The Iron-Wood Grove

Overview & Aesthetic

The Iron-Wood Grove is a specialized and high-security section of The Shrouded Boughs, located on a massive, isolated branch near the northern edge of the Mother-Tree. In this grove, the Muridae cultivate a rare subspecies of mangrove tree that has been naturally infused with iron-heavy minerals from the sea-floor. The wood of these trees is exceptionally hard, dense, and naturally resistant to rot and fire.

The aesthetic is one of somber, metallic industry. The trees in the grove have a dark, greyish-blue bark that shimmers with a cold, metallic sheen. The leaves are small and needle-like, and the branches grow in rigid, geometric patterns. The air here is noticeably cooler and lacks the sweet scent of the rest of the canopy, smelling instead of cold iron and wet stone.

History & Lore

The Iron-Wood Grove is the primary source of raw materials for the Acorn Guard’s weapons and the city’s structural supports. The Muridae have developed a complex ritual of "Pruning" that allows them to harvest the wood without killing the trees. It is believed that the iron-wood is a gift from the Mist-Weaver, designed to give the diminutive Mousefolk the strength they need to stand against the "Tall Races" and their clockwork technology.

Points of Interest

• The Sunder-Platform: A wide, heavily reinforced area where the iron-wood logs are brought to be split and shaped using specialized aether-saws.
• The Mineral-Vent: A large opening in the branch where mineral-rich water from the deep sea is pumped up to nourish the iron-wood saplings.
• The Warden’s Post: A small, fortified overlook manned by elite guardsmen to ensure that no unauthorized person (or creature) enters the grove.
• The Ancestral Stump: The remains of the first iron-wood tree ever harvested, which has been carved into a memorial for fallen Muridae warriors.

Local Factions & NPCs

• The Acorn Guard: Maintain a permanent detachment of troops to guard the grove.
• Grand Warden Hekka: Personally oversees the most important iron-wood harvests.
• Master-at-Arms Bree: Frequently visits the grove to select the highest quality timber for her workshop.
• The Iron-Wrights: A guild of specialized carpenters who are trained in the difficult art of working with iron-wood.

Environmental Hazards / Mechanics

• Metallic Leaves: The leaves of the iron-wood trees are sharp. Characters moving through the foliage take 1d4 slashing damage every round.
• High Conductivity: During aether-storms, the grove is particularly dangerous. There is a 10% chance every 10 minutes of a character being struck by a small discharge of electrical energy (2d6 lightning damage).
• Extreme Weight: Iron-wood is significantly heavier than normal wood. Carrying a medium-sized log requires a DC 16 Strength check.