Cyberjunk
- Intent: To create a fun location for the netherworld.
- Image Credit: The Forest by hongqi zhang, edited by me | Kmerolzzzz on Amino | Chandelure by Snook-8 | Marko Drazic
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: N/A
- Landmark Name: Aether Wood
- Classification: Forest
- Location: Netherworld
- Affiliation: N/A
- Size: Medium
- Population: Moderate
- Demographics:
Teaks- Small, sprite-like creatures with stout bodies patterned like stumps of wood or foliage. Blending in with the forest motif, they exist in various shades of browns, greens, and yellows.Their faces appear mask-like, as if they were carved from planks of wood or thick leaves. While the Teaks are not hostile, they use their childlike voices to whisper from the fog in an attempt to lure travelers apart. If a Teak whispers to a traveler, only that traveler will hear the Teak's voice-- which may s mimic the voice of a traveler's companions and loved ones, even if they are not present or living.
Wisps- These floating creatures resemble ghostly chandeliers, with the center bulb serving as the Wisp's face. Flames tip each arm as well as the top of the head, and can vary in shade from yellow, orange, blue, and purple. The Wisp's fire is harmless, and serves as more of a visual aspect. Their lights can be seen through the fog, and often attract travelers. Physically harmless, the Wisps often travel aimlessly through Aether Wood, giving advice on how to navigate the forest to those who seek it—however, they have been known to give out incorrect, or even dangerous guidance on a whim.
- Accessibility: The entrance to the forest is relatively easy to find, open to all, and not guarded. However, the further one ventures into the forest, the more difficult it becomes to navigate.
- Description: From a distance, and even while standing on the precipice, Aether Wood appears to be a typical, benign forest. Birds and small mammals skirt along the edges of trees and brush, only to disappear within the thick foliage. They do not return. Only a few paces into Aether Wood carries any travelers into a thick mist that is not visible from the outside of the forest. It surrounds anyone who enters, obscuring the landscape heavily to only a scant meter in diameter.
♦The landscape of Aether Wood is ever-changing, so those who try to go back the way they've come soon after entering often find that the exit no longer exists. Travelers who’ve marked trees with a knife or brightly colored objects have found that they’ve passed the same tree many times over, even while heading in one direction. Other times, their markers simply disappear. Though moderate in size, Aether Wood seems neverending.
♦Anything the mist touches is a Force-dead zone—Force-sensitives will be unable to connect with or use the Force in any way. Additionally, the creatures of Aether Wood present a challenge of their own, often trying to lure a group of travelers apart and dispensing ill advice. The landscape of this forest tends to obscure some of the more dangerous obstacles, including rivers with strong currents, spike pits, and snarls of vines.
The Mist- Present in nearly every part of the forest, the mist is thick and difficult to navigate through. The effects of the Force are nullified in everything it mist touches, from the landscape to organic beings. This Force-nullifying effect lingers for 48 hours after last coming into contact with it, even if one is no longer present in the Netherworld. Wearing armor, a rebreather, or any sort of technology meant to filter toxins or protect the body will not be able to negate the effects of the mist on Force-sensitive individuals. Neither will a flashlight or other light source be particularly useful in navigating the fog.
White Tile- Somewhere roughly halfway through the forest, the mist clears entirely to reveal sunny skies. Every forest creature, every danger that could be encountered in Aether Wood does not exist in the 2km expanse that has been named White Tile. In fact, nothing but trees and grass live in this area—no forest creatures of any sort. No clouds dot the sky, no wind blows, and the warmth of the sun cannot be felt. Everything within White Tile is still, almost artificially so, yet safe. Travelers have been known to rest here. The Force still can technically be used within the White Tile, but only if travelers wait 48 hours for the effects of the mist to wear off.
Blue Stride- A deceptive-looking body of water, the Blue Stride appears as a quaint, picturesque stream. However, the current runs very deep, and is incredibly fast—nearly everyone who falls in does not resurface. The river can be crossed by hopping precariously across the small rocks that run through its width.
NETHERWORLD INFORMATION
Lucidity: Variable. The forest itself does not have any dreamlike properties, but several aspects may be disorienting. The thick mist, labyrinthine layout, and spirits all have the capacity to confuse travelers.
Hostility: Moderate. While the denizens of the forest are not actively hostile and generally do not attack visitors, they often try to trick and lure travelers away from each other and into dangerous situations. Similarly, the landscape can be hazardous in places like the Blue Stride.
IC Rules: The Force cannot be used while in Aether Wood, and for up to 48 hours after leaving Aether Wood. The only exception to this is in the White Tile; the Force can be used here, but only after 48 hours of being within the White Tile.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Not much is known about Aether Wood—many travelers who venture into the forest do not return. Rumors have spread about the general nature of this landmark—strange, childlike beings, fog as thick as pea soup, and voices lingering through the mist, both familiar and unfamiliar. Some whispers have ventured to guess that the creatures of the forest may be manifestations of those who’ve entered but never returned.
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