The Cruel Wood

The Cruel Wood is a deciduous forest found on Pathriam in the Tritos Dominion.   Located between the Trident and the Voris rivers, the woods are comprised of towering oaks and fruit trees. Sections of the forest are boggy, becoming impassable in the rainy seasons. A large sect of druids resides deep within, purposefully making their home as uninhabitable as possible.   The area was referred to as the Drakewood for centuries until it gained its new name in the late 5,000s. Before the change, a dragon known as Scaborous the Pure ruled over much of the region and used the forest as its lair. A structure called the Red Keep exists in the western portion of the wood. The keep has changed ownership and function many times over the years.   Recently wild dogs have begun to overrun the forest, raised by a large population of gnolls. Ground game has become scarce but birds and snakes are still plentiful. Since the end of the Demon War rumors have spread in the surrounding territory of a demonic presence inside the forest.