Grimroot
Grimroot reveals itself through a disorienting mist that carries the bitter scent of crushed decaying leaves. Ancient trees arch high overhead to form a dense canopy, blotting out direct sunlight and leaving the realm in a perpetual twilight filtered through shifting autumn hues.
The air is biting and still, filled with the soft rustle of falling leaves and the cold draft of the forest floor. Moss-covered stone pathways wind past structures built of dark wood and woven vines. Intricate archways and high timber gates divide the shadowed groves, opening into sprawling courtyards lined with polished stone benches and iron lanterns. Overhead, long banners sway silently in the breeze, framing the towering silhouette of the Bramblecrest Throne in the distance.
Landmarks & Points of Interest
Adventure Hooks
The Price of Old Lies
Prince Gwion Maengor carries the fate of Drosau into the shadowy depths of the Bryncoed Forest. For 1,000 years, the Bryncoed Accord maintained a fragile peace between the human kingdom and the Autumn Fae of Grimroot. That treaty was secured on a monumental lie: Drosau’s monarchs claimed draconic authority to command and subdue dragons, intimidating the fae into compliance. With the 1,000-year term expiring, the rulers of the Bramblecrest Throne have uncovered the deception and demand a complete renegotiation. Sent by his father, King Dradoc, Prince Gwion must navigate these lethal diplomatic waters—unaware of the astronomical price the fae intend to extract, or the unexpected personal cost it will carry.
Encounter Tier: APL 1–10 | Social & Political Intrigue
- The Trigger: Triggers when the party is approached by General Eirawyn Stoneford in Drosau. She advises them of the volatile political climate, warns of the expiring accord, and hires or urges them to assist with the impending summit and negotiating fair terms between the two sides.
- The Objective: Once the party links up with Prince Gwion, he asks them to serve as his personal diplomatic entourage at the Bramblecrest Throne. Upon arrival, the court pairs Gwion with Lord Crispin Ciderwell, a high-ranking male fae envoy tasked with ensuring his comfort. While Prince Gwion is locked in proceedings, a member of the fae council approaches the party and introduces herself as Isolda. She explains Drosau's deceit and requets the group's assistance in righting the wrongs of the past by bringing her proof of their lies. During this time, the party can secretly investigate records back in Cyndraig and return to her with the documents. Meanwhile, as negotiations wear on, Prince Gwion and Lord Crispin spend most of their free time together and find themselves falling deeply in love.