Navel of Fhayl Forest
Like the other hearts of the great forests of the Steel Realms, the Fhayl Forest has a “navel”. The navel is comprosed of three parts in this forest, and protected by the enigmatic Veil of Vales, making it impossible to penetrate deep into the navel.
An animus font pulses at the forest’s core, releasing energy into the Laey of Helca. They Laey is anchored in this place with barbs that channel elemental energies. Creatures that find their way here are generally welcome, except those of non-faerie Faeybrin origins – men and their primitive ilk. They are mostly immune to its true beauty, and see only resources to take where others see a thing that must be kept safe and preserved. Magic is stronger at the Navel, and it leads many intruders to their death. The forest itself actively seeks to keep this place hidden from those that would despoil it. Paths change, watering holes go foul, trees and foliage block the way and all other manner of attacks by swarms and changes to the terrain that impede such travelers. Faerie kind, the gentle halflings, and Skraelings are given more leeway than others, and even the half elves of certain perspective seem to be able to move through its deeper reaches – even getting to meet and speak to the legendary druid guardians. Not even world watchers are welcome without an invite or parley first.