Gwaeron's Slumber

Gwaeron's Slumber was a sacred forest located west of Triboar. It was a place of reverence for worshipers of Gwaeron Windstrom, the god of tracking, and the followers of Mielikki, the goddess of the forests.

Description
Much of Gwaeron's Slumber was ruled by autumn, with leaves of yellow, orange, and red, and this remained unchanged by the passing of the seasons.

Significance
It was widely believed that Gwaeron himself visited the wood. Witnesses reported seeing him roam amidst the trees, appearing as a tall and well-muscled man with long white hair and beard blowing in a wind, even if there was none. He did not manifest to those who came looking for him, but only when not expected and only rarely.

The faithful of Gwaeron and Mielikki both believed that if they slept in the forest they would receive dreams of prophecy. Rangers that followed either deity visited the forest in search of inspiration.

The Lord Protector of Triboar forbade anyone from hunting wildlife or woodcutting in this forest for fear of angering Gwaeron.

History
In the late 15 century DR, an oni who resided in a hillside cave further to the west of Triboar sometimes came here to hunt the rangers who went to sleep at Gwaeron's Slumber. It disguised itself as Gwaeron before attacking its awed prey. Afterward, it fastidiously cleaned up, leaving little to no trace of itself or its victim. The disappearances gave life to a new belief that Gwaeron was spiriting away his worshipers to his divine realm.