The Black Death of the Dark Wood

The first attempts to reverse The Last Dictator's Curse ended poorly. Wizards and Druids worked together diligently in the Dark Wood, experimenting with a fungus only found in the Dark Wood known for its healing properties. Little is known about what exactly happened, but the results remain today. A deadly black fungus covers the entire floor of the Dark Wood. Touching this fungus means to be consumed by it and to become it. The spread of the fungus is only stopped by light or fire. To stop the spread, a 1-mile ring of land is kept burning 24 hours a day. The Druids were blamed for the catastrophe and must maintain the barrier ring. All Wild Fire Druids are magically bound to serve in the ring. 

Many fled, but none found refuge for fear of spreading the destruction. The people of the Dark Wood were able to fight their way home and found ways to keep the growth confined to the lowest 30 feet of the forest floor. 

Today, vibrant towns can be found in the tall ancient trees, ranging from five to nine levels of buildings. Upper levels have direct sunlight, so they are limited to the most affluent. A controversial law requires 10% of their allocated space to be dedicated to food production and another 10% to mirror placement for light redirection to lower canopy farms. 

Long flexible bridges connect various levels and trees. Artificers have built the local Guardians' equipment for greater agility. A limited number of protected paths connect the various settlements within the wood.

Spice Holdings, Inc. employs many in the area to collect various resources from within The Wood. It was a discovery of one such resource that eased restrictions of movement from or through the Dark Wood.