Nessian Wood
| The Nessian Wood | |
|---|---|
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The Nessian Forest The Nessian Wilds | |
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| Information | |
| Plane | Theros |
| Colors |
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| Part of | Setessan territory, Mortal Realm |
The Nessian Wood is a vast wilderness far from the reach of human civilization and home to all manner of wild and magical creatures in Theros, located just south of the Katachthon Mountains. They are considered the domain of Nylea, who allows limited hunting and has been known to kill those who poach without her permission.[1] Its trees are the oldest in Theros, and their roots are said to drink from the Tartyx River. It is home to various beasts, fey (like centaurs, dryads, and satyrs), and many monsters such as hydras.[2]
Geography
The Nessian Wood rests between the Katachthons, the Despair Lands of Asphodel, the Pheres Grounds, and the Skola Vale. It is a natural forest filled with a variety of plant life, especially caryatid trees.[1]
Locations in the Nessian Wood
- The Cypress Gates - a natural mountain gap along the western bank of the Sperche River serves as an eastern entry point into the Nessian Wood. Long ago, ancient Setessans carved a fortified stronghold into the mountains to guard the pass. Today, Bassara patrols from Setessa still monitor the site, occupying it whenever threats are suspected from the east. Yet more than once, patrols have arrived to find the fortress already claimed - by unruly satyrs, wandering Returned, or something even more dangerous.[1] The gates are considered one of the safest passages through the eastern mountain range and is the only known entrances to the endless Nistos.[3]
- The Enorasi - an enormous olive tree which was planted in the Nessian Wood by Klothys. It is the source of many myths, such as its fruits granting foresight or its hollow trunk containing an entrance to the Underworld. Enorasi is now the lair of the cursed dryad Arasta, trapped in the form of a spider, whose webs conceal the Underworld entrance.[4]
- Hunter's Crossing - the abandoned ruins of a round tower standing beside a swift-running stream in the western part of the wood. In the past, Setessa extended its influence deeper into the Nessian Wood, establishing military outposts much like those of Akros. At the western edge of the forest, along the Guardian Way that leads from Meletis, this site marks the farthest reach of ancient Setessan expansion. Now abandoned by the polis, the area's natural beauty — lilacs blooming by the banks and silver fish gliding through clear waters — makes it a peaceful stop for travelers before they enter the shadowy depths of the wood.[1][3]
- Setessa
- a sprawling polis whose inhabitants live in harmony with the wild, training with animals like falcons and wolves to protect their home from threats. The city's layout resembles the rings of a tree, with natural defenses formed by the surrounding forest, emphasizing a close bond between civilization and nature.[5][1][6] [2][4] See Setessa for locations within the region. - The Sperche River
- the longest river on Theros, running south from the mountains north of Oreskos, and following along the Oreskos Road through the Nessian Wood and on into the Siren Sea east of the Despair Lands.[7]
Inhabitants
The woods are inhabited by both natural beasts and supernatural creatures such as asps,[8] beetles,[9] boars,[10] and hydras.[11]
Humans
Humanoids from the polis of Setessa are considered residents of the Nessian Wood.
Fey
Fey creatures including centaurs, nymphs, and satyrs are native to the Nessian Wood.[4]
History
The trees of the Nessian Wood are as old as the world, and their roots are said to drink from the Tartyx River.[4]
Trivia
- The Nessian Wood may be named after the Hittite polis of Nesa in Anatolia (modern day Turkey, the location of the historical Themyscira).
- The Nessian Wood was originally named the "Nistos Forest", but this was later retconned to be a separate location.[12]
In-game references
- Associated cards:
- Referred to:
References
- ↑ a b c d e Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ a b Jenna Helland (2014) - Theros: Godsend, Part I, WotC.
- ↑ a b Jenna Helland (May 2014) - Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN: 978-0-7869-6567-0.
- ↑ a b c d Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Doug Beyer (August 28, 2013). "Are Akros, Setessa and Meletis all associated with specific colours?". A Voice for Vorthos. Tumblr.
- ↑ The Magic Creative Team (August 28, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II, Chapter 10
- ↑ Represented in Nessian Asp (Theros).
- ↑ Represented in Nessian Hornbeetle (Theros Beyond Death).
- ↑ Flavor text of Nessian Boar (Theros Beyond Death).
- ↑ Represented in Nessian Wilds Ravager (Born of the Gods).
- ↑ The Magic Creative Team (August 28, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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