Lagafel
Lagafel, also known as the Dark Forest, is a desolate and mysterious woodland located within the jungles of the planet Eryn. Long considered by the native inhabitants to be just a myth or story, it is a barren region steeped in darkprime magic, having been created as the result of mass death and unwilling sacrifice.
Geography and Environment
In stark contrast to the vibrant, overgrown jungles that surround it, Lagafel is entirely desolate. The ground is completely black, devoid of fallen leaves, underbrush, or even mushrooms. The trees within the forest are highly unusual—they are black, twisted, and curl upwards from the ground without any leaves. They are widely spaced with ample room between them, and appear stunted and dead. Because the trees were born of darkprime magic, the wood itself contains immense, mysterious power.
Flora and Fauna
Lagafel is completely devoid of normal wildlife; there are no birds, insects, or typical jungle predators within its borders. The only creatures that inhabit the Dark Forest are the vel. The vel are shimmering, translucent, silver entities that resemble large deer. Pinpricks of brighter light shine inside their bodies as they move, resembling tiny constellations. The vel are generally peaceful unless threatened, at which point they can become quite powerful and dangerous.
Key Events
Discovery
During their journey across Eryn, Jascyn, Lysa, and the young dragon Aena fly over Lagafel and decide to land within its borders. They discover the legendary vel and marvel at the bleak, dead landscape, realizing that the mythical Dark Forest is in fact a very real place.
Preparing for War
Realizing they need immense power to assault the ancient mage Cariel (Calarel) at her Kryptan Mountain fortress, Jascyn leads a massive, united army of ellr, rylak, and souljoined jungle beasts (including cavek) south to Lagafel. In the daylight, the forest appears less sinister, and the army takes the time to harvest the powerful darkprime wood from the misshapen trees. The ellr and rylak touch the wood to discover their magical Alignments, arming themselves for the impending conflict. Additionally, Jascyn successfully communicates with the vel via soulbinding, recruiting them to join their forces in the battle against Calarel.