S is for Susp Forest

The northeastern corner of Meterra is the least pleasant part of the entire kingdom. Pirates off the coast, the Evergloom pressing up against what little civilization there is in the region, and the Susp Forest, a woodland dark and gloomy enough to fit right in beside the deadly swamp.

The Susp Forest is home to one of the two elven clans that live in this area. The Miaren clan are reclusive, preferring to avoid both the Europeans and the older culture of the Ramai. They are a mystery to the humans of Meterra, few of them ever leaving the deep reaches of the forest for any reason. They are believed to have vast magical powers, far superior to those of even Larcullus, the headmaster of the Arimore Academy.

The Susp is a very old forest of mostly oak and ash trees. In addition to the elves, it is believed that many other magical and mythical creatures live there, such as dryads, satyrs, leprechauns and fairies of all sorts, as well as a family of dragons. The few Miaren elves who emerge from the woods and have any contact with humans are not interested in discussing the possible inhabitants of the Susp, and few humans are willing to cross the boundaries of the woods if they can avoid it.

Some of the men that dare to go into the Susp do so for a particular reason: They seek the rare trees known as the shadowbark. These trees have a bark that always appears to be in gloom and shadow no matter the light that shines upon it, and the leaves of the tree are likewise a dark green. Their bark is said to contain magical essence that can be used to ward off various curses and charms. Few men who enter the forest return successfully; some don't return at all. As such, shadowbark is very highly prized for its rarity, and those who run the woods and return with branches and such are wealthy men indeed.

The Susp extends from the borders of the Evergloom and the village of Lundy, almost to the fields surrounding Everton. The Pewin Run marks its southern border, and there is an old dirt road that follows the river between Everton and Lundy. It is not well traveled, as few merchants find profit in traveling to Lundy. Nevertheless, the road is guarded by no fewer than three forts: Faerdham Keep, Euthoria Hold, and Nascombe Hold. The troops stationed in these forts guard the road not only from the Susp, but from the Ayls Plains to the south as well, for those plains are home to many wild and dangerous creatures.