elderwood

elderwood FLORA — A very old forest. An elderwood is any very old forest. In general terms, it is usually uninhabited (which explains its virginal state), and the trees have grown large and wild (though the size of the trees varies due to species and geography). Because of the age of such forests, much folkenlore surrounds them. Though not often considered a → vaultine proper, elderwoods are believed to possess more magical and medicinal properties in the diversity of the fauna and flora growing within them. This belief stems from the reality that such unmolested forests have been allowed to nourish many natural forces that have been driven out of other locations. Similarly, an elderwood is believed to be a draw for → faye, both because of the near vaultine status of the wood and the seclusion. It is common to find witches, → khamun, and other seekers (largely hermitic) in the elderwood. Elderwoods are often protected by the → folken to preserve good fortune and provide healers with a ready source of vital supplies.