The High Forest

The High Forest is one of the largest and most ancient woodlands in Faerun, shrouded in mystery and largely uncharted by the civilizations that surround it. Few dare to venture into its depths, and those who do often return with tales of wondrous sights, hidden dangers, and forgotten ruins.

Spanning over 500 miles from north to south, the High Forest stretches from the foothills of the Nether Mountains in the north to the lands near Secomber in the south. It dominates nearly 20% of the Savage Frontier, making it the greatest forest in all of Faerun. The woodland is a vast expanse of towering ancient trees, dense undergrowth, and primeval landscapes untouched by the march of civilization.

To the east of the High Forest lies Upvale, a fertile stretch of land within the Delimbiyr Vale that serves as a natural barrier between the High Forest and the Far Forest beyond. This region is known for its rich soil, abundant wildlife, and small frontier settlements that exist on the very edge of civilization.

Within its depths, the High Forest holds many natural wonders, ruins, and locations steeped in history and legend:

The Star Mounts – Majestic, near-impenetrable peaks rising from the heart of the forest, the Star Mounts are the source of the Unicorn Run and the Heartblood River. Their southern slopes contain the Endless Caverns, rumored to be home to dragons and to harbor hidden passages that descend into the Underdark.

The Lost Peaks – Located in the northwest, these jagged mountains form the headwaters of the Dessarin River. They are steeped in mystery, with ancient druidic sites and long-forgotten remnants of past civilizations.

Grandfather Tree – An immense, primeval oak, sacred to the Uthgardt barbarians and believed to be imbued with powerful druidic magic. The tree is a site of deep spiritual significance, said to hold memories of the land dating back thousands of years.

The Dire Wood – A haunting, twisted forest in the east, said to be the result of an ancient magical catastrophe. The heart of the Dire Wood is dominated by the floating ruins of Karse, where an entity of great and terrible power is rumored to slumber.

The Stronghold of the Nine – Once a dwarven fortress, this site fell into ruin before being claimed by elves in the late 14th century DR. It is believed to contain ancient artifacts and secrets from both its dwarven and elven inhabitants.

Throughout the High Forest, remnants of forgotten civilizations lie hidden beneath the dense canopy, waiting to be rediscovered by those brave—or foolish—enough to seek them out.