Beautiful Biomes

Forest

 
 

The Forest Habitat

Across the continent of Isilendor,

forest

s vary in shape and size. Though you can stumble across at least one in all realms, despite differences amongst them.

So what would be considered a forest? Well, a forest is classed as a place where many trees and vegetation grow. However, there is more to it than just that as forests have extremely rich soil, making it a great home to numerous animals and creatures and to fungi alike. Under the shade of the trees, several types of vegetation grow with little to no sun and are seen as key forms of sustenance to the beings that live there.

It is very easy to mistake forests as just a collection of densely packed trees, but these regions are thriving with life! No forest is the exact same as the other, but there may be similarities with weather patterns and the flora and fauna that live amongst it.
 

Weather Patterns

Weather patterns differ depending on the type of forest one is in;
Tropical Forests for instance, are warm and humid all year round with no cold seasons, but split into two periods. The first period consists of daily rainfall despite the warmth and humidity while the second period is drier but still humid.

Temperate Forests have milder temperatures in comparison and experience all four seasons, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, Spring Equinox and Winter Solstice. Rainfall is quite common within Temperate Forests but overall the climate is moderate.

Boreal Forests are typically found in mountainous regions. These forests face the coldest and maybe harshest conditions with low temperatures all year round and frequent snowfall instead of rain. Due to this, Boreal Forests tend to have the least fertile soil, which only supports cold-resistant vegetation.
 

Flora and Fauna

The same thing can be said regarding how the type of forest affects the weather, to the flora and fauna, as they have a diverse range, depending on their type.

Tropical forests boast incredibly rich vegetation, with dense plant growth that covers almost every surface due to the highly nutritious soil. They are the home to a vast variety of animals, including colourful and large insects, numerous reptiles, birds and predators. Magical creatures like dryads, mischievous pixies and a unique species of forest-adapted dragons also dwell here.

Temperate Forests have less undergrowth, but despite that, they are populated by a mix of broad-leaved and coniferous trees, with typically up to four species per region. Their fauna includes many small animals such as rodents, squirrels and small birds along with birds of prey, deer, bears, wolves and feline predators.

Boreal Forests are dominated by evergreen coniferous plants adapted to the extreme cold. Due to the harsh climate and poor soil, these forests support fewer species, including birds of prey, woodpeckers, bears, moose, wolves, foxes and possibly rarer, more dangerous creatures such as dragons.
 

The Eldathren Forests

Eldathren is the oldest realm, with the elves being the first settlers. What makes it unique is that it is made up of islands. Compared to Braitheld and Delvheim who also have forests, Eldathren is majorly covered in trees and vegetation. Those that inhabit the realm are skilled and knowledge in surviving the forest.

Here is an extract taken from ‘The People of Eldathren’ by Navvare Elamoira;
The great realm of Eldathren is a widely diverse place but for those who enter this maze of people, it may be important to gain some understanding of our people. Whether a simple traveler or a foreign dignitary, without such knowledge you may find yourself lost in more than just our trees. It is the purpose of this small compendium to introduce the curious to the many peoples and groups that live within the depths of these woods. So sit back and allow these pages to take you on an express tour but know that this only mentions a few of the many groups and peoples you may find within the realm…

The Crest of Eldathren is inspired by the Ancient Willow Tree within Ethos’ Labrynth. The royal purple was chosen for the nature of magical properties and mages that consist throughout the land and high status the elves had deemed themselves. The flowers seen on the crest actually represent the forest wildflowers that are common amongst the vegetation. The flowers showcased are lily of the valley, bluebells and bridal veils. The centre flower is a water lily that blends with peony.
 

Have You Visited the Eldathren Forest?
If Yes, what do you think of it?
If No, are you interested in seeing it some day?

 
~ The Mystic, Hecate