The Forlorn Woods

The Forlorn woods is a dangerous place for all but the most experienced due to his dense vegetation and ferocious denizens. Unknown to most, the Fangwood itself is sentient and is capable of defending itself when threatened. Its trees, rivers and mountains are constantly shifting spirits of the forest appear often confusing would-be explorers and leading them astray. Ghostly Will-o-wisps, born from the spirit of the woods appear to guide hapless trespassers to their doom. Many outsiders have gotten lost or simply perished within the depths of these untamed land, into the gullet of a beast or taking the wrong step down a sheer cliff. This is primarily why theses ancient woods have remained wild and untouched.

History
It is unclear how old these woods really are and many speculate that is must have been here long before anyone came to live on the continent of Roa. Essentially, one can think of it as a natural time capsule, dating to the days Roa was first formed. It is similarly unclear how long Lesherac ruled over this domain, some believe the forest was created as a cradle to house the demi-god in his infancy, others believe he came here to escape the leash his mother imposed on him, who constantly kept her bloodthirsty son in check. Regardless, under Lesherac’s leadership, the people that had come to live in the Forlorn woods thrived, dubbing themselves Leshers or Lesherac’s ‘pack’. Currently, the forest is inhabited by all manner of creatures, even those thought to be long since extinct. Descendants of the first Forlorn Woods tribes still live on and have grew in number. Anthropomorphic people such as the lycanthropes and the cat-folk roam the wilderness in their tightknit clans. Outcasts of society such as the goblinoid races seek refuge in the impenetrable jungle.

Politics
Survival of the fittest, the strong lives while the weak die. It is a simple system very clearly demonstrated in animals around us. The Leshers also follow and enforce this rule, the scattered tribes of man and clans of anthropomorphs often wage war on each other, seeking dominance over the other and the favour of their god. Whilst the stronger tribes have sway over the weaker ones, each tribe is mostly independent of each other and operate in their own unique ways.

The Beast-folk
Seeing themselves as the children of Lesherac, the beast-folk are half animal, half human. They are usually revered by the tribes and many Leshers go to them for guidance or aid, as their abilities are the closest thing to those of their demi-god. Lesherac however does not see them as such, and makes them prove their worth just like everyone else in the Forlorn woods. The two most common beast-folk are the Lycanthropes and the Cat-folk, followed closely by the Scaleborn, the Avians.

Economy
The Forlorn Woods is a treasure trove of natural resources but those who live here are simple people with simple needs. They take only what they need from the land, such as meat, fruits, timber and the occasional mineral ore. This is but a fraction of what the region has to offer. Some Leshers trade handcraft items and fur pelts with neighbouring towns for goods they cannot make themselves.

Location
Situated at the south-east coast of Roa, the Forlorn woods borders the Great Deserts, Su'a'kar, and the Burning plains in the north-west, west and south-west respectively.

Climate
The northern area of Forlorn is a temperate zone, warm with the occasional mist or fog rolling in. The southern area however is tropical, steamy and humid yet prone to heavy rainfall.

Topography
Numerous tribal settlement sites are scattered all around the Forlorn Woods. While many of the tribes are nomadic, there are those who claim specific areas as theirs, this territorial behaviour is usually carried out by the Anthropomorphs based on their needs. The woods themselves is divided into two climate zones, the northern region is temperate, filled with evergreens and ancient twisted trees (imagine old forests in Europe) while the southern region is a tropical rainforest. Vegetation in both regions are equally dense, impassable to all but the most stubborn or experienced of travellers. Terrain-wise entire woods as a whole is somewhat mountainous, dissected by rivers and dotted by lakes.

Education
It is up to each individual tribe or clan to educate their young. Usually this is the duty of the parents, senior members, the spiritual leaders such as shamans or in some instances the tribal chieftain. Education is generally passed on from generation to generation by mouth, memorable stories, songs, games and rituals. Those who do not learn fast, do not last long.

Population
There are only several hundred thousand live here, scattered about in the respective tribes and clans,. Birth rates are only slightly higher than that of death rates, due to years of adapting to the environment. Those who wish to immigrate in must face a virtual trial by fire, by navigating the dense forest, surviving the hostile beasts that roam the wilderness, and surviving the Leshers themselves. Outsiders are generally unwelcome unless they can prove themselves.

Religion
All worship Lesherac, it was the reason they came here and the reason they remain. Other religions do not seep in due to the impenetrable nature of the region.

Health
Everyone that would even hope to scratch out a living here in the Forlorn woods understand that they must be physically and mentally prepared for the daily trials of survival. The people here learn at a young age to hone their bodies into killing machines. Those who are not prepared, die. Under the rule of Lesherac, weak bloodlines, such as those with deformities or dishonourable pasts are systematically purged.

Language
Due to the diversity of people in Fangwood, there is no standard language. A nominated member from each tribe is usually trained as an interpreter or emissary for inter-tribal relations. The rest of the people however make due speaking their own language, while learning enough of another just to get by.

Arts and Craft
The closest thing to an art-form within the tribes is in their craftsmanship. Each tribe’s weapons such usually have unique markings or designs that distinguish them. Hand crafted totems and heirlooms are also common, as well as primitive paintings made on trees and rocks

Cuisine
Hunting is the primary source of food, indeed no part of the animal is wasted when a hunter brings back a kill. The people also gather other sources of nourishment from the forest, usually wild herbs or fruits. In preparing a meal, every tribe usually has some traditional recipe, but generally the simple roasting over a fire or simmering in a pot would do. The Anthropomorphs prefer their food raw.

Role in the RP
A safe haven for both the demi-god Lesherac and his worhippers.