Nektulos Forest
A dark forest on the eastern half of Antonica, north of the Commonlands; patrolled by dark elves from nearby Neriak and the dark-elf newbie zone.
Overview
Drawn from The Maps of Myrist — zone description.EQ1Primary · official
Nestled between East Commonlands and the fiery mountain range of Lavastorm, the Nektulos Forest is relatively small in comparison to its surrounding regions.
This dark, dank woodland is the surface territory of the Teir`Dal, whose city lies beneath the forest. Thick, twisted trees reach up from the grassy earth and then disappear into the eternal shroud of heavy mist that drapes over this dreary woodland.
A narrow, winding road has been carved through the forest, bending its way from the pass leading to East Commonlands and winding westward, at last ending at the gray valley that reaches into the fiery peaks of Lavastorm. At one point, the road comes to a wood bridge guarded by the Teir`Dal dragoons of the Indigo Brotherhood – Neriak's warriors loyal to the Teir`Dal king, Naythox. Beyond the bridge, the road branches northward toward the rocky pass that dives downward into the subterranean city of Neriak.
A large river filled with deadly piranha runs through the center of Nektulos forest. Unfortunately, the only safe point of crossing is heavily guarded by the ferocious Teir`Dal guardsmen.
Many creatures call these woodlands home – those of natural origin and undead constructs of the Teir`Dal alike. Black wolves, bears and young kodiaks are found in abundance here, striving for survival amongst the unseen taint of corruption that lurks in the very shadows of the woods. Skeletal remains, cursed to forever wander the face of Norrath, roam the Nektulos Forest en masse – emblematic of the true darkness that exists just beneath the forest floor.
Overview
Drawn from Nektulos Creature Catalog (QuestReward) — in-game book.EQ2Primary · mirrored · best available source
Nektulos Creature Catalog by Pearl Honeywine
Before the Rending, Nektulos often lay covered in pumice-laden clouds that obscured visibility. High winds, while rare, stir up exposed layers of ancient ash to redistribute them across the land. This area was formerly known as Nektulos Forest and is considered part of the former Teir'Dal empire.
Nektulos forms the northern half of D'Lere, separated from The Commonlands by the Razorrock Mountains. It is relatively easy to reach from Freeport, although the overland route is perilous. Off the shore of its western-facing edge lies the Neriuss Flow which is surrounded by the Tranquil Sea.
The skies of Nektulos are often hazy due to the fine ash that still drifts through its air. This blocks out much of the direct sunlight, keeping the region's weather relatively stable.
The air can feel stifling, however, so the few residents in the area tend to congregate near lakes or the seashore where slight breezes make living conditions more tolerable.
Much of the lowlands is covered by thick woodlands, which thrive on the nutrient-rich soil. The hazy light means the plantlife is less dependant upon the sun for rejuvenation. Indeed, most of the flowers in Nektulos are night blooming specimens. The trees have developed a thick bark to withstand the weight of accumulated ash on their branches.
In the woodlands, one will find owlbears, treants and various insects.
Map
From the EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002).
Official Lore
22Collected official lore pieces, from in-game and out.
Nektulos Gets a New Look!
Hail, Friends, and well met. My name is Meg Haufe and I'm an Everquest environment artist, as well as a long time fan and player of the game. Everquest is the reason that I'm in the lovely city of San Diego, as I came here several years ago to meet some members of the guild I am in, "Ilsik Haucil" on Saryrn.
Read the full sourceNektulos Forest, by Torq De’Rech
When I first traveled this forest as a young dark elf I found many things fascinating. The weather here under the trees is mild and rarely changes. The air is stagnant and thick, festering with rotting life and the iron tinge of blood. Fog is prevalent, so one learns quickly to watch their step. Nektulos Forest in the days of my ancestors was not half as dang…
Read the full sourceNektulos Creature Catalog
Before the Rending, Nektulos often lay covered in pumice-laden clouds that obscured visibility. High winds, while rare, stir up exposed layers of ancient ash to redistribute them across the land. This area was formerly known as Nektulos Forest and is considered part of the former Teir’Dal empire. Nektulos forms the northern half of D’Lere, separated from The…
Read the full sourceFlesh Bound Tome
The tome seems to be fashioned from some sort of leathery material. It has been formed with fine craftsmanship to appear like the stretched skin of a dark elf’s face, eyes and mouth sewn shut with sinewy threads. A thin, but durable chain is stretched around the tome and fastens with an ornate lock.
Read the full sourceA History of the Order of Nektulos
This book was given to me by Bruhn K’Viir of the Order of Nektulos. It contains information on the history of the Trials. The Order of Nektulos was created during the times of the first Emperor of Neriak. The purpose of the Order is to test, train and weed out the weak among the young Dark Elf Warriors.
Read the full sourceThe Scrying Stones
Inaill Icoryk, hunter of artifacts, hefted the scrying stone with one fist, peering into the gloom of Nektulos Forest . The grey, gauzy haze made finding evidence of the artifacts more difficult. Difficult, but not impossible. There! Inaill's tail twitched slightly as he made his calculations before moving toward the shimmering rainbow undulating over the for…
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Cauldron Hollow
For nearly two ages the name Cauldron Hollow has filled the minds of Norrathians with mystery. Cauldron Hollow was once a dark elf depot for resources ferried in from Lake Neriuss. This depot was nestled into the seaside cliffs of Nektulos Forest. Its location was ideal for defense.
Read the full sourceThe Calling of the Crypt
Bloodlines_Lore They watched as the vampire's body crumpled to the ground, an eerie billow of smoke rising as it faded into nothingness. That was a close battle," Baden said as he wiped his brow. "The power of the undead is strong here." They fall the same way as any foe," the barbarian countered. All the same, we should have known the grinnin weren't the sou…
Read the full sourceNektulos Creature Catalog (QuestReward)
Nektulos Creature Catalog by Pearl Honeywine Before the Rending, Nektulos often lay covered in pumice-laden clouds that obscured visibility. High winds, while rare, stir up exposed layers of ancient ash to redistribute them across the land. This area was formerly known as Nektulos Forest and is considered part of the former Teir'Dal empire.
Read the full sourceA History of the Order of Nektulos (House Item)
This book was given to me by Bruhn K'Viir of the Order of Nektulos. It contains information on the history of the Trials. The Order of Nektulos was created during the times of the first Emperor of Neriak. The purpose of the Order is to test, train and weed out the weak among the young Dark Elf Warriors.
Read the full sourceOn the Town of: Neriak – Part 1
On the Town of: Neriak - Part 1 Overview of Neriak Neriak is a dark beautiful city carved out of the very bones of the earth, deep under the forest of Nektulos. The multileveled tunnels that make up the basic connecting structure of Neriak were originally carved by meandering underground rivers that sprang from Lake Neriuss when its levels were higher.
Read the full sourceThe Crimson Teir
The Crimson Teir Innoruuk, God of Hate, created the dark elves by kidnapping the king and queen of the elves, who were created by Tunare, and twisting them to his own image. The result was a cruel subterranean dark-skinned race.
Read the full sourceSummaries
Lanys Reborn After the events of Bloody Kithicor, the Teir`Dal were left without answers as to what happened to Lanys T`Vyl. The King and Queen of the dark elves charged Vizier D`Kalz, a priest of great power, with the task of finding the answers to their many questions. Vizier D`Kalz calls a gathering at the skeleton stone in Nektulos Forest for all to witne…
Read the full sourceLeatherfoot Tales: The Last of the Teir’Dal, Part Two
The Houndslayer and his comrades make their way through Nektulos Forest, encountering something unexpected. The Kithicor rangers, the Leatherfoot elite and Gumpy Nattoo paused on the edge of Nekutolos Forest. They had all heard the fireside tales of ash-filled trees dropping clouds of life-choking pumice on unsuspecting travellers.
Read the full sourceCreatures of the Creators Catalog
Some of the creatures found in Norrath today were created by mages for various reasons. In particular, these creations can be found in and around Nektropos Castle in Nektulos on D’Lere or within the Ruins of Varsoon in Antonica on Karan. Nektropos Castle is the former home of Lord Rikantus Everling and is located within dark woodlands of Nektulos.
Read the full sourceDark Elven Incursion
Antonican Times:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 3 ~ Dark Elven Incursion ~ The Dark Elves have begun a series of bold attacks against the citizens of Freeport. From their camps in Nektulos and the Commonlands, these dark menaces have attacked and killed anyone that they have come across, from merchants to members of the Freeport guard.
Read the full sourceEvil Army on the March
Antonican Times:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 7 ~ Evil Army on the March ~ They didn't swarm out of Nektulos as one might have expected. They moved out of the dark forest in an orderly and frightening fashion. Hundreds of Trolls and Dark Elves marched in formation making the ground shake with their steady trod.
Read the full sourceDark Elven Incursion
Rivervale Voice:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 3 ~ Dark Elven Incursion ~ The Dark Elves have begun a series of bold attacks against the citizens of Freeport. From their camps in Nektulos and the Commonlands, these dark menaces have attacked and killed anyone that they have come across, from merchants to members of the Freeport Guard.
Read the full sourceClan Grobb Civil War
Antonican Times:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 6 ~ Clan Grobb Civil War ~ Reports for Nektulos have come in telling us that Trolls are fighting Trolls for control of the Grobb Clan. All information coming out of that area is sketchy and we have been unable to get anyone into the area to verify anything.
Read the full sourceMessage to Rivervale
Rivervale Voice:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 7 ~ Message to Rivervale ~ With the recent news of Troll and Dark Elf armies on the move, our Sheriffs wanted us to remind you that you are safe as long as you remain inside Rivervale. Do not travel at this time for any reason. ~ Evil Army Marches ~
Read the full sourceTrouble Continues on Antonica
The Royal Herald:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 4 ~ Trouble Continues on Antonica ~ Raids from Nektulos into the Commonlands have continued since our last report. The forces of the Teir Dal have remained steady.
Read the full sourceEvil Marches Onward
Odus Chronicle:: }-------------------------} Vol. 9 No. 7 ~ Evil Marches Onward ~ The following has been taken from people stationed around the Commonlands: They didn't swarm out of Nektulos as one might have expected. They moved out of from the dark forest in an orderly and frightening fashion.
Read the full sourceFurther sources
30Lore that mentions this in passing.
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Community articles
21Fan-written encyclopedia entries — useful overviews, lower authority than the primary sources above.
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Field notes
Adventuring notes from the atlas — what to watch for and what the zone offers. Flavor, not lore.