LaucentarSteel Pines

Category	Forests
Continent	Brucrumus
Region	Grashakh, Hells Womb, Lands of Purity, Northern Hordelands
Alias	Steel Pines
Map	Laucentar Forest

The rugged Laucentar forest extends from an average elevation of 5,000 feet to a peak of 10,000 feet where it adjoins the northern tip of the Khilag-Tarkin valley. Serving as a cornerstone, it connects four distinct regions: Grashakh, Hells Womb, the Lands of Purity, and the Northern Hordelands. This area can be quite windy, with southern gusts descending from the Olmi Hjark and an unnatural chill drifting northward from the Caina Nexus.

The Laucentar wood, often referred to as the Steel Pines due to its steely gray evergreens, is remarkably sturdy, boasting a 25% greater strength compared to oak. This exceptional hardness is believed to be a consequence of the magical emanations seeping from the Caina Nexus rift or the former residence of Foropode, the Snowflake Manse.

The woodland was previously overseen by treants from Einglach, a sect dedicated to preventing the expansion of civilization. Laucentar occupied a strategic location near the crux of mountains, the only suitable area for roads. Numerous dangerous tracks, game trails, and mountain paths crisscrossed the region. These treants became known as the Wardens of Laucentar, fiercely battling any sizable group attempting to pass through, refusing to parley with those of good, neutral, or evil persuasions. Consequently, the Wardens incurred the enmity of the Tragarans of Hells Womb and the Githirmil who forced their way through the Sorrow Pass during the Arduous March (1041 - 1096). The influx of humanoids seeking passage ultimately decimated many treants, driving others to higher elevations and compelling some to accept the growth of humanoid populations. Yet, treants still roam this forest, typically unreceptive to those wishing to traverse their domain.

The central thoroughfare through this woodland is the Sorrow Road. Complementing this caravan route are countless game trails utilized by firbolg, hill giants, gnolls, Toomrur, centaurs, and Jara inhabitants of the region.