Neth Stand

The Neth Stand is a dark, thick forest on the Lake of Steam. It contains underground volcanic vents that emit a sulphurous mist. The wood here is valuable, despite the need to treat it to get rid of the sulphur smell.

As of 1374 DR, the forest is extremely dense and dark, containing phosphorescent fungi, some of which can move and have intelligence. Amongst the thornbush are carnivorous plants and the forest is inhabited by spiders. The forest contains a tribe of semi-aquatic trolls and a group of weresharks, who oppose one another as of 1374 DR. It is believed that the presence of so many hostile creatures here at this time can be put down to deepspawn or priests of Malar at work, the presence of powerful spellcasters wanting to stay in isolation, or the presence of portals from which the monsters are emerging.

Neth peaks
A range of crumbling rock faces run north to south through the forest. They have no official name, and are peppered with caves and ledges. As of 1374 DR, wyverns and peryton densely inhabited this area, making it attractive as a food source for dragons from the surrounding areas. Around this time, Thay launched many expeditions here in search of powerful magic, at the cost of many lives. Many Calishite hunters also lost their lives here over the years.

Etymology
Some people in the Border Kingdoms are of the belief that the forest is named because of the refugees from Netheril making a stand in the forest. Sages prefer to believe that the word “stand” merely refers to the thick concentration of tall dark trees here.