Skogbog

The city of darkness, located in the opening between the Wildwoods and Maplewood, Skogbog exists in the constant wind that flows from the nearby mountains. The swamps surrounding Skogbog are unlike any other, hosting distinctive plant life found nowhere else with Nepenthe and hazy rose. The latter is particularly abundant, and its pollen induces lethargy, significantly affecting the city’s population, rendering them unproductive for nearly a month each year. Although mages have tried to prevent this phenomenon, their efforts have been fruitless so far. Local honey produced from this pollen is known to have a calming and psychedelic effects, rendering it as a popular local drug.

The city itself rests on an elevated rock formation that safeguards it from flooding. It is encircled by a band of tall wooden paling, reaching up to two floors in height. Covering approximately ten acres, this compact city is home to over 20,000 residents, making it the most densely populated place on the continent. The buildings, averaging eight stories, have a distinct feature: a noticeable line around the sixth floor. They are constructed using local trees with known hex properties, giving rise to a seamless labyrinth of endless windows and walkways protruding from the structures. Navigating this three-dimensional maze is difficult, even for the city’s inhabitants, as remembering every walkway is a skill possessed by only a few.

Those tunnels are perpetually lit by crystals of many colours. Some gangs use specific colours to demarcate their territories, imposing strict rules within their regions. The dense population and the use of hex wood in construction seemingly mitigate issues with interference, as pipes efficiently transport water and magic blooms without major disruptions. Mines and tunnels delve deep beneath the city, leading to an ancient subterranean complex inhabited by creatures who are not welcoming to visitors. These depths conceal treasures of mysterious origin, with little known about the history of these ruins.

Despite its size, Skogbog is entirely self-sufficient. The underground tunnels yield edible mushrooms and mosses, while rooftop gardens produce a variety of fruits. In this humid environment, Nepenthe flowers collect water and supply it to the city in tandem with groundwaters. Underground even though unwelcome, is filled with precious minerals and old artefacts, that folk above will gladly fix and sell. Its location gains from the proximity to the river north that is often used to move goods from the The city is a hub of diverse races, skills, and crafts, fostering innovation and collaboration that continually surprise.