Date: Seventeenth day of the first month
Recruit name: Cween
Having seen the notice regarding merchants wanting the Old Forest cleared, I felt it best to scout the area in order to get a clearer picture of what on earth is going on in there so a full scale attack could take place. Either that or see if there is anything worth saving before raising the place.
I entered the forest from the east and soon came to the area locals call the Bonfire glade. I had not yet encountered another living beast and the glade was quite empty. The going was trickier as I pushed into the forest, and soon encountered several of the residents.
Creature: Bats
Description: Larger than those often spotted in the eaves of farm houses back in Combe and far more aggressive. Although most were content to leave me be if I gave them a wide berth. They were tricky to hit with a javelin due to their size, but most went down after a single blow of a sword and did no damage to myself.
Threat Level: In my opinion the bats of the forest do not pose a threat to the inhabitants of Bree-Land.
I eventually reached Bald Hill, quite a recognisable spot, after some time of picking my way through the trees.
Having climbed to the top of the hill only to find I could gain no real perspective due to the swirling mist and lack of landmarks, I decided to solider on towards the depth of the forest. I tried my best to pick a straight path but much of the forest is impassable due to the density of the trees and my route ended up taking me back on myself. I came to the base of another hill, the name. Unfortunately I could not find my way to the top to see if I could gain any bearing in this maze as it was surrounded with bears.
Creature: Bear
Description: Big bears, with huge chunks of their fur missing where they are covered in scars. Also family groups, which reminded me of a phrase my own mother used to use “Never get between a mother and her cubs”.
Threat Level: For those stumbling into that area of the forest an extremely high threat, but it is an isolated area quite deep in. In my opinion they do not present a hazard to those outside the forest.
Returning to Bald Hill, which I was lucky to find again, I took a different path and finally found the Withywindle where I stopped for a moment to rest. While trying to find the sandwiches I knew I had put in my pack I noticed some movement on the other side of the river, dark shapes skittering around. I prepared myself, readied behind my shield and moved across the water to investigate.
This is where I encountered the spiders, and there were a lot of them. Travelling deep into the forest I believe I found their Queen, if spiders have such a thing.
Creature: Spider
Description: Huge numbers of dark bodied, slender limbed creatures, many of which looked like they might be poisonous although I felt no effects. They are also able to drop on threads from the forest canopy meaning that constant vigilance is required at all times.
Threat Level: The southern section of the forest is overwhelmed with them and should not be entered. I believe these spiders should be monitored on a regular basis to ensure their numbers do not increase further and do not spread, however pose no threat at this time.
I made my retreat from the area, the numbers of the things meant there was nothing I could do alone to curb their growth, they were also rather terrifying if I am to be honest. I made my way back to the river and followed its path to the east.
Finding a building amongst the trees was a bit of a shock I have to admit, I thought to question the occupant to see if they knew about the forest creatures. However, no one seemed to be about even though lights were on inside. More important things were on my mind so those who choose to live in such a place can look after themselves.
I travelled back towards the forest edge and soon encountered the creature I had been most dreading, the trees themselves.
Creature: Tree
Description: Twisted and corrupted, these things walk and kill. I do not know what is making them so violent so upset and aggressive. They send roots up through the floor and their branches hit like the logs they are.
Threat Level: I know little about trees. They may never leave the woods or they may soon trample upon the roads killing all those that dear to travel along it, I fear the latter, but believe an expert opinion must be sort on these creatures to know the full extent of their threat. I
did not tarry amongst the trees and marched at a quick and constant pace avoiding any visible root and trying to keep myself away from all trees, a difficult task in a forest. Upon nearing the edge of the forest yet another beast attacked.
Creature: Wolf
Description: Aggressive, swift, dangerous, really big teeth.
Threat Level: I found the wolf difficult to beat off and it was incredibly persistent. I tried to retreat but was wary of stumbling into more danger. These creatures reside right to the edge of the forest, and even somewhat beyond. They pose the greatest threat to travellers. I managed to scare it off with a lot of yelling and bashing on my shield, they do not seem to appreciate loud noises.
I backed away from the retreating wolf and found myself coming to a clearing with a beautiful waterfall at one end. It was oddly serene for such a chaotic wood and found I spent some time simply looking upon those waters.
It was one of those places where I could have stayed for ever, however I knew I had to submit this report so pulled myself away. All in all that forest is a horrid place full of vile creatures but I doubt most will venture beyond the cover of the foul trees.
