Waves of Oak Forest

### Inhabitants

Foxes, lizards, deer, rabbits, moths, fireflies, squirrels, wild dogs, ghosts, witches, wizards, natives, dragons, goblins, fairies, elves, and multiple others

The **Waves-of-Oak Forest** is a forest that wraps around the kingdom of Fernwood. The mystic Craggy River flows through the forest and the forest and river is a natural region where witches and wizards normally fetch their ingredients from. The four schools in the city are all nestled in parts of the Waves-of-Oak Forest and the area in the daytime is teeming with both human and animal activity who are fetching ingredients from the millions of plants and animals found in the forest; many naturalists and botanists, such as Philippeus Mandrake, used the forest for their jobs.

## Description

The Waves-of-Oak Forest is a great place of beauty and wonder during the daytime, with its towering oak trees and vibrant foliage. However, as night falls, the forest takes on a darker and more sinister character. Those who live facing the forest are advised to close their windows and avoid any strange sounds or sights they may encounter at night, as the forest seems to come alive with its own mysterious energy. The forest is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died in the area, and many locals believe that malevolent creatures dwell within its depths. The forest is also home to many hidden dangers, including treacherous ravines, quickmud pits and poisonous plants. Despite its ominous reputation, the Waves-of-Oak forest is a place of great significance for the witches who call Fernwood home. They believe that the forest is a source of powerful magic and that its secrets hold the key to unlocking their full potential. Whether exploring its hidden corners or performing rituals beneath the moonlight, the witches of Fernwood are drawn to the Waves-of-Oak forest and its mysterious allure.

### The War

Legend has it many years ago, there was a great war between an evil king and an indigenous tribe that lived deep in the forest. The king was determined to conquer the land and claim it for his own, but the tribe refused to back down and fought fiercely to protect their home. The battle was long and brutal, and many lives were lost on both sides. The forest echoed with the sounds of clashing swords and battle cries, and the ground was stained with the blood of the fallen. In the end, the tribe was able to defeat the king and drive his army from the forest, but the victory came at a great cost. The spirits of those who had died in the battle remained in the forest, unable to find rest. Their ghosts haunted the trees and the streams, their voices whispering on the wind and their presence felt by all who entered the forest. The indigenous tribe, who had lost so many of their people in the war, also felt the weight of the tragedy and their grief was palpable. Over time, the legend of the war and the haunting of the forest grew, and people began to fear the woods. They told stories of supernatural beings and cursed spirits that lurked in the shadows, waiting to prey on the unwary. Even today, many people believe that the forest is haunted by the ghosts of those who died in the war, and that their presence can still be felt among the trees. Another contributing factor to the forest being haunted by ghosts, the fae, and other supernatural beings is due to the forest being ancient, older than the bones of the earth and older than the stars themselves. It was a place of mystery and wonder, a place where time seemed to stand still and the past and present merged together in a seamless, endless cycle. The trees in the forest were tall and gnarled, their branches twisted and tangled like the fingers of an old witch. They creaked and groaned in the wind, as if they were alive and speaking a language that only the forest creatures could understand. But there was something else in the forest, something that was older and more powerful than the trees themselves. It was a presence that could be felt but not seen, a ghostly energy that permeated every inch of the forest. It could also be haunted due to the forest being a popular witch hangout where they may perform their rituals, collect their ingredients, practice broomstick flying, and hang together.

### Unexplainable Phenomena

* **The Whispering Trees:** Locals believe that certain trees within the forest have the ability to whisper secrets to those who listen closely. These whispers are said to be the voices of the spirits that inhabit the forest, and those who hear them are often left feeling uneasy and disturbed.
* **The Vanishing Pathways****:** Many hikers and travelers have reported encountering pathways within the forest that seem to disappear as soon as they step off them. These pathways are said to lead to other realms or dimensions, and those who follow them are warned to be careful, as they may never find their way back.
* **The Unseen Eyes:** Those who venture into the waves-of-oak forest at night often report feeling as though they are being watched by unseen eyes. Some claim to have seen glowing orbs or other strange lights that seem to follow them through the forest, while others report hearing strange whispers and laughter in the darkness.
* **The Changelings:** According to Fernwood legend, the Waves-of-Oak forest is home to a race of shape-shifting creatures known as Changelings. These beings are said to take on the form of humans or animals and lure travelers deeper into the forest, where they are never seen or heard from again.
* **The Haunted Clearings:** There are certain clearings within the forest that are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died in the area. These spirits are said to be vengeful and malevolent, and those who enter these clearings are warned to be careful, as they may never make it out alive.
* **Fairies**: According to local legend, the forest is home to a race of magical beings known as fairies. These creatures are said to be mischievous and unpredictable, and those who encounter them are warned to be careful, as they may find themselves caught up in their games and pranks.
* **Fae Orchestras:** Some say that on certain nights, the forest is filled with the sound of music and laughter. These sounds are said to come from Fae Orchestras, a group of magical beings who gather to play music and dance under the stars.
* **Fox Screams:** Many believe that the sound of a fox screaming in the forest is a sign of impending danger or misfortune. Some say that the fox is warning of an approaching storm or other natural disaster, while others believe that it is a sign of supernatural activity.
* **Bird Calls at The Wee Hours:** The sound of birds calling in the middle of the night is said to be a sign of supernatural activity. Some believe the birds are warning of impending danger or death, while others believe that they are the messenger of the gods.
* **Fires with no Source:** There are certain places within the forest where fires are said to appear out of nowhere. These fires are said to be the work of supernatural beings, and those who encounter them are warned to be careful, as they may be drawn into the realms of the spirits.
* **Dragons**: According to legend, the forest is home to a race of dragons. These creatures are said to be powerful and wise, and those who are able to gain their favor may be granted great gifts and blessings.
* **Silhouettes of People:** Some say that on certain nights, the forest is filled with the silhouettes of people. These shadowy figures are said to be the spirits of those who have died in the forest, and those who encounter them are warned to be careful, as they may be drawn into the realm of the dead.
* **Bringing a Lantern:** It is believed that bringing a lantern while traveling through the forest will keep you safe from harm. The light is thought to scare away evil spirits and other supernatural beings that may be lurking in the darkness.
* **Bigfoot:** Many believe that the forest is home to a creature known as Bigfoot. This large, hairy creature is said to be elusive and rarely sseen, but those who do encounter it often report feeling a sense of awe and wonder.
* **Coyotes Talking:** The howling of coyotes in the forest is said to be a sign of supernatural activity. Some believe that the coyotes are communicating with spirits or other supernatural beings, while others believe that they are warning of impending danger.
* **Ghosts of Indigenous Tribes:** The forest is said to be haunted by the ghosts of indigenous tribes who once lived in the area. These spirits are said to be restless and often appear to those who venture too deep into the forest.

### Witches and Wizards

The forest is said to be teeming with witches and wizards from Fernwood who rely on the moonlight to collect their ingredients for potions and spells. It is also said that wizards and witches often meet in the forest for romantic dates. These meetings are said to be filled with magic and mystery, and those who witness them are often left in awe. The forest is also a common place for witches to practice their flying at night without being seen, judged, or having collisions with birds and other flying animals.