The Shrouded Glade

The Shrouded Glade

The Shrouded Glade

Battle damage from Nurgle and Tzeench

The Shrouded Glade is a cursed and ominous forest on the outskirts of Felswald. Once a thriving and vibrant woodland, it has become a place of foreboding shadows and unnatural silence, shaped by the lingering influence of Chaos and ancient magic.

History

The transformation of the Shrouded Glade began during the Great War Against Chaos in 2301 IC. A violent clash between the forces of Nurgle and Tzeentch unleashed devastating sorcery upon the land, scarring the forest permanently. The area became a no-man’s land, avoided by all but the most desperate or foolhardy souls.

Legend holds that the glade was a sanctuary of the Lady of the Lake, marked by sacred pools and vibrant flora. However, when sorcerers of Tzeentch conjured an arcane storm to repel a Nurgle warband, the Lady’s blessings faltered, and the forest was irreparably twisted. The storm eradicated the immediate threat but left behind an enduring miasma of corruption.

Geography

The Shrouded Glade is characterized by its haunting appearance. Twisted trees with blackened bark rise from the earth, their branches resembling skeletal arms clawing at the sky. Pools of stagnant water dot the terrain, each emanating an eerie glow or soft whispers that unsettle travelers. Thick fog blankets the glade year-round, obscuring visibility and disorienting those who dare enter.

The heart of the glade is said to contain an ancient stone altar, rumored to be a remnant of its once-sacred purpose. This area is avoided even by the bravest adventurers, as it is believed to be a nexus of Chaos energy.

Creatures and Dangers

The Shrouded Glade is home to numerous dangers, both mundane and supernatural:

• Beastmen Warbands: The cursed forest is a haven for Beastmen who thrive in its corrupted atmosphere.
• Mutated Wildlife: Ordinary animals twisted by Chaos into grotesque, aggressive forms.
• Spectral Guardians: Stories persist of ghostly figures bound to protect the glade’s secrets, lashing out at intruders.
• The Whispering Fog: A strange phenomenon that clouds the mind, making it easy to become lost or succumb to despair.

Many who enter the glade are never seen again, leading to local superstitions and warnings passed down through generations.

Significance to Felswald

The Shrouded Glade looms large in the collective imagination of Felswald’s citizens. Many see it as a symbol of the eternal struggle against Chaos, while others view it as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and power.

The Knights of Felswald, particularly the Order of the Silver Chalice, often patrol the forest's edges to ensure the corruption does not spread further. However, no effort has been made to fully cleanse the glade, as the power within is believed to be beyond mortal means to dispel.

Folklore and Legends

Local tales describe the Shrouded Glade as a place where the veil between worlds is thin. Some claim the Lady of the Lake still watches over the area, her presence faint but persistent, striving to contain the corruption. Others speak of a hidden treasure buried beneath the altar, guarded by ancient curses.

Despite its dangers, the glade attracts scholars and adventurers intrigued by its mysteries, though few return to share what they have discovered.

Current Role in the Region

The Shrouded Glade remains a vital, though perilous, part of the Felswald narrative. Its dark allure and hidden perils make it a frequent site for daring quests, and it serves as a grim reminder of the power of Chaos and the need for vigilance.