Jaggedpine Forest

Before the foundation of the great human cities of Antonica, when humans were still but nomadic tribes recently split from their barbarian foundations, the Jaggedpine Forest became home to a small group of human settlers. The nomads, who were awed by the lush beauty of such an evergreen paradise, adopted this place as their homeland when they discovered the climate to be consistently pleasant.

Generations passed and the human city of Qeynos was founded. The people of the Jaggedpine Forest, who revered the storm deity, Karana, formed a natural alliance with their human neighbors. For years the two separate regions would co-exist beneath the same banner, but deteriorating conditions in Norrath changed everything. Antonius III, the ruler of the now established Qeynos, bowed to his subjects' wishes to seal off the passage connecting the glade of Surefall to Jaggedpine. In this way, it was hoped that Jaggedpine would be spared the impending turmoil.

For nearly two generations the Jaggedpine Forest existed in seclusion and secrecy – safe from the dark shadow soon to engulf the rest of Norrath. In recent times, however, the gnolls of Blackburrow unwittingly tunneled their way into the forest. A menacing contingent of these gnolls have since set up residence in a cave very close to the small settlement of human inhabitants. They are now a serious threat.

In order to allow for better civil defense, Antonius IV has reopened the public entrance between Surefall Glade and the Jaggedpine Forest. On the other hand, the barricade separating the Unkempt Wood to the east remains sealed.

The Jaggedpine Forest is a heavily wooded region dissected by the Hatchling River. It is comprised mainly of enormous towering pines and smaller birch and oak trees. Visibility is limited due to the sun-blocking canopy. The floor is littered with a blanket of dried pine needles, fallen leaves and dark loamy ground. Abundant ferns and moss patches grow on the surface of the forest.

The rather sizable Hatchling River has a number of tributaries that run throughout the forest. Likewise, a number of small animal trails traverse the landscape, weaving their way in a seemingly random fashion through the trees.

The Hatchling River is fed from a small lake to the north, which in turn is fed from the Nest many miles away. To the west of the river is Jaggedpine Forest proper. To the east of the river lies the Unkempt Woods. The river forms a natural boundary between the intelligent inhabitants of these two areas.