The Lycanhold

## Overview

Governmental system: Undivided council

Capital City: Havani

Technology: Low

Magikin Power: High

Creature Power: High

Average Jopil: Lupine and covered in fur. The werewolves of legend

National Emblem: Three white claw marks on a background of stars

The Lycanhold is the common name for the vast supernatural forest set to the north of Toria and the west of Canares. It is a forest spanning the size of a small country and neither nation, though large, holds claim to it. In fact, both claim that the other is in secret communication with the dwellers within as a form of propaganda.

In reality, the Lycanhold is far less supernatural than what it would seem. Within live the Lunavey, the Moonrunners, a strange race of humanoid creatures with little concern for the modern world. They are quick, powerful, intelligent and incredibly proficient with magic.

History:

The Lunavey might be the world’s oldest living civilization, due to their unique blend of culture and biology. The Lunavey age incredibly slowly and are an extremely patient and quiet society for the most part. Sometimes called the Lycan or more simply Werewolves, they are a close knit group of familial packs that keep to themselves and their ways.

In ancient times, the Lunavey hunted the primal lands of Canares and Toria for generations, until the rise of civilization began to threaten their reign. At the bequest of the Eternal Council, almost all the Lunavey retreated into the Lycanhold, finding solace in its ancient, mysterious trees and pathways.

Since then, sections of early Canares (the regions of Opinhan and Vinli), Toria and early Merillan sailors all tried to make a claim on the great forest, but none were able to hold their footing. Rumours ran wild, and fear was set into the hearts of the populace. Some claimed that only pure silver could kill a Lunavey, after finding several dead with silver tipped arrows. However, despite many attempts, no successful invasion of the Lycanhold has ever occurred.

Only the Fiefdom of Opinhan maintains peace with the Lunavey, via an ancient pact made between the two people. Most of the Fiefdom’s population are unaware of this, but those in power keep the secret hidden from the Empire proper.

During the Fifty Year War between Toria and Canares, both nations spread propaganda that the other side was in league with the Lunavey, counting on spreading fear and distrust for the enemy. In reality, this was a confusion when the military of both nations attempted to move troops through the Lycanhold and payed dearly for their actions.

Geography

The Lycanhold is a truly gargantuan forest far more dark and strange than most on Verramar. Its borders are subtle, but clearly defined when compared to the more normal trees and bushes that surround the forest. Trees of the Lycanhold grow tall and dark, blanketing in the undergrowth in shadow. A normal forest is alive with sound, but the Lycanhold is oddly still.

This has led to an uneasy wariness between the lumberjacks of Vinli that fell the trees surrounding the ancient forest. Fear and experience has taught them never to delve too far into the quiet reaches of the Lycanhold.

However, though outwardly terrifying, the Lycanhold is certainly alive and thriving with a variety of strange life and magic. The Lunavey travel through bow and branch as silent as whispers, acting as watchful guardians and hunters. They make their homes in small communities dug around the roots of scared trees and silver stones.

Culture and magic

The Lunavey are an intrinsically magical race, their eyes, claws and fangs often glow a silvery white when they utilise it. Their magic is the least understood on all of Verramar, but acts as a form of enhancement magic. A Lunavey can only ever affect themselves, but these effects are quite varied. From creating great spectral