The Emerald Forest

The Emerald Forest on the Runiverse Map

Location & Inhabitants

The Emerald Forest is an ancient place where reality and illusions are intertwined. Some go to this magical place in search of something, others go to escape.

The Emerald Forest boarders the Brown Hat Delta’s northern eastside. It continues eastward toward the White Wizard Tower. The Emerald Forest is north of Rabbit Lake. The westside of the forest towards the Brown Hat Delta is much lighter than the eastside. The Iota Path runs through the middle of the forest going north and south. This path appears and disappears. The Emerald Forest is filled with magical plants—alive with all manner of personality.

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Settlements & Landmarks In The Emerald Forest

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  Horis Mercantile Shop

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  Dark Horse Tavern

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  Odren Livery and Stables

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  Morana Trading Post

The Town of Almanac

What began as a village in The Emerald Forest has now grown into a respectable town. Named after a plant that grows along the eastside of the forest on the banks of the Chunky River. The village of Almanac is at a cross where the roads of Noxi Road and Iota Path intersect. People who travel farther north than the Emerald Forest are called "up north folk".

Almanac was settled 100 years ago by four Brown Hat Wizard families. These Wizards were searching for their family members who had gone missing. A group of 11 Brown Hats who wanted to settle in the area disappeared. What happen to the missing 11 Brown Hats at this intersection remains a mystery. Why only four of the 11 families searched for the missing Wizards is also a mystery.

The four founding Brown Hat settlers of the Village of Almanac were: Horis Beridan, Keres Aducah, Odren Temal, Morana Roanoke.

Horis Mercantile Shop

The Horis Beridian Brown Hat family started Horis Mercantile Shop. The Mercantile Shop is located on the northeastern corner of Noxi Road and Iota Path. Horis Beridian was known for his ability to develop seeds which grow the healthiest produce. His research and development of seeds shaped modern farming. Currently, the shop is being operated by Boris Beridian. Horis had a kind heart and helped those in need, and Boris carries on this philosophy, assisting any traveler who enter his shop.

Dark Horse Tavern

The Keres Aducah Brown Hat family started the Dark Horse Tavern. Dark Horse Tavern is located in the village of Almanac. It is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Noxi Road and Iota Path.

This tavern is where travelers, peddlers, and other wanderers stop for the night get a room, some food, and drinks. There is a backroom in the tavern where secret deals and trades are made. Hanging from the ceiling and walls are handcrafted mugs of all different shapes, colors, and sizes that bear the names of the Wizards and Warriors who frequent the tavern. Each mug has a number and name written on the bottom of it. Many of the names are aliases. When a Wizard or Warrior returns to the tavern, their mug magically levitates to their table of choice.

Keres Aducah was known for her ability to ferment the finest spirits from various plants. Her creativity developed some of the finest liquors used today. There is a wicked drink named after her called Keres Kiss, which is rumored to either cure or kill. Keres started trading and bartering in the backroom of the tavern to secure necessary supplies and ingredients.

Currently the Dark Horse Tavern is being operated by Gorgo Aducah. Gorgo doesn't say much. He answers questions and expresses feelings with his actions. For example, Gorgo might request a patron's departure by opening his shop's door. Patrons of the Dark Horse report that Gorgo demands payment before delivering orders of Keres Kiss and smiles on those who imbibe it.

Odren Livery & Stables

The Odren Temal Brown Hat family started the Odren Livery and Stables. Oden Livery and Stables is located on the southeast corner of Noxi road and Iota Path. Odren Temal was known for his equestrian abilities and was rumored to communicate with the horses and Ponies telepathically. His practices were sought by people from around the Runiverse, and his practices are still in use today. Currently, Quincy Termal operates the livery and stables. Quincy also seems to have Odren's gift to communicate with animals.

Morana Trading Post

The Morana Roanoke Brown Hat family started the Morana Trading Post. Currently being operated Morana "Rana" Roanoke, named after the founding family. The trading post's founder was known for her ability to heal people using plants found in the area, and her medical solutions are used in most pharmaceuticals today. Rana has developed some of her own cures to help Wizards and Warriors. She is also a practicing tattoo artist.

The trading post is located on the southwestern corner of Noxi Road and Iota Path. There is a community cemetery located just south of the Morana Trading Post.

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  Almanac Cemetery

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  Chunky River

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  Warrior Kathleen's Home

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  Warrior Kathleen's Home

Almanac Cemetery

The Almanac Cemetery is located behind the Morana Trading Post. In the front of the cemetery are 11 stones dedicated to the 11 missing Brown Hat Wizards who disappeared from the area 100 years ago. These 11 missing wizards have never been found. There are rumors and that a white wizard had something to do with their disappearance.

Chunky River

The Chunky River runs from south to north through the Emerald Forest. The Iota Path follows this river and also runs south to north.

The origin of the river's name is due to the blue River Rats which build new mating nests along the bank each spring. When the River Rat offspring no longer need the nests, they are abandoned and eventually collapse into the river, widening its breadth. The River Rats have the appearance of small capybaras with long white whiskers and brown noses.

Iota Path

The Iota Path runs south to north through the Emerald Forest and appears and disappears as it meanders along the west bank of the Chunky River. It was named by settlers who often said they didn't care "one iota" about other travelers along the path. Today, only the name remains as the Town of Almanac always welcomes travelers back to its hearth.

Noxi Road

The Noxi Road runs west to east along the southern border of the Emerald Forest. The road's name serves as a memorial to the 11 Brown Hats that disappeared on its path and remain missing. Noxi means “number 11”.

Warrior Kathleen's Home

Deep in the Emerald Forest are trees growing in circles with one large tree in the middle, known as "huddle trees". The canopy of each huddle are intertwined so tightly that they appear to almost choke one another. Each huddle's central tree is much older than the surrounding huddle, and their roots resurface—creating an illusion that the entire huddle originates from the center tree's roots.

Warrior Kathleen has made her home in a huddle's central canopy. Entrance can only be gained by climbing through the huddle's branches. While several well-worn paths may fool invaders, only one secret path leads to Kathleen's home. The false paths lead back down to the forest floor or spiked snake vines.

At the top of the tree a correct sequence of pulled branches will reveal a hut—Warrior Kathleen's home.

Fauna

Mammals

Giant Sloths

The Giant Sloth's dark brown fur blends in with the shredded hickory trees making it difficult to see them. It is if they appear and disappear. The giant sloths are about two times the size of a normal man but occasionally they are three times bigger. They are curious creatures which if you are not careful they will grab you and hold you for hours or days with their long nails. Often gazing at you with their big smiles while you try to escape or die. When cold the woodland fairies from the family of hickory will go into the fur of the giant sloths to keep warm.

Blue River Rats

The Chunky River got its name from the blue river rats which build new nests each spring. When the blue river rat babies no longer need a nest they are abandoned. Eventually the ground falls into the river making it wider.

The Blue River Rats look like a small capybaras with long white whiskers. The Blue River Rat gets its blue color from a spell. A brown rat named Blitz made a dark sister wizard named Enchanter Sonja of the Astral Plane (#7978) mad. Blitz was her pet rat. Blitz never liked being summoned by Enchanter Sonja like he was a dog so he never came when called. Enchanter Sonja used the light of the blue moon to changed Blitz's skin color so she could find him whenever she needed his help. All the blue rats are descendants of Blitz.

The Blue River rat's skin has a nasty taste and many predators of the Emerald Forest won't eat them. The population stays in balance due to flooding that occurs on the river each spring when the snow melts on the mountains in the south and flows towards the Emerald Forest during their nesting season.

Fire Foxes

The rarest animal on the planet is the Fire Fox. First discovered in Newfoundland, Canada more than a thousand years ago Purple hat wizard alchemist Zane is the only person who these foxes visit on a regular basis. Sometimes they sit by the campfire with him. He doesn’t say much and leaves them alone. It is difficult to find wizard Zane and near impossible to find a fire fox.

Legendary folklore about them says that they were created by the swamp witch Keziah from her rune of fire. She tried to kill a pair of Cross Foxes by blasting them with fireballs. They were hit at the same second they landed into the swamp. Instead of dying, parts of their singed fur turned orange and other parts dark black. Today all fire foxes have the same fur.

If you do come in contact with one of these beautiful animals be careful. If you stare into their dark yellow eyes too long it will burn your retinas.

Reptiles

Chameleon Snake

These snakes are difficult to see because they change to the color what ever they are touching. They are not poisonous but the chameleon snake likes to collect things and will steal shiny objects from any person traveling by. If you are lucky to find their nests you will also find treasures.

Insects & Arachnids

Midnight Spiders

These spiders are dark brown but at night the light of the moon and stars make them glow. Many have thought there was only a few spiders by them until late at night when thousands are glowing and crawling around. The midnight spiders are venomous. The poison will make your muscles stiffen like a board. If bitten by several it usually means death.

Gossip Beetles

The gossip beetles are black and white striped beetles that crawl along roads and paths. They listen to what wizards and warrior have to say and then get together and gossip about them. The gossip beetles are famous for spending lies about wizards and warriors. Sometimes they know wizard and warrior secrets. Maybe people should listen to them more?

Dragonhead Caterpillars

Birds

Peek-A-Boo Finches

The dark green birds are the first bird you see on the west side of the Emerald Forest. They hide behind leaves and trees and watch. If they believe you are safe they will get close to you and play peek-a-boo. It doesn't take long for several other Peek-a-boos to join the fun. These beautiful fun birds are often stolen from the Emerald Forest. Warrior Kathleen protects them from poachers. If caught and sold they don't live long because they are social creatures who need their families to be happy. They need open spaces and freedom.

Onyx Owls

This black and grey owl lives on the west side of the Chunky River along it banks. It is nocturnal and sleeps during the day inside cavities of trees or in abandoned nests. The Onyx Owl eats the dangerous animals and insects that try to cross the Chunky River from the east side to enter the west side of the Emerald Forest. Some it's favorite things to eat are the midnight spiders, dragonhead caterpillars, and chameleon snakes. It doesn't like the taste of the blue river rats and leaves them alone. The Onyx Owls mate for life and often share in the responsibility of taking care of their owlets.

Golden Spoonbill

The golden spoonbill lives along the river banks of the Chunky River in the Emerald Forest. These birds wade in the shallow weeds along the river eating the golden minnows which give them their golden color. They are know to eat frogs, crayfish, and aquatic insects. A grown adult can be 40 inches tall (101 cm) with a wing span of 50 inches (127 cm). These birds nest in the cypress trees along the Chunky River. They are endangered and warrior Kathleen works hard to make sure they are not stolen to be sold on the open markets. The woodland fairies of the Cypress family also help protect these birds that live in the Emerald Forest.

There are only around twenty golden spoonbills still alive in the Emerald Forest.

Fairy Folk & Mythical Creatures

Rockies

The Rockies are living creatures that look like rocks. They often like to sit on top of each other and form pillars. At night when the moon and the stars come out they hum a soft deep murmur. The Rockies can be found mostly on the east side of the Emerald Forest but occasionally one can find a pillar formation on the west side. Poachers take the Rockies and sell them at open markets as pets. Rockies that live alone often die because they are social creatures and need the company of other Rockies to survive.

Woodland Fairies

The woodland fairies live in the Emerald Forest. It is believed they came a couple centuries ago from Hedge Wizard Wood but there is no written document to prove this. They are distantly related to other fairies across the Runiverse but have lived in the Emerald forest for so long they have evolved into a separate culture. They do not know how to make shoes and most of them don’t wear shoes. They are emotional and their behavior is unpredictable. It is difficult to know if they are going to help you, play a trick on you, or cause you pain.

The woodland fairies have a deep connection to the Emerald Forest elves. They both speak an ancient secret language. They defend each other against their enemies such as an evil wizard, rogue warrior or a random Kobold who wanders into the Emerald Forest and is lost.

Most of the woodland fairies live on both sides of the Chunky Forest with the exception of the healers who only live on the west side but will visit the east side in order to save lives.

The fifteen woodland fairies families are the keepers and experts for their type of tree. Each family also has a major role in fairy culture. The families don’t always get along and sometimes there are power struggles between them. This is why they created a position of “The Ever” who is the leader of them all. When she dies the families come together and will elect a new leader for life.

The Ever fairy has final say in all matters relating to the woodland fairy society. The Ever in charge currently used to be called Kusha and was from the Birch family. Now she lives in a tall silver maple tree by the Chunky River not too far from the town of Almanac.

The families of the woodland in the Emerald Forest

The family of Ash

The family of Ash-known for their ability to heal the mind and promote positive thinking. They hold meditation sessions each day. They are the keepers of the fire ring. This circle is located in the middle of the Emerald Forest. Woodland fairies go to the ring of fire to get a heated rock if they need to have a fire. These rocks are not given out freely from the family of Ash as to prevent forest fires. This family can often be found hanging out with the Cypress family.

The family of Beech

The family of Birch

-are known for making books and are the scribes of the forest. They are the historians. The family of Birch are introverts and don’t like to have conversations. Mostly keep to themselves.

The family of Cottonwood

-known for making magical fairy cloth. They also make the clothes for each woodland fairy family out of the leaves from the tree they watch over. This family is very outgoing and will talk non stop about anything but mostly like to design clothes and explain how they made them. They like to show off their latest designs. The other woodland fairies often call them the “fashionistas”. The Cottonwoods are not insulted by this but rather see it as a badge of honor. This family likes to hang out with the Sassafras family where they can wear their latest designs at their parties.

The family of Cottonwood

The family of Elder

-are known for making musical instruments. They also teach how to play each instrument to the younger fairies. The Elder family and the Pine family can often be found hanging out together.

The family of Fir

-they are known for making friendships with other animals, birds, and reptiles in the forest. They are also the teachers of the young woodland fairies.

The family of Hemlock

-known for their cooking and baking skills. They constantly need the Cottonwood family to make them new clothes because they get their clothes burned while cooking. The families of Ash and Cypress keep a watch over the Hemlock’s so they don’t start a forest fire.

The family of Hickory

-known for gathering wood and other supplies for the Spruce family to use in building of woodland fairy homes. They live on the edge of the east side of the Emerald Forest. They are friends with the giant sloths. They use the fur of the giant sloths when they get cold for their shelter.

The family of Hickory

The family of Huddle

the family of Huddle-known for their ability to play sports. They also take care of warrior Kathleen’s home. They like to surprise her with gifts or to clean her place while she is out protecting the Emerald Forest.

The family of Maple

-known for their ability to be the peacekeepers or mediators of the woodland fairy society. They also take care of whoever is currently The Ever. The family of Maple

The family of Oak

-are experts in growing plants and planting seeds. They not only grow food for the fairies but help with the healthy growth and survival of all the trees in the Emerald Forest.

The family of Pine

-known as the bards and storytellers. Sometimes they can be annoying as they will break out in song at any given moment. They also live the longest. The Pine family and the Elder family can often be found hanging out together.

The family of Pine

The family of Sassafras

-known for making root beer and other fun drinks. This family likes to hold parties and they don’t take life too seriously. They are also known for creating potions that will either make you high or sick.

The family of Spruce

The family of Spruce -known for their architecture and the building of the woodland fairy homes. They are alway deep in thought as they are constantly working on a project. They built warrior Kathleen’s home in the middle of a huddle tree.

The family of Willow

-known for their weather predictors. They are constantly checking the wind direction and explaining all day long what weather is coming up or what cloud formation is currently in the sky.  It is difficult to talk to them about anything else or talk to them at all as they switch the conversation constantly.

The healer woodland fairies

The healer woodland fairies are a special group of at least one fairy from each family. The woodland fairies have learned over time that to true healing they need the expertise of all the families. These fairies cannot be found by warriors or wizards. If they use their magic to heal you they expect a favor in return.

The Musician Woodland Fairies

The musician woodland fairies use their songs to calm or give joy to many. On the east side they sing the giant sloths to sleep. They calm the chameleon snakes. The midnight spiders use their music as a celebration when their babies are hatched. These tiny little spiders take flight to the beat of the music. On the west side of the Emerald Forest the woodland musician's songs promote the crystal moss crystals to sway. On the first day of each month these fairies have a special song to celebrate the new color and scent of the Almanac plant. This group of fairies is made up of at least one fairy from each of the families. The musician fairies use their music to make your soul feel healed but as soon as the music stops whatever is bothering you comes right back. Their music cannot be remembered even if you sang along with them until the last note was played. The musician fairies are called upon often by different animal species to play at their celebrations. They like to practice their music at the tops of trees along the Chunky River. Many travelers have enjoyed their music. Some have even tried to find them but it is impossible.

When a woodland fairy dies the oldest living tree in the Emerald Forest also dies. It doesn’t matter what kind of tree it is.

Flora

Shredding Hickory Trees

On the westside of the Chunky River and along the Iota Path is where the Shredding Hickory trees grow. These giant trees have dense clusters of leaves that are in groups of five. The dark brown bark peels off in thick pieces. The Shredding Hickory trees are so large that several adults holding hands cannot go around the base of the tree. The Shredding Hickory trees are where the giant sloths live. They are also home to the family of woodland fairies with the last name of Hickory. The woodland Hickory fairies keep watch over the health of the shredding hickory trees.

Huddle Trees

The huddle trees grown in clusters of five to seven trees in a circle. The canopy of the trees are so close together they form a huddle. There is a much larger tree in the middle and the canopy of this tree grows over the top of the rest of the cluster. It appears that the large tree in the middle in the main tree and the rest of the huddle trees grew from it. The Huddle trees mostly grow on the eastside of the Chunky River and there are a few groups of them on the westside. They are also home to the family of woodland fairies with the last name of Huddle. The woodland fairies keep track of the health of the huddle trees. This tree is related to the Banyan tree which means eternal life. The huddle tree is know for faith and hope.

Spiked Snake Vines

The spiked snake vine can quickly wrap around you and squeeze you to death while its spikes stab you. This plant hangs out on the east side of the Emerald Forest.

Fascination plant

The Fascination plant is an air plant that grows on the sides of pine trees on the west side of the Emerald Forest. It leaves are brown and have a special chemical inside that makes them follow heat sources. If someone or an animal is passing by the fascination plant's leaves will turn towards the heat source.

Almanac plant

Almanac plants-tell you what month it is by the color of their blossoms and by their scent.

January-pink-peppermint

February-red-shortbread cookies

March-orange-baking bread

April-yellow-doughnuts

May-green-cut grass

June-blue-pine trees

July-violet-lavender

August-indigo-cedar

September-brown-dark chocolate

October-black-coffee

November-silver-apple sauce

December-white-vanilla

The almanac plant has secret medicinal properties only know to Alchemist Zane of the Plains (#9311).

Crystal Moss

Is a moss that grows only under the rare black oak trees. The moss grows tiny little colorful crystals. Each autumn crystal hunters, alchemists and others search the Emerald Forest looking to steal these rare and valuable crystals. The crystals are difficult to find because they appear for only a couple of weeks each year in October.

Black Oak Trees

These rare trees usually grow on the westside of the Emerald Forest. Black mold grows over the tan bark until the trunk and branches are covered. Black oak trees have gnarly roots that like to grow across the forest floor. Many animals like to make their burrows under these roots. The Crystal Moss plants can be found around the roots of the Black Oak Tree. Sometimes the Spiked Snake Vines grow up this tree. They are hard to see because these vines are black.

Notable Wizard Inhabitants

The Emerald Forest is where Warrior Kathleen of the Woodlands (#15515) lives with her group of females called the Jadeites. It is the place where Kathleen had her legendary battle with the Nightmare Imp Beast (#6).

Soul Shaded Spectre Lucinda of the Spike (#1847) can be summoned in the Emerald Forest. by singing “Lu Lu Lucinda” in order to ask her for a favor. She requires a sacrifice to win a prize or wish.

Enchanter Daphne of the Forest (#85) lives on the eastside of the forest and she is the keeper of the ancient book of magical spells. Daphne can only be found if her great horned owl, Lily, permits.

The forest is also home to Alchemist Zane of the Plains (#9311). Wizard Zane is known for his potions, despite his hermetic nature.