96 rooms · levels 10–52
Several ash trees grow all around this clearing, along with scattered cedar trees. Someone has set a few fallen logs in a circle to form make-shift benches around a small fire pit. A freshly killed rabbit is spitted across the warm fire, sending out a pleasant aroma to mix with the smell of cedar trees.
You stand on a dirt road that leads east-west. Wagon tracks cut their way through the hard-packed earth, marking the route of several of the merchant caravans that travel from Daleville to Ravenclaw Woods. To the east lies a small bridge made from pine trunks, and west heads out of Ravenclaw Woods.
A bridge of pine trunks lashed together spans the river here. Upstream to the north the water comes down white over the rocks; below the bridge it slows and drifts on southward, toward darker waters. An occasional elf wanders by and stops to gaze into the clear water. The dusty road leads back west, and a path runs east under the dogwoods into the forest.
Dogwood trees are quick to grow close to the road here, making it obvious that the wild-elves want their home disturbed as little as possible. The tracks in the road have even allowed patches of grass to sprout up between them. Westward, a bridge spans the border of Ravenclaw Woods. Eastward lies only more wood to be explored.
Dogwood trees lie close to the road here, their white blossoms flowing to the ground with the occasional breeze. The road here only consists of two dirt trails, spaced evenly for the wheels of passing wagons, that slice through a carpet of soft grass. The road turns here, leading south and west. A small trail is visible leading off to the north.
The path here is well used, and an occasional elf slinks by and off into the trees. The dogwoods spread out, giving the road more room as it bends around a gigantic tree trunk to the south, covered in green vines. A door has been built into the base of the trunk, and above it hangs a small sign: 'Ravenclaw Guest House & Ungrim's Tavern.' Dogwood Path runs on to the north, and to the east around the trunk.
Dogwood trees parallel the path here, making off-road travel near impossible to most. The path travels off to the south and west, bending around an enormous tree trunk. Southeast of here is a small break in the trees, but further travel would be required to see where it leads.
The dogwoods clear slightly here, allowing easier access to the forest for those who want to explore. The path is also more used here, shown by the wider wheel tracks, and a few small footpaths. One footpath in particular leads to a door carved in an enormous tree trunk to your west. Ivy climbs the sides of the 'building', nearly covering it. Above the door, you notice a bronze sign proclaiming, 'Ravenclaw Guest House and Inn.' A small path leads east, into the woods. Beside the path a small signpost reads, 'Grove of Knowledge.'
The path is once again overrun by a thick carpet of grass. Wheel tracks of the passing wagons only manage to leave slight depressions in the thick green mats. The trail continues north and south, leading towards the guest house and the southern bridge, respectively.
Dogwood trees line this path, their white flowers drifting to the grass with the gentle breeze from the river. The path runs north-south here, north leads towards Ravenclaw Woods, and south leads across the river border.
A small oaken bridge with a thatched roof and open sides crosses the lazy stream here. Along the shore an elf can usually be spotted casting a line in hopes of catching dinner, and the clear water slides under the bridge from the east and on toward the west. To the north, a line of dogwoods follows the path back into the woods; to the south the path leaves the forest on the far bank.
To the north lies a small covered bridge over a crystal-clear stream that drifts slowly westward. Across the bridge lies Ravenclaw Woods, home of the wild elves of the Realms, and elves sit along its banks fishing for river trout to take home for dinner. A small brook trickles down to the stream from the south, but brambles grow thick across the way and there is no going on.
This room is dug straight out of the trunk of a gigantic oak. Benches have been carved from the floor and along the walls, and a few tables and chairs stand about. In the center a circular bar has been built around a spiral staircase leading up into the guest house. A tunnel cut from one of the roots leads off to the west, and another such hallway leads south to the vaults. Doors open to the north and to the east onto Dogwood Path.
This is another large room, cut within the tree. Elves, and others as well, walk in from below and get their room keys before leaving through the northern door to their rooms above. A few weary adventurers sit here, talking about their latest conquest, or whatever they have to talk about. On the receptionist's desk is carved a poem of sorts.
This room is almost spherical, carved within a knot in an enormous tree root. Empty mail sacks hang from pegs along the curved walls, and a faded chalk tally of 'pigeons lost to owls' runs well into the hundreds. The elvish children who once ran letters from here have found other work: these days a word spoken anywhere reaches a friend at once, and nobody misses waiting three days for a reply that smelled of bird. The only exit is east, up the root towards the tavern.
The waters of this stream are crystal clear as they drift westward. Elves wander the brush along the northern bank, sometimes casting a line or a spear in hopes of snagging dinner. To the east a covered bridge spans the water, the way into Ravenclaw Woods; the far bank to the south leads out to the road.
The current lazily moves westward, carrying fish and a few leaves from the nearby dogwoods. The crystal waters allow one to see the sandy bottom and the creatures that call it home. West of here, the stream is met by a river flowing in from the north.
A rushing river and a lazy stream meet here, forming a sort of delta in their union. Small islands and sandbars frequent the water here, and a myriad of fish and birds seem to enjoy the cool water and soft current. To the east, the lazy stream continues with an escort of tall pine trees along its shore. From the north, the swift river brings its water.
The current rushes southward here, towards what looks like a small delta. Dogwood trees and tall pines close in against the shoreline, offering no access to the woods. The murky waters distort the light, giving the loose stones on the riverbed an eerie look.
The water is very dark here, filled with the black sand from the riverbed. This small tunnel curves about slightly, barring light from reaching these depths. Bones are scattered about the floor of the tunnel here.
The murky waters of the river course southward, carrying with it the cold waters from the northern slopes. Pines line the shore, separated by smaller aspens that whisper quietly in the breeze. To the north lies a small bridge, built from pine trunks. Further southward, the river is joined by a small stream.
The river flows southward here, towards a small bridge. Rocks break the surface here, creating a small whitewater area. The trees close in around the western bank, but to the east, a small cove breaks off and offers peaceful waters.
The water rushes in from a series of small waterfalls to the north. The dark water crashes violently against the rocks, creating an icy mist to cover the area. The water seems to calm further south, while the falls to the north offer a more difficult time.
Water courses past on its southward journey. Huge black rocks try their best to stop it, and only create a freezing mist as the river crashes past them. Several small waterfalls only add to the chilling water in the air, and also create quite a bit of noise.
The sound of running water here is unbearable. Two rapids collide with the force of the gods themselves. Water flies as high as twenty feet in the air from the sheer strength of the impact. Whitewater crashes into the rocky walls of the valley, digging a wider path for itself to travel. The valley seems to lessen to the south, and the water seems to calm after a small series of waterfalls.
A fallen oak spans the chasm here from south to north. Almost uprooted, the tree still looks healthy and sturdy enough to walk across, but the mist rising from the river far below clings to the bark and makes it a slippery walk. The end of the trail lies back to the south; on the far side, to the north, a quiet grove waits.
Small trees close in to the path here, but still offer enough room for comfortable travel. An elf or two can be seen every so often trimming a troublesome branch, or cutting back an annoying thorn bush, to make the trail more pleasant. To the south, dogwoods seem to outnumber the other trees. Northward lies more trail to be explored. A small cove lies to the west of here.
Soft moss surrounds the small cove of this area. Cypress trees grow along the banks of the cold water. It looks like hundreds of fish swim here, taking a break from the rapids to the west. A few elves wade through them with nets and spears, eager to take a feast home with them tonight.
The sound of the waterfall echoes throughout this cavern. Moisture clings to the moss-covered walls. In the shadows, small movements can be noticed, probably rats or some other rodent. Stalagmites rise up from the cave floor, as if trying to reach their brethren stalactites that reach back for them. Small pools of water drip from these hanging rocks, but silently, as the sound of the waterfall overhead is overwhelming.
The trees spread out, giving the trail room to wander. The path leads north, alongside the Valley Rapids. A small eastern trail leads towards darker woods.
Pine trees escort the path northward, swaying in the cool breeze. To the east, small patches of moss form a trail to a light clearing. A soft whimpering can be heard from there. To the south the trees clear a little, making way for Dogwood Path.
A small path leads off to the east. Looking that way, one notices trees forming a small canopy, almost shelter-like. West and north of here is a small trail, leading into more trees.
The ground here is grassy, with a reddish moss growing to the west. A scream of anguish is suddenly heard from the clearing in that direction. To the north, the trees grow closer, casting eerie shadows on the rough path. South of here, however, the trees are well-placed, as if cut back to allow passage.
A grim sight covers this clearing. Although the wild-elves rank themselves with the goodly races of the realm, their means of justice is swift and merciless. The mossy ground here has been soaked red with the blood of Ravenclaw's enemies. Machines of torture lie about, some with violators still in them. A sign hangs from a nearby tree.
A small path cuts through the underbrush and tree trunks leading east and west. To the west, it merges with a larger path. To the east, the path ends at a small cottage.
This large room has been hollowed out of a knot in the tree trunk. Elves wander in and out, transferring their coins. An elven lady sits behind a barred window, handling the transactions.
This small cottage has been built amongst the tangle of roots and foliage. The smell of fresh earth is mingled with the aroma of several small peppermint plants that have been planted along the edges of the cottage. There are several dishes of prepared food out, as if some people have brought them by.
Shadows dance amongst the trees here, leading trails off in all directions. Spanish moss hangs from low branches, giving the woods a look that causes chills. Sounds echo from all sides, making the source impossible to home in on. Amongst those sounds is a bone-chilling wolf howl.
Darkness quickly overwhelms the path as the trees draw in closer. The soft moss gives underfoot with a hideous squelch. From the shadows to the north comes a horrid sound, as if some poor creature were in great pain, and the close trees echo it and twist it to near-maddening limits. The darkening path lies back to the south.
This grassy trail runs north-south through sparse foliage and greenery. To the south, dogwood trees seem to dominate the population along the trail towards the inn. Far to the north lies a ravine of some type.
A gentle breeze blows in from the north, bringing the sound of rushing water with it. Looking that way, one can see a large canyon surrounding a small grove. South of here, the trail leads to some sparse dogwood trees, that get thicker further on.
The trail comes to an abrupt end here at the lip of a deep canyon. The sound of rushing water echoes off its walls, and a fine mist rises from the depths. An ancient tree has fallen across the canyon to the north, forming a makeshift bridge, its bark thick with moss from the mist. The trail runs back south toward the inn.
A cool breeze drifts in from the north, carrying the peaceful sounds of this quiet grove. A songbird flutters by, landing on a nearby branch to sing his merry tune for you. Further north, you see more wildlife roaming freely, unafraid.
Various trees populate the area. A few of them have small green ribbons tied to them. Upon closer examination, these trees appear to be under some sort of care. One oak looks as if it has been cleaned of a fungus recently. A dogwood reveals a branch that is some sort of splint. Someone must care for this grove very much to take so much time healing it. North of here, the grove deepens. To the east is a small cluster of rocks, forming a tiny cave of sorts.
Squeezing through the tiny crack in the stone, you finally come to a more open space. The smell of some wild animal has been sprayed all over, and listening for a moment, a low growl can be heard.
The trees grow tall here, standing for countless years. Various animals wander about, not afraid of intruders. They also seem fearless of each other. A small gray hare hops lazily about in a patch of milkweed with a red fox resting less than four feet away.
A warm breeze flows in from the north, carrying what sounds like the soft laughter of a woman. The leaves rustle gently, speaking with each other in their secret tongue. Butterflies float with the breeze, landing on a flower every so often.
Trees sway in the warm breeze as the local wildlife wander across the grassy lawn. The gentle song of the birds echoes through the branches. All around is more of the same... peace and harmony.
The songbirds sing their peaceful tune from the branches overhead as a soft breeze from the east rustles the leaves. Crickets chirp near a northern cave, and their song echoes from within, completing the chorus and creating a beautiful symphony.
This small cave's walls and floor are smooth, as if it has been here for ages, or has been painstakingly carved to perfection. The low ceiling echoes your footfalls further north, where a small chamber seems to be formed.
This small cavern shows signs of being recently lived in. Some bones lie along the wall, and dark fur is scattered across the floor. The northern wall is covered with deep scratches, as if something had sharpened its claws on it...
Small birch trees have been planted here as to form a light path leading from the south to the east. Large river stones, smoothed after years beneath the current, have been placed between these trees, forming a sort of sidewalk. To the east lies a quiet clearing, from which emanates a warm light.
This small clearing is surrounded by large fir trees, filling the air with their sweet aroma. The grass here is a deep, healthy green, and forms a soft carpet beneath you. In the center of the clearing, a snow-white sapling grows. The species of tree is unidentifiable... and it seems to possess the qualities of several trees you know. Watching it for a brief moment, the tree almost seems to take on new properties, reflecting even more variations. After several seconds of staring, a soft laughter, like that of a beautiful lady echoes forth.
Water crashes against the rocks, spraying mist and foam several yards into the air. The noise created is deafening. Icy water shoots into your eyes and nose, rendering you pretty much blind to any further detail.
A small gravel path leads towards a large grove south of here. Escorting the path are several small saplings of various species. An occasional glimpse of movement can be noticed in the shadows. But it doesn't create a feeling of danger... rather a feeling of security, as if whatever it was is guarding this place.
Two tall white ash trees grow together to the east, forming a large archway underneath their branches. The grass is a deep green, forming a carpet that lines the floor of the grove. Small purple flowers outline pathways that cross throughout trees.
A soft carpet of grass covers the ground beneath a canopy of green. Birds swoop across the paths, chasing each other as if in play. Trees of all species grow in this grove. The southern trail is escorted with pine saplings, while far to the north, the trail is lined with weeping willows.
A cool wind blows in from the south, bringing the smell of pine trees with it. To the north, several weeping willows lazily dance with the wind. A small wolf cub prances slowly by, and upon your notice, he scampers into a cluster of ivy.
The song of the forest dances through the trees as a cool breeze blows in from the south. Small aspens rustle their leaves, joining the chorus where they can. An elf or two roams about, peacefully seeking their teacher amongst the woods...
Lavender flowers form the border of a light path that leads west and south from here. Looking west, one can see a few willow trees blowing in the cool breeze. To the south, the trees blend together, letting no single tree outnumber the rest.
A small family of deer bound through the bushes at the sound of someone nearby. An elven child appears suddenly, sprinting after them with what looks like a homemade saddle of sorts. The trees sway gently with the wind, their leaves singing a song of peace.
Several birds flitter between the myriad of trees. Small multicolored flowers form the outlines of paths which lead in all directions. Elves and a few of other races roam about, some seeking knowledge, while others simply come to enjoy the surroundings.
The smell of jasmine flows throughout this clearing from the multiple vines weaving through the trees. Birds chirp and sing to each other, flying from branch to branch. The grass is soft and deep-green. Benches have been set along the path for those few who come merely to rest.
Two large chinaberry trees form an archway over a southern path. Two smaller sourwood trees form a similar arch to the east, but the branches of these two are host to a vine of jasmine. A glow of energy sporadically appears from that direction as well, as if someone were casting a spell or two. The birds flit and flutter amongst all the trees, singing their songs to each other, as well as to the passerby. To the west lies a small path bordered by tiny blue flowers.
Two enormous pine trees bend together forming an arch over the southern path. Jasmine crawls up their trunks, offering its sweet aroma to the breeze. The northern trail leads off into a more dense brush. Far to the north, one can see a few taller trees.
A small clearing sits here under a canopy of sourwood branches. The trees that they spring populate the area with their strong trunks. Other trees lead off in all directions, each one seeming to have its own grove. To the north is a path lined with juniper trees, while east and south are bordered with cyrillas and jasmine vines, respectively.
The smell of jasmine is sweet as you enter this clearing. All around, one can see the tangled vines covered with tiny, yellow flowers. Small animals scamper about, fearless of any intruders as they play with each other. North of the clearing, two sourwood trees form an archway.
Small juniper trees line the perimeter of this perfectly square clearing. A small mace and shield lean against one of them, most likely belonging to the young cleric here. Birds chirp and sing from the overhead canopy of leaves, as if to wish you luck in your journey. The only way to leave this clearing is through the sourwood archway to the south.
Two giant sourwood trees form an arch to the west. At their base, cyrillas form a sort of wall that defines this clearing, offering no other exit, save the southern path, where two hazel trees form a similar archway. This clearing seems to pulse with energy, as if strong magic has been worked here.
A small trail has been cut here, leading north-south. Trees border your passage, growing close together so as to offer no access to the deeper woods, or maybe to offer no access from the deeper woods to the path? Further north, one can see a large ash tree above the canopy of leaves.
The trees hug the path as it twists and turns on its way. Small bushes and shrubs begin appearing in the trail, making walking through a little more difficult. Woodland creatures can be heard through the trees, speaking to each other in their secret language.
Small bushes and undergrowth populate the path between the massive tree trunks, making movement difficult, to say the least. Shadows seem to move behind those trees, just out of sight, and silent as death. Every so often, a bird will break the silence with a song that the wind carries off to his audience.
The small trees that line this path form a canopy of leaves overhead, offering shade to the people who travel this way. They clear out towards the north, making room for what looks to be a rather large tree. West, however, they thicken, and some smaller shrubs even grow into the path.
The trees thin out, forming a large circular clearing. In the center of this clearing is an enormous ash tree, with branches that extend over the clearing and on into the forest. Beneath this canopy of leaves, the grass is a vibrant green and a cool breeze flows through, making this a wonderful spot to rest. Several of the ash's roots come above ground, and form ideal benches. A small natural fountain bubbles between these roots, and several elves rest here, spread out in the clearing. You notice a few carvings on the tree trunk.
Years of erosion caused this hole to form beneath the ash, along with the help of forest creatures making their winter homes. But now this hole has been dug out to be almost cozy. Several animals dart in and out of this burrow through the overhead roots, playing their games with each other. The larger hole above seems to be the only source of light, and a poor source at that.
Suddenly a wet patch of moss slips loose under you and you're weightless for an instant. Several birds fly out of a large nook, startled by your sudden scream. Plummeting downward, you think to yourself, "You know... I really shouldn't stand on wet moss that long anymore." Then you think, "You know, those rocks below look really pointy... I hope I land in the water..."
The trail meanders through the trees, winding its way to the north and east. The overhead branches offer plenty of shade to cool the walk off, and it's even complemented by a gentle breeze flowing in from the north. From that direction, the woods begin growing closer together, making the path darker. To the east, the trees thin out, and several clearings can be seen.
This north-south trail is closely bordered by several trees. The shade they offer is slightly uncomfortable, if not unnerving. To the north, the trees grow even thicker, forming a dense glen with their canopy. South of here, however, the trees are a little thinner, and more light permeates the ceiling.
This small clearing offers a ceiling of green leaves. Several elves rest here amongst the roots of an enormous ash tree, while others lay in the grass next to the small natural fountain that bubbles here. Small woodland animals play hide and seek in the holes beneath the roots, more of them hiding than seeking. The trunk of the tree is worn with age, and bears the marks of time, as well as those of elves...
The trees here grow so close together that sunlight can't filter its way to the ground. The shadows are dark and somewhat ominous. The atmosphere isn't quite threatening, just a little more than uncomfortable. To the west, the dark trail continues on, while further to the south, the trees seem to spread out.
Shadows grip this trail in a tight hold. Looking upwards, one can not see the sunlight, or even the sky for that matter. The trees hide everything with their high-reaching branches. To the east and west looks to be more of the same.
The mossy ground absorbs the sounds of travel as this trail is walked upon. The dark shade from the trees almost overwhelms the trail, making travel a little more than uncomfortable. Walking along, one can see that more of the same lies to the east. West of here, the path seems to lighten a bit.
The water carries black sand southward in its lazy current, and the trees along the shore seem darker and more ominous than those upstream. Somewhere downriver a small waterfall rumbles, and a side channel turns off into muck and slime, but deadfalls and brambles choke every way on. The only open water is back north, at the river junction.
Weeping willows fill this clearing, if one could call it a clearing. Their branches hang down, dominating the view in any direction. Deeper within the branches, a shadow moves silently about, whispering to a smaller shadow, as an instructor might whisper to her student.
The scent of pine is strong here, emanating from the plethora of pine saplings that populate this clearing. Small rabbits bound playfully about, chasing each other. One of them trips over another's ears and tumbles. A soft laugh gives away the elf who starts to approach the rabbit.
The smell of chinaberries is dominant in this clearing, due to the number of chinaberry trees in this clearing. A red fox prances northward, leaving this clearing, and the sylvan elf within it. She smiles softly as you feel a happiness enter your mind.
Passing beneath two large hazel trees, the clearing presents itself. Bordered with hazel trees, this area sizzles with energy. A small black cat wanders between the trees, eyeing you cautiously. An elf wanders into the clearing and back out again, trying to find his way back to the inn.
This road isn't used very often. The grass is thick, with only two tracks, made undoubtedly by wagon wheels as they carry their supplies back and forth. Thinking for a moment, one must wonder why an unused road would bear the scars of frequent use. Unless, for some reason, the grass was carefully tended to.
Trees grow close to this small road that runs east-west. Occasionally, an elf will travel past, nodding his greeting to you. This is the road that leads to Ravenclaw Woods, which lies across a river to the east. West of here, the trees grow a little closer to the road, leading back towards the main roads of the realms.
The crystal clear waters of this slow-moving stream allow the sandy bottom to be seen without any problem. Small river trout swim back and forth, on their way to perform their troutly duties. A few wild elves are noticeable as they sit on the shore, hoping to pull one or two of those trout out before heading back home. To the west, the river flows under a small bridge. To the east, pine trees escort the river further on.
The clear waters make their way to the west as a cool breeze blows in off the northern riverbank. Fish can be seen swimming their way towards wherever it is that fish go. Further to the west, an elf or two can be seen fishing off the shore. Much further west, a bridge spans the water.
Water rushes south across time-worn rocks, and huge gouts crash against the western wall of the ravine. To the east, the waterfall that feeds this river thunders down from its cliff; southward the river runs on to join even more whitewater.
Water cascades down from a high cliff to the north and crashes onto the smooth rocks beneath you. The whitewater swirls, and small eddies pull this way and that as the water is torn between the two rivers it feeds, one leading west and one rushing south through the rapids. The roar of the falls drowns out everything; if a dragon were to roar behind them, you would never even know it.
The shadows of the woods grow darker here and the trees close in, their trunks black with moss and their branches knotted overhead. Eerie howls carry through the gloom from the north, where the dark is deepest, and it would be very easy to lose oneself among the trunks. A faint path leads back south to the darkening woods.
The trees stand so close here that hardly any light gets in, and the ground is churned with paw prints, tufts of dark fur and gnawed bones. This is the hunting ground of the shadow wolves, and their howls seem to come from every side at once. Through the trunks to the north a pale glow shows where the woods open into a grove of willows; the dark woods lie back to the south.
Walking out of the shadows, you step into a grove of willow trees. The trees form a large circle around a mossy clearing. In the center of that, a statue made from smoky quartz stands here. It appears to serve as some sort of memorial, probably to the figure that posed for the statue.