Arkun Forest
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The Arkun forest is an old growth forest situated in the far northeastern corner of Ixoa. Nestled between the barren Highgate Hills to the north and the harsh The Wild Marsh to the south, the forests gentle slipping terrain, tall majestic trees and cool but comfortable climate offer a refreshing respite from the otherwise harsh environments of northern Ixoa. Indeed though the journey to the Arkun Forest from the southern regions is long and arduous, the area is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the entire kingdom. No doubt many brave the long journey in order to see the regions most prominent feature, it’s centuries old towering trees that soar hundreds of feet above the forest bottom.
The native elves have learned to adapt to the natural surrounding around them, building their villages and cities high into the tree tops for protection and to abound the dam and dark forest floor. Built on the side of a large mountain in the heart of the forest Cr’tar Paq is the regions largest settlement and has severed as the seat of power for the elvish society for centuries. Most other settlements in the forest are small and difficult to find for those unfamiliar with the region, which is why most other places within the forest rarely see travelers.
The mainly human settlement of Winterhaven sits just out side the southwestern reaches of the forest along the kings road. It severs as a hub for travel and trade for those traveling two and from the forest. The forest flora is dominated by the giant redwood trees, which allow very little light to reach bellow their lofty canopies. Various lichens, mosses and fungi thrive on the forest floor, some of which glow eerily at night. Fauna include typical forest residents, deer, bears rodents birds and other similar creatures. The secluded nature of the forest floor lend themselves to other less friendly creatures who seek the quite solitude it promises.
The native elves have learned to adapt to the natural surrounding around them, building their villages and cities high into the tree tops for protection and to abound the dam and dark forest floor. Built on the side of a large mountain in the heart of the forest Cr’tar Paq is the regions largest settlement and has severed as the seat of power for the elvish society for centuries. Most other settlements in the forest are small and difficult to find for those unfamiliar with the region, which is why most other places within the forest rarely see travelers.
The mainly human settlement of Winterhaven sits just out side the southwestern reaches of the forest along the kings road. It severs as a hub for travel and trade for those traveling two and from the forest. The forest flora is dominated by the giant redwood trees, which allow very little light to reach bellow their lofty canopies. Various lichens, mosses and fungi thrive on the forest floor, some of which glow eerily at night. Fauna include typical forest residents, deer, bears rodents birds and other similar creatures. The secluded nature of the forest floor lend themselves to other less friendly creatures who seek the quite solitude it promises.
Major Settlements
Cr'tar Paq
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The Elves have the second largest province in Ixoa situated amongst the trees and valleys of the Ardus forest in the far northeast. Here they live in union with the forest and nature and often build their homes to be extensions of the trees and rocks they are situated around. The elvish king sits in Cr'ter Paq their capital city, located at the base of a mountain at the end of a deep forest valley. A testament to the elves eternal love of nature the city's most impressive feature is its massive waterfall the drops from the heights of the mountain into heart of the settlement .
Winterhaven
A Small walled town located at the foot of the Arkun Forest. The city lies within the province of the Elvish King and the ruling family pays tribute to Elvish king each year with a fall harvest festival. The city has less them a thousand souls within it, and is a relatively quite and close knit community of farmers and a few tradesmen. There is one tavern, one shop and one blacksmith in addition to the Lords Manor and other administrative buildings. The current Lord of Winterhaven is Lord Padrig who inherited the title and honors after his fathers death 10 years ago. The ruins of the Gardmore Abby, the great fortress of the Paladin order to Bahamut lies a half days ride east of this city. The Orcs that have taken up residence in the ruins of the Abby often harness travelers and farmers near their keep, but to date have never threatened the city proper.