Caledon Forest: part 1

      First, I must remind myself how big the world still is. It seems as though the Pale Tree is large enough to encompass it all. This is likely not the case though.

      Still so much of the world to discover. Thus, I venture into the Caledon Forest.

     Stepping out of the Grove, I returned to the Village of Astorea. Most of the villagers here seem to be like me, adventuring out to learn for the Pale Tree. They are a bit stronger, and heartier, it's not far from Astorea that I begin to encounter dangers. Vermin, insects, and predators, these can't possibly be what the Pale Tree worries about.
     Then I discovered the Nightmare Court and Risen. These. These must be the beings that the Pale Tree warned me about.

    Still, Caledon Forest is not all bad. I found a few people that were in need of help. Usually they needed me to clear away a pest or trouble. Occasionally, they possessed a strange magic that transformed me into a different being all together. My favorite were the hounds.

Quite the dashing hound, no?

Teaching pups how to play.

     There was a little intrigue. A Warden asked me to disguise myself and disrupt a Nightmare Court area. It was certainly a different look, but I think I pulled it off well. I may have to remember some of that armor for later.

      In the meantime, I think I will wrap this entry here. I have only gotten about half way through the forest. Most certainly, Tyria is much, much larger than I was expecting.

The Grove

      Before venturing too far out into the Caledon Forest, I decided to look around my home. The Grove is a beautiful city, if a little complicated to follow.

      There are about 3 levels to the city, all curling around an in on each other. Much like the root system of many plants. Which makes sense as the Pale Tree forms the structure of the Grove.

      In the lowest level (The Gardens), many dignitaries and Firstborn reside. The next level up is a very practical level. All of the crafters, most of the merchants and traders can be found here. I believe it's the Terrace? But the next level up also has a terrace- mostly for the envoys. Also on this third level are trainers, for all sorts of professions as well as armorers specifically for the Sylvari.

      Above all that, resides the Pale Tree. The Omphalos Chamber is where her Avatar resides and grants audiences and wisdom to those who come to her.

      All in all, it is good to know what is waiting for me at home. To know what it is I am defending and fighting for. There are many points through the Grove that allow you to step back and get a grand feel for it. Such a glorious and awesome place. The Pale Tree has strong roots here. I worry a little to see what it is beyond the Grove that challenges and threatens such a place.

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