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The Elderlands

Diverse ancient woodlands with mysterious depths and historical significance

The Elderlands - Diverse woodlands and the heart of the Black Empire

The Elderlands occupy the central territory of The Crescent, characterized by temperate climate and extraordinarily diverse woodland. This region takes its name from its historical significance as the heart of the Black Empire, where ancient power structures once governed vast territories.

The Old King's Road passes through The Elderlands, with the ancient Meadowgates marking its southern entrance near Quelenthalar. The region's location at the geographic center of The Crescent makes it a natural crossroads, though much of its interior remains wild and mysterious.

Dor'ravain

Dark misty forest with gnarled ancient trees, shadowy atmosphere, mysterious depths

Dor'ravain covers the southern portions of The Elderlands, consisting of dark woods shrouded in perpetual mist and fog. The forest floor remains dim even during daylight hours due to the dense canopy overhead. Primordial trees with gnarled bark and twisted branches create an atmosphere of brooding mystery.

Travel through Dor'ravain requires careful navigation, as the mists can disorient even experienced woodsmen. The settlement of Ravenwatch serves as a frontier outpost within these shadowed woods, providing shelter for those brave enough to venture into the region's depths.

Bloodroot Marsh

Swampy wetlands with distinctive red-barked trees, crimson sap, dark waters

Bloodroot Marsh occupies the southeastern Elderlands, where the woodland gives way to swampy boglands. The region takes its name from the distinctive ruddy trees that grow throughout the wetlands, whose crimson sap creates striking visual contrasts against the dark waters.

The coastal settlement of Mistwrack sits at the edge of these marshlands, serving as a frontier trading post where bog resources meet ocean commerce. Navigation through the marsh requires local knowledge, as safe paths change with seasonal flooding.

The Dimholt

Purple-hued forest with dark purple trees, otherworldly atmosphere, massive yellow mushroom landmark

The Dimholt forms the northernmost section of The Elderlands, distinguished by its unique purple-hued vegetation. Dark purple trees with matching foliage create an otherworldly forest environment unlike anywhere else in The Crescent. Historical accounts suggest this woodland may be connected to ancient drow civilization.

A massive yellow mushroom, Mor'thessin, grows at the region's center. This landmark serves as both a navigation point and a subject of scholarly debate regarding its origins and significance.

Honeywood

Deciduous forest with honey-colored bark and golden foliage, warm-toned trees, welcoming atmosphere

Honeywood covers the western section of The Elderlands, featuring deciduous forests with distinctive honey-colored trees that give the region its name. The warm-toned bark and golden foliage create a welcoming contrast to the darker woods elsewhere in the region.

This area supports both natural apiaries and established meaderies, though the name derives more from the tree coloration than the honey production. The settlement of Hillhome is located within Honeywood's borders.

Important Locations

Ancient stone circle surrounded by sacred trees, druidic monument, ritual significance

The Greenwake sits at the direct center of The Elderlands, consisting of a prehistoric druidic stone circle surrounded by sacred trees. This site holds significant importance for nature-based religious practices throughout The Crescent.

The Meadowgates stand as ancient stone gates marking the Old King's Road just south of Quelenthalar. Built around the time of the Eldar -> Sylvar split, it symbolizes both respectful farewell and the inevitable separation of incompatible visions.

Settlements

Towns: Hillhome is a cozy community known for honey mead production and herbal remedies, with houses built into rolling hills. Ravenwatch operates as a frontier settlement within the dark Dor'ravain woods. Mistwrack serves as a coastal trading post at the edge of Bloodroot Marsh.

Regional Characteristics

The Elderlands represent the historical heart of The Crescent, where ancient powers once held sway over vast territories. The region's diverse ecosystems support different communities and economic activities, from meaderies in Honeywood to bog resource extraction in Bloodroot Marsh.

Weather patterns remain temperate throughout most of the region, though the various forests create distinct microclimates. The persistent mists in Dor'ravain, the humid conditions of Bloodroot Marsh, and the unique atmospheric properties of The Dimholt all contribute to the region's mysterious reputation.