# Thornwood Forest - Wilderness area east of village
location_id: crossville_forest
name: Thornwood Forest
location_type: wilderness
region_id: crossville

description: |
  A dense woodland stretching east from Crossville, named for the thorny
  undergrowth that makes travel off the main path treacherous. Ancient oaks
  and twisted pines block much of the sunlight, creating an perpetual twilight
  beneath the canopy. The eastern trade road cuts through here, though bandits
  have made it increasingly dangerous.

lore: |
  The Thornwood is said to be as old as the mountains themselves. Local legend
  speaks of an ancient elven settlement deep within the forest, though no one
  has found it in living memory. What is certain is that the forest hides many
  secrets - ancient ruins, hidden caves, and creatures that prefer darkness
  to light. Hunters know to return before nightfall.

ambient_description: |
  Shafts of pale light filter through the canopy, illuminating swirling motes
  of dust and pollen. The forest floor is carpeted with fallen leaves and
  treacherous roots. Birds call from the branches above, falling silent
  whenever something large moves through the underbrush. The air is thick
  with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation.

available_quests:
  - quest_bandit_camp
  - quest_herb_gathering
  - quest_lost_traveler

npc_ids: []

discoverable_locations:
  - crossville_dungeon
  - crossville_crypt

is_starting_location: false

tags:
  - wilderness
  - dangerous
  - exploration
  - hunting
