Overview

The Gloomshade Hollow is a dark, eerie forest where shadows cling to every corner under the control of Nyxilith the Dreadmother. Perpetually shrouded in twilight, the forest is filled with twisted trees and haunted by creatures that thrive in the darkness.

Key Families #

• Hollowthorn Family – A reclusive and secretive family, they control the darkest parts of the forest and have embraced Nyxilith’s influence over the Hollow.

Historical Importance #

• The Endless Night: Nyxilith’s corruption plunged the Hollow into eternal twilight, transforming the forest into a realm of fear and shadows.
• The Fall of Hollowthorn Keep: The Hollowthorn family’s stronghold was overtaken by darkness, becoming a symbol of Nyxilith’s reign over the region.

Current Use #

• The forest is largely avoided by most travelers due to its dangerous inhabitants and cursed nature. However, it is sought out by those seeking forbidden knowledge or dark power. The Hollowthorn family uses the shadows to their advantage, ruling the hidden regions with fear.

Geography #

Gloomshade Hollow is a dense, shadowed dark forest biome where twisted trees grow tall and close together, their thick canopies blocking most sunlight. Fog rolls through the forest floor, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. Streams and pools of dark water glimmer faintly in the twilight, while the underbrush is thick with thorny vines and poisonous plants. The forest paths are winding and treacherous, and the forest itself seems to shift and change, confusing even the most experienced adventurers.

Key Locations #

1. Hollowthorn Keep – The crumbling fortress of the Hollowthorn family, now almost completely overrun by shadows. It is a stronghold of Nyxilith’s power.
2. The Nightfall Grove – A dark, sacred grove where followers of Nyxilith conduct rituals to summon fear and darkness. It is said that no light can penetrate this place.

Hostile Creatures #

1. Nightmares – Horrific creatures that stalk players, applying fear and paralysis effects to their victims.
2. Gloomshades – Shadowy figures that blend into the darkness, becoming invisible in the shadows and attacking with swift, silent strikes.
3. Terrorfiends – Tall, gaunt creatures that inflict hallucinations and illusions on their victims, trapping them in a cycle of confusion and dread.

Passive Mobs #

1. Shadowstags – Replacing deer, these dark-furred creatures roam the forest, their eyes glowing faintly in the twilight.
2. Gloomwolves – Replacing wolves, these spectral creatures move silently through the forest, loyal to Nyxilith’s worshippers.
3. Midnight Owls – Replacing chickens, these large, black-feathered birds glide silently through the trees, their cries echoing ominously through the Hollow.

Inhabitants #

• Shadowbound: Followers of Nyxilith, these cultists manipulate the shadows, conducting dark rituals and enforcing their goddess’s rule over the forest.
• Hollowthorn Wardens: Members of the Hollowthorn family, they are skilled in shadow magic and illusions, fiercely protecting their hold on the forest’s darkest places.