the day, Baneswood is a rather picturesque destination with mostly welcoming trails, quaint villages, and fairly amiable locals. With Anchorcrest to the West, it's no wonder that some travelers choose to cut through the forest in hopes of finding a shorter route to the coast. Locals have seized this opportunity by offering their services as guides... for a fee of course, and setting up their homes as B&B's for tired travelers to rest their weary heads and sample forest cuisine. Banewswood has more to offer than meets the eye after all, and when given the opportunity, both Woods Folk and Forest Folk agree that to combat the dreary nature of their homeland, it's best to remain hospitable.
Bordered by the Slumbering Peaks, Baneswood's landscape adopts some of the uneven and mountainous terrain, and its inhabitants have adjusted accordingly. Homes are oftentimes carved into hills and rock. Burrows are dug, and others choose a more traditional approach by building cottages. The closer to the borders, the larger the number of clustered cottages... yet locals whisper of a run-down manor deep within in the woods inhabited by a dreadful creature who seldom makes himself known. Its concept is as mysterious as source of the monsters that lurk in these woods, and while this piece of gossip is often spoken about in jest, few know the truth...
The Inhabitants:
Woods Folk: Refers to those who live closer to the borders of Baneswood. Due to their preference to reside closer to society, Woods Folk are inadvertently more commonly thought of when outsiders refer to the people of the land. Woods Folk are seen as a little odd at times yet extremely resourceful
Forest Folk: Refers to those who choose to sequester themselves within the confines of Baneswood. The desire for solitude is the main reason a Woods Folk turns into a Forest Folk. Due to their intimacy with the land, it's not uncommon for Forest Folk to make up the majority of the forest guides
The Monsters: These are the creatures that crawl from the shadows once Night swallows the forest. It's unclear if their existence preceded the curse, but their presence was most certainly amplified after its occurrence. Certain monsters are feared more than others, and each has a name
Notable Locations:
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