The Hinterlands

The Hinterlands are a vast expanse of wild, untamed forest in the north-east of Tyrrus. It is renowned as a dark and dangerous place, filled with monsters, witches, demons, savage elves, swamp dragons, vampires, trolls, ogres, and carnivorous plant life.

The Hinterlands are bordered on three sides, east, west, and north, by mountains. To the south, they end at the Hinterwald, a region of land claimed by the Kingdom of Whytehold, where they hold back the creatures from the woods.

The Hinterlands was once home to the ancient Rune Kingdom, over a thousand years ago. During the latter age of the kingdom, they meddled with forces they didn't entirely understand, and unwittingly unleashed a horde of demons. After the kingdom's catastrophic fall, the land was overrun, and quickly returned to a natural state.

There are a few humans who inhabit these lands, druids who live in harmony with the animals and monsters of the land, and whose presence is tolerated by the elves. These druids do good work in keeping the creatures of the Hinterlands in check. These druids are of Caerth ethnicity, but are often called the Athelings, in reference to the ancient society they descended from.

The only major settlement in the Hinterlands is Woodsthrinn, home to Brendyffryn; king of the highlands. It is small in comparison to human cities, and is mostly simply a meeting place for elves and druids to gather.

### Regions

#### The Maerkwald

The Maerkwald is a vast stretch of woodland on the southern edge of the Hinterlands, closest to the human civilisations. It is said to be practically impossible to traverse, except by the most skilled of rangers. Those seeking an easier route could take the old road, originally built by the Rune Kingdom, which runs through the Maerkwald, though this comes with a great risk of being ambushed. The Maerkwald is mostly claimed by Fomorraigh Elves, lead by their dark king Mallobyrne. In the middle of the Maerkwald is the ruined city of Schwarzholt.

#### The Fen

The fen is a wet, swampy area of lowlands in the south-western section of the Hinterlands. It is a treacherous region of deceptive marshes, not suitable for careless travellers. The Fen is also home to a number of poisonous creatures, and giant insects.

#### The Hochlands

The Hochlands is an area of high crags and hills in the south-eastern section of the Hinterlands. It is home to many elves and druids, and contains a multitude of monuments and standing stones. The spirits of nature are strong there, and can be very fickle. The Hochlands is home to many fauns, and is a stronghold of the elven lord Brendyffryn.

#### Domhain

Deeper into the Hinterlands, where few have ever been, lies the mysterious realm of Domhain. Shrouded by fog, covered by a thick canopy of trees, and practically impossible to get to, if the denizens of this realm don't want you there. Domhain is the heart of the Hinterlands, it is home to both the elven stronghold of Woodsthrinn, but also the arch-demon known as The Horde.

#### The Palewood

Known to the natives as "Gwelondir", the Palewood is the northernmost section of the Hinterlands. It is the coldest region in Tyrrus, and as such the forest is sparser, and more coniferous. Only a few creatures inhabit this cold, lifeless region, and is sometimes considered cursed, since the ruins of the Blackspire lie within it.