Overview:
Skeleton Grove is the haunting remnants of an ancient forest that once thrived on the outskirts of the Ruins of Donatus. Now, all that remains are the preserved husks of once-impressive trees, creating a stark and eerie landscape. This grove stands as a warning of proximity to the Ruins of Donatus.
Description:
Skeleton Grove is characterized by its twisted, gnarled trees that stand like sentinels in the barren landscape. The trees have been petrified over time, their bark turned to stone and their branches reaching out like skeletal arms. The ground is dry and cracked, with no vegetation able to take root in this now desolate land. The air is often still, and the silence is broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind through the stony branches, adding to the grove’s eerie atmosphere.
History:
The history of Skeleton Grove is deeply intertwined with the legend of Donatus and the curse of Vilcren. According to lore, this forest was once a lush and vibrant part of Donatus’ utopian vision. However, when Vilcren cursed the land, the forest was not spared. The trees withered and died, their remains petrified now stand as a reminder of the lost potential and the wrath of Gods.
Significance:
The location of the skeleton grove marks the edge of the Bloodfang clans territory, and a natural wall around the ruins of Donatus. The Bloodfang Clan uses this location to ambush would be invaders encroaching upon their territory.
Notable Features:
- Petrified Trees: The grove’s most striking feature is its petrified trees, their skeletal forms creating an eerie and haunting landscape.
- Whispering Winds: The wind passing through the grove creates an unsettling sound, often described as the whispers of the cursed trees or the voices of spirits.
- Cursed Altar: A stone altar at the center of the grove, where dark rituals are performed by the Gnolls. It is said that offerings made here can appease the spirits of the grove.
Local Legends or Stories:
One of the most haunting legends associated with Skeleton Grove is that of “The Weeping Trees.” It tells that during the wet period, this location remains dry, yet the trees will begin to drip with blood red sap, soaking the grounds within the grove red. Other stories suggest that the forest empowers the gnolls of the Bloodfang clan. While within the grove they are able blend seamlessly with the shadows cast by the trees, ambushing invaders from unseen vantages.
Visitors’ Experience:
Visitors to Skeleton Grove are immediately struck by the stark and haunting beauty of the petrified forest. The twisted, stony trees create an atmosphere of eerie silence and somber reflection. For those that find themselves here, focus can not drift to the haunting beauty of the grove however, for danger lurks behind every ancient tree in these lands.